Illinois Tool Works Inc.
FLEXIBLE BALL VALVE FOR LIQUID METERING AND DISPENSING

Abstract:

The present disclosure relates to a plastic valve and method for forming a plastic valve comprising an exterior base layer, an interior bubble layer and an exterior channel layer, wherein a flow channel is formed between the bubble layer and the channel layer. In a first aspect of the disclosure, a rigid or semi-rigid spherical ball travels between first and second ends of a channel molded into the bubble layer, thereby moving between a closed configuration and an open configuration. In a second aspect of the disclosure, a bubble is formed between the bubble layer and the base layer of plastic film, and includes a static planar footprint and a pre-tension height. The channel layer is applied to the bubble layer under tension to form a channel. Applying the channel layer decreases a height of the bubble from the pre-tension height to a post-tension height and increases an internal pressure of the bubble.