MXPA01004802A - Taps and containers for dispensing fluid - Google Patents

Abstract

A tap (12) for dispensing fluid from a vessel includes a main tap body (26), an actuator (28), and a seal member (30). The main tap body includes a passage with an inlet and an outlet and a seat with a shoulder formed around the outlet. The actuator has a handle and is pivotally attached to the main tap body and dispenses fluid from the vessel upon activation of the handle by a user.

Description

FAUCETS AND CONTAINERS FOR DISTRIBUTING FLUIDS FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a tap (ie, to a tap, valve, or stopcock) for distributing fluids and liquids. In particular, the present invention relates to a tap that is used to distribute a liquid from a container or container. The tap of the present invention can be used to distribute a fluid, such as a beverage (eg, wine) from a box-shaped container in which the beverage is contained.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION There are many applications in which fluids are distributed from vessels. A common application is known in the commercial consumer market where a liquid or a beverage (such as wine) is packaged in a box-type container, made of cardboard and has an internal bag that can contract, which conserves the liquid. A faucet is coupled to the bag, by using a coupler secured to the bag and has an elastic tap portion. This portion of the tap can be pressed and raised, for example, with a finger. When the tap rises, the liquid inside the container is distributed through an opening under the tap. One of the disadvantages of this type of tap is that the fluid is distributed forward and downward from the front of the tap, immediately below the tap, instead of straight down, directly below the tap. In this way, the user must take precaution to prevent placing a container far away from the conventional tap of this type, and in this way spill the liquid on the front end of the container. That is, the user must be careful to observe that the distributed liquid is introduced into the container placed below and slightly forward of the tap. Conventional taps, valves or stopcocks for use in the consumer market can be unnecessarily complicated, such as those set forth in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,621, 750 to Roethel and 4,927,061 to Leigh et al. The Roethel patent exposes a conventional valve unit with two orthogonal ducts. A tube-shaped sealing member is concentrically housed within one of the conduits and adapted to close a port between the two conduits. A lever pulls the sealing member out of the port to open the valve. As well as the apparatus disclosed in the Roethel patent, Leigh et al. teaches in the '061 patent, a valve unit in which a tubular sealing member is pulled out from a hole to open the valve. Since many valve applications involve situations in which the valve (and the container containing the fluid) are discarded after a single use, the unit cost of the valve needs to be reduced. Accordingly, the tubular sealing members of these two patents can present unnecessary costs. Also, the associated structure for housing and retaining the tubular sealing member may be more expensive than desired.

In view of the conventional approaches for distributing a fluid, there is a need within the art for a tap that distributes a fluid in an easy and reliable way and that is not expensive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In view of the foregoing, one objective of the present is to overcome one or more of the disadvantages of conventional fluid dispensing faucets. Another objective of the present invention is to provide a tap for distributing fluids, which is relatively simplified in its design and which does not present complications in its production. In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a fluid dispensing tap that has relatively few components. According to one aspect of the invention, a tap for distributing a fluid from a container, includes a tap body defining a duct with an inlet, an outlet, and an arcuate concave seat formed in the outlet, the body provides a pair with separate shoulders on the opposite sides of the outlet, a movably coupled actuator, with the tap body for distributing fluids in a controlled manner along the duct, from the activated outlet; and a sealing member housed within the concave, arcuate seat and between the pair of spaced shoulders, the sealing member includes a pair of spaced apart holding portions, each received with its respective shoulder pair and an intermediate sealing portion at pair of retaining portions, so that in a first position they engage in sealing and releasable form against the seat, the sealing member is of an elastic nature, and yields to retain the shape, and is taut in engagement with the seat to provide a proper pushing force that pushes the sealant portion sealingly against the seat. One of the advantages of the present invention is that the tap can be manufactured, essentially with only three elements or primary components; that is, the main body, the sealing member, and the actuator, in this way, many parts that complicate conventional faucets are eliminated. Accordingly, the tap of the present invention is produced easily and inexpensively. Due to this low production cost, the tap is economically available. Also, the tap requires little raw material, so the environmental impact to be discarded does not represent a severe damage. With respect to this, the tap can be economically applied in many mass or particular applications, such as in which the beverage is packaged in a disposable bag-in-box container, which is discarded together with the faucet after being used. empty the container. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the seat for receiving the sealing member is preferably of substantially arcuate configuration. Accordingly, the sealing portion is flexible to be placed in an arched configuration complementary to that of the seat. When being bent in this arched configuration, the sealing portion provides its own pushing force to keep the tap closed when the actuator is not operated manually to distribute liquids. To facilitate sealing fit of the sealing member within the arcuate seat, it is preferred that it be configured to the seat retaining portion, so that when the sealing portion is in the arcuate configuration, the retaining portion is substantially coplanar with the shoulder. Among other aspects of the invention, the coupling of the sealing member with the actuator and of the actuator with the main body of the tap are counted. To couple the sealing member with the actuator, the actuator may include a post and the sealing member may include a spike attached to the post. Preferably, the prong is disposed on the sealing portion of the sealing member in an essentially longitudinal orientation. Accordingly, when the actuator is mounted with pivots, the pole pulls the barb, which deflects the sealing portion along the flex lines, generally parallel to the barb, and away from the sealing engagement with the seat, in this way a channel is formed through which the fluid can flow from the tap. To couple the actuator by means of pivots with the main housing of the faucet, for example, the actuator can include at least one axis, and the main body of the faucet can include an elongated, complementary bushing to receive the shaft by means of pivots . In addition, the main housing of the faucet may include a recess for receiving the handle when the actuator moves with pivots to the open position, and a block for obstructing greater movement of pivots of the actuator in the open position. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a container for containing and dispensing fluids includes a container and a faucet.

The faucet includes a main body of the faucet, an actuator, and a sealing member. The main body of the faucet includes a duct with an inlet and outlet and a seat with a shoulder, formed adjacent to the outlet. The actuator has a handle (i.e., a manual engagement portion) and is pivotally coupled to the main body of the faucet and distributes a fluid from the container, with activation of the handle by a user. The sealing member is received inside the seat and is coupled with the actuator. The sealing member includes a retaining portion received against the shoulder of the seat and a sealing portion that releasably engages with the seat. The sealing member is elastic to provide its own pushing force that pushes the sealing portion against the seat. The actuator moves with pivots between a closed position, in which the sealing portion is pushed against the seat (in this way, liquid is prevented from flowing through the outlet), and between an open position where at least , a portion of the sealing portion is pulled away from the seat against the pushing force itself (thus, a liquid is allowed to flow through the outlet). Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, from the understanding of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary dispensing fluid mounted faucet, on a box-in-box container, in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary cock of Figure 1, illustrating in particular the tap when closed and preventing the distribution of fluids; Figure 3 is a view taken along line 3-3 of Figure 2, which further illustrates the tap when closed and prevents the distribution of fluids; Figure 4 is an exploded, perspective view of the exemplary cock illustrated in Figure 1; Figure 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary sealing member, in accordance with the present invention and in an undistorted condition; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view similar to that of Figure 2, illustrating in particular the tap when open and allowing the distribution of fluids; Figure 7 is a plan view taken along line 7-7 of Figure 6, which further illustrates the tap when open and allows the distribution of liquids; Figure 8 provides an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention; Figure 8A provides a perspective, amplified view of a sealing member that is also seen in Figure 8; Figure 9 is an elevated, side view of the faucet shown in Figure 8, and is presented in cross section; Figure 10 is a view taken on line 10-10 of Figure 9; Figure 11 is similar to Figure 9, but shows the tap open to allow the distribution of liquids; and Figure 12 is similar to Figure 10, but is taken along line 1 2-12 of Figure 11 and shows the tap in an open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION With reference to the drawings in more detail, an example of a container 10 in a box to contain a liquid, such as wine, and an exemplary tap 1 2 for the controlled distribution of liquids from vessel 1 0, they are illustrated in Figure 1. With further reference to Figure 2, the container 1 0 includes an external structure or box 14 of form retaining support and an internal flexible bag 16. The box 14 can be made of, for example, corrugated cardboard, and the bag 16 is made of a material essentially impermeable to liquids, like a plastic sheet. As shown in Figure 2, the container 1 0 also includes a coupler 1 8, preferably made of a material essentially of shape-retaining polymer, but foldable. The coupler 18, which is shown as a female coupling part in this embodiment, preferably of an essentially tubular configuration and with a flange 20 disposed at an inner end thereof. The flange 20 is sealingly coupled to the bag 1 6 in an opening 22 of the bag. For example, the flange 20 can be heat sealed to the bag 16 in the opening 22. It should be understood that the box 14 has a shape-retaining nature, and may not be liquid-proof. In accordance with this, it is clear that the bag 16 can form a compressible container, of variable volume, container of liquids inside the box 14. The bag 16 contains a liquid 24. This construction of bag in box is described for contextual purposes and He knows himself well. With particular reference to Figures 1, 2, and 3 of the drawings, the exemplary cock 12 is configured in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. For purposes of explanation and without limiting the scope of the present invention, the exemplary faucet 12 is illustrated as a faucet for dispensing liquids from a box-shaped container 1 0, but the invention is not so limited. As such, the tap 12 which is installed in this preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention, is configured to form a sealing interface with the coupler 1 8 carried by the bag 20 of the bag-in-box container 10. However, persons skilled in the art will understand that a tap included in the present invention can be configured differently to mate with other containers, containers, or fluid conduits. In the present case, the fluid 24 in the container 10 may be a beverage such as wine. Due to the nature of the boxed container 1 0, the pressure loading of the liquid 24 is only a few inches of liquid. However, a valve or tap according to the present invention can be configured to control the flow of a liquid at a higher pressure that will be apparent to those who are ordinarily skilled in the art. The teachings of the present invention can be easily applied to taps configured to distribute liquids and semi-liquids of all types (e.g., condiments, chemicals and water) from all types of containers (e.g., bottles, jars, barrels, and others). conduits or pipes). Further, while the embodiment of the present invention, which is presented herein, has a particular feature to allow manual manipulation of a portion of the tap actuator, in order to open the tap to allow distribution of a liquid and to allow that the tap closes automatically when manual handling is suspended, this feature is not limiting or exhaustive of the invention. For example, a tap actuator incorporated in the present invention may be provided with a wide variety of particular features that allow manual, mechanical, or electrical operation to distribute liquids and fluids in a controlled manner through the tap. To describe the first exemplary cock 12 of the invention in greater detail, reference is made to Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the drawings. The faucet 12 includes a main body 26 of the faucet mounted in a sealing manner on container 10 by means of the coupler 8, an actuator 28 for manipulation (pushed with the tip of a finger) by a user, and a sealing member 30. The main body 26 of the faucet includes a connecting portion 32 for coupling the coupler 8 of the container 10. The connection of the portion 32 with the coupler 8 can be achieved in ways well known in the art. The exemplary main body 26 of the faucet also includes a through-duct 34 with an inlet 36 and an outlet 38. The duct 34 is in fluid flow communication with the bag 16 containing the fluid within the container 10., as can be seen in Figure 2. In this way, the fluid in the bag 16 is distributed through the outlet 38 when the tap 1 2 is open, which will be described in more detail later. An arcuate seat surface 40 (shown in Figures 3 and 4) is formed at outlet 38 of the duct 34, and has a pair of spaced apart shoulders 42, formed at opposite ends 44 thereof. The seat surface 40 has a semi-circular or semi-elliptical section (as seen in Figure 3). In this way, the seat surface 40 is semi-cylindrical, and is arranged in an angular manner with the cylindrical axis of the surface in a generally vertical orientation (shown in Figure 4). That is, considered in a vertical plane that extends towards the center in general axial, the axis of the curvature for the surface 40 extends essentially vertically, whereas if this surface 40 is considered in a vertical plane orthogonal to the axial plane of the tap 1 2, it would then be observed that the surface 40 is angled to traverse this orthogonal vertical plane from one side to the other. Furthermore, it will be noted in Figure 3 that the shoulders 42 are separated by an arcuate dimension "d" measured on the surface 40. The actuator 28 is pivotally coupled to the main body 26 of the rifle (structure to be described in more detail below) and includes a handle 44, which allows the user easy manipulation to distribute the fluid 24 from the container 10. For example, the handle portion 44 can receive a driving force, which is indicated in Figure 2 by In the middle of the arrow number 44a, the force can be replaced by pressing with the tip of a finger the handle portion 44 of the actuator 28 approximately at the location indicated by this arrow. The sealing member 30 (seen in a rest or undistorted condition in Figure 5) includes retaining portions 46 and a sealing portion 48. The retaining portions 46 are defined by means of the opposite lateral ends of the sealing member 30, while the retaining portion 48 is defined by means of a generally intermediate, flat portion of the sealing member. Each of the retainer portions 46 are configured to be received against their respective shoulders 42, on opposite sides of the seat surface 40. The sealing portion 48 is configured to engage releasably with the seating surface 40 between the shoulders 42. At least, the sealing portion 48 of the sealing member 30 is made of a resilient shape-retaining material that yields so that the sealing portion 48 by its distortion or tension from the generally planar configuration (shown in Figure 5) provides in part its own pushing force when flexed. Also, the sealing member 30 is somehow compressed against the arcuate seating surface 40 between the shoulder pair 42. More specifically, it is seen in Figure 5 that the untensioned and undistorted sealing member 30 has a dimension " It will lie along the curve of the surface 40 when the sealing member is installed on this surface and between the shoulders 42. The dimension "D" slightly exceeds the dimension "d" (ie, if the last straightening would also be linear), so that the sealing member 30 is in some way compressed circumferentially against the surface 40 and between the shoulders 42, it is also pushed radially outwards (i.e., with respect to the center of the curvature of the surface 40) by means of the inherent elasticity of the sealing member 30 itself. In this way, the sealing member 30 is self-driven both to return to an essentially planar configuration (i.e., a "normal" plate-like configuration) as shown in Figure 5, when flexing or tilting in a configuration essentially curve, against the seat surface 40, as shown in Figure 4, and also compressed or tensioned circumferentially against the surface 40. As shown in the drawings, the seat surface 40 is preferably in its curved or arched configuration. In particular, the sealing member 30 has a curved configuration that is complementary to the curved configuration of the seating surface 40, when the sealing member 30 flexes from its generally planar shape of Figure 5, to the shape shown in the Figure 4. In addition, the sealing member 30 and the seating surface 40 are preferably configured in such a way that the sealing portion 48 of the sealing member 30, in particular, must be compressed along the arcuate line of the surface 40 in a certain manner. between the shoulders 42, in order to receive the sealing member 30 between these shoulders 42. Accordingly, the sealing member 30 in this flexed configuration provides its own pushing force against the seating surface 40, sufficient to overcome the liquid pressure load acting on the sealing member at the outlet 38. In this way, the sealing member 30 is sealingly engaged in a first position against the sup surface 40 for sealing the liquids and preventing them from flowing out of the outlet 38. The actuator 28 is provided with pivots (i.e., in an inclined or pendent form) on the main body 26 of the faucet so that when the actuator 28 moves By pivoting manually by a user, the liquid-tight seal formed between the sealing member 30 and the main body 26 of the tap on the surface 40 is opened or disengaged, and allows the fluid within the container 10 to be distributed (this is you will see in Figures 6 and 7). Specifically, with further reference to Figures 6 and 7, the actuator 28 is pivotally moved from the first position shown in Figure 2, and to an open position where the sealing portion 48 is pulled away from the seat 40 arched against the own pushing force, and thus allows the liquid to flow through the outlet 38, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. As mentioned above, preferably the actuator 28 is pivotally coupled to the body 26. main tap. This coupling by means of pivots can be achieved in a variety of ways. For example, the actuator 28 may have at least one (but preferably has a pair of) protruding axes or pins 50 (of which only one is seen in Figure 4). These pins 50 are pivotally engaged with complementary ferrules 52 formed in the main body 26 of the faucet (again, only one of the ferrules 52 is seen in Figure 4, but the approximate location of the other ferrule is indicated by middle of arrow number 52 reference). The bushings 52 act as support points for the pivot actuator 28. The main body 26 of the faucet defines a recess 54 for housing the handle portion 44 of the actuator 28 (as shown in Figures 2 and 6). In addition, the main body 26 of the faucet defines a protruding block 56 (or a pair of these separate blocks, of which only one is visible in Figure 4) and is positioned in the recess 54 to limit movement of the actuator 28. , in this way limits the bending movement of the sealing member 30, within a preferred or predetermined range. Although those skilled in the art can imagine many alternative approaches suitable for coupling the actuator 28 to the sealing member 30, a single exemplary structural cooperation is illustrated for coupling the sealing member 30 to the actuator 28, particularly in Figures 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. To achieve the necessary coupling, a post 58 with a clasp 60 is disposed on the actuator 28, and a pin 62 is defined on the sealing member 30, preferably along a longitudinal axis. central of the same, (which is parallel to the cylindrical axis of the seat surface 40, and which will be described in detail later). The prong 62 is received within the clasp 60. As shown, the clasp 60 and the prong 62 are configured in a complementary manner, for example, with circular configurations. The prong 62 can be received in the clasp 60 either by press fitting the prong into the clasp, or by sliding the prong into the clasp axially along the length of this prong. The force that retains the prong 62 within the clasp 60 is substantially greater than the thrust force that the flexed sealing portion 48 applied, in order to ensure that the prong does not dislodge from the clasp during use. Alternatively, the prong 62 (or any other portion of the intermediate sealing member 30 in the retention portions 46 at the opposite side ends of this sealing member) may be permanently engaged with the post 58 (or any other portion of the actuator 28). ). For example, during the manufacturing process of the faucet 12, a rivet can be passed in a sealing manner through a hole that is defined by means of the sealing member 30 and coupled within the actuator 28, at approximately the location of the pole 58. With reference In particular to Figure 5, in order to facilitate and ensure a tight sealing fit of the sealing member 30 against the seating surface 40, it is preferred that the sealing member 30 be configured at its opposite lateral ends (ie, in the portion 46). of retention) of an essentially trapezoidal shape. In other words, the lateral end surfaces of the retaining portion 46 of the sealing member 30 are inclined inwardly from the surface of the sealing member 30 and define the portion 48 (ie, from the surface contacting the surface 40). seat). This description of the shape of the sealing member 30 is more clearly applied when this sealing member is essentially flat (ie not flexed) as seen in Figure 5. Accordingly, when the sealing member 30 is flexed approximately 1 80 degrees to be received between the shoulders 42 and against the seat surface 40 (ie, to provide the pushing force itself), the retaining portions 46 are then essentially coplanar with shoulders 42 on opposite sides of the surface 40 seat. With reference to Figures 6 and 7 in particular, in the operation to distribute liquids from the tap 10, a user applies force with the tip of a finger (indicated in Figure 2 with the arrow 44a), and pushes the portion 44 of the handle of the actuator 28 downwardly within the recess 54. The actuator 28 in accordance therewith moves with pivots on the fulcrum which is defined by the axes 50 within the bushings 52, thereby, transports to the post 58 outwardly as indicated by the arrows B of Figure 6. The pole 58, accordingly, pulls the barb 62 and the sealing portion 48 of the sealing member 30 along the barb 62 away from the surface 40 of seat. The elongated shape of the pin 62 helps to define the direction of bending of the sealing member (as seen in Figure 7). The sealing member 30 flexes against its own inherent pushing force, thereby defining a channel 64 (seen in Figures 6 and 7) that opens generally downward. Upstream, the channel 64 becomes small because the post 58 is disposed near the lower limit of the sealing member 30. Also, the upper limit of the channel 64 is blocked by a body structure 66, and traverses the seating surface 40 at the upper limit of this surface. The liquid 24 of the container 10 is now able to flow through the duct 34 and out of the tap 1 2. As shown, in the additional flexed position of Figures 6 and 7, the sealing portion 48 is generally deviated, in a serpentine shape and has a curvature generally perpendicular to the length of the prong 62 to be able to define the channel 64. When a user releases the handle 44, the elasticity of the sealing member (ie, the portion 48) pushes the sealing member 30 in the portion 48 rearwardly, towards the seating surface 40 in a spring-like manner to seal the outlet 38, thereby stopping the flow of the fluid 24 of the container 10. Accordingly, it is noted that the sealing member 30 can be manually moved selectively between a closed position where the fluid is prevented from being dispensed, (as shown in Figures 2 and 3), and a open position where the fluid is distributed from the container 10 (as shown in Figures 6 and 7). When the manual operating force is interrupted, the sealing member 30 moves by means of its own elasticity back to a sealing position, and closes the fluid flow from the container 1 0. The sealing member 30 is preferably a unitary element. which is formed or molded of elastic material such as natural or synthetic rubber. This resilience allows the sealing portion 48 of the sealing member 30 to be provided, due to its initial deviation within the seating surface 40, and due to the additional deviation when the tap 10 is opened, all the pushing force required for opening is required. pushing the sealing portion 48 toward the complementary seating surface 40. Due to its resilient nature, the sealing portion 48 continues to apply the pushing force itself when the sealing member is deflected, so that when the user releases the handle 44, the sealing portion 48 is adjusted by pressure or by spring from the diverted configuration shown in Figures 6 and 7 to the least deviated configuration in the closed position of the faucet as shown in Figures 2 and 3. Considering Figures 8-12, an alternative mode of the current faucet is illustrated. In order to use reference numbers to describe this alternative embodiment of the faucet, in accordance with the present invention, the characteristics of Figures 8-12 are equal to, or analogous in structure or function to, the features depicted and described above. as a reference of Figures 1-7, they are indicated in Figures 8-12 using the same previous number, and increased by one hundred (1 00). The tap 1 1 2 includes a main body 126 of the faucet mounted in a sealing manner to a container 10 (not illustrated in Figures 8-1 2) by means of a coupling 1 8 (not shown). An actuator 128 for manipulation (i.e., contracted along a flange portion of the faucet body - [to be described later] - between a thumb and one or more fingers) of the user, and a sealing member 1, these they are also transported by the body 126. The main body 126 of the faucet includes a connecting portion 1 32 for engaging, for example, a coupler of a container. The exemplary main body 1 26 of the faucet also includes a through conduit 1 34 with an inlet 1 36 and an outlet 1 38. In this case, however, the actuator 1 28 has a different configuration than the actuator 28, and provides a handle portion 144, which is configured as a half circle in a plan view. Separated vertically and juxtaposed with the handle portion 144, the housing 126 defines a semi circular projecting flange 68, which is positioned and is somewhat separate from the structure 166. Between this flange 68 and the structure 166, the body 126 defines a slot 152 that extends transversely. The slot 152 is just above the structure 166. At the end of the handle portion 144 adjacent the body 126, the actuator 128 defines a rib 150 that extends transversely (shown in Figures 9 and 11, and is only one portion visible in Figure 8). The rib 150 is press fit or slides laterally into the slot 152, and is received by means of pivots therein so that the actuator 1 28 is transported by means of pivots on the body 1 26. In this case, the actuator 128 defines a U-shaped dependent channel, which is indicated with the reference number 70, which includes a front wall 70a, and a pair of spaced apart side walls 70b and 70c. The channel 70 fits slidably on a hub (which is generally indicated by the number 72) and protrudes forward of a flange portion 74 disposed vertically of the body 126. The opening 1 38 is defined in the hub 72, as it is seen in Figure 8. Also, the channel 70 has a lower end 70c which is generally arranged at a coextensive elevation of the lower end 72a of the hub 72. Thus, as seen in Figure 9, the channel 70 of the actuator hidden to the hub 72. The actuator 128 carries a post 158 and has a pin design 160, functionally equivalent to the designs described above.

However, with the current tap mode illustrated in Figures 8-12, the tap is operated by applying a compression force, as illustrated in Figure 1 1 by means of the "P" arrows. This compression force must be applied in a convenient manner, for example, with the thumb and an opposite index finger. The compression force "P" moves the handle portion 144 upward to engage the flange 68, and pulls the post 158 and the pin 160, so that a lower portion of the sealing member 1 is pulled from the sealing engagement with the seat surface 140 and trace the flow path 162 which is best seen in Figure 1 2. When the compression force "P" is interrupted, the sealing member 1 provides the necessary impulse to close the tap 1 1 2. Furthermore, when looking at Figure 8A in particular, it can be seen that in this case the sealing member 130 is arcuate in shape without distortion and free of tension. Again, as can be seen in Figure 1 2, the seat surface 140 has a "d" dimension over the arched shape of this seat. As seen in Figure 8A, in this case, the sealing member 130 has an arched "D" dimension that is again larger than the "d" dimension so that the sealing member 1 is compressed in a circumferential manner or tension between the pair of shoulders 142. It is believed that this arcuate configuration for the sealant member 1 in its free form more efficiently provides a force of elastic resilient momentum and preload of the sealant member 1 against the surface 140 of seat. In consideration of many tap modes 1 2 that may be used in retail consumer products, for example, in conjunction with the beverage container 10, the faucet 12 may include a removable tamper tape (not shown) placed in position between the handle 44 and the main body 26 of the faucet (or between the handle portion 144 and the flange 68 of the alternative embodiment). Prior to removal, the tamper tape prevents the actuator 28 (128) from moving by pivots, thereby preventing distribution of the fluid 24 from the container 10. The tamper tape may have a tongue for a user to take it and facilitate removal of the faucet tape 1 2. The rape tape can be molded integrally with the main body 26 of the faucet and can include a brittle connection or a thin structure of plastic material to connect with the body. As a result, a user can remove the tape by breaking this brittle connection. Once it has been broken, the tape against violations can not return to its original condition, and the opening of the tap 1 2 (or at least, the removal of the tape against violations) is evident to the next consumer who can also buy the container 10 and its contents.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide the basis for many alternatives and modifications thereto. For example, instead of being configured to be mounted in a box-shaped container 1 0 (i.e., in a box-shaped container), the exemplary faucet 12 may be configured to be mounted to the end of a duct, or to a surface curve (that is, as the curvature of a barrel), or a stopcock, or a common dispenser of bottles and jars. These other alternatives and modifications are also within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited precisely to what is shown and described herein.

Claims (25)

1. CLAIMS 1. A faucet for dispensing liquids, this faucet comprises: a faucet body defining a duct with an inlet, an outlet and an arched concave seat on which this outlet opens, this body provides a pair of retaining designs spaced apart at each one side of the exit; a sealant member received within the arcuate concave seat and between the pair of spaced apart spacer designs, this sealing member includes a pair of spaced apart spacer portions, each received within the coupling with each of the respective pair of spacer designs. retention, and an intermediate sealing portion ai pair of retaining portions so that in a first position is coupled in an arcuate, sealable and releasably form against this seat, this yielding sealing member, of an elastic nature and shape retention , and is taut within the coupling with this seat to provide its own thrust force that pushes the sealant portion sealingly against this seat; and an actuator movably coupled to the body of the faucet to move the sealing portion of the sealing member to a second position wherein at least a portion of the seaming portion is separated from the outlet for controlled delivery of liquids to the body. length of the pipeline.
2. 2. A tap according to claim 1, wherein the arched seat extends essentially, vertically.
3. 3. A tap according to claim 1, wherein the pair of retention designs includes a pair of spaced apart shoulders.
4. 4. A tap according to claim 3, wherein the sealing member is arcuately compressed between this pair of shoulders.
5. 5. A tap according to claim 1, wherein the sealing member provides its own pushing force in response to being flexed from an essentially unstressed, flat shape, to an arched shape that is complementary to this seat.
6. 6. A tap according to claim 1, wherein the sealing member provides its own thrust force in response to being tensioned circumferentially in the pair of retaining designs and within the arcuate coupling with this arched seat.
7. 7. A tap according to claim 3, wherein the retaining portion of the sealing member is configured so that in its arcuate shape within the seat, each of the pair of retaining portions on an edge surface thereof, is in essence coplanar with a respective pair of shoulders.
8. 8. A tap according to claim 1, wherein the actuator includes a post and the sealing member includes an elongate prong coupled to this post.
9. 9. A tap according to claim 1, wherein the actuator includes a handle portion that is in a semi-circular plan view, and the tap body defines a semi-circular ridge that spans apart in general, shaped parallel and in juxtaposition spaced vertically towards the handle portion.
10. 10. A tap according to claim 9, wherein the tap body includes a protruding hub on which the outlet opens, the actuator includes a U-shaped channel portion that resides with this hub. eleven .
11. A tap according to claim 8, wherein the prong is disposed on the sealing portion in a centrally located position extending vertically, essentially intermediate the retaining portions.
12. 12. A tap according to claim 1, wherein the sealing portion deviates in essence, parallel with this prong to a second open position in which the sealing portion is at least partially spaced from the arcuate seat and the sealing member defines a serpentine shape in section
13. 13. A tap according to claim 1, wherein the actuator and the tap body define cooperating means for defining a pivot axis for this actuator.
14. 14. A tap according to claim 13, wherein the means of cooperation include an actuator and a tap body that define a portion of the shaft, and the other actuator and the other body of the tap include a complementary socket to receive by means of pivots to the shaft portion.
15. 15. A tap according to claim 1, wherein the tap body includes a recess that movably receives a handle portion of the actuator.
16. 16. A tap according to claim 1, wherein the tap body further defines a design that limits movement of the actuator portion from the first position to the second tap position.
17. 1 7. A combination of the container and the faucet to contain and distribute in a controlled manner liquids, this combination of the container and the faucet comprises: a container containing the liquid, this container defines an outlet; and a tap that closes this outlet to distribute in a controlled manner the liquids from the container, this faucet includes: a faucet body mounted in a sealing manner to the container in the outlet that includes a duct with an inlet communicating with the container, an outlet, a duct extending between the entrance and the exit, an arched seating surface on which this exit opens, and a pair of retaining designs spaced apart, one on each opposite side of the exit and the surface seat; a circumferentially suspended sealing member that is received in an arcuate shape within the seat between the pair of retaining designs, this sealing member includes a pair of opposite edge retaining portions, each received within the coupling with each other to the pair of retaining designs for the sealing member to extend in a first arcuate position therebetween, and an intermediate sealing portion to the pair of retaining designs and releasably engaging the seat, this sealing member is of an elastic nature, which yields, retains in a way that provides its own pushing force and pushes the sealant portion sealingly against this seat in the first position, the sealing member moves to a second position in which the sealing portion is at less, partly spaced from the seat to allow liquids to flow from the outlet, the sealing member has a form of serpentine in section; an actuator movably associated with the body of the faucet that transfers force to the sealing member to distribute fluids from the vessel that is activated, this actuator includes a handle portion manually engaged that can be moved to effect selective movement of the sealing member between the first and second positions; whereby when the operation of the actuator is suspended, the sealing member returns in essence, by the pushing force itself to the first position and sealingly closes the flow of liquids from the outlet.
18. 1 8. A combination of the container and the faucet according to claim 17, further comprising a flexible inner bag within the container, this bag contains the liquids.
19. 19. A container according to claim 18, further comprising a coupler coupled to this bag at the outlet; the body of the tap is attached in a sealing way to this coupler.
20. 20. A method for distributing fluids in a controlled manner, this method comprises the steps of: providing a container having fluids therein, and an outlet; provide a faucet that is sealingly attached to the vessel at the outlet; provide a faucet with a faucet body mounted in a sealing manner to the container at the outlet and that includes a duct with an inlet that communicates with the container and the fluids therein, an outlet, and a duct that extends between the inlet and the exit; provide an arched seat on the faucet body at the exit, and provide a pair of spaced retention designs on opposite sides of the exit and seat; closing this outlet with a circumferentially suspended sealing member received in an arcuate shape within the seat between the pair of retaining designs, configuring this sealing member to include: a pair of opposite edge holding portions each received in the engagement with a respective one of the pair of retaining designs, and an intermediate sealing portion to the pair of retaining portions and in a first position releasably coupled to the seat, making this sealing member of a material that is of an elastic nature that yields to the retention of form for this sealing member to provide its own pushing force that pushes the sealing portion in a sealing manner against the seat; and moving in a controlled manner this sealing member to a second position in which at least a portion of the sealing portion is spaced from the seat to allow liquids to flow from the outlet, this sealing member has a serpentine shape in section; using an actuator movably associated with the body of the faucet to distribute fluids from the activated vessel, including in this actuator a manually movable handle portion for pivotally moving the actuator between the respective first and second positions so that the sealing member is move respectively between the first and second positions. twenty-one .
21. The method of claim 20, further including the step of attaching the sealing member to the sealing portion thereof and to the actuator so that a lower extension of this sealing portion is pulled out of the seat in response to the operation of the actuator, this member Sealer moves in response from the first position to the second position.
22. 22. In a tap having a body defining a flow path with an inlet, an outlet and a flow path extending from the inlet to the outlet, the method for distributing fluids in a controlled manner from the tap comprises the steps of: providing an arcuate seating surface at the outlet, and providing an arched sealing member suspended circumferentially in a first position received in a sealing manner within the seat and at the outlet to close the outlet, and in a second position having a portion thereof sealing member spaced from this outlet to allow liquids to flow therefrom while the sealing member has a serpentine shape in cross section.
23. 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of configuring the sealing member to be generally planar in an unstretched configuration with an essentially trapezoidal end shape and to have opposite lateral ends.
24. 24. The method of claim 23, further including the step of providing an elongate prong on the sealing member, and separating the intermediate and essentially parallel prong with the opposite lateral trapezoidal ends.
25. 25. A tap for dispensing fluids in a controlled manner, this tap comprises: a tap body defining an inlet, an outlet, and a flow path communicating between the inlet and the outlet, this tap body defines an arched seat in the departure; an arched, elastic sealing member that yields to the retaining retention so that it is seamed and is received in the arched seat in a first position in a sealing relationship with the body of the faucet, in this arched seat, in a second position this sealing member is at least partially spaced from the body of the faucet at the outlet to open this outlet and allow liquids to flow therefrom while the sealing member is in an essentially, serpentine in section in the plane through it out of the exit; operating means for moving the sealing member in a controlled manner between the first and second positions, and this sealing member in a tensioned condition n is substantially flatter than in a tight position in the arched seat and provides the pushing force itself the first position of it.