A FLOW SWITCH

The present invention relates to a flow switch. Specifically although not solely the present invention relates to a flow switch for or of a consumer beverage container such as a beverage or water bottle, that incorporates the switch at the spout end of the container to control the dispensing of liquid from the container.

Specifically although not solely the present invention may also relate to a flow switch that may have application other than for beverage container applications and that will hereinafter be described with reference to the drawings and detailed descriptions.

Further, the subject invention may relate generally to the field of sealing mechanisms, and more particularly to a compact valve assembly for use in a variety of applications, which includes a valve member that is readily actuated between the open and the closed position by a camming mechanism.

Even further, the present invention relates to improvements to flow switch actuation. Specifically although not solely the present invention relates to such improvements for a flow switch for or of a consumer beverage container such as a beverage or water bottle, preferably of a disposable kind, which incorporates a flow switch at the spout end of the container to control the dispensing of liquid from the container.

Specifically although not solely the present invention may also relate to a flow switch which may have application other than for beverage container applications. In the applicant's published PCT application WO2004/106782 reference is made to the use of a valve for use with a beverage container. However, enhancements are desirable, and other applications utilising a more efficient valve to perform sealing or to provide further functionality would be beneficial.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a flow switch that provides improvements over that disclosed in WO2004/ 106782 or which will at least proλάde the public with a useful choice.

Accordingly in a first aspect the present invention consists in a flow switch assembly comprising; a valve housing that includes an upper body portion and a lower body portion that are rotatably engaged relative each other, the upper and lower body portions defining a chamber, the housing including a first opening and a second opening to said chamber, a valve member seated in the chamber of the valve housing for movement between an open position allowing at least one passage to be established between said first opening and said second opening and a closed position wherein said at least one passage between said first opening and said second opening is non-established, interactive cam elements associated with

(i) at least one of (a) said upper body portion and (b) said lower body portion, and (ii) the valve member, the cam elements being configured and dimensioned to effect movement of the valve member between the open position and the closed position when the upper body portion of the housing is rotated relative to said lower body portion, wherein said valve member is non-spherical. Preferably, the valve member seals at least one of said first opening and said second opening when said at least one passage between said first opening and said second opening is non-established.

Preferably, the valve member comprises

(i) at least one body portion rotatably mounted by an axle formation defined by at least one axle, said body portion including

(a) at least one aperture passing through the body portion between an inlet opening and an outlet opening of said aperture, said inlet opening of said aperture configured and dimensioned to be contiguous said second opening of said housing and said outlet opening of said aperture configured and dimensioned to be contiguous said first opening when said valve member is in said open condition, and at least one of said inlet opening of said aperture and said oudet opening of said aperture being configured and dimensioned to be out of contiguity with a respective said second opening and said first opening of said housing when said valve member is in the closed condition, and

(ii) a closing sealing surface provided to be contiguous with one of said first and second openings of said housing when said valve member in the closed condition. Preferably, the axle(s) extends from the body portion and defines the axis of rotation of the valve member for its movement between the open and closed position, the axle located by said housing in.a pivotal manner,

Preferably, the closing sealing surface engages with a seat defined by said valve housing about one selected from the first opening or second opening when the valve is in the closed condition.

Preferably, the closing sealing surface is defined by a sealing body portion projecting from the body portion.

Preferably, the closing sealing surface is rotationally supported by the axle, to position the closing sealing surface in a manner to be contiguous one of said first opening and second opening of said valve member when the valve member is in the closed condition, thereby to non-establish the passage.

Preferably, the sealing body portion extends from and rotates with said axle to rotate along a path parallel to a plane passing through with at least one of said inlet and outlet openings and to which said axle is normal to.

Preferably, the sealing body portion extends from said body portion. Preferably, the sealing body portion projects from the body portion and away from said axle and defines said sealing surface at its distal end.

Preferably, the body portion is a member that extends radially away from said axle in two directions.

Preferably, the said two directions are opposed to each other. Preferably, the valve member comprises at least one sealing body portion pivotably mounted relative the housing , said sealing body portion including a closing sealing surface configured to be contiguous with at least one of said first opening and second opening of said housing when said valve member is in the closed condition. Preferably, the sealing body portion is pivotally mounted by an axle formation defined by at least one axle for its movement between the open position and closed position.

Preferably, the axle is located in a pivotal manner by said lower body portion. Preferably, the sealing body portion is dome, shell, parachute or umbrella shaped.

Preferably, the sealing body portion is configured to project from said axle(s) to present the closing sealing surface to enable it to become contiguous with one of said first opening and second opening, thereby to non-establish the passage.

Preferably, the sealing body portion is configured for rotation between the open position and closed position to remain only on one side of a plane parallel to and passing through said axis of rotation of said valve member, said plane oriented so that the axis of rotation of the upper and lower body portions is normal thereto.

Preferably, the sealing body portion includes an aperture therethrough that can be moved into contiguity with one of said first opening and second opening of said housing to facilitate the establishing of said passage.

Preferably, the sealing body portion has no aperture there through but is configured to be disposed in a position to facilitate the establishing of said passage.

Preferably, the body portion and sealing body portion are in a generally T- shaped configuration. Preferably, at least one opening sealing surfaces are provided on the member to be contiguous with one of said first opening and second opening of said housing when said valve member is in the open condition, for guiding flow of a fluid through the passage.

Preferably, the opening sealing surfaces are provided about the periphery of one or more selected from the inlet opening or the outlet opening of the aperture in the valve member.

Preferably, the opening sealing surface(s) engages with a seat defined by said housing about one or more selected from the first opening or second opening when the varve is in the open condition. Accordingly in a second aspect the present invention consists in a flow switch assembly comprising; a valve housing that includes an upper body portion and a lower body portion that are rotatably engaged relative each other, the upper and lower body portions defining a chamber, the housing including a first opening and a second opening to said chamber, a valve member seated in the chamber of the valve housing for movement between an open position allowing at least one passage to be established between said first opening and said second opening and a closed position wherein said at least one passage between said first opening and said second opening is non-established, interactive cam elements associated with (i) at least one of (a) said upper body portion and (b) said lower body portion, and (ii) the valve member, the cam elements configured to effect movement of the valve member between the open position and the closed position when the upper body portion of the housing is rotated relative to said lower body portion,

wherein at least one of said first opening and second opening includes a sealing lip formed about the respective opening, said lip presented, projecting into said caλάty and in a manner to have a resiliently flexible relationship with at least part of the valve member to thereby to press against said valve member to create a sealed contact with said valve member that is fluid tight, at least when the valve is in one or both of the open position and closed position.

Preferably, the valve member includes a raised closing sealing surface , for engagement with said sealing lip in an interference fit when said valve member is in said closed position..

Preferably, the valve member includes a raised opening sealing surface, for engagement with said sealing lip in an interference fit when said valve member is in said open position.

Preferably at least one of said opening sealing surface or said closing sealing surface projects more outwardly in a radial direction relative to the remainder of said valve member.

Preferably, at least one of said opening sealing surface or said closing sealing surface projects more outwardly in a radial direction relative to other portions of said valve member that are located for rotation in the same rotational plane of said at least one of said opening sealing surface or said closing sealing surface. Preferably, the valve member comprises at least one body portion rotatably mounted by an axle formation defined by at least one axle, said body portion including at least one aperture passing through the body portion between an inlet opening and an outlet opening of said aperture, said inlet opening of said aperture to be contiguous said second opening of said housing and said outlet opening of said aperture to be contiguous said first opening when said valve member is in said open position, and at least one of said inlet opening of said aperture and said oudet opening of said aperture being out of contiguity with a

respective said second opening and said first opening of said housing when said valve member is in the closed position. Preferably, a plurality of closing sealing surfaces are provided, to seat against a sealing lip about said first opening and second opening of said housing when said valve member is in the closed position thereby to close one or both of the first opening and the second opening

Preferably, a plurality of opening sealing surfaces are provided, to seat against a sealing lip about said first opening and second opening of said housing when said valve member is in the open position, thereby to prevent fluid leaking between the valve member and the housing.

Preferably, the lower body portion provides said second opening to said chamber, and wherein said lower body portion is integrally formed with a container. Preferably, the container is a consumer beverage container. Preferably, when said valve member is in said open position, said valve member establishes a plurality of passages between said first and second openings.

Preferably, the valve member includes a duct therethrough λάa which said passage is established, said duct including an outlet opening, said valve member being shaped to present the outlet opening projecting beyond the outlet port of said housing when the valve member is in the open position. Preferably, the upper and lower body portions are rotatable relative to each other about an axis.

Preferably, the valve member is mounted to said lower body portion by axles that define an axis of rotation about which said valve member can rotate and relative to which said lower body portion remains stationary and said upper body portion can rotate about said axis relative said lower body portion that is non- parallel to said first axis.

Preferably, the interactive cam elements comprise at least a pair of cam lobes disposed on the valve member that, when viewed in a direction along the axis of the valve member, provide cam surfaces that extend non-tangentially and generally radially to the axis, and

a camming lug disposed on the housing; whereby movement of the upper body portion relative to the lower body portion causes the camming lug to engage with one of the cam lobes to cause rotational movement of the vah/e member about its axis between its open position and its closed position.

Where reference herein is made to a "valve" it is to be understood to be a interchangeable with reference to a "flow switch" of the kind herein described. Furthermore whilst reference may predominandy be made to such a flow switch or valve being used for beverage containers, it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that other applications for the control of fluid flow by the flow switch of the present invention can be catered for.

In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications and other external documents, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents is not to be construed as an admission that such documents, or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art, or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth. For convenient references aspects of the present invention are explained with and without reference to prior art by way of the drawings in which;

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a valve assembly constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the subject invention;

Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view from above of the valve assembly of Fig. 1 with parts separated for ease of illustration;

Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view from below of the valve assembly of Fig. 1 with parts separated for ease of illustration;

Fig. 3a - c shows a sequence of movement of the valve

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a valve assembly constructed in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the subject invention, wherein the valve assembly is engaged with a beverage container and is adapted for engagement with a cap;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the valve assembly of the present disclosure adapted for use with a colostomy bag; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the valve assembly of Fig. 5 with parts separated for ease of illustration;

Figure 7 is a side view of a valve member illustrating an alternative configuration of lugs and camming pins,

Figure 8 illustrates the same valve member wherein the valve member has been rotated,

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a valve member showing longitudinal and latitudinal designations for the purposes of illustrating the mechanism of movement,

Figure 10 is an end view of a valve member looking onto the pole for the purposes of illustrating the mechanism of movement of the valve member, Figure 10a is a view from another side of the valve member of Figure 10 illustrating an undesired positioning of the cam pin relative to the valve member 5,

Figure 10b is an end view like the end view shown in Figure 10 illustrating the cam lobes of the valve member 5,

Figure 10c is a side view of a valve member showing a cam surface of a continuous form rather than being defined by two discrete cam lobes as shown in Figure 10b,

Figure 11 illustrates a flow switch engaged with a beverage container,

Figure 11a illustrates the top end of a consumer beverage container having integrally formed, a lower body portion of the valve housing, Figure 12a shows an example of a non spherical valve member having a passage providing body and a sealing surface providing body,

Figure 13 is a partial cross section view of a valve wherein sealing surfaces are provide at the lower housing for interaction with a sealing surface of the valve member to facilitate a sealing when in the closed condition,

Figure 14 shows that both the upper and lower housings may have sealing surfaces disposed to engage with two sealing surfaces if the valve member when the valve member is rotted to a closed condition,

Figure 15 shows how the lower housing may include sealing surfaces to interact with sealing surfaces of valve member to establish a seal when in the open condition, Figure 15a is a close up view of the sealing lip on the lower housing and the sealing surface of the valve member shown as circle G in figure 15,

Figure 16 illustrates a flow switch assembly showing non-axially aligned inlet and outlet ports and a non-axial passage passing through or defined by the valve member, Figure 17 illustrates the flow switch of Figure 11 but in a closed condition,

Figure 18 illustrates a variation to the cam pin arrangement where the cam pin consists of two discrete elements that interact with cam lobes of the valve member,

Figures 19 - 22 illustrate a valve members wherein a cam pin of a different configuration to that shown with reference to the preferred forms of the invention is provided,

Figure 23 shows an valve member that is a shell, used to open and close the opening of the upper housing, and

Figure 24 shows the valve member as used in figure 23. Referring now to the figures, wherein like reference numerals identify similar structural elements or features of the subject invention, there is illustrated in Fig. 1 a flow switch (also referred to as a valve assembly) in accordance with the present invention and designated generally by reference number 100. Valve assembly 100 is adapted for use in a variety of applications, such as for example, medical, consumer beverage, pharmaceutical containers, automobile, household appliance and marine. Valve 100 includes, inter alia, a valve housing 10 having an upper body portion 20

and a lower body portion 30 and preferably a generally non-spherical valve member 50. The upper and lower body portions 20/30 of the housing 10 define an internal chamber 16 for accommodating the valve member 50. It may have a central axis "X" for the valve member 50. The housing 10 also has inlet and outlet ports, 12 and 14 respectively, formed in the upper and lower body portions, 20 and 30 respectively.

The valve member 50 is seated within the internal chamber 16 of the valve housing and has a bore 52 extending therethrough. The valve member 50 is mounted for movement within the internal chamber 16 of the housing 10 between an open position and a closed position. Fig. 3a illustrates valve assembly 100 in the open position; wherein the bore 52 of the valve member 50 is aligned with the inlet port 12 and outlet port 14 of the valve housing 10 to establish an open flow passage through the valve assembly 100. In a like manner, Fig. 3c illustrates the valve assembly 100 in the closed position; wherein the bore 52 of the valve member 50 is out of alignment with the inlet and outlet ports 12/16 of the valve housing 10. Fig. 3b provides a detail of the valve assembly 100 in an intermediate position. It should be noted that in Figs. 3a through 3c, valve assembly 100 is shown mounted on the neck of a container 62.

With continuing reference to Figs. 3a through 3c, valve member 100 moves between the open position and the closed position when the upper body portion 20 of the housing is rotated about the central axis "X" between about 57 degrees and about 77 degrees with respect to the lower body portion 30. The valve member 10 is mounted for rotation within the interior chamber about an axis "Y" (see Fig. 3b). This preferably extends perpendicular to the central axis "X" defined by the upper and lower body portions 20/30 of the valve housing 10, although this may not necessarily be the case in some embodiments.

The valve member 50 may include a closing sealing surface 54 which is adapted for sealing engagement with annular valve seat 18 (formed in the housing 10) when the valve member 50 is in the closed position. Opposed pivot pins 58 (only one pin is shown in Fig. 2) extend radially outwardly from the surface of valve member 50 for accommodation within

diametrically opposed recesses 32a and 32 formed in the lower body portion 30 of the housing 10 to facilitate the rotation of valve member 50.

A camming mechanism is opera tively associated with the valve housing 10 and the valve member 50 for moving the valve member 50 between the open position of Fig. 3a and the closed position of Fig. 3c. The camming mechanism includes cam lobes 60a , 60b formed on the exterior surface of the valve member 50 and a cam pin 22 which extends inwardly from an interior surface of the upper body portion 20 of the housing 10 to cooperate with the cam lobes 60a, 60b.

Referring again to Fig. 3b, the cam lobes 60a, 60b are oriented with respect to the axis of rotation "Y" of the valve member 50 at an acute angle to one another.

Each cam lobe 60a, 60b has a leading edge 61a, 61b that interacts with the cam pin 22. This interaction facilitates movement of the valve member 50 when the upper body portion 20 is rotated. When the valve member 50 is moved between the open and closed positions, it is rotated about the pivot axis "Y" which extends through the pivot pin 58 of valve member 50, as illustrated in Fig. 3b.

It is envisaged that the cam lobes 60a & 60b could be oriented at any angle which is non-tangential to the axis of rotation of the valve member 50. They could be parallel to each other. In a preferred embodiment, the cam lobes 60a & 60b extend substantially radially outwardly from the axis f rotation of the valve member 50, since the engagement of the cam pin 22 will provide the most extensive movement of the valve member 50 for the least amount of turning of the upper body portion 20 relative to the lower body portion 30 for this embodiment. Those skilled in the art would readily appreciate that in lieu of the cam lobes 60a and 60b, a single recess or pair of recesses can be formed in the exterior surface of valve member 50. In this embodiment, the length of cam pin 22 would be selected so that it extends into the camming recess(es) and actuates the valve member 50 between the open and closed positions upon the relative rotation of the two body portions 20/30 of the housing 10 with respect to each other.

Referring again to Figs. 2 and 3, the lower body portion 30 of valve assembly 100 has a female thread series (not shown) formed thereon for engaging with

corresponding male thread series (not shown) associated with a receptacle e.g. bottle, container, etc.

Referring now to Fig.4, which illustrates yet another embodiment of the valve assembly of the present invention designated generally by reference numeral 100. Valve assembly 100 is similar in structure and operation to valve assembly 100. As shown in these figures, the lower housing may be integrally formed with a container 465. A cap 488 is provided which engages with the upper body portion 20 of the valve assembly 100. Like the previously disclosed valve assemblies, valve member 50 has a bore 52 formed therein which allows fluid or air to flow through the valve assembly 100 when the valve member 150 is in the open position. As well as having drink botde applications, the device of the present invention may be used for other purposes. Referring now to Figs. 5 and 6, wherein valve assembly 600 is shown used in conjunction with a colostomy bag assembly 665. Colostomy bag assembly 665 includes a bag 667, a proximal ring 669 and a distal ring 674. The proximal ring 669 has an outer flange that is sealingly engaged with the bag 667. Two retaining pins 675a, 675b are formed on the inside diameter of the proximal ring 669. These pins 675a, 675b are inserted into corresponding engagement recesses 629a, 629b formed in valve assembly 600 and secure the valve assembly 600 to the proximal ring 669. Similarly, distal ring 674, which is secured to the surface of the patient's body, includes retaining pins 673a, 673b that are inserted into corresponding engagement recesses 631a (not show), 631b formed in valve assembly 600. Valve assembly 600 has been equipped with an actuator arm 628 which allows the patient to move the valve member 50 between the open and the closed position as desired. The inlet port 12 and oudet port 14 of the housing 10 are preferably opposite each other on each side of the valve member 50, but with respect to the present invention this axial alignment need not necessarily be so (see for example, Figures 16 and 17 for an illustration of alternatives).

The valve member 50 is seated within the internal chamber or cavity 16 of the valve housing 10 and has a passage 52 extending therethrough. The valve

member 50 is mounted for movement within the internal cavity 16 of the housing 10 between an open position and a closed position.

Valve member 50 moves between the open position and the closed position when the upper body portion 20of the housing is rotated about the central axis "X" with respect to the lower body portion 30. The valve member 50 is mounted for rotation within the interior chamber 16 about an axis "Y" extending preferably perpendicular to the central axis "X" defined by the upper and lower body portions 20, 30 of the valve housing 10. The chamber 16 need not be one that fully encloses the valve member 50 but could be one where the valve member 50 is at least partially exposed to the outside.

It is envisaged that in one embodiment, the valve member 50 can include a closing sealing surface 54 that is adapted for sealing engagement with one or both of annular valve seat 18 & 19 disposed about the inlet and outlet ports, 12 & 14 respectively when the valve member 50 is moved to a closed position as shown in figures 13, 14 and 15a. The valve seat 18 & 19 can be a lip 23 or projection or flange that is located about the opening of the housing 10. In a preferred embodiment the seatlδ is provided about the inlet port 12 of the lower body portion 30 so as to be engaged by the closing sealing surface 54 of the valve member 50 when the valve member 50 is in the closed condition. Alternatively or in addition the upper body portion 20 may include a seat 19 to be engaged by a similar closing sealing surface 54 of the valve member 50. Alternatively or in addition, the valve member 50 may include opening sealing surfaces 55 disposed about one or both of the inlet opening 63 and outlet opening 64 of the bore 52 therethrough for engagement with the valve seat 18 or 19 of the lower and/or upper body portions 20, 30 respectively.

The lip 23 is a projection from an inner wall of the housing 10 and is presented to create an interference fit with the valve member 50 when it rotates. In particular it is presented to interfere with the opening and closing sealing surface 54, 55 of the valve member 50. In the preferred form the opening and closing sealing surface 54, 55 is a raised portion of the valve member 50. It preferably deforms the lip 23 when rotated into contact in an interference fit with the lip 23. This

deformation can create a greater force between the lip 23 and the opening or closing sealing surface 54, 55 for the purposes of sealing between the housing 10 and the valve member 50. To facilitate such deformation, the housing 10 is preferably made of a plastic material that has sufficient resilient flexibility. During phases of movement of the valve member 50 where the opening or closing sealing surfaces 54, 55 of the valve member 50 and the lip 23 are not in contact, the lip 23 may move toward the valve member 50 to still be partially pressing against the valve member 50, but with lesser force.

Two, preferably opposed, pivot pins 58 (only one pin is shown in Figure 21) extend outwardly from the surface of the valve member 50 for accommodation within opposed recesses 25 and formed in a lower body portion 30 of the housing 10 to facilitate the rotation of the valve member 50. This configuration may be reversed where the recesses 25 are on the upper body portion 20 and cam pin 22 as will be described later, is on the lower body portion 30. With reference to Figure 9, and in order to illustrate by analogy, there is shown a reference to the valve assembly 100 including the valve member 50 rotating about the axis YY supported by the pivot pins 58. Drawn on the spherical valve member 50, are lines of longitude 53 that extend between the poles at the pivot pins 58. The sphere also includes lines of latitude 51 including the equator line 56 midway bjetween the opposed poles.

As also shown in Figure 9 is an upper body portion 20 that is shown in an exploded view relative the valve member 50 and wherein it is positioned for rotation about the axis XX. Shown on the upper body portion 20 are its lines of longitude 70 and its lines of latitude 72. Also shown is the cam pin 22 mounted by the upper body portion 20 and mounted for movement parallel to the latitudinal lines 72. In the preferred form where the XX and YY axes are perpendicular to each other, the lines of latitude 72 of the upper body portion 20 lie parallel to the YY axis. Likewise the lines of latitude 51 of the valve member 50 lie parallel to the XX axis. Positioning of the cam pin 22 of the upper body portion 20 is preferably such that it is located proximate the axis YY and proximate the poles at pivot pins 58.

Interaction of the cam pin 22 with the cam lobes 60a, 60b at this region results in

favourable mechanical advantage to be presided during the rotation of the upper body portion 20 about the axis XX acting on the valve member 50. With reference to Figure 10, it can be seen that a movement of the cam pin 22 along a latitudinal line or plane of the upper body portion 20 between its left most limit of movement at 22L and its right most limit of movement at 22R results in the cam pin 22 across a higher density of longitudinal lines 53 of the valve member 50. In other words, for the same arc traveled by the pin 22 along one of the latitudinal lines 51 the pin 22 will cross more lines of longitude 53 at this more preferred location of the pin 22, than at an arc that is further from the pivot pins 58 towards the equator 56.

Also the further the cam pin 22 is positioned towards the pole 56 of the upper body portion 20, the less the mechanical advantage will become. In the preferred form the cam pin 22 has its limits of movement provided on either side of the plane sitting in the X-X and Y-Y axes (i.e. the XY plane). Figure 10a illustrates a positioning of the cam pin 17 in an undesirable position. Referring to Figures 10 and 10a in this position the cam pin 22 is located proximate the equator 56 of the valve member 5 and moves parallel to the YZ plane (i.e. in a latitudinal line 72 of the upper body portion 20 but only on one side of the XY plane of the valve housing 50). Such positioning of the cam pin 22 is undesirable as it does not traverse a high density of longitudinal lines 53 of the valve member 50 to effect favorable mechanical advantage. Other inherent problems may also arise.

Although not shown in Figures 9 and 10, the cam lobes 60a , 60b present a reaction surface at their leading edges 61 a&b that may each extend parallel a line of longitude 53 of the member 50. However alternatively the reaction surface may traverse across the line of longitude of the valve member 50. The reaction surface of a cam lobe 60 a&b need not be a straight surface but may be curved yet still allow for the cam pin 22 to react therewith for the purposes of displacing and rotating the valve member 50 about the YY axis.

Such a variation is for example shown with reference to Figure 10b, where the cam lobes 60 a&b have reaction surfaces 61 a& b respectively that each traverse a respective line of longitude 53 of the valve member 50.

Whilst reference herein is made to longitudinal and latitudinal lines having direct reference to a spherical valve member, it will be appreciated that other non- spherical forms of valve members 50 will have similar principles at work given that this will still have two pivot pins 58.

A further variation to the cam lobes 60 a&b is shown with reference to Figures 7 and 8 wherein the reaction surfaces 61 a&b are parallel each other and intermediate of which the cam pin 22 is disposed. Figure 8 illustrates the cam pin 22 being displaced to the left side of the XY plane thereby having rotated the valve member 50 in an anticlockwise direction about the YY axis. The reaction surface 61a of the cam lobe 60a has been interacted with by the cam pin 22 in rotating the valve member 50 in the anticlockwise direction. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that variations to this preferred configuration can occur including where the XY plane and the ZY planes are not perpendicular of each other.

With reference to Figure 11 and 11 a there is shown differences to the arrangement of Figures 20 to 24. The flow switch 100 is in part defined by a portion integrally formed with the beverage container 4650. In Figure 11a the lower body portion 30 of the flow switch 100 is shown integrally formed with the beverage container 465. The lower body portion 30 defines those features that have hereinbefore been described with reference to the flow switch 100 but are provided in a manner integrally formed with a beverage container 465. The upper body portion 20 and valve member 50 can, in a like manner as previously described, engage with the lower body portion 30 as shown in Figure 11, to define a flow switch 100. Alternative modes of engagement of the lower body position to the container may also be provided. Such may include push fit or adhesive or welded engagement.

The example of Figure 11 allows for a beverage container incorporating a flow switch 100 to be provided that may utilize less plastics materials and may also be cheaper to produce as a result of fewer assembly steps.

. Various methods of manufacture can be employed. Such may include an injection moulding or by a blow moulding of such. Whilst the tolerances in blow moulding may not be as accurate as in injection moulding, the flow switch 100 can be designed so that with lower tolerances, adequate sealing and closure of the flow switch 100 can still be established. The lower body portion 30 need not in fact be of a tolerance to encourage a sealing of the container 465, by the valve member 50. In this regard, sealing may be achieved by the interaction of the valve member 50 with the upper body portion 20. The lower body portion 30 need only be of a tolerance sufficient to cradle the valve member 50 and to provide the opposed recesses 25 for defining a pivot for the pivot pins 13.

With reference to Figures 16 and 17 there is shown a flow switch 100 illustrating the fact that the inlet port 12 and outlet port 148 to the valve housing 10 need not be in axial alignment. Indeed the bore or aperture 52 through the valve member 50 may be provided so as to allow fluid communication between the inlet port 12 and the outlet port 14 as shown in the position of the upper body portion 20 and lower body portion 30 in Figure 16. No fluid communication can be established between the inlet port 12 and the outlet port 14 when the upper and lower body portions 20, 30 are in the rotation orientation shown in Figure 17.

Figure 12 a shows a variation on some of the non-spherical valve members described herein. In figure 12 here is shown a valve member 50 that includes pivot pins 58 provided to allow rotation of the valve member 50 in the housing 10. Extending radially from said axis Y defined by the pivot pins 58 as part of the valve member 50 is a sealing body 201. The sealing body 201 includes a closing sealing surface 54 that is shaped and configured to seal one of the openings of the housing. The sealing surface 54 is configured to create an interference fit with a sealing lip 23 of the housing 10 as hereinbefore described. There may be two sealing bodies 201 each to be aligned with a respective inlet or outlet port 12, 14 of the housing when the valve member is moved to its closed position.

The valve member 50 includes a passage defining member 205. This defines a passage or bore 52 that has an inlet opening 63 and an outlet opening (not shown). The openings are configured to be disposed adjacent the inlet port 12 and the outlet port 14 of the housing 10 when the valve member 50 is in its open position. It is envisaged that in one embodiment, the passage defining member may opening sealing surfaces 55 disposed around the periphery of one or both of the inlet opening63 or the outlet opening 64. The opening sealing surfaces 55 seal against the lip 32 at the one or both of the inlet port 12 and the outlet port 14 of the ^" housing 10 to ensure that fluid flowing into the inlet port of the housing does not leak into the internal chamber 16 of the housing, but is transferred through the bore 52 without loss.

The passage defining member 205 may present its openings in diametrically opposed directions as shown, or in other directions (as may be necessary for it to work with the housing configuration of figure 17). The sealing body 201 preferably extends at right angles from the passage defining member 205. This may not necessarily be so in alternative embodiments.

The closing sealing surface 54 rotates about the axle parallel to a plane to which the axis of rotation is parallel. At least one of the opening sealing surfaces 55 of the passage providing member 205 is configured to rotate in the same general plane as the closing sealing surface 54. This is so that the opening sealing surface 55 can take the place of the closing sealing surface when the valve member 50 is rotated to the open condition.

Figure 23 shows yet a further variation of the valve member 50 where the valve member is a shell 378 that may be dome-, umbrella-, parachute- or partial ring- shaped. In this variation the valve member can include an opening 379 that can be brought into and out of alignment with the opening of the upper housing 20. The valve member may equally be positioned for movement relative the lower housing to open and close its opening. The valve member may include a sealing surface like that previously described to increase the sealing contact between the valve and the and the housing. Likewise the housing may include a seat to interfere with the rotation of the sealing surface for these purposes.

Whilst the shell like valve member is shown with an opening there through, it may not include such an opening. Instead the valve member may move between a position where it covers an opening of the housing and where it is removed away from the opening to expose it.