Dispensing device and assembly for packaging and dispensing products - Patent application

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dispensing device for dispensing a fluent product. The device includes a dispensing end, a mounting end, and a dispensing valve disposed between the mounting end and the dispensing end and formed by a flexible member and a rigid member. The dispensing valve is actuable between an open position in which a dispensing channel is formed between the flexible member and the rigid member, and a closed position in which the dispensing channel is closed. The dispensing valve includes a first valve portion and a second valve portion. The second valve portion is located closer to the dispensing end than the first valve portion. The dispensing valve is configured such that when the dispensing valve is in the closed position, a greater biasing force is applied by the flexible member to the rigid member at the first valve portion than at the second valve portion.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a dispensing device for dispensing fluid products that are liquids, semi-fluids or suspensions, in particular such devices that need to be kept clean and sterile. The present invention also relates to an assembly comprising such a dispensing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Various devices for packaging and dispensing fluid products are known. These devices can be used in the fields of medicine, particularly ophthalmology, cosmetics, or food. For example, U.S. Patent No. 5,629,999 discloses a device for packaging and dispensing fluid products in general. The device disclosed therein is provided with a check valve designed to allow the product to be dispensed when pressure is applied to an actuatable part of the device. When pressure is released, the check valve returns to its original position, thereby preventing outside air from entering the dispensing channel.

[0003] Known devices have proven useful in preventing the entry of bacteria into the dispensing channel through the dispensing opening, however there is an increasing demand for contamination-free dispensers. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2015 / 124844 Brochure Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a dispensing device that is free of bacteria or other substances that may lead to contamination of the contents of the dispensing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The object of the present invention is achieved by a dispensing device as defined in the attached claim 1 and the corresponding dependent claims.

[0007] Specifically, a dispensing device for dispensing a fluent product is disclosed, the dispensing device comprising: a dispensing end through which the product is dispensed; an attachment end that is attached to a container that contains the product; a dispensing valve disposed between the mounting end and the dispensing end and formed by a flexible member and a rigid member, the dispensing valve being operable between an open position in which a dispensing channel is formed between the flexible member and the rigid member to allow the product to flow toward the dispensing end, and a closed position in which the dispensing channel is closed; Equipped with The dispensing valve comprises a first valve portion and a second valve portion, the second valve portion being positioned closer to the dispensing end than the first valve portion, and the dispensing valve is configured such that when the dispensing valve is in a closed position, a greater biasing force is applied to the rigid member by the flexible member in the first valve portion than in the second valve portion.

[0008] The flexible member may have a greater stiffness in the first valve portion than in the second valve portion.

[0009] The flexible member and the rigid member may be configured to have a greater interference in the first valve portion than in the second valve portion.

[0010] The flexible member may have a reinforcing member in the first valve portion.

[0011] The flexible member may have a greater thickness at the first valve portion than at the second valve portion.

[0012] The flexible member may have at least a partial tapered shape that narrows towards the dispensing end.

[0013] The material from which the flexible member in the first valve portion is made may be stiffer than the material from which the flexible member in the second valve portion is made.

[0014] The flexible member may have a surface facing the rigid member that is more rough at the first valve portion than at the second valve portion.

[0015] The rigid member may have a surface facing the flexible member that is more rough at the first valve portion than at the second valve portion.

[0016] The flexible member in the dispensing valve may include one or more grooves formed in the surface facing the rigid member.

[0017] The flexible member in the dispensing valve may include a plurality of grooves on the surface facing the rigid member, the grooves having a greater depth than adjacent grooves located near the dispensing end.

[0018] The rigid member within the dispensing valve may include one or more protrusions on the surface facing the flexible member.

[0019] The rigid member within the dispensing valve may include a plurality of protrusions, the protrusions protruding higher than adjacent protrusions located near the dispensing end.

[0020] The dispensing device may further include a dosage chamber disposed between the dispensing valve and the mounting end and configured to store a fixed amount of product, the dosage chamber being defined between a rigid member and a flexible member spaced outwardly from the rigid member.

[0021] The dose chamber may have a shape that is at least partially tapered towards the dispensing valve.

[0022] The flexible member defining the dose chamber may comprise an inner tapered portion that tapers towards the dispensing valve.

[0023] The rigid member defining the dose chamber may comprise an outer tapered portion that tapers towards the dispensing valve.

[0024] The dispensing channel and the dispensing end may be connected by a guide channel that extends substantially perpendicular to the dispensing channel.

[0025] The guide channel may be defined by at least one groove or at least one opening formed in or within the rigid member.

[0026] The flexible member may be coaxially disposed around the rigid member, the flexible member including an axial extension extending beyond the rigid member and a radial extension extending radially inward from the axial extension to define a dispensing opening at the dispensing end.

[0027] Further disclosed is an assembly for packaging and dispensing a fluent product, the assembly comprising: a container configured to contain the product; A dispensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, Equipped with.

[0028] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an assembly including a dispensing device. [Figure 2] 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 1 when the dose chamber is compressed to dispense a dose of fluent product. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of the assembly of FIG. 1 around the dispensing tip. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 shows a guide channel formed in the valve seat. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 shows a valve member provided with a reinforcing member. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of another assembly including a dispensing device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of the assembly of FIG. 6 around the dispensing end of the dispensing device. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a portion of another assembly around the dispensing end of the dispensing device. [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a valve member provided with an annular groove; [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a valve seat provided with a protrusion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] 1 shows, by way of example, a dispensing and packaging assembly 100 to which the present invention is applicable. The assembly 100 can be used to package and dispense a fluent product. The fluent product may be, for example, in liquid form, semi-liquid or suspension.

[0031] The assembly 100 may include a container 110 and a dispensing device 10. The container 110 defines a storage chamber 112 for containing a fluid product. The container 110 may be made of any suitable material for keeping the fluid product clean and sterile. For example, the container 110 may be made of glass or plastic. Plastic materials used in the container 110 may include, but are not limited to, low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, cyclic olefin polymers, or cyclic olefin copolymers. The container 110 may define an opening 114 in fluid communication with the storage chamber 112.

[0032] Dispensing device 10 includes a mounting end 12, a dispensing end 14, and a dispensing valve 16 disposed between mounting end 12 and dispensing end 14.

[0033] The dispensing device 10 may be attached directly or indirectly to the container 110 at the attachment end 12 by known means, including but not limited to, fitting or threading or adhesive. A known sealing member may be provided between the attachment end 12 and the container 110 to prevent leakage and contamination of the fluid product contained in the storage chamber 110.

[0034] The dispensing device 10 may include a dose-fill valve 18. The dose-fill valve 18 is supported by the mounting end 12 and may be configured as a normally-closed check valve. An opening 114 of the container 110 is covered by a portion of the mounting end 12 of the dispensing device 10 and by the dose-fill valve 18. The dose-fill valve 18 is configured to allow a fluid product to flow from the container 110 to the dispensing device 10, but not in the opposite direction. Thus, a fluid product contained in the storage chamber 112 can flow through the dose-fill valve 18 and into the dispensing device 10 when the dose-fill valve 18 is open, but the fluid product is prohibited from flowing in the opposite direction, i.e., from the dispensing device 10 to the storage chamber 112.

[0035] The dispensing device 10 may also include an air fill valve 20 and a filter element 22. The air fill valve 20 and the filter element 22 may also be supported by the mounting end 12 of the dispensing device 10. The mounting end 12 may be provided with an air fill passage (not shown) connecting the storage chamber 112 to the atmosphere outside the assembly 100 via the filter element 22 and the air fill valve 20. The air fill valve 20 is a normally closed valve that opens when the pressure in the storage chamber 112 drops. With the aid of the filter element 22, when the air fill valve 20 is open, clean, fresh air can be introduced into the storage chamber 112 to compensate for the pressure drop in the storage chamber 112 when a dose of fluent product is dispensed.

[0036] Dispensing device 10 may include a dose chamber 24. Dose chamber 24 is defined by an abutment portion 26 and a deformable portion 28. Abutment portion 26 is made of a rigid material and extends between mounting end 12 and dispensing valve 16. Rigid materials used for abutment portion 26 may include, but are not limited to, high-density polyethylene or polypropylene. Deformable portion 28 is made of a flexible material. Flexible materials used for deformable portion 28 may include thermoplastic elastomers or silicone. Deformable portion 28 may extend radially above abutment portion 26 and spaced apart to form an annular gap between the outer surface of abutment portion 26 and the inner surface of deformable portion 28. Dose chamber 24 may define a predetermined volume corresponding to a dose of a fluid product.

[0037] Dose chamber 24 may have a tapered shape towards dispensing end 14. Alternatively, dose chamber 24 may have a tapered shape over its entire axial length. The tapered shape of dose chamber 24 may be defined by an inner tapered portion formed on deformable portion 28 that tapers towards dispense valve 16 and / or by an outer tapered portion formed on abutment portion 26 that tapers towards dispense valve 16. The outer tapered portion of abutment portion 26 may at least partially face the inner tapered portion of deformable portion 28.

[0038] The dispensing valve 16 is formed by a valve member 30 and a valve seat 32. The valve member 30 is made of a flexible material and the valve seat 32 is made of a rigid material. If the dispensing device 10 includes a dose chamber 24, the valve seat 32 may extend between the dose chamber 24 and the dispensing tip 14. The valve member 30 may have a generally tubular shape extending in a direction from the deformable portion 28 towards the dispensing tip 14.

[0039] A portion of the valve member 30 may be tapered toward the dispensing end 14. Alternatively, the valve member 30 may be tapered along the valve seat 32 or over its entire axial length.

[0040] Dispense valve 16 is configured to be operable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, a dispensing channel 34 is formed between valve member 30 and valve seat 32 (see FIG. 3), thereby allowing the fluid product to flow toward dispensing end 14. In the closed position, valve member 30 rests on valve seat 32, thereby closing dispensing channel 34.

[0041] Dispense valve 16 is configured as a normally closed valve. The inner diameter (diameter of the inner surface) of valve member 30 is configured to be smaller than the diameter (diameter of the outer surface) of valve seat 32. This causes valve member 30 to be press-fitted into valve seat 32 such that valve member 30 exerts a biasing force against valve seat 32. This forms a normally closed valve. In the closed position, dispensing valve 16 reliably prevents bacteria from entering dispensing channel 34 or residual product from flowing inside dispensing device 10.

[0042] Dispense valve 16 comprises a first valve portion 36 and a second valve portion 38. First valve portion 36 is formed by a portion of valve member 30, or "first valve element 40," and a portion of valve seat 32, or "first valve seat 42." Second valve portion 38 is formed by the remainder of valve member 30, or "second valve element 44," and a corresponding portion of valve seat 32, or "second valve seat 46." Second valve portion 38 is located closer to dispensing end 14 than first valve portion 36.

[0043] Valve member 30 may be configured such that when dispense valve 16 is in the closed position, first valve element 40 exerts a greater biasing force on first valve seat 42 than second valve element 44 exerts on second valve seat 46. As a result, first valve element 40 exhibits a greater resistance than second valve element 44 to forces acting in a direction away from the corresponding valve seat 42 or 46. In other words, first valve element 44 is stiffer than second valve element 46.

[0044] The dispensing end 14 may define an opening 48 or channel through which the fluid product is dispensed when the assembly 100 is in operation.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 3, the dispensing device 10 (see FIG. 1) can include an axial extension 50 extending from the valve member 30 that extends beyond the valve seat 32, and a radial extension 52 extending radially inward from the axial extension 50 to define the opening 48.

[0046] In operation, the deformable portion 28 is pressed inward, as shown by arrow A1 in Figure 2, compressing the dose chamber 24 (see Figure 1). With the dose fill valve 18 preventing backflow of fluid product into the storage chamber 112, the fluid product under pressure is forced into the dispensing valve 16, where it displaces the valve member 30 away from the valve seat 32 against the biasing force, thereby forming a dispensing channel 34 between the valve member 30 and the valve seat 32. When the deformable portion 28 is maximally pressed, or when it contacts the abutment portion 26, a quantity of the fluid product contained within the dose chamber 24 is expelled from the dispensing tip 14 through the opening 48, e.g., in the form of a droplet D.

[0047] Once the dispensing operation is completed and the pressure applied to deformable portion 28 is released, dispensing valve 16 returns to the closed position in which valve member 30 rests against valve seat 32, closing dispensing channel 34.

[0048] Because first valve portion 36 experiences a greater biasing force in the closed position than second valve portion 38, first valve portion 36 returns to the closed position more quickly than second valve portion 38. As first valve portion 36 returns to its original position, first valve portion 36 pushes any residual product from first valve portion 36 into second valve portion 38. Then, when second valve portion 38 returns to the closed position, the residual product is pushed out of dispensing device 10, leaving little or no residual product within dispensing valve 16. At the same time, any bacteria or undesirable matter that was present in dispensing channel 34 is also expelled from dispensing device 10.

[0049] In this way, the dispensing device 10 can be protected from any unwanted objects that might otherwise enter the dispensing valve 16 or flow back from the second valve portion 38 into the first valve portion 36. This is particularly advantageous in the ophthalmology field, where bacterial contamination within the fluid product can have serious consequences for the user's eyes.

[0050] 3, dispensing valve 16 may be configured to allow the fluid product to flow from dispensing channel 34 to opening 48 via guide channel 54. Guide channel 54 connects dispensing channel 34 and dispensing end 14 and extends substantially perpendicular to dispensing channel 34. This configuration causes the fluid product to change flow direction, thus slowing its velocity, thereby avoiding jetting in the eye and ensuring droplets form at dispensing end 14.

[0051] Furthermore, by providing such guide channel 54 between opening 48 and dispensing channel 34, opening 48 has a smaller diameter than dispensing channel 34. This facilitates the ejection of droplets from dispensing device 10. Guide channel 54 may be defined by one or more grooves formed in the leading edge of valve seat 32 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The grooves may extend radially and intersect at a center corresponding to the position of opening 48. Alternatively, valve seat 32 may have a radial channel (not shown) formed therein that defines guide channel 54. Even if there is no radial groove or radial channel, guide channel 54 may also be formed between radial extension 52 and the leading edge of valve seat 32.

[0052] As mentioned above, when dispense valve 16 is in the closed position, the biasing force exerted by first valve element 40 on first valve seat 42 is greater than the biasing force exerted by second valve element 44 on second valve seat 46. This configuration can be implemented in a variety of ways.

[0053] 1, the flexible member forming the deformable section 28 and the valve member 30 may be configured to have a hollow frusto-conical shape. The flexible member may also have a gradually decreasing or increasing thickness towards the dispensing end 14.

[0054] Alternatively or additionally, dispensing valve 16 may be configured such that first valve element 40 has a thickness greater than the thickness of second valve member 44. The thickness of valve member 30 is defined by the dimension of valve member 30 measured tangentially to the interface between valve member 30 and valve seat 32 (or perpendicular to the interface in the case of a flat interface).

[0055] Alternatively or additionally, dispense valve 16 may be configured to have a differential amount of interference between first valve portion 36 and second valve portion 38. Specifically, first valve portion 36 may be ensured to have a greater interference than second valve portion 38. For example, interference may be in the range of 0.15 mm to 0.30 mm for first valve portion 36 and 0.05 mm to 0.20 mm for second valve portion 38. With this configuration, first valve portion 36 has a tighter fit than second valve portion 38 and returns to the closed position more quickly, thereby keeping dispenser device 10 clean and sterile.

[0056] As another alternative or additional configuration, dispense valve 16 may be configured such that first valve element 40 is made of a stiffer material than the material from which second valve element 44 is made. This configuration also contributes to the sequential closure of dispense channel 34 by dispense valve 16.

[0057] 5 illustrates another possible configuration of the valve member 30 including one or more reinforcing members 56 in the first valve portion 36. The reinforcing members 56 extend radially outwardly from the valve member 30 at a distance. Such reinforcing members 56 contribute to making the first valve portion 36 stiffer than the second valve portion 38. The reinforcing members 54 may have the same shape or different shapes depending on the desired stiffness.

[0058] 6 and 7 illustrate another exemplary assembly 200 for packaging and dispensing a fluent product. Assembly 200 comprises a container 110 and a dispensing device 10. Assembly 200 differs from assembly 100 shown in FIG. 1 in that dispensing device 10 does not include dose chamber 24 and the flexible member forming valve member 30 is positioned radially inward of the rigid member forming valve seat 32.

[0059] In this embodiment, container 110 is made of a flexible material, such that the fluid pressure within container 110 changes when a compressive force is applied to container 110. When storage chamber 112 of container 110 is compressed, the fluid product contained within container 110 is forced into dispense valve 16, opening dispense channel 34.

[0060] As shown by the arrows in Figure 7, the fluid product flows through a through hole 60 formed in the base plate and into guide channel 54. The fluid product under pressure displaces valve member 30 away from valve seat 32, forming dispensing channel 34. The fluid product is introduced into dispensing channel 34 and exits at dispensing end 14, also shown by the arrows in Figure 7.

[0061] Similar to the embodiments described above, dispense valve 16 in this embodiment may be configured such that a greater biasing force is applied to first valve portion 36 than to second valve portion 38 when dispense valve 16 is in the closed position.

[0062] Thus, when the pressure applied to container 110 is released, first valve portion 36 returns to its original position, causing first valve portion 36 to push any residual product out of first valve portion 36 and into second valve portion 38. When second valve portion 38 then returns to its closed position, the residual product is pushed out of dispensing device 10, leaving little or no residual product within dispensing valve 16. At the same time, any bacteria or undesirable matter that was present in dispensing channel 34 is also expelled from dispensing device 10.

[0063] In this way, the dispensing device 10 can be protected from any undesirable objects that might otherwise enter the dispensing valve 16 or flow back into the first valve portion 36 from the second valve portion 38.

[0064] Figure 8 illustrates another exemplary assembly 300 for packaging and dispensing a fluent product. The assembly 300 in this embodiment differs from the assembly 200 illustrated in Figures 6 and 7 in that the dispensing channel 34 is formed perpendicular or radial to the opening 48 of the dispensing end 14.

[0065] According to this embodiment, storage chamber 112 of container 110 is compressed, forcing the fluid product to flow through through-hole 62 formed in the flexible member forming valve member 30 and into guide channel 54. Guide channel 54 extends perpendicular to dispensing channel 34 formed between valve member 30 and valve seat 32. As with the previous embodiment, the pressure of the fluid product is sufficient to move valve member 30 away from valve seat 32 to form dispensing channel 34.

[0066] Similar to the previously described embodiment, dispense valve 16 in this embodiment may be configured such that a greater biasing force is applied to the first valve portion than to the second valve portion when dispense valve 16 is in the closed position.

[0067] Thus, when the pressure applied to container 110 is released, first valve portion 36 returns to its original position, causing first valve portion 36 to push any residual product out of first valve portion 36 and into second valve portion 38. When second valve portion 38 then returns to its closed position, the residual product is pushed out of dispensing device 10, leaving little or no residual product within dispensing valve 16. At the same time, any bacteria or undesirable matter that was present in dispensing channel 34 is also expelled from dispensing device 10.

[0068] In this way, the dispensing device 10 can be protected from any undesirable objects that might otherwise enter the dispensing valve 16 or flow back from the second valve portion 38 into the first valve portion 36.

[0069] The more rigid the valve member made of flexible material, the more pressure is required to open the normally closed valve and form a dispensing channel between the valve member and the corresponding valve seat. Finding the right balance between sealing the dispensing device and easy dispensing operation is important for the dispensing device.

[0070] To reduce the force required to lift the valve member from its seat, the valve member 30 may be provided with one or more grooves, such as an annular groove 70 formed in the surface facing the valve seat 32. If the valve member 30 is tubular in form, as shown in FIG. 9, multiple annular grooves 70 may be provided. If the surface of the valve member 30 extends parallel to the valve seat 32 (see, for example, FIG. 8), one or more elongated grooves may be formed in the valve member 30. The depth of such grooves may be up to 0.10 mm. Grooves 70 up to 0.10 mm deep will assist the valve member 30 in lifting off the valve seat 32 while simultaneously avoiding the accumulation of residual product in the grooves.

[0071] Alternatively, the groove 70 may have a depth of up to 40 mm, in which case the valve member 30 may not contact the valve seat 32 at the portion where the groove 70 is formed.

[0072] When multiple grooves 70 are provided, the depth of the grooves may be made deeper than adjacent grooves located near the dispensing end 14, thereby reducing the force required to open the first valve portion 36.

[0073] Additionally, by virtue of the one or more grooves 70, the fluid product is evenly distributed circumferentially, ie, around the valve seat 32, to assist in moving the dispensing valve 16 to the open position.

[0074] Instead of or in addition to one or more grooves provided on the valve member 30, one or more protrusions 72 may be provided on the surface of the valve seat 32 facing the valve member 30. Figure 10 shows an embodiment in which multiple protrusions 72 are provided on the valve seat 32. When multiple protrusions 72 are provided, the protrusions may protrude higher than adjacent protrusions located near the dispensing end.

[0075] These grooves and / or protrusions can contribute to adjusting the airtightness between valve member 30 and valve seat 32. Therefore, less force is required to separate valve member 30 from valve seat 32, thereby facilitating the formation of dispensing channel 34.

[0076] Although not shown, according to one embodiment, the surface of the valve member 30 has a higher roughness on the surface facing the valve seat 32 of the first valve element 40 than on the second valve element 44. The roughness may be in the range of 3 microns to 5 microns in the first valve portion 36. The roughness of the second valve portion 38 may be in the range of 0.3 to 3 microns to prevent bacteria from adhering to the second valve portion 38. In contrast, the valve seat 32 may have a smooth surface.

[0077] Furthermore, the valve seat 32 may have different degrees of roughness on the surface facing the valve member 30 between the first valve portion 36 and the second valve portion 38. Specifically, the valve seat 32 may have a greater degree of roughness in the first valve portion 36 than in the second valve portion 38. In this case, the valve member 30 may have a smooth surface.

[0078] The pair of rough and smooth surfaces between valve seat 32 and valve member 30 reduces the force required to move valve member 30 away from valve seat 32, thereby facilitating the formation of dispensing channel 34.

[0079] Furthermore, if the surface of the valve member 30 and / or the valve seat 32 has a predetermined degree of roughness, the valve member 30 and / or the valve seat 32 may have alternating rough and smooth surfaces.

[0080] Furthermore, dosage chamber 24 may have a tapered shape toward dispense valve 16, as shown in Figure 1. By having dosage chamber 24 have a tapered shape, when the fluid product contained in dosage chamber 24 flows into dispense valve 16, the fluid under pressure exerts a radially outward force, facilitating the valve member 30 to separate from valve seat 32. Therefore, dispensing channel 34 can be reliably and easily formed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 10 dispensing device, 12 mounting end, 14 dispensing end, 16 dispensing valve, 18 dose filling valve, 20 air filling valve, 22 filter element, 24 dose chamber, 26 abutment portion, 28 deformable portion, 30 valve member, 32 valve seat, 34 dispensing channel, 36 first valve portion, 38 second valve portion, 40 first valve element, 42 first valve seat, 44 second valve element, 46 second valve seat, 48 dispensing opening, 50 axial extension, 52 radial extension, 54 guide channel, 56 reinforcing member, 60, 62 through hole, 70 groove, 72 protrusion, 100 dispensing-packaging assembly, 110 container, 112 storage chamber, 114 opening, 200 assembly, 300 assembly

Claims

1. A dispensing device (10) for dispensing a fluent product, comprising: a dispensing end (14) through which the product is dispensed; a mounting end (12) that is attached to a container (110) that contains the product; a dispensing valve (16) disposed between the mounting end (12) and the dispensing end (14), the dispensing valve (16) being formed by flexible members (28, 30) and rigid members (26, 32), the dispensing valve (16) being operable between an open position in which a dispensing channel (34) is formed between the flexible members (28, 30) and the rigid members (26, 32) to allow the product to flow toward the dispensing end (14), and a closed position in which the dispensing channel (34) is closed; a dose chamber (24) disposed between the dispensing valve (16) and the mounting end (12) and configured to store a quantity of the product, the dose chamber (24) being defined between the rigid member (26) and the flexible member (28) spaced outwardly from the rigid member (26); a dose fill valve (18) configured to allow the flow of the fluid product from the container (110) to the dispensing device (10) when the dispensing device (10) is in use and to prohibit the flow of the fluid product back to the container (110); Equipped with The dispensing valve (16) comprises a first valve portion (36) and a second valve portion (38); a second valve portion (38) positioned closer to the dispensing end (14) than the first valve portion (36), and the dispensing valve (16) configured such that a greater biasing force is applied by the flexible members (28, 30) to the rigid members (26, 32) at the first valve portion (36) than at the second valve portion (38) when the dispensing valve (16) is in the closed position.

2. 2. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the flexible members (28, 30) have a higher stiffness at the first valve portion (36) than at the second valve portion (38).

3. 3. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the flexible members (28, 30) and the rigid members (26, 32) are configured to have a greater interference in the first valve portion (36) than in the second valve portion (38).

4. The dispensing device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flexible members (28, 30) have a reinforcing member (56) at the first valve portion (36).

5. 5. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the flexible members (28, 30) have a greater thickness in the first valve portion (36) than in the second valve portion (38).

6. 6. The dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the flexible members (28, 30) have at least a partially tapered shape that narrows towards the dispensing end (14).

7. 7. A dispensing device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the material from which the flexible members (28, 30) in the first valve portion (36) are made is stiffer than the material from which the flexible members (28, 30) in the second valve portion (38) are made.

8. A dispensing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the flexible members (28, 30) have a surface facing the rigid members (26, 32), the surface having a higher degree of roughness in the first valve portion (36) than in the second valve portion (38).

9. A dispensing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the rigid members (26, 32) have a surface facing the flexible members (28, 30), the surface having a higher degree of roughness in the first valve portion (36) than in the second valve portion (38).

10. 10. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the flexible members (28, 30) in the dispensing valve (16) have one or more grooves (70) formed in the surface facing the rigid members (26, 32).

11. 11. The dispensing device of claim 10, wherein the flexible members (28, 30) in the dispensing valve (16) have a plurality of grooves (70) on the surface facing the rigid members (26, 32), the depth of the grooves being greater than the depth of adjacent grooves located closer to the dispensing end (14).

12. 12. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the rigid members (26, 32) in the dispensing valve (16) are provided with one or more protrusions (72) on a surface facing the flexible members (28, 30).

13. 13. The dispensing device of claim 12, wherein the rigid member (26, 32) in the dispensing valve (16) comprises a plurality of protrusions (72), the protrusions protruding higher than adjacent protrusions located closer to the dispensing end (14).

14. The dispensing device of claim 1 , wherein the dose chamber (24) has an at least partially tapered shape toward the dispensing valve (16).

15. 15. The dispensing device of claim 14, wherein the flexible members (28, 30) defining the dose chamber (24) comprise an inner tapered portion that tapers towards the dispensing valve (16).

16. 15. The dispensing device of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the rigid member (26) defining the dose chamber (24) comprises an outer tapered portion that tapers towards the dispensing valve (16).

17. 17. The dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the dispensing channel (34) and the dispensing end (14) are connected by a guide channel (54) extending substantially perpendicular to the dispensing channel (34).

18. 18. The dispensing device of claim 17, wherein the guide channel (54) is defined by at least one groove or at least one opening formed in or on the rigid member (26, 32).

19. the flexible members (28, 30) are coaxially disposed around the rigid members (26, 32); 19. A dispensing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the flexible members (28, 30) include an axial extension (50) that extends beyond the rigid members (26, 32) and a radial extension (52) that extends radially inward from the axial extension (50) and defines a dispensing opening (48) at the dispensing end (14).

20. An assembly (100, 200) for packaging and dispensing a fluent product, comprising: a container (110) configured to contain said product; A dispensing device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, An assembly comprising:

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