EP1027278B1 - Liquid dispensing tap - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a liquid distribution valve to be placed on a container having a single flow orifice, in particular being a bottle arranged with the neck turned down.

To dispense liquid from a container, such as a bottle, it is necessary to grasp said container, to uncork it, to tilt it to pour the liquid, then straighten it, fill it and put it back in place.

These different operations can be difficult for the user with the arrival of modern plastic materials and the development of large volumes, the containers and in particular the bottles then being either too soft, either too heavy or both. In addition the fact of having to lead and recapping the container multiple times during use can harm the quality of its content.

It has already been proposed to resolve these difficulties by adopting on plastic containers of liquid distribution valves, arranged in lower part of the container, opposite the filling opening. Of course, in in this case, it is important that the container is provided from the outset or to be equipped of said tap either to have a second flow orifice capable of being equipped with said tap. It is therefore not possible to equip such a valve with liquid distribution of structural plastic bottles traditional.

Document EP427.495 has already proposed a distribution valve liquid, capable of being adapted to a container having a single orifice, including a bottle. The valve in question includes two flexible tubes juxtaposed, a means of closing by crushing the two tubes and a means obturator capable of hermetically sealing the orifice around the two tubes when placing the valve on the container. One of the two tubes is used for the passage of the liquid while the other tube is used exclusively for the passage of the air. It is important that the volume of liquid leaving the container is replaced by air and be it regularly if you want to avoid the jerk effect that we observe when we empty a bottle by turning it over, an effect that causes a deformation of the bottle, depending on the pressure variations, when it is made of flexible plastic. In document EP427.495, the second tube goes up inside the bottle to be above the level of the liquid and extends outside the bottle to form an air intake. Given the length of the tubes, the installation of the tap turns complex and there is no guarantee that the second tube remains constantly above liquid level.

The valve of the invention overcomes these drawbacks.

a) de deux tubes souples juxtaposés,

b) d'un moyen de fermeture par écrasement des deux tubes,

c) d'un moyen obturateur apte à réaliser l'obturation hermétique de l'orifice autour des deux tubes lors de la mise en place du robinet sur le récipient.

It is made up in a known manner:

a) two juxtaposed flexible tubes,

b) a means of closing by crushing the two tubes,

c) a shutter means capable of hermetically sealing the orifice around the two tubes when the tap is placed on the container.

Typically, one of the two tubes presents locally towards its end facing the inside of the container a reduced internal diameter whereby there is no need for one of the tubes to rise inside the container above the level of the liquid to form a pick-up tube 'air.

Thanks to the liquid distribution valve of the invention, the user has more to handle the container to pour the liquid but it is enough to put in place the aforementioned tap on the opening of the container, the two tubes being crushed thanks to the closing means, to return the container, the opening then being down, position it on a suitable support and then take as much whenever necessary the quantity of liquid desired thanks to the closing means. This is possible with containers, of the type with large capacity bottles in plastic material. The presence of the second tube of reduced diameter makes it possible to adjust the gas flow entering the container through this second tube, when the pressure liquid near the opening is equal to or less than the pressure atmospheric; thus it is possible to obtain a regular flow of the liquid, while avoiding the jerky effect. This flow is preferably done by the first tube, but also partly through the second tube with the shrinking according to pressure conditions. There is therefore no longer any need of an air intake as in document EP427,495. The second tube can be short inside the container. The applicant was able to determine that by judiciously choosing the internal section of the two tubes and in particular from the strangled part of the second tube it was possible to obtain a good flow liquid from the beginning to the end of the container.

Good results have been obtained for an internal section of each of the two tubes of the order of 50 to 80 mm ² , which corresponds to a diameter of 8 to 10 mm in the case of two tubes of circular section and a reduced section of the second tube of the order of 3 to 5 mm ² over a height of 2 mm.

From a practical point of view, the cross-sectional shape of the two tubes should be designed to have the largest possible liquid passage in position open while having the smallest possible deformation to pass from the open position to the closed position, when the two tubes are crushed by the closing means. An oblong, oval, elliptical or shaped section flattened circle allows these two parameters to be combined.

It is preferable that the two tubes have the same section, except well on the area of the second tube where the section is narrowed, in order to facilitate the pinching of the two tubes and having a good seal in the closed position. Through elsewhere to obtain stable and rapid operation of the flow of liquid, the total height between the ends on the one hand of the outer portion to the container of the first tube and on the other hand of the portion inside the container of the second tube is of the order of 50 to 60 mm.

The fact that the narrowed part of the second tube is towards the end of this facing the interior of the container has two advantages; all firstly, this prevents said second tube from filling with liquid in the off position, since the narrowed section is determined so as not to allow passage liquid under normal pressure conditions inside the container; of the more it allows the second tube to be emptied easily in case, in operation, the liquid would pass through the narrowed section during a pressure variation. This localization of the narrowed portion of the second tube therefore makes it possible to trap the air situated between the zone of said second tube crushed by the closing means and the narrowed portion.

Preferably the first tube has a portion, external to the container, which has a length greater than the outer portion of the container of the second tube. When the two tubes have outer portions which have the same length, the liquid dispensing may be interrupted when the liquid level in the glass or other container to be filled reaches the ends of the two tubes and the two so-called tubes are themselves filled with liquid. The fact that the second tube is shorter than the first allows, in this case, to automatically reboot liquid distribution thanks to the difference in lift height in the two tubes.

Preferably the second tube has a portion intended to be at inside the container, when the tap is in place around the opening, which has a length greater than that of the corresponding portion of the first tube. When the portions, located inside the container, of the two tubes have the same length, there may be a risk that gas bubbles entering the container by the second tube are entrained by the liquid distributed in the first tube, which would disturb the flow of said liquid. Shifting in height the second tube disperses the gas bubbles in an area of the container distant from the immediate vicinity of the end of the first tube by which flows the liquid. On the other hand this offset in height of the second tube to the interior of the container makes it possible to limit the size of the portion of the first tube outside the container. However, the lengths of the portions of the first and second tubes, outside the container, are sufficient to be accessible by means of closing by crushing.

Preferably the end of the inner portion of the second tube is fitted with a non-return valve. This particular provision covers the case use of containers with pressurized liquid. Thanks to the non-return valve, only the first tube is used for the flow of the liquid. If during the racking, the pressure in the container decreases, the non-return valve lets the gas into the container to be able to continue the racking.

Preferably the shutter means, achieving the hermetic sealing of the orifice around the two tubes consists on the one hand in a flexible piece, tightly surrounding the two tubes and having a dimension greater than the orifice of the container and on the other hand into a locking device in the position of said flexible piece on the outer edge of the orifice.

Advantageously in this case the two tubes and the flexible part form a one-piece assembly, made of flexible plastic, preferably silicone. In the case of drinks or fragile liquids, this one-piece assembly can thus be easily replaced after each use or washed and sterilized if very hygienic push is necessary.

Preferably, but not exclusively, when the two tubes and the flexible part form a one-piece assembly, the two tubes have a section in the form of a flattened circle of internal section of the order of 50 to 80 mm ² ; the reduced section of the second tube is of the order of 3 to 5mm ² over a height of 2mm; only the second tube has a portion intended to be inside the container, of the order of 8 to 12mm, the first tube has a portion intended to be outside of the container, which is of the order of 1 at 5mm greater than that of the second tube and the total height between the outer portion of the first tube and the inner part of the second tube is of the order of 50 to 60mm.

In an alternative embodiment, intended to equip bottles comprising a flange set back from the end of the neck, the locking device in position of the assembly consisting of the flexible part and two tubes have two elements cooperating with each other, a first gripping element on the flange and bearing element on the flexible part, provided with at least a gripping surface and a second element. These two elements are movable relative to each other between a first position where the grip surface is in withdrawal, allowing the introduction of the locking device around the neck of the bottle, beyond the flange, and a second position where the grip surface, under the action of the second element, is advanced, and applies to the face of the collar opposite the outer edge of the neck and where the outer edge of the neck is force applied to the flexible part.

So the user just has to introduce the bottle neck tap, with the two elements of its blocking device in the first position and then move these two elements relative to each other so to carry out in the same movement both the blocking of the tap and the shutter airtight of the orifice, the flexible piece in which the edge is forcibly applied external of the neck acting as a seal.

In a first alternative embodiment, the closure means has two arms with a bent end which are pivotally mounted relative to an axis located in the plane of symmetry of the two tubes and a spring disposed between the two said arms. In the inactive position the bent ends of the two arms are angularly spaced from each other, while the parts of said arms located opposite to said bent ends with respect to the pivot axis are force applied to the two tubes, thanks to the action of the spring. In position active, i.e. when the user brings the two bent ends together two arms, thus acting against the spring, the two arms pivot around the pivot axis freeing the two tubes. In the inactive position, the two tubes are crushed and the liquid cannot flow, while in the active position, the two tubes return to their original shape, freeing the passage of liquid and / or gas.

• un bras unique, à extrémité coudée, qui est monté pivotant par rapport à un axe qui est perpendiculaire à la direction générale des deux tubes, ledit bras comportant un montant transversal faisant face aux deux tubes,
• une butée fixe disposée de l'autre côté des deux tubes par rapport au montant transversal,
• et un ressort s'étendant entre la partie coudée du bras pivotant et un point fixe. Dans la position inactive, le ressort repousse vers l'avant le bras pivotant en sorte que le montant transversal de celui-ci comprime les deux tubes contre la butée fixe. En position active, c'est-à-dire lorsque l'utilisateur repousse l'extrémité coudée du bras pivotant, par exemple en introduisant la bouteille sous les deux tubes, le montant transversal pivote avec le bras et s'écarte des deux tubes, libérant le passage du liquide.

In a second variant embodiment, the closure means comprises:

• a single arm, with a bent end, which is pivotally mounted with respect to an axis which is perpendicular to the general direction of the two tubes, said arm comprising a transverse upright facing the two tubes,
• a fixed stop disposed on the other side of the two tubes with respect to the transverse upright,
• and a spring extending between the bent part of the pivoting arm and a fixed point. In the inactive position, the spring pushes the pivoting arm forward so that the transverse amount thereof compresses the two tubes against the fixed stop. In the active position, that is to say when the user pushes the bent end of the pivoting arm, for example by introducing the bottle under the two tubes, the transverse upright pivots with the arm and moves away from the two tubes, releasing the passage of the liquid.

• un bras de commande, qui est monté pivotant par rapport à un axe qui est perpendiculaire à la direction générale des deux tubes et dont une extrémité libre est destinée à être actionnée par l'utilisateur,
• un ensemble pivotant d'écrasement, monté pivotant par rapport à un axe perpendiculaire à la direction générale des deux tubes, ledit ensemble comportant une plaque d'appui et une plaque d'écrasement,
• une butée fixe disposée de l'autre côté des deux tubes par rapport à l'ensemble pivotant,
• et un ressort s'étendant entre le moyen d'obturation hermétique de l'orifice et la plaque d'appui de l'élément pivotant. Dans la position inactive, le ressort repousse la plaque d'appui en sorte que la plaque d'écrasement comprime les deux tubes contre la butée fixe. En position active, c'est à dire lorsque l'utilisateur repousse l'extrémité libre du bras d'actionnement, l'autre extrémité dudit bras fait se déplacer la plaque d'appui en comprimant le ressort, ce qui entraíne un déplacement angulaire de l'ensemble pivotant et l'écartement de la plaque d'écrasement des deux tubes, libérant le passage du liquide.

In a third alternative embodiment, the closure means comprises:

• a control arm, which is pivotally mounted with respect to an axis which is perpendicular to the general direction of the two tubes and one free end of which is intended to be actuated by the user,
• a pivoting crushing assembly, pivotally mounted with respect to an axis perpendicular to the general direction of the two tubes, said assembly comprising a support plate and a crushing plate,
• a fixed stop disposed on the other side of the two tubes relative to the pivoting assembly,
• and a spring extending between the hermetic closure means of the orifice and the support plate of the pivoting element. In the inactive position, the spring pushes the support plate so that the crushing plate compresses the two tubes against the fixed stop. In the active position, that is to say when the user pushes the free end of the actuating arm, the other end of said arm causes the support plate to move by compressing the spring, which causes an angular displacement of the pivoting assembly and the spacing of the crushing plate of the two tubes, freeing the passage of the liquid.

La figure 1 est une représentation schématique en coupe de l'ensemble constitué par les deux tubes juxtaposés et la pièce souple positionnée sous le goulot d'une bouteille, en position ouverte,

La figure 2 est une représentation schématique en coupe des mêmes éléments de la figure 1 mais en position fermée,

Les figures 3 et 4 sont des représentations schématiques en plan de dessous des éléments tubes/pièce souple des figures 1 et 2,

La figure 5 est une représentation schématique en coupe d'un autre exemple de réalisation de l'ensemble tubes/pièce souple et du dispositif obturateur avant blocage sur le goulot de la bouteille,

La figure 6 est une représentation schématique des éléments de la figure 5 avec blocage en position du dispositif obturateur,

Les figures 7, 8, 9 et 10 sont des représentations schématiques en coupe de quatre exemples de robinet avec des moyens différents de fermeture par écrasement des tubes,

Les figures 11 à 17 sont des représentations en perspective des sept pièces principales, réalisant d'une part le blocage de l'ensemble tubes/pièce souple sur le goulot de la bouteille et d'autre part la fixation sur un support.

The present invention will be better understood on reading the description which will be given of several exemplary embodiments of the liquid distribution valve with two juxtaposed flexible tubes, illustrated by the appended drawing in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation in section of the assembly constituted by the two juxtaposed tubes and the flexible part positioned under the neck of a bottle, in the open position,

FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional representation of the same elements in FIG. 1 but in the closed position,

FIGS. 3 and 4 are diagrammatic representations in bottom plan of the tube / flexible part elements of FIGS. 1 and 2,

FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional representation of another embodiment of the tube / flexible part assembly and of the shutter device before blocking on the neck of the bottle,

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of the elements of FIG. 5 with locking in position of the shutter device,

FIGS. 7, 8, 9 and 10 are schematic sectional representations of four examples of taps with different means for closing by crushing the tubes,

FIGS. 11 to 17 are perspective representations of the seven main parts, on the one hand blocking the tube / flexible part assembly on the neck of the bottle and on the other hand fixing it on a support.

The valve of the invention is particularly intended to be placed on the neck of a large-capacity plastic bottle, for example five liters, the distribution of the liquid from this bottle requiring to return it and to put it in place on a support. This tap has, so characteristic, a first flow assembly comprising two flexible tubes juxtaposed, a means of blocking this flow assembly on the neck of the bottle and a means of closing by crushing the two tubes.

The flow assembly 1, illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, consists of two juxtaposed flexible tubes 2, 3, and a flexible part 4. This assembly flow 1 is preferably made of food grade silicone or in a material with equivalent flexibility. This flexibility is required when level of the two juxtaposed tubes 2, 3 which must be able to be closed by crushing, as illustrated in figures 2 and 4. It is also required when level of the flexible part 4 which acts as a seal between the device blocking and the outer edge 5 of the neck 6 of the bottle 7.

The first liquid flow tube 2 is completely outside the neck 6 when the assembly 1 is locked in position on the outer edge 5 of the latter. As against the second tube 3 return air has an inner portion 3a which extends beyond the flexible part 4 towards the interior of the neck 6. The second tube 3 has an end 9, closing the inner portion 3 a which has a passage opening 10 of reduced section compared to the section of the two tubes 2, 3.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the two tubes 2,3 have an oblong section, each having the shape of a flattened circle (FIG. 3), of internal section of the order of 50 to 80 mm ² . The total height between the end 9 of the second tube 3 and the outer end 2 b of the first tube 2 is of the order of 50 to 60 mm. The passage opening 10 of the end 9 of the second tube 3 is a circular orifice 2 to 2.5 mm in diameter, said end 9 having a thickness of the order of 2 mm.

There are shown in the figures tubes 2,3 which have an identical cross section over their entire length. In practice, it may be advantageous to provide some increase in this section since their inner end 2a until their outer end 2b, for release purposes when it is a single piece.

The two tubes 2, 3 are closed by applying against the walls rectilinear 11, 12 of the two tubes 2, 3 a certain pressure so as to achieve flattening said walls 11, 12 against each other in accordance with the representation of figure 4.

When the bottle filled with liquid is turned over, while the two tubes 2, 3 are closed, the liquid can penetrate into the first tube 2 up to the end 2 b where the obturation is carried out. On the other hand, the liquid does not enter the second tube 2, the passage orifice 10 being too small for this under normal conditions of pressure in the bottle.

When the tap is opened, by ceasing applying pressure on the two tubes 2, 3, liquid flows through the first tube 2 while air enters the bottle through the opening 10, replacing the liquid that has passed. Possibly, in the event of a significant pressure variation at inside the bottle, liquid can also escape through port 10 flow until the pressure returns under normal conditions.

With the flow assembly 1 which has just been described, in particular with the dimensions that have been given as an example, we obtain a smooth, stable and rapid liquid flow, smoothly until exhaustion liquid in the bottle.

In Figure 5 is illustrated the locking device in the workpiece position flexible on the outer edge 5 of the neck 6 of the bottle 7, said neck 6 being provided with a recessed flange 15 - sometimes called a counter ring - by compared to thread 14. This type of flange 15 is used in particular for conveying bottles from blowing to capping after filling.

The locking device 13 consists of two elements cooperating with each other, namely a first gripping and support element 16 and a second locking element 17, both of annular shape, with the first element 16 arranged concentrically and inside the second element 17. The first element 16 has a transverse wall 18, open in the middle so as to allow the passage of the two tubes 2, 3. The flexible part 4 is applied to the face inner 18 a of this transverse wall 18 which is surmounted by a shoulder 19 forming with the inner face 18 has a housing for the flexible part 4 and the outer edge 5 of the neck 6 of the bottle.

Preferably the flexible part 4, of circular shape has at least a projection 93, and the shoulder 19 has a groove, shaped to allow the nesting of said protuberance 43. It is also possible to obtain a precise placement of the flexible part 4 in the first element 16. This placement is very important when the two tubes 2,3 have a non-circular section, for oblong example, and that it is a question of positioning them in a device of closing by crushing of the two tubes.

Opposite the transverse wall 18, the first gripping element 16 has a prominence 20, mushroom-shaped, projecting from the side and other of an annular wall 21, thus delimiting two bearing surfaces 22, 23, the first surface 22 being turned towards the inside of said first element 16 and the second 23 being turned outward, that is to say towards the second element blocking 17. The annular wall 21 has a first portion 24 having a constant diameter determined D and a portion 25 ending in the prominence 20 having a diameter greater than D. The portion 25 is in fact made up of individual tongues 29 integral with the first portion 24 and forming overall a frustoconical volume, in normal position, each tab being inclined by an angle α.

The second support element 17, annular, has a diameter just greater with the aforementioned diameter D, so as to be arranged around and in the immediate vicinity of the external face of the annular wall 21 in its first portion 24.

In Figure 5 there is shown the position of the second element 17 by relative to the first element 16 when the blocking device is put in place 13 on the neck 6 of the bottle. The diameter of the neck at the flange 15 is such that it was possible to penetrate said neck as well as the collar 15 in the interior recess of the first element 16, the second element 17 being against the first portion 24 of the annular wall 21 with its upper edge 28 against the base of the tabs 29.

The locking position is illustrated in Figure 6. To reach it, simply slide in the direction of the arrow G the second element 17 relative to the first 16. During this sliding, the edge 28 is applied on the outer surface of the annular wall 21, pushing the tabs constituting the portion 25 towards the neck 6. This angular displacement correlatively displaces the prominence 20 towards the flange 15. At the end of the travel of the second element 17, the edge 28 is in abutment on the external bearing surface 23 of the protrusion 20 while the internal bearing surface 22 of said protrusion 20 is, in turn, in abutment on the upper face 15 a of the flange 15.

In the locking position, it is nevertheless possible to rotate the bottle on itself, to orient it, thanks to the flexibility of the flexible part 4 on which the outer edge 5 of the neck is supported.

For construction reasons, there may be a distribution of internal 22 and external 23 bearing surfaces between the different tabs 29 constituting the portion 25 of the annular wall 21.

In the example illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the second return tube 3 of air is slightly shorter by 3 to 4 mm, compared to the first tube 2. This arrangement allows automatic re-priming of the liquid distribution thanks to unlike the lift height in the two tubes.

FIG. 7 illustrates a first alternative embodiment of a device for closing by crushing the two tubes. This device 31 comprises two arms 32, 33 each having a bent end respectively 34, 35. These two arms 32, 33 are pivotally mounted relative to an axis 36 located in the plane of symmetry DD 'of the two tubes 2, 3. The device 31 also includes a spring 37 which connects the two arms 32, 33 at their opposite end to the two elbows 34, 35. In FIG. 7, the two arms 32, 33 are shown in solid lines in the crushing position of the two tubes 2, 3 between their faces 32 a and 33 a facing each other; these two faces being brought together by the action of the spring 37. This first position corresponds to the inactive position, closing the valve.

The active position of the two arms 32, 33 has been shown in broken line, in which the user has brought the two bent ends 34, 35 together. This bringing together, by angular pivoting of the two arms 32, 33 around the axis 36, counteracting the action of the spring 37, has separated from one another the two faces 32 a and 33 has two arms 32, 33, allowing the two tubes 2, 3 to resume their shape initial and thus authorizing the passage of the liquid.

In the second variant illustrated in FIG. 8, the closing device 38 comprises a single arm 39 having a bent free end 40. This arm 39 is pivotally mounted relative to an axis 41 which is perpendicular to the general direction of the two tubes 2 , 3, said axis being on the end 39 a of the arm 39, opposite the elbow 40. This arm 39 also includes a transverse upright 42 which faces the two tubes 2, 3. A fixed stop 43 is disposed on the other side of the two tubes 2, 3 relative to the transverse upright 42. A spring 44 extends between the arm 39 from an extension 45 of the bent end 40 to a fixed point 46, for example secured to the locking device in position of the tube / flexible part assembly.

FIG. 8 shows in solid lines the arrangement of the arm 39 in the inactive position, corresponding to the closing of the tap by crushing the two tubes 2, 3 by the front end 42 a of the transverse upright 42. In this first position, the spring 44 pushes back from the fixed point 46 the extension 45 carried by the arm 39.

The arrangement of the arm 39 in position is shown in broken lines. active. The user pushes the bent end 40 in the direction of the arrow H, counteracting the action of the spring 44. This angular displacement of the arm 39 around the axis 41 separates the transverse upright 42 from the two tubes 2, 3, which can resume their initial shape and authorize the distribution of the liquid.

In the third alternative embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 9, which is the preferred alternative embodiment, the closure device 47 comprises two parts pivoting around two parallel axes, perpendicular to the general direction of the two tubes 2, 3. The first part is an actuating arm 48. The second part 50 comprises one or two bearing zones 51 and a crushing plate 53. A fixed stop 54 is disposed near the two tubes 2, 3 but opposite to the crushing plate 53. A spring 55 connects the second part 50 and a fixed point 56, for example projecting from the outside face of the locking device in position of the tube / flexible part assembly. The actuating arm 48 has a bent portion 48 a , which can be actuated by the user, while another portion 48 b comes against the bearing zone or zones 51.

In Figure 9 is shown the device 47 in the inactive position, that is to say in the valve closed position. In this position, the spring 55 pushes the second part 50, which correlatively causes the application of the crushing plate 53 against the tubes 2, 3 and the crushing thereof against the fixed stop 54. The passage of this position in the active position is obtained by pressing the bent end 48 a of the actuating arm 48 in the direction of the arrow J. This causes the angular pivoting of the actuating arm 48 about its axis during which the portion 48 b of said arm 48 pushes the support zone or zones 51, thereby counteracting the action of the spring 55 and causing the second part 50 to pivot about its axis. During this pivoting of the second part 50, the crushing plate 53 also pivots in the direction of the arrow K, which moves said plate 53 away from the fixed stop 54 and frees the two tubes 2, 3 which can resume their section initial and allow the liquid to flow.

In a preferred embodiment the closing device 47 also includes a first body 80 supporting the stop 54 and on which is fixed the blocking device 13 for example by snap-fastening item 16 described above. Projecting, on the outer face 81 of this body 80, corresponding to the extension of the annular wall 21, a path is provided. cam 82 cooperating with cutouts 83 formed on the lower part 29 of the second locking element 17.

This cam path 82 and these cutouts 83 are determined so as to first allow the sliding of the second element 17 in the direction of arrow G, as described above, then in a second step rotation of the two elements 16,17 relative to each other and their relative blocking in a position where the bearing surfaces 22,23 are engaged on the edge upper 28 of the second element 17 and on the collar 15 of the neck 6.

It should be noted that the assembly constituted by the blocking device 13 and this first body 80, once placed on the neck 6 of the bottle, can be used alone as a tap. In this case, the second part 51 is provided a face 84 accessible to the user, perpendicular to the crushing plate 53 and can act as an actuating arm.

Preferably, the actuating arm 48, forming the second part pivoting of the closing device 47, is mounted on a second body 85, which serves as a housing for the first body 80. This second body 85 is for example fixed permanently on a fixed support 86 and it suffices for the user, once he has placed the assembly constituted by the blocking device 13 and the first body 80 on the bottle neck, in normal position, turn it over and introduce the first body 80 in the second body 85. During this introduction, the precise position of the two bodies 80.85 is facilitated by one or more sets of lugs and grooves 86, made facing each other in the first 80 and the second body 85, the lug of one sliding in the corresponding groove 86 of the other. As security, advantageously the cutouts 83 formed on the lower part 29 of the second locking element are determined so that the sliding of the lug in the groove can only take place if the rotation of the two elements 16.17 with respect to each other was carried out to the ultimate position of blocking. For example, the groove 86 made in the first body 80 is obscured by a step 92 formed in the lower part 29 of the element 17.

Furthermore, the second body 85 has an opening 87, facing to the two tubes 2,3; the actuating arm 48 has a surface shutter 88, which completely obscures this opening 87 when the arm actuator 48 is in the inactive position. When pivoting the arm actuation 48, the shutter surface 88 first releases a small part of the opening 87 which reveals the two tubes 2,3 still in position closed, then there is a transition from the inactive position to the position active with complete opening 87 opening and release of the two tubes 2.3. A return spring, integral with the second part 85 and the arm actuation 48 brings the sealing surface 88 over the opening 87 as soon as folding of the actuating arm 48 and to the initial position; this spring return completes the action of the spring 55 secured to the second part 50. This complete sealing protects the end of the tubes from external pollution 2,3 and improves the hygiene of the device.

The fixed support 86 on which the second body 85 is permanently fixed may be an independent support placed on a table, fixed on a wall or even integrated in a cabinet, for example a refrigerated cabinet. It can be mounted inside furniture; in this case the user must open the furniture door to be able to to serve. It can be mounted outside the cabinet while the bottle is the interior of the cabinet, for example a cabinet with insulating enclosure and system cooling or possibly heating to maintain the liquid at a determined temperature. The user has access to the liquid for example by a hatch in an upright of the piece of furniture, the second body being fixed on the face top of the hatch.

For the fixing of the second body 85 on the fixed support 86 can be provided a support flange 89, surmounted by a thread 90, in the upper part 85a of the second body 85. A recess being formed in the support 86, it suffices to make the upper part 85 a penetrate until the flange 89 abuts under the support 86 and to screw a threaded ring 91 onto the thread 90 until it locks on the support 86.

Since the introduction of the first body 80 into the second body 85 is done by simple sliding, it is very easy for the user, between two periods of use, remove the bottle equipped with its device assembly blocking 13 / first body 80 to place it in the refrigerator, or, as as already mentioned above, to use the tap manually.

In the fourth alternative embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 10, the closing device 71 comprises two pieces pivoting around two parallel axes, perpendicular to the general direction of the two tubes 2, 3. The first piece is an actuating arm 61 pivoting with respect to the axis 62. The second part 63, pivoting with respect to the axis 65, supports two plates, respectively a support plate 66 and a crushing plate 67. A fixed stop 68 is disposed nearby two tubes 2, 3 but opposite the two support plates 66 and crushing 67. A spring 69 connects the support plate 66 and a fixed point 70 consisting for example in the outer face of the locking device in position of the tube / flexible part assembly. The actuating arm 61 has a bent end 61 a which can be actuated by displacement of the container to be filled, while its other end 61 b comes under the support plate 66.

In Figure 10 is shown the device 71 in the inactive position, that is to say in the valve closed position. In this position, the spring 69 pushes the support plate 66, which correlatively causes the application of the crushing plate 67 against the tubes 2, 3 and the crushing thereof against the fixed stop 68. The passage from this position to the active position is obtained by moving the bent end 61 a of the actuating arm 61 in the direction of the arrow L, when placing the container, in particular glass, under the two tubes 2, 3. this movement causes the angular pivoting of the actuating arm 61 about its axis 62 in which the end 61b of the arm 61 forces the support plate 66 to rise, in this upsetting the action of spring 69 and causing the second part 63 to pivot about its axis 65. During this pivoting of the second part 63, the crushing plate 67 also pivots in the direction of the arrow L, which moves said plate 67 away from the fixed stop 68 and releases the two tubes 2, 3 which can resume their section initial and allow the liquid to flow.

In the inactive position, the end 61 a is substantially perpendicular to the lower ends of the two tubes 2, 3, crushed between the plate 67 and the stop 68. The lower end 61 a can be covered with an absorbent foam 72, washable, capable of absorbing the drop 73 which could possibly fall from the lower end of the tubes 2, 3 after use.

In general, the applicant was able to observe that, when in inactive position both tubes are filled with liquid, it is desirable to switch to the active position by energetic actuation of the device allowing the release of the two tubes 2,3. The rapid opening of the two tubes promotes effect the automatic re-priming of the air intake phenomenon by the second tube.

In order to avoid dripping of the tubes after use, it is preferable that the tubes are pinched as close as possible to the lower end of said tubes. Energetic actuation of the device when returning to position inactive also expels the last drop (s).

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments which have have been described as non-exhaustive examples. Other blocking devices in position and other crush closing devices can be imagined without departing from the scope of the invention. In the examples above, the tap is opened either by pushing backwards with the glass or hand placed on the glass (Figures 8,10), either by pushing down with the finger (Figure 9), either by pinching with the fingers (Figure 7); she could also be- by pushing up with the glass or with the hand holding the glass.

Preferably, the assembly constituted by the two flexible tubes and the flexible part is a one-piece assembly made of flexible plastic, in particular food grade silicone, obtained for example by molding. If necessary this piece may be disassembled, cleaned, sterilized or replaced. This is not necessary for the other component parts of the valve which do not have direct contact with the liquid.

It is understood that the length of the outer portions of the two tubes must be as short as possible so that little or no liquid remains in the lift in the tubes in the closed position. This height depends on the design of the closing system.

The section of the second return air tube may be different from that of the first drain tube but preferably these two sections are identical so as to have a symmetrical deformation at the level of the system of closing. It should be noted that the greater the volume of trapped air, in the second tube, between the narrowed portion and the area passed through the closure system, is large and less this second tube risks filling with liquid in the closed position.

The material of the two tubes must be able to deform easily under the action of the closure system by returning to its initial shape, allowing the liquid to flow, even after a long deformation time. This is particularly the case for silicone.

Claims (17)

1. A liquid dispenser cock for placing on a receptacle having a single flow orifice, and in particular a bottle placed neck-down, the cock being constituted by:

   a) first and second juxtaposed flexible tubes (2, 3);

   b) closure means for closing the two tubes by compressing them; and

   c) stopper means suitable for hermetically stopping the orifice around the two tubes when the cock is put into place on the receptacle,

   the cock being characterized in that the second tube (3) presents a local reduction of inside diameter towards its end (9) facing the inside of the receptacle, whereby there is no need for one of the tubes to rise inside the receptacle to above the level of the liquid in order to form an air intake tube.
2. A cock according to claim 1, characterized in that the inside section of each of the two tubes (2, 3) is about 50 mm² to 80 mm² and the reduced section of the second tube (3) is about 3 mm² to 5 mm² over a height of 2 mm.
3. A cock according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that both tubes (2, 3) are of a section that is oblong, oval, elliptical, or in the form of a flattened circle.
4. A cock according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the total height between the end of the portion of the first tube (2) outside the receptacle and the end of the portion of the second tube (3) inside the receptacle is about 50 mm to 60 mm.
5. A cock according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first tube (2) has a portion outside the receptacle of a length that is greater than the length of the portion of the second tube (3) outside the receptacle.
6. A cock according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the second tube (3) has a portion designed to be inside the receptacle when the cock is in place in the orifice, which portion is of a length greater than the length of the corresponding portion of the first tube (2).
7. A cock according to claim 1, characterized in that the stopper means for hermetically stopping the orifice around the two tubes consists firstly in a flexible part (4) surrounding both tubes (2, 3) in leakproof manner and of a size that is greater than the orifice (6) of the receptacle (7), and secondly in a device for locking said flexible part (4) in position against the outside edge (5) of the orifice (6).
8. A cock according to claim 7, characterized in that the two tubes (2, 3) and the flexible part (4) form a one-piece unit of flexible plastics material, preferably of silicone.
9. A cock according to claim 8, characterized in that the two tubes (2, 3) have a section in the form of a flattened circle with an inside section of about 50 mm² to 80 mm², in that the reduced section of the second tube (3) is about 3 mm² to 5 mm² over a height of 2 mm, in that only the second tube (3) has a portion designed to be inside the receptacle over about 8 mm to 12 mm, in that the first tube (2) has a portion designed to be outside the receptacle and which is about 1 mm to 5 mm longer than the corresponding portion of the second tube (3), and in that the total height occupied by the outside portion of the first tube (2) and the inside portion of the second tube (3) is about 50 mm to 60 mm.
10. A cock according to one of claims 7 to 9, for fitting to a bottle having a collar (15) set back from the end of the neck (6), the cock being characterized in that the device (13) for locking in position the assembly (1) constituted by the flexible part (4) and the two tubes (2, 3) comprises two elements (16, 17) that co-operate with each other, a first element (16) for engaging on the collar and bearing against the flexible part (4), which element is provided with at least one engagement surface (22), and a second element (17) for locking, and in that these two elements can be moved relative to each other between a first position in which the engagement surface (22) is set back so as to enable the locking device (23) to be placed around the neck (6) of the bottle beyond the collar (15), and a second position in which the engagement surface (22) is advanced so as to press against the face (15a) of the collar (15) that is opposite from the outside edge (5) of the neck (6) and in which the outside edge (5) of the neck (6) is forced against the flexible part (4).
11. A cock according to claim 10, characterized in that the first element (16) has individual tongues (29) that slope outwards, and that are terminated by prominences (20) defining inner and outer bearing surfaces (22, 23), and in that the second element (17) mounted concentrically about the first element (16) has a top edge (28) which, in a first position, is at the base of the tongues (29), and which, in a second position, is against the outer bearing surface (23) after pushing the tongues (29) inwards.
12. A cock according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the closure means comprises two arms (32, 33) having bent ends (34, 35), which arms are mounted to pivot about an axis (36) situated in the plane of symmetry (D, D') of the two tubes (2, 3), and a spring (37) disposed between said two arms (32, 33), in that in an inactive position the bent ends (34, 35) of the two arms are angularly spaced apart from each other while the faces (32a, 33a) of said arms (32, 33) situated opposite from said bent ends (34, 35) relative to the pivot axis (36) are forced against the two tubes (2, 3) by the action of the spring (37), and in that in an active position, when the user moves the two bent ends (34, 35) of the two arms (32, 33) towards each other, the two arms pivot about the pivot axis (36), thereby releasing the two tubes (2, 3).
13. A cock according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the closure means comprise:

    a single arm (39) having a bent end (40), the arm being pivotally mounted about an axis (41) which is perpendicular to the general direction of the two tubes (2, 3), said arm (39) having a cross-piece (42) facing the two tubes (2, 3);

    a fixed abutment (43) disposed on the other side of the two tubes (2, 3) relative to the cross-piece (42); and

    a spring (44) extending between the bent portion (40) of the pivot arm (39) and a fixed point (46);

       in that in an inactive position, the spring (44) urges the pivot arm (39) forwards so that the cross-piece (42) thereof compresses the two tubes (2, 3) against the fixed abutment (43), and in that in an active position, after the user has pushed back the bent end (40) of the pivot arm (39), the cross-piece (42) pivots with the arm and moves away from the two tubes (2, 3), thereby releasing the passage for liquid.
14. A cock according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the closure means comprise:

    an actuator arm (48, 61) mounted to pivot about an axis which is perpendicular relative to the general direction of the two tubes (2, 3), a free end (48a, 61a) of the arm being designed to be actuated directly or indirectly by the user;

    a compression assembly (50, 63) pivotally mounted about an axis perpendicular to the general direction of the two tubes (2, 3), said assembly (50, 63) including a bearing zone (51, 66) and a compression plate (53, 67);

    a fixed abutment (54, 68) placed on the other side of the two tubes (2, 3) relative to the pivoting assembly (50, 63); and

    a spring (55, 69) extending between a fixed point (56, 70), e.g. the means for hermetically stopping the orifice, and the bearing plate (51, 66) of the pivoting assembly (50, 63);

       in that in an inactive position, the spring (55, 69) pushes back the bearing plate (51, 66) in such a manner that the compression plate (53, 67) compresses the two tubes (2, 3) against the fixed abutment (54, 68), and in that in an active position, after the free end (48a, 61a) of the actuator arm (48, 61) has been pushed back, another portion (48b, 61b) of said arm (48, 61) causes the bearing zone (51, 66) to be displaced, thereby compressing the spring (55, 69) which entrains angular displacement of the pivoting assembly (50, 63) and causes the compression plate (53, 67) to be moved away from the two tubes (2, 3), thereby releasing the passage for liquid.
15. A cock according to claims 11 and 14, characterized in that it comprises:

    a first body (80) on which the first element (16) of the locking device (13) is snap-fastened, and which carries the fixed abutment (54); and

    a second body (85) shaped to serve as a housing for the first body, having means for fixing on a support (86) and an opening (87) facing the two tubes (2, 3), and on which an actuator arm is pivotally mounted, which arm presents a shutter surface (88) for shutting said opening (87).
16. A cock according to claim 15, characterized in that the second element (17) for locking presents, in its bottom portion (28), cutouts (83) suitable for co-operating with a cam path (82) carried on the top face (81) of the first body (80) in order to position the first and second elements (16, 17) in the locking position.
17. A cock according to claim 16, characterized in that at least one stud and at least one groove are formed respectively in or on the first and second bodies (80, 85) to perform accurate angular positioning of the two bodies (80, 85).

Images