Patent Description:
Trigger dispensing devices are enormously popular today; several hundred million units are manufactured and sold each year.

For proper functionality, these devices provide valve means that regulate the flow of product from the bottle to a pressure chamber (suction phase) and from the pressure chamber to the external environment (dispensing phase).

In order to obtain a spray pattern with optimal features for the use of the product, e.g., uniformity of droplets, shape and size of the spray pattern, persistence of the product in air or on a surface, many solutions for dispensing devices provide pre-compression valves, which allow the product to escape from the pressure chamber to the external environment only when the pressure in the pressure chamber exceeds a predefined threshold value.

Given the high production volumes, the research and development efforts of manufacturing companies have focused on identifying solutions that meet the aforesaid requirements and facilitate the industrial processes of component production, device assembly, etc..

Some solutions, for example, involve suction valve means and pre-compression valve means integrated into a single valve element. For example, one solution is outlined in the International Application <CIT>, in the name of the Applicant. Another solution is outlined in <CIT>.

The object of this invention is to provide a trigger dispensing device with integrated valve means that are able to facilitate the manufacturing and assembly process.

This object is achieved by a dispensing head according to claim <NUM>. The dependent claims disclose further advantageous embodiments of the invention.

The features and advantages of the dispensing head according to this invention will be apparent from the description provided below, given by way of non-limiting example according to the figures in the appended drawings, wherein:.

With reference to the attached figures, a trigger dispensing device comprising a bottle <NUM> for containing a liquid product to be dispensed, and a trigger dispensing head <NUM> applied to a neck 2a of the bottle have been collectively referred to as <NUM>. The neck 2a has a neck axis X.

The head <NUM> is applicable to the bottle <NUM> by means of a ferrule system comprising a threaded ferrule <NUM> which may be screwed to the neck 2a or, according to a variant embodiment, by means of a bayonet system (not shown), preferably equipped with an anti-removal ridge.

The head <NUM> comprises a frame <NUM>, preferably made in one piece of plastic material, for example by injection molding, adapted to support the components of the head <NUM>.

The frame <NUM> comprises an attachment portion <NUM> provided with a main opening 12a having an attachment axis Z; when the head <NUM> is applied to the neck 2a, the main opening 12a is in communication with the compartment inside the neck 2a, and the attachment axis Z is coincident with the neck axis X.

The head <NUM> further comprises a circular cylindrical shaped cylinder chamber <NUM> having a chamber axis K orthogonal to the attachment axis Z; preferably, the cylinder chamber <NUM> is formed in the frame <NUM>.

The head <NUM> further comprises a suction duct that connects the main opening 12a with the cylinder chamber <NUM>.

Preferably, said suction duct comprises a first suction segment <NUM> which, starting from the main opening 12a, extends along a first suction axis W, parallel to and preferably spaced apart from the attachment axis Z, and a second suction segment <NUM> which flows into the cylinder chamber <NUM> and extends along a second suction axis Y, parallel to the chamber axis K; for example, the second suction axis Y is coincident with the chamber axis K. The second suction segment <NUM> is delimited by a suction mouth 18a.

Preferably, moreover, the first suction segment <NUM> and/or the second suction segment <NUM> are formed in the frame <NUM>.

The head <NUM> further comprises a dispensing duct that places the cylinder chamber <NUM> in communication with the external environment.

Preferably, the dispensing duct comprises a first dispensing segment <NUM> which, starting from the cylinder chamber <NUM>, extends along a first suction axis J orthogonal to the chamber axis K, and a second dispensing segment <NUM> which opens to the external environment and extends along a second dispensing axis Q parallel to the chamber axis K.

Preferably, moreover, the first dispensing segment <NUM> and/or the second dispensing segment <NUM> are formed in the frame <NUM>.

The head <NUM> further comprises a nozzle <NUM>, applied to the free end of the second dispensing segment <NUM>, preferably rotatable at least between a dispensing position, wherein the second dispensing segment <NUM> is in communication with the external environment, and a closed position, wherein the fluid communication between the second dispensing segment <NUM> and the external environment is prevented.

The cylinder chamber <NUM> is annularly delimited by a cylinder wall <NUM>, having an inner surface 24b, and on the bottom by a bottom wall <NUM>, from which the suction mouth 18a of the suction duct, and in particular the second suction segment <NUM>, protrudes. Further, a valve compartment <NUM>' is defined between the sleeve <NUM>, the cylinder wall <NUM>, and the bottom wall <NUM>, which will be discussed below.

A main vent passage <NUM>, on the other hand, which connects the main opening 12a with the cylinder chamber <NUM>, is formed in the cylinder wall <NUM>. Further, at least one through-slot <NUM>, preferably a pair of slots, having a circumferential pattern is obtained in the cylinder wall <NUM>.

Preferably, the head <NUM> further comprises a sleeve <NUM>, inserted into the cylinder chamber <NUM>, for example axially rotatable with the chamber axis K and preferably constrained with respect to an axial translation.

For example, the sleeve <NUM> comprises a cylindrical sleeve wall <NUM> that defines a head opening <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM>, delimited by a sleeve edge 33a; the sleeve wall <NUM> further has an outer surface 32a and an inner surface 32b. The sleeve <NUM> further comprises a bottom wall <NUM> orthogonal to the chamber axis K and an annular end wall <NUM> defining a bottom opening <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM>.

Preferably, the annular end wall <NUM> is radially lowered with respect of the sleeve wall <NUM>. Preferably, the end wall <NUM> has a smaller diameter than the sleeve wall <NUM>.

Preferably, the valve compartment <NUM>' has an annular shape extending radially externally about the end wall <NUM>.

On the outer surface 32a, the sleeve <NUM> has a first sealing region <NUM>, delimited by first sealing ridges, e.g., first circumferential sealing ridges 42a and first axial sealing ridges 42b, and a second closed sealing region <NUM>, delimited by second sealing ridges, e.g., second circumferential sealing ridges 42c.

Preferably, the first circumferential sealing ridges 42a and the second circumferential sealing ridges 42c form two continuous, axially spaced circumferential sealing beads, while the first axial sealing ridges <NUM> form two continuous, circumferentially spaced axial sealing beads arranged between said circumferential sealing beads.

According to a variant embodiment (not shown), the axial sealing ridges are arranged on the outer surface of the sleeve, while the circumferential sealing ridges are arranged on the inner surface of the cylinder wall.

The sleeve <NUM> also has a secondary vent passage <NUM> passing through the sleeve wall <NUM>, which opens onto the outer surface 32a within the first sealing region <NUM>.

The sleeve <NUM> further comprises at least one pin <NUM>, preferably a pair of pins, projecting from the outer surface 32a and suitable to be accommodated in the respective slot <NUM> of the cylinder chamber <NUM>.

Internally, the sleeve <NUM> has at least one pocket <NUM>, preferably a pair of pockets, having a predetermined angular extension, open on the head opening <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM> so as to be axially accessible. For this purpose, said pocket <NUM> forms an enlargement <NUM> on the sleeve edge 33a of the head opening <NUM>.

The sleeve <NUM> further comprises a maneuvering portion <NUM>, for example comprising an element extending radially externally from the sleeve wall <NUM> proximal to the head opening <NUM>.

The suction duct flows into the sleeve <NUM> through the bottom opening <NUM>; in particular, the second suction segment <NUM> opens into the sleeve <NUM>, for example, in the compartment delimited by the end wall <NUM>.

The head <NUM> further comprises a piston <NUM>, preferably insertable into the sleeve <NUM> through the head opening <NUM> and sealingly slidable within said sleeve <NUM>.

Preferably, the piston <NUM> is made in one piece of plastic material, obtained for example by injection molding.

The preferably hollow piston <NUM> comprises an annular piston wall <NUM> extending along a piston axis P between a front end <NUM> and a rear end <NUM>. The piston <NUM> further comprises a piston bottom <NUM> at the front end <NUM> and at least one circumferential piston seal <NUM> protruding externally from the piston wall <NUM>. At the rear end <NUM>, the piston <NUM> has a piston-coupling portion <NUM> for coupling to a trigger of the head <NUM>, provided, for example, with holes <NUM>.

For example, the piston <NUM> further comprises at least one abutment <NUM>, preferably a pair of abutments, projecting radially externally from the piston wall <NUM>, preferably in the proximity of the rear end <NUM>.

When the head <NUM> is assembled, the sleeve <NUM> is inserted into the cylinder chamber <NUM> so that the sleeve edge 33a remains outside the cylinder chamber <NUM> and abuts against the edge of the cylinder wall <NUM>; the maneuvering portion <NUM> also remains outside. The pin <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM> is accommodated slidably in the slot <NUM>.

The sealing ridges 42a, 42b, 42c on the outer surface 32a of the sleeve <NUM> form a seal with the inner surface 24b of the cylinder wall <NUM>.

The piston <NUM> is in turn inserted within the sleeve <NUM>; within the sleeve <NUM>, the piston seal <NUM> delimits a pressure chamber 30a, on the side where the suction duct opens.

According to a variant embodiment (not shown), the piston is sealingly slidable in the cylinder chamber, so that the piston seal is in sealed contact and slidable on the inner surface of the piston chamber.

The head <NUM> further comprises a trigger <NUM>, comprising a lever actuation portion <NUM> suitable for positioning the user's fingers for actuating the head <NUM>, and a trigger engagement portion <NUM> for connecting with the piston <NUM>. For example, the trigger <NUM> is hinged to the piston <NUM>, such as by engagement of the trigger engagement portion <NUM> with the piston engagement portion <NUM> of the piston <NUM>.

The head <NUM> further comprises elastic return means suitable for permanently acting on the piston <NUM>, either directly or indirectly, to bring it toward an initial position which will be discussed hereinafter. For example, said return means comprise at least one flexible element <NUM>, preferably a pair of flexible elements, made in one piece with the actuation portion <NUM> of the trigger <NUM>.

The head <NUM> further comprises valve means suitable for regulating the flow of product from the suction duct to the pressure chamber 30a and from the pressure chamber 30a to the dispensing duct. Said valve means are preferably accommodated in the valve compartment <NUM>'.

Said valve means comprise an at least partially flexible valve element <NUM> made in one piece, for example, by injection molding.

The valve element <NUM> comprises a tubular portion <NUM> comprising an annular valve wall <NUM> extending along a valve axis V, between a rear end <NUM> defining a rear opening <NUM>, and a front end <NUM>.

The valve element <NUM> further comprises a flexible flap <NUM> connected in a cantilevered manner to the front end <NUM> of the valve wall <NUM>, projecting radially internally.

The flap <NUM> has, from the side facing the rear opening <NUM>, a shutter portion <NUM>, for example flat or hemispherical or truncated-cone shape.

The valve element <NUM> further comprises an annular membrane <NUM> that extends radially externally from the tubular portion <NUM>. The membrane <NUM> is, for example, flat or, according to further variants (not shown), concave on the part facing the front end <NUM> of the tubular portion <NUM> or convex on the part facing the front end <NUM> of the tubular portion <NUM>.

Preferably, the membrane <NUM> extends radially beyond the end wall <NUM>.

The valve element <NUM> further comprises a support portion <NUM> composed of an annular support wall <NUM> that connects to and surrounds the membrane <NUM>.

Preferably, the support wall <NUM> has a flared shape towards the front end <NUM> of the tubular portion <NUM> and, on the part facing the rear end <NUM>, a wavy valve base <NUM> that forms a support for the valve element.

The valve element <NUM> is located in the cylinder chamber <NUM>, against the bottom wall <NUM>, against which the valve base <NUM> is placed; the support wall <NUM>, on the other hand, is in contact with the cylinder wall <NUM> and creates a seal against product leakage.

The tubular portion <NUM> is threaded onto the suction duct, and in particular onto the second suction segment <NUM>, and the flap <NUM> forms a flexible shutter for said suction duct. The suction mouth 18a of the suction duct and the flexible flap <NUM> form suitable suction valve means for allowing product to pass from the suction duct to the pressure chamber 30a in a suction phase and preventing product from passing from the pressure chamber 30a to the suction duct in a dispensing phase.

The membrane <NUM> cooperates with the sleeve <NUM>, and in particular closes the bottom opening <NUM> of the pressure chamber 30a and abuts against the end wall <NUM>. The end wall <NUM> and the membrane <NUM> form pre-compression valve means suitable to allow product to pass from the pressure chamber 30a to the dispensing duct only when the pressure in the pressure chamber 30a exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Said pre-compression valves are also suitable for preventing the product from passing from the dispensing duct to the pressure chamber 30a during a suction phase.

The valve element <NUM> cooperating with the suction mouth 18a of the suction duct and the end wall <NUM> of the sleeve thus integrates both the suction valve means and the pre-compression valve means into a single component.

In normal operation of the trigger dispensing device, the head <NUM> is applied to the bottle <NUM>, so that the suction duct is in communication with the compartment inside the bottle, via the main opening 12a.

Preferably, in an initial locked configuration (<FIG>), the sleeve <NUM> is in an angular locked position whereby the sleeve edge 33a forms an obstacle to the axial translation of the abutment <NUM> of the piston <NUM>, whereby, while actuating the trigger <NUM>, the piston <NUM> is prevented from completing a stroke that actuates dispensing. In said initial locked configuration, the maneuvering portion <NUM> and the pin <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM> are in their respective angular locked positions.

In said configuration, the main vent passage <NUM> is sealed from the outside environment, thus preventing the product from escaping to the outside in the event of the device tipping over. In effect, when the sleeve is in the angular locked position, the main vent passage <NUM> opens into the second sealing region <NUM> of the outer surface 32a of the sleeve <NUM>, which, cooperating with the inner side surface 24b of the cylinder wall <NUM>, forms a sealed closed space (<FIG>).

Preferably, by rotating the sleeve <NUM>, for example via the maneuvering portion <NUM>, by, for example, an angle of about <NUM>°, the head <NUM> reaches an initial release configuration (<FIG>), wherein the pocket <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM> is axially aligned with the abutment <NUM> of the piston <NUM>, so that, upon actuating the trigger <NUM>, the piston <NUM> may make an actuation stroke of the head that allows product to be dispensed. In said initial release configuration, the maneuvering portion <NUM> and the pin <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM> are in the respective angular release position.

Further, in said configuration, the main vent passage <NUM> is open to the external environment, thus allowing air to be drawn in from the outside into the internal compartment of the bottle during the suction phase. In effect, when the sleeve <NUM> is in the angular release position, the main vent passage <NUM> flows into the first sealing region <NUM> of the outer surface 32a of the sleeve <NUM>, which, cooperating with the inner side surface 24b of the cylinder wall <NUM>, forms a delimited space which, via the secondary vent passage <NUM>, communicates with the inner surface 32b of the sleeve <NUM>, which is in communication with the external environment during the suction phase (<FIG>).

In other words, the sleeve <NUM> is rotatable by the user between an angular working position, wherein the main vent passage <NUM> is in fluid communication with the secondary vent passage <NUM>, and an angular rest position, wherein the main vent passage <NUM> is fluidically separated from the secondary vent passage <NUM>. In particular, in the angular rest position, the main vent passage <NUM> is fluidically separated from the secondary vent passage <NUM> by said sealing ridges 42a, 42b, 42c, arranged between the inner surface 24b of the cylinder wall <NUM> and the outer surface 32a of the sleeve wall <NUM>.

In the initial release configuration, the trigger <NUM> and the piston <NUM> are in a respective initial rest position, and the pre-compression valve means and the suction valve means are in a respective closed configuration.

By actuating the trigger <NUM>, the axial translation of the piston <NUM> occurs, said piston moving within the sleeve <NUM> and putting pressure on the product contained in the pressure chamber 30a.

Once a predefined threshold pressure in the pressure chamber 30a has been exceeded, the pre-compression valve means pass to an open configuration wherein they allow the product to pass from the pressure chamber 30a to the dispensing duct (<FIG>).

Specifically, the membrane <NUM> separates from the end wall <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM> and allows the product to pass to the dispensing duct, allowing it to be dispensed externally through the nozzle <NUM> (dispensing phase). The suction valve means remain in the closed configuration.

Once the trigger <NUM> and piston <NUM> are in the end position (<FIG>) and the dispensing phase is complete, the trigger <NUM> is released and the elastic return devices operate to return the piston <NUM> and the trigger <NUM> to their initial rest position.

The return of the piston <NUM> to its initial rest position causes a pressure drop in the pressure chamber 30a, which causes the suction valve means to move into an open configuration wherein they allow product to be drawn from the suction duct into the pressure chamber 30a (<FIG>).

In particular, the flap <NUM> flexes and separates from the suction mouth 18a of the suction duct, allowing the product to pass from the suction duct into the pressure chamber 30a (suction phase).

Further, in the suction phase, the internal compartment of the bottle is in communication with the external environment through the secondary vent passage <NUM>, the first sealing region <NUM>, and the main vent passage <NUM>.

According to a preferred embodiment, moreover, the head <NUM> comprises a shell <NUM> attached to the frame <NUM> to cover it. Preferably, the shell <NUM> is applied to the frame <NUM> by at least one snap coupling.

For example, there is provided a first snap coupling <NUM> arranged in an upper region of the frame <NUM>, such as above the second dispensing segment <NUM>, and a second snap coupling <NUM>, arranged in a lower region of the frame, for example below the bottom wall <NUM> of the cylinder chamber <NUM>.

For example, the at least one snap coupling comprises a pair of flexible hooks <NUM>', <NUM>" that work in an opposing manner.

Preferably, moreover, an upper surface <NUM> of the shell <NUM> comprises a flat region <NUM>. Advantageously, said region allows any weight on the device to be better supported, for example during storage in the warehouse, avoiding the detachment of the shell from the frame.

According to an embodiment, moreover, wherein the first dispensing segment <NUM> is formed in the frame <NUM> and extends along the first suction axis J orthogonal to the chamber axis K, the frame <NUM> also has an extension or inner duct <NUM>' of the first dispensing segment <NUM> along said first suction axis J.

The extension <NUM>' is itself open to the outside by means of a duct opening <NUM>", in order to allow, during the molding of the frame, the introduction of a core for forming the first dispensing segment <NUM>.

Preferably, the shell <NUM> comprises a cap <NUM>, protruding internally, suitable for closing off access to the outside of the extension <NUM>'.

Preferably, moreover, the cap <NUM> is connected to the remaining portion of the shell <NUM> via a plurality of breakable septa <NUM>. In the event of strong impacts, such as to cause even temporary deformation of the shell <NUM> or even disassembly, at least some of said septa <NUM> will encounter breakage, so that the cap <NUM> is at least partially released from the remaining portion of the shell <NUM> and remains to close the extension <NUM>'. Advantageously, this prevents product from leaking from the extension <NUM>'.

According to a variant embodiment (not shown), the shell is devoid of the cap, and the head comprises a separate cap, applied to the extension to close it.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the trigger dispensing head <NUM> comprises a frame <NUM> for supporting components and a shell <NUM> applied to the frame <NUM> for covering said components, wherein said frame <NUM> has an inner duct <NUM>' opening to the outside via a duct opening <NUM>" and said shell <NUM> comprises internally a cap <NUM> made in one piece with the remaining portion of the shell, wherein the cap <NUM> closes access to the outside of the inner duct <NUM>' and said cap <NUM> is joined to the remaining part of the shell via at least one breakable septum <NUM>.

Advantageously, this allows for the construction of a trigger dispensing head that may absorb shocks due to less than optimal transport conditions. In effect, if such shocks tend to deform or disassemble the shell, the septa will break and the internal duct will remain closed, avoiding unwanted product spillage.

Innovatively, the above-described dispensing head satisfies the needs of the industry and overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks, in that the valve element integrates suction and pre-compression valve means and, at the same time, facilitates the manufacturing of the component and the assembly of the head.

Claim 1:
A trigger dispensing head (<NUM>) applicable to a bottle (<NUM>) of a trigger dispensing device (<NUM>) for dispensing a product, comprising:
- a cylinder chamber (<NUM>) annularly delimited by a cylinder wall (<NUM>), having an inner surface (24b), and by a bottom wall (<NUM>) at the bottom;
- a piston (<NUM>) which is manually operable to translate along an axial direction;
- a pressure chamber (30a) onto which said piston (<NUM>) operates;
- a sleeve (<NUM>) at least partially accommodated in the cylinder chamber (<NUM>), comprising an annular end wall (<NUM>) defining a bottom opening (<NUM>) of the sleeve (<NUM>), wherein the sleeve (<NUM>), the cylinder wall (<NUM>) and the bottom wall (<NUM>) define a valve compartment (<NUM>');
- a suction duct adapted to put an inner compartment of the bottle in communication with the pressure chamber (<NUM>), comprising a suction mouth (18a) projecting axially from the bottom wall (<NUM>);
- a dispensing duct adapted to put the pressure chamber (30a) in communication with the external environment;
- valve means for adjusting the flow of product from the suction duct to the pressure chamber (30a) during a suction step and from the pressure chamber to the dispensing duct during a dispensing step, comprising a valve element (<NUM>) in one piece, housed in said valve compartment (<NUM>'), comprising:
a) a tubular portion (<NUM>) consisting of an annular valve wall (<NUM>) extending along a valve axis (V), between a rear end (<NUM>) defining a rear opening (<NUM>) and a front end (<NUM>) defining a front opening (<NUM>), said valve wall (<NUM>) being fitted on the suction mouth (18a);
b) a flexible flap (<NUM>), connected in a cantilevered manner to the front end (<NUM>) of the valve wall (<NUM>), radially projecting internally, provided, on the side facing the rear opening (<NUM>), with a shutter portion (<NUM>) adapted to create a seal with the suction mouth (18a) for obtaining valve means;
c) an annular membrane (<NUM>) radially extending externally from the valve wall (<NUM>), adapted to abut against the annular end wall (<NUM>) of the sleeve (<NUM>), thus creating a seal with the bottom opening (<NUM>) for obtaining pre-compression valve means.