Metering valve for dispensers

Abstract

The invention relates to improvements in metering valves for use in dispensing apparatus. There is provided a metering valve ( 10 ) for assembly with a pressurised dispensing container (not shown). The valve ( 10 ) comprises a valve stem ( 20 ) co-axially slidable within a valve body ( 16, 17 ) defining a metering chamber. Inner and outer seals ( 15, 18 ) are provided for scaling between the valve body and the valve stem and a gasket ( 14 ) is located on the valve body for sealing against a neck portion of a pressurised disposing container. At least one of the inner seal, outer seal or gasket is formed as a co-moulding with at least part of the valve body.

1 . A metering valve for assembly with a pressurised dispensing container, the valve comprising a valve stem co-axially slidable within a valve body defining a metering chamber, inner and outer seals for sealing between the valve body and the valve stem, and a gasket located on the valve body for sealing against a neck portion of a pressurised dispensing container, wherein at least one of the inner seal, outer seal or gasket is formed as a co-moulding with at least a part of the valve body.  
     
     
         2 . A metering valve as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the valve body comprises inner and outer members.  
     
     
         3 . A metering valve as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the inner seal is formed as a co-moulding with the inner member.  
     
     
         4 . A metering valve as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the inner seal is formed as a co-moulding with the outer member.  
     
     
         5 . A metering valve as claimed in either  claim 3  or  claim 4  wherein the outer seal is formed as a co-moulding with the outer member.  
     
     
         6 . A metering valve as claimed in any of  claims 2  to  5  wherein the gasket is formed as a co-moulding with the inner member.  
     
     
         7 . A metering valve as claimed in any of claims  2 ,  3 ,  5  or  6  wherein the inner seal is formed as a co-moulding with the gasket and at least a part of the valve body.  
     
     
         8 . A metering valve as claimed in  claim 7  wherein the inner seal, gasket and inner member are formed as a co-moulding.  
     
     
         9 . A metering valve as claimed in any of  claims 2  to  8  wherein the inner member is a made of a first material and the inner seal and gasket are formed of a different material.  
     
     
         10 . A metering valve as claimed in any of  claims 2  to  9  wherein the outer member is a made of a first material and the outer seal is formed of a different material.  
     
     
         11 . A metering valve as claimed in  claim 9  or  claim 10  wherein the first material is selected from acetal, nylon and polyester.  
     
     
         12 . A metering valve as claimed in any of  claims 9  to  11  wherein the different material is selected from polyurethane, thermoplastic vulcanizates, polystyrene polyethylenebutylene block copolymers, polystyrene polybutadiene block copolymers, thermoplastic polyolefin, co polyether ester, polyether block amides and polyethylene copolymers.  
     
     
         13 . A co-moulding for use in a metering valve comprising at least a part of a valve body, inner seal and gasket formed as a co-moulding.  
     
     
         14 . A co-moulding for use in a metering chamber comprising at least a part of a valve body and a seal formed as a co-moulding.  
     
     
         15 . A method of manufacturing a co-moulding for use in a metering valve comprising the steps of forming a first mould shape, injection moulding a first material to form a part of a valve body, forming a second mould shape containing the part of the valve body, and injection moulding a different material to form at least one sealing element in intimate relationship with the part of the valve body.  
     
     
         16 . A method as claimed in  claim 15  wherein the part of the valve body is formed as an inner member of a valve body and the at least one sealing element is formed as an inner seal.  
     
     
         17 . A method as claimed in  claim 15  wherein the part of the valve body is formed as an inner member and the at least one sealing element is formed as a unitary inner seal and gasket.  
     
     
         18 . A method as claimed in  claim 15  wherein the part of the valve body is formed as an outer member and the at least one sealing element is formed as an outer seal.