Patent Description:
Dispensing devices for dispensing fluids or liquids are known in the art and widely sold and used, said devices being suited to dispense, for example, fluid or liquid soaps for personal care, and to allow fluids or liquids held in a container to be dispensed. Said devices generally comprise engagement means (for example, a threaded ring) designed to allow them to be applied or fixed to a container (for example, to the neck of a bottle-shaped container) and drawing and dispensing means designed to draw the fluid or liquid from the container and successively dispense it towards the outside. The fluid or liquid, then, is actually dispensed through a nozzle or spout.

The drawing means preferably comprise a drawing pipe at least partially immersed in the fluid or liquid to be dispensed, while the dispensing spout is positioned outside the container itself. Pressing the drawing means, for example pushing them vertically downwards with the palm of a hand, makes the fluid or liquid flow upwards through the drawing pipe, conveying and dispensing the fluid or liquid towards the outside through the dispensing spout.

According to the known art, the dispensing spout is preferably oriented horizontally and in such a way that it projects outwards, so that, for example, a hand can be positioned under its free end to collect the dispensed fluid or liquid (in particular, in the typical use with liquid soaps).

Generally, however, the dispensing spout is provided with a portion that projects from the operating area and/or the container, in such a way as to make it easier to dispense the fluid or liquid and convey it according to a predetermined direction.

According to a solution proposed in the known art, which facilitates the construction, assembly, transport and successive use of the dispensing systems described above, the projecting end portion of the dispensing spout is made in two parts hinged to each other, which allow the end portion of the spout to be folded, typically downwards.

In the folded position, the passage for the fluid or liquid inside the spout is conveniently interrupted.

The patent document <CIT>, for example, describes a solution of this type, in which, in the folded position, a suitable shaped part of the end portion of the spout serves to obstruct the passage for the fluid or liquid exactly at the level of the hinge area.

The device carried out in this way makes it possible to fill the container with the fluid or liquid in question and to fold the end portion of the spout, in order to obstruct the outlet way and at the same time reduce the overall dimensions of the spout before it is packaged and transported to the reseller or buyer. Starting from the folded position with obstructed passage, the buyer/user will just need to lift the end portion of the spout to bring it to the substantially horizontal configuration of use.

However, the dispensing devices with folding nozzle/spout of the known type pose some drawbacks.

A first drawback of the devices of the known type is represented by the fact that the spout is not perfectly tight at the level of the hinge area. In this area, in fact, both in the folded position and in the dispensing configuration, fluid or liquid leakages may occur.

This can be caused, for example, by the small plays that may exist between the hinges, for example due to defects generated during the moulding process, which may deteriorate even further over time and with use.

Another drawback posed by said devices is represented by the risk that the two parts that make up the nozzle are separated from each other, causing the fluid or liquid to leak out.

A further drawback of said devices is represented by the risk that the two parts may not be correctly aligned in the dispensing position, with the consequent risk of leakages and/or reduction in the flow of the dispensed fluid or liquid. <CIT> discloses a spray can with anti-clog outlet measure has extra flexible tube attached to outlet pipe for bending back after initial use for sealed closure of remaining contents to preserve freshness.

Thus, it is one object of the present invention to overcome the drawbacks mentioned above and observed in the solutions known in the art.

More specifically, the purposes and objects of the present invention can be summed up as follows.

It is a first object of the present invention to provide a dispensing device for fluids or liquids that makes it possible to avoid fluid or liquid leakages, independently of its operating configuration.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a dispensing device for fluids or liquids which is more reliable than the devices of the known type over time.

The present invention is based on and originates from the general consideration according to which the drawbacks observed in the devices according to the known art can be overcome or at least minimized by conveniently shaping the dispensing duct, which can be obtained using a tubular element comprising at least one flexible portion.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, the subject of the same is a dispensing device configured to dispense a fluid or a liquid held in a container in response to a downward pressing of the device towards the container, said device comprising: drawing means configured to draw said fluid or liquid from said container and a dispensing duct for said fluid or liquid, said dispensing duct being defined by a tubular element having a first portion fluidically connected to said drawing means and a second portion provided with an outlet opening for said fluid or liquid, wherein said tubular element comprises at least one flexible portion configured to allow said second portion to be arranged in a first dispensing position and in a second rest/packaging position, different from said first position, with respect to said first portion, wherein the flexible portion is completely obstructed in the second position; wherein the flexible portion is formed with a different geometric shape relative to the shape of the first and second portions; and wherein the flexible portion has a concave outer surface so that the tubular element wall thickness varies in the flexible portion.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the subject of the same is a dispensing device configured to dispense a fluid or a liquid held in a container in response to a downward pressing of the device towards the container, said device comprising: drawing means configured to draw said fluid or liquid from said container and a dispensing duct for said fluid or liquid, said dispensing duct being defined by a tubular element having a first portion fluidically connected to said drawing means and a second portion provided with an outlet opening for said fluid or liquid, wherein said tubular element comprises at least one flexible portion configured to allow said second portion to be arranged in a first dispensing position and in a second rest/packaging position, different from said first position, with respect to said first portion, wherein the flexible portion is completely obstructed in the second position; wherein the flexible portion is formed with a different geometric shape relative to the shape of the first and second portions; and wherein said flexible portion comprises a bellows.

According to the invention, the first position is suited to allow the passage of the fluid or liquid in the dispensing duct.

According to the invention, in said second position said flexible portion obstructs said dispensing duct completely.

Preferably, the flexible portion of the tubular element comprises a section of the tubular element with reduced thickness.

In a preferred embodiment, the flexible portion comprises an elastically yielding material.

According to a preferred embodiment, the flexible portion comprises a bellows. Preferably, the device comprises holding means suited to hold the tubular element in the second position.

In a preferred embodiment, the holding means comprise mechanical interference means arranged between the tubular element and the drawing means.

According to a preferred embodiment, the holding means comprise snap-on holding means arranged between the tubular element and the drawing means. Preferably, the drawing means comprise connection means suited to ensure the mutual connection between the device and the container.

Furthermore, the subject of the present invention includes also a system for dispensing a fluid or liquid, said system comprising a container suited to hold said fluid or liquid and a dispensing device according to one or more of the variant embodiments summed up above and/or described below.

Further advantages, objects and characteristics, as well as further embodiments of the present invention, are defined in the claims and will be illustrated in the following description, with reference to the enclosed drawings; in the drawings, corresponding or equivalent characteristics and/or components of the present invention are identified by the same reference numbers. In particular, in the drawings:.

Although the present invention is described below with reference to its embodiments illustrated in the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and described in detail below. On the contrary, all those variants of the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and described in detail below that are obvious for the expert in the art fall within the scope of the present invention.

The examples of embodiment of the invention described below refer to devices for dispensing products constituted, for example, by a detergent or a liquid soap. The solution that is the subject of the invention, however, can also refer to devices for dispensing fluids or liquids of any type, for example food products to be taken from a container and conveyed towards the outside.

An example of embodiment of a device <NUM> for dispensing fluids or liquids, which is the subject of the present invention, is shown in the dispensing system <NUM> of <FIG>, where the dispensing device <NUM> is applied to a container C holding a fluid or liquid F to be dispensed.

For the sake of simplicity, here below reference will be made to a fluid only, it being understood that it can also be a liquid.

In <FIG> the device <NUM> is represented separate from the container C.

Only in <FIG> the dispensing device <NUM> is shown as a part of a dispensing system <NUM> according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention.

In the other figures and for the other preferred embodiments described below, the dispensing device according to the invention is represented as a separate part, it being clear that it must be understood as applicable to a container C. Regarding the container C, it can be of any type, for example rigid or collapsible, in plastic or metal and/or in any shape suitable for the intended purpose.

The device <NUM> comprises drawing means <NUM> designed to draw the fluid F from the container C through a drawing pipe and a dispensing duct <NUM> (better visible in <FIG>) designed to dispense the fluid F withdrawn from the container C.

According to the present invention and as illustrated with reference to Figures from <NUM> to <NUM>, the drawing means <NUM> allow the fluid F to be dispensed by pressing the device <NUM> downwards. In the first step, during which the device <NUM> is pressed, the fluid F is dispensed through the dispensing duct <NUM> and in the successive release step the device <NUM> returns to its initial position, as shown in Figures from <NUM> to <NUM>, ready for the successive dispensing operation.

The construction details of the drawing means <NUM>, visible in particular in the sectional view of <FIG>, are known per se and are not described in detail here below.

Furthermore, it should be observed that the drawing means can also be made in a manner different from that illustrated herein, according to the type of operation of the dispensing system. Some different drawing means are shown, for example, with reference to the variant embodiments described here below.

In the first preferred embodiment illustrated in Figures from <NUM> to <NUM>, the drawing means <NUM> preferably comprise connection means <NUM>, for example a threaded ring, through which the device <NUM> can be connected/fixed to the container C, preferably screwed to the neck of the container C of the fluid F to be dispensed. In preferred variant embodiments, however, the connection means may not be present and the dispensing device may preferably be made in a single piece with the container, preferably in a co-moulded plastic material, or connected in such a way that it becomes integral with it, preferably through a welding operation. According to an aspect of the present invention, the dispensing duct <NUM> is defined by a tubular element <NUM> having a first part <NUM> fluidically connected to the drawing means <NUM> and a second part <NUM> provided with an outlet opening <NUM> for the fluid F. According to another aspect of the present invention, the tubular element <NUM> comprises at least one flexible portion <NUM> suited to allow the second part <NUM> to be arranged in a first position and in a second position, different from the first position, with respect to the first part <NUM>.

Figures from <NUM> to <NUM> show the device <NUM> with the tubular element <NUM> arranged in said first position corresponding to the dispensing position.

Figures from <NUM> to <NUM>, instead, show the device <NUM> with the tubular element <NUM> arranged in said second position corresponding to the rest position or packaging position of the device <NUM>.

For example, the second position corresponds to the position in which the device <NUM> is positioned during the packaging step, once the container C has been filled with fluid F and prepared to be transported towards the buyer.

According to the present invention and described with reference to Figures from <NUM> to <NUM>, in the second position the flexible portion <NUM> obstructs the dispensing duct <NUM> completely, as can be seen in the detail shown in <FIG>.

In said second position, therefore, the outflow of the fluid F from the dispensing duct <NUM> is prevented in a safe manner. Compared to the known systems, in particular, the dispensing duct <NUM> features better water tightness at the level of the obstruction area, since there are no mechanical elements that interrupt the tubular element <NUM>, such as hinges, for example.

In the embodiment illustrated and described with reference to Figures from <NUM> to <NUM>, the tubular element <NUM> is preferably made in a single piece with the drawing means <NUM>, more preferably by co-moulding a plastic material.

In variant embodiments, however, the tubular element may be made as a separate element, as can be seen for example in the embodiments shown in Figures from <NUM> to <NUM>, and be successively associated with the drawing means, for example through a glueing or heat welding or ultrasound welding process or through mechanical interference.

In said first embodiment, the flexible portion <NUM> is obtained by partially reducing the thickness of the tubular element <NUM>, as better highlighted in <FIG>.

The reduction in thickness makes it possible to fold the tubular element <NUM> and to deform it, which leads to the narrowing of the dispensing duct, as can be seen in the detail shown in <FIG>.

In variant embodiments, the flexible portion can be obtained in a different manner, as shown even below with reference to Figures from <NUM> to <NUM>.

The flexible portion is obtained by changing the geometric shape of the tubular element, for example by changing its thickness, as explained above, or by shaping the same portion in a specific manner (for example, by shaping it as a bellows, as shown in <FIG>) or preferably by locally varying the elastic characteristic of the tubular element at the level of the flexible portion, for example through the use of different materials.

Preferably, the second part <NUM> of the tubular element <NUM> is enveloped by a spout <NUM>, more preferably made of a rigid plastic material. The spout <NUM> is preferably hinged to the drawing means <NUM>, substantially at the level of the flexible portion <NUM> of the tubular element <NUM>.

For this purpose, two tabs 52a, 52b and respective pins 54a associated with the drawing means <NUM>, only one of which 54a visible in <FIG>, are inserted in corresponding holes 56b provided in the spout <NUM>. The spout <NUM> advantageously follows the tubular element <NUM> when it is arranged in its different positions. The hinged configuration of the spout <NUM> and the drawing means <NUM> guides the rotation of the tubular element <NUM> in its various positions.

According to another of its aspects, the device <NUM> comprises holding means <NUM> suited to hold the tubular element <NUM> in the second position.

In the embodiment illustrated and described with reference to Figures from <NUM> to <NUM>, the holding means <NUM> comprise mechanical interference means arranged between the tubular element <NUM> and the drawing means <NUM>.

The holding means <NUM> preferably comprise an element <NUM> projecting from the underside of the spout <NUM> and suited to be snap-fitted into a slot <NUM> formed in the drawing means <NUM>.

Advantageously, when the tubular element <NUM>, together with the spout <NUM>, is brought to the second position, the holding means <NUM> hold the tubular element <NUM> securely in said position.

At the moment of use of the device <NUM>, the user will need to release the spout <NUM> and bring the tubular element <NUM> to the first position, or position of use.

In variant embodiments, the holding means may assume other shapes, some of which are shown in the embodiments described in detail here below.

According to the above description, it is clear that the presence of the tubular element <NUM>, which has no interruptions from its point of connection to the drawing means <NUM> to its outlet opening <NUM>, makes it possible to avoid leakages of the fluid F, both in the first dispensing position and in the second obstructed position.

Water tightness, furthermore, is guaranteed for a longer time compared to the systems of known type.

Figures from <NUM> to <NUM> show a preferred variant embodiment of the dispensing device <NUM> of the invention, which differs from the embodiment illustrated and described above with reference to Figures from <NUM> to <NUM> in that the spout <NUM> is not hinged to the drawing means <NUM>.

The rotation of the tubular element <NUM> takes place around its flexible portion <NUM> while the spout <NUM> serves the retaining function thanks to the presence of the projecting element <NUM>.

The tubular element <NUM> and the spout <NUM> are preferably made in a single piece, preferably in a co-moulded plastic material.

Said second embodiment is simplified compared to the embodiment described above while at the same time offering the same advantages.

Figures from <NUM> to <NUM> show another variant embodiment <NUM> of the dispensing device that is the subject of the invention.

Said embodiment differs from the embodiments previously described first of all in that it does not have any spout encasing the tubular element <NUM>.

Another difference lies in that the tubular element <NUM> receives in its end portion, in proximity to the outlet opening <NUM>, a diffuser element <NUM> suited to allow the fluid F to be dispensed in the form of a spray.

A further difference lies in the shape of the projecting element <NUM> of the holding Figures from <NUM> to <NUM> show another variant embodiment <NUM> of the dispensing device, this variant not being encompassed by the wording of the claims.

The device <NUM> preferably comprises drawing means <NUM> designed to draw the fluid F from the container C and a dispensing duct <NUM> designed to dispense the fluid F withdrawn from the container C.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated herein, the drawing means <NUM> make it possible to dispense the fluid F by overturning the container C in such a way as to position the dispensing duct <NUM> with its outlet opening <NUM> facing downwards. The fluid F flows out, preferably due to gravity, through the outlet opening <NUM>, or even due to the pressure exerted on the container C when this is made of a collapsible material.

The dispensing duct <NUM> is defined by a tubular element <NUM> having a first part <NUM> fluidically connected to the drawing means <NUM> and a second part <NUM> provided with an outlet opening <NUM> for the fluid F.

The tubular element <NUM> comprises a flexible portion <NUM> suited to allow the second part <NUM> to be arranged in a first position and in a second position, different from the first position, with respect to the first part <NUM>.

<FIG> show the device <NUM> with the tubular element <NUM> arranged in said first position, preferably corresponding to the dispensing position.

<FIG>, instead, show the device <NUM> with the tubular element <NUM> arranged in said second position, preferably corresponding to the rest position or packaging position of the device <NUM>.

In the preferred embodiment, as shown in particular in <FIG>, in the second position the flexible portion <NUM> partially obstructs the dispensing duct <NUM>.

In said second position, therefore, the outflow of the fluid F from the dispensing duct <NUM> is at least partially prevented.

In said position, however, the overall dimensions of the tubular element <NUM> are smaller compared to the first dispensing position, as can be inferred, in particular, by comparing <FIG>.

The device <NUM> comprises holding means <NUM> suited to maintain the tubular element <NUM> in the second position.

The holding means <NUM> comprise a closing element <NUM> suited to be arranged in two respective positions: an open position (<FIG>) and a closed position (<FIG>). The closing element <NUM> preferably slides between said two positions. More specifically, in the closed position the closing element <NUM> pushes against the tubular element <NUM>, maintaining it in the second position. <FIG> shows a variant embodiment <NUM> of the dispensing device, which differs from the embodiment shown in Figures from <NUM> to <NUM> in that in the closed position the closing element <NUM> of the holding means <NUM> is shaped in such a way as to push against the tubular element <NUM>, so that in said second position the dispensing duct <NUM> is completely obstructed. This variant is not encompassed by the wording of the claims.

Figures from <NUM> to <NUM> show another variant embodiment <NUM> of the dispensing device, this variant not being encompassed by the wording of the claims.

The device <NUM> preferably comprises drawing means <NUM> designed to draw the fluid F from a container C (not illustrated) and a dispensing duct <NUM> designed to dispense the fluid F withdrawn from the container.

The drawing means <NUM>, not described in detail below and visible in <FIG>, comprise a lever <NUM> in the shape of a trigger, which is pulled in order to dispense the fluid F from the dispensing duct <NUM>.

The drawing means <NUM> preferably comprise connection means <NUM>, for example a threaded ring, through which the device <NUM> can be connected/fixed to the container, preferably screwed to the neck of the container of the fluid F to be dispensed.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated herein, in the second position the flexible portion <NUM> partially obstructs the dispensing duct <NUM>.

In said position, however, the overall dimensions of the tubular element <NUM> are smaller compared to the first dispensing position, as can be inferred by comparing <FIG>.

The holding means <NUM> are constituted by the mechanical interference of the second part <NUM> of the tubular element <NUM> that is pushed into a slot <NUM> formed in the lever <NUM>.

Furthermore, the tubular element <NUM> receives in its end portion, in proximity to the outlet opening <NUM>, a diffuser element <NUM> suited to allow the fluid F to be dispensed in the form of a spray.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated herein, the drawing means <NUM> make it possible to dispense the fluid F by overturning the container C, in such a way as to position the dispensing duct <NUM> with its outlet opening <NUM> facing downwards. The fluid F flows out, preferably due to gravity, through the outlet opening <NUM>, or even due to the pressure exerted on the container C when this is made of a collapsible material.

<FIG>, instead, show the device <NUM> with the tubular element <NUM> arranged in said second position, preferably corresponding to the rest position or packaging position of the device <NUM>, with the dispensing duct <NUM> completely obstructed.

The holding means <NUM> comprise a closing element <NUM> suited to be arranged in two respective positions: an open position (<FIG>) and a closed position (<FIG>). The closing element <NUM> preferably slides between said two positions. More specifically, in the closed position the closing element <NUM> snaps closed, maintaining the tubular element <NUM> in the second position.

The holding means <NUM> comprise a closing element <NUM> suited to be arranged in two respective positions: an open position (<FIG>) and a closed position (<FIG>). Preferably, the closing element <NUM> can be rotated between said two positions. More specifically, in the closed position the closing element <NUM> snaps closed, maintaining the tubular element <NUM> in the second position.

Figures from <NUM> to <NUM> show a possible embodiment of the tubular element <NUM>, in which the latter is preferably carried out as a separate element to be connected to the drawing means of the device of the invention, according to the The embodiment of tubular element <NUM> shown in <FIG> is not encompassed by the wording of the claims.

Said embodiment of the tubular element <NUM> has its flexible portion <NUM> obtained by changing the thickness of the tubular element <NUM> itself. In the flexible portion <NUM>, the thickness reduction is substantially uniform.

<FIG> shows two positions that can be assumed by the tubular element <NUM>, slightly folded and occupying less space compared to the situation illustrated in <FIG> (dispensing position).

<FIG> show a totally folded position of the tubular element <NUM>, in which it is completely obstructed.

Figures from <NUM> to <NUM> show a variant embodiment of the tubular element <NUM>, which differs from the embodiment of Figures from <NUM> to <NUM> due to the different shape of the flexible portion <NUM>. In the flexible portion <NUM>, the section with reduced thickness is curved and therefore the thickness varies accordingly.

Figures from <NUM> to <NUM> show a variant embodiment of the tubular element <NUM>, which differs from the embodiment of Figures from <NUM> to <NUM> due to the different shape of the flexible portion <NUM>. The flexible portion <NUM> is shaped as a bellows.

<FIG> shows some positions that can be assumed by the tubular element <NUM>, slightly folded and occupying less space compared to the situation illustrated in <FIG>.

It has thus been shown, by means of the previous detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention illustrated in the drawings, that the present invention makes it possible to achieve the set objects and to overcome the drawbacks that are typical of the dispensing devices carried out according to the known art. The present invention, in fact, makes it possible to avoid or at least minimize the risk of leakages of fluid or liquid, independently of the operating position of the dispensing device.

Claim 1:
A dispensing device (<NUM>;<NUM>;<NUM>) configured to dispense a fluid or a liquid (F) held in a container (C) in response to a downward pressing of the device towards the container, said device (<NUM>;<NUM>;<NUM>) comprising:
drawing means (<NUM>) configured to draw said fluid or liquid (F) from said container (C) and a dispensing duct (<NUM>) for said fluid or liquid (F), said dispensing duct (<NUM>) being defined by a tubular element (<NUM>; <NUM>) having a first portion (<NUM>) fluidically connected to said drawing means (<NUM>) and a second portion (<NUM>) provided with an outlet opening (<NUM>) for said fluid or liquid (F),
wherein said tubular element (<NUM>; <NUM>) comprises at least one flexible portion (<NUM>) configured to allow said second portion (<NUM>) to be arranged in a first dispensing position and in a second rest/packaging position, different from said first position, with respect to said first portion (<NUM>),
wherein the flexible portion (<NUM>) is completely obstructed in the second position;
wherein the flexible portion is formed with a different geometric shape relative to the shape of the first and second portions; and
wherein the flexible portion (<NUM>) has a concave outer surface so that the tubular element (<NUM>, <NUM>) wall thickness varies in the flexible portion.