WO2025177091A1

WO2025177091A1 - Tap for liquid container, having actuating wings and a rotatable safety device for locking the wings

Info

Publication number: WO2025177091A1
Application number: PCT/IB2025/050953
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mattia FRACASSO; Paolo Lobba
Original assignee: Giflor Srl
Current assignee: Giflor Srl
Priority date: 2024-02-19
Filing date: 2025-01-29
Publication date: 2025-08-28
Anticipated expiration: 2026-08-19

Abstract

Dispensing device (20) for a container (2), comprising a hollow main body (24) adapted to define a passage channel (26) and provided with an outlet mouth (22) for a product to be dispensed, a manoeuvring body (36), which is movable with respect to the main body (24 and is positionable in a first closing position of the dispensing device (20) and in at least a second position for dispensing the product from the outlet mouth (22), a closing body (40; 140) arranged above the manoeuvring body (36). The dispensing device (20) comprises a tamper-evident device (60; 160) configured to assume a locking position adapted to prevent the movement of said manoeuvring body (36) and an unlocking position adapted to allow the movement of said manoeuvring body (36), wherein the tamper-evidentdevice (60; 160) is manually rotatable by a user between the locking position and the unlocking position, and wherein anti-rotation means (70) are provided which are adapted to prevent the movement of said tamper-evident device (60; 160) from the unlocking position towards the locking position.

Description

TAP FOR LIQUID CONTAINER, HAVING ACTUATING WINGS AND A ROTATABLE SAFETY DEVICE FOR LOCKING THE WINGS

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a dispensing device for containers, preferably flexible containers.

In particular, the present invention refers to a dispensing device with safety device for flexible containers, also called pouch or bag systems. More particularly, the present invention refers to a dispensing device with safety device for flexible containers used in bag-in-box solutions.

The present invention also relates to an assembly comprising a container equipped with said dispensing device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF THE ART

It is known in the field of the systems for dispensing products, preferably in fluid form, the use of dispensing devices that are applied to special containers of the product to be dispensed.

Dispensing devices of known type can be manually operated by the user to allow the product to be dispensed towards a dispensing mouth if necessary.

In a type of use of known type, the dispensing devices are associated with collapsible/deformable containers that receive the product, also called pouch systems. These containers, made for example with plastic or metallic films, are shaped for containing edible products such as wines, fruit juices, oils, water, milk, etc., or made of plastic material for other sectors, such as in the case of packaging of liquid soaps, shampoos, creams or household cleaning products, etc.

In a particular form of use, the containers with the respective dispensing device are of a disposable type and are inserted each time into a container, typically made of cardboard, which facilitates their use in terms of stability and/or facilitates their transport, in this case gripping means preferably being provided and made directly on the cardboard. These solutions are also known as bag-inbox solutions.

The cardboard container will be suitably provided with a hole crossed by the dispensing device.

The dispensing devices of known type are made by assembling various components that allow to act on an element/valve that opens or closes a way for dispensing the product from the inside of the container towards the dispensing mouth.

The devices of known type typically comprise a first element fixed to the container on which a lower opening (mouth) is made which is intercepted by suitable valve means operable by the user by means of manoeuvring means, typically by means of levers.

The user manually acts on these manoeuvring means to bring them into an opening position where the product is dispensed from the outlet mouth. During the opening step, the product is dispensed by gravity from the lower mouth of the device. The manoeuvring means are also typically provided with elastic return elements adapted to return the manoeuvring means and the valve means to the closed position automatically after their actuation.

A drawback of the dispensing devices of known type lies in the fact that the manoeuvring means can be accidentally actuated causing the product to leak out of the container to which they are applied.

This situation may occur, for example, when the container is moved/transported and the manoeuvring means may accidentally collide causing said unwanted leakage.

The main object of the present invention is therefore to solve the drawback posed by the known solutions.

In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide a solution that allows to avoid unwanted openings of the dispensing devices for containers of known type and therefore to avoid unwanted leaks of product from inside the container.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

In a first aspect thereof, the present invention therefore refers to a dispensing device for a container, said dispensing device comprising:

- a hollow main body adapted to define a passage channel and provided with an outlet mouth to let a product to be dispensed, said hollow main body comprising connection means to be connected to said container;

- valve means accommodated in said hollow main body and positioned along said passage channel;

- a manoeuvring body, which is movable with respect to said hollow main body, operatively connected to said valve means, said manoeuvring body being positionable in a first closing position of said dispensing device and in at least a second position for dispensing said product from said outlet mouth;

- a closing body that is fixed to said hollow main body and arranged above said manoeuvring body; wherein said dispensing device comprises a safety device manually rotatable by a user between a locking position and an unlocking position and, vice versa, between said unlocking position and said locking position, in said locking position said safety device being configured to prevent the movement of said manoeuvring body with respect to said hollow main body and in said unlocking position said safety device being configured to allow the movement of said manoeuvring body with respect to said hollow main body.

Preferably, the safety device comprises a ferrule associated above the closing body.

According to a preferred embodiment, the manoeuvring body comprises a central portion and at least one projecting portion adapted to define at least one gripping flap for the user.

In a preferred embodiment, the safety device comprises at least one projecting portion that extends towards the manoeuvring body, said at least one projecting portion being adapted to prevent the movement of the manoeuvring body when the safety device is in the locking position.

Preferably, said at least one projecting portion of the safety device is adapted to abut said at least one gripping flap when the safety device is in the locking position.

According to another preferred embodiment, the central portion of the manoeuvring body comprises at least one abutment surface and at least one recessed seat, wherein said at least one projecting portion of the safety device is adapted to abut said at least one abutment surface of the central portion when the safety device is in the locking position and wherein said at least one projecting portion of the safety device is adapted to be placed in alignment with said at least one recessed seat of the central portion when the safety device is in the unlocking position.

In a preferred embodiment, the closing body comprises at least one through opening adapted to accommodate said at least one projecting portion of the safety device.

Preferably, the manoeuvring body is actuatable by translation along a respective translation axis with respect to the hollow main body. According to a preferred embodiment, the safety device comprises a support surface defining a support point for the thumb of the user while actuating the manoeuvring body.

In a preferred embodiment, the valve means comprise a membrane, preferably an elastic membrane, even more preferably a dome-shaped elastic membrane.

In another aspect thereof, the present invention refers to a system for dispensing a product comprising a container for said product and a dispensing device for dispensing said product, wherein said dispensing device is made as described above.

In a preferred embodiment, the container is a flexible container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further advantages, objects and features as well as embodiments of the present invention are defined in the claims and will be elucidated hereinafter by means of the following description, in which reference is made to the attached drawing tables; in the drawings, features and/or corresponding or equivalent component parts of the present invention can be identified by the same reference numerals. In particular, in the figures:

- figure 1 shows in axonometric view a preferred embodiment of the dispensing device of the invention and the dispensing system comprising it in a possible configuration suitable for use in a bag-in-box solution;

- figure 2 shows the bag-in-box solution of figure 1 in use condition;

- figure 3 shows the dispensing device of figure 1 or 2 isolated from the rest and with the safety device in the locking operating position;

- figure 4 shows the dispensing device of figure 3 with the safety device in the unlocking operating position and the manoeuvring body in the non-dispensing position;

- figure 5 shows the dispensing device of figure 4 with the safety device in the unlocking operating position and the manoeuvring body in the dispensing position;

- figure 6 shows an exploded view of the dispensing device of figure 3;

- figure 7 shows the sectional view of the dispensing device of figure 4;

- figure 8 shows a sectional view of the dispensing device of figure 5;

- figure 9 shows some elements of the dispensing device of figure 3 isolated from the rest in which the safety device is in the locking operating position;

- figure 10 shows some elements of the dispensing device of figure 4 isolated from the rest in which the safety device is in the unlocking operating position;

- figure 11 shows an embodiment variant of the dispensing device of figure 3 with the safety device in the locking operating position;

- figure 12 shows the dispensing device of figure 11 with the safety device in the unlocking operating position and the manoeuvring body in the non-dispensing position;

- figure 13 shows the dispensing device of figure 12 with the safety device in the unlocking operating position and the manoeuvring body in the dispensing position;

- figure 14 shows an exploded view of the dispensing device of figure 11;

- figure 15 A shows some elements of figure 14 from another point of view;

- figure 15B shows some elements of figure 14 isolated from the rest;

- figure 16 shows the plan view along the section line of XVI°- XVI° of figure 11;

- figure 17 shows the plan view along the section line of XVII°- XVII° of figure 12;

- figure 18 shows the plan view along the section line of XVIII°- XVIII° of figure 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS OF THIS INVENTION

While particular embodiments of the present invention will be set forth in the following description relating to the figures, it is clear that the present invention is not limited to such particular embodiments but, rather, the particular embodiments described below clarify various aspects of the present invention, the scope and extent of which are defined by the claims.

The preferred embodiments of the invention described below find particular application in dispensing systems for an edible liquid product, for example wines, fruit juices, oils, water, milk, etc.

It is clear that the proposed solutions can also be applied to systems for other types of products, for example liquid soaps, shampoos, creams or household cleaning products, etc.

The product is preferably in liquid or fluid form but, in other cases, the product may consist of powders and/or solids, for example detergents in powder or micro granules.

A non-limiting embodiment example of a dispensing system object of the present invention comprising a flexible container is represented in figures 1 and 2.

In particular, the dispensing system, indicated as a whole with number 10, comprises a container 12 and a dispensing device 20, object of the present invention.

In figures 3 to 10 the dispensing device 20 object of the invention is shown isolated from the container 12.

With reference to figures 1 and 2, then, the dispensing system 10 is shown in a particular form of use, known as a bag-in-box solution. For this solution, the dispensing system 10, typically of the disposable type, is preferably inserted into a container 2, typically made of cardboard, which facilitates its use in terms of stability and/or facilitates its transport.

The container 2 is suitably provided with a hole 4 through which part of the dispensing device 20 emerges.

The container 2 can preferably be provided with gripping means, not shown, made for example directly on the cardboard or applied externally, for example handles.

It is clear that the dispensing system 10 can also be used independently, i.e. not inserted in any container 2, to create a so-called pouch system.

The container 12 is preferably of a flexible type and is adapted to deform/compress as the product is dispensed to the outside.

In a preferred embodiment, the container 12 is made with a metallized film for containing edible products. The material may be of a different type and preferably suitable for the type of product to be dispensed, for example a plastic material in the case of liquid soaps, shampoos, creams or household cleaning products.

The dispensing device 20 according to the invention represents a device adapted to be applied to the container 12 and adapted to be manually operated by a user for dispensing the product.

Preferably, the dispensing device 20 according to the invention comprises an outlet mouth 22 and is configured to assume a first closing operating position, shown in figure 4, and at least a second position for dispensing the product, or open position and shown in figure 5.

The dispensing device 20 according to the invention preferably comprises a hollow main body 24 adapted to define a passage channel 26 to let the product to be dispensed. The hollow main body 24 is provided with said outlet mouth 22 at the end final portion of the passage channel 26, as shown in figure 8.

The main body 24 is preferably provided with connection means 28 for connecting the main body 24, and the dispensing device 20, to the container 12. The connection means 28, according to the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, comprise an outer portion 30 of the main body 24 adapted to be inserted into a special opening 16 of the container 12 and at least one flange 31 adapted to abut the surface of the container 12. The connection is also facilitated by the use of an intermediate flange, not illustrated, which is fixed to the container 12, for example ultrasonically or hot welded.

Preferably, gluing means ensure the secure connection of the main body 24 to the container 12.

The gluing means envisage, for example, the use of adhesive substances. Alternatively, the connection is obtained by thermal welding or ultrasonic welding.

The outer portion 30 preferably comprises ribs 30A.

The dispensing device 20 is then provided with valve means 32 accommodated in the main body 24 and positioned along said passage channel 26. The valve means 32 are configured to assume two closed and open operating positions to close and open the passage channel 26, as shown in respective figures 7 and 8.

According to the preferred embodiment illustrated and described, the valve means 32 comprise an elastic membrane 34 capable of deforming to assume said two operating positions.

The elastic membrane 34 preferably consists of a dome-shaped elastic membrane 34.

In embodiment variants, the valve means can be made in a different way.

The dispensing device 20 then comprises a manoeuvring body 36, which is movable with respect to the main body 24, operatively connected to the valve means 32. The manoeuvring body 36 is therefore in turn configured to assume two closed and open operating positions, which positions are illustrated respectively in figures 4 and 5, to act on the valve means 32 bringing them into their respective closed and open operating positions.

The manoeuvring body 36 is actuatable by translation along a corresponding translation axis Y with respect to the main body 24. In the assembled configuration of the dispensing device 20 to the container 12, the main body 24 and the manoeuvring body 36 are arranged in such a way that the translation axis Y substantially coincides with a vertical axis and the outlet mouth 22 of the main body 24 is in a lower position along said vertical axis favouring the outflow of the liquid by fall during dispensing.

The manoeuvring body 36 comprises a lower portion 38, preferably in the form of a peduncle, which engages in a corresponding seat 35 made in the inner area of the elastic membrane 34. In this way the elastic membrane 34 follows the movement of the manoeuvring body 36 during the opening and closing steps.

The manoeuvring body 36 comprises a central portion 37, preferably hollow, and at least one projecting portion 36A, 36B. More preferably, the manoeuvring body 36 comprises two projecting portions 36A, 36B defining corresponding gripping flaps 36A, 36B.

Advantageously, the gripping flaps 36A, 36B favour the opening or closing operations of the dispensing device 20 when the user must translate the manoeuvring body 36 with respect to the main body 24, i.e. pull upwards the manoeuvring body 36 towards the opening operating position.

The shape of the projecting portions 36 A, 36B favours gripping with the fingers by the user, for example with the index finger and the middle finger. In particular, preferably, the projecting portions 36A, 36B define respective gripping surfaces 36.1 A, 36. IB substantially flat and perpendicular to the translation axis Y.

In embodiment variants, the number and/or shape of portions projecting from the manoeuvring body may be different from what is shown in the figures, for example a single projecting portion that extends circumferentially to the manoeuvring body or three or more separate flaps.

The dispensing device 20 then comprises a closing body 40 fixed to the main body 24 and arranged above the manoeuvring body 36, considering the dispensing device 20 in the position of use.

The closing body 40 is preferably fixed to the main body 24 by ultrasonic welding. In embodiment variants, other fixing systems may be used, for example snap fixing systems, laser welding or gluing.

The manoeuvring body 36 is movable with respect to the closing body 40 when the manoeuvring body 36 is moved from the closed operating position to the open operating position, and vice versa.

For this purpose, openings 41 A, 41B are made on the closing body 40 to allow the sliding of the gripping flaps 36A, 36B while actuating the manoeuvring body 36.

According to one aspect of the present invention the dispensing device 20 comprises a safety device 60 operable manually by the user.

The safety device 60 is associated with the closing body 40 and is configured to assume a locking position adapted to prevent the movement of the manoeuvring body 36, position shown for example in figures 1, 2 and 3, and an unlocking position adapted to allow the movement of the manoeuvring body 36, a position shown for example in figures 4 and 5.

According to one aspect of the present invention the safety device 60 is manually rotatable by the user between the locking position and the unlocking position and vice versa between the unlocking position and the locking position.

In the illustrated embodiment, the safety device 60 is rotatable by the user counterclockwise between the locking position and the unlocking position and, vice versa, clockwise between the unlocking position and the locking position.

The safety device 60 has at the top a support surface 60A on which the thumb of the user advantageously rests when he/she acts on the gripping flaps 36A, 36B during the opening step.

The safety device 60 according to the invention interacts with the closing body 40 and performs its locking/unlocking action towards the manoeuvring body 36. In the preferred embodiment illustrated and described with reference to the figures, the safety device 60 comprises a ferrule 62 coupled above the closing body 40.

The ferrule 62 is bound to the closing body 40 so as to be able to rotate with respect to the latter. The ferrule 62 is preferably coupled to a head portion 40A of the closing body 40, in the illustrated embodiment the head portion 40A being circular in shape.

The ferrule 62 is preferably provided with two projecting portions 64 A, 64B which extend from the support surface 60 A towards the gripping flaps 36 A, 36B, i.e. they extend vertically downwards considering the dispensing device 20 in the installed position.

The two projecting portions 64 A, 64B of the ferrule 62 define the locking portions of the safety device 60 since in the locking position of the safety device 60 they prevent the movement of the gripping flaps 36A, 36B to which they abut, as shown in figure 3. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, two projecting portions 64 A, 64B are provided. In an embodiment variant, the safety device 60 could comprise a single projecting portion between the two.

The projecting portions 64 A, 64B further preferably comprise respective external knurling to favour gripping with the fingers by the user.

In the unlocking position of the safety device 60 the two projecting portions 64A, 64B of the ferrule 62 do not prevent the movement of the gripping flaps 36A, 36B, as shown in figures 4 and 5.

On the ferrule 62 two flaps 66A, 66B are made protruding radially towards the centre adapted to be arranged below the head portion 40A of the closing body 40. The flaps 66A, 66B are preferably elastic and advantageously allow snap-fit mounting of the ferrule 62 to the closing body 40.

The conformation of said flaps 66A, 66B allows the connection of the ferrule 62 to the closing body 40 and at the same time the rotation of the ferrule 62 with respect to the closing body 40 between the locking position and the unlocking position and, vice versa, between the unlocking position and the locking position. The ferrule 62 in its initial locking position, as shown in figure 3, ensures, as mentioned, that the manoeuvring body 36 with its gripping flaps 36A, 36B remains locked.

To use the dispensing device 20, the user rotates the ferrule 62 and brings it into the unlocking position. From this position the dispensing device 20 can therefore be used normally by acting on the gripping flaps 36A, 36B.

Subsequently, the user can rotate the ferrule 62 to return it, if necessary, to the locking position.

Advantageously, in the locking position the gripping flaps 36A, 36B are prevented from being accidentally actuated causing the product to leak out of the container 12, for example when the container 12 is moved/transported and the gripping flaps 36A, 36B may accidentally collide causing said unwanted leakage. In a preferred embodiment, all parts of the dispensing device 20 are made of plastic, preferably by an injection moulding process, more preferably using materials of the same family, for example polyolefins.

Advantageously, the device is totally made of easily disposable materials.

According to the embodiment illustrated and described above with reference to figures 1 to 10, the safety device 60 interferes, through its projecting portions 64 A, 64B, with the gripping flaps 36 A, 36B of the manoeuvring body 36 to lock the manoeuvring body 36 itself.

In preferred embodiment variants, however, the safety device may be shaped to interfere differently on the manoeuvring body to lock/unlock it.

A preferred embodiment variant of such a safety device 120 is illustrated in figures 11 to 18. This embodiment variant of the dispensing device 120 differs mainly from the previous embodiment in that the safety device 160 does not act on the gripping flaps 36A, 36B but on other parts of the manoeuvring body 136.

Component parts equivalent to the embodiment described above are identified by the same reference numerals.

The dispensing device 120 comprises an outlet mouth 22 and is configured to assume a first closing operating position, shown in figure 12, and at least a second position for dispensing the product, or open position and shown in figure 13.

The dispensing device 120 preferably comprises a hollow main body 24 adapted to define a passage channel 26 to let the product to be dispensed.

The hollow main body 24 is provided with said outlet mouth 22 at the end final portion of the passage channel 26, as shown in figure 18.

The main body 24 is preferably provided with connection means 28 for connecting the main body 24, and the dispensing device 20, to the container 12. The connection means 28 preferably correspond to the connection means 28 described with reference to the previously described embodiment and will therefore not be described in detail below.

The dispensing device 120 is provided with valve means 32 accommodated in the main body 24 and positioned along said passage channel 26. The valve means 32 are configured to assume two closed and open operating positions to close and open the passage channel 26, as shown in respective figures 17 and 18.

The valve means 32 comprise an elastic membrane 34 capable of deforming to assume said two operating positions.

The dispensing device 20 then comprises a manoeuvring body 136, which is movable with respect to the main body 24, operatively connected to the valve means 32. The manoeuvring body 136 is therefore in turn configured to assume two closed and open operating positions, which positions are illustrated respectively in figures 12 and 13, to act on the valve means 32 bringing them into their respective closed and open operating positions.

The manoeuvring body 136 is actuatable by translation along a corresponding translation axis Y with respect to the main body 24. In the assembled configuration of the dispensing device 120 to the container 12, the main body 24 and the manoeuvring body 136 are arranged in such a way that the translation axis Y substantially coincides with a vertical axis and the outlet mouth 22 of the main body 24 is in a lower position along said vertical axis favouring the outflow of the liquid by fall during dispensing.

The manoeuvring body 136 comprises a lower portion 38, preferably in the form of a peduncle, which engages in a corresponding seat 35 made in the inner area of the elastic membrane 34. In this way the elastic membrane 34 follows the movement of the manoeuvring body 136 during the opening and closing steps.

The manoeuvring body 136, better visible in figure 15B, comprises a hollow central portion 137 and at least one projecting portion 36 A, 36B. More preferably, the manoeuvring body 136 comprises two projecting portions 36 A, 36B defining corresponding gripping flaps 36 A, 36B.

Advantageously, the gripping flaps 36A, 36B favour the opening or closing operations of the dispensing device 20 when the user must translate the manoeuvring body 136 with respect to the main body 24, i.e. pull upwards the manoeuvring body 136 towards the opening operating position.

The projecting portions 36A, 36B define respective gripping surfaces 36.1 A, 36. IB substantially flat and perpendicular to the translation axis Y.

The dispensing device 120 then comprises a closing body 140 fixed to the main body 24 and arranged above the manoeuvring body 136, considering the dispensing device 120 in the position of use.

The closing body 140 is preferably fixed to the main body 24 by ultrasonic welding. In embodiment variants, other fixing systems may be used, for example snap fixing systems, laser welding or gluing.

The manoeuvring body 136 is movable with respect to the closing body 140 when the manoeuvring body 136 is moved from the closed operating position to the open operating position, and vice versa.

For this purpose, openings 41 A, 41B are made on the closing body 140 to allow the sliding of the gripping flaps 36A, 36B while actuating the manoeuvring body 136.

According to one aspect of the present invention the dispensing device 120 comprises a safety device 160 operable manually by the user.

The safety device 160 is associated with the closing body 140 and is configured to assume a locking position adapted to prevent the movement of the manoeuvring body 136, position shown in figure 11, and an unlocking position adapted to allow the movement of the manoeuvring body 136, shown for example in figures 12 and 13.

The safety device 160 is manually rotatable by the user between the locking position and the unlocking position and vice versa between the unlocking position and the locking position.

In the illustrated embodiment, the safety device 160 is rotatable by the user clockwise between the locking position and the unlocking position and, vice versa, counterclockwise between the unlocking position and the locking position. The safety device 160 has at the top a support surface 160A on which the thumb of the user advantageously rests when he/she acts on the gripping flaps 36A, 36B during the opening step.

The safety device 160 interacts with the closing body 140 and performs its locking/unlocking action towards the manoeuvring body 136.

In this preferred embodiment, the safety device 160 comprises a ferrule 162 coupled above the closing body 140.

The ferrule 162 is preferably provided with two projecting portions 164A, 164B which extend from the support surface 160a towards the closing body 140, i.e. they extend vertically downwards considering the dispensing device 120 in the installed position.

The two projecting portions 164A, 164B are inserted into through openings 142A, 142B (figure 14) made in a head portion 140a of the closing body 140, in the illustrated embodiment the head portion 140a being circular in shape.

Preferably, the projecting portions 164A, 164B and the through openings 142A, 142B also have a circular shape.

The ferrule 162 is bound to the closing body 140 so as to be able to rotate with respect to the latter. For this purpose, two flaps 166 A are made on the ferrule 162, one of which is visible in figure 15, protruding radially towards the centre adapted to be arranged below the head portion 140a of the closing body 140.

The flaps 166 A are preferably elastic and advantageously allow snap-fit mounting of the ferrule 162 to the closing body 140.

The conformation of said flaps 166 A allows the connection of the ferrule 162 to the closing body 140 and at the same time the rotation of the ferrule 162 with respect to the closing body 140 between the locking position and the unlocking position and, vice versa, between the unlocking position and the locking position. The extent of the rotation of the ferrule 162 with respect to the closing body 140 in terms of degrees is advantageously defined by the angular extension of the through openings 142A, 142B.

The two projecting portions 164A, 164B once inserted into the through openings 142A, 142B extend downwards and interact with the hollow central portion 137 of the manoeuvring body 136.

Preferably, the hollow central portion 137 of the manoeuvring body 136 has two upper abutment surfaces 138A, 138A and two recessed seats 139A, 139B, as shown in figure 15B.

In the locking position of the ferrule 162, the two projecting portions 164A, 164B are arranged on the two upper abutment surfaces 138 A, 138 A of the manoeuvring body 136 and prevent their movement, as can be seen from the detail of figure 16.

Conversely, in the unlocking position of the ferrule 162, the two projecting portions 164A, 164B are arranged aligned with the respective recessed seats 138A, 138B of the manoeuvring body 136, as can be seen from the detail of figure 17.

From this position, the manoeuvring body is free to slide along the axis Y when the gripping flaps 36A, 36B are pulled upwards and brought into the dispensing position, as can be seen from the detail of figure 18.

To use the dispensing device 120, therefore, the user rotates the ferrule 162 and brings it into the unlocking position. From this position the dispensing device 120 can therefore be used normally by acting on the gripping flaps 36A, 36B.

Subsequently, the user can rotate the ferrule 162 to return it, if necessary, to the locking position.

This embodiment of the invention allows the same advantages of the embodiment described above to be achieved.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated, two projecting portions 164A, 164B of the ferrule 162, two through openings 142A, 142B of the closing body 140 and two recessed seats 139 A, 139B of the manoeuvring body 136 are provided. In an embodiment variant, the safety device could comprise a single projecting portion of the ferrule, a single through opening of the closing body and a single recessed seat of the manoeuvring body.

It has therefore been demonstrated by means of the above detailed description of the embodiments of the device according to the present invention represented in the drawing tables, that the device according to the present invention allows to achieve the intended purpose. In particular, the device according to the present invention allows the realization of a dispensing device with a safety device that allows to avoid unwanted openings and avoid unwanted product leaks from inside the container.

Although the present invention has been elucidated above by the detailed description of its embodiments shown in the drawing tables, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the drawing tables and described above.

On the contrary, the scope of the present invention is defined by the claims.

Claims

1. Dispensing device (20; 120) for a container (2), said dispensing device (20; 120) comprising:

- a hollow main body (24) adapted to define a passage channel (26) and provided with an outlet mouth (22) to let a product to be dispensed, said hollow main body (24) comprising connection means (28) to be connected to said container (2);

- valve means (32) accommodated in said hollow main body (24) and positioned along said passage channel (26);

- a manoeuvring body (36; 136), which is movable with respect to said hollow main body (24), operatively connected to said valve means (32), said manoeuvring body (36; 136) being positionable in a first closing position of said dispensing device (20; 120) and in at least a second position for dispensing said product from said outlet mouth (22);

- a closing body (40; 140) fixed to said hollow main body (24) and arranged above said manoeuvring body (36; 136); characterized in that it comprises a safety device (60; 160) which is manually rotatable by a user between a locking position and an unlocking position and, vice versa, between said unlocking position and said locking position, in said locking position said safety device (60; 160) being configured to prevent the movement of said manoeuvring body (36; 136) with respect to said hollow main body (24) and in said unlocking position said safety device (60; 160) being configured to allow the movement of said manoeuvring body (36; 136) with respect to said hollow main body (24).

2. Dispensing device (20; 120) according to claim 1, characterized in that said safety device (60; 160) comprises a ferrule (62; 162) associated above with said closing body (40; 140).

3. Dispensing device (20; 120) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said manoeuvring body (36; 136) comprises a central portion (37; 137) and at least one projecting portion (36A, 36B) adapted to define at least one gripping flap (36A, 36B) for said user.

4. Dispensing device (20; 120) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said safety device (60; 160) comprises at least one projecting portion (64A, 64B; 164A, 164B) which extends towards said manoeuvring body (36; 136), said at least one projecting portion (64 A, 64B; 164A, 164B) being adapted to prevent the movement of said manoeuvring body (36; 136) when said safety device (60; 160) is in said locking position.

5. Dispensing device (20) according to claim 4 and 3, characterized in that said at least one projecting portion (64 A, 64B) of said safety device (60) is adapted to abut said at least one gripping flap (36A, 36B) when said safety device (60) is in said locking position.

6. Dispensing device (120) according to claim 4 and 3, characterized in that said central portion (137) of said manoeuvring body (136) comprises at least one abutment surface (138A, 138B), at least one recessed seat (139A, 139B), wherein said at least one projecting portion (164A, 164B) of said safety device (160) is adapted to abut said at least one abutment surface (138A, 138B) of said central portion (136) when said safety device (160) is in said locking position and wherein said at least one projecting portion (164A, 164B) of said safety device (160) is adapted to be brought into alignment with said at least one recessed seat (139A, 139B) of said central portion (136) when said safety device (60; 160) is in said unlocking position.

7. Dispensing device (120) according to claim 6, characterized in that said closing body (140) comprises at least one through opening (142A, 142B) adapted to accommodate said at least one projecting portion (164A, 164B) of said safety device (60; 160).

8. Dispensing device (20; 120) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said manoeuvring body (36; 136) is actuatable by translation along a respective translation axis (Y) with respect to said hollow main body (24).

9. Dispensing device (20; 120) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said safety device (60; 160) comprises a support surface (60A; 160 A) defining a support point for the thumb of the user while actuating said manoeuvring body (36; 136).

10. Dispensing device (20; 120) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said valve means (32) comprise a membrane (34), preferably an elastic membrane (34), even more preferably a dome-shaped elastic membrane (34).

11. System (10) for dispensing a product comprising a container (2) for said product and a dispensing device (20; 120) for dispensing said product, characterized in that said dispensing device (20; 120) is made according to any one of the preceding claims.

12. System according to claim 11, characterized in that said container (2) is flexible.