The present invention relates to a device for retaining a flexible valve. This device may then be fitted into, and itself retained within, other articles such as closure devices.

Flexible valves come in many forms. For instance, WO-A-2004/026721 describes laminar-type flexible membrane valves, whereas EP-B-0545678 and EP-B- 1005430 both describe silicon-based flexible valves which are non-laminar in shape. The following description is related primarily to the latter form of non- laminar self-closing flexible valves. The construction of these types of valves may be generalised as comprising a concave or convex shaped head portion, with at least one slit, a side wall portion, and a flange.

In this application the term "laminar" relates to forms which have a substantially uniform thickness with major surfaces being parallel to one-another. The term "non-laminar" relates to forms which have a thickness which varies and in which the shape does not have major surfaces which are parallel to one- another.

Non-laminar valves are often used in association with closures which are themselves used in association with containers holding such consumable products as liquid soap and ketchup. They have the quality that when a user applies pressure to the container walls (for example by squeezing) the head portion of the valve responds to this increased pressure within the container by opening outwards in the form of "petals". The fluid contained within the container then passes through the slit of the head portion of the valve. Further, the container walls are typically resilient such that when the user stops squeezing them they move back to their original shape thus increasing the volume within the container and accordingly reducing the pressure within the container. This reduced pressure sucks the open "petals" of the valve back to their original closed position. This self-closing property is aided by the concave shape of the valve head.

EP-B-0495440 describes how to retain these valves within closures by means of retaining pieces. Firstly, the valve is positioned within the closure at the relevant place and then a retaining piece is pushed over the valve until it snaps over a retaining bead within the closure. The valve is thus held captive between the closure and the retaining piece.

Another method of retaining such valves within closures is described in EP-B- 1 131252 where the valve is positioned within the closure and then a deformable ring forming part of the closure itself is bent over so that it crimps the valve in place. The valve is thus held captive against the closure by the crimped ring.

Containers which are used for holding and dispensing food products, such as ketchup, often have peelable foil membranes affixed over the mouth of the container which has to be removed prior to the first dispensing. To remove this foil the user must first unscrew the closure from the container, then

I peel off the membrane, and then re-screw the closure back onto the container. Once this has been carried out the user may then squeeze the container and force the product through the valve and the associated spout or orifice situated in the closure, as discussed above. It has been known, however, for some users to merely push a pen or other such object through the orifice of the closure, which then passes through the valve and then through the foil membrane underneath to pierce this foil without the need to remove the closure from the container. Although, this may appear to save time, not only is hygiene a possible cause for concern, but more importantly it has been known for the pen or other such object to push out the valve from its crimped position, possibly by dislodging the retaining piece from the closure. The loose valve may then be dispensed with product when the container is squeezed since it is flexible enough to pass through the orifice. Further, because the valve may be covered in product it may be disguised and accordingly ingested by someone who was not aware it was there. Choking could result. The retaining piece however would not pass through the orifice since it is typically manufactured from harder material of a size which is greater than the size of the orifice.

Another problem that is known in relation to these type of flexible valves is that because they are so supple they are accordingly quite difficult to handle and position within the closure during assembly. This slows down the assembly of the closures. Further, the valves have a tendency to stick to each other and although talcum powder is used to reduce this problem it can also slow down assembly of closures.

It is the purpose of the present invention to overcome these problems of suppleness and flexibility so that it is impossible for valves which become loose within containers to pass through closure orifices, and also so that the handleability may be improved to increase the efficiency of the manufacture of closures.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a retaining device for retaining a self- closing valve in a closure, the device comprising a body for receiving a self-closing valve and having a crimping flange capable of being bent from an uncrimped position to a crimped position to retain the valve in the device, the body being receivable into a closure with the valve retained, in which the crimping flange has a length in the range 0.5mm to 4.0mm.

The crimping flange may have a length in the range 0.5mm to 4.0mm, for example 1.0mm to 2.50mm. The overall height of the device may be in the range 6.30mm to 7.70mm. In one embodiment the height is approximately 5.95mm; in another the height is approximately 6.35mm.

A further aspect provides a retaining device for retaining a non-laminar, flange-presenting self-closing valve in a closure for a container in which the closure is adapted for direct connection with the container, the device being separate from the closure for the container and separate from the container, the device having a crimping flange for engaging the said valve flange to retain the valve in the device, the crimping flange being separate from the closure for the container and separate from the container, so that the device is fitted into the said closure for the container with the retained valve, and the crimping flange having a height in the range 1.10mm to 2.50mm.

The crimping flange height may, for example, be approximately I . I , 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1 , 2.2, 2.3, 2.4 or 2.5mm.

The overall height of the device may be in the range 5mm to 8mm, for example 6.30mm to 7.70mm. In one embodiment the height is approximately 5.95mm; in another the height is approximately 6.35mm.

The overall height of the device may be in the range 6.30mm to 7.70mm.

A further aspect provides a self-closing valve sub-assembly comprising a retaining device in combination with a self-closing valve, the retention device comprising retaining means for retaining a valve therein, the self-closing valve comprising a valve head and a peripheral flange which is engaged by the retaining means, in which the height of the peripheral flange is in the range of 1.25mm to 2.5mm.

The valve flange height may, for example, be approximately 1.25, 1.3, 1.35, 1.4, 1.45, 1.5, 1.55, 1.6, 1.65, 1.7 1.75, 1.8, 1.85. 1.9, 1.95, 2.0, 2.05, 2.1 , 2.15, 2.2, 2.25, 2.3, 2.35, 2.4, 2.45, or 2.5mm. In one embodiment the flange is approximately 1.52mm; in another embodiment the height is approximately 2.03mm

A further aspect provides a self-closing valve sub-assembly comprising a retaining device in combination with a self-closing valve, the retention device comprising a single piece article having crimping means for crimping a valve into the device prior to assembly, the crimping means comprises a crimping flange capable of being bent from an uncrimped position to a crimped position, the self-closing valve comprising a valve head and a peripheral flange which is engaged by the crimping flange in the crimped position, in which the height of the peripheral flange is in the range of 1.25mm to 2.5mm.

The valve flange height may, for example, be approximately 1.25, 1.3, 1.35, 1.4, 1.45, 1.5, 1.55, 1.6, 1.65, 1.7 1.75, 1.8, 1.85. 1.9, 1.95, 2.0, 2.05, 2.1 , 2.15, 2.2, 2.25, 2.3, 2.35, 2.4, 2.45, or 2.5mm. In one embodiment the flange is approximately 1.52mm; in another embodiment the height is approximately 2.03mm

A further aspect provides a self-closing valve sub-assembly comprising a retaining device in combination with a self-closing valve, the retaining device the retention device comprising retaining means for retaining a valve therein, the self-closing valve having a weight in the range of 0.05g to 0.1 I g. A further aspect provides a self-closing valve sub-assembly comprising a retaining device in combination with a self-closing valve, the retaining device comprising a single piece article having crimping means for crimping a valve into the device prior to assembly, the crimping means comprises a crimping flange capable of being bent from an uncrimped position to a crimped position, the self-closing valve having a weight in the range of 0.05g to 0.1 Ig.

The valve may, for example, have a weight of 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08g, 0.09, 0.10 or 0.1 I g.

The weight may, for example be in the range 0.05g to 0.08g, or 0.08g to 0.1 I g.

A further aspect provides a self-closing valve sub-assembly, comprising a valve retaining device a described herein and a flange-presenting self-closing valve as described herein, in combination with a closure for a container. Where present, aspects and embodiments of the present invention may comprise or include some or all of the following features.

Where present, the crimping flange of aspects and embodiments of the present invention may comprise an upstanding wall.

The device may comprise a circular upstanding wall and the crimping flange may comprise a circumferentially upstanding wall.

The device may comprise a bead for snap-fitting the device into a closure.

The device may comprise a sloping surface for receiving a valve flange. The device may be formed as a retaining ring. The device may be formed as a single-piece article.

The crimping flange may be adapted to engage a flange of a valve. Devices or sub-assemblies may further comprise a sealing bead.

The device may be snap-fittable into a closure.

The device and a closure may include co-operating sealing beads for fixing the device into the closure. The valve may be a non-laminar self-closing valve. The device may be formed separately from a closure and also from a container.

The valve may comprise a flange, and the rigidity of the flange may be increased by the device.

The device may be retained within a closure by means of a mechanical and/or a chemical fit.

The valve may be retained in the device by being crimped in place. The valve may be retained in the device by being glued in place.

The present invention also provides a retaining device as described herein, in combination with a non- laminar self-closing valve. The present invention also provides, in combination, a retaining device or assembly as described herein with a self-closing valve fitted and positioned in a closure.

The closure may comprise a wall for retaining the device in the closure. The present invention also provides a method of forming a self-closing valve preassembly for a container closure, comprising the steps of:

providing a valve retaining device as described herein which is separate from the container closure in which the closure is adapted for direct connection with the container, and also from the container, said device having a crimping flange;

- providing a non-laminar self-closing valve, said valve having a flange;

positioning said valve into said device;

crimping said crimping flange over said valve flange to retain the valve in the device.

The device may have an annular support surface and in which the flange is supported on the support surface such that after crimping the valve flange is trapped between the support surface and the crimping flange.

The crimping step may be performed without heating the crimping flange. The crimping flange may be moveable from an uncrimped position. The crimping flange may be moved in the range 80 degrees to 200 degrees, for example 90 degrees to 180 degrees. In some embodiments the flange is moved substantially 90 degrees from said uncrimped position to said crimped position in the crimping set. The method may further comprise the step of fitting the valve preassembly into a closure. The method may further comprise the step of fitting the closure including the valve preassembly to a container. Valves according to the present invention may be formed from silicon or a silicon-based material. The valve may be formed from a thermoplastic vulcanisate (TPV) material. The valve may be formed from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material.

The valve may be formed from a rubber material, such as nitryl rubber.

Combinations of different materials are possible. Bi-injected valves are possible. The present invention also provides a closure fitted with a self-closing valve assembly as described herein.

Further embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims attached hereto. Different aspects and embodiments of the invention may be used separately or together. For example, a device with a crimping flange in the ranges specified in combination with a valve having a peripheral flange in the ranges specified and a weight in the ranges specified.

Further particular and preferred aspects of the present invention are set out in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. Features of the dependent claims may be combined with the features of the independent claims as appropriate, and in combination other than those explicitly set out in the claims.

The present invention will now be more particularly described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure I shows a perspective view of a device formed according to the present invention and without a valve in position; Figure 2 shows a cross-section through the device of Figure I with a valve loosely in position; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the device with a valve crimped in position; Figure 4 shows a cross-section through the device of Figure 3 with a valve crimped in position; Figure 5 shows a cross-section of one half of the device with a valve crimped into position and with the device positioned in a closure;

Figure 6 is a section of a device formed accordingly to a further embodiment;

Figure 7 shows a device of the type shown in Figure 6 fitted with a valve; and

Figure 8 is a section of a valve sub-assembly formed according to a further embodiment. In the following description, all orientational terms, such as upper, lower, radially and axially, are used in relation to the drawings and should not be interpreted as limiting on the invention or its connection to a closure.

Example embodiments are described below in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to embody and implement the systems and processes herein described. It is important to understand that embodiments can be provided in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein.

Accordingly, while embodiments can be modified in various ways and take on various alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and described in detail below as examples. There is no intent to limit to the particular forms disclosed and as well as individual embodiments the invention is intended to cover combinations of those embodiments as well. On the contrary, all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims should be included. Elements of the example embodiments are consistently denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings and detailed description where appropriate.

The terminology used herein to describe embodiments is not intended to limit the scope. The articles "a," "an," and "the" are singular in that they have a single referent; however, the use of the singular form in the present document should not preclude the presence of more than one referent. In other words, elements referred to in the singular can number one or more, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and/or "including," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, items, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, items, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein are to be interpreted as is customary in the art. It will be further understood that terms in common usage should also be interpreted as is customary in the relevant art and not in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Referring first to Figure I there is shown a device I , which shall be referred to hereinafter as a retaining ring I . The ring I consists of a moulded single-piece article with a so-called "chimney" in the form of a circular wall 10. This chimney 10 provides a surface for assembly machinery to handle the retaining ring I . At one end of the chimney 10 is a radially outwardly sloping surface I l a provided on an annular wall I I . At the outer radial end of this sloping surface I I another circular wall 12, which has the same rotational axis as chimney 10, and extends upwards.

Along the circumference of the radially outer surface of wall 12 is a projection in the form of an external sealing bead 13. At the end of wall 12 is a crimping flange 14 which in its uncrimped condition is an upstanding wall which in this embodiment has a height H of approximately I . I mm. In a further embodiment a wall with a height of approximately 1.4mm is provided.

A flexible self-closing valve 2 typically has the features shown in Figure 2. For instance, such a valve 2 has a head portion 3, which is thicker towards the edge than the centre and which has at least one slit 4 therein. The head portion is concave with respect to a container (not shown). This pre-stresses the valve so that it self-closes more easily.

A side-wall portion 6 connects the head portion 3 with a flange 8. Flange 8 is typically shaped such that it has a relatively substantial size in the form of a rim. It is this flange 8 which rests on the sloping surface I I of the retaining ring I when it is located correctly.

In this embodiment, to crimp the valve 2 in place, the crimping flange 14 is bent over from the position shown in Figure 2 until it sandwiches the flange 8 between itself 14 and the sloping surface I I as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

Also shown is a valve 2 with the crimping flange 14 bent over. Although the crimping flange 8 is shown as being bent over by 90 degrees radially inwards it should be understood that the angle through which it need be bent is not fixed. For instance, it has been found that the crimping flange 14 need only be bent over by a few degrees in order that it hold the valve 2 in place within the retaining ring I . This is because the crimping flange 14 is bent over along the entire circumference of the retaining ring I and valve 2. Further, the crimping flange 14 could be bent over by more than 90 degrees so that it lies against and substantially parallel with the surface of flange 8. In Figure 5 a retaining ring I is shown with a valve 2 crimped in place. Further, the retaining ring I is positioned within a closure 20. The closure 20 has a circular wall 21 which has a rotational axis coincident with the axis of the retaining ring I . Along the radially inner side of this wall 21 is a sealing bead 22 in the form of a projection. At the upper end of wall 21 is another wall 24 which lies perpendicular to wall 21. This wall 24 extends radially inward from wall 21.

When the retaining ring I is fitted to the closure 20 it is pushed into the closure until the crimping flange 14 meets with the underside of wall 24. Further, sealing bead 13, on the radially outer side of wall 12 of the retaining ring I , is provided such that it has an external diameter greater than that of the diameter of radially inner surface of sealing bead 22. Accordingly, the retaining ring I snap-fits into the closure 20 so that the two sealing beads 13, 22 form an interference seal in a manner well known in the art.

Alternative or additional methods of fitting the retaining ring I in the closure 20 are of course possible. Such methods could include glueing, corresponding screw threads and chemical means.

Further, although the valve 2 has been shown in this embodiment to be crimped into the retaining ring I , in other embodiments it would be possible to glue or affix the valve 2 to the retaining ring I by other means such as by chemical means.

Further still, it has been found that contrary to expectation it has been possible to bend over the crimping flange 14 without the need to apply heat to soften the material.

Yet further, although only one valve 2 has been discussed it would be possible to design a retaining ring I which could have more than one valve 2 crimped into it. This might be useful if it was desired to have a closure with more than one dispensing orifice. Although the advantages of the above described retaining ring have already been discussed, (improved rigidity to improve handleability and prevent accidental passing of the valve 2 through an orifice of a closure), further advantages may be gained. One such advantage is that the valve and retaining ring may be pre-assembled on a different production machine than the machines which are used to produce the closures or assemble the closures, if different therefrom. Further, because the valves and retaining ring can be assembled more quickly than the closure can be produced or assembled, a stock of these pre- assembled valves and retaining rings can be maintained, with obvious benefits.

Another advantage of the invention is that the rigidity of the flange of the valve is increased. In Figure 6 a ring on 101 formed according to an alternative embodiment is shown. The ring is generally the same as the ring I shown in Figures I to 5 except that the length H of the crimping flange I 14 is approximately 1.4 mm, with an overall ring height of approximately 6.40mm. It has been found that this flange length gives particular benefits to the force required to pull the valve out of a sub-assembly, by greatly increasing the force required, in some embodiments by in excess of a 300% increase in valve pull out force. The ring benefits from several beneficial features: i) extended crimping profile design - this will improve component processing quality, and increased valve pull out forces to improve transportation quality; ii) side bead I 13 vertical increase - this allows a better ring feed in to an assembly machine giving better processing efficiencies; and iii) redesigned chimney I 10 inside diameter - this allows a greater flexibility for the valve sub-assembly to closure assembly machines.

Referring now to Figure 7 a valve sub-assembly 220 is shown. In this embodiment the retention ring 201 is generally the same as that shown in Figure 6. In this embodiment the ring is combined with a valve 202 which is generally similar to the valve 2 shown in Figures 2 to 5. However, in this embodiment the height F of the flange 208 is significantly less, being approximately 1.52 mm.

In other embodiments (not shown) a reduced height flange may be used in combination with a retaining ring without an extended crimping flange.

In Figure 8 a sub-assembly 320 formed according to an alternative embodiment is shown. A valve 302 is fitted into a retention ring 301. The valve has a weight of approximately 0.06g. The ring has a crimping flange 314 having a height H of approximately 1.0mm. The ring 301 has an overall height of approximately 6.05mm.

In this embodiment the ring is a retainer device for retaining a non-laminar, flange-presenting self-closing valve in a closure for a container. The closure (not shown) is directly attachable to a container. The valve is mounted within the retainer device by the crimping flange. In doing so, the crimping flange extends entirely around the outer flange of the valve. The retainer device is separate from the closure which is used to close the container. As such, the closure is adapted for direct connection with the container. A lid (not shown) may also be associated with the closure. This lid may be either separate from the closure or attached to the closure.

Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiments shown and that various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.