EP0889845B1 - Liquid dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

A dispenser for at least one liquid, particularly a beverage, wherein each liquid is contained in a flexible container (2) with a self-closing valve (3). The dispenser includes a shelf (6) for supporting the flexible container (2) in such a way that the valve (3) thereof is below the liquid level in the flexible container (2), a space (7) beneath the shelf (6), means (9) for at least positioning the valve (3) relative to the shelf (6), and a lever (15) for operating the valve (3). The lever is movably mounted in a holder (16) attached to the dispenser (1), extends downwards and comprises a pushing member (17) on the path along which an auxiliary container (8) moves as it is placed under the valve outlet (4), as well as a control member (18) spaced from the pushing member (17) for controllably opening the valve (3).

Description

The present invention relates to a dispenser at least one liquid, in particular at least one drink, each liquid being contained in a container flexible including a self-closing tap and opening controlled to let the liquid flow through an orifice outlet, the distributor comprising a shelf fixed in the dispenser and arranged to support the flexible container of so that the tap on it is at a lower level compared to a liquid level in the flexible container the outlet tap liquid being oriented for flow liquid down, a space under the shelf being sized to be able to present under the opening of the tap an auxiliary container.

We know, for example from document US-A-3,313,516 a liquid distributor in accordance with the preamble of claim 1 in which such flexible containers made from plastic films formed of several layers laminated and / or laminated and / or coextruded, are used for example for packaging wine. These flexible containers have an important advantage the fact that when you empty them, you should not leave them return air to replace the liquid: the containers apply as they become empty and there is no therefore no air intake which could alter the drink they contain.

The flexible container of US-A-3,313,516 further comprises, for controlling the tap, a lever whose support is fixed directly at this tap and which is turned upwards to be actuated with one hand while holding, for example with the other hand, under the tap, a container to fill.

However, these flexible containers cannot not be used as is as a refueling point drink in places open to the public many and varied: manipulation of the tap in hygienic conditions are not guaranteed in these places.

We also know water dispensers in place in premises, for example offices. These water dispensers include, as container for water to distribute, a large bottle of material rigid, with the neck turned downwards in the distributor and to which air must be admitted as the bottle empties. Again, this air alters the qualities of water as it would alter also those of other drinks. In addition, the circuits passage of water from the bottle to for example a cup should be regularly cleaned for hygienic reasons and this is not always respected. Finally, the above bottles are elements taken up and refilled to be delivered in distributors of this kind. These bottles must therefore be cleaned with particular care, but their shape makes this cleaning very complicated and little reliable. In addition, such cleaning results in great water consumption and some degree of pollution.

The object of the present invention is to remedy to the disadvantages mentioned above and to allow dispensing liquid, especially a drink like mineral water, in crowded places by many individuals. For this purpose, the container flexible aforementioned has been selected for its aforementioned qualities and for the fact that given its low cost of manufacturing, it is cheaper and less polluting discard after it has been emptied. This update waste can advantageously be made in the context of selective waste and material collection flexible container can then be reused for other uses. The valve of the flexible container is an object low cost and is also waste and thus no element in contact with the liquid should only be cleaned periodically to comply with above-mentioned hygienic conditions.

• le levier étant agencé pour pouvoir être déplacé entre deux positions :
  • une première position dite de repos dans laquelle, d'une part, le poussoir fait obstacle au récipient auxiliaire avant que celui-ci soit présenté de la façon déterminée sous l'orifice et suivant le trajet et, d'autre part, l'organe de manoeuvre laisse le robinet fermé et
  • une seconde position dite de vidage dans laquelle, d'une part, le poussoir est poussé à l'écart de sa position de repos, de préférence par le récipient auxiliaire, d'une distance permettant de présenter ce dernier de la façon déterminée sous l'orifice et, d'autre part, l'organe de manoeuvre provoque l'ouverture commandée du robinet, et
• le support du levier d'actionnement étant fixé directement à la tablette du distributeur, indépendamment du robinet et de la fixation de celui-ci à ses moyens de fixation.

In order to be able to use the aforesaid flexible container for the aforementioned purposes, in particular for mineral water, the dispenser of the invention as defined in claim 1 comprises means for fixing the tap, at least in position, relative to the shelf, and a valve actuating lever, which is mounted so that it can be moved in a support fixed to the dispenser, which extends downwards and which comprises a pusher arranged in a path along which the auxiliary container is presented in a determined manner under the orifice and, away from the pusher, an operating member for the controlled opening of the valve,

• the lever being arranged so that it can be moved between two positions:
  • a first so-called rest position in which, on the one hand, the pusher obstructs the auxiliary container before it is presented in the manner determined under the orifice and along the path and, on the other hand, the member maneuvering leaves the tap closed and
  • a second so-called emptying position in which, on the one hand, the pusher is pushed away from its rest position, preferably by the auxiliary container, by a distance making it possible to present the latter in the manner determined under the orifice and, on the other hand, the operating member causes the controlled opening of the valve, and
• the support of the actuating lever being fixed directly to the dispenser shelf, independently of the valve and of the fixing of the latter to its fixing means.

This ensures that an individual can easily withdraw liquid without directly operating tap. Only a person in charge of setting up the flexible container in the dispenser should handle the tap to put it in place and it can easily be do so by respecting the above-mentioned hygienic conditions.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the flexible container comprising the tap at one of its ends, the shelf is tilted so that the end associated with the tap is at a lower level relative to the other end of the container flexible.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the flexible container is contained in a rigid packaging in which the tap can be housed, possibly attached to the flexible container, for transport and storage of said flexible container, the packaging having an opening to allow the valve mounted in the emptying position of the flexible container. The tablet is then arranged to receive, in position container, the rigid packaging containing the container flexible, preferably a sealing element of this opening being provided to protect the flexible container as well as the tap when it is in the packaging. This rigid packaging is preferably made of cardboard which, as we know, is easily recyclable by selective collection of materials to be disposed of scum.

Other details and features of the invention will emerge from the secondary claims and the description of the drawings which are annexed to this memory and which illustrate, by way of examples not limiting, embodiments of the dispenser the invention.

Figure 1 shows in a front view and in elevation an embodiment of a dispenser of the invention, arranged for two separate liquids.

Figure 2 shows a cross section along line II-II of the dispenser of figure 1.

Figure 3 shows on an enlarged scale, in cross section and with partial breaks, a actuation lever and the neighboring elements of this one, in the case of the dispenser of figure 2.

Figure 4 shows on another scale and with partial breaks, in cross section, another embodiment of the actuation lever for a other type of tap.

Figure 5 shows on another scale and with partial breaks, in cross section, another different embodiment of the actuation lever for a different type of tap.

Figure 6 shows on another scale and with partial breaks, in transverse account, another embodiment of the actuation lever for a different type of faucet.

Figure 7 shows, in a view similar to that of figure 4 and with the same type of tap as in it a different embodiment of the actuation lever and its support.

In the different figures, the same reference notations designate identical elements or the like.

The liquid distributor 1 (Figures 1 to 7) may include at least one distribution station for one liquid or, as in the case of figure 1, two dispensing stations, for example for two liquids different.

The liquids envisaged on the basis of the invention are non-carbonated mineral waters and others drinks but many other liquids can be manipulated with dispensers of the invention.

The dispenser 1 of the invention is provided to receive a flexible container 2 (Figures 3 to 7) including a self-closing tap 3 (by spring, etc ...) and with controlled opening to leave pour the liquid from the flexible container 2 through an orifice output 4.

The flexible container 2 can advantageously be supplied in rigid packaging 5, preferably a cardboard box as explained above. The distributor 1 of Figures 1 to 4 and 6 and 7 is then arranged, as shown schematically, for receive the flexible container 2 still contained in its packaging 5.

The dispenser 1 of the invention comprises a shelf 6 fixed in the dispenser 1 and arranged for support the flexible container 2, possibly in its packaging 5, so that tap 3 is at a lower level compared to a liquid level in the flexible container 2 and so that the orifice 4 is oriented so that a flow of liquid is directed down.

A space 7 is provided under the shelf 6 and is sized to be able to present under port 4 an auxiliary container 8, such as a cup 8 or a decanter to be filled with the drink contained in the flexible container 2.

Means 9 are provided for fixing the tap 3, at least in position relative to the shelf 6. These means 9 can include a fork 10 whose teeth can point upwards (Figures 3, 4, 6 and 7) and cooperate with a recess 11, for example by throat shape, tap body 3 to maintain a desired tilt of it. Fork 10 can be attached to or as part of shelf 6.

The dispenser 1 of the invention comprises plus a lever 15 for actuating the tap 3. This lever 15 is mounted so that it can be moved in a support 16 fixed to the distributor 1. The lever 15 extends downwards and comprises a pusher 17 arranged in a path along which the auxiliary container 8 is presented under the orifice 4. Away from the pusher 17, the lever 15 comprises an operating member 18 for the controlled opening of tap 3, for example by a action on a push button 18A thereof.

In the embodiments of Figures 3 and 4, the lever 15 has two parallel arms 15A, 15B (Figure 1) which rigidly connect the pusher 17 to the operating member 18 and, in a mobile manner, to the support 16.

In figure 3, the command 18A, to push upwards to open tap 3, is formed by two wings which extend on either side of the body of the tap 3 (only one wing visible in the drawing and perpendicular to the plane of it). Consequently, the operating member 18 is formed of two sections with a space between them for the passage of the valve body 3.

In the embodiment of Figure 4, control 18A, push down to open the tap 3, is formed by a button in the axis of the body of the tap 3. Consequently, the operating member 18 extends between the arms 15A, 15B and above the command 18A.

The lever 15 is arranged to be able to be moved between two positions. The first position 19, called rest, is that in which, on the one hand, the pusher 17 obstructs the auxiliary container 8 before it is presented in a specific way under the orifice 4 following the path and, on the other hand, the operating member leaves the tap 3 closed. The second position 20, called the emptying position, is that in which, on the one hand, the pusher 17 is pushed to deviation from its rest position, preferably by through the auxiliary container 4, from a distance allowing to present it in the way determined under the orifice 4 and, on the other hand, the organ maneuver 18 causes the controlled opening of the tap 3.

The flexible container 2 can include the tap 3 at one of its ends and at that time the shelf 6 can be tilted so that the end associated with tap 3 either at a lower level by relative to the other end of the flexible container 2.

In the case of Figure 5 for example, the tablet 6 is hollowed out in the form of a funnel or hopper, so as to cause the level difference cited above. A substantially vertical wall 23 can be provided around the flexible container 2 and it can either belong to distributor 1 or be the wall of the aforementioned packaging 5. The tap 3 can then be of a type passing through shelf 6 (see Figure 5) and be fixed under the shelf 6 by a fork 10 arranged horizontally. The 18A valve 3 control is, in this case, formed by two wings at the like that of tap 3 in figure 3. Consequently, the present operating member 18 is also designed like the one in figure 3.

Lever 15 (Figures 1 to 6) can be mounted preferably so as to pivot in its support 16 in order to move it between the positions of rest 19 and emptying 20. The closing means automatic (not shown) of tap 3 can then serve to automatically bring lever 15 back into its rest position 19.

The operation of the dispenser 1 described in present using Figures 1 to 3 appears easily to the reader. For example, a cup 8 is shown as shown in Figure 3 and is pushed against the pusher 17 along the horizontal arrow. This brings the lever 15 to tilt and press the operating member 18 against control 18A of tap 3 until this last causes tap 3 to open and flow liquid through port 4. Lever 15 is designed and regulated so that this opening does not take place of course only when the goblet 8 has its opening under orifice 4. Those skilled in the art are able to calculate and set the lever 15 strokes and ratios to this effect, so that when you remove the goblet 8 opposite to the horizontal arrow, the tap 3 is closed before the opening of goblet 8 has left plumb under the surface of hole 4.

Distributor 1 may have a door hiding from view the flexible container 2 therein arranged in the emptying position.

The fixing means 9 may include a stop 25 which could be fixed to door 24 and which, when the door 24 would be closed, would be automatically in position and would form for the valve body 3 a reaction support against a force developed by the operating member 18 on control 18A of tap 3 for opening of this one.

According to the command 18A in FIG. 3, push up to open valve 3, the stop 25 is disposed above the latter.

In the case of the command 18A in FIG. 4, push down to open tap 3, the stop 25 is arranged below a projection thereof and preferably has the shape of a fork, the projection extending advantageously on both sides of the valve body 3, perpendicular to the plane of the drawing.

It is readily apparent that the fork 10 of the Figure 5 performs the same function as the fork 10 and that the stop 25 of Figures 3, 4 and 6.

Certain auxiliary containers 8, such as very thin plastic cups may not have sufficient rigidity to transmit force sufficient for pusher 17 to move lever 15 from its rest position 19 to its emptying position 20. For this reason, the lever 15 may comprise, on the side of the pusher 17, at least one additional pusher 26 arranged on the side of the path to be followed by the container auxiliary 8 to present it under the orifice 4. The additional pusher 26 is arranged on a path that follows a hand (or finger) of an individual who presents the auxiliary container under port 4. The pusher complementary 26 can have any useful form maneuver, in particular an ergonomic shape.

In a particular embodiment, not shown, the dispenser 1 comprises a cabinet refrigerator in or on which are mounted at least the tablet 6, the fixing means 9 and the lever 15 through its support 16. The refrigeration cabinet can be used to keep the liquid cool contained in the flexible container (s) 2. This refrigeration cabinet can also be used for storage of other food, commodities, etc. at the way of a domestic, laboratory refrigerator, etc ...

The arrangement of said distributor / cabinet refrigeration can be such that it is necessary to open the door to access lever 15 and port 4 or may be such that at least the lever 15 and the orifice 4 are accessible from outside the cabinet, when the door of this one is closed.

It should be understood that the invention is not in no way limited to the embodiments described and that many modifications can be made to these last without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Thus, according to FIG. 6, the tap 3 can be of an 18A control type to be pushed horizontally along the axis of the valve body 3. In this case also, the stop 25 is not necessary, the fork 10 can take up the pushing force of the lever 15 during a valve opening command 3.

In addition, according to Figure 7, for the type of tap 3 shown there, the lever 15 can be not of the swivel type but of a sliding type vertical in a suitable support 16. Lever 15 can be held and returned to the rest position 19 by means for recalling the control 18A of valve 3 and / or by a suitable spring 27. The pusher 17 is disposed under the auxiliary container 8 in this case and is to push down through said auxiliary container 8. This movement can be favorable in the case of a plastic cup 8 very thin, it better resistant to axial compression than radial compression. A stop 26 can be provided on the arms 15A, 15B to prevent the lever 15 to be pulled too high by the spring 27.

A fork 30 complementary to the fork fixed 10 (figure 7) can be used to immobilize completely the tap 3. This fork 30 is then removable, for example pivoting along a path parallel to the starting at the teeth of the fork 10, to release a passage for placing the recess 11 of the tap 3 on the fork 10. This fork 30 has means (not shown) for rigidly fixing it to the fork 10 or shelf 6, for immobilization complete. This fork 30, applied to the case of the figures 3, 4 and 6 can make it possible not to use stop 25, but causes additional manipulation compared to cases with stop 25.

Claims (9)

1. A dispenser of at least one liquid, in particular of at least one drink, each liquid being contained in a flexible container (2) comprising a tap (3) with automatic closing and controlled opening to let the liquid flow through an outlet hole (4), the dispenser (1) comprising:

   a shelf (6) fixed in the dispenser (1) and arranged to support the flexible container (2) so that the tap (3) of the latter is at a lower level in relation to a level of the liquid in the flexible container (2), the liquid outlet hole (4) of the tap (3) being oriented for a downward flow of the liquid, and

   a space (7) under the shelf (6), sized to be able to present under the hole (4) of the tap (3) an auxiliary container (8),

   characterized

   by means (9) for fixing the tap (3), at least in position, in relation to the shelf (6), and

   by a lever (15) for operating the tap (3), which is mounted so as to be able to be moved in a support (16) fixed to the dispenser (1), which extends downwards and which includes a push rod (17) placed in a path following which the auxiliary container (8) is presented under the hole (4) and, away from the push rod (17), an operating device (18) for the controlled opening of the tap (3), the lever (15) being arranged to be able to be moved between two positions, a first "rest" position (19) in which, on the one hand, the push rod (17) obstructs the auxiliary container (8) before the latter is presented in a specific way under the hole (4) and following the path and, on the other hand, the operating device (18) leaves the tap (3) closed and a second "emptying" position (20) in which, on the one hand, the push rod (17) is pushed away from its rest position (19), preferably by the auxiliary container (8), by a distance enabling the latter to be presented in the specific way under the hole (4) and, on the other hand, the operating device (18) causes the controlled opening of the tap (3), and

   in that the support (16) of the operating lever (15) is fixed directly to the shelf (6) of the dispenser, independently of the tap (3) and of the fixing of the latter to its fixing means (9).
2. A dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that the operating device (18) and the tap (3) are arranged so that the latter can be put in place in its fixing means (9) by passing the tap (3) or at least one push control (18A) of the latter either over or under the operating device (18) of the operating lever (15) mounted in its support (16).
3. A dispenser according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the operating device (18) of the operating lever (15) is arranged in order to be applied against and to operate a push control (18A) of the tap (3) when the auxiliary container (8) is brought under the hole (4).
4. A liquid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, the flexible container (2) including the tap (3) at one of its ends, the shelf (6) slopes so that the end associated with the tap (3) is at a lower level in relation to the other end of the flexible container (2).
5. A liquid dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the lever (15) is mounted so as to pivot in its support (16) in order to carry out its movement between the rest position (19) and emptying position (20), the automatic closing means of the tap (3) serving preferably to automatically bring the lever (15) back to its rest position (19).
6. A liquid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that the fixing means (9) of the tap (3) in relation to the shelf (6) comprise a fork (10) whose teeth point upwards and in that they cooperate with a corresponding cut-out (11) of the body of the tap (3).
7. A liquid dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the lever (15) includes, on the push rod (17) side, at least one further push rod (26) placed on the side of the path to be followed by the auxiliary container (8) in order to present it under the hole (4) of the tap (3), and on a path followed by a hand of a person who carries out such an operation.
8. A liquid dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it includes a refrigerated cabinet in or on which are mounted at least the shelf (6), the fixing means (9) of the tap (3), the operating lever (15) and its support (16).
9. A liquid dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the flexible container (2) is contained in a rigid pack (5) in which can be housed the tap (6), fixed possibly to the flexible container (2), to transport and store said flexible container (2), the pack (5) including an opening to let the tap (3) mounted in the emptying position protrude from the flexible container (2), and in that the shelf (6) is arranged to receive, in the emptying position, the rigid pack (5) containing the flexible container (2), preferably an element to plug this opening being provided in order to protect the flexible container (2) as well as the tap (6) when it is in the pack (5).

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