GB2369817A

GB2369817A - Liquid dispenser with non-return means

Info

Publication number: GB2369817A
Application number: GB0120446A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Antony Edwards
Original assignee: Mitchell and Cooper Ltd
Current assignee: Mitchell and Cooper Ltd
Priority date: 2000-08-22
Filing date: 2001-08-22
Publication date: 2002-06-12
Also published as: IE20010774A1; GB0120446D0

Abstract

A liquid dispenser 2 for controlling the discharge of liquid from a hand holdable liquid container such as a bottle. The dispenser 2 includes an inlet 18 connectable to a container, a reservoir 24 having an outlet 26 , the reservoir being adapted to receive a quantity of liquid from the container, valve means 32 operable to open and close said outlet and thereby dispense the contents of the reservoir 24, hand operable actuation means 6 to operate said valve means 32, and non return means 10 separate from said valve means 32 adapted to prevent the backflow of liquid from the reservoir 24 to the container. The non return means 10 include a closure member (138 fig 8) adapted to isolate the reservoir 24 from the inlet 18 and actuation means (116,122 fig 8) spaced from the closure member (114 fig 8) said actuation means (116, 122, fig 8) being responsive to the inclination of the dispenser 2.

Description

A Liquid Dispenser The present invention relates to a hand held liquid dispensing apparatus, and in particular to a bottle or container mounted pouring device for dispensing a measured volume of liquid. Particularly, though not exclusively, the present invention is for dispensing alcoholic beverages commonly referred to as spirits.

There exist hand-held valve operated spirit dispensing bottle top pourers which, when coupled to the outlet of a bottle, are operable to deliver a measured amount of liquid. Such pourers typically include a gravity activated non-return ball valve. This type of non-return valve typically only works effectively when the pourer is tipped in a two dimensional pouring plane. However, as the pourer is hand-held and can under the influence of an operator be positioned at any orientation within three dimensional space, the ball valve can fail to seat properly. In such a situation liquid can leak back into the bottle if the pourer and bottle are tipped to positions outside the aforementioned two dimensional pouring plane.

According to the present invention there is provided a dispenser for controlling the discharge of liquid from a hand holdable liquid container such as a bottle, the dispenser including an inlet connectable to a container, a reservoir having an outlet, the reservoir being adapted to receive a quantity of liquid from the container, valve means operable to open and close said outlet and thereby dispense the contents of the reservoir, hand operable actuation means to operate said valve means, and non return means adapted to prevent the backflow of liquid from the reservoir to the container, wherein the non return means include a closure member adapted to isolate the reservoir from the inlet and actuation means spaced from the closure member, said actuation means being responsive to the inclination of the dispenser, in use.

The present invention provides a hand operable dispenser having a non-return means separate from the operational valve means. The non-return means ensure that the dispenser can operate if it is tilted within a notional conical space envelope, but

preVe-nTs the backfl (-f prevents the backflow of liquid to the container if the angle of inclination is greater than that bounded by the limits of said space envelope.

In a preferred embodiment the dispenser includes a liquid accumulation chamber defined within the dispenser intermediate to the inlet and the reservoir. In such an embodiment the non return means are preferably provided within the accumulation chamber. The closure member in such an embodiment may be adapted to act at the interface between the inlet and the accumulation chamber.

The actuation means include a movable mass which, in response to inclination of the dispenser, activates the closure member. In a preferred embodiment the movable mass is spherical. The spherical mass is preferably supported in a mounting having a seat with a frustoconical wall, which mounting is fixed relative to the dispenser. In response to inclination of the dispenser the spherical mass is movable over said wall while still being retained within the seat. The seat serves to slidably locate the closure member within the dispenser. Portions of the closure member are provided around the seat, which portions are acted upon by the spherical mass to urge the closure member to a position preventing backflow from the reservoir. Said portions may include a flange or a projection.

In a preferred embodiment the movable mass is spherical and is received in a frustoconical seat of the mounting. The non return means may include two spherical masses and two frustoconical seats. The valve means may include a valve member and a seat arranged at said outlet of the chamber, the valve member being movable into and out of engagement with said seat so as to open and close said outlet, the valve means further including a vent passage adapted to allow the ingress of air into said chamber as liquid flows through said outlet. The valve means may comprise a valve stem and a valve member provided on said stem. In a preferred embodiment the valve member is annularly disposed around said stem.

The vent passage may be provided in said valve stem. In such an embodiment a distal portion of said stem may be hollow, said hollow stem portion forming a part of said

vent passage. The hollow stem portion may include one or more vent apertures in a wall thereof.

The valve member is slidable on the stem between a first position where it closes the vent passage and a second position where it is spaced from and hence does not obstruct the vent passage. In such an embodiment movement of the valve member on the stem between said positions may be limited by stop means provided on the stem. Preferably the stop means are provided with sealing means so as to ensure a leaktight seal is effected between the valve member and the stem.

The hand operable actuation means comprises a trigger member having a portion adapted to be gripped in use by one or more fingers of an operator, an actuation member connected to the valve means, a snapover mechanism provided between the trigger and actuation members, and a return spring. In one embodiment the trigger member and the actuation member may comprise bell-cranks. In such an embodiment the trigger and actuation members may be pivotable about an axis substantially perpendicular to the movement axis of the valve means, in use. The snapover mechanism may be defined by a snapover spring provided between the trigger and actuation members. In such an embodiment the snapover spring may be substantially "W"shaped and provided between respective location pins of the trigger and actuation members.

In an alternative embodiment the trigger member may be pivotable about an axis substantially perpendicular to the movement axis of the valve means, in use, and the actuation member displaceable along an axis substantially parallel to said movement axis of the valve means. I such an alternative embodiment the snapover mechanism may comprise a carrier member movable, in use by the trigger member, said carrier member having a spring biased snapover wedge, which wedge is adapted to interact with a fixed snapover wedge of the actuation member. The carrier member is preferably displaceable along an axis substantially parallel to said movement axis of the valve means and said displacement axis of the actuation member. The snapover wedges may each have two inclined wedge faces meeting at a common apex.

The grippable portion of the trigger member may be movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the movement axis of the valve means, in use.

Alternatively said grippable portion of the trigger member may be movable in a direction substantially parallel to the movement axis of the valve means, in use. The actuation means may slidable in a direction substantially parallel to the movement axis of the valve means, in use. Alternatively the actuation means may be pivotable about an axis substantially perpendicular to the movement axis of the valve means, in use.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figures I and 2 show cross-sectional side views of a first dispenser according to the present invention; Figures 3 and 4 show cross-sectional side views of a second dispenser according to the present invention; Figures 5 and 6 show cross-sectional side views of a third dispenser according to the present invention; and Figures 7 and 8 show perspective views from above and below of a non-return mechanism.

Referring firstly to figures 1 and 2 there is shown a liquid dispenser, generally designated 2, according to the present invention. The dispenser 2 essentially comprises a housing 4, a trigger mechanism 6, a valve spindle 8 and a non return mechanism 10. The housing 4 comprises three sections, namely an inlet section 12, a trigger section 14 and a dispensing chamber section 16. The sections 12,14, 16 may be manufactured from any suitable material, for example by plastics injection moulding. The inlet section 12 includes an inlet tube 18 adapted, in use, to fit to an opening of a container, for example the neck of a bottle. The inlet tube 18 includes a resilient ribbed seal 20 of, for example cork or rubber, which, in use, ensures a leak tight connection to the container. Provided within the inlet tube 18 is longitudinal dividing wall or divider 22. The divider 22 permits, in use, the simultaneous outflow of liquid from the container and the inflow of air to the container.

The inlet section 12 is connected to the trigger section 14. The trigger section 14 is configured so as to locate and support the trigger mechanism 6. The trigger section 14 further serves to slidably support the valve spindle 8 and house the non-return mechanism 10. The dispensing chamber section 16 of the housing 4 is connected to the trigger section 14 and defines a dispensing or measurement chamber 24 having an outlet 26.

The valve spindle 8 comprises an elongate upper stem 28, a substantially circular main valve member 30 and an outlet valve mechanism 32 provided on an elongate lower stem 34. The terms upper and lower are construed with reference to the position of the dispenser shown in the drawings, which position corresponds to a desired operating position, in use. The upper stem 28 extends through an aperture 36 of the trigger section 14 of the housing 4. The upper stem 28 is slidable in the aperture 36 through a circumferential seal 38 supported in a recess of 40 of the trigger section 14. The distal end of the upper stem 28 is provided with a circumferential groove 42 which is adapted to receive an actuation fork 44 of the trigger mechanism 6.

The main valve member 30 comprises a circular flange 46 intermediate the upper and lower stems 28,34. The flange 46 is adapted to receive a resilient sealing ring 48 which, in use, is adapted to make a leak tight seal against a seat. The sealing ring 48 is located to the flange 46 by the provision of a circumferential lip 50 and undercut 52.

The outlet valve mechanism 32 is of a type described in the present applicants co-pending United Kingdom patent application number GB 0114953.3 filed 19 June 2001. The outlet valve mechanism 32 comprises an annular outlet valve member 54 which is slidably mounted on the lower stem 34. The lower stem 34 and outlet valve member 54 co-operate, in use, to selectively open and close the outlet 26 of the chamber 24.

In use, the valve spindle 8 is movable towards and away from the outlet 26 along an axis 56 extending through the outlet 26 by the trigger mechanism 6. The distal end 58 of the lower stem 34, which is to say the end of the lower stem 34 which extends into the outlet 26, is hollow having a bore 60 with a base 62, and an aperture 64 defined in

the end face 66 of the stem 34. Two vent apertures 68 (one shown) are provided adjacent the base 62, which vent apertures 68 are adapted to provide, under certain operating conditions of the outlet valve mechanism 32, an air communication path between the bore 60 and the interior of the chamber 24.

The outlet valve member 54 includes an annular seal member 70 which, in use, is adapted to provide a leak tight seal around the outlet 26. The valve member 54 is freely movable along a portion of the lower stem 34 corresponding substantially to the hollow portion thereof. The extremes of movement of the valve member 54 on the lower stem 34 are defined by an upper annular lip 72 and lower retaining projections 74 of the stem. Surrounding the upper lip 72 there is provided an 0-ring seal 76. It will be noted that the valve member 54 is movable between an upper position whereupon it occludes and closes the vent apertures 68, and a lower position wherein the valve member 54 is remote from the vent apertures 68 such that they can be considered open. Guide fins 69 are provided around the outlet 26, which fins 69 serve in use to guide the movement of the valve member 54.

The trigger mechanism 6 comprises a trigger member 78, an actuation member 80 having an actuation fork 44, a snapover spring 82 and a return spring 84. The trigger and actuation members 78,80 take the from of bell-cranks which pivot about a common axis defined by axle pin 86 of the trigger section 14. The trigger member 78 comprises a first portion 88 which extends from the trigger section 14 and which is adapted to be operated by the fore finger of an operator, in use, and a second portion 90 which extends into the trigger section 14. The aforementioned first and second portions 88,90 of the trigger member 78 are provided substantially at right angles to one another. The actuation member 80 comprises a first portion 92 terminating at the actuation fork 44, and a second portion 94 which extends into the trigger section 14. As with the trigger member 78, the first and second portions 92,94 of the actuation member 80 are provided substantially at right angles to one another.

The snapover spring 82 is located between the respective second portions 90,94 of the trigger and actuation members 78,80. The spring 82 has a rounded"W"shape having

at each end elbows 96 which locate against respective pin like projections 98 of the second portions 90, 94. The return spring 84 comprises a first leg 100 which rests against the trigger member 78, a second leg 102 which rests against an abutment 104 of the trigger section 14, and a mid section 106 intermediate said legs 100,102 which is coiled about the axle pin 86. The first portion 88 of the trigger member 78 is provided with a projecting stop 108 which, in use, engages an appropriately shaped abutment portion 110 of the trigger section 14 so as to limit the movement of the trigger member 78 by the return spring 84.

The non return mechanism 10 will now be described with reference to figures 1,2, 7 and 8. The mechanism 10 comprises a base 112, a valve element 114 and a pair of spherical ball weights 116. The base 112 has an annular lower portion 118 which, in use, fits to the interior of the trigger section 14 to secure the non return mechanism 10 thereto. The underside of the annular portion 118 defines a seat face 120 against which the sealing ring 48 of the main valve member 30 can rest, in use. The base 112 is further provided with a pair of frusto-conical seats 122 for the ball weights 116. An aperture 124 is provided at the base of each seat 122 around which is provided a wall 126. Each seat 122 and wall 126 is provided with a slit 128 adapted to accommodate a portion of the valve element 114. A reinforcing web 130 extends between the walls 126.

The valve element 114 comprises an upper sealing portion 132 a lower actuation portion 134 and an intermediate joining portion 136. The upper sealing portion 132 comprises a curved base 138 upon which there is provided a complementary shaped resilient sealing member 140. Extending upwardly from the base 138 are two guide pillars 142. The pillars 142 serve both to locate the sealing member 140 to the base 138 and also guide the movement of the valve element 114 in use. As can be seen in figures 1 and 2 the pillars 142 extend into an aperture 144 of the trigger section 14 which communicates with the inlet tube 18 of the inlet section 12.

The actuation portion 134 of the valve element 114 is provided both above and below the frustoconical seats 122 and includes an upper flange 146 and lower projections 148

which extend into the seat apertures 124. The frustoconical seats 122, flange l46 ancT projections 148 serve to, in effect, cage the ball weights 116 and prevent them from leaving the seats 122 irrespective of the orientation of the dispenser 2 and the position of the valve element 114 relative to the base 112.

In the operative position of the dispenser 2 shown in figures 1 and 2, the ball weights 116, under the influence of gravity, rest at the bottom of the seats 122 and act upon the projections 148. The resilient sealing member 140 is thereby held away from the trigger section aperture 144 and liquid may enter the chamber 24 from an container associated with the inlet tube 18. When the dispenser 2 is moved from the operative position, for example to return the container and dispenser to a standing position whereupon the container rests upon its base, the ball weights 116 are caused to roll up the inclined surfaces of the seats 122 and act upon the flange 146. The action of the ball weights 116 on the flange 146 moves the sealing member 140 against the trigger section aperture 144 and thereby isolates the chamber 24 from the container.

Operation of the trigger mechanism 6 will now be described. With the dispenser 2 inserted into the neck of a bottle, the bottle/dispenser combination is inclined to the operative position shown in figures 1 and 2. The configuration of the dispenser 2 is such that the bottle is grippable about the neck in a conventional pouring position, while an operator's forefinger can readily reach and overlie the trigger member 78.

Liquid is able to flow from the bottle through the inlet tube 18 to fill the chamber 24 and the portion of the trigger section 14 containing the non-return mechanism 10. The divider 22 of the inlet tube 18 enables the air present within the dispenser 2 to transfer to the bottle as it fills with liquid.

To dispense the liquid from the chamber 24, the trigger member 78 is squeezed by the operator. Initial movement of the trigger member 78 moves the pin like projection 98 of the trigger member 78 towards the pin like projection 98 of the actuation member 80 thereby compressing the snapover spring 82. Continued movement of the trigger member 78 compresses the spring 82 until it reaches a snapover condition. This has the effect of moving the actuation member 80 to the position shown in figure 2. In moving

to this position the actuation member, via the actuation fork, lifts the valve spindle 8 to the position shown in figure 2. The aforementioned movement of the valve spindle 8 moves the sealing ring 48 of the main valve member 30 against the seat face 120 of the non return mechanism 10, thereby isolating the chamber 24 from the inlet portion 18 and preventing the ingress of any further liquid to the chamber 24. The movement of the valve spindle 8 additionally opens the outlet 26 to the chamber 16 and permits the liquid contained there in to be dispensed. As can be seen in figure 2 air is permitted to flow into the chamber 24 via the hollow portion of the lower stem 34 and the vent apertures 68 (arrow 148), while liquid outflow occurs around the guide fins 69 (arrow 150) The snapover spring 82 additionally provides, via the snapover action, both audible and tactile feedback to the operator that the liquid in the chamber 24 is in the process of being dispensed. Once the liquid in the chamber 24 has been dispensed, the operator relaxes their grip on the trigger member 78 which returns to its initial position under the influence of the return spring 84. This movement by the return spring 84 returns the trigger and actuation members 78,80 and valve spindle 8 to their initial positions.

Referring now to figures 3 and 4 there is shown an alternative embodiment of a dispenser, generally designated 152, according to the present invention. Features common to the aforementioned embodiment of figures 1 and 2 are identified with like reference numerals. The dispenser 152 differs from the previously described embodiment in that the inlet tube 18 of the inlet section 12 is aligned with the axis 56 of the valve spindle 8 and, as can been seen from the figures, extends substantially vertically. So as to accommodate this change in the position of the inlet tube 18, and consequently the position of the container or bottle in use, the trigger member 78 is reconfigured such that first portion 88 extends upwardly, rather than outwardly, from the trigger section 14, and hence can easily be reached by an operator gripping the container associated with the dispenser 152. Operation of the dispenser 152 is identical to that described with the aforementioned embodiment of figures 1 and 2.

Figures 5 and 6 show a third embodiment of a dispenser generally designated 154. AS-with the previously described embodiments common features are identified with like reference numerals. The dispenser 154 differs from the aforementioned embodiments by having a different actuation mechanism 156 which operates predominantly on a sliding action rather than a pivoting action. The actuation mechanism 156 comprises a trigger member 158, a spring carrier member 160 and an actuation member 162. The trigger member 158 comprises a first portion 164 projecting from the trigger section 14 and adapted to be gripped by the forefinger of an operator, in use, and a tapered second portion 166. The trigger member 158 is pivotable about an axle pin 86 mounted in the trigger section 14. As before, a return spring 84 is associated with the pin 86 and trigger member 158.

The spring carrier member 160 is slidably positioned in the trigger section 14 and is, in use, slidable substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 56 of the valve spindle 8.

The spring carrier member 160 comprises an engagement portion 168 which receives the tapered portion 166 of the trigger member 158, and a holder 170 containing a spring 172 and a plunger 174. The plunger 174 has opposed inclined faces 176,178 meeting at a common apex 179 The actuation member 162 is, like the spring carrier member 160, slidable in the trigger section 14 substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the valve spindle 8. The actuation member 162 comprises a fork 42 associated with the upper valve stem 28, and an actuation wedge 180 having, like the plunger, inclined faces 182,184 meeting at a common apex 186.

Operation of the dispenser 154 is as follows. Pivotal movement of the trigger member 158 causes downward movement of the tapered portion 160 and the spring carrier member 166. The plunger 174 is urged into the holder 170, thereby compressing the spring 172, by the action to the respective inclined faces 178,182 of the plunger 174 and wedge 180. Continued downward movement of the spring carrier member 166 moves the apex 179 of the plunger 174 over the apex 186 of the wedge 180. At this point the plunger 174 is urged outwardly by the spring 172 which abruptly drives the actuation member 162 upwards to the position shown in figure 6 thereby actuating the valve stem 8. Upon release of the trigger member 158 by the operator the mechanism is reset by the action of the return spring 84.

A further feature of the present invention is the provision of an accumulation chamber 188. The accumulation chamber 188 is defined in the trigger section 14 above the flange 46 of the main valve member 30. The accumulation chamber 188 stores a volume of liquid which is ready to enter the chamber 24 once the outlet is closed and the main valve member 30 moved away from the seat 120. This reduces the time taken to replenish the chamber 24 in advance of a subsequent dispensing event.

Claims

1. A liquid dispenser for controlling the discharge of liquid from a hand holdable liquid container such as a bottle, the dispenser including an inlet connectable to a container, a reservoir having an outlet, the reservoir being adapted to receive a quantity of liquid from the container, valve means operable to open and close said outlet and thereby dispense the contents of the reservoir, hand operable actuation means to operate said valve means, and non return means separate from said valve means adapted to prevent the backflow of liquid from the reservoir to the container, wherein the non return means include a closure member adapted to isolate the reservoir from the inlet and actuation means spaced from the closure member, said actuation means being responsive to the inclination of the dispenser, in use.

2. A liquid dispenser as claimed in claim 1 wherein the dispenser includes a liquid accumulation chamber defined within the dispenser intermediate the inlet and the reservoir.

3. A liquid dispenser as claimed in claim 2 wherein the non return means are provided within the accumulation chamber.

4. A liquid dispenser as claimed in claim 3 wherein the closure member of the non return means is adapted to act at the interface between the inlet and the accumulation chamber.

5. A liquid dispenser as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the actuation means include a movable mass which, in response to inclination of the dispenser, activates the closure member.

6. A liquid dispenser as claimed in claim 5 wherein the movable mass is supported in a mounting having a seat for the mass, which mounting is fixed relative to the dispenser.

7. A liquid dispenser as claimed in claim 6 wherein the mounting serves to slidably locate the closure member within the dispenser.

8. A liquid dispenser as claimed in claim 7 wherein portions the closure member are provided around the seat, which portions of the closure member are acted upon by the movable mass to move the closure member, in use.

9. A liquid dispenser as claimed in claim 8 wherein the closure member includes a flange which, in use, is acted upon by the movable mass.

10. A liquid dispenser as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9 wherein the closure member includes a projection which, in use, is acted upon by the movable mass.

11. A liquid dispenser as claimed in any of claims 5 to 10 wherein the movable mass is spherical.

12. A liquid dispenser as claimed in claim 11 wherein the spherical mass is received in a frustoconical seat of the mounting.

13. A liquid dispenser as claimed in claim 12 wherein the non return means includes two spherical masses and two frustoconical seats.

14. A liquid dispenser as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said valve means include a valve member and a seat arranged at said outlet of the chamber, the valve member being movable into and out of engagement with said seat so as to open and close said outlet, the valve means further including a vent passage adapted to allow the ingress of air into said chamber as liquid flows through said outlet.

15. A liquid dispenser as claimed in claim 14 wherein the valve means comprises a valve stem and a valve member provided on said stem.

16. A liquid dispenser as claimed in claim 15 wherein the valve member is annularly disposed around said stem.

17. A liquid dispenser as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16 wherein the vent passage is provided in said valve stem.

18. A liquid dispenser as claimed in claim 17 wherein a distal portion of said stem is hollow, said hollow stem portion forming a part of said vent passage.

19. A liquid dispenser as claimed in claim 18 wherein said hollow stem portion includes one or more vent apertures in a wall thereof.

20. A liquid dispenser as claimed in any of claims 14 to 19 wherein the valve member is slidable on the stem between a first position where it closes the vent passage and a second position where it is spaced from and hence does not obstruct the vent passage.

21. A liquid dispenser as claimed in claim 20 wherein movement of the valve member on the stem between said positions is limited by stop means provided on the stem.

22. A liquid dispenser as claimed in claim 21 wherein the stop means are provided with sealing means so as to ensure a leaktight seal is effected between the valve member and the stem.

23. A liquid dispenser as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the hand operable actuation means comprises a trigger member having a portion adapted to be gripped in use by one or more fingers of an operator, an actuation member connected to the valve means, a snapover mechanism provided between the trigger and actuation members, and a return spring.

24. A liquid dispenser as claimed in claim 23 wherein the trigger member and the actuation member comprise bell-cranks

25. A liquid dispenser as claimed in claim 24 wherein the trigger and actuation members are pivotable about an axis substantially perpendicular to the movement axis of the valve means, in use.

26. A liquid dispenser as claimed in any of claim 24 or claim 25 wherein the snapover mechanism is defined by a snapover spring provided between the trigger and actuation members.

27. A liquid dispenser as claimed in claim 26 wherein the snapover spring is substantially"W"shaped and is provided between respective location pins of the trigger and actuation members.

28. A liquid dispenser as claimed in claim 23 wherein the trigger member is pivotable about an axis substantially perpendicular to the movement axis of the valve means, in use, and the actuation member is displaceable along an axis substantially parallel to said movement axis of the valve means.

29. A liquid dispenser as claimed in claim 28 wherein the snapover mechanism comprises a carrier member movable, in use by the trigger member, said carrier member having a spring biased snapover wedge, which wedge is adapted to interact with a fixed snapover wedge of the actuation member.

30. A liquid dispenser as claimed in claim 29 wherein the carrier member is displaceable along an axis substantially parallel to said movement axis of the valve means and said displacement axis of the actuation member.

31. A liquid dispenser as claimed in claim 29 or claim 30 wherein said snapover wedges each have two inclined wedge faces meeting at a common apex.

s cla-i

32. A liquid dispenser as claimed in any of claims 23 to 31 wherein said grippable portion of the trigger member is movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the movement axis of the valve means, in use.

33. A liquid dispenser as claimed in any of claims 23 to 31 wherein said grippable portion of the trigger member is movable in a direction substantially parallel. to the movement axis of the valve means, in use.

34. A liquid dispenser as claimed in claim 23 wherein the actuation means is slidable in a direction substantially parallel to the movement axis of the valve means, in use.

35. A liquid dispenser as claimed in claim 23 wherein the actuation means is pivotable about an axis substantially perpendicular to the movement axis of the valve means, in use.

36. A liquid dispenser substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to or as shown in the accompanying drawings.