Pre-oiled valve

Abstract

The present invention relates to a bi-layer pre-oil valve assembly and method of making that may be attached to a receptacle that provides a fluid resistant seal but allows for the expulsion of air pressure from the interior of a receptacle. The valve assembly may include a base layer, an adhesive layer, a fluid layer, and a material layer. The fluid layer may be a low viscosity fluid that is applied during the manufacturing of the valve and incorporated into the layer of the valve. The base layer may include an aperture. The adhesive layer may be provided about a portion of the perimeter of the base layer to define a non-adhesive portion. The fluid layer is applied along a portion of the non-adhesive portion of the base layer to define a channel or path to facilitate the release of gas or fluid from the receptacle.

1 . A pre-oil valve assembly comprising:
 a base layer having a top surface, a bottom surface and defining a perimeter, the base layer having at least one aperture;   a layer of adhesive provided along a first edge and an opposite second edge of the base layer;   a non-adhesive portion along a top surface of the base layer;   a discontinuous fluid layer provided within the perimeter of the base layer along a portion of the non-adhesive portion;   a material layer provided over the discontinuous fluid layer and adhesive layer;   wherein the base layer, layer of adhesive, and material layer define a channel configured to allow fluid to travel through the aperture and fluid layer.   
     
     
         2 . The pre-oil valve assembly as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the fluid layer of is a low viscosity fluid. 
     
     
         3 . The pre-oil valve assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the fluid layer is one of a silicone oil, vegetable oil, and mineral oil. 
     
     
         4 . The pre-oil valve assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the base layer is PET. 
     
     
         5 . The pre-oil valve assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the material layer is PET. 
     
     
         6 . The pre-oil valve assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the assembly is a one-way valve. 
     
     
         7 . The pre-oil valve assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the valve assembly is configured to be adhered to a receptacle. 
     
     
         8 . The pre-oil valve assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the perimeter of the base layer is defined by a first edge and an opposite second edge and a third edge and an opposite fourth edge wherein the third edge and fourth edge extend between the first edge and the second edge. 
     
     
         9 . The pre-oil valve assembly of  claim 8 , wherein the adhesive layer includes a first portion applied along the first edge and a second portion applied along the opposite second edge, the first portion is spaced from the second portion and at least partially defines the channel therebetween. 
     
     
         10 . The pre-oil valve assembly of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a pair of rails positioned along the material layer. 
 
     
     
         11 . A pre-oil valve assembly comprising:
 a base layer having a top surface and a bottom surface, the base layer defining an opening that is configured to be aligned with an opening of a receptacle;   an adhesive layer disposed on the top surface of the base layer, the adhesive layer provided in a discontinuous pattern about the top surface of the base layer that at least partially defines the channel;   a fluid layer disposed on the base layer, the fluid layer being disposed in an area not covered by the adhesive layer;   a material layer overlying the adhesive layer and the fluid layer; and   at least one rail member positioned along the material layer.   
     
     
         12 . The pre-oil valve assembly of  claim 11 , wherein a perimeter of the base layer is defined by a first edge and an opposite second edge and a third edge and an opposite fourth edge wherein the third edge and fourth edge extend between the first edge and the second edge. 
     
     
         13 . The pre-oil valve assembly of  claim 12 , wherein the adhesive layer includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion spaced from the second portion along opposite sides of the aperture. 
     
     
         14 . A method of constructing a bi-layer pre-oil valve assembly, the method comprising:
 providing a base layer having a perimeter defined by first edge with an opposite second edge and a third edge with an opposite fourth edge, the third and fourth edges spaced between the first and second edges;   providing at least one aperture in the base layer;   applying an adhesive layer having a first portion adjacent the first edge of the base layer and a second portion adjacent a second edge of the base layer wherein the first portion and second portion of the adhesive layer define a non-adhesive portion that generally circumscribes the aperture of the base layer;   applying a fluid layer within the area of the non-adhesive portion of the base layer;   attaching a material layer to the adhesive layer and over the fluid layer wherein an outgassing path is formed through the aperture and fluid layer below the material layer.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising:
 providing a release liner;   applying a first adhesive layer on the release liner; and   providing a plurality of base layers on the release liner wherein a plurality of bi-layer pre-oil valves are assembled on the release liner.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising:
 attaching the bi-layer pre-oil valve to a receptacle wherein the base layer and material layer allow for the expulsion of gases from an interior of a receptacle.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the first and second adhesive portions extend from the third edge to the fourth edge and the non-adhesive portion extends from the third edge to the fourth edge. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the fluid layer is provided along the base layer prior to the application of the material layer. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the fluid layer is printed along the base layer prior to the application of the material layer. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising:
 attaching at least one rail to the material layer.