Universal plastic dispensing tap with automatic closure for connection systems

Abstract

Universal dispensing tap (1) in plastic material equipped with automatic closure for connection systems is described, which comprises: a spout (6); an internal body (3) equipped internally with rib geometries; an internal valve stem (4) equipped with one or more elongated elements (4.4); an elastic dome element (5) for sealing the tap (1) by cooperating between an external ring geometry (5.4) on conical surface (3.5) of the internal body (3); and a protective cap (2) having the task of protecting and covering the internal elements of the tap (1).

Description

[0001] UNIVERSAL PLASTIC DISPENSING TAP WITH AUTOMATIC

[0002] CLOSURE FOR CONNECTION SYSTEMS

[0003] The present invention relates to a tap for dispensing liquids from containers , in particular containers of the so-called "Bag- In-Box" (hereinafter referred to as BIBs ) type .

[0004] In particular, the invention relates to a dispensing tap made entirely of plastic material , adaptable to existing connection systems on the market , equipped with automatic closure by means o f an elastic element , preferably dome-shaped, which also has the obj ect , in coupling with a main body, of carrying out the main seal of the tap and of minimi zing the quantity of air that enters the BIB after filling, minimi zing the oxidation of the product contained inside the bag, as well as of facilitating the complete emptying of the BIB bag due to its dome-shaped geometry .

[0005] In particular, the inventive tap can be considered an application of the inventive concept illustrated in patent WO-A1-2017081708 applied to this tap technology as illustrated in FIG. 1 filed by the applicant.

[0006] Many systems are used to dispense liquids from a disposable BIB package consisting of a flexible bag in a cardboard box.

[0007] Typically, these systems include a bag with an accessory, commonly called a tap, through which the filling and subsequent dispensing of the fluid contained within the BIB package occurs. A connector is generally provided between the spout and the service line of the pump or other type of beverage mixing and dispensing system.

[0008] Various tap configurations are known in the art (e.g. EP-A1-3371095, US-B2-10994912 or US-B2- 7487951) , which constitute known embodiments of this product .

[0009] In any case, there are also other similar configurations of a known type, illustrated in patent WC-A1-2016007818, relating to taps operated by connectors already present on the market.

[0010] There are two types of connectors:

[0011] - Connector with screw-on system hook-up, as illustrated in FIG. 8, 23, 24 and 25 (EP-A1-3081838 ) ;

[0012] - Connector with quick-release coupling system, as illustrated in FIG. 11, 19, 20, 21 and 22 (US-A- 4421146) .

[0013] All of the known taps listed above have a roughly similar operating / actuation principle.

[0014] Referring to the Figures 22, 23, 24, 25 26, 27 and 28, they illustrate in detail the operating principle of the tap present on the market and the general opening principle of the tap + connector system, in order to allow the dispensing of the liquid contained inside a container, preferably of the BIB type.

[0015] It should be considered that the tap of the present invention also necessarily has to adapt to the connectors present on the market, and therefore has to respect the opening steps of each type of connector, exploiting a more innovative and effective technology in terms of general performance compared to the old technologies present on the market today which have numerous limitations, including technical ones.

[0016] By first analyzing the screw connector 7 of FIG. 26, the following system activation steps are found:

[0017] - step 1: screw connector of FIG. 26, i.e. screw connectors 7 present on the market;

[0018] - step 2: screwing of the connector 7 of FIG. onto a nozzle 12 of FIG. 26 and 27 on which the lower thread geometries 12.7 and upper thread geometries

[0019] 12.6 are obtained (FIG. 27) necessary to allow the screwing of the connector 7 (FIG. 26) , due to the operational coupling between the thread 7.2 of FIG. 26 obtained on the connector and the two threads

[0020] 12.7 12.6 of FIG. 27 obtained on the tap of FIG. 26 due to the operational coupling 7.2 - 12.6 / 12.7. In this step, the opening of the connector 7 also occurs due to the push of the geometry of the central pin / protuberance 11.1 on the central pin 7.5 which slides inside the central turret 7A of FIG. 27 of the screw connector 7, which serves to open the delivery channel of the connector 7 of FIG. 27. The central pin 7.5 of FIG. 27 can move back by a predetermined amount "X" of FIG. 27, then it locks due to the cooperation with a geometric mechanical block inside the connector itself (not shown) present inside the central turret 7A of FIG. 27. Simultaneously, the connector 7 of FIG. 27 goes into operational sealing with the tap due to the sealing geometries present on both systems (tap 10.3 of FIG. 27 and connector 7.4 of FIG. 27 with the sealing assembly 7.4-10.3) of FIG. 27 of the competition and therefore constrained to the internal body 10 due to the interference between the sealing geometries of the valve 11.2 and the internal body 10.2 generating a stable assembly 10.2-11.2. The opening quota of the central turret of the screw-on connector 7A of FIG. 27 is controlled by a mechanical stop inside the central turret 7A (not shown) , for a pre- established quota "X" of FIG. 27 due to the cooperation of the mechanical stop present inside the central pin of connector 7.5 of FIG. 27 (not illustrated) ;

[0021] - step 3: complete screwing of the connector 7 onto the tap nozzle illustrated in FIG. 28 and simultaneous opening of the tap due to the thrust 11.1-7.5 which, having reached the mechanical stop level of the connector, moves the internal valve 11 of FIG. 28 to the open position, overcoming the interference generated between the coupling of the sealing geometry of the internal valve 11.2 of FIG. 28 with the internal sealing geometry of the internal body 10.2 of FIG. 28 and allowing the internal valve 11 to move to the open position and, consequently, allowing the tap + screw connector system to both remain locked in the open position, thus allowing the liquid contained inside the BIB to be dispensed. The closing steps of the system follow the reverse steps just described. It should be noted that the closing of the valve 11 of FIG. 26 is carried out due to the flexible teeth 10.1 of FIG. 26 obtained on the internal body 10. These teeth sometimes have not the elasticity and strength necessary to allow the valve 11 to self-close and cause problems with liquid loss.

[0022] Regarding the version of the quick-release connector 9 illustrated in FIG. 22, 23, 24 and 25, instead, the operating principle can generally be described in this way:

[0023] - step 1 : screw connectors 9 present on the market of FIG. 22;

[0024] - step 2: fitting of the connector 9 of FIG. 23 onto the external disc-shaped coupling geometries of the nozzle 12.5 and 12.4 of FIG. 22 by means of the operational coupling of the protuberances 9.1 and 9.2 obtained on the interlocking connector itself and illustrated in FIG. 22 to allow for stable simultaneous anchoring of the connector to the tap 9.1-12.4 and 9.2-12.5 available on the market;

[0025] - step 3: manual push made by the end customer with a vertical force "FV" of FIG. 23 on the central turret 9A of the connector, which moves in axis. The central turret 9A of the connector 9 of FIG. 23 allows the same connector 9 to enter into operational seal with the dispensing tap of FIG. 24 and, at the same time, due to the operational contact between the geometry of the central pin 11.1 of the internal valve 11 of FIG. 24 with the central pin 9.5 of the interlocking connector 9, it allows the opening of the connector. Also in this case, the opening dimension of the central pin 9.5 of FIG. 24 is limited to a "Y" dimension due to the cooperation of the internal mechanical stop geometries of the central pin 9.5 of FIG. 24 (not illustrated) present inside the movable turret "system" 9A of FIG. 24. At this stage, the connector has moved from a closed to an open position and is operationally engaged with the internal geometries of the tap present on the market as illustrated in FIG. 24;

[0026] -step 4: the turret 9A of the connector continues its descent to complete the possible movement stroke "Z" of FIG. 23. The central pin 9.5 of FIG. 25 is mechanically blocked in its retraction stroke "Y" of FIG. 25 and, due to the coupling with the central protuberance geometry of the tap of FIG. 25 (coupling 11.1-9.5) , overcomes the locking interference between the valve 11 and the body 10 (by means of the interference coupling of the 2 sealing geometries 10.2-11.2 of FIG. 23 which work when the tap of FIG. 25 is in the closed position) and moves the internal valve 11 of FIG. 25 forwards, allowing the tap of FIG. 25 to open. At this point the tap system of FIG. 25 and interlocking connector 9 of FIG. 25 are operationally in the open position (both) as the movable central turret of the interlocking connector 9A of FIG. 24 has finished making the "Z" stroke, opening the passage of liquid. In this step, the tap + connector are both in the dispensing position and allow liquid to exit the BIB through the tap and the connector itself, which is usually then connected to a dispensing machine.

[0027] However, these taps have some defects that the new inventive tap solves.

[0028] The seals of these taps are not optimal and, after continuous connection for hours / days of the connectors (screw-on and / or quick-release) , as normally happens, they completely lose their sealing properties, generating liquid leaks. The leaks are due to the fact that the geometries that should facilitate the automatic closing of the tap (geometries "10.1" illustrated in FIG. 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 27) , after a while that remain deformed under the push of the valve "11" (illustrated in FIG. 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 27) which in turn is pushed by the connectors 7 or 9 of FIG . 25 and 28 , lose their elastic capacity and no longer have the " strength" to push the valve 11 into the closed position, as illustrated in FIG . 24 and 27 , thus causing liquid to leak from the application once the connector is removed ( 7 or 9 of FIG . 22 and 26 ) .

[0029] The flow of such taps is often limited, as can be easily noted in FIG . 25 and FIG . 28 where these known taps are illustrated in the open position of the tap + connector system, since most of the channels that should facilitate the passage of liquid are "obstructed" by the geometries necessary for sel f-closing and the conformation of the channels themselves . It can be immediately noted that the sealing and sel f-closing geometries of the tap "obstruct" the passage of liquids , signi ficantly decreasing the flow from the system . It is necessary to find a solution that allows for a greater area for the passage of liquid from the inventive tap 1 .

[0030] With known solutions there is a need to use additional devices in order to facilitate the complete evacuation / emptying of the bag of the container B IB and, above all when using the screw connector which does not allow the " forward" movement of the internal body as illustrated in FIG. 28 as instead occurs with the interlocking connector illustrated in FIG. 25, and there is the risk that the bag does not empty completely. The priority of this new inventive tap is to find an economical solution, preferably integrated with the inventive tap 1 of FIG. 1, which solves this problem.

[0031] There is a need to find an alternative solution to known configurations present on the market that allow the operational connection of the screw connector 7 of FIG. 8. Nowadays, known solutions have a thread on the upper part and a thread on the lower part, to facilitate the screwing and correct positioning of the screw connector 7 on the inventive tap 1 as illustrated in FIG. 27 and FIG. 28. The creation of these threads (upper 12.6 of FIG. 27 and lower 12.7 of FIG. 27) is complicated during the mold making step (therefore much more expensive to make) , is difficult to control in terms of quality and also forces competitors to use more plastic material to create these geometries. Furthermore, these geometries generate on the plastic component, in its internal opposite wall 10.3 of FIG. 2, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, quality problems caused by deformations due to dimensional post-shrinkage which normally occur on injected plastic components leading to internal deformations in the molded piece which are very dangerous in terms of the general seal (to liquids) of the system. Normally, these post-shrinkage deformations are more evident in areas where many geometries have been geometrically inserted to form an area of anomalously inconstant thickness as in the case of the upper geometries 12.6 of FIG. 27 and the lower geometries 12.7 of FIG. 27. The prerogative of this invention is finding an alternative solution (cheaper to produce than known solution currently on the market) that allows obtaining the same current performances while improving the general quality of the plastic component on which they are obtained.

[0032] Documents US-A1-2002 / 179875, W0-A1- 2017 / 081708, WG-A1-2020 / 018889 e WO-A1-2016 / 007818 disclose other examples of known prior taps.

[0033] Object of the present invention is allowing the screwing of a screw connector 7 of FIG. 8 in the simplest way possible by using sealing rings 6.5, preferably flat, which protrude externally and are obtained on the nozzle 6, which deforms once screwed onto the connector 7. To help the flexibility of the same, there are through relief geometries 6.3 of FIG. 17 or non-through relief geometries 6B .3 which enable this object. There are also chamfered geometries 6.14 which ensure that the sectors are "given" a proper "structure" to ensure that the connector 7 of FIG. 8 is screwed in a simple but safe manner.

[0034] The object of the present invention is also optimizing the internal areas obtained on the nozzle 6 of FIG. 17 so as to have only two internal geometries (today on known taps there are multiple areas that make the production of the particular nozzle very complicated and difficult to produce) namely an internal circular undercut 6.7 of FIG. 17 which is used when the screw connector 7 of FIG. 8 is used to keep the assembly IB of FIG. 5 still in position and a second projecting circular geometry 6.6 on which all the sealing geometries are obtained and which allows the inventive tap 1, when it is in the final position of use (FIG. 4 and FIG. 5) , to have an optimal seal against liquids by sealing with the external wall 3.8 of the internal body 3 of FIG. 14. On the upper part of the circular protruding geometry 6.6 of FIG. 17, there is a preferably flat retaining area 6.8 of FIG. 17, which is used when the tap is in the pre-assembly position by means of the simultaneous cooperation between the internal geometries 3.9-6.8 and the external geometries 2.4- 6.1. Likewise, the flat geometry 6.8 is also used when the hook-on connector 9 of FIG. 11 is used, when it is operationally connected, as illustrated in FIG. 12, and acts as a stop for the descent of the internal valve 3 due to the cooperation of the flat 6.8 with the preferably flat geometry 3.3 of the internal body 3, as illustrated in FIG. 12.

[0035] The object of this invention is also creating an innovative, simple and eco-friendly tap that can be adapted to the connectors and filling lines currently on the market, without requiring modification and without changing the actuation system, making it unique and universal for all connectors on the market, of both known types (quick- fit and screw-on) .

[0036] The present invention, furthermore, solves the above prior art problems, providing an improved dispensing tap that is made with a minimum number of parts, is equipped with an internal sealing membrane, which is the main part of the tap, and that allows both automatic closing and opening operations of the tap to be carried out without the use of metal springs or integrated spring-flexible geometries 10.1 such as those made on the tap of FIG. 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, which then lose their "spring effect" as happens today with the taps on the market, and a greater oxygen seal, due also to the high-tightness elastomeric material of which it is made, as well as preventing / reducing the oxidation of the liquid inside, since the inventive tap, compared to those on the market, significantly decreases the quantity of air introduced into the BIB due to its special geometries and the volume they occupy, when they are in the pre-assembly position .

[0037] A further object of the present invention is providing a tap as indicated above which creates a seal of the valve in elastomeric material on the internal body, thus obtaining a notable increase in the oxygen barrier. The improvement of the oxygen barrier is also achieved due to the fact that the closure is carried out on the back of the internal body, eliminating losses due to the various parts exposed to the outside; furthermore, all members of the system are, for this purpose, housed on the back of the tap with respect to the dispensing area.

[0038] The inventive tap, being equipped with a high oxygen barrier, is suitable for aseptic applications , and therefore for aseptic treatments , which, at times , can be harmful and therefore inapplicable to some types of known taps , given that their dispenser must be subj ected to sterili zation cycles with hot steam, or gamma rays , or distilled water or other agents ( even combined with each other ) , which in some cases are aggressive , compromising the functioning of the closure .

[0039] A further obj ect of the present invention is having a rear dome system when fully assembled after filling the bag, which keeps the bag film at a distance from the tap, preventing, in the final step of liquid dispensing when the bag is almost empty and especially in the presence of forced suction systems from pumps connected to connectors 7 and 9 , the bag film from " sticking" to the tap, hindering its dispensing .

[0040] Sometimes , to overcome this problem, a particular feature is added to the tap ( such as , for example , those illustrated in patents US-B2- 10095318 , US-A-4601410 , US-A-4138036 , EP-A2- 0156627 , US-A-5915596 and US-A-5647511 ) , which however makes the application more complicated to manage and more expensive to implement .

[0041] A further obj ect of the present invention is having the system that supports the pre-assembly external to the tap and operationally connected by exploiting an internal coupling geometry 2.1 on the cap 2 of FIG. 13 in coupling with an external sealing lip 6.1 obtained on the nozzle 6 of FIG. 17, generating the stable, sealed and operational preassembly coupling 6.1-2.1 illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0042] The above and other objects and advantages of the invention, as will result from the following description, are achieved with a dispensing tap such as that described in claim 1. Preferred embodiments and non-trivial variations of the present invention form the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0043] The present invention will be better described by some preferred embodiments thereof, provided by way of example and not of limitation, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0044] - FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the tap according to the present invention;

[0045] - FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of the tap according to the present invention;

[0046] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the tap assembled in the pre-assembly position of FIG. 1;

[0047] - FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the assembled tap in the fully assembled position after the filling step of FIG. 1;

[0048] - FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the assembled tap in the complete assembly position with the protective tap removed from FIG. 1;

[0049] - FIG. 6 is an exploded sectional view of the inventive tap of FIG. 1;

[0050] - FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the inventive tap of FIG. 1;

[0051] FIG. 8 is a side view of a (screw-on) connector available on the market;

[0052] FIG. 9 is a side view in section of the inventive tap of FIG. 1 operatively connected to the connector 7;

[0053] - FIG. 10 is a side view in section of the inventive tap of FIG. 1 operatively connected to the connector 7 and in detail the particular geometry that keeps the film of the bag (8 of FIG. 10) detached from the tap when the bag is almost empty avoiding the "emptiness" (and the consequent interruption of liquid delivery) of the film on the inventive tap of FIG. 1;

[0054] - FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a (quick-fit) connector on the market to which one must adapt;

[0055] - FIG. 12 is a side view in section of the inventive tap connected and in operating position with the connector 9;

[0056] FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the CAP component 2 of the inventive tap of FIG. 1;

[0057] - FIG. 14 shows views of a main internal body (or simply internal body) of the inventive tap in different positions and with different details;

[0058] - FIG. 15 shows views of a stem of the inventive tap in different positions and with different details ;

[0059] - FIG. 16 shows views of an elastic sealing dome or simply an elastic dome of the inventive tap in different positions and with different details;

[0060] - FIG. 17 shows various views of a nozzle 6 of FIG. 1;

[0061] - FIG. 18 shows the detail and the possible variant of the f lexible / def ormable attachment elements to be used with the screw connector 7 of FIG. 8;

[0062] FIG. 19 shows the sectional view of the removal step of the assembly 1A from the nozzle 6, and therefore the transition from the pre-assembly step of the inventive tap 1 to the filling position;

[0063] - FIG. 20 shows the side view of the removal step of the assembly 1A from the nozzle 6, and therefore the transition from the pre-assembly step of the inventive tap 1 to the filling position;

[0064] - FIG . 21 shows a sectional view of the quickrelease connector 9 and the inventive tap 1 hooked up but not yet operationally connected;

[0065] - FIG . 22 shows a sectional view of the quickrelease connector 9 and the tap marketed up to now before the two components are operationally coupled ( step 1 ) ;

[0066] - FIG . 23 shows a sectional view of the quickrelease connector and the tap currently on the market after their connection ( step 2 ) ;

[0067] - FIG . 24 shows a sectional view of the known quick-lock connector 9 and a tap in its first operational coupling step when the central turret 9A pushed by the end customer with the vertical force FV starts to move and connect with the tap and with the central pin 9 . 5 of the connector which starts to couple operationally with the known tap and due to the geometries of both determines the first opening of the connector 9 ( step 3 ) ;

[0068] - FIG . 25 shows a sectional view of the known quick-release connector and of the tap di FIG . 24 in its subsequent operational coupling step, when the central pin moves the internal valve of the known tap thus bringing the tap + connector system into its final operational dispensing position ( step 4 ) ;

[0069] - FIG . 26 shows a sectional view of the screw- on connector and the tap di FIG . 24 before they are operationally connected to each other ( step 1 ) ;

[0070] - FIG . 27 shows a sectional view of the screw- on connector and the tap of FIG . 24 in the almost fully screwed-on position (partially screwed in) with the internal valve 11 of the tap still in the closed position; and

[0071] - FIG . 28 shows a sectional view of the screw- on connector and the tap in the final liquid dispensing position with the internal valve 11 of the tap moved to the open position .

[0072] With reference to the Figures , an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment of the dispensing tap 1 of the present invention is described . It is clear to an expert in the art that the described tap can be made in equivalent shapes , dimensions and with equivalent details , and can be used for containers of various types , for example the so-called "Bag-in- Box" (BIB ) ones , but also those of the rigid or semirigid type or others .

[0073] The tap 1 of the invention serves to dispense liquids from a container (not illustrated) , and substantially comprises : an elongated cylindrical support nozzle or main nozzle 6, equipped externally with connection and coupling means, such as sealing rings, 6.2, 6.4 and 6.5 (FIG. 17) with connectors 7 (FIG. 8 and 9) and with external coupling and sealing means 6.1 (FIG. 17) when the tap 1 is in the pre-assembly position (FIG. 3) . Inside there are also sealing means, the projecting circular geometries 6.6 (FIG. 17) and upper ring dimension stop 6.7 and lower plane 6.8 (FIG. 17) . Preferably, the connecting means consist of sealing rings 6.4 and 6.5 (FIG. 17) and protruding geometries, preferably from the ring 6.5, 6.2 (FIG. 17) , which can be preferably but not limited to flat or even flat geometries with chamfered or curved connections, but extremely flexible, due to the central relief geometry 6.3. Alternatively, but not limited to, a thinning of the section is obtained for the alternative version 6B .3 (FIG. 18) made to divide the flat geometry in two and facilitate the bending / def ormation of the ring geometries 6.2 and 6B .2 (FIG. 18) during the screwing step of the connector 7 (FIG. 8) and allowing the flat geometries to deform and "follow" the thread of the screw connector 7.2 (FIG. 8) , effectively creating a helical geometry guided by the actual thread present on the screw connector 7.2 (FIG. 9) facilitating its secure attachment for the connector 7 (FIG. 8) . A chamfered geometry 6.14 of FIG. 17 is present, useful for giving the right "structure" to both the ring 6.5 and to the ring geometries 6.2. Preferably, the support nozzle 6 has upper ring geometries 6.7 and circular projecting geometries as sealing zones 6.6 inside it, that are designed to cooperate with the geometries of the internal body 3 (FIG. 14) , effectively dividing the internal area of the nozzle 6 into two zones, and thus avoiding having to shape other coupling zones that are otherwise useful in known technologies. Specifically and not limited to, the upper ring geometry 6.7 cooperates with the geometry of the internal body 3.3 when the tap is in the final assembly position, as illustrated in FIG. 4. In particular, the cooperation between the upper ring geometry 6.7 and the external ring geometry of the internal body 3.3 has its greatest effect when the screw connector 7 is used (FIG. 8) . As illustrated in FIG. 9, when the screw connector is completely connected to the inventive tap, the coupling between the upper ring geometry 6.7 of the nozzle and the external ring geometry of the internal body 3.3 keeps the internal body 3 (and its assembly IB of FIG. 5) in the correct position, not allowing it to change its height, which would compromise the opening of both the screw connector 7 of FIG. 9 and the inventive tap 1 of FIG. 9. The two ring geometries highlighted in FIG. 9 have the correct interference to keep the tap 1 + screw connector 7 system in the correct position for use as illustrated in FIG. 9. It should be remembered that during the opening step (from the closed position 1 of FIG. 5 to the open position of 1 and 7 of FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 of the screw connector) a minimum amount of force is generated on the geometries 6.7-3.3, which allows the interfering geometries 6.7-3.3 to keep the internal body 3 (IB of FIG. 5) in the correct position without problems, as highlighted in FIG. 9 and 10. When instead the inventive quick-fit connector 9 of FIG. 11 is used, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the applied force "FV" on the connector 9 of FIG. 11 and 12 allows the coupling interference 6.7-3.3 to be "overcome" (therefore the interference between upper ring geometry 6.7 and the geometry of the internal body 3.3) allowing, due to a manual push made by a human operator on the snap- fit connector 9 of FIG. 11, to move the central movable part of the connector 9A of FIG. 11 and, consequently, to move and go into "operational sealing coupling", bringing the assembly IB of FIG. 5 to the opening position 9 and 1 of FIG. 12, "overcoming" the contrast given by the two geometries 6.7-3.3 and allowing its correct use. The movement of the internal valve 3 of FIG. 12 (IB of FIG. 5 on which all the other stem components 4 and a dome sealing element 5 of FIG. 12 are mounted, to form an operational assembly) is also facilitated by the fact that the snap-fit connector has a greater opening stroke "Z" than the screw-fit connector as illustrated in FIG. 12 and in FIG. 23. The movement of the valve assembly IB of FIG. 5 pushed by the connector 9 of FIG. 11 is "limited" not only by the "Z" dimension of the connector, as illustrated in FIG. 12 and in FIG. 23, but also by the coupling of the circular geometry with protrusion in its lower part, preferably flat, 3.3 of FIG. 14 with the flat geometry 6.8 of FIG. 17 obtained above the circular projecting geometry as sealing area 6.6 of FIG. 14, as illustrated in FIG. 12 as 3.3-6.8. a cylindrical internal body 3 of FIG. 14 with internally ribbed geometries 3.10, one or more than one, suitable for allowing the conformation of an elongated central coupling pin 3.6 of FIG. 14 on which the spring-loaded sealing valve 5 of FIG. 16 is hooked due to the mechanical cooperation 5.2 of FIG. 16, binding it stably to the internal body component 3 of FIG. 14, allowing the dome-shaped sealing element 5 of FIG. 16 to also create a hermetic seal due to the cooperation of the ring geometry, preferably with a sharp edge, 5.4 of FIG. 16 with a plane, preferably but not limited to an inclined one, 3.5 of FIG. 14 as illustrated in the images of FIG. 3, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, where the tap is highlighted in the closed position, not yet "activated / opened" by one of the two connectors available on the market. Opposite to the coupling geometry just described, there is a central pin 3.7 (FIG. 14) which are used to move the screw connector 7 (FIG. 9, FIG. 10) or the snap-on connector 9 (FIG. 12) from the closed position of FIG. 5 to the open position, allowing the liquid to be dispensed from the connectors available on the market. Continuing with the description and moving to the upper internal part, on the internal body 3 (FIG. 14) there is the coupling groove 3.1, which mechanically couples with the cap 2 (FIG. 13) due to the mechanical cooperation between the groove 3.1 (FIG. 14) with the coupling 2.2 (FIG. 13) , allowing the cap 5 itself to "drag" the assembly 1A (FIG. 19) , equipped with all components mounted on the internal body 3 (FIG. 14) , out of the tap assembly 1, when this is in the pre-assembly position, as illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, to the filling position of the container, preferably but not limited to a BIB, as illustrated in FIG. 19, and also allowing the tap to be brought to the closed position at the end of the filling of the container itself, as illustrated in FIG. 4. The internal wall 3.11 (FIG. 14) allows for an internal sealing wall of the internal body 3 with the connectors available on the market (due to the hermetic interference with an O-ring present on the central pin of the two connectors (not illustrated) when they are in the position of use in FIG. 9 and 10, as regards the screw connector 7.6-3.11, and in FIG. 12 as regards the snap-fit connector 9.6-3.11. Above the coupling area 3.1 (FIG. 14) there are some coupling teeth 3.2 of FIG. 14 which have the function, as on the known versions, of coupling with the snap-fit connector 9 (FIG. 11) specifically 9.4-3.2 of FIG. 12, to allow the internal valve to be closed (from the open position to the closed position) once the snap-fit connector has been removed from the tap they "drag", due to the cooperation of the teeth 3.2 with the hollow geometry 9.4, the assembly mounted on the internal body 3 of FIG. 12 (therefore dome valve 5 and stem 4) back into the closed position, as illustrated in FIG. 5. Moving externally on the internal body 3 (FIG. 14) , it is possible to note a first external ring geometry 3.9 preferably with a sharp edge at its end 3.3 of FIG. 14 useful for cooperating with the upper ring geometry 6.7 of the nozzle 6 (FIG. 17) when the assembly 1A of FIG. 19 is in the final assembly position, as illustrated in FIG. 4, or when it is in the use position as illustrated in FIG. 5. The tap assembly 1 illustrated in FIG. 5 remains in the correct position helping the assembly mounted on the internal body 3 (FIG. 14) (formed by internal body 3, stem 4 and elastic valve 5) to remain in the right position mainly when the screw connector 7 (FIG. 8) is used, as illustrated in FIG. 9 and 10, with the cooperation of the geometries 3.3-6.7 which have the right operating interference to keep the whole assembly in the right position, as illustrated in FIG. 9 and 10. There is a vertical wall of the external cylinder of the internal body 3 (FIG. 14) which cooperates and creates a hermetic seal when it is in the open position (but also in the closed position as illustrated in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 always due to the cooperation of the geometries 6.6-3.8) as illustrated in FIG. 9 and 10, as regards the screw connector (cooperation of geometries 6.6-3.8) and cooperates and creates a hermetic seal when it is in the open position (but also in the closed position as illustrated in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 always due to the cooperation of the geometries 6.6-3.8) as illustrated in FIG. 12. On the lower part of the inner body 3 (FIG. 14) there is a further protruding geometry which has two functions .

[0074] The first, when the assembly 1A (FIG. 19) mounted on the internal body 3 (FIG. 14) , is in the pre-assembly position as illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, keeps the assembly mounted on the internal body 3 of FIG. 14 in the pre-assembly position due to the support of the external geometry 3.9 on the plane 6.8 but also, due to the cooperation of the external ring geometry 6.1 of the nozzle with the internal ring geometry 2.1 of the cap 2 as illustrated in FIG. 3 where the operational geometric coupling 6.1-2.1 can be clearly seen. When instead it is in the final capping position (therefore the assembly 1A of FIG. 19 is completely inserted into the nozzle 6 of FIG. 17) , as illustrated in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the internal body 3 due to the ring geometry with a rounded tip 3.4 of FIG. 14, once having elastically overcome the circular projecting geometry as sealing area 6.6 present on the nozzle 6 (FIG. 17) (circular projecting geometry 6.6) , is operationally coupled (6.6-3.4 of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5) and prevents the internal body 3 (FIG. 14) , on which other components are mounted, from being removed. In practice, the cooperation of these two geometries 6.6-3.4 enables the natural creation of an anti-extraction and tamper evident system to protect the product contained inside and consequently the final consumer (the system does not allow the removal of the internal body assembly and therefore does not allow the container to be refilled, avoiding product counterfeiting, as well as a dispersion of plastic material into the environment and therefore effectively satisfies the new European and international directives on disposable plastic SUP items, thus enabling their recovery and recycling) . Therefore, the inventive tap 1 has to be designed to meet the requirements of the new European regulation called "Single-use plastics" (SUP) , as well as, for example, the AB 319 regulation of California in the United States. Both regulations aim to increase the amount of plastic collected and recycled, thereby reducing marine litter. As a result, CPGs (consumer packaged goods companies) have called on their partners to develop solutions that not only comply with new regulations, but also provide environmentally conscious consumers with solutions that fit their lifestyle and provide them with the best packaging experience. The inventive tap 1 fully meets these requirements.

[0075] - an internal stem 4 (FIG. 15) with one or more elongated elements 4.4 structurally supported by ribs 4.2 which has the object of resting on the tip of the connector (screw-on 7 (FIG. 8) and snap-on 9 (FIG. 11) which have the internal area of the pin geometrically equal and allow the opening of the tap (and at the same time of the connector) during the insertion step of the connector itself. There is a facilitating area delimited by the elongated elements 4.4 (FIG. 15) which facilitates the assembly and the "in-axis" movement of the stem 4 (FIG. 15) when it is activated by the push of the tip of the connectors during the opening step, as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 (for the screw-on connector 7) due to the push 7.4 of the connector 7 on the plane 4.1 of the stem 4 and in FIG. 12 (for the snap-on connector 9) due to the push of the flat geometry of the tip of the connector 9.7 of FIG. 11 with the plane 4.1 obtained on the stem 4 of FIG. 15. The stem 4 also has connection / hook geometries 4.3 (FIG. 15) with a small internal elastic tooth 5.1 of the dome-type valve 5 (FIG. 16) by means of the coupling 5.1-4.3 illustrated in FIG. 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 12, 19.

[0076] - an elastic dome element 5 (FIG. 16) which is the heart of the system, as it allows the tap to self-close hermetically due to its geometry and the special material used and also allows for a system to be integrated into the tap which allows the bag to be completely emptied, preventing the film of the bag itself, at the end of its life when the container (preferably BIB) , from sticking to the rear part of the tap and compromising the delivery as illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0077] The dome shape also allows for a "soft" system that does not risk damaging the fragile film of the BIB bag.

[0078] The elastic dome 5 of FIG. 3 generates a hermetic seal of the assembly 1A due to the cooperation between the external ring geometry, preferably but not limited to, the sharp edge 5.4 on the inclined plane geometry 3.5 of the internal body 3 as illustrated in FIG. 19.

[0079] The elastic dome 5 is constrained to the internal body 3 due to the central pin 3.6 which is operationally coupled with the circular undercut seat obtained on the elastic dome 5 (5.2) via the hook, generating a stable and safe hook 3.6-5.2 as illustrated in FIG. 9 (with screw connector 7) and in FIG. 12 (interlocking connector 9) .

[0080] The elastic dome 5 is also operationally constrained with the stem 4 due to the coupling of the circular tooth 5.1 obtained inside the elastic dome with the circular hollowed seat 4.3 obtained on the stem 4 as shown in FIG. 12 (interlocking connector 9) and in FIG. 9 and 10, as regards the screw connector 7. a protective cap 2 (FIG. 13) . This component has the task of protecting and covering the internal elements of the inventive tap 1 during all the production steps up to the final consumer, but also allows the filling machines to be provided with a docking area 2.3 (FIG. 13) which allows the assembly 1A (FIG. 19 and FIG. 20) to be removed from the preassembly position to the filling position, where the nozzle 6 is free and ready to accommodate the filling nozzle of the filling machine (not shown) . Inside, there are preferably circular anchoring geometries 2.2 (FIG. 13) to the internal body 3 with the circular hollow geometries 3.1 and external anchoring geometries 2.1 on the external hollow geometry 6.1 of the nozzle, due to the coupling 6.1- 2.1 of FIG. 3. Preferably, this last operational coupling 6.1-2.1 allows the inventive tap assembly 1 of FIG. 3 to remain stably in the pre-assembly position without having further hollow or protruding geometries inside the support nozzle 6 (as occurs on the tap of FIG. 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 which had to obtain three different internal zones on the nozzle to support the different operational positions of the inventive tap 1, i.e. the preassembly position of FIG. 3, the complete assembly position after filling of FIG. 4, the dispensing position with the screw-on connector 7 of FIG. 9 and 10 and finally the use position with the interlocking connector 9 of FIG. 12) . Finally, there is an internal wall 2.4 (FIG. 13) that seals with the external ring geometry 6.1 of the nozzle and, due to this interference, provides a hermetic cooperation between the two components 6.1-2.4 as illustrated in FIG. 3 (pre-assembly position) and FIG. 4 (final assembly position after filling) .

[0081] The actuation steps (from closed position to open position) will now be described using the two connectors available on the market to demonstrate that the inventive tap 1 adapts to existing connector systems without any problem, providing a new, green and "safer" technology in terms of performance compared to the technologies currently available on the market and available to consumers.

[0082] Generally, the inventive tap 1 placed, preferably on a BIB type container, is supplied to the end customer in a pre-assembly position, as illustrated in FIG. 3. This position then allows the end customer to place the BIB on the filling machine, which removes the assembly 1A as illustrated in FIG. 19 and temporarily releases the nozzle 6 until the filling is complete. Subsequently, at the end of the BIB filling step, the filling machine stably and irremovably positions the assembly 1A of FIG. 19 placing it inside the nozzle in its final capping position, as illustrated in FIG. 4 and in this safety position, the container can be shipped to the end customers. Once arrived to the end customers, the consumer removes and disposes of the upper protection tap 2 correctly and finds the inventive tap 1 ready to "welcome" all the connectors (screw- on or snap-on) that are currently on the market for these applications. Now, for each type of connector, the opening and dispensing steps will be described in detail.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, it is possible to see the operational connection between the screw connector 7 of FIG. 8 and the tap 1 of FIG. 5. The screw connector, to be stably connected to the tap 1 of FIG. 5, exploits the opposite sectors created on the outside of the nozzle 6, preferably but not limited to a flat 6.13, 6.13B (FIG. 18) with possible inclined plane 6.11 (FIG. 17 and FIG. 18) and radius facilitating geometries 6.12 / 6.12B (FIG. 17 and FIG. 18) , or both at the same time. These sectors have been shaped so as to be flexible and to be able to adapt, during the screwing step of the connector, to the helical profile of the thread present on the external connector 7.2. The two ring geometries 6.2, preferably symmetrical but also asymmetrical, have a central discharge 6.3 which facilitates the bending and adaptation to the thread of the connector 7.2, allowing a precise and safe coupling between the inventive tap 1 and the screw connector 7 as illustrated in FIG. 18, also compensating for the possible dimensional differences between one connector and another "normal" connector, when dealing with plastic components. The central discharge 6.3 of FIG. 18, facilitating the deformation of the two protruding sectors, preferably flat, allows the screw connector 7 to be screwed in a simpler and more precise manner, limiting the rotation and descent force of the same and therefore facilitating a better "experience" of use for the end consumer compared to the old solutions currently on the market. Furthermore, the presence of a circular beveled geometry 6.14 and 6B.14 of FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 provides the necessary "structure" to the two flat sectors used to firmly connect to the screw connector 7 of FIG. 8, compensating for the loss of structure given by the relief geometry 6.3 and 6B.3, as illustrated in FIG.

[0084] 17 and FIG. 18. This particular compromise allows for the obtaining of flexible but tenacious projecting ring geometries 6.2 and 6B .3 and capable of replicating the complex threads of the previous, obsolete, solutions available on the market today. Once the screw connector 7 of FIG. 8 is operationally connected, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the central pin 7.5 of the screw connector 7 rests on the central geometry of the internal body 3.7, facilitating the opening of the power channel of the connector 7.5 of FIG. 9. At the same time, the front part 7.4 of FIG.

[0085] 9 rests on the plane 4.1 of the stem 4 as illustrated in FIG. 9, moving it forward and facilitating the opening of the inventive tap 1. In fact, the flexible elastic dome 5 is operationally connected to the stem 4 due to the mechanical coupling 5.1-4.3, as illustrated in FIG. 9. In turn, the elastic dome 5 of FIG. 9 is stably constrained to the central pin of the internal body 3 (coupling 3.6-5.2) which, by keeping it in position, facilitates the development of the closing forces "F" of FIG. 9, which serve to automatically close the inventive tap 1 in a hermetic manner. The central pin of the screw connector 7.6 is in operational seal with the internal wall of the internal body 3.11, ensuring the hermetic seal of the coupling as illustrated in FIG. 9. The maintenance of the position of the assembly mounted on the internal body 3 is guaranteed by the geometries 3.3-6.7 while the liquid seal is guaranteed by the operational coupling of the protruding geometries 6.6-3.8, as illustrated in FIG. 9. When the screw connector is disconnected, the steps just described are repeated in reverse and the inventive tap 1 returns to the closed position, as illustrated in FIG. 5. It should be underlined that the inventive tap 1, when the screw connector 7 of FIG. is used, does not move, as happens with the push connector, the internal body 3 forward, changing its position during dispensing (as instead happens in the push connector as illustrated in FIG. 12) : therefore there is a concrete risk that, when the container is almost empty, the bag wire positions itself in an anomalous way on the inventive tap 1, blocking it and causing the liquid to stop flowing, not allowing it to be completely emptied (especially if the connector is attached to a suction pump system) . This is a big problem with known taps, and to overcome it, it was necessary to add a detail that keeps the film detached from the tap. In this case, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the film is kept away due to the domed geometry of component 5, thus facilitating the complete emptying of the container.

[0086] As regards the second interlocking connector 9 of FIG. 11, the process is similar but the internal movement of the inventive tap is different.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 11, it is possible to see the interlocking connector present on the market in the open position not yet connected to any tap, while in FIG. 21 it is possible to see the interlocking tap installed on the inventive tap 1, due to the mechanical cooperation of the protruding anchoring geometries 9.1 and 9.2 of the interlocking connector 9 of FIG. 11 with the preferably circular protruding geometries of the nozzle 6.14 and 6.4 of FIG. 17. The stable and safe operating connection 9.1-6.4 and 9.2-6.14 can be seen in FIG. 21. The end operator / customer , to activate the interlocking connector, and consequently the inventive dispensing tap 1, has to apply a manual force "FV" represented in FIG. 12. The "FV" force overcomes the position holding force given by the coupling 3.3-6.7 which allows the valve to be kept in position when using the screw connector, as illustrated previously and as can be seen in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, and allows the central pin of the connector 9 of FIG. 11 to enter the internal valve 3 and perform the operational seal due to the coupling 3.11-9.6, as illustrated in FIG. 12 and to rest, at the same time, on the tip geometry 9.3 on the plane 4.1 of the stem 4 and also on the tip geometry 9.3 and on the internal rib geometries 3.10 of FIG. 14 of the internal valve, allowing the internal valve 3 to move forward and at the same time open the inventive tap 1, since the push of the tip of the pin of the connector 9 (9.3 of FIG. 12) moves the stem 4 due to the mechanical coupling 4.3-5.1 and 3.6-5.2 of FIG. 12, and allows the opening and subsequent exit of liquid from the inventive tap 1. At the same time, the connector 9 of FIG. 12 also opens its liquid passage channel due to the coupling between the central geometry 3.7 of the internal body 3 and the tip of the internal sealing stem of the connector 9.5, as illustrated in FIG. 12 (3.7-9.5) . During this step just described and simultaneously with all the steps described, the flexible teeth of the internal valve 3.2 bend, during the "descent" step of the internal body 3 of FIG. 12 guided to the "correct bending" due to the cooperation with the internal diameter of the nozzle 6.10 of FIG. 12 as illustrated, and mate stably with the hollow geometry present on the central pin of the connector 9.4. Specifically, this mechanical coupling 9.4-3.2 of FIG. 12 allows the internal valve 3 to return to the closed position as illustrated in FIG. 21, as the mechanical coupling ensures that the internal valve 3 is dragged back to the closed position, as illustrated in FIG. 21. The flexible teeth, once they have exited the sealing diameter 6.10 of the nozzle 6 of FIG. 17, are able to bend in the opposite manner and disengage from the central pin of the interlocking connector 9, as illustrated in FIG. 21.

[0088] It is also possible to note the interference fit 6.6-3.8 that generates the main seal and the hermetic seal of the tap lof FIG. 12 and the fit that stops the descent of the internal valve 3 in the correct opening position 3.3-6.8 of FIG. 12. As previously announced, the closing step follows an "opposite path" supported, as previously stated, by the mechanical cooperation 9.4-3.2 between the teeth of the internal body 3 and the seat of the central pin of the connector 9, that brings the inventive tap 1 back to the closed position, as illustrated in

[0089] FIG. 21.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Universal dispensing tap (1) made of plastic material equipped with automatic closure for connection systems, said dispensing tap (1) comprising :- an elongated cylindrical support nozzle or main nozzle ( 6) ;- an internal body (3) equipped internally with rib geometries;- an internal stem (4) equipped with one or more elongated elements (4.4) ; an elastic dome element (5) designed to generate a hermetic seal of the tap (1) due to the cooperation between an external ring geometry (5.4) on an inclined plane geometry (3.5) of the internal body ( 3 ) ; and a protective cap (2) having the task of protecting and covering the internal elements of the tap ( 1 ) ; characterized in that said cylindrical elongated support nozzle or main nozzle (6) is equipped with:* on its outside, with connection and coupling means (6.2, 6.4, 6.5) and with external coupling andsealing means (6.1) when the tap (1) is in an incomplete assembly position;* on its inside, with sealing means with protruding ring geometries (6.6) , upper ring geometries (6.7) and flat retaining geometries (6.8) cooperating with corresponding geometries of the internal body (3) , so as to divide the inside of the nozzle (6) into two zones.

2. Dispensing tap (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the connecting means are composed of sealing rings, i.e. the connecting and coupling means (6.4, 6.5) , and of the connecting and coupling means (6.5, 6.2) protruding from the ring and flexible, thanks to a central discharge geometry (6.3) created to facilitate the bending / deformation of the connecting and coupling means (6.2) designed, during a screwing phase of a connector (7) on the dispensing tap (1) , to deform and follow a thread of the connector (7) .

3. Dispensing tap (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the connecting means are made up of sealing rings, i.e. the connecting and coupling means (6.4, 6.5) and the connecting and coupling means (6.5, 6B .2 ) flexible due to a thinning of the ring geometry (6B.3) designed to facilitate thebending / deformation of the geometries ( 6B .2 ) designed, during a screwing step of a connector (7) on the dispensing tap (1) , to deform and follow a thread of the connector (7) .

4. Dispensing tap (1) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterised in that it is also equipped with a chamfered geometry (6.14) designed to provide structure both to the ring as connecting and coupling means (6.5) , and to the sectors as connecting and coupling means (6.2) .

5. Dispensing tap (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the ring geometry (6.7) is designed to cooperate with a corresponding geometry (3.3) of the internal body (3) , during an opening step of a screw-on connector (7) generating on the ring geometries (6.7-3.3) a minimum amount of force that allows the interference between the ring geometries (6.7-3.3) to maintain the internal body (3) in a correct position, while, in the case of using a quick-fit connector (9) , an applied force (FV) on the connector (9) allows to overcome the coupling interference of the ring geometries (6.7-3.3) , allowing, due to a manual push on the interlocking connector (9) , to move the central movable part (9A) of the connector (9) .

6. Dispensing tap (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that said internal body (3) is cylindrical and is equipped with rib geometries (3.10) designed to allow the conformation of an elongated central coupling pin (3.6) on which the elastic dome sealing element (5) is hooked due to a mechanical cooperation (5.2) , allowing the dome sealing element (5) to also perform the hermetic seal due to the cooperation of a ring geometry (5.4) with an inclined plane (3.5) .

7. Dispensing tap (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that said internal body (3) comprises a coupling groove (3.1) designed to mechanically couple with the cap (2) due to a mechanical cooperation between the groove (3.1) with a coupling (2.2) , an internal wall (3.11) of the internal body (3) allowing to have an internal sealing wall due to a hermetic interference (7.6- 3.11, 9.6-3.11) on external connections.

8. Dispensing tap (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that said internal body (3) is equipped, above the coupling area (3.1) , with coupling teeth (3.2) for external connections, the internal body (3) being also equipped externally with a first external ringgeometry (3.9) at its end (3.3) , designed to cooperate with ring geometries (6.7) of the nozzle (6) .

9. Dispensing tap (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that said elastic dome element (5) is constrained to the internal body (3) due to a central pin (3.6) designed to couple operationally with an undercut circular seat (5.2) obtained on the elastic dome element (5) , said elastic dome element (5) being also operationally constrained with the stem (4) due to the coupling of a circular tooth (5.1) obtained inside the elastic dome with the circular hollowed seat (4.3) obtained on the stem ( 4 ) .

10. Dispensing tap (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said protective cap (2) is provided inside it with preferably circular anchoring geometries (2.2) to the internal body (3) with circular hollow geometries (3.1) and external anchoring geometries (2.1) on the external hollow geometry, i.e. the external coupling and sealing means (6.1) of the nozzle ( 6) .

Images