Device for storing and dispensing liquid, powder, granular or bulk products

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for storing and dispensing a liquid, powder, granular or bulk product (100), comprising a support (12) and a container (2) forming an inner cavity (4) for storing the product (100) and comprising a supply opening (6) communicating the inner cavity (4) with the outside for supplying the product (100). The container (2) is coupled to the support (12) and is rotatable about a first axis of rotation (16) defined by the coupling between the support (12) and the container (2) between at least one storage position of the product (100) and at least one dispensing position of the product (100) for dispensing the product (100) by gravity through the supply opening (6). In the dispensing position, the height of the supply opening (6) is lower than the height in the storage position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of product dispensing and storage.

[0002] More particularly, the present invention relates to a device for storing and dispensing liquid, powder, granular or bulk products. Background Art

[0003] In recent decades, the use of single-use packaging for liquid, powdered or granular products made of different materials such as glass, sheet metal, composite layer materials or plastics has increased exponentially. This represents an unnecessary waste of packaging, in most cases without good reason.

[0004] Another issue that arises and increases from this is the increased use of plastic as the material of choice for manufacturing packaging that was previously made of glass or aluminum.

[0005] This change in the industry has led to the generation of large amounts of plastic waste, which, in the best case, must be stored in specific containers, collected, sorted and processed so that the plastic material can be recycled in other packaging manufacturing processes in the future, if possible.

[0006] Despite this, these packages often end up being discarded in an uncontrolled way in the environment. Over the years, plastic waste has accumulated in fields, rivers, oceans, and other places. There is almost no place on Earth where some form of plastic waste cannot be found.

[0007] Despite these drawbacks, modern society is highly dependent on plastics due to their low cost and ease of processing, so attempts to completely eliminate their use seem utopian.

[0008] Therefore, a more realistic approach seems to be to reduce the environmentally unsustainable use of single-use packaging, i.e. reuse the same packaging multiple times, and favor the distribution of bulk materials as was the case in the first half of the 20th century.

[0009] That is why there is an increasing demand for devices for storing liquids, powders, granules or bulk products, regardless of the material they are made of, that can be distributed and dispensed in larger volumes, without hindering their handling and comfort during the dispensing process. This will reduce the number of packaging required for these purposes and facilitate their multiple reuse.

[0010] All of this will therefore significantly reduce the waste generated in the form of old packaging. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide a device for storing and dispensing liquid, powder, granular or bulk products of the above-mentioned type, which device facilitates comfortable distribution, storage and dispensing of liquid, powder or bulk products in a form that reduces packaging consumption.

[0012] This object is achieved by a device for storing and dispensing liquid, powder, granular or bulk products of the above-mentioned type, characterized in that it comprises a support and a container, the container forming an inner cavity for storing the product and comprising a supply opening connecting the inner cavity with the outside for supplying the product, the container and the support being configured so that the container is coupled to the support, the container being rotatable relative to the support about at least one first rotation axis between at least one storage position for the product and at least one dispensing position for the product for dispensing the product through the supply opening by gravity, the first rotation axis being defined by the coupling between the support and the container so that in the dispensing position the height of the supply opening is lower than in the storage position.

[0013] In the present invention, bulk products are understood to be products consisting of small items, without order, quantity or size.

[0014] The present invention relates to a very simple device for storing and dispensing liquid, powder, granular, or bulk products that facilitates the use of larger volume formats. The device utilizes the geometry of the outer and inner surfaces of the container to functionally cooperate with a support, facilitating relative rotational movement between the container and the support. To this end, the present invention provides for the container to rotate relative to the support about a rotational axis defined by the connection between the support and the container. In most cases, the container rotates about its own axis to perform product storage functions in one or more storage positions and dispense its contents at one of multiple dispensing positions, which are located at a lower elevation than in the storage position and allow the product to fall through the opening under gravity. In the storage position, the supply opening is located at the top, preventing the discharge of the bulk product. Conversely, as the entire container rotates about the support, the supply opening lowers until it is at the product level corresponding to the dispensing position, allowing the product to be dispensed. Both the storage and dispensing positions can be single positions, but they are typically composed of multiple positions that vary depending on the amount of bulk product contained in the container.

[0015] One of the greatest advantages of the device according to the invention is that the container generally rotates around its own axis. This facilitates the user to dispense the bulk product without any physical effort, since the container can practically rotate around itself without moving the liquid it contains.

[0016] Although not essential to the present invention, the container facilitates the dispensing of bulk product as it provides a very practical and easy way to dispense the product.

[0017] Furthermore, the relative rotation of the support and the container relative to the support facilitates the distribution of larger product volumes. Specifically, one of the common problems in large-scale production is the dispensing process. In contrast, the device according to the present invention allows for very precise and gradual dispensing, without requiring any physical effort from the user. The rotational movement around the axis of rotation and the multiple dispensing positions allow for very simple adjustment of the dispensing flow rate.

[0018] Furthermore, the same container can be refilled multiple times.

[0019] Furthermore, the invention encompasses a series of preferred features which are the subject of the dependent claims, the usefulness of which will become apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises first coupling means for coupling the container to the support, the first coupling means defining the first axis of rotation. These means minimize the forces required to rotate the container and the support relative to each other. Essentially, the axis of rotation defined by the first coupling means is defined by a geometric position corresponding to the instantaneous axis of rotation of the container when its outer surface rests against the support.

[0021] In one embodiment seeking structural simplicity without sacrificing robustness, the first coupling means are formed by a functional combination of the outer surface of the container supported on one or more elements of the support consisting of rolling elements, point sliding supports, linear sliding supports, sliding surfaces or combinations thereof. Any possible solution is easy and inexpensive to manufacture, but at the same time they are reliable and unlikely to break.

[0022] Rolling elements are one or more of the group consisting of ball bearings, roller bearings, idlers, idler cylinders, idler balls, and combinations thereof. Point sliding support elements include protrusions protruding from the support, such as spheres. Linear sliding supports, on the other hand, include fixed cylinders, prismatic protrusions extending longitudinally along an axis parallel to the container's axis of rotation, and wedge-shaped supports that provide two linear supports for the container. Finally, sliding surfaces refer to those surfaces in which the support has a complementary shape relative to the container's external support surface. All of these elements allow the container to rotate very easily by rolling or sliding relative to the support.

[0023] Another embodiment according to the present invention seeks to maximize the use of the container's volume and facilitate its filling, both for the first time and for repeated use. To this end, the supply opening is preferably formed by a tubular conduit having a second axis, wherein the second axis of the tubular conduit is contained within the central vertical plane of symmetry of the container, the tubular conduit protrudes outwardly relative to the container's outer contour defining the inner cavity, and the second axis forms a first angle relative to the horizontal support plane of the support member. Alternatively, the tubular conduit may be positioned asymmetrically.

[0024] In another embodiment seeking to minimize the effort required to rotate the container, the container has a shape defining the interior cavity such that the volume occupied by the product contained in the container remains substantially stationary during relative rotation of the container and the support about the first axis of rotation.

[0025] In a particularly preferred manner, the shape of the container is a sphere centered on the first rotation axis or a body of revolution around the first rotation axis, the body of revolution being formed by a generatrix comprising straight lines or convex curves and oriented to facilitate discharge of the product contained in the container when the container is rotated from the storage position to the at least one dispensing position.

[0026] Preferably, the coupling means is configured such that the container can be rotated relative to the support through at least 90° from the storage position to the dispensing position, preferably at least 150°.

[0027] In another embodiment envisaged to promote retail distribution or reuse of the device, the internal volume of the container is equal to or less than 30 L, preferably equal to or less than 15 L, preferably equal to or less than 10 L, and in a particularly preferred manner equal to or less than 8 L.

[0028] The 30L volume is considered particularly suitable for use in supermarkets, grocery stores, bulk sales stores, and other public institutions to supply products to customers. For example, a supermarket can distribute liquid soap from a large container to 20 people in a day.

[0029] A 15L container is ideally suited for transport in a vehicle, so that it can be carried long distances from a supermarket trolley to a car, then to a lift, and then home. For example, it has been found that two containers of this size can provide a family of four with drinking water for approximately two weeks.

[0030] Finally, containers of 10 litres or less can be easily carried by one person over relatively short distances of less than 1 km. This encourages local retail shopping or bulk purchases with reusable containers.

[0031] Furthermore, in order to facilitate the user to comfortably operate the device and promote repeated use, the container further comprises a handle for carrying the container.

[0032] Another problem addressed by the present invention is to create an inexpensive and lightweight container that also offers greater health safety, particularly when it is used multiple times with food. To this end, in a preferred embodiment, the container is made of a BPA-free plastic material. Glass offers a high level of safety, as it does not affect food, but it is also heavy. In contrast, BPA-free plastic offers the desired durability and lightness, while preventing the health risks associated with traditional plastics such as polyethylene or polypropylene.

[0033] In a particularly preferred manner, the bisphenol A-free plastic is a copolymer consisting of a mixture of dimethyl terephthalate (DMT), 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM) and 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol (CBDO). A commercial example of this product is Eastman Chemical Company's

[0034] Furthermore, in order to improve the preservation and hygiene of the product contained therein, said container comprises a first cover configured to block said supply opening.

[0035] In another embodiment contemplated for bulk product retail locations, the container further comprises a refill opening separate from the supply opening. Preferably, the refill opening is larger than the supply opening to facilitate the product loading process when the container is empty.

[0036] Preferably, in order to protect the product contained in the inner cavity, the container comprises a second cover configured to block the refill opening.

[0037] In another embodiment aimed at increasing the compactness of the device, the second cover integrates the supply opening.

[0038] In another embodiment that improves the comfort of use of the mechanism, said container further comprises a lever for manually rotating said container between said storage position of said product and at least one dispensing position of said product.

[0039] If the user does not return the container to the appropriate storage position after the dispensing process of the mechanism, there is a risk of accidental spillage of the product. To prevent this problem, in another embodiment, the device comprises elastic return means functionally connecting the container and the support so that, starting from the dispensing position of the product, the container automatically returns to the storage position of the product.

[0040] Finally, for devices envisioned for use in locations such as supermarkets or retail stores, the container is transparent or translucent to allow identification of the product without requiring viewing of the interior of the container.

[0041] Likewise, the present invention also covers the detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention and other detailed features shown in the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Other advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are described in a non-limiting manner with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0043] Figure 1 A perspective view of a first embodiment of an apparatus for storing and dispensing bulk product in a storage location according to the present invention is shown.

[0044] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 Front view of the device shown.

[0045] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 Side view of the device shown.

[0046] Figure 4 for Figure 1 Top view of the device shown.

[0047] Figure 5 Shows the stored location Figure 1 Front view of the device shown.

[0048] Figure 6 Shows Figure 1 Front view of the device shown in the dispensed position.

[0049] Figure 7 Shows Figure 1 The apparatus is shown in a side view of the container in a vertical position with the bulk product contained therein.

[0050] Figure 8 Shows Figure 1 The apparatus is shown in a side view with the container in a horizontal position and filled with bulk product.

[0051] Figure 9 A perspective view of a second embodiment of the device according to the invention is shown with bulk products located inside it in a storage position.

[0052] Figure 10 Shows Figure 9 A perspective view of the device is shown with bulk product located inside the device and in the dispensing position.

[0053] Figures 11 to 15 Shows Figure 1 Perspective views of five different embodiments of the support of the device.

[0054] Figure 16 A perspective view of a third embodiment of an apparatus for storing and dispensing bulk products in a storage location according to the present invention is shown.

[0055] Figure 17 Shows Figure 1 Side view of the device shown in the dispensed position.

[0056] Figure 18 Shows Figure 16 The apparatus is shown in a side view of the container in a vertical position with the bulk product contained therein.

[0057] Figures 19 to 22 Shows Figure 16 Front and bottom perspective views of two embodiments of the device support are shown.

[0058] Figure 23 A perspective view of a fourth embodiment of an apparatus for storing and dispensing bulk product at a dispensing location according to the present invention is shown.

[0059] Figure 24 Shows the stored location Figure 23 Exploded perspective view of the device shown.

[0060] Figure 25 A perspective view of a fifth embodiment of an apparatus for storing and dispensing bulk products at a dispensing location according to the present invention is shown.

[0061] Figure 26 Shows the stored location Figure 25 Exploded side view of the device shown.

[0062] Figure 27 A perspective view of a sixth embodiment of an apparatus for storing and dispensing bulk products according to the present invention is shown, the apparatus comprising a plurality of containers in a storage position.

[0063] Figure 28 Shows Figure 27 Perspective views of the device shown with the container in different rotational positions relative to the support.

[0064] Figure 29 A perspective view of a seventh embodiment of an apparatus for storing and dispensing bulk products according to the present invention is shown, the apparatus comprising a plurality of containers in a storage position.

[0065] Figure 30 Shows Figure 29 Perspective views of the device shown with the container in different rotational positions relative to the support.

[0066] Figure 31 Shows Figure 29 Perspective view of the support of the device.

[0067] Figure 32 A perspective view of an eighth embodiment of a device according to the invention is shown.

[0068] Figure 33 Shows Figure 32 Schematic cross-section of the device shown.

[0069] Figure 34 A schematic cross-sectional view of a ninth embodiment of the device according to the invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] Figures 1 to 8 A first embodiment of a device 1 for storing and dispensing liquid, powder, granular or bulk products 100 according to the present invention is shown. The invention does not exclude that the device 1 can be used as a disposable package for large-scale distribution, but it does seek to increase the volume to reduce the consumption of packaging and / or promote the reuse of the container 1 to reduce the consumption of materials purchased in bulk.

[0071] The device 1 comprises two main parts, namely a lower support and a container 2 for connection to the support 12 .

[0072] The container 2 forms an inner cavity 4 for storing the product 100. Furthermore, it has a supply opening 6 which connects the inner cavity 4 with the outside for supplying the product 100.

[0073] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the container 2 and the support 12 are configured so that the container 2 is coupled in a horizontal position relative to the support 12. Thus, the container 2 can rotate relative to the support 12 about a first rotation axis 16 defined by the coupling between the support 12 and the container 2.

[0074] Therefore, the container 2 can be positioned relative to the support 12. Figure 2 , and a dispensing position for product 100, such that the product 100 is dispensed through the supply opening 6 by gravity, such that in the dispensing position, the height of the supply opening 6 is lower than in the storage position. In this embodiment, during this rotation between the two positions, the product 100 can be dispensed and even metered without the need for additional components such as nozzles. Depending on the dispensing position adopted by the container 2, the outlet flow rate can vary. The greater the rotation angle β, the greater the outlet flow rate through the supply opening 6.

[0075] As can be seen in the figures, in the device 1 according to the invention, there is no transverse linear movement, ie no linear displacement of the container 2, during the rotation from the storage position to the dispensing position.

[0076] The body of the container 2 is formed by a body of revolution about a first axis of rotation 16. In particular, the body of revolution, which has a generally cylindrical shape, is formed by straight generatrixes 10 that are oriented to facilitate the discharge of the product 100 contained in the container 2 when the container 2 is rotated from the storage position to the corresponding dispensing position. Preferably, the inner and outer surfaces of the container are parallel to each other. Alternatively, other shapes may be provided, such as an elliptical cross-section, a spherical shape, or any type of outwardly convex shape, to facilitate the discharge of the product 100 through the opening of the container 2.

[0077] Figures 1 to 8 The device 1 shown comprises first coupling means 14 for coupling the container 2 to the support 12 , which first coupling means define a first axis of rotation 16 of the container 2 relative to the support 12 between the storage and dispensing positions.

[0078] In this case, the first coupling means 14 for allowing relative rotation between the container 2 and the support 12 is formed by a functional combination of the outer surface of the cylindrical container 2 supported on two rolling elements of the support 12, which are composed of a group of rolling elements. Here, the rolling elements are two idler rollers 24 rotatably mounted on lugs 38 protruding from the support 12, that is, two rollers that can freely rotate about their own axes 26. In this embodiment, the idler rollers 24 also have a rubber ring 28 mounted on the periphery of the roller protruding from the surface of the idler roller 24 and preventing the container 2 from sliding relative to the idler roller.

[0079] This arrangement provides point contact at four points between the outer surface of the container 2 and the rubber ring 28. Thus, the effort required by the user to rotate the container 2 between the storage and dispensing positions is minimized.

[0080] The coupling device 14 is configured so that the container 2 can be rotated relative to the support 12 from the storage position to the dispensing position through an angle β of at least 90°, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 In this case, since the container 2 is cylindrical, the latter can be rotated by up to 360°, which allows the product 100 to be dispensed and completely emptied by rotating it to the right and left.

[0081] The internal volume of the container 2 is equal to or less than 10 L, preferably equal to or less than 8 L, which allows it to be used for carrying by hand over short distances when shopping locally.

[0082] Furthermore, in order to facilitate the filling process and maximize the use of storage space, in the device 1 of this embodiment, the supply opening 6 is formed by a Figure 3The tubular conduit 8 is formed with a second axis 18 as shown. This second axis 18 of the tubular conduit 8 is contained in the central vertical symmetry plane 20 of the container 2. Figure 3 As shown, the tubular conduit 8 protrudes outwardly relative to the outer contour of the container 2 defining the inner cavity 4. Furthermore, the second axis 18 forms a first angle α relative to the horizontal support plane 22 of the support 12.

[0083] In this embodiment, the angle α is 45° relative to the horizontal plane, so that the container 2 can be placed in a vertical position ( Figure 7 ) and horizontal position ( Figure 8 ) to be refilled. Furthermore, the container 2 can be carried in a vertical position and can be stored interchangeably in two positions.

[0084] As shown in the figure, the container 2 has the functions of a tank and an adjustable flow rate distributor at the same time, which is a very significant advantage.

[0085] Another very relevant advantage of the device 1 of this embodiment is that the container 2 is substantially cylindrical. Despite having a handle 30, the container 2 has an internal shape defining an internal cavity 4 such that during the relative rotation of the container 2 and the support 12 about the first rotation axis 16, the volume occupied by the product 100 contained in the container 2 is substantially at rest. Figure 5 The storage position is rotated to Figure 6 During the process of being in the dispensing position, the volume of product 100 is hardly moved. Therefore, the effort required to dispense the product 100 is minimal.

[0086] Although not shown in the figures, the container 2 may comprise a first cover configured to block said supply opening 6 , in which case it is adapted to the outer or inner diameter of the tubular conduit 8 .

[0087] Other embodiments of the device 1 according to the present invention are shown below, which share many of the features described in the previous paragraphs. Therefore, only the different elements will be described below, while for common elements reference will be made to the description of the first embodiment.

[0088] Figure 9 and Figure 10 Device 1 differs from the previously described device 1 in that, in this case, the first coupling means 14, which allows relative rotation between the cylindrical container 2 and the support 12, is formed by a functional combination of the container's outer surface, which is directly supported on two idler rollers 24. In other words, this solution does not use rubber rings, reducing manufacturing costs. In this case, the contact is a linear rolling support, which reduces the risk of relative rotation marking the outer surface of the container 2 due to the lower contact pressure.

[0089] Figures 11 to 15Different embodiments of the support 12 of the device 1 according to the invention are shown in detail.

[0090] Figure 11 The above solution is shown, wherein the idler roller 24 has a rubber ring 28 to prevent the container 2 from slipping during relative rotation.

[0091] exist Figure 12 In the embodiment, the support 12 has a rolling element in the form of a rotating idler wheel 32 as a first coupling means 14 for allowing relative rotation between the container 2 and the support 12. The wheel is smooth, but preferably a rubber wheel. In this case, the linear support of the container 2 on the rotating idler wheel 32 is more Figure 9 and Figure 10 The device 1 has a much shorter contact line, which reduces the force required to rotate the container 2.

[0092] exist Figure 13 In the embodiment, the first coupling means 14 is formed by a functional combination of the outer surface of the container 2 coupled to a cylindrical sliding surface 34. In this case, the two surfaces are complementary, as they are substantially parallel. Preferably, the sliding surface 34 can have a sliding coating or a polished surface finish. For example, the surface 34 can be treated with a polyoxymethylene coating (better known in the art as POM), which has high durability and low friction properties.

[0093] exist Figure 14 In the embodiment, the support member 12 is in the form of a V-shaped wedge, and on the support surface, the first coupling means 14 for allowing relative rotation between the container 2 and the support member 12 is formed by a functional combination of the outer surface of the container 2 supported on the sliding support ropes 36. In this case, the support of the container 2 is point support, more specifically, it is supported at a plurality of points corresponding to each support rope 36.

[0094] at last, Figure 15 The support member 12 is similar to Figure 14 but in this case, the number of support ropes 36 is reduced.

[0095] Figures 16 to 20 The device 1 of is different from the device 1 described at the outset in the shape of the container 2 and in the shape of the support 12 .

[0096] In this case, the body of the container 2 is spherical both inside and outside, and when the device 1 is Figure 16 The storage position is rotated to Figure 17 This also facilitates discharge of the bulk product 100 when in the dispensing position shown.

[0097] The support member 12 is cylindrical, with a flat lower base and a concave (particularly spherical) upper surface. Thus, the first coupling means 14 for allowing relative rotation is formed by a functional combination of the outer surface of the container 2 supported on a sliding surface that complements the outer contour of the container 2 formed by the concave upper surface. Furthermore, the outer shape of the support member 12 can also be varied for aesthetic purposes to maintain the shape of the concave upper surface. Alternatively, the support member 12 can be a tube, so that the container 2 is supported only on a contact ring.

[0098] An advantage of this embodiment is its omnidirectionality. As shown, the container 2 can be rotated in multiple directions to adopt any arbitrary dispensing position.

[0099] Figure 21 and 22 Shows Figure 16 Another support 12 for the container 2, wherein on the support surface, a first coupling device 14 for allowing relative rotation between the container 2 and the support 12 is formed by a functional combination of the outer surface of the container 2 supported on the sliding support rope 36.

[0100] Figure 23 and 24 The device 1 in the embodiment of the present invention consists of a cylindrical container 2. In this case, a supply opening 6 which connects the inner cavity 4 to the outside protrudes from the cylindrical side wall of the container 2.

[0101] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the support 12 is a wall support. Consequently, in this case, the first coupling means 14 for allowing relative rotation of the container 2 relative to the support 12 about the first axis of rotation 16 between the storage and dispensing positions is formed by a cylindrical central pin 42 that projects horizontally from the support 12 and passes through a through hole 44 extending along the first axis of rotation 16 of the container 2, in which the central pin 42 is mounted to provide an outer cylindrical sliding surface.

[0102] The tubular conduit 8 stretches out from the center plane, but this is not necessary for the present invention. In another embodiment, the tubular conduit 8 can be eccentrically and asymmetrically prominent. In addition, it also may be prominent at an angle.

[0103] Furthermore, another related advantage of this embodiment is that the outer cylindrical shape of the container 2 is no longer required, since the container rotates about the central pin 42. Therefore, the container can have other unusual shapes, such as polygonal or other shapes.

[0104] Figure 25 and 26 The device 1 is also formed by a cylindrical container 2 and a wall support 12, and its structure is similar to the previous Figure 23 and 25 .

[0105] In this case, however, the supply opening 6 which puts the inner cavity 4 in communication with the outside projects eccentrically from one base of the cylindrical body forming the container 2 , while the opposite base is supported on a support 12 .

[0106] Figure 27 and 28 The device 1 has a plurality of cylindrical containers 2 supported by cylindrical side walls on a single wedge-shaped support 12. This type of support can be used with wall anchors as a storage and dispensing rack, making it a particularly suitable device for retail stores or supermarkets that sell bulk products.

[0107] In this case, the supply opening 6 of each container 2, which connects the inner cavity 4 to the outside, protrudes from the cylindrical side wall of the corresponding container 2. In this case, the diameter of the supply opening 6 is much larger than in the previous embodiment, making it possible to supply granular or bulk products such as beans, seeds, grains, candies, nuts or other products.

[0108] This embodiment of the support of the containers 2 on the support 12 is achieved by means of a first coupling device 14 formed by a functional combination of the cylindrical outer surface of each container 2 coupled to a plurality of point sliding supports in the form of ropes mounted in the wedges of the support 2.

[0109] at last, Figures 29 to 31 The device 1 also has a plurality of cylindrical containers 2, similar to Figure 23 and 24 The container described in the embodiment.

[0110] However, unlike the above-described embodiment, the wall support 12 has been replaced by a tabletop support 12 having a central axis 46 extending between two legs 48 outside the container 2 .

[0111] Figure 32 and 33 A final embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention is shown, which is intended for use in selling bulk products, such as in supermarkets or retail establishments selling nuts, beans, etc. For this purpose, in this embodiment, the container 2 further comprises a refill opening 50. For this purpose, the refill opening 50 is separated from the supply opening 6 and has a larger size. Furthermore, the refill opening 50 is located in the upper part of the container 2, as shown in FIG. Figure 32 As shown, the refill opening is designed to facilitate the loading of the product into the container 2, as its size makes it unnecessary to require a funnel to refill the container. As shown, in order to protect the product from any external agents that may contaminate it, the container 2 includes a second cover 56 configured to block the refill opening 50.

[0112] at last, Figure 34Shows relative to Figure 32 and 33 An alternative embodiment of the embodiment of wherein the second cover 56 incorporates the supply opening 6. As a result, a large refill opening 50 is maintained for easy refilling, while the supply opening has a smaller cross section for easier metering.

[0113] Similarly, the container 2 of this embodiment also includes a lever 52 so that the user can manually remove it from the container 2. Figure 32 The product 100 is shown in the storage position rotated to Figure 32 Any dispensing position of the product 100. The container 2 is particularly suitable for granular products such as seeds, beans, spices and the like.

[0114] Finally, the device 1 of this embodiment has an elastic return means 54 consisting of elastic rubber, which connects the support 12 to the lower base of the container 2 and functionally connects them so that Figure 33 The dispensing position of the product 100 shown begins, and the container 2 automatically returns to Figure 32 This prevents the product from being lost in bulk sales due to customer misuse, as once the product 100 is dispensed, the customer may forget to put the container 2 back in the storage location.

[0115] The containers 2 can be made of different materials, such as glass or plastic. In a particularly preferred manner, they are made of bisphenol A-free plastic, such as Eastman Chemical Company's Preferably, the container 2 according to the present invention is transparent or translucent to facilitate identification of the product contained therein.

[0116] The embodiments described so far represent non-limiting examples, so that a person skilled in the art will understand that various combinations between the claimed features are possible within the scope of the invention, besides the examples shown.

Claims

1. A device (1) for storing and dispensing liquid, powder, granular or bulk products (100), characterized in that include: [a] a support member (12); as well as [b] a container (2), the container (2) forming an inner cavity (4) for storing the product (100), and comprising a supply opening (6), the supply opening (6) communicating the inner cavity (4) with the outside to supply the product (100); [c] The container (2) and the support (12) are configured such that the container (2) is coupled to the support (12), the container (2) is rotatable relative to the support (12) about at least one first rotation axis (16), the first rotation axis (16) being defined by the coupling between the support (12) and the container (2), the container (2) being rotatable between the following positions: [i] at least one storage location for the product (100), and [ii] At least one dispensing position for the product (100) for dispensing the product through the supply opening (6) by gravity, such that in the dispensing position the height of the supply opening (6) is lower than in the storage position.

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The device comprises first coupling means (14) for coupling the container (2) to the support (12), the first coupling means (14) defining the first axis of rotation (16).

3. The device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that The first coupling device (14) is formed by a functional combination of the outer surface of the container (2), which is supported on one or more elements of the support (12), the one or more elements consisting of rolling elements, point sliding supports, linear sliding supports, sliding surfaces or a combination thereof.

4. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The supply opening (6) is formed by a tubular conduit (8) having a second axis (18), and the second axis (18) of the tubular conduit (8) is contained in a central vertical symmetry plane (20) of the container (2), the tubular conduit (8) protrudes outwards relative to the outer contour of the container (2) defining the inner cavity (4), and the second axis (18) forms a first angle (α) relative to a horizontal support plane (22) of the support (12).

5. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The container (2) has a shape defining the inner cavity (4) such that during relative rotation of the container (2) and the support (12) about the first rotation axis (16), the volume occupied by the product (100) contained in the container (2) is substantially at rest.

6. The device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that The shape of the container (2) is a sphere centered on the first rotation axis (16) or a body of revolution around the first rotation axis (16), the body of revolution being formed by a generatrix (10) comprising a straight line or an outwardly convex curve and oriented to facilitate the discharge of the product (100) contained in the container when the container (2) is rotated from the storage position to the dispensing position.

7. The device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that The coupling device (14) is configured such that the container (2) can be rotated relative to the support (12) through an angle (β) of at least 90° from the storage position to the dispensing position.

8. The device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that The angle (β) is at least 150°.

9. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The internal volume of the container (2) is equal to or less than 30L.

10. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The internal volume of the container (2) is equal to or less than 15L.

11. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The internal volume of the container (2) is equal to or less than 10L.

12. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The internal volume of the container (2) is equal to or less than 8L.

13. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that The container (2) also includes a handle (30) for carrying the container.

14. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that The container (2) is made of a plastic material that does not contain bisphenol A.

15. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that The container (2) comprises a first cover configured to block the supply opening (6).

16. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that The container (2) further comprises a refill opening (50), which is separate from the supply opening (6).

17. The device (1) according to claim 16, characterized in that The container (2) includes a second cover (56) configured to block the refill opening (50).

18. The device (1) according to claim 17, characterized in that The second cover (56) is coupled to the supply opening (6).

19. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that The container (2) further comprises a lever (52) for manually rotating the container (2) between the following positions: [i] the storage location of the product (100), and [ii] The dispensing location of the product (100).

20. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that The device comprises elastic return means (54) which functionally connect the container (2) and the support (12) so that the container (2) automatically returns from the dispensing position of the product (100) to the storage position of the product.

21. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that The container (2) is transparent or translucent.

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