WO2005068084A1

WO2005068084A1 - A valve and a pump-action dispenser device having such a valve

Info

Publication number: WO2005068084A1
Application number: PCT/GB2005/000084
Authority: WO
Inventors: Keith Laidler; Timothy Rodd
Original assignee: Incro Limited
Priority date: 2004-01-15
Filing date: 2005-01-12
Publication date: 2005-07-28
Also published as: WO2005068084B1

Abstract

A valve (45) for controlling the flow of fluid material across the valve comprises a male valve member or projection (44) and a female valve member or recess (42) for receiving the projection. A flow path (77, 88) for the fluid material is defined through the projection (44) or between the projection (44) and the recess (42). The valve also includes a deformable means (90) associated with one of the projection and the recess and which is movable from a first position in which it engages the other of the projection and recess to close off the flow path and a second position in which it is spaced from the other of the projection or recess and the flow path is opened. More than one flow path through the valve may be defined so that the valve can control the flow of fluid materials from two different sources. The valve (45) is particularly suited for use as a pre-compression outlet valve in a pump-action dispenser device (10).

Description

A VALVE AND A PUMP-ACTION DISPENSER DEVICE HAVING SUCH A VALVE This invention relates to a valve and, more particularly but not exclusively, to a valve for controlling the movement of one or more fluids in a pump-action dispenser device. The invention also relates to a pump-action dispenser device having such a valve. Pump-action dispenser devices provide a convenient means by which fluids, usually liquids, can be dispensed from non-pressurised containers. Conventional pump-action dispenser devices comprise an internal chamber provided with an inlet and an outlet. The chamber can be compressed to dispense a fluid present therein through the outlet of the device. The chamber can then be allowed to re-expand to enable more fluid to be drawn into the chamber through the inlet. One way valves are disposed at the inlet and outlet to ensure that fluid can only be dispensed through the outlet when the chamber is compressed and drawn in through the inlet when the chamber is allowed to expand. The valves are typically pressure dependent valves which only open when a certain minimum pressure differential exists across the valve. For instance, the outlet valve is typically a one-way valve that only opens to permit fluid stored in the chamber to be dispensed through the outlet when the chamber is compressed so that the pressure therein exceeds a predetermined minimum threshold pressure. At all other times the outlet valve is closed thereby preventing any fluid flow into or out of the chamber. Likewise, the inlet valve is typically adapted to only open and permit fluid to flow into the chamber when the pressure within the chamber falls below a predetermined nrmimum threshold pressure (as is the case when the chamber is allowed to re- expand). Again, this valve will be closed at all other times. Various types of valve have been used in pump-action dispenser devices. These include ball type valves in which a ball bearing is spring loaded into contact with a valve seat. The valve opens once the pressure of the fluid acting on the ball is sufficient to overcome the bias force of the spring and lift the ball from the valve seat. Ball type valves work well but they comprise a number of separate components and so are relatively expensive to manufacture. Ball type valves are often provided in the form of a separate valve unit that must be assembled to the dispenser device. This adds to the time and cost of manufacturing the dispenser device. It is also known to provide flap valves in which a flap is resiliently biased to cover the inlet or outlet, the flap being moved away from the inlet or outlet to allow fluid to pass through when the pressure of the fluid acting on the flap is sufficient to overcome the resilient bias force. Flap type valves are simple in design and relatively cheap to manufacture. They also have the advantage that they can be produced integrally with the body of a dispenser device when this is manufactured from plastics as an injection moulding. However, flap type valves are not always reliable and it can be difficult to ensure they seal properly when the valve is closed. A further problem is that the resilient bias force tending to close the flap can vary over time affecting the performance of the dispenser device. A further type of valve used in pump-action devices comprises a male valve member in the form of a projection that is received in female valve member such as a hole or recess. The projection is mounted to a resiliently flexible member that biases the projection into engagement with the side walls of the hole or recess to close the valve. The valve is opened when the pressure of the fluid acting on the projection, or between the projection and the surface of the hole or recess, is sufficient to overcome the bias force of the resilient member and move the projection away from the surface of the hole or recess to establish a flow path through the valve. This type of valve has similar advantages to the flap type valve but tends to produce a more reliable seal. However, this type of valve also suffers from similar disadvantages to those of the flap type valve and it can be difficult to produce a valve that will reliably open at the required pressure, particular using high volume production techniques.

Providing valves that reliably and repeatable open at the correct threshold pressure yet which are relatively simple in design and which can be manufactured at a low cost suitable for high volume products is an ongoing problem. Some pump-action dispenser devices have two chambers arranged so that two fluids can be dispensed simultaneously. The two fluids may both be liquids or gases or one fluid may be a liquid and the other a gas. A common arrangement is for one chamber to dispense a liquid and the other to dispense air that is mixed with the liquid in a nozzle arrangement of the dispenser. Where the dispenser is adapted to dispense the liquid in the form of a spray, mixing air with the liquid has been found to assist with atomisation. Alternatively, air can be mixed with a liquid to cause it to foam as it is dispensed.

A problem with such dual chamber dispensers is the requirement for the two fluids to be dispensed at substantially the same pressure, or at least at the same relative pressure every time. There is also a need, therefore, for a valve capable of controlling the release fluids from two separate sources.

Some pump-action dispenser devices have a body comprising at least two components that are assembled together to define between them a chamber and at least part of a passageway leading from the chamber to an outlet of the device. A problem with devices of this type is the need to prevent fluid from the chamber and/or the passageway from leaking out between the components. In an effort to overcome this problem, it is know to provide a seal that extends around the chamber and/or the passageway. The seal typically comprises a rib on one of the components that is a snap fit in a groove in the other of the components. Whilst this type of seal works well, a particular problem exists because of the need to incorporate a pre-compression valve between the chamber and the passageway as both the valve and the two seal areas must stay sealed.

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a valve for controlling the flow of fluid material across the valve, the valve comprising a male valve member and a female valve member for receiving the male valve member, a flow path for the fluid material being defined through the male valve member or between the male valve member and the female valve member, the valve further comprising a deformable means associated with one of the male valve member and the female valve member, the deformable means being movable from a first position in which it engages the other of the male valve member and the female valve member to close off the flow path and a second position in which it is spaced from the other of the male valve member and the female valve member and the flow path is opened. In a valve in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the outer surface of the male valve member sealingly engages with at least the side walls of the female valve member except for a region defining the flow path. When the deformable means is in the first position it contacts the other of the male valve member or the female valve member to close off the, or each, flow path, preventing the fluid material from passing across the valve. However, when the pressure differential reaches a predetermined value, the deformable means moves to the second position and the flow path is opened so that the fluid material can pass across the valve. This arrangement provides a valve that is simple in design and yet can be adapted so as to open reliably at a predetermined pressure differential by selection of appropriate design parameters, as will be explained in more detail below. The valve is thus ideal for use as a pre-compression valve in a pump-action dispenser. However, by setting the required pressure differential to trigger opening of the valve low, it can also be used as a simple one way valve. A further advantage of a valve in accordance with the first aspect of the invention is that it can be manufactured using only two component parts, or using a single component part having two portions connected by means of a hinge, and is ideally suited for manufacture from plastics materials using injection moulding techniques. As a result, it can be produced in high volumes at a relatively low cost compared with prior art valves. The deformable means may be movable from the first position to the second position in response to a pressure differential across the valve. The male valve member may be in the form of a projection and the female valve member may be in the form of a recess or cavity. The male valve member may have a circular or oval cross-section over most of its length. The female valve member may be shaped so as to correspond with the shape of the male valve member to ensure that a seal is formed between at least a downstream or outlet side wall of the female valve member and the downstream side of the male valve member. The female valve member may contact and seal all-round an outer surface of the male valve member. The deformable means may be resiliently biased towards the first position. There may be more than one flow path defined through the valve to enable fluid materials from different sources to cross the valve.

At least one flow path through the valve may be defined by means of a groove in the surface of one or both of the male valve member and the female valve member. The at least one groove may extend from an upstream or inlet region of the valve towards a downstream or outlet region proximate to the, or a, deformable means. Where there is more than one groove, each groove may be in fluid communication with a different source of fluid material. The projection may have a through bore defining at least part of a flow path for fluid material through the valve. The through bore may connect an inlet of the valve to a groove in the surface of one or both of the male valve member and the female valve member. Alternatively, the through bore may extend from an inlet of the valve to a position opposite from the deformable means.

Where there is more than one flow path through the valve, all the flow paths may be opened and closed by a single deformable means.

Alternatively, some of the flow paths may be opened and closed by independently operable deformable means. The independently operable deformable means may be adapted to move from the first position to the second position at substantially the same pressure differential or some may be adapted to move from the first position to the second position at different pressure differentials.

Where there is more than one flow path defined between the male valve member and the female valve member, a seal means may be provided between the male valve member and the female valve member to prevent the fluid materials in each flow path from mixing within the valve. The seal means may comprise a ridge or wall on one of the male valve member and the female valve member which engages in a corresponding groove or slot in the other of the male valve member and the female valve member. Alternatively, the free end of the male valve member may be sealingly received in a hole or recess in the base of the female valve member and the flow paths extend between the male valve member and the female valve member around different sides of the male valve member. A flow path may be defined by means of a small gap between the male valve member and the female valve member on the upstream side, with only the downstream sides of the male valve member and female valve member being in contact when the valve is closed. The male valve member may be hollow and the, or each, deformable means may comprise a movable wall portion of the male valve member that can be deflected inwardly away from the surface of the female valve member. The movable wall portion may be thinner than the remainder of the wall of the male valve member. Alternatively, or in addition, the movable wall portion may be separated from the remainder of the wall of the male valve member by means of a line of weakness, such as a groove in the surface of the male valve member. The, or each, deformable means may comprise a side wall portion of the female valve member. In particular, the deformable portion may comprise a thin wall or collar defining a downstream region of the female valve member, one face of the wall or collar contacting the male valve member when it is in the first position. One or more grooves may be formed in a face of the wall or collar opposite from the face that contacts the male valve member. Each groove in the wall or collar may be located opposite a respective groove in the suiface of the male valve member. The wall or collar may be shaped so as to curve towards the male valve member. In which case, the male valve member may have a corresponding concave portion at the downstream side with which the curved portion of the wall or collar mates. The ends of the deformable wall portion or collar may be adapted to bias the wall portion or collar into contact with the male valve member. The wall or collar may be separated from the remainder of the female valve member by means of a slit at one or both ends. The deformable means may comprise a flexible valve closure member located within the female valve member for contact with a free end region of the male valve member. In which case, a flow path through the valve may be defined by means of a first inlet groove that extends along an upstream side of the male valve member from an inlet region to the free end thereof and a further outlet groove that extends along a downstream side of the male valve member from the free end to an outlet region, the flexible valve closure member being deformable from a first position in which it abuts the free end of the male valve member to close off the inlet and outlet grooves and a second position in which it is deformed away from free end so that fluid material can pass from the inlet groove to the outlet groove. The free end of the male valve member may be flattened and may have a recess in a central region between the inlet and outlet grooves. The valve closure member may comprise a flexible washer. The valve may comprise a further deformable means or flap adapted to close a flow path through the valve in response to a negative pressure. The valve may be manufactured from a plastics material using injection moulding techniques. The valve may be manufactured using a bi-injection moulding technique in which a flexible plastics material is over moulded onto a rigid plastics material. In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a valve for controlling the flow of fluid material across the valve, the valve comprising a male valve member and a female valve member for receiving the male valve member such that at least the side walls of the female valve member engage the outer surface of male valve member to form a seal, wherein at least one groove is provided in the surface the male valve member, the or each groove defining a flow path leading from a fluid inlet at an upstream or inlet portion of the male valve member towards a downstream or outlet portion of the male valve member, the male valve member being movable from a first position, in which the downstream end of the, or each, groove is contained within the female valve member such that a rim portion of the female valve member engages with the surface of the male valve member beyond the downstream end of the groove to close the flow path, to a second position, in which the male valve member is partially retracted from the female valve member such that the downstream end of the, or each, groove is positioned outside the female valve member and the flow path is opened so that the fluid material is able to pass across the valve through the groove. The male valve member may comprise a peg or projection. The female valve member may comprise a recess or cavity. The male valve member may be mounted to a flexible member to enable it to move between the first and second positions. The flexible member may resiliently bias the male valve member towards the first position. A base region of the male valve member may have a region of weakness adapted such that the male valve member can be moved between the first and second positions. The male valve member may be adapted to move from the first position to the second position when the pressure of the fluid material in the groove reaches a predetermined threshold value. In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a pump-action dispenser device comprising a valve in accordance with either of the first or the second aspects of the invention. The valve may be a pre-compression valve adapted to control the release of a fluid material from a chamber of the pump-action dispenser device into a fluid passageway. The pre-compression valve may be adapted to direct fluid into an expansion chamber forming part of the passageway. The valve may be adapted to control the release of fluid materials from two separate chambers of the pump-action dispenser into the passageway forming part of an outlet nozzle arrangement. The pre-compression valve may be arranged to direct fluid material into the passageway tangentially so that the fluid material is caused to spin or rotate. The valve may be adapted to direct the fluid materials from the separate chambers into the passageway or expansion chamber tangentially, in the same or opposite directions. The valve may comprise an inlet valve for controlling the introduction of fluid material from a fluid store into a chamber of the device. The valve may comprise a pressure release valve for a container to which the dispenser device is mounted. The valve may be formed integrally with a body of the pump-action dispenser device.

The valve may be a separate valve unit assembled to the dispenser device.

The pump-action dispenser device may comprise a body having at least two components that when assembled together define between them a pump chamber and the male valve member and the female valve member are each formed integrally with a respective one of the body components. The at least two body components may have corresponding abutment surfaces that are brought into contact when the components are assembled together to form the body of the dispenser device, said abutment surfaces defining between them at least part of an internal passageway forming part or all of a nozzle arrangement of the dispenser device. A seal means may be provided between the at least two body components, to resist fluid material leaking from the chamber and/or the internal passageway between the components. The seal means may comprise a male seal member on one of the body components and a corresponding female seal member on the other of the body components the male seal member being received in the female seal member when the components are assembled together. The valve may be a pre-compression outlet valve and may be formed integrally with the seal means. In which case, the male valve member may be formed integrally with one of the male seal member and the female seal member and the female valve member may be formed integrally with the other of the male seal member and the female seal member. The male valve member and the female valve member may be arranged to sit astride the male and female seal members or they may be formed adjacent the male and female seal members with no gap in between. The male seal member may be a rib or wall and the female seal member may be a groove or slot.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a pump-action dispenser device comprising a chamber having an inlet through which a fluid material can be drawn from a container and an outlet through which fluid material can exit the chamber into a nozzle arrangement, the device comprising at least two component body parts that when assembled together define the chamber between them, the device further comprising a seal means between the body parts adapted to resist fluid material from leaking between the parts, the device further having an outlet valve for controlling the release of fluid material from the chamber through the outlet, the outlet valve including a male valve member and a female valve member for receiving the male valve member, characterised in that the male valve member and the female valve member are formed integrally with the seal means. The body parts may each have an abutment surface, which abutment surfaces are brought into contact when the parts are assembled together. The seal means may comprise a male seal member on the abutment surface of one of the body parts and a corresponding female seal member on the abutment surface of the other of the body parts. The male valve member may be formed integrally with one of the male seal member and the female seal member and the female valve member may be formed integrally with the other of the male seal member and the female seal member. Thus the male valve member can be formed integrally with either the male seal member or the female seal member and the female valve member formed integrally with the other of the male seal member or the female seal member. The male valve member and the female valve member may be arranged to sit astride their respective male and female seal members or they may be formed adjacent the male and female seal members with no gap in between. The male seal member may be a rib or wall and the female seal member may be a groove or slot. The male valve member may be a peg or projection and the female valve member may be a recess or cavity. Several embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a cross sectional view through a first embodiment of a pump- action dispenser comprising a valve in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a base part of a modified embodiment of the dispenser of Figure 1 ; Figure 3 is a view of a lower face of a centre part of a modified embodiment of the dispenser of Figure 1 ; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the component parts of a body of a further embodiment of a pump-action dispenser comprising a valve in accordance with the invention, in which the component parts are shown separated prior to assembly; Figure 5 is a cross section through the dispenser of Figure 4 with the component parts assembled together; Figure 6 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the pre-compression valve of the dispenser of Figure 5; Figure 7 is a perspective view from below of part of the pre-compression valve of Figure 6 ; Figure 8 is a partly sectional view of part of the valve of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a sectional view of a modified embodiment of the valve of Figure 6; Figure 10 is a perspective view of a first component forming part of a nozzle arrangement for a dispenser comprising a valve in accordance with the invention; Figure 11 is a perspective view of a second component forming together with the compo net of Figure 10 part of a nozzle arrangement for a dispenser comprising a valve in accordance with the invention; Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of a further embodiment of a valve in accordance with the invention; Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view through the valve of Figure 12 showning the components in an assembled condition; Figure 14 is a view from below of part of the valve of Figure 12, showing a modification to the grooves; Figure 15A is a cross-sectional view through a further embodiment of a valve in accordance with the invention; Figure 15B is a perspective view of a projection forming part of the valve of Figure 15 A; Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view through a yet further embodiment of a valve in accordance with the invention; and

Figure 17A is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a pump- action dispenser in accordance with the invention showing component parts of the dispenser prior to assembly; Figure 17B is a side elevation of the dispenser of Figure 17A; Figure 17C is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser of Figure 17A showing the component parts in an assembled condition; and Figure 17D is a view similar to that of Figure 17C but showing the dispenser in an activated condition. In the following, relative terms such as upper, lower, above, below and side are used to describe the orientation of the features as shown in drawings and should be construed accordingly. It will be appreciated that the dispensers and valves described may be used in orientations other than those shown in the drawings. With reference to Figure 1, a pump-action dispenser device in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention is indicated generally at 10. The dispenser 10 is arranged to dispense a mixture of a liquor and air as foam.

The dispenser 10 comprises three main component parts, a base part 12, a centre part 14 and an upper part or lid 16. The base part 12 is moulded from a substantially rigid plastics material such as polypropylene. The base 12 has a circular skirt 18 with an internal thread 20, by means of which the dispenser can be mounted to a correspondingly threaded opening of a container (not shown). An upper part of the base 12 includes a concave dome portion 22, which defines together with a corresponding dome portion 24 on the centre part a chamber 28 for dispensing a liquor from the container.

Depending from the dome portion 22 is a circular spigot 30. The spigot 30 has a through bore 32 which opens into the dome portion 22 to form an inlet 34 into the chamber 28. A lower end of the spigot has a recess on which is mounted one end of a dip tube 36. In use, when the dispenser is mounted to a container, the dip tube 36 extends down into the container so that substantially all the contents of the container can be dispensed through the dispenser 10.

The upper part of the base 12 projects forwardly from the skirt 18 to define together with the centre part 14 an outlet orifice 38 and an outlet passage 40 leading from the chamber 28 to the outlet orifice 38. The upper surface of the projecting part includes a circular cavity or recess 42 for receiving a plug 44 projecting downwardly from a lower surface of the centre part 14. The recess 42 and plug 44 together from an outlet or pre-compression valve 45 for the chamber 28 in which the recess is a female valve member and the plug a male valve member, as will be described in more detail later.

Also provided on the upper surface of the projecting part of the base 12 is a filter support lug or cradle 46, which co-operates with a corresponding lug or cradle 48 projecting downwardly from the lower surface of the centre part 14 to support a filter mesh 50. The cradles 46, 48 are shaped so that a passage is provided through the mesh for fluid expelled from the chamber 28 to pass along on its way to the outlet orifice 38. The centre part 14 has a generally planar main body portion 52 formed from a substantially rigid plastics material such as polypropylene. Mounted to the main body portion, or formed integrally therewith, is the flexible dome portion 24. The dome portion is made from a flexible plastics material which may be integrally moulded with the main body portion using a bi-injection moulding process. The dome portion 24 can be deflected inwardly from the position shown in Figure 1 towards the dome portion 22 of the base part to reduce the volume of the chamber 28 when a downward force is applied as indicated by arrow A, as will be described in more detail later. In certain applications, the dome portion 22 may be resiliently biased toward the position shown in Figure 1.

Two resilient flap members 54, 56 are formed integrally with the dome portion 24 to provide an inlet valve for the chamber 28. A first flap member 54 is adapted to be received in a recess in the dome portion 22 of the base part so that one side overlies and closes off the inlet 34. The second flap 56 engages the opposite side of the first flap 54 and helps to resiliently bias the first flap into engagement with the inlet to ensure a good seal. The inlet has a lip 58 to further improve the seal. The flap 54 is arranged to close off the inlet 34 at all times, except when the pressure in the chamber 28 falls below a πunimum threshold below the pressure of the liquor in the container, at which time the first flap 54 is lifted away from the inlet as liquor is drawn into the chamber 28 through the inlet 34, the spigot 30 and the dip tube 36.

A rib 60 projects downwardly from the underside of the centre part 14 and is received in a corresponding groove or recess 62 formed in the upper surface of the base part 12. The rib 60 and groove 62 form a seal to prevent fluid leaking from the join between the base part and the centre part. The seal extends around the chamber 28 and the outlet passage. The upper part or lid 16 of the dispenser is formed from a rigid plastics material such as polypropylene. The lid 16 is pivotably mounted to the centre part 14 by means of a hinge 64 located towards the forward end of the dispenser close to the outlet orifice 38. A flexible wall 66 extends between the lid 16 and the centre part 14. The wall encircles the lid 16 and defines a further chamber 68 between the lid 16 and the centre part 14 within the wall. The flexible wall 66 may be in the form of a bellows as shown in Figure 1 or may be in the form of a smooth but flexible wall portion. The flexible wall 66 may be a separate component from the lid 16 and centre part 14 or may be formed integrally with either the lid 16 or the centre part 14.

The chamber 68, which will be referred to herein as a first chamber, is adapted to dispense air to mix with the liquor dispensed from the chamber 28, which will be referred to herein as a second chamber. An air inlet valve 70 is provided on the centre part 14 to permit air to be drawn into the first chamber 68 when the pressure inside the first chamber falls below a minimum threshold level below the atmospheric pressure sunounding the dispenser 10. The air inlet valve 70 comprises two resilient flap members 72, 74 that enclose an air inlet passage 76 (shown in dashed lines) formed through the centre part 14 and the base part 12 to the outside of the dispenser. The flap members 72, 74 are biased towards each other to a closed position as shown in Figure 1. However, when the pressure in the first chamber drops sufficiently below atmospheric pressure, the flap members 72, 74 can be forced apart by the pressure of the air in the inlet passage 76 so that air is drawn into the first chamber 68. The projection 44 of outlet valve 45 has a through bore 77 by means of which air from the first chamber 68 is able to pass into the outlet passage 40 where it mixes with the liquor from the second chamber 28 when the dispenser is actuated, as will be described in more detail later. Two leaf spring members 80 (only one of which is shown) project upwardly from the centre part 14 and engage a lower surface of the lid 16. The leaf spring members are formed from a rigid plastics material and bias the lid to the position shown in Figure. 1. An outer surface 82 of the lid 16 acts as an actuator surface to which a user can apply a downward pressure on the lid 16 as indicated by the arrow B to actuate the dispenser.

As already described, the pre-compression outlet valve 45 comprises a plug or projection 44 that depends from the lower surface of the centre part 14 and which is received in the recess or cavity 42 in the upper surface of the base part 12. The projection 45 is in the form of a round plug that sealingly engages with the side walls of the circular recess to prevent fluid from flowing between the projection and the recess from an outlet 84 of the chamber 28 and into a chamber 86 forming part of the outlet passageway 40 of the nozzle arrangement. A groove 88 is formed in the surface of the projection 44. The groove 88 defines a flow path that extends from an upstream side of the projection adjacent the outlet 84 down around the free end of the projection and partway up the downstream side of the projection. The downstream end of the groove 88 finishes short of the outer rim of the recess on the downstream side. The recess on the downstream side is defined by a relatively thin wall section or collar 90. Due to its shape and the resilient nature of the material, the collar 90 is biased into engagement with the projection 44 as shown in Figure 1. In this position, the collar 90 prevents fluid from passing from the groove 88 into the chamber 86 of the outlet passageway and the flow path is closed. However, the collar 90 is deformable so that it can be moved away from the projection 44 when the pressure of the fluid in the groove 88 exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Once the collar 90 has moved away from the projection 44, the fluid in the groove 88 is free to enter the chamber 86 and to pass through the outlet passageway 40 to be dispensed. When the pressure of the fluid in the groove 88 drops below the threshold value, the collar 90 will snap back into contact with the projection 44 to once again close of the flow path.

In the present embodiment, the outlet valve 45 also controls the release of air from the first chamber 68. Thus the through bore 77 extends from the second chamber 68 into the groove 88. This enables air from the first chamber 68 to pass through the bore 77 and into the groove 88 where it mixes with the liquor from the second chamber. In this arrangement only a single outlet valve 45 is required for both chambers.

Although the through bore 77 in the present embodiment extends into the groove 88, this is not essential. Instead, the outlet end of the bore 77 could be angled so that it opens opposite the collar 90 but spaced from the groove. This would ensure that the air and the liquor only mix in the chamber 86 once the valve had opened. Such an arrangement would have the advantage of eliminating any risk of the liquor entering the air chamber 68 through the bore 77. In a further alternative arrangement not shown, the bore 77 could open into a further groove portion separate from the second groove portion 88.

The pressure of the fluid in the groove required to open the valve is determined by a number of factors such as the thickness and shape of the collar 90 and as well as the material of the collar. Also, increasing the distance between the downstream end of the groove 88 and the outer edge or rim of the collar will increase the pressure required to deflect the collar 90 and open the valve. Thus by appropriate selection of these parameters, the valve can be configured to open at a desired threshold pressure. The valve 45 acts as a pre-compression valve that will only open to allow fluid to be dispensed once the fluids in the chambers 28, 68 reach a predetermined pressure. The valve also acts as a one way valve, as any increase in the pressure in the outlet passage 40 relative to the chambers will tend to force the collar 90 into engagement with the projection 44 and so seal the flow path and prevent fluid from passing back through the valve.

Operation of the dispenser 16 will now be described. For the purposes of this description, it is assumed that both chambers 28, 68 are fully charged so that the first chamber 68 is full of air and the second camber 28 is full of a liquor to be dispensed from a container to which the dispenser has been fitted.

In order to initiate actuation of the dispenser 10, a user applies a force in the direction of arrow A to the lid 16. The force applied by a user pivots the lid 16 about the hinge 64 to move the lid towards the centre part so reducing the volume of the first chamber and compressing the air inside. As the air in the first chamber 68 is compressed its pressure is increased and this increased pressure is transmitted through the flexible dome portion 24 of the centre part to the liquor in the second chamber 28. Although the pressure of the liquor in the second chamber 28 is increased, the flexible dome portion 24 does not move significantly to reduce the volume of the second chamber 28 due to the relative incompressibility of the liquor and the resilient bias force of the flexible dome portion itself, if any.

The increased air pressure in the first chamber tends to force the flap members 72, 74 of the air inlet valve 70 closer together to ensure that no air can escape through the air inlet. Continued application of force to the lid 16 further compresses the air in the first chamber 68 raising its pressure and the pressure of the liquor in the second chamber 28 until they reach a predetermined threshold level above atmospheric. At this point the collar 90 is deflected away from the projection 44 and the outlet valve 45 opens to enable the liquor and air to enter the chamber 86 in the outlet passage 40 where they mix to produce foam. The pressure at which the outlet valve 45 opens may be between 0.25 and 3 bars but will generally be towards the lower end of this scale when the dispenser is adapted to dispense foam. Where the dispenser is adapted to dispense fluids in the form of a spray, the outlet valve 45 may be designed to open at a pressure of typically between 3-5 bars but which may be as high as 15 bars. The user continues to apply a downward force B to the lid 16, which causes the lid to mover closer to the centre part 14 further compressing the first chamber 68 to continue to expel the air through the bore 77 into the outlet passage 40. Because the outlet valve 45 has now opened, this further movement of the lid 16 results in the flexible dome portion 24 deflecting downwardly to reduce the volume of the second chamber 28 so that the liquor continues to be expelled from second chamber into the outlet passage 40 through the groove 88.

As the dispensing cycle continues, the foam passes along the outlet passage 40 through the filter mesh 50 from which it emerges as finer foam, it then continues along the outlet passage 40 to the outlet orifice 38 where it is finally dispensed.

Dispensing continues until one or both of the chambers are empty. By appropriate selection of the volume of the chambers and the dimensions of the outlets from the chambers, it can be arranged that both chambers will are fully evacuated simultaneously. Alternatively, it can be arranged that the second chamber 28 is evacuated first so that air continues to be dispensed after the liquor has stopped. This can be used to help keep the outlet valve 45 and the outlet passage 40 clean. Once the chambers are fully evacuated and the pressure in the groove 88 of the projection 44 falls below the threshold value, the collar 90 snaps back into contact with the projection 44 to close the outlet valve 45.

When the user stops applying a force B to the lid 16, the lid 16 is biased upwardly to the position shown in Figure 1 by the leaf springs 80. The deformable wall 66 may also be resilient so as to assist the springs 80. As the lid 16 moves away from the centre part, the volume of the first chamber 28 is increased and the pressure within falls. The air inlet valve 70 is arranged so that it does not open until the air pressure in the first chamber drops by a predeterrmned amount below the atmospheric pressure surrounding the dispenser. Furthermore, since the outlet valve 45 is closed, no air can be drawn back through the outlet and the air pressure in the first chamber 28 reduces to form a partial vacuum. This partial vacuum acts on the flexible dome portion 24 of the centre part 14 to draw it upwardly towards the position shown in Figure 1.

Upward movement of the flexible dome portion 24 increases the volume of the second chamber 28, reducing the pressure in the second chamber 28 relative to the pressure of the liquid in the container. The valve flap 54 controlling the inlet 34 to the second chamber is arranged to open at a pressure differential that is less than that of the air inlet valve 70. Consequently, liquor is drawn into the second chamber 28 through the inlet 34 as the flexible dome portion 24 is drawn upwardly by the partial vacuum in the first chamber 28. The flexible dome portion 24 may itself be resiliently biased to aid recovery of the second chamber or some other resilient means may be provided. The air inlet valve 70 is arranged to open only when the second chamber 28 is fully recharged, at which time air can enter the first chamber 68. It will be noted that in the present embodiment, there are no mechanical links between the actuator or lid 16 and the flexible dome portion 24 of the second chamber. As a result, the pressure of the liquid in the second chamber is entirely dependent on the pressure of the air in the first chamber 68. Depending whether there is any bias force acting to bias the flexible dome 24 to its rest (first) position shown in Figure 1, the pressure of the air and the liquor will be substantially the same at all times whilst they are being dispensed. In any event, the relative pressures between the air and the liquor will remain constant whilst they are being dispensed. A modified from of the dispenser 10 is shown in Figures. 2 and 3.

Features that are the same as those described in relation to the Figure 1 embodiment or which perform the same function are given the same reference numeral but increased by 100. These Figures show only the base part 112 and the lower surface of the centre part 114. The dispenser 110 shown in Figures 2 and 3 is essentially the same as the dispenser 10 already described however there are a number of differences in its detailed construction which will be described below.

The dispenser 110 has separate outlet valves 145 A, 145B for each chamber. As can be seen from Figures 2 & 3, in this embodiment, the projections 144A, 144B are formed on the base part 112 and are received in recesses 142A, 142B in the centre part 114.

The projections 144A, 144B are formed integrally with the groove 162 that forms a female part of the seal between the base part and the centre part.

As shown in Figure 2, the groove 162 extends partway around each projection with no gap in between. Similarly, the recess 142A, 142B are formed integrally with the rib 160 that forms the male part of the seal. Again, the rib 160 extends partway round each of the recesses with no gap between them. This arrangement ensures that the seal in combination with the valves forms a complete barrier to prevent fluid from leaking from between the base part 112 and the centre part 114. The groove 188A on the projection 144A extends from an upstream side of the projection 144A adjacent the outlet 184 from the second chamber 128 over the free end of the projection and partway along the downstream side of the projection, in a manner similar to groove 80 of the valve 45 described in relation to the previous embodiment above. However, with the valve 145B for the first chamber 168, air from the first chamber accesses the valve through an opening 194 in the base of the recess 142B. Hence, the groove 188B on the surface of the projection 144B begins at the free end region of the projection, which in this case constitutes an inlet region, and extends partway along the downstream side. The valves 145 A, 145B operate in a manner similar to the valve 45 described above, in that the collars 190A, 190B deflect away from the projections 144A, 144B when the pressure of the liquid and the air in groves 188A and 188B respectively reach the required threshold value. This enables the liquor and the air to enter the chamber 186 through the grooves where they mix to form foam. As can be seen from Figure 2, the grooves 188 A, 188B are angled towards each other so that the liquid and the air enter the chamber 186 along paths that intersect so that the streams collide. By altering the position of the grooves, it is possible to vary the angle at with the fluid enters the chamber. For example, the grooves 188 A, 188B could be arranged to direct the liquid and air into the chamber 186 tangentially in the same circumferential directions or in opposite circumferential directions. In the present embodiment, both collars 190A, 190B are designed to open at the same threshold pressure but in alternative embodiments they could be arranged to open at different pressures.

As shown in Figure 2, a V shaped filter support cradle 146 is formed on the upper surface of the base part 112 within the outlet passage. A corresponding V shaped filter support cradle 148 is provided on the lower surface of the centre part 114, as can be seen from Figure 3. When the base part 112 and the centre part 114 are assembled, a fine mesh filter (not shown) is trapped between the two V shaped cradles 146, 148. This provides for a filter in the outlet passage 140 having two legs with a gap in between. The legs of the cradles have recesses to define a fluid flow passage through the filter. The filter mesh may be a flat mesh that is formed into a V shape when the base 112 and the centre part 114 are assembled together. This enables a single mesh to be used to provide two filters. In an alternative arrangement, open celled foam could be used as the filter.

The filter is located in the fluid flow passage 140 just downstream from the expansion chamber 186 and is arranged in such a way that liquor leaving the expansion chamber travels through the upstream leg of the filter, into the gap between the legs, where it emerges as foam. The foam then passes through the downstream leg of the filter where it emerges as finer foam. Thereafter, the foams travels straight through the outlet passage 140 to the outlet orifice 134, which in this embodiment is directed outwardly rather than downwardly. Because the liquor is rotating or spinning when it exits the expansion chamber 186, some of the liquor may pass through each leg of filter more than once to make the foam even finer. In this embodiment, the two leaf spring members 180 are formed integrally with the base part 112 and extend through slits 194 in the centre part 114 to engage in grooves (not shown) in the lower surface of the lid 116.

Operation of the dispenser 110 is essentially the same as described above in relation to the first embodiment 10, with the outlet valves 145A, 145B being arranged to open at the same pressure so that the liquor and the air are dispensed at substantially the same pressure. Figures 4 to 9 show a further embodiment of a pump-action dispenser device comprising a valve in accordance with the first aspect of the invention. As shown in Figure 4, a pump-action dispensing device 201 comprises a base part 202 and a cover part 203. The base part 202 and the cover part 203 are formed integrally from a plastics material using injection moulding techniques and are interconnected by a flexible hinge portion 204. The cover part 203 has an abutment surface 205 and the base part 202 has a conesponding abutment surface 206. As shown in Figure 5, when the cover part 203 and the base part 202 are folded about the hinge to bring the abutment surfaces into contact, they define between them an outlet nozzle arrangement 207. The cover part 203 includes a flexible dome or diaphragm 208 that together with a corresponding recess 209 in the base part define a pump chamber 210 when the base and cover parts are assembled. The base part 202 is adapted to be mounted to the neck of a container (not shown) that provides a reservoir of fluid material for the device. A conduit 211 extends from the base part and is received in the container. The conduit leads to an inlet orifice 214 in a sloping wall 215 of the chamber 210. A first flap 216 of resilient plastics material is disposed to normally abut the wall 215 and close the orifice 214 to prevent flow of material from conduit 211 into the chamber 210 or back flow towards the reservoir from chamber 210. Flap 216 is joined to and may be formed integrally with a rim 217 of the cover part 202. A second flap 218, similarly formed of a resilient plastics material has a first end which is joined to the cover diaphragm 208, as for example being integrally formed therewith, and a free end which in the Figure 5 position bears on the first flap 216 in the region of the orifice 214 so that the second flap 218 acts as a spring reinforcement urging the first flap 216 into sealing closure of the orifice 214 preventing passage of fluid in either direction. When the diaphragm 208 is depressed to operate the dispenser, the existing charge of fluid material is ejected from the chamber 210 via the nozzle arrangement 207. During a first phase as the diaphragm is depressed, the free end of second flap 218 remains in pressure contact with the first flap 216. However, as the stroke is completed the end of second flap 218 begins riding up slopes provided on ramp members 219, one of which is located to each side of the inlet orifice 214. The flap 218 is here wider than the first flap 216, so that the latter lies between the ramps 219, while the free end of the flap 218 rides up the ramps. A consequence of the free end of second flap 218 riding up the ramps 219 is that the second flap no longer bears on the first flap. Thus, the latter is now free to open as pressure reduces in chamber 210 due to the release of finger pressure on diaphragm 208, and once the pressure falls below the pressure in the reservoir, allows a fresh dose or charge of fluid material to enter chamber 210 from conduit 213. As the chamber 210 fills with fluid under reservoir pressure, the diaphragm 208 rises back up to the Figure 5 position, the second flap 218 is withdrawn back down the ramps 219, and comes once more into engagement with the first flap 216 so that the orifice 214 is again sealed, flow of material into the chamber 210 is stopped and the Figure 5 condition is restored. Release of the fluid material from the chamber 110 into an outlet passage 220 of nozzle arrangement 207 is controlled by means of a pre- compression valve 221. The pre-compression valve comprises a male valve member in the form of a circular cross- sectional post or projection 222 having a rounded end. This is received in a matchingly shaped female valve member in the form of a socket or recess 223 in the base part 202, in which it is a snug sealing fit, apart from a groove or channel 224 formed in the surface of the projection 222 and, as shown in Figures 4, 7 and 8, lying obliquely with respect to the axis of the nozzle passage 220. The wall of the recess 223 in base part 211 between the channel 224 and the passage 220 is formed as a very thin wall or collar 226 which is resiliently deformable when pressure is exerted upon it from the channel 224 which exceeds a threshold value, which may be from 3-7 bar, to flex outward into the first part of the passage 220, which is shown as being an expansion chamber 228, and spray the fluid material obliquely and upwards into the expansion chamber 228 of the nozzle passage 220. Back pressure in the chamber 228 however will have the effect of closing the wall 226 to prevent reverse flow. In Figure 6, the collar 226 is shown in the first or closed position at 226a and is shown in the deformed second or open position at 226b. The arrows indicate the direction of movement of fluid through the valve. The projection 222 is formed integrally astride a rib 230 which surrounds the chamber 210 to form a seal in cooperation with a matching groove 231 in the base part 211, and also a rib 232 surrounds the nozzle passage 220 in the usual way in cooperation with a matching groove in the base part 211, to provide a seal for the nozzle passage. The advantageous effect of the pre-compression valve is that dispensing of fluid material on actuation of the dispenser nozzle on depression of the diaphragm 208 into the chamber 210 is delayed until the pressure in channel 224 exceeds a threshold value required to deflect the collar 226, so that the fluid material will be dispersed with the required pressure, velocity and spray characteristics, which could not be obtained by a low pressure spray initiated immediately upon actuation of the diaphragm 208.

The groove or channel 224 could be formed in the recess 223 rather than the projection 222, with the collar 226 formed as a skirt from the cover part 203. The collar 226 may be connected to each side of the passage 220 or may be slit at each side thus forming a flap valve, which in some conditions may vibrate as a reed and generate an ultrasonic frequency which assists break-up of droplets in the spray. Figure 9 shows a cross-section through a variant of the pre-compression valve. In this embodiment, the projection 222 is shown as fitting snugly in the recess 223 without any groove 224, and thereby forming an airtight valve. This also maintains the effectiveness of the seal formed by the rib 230 and its matching grove as the recess 223 is deeper than the groove of the seal. The pre-compression valve 221 may be used as a simply one-way valve, wherein the pre-compression level is set to a low value such as to provide instant opening in operation of the dispenser pump, but still prevent back flow; and is effective both with liquid and gaseous media such as air.

The pre-compression valve 221 has the advantages that it is very small, does not require an enlarged chamber such as required by flap valves and thus can retain pressure within the system. It can operate in rigid material and is easy to mass produce as a projection nesting in a socket is very reliable. As the displaceable part is effectively a part of a tube, it is also reliable and durable. The device in which the valve is used may be a spray dispenser as described or a dispenser for liquid foam or gel. A valve similar to the pre-compression valve 221 may be used in place of the inlet flap valve, and be designed so that minimal pressure differential will distort the wall to allow the fluid to pass into the chamber. The dimensions of the parts of the pre-compression valve may be varied as required. A further embodiment of a valve in accordance with the invention is illustrated schematically in Figures 10 and 11. Figures 10 and 11 show schematically two component parts 310, 312 that when assembled together define between them a passageway forming part of a nozzle arrangement. Thus component part 310 has an abutment surface 314 in which are formed a series of interconnected recesses 316a, 318a, 320a, 322a, and 324a. The component 312 has a conesponding abutment surface 326 in which are formed a conesponding series of interconnected recesses 316b, 318b, 320b, 322b, 324b. The anangement is such that when the component parts are assembled with the abutment surfaces 314, 326 in contact with one another, the aligned recesses form a series of chambers that provide an outlet passageway leading to an outlet orifice 328 between the outer edges of the two components. A valve 330 for controlling the movement of fluid from a source (not shown) into the passageway comprises a projection or peg 332 on one of the component parts 310 that is received in a recess 334 in the other of the component parts 312 when the are assembled together. A groove 336 in the surface of the projection extends from an upstream side, where it is in fluid communication with the fluid source, around the free end of the projection and partway along the downstream side of the projection. The recess 334, includes a deformable tliin wall section or collar 338 that is biased into contact with the downstream surface of the projection 330 to seal off the groove 336. The valve operates in the same manner as the valves described above, in that the collar 338 is deformed away from the projection 330 when the pressure of the fluid in the groove 336 reaches a predetermined threshold value to open the valve.

The valve 330 differs from previous embodiments in that the projection is not fully round but has a concave region 340 on its downstream side. Furthermore, the collar 338 is shaped so as to curve towards the projection so that it is matingly received in the concave region 340. Hence, in this embodiment, the surface of the collar 338 that abuts the projection 330 is convex rather than concave as in the previous embodiments. In this anangement, the ends of the collar 342, 344 act like springs to bias the collar 338 into engagement with the projection 330 to provide an increased seal. It is a further advantage of this arrangement that there is an increased movement of the collar 338 when the valve opens when compared with a tubular collar. Thus the area through which the fluid material can pass is increased. In the embodiments described so far, a single groove has been provided in the projection to define a single flow path through the valve. However, in some applications it is desirable that two fluids can pass through the same valve. Such an embodiment is illustrated in Figures 12 to 14. As with the previous embodiments, the valve 410 comprises a projection or peg 412 that is received in a recess 414 with a snug, sealing fit. Two grooves 416, 418 are formed in the surface of the projection 412 with each groove extending from an upstream side of the projection around the free end of the projection and partway along the downstream side of the projection. The upstream end of each groove 416, 418 is aligned with a respective inlet 420, 422, each of which is in fluid communication with a different source of fluid material (not shown). As can be seen from Figure 13, when the projection 412 is positioned in the recess 414, the downstream end of the grooves 416, 418 is spaced inwardly from the rim of a collar 424 that forms the downstream side of the recess 414. The anangement is such that when the pressure of the fluid material in the grooves 416, 418 is below a threshold value, the collar 424 engages the surface of the projection above the downstream ends of the grooves 416, 418, so as to close off the flow paths through the groves. When the pressure of the fluid in the grooves 416, 418 reaches or exceeds the threshold pressure, the collar will be deflected away from the projection allowing the fluid to pass through the grooves and into a chamber 426 where the fluids are mixed before passing through an outlet orifice 428 from the chamber. Thus a single pre-compression valve in accordance with the invention can be used to control the release of fluids from two different fluid sources. Depending on the size of the valve, it may be possible to provide more than two groves so that three or more fluids could pass through the same valve. A valve in accordance with the present embedment is particularly suited for use in a pump-action dispenser where it is desired to mix air and liquor together, either to generate foam or to produce an atomised spray. There are several problems with mixing air an liquor which include: getting the air and liquor to be dispensed at the same time and at the same pressure, preventing either of the fluids from going back down the inlet channel of the other fluid, preventing the air and liquor from mixing in and before the valve, controlling the relative flows to maintain constant mixing. Many of the above problems are addressed by the valve 410 in accordance with the present embodiment. By providing separate grooves 416, 418 the two fluids are kept separate from each other until they exit the valve. The fluids are prevented from returning down the grooves 416, 418 as each groove is independently sealed by the collar 424. The relative size of the grooves 416, 418 and the inputs to the grooves can be selected to control the relative flow of the fluids. By appropriate design of the collar 424, it can be ananged that that both fluids are at the required pressure when the collar deflects to open the valve. The collar 424 could be arranged in such away that when it gives way for one fluid, it also opens automatically for the other as well. Equally, the collar 424 could be designed so that it opens independently for each groove only when the pressure of the fluid material in the respective groove reaches a desired pressure. This could be the same pressure for each groove 416, 414 or different pressures. This can be achieved by varying the thickness of collar 424 along its length and by varying the distance from the downstream ends of the grooves 416, 418 to the lip or rim of the collar 424. Two separate collars 424 may also be provided, one on either side of the projection, with the collars being separated by a rigid portion. In order to ensure that the fluids remain separated in the valve 410, a seal means (not shown) may be provided between the grooves 416, 418, particularly in the base of the recess where it is more difficult to form an effective seal between the recess 414 and the projection 412. The seal may take the form of a rib on the projection 412 extending between the grooves 416, 418 that engages with a conesponding slot or groove in the recess 414. Alternatively, the rib may be provided on the recess and the slot in the projection. In a further alternative, the free end of the projection 412 may be sealingly received in a hole or further recess (not shown) in the base of the recess 414 and the grooves 416, 418 ananged to pass around opposite sides of the projection. As shown in Figure 12, grooves 430 are formed in the face of the collar 424 that does not engage the projection 412. The grooves 430 serve to weaken the collar 424 locally making it easier for the collar to flex. As shown in the drawings, the grooves 430 are positioned opposite the grooves 416, 418 in the projection. Grooves 430 or other means of locally weakening the collar 424 can be used to determine the threshold pressure at with the collar 424 moves to open the valve. Such measures can be applied to any of the valves described above. Figure 14 illustrates how the grooves 416, 418 on the projection could be shaped so as to direct the fluid material into a chamber 426 tangentially so as to spin or rotate in the chamber. Figures 15A and 15b show a further embodiment of a valve 510 in accordance with the first aspect of the invention in which a further flap is provided inside the recess as a back up valve.

The valve 510 has a male valve member or projection 512 that is received in a female valve member or recess 514 in a manner similar to the previous embodiments. A thin wall or collar portion 516 defines a downstream or outlet region of the recess 512 and is deformable from a first position, as shown in Figure 15 A, in which contacts the outer surface of the projection 512 to close the valve, to a second position, in which it is flexed away from the surface of the projection 512 and the valve is opened. In this embodiment, a downstream side of the projection 512 is cutaway or recessed so that a chamber 518 is formed between the projection and a downstream side of the recess 514. The flow path through the valve is defined by the chamber and three grooves 520, 522 524. The first groove 520 is formed in an upstream side wall of the recess to direct fluid material from an inlet 526 into the base of the recess 514A. The second groove 522 is formed in the downstream cutaway region of the projection and directs the fluid material from the base of the recess into the chamber 518. The third groove 524 is formed in the surface of the projection above the cutaway region and directs fluid material from the chamber to an outlet region of the projection opposite the collar 516. The movement of fluid material from the second groove 522 into the chamber 518 is controlled by means of a flap 528 which is adapated to abut the cutaway face of the projection to close off the second groove. As shown in Figure 15 A, the flap 526 may be formed as an integral part of the recess. The main purpose of the flap 528 is to prevent air or other fluid being drawn back through the inlet 526 and is more easily deformed than the main valve collar 516. Thus the flap 528 will open readily to allow fluid to pass through the first two grooves 520, 522 into the chamber 518 and the third groove 524. Once the pressure of the fluid in the third groove 524 reaches the threshold value, the collar 516 will be deformed away from the projection 512 and the valve will be opened. Once the pressure of the fluid in the grooves and chamber falls below the threshold value, the collar 516 and the flap 528 will both move back into contact with the projection to close the valve.

Where the valve is acting as a pre-compression outlet valve for the chamber of a pump-action dispenser pump, the second flap 528 will help to prevent air from being drawn back through the valve and into the chamber. Any additional movable flap adapted to close off the flow path through the valve due to a back or negative pressure could be used to perform this function. A yet further embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 16. The valve 610 comprises a male valve member or projection 612 that is received in a female valve member or recess 614. The free end 612A of the projection is flattened rather than being curved and has a circular central recess 616. The projection 612 is a snug fit in the recess 614 so that the side walls of the recess seal with the outer surface of the projection. A flow path through the valve is defined by two grooves, an inlet groove

618 and an outlet groove 620. The inlet groove 618 extends along an upstream side of the projection from an inlet 622 to the free end 612A of the projection. The outlet groove 620 extends along an upstream side of the projection from the free end to an outlet 624. A flexible valve closure member 626 is located in the base of the recess 614 and in a first position (as shown in figure 16) abuts the free end 612A of the projection to close off the inlet and outlet grooves. However, the centre of the flexible valve closure member 626 is adapted to curve away from the free end of the projection 612 when the pressure of the fluid in the inlet groove 618 reaches a threshold value so that the fluid material is able to pass from the inlet groove 618 to the outlet groove 620 and exit the valve. Once the pressure of the fluid material in the inlet groove falls below the threshold value, the flexible closure member will snap back to the position shown in Figure 16 to close the valve. As shown in Figure 16, a deformable collar 628 can be provided to control the release of fluid material from the downstream or outlet end of the outlet groove 620 in a manner similar to the collars in the previously described embodiments. However, the collar could be omitted. The flexible valve closure member can advantageously be in the form of a flexible washer. To assist the washer in flexing downwardly at the centre, the base of the recess 614A is curved and the region 614B leading to the curved end is sloped. In all the embodiments described so far, the male valve member remains stationary in the recess and the valve is opened and closed by movement of the deformable means or collar. However, in a variant where the groove or grooves is/are provided in the outer surface of the projection, the projection may be mounted so that it is raised upwards by the pressure of the fluid material in the groove so that the downstream end of the groove(s) is exposed outside of the lip of the recess to open the flow path. This could be achieved by providing a area of weakness at the base of the projection or by mounting the projection to a flexible member that may resiliently bias the projection towards the recess. With reference to Figures 17A-D, there is shown a further embodiment of a pump-action dispenser device 710 in accordance with the invention, which is configured to dispense fluids in the form of a spray. The dispenser device 710 is composed of three parts, namely a base 712, an upper part 714 and an over cap or pan handle 716. All three parts can be integrally formed from a plastics material (such as polypropylene, for example) in a single moulding, as shown in Figures 17 A and 17B, and subsequently assembled to form the functional device, as shown in Figures 17C and 17D. In this regard, the upper part 714 fits onto the upper surface of the base 712 to define an internal chamber 718. The base has a screw threaded boss 719 by means of which it can be mounted to the neck of a container (not shown). During use, fluid is drawn from the container into the chamber 718 through an inlet 720 when the chamber expands, and is expelled through an outlet 722 when the chamber is compressed. To reach the outlet, the fluid in the chamber must firstly reach a pressure that is sufficient to displace a projection or male valve member 724 from a recess or valve seat 726 so that fluid can flow along the outlet passageway 722 defined between the upper part 714 and the base 712. Various spray modifying features shown by chambers 728, 730 and 732 are formed in the passageway to atomise the fluid flowing through during use into small droplets. The over cap 716 is fitted over the upper part 714 to define an air chamber 734 there between. The over cap is pivotally mounted to the upper part 714 about the connection element 736. The over cap 716 is also rigid so that it provides a firm surface for an operator to press. Pressing the over cap 716 downwards in the direction of anow C causes the over cap to be urged towards the upper surface of the upper part 714, thereby causing the side wall 738 of the chamber 734 formed by the upper part 714 to resiliently deform, as shown in Figure 17D. This movement compresses the air chamber 734 thereby causing air to be expelled into the chamber 728 through the outlet channel 740. In addition, the projection 742 engages portion 744 of the upper part and causes it to distend inwards, thereby compressing chamber 718 to case fluid therein to be ejected. The fluid ejected from chamber 718 mixes with the air stream ejected from the air chamber 734 in the chamber 728, which results in the further atomisation of the droplets of fluid ejected through the outlet 722. When the applied pressure is released, the over cap 716 is urged away from the upper part 714 as the side wall 738 deforms back to its initial resiliently biased configuration, as shown in Figure 17C. This increases the volume of both of the chambers 718 and 734, and thereby causes the pressure therein to reduce. This reduction in pressure results in more fluid being drawn into the chamber 718 through the inlet 720 and more air to be drawn into the air chamber 734, either through the outlet 722 and passageway 740, or through a separate one-way air inlet valve (not shown). A pre-compression valve (not shown) is provided in the outlet channel 740 to ensure an air stream is only ejected from the chamber 734 when the pressure therein exceeds a predetermined nύnimum valve. This valve can be configured to open at the same time as the valve formed by the valve member 728 and valve seat 730 so that fluid from the chamber 718 and an air stream from the chamber 734 are both released into the outlet passageway at the same time. A seal is provided between the base part 712 and the upper part 714 to prevent fluid from leaking between the two parts from the chamber 718. The seal comprises a rib 744 on the upper part 714 that engages with a snap fit in a conesponding groove 746 in the base part 712. The rib 744 and the groove 746 extend around the chamber 718. Due to the need to have a pre-compression valve between the chamber and the outlet passageway, there is a problem in ensuring that both the valve and the two seal areas remain sealed. In the present embodiment, this problem is alleviated by forming the male and female valve members 724, 726 integrally with the seal. In this case, the projection 724 is formed as integral with and sitting astride the rib 744 whilst the recess 726 is formed integrally with and sitting astride the groove 746 so that there are no gaps between the seal and the valve though which leaks can occur. The anangement could of course be reversed so that the valve projection 724 is positioned astride the seal groove 746 and the valve recess 726 positioned astride the seal rib 744. Although not shown in the drawings, a further seal means may extend around the outlet passageway 722. Unlike the previous embodiments, the pre-compression valve in the device shown in Figures 17A-D does not comprise a groove in the projection

724 or the recess 726 and so is an air tight seal. However, it should be understood that the valve in this embodiment could be modified in accordance with the valves described above in relation to any of the previous embodiments. Although not shown, the embodiment shown in Figures 17A-D would usually have a lock to prevent the accidental actuation of the device. Any suitable lock could be used. Although the device shown in Figures 17A-D is adapted to generate a spray, it could equally be a dispenser adapted to eject a volume of liquid at a lower pressure, and not in the form of a spray. The air from the chamber 734 would still mix with the fluid ejected from the chamber and the respective pre- compression valves for each chamber would preferably also be present. In a further embodiment of the invention, the device shown in Figures 17A-D could be modified further so that it comprises a trigger actuator, with the addition of a compressible air chamber having deformable side walls being provided between the trigger and the body, so that, when the trigger is pulled, the air chamber 734 is caused to compress, simultaneously with the chamber 718. Conversely, when the trigger is released, the chambers 734 and 718 would re-expand. The embodiment shown in Figures 17A-D could be made from a single, integrally formed component part, as shown, or could be formed from several separate component parts that are assembled together to form the device. The device would usually be moulded from a rigid plastic. The necessary deformability for certain parts of the structure can be provided by making these required sections of a reduced thickness, which imparts the necessary deformability characteristics into the design. The embodiments shown in the Figures 17A-D will usually be fitted to a container, which provides a reservoir of liquid to be drawn into the chamber 718. However, in some cases, a liquid reservoir may be integrally formed with the device. Whilst the valves in accordance with the first and second aspects of the invention has been described above as comprising pre-compression valves in pump-action dispenser devices, they are not limited to use in this way but may be used in any suitable applications. For example, valves in accordance with the first and second aspects of the invention may be used as inlet valves in pump- action dispenser devices. Such valves could also be used as pressure release valves for containers ananged so that they open when the pressure in the container reaches a preset level. In this later application, the deformation of the deformable portion may be ananged to be very small so that only gas and not liquid can pass through the valve. The same effect could be achieved by making the groove so small that it will only pass gas and there could be several grooves or valves to ensure the required flow can be met. Alternatively, the valves could be used the other way around to enable air to be drawn into a container as the product or gas inside is used up. Valves in accordance with the first and second aspects of the invention can also have applications in fields other than pump-action dispensers. For example, embodiments having more than one flow path through the valve could be used as mixing valves in any application where it is necessary to mix two fluids. It should also be understood that the term pump-action dispenser herein includes within its scope manual pump- action dispensers that are actuated by means of a trigger, these being sometimes called trigger spray devices.

Furthermore, whilst in the embodiments described above the valves are all formed integrally with the pump-action dispenser device, this is not essential and the valves could be provided in the form of a separate valve member for insertion into a device as required. Whereas the invention has been described in relation to what are currently considered to be the most practicable and prefened embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to disclosed anangements but rather is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent constructions included within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. For example, whilst the valves described herein are shown with the projection extending vertically, this is not essential and the valve can be arranged in any orientation including horizontally.

Claims

1. A valve for controlling the flow of fluid material across the valve, the valve comprising a male valve member and a female valve member for receiving the male valve member, a flow path for the fluid material being defined through the male valve member or between the male valve member and the female valve member, the valve further comprising a deformable means associated with one of the male valve member and the female valve member, the deformable means being movable from a first position in which it engages the other of the male valve member and the female valve member to close off the flow path and a second position in which it is spaced from the other of the male valve member and the female valve member and the flow path is opened.

2. A valve as claimed in claim 1, in which the deformable means is movable from the first position to the second position in response to a pressure differential across the valve.

3. A valve as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the male valve member is in the form of a projection.

4. A valve as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the female valve member is in the form of a recess or cavity.

5. A valve as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, in which the male valve member has a circular or oval cross-section over most of its length.

6. A valve as claimed in claim 5, in which the female valve member is shaped so as to conespond with the shape of the male valve member to ensure that a seal is formed between at least a downstream or outlet side wall of the female valve member and the downstream side of the male valve member.

7. A valve as claimed in claim 6, in which the side walls of the female valve member contact and seal all-round an outer surface of the male valve member.

8. A valve as claimed in any previous claim, in which the deformable means is resiliently biased towards the first position.

9. A valve as claimed in any previous claim, in which more than one flow path is defined through the valve to enable fluid materials from different sources to cross the valve.

10. A valve as claimed in any previous claim, in which at least one flow path through the valve is defined by means of a groove in the surface of one or both of the male valve member and the female valve member.

11. A valve as claimed in claim 10, in which the at least one groove extends from an upstream or inlet region of the valve towards a downstream or outlet region proximate to the, or a, deformable means.

12. A valve as claimed in claim 11, in which there is more than one groove, each groove being in fluid communication with a different source of fluid material.

13. A valve as claimed in any previous claim, in which the projection has a through bore defining at least part of a flow path for fluid material through the valve.

14. A valve as claimed in claim 13, when dependent on any one of claims 10 to 12, in which the through bore connects an inlet of the valve to a groove in the surface of or both of the male valve member and the female valve member.

15. A valve as claimed in claim 13, in which the through bore extends from an inlet of the valve to a position opposite from the deformable means.

16. A valve as claimed in any previous claim, in which there is more than one flow path through the valve and all the flow paths are opened and closed by a single deformable means.

17. A valve as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, in which there is more than one flow path through the valve and some of the flow paths are opened and closed by independently operable deformable means.

18. A valve as claimed in claim 17, in which the independently operable deformable means are adapted to move from the first position to the second position at substantially the same pressure differential.

19. A valve as claimed in claim 17, in which some of the independently operable deformable means are adapted to move from the first position to the second position at different pressure differentials.

20. A valve as claimed in any previous claim, having more than one flow path defined between the male valve member and the female valve member, in which a seal means is provided between the male valve member and the female valve member to prevent the fluid materials in each flow path from mixing within the valve.

21. A valve as claimed in claim 20, in which the seal means comprises a ridge or wall on one of the male valve member and the female valve member which engages in a conesponding groove or slot in the other of the male valve member and the female valve member.

22. A valve as claimed in claim 20, in which the free end of the male valve member is sealingly received in a hole or recess in the base of the female valve member and the flow paths extended between the male valve member and the female valve member around different sides of the male valve member.

23. A valve as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, in which a flow path is defined by means of a small gap between the male valve member and the female valve member on the upstream side, with only the downstream sides of the male valve member and female valve member being in contact when the valve is closed.

24. A valve as claimed in any previous claim, in which the male valve member is hollow and the, or each, deformable means comprises a movable wall portion of the male valve member that can be deflected inwardly away from the surface of the female valve member.

25. A valve as claimed in claim 24, in which the movable wall portion is thinner than the remainder of the wall of the male valve member.

26. A valve as claimed in claim 24, in which the movable wall portion is separated from the remainder of the wall of the male valve member by means of a line of weakness, such as a groove in the surface of the male valve member.

27. A valve as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 23, in which the, or each, deformable means comprises a side wall portion of the female valve member.

28. A valve member as claimed in claim 27, in which the deformable portion comprises a thin wall or collar defining a downstream region of the female valve member, one face of the wall or collar contacting the male valve member when it is in the first position.

29. A valve member as claimed in claim 28, in which one or more grooves are formed in a face of the wall or collar opposite from the face that contacts the male valve member.

30. A valve member as claimed in claim 29, in which each groove in the wall or collar is located opposite a respective groove in the surface of the male valve member.

31. A valve as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 30, in which the wall or collar is shaped so as to curve towards the male valve member.

32. A valve as claimed in claim 31, in which the male valve member has a conesponding concave portion at the downstream side with which the curved portion of the wall or collar mates.

33. A valve as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 32, in which the ends of the deformable wall portion or collar are adapted to bias the wall portion or collar into contact with the male valve member.

34. A valve as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 32, in which the wall or collar is separated from the remainder of the female valve member by means of a slit at one or both ends.

35. A valve as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 23, in which the deformable means comprises a flexible valve closure member located within the female valve member for contact with a free end region of the male valve member.

36. A valve as claimed in claim 35, in which a flow path through the valve is defined by means of a first inlet groove that extends along an upstream side of the male valve member from an inlet region to the free end thereof and a further outlet groove that extends along a downstream side of the male valve member from the free end to an outlet region, the flexible valve closure member being deformable from a first position in which it abuts the free end of the male valve member to close off the inlet and outlet grooves and a second position in which it is deformed away from free end so that fluid material can pass from the inlet groove to the outlet groove.

37. A valve as claimed in claim 36, in which the free end of the male valve member is flat and has a recess in a central region between the inlet and outlet grooves.

38. A valve as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 37, in which the valve closure member comprises a flexible washer.

39. A valve as claimed in any previous claim, comprising a further deformable means or flap adapted to close a flow path through the valve in response to a negative pressure.

40. A valve as claimed in any previous claim manufactured from a plastics material using injection moulding techniques.

41. A valve as claimed in claim 40 manufactured using a bi-injection moulding technique in which a flexible plastics material is over moulded onto a rigid plastics material.

42. A valve for controlling the flow of fluid material across the valve, the valve comprising a male valve member and a female valve member for receiving the male valve member such that at least the side walls of the female valve member engage the outer surface of male valve member to form a seal, wherein at least one groove is provided in the surface the male valve member, the or each groove defining a flow path leading from a fluid inlet at an upstream or inlet portion of the male valve member towards a downstream or outlet portion of the male valve member, the male valve member being movable from a first position, in which the downstream end of the, or each, groove is contained within the female valve member such that a rim portion of the female valve member engages with the surface of the male valve member beyond the downstream end of the groove to close the flow path, to a second position, in which the male valve member is partially retracted from the female valve member such that the downstream end of the, or each, groove is positioned outside the female valve member and the flow path is opened so that the fluid material is able to pass across the valve through the groove.

43. A valve as claimed in claim 42, in which the male valve member comprises a peg or projection.

44. A valve as claimed in claim 42 or claim 43, in which the female valve member comprises a recess or cavity.

45. A valve as claimed in any one of claims 42 to 44, in which the male valve member is mounted to a flexible member to enable it to move between the first and second positions.

46. A valve as claimed in claim 45, in which the flexible member resiliently biases the male valve member towards the first position.

47. A valve as claimed in any one of claims 42 to 44, in which a base region of the male valve member has a region of weakness adapted such that the male valve member can be moved between the first and second positions.

48. A valve as claimed in any one of claims 42 to 47, in which the male valve member is adapted to move from the first position to the second position when the pressure of the fluid material in the groove reaches a predetermined threshold value.

49. A pump-action dispenser device comprising a valve as claimed in any previous claim.

50. A pump-action dispenser device as claimed in claim 49, in which the valve comprises a pre-compression valve adapted to control the release of a fluid material from a chamber of the pump-action dispenser device into a fluid passageway.

51. A pump-action dispenser device as claimed in claim 50, in which the pre-compression valve is adapted to direct fluid into an expansion chamber forming part of the passageway.

52. A pump-action dispenser device as claimed in any one of claims 49 to 51, in which the valve is adapted to control the release of fluid materials from two separate chambers of the pump-action dispenser into the passageway forming part of an outlet nozzle arrangement.

53. A pump-action dispenser device as claimed in claim 50 or claim 51, in which the pre-compression valve is arranged to direct fluid material into the passageway tangentially so that the fluid material is caused to spin or rotate.

54. A pump-action dispenser device as claimed in claim 53 when dependent on claim 52, in which the valve is adapted to direct the fluid materials from the separate chambers into the passageway or expansion chamber tangentially, in the same or opposite directions.

55. A pump-action dispenser as claimed in claim 49, in which the valve comprises an inlet valve for controlling the introduction of fluid material from a fluid store into a chamber of the device.

56. A pump-action dispenser as claimed in claim 49, in which the valve comprises a pressure release valve for a container to which the dispenser device is mounted.

57. A pump-action dispenser device as claimed in any one of claims 49 to 56, in which the valve is formed integrally with a body of the pump-action dispenser device.

58. A pump-action dispenser device as claimed in any one of claims 49 to 57, in which the valve comprises a separate valve unit assembled to the dispenser device.

59. A pump-action dispenser device as claimed in any one of claims 49 to 57, in which the pump-action dispenser device comprises a body having at least two components that when assembled together define between them a pump chamber and the male valve member and the female valve member are each formed integrally with a respective one of the body components.

60. A pump-action dispenser device as claimed in claim 59, in which the at least two body components have conesponding abutment surfaces that are brought into contact when the components are assembled together to form the body of the dispenser device, said abutment surfaces defining between them at least part of an internal passageway forming at least part of a nozzle arrangement of the dispenser device.

61. A pump-action dispenser device as claimed in claim 59 or claim 60, in which a seal means is provided between the at least two body components, to resist fluid material leaking from the chamber and/or the internal passageway between the components.

62. A pump-action dispenser device as claimed in claim 61, in which the seal means comprises a male seal member on one of the body components and a conesponding female seal member on the other of the body components the male seal member being received in the female seal member when the components are assembled together.

63. A pump-action dispenser device as claimed in claim 61 or claim 62, in which the valve is a pre-compression outlet valve and is formed integrally with the seal means.

64. A pump-action dispenser device as claimed claim 63 when dependent on claim 62, in which the male valve member is formed integrally with one of the male seal member and the female seal member and the female valve member is formed integrally with the other of the male seal member and the female seal member.

65. A pump-action dispenser device as claimed claim 64, in which the male valve member and the female valve member are ananged to sit astride the male and female seal members.

66. A pump-action dispenser device as claimed in claim 64, in which the male valve member and the female valve member are formed adjacent the male and female seal members with no gap in between.

67. A pump-action dispenser device as claimed in any one of claims 62 to 66, in which the male seal member is a rib or wall and the female seal member is a groove or slot.

68. A pump-action dispenser device comprising a chamber having an inlet through which a fluid material can be drawn from a container and an outlet through which fluid material can exit the chamber into a nozzle anangement, the device comprising at least two component body parts that when assembled together define the chamber between them, the device further comprising a seal means between the body parts adapted to resist fluid material from leaking between the parts, the device further having an outlet valve for controlling the release of fluid material from the chamber through the outlet, the outlet valve including a male valve member and a female valve member for receiving the male valve member, characterised in that the male valve member and the female valve member are formed integrally with the seal means.

69. A pump-action dispenser device as claimed in claim 68, in which the body parts each have an abutment surface, which abutment surfaces are brought into contact when the parts are assembled together.

70. A pump-action dispenser device as claimed in claim 69, in which the seal means comprises a male seal member on the abutment surface of one of the body parts and a conesponding female seal member on the abutment surface of the other of the body parts.

71. A pump-action dispenser device as claimed in claim 70, in which the male valve member is formed integrally with one of the male seal member and the female seal member and the female valve member is formed integrally with the other of the male seal member and the female seal member.

72. A pump-action dispenser device as claimed in claim 71, in which the male valve member and the female valve member are arranged to sit astride the male and female seal members.

73. A pump-action dispenser device as claimed in claim 71, in which the male valve member and the female valve member are formed adjacent the male and female seal members with no gap in between.

74. A pump-action dispenser device as claimed in any one of claims 70 to 73, in which the male seal member is a rib or wall and the female seal member is a groove or slot.

75. A pump-action dispenser device as claimed in any one of claims 68 to 74, in which the male valve member is a peg or projection and the female valve member is a recess or cavity.