Patent Description:
More specifically, the present invention concerns a dispensing device for flexible containers that are also called pouches or bags. Even more specifically, the present invention concerns a dispensing device for flexible containers used in the Bag in Box solutions.

The present invention concerns also an assembly comprising a container provided with said dispensing system.

The use of dispensing devices which are applied to special containers for the product to be dispensed is known in the field of dispensing systems for products, especially for products in the form of fluids.

The dispensing devices of the known type can be operated manually by the user in order to allow the product to be dispensed towards a dispensing mouth when necessary.

In a known type of use, the dispensing devices are associated with collapsible/deformable containers suited to receive the product, also called pouches. Said containers, for example made from plastic or metallized films, are configured to contain edible products such as wines, fruit juices, oils, water, milk etc. or made from plastic material for other sectors, as in the case of the packaging of liquid soaps, shampoos, creams or house cleaning products etc..

In a particular type of use, the containers with their respective dispensing device are of the disposable type and from time to time are inserted in a container, typically made of cardboard, which makes it easier to use them in terms of stability and/or to transport them, in which case they are preferably provided with gripping means directly on the cardboard. These solutions are also known as Bag-in-Box solutions.

The cardboard container is c onveniently provided with a hole through which the dispensing mouth and the area for the activation of the device by the user jut out.

The dispensing devices of the known type are made by assembling various components which make it possible to act on an element/valve that opens or closes a way for dispensing the product from the inside of the container towards the dispensing mouth.

The devices of the known type typically comprise a first element fixed to the container and provided with a lower opening (mouth) which is intercepted by convenient valve means suited to be operated by the user, typically through lever systems. The devices of the known type are also typically provided with elastic return elements which are suited to automatically move the closing valve back to the closed position once they have been activated.

During the opening step, the product is dispensed by gravity through the lower mouth of the device.

Other devices of the known type are constituted by rotating taps which typically comprise a first element fixed to the container and provided with a lower opening (mouth) which is intercepted by a second element that is rotated with respect to the first element to open/close said mouth.

Dispensing devices according to the state of the art as known from document <CIT>.

The dispensing devices belonging to the state of the art, however, have some drawbacks.

A first drawback of the systems of the known type is constituted by the complexity deriving from the high number of components necessary to make them.

Another drawback of the systems of the known type is related to the fact that it is difficult to use the device, since the user needs to use several fingers of one or both hands to operate the opening means/lever systems.

A further drawback, related especially to rotating taps, lies in that it is necessary to operate them with both hands so as to avoid exerting too much force on the container to which they are connected.

The main object of the present invention is thus to solve or at least partially overcome the problems that characterize the solutions known in the art.

More specifically, it is a first object of the invention to provide a dispensing device which makes it possible to reduce the number of components compared to the systems of the known type.

It is another object of the invention to provide a dispensing device with improved characteristics in terms of ease of use (opening or closing operations), independently of the rigidity-stability of the container to which they are applied.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a dispensing device which makes it possible to reduce the disposal operations/costs after use.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, the same concerns, therefore, a dispensing device for a container, said device comprising an outlet mouth for the product to be dispensed and comprising:.

wherein said outlet mouth is defined in said second body and said outlet mouth communicates with a second passage channel for said product defined in said second body, and wherein said second body comprises a plugging portion suited to close said first passage channel of said first hollow body when said second body is in said first closing position and suited to open said first passage channel when said second body is in said second position to allow said product to flow along said first passage channel, said second passage channel and said outlet mouth.

Advantageously, a small number of components is needed to make the device.

In a preferred embodiment, the first passage channel extends along a first longitudinal direction and the outlet mouth is positioned in the second body to allow the product to flow out in a dispensing direction that is transverse with respect to the first direction, preferably in a dispensing direction that is perpendicular to the first direction.

According to a preferred embodiment, the second passage channel extends along a second longitudinal direction that is transverse with respect to the first longitudinal direction of the first passage channel. Preferably, said transverse direction is a perpendicular direction.

In a preferred embodiment, the second movable body can be translated with respect to the first body, wherein the second position for dispensing the product is obtained by translating the second movable body in a direction away from the first body and the closing position is obtained by translating the second movable body in a direction towards the first body.

Preferably, the first passage channel and the plugging portion have both at least one section in a matching shape, preferably they both have a cylindrical section.

According to a preferred embodiment, the device comprises means for adjusting the position of the second body with respect to the first body.

Preferably, the adjusting means comprise stop means suited to stop the movement of the second body with respect to the first body.

In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises means for guiding the translation movement of the second body with respect to the first body.

Preferably, the device comprises anti-rotation means suited to prevent the rotation of the second body with respect to the first body.

According to a preferred embodiment, the second body can be rotated with respect to the first body.

Advantageously, it is possible to adjust the product dispensing direction as desired.

In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises first manual gripping means associated with the second body and suited to favour the translation of the second body with respect to the first body activated by a user. Preferably, said first gripping means comprise at least one projecting portion of the second body, more preferably one or more tabs projecting circumferentially from said second body.

In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises second manual gripping means associated with the first body and suited to make it easier for a user to hold the first body when the second body is moved with respect to the first body. Preferably, the second gripping means comprise at least one projecting portion of the first body, more preferably one or more tabs projecting circumferentially from the first body.

According to a preferred embodiment, the plugging portion comprises at least one elastically yielding portion and at least one radial opening, wherein said at least one radial opening allows the product to flow along the first passage channel, said at least one radial opening, the second passage channel and the outlet mouth when the second body is in the second position.

According to a preferred embodiment, the device furthermore comprises an intermediate connection element suited to be interposed between the first body and the container.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the subject of the same includes a system for dispensing a product, comprising a container for said product and a device for dispensing said product, wherein the device is made as described above.

In a preferred embodiment, the container is flexible.

Preferably, the product is constituted by a fluid, more preferably a liquid.

Further advantages, objects and characteristics, as well as further embodiments of the present invention are defined in the claims and are illustrated below by means of the following description with reference to the attached drawings; in the drawings, corresponding or equivalent characteristics and/or component parts of the present invention are identified by the same reference numbers. In particular, in the figures:.

While the following description related to the figures illustrates specific embodiments of the present invention, it is clear that the present invention is not limited to these particular embodiments but, on the contrary, the particular embodiments described here below clarify different aspects of the present invention, the object and the scope of which are defined in the claims.

The preferred examples of embodiment of the invention described here below can be applied especially in systems for dispensing edible liquid products, for example wines, fruit juices, oils, water, milk etc..

Clearly, the proposed solutions can be applied also to systems intended for other types of products, for example liquid soaps, shampoos, creams or house cleaning products etc..

The product is preferably in the liquid or fluid form but, in other cases, the product can be constituted by powders and/or solids, for example detergents in the form of powder or microgranules.

A non-limiting example of embodiment of a dispensing system according to the present invention, comprising a flexible container, is shown in the figures from <NUM> to <NUM>.

In particular, the dispensing system, indicated as a whole by number <NUM>, comprises a container <NUM> and a dispensing device <NUM>, which is also the subject of the present invention.

Figures from <NUM> to <NUM> show the dispensing device <NUM> isolated from the container <NUM>.

Then, <FIG> show the dispensing system <NUM> in a particular configuration of use, known as Bag in Box solution. In this solution, the dispensing system <NUM>, typically of the disposable type, is preferably inserted in a container <NUM>, typically made of cardboard, which makes the system <NUM> easier to use in terms of stability and/or makes it easier to transport.

The container <NUM> is conveniently provided with a hole <NUM> through which part of the dispensing device <NUM> juts out.

The container <NUM> can be preferably provided with gripping means, not shown, for example created directly on the cardboard or applied externally (handles).

Clearly, the dispensing system <NUM> can be used also independently, that is, not inserted in any container <NUM>, to obtain a so-called pouch system.

The container <NUM> is preferably of the flexible type and is suited to become deformed/compressed as the product is dispensed towards the outside.

In a preferred embodiment, the container <NUM> is made with a metallized film and is suited to contain edible products. The material can be of a different type and preferably suitable for the type of product to be dispensed, for example a plastic material in the case of liquid soaps, shampoos, creams or house cleaning products.

The dispensing device <NUM> according to the invention represents a device suited to be applied to the container <NUM> and to be operated manually by an operator to dispense the product.

Preferably, the dispensing device <NUM> according to the invention, hereinafter simply referred to as device <NUM>, comprises an outlet mouth <NUM> and is configured to assume a first closed operating position and at least one second position for dispensing the product, or open position.

More preferably, as is better described below, the device <NUM> according to the invention can be operated to be placed in the closed operating position or in the open position through a forward-backward rectilinear translation movement, preferably along an axis, meaning through a push-pull operation pattern.

The device <NUM> according to the invention preferably comprises a first hollow body <NUM> suited to define a first passage channel <NUM> for the product to be dispensed.

The first passage channel <NUM> preferably extends along a first longitudinal direction X1.

The first hollow body <NUM> is preferably provided with connection means <NUM> for connecting the first body <NUM> and the device <NUM> to the container <NUM>.

The connection means <NUM> preferably make it possible to connect the first body <NUM> at the level of a dedicated area <NUM> of the container <NUM>, preferably a lower area <NUM> of the container <NUM> with respect to the normal position of use of the assembly <NUM>. Said area <NUM> is provided with an opening <NUM>.

According to the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the connection means <NUM> comprise an external portion <NUM> of the first hollow body <NUM> suited to be inserted in the opening <NUM> of the container <NUM> and at least one flange <NUM> suited to be placed in contact with the surface of the container <NUM>. Preferably, the gluing means guarantee the firm connection of the first body <NUM> to the container <NUM>.

The gluing means, for example, use gluing substances. Alternatively, the connection is obtained through heat welding or ultrasonic welding.

The external portion <NUM> preferably comprises ribs 30A.

The external portion <NUM> is inserted in the container <NUM> to a predetermined extent. In a preferred embodiment, the external portion <NUM> can be provided with radial openings to favour the passage of the product into the first hollow body <NUM>.

In a further preferred embodiment, the external portion <NUM> can be shorter or even minimal and substantially flush with the container <NUM>.

The device <NUM> comprises also a second body <NUM> which is movable with respect to the first body <NUM>. The second body <NUM> can be preferably positioned in a first position to close the device <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and in at least one second position, or open position, to dispense the product from the outlet mouth <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>. Preferably, the second movable body <NUM> can be translated with respect to the first body <NUM> in a direction away from the first body <NUM> so as to reach the open position and, vice versa, the second movable body <NUM> can be translated with respect to the first body <NUM> in a direction towards the first body <NUM> to reach the closed position, according to a push-pull operation pattern.

Preferably, the translation of the second movable body <NUM> with respect to the first body <NUM> takes place along a rectilinear direction, more preferably along a direction which is parallel to or coincides with the first longitudinal direction X1 of extension of the first passage channel <NUM>.

The device <NUM> preferably comprises adjusting means <NUM> for adjusting the position of the second body <NUM> with respect to the first body <NUM>.

The adjusting means <NUM> preferably comprise one or more elements 25A, 25B projecting outwards from the first body <NUM> and at least one element 33A projecting inwards from the second body <NUM>.

The projecting elements 25A, 25B of the first body <NUM> interact with the projecting element 33A of the second body <NUM> to allow the mutual positioning of the second body <NUM> with respect to the first body <NUM> in predetermined positions. More specifically, said interaction makes it possible to maintain the second body <NUM> in the closed position with respect to the first body <NUM> (<FIG>) and makes it possible to define the stop position of the second body <NUM> with respect to the first body <NUM> in the open position (<FIG>).

According to a first aspect of the present invention, the outlet mouth <NUM> of the device <NUM> is defined in the second body <NUM> and communicates with a second passage channel <NUM> for the product, also defined in the second body <NUM>.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the second body <NUM> comprises a plugging portion <NUM>, better visible in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>.

The plugging portion <NUM> is suited to close the first passage channel <NUM> of the first hollow body <NUM> when the second body <NUM> is in the closed position (<FIG>) and is suited to open the first passage channel <NUM> when the second body <NUM> is in the open position (<FIG>). In said open position, advantageously, the device <NUM> allows the product to flow through the first passage channel <NUM>, the second passage channel <NUM> and finally towards the outlet mouth <NUM>, as indicated by the arrow F in <FIG>.

Preferably, the outlet mouth <NUM> faces downwards and the product is advantageously dispensed towards the outside by gravity in the moment when, with the translation of the second body <NUM>, the plugging portion <NUM> clears the first passage channel <NUM> and places it in communication with the second passage channel <NUM>.

In the closed position, vice versa, the plugging portion <NUM> penetrates the first passage channel <NUM> at least partially, preferably penetrates the terminal section 26A of the first passage channel <NUM>.

Preferably, the plugging portion <NUM> and the terminal section 26A of the first passage channel <NUM> have complementary shapes, more preferably both have a cylindrical shape, in particular a hollow cylindrical shape.

In general, preferably, the first body <NUM> and/or the second body <NUM> have a substantially cylindrical shape, more preferably a hollow cylindrical shape.

Preferably, the outlet mouth <NUM> is defined at the end of a projecting spout <NUM> of the second body <NUM>. The second passage channel <NUM> that joins the first passage channel <NUM> and the outlet mouth <NUM> fluidically is at least partially defined inside said spout <NUM>.

Preferably, the dispensing mouth <NUM> is arranged in such a way as to allow the product to flow out in a transverse direction D with respect to the first longitudinal direction X1, more preferably in a perpendicular direction D with respect to the first longitudinal direction X1.

Analogously, preferably, the second passage channel <NUM> extends along a second longitudinal direction D transverse to the first longitudinal direction X1, more preferably in a perpendicular direction D with respect to the first longitudinal direction X1.

In the preferred embodiment, the device <NUM> comprises guide means <NUM> suited to guide the movement of the second body <NUM> with respect to the first body <NUM>, better visible in <FIG> and <FIG>.

The guide means <NUM> make it possible to guide the movement of the second body <NUM> with respect to the first body <NUM> during their mutual translation movement. Furthermore, preferably, the guide means <NUM> serve as anti-rotation means to prevent the rotation of the second body <NUM> with respect to the first body <NUM>, so that the position of the projecting spout <NUM> and the position of the outlet mouth <NUM> remain fixed at any moment, preferably fixed and facing downwards.

In variant embodiments, the guide means can be absent, as shown for example in the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> and described below.

The guide (and anti-rotation) means <NUM> preferably comprise a first counteracting portion <NUM> preferably created inside the terminal section 26A of the first passage channel <NUM> and a second counteracting portion <NUM> defined at the level of the plugging portion <NUM>.

According to another aspect, the device <NUM> comprises first manual gripping means <NUM> associated with the second body <NUM>.

Preferably, the first manual gripping means <NUM> comprise at least one projecting portion 62A, 62B associated with the second body <NUM>. More preferably, as visible in <FIG>, the first manual gripping means <NUM> comprise two projecting portions 62A, 62B which define corresponding gripping tabs.

Advantageously, the first manual gripping means <NUM> facilitate the operations required to open or close the device <NUM>, when the operator needs to translate the second body <NUM> with respect to the first body <NUM>, that is, to pull the second body <NUM> in a direction away from the first body <NUM> (and from the container <NUM>) or to push the second body <NUM> in a direction towards the first body <NUM> (and the container <NUM>). The shape of the projecting portions 62A, 62B makes it easier for the operator to grip the device with his/her fingers.

In variant embodiments, the number and/or the shape of the portions projecting from around the second body can be different from those/that shown in the figures, for example there can be only one projecting portion that extends circumferentially from the second body or three or more separate tabs.

The device <NUM>, furthermore, is preferably provided with a removable locking device <NUM>, or seal (visible in <FIG> and <FIG>), suited to maintain the first body <NUM> securely connected to the second body <NUM> in order to prevent, for example, the device <NUM> from being inadvertently opened and the product from flowing out during transport. The device <NUM> is preferably made so as to be already provided with said seal <NUM> and the user must take care to remove it in order to make the device <NUM> work. The seal <NUM> preferably comprises a gripping tab <NUM> and an annular element <NUM> which are suited to be removed by the user.

The annular element <NUM>, as better visible in <FIG>, comprises an element 33B which projects inwards and interacts with a respective element 25C which projects outwards from the first body <NUM>.

The device <NUM> shown in <FIG> corresponds to the device <NUM> shown in <FIG> but is without the seal <NUM> (thus, without the annular element <NUM>).

The description provided above shows that the dispensing device <NUM> according to the invention makes it possible to use a small number of components for its production, actually just two components, constituted by the first body and the second body <NUM>, <NUM>.

In a preferred embodiment, the first body and the second body <NUM>, <NUM> are obtained through an injection moulding process, more preferably using materials belonging to the same family, for example polyolefins.

Advantageously, the device is completely made of easily disposable materials. The disposal operations/costs after use are therefore reduced compared to the devices of the known type.

Furthermore, advantageously, the presence of the first manual gripping means makes the device easier to use during the opening or closing operations.

Figures from <NUM> to <NUM> show a variant embodiment of the dispensing device <NUM> of the invention, which differs from the previous embodiment mainly in that it comprises further gripping means <NUM>, as is better described below.

The component parts equivalent to those of the preferred embodiment previously described are identified by the same reference numbers.

According to an advantageous aspect, in fact, in said embodiment the device <NUM> comprises second manual gripping means <NUM> associated with the first body <NUM>.

Preferably, the second manual gripping means <NUM> comprise a projecting portion <NUM> associated with the first body <NUM>. More preferably, as can be seen in <FIG>, the second manual gripping means <NUM> comprise a projecting portion <NUM> which defines a gripping flange. Preferably, the projecting portion <NUM> extends circumferentially, completely around the first body <NUM>.

Advantageously, the second manual gripping means <NUM> further facilitate the operations required to open or close the device <NUM>, when the operator needs to translate the second body <NUM> with respect to the first body <NUM>. In fact, during the opening operation, when the second body <NUM> is pulled, the operator at the same time keeps the first body <NUM> stationary using the second gripping means <NUM> and, vice versa, during the closing operation, when the second body <NUM> is pushed, the operator at the same time grips the first body <NUM> and keeps it stationary using the second gripping means <NUM>.

These operations are particularly advantageous when the containers <NUM> are of the flexible type. Without the second gripping means <NUM>, which make it possible to hold the first body <NUM>, in fact, the pulling or pushing action on the second body <NUM> would affect the container <NUM>, deforming it and making it difficult to translate the second body <NUM> with respect to the first body <NUM> and/or resulting in the risk of breaking the container <NUM> or even the risk of the first body <NUM> coming off the container <NUM> itself.

In variant embodiments, the second manual gripping means may comprise one or more projecting portions arranged around the first body, for example a projecting portion extending circumferentially and partially around the first body or two or more separate tabs.

It should be noted that this embodiment makes it possible to obtain the same advantages described with reference to the previous embodiment.

<FIG> show another variant embodiment of the dispensing device <NUM> of the invention, which differs from the first embodiment described with reference to Figures from <NUM> to <NUM> for the different system used for connection to the container <NUM>.

The component parts equivalent to those of the first embodiment previously described are identified by the same reference numbers.

The dispensing device <NUM> comprises an intermediate connection element <NUM> interposed between the first body <NUM> and the container <NUM>.

The intermediate connection element <NUM> preferably comprises a hollow body <NUM> connected to the container <NUM> on one side and provided with means <NUM> for receiving the first body <NUM> on the other side.

The intermediate element <NUM> is preferably connected to a lower area <NUM> of the container <NUM>, more preferably at the level of a dedicated opening <NUM>, as previously described.

Preferably, the gluing means guarantee the secure connection of the intermediate element <NUM> to the container <NUM>.

The gluing means include, for example, the use of gluing substances. Alternatively, the connection is obtained through heat welding or ultrasonic welding.

The receiving means <NUM> preferably comprise a threaded portion (nut screw).

The first body <NUM> is preferably provided with connection means <NUM> suited to connect it to the intermediate element <NUM>. Preferably, the connection means <NUM> comprise an external threaded portion <NUM> of the first hollow body <NUM> suited to be screwed in the corresponding nut screw <NUM> of the intermediate element <NUM>.

In variant embodiments, the intermediate element and the receiving means can be made in a different way, as well as the connection means associated with the first body.

<FIG> shows such a (possible) variant embodiment of the device <NUM> according to the invention, meaning a variant embodiment which uses an intermediate connection element <NUM> interposed between the first body <NUM> and the container <NUM>.

More specifically, the device <NUM> in this case comprises the device <NUM> previously described with reference to Figures from <NUM> to <NUM> with the addition of the intermediate connection element <NUM> which allows it to be connected to the container <NUM>.

The dispensing device <NUM> thus comprises an intermediate connection element <NUM> interposed between the first body <NUM> and the container <NUM>.

The receiving means <NUM> preferably comprise a hollow cylindrical portion suited to receive the external portion <NUM> of the first body <NUM> through a snap-in connection. Preferably, said snap-in connection is obtained by means of recesses 354A defined on the hollow cylindrical portion and suited to receive the respective ribs 30A of the external portion <NUM> of the first body <NUM>, as shown in the detail represented in <FIG>.

In variant embodiments, said connection can be made in a different way, for example through mechanical interference or a bayonet connection system.

Advantageously, the embodiments using an intermediate connection element facilitate the operations required to install/remove the dispensing device on/from the container.

Said embodiments furthermore make it possible to obtain the same advantages already described with reference to the first embodiment.

<FIG> refers to a variant embodiment of the dispensing device <NUM> of the invention, as mentioned above, which differs from the first embodiment only in that the device <NUM> is not provided with guide and anti-rotation means.

Therefore, in the illustrated dispensing device <NUM> the second body <NUM>, in addition to translating with respect to the first body <NUM>, can also rotate. This advantageously makes it possible to modify the dispensing direction of the outlet mouth <NUM> when the device <NUM> is in the open position or to rotate the second body <NUM> to move the spout <NUM> and the outlet mouth <NUM> upwards. This may be advantageous when the device <NUM> is brought to the closed position after the dispensing cycle, to prevent any dropping from the outlet mouth <NUM>.

Figures from <NUM> to <NUM> show another variant embodiment of the dispensing device <NUM> of the invention, which differs from the first embodiment described with reference to the Figures from <NUM> to <NUM> mainly for the different configuration of the second movable body <NUM>, more specifically of the plugging portion <NUM>.

The second body <NUM> is movable with respect to the first body <NUM>, analogously to what has been described above, and it can preferably be positioned in a first position to close the device <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, and in at least one second position, or open position, to dispense the product from the outlet mouth <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Preferably, the second movable body <NUM> can be translated with respect to the first body <NUM> in a direction away from the first body <NUM> to reach the open position and, vice versa, the second movable body <NUM> can be automatically translated with respect to the first body <NUM> in a direction towards the first body <NUM> to reach the closed position.

The translation of the second movable body <NUM> with respect to the first body <NUM> preferably takes place along the rectilinear direction X1.

The second body <NUM> comprises said plugging portion <NUM>.

The plugging portion <NUM> is suited to close the first passage channel <NUM> of the first hollow body <NUM> when the second body <NUM> is in the closed position (<FIG>) and is suited to open the first passage channel <NUM> when the second body <NUM> is in the open position (<FIG>).

The plugging portion <NUM> comprises a first sealing part <NUM> suited to maintain the contact with the terminal section 26A of the first passage channel <NUM>. Preferably, the first sealing part <NUM> comprises a flared section, more preferably made of a rigid material.

The plugging portion <NUM> comprises also a central part <NUM> provided with radial openings <NUM>, which are better visible in <FIG>. In the closed position, even the radial openings <NUM> are closed by the terminal section 26A of the first passage channel <NUM>.

The central part <NUM> is at least partially yielding, so that moving from the closed position (<FIG>) to the open position (<FIG>) the central part <NUM> with radial openings <NUM> is deformed/dilated while the first sealing part <NUM> remains stationary. In the open position, at the same time, the radial openings <NUM> dilate and allow the product to flow along the first passage channel <NUM>, the radial openings <NUM>, the second passage channel <NUM> and finally towards the outlet mouth <NUM>, as indicated by the arrow F in <FIG>.

In a preferred embodiment, the first sealing part <NUM> and the central part <NUM> with the radial openings <NUM> of the plugging portion <NUM> are made in a single body, possibly through a co-moulding process with different materials to obtain the desired rigidity or elasticity of the respective parts.

In a variant embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the first sealing portion 538A, preferably in a rigid material, constitutes a separate element with respect to the elastically yielding central part <NUM>.

During the dispensing cycle, the second body <NUM> is maintained in the open position (<FIG>) by the user. At the end of the dispensing cycle the user releases the second body <NUM> which, under the action of the elastically yielding central part <NUM>, returns automatically to the closed position (<FIG>).

In the embodiment illustrated, the elastically yielding part <NUM> includes also the radial openings <NUM> which, as described above, are deformed/dilated during the opening operation. In variant embodiments, however, the radial openings can be created in a part of the plugging portion which is not elastically yielding.

Furthermore, the shape and number of the radial openings can be conveniently and preferably selected according to the required dispensing flow.

In addition to the advantages described with reference to the embodiments illustrated above, said embodiment allows the device to be closed automatically after use.

In further preferred embodiments, the automatic return to the closed position obtained by means of the elastically yielding portion <NUM> can be obtained through elastic means of other types, conveniently shaped and/or positioned with respect to the plugging portion. Furthermore, said elastic means can constitute a further separate and/or additional element with respect to the plugging portion.

Thus, by means of the preceding detailed description of the embodiments of the device according to the present invention illustrated in the drawings, it has been shown that the device carried out according to the present invention allows the set objects to be achieved. More specifically, the device according to the present invention makes it possible to provide a dispensing device which allows the number of components to be reduced compared to the systems of the known type. While the present invention has been illustrated above by means of the detailed description of its embodiments shown in the figures, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments represented in the drawings and described above.

Claim 1:
Dispensing device (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) for a container (<NUM>), said device (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) comprising an outlet mouth (<NUM>) for the product to be dispensed and comprising:
- a first hollow body (<NUM>) suited to define a first passage channel (<NUM>) for said product and comprising connection means (<NUM>; <NUM>) for connection to said container (<NUM>);
- a second body (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) that is movable with respect to said first body (<NUM>) and can be positioned in a first position suited to close said device (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) and in at least one second position suited to allow said product to be dispensed from said outlet mouth (<NUM>);
characterized in that said outlet mouth (<NUM>) is defined in said second body (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) and said outlet mouth (<NUM>) communicates with a second passage channel (<NUM>) for said product defined in said second body (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>), and in that said second body (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) comprises a plugging portion (<NUM>; <NUM>) suited to close said first passage channel (<NUM>) of said first body (<NUM>) when said second body (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) is in said first closing position and suited to open said first passage channel (<NUM>) when said second body (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) is in said second position to allow said product to flow along said first passage channel (<NUM>), said second passage channel (<NUM>) and said outlet mouth (<NUM>).