WO2008039029A1

WO2008039029A1 - Non-refillable pouring device with locking functions

Info

Publication number: WO2008039029A1
Application number: PCT/KR2007/004766
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chang Hwan Kim
Original assignee: Chang Hwan Kim
Priority date: 2006-09-28
Filing date: 2007-09-28
Publication date: 2008-04-03
Also published as: KR100772499B1

Abstract

Disclosed is a non-refillable pouring device with a locking function. The non-ref illable pouring device is coupled to the neck of a container and can completely prevent introduction of foreign contents into the container while or after original contents received in the container are discharged. The non-refillable pouring device includes a container cap to be coupled to the top of a neck of a container, a valve housing having an upper end coupled to the bottom of the cap and a lower end inserted into the neck of the container, a ball valve longitudinally inserted into the valve housing, to open or close a bottom passage of the valve housing, and an elastic locker or wing type locker coupled to a lower end of the valve housing, the elastic locker being able to be inserted into the container, but not being allowed to be separated out of the container by interference with the neck of the container, the locker coming into contact with the valve housing to maintain an airtight state while preventing separation of the valve housing.

Description

NON-REFILIABLE POURING DEVICE WITH LOCKING FUNCTIONS

[Technical Field]

The present invention relates to a non-refillable pouring device with a locking function, and more particularly, to a non-refillable pouring device with a locking function, which is coupled to the neck of a container and can completely prevent introduction of foreign contents into the container while or after original contents received in the container are discharged.

[Background Art]

In general, a container (i.e. bottle) to store alcoholic beverages such as whisky and wine is sealed so as not to be opened without completely removing a container cap once the alcoholic beverage is introduced into the container. The container has a function of informing an opened state thereof, and more particularly, informing the removal of the cap.

FIGS. 1 to 4 are views illustrating a conventional non-refillable pouring device for a container used to store alcoholic beverages such as whisky and wine.

More specifically, FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the conventional non-refillable pouring device, and FIGS. 2 to 4 are partially cut-away perspective views of the conventional non-refillable pouring device.

As shown, the conventional non-refillable pouring device 10 is configured to be coupled around an upwardly- protruding neck 9a of a container 9 which is intended to store liquid contents such as alcoholic beverages. The non- refillable pouring device 10 includes a plurality of constituent elements, including a container cap 1, a spout 3, a tubular band 4, a valve housing 7, a ball valve 8, etc., from the top to the bottom of the neck 9a of the container 9.

In the above described configuration, the valve housing 7 has an upper end to be coupled with an upper end of the neck 9a, and a lower end to be inserted deeply into the neck 9a. The ball valve 8 is mounted in the center of the valve housing 7.

The valve housing 7 is provided, along an outer periphery of the upper end thereof, with sealing members

(See reference numerals 7a, 7b, and 7c in FIG. 4) to prevent the contents, received in the container 9, from leaking to an interface between the valve housing 7 and the neck 9a. The ball valve 8 is received in the valve housing 7 such that it can move vertically in the valve housing 7, but cannot be discharged downward from the valve housing 7 into a relatively wide lower space of the neck 9a connected to the body of the container 9.

A valve retainer (See, reference numeral 5 in FIG. 2) is seated in the upper end of the valve housing 7. The valve retainer 5 has a center recess defined in an upper region thereof. A cap boss Ia protruding downward from the center of the container cap 1 is inserted into the center recess of the valve retainer 5.

The spout 3 is located over the valve retainer 5. The spout 3 has a center hole for the penetration of the cap boss Ia. As the cap boss Ia is penetrated through the spout 3, the cap 1 is finally mounted on the spout 3.

The tubular band 4 is located underneath the cap 1 along a periphery of the cap 1. The tubular band 4 is a final sealing member to keep the coupled state of the valve housing 7 and the spout 3. On the basis of the fact whether the tubular band 4 is accurately mounted or not, it is possible to know whether the container is a new one or used one.

The ball valve 8 includes two upper and lower balls 8a and 8b, which are movable vertically in the valve housing 7. In a state wherein the container is erected straightly, the ball valve 8 is in a downwardly moved state to block a bottom hole of the valve housing 7, i.e. an entrance/exit passage of contents, so as to prevent the movement of contents into the body of the container 9. In other words, only when the container is laid horizontally or turned down such that the container cap 1 is tilted downward beyond a horizontal state thereof, the ball valve 8 can move away from the contents entrance/exit passage of the valve housing 7, thereby causing the movement of the contents.

The valve retainer 5 and the spout 3, located in and around the upper region of the valve housing 7, are provided, at their contact surfaces with the valve housing 7, with sealing members, respectively, to prevent the liquid contents from leaking in a circumferential direction in the course of moving toward the container cap 1. This has the effect of completely preventing unwanted discharge of the liquid contents from the valve housing 7.

Hereinafter, functions of the above described respective constituent elements included in the conventional non-refillable pouring device will be described.

First, the above described conventional container cap 1 has a non-refillable pouring function of preventing introduction of foreign contents into the container. For example, the container cap 1, defining the uppermost end of the non-refillable pouring device, has the cap boss Ia located in the center thereof to protrude downward by a predetermined length. The cap boss Ia acts to push the valve retainer 5 located below the container cap 1 when the cap 1 is locked by rotations thereof, thereby preventing the contents from leaking to the outside of the cap 1 during transportation.

In a state wherein the container cap 1 is opened and the container is erected straightly, the valve retainer 5 and the ball valve 8 act to block the bottom contents passage of the valve housing 7 by the weight thereof, thereby preventing introduction of foreign contents.

However, if the container is gradually tilted to be laid horizontally (or titled beyond a horizontal state) after the container cap 1 is removed, the ball valve 8 and the valve retainer 5 are separated from the valve housing 7, thereby causing the contents to be discharged out of the container 9.

This is because an inner surface of the valve housing 7 is tapered downward (i.e. in a direction opposite to the upper end of the valve housing 7 supporting the container cap 1) , and therefore, the ball valve 8 and the valve retainer 5 are easily moved together in a direction opposite to the bottom contents passage of the valve housing 7. In the conventional non-refillable pouring device, the tubular band 4 has a function of informing whether or not the non-refillable pouring device is opened. That is, on the basis of the fact whether the tubular band 4 is accurately mounted or not, it is possible to know whether or not the non-refillable pouring device 10 is opened. The conventional non-refillable pouring device 10, as described above, has a container sealing function to prevent the contents received in the container from leaking to the outside along the neck 9a. More specifically, the sealing members are provided between the valve housing 7 and the container 9, between the valve housing 7 and the spout 3, and between the spout 3 and the container cap 1. The sealing members are made of synthetic resins such as plastic, so as to be easily installed in contact areas between the above mentioned constituent elements by use of elasticity thereof.

In the conventional non-refillable pouring device 10, further, to prevent the spout 3 from being rotated when the container cap 1 is fastened to the spout 3, the spout 3, valve housing 7, and container body are provided, respectively, with rotation-proof protruding portions. With this configuration, upon fastening of the .container cap 1, the container cap 1 has no limit in a fastening direction thereof. As will be understood from the above description, the conventional non-refillable pouring device 10 having the above described configuration has a problem in that it should have opening-informing means such as the tubular band 4 around the container, and thus, suffers from an increase in manufacturing costs. Further, despite the provision of the opening- informing means, the non-refillable pouring device 10 may be illegally disassembled by simply removing the band 4. Accordingly, there is a risk that counterfeits difficult to be distinguished with rare products may be easily manufactured by introducing a forged alcoholic beverage into the container and attaching a forged band to the container. In fact, it is impossible to ascertain the truth of the resulting container. Furthermore, since the conventional non-refillable pouring device should have some means such as opening- informing means, etc., it has a limit in design and suffers from a complicated manufacturing process and high manufacturing costs.

[Disclosure]

[Technical Problem]

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a non-refillable pouring device with a locking function, which is impossible to be disassembled and can completely prevent introduction of forged contents into a container and achieve the simplified overall configuration and reduced manufacturing costs upon mass production.

[Technical Solution]

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the above and other objects can be accomplished by the provision of a non-refillable pouring device with a locking function comprising: a container cap to be coupled to the top of a neck of a container; a valve housing having an upper end coupled to the bottom of the cap and a lower end inserted into the neck of the container; a ball valve longitudinally inserted into the valve housing, to open or close a bottom passage of the valve housing; and an elastic locker coupled to a lower end of the valve housing, the elastic locker being able to be inserted into the container, but not being allowed to be separated out of the container by interference with the neck of the container.

Preferably, the elastic locker is made of an elastic material such that it is deformable in a partial region thereof to which a predetermined external load is applied, but is returned to the original shape thereof upon removal of the external load.

Preferably, the elastic locker includes a linear flat lower portion having a predetermined length to be coupled to an outer surface of the valve housing, and a forwardly bent upper portion having a predetermined length, the bent upper portion being spread elastically upon receiving an external force and being returned to the original bent shape by elasticity thereof upon removal of the external force.

The valve housing may have an inner gradient to allow the ball valve, received therein, to move upward and downward in the valve housing as the container is tilted, and the inner gradient of the valve housing may be determined such that the valve housing is tapered toward an end of the neck of the container.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the above and other objects can be accomplished by the provision of a non-refillable pouring device with a locking function comprising: a container cap to be coupled to the top of a neck of a container; a valve housing having an upper end coupled to the bottom of the cap and a lower end inserted into the neck of the container; a ball valve longitudinally inserted into the valve housing, to open or close a bottom passage of the valve housing; a valve plug located underneath the valve housing; and an elastic locker coupled to a lower end of the valve plug, the elastic locker being able to be inserted into the container, but not being allowed to be separated out of the container by interference with the neck of the container. Preferably, the valve housing has an inner gradient to allow the ball valve, received therein, to move upward and downward in the valve housing as the container is tilted, and the inner gradient of the valve housing is determined such that the valve housing is tapered toward an end of the neck of the container.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, the above and other objects can be accomplished by the provision of a non-refillable pouring device with a locking function comprising: a container cap to be coupled to the top of a neck of a container; a valve housing having an upper end coupled to the bottom of the cap and a lower end inserted into the neck of the container; a ball valve longitudinally inserted into the valve housing, to open or close a bottom passage of the valve housing; a valve plug located underneath the valve housing and having an upper end coupled to the valve housing and a lower end inserted into the neck of the container; and a wing type locker coupled to a lower end of the valve plug, the elastic locker being able to be inserted into the container, but not being allowed to be separated out of the container by interference with the neck of the container.

Preferably, the wing type locker comprises a plurality of wings arranged, by a predetermined interval, along an outer periphery of a lower end of a body of the valve plug, and the wings of the wing type locker are folded, under the assistance of a recess formed at a lower surface thereof, while being inserted into the container, and after being completely inserted into the container, are returned to the original shape by elasticity thereof.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, the above and other objects can be accomplished by the provision of a non-refillable pouring device with a locking function comprising: a container cap to be coupled to the top of a neck of a container; a valve housing having an upper end coupled to the bottom of the cap and a lower end inserted into the neck of the container; a ball valve longitudinally inserted into the valve housing, to open or close a bottom passage of the valve housing; a valve plug located underneath the valve housing and having an upper end coupled to the valve housing and a lower end inserted into the neck of the container; wherein the valve plug has a bore penetrated in the center thereof to have a predetermined size, and is formed, at opposite sides thereof, with U- shaped portions such that the lower end of the valve housing is seated in a lower region of a U-shaped space in the respective U-shaped portions.

[Description of Drawings] The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIGS. 1 to 4 are views illustrating a conventional non-refillable pouring device;

FIGS. 5 to 9 are views illustrating a non-refillable pouring device with a locking function according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which elastic lockers are provided at a valve housing;

FIGS. 10 and 11 are views illustrating a non- refillable pouring device with a locking function according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in which the elastic lockers are provided at a valve plug; FIGS. 12 and 13 are views illustrating a non- refillable pouring device with a locking function according to a third embodiment of the present invention, in which the elastic lockers are provided at the valve plug;

FIGS. 14 to 17 are views illustrating a non- refillable pouring device with a locking function according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which wing type lockers are provided at the valve plug;

FIG. 18 is a sectional view comparing the inner gradient of a valve housing for the non-refillable pouring device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention with the configuration of the conventional non- refillable pouring device;

FIG. 19 is a sectional view of the non-refillable pouring device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, in a state wherein a container is tilted by a predetermined angle; and

FIG. 20 is a partially cut-away perspective view illustrating a non-refillable pouring device with a locking function according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[Best Mode]

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. For reference, it is noted that a non-refillable pouring device with a locking function according to the present invention employs two types of locking means, namely, an elastic locker and a wing type locker.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention related to the elastic locker will be first described.

The elastic locker according to the present invention has elasticity. Although the original shape of the elastic locker will be deformed temporarily if a force is applied to the elastic locker, the elastic locker can restore the original shape after the applied force is removed.

More specifically, according to the present invention, the elastic locker is made of an elastic material such as plastic. Even after being bent upon receiving a predetermined force, the elastic locker can be gradually spread or be returned to the original shape thereof after the force is removed.

FIGS. 5 to 9 are views illustrating a non-refillable pouring device with a locking function according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which the above described elastic locker is coupled with a valve housing.

More specifically, FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the non-refillable pouring device with a locking' function according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a partially cut-away perspective view of the non-refillable pouring device according to the first embodiment, illustrating a state wherein the non-refillable pouring device is mounted to a container. FIGS. 7 and 8 are perspective views illustrating a plurality of elastic lockers coupled with a valve housing. FIGS. 9A to 9C are perspective views illustrating the sequence of coupling the non-refillable pouring device with a container. Referring to the above drawings, the non-refillable pouring device 30 with a locking function according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a valve housing 17 provided, around a lower end thereof, with elastic lockers 16. The non-refillable pouring device 30 further includes a ball valve 18 and a valve plug 12, which are located in a lower region of the valve housing 17.

More specifically, in the non-refillable pouring device 30 with a locking function according to the present embodiment, a plurality of elastic lockers 16 are attached, by a predetermined interval, along an outer periphery of a lower end of the valve housing 17. An upper end 16b of each elastic locker 16 is bent downward by a predetermined length to protrude outward. Also, a lower end 16a of the elastic locker 16 is linearly attached to an outer surface of the valve housing 17.

A thickness of the lower end 16a of the elastic locker

16 is determined such that the total sum of the thickness of the lower end 16a and an outer diameter of the valve housing

17 is approximately the same as or slightly smaller than an inner diameter of a neck of a container 19, to assure the valve housing 17 to be easily inserted into the neck of the container 19.

If the upper end 16b of the elastic locker 16 is caught by the neck of the container 19 in the course that the lower end of the valve housing 17 is inserted into the neck of the container 19, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the bent upper end 16b of the elastic locker 16 is gradually spread so as to be smoothly inserted into the container 19. After being completely inserted into the container 19, the upper end 16b of the elastic locker 16 is returned to the original shape thereof by elasticity of material thereof.

When it is attempted to separate the valve housing 17 from the container 19 after the valve housing 17 is completely inserted through the neck of the container 19, the upper end 16b of the elastic locker 16 is caught by an inner surface of the container 19, and it is impossible to separate the valve housing 17 without a damage to the elastic locker 16.

The valve plug 12 is coupled to the neck of the container 19 and acts to support the valve housing 17 and the ball valve 18 located thereon.

Next, second and third embodiments of the present invention, in which the elastic locker 16 is provided at a valve plug 50, will be described. FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a non-refillable pouring device 60 with a locking function according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the elastic locker 16 is provided at the valve plug 50, and a tubular band 14 is used. FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate a non-refillable pouring device 70 with a locking function according to the third embodiment of the present invention. A difference with the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 is that a valve housing 40 of the second embodiment is divided into two separate members, namely, a spout 41 and a valve housing 43. Referring to the above drawings, the plurality of elastic lockers 16 are arranged by a predetermined interval along an outer periphery of a lower end of the valve plug 50. As the valve plug 50 is inserted into the container 19, the outwardly protruding upper end 16a of each elastic locker 16 is spread so as to be smoothly inserted into the container 19. After being completely inserted into the container 19, the bent upper end 16b of the elastic locker 16 is returned to the original shape thereof as an external load applied thereto is removed.

With the above described configuration, when the valve housing 40 is pulled out of the container 19, the valve plug 50 cannot be separated from the container 19 because the upper end 16b of the elastic locker 16 provided at the lower end of the valve plug 50 is caught by the inner surface of the container 19. Even if an excessive pulling force is applied, only the valve housing 40 is separated from the valve plug 50, and the valve plug 50 is dropped into the container 19 rather than being pulled out of the container 19. FIGS. 14 to 17 illustrate a non-refillable pouring device with a locking function according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, wing type lockers 95 as locking means are provided at a valve plug 90.

More specifically, FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the non-refillable pouring device with a locking function. FIG. 15 is a sectional view illustrating the fastened state of the non-refillable pouring device shown in FIG. 14. FIGS. 16A to 16C are perspective views of the valve plug coupled with the wing type lockers. FIGS. 17A to 17C are perspective views illustrating the sequence of coupling the valve plug into the neck of the container.

Referring to the above drawings, the non-refillable pouring device 100 with a locking function according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention includes a cap 11 to be coupled onto the upwardly protruding neck of the container 19, and the tubular band 14, valve housing 80, ball valve 18, and valve plug 90 coupled with the wing type lockers 95, which are sequentially coupled to the bottom of the cap 11.

In the above described configuration, the valve housing 80 is located underneath the cap 11. A cap boss 11, which protrudes downward from the center of the bottom of the cap 11, is penetrated through the center of the valve housing 80 such that a lower end of the cap boss 11 can directly press the ball valve 18.

The ball valve 18 includes two balls 18a and 18b. In a straightly erected state of the container 19, the ball valve 18 moves downward and is inserted into a bottom passage of the valve housing 80 so as to block the passage.

The valve plug 90 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 16A to 16C, includes a cylindrical body 91 centrally perforated with a bore having a predetermined diameter, the plurality of wing type lockers 95 arranged, by a predetermined interval, along an outer periphery of a lower end of the body 91, and a coupler 93 protruding upward from an upper end of the body 91 by a predetermined length so as to be coupled with a lower end of the valve housing 80. The valve plug body 91 has an inner center rib 97 having a smaller inner diameter than that of the body 91. The rib 97 is present to reinforce the internal strength of the valve plug 90. The shape of the rib 97 is freely changeable. Also, it is noted that the rib 97 may be omitted.

The coupler 93 formed at the upper end of the valve plug body 91 has a smaller diameter than that of the valve plug body 91. The valve plug coupler 93 is circumferentially formed with an annular protrusion 93a as a coupling piece for the coupling of the valve plug 90 and the valve housing 80.

Also, a plurality of holes 93b are formed, by a predetermined interval, along a periphery of the valve plug coupler 93. The holes 93b serve as drain holes to discharge residual contents.

The wing type lockers 95 at the lower end of the valve plug 90 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, are arranged, by a predetermined interval, along a periphery of the lower end of the valve plug body 91. To allow the wing type lockers 95 to be folded in a lateral direction, each wing type locker 95 has recesses 95d formed at lower end positions thereof in contact with the valve plug body 91.

Upper and lower surfaces of each wing type locker 95 are inclined, rather than extending perpendicular to the valve plug body 91, such that a central portion of the wing type locker 95 protrudes to provide the wing type locker 95 with a triangular cross section.

More specifically, the wing type locker 95 has an upper inclined surface 95a and a lower inclined surface 95b. In turn, each of the upper and lower inclined surfaces 95a and 95b has a pair of second inclined surfaces 95c inclined in opposite directions. The second inclined surfaces 95c assist the wing type locker 95 to be tilted and folded toward a specific direction while passing through the neck of the container 19.

For example, when the neighboring second inclined surfaces 95c are configured symmetrically, the tilting and folding direction of the wing type locker 95 can be guided into either direction.

With the recesses 95d formed at the lower end positions of the wing type locker 95, the wing type locker 95 is folded laterally when the valve plug 90 is inserted into the container 19, to assure easy insertion of the valve plug 90. Further, after passing through the neck of the container 19, the wing type locker 95 is returned to the original position thereof in an expanded inner space of the container 19 by elasticity thereof, thereby being kept in an unfolded state perpendicular to the valve plug body 91. When it is attempted to pull the valve plug 90 inserted into the container 19 out of the neck of the container 19, the wing type locker 95, which was previously returned to the original shape thereof, is caught by the inner surface of the container 19 and is not allowed to move upward. Even if an excessive pulling force is applied thereto, only the valve housing 80 is separated from the valve plug 90, and the valve plug 90 is dropped to the bottom of the container 19. Accordingly, once being inserted into the container 19, the valve plug 90 formed with the wing type lockers 95 according to the present embodiment cannot be pulled out without a damage to the container 19.

As shown in FIG. 17, prior to being inserted into the container 19, the wing type lockers 95 are kept in an unfolded state. Then, the wing type lockers 95 are tilted laterally while being inserted into the container 19. After being completely inserted into the container 19, the wing type lockers 95 are returned to the original shape thereof.

FIG. 18 is a sectional view comparing the inner gradient of the valve housing 80 for the non-refillable pouring device 100 with a locking function according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention with the configuration of the previously described conventional non- refillable pouring device (10, See FIG. IA) . More specifically, FIG. 18A illustrates the configuration of the present invention, and FIG. 18B illustrates the configuration of the prior art.

As shown, the valve housing 80 of the present invention has an inner gradient T2 opposite to an inner gradient Tl of the valve housing 7 of the conventional non- refillable pouring device.

More specifically, the inner gradient T2 of the valve housing 80 according to the present invention is determined such that, in a horizontally laid state of the valve housing 80, it is tilted downward from the container cap to an inner space of the container 19. On the other hand, the inner gradient Tl of the conventional valve housing 7 is determined such that, in a horizontally laid state of the valve housing 7, it is tilted downward from the inner space of the container to the container cap.

With the above described configuration, in the non- refillable pouring device of the present invention, when the container 19 is laid horizontally, the ball valve 18 in the valve housing 80 moves into the container 19 by the inner gradient T2 of the valve housing 80, and is restricted in movement toward the container cap.

Differently from the present invention, in the conventional device, when the container 9 is laid horizontally, the ball valve 8 naturally moves toward the container cap 1 by the inner gradient Tl of the valve housing 7. With the movement of the ball valve 8, contents received in the container 9 can move to the container cap 1 through the opened bottom passage of the housing 7. In this state, there is a risk that forged contents may be introduced from the outside of the container cap into the valve housing 7.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view of the non-refillable pouring device 100 with a locking function according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, in a state wherein the container is tilted by a predetermined angle. As shown, in a state wherein the container 19 is further tilted from the horizontal state thereof such that the container cap is positioned lower than the body of the container 19, the ball valve 18 in the valve housing 80 moves toward the container cap, thereby allowing a liquid passage perforated in the bottom of the valve housing 80 to be opened naturally. Thereby, liquid contents received in the container can move toward the container cap through the opened passage. The dashed arrow shown in FIG. 19 represents the discharge direction of the liquid contents to the outside of the cap through the neck of the container 19. That is, the liquid contents are first discharged through the inner space of the valve plug 90 and the residue discharge holes 93b of the coupler 93 provided at the upper end of the valve plug 90. Then, the liquid contents further move into a space between the neck of the container 19 and the valve housing 80 in a direction as shown by the dashed arrow.

It will be appreciated that the inner gradient T2 of the valve housing 80 is not limited to the fourth embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, and may be applied to all embodiments of the present invention.

As compared to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the present embodiment employs the more simplified configuration of a valve plug 110 than the configuration of the valve plug 90.

As shown, the valve plug 110 of the present embodiment has a center bore in which the ball valve 18 is seated in an upper region thereof. The valve plug 110 is provided, at opposite sides thereof, with U-shaped portions, into which the lower end of the valve housing 80 is inserted and coupled.

The above described configuration is devised on the basis of the elasticity of the valve plug 110. The valve plug 110 is forcibly press-fitted when being inserted into the container 19. Also, in such a press-fitted state, the valve plug is kept in a compressed state and can be fixed to the neck of the container 19.

When it is attempted to pull the valve housing 80 above the valve plug 110 out of the container 19, only the valve housing 80 is pulled out, and the ball valve 18 and the valve plug 110 are still left in the container 19.

Further, if a further force is applied to completely separate the valve plug 110 from the neck of the container 19, the valve plug 110 may be damaged or be broken. Meanwhile, in the above described embodiments of the present invention, the tubular band 14 is integrally formed with the valve housing 43 or spout 41 by insert molding. This simplifies the overall configuration of the non- refillable pouring device, resulting in a reduction in manufacturing costs.

[industrial Applicability]

As apparent from the above description, in a state wherein a non-refillable pouring device with a locking function according to the present invention is coupled to the neck of a container, the non-refillable pouring device can completely prevent introduction of foreign contents into the container while or after original contents received in the container are discharged. Further, with the use of elastic lockers as locking means, the non- refillable pouring device according to the present invention can achieve a simplified configuration, resulting in a more simplified manufacturing process and reduced manufacturing costs . Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

Claims

[CLAIMS]

[Claim l] A non-refillable pouring device with a locking function comprising: a container cap to be coupled to the top of a neck of a container; a valve housing having an upper end coupled to the bottom of the cap and a lower end inserted into the neck of the container; a ball valve longitudinally inserted into the valve housing, to open or close a bottom passage of the valve housing; and an elastic locker coupled to a lower end of the valve housing, the elastic locker being able to be inserted into the container, but not being allowed to be separated out of the container by interference with the neck of the container.

[Claim 2] The non-refillable pouring device according to claim 1, wherein the elastic locker is made of an elastic material such that it is deformable in a partial region thereof to which a predetermined external load is applied, but is returned to the original shape thereof upon removal of the external load.

[Claim 3] The non-refillable pouring device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a thickness of the elastic locker is determined such that the total sum of a thickness of a lower end of the elastic locker and an outer diameter of the valve housing is the same as or smaller than an inner diameter of the neck of the container, to assure easy insertion of the elastic locker.

[Claim 4] The non-refillable pouring device according to claim 1, wherein the elastic locker includes a linear flat lower portion having a predetermined length to be coupled to an outer surface of the valve housing, and a forwardly bent upper portion having a predetermined length, the bent upper portion being spread elastically upon receiving an external force and being returned to the original bent shape by elasticity thereof upon removal of the external force.

[Claim 5] The non-refillable pouring device according to claim 1, wherein the valve housing has an inner gradient to allow the ball valve, received therein, to move upward and downward in the valve housing as the container is tilted, and the inner gradient of the valve housing is determined such that the valve housing is tapered toward an end of the neck of the container.

[Claim 6] A non-refillable pouring device with a locking function comprising: a container cap to be coupled to the top of a neck of a container; a valve housing having an upper end coupled to the bottom of the cap and a lower end inserted into the neck of the container; a ball valve longitudinally inserted into the valve housing, to open or close a bottom passage of the valve housing; a valve plug located underneath the valve housing; and an elastic locker coupled to a lower end of the valve plug, the elastic locker being able to be inserted into the container, but not being allowed to be separated out of the container by interference with the neck of the container.

[Claim 7] The non-refillable pouring device according to claim 6, wherein the elastic locker is made of an elastic material such that it is deformable in a partial region thereof to which a predetermined external load is applied, but is returned to the original shape thereof upon removal of the external load.

[Claim 8] The non-refillable pouring device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the elastic locker includes a linear flat lower portion to be coupled to an outer surface of the lower end of the valve plug, and an outwardly-protruding bent upper portion having a predetermined length.

[Claim 9] The non-refillable pouring device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein a thickness of the elastic locker is determined such that the total sum of a thickness of a lower end of the elastic locker and an outer diameter of the valve plug is the same as or smaller than an inner diameter of the neck of the container, to assure easy insertion of the elastic locker.

[Claim 10] The non-refillable pouring device according to claim 6, wherein the valve housing has an inner gradient to allow the ball valve, received therein, to move upward and downward in the valve housing as the container is tilted, and the inner gradient of the valve housing is determined such that the valve housing is tapered toward an end of the neck of the container.

[Claim ll] A non-refillable pouring device with a locking function comprising: a container cap to be coupled to the top of a neck of a container; a valve housing having an upper end coupled to the bottom of the cap and a lower end inserted into the neck of the container; a ball valve longitudinally inserted into the valve housing, to open or close a bottom passage of the valve housing; a valve plug located underneath the valve housing and having an upper end coupled to the valve housing and a lower end inserted into the neck of the container; and a wing type locker coupled to a lower end of the valve plug, the elastic locker being able to be inserted into the container, but not being allowed to be separated out of the container by interference with the neck of the container.

[Claim 12] The non-refillable pouring device according to claim 11, wherein the wing type locker comprises a plurality of wings arranged, by a predetermined interval, along an outer periphery of a lower end of a body of the valve plug.

[Claim 13] The non-refillable pouring device according to claim 12, wherein the wings of the wing type locker are folded, under the assistance of a recess formed at a lower surface thereof, while being inserted into the container, and after being completely inserted into the container, are returned to the original shape by elasticity thereof.

[Claim 14] The non-refillable pouring device according to claim 12, wherein each wing of the wing type locker has upper and lower first inclined surfaces, and second inclined surfaces extend laterally from each first inclined surface.

[Claim 15] A non-refillable pouring device with a locking function comprising: a container cap to be coupled to the top of a neck of a container; a valve housing having an upper end coupled to the bottom of the cap and a lower end inserted into the neck of the container; a ball valve longitudinally inserted into the valve housing, to open or close a bottom passage of the valve housing; a valve plug located underneath the valve housing and having an upper end coupled to the valve housing and a lower end inserted into the neck of the container; and wherein the valve plug has a bore penetrated in the center thereof to have a predetermined size, and is formed, at opposite sides thereof, with U-shaped portions such that the lower end of the valve housing is seated in a lower region of a U-shaped space in the respective U-shaped portions .