Dispenser for dispensing a fluid with a safety clip

Abstract

Described is a dispenser (1) for dispensing a fluid contained in a bottle, made of recyclable plastic material, comprising a ring nut (9) for fixing to the bottle, a suction and pumping apparatus (2) for drawing a fluid from the bottle through a suction pipe (3), a dispensing head (50) which can be pressed by a user to operate the dispenser (1) and allow the outflow of liquid through an outlet spout (52) and elastic means for returning the dispenser (1) to a rest condition in which the dispensing head (50) is raised The dispenser (1) also comprises a safety clip (100) interposed between the ring nut (9) and the dispensing head (50) in a configuration of supply of the dispenser (1). The dispenser (1) comprises mutual anchoring means (201a, 201b, 202a, 202b) operating between the safety clip (100) and the dispensing head (50) and configured for snap-on locking of the safety clip (100) in the supply configuration and preventing an easy removal.

Description

[0001] DISPENSER FOR DISPENSING A FLUID WITH A SAFETY CLIP

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] This invention relates to a dispenser for dispensing a fluid, that is to say, a dispensing device applicable to the neck of a bottle in order to dispense the fluid contained in the bottle. This invention also relates to a safety clip for the above- mentioned type of dispenser.

[0004] As is known, dispensers are commonly used for dispensing liquid, such as, for example soap (or other products not explicitly mentioned below). The liquid is contained in a bottle with which the dispenser is associated by means of suitable connecting means.

[0005] As is known in the sector relative to this invention, there is a strongly -felt need to find specific solutions to avoid damage to the dispensers during their transport, and above all to preserve the integrity of the contents of the bottle.

[0006] In particular, in the sector relevant to this invention, the production of dispensers is known supplied with the dispenser button in a raised position (rest), which are often also provided with a mechanism, which can be operated by rotating the button, which makes it possible to block the dispenser in this position, avoiding an unexpected actuation which could favour an accidental escape of product; the dispensers are defined as the up-locking type (closing in the high position).

[0007] Alternatively, dispensers may be supplied with the dispenser button in the end of stroke position, which are also provided with a locking mechanism that can be operated also in this case by rotating the dispenser button; these dispensers are indicated with the term down-locking. The latter therefore require a combination of actuation and rotation of the dispensing head to activate the closing mechanism.

[0008] Down-locking type dispensers tend to be more robust and less exposed to damage (since the dispensing head is at least partly retracted relative to the ring nut of the dispenser, in the locked position) but require a “disposable” actuator. For this reason, end users prefer to purchase up-locking type dispensers. In the sector relating to this invention, there is therefore a strongly felt need to strengthen the dispensers, especially those of the up-locking type.

[0009] The use is known, for example, of safety clips interposed between the dispensing head and the ring nut so as to be interfering with the dispensing head, blocking it in the raised position. These safety clips can be applied both in addition to the locking mechanism, to strengthen the dispenser with respect to unexpected mechanical stresses (impacts, pressures from superposed loads, etc.), and in place of it.

[0010] Structurally, the safety clip typically has a sleeve body with a C-shaped crosssection, configured to enclose, in use, at least partly the central portion of the dispensing head. More specifically, the safety clip has an upper contact surface, configured to make contact against a lower shoulder of the dispensing head, and a lower contact surface configured to make contact with an upper shoulder of the ring nut.

[0011] The Applicant believes that, although they can be easily operated, the system described above has some drawbacks of a structural and functional nature which render it improvable.

[0012] The Applicant has in fact observed that the safety clips are subject to accidental disassembly due to the effect of considerable transport stresses, such as, for example, those which can occur especially during shipments, in particular e- commerce.

[0013] The Applicant has also observed that the safety clips are not able to guarantee evidence of tampering and / or pre-use of the dispensers.

[0014] In this context, the technical purpose of the invention is therefore to provide a dispenser for dispensing a fluid and a safety clip for the above-mentioned type of dispenser which are free of the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0015] The aim of the invention is therefore to provide a dispenser for dispensing a fluid and a safety clip for the above-mentioned type of dispenser which guarantee a structural protection, especially of the dispensing head, during transport. A further aim of the invention is to provide a dispenser for dispensing a fluid and a safety clip for the above-mentioned type of dispenser which guarantee the checking for non-tampering.

[0016] The technical purpose indicated and the aims specified are substantially achieved by a dispenser as claimed in the independent claim 1 and / or in one of the claims dependent thereon.

[0017] Features and advantages of the invention are more apparent in the non-limiting description which follows of a dispenser according to the invention and a safety clip for the above-mentioned type of dispenser.

[0018] This description is set out below with reference to the accompanying drawings which are provided solely for illustrative and therefore non-limiting purposes, in which:

[0019] - Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a dispenser in a supply configuration, according to the invention;

[0020] - Figure 2 shows a lateral cross section view of the embodiment of the dispenser of Figure 1;

[0021] - Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a component of the dispenser of Figure 1;

[0022] - Figures 4A-4C show respective perspective views of a preferred embodiment of a further component of the dispenser of Figure 1;

[0023] - Figures 5A-5B show two possible embodiments of the component of Figures 4A-4C;

[0024] - Figure 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the component of Figures 4A- 4C.

[0025] In the accompanying drawings, the numeral 1 denotes a dispenser for dispensing a fluid, made of plastic material.

[0026] In accordance with the generality of the invention, the term “dispenser” is used to indicate a generic dispenser for dispensing fluid, applicable to a bottle. The dispenser 1 may be of the type, without distinction, which comprises or which does not comprise a mechanism for locking the dispensing head.

[0027] For the sole purpose of an example (and without limiting the scope of the invention), a dispenser 1 of the up-locking type is described below. However, it should be noted that the inventive concept which forms the basis of this patent application can be extended to any type of dispenser.

[0028] The dispenser 1 is made of plastic material in such a way as to simplify the recycling. Preferably, the dispenser 1 is made of a plastic material belonging to the family of polyolefins or of a compostable plastic material.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the dispenser 1 comprises a suction and pumping apparatus 2, which can be inserted in a bottle and configured for drawing a fluid from the bottle through a suction pipe 3 connected below to the suction and pumping apparatus 2.

[0030] In other words, the suction and pumping apparatus 2 is responsible both for sucking the fluid from the bottle and for pumping it towards the outside.

[0031] The suction and pumping apparatus 2 is known in the prior art and can be designed and made in different ways, in accordance with the generality of the invention.

[0032] The dispenser 1 comprises a ring nut 9 connected or connectable to the neck of the bottle and associated with the suction and pumping apparatus 2. The ring nut 9 is configured for securely connecting the suction and pumping apparatus 2 to the bottle.

[0033] The dispenser 1 comprises a dispensing head 50, slidably coupled to the ring nut 9. The dispensing head 50 comprises a central portion 51 connected to an upper portion of said suction and pumping apparatus 2 to control the actuation and a dispensing spout 52 suitable for dispensing the fluid contained in the bottle, when the dispensing head 50 is pressed by a user between a raised position and a lowered position.

[0034] The suction and pumping apparatus 2 comprising elastic means 11 for returning the dispenser 1 to a rest condition in which the dispensing head 50 is raised.

[0035] A preferred, non-limiting example embodiment of the dispenser 1 is described below. Obviously, the embodiment of the dispenser 1 described is only one of the possible embodiments. Moreover, the specific structure and the optional components described are substantially only a possible embodiment of the dispenser 1. The dispenser 1 according to the invention is an alternative volumetric pump consisting of a cylindrical and hollow containment body 20 which can be inserted in a bottle, which is not illustrated.

[0036] The containment body 20 comprises at the bottom an orifice for sucking fluid from the bottle and a ball inlet valve 4.

[0037] The dispenser 1 comprises an intake pipe 3 connected below to the containment body 20.

[0038] The dispenser 1 comprises a ring nut 9 connected or connectable to the neck of the bottle and associated with the containment body 20. More specifically, the ring nut 9 is provided with a thread or undercut for coupling or any type of solution for connection to the bottle.

[0039] The containment body 20 has at the bottom a tubular protrusion for coupling the suction pipe 3 and a housing for the ball, which acts as an inlet valve 4, with retention protrusions 15 which have the function of retaining the ball inlet valve 4 in its area of operation. The ball inlet valve 4 raises allowing the inlet of the liquid and returns to the sealing position preventing the opposite flow.

[0040] The dispenser 1 comprises, above the ball inlet valve 4, a dosing chamber 10 defined in a central portion of the containment body 20.

[0041] Preferably, but without limiting the scope of the invention, the containment body 20 has a compensation hole 34 configured to define an air compensation path.

[0042] The dispenser 1 also comprises a sliding piston 6 which limits the top the dosing chamber 10.

[0043] The piston 6 is slidable inside the containment body 20 between a raised position and a lowered position.

[0044] The piston 6 is coupled to a hollow stem 5, on which it can slide only to a limited extent, locked at the bottom by a tip 7, which is in turn attached at the bottom to the hollow stem 5 by means of a system of undercuts.

[0045] More specifically, the dispenser 1 comprises a hollow stem 5 axially slidable inside the containment body 20 and having a flange which delimits an upper portion of it. The tip 7 is located below the hollow stem 5, and is provided with a system of undercuts and also a conical surface and a base flange which is sufficiently large to ensure a stable positioning during the assembly.

[0046] The tip 7 is configured for transferring through a relative cavity 23 the product to be dispensed present inside the dosing chamber 10.

[0047] The sliding of the piston 6 on the hollow stem 5 allows the cavity 23 of the tip 7 to be opened, thus creating a delivery valve which opens when the piston 6 and the hollow stem 5 slide downwards (reducing the volume of the dosing chamber 10 and compressing the liquid) and closes during the upstroke (expanding the volume of the dosing chamber 10).

[0048] More in detail, during the dosing stroke, the hollow stem 5 moves downwards relative to the piston 6 opening the cavity 23 of the tip 7 and putting in fluid communication the dosing chamber 10 and the inner channel of the hollow stem 5, whilst during the suction stroke, upwards, the piston 6 moves down closing the cavity 23 of the tip 7 and preventing the liquid from flowing backwards.

[0049] The piston 6 is substantially annular in shape with an inner cylindrical portion which is positioned around the hollow stem 5 and the tip 7, an outer circumferential lip which seals against the inner walls of the containment body 20, and a flange which connects the inner cylindrical portion with the outer circumferential lip.

[0050] Lastly, the piston 6 comprises a shoulder which performs the dual function of sealing the top of the tip 7 during the suction and limiting the stroke of the piston 6 relative to the hollow stem 5, during the actuation.

[0051] The hollow stem 5 is connected at the top to a dispensing head 50 by means of a system of undercuts provided with anti -rotation ribs.

[0052] The dispensing head 50 is illustrated by way of example in Figure 3.

[0053] The dispensing head 50 of the dispenser 1 has a central portion 51 connected to an upper portion of the hollow stem 5 for controlling the actuation of the piston 6. The central portion 51 has a substantially tubular shape. The dispensing head 50 also has a dispensing spout 52 suitable for dispensing the fluid contained in the bottle. The dispensing spout 52 protrudes radially away from the central portion 51.

[0054] The dispensing head 50 preferably has a shoulder 53. Preferably, the shoulder 53 extends radially away at least partly around the central portion 51 of the dispensing head 50.

[0055] The lower surface 52a of the dispensing spout 52 and the lower surface 53 a of the shoulder 53 define together a lower surface 54 of the dispensing head 50, as will be described in more detail below.

[0056] The dispensing head 50 can be pressed by a user between a raised position and a lowered position.

[0057] The dispenser 1 also comprises a retaining ring 14 integral with the containment body 20 and inserted therein for housing and guiding the hollow stem 5 in the relative stroke inside the containment body 20.

[0058] The retaining ring 14, coupled inside the containment body 20 through a system of undercuts 31 and suitable anti -rotation ribs 18 present on the containment body 20, closes the top of the containment body 20, leaving a passage hole through which the hollow stem 5 slides.

[0059] Above the seat in which the retaining ring 14 engages, the containment body 20 has a flange 19 which rests on the neck of the bottle by means of a sealing gasket 8, and to which the ring nut 9 is coupled.

[0060] According to a possible embodiment, the retaining ring 14 defines a non-operating closed or stop position, wherein the dispensing head 50 of the dispenser cannot be actuated, and an operating position wherein the dispensing head 50, and with it all the slidable elements, can move from a raised position to a lowered end of stroke position.

[0061] The retaining ring 14 is provided with extensions in the shape of an arc 32 which, together with ribs positioned on the dispensing head 50, form the stop system, according to a type of prior art not described in detail because it is not significant for the purposes of this invention. Between the retaining ring 14 and the flange of the hollow stem there is a return spring 11 which is designed to return the dispenser 1 to the raised position.

[0062] The containment body 20, together with the retaining ring 14, the return spring 11, the hollow stem 5, the tip 7, the piston 6 and the ball 4, constitute, in short, a suction and pumping apparatus or module to which the dispensing head 50 is connected, which allows the actuation, the ring nut 9 and the gasket 8, which allow the connection to the bottle, and the suction pipe 3 which allows the suction of the product contained in the bottle from the bottom of the bottle.

[0063] Obviously, the embodiment of the dispenser 1 described above is only one of the possible embodiments. In particular, according to alternative embodiments, the dispenser 1 may not comprise at all a locking mechanism. Moreover, the specific structure and the optional components described are substantially only a possible embodiment of the dispenser 1.

[0064] The dispenser 1, in a dispensing configuration of the dispenser 1, comprises a safety clip 100 interposed between the dispensing head 50 and the ring nut 9 so as to interfere with the dispensing head 50 in such a way as to lock it in the raised position.

[0065] The expression “supply configuration" means a condition of pre-use of the dispenser 1. Preferably, the expression “supply configuration” means that the dispenser 1 is in a configuration prepared and suitable for being distributed or supplied to the buyers or to the end users. This configuration is designed not only to guarantee the integrity of the product during transport and shipment, but also to guarantee that the liquid contained in the bottle does not escape, if the dispenser 1 is already connected to the latter.

[0066] Structurally, the safety clip 100 has a sleeve body 101 with a transversal crosssection substantially in the shape of a “C”, configured to enclose, in use, at least partly the central portion 51 of the dispensing head 50. The sleeve body 101 has an opening 103 suitable for allowing the application of the safety clip 100 on the dispensing head 50.

[0067] Advantageously, the safety clip 100 is elastically deformable so as to facilitate the application on the central portion 51 of the dispensing head 50. In other words, during application, the sleeve body 101 deforms elastically (becoming wider) in such a way as to receive the central portion 51 of the dispensing head 50 and, subsequently, returns to the original configuration, enclosing at least partly the central portion 51 of the dispensing head 50. Preferably, the sleeve body 101 is substantially shaped to match the central portion 51 of the dispensing head 50.

[0068] Advantageously, in fact, the safety clip is made of the above-mentioned plastic material.

[0069] The sleeve body 101 has an upper contact surface 104, configured for making contact with the above-mentioned lower surface 54 of the dispensing head 50 (defined by the dispensing spout 52 and, preferably, by the shoulder 53), and a lower contact surface 105, opposite the upper contact surface 104 and configured for making contact with an upper shoulder of the ring nut 9.

[0070] Preferably, the sleeve body 101 of the safety clip 100 has a protruding portion 102, extending radially away from the sleeve body 101 and at least partly shaped to match the lower surface 52a of the dispensing spout 52: in use, the protruding portion 102 is in contact with the dispensing spout 52.

[0071] According to an aspect of the invention, the dispensing head 50 and the safety clip 100 have respective mutual anchoring means 201a, 201b, 202a, 202b configured to prevent a reciprocal movement between the dispensing head 50 and the safety clip 100. Advantageously, the mutual anchoring means 201a, 201b, 202a, 202b allow the safety clip 100 to be locked on the dispensing head 50, so as to prevent a reciprocal movement of the two elements and, especially, the removal of the safety clip 100.

[0072] In other words, the expression “reciprocal movement” means both a removal of the safety clip 100 from the dispensing head 50 and a rotation of the safety clip 100 relative to the dispensing head 50. Also, as is clear from this description, the term “prevent” means that the mutual anchoring means 201a, 201b, 202a, 202b are configured to oppose and prevent an accidental movement of the safety clip 100 relative to the dispensing head 50. It is understood, obviously, that the mutual anchoring means 201a, 201b, 202a, 202b are configured so they can be tampered with by a user following a voluntary movement of the safety clip 100 relative to the dispensing head 50.

[0073] This feature is particularly advantageous if the sleeve body 101 of the safety clip 100 has a protruding portion 102, at least partly shaped to match the dispensing spout 52 and configured to be positioned below the dispensing spout 52 so as to offer a support for it. Advantageously, in this way, the safety clip 100 (and in particular the protruding portion 102) reduce the risk of accidental damage to the dispensing head 50 (and, in particular, to the dispensing spout 52).

[0074] Moreover, advantageously, the mutual anchoring means 201a, 201b, 202a, 202b considerably reduce or eliminate possible accidental detachments of the safety clip 100 from the dispensing head 50.

[0075] In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the mutual anchoring means 201a, 201b, 202a, 202b are of the type with rapid coupling. In other words, the mutual anchoring means 201a, 201b, 202a, 202b determine a locking between the dispensing head 50 and the safety clip 100.

[0076] Preferably, the mutual anchoring means 201a, 201b, 202a, 202b are of the snap-on type.

[0077] The expression “rapid coupling” means any type of connection designed to be connected or disconnected quickly, without the need to use special tools or perform many complex operations.

[0078] Moreover, the expression “snap-on” refers specifically to a type of rapid coupling which involves a snap-on closing mechanism. In a snap-on coupling, the components are joined quickly and securely thanks to a mechanism that generates a sound or tactile sensation when the connection has been successfully completed. Typically, a component has protuberances or tabs which slot into corresponding seats on the other component with a snap-on movement.

[0079] According to this embodiment, the mutual anchoring means 201a, 201b, 202a, 202b comprise at least one male element 201a, 202a, formed on the safety clip 100, and at least one respective female element 201b, 202b, formed on the dispensing head 50. Preferably, the at least one male element 201a, 202a is formed on the upper contact surface 104 of the sleeve body 101 whilst the at least one female element 201b, 202b is formed on the lower surface 54 of the dispensing head 50.

[0080] According to one aspect, the mutual anchoring means 201a, 201b, 202a, 202b may be configured to be damaged following a first detachment of the safety clip 100 from the dispensing head 50.

[0081] Advantageously, this feature allows the user to check that the dispenser 1 has not been previously used.

[0082] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the at least one male element 201a, 202a is an elastically deformable tab 205 whilst the at least one female element 201b, 202b is a respective receiving seat 206, at least partly shaped to match the respective tab 205.

[0083] Figures 4A-4C illustrate a preferred, non-limiting embodiment of the safety clip 100. Figures 5A and 5B show two possible embodiments of the corresponding tabs.

[0084] Preferably, the tabs 205 may have an engagement head 207 configured to facilitate the engagement of the tab 205 in the respective receiving seat 206 in accordance with a movement of the tab 205 along an engagement direction “D” and configured to prevent or simply adjust the disengagement of the tab 205 from the respective receiving seat 206 in accordance with a movement of the tab 205 along a disengagement direction, opposite to the engagement direction “D”.

[0085] More specifically, the engagement head 207 of the tab 205 may have a locking ramp configured to facilitate the insertion of the tab 205 in the respective receiving seat 206 and configured to come into contact with a shoulder of the receiving seat 206 so as to prevent accidental uncoupling, as illustrated in Figure 5B.

[0086] Alternatively, as illustrated in Figure 5A, the engagement head 207 of the tab 205 comprises a rounded lock ramp so that the uncoupling of the tab 205 from the respective receiving seat 206 during the step of voluntary detachment of the safety clip 100 of the dispensing head 50 can be achieved using the elastic deformation of the tab 205 without causing the breakage. Preferably, the engagement head 207 is configured asymmetrically, to facilitate the insertion in the respective receiving seat 206 in accordance with a movement of the tab along an engagement direction “D”, and prevent the disengagement from the respective receiving seat 206 in accordance with a movement of the tab along a disengagement direction, opposite to the engagement direction “D”.

[0087] Preferably, moreover, at least the insertion of the tab 205 in the respective receiving seat 206 is facilitated by an elastic deformation of the tab.

[0088] According to this embodiment, the tabs 205 extend substantially parallel to the engagement direction “D”. In other words, the tabs 205 extend substantially parallel to a plane parallel to the engagement direction “D”.

[0089] As shown in Figures 5A, 5B, the tabs 205 have lines of weakness configured to favour the insertion of the tab 205 in the respective receiving seat 206 and, if necessary, to promote the breaking of the tab 205 during a step of voluntary detachment of the safety clip 100 from the dispensing head 50, at least in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5B, wherein the engagement head 207 of the tab 205 comprises a lock ramp defining a guide to facilitate the coupling and a step to prevent the uncoupling.

[0090] Preferably, irrespective of the number of tabs 205 present, they are positioned and / or oriented in such a way as to have the direction of engagement “D” substantially parallel to a direction of application “A” of the safety clip 100 on the dispensing head 50.

[0091] Advantageously, in this way, during the application of the safety clip 100 on the dispensing head 50, the coupling between the mutual anchoring means 201a, 201b, 202a, 202b occurs substantially simultaneously and automatically.

[0092] Figure 6 shows a further embodiment of the tabs 205. This embodiment operates in a substantially identical manner to the tabs 205 of the embodiment of Figures 4A-4C. However, it differs from the previous embodiment in that the tab 205 extends substantially transversally to the engagement direction “D”.

[0093] Preferably, the mutual anchoring means 201a, 201b, 202a, 202b comprise a first tab 201a formed on the protruding portion 102 and a respective first receiving seat 201b formed on the lower surface 52a of the dispensing spout 52. According to one aspect, the sleeve body 101 has a secondary protruding portion 208, extending radially away from the sleeve body 101 in a portion angularly opposite the protruding portion 102. Preferably, the mutual anchoring means 201a, 201b, 202a, 202b comprise a second tab 202a formed on the secondary protruding portion 208 and a respective second receiving seat 202b formed on the lower surface 54 of the dispensing head 50, in particular on the lower surface 53a of the shoulder 53, in a position such as to be, in use, facing the second tab 202a. According to alternative embodiments, the mutual anchoring means 201a, 201b, 202a, 202b may comprise further tabs and further respective receiving seats.

[0094] According to one aspect, the sleeve body 101 has a gripping portion 209, extending radially away from the sleeve body 101.

[0095] Preferably, the gripping portion 209 extends radially away from the sleeve body 101 in a portion angularly opposite the opening 103 of the sleeve body 101 so that during application of the safety clip 100 on the dispensing head 50, the application direction “A” is substantially parallel to a straight line passing through the gripping portion 209 and the main opening 103. Advantageously, this feature makes it possible to grip the gripping portion 209 and push the safety clip 100 on the central portion 51 of the dispensing head 50.

[0096] Preferably, the gripping portion 209 is particularly advantageous in cases in which the safety clip 100 is applied to the dispensing head 50 automatically, using a dedicated machine.

[0097] This invention also relates to the safety clip 100 for the dispenser 1.

[0098] According to one aspect, the dispenser 1 may also have auxiliary mutual anchoring means (not illustrated) formed on the lower surface 105 of the safety clip 100 and on the upper shoulder 9a of the ring nut 9. Preferably, the lower surface 105 of the safety clip 100 has male elements whilst the upper shoulder 9a of the ring nut has female elements mutually shaped to match the male elements made on the lower surface 105 of the safety clip 100.

[0099] Advantageously, this feature further improves the stability of the safety clip 100. The invention achieves the above-mentioned aims, eliminating the drawbacks highlighted in the prior art. In this regard, it should be noted firstly that the mutual anchoring means 201a, 201b, 202a, 202b as claimed and / or described allow the safety clip 100 to be stabilised on the dispensing head 50, so as to prevent a reciprocal movement of the two elements.

[0100] This feature is particularly advantageous if the sleeve body 101 of the safety clip 100 has a protruding portion 102, at least partly shaped to match the dispensing spout 52 and configured to be positioned below the dispensing spout 52 so as to offer a support for it. Advantageously, in this way, the safety clip 100 (and in particular the protruding portion 102) reduce the risk of accidental damage to the dispensing head 50 (and, in particular, to the dispensing spout 52).

[0101] Moreover, advantageously, the mutual anchoring means 201a, 201b, 202a, 202b considerably reduce or eliminate possible accidental detachments of the safety clip 100 from the dispensing head 50.

[0102] Moreover, advantageously, the mutual anchoring means 201a, 201b, 202a, 202b, if configured to be irreversibly damaged at the first detachment of the safety clip 100 from the dispensing head 50, allow the end user to check whether the dispenser 1 has been used previously.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A dispenser (1) for dispensing a fluid, made of plastic material, comprising:- a suction and pumping apparatus (2), which can be inserted in a bottle and configured for drawing a fluid from said bottle through a suction pipe (3) connected below said suction and pumping apparatus (2);- a ring nut (9) connected or connectable to the neck of said bottle, associated with said suction and pumping apparatus (2) and configured for securely connecting said suction and pumping apparatus (2) to said bottle; a dispensing head (50), slidably coupled to said ring nut (9), comprising a central portion (51) connected to an upper portion of said suction and pumping apparatus (2) to control the actuation and a dispensing spout (52) designed to dispense said fluid contained in said bottle, when said dispensing head (50) is pressed by a user between a raised position and a lowered position; said suction and pumping apparatus (2) comprising elastic means for returning the dispenser (1) to a rest condition in which the dispensing head (50) is raised; said dispenser (1) also comprising, in a configuration for supplying said dispenser (1), a safety clip (100) interposed between said dispensing head (50) and said ring nut (9) so as to interfere with said dispensing head (50) locking it in said raised position; said safety clip (100) having a sleeve body (101) configured to enclose, in use, at least partly the central portion (51) of the dispensing head (50); said sleeve body (101) having a transversal cross-section substantially in the shape of a “C” and an opening (103) designed to allow the application of the safety clip (100) on the dispensing head (50); said sleeve body (101) having an upper contact surface (104), configured for making contact against a lower surface (54) of said dispensing head (50), and a lower contact surface (105) configured for making contact with an upper shoulder (9a) of said ring nut (9); characterised in that at least said dispensing head (50) and said safety clip (100) have respective mutual anchoring means (201a, 201b, 202a, 202b) configured to prevent a reciprocal movement of said safety clip (100) relative to said dispensing head (50).

2. The dispenser (1) according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve body (101) of the safety clip (100) has a protruding portion (102), extending radially away from said sleeve body and at least partly shaped to match a lower surface of the dispensing spout; in use, said protruding portion being in contact with said dispensing spout.

3. The dispenser (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said mutual anchoring means (201a, 201b, 202a, 202b) are of the quick coupling type, preferably of the snap-on type.

4. The dispenser (1) according to claim 3, wherein said mutual anchoring means (201a, 201b, 202a, 202b) comprise at least one male element (201a, 202a), formed on said safety clip (100), and at least one respective female element (201b, 202b), formed on the dispensing head (50); preferably, said at least one male element (201a, 202a) is formed on the upper contact surface (104) of the safety clip (100) whilst said at least one female element (201b, 202b) is formed on the lower surface (54) of said dispensing head (50).

5. The dispenser (1) according to claim 4, wherein said at least one male element (201a, 202a) is an elastically deformable tab (205) comprising an engagement head (207), and wherein said at least one female element (201b, 202b) comprises a respective receiving seat (206), at least partly shaped to match said engagement head (207).

6. The dispenser (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said mutual anchoring means (201a, 201b, 202a, 202b) are configured to be damaged following a first detachment of said safety clip (100) from said dispensing head (50).

7. The dispenser (1) according to claim 6 when it depends on claim 4 or 5, wherein said male element (201a, 202a) has lines of weakness configured topromote said damage.

8. The dispenser (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein said tabs (205) are positioned and / or oriented in such a way as to have a direction of engagement (D) substantially parallel to a direction of application (A) of the safety clip (100) on the dispensing head (50).

9. The dispenser (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein said engagement head (207) is configured asymmetrically, to facilitate the insertion in the respective receiving seat (206) in accordance with a movement of the tab along an engagement direction (D), and prevent the disengagement from the respective receiving seat (206) in accordance with a movement of the tab along a disengagement direction, opposite to the engagement direction (D).

10. The dispenser (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 9 when dependent on claim 2, comprising a first tab (201a) made on the protruding portion (102) and a respective first receiving seat (201b) made on a lower surface (52a) of the dispensing spout (52).

11. The dispenser (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the sleeve body (1) has a secondary protruding portion (208), extending radially away from the sleeve body (101) in a portion angularly opposite said protruding portion (102); preferably, said dispenser (1) comprising a second tab (202a) formed on said secondary protruding portion (208) and a respective second receiving seat (202b) formed on the lower surface (54) of said dispensing head (50) in a position such as to be, in use, facing said second tab (202a).

12. The dispenser (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said sleeve body (101) has a gripping portion (209), extending radially away from said sleeve body (101), preferably in a portion angularly opposite said opening (103)so that during application of the safety clip (100) on the dispensing head (50), the application direction (A) is substantially parallel to a straight line passing through said gripping portion (209) and said main opening (103).

13. The dispenser (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising mutual auxiliary anchoring means made on said lower surface (105) of the safety clip (100) and on said upper shoulder (9a) of the ring nut (9); preferably, said lower surface (105) of the safety clip (100) having male elements whilst said upper shoulder (9a) of the ring nut (9) has female elements mutually shaped to match the male elements made on the lower surface (105) of the safety clip (100).

14. A safety clip (100) for a dispenser (1) for dispensing a fluid, according to any one of the preceding claims.

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