WO2022003639A1

WO2022003639A1 - Containment system for at least a collapsible container

Info

Publication number: WO2022003639A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/055949
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stefano FOLIO; Adrio Pantaleoni; Gabriele PETRANGELI
Original assignee: Seko S.P.A.
Priority date: 2020-07-02
Filing date: 2021-07-02
Publication date: 2022-01-06

Abstract

A containment system (1) for containing a pouch (4) comprises a fixing plate (2), a containment element (3) connected or connectable to the fixing plate (2) and configured to house a pouch (4); a support (5) movably connected to the fixing plate (2), the support (5) having an engagement end (8) operatively connected to the fixing bracket (2) and a support end (10) configured to hold a port (7) of the pouch (4) when housed in the containment system (1), wherein the support (5) comprises a lower portion (21) configured to abut against the pouch (4), the support (5) being configured to exert a pushing action against the pouch (4), when this is housed in the containment system, by effect of a weight (23) associated with the support (5).

Description

^TD ANSLATION (RULE 12.3)

02 Auaust 2021

WO 2022/003639 PCT/IB2021/055949

CONTAINMENT SYSTEM FOR AT LEAST A COLLAPSIBLE CONTAINER

* * *

The present invention relates to a containment system for containing at least one collapsible container of the type used in a liquid product distribution system.

The use of collapsible containers for the containment of a liquid has been known for some time.

In general, such collapsible containers, hereinafter referred to simply as pouches, are configured as a bag, possibly transparent or partially transparent to check for the presence of liquid inside, and include a port or a connection interface that can be connected, in fluid communication, to a distribution system through which to dispense the liquid contained therein.

The liquid is dispensed from the pouch by suction, as a result of which deformation is determined with consequent crushing of the walls that tend to lean against each other.

To avoid that the mutual adhesion of the walls occludes the way out of the liquid from the pouch, preventing the dispensing, it is known to use internal inserts configured to keep the walls of the pouch mutually spaced and guarantee the presence of a passage in correspondence at least of the pouch door, through which to allow the liquid to flow out.

The use of such an internal insert, which causes an increase in the production costs of a pouch, is able to improve the emptying of the same.

In the event that it is necessary to minimize the production cost of a pouch, it is not possible to foresee the use of such an internal insert.

The suction of the liquid from the pouch is carried out through a suction connector that can be engaged tightly in the pouch door. The latter is placed at the top of the pouch.

In use, the pouch is supported in a suspended configuration by means of a support, with the suction port facing upwards, that is, the suction port is facing opposite a portion of the bottom of the pouch.

Due to this configuration, during the emptying of the pouch there is always a residual quantity of liquid, not negligible, at the bottom that cannot be aspirated. This aspect has a significant impact on operating costs.

Documents US 10264926 and US 9586728 describe dispensers of a liquid, contained within a collapsible container, comprising organs configured to facilitate the outlet of the liquid from a dispensing mouth positioned at the bottom portion of the dispenser.

However, these dispensers are not suitable for use in a dispensing system that provides for controlled aspiration of the liquid from the pouch, as they teach to position the pouch outlet port at the bottom portion of the dispenser.

As is known, following the suction action to which the pouch is subject in use, the walls of the pouch tend to adhere to each other, thus hindering the escape of the liquid.

For this reason, in cases where the pouch is subject to suction, the output port is positioned at a higher level than the bottom of the pouch, i.e. the pouch port faces upwards to assume a configuration that departs from the teachings of the documents indicated above.

Document FR2561229A1 describes a further device for dispensing a liquid substance contained in a pouch.

The object of the present invention is to allow in a simple, reliable, efficient and economical way to realize a containment system configured to contain a pouch, subject to suction, and to ensure an efficient emptying of the same.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a containment system that is practical and easy to use, with reduced maintenance and easily implemented in a suction line, for example, in replacement of one or more previously installed containment systems for a pouch.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a containment system for a pouch which has an overall simple structure and low production costs.

Specific form object of the invention, a containment system for the containment of at least one pouch comprising:

- a fixing plate;

- a containment element connected or connectable to the fixing plate;

- a support movably connected to the fixing plate, along a sliding direction with an orientation comprised between a bottom portion and a top portion of the fixing plate, wherein the fixing plate has a front surface from which the support and a rear surface opposite the front surface,

- the support having an engagement end operatively connected to the fixing bracket and a support end; wherein the support includes a bottom portion configured to act as an abutment element, the support being configured to exert a thrust action by effect of a weight associated or associable with the support.

According to another aspect of the invention, the support can be slidingly engaged along a slot delimited passing along the fixing plate.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the slot can develop along the sliding direction with an orientation between the bottom portion and the top portion of the fixing plate.

According to an additional aspect of the invention, the fixing plate can have an insertion opening configured to allow the engagement of the support along the slot for connecting or removing the support relative to the fixing plate.

According to another aspect of the invention, the support can have a plate element connected to the engagement end by a wall, wherein the wall develops parallel to the sliding direction and extends orthogonally from the engagement end of the support, the wall being configured to slidably engage the slot.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the fixing plate can delimit a rear recess, which extends along the sliding direction at the rear surface of the fixing plate, the rear recess defining a housing along which the plate element a can be moved.

According to an additional aspect of the invention, the fixing plate can have a pair of front ribs which extend parallel to the sliding direction, from opposite sides of the slot and protrude from the front surface of the fastening plate, wherein each of the ribs frontal acts as an abutment configured to promote sliding of the support along the fixing plate.

According to another aspect of the invention, the fixing plate can comprise a pair of rear ribs which extend parallel to the sliding direction, from opposite sides of the slot and extend along the rear recess, wherein each of the rear ribs acts as an abutment configured to promote sliding of the plate element of the support relative to the fixing plate.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the containment system can comprise a rod slidingly engaged along the rear recess of the fixing plate, wherein the rod is configured to be selectively moved by the support between a retracted position, wherein the rod is comprised in the fixing plate and an extracted position in which at least a portion of the rod protrudes from the fixing plate.

According to an additional aspect of the invention, the fixing plate can comprise retention seats positioned at the rear recess, the retention seats laterally delimiting a guide to guide and hold the rod.

According to another aspect of the invention, the rod can have two parallel and mutually spaced arms, which extend along a direction parallel to the sliding direction, the arms extending from a base portion and being mutually connected by means of a crosspiece, arranged orthogonally to both arms and spaced from the base portion, wherein the base portion is configured to be selectively placed outside the fixing plate, optionally the base portion being configured to convey a message.

According to a further aspect of the invention, at least one of the arms can have a curved end, configured to engage a respective portion of the plate element of the support and/or at least a stop which extends from the fixing plate along the rear recess, at the slot.

According to an additional aspect of the invention, at least one of the arms can comprise at least one engagement element configured to selectively abut against at least one respective abutment element constrained to the fixing plate along the rear recess, wherein the abutment element is configured to selectively supporting the engagement member to retain the rod along the rear recess of the fastening plate in a predetermined position.

According to another aspect of the invention, the fixing plate can comprise a bracket that protrudes orthogonally from a bottom portion of the fixing plate, wherein the shelf acts as a support for the containment element.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the containment element can be removably connected to the fixing plate, the containment element having hooks which extend from a rear portion of the containment element which in use is intended to be placed against the fixing plate, the hooks being configured to engage in respective delimited seats at a bottom portion of the fixing plate.

According to an additional aspect of the invention, the containment system can comprise a lid hinged to the fixing plate to selectively free an access inside the containment system for access to the containment element, wherein the lid comprises a pair of opposite side walls mutually connected by means of a central wall and a pair of side pins each of which protrudes orthogonally from a respective of the side walls towards the inside of the lid, wherein the side pins are mutually aligned so as to define an axis of rotation around which the lid can be moved.

The advantages offered by the containment system according to the present invention are evident.

In particular, the containment system according to the invention is configured to firmly support at least one pouch inside it and to ensure optimal emptying.

The containment system according to the invention is practical and easy to use. Furthermore, it is configured to prevent the adhesion of the walls of the at least one pouch at the suction port, thus ensuring optimal emptying, in the absence of any insert inside the at least one pouch of the type described in relation to the state of the technique.

The containment system according to the invention is of flexible use, that is to say that it can be easily positioned in the layout of a distribution line for one or more liquids and can be implemented in a distribution line for one or more liquids already existing, for example in replacement of one or more traditional containment systems, without requiring particular modifications to the distribution line itself.

The present invention will now be described, for illustrative but not limitative purposes, according to its preferred embodiments, with particular reference to the Figures of the attached drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a containment system according to the invention bearing a pouch inside it;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the containment system of Figure 1 alone, without the pouch inside;

Figure 3 shows an exploded perspective view of a containment system according to the invention and a pouch that can be used with it;

Figures 4 and 5 show rear perspective views of the containment system according to the invention in some possible use configurations;

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a component of the containment system according to the invention;

Figures 7 and 8 show perspective views of some enlarged details of the containment system according to the invention;

Figure 9 shows a front perspective view of some components of the containment system according to the invention together with a pouch; and

Figure 10 shows a rear perspective view of a component of the containment system according to the invention.

In the Figures identical reference numbers will be used for similar elements.

In the attached Figures, a preferred embodiment of a containment system according to the invention is indicated with 1.

The containment system 1 is configured to support and hold in position at least one pouch, in which a liquid to be dispensed is contained, and to connect it, in fluid communication, with a suction and distribution line through which the liquid contained in the at least one pouch itself is selectively aspirated and distributed to one or more users. The operation of such a liquid suction and distribution line is considered within the reach of the person skilled in the art and for this reason it will not be further described hereinafter, given that this suction and distribution line is not a specific object of the present invention.

The containment system 1 comprises a fixing plate 2, configured to connect the containment system 1 to a wall or a track or an anchoring plate and to support a containment element 3 associated or associable with the fixing plate 2 itself.

The containment element 3 is configured in turn to delimit a housing compartment for at least one pouch 4 (see for example Figures 1 and 9).

The containment system 1 comprises a support 5 movably connected to the fixing plate 2 and configured to hold at least one pouch 4.

In the following description and in the attached Figures reference will be made to a containment system 1 configured to support and retain inside a single pouch 4, since the invention can be easily modified to allow the support and retention of two or more pouch 4 according to specific needs. In the following description, reference will therefore be made to a preferred embodiment for containing a single pouch 4 since, as previously described, alternative versions configured to support more than one pouch 4 are possible.

The support 5 is also configured to support a suction connector 6 that can be hermetically engaged in a port 7 of the pouch 4 so as to allow the suction of the liquid contained therein.

The support 5 is configured as an elongated body that can be cantilevered to the fixing plate 2.

It is pointed out that the fixing plate 2 has a front surface, from which the support 5 protrudes and a rear surface opposite to it.

The support 5 has an engagement end 8 operatively connected to the fixing plate 2.

According to a preferred embodiment, the engagement end 8 is slidingly engaged along a delimited slot 9 passing along the fixing plate 2.

The support 5 has a support end 10, opposite the engagement end 8, configured to support and hold the port 7 of the pouch 4 and, consequently, to support the entire pouch 4.

Furthermore, the support end 10 is configured to be connected and support the suction connector 6.

The slot 9 extends oriented along a sliding direction 11 (see Figure 3) which is between a bottom portion and a top portion of the fixing plate 2 itself.

The end of the support 10 delimits a through opening 12 that can be engaged by the suction connector 6 for connecting it to the support 5.

The suction connector 6 can be removably connected to the support end 10 of the support 5.

In particular, the suction connector 6 comprises a hollow tubular element IB, configured to sealingly engage the port 7 of a pouch 4 positioned in the containment element 3, and a connection element 14 configured to retain the hollow tubular element 13 and to be connected to the support 5 at the support end 10.

According to a preferred embodiment, the connection element 14 is configured as a cap to which the hollow tubular element 13 is bound.

The connection element 14 is configured to connect in a removable way to the support end 10 of the support 5, at the through opening 12.

By way of non-limiting example, the connection element 14 has an internal thread configured to engage a corresponding external thread 15 made along a cylindrical element which protrudes from the support 10 at the through opening 12 (see the exploded diagram of Figure 3). According to an alternative version, not shown in the attached Figures, the connection element 14 is configured to be coupled to the support 5 by means of a snap coupling or a male- female shape coupling or a rotating connection comprising a nozzle, which protrudes from one of the connecting element 14 and the cylindrical element at the through opening 12 of the support 5, and engageable by coupling through sliding contacts to a corresponding flange made in correspondence with the other between the cylindrical element at the through opening 12 of the support 5 and the connecting element 14.

The hollow tubular element 13 engages the port 7 of the pouch 4 along a direction parallel to the sliding direction 11, when the support 5 is connected to the fixing plate 2, the pouch 4 is positioned in the containment element 3 and the suction connector 6 is connected to the support end 10 of the support 5.

According to a preferred embodiment, the hollow tubular element 13 has a bottom end 16 which can be selectively engaged in the port 7, and a top end 17 configured to be connected to a suction line in a manner known in the sector, which does not they will therefore be described below.

Preferably, the bottom end 16 and the top end 17 are mutually aligned along a direction parallel to the sliding direction 11, when the support 5 is connected to the fixing plate 2 and the suction connector 6 is connected to the support end 10 of support 5, although it is intended that an alternative version is possible, not shown in the attached Figures, wherein the top end 17 extends along a dispensing direction inclined with respect to the sliding direction 11.

As mentioned, the support 5 is slidingly connected to the fixing plate 2 along the slot 9.

In this regard, it should be noted that the engagement end 8 of the support 5 is configured to slidingly engage the slot 9 and to cantilever support the support 5 with respect to the fixing plate 2.

With reference to the detail view of the support 5 illustrated in the attached Figure 10, the engagement end 8 has a plate element 18 connected to the engagement end 8 through a wall 19.

The wall 19 develops parallel to the sliding direction 11 when the support 5 is connected to the fixing plate 2 and extends orthogonally from the engagement end 8 of the support 5.

The wall 19 is configured to slidingly engage the slot 9.

In practice, the plate element 18 and the wall 19 define an element with a "T" cross section that protrudes from the end of engagement 8 of the support 5.

The plate element 18 is aligned parallel to the end of engagement 8 and spaced from it so as to delimit cavities 20, separated from each other by the wall 19.

The cavities 20 are at least partially engaged by portions of the fixing plate 2 that delimit the slot 9, when the support 5 is connected to the fixing plate 2 (see the detail shown in Figure 7).

The plate 18 acts as an abutment to keep the support 5 aligned orthogonally or substantially orthogonal to the fixing plate 2 during the sliding of the support 5 itself along the sliding direction 11.

The support 5 has a lower portion 21 configured to meet, in a configuration of use, against a portion of the top of the pouch 4 without damaging it (see Figure 1) and then press the pouch 4 against the bottom of the containment element 3.

The lower portion 21 pressing against the pouch 4 mutually distances its walls at the port 7, keeping the port 7 free and thus favoring the emptying of the pouch 4.

The support 5 defines an internal seat 22 for housing a weight 23 (see Figure 3 wherein the weight 23 is schematically illustrated as a prismatic element).

The weight 23 therefore determines the pushing action, by gravity, of the support 5 against the pouch 4.

In the attached Figure 10 the internal seat 22 is schematically indicated by means of discontinuous lines.

It is pointed out that the mass of the weight 23 is a function of the size of the pouch 4, or rather of the maximum volume of liquid that can be contained therein, to ensure an effective pushing action of the support 5 against the pouch 4 itself.

Excessive pressure of the support 5 against the pouch 4 could damage the latter and, possibly, cause it to break. On the contrary, a weak push of the support 5 against the pouch 4 would be ineffective and unsuitable for ensuring the correct spacing of the walls at the port 7.

The weight 23 is dimensioned in such a way as to removably engage the internal seat 22. By way of example, the weight 23 is configured to firmly engage the internal seat 22, for example with a slight interference, to avoid an accidental loss of the weight 23 itself from the internal seat 22.

It should be noted that the internal seat 22 delimits at least one access opening, not illustrated in detail in the attached figures, through which the weight 23 can be inserted or extracted, in order to be able to replace it with a further weight 23 depending on the characteristics of the pouch 4 to be used in the containment system 1.

By way of non-limiting example, the access opening is delimited at the engagement portion 8 of the support 5 and configured to allow the insertion of the weight 23 from a top portion of the support 5 or from the side opposite to that to be to which the wall 19 protrudes, that is to say in front of the support 5.

According to an alternative version, not illustrated in detail in the attached Figures, the access opening to the internal seat 22 is delimited in correspondence with at least one side of the support 5, at the engagement end 8.

According to a further version not shown in the attached Figures, the internal seat 22 extends through the support 5 and the weight 23 is configured flared to firmly engage the internal seat 22 along a sliding direction, so as to wedge into the internal seat 22 itself.

According to this version, when the support 5 is connected to the fixing plate 2, the internal seat 22 extends passing through the support 5 along a direction parallel to the sliding direction 11 or along a direction orthogonal to the sliding direction 11 and to a direction front- rear of the support 5 extending between the engaging end 8 and the support end 10.

According to an alternative embodiment, the weight 23 is incorporated within the support 5, creating a single body with it, and can have a different configuration than that schematically shown in Figure 3, for example a sphere or ellipsoidal or cube without any limitation.

With reference to what is illustrated in the attached Figures 1-3 and 6, the fixing plate 2 has an insertion opening 24 configured to allow the engagement of the support 5 along the slot 9 and, therefore, the connection or removal of the support 5 relative to the fixing plate 2.

Preferably, the insertion opening 24 is delimited at a bottom end of the slot 9 and extends through the fixing plate 2.

More in detail, the insertion opening 24 is configured to allow the plate element 18 to pass through the fixing plate 2 so as to position the wall 19 at the slot 9, to engage it and, therefore, to connect the support 5 to the fixing plate 2.

The fixing plate 2 has a rear recess delimited along a rear surface of the fixing plate 2 itself which extends at the slot 9 (see, for example, Figures 4 and 5).

In particular, the rear recess extends along the direction of engagement 11.

The rear recess defines a housing along which the plate element 18 of the support 5 can be slidingly moved. Furthermore, the rear recess allows to keep the plate element 18 within the thickness of the fixing plate 2.

The fixing plate 2 has a pair of front ribs 25 which extend parallel to the sliding direction 11, from opposite sides of the slot 9 and protrude from a front surface of the fixing plate 2, i.e. the surface from which support 5 protrudes.

Each front rib 25 acts as an abutment for the support 5 at the end of engagement 8, with the support 5 engaged slidingly along the fixing plate 2.

Each front rib 25 reduces the contact surface between the support 5 and the fixing plate 2, promoting the sliding of the support 5 along the fixing plate 2.

Furthermore, each front rib 25 acts as a guide element to guide the sliding of the support 5 relative to the fixing plate 2.

The fixing plate 2 includes a pair of rear ribs 26, which similarly to what is described in regard to the pair of front ribs 25, extend parallel to the sliding direction 11, from opposite sides of the slot 9.

The rear ribs 26 extend along the rear recess defined along the rear surface of the fixing plate 2.

The pair of rear ribs 26 acts as a guide element and promoter of the sliding of the plate element 18 of the support 5 in a manner similar to those described for the pair of front ribs 25 to which reference is made. The fixing plate 2 has at its top portion, a locking element 27 configured to selectively hold the support 5 locking it in position along the slot 9.

Blocking the support 5 at the top portion of the fixing plate 2 promotes the insertion or removal of a pouch 4 from the containment element 3.

The locking element 27 protrudes from the front surface of the fixing plate 2, i.e. from the surface of the fixing plate 2 from which the support 5 protrudes.

The locking element 27 is configured as a tooth element connected to the fixing plate 2 by means of an elastically yielding connection.

With the expression elastically yielding connection, it is meant to indicate a connection that is deformable under the action of a force applied to it between a rest position, wherein the locking element 27 extends outside the fixing plate 2 and a deformed position, wherein the locking element 27 is pushed inside the fixing plate 2 so as not to hinder the movement of the support 5 along the slot 9.

The term "elastically" is intended to indicate that the locking element 27 is able to pass from the deformed position to the rest position following an elastic deformation, that is to say that when no force is applied that pushes the locking element 27 inside the fixing plate 2, the locking element 27 returns to the rest position, wherein it extends outside the fixing plate 2.

According to a preferred embodiment, the elastically yielding connection is made by means of a rod-shaped element 27 carved into the fixing plate 2 and connected at one end to the fixing plate 2 itself (see Figure 9).

The support 5 has an appendix 28 (see for example Figure 10) which extends laterally from the support 5 itself and is configured to be selectively supported by the locking element 27 in order to lock the support 5 in position along the slot 9 (as shown in Figure 9), for example to promote the insertion or removal of a pouch 4 from the containment element 3.

According to a preferred embodiment, the containment element 3 is made as a drawer that can be removably connected at a bottom portion of the fixing plate 2.

The containment element 3 has hooks 29 which protrude from the rear of it, that is to say, which protrude from a rear portion of the containment element 3 which in use is designed to be placed against the fixing plate 2, and are configured to engage in respective seats 30 delimited along the fixing plate 2 (see for example Figures 4 and 5).

The seats 30 are delimited at the bottom portion of the fixing plate 2.

The fixing plate 2 has a bracket 31 which protrudes orthogonally from a bottom portion of the fixing plate 2 itself (see Figures 3 and 6).

The bracket 31 acts as a support for the containment element 3, in order to promote the distribution of the stresses acting on the hooks 29 due to the weight of a pouch 4 housed in the containment element 3.

The fixing plate 2 and the containment element 3 are separate bodies, configured to be mutually connectable, allowing to simplify their production.

According to an alternative version of the present invention, not shown in the attached Figures, the fixing plate 2 and the containment element 3 are made as a single body. In this case, the containment element 3 is without hooks 29 and, similarly, the fixing plate 2 has no seats 30.

The containment system 1 comprises a lid 32 operatively connected to the fixing plate 2 and configured to move to selectively free an access inside the containment system 1, for access to the containment element 3 (see Figures 1 and 3).

It should be noted that in the attached Figures 2 and 4-10 the lid 32 has been purposely omitted to simplify the representation of the containment system 1 according to the invention.

According to a preferred embodiment, the lid 32 is hinged to the fixing plate 2, so that it can be selectively rotated around an axis of rotation 33, illustrated in Figure 1, which extends orthogonal to the sliding direction 11 and to the anterior-posterior direction along which the support extends 5.

The lid 32 has a pair of opposite side walls 34 mutually connected through a central wall 35 shaped so as to define a front and top cover for the containment element 3.

The lid 32 therefore defines a closing shell to protect the pouch 4 housed in the containment element 3.

The lid 32 includes a pair of lateral pins 36 each of which protrudes orthogonally from a respective side wall 34 towards the inside of the lid 32 (see Figure 3). The lateral pins 36 are mutually aligned so as to define the rotation axis 33.

The lateral pins 36 are configured to engage respective openings 37 delimited along the plate elements 38, in turn constrained to the bottom portion of the fixing plate 2, on opposite sides thereof.

In particular, the plate elements 38 define lateral reinforcements for the connection of the bracket 31 to the fixing plate 2.

It should be noted that according to a preferred embodiment, the containment element 3 in turn delimits connection openings 39 which, with the containment element 3 connected to the fixing plate 2, are aligned with the respective openings 37.

In practice, to make the connection between the lid 32, the fixing plate 2 and the containment element 3, the lateral pins 36 are engaged in the respective openings 37 delimited along the plate elements 38 and through the connection openings 39, aligned with their respective openings 37.

The lateral pins 36 thus act as further connecting and locking elements in position between the containment element 3 and the plate 2.

The containment system 1 comprises a closing lock configured to selectively constrain the lid 32 in the closed position, leaning against the fixing plate 2, avoiding its accidental or unwanted opening (see Figure 3).

The lock can be operated between a locking position and an opening position by means of a key 41, which can be engaged in a corresponding through hole 41' delimited along the cover 32 to selectively activate a locking element 41” which protrudes from the top portion of the fixing plate 2 (see the exploded diagram of Figure 3).

The operation of a lock operable by means of a key 41 is considered within the reach of the person skilled in the art and therefore will not be described in greater detail.

According to an aspect of the invention, the containment system 1 comprises a signaling device configured to signal the emptying of the pouch 4 or the achievement of the emptying condition of the same, that is, an end-of-product condition inside it.

According to a preferred embodiment illustrated in the attached Figures, the signaling device is of the mechanical type and comprises a rod 42 slidingly engaged along the fixing plate 2.

In particular, the rod 42 is slidingly engaged along the rear recess.

The rod 42 is configured to be selectively moved by the support 5 between a retracted position, wherein the rod 42 is within the front dimensions of the fixing plate 2 (see Figure 4), and an extracted position, wherein at least a portion of the rod 42 protrudes, due to the force of gravity, from the fixing plate 2 (see Figure 5).

In the extracted position, the rod 42 protrudes from the bottom portion of the fixing plate 2.

The fixing plate 2 comprises retaining seats 43 positioned at the rear recess which laterally delimit a guide for the rod 42, retaining it inside them in order to guide its movement along the sliding direction 11. The connection between the rod 42 and the retaining seats 43 is of the snap type to allow the connection or removal of the rod 42 relative to the fixing plate 2.

The rod 42 has two parallel and mutually spaced arms 44, which develop along a direction parallel to the sliding direction 11 when the rod 42 is connected to the fixing plate 2.

The two arms 44 protrudes from a base portion 45 and are mutually connected by means of a crosspiece 46, arranged orthogonal to both arms 44 and spaced from the base portion 45 along the direction of development of the arms 44 themselves.

In practice, the shaft 42 has a similar conformation to an inverted "A" (see Figures 3 to 5).

The base portion 45 is configured to be selectively placed outside the footprint of the fixing plate 2 and thus be visible from the outside of the containment system 1.

At least one of the two arms 44 has a curved end 47, with the concavity facing the base portion 45.

More in detail, when the rod 42 is connected to the fixing plate 2, the curved end 47 faces in an interposed position between the arm 44, from which it departs, and the slot 9.

According to a preferred embodiment illustrated in the attached Figures, each arm 44 has a curved end 47.

The curved end 47 is configured to engage respective portions of the plate element 18 of the support 5 and/or at least an abutment that protrudes from the fixing plate 2 according to methods and purposes that will be better described below.

In this regard, it should be noted that the plate element 18 of the support 5 is configured to slide between a delimited space between the two arms 44 of the rod 42 (see for example Figure 5 wherein the plate element 18 is illustrated in two possible positions, one shown with a solid line and one with a discontinuous line).

The fixing plate 2 has at least one abutment 48 which protrudes from the rear recess at the slot 9.

The at least one abutment 48 defines a stop for the at least one curved end 47 along the sliding direction 11. In particular, the at least one abutment 48 defines the end-of-stroke position of the rod 42 in the extracted configuration.

The at least one abutment 48 is conformed complementary, substantially complementary or more generally in order to define a support to which the at least one curved end 47 can be firmly and stable hooked. Similarly to what is described above in relation to the curved end 47, the containment system 1 has, preferably, two abutments 48, positioned specularly opposite each other relative to the slot 9.

It should be noted that the at least one abutment 48 protrudes from the fixing plate 2 with a thickness such as not to interfere with the sliding of the plate element 18 of the support 5 along the rear recess.

In other words, the at least one abutment 48 is configured to selectively engage at least a portion of a respective cavity 20 delimited by the plate element 18 and, more precisely, in the free space delimited within a respective cavity 20 between the plate 2 and plate element 18.

The at least one abutment 48 is flush with the rear ribs 26 or lowered with respect to them (see the detail of Figure 8 or Figure 4).

The plate element 18 has at least one recess 49 configured to be engaged by a respective curved end 47.

The at least one recess 49 is delimited at at least one vertex of the top of the plate element 18, so as to be accessible to at least one curved end 47 (see Figure 8).

It should be noted that the at least one curved end 47 has a thickness such as to be engageable by a respective at least one abutment 48 as well as by the plate element 18, along a respective at least one recess 49.

The rod 42 comprises at least one engagement element 50 configured to selectively abut against at least a respective abutment element 51 made along the fixing plate 2.

The at least one engagement element 50, when placed against a corresponding at least one abutment element 51, keeps the rod 42 in the retracted position inside the fixing plate 2.

The at least one engagement element 50 extends laterally from at least one arm 44, outside the rod 42. That is to say that the at least one engagement element 50 extends opposite to the space delimited between the two arms 44.

According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one engagement element 50 is shaped like a tooth that protrudes laterally from at least one arm 44, spaced from it, by means of an elastically deformable connection, for example a rod or the like. As regards the definition of elastically deformable connection, reference is made to what has been previously disclosed regarding the locking element 27.

In practice, the at least one engagement element 50 protrudes from a respective arm 44 and is deformable when approaching it to assume a release configuration, wherein it disengages from a corresponding abutment element 51 and allows the rod 42 to slide with respect to fixing plate 2.

When no deformation stress acts on the at least one engagement element 50, it returns elastically to the abutment position, extending again outside the rod 42.

In this regard, the rod 42 has at least one recess 52 delimited along at least one arm 44, at the portion from which the at least one engagement element 50 protrudes, to allow the movement of the latter towards the at least an arm 44 from which it departs.

As said, the at least one engagement element 50 is configured to selectively strike against at least one respective abutment element 51.

The at least one abutment element 51 is positioned inside the rear recess of the fixing plate 2 and faces a corresponding at least one engagement element 50, when the rod 42 is connected to the fixing plate 2.

The at least one abutment element 51 is shaped so as to support a corresponding at least one engagement element 50 and, if the rod 42 is pushed along the sliding direction 11 towards the bottom portion of the fixing plate 2, to push it approaching arm 44 from which it departs.

According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one abutment element 51 is configured as a tooth.

The positioning of the at least one abutment element 51 along the fixing plate 2, as well as the positioning of the respective at least one engagement element 50 along the rod 42, determine the retracted position of the rod 42 inside the fixing plate 2.

The rod 42 as mentioned has a crosspiece 46 configured to be selectively encountered by the plate element 18 during the movement of the latter along the slot 9.

In particular, the support 5 and the rod 42 are connected to the fixing plate 2 in such a way that the plate element 18 is interposed between the crosspiece 46 of the rod 42 and the at least one curved end 47.

Therefore, the plate element 18 is configured to abut with its bottom portion against the crosspiece 46.

The base portion 45 of the rod 42 is shaped like a plate-like element and is configured to convey a message, for example a label, to signal that the pouch 4 emptying condition has been reached in the containment element 3, with the rod 42 in the extracted position from the fixing plate 2.

The rod 42 therefore acts as a mechanical element to signal the emptying of the pouch 4.

According to an alternative version of the present invention, not illustrated in detail in the attached Figures, the containment system 1 comprises at least one electronic device operatively connected to the rod 42 configured to generate an audible and/or visual alarm for signaling the achievement of the condition emptying the pouch 4.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device comprises an electrical contact that can be switched between an open position and a closed position connected to the rod 42 and/or to the support 5 in such a way that, upon reaching a predetermined position along the slot 9, the switching of the electrical contact and the emission of the aforementioned alarm signal are determined.

It is understood that instead of an electrical contact, the activation of the alarm signal can be controlled by means of a proximity sensor or a photocell or a similar device capable of detectingthe achievement by the rod 42 and/orthe support 5 of a predetermined position along the slot 9 which corresponds to an emptying condition of the pouch 4.

As mentioned, the fixing plate 2 is configured to be connected to a wall or to an anchoring plate and, in this regard, has a plurality of through openings 53 (see Figures 4 to 6) which can be engaged by respective connecting elements such as screws or similar not shown in the attached Figures.

Furthermore, the fixing plate 2 is configured to be hung from a bar or a similar element and, in this regard, has a plurality of connecting hooks 54 which protrude from the rear surface of the fixing plate 2 itself, at the top portion (see Figures 4 and 5).

Below is a description of the operation of the containment system 1 according to the invention.

A containment system 1 is provided in a configuration suspended from a wall or from an anchoring plate or from a bar.

The lid 32 is opened by rotating it around the rotation axis 33 in order to allow access to the containment element 3.

The support 5 is moved along the slot 9, making it slide along the sliding direction 11 with a direction from the bottom portion of the fixing plate 2 towards the top portion, that is to say by lifting it.

The movement of the support 5 is continued until the appendix 28 of the support 5 is brought above the locking element 27. In detail, it should be noted that during the sliding of the support 5, towards the top portion of the fixing plate 2, the appendix 28 abuts against the locking element 27 and, therefore, the further advancement of the support 5 imposes deformation of the locking element 27 inside the fixing plate 2, allowing the advancement of the support 5 and therefore the reset of the locking element 27.

The locking element 27, after the passage of the appendix 28, comes out again from the front surface of the fixing plate 2, acting as a support for the appendix 28 and locking the support 5 in position.

Then, a pouch 4 is introduced into the containment element 3 and the port 7 of the pouch 4 is connected to the engagement end 10 of the support 5.

The suction connector 6 is tightly connected to port 7 of the pouch 4 and then the suction connector 6 itself is tied to the support end 10 of the support 5. The suction connector 6 is connected to a suction line.

Subsequently, the locking element 27 is operated manually, pushing it towards the inside of the fixing plate 2, to release the appendix 28 and allow the descent of the support 5 along the slot 9.

Due to the effect of the weight force acting on the support 5 by the weight 23, the support 5 descends along the sliding direction 11 until it abuts firmly against the pouch 4, putting it under tension and thus expanding the walls at the port 7.

The lid 32 is then closed to protect the pouch 4.

Following the emptying of the pouch 4 subject to the suction action, the support 5 descends along the slot 9 until the plate element 18 abuts against the crosspiece 46 of the rod 42.

The further descent of the support 5 causes a thrust of the plate element 18 against the crosspiece 46.

The lever 42 is locked in position along the fixing plate 2 by means of the abutment of the at least one engagement element 50 which extends from a corresponding arm 44 of the bracket 42, against a respective abutment element 51.

When the thrust force exerted by the plate element 18 against the crosspiece 46 exceeds the force required to deform the at least one engagement element 50 approaching the respective arm 44, disengagement is determined between the at least one element engagement 50 and the respective at least one abutment element 51, causing the rod 42 to descend along the sliding direction 11.

Following the descent of the rod 42 relative to the fixing plate 2, the engagement of the at least one curved end 47 with a respective at least one abutment 48 is determined, thus stopping the rod 42 in the position extracted from the fixing plate 2.

If the containment system 1 includes at least one electrical device operatively connected to the rod 42, when the latter reaches the extracted position, an audible and/or visual alarm signal is activated to indicate the emptying of the pouch 4.

To replace the emptied pouch 4, proceed in the reverse order, opening the lid 32, lifting the support 5, sliding it along the slot 9, until the lateral protrusion 28 is brought over the locking element 27.

The locking element 27 is then reinforced so as to support the lateral appendage 28 and, with it, the entire support 5.

The suction connector 6 is removed from the engagement end 10, freeing the port 7 of the pouch 4 and, therefore, the pouch 4 itself is removed from the support 5.

During the lifting of the support 5 along the slot 9 the plate element 18 is brought against the at least one curved end 47, more precisely by engaging the at least one recess 49 with the at least one respective curved end 47, associating the support 5 and the rod 42 reciprocally.

The lifting of the support 5 causes the lifting of the rod 42 until the at least one engagement element 50 is engaged with a respective at least one abutment element 51.

The engagement between the at least one engagement element 50 and the at least one abutment element 51 determines the locking in position of the rod 42 relative to the fixing plate 2, in the retracted position.

With reference to the above, it is clear that the containment system 1 according to the invention is able to achieve the intended purposes.

The presence of a sliding support 5 to which the pouch 4 is connected and configured to keep the pouch 4 pressed against the containment element 3 ensures effective emptying of the pouch 4 itself in order to drastically reduce the quantity of any residual liquid inside of pouch 4, compared to the prior art solutions.

The thrust of the support 5 against the pouch 4, in fact, keeps the walls of the same at the port 7 at a distance from each other, keeping the latter free and allowing the suction of the liquid present in the pouch 4 itself.

Furthermore, the movement of the support 5 along the fixing plate 2 determines the actuation of the rod 42 to signal the emptying of the pouch 4, through a mechanical solution that is simple to implement and extremely effective.

Finally, it should be noted that the individual components of the containment system 1 can be connected to each other in a removable way, thus reducing the overall dimensions of the containment system 1 in the non-use configuration and promoting its storage in a warehouse.

In the foregoing, the preferred embodiments have been described and variants of the present invention have been suggested, but it is to be understood that those skilled in the art will be able to make modifications and changes without thereby departing from the relative scope of protection, as defined by the claims attached.

Claims

1. Containment system (1) for the containment of at least one pouch (4) comprising:

- a fixing plate (2);

- a containment element (S) connected or connectable to said fixing plate (2);

- a support (5) movably connected to said fixing plate (2), along a sliding direction (11) with an orientation comprised between a bottom portion and a top portion of said fixing plate (2), wherein said fixing plate (2) has a front surface from which said a support (5) protrudes and a rear surface opposite to said front surface,

- said a support (5) having an engagement end (8) operatively connected to said fixing bracket (2) and a support end (10); wherein said support (5) comprises a bottom portion (21) configured to act as an abutment element, said support (5) being configured to exert a thrust action by effect of a weight (23) associated or associable with said support (5).

2. Containment system (1) according to claim 1, wherein said support (5) is slidably engaged along a delimited slot (9) passing along said fixing plate (2).

3. Containment system (1) according to claim 2, wherein said slot (9) extends along said sliding direction (11) with an orientation included between said bottom portion and said top portion of said fixing plate (2).

4. Containment system (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said fixing plate (2) has an insertion opening (24) configured to allow the engagement of said support (5) along said slot (9) for connecting or removing said support (5) relative to said fixing plate (2).

5. Containment system (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said support (5) has a plate element (18) connected to said engagement end (8) by means of a wall (19), wherein said wall (19) develops parallel to said sliding direction (11) and extends orthogonally from said engagement end (8) of said support (5), said wall (19) being configured to slidingly engage said slot (9).

6. Containment system (1) according to claim 5, wherein said fixing plate (2) defines a rear recess, which extends along said sliding direction (11) at said rear surface of said fixing plate (2), said rear recess defining a housing along which said plate element (18) can be moved.

7. Containment system (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein said fixing plate (2) has a pair of front ribs (25) which extend parallel to said sliding direction (11), to be opposite sides of said slot (9) and protrude from said front surface of said fixing plate (2), wherein each of said front ribs (25) acts as a stop configured to promote a sliding of said support (5) along said fixing plate (2).

8. Containment system (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein said fixing plate (2) comprises a pair of rear ribs (26) extending parallel to said sliding direction (11), to be opposite sides of said slot (9) and extend along said rear recess, wherein each of said rear ribs (26) acts as a stop configured to promote a sliding of said plate element (18) of said support (5) relative to said fixing plate (2).

9. Containment system (1) according to claim 6 or 8, comprising a rod (42) slidingly engaged along said rear recess of said fixing plate (2), wherein said rod (42) is configured to be selectively moved from said support (5) between a retracted position, wherein said rod (42) is included within said fastening plate (2) and an extracted position wherein at least a portion of said rod (42) protrudes from said fastening plate (2).

10. Containment system (1) according to claim 9, wherein said fixing plate (2) comprises retaining seats (43) positioned at said rear recess, said retaining seats (43) laterally delimiting a guide for guiding and holding said rod (42).

11. Containment system (1) according to claim 9, wherein said rod (42) has two arms (44) parallel and mutually spaced, which extend along a direction parallel to said sliding direction (11), said arms (44) extending from a base portion (45) and being mutually connected by means of a crosspiece (46), arranged orthogonal to both said arms (44) and spaced from said base portion (45), wherein said base portion (45) is configured to be selectively placed outside said fixing plate (2), optionally said base portion (45) being configured to convey a message.

12. Containment system (1) according to claim 11, wherein at least one of said arms (44) has a curved end (47), configured to engage a respective portion of said plate element (18) of said support (5) and/or at least one abutment (48) which extends from said fixing plate (2) along said rear recess, at said slot (9).

13. Containment system (1) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein at least one of said arms (44) comprises at least one engagement element (50) configured to selectively abut against at least one respective abutment element (51) constrained to said fixing plate (2) along said rear recess, wherein said abutment element (51) is configured to selectively support said engagement element (50) to hold said rod (42) along said rear recess of said fixing plate (2) in a predetermined position.

14. Containment system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said fixing plate (2) comprises a bracket (31) which extends orthogonally from a bottom portion of said fixing plate (2), wherein said bracket (31) acts as a support for said containment element (3).

15. Containment system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said containment element (3) is removably connected to said fixing plate (2), said containment element (3) having hooks (29) which protrude from a rear portion of said containment element (3) which in use is provided to be placed against said fixing plate (2), said hooks (29) being configured to engage in respective seats (30) delimited at a bottom portion of said fixing plate (2).

16. Containment system (1) according to anyone of the preceding claims, comprising a lid (32) hinged to said fixing plate (2) to selectively free an access inside said containment system (1) for access to said containment element (3), wherein said lid (32) comprises a pair of opposite side walls (34) mutually connected by means of a central wall (35) and a pair of lateral pins (36) each of which protrudes orthogonally from a respective of said side walls (34) towards the inside of said lid (32), wherein said lateral pins (36) are mutually aligned so as to define an axis of rotation (33) around which said lid (32) is movable.