Patent Description:
In particular, the present invention refers to dispensing taps, preferably for BIB systems with opening, which allows the dispensing of fluids contained inside the container (preferably BIB), made by means of a driving element with protruding fins, on which it is possible to apply a lifting force, preferably transmitted by the index and ring fingers, resting on the lower external surfaces of the fins protruding from the dispensing tap and compensated by the opposable thumb placed in the opposite position to the lifting effort, as shown in <FIG>.

In particular, the new inventive tap must have an anti-counterfeiting or anti-tampering ("tamper-evident") system with a rupture band, which remains bound to the tap without being dispersed into the environment, as required by the new European and international directives on articles of disposable plastic (SUP), thus enabling their recovery and recycling.

The inventive tap must also have geometries that will enable a perfect sealing and will rest on the new tamper-evident band when the tap is in its closed position and with the tamper-evident seal still inviolate. In particular, the driving element, on which geometries are obtained that enable the perfect functioning of the tamper-evident seal when it is in its closed position, must be constrained to an elastic element, positioned inside the body of the inventive tap, which is specifically designed to be used "in common" with all new versions of the hood and also with the hood currently on the market, enabling the use and production of a single component in common with all potentially producible versions, which determines opening (due to the traction force impressed on the driving element to which it is bound) and self-closing (due to the elastic characteristics of the material and the special dome geometry).

In particular, the tap of the present invention can be considered a technological innovation of a known version currently on the market and which is protected by patent <CIT>.

This well-known dispensing tap, while functioning completely effectively, fails, maintaining the current conformation, to comply with the new European and international directives on disposable plastic items (SUP), as it is equipped with a removable band guarantee seal, which in fact detaches and which, if not properly disposed of, would be dispersed in the environment.

The configuration of the dispensing tap currently on the market consists of four elements: a first cap 2A, a first operating element 3A, an internal valve or membrane <NUM> and a first body 4A, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>. <FIG> shows the tap currently on the market in its closed position, with the tamper-evident seal still intact, highlighting the fact that the system, preferably BIB, has not yet been opened to guarantee the end consumer. Once the tamper-evident band has been removed, as shown in <FIG>, the tap is ready to be opened for the first time, as shown in the images in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. In this phase, the tamper-evident band 2A2 of the first cap 2A of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> must be disposed of (correctly or not, and in any case even if disposed of correctly, due to its small size, it would not be recycled properly but would end up in the undifferentiated waste: this is what makes the current application on the market non-compliant with the new European and international directives on disposable plastic items (SUP)) and then one can proceed with the first opening, as shown in <FIG>.

Preferably, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, where the tap currently on the market can be seen in its open position to allow the dispensing of fluids from containers, the opening force is transmitted to the internal sealing elements (internal valve or dome membrane) <NUM> of <FIG>, also represented, as regards the version currently on the market, in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, in which the first operating element 3A of <FIG> with the fins 3A1 of <FIG> is stably connected, by means of its coupling end 3A2, to the coupling cavity <NUM> (<FIG>) obtained inside the internal valve or elastic membrane <NUM>.

The internal valve or membrane <NUM> will also and above all have the purpose of coupling stably and hermetically with the body 4A shown in <FIG>, as regards the configuration currently on the market, using the internal wall 4A. <NUM> and the internal groove 4A. <NUM> of <FIG>. The internal valve or membrane <NUM> is locked in the right position and above all resists the stresses it receives on the first operating element 3A of <FIG> during the opening phases of the tap <NUM>, transmitted as described above by the opening force imposed on the surfaces 3A1 of the external fins, due to the internal geometries 2A4 of the first cap 2A stably bound in turn to the first body 4A of <FIG> by means of ultrasonic welding, specifically in this case of the prior art tap present on the market. The description of the tap 1A currently on the market is contained in document <CIT> mentioned above, which can be considered the progenitor as regards automatic closing liquid dispensers.

With reference to <FIG>, the integrated tamper-evident 2A2 removable band seal 2A is shown, with opening by means of the first operating element 3A connected through the geometry 3A2 of <FIG> to the internal valve or dome-shaped elastic membrane <NUM> by means of the cavity <NUM> of <FIG>, which also allows self-closing, due to its elastic and geometric properties, once the tabs 3A1 of the first operating element 3A of <FIG> have been released.

In particular, with reference to <FIG>, they show the transition from the latest version currently marketed all over the world of the dispensing prior art tap, to a dispensing tap 1A made entirely of plastic material formed by a first body 4A of <FIG>.

In particular, it is formed, referring to <FIG>, by an elongated rear area 1A BACK on which the connection element 4A. <NUM> and the anti-removal sharp-edged element 4A. <NUM> are made, which stably couple with a sharp-edged geometry present on the nozzle for connection to the bag (in the case of the BIB version), not shown. On the tap 1A it is also possible to highlight, with reference to <FIG> or <FIG>, the front part 1A FRONT whose front cylinder is placed perpendicular to 1A BACK, which acts as the main seat on which they are assembled, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the internal valve or elastic dome membrane <NUM>, made of flexible elastomeric material, a first operating element 3A linked to the internal valve or flexible elastic dome membrane <NUM> by means of a mechanical coupling with coupling end and coupling cavity (3A2-<NUM>), and a first cap 2A with removable seal 2A2. In particular, referring to <FIG>, the internal valve or flexible elastic dome membrane <NUM> is the "heart" of the dispensing system which actually gives "life" to the dispensing tap since, based on its position determined by the position of the first operating element 3A to which it is stably bound and to which traction can be applied or not on the external fins, determines the opening and closing of the tap.

Furthermore, the internal valve or elastic dome membrane <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, determines the perfect seal against liquids of the tap itself, interfering with the internal surfaces of the body, as shown in <FIG>, where there are elements of upper seal 4A. <NUM> - sealing circumference <NUM> and the lower sealing elements (on the liquid outlet hole) internal wall 4A. <NUM> - external vertical sealing wall <NUM> of the valve or elastic dome membrane 5A on the body 4A.

Furthermore, the internal valve or elastic dome membrane <NUM> acts as a "spring" which allows the closing or opening of the liquid delivery hole, as shown in <FIG>. Again, the main peculiarity of the internal valve or membrane elastic dome with spring <NUM> allows the automatic closing of the tap 1A once the fins of the first operating element 3A are released, and therefore no action is applied to them anymore. To better specify, the first operating element 3A is stably bound to the internal valve or elastic dome membrane <NUM> by means of the coupling end 3A2. The first operating element 3A has the purpose of allowing the end user to be able to open and close the outlet hole of the liquid, carrying out, with the index finger and the middle or ring finger, a traction on the fins (compensated by the opposable thumb finger which instead will create a pressure on the upper cap 2A on the specially made central seat), as shown in <FIG>, and to allow the tip of the internal valve or spring-loaded elastic dome membrane <NUM> to be able to free or close the liquid outlet hole.

Furthermore, the dome valve receives the thrust necessary to keep the tap perfectly closed (therefore a sort of spring pre-load) from the internal thrust element 2A. <NUM> of <FIG> of the particular first cap 2A also shown in <FIG>, which is the final component assembled on the first body 4A which, in this currently produced version, is welded to the first body 4A by means of an ultrasonic welding.

The first cap 2A is stably constrained to the first body 4A, preferably by means of an ultrasonic welding but, with the necessary modifications, it is also possible to constrain the two components stably by means of joints (not shown), or with more modern and fast welding methods, such as laser welding. In particular, the first cap 2A with removable tamper-evident band 2A2 of <FIG> has the property of highlighting any use and/or tampering to the end customer. Furthermore, the tamper-evident band 2A2 guarantees the hermetic closure of the tap 1A from the producer to the consumer, as it blocks the vertical movement of the fins due to the possible traction force imposed by the fingers, as better highlighted in <FIG> and <FIG>.

In particular, before opening the tap 1A for the first time, the user must remove the tamper-evident band 2A2 from the tap 1A itself, as shown in <FIG>. In this way, the tamper-evident band 2A2 completely detaches from the tap 1A and it becomes a piece in itself to be disposed of separately from the rest of the packaging.

Document <CIT> describes a dispensing tap according to the preamble of Claim <NUM>.

The prerogative of the present invention is to create a dispensing cap that allows having a tamper-evident system that can be integrated on the current tap without upsetting the current production systems of the tap itself, with a guarantee seal in compliance with the new European and international directives on disposable plastic items (SUP), and therefore that it remains bound to the tap after opening and does not disperse in the environment, or is disposed of incorrectly, allowing it to be recycled correctly, and that it adapts to the connection systems available on the market.

Object of the present invention is therefore being able to maintain the tamper-evident band 2A2 of the component of the first cap 2A of <FIG>, replacing it with an innovative component which allows achieving the same purpose as the component 2A produced today, i.e. the protection of the product contained in the container, preferably BIB, and give evidence to the customer of any tampering, but by modifying the 2A2 band, which today is removed and could potentially be dispersed into the environment if not properly disposed of as suggested.

Object of the present invention is also providing a system for hooking the new cap which allows the new body <NUM> of <FIG> to be used in common for all versions produced or potentially producible.

Object of the present invention is also obtaining a body <NUM> (<FIG>) on which the hooking slots of the new cap and also of the known cap are made, naturally making the necessary changes to the coupling of the known cap.

Object of the present invention is also using the body <NUM> also for the realization of the tap 4A produced today (<FIG>), thus optimizing the production of this component and emphasizing even more the "green" aspect of these solutions, also with respect to the one already on the market.

In particular, the cap <NUM> of <FIG> must be designed to meet the requirements of the new European regulation called "Disposable plastic" (SUP), recently adopted by the European Parliament, as well as, for example, the AB <NUM> California regulation in United States. Both regulations aim to increase the amount of plastic collected and recycled, thereby reducing marine litter. As a result, Consumer Packaged Goods, CPG, Companies have called on their partners to develop solutions that not only comply with new regulations, but also provide environmentally conscious consumers with solutions that fit their lifestyle and provide them with the best packaging experience.

Referring to these new market needs, the Applicant has developed a new hood with integrated guarantee seal, shown in <FIG>, which has been designed to promote post-use recycling, since the bands, preferably lateral (but can also be placed front or rear with modifications to the cap and to the driving element, but always falling within the teaching of this Application) will no longer detach from the tap, as is the case today, but will remain constrained to it, allowing the closure to pass through the correct recycling flow.

Another object of the present invention is finding a geometry that allows offering on the market a tap similar to the one marketed up to now so as not to require the end customer to change his way of use. As will be seen in more detail below, the new faucet more or less maintains the main (and historical) aesthetic characteristics of the faucet on the market today that have always distinguished it, integrating and modifying the general geometries of the cap in order to obtain a new bound opening system.

Another object of the present invention is creating a faucet that is completely made of plastic material (therefore easily recyclable) and that adapts to the connector systems studied ad hoc for this dispensing faucet present on the market today, effectively replacing the version 1A of the known faucet without going to upset the existing production cycles, and therefore not having to invest a lot of money for the "green" change made.

The aforementioned and other objects and advantages of the invention, which will emerge from the following description, are achieved with a dispensing tap as claimed in the independent claim. Preferred embodiments and non-trivial variants of the present invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

It is understood that all attached claims form an integral part of the present description.

It will be immediately obvious that innumerable variations and modifications (for example relating to shape, dimensions, arrangements and parts with equivalent functionality) can be made to what is described, without departing from the scope of the invention as appears from the attached claims.

The present invention will be better described by some preferred embodiments thereof, provided by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:.

With reference to the Figures, an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment of the dispensing tap <NUM>, 1A, and of the variants 1B and 1C adapted to the new universal body <NUM> of <FIG> is described (the variant 1C demonstrating the possible chance of using the body <NUM> of <FIG> also for the version currently on the market without problems, demonstrating its absolute universality).

It is evident to a skilled person in the art that the described tap can be made in shapes, sizes and with equivalent details, and can be used for containers of various types, for example those so-called "Bag-in-Box", but also those rigid or semirigid containers and the like.

A first embodiment of the tap <NUM> of the invention is shown in <FIG>, and uses a first body <NUM> of <FIG> and the new cap <NUM> of <FIG> with manual opening, as was and still occurs on the traditional tap 1A currently on the market, represented in <FIG>.

A second embodiment of the tap 1B of the invention is represented in <FIG>, and always uses the body <NUM> of <FIG> (which is universal for all versions) which is coupled with the new cap 2B of <FIG>, both with useful geometries for obtaining the joint between the two components, which both serve for dispensing, as already mentioned in document <CIT> by the same Applicant, changing only the connection method between second cap <NUM> and 2B and body <NUM> of <FIG>.

Furthermore, the version of the tap 1C of <FIG> is also shown here in order to demonstrate that the universal body <NUM> of <FIG> has no problem in adapting also to the cap 2A of <FIG> which is currently on the market. Obviously, the standard configuration on the market of the cap 2A of <FIG> is shown here, which uses the ultrasonic welding technology to connect stably to the body <NUM> of <FIG>: however, it is possible to create the same coupling geometries present on the cap <NUM> of <FIG> and the cap 2B of <FIG> to create those coupling geometries useful for exploiting the two front and rear slots <NUM> of <FIG> in order to create a coupling between the two cap and body components <NUM> of <FIG>.

Obviously, this third solution 1C of <FIG> is shown only to confirm the universality of the body <NUM> of <FIG>, but it will not be taken into consideration because, even if it is understood that the dispenser tap 1C would work optimally, it would not be able to meet the new European and international directives on disposable plastic items (SUP), as the tamper-evident band, unlike the other versions <NUM> and 1B, is removable and therefore disperses into the environment.

Considering instead the versions <NUM> (<FIG>) and 1B (<FIG>), they comply with the new European and international directives on disposable plastic items (SUP), and in both versions they also use the new driving wings <NUM> of <FIG> with the <NUM> opening planes integrated on each flap (this allows modifying the current operating element as it will be easy and economical to add the two planes <NUM> of <FIG> on each flap) and the internal valve or elastic dome membrane <NUM> of <FIG> equal to that used today on the tap 1C on the market shown in <FIG>. The fact of being able to reuse the components currently produced (or in any case reuse them with a small modification, as in the case of the operating element with the addition of wedges) gives further value to the present invention, as it saves time and money and does not change the final perception of the customer, as the new geometries are "hidden".

The new inventive solution of the tap <NUM> of <FIG> will now be analyzed, which has a new seal/cap <NUM> that can be opened manually, and which has such a geometry that it can be compared aesthetically and also functionally to the seal/cap of the tap 1A currently on the market in <FIG>.

This inventive seal <NUM> of <FIG> allows manually freeing the fins <NUM>, allowing their movement and therefore the opening and delivery of fluid from the tap itself, all this while keeping the seal <NUM> bound to the inventive tap <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

As can be immediately noticed, unlike the known model 1B of <FIG>, which has an automatic opening of the lateral tamper-evident flaps, this new cap <NUM> has a tamper-evident flap <NUM> with manual front opening (<FIG>) and is firmly bound to the main body, avoiding its loss into the environment, due to the flexible hinges <NUM> of <FIG>.

The new version of cap <NUM>, body <NUM> and element <NUM> of <FIG> will now be analyzed, leaving out only at the end the analysis that explains how to adapt the new coupling geometries of the tap 1B of <FIG> to the new geometry of body <NUM> of <FIG>.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the tap <NUM> of the present invention is provided with a configuration which substantially comprises :.

The cap 2B, in the version to be used with the universal body <NUM> of <FIG>, is shaped like the cap <NUM> of <FIG>, in order to be able to adapt to the new anchoring geometries of the universal body <NUM>, while maintaining all its operating characteristics. With reference to <FIG>, there is therefore a toothed interlocking system 2B. <NUM> between the second body <NUM> and the cap 2B, and it is obtained like the cap <NUM> of <FIG> on the two internal fins 2B. The teeth 2B. <NUM> fit into the seats/slots/holes <NUM> of the universal body <NUM>.

The preferred embodiments of the invention have been described, i.e. mainly the interlocking versions, but this does not limit the operational scope of the present invention, as this invention can be extended, with the relative modifications, also to the versions which exploit the existing welding technologies between two components (as shown for example, and for information only, in <FIG>, where the universal main body <NUM> is welded to the cap 2A currently produced, due to ultrasonic welding technology). In this case, the new versions of cap <NUM> and 2B, appropriately modified, can also be used, even with the currently used welding technology between the two components and therefore not with the joint.

In summary, a new inventive solution has been described, which provides for the use of the new cap <NUM> of <FIG> with a guarantee seal bound to manual opening with a "flap" system and hooking on the rear geometry present on the cap itself, unlike the known cap, which provides for the use of a cap with a binding guarantee seal with automatic opening).

As shown in <FIG>, the inventive new faucet consists of four components. A main body <NUM>, on which the geometries necessary for anchoring the cap <NUM> and the sealing geometries <NUM> to the fluids on the back and anti-counterfeiting locking <NUM> are created, which are coupled with the relative sealing and locking geometries present on the nozzle present on the Bags of the BIB system (not shown) and internally, referring to <FIG>, on the front cylinder <NUM>, the sealing geometries <NUM> and <NUM> which are hermetically coupled with the sealing geometries (static <NUM> and dynamic <NUM>) present on membrane <NUM> in points <NUM> and <NUM>. Firmly bound due to the coupling <NUM> of <FIG> on the geometry <NUM>, there is the operating element <NUM> which has the function of allowing the opening of the flexible dome valve <NUM> due to the action of the end user, as shown in <FIG>. The operating element also has the important function of cooperating with the geometries <NUM> of <FIG> (which go against the surface <NUM> obtained on the operating element <NUM>) and avoiding accidental opening of the tap <NUM> of <FIG> when the cap seal <NUM> is still untouched. Finally, the cap <NUM> of <FIG> is stably and immovably bound to the body <NUM> due to the simultaneous cooperation (interlocking) of the geometries <NUM>, which are stably anchored in the slots <NUM> of the body <NUM>, creating a complete and non-complete tap assembly <NUM> of <FIG>, which is more divisible, as required by the new Single Use Plastics (SUP) regulations, and, for example, California AB <NUM> regulation in the United States. Both regulations aim to increase the amount of plastic collected and recycled, thereby reducing marine litter.

Referring to <FIG>, it is possible to see the tap with the new seal/cap <NUM> in its closed position and with the guarantee seal intact. The teeth <NUM> are intact, the tip-up seal part is in its closed position and keeps the tabs <NUM> stationary in its closed position due to the action of the two planes <NUM> obtained on the operating element <NUM> with the geometry <NUM> obtained on the cap <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, it is possible to see the guarantee seal at the beginning of its opening phase (controlled by the action that the user performs on the movable part of the seal <NUM> of <FIG> and by inducing the movable part of the seal to perform a rotation that has the hinge in the area of the two flexible hinges <NUM> of <FIG> and allows at first to break the connecting teeth between the movable part of the seal <NUM> of <FIG> and the fixed one <NUM> of <FIG>. It can also be noted that the two geometries <NUM> and <NUM> that hold the driving element <NUM> still, with reference to <FIG>, have detached even if they are not yet completely released. At this stage, it is not yet possible easily dispense liquid. The seal opening phase continues on <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>: in this case, the overturning of the movable part of the seal by <NUM>° is completed due to the manual action of the end user and the same movable part of the seal <NUM> goes to firmly bond, due to the hooking tooth obtained on the mobile part <NUM> of <FIG>, to the tooth <NUM> created at the rear, again on the cap <NUM> of <FIG>. In this case, the tap <NUM> is in the position of complete opening and fixing, and allows the free movement of the operating element <NUM> and the consequent possibility for the final user to dispense the liquid, preferably but not limitedly by the BIB systems. In addition, the tap in the fully open position shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> is further evidence of opening for the customer (in this way it is also an additional anti-counterfeiting system and highlights the first opening of the customer).

The movable seal <NUM> in <FIG> will thus be bound to tap <NUM> and will not be dispersed into the environment, as required by the new directives in terms of recycling.

The great advantage is that it does not require a change in the habit of opening and using the application compared to the solution 1A currently on the market in <FIG>, and therefore it will be much easier to put it on the market and get it to be accepted by end consumers. Furthermore, the aesthetic shape of the new hood unequivocally recalls the one currently on the market, not creating confusion in the final customer.

Furthermore, the manual opening system will remain operational, as in the present technology on the market, only in this case there is the enormous advantage of complying with the new "Disposable Plastic" regulations (SUP) and, for example, the California AB <NUM> Regulation in the United States. Both regulations have the objective of increasing the amount of plastic collected and recycled, consequently reducing marine litter, which cannot happen with the current technology 1A of <FIG> which provides for the removal of the tamper-evident band.

Taking into consideration <FIG>, the self-opening cap 2B is shown, adapted to the new geometry of the universal body <NUM>. The anchoring teeth 2B. <NUM> are made on the internal fins <NUM> and are then operationally coupled with the body <NUM> of <FIG> as shown in <FIG>. Inside the two fins 2B. <NUM> of <FIG> there are the track geometries 2B. <NUM>, which guide the sliding of the operating element <NUM> of <FIG> in coupling with the rear and front guides <NUM>. The plane <NUM> obtained on the driving element <NUM> enables the automatic opening of the flaps of the guarantee seal of the cap 2B (2B. <NUM>) sliding on the flat surface.

Claim 1:
Liquid dispensing tap (<NUM>, 1B, 1C) comprising:
- a containment body (<NUM>);
- an internal valve or elastic dome membrane (<NUM>) contained within said body (<NUM>);
- a driving element (<NUM>) partially contained within said body (<NUM>) and operatively coupled to said internal valve or membrane (<NUM>) to enable/disable a delivery of liquid from said tap (<NUM>, 1B, 1C); and
- a cap (<NUM>, 2B) placed above said body (<NUM>) to cover said tap (<NUM>, 1B, 1C), said cap (<NUM>, 2B) being composed of a main body (<NUM>) equipped with a movable seal (<NUM>) with automatic opening stably bound to said fixed main body (<NUM>) due to hinges (<NUM>) and jumpers/teeth (<NUM>);
characterized in that said cap (<NUM>, 2B) is provided with an internal system with hooking teeth (<NUM>), designed to be stably coupled to two hollow geometries (<NUM>) of said body (<NUM>), said two hooking teeth (<NUM>) being formed on two internal fins (<NUM>) designed to keep said internal valve or membrane (<NUM>) in the correct position inside said body (<NUM>) once assembled, due to the cooperation of a plane (<NUM>) of said internal valve or membrane (<NUM>) with the plane (<NUM>) of the fins (<NUM>); and
in that the front outer part of the cap (<NUM>, 2B) has a grip tab (<NUM>), while the front part of the seal (<NUM>) is bound to the main central part (<NUM>) of the cap (<NUM>, 2B) due to the two side hinges (<NUM>), designed to bind the seal (<NUM>) to the main body (<NUM>), preventing it from dispersing into the environment, or being disposed of incorrectly, said hinges (<NUM>) allowing the opening of the seal (<NUM>), and constituting a flexible and anchoring element of the movable part, said teeth/jumpers (<NUM>) giving evidence of breakage of the seal (<NUM>) and operating as a guarantee seal when the tap (<NUM>, 1B, 1C) is still closed and sealed, before the first opening, said movable part overturning at <NUM>°, once the tap (<NUM>, 1B, 1C) is completely open and having inside it two stiffening ribs (<NUM>), designed to rest on the front cylinder (<NUM>) of the body (<NUM>), avoiding that the movable part of the seal (<NUM>) is deformed, the movable part of the seal (<NUM>) having an anchoring tooth (<NUM>) which hooks firmly to the tooth (<NUM>), blocking its overturning and giving further evidence of the first opening.