Valve systems for preparation cartridges

Abstract

A valve system (400) includes: a valve body (402); a valve cover (404); and a valve plug (406) between the valve body (402) and the valve cover (404), the valve plug being radially and axially compressed, and a central hole extending completely through the valve body (402) and the valve cover (404) and partially through the valve plug (406). The valve system (400) is welded to a packaging bag (300) that can contain a hair dye preparation. Then, one or more packaging bags (300) are used in a cartridge (200) that is compatible with a dispensing device (100).

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 953,689, filed on December 26, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Summary of the invention

[0003] A valve system for a preparation tube is disclosed, which avoids leakage due to multiple uses. The preparation tube with the valve system is compatible with and can be inserted into the electronic device including the electronic device that will pump out the preparation from the tube. The electronic dispensing device may include one or more preparation tubes for dispensing one or more products. The products that can be distributed include, but are not limited to, hair care products (such as dye), skin care products (such as lotion and cream), etc.

[0004] In one embodiment, the valve includes a silicone valve plug compressed between the valve body and the valve cover.

[0005] In one embodiment, the silicone valve plug is selected from silicone or silicone copolymers or derivatives thereof.

[0006] In one embodiment, the silicone valve plug has a slit sized to allow the proper flow at the proper pressure.

[0007] In one embodiment, the silicone valve plug has a coating.

[0008] In one embodiment, the valve system is configured to not leak the formulation between the time of manufacture and the time of use by the consumer.

[0009] In one embodiment, the valve system is arranged to function properly in the dispensing device once the cartridge is engaged with the device (not to leak once the cartridge is inserted).

[0010] In one embodiment, a valve system is configured to allow for proper flow of formulation from the cartridge.

[0011] In one embodiment, the valve system is configured so that no leakage occurs when the cartridge is disconnected from the device.

[0012] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of the present invention will become more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a dispensing device and a preparation cartridge according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a dispensing device and a preparation cartridge according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 3A According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a packaging bag used with a preparation cartridge;

[0017] Figure 3B According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a packaging bag used with a preparation cartridge;

[0018] Figure 3C According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a packaging bag used with a preparation cartridge;

[0019] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an assembled valve system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 5 The present invention is a diagram showing a method for Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3C In the packaging bag Figure 4 a schematic exploded view of the components of a valve system;

[0021] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A schematic detailed view of a valve system;

[0022] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of a valve cover of a valve system;

[0023] Figure 8 yes Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of a valve plug of a valve system of FIG. 1 ; and

[0024] Fig. 9 yes Figure 4 Schematic cross-sectional view of a valve body of a valve system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A diagram of one embodiment of a dispensing device 100 and a formulation cartridge 200 is shown. Figure 1The valve system of the present disclosure is described in the context of the dispensing device 100 and the preparation cartridge 200 , but the valve system has applications that are not limited to the dispensing device 100 and the preparation cartridge 200 .

[0026] In one embodiment, the dispensing device 100 is a handheld device that can be powered by a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery or household AC power. In one embodiment, the dispensing device 100 is configured to apply a hair care product such as a hair dye preparation. In one embodiment, when the dispensing device 100 is configured to dispense the hair dye preparation, the dispensing device 100 may include a plurality of flexible bristles 104 adjacent to the preparation dispensing bristles 102. In one embodiment, the first and second rows of bristles 104 are arranged on the right and left sides of the preparation dispensing bristles 102 along the rows of the preparation dispensing bristles 102, respectively. In one embodiment, the bristles 102 and 104 are made of flexible plastic or elastomer. In one embodiment, the preparation dispensing bristles 102 include a central hole to allow the preparation to pass through the bristles. In one embodiment, the massage bristles 104 include a spherical tip at the distal end. Each row of bristles 104 includes a single row of bristles 104 along the side of the preparation dispensing bristles 102. In addition, each bristle 104 is a single root, and no more than one bristle 104 extends from the same root. The bristles 104 are individually aligned in any row, and adjacent bristles 104 in the same row are equally spaced. The bristles 104 in the right and left rows may be identical in bristle placement, bristle spacing, and bristle height. The agent distribution bristles 102 may be placed between the spacings of adjacent massage bristles 104. The heights of the bristles 102 and 104 may be uniform, but need not be uniform. The number of massage bristles 104 and agent distribution bristles 102 in a row is small, such as 3 to 10, or 3 to 6, or 3 to 4.

[0027] In one embodiment, the preparation cartridge 200 is insertable into the dispensing device 100. To this end, the end 106 of the dispensing device 100 has an opening to allow the insertion of the preparation cartridge 200, so that most of the preparation cartridge 200 is accommodated in the dispensing device 100. The preparation cartridge 200 is locked in place in the dispensing device 100 by a stopper (e.g., a ramp on a flexible arm). Conversely, the preparation cartridge 200 can be released from the dispensing device 100 by depressing the stopper.

[0028] One or more control buttons 108 will be usually located on the dispensing device 100.In one embodiment, the shell of dispensing device 100 can be made of rigid material, such as plastics, metal or combination, and this depends on the application of expection.In one embodiment, power supply (such as rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery) and motor can be contained in the dispensing device 100.In one embodiment, motor driven pump is to distribute preparation.In one embodiment, the shell of preparation barrel 200 can be made of rigid plastic, metal or combination similarly, and this depends on application.In one embodiment, preparation barrel 200 is made into disposable.In one embodiment, the housing of preparation barrel 200 is not disposable, but the preparation packaging bag contained therein is disposable.

[0029] In one embodiment, the shell of preparation barrel 200 can have any geometric shape, comprises regular or irregular shape.In one embodiment, preparation barrel 200 comprises the cross section of roughly any geometric shape, comprises circle, triangle, square, rectangle, polygon, regular or irregular shape etc. and other symmetry and asymmetric shape or its combination.In one embodiment, preparation barrel 200 has semicircular cross section at the semicircular portion 204 of most length (that is, the part being inserted into the dispensing device 100), and has circular cross section at the cylindrical portion 202 of the part being retained in the outside, due to the shape of the dispensing device 100, the part being retained in the outside is made into a circle.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, the dosage cartridge 200 has a housing with a first cylindrical portion 202 and a second semicircular portion 204 , wherein the semicircular portion 204 can be inserted into the dispensing device 100 , while the cylindrical portion 202 remains mostly outside and serves as an extension of the dispensing device 100 .

[0031] In one embodiment, electrical contact is made when the formulation cartridge 200 is inserted into the dispensing device 100. In one embodiment, the electrical contact allows the electronics within the formulation cartridge 200 to be operated via the button 108 on the dispensing device. In one embodiment, when the dispensing device 100 senses that electrical contact has been made with the formulation cartridge 200, the motor is enabled to operate.

[0032] Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 3C is a diagram of a packaging bag 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. One or more packaging bags 300 are contained in a preparation cartridge 200, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown. Each packaging bag 300 can accommodate different preparations according to application. For example, hair dye preparations can include color preparations and developers in separate packaging bags 300. In one embodiment, the developer includes at least hydrogen peroxide or other oxidants. In one embodiment, the packaging bag 300 has a generally rectangular shape, and its size is designed to be assembled in the semicircular portion 204 of the preparation barrel 200. The packaging bag 300 can be made of flexible sheets, which are impermeable and / or chemically resistant or inert for the preparations expected to be contained inside. In one embodiment, the packaging bag 300 is made of multilayer sheets to give the packaging bag impermeability, chemical resistance and weldability. For example, metallized sheets and foils can give the packaging bag 300 impermeability. In one embodiment, heat-weldable materials allow welding to two similar sheets or folded sheets along the edge to form a packaging bag. Weldable materials allow heat welding sealing around the valve system.

[0033] In one embodiment, valve system 400 is attached to package 300 along one of the short dimension sides of package 300 .

[0034] Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9 4. In one embodiment, the valve system 400 includes a valve body 402, a valve cover 404, and a valve plug 406. In one embodiment, the elastomeric valve plug 406 is an elastomer including silicone. In one embodiment, the valve plug 406 is coated. In one embodiment, the valve body 402 is made of a single piece of material. In one embodiment, the valve plug 406 is made of a single piece of material. In one embodiment, the valve cover 404 is made of a single piece of material.

[0035] In one embodiment, the valve body 402 and the valve cover 404 are made of similar materials, such as a semi-rigid non-elastomeric plastic, such as polyethylene or a copolymer of polyethylene. In one embodiment, the valve body 402 has a central cylindrical portion 408 with a central hole extending completely through the central cylindrical portion. The central cylindrical portion 408 has a bottom plate 410 having a hole 460 that is smaller than the hole in the central cylindrical portion 408. Thus, the valve plug 406 can be supported on the inside of the central cylindrical portion 408 by resting on the bottom plate 410, while the hole 460 in the bottom plate 410 allows the agent to pass through the valve system (see Fig. 9 ).

[0036] In one embodiment, the valve body 402 has a flange 412 extending radially and perpendicular to the central axis of the central cylindrical portion 408. The flange 412 extends around the upper periphery of the central cylindrical portion 408. The flange 412 has an outer periphery that can be defined as an ellipse having a major axis and a minor axis compared to the circular opening of the valve body 402.

[0037] The upper surface of flange 412 supports one or more connectors or stops. In one embodiment, a first set of barbs 414, 416 are disposed on one side of flange 412 and are disposed perpendicular to flange 412, and a second set of barbs 418, 420 are disposed opposite to the first set of barbs and are disposed perpendicular to flange 412. Barbs 414, 416, 418, 420 are directed away from flange 412, and the barbs or ramps are radially inclined outward. Barbs 414, 416, 418, 420 are intended to include a barb portion and a stem portion. In one embodiment, one barb 414 and 418 of each group is centered on the major axis of the ellipse, and the second barb 416, 420 (eccentric barb) of the group is placed counterclockwise relative to the barbs 414, 416 centered on the major axis of the ellipse. The two sets of barbs 414, 416 and 418, 420 are placed directly opposite each other and adjacent to the opening in valve body 402. Each set of barbs 414, 416 and 418, 420 occupies approximately less than one-quarter of the circumference around the opening of the valve body 402, leaving two opposing spaces about the circumference. As described below, one barb in each set of barbs (the eccentric barb) is designed to break off after the filling step, and the second remaining barb in the set is used to secure the valve cover 404. In one embodiment, a single barb (e.g., barbs 414 and 418) is placed on each side of the flange 412.

[0038] The valve body 402 below the flange 412 has a plurality of fins 422 similar to thin narrow strips, which are placed parallel to and below the flange 412. The fins 422 are perpendicular to the exterior of the valve body 402. The fins 422 are placed around the circumference of the valve body 402. The fins 422 are spaced apart from adjacent fins. Wings 424, 426 of solid thin material extend radially downward from the underside of the flange 412 from each end of the long axis on both sides of the flange 412 ( Fig. 9 ) so that the fin 422 tapers to a point when attached to the wings 424, 426. Thus, the ends of the fin 422 on both sides of the major axis are fixed by being attached to the wings 424, 426, thereby preventing the ends of the fin 422 from bending, which could develop into a leak point. The fin 422 is used to provide a seal for the packaging bag 300.

[0039] In one embodiment, the first stiffening rod 428 and the second stiffening rod 430 are connected perpendicular to the bottom of the disk 410. The first stiffening rod 428 and the second stiffening rod 430 are placed in line with the long axis of the flange 412 and are located on opposite sides of the valve body 402. The first stiffening rod 428 and the second stiffening rod 430 have a certain length that allows placement within the packaging bag 300 and can be connected to each other at the ends opposite the valve body 402 to provide further rigidity. The first stiffening rod 428 and the second stiffening rod 430 can have a cross-shaped cross-sectional shape or any shape that increases rigidity. The valve body 402 is positioned on the packaging bag 300 so that the fin 422 is heat welded between the two sheets at the short dimension of the packaging bag 300, and the flange 412 protrudes just above the short side of the packaging bag 300, and the stiffening rods 428, 430 are located within the packaging bag 300.

[0040] In one embodiment, the valve plug 406 is made of silicone or a copolymer thereof or a derivative thereof. The material used for the valve plug 406 is an elastomer. In one embodiment, the outer surface and circumference of the valve plug 406 are coated. In one embodiment, one end of the valve plug 406 is configured to be pierced to allow the dispensing of the formulation.

[0041] Reference Figure 8 In one embodiment, the valve plug 406 has a cylindrical shape with four portions of different outer diameters, wherein the largest outer diameter portion is located at one end of the central axis and the smallest outer diameter portion is located at the opposite end of the central axis. The largest outer diameter portion 432 extends the smallest distance along the central axis. The largest outer diameter portion 432 is generally a ring that protrudes outward to serve as an anchor within a circular groove on the inside of the valve body 402.

[0042] The second large outer diameter portion 434 of the valve plug 406 is disposed behind the largest outer diameter portion 432. The second large outer diameter portion 434 extends sufficiently along the central axis of the valve plug 406 so that when placed in the valve body 402, the second large outer diameter portion 434 is only slightly higher than the top of the flange 412 without being compressed ( Figure 3A As will be explained later, the valve plug 406 is axially compressed between the valve body 402 and the valve cover 404.

[0043] The third large outer diameter portion 436 of the valve plug 406 is juxtaposed behind the second large outer diameter portion 434 via a sharply defined step 466 or shoulder.

[0044] The fourth large outer diameter portion 438 (i.e., the smallest outer diameter portion of the valve plug 406) is disposed behind the third large outer diameter portion 436 via a gradually narrowing tapered portion 440. The tapered transition portion 440 between the third large outer diameter portion 436 and the fourth large outer diameter portion 438 can improve the seal between the valve plug 406 and the valve cover 404 by radial compression.

[0045] The valve stopper 406 has a preformed central hole 456, which at least extends through the maximum outer diameter portion 432, the second large outer diameter portion 434 and the third large outer diameter portion 436. However, the central hole 456 does not extend through the fourth large outer diameter portion 438 all the time. Thus, the valve stopper 406 is sealed at the end of the fourth large outer diameter portion 438, and the fourth large outer diameter portion is initially used as a seal to prevent leakage. As explained herein, a slit or opening is formed in the valve stopper 406 to allow preparation to pass when desired, but to prevent leakage when not in use. For example, a slit or opening can be formed when the tube 200 is inserted into the dispensing device 100, and the dispensing device can have a hollow needle to pierce the fourth large outer diameter portion 438. When the tube 200 is pulled out from the dispensing device 100, the slit or opening can be self-closed again.

[0046] In one embodiment, the bottom surface of the valve plug 406 at the maximum outer diameter portion 432, which is perpendicular to the central axis, may have a groove 458 ( Figure 8 ), so that a better seal can be achieved between the valve plug 406 and the valve body 402 at the maximum outer diameter portion 432.

[0047] Reference Figure 7 , the valve cover 404 has a generally cylindrical shape with a central hole extending completely therethrough. The valve cover 404 has a central hole extending through the length of the valve cover 404. The valve cover 404 is configured to snap onto the valve body 402 and in the process compress the valve plug 406 therebetween.

[0048] The valve plug 406 is positioned in the valve body 402 so that the largest outer diameter portion 432 rests on the disk 410 of the valve body 402. Therefore, the central hole of the valve cover 404 has an inner diameter portion that matches the outer diameter portion of the valve plug 406. That is, the central hole of the valve cover 404 has an inner diameter 462 that is slightly smaller than the fourth largest outer diameter portion 438, followed by an inner diameter 464 that matches the tapered transition portion 440 between the fourth largest outer diameter portion 438 and the third largest outer diameter portion 436. The valve cover 404 does not have an inner diameter that matches the second largest diameter portion 434 because it can reside in the valve body 402. The tapered portion 440 of the valve plug 406 that abuts the corresponding diameter 464 of the valve cover 404 generally acts as a stopper to prevent the valve plug 406 from being further inserted into the valve cover 404. The inner diameter of the bonnet 404 may be slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the valve plug 406 to provide a compression seal between the bonnet 404 and the valve plug 406 and between the valve plug 406 and the valve body 402 in radial and axial directions.

[0049] An inner diameter 468 of the valve cover 404 opposite the valve plug 406 is configured to receive a connector on the dispensing device 100 that leads to the agent dispensing bristles 102 .

[0050] The valve cover 404 has two clamps 442 and 444 ( Figure 6 ), each clamp extending perpendicular to the central axis of the valve cover 404. The clamps 442, 444 are used to attach the package 300 with the assembled valve system to the housing of the cartridge 200, such as by locking the twisting movement of the clamps 442, 444 behind the high side of the ramp.

[0051] The valve cover 404 has a first flange 446 and a second flange 448 that extend radially from the center portion, but extend only over a portion of the circumference. The second flange 448 is placed directly opposite the first flange 446. The first flange 446 and the second flange 448 are placed on the outer circumference of the valve cover 404 at approximately one-third to one-quarter of the length from the end with the clamps 442, 444. The first flange 446 and the second flange 448 start and stop relative to the clamps 442, 444, so that the first flange 446 and the second flange 448 occupy the circumference not occupied by the clamps 442, 444, but are at different heights ( Figure 6 The difference in height or space between the upper side of the collars 442, 444 and the bottom side of the flanges 446, 448 is generally consistent with the thickness of the housing at the top of the cartridge 200. The valve cap 404 is used to attach the package 300 to the cartridge 200.

[0052] The first flange 446 and the second flange 448 each have a slot 450, 452, respectively. The slots 450, 452 extend generally along the circumference, but are completely closed by the corresponding flange where the slot is located. Each slot 450, 452 has a wide slot portion 470 (using slot 450 as an example), wherein the slot portion is wide in radial dimension and is disposed adjacent to a narrow slot portion 472, wherein narrow refers to radial dimension. Since the wide slot portion and the narrow slot portion are designed to receive one of the barbs 414, 416, 418, 420, the length of each slot portion in the circumferential direction can be consistent with the circumference occupied by a single barb of the barbs 414, 416, 418, 420 of the valve body 402. The radial barbs 454 with ramps starting at the wide slot portion 470 are angled radially inward and toward the narrow slot portion 472 in each flange 446, 448 so that one of the barbs 414, 416, 418, 420 passes vertically through the wide slot portion 470, and then the valve cover 404 is twisted so that the barbs on the valve body 402 snap into the narrow slot portion 472 through the radial barbs 454. The width of the narrow slot portion 472 in the radial direction can be just large enough to accommodate the stem of the barb, but not the ramp. Thus, one of the barbs 414, 416, 418, 420 is vertically secured by resting on one of the flanges 446, 448, and is radially secured by the radial barbs 454. If the valve body 402 and the valve cover 404 are made of a semi-rigid plastic such as polyethylene, the valve cover 404 can be detached from the valve body 402 by twisting in opposite directions with little or no permanent deformation of the barbs.

[0053] Reference Figure 3A To manufacture the packaging bag 300, the valve body 402 is first welded to the short side of the packaging bag 300 so that the fin 422 is welded between the two sheets of the packaging bag 300 and the flange 412 protrudes above the edge of the packaging bag 300. Then, the filling spout is attached to the valve body 402 and a predetermined amount of the formulation is injected. The filling machine can use an eccentric barb 416, 420 to connect the filling spout to the packaging bag 300. Then, when the injection of the liquid formulation is completed, the eccentric barb 416, 420 can be broken off to disconnect the filling machine from the packaging bag 300. Further, once the eccentric barb 416, 420 is broken off, the valve body 402 can be assembled with the valve plug 406 and the valve cover 404. In one embodiment, the flanges 446 and 448 have a wide slot portion 470 and a narrow slot portion 472 that can accommodate a single barb.

[0054] Reference Figure 3B, the valve plug 406 is placed in the valve body 402, wherein the largest outer diameter portion 432 faces the valve body 402, or the smallest fourth outer diameter portion 438 faces the valve cover 404. With the barbs 416 and 420 broken off, the remaining two central barbs 414, 418 can be vertically assembled into the wide slot portions 470 of the flanges 446, 448, and then the valve cover 404 is twisted onto the valve body 402 to snap the barbs 414, 418 into the narrow slot portions 472 of the flanges 446, 448, thereby compressing the valve plug 406 between the valve body 402 and the valve cover 404, thereby creating a leak-proof seal ( Figure 3C ). The assembled valve system now has a central bore opening that extends completely through the valve body 402, a portion of the valve plug 406, and completely through the valve cap 404. In one embodiment, the valve system is prevented from dispensing the formulation by the smallest fourth outer diameter portion 438 of the valve plug 406. The packaging bag 300 is then prepared for assembly to the barrel 200 by placing the packaging bag 300 so that the clamps 442, 444 are below the housing of the barrel 200 and the flanges 446, 448 are above the housing of the barrel 200. Thus, the packaging bag 300 is fixed to the barrel 200.

[0055] After the cartridge 200 has been inserted into the dispensing device, the hollow needle or flat hollow needle may pierce the valve plug 406 to allow the preparation to be removed from the packaging bag 300 .

[0056] While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A packaging bag, comprising: A valve system, the valve system comprising: a valve body, the valve body having a flange; Valve cover; and a valve plug between the valve body and the valve cover, the valve plug being radially and axially compressed, and a central bore extending completely through the valve body and the valve cover and partially through the valve plug, wherein The packaging bag has one or more panels that are welded together to secure the valve system in the weld, the flange protruding above the packaging bag; A first stiffening rod and a second stiffening rod extend within the packaging bag to increase the rigidity of the packaging bag; a first set of barbs, the first set of barbs being disposed on one side of the flange; a second set of barbs disposed opposite the first set of barbs, wherein one barb from the first set of barbs and one barb from the second set of barbs are designed to break after the package is filled; and A hair dye preparation in the package.

2. The packaging bag according to claim 1, wherein: The valve plug is silicone or silicone copolymer elastomer.

3. The package of claim 1, comprising a coating on an outer surface of the valve plug.

4. The packaging bag according to claim 1, wherein: The valve plug includes more than one portion having different outer diameters.

5. The package of claim 4, comprising a tapered portion between the more than one portions having different outer diameters.

6. The packaging bag according to claim 1, wherein: The valve body includes a plurality of fins on a circumference of the valve body.

7. The packaging bag according to claim 6, wherein: The bonnet includes a flange having slots that engage barbs of the first set of barbs and barbs of the second set of barbs.

8. The packaging bag according to claim 6, wherein: The flange is oval in shape.

9. The packaging bag according to claim 1, wherein: The valve body includes a disk having a hole, and the valve plug is supported on the disk.

10. A cartridge, comprising: shell; and The package of claim 1, wherein the package is secured to the housing by the valve system.

11. The cartridge of claim 10, comprising a first package and a second package, wherein: The first package includes a hair coloring preparation, and the second package includes a developer.

12. A method for manufacturing a packaging bag, the method comprising: Assembling the valve body by welding the valve body between sheets constituting the packaging bag, wherein a first stiffening rod and a second stiffening rod extend within the packaging bag to increase the rigidity of the packaging bag, a flange on the valve body protrudes above the packaging bag, a first set of barbs are disposed on one side of the flange, and a second set of barbs are disposed opposite to the first set of barbs, wherein the barbs from the first set of barbs and the barbs from the second set of barbs are designed to break off after filling the packaging bag; filling the packaging bag with the formulation; After filling, disconnecting one barb from the first set of barbs and one barb from the second set of barbs; placing a valve plug within the valve body; and The valve cover is secured to the valve body using the remaining two barbs while radially and axially compressing the valve plug, wherein a central bore extends completely through the valve body and the valve cover and partially through the valve plug to seal the packaging bag.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The packaging bag is filled with a hair dye preparation or a hair dye developer.

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