Dispensing device with security seal for containers, preferably flexible liquid containers, and an assembly comprising a container and such a device

Abstract

The present invention refers to a dispensing device (20) for a container (12), wherein the device (20) comprises a hollow main body (24) adapted to define a passage channel (26) and provided with an outlet mouth (22) to let a product to be dispensed out, a manoeuvring body (36), which is movable relative to the main body (24), positionable in a first position for closing the device (20) and in at least a second position for dispensing the product from said outlet mouth (22), a closing body (40) that is fixed to the main body (24) and arranged above the manoeuvring body (36). The dispensing device (20) comprises a security seal (60) manually actuatable by the user, wherein the security seal (60) comprises: a movable part (62A, 62B) provided with a grip area (64A, 64B) for the user and a first section (66 A, 66B) of tear-off connection relative to the closing body (40); a constraint section (70 A, 70B) for constraining the movable part (62 A, 62B) relative to the closing body (40).

Description

[0001] DISPENSING DEVICE WITH SECURITY SEAL FOR CONTAINERS, PREFERABLY FLEXIBLE LIQUID CONTAINERS, AND AN ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A CONTAINER AND SUCH A DEVICE.

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a dispensing device for containers, preferably flexible containers.

[0004] In particular, the present invention refers to a dispensing device with security seal for flexible containers, also called pouch or bag systems. More in particular, the present invention refers to a dispensing device with security seal for flexible containers used in bag-in-box solutions.

[0005] The present invention also relates to an assembly comprising a container equipped with said dispensing device.

[0006] DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF THE ART

[0007] It is known in the field of the systems for dispensing products, preferably in fluid form, to use dispensing devices that are applied to special containers of the product to be dispensed.

[0008] Dispensing devices of known type can be manually actuated by the user to allow the product to be dispensed to a dispensing mouth if necessary.

[0009] In a typology of use of known type, the dispensing devices are associated with collapsible / deformable containers that receive the product, also called pouch systems. These containers, made for example with plastic or metallic films, are shaped for containing edible products such as wines, fruit juices, oils, water, milk, etc., or made of plastic material for other sectors, such as in the case of packaging of liquid soaps, shampoos, creams or household cleaning products, etc.

[0010] In a particular form of use, the containers with the respective dispensing device are of a disposable type and are inserted each time into a container, typically made of cardboard, which facilitates their use in terms of stability and / or facilitates their transport, in this case preferably being provided with grip means made directly on the cardboard. These solutions are also known as bag-in-box solutions.

[0011] The cardboard container will be suitably provided with a hole through which the dispensing device passes.

[0012] The dispensing devices of known type are made by assembling various components that allow to act on an element / valve that opens or closes a way for dispensing the product from the inside of the container towards the dispensing mouth.

[0013] The devices of known type typically comprise a first element that is fixed to the container on which a lower opening (mouth) is made which is intercepted by suitable valve means that are actuatable by the user, typically by means of levers. The devices of known type are also typically provided with elastic return elements which are adapted to return the closing valve into the closing position automatically after their actuation.

[0014] During the opening step, the product is dispensed by gravity from the lower mouth of the device.

[0015] Other devices of known type consist of rotating taps that typically comprise a first element that is fixed to the container on which a lower opening (mouth) is made which is intercepted by a second element that is rotated relative to the first one to open / close said mouth.

[0016] It is known in the dispensing devices of known type to provide security systems that guarantee a security on the opening until their first use by the user. These systems guarantee that the device is not opened accidentally and also serve as a guarantee that the device is still intact when it is first used and that has not already been opened by someone else.

[0017] A security system of known type involves the use of a removable band that is torn off by the user at the time of first use of the device.

[0018] The dispensing devices and the removable bands that make up the security seals are typically made of plastic material.

[0019] In order to avoid the dispersion of seals into the environment and to favour a correct disposal thereof, specific European and international directives have been introduced, with the aim of reducing the impact of certain plastic products on the environment and allowing their correct recycling.

[0020] It is therefore required that the security seal remains constrained to the dispensing device after opening and is not dispersed into the environment, or is disposed of incorrectly.

[0021] An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a dispensing device with security seal that adheres to current directives.

[0022] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0023] In a first aspect thereof, the present invention therefore refers to a dispensing device for a container, said device comprising: - a hollow main body adapted to define a passage channel and provided with an outlet mouth to let a product to be dispensed out, said main body comprising connection means for the connection to said container;

[0024] - valve means accommodated in said main body and positioned along said passage channel;

[0025] - a manoeuvring body, movable with respect to said main body, operatingly connected to said valve means, said manoeuvring body being positionable in a first position for closing said device and in at least a second position for dispensing said product from said outlet mouth;

[0026] - a closing body that is fixed to said main body and arranged above said manoeuvring body; wherein said dispensing device comprises a security seal manually actuatable by a user, said security seal being configured to assume a locking position adapted to prevent the movement of said manoeuvring body and to assume an unlocking position, obtained by action of said user, adapted to allow the movement of said manoeuvring body, wherein said security seal is interposed between said closing body and said manoeuvring body, said security seal comprising:

[0027] - at least one movable part provided with a grip area for a user and a first section of tear-off connection relative to said closing body;

[0028] - a constraint section for constraining said movable part relative to said closing body, said constraint section being adjacent to said first tear-off connection section.

[0029] Preferably, the first tear-off connection section comprises at least one connection tooth and / or a material thinning area.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment, the constraint section comprises at least one tooth and / or a material thinning area.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the manoeuvring body is actuatable by translation along a respective translation axis relative to the main body.

[0032] Preferably, the constraint section of the security seal extends along a direction that is parallel or transverse, and not orthogonal, relative to the translation axis.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, the closing body comprises a support surface defining a support point for the thumb of the user while actuating the manoeuvring body.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the security seal in the unlocking position remains below, or for the most part below, the support surface of the closing body. Preferably, the dispensing device further comprises restraining means for restraining said at least one movable part when the security seal assumes the unlocking position.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment, the restraining means comprise a hinge element defined at the constraint section, said hinge element being configured to have a snap-action operation to restrain the security seal in the unlocking position.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the restraining means comprise an element projecting from the manoeuvring body adapted to receive in abutment said at least one movable part when the security seal assumes the unlocking position.

[0037] Preferably, the restraining means comprise an element projecting from said at least one movable part adapted to come into abutment with the manoeuvring body when the security seal assumes the unlocking position.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment, the restraining means comprise an engagement element projecting from the main body adapted to engage and restrain said at least one movable part when the security seal assumes the unlocking position.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the manoeuvring body comprises one or more corresponding projecting portions defined by corresponding grip winglets.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment, the valve means comprise a membrane, preferably an elastic membrane, even more preferably a dome- shaped elastic membrane.

[0041] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Further advantages, objects and features, as well as embodiments of the present invention are defined in the claims and will be clarified hereinafter by means of the following description, in which reference is made to the accompanying drawing tables; in the drawings, corresponding or equivalent features and / or component parts of the present invention are identified by the same reference numerals. In particular, in the figures:

[0043] - figure 1 shows in axonometric view a preferred embodiment of the dispensing device of the invention and the dispensing system comprising it in a possible configuration suitable for its use in a bag-in-box solution;

[0044] - figure 2 shows the bag-in-box solution of figure 1 in a use condition;

[0045] - figure 3 shows the dispensing device of figure 1 or 2 isolated from the rest and with the security seal in the locking operating position; - figure 4 shows an exploded view of the dispensing device of figure 3;

[0046] - figure 5 shows the dispensing device of figure 3 with the security seal in the unlocking operating position;

[0047] - figure 6A shows an element of figure 3 isolated from the rest with the security seal in the locking operating position;

[0048] - figure 6B shows an element of figure 5 isolated from the rest with the security seal in the unlocking operating position;

[0049] - figure 7 A shows a rear view of the element of figure 6 A;

[0050] - figure 7B shows a rear view of the element of figure 6B;

[0051] - figure 8A shows a sectional view of the element of figure 7A;

[0052] - figure 8B shows a sectional view of the element of figure 7B;

[0053] - figure 9 shows the sectional view of the dispensing device of figure 3 in a first non-dispensing closed operating position;

[0054] - figure 10 shows the sectional view of the dispensing device of figure 3 in a second dispensing open operating position;

[0055] - figure 11 shows an embodiment variant of the dispensing device of figure 3 with the security seal in the locking operating position;

[0056] - figure 12 shows the dispensing device of figure 11 with the security seal in the unlocking operating position;

[0057] - figure 13 shows an embodiment variant of the dispensing device of figure 3 with the security seal in the locking operating position;

[0058] - figure 14 shows the dispensing device of figure 13 with the security seal in the unlocking operating position;

[0059] - figure 15 shows an embodiment variant of the dispensing device of figure 3 with the security seal in the locking operating position;

[0060] - figure 16 shows the dispensing device of figure 15 with the security seal in the unlocking operating position;

[0061] - figures 17 to 20 show respective embodiment variants of the dispensing device of figure 3 with the security seal in the unlocking operating position.

[0062] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0063] While particular embodiments of the present invention will be set forth in the following description relating to the figures, it is clear that the present invention is not limited to such particular embodiments but, rather, the particular embodiments described below clarify various aspects of the present invention, the scope and scope of which are defined by the claims.

[0064] The preferred embodiments of the invention described below find particular application in systems for dispensing an edible liquid product, for example wines, fruit juices, oils, water, milk, etc.

[0065] It is clear that the proposed solutions can also be applied to systems for other types of products, for example liquid soaps, shampoos, creams or household cleaning products, etc.

[0066] The product is preferably in liquid or fluid form but, in other cases, the product may consist of powders and / or solids, for example detergents in powder or micro granules.

[0067] A non-limiting embodiment example of a dispensing system subject-matter of the present invention comprising a flexible container is represented in figures 1 and 2.

[0068] In particular, the dispensing system, indicated as a whole with number 10, comprises a container 12 and a dispensing device 20, subject-matter of the present invention.

[0069] In figures 3 to 10 the dispensing device 20 subject-matter of the invention is shown isolated from the container 12.

[0070] With reference to figures 1 and 2, then, the dispensing system 10 is shown in a particular form thereof of use, known as a bag-in-box solution. For this solution, the dispensing system 10, typically of the disposable type, is preferably inserted inside a container 2, typically made of cardboard, which facilitates its use in terms of stability and / or facilitates its transport.

[0071] The container 2 is suitably provided with a hole 4 through which part of the dispensing device 20 protrudes.

[0072] The container 2 can preferably be provided with grip means, not shown, made for example directly on the cardboard or applied externally, for example handles.

[0073] It is clear that the dispensing system 10 can also be used independently, i.e. not inserted in any container 2, to create a so-called pouch system.

[0074] The container 12 is preferably of a flexible type and is adapted to deform / compress as the product is dispensed to the outside.

[0075] In a preferred embodiment, the container 12 is made of a metallized film for containing edible products. The material may be of a different type and preferably suitable for the type of product to be dispensed, for example a plastic material in the case of liquid soaps, shampoos, creams or household cleaning products.

[0076] The dispensing device 20 according to the invention represents a device adapted to be applied to the container 12 and adapted to be manually actuated by a user for dispensing the product.

[0077] Preferably, the dispensing device 20 according to the invention, hereinafter simply indicated with device 20, comprises an outlet mouth 22 and is configured to assume a first closing operating position, shown in figure 9, and at least a second position for dispensing the product, or open position and shown in figure 10.

[0078] The device 20 according to the invention preferably comprises a hollow main body 24 adapted to define a passage channel 26 to let the product to be dispensed.

[0079] The hollow main body 24 is provided with said outlet mouth 22 at the end final part of the passage channel 26, as shown in figure 10.

[0080] The main body 24 is preferably provided with connection means 28 for the connection of the main body 24, and of the device 20, to the container 12.

[0081] The connection means 28, according to the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, comprise an outer portion 30 of the main body 24 adapted to be inserted into a special opening 16 of the container 12 and at least one flange 31 adapted to come into abutment to the surface of the container 12. The connection is also facilitated by the use of an intermediate flange, not illustrated, which is fixed to the container 12, for example ultrasonically or hot welded.

[0082] Preferably, gluing means guarantee the secure connection of the main body 24 to the container 12.

[0083] The gluing means include, for example, the use of adhesive substances. Alternatively, the connection is obtained by thermal welding or ultrasonic welding.

[0084] The outer portion 30 preferably comprises ribs 30A.

[0085] The device 20 is then provided with valve means 32 accommodated in the main body 24 and positioned along said passage channel 26. The valve means 32 are configured to assume two closed and open operating positions to close and open the passage channel 26, as shown in the respective figures 9 and 10.

[0086] According to the preferred embodiment illustrated and described, the valve means 32 comprise an elastic membrane 34 capable of deforming to assume said two operating positions. The elastic membrane 34 preferably consists of a dome-shaped elastic membrane 34.

[0087] In embodiment variants, the valve means can be made in a different way.

[0088] The device 20 then comprises a manoeuvring body 36, which is movable relative to the main body 24, operatingly connected to the valve means 32. The manoeuvring body 36 is therefore in turn configured to assume two closed and open operating positions in order to act on the valve means 32 bringing them onto the respective closed and open operating positions.

[0089] The manoeuvring body 36 is actuatable by translation along a corresponding translation axis Y relative to the main body 24. In the mounted configuration of the device 20 to the container 12, the main body 24 and the manoeuvring body 36 are arranged in such a way that the translation axis Y substantially coincides with a vertical axis and the outlet mouth 22 of the main body 24 is in a lower position along said vertical axis favouring the outflow by fall of the liquid while it is dispensed.

[0090] The manoeuvring body 36 comprises a lower portion 38, preferably in the form of a pedicle, which fits in a corresponding seat 35 made in the inner area of the elastic membrane 34. In this way the elastic membrane 34 follows the movement of the manoeuvring body 36 during the opening and closing steps.

[0091] The manoeuvring body 36 comprises at least one projecting portion 36A, 36B. More preferably, the manoeuvring body 36 comprises two projecting portions 36 A, 36B defining corresponding grip winglets 36 A, 36B.

[0092] Advantageously, the grip winglets 36 A, 36B favour the operations for opening or closing the device 20 when the user must translate the manoeuvring body 36 relative to the main body 24, i.e. pull upwards the manoeuvring body 36 towards the opening operating position.

[0093] The shape of the projecting portions 36 A, 36B favours the gripping with the fingers by the user, for example with the index finger and the middle finger. In particular, preferably, the projecting portions 36 A, 36B define respective grip surfaces 36.1A, 36. IB that are substantially flat and perpendicular to the translation axis Y.

[0094] In embodiment variants, the number and / or the shape of portions projecting from the manoeuvring body may be different from what is shown in the figures, for example a single projecting portion that extends circumferentially to the manoeuvring body or three or more separate winglets. Finally, the device 20 comprises a closing body 40 that is fixed to the main body 24 and arranged above the manoeuvring body 36, considering the device 20 in the position of use.

[0095] The closing body 40 is preferably fixed to the main body 24 by ultrasonic welding. In embodiment variants, other fixing systems may be used, for example snap-action fixing systems, laser welding or gluing.

[0096] The closing body 40 has at the top a support surface 42 on which the thumb of the user advantageously rests when acting on the grip winglets 36 A, 36B during the opening step.

[0097] According to one aspect of the present invention the device 20 comprises a security seal 60 manually actuatable by the user.

[0098] The security seal 60, as known, guarantees the security on the opening of the device 20 until its first use by the user.

[0099] The security seal 60, hereinafter also simply indicated with the term seal 60, is therefore configured to assume a locking position adapted to prevent the movement of the manoeuvring body 36 and to assume an unlocking position, obtained by action of the user, adapted to allow the movement of the manoeuvring body 36.

[0100] The seal 60 according to the invention is interposed between the closing body 40 and the manoeuvring body 36.

[0101] The seal 60 preferably comprises at least one movable part 62A, 62B provided with a grip area 64A, 64B for the user and a first section 66A, 66B of tear-off connection relative to the closing body 40, better visible in figure 6A.

[0102] In the preferred embodiment illustrated and described with reference to figures 3 to 10, the seal 60 preferably comprises two movable parts 62A, 62B with respective grip areas 64A, 64B and respective sections 66A, 66B of tear-off connection relative to the closing body 40.

[0103] The two movable parts 62 A, 62B are partially joined together frontally along a tear-off interconnection section 63, as indicated in figure 6 A.

[0104] In preferred embodiment variants, however, it may be provided for a different number of movable parts, if at all even one, as shown for example in figures 11 to 16 in relation to embodiment variants of the invention described below.

[0105] According to one aspect of the present invention, the seal 60 further comprises a constraint section 70A, 70B for constraining the movable part 62A, 62B relative to the closing body 40, wherein the constraint section 70A, 70B is adjacent to the first tear-off connection section 66 A, 66B, as visible in figures 7 A, 7B, 8 A and 8B.

[0106] The seal 60 in its integral position, as shown in figures 3, 6A, 7A and 8A, guarantees that the manoeuvring body 36, with its grip winglets 36A, 36B remains locked.

[0107] Upon first use, the user grasps the grip area 64A, 64B of the seal 60 and by pulling he / she releases the movable part 62A, 62B from the closing body 40 by breaking the first connection section 66 A, 66B. The movable part 62A, 62B is advantageously moved up to a non-encumbrance position that allows the movement of the manoeuvring body 36, in particular the movement of the grip winglets 36A, 36B, as shown in figures 5, 6B, 7B and 8B.

[0108] Thanks to the presence of the constraint section 70 A, 70B, the movable part 62 A, 62B and the seal 60 in its entirety remain constrained to the closing body 40 and therefore to the device 20 itself.

[0109] Advantageously, the security seal 60 after its removal remains in any case constrained to the dispensing device 20 and is not dispersed into the environment, preferably allowing compliance with environmental directives.

[0110] The dispensing device 20, moreover, at the end of its life can be disposed of correctly with the seal 60 constrained to itself.

[0111] According to the preferred embodiment illustrated and described, the first tear- off connection section 66A, 66B comprises a plurality of connection teeth configured to break above a certain separation force between the movable part 62A, 62B and the closing body 40. Similarly, the tear-off interconnection section 63 of the two movable parts 62A, 62B comprises a plurality of teeth.

[0112] In preferred embodiment variants, however, it may be envisaged that the first tear-off connection section and / or the tear-off interconnection section are obtained by means of a material thinning area, as shown for example in figures 15 and 16 in relation to an embodiment variant of the invention described below. According to the preferred embodiment illustrated and described, the constraint section 70 A, 70B preferably comprises a material thinning area, as highlighted in the detail of figure 8A.

[0113] In preferred embodiment variants, however, it may be provided that the constraint section is obtained by means of one or more teeth.

[0114] Preferably, the constraint section 70A, 70B of the seal 60 extends along a direction that is parallel to the translation axis Y of the manoeuvring body 36. Advantageously, the movable part 62A, 62B of the seal 60 when it is brought into the unlocking position (figures 5, 6B, 7B and 8B) remains below the support surface 42 of the closing body 40 and therefore in a non-encumbrance position.

[0115] The movable part 62A, 62B of the seal 60 therefore does not interfere with subsequent actuations of the manoeuvring body 36.

[0116] In preferred embodiment variants, the constraint section of the seal may extend along a direction that is transverse, not orthogonal, relative to the translation axis of the manoeuvring body.

[0117] In a preferred embodiment, all parts of the dispensing device 20 are made of plastic, preferably by means of an injection moulding process, more preferably using materials of the same family, for example polyolefins.

[0118] Advantageously, the device is totally made of easily disposable materials.

[0119] Figures 11 and 12 show an embodiment variant of the dispensing device 120 of the invention that differs mainly from the previous embodiment in that the seal 160 comprises a single movable part 162A.

[0120] The component parts equivalent to the embodiment described above are identified by the same reference numerals. Likewise, the parts not visible and / or not described are preferably the same as those described above, such as for example the main body, the valve means, the manoeuvring body, the closing body, etc.

[0121] The movable part 162 A is provided with a grip area 164A for the user and a first section 166 A of tear-off connection relative to the closing body 40.

[0122] The seal 160 further comprises a constraint section 170 A for constraining the movable part 162A relative to the closing body 40, wherein the constraint section 170A is adjacent to the first tear-off connection section 166A.

[0123] According to this embodiment, the movable part 162A with the seal 160 in its intact position (figure 11) is interposed between the closing body 40 and the first grip winglet 36 A of the manoeuvring body 36.

[0124] In this intact position, the seal 160 guarantees that the manoeuvring body 36, with its grip winglets 36 A, 36B, remains locked by means of the only movable part 162A.

[0125] Upon first use, the user grasps the grip area 164A of the seal 160 and by pulling he / she releases the movable part 162A from the closing body 40 by breaking the first connection section 166 A. The movable part 162A is advantageously moved up to a non-encumbrance position that allows the movement of the manoeuvring body 36, in particular the movement of the grip winglets 36A, 36B.

[0126] The first tear-off connection section 166 A comprises a plurality of connection teeth configured to break above a certain separation force between the movable part 162A and the closing body 40.

[0127] The constraint section 170 A preferably comprises a material thinning area. Preferably, the constraint section 170A of the seal 160 extends along a direction that is parallel to the translation axis Y of the manoeuvring body 36.

[0128] This embodiment of the invention allows the same advantages of the embodiment described above to be achieved.

[0129] Figures 13 and 14 show an embodiment variant of the dispensing device 220 of the invention that differs from the embodiment described above with reference to figures 11 and 12 in that the single movable part 262A of the seal 260 is interposed between the closing body 40 and the two grip winglets 36A, 36B of the manoeuvring body 36 and is configured to lock both grip winglets 36A, 36B. The component parts equivalent to the embodiments described above are identified by the same reference numerals. Likewise, the parts not visible and / or not described are preferably the same as those described above, such as for example the main body, the valve means, the manoeuvring body, the closing body, etc.

[0130] The movable part 262A is provided with a grip area 264A for the user and a first section 266A of tear-off connection relative to the closing body 40.

[0131] The movable part 262A advantageously comprises a portion 263A that extends to lock the second grip winglet 36B.

[0132] The seal 260 further comprises a constraint section 270 A for constraining the movable part 262A relative to the closing body 40, wherein the constraint section 270A is adjacent to the first tear-off connection section 266A.

[0133] Upon first use, the user grasps the grip area 264A of the seal 260 and by pulling he / she releases the movable part 262A from the closing body 40 by breaking the first connection section 266A. The movable part 262A is advantageously moved up to a non-encumbrance position that allows the movement of the manoeuvring body 36, in particular the movement of the grip winglets 36A, 36B.

[0134] The first tear-off connection section 266A comprises a plurality of connection teeth configured to break above a certain separation force between the movable part 262A and the closing body 40.

[0135] In the illustrated embodiment, the teeth involve the first tear-off connection section 266A throughout its extension. In an embodiment variant, a portion of said first tear-off connection section 266A could be without teeth and therefore be free relative to the closing body 40 to facilitate its breakage (considering that the grip area 264 A is asymmetrical).

[0136] The constraint section 270 A preferably comprises a material thinning area.

[0137] Preferably, the constraint section 270A of the seal 260 extends along a direction that is parallel to the translation axis Y of the manoeuvring body 36.

[0138] This embodiment of the invention allows the same advantages of the embodiments described above to be achieved.

[0139] Figures 15 and 16 show an embodiment variant of the dispensing device 320 of the invention that differs from the embodiment described above with reference to figures 13 and 14 in that the first tear-off connection section 366A comprises a material thinning area configured to break above a certain separation force between the movable part 362A and the closing body 40, instead of a plurality of teeth.

[0140] The component parts equivalent to the embodiments described above are identified by the same reference numerals. Likewise, the parts not visible and / or not described are preferably the same as those described above, such as for example the main body, the valve means, the manoeuvring body, the closing body, etc.

[0141] The movable part 362 A is provided with a grip area 364 A for the user and a first section 366A of tear-off connection relative to the closing body 40.

[0142] The movable part 362A comprises a portion 363A that extends to lock the second grip winglet 36B.

[0143] The seal 360 further comprises a constraint section 370A for constraining the movable part 362A relative to the closing body 40, wherein the constraint section 370A is adjacent to the first tear-off connection section 366A.

[0144] Upon first use, the user grasps the grip area 364A of the seal 360 and by pulling he / she releases the movable part 362A from the closing body 40 by breaking the first connection section 366A. The movable part 362A is advantageously moved up to a non-encumbrance position that allows the movement of the manoeuvring body 36, in particular the movement of the grip winglets 36A, 36B.

[0145] The constraint section 370A preferably comprises a material thinning area. Preferably, the constraint section 370A of the seal 360 extends along a direction that is parallel to the translation axis Y of the manoeuvring body 36. This embodiment of the invention allows the same advantages of the embodiments described above to be achieved.

[0146] In a further advantageous aspect thereof, the dispensing device of the invention is provided with means for restraining the movable part, or movable parts if provided, when the security seal is arranged in its unlocking position.

[0147] With reference to figures 17 to 20, there are illustrated some implementing examples of such restraining means shown in a device in which the security seal has already been arranged in its unlocking position. The adoption of means for restraining the movable part when the security seal assumes the unlocking position entails a further guarantee that the movable part does not accidentally return towards the locking position or in any case to a position of encumbrance that prevents the subsequent movement of the grip winglets for the following dispensing operations.

[0148] The component parts equivalent to the embodiments described above are identified by the same reference numerals. Likewise, the parts not visible and / or not described are preferably the same as those described above, such as for example the main body, the valve means, the manoeuvring body, the closing body, etc.

[0149] Figure 17 shows an embodiment variant of the dispensing device 420 of the invention that differs from the embodiment described above with reference to figures 1 to 10 in that it also comprises restraining means 480 A for restraining the first movable part 62A of the seal 60 when the seal 60 assumes the unlocking position, i.e. the position shown in the figure.

[0150] The dispensing device 420 comprises similar restraining means also for restraining the second movable part 62B, not visible in the figure.

[0151] The restraining means 480A preferably comprises a hinge element 480A which advantageously maintains the first movable part 62A in the out-of-encumbrance unlocking position. The hinge element 480A is preferably defined at the constraint section 70A.

[0152] The hinge element 480A is advantageously configured to have a snap-action operation to restrain the seal 60 in the unlocking position.

[0153] Figure 18 shows another embodiment variant of the dispensing device 520 in which the restraining means 580 A for restraining the first movable part 62 A of the seal 60 when the seal 60 assumes the unlocking position comprise an element 580A projecting from the first grip winglet 36A, or pedicle 580A. The dispensing device 520 comprises similar restraining means also for restraining the second movable part 62B, not visible in the figure.

[0154] When the first movable part 62A of the seal is brought into the unlocking position indicated in the figure, the first movable part 62A climbs over the pedicle 580 A, favoured by the intrinsic elasticity of the first movable part 62 A and of the material with which the seal 60 is made, typically of plastic.

[0155] Any subsequent return of the first movable part 62A to an encumbrance position is then prevented by the pedicle 580 A on which the same first movable part 62 A of the seal 60 rests.

[0156] Figure 19 shows a further embodiment variant of the dispensing device 620 in which the restraining means 680A of the first movable part 62A of the seal 60 when the seal 60 assumes the unlocking position comprise an element 680A projecting from the first movable part 62A, or tooth 680A.

[0157] The dispensing device 620 comprises similar restraining means also for restraining the second movable part 62B, not visible in the figure.

[0158] When the first movable portion 62A of the seal is brought into the unlocking position shown in the figure, the tooth 680A and / or the first movable portion 62A deform slightly to climb over the first grip winglet 36 A.

[0159] Any subsequent return of the first movable part 62A to an encumbrance position is then prevented by the tooth 680A that comes into abutment against the first grip winglet 36 A.

[0160] Figure 20 shows an embodiment variant of the dispensing device 720 of the invention that differs from the embodiment described above with reference to figures 15 to 16 in that it also comprises restraining means 780 A for restraining the first movable part 362A of the seal 360 when the seal 360 assumes the unlocking position, i.e. the position shown in the figure.

[0161] The restraining means 780 A preferably comprise an engagement element 780 A obtained in the flange 31 of the main body 24. The engagement element 780A preferably comprises an element projecting from the flange 31 and L-shaped to define a hook 780A.

[0162] When the first movable part 362 A of the seal is brought into the unlocking position indicated in the figure, the first movable part 62A climbs over the hook 780 A, favoured by the intrinsic elasticity of the first movable part 62 A and of the material with which the seal 60 is made, typically of plastic. The hook 780 A advantageously engages and retains the first movable part 62A in the out-of- encumbrance unlocking position.

[0163] It is evident that the exemplary solutions of the restraining means described in association with a particular embodiment of the seal can be adopted indifferently and independently of the actual realization of the seal according to the inventive concept of the present invention.

[0164] It has therefore been demonstrated by means of the above detailed description of the embodiments of the device according to the present invention represented in the drawing tables, that the device according to the present invention allows to achieve the intended purposes. In particular, the device according to the present invention allows the realization of a dispensing device with security seal adhering to the current directives.

[0165] Although the present invention has been elucidated above by the detailed description of its embodiments shown in the drawing tables, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments represented in the drawing tables described above.

[0166] On the contrary, the object of the present invention is defined by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Dispensing device (20; 120; 220; 320; 420; 520; 620; 720) for a container (12), said device (20; 120; 220; 320; 420; 520; 620; 720) comprising:- a hollow main body (24) adapted to define a passage channel (26) and provided with an outlet mouth (22) to let a product to be dispensed out, said main body (24) comprising connection means (28) for the connection to said container (12);- valve means (32) accommodated in said main body (24) and positioned along said passage channel (26);- a manoeuvring body (36), that is movable relative to said main body (24), operatingly connected to said valve means (32), said manoeuvring body (36) being positionable in a first position for closing said device (20; 120; 220; 320; 420; 520; 620; 720) and in at least a second position for dispensing said product from said outlet mouth (22);- a closing body (40) that is fixed to said main body (24) and arranged above said manoeuvring body (36); characterised in that it comprises a security seal (60; 160; 260; 360) manually actuatable by a user, said security seal (60; 160; 260; 360) being configured to assume a locking position adapted to prevent the movement of said manoeuvring body (36) and to assume an unlocking position, obtained by the action of said user, adapted to allow the movement of said manoeuvring body (36), wherein said security seal (60; 160; 260; 360) is interposed between said closing body (40) and said manoeuvring body (36), said security seal (60; 160; 260; 360) comprising:- at least one movable part (62A, 62B; 162A; 262A; 362A) provided with a grip area (64A, 64B; 164A; 264A; 364 A) for a user and a first section (66A, 66B; 166A; 266A; 366A) of tear-off connection relative to said closing body (40);- a constraint section (70A, 70B; 170A; 270A; 370A) for constraining said movable part (62A, 62B; 162A; 262A; 362A) relative to said closing body (40), said constraint section (70A, 70B; 170A; 270A; 370A) being adjacent to said first section (66A, 66B; 166A; 266A; 366A) of tear-off connection.

2. Device (20; 120; 220; 320; 420; 520; 620; 720) according to claim 1, characterised in that said first section (66A, 66B; 166A; 266A; 366A) of tear- off connection comprises at least one connection tooth and / or a material thinning area.

3. Device (20; 120; 220; 320; 420; 520; 620; 720) according to any one of thepreceding claims, characterised in that said constraint section (70 A, 70B; 170A; 270A; 370A) comprises at least one tooth and / or a material thinning area.

4. Device (20; 120; 220; 320; 420; 520; 620; 720) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said manoeuvring body (36) is actuatable by translation along a respective translation axis (Y) relative to said main body (24).

5. Device (20; 120; 220; 320; 420; 520; 620; 720) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said constraint section (70 A, 70B; 170A; 270A; 370A) of said security seal (60; 160; 260; 360) extends along a direction that is parallel or transverse, and not orthogonal, relative to said translation axis (Y).

6. Device (20; 120; 220; 320; 420; 520; 620; 720) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said closing body (40) comprises a support surface (42) defining a support point for the thumb of the user while actuating said manoeuvring body (36).

7. Device (20; 120; 220; 320; 420; 520; 620; 720) according to claim 6, characterised in that said security seal (60; 160; 260; 360) in said unlocking position remains below, or for the most part below, said support surface (42) of said closing body (40).

8. Device (420; 520; 620; 720) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it further comprises restraining means (480A; 580A; 680A; 780A) for restraining said at least one movable part (62A, 62B; 362A) when said security seal (60; 360) assumes said unlocking position.

9. Device (420) according to claim 8, characterised in that said restraining means (480A) comprise a hinge element (480A) defined at said constraint section (70A, 70B), said hinge element (480A) being configured to have a snap-action operation to restrain said security seal (60) in said unlocking position.

10. Device (520) according to claim 8, characterised in that said restraining means (580 A) comprise an element (580 A) projecting from said manoeuvring body (36) adapted to receive in abutment said at least one movable part (62 A, 62B) when said security seal (60) assumes said unlocking position.

11. Device (620) according to claim 8, characterised in that said restraining means (680A) comprise an element (680A) projecting from said at least one movable part (62A, 62B) adapted to come into abutment with said manoeuvring body (36) when said security seal (60) assumes said unlocking position.

12. Device (720) according to claim 8, characterised in that said restraining means (780A) comprise an engagement element (780A) projecting from said main body (24) adapted to engage and restrain said at least one movable part (362A) when said security seal (360) assumes said unlocking position.

13. Device (20; 120; 220; 320; 420; 520; 620; 720) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said manoeuvring body (36) comprises one or more projecting portions (36A; 36B) defining corresponding grip winglets.

14. Device (20; 120; 220; 320; 420; 520; 620; 720) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said valve means (32) comprise a membrane (34), preferably an elastic membrane (34), even more preferably a dome-shaped elastic membrane (34).

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