Abstract: A dispenser including a base unit with an actuation mechanism for dispensing liquid and a refill unit insertable into the base unit in an inverted configuration with its outlet lowermost for the supply of liquid to the base unit. The refill unit includes an annular wall projecting into the refill unit and defining an outlet from the refill unit, the annular wall being closable at its innermost end by a valve element biased onto the annular wall. The base unit includes a hollow spigot and an annular seal surrounding and spaced from the top of the spigot whereby insertion of the refill unit into the base unit causes the spigot to enter the annular wall and to lift the valve element from the annular wall to define a flow path from the refill unit, and the annular seal to seal between the spigot and the annular wall.

Abstract: A relief valve (60) for a liquid container, the valve comprising a substantially conical body (50) extending into the container, and tapering inwardly away from an external wall of the container, at least one air inlet passage (62) through the substantially conical body; and a flexible diaphragm (53) extending over the conical body, being attached at its outer periphery around the substantially conical body and having a central opening surrounding the substantially conical body above the air inlet passage so as to seal the air inlet passage until the pressure within the container falls below a predetermined level.

Abstract: A dispenser including a base unit with an actuation mechanism for dispensing liquid and a refill unit insertible into the base unit in an inverted configuration with its outlet lowermost for the supply of liquid to the base unit. The refill unit includes an annular wall projecting into the refill unit and defining an outlet from the refill unit, the annular wall being closable at its innermost end by a valve element biased onto the annular wall. The base unit includes a hollow spigot and an annular seal surrounding and spaced from the top of the spigot whereby insertion of the refill unit into the base unit causes the spigot to enter the annular wall and to lift the valve element from the annular wall to define a flow path from the refill unit, and the annular seal to seal between the spigot and the annular wall.

Abstract: A dispenser including a base unit with an actuation mechanism for dispensing liquid and a refill unit insertible into the base unit in an inverted configuration with its outlet lowermost for the supply of liquid to the base unit. The refill unit includes an annular wall projecting into the refill unit and defining an outlet from the refill unit, the annular wall being closable at its innermost end by a valve element biased onto the annular wall. The base unit includes a hollow spigot and an annular seal surrounding and spaced from the top of the spigot whereby insertion of the refill unit into the base unit causes the spigot to enter the annular wall and to lift the valve element from the annular wall to define a flow path from the refill unit, and the annular seal to seal between the spigot and the annular wall.

Abstract: A relief valve (60) for a liquid container, the valve comprising a substantially conical body (50) extending into the container, and tapering inwardly away from an external wall of the container, at least one air inlet passage (62) through the substantially conical body; and a flexible diaphragm (53) extending over the conical body, being attached at its outer periphery around the substantially conical body and having a central opening surrounding the substantially conical body above the air inlet passage so as to seal the air inlet passage until the pressure within the container falls below a predetermined level.

Abstract: A dispenser comprising a base unit (2) with an actuation mechanism for dispensing liquid and a refill unit (1) insertible into the base unit (2) in an inverted configuration with its outlet lowermost for the supply of liquid to the base unit (2), the refill unit (1) comprising an annular wall (30) projecting into the refill unit (1) and defining an outlet from the refill unit (1), the annular wall (30) being closable at its innermost end by a valve element (33) biased onto the annular wall 30), the base unit (2) comprising a hollow spigot (11) and an annular seal (14) surrounding and spaced from the top of the spigot (11) whereby insertion of the refill unit (1) into the base unit (2) causes the spigot (11) to enter the annular wall (30) and to lift the valve element (33) from the annular wall (30) to define a flow path from the refill unit (1), through at least one cut-out portion formed in the top of the spigot (11) and/or the bottom of the valve element (33) and down the hollow spigot (11), and the annular