Patent Description:
Solutions are known in which to dose the fluid substance, an operator opens a container of such substance and pours it into a separate measuring cup in which a graduated scale is shown.

One drawback of such a solution is that in order to carry out such an operation, the user must pay particular attention. In fact, there is a risk of spilling part of the content outside the measuring cup (a particularly undesirable situation, especially if the substance is a viscous and sticky syrup). A further drawback is connected to the fact that if the user erroneously dispenses an excessive amount of substance, the reverse operation to reintroduce it into the container would be rather complex to perform.

In this context, the technical task underlying the present invention is to propose an ergonomic dispenser which allows to facilitate the operation of dosing a predetermined amount of product and its intake. This is in order to facilitate the dosing and intake operation in the case of elderly people, with reduced hand motor capacity or which is compromised by shaking or other or more simply to make it more convenient and faster for a user.

The technical task set and the objects specified are substantially attained by a dispenser comprising the technical features as set out in one or more of the appended claims.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the approximate and thus non-limiting description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a dispenser, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:.

In the appended figures of the drawings, reference numeral <NUM> denotes a dispenser of a fluid substance. The dispenser <NUM> comprises a container <NUM> of the fluid substance. As mentioned above, such a fluid substance can be a liquid or a dense substance such as a syrup. Typically, the fluid substance is a pharmaceutical or nutraceutical or food substance.

The dispenser <NUM> suitably comprises a measuring cup <NUM> for dosing the fluid substance to be dispensed. The measuring cup <NUM> is suitably graduated or comprises notches indicating an amount of the substance. The dispenser <NUM> suitably comprises a dispenser <NUM> which allows the fluid substance present in the measuring cup <NUM> to be dispensed. Thereby, the fluid substance can exit from the dispenser <NUM>. Such a dispenser <NUM> can be occluded by a cover <NUM>. The cover <NUM> is therefore openable. The measuring cup <NUM> is interposed between the cover <NUM> and the container <NUM>. Preferably, the graduated scale has increasing numerical references as it moves away from the cover <NUM> (this is to facilitate reading once the dispenser <NUM> has been turned upside down, placing the cover down to allow the passage by gravity of the fluid substance from the container <NUM> to the measuring cup <NUM>). If necessary, the graduated scale could have numerical references readable in two opposite directions or in any case it could have two graduated scales readable alternatively to each other depending on whether the measuring cup <NUM> is higher or lower with respect to the container <NUM>. Suitably, the cover <NUM> comprises a flat base <NUM>. This allows to support the dispenser <NUM> by adopting the cover <NUM> as the lower support. Suitably, the cover <NUM> comprises a cap <NUM> which defines a projection which protrudes from the base <NUM>. With the cover <NUM> closed, the cap <NUM> is suitable for occluding the dispenser <NUM>, possibly by engaging therein. Suitably, the cover <NUM> could be of the "child proof" type. For example, the cover <NUM> could have unlocking elements which are located on two opposite sides. Suitably, the opening of the cover <NUM> could require the simultaneous compression of two typically opposite areas of the cover <NUM>.

The measuring cup <NUM> suitably defines an internal dosing chamber <NUM>. The fluid substance withdrawn from the container <NUM> is placed in such a chamber <NUM>, waiting to be dispensed by the dispenser <NUM>. Suitably, the measuring cup <NUM> comprises an external annular wall <NUM>. A gap <NUM> is interposed between the external annular wall <NUM> and the internal dosing chamber <NUM>. This allows to have a narrower transverse section of the internal dosing chamber <NUM> than that delimited by the external wall <NUM>. Thereby, the graduated scale can more easily detect the increase in height of the fluid substance inside the measuring cup <NUM>. Suitably, the internal chamber <NUM> is delimited by a cylindrical wall <NUM>.

Suitably, the measuring cup <NUM> is made of transparent material. In particular, the external wall <NUM> and/or the cylindrical wall <NUM> is/are transparent.

In a particular embodiment, the cover <NUM> could comprise a coupling area to the measuring cup <NUM>. Suitably, the cover <NUM> could contribute to delimiting the chamber <NUM>.

The dispenser <NUM> comprises a first line <NUM> for the fluid-dynamic connection between the measuring cup <NUM> and the container <NUM> for the transit of the fluid substance.

The dispenser <NUM> comprises a second line <NUM> for the fluid-dynamic connection between the measuring cup <NUM> and the container <NUM> for the transit of air. The second line <NUM> is an air vent line. It allows to compensate for the passage of the fluid substance between the container <NUM> and the measuring cup <NUM> with a movement in an opposite air direction.

The dispenser <NUM> comprises a valve <NUM> which is movable between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration the valve <NUM> allows the fluid-dynamic connection between the container <NUM> and the measuring cup <NUM> by means of the first and the second connection line <NUM>, <NUM> (see <FIG>). In the second configuration, the valve <NUM> prevents the fluid-dynamic connection between the container <NUM> and the measuring cup <NUM> by means of the first and the second connection line <NUM>, <NUM> (see <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>). The valve <NUM> is suitably a slide valve, but could also be of another type.

The dispenser <NUM> comprises an operation actuator <NUM> for operating the valve <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> can be operated by a user. Suitably, the actuator <NUM> is directly accessible from the outside of the dispenser <NUM>. Typically the actuator <NUM> is a mechanical actuator. Advantageously, it is a button. A compression of the actuator <NUM> towards the interior of the dispenser <NUM> causes the passage from the second to the first configuration. Suitably, the button is movable towards the interior of the dispenser to cause from the second to the first configuration.

the dispenser <NUM> has a preponderant longitudinal extension direction. The button to allow the valve <NUM> to pass from the second to the first configuration is movable along a direction orthogonal to a direction identified by said preponderant longitudinal extension direction.

If necessary, the actuator <NUM> (solution not illustrated) could be a lever.

The second line <NUM> comprises a first funnel <NUM> which extends in the measuring cup <NUM>. Suitably, the first funnel <NUM> extends along a straight direction. Suitably, the first funnel <NUM> extends for at least three centimetres.

Suitably, the first funnel <NUM> extends in the measuring cup <NUM>.

Advantageously, the first funnel <NUM> affects at least <NUM>% of the height of the measuring cup <NUM>.

Advantageously, the second line <NUM> comprises a second funnel <NUM>. The second funnel <NUM> protrudes in the container <NUM>. Preferably, the second funnel <NUM> affects at least <NUM>% of the height of the container <NUM>. Suitably, the second funnel <NUM> extends along a straight direction. Suitably, it extends for at least three centimetres. In the first configuration, the valve <NUM> aligns with the first and the second funnel <NUM>, <NUM>, allowing the transit of air along the second line <NUM>.

The valve <NUM> comprises a first and a second passage hole <NUM>, <NUM>. In the first configuration, the first passage hole <NUM> aligns with the first line <NUM> and the second passage hole <NUM> aligns with the second line <NUM>. In the second configuration, the first passage hole <NUM> is misaligned with the first line <NUM> and the second passage hole <NUM> is misaligned with the second line <NUM>. The first and the second line <NUM>, <NUM> are therefore interrupted. This prevents the fluid substance from transiting between the measuring cup <NUM> and the container <NUM>. In particular, the first line <NUM> comprises a first section <NUM> which always remains in fluid communication with the container <NUM> and a second section <NUM> which always remains in fluid communication with the measuring cup <NUM>. In the first configuration, the first passage hole <NUM> allows the fluid communication between the first and the second section <NUM>, <NUM>. In the second configuration, the valve <NUM> occludes the first and/or the second section <NUM>, <NUM>. In this regard, the valve <NUM> comprises a first wall <NUM> which in the second configuration overlaps the first section <NUM> and a second wall <NUM> which in the second configuration overlaps the second section <NUM>.

Suitably, the second line <NUM> comprises a first duct <NUM> which is always in fluid communication with the container <NUM>. Suitably, the second line <NUM> comprises a second duct <NUM> which is always in fluid communication with the measuring cup <NUM>. In the first configuration, the second passage hole <NUM> allows the fluid communication between the first and the second duct <NUM>, <NUM>. In the second configuration, the valve <NUM> occludes the first and/or the second duct <NUM>, <NUM>. In this regard, the valve <NUM> comprises a first portion <NUM> which in the second configuration overlaps the first duct <NUM> (occluding it) and a second portion <NUM> which in the second configuration overlaps the second duct <NUM> (occluding it).

As mentioned above, the valve <NUM> comprises a drawer <NUM> in which the first and the second passage holes <NUM>, <NUM> are made. The first and the second passage hole <NUM>, <NUM> cross the drawer from side to side.

The first and the second passage hole <NUM>, <NUM> are at a mutual distance which is fixed. Such a distance is also unchanged in both the first and the second configuration.

The valve <NUM> alone is able to control both the first and the second line <NUM>, <NUM>.

The dispenser <NUM> advantageously comprises elastic means <NUM> which spontaneously moves the valve <NUM> from the second towards the first configuration. This is for the benefit of safety. In the absence of an explicit user command, the passage of the fluid substance between the container <NUM> and the measuring cup <NUM> is therefore prevented. Suitably, the dispenser <NUM> comprises an abutment <NUM> which in the second configuration stops the movement of the valve <NUM> from the first to the second configuration.

As exemplified in the accompanying figures, the dispenser <NUM> comprises a connector <NUM> to which the container <NUM> and the measuring cup <NUM> are constrained on opposite sides. Suitably, the connector <NUM> comprises a single monolithic body to which the container <NUM> and the measuring cup <NUM> are constrained.

Suitably, the container <NUM> and the connector <NUM> are mutually connected by means of a removable or immovable connection system. For example, the container <NUM> and the connector <NUM> are mutually connected by threaded means or by means of a snap connection. Suitably, the measuring cup <NUM> and the connector <NUM> are connected to each other by means of a removable or immovable connection system. For example, the measuring cup <NUM> and the connector <NUM> are mutually connected by threaded means or by means of a snap connection. Suitably, the connector <NUM> can be inscribed in an imaginary cylinder with a diameter less than <NUM> centimetres. In particular, the connector <NUM> has a diameter less than <NUM> centimetres. This is to facilitate a one-handed grip and the operation of the actuator <NUM>. Suitably, the dispenser <NUM> can be entirely contained in a cylinder with a diameter of <NUM> centimetres and a height of <NUM> centimetres. This is to facilitate ergonomics.

Suitably, in the exemplary solution of <FIG>, the container <NUM> is directly accessible and visible from the outside of the dispenser <NUM>. Suitably in the solution of <FIG>, the dispenser <NUM> comprises a casing <NUM> for housing the container <NUM>. The housing casing <NUM> advantageously comprises two half-shells. The casing <NUM> is advantageously openable, for example to allow an inspection or a replacement of the container <NUM>. Suitably, the container <NUM> is not visible from the outside of the dispenser <NUM>. Suitably, the casing <NUM> is connected to the connector <NUM>.

The valve <NUM> is integrated in the connector <NUM>. The connector <NUM> suitably defines a housing <NUM> of the valve <NUM>. Such a housing <NUM> defines a guide for the valve <NUM> in the movement between the first and the second configuration.

Operatively during use, the valve <NUM> is moved from the second to the first configuration and the measuring cup <NUM> is placed below the container <NUM>. Thereby, the fluid substance present in the container <NUM> will flow by gravity into the measuring cup <NUM> (transiting along the first line <NUM>). This is suitably accompanied by a movement of air from the measuring cup <NUM> to the container <NUM> to facilitate the outflow of the fluid substance. In fact, the measuring cup <NUM> is closed towards the outside of the dispenser if the dispenser <NUM> is closed. After having introduced the predetermined amount of fluid substance into the measuring cup <NUM>, the valve <NUM> is positioned in the second configuration. Suitably, this occurs spontaneously by releasing the actuator <NUM>. The substance is dispensed through the dispenser <NUM> when the cover <NUM> is open. If an excessive amount of fluid substance is introduced into the measuring cup <NUM>, it can be reintroduced into the container <NUM>. In this regard, the dispenser <NUM> is oriented so that the measuring cup <NUM> is located above the container <NUM>. By moving the valve <NUM> into the first configuration, the fluid substance can flow into the container <NUM> by means of the first line <NUM> by gravity. This is suitably accompanied by a movement of air along the second line <NUM> from the container <NUM> towards the measuring cup <NUM>.

The present invention achieves important advantages.

Firstly, it allows to facilitate dispensing the product. The user can therefore perform such an operation even with only one hand. Similarly, the operation is particularly easy for people who are elderly or who have reduced hand motor capacity.

Claim 1:
A dispenser of a fluid substance comprising:
- a container (<NUM>) of the fluid substance;
- a measuring cup (<NUM>) for dosing the fluid substance to be dispensed;
- a first line (<NUM>) for the fluid-dynamic connection between the measuring cup (<NUM>) and the container (<NUM>) for the transit of the fluid substance;
- a second line (<NUM>) for the fluid-dynamic connection between the measuring cup (<NUM>) and the container (<NUM>) for the transit of air;
- a valve (<NUM>) movable between a first configuration in which it allows the fluid-dynamic connection between the container (<NUM>) and the measuring cup (<NUM>) by means of the first and the second connection line (<NUM>, <NUM>) and a second configuration in which it prevents the fluid-dynamic connection between the container (<NUM>) and the measuring cup (<NUM>) by means of the first and the second connection line (<NUM>, <NUM>);
- an actuator (<NUM>) for operating the valve (<NUM>), said actuator (<NUM>) being operable by a user.