GB2456059A

GB2456059A - Dispensing assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2456059A
Application number: GB0821685A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Silversides
Original assignee: CHAFER MACHINERY Ltd
Current assignee: CHAFER MACHINERY Ltd
Priority date: 2007-11-28
Filing date: 2008-11-27
Publication date: 2009-07-08
Anticipated expiration: 2028-11-27
Also published as: GB0821685D0; GB2456059B; GB0723350D0

Abstract

A dispensing assembly for use with a container to allow the selective dispensation of material therefrom comprises a valve having a housing 2 defining a passage 6 leading from the container, and a frustoconical valve member 4 associated with the passage. The valve member is provided with an opening member 20 extending therefrom which is operable to move the valve member between closed and open configurations by axial displacement thereof.

Description

1 2456059 Valve device The invention to which this application relates is a valve device for connecting a container of flowable material to a receptacle such as a hopper for dispensing of such material and to a dispensing system including said components.

Agricultural pesticide or chemicals are often provided in flowable granular form which can be dispensed by suitable apparatus. Such material may be hazardous and as such it is undesirable for a person to have direct contact with the same.

The material is thus usually stored in sealed containers to prevent accidental contact.

To load the apparatus with material, the container seal must be broken to allow the material to be transferred to the hopper of the apparatus. Thus a person may be exposed to material escaping between the container and hopper.

A solution to this problem is provided by EP0685155 in which a valve device is fitted to the container which is normally closed to prevent exposure to material. However, when the valve device is engaged to the receiver of a hopper the valve can be opened to allow release of the material thereinto. The receiver is typically located at the neck of the hopper, with a flange to support the head of an inverted container placed thereon, and a closeable cap to prevent ingress of water and ensure material cannot escape from the top of the hopper once located therein.

When the container is rotated on the hopper, the valve housing *::::o is rotated relative to the hopper and valve body. Protruding lugs on the valve body cause a conical valve member to open via S.....

axial displacement. S..

S * I. * S *

I *.*

An alternative solution to the problem is provided by EP1239199 which describes a valve with a bayonet member which protrudes from the valve body through the housing, and is connected to a butterfly valve member, such that rotation of the valve housing relative to the body opens the valve member.

A problem with this device is that when closing the butterfly valve member, material can become trapped between the member and the inner wall of the body, thereby preventing the valve from shutting properly. The rotational movement does not typically generate enough lateral force to enable the valve member to cut through such blockages. Thus the valve can leak material. In addition the valve is not water-tight and so cannot be used for dispensing liquids.

It is common to re-use empty containers and valves, but as a result it is necessary to check that each valve is operating correctly prior to refilling the container. However, in both examples above it is relatively difficult to check whether or not the valves are operating correctly, as the valve body has to be rotated relative to the housing to open and close the valve member, and the valve member seal has to be checked for effectiveness when closed.

An aim of the present invention is to provide a valve device which is simple to operate and overcomes the above problems.

The valve devices indicated above are normally clipped to : containers, and the receivers are fastened by screws on to *::::o hoppers, typically being provided with tracks to receive the protruding lugs or bayonet of the valve devices.

*..... * *

S S..

S * ** * * S S...

S *..

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Therefore a further aim of the invention is to provide a valve device which can be adapted for use with the receivers of existing hoppers.

Currently each container can be re-filled and is provided with its own valve device, held in place on the neck of the container with a clip. However, the costs of the valve devices, return of the containers, and checking the operation of the valve devices for re-use is relatively high. In addition the containers have a limited lifespan, and the manufacturer has an obligation to dispose of chemical material securely. It is costly to dispose of used containers as they may be contaminated with chemical material. However, there is a problem of unnecessary waste if the valves would still work on disposal of the container.

Therefore a yet further aim of the invention is to provide a system in which the amount of waste is reduced.

In one aspect of the invention, there is provided a dispensing assembly for provision with a container to allow the selective dispensation of material therefrom, said assembly including: a valve, said valve having a housing defining a passage therethrough leading from the container; a valve member associated with the passage; characterised in that the valve member is provided with at least one opening member extending therefrom, which opening member is operable to move the valve member between a closed configuration and an open configuration by movement thereof. * S S a. a S...

...50 Typically the movement is an axial displacement. In one embodiment the movement is such as to at least be able to move *.*.

the valve member from a closed to an open position. In one .5 * embodiment the movement in the opposing direction is under : .. the influence of a biasing means. *...

In one embodiment the member acts as an opening member and is an elongate protrusion.

In one embodiment the dispensing assembly further includes an adaptor which is engageable with the opening member to operate the same.

In one embodiment the valve includes a biasing means to bias the valve member from an open configuration to a closed configuration.

In one embodiment the adaptor is designed to fit into and be supported by the receiver of a hopper. In a further embodiment the adaptor is formed integrally with the receiver.

Typically the adaptor includes a body, a sleeve defining a passage through the body, and at least one protrusion within the passage for engaging the corresponding opening member.

Typically the protrusion is supported by one or more spokes extending from the body.

Typically the protrusion and/or opening member are pointed to prevent material from being trapped therebetween.

In one embodiment the adaptor sleeve fits into the housing.

The receiver is normally provided with L-shaped slots or * S. S 0 grooves to allow valve devices with external protrusions to be located therein and rotated to lock into position and/or open * * the valve. * * S. * . S *.. * S..

In one embodiment the housing is provided with protrusions to enable location with a receiver.

Thus when the adaptor is placed in the hopper receiver, the housing can be placed thereover, and application of a downwards force to the housing will cause the opening member to engage the protrusion thereby opening the valve by axial displacement of the valve member and allowing material to flow through the passage.

Typically the valve device will be connected to a container full of flowable material, so the downwards force can be provided at least in part by the weight of the material in the container.

Tn one embodiment the flow rate of material through the valve can be adjusted by varying the force applied to the housing and/or the strength of the biasing means. Thus the valve device can be used for metering material.

In a further embodiment the valve device can be used for metering material by varying the length of the opening member and/or adaptor protrusion.

For example, a series of adaptors can be provided, each having a protrusion of a different length so that the valve is opened to corresponding differing extents depending on the adaptor fitted at that time. This allows the metering of the flow of material to be set at a particular level to suit requirements. The protrusions I...

could be threaded such that they can be raised and lowered either manually or under electronic control.

* S....

* In one embodiment the valve housing is substantially cylindrical. *

S * S. * S * *SS.

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In one embodiment, the housing includes an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve. In one embodiment the inner and outer sleeves are integrally moulded.

In one embodiment the inner sleeve is separable from the outer sleeve. In this embodiment the sleeves may be provided with complementary notches and/or protrusions to enable the same to be located together.

Thus the container can be provided to a user with only the outer sleeve of the valve device such that a user only requires an adaptor and a suitable inner sleeve containing the valve member, which parts can be reused. Clearly this is more cost-effective for the user than conventional systems. In addition when the container is disposed of, there is less wastage as only the outer sleeve portion of the valve device is destroyed.

In addition the container can be refilled more easily, as the inner sleeve and valve member restrict the flow of material, but when the inner sleeve is removed from the valve device the remaining outer sleeve has no obstructions such that the full width of the sleeve is open to allow more efficient flow of material therethrough.

Typically the adaptor sleeve is concentric with the inner sleeve of the housing. Typically the adaptor sleeve fits around the inner sleeve such that material cannot escape therebetween. S..

: An advantage of the concentric sleeves arrangement is that the S...

...S0 portions handled by the user, namely the outer surface of the outer sleeve, and the inner surface of the receiver sleeve, are not *.....

substantially exposed to the material. Thus, compared to the S..

* prior art in which material dust tends to be found on the : ,*. surfaces handled, the invention provides increased safety. *...

S

In one embodiment the valve member is provided with a conical or frustoconical portion defining a substantially circular perimeter edge.

In one embodiment the passage through the housing narrows conically to a diameter less than that defined by the valve member perimeter edge.

Typically the valve member perimeter edge is biased against the inner wall of the narrowing portion of the passage.

In one embodiment the conical portion of the valve member and the passage are focused in opposite directions such that the edge abuts the passage at a substantially perpendicular or relatively large angle, typically in the range of around 45-135 degrees.

Typically the edge is sharpened to enable material trapped between the passage wall and edge to be cut. The sharpened edge also ensures a tight seal is formed with the passage wall.

In one embodiment the edge is provided with sealing means to ensure a liquid-tight seal. The valve device in this embodiment can thus be used with liquid material.

In one embodiment the valve member includes an axially extending support member. Typically the passage is provided with spokes in which a central portion is formed. Typically an aperture is formed in the central portion through which the support member is guided.

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* In one embodiment the biasing means is a spring. Typically the 0*s * spring is located around the support member, between the apex : *. of the valve member and the central portion.

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Typically the valve device is clipped onto the container.

In one embodiment the container can be formed as a hopper for direct provision of material to dispensing apparatus.

In one embodiment the container is disposable. Typically the container is made from an outer layer of cardboard or other disposable substance, with an inner plastic liner layer.

Typically the layers define a cavity for holding material, with an opening to allow the material to pass therethrough.

In one embodiment the container is provided with an outer sleeve of a valve device, for receiving the inner sleeve of the valve device.

In one embodiment the outer sleeve is screwed onto the container.

In a further embodiment the outer sleeve is bonded to the inner and/or outer layers. Typically the outer sleeve is provided with an expanded collar enabling easier bonding of the layers.

In a yet further embodiment the liner is blown or otherwise extruded from the outer sleeve. Typically the liner is collapsible.

In one embodiment the container is provided with a I...

: frustoconical insert located between the inner and outer layers, * *0* w.3O and narrowing towards the opening. Thus material is less likely to become trapped in corners of the container near the opening * .. *1* when the container is inverted to release the material, as the * insert guides the material to the opening. This improves safety : *. as the container is less likely to contain harmful material when S..

S

disposed of. It will be appreciated that the insert could be other shapes, such as pyramidal, to achieve a similar function.

In one embodiment the outer sleeve and/or the inner and/or outer layers are bonded to the insert.

In one embodiment the end of the inner layer distal to the opening is adhered to the end of the outer layer. This helps prevent the lining from collapsing until desired.

In one embodiment the inner layer tapers towards the opening to improve flow of material held therein.

In one embodiment the outer sleeve does not substantially protrude beyond the outer layer.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a valve for provision with a container to allow the selective dispensation of material therefrom, said valve including: a housing defining a passage therethrough leading from the container; a valve member associated with the passage; characterised in that the valve member is provided with at least one member extending therefrom, which member is operable to move the valve member from a closed configuration to an open configuration by axial displacement thereof.

Typically the valve member is biased towards a closed position : by a biasing means in the form of a spring. * I3J

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a container a.....

comprising: S..

an inner layer defining a cavity, with an opening to allow : .. material to pass therethrough;

S *.. a

an outer disposable layer; characterised in that an outer sleeve as herein described is connected to the opening via screwed threads, and a frustoconical insert is located between the inner and outer layers In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a container comprising: a layer of material defining a cavity, with an opening to allow material to pass therethrough; characterised in that the opening is provided with an outer sleeve as herein described, integrally formed with the layer.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided an adaptor as herein described.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided an inner sleeve as herein described.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided an outer sleeve as herein described.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a flowable material dispensing system, said system including a container for the storage of the material to be selectively dispensed and a valve assembly allowing control of the dispensing of the material wherein said valve assembly is as described above.

Specific embodiments of the invention are now described : wherein:-* * Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a valve device associated * S....

with a receiver according to the present invention (a) in an open * configuration (b) in a closed configuration. * .* * * S S... * **e

Figure 2 illustrates the valve device of Figure 1 in an open configuration (a) in cross-section; (b) in sectional isometric view; (c) isometric view from above; (d) isometric view from below.

Figure 3 illustrates an exploded isometric view of the valve device of Figure 1.

Figure 4 illustrates in cross-section a further valve device in an open configuration.

Figure 5 illustrates the use of an embodiment of the invention with components shown schematically in cross-section.

With reference to Figures Ia-3, there is illustrated a valve device comprising a substantially cylindrical housing 2 defining a passage 6 therethrough which has section which narrows in a conical fashion, and a frustoconical valve member 4 moveable from a closed position in which the valve member 4 abuts the wall of the passage 6 as shown in Figure Ib, and an open position in which the valve member is axially displaced away from the wall, as shown in Figure Ia, to allow the flow of material as indicated by arrows 8.

The housing is typically attached to a container (not shown) of material, such that when the container is inverted, the valve prevents flow therefrom in the closed configuration as illustrated. S... * * S

....30 The housing is provided with an inner sleeve 12 and an outer sleeve 10. The outer sleeve is provided with protrusions 14 to *5I*SS enable the outer sleeve 10 to be inserted and located with S..

* corresponding recesses 16 in the receiver 18 of a hopper of :

dispensing apparatus. *5S S..</p>..DTD: <p>The valve member 4 is provided with an opening member in the form of an elongate protrusion 20 which is guided through an aperture 54 in a hub 52 supported by spokes 38. An adaptor 22 is supported by the receiver 18 and is provided with a protrusion 24, which is supported by spokes 40.

When the housing is placed in the receiver, and pushed in the direction indicated by arrow 28, the two protrusions engage to move the valve member 4 to the open configuration as indicated by arrow 30. In the example shown the protrusions have a cooperative fit, but it is actually preferable for both protrusions to be pointed to avoid trapping material therebetween.

The valve member 4 is provided with an axially extending support member 34 which is guided by an aperture 50 when the valve member 4 is moved to the open configuration. The aperture 50 is formed in a centrally located portion in the form of a hub 48, which is supported by spokes 36 extending to the wall of the passage.

The tip 44 of the support member 34 is pointed so that it can be forced easily into a container full of material.

The provision of spokes on the housing and adaptor allows the material to flow into and through the passage largely unimpeded via the gaps between the spokes. "U.

.. : The sleeve 26 of the adaptor 22 fits snugly around the inner S...

....30 sleeve 12 such that material cannot escape therebetween. In effect the inner sleeve 12 and adaptor sleeve 26 form a 5US SI Continuous channel within the channel formed by the outer S. housing 10 and receiver 18. As such the outer surface of the : .. outer sleeve 10 and inner surface of the receiver 18 are not *55e

S I'S

S

exposed to material so the device is safer to handle than those

of prior art.

Biasing means (not shown in Figures la-b) are provided in the form of a spring 32 located between hub 48 and the top of the valve member 4. The spring 32 biases the valve member to the closed configuration, but this bias can be overcome by applying force to the housing in the direction indicated by arrow 28, which causes the protrusions to engage each other, and with further movement, lifts the valve member 4 away from thc wall of the passage 6. The force can be applied by the weight of the container to which the valve device is attached and/or user intervention.

When the force is released, the valve member 4 returns to its closed configuration. The respective conical portions of valve member 4 and passage 6 have foci in opposite directions. In other words they narrow in opposite directions. The perimeter edge 42 of the valve member is sharpened such that any material caught between the edge and passage wall is cut through on closing to ensure an effective seal is maintained. This cutting action is improved by the near-perpendicular angle of intersection between the passage wall and valve member, due to the oppositely directed narrowing thereof.

With reference to Figure 4 a similar valve device is shown but wherein the inner sleeve encompasses the spokes 36 of the support member 34, such that the outer sleeve 10 is separable .. : from the inner sleeve 12 containing the valve member 4. The S...

....30 sleeves may be provided with complementary notches and/or protrusions (not shown) to enable the same to be located I.....

together. * S. *0 S *S*(.

S S..

With reference to Figure 5 there is illustrated a container provided with a cardboard outer layer 56 fitted with a separable outer sleeve 10. A plastic inner layer 58 is blown from this layer to form a bag for holding the chemical material. The container is provided with a frustoconical insert 60 located between the inner and outer layers which prevents material from becoming trapped in the corners 62 of the container when inverted as shown. The outer sleeve 10 is fitted 64 with the inner sleeve 12 before being inverted to prevent escape of material therefrom.

A hopper 66 is illustrated, fitted with a receiver 1 8, which is, in turn, fitted 68 with an adaptor 22. Thus when the container is placed on the hopper, the weight of the material and/or force provided by the user pushes the container downwards 70, causes the valve member to open and allowing material to flow from the container into the hopper.

Thus in use a container can be provided fitted with a valve device such that the user simply has to invert the container onto their existing hopper in a dispensing apparatus, and the weight of the material in the container opens the valve to allow the transfer of material from container to hopper. The valve device is thus less likely to suffer damage preventing it from functioning correctly as no rotational movement is required to release the material.

The valve device can not be easily opened accidentally, and it is therefore safe for the user to handle the container. It is also safe .. : for a user or supplier to fit or remove the valve device to the * **.

*.30 container as the outer surfaces handles by the user are not exposed to chemical material from the container. Once the * .. . I. container is empty the valve member closes and the container : can be returned for the supplier for refilling. S.... S*e

The valve of the container must be tested prior to refilling, and the invention provides an easier way to perform this operation, by simply pushing the valve member to see if it opens and closes.

Where the inner and outer sleeves of the valve device are separable, the container can simply be provided with the outer sleeve, and the user can obtain a selection of reusable inner sleeves and adaptors to suit requirements. When the container is empty the user can easily dispose of the outer cardboard layer, and either dispose or return the outer sleeve and inner layer.

This is a more efficient system for the supplier as they do not have to incorporate an inner sleeve member into each container, as the user is provided with a limited number of associated components. Furthermore, the supplier does not need to test the valves prior to refilling, and can remove the inner sleeve to allow the containers to be refilled more easily without the obstruction of the inner sleeve. In addition as only the outer sleeve is disposed of at the end of the lifespan it is less wasteful, and as the inner layer forming the bag is collapsible, it is easier to return for recycling.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention may also include further additional modifications made to the device which does not affect the overall functioning of the device. I... S. S. 0 * S.. * S S.d.

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Claims

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows Claims 1. A dispensing assembly for provision with a container to allow the. selective dispensation of material therefrom, said assembly including: a valve, said valve having a housing defining a passage therethrough leading from the container; a valve member associated with the passage; characterised in that the valve member is provided with at least one opening member extending therefrom, which opening member is operable to move the valve member between a closed configuration and an open configuration by movement thereof.
2. A dispensing assembly according to claim I wherein the movement of the opening member is axial displacement.
3. A dispensing assembly according to claim I wherein.

biasing means are provided to bias the valve member from an open configuration to a closed configuration.

* . .,q : zO *.
4. A dispensing assembly according to claim I wherein the opening member is an elongate protrusion.
5. A dispensing assembly according to any preceding claim wherein an adaptor is included which is engageable with the opening member to operate the same.
6. A dispensing assembly according to claim 5 wherein the adaptor is designed to fit into and be supported by the receiver of a hopper.
7. A dispensing assembly according to claim 5 wherein the adaptor is formed integrally with the receiver of a hopper. $1
8. A dispensing assembly according to claim 6 or 7 wherein the housing is provided with protrusions to enable location with the receiver.
9. A dispensing assembly according to any of claims 5-8 wherein the adaptor includes a body, a sleeve defining a passage through the body, and at least one protrusion within the passage for engaging the corresponding opening member.
10. A dispensing assembly according to claim 9 wherein the at least one protrusion is supported by one or more spokes extending from the body.
11. A dispensing assembly according to claim 9 or 10 wherein the protrusion and/or opening member are pointed to prevent material from being trapped therebetween. S... * S S...
12. A dispensing assembly according to any of claims 9-11 *.:2o wherein the sleeve of the adaptor fits into the housing of the valve. *.**

*
13. A dispensing assembly according to any preceding claim *.S.* . . . * * wherein the valve device is connectable to a container with flowable material therein, and a downwards force can be provided to the housing at least in part by the weight of the material in the container, to open the valve.
14. A dispensing assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the flow rate of material through the valve can be adjusted by varying the force applied to the housing and/or the strength of the biasing means.
15. A dispensing assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the valve device can be used for metering material by varying the length of the opening member and/or adaptor protrusion.
16. A dispensing assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the housing includes an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve.
17. A dispensing assembly according to claim 16 wherein the inner sleeve is separable from the outer sleeve.
18. A dispensing assembly according to claim 16 or 17 wherein the inner sleeve of the housing is concentric with the sleeve of the adaptor.
19. A dispensing assembly according to claim 16 or 17 wherein the sleeve of the adaptor fits around the inner sleeve such S...

that material cannot escape therebetween. * S :
20. A dispensing assembly according to any preceding claim * wherein the valve member is provided with a conical or :.: * frustoconical portion defining a substantially circular * * perimeter cage.
21. A dispensing assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the passage through the housing narrows conically to a diameter less than that defined by the valve member perimeter edge.
22. A dispensing assembly according to claim 21 wherein the valve member perimeter edge is biased against the inner wall of the narrowing portion of the passage.
23. A dispensing assembly according to any of claims 20-22 wherein the edge is sharpened to enable material trapped between the passage wall and edge to be cut.
24. A dispensing assembly according to any of claims 20-23 wherein the edge is provided with sealing means to ensure a liquid-tight seal.
25. A dispensing assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the valve member includes an axially extending support member.
26. A dispensing assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the passage is provided with spokes in which a central portion is formed, and an aperture is formed in the central portion through which the support member is guided.
27. A dispensing assembly according to claim 26 wherein the ZO biasing means is a spring located around the support S...

*sse** member, between the apex of the valve member and the S...

central portion.

:
28. A dispensing assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the valve device is clipped onto the container.
29. A dispensing assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the container can be formed as a hopper for direct provision of material to dispensing apparatus.
30. A dispensing assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the container is disposable.
31. A dispensing assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the container is made from an outer layer of cardboard or other disposable substance, with an inner plastic liner layer.
32. A dispensing assembly according to claim 31 wherein the layers define a cavity for holding material, with an opening to allow the material to pass therethrough
33. A dispensing assembly according to claim 32 wherein the end of the inner layer distal to the opening is adhered to the end of the outer layer to prevent collapse of the lining.
34. A dispensing assembly according to claim 32 or 33 wherein the container is provided with a frustoconical insert located between the inner and outer layers, and narrowing towards the opening. *SS*
35. A dispensing assembly according to any of claims 31-34 :2o wherein the container is provided with an outer sleeve of a I...

valve, for receiving the inner sleeve of the valve.
36. A dispensing assembly according to claim 35 wherein the outer sleeve is screwed onto the container.
37. A dispensing assembly according to claim 35 wherein the outer sleeve is bonded to the inner and/or outer layers.
38. A dispensing assembly according to any of claims 35-37 wherein the liner is blown or otherwise extruded from the outer sleeve.
39. A dispensing assembly according to any of claims 35 -38 wherein the liner is collapsible.
40. A dispensing assembly according to any of claims 35 -39 wherein the outer sleeve and/or the inner and/or outer layers are bonded to the insert.
41. A valve for provision with a container to allow the selective dispensation of material therefrom, said valve including: a housing defining a passage therethrough leading from the container; a valve member associated with the passage; characterised in that the valve member is provided with at least one member extending therefrom, which member is operable to move the valve member from a closed configuration to an open configuration by axial displacement thereof.
42. A valve according to claim 41 wherein the valve member is S.. biased towards a closed position by biasing means. S...
43. A flowable material dispensing system, said system including a container for the storage of the material to be I **I * e selectively dispensed and a dispensing assembly allowing :.: * control of the dispensing of the material wherein said dispensing assembly is as described in claims 1-40
44. A container comprising: an inner layer defining a cavity, with an opening to allow material to pass therethrough; an outer disposable layer; characterised in that an outer sleeve as herein described is connected to the opening via screwed threads, and a frustoconical insert is located between the inner and outer layers
45. A container comprising: a layer of material defining a cavity, with an opening to allow material to pass therethrough; characterised in that the opening is provided with an outer sleeve as herein described, integrally formed with the layer.
46. A dispensing assembly, adaptor, inner sleeve, and outer sleeve, as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. S... * IS S. I S... * . 5.. S...

S S... * S S... * S. a. * S.. S

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