Apparatus for dispensing liquids

A dispenser tap has a body, a handle, and a probe mounted within the body. The probe is hollow and has a pointed inner end with openings allowing liquid to be dispensed. The body has a spigot-receiving part which has a bore passing through it and a seal at one end thereof. The probe has radially outwardly extending pins that fit into corresponding slots in the body. In use, turning the handle cammingly moves the probe to an extended non-return position such that the seal is pierced and rupturned. The pins within the slots prevent the probe from rotating during this operation.

This invention relates to improvements in apparatus for the dispensing of 
liquids and refers particularly, though not exclusively, to improvements 
in taps for use in conjunction with containers holding liquids in an 
airtight situation. 
Over many years there has been developed an expertise in the area of wine 
casks of the type whereby the wine is held in a plastic bag and, as the 
wine is consumed, the bag collapses rather than allowing air or oxygen 
into the interior of the bag and thus to contaminate the wine. In this 
way, the life of the wine is considerably lengthened so that it can be 
consumed over a lengthy period of time such as, for example, six months. 
This requires that the bag itself be totally impervious to the ingress of 
oxygen. This has been made possible and thus the bag can prevent the 
ingress of oxygen for a very lengthy period of time such as, for example, 
twelve months. However, the particular dispensing means is normally a 
problem in that it is possible to have an ingress of oxygen through the 
material of the dispensing means and thus comtamination can occur. 
With goods such as wine it is extremely important that the bag and the 
dispensing means be totally impervious to air so that the shelf life of 
the product would be at least twelve months. 
Also, although this has been proved possible in the past, it has never 
proved possible with a dispensing means in the traditional form of a tap. 
Many devices are known but these have problems in that they must be held 
whilst dispensing and also are not in the traditional form of tap. A 
traditional form of tap has found great consumer acceptance. 
It is therefore the principle of the present invention to provide apparatus 
for the dispensing of liquids which meets with consumer acceptance and 
provides for a longer shelf life of the product. 
With the above and other objects in view, the present invention provides 
apparatus for dispensing liquids from a container, said apparatus 
including a body, a probe mounted within said body, and a handle, said 
probe being adapted to be moved by initiator means within said body upon 
or prior to the first operation of said apparatus axially inwardly so as 
to penetrate or rupture a frangible diaphragm at or adjacent the innermost 
end of said body. 
Advantageously, the probe remains at the axially inwardly position after 
penetrating or rupturing the frangible diaphragm despite further and 
subsequent operation of the apparatus.

To refer firstly to the first embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, 
there is shown apparatus for dispensing of liquids and which has a body 
10, a probe 12 mounted within the body 10, and a handle 14. 
The body 10 has an inner part 16 adapted to be placed in a socket (not 
shown) so that the liquid contents of a container (not shown) can be 
dispensed. The inner part 16 has an outer wall 18 having a number of 
circumferential rings 20 which are designed to co-operate with suitable 
grooves in the socket to permanently and sealingly hold the apparatus 
therein in the manner of a snap fit. The outer end 22 of the inner part 16 
has a radially outwardly extending flange 24. 
Extending outwardly from the flange 24 and integral therewith is the outer 
or spigot receiving part 26 of body 10. As can be seen, the spigot 
receiving part 26, the flange 24 and the inner part 16 are an integral 
element comprising the body 10 which is made as an integral moulding. 
The spigot receiving part 26 has a bore 28 passing therethrough. This is 
stepped at 30 so that the bore 32 through the main portion of the inner 
part 16 is of greater diameter. Furthermore, the spigot receiving part 26 
has a hole 42 to enable the liquid to be dispensed, as will be understood 
from the following description. 
At the step 30 there is provided a seal 34 closing the bore 28. The seal 34 
may be made integrally with the remainder of the body 10 or may be 
subsequently attached by glueing, welding or otherwise. The seal 34 may be 
made of any suitable material as long as it is relatively impervious to 
air and can be readily broken or ruptured, as will be understood from the 
following description. 
The handle 14 is of hollow construction and includes a gripping portion 36 
adapted to be held by a user. Extending inwardly of the gripping portion 
36 is a hollow spigot 38 passing within the spigot receiving portion 26 in 
the manner of a relatively tight fit. Also extending inwardly of the 
gripping portion 36 is a retaining flange 40 of lesser axial extent that 
the spigot. The retaining flange 40 retains the handle 14 in position 
relative to the body 10 and assists in the sealing action between the 
handle 14 and the body 10. The retaining flange 40 has a wiping portion 44 
of greater axial length for a small part of its circumference. The wiping 
portion 44 is designed to cover and close hole 42 when the apparatus is in 
the OFF position. The spigot 38 has a hole 60 therethrough axially located 
with hole 42. Rotation of handle 14 to the ON position (FIG. 3) causes the 
two holes to be operatively aligned. 
Extending across the interior of handle 14 is a bearing member 46 designed 
to receive rod 48 extending along the longitudinal axis of handle 14. At 
its outer end the rod 48 is attached to a plate member 50 which is a neat 
fit in the hollow interior of gripping portion 36 of handle 14. At its 
inner end, the rod 48 has a socket 52 for receiving the end of central 
shaft 54 of probe 12. 
Probe 12 is of hollow construction and has a pointed inner end 56. The 
pointed inner end 56 has a number of openings 58 therethrough so that 
liquid to be dispensed can pass through the probe 12 and subsequently out 
of the apparatus via holes 42 and 60. 
The operation of the apparatus is that when it is desired to remove or 
dispense the or some of the liquid from the container, it is first ensured 
that the handle 14 is in the OFF position (FIG. 2). In this position the 
holes 42 and 60 are not operatively aligned and, furthermore, the wiping 
portion also closes hole 42. The user then pushes on plate 50, using 
handle 14 as a finger grip. By pushing on plate 50, rod 48 acts to push 
the probe 12 axially inwardly. The pointed end 56 of probe 12 then pierces 
and ruptures the seal 34. Further pushing on plate 50 causes the probe 12 
to pass through the seal 34 (FIG. 3) until plate 50 contacts bearing 
member 46, thus stopping any further movement. 
At this stage the liquid can then pass through the openings 58 and probe 12 
into the hollow interior of the apparatus. However, as the holes 42 and 60 
are not operatively aligned, the liquid cannot be dispensed. The turning 
of handle 14 to the position of FIG. 3 brings the holes 42 and 60 into 
operative alignment as well as moving wiping portion 44 clear of hole 42. 
The liquid can then flow through the apparatus and be dispensed. 
Rotation of handle 14 back to the OFF position will stop the flow of 
liquid. 
The probe 12 remains in the position shown in FIG. 3 and has no effect on 
the future and further operation of the apparatus. 
For further details as to the shape and configuration of the probe 12, 
wiping portion 44, and spigot 38 reference should be made to Australian 
Pat. Nos. 402,978 and 407,456. 
To refer now to the embodiment of FIG. 4, there is shown apparatus having 
an inner part 120 having at its inner end an air impervious seal 122 so 
that the contents of the container cannot escape and nor can air enter the 
container. The outer wall of the inner part 120 has a number of 
circumferential rings 124 which are designed to co-operate with suitable 
grooves on the inner wall of socket (not shown) so that when the inner 
part 120 is placed in position it is permanently held there in the manner 
of a snap fit. 
At its outer end the inner part 120 has a flange 128. Extending outwardly 
from the flange 128 and integral therewith is the spigot receiving portion 
130. As can be seen, the spigot receiving portion 130 extends through the 
inner part 120 down to the seal 122. The entire part comprising the inner 
part 120, the rings 124, the flange 128 and the spigot receiving portion 
130 is made as an integral moulding. The seal 122 may, possibly, be made 
in conjunction with that as part of the integral moulding or may be 
attached subsequently by any suitable means such as, for example, welding, 
adhesion or otherwise. The seal can be made of any suitable material, as 
can be the entire assembly, as long as it is air impervious and is easily 
penetrable. 
There is also provided a spigot 132 of relatively known design or 
construction. It is particularly as is shown in our existing Australian 
Pat. Nos. 402,978 and 407,456. The spigot 132 has a handle portion 134 
which is adapted to be held by a user to control the operation of the 
entire assembly. The spigot also has an entry portion 136 which is 
designed to pass within the spigot receiving portion 130 in the manner of 
a relatively tight fit. On the inner wall of the spigot receiving portion 
there are a number of axially displaced stops 138. These stops 138 
co-operate with similar stops on the external surface of the spigot entry 
portion 136. Thus, in operation, the spigot is pushed axially inwardly 
until the similar stops on the entry portion 136 contact the first of the 
stops 138. In this condition the seal 122 is still intact and therefore 
wine cannot escape. Also, the exit hole 140 in the spigot entry portion 
136 is not in alignment with the outlet hole 142 in the spigot receiving 
portion 130. Therefore no wine can escape. As the spigot can pass over the 
first stop during the assembly operation, the spigot cannot be removed and 
nor can it be accidentally moved axially inwardly. When it is desired to 
use the particular assembly the spigot is pushed axially inwardly until 
the leading portion 144 of the spigot entry portion 136 contacts and 
breaks the seal 122. In doing this, the stops on the spigot entry portion 
136 pass over the second set of stops 138 on the spigot receiving portion 
130 and come in contact with the innermost stop. In this operation, during 
the breaking of the seal 122, the holes 140 and 142 come into axial 
alignment. Therefore, the contents of the bag 118 can pass through the 
broken seal 122, the open interior of the spigot entry portion 136, and, 
once the holes are aligned, holes 140 and 142 are thus used. To control 
the flow of the contents the spigot handle 134 merely has to be rotated 
about its longitudinal axis. In this way, the holes 140 and 142 come into 
and out of alignment as is disclosed in the aforesaid Australian patent 
specifications. Also, the existing hygienic non-drip dispensing hole cover 
strip may be used as is disclosed in those particular specifications. 
To refer now to FIG. 5 there is shown a dispensing apparatus which, in 
effect, is identical to that of FIG. 4 except that the entry end 244 of 
the spigot entry portion 236 provides for the sealing of the seal 222 
around the portion 244 to provide for a positive seal on that portion in 
the event of the rings 238 not sealing against the spigot entry portion 
236. In this particular instance a plug 250 would be needed in the spigot 
handle 234 to close the hole necessary for the moulding of the spigot 232. 
FIG. 6 shows a form of the dispensing apparatus very similar to that of 
FIG. 5 except that the stops 338 are reduced in number to a single stop 
against which the piercing portion 344 rests. In this particular instance 
there is provided a tear-off safety flap 352 as an extension of the wiping 
portion 354 of the spigot. This wiping portion operates in the manner 
indicated in the aforementioned Australian specifications. In use, the 
tear-off safety flap 352 is removed and the entire spigot is pushed 
axially inwardly so that the portion 344 pierces and breaks the seal 322. 
The entire spigot is then returned axially until the piercing portion 344 
passes back over the stop 338 and thus brings the holes 340 and 342 into 
axial alignment and thus the tap can be operated in the normal manner by 
turning the spigot 332. This particular embodiment creates a tap of 
relatively short axial dimensions yet still provides for security in that 
the tear-off flap 352 would have to be removed before the seal 322 could 
be broken to allow wine to escape. Again, a plug 350 is necessary in the 
end of the spigot handle 334 to close the handle as a result of the core 
of the die during the manufacturing operation. 
The embodiment of FIG. 7 is identical to that of FIG. 6 except that the 
piercing portion 444 is of the same construction as the piercing portion 
144 of FIG. 4. For this form of construction it is necessary to push the 
spigot 432 axially inwardly so that the portion 444 contacts the seal 422 
and rotation of the spigot 432 causes the portion 444 to cut the seal 422. 
Axial outward movement of the spigot 432 would operate in the same manner 
as the spigot of FIG. 6. 
FIG. 8 shows a combination; of the embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 6. As can be 
seen, it incorporates the tear-off safety flap 552 in the same manner as 
FIG. 6. However, it is to be noted that the two holes 542 and 540 are not 
in alignment in the unpierced position. Therefore, the piercing portion 
544 is pushed through the seal 522 upon axial inward movement of the 
spigot 532 so that the two holes 540 and 542 are in a common plane after 
the piercing. At that stage, it only requires rotation of the spigot 532 
about its axis to axially align the holes to cause the contents of the 
container to be able to be removed. 
In this particular embodiment the piercing portion 544 is made as a 
separate piece from the spigot entry portion 536. This is done due to the 
necessity of manufacturing operations in order to make the remainder of 
the spigot 532 as a single piece. Also, once the piercing portion 544 has 
pushed through the seal 522 it will remain in that position. 
FIG. 9 shows an embodiment similar to that of FIG. 6 in that a tear-off 
safety flap 652 is provided. However, in this particular case, the spigot 
receiving portion 630 is of shortened axial length so that once the safety 
flap 652 has been removed the hole 640 connects directly to the atmosphere 
enabling the contents to be later removed by the operation of the spigot 
632 in the normal manner. However, the seal 622 is still intact. 
Therefore, the entire spigot 632 is moved axially inwardly so that the 
piercing portion 644 breaks the seal. At this particular stage the hole 
640 is in connection with the spigot receiving portion 630 and therefore 
the contents cannot be removed. To enable the contents to be removed the 
spigot 632 is moved axially outwardly so that the contents will then pass 
through the hole 640 and be used by the consumer. When it is desired to 
cease the flow, the spigot 632 is moved axially inwardly. Therefore, this 
provides a push-pull operation so that the contents of the container can 
be removed quite easily. This particular embodiment provides for 
relatively simple construction, manufacture, and assembly. It also 
provides for very easy use. 
The embodiment of FIG. 10 is very similar to that of FIG. 9 except that the 
tear-off flap 752 is made as an extension of the hygienic cover or 
non-drip strip 754 which operates in conjunction with the spigot receiving 
portion 730 in the manner as described in the earlier-mentioned Australian 
patent specifications. In this particular way the opening 740 is kept 
clean and there can be no residual drip of the contents falling from the 
apparatus after the flow of the liquid has ceased. 
The embodiment of FIG. 11 is similar to a combination of the embodiments of 
FIGS. 8 and 10. The physical construction is similar to that of FIG. 8 
except that it is a push-pull operation for the control of the dispensing. 
The particular spigot is extremely similar to that of FIG. 8 in that 
alignment of the holes 840 and 842 is necessary to enable the liquid to be 
dispensed. The initial operation is the axial inward movement of the 
spigot 832 to enable the piercing portion 844 to break the seal 822. At 
this stage a retaining member 860 attached to the spigot 832 moves with 
the spigot as part of the axial movement. To this retaining member 860 is 
attached to push bulb 862. The push bulb 862 is also attached to an outer 
body 864. During the axial inward movement the retaining member 860 pulls 
on the push bulb 862 so that it is placed under stress. When the holes 840 
and 842 are in alignment and the seal 822 has been broken the contents of 
the container can flow through the holes 840 and 842. Once pressure on the 
spigot is released the stresses within the push bulb 862 cause it to pull 
the entire spigot 832 back to its original position as shown. It is to be 
noted that the outer body 864 does not move with the spigot as is clearly 
illustrated by the slight slot 866 in the spigot to allow it to pass 
through the outer body 864. This particular embodiment therefore provides 
for totally automatic operation on a push basis. All the user has to do 
with the particular apparatus is to initially push it to break the seal 
822 and it will automatically return to the "OFF" position. Further 
pushing in subsequent operations will enable the liquids to be removed. If 
necessary, a tear-off safety flap may also be provided as an extension of 
part 842 so that the device can not be accidentally operated prior to its 
initial removal. 
To refer to FIGS. 12 to 14, there is shown a dispensing tap 910 which is to 
enable the dispensing of the contents of a flexible bag 912 held within a 
container 914. The tap 910 has three components--a socket 916, a probe 918 
and a handle 920. 
The socket 916 is approximately cylindrical in shape and has an inner 
flange 922 of substantially increased radius. The flange 922 is adapted to 
be secured to the bag 912 by annular seals at 924 and 926. Adjacent the 
flange 922 is a portion 928 of reduced radius. This portion 928 has flats 
930 to enable the tap 910 to be held in an appropriate opening in the 
container 914. Adjacent the portion 928 is a hold portion 932 of increased 
radius. This portion 932 is adapted to be held by user whilst the tap 910 
is being used as well as retaining the tap 910 in position relative to the 
container 914. 
The socket 916 has a central bore 934 extending for its entire length. The 
inner end portion 936 of the bore 934 has two opposed slots 946 extending 
longitudinally. Either or both of the slots 946 has a "saw-tooth" shaped 
projection 948 adjacent the inner end 936. The outer end of the slots 946 
provides a step 940 at approximately the mid-point of the socket 916. 
Between the step 940 and the outer end 938 are a number of circumferential 
retaining seals 942 extending into the bore 934. Between the retaining 
seals 942 is an opening 944 to enable the contents of the bag 912 to be 
dispensed. 
The probe 918 is, in use, located within the socket 916 in the bore 934. 
The probe 918 is hollow and has an entry portion 950 and a body portion 
952. The entry portion 950 is substantially as for the tap described in 
Australian Pat. No. 407,456. The body 952 is a hollow open-ended cylinder 
of the same radius as the largest radius of the entry portion 950. 
Extending radially outwardly from the body 952 are two diametrally opposed 
pins 953. These pins 953 are, in use, located in the slots 946 to prevent 
the probe from turning about its longitudinal axis. Also, they co-operate 
with the step 940 and the "saw-tooth" projection 948 to limit the axial 
movement of the probe 918. 
The handle 920 is located partly within the socket 916 and partly around 
the socket 916. The handle 920 comprises an inner body 954, an outer body 
956, and a gripping portion 958. The gripping portion is approximately 
I-shaped in cross-section, with the outer surface 960 being provided with 
indentations 962 to assist the gripping action. 
Extending inwardly from the gripping portion 958 is the inner body 954. The 
inner body 954 is hollow, cylindrically shaped, has an open inner end 964, 
and a closed outer end 966. Adjacent the outer end 966 is an opening 968 
through which the contents of the bag 912 can be dispensed. The opening 
968 is designed to coincide with the opening 944 in the socket 916. On 
either side of the opening there are circumferential grooves 970 in the 
outer surface of the inner body 954 which co-operate with the retaining 
seals 942 to seal against fluid flow and/or air flow as well as retaining 
the handle 920 against axial movement. The inner end of body 954 is 
provided with two right-angled triangular cutouts 972 spaced 180.degree. 
apart. The hypotenuses 974 of the cutouts 972 are designed to co-operate 
with the pins 953 so that rotation of the handle 920 causes the 
hypotenuses 974 to push against the pins 953. Due to the angle of the 
hypotenuses 974 and the pins 953 being retained in slots 946, the probe 
918 is forced axially inwardly until its entry portion 950 pierces and 
passes through the portion of bag 912 across the inner end 936 of bore 
934. This enables the contents to be dispensed. 
The outer body 956 of handle 920 is of sufficient longitudinal dimension to 
contact hold portion 932 but of reduced circumferential dimension. Also, 
its function is to cover opening 944 shortly after that opening has been 
closed by inner body 954 of handle 920. This creates a "wipe clean" action 
as is described in Australian Patent Specification No. 407,456. If 
desired, ON and OFF stops contactable by outer body 956 of handle 920 may 
be placed on the outer surface of socket 916 so that the limits of 
rotation of the handle 920 are accurately defined. 
As can be seen, the pins 953 not only allow the inward movement of the 
probe 918, but also serve to define the axial limits of such movement. By 
contacting the steps 940, the pins 953 prevent outwards axial movement of 
the probe 918. Once the handle 920 has been turned for normal initiation 
of the penetrating action, the pins 953 pass over and then engage behind 
the saw tooth projection 948. This again prevents unwanted axial movement 
on the outwards direction. The probe 918 cannot move further inwardly as 
the pins 953 no longer contact the hypotenuses 974 and also the gripping 
action of the penetrated bag 912 around the entry portion 950 of probe 
918. Thus once moved inwards, the probe 918 is permanently held in 
position. 
To refer now to FIGS. 15 and 16, there is shown a dispensing tap 1010 which 
is to enable the dispensing of the contents of a flexible bag 1012 held 
within a container 1014. The tap 1010 has three components--a socket 1016, 
a probe 1018 and a handle 1020. 
The socket 1016 is approximately cylindrical in shape and has an inner 
flange 1022 of substantially increased radius. The flange 1022 is adapted 
to be secured to the bag 1012 at its inner surface 1024. Extending 
radially outwardly from the socket 1016 are two central flanges 1026 which 
are adapted to receive therebetween the container 1014 so as to retain the 
tap 1010 in position relative to the container. 
The socket 1016 has a central bore 1028 extending for its entire length. At 
its inner end 1030 the bore 1028 is closed by the bag 1012. At its outer 
end 1032 the bore 1028 is closed by the handle 1020. Adjacent the outer 
end 1032 there is an opening 1034 through the socket 1016 to enable the 
contents of the bag 1012 to be dispensed. Extending radially inwardly into 
the bore 1028 on either side of opening 1034 are retaining seals 1036, the 
function of which will be described subsequently. Two opposed slots 1038 
are provided and which extend from the bore 1028 into the socket 1016. The 
slots 1038 run from the inner end 1030 for over half the length of the 
socket 1016. Extending into the slots 1038 at approximately the mid-point 
of their length are two lugs 1040 which act as stops to prevent unwanted 
movement of the probe 1018. 
The probe 1018 is, in use, located within the socket 1016 in the bore 1028. 
The probe 1018 is hollow and has an entry portion 1042 and a body 1044. 
The entry portion 1042 is substantially as for the tap described in the 
specification of Australian Pat. No. 407,456. The body 1044 is a hollow, 
open-ended cylinder of the same radius as the largest radius of the entry 
portion 1042. Surrounding the body 1044 is a helix body 1046. The helix 
body 1046 is of shorter axial length than body 1044 and has two opposed 
cut-outs 1048, each of which is shaped somewhat like a right-angled 
triangle. Between the two cut-outs 1048 are two opposed keys 1050 which 
extend for the full length of the helix body 1046. The keys 1050 are 
adapted to locate within the slots 1038 to prevent rotation of the probe 
1018 about its longitudinal axis. The keys 1050 also co-operate with lugs 
1040 and the outer end of slots 1038 to prevent unwanted axial movement of 
the probe 1018. This is done by the lugs 1040 preventing unwanted axially 
inwards movement when the probe 1018 is in the first position as 
illustrated whilst the ends of the slots 1038 prevent unwanted axially 
outwards movement. Once the probe 1018 has been moved inwardly (as will be 
described subsequently) the lugs 1040 prevent unwanted axially outwards 
movement. 
The handle 1020 is located partly within the socket 1016 and partly around 
the socket 1016. The handle 1020 comprises an inner body 1052, an outer 
body 1054, and a gripping portion 1056. The gripping portion is 
approximately I-shaped in cross-section, with the outer surface 1058 being 
provided with indentations 1060 to assist the gripping action. 
Extending inwardly from the gripping portion 1056 is the inner body 1052. 
The inner body 1052 comprises a first or body portion 1062 and a second or 
drive portion 1064. The body portion 1062 is hollow and cylindrical in 
shape. At each end thereof it has circumferential grooves 1066 in the 
outer surface 1068. The grooves 1066 co-operate with retaining seals 1036 
to provide for fluid-tight seals and to retain the handle 1020 in the 
socket 1016. Between the grooves 1066 is an opening 1070 to enable the 
contents of the bag 1012 to be dispensed. 
The second or drive portion 1064 of the inner body 1052 extends inwardly 
from the first portion 1062. The drive portion comprises two opposed 
elements 1072 each of which corresponds in size and shape to the cut-outs 
1048. Also, the internal diameter of the inner body 1052 is the same as or 
slightly greater than the external diameter of the body 1046 of probe 
1018. Thus, upon rotation of the handle 1020, the elements 1072 rotate. As 
the probe 1018 cannot rotate, the angle of cut-outs 1048 and the elements 
1072 is such that the probe 1018 is moved axially inwardly until it 
pierces and penetrates the bag 1012. At that stage, the outer end of probe 
1018 clears the opening 1070 so that, if openings 1070 and 1034 are 
aligned, the contents of the bag 1012 can be dispensed. 
The outer body 1054 of handle 1020 is of sufficient longitudinal dimension 
to contact the outermost of the two central flanges 1026 but is of reduced 
circumferential dimension. The function of the outer body 1054 is to cover 
opening 1034 after it has been closed by inner body 1052 due to rotation 
of the handle 1020. This creates a "wipe clean" action as is described in 
Australian Patent Specification No. 407,456. If desired, ON and OFF stops 
contactable by the outer body 1054 of handle 1020 may be placed on the 
outer surface of socket 1016 so that the normal limits of rotation of 
handle 1020 are accurately defined. 
To refer now to FIGS. 17 to 20, there is shown a dispensing tap which 
comprises three different parts--a socket 1110, a probe 1112 and a handle 
1114. 
The socket 1110 is approximately cylindrical in shape and is designed to be 
received in a receptor with a snap fit as per the other embodiments. With 
this in mind, the socket 1110 has an outer flange 1116 and an outer body 
1118. The outer body 1118 has a number of external ribs 1120 designed to 
co-operate with and seal with the receptor when the two are engaged. The 
socket has an inner body 1122 which is integral with the outer body 1118 
by means of an annular inner flange 1124. Extending across the opening of 
flange 1124 is a multi-ply heat sealed diaphragm 1130. The inner body 1122 
extends longitudinally outwardly for a far greater axial distance than the 
outer body 1118. 
Located within the inner body 1122 and co-operating therewith is the probe 
1112. Attached to the end of inner body 1122 is the handle 1114, which 
also extends inside the inner body 1122. The operation of the probe 1112 
and the handle 1114 and their working interrelationship is as described in 
the earlier embodiments and in particular FIGS. 12 to 14. 
The principal difference in construction and operation is that the probe 
1112 has an outwardly extending axial bar 1126 which is received in a 
socket 1128 in handle 1114. The bar is of non-circular cross-section and 
the socket 1128 is of complementary shape. Preferably, the bar 1126 and 
socket 1128 are both Y shaped in cross-section, although they could be 
square, rectangular, or any other non-circular shape. The socket 1128 has 
an axial extent greater than the axial movement of the probe 1112 when in 
operation and the bar 1126 extends into the socket 1128 for the full 
length of the socket 1128 when in the initial position shown. The bar 1126 
can move axially within the socket 1128 but cannot rotate relative 
thereto. 
When the dispensing tap is operated, the first rotation of the handle 1114 
causes the probe 1112 to move axially inwardly to pierce the diaphragm 
1130. This allows the contents of the container (not shown) to be 
dispensed. As the probe 1112 moves inwardly the bar 1126 moves along the 
socket 1128 but always remains at least in part within the socket 1128. 
Also, as the probe 1112 cannot rotate about its longitudinal axis the bar 
1126 cannot rotate. Thus, as the socket 1128 and bar 1126 are of 
complementary shape the turning of the handle 1114 causes the socket 1128 
to act on the bar 1126 to impart a twist or torsion thereto. 
The bar 1126 is made of a relatively resilient material so that the 
imparting of the twist or torsion to the bar 1126 does not permanently 
deform the bar 1126 by the amount of the twist. That is, the bar 1126 has 
elastic memory. 
When the handle 1114 is released, the twist or torsion imparted to bar 1126 
is released and thus the bar 1126 acts on socket 1128 to force the handle 
1114 to return to its original or OFF position. Preferably, limit stops 
are provided to locate the OFF position and to prevent excessive rotation 
of handle 1114. 
As the bar 1126 can move axially within socket 1128, the return of handle 
1114 to the OFF position under the action of bar 1126 does not cause probe 
1112 to move and thus the probe 1112 maintains its position whereby the 
diaphragm is pierced. 
Alternatively, the handle can have the torsion bar and the probe the 
socket. Another alternative would be for the torsion bar to be a discrete 
element and both the handle and the probe could have sockets. Other, 
similar variations are also possible such as the use of a spiral spring. 
The particular seal or diaphragm as shown in all of the diagrams and 
described in the above description may be totally heat sealed to the 
socket or it may be lightly heat sealed or again a peelable sealed 
diaphragm may be used if this is desired. For all embodiments the 
particular seal may pass completely across the inner end of the socket or 
may merely seal across the spigot receiving portion of each particular 
embodiment. 
Whilst there has been described in the foregoing description preferred 
constructions of improved apparatus for the dispensing of liquids 
incorporating the essential features of the present invention, it will be 
understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications or 
variations in details of design or construction may be made without 
departing from the essential nature of the invention as will be understood 
from the following claims.