Coupling piece

Abstract

Coupling piece The present invention relates to a coupling piece for coupling a pressure container with a dispenser, the container comprising a valve for releasing the content of the container, whereby the valve comprises a stem with a grommet located in the opening of a valve cup suitable for sealingly fixing the valve cup to the top opening of the container. In order to provide an improved coupling piece between a container and a dispensing device, as well as optimizing handheld applications, the invention concerns a coupling piece that comprises a first element and a second element, wherein the first element is slidably and / or rotatably connected to the second element wherein the second element provides means for connecting the coupling piece with a dispenser and wherein the coupling piece comprises fingers for engaging in a snap connection with the valve cup or the container.

Description

[0001] Altachem NV 24044-P-BE-WO / 10.10.2025

[0002] 1

[0003] DESCRIPTION

[0004] Coupling piece

[0005] The present invention relates to a coupling piece for coupling a pressure container with a dispenser, the container comprising a valve for releasing the content of the container, whereby the valve comprises a stem with a grommet located in the opening of a valve cup suitable for sealingly fixing the valve cup to the top opening of the container.

[0006] Containers, specifically cans or canisters, can hold a compound under pressure. These containers are often disposable and can be connected to dispensers, such as dispensing guns, for applying the compound. The compound itself may consist of one or more active components and can serve various purposes, including acting as a sealant, a polyurethane (Pll) foam, or a one- or two-component glue.

[0007] Pressure containers with compounds like pastes, foams, or glues are increasingly used in construction and DIY projects. These disposable containers typically have two types of applicators. Occasional and DIY users prefer simple handheld applicators that screw onto the container valve stem. These applicators guide compound flow using a hose or tube and a tilting lever. Unlike self-contained valves, they act on the valve of the container and may react with the atmosphere. Tilting the lever opens the container valve, allowing users to apply the compound while holding the container.

[0008] Professionals and experienced DIY users often opt for sophisticated dispensers, such as foam-dispensing guns, to apply compounds. These guns have their own sealing system, typically needle-valves, which provide better accuracy and control compared to handheld applicators. The location of the valve at the tip of the gun barrel minimizes compound exposure to the atmosphere, preventing it from becoming rigid. After exchanging a container, the refreshed compound remains under pressure and in a fluid state. Although dispensers are more complex and expensive, they offer greater accuracy and efficiency, especially to support and enhance the foam performance. Altachem NV 24044-P-BE-WO / 10.10.2025

[0009] 2

[0010] Containers designed for intensive users include a first coupling piece, typically made of plastic and ring shaped, allowing attachment to foam-dispensing guns or devices. These containers match connection elements integrated in the dispensing gun or device. Alternatively, a second coupling piece (a gun adaptor) made of metal (such as aluminium or brass) facilitates coupling with the dispensing gun.

[0011] It is an object of the invention to provide an improved coupling piece between a container and a dispensing device, as well as optimizing handheld applications.

[0012] The problem can be solved by a coupling piece according to the preamble of claim 1 in that the coupling piece comprises a first element and a second element, wherein the first element is slidably and / or rotatably connected to the second element, wherein the second element provides means for connecting the coupling piece with a dispenser and wherein the coupling piece comprises fingers for engaging in a snap connection with the valve cup or the container, wherein the coupling piece can be locked to the container and / or the valve can be activated by sliding and / or rotating the first element against the second element, wherein first element and the second element are not separable.

[0013] The fingers can be shaped as protrusions which can snap under the groove formed by the peripheral edge of the valve cup. This protrusion can be relatively large which results in higher resistance against buckling. The second element can be made of metal. The coupling piece can be locked to the container by sliding and / or rotating the first element against the second element. The coupling piece can be loosened from the container after unlocking the coupling piece. For example, the second element can cover the fingers and fix them in the groove formed by the peripheral edge of the valve cup which further increases the buckling forces.

[0014] The fingers can be formed as protrusions which can engage with the inside or the outside of the valve or the container. The fingers can be located at one end of flexible legs. The fingers provide a detachable connection between the coupling piece and the container. In particular, the connection can be form-fitting. The second element provides means for connecting the coupling piece with a dispenser. This means can Altachem NV 24044-P-BE-WO / 10.10.2025

[0015] 3 be a screw connection. The second element can have a grip area. The grip area can have a hexagonal shape. The grip area can be shaped to be engaged with a wrench. As an advantage the second element can block the stem of the valve against unintentional activation when the coupling piece is mounted on the container.

[0016] In case of a non-circular profile of the valve cup the fingers at the end of flexible legs can engage with this non-circular profile, such that the coupling of the coupling piece and the valve cup is directionally constraint and prevents rotation of the container during dispensing. As an advantage the engagement of the coupling piece with the valve cup is automatically achieved by a rotating movement. This engagement can further be supported by a spring.

[0017] As an advantage, the coupling piece can be used for a variety of containers. As an example, the coupling piece can be used for female valves. The coupling piece is more sustainable and facilitates recycling of containers. The coupling piece can easily be removed from the empty container. The empty container does not need to be stripped off any additional plastic part that is used for fixing the can to the gun.

[0018] As a further advantage, the coupling piece prevents compatibility issues between the known pre-attached coupling rings on the containers with the second elements of the dispensers. In particular, the containers and the dispenser provided by different manufacturers can be made compatible with the coupling piece. Especially, the coupling piece always provides the same valve activation and valve displacement independent of the dispenser.

[0019] The coupling piece can be snapped on the container and activate the stem without using any additional part (ring) that is fixed on the container or the valve. The snapping and activation are in the way that it is only possible to activate the valve after fixation of the container. The valve is deactivated before loosening the container from the coupling piece.

[0020] The first element is non-removably fixed to the second element. They can be fixed together via a retention mechanism. The first and the second element are not separable. They can be connected by a retention ring e. g. a circlip. Altachem NV 24044-P-BE-WO / 10.10.2025

[0021] 4

[0022] In a first embodiment of the invention, the first element is provided with an outer thread and the second element is provided with an inner thread, wherein the first element can be screwed into the second element by turning the pressure container, wherein the first element is provided with the fingers and locked to the container by the fingers when the first element is screwed into the second element and wherein the valve of the container can be activated by screwing the first element into the second element.

[0023] The tread can provide a mechanical stop, wherein the mechanical stop can be integrated in the inner thread of the first element and / or the outer thread of the second element. Due to the limiting of the axial displacement by the mechanical stop the valve is activated only up to a predefined depth. As an advantage over activation or damaging of the valve can be prevented.

[0024] The fingers can be located at one end of flexible legs. The legs can be formed by threaded parts of the first element. The threaded parts can be spaced by recesses. When the first element is screwed into the second element the fingers are pushed and fixed into the grooves of the peripheral edge of the valve cup. Thereby the coupling piece is securely locked on the container. The coupling piece can be loosened from the container after unlocking the coupling piece by unscrewing the first element from the second element. Alternatively, the second element and the first element can engage with a bayonet mechanism.

[0025] The first element and the container can be friction coupled by an o-ring. The o-ring can be located in between the first element and the container. By turning the container, the first element can be rotated against the second element by the friction coupling. This allows to connect the coupling piece to the dispenser. If the turning force is too large, the friction coupling between the first element and the container fails allowing a rotation between the first element and the container. As an advantage, damage of the valve can be prevented.

[0026] As an advantage, the fixing of the coupling piece on the container is facilitated by turning the container while gripping the second element. When the fingers do not Altachem NV 24044-P-BE-WO / 10.10.2025

[0027] 5 engage the peripheral edge of the valve cup, the valve of the container cannot be activated by accident.

[0028] In a further embodiment of the invention, the coupling piece has a first position and a second position, wherein the fingers are engaged with the peripheral edge of the valve cup in the first position, wherein the valve of the container is activated in the second position and wherein the coupling piece can be moved from the first position to the second position by screwing the first element into the second element.

[0029] As an advantage, the container can only be detached form the dispenser when the valve is not activated.

[0030] In another embodiment, the first element comprises a cam-guided interface with the second element, wherein rotation of the container causes a progressive axial- displacement of the first element, thereby engaging the fingers and activating the valve in a two stage-motion.

[0031] The cam mechanism can be used to convert the rotational movement of the first element against the second element into a linear or oscillating movement, therefore facilitating the activation of the valve. As an advantage after connecting the coupling piece to the valve cup and / or the container via the fingers the valve can be activated by continuing or starting a rotational movement between the first element and the second element.

[0032] In another embodiment, the first element is formed like a sleeve, wherein the sleeve can be moved from an open position to a closed position and wherein the fingers are released from the peripheral edge of the valve cup in the open position and the fingers engage the peripheral edge of the valve cup in the closed position. The fingers can be locked in the closed position by the sleeve.

[0033] The fingers can be located at one end of flexible legs. The legs can be formed by recesses of the first element. When the first element is moved down, the fingers are pushed and fixed into the grooves of the peripheral edge of the valve cup in a locked position. Thereby the coupling piece is securely locked on the container. Altachem NV 24044-P-BE-WO / 10.10.2025

[0034] 6

[0035] Alternatively, the fingers can be rotatably fixed to the second element. The fingers can rotate from an open position to a closed position when the fingers are engaging the container. When the first element is moved down, the fingers are rotated and fixed into the grooves of the peripheral edge of the valve cup in a locked position. Thereby the coupling piece is securely locked on the container.

[0036] The coupling piece can be loosened from the container by sliding up the first element, thereby releasing the fingers from the peripheral edge. The first element can be provided with a grip area. The coupling piece can be preloaded into the locked position by a spring. The spring can be made of metal.

[0037] As an advantage, the coupling piece can be fast and easily fixed to a container. The coupling piece is fixed to the container when the coupling piece is pushed on the container.

[0038] In another embodiment, the first element comprises the fingers formed as radiallocking pins that are spring-loaded and engage with recesses in the valve cup to lock the coupling piece to the valve cup when the sleeve is moved axially, wherein the first element comprises a release button, wherein the locking is reversible by pressing the release button.

[0039] The first element forms a sleeve which can be axially moved against the second element. The release button can be integrated in the first element. As an advantage, the coupling piece can be fast and easily locked and released to a container. The coupling piece is fixed to the container when the coupling piece is pushed on the container. The locking of the coupling piece with the container can be released by pressing the release button.

[0040] In another embodiment, the first element comprises an inner ring and an outer ring, wherein the inner ring is provided with flexible legs with the fingers, wherein the outer ring can be moved from an open position to an closed position and wherein the fingers are released from the peripheral edge of the valve cup in the open position and the fingers engage the peripheral edge of the valve cup in the closed position. Altachem NV 24044-P-BE-WO / 10.10.2025

[0041] 7

[0042] Preferably the inner ring and the outer ring are not separable. The inner ring and the outer ring can be slidably connected to each other. The connection can allow axial movement of the inner ring and the outer ring relative to each other.

[0043] As an advantage, the fixing of the coupling piece to the container is independent of the activation mechanism of the valve. This reduces the chance of accidental actuation of the valve.

[0044] In this context, it is appropriate that the second element is provided with an outer thread and the first element is provided with an inner thread, wherein the valve of the container is activated by screwing the second element into the first element. Alternatively, the second element and the first element can engage with a bayonet mechanism or a different lever mechanism.

[0045] In another embodiment, the thread comprises a mechanical stop limiting the axial displacement of the second element relative to the first element.

[0046] The mechanical stop can be integrated in the inner thread of the first element and / or the outer thread of the second element. Due to the limiting of the axial displacement the valve is activated only up to a predefined depth. As an advantage over activation or damaging of the valve can be prevented.

[0047] In another embodiment, the coupling piece provides indicators for the correct mounting of the coupling piece.

[0048] The indicator can be a pin. The indicator can show the relative position of the first element and the second element. The indicator can prevent the relative rotation between the inner and outer ring.

[0049] In another embodiment, the stem of the container can be activated by the second element, wherein the first element provides a middle piece and wherein the middle piece can seal off with the grommet of the valve. Altachem NV 24044-P-BE-WO / 10.10.2025

[0050] 8

[0051] The first element with the middle piece can be fixed by a retention ring e.g. a circlip to the second element. The coupling piece can be provided with an O-ring to seal the gap between the middle piece and the valve cup.

[0052] As an advantage, the middle piece prevents spillage of the content of the container. The stem of the valve is sealed from the environment.

[0053] In the following, embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to drawings.

[0054] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a coupling piece according to the invention.

[0055] Figure 2 shows a front view of the coupling piece of figure 1.

[0056] Figure 3 shows a front view of the coupling piece of figure 1 mounted on a pressure container.

[0057] Figure 4 shows a cross section of the coupling piece of figure 3.

[0058] Figure 5 shows a front view of the coupling piece of figure 3 flocked to the pressure container.

[0059] Figure 6 shows a cross section of the coupling piece of figure 5.

[0060] Figure 7 shows a front view of the coupling piece of figure 1 mounted on a pressure container with a female valve.

[0061] Figure 8 shows a cross section of the coupling piece of figure 7.

[0062] Figure 9 shows a cross of another embodiment of the invention,

[0063] Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the coupling piece of figure 9.

[0064] Figure 11 shows another cross section of the coupling piece of figure 9. Altachem NV 24044-P-BE-WO / 10.10.2025

[0065] 9

[0066] Figure 12 shows another perspective view of the coupling piece of figure 9.

[0067] Figure 13 shows a cross section of the coupling piece of figure 9 mounted on a valve cup.

[0068] Figure 14 shows a perspective view of the coupling piece of figure 13 mounted on a valve cup.

[0069] Figure 15 shows a cross section of the coupling piece of figure 9 locked to a valve cup.

[0070] Figure 16 shows a perspective view of the coupling piece of figure 15 locked to a valve cup.

[0071] Figure 17 shows a front view of another embodiment of the invention.

[0072] Figure 18 shows a cross section of the coupling piece of figure 17.

[0073] Figure 19 shows a front view the coupling piece of figure 17 mounted on a pressure container.

[0074] Figure 20 shows a cross section of the coupling piece of figure 19.

[0075] Figure 21 shows a front view the coupling piece of figure 17 flocked to a pressure container.

[0076] Figure 22 shows a cross section of the coupling piece of figure 21.

[0077] Figure 23 shows a cross section of another coupling piece according to the invention.

[0078] Figure 24 shows the coupling piece of figure 23 fixed to a container.

[0079] Figure 25 shows the coupling piece of figure 23 fixed to a container, wherein the Altachem NV 24044-P-BE-WO / 10.10.2025

[0080] 10 valve of the container is activated.

[0081] Figures 1 to 8 depict a coupling piece 1 according to the invention. The coupling piece 1 can be used for coupling a pressure container 2 with a dispenser. In figures 4 to 8 the coupling piece is shown mounted on a container 2. The container 2 comprising a valve 3 for releasing the content of the container 2. The valve 3 comprises a stem 4 with a grommet 5 located in the opening of a valve cup 6 suitable for sealingly fixing the valve 3 to the top opening of the container 2. The valve cup 6 has a peripheral edge 7.

[0082] The coupling piece 1 comprises a first element 8 and a second element 9. The first element 8 is slidably and rotatably connected to the second element 9 by a threaded connection. The second element 9 provides means 10 for connecting the coupling piece 1 with a dispenser. The means 10 for connecting the coupling piece with a dispenser is an outer thread. The coupling piece 1 comprises fingers 11 for engaging in a snap connection with the peripheral edge 7 of the valve cup 6.

[0083] The fingers 11 are formed as protrusions which engage with the groove of the peripheral edge 7 of the valve cup 6. The fingers 11 are located at one end of flexible legs 16. The legs 16 are formed by threaded parts of the first element 8. The threaded parts are spaced by recesses 20. When the first element 8 is screwed into the second element 9, the fingers 11 are pushed and fixed into the grooves of the peripheral edge 7 of the valve cup 6. The coupling piece 1 can be loosened from the container 2 after unscrewing the coupling piece 1. The fingers 11 provide a detachable connection between the coupling piece 1 and the container 2. The second element 9 has a grip area 19. The grip area 19 has a hexagonal shape and can be engaged with a wrench.

[0084] The first element 8 is provided with an outer thread 12 and the second element 9 is provided with an inner thread 13. As can been seen from figures 3 and 4 the fingers 11 engage with the container 2 in a snap connection when the coupling piece 1 is mounted on the container 2. The first element 8 can be screwed into the second element 9 by turning the pressure container 2 and the friction coupling provided by the O-ring 22. The first element 8 is provided with the fingers 11 and locked to the Altachem NV 24044-P-BE-WO / 10.10.2025

[0085] 11 container 2 by the fingers 11 when the first element 8 is screwed into the second element 9 as can be seen from figures 5 and 6. The valve 3 of the container 2 can be activated by screwing the first element 8 into the second element 9. The coupling piece 1 has a first position and a second position, wherein the fingers 11 are engaged with the peripheral edge 7 of the valve cup 6 in the first position. The valve 3 of the container 2 is activated in the second position. The coupling piece 1 can be moved from the first position to the second position by screwing the first element 8 into the second element 9.

[0086] The stem 4 of the container 2 is activated by the second element 9. The first element 8 provides a middle piece 18. The first element 8 is fixed by a circlip 21 to the second element 9. The coupling piece 1 is provided with an O-ring 22 to seal the gap between the valve cup 6 and the first element 8. The middle piece 18 seals off with the grommet 5 of the valve 3.

[0087] As seen from figures 7 and 8 the coupling piece 1 can also be mounted on female valves.

[0088] Figures 9 to 16 show another coupling piece 1. The coupling piece 1 can be used for coupling a pressure container 2 with a dispenser. The coupling piece 1 is shown mounted on a valve cup 6 in figures 11 to 16. The container 2 comprises a valve 3 for releasing the content of the container 2. The valve 3 comprises a stem 4 with a grommet 5 located in the opening of a valve cup 6 suitable for sealingly fixing the valve 3 to the top opening of the container 2.

[0089] The first element 8 comprises an inner ring 14 and an outer ring 15. The inner ring 14 is provided with flexible legs 16 with the fingers 11. The outer ring 15 can be moved from an open position to a closed position, wherein the fingers 11 are released from the peripheral edge 7 of the valve cup 6 in the open position shown in figures 11 and 12 and the fingers 11 engage the peripheral edge 7 of the valve cup 6 in the closed position shown in figures 13 and 14. The coupling piece 1 is locked to the container 2 in the closed position.

[0090] The coupling piece 1 comprises fingers 11. The fingers 11 are rotatably fixed to the Altachem NV 24044-P-BE-WO / 10.10.2025

[0091] 12 second element 9. The fingers 11 can pivot between an open position to a closed position when the fingers 11 are engaging the container 2. When the first element 8 is moved down, the fingers 11 are rotated and fixed into the grooves of the peripheral edge 7 of the valve cup 6 in a locked position. Thereby the coupling piece 1 is securely locked on the container 2. The coupling piece 1 can be loosened from the container 2 by moving up the first element 8, thereby releasing the fingers 11 from the peripheral edge 7. The coupling piece 1 is biased into the locked position by a spring 23. The spring 23 can be made of metal.

[0092] The second element 9 is provided with an outer thread and the first element 8 is provided with an inner thread wherein the valve of the container is activated by screwing the second element 9 into the first element 8 as can been seen in figures 15 and 16.

[0093] The coupling piece 1 provides an indicator 17 for the correct mounting of the coupling piece 1. The indicator 17 is a pin. The indicator prevents rotation between the inner ring 14 and the outer ring 15.

[0094] Figures 17 to 22 show another coupling piece 1. The coupling piece 1 can be used for coupling a pressure container 2 with a dispenser. Figures 19 to 22 show the coupling piece 1 mounted to a container 2. The container 2 comprises a valve 3 for releasing the content of the container 2. The valve 3 comprises a stem 4 with a grommet 5 located in the opening of a valve cup 6 suitable for sealingly fixing the valve 3 to the top opening of the container 2.

[0095] The coupling piece 1 comprises a first element 8 and a second element 9, wherein the first element 8 is rotatably connected to the second element 9 via a thread. The first element 8 and the second element 9 are not separable. The second element 9 provides means 10 for connecting the coupling piece 1 with a dispenser. The means 10 for connecting the coupling piece with a dispenser is an outer thread. The first element 8 comprises an inner ring 14 and an outer ring 15. The inner ring 14 and the outer ring 15 are slidably connected with each other. The inner ring 14 and the outer ring 15 are rotationally fixed relative to each other, while remaining axially displaceable. The inner ring 14 is provided with flexible legs 16 with the fingers 11. Altachem NV 24044-P-BE-WO / 10.10.2025

[0096] 13

[0097] The inner ring 14 is rotatably connected to the second element 9 by a threaded connection The outer ring 15 can be moved from an open position shown in figures 19 and 20 to a closed position shown in figures 21 and 22, wherein the fingers 11 are released from the peripheral edge 7 of the valve cup 6 in the open position and the fingers 11 engage the peripheral edge 7 of the valve cup 6 in the closed position. In the open position the fingers 11 can be released by bending the fingers 11 outwards via the flexible legs 16. The coupling piece 1 is locked to the container 2 in the closed position. The outer ring 15 blocks the outwards bending of the fingers 11.

[0098] The fingers 11 are located at one end of flexible legs 16. The legs 16 are formed by recesses 20 of the first element 8. When the first element 8 is moved down, the fingers 11 are pushed and fixed into the grooves of the peripheral edge 7 of the valve cup 6 in a locked position. Thereby the coupling piece 1 is securely locked on the container 2. The coupling piece 1 can be loosened from the container 2 by moving up the first element 8, thereby releasing the fingers 11 from the peripheral edge 7. The coupling piece 1 is biased into the locked position by a spring 23. The spring 23 can be made of metal.

[0099] The second element 9 is provided with an outer thread and the first element 8 is provided with an inner thread wherein the valve of the container is activated by screwing the second element 9 into the first element 8.

[0100] In order to fix the coupling piece 1 to the container and engaging the valve, the coupling piece 2 is pushed on the valve cup 6. When engaging the valve cup 6 the outer ring 15 is pushed upwards compared to the inner ring 14 in direction of the dispenser. Thereby the fingers 11 located at one end of the flexible legs 16 can bend outwards to be able to be pushed over the peripheral edge 7of the valve cup 6 (see figure 23). After passing the peripheral edge the fingers 11 engage the groove located under the peripheral edge by bending inwards again (see figure 20). After releasing the coupling piece 1 the outer ring 15 is pushed downwards by the spring 23 in relation to the inner ring 14. The outer ring 15 is in the closed position locking the fingers 11 in the position engaged with the peripheral edge 7. The fingers 11 are locked in place and cannot bend outwards (see figure 22). To release the coupling piece 1 from the container 2, the outer ring 15 can be pushed upwards in direction of Altachem NV 24044-P-BE-WO / 10.10.2025

[0101] 14 the dispenser therefore moving in the open position and releasing the fingers 11 to be able to bend over the peripheral edge 7. The coupling piece 1 is now released form the container 2.

[0102] To activate the valve 3 in the closed position of the outer ring 15 the outer ring 15 is rotated. Due to the threaded connection of the second element 9 and the inner ring 15 the second element 9 is pushed in direction of the container 2 and engaging the valve 3 by pressure. The valve 3 is activated. This activation can also happen by connecting the coupling piece to a dispenser. The valve 3 can be deactivated by rotating the outer ring 15 in the opposite direction.

[0103] As an advantage the movements necessary to fix the coupling piece 1 to the container 2 are decoupled from the movements necessary to activate the valve. While the coupling piece is fixed or released from the container with an axial movement of the outer ring 15 in relation to the inner ring 14, the valve 3 is activated or deactivated by an angular movement of the outer ring 15 in relation to the inner ring 14. Accidental activation of the valve or accidental release of the coupling piece from the container 2 can be avoided.

[0104] Figures 23 to 25 show another coupling piece 1. The coupling piece 1 can be used for coupling a pressure container 2 with a dispenser. Figures 23 to 25 in different configurations. The container 2 comprises a valve 3 for releasing the content of the container 2. The valve 3 comprises a stem 4 with a grommet 5 located in the opening of a valve cup 6 suitable for sealingly fixing the valve 3 to the top opening of the container 2.

[0105] The coupling piece 1 comprises a first element 8 and a second element 9, wherein the first element 8 is slidably and rotatably connected to the second element 9. The first element 8 and the second element 9 are not separable. The second element 9 provides means 10 for connecting the coupling piece 1 with a dispenser. The means 10 for connecting the coupling piece with a dispenser comprise an outer thread and an inner thread.

[0106] The first element 8 comprises an inner ring 14 and an outer ring 15. The inner ring 14 Altachem NV 24044-P-BE-WO / 10.10.2025

[0107] 15 is provided with flexible legs 16 with the fingers 11. The inner ring 14 and the outer ring 15 are slidably connected with each other. The inner ring 14 and the outer ring 15 are rotationally fixed relative to each other, while remaining axially displaceable. The outer ring 15 is rotatably connected to the second element 9 by a threaded connection The outer ring 15 can be moved from an open position shown in figures 19 and 20 to a closed position shown in figures 23 and 24, wherein the fingers 11 can be released from the peripheral edge 7 of the valve cup 6 in the open position and the fingers 11 engage the peripheral edge 7 of the valve cup 6 and are locked to this position in the closed position. The coupling piece 1 is locked to the container 2 in the closed position. The fingers 11 are located at one end of flexible legs 16. The legs 16 can be formed by recesses of the inner ring 14.

[0108] In order to fix the coupling piece 1 to the container and engaging the valve, the coupling piece 2 is pushed on the valve cup 6. When engaging the valve cup 6 the outer ring 15 is pushed downwards compared to the inner ring 14 in direction of the container. Thereby the fingers 11 located at one end of the flexible legs 16 can bend outwards to be able to be pushed over the peripheral edge 7of the valve cup 6 (see figure 23). After passing the peripheral edge the fingers 11 engage the groove located under the peripheral edge by bending inwards again (see figure 24). After releasing the coupling piece 1 the outer ring 15 is pushed upwards by the spring 23 in relation to the inner ring 14. The outer ring 15 is in the closed position locking the fingers 11 in the position engaged with the peripheral edge 7. The fingers 11 are locked in place and cannot bend outwards (see figure 25). To release the coupling piece 1 from the container 2, the outer ring 15 can be pushed downwards in direction of the container 2 therefore moving in the open position and releasing the fingers 11 to be able to bend over the peripheral edge 7. The coupling piece 1 is now released form the container 2.

[0109] To activate the valve 3 in the closed position of the outer ring 15 the outer ring 15 is rotated. Due to the threaded connection of the second element 9 and the outer ring 15 the second element 9 is pushed in direction of the container 2 and engaging the valve 3 by pressure. The valve 3 is activated. This activation can also happen by connecting the coupling piece to a dispenser. The valve 3 can be deactivated by rotating the outer ring 15 in the opposite direction. Altachem NV 24044-P-BE-WO / 10.10.2025

[0110] 16

[0111] As an advantage the movements necessary to fix the coupling piece 1 to the container 2 are decoupled from the movements necessary to activate the valve. While the coupling piece is fixed or released from the container with an axial movement of the outer ring 15 in relation to the inner ring 14, the valve 3 is activated or deactivated by an angular movement of the outer ring 15 in relation to the inner ring 14. Accidental activation of the valve or accidental release of the coupling piece from the container 2 can be avoided.

[0112] The coupling piece 1 is biased into the locked position by a spring 23. The spring 23 pushes the inner ring inner ring 14 towards the container 2 biasing the outer ring 14 in the closed position locking the fingers 11 in the position engaged with the peripheral edge 7. The spring 23 can be made of metal.

Claims

Altachem NV 24044-P-BE-WO / 10.10.202517CLAIMS1. Coupling piece (1) for coupling a pressure container (2) with a dispenser, the container (2) comprising a valve (3) for releasing the content of the container (2), whereby the valve (3) comprises a stem (4) with a grommet (5) located in the opening of a valve cup (6) suitable for sealingly fixing the valve cup (6) to the top opening of the container (2), characterised in that the coupling piece (1) comprises a first element (8) and a second element (9), wherein the first element (8) is slidably and / or rotatably connected to the second element (9) wherein the second element (9) provides means (10) for connecting the coupling piece (1) with a dispenser and wherein the coupling piece (1) comprises fingers (11) for engaging in a snap connection with the valve cup (6) or the container (2), wherein the coupling piece (1) can be locked to the container (2) and / or the valve (3) can be activated by sliding and / or rotating the first element (8) against the second element (9), wherein first element (8) and the second element (9) are not separable.

2. Coupling piece (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the first element (8) is provided with an outer thread (12) and the second element (9) is provided with an inner thread (13), wherein the first element (8) can be screwed into the second element (9) by turning the pressure container (2), wherein the first element (8) is provided with the fingers (11) and locked to the container (2) by the fingers (11) when the first element (8) is screwed into the second element (9) and wherein the valve (3) of the container (2) can be activated by screwing the first element (8) into the second element (9).

3. Coupling piece (1) according to claim 2, characterised in that the coupling piece (1) has a first position and a second position, wherein the fingers (11) are engaged with the peripheral edge (7) of the valve cup (6) in the first position, wherein the valve (3) of the container (2) is activated in the second position and wherein the coupling piece (1) can be moved from the first position to the second position by screwing the first element (8) into the second element (9).

4. Coupling piece (1) according to claim 1 , characterised in that the first elementAltachem NV 24044-P-BE-WO / 10.10.202518(8) comprises a cam-guided interface with the second element (9), wherein rotation of the container (2) causes a progressive axial-displacement of the first element (8), thereby engaging the fingers (11) and activating the valve (3) in a two stage-motion.

5. Coupling piece (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the first element (8) is formed like a sleeve, wherein the sleeve can be moved from an open position to a closed position and wherein the fingers (11) are released from the peripheral edge (7) of the valve cup (6) in the open position and the fingers (11) engage the peripheral edge (7) of the valve cup (6) in the closed position.

6. Coupling piece according to claim 5, characterised in that the first element (8) comprises the fingers (11) formed as radial-locking pins that are spring- loaded and engage with recesses in the valve cup (6) to lock the coupling piece to the valve cup when the sleeve is moved axially, wherein the first element (8) comprises a release button, wherein the locking is reversible by pressing the release button.

7. Coupling piece (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the first element (8) comprises an inner ring (14) and an outer ring (15), wherein the inner ring (14) is provided with flexible legs (16) with the fingers (11), wherein the outer ring (15) can be moved from an open position to an closed position and wherein the fingers (11) are released from the peripheral edge (7) of the valve cup (6) in the open position and the fingers (11) engage the peripheral edge (7) of the valve cup (6) in the closed position.

8. Coupling piece (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterised in that the second element (9) is provided with an outer thread and the first element (8) is provided with an inner thread and wherein the valve of the container is activated by screwing the second element (9) into the first element (8).

9. Coupling piece (1) according to claim 8, characterised in that the thread comprises a mechanical stop limiting the axial displacement of the second element (9) relative to the first element (8).Altachem NV 24044-P-BE-WO / 10.10.20251910. Coupling piece (1) according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that the coupling piece (1) provides indicators (17) for the correct mounting of the coupling piece (1).

11. Coupling piece (1) according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that the stem (4) of the container (2) can be activated by the second element (9), wherein the second element (9) provides a middle piece (18) and wherein the middle piece (18) can activate the stem (4) and seals off with the grommet (5) of the valve (3).

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