Two-piece t-distributor tap and method of manufacturing same

Abstract

A two-piece molded faucet. The faucet includes a T-shaped body having a rotatable cap that serves as a valve element. Camming means are provided on opposite but hidden surfaces of the cap to enable the cap to be smoothly and easily rotated between open and closed positions while rotating the cap less than a full revolution compared to the body that remains fixed to a flexible pouch or container.

Description

[0001] Cross-application of related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 122,182, filed on December 7, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application generally relates to dispensing devices, and more specifically, to a two-piece faucet assembly for selectively dispensing liquid via a vertical / standing tubular assembly that can be attached to a pouch or container filled with liquid. Background Technology

[0004] Dispensing taps are typically used in conjunction with pouches, bags, and other alternative, replaceable, and easy-to-fill container systems. "Boxed bags" and pouch-type liquid containers are particularly useful in the food industry because these relatively flexible and shapeable containers can be easily placed and replaced in more robust prismatic or cylindrical containers.

[0005] The tap typically has a flange or flat member facing and / or connected to the inner surface of the bag. In an arrangement preferably used in the food service industry, a transversely / horizontally oriented flow tube is connected to a cylindrical dispensing tube, with a valve control positioned at the top of the dispensing tube.

[0006] U.S. Patent 6,321,948 provides an example of such a faucet. A rotatable handle opens and closes a valve structure contained within an upright body. U.S. Patent 7,721,755 shows a faucet of a similar type, but with a pair of spiral grooves formed in a knob at the top of the upright body, and a cam protrusion extending through the grooves. U.S. Patent 8,336,743, as well as Japanese Patent Publication JP6423992B2 and European Patent Publication EP0272906A2, all disclose cap and upright body arrangements in which the cam engagement is concealed beneath the faucet. Notably, the cam engagement is superior to conventional threads, as the cam typically has a steeper pitch, requiring less than a full turn / revolution of the cap to open or close the valve.

[0007] Different types of dispensing faucets can be found in U.S. Patents 4,619,377 and 7,681,764. Here, the flow tube extends vertically (i.e., horizontally) away from the attachment flange, so that the bonnet and body are aligned along a common axis. Or, more simply, while previous faucet types were T-shaped, this different type is aligned in a straight line to give it an I-shaped appearance. It is worth noting that the sealing surface of the I-shaped form is reduced and simplified, although faucet users may find the T-shaped faucet easier to start / use, especially given the immediate identifiability of the dispensing port in the T-shaped faucet (i.e., at the very bottom edge of the T), where the location of the dispensing port is not readily apparent.

[0008] International patent application WO2020 / 053904 and US patent 10,696,536 also envision other types of dispensing taps with a T-shape. These disclosures all show multiple components, including a valve cover and / or a cam mechanism. This diversity of parts introduces complexity and increases the possible failure modes.

[0009] For clarity, and to further highlight and contrast certain aspects of the invention disclosed herein, all of the foregoing disclosures are incorporated herein by reference in the Background section.

[0010] Given the above, a two-piece dispensing faucet with a common hollow T-shape and an easily actuated, one-piece topography serving as a cap or knob would be desirable. Furthermore, a faucet is needed where the cam mechanism is concealed to minimize (if not completely prevent) the accumulation of debris within the valve itself. Finally, the ideal faucet would have a simple two-piece construction with a continuous solid surface on the stem, presenting a more pleasing aesthetic, and could be actuated by rotating it a full turn or less relative to the body. Summary of the Invention

[0011] A two-piece dispensing faucet and a method for easily injection molding it are envisioned. The faucet consists only of a hollow tubular T-shaped body and a cap or knob (also referred to as a lever), the T-shaped body defining a flow channel. The cap includes an outermost skirt and a coaxial cylindrical sealing member positioned therein.

[0012] Cam protrusions on the inner and outer surfaces of one end of the main body fit into mating cam grooves formed on the inner surface of the skirt and the outer surface of the sealing member, both of which extend downward from the top closure / sealing panel formed on the cover. The spherical protrusion facing the skirt is larger (i.e., extends further radially away from the sidewall) than the circular raised protrusion that contacts the sealing member.

[0013] Both sets of protrusions correspond to the grooves formed on the cover skirt and sealing member, while the base or stop recess can be positioned within the grooves to provide tactile feedback for the open position. The pitch and position of the grooves on the cover also ensure that the valve can be opened and closed in less than one full turn of the cover (as little as about half a turn).

[0014] Finally, the outer diameter of the cap largely matches the upright member of the body, thus ensuring a sufficiently small footprint (relative to the diameter of the flange on the attachment end of the body) to facilitate welding / attaching the body and tap to the pouch or bag. The outer surface of the sealing column of the cap and the inner surface of the body along its upright tube (i.e., the cap attachment end and the dispensing port end) are constructed with mating conical / conical shapes and annular sealing beads to ensure fluid flow from the dispensing port when the cap is in the "up" or open position and to prevent leakage when the cap is in the "down" or closed position.

[0015] The circular shape of the protrusions and grooves allows the part to be injection molded without any further processing or modification. During the molding of the body, a continuous ejection motion is employed, such that when the molding port / pin is pulled, the protruding portion of the body is also pulled downwards as the body is pushed away from the mold, allowing the inner and outer walls to deflect on the bead and the formed grooves. Furthermore, by forming grooves within the cap and corresponding protrusions directly on the body, this design is limited to molding only two parts, thus simplifying the molding and subsequent assembly of the faucet. Therefore, a method for manufacturing the aforementioned dispenser faucet is also envisioned.

[0016] Refer specifically to the appended claims, drawings, and description, all of which disclose the elements of the invention. While specific embodiments are identified, it should be understood that elements from one described aspect may be combined with those from separately identified aspects. In the same manner, those skilled in the art will gain the necessary understanding of common processes, components, and methods, and this description is intended to cover and disclose such common aspects, even if they are not explicitly identified herein. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The operation of the invention can be better understood by referring to the detailed description following this description. These drawings form part of this specification, and any information in the drawings is both literally included (i.e., actual stated values) and relatively included (e.g., ratios of the respective dimensions of parts). In the same manner, the relative positioning and relationships of the components shown in these drawings, as well as their function, shape, size, and appearance, can further inform certain aspects of the invention, as if completely restated herein. Unless otherwise expressly stated, all dimensions in the drawings are in inches, and any printed information on the drawings forms part of this written disclosure. It is noteworthy that the number and relative positions of specific components in the drawings (e.g., ...) Figure 6 The three sealing bead in the tire, Figure 2B Cam protrusions on the two inner and outer surfaces, Figure 3E The location of the distribution port in the middle and the conical cone leading to the distribution port below the fluid flow channel should be considered part of this written description.

[0018] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional perspective view of the distribution device based on the various aspects disclosed herein.

[0019] Figure 2A It is along Figure 1 A side cross-sectional perspective view taken along the centerline AA, and Figure 2B It is along Figure 1 A perspective view of the frontal cross section taken at the center line BB.

[0020] Figure 3A Is it like this? Figure 1 The side view shown is of the independent valve body component, while Figure 3B It is a similar cross-sectional perspective view, which is cut along the center diameter of the riser of the same valve component. Figure 3C This is a front view of the single valve body component. Figure 3D It is a perspective view of a cross section taken along the center diameter of the vertical pipe. Figure 3E yes Figure 3D An enlarged sectional view, highlighting the surface features imparted to its inner and outer surfaces.

[0021] Figure 4A Is it like this? Figure 1 The diagram shows a separate perspective side view of the valve cover or stem component. Figure 4B It is a relative / complementary perspective bottom view of the same part, which highlights the features along its innermost surface. Figure 4C It is along the way by Figure 4E A cross-sectional perspective view taken from a horizontal plane defined by the line CC (i.e., directly below and adjacent to the top panel). Figure 4A (The cam thread on the valve cover component shown). Figure 4D It is a top plan view, and Figure 4E It is along Figure 4A The cross-sectional perspective view of the valve cover component shown, taken at its center diameter.

[0022] Figure 5A It is separate Figure 4A A partial sectional view of the valve cover, showing the cam threads on the inner surface of the skirt, the view being cut roughly along the plane defined by line FF of the three-dimensional illustration. Figure 5B It is separate Figure 4A A partial sectional view of the valve cover at an angle, highlighting the cam threads on the outer surface of the skirt and the relative axial positioning of the sealing ring disposed on the body (e.g., Figure 3E As shown), the view is roughly cut along the plane defined by line GG in the 3D illustration.

[0023] Figure 6 It is drawn to scale and along Figure 1The exploded cross-sectional side perspective view, taken from line AA, shows the position of the cap or knob relative to the uppermost (300U) and lowermost (300L) parts of the body, indicated by individual repetitions. This view also illustrates the relationship with... Figure 3E Compared to the surface features shown, this is another way of locating surface features. Detailed Implementation

[0024] As used herein, the words “example” and “exemplary” indicate an instance or illustration. The words “example” or “exemplary” do not indicate a key or preferred aspect or embodiment. Unless the context otherwise specifies, the word “or” is intended to be open-ended rather than exclusive. For example, the phrase “A uses B or C” includes any open permutation (e.g., A uses B; A uses C; or A uses both B and C). As another point, unless the context otherwise specifies, the articles “a” and “one” are generally intended to mean “one or more”.

[0025] The food service distribution sector is a mature and highly competitive market segment. These products are used in restaurants, catering services, and special events, all of which prioritize low cost, ease of use, and (more recently) sustainability. Consequently, suppliers invest considerable effort in developing unique products, as evidenced by the various patents mentioned in the background section above.

[0026] Vertical T-shaped dispensing faucets with cam-actuated valves are of particular interest. These faucets are preferred because they are familiar and easy to use, especially compared to I-shaped and / or conventional threaded faucets and valves. One of the most distinctive features of a T-shaped faucet is its T-shaped hollow tubular body, in which a horizontally positioned end is attached to a liquid container (typically a flexible bag or pouch), while the remaining ends are vertical hollow members. The dispensing port is located at the lower / bottom end of the vertical member, allowing fluid to flow through the horizontal section and out of the dispensing port, while valve control is located at the top end.

[0027] Turn now Figures 1 to 5B An improved two-piece T-shaped dispensing tap 100 is disclosed. The tap 100 is formed by only two separate parts: a body 200 and a cap or knob 300. The significance of having two separate parts is that the tap 100 can be easily welded or attached to a flexible lining, pouch, bag, or container first, and then the cap 300 can be snapped onto the body 200.

[0028] The main body 200 is formed from a hollow cylindrical tubular material, preferably by injection molding to allow for mass production at the lowest possible cost. Other similar manufacturing methods may also be used. As described throughout the text, Figure 1The lines AA and BB shown define and lie within the "horizontal plane" of the faucet 100, wherein the "vertical" direction falls within any plane orthogonal to this horizontal plane. It should be noted that this horizontal plane is also orthogonally aligned with respect to the central axis defined by the vertical tubular section 230.

[0029] The body 200 has an attachment flange 210 at one end. The flange 210 provides a flat base 211 for attachment, while one or more series of steps 212 and / or funnels 213 define a narrowing fluid flow channel 214. Additional flanges or structures 215 may be provided near the flange 210 to further facilitate attachment of the tap 100 to any suitable liquid-carrying vessel that may be required. In these structures 210, 211, 212, 213, 215, the wall thickness may be constant or variable, depending on the properties of the material and the manufacturing method employed. Furthermore, these sections will be tubular (i.e., hollow cylinders) and, in some cases, inclined or conical, with a cross-section taken from a vertical plane. While the base 211 is shown as having a circular shape due to advantages in attaching this shape to linings, etc., other shapes (elliptical, curved, polygonal, curvilinear, etc.) may be used in other respects.

[0030] It should be noted that the length of the outermost diameter 210a of the flange 210 should exceed the length of any other component or part of the faucet 100. In other words, the diameter 210a is greater than the length or width of the body 200 and the cover 300. In one respect, when these components are assembled, the diameter 210a is greater than the length and width of the body 200 and the cover 300 (regardless of whether the cover is in the up / open position or the down / closed position).

[0031] The inner surface of the tubular section including flange 210 is connected to horizontal member 220. Horizontal member 220 defines a flow channel 224 connected to flow channel 214. As shown, member 220 is a polygonal tube, although other shapes are possible. Preferably, the flow rate (i.e., the volume of liquid that can pass through within a predetermined time period) within member 220 / channel 224 is equal to or less than the flow rate of flange 210 / channel 214. Like flange 210, the sidewalls defining member 220 may have the same or different thicknesses relative to each other and / or along the length of channel 224.

[0032] The upright tubular member 230 includes an inlet 231 to fluidly connect the flow channel 224 to the dispensing channel 234. The inlet 231 is axially positioned above the dispensing port 232 but below the top opening 233. Generally, and according to further features described below, member 230 is tapered such that at least the inner diameter of port 232, and preferably the outer diameter, is smaller than the inner diameter of the top opening 233. Except for the beaded ends 250, 260 and the truncated conical boss 240, this tapering is essentially regular and linear (i.e., no significant bends are required). The wall thickness of member 230 below inlet 231 is relatively small compared to its thickness above inlet 230. In one aspect, the wall thickness above inlet 231 in member 230 is substantially constant, thereby allowing reliable operation of the cam protrusion 270 with the cam surface 370.

[0033] A bevel or cone 234 may be formed on the inner surface of the top opening 233 to facilitate engagement and sealing with the cover 300. Immediately below the point where 234 meets the inner surface of the member 230 but still axially offset below that point, the cam protrusion 270 extends radially inward and outward from the top wall segment 235.

[0034] Preferably, a plurality of protrusions 270 are provided at regular intervals to align and engage with surfaces 370 provided on the cover 300. As shown, in a preferred embodiment, two sets of protrusions 270a, 270b are provided. The features described below for a single protrusion 270 apply to any protrusion that may be provided. Furthermore, it is important to note that no other protruding features should be provided on any surface of the wall 235, as any additional features may interfere with the smooth and intended operation of the valve mechanism.

[0035] Each protrusion 270 includes an inner surface 271 and an outer surface 272. The radial extension or range of surface 271 is shorter than that of surface 272. Furthermore, the shape of surface 271 is preferably a circular button or protrusion, while surface 272 presents itself as a more defined protruding column. The vertical surfaces 271a, 272a should be essentially spherical or circular, so as to mate with surface 370 and move smoothly along and within that surface. In addition, these circular surfaces 271a, 272a facilitate the ejection of the body 200 from its manufacturing mold and allow for easier assembly of the cover 300 onto and into the upright member 230.

[0036] An axial offset is provided below the protrusion 270 but above the inlet 231, with a series of sealing bead rings 250, 260. Each bead ring 250, 260 forms a separate, complete raised ring along the inner surface of the member 230. In a preferred arrangement, the bead rings 250, 260 are circularly aligned in their respective horizontal planes. The inner diameter of the lower bead ring 250 is smaller than that of the upper bead ring 260. Furthermore, a tangent line T can be drawn between the top edges of the bead rings 250, 260 in a manner that matches the taper of the inner surface of the member 230 from the top opening 233 to the starting point of the boss 240.

[0037] Specifically, relative to the lower bead 250, the purpose of beads 250 and 260 is to seal but slidably engage the surface of the cylindrical member 330 of the cover 300. Therefore, each bead 250 and 260 will be noticeably raised and distinguishable from the smooth, tapered sidewall on either side; however, its profile will still facilitate allowing the member 330 to slide over / over it. In this way, fluid flowing along the path established by 214, 224, and 234 will not inadvertently leak from the top opening 233.

[0038] By comparison Figure 3E and Figure 6 This reveals another aspect of the sealing rings 250 and 260. In the former, the upper sealing ring 260 is positioned to keep the sealing surface against the knob 300, while in the latter, multiple (two or more) axially offset lower sealing rings 250 are provided. Figure 6 In the middle, the upper sealing ring 260 is also axially repositioned so that its sealing circumference remains below the position of the groove 370, thereby ensuring that the body 200 and the cover 300 remain sealed during the twisting of the cover 300 relative to the body 200 (i.e., actuation to open and close the valve).

[0039] Immediately below inlet 231, the profile of the inner surface of member 230 tapers significantly. That is, the boss or tapered section 240 with varying inclinations acts as an axial stop, engaging with section 340 on member 330. When cap 300 is in the closed / lowered position, the bottom edge 241 of section 240 also sealably engages with the ramp 341 to prevent unwanted leakage or loss of fluid through tap 100, and more specifically, through paths 214, 224, 234 and outlet port 232. Therefore, the inner diameter of pipe 230 within section 240 gradually decreases at a steeper slope / angle than the normal taper of pipe 230. At its narrowest point (i.e., near sealing surface 241), the inner diameter of section 240 is smaller than the corresponding inner diameter of either bead 250, 260.

[0040] The lower wall segment 242 extends from the bottom edge of the conical segment 240 to the end edge at the port 232. The wall thickness of this segment preferably decreases as it approaches the edge at port 232 (i.e., it is thicker closer to the inlet 231 and thinner at port 232). Segment 242 is also conical, and preferably, its angle differs from the taper along segment 235 but is smaller than the taper of conical segment 240.

[0041] As described above, the overall purpose of the gradually narrowing inner diameter along the upright member 230 (i.e., from the top opening 233 to the port 232) is to ensure that member 230 engages the cover 300, and more specifically, the column 330. For this purpose, the column 330 should have sufficient flexibility and elasticity to maintain a sealing fit with at least one of the bead 250, 260 at all times (i.e., whether in the open or closed position). The increased taper in section 242 can also be used to form a plug seal with the lower surface 342 in section 340.

[0042] Compared to the main body 200, the cover 300 is formed as a discrete element. The cover 300 presents as an outermost annular skirt 310, with a sealing pillar 330 coaxially aligned therewith disposed within the skirt and extending axially downward beyond the bottom edge 311 of the skirt. The skirt 310 and the pillar 330 are connected by a panel 360, at least the outermost periphery 361 of which connects the top edge 312 of the skirt 310 to the top end 332 of the pillar 330. It should be noted that the sidewalls 313 of the skirt 310 and the sidewalls 333 of the pillar 330 are arranged substantially parallel to define a radial clearance 320.

[0043] The dimensions and construction of the gap 320 are adapted to accommodate the thickness of the wall section 235, while also allowing the cover 300 to rotate freely about the upright member 230. Specifically, at least along the section where the cam surface 370 is provided, the gap 320 should define a substantially constant and / or unchanging distance between the skirt 310 and the column 330. Near the end 311, the gap 320 may flare outward to increase the distance, as this should facilitate the attachment of the cover 300 to the upright member 230.

[0044] The panel 360 is primarily formed on a horizontal surface, although it can be given a raised or rounded appearance. Furthermore, the panel 360 can be presented as a substantially flat outer surface to allow for the formation of markings related to the operation, contents, and / or source of the faucet 100 and / or the fluid dispensed therefrom. It should be noted that the inner surfaces of the column 330 do not need to be joined at the top end 332, and optionally or additionally, these sidewalls 333 can be joined at a lower location. The panel 360 can also be formed as an annular ring, making the hollow interior portion of the column 330 accessible, possibly for cleaning or aesthetic purposes.

[0045] As the top panel 360 continuously closes the interior portion of the column 330, a plurality of support ribs 362 may be formed along the inner surface of the wall 333. The ribs 362 provide sufficient strength to ensure that the cover 300 can withstand rotational forces, and more generally, serve the intended purpose of a sealing element.

[0046] Conversely, the lower portion 340 of the column 330 includes a beveled section 341 and a wall section 342 that is thinner, more flexible, and more resilient than the wall 333. The outer diameter of the section 342 may taper inward (i.e., decrease) to match the shape / taper of the section 242. More generally, the lower end of the column 330 (including, but not limited to, the section 342) may temporarily bend or contract inward in response to a sealing surface and / or bead formed on the inner surface of the member 230.

[0047] As described above, the cam surface 370 is formed along the arcuate segments of the opposing surfaces on the skirt 310 and the pillar 330. Specifically, the cam surface 317 is formed on the inner surface of the skirt 310, while the cam surface 337 is formed on the outer surface of the pillar 330. In both cases, surfaces 317 and 337 are close to each other to receive and engage with the aforementioned protrusion 270.

[0048] Surface 370 is formed as spiral grooves 318, 338. When their lengths are taken into account, the pitch of these grooves is similar and sufficient to allow the cover 300 to rotatably travel within the axial distance of blocking or opening the inlet 231. Thus, in the lower position, sealing surfaces 241, 341 engage, thereby closing the inlet 231 and preventing liquid from being drawn into the channel 234 from the path segment 224 (via gravity). In the upper position, the inlet 231 is unobstructed, allowing liquid to flow freely through the channel 234 and out of the dispensing port 233.

[0049] The depth and shape / contour of the recesses 317, 337 will mate with the radial extension of the protrusion 270 to define a path of travel when the cap 300 rotates relative to the body 200. In the open and / or closed positions (approximately corresponding to points at or near the top and bottom edges of the recesses 317, 337), the base 319 may be formed as a further notch. The shape of the base 319 matches the vertical appearance of the protrusion 270 to provide a natural fitting and placement position, and this base 319 may be located in an upper and / or lower position than the recess 370. In operation, this provides the user with a tactile sense of the open and closed positions within the cap 100. The use of the relative combination of the protrusion and the recess also ensures a smooth feel to the rotation of the cap, while the base provides a tactile, and possibly even auditory, sense of when the open position has been reached. Furthermore, by relying on the circular protrusion 270 and the corresponding groove 370 in conjunction with multiple opposing cam surfaces 317, 337, the cover 300 can be easily guided along its spiral path without the risk of detachment.

[0050] The pitch of the grooves 317 and 337 can be measured relative to the circumference of the circular surface on which they are located. For this purpose, the grooves 317 and 337 travel radially less than a full circle (i.e., less than 360° around the circumference), and more preferably, their arc is greater than about 45° but less than 180° (and even more preferably between 75° and 135°, and most preferably about 90° for two grooves located on the opposing surfaces of the skirt and the sealing column). Relative to the axial height, the grooves 317 and 337 will contain less than the axial height of the respective flat surfaces of the sidewalls 313 of the skirt 310 (i.e., from above the end 311 to the top 312) and the sidewalls 333 of the column 330 (i.e., from above the beveled section 341 to the top 332) on which they are formed, wherein the grooves cover at least 50%, between 60% and 90%, and most preferably about two-thirds to three-quarters of these respective surfaces. The grooves and protrusions may have a matching spherical profile to facilitate their sliding and placement / connection.

[0051] The number and position of the protrusions 270 should match the number of cam surfaces 370. While a pair of protrusions and surfaces is shown and considered to represent the ideal balance of ease of operation and manufacture, it should be understood that one or more of these features may be provided. Furthermore, although protrusions 270a and 270b are shown at the same axial height, they do not necessarily need to be arranged in this way. Using fewer than two protrusions may compromise the preferred smooth movement and tactile perception of the protrusions, while three or more protrusions may limit the variety of injection molding materials that can be used and require more aggressive geometry (in pitch, positioning, etc.) to produce the characteristics required for the operation (i.e., opening and closing) of the faucet.

[0052] Ribs, knurling, and / or flat surfaces may be formed on the outer surface of the skirt 310. These structures will enhance the user's ability to grip and twist the cap, while also providing an indication of how far the cap has been (or needs to be) rotated.

[0053] The aforementioned structure is relatively easy to mold, manufacture, and assemble, especially compared to the more complex designs mentioned in the background section. The shape and position of the protrusion 270 are particularly well-suited for continuous ejection from the molding die. Furthermore, the configuration and connection of the cover 300 to the body 200 should allow for natural fit and alignment.

[0054] Individually, the final assembled faucet 100 does not include any openings, recesses, or other areas where dust or mold may accumulate when the faucet 100 is in use. Furthermore, by concealing the cam action, it reduces the possibility of obstructions hindering the rotation and operation of the cover 300. Therefore, the skirt 310 of the cover 300 is presented as a continuous solid surface extending downwards from the top panel 360, thereby completely concealing the cam protrusion 270 and the cam recess 370, regardless of their rotational / axial positioning (i.e., in an upper open configuration or a lower closed configuration).

[0055] In addition to the above description, aspects of the present invention may include a dispensing nozzle having any combination of the following features: a T-shaped hollow tubular body having a narrowed funnel portion defining a container attachment end, a tapered sidewall defining a dispensing port end, an upper sidewall defining a cap receiving end, and a flow channel fluidly connecting the container attachment end to the cap receiving end and the dispensing port end, wherein: (i) the outer surface of the upper sidewall is provided with at least one radially extending cam protrusion, and (ii) the inner surface of the upper sidewall is provided with at least one annular sealing bead and at least one radially extending cam protrusion. The cover, and (iii) the inner surface of the tapered sidewall, are provided with an annular sealing ring; the cover, fitted above the receiving end of the cover, has a skirt coaxially fitted around the sealing column and a top panel connected to the top end edge of the skirt and the sealing column, wherein: (a) at least one cam groove axially rotates along each of the inner surface of the skirt and the outer surface of the sealing column, (b) the bottom end edge of the sealing column extends axially beyond the bottom end edge of the skirt, and (c) the upper sidewall of the body is received in the gap formed between the skirt and the sealing column; wherein at least one radially extending convex The wheel protrusion has a circular spherical shape; wherein all cam protrusions on the outer surface of the upper sidewall are larger than those on the inner surface of the upper sidewall; wherein a plurality of annular sealing rings are axially offset along the inner surface of the upper sidewall; wherein the annular sealing rings of the upper sidewall are positioned axially below the cam grooves, regardless of the position of the cam protrusions within the cam grooves; wherein at least one of the cam grooves is provided with a base; wherein the sealing column includes a tapered lower section that conforms to the tapered sidewall when the cover is rotated to the closed position; wherein the tapered section The cover tapers radially inward below an annular sealing bead located on a conical sidewall; wherein a cam protrusion on the outer surface is formed adjacent to and opposite a cam protrusion on the inner surface; wherein two cam protrusions are equidistantly spaced along the circumference of the inner and outer surfaces of the upper sidewall; wherein all cam recesses are configured to position the cover in an open or closed position by rotating the cover relative to the body less than one full turn; wherein a radial attachment flange is located at the attachment end of the container; wherein a sealing bevel is located at the end of the upper sidewall; and wherein the cam protrusions and cam recesses are concealed within the gaps in the cover.

[0056] References to coupling, connection, or attachment in this disclosure should be understood to cover any conventional means used in the art. This can take the form of snap-fit ​​or press-fit of components with protrusions, grooves, etc. However, threaded connections, annular or partial bead-groove arrangements, mating cam members, and slot and flange assemblies may also be used. Adhesives and fasteners may also be used, although these components must be carefully selected to maintain the recyclability of the assembly.

[0057] Similarly, a connection can include a joining or abutment relationship. These terms, along with any implied or explicit references to joining, should be considered in the context of their use, and any perceived ambiguity can be potentially resolved by referring to the accompanying drawings.

[0058] All components should be made of materials with sufficient flexibility, structural integrity, and chemical inertness. Materials should also be selected based on processability, cost, and weight. Common polymers suitable for injection molding, extrusion molding, or other common molding processes are available, although single-grade polymers are preferred. Therefore, polypropylene is considered to have particular practicality.

[0059] In fact, another reason why consumers, manufacturers, and others will find these designs / components practical is precisely because they use only a single grade of polymer (such as polypropylene). This approach should simplify the manufacture and recycling of dispenser equipment. Other materials (especially recyclable injection-molded materials) may be useful, including but not limited to polyethylene (including low-density and other grades), polystyrene (including high-impact and other grades), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, and polyacetal (including polyoxymethylene, polyacetal, polyoxymethylene, and other grades).

[0060] Although this embodiment has been shown in the accompanying drawings and described in the detailed description above, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein, and various rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions are possible. While exemplary embodiments have been described with reference to preferred embodiments, the detailed description above also relates to further modifications and variations. These modifications and variations also fall within the scope of the appended claims or their equivalents.

Claims

1. A dispensing tap, comprising: A hollow tubular body having a T-shape, comprising a narrowed funnel portion defining a container attachment end, a tapered sidewall defining a dispensing port end, an upper sidewall defining a cap receiving end, and a flow channel fluidly connecting the container attachment end to the cap receiving end and the dispensing port end, wherein: (i) the outer surface of the upper sidewall is provided with at least one radially extending cam protrusion; (ii) the inner surface of the upper sidewall is provided with at least one annular sealing ring and at least one radially extending cam protrusion; and (iii) the inner surface of the tapered sidewall is provided with an annular sealing ring; and A cover fitted above the receiving end of the cover, the cover having a skirt coaxially fitted around a sealing column and a top panel connected to the top end edge of the skirt and the sealing column, wherein: (a) at least one cam groove is axially spiraled along each of the inner surface of the skirt and the outer surface of the sealing column, (b) the bottom end edge of the sealing column extends axially beyond the bottom end edge of the skirt, and (c) the upper sidewall of the body is received in a gap formed between the skirt and the sealing column. The cam protrusion on the outer surface is formed to be adjacent to and opposite to the cam protrusion on the inner surface.

2. The dispensing tap according to claim 1, wherein, All radially extending cam protrusions have a spherical shape consistent with the shape of each cam recess associated with them.

3. The dispensing tap according to claim 1, wherein, Each cam protrusion on the outer surface of the upper sidewall is larger than the cam protrusion on the inner surface of the upper sidewall.

4. The dispensing tap according to claim 1, wherein, Multiple annular sealing bead rings are offset axially along the inner surface of the upper sidewall.

5. The dispensing tap according to claim 1, wherein, The annular sealing bead on the upper sidewall is positioned axially below the cam groove, regardless of the position of the cam protrusion within the cam groove.

6. The dispensing tap according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the cam grooves is provided with a base, the base indicating the open and / or closed position of the dispensing faucet.

7. The dispensing tap according to claim 1, wherein, The sealing column includes a tapered lower section that conforms to the tapered sidewall when the cover is rotated to the closed position.

8. The dispensing tap according to claim 1, wherein, The tapered section tapers radially inward below the annular sealing bead on the tapered sidewall.

9. The dispensing tap according to claim 1, wherein, The two cam protrusions are circumferentially spaced apart along the inner and / or outer surfaces of the upper sidewall.

10. The dispensing tap according to claim 1, wherein, All the cam grooves are configured to position the cover in the open or closed position by rotating the cover less than one full turn relative to the body.

11. The dispensing tap according to claim 1, wherein, A radial attachment flange is provided at the attachment end of the container.

12. The dispensing tap according to claim 1, wherein, A sealing bevel is provided at the end of the upper sidewall.

13. The dispensing tap according to claim 1, wherein, The cam protrusion and the cam groove are hidden in the gap of the cover.

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