Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses a medical coupling site valve body,.

<CIT> discloses a cap and seal closure for flexible container, and.

<CIT> discloses a pump-equipped container.

A valve system for a formula cartridge that avoids leakage through multiple uses is disclosed. The formula cartridge with valve system is compatible with and can be inserted into an electronic device which will pump out the formula(s) from the cartridge. The electronic dispensing devices can include one or more of the formula cartridges for dispensing one or more products. Products that can be dispensed include, but are not limited to, hair care products, such as dyes, skin care products, such as lotions and creams, and the like.

According to the invention, the valve includes a preferably silicone valve plug compressed between a valve body and a valve cap.

In an embodiment, the silicone valve plug is selected from a silicone or silicone copolymer or derivatives thereof.

In an embodiment, the silicone valve plug has a slit dimensioned so as to allow the proper amount of flow at the proper amount of pressure.

In an embodiment, the silicone valve plug has a coating.

In an embodiment, the valve system is provided so as not to leak formula between the time of manufacturing to the time of consumer use.

In an embodiment, the valve system is provided to function properly in the dispensing device once the cartridge is engaged with the device (no leak once the cartridge is inserted).

In an embodiment, the valve system is provided to allow proper flow of formula from the cartridge.

In an embodiment, the valve system is provided so as not to leak when the cartridge is disengaged from the device.

<FIG> and <FIG> show an illustration of one embodiment of a dispensing device <NUM> and formula cartridge <NUM>. Although, the valve system of this disclosure is described in the context of the dispensing device <NUM> and formula cartridge <NUM> of <FIG>, the valve system has applications that are not limited solely to dispensing device <NUM> and formula cartridge <NUM>.

In an embodiment, dispensing device <NUM> is a hand-held appliance that can be powered by rechargeable or non-rechargeable batteries or household alternating current. In an embodiment, the dispensing device <NUM> is configured to apply a hair treatment product, such as hair color formula. In an embodiment, when the dispensing device <NUM> is configured to dispense hair color formula, the dispensing device <NUM> can include a plurality of flexible bristles <NUM> adjacent to the formula dispensing bristles <NUM>. In an embodiment, a first and second row of bristles <NUM> is provided, respectively, along the row of formula dispensing bristles <NUM> on the right and left sides of the formula dispensing bristles <NUM>. In an embodiment, the bristles <NUM> and <NUM> are made from a flexible plastic or elastomer. In an embodiment, formula dispensing bristles <NUM> include a center bore to allow the passage of formula through the bristles. In an embodiment, the massaging bristles <NUM> include a ball tip at the distal end. Each row of bristles <NUM> includes the bristles <NUM> in a single row along the side of the formula dispensing bristles <NUM>. Furthermore, each bristle <NUM> is singular, which does not have more than one bristle <NUM> extending from the same root. Bristles <NUM> are aligned singularly in either row, and adjacent bristles <NUM> in the same row are spaced equally. The right and left rows of bristles <NUM> can coincide in bristle placement, bristle spacing, and bristle height. The formula dispensing bristles <NUM> can be placed between the spacing of adjacent massaging bristles <NUM>. The height of the bristles <NUM> and <NUM> can be uniform, but, does not need to be uniform. The number of massaging bristles <NUM> and formula dispensing bristles <NUM> in a row is small, such as <NUM> to <NUM>, or <NUM> to <NUM>, or <NUM> to <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the formula cartridge <NUM> is insertable into the dispensing device <NUM>. For this purpose, the end <NUM> of the dispensing device <NUM> has an opening to allow inserting the formula cartridge <NUM> so that the majority of the formula cartridge <NUM> is housed within the dispensing device <NUM>. Formula cartridge <NUM> is locked into position in the dispensing device <NUM> by a detent, such as a ramp on a flexible arm. Conversely, the formula cartridge <NUM> can be released from the dispensing device <NUM> by depressing the detent.

One or more control buttons <NUM> will generally be located on the dispensing device <NUM>. In an embodiment, the exterior housing of the dispensing device <NUM> can be made from rigid materials, such as plastics, metals, or a combination, depending on the intended application. In an embodiment, the power supply, such as rechargeable or non-rechargeable batteries, and motor can be housed within the dispensing device <NUM>. In an embodiment, the motor drives a pump to dispense the formula. In an embodiment, the exterior housing of the formula cartridge <NUM> can similarly be made from rigid plastics, metals, or a combination, depending to the application. In an embodiment, the formula cartridge <NUM> is made disposable. In an embodiment, the housing of the formula cartridge <NUM> is not disposable, but the formula packets housed therein are disposable.

In an embodiment, the exterior housing of the formula cartridge <NUM> can have any geometric form including regular or irregular forms. In an embodiment, the formula cartridge <NUM> comprises a cross-section of substantially any geometric shape including circular, triangular, square, rectangular polygonal, regular or irregular shapes, or the like, as well as other symmetrical and asymmetrical shapes, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the formula cartridge <NUM> has a semicircular cross section at semicircular shaped portion <NUM> for the majority of the length (i.e., the part that is inserted into the dispensing device <NUM>) and a circular cross section at the cylinder shaped portion <NUM> for the part that remains on the exterior, which is made circular due to the shape of the dispensing device <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the formula cartridge <NUM> has a housing with a first cylinder shaped portion <NUM> and a second semicircular shaped portion <NUM>, wherein the semicircular shaped portion <NUM> is insertable into the dispensing device <NUM>, while the cylinder shape portion <NUM> largely remains on the exterior and acts as an extension of the dispensing device <NUM>.

In an embodiment, electrical contacts are made when the formula cartridge <NUM> is inserted into the dispensing device <NUM>. In an embodiment, the electrical contacts allow the electronics within the formula cartridge <NUM> to be operated via the buttons <NUM> on the dispensing device. In an embodiment, when the dispensing device <NUM> senses that electrical contact has been made with the formula cartridge <NUM>, the motor is enabled to operate.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> are illustrations of a packet <NUM> in accordance with an embodiment of this disclosure. One or more of the packets <NUM> are housed in the formula cartridge <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Each of the packets <NUM> may contain a different formula depending on the application. For example, hair color formulas can include the color formula and developer in separate packets <NUM>. In an embodiment, the developer includes at least hydrogen peroxide or other oxidizing agent. In an embodiment, a packet <NUM> has a generally rectangular shape dimensioned to fit within the semicircular shaped portion <NUM> of the formula cartridge <NUM>. The packet <NUM> can be made from flexible sheet materials that are impermeable and/or chemically resistant or inert to the formulas intended to be contained within. In an embodiment, a packet <NUM> is made of multiple ply sheets to give the packet impermeability, chemical resistance, and weldability. Metallized sheets and foils, for example, can give the packet <NUM> impermeability. In an embodiment, the heat-weldable materials to allow welding to two similar sheets or a doubled-over sheet, along the edges to form the packet. Weldable materials allow a heat-welded seal around the valve system.

In an embodiment, the valve system <NUM> is attached to packet <NUM> along one of the short dimensioned sides of the packet <NUM>.

The valve system is illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. In an embodiment, the valve system <NUM> includes a valve body <NUM>, a valve cap <NUM>, and a valve plug <NUM>. In an embodiment, the elastomeric valve plug <NUM> is an elastomer that includes silicone. In an embodiment, the valve plug <NUM> is coated. In an embodiment, the valve body <NUM> is made from a monolithic piece of material. In an embodiment, the valve plug <NUM> is made from a monolithic piece of material. In an embodiment, the valve cap <NUM> is made from a monolithic piece of material.

In an embodiment, the valve body <NUM> and valve cap <NUM> are made from similar materials, such as semi-rigid non-elastomeric plastics, such as polyethylene or copolymers of polyethylene. In an embodiment, the valve body <NUM> has a central cylindrical section <NUM> with a central bore extending entirely therethrough. The central cylindrical section <NUM> has a bottom disk <NUM> with a hole <NUM> smaller than the bore of the central cylindrical section <NUM>. Therefore, the valve plug <NUM> can be supported on the inside of the central cylindrical section <NUM> by resting on the bottom disk <NUM>, while the hole <NUM> in the bottom disk <NUM> allows the formula to pass through the valve system (see <FIG>).

In an embodiment, the valve body <NUM> has a flange <NUM> extending radially and perpendicular to the central axis of the central cylindrical section <NUM>. The flange <NUM> extends around the upper periphery of the central cylindrical section <NUM>. The flange <NUM> has an outer periphery that may be defined as elliptical having a long and a short axis in comparison to the circular opening of the valve body <NUM>.

The upper surface of the flange <NUM> supports one or more connectors or detents. In an embodiment, a first set of barbs <NUM>, <NUM> is provided on one side on the flange <NUM> and perpendicular to the flange <NUM>, and a second set of barbs <NUM>, <NUM> is provided oppositely to the first set of barbs and perpendicular to the flange <NUM>. The barbs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are directed away from the flange <NUM>, and the barb or ramp sloping radially outward. Barbs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are meant to include the barb section and the stem section. In an embodiment, one barb <NUM> and <NUM> of each set is centered on the long axis of the ellipsis, and the second barb <NUM>, <NUM> (the off-center barb) of the set is placed counterclockwise to the barb <NUM>, <NUM> that is centered on the long elliptical axis. The sets of barbs <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, <NUM> are placed directly opposite from one another and are juxtaposed next to the opening in the valve body <NUM>. Each set of barbs <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, <NUM> occupy about less than a quarter of the circumference around the opening of the valve body <NUM>, thereby leaving two opposite spaces adjacent to the circumference. As is described below, one barb (the off-center barb) in each set of barbs is designed to break off after the filling step and the second, remaining barb in the set is used to secure the valve cap <NUM>. In an embodiment, a single barb, such as barb <NUM> and <NUM> is placed on each side of the flange <NUM>.

The valve body <NUM> below the flange <NUM> has a plurality of fins <NUM> resembling thin narrow strips that are placed parallel to and below the flange <NUM>. The fins <NUM> are perpendicular on the exterior of the valve body <NUM>. The fins <NUM> are placed around the circumference of the valve body <NUM>. The fins <NUM> are spaced apart from adjacent fins. Wings <NUM>, <NUM> of solid thin material extend radially and down from the underside of the flange <NUM> from each end of the long axis on both sides of the flange <NUM> (<FIG>), so that the fins <NUM> taper to a point upon being joined to the wings <NUM>, <NUM>. Thus, the ends of the fins <NUM> on both sides of the long axis are immobilized by being joined to the wings <NUM>, <NUM>, preventing the ends of the fins <NUM> from bending, which could develop into a leak point. The fins <NUM> are for providing a seal to the packet <NUM>.

In an embodiment, a first and second stiffener rod <NUM>, <NUM> are joined perpendicular to the bottom of the disk <NUM>. The first and second stiffener rod <NUM>, <NUM> are placed in line with the long axis of the flange <NUM>, but, at opposite sides of the valve body <NUM>. The first and second stiffener rod <NUM>, <NUM> have a length that can allow placement within the packet <NUM> and can be joined to each other at the end opposite to the valve body <NUM> to lend further rigidity. The first and second stiffener rod <NUM>, <NUM> can have cruciform cross-sectional shape or any shape that adds rigidity. The valve body <NUM> is positioned on the packet <NUM> so that the fins <NUM> are heat-welded between the two sheets at the short dimension of the packet <NUM>, and the flange <NUM> is protruding just above the short side of the packet <NUM>, and the stiffener rods <NUM>, <NUM> are within the packet <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the valve plug <NUM> is made from a silicone or copolymers thereof or their derivatives. The material for the valve plug <NUM> is an elastomer. In an embodiment, the exterior surface and circumference of the valve plug <NUM> is coated. In an embodiment, one end of the valve plug <NUM> is configured to be pierced through to allow dispensing of formula.

Referring to <FIG>, in an embodiment, the valve plug <NUM> has a cylindrical shape having four sections of different outer diameters, wherein the largest outer diameter section is at one end of the central axis, and the smallest outer diameter is at the opposite end of the central axis. The largest outer diameter section <NUM> extends a minimal distance along the central axis. The largest outer diameter section <NUM> is generally a ring that protrudes outward to act as an anchor within a circular groove on the inside of the valve body <NUM>.

The second largest outer diameter section <NUM> of the valve plug <NUM> is juxtaposed after the largest outer diameter section <NUM>. The second largest outer diameter section <NUM> extends along the central axis of the valve plug <NUM> sufficient so that the second largest outer diameter section <NUM> rises only slightly above the top of the flange <NUM> when placed in the valve body <NUM>, and without being compressed (<FIG>). As will be later explained the valve plug <NUM> is compressed axially between the valve body <NUM> and the valve cap <NUM>.

The third largest outer diameter section <NUM> of the valve plug <NUM> is juxtaposed after the second largest outer diameter section <NUM> via a sharply defined step <NUM> or shoulder.

The fourth largest outer diameter section <NUM>, i.e., the smallest outer diameter section of the valve plug <NUM> is juxtaposed after the third largest outer diameter section <NUM> via a gradually diminishing conical section <NUM>. The conical transition section <NUM> between the third largest outer diameter section <NUM> and the fourth largest outer diameter section <NUM> can improve sealing between the valve plug <NUM> and the valve cap <NUM> through radial compression.

The valve plug <NUM> has a pre-formed central bore <NUM> extending at least through the largest <NUM>, second <NUM>, and third <NUM> largest outer diameter sections. However, the central bore <NUM> does not extend all the way through the fourth largest outer diameter section <NUM>. Thus, the valve plug <NUM> is sealed at the end of the fourth largest outer diameter section <NUM>, which initially acts as a seal to prevent leakage. As explained herein, a slit or opening is made in the valve plug <NUM> to allow the passage of formula when desired, but, prevents leakage when not in use. The slit or opening can be made, for example, when the cartridge <NUM> is inserted into the dispensing device <NUM>, which can have a hollow needle to pierce the fourth largest outer diameter section <NUM>. Upon pulling the cartridge <NUM> out from the dispensing device <NUM>, the slit or opening can reclose itself.

In an embodiment, the bottom perpendicular surface to the central axis of the valve plug <NUM> at the largest outer diameter section <NUM> can have a groove <NUM> with a larger diameter than the central bore (<FIG>), so that better sealing can be achieved between the valve plug <NUM> and valve body <NUM> at the largest outer diameter section <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the valve cap <NUM> has a generally cylindrical outer shape with a central bore extending entirely therethrough. The valve cap <NUM> has a central bore extending throughout the length of the valve cap <NUM>. The valve cap <NUM> is configured to snap onto the valve body <NUM> and in the process compress the valve plug <NUM> inbetween.

The valve plug <NUM> is positioned in the valve body <NUM> so that the largest outer diameter section <NUM> rests on the disk <NUM> of the valve body <NUM>. The central bore of the valve cap <NUM> therefore has inner diameter sections to match with the outer diameter sections of the valve plug <NUM>. Namely, the central bore of the valve cap <NUM> has an inner diameter at <NUM> slightly smaller than the fourth largest outer diameter section <NUM>, followed by inner diameter <NUM> to match the conical transition section <NUM> between the fourth largest outer diameter section <NUM> and third largest outer diameter section <NUM>. The valve cap <NUM> does not have an inner diameter to match with the second largest diameter section <NUM> as it can reside within the valve body <NUM>. The conical section <NUM> of the valve plug <NUM> abutting against the corresponding diameter <NUM> of the valve cap <NUM> generally acts as a stop to prevent the valve plug <NUM> from being further inserted into the valve cap <NUM>. The inner diameters of the valve cap <NUM> can be slightly smaller than the outer dimensions of the valve plug <NUM> to provide a compression seal both radially and axially between the valve cap <NUM> and valve plug <NUM> and between the valve plug <NUM> and valve body <NUM>.

The inner diameter <NUM> of the valve cap <NUM> that is opposite from the valve plug <NUM> is configured to accept a connector on the dispensing device <NUM> that leads to the formula dispensing bristles <NUM>.

The valve cap <NUM> has two oppositely placed dogs <NUM>, <NUM> (<FIG>) at the perimeter of the opening which faces the valve body <NUM>, each dog extending perpendicular to the central axis of the valve cap <NUM>. The dogs <NUM>, <NUM> are for attaching the packet <NUM> with the assembled valve system to the cartridge <NUM> housing, such as by a twisting motion that locks the dogs <NUM>, <NUM>, behind the high side of a ramp.

The valve cap <NUM> has a first and second flange <NUM>, <NUM> extending radially from the central part, but, only for a section of the circumference. The second flange <NUM> is placed directly oppositely to the first flange <NUM>. The first and second flange <NUM>, <NUM> are placed on the exterior circumference of the valve cap <NUM> about one-third to one-fourth of the length from the end with the dogs <NUM>, <NUM>. The first <NUM> and second flanges <NUM> start and stop with respect to the dogs <NUM>, <NUM>, such that the first and second flange <NUM>, <NUM> occupy the circumference not occupied by the dogs <NUM>, <NUM>, but at a different elevation (<FIG>). The difference in elevation or space between the upper side of dogs <NUM>, <NUM>, and the bottom side of flanges <NUM>, <NUM> generally coincides with the thickness of the housing at the top of the cartridge <NUM>. The valve cap <NUM> is used in attaching the packet <NUM> to the cartridge <NUM>.

The first and second flanges <NUM>, <NUM> each have a slot <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively. The slots <NUM>, <NUM> generally extend with the circumference, but are wholly enclosed by the respective flange on which the slot is located. Each slot <NUM>, <NUM> has a wide slot section <NUM> (using slot <NUM> as example), where wide is in the radial dimension, juxtaposed next to a narrow slot section <NUM>, wherein narrow means in the radial dimension. The length of each slot section in the circumference direction can coincide with the circumference occupied by a single one of the barbs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the valve body <NUM>, as the wide and narrow slot sections are designed to accept one of the barbs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. A radial barb <NUM> with a ramp beginning at the wide slot section <NUM> slopes radially inward and toward the narrow slot section <NUM> in each flange <NUM>, <NUM>, so that one of the barbs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is passed vertically through the wide slot section <NUM>, and then the valve cap <NUM> is twisted so that the barb on the valve body <NUM> snaps past the radial barb <NUM> into the narrow slot section <NUM>. The narrow slot section <NUM> width in the radial direction can just be large enough to accept the stem of the barb, but not the ramp. Therefore, one of the barbs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is secured vertically by resting on one of the flanges <NUM>, <NUM> and is secured radially by the radial barb <NUM>. If the valve body <NUM> and valve cap <NUM> are made from a semi-rigid plastic, such as polyethylene, it is possible to disengage the valve cap <NUM> from the valve body <NUM> by twisting in the opposite direction with little or no permanent deformation of the barb.

Referring to <FIG>, to make a packet <NUM>, the valve body <NUM> is first welded to the short side of the packet <NUM> so that the fins <NUM> are welded between the two sheets of the packet <NUM>, and the flange <NUM> protrudes above the edge of the packet <NUM>. Then, a fill spout is attached to the valve body <NUM> and injected with the predetermined amount of formula. The filling machine can use one the off-center barb <NUM>, <NUM> to connect the filling spout to the packet <NUM>. Then, when the liquid formula injection is completed, the off-center barbs <NUM>, <NUM> can be broken off to disconnect the filling machine from the packet <NUM>. Further, once the off-center barbs <NUM>, <NUM> are broken off, the valve body <NUM> can be assembled with the valve plug <NUM> and the valve cap <NUM>. In an embodiment, the flanges <NUM> and <NUM> have a wide slot section <NUM> and a narrow slot section <NUM> that can accommodate a single barb.

Referring to <FIG>, the valve plug <NUM> is either placed in the valve body <NUM> with the largest outer diameter section <NUM> facing the valve body <NUM> or with the smallest and fourth outer diameter section <NUM> facing the valve cap <NUM>. With the barbs <NUM> and <NUM> being broken off, the remaining two centered barbs <NUM>, <NUM> can fit vertically into the wide slot sections <NUM> of flanges <NUM>, <NUM>, and then the valve cap <NUM> is twisted on the valve body <NUM> to snap the barbs <NUM>, <NUM> into the narrow slot section <NUM> of flanges <NUM>, <NUM>, thus, compressing the valve plug <NUM> between the valve body <NUM> and valve cap <NUM> producing a leak proof seal (<FIG>). The assembled valve system now has a central bore opening running wholly through the valve body <NUM>, a portion of the valve plug <NUM>, and wholly through the valve cap <NUM>. In an embodiment, the valve system is prevented from dispensing formula by the smallest fourth outer diameter section <NUM> of the valve plug <NUM>. Then, the packet <NUM> is ready to be assembled to the cartridge <NUM> by placing the packet <NUM> so that the dogs <NUM>, <NUM> are beneath the housing of the cartridge <NUM>, while the flanges <NUM>, <NUM> are above the housing of the cartridge <NUM>. Thus, securing the packet <NUM> on the cartridge <NUM>.

Upon inserting the cartridge <NUM> into the dispensing device a hollow needle or a flat hollow needle may pierce the valve plug <NUM> to allow withdrawing the formula from the packet <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A packet (<NUM>), comprising:
a valve system (<NUM>), including:
a valve body (<NUM>);
a valve cap (<NUM>); and
a valve plug (<NUM>) compressed radially and axially between the valve body (<NUM>) and valve cap (<NUM>) , and
a central bore (<NUM>) extending wholly through the valve body (<NUM>) and valve cap (<NUM>) and partially through the valve plug (<NUM>), and
one or more sheets containing a hair color formula welded together to secure the valve system (<NUM>) in a weld, characterized in that
the valve body (<NUM>) comprises a flange (<NUM>) with a first and second barb (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) securing the valve cap (<NUM>) to the valve body (<NUM>).