AU2012283730A1

AU2012283730A1 - Water bag dispenser

Info

Publication number: AU2012283730A1
Application number: AU2012283730A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Leon Keith Ernst
Original assignee: AIRLAW Pty Ltd
Current assignee: AIRLAW Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2011-07-08
Filing date: 2012-05-11
Publication date: 2013-05-02
Also published as: WO2013006888A1

Abstract

A dispenser for a pouch containing a liquid content, including a pouch attachment portion for attaching the dispenser to a pouch, a valve housing connected to the pouch attachment means, a valve member partially contained within the valve housing, a tip of the valve member protruding from the housing, wherein a movement of the valve member opens a dispensing pathway for the content to exit the pouch.

Description

WO 2013/006888 PCT/AU2012/000525 WATER BAG DISPENSER Field of the invention [001] The present invention relates to a method and system for delivering fluid, and in particular the delivery of fluid to an animal caging system. Background of the invention [0021 Mice and rats are kept for experimental research. To ensure the wellbeing of the animals, proper management of the facilities, such as caging facilities, used by the animals, is essential. A proper management of such facilities includes the provision of potable water which is free from contaminants such as pathogens or other chemical contaminants which may affect the wellbeing of the animals. [003] Any reference herein to known prior art does not, unless the contrary indication appears, constitute an admission that such prior art is commonly known by those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, at the priority date of this application. Summary of the invention [004] The present invention provides a dispenser for a pouch containing a liquid content, including a pouch attachment portion for attaching the dispenser to a pouch; a valve housing connected to the pouch attachment portion; a valve member partially contained within the valve housing, wherein in use a tip of the valve member protrudes from the housing; wherein a movement of the valve member opens a dispensing pathway for the liquid content to exit the pouch. [005] The valve housing can include a nozzle, and the tip of the valve member extends proud of the nozzle. [006] A guard can be provided around the nozzle and the tip of the valve. [007] The guard can be ring-shaped. [008] The guard can include at least an exterior longitudinal fin.

WO 2013/006888 PCT/AU2012/000525 [009] The guard can include at least one lateral projection extending from an end of the guard that is in use, farthest from the tip of the valve. [010] The valve housing can include a rear housing, and a vale body which includes a valve bore that partially contains the valve member, wherein the rear housing is adapted to receive the valve body. [011] A spring mechanism can be retained between the rear housing and the valve bore sidewall, wherein the spring mechanism biases the valve member to close the dispensing pathway. [012] The spring mechanism can provide a centrally directed loading force on the valve member. [013] The spring mechanism can include a spring arm which centrally loads the valve member. [014] The spring arm can be a curved arm. [015] The spring mechanism can include a longitudinal ring. [016] The spring mechanism can be moulded in one-piece. [017] A longitudinal axis of the rear housing can be aligned with a longitudinal axis of a through bore of the pouch attachment portion. [018] A longitudinal axis of the rear housing can be transverse to a longitudinal axis of a through bore of the pouch attachment portion. [019] The rear housing and the pouch attachment portion can be one-piece. [020] The rear housing can extend into a stem, the stem having a through bore, the stem further being adapted to be fitted into a neck portion whose interior is in fluid communication with an interior of the pouch attachment portion. [021] The neck portion can be sealed by a seal, and is unsealed when the stem is assembled into the neck portion. 2 WO 2013/006888 PCT/AU2012/000525 [022] The seal can be one of the following: a ball; a polymeric ball; a steel ball; a plug; a polymeric plug. [023] A free end of the stem can include a cut-out portion. [024] The cut-out portion can provide a location to hold said seal, and allow liquid to pass said seal. [025] The valve housing can include a valve bore which partially contains the valve member. [026] A sidewall for the valve bore can include a valve seat for the valve. [027] The valve member can include an enlarged head that is received by the valve seat. [028] The valve seat can also receive a sealing ring which is compressible by the enlarged head. [029] The valve bore can be a first interior portion in the valve housing, and the valve housing further includes a second interior portion, the first and second interior portions being normally sealed from each other by the valve member, and the movement of the valve member opens a communication between the first and second interior portions. [030] The valve member can be biased to close the dispensing pathway. [031] The valve member can include a web that is retained by an internal wall of the valve housing. [032] The web can be retained between an end of the internal wall and a cap which closes an opening formed by the internal wall. [033] The valve member can include a shaft which decreases in size toward the tip of the valve. [034] The valve member can include a sealing ring provided around the shaft. [035] The movement can angle the valve member relative to the valve housing. 3 WO 2013/006888 PCT/AU2012/000525 [036] The attachment portion can be heat bonded to the pouch. [037] The attachment portion can have a bulbous middle and two ends that are flattened relative to the bulbous middle. [038] The attachment portion can include longitudinal ribs which each provide a bonding surface for bonding the attachment portion to the pouch. [039] The present invention also provides a pouch, package or bag having a dispenser as mentioned above. [040] The present invention also provides an assembly for storing and dispensing a liquid content, including a pouch, package or bag for storing the liquid content; and a dispenser as mentioned above. [041] The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing a pouch, package, or bag as mentioned above, including bonding the attachment portion to the pouch, package or bag; partially inserting the valve member into the valve housing; closing the valve housing; and sterilising the dispenser and the pouch, package or bag. [042] The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing a pouch package, or bag as mentioned above, including bonding the attachment portion to the pouch, package or bag; injecting liquid content into the pouch, package or bag via the valve housing; inserting the valve member into the valve housing and closing the valve housing; sterilising the dispenser and the pouch, package or bag. [043] The method can include preassembling the valve member into a valve bore of a nozzle. [044] A sidewall surrounding the valve bore can be adapted to engage a sidewall of the valve housing to substantially close the valve housing. [045] Said bonding can be heat bonding. [046] The dispenser and the pouch, package or bag can be sterilised via gamma irradiation. 4 WO 2013/006888 PCT/AU2012/000525 [047] The method can include injecting liquid content into the pouch, package or bag via the valve housing. [048] An injection nozzle for injecting said liquid can be coupled to a metering circuit for controlling an amount injected into the pouch, package or bag. Brief description of the drawings [049] An embodiment or embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [050] Figure 1 is a perspective view of pouch assembly; [051] Figure 2 is a plan view of the pouch assembly shown in Figure 1; [052] Figure 3 is a right side elevation view of the pouch assembly shown in Figure 1; [053] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the dispenser assembly shown in Figure 1; [054] Figure 5 is a front elevation view of the dispenser assembly shown in Figure 4; [055] Figure 6 is a right side elevation view of the dispenser assembly shown in Figure 4; [056] Figure 7 is a front elevation view of the dispenser assembly shown in Figure 1; [057] Figure 8 is a cross-section taken along line B-B of Figure 7; [058] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the valve member shown in Figure 8; [059] Figure 10 is a front elevation view of another dispenser assembly; [060] Figure 11 is a cross-section of the dispenser assembly shown in Figure 10, taken from line B-B; 5 WO 2013/006888 PCT/AU2012/000525 [061] Figures 12 is a perspective view of the valve member shown in Figure 11; [062] Figure 13 is a flow chart depicting a manufacturing process and filling process for a pouch assembly. [063] Figure 14 is an upper front perspective view of a second embodiment of a dispenser assembly. [064] Figure 15 is a cross section of the dispenser assembly shown in Figure 15 [065] Figure 16 is a right side elevation view of the bore sidewall and nozzle shown in Figure 14. [066] Figure 17 is a plan view of the assembled bore sidewall and guard. [067] Figure 18 is a rear view of the assembled bore sidewall and guard shown in Figure 17. [068] Figure 19 is a cross section of the assembled bore sidewall and guard shown in Figure 18, taken from line B-B. [069] Figure 20 is a rear plan view of the spring mechanism shown in Figures 14 to 16. [070] Figure 21 is a cross section of the spring mechanism shown in Figure 20, taken through line B-B. [071] Figure 22 is a right side view of the spring mechanism shown in Figures 20 and 21. [072] Figure 23 is a front view of a slidable valve guard. [073] Figure 24 is a right plan view of the valve guard shown in Figure 21. [074] Figure 25 is a rear view of the dispenser assembly shown in Figure 14. [075] Figure 26 is a cross section of the dispenser assembly shown in Figure 25, taken from line A-A. 6 WO 2013/006888 PCT/AU2012/000525 [076] Figure 27 is a right side plan view of a further embodiment of the dispenser assembly. [077] Figure 28 is a cross section of the dispenser assembly shown in Figure 27, taken from line A-A. [078] Figure 29 depicts a pouch assembly having a partial dispenser assembly; [079] Figure 30 is a cross section of Figure 29 taken through line A-A. [080] Figure 31 is a cross section of a pouch assembly having another partial dispenser assembly. [0811 Figure 32 is a partial exploded cross section of Figure 31 taken from line B-B. [082] Figure 32A is a partial cross sectional detail of Figure 32. [083] Figure 33 is a partial exploded elevation view of showing different embodiment of the real cap. [084] Figure 34 is a partial side view showing one embodiment of the stem. [085] Figure 35 is partial side view of another spring mechanism. [086] Figure 36 is a rear perspective view of the spring mechanism depicted in Figures 20 to 22. Detailed description of the embodiment or embodiments [087] Figure 1 depicts a pouch assembly 10 which includes a pouch 104 and a dispenser assembly 100 for dispensing the pouch content. The dispenser 100 includes an insert (or "pouch attachment means") 102 which is, in use, located inside the pouch 104. The insert 102 locates the dispenser assembly 100 onto, and fixes the assembly 100 with respect to, the pouch 104. The insert 102 is moulded to form a leak proof seal, when it is heat bonded to the pouch 104. The pouch 104 is therefore made from a suitable material for heat bonding. The insert 102 supports a dispenser body 106 which houses a valve member 128 (shown in Figure 4). Actuation of the valve member 128 dispenses the potable liquid contained within the pouch 104. No piercing of the pouch 7 WO 2013/006888 PCT/AU2012/000525 104 is necessary. In use, the pouch 104 is fitted to a cage or caging system, either inside or outside, but preferably outside, the cage, for the animal to drink from. It is disposed in any appropriate position so that the liquid content will flow toward the dispenser assembly 100 by gravity, when the valve is open. [088] As shown in Figure 4, the insert 102 has a convex shape with a bulbous middle 103 and two relatively flattened ends 110, 112. The insert 102 has exterior longitudinal ribs 114 which span substantially between the ends 110 and 112. The longitudinal ribs 114 each provide a sealing surface for bonding the insert 102 onto the interior surface of the pouch 104. The portion of the pouch 104 that is adjacent to the insert 102 is sealed to itself. The insert 102 further includes a central through opening 118 which runs transverse to the longitudinal ribs 114, and which is in fluid communication with the interior of the pouch 104, allowing the content of the pouch to enter the dispenser body 106 to be dispensed. [089] As shown in Figures 4 to 7, the dispenser body 106 includes a head portion 120 and a neck portion 108 which connects the head portion 120 to the insert 102. The neck has a through bore 122 (see Figure 5) which is coaxial, and in communication, with the through opening 118 of the insert 102. The neck through bore 122 leads into the interior of the head portion 120, in which the valve member 128 is located. Access to the interior of the head portion 120, and hence to the content of the pouch 104, is controlled by controlling the valve member 128. [090] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the head portion 120 is generally cylindrical, with a cylindrical sidewall 130. The longitudinal axis of the head portion 120 is transverse to the through bore 122 of the neck 108. One end of the head portion 120 extends into a nozzle 132, where the valve member 128 is accessible by the animal. In the embodiment depicted, the nozzle 132 is also generally cylindrical and its sidewall 125 is smaller in diameter than the rest of the head portion 120. The nozzle 132 includes external longitudinal fins 133 that are circumferentially distributed. In use, the nozzle 132 of the dispenser is adapted to fit through an opening provided on a lid or a sidewall of a cage for the animal. The fins 133 help centre the nozzle 132 with respect to the opening, and stabilise the nozzle 132 via an interference fit between the fins 133 with the sidewall of the opening. For ease of reference the nozzle 132 is said to be 8 WO 2013/006888 PCT/AU2012/000525 located at the front end of the head portion 120, and the opposite end of the head portion 120 said to be the rear end. [091] As shown in Figures 6 and 8, the rear end of the cylindrical sidewall 130 has a circumferential shoulder 150. Located at the rear end of the cylindrical sidewall 130 is a cap 160 which closes the rear end of the head portion 120. The cap 160 is made from a similar material to the head portion 120. The cap 160 includes an inner flange 164 which is retained by the circumferential shoulder 150. [092] With reference to Figure 8, the interior of the head portion 120 includes a first interior portion 124 which is a generally cylindrical bore, defined by a bore sidewall 126. The bore sidewall 126 is an extension of the nozzle sidewall 125. The cylindrical bore 124 partially contains the valve member 128. A circumferential groove 138 is provided in the bore sidewall 126. An O-ring 146 is placed in the circumferential groove 138. The circumferential groove 138 is provided adjacent the inner end 142 of the bore sidewall 126. The rear or inner end 142 of the bore sidewall 126 is larger in diameter than the front or outer end 136 of the bore sidewall 126, but is smaller in diameter than the groove 138. As will be explained the groove 138 provides a valve seat for the valve member 128. [093] The first interior portion 124 extends from the nozzle 132 into a second interior portion 166 which is defined between the inner end 142 of the bore sidewall 126 and the cap 160. The first and second interior portions 124 and 166 are selectively sealed and unsealed from each other by the valve member 128. The second interior portion 166 further extends into an annular space 168 between the bore sidewall 126 and the cylindrical sidewall 130 of the head portion 120. The second interior portion 166 is closed by the end cap 160. The annular space 168 is in open communication with the through bore 122 of the neck 108, and hence in open communication with the through opening 118 of the insert 102, and also the interior of the pouch 104. [094]. With reference to Figures 4, 6, and 8, the valve member 128 has a shaft 140, the major extent of which is located in the bore 124. The shaft 140 is smaller in size than the cylindrical bore 124. A tip 134 of the shaft 140 is exposed outside the nozzle 132 so that it can be manipulated by the animal. 9 WO 2013/006888 PCT/AU2012/000525 [095] The shaft 140 gradually increases in diameter from the tip 134 to an enlarged head 144. The enlarged head 144 is partially located in the space defined by the inner end 142 of the bore sidewall 126. An O-ring 146 is located in the circumferential groove 138. The seal O-ring 146 is made from an elastomeric material such as silicon rubber, ethylene vinyl acetate, and polyurethane. This O-ring 146 is located adjacent to, and subject to compressive forces from, the enlarged head 144. When the enlarged head 144 is seated onto the inner end 142 of the bore sidewall 126, it compresses the O-ring. The O-ring 146 then seals the cylindrical bore 124 from the second interior portion 166. When the enlarged head 144 is unseated and thus moved from the O-ring 146, the cylindrical bore 124 and the second interior portion 166 are in communication with each other, and hence the cylindrical bore 124 is in communication with the interior of the pouch 104. Therefore a dispensing pathway is defined between the interior of the pouch 105, the through opening 118 of the insert 102, the through bore 122 of the neck 108, the second interior portion 166 of the head portion 120, and the cylindrical bore 124 of the head portion 120. [0961 The O-ring 146 is preloaded to seal the cylindrical bore 124 by a web 148 carried by the enlarged head 144 of the valve member 128. As shown in Figure 9, the web 148 includes a plurality of radially extending arms 170 that are each longer in length than the radius of the enlarged head 144. From the centre of the enlarged head 144, where the arms 170 are at their thickest, the arms 170 taper out into free ends 171. The free ends are retained between the shoulder 150 and the flange 164 of the end cap 160. A gap 151 is left between the flange 164 and the shoulder 150. The gap 151 allows room for a pivoting movement of the web 148, when the valve member. 128 is tilted with respect to its longitudinal axis. The free side 173 of each arm 170 (i.e. opposite from the side adjacent to the head portion 120) has a concave profile. The valve member 128 can be integrally formed. Its web 148, enlarged head 144, and shaft 140 are moulded in one piece, and are made of an elastomeric polymer. [097] When the animal pushes on the tip 134 of the valve member 128 with its teeth or tongue, the pushing force causes the valve shaft 140 to tilt away from its longitudinal axis, and/or to move rearward toward the cap 160. This movement causes the enlarged head 144 to be moved with respect to the 0-ring, thus unsealing the dispensing pathway for the pouch content. The movement of the enlarged head 144 loads the web 148.. Because the flexibility or springiness in the material of the web 148, 10 WO 2013/006888 PCT/AU2012/000525 upon a release of the force applied by the animal, the web 148 returns the enlarged head 144 to its original position, and seals the dispensing pathway again. [098] An alternate embodiment of the valve member is shown in Figures 10 to 12. The valve member 240 has a shaft, 241 that generally has the same diameter throughout its extent and does not have not taper toward the tip 234 of the shaft. The valve shaft 241 has an enlarged head 244 but does not carry a web. The valve 248 includes three circumferentially equispaced protrusions that are fins 248, however if desired more or less fins can be included. The fins 248 are provided to stably locate the valve member 240 in the housing interior bore 124 of the housing 120. The valve member 240 is retained in the bore 124 via an interference fit between the fins 248 and the bore sidewall 126. When the animal toggles (i.e. tilts) or pushes the valve member 240, one or more of the fins are compressed, depending on the direction of the force applied by the animal. This allows enlarged head 244 to tilt, thus allowing the dispensing pathway to open and for the content of the pouch to be dispensed. The movement of the enlarged head 244 loads a spring member 245, which can be a spring or an elastomeric structure, located between the enlarged head 244 and the end cap 160. When the force is no longer applied, the spring member 245 returns the valve member 240 to its original position. The enlarged head 244 is returned to its original position in which it compresses the sealing ring 146 to seal the dispensing pathway. [099] As an example for the dimensions of the dispenser, the insert 102 is approximately 35 mm in length as measured in the longitudinal direction of the insert 102. A length of the entire dispenser 100, as measured in the direction of the through opening 118 is approximately 33 mm. The diameter of the head portion 120 is approximately 14.75 mm. The pouch 104 may be made to hold up to 500 cm 3 in volume, and may be filled to about 400 cm 3 . The exact material chosen to construct the dispenser depends on the animal. For. example, for dispensers intended for installation in caging systems for laboratory mice, the displacement force required to move the valve member sufficiently to unseal the dispensing path should be no larger than 2 or 3 grams-g. Typically, the displacement force required to tilt the valve member sufficiently to unseal the dispensing path is on the order of 1 gram-g, and displacement force required to axially push the valve member rearward so as to unseal the dispensing path is about 1.9 grams-g. 11 WO 2013/006888 PCT/AU2012/000525 [0100] Overview of a further embodiment [0101] Figures 14 and 15 depict another embodiment of the dispenser assembly. In Figures 14 and 15, a dispenser assembly 300 includes a pouch insert 302 and a neck portion 308 connected to the pouch insert 302, similar to the previous embodiment. The neck portion 308 is adapted to be in fluid communication with the head portion 320. The head portion 320 generally includes a nozzle 332, a valve body 310 in which a valve member 328 is located, and a rear housing 360. The valve body 310 has a central bore 324 which is surrounded by a bore sidewall 326 and which partially receives the valve member 328 so that a tip 334 of the valve member 328 is exposed outside the valve 310. The nozzle 332 is an extension of the bore sidewall 326 and the tip 334 extends proud of the nozzle 332. [0102] Guard for tip [0103] The head assembly 320 includes a guard 370 which is adapted to guard or shield the exposed tip 334. When the assembled pouches, filled with water, are transported, the exposed tips can potentially pierce or damage nearby pouches or dispensing assemblies. By providing a guard to cover or shield the tip, this possibility is reduced. Further, the guard 370 prevents inadvertent actuation of the tip 334. [0104] As best seen in Figures 23 and 24, the guard 370 includes a ring 371 which surrounds the nozzle 332 and the valve tip 334. The inner surface of the ring 371 further includes an inwardly projecting circumferential flange 372 (see Figure 19), which is adapted to engage a bevelled edge 333 of the nozzle 332 (see Figure 16). Before the pouch assembly is inserted into the cage or housing for the animal, the guard 370 is pushed back with respect to the nozzle 332, so as to ride on the bevelled nozzle edge 333, thereby exposing the tip 334 so that it can be accessed by the animal. The guard 370 can also be included in the other embodiments of the dispensing assembly described in this specification. [0105] The guard 370 can further include exterior longitudinal fins 373 which are equi-spaced around the ring 371. In use, the guard 370 is placed through a dedicated opening or aperture in the cage or other housing for the animal. The fins 373 help to centre the guard 370 in the dedicated opening. A lateral outward projection 374, such as a flange, brace, bracket, or annulus, is provided at the rearmost end of the ring 371, 12 WO 2013/006888 PCT/AU2012/000525 farthest away from the valve tip 334. The outward projection 374 holds the guard 370 in the dedicated opening by stopping the guard 370 from falling through the opening. Once the guard 370 is prevented by the projection 374 from progressing further, the assembled pouch and thus the nozzle 332 are pushed down further, causing the nozzle 332 to be displaced with respect to the guard 370, until the forward most face 311 of the front portion 310 is stopped by the portion of the housing or cage surrounding the dedicated opening. The tip 334 in this process becomes accessible by the animal. Multiple lateral projections 374 which achieve the same function as a single annular or circumferential projection can be provided instead. [0106] Valve body and nozzle [01071 As shown in Figures 15 and 19, the central bore 324 which houses the valve member 328 can be a tapered bore that has a larger forward diameter and a smaller rear diameter. This taper is provided to ensure that the valve tip 334 is able to move a predetermined distance laterally to open the valve. The smaller rear diameter of the bore 324 helps confine the rear portion of the valve member 328 and thus stabilise the valve position when the tip 334 of the valve member 328 is moved laterally by the animal. This configuration eliminates the requirement for there to be a means of centering the valve member 328 inside the bore 324 or on the valve member 328, such as the longitudinal fins 248 depicted in Figure 11. If desired, the bore can be cylindrical as in the earlier embodiments, and a similar effect achieved, however a means of centring the valve in the bore may be required. (0108] The valve member 328 can include a cylindrical portion and an enlarged head 344. The bore sidewall 326 includes a rear or interior valve seat 338 which receives an 0-ring 346 against which the enlarged head 344 will rest to form a seal. The enlarged head 344 is adapted to compress the O-ring 346 to seal the bore 324. The mechanism by which the compression is achieved is discussed later with reference to Figures 15 to 20. [0109] The bore sidewall 326 extends into a front nozzle 332 which is smaller in diameter than the valve body 310. A forward-most part 311 of the valve body 310 engages a forward most annulus of the rear housing 360 by matching diameters which provide a seal against liquid passing therethrough. Adjacent and rearward of the 13 WO 2013/006888 PCT/AU2012/000525 forward-most end 311 is an annular portion 354. The annular portion 354 provides a seat for the rear housing 360 to seal against. The valve body 310 and the rear housing 360 therefore define an internal space which partially includes the valve bore 324 and also an interior rear space 366 which is in communication with the neck portion 308. As will be discussed, the front portion 310 can include a second rear annular portion 355 for cooperating with an annular portion 331 of the rear housing 360 to receive and retain a spring housing 380, as illustrated in Figure 15. The second annular portion 355 is inward and rearward (i.e. farther away from the nozzle) compared to the first annular portion 354. [0110] The valve body 310 has a rear bevelled edge 336 (see Figure 19) at the rear end that is opposite the nozzle 332, to facilitate the assembling of the different parts. [0111] Rear housing [0112] As seen from figures 14, 15, 25, and 26, the rear housing 360 has a generally cylindrical sidewall 330, the front end of which is shaped generally complementary to the annular portion 354 of the bore sidewall 326, and can include a tapered or bevelled inner edge 363 (see Figure 26) to facilitate assembly. The outside surface of the rear housing sidewall 330 can also be flush with the outermost surface of the valve body 310. The rear housing sidewall 330 has an inner annular portion 331, which can include a circumferencial channel. This portion 331 is provided to cooperate with an annular portion 354 on the valve body 310, to receive and retain a projecting annular flange 382 spring housing 380 (see Figure 15). [0113] The rear housing 360 has a closed rear 361 which closes the rear end of the rear housing sidewall 330, so as to define the interior rear chamber or space 366 with the valve body 310. The rear housing 360 further has an aperture 362 which is in communication with the bore 322 of the neck portion 308. In this embodiment the aperture 362 is located on the rear housing sidewall 330, as the longitudinal axis of the rear housing 360 is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the neck portion 308. [0114] Rear housing and valve body engagement 14 WO 2013/006888 PCT/AU2012/000525 [0115] The rear housing sidewall 330 and the valve body 310 can engage each other via a ring and groove arrangement, whereby the rear housing sidewall 330 has an interior recess, groove, or notch for receiving a corresponding circumferential ring or protrusion provided on the outer surface of the valve body 310. The locations of the ring and groove can be reversed. This is depicted in Figures 16 and 19, where the valve body 310 is shown to include an outwardly projecting protrusion or rim 327, which is adapted to fit into a corresponding interior recess, groove or notch in the sidewall 330 of the rear housing 360. [0116] Spring mechanism [01171 As shown in Figures 15 and 19, the head portion 320 further includes a spring mechanism which biases the valve member 328 toward the front of the head portion 320, to seal the valve bore 324. On the application of a sufficient force upon the valve member 328 to move it to its open position, the valve head 344 and 0-ring 326 are unseated, so as to allow communication between the valve bore 324 and the interior space 366, thus allowing water from the pouch to flow through the valve bore 324. Once the force is no longer applied, the spring mechanism returns the valve head 344 back to its closed position, i.e. toward the seat 338 to compress the 0-ring, to thereby seal the valve bore 324 from the interior space 366 again. [0118] Figures 20 to 22 and 36 depict the spring mechanism. The spring mechanism includes a spring housing 380 which houses a resilient means for biasing the valve member 328. The spring housing 380 is located between, and retained by the bore sidewall 326 and the rear housing sidewall 330. The spring housing 380 includes a generally cylindrical sidewall 381, which has an outwardly projecting annular portion (e.g. a flange) 382 on its front edge. As best seen in Figure 15, the annular portion 382 is retained between the second annular recess 355 of the valve body 310 and the cooperating internal annular portion 331 provided on the rear housing 360. Also, the components are sized so that an inner diameter of the rear housing sidewall 330 is greater than an outer diameter of the rear part of the valve body 310. This provides an annular space to partially retain the spring housing sidewall 381, and create a water tight seal between the valve body 310, the rear housing sidewall 330, and the spring housing sidewall 381. The spring housing sidewall 381 is further prevented from moving as it is retained between the valve body 310 and the rear housing sidewall 330. 15 WO 2013/006888 PCT/AU2012/000525 [0119] As shown in Figures 17, 20, and 36, the spring housing 380 further has a rear wall 383. The rear wall 383 is partially open to form an open central opening 383.1. In this embodiment the central opening 383.1 is a central channel 384 located through a diameter of the rear wall 383. The resilient means included in the depicted embodiment can be a curved arm 385. The curved arm 385 extends from the sidewall 381 into the central channel 384, and extends toward the valve member 328. The curved arm 385 can be moulded in one-piece with the spring housing 380. When the dispensing assembly is assembled, the curved arm 385 engages the enlarged head 344 of the valve to provide a forwardly directed biasing force. The spring housing 380, and especially the curved arm 385, are made from a resilient material, such as polyacetal resin. The curved arm 385 provides a centrally directed loading force to bias the valve member 328 to its closed position. A more durable plastic or thermoplastic material can also be used provided it provides the resilience required to bias the valve member 328 and return it from the open to the closed position. [0120] In a further embodiment as illustrated in Figure 35, the curved arm 385 can be replaced by another structure, such as a ring 387 that extends from the rear wall 383 of the spring housing 380. The ring 387 is oriented so that it has a diameter that lies on the longitudinal axis of the rear housing 360. The ring 387 is centrally located with respect to the rear wall 383 and also to the enlarged valve head 344, so as to provide a centrally directed loading force on the valve head 344. [0121] Further variations [0122] Figures 27 and 28 depict a further embodiment of the dispenser assembly. The dispenser assembly is similar to the embodiment shown in Figures 14 to 26, but the rear housing 460 has a longitudinally extending tube that lies on the same linear line as the through bore 422 of the neck portion 408 of Figures 29 and 30. The rear wall 461 of the rear housing 460 extends into a tubular stem 464 having a smaller diameter than the sidewall of the rear housing, and having a through passage 462 that is in communication with the interior chamber 466. The tubular stem 464 can have an annular recess 465, such as an annular notch or groove, located along a mid-portion thereof. The recess 465 can receive an 0-ring 565 (see Figure 35), to create a water tight seal between the stem 464 and the neck 408. As shown in Figures 29 and 30, during assembly, the stem 464 is inserted into the bore 422 of the neck portion 408. 16 WO 2013/006888 PCT/AU2012/000525 [0123] Figures 31 and 32 show a further embodiment, where the neck portion 508 includes a ball 590 which seals the through bore 522. When the stem 564 is inserted into the through bore 522, the stem 564 is pushed against the ball 590 to dislodge it and it moves toward the pouch. The stem 564 therefore needs to be of sufficient length so that it can completely dislodge the ball 590 and push it into the pouch. Furthermore, there should be formations that allow the water to pass through the stem 564 even when the ball 590 falls forward and blocks the stem again. [0124] While a ball utilised in Figures 31 and 32 it will be understood that a movable plastic or polymeric plug, or other material plug, of a generally cylindrical shape could be utilised. [0125] Alternatively, to facilitate dislodging of the ball 590 by the stem 564, the stem 564 can have an end notch .566. The notch 566 can be formed as a cut-out that is chevron shaped in cross section, in the stem 564. However the shape of the cut-out can vary. In the event that the ball 590 or other seal falls forward and blocks the stem 564 when the water level in the pouch becomes low enough, water can still enter the stem passage 562 through the cut-out. For example, Figure 33 shows a cut-out that is rectangular in cross section. Also, the tubular stem 564 can have a chamfered free end 567, to facilitate assembly of the stem 564 into the through bore 522. [0126] To manufacture the dispenser assembly and the pouch, all components of the dispenser assembly are moulded. Referring to Figure 13, the head portion 120, the neck 108, and the insert 102 are moulded in step 1301. They can be moulded in one piece or moulded as separate pieces and then joined. The insert 102 and the dispenser body 106 are made from a polymeric material such as polyethylene or polypropylene. The valve member 128 is moulded from poly-oxy-methylene (acetal) or another material with a similar creep. The pouch 104 is made from a material suitable for heat bonding with the insert, such as polyethylene. [0127] The insert 102.is then fitted to an opening in the pouch, and, bonded to the pouch in step 1302. The assembled pouch and dispenser are sterilised via, e.g. gamma irradiation in step 1303. Sterilised and assembled pouches and dispensers are fed through a fill station, where the pouches are filled with a liquid content, e.g. water, in step 1304. The fill station can be located at a water purification plant to minimise the 17 WO 2013/006888 PCT/AU2012/000525 amount of transport required. At the fill station, each sterilised pouch is secured by a support means, and an electro-mechanical or pneumatically controlled fill nozzle injects fluid into the pouch through the nozzle 132 of the dispenser 120. The fill station can be coupled to a metering circuit in step 1305 to ensure the same quantity of fluid is filled into each pouch. For example the metering can be done by mechanically controlling the displacement of a valve in a reservoir. [0128] To manufacture a filled pouch assembly using the dispenser assemblies shown in Figures 14 to 34, the rear housing, neck portion, and pouch insert, can be manufactured as a unitary and/or integral piece in step 1306. They are the inserted and bonded into the empty pouch in step 1302. In step 1307, at the metering circuit or water-fill station, potable water is added to the pouch through the rear housing 360. In step 1308, the spring housing 380, valve body 310, valve member 328, and guard 370 are assembled into the rear housing 360. The assembled pouch assembly can then be sterilized in step 1309. [0129] Where ever it is used, the word "comprising" is to be understood in its "open" sense, that is, in the sense of "including", and thus not limited to its "closed" sense, that is the sense of "consisting only of. A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words "comprise", "comprised" and "comprises" where they appear. [0130]' It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention. [0131] While particular embodiments of this invention have been described, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments and examples are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all modifications which would be obvious to those skilled in the art are therefore intended to be embraced therein. 18

Claims

1. A dispenser for a pouch containing a liquid content, including a pouch attachment portion for attaching the dispenser to a pouch; a valve housing connected to the pouch attachment portion; a valve member partially contained within the valve housing, wherein in use a tip of the valve member protrudes from the housing; wherein a movement of the valve member opens a dispensing pathway for the liquid content to exit the pouch.

2. A dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein the valve housing includes a nozzle, and the tip of the valve member extends proud of the nozzle.

3. A dispenser as claimed in claim 2, further including a guard which is provided around the nozzle and the tip of the valve.

4. A dispenser as claimed in claim 3, wherein the guard is ring-shaped.

5. A dispenser as claimed in claim 3 or 4, wherein the guard includes at least an exterior longitudinal fin.

6. A dispenser as claimed in claim 5, wherein the guard includes at least one lateral projection extending from an end of the guard that is in use, farthest from the tip of the valve.

7. A dispenser as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the valve housing includes a rear housing, and a vale body which includes a valve bore that partially contains the valve member, wherein the rear housing is adapted to receive the valve body.

8. A dispenser as claimed in claim 7, further including a spring mechanism that is retained between the rear housing and the valve bore sidewall, wherein the spring mechanism biases the valve member to close the dispensing pathway.

9. A dispenser as claimed in claim 8, wherein the spring mechanism provides a centrally directed loading force on the valve member. 19 WO 2013/006888 PCT/AU2012/000525 1O.A dispenser as claimed in claim 9, wherein the spring mechanism includes a spring arm which centrally loads the valve member.

11.A dispenser as claimed in claim 10, wherein the spring arm is a curved arm.

12.A dispenser as claimed in claim 8, wherein the spring mechanism includes a longitudinal ring.

13.A dispenser as claimed in any one of claims 8 'to 12, wherein the spring mechanism is moulded in one-piece.

14. A dispenser as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a longitudinal axis of the rear housing is aligned with a longitudinal axis of a through bore of the pouch attachment portion.

15. A dispenser as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a longitudinal axis of the rear housing is transverse to a longitudinal axis of a through bore of the pouch attachment portion.

16.A dispenser as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the rear housing and the pouch attachment portion are one-piece.

17.A dispenser as claimed in claims 1 to 14, wherein the rear housing extends into a stem, the stem having a through bore, the stem further being adapted to be fitted into a neck portion whose interior is in fluid communication with an interior of the pouch attachment portion.

18.A dispenser as claimed in claim 17, wherein the neck portion is sealed by a seal, and is unsealed when the stem is assembled into the neck portion.

19.A dispenser as claimed in claim 18, wherein the seal is one of the following: a ball; a polymeric ball; a steel ball; a plug; a polymeric plug.

20.A dispenser as claimed in claim 18 or 19, wherein a free end of the stem includes a cut-out portion.

21.A dispenser as claimed in claim 20, wherein the cut-out portion provides a location to hold said seal, and allow liquid to pass said seal. 20 WO 2013/006888 PCT/AU2012/000525

22.A dispenser as claimed in any one of claims I to 6, wherein the valve housing includes a valve bore which partially contains the valve member.

23. A dispenser as claimed in claim 22, wherein a sidewall for the valve bore includes a valve seat for the valve.

24.A dispenser as claimed in claim 23, wherein the valve member includes an enlarged head that is received by the valve seat.

25.A dispenser as claimed in claim 24, wherein the valve seat also receives a sealing ring which is compressible by the enlarged head.

26.A dispenser as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the valve bore is a first interior portion in the valve housing, and the valve housing further includes a second interior portion, the first and second interior portions being normally sealed from each other by the valve member, and the movement of the valve member opens a communication between the first and second interior portions.

27.A dispenser as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the valve member is biased to close the dispensing pathway.

28. A dispenser as claimed in claim 27, wherein the valve member includes a web that is retained by an internal wall of the valve housing.

29.A dispenser as claimed in claim 28, wherein the web is retained between an end of the internal wall and a cap which closes an opening formed by the internal wall.

30.A dispenser as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 29, wherein the valve member includes a shaft which decreases in size toward the tip of the valve.

31.A dispenser as claimed in claim 30, wherein the valve member includes a sealing ring provided around the shaft.

32.A dispenser as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 31, wherein the movement angles the valve member relative to the valve housing.

33.A dispenser as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein the attachment portion is heat bonded to the pouch. 21 WO 2013/006888 PCT/AU2012/000525

34.A dispenser as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 33, wherein the attachment portion has a bulbous middle and two ends that are flattened relative to the bulbous middle.

35.A dispenser as claimed in claim 34, wherein the attachment portion includes longitudinal ribs which each provide a bonding surface for bonding the attachment portion to the pouch.

36.A pouch, package or bag having a dispenser as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 35.

37. An assembly for storing and dispensing a liquid content, including a pouch, package or bag for storing the liquid content; and a dispenser as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 35.

38. A method for manufacturing a pouch, package, or bag as claimed in claim 37, including bonding the attachment portion to the pouch, package or bag; partially- inserting the valve member into the valve housing; closing the valve housing; and sterilising the dispenser and the pouch, package or bag.

39.A method for manufacturing a pouch package, or bag as claimed in claim 37, including bonding the attachment portion to the pouch, package or bag; injecting liquid content into the pouch, package or bag via the valve housing; inserting the valve member into the valve housing and closing the valve housing; sterilising the dispenser and the pouch, package or bag.

40.A method as claimed in claim 39, including preassembling the valve member into a valve bore of a nozzle.

41.A method as claimed in claim 40, wherein a sidewall surrounding the valve bore is adapted to engage a sidewall of the valve housing to substantially close the valve housing.

42.A method as claimed in claim 39 or 40, wherein said bonding is heat bonding. 22 WO 2013/006888 PCT/AU2012/000525

43.A method as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 42, wherein the dispenser and the pouch, package or bag are sterilised via gamma irradiation.

44.A method as claimed in claim 38, further including injecting liquid content into the pouch, package or bag via the valve housing.

45.A method as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 44, wherein an injection nozzle for injecting said liquid is coupled to a metering circuit for controlling an amount injected into the pouch, package or bag. 23