Inserts for multiple component containers

Abstract

An insert for a multiple component container includes a diaphragm and a sealing element which together define a reservoir. The diaphragm includes a stationary portion and a movable portion. The movable portion is connected to the stationary portion by at least two spaced annular fold lines of opposite sense. A discharge opening is formed in the movable portion within the annular fold lines. A gas leakage path is provided in the diaphragm. A valve member is connected to the stationary portion and cooperates with the discharge opening and substantially seals it. If a great gas pressure is applied to the interior of the reservoir than to its exterior, this results in rotational movement about the fold lines and thus in movement of the movable portion away from the stationary portion and thus in the valve member moving out of sealing contact with the flow opening. Any liquid in the reservoir is then expelled through the discharge opening by the higher pressure prevailing within the reservoir.

1 . An insert for a multiple component container, said insert including a diaphragm to define a reservoir having an open top, said diaphragm including a stationary portion and a movable portion, said movable portion being connected to said stationary portion by at least two spaced annular fold lines of opposite sense, a discharge opening being formed in said movable portion within said annular fold lines, a gas leakage path being provided in said diaphragm, a valve member connected to said stationary portion and cooperating with said discharge opening and substantially sealing it, whereby the application of a greater gas pressure to the interior of said reservoir than to its exterior results in rotational movement about the fold lines and thus in movement of said movable portion relative to said stationary portion and thus in said valve member moving out of sealing contact with said flow opening.  
   
   
       2 . An insert as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising: a sealing element across said open top of said diaphragm.  
   
   
       3 . An insert as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said diaphragm has a peripheral edge and said valve member constitutes a spigot which is integrally connected to said peripheral edge of said diaphragm.  
   
   
       4 . An insert as claimed in  claim 3  which includes a support member integral with said stationary portion and said spigot is connected to said peripheral edge of said diaphragm by a link which engages and is stabilised by said support member.  
   
   
       5 . An insert as claimed in  claim 1  in which said valve member and said discharge opening together define said gas leakage path.  
   
   
       6 . An insert as claimed in  claim 5  in which said valve member and said discharge opening together constitute a one-way valve defining said gas leakage path through which gas may flow into said reservoir but not out of it.  
   
   
       7 . An insert as claimed in  claim 1  including at least two valve members in which at least two discharge openings are formed in said movable portion which cooperate with a respective one of said valve members and said reservoir includes at least one partition dividing it into at least two compartments and each of said compartments communicates with a respective discharge opening.  
   
   
       8 . An insert as claimed in  claim 7  in which each of said discharge openings are associated with a respective set of at least two spaced annular fold lines.  
   
   
       9 . An insert as claimed in  claim 2  in which said sealing element is a sheet of plastic material or metal or a composite thereof sealingly connected to said peripheral edge of said diaphragm.  
   
   
       10 . An insert as claimed in  claim 2  wherein said sealing element is a closure plate adapted to close the opening in the container with which the insert is to be used.  
   
   
       11 . An insert for use in a multiple component container comprising: 
 a generally cup shaped body having an open top, an upper wall portion and a lower wall portion,    said lower wall portion including a distensible wall portion,    said distensible wall portion having a normal non-distended first state and a distended second state,    said distended second state occurring in response to a differential pressure across the wall of said insert,    a valve opening in said distensible wall portion,    a valve member mounted to said insert for engagement with said valve opening when said distensible wall portion is in said first state,    said valve member and said valve opening disengaging in response to distension of said distensible wall portion.    
   
   
       12 . The insert of  claim 11  further comprising: 
 a sealing membrane across said top of said cup shaped body.    
   
   
       13 . The insert of  claim 11  further comprising: 
 a container lid across said top of said cup shaped body to seal the top of said body, said lid being adapted to be applied to the top of the container to close the container.    
   
   
       14 . The insert of  claim 11  further comprising: 
 a resilient sealing lip at said valve opening, said lip being responsive to differential pressure across said distensible wall portion to provide a leakage path into said insert to equalize pressure within said insert to whatever pressure is in the container with which said insert is used.    
   
   
       15 . The insert of  claim 12  further comprising: 
 a resilient sealing lip at said valve opening, said lip being responsive to differential pressure across said distensible wall portion to provide a leakage path into said insert to equalize pressure within said insert to whatever pressure is in the container with which said insert is used.    
   
   
       16 . The insert of  claim 13  further comprising: 
 a resilient sealing lip at said valve opening, said lip being responsive to differential pressure across said distensible wall portion to provide a leakage path into said insert to equalize pressure within said insert to whatever pressure is in the container with which said insert is used.    
   
   
       17 . An insert for use in a multiple component container comprising: 
 a generally cup shaped wall,    said wall including a distensible wall portion,    said distensible wall portion having a normal non-distended first state and a distended second state,    said distended second state occurring in response to a differential pressure across said wall of said insert,    a valve opening in said distensible wall portion,    a valve member mounted to said insert for engagement with said valve opening when said distensible wall portion is in said first state,    said valve member and said valve opening disengaging in response to distension of said distensible wall portion.    
   
   
       18 . The insert of  claim 17  further comprising: 
 an opening across a top of said cup shaped wall, and a sealing membrane across said opening of said cup shaped wall.    
   
   
       19 . The insert of  claim 17  further comprising: 
 an opening across a top of said bowl shaped wall,    a container lid across said top of said cup shaped wall to seal said top of said cup, said lid being adapted to be applied to the top of the container with which said insert is to be used to close the container.    
   
   
       20 . The insert of  claim 18  further comprising: 
 an opening across a top of said bowl shaped wall,    a container lid across said top of said cup shaped wall to seal said top of said cup, said lid being adapted to be applied to the top of the container with which said insert is to be used to close the container.