GB2560693B

GB2560693B - Valve assembly and dispenser

Info

Publication number: GB2560693B
Application number: GB1701693.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ferrie Kate; Ross Shenton Edward
Original assignee: Nerudia Ltd
Current assignee: Nerudia Ltd
Priority date: 2017-02-01
Filing date: 2017-02-01
Publication date: 2019-11-20
Anticipated expiration: 2037-02-01
Also published as: GB201701693D0; WO2018141593A1; GB2560693A

Description

VALVE ASSEMBLY AND DISPENSER

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to product packaging, and more particularly to one-way valve assemblies for dispensing fluids and the like.

Description of the Background Art A plethora of valve designs are available for containers for dispensing non-solid materials of the type that are capable of flowing (i.e. fluidized materials), including liquids, pastes, gels, powders and the like (which materials shall be collectively and generically referred to herein as “fluids”). Generally, dispensing valves are suitable for a wide range of containers and packages for dispensing fluids, including, but not limited to, food condiments, beverages, cosmetics, cleaning, and household products.

One particular type of valve assembly that has been favoured by the consumer goods industry are slit valves due to their low cost, simple construction and reliability. Slit valves allow a selected volume of fluid to be dispensed under the control of the user, whilst leaving the dispensing port relatively free from residual fluid after use.

Slit valves typically comprise a generally concave diaphragm type member that is made from an elastomeric material having one or more planar slits and an annular flange that surrounds the diaphragm for securely engaging the valve assembly within the dispensing port of a dispenser. The diaphragm is biased so that the opposing edges of the slit or slits engage against one another to form a seal. The valve assembly is actuated upon application of pressure to the dispenser and causes the diaphragm to deform such that it assumes an open or dispensing position in which the opposing edges of the slit or slits are forced apart permitting fluid to pass therebetween and for the fluid to be dispensed from the dispenser. Upon removal of the actuation pressure, the valve automatically returns to the closed position in which the opposing edges of the slit or slits engage against one another to prevent fluid from passing therebetween.

In the closed or non-dispensing position slit valves provide a reliable seal, but typically require a secondary closure member to prevent fluid from being dispensed through the slits due to the unintentional or inadvertent application of pressure to the dispenser. A further disadvantage of dispensers that use slit valve assemblies is they do not allow a user to reliably and accurately control volume of fluid being dispensed. For the foregoing reasons slit valves have not find widespread application for dispensing fluids for dispensers used for healthcare and pharmaceutical applications.

Brief Summary of the Present Invention

The present invention provides a valve assembly for a dispenser for dispensing fluids according to claim 1. The valve assembly comprises: a septum of elastomeric material configured for fluid-tight engagement within a dispensing opening of a container. In a first configuration the septum prevents fluid from being dispensed. The septum comprises at least one slit traversing a centre region thereof to form at least two petaline portions in contiguous relationship along said slit that are configured to elastically distend responsive to insertion of an end of a fluid transfer conduit or syringe through the slit into a second configuration. In the second configuration the petaline portions are opened to permit the fluid transfer conduit to extend therethrough. In this second configuration the petaline portions resiliently engage against one or more walls of said fluid transfer conduit and are further configured to self-close by returning to said first configuration responsive to withdrawal of said fluid transfer conduit. Also provided is a valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein the septum is formed from a resilient polymeric material.

Preferably, the petaline portions are configured, so that in use, withdrawal of the fluid transfer conduit causes the petaline portions to wipe the walls of the fluid transfer conduit to remove residual material therefrom.

The septum may form part of a closure member configured for fluid-tight engagement in an access port of a dispenser and may be supported in an opening defined in said closure. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention the said opening includes a receiving arrangement for receiving an end of the fluid transfer conduit and is configured to locate the end of the fluid transfer conduit proximal to a reservoir of the dispenser.

Yet further the receiving arrangement may include a stopper that is configured to engage with said end of said fluid transfer conduit. The stopper may be provided in the form of an annular flange formed around an inner edge of said opening or may comprise one or more inwardly projected formations formed around an inner edge of said opening.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention the receiving arrangement may include a guide for guiding movement of and end of the fluid transfer conduit into engagement therein. The receiving arrangement may further comprise a plunger having a fluid transfer channel, and the fluid transfer conduit may be constructed from a first portion formed by the plunger and a second portion formed by a fluid carrier apparatus.

In all embodiment of the invention the fluid transfer conduit is configured to be urged between said petaline portions to thereby elastically distend such petaline portions responsive to an input. A resilient member may be provided that is compressed responsive to said input. The resilient member is configured for urging the fluid transfer conduit from said second configuration in which said at least two petaline portions are open into the first configuration responsive to cessation of said input.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention the septum comprises a slit valve arrangement or a duck bill valve arrangement.

Brief Description of the Drawings A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when considered in conjunction with the subsequent, detailed description, provided by way of example only and in which:

Figures l(a)-(c) schematically illustrate a first embodiment of the present invention showing a longitudinal cross-section of a dispenser provided with a closure that includes a valve assembly according to the invention;

Figures 2(a)-(b) schematically illustrates cross-sectional views of a second embodiment of the present invention showing a dispenser provided with a closure that includes a valve assembly according to the invention; and

Figure 3 schematically illustrates cross-sectional view of a slit valve for a valve assembly in accordance with the invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Before the invention is described in further detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs or as determined by the context in which they are used. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, a limited number of the exemplary methods and materials are described herein.

It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection with which the publications are cited. The publications discussed herein are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the present invention is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention. Further, if dates of publication are provided, they may be different from the actual publication dates and may need to be confirmed independently.

With reference to the accompanying drawings in which like elements are designated by like numerals, Figure l(a)-(c) show a longitudinal cross-section of a dispenser 100 provided with a closure 110 that includes a valve assembly 120 according to the invention. In Figure 1(a) the dispenser 100 and valve assembly 120 are shown in a nondispensing configuration in which fluid is prevented from being communicated from the reservoir 105 through the valve assembly 120 and dispensed into the fluid conduit 150. In Figure 1(b) the dispenser 100 and valve assembly 120 are shown in the dispensing configuration and the direction of fluid flow is generally indicated by arrow F. And in Figure 1(c) the dispenser 100 and valve assembly 120 are shown in an intermediate configuration in which the fluid conduit 150 is being withdrawn from the valve assembly.

When the terms “upper” or “lower” are used throughout this description they refer to the orientation of the dispenser 100. The dispenser 100 comprises a body 102 having an access opening or port 107 onto which a closure 115 is in engaged. Preferably, the closure 115 is securably and releasably engaged in the port 107.

Closure 115 is provided in a preferred embodiment with the valve assembly 120. The preferred embodiment shown in the second exemplary embodiment of the invention will be described in further detail below referring to Figure 3. Valve Assembly 120 comprises a central member or septum 260 that is located within an opening for securing the valve assembly in the closure 115.

In the following figures a number of preferred embodiments of the valve assembly 120 according to the invention are shown. The dispenser 100 is cylindrical for purposes of example only, and includes a dispenser vessel and closure 110 fitted to the open access port 107 of the vessel to make a fluid-tight seal as better illustrated in Figure 3. The closure 110 has a outer or peripheral portion 16, which contrary to the embodiment shown in Figure 1 is fitted externally of the port 107. Preferably, the closure has a radially outer or peripheral rim 16 made from a medium density or relatively hard material, for example a relatively stiff thermoplastic such as polyethylene, and a centrally disposed septum 18. The peripheral portion of closure 14 also includes an annular dependent wall that is interiorly threaded for screwing onto a mating reciprocal exterior thread 38 just below the opening of port 107 of the vessel. The threading is such that a fluid-tight seal can be achieved by tightening the closure against the vessel top. Generally, the choice of material for the dispenser and peripheral closure portion is not critical, and both may be of any suitable molded thermoplastic.

The dispenser 100 and valve assembly 120 are intended for use in conjunction with commercially available syringes or pipettes. Suitable syringes or pipettes for use in connection with the invention do not include a hypodermic needle. By way of example, typically a suitable syringe assembly includes a piston mounted around longitudinal axis of a cylindrical wall in a sleeve or housing. A chamber is defined by the piston and the housing; O-rings are provided around the piston and engage the cylindrical inner wall of the housing to provide a fluid and airtight seal. A knob is mounted on an end of the piston to move the piston further into or out of the bore to thereby change the size of the chamber. A small discharge conduit with an opening from the chamber.

The septum is made of an elastomer material, such as silicon rubber, and is supported in a central hole 20 defined in the closure 110. For example, an interference fit is formed by radially overlapping exterior and interior septum portions 22, 24 between which is captive inner edge 24 of closure 110. The septum 18 in its presently preferred form has a peripheral portion 28 that is relatively thick, and a central portion of reduced thickness. The width or radius of the central portion is approximately equal to, or slightly greater than, the outside diameter of the end of the fluid transfer conduit.

As shown in Figure 1(b), if the septum 18 is made with the presently preferred elastomer material, petaline portions 118 tend to stretch and distort to accommodate the end 152 of the fluid transfer conduit 150 as the end 152 of conduit 150 is pressed against it. The petaline portions 118 distend elastically, when forced to admit and accommodate the end 152 of the conduit 150. The extent to which the end 152 of conduit 150 may be pressed through the petaline portions is limited by the sleeve 117 that includes a flange 114 at the end proximal to the reservoir 105 that acts as a stopper. In this configuration, the piston axial movement of the piston causes a variation in the size of the chamber; withdrawal of the piston may draw fluid into the chamber of the syringe under a vacuum. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the relative dimensions of the outer circumference of the walls of the syringe in the region proximal to end 152 and the dimensions of the petaline portions 118 and resilience of the material from which the septum 18 is formed are sufficient to cause an interference fit. Preferably, this is sufficient for a vacuum also to be generated within the reservoir when the piston is axially withdrawn in a syringe, but to ensure reliable and accurate measurement of the volume of fluid drawn into the syringe it is preferred that the dispenser is inverted to thereby prevent the chamber of the syringe filling with air.

Referring now to Figure lc, when the end 152 of syringe 150 is withdrawn from the septum 18 in the direction of arrow D the resilience of the material from which the central portion of the septum is made urge the edges of the petaline portion 118 into engagement with each other. In other words, the edges of the petaline portions 118 are brought and held together to effectively reclose the septum 118 against fluid flow and leakage. The tendency of the septum 118 to close the petaline portions 118, the relatively small volume of fluid being dispensed into the chamber of the syringe, and the natural surface tension of the fluid all tend to cooperate towards containment of the fluid by the petaline portions 118 of the septum 120, in effect restoring the septum 120 to a substantially resealed condition sufficient to contain fluid flow therethrough under normal handling of the dispenser. However, the present invention further enhances the foregoing benefits as the vacuum created in the chamber 105 of the dispenser 100 effectively sucks any residue of fluid proximal to the opening back into the dispenser and additionally the resilience of the petaline portions 118 wipe the outer surface of the syringe 150 in the region proximal to its end 152. Accordingly, the presence or build up of fluid residue is prevented in regions in which the user may come into physical contact.

Figure 2(a) shows a cross-sectional view of a valve assembly 220 according to the invention in the closed position. As shown in Figure 2a, the present invention includes a closure having a receiving portion 210 for receiving an end 252 of the syringe 250 and a plunger 224 which has a central channel 225 for providing fluid connection between the reservoir 205 and an inlet aperture in the end 152 of the syringe 250.

The receiving portion 210 is preferably slideably located within a sleeve 226. A valve assembly 220 is located within an opening in the lower region of the sleeve 226. The valve assembly comprises a central member 10 that is provided with a flexible membrane or septum 12 having at least one slit or petaline portion 13. A flange 40 surrounds the central member 10 for securing the valve assembly 120 within the opening in the sleeve 226. Preferably, the septum is a duck bill type in which the petaline portions 218 are proximal to the chamber of the reservoir 100. A resilient member 219 is located between the receiving portion 210 and the sleeve and is biased to urge the receiving portion apart from the sleeve portion 218.

As shown in Figure 2b, in use the end 252 of the syringe 250 is pressed against an engagement surface of the receiving portion 210 and causes the resilient member 219 to compress. Similarly, as with the embodiment shown in Figure 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention the syringe is filled with fluid when the dispenser 200 is inverted to prevent air being drawn into the chamber of the syringe.

Referring now to Figure 2c, when the end 252 of the syringe 250 is pressed inwardly into the receiving portion 210 and engages with an engagement surface of the receiving portion it causes the receiving portion to slide inwardly relative to the sleeve portion 218 and compress the resilient member 219. The distal end of the plunger passes between petaline portions 218 that stretch and distort to accommodate the end 252 of the fluid transfer conduit 250 as the end 252 of conduit 250 is pressed against it. The petaline portions 218 distend elastically, when forced to admit and accommodate the end 252 of the conduit 250. The extent to which the end 252 of conduit 250 may be pressed through the petaline portions is limited by engagement with a flange 214 at the end proximal to the reservoir 105 that acts as a stopper. In this configuration, the piston axial movement of the piston causes a vari ation in the size of the chamber; withdrawal of the piston may draw fluid into the chamber of the syringe under a vacuum. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the relative dimensions of the outer circumference of the walls of the syringe in the region proximal to end 252 and the dimensions of the petaline portions 218 and resilience of the material from which the septum 18 is formed are sufficient to cause an interference fit. Preferably, this is sufficient for a vacuum also to be generated within the reservoir when the piston is axially withdrawn in a syringe, hut to ensure reliable and accurate measurement of the volume of fluid drawn into the syringe it is preferred that the dispenser is inverted to thereby prevent the chamber of the syringe filling with air.

Similarly to the embodiment of the invention described in relation to Figure lc, when the end 252 of syringe 250 is withdrawn from the septum 18 in the direction of arrow D the resilience of the material from which the central portion of the septum is made urge the edges of the petaline portion 218 into engagement with each other. In other words, the edges of the petaline portions 218 are brought and held together to effectively reclose the septum 218 against fluid flow and leakage. The tendency of the septum 218 to close the petaline portions 218, the relatively small volume of fluid being dispensed into the chamber of the syringe, and the natural surface tension of the fluid all tend to cooperate towards containment of the fluid by the petaline portions 218 of the septum 220, in effect restoring the septum 220 to a substantially resealed condition sufficient to contain fluid flow therethrough under normal handling of the dispenser. A cap or lid (not shown) may be connected to the closure 110 to provide a primary safety feature to restrict access to the dispensing. The closure 110 is generally securably coupled to the dispenser 100 by means of screw-fit, snap-fit, or press-fit connection proximal to the access port 107. The dispenser 100 may include includes a flange or lip that provides a stop to ensure that the closure 110 is correctly coupled to the dispenser 100.

The lid is preferably made of a deformable material such as a medium density plastics material such as polypropylene and the like, and may also include one or more detente that are shaped to accommodate a reciprocal protrusion. When the lid is pushed into the port 107 the wall of the lid encountering protrusion deforms sufficiently for the lid to pass over protrusion until the protrusion engages with detente. In this manner it is possible to releasably couple the closure 110 to the dispenser 100. The lid may be removed by simply squeezing the sidewalls thereby causing the sidewalls in the vicinity of port to move outwards away from valve member 4. Movement of sidewalls away from port release protrusion from port thereby permitting lid to be removed.

As used herein any reference to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" or the phrase "in an embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," "has," "having" or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary', "or" refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

In addition, use of the "a" or "an" are employed to describe elements and components of the invention. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the invention. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.

In view of the foregoing description it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that various modifications may be made within the scope of the claims.

For example, the second embodiment of a dispenser in accordance with the present invention has been described with reference to a moulded helical spring. However, the spring need not be moulded but may be a conventional helical spring made of wire. Optionally, or additionally, the spring may be a leaf spring or some other resilient member configured to bias the valve member into the closed position. Although polypropylene has been provided as an example of material for which the dispenser may be made, other plastics materials or other suitable material such as a resin may also be utilised.

Claims

1. A valve assembly for a dispenser for dispensing fluids comprising: a septum of elastomeric material configured for fluid-tight engagement within a dispensing opening of a container, said septum in a first configuration to prevent fluid from being dispensed comprising at least one slit traversing a centre region thereof to form at least two petaline portions in contiguous relationship along said at least one slit and configured to elastically distend responsive to insertion of a fluid transfer conduit through the said at least one slit into a second configuration opening said at least two petaline portions that permit said fluid transfer conduit to extend therethrough and in which said second configuration said petaline portions are configured to resiliently engage against one or more walls of said fluid transfer conduit and are further configured to self-close by returning to said first configuration responsive to withdrawal of said fluid transfer conduit, wherein the valve assembly further comprises a receiving arrangement, the receiving arrangement comprising a plunger, wherein the fluid transfer conduit comprises a first portion formed by the plunger and a second portion formed by a fluid carrier apparatus, such that a distal end of the plunger passes through the said at least one slit in the second configuration.

2. A valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein the septum is formed from a resilient polymeric material.

3. A valve assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the petaline portions are configured, so that in use, withdrawal of the fluid transfer conduit causes the petaline portions to wipe the walls of the fluid transfer conduit to remove residual material therefrom.

4. A valve assembly according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the septum forms part of a closure member configured for fluid-tight engagement in an access port of a dispenser.

5. A valve assembly according to claim 4, wherein the septum is supported in an opening defined in said closure.

6. A valve assembly according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein said opening includes a receiving arrangement for receiving an end of the fluid transfer conduit, the receiving arrangement configured to locate the end of the fluid transfer conduit proximal to a reservoir of the dispenser.

7. A valve assembly according to claim 6, wherein said receiving arrangement comprises a stopper that is configured to engage with said end of said fluid transfer conduit.

8. A valve assembly according to claim 7, wherein said stopper is an annular flange formed around an inner edge of said opening.

9. A valve assembly according to claim 7, wherein the stopper comprises one or more inwardly projected formations formed around an inner edge of said opening.

10. A valve assembly according to any of claims 7 to 9, wherein the receiving arrangement includes a guide for guiding movement of and end of the fluid transfer conduit into engagement therein.

11. A valve assembly according to any of claims 7 to 10, wherein the stopper is configured to be located proximal to a reservoir of a dispenser.

12. A valve assembly according to any preceding claim further comprising a resilient member that is compressed responsive to said input.

13. A valve assembly according to claim 12, wherein the resilient member is configured for urging the fluid transfer conduit from said second configuration in which said at least two petaline portions are open into the first configuration responsive to cessation of said input.

14. A valve assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein said septum comprises a slit valve arrangement.

15. A valve assembly according to any of claims 1 to 16, wherein said septum comprises a duck bill valve arrangement.

16. A valve assembly according to any of claims 12 to 15, wherein the fluid carrier apparatus is a syringe.

17. A valve assembly according to any of claims 12 to 15, wherein the fluid carrier apparatus is a pipette.

18. A closure for a dispenser comprising a valve member according to any preceding claim.

19. A dispenser for dispensing a fluid comprising a valve assembly according to any of claims 1 to 17.

20. A dispenser for dispensing a fluid comprising a closure according to claim 18.