U.S. patent application number 12/742281 was filed with the patent office on 2010-10-28 for dispensing head for dispensers of fluid products.
This patent application is currently assigned to EMSAR S.P.A.. Invention is credited to Ludovico Brunetti, Fabrizio Camplone, Giorgio Santoni, Marco Zavarella.
Application Number | 20100270336 12/742281 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40085540 |
Filed Date | 2010-10-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100270336 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Camplone; Fabrizio ; et
al. |
October 28, 2010 |
DISPENSING HEAD FOR DISPENSERS OF FLUID PRODUCTS
Abstract
A dispensing head for dispensers of fluid products includes a
connecting body (3) presenting a lower portion (8) operatively
engaged to a dispensing pump of a respective dispenser (2) of the
fluid product; a closing lid (4) associated to an upper portion (9)
of the connecting body (3) opposite to the lower portion (8); and a
nozzle (5) for dispensing the liquid product, associated to the
closing lid (4); the nozzle (5) is actuated by respective actuating
elements (28) between a position of use in which it projects from
the overall size of the closing lid (4), and a position of non use
in which it is retracted inside the overall size of the closing lid
(4).
Inventors: |
Camplone; Fabrizio;
(Pescara, IT) ; Santoni; Giorgio; (Spoltore,
IT) ; Brunetti; Ludovico; (Bucchianico, IT) ;
Zavarella; Marco; (Sulmona, IT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
YOUNG & THOMPSON
209 Madison Street, Suite 500
Alexandria
VA
22314
US
|
Assignee: |
EMSAR S.P.A.
San Giovanni Teatino (CH)
IT
|
Family ID: |
40085540 |
Appl. No.: |
12/742281 |
Filed: |
September 24, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
September 24, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IT08/00613 |
371 Date: |
May 11, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/507 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B05B 11/30 20130101;
B05B 11/0094 20130101; B05B 15/65 20180201; B05B 11/0091 20130101;
B65D 47/2012 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/507 |
International
Class: |
B65D 47/20 20060101
B65D047/20 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 16, 2007 |
IT |
RM2007A000597 |
Claims
1. Dispensing head for dispensers of fluid products comprising: a
connecting body (3) presenting a lower portion (8) operatively
engaged to a dispensing pump of a respective dispenser (2) of the
fluid product; a closing lid (4) associated to an upper portion (9)
of the connecting body (3) opposite to said lower portion (8); and
a nozzle (5) for dispensing the liquid product, associated to said
closing lid (4); characterised in that it further comprises means
(28) for actuating the dispensing nozzle (5) between a position of
use in which it projects from the overall size of the closing lid
(4), and a position of non use in which it is retracted inside the
overall size of the closing lid (4).
2. Head as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that said closing
lid (4) is rotatably associated to the upper portion (9) of the
connecting body (3) to rotate around a respective axis relative to
said connecting body (3); said actuating means (28) of the nozzle
(5) co-operating with the closing lid (4) to actuate the nozzle (5)
as a function of the rotation of the lid (4).
3. Head as claimed in claim 2, characterised in that said lid (4)
comprises an upper thrust surface (13) for the escape of the liquid
product and a peripheral surface (14) developing from the upper
surface (13) towards the connecting body (3); said peripheral
surface (14) presenting an opening (16) for the passage of the
dispensing nozzle (5).
4. Head as claimed in claim 3, characterised in that said lid (4)
comprises a compartment (15a) for housing said dispensing nozzle
(5) defined at an inner surface (15) of the lid (4) opposite to
said upper surface (13).
5. Head as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that said
dispensing nozzle (5) comprises: a first end (44, 25) presenting an
opening (44a, 25a) for the inflow of the liquid product; a second
end (45, 26), opposite the first (44, 25), presenting an opening
(45a, 26a) for the outflow of the liquid product; and a passage
conduit (46, 27) developing within said nozzle (5) to put the
openings in fluid communication with each other.
6. Head as claimed in claim 4, characterised in that said lid (4)
comprises a cylindrical element (19) extending from said inner
surface (15) and developing within the connecting body (3); said
cylindrical element (19) presenting a cavity (22) for the passage
of the liquid product obtained on a lateral surface of the element
(19).
7. Head as claimed in claim 6, characterised in that said
connecting body (3) presents substantially tubular conformation,
said upper portion (9) comprising an annular wall (10) coaxial and
external to said cylindrical element (19) of the lid (4) and
presenting a groove (12) to put in fluid communication the passage
cavity (22) obtained on the cylindrical element (19) with the
inflow opening (25a) of the nozzle (5) when it is in the respective
position of use.
8. Head as claimed in claim 7, characterised in that said lid (4)
is rotatable between an operating condition in which the nozzle (5)
is in the position of use and the passage cavity (22) obtained on
the cylindrical element (19) is positioned at the groove (12) to
enable the passage of fluid within the nozzle (5), and a non
operating condition in which the nozzle (5) is in the position of
non use and the passage cavity (22) is positioned at the annular
wall (10) to occlude the cavity (22) itself and prevent the passage
of fluid towards the nozzle (5).
9. Head as claimed in claim 8, characterised in that said
cylindrical element (19) also comprises at least one lateral
projection (23), extending from said lateral surface of the
cylindrical element (19); said projection (23), in the operating
condition of the lid (4), being slidable in a cavity of the
dispensing pump and, in the non operating condition of the lid (4),
abutting on an abutment plane of the dispensing pump.
10. Head as claimed in claim 8, characterised in that said
actuating means (28) of the nozzle (5) comprise a guide rod (30),
projecting from the upper portion (9) of the connecting body (3)
and inserted between a front wall (31) and a rear wall (32) both
projecting from said dispensing nozzle (5).
11. Head as claimed in claim 10, characterised in that said rod
(30), in the operating condition of the lid (4), abuts on the front
wall (31) to bring the nozzle (5) outside the passage opening (16)
and, in the non-operating condition of the lid (4), abuts on said
rear wall (32) to bring the nozzle (5) within said housing
compartment (15a).
12. Head as claimed in claim 4, characterised in that said
connecting body (3) presents substantially tubular shape, said
upper portion (9) comprising a disk (34) having a flat surface (35)
facing the inner surface (15) of the lid (4) and a peripheral edge
(36) able to be coupled to the peripheral surface (14) of the lid
(4) itself.
13. Head as claimed in claim 12, characterised in that said
connecting body (3) also comprises an inner projection (41); said
connecting body (3) being switchable between an operating condition
in which the inner projection (41) is slidable in a cavity of the
dispensing pump to dispense the fluid product along a channel (42)
extending in the body (3) itself and a non-operating condition in
which the inner projection (41) abuts on an abutment plane of the
dispensing pump in order not to dispense the fluid product.
14. Head as claimed in claim 12, characterised in that said
actuating means (28) of the nozzle (5) comprise a pivot (50)
extending from said nozzle (5) and rotatably inserted in a blind
hole (38) obtained in said flat surface (35) of the disk (34).
15. Head as claimed in claim 14, characterised in that said second
end (45) of the nozzle (5) is positioned in an annular edge (46a)
defining said passage opening (16) to be set in rotation around
said pivot (45) as a result of the rotation of the lid (4) on the
connecting body (3) between the respective position of use and
position of non use.
16. Head as claimed in claim 15, characterised in that said nozzle
(5) in the position of use presents the opening (44a) for the
inflow of the fluid product positioned at a hole (37) for the
passage of the product obtained on said flat surface (35) of the
disk (34).
17. Head as claimed in claim 16, characterised in that said pivot
(50) determines an eccentric rotation of the nozzle (5) relative to
the longitudinal development of the head (1).
18. Head as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that said
actuating means (28) of the nozzle (5) comprise a guide rod (30),
projecting from the upper portion (9) of the connecting body (3)
and inserted between a front wall (31) and a rear wall (32) both
projecting from said dispensing nozzle (5).
19. Head as claimed in 5, characterised in that said lid (4)
comprises a cylindrical element (19) extending from said inner
surface (15) and developing within the connecting body (3); said
cylindrical element (19) presenting a cavity (22) for the passage
of the liquid product obtained on a lateral surface of the element
(19).
20. Head as claimed in claim 5, characterised in that said
connecting body (3) presents substantially tubular shape, said
upper portion (9) comprising a disk (34) having a flat surface (35)
facing the inner surface (15) of the lid (4) and a peripheral edge
(36) able to be coupled to the peripheral surface (14) of the lid
(4) itself.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a dispensing head for
dispensers of fluid products.
[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to a dispensing
head advantageously applied to manually operated reciprocating
dispensers, coupled to bottles for the containment of fluid
products.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] As is well known, dispensing heads comprise a cylindrical
body, presenting a lower portion appropriately coupled to the
activating members of a respective dispenser. The dispensing head
is generally switchable between a condition of use, in which it is
free to slide vertically towards/away from the dispenser, and a
condition of non use in which it is locked on appropriate reference
abutments. The use/non use mode of the dispensing head is
determined by manually rotating the cylindrical body relative to
the dispenser.
[0004] On the top of the cylindrical body develops a support to
exercise the delivery action, generally constituted by a flat
surface which the user can operate with a finger to push the entire
head, in the respective condition of use, towards the
dispenser.
[0005] In this way, the vertical actuation of the cylindrical body
determines the operation of the dispenser which conveys the liquid
product into a flow channel obtained in the cylindrical body
itself.
[0006] On the top of the cylindrical body also develops an
internally hollow spout from which the product passing through the
flow channel is distributed to the exterior. The spout for the
distribution of the product extends radially relative to the
longitudinal development of the cylindrical body. Consequently, the
presence of the spout determines immediately and clearly for the
final user the point whence the liquid is dispensed. However, the
structure of the entire dispensing head determines an asymmetrical
extension which, during the steps of assembly on the bottle and
transport, generates process challenges and needs particular
care.
[0007] The spout of the head can accidentally become ensnared
during transport and cause the fall of the bottles or the
accidental removal of the dispenser. Moreover, the spout markedly
complicates the steps of packaging the finished product both with
cardboard but above all with heat-shrinking films which, if they
are wound on the dispensing spout introduce a flexion stress of the
entire system with possible malfunctions and disassembly.
[0008] In this context, the technical task of the present invention
is to propose a head for dispensing fluid products that is free of
the aforesaid drawbacks.
DISCLOSURE OF INTENTION
[0009] In particular, an object of the present invention is to
propose a dispensing head for dispensers of fluid products,
provided with a symmetric structure, lacking element projecting
from the transverse dimension of the dispensing head.
[0010] More in particular, an object of the present invention is to
propose a dispensing head that is produced assembled and shipped
with the spout retracted and subsequently extracted by the final
user upon opening the system before dispensing the product the
first time.
[0011] In accordance with the present invention, the technical task
and the described objects are achieved by a dispensing head for
dispensers of fluid products comprising the technical
characteristics set out in one or more of the appended claims.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] Further characteristics and advantages of the present
invention shall become more readily apparent from the indicative,
and therefore non limiting, description of a preferred but not
exclusive embodiment of a dispensing head for dispensers of fluid
products, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:
[0013] FIG. 1a illustrates a perspective view of a dispensing head
in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention in a
respective condition of non operation;
[0014] FIG. 1b illustrates a perspective view of the dispensing
head of FIG. 1a, in a respective condition of operation;
[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective exploded view of the
dispensing head and of a respective dispenser;
[0016] FIGS. 3a and 3b illustrate perspective top views of the
dispensing head according to the invention, with some parts removed
the better to illustrated others in respective conditions of
operation and of non operation;
[0017] FIG. 4 shows a perspective bottom view of a construction
detail of the dispensing head according to the invention;
[0018] FIGS. 5a and 5b illustrate top plan views of an additional
construction detail of the dispensing head with some parts removed,
the better to illustrate others;
[0019] FIGS. 6a and 6b illustrate bottom plan views of a
construction detail of the dispensing head;
[0020] FIG. 7a illustrates a perspective view of a dispensing head
in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention in a
respective condition of non operation;
[0021] FIG. 7b shows a perspective view of the dispensing head of
FIG. 7a, in a respective condition of operation;
[0022] FIG. 8 shows a perspective exploded view of the dispensing
head of FIGS. 7a and 7b and of a respective dispenser;
[0023] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate perspective views, respectively
from the bottom and from the top, of a construction detail of the
dispensing head of FIGS. 7a and 7b;
[0024] FIG. 11 shows a longitudinal section view of the dispensing
head of FIGS. 7a and 7b;
[0025] FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate perspective views respectively
from the bottom and from the top of an additional construction
detail of the dispensing head of FIGS. 7a and 7b; and
[0026] FIG. 14 shows a perspective bottom view of an additional
construction detail of the dispensing head of FIGS. 7a and 7b.
DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT
[0027] With reference to the accompanying figures, a dispensing
head according to the present invention for dispensers, i.e.
dispensers 2 of fluid products, is indicated in its entirety with
the number 1.
[0028] With particular reference to FIGS. 1a to 6, a first
embodiment is illustrated of a dispensing head 1 provided, as shall
be more readily apparent hereafter in the present description, of a
retractile dispensing nozzle 5 whose extraction and closure takes
place simultaneously with the opening and closing of the dispenser
2.
[0029] In particular, as shown in the exploded view of FIG. 2, the
head 1 is constituted by a connecting body 3, by a closing lid 4
and by a dispensing nozzle 5.
[0030] The connecting body 3 presents substantially tubular
conformation and it is provided with an inner wall 6 and with an
outer wall 7, both with annular development.
[0031] The body 3 presents a lower portion 8 coupled to a
dispensing pump of the dispenser 2, not illustrated in detail
because it is not a part of the present invention, and an upper
portion 9 constituted by an annular wall 10. In the lower portion 8
of the body 3 are present two orienting teeth 11 (FIG. 4)
positioned diametrically opposite in radial direction towards the
centre of the body 3, able to be inserted in appropriate slots
present on the pump of the dispenser 2.
[0032] In the annular wall 10 is present a groove 12 with defined
geometry, for example but not exclusively rectangular, able to
allow the passage of fluid from the dispenser to the nozzle 5 as
shall be specified better hereafter.
[0033] The annular wall 10, which remains fastened to the dispenser
2, is also coupled to the closing lid 4 which constituted the
embodiment means of the entire dispensing head 1.
[0034] In greater detail, the closing lid 4 presents an upper
thrust surface 13 for the escape of the liquid product, having
substantially planar conformation to be actuated by the user's
finger. Moreover, the upper surface 13 is delimited by its outer
perimeter which may have different embodiments, e.g. square with
rounded corners as in the accompanying figures, or circular, or any
other possible geometry for aesthetic or functional
requirements.
[0035] From the perimeter edge of the upper surface 13 develops a
peripheral surface 14 which extends towards the connecting body 3.
As shown in FIG. 5, note that the peripheral surface 14, in
collaboration with an inner surface 15 of the lid 4 opposite to the
aforementioned upper surface 13, defines a housing compartment 15a,
for containing the dispensing nozzle 5.
[0036] Additionally, the peripheral surface 14 presents at its
angular portion an opening 16 for the passage of the dispensing
nozzle 5.
[0037] Advantageously, the depth of the peripheral surface 14 is
such as to completely contain the geometry of the nozzle 5.
[0038] The opening 16 is constituted by a window which is to allow
the exit of the nozzle 5 once the head 1 is operated. Consequently,
said opening 16, having for example rectangular conformation,
presents a geometry that can be coupled with the nozzle 5.
[0039] On the inner surface 15 are present two lateral walls 17a,
17b positioned parallel to the side of the peripheral surface 14
that is to be coupled with the nozzle 5.
[0040] The first wall 17a starts at the opening 16, whilst the
second wall 17b, positioned in line with the first wall 17a,
extends until it is integral to the peripheral surface 14 as shown
in FIG. 5.
[0041] The walls 17a and 17b therefore define a flow channel of the
nozzle 5 and they can present undercuts to maintain the nozzle 5
fastened to the lid 4.
[0042] The second part 17b also presents an arresting element 18
with appropriate geometry, which engages the nozzle 5 when it is in
closed position.
[0043] From the inner surface 15 of the lid 4 extends also a
cylindrical element 19 which develops within the aforementioned
tubular connecting body 3.
[0044] In particular, the cylindrical element 19 is constituted by
an outer conduit 20 and an inner conduit 21 positioned
concentrically. The axis of the cylindrical element 19 corresponds
to the central axis of the dispenser 2, the inner conduit 21
coupling with the stem of the dispenser 2 by means of appropriate
undercuts, which are known and therefore not further described and
illustrated.
[0045] In the upper part of the cylindrical element 19 is present a
cavity 22 for the passage of the liquid product, obtained on the
lateral surface of the element 19 itself and positioned in radial
direction from the inner conduit 21 towards the outer conduit
20.
[0046] In the space between the inner conduit 21 and the outer
conduit 20 are obtained two lateral projections 23 positioned
diametrically opposite and perpendicular to the direction of the
channel 22 for the passage of the product, so that respective
lateral surfaces of the projections 23 interface with the slots
present in the pump of the dispenser 2, according to a known
methodology for opening/closing the head 1.
[0047] As mentioned above, the lid 4 is rotatably associated to the
body 3 to be able to rotate between an operating condition in which
the projections 23 are slidable in the aforesaid slots to allow the
vertical actuation of the lid 4, and a non operating condition in
which the projections 23 abut on an abutment plane of the pump of
the dispenser 2 to block the vertical actuation of the lid 4.
[0048] Moreover, within the inner conduit 21 is present a certain
number of stops 24 able to interface with the stem of the dispenser
2 to prevent an excessively low fitting during assembly.
[0049] The outer conduit 20 has a lower height than the inner
conduit 21; the height of the outer conduit is such as to enable
the rotatable coupling with the connecting body 3.
[0050] The dispensing nozzle 5 presents substantially elongated
conformation and comprises a first end 25 provided with an inflow
opening 25a of the liquid product, and a second end 26, opposite
the first 25, provided with an outflow opening 26a of the liquid
product. The inflow opening 25a and outflow opening 26a are
mutually connected by means of a passage conduit 27 internal to the
nozzle 5, able to put the openings in fluid communication with each
other.
[0051] The nozzle 5 is housed in the aforesaid compartment 15a and
it is associated to respective actuating means 28, better described
hereafter, to move the nozzle 5 between a position of use (FIGS.
1b, 3b, 5b, 6b) in which it projects from the overall dimension of
the closing lid 4, and a position of non-use (FIGS. 1a, 3a, 5a, 6a)
in which it is retracted within the overall dimension of the lid
4.
[0052] Note that the second end 26 of the nozzle 5 has such a
profile that, when the nozzle 5 is in closed position, no part of
the nozzle 5 itself projects from the peripheral surface 14 of the
lid 4, in accordance with the recognised benefits of the invention,
for aesthetic purposes the profile of the second end can faithfully
reproduce the trajectory of the peripheral surface 14.
[0053] The inflow opening 25a is preferably obtained in a lateral
area of the nozzle 5 and it presents, without limitation and not
exclusively, rectangular section.
[0054] Correspondingly to the inflow opening 25a is present a
coupling surface 29 with concave circular profile. The diameter of
the profile is slightly smaller than the interface diameter with
the channel 22 for the passage of the liquid product, in such a way
as to assure a coupling that is free of play when the head 1 is in
the condition of use (FIG. 6b).
[0055] With particular reference to FIGS. 3a, 3b and 5a, 5b, note
that the actuating means 28 of the nozzle 5 comprise a guiding rod
30 projecting from the upper portion 9 of the connecting body 3.
The rod 30 is inserted between a front part 31 and a rear part 32,
both projecting from an upper surface of the nozzle 5 facing the
aforesaid inner surface 15 of the lid 4.
[0056] The front wall 31 and the rear wall 32 define a seat 33
which preferably has trapezoidal profile. The position and the
geometry of the seat 33 is such that, when the rod 30 engages the
front wall 31, as a result of a relative rotation of the lid 4 with
respect to the body 3 (operating condition of the lid 4), the
entire nozzle 5 is thrust forward to the position of use in which
the inflow opening 25a is at the channel 22 for the passage of the
product of the lid 4.
[0057] Vice versa, when the rod 30 engages the rear part 32 the
relative rotation between the lid 4 and the body 3 (non operating
condition of the lid 4) determines the rearward translation of the
nozzle 5, to the position of non-use.
[0058] It should also be noted that, in the position of non use of
the nozzle 5, the lid 4 rotates bringing the aforesaid passage
channel 22 to abut on the inner wall 6 of the annular wall 10. In
this situation, the channel 22 is occluded and isolated, preserving
the fluid product from contact with the outside environment.
[0059] Consequently, the rotation of the lid 4 to the respective
operating condition determines, simultaneously, the extraction of
the nozzle 5 (position of use) and the positioning of the passage
cavity 22 at the groove 12, whilst the rotation of the lid 4 to the
respective non operating condition simultaneously determines the
insertion of the nozzle 5 into the respective compartment 15a
(position of non-use) and the positioning of the cavity 22 at the
annular wall 10.
[0060] Additionally, the actuation of the lid 4 to the
operating/non-operating condition also determines the positioning
of the lateral projections 23 from a situation in which it
co-operates with the pump of the dispenser 2 and a situation in
which they are blocked by abutment surfaces of the pump.
[0061] With particular reference to FIGS. 7a through 14, a second
embodiment is illustrated of a dispensing head 1 provided, as shall
be more readily apparent hereafter in the present description, with
a retractile dispensing nozzle 5 whose extraction and closure occur
at a time that is previous or subsequent to the opening of the
dispensing head 1.
[0062] In particular, as shown in the exploded view of FIG. 8, in
this embodiment too the head 1 is constituted by a connecting body
3, by a closing lid 4 and by a dispensing nozzle 5.
[0063] In this embodiment, the connecting body 3 presents
substantially tubular shape, in which the upper portion 9 is
defined by a disk 34 having a flat surface 35 facing the inner
surface 15 of the lid 4, and a peripheral edge 36 that can be
coupled to the peripheral surface 14 of the lid 4.
[0064] The disk 34 presents circular geometry, and it centrally
presents a hole 37 for the passage of the liquid product (FIGS. 9
and 11).
[0065] On the flat surface 35 of the disk 34 are present two blind
holes 38 positioned diametrically opposite to the hole 37.
[0066] In the assembled configuration one of said blind holes 38
engages the actuating means 28 of the nozzle 5, whilst the other
one remains unused. In this way, in accordance with the recognised
benefits of the invention and in particular the simplicity of
assembly it is possible to have to positions at 180.degree. of
orientation during assembly.
[0067] In this case, too, the connecting body 3 comprises an inner
hollow conduit 39 and an outer hollow conduit 40 arranged
concentrically, having the same height in the proposed embodiment.
The entire connecting body 3 is positioned along the axis of
symmetry of the dispenser 2. Between the outer conduit 40 and the
inner conduit 39 are positioned two inner projections 41,
diametrically opposite and meant to engage the corresponding slots
present in the pump of the dispenser 2, according to known
methodologies.
[0068] Advantageously, the connecting body 3 can be switched
between an operating condition in which the inner projections 41
are slidable in the cavities of the pump, to deliver the liquid
product along a channel 42 extending within the inner conduit 39
and ending in the aforesaid hole 37 (open position of the head 1);
and a non-operating condition in which the inner projections 41
abut on the abutment plane of the dispensing pump of the dispenser
2, not to dispense the liquid product (closed position of the head
1).
[0069] The inner conduit 39 presents arresting rabbets 43 to
prevent an excessively low fitting during assembly. In the proposed
embodiment, four arresting rabbets 43 arranged circumferentially
are provided.
[0070] With particular reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, the nozzle 15
presents substantially elongated conformation and comprises a first
end 44 provided with an inflow opening 44a of the liquid product,
and a second end 45, opposite the first 44, provided with an
outflow opening 45 of the liquid product. The inflow opening 44a
and outflow opening 45a are mutually connected by means of a
passage conduit 46 internal to the nozzle 5, able to put the
openings in fluid communication with each other.
[0071] The first end 44 is defined by a hollow cylindrical element,
whose inner diameter defines the inner opening 44a and is greater
than the diameter of the hole 37, so that in operating position the
product cannot flow through the port that would be present if the
diameter of the inflow opening were smaller than the diameter of
the hole 37.
[0072] The total length of the nozzle 5 is such that, in the
position of non-use, the front end, i.e. the second end 45, is
placed in an annular edge 46a defining the passage opening 16 of
the lid 4.
[0073] Note that in the present embodiment, the lid 4 presents the
upper surface 13 having substantially circular peripheral
development. The peripheral surface 14 presents an edge
appropriately connected to the peripheral edge 36 of the disk 34 to
enable the rotation of the entire lid 4 relative to the body 3.
[0074] On the peripheral surface 14 is obtained the opening 16
defined by the aforesaid annular edge 46a, to enable the exit of
the nozzle 5. The opening 16 has such a geometry as to determine a
loose coupling with the cross section of the nozzle 5.
[0075] In accordance with the present embodiment, the actuating
means 28 of the nozzle 5 comprise a pivot 50 extending from the
nozzle 5 and rotatably inserted in a respective blind hole 38.
[0076] In this way, as illustrated in the section view of FIG. 11,
the nozzle 5 is housed in a respective compartment 15a and lies on
the flat surface 35 of the disk 34, to be set in rotation around
the pivot 50 as a result of the rotation of the lid 4 on the
connecting body 3.
[0077] During the opening by the user, the lid 4 is set in rotation
relative to the body 3; in this way, the annular edge 46 of the
window 16 comes in contact with the second end 45 of the nozzle 5
setting it in rotation around the axis of the pivot 50, eccentric
relative to the longitudinal axis of the dispenser. As a result of
a 180.degree. rotation, the nozzle 5 is placed in position of use,
with the inflow opening 44a coaxial relative to the hole 37. In
this position, the nozzle 5 partially projects from the respective
containment compartment 15a.
[0078] During the closing actuation, the annular edge 46 comes in
contact with the second end 45, thrusting the nozzle 5 in rotation
until returning to the totally retracted position. Moreover, on the
inner surface 15 of the lid 4 are present a safety stop 47 and a
guide element 48 of the nozzle 5 (FIG. 14). The safety stop 47
preferably has a "C" profile. The outer diameter of said safety
stop 47 is such as to match the first end 44 of the nozzle 5. The
function of the safety stop 47 consists of engaging with very
little interference with the upper portion of the first end 44 of
the nozzle 5, when the head 1 is in the respective open position.
In this way, a downward thrust is determined on the nozzle 5,
located in the area of the inflow opening 44a, in order to avoid
possible escapes of liquid product between the hole 37 and the
inflow opening 44a during the normal use of the dispenser 2.
[0079] The guide element 48 is obtained with a "V" profile
positioned along the diameter passing through the centre of the
opening 16, with the concavity oriented towards the centre of the
lid 4. The guide element 48 engages an upper pivot 49, extending
from the nozzle 5 from opposite to the pivot 50, when because of
the rotation of the nozzle 5, the nozzle is in the respective
position of use. For this reason, the vertex of the "V" profile
that constitutes the guide element 48 must match the position
assumed by the upper pivot 49 when the nozzle 5 is completely
extracted. In this way, the play present between the opening 16 and
the opening 45a for the outflow of the fluid product, thereby
positioning the nozzle 5 centred relative to the opening 16.
[0080] The invention achieves the proposed objects and provides
important advantages.
[0081] Note that the dispensing nozzle 5 is extracted only at the
user's discretion to dispense the liquid product. In this way, when
packaging and stocking the finished product, the nozzle 5 can be
kept within the size of the lid 4. Advantageously, the packaging
and transport operations are simplified, preventing the nozzle 5
from damaging the heat-shrinking films and preventing any
accidental engagement between the nozzles 5 of the dispensing heads
1 stored next to each other.
[0082] Moreover, stresses on the nozzle are avoided, which would
mostly be due to the action of the heat-shrinking material that
wraps the finished product, preserving the dispensing head 1 from
malfunctions and disassembly.
[0083] An additional advantage is that the fluid product remains
isolated from contact with the outside environment, preserving its
integrity.
[0084] Note that the areas of interruption of the dispensing of the
liquid product are located in proximity to the nozzle.
Consequently, after the first dispensing operations, all the
product contained in the stem and in the outflow channels of the
head is isolated from the exterior.
* * * * *