Background to the Invention Many different types of valve have been proposed within the art being configured to control the dispensing of a fluid from a cartridge. Such valves may be considered to fall within two distinct categories i) remotely activated valves which require independent control and ii) environment sensitive valves being activated in response to predetermined conditions of the immediate surrounding environment such as changes in pressure and temperature etc.

One specific application of the second category of valve is within the printing industry in which it is known to employ a force response valve about the end portion of an ink containing cartridge. A typical force responsive valve is disclosed in DE 19705201 which teaches of a sleeve like valve configured to fit over a small orifice at the end portion of a cartridge so as to control the flow of liquid therefrom. A portion of the valve is configured to shuttle backwards and forwards relative to the cartridge in response to a pressure exerted by the ink onto the valve, the greater the pressure the more the valve is displaced forward, up to a maximum displacement wherein the valve clears the orifice allowing ink to flow therefrom. In response to a decrease in the applied force exerted by the ink at least one flexible lip is configured to return the valve to its closed position preventing further ink flow.

The inventors have identified numerous problems associated with such prior art force responsive valves configured to control the flow of fluid from a cartridge.

A first general problem exists due to the intricate construction of such prior art force responsive valves. As typical valves comprise a significant number of component parts which are configured to cooperate so as to provide the shuttle-

like movement of the valve (in a first closed position and a second open position) the end user of such valves is faced with two significant disadvantages. Firstly expensive tooling is required to manufacture the valves which are typically manufactured using a plastic injection moulding process. The substantial manufacturing costs ultimately result in an expensive end product. Secondly, valves employed within the industrial printing industry are required to be relatively sensitive when in operation, and it is common for one or more of the intricate valve component parts to break thereby significantly reducing the longevity of the valve resulting in further expense to the end user.

A further general problem exists with such prior art force responsive valves whereby in an attempt to increase their longevity valves are manufactured using more material ultimately resulting in heavier more cumbersome valves. This in turn provides two further specific disadvantages for the end user. Firstly, the transportation costs associated with heavier valves are a considerable contribution to the increased cost of the valves. And secondly, the energy efficiency of the machinery employing such valves is not optimised as additional energy is required to move and operate heavier machine components.

Therefore, the inventors have realised a need for a more robust force responsive valve being of a relatively simple light-weight construction.

Summary of the Invention Accordingly, the inventors provide a valve configured to control the dispensing of a fluid from a cartridge, the dispensing being responsive to a force or pressure exerted by the fluid onto the valve.

The valve comprises a first movable inner collar configured for positioning about an outlet of a cartridge and an outer collar configured for positioning over a portion of the inner collar whereby the inner collar is configured to shuttle forwards and backwards relative to the outer collar in turn providing an opening and closing of the outlet. When displaced from a rest position by the force or P1312. spec

pressure exerted on the inner collar by the fluid, a plurality of projections positioned around the inner collar engage a shoulder of the outer collar so as to provide a return force to the inner collar. The projections may comprise plastic flexible projections providing a force being resistive to compression at the shoulder in response to the force exerted onto the inner collar by the fluid. By variation of the multiplicity, thickness, orientation, length and/or relative positioning of the projections the valve may be configured for a plurality of different operations and operating conditions. For example, relatively long and thin projections would be configured to provide a relatively weak return force wherein the inner collar would not be returned to the initial"outlet closed position" as readily and with the same force as would be observed if the projections were configured with a greater thickness or stiffness.

The outer collar may further comprise a removable cap, configured for covering the inner collar and end portion of the cartridge. The removable cap is configured to prevent dirt, debris, dust and the like from coming into contact with the outlet and inner workings of the valve. The removable cap may be retained during transportation of the valve and cartridge whereby immediately prior to use the cap may be removed.

According to specific implementations of the present invention the valve is configured for use in controlling the flow of ink, and in particular highly viscous ink, from the cartridge. Additionally, the valve is further configured for use in the dispensing of food stuffs, toothpaste and any other viscous or non-viscous fluid from within a cartridge.

In particular, the valve may be utilised within large scale printing presses in which a plurality of cartridges are employed.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a valve configured for releasably sealing an orifice of a cartridge, said valve comprising: an inner collar for positioning about said orifice, said inner collar comprising P1312. spec

sealing means configured for sealing said orifice when said inner collar is in a first position; spring means configured to provide a return force to said inner collar when said inner collar is displaced from said first position; and an outer collar for positioning substantially over a portion of said inner collar, said outer collar comprising anchor means for securing said valve to said cartridge; wherein said inner collar is configured to shuttle between said first position in which said orifice is closed and a second position, displaced from said first position, in which said orifice is open.

Preferably, said outer collar further comprises a detachable end portion.

Preferably, said anchor means is a lip configured for engaging a lip of said cartridge so as to secure said valve to said cartridge.

Preferably, said anchor means is a groove formed on an interior of said outer collar, said groove being configured to engage with a lip of said cartridge so as to secure said valve to said cartridge.

Preferably, said outer collar comprises a shoulder configured to be engaged by said spring means during displacement of said inner collar from said first position.

Preferably, said valve is configured to snap-fit onto said cartridge wherein said inner collar is locked in place, said inner collar being movable between said first position and said second position.

Preferably, said sealing means provides a primary seal of the said orifice and said anchor means provides a secondary seal of said orifice.

Preferably, said inner collar is moveable between said first position and said second position in response to a force exerted by a fluid within said cartridge.

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Preferably, said spring means is a flexible projection.

Preferably, said spring means is a substantially straight flexible spike.

Preferably, said spring means is a coil spring.

Preferably, said spring means is formed from plastic.

Preferably, said spring means comprises a plurality of flexible spikes positioned in a region between said inner collar and said outer collar, said flexible spikes being positioned substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of said cartridge.

Preferably, said outer collar substantially encases said inner collar.

Preferably, said valve is operable as a non-drip valve.

Preferably, said sealing cap is configured for the releasable sealing of a plurality of orifices.

Preferably, the valve is configured for use with an ink cartridge.

Preferably, said inner collar and said outer collar are non-integrally formed.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a valve configured for opening and closing an outlet of a cartridge, said valve comprising : a sealing collar configured for sealing said outlet, when said sealing collar is in a first position; spring means being configured to provide a return force to said sealing collar when said seating collar is displaced from said first position; anchor means being configured for securing said valve to said cartridge; and an outer collar being configured to be engaged by said spring means during displacement of said sealing collar from said first position; wherein said sealing P1312. spec

collar is configured to shuttle between said first position in which said outlet is closed and a second position in which said outlet is open.

Preferably, said valve is configured for the non-drip dispensing of a fluid from said cartridge.

Preferably, said outer collar further comprises a detachable end portion, said detachable end portion providing additional cover for said outlet of said cartridge.

Preferably, said valve is configured to snap-fit onto said cartridge.

Preferably, said anchor means comprises a lip configured for engaging a lip of said cartridge; wherein said sealing collar provides a first seal of said outlet and an engaging between said lip of said valve and said lip of said cartridge provides a second seal.

Preferably, said anchor means comprises a groove configured for engaging a lip of said cartridge; wherein said sealing collar provides a first seal of said outlet and a seating of said lip within said groove provides a second seal.

Preferably, said valve is made from a polymer based material.

Preferably, said valve is a plastic valve.

Preferably, said outlet of said cartridge is at least one orifice.

Preferably, said spring means is a flexible projection wherein a flexing of said projection during engagement of said shoulder provides a return force to said sealing collar.

Preferably, said valve comprises a plurality of flexible projections.

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Preferably, said flexible projections are positioned substantially transverse to said shoulder.

Preferably, said flexible projections extend from said sealing collar at an angle substantially between 30 to 60° relative to said shoulder.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a valve configured for opening and closing an outlet of a cartridge, said valve comprising: a cap configured for sealing said outlet when said cap is in a rest position; a plurality of flexible projections being connected to said cap, said projections being configured to provide a return force to said cap when said cap is displaced from said rest position; an outer collar being configured for positioning over a portion of said cap, said outer collar comprising a shoulder being configured to be engaged by said projections during displacement of said cap from said rest position; wherein said cap is configured to move between said rest position in which said outlet is closed and a displaced position in which said outlet is open.

Preferably, said outer collar further comprises means for securing said valve to said cartridge.

Preferably, said means for securing said valve to said cartridge comprises an annular groove formed on an interior of said outer collar, said groove being configured to engage with a lip of said cartridge.

Preferably, said cap is a collar configured for releasably sealing one or a plurality of outlets positioned substantially at one end of said cartridge.

Preferably, said outer collar further comprises a detachable cover portion, said detachable cover portion being configured to substantially cover an end portion of said cartridge.

Preferably, said valve is a plastic valve.

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Preferably, said valve is configured for controlling a flow of a fluid from said outlet of said cartridge.

Preferably, said fluid is ink.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a cartridge configured for storing and dispensing a fluid, said cartridge comprising a valve, said valve comprising: an inner collar for positioning about said orifice, said inner collar comprising : a sealing cap configured for sealing said orifice when said inner collar is in a first position; spring means configured to return said inner collar to said first position; an outer collar for positioning substantially over a portion of said inner collar, said outer collar comprising: anchor means for securing said valve to said cartridge; and a shoulder configured to be engaged by said spring means during a transport of said inner collar from said first position to a second position in which said orifice is open.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a cartridge configured for storing and dispensing a fluid, said cartridge comprising a valve, said valve comprising: a cap configured for sealing said outlet when said cap is in a rest position; a plurality of flexible projections being connected to said cap, said projections being configured to provide a return force to said cap when said cap is displaced from said rest position; an outer collar being configured for positioning over a portion of said cap, said outer collar comprising a shoulder being configured to be engaged by said projections during displacement of said cap from said rest position; wherein said cap is configured to move between said rest position in which said outlet is closed and a displaced position in which said outlet is open.

According to a sixth aspect to the present invention there is provided a cartridge configured for storing and dispensing a fluid, said cartridge comprising a valve, said valve comprising: a sealing collar configured for sealing said outlet, P1312. spec

when said sealing collar is in a first position; spring means being configured to provide a return force to said sealing collar when said sealing collar is displaced from said first position; anchor means being configured for securing said valve to said cartridge; and a shoulder being configured to be engaged by said spring means during displacement of said sealing collar from said first position; wherein said sealing collar is configured to shuttle between said first position in which said outlet is closed and a second position in which said outlet is open.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a cartridge configured for storing and dispensing a fluid, said cartridge comprising a valve, said valve comprising: a cap configured for sealing said outlet when said cap is in a rest position; a plurality of flexible projections being connected to said cap, said projections being configured to provide a return force to said cap when said cap is displaced from said rest position; an outer collar being configured for positioning over a portion of said cap, said outer collar comprising a shoulder being configured to be engaged by said projections during displacement of said cap from said rest position; wherein said cap is configured to move between said rest position in which said outlet is closed and a displaced position in which said outlet is open.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of dispensing a fluid from a cartridge, said method comprising: locating an inner collar about an end portion of said cartridge; securing said inner collar to said cartridge using an outer collar positioned over a portion of said inner collar ; restricting a flow of said fluid from an outlet of said cartridge using said inner collar ; applying a force to said fluid within said cartridge; displacing said inner collar within said outer collar ; returning said inner collar to a position so as to seal said outlet using spring means connected to said inner collar, said spring means engaging with said outer collar ; wherein said fluid is dispensed from said cartridge by movement of said inner collar relative to said outer collar.

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Preferably, the method further comprises engaging said spring means with a shoulder positioned on said outer collar to provide a return force to said inner collar.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of dispensing a fluid from a cartridge, said method comprising: applying a force to said fluid within said cartridge; displacing an inner collar positioned at an outlet of said cartridge in response to said force applied to said fluid ; engaging a shoulder of an outer collar with a plurality of flexible projections connected to said inner collar ; reducing said force applied to said fluid within said cartridge; returning said inner collar to a position in which said outlet is closed.

According to specific implementations, the spring means may be formed integrally or non-integrally with the inner collar or outer collar. In particular the spring means may be formed as a separate component positioned between the inner and outer collar, the spring being configured to engage an inner shoulder of the inner collar and an inner shoulder of the outer collar in operation to return the inner collar to a position in which the outlet is closed.

Brief Description of the Drawings For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 herein illustrates a side elevation view of the end portion of a cartridge, an inner collar and an outer collar according to a specific implementation of the present invention; Figure 2a herein illustrates a perspective view of the inner collar according to a specific implementation of the present invention; P1312. spec

Figure 2b herein illustrates a side elevation view of the inner collar according to a specific implementation of the present invention; Figure 3 herein illustrates a side elevation view of the outer collar according to a specific implementation of the present invention; Figure 4 herein illustrates a perspective view of an end portion of a cylinder configured for mounting the valve according to a specific implementation of the present invention; Figure 5 herein illustrates a side elevation view of the inner collar engaging a shoulder of the outer collar according to a specific implementation of the present invention; Figure 6 herein illustrates a perspective view of the end portion of the cylinder, the inner collar and the outer collar according to a specific implementation of the present invention.

Detailed Description There will now be described by way of example a specific mode contemplated by the inventors. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the description.

Referring to Figure 1 herein there is illustrated a side cross-section elevation view of a valve 100 according to the specific implementation of the present invention comprising outer collar 101; inner collar 102; an end portion of a cylinder 103; an outlet or orifice 104; a sealing cap 105; spring means 106; shoulder 107; groove 108; removable cap 109; lip 110 and restriction 111.

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Inner collar 102 comprises a sealing cap 105 configured for the placement over and the sealing of at least one orifice or outlet 104 of the cartridge 103. In a first or rest position sealing cap and inner collar are configured for placement over at least one orifice 104 so as to prevent or restrict flow of a fluid from at least one orifice 104. Spring means 106 are provided on a lower portion of collar 102 in the form of a plurality of projections configured for interfacing with a shoulder 107 of outer collar 101.

Outer collar 101 being configured for placement over and about substantially all or a portion of inner collar 102 comprises groove 108 configured for engaging lip 110 of cartridge 103. A seating of lip 110 into groove 108 provides a securing of outer collar 101 and inner collar 102 at and about the end portion of cartridge 103. A restriction 111 is positioned above collar 107 and serves to join a first portion of outer collar to a removable cap portion 109.

In use, a force exerted on a liquid within cartridge 103 provides a corresponding force onto sealing cap 105 whereby inner collar 102 is displaced from a first"valve closed"position to a second"valve open"position. When displaced from the first position sealing means 105 is displaced away from orifice 104 wherein fluid is allowed to flow out of cartridge 103. Spring means 106 increasingly engage shoulder 107 of outer collar 101 wherein a return force is provided to inner collar 102 serving to transport the inner collar from the"valve open"position to the initial"valve closed"position, Inner collar 102 is therefore configured to shuttle between the valve open and valve closed positions in response to a force or pressure exerted by the fluid within cartridge 103.

Referring to Figure 2a herein there is illustrated a perspective view of inner collar 102 according to Figure 1 herein further comprising spring platform 200 and support 201 according to the specific implementation of the present invention.

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Spring means 106 comprises a plurality of projections 106 extending from spring platform 200, projections 106 being evenly distributed around collar 102.

Sealing cap 105 being contoured to fit, close and seal orifice 104, is connected to spring means 106 via support 201.

According to further specific implementations of the present invention, spring means 106 may be connected directly to sealing cap or surface 105.

Referring to Figure 2b herein there is illustrated a side elevation view of inner collar 102. In order for spring means 106 to provide a return force to inner collar 102, projections 106 are aligned substantially transverse to platform 200 and in particular shoulder 107. Projections 106 are configured to bend or flex towards platform 200 on contact with shoulder 107 of outer collar 101.

Referring to Figure 3 herein there is illustrated a side elevation view of outer collar 101 as detailed with reference to Figure 1 herein comprising removable cap 109 being joined to the main body of the collar 300 via restrictions 111.

Accordingly during transportation of the cartridge, including the valve according to the present invention, the removable cap is retained in position so as to provide a cover for the end portion of the cartridge and in particular at least one orifice and inner collar. Immediately prior to use, a user may detach removable cap 109 from main body 300 by applying a force in close proximity to restrictions 111 thereby"snapping off'cap 109 from body 300.

Figure 3 herein further illustrates annular groove 108 extending around the interior of collar 101.

Referring to Figure 4 herein there is illustrated a perspective view of an end portion of a cartridge as detailed with reference to Figure 1 herein. Cartridge end portion 400 may be formed integrally with or connected to a cartridge body, being for example, a cylindrical body configured for the storing and dispensing of a fluid.

According to one specific utilisation, a force is applied to the fluid at an opposite P1312. spec

end of the cartridge body to cartridge outlet 104 wherein liquid is forced towards outlet 104 to be dispensed therefrom.

According to the specific implementation of the present invention, the valve, and in particular the outer collar is configured to engage with lip 110 so as to form a secondary seal of outlet 104, the primary seal being formed by sealing cap 105 of inner collar 102 being positioned over and sealing outlet 104. As detailed with reference to Figure 4 herein outlet 104 may be divided into a plurality of orifices or may be regarded as a single outlet or orifice having a flow restricting element 401.

Referring to Figure 5 herein there is illustrated a side elevation view of a portion of outer collar 101 and inner collar 102 as detailed with reference to Figures 1,2a, 2b and 3 herein. Figure 5 herein illustrates a displacement of inner collar 102 from the initial"valve closed"position to the"valve open"position resulting from a force exerted by a liquid onto inner collar 102 via sealing cap 105, as indicated by displacement arrow 500.

Spring means 106, in the form of a plurality of flexible projections extending from platform 200 are brought into contact with shoulder 107 of outer collar 101 as collar 102 is displaced by the fluid. Projections 106 are configured to bend when forced against collar 107 wherein a bending force is created in each projection providing a return force 501 to inner collar 102 serving to return collar 102 from the"valve open"position to the"valve closed"position in response to a reduction in the force exerted by the liquid onto a portion of inner collar 102.

According to further specific implementations of the present invention spring means 106 may comprise any form of spring configured to engage with outer collar 101 so as to inpart a return force to collar 102 against the force of the fluid.

The dimensions of inner collar 102 and outer collar 101 are such that no or minimal lateral movement is permitted during operation, the movement of inner P1312. spec

collar 102 relative to outer collar 101 being in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinally axes of the fluid containing cartridge. Accordingly, the inner collar is configured to shuttle backwards and forwards relative to outer collar 101 in response to the force of the fluid at outlet 104 and the return force created by spring means 106 engaging shoulder 107.

Referring to Figure 6 herein there is illustrated a perspective view of cartridge end portion 400, inner collar 102 and outer collar 101 according to Figures 1 to 5 herein. As detailed with reference to Figure 2a herein sealing cap or collar 105 is configured for placement over outlet 104 substantially closing or sealing the outlet so as to prevent fluid flow therefrom. A portion of inner collar 102 is configured for seating onto a portion of cartridge 400 allowing inner collar to rotate about restricting element 401.

Outer collar 101 is positioned substantially over inner collar 102 whereby groove 108 engages lip 110 wherein valve 100 is configured to snap-fit onto cartridge end portion 400. The engaging of groove 108 and lip 110 being sufficiently strong to prevent a detaching of valve 100 from cartridge 400.

According to further specific implementations of the present invention outer collar 101 being configured to fit over the inner collar, or a portion of the inner collar may be configured with any suitable means for securing valve 100 onto cartridge 400 so as to allow inner collar 102 freedom to move forwards and backwards relative to outlet 104 so as to open and close the outlet respectively.

For example, outer collar 101 may comprise screw threads configured to engage corresponding screw threads provided on cartridge 400.

Similarly, removable end cap 109 may be joined to the main body 300 of the outer collar by any suitable means including a perforated region, a pre-scored region and the like, allowing ready detachment of the removable cap.

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