Patent Publication Number: US-7909938-B2

Title: Washing agent dispenser for a household washing machine, in particular a dishwasher, and process for manufacturing said dispenser

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a 371 national stage filing of PCT International Application No. PCT/IB2005/003400, filed on Nov. 4, 2005, and published in English on May 11, 2006, as WO 2006/048765 A2, which claims priority to Italian Patent Application No. TO2004a000772 filed on Nov. 8, 2004, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     The present invention relates to a dispenser of washing agents for a household washing machine, in particular a dish washer, and to a process for manufacturing such a dispenser. 
     Some dispensers of the type referred to, typically for dish washers, comprise a main body or casing made of plastic material, associated to one of the vertical walls that delimit the washing tub of the machine. In the majority of cases, the aforesaid vertical wall is constituted by the so-called “counterdoor” or inner door panel, i.e., that part of the front loading door of the machine that faces the inside of the washing tub, and the main body of the dispenser is partially set-in in a sealed way in an opening provided in said inner door panel. In the front area of the body of the dispenser a compartment is defined, for containing a given amount of a first washing agent, usually a detergent in the form of powder or in the form of tablets, necessary for execution a washing cycle. The aforesaid compartment is provided with a respective door for closing, which can be tilted or can slide, and the dispenser comprises a system for locking/release of the door. In the course of a washing cycle, the opening of the small door referred to is controlled appropriately by a programmer, or timer, of the machine, which governs an actuator forming part of the aforesaid locking/release system. The latter is usually devised also for enabling, if need be and with the machine not running, manual opening of the small door. 
     Within the body of the dispenser a reservoir is provided, for containing a second washing agent of a liquid type, typically a rinse aid. In general, the reservoir referred to has a capacity such as to be able to contain an amount of liquid agent sufficient for carrying out a number of washing cycles. In this way, the user of the machine is called upon only periodically to carry out filling of the reservoir through a purposely provided filler cap. The aforesaid reservoir is in fluid communication with an internal receptacle, for dosage of the amount of liquid agent to be supplied in the course of a washing cycle. Some types of systems for dosage of the liquid rinse aid exploit the movement of opening and closing of the door of the machine, which is horizontal when open and vertical when closed, for transferring part of the agent from the reservoir to the dosing receptacle. Whilst the machine is running, the programmer controls an actuator (which may be the same as the locking/release system referred to above), which is operative for freeing a discharge passage present in a position corresponding to the dosing receptacle, so that the dose of rinse aid can flow from the latter to the washing tub of the dish washer. 
     The purpose of the present invention is to provide a dispenser of washing agents for a household washing machine which, even though it can be made in a simple and inexpensive way, is distinguished by improved characteristics of operativeness and of use as compared to those of the known art. Another purpose of the invention is to provide a simple and inexpensive process for manufacturing such a dispenser. 
     The above and yet other purposes, which will emerge clearly from what follows, are achieved according to the present invention by a device for dispensing washing agents for a household washing machine, in particular a dish washer, and by a process for manufacturing a dispenser of washing agents having the characteristics referred to specifically in the annexed claims, which form an integral part of the descriptive content of the present patent application. 
    
    
     
       The invention will now be described, purely by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the annexed plate of drawings, in which: 
         FIGS. 1 and 2  are, respectively, a plan view and a side view of a dispenser according to the invention, in a first operative condition; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the dispenser of  FIG. 1 , in a second operative condition; 
         FIG. 4  is a partial exploded view of the dispenser of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIGS. 5 and 6  are, respectively, a perspective view and a plan view from beneath of a door of the dispenser according to the invention, in a first embodiment; 
         FIGS. 7 and 8  are, respectively, a perspective view and a plan view of a rigid body of the door of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIGS. 9 and 10  are perspective views, from different angles, of a gripping element designed to be associated to the body of  FIGS. 7 and 8 ; 
         FIGS. 11 and 12  are perspective views, from different angles, of two damping elements designed to be associated to the body of  FIGS. 7 and 8 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the door of  FIGS. 5 and 6 ; 
         FIGS. 14 and 15  are two plan views, respectively, from above and from beneath, of a rigid body of a door of the dispenser in accordance with the invention, in a second embodiment; 
         FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view taken according to the line XVI-XVI of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIGS. 17 and 18  are two perspective views, at different scales and from different angles, of a body made of elastic or soft material, which in use is integrated to the rigid body of  FIGS. 14-16 ; 
         FIGS. 19 and 20  are two plan views, respectively from above and from beneath, of the body made of elastic material of  FIGS. 16 and 17 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a cross-sectional view taken according to the line XXI-XXI of  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIGS. 22 and 23  are two plan views, respectively from above and from beneath, of the door according to the aforesaid second embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 24  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the door of  FIGS. 22 and 23 ; 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of a moulding apparatus, used for the purposes of producing the rigid body of  FIGS. 14-16 ; 
         FIGS. 26 and 27  are two schematic cross-sectional views aimed at illustrating the principle of use of the apparatus of  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIGS. 28 and 29  are two perspective views of the apparatus of  FIG. 25 , in two different conditions; 
         FIG. 30  is a perspective view of a moulding apparatus, used for the purposes of producing the door of  FIGS. 22-24 ; 
         FIGS. 31 and 32  are two schematic cross-sectional views aimed at illustrating the principle of use of the apparatus of  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIGS. 33 and 34  are two perspective views of the apparatus of  FIG. 30 , in two different conditions; 
         FIG. 35  is a perspective view of a dispenser in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS. 36 ,  37  and  38  are, respectively, a plan view, a perspective view and a front view of a door of the dispenser of  FIG. 35 ; 
         FIGS. 39 and 40  are two plan views, respectively from above and from beneath, of a rigid body of the door of  FIGS. 36-38 ; 
         FIG. 41  is a cross-sectional view taken according to the line XLI-XLI of  FIG. 39 ; 
         FIGS. 42 and 43  are two perspective views, from different angles, of a body made of elastic or soft material, which in use is integrated in the rigid body of  FIGS. 39-41 ; 
         FIG. 44  is a cross-sectional view taken according to the line XLIV-XLIV of  FIG. 36 ; 
         FIGS. 45 and 46  are two perspective views, from different angles, of a door of the dispenser according to the invention, in a fourth embodiment; 
         FIG. 47  is an enlarged detail of  FIG. 46 ; 
         FIG. 48  is a plan view from beneath of the door of  FIGS. 45-46 ; 
         FIG. 49  is a cross-sectional view taken according to the line XLIX-XLIX of  FIG. 48 , at a larger scale; 
         FIG. 50  is a cross-sectional view taken according to the line XL-XL of  FIG. 48 , at a larger scale; 
         FIG. 51  is an enlarged detail of  FIG. 50 ; 
         FIG. 52  is a perspective view of a filler cap of a reservoir for a liquid washing agent of a dispenser according to the invention; 
         FIGS. 53 and 54  are perspective views, from different angles, of a rigid body of the filler cap of  FIG. 52 ; 
         FIG. 55  is a perspective view of a body made of elastic or soft material, which in use is integrated to the rigid body of  FIGS. 53 and 54 ; 
         FIGS. 56 and 57  are two cross-sectional views taken along respective mutually parallel vertical planes of the filler cap of  FIG. 52 ; 
         FIG. 58  is a partial exploded view of a dispenser made according to a variant of the invention, in which the rigid body of a door of the dispenser itself has been omitted; 
         FIG. 59  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the door of a dispenser of agents built according to another variant of the invention; 
         FIG. 60  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the door of a dispenser of agents built according to another variant of the invention; 
         FIG. 61  is a perspective view of a rigid body of a sliding door of a dispenser built in accordance with a further variant of the invention; 
         FIG. 62  is a perspective view of the door comprising the rigid body of  FIG. 61 ; 
         FIG. 63  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the door of  FIG. 62 ; 
         FIGS. 64-66  are schematic cross-sectional views aimed at illustrating a method of “sandwich” overmoulding that can be employed for the purposes of a possible embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 67  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a door of a dispenser obtainable using the process of  FIGS. 64-67 ; 
         FIG. 68  is a perspective view of a dispenser having a door provided with a push-button for opening; 
         FIG. 69  is a perspective view of the bottom part of the door used in the dispenser of  FIG. 68 ; 
         FIG. 70  is an enlarged detail of  FIG. 69 ; 
         FIG. 71  is a partially sectioned perspective view of the door of  FIG. 69 , together with part of a respective locking/release system; 
         FIG. 72  is an enlarged detail of  FIG. 71 ; 
         FIG. 73  is a perspective view of the top part of a further door provided with a push-button for opening; 
         FIG. 74  is an enlarged detail of  FIG. 73 ; 
         FIG. 75  is a perspective view of the bottom part of the door of  FIG. 73 ; 
         FIG. 76  is an enlarged detail of  FIG. 75 ; 
         FIG. 77  is a perspective view of a part of a dispenser having a door that can be tilted, provided with hinging or articulation means made of elastic or synthetic material, the door being in an open condition; 
         FIG. 78  is a partially sectioned perspective view of the dispenser of  FIG. 78 , with the door in a closed condition; 
         FIG. 79  is an enlarged detail of  FIG. 78 ; 
         FIGS. 80 and 81  are, respectively, a side view and a plan view of a dispenser according to a further embodiment of the invention, with a respective door in the closed condition; and 
         FIG. 82  is a partially sectioned perspective view of a part of a dispenser according to a further embodiment of the invention, with a respective door in the open condition. 
     
    
    
     In  FIGS. 1 to 4 , the reference number  1  designates as a whole a dispenser of washing agents built in accordance with the present invention, designed for use on a washing machine (not represented) which is here assumed as being a dish washer. The dispenser  1  has a main body or casing  2 , preferably designed to be housed at least in part in an opening provided on the inner side of the main door of the dish washer. As in the known art, the body  2  can be obtained by welding of a front piece and a rear piece, designated, respectively, by  2   a  and  2   b  in  FIG. 2 , made of thermoplastic material. In the front piece  2   a  a compartment or tray  3  is defined, open in the direction of the front part of the dispenser  1 , which constitutes a space for containing a certain dose of detergent, necessary for the execution a washing cycle. For the purposes of the ensuing description, it is assumed that said detergent is in the form of powder, but it should be borne in mind that the compartment  3  is suitable for containing also detergent in the form of tablets, gel, foam, liquid, etc. 
     The number 4 designates as a whole a movable door for the compartment  3 , comprising a rigid body made of thermoplastic material, designated by  4   a . In the non-limiting embodiment exemplified herein, the door  4  is mounted on the body  2  of the dispenser  1  so as to be able to slide between a closed position (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ), in which the compartment  3  is closed, and an open position (shown in  FIG. 3 ), in which the compartment  3  is open, the door  4  being made and coupled to the body  2  so as to be able to slide in a prevalently linear way between the two aforesaid positions, i.e., translate during at least part of its own travel on a plane that is substantially parallel or else inclined with respect to the front surface of the body  2 . Dispenser devices with linearly sliding doors are in themselves known. Except for the peculiar characteristics of the invention described hereinafter, the general structure of the dispenser  1  as described in  FIGS. 1-4  can be considered similar to the one described in the documents Nos. EP-A-0 780 087 or U.S. Pat. No. 5,884,821, the teachings of which in this regard are considered as being incorporated herein for reference. 
     Preferably, the most part of the travel allowed for the door  4  takes place according to a plane that is substantially parallel or else inclined with respect to at least one part of the surface of the wall of the washing tub to which the dispenser  1  is associated. It should on the other hand be noted that, in a possible embodiment, the door could perform a stretch of travel with a slightly different inclination or movement, as for example described also in the document No. EP-A-1 450 661, the teachings of which in this regard are to be considered incorporated herein for reference. For the purposes of an understanding of the invention, it will suffice to say herein that:
         in the front part of the piece  2   a  of the body  2  slide guides  5   a  are defined, which can co-operate with guide means  5   b  formed in the body  4   a  of the door  4 ;   the dispenser  1  comprises a system for locking/release of the door  4 , having a lever for engagement/release, designated by  6  in  FIG. 4 , which is able to co-operate with a projection or engagement tooth  4   e  of the body  4   a ; and   the door  4  is biased in the direction of the respective open position via an elastic element, herein constituted by a torsion spring designated by  7  in  FIG. 4 , which is in a pre-loaded condition when the door  4  is closed.       

     In the main body or casing  2  an internal space or reservoir is defined (not visible in the figures) for containing a liquid washing agent, such as a rinse aid. For said purpose, the reference number  8  designates the filler cap of a mouth  9 , in communication with the reservoir referred to above, used for charging said reservoir with the rinse aid. Number  10  designates a discharge opening, through which a dose of said rinse aid can be made to flow off in the direction of the washing tub of the dish washer. Number  11  designates a warning light for the level of the rinse aid present within the corresponding reservoir. Also the modalities of construction and operation of the reservoir for the rinse aid, as well as of the corresponding system for dosage and delivery, will not be described in detail, in so far as they are irrespective of the purposes of the present invention and can be obtained using any known technique. It will suffice herein to point out that the dispenser is preferably provided with a actuation system, designated as a whole by  12  in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , which comprises a mechanism that enables, preferably via a single actuator controlled by a programmer of the machine, actuation, at different times of a washing cycle, of both the lever  6 , in order to enable opening of the door  4 , and the system of delivery of the rinse aid through the opening  10 . 
     As will emerge clearly in what follows, the invention specifically regards the main body or casing of the dispenser, as well as to at least one (but possibly both) of the members for closing the dispenser  1  constituted by the door  4  and by the cap  8 , which likewise comprise a respective body made of substantially rigid material, for example polypropylene or polyamide, to which respective sealing means made of elastic, soft or rubbery material are associated. 
     According to an aspect of the invention, the rigid body of the dispenser and/or of at least one of the aforesaid closing members  4 ,  8 , in addition to being equipped with respective gaskets, is also equipped with other elastic, soft or rubbery elements, formed for example with elastomeric, silicone or similar synthetic resilient materials, said additional elements constituting specific functional complements aimed at increasing the operativeness of the dispenser  1 . As will be seen, said functional complements can be conceived at least for facilitating the manual operations of opening and/or closing which, according to the needs, a user must perform by acting directly on the members  4 ,  8 , and/or for improving the characteristics of quietness of operation of the dispenser  1 , and/or possibly improving its aesthetic appearance. In advantageous embodiments of the invention, the aforesaid additional elements are obtained, like the sealing means, via operations of overmoulding or co-moulding of material on the main body of the dispenser or of a respective closing member or else of overmoulding of an elastic or soft material on a rigid material. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, a number of additional elements are made of a single piece with the sealing means, both the ones and the others being obtained via a single overmoulding or co-moulding operation. 
     In  FIGS. 5 and 6  the door  4  of the dispenser  1  according to a first possible embodiment of the invention is represented. 
     The body  4   a  of the door  4  is made of moulded thermoplastic material, for example polypropylene, and basically has a main wall or bottom wall  4   b , from two opposite edges of which there branch off orthogonally two side walls  4   c , carrying respective guide means  5   b  for linear sliding of the door. According to a known technique, and as may be seen in  FIG. 6 , in the part of the wall  4   b  designed to face the compartment  3  a housing seat  15  for a sealing gasket is present, designated as a whole by  16 , made, for example, of silicone or synthetic rubber. The seat  15  is basically formed by two walls  15   a ,  15   b  with a closed profile, which are concentric with respect to one another, so that in the space defined between them there can be housed the gasket  16 . In this way, an active surface of the gasket  16  is directly exposed with respect to the body  4   a , in order to be able to co-operate at least partially in a relationship of sealing with a lip or projecting profile  3   a  (see  FIGS. 3 and 4 ) that surrounds the opening of the compartment  3 . Preferably, the walls  15   a  and  15   b  define a substantially quadrangular profile with chamfered or rounded corners. In the case exemplified, moreover, in the area of the body  4   a  delimited by the wall  15   a  longitudinal ribbings  15   c  are formed, with ends substantially flush to the sealing surface of the gasket  16 . Said ribbings  15   c  are provided for preventing any jamming of the movement of the door  4 , when a tablet of detergent is inserted in the compartment  3 , i.e., to prevent said tablet from possibly getting jammed in the area of the body  4   a  delimited by the wall  15   a.    
     To the body  4   a  of the door  4  there are also associated additional elements or complements made of elastic or soft material, for example silicone rubber, which are designated by  17  and  18 . The element  17  constitutes a gripping means, aimed at facilitating gripping or friction of one or more fingers of a user on the door  4 , when the latter must be displaced manually. In such a perspective, the element  17  constitutes a means designed to facilitate the thrust or tensile force to be exerted manually on the door  4 . The elements  18  constitute, instead, attenuation means, aimed both at buffering any impact due to an end-of-travel position for opening of the door  4  being reached and at reducing and/or damping the noise and the vibrations of operation of the dispenser  1  and at preventing damage over time due to repeated impact or mechanical stresses. 
     In the embodiment in question, the attenuation elements  18  are operative in a position corresponding to an end surface  4   d  of the door  4 , orthogonal with respect to the walls  4   a  and  4   b , so as to face a wall in relief of the piece  2   a  of the body  2  of the dispenser  1 , which constitutes a mechanical end-of-travel means. The aforesaid wall in relief is designated by  2   a ′ in  FIGS. 1-4 . The attenuation means  18  constitute, together with the wall in relief  2   a ′, damped end-of-travel means for the door  4 , which prevent any direct impact between the two substantially rigid materials that constitute the body  4   a  of the door and the piece  2   a  of the body of the dispenser  1 . Thanks to said characteristic, any sharp impact is prevented between the parts, with consequent elimination of noise and vibrations during opening and whilst the machine is running. 
       FIGS. 7 and 8  represent just the body  4   a  of the door  4 . As may be noted, the body  4   a  has at the top a concave seat, designated by  19 , which is designed to house the gripping element  17  and has an inclined wall or bottom  19   a . It should be noted that the ribbings  17   c  rise from said bottom  19   a , in the lower face of the body  4   a , as may be seen in  FIG. 6 . In the bottom  19   a  of the seat  19  a series of holes  20  is formed. Two holes, designated by  21 , are formed also in the end surface  4   d  of the body  4   a , the aforesaid holes  20  and  21  being provided for fixing the elements  17  and  18 . In  FIGS. 9 and 10  is visible just the gripping element  17 . In the case exemplified, the body of the gripping element  17  has a top part, visible in  FIG. 9 , in which a central depression  17   a  is defined, within which reliefs and/or cavities or surface corrugations  17   b  are formed, which have, for example, a closed profile and are concentric. Said corrugations, together with the elasticity of the material constituting the element  17 , facilitate gripping or friction of the finger of a hand (typically the thumb) on the door  4 , in order to then bring about its sliding in the direction of closing. Substantially mushroom-shaped hookings  17   c , rise from the rear part of the body of the element  17  having a substantially cylindrical and conically tipped stem, the base of said cone being of a diameter greater than that of the stem. In  FIGS. 11 and 12  there are visible just the attenuation elements  18 . In the case exemplified, each element  18  has a full parallelepipedal part with a larger face, from which there branches off at least one hooking  18   a , having a shape similar to that of the hookings  17   c  of the gripping element  17 . In  FIG. 13  it may be noted how the hookings  17   c  of the gripping element  17  are designed to be slid into the holes  20  provided on the bottom  19   a  of the seat  19 , which are of a diameter smaller than that of the bases of the aforesaid conical tips. As may be appreciated, given the elasticity of the material constituting the entire gripping element  17 , the hookings  17   c  can be conveniently fully inserted into the holes  20 , with the base of the conical tips that then prevent undesired removal of the element  17  itself from the body  4   a , thus providing snap-action engagement. From the same  FIG. 13  it is then possible to note how the hookings  18   a  of the attenuation elements  18  are designed to be slid into the holes  21  provided in the surface  4   d  of the body  4 . Also in this case, given the elasticity of the material constituting each attenuation element  18 , the hooking  18   a  can be conveniently and rapidly inserted into a hole  21 , with the base of the respective conical tip that then prevents undesired removal of said element  18  from the body  4   a.    
     In  FIGS. 14-24  there is illustrated a second embodiment of the invention, in accordance with which the gasket  16 , and at least one of the additional elements  17  and  18  are made of a single piece of elastic or soft material, for example a silicone rubber. 
     In  FIGS. 14-16  there is illustrated just the rigid body  4   a  of the door  4 , made of thermoplastic material, such as polypropylene. As may be seen in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , also in this case the body  4   a  has a slot or concave seat  19 , the bottom  19   a  of which is, however, without the holes  20  provided in the previous embodiment. A series of through holes  30  is, instead, present along the periphery of the seat itself. As may be noted in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the aforesaid holes  30  terminate, on the opposite side of the body  4   a , in the bottom of the seat  15  delimited by the internal wall  15   a  and external wall  15   b . In this case, the external wall  15   b  has, in a position corresponding to each of its two smaller sides, an interruption  32 , from which there branch off two respective wall portions  33   a ,  33   b , substantially parallel to one another, which form a channel or additional seat  33  that extends between a respective hole  21  and the seat  15 , said additional seat being substantially parallel to a side of the seat  15 . As may be noted, substantially in a position corresponding to the interruption  32 , i.e., in the area of connection between the seats  15  and  33 , the latter has a widening, herein of a substantially circular cross section, designated by  34 . Via the holes  30  and the additional seats  33 , the seat  15  is connected both to the concave seat  19  for the element  17  and to the holes  21  for the elements  18 , respectively. Thanks to said solution, the door  4  in accordance with the second embodiment can be provided with a respective gasket  16 , a gripping element  17  and at least two attenuation elements  18  formed in a single component or body, obtainable via a single overmoulding operation of elastic or soft material on the body  4   a.    
     In  FIGS. 17-20  there is represented for reasons of greater clarity just the single body made of elastic material, designated as a whole by  40 , that can be obtained via the aforesaid overmoulding operation. As may be noted, in the single body  40  the respective parts that form the gasket  16 , the gripping element  17 , and the attenuation elements  18  may be identified. The attenuation elements  18  are connected to the gasket  16  via first, substantially parallelepipedal, body portions  41  formed by the overmoulding material that has filled the additional seats  33  of  FIG. 15 . On the other hand, the gripping element  17  is connected to the gasket  16  via second substantially cylindrical body portions  42  (which can be seen particularly in  FIGS. 17 and 18 ), formed by the overmoulding material that has filled the holes  30  represented in  FIGS. 14-16 . In  FIG. 21  it may moreover be noted how the end of the central depression  17   a  of the gripping element  17  is located within the quadrangular profile formed by the gasket  16 . In  FIGS. 22-24  there is represented the door  4 , including the bodies  4   a  and  40  made of, respectively, rigid material and of elastic material. As may be seen in  FIG. 22 , the door  4  in accordance with the second embodiment is, on the outside, altogether similar to the door of  FIG. 5  since it is provided with the gripping element  17  and the attenuation elements  18 . On the other hand, in the internal part of the door  4 , i.e., the part designed to be set facing the body  2  of the dispenser  1 , the gasket  16  is housed in the seat  15 , which, as has been said, is joined to the gripping element  17  via the body portions  42  passing through the holes  30 , as may be seen in  FIG. 24 . The attenuation elements  18  are, instead, joined to the gasket  16  via the body portions  41  positioned in the additional seats  33  and through the holes  21 . 
     It should be emphasized how provision of the single body  40  always guarantees maintenance of the correct working position by the gasket  16  and the elements  17  and  18 , by virtue of a union between said elements and hence without the need for the hookings  17   c ,  18   a  described previously. On this point it should be recalled, for example, that in the doors of the dispensers of a known type, maintenance of the correct position of the gasket must be guaranteed through slight hot mechanical deformations of the walls that delimit the seat of said gasket. In practice, after moulding of the rigid body of the door on one production line and moulding of the gasket on a different production line, the gasket itself must be inserted into the respective seat, and the latter must subsequently undergo local deformation. In the second embodiment of the invention proposed herein, the operation of overmoulding of the single body  40  substantially replaces three distinct steps envisaged according to the known art (obtaining separately the gasket, its insertion into the seat and deformation of the seat), with evident advantages in terms of production times and costs. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 25-34 , there will now be described a possible mode of production of the door  4  in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention, i.e., the one illustrated in  FIGS. 14 to 24 . In  FIG. 25  there is represented schematically an apparatus, designated as a whole by  50 , used for moulding thermoplastic material for the purposes of forming the rigid body  4   a  of the door. As has been said, the material used for the purpose can be polypropylene, or polyamide, or any other material designed for the purpose. In the case exemplified, the moulding apparatus or mould  50  comprises two parts, at least one of which is movable, which are designated by  51  and  52  and are designed to assume, with modalities in themselves known, at least two respective reciprocal positions, namely, a working, or closed, position and an open position. According to the known art, the parts  51  and  52  have respective impressions  51  a and  52   a , shaped for defining an as a whole common cavity within the mould  50 , when they are closed with respect to one another in the working position. Said cavity, designated by  53  in the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 26 , is provided for receiving the thermoplastic material designed to make the body  4   a  of the door  4  and is as a whole shaped so as to be able to define the shape of said component, as represented in  FIGS. 14-16 . 
       FIG. 26  represents the working position of the mould  50 , in which the movable parts  51  and  52  are in their respective closed condition. Said movable parts are pushed into and held in said position via respective forces, generated with means in themselves known, such as to counteract the pressure of the flow of the molten thermoplastic material designed to form the body  4   a . Said molten material is injected within the cavity  53  via a suitable injection channel (not visible but of a conception in itself known). A possible moulding sequence for obtaining the body  4   a  of the door  4 , could comprise the following steps: 
     i) approach of the movable parts  51  and  52 , under the thrust of respective forces, up to a predetermined position; 
     ii) closing of the movable parts  51  and  52 , under the thrust of the respective forces, with which a portion of the part  51  bears upon a respective contrast surface of the part  52 , or vice versa, as may be seen in  FIG. 26 ; 
     iii) introduction of the molten thermoplastic material into the injection duct of the mould  50 , which is in direct communication with the cavity  53 , up to filling of the latter; said condition is visible in  FIG. 27 ; 
     iv) waiting for enabling cooling and consequent solidification of the thermoplastic material, which thus provides the body  4   a  of the door; 
     v) opening of the parts  51  and  52  of the mould  50 , which are moved away from one another via respective tensile forces, obtained with modalities in themselves known; for the purpose, by way of example,  FIGS. 28 and 29  illustrate the mould  50  with the two parts  51  and  52  separated from one another, respectively in the case where the item obtained, i.e., the body  4   a , is designed to remain on the part  51  or on the part  52 ; and 
     vii) extraction of the body  4   a  from the part  51  (in the case of  FIG. 28 ) or from the part  52  (in the case of  FIG. 29 ). 
     Following upon said extraction, as has been said, the body  4   a  is formed with the structure previously illustrated and described with reference to  FIGS. 14-16 , and hence provided with the seats  15 ,  19  and  33 , as well as with the holes  21  and  30 . Next, overmoulded on said semifinished product is the soft material, for example an elastomer or other synthetic material, designed to form the single body  40  of  FIGS. 17-21 , which preferably integrates at least the gasket  16 , the gripping element  17 , and the attenuation elements  18 . 
       FIGS. 30-34  represent schematically an apparatus or mould  60  used for overmoulding, on the body  4   a , the soft material designed to constitute the single body  40 . Also the mould  60  comprises two parts, designated by  61  and  62 , at least one of which is movable so as to assume at least two respective positions, i.e., a working, or closed, position and an open position, according to modalities in themselves known. The parts  61  and  62  have respective impressions  61   a  and  62   a , shaped for delimiting as a whole a main cavity within the mould  60 , when they are closed with respect to one another in the working position, it being possible for the body  4   a  to be housed in said main cavity, and thus in effect form a common cavity, obtained by the difference between the respective volumes (i.e., by the space of the main cavity not occupied by the body  4   a ). Said common cavity, designated by  63  in  FIG. 31 , is designed to receive the thermoplastic material that is to form the single body  40 , defining its respective external shape.  FIG. 31  represents the working position of the mould  60 , in which the parts  61  and  62  are in the respective closed condition. Said parts  61  and  62  are pushed into and held in said position via respective forces, such as to counteract the pressure of the flow of the molten material designed to form the single body  40 . Said molten material is injected within the cavity  63  through a suitable injection channel, not visible but of a conception in itself known. A possible moulding sequence, for the purposes of obtaining the door  4 , could comprise, for example, the following steps: 
     i) inserting the body  4   a  into a respective part of mould, for example the part  62 ; 
     ii) closing the movable part  61 , with which the latter is brought substantially to mate with the part  62 , under the thrust of respective forces, as may be seen in  FIG. 31 ; 
     iii) introducing the elastomeric or silicone material into an injection duct of the mould  60 , which is in direct communication with the cavity  63 , up to filling of the latter, as may be seen in  FIG. 32 ; 
     iv) waiting to enable cooling and consequent solidification of the soft material, which thus provides the single body  40  for the door; 
     v) opening the parts  61  and  62  of the mould  60 , which are moved away from one another via respective tensile forces, obtained with modalities in themselves known; by way of example,  FIGS. 33 and 34  illustrate the mould  60  with the two parts  61  and  62  separated from one another, respectively in the cases where the item obtained, i.e., the door  4 , is designed to remain on the part  61  or else on the part  62 ; and 
     vii) extracting the door  4  from the part  61  (in the case of  FIG. 33 ) or from the part  62  (in the case of  FIG. 34 ). 
     In the embodiments described previously, the door  4  is of the type that can slide linearly with respect to the body  2  of the dispenser  1 , but the invention can be applied also to the case of dispensers with a door that can be tilted or is angularly movable. One such embodiment is illustrated in  FIGS. 35-44 . In said Figures the same reference numbers as those of the previous figures are used to designate elements that are technically equivalent to the ones already described, and the numbers designating details that correspond specifically to the invention are distinguished by the indices ‘and/or”. 
       FIG. 35  represents a dispenser  1  of the type with a door that can be tilted, i.e., a door mounted on the body  2  of the dispenser so as to be able to move angularly between a closed position, in which the respective compartment  3 ; for the detergent is closed, and an open position, in which the compartment  3  is open. The dispenser  1  is of a substantially known general structure, with the exception of its door or member for closing the compartment  3 , designated as a whole by  4 ′, made according to the invention. In  FIGS. 36-38  the door  4 ′ is represented with various views. Also in this embodiment, the door  4 ′ has a rigid base body  4   a ′, made of moulded thermoplastic material, for example polypropylene, with a main wall or bottom wall  4   b ′, from the edges of which there branch off orthogonally side walls  4   c ′ and  4   d ′. The two smaller side walls  4   d ′ of the body  4   a ′ have a projecting pin  5   c  and the other a seat Sd, which are designed to co-operate, respectively, with a seat and with a pin formed or inserted in the body  2  of the dispenser  1  so as to enable angular movement of the door  4 ′. Also in this case, a spring is provided (not visible in the figures), which is operative for exerting a load on the door  4 ′ in its respective open position (said spring can, for example, be mounted on the pin  5   c , in a known way). As may be seen in  FIG. 37 , in the part of the wall  4   b ′ designed to face the compartment  3  a housing seat  15 ′ is present, for a sealing gasket, designated as a whole by  16 ′, made for example of silicone rubber. Also in this embodiment, the seat  15 ′ is basically formed by two walls  15   a ′,  15   b ′ having a closed profile, which are concentric with respect to one another. Associated to the body  4   a ′ of the door  4 ′ are also additional complements or elements made of elastic or soft material, for example, silicone rubber, designated by  17 ′ and  18 ′ in  FIGS. 36 and 38 . Also in this case, the element  17 ′ constitutes principally a gripping means or grip, provided with surface corrugations or reliefs  17   b ′, aimed at facilitating gripping or adhesion, or friction, of the finger of a user on the door  4 ′, when the latter must be closed manually. The elements  18 ′ constitute on the other hand attenuation means, aimed at buffering the impact due to an end-of-travel position of opening of the door  4 ′ being reached and at reducing the noise of operation of the dispenser  1 . It is to be noted, on the other hand, that the similar functions of end-of-travel damper are performed also by the gripping element  17 ′, the latter having preferably a profile in relief or a projecting profile so as to enable two distinct functions to be performed. 
     It should be recalled that, in known dispensers, the end of travel of the movement of angular opening of the door is determined by the impact of the latter with a wall or a body present within the washing tank of the machine. In the majority of cases, the door is devised for performing a travel of opening of approximately 180°, which terminates when the door itself comes into contact with the surface of the inner door panel on which the dispenser is mounted. In other cases, the end of travel is, instead, determined by the contact of the door with a portion of one of the dish racks present in the washing tub. The impact thus determined between the door and the inner door panel or the dish rack is such as to produce both a certain amount of noise and a certain amount of vibration of the entire device, due to the impact between two substantially rigid materials. In the embodiment in question, the gripping element  17 ′ and the attenuation elements  18 ′ are conceived for projecting at the front from the same wall  4   b ′ of the body  4   a ′, as clearly visible in  FIG. 38 , and are arranged in different areas of said wall  4   b  in order to be able to come into contact with the inner door panel or with a possible dish rack. The location of the elements  17 ′ and  18 ′ can be chosen in a manufacturing step according to the type of washing machine on which the dispenser  1  is to be mounted. In this embodiment, hence, both the gripping element  17 ′ and the attenuation elements  18  constitute damped end-of-travel means for the door  4 ′, which enable prevention of direct impact between two substantially rigid materials (the body  4   a ′ of the door and the inner door panel or the rack). The fact that the material constituting the elements  17 ′ and  18 ′ is elastic enables any sharp impact between the parts to be prevented, with consequent elimination of the vibrations of operation and of noises during opening. 
       FIGS. 39-41  represent just the body  4   a ′ of the door  4 ′. As may be noted in  FIG. 39 , the wall  4   b ′ of the body  4   a ′ has a central depression, designated by D, the end of which projects as far as within the space delimited by the seat  15 ′ for the gasket  16 ′ (see  FIG. 40 ). The wall  4   b ′ has at the top also a front seat  19 ′, for housing the gripping element  17 ′, and two side seats  19 ″, for housing the attenuation elements  18 ′. In the case exemplified, the seats  19 ′ and  19 ″ have substantially elliptical cross sections, the seat  19 ′ being of dimensions slightly larger than the seats  19 ″. The seat  19 ′ is set in the proximity of the edge of the wall  4   a ′ opposite to the area of hinging of the door, in which the pin  5   c  and the seat  5   d  are present, whilst the seats  19 ″ extend at the sides of the central depression D. As may be seen in  FIG. 39 , a series of holes  30 ′ is formed in the end  19   a ′ of the seat  19 ′ and a series of holes  30 ″ is formed in the end  19   a ′ of the seats  19 ″. As may be seen then in  FIGS. 40 and 41 , the aforesaid holes  30 ′ and  30 ″ terminate, on the opposite side of the body  4   a ′, in the bottom of the seat  15 ′ that includes the internal wall  15   a ′ and the external wall  15   b ′. Via the holes  30 ′ and  3 ″, the seat  15 ′ is thus connected both to the front seat  19 ′ and to the side seats  19 ″, respectively. Thanks to said solution, also the door  4 ′ according to the third embodiment can be provided with a respective gasket  16 ′, with a gripping element  17 ′, and with at least two attenuation elements  18 ′ made of a single body, which can be obtained via a single operation of overmoulding of elastic or soft material on the body  4   a ′. 
       FIGS. 42 and 43  represent, for reasons of greater clarity, just the single body made of elastic material, designated as a whole by  40 ′, that can be obtained via the aforesaid overmoulding operation. As may be noted, also in this case, in the single body  40 ′ the respective parts that make up the gasket  16 ′, the gripping element  17 ′, and the attenuation elements  18 ′ may be identified. The attenuation elements  18 ′ are connected to the gasket  16 ′ via first body portions, designated by  41 ′ in  FIG. 43 and 44 , which are substantially cylindrical in so far as they are formed by the overmoulding material that has filled the holes  30 ″ of  FIGS. 39-41 . On the other hand, also the gripping element  17 ′ is connected to the gasket  16 ′ via second stretches of body  42 ′, which are substantially cylindrical (also visible in  FIG. 44 ) and are formed by the overmoulding material that has filled the holes  30 ′ of  FIGS. 39-41 . Provision of the single body  40 ′ enables at least two elements to be obtained, which are in themselves functionally distinct, are fixed to one another and located at two opposite ends or sides of the body  4 ″, with the same advantages already explained previously, in terms of maintenance of the correct working position of the gasket  16 ′ and of the elements  17 ′ and  18 ′, and in terms of reduction of the manufacturing steps, and hence of the times and costs. The process for manufacturing the door as described in  FIGS. 35-44  can be obtained with modalities substantially similar to the ones previously exemplified with reference to  FIGS. 25-34 , using appropriate apparatuses for moulding the rigid body  4   a ′ and for overmoulding the elastic body  40 ′. 
       FIGS. 45-51  illustrate a possible variant of the invention, based substantially upon the embodiment described previously with reference to  FIGS. 14-24 . Also in said variant, the door  4  hence comprises a rigid body  4   a , substantially similar to that of  FIGS. 14-16 , associated to which there is a single body made of elastic material, conceptually similar to the one previously designated by  40 , which integrates both a gripping element  17 ″ and two attenuation elements  18 ″, as well as a sealing gasket  16 ″. In this variant, the gripping element  17 ″ defines a respective cavity  17   a ″, which is wider than that of the previous embodiments and is without surface corrugations. The attenuation elements  18 ″ are, instead, structured in such a way as to increase their elastic and/or attenuation capacities. For this purpose, in the case exemplified, the attenuation elements  18 ″ have basically a semi-cylindrical cross section, so that inside them a cavity  18   b ″ is formed, visible in particular in the details illustrated in  FIGS. 47 and 51 . The presence of said cavity  18   b ″ enables variation of the elasticity of the element  18 ″ irrespective of the elasticity of the elastomeric material, thus improving the characteristics of damping with respect to the case of attenuation elements with full body of the previous embodiments. It should be noted that, in order to obtain said effect of increased elasticity, the body of the elements  18 ″ could be shaped also in a way different from the one exemplified, presenting, for example, an active, or damping, part, which may have substantially the shape of a concertina, the shape of a spiral, a variable cross section, a number of projections set alongside one another, etc. On the other hand, the gasket  16 ″ of the variant proposed has, basically, a completely closed exposed surface, instead of one having an annular shape. As may be seen particularly in  FIGS. 46 ,  48  and  49 , the gasket  16 ″ comprises a substantially quadrangular base portion  16   a ″, designed to be housed in the body  4   a  within the respective seat  15 , and an external portion  16   b ″, which forms substantially a continuous and plane wall, preferably without holes, designed to face the inside of the compartment  3  (see, for example,  FIG. 4 ). The gasket  16 ″ thus structured enables a dual function to be fulfilled. In particular, the peripheral area of the wall  16   b ″ performs the classic functions of sealing with respect to the edge  3   a  of the compartment  3  (see, for example,  FIG. 4 ), for the purpose of isolating at least partially the inside of the latter with respect to the external environment, when the door  4  is closed. On the other hand, the closed central area of the wall  16   b ″ performs basically the functions of the ribbings  15   c  illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 16 , i.e., creating a flat area designed to prevent any jamming of the movement of the door  4 , when a tablet of detergent is inserted in the compartment  3 . It will be appreciated that also the process for manufacturing the door illustrated in  FIGS. 45-51  can be obtained with modalities substantially similar to the ones previously exemplified with reference to  FIGS. 25-34 . 
     The invention has been described previously with reference both to a linearly sliding door and to an angularly mobile door, but it may be applied also to members for closing a dispenser of washing agents of a different type, and in particular to a filler cap for closing the reservoir for the rinse aid, of the type designated previously by  8 . Such an embodiment of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 52-57 , according to which the filler cap  8 , in addition to being equipped with respective sealing means, is also equipped with at least one additional elastic, soft or rubbery, element provided for facilitating the manual operations of opening and/or closing of the filler cap itself. 
     In  FIG. 52  the filler cap  8  is represented as a whole, whilst in  FIGS. 53 and 54  just the rigid body of the filler cap is represented, designated as a whole by  80 , which is made, for example, of polypropylene or polyamide. The body  80  has an overall hollow cylindrical shape and is divided by a horizontal wall  80   a  into a lower portion  81  and a top, substantially cup-shaped, portion  82 . A flange part, designated by  83  projects outwards from the edge of the cylindrical wall that forms the top portion  82 . The lower portion  81  is provided with means  81   a  for coupling to the opening  9  (see, for example,  FIG. 4 ) for access to the reservoir containing the rinsing agent. In the case exemplified, said coupling means are of the bayonet-coupling type, but it is clear that the filler cap  8  can be fixed in a removable way on the opening  9  in different ways, for example, with a coupling of the external screw/internal screw type. The flange  83 , together with an intermediate peripheral relief  84  of the cylindrical portion  81 , forms a seat  85  for an annular sealing gasket, designated by  86 , made, for example, of silicone rubber. The gasket  86  is designed to provide sealing between the body  80  and a respective contrast surface, designated by  9   a  in  FIG. 4 , formed within the opening  9 . The cavity of the top cup-shaped portion  82  is traversed diametrally by a wall designated by  87  in  FIGS. 53 and 54 . As may be noted, the diametral wall  87  divides the cavity inside the cup-shaped portion  82  into two semi-cylindrical halves. 
     According to the invention, the wall  87  is provided with an at least partial coating made of elastic and soft material, which constitutes a gripping element, designated by  88  in FIGS.  52  and  55 - 57 , which is aimed at facilitating gripping of a number of fingers of a user on the filler cap  8 , when the latter is to be moved angularly for its fixing to, or its removal from, the opening  9 . Preferably, the gripping element  88  is provided with surface corrugations  88   a , for the purpose of increasing friction with the user&#39;s fingers. In the preferred embodiment, the body  80  envisages, within the seat  85  for the gasket  86 , at least two pairs of through holes  89   a  and  89   b , substantially parallel to one another, each pair of holes being formed in the proximity of a respective end of the diametral wall  87 . Preferably, the two holes  89   a  and  89   b  of each pair are in communication each with a respective semi-cylindrical half of the cavity inside the top cup-shaped portion  82 . Thanks to said solution, the filler cap  8  can be provided with a respective gasket  86  and with a gripping element  88  made of a single body, which can be obtained with a single operation of overmoulding of elastic or soft material on the body  80 . 
       FIG. 55  represents, for reasons of greater clarity, just the single body made of elastic material obtainable via the aforesaid overmoulding operation, designated as a whole by  90 . As may be noted, in the single body  90  the respective parts that make up the gasket  86  and the gripping element  88  may be identified. From  FIG. 56 , which is a cross-sectional view taken according to a vertical plane that traverses longitudinally the diametral wall  57 , it may be noted how, following upon overmoulding, the top portion  82  of the body is provided with the gripping element  88 , whilst the gasket  86  is positioned in the seat formed between the flange  83  and the relief  85 . From  FIG. 57 , which is a cross-sectional view taken according to a vertical plane parallel to that of the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 56  and not traversing the wall  87 , it may be noted how the gripping element  88  is connected to the gasket  86  via substantially cylindrical body portions  91 , formed by the overmoulding material that has filled the holes  89   a  and  89   b  of  FIGS. 53-54 . As may be appreciated, peripheral stretches of the overmoulding material extend also on the transverse wall  80 . Also in this embodiment provision of the single body  90  always guarantees maintenance of the correct working position by the gasket  86  and the gripping element  88 . It will be appreciated that the process for manufacturing the filler cap  8  illustrated in  FIGS. 52-57  can be carried out according to a method that is conceptually similar to the one previously exemplified with reference to  FIGS. 25-34 , using appropriate apparatuses for moulding of the rigid body  80  and for overmoulding of the elastic body  90 . 
     The aforesaid single body  40 ,  40 ′ made of elastic material, i.e., said overmoulded body, could integrate, either in addition or alternatively to one or more of the means mentioned above, also further and different functional elements of the dispenser  1 . Such a variant is represented schematically in  FIG. 58  where, for reasons of greater clarity, the rigid body of the door  4  has been omitted. As may be noted, in said embodiment a single body made of elastic material, designated by  40 ″, is envisaged, which integrates both the gasket  16  and the gripping element  17 , as well as the attenuation elements  18 . In the case exemplified, the single body  40 ″ further integrates an element or portion  70 , here having a substantially filiform shape, which connects the body portions  41  together so as to provide a sort of elastic element or spring. Furthermore, in this variant, the lever  6  comprises a top projection  6   a , which constitutes a point of constraint for an intermediate area of the aforesaid filiform portion  70 . In said embodiment, the filiform portion  70  constitutes to all effects an elastic element that is operative for loading the door  4  in the direction of the open position, instead of the spring  6  of  FIG. 4 . Obviously, the filiform portion  70  could have a different shape and/or be constrained to a projection defined by the body  2 , and more precisely by its top piece  2   a , instead of the body of the lever  6 . 
     Represented in  FIGS. 59 and 60 , merely by way of example, are some possible alternative embodiments of the attenuation means. The attenuation means visible in  FIG. 59 , designated by  100 , is constituted by a helical spring, for example made of metal material. In this embodiment, a first portion of each attenuation element  100  envisaged is housed in a respective seat  101  formed in the rigid body  4   a  of the door  4 , said seat  101  replacing the hole  21  of the previous embodiments. A second portion of each attenuation element  100  projects, instead, on the outside of the aforesaid seat  101 , and hence from the body  4   a , so as to provide also in this case a damped means of arrest or means of end of travel against the wall  2   a ′ of the body  2  (see, for example,  FIG. 4 ). The variant illustrated in  FIG. 60  is conceptually similar to the previous one, as regards location of the components, but in this case the attenuation element, designated by  100 ′, is made of elastic material, such as silicone rubber or other elastomer, and is configured as an insert having a substantially massive or full part  100   a , designed to be housed within the seat  101 , and a part with variable geometry and/or at least locally hollow, designated by  100   b , more conveniently deformable in an elastic way and at least in part projecting from the respective seat  101 . In the case exemplified, the portion  100   b  comprises a plurality of cavities and is substantially deformable in concertina fashion. One or more attenuation elements configured as the one designated by  100 ′ could possibly be fixed to and/or made of a single piece with the gripping element of the respective door, in particular via overmoulding or co-moulding as described previously. 
     In principle, there is nothing to rule out forming even just one of the sealing means, gripping means, and attenuation means by an overmoulding operation in which case anchorage in the working position of the overmoulded element (for example, the gasket) does not imply the latter being joined to another of the functional elements described (gripping element or attenuation elements). In accordance with said embodiment, formed, for said purpose, in the rigid body of the closing member, whether this is in the form of a door or of a filler cap, are suitably provided seats, channels or holes, designed to receive parts for anchorage of the elastic material that forms the overmoulded component, said parts being operative for withholding the component itself in position. Such a possibility is exemplified in  FIGS. 61-63 , where the same reference numbers used in the previous figures, are again used to designate elements that are technically equivalent to the ones already described.  FIG. 61  represents just the rigid body  4   a  of a sliding door, of the type previously designated by  4 . The body  4   a  has a seat  15 ′ 41  for the respective gasket, which is delimited externally by a wall  15   b ′″ and internally by the peripheral surface of a closed portion  15   a ′″ formed in the same body  4   a  (on the other hand, instead of said closed portion  15   a ′″ there could be provided a wall of the type of the ones previously designated by  15   a  or  15   a ′). The external wall  15   b ′″ of the seat  15 ′″ has a series of holes, designated by  30 ′″, which, also in the case of overmoulding of just the gasket, enable a suitable anchorage for the latter to be obtained. The door  4  provided with the overmoulded gasket, designated by  16 ′″, is visible in  FIG. 62 . By virtue of the presence of the holes  30 ′″, the gasket  16 ′″ can be overmoulded so that parts of the soft or elastic material that constitute it form regions  16   c ′″ located on the outside of the seat  15 ′″ and in contact with the wall  15   b ′″, but in any case connected to the main annular portion of the gasket itself. Said characteristic may be noted from  FIG. 63 , where parts of the overmoulding material that has filled the holes  30 ′″ of  FIG. 61  form substantially cylindrical portions  42 ′″. Said portions  42 ′″ join locally the annular part of the gasket  16 ′″, positioned in the respective seat  15 ′″, to the anchorage regions  16   c ′″ adjacent to respective areas of the wall  15   b ′″. As may be appreciated, in this way precise and secure positioning of the gasket  16 ′″ within its seat  15 ′″ is guaranteed. In the case of overmoulding of just the gasket, the gripping element and the attenuation elements can be of the type represented in  FIGS. 9-12 . 
     On the other hand, also highlighted in  FIGS. 61-63  is the possibility of providing the attenuation elements in an area covered by the door  4 . For said purpose, in the case exemplified, the external wall  15   b ′″ of the seat  15 ′″ has two end portions in relief, set close to the side walls  4   c  of the body  4   a ; one of said portions is designated by  15   d ′″ in  FIG. 61 . In this application, the apparatuses used for the moulding or overmoulding operation are conceived to cause part of the material constituting the regions  16   c ′″ to form terminal stretches that coat also the surface of the portions  15   d ′″ that faces the wall  2   d  of the body  4   a , preferably with a larger thickness. Said terminal stretches in this way come to form attenuation elements, one of which is designated by  18 ′″ in  FIGS. 62 and 63 . In this case, the elements  18 ′″ are appropriately shaped and provided to co-operate with arrest appendages, represented only partially and designated by  2   a ′″, which rise from the surface of the main body  2  of the dispenser facing the wall  4   a  of the door  4 . The attenuation elements  18 ′″ and the arrest appendages  2   a ′″ thus constitute damped end-of-travel means for the movement of opening of the door. 
     In some of the embodiments previously exemplified, one or more additional elements of the closing member are overmoulded on the main body of the latter. Obviously, there is nothing to rule out obtaining a similar result or product with equivalent processes, as, for example, in the case of a main body overmoulded on the additional elements, i.e., with rigid material overmoulded on elastomeric material or else with processes of moulding of a number of materials simultaneously or with pre-defined sequences, said processes being comprised in the term “overmoulding”, here adopted for practical reasons. 
     The rigid material and the elastic material can be of types that are compatible with one another in such a way that they will weld together and/or merge into one another in the contact area, in order to obtain reciprocal adhesion, bonding, or fixing. For this purpose, there could be advantageously envisaged the use of a polyamide or nylon (such as PA66) as rigid material, then overmoulded or co-moulded with a liquid silicone rubber (LSR). It should be noted that the overmoulding step can possibly be carried out using a suitable foamable or foamed material, with a process of the type described with reference to  FIGS. 30-34 . 
     The complement or complements to be overmoulded on the rigid body of the door can also be made up of at least two parts; i.e., they may have an internal core and at least one surface layer provided with the necessary characteristics of elasticity or softness, the internal core being constituted by a cavity filled with an aeriform or else by a core made of solid material, or else by a combination of these. For said purpose, a co-injection or moulding technique or a “sandwich” technique may be used, whereby two different materials are injected into the cavity of the overmoulding die, or a solid material and an aeriform. Such a variant of the process of manufacture of the door  4  is exemplified in  FIGS. 64-66 , which are schematic illustrations in cross-sectional view of a die, designated by  60 ′, comprising two parts  61 ′ and  62 ′ provided with respective impressions. The apparatus  60 ′ is conceptually similar to the one illustrated in  FIGS. 30-34  and is used for overmoulding on the rigid body  4   a  of the door one or more additional complements made of elastic or soft material. In the case exemplified, the component in question is a sealing gasket  16 . The rigid body  4   a  is first of all positioned in the die  60 ′, defining the seat  15  for the gasket. After closing of the parts  61 ′ and  62 ′ (as may be seen in  FIG. 64 ), a first material M 1  is injected in the common cavity  63 ′ of the die  60 ′ not occupied by the rigid body  4   a , designed to form a surface layer of the gasket, having the necessary characteristics, such as elasticity or flexibility, for example, liquid silicone. The injection takes place via a suitable channel, designated by  61   b ′, and the amount of material M 1  injected is such as to fill the cavity  63 ′ only partially. Next, as may be seen in  FIG. 65 , via the channel  61   b ′, a gas, or else a second material, designated by M 2 , is injected into the die, said second material being designed to form, according to the cases, the hollow or solid or foamed core of the gasket. The second material M 2  could, for example, be an elastic material of a different hardness, in particular a hardness lower than that of the first material M 1 . The appropriate timing of the two injection steps enables the second material injected M 2  to push the first material M 1 , which is still in the fluid state, on the walls of the die and on the exposed surface of the body  4   a , and hence also within the seat  15 . The material M 1 , in contact with the appropriately thermostatted walls of the cavity  63 ′ of the die and of the body  4   a , starts its solidification, but at the same time forms a fluid vein inside it, where the material M 2  designed to form the core continues its flow until the desired external profile for the material M 1  is obtained. As may be seen in  FIG. 66 , if necessary, a last partial injection of the first elastic material M 1  can be carried out. Said partial injection is aimed at providing basically a sort of “plug” for the external layer made of the material M 1  or at causing the latter to seal or envelop completely the core made of the second material M 2 . Said final injection is necessary or preferable in the case where the material M 2  is an aeriform. The result of the operations described above is visible in  FIG. 67 , which represents schematically a cross-sectional view of a door  4  provided with a respective gasket  16  having a central core made of a material M 2  and an elastic surface layer made of the material M 1 . 
     It should be noted that in the case of a hollow internal core filled with an aeriform M 2 , the latter provides a sort of “bubble” of gas, which varies or increases its pressure when the component is compressed so as to contribute to its capacity of elastic response, i.e., enhance its behaviour as resilient element, irrespective of the elastic characteristics of the material M 1 . 
     According to a further aspect of the invention, the door of the dispenser of invention can be provided with an additional element, which is configured substantially as a push-button, in particular of the at least partially flexible or yielding or elastic type, forming part of the locking/release system of the door, and which can be pressed or in any case activated by the user in order to cause release of the door. Preferably, the part of the aforesaid push-button element designed to be activated by the fingers of a user is made of rubber or an elastomer, or other equivalent material, and can be overmoulded on, or associated to, the rigid body of the door, even together with other functional complements. Two possible embodiments in this sense are illustrated in  FIGS. 68-72  and  73 - 76 . 
     In general terms, it should be recalled that the dispensers are provided with hooking/release lever (of the same type as the one designated by  6  in  FIGS. 4 and 35 ) that can co-operate with a tooth formed in the door (of the same type as the one designated by  4   e  in  FIGS. 4 and 37 ). The dispenser is then provided with an actuation system (of the same type as the one designated by  12  in  FIGS. 4 and 35 ), which is operative for producing actuation of the aforesaid lever in order to obtain disengagement between the latter and the engagement tooth of the door. For this purpose, the actuation system is usually operative for producing the angular movement of a shaft inserted in a passage that traverses the body of the dispenser, where the hooking/release lever is fixed to one end of said shaft. In this way, corresponding to the angular movement of the shaft is an identical angular movement of the lever. The hooking/release lever, or its shaft, usually comprises a projection that projects from the area covered by the door (see, for example,  FIG. 1 ) and that is operable directly by the user for enabling, if need be, manual release and hence opening of the door, said projections thus providing a sort of push-button that is constrained to the main body of the dispenser or is supported thereby. 
     In the variants proposed in  FIGS. 68-72  and  73 - 76 , the aforesaid projection is eliminated, and the door is equipped with the aforesaid push-button device, which can be actuated by the user, having in the specific case a body, at least in part made of elastic material. Said elastic body is associated to, or overmoulded on, the rigid body of the door, preferably but not necessarily together with other functional complements of the latter. 
       FIG. 68  shows a dispenser  1  with a sliding door  4 , substantially of the type described previously with reference to  FIGS. 14-24 . As may be noted, positioned in a peripheral area or area of the corner edge formed by the walls  4   b  and  4   d  of the rigid body  4   a  of the door  4  there is a push-button element, designated as a whole by  200 , having a body made of elastic material, for example, elastomer or, silicone. The element  200  is anchored along the edges of an opening that extends between the walls  4   b  and  4   d . In the preferred embodiment exemplified, the push-button element  200  is overmoulded on the rigid body  4   a  together with the gasket  16 , the gripping element  17 , and the attenuation elements  18 , substantially with modalities similar to the ones described with reference to  FIGS. 14-24 . For this purpose, and as may be seen in  FIGS. 69 and 70 , a wall of one of the channels  33  has a respective terminal portion  33   a ′ ( FIG. 70 ) parallel to the wall  4   d  of the body  4   a . Between said terminal stretch  33   a ′ and the wall  4   d  an extension of the channel  33  is defined, which gives out into in the opening on which the elastic body of the push-button element  200  is to be formed. In this way, and as may be seen in  FIG. 69 , following upon overmoulding of the elastic material on the rigid body, the body of the push-button element  200  is connected, via a part of material  41   a , to the portion  41  that connects the gasket  16  and a respective attenuation element  18  together. As may be seen in the same  FIGS. 69 and 70 , the push-button element  200  comprises a base wall  201  that is elastically deformable, the peripheral edge of which is constrained on the edge of the opening formed between the walls  4   b  and  4   d  (see also  FIGS. 71 and 72 ). Projecting from the top face of the deformable wall  201  there is a relief  202 , here having a substantially cylindrical shape. In  FIGS. 71 and 72  the door  4  provided with the push-button element  200  is represented partially sectioned in order to clarify its operative position with respect to the hooking/release lever  6 . The situation illustrated in said figures corresponds to a condition of door  4  closed and/or engaged. In  FIG. 71  there is shown the lever  6 , which is associated to a first end of an actuation shaft  6   b . As previously explained, said shaft  6   b  is inserted in a respective passage that traverses the body  2  of the dispenser, so that its second end is coupled, with modalities in themselves known, to the actuation system  12 . As may be appreciated also in  FIG. 72 , the lever  6  defines a first projection or hook  6   c , designed to co-operate with the tooth  4   e  of the door  4  in order to keep the latter in the respective closed condition. Said lever  6  is now without the aforementioned projection projecting with respect to the door (visible for example in  FIG. 1 ). In the case exemplified, rising from the lever  6 , there is also a second appendage  6   d , having, in the case exemplified, a respective inclined surface, which faces the relief  202  of the push-button element  200 . In the condition where the door  4  is closed, the relief  202  may be at a short distance from the inclined surface of the second projection  6   d , or else in contact therewith. By exerting a pressure with a finger on the push-button element  200  it is possible to obtain the elastic deformation of its base wall  201 . In this way, the pressure exerted is transferred onto the relief  202 , which presses on the inclined surface of the appendage  6   d  of the lever  6 . The displacement of the relief  202  thus determines a corresponding thrust on the projection  6   d , and hence on the lever  6 , which is induced to move angularly (in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in the figures) in the direction of disengagement of the first projection or hook  6   c  from the tooth  4   e . The door  4  is then free to open as a result of the action of the respective elastic return means (the spring  7  of  FIG. 4  or the spring  70  of  FIG. 58 ). Advantageously, a slight translation or lifting of the door  4  and of the tooth  4   e  is envisaged at the moment in which this is disengaged from said hook  6   c , said translation or lifting being, for example, obtained by virtue of the elastic reaction of the sealing means  16 , previously compressed in the step of closing of the door. In this way, it is also prevented the possibility that the two engagement elements erroneously engage with one another at the moment of release of the pressure on the push-button  200 . In order to close the door  4 , the latter is brought manually into the position shown in  FIGS. 71 and 72 . It is to be noted that the relief  202  of the push-button element  200  can come into contact with the inclined surface of the second projection  6   d  of the lever  6  even just before the first projection  6   c  and the tooth  4   e  engage with one another. The possibility of elastic bending of the base wall  201  of the push-button element  200  in any case enables the door to proceed in the movement of sliding until engagement thereof is obtained. 
     Also in the case of the embodiment of  FIGS. 73-76 , the door  4  is provided with a push-button element, with a deformable part made of elastic material associated to the rigid body of the door itself. In this case, however, the push-button element is part of an arrangement aimed at producing a movement of release of the tooth  4   e  of the door, instead of a movement of the lever  6 . As may be seen in  FIGS. 73 and 74 , also in this case, in a position corresponding to an area of corner edge between the walls  4   b  and  4   d  of the rigid body  4   a  of the door, there is a push-button element, designated as a whole by  300 , having a body at least in part made of elastic material, for example elastomer or silicone, with a deformable base wall, on which surface corrugations or reliefs  301  are present. The element  300  is located on the rigid body  4   a  in a position that overlies the area of the wall  4   d  in which the engagement tooth  4   e  is formed. From the annexed figures, it is in particular possible to note how in the wall  4   d  of the body  4   a  two notches are present, one of which designated by  4   f  in  FIG. 74 , so that a region  4   i  in which the tooth  4   e  is formed is connected to the rest of the wall  4   d  via two thin wall portions, one of which designated by  4   h  in the same  FIG. 74 . In  FIGS. 75 and 76  it is then possible to note how also a slit or notch, designated by  4   g  in said figures is present in the main wall  4   b  of the body  4   a , which has a substantially semicircular shape, with its two ends that are in a position corresponding to the wall portions  4   h . Through the slit  4   g , formed in the wall  4   b , there is then a region  4   m  joined directly to the region  4   i  that integrates the tooth  4   e , substantially orthogonal thereto. Also in said embodiment, the push-button element  300  is overmoulded on the rigid body  4   a , together with the gasket  16 , the gripping element  17 , and the attenuation elements  18 , substantially according to a principle similar to what has just been described with reference to  FIGS. 68-72 . For said purpose, then, and as may be seen in  FIGS. 75 and 76 , a wall of one of the channels  33  has a respective terminal portion  33   a ′, which, together with the wall  4   d  of the body  4   a , defines an extension of the channel  33 , which gives out into the area in which the elastic body of the push-button element  300  is to be formed. Following upon overmoulding of the elastic material on the rigid body  4   a , the body of the push-button element  300  is connected, via a part of material  41   a , to the portion  41  that connects together the gasket  16  and a respective attenuation element  18 . The base wall of the push-button element  300 , which is elastically deformable, has a peripheral edge that preferably is constrained on the external edge of the slit  4   g , and hence in part on the wall  4   b  and in part on the wall  4   d , practically in a position corresponding to the wall portions  4   h  (see  FIGS. 76 and 74 ). In the closed condition of the door  4 , the engagement tooth  4   e  of the door  4  is engaged with the lever  6  (herein not represented), by means of a projection of the latter (said projection is substantially similar to the one designated by  61   c  in  FIGS. 71 and 72 ). By exerting a pressure with a finger on the push-button element  300 , its base wall undergoes elastic deformation. In this way, the pressure exerted is transferred principally onto the region  4   m , to which the region  4   i  that supports the tooth  4   e  is joined. As explained, given the presence of the notches  4   f  and of the slit  4   g , the set formed by the aforesaid regions  4   i  and  4   m  is joined to the rest of the rigid body  4   a  of the door  4  just via the wall portions  4   h , which have a smaller cross section and are preferably made of thermoplastic material. For this reason, the pressure exerted on the push-button element  300  can be conveniently transferred onto said set  4   i ,  4   m , with a consequent bending and/or torsion of the wall portions  4   h . By virtue of said bending and/or torsion, the set  4   i ,  4   m  can then displace slightly downwards and/or rotate in the direction of disengagement of the tooth  4   e  from the respective projection of the lever  6 . The door  4  is then free to open as a result of the action of the respective elastic return means (the spring  7  of  FIG. 4  or the elastic element  70  of  FIG. 58 ). The door  4  can then be brought manually into the closing position. In said step, the possibility of elastic bending and/or rotation both of the set  4   i ,  4  and of the base wall of the push-button element  300  enables the tooth  4   e  to “pass over” the projection purposely provided on the lever  6  and then returns elastically into position and engages therewith. 
     The embodiments of  FIGS. 68-72  and  73 - 76  are of course adaptable also to the case of a door that can be tilted, for example of the type previously designated by  4 ′. 
     In  FIGS. 77-79  there is represented a further aspect of the invention, according to which a tiltable door for a dispenser is provided with hinge means made of flexible and/or elastic material. In the case exemplified, the dispenser is substantially of the type described previously with reference to  FIGS. 35-44 . As may be seen in  FIG. 77 , the body  4   a ′ of the door  4 ′ is equipped, at the end opposite to the one in which the engagement tooth  4   e  is provided, with hinge or constraint means (it is to be noted that, in said figure, the hooking/release lever  6  designed to co-operate with the tooth  4   e  is not represented; such a lever is in any case shown, for example, in  FIG. 35 ). In the case exemplified, the aforesaid means are constituted by two substantially parallelepipedal hinge elements  400  of small thickness, which extend mutually parallel to one another. The elements  400  each have a respective body made of flexible and/or elastic material, for example elastomer or silicone, or of some other type of material having similar characteristics or characteristics in any case suitable for the purpose that is elastically deformable. Also in said embodiment, the hinge elements can be overmoulded on the rigid body  4   a ′ together with the gasket  16 ′, the gripping element  17 ′, and the attenuation elements  18 ′, substantially according to a principle similar to what is described with reference to  FIGS. 35-44 . For said purpose, for example, there can be provided in two areas of the external wall of the seat  15 ′ for the gasket  16  two interruptions, in a position corresponding to which the elements  400  branch off from the gasket  16 . In this case, the shape desired for the elements  400  will be defined principally by a suitable profile of the overmoulding die, without any need for specific channels in the body  4   a ′. In other words, then, the elements  400  project directly from the seat  15 ′, via the aforesaid interruptions of the latter, and the material that constitutes them is directly joined to the material forming the gasket  16 ′. Alternatively, the hinge elements  400  could be moulded on the rigid body  4   a ′ with other channels, either independently or separately, said elements  400  being then associated to the door  4 ′ with respective engagement means or other means designed for the purpose. The ends of the elements  400  opposite to the ones joined to the gasket  16 ′ are shaped to engage in a stable way with respective fixing elements, designated by  2   e , formed on the body  2  of the dispenser  1 . In a position corresponding to the fixing elements  2   e , the side of the body  4   a ′ facing them has two interruptions or slots  4   n , each provided for enabling the passage of a respective element  400 . As may be seen particularly in  FIGS. 78 and 79 , in which the door  4 ′ is represented in a closed condition, the elements  400  have a respective initial portion  401 , designed to remain practically constantly in contact with the surface of the wall  4   b ′, followed by an intermediate portion  402 , designed to perform purely the function of elastic hinge. As may be noted, in the closed condition of the door  4 ′, said intermediate part assumes a curved configuration, in a position corresponding to the interruptions  4   n  of the body  4   a ′. The hinge elements  400  finally have a terminal portion, designed to remain practically constantly in contact with the front surface of the body  2  of the dispenser. As highlighted in  FIG. 79 , said terminal portion is provided with a profile designed for engagement in a corresponding seat formed within the respective fixing element  2   e . In the case exemplified, said profile comprises a relief  403 , designed to be inserted, in the production stage, into a seat formed transversely in the respective element  2   e . As may be appreciated, for the purposes of operation, the elasticity of the material constituting the hinge elements  400  enables the door  4 ′ to perform an angular movement between the respective closed and open conditions. It is to be noted that the elastic reaction of the elements  400  can also enable the movement of opening of the door even in the absence of a specific return spring. For this purpose, the hinge elements  400  could envisage larger sections or thicknesses, or else appropriate reliefs (not represented herein), designed to be compressed elastically in the step of closing of the door  4 ′. Obviously, the dispenser could also be equipped with a different number of hinge elements  400  from the case represented, also ones having shapes and/or locations different from the ones represented. Preferably, the elastic hinge element or elements provided is/are moulded in the respective resting condition, i.e., with said element or elements not curved (as in  FIG. 77 ). In this way, when the hinge element is bent (as in  FIG. 78 ), it works as a compressed spring, which tends to re-open the door  4 ′. It should be pointed out that the door-open position is the less “harmful” or stressing one for the hinge elements, in so far as it is the condition in which the said elements remain for a longer time. In said version, then, the elastic hinge/spring constituted by the element or elements  400  is less subjected to stress in the course of its working life. 
     As regards the embodiment proposed, it should again be pointed out how, in a possible implementation, the hinge element or elements made of elastic material provided can be moulded or overmoulded simultaneously on the rigid body  4   a ′ of the door  4 ′ and on the top piece  2   a  of the main body  2  of the dispenser, or else moulded with sequences and modalities different from the preferential ones described. In said application, then, the overmoulding die used (which works according to principles similar to the ones described with reference to  FIGS. 30-34 ), will define a common cavity designed to house both the piece  2   a  and the body  4   a ′. In said cavity there will then be injected the elastic material designed to form the hinge element or elements (and possibly other functional complements of the door), part of which will insinuate itself/themselves inside the seat formed in the fixing elements  2   e , thus also providing the union between said piece  2   a  and said body  4   a ′. 
     It is to be noted that, in said step of moulding of the additional elements or functional complements  400  directly on the main body  2  of the dispenser, part of the overmoulding material could be advantageously conveyed for making the sealing means typically present on the same body  2  (see the gasket designated by  116 ′ in  FIG. 82 ), and envisaged for providing sealing with respect to the wall on which the dispenser is then mounted (such as, for example, a wall of the tub or the inner door panel of a dish washer). 
     The hinge means  400  can in any case be co-moulded on just the door  4 ′ and subsequently associated to the body of the dispenser  1  (or also vice versa, as will be explained in what follows), preferably by inserting or engaging a corresponding portion thereof in seats  2   e  purposely provided in said body of the dispenser. Fixing in said seats can possibly be performed or enhanced by welding, bonding, or other known technique. 
     It should be pointed out that also the filler cap  8  could be provided with means of constraint to the body  2  of the dispenser  1 , configured for example as a substantially filiform element of adequate length, obtained in a single component with the sealing means  86  and/or the gripping element  88 , and having a respective end portion designed to be fixed in a respective seat provided in the body of the dispenser. Such a constraint element would have the function of supporting the filler cap  8  when this is removed from the respective opening  9 , for the purposes of charging the respective reservoir with the lustring agent. 
     The embodiments described previously could possibly be combined together, and/or in part omitted, and it is pointed out in particular that even just two from among the sealing means, the gripping means, the attenuation means, the return means, the push-button means, and the hinge means could be obtained in a single elastic body overmoulded on the rigid body of the door  4  or  4 ′, whilst the third of said means can be obtained separately and subsequently associated to the rigid body. In such a perspective, it will appear clear to the person skilled in the art that, for example with appropriate modifications of the rigid body of the door, the gasket and the gripping element could be obtained in a single body made of elastomer, and the attenuation element or elements could be obtained separately, as for example in the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . Another possibility is that of forming in a single silicone body the gasket and the attenuation element or elements, forming then separately the gripping element and associating it to the rigid body of the door, as for example in the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . Yet another possibility is that of forming in a single body the gripping element and the attenuation element or elements, making the gasket separately, and so forth. Furthermore, as has been said, there is nothing to rule out in principle forming even just one from among the sealing means, the gripping means, the attenuation means, the return means, the push-button means, and the hinge means via an overmoulding operation. 
     It is pointed out that the gripping elements provided on the door could be configured so as to be able to exert thereon an action other than a pressure with the fingers, and in particular a tensile force aimed at moving the door itself. In this case, said gripping elements will preferably project markedly with respect to the rigid body of the door. 
     What has been described previously in relation to the possibility of associating, overmoulding or co-moulding functional complements on the rigid body of a member for closing the dispenser according to the invention can be referred also to functional complements made of elastic, flexible or yielding material to be associated to the main body  2  of the dispenser  1 ,  1 ′. As already mentioned, for example, the dispensers designed to be fitted, at least partially, in a respective opening are provided with a perimetral gasket, usually made of elastomeric or silicone material, envisaged for providing a seal with respect to the wall on which the dispenser itself is mounted (typically a wall of the washing tub or the inner door panel of a dish washer). It has moreover been clarified above (see, in particular, what has been described with reference to  FIGS. 77-79 ) how hinge means can be overmoulded on the main body of the dispenser. 
     Consequently, in accordance with a further aspect of the invention, one or more functional complements can be overmoulded on the main body  2  made of rigid material of the dispenser  1 ,  1 ′, and possibly also on just one of its constituent pieces  2   a ,  2   b . Said complements could comprise, for example, in the case of a dispenser with a sliding door, at least the aforesaid perimetral gasket and one or more attenuation elements, aimed at enabling a damped end of travel for the door itself. In the case of a dispenser with an angularly movable door, the complements overmoulded on the main body of the dispenser could, instead, comprise the aforesaid perimetral gasket and the hinge elements made of synthetic material. Another functional complement that can be overmoulded on the body  2  of the dispenser might be a return spring for the door, for example having a structure similar to that previously designated by  70 , designed to be constrained in an intermediate point thereof to an engagement element provided for the purpose on the door of the dispenser. Obviously, also in this case a number of functional complements could be formed in a single component, via a single overmoulding operation. 
     Represented merely by way of example in  FIGS. 80-82  are two possible embodiments in this sense.  FIGS. 80 and 81  are views similar to the ones illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 1 , respectively, and use the same reference numbers for designating elements that are technically equivalent to the ones already described. Also represented in  FIG. 80  is the aforesaid perimetral gasket, designated by  116 , which is associated to the main body  2  of the dispenser  1 , and in particular to its piece  2   a . In said variant, the door  4  is without attenuation elements, in so far as the latter are associated to the piece  2   a , and in particular to the wall  2   a ′ of the latter. In the case exemplified, two attenuation elements are provided, designated by  118 , which are associated to the wall  2   a ′, in such a way as to face the wall  4   d  of the door. As may be appreciated, functioning of the attenuation means  118  is altogether similar to that of the homologous attenuation means previously designated by  18 . From the example represented, moreover, it may be appreciated how the perimetral gasket  116  and the attenuation elements  118  can be formed in a single component, overmoulded on the rigid body  2  or on its top piece or front piece  2   a . For said purpose, as may be noted, the attenuation elements  118  are connected to the gasket  116  via connection portions  118   a , formed by the overmoulding material that forms the aforesaid single component. In the example, the aforesaid connection portions  118   a  project directly with respect to the surface of the piece  2   a , but it is clear that in the latter there could be purposely provided seats or channels for said connection portions, or also through holes in the piece  2   a , for setting in communication the areas in which the elements  118  and the gasket  116  are to be formed. Also the same attenuation elements  118  could be at least in part set in in respective seats, and the wall  4   d  of the door  4  could be provided with reliefs or projections designed to co-operate with said elements. 
       FIG. 82  is a view similar to that of  FIG. 78  and uses the same reference numbers for designating elements that are technically equivalent to the ones already described. Also represented in  FIG. 82  is the perimetral gasket of the body  2  of the dispenser  1 ′, designated as a whole by  116 ′, which is associated to the piece  2   a  of the body itself. In such an embodiment, overmoulded on the piece  2   a  of the body of the dispenser  1 ′, for example, on the body  2  of a dispenser  1 ′ of the type illustrated in  FIGS. 77-79 , are both the aforesaid perimetral gasket  116 ′ and hinge elements, designated by  400 ′, which are, from the functional standpoint, similar to the hinge elements previously designated by  400 . In this case, the elements  400 ′ may be overmoulded on the body  2 , or on the piece  2  of said body, so that a part of the material that constitutes a first end thereof insinuates itself into respective fixing seats  2   e , previously formed in the step of moulding of the body  2  or of the piece  2   a . The second end of the hinge elements  400 ′ may then be fixed, in a subsequent step, to the body  4   a ′ of the door  4 ′, for example providing on the latter respective engagement seats. Fixing in said seats can possibly be obtained or enhanced by welding, bonding, or some other known technique. Also from  FIG. 82  it is possible to appreciate how the perimetral gasket  116 ′ and the hinge element or elements  400 ′ provided can be formed in a single component, overmoulded on the rigid body  2  of the dispenser  1 ′ or on its top or front piece  2   a . For said purpose, as may be noted, the hinge elements  400 ′ are connected to the gasket  116 ′ via connection portions  116   a ′, formed by the overmoulding material that forms the aforesaid single component. In the example provided, the aforesaid connection portions  116   a ′ project directly with respect to the surface of the piece  2   a , but it is evident that also in this case the piece  2   a  could be purposely provided with seats or channels for said connection stretches. Obviously, also in this case the piece  2   a  could envisage through holes for setting in communication the areas in which the elements  400 ′ and the gasket  116 ′ are to be formed. 
     In both of the solutions (with sliding door and tiltable door), for practical reasons or reasons of simplicity of production, various functional complements could be overmoulded on the top piece  2   a  of the body  2  of the dispenser  1 ,  1 ′, during production thereof, said piece  2   a  being subsequently welded to the bottom piece or half-body  2   b . 
     It is pointed out that, in another variant (not represented), the wall  2   a ′ of the piece  2   a  can be provided with through holes, to which attenuation elements similar to the ones of  FIGS. 11 and 12  can be associated, or else with seats in which attenuation elements similar to the ones of  FIGS. 59 and 60  can be at least partially housed. 
     In the case of a linearly sliding door, the surface of arrest designed to co-operate with the attenuation elements  18  could be defined by an element extraneous to the body  2  of the dispenser, such as for example a wall or a relief obtained in the inner door panel of the machine, or else a front appendage of a dish rack. Likewise, in the case of a tiltable door, said surface of arrest could be formed in the same body of the dispenser, for example in the form of reliefs located above the area of fulcrum of the door (in this case, as compared to the one exemplified in the figures, the attenuation elements  19 ′ could be closer to the means  5   c  and  5   d  forming the fulcrum of the door  1 ′). 
     From the foregoing description the advantages of the solutions of the invention described previously emerge clearly. Amongst these it is emphasized that:
         via the gripping element, the member for closing the dispenser is provided with a resting area made of elastic or yielding material, and hence of increased friction or adhesion in regard to the fingers of a user; this renders the operations of closing more convenient and secure, without any risks of the fingers slipping; the presence of the gripping element moreover enables limitation of the amount of the thrust that must be exerted on sliding doors in order to obtain the necessary sliding friction; substantially similar advantages are obtainable also in regard to the push-button element, with the corresponding arrangement for release of the door;   via the attenuation elements, the dispenser is provided with damped end-of-travel means for the movement of the door, this enabling reduction of the noisiness during the step of opening the compartment containing the detergent and a reduction in the vibrations whilst the machine is running, as well as prevention of repeated mechanical stresses on the dispenser;   the presence of the additional elements or functional complements, for example, the ones constituted by the gripping means and the attenuation means described, enables improvement of the overall styling of the dispenser; in this connection, it is pointed out that said added elements may be shaped as desired (obviously in a way compatible with the functions assigned thereto) and made also of materials having colours different from that of the main body of the closing member; in such a perspective, it is evident how the invention enables creation and combination of numerous aesthetic variants of one and the same product; and   the fact that one or more from among the sealing element or gasket, the gripping element, the attenuation elements, the elastic return element of the door, the push-button element, and the hinge means can be obtained via operations of overmoulding of synthetic material simplifies the process of production of the dispenser, reducing the steps and production times, with advantages also in terms of reduction of costs; said benefits are further increased in the case where two or more of the aforesaid elements are made in a single overmoulded component.       

     Inventive characteristics of the solutions proposed are summarized in the annexed claims, which are to be understood as forming an integral part of the descriptive content of the present patent application.