Patent Description:
The invention relates to a valve interconnector suitable for use, in combination with a receiver interconnector, in an interconnector system configured for connecting hollow bodies to one another so that the contents of one the hollow bodies may be transferred to the other hollow body. The invention further relates to manufacturing and operating methods of the valve interconnector, and to an interconnector system using the valve interconnector.

Patent document <CIT> discloses an interconnector system comprising a valve interconnector and a receiver interconnector, configured to be coupled to a first hollow body (e.g. to a first container) and to a second hollow body (e.g. to a second container) respectively. When the valve interconnector and the receiver interconnector are connected to each other, the interconnector system establishes fluid communication between the hollow bodies, allowing the transfer of part or all of the contents (e.g., chemicals) from one to the other of two hollow bodies.

The valve interconnector of <CIT> is configured to be associated to a first hollow body and comprises a neck, a longitudinal passageway being defined through the neck to allow fluid communication between the first hollow body and the second hollow body. Coupling retention flanges integral to the neck provide for a permanent securing of the valve interconnector to the hollow body. A valve assembly is arranged inside the longitudinal passageway through the neck and is configured to assume a closed position and an open position, the fluid communication between the first hollow body and the second hollow body being disabled when the valve assembly is in the closed position and being enabled when the valve assembly is in the open position.

On the other hand, the receiver interconnector of <CIT> is configured to be secured to the second hollow body and comprises a housing having an internal volume for receiving the valve interconnector and a hollow post protruding inside the housing and having an internal passageway. A sleeve is arranged inside the housing around the hollow post and is slidable along the hollow post from an uncoupled position, taken when the receiver interconnector is disconnected from the valve interconnector, to a coupled position, taken when the receiver interconnector is connected to the valve interconnector.

The interconnector system of <CIT> contemplates several distinct embodiments. With specific reference to the valve interconnector, the embodiment shown in <FIG> of <CIT> further comprises a base cap having an axially extending base cap interior tube portion extending into the longitudinal passageway through the neck, an axially extending base cap exterior tube portion covering a portion of the exterior surface of the neck and a radially extending base cap head portion connecting the interior tube portion to the exterior tube portion and covering the end of the neck. The inside surface of the interior tube portion of the base cap has an end forming a valve seat configured for ensuring a sealed contact when the valve assembly is in its closed position. The base cap is permanently secured to the neck. In particular, an intermediate tube axially extends from the head portion of the base cap: a press-fit seal between the outer surface of the intermediate tube and the inside surface of the neck prevents leakages.

The valve interconnector shown in <FIG> of <CIT> further comprises a resilient sealing ring housed inside a sealing ring seat provided in the interior tube portion of the base cap and open at the top. The sealing ring is configured to provide a leak-proof connection with the hollow post of the receiver interconnector by being axially compressed by the hollow post when coupling the receiver interconnector with the valve interconnector.

Due to the axial compression of the sealing ring at the insertion of the hollow post, the valve interconnector shown in <FIG> of <CIT> exhibits an optimal sealing between the valve interconnector and the receiver interconnector when connected to each other, thereby reliably preventing fluid leakages at the interface between the valve interconnector and the receiver interconnector.

Furthermore, the valve interconnector shown in <FIG> of <CIT> comprises a coded ring covering the external surface of the base cap. The coded ring is permanently secured to the base cap through a snap coupling. A plurality of radial lugs axially extend from the external surface of the coded ring and are configured to act as keys in mating engagement with corresponding radial channels (acting as keyways) provided in the receiver interconnector. The number and the size of the radial lugs on the coded ring of the valve interconnector constitute a mechanical coding, which univocally identifies the product contained in the first hollow body or intended to be transferred into the first hollow body.

Thus, the coupling between the valve interconnector and the receiver interconnector may be established only in case of matching between the radial lugs provided on the coded ring and the radial channels provided in the receiver interconnector, i.e. only if the mechanical coding of the radial lugs provided on the coded ring and of the radial channels provided in the receiver interconnector identify the same product. It is hence ensured that just the desired product is transferred between the hollow bodies. As a matter of fact, the provision of the coded ring on the valve interconnector shown in <FIG> of <CIT> plays a prominent role in enhancing reliability and safety in the transfer of products between the hollow bodies. Although the valve interconnector shown in <FIG> of <CIT> resulted to be extremely effective, the Applicant observed that, when the valve interconnector is coupled to the receiver interconnector, the sealing ring may stick to the receiver interconnector. At the subsequent release of the receiver interconnector, the sealing ring (by adhering to the receiver interconnector) may be dragged away from the sealing ring seat and consequently may be moved out of the valve interconnector. A reduction in the comfort of use of the interconnector system of <CIT> may hence be experienced due to the poor positional stability of the sealing ring. Secondly, the Applicant observed that, when the first hollow body has to be recycled following exhaustion of the product contained therein, some impediments arise due to the means adopted for securing of the valve interconnector of <CIT> to the first hollow body. In fact, the first hollow body is typically made of plastic material, whilst the valve interconnector is an assembly made partly of plastic materials (that often differ from the plastic material of the first hollow body) and partly of materials other than plastics. For instance, the valve assembly includes a bias spring made of metal. Since the valve assembly, the base cap, the neck and the first hollow body are all permanently secured to each other, disassembling the valve assembly (in particular separating bias spring) from the first hollow body may not be easy and could prejudice the recycling of the first hollow body and of the components of the interconnector system. In addition, the permanent securing e.g. between the neck and the base cap prevents the first hollow body from being rinsed in order to remove residues of product contained in the first hollow body before the recycling.

A first aim of the invention is to improve the above described solutions and specifically to improve the valve interconnector shown in <FIG> of <CIT>, while maintaining all advantageous aspects thereof.

A second aim of the invention is to provide a valve interconnector having improved positional stability for the sealing ring.

A third aim of the invention is to provide a valve interconnector which is able to guarantee the best of comfort of use, in particular in relation to coupling and decoupling operations between the valve interconnector and the receiver interconnector.

A fourth aim of the invention is to provide a valve interconnector which ensures a reliable sealing between all the components of the valve interconnector, both in its uncoupled configuration and in its coupled configuration with the receiver interconnector.

A fifth aim of the invention is to provide a valve interconnector wherein the operation of the valve assembly is improved, with particular regard to the guidance of the bias spring at the coupling between the valve interconnector and the receiver interconnector.

A sixth aim of the invention is to provide a valve interconnector whose manufacturing process is able to lead to a perfect positioning and a perfect securing of all the components of the valve interconnector, in particular of the sealing ring.

A seventh aim of the invention is to provide a valve interconnector facilitating recycling of all the components of the valve interconnector and of the first hollow body.

An eighth aim of the invention is to provide a valve interconnector whose structure prevents the first hollow body from being filled with products different from the intended product, thereby increasing safety of the interconnector system, particularly in view of the fact that the products contained in the first hollow body are usually chemicals.

A ninth aim of the invention is to provide a valve interconnector able to leave permanent evidence of tampering or tampering attempts.

A tenth aim of the invention is to provide a valve interconnector whose facilitating recycling operations without impairing on safety of the interconnector system.

One or more of the above aims are substantially achieved by a valve interconnector, by an interconnector system, by a method of manufacturing a valve interconnector and by a method of operating a valve interconnector in accordance with one or more of the appended claims and/or one or more of the following aspects.

A valve interconnector according to the invention is disclosed in any one of the appended claims. An assembly according to the invention is disclosed in claim <NUM>. An interconnector system according to the invention is disclosed in claim <NUM>.

Exemplifying aspects of the invention are described below, with reference to the attached drawings provided for indicative and therefore nonlimiting purpose, wherein:.

A valve interconnector <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. A valve interconnector is a coupling device configured to be coupled to a complementary coupling device (receiver interconnector <NUM> shown in <FIG>) in order to provide an interconnector system which allows a controlled path for the passage of a liquid (e.g., a chemical) from a first location to a second location. The valve interconnector <NUM> is hence designed to mate with the receiver interconnector <NUM> and consequently to create a junction enabling the liquid to pass through the interconnector system. The valve interconnector <NUM> is also designed to be secured to a first hollow body, such as the hollow body <NUM> shown in <FIG>. In particular, the valve interconnector <NUM> may be secured to a container or to a package having the capacity to hold a liquid or may be secured to a conduit having the capacity of allowing the passage of a liquid. On the other hand, as shown in <FIG>, the receiver interconnector <NUM> may be secured to a second hollow body <NUM>, which may be a conduit connected to further convey a liquid to, for example, a dispenser, a diluent, a source of liquid, or a spout associated to a further container.

The valve interconnector <NUM> comprises a neck <NUM>. The neck <NUM> may be a one piece element, optionally made of plastic material. In order to ensure a permanent securing to the first hollow body <NUM>, the neck <NUM> may include a lower coupling retention flange <NUM> and an upper coupling retention flange <NUM> which extend radially outward from the neck <NUM>. Because the valve interconnector <NUM> is designed for the flow of liquid therethrough upon coupling, the neck <NUM> is of tubular conformation. In particular, a passageway <NUM> is defined through the neck <NUM> to allow fluid communication between the first hollow body <NUM> and the second hollow body <NUM>. The passageway <NUM> extends longitudinally along a central axis V of the valve interconnector <NUM> and develops between an internal end portion oriented towards the first hollow body <NUM> and an external end portion oriented away from the first hollow body <NUM> (and consequently oriented towards the receiver interconnector <NUM>). The neck <NUM> extends in the radial direction between an internal surface 7p facing the passageway <NUM> and an external surface <NUM> substantially parallel to the internal surface 7p. The surfaces 7p and <NUM> may be both substantially cylindrical. In particular, surfaces 7p and <NUM> may be substantially coaxial and share the same central axis V, as shown in <FIG>. The external surface <NUM> externally delimits a tubular end portion <NUM> axially extending beyond the coupling retention flanges <NUM> and <NUM>.

The valve interconnector <NUM> further comprises a base cap <NUM> secured to the neck <NUM> with ability of a relative rotation around the central axis V. The base cap <NUM> may be a one piece element, optionally made of plastic material. The base cap <NUM> is advantageously designed to enclose the tubular end portion <NUM> of the neck <NUM>. To this purpose, the base cap <NUM> may comprise an interior tube portion <NUM> extending into an end portion of the passageway <NUM> for a predetermined length, an exterior tube portion <NUM> covering wholly or partially the external surface <NUM> of the neck <NUM> and a head portion <NUM> extending from the interior tube portion <NUM> to the exterior tube portion <NUM>. Advantageously, the head portion <NUM> develops seamlessly with the interior tube portion <NUM> and the exterior tube portion <NUM>. The interior tube portion <NUM>, the exterior tube portion <NUM> and the head portion <NUM> may all be substantially axisymmetric, the axis of symmetry of the portions <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> substantially coinciding with the central axis V of the passageway <NUM>. The exterior tube portion <NUM> may substantially contemplate a cylindrical shape, in particular the respective internal surface 85p and external surface <NUM> being both substantially cylindrical and coaxial. The head portion <NUM> may substantially contemplate a discoidal shape, the internal surface 89p covering the tubular end portion <NUM> of the neck <NUM> at the top and the external surface <NUM> facing the receiver interconnector <NUM>. The interior tube portion <NUM> may contemplate a substantially frustoconical shape, in particular the respective internal surface 81p and external surface <NUM> being both substantially frustoconical and coaxial. The distance between the external surface <NUM> of the interior tube portion <NUM> and the internal surface 7p of the neck may hence be subject to a slight reduction moving axially along the passageway <NUM>, as clearly shown in particular in <FIG>.

The securing of the base cap <NUM> to the neck <NUM> may involve a snap coupling operative between the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> and the neck <NUM> allowing the base cap <NUM> to be axially mounted to the neck <NUM>. As will be detailed below, the snap coupling advantageously contemplates ribs provided on the external surface <NUM> of the neck <NUM> and to the internal surface 85p of the exterior tube portion <NUM>. Furthermore, the base cap <NUM> may be provided with elements configured to establish a sealed engagement with the internal surface 7p of the neck <NUM>. For instance, the base cap <NUM> may comprise an intermediate tube <NUM> which axially protrudes from the internal surface 89p of the head portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> and which is configured to press-fit into sealed engagement with the internal surface 7p of the neck <NUM>.

Moreover, the valve interconnector <NUM> comprises a valve assembly <NUM> arranged in the passageway <NUM> and configured to assume at least an open position and a closed position. In the open position of the valve assembly <NUM> the fluid communication through the passageway <NUM> is enabled, whilst in the closed position of the valve assembly <NUM> the fluid communication through the passageway <NUM> is disabled. The valve interconnector <NUM> is configured so that the valve assembly <NUM> assumes its open position when the receiver interconnector <NUM> is coupled to the valve interconnector <NUM> to allow the fluid communication between the first hollow body <NUM> and the second hollow body <NUM>, whilst assumes its closed position in absence of connection between the receiver interconnector <NUM> and the valve interconnector <NUM> to prevent losses of the liquid contained in the first hollow body <NUM> through the passageway <NUM> and to prevent undue fillings of the first hollow body <NUM>.

More particularly, the valve interconnector <NUM> is configured so that the valve assembly <NUM> automatically moves to the open position when an element of the receiver interconnector <NUM> is inserted into the passageway <NUM> for a predetermined depth and conversely automatically moves to the closed position when the same element of the receiver interconnector <NUM> is released from the passageway <NUM>. Typically, such an element of the receiver interconnector <NUM> is represented by a hollow post <NUM> having an internal passageway <NUM> and at least one opening <NUM> putting the passageway <NUM> in communication with the exterior.

In order to move from the closed position to the open position and vice versa, the valve assembly <NUM> comprises mobile elements and fixed elements. The valve assembly <NUM> may comprise, as mobile element, a valve head <NUM>. In the closed position of the valve assembly <NUM>, the valve head <NUM> is into sealing contact with a valve seat <NUM> which is in particular defined at the bottom of the interior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM>, whilst, in the open position of the valve assembly <NUM>, the valve head <NUM> is separate from the valve seat <NUM>. The valve assembly <NUM> may comprise, as fixed element, a valve retainer <NUM> secured to the base cap <NUM>. Moreover, since the valve seat <NUM> is integral to the interior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM>, also the base cap <NUM> can be considered as a fixed element of the base cap <NUM>.

The valve retainer <NUM> may have a cup-shaped open structure so that liquid passing between the valve seat <NUM> and the valve head <NUM> can pass also through the valve retainer <NUM>. Longitudinal slits extending axially and angularly spaced are in particular provided in the bottom portion of the valve retainer <NUM> for the passage of the liquid through the valve retainer <NUM>. A snap coupling may be provided for allowing the valve retainer <NUM> to be axially mounted to the base cap <NUM>. In particular, the valve retainer <NUM> may be provided with a circumferential flange <NUM> extending from the external surface <NUM> of the valve retainer <NUM>, optionally protruding radially outwards from an upper edge of the valve retainer <NUM>. Such a circumferential flange <NUM> is accommodated into a corresponding circumferential groove <NUM> provided in the internal surface 87p of the intermediate tube <NUM> of the base cap <NUM>, the engagement so achieved between the valve retainer <NUM> and the interior tube portion <NUM> (which is pressed radially inwards by the internal surface 7p of the neck <NUM>) ensuring a stable and secure support of the valve assembly <NUM>.

The relative movements of the valve head <NUM> with respect to the valve retainer <NUM> (in particular the movements bringing the valve assembly <NUM> from the closed position to the open position and vice versa) may be obtained by establishing a slidable coupling of the valve head <NUM> with respect to the valve retainer <NUM>, in particular such a slidable coupling allowing the valve head <NUM> to slide substantially along the central axis V. To this purpose, the valve head <NUM> may be provided with a valve stem <NUM> accommodated in a passageway <NUM> provided in the valve retainer <NUM>, the valve stem <NUM> being optionally made in one piece with the valve head <NUM>.

The valve assembly <NUM> may further comprise a bias spring <NUM>, the bias spring <NUM> acting on the valve head <NUM> by pushing it against the valve seat <NUM>. Therefore, the bias spring <NUM> contributes to reinstate the closed position of the valve assembly <NUM> following the release of the receiver interconnector <NUM>. The bias spring <NUM> may be mounted around the valve stem <NUM>, so that the upper end and the lower end of the bias spring <NUM> get into contact with the valve head <NUM> and with the valve retainer <NUM> respectively.

Advantageously, the valve assembly <NUM> implements measures for guiding the bias spring <NUM> towards its correct position inside the valve retainer <NUM>. To this purpose, in fact, the valve retainer <NUM> is provided with angularly spaced ribs <NUM> protruding from the internal surface 51p of the valve retainer <NUM>. The ribs <NUM> are in particular arranged at a bottom portion of the valve retainer <NUM>, i.e. at a portion adjacent to the passageway <NUM>. The ribs <NUM> may have roughly a trapezoidal shape and may be reasonably limited in length, so as not to cause any interference with the sliding of the valve head <NUM>. The radially internal borders of the ribs <NUM> may be effectively used for achieving a proper guidance of the lower end of the bias spring <NUM>. In fact, the radially internal borders of the ribs <NUM> define a cylindrical seat above the passageway <NUM>, with the cylindrical seat accommodating the lower end of the bias spring <NUM>.

The valve interconnector <NUM> further comprises a code ring cap <NUM> secured to the base cap <NUM>. The code ring cap <NUM> may be a one piece element, optionally made of plastic material. The code ring cap <NUM> may advantageously be designed to enclose the base cap <NUM>, so that at least preponderant portions of the base cap <NUM> are covered by the code ring cap <NUM>. More in detail, the code ring cap <NUM> comprises a tube portion <NUM> covering at least partly the external surface <NUM> of the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> and a head portion <NUM> covering at least partly the external surface <NUM> of the head portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM>. In practice, the code ring cap <NUM> represents the element of the valve interconnector <NUM> accessible to the exterior and hence available for operations such as the release operation of the base cap <NUM> from the neck <NUM> that will be described below.

The code ring cap <NUM> is fixedly secured to the base cap <NUM>. To this purpose, the valve interconnector <NUM> is provided with a snap fitting configured to allow the code ring cap <NUM> to be secured to the base cap <NUM>. In particular, the snap fitting is configured the code ring cap <NUM> for being axially mounted on the base cap <NUM>. The snap fitting may be operative between the external surface <NUM> of the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> and the internal surface 95p of the tube portion <NUM> of the code ring cap <NUM>. In particular, the snap fitting comprises at least one rib <NUM> and at least a groove <NUM> conjugated in shape, so that the groove <NUM> is capable to receive the rib <NUM> for establishing the coupling between the code ring <NUM> and the base cap <NUM>. The rib <NUM> and the groove <NUM> may develop continuously along the whole circumferences of the code ring <NUM> and of the base cap <NUM> or otherwise may circumferentially develop only for a predetermined angle. In the latter case (represented in enclosed Figures), the code ring <NUM> and of the base cap <NUM> advantageously comprise a plurality of ribs <NUM> and a plurality of grooves <NUM> which are equally spaced to each other and which form (if taken together) a segmented rib and a segmented groove developing along the whole circumferences of the code ring <NUM> and of the base cap <NUM>. The snap fitting of the valve interconnector <NUM> depicted in the enclosed Figures contemplates the provision of the rib <NUM> on the internal surface 95p of the tube portion <NUM> of the code ring cap <NUM> and the provision of the groove <NUM> on the external surface <NUM> of the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM>. However, the opposite arrangement (rib provided on the external surface <NUM> of the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> and groove provided on the internal surface 95p of the tube portion <NUM> of the code ring cap <NUM>) may be envisaged as well.

The code ring cap <NUM> is configured to act as a safety device enabling the transfer of liquid between the hollow bodies through the interconnector system only in case of matching between a mechanical coding associated to the code ring cap <NUM> (and representative of a predetermined product <NUM> contained in the first hollow body <NUM>) and a mechanical coding associated to the receiver interconnector <NUM> (and representative of a predetermined product contained in the second hollow body <NUM>). Consequently, the transfer of liquid between the hollow bodies may be established only if the mechanical coding associated to the code ring cap <NUM> and the mechanical coding associated to the receiver interconnector <NUM> identify just the same product <NUM>. It shall be emphasized that the provision of the code ring cap <NUM> and the association of the mechanical coding to the code ring cap <NUM> allow standardization of the production of the valve interconnector <NUM>. In fact, depending on the product intended to be contained in the first hollow body <NUM>, a different code ring cap <NUM> may be mounted in the valve interconnector <NUM>, all other components of the valve interconnector <NUM> remaining identical for all products.

Advantageously, the mechanical coding associated to the code ring cap <NUM> includes one or more radial lugs or one or more radial channels <NUM> axially extending from the external surface <NUM> of the tube portion <NUM> of the code ring cap <NUM>. The radial lugs or radial channels <NUM> are configured to act as keys designed for mating engagement with corresponding keyways <NUM> provided in the receiver interconnector <NUM>. Furthermore, the axial extension of the radial lugs or radial channels <NUM> on the external surface <NUM> of the tube portion <NUM> of the code ring cap <NUM> may be exploited for obtaining the alignment of the valve interconnector <NUM> with the receiver interconnector <NUM> during coupling.

The tube portion <NUM> of the code ring cap <NUM> may be substantially axisymmetric about the central axis V, the surfaces 95p and <NUM> being both substantially cylindrical. The head portion <NUM> of the code ring cap <NUM> may have a substantially discoidal shape. In particular, the internal surface 99p of the head portion <NUM> of the code ring cap <NUM> covers the entire external surface <NUM> of the head portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM>. Alternatively, the head portion <NUM> of the code ring cap <NUM> may have a different geometry (functional in particular to obtain a saving in the material used for manufacturing the code ring cap) which allows some portions of the external surface <NUM> of the head portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> to remain uncovered. For instance, the code ring cap <NUM> may comprise a plurality of radial linking rods in particular equally angularly spaced with each other or may comprise a plurality of linking rods arranged following a chessboard pattern.

An aperture <NUM> is provided at the center of the head portion <NUM> of the code ring cap <NUM>. Since the aperture <NUM> is intended to be used as insertion aperture for the receiver interconnector <NUM>, its shape is optionally conjugated with the shape of the receiver interconnector <NUM>. For example, the aperture <NUM> is circular, the aperture <NUM> being in particular coaxial to the passageway <NUM>. Advantageously, the diameter of the aperture <NUM> provided at the center of the code ring cap <NUM> is less than the diameter of the end aperture of the interior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM>, as may be appreciated in <FIG>.

The aperture <NUM> may be delimited by a flange <NUM> forming an internal border of the head portion <NUM> of the code ring cap <NUM>. The flange <NUM> may extend partly in the axial direction to define an upper edge which is raised with respect to the external surface <NUM> of the head portion <NUM> of the code ring cap <NUM>. In other words, the flange <NUM> may be formed by an internal portion of the head portion <NUM> of the code ring cap <NUM> which is inclined towards the top, so that the raised upper edge around the aperture <NUM> is obtained. The head portion <NUM> of the code ring cap <NUM> may radially extend from the flange <NUM> up to the tube portion <NUM>. A transition portion <NUM> may be provided at the interface between the portions <NUM> and <NUM>, such a transition portion being advantageously rounded or beveled to facilitate the coupling between the valve interconnector <NUM> and the receiver interconnector <NUM>.

The valve interconnector <NUM> further comprises a sealing ring <NUM> configured to provide a leak-proof connection between the valve interconnector <NUM> and the receiver interconnector <NUM> in the coupled configuration of the interconnector system. The sealing ring <NUM> may be made of an elastic or resilient material such as rubber. The internal surface 3p of the sealing ring <NUM> is configured to establish a tight contact with the receiver interconnector <NUM> in the coupled configuration of the interconnector system. In accordance with one possible aspect, the internal surface 3p of the sealing ring <NUM> is frustoconical, the diameter of the sealing ring <NUM> slightly increasing moving along the central axis V towards the aperture <NUM>. In such a manner, the insertion of the receiver interconnector <NUM> into the valve interconnector <NUM> is made more comfortable and possible insertion difficulties due to the size tolerances of the receiver interconnector <NUM> are avoided. The sealing ring <NUM> comprises a top lip <NUM> and a bottom lip <NUM>, which are positioned at the opposite ends of the sealing ring <NUM>, the sealing ring <NUM> being hence a tubular body extending between the lips <NUM> and <NUM>. The top lip <NUM> and the bottom lip <NUM> may have a different geometry for guaranteeing an adequate adhesion and an adequate tightness at both ends of the sealing ring <NUM>.

The valve interconnector <NUM> further comprises a sealing ring seat <NUM> wherein the sealing ring <NUM> is housed. The sealing ring seat <NUM> may be substantially axisymmetric and substantially coaxial to the sealing ring <NUM>. The sealing ring seat <NUM> may have a shape conjugated with the shape of the sealing ring <NUM>, in particular the shape of the side surface 2r of the sealing ring seat <NUM> being conjugated with the shape of the external surface <NUM> of the sealing ring <NUM>. Advantageously, the sealing ring <NUM> is coupled to the sealing ring seat <NUM> so that a proper axial compression of the sealing ring <NUM> during the insertion of the receiver interconnector <NUM> into the valve interconnector <NUM> is not prevented. Such an axial compression of the sealing ring <NUM> (which is effective in the enhancement of the fluid tightness between the valve interconnector <NUM> and the receiver interconnector <NUM>) may be obtained by allowing the sealing ring <NUM> to slide up to a certain extent along the side surface 2r of the sealing ring seat <NUM> in the direction of the valve assembly <NUM>.

The sealing ring seat <NUM> is at least partially provided in the interior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM>. In particular, the side surface 2r of the sealing ring seat <NUM> may be at least partially formed by the interior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM>, the side surface 2r of the sealing ring seat <NUM> defined by the interior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> being, for example, advantageously slightly frustoconical for making the positioning of the sealing ring <NUM> more comfortable. Moreover, the bottom side 2f of the sealing ring seat is formed by a bottom abutment surface provided on the interior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM>, the bottom abutment surface being in particular a surface of the interior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> adjacent to the valve seat <NUM> and substantially orthogonal to a central axis V. The bottom abutment surface of the interior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> is configured to prevent the sealing ring <NUM> from moving from the sealing ring seat <NUM> towards the valve seat <NUM>, so retaining the sealing ring <NUM> into the sealing ring seat <NUM> during the insertion of the receiver interconnector <NUM>.

According to an aspect of the invention, the code ring cap <NUM> is configured for cooperating in retaining the sealing ring <NUM> within the sealing ring seat <NUM>. Such a cooperation results to be effective especially in preventing the sealing ring <NUM> from exiting the sealing ring seat <NUM> when the receiver interconnector <NUM> is released from the valve interconnector <NUM>. In fact, even when the sealing ring <NUM> is stick to the receiver interconnector <NUM>, the configuration of the code ring cap <NUM> is such to create an interference with the sealing ring <NUM> capable of causing the detachment of the sealing ring <NUM> from the receiver interconnector <NUM> and of stopping possible movements of the sealing ring <NUM> away from the valve interconnector <NUM>. Since the receiver interconnector <NUM> is released from the valve interconnector <NUM> along the axial direction, the configuration of the code ring cap <NUM> is such to especially reduce or prevent movements of the sealing ring <NUM> along the axial direction.

According to certain aspects of the invention, the head portion <NUM> of the code ring cap <NUM> comprises a sealing ring enclosing portion which is configured for axially locking the sealing ring <NUM> and which delimits at the top the sealing ring seat <NUM>. The sealing ring enclosing portion of the head portion <NUM> of the code ring cap <NUM> may comprise the flange <NUM> delimiting the aperture <NUM>. The sealing ring seat <NUM> has a top side 2c, opposite to the bottom side 2f, formed by a top abutment surface provided on the sealing ring enclosing portion of the code ring cap <NUM>.

Without limitation, an example of sealing ring <NUM> and sealing ring seat <NUM> according to aspects of the invention is illustrated in <FIG>. The top lip <NUM> of the sealing ring <NUM> is contacting the sealing ring enclosing portion of the head portion <NUM> of the code ring cap <NUM>. As the top lip <NUM> of the sealing ring <NUM> exhibits an engaging surface <NUM> matching the top abutment surface of the sealing ring seat <NUM>, the sealing ring <NUM> is kept into the sealing ring seat 2not only by the interference with the sealing ring enclosing portion of the head portion <NUM> of the code ring cap <NUM> that impedes axial movements of the sealing ring out of the sealing ring seat <NUM>, but also by the adhesion of the sealing ring <NUM> with the sealing ring enclosing portion of the head portion <NUM> of the code ring cap <NUM> which facilitates the detachment of the sealing ring <NUM> from the receiver interconnector <NUM>. In order to obtain a wider contact area between the top abutment surface of the sealing ring seat <NUM> and the engaging surface <NUM> of the sealing ring <NUM>, both surfaces are frustoconical, i.e. both surfaces present a predetermined inclination with respect to the central axis V. Depending on the configuration of the sealing ring enclosing portion of the head portion <NUM> of the code ring cap <NUM> (e.g. the configuration of <FIG> having a frustoconical top abutment surface), the sealing ring seat <NUM> may comprise a top portion internal to the sealing ring enclosing portion of the code ring cap <NUM>, such a top portion being axially consecutive to a bottom portion of the sealing ring seat <NUM> which is internal instead to the interior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM>. The top portion of the sealing ring seat <NUM> is optionally much smaller in volume than the bottom portion. The radial size of the sealing ring seat <NUM> varies along the axial extension of the sealing ring seat <NUM> (as may be appreciated in <FIG>), such variation in the size being in particular functional to increase the positional stability of the sealing ring <NUM> into the sealing ring seat <NUM> without jeopardizing the ease of mounting of the valve interconnector <NUM>. Optionally, the sealing ring seat <NUM> presents maximum radial size at the interface between the bottom portion of the sealing ring seat <NUM> and the top portion of the sealing ring seat <NUM>. More optionally, the radial size variation of the sealing ring seat <NUM> follows a monotonic increasing function along the bottom portion of the sealing ring seat <NUM> and follows a monotonic decreasing function along the top portion of the sealing ring seat <NUM> (moving along the central axis V from the valve seat <NUM> to the aperture <NUM>).

Having described in detail the example illustrated in <FIG>, it is reiterated that the invention is not limited in that respect. For instance, the top abutment surface of the sealing ring seat <NUM> may be annular and orthogonal to the central axis V or frustoconical and inclined towards the valve seat <NUM> (instead of being frustoconical and inclined away from the valve seat <NUM>). In this case, the sealing ring enclosing portion of the code ring cap <NUM> delimits the sealing ring seat <NUM> at the top, but the sealing ring seat <NUM> comprises no portions internal to the sealing ring enclosing portion of the code ring cap <NUM>. Moreover, the top lip <NUM> of the sealing ring <NUM> may be positioned at a certain distance from the top abutment surface of the sealing ring seat <NUM>, instead of contacting the top abutment surface of the sealing ring seat <NUM>.

According to further aspects of the invention, the valve interconnector <NUM> is provided with a selector operative between the neck <NUM> and the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM>. The selector may assume at least a first position and a second position. In the first position of the selector, the base cap <NUM> is prevented from being released from the neck <NUM>, in particular from being released along the axial direction. Since in first position of the selector the base cap <NUM> and all components of the valve interconnector <NUM> secured to the base cap <NUM> (in particular the valve assembly <NUM> and the code ring cap <NUM>) are stably coupled to the neck <NUM> (and consequently to the first hollow body <NUM>), the first position of the selector is devised for the use of the valve interconnector <NUM>, in particular for the coupling of the valve interconnector <NUM>, the valve interconnector <NUM> being mounted with the selector being in the first position. In the second position of the selector instead, the base cap <NUM> is enabled to be released from the neck <NUM>, in particular to be released by pulling the base cap <NUM> along the axial direction. The second position of the selector is devised for the disposal of the first hollow body <NUM> and of the valve interconnector <NUM>. In fact, after release of the base cap <NUM> (and of all components secured to the base cap <NUM>, including non-plastic parts such as the bias spring <NUM>), the first hollow body <NUM> may recycled together with the neck <NUM>. In fact, the coupling of the neck <NUM> to the first hollow body <NUM> does not prejudice recyclability of the first hollow body <NUM>, since the neck <NUM> and the first hollow body <NUM> are both made of plastic materials. The release of the base cap <NUM> allows the first hollow body <NUM> to be rinsed before the recycling, in order to remove residues of the product <NUM> contained in the first hollow body <NUM>.

According to certain aspects of the invention, the selector of the valve interconnector <NUM> is configured to be toggled from the first position to the second position following a rotation of the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> about the central axis V of a predetermined angle, optionally comprised between <NUM>° and <NUM>° and in particular substantially equal to <NUM>°. Advantageously, the toggling of the selector from the first position to the second position may be obtained regardless of the sense of rotation (clockwise or counter-clockwise) of the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM>. Finally, it should be pointed out that the rotation of the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> causing toggling of the selector from the first position to the second position may be performed by directly operating the base cap <NUM> or by operating a further element of the valve interconnector <NUM> secured to the base cap <NUM>, in particular the code ring cap <NUM>.

The valve interconnector <NUM> may be designed according to a first preferred configuration, wherein the first position is prevented from being reinstated following toggling of the selector from the first position to the second position. The first preferred configuration of the valve interconnector <NUM> is particularly effective in term of safety of the interconnector system. Indeed, should the first hollow body <NUM> be filled subsequently to the release of the base cap <NUM>, for example with a new product different from the product <NUM> previously contained in the first hollow body <NUM>, the use state of the valve interconnector <NUM> (required in particular for coupling the valve interconnector <NUM> to the receiver interconnector <NUM>, and hence the first hollow body <NUM> to the second hollow body <NUM>) cannot be recovered anyway.

Advantageously, the first preferred configuration of the valve interconnector <NUM> involves an irreversible breakage or an irreversible deformation to at least one element of the valve interconnector <NUM> during toggling of the selector from the first position to the second position. The element of the valve interconnector <NUM> designed to be irreversibly broken or deformed during toggling of the selector from the first position to the second position may be an element of the neck <NUM>, such as a fin protruding from an exposed surface <NUM> of the neck <NUM> facing the base cap <NUM>. Alternatively or in addition, the element of the valve interconnector <NUM> designed to be irreversibly broken or deformed during the toggling of the selector from the first position to the second position may be an element of the base cap <NUM>, such as a weak spot being in particular integral to the external tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM>.

The valve interconnector <NUM> may be designed according to a second preferred configuration, wherein permanent evidence is given to a rotation of the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> about the central axis V starting from the first position of the selector, in particular of a rotation intended to toggle the position of the selector from the first position to the second position. The second preferred configuration of the valve interconnector <NUM> is also effective in term of increased safety of the interconnector system. Indeed, if the valve interconnector <NUM> is subject to tampering (e.g., the release of the base cap <NUM> for substituting the product <NUM> contained in the first hollow body <NUM> with a different product) or even only to a tampering attempt, the tampering event or tampering attempt leaves an irreversible and perceptible mark (e.g., a visually and/or tactfully perceptible mark) on the valve interconnector <NUM>.

Advantageously, the second preferred configuration of the valve interconnector <NUM> involves the provision, in the valve interconnector <NUM>, of a positioner configured for enabling the base cap <NUM> to be mounted to the neck <NUM> only when the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> assumes a predetermined relative orientation with respect to the neck <NUM>. The positioner may be operative between the code ring cap <NUM> and the neck <NUM>.

The positioner of the valve interconnector <NUM> may comprise a first lip <NUM> protruding downwards from a bottom surface 9n of the code ring cap <NUM>: the bottom surface 9n may in particular be substantially orthogonal to the central axis V and the first lip <NUM> protruding substantially orthogonal to such a bottom surface 9n. Moreover, the positioner of the valve interconnector <NUM> may comprise a first positioning slot <NUM> provided in a flange <NUM> of the neck <NUM> arranged beneath the base cap <NUM>. The flange <NUM> (which is arranged beneath the code ring cap <NUM> as well and which optionally extends substantially orthogonal to the central axis V) may be a flange integral to the neck <NUM> and arranged above the upper coupling retention flange <NUM> or may coincide wholly or partially with the upper coupling retention flange <NUM>. The first lip <NUM> is configured for penetrating into the first positioning slot <NUM>.

A weakening plane may cross the first lip <NUM>, so that the first lip <NUM> may be subdivided into a tip portion 12y and a root portion 12x separated from each other by the weakening plane. The positioner may be configured for causing the tip portion 12y of the first lip <NUM> to be severed when the code ring cap <NUM> is rotated about the central axis V. Alternatively, the positioner may be configured for causing the first lip <NUM> to be irreversibly deformed at an interface between the tip portion 12y and the root portion 12x when the code ring cap <NUM> is rotated about the central axis V. In such a way, since the base cap <NUM> is secured to the code ring cap <NUM> and hence rotates about the central axis V as well, permanent evidence of toggling of the selector from the first position towards the second position is given. Advantageously, the weakening plane is inclined with respect to the lying plane of the flange <NUM> of the neck <NUM> (which is substantially orthogonal to the central axis V), so that after the severing of the tip portion 12y, the root portion 12x exhibits a cut edge 12w which is inclined with respect to the flange <NUM>.

Optionally, the positioner further comprises a second lip <NUM> and a second positioning slot <NUM> having the same configuration of the first lip <NUM> and of the first positioning slot <NUM>, so that in particular the second lip <NUM> is configured for penetrating into the second positioning slot <NUM>. The angle spacing the first lip <NUM> from the second lip <NUM> is substantially equal to the angle spacing the first positioning slot <NUM> from the second positioning slot <NUM> and may be greater than the angle separating the first position from the second position of the selector.

Operation of the positioner of the valve interconnector <NUM> is depicted in <FIG>, representing the configuration of the positioner when the valve interconnector <NUM> is completely assembled, with the selector being in the first position, and in <FIG>, representing the configuration of the positioner after a tampering attempt made by rotating the code ring cap <NUM> about the neck <NUM>, with the purpose of toggling the position of the selector from the first position towards the second position. From a comparison between <FIG>, it can be inferred that rotation of the code ring cap <NUM> about central axis V causes exiting of the lips <NUM> and <NUM> from the positioning slots <NUM> and <NUM> and severing of the lips <NUM> and <NUM> at the interfaces between the tip portions 12y and 18y and the root portions 12x and 18x, with the detachment of the tip portions 12y and 18y. The attempt of tampering remains hence perceptible, since, as shown in <FIG>, the code ring cap <NUM> exhibits root portions 12x and 18x interrupted by cut edges 12w and 18w in place of intact lips <NUM> and <NUM>.

The valve interconnector <NUM> may be designed according to a third preferred configuration. The third preferred configuration combines above first preferred configuration and above second preferred configuration described above. Therefore, the third preferred configuration of the valve interconnector <NUM> conjugates the prevention of the reinstatement of the first position of the selector following toggling of the selector from the first position to the second position with the permanent evidence provided in case of toggling of the position of the selector from the first position towards the second position. As the first preferred configuration of the valve interconnector <NUM> and the second preferred configuration of the valve interconnector <NUM> have both the technical effect of an increased safety of the interconnector system, it should be easily understood that the third configuration of the valve interconnector is even more effective in increasing safety of the interconnector system.

<FIG> show the valve interconnector <NUM> in accordance to a first embodiment of the present invention. In particular, <FIG> is an exploded view wherein the base cap <NUM> and the code ring cap <NUM> have been separated from the remaining components of the valve interconnector <NUM>, whilst <FIG> are sectional views obtained by sectioning the valve interconnector <NUM> with a plane orthogonal to the central axis V.

According to the first embodiment of the invention, the selector of the valve interconnector <NUM> includes a plurality of first ribs <NUM> radially protruding from the external surface <NUM> of the neck <NUM>. The first ribs <NUM> may be in one piece with the neck <NUM>. The first ribs <NUM> may be substantially equal to each other in shape and in size. First interruptions <NUM> are interposed between any couple of consecutive first ribs <NUM>. Each of the first ribs <NUM> extends circumferentially for a predetermined angle. The first ribs <NUM> are optionally positioned substantially at the same height and optionally substantially equally angularly spaced from each other. <FIG> show in particular that the first ribs <NUM> radially protruding from the external surface <NUM> of the neck <NUM> are in number of four and that the separation angle between each couple of consecutive first ribs <NUM> is equal to <NUM>°. However, it should be remarked that the first embodiment of the invention is not limited in that respect since the number of first ribs <NUM> may be different from four and consequently the separation angle may be different from <NUM>°.

According to the first embodiment of the invention, the selector of the valve interconnector <NUM> includes as well a plurality of second ribs <NUM> radially protruding from the internal surface 85p of the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM>, the number of second ribs <NUM> being equal to the number of first ribs <NUM>. The second ribs <NUM> may be in one piece with the base cap <NUM>. The second ribs <NUM> may be substantially equal to each other in shape and in size. Second interruptions <NUM> are interposed between any couple of consecutive second ribs <NUM>. Each of the second ribs <NUM> extends circumferentially for a predetermined angle. The angle of extension of the second ribs <NUM> along the internal surface 85p of the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> may be equal to the angle of extension of the first ribs <NUM> along the external surface <NUM> of the neck <NUM>. Alternatively, the angle of extension of the second ribs <NUM> along the internal surface 85p of the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> may be different from the angle of extension of the first ribs <NUM> along the external surface <NUM> of the neck <NUM>. In particular, the angle of extension of the second ribs <NUM> along the internal surface 85p of the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> may be greater than the angle of extension of the first ribs <NUM> along the external surface <NUM> of the neck <NUM>, so that the second ribs <NUM> are longer than the first ribs <NUM>. The second ribs <NUM> are optionally positioned substantially at the same height and optionally substantially equally angularly spaced from each other. The second ribs <NUM> are positioned at a height lower than the height of the first ribs <NUM>, the height of the ribs <NUM> and <NUM> being measured from an exposed surface <NUM> of the neck <NUM> facing the base cap <NUM>, the exposed surface <NUM> being in particular a surface of a flange <NUM> of the neck <NUM>. The second ribs <NUM> are optionally substantially equally angularly spaced from each other. The separation angle between each couple of consecutive second ribs <NUM> on the internal surface 85p of the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> is equal to the separation angle between each couple of consecutive first ribs <NUM> on the external surface <NUM> of the neck <NUM>. <FIG> show in particular that (in accordance to the number and to the distribution of the first ribs <NUM>) the second ribs <NUM> radially protruding from the internal surface 85p of the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> are in number of four and that the separation angle between each couple of consecutive second ribs <NUM> is equal to <NUM>°. However, it should be remarked that the first embodiment of the invention is not limited in that respect since the number of second ribs <NUM> may be different from four and consequently the separation angle may be different from <NUM>°.

<FIG> shows the valve interconnector <NUM> in accordance to the first embodiment of the invention when the selector is in the first position, whilst <FIG> shows the valve interconnector <NUM> in accordance to the first embodiment of the invention when the selector is in the second position. From a comparison between <FIG>, it may be appreciated that in the first position of the selector the second ribs <NUM> are axially aligned with the first ribs <NUM>, whilst in the second position of the selector the second ribs <NUM> are axially aligned with the first interruptions <NUM>. In the first position of the selector, the axial constraint between the ribs <NUM> and <NUM> prevents the base cap <NUM> from being axially released from the neck <NUM>. In the second position of the selector, the base cap <NUM> is released from the axial interference between the ribs <NUM> and <NUM> since the first ribs <NUM> are axially misaligned with the second ribs <NUM> and the base cap <NUM> is free to be axially released from the neck <NUM>.

Since the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> and the neck <NUM> are secured to each other with ability of relative rotation about the central axis V, the passage from the condition of axial alignment between the second ribs <NUM> and the first ribs <NUM> to the condition of axial alignment between the second ribs <NUM> and the first interruptions <NUM> (corresponding to the toggling of the selector of the valve interconnector <NUM> from the first position to the second position) is obtained by rotating the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> with respect to the neck <NUM> (in the clockwise direction or in the counter-clockwise direction) up to reach the toggling angle T which is represented in <FIG>. The toggling angle T is in particular equal to half the separation angle between each couple of consecutive first ribs <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, since the separation angle between each couple of consecutive first ribs <NUM> is equal to <NUM>°, the toggling angle T is equal to <NUM>°. From the comparison between <FIG>, it may be appreciated in essence that in the first embodiment of the invention a sort of bayonet fitting is implemented for toggling the position of the selector of the valve interconnector <NUM> from the first position to the second position.

<FIG> show the valve interconnector <NUM> in accordance to a second embodiment of the present invention. In particular, <FIG> is an exploded view wherein the base cap <NUM> and the code ring cap <NUM> have been separated from the remaining components of the valve interconnector <NUM>, whilst <FIG> are front views wherein the code ring cap <NUM> has been removed to gain visibility of internal elements of the valve interconnector <NUM>. Finally, <FIG> is a perspective view of the neck <NUM> only.

The second embodiment of the invention includes all of the features of the first embodiment of the invention described above. In addition, the second embodiment of the invention implements the prevention of the reinstatement of the first position following the toggling of the selector from the first position to the second position.

The selector of the valve interconnector <NUM> further includes a first fin <NUM> and a second fin <NUM> protruding upwards from the exposed surface <NUM> of a flange <NUM> of the neck <NUM> facing a bottom surface 8n of the base cap <NUM>. The first fin <NUM> and the second fin <NUM> are angularly spaced from each other. The separation angle between the first fin <NUM> and the second fin <NUM> may be substantially equal to <NUM>°. In other words, the fins <NUM> and <NUM> may be arranged on diametrically opposite portions of the flange <NUM> of the neck <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The fins <NUM> and <NUM> are both pliable elements and are optionally in one piece with the neck <NUM>.

The selector of the valve interconnector <NUM> includes as well a first recess <NUM> and a second recess <NUM> of the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM>, the first recess <NUM> and the second recess <NUM> being provided in the bottom surface 8n of the base cap <NUM>. The depth of the recesses <NUM> and <NUM> is significantly less than the height of the fins <NUM> and <NUM>. The first recess <NUM> and the second recess <NUM> are configured for receiving the first fin <NUM> and the second fin <NUM> respectively. In fact, when the base cap <NUM> is axially mounted to the neck <NUM>, the fins <NUM> and <NUM> (molded upwards on the flange <NUM>) bend down to adapt their shape to the shape of the recesses <NUM> and <NUM>. The fins <NUM> and <NUM> are hence received in the recesses <NUM> and <NUM> in a bent condition. In particular, the first fin <NUM> and the second fin <NUM> bend down in opposite directions. For instance, the first fin <NUM> rotates in the anti-clockwise direction for assuming its bent condition and being received in the first recess <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>), whilst the second fin <NUM> rotates in the clockwise direction for assuming its bent condition and being received in the second recess <NUM>.

The selector of the valve interconnector <NUM> is configured so that the toggling of the selector from the first position towards the second position causes the severing of one between the first fin <NUM> and the second fin <NUM> in such a manner that the reinstatement of the first position of the selector is definitively prevented. Since the first fin <NUM> and the second fin <NUM> are received in the first recess <NUM> and in the second recess <NUM> with opposite orientations, the toggling of the selector from the first position towards the second position causes the severing of the first fin <NUM> when the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> is rotated in the anti-clockwise direction (as shown in <FIG>), whilst the toggling of the selector from the first position to the second position causes the severing of the second fin <NUM> when the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> is rotated in the clockwise direction.

<FIG> shows the valve interconnector <NUM> in accordance to the second embodiment of the invention when the selector is in the first position, whilst <FIG> shows the valve interconnector <NUM> in accordance to the second embodiment of the invention when the position of the selector is toggled from the first position towards the second position by means of a rotation of the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> about the central axis V in the anti-clockwise direction. As shown in <FIG>, in the first position of the selector, the first fin <NUM> is received in the bent condition in the first recess <NUM>. From a comparison between <FIG>, it may be appreciated that the rotation of the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> causes an irreversible deformation of the first fin <NUM> which bends backwards to the point of provoking the detachment of the tip portion 11y of the first fin <NUM>. As a result of the irreversible deformation, the root portion 11x which remains attached to the flange <NUM> can no longer be received in the first recess <NUM>, so that the first position of the selector of the valve interconnector <NUM> can no longer be reinstated.

<FIG> show the valve interconnector <NUM> in accordance to a third embodiment of the present invention. In particular, <FIG> is an exploded view wherein the base cap <NUM> and the code ring cap <NUM> have been separated from the remaining components of the valve interconnector <NUM>, whilst <FIG> are sectional views obtained by sectioning the valve interconnector <NUM> with a plane orthogonal to the central axis V.

According to the third embodiment of the invention, the selector of the valve interconnector <NUM> includes a first rib <NUM> radially protruding from the external surface <NUM> of the neck <NUM> and a plurality of first mating ribs <NUM> axially protruding from the external surface <NUM> of the neck <NUM> beneath the first rib <NUM>. The first rib <NUM> and the first mating ribs <NUM> may be in one piece with the neck <NUM>. The first mating ribs <NUM> may continuously extend substantially parallel to the central axis V from a flange <NUM> of the neck <NUM> to the first rib <NUM>. Alternatively, axial interruptions may separate the first mating ribs <NUM> from the flange <NUM> or from the first rib <NUM>. The first mating ribs <NUM> may be equally angularly spaced from each other. The first mating ribs <NUM> may be substantially equal to each other in shape and in size. Each one of the first mating ribs <NUM> includes a radially external border 69z which may be angularly preceded by a cam surface 69q providing a smooth transition from the external surface <NUM> of the neck <NUM> to the radial external border 69z. <FIG> show in particular that the first mating ribs <NUM> axially protruding from the external surface <NUM> of the neck <NUM> are in number of four and that the separation angle between each couple of consecutive first mating ribs <NUM> is equal to <NUM>°. However, it should be remarked that the third embodiment of the invention is not limited in that respect since the number of first mating ribs <NUM> may be different from four and consequently the separation angle may be different from <NUM>°.

According to the third embodiment of the invention, the selector of the valve interconnector <NUM> also includes a plurality of second ribs <NUM> radially protruding from the internal surface 85p of the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM>. The second ribs <NUM> may be in one piece with the base cap <NUM>. The second ribs <NUM> may be substantially equal to each other in shape and in size. Each of the second ribs <NUM> extends circumferentially for a predetermined angle. The second ribs <NUM> are optionally substantially equally angularly spaced from each other. The second ribs <NUM> are optionally positioned substantially at the same height. The second ribs <NUM> are positioned at a height lower than the height of the first rib <NUM>, the height of the ribs <NUM> and <NUM> being measured from an exposed surface <NUM> of the neck <NUM> facing the base cap <NUM>, the exposed surface <NUM> being in particular a surface of a flange <NUM> of the neck <NUM>. <FIG> show in particular that the second ribs <NUM> radially protruding from the internal surface 85p of the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> are in number of four and that the separation angle between each couple of consecutive second ribs <NUM> is equal to <NUM>°. However, it should be remarked that the third embodiment of the invention is not limited in that respect since the number of second ribs <NUM> may be different from four and consequently the separation angle may be different from <NUM>°.

Moreover, the selector of the valve interconnector <NUM> comprises a plurality of second mating ribs <NUM> axially protruding from the internal surface 85p of the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> beneath the respective one of second ribs <NUM>. The second mating ribs <NUM> may be in one piece with the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM>. The second mating ribs <NUM> may be substantially equal to each other in shape and in size. Each one of the second mating ribs <NUM> may continuously extend substantially parallel to the central axis V from the bottom of the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> to the respective one of the second ribs <NUM>. Alternatively, axial interruptions may separate the second mating ribs <NUM> from the second ribs <NUM>. The second mating ribs <NUM> may be equally angularly spaced from each other. The second mating ribs <NUM> are optionally positioned substantially at the same height. The second mating ribs <NUM> are positioned at a height such that at least an axial portion of each of the second mating ribs <NUM> is at the same height of at least an axial portion of each of the first mating ribs <NUM>, the height of the axial portions of the mating ribs <NUM> and <NUM> being measured from an exposed surface <NUM> of the neck <NUM> facing the base cap <NUM>, the exposed surface <NUM> being in particular a surface of a flange <NUM> of the neck <NUM>. Each one of the second mating ribs <NUM> includes a radially internal border 64z which may be angularly preceded by a cam surface 64q providing a smooth transition from the internal surface 85p of the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> to the radial internal border 64z. The shape of the cam surface 64q of each one of the second mating ribs <NUM> axially protruding from the internal surface 85p of the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> may be conjugated with the shape of the cam surface 69q of each one of the first mating ribs <NUM> axially protruding from the external surface 7p of the neck <NUM>.

Again, the selector of the valve interconnector <NUM> further includes a plurality of weak spots <NUM> integral to the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM>, in particular obtained at the bottom of the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM>. The weak spots <NUM> are configured to act as weakening points promoting the breakage of the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> under predetermined circumstances. Especially such a configuration of the weak spots <NUM> is obtained by abruptly adopting at the weak spots <NUM> local reductions in the thickness of the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM>. The weak spots <NUM> may be substantially equal to each other in shape and in size. In particular, the thickness of the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> may be subjected to the same abrupt local reduction. Each one of the weak spots <NUM> may be associated to a respective one of the second ribs <NUM>. In particular, each one of the weak spots <NUM> is angularly adjoining to a respective one of the second ribs <NUM>. The weak spots <NUM> are optionally substantially equally angularly spaced from each other. Since the second ribs <NUM> are as well optionally substantially equally angularly spaced from each other, it follows that the angle separating each couple of consecutive weak spots <NUM> is substantially equal to an angle separating any couple of consecutive second ribs <NUM>. Moreover, each one of the weak spots <NUM> may be associated to a respective one of the second mating ribs <NUM>. In particular, each one of the weak spots <NUM> is angularly arranged roughly at the middle of a couple of consecutive second mating ribs <NUM>, the angle separating each couple of consecutive weak spots <NUM> being substantially equal to an angle separating any couple of consecutive second mating ribs <NUM>. <FIG> show in particular that the weak spots <NUM> provided in the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> are in number of four and that the separation angle between each couple of consecutive weak spots is equal to <NUM>°. However, it should be remarked that the third embodiment of the invention is not limited in that respect since the number of weak spots <NUM> may be different from four and consequently the separation angle may be different from <NUM>°. Moreover, <FIG> show that the separation angle between each one of the weak spots <NUM> and the respective one of the second mating ribs <NUM> is of the order of <NUM>°. Again, it should be remarked that the third embodiment of the invention is not limited in that respect since the separation angle between the weak spots <NUM> and the second mating ribs <NUM> may be different from <NUM>°.

In essence, the provision of the second ribs <NUM>, of the second mating ribs <NUM> and of the weak spots <NUM> in the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> is intended to subdivide the bottom of the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> into a plurality of separable sectors, the weak spots <NUM> interspersed in the bottom of the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> providing releasable connections between consecutive separable sectors. The selector of the valve interconnector <NUM> is configured so that the axial alignment between the second mating ribs <NUM> and the first mating ribs <NUM> causes an irreversible breakage of the external tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> in correspondence of at least one of the weak spots <NUM>. Such an irreversible breakage at the weak spots <NUM> may be facilitated by cut edges <NUM> provided at the bottom of the external surface <NUM> of the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> and arranged angularly past the weak spots <NUM>. The cut edges <NUM> are configured to achieve local smooth reductions in the thickness of the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM>. Due to the cut edges <NUM>, gaps <NUM> may be formed externally to the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM>, in particular between the external surface <NUM> of the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> and the internal surface 95p of the tube portion <NUM> of the code ring cap <NUM>. The provision of the gaps <NUM> results to be effective in promoting the irreversible breakage of the external tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> at the weak spots <NUM> when the second mating ribs <NUM> are axially aligned with the first mating ribs <NUM> since the portions of the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> angularly preceding the weak spots <NUM> are allowed to bend outwards and consequently to exercise a tearing action on the weak spots <NUM>.

The axial alignment between the second mating ribs <NUM> and the first mating ribs <NUM> is obtained by rotating the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> around the central axis V up to the radially internal border 64z of each of the second mating ribs <NUM> comes into contact with the radially external border 69z of each of the first mating ribs <NUM>. The achievement of a contact condition between the radially internal border 64z of each of the second mating ribs <NUM> and the radially external border 69z of each of the first mating ribs <NUM> is facilitated by the cam surfaces 64q and 64z which are configured for guiding the second mating ribs <NUM> towards a complete alignment with the first mating ribs <NUM>.

<FIG> are respectively a cross-sectional view and a perspective view showing the valve interconnector <NUM> in accordance to the third embodiment of the invention when the selector of the valve interconnector <NUM> is in the first position, wherein it may be appreciated in particular that in the first position of the selector the second mating ribs <NUM> are axially misaligned with the first mating ribs <NUM>. In other words, in the first position of the selector, each one of the second mating ribs <NUM> and the respective one of the first mating ribs <NUM> are separated by a predetermined angle. It should be remarked that the, even if <FIG> shows a separation angle between the mating ribs <NUM> and <NUM> of the order of <NUM>°, the third embodiment of the invention is not limited in that respect since the predetermined angle separating the second mating ribs <NUM> from the first mating ribs <NUM> in the first position of the selector may be different from <NUM>°. Since the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> and the neck <NUM> are secured to each other with ability of relative rotation about the central axis V, in order to toggle the position of the selector of the valve interconnector <NUM> from the first position to the second position and consequently in order to enable the base cap <NUM> to be axially released from the neck <NUM>, the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> is rotated around the central axis V starting from the position of <FIG>, up to the position in which the mating ribs <NUM> and <NUM> are axially aligned to each other, which constitutes the second position of the selector of the valve interconnector <NUM>. The axial alignment between the mating ribs <NUM> and <NUM> occurs when the radially internal borders 64z and 69z of mating ribs <NUM> and <NUM> come into contact, being facilitated by the sliding between the mating ribs <NUM> and <NUM> at the respective cam surfaces 64z and 69z. At the axial alignment between the mating ribs <NUM> and <NUM>, the portions of the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> angularly preceding the weak spots <NUM> bend outwards and move into the gaps <NUM>. Following the movement of such portions into the gaps <NUM>, the external tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> breaks at the weak spots <NUM>. The breakage of the external tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> at the weak spots <NUM> releases the second ribs <NUM> by the axial constraint represented by the first rib <NUM>. Consequently, the base cap <NUM> may be axially released from the neck <NUM>. It should be underlined that the breakage of the external tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> at the weak spots <NUM> definitively prevents the first position of the selector from being reinstated. From the above description, it may be appreciated in essence that in the third embodiment of the invention intentional breakages of the external tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> at specific points are implemented for toggling the position of the selector of the valve interconnector <NUM> from the first position to the second position and for preventing any subsequent reinstatement of the first position of the selector of the valve interconnector <NUM>.

Finally, it is observed that the positioner of the valve interconnector <NUM> is depicted in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> with the exactly the same configuration. Therefore, the operation of the positioner depicted in <FIG> for providing permanent evidence of any toggling of the selector from the first position towards the second position may apply to each of the embodiments of the invention from the first embodiment to the third embodiment.

<FIG> shows an assembly according to aspects of the present invention. The assembly comprises a hollow body <NUM>, in particular a container, configured to hold liquids. The hollow body <NUM> may be made of plastics, in particular of a plastic material with adequate resistance to chemical agents. The hollow body <NUM> may be a one piece element. A handle <NUM> may be integrated into the structure of the hollow body <NUM> to facilitate transportation of the assembly. A through opening is provided in the hollow body <NUM> for putting the internal volume of the hollow body <NUM> into communication with the exterior. The through opening may be arranged above the maximum filling level of the hollow body <NUM>. A chemical (e.g. a detergent) or other product is contained in the internal volume of the hollow body <NUM>.

The assembly further comprises a valve interconnector <NUM> as described in the previous section of the present description. The valve interconnector <NUM> is arranged at the through opening of the hollow body <NUM>, the passageway <NUM> of the valve interconnector <NUM> being in particular substantially coaxial to the through opening of the hollow body <NUM>. The neck <NUM> of the valve interconnector <NUM> is fixedly secured to the hollow body <NUM>. In particular, a flange of the hollow body <NUM> around the through opening is permanently sandwiched between the lower coupling retention flange <NUM> and the upper coupling retention flange <NUM>, so that the tubular end portion <NUM> of the neck <NUM> projects from the hollow body <NUM>. The valve interconnector <NUM> is easily accessible for performing operations, such as the coupling of the valve interconnector <NUM> to the receiver interconnector <NUM> and the toggling of the selector of the valve interconnector <NUM>. Finally, it should be noted that the code ring cap <NUM> is clearly visible, so that it is possible to identify from the radial lugs or the radial channels <NUM> which chemical is contained in the hollow body <NUM> (to this regard, different colors may be envisaged for the code ring cap <NUM> in order to make such an identification of the chemical even more immediate).

The valve interconnector <NUM> has the advantage that no modifications to existing receiver interconnectors are required. Therefore, for example, the interconnector system <NUM> may include, together with a valve interconnector <NUM> according to aspects of the invention, a receiver interconnector as described in patent document <CIT>. <CIT> discloses the configuration of possible receiver interconnectors usable with the interconnector system <NUM> according to aspects of the present invention (for instance <FIG> of <CIT> shows a receiver interconnector suitable for the interconnector system using valve interconnector <NUM>).

A receiver interconnector <NUM> configured for use (in combination with the valve interconnector <NUM>) in the interconnector system according to aspects of the present invention is shown in <FIG>. For example, the receiver interconnector <NUM> configured for use in the interconnector system according to aspects of the present invention may comprise means for being secured to the second hollow body <NUM>, a housing <NUM> having an internal volume for receiving the valve interconnector <NUM>, a hollow post <NUM> protruding inside the housing <NUM> and a sleeve <NUM> arranged inside the housing <NUM> around the hollow post <NUM>. The hollow post <NUM> has an internal passageway <NUM>, at least an opening <NUM> being provided in the walls of the hollow post <NUM> to put the passageway <NUM> in communication with the exterior. The sleeve <NUM> is slidable along the hollow post <NUM> from an uncoupled position, taken when the receiver interconnector <NUM> is disconnected from the valve interconnector <NUM>, to a coupled position, taken when the receiver interconnector <NUM> is connected to the valve interconnector <NUM>.

The sleeve <NUM> may comprise at least one lock <NUM> configured for establishing at least an axial engagement between the receiver interconnector <NUM> and the valve interconnector <NUM> when the sleeve <NUM> is in the coupled position. A plurality of radial keyways <NUM> may axially extend along the internal surface of the housing <NUM> of the receiver interconnector <NUM> or along the internal surface of the sleeve <NUM> of the receiver interconnector <NUM> for mating engagement with the radial lugs or the radial channels <NUM> axially extending along the external surface <NUM> of the tube portion <NUM> of the code ring cap <NUM> of the valve interconnector <NUM>.

The present invention also concerns a method of manufacturing a valve interconnector suitable for use in an interconnector system. In particular, the method of manufacturing according to the invention is devised for obtaining the valve interconnector <NUM> as described below and as shown in attached <FIG>.

According to the invention, the method of manufacturing the valve interconnector <NUM> comprises steps i) to v). In step i), the valve assembly <NUM> is predisposed. In step ii), the valve assembly <NUM> is secured to the base cap <NUM>. In step iii), the sealing ring <NUM> is arranged in the interior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM>. In step iv), the code ring cap <NUM> is secured to the base cap <NUM>, so that the sealing ring <NUM> remains retained in the sealing ring seat <NUM>. In step v), the base cap <NUM> is secured to the neck <NUM>.

Step i) provides for one end of the bias spring <NUM> to be inserted within the valve retainer <NUM>. An effective guidance during the insertion of the end of the bias spring <NUM> within the valve retainer <NUM> is provided by the radially internal borders of the ribs <NUM> which lead the end of the bias spring <NUM> to the accommodation into its correct position within the valve retainer <NUM>, i.e. adjacently to the passageway <NUM> of the valve retainer <NUM>. Then, the valve stem <NUM> (integral to the valve head <NUM>) may be inserted within the valve retainer <NUM> so that the bias spring <NUM> results to mounted around the valve stem <NUM> and the valve stem <NUM> is further accommodated in the passageway <NUM>. At the end of step i), the valve head <NUM> is substantially coaxial to the valve retainer <NUM> and has the ability of moving around the central axis of the valve assembly <NUM> defined by the passageway <NUM> and the valve stem <NUM>, the bias spring <NUM> having upper end and the lower end into contact with the valve head <NUM> and with the valve retainer <NUM> respectively and hence acting against possible movements of the valve head <NUM> towards the passageway <NUM>.

Step ii) provides for the valve retainer <NUM> to be snap coupled to the base cap <NUM>. In particular, such a snap coupling envisages the accommodation of the circumferential flange <NUM> protruding radially outwards from the upper edge of the valve retainer <NUM> into the corresponding circumferential groove <NUM> provided in the internal surface 87p of the intermediate tube <NUM> of the base cap <NUM>. At the end of step ii), the valve assembly <NUM> is fixedly secured and substantially coaxial to the base cap <NUM>. Moreover, the valve head <NUM> is housed within the valve seat <NUM> defined at the bottom of the interior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> and is kept into sealing contact with the valve seat <NUM> by the thrust exerted by the bias spring <NUM>.

Step iii) provides for the sealing ring <NUM> to be axially inserted into the interior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM>. In particular, the sealing ring <NUM> may be inserted with its external surface <NUM> sliding along the external surface 81p of the base cap <NUM>. Such an insertion may be facilitated by the external surface <NUM> of the sealing ring <NUM> and the external surface 81p of the base cap <NUM> being both frustonical and conjugated in shape. The insertion of the sealing ring <NUM> into the interior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> terminates when the bottom lip <NUM> of the sealing ring <NUM> comes into tight contact with a surface of the interior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> adjacent to the valve seat <NUM> and substantially orthogonal to the direction of insertion. At the end of step iii), the sealing ring <NUM> is housed inside the bottom portion of the sealing ring seat <NUM>, i.e. inside the portion of the sealing ring seat <NUM> delimited by the interior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM>. The surface of the interior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> being into tight contact with the bottom lip <NUM> of the sealing ring <NUM> acts as bottom abutment surface for the sealing ring <NUM> and forms the bottom side 2f of the sealing ring seat <NUM>. The bottom portion of the sealing ring seat <NUM> is open instead at the top, so that the engaging surface of the top lip <NUM> of the sealing ring <NUM> is axially reachable for being used to complete the retaining of the sealing ring <NUM> into the sealing ring seat <NUM>.

Step iv) provides for the code ring cap <NUM> to be snap coupled to the base cap <NUM> by engaging the continuous or segmented rib <NUM> with the continuous or segmented groove <NUM> of the snap fitting. In particular, the ribs <NUM> protruding from the internal surface 95p of the tube portion <NUM> of the code ring cap <NUM> may be accommodated into the respective grooves <NUM> provided on the external surface <NUM> of the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> for having the code ring <NUM> fixedly secured to the base cap <NUM>.

Moreover, step iv) provides for the sealing ring seat <NUM> to be delimited on the top side. To this regard, the head portion <NUM> of the code ring cap <NUM> comprises a top abutment surface which forms the top side 2c of the sealing ring seat <NUM> at the securing of the code ring cap <NUM> to the base cap <NUM>. Hence, the sealing ring <NUM> may remain interposed between the bottom abutment surface of the sealing ring seat <NUM> (belonging to the interior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM>) and the top abutment surface of the sealing ring seat <NUM> (belonging to the head portion <NUM> of the code ring cap <NUM>). The top abutment surface may match the engaging surface of the top lip <NUM> of the sealing ring <NUM>. Both surfaces may be frustoconical. The sealing ring seat <NUM> may be completed with the provision of its top portion, i.e. with the portion of the sealing ring seat <NUM> delimited by the head portion <NUM> of the code ring cap <NUM>. Since the top portion of the sealing ring seat <NUM> is axially consecutive to the bottom portion of the sealing ring seat <NUM>, the sealing ring <NUM> may be housed partly in the top portion of the sealing ring seat <NUM> and partly in the bottom portion of the sealing ring seat <NUM>. The sealing ring seat <NUM> may vary in size along its axial extension and may present a maximum radial size at the interface between the bottom portion of the sealing ring seat <NUM> and the top portion of the sealing ring seat <NUM>.

Step iv) also provides for the sealing ring <NUM> to be axially locked in the sealing ring seat <NUM>. To this regard, the head portion <NUM> of the code ring cap <NUM> comprises a sealing ring enclosing portion configured for preventing the sealing ring <NUM> from axially exiting the sealing ring seat <NUM>, even when stuck in use to the receiver interconnector <NUM>. The sealing ring enclosing portion of the head portion <NUM> of the code ring cap <NUM> may be put into direct contact with the top lip <NUM> of the sealing ring <NUM>. An engagement condition may be established between the top lip <NUM> the sealing ring <NUM> and the sealing ring enclosing portion of the head portion <NUM> of the code ring cap <NUM>. Alternatively or in addition, an adhesion condition may be established between the top lip <NUM> the sealing ring <NUM> and the sealing ring enclosing portion of the head portion <NUM> of the code ring cap <NUM>. At the end of step iv), the sealing ring <NUM> is retained within the sealing ring seat <NUM> with a noticeable positional stability, the sealing ring <NUM> being in particular prevented from unintentional movements out of the sealing ring seat <NUM> by the head portion <NUM> of the code ring cap <NUM>.

Step v) provides for the intermediate tube <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> to be press-fitted into sealed engagement with the internal surface 7p of the neck <NUM>. At the end of step v), the interior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> is pressed radially inwards by the internal surface 7p of the neck <NUM>, so that the valve assembly <NUM> (previously snap coupled to the interior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM>) is supported in a stable and secure way.

According to the present invention, step v) provides for the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> to be coupled to the neck <NUM>. In particular, the coupling between the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> and the neck <NUM> is a snap coupling involving a pushing of the base cap <NUM> along the axial direction. The exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> may be positioned with a predetermined orientation with respect to the neck. To achieve the desired orientation of the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM>, the securing between the base cap <NUM> and the code ring cap <NUM> may be exploited. Optionally, desired orientation of the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> may be achieved by inserting the first lip <NUM> protruding downwards from the bottom surface 9n of the code ring cap <NUM> into the first positioning slot <NUM> provided in the flange <NUM> of the neck <NUM>. More optionally, desired orientation of the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> may be achieved by inserting as well the second lip <NUM> protruding downwards from the bottom surface 9n of the code ring cap <NUM> into the second positioning slot <NUM> provided in the flange <NUM> of the neck <NUM>.

According to the present invention, step v) provides for the selector to be positioned in the first position with ability of being toggled from the first position to the second position by rotating the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> about the central axis V of a predetermined angle. Desired positioning of the selector into the first position may be obtained through a pushing of the base cap <NUM> along the axial direction. Should the valve interconnector <NUM> be according to above first or second embodiments, the second ribs <NUM> integral to the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> are at least partially axially aligned with first ribs <NUM> of the neck <NUM> during the pushing of the base cap <NUM> along the axial direction. Should the valve interconnector <NUM> be according to above second embodiment, the pushing of the base cap <NUM> along the axial direction involves the bending of the first fin <NUM> and of the second fin <NUM> (optionally with orientation opposite to each other) and the receiving of the first fin <NUM> and the second fin <NUM> in a bent condition in the first recess <NUM> and in the second recess <NUM> respectively. Should the valve interconnector <NUM> be according to above third embodiment, the second mating ribs <NUM> integral to the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> axially misaligned with the first mating ribs <NUM> of the neck <NUM> during the pushing of the base cap <NUM> along the axial direction.

The present invention also relates to a method of operating a valve interconnector suitable for use in an interconnector system. In particular, the method of operating according to the invention is devised for releasing the base cap <NUM> from the neck <NUM> of the valve interconnector <NUM> as described below and as shown in attached <FIG>.

According to aspects of the invention, the method of operating the valve interconnector <NUM> comprises steps a) and b). In step a), the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> is rotated about the central axis V of a predetermined angle, so that the selector of the valve interconnector <NUM> is toggled from the first position to the second position. The predetermined angle of rotation of the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> about the central axis V for toggling the selector of the valve interconnector <NUM> from the first position to the second position may be between <NUM>° and <NUM>°, optionally substantially equal to <NUM>°. In step b), the base cap <NUM> is pulled along the axial direction, so that the base cap <NUM> is taken away from the neck <NUM> and consequently all the components of the valve interconnector <NUM> (including the first hollow body <NUM> to which the neck <NUM> is secured) become enabled to be recycled.

The toggling of the selector of the valve interconnector <NUM> from the first position to the second position may involve peculiar characteristics depending on the valve interconnector <NUM> being according to the above described first embodiment, second embodiment or third embodiment. According to the first embodiment of the invention and to the second embodiment of the invention, when the selector of the valve interconnector <NUM> is in the first position, the second ribs <NUM> of the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> are axially aligned with the first ribs <NUM> of the neck <NUM>, with the axial constraint between the ribs <NUM> and <NUM> preventing the base cap <NUM> from being axially released from the neck <NUM>. The toggling of the selector of the valve interconnector <NUM> from the first position to the second position is obtained by rotating the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> with respect to the neck <NUM>, up to reach (at a rotation equal to the toggling angle T shown in <FIG>) the condition of axial alignment between the second interruptions <NUM> of the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> (i.e. the interruptions comprised between the second ribs <NUM>) and the first ribs <NUM> of the neck <NUM>. According to the third embodiment of the invention instead, when the selector of the valve interconnector <NUM> is in the first position, the second mating ribs <NUM> of the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> are axially misaligned with the first mating ribs <NUM> of the neck <NUM> (in particular angularly spaced from each other by a predetermined separation angle), with the axial constraint between the first rib <NUM> of the neck <NUM> and the second ribs <NUM> of the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> preventing the base cap <NUM> from being axially released from the neck <NUM>. The toggling of the selector of the valve interconnector <NUM> from the first position to the second position is obtained by rotating the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> with respect to the neck <NUM>, up to reach the condition of axial alignment between the mating ribs <NUM> and <NUM>. The condition of axial alignment between the mating ribs <NUM> and <NUM> may correspond to the condition wherein the radially internal borders 64z and 69z of the mating ribs <NUM> and <NUM> come into reciprocal contact, such a contact condition being advantageously facilitated by a prior sliding of the mating ribs <NUM> and <NUM> at the respective cam surfaces 64z and 69z. At the axial alignment between the mating ribs <NUM> and <NUM>, the external tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> breaks in correspondence of at least one of the weak spots <NUM>. The breakage of the external tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> in correspondence of at least one of the weak spots <NUM> creates a condition wherein the axial constraint between the first rib <NUM> and the second ribs <NUM> is rendered ineffective, such a breakage condition being advantageously facilitated by a prior bending outwards of the portions of the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> angularly arranged past the weak spots <NUM>, which move into the gaps <NUM> provided between the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> and the tube portion <NUM> of the code ring cap <NUM> and consequently exercise an unsustainable tension on the weak spots <NUM>.

Advantageously, step a) may provide for an irreversible breakage or an irreversible deformation to be caused to at least one element of the neck <NUM> or to at least one element of the base cap <NUM> during the toggling of the selector of the valve interconnector <NUM> from the first position towards the second position, following which the first position of the selector is definitively prevented from being reinstated.

According to the second embodiment of the invention, in the first position of the selector of the valve interconnector <NUM>, the first fin <NUM> and the second fin <NUM> protruding from the exposed surface <NUM> of the neck <NUM> facing the base cap <NUM> are received in a bent condition in the recesses <NUM> and <NUM> provided in the bottom surface 8n of the base cap <NUM>, the bending of the first fin <NUM> and the bending of the second fin <NUM> being in directions opposite to each other. The rotation of the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> for toggling of the selector of the valve interconnector <NUM> from the first position towards the second position may cause the irreversible deformation and hence the partial severing of the first fin <NUM> protruding from the exposed surface <NUM> of the neck <NUM> facing the base cap <NUM> or of the second fin <NUM> protruding from the exposed surface <NUM> of the neck <NUM> facing the base cap <NUM> (depending on the anti-clockwise or clockwise direction of rotation of the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM>). In particular, one of the fins <NUM> and <NUM> bends backwards to the point of provoking the detachment of the respective tip portion. The root portion of the deformed and severed fin remains attached to the neck <NUM> with no possibilities of being received in the respective first recess. The reinstatement of the first position of the selector of the valve interconnector <NUM> is so definitively prevented. According to the third embodiment of the invention, the reinstatement of the first position of the selector of the valve interconnector <NUM> is definitively prevented instead by the breakage of the external tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM> in correspondence of at least one of the weak spots <NUM>.

Advantageously, step a) may, alternatively or in addition, provide for an irreversible breakage or an irreversible deformation be caused to at least one element of the code ring cap <NUM> during the toggling of the selector of the valve interconnector <NUM> from the first position towards the second position, following which permanent evidence is given of the occurred toggling of the selector from the first position to the second position.

According to the any of the embodiments of the invention, in the first position of the selector of the valve interconnector <NUM>, the first lip <NUM> protruding downwards from the bottom surface 9n of the code ring cap <NUM> is positioned within the first positioning slot <NUM> provided in the flange <NUM> of the neck <NUM> arranged beneath the base cap <NUM>. Optionally, the second lip <NUM> protruding downwards from the bottom surface 9n of the code ring cap <NUM> is positioned within the second positioning slot <NUM> provided in the flange <NUM> of the neck <NUM> arranged beneath the base cap <NUM>. The rotation of the tube portion <NUM> of the code ring cap <NUM> (secured to the exterior tube portion <NUM> of the base cap <NUM>) for toggling the selector of the valve interconnector <NUM> from the first position towards the second position may cause the lips <NUM> and <NUM> to be severed or irreversibly deformed at the interface between the tip portions 12y and 18y and the root portions 12x and 18x. In such a way, an irreversible and clearly perceptible (both to the sight and to the touch) mark of the occurred toggling of the selector is left on the valve interconnector <NUM>.

In accordance with one or more the aspects of the invention a valve interconnector is provided wherein the sealing ring exhibits a noticeable positional stability, in particular at the release of the receiver interconnector. The valve interconnector is thus able to guarantee comfort and ease of use, in particular in relation to coupling and decoupling operations between the valve interconnector and the receiver interconnector.

The valve interconnector according to one or more of the above aspects ensures a reliable sealing between all the components of the valve interconnector, both in its uncoupled configuration and in its coupled configuration with the receiver interconnector.

Aspects of the invention also provide for a valve interconnector wherein the operation of the valve assembly is improved, with particular regard to the guidance of the bias spring at the coupling between the valve interconnector and the receiver interconnector.

In accordance with certain aspects, the valve interconnector manufacturing process leads to a perfect positioning and a perfect securing of all the components of the valve interconnector, in particular of the sealing ring.

Furthermore, certain aspects of the valve interconnector enable recycling of all the components of the valve interconnector and of the first hollow body as well, in particular by allowing all the components made of a material other than plastic (e.g., the bias spring of the valve assembly) to be released from the valve interconnector and by allowing the first hollow body to be rinsed before the recycling.

The valve interconnector of one or more of the described aspects may also prevent the first hollow body from being filled with products different from the intended product, thereby increasing safety of the interconnector system as the products contained in the first hollow body are usually chemicals. Aspects of the invention provide a valve interconnector whose structure is able to increase still more significantly the safety of the interconnector system by leaving permanent evidence of possible tampering or possible tampering attempts. Additionally, in accordance with certain aspects, a valve interconnector is provided able to allow efficient recycling without impairing on the safety of the interconnector system.

Claim 1:
Valve interconnector (<NUM>), suitable for use in combination with a receiver interconnector (<NUM>) to couple a first hollow body (<NUM>) associated to the valve interconnector (<NUM>) to a second hollow body (<NUM>) associated to the receiver interconnector (<NUM>), comprising:
a neck (<NUM>) configured to be secured to the first hollow body (<NUM>), a passageway (<NUM>) being defined through the neck (<NUM>) to allow fluid communication between the first hollow body (<NUM>) and the second hollow body (<NUM>);
a base cap (<NUM>) secured to the neck (<NUM>) and comprising an interior tube portion (<NUM>) extending into an end portion of the passageway (<NUM>), an exterior tube portion (<NUM>) covering at least a portion of the external surface of the neck (<NUM>) and a head portion (<NUM>) extending from the interior tube portion (<NUM>) to the exterior tube portion (<NUM>);
a valve assembly (<NUM>) arranged in the passageway (<NUM>) and secured to the base cap (<NUM>), the valve assembly (<NUM>) being configured to assume at least a closed position and at least an open position, the fluid communication between the first hollow body (<NUM>) and the second hollow body (<NUM>) being disabled when the valve assembly (<NUM>) is in the closed position and being enabled when the valve assembly (<NUM>) is in the open position;
a sealing ring (<NUM>) configured to provide a leak-proof connection between the valve interconnector (<NUM>) and the receiver interconnector (<NUM>), the sealing ring (<NUM>) being housed inside a sealing ring seat (<NUM>) at least partially provided in the interior tube portion (<NUM>) of the base cap (<NUM>) and
a code ring cap (<NUM>) secured to the base cap (<NUM>) and comprising a tube portion (<NUM>) covering at least a portion of the external surface of the exterior tube portion (<NUM>) of the base cap (<NUM>), characterized in that the code ring cap comprises a head portion (<NUM>) covering at least a portion of the external surface of the head portion (<NUM>) of the base cap (<NUM>), the head portion (<NUM>) of the code ring cap (<NUM>) comprising a sealing ring enclosing portion configured to cooperate in retaining the sealing ring (<NUM>) within the sealing ring seat (<NUM>).