APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING A FLUID FROM CONTAINER MEANS

Abstract: Apparatus (1; 101; 201, 301, 401) for dispensing a fluid from container means (2), comprising nozzle means (3; 103; 203; 303; 403) provided with first conduit means (4; 104; 204; 304; 404) for dispensing said fluid, second conduit means (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) for introducing air into said container means (2), at least a portion of said first conduit means (4; 104; 204; 304; 404) and said second conduit means (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) is parallel to an axis of a spout (14; 210) of said container means (2) and an axis of said nozzle means (3; 103; 203; 303; 403).

Description: Apparatus for dispensing a fluid from container means . The invention relates to an apparatus for dispensing a fluid product from container means . Prior art comprises bottles containing water or other liquids, which are discharged after opening on the neck of the bottle has been freed from a cap serving to close said opening. Removal of the cap requires the use of both hands, which can constitute a problem, particularly for handicapped or elderly persons or for persons who have difficulty in moving their arms . Known bottles are equipped with so called "push-pull" caps in which a cap member is axially movable on a container spout between an open position and a close position. However, such "push-pull" caps are not suitable for closing containers in which a substantial gas pressure is present and thus are used - in the food industry - for bottles, or sachets, in which plane beverages are contained. A first object of the present invention is to improve existing systems for dispensing fluids. A further object of the present invention is to simplify the operations required for discharging and interrupting the discharge of a fluid from a container means. Another further object of the present invention is to allow dispensing of a fluid enclosed in a container means to be performed or interrupted using just one hand. Still another object is to improve existing "push-pull" caps, in particular to make possible to use "push-pull" caps in containers subjected to a substantial internal pressure. In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for dispensing a fluid from container means, comprising nozzle means provided with first conduit means for dispensing said fluid, second conduit means for introducing air into said container means, characterised in that at least a portion of said first conduit means and said second conduit means is parallel to an axis of a spout of said container means and an axis of said nozzle means. Advantageously, first closure means is provided for closing said first conduit means and second closure means are provided for closing said second conduit means. Said first closure means and/or said second closure means may be operated by respective actuating means accessible from outside . In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the actuating means comprises a oscillating lever means. This way, pouring, for example, water into a glass, is particularly simple even for people who have difficulty in moving their arms. In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for dispensing a fluid from container means, comprising closure means having outer tubular body means provided with obturating means for a container spout and axially movable between a closed position and an open position, characterized in thati said outer tubular body is provided with cooperating coupling means which allows said outer tubular body to be kept firmly in said closed position. Owing to this aspect of the invention, it is possible to use so-called "push-pull" caps in pressurized containers. The invention may be better understood and implemented with reference to the enclosed drawings, which represent some exemplifying and non-limiting forms of construction wherein: Figure 1 is a longitudinal section of an apparatus for dispensing fluid products; Figure 2 is a section taken along plane II-II of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a section taken along plane III-III of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a longitudinal section of a closure cap which may be associated to the apparatus shown in Figures 1 to 3; Figure 5 is a cross section of a second embodiment of an apparatus for dispensing fluid products; Figure 6 is a section taken along plane IV-IV of Figure 5, showing the apparatus in a shut-off condition; Figure 7 is a section as in Figure 6, but showing the apparatus in an outflow condition; Figure 8 is a section taken along plane VIII-VIII of Figure 5, showing the apparatus in a shut-off condition; Figure 9 is a longitudinal section of an apparatus for dispensing fluid products according to the invention, showing a variation which may be used in connection with the first and second embodiments of the apparatus, the Figure showing the apparatus in a shut-off condition; Figure 10 is a section as in Figure 9, but showing the apparatus in an outflow condition; Figure 11 is a section as in Figure 2 showing first valve means of a third embodiment of an apparatus for dispensing fluid products; Figure 12 is a section as in Figure 3 showing second valve means of a third embodiment of an apparatus for dispensing fluid products; Figure 13 is a cross section of a fourth embodiment of an apparatus for dispensing fluid products; Figure 14 is a section taken along plane XIV-XIV of Figure 13, showing the apparatus in a shut-off condition; Figure 15 is a section as in Figure 14, but showing the apparatus in an outflow condition; Figure 16 is a longitudinal section an apparatus for dispensing fluid products according to the invention, showing a variation which may be used in connection with the third and fourth embodiments of the apparatus, the Figure showing the apparatus in a shut-off condition; Figure 17 is a section as in Figure 16, but showing the apparatus in an outflow condition; Figure 18 is a longitudinal section of a fifth embodiment of an apparatus for dispensing fluid products shown in a shut-off condition; Figure 19 is a section as in Figure 18, but showing the apparatus in an outflow condition; Figure 20 is a plan view of the apparatus of Figure 18; Figure 21 is a longitudinal section of a sixth embodiment of an apparatus for dispensing fluid products shown in a shut-off condition; Figure 22 is a section as in Figure 21, but showing the apparatus in an outflow condition; Figure 23 is a plan view of the apparatus of Figure 21; Figure 24 is a longitudinal section of a seventh embodiment of an apparatus for dispensing fluid products shown in a shut-off condition; Figure 25 is a section as in Figure 24, but showing the apparatus in an outflow condition; Figure 26 is a plan view of the apparatus of Figure 24; Figure 27 is a longitudinal section of an eighth embodiment of an apparatus for dispensing fluid products shown in a shut-off •condition; Figure 28 is a section as in Figure 27, but showing the apparatus in an outflow condition. Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 3, an apparatus 301 for dispensing water or some other drink contained in a bottle 2 and intended to be collected in a glass, or the like, comprises a nozzle means 303 which internally contains first conduit means 304 for dispensing water and second conduit means 305 for introducing air into the bottle 2. The first conduit means 304 and the second conduit means 305 are parallel to each other and to a longitudinal axis A-A of the apparatus 301. The first conduit means 304 and the second conduit mans 305 may be switched from a closed condition to an open condition and vice versa by way of closure means 306. The closure means 306 comprises first valve means 307a for closing said first conduit means 304 and second valve means 307b for closing said second conduit means 305 (Figures 2 and 3) . Each valve means 307a and 307b comprises a shutting means 308 which fits with a corresponding valve seat 309 and is movable from a closed position, shown with uninterrupted lines in Figures 2 and 3, and an open position, shown with interrupted lines in Figures 2 and 3. The shutting means 308 are fixed to an end of a slidable stem 310 having an other end opposite to said end connected to elastic means 311 which may be compressed by an actuating lever 312 having an end rotatably connected to hinge means 313. Limiting means 323 are provided to limit the rotation of the ' actuating lever 312 around the hinge means 313. The actuating lever 312 is provided with a protrusion 360 capable of engaging and compress said elastic means 311. The first valve means 307a comprises a first chamber 314a communicating with a dispensing chamber 320 through a first opening 315a and a second chamber 316a communicating with the first conduit means 304 through a second opening 317a. The dispensing chamber 320 communicates with a dispensing conduit 320a of a male coupling 322 which may be screwed onto the neck 14 of the bottle 2. When the shutting means 308 are in said closed position, there is no communication between the first conduit means 304 and the dispensing chamber 320, so that the liquid contained in the bottle 2 can not be dispensed through the nozzle means 303. On the other hand, when the shutting means 308 are in the open condition, the first conduit means 304 communicates with the dispensing chamber 320 through the first chamber 314a and the second chamber 316a, thus allowing the liquid contained in the bottle 2 to be dispensed through the nozzle means 303 passing through the neck 14 of the bottle 2, the dispensing conduit 320a, the dispensing chamber 320, the first chamber 314a, the second chamber 316a and the first conduit means 304 of the nozzle means 303. The second valve means 307b comprises a first chamber 314b communicating with an air chamber 321 through a first opening 315b and a second chamber 316b communicating with the second conduit means 305 through a second opening 317b. The air chamber 321 communicates with an air conduit 321a of the male coupling 322. When the shutting means 308 are in said closed position, there is no communication between the second conduit means 305 and the air chamber 321, so that air can not be introduced into the bottle 2. On the other hand, when the shutting means 308 are in the open condition, the second conduit means 305 communicates with the air chamber 321 through the first chamber 314b and the second chamber 316b, thus allowing air to be introduced into the bottle 2 via the second conduit means 305 passing through the second chamber 316b, the first chamber 314b, the air chamber 321 and the air conduit 321a. The male coupling 322 is provided with peripheral grooves 327a capable of fitting with locking means 328, 329, for instance at least a pair of retractable teeth, protruding towards the inside of the dispensing chamber 320 and air chamber 321 and capable of securing a stable connection between the male coupling 322 and said chambers 320 and 321. The locking means 328, 329 may be retracted acting on a pair of slidable elements 330 and 331 of the apparatus 301, in order to disengage the male coupling 322 from the chambers 320 and 321. The male coupling 322 is further provided with peripheral gaskets 324 and 324a to obtain a liquid- and air-tight coupling between the male coupling 322 and the chambers 320 and 321. Figure 4 illustrates a cap 332 which may be inserted onto the male coupling 322 to close the bottle 2 when the dispensing apparatus 301 is not being used. The cap 332 has cavities 333a and 333b capable of fitting with the male coupling 322. A pair of retractable teeth 334 and 335 protrude towards the inside of the cavities 333a and 333b. The retractable teeth 334 and 335 are capable of fitting with the peripheral grooves 327a and 327b of the male coupling 322, in order to secure a stable connection between the male coupling 322 and the cap 332. The retractable teeth 334 and 335 may be retracted acting on a pair of slidable elements 336 and 337 of the cap 332, in order to disengage the male coupling 322 from the cap 332. Figure 5 to 8 illustrate a second embodiment of an apparatus 401 according to the invention. The apparatus 401 comprises a nozzle means 403 which internally contains first conduit means 404 for dispensing water and second conduit means 405 for introducing air into the bottle 2. The first conduit means 404 and the second conduit means 405 are parallel to each other and to a longitudinal axis A of the apparatus 401. The first conduit means 404 and the second conduit means 405 may be switched from a closed condition to an open condition and vice versa by way of closure means 406, comprising first valve means 407a for closing the first conduit means 404 and second valve means 407b for closing the second conduit means 405. Each valve means 407a and 407b comprises a shutting means 408 which fits with a corresponding valve seat 409 and is movable from a closed position and an open position. Figure 6 and 8 show, respectively, the second valve means 407b and the first valve means 407 a in said closed position, whilst Figure 7 shows the second valve means 407b in said open position. The shutting means 408 is fixed to an end of a slidable stem 410 having an other end opposite to said end connected to elastic means 411 which may be compressed by an actuating lever 412 having an end rotatably connected to hinge means 413. Limiting means 423 are provided to limit the rotation of the actuating lever 412 around the hinge means 413. The actuating lever 412 is provided with a protrusion 460 capable of engaging and compress said elastic means 411. The first valve means 407a comprises a first chamber 414a communicating with a dispensing chamber 420 through a first opening 415a and a second chamber 416a communicating with the first conduit means 404 through a second opening 417a. The chamber 420 communicates with the neck 14 of the bottle 2, on which the apparatus 401 may be screwed. When the shutting means 408 are in said closed position, there is no communication between the first conduit means 404 and the dispensing chamber 420, so that the liquid contained in the bottle 2 can not be dispensed through the nozzle means 403. On the other hand, when the shutting means 408 are in the open condition, the first conduit means 404 communicates with the dispensing chamber 420 through the first chamber 414a and the second chamber 416a, thus allowing the liquid contained in the bottle 2 to be dispensed through the nozzle means 403 passing through the neck 14 of the bottle 2, the dispensing chamber 420, the first chamber 414a, the second chamber 416a and the first conduit means 404 of the nozzle means 403. The second valve means 407b comprises a first chamber 414b communicating with an air conduit 421 through a first opening 415b and a second chamber 416b communicating with the second conduit means 405 through a second opening 417b. When the shutting means 408 are in said closed position, there is no communication between the second conduit means 405 and the air conduit 421, so that air can not be introduced into the bottle 2. On the other hand, when the shutting means 408 are in the open condition, the second conduit means 405 communicates with the air conduit 421 through the first chamber 414b and the second chamber 416b, thus allowing air to be introduced into the bottle 2 via the second conduit means 405 passing through the second chamber 416b, the first chamber 414b and the air conduit 421. The shutting means 408 may be actuated by exerting a compression on the elastic means 411 through the actuating lever 412. The compression on the elastic means 411 causes the elastic means to be deformed so that the elastic means 411 pushes the shutting means 408 from the closed position shown -in Figure 6 to the open position shown in Figure 7. The shutting means 408 may be switched to the closed position by releasing the operating lever 412 so that the elastic means 411 returns in their undeformed position shown in Figure 6 pulling the shutting means into the closed position. The nozzle means 303, 403 of the first embodiment 301 and second embodiment 401 of the apparatus according to the invention may be closed by a cap 450 when the apparatus 301, 401 is not being used, in order to keep the apparatus in good hygienic conditions. Figures 9 and 10 show a variation, which may be applied to the first and second embodiments of the apparatus described above, In this variation, the shutting means 308 is associated to elastic return means 430 interposed between the shutting means 308 and a wall portion 431 of the apparatus 301. The shutting means 308 are connected to one end of the stem 310, the other end of which, opposite to said one end, may be pressed by the lever 312, through the protrusion 360, in order to displace the shutting means from the closed position shown in Figure 9 to the open position shown in Figure 10. The elastic return means 430 guarantee that the shutting means 308, returns in its closed position when the actuating lever 312 is released. Referring to Figures 11 and 12, an apparatus 501 for dispensing water or some other drink contained in a bottle 2 and intended to be collected in a glass, or the like, comprises a nozzle means 503 which internally contains first conduit means 504 for dispensing water and second conduit means 505 for introducing air into the bottle 2. The first conduit means 504 and the second conduit means 505 are parallel to each other and to a longitudinal axis A-A of the apparatus 501. The first conduit means 504 and the second conduit mans 505 may be switched from a closed condition to an open condition and vice versa by way of closure means 506. The closure means 506 comprises first valve means 507a for closing said first conduit means 504 and second valve means 507b for closing said second conduit means 505 (Figures 11 and 12) . Each valve means 507a and 507b comprises a shutting means 508 which fits with a corresponding valve seat 509 and is movable from a closed position, shown with uninterrupted lines in Figures 11 and 12, and an open position, shown with interrupted lines in Figures 11 and 12. The shutting means 508 are fixed to an end of a slidable stem 510 having an other end opposite to said end Connected to elastic means 511 which may be compressed by an actuating lever 512 having an end rotatably connected to hinge means 513. Limiting means 523 are provided to limit the rotation of the actuating lever 512 around the hinge means 513. The actuating lever 512 is provided with a protrusion 560 capable of engaging and compress said elastic means 511. The first valve means 507a comprises a first chamber 570a communicating with a dispensing chamber 520 through a first opening 571a and a second chamber 572a communicating with the first conduit means 504 through a second opening 573a. The dispensing chamber 520 communicates with a dispensing conduit 520a of a male coupling 522 which may be screwed onto the neck 14 of the bottle 2. When the shutting means 508 are in said closed position, there is no communication between the first conduit means 504 and the dispensing chamber 520, so that the liquid contained in the bottle 2 can not be dispensed through the nozzle means 503. On the other hand, when the shutting means 508 are in the open condition, the first conduit means 504 communicates with the dispensing chamber 520 through the first chamber 570a and the second chamber 572a, thus allowing the liquid contained in the bottle 2 to be dispensed through the nozzle means 503 passing through the neck 14 of the bottle 2, the dispensing conduit 520a, the dispensing chamber 520, the first chamber 570a, the second chamber 572a and the first conduit means 504 of the nozzle means 503. The second valve means 507b comprises a first chamber 570b communicating with an air chamber 521 through a first opening 571b and a second chamber 572b communicating with the second conduit means 505 through a second opening 573b. The air chamber 521 communicates with an air conduit 521a of the male coupling 522. When the shutting means 508 are in said closed position, there is no communication between the second conduit means 505 and the air chamber 521, so that air can not be introduced into the bottle 2. On the other hand, when the shutting means 508 are in the open condition, the second conduit means 505 communicates with the air chamber 521 through the first chamber 570b and the second chamber 572b, thus allowing air to be introduced into the bottle 2 via the second conduit means 505 passing through the second chamber 572b, the first chamber 570b, the air chamber 321 and the air conduit 521a. The male' coupling 522 is provided with peripheral grooves 527a capable of fitting with locking means 528, 529, for instance at least a ,pair of retractable teeth, protruding towards the inside of the dispensing chamber 520 and air chamber 521 and capable of securing a stable connection between the male coupling 522 and said chambers 520 and 521. The locking means 528, 529 may be retracted acting on a pair of slidable elements 530 and 531 of the apparatus 501, in order to disengage the male coupling 522 from the chambers 520 and 521. The male coupling 522 is further provided with peripheral gaskets 524 and 524a to obtain a liquid- and air-tight coupling between the male coupling 522 and the chambers 520 and 521. The above described embodiment is suitable particularly for bottles filled with a pressurized fluid. The pressurized fluid contained in the first chamber 570a, in fact, pushes the shutting means 508 against the corresponding seat 509 maintaining the valve means 507 in their closed position and'so preventing undesired fluid dispensing. Figures 13 to 15 illustrate a further embodiment of an apparatus 601 according to the invention. The apparatus 601 comprises a nozzle means 603 which internally contains first conduit means 604 for dispensing water and second conduit means 605 for introducing air into the bottle 2. The first conduit means 604 and the second conduit means 605 are parallel to each other and to a longitudinal axis A of the apparatus 601. The first conduit means 604 and the second conduit means 605 may be switched from a closed condition to an open condition and vice versa by way of closure means 606, comprising first valve means 607a for closing the first conduit means 604 and second valve means 607b for closing the second conduit means 605. Each valve means 607a and 607b comprises a shutting means 608 which fits with a corresponding valve seat 609 and is movable from a closed position and an open position. Figure 14 shows the second valve means 607b in said closed position, whilst Figure 15 'shows the second valve means 607b in said open position. The shutting means 608 is fixed to an end of a slidable stem 610 having an other end opposite to said end connected to elastic means 611 which may be compressed by an actuating lever 612 having an end rotatably connected to hinge means 613. Limiting means 623 are provided to limit the rotation of the actuating lever 612 around the hinge means 613. The actuating lever 612 is provided with a protrusion 660 capable of engaging and compress said elastic means 611. The second valve means 607b comprises a first chamber 670b communicating with an air conduit 621 through a first opening 671b and a second chamber 672b communicating with the second conduit means 605 through a second opening 673b. When the shutting means 608 are in said closed position, there is no communication between the second conduit means 605 and the air conduit 621, so that air can not be introduced into the bottle 2. On the other hand, when the shutting means 608 are in the open condition, the second conduit means 605 communicates with the air conduit 621 through the first chamber 670b and the second chamber 672b, thus allowing air to be introduced into the bottle 2 via the second conduit means 605 passing through the second chamber 672b, the first chamber 670b and the air conduit 621. The shutting means 608 may be actuated by exerting a compression on the elastic means 611 through the actuating lever 612. The compression on the elastic means 611 causes the elastic means to be deformed so that the elastic means 611 pushes the shutting means 608 from the closed position shown in Figure 14 to the open position shown in Figure 15. The shutting means 608 may be switched to the closed position by releasing the operating lever 612 so that the elastic means 611 returns in their undeformed position shown in Figure 14 pulling the shutting means into the closed position. The nozzle means 503,, 603 of the third embodiment 501 and fourth embodiment 601 of the apparatus according to the invention may be closed by a cap 650 when the apparatus 501, 601 is not being used, in order to keep the apparatus in good hygienic conditions. Figures 16 and 17 show a variation, which may be applied to the various embodiments of the apparatus described above. In this variation, the shutting means 508 is associated to elastic return means 630 interposed between the shutting means 508 and a wall portion 631 of the apparatus 501. The shutting means 508 are connected to one end of the stem 510, the other end of which, opposite to said one end, may be pressed by the lever 512, through the protrusion 560, in order to displace the shutting means from the closed position shown in Figure 16 to the open position shown in Figure 17. The elastic return means 630 guarantee that the shutting means 508, returns in its closed position when the actuating lever 512 is released. Referring to Figures 18 to 20 a fluid product dispensing apparatus 701 is shown suitable to be associated with a neck 14 of a bottle 2. The apparatus 701 comprises un internal ring 702 arranged into a dispensing section of the neck 14 and fixed to a border 702a thereof by means of an external ring 703. In a non-shown version, the internal ring 702 and the external ring 703 may be obtained in a single piece. The internal ring 702 comprises a conical surface part 704 suitable to be shapingly coupled to a further conical surface part 705 of an obturating body 706, so obtaining an effective sealing, as described in detail herebelow. The external ring 703 comprises in an internal surface thereof a first thread 707 screwable on the neck 14 and suitable for connecting both the internal ring 702 an the external ring 703 to the bottle 2. The external ring 703 further comprises, in an external surface thereof, a second thread 708 suitable for engaging with an internally, threaded dispensing body 709, to control fluid dispensing from, the bottle 2. A ring seal 710 is interposed between the external ring 703 and the dispensing body 709, the ring seal 710 being suitable for preventing the fluid from accidental spillage. The obturating body 706 comprises a supporting element 711 connected to the dispensing body 709 by means of spokes 712, in this way the support element 711 is movable together with the dispensing body 709 while screwing on the thread 703. A sealing body 714 is connected by a screw 713 to the supporting element 711, the sealing body 714 being suitable for engaging with the internal ring 702 by means of the conjugated conical surfaces 704, 705, as above described, and being provided with a throat 715 suitable for holding a gasket 716 to prevent the fluid from leaving the bottle 2. The screw 713 allows to easily assemble the obturating body 706, since the sealing body 714 and the supporting element 711 with the dispensing body 709 connected thereto, are mounted from opposed sides with respect to the internal ring 702 and then connected together . Thereafter, the obturating body 706 is movable between a closed position, shown in Figure 18, in which there in no liquid dispensing due to the contact between the internal ring 702 and the surface of the sealing body 714, and an open position, shown in Figure 19, in which, owing to screwing of the dispensing body 709 on the external ring 703, a gap is obtained between the internal ring 702 and the sealing body 714, the gap allowing the fluid contained in the bottle 2 to flow into the chamber 720 and from the chamber 720 towards the outside. A further non-shown version of the apparatus according to the invention comprises an obturating body similar to the above described obturating body 706, but rotated of a 180° angle in the drawing plane with respect to the obturating body 706; in this case the conical surface 705 interacting with a conical surface 715 conjugated thereto and obtained in a portion of the internal ring 702 facing the dispensing section of the neck 14 allows to obtain sealing of apparatus 701. A manually removable cap 717 may be coupled to the top of the dispensing body 709, the cap 717 being suitable for ensuring appropriate hygienic properties to the above mentioned top, the top being able to be put in contact with user's mouth during dispensing of the fluid. Advantageously, the dispensing section 718 of the dispensing body 709 has the same extension of the section of the neck 14, in this way the fluid can come out in a very easy way, since devices suitable to allow air to enter in the bottle 2 during dispensing are no more necessary. Spring means 721 is interposed between the internal ring 702 and the dispensing body 709, the spring means being suitable to remove the dispensing body 709 and the internal ring 702 from each other, so causing the obturating body 706 to firmly adhere to the internal body 702. In this way the apparatus 701 may be applied to bottles 2 containing a pressurized fluid with improved sealing performances. Referring to Figures 21 to 23 a fluid product dispensing apparatus 801 is shown comprising a tubular body 802 suitable for engaging with the external thread of a neck 14 of a bottle 2. The tubular body 802 comprises in an external surface thereof a further thread 803 suitable for coupling with a dispenser 804. The tubular body 802 is provided with a teeth 805 suitable for engaging with a projection 806 of the neck 14, the teeth 805 being kept in the correct blocking position by a ring 807 which also operates as a security seal pointing out unduly opening of the apparatus 801 carried out by illegitimate users. An obturator 809 is connected by means of ribs 810 to the tubular body 802, the obturator 809 being suitable for engaging into a dispensing hole 804a to control fluid dispensing from the bottle 2. The obturator 809 comprises a conical surface part 811 suitable for coupling with a further conical part 812 of the internal surface of the dispensing body 804a. The obturator 809 is movable between a closed position, shown in Figure 21, in which the conical surface parts 811, 812 are strongly tied to each other preventing fluid from coming out from the bottle 2, and an open position, shown in Figure 22, in which a gap is obtained between the conical surface parts 811, 812, the gap allowing the fluid contained in the bottle 2 to flow through the dispenser 804 towards the outside. The obturator 809 is moved from the opened position to the closed position, and vice versa, by manually driving a knurling 813 obtained in the lower part of the dispenser 804, so as to screw or unscrew the dispenser 804 on the tubular body 802. In this way, the hands and the mouth of the user are put in contact with two distinctly separated points of the apparatus 801: in particular the hands of the operator are put in contact only with the knurling 813, whilst the mouth of the user is put in contact with the portion 818 of the dispenser 804 in which the dispensing hole 804a is obtained. In this way an apparatus 801 provided with high hygienic features is obtained. A cap 817 which may be coupled to the upper portion of the dispenser 804 further improves the hygienic properties of the apparatus 801. A band 819 is associated to the cap 817 and connected thereto by means of fixing elements, not shown, which are able to be broken and carried away when the bottle 2 is opened for the first time. Thereafter, such band 819 is suitable for operating as a quality ensuring device pointing out unduly opening of the apparatus 801 carried out by illegitimate users. Due to the thread 803, a highly effective sealing is obtained allowing bottles provided with apparatus 801 to be used for containing pressurized fluid, which is not , possible with conventional "push-pull" caps, since the internal pressure moves the cap to the open position with consequent undesired fluid dispensing. In the open position, the fluid passing through the spaces 814 between the ribs 810 reaches a chamber 815 and from the chamber 815 comes out through the dispensing hole 804a. Referring to Figures 24 to 26, a fluid product dispensing apparatus 901 is shown comprising a tubular body 902 suitable for engaging with the external thread of a neck 14 of a bottle 2. The tubular body 902 comprises at its external surface a further thread 903 suitable for coupling with a dispenser 904. An obturator 906 is connected by means of ribs 905 to the dispenser 904, the obturator 906 comprising a conical surface part 907 suitable for engaging with a respective further conical surface part 908 of a portion 909 of the tubular body 902 placed inside the neck 14 to control fluid dispensing from the bottle 2. In a non-shown version the obturator 906 and the tubular body 902 respectively comprise conjugated cylindrical surface parts rather than the conical surface parts 907 and 908. The obturator 906 is movable between a closed position, shown in Figure 24, in which the conical surface parts 907, 908 are strongly tied to each other preventing fluid from coming out from the bottle 2, and an open position, shown in Figure 25, in which a gap is obtained between the conical surface parts 907, 908, the gap allowing the fluid contained in the bottle 2 to flow through the dispenser 904 towards the outside. The obturator 906 is moved from the opened position to the closed position, and vice versa, screwing the dispenser 904 with respect to the tubular body 902. In the open position, the fluid passing through the spaces 910, between the ribs 905, reaches a chamber 911 and, from the chamber 911 comes out through the dispensing secti.on of the dispenser 904. A protective cap 912 is coupled to the dispenser 904 to prevent external agents from contaminating the fluid contained in the bottle 2, and to keep the portion of the dispenser 904 which is put in contact with the user's mouth in good hygienic conditions . Referring to Figures 27 and 28 a fluid product dispensing apparatus 101 is shown comprising a dispensing body 102 internally provided with a thread 103 suitable for engaging with a further thread 103a having the same pitch of the thread 103 and obtained in a neck 14 of a bottle 2 to which the apparatus 101 has to be coupled. An obturator 104 is connected to the dispensing body 102, the obturator 104 comprising a cylindrical surface part 105 suitable for engaging with a respective cylindrical surface part 106 of the neck 14 connected to a dispensing opening 14b thereof to control fluid dispensing from the bottle 2. In a non-shown version the obturator 104 and neck 14 of the bottle 2 respectively comprise conjugated conical surface parts rather than the cylindrical surface parts 105 and 106. The obturator 104 is movable between a closed position, shown in Figure 27, in which the cylindrical surface parts 105, 106 are strongly tied to each other preventing fluid from coming out from the bottle 2, and an open position, shown in Figure 28, in which a gap is obtained between the conical surface parts 105, 106, the gap allowing the fluid contained in the bottle 2 to flow through the dispenser 102 towards the outside. The obturator 104 is moved from the opened position to the closed position, and vice versa, rotating the dispensing body 102 on the thread 103 manually operating on a knurled region 107 with which the dispensing body 102 is provided. In the open position, the fluid reaches a first chamber 108, then from the first chamber 108, through openings 109, a,rrives into a second chamber 110; finally from the second chamber 110 the fluid comes out from the bottle 2 towards the outside. A protective cap 111 is coupled to the dispensing body 102 to prevent polluting agents from getting into the bottle 2 so contaminating the fluid contained therein, and to keep the portion 112 of the dispensing body 102 which is put in contact with the user's mouth in good hygienic conditions. In a non-shown version, the dispensing body may be internally provided with shaped grooves suitable for engaging with respective peg means obtained in the bottle neck. The grooves comprise a straight vertical portion having an end connected to a blocking seat, in this way, when each of the above mentioned peg means has reached the bottom of the respective groove the dispensing body keeps the obturator strongly fixed in the close position. Such version provides a closing devices, referred to as "bayonet" closing device, which is alternative to threaded coupling, but equally suitable to be used with bottles containing a pressurized fluid.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. Apparatus for dispensing a fluid from container means (2), comprising nozzle means (303; 403) provided with first conduit means (304; 404) for dispensing said fluid, second conduit means (305; 405) for introducing air into said container means (2), characterised in that at least a portion of said first conduit means (304; 404) and said second conduit means (305; 405) is parallel to an axis of a spout (14) of said container means (2) and an axis of said nozzle means (303; 403) . 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, and further comprising first closure means (306a; 406a) for closing said first conduit means (304; 404) . 3. Apparatus according to claim 1, or 2, and further comprising second closure means (306b; 406b) for closing said second conduit means (305; 405). 4. Apparatus according to claim 3 as appended to claim 2, wherein said first closure means (306a; 406a) and said second closure means (306b; 406b) are joined together so as to be actuatable by common actuating means (312; 412) operatable from outside . 5. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first and/or second closure means (306a, 306b; 406a, 406b) comprises first valve means (307a; 407a) for closing said first conduit means (304; 404) and/or second valve means (307b; 407b) for closing said second conduit means (305; 405) . 6. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said first valve means (307a; 407a) and/or said second valve means (307b; 407) comprises shutting means (308; 408) which fits with a corresponding valve seat (309; 409) and is movable from- a closed position to an open position and vice-versa. 7. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said shutting means (308; 408) are connected to one end of slidable stem means (310; 410) . 8. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said slidable stem means (310; 410) has an other end, opposite to said one end, connected to elastic means (311; 411). 9. Apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein said shutting means (308; 408) are associated to elastic return means (430) interposed between said shutting means (308; 408) and a wall portion (431) of the apparatus (301; 401) . 10. Apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein said common actuating means comprises an actuating lever (312; 412) capable of operating said shutting means (308; 408). 11. Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said actuating lever (312; 412) is provided with a protrusion (360; 460) designed to exert a pressure on said elastic means (311; 411) or on said other end of said stem means (310; 410) . 12. Apparatus (301; 401) according to any one of claims 5 to 11, wherein said first valve means (307a; 407a) comprises a first chamber (314a; 414a) communicating with a dispensing chamber (320; 420) through a first opening (315a; 415a) and a second chamber (316a; 416a) communicating with said first conduit means (304; 404) through a second opening (317a; 417a), said first chamber (314a; 414a) communicating with said second chamber (317a; 417a) when said shutting means (308) is in said open position. 13. Apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 12, wherein said second valve means (307b; 407b) comprises a first chamber (314b; 414b) communicating with an air conduit (321a; 421) through a first opening (315b; 415b) and a second chamber (316b; 416b) communicating with said second conduit means (305; 405) through a second opening (317b; 417b), said first chamber (314b; 414b) communicating with said second chamber (316b; 416b) when said shutting means is in said open position. 14. Apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said first chamber communicates with said air conduit means (321a) via an air chamber (321) . 15. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and further comprising a coupling element (322) which may be coupled with the neck (14) of the bottle (2). 16. Apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said coupling element (322) is insertable into said dispensing chamber (320; 420) . 17. Apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said coupling element (322) is insertable into said air chamber (321). 18. Apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 16 and further comprising locking means (328, 329) capable of locking said coupling element (322) into said dispensing chamber (320; 420) . 19. Apparatus according to claim 20, wherein said locking means (328, 329) are capable of locking said coupling element (322) into said air chamber (321). 20. Apparatus according to claim 18 or 19, wherein said locking means comprises at least a pair of retractable teeth (328, 329) . 21. Apparatus according to claim 20, wherein said coupling element (322) is provided with peripheral grooves (327a, 327b) capable of being engaged by said retractable teeth (328, 329). 22. Apparatus according claim 20, or 21, and further comprising retracting means (330, 331) for causing retraction of said retractable teeth (328, 329) . 23. Apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 22, and further comprising a removable cap (332) which may be coupled with said coupling element (322). 24. Appa-ratus according to claim 23, wherein said removable cap (332) is provided with at least one cavity (333a, 333b) into which said coupling element (322) may be fitted. 25. Apparatus according to claim 24, wherein said removable cap (332) is provided with locking means (334, 335) capable of locking said coupling element (322) into said at least one cavity (333a, 333b). 26. Apparatus according to claim 25, wherein said locking means comprises at least a pair of retractable teeth (334, 335) protruding towards the inside of said at least one cavity (333a, 333b) and capable of engaging said peripheral grooves (327a, 327b) . 27. Apparatus according to any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein said removable cap (332) is provided with retracting means (336, 337) for causing retraction of said retractable teeth (334, 335) from said at least one cavity (333a, 333b) . 28. Apparatus for dispensing a fluid from container means, comprising closure means (701; 801; 901; 101) having outer tubular body means (709; 804; 904; 102) provided with obturating means (706; 809; 906; 104) for a container spout (14) and axially movable between a closed position and an open position, characterized in that said outer tubular body (709; 804; 904; 102) is provided with cooperating coupling means (708; 803; 903; 103) which allows said outer tubular body (709; 804; 904; 102) to be kept firmly in said closed position. 29. Apparatus according to claim 28, and further comprising tubular support means (703; 805; 902) interposed between said outer tubular body means (709; 804; 904; 102) and said container spout (14). 30. Apparatus according to claim 29, wherein said tubular support means (709; 804; 904; 102) cooperates with an inner ring (702) which is shapingly engageable with said obturating means (706) . 31. Apparatus according to any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein said cooperating coupling means comprises screw means (708; 803; 903; 103) . 32. Apparatus according to any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein said cooperating coupling means comprises bayonet means. 33. Apparatus according to claim 28, or 31, or 32 as appended to claim 28, wherein said obturating means (104) is provided with a cylindrical projection (105) disposed to engage internally of said spout (14).

Inventors: CERA RUGGERO, CERA, RUGGERO
Applicants: CERA RUGGERO, WAX TECHNOLOGY S A S, CERA, RUGGERO, WAX TECHNOLOGY S.A.S.
Application year: 2000
Main classification: B67D3
IPC codes: B67D3