Gassing faucet, container for water and associated valve

Abstract

Faucet (100) comprising: - a body (101) having at least a dispensing portion (101e) provided with a dispensing mouth (102) for water, and an engaging portion (101k) connecting to the dispensing portion (101e) and in correspondence thereof the body (101) is configured to be engaged, optionally rotatably and / or translatably engaged, to a substantially rigid supporting surface (400), preferably a kitchen or bathroom supporting plane, - at least a first water supply duct (107) at least partially housed in the body (101) and configured to supply water to said dispensing mouth (102) through said dispensing portion (101e) of said body (101); - a water dispensing valve (104), user-controllable and configured to set at least one between a temperature and / or a flow of water supplied from said at least a first water supply duct (107) towards said dispensing mouth (102); the faucet (100) further comprising a gas supply duct (107g), preferably a carbonization gas supply duct, and a gas addition unit (200), supplied by said gas supply duct (107g) and comprising an injector (201) configured to add a gas to a container (300) for water or beverages removably couplable to said gas addition unit (200); said injector (201) being aranged on the, and / or coupled to the, body (101) in a position and / or distanced with respect to said dispensing portion (101e) and / or to said dispensing mouth (102), preferably wherein said injector (201) is arranged on the, or coupled to the, body (101) in correspondence of said engaging portion (101k).

Description

[0001] Gassing faucet, container for water and associated valve;

[0002] Field of the art

[0003] The present disclosure refers to the field of gassing faucets, and refers also to the field of containers for carbonized water, and to the field of flow regulation valves.

[0004] Known art

[0005] There are well-known gassing devices for water that are conceived to add gas to tap water. These gassing devices typically are provided with an injector that in use is introduced in the inner volume of a container for water under the height reached by the water.

[0006] These gassing devices are “table-top”-type devices, and are typically destined to be arranged on a kitchen plane.

[0007] From WO 2023 / 180470 is known a kitchen faucet having gassing function for water. The faucet comprises a gas addition unit comprising a spear-shaped injector arranged substantially at the dispensing mouth. The injector is configured to inject gas under the height reached by the water.

[0008] DE 19957081 A1 discloses a faucet with gassing device suitable for being installed on pre-existing faucets; the faucet comprises an auxiliary rod inserted in substantial proximity of the main rod.

[0009] WO 2023 / 220598 A1 discloses a gassing device for beverages provided with a water reservoir, a CO2 cylinder and a gas dispenser, configured to dispense carbonized water from above.

[0010] US 2019 / 0300356 A1 discloses a device, faucet and method for filling a container with CO2. The device is provided with a pressure release valve, through which a target pressure in a liquid supply line is adjustable during the filling of the container.

[0011] US2021262207 A1 discloses an apparatus for the treatment of liquids provided with a plurality of supply lines and with a control apparatus for treating selectively, and / or replacing, a liquid flow from at least one of said plurality of lines.

[0012] DE102021108027 A1 discloses a device for filling containers controllable with a radio module.

[0013] DE 202015 100508 A1 discloses a faucet with auxiliary duct for dispensing carbonized water; both ducts dispense from top to bottom.

[0014] WO 2020 / 097728 A1 discloses a carbonizing device that retains a container in correspondence of two opposed portions: it dispenses carbonizing gas from below and withdraws carbonizing gas from above.Objects and summary

[0015] An object of the present disclosure is to improve the gassing of the water with respect to the known gassing devices and faucets.

[0016] In particular, an object of the present disclosure is to optimize the gassing of the water also when the container for water is characterized by a low water level.

[0017] Furthermore, a further object of the present disclosure is to describe a faucet capable of gassing water or beverages leaving the traditional dispensing mouth of water free, in order to dispense water in a traditional way.

[0018] The main aspects of the object of the present disclosure are hereinafter indicated. These aspects can be combined to each other or with portions of the detailed description and / or of the claims.

[0019] In accordance to a first independent aspect, is herein described a faucet (100), comprising:

[0020] - a body (101) having at least a dispensing portion (101e) provided with a dispensing mouth (102) for water, and an engaging portion (101k) connected to the dispensing portion (101e) and in correspondence of which the body (101) is configured to be engaged, optionally rotatably and / or translatably engaged, to a substantially rigid supporting surface (400), preferably a kitchen or bathroom supporting plane,

[0021] - at least a first water supply duct (107) at least partially housed in the body (101) and configured to supply water to said dispensing mouth (102) through said dispensing portion (101e) of said body (101);

[0022] - a water dispensing valve (104), user-controllable and configured to set at least one between a temperature and / or a flow of water supplied from said at least a first water supply duct (107) towards said dispensing mouth (102); the faucet (100) further comprising a gas supply duct (107g), preferably a carbonization gas supply duct, and a gas addition unit (200), supplied by said gas supply duct (107g) and comprising an injector (201) configured to add a gas to a container (300) for water or beverages removably couplable to said gas addition unit (200);

[0023] said injector (201) being arranged on the, and / or coupled to the, body (101) in a position distinct and / or distanced with respect to said dispensing portion (101e) and / or to said dispensing mouth (102), preferably wherein said injector (201) is arranged on the, or coupled to the, body (101) in correspondence of said engaging portion (101k).

[0024] In particular, according to another non-limiting aspect, said injector (201), when arranged on the, and / or coupled to the, body (101) is installed on the, and / or housed in them, body (101).

[0025] According to another non-limiting aspect, said water dispensing valve (104) is housed in said body (101) or associated to said body (101).

[0026] According to another non-limiting aspect, said injector (201) is arranged in a position such that the dispensing mouth (102) results free and accessible when said container (300) is coupled to the injector (201).According to another non-limiting aspect, said injector (201) is configured to add said gas below a level of water or beverage contained in use in said container (300), optionally independently with respect to the level assumed by the water or beverage in said container (300).

[0027] According to another non-limiting aspect, said gas, preferably said carbonization gas, comprises, optionally is, carbon dioxide.

[0028] According to another non-limiting aspect, said injector (201) is configured to contact a lateral wall (301) or a bottom wall (302) of said container (300) and / or is configured to add said gas from bottom to top.

[0029] According to another non-limiting aspect, said gas addition unit (200), optionally at least said injector (201), is arranged laterally with respect to said body (101), or protrudes in a direction substantially oblique or orthogonal with respect to a direction along which said body (101) mainly develops.

[0030] According to another non-limiting aspect, said body (101) comprises an engaging portion (101k) connected to said dispensing portion (101e), preferably uninterruptedly.

[0031] According to another non-limiting aspect, said dispensing portion (101e) is connected to said engaging portion (101k) in correspondence of a first end (101k') of said engaging portion (101k).

[0032] According to another non-limiting aspect, said body (101) is engaged, optionally rotatably and / or translatably engaged, to said supporting surface (400), in correspondence of said engaging portion (101k), preferably in correspondence of a second end (101k”) of said engaging portion (101k) opposed to said first end (101k') of said engaging portion (101k).

[0033] According to another non-limiting aspect, said dispensing mouth (102) is arranged in correspondence of an end of the dispensing portion (101 e) opposed with respect to the end of said dispensing portion (101 e) connected to said engaging portion (101k), preferably in correspondence of said first end (101k') of said engaging portion (101k).

[0034] According to another non-limiting aspect, said dispensing mouth (102) lies at a first height and said injector (201) lies at a second height different with respect to said first height.

[0035] According to another non-limiting aspect, said body (101) comprises a base portion and develops up to a maximum height with respect to a height of said base portion.

[0036] According to another non-limiting aspect, said base portion of said body (101) is engaged on said supporting surface (400), optionally said base portion corresponding to said second end (101k”) of the engaging portion (101k).

[0037] According to another non-limiting aspect, said injector (201) lies at a height substantially equal to a half between said maximum height and said height of said base portion, or lies at a height sensibly lower with respect to a half between said maximum height and said height of said base portion or lies at a height sensibly higher with respect to a half between said maximum height and said height of said base portion.According to another non-limiting aspect, said gas addition unit (200), optionally at least said injector (201), is arranged laterally with respect to said engaging portion (101k), or protrudes in a direction substantially oblique or orthogonal with respect to a direction along which said engaging portion (101k) mainly develops.

[0038] According to another non-limiting aspect, said engaging portion (101k) is a substantially rigid portion. According to another non-limiting aspect, said dispensing portion (101e) is rotatably engaged on said engaging portion (101k).

[0039] According to another non-limiting aspect, said gas addition unit (200) comprises a support or connector (202) for said container (300), configured to be removably coupled to said container (300), and preferably to removably retain said container (300); preferably said support or connector (202) lying in use below, or laterally with respect to, said container (300).

[0040] According to another non-limiting aspect, said injector (201) is arranged in correspondence of said support or connector (202).

[0041] According to another non-limiting aspect, said injector (201) is arranged in correspondence of a surface of said support or connector (202) that in use realizes a contacting portion, preferably substantially planar, with said container (300).

[0042] According to another non-limiting aspect, said support or connector (202) is arranged in substantial proximity of a base portion of said body (101), preferably in substantial proximity of said second end (101k”) of said engaging portion (101k), and / or is configured to be fixed, in particular in a rigid way, to said supporting surface (400).

[0043] According to another non-limiting aspect, said support or connector (202) is arranged in substantial proximity of said water dispensing valve (104).

[0044] According to another non-limiting aspect, said injector (201) is configured to at least partially introduce itself into said lateral wall (301) or said bottom wall (302) of said container (300).

[0045] According to another non-limiting aspect, said injector (201) is movably installed on said support or connector (202) and is movable, optionally by axial translation, with respect to a striking surface (202r), between a first resting position where it stops a passage of gas and at least a second dispensing position where it allows a passage of gas.

[0046] According to another non-limiting aspect, said injector (201) can be unstably movable, optionally by axial translation, with respect to a striking surface (202r), between a first resting position where it stops a passage of gas and at least a second dispensing position where it allows a passage of gas.

[0047] According to another non-limiting aspect, said first position is a resting and / or stable position.

[0048] According to another non-limiting aspect, said second position is an unstable position.According to another non-limiting aspect, said second position is different with respect to said first position. According to another non-limiting aspect, said injector (201) has:

[0049] - an open configuration, wherein it supplies gas in said container (300),

[0050] - a closed configuration, wherein it does not supply gas in said container (300).

[0051] According to another non-limiting aspect, said open configuration and said closed configuration are mutually exclusive, and / or said open configuration is alternative to said closed configuration.

[0052] According to another non-limiting aspect, said injector (201) is normally, in particular in absence of coupling with said container (300), in said closed configuration.

[0053] According to another non-limiting aspect, said second position is determined by a force exerted by said container (300) on said injector (201).

[0054] According to another non-limiting aspect, said open configuration is an unstable configuration, preferably determined by said force exerted by said container (300).

[0055] According to another non-limiting aspect, said closed configuration is a stable configuration.

[0056] According to another non-limiting aspect, in said closed configuration said injector (201) is in said first position.

[0057] According to another non-limiting aspect, in said open configuration said injector (201) is in said second position.

[0058] According to another non-limiting aspect, said injector (201) comprises a front portion (201f), realizing an engaging portion with said container (300).

[0059] According to another non-limiting aspect, said engaging portion is configured to be removably coupled to said container (300).

[0060] According to another non-limiting aspect, said container (300) comprises an engaging portion (303) for said injector (201), optionally for said front portion (201f) of said injector (201).

[0061] According to another non-limiting aspect, said injector (201) is configured to be at least partially introduced into said container (300), optionally in said engaging portion (303) of said container.

[0062] According to another non-limiting aspect, said front portion (201f) is substantially rigid and / or is configured to be introduced into said container (300), optionally in said engaging portion (303) of said container (300).

[0063] According to another non-limiting aspect, said engaging portion (303) of said container (300) comprises a recess and / or is arranged in a position substantially separated, preferably substantially opposed, with respect to a closable dispensing opening (304) of said container (300).According to another non-limiting aspect, said gas addition unit (200) comprises an elastic element (203), configured to retain said injector (201) in said closed configuration and to be deformed by an external force for putting said injector (201) in said open configuration.

[0064] According to another non-limiting aspect, said support or connector (202) comprises a gas supply chamber (204) connected with, and in use supplied by, said gas supply duct (107g).

[0065] According to another non-limiting aspect, said elastic element (203) is arranged in said gas supply chamber (204).

[0066] According to another non-limiting aspect, said gas supply chamber (204) is connected with a terminal portion of said gas supply duct (107g).

[0067] According to another non-limiting aspect, said injector (201) comprises a rear portion (201 r), substantially opposed with respect to said front portion (201f).

[0068] According to another non-limiting aspect, said rear portion (201 r) is a gas flow regulation portion.

[0069] According to another non-limiting aspect, said elastic element (203) exerts a pushing action on said rear portion (201 r).

[0070] According to another non-limiting aspect, said rear portion (201 r) comprises a pushing plate (201 p). According to another non-limiting aspect, said elastic element (203) comprises a first portion, preferably a first end, contacting said pushing plate (201 p) and a second portion, preferably a second end opposed with respect to said first end, contacting a wall of said gas supply chamber (204).

[0071] According to another non-limiting aspect, said injector (201) is a hollow injector, and comprises or defines a supply duct (207) for said gas towards said container (300).

[0072] According to another non-limiting aspect, said front portion (201f) is hollow, and comprises or defines a supply duct (207) for said gas towards said container (300).

[0073] According to another non-limiting aspect, said rear portion (201 r) comprises at least an orifice (208) connected with said supply duct (207) and configured to receive said gas from said gas supply chamber (204).

[0074] According to another non-limiting aspect, said injector (201) comprises a first sealing element (210), preferably a first sealing ring.

[0075] According to another non-limiting aspect, said first sealing element (210) is configured to removably engage to said container (300) to prevent an exit of said gas from said container (300).

[0076] According to another non-limiting aspect, said first sealing element (210) is arranged in correspondence of said front portion (201f) and / or is configured to be engaged, optionally introduced, into said engaging portion (303) of said container (300).According to another non-limiting aspect, said injector (201) comprises a second sealing element (211), preferably a second sealing ring.

[0077] According to another non-limiting aspect, said second sealing element (211) is arranged in substantial correspondence of said rear portion (201 r).

[0078] According to another non-limiting aspect, said second sealing element (211) is housed in said gas supply chamber (204).

[0079] According to another non-limiting aspect, when said injector (201) is in said open configuration, said second sealing element (211) is distanced from a predefined wall of said gas supply chamber (204) and allows a gas flow from said gas supply chamber (204) to said supply duct (207), optionally through said orifice (208).

[0080] According to another non-limiting aspect, when said injector (201) is in said closed configuration, said second sealing element (211) is in contact with said predefined wall of said gas supply chamber (204) and prevents said gas flow from said gas supply chamber (204) to said supply duct (207), optionally through said orifice (208).

[0081] According to another non-limiting aspect, said gas supply chamber (204) comprises a passage portion (204p) housing said injector (201).

[0082] According to another non-limiting aspect, said passage portion (204p) ends on an outer environment. According to another non-limiting aspect, the injector (201) comprises a third sealing element (212), preferably a third sealing ring.

[0083] According to another non-limiting aspect, said third sealing element (212) is arranged in said passage portion (204p) and isolates said gas supply chamber (204) from said outer environment.

[0084] According to another non-limiting aspect, said third sealing element (212) is arranged in correspondence of said rear portion (201 r) of said injector (201).

[0085] According to another non-limiting aspect, said third sealing element (212) remains in said passage portion (204p) both when said injector (201) is in said open configuration, and when said injector is in said closed configuration and / or during the movement of said injector (201 ) between said first position and said second position.

[0086] According to another non-limiting aspect, said injector (201) comprises a striker (215) configured to limit the introduction of said injector (201), and preferably of said front portion (201f) of said injector (201) in said container (300).

[0087] According to another non-limiting aspect, said striker (215) extends in a direction substantially oblique or orthogonal with respect to a main development direction of said front portion (201f) and / or has a substantially annular shape.According to another non-limiting aspect, said gas supply duct (107g) extends below said supporting surface (400), and is configured to be connected to a gassing unit (600).

[0088] According to another non-limiting aspect, said gassing unit (600) is configured to removably house a gas reservoir (601), preferably a carbon dioxide reservoir.

[0089] According to another non-limiting aspect, said gas reservoir (601) is normally pressurized.

[0090] According to another non-limiting aspect, said gassing unit (600) is configured to feed a gas exiting from said gas reservoir (601), to said gas supply duct (107g).

[0091] In accordance to a further independent aspect it is herein described a container (300) for water or beverages, configured to contain water added with gas, and preferably configured to be operatively coupled to a gassing device for water, optionally a faucet (100) according to one or more of the aspects herein described,

[0092] said container (300) comprising:

[0093] - a lateral wall (301) and a bottom wall (302) joined to said lateral wall (301), overall defining an internal volume (300v) of said container (300),

[0094] - a closable distribution opening (304), preferably arranged in a position substantially opposed with respect to said bottom wall (302);

[0095] said container (300) comprising an engaging portion (303) for an injector (201) of gas of said gassing device for water or beverages, preferably for the injector (201) of the faucet (100) according to one or more of the aspects herein described.

[0096] According to another non-limiting aspect, said engaging portion (303) is arranged in a position substantially different with respect to said dispensing opening (304) and is optionally arranged in said bottom wall (302). According to another non-limiting aspect, said container (300) comprises at least a stopper (330) configured to be removably coupled to said dispensing opening (304).

[0097] According to another non-limiting aspect, said engaging portion (303) is arranged on said stopper (330). According to another non-limiting aspect, said engaging portion (303) comprises an inlet recess (305) configured to house at least part of said injector (201), preferably configured to house a front portion (201f) of said injector (201).

[0098] According to another non-limiting aspect, said inlet recess (305) extends along a direction substantially axial with a main development axis of said container (300).According to another non-limiting aspect, said inlet recess (305) extends along a direction substantially parallel with a main development axis of said container (300).

[0099] According to another non-limiting aspect, said inlet recess (305) is misaligned with respect to said main development axis of said container (300).

[0100] According to another non-limiting aspect, said engaging portion (303) comprises a gas supply valve (306) having:

[0101] - an open configuration, for allowing a flow of said gas toward said internal volume (300v), or alternatively - a closed configuration, for allowing said flow of said gas toward said internal volume (300v).

[0102] According to another non-limiting aspect, said closed configuration is a resting configuration and / or said open configuration is unstably determined by a pressure of the gas supplied in use by said injector (201) and / or wherein said open configuration is an unstable configuration and said closed configuration is a resting configuration.

[0103] According to another non-limiting aspect, said gas supply valve (306) is configured to prevent an exit of water or beverage contained in said internal volume (300v) of said container (300) when said flow of gas toward the internal volume (300v) ends, and / or when there is a transition from said open configuration to said closed configuration.

[0104] According to another non-limiting aspect, said gas supply valve (306) comprises an elastic element (307) and a closing element (308) fixed in correspondence of a first portion, preferably a first end, of said elastic element (307).

[0105] According to another non-limiting aspect, said closing element (308) is configured to determine a passage from the open configuration to the closed configuration of the valve, by action of said elastic element (307).

[0106] According to another non-limiting aspect, said closing element (308) is a plate.

[0107] According to another non-limiting aspect, said elastic element (307) and said closing element (308) are arranged in said inlet recess (305) and wherein said elastic element (307) comprises a second portion, preferably a second end, of said elastic element (307), fixed to a predefined wall of said inlet recess (305).

[0108] According to another non-limiting aspect, said gas supply valve (306) comprises an inlet, in particular arranged in said engaging portion (303) for said injector (201), preferably opening on an inlet recess (305) of said engaging portion (303), said inlet recess (305) being configured to house in use at least part of said injector (201), and an outlet, opening on said internal volume (300v).

[0109] According to another non-limiting aspect, said gas supply valve (306) is configured to remain in said closed configuration when a pressure in correspondence of said inlet is equal to a pressure in correspondence of said outlet, optionally being configured to remain in said closed configuration when a pressure in correspondence of said inlet is greater than a pressure in correspondence of said outlet but lower with respect to a maximum pressuredifference (APmax) between said inlet and said outlet, and to switch from said closed configuration to said open configuration when a pressure difference between said inlet and said outlet is greater than said maximum pressure difference (APmax).

[0110] According to another non-limiting aspect, said engaging portion (303) comprises a striking wall (310) for said closing element (308), preferably wherein said inlet recess (305) comprises a striking wall (310) for said closing element (308).

[0111] According to another non-limiting aspect:

[0112] - when said gas supply valve (306) is in said open configuration, said closing element (308) is at a first distance from said striking wall (310),

[0113] - when said gas supply valve (306) is in said closed configuration, said closing element (308) is at a second distance, lower with respect to said first distance, or is in contact with, said striking wall (310);

[0114] optionally said closing element (308) comprising a sealing element (311), optionally a sealing ring, configured to seal the passage identified by said inlet recess (305) when said gas supply valve (306) is in said closed configuration.

[0115] According to another non-limiting aspect, a recalling force of said elastic element (307) is such to make said gas supply valve (306) remain in said closed configuration, keeping said closing element (308) at said second distance, or in contact with, said striking wall (310), when a pressure in correspondence of said inlet is equal to a pressure in correspondence of said outlet, optionally being such to make said gas supply valve (306) remain in said closed configuration when a pressure in correspondence of said inlet is greater than a pressure in correspondence of said outlet but lower with respect to a maximum pressure difference (APmax) between said inlet and said outlet, and to make said gas supply valve (306) switch from said closed configuration to said open configuration, bringing said closing element (308) to said first distance with respect to said striking wall (310), when a pressure difference between said inlet and said outlet is greater than said maximum pressure difference (APmax).

[0116] According to another non-limiting aspect, said sealing element (311) is configured to maintain said closing element (308) in correspondence of said second distance from said striking wall (310) when said gas supply valve (306) is in said closed configuration, and results interposed between said striking wall (310) and said closing element (308).

[0117] According to another non-limiting aspect, said elastic element (307) is configured to determine a recalling force such that to maintain said gas supply valve (306) in said closed configuration.

[0118] According to another non-limiting aspect, said elastic element (307) is configured to determine a recalling force such that to maintain said closing element (308) at said second distance from said striking wall (310) or in contact with said striking wall (310).According to another non-limiting aspect, at least one between said elastic element of said injector (201) and / or said elastic element of said container (300) comprises a coil spring.

[0119] According to another non-limiting aspect, said coil spring is realized in metallic material, optionally in stainless steel.

[0120] According to another non-limiting aspect, said gas supply valve (306) is configured to cooperatively operate with said injector (201) and to be arranged in said open configuration only after a switching, for said injector (201), from said closed configuration to said open configuration.

[0121] According to another non-limiting aspect, said container (300) comprises a pressure indicator (315) and a pressure sensor (316) operatively connected to said pressure indicator (315) and configured to provide a measurement of a pressure present in said internal volume (300v).

[0122] According to another non-limiting aspect, said pressure indicator (315) is configured to show at least a first and a second pressure value within said internal volume (300v), respectively indicating a first gassing value and a second gassing value of said water or beverage by means of said gas.

[0123] In accordance to a further independent aspect, it is described a faucet (100), comprising:

[0124] - a body (101), having a dispensing mouth (102) for dispensing water and is configured to be engaged, optionally rotatably and / or translatably engaged, to a supporting surface (400) substantially rigid, preferably a supporting plane of a kitchen or bathroom,

[0125] - at least a first water supply duct (107) configured to supply water to said body (101),

[0126] - a water dispensing valve (104), user-controllable and configured to set at least one between a temperature and / or a flow of water supplied from said at least a first water supply duct (107) towards said body (101);

[0127] the faucet (100) comprising a gas supply duct (107g), preferably a carbonization gas supply duct, and a gas addition unit (200), supplied by said gas inlet (107g) and comprising an injector (201) configured to add a gas and a container (300) removably couplable to said gas addition unit (200);

[0128] wherein said gas addition unit (200) comprises a support or connector (202) for said container (300), configured to be removably coupled to said container (300).

[0129] According to another non-limiting aspect, said injector (201) is movably installed on said support or connector (202) and is movable, optionally by axial translation, with respect to a striking surface (202r) of said support or connector (202), between a first resting position where it stops a passage of gas and at least a second dispensing position where it allows a passage of gas.According to another non-limiting aspect, wherein said support or connector (202) lies in use under, or laterally with respect to, said container (300).

[0130] According to another non-limiting aspect, said injector (201) is arranged in correspondence of said support or connector (202).

[0131] According to another non-limiting aspect, said injector (201) is arranged in a position substantially different with respect to said dispensing mouth (102).

[0132] In accordance to a further independent aspect, it is described a gassing device for water or beverages, configured to be arranged on a supporting surface (400), preferably a kitchen or bathroom supporting plane, and destined to gas water contained in a container (300) for water or beverages;

[0133] the gassing device for water or beverages comprising:

[0134] - a gas supply duct (107g), and

[0135] - a gas addition unit (200) connected to, for being supplied by, said gas supply duct (107g) and comprising a support or connector (202), configured to be removably coupled to said container (300), and an injector (201) to supply said gas in said container (300) when the container (300) is coupled to the support or connector (202); wherein said injector (201) is movably installed on said support or connector (202) and is movable, optionally by axial translation, with respect to a striking surface (202r) of said support or connector (202), between a first resting position where it stops a passage of gas and at least a second dispensing position where it allows a passage of gas.

[0136] According to another non-limiting aspect, said support or connector (202) lies in use under, or laterally with respect to, said container (300).

[0137] According to another non-limiting aspect, said first position is a resting and / or stable position, and / or said second position is an unstable position.

[0138] According to another non-limiting aspect, said injector (201) is configured to add said gas below a level of a liquid, preferably water or beverage, contained, in use, in said container (300), optionally independently with respect to the level assumed by said liquid, preferably water or beverage, in said container (300).

[0139] According to another non-limiting aspect, said gas, preferably said carbonization gas, comprises, optionally is, carbon dioxide, and / or said gas supply duct (107g) is a carbonization gas supply duct.

[0140] According to another non-limiting aspect, said injector (201) is configured to contact a lateral wall (301) or a bottom wall (302) or a stopper (330) of said container (300) and / or is configured to add said gas from bottom to top.

[0141] According to another non-limiting aspect, said injector (201) has:- an open configuration, wherein it supplies gas in said container (300), or alternatively

[0142] - a closed configuration, wherein it does not supply gas in said container (300).

[0143] According to another non-limiting aspect, said injector (201) is normally, in particular in absence of coupling with said container (300), in said closed configuration.

[0144] According to another non-limiting aspect, said second position is determined by a force exerted by said container (300) on said injector (201) and / or said open configuration is an unstable configuration, preferably determined by said force exerted by said container (300), and said closed configuration is a stable configuration, optionally wherein in said closed configuration said injector (201) is in said first position and wherein in said open configuration said injector (201) is in said second position.

[0145] According to another non-limiting aspect, said injector (201) comprises a front portion (201f), realizing an engaging portion with said container (300) and configured to be removably coupled with said container (300), and / or said container (300) comprises an engaging portion (303) for said injector (201), optionally for said engaging portion.

[0146] According to another non-limiting aspect, said front portion (201f) is substantially rigid and / or is configured to be introduced into said container (300), and optionally in said engaging portion (303) of said container (300).

[0147] According to another non-limiting aspect, said engaging portion (303) of said container (300) comprises a recess and / or is arranged in a position substantially separated, preferably substantially opposed, with respect to a closable dispensing opening (304) of said container (300).

[0148] According to another non-limiting aspect, said gas addition unit (200) comprises an elastic element (203), configured to retain said injector (201) in said closed configuration and to be deformed by an external force for putting said injector (201) in said open configuration.

[0149] According to another non-limiting aspect, said elastic element (203) comprises a spring, optionally a coil spring.

[0150] According to another non-limiting aspect, said spring is preferably realized in metallic material.

[0151] According to another non-limiting aspect, said support or connector (202) comprises a gas supply chamber (204) connected with, and in use supplied by, said gas supply duct (107g).

[0152] According to another non-limiting aspect, said elastic element (203) is arranged in said gas supply chamber (204), preferably in an arrangement axially parallel and / or aligned with a direction of movement of said injector (201).

[0153] According to another non-limiting aspect, said gas supply chamber (204) is connected with a terminal portion of said gas supply duct (107g).According to another non-limiting aspect, said gassing device is in form of a faucet (100) and comprises: - a body (101) having at least a dispensing portion (101e) provided with a dispensing mouth (102) for water, and an engaging portion (101k) connected to the dispensing portion (101e) and in correspondence thereof the body (101) is configured to be engaged, optionally rotatably and / or translatably engaged, to a substantially rigid supporting surface (400), preferably said kitchen or bathroom supporting plane,

[0154] - at least a first water supply duct (107) at least partially housed in the body (101) and configured to supply water to said dispensing mouth (102) through said dispensing portion (101e) of said body (101),

[0155] - a water dispensing valve (104), user-controllable and configured to set at least one between a temperature and / or a flow of water supplied from said at least a first water supply duct (107) towards said dispensing mouth (102).

[0156] According to another non-limiting aspect, said injector (201) is arranged in a position substantially different with respect to said dispensing mouth (102).

[0157] In accordance to a further independent aspect, it is herein described a container (300) for water or beverages, configured to contain water added with gas, and preferably configured to be operatively coupled to a gassing device for water or beverages, according to one or more of the aspects herein described,

[0158] said container (300) comprising:

[0159] - a lateral wall (301) and a bottom wall (302) joined to said lateral wall (301), overall defining an internal volume (300v) of said container (300),

[0160] - a closable distribution opening (304), preferably arranged in a position substantially opposed with respect to said bottom wall (302);

[0161] said container (300) comprising an engaging portion (303) for said injector (201).

[0162] According to another non-limiting aspect, said engaging portion (303) is arranged in a position substantially different with respect to said dispensing opening (304) and is optionally arranged in said bottom wall (302). According to another non-limiting aspect, said container comprises at least a stopper (330) configured to be removably coupled to said dispensing opening (304), and said engaging portion (303) is arranged on said stopper (330).

[0163] According to another non-limiting aspect, said engaging portion (303) comprises an inlet recess (305) configured to house at least part of said injector (201), preferably configured to house a front portion (201f) of said injector (201).

[0164] According to another non-limiting aspect, said inlet recess (305) extends along a direction substantially axial with a main development axis of said container (300).In accordance to a further independent aspect, it is described a gassing device for water or beverages, configured to be arranged on a supporting surface (400), preferably a kitchen or bathroom supporting plane, and destined to gas water or a beverage contained in a container (300) having its own internal volume (300v);

[0165] the gassing device for water comprising:

[0166] - a gas supply duct (107g), and

[0167] - a gas addition unit (200) connected to, for being supplied by, said gas supply duct (107g) and comprising a support or connector (202), configured to be removably coupled to said container (300), and an injector (201) to supply said gas in said container (300);

[0168] the gassing device comprising a data processing unit (150) configured to set and / or adjust automatically, by means of said gas addition unit (200), a predetermined gassing level (V, P) of a water or a beverage contained in said container (300) in accordance to at least a first gassing factor determined by, associated to, or by means of, said container (300), preferably determined by, associated to, or by means of, physical characteristics of said container (300) and / or of a content thereof.

[0169] According to another non-limiting aspect, said predetermined gassing level (V, P) is determined by, or is, a gas volume (V) added in said container (300) by means of said injector (201) and / or by, or is, a pressure (P) of said container (300) after the injection of said gas through said injector (201).

[0170] According to another non-limiting aspect, said data processing unit (150) is configured to set and / or adjust automatically, through said gas addition unit (200), at least one between said predetermined gassing level (V, P) and an auxiliary gassing level, different with respect to said predetermined gassing level.

[0171] According to another non-limiting aspect, said predetermined gassing level (V, P) and said auxiliary gassing level are arbitrarily selectable in an alternative way by a user, optionally for an identical first gassing factor.

[0172] According to another non-limiting aspect, said first gassing factor comprises said internal volume (300v) of said container (300), or comprises a level of water or beverage present in said internal volume (300v) of said container (300) and / or a weight of said container (300).

[0173] According to another non-limiting aspect, said data processing unit (150) is configured to set and / or adjust automatically, through said gas addition unit (200), said predetermined gassing level (V, P) of said water or beverage in said container (300) according to at least a second gassing factor determined by said container (300).

[0174] According to another non-limiting aspect, said first gassing factor comprises said internal volume (300v) of said container (300).

[0175] According to another non-limiting aspect, said second gassing factor comprises a level of water present in said internal volume (300v) of said container (300).According to another non-limiting aspect, said data processing unit (150) is configured to set and / or adjust automatically, through said gas addition unit (200), a gassing level of said water or beverage in said container (300) according to, optionally simultaneously considering, said first factor and said second factor, and preferably according to a ratio or difference between said first factor and said second factor.

[0176] According to another non-limiting aspect, said data processing unit (150) is configured to determine a stopping of the inflow of said gas to said injector (201), in particular to determine a stopping of the inflow of said gas from said gas supply duct (107g) to said injector (201), and / or to force a switching from an open configuration of said injector (201) to a closed configuration of said injector (201), preferably when a gassing level of said water or beverage in said container (300) reaches or exceeds said predetermined gassing level (P, V) or when a gas volume injected by said injector (201) in said container (300) reaches or exceeds a predetermined gas volume to be injected in said container (300).

[0177] According to another non-limiting aspect, said data processing unit (150) is configured to determine a stopping of the inflow of said gas to said injector (201), in particular to determine a stopping of the inflow of said gas from said gas supply duct (107g) to said injector (201), and / or to force a switching from an open configuration of said injector (201) to a closed configuration of said injector (201), as a function of a feedback signal suitable for determining when a gassing level of said water or beverage instantly reached in said container (300) reaches or exceeds said predetermined gassing level (P, V).

[0178] According to another non-limiting aspect, said gassing device is configured to allow a user to select said predetermined gassing level (V, P) among a plurality of pre-selected gassing levels.

[0179] According to another non-limiting aspect, said plurality of pre-selected gassing levels is stored in a memory of said data processing unit (150) or in a memory operatively accessible to said data processing unit (150).

[0180] According to another non-limiting aspect, said data processing unit (150) is configured to store said plurality of pre-selected gassing levels.

[0181] According to another non-limiting aspect, said plurality of pre-selected gassing levels comprises at least: - a predetermined default gassing level (Vo, Po),

[0182] - a predetermined gassing level (Vo + a1, Po + a2) increased with respect to said predetermined default gassing level (Vo, Po) with a first predetermined corrective factor (a1 ; a2), and / or

[0183] - a predetermined gassing level (Vo - |31, Po - |32) reduced with respect to said predetermined default gassing level (Vo, Po) with a second predetermined corrective factor (|31 ; |32).

[0184] According to another non-limiting aspect, said data processing unit (150) is configured to allow a variation of said predetermined gassing level (Vo, Po), and to store the predetermined gassing level varied as new predetermined gassing level (Vo, Po).According to another non-limiting aspect, said data processing unit (150) is configured to allow a variation of said first predetermined corrective factor (a1 ; a2) and / or of said second predetermined corrective factor (|31 ; p2) and to store the predetermined first predetermined corrective factor and / or second predetermined corrective factor varied as new first predetermined corrective factor (a1 ; a2) and / or second predetermined corrective factor (P1 ; P2).

[0185] According to another non-limiting aspect, said data processing unit (150) is configured to receive said first gassing factor, optionally an electronic data indicating said first gassing factor, and / or said second gassing factor, optionally an electronic data indicating said second gassing factor, from an outer device, optionally from an electronic outer device.

[0186] According to another non-limiting aspect, said gassing device comprises at least a first sensor (118) configured to identify and / or measure said first gassing factor and / or said second gassing factor, and / or to identify and / or measure at least one among a type of said container (300), and a level of water or beverage present in said container (300) and / or a weight of said container (300).

[0187] According to another non-limiting aspect, said type of container is defined in accordance to its size or internal volume (300v).

[0188] According to another non-limiting aspect, said gassing device comprises a first sensor (118) configured to identify and / or measure said first gassing factor, and at least a second sensor configured to identify and / or measure said second gassing factor.

[0189] According to another non-limiting aspect, said first sensor (118) realizes said outer device, and optionally realizes said electronic outer device.

[0190] According to another non-limiting aspect, said first sensor (118) is an optical sensor, in particular configured to optically identify said container (300) and / or said level of water or beverage in said container (300) and / or a weight sensor, in particular configured to identify a weight of said container (300) and / or is a wireless sensor configured to receive electronic data from a wireless transmitter positioned on or in said container (300).

[0191] According to another non-limiting aspect, the injector (201) is configured to feed said gas in said container (300) when the container (300) is coupled to the support or connector (202) and to stop the supply of said gas in said container (300) when the container (300) is decoupled from the support or connector (202).

[0192] According to another non-limiting aspect, said support or connector (202) lies in use under, or laterally with respect to, said container (300).

[0193] According to another non-limiting aspect, said injector (201) is arranged in correspondence of said support or connector (202).

[0194] According to another non-limiting aspect, said gassing device is in form of a faucet (100), comprising:- a body (101) having at least a dispensing portion (101e) provided with a dispensing mouth (102) for water, and an engaging portion (101k) connected to the dispensing portion (101e) and in correspondence thereof the body (101) is configured to be engaged, optionally rotatably and / or translatably engaged, to a substantially rigid supporting surface (400), preferably a kitchen or bathroom supporting plane,

[0195] - at least a first water supply duct (107) configured to supply water to said body (101),

[0196] - a water dispensing valve (104), user-controllable and configured to set at least one between a temperature and / or a flow of water supplied from said at least a first water supply duct (107) towards said body (101).

[0197] According to another non-limiting aspect, said injector (201) is arranged on the, and / or is coupled to the, body (101) in a position separated and / or distanced with respect to said dispensing portion (101e) and / or said dispensing mouth (102).

[0198] In accordance to a further independent aspect, it is herein described a container (300) for water or beverages, configured to contain water added with gas, and preferably configured to be operatively coupled to a gassing device for water, according to one or more of the preceding claims,

[0199] said container (300) comprising:

[0200] - a lateral wall (301) and a bottom wall (302) joined to said lateral wall (301), overall defining an internal volume (300v) of said container (300),

[0201] - a closable distribution opening (304), preferably arranged in a position substantially opposed with respect to said bottom wall (302);

[0202] said container (300) comprising an engaging portion (303) for said injector (201).

[0203] In accordance to a further independent aspect it is herein described a kit comprising:

[0204] - a gassing device in accordance to one or more of the aspects herein described, and

[0205] - a container (300) in accordance to one or more of the aspects herein described.

[0206] In accordance to a further independent aspect, it is herein described a use of the container (300) for containing a water or beverage added with gas by means of a gassing device or a faucet in accordance to one or more of the aspects herein described.

[0207] According to another non-limiting aspect, said gas supply valve (308) comprises a first outlet (308u) configured to allow an addition of gas in a direction substantially parallel to the direction identified by an axis (K) ofthe container (300), optionally to allow an addition of gas in a direction substantially axial with, or coinciding with, the axis of the container (300).

[0208] Alternatively, according to another non-limiting aspect, said gas supply valve (308) comprises a first outlet (308u) configured to allow an addition of a gas in a direction substantially oblique with respect to the direction identified by an axis (K) of the container (300) and / or configured to allow an addition of gas from a radially central portion of the container (300) to a radially outer portion of the container (300).

[0209] According to another non-limiting aspect, said gas supply valve (308) comprises a second outlet (308u), configured too to allow an addition of a gas in a direction substantially oblique with respect to the direction identified by an axis (K) of the container (300) and / or configured to allow a gas addition from a radially central portion of the container (300) to a radially outer portion of the container (300).

[0210] According to another non-limiting aspect, said second outlet (308u) is oriented along a direction oblique with respect to said first outlet (308u).

[0211] According to another non-limiting aspect, said substantially oblique direction is oriented towards the stopper of said container (300).

[0212] According to another non-limiting aspect, said first outlet (308u) and / or said second outlet (308u) is identified in a duct (301b) realized in a bottom wall or portion (302) of said container (300).

[0213] According to another non-limiting aspect, the front portion (201f) of said injector is movable with respect to the rear portion (201 r) of said injector, optionally being movable with respect to the rear portion (201 r) of said injector by translation, preferably by axial translation.

[0214] According to another non-limiting aspect, said rear portion (201 r) is movable between an own first position wherein it stops said passage of said gas and an own second position wherein it allows the passage of said gas.

[0215] Alternatively, according to another non-limiting aspect, the front portion (201f) of said injector is movable solidly with said rear portion (201 r) of said injector.

[0216] According to another non-limiting aspect, said front portion (201f) of said injector has a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0217] Alternatively, according to another non-limiting aspect, said front portion (201f) of said injector has a substantially tapered shape, optionally a substantially conical shape.

[0218] According to another non-limiting aspect, said substantially tapered shape, is a substantially tapered shape in correspondence of an its own peripheral or distal portion.

[0219] According to another non-limiting aspect, said inlet recess (305) has a substantially conical shape.Alternatively, according to another non-limiting aspect, said inlet recess (305) has a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0220] According to another non-limiting aspect, said front portion (201f) comprises a first section having a first diameter and a second section having a second diameter, said first section being the section which in use is first introduced in the inlet recess (305).

[0221] According to another non-limiting aspect, said injector (201) comprises a support (201s) upon which is sleeved said front portion (201 f).

[0222] According to another non-limiting aspect, said support (201s) comprises a head portion and a striking wall (201y), said front portion (201f) comprises a recess (201t), preferably annular, configured to house said head portion.

[0223] According to another non-limiting aspect, in at least a use configuration said recess (2011) identifies a free space between said striking wall (201y) and said bottom wall.

[0224] According to another non-limiting aspect, said injector (201) comprises a third position, said third position being a position intermediate between said first position and said second position.

[0225] According to another non-limiting aspect, in said third position said injector (201) stops the passage of said gas.

[0226] According to another non-limiting aspect, in said first position of said injector (201) said rear portion (201 r) is in said its own first position, in said second position of said injector (201) said rear portion (201 r) is in said its own second position and in said third position of said injector (201 ) said rear portion (201 r) is in said its own first position.

[0227] According to another non-limiting aspect, said front portion (201f) is movable between an its own first position and an its own second position, in said its own second position said front portion (201f) being close to said rear portion (201 r).

[0228] The following detailed description refers to some preferred embodiments, which are described with reference to the attached figures.

[0229] Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a faucet object of the present disclosure, wherein a container is coupled to a support or connector with substantially vertical movement, and is disconnected from the support or connector.

[0230] Figure 2 shows the first embodiment of the faucet object of the present disclosure wherein the container for water is coupled to the support or connector.Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of a faucet object of the present disclosure, wherein a container is coupled to a support or connector with substantially horizontal movement and is disconnected from the support or connector. In figure 3, the container is arranged substantially in horizontal direction.

[0231] Figure 4 shows the second embodiment of the faucet object of the present disclosure wherein the container for water is coupled to the support or connector.

[0232] Figure 5 shows a detail of a particular embodiment of the faucet object of the present disclosure, wherein the container is coupled to a support or connector with a substantially horizontal movement, and wherein the container for carbonized water is provided with an engaging portion for an injector of gas arranged on the lateral wall in substantial proximity of a bottom wall of the container. In the embodiment of figure 5, the container is arranged substantially in vertical direction.

[0233] Figure 6 and figure 7 show a gas supply valve of the container and a particular technical solution of an injector of the gas addition unit of the faucet object of the present disclosure.

[0234] Specifically, figure 6 shows the gas supply valve in closed configuration, and the injector in closed configuration. Figure 7 shows the gas supply valve in open configuration, and the injector in open configuration.

[0235] Figure 8 shows a particular embodiment of a stopper of the container, which integrates a gas supply valve. Figure 9 shows a particular embodiment of a faucet provided with water filtration unit.

[0236] Figure 10 and figure 11 show a first and a second arrangement of a pressure indicator, arranged on the container herein described.

[0237] Figure 12 shows a non-limiting embodiment of a gassing device for water that comprises an injector according to the present disclosure.

[0238] Figure 13 shows a schematic representation of a specific embodiment of a faucet according to the present disclosure, destined to allow an automatic regulation of a gassing level of the water contained in a container.

[0239] Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional view of a particular embodiment of a valve of a container for water added with gas.

[0240] Figure 15 shows a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a valve of a container for water added with gas.

[0241] Figure 16 shows a perspective view in partial section of the injector according to the embodiment of figure 14 and 15.

[0242] Figure 17 shows a perspective view of part of the valve of figure 14 and 15.Detailed description

[0243] With reference to figure 1, the reference 100 indicates overall a faucet, in particular a kitchen faucet. The faucet 100 comprises first of all a body 101 that has an engaging portion 101k and a dispensing portion 101 e provided with a dispensing mouth 102.

[0244] The body 101 of the faucet can be considered as a dispensing body, in particular a water dispensing body. The engaging portion 101k is configured to be engaged to a supporting surface 400. Preferably, the supporting surface 400 is substantially rigid.

[0245] Preferably, the supporting surface 400 is planar, and in particular can conveniently be a kitchen plane or a plane of a bathroom element, for example a furniture or a sink.

[0246] In an embodiment, the engaging portion 101k is engaged rigidly on the supporting surface 400.

[0247] In an alternative embodiment, the engaging portion 101k can be engaged in a sliding and / or rotatable manner with respect to the supporting surface 400.

[0248] In some embodiments, not shown in the attached figures, the body 101 can be realized by means of several pieces separated from each other and positioned in different positions on the supporting surface.

[0249] The dispensing mouth 102 is configured to dispense water at different temperatures, and with variable flow. The dispensing mouth 102 can be engaged in a sliding and / or rotatable manner on the body 101.

[0250] The engaging portion 101k comprises a first end 101k' and a second end 101k”, opposed with respect to the first end 101k’.

[0251] In the embodiment of figure 1 and of figure 2, 3 and 4 the connection between the engaging portion 101k and the dispensing portion 101e occurs uninterruptedly.

[0252] The dispensing portion 101e is connected to the engaging portion 101k in correspondence of the first end 101k’.

[0253] The engaging portion 101k is engaged, in particular also rotatably and / or translatably, to the supporting surface 400 in correspondence of the second end 101k”.

[0254] The dispensing mouth 102 is arranged in correspondence of an end of the dispensing portion 101 e opposed with respect to the end of the dispensing portion 101e connected to the engaging portion 101k, preferably in correspondence of the first end 101k' of the engaging portion 101k.

[0255] The engaging portion 101k can be considered a portion generically positioned at a height lower with respect to which lies the dispensing portion 101 e.In some embodiments, the dispensing portion 101e can be made rotating around a vertical axis that constitutes a main development axis of the engaging portion 101k, substantially rigid.

[0256] The faucet 100 comprises a first water supply duct, identified by the number reference 107, and destined to feed water to the dispensing mouth 102, in particular through the body 101.

[0257] The faucet 100 comprises a second water supply duct, identified by the number reference 107', and destined to feed water to the dispensing mouth 102, in particular through the body 101.

[0258] The first water supply duct 107 is a supply duct of cold network water.

[0259] The second water supply duct 107' is a supply duct of hot network water.

[0260] The faucet 100 comprises a water dispensing valve 104, controllable by a user.

[0261] The water dispensing valve 104 is preferably housed in the body 101. However, in some embodiments not shown in the attached figures, the water dispensing valve 104 could be associated to the body 101 but could be positioned, for example fixed, on the supporting surface 400 in a position different with respect to the position assumed by the body 101 and in particular by the engaging portion 101k on the supporting surface 400.

[0262] The water dispensing valve 104 is configured to allow the adjusting of at least one between a temperature and the flow of water dispensed through the dispensing mouth 102.

[0263] The water dispensing valve 104 comprises a valve body arranged within the engaging portion 101k and a commanding organ suitable for being actuated by the user.

[0264] The valve body comprises a first inlet fed by the first water supply duct 107 and a second inlet that is fed by the second water supply duct 107'.

[0265] The valve body comprises an outlet that feeds water to the dispensing mouth through the body 101. In this embodiment, the water dispensing valve 104 is a mixing valve.

[0266] In some embodiments, the faucet 100 herein described can comprise a user interface 105, of an electrical type, preferably arranged in substantial proximity of the water dispensing valve 104. The user interface 105 can conveniently comprise a rotatable and / or movable ring nut to allow to select a plurality of auxiliary dispensing functions, different with respect to the water dispensing function made possible through the water dispensing valve 104.

[0267] The auxiliary dispensing functions advantageously can allow a dispensing of conditioned water, for example boiling water, iced water, or water added with aromas or filtered water.

[0268] Figure 9 shows a particular embodiment of a faucet destined to dispense conditioned water through filtration. In this embodiment, the first water supply duct 107 has a first branch 107b that feeds the first inlet of the valve body,and a second branch 107c that feeds an inlet of a filtration stage 10Of. The filtration stage 10Of has an outlet that is connected to an auxiliary duct of filtered water dispensing, feeding too the dispensing mouth 102.

[0269] Preferably, the user interface 105 also comprises a small display, preferably integrated in the area overall identified by the ring nut; the display is configured to represent icons or alphanumeric characters relating to auxiliary dispensing functions.

[0270] The faucet 100 object of the present disclosure is a gassing faucet, and to this purpose comprises a gas supply duct 107g.

[0271] In particular, the gas supply duct 107g can be a carbonization gas supply duct, destined to make the water contained in containers 300 sparkling.

[0272] The gas supply duct 107g, flexible or rigid, extends below said supporting surface 400 of the faucet and is configured to be connected to a gassing unit 600.

[0273] The gassing unit 600 is preferably configured to be embedded into a kitchen furniture, and is provided with a casing that contains a gas reservoir 601, preferably a carbon dioxide reservoir.

[0274] The gassing unit 600 can comprise a main valve 602, for the control of the gas supply from the reservoir 601 to the gas inlet 107g. Such main valve 602 can be a manually controlled valve or be remotely controlled, for example, via the above-described user interface 105.

[0275] The containers 300 can conveniently be water bottles, made for example entirely or partially of glass, plastic, or metal.

[0276] The containers 300 comprise a lateral wall 301, a bottom wall 302 connected to the lateral wall in correspondence of an its own lower end, and - as will be better shown in the following portions of the description, an engaging portion 303 for a gas injector. The engaging portion 303 can assume different positions relatively to the lateral wall 301 and / or to the bottom wall 302.

[0277] The containers 300 comprise a dispensing opening 304, that can be positioned in correspondence of a upper terminal portion of the lateral wall 301 gradually tapering.

[0278] The dispensing opening 304 can be closed with a stopper 330 removably connectible to the dispensing opening 304. The stopper 330 can be a traditional screw stopper or clip stopper, or it can be a dedicated stopper.

[0279] Conveniently the stopper 330 is destined to sustain the gassing pressure induced by the injector. As will be better clarified in the following portion of the description, stopper 330 is destined to be coupled to the dispensing opening 304 and to remain coupled to the dispensing opening 304 in order to properly seal the latter during the gassing of the water or beverage.

[0280] Further details related to specific embodiments of the container 300 will be indicated in the following portion of the description.The faucet 100 comprises a gas addition unit 200 that is fed by the gas supply duct 107g.

[0281] The gas addition unit 200 comprises an injector 201 that is removably couplable to the container 300, to add gas therein. Preferably, the injector is configured to add carbonization gas.

[0282] Although preferably the gas addition unit 200 is destined to inject carbon dioxide, such gas should not be considered as limiting.

[0283] As will become clear from reading the following portions of the description, the injector 201 is installed on, or in any case coupled to, or arranged on, the body 101 of the faucet 100 or more generally on the body of the gassing device described herein.

[0284] Optionally, the gas addition unit 200 can be configured to cool or keep cold (in particular, to maintain at least a predetermined first temperature or within a predetermined temperature range) the gas injected into the container 300; the solubility of carbon dioxide in water increases as the temperature decreases. The solubility of carbon dioxide increases as the pressure increases, so it is convenient to keep the container 300 closed to keep the internal pressure as high as possible.

[0285] Embodiment of figure 1 and 2

[0286] In the embodiment shown in figure 1 and 2, the injector 201 is positioned in a substantially different position with respect to the dispensing mouth 102.

[0287] This technical feature advantageously allows to disconnect the traditional operability of the dispensing mouth 102 from the use of the gas addition unit 200.

[0288] In particular, the faucet 100 of figure 1 allows, simultaneously:

[0289] - a water dispensing through the dispensing mouth 102 by means of the control determined by the water dispensing valve 104,

[0290] - a gas addition in said container 300 by means of the gas addition unit 200.

[0291] As can be clearly seen for example in figure 1 , the dispensing mouth 102 lies at a first height and the injector 201 lies at a second height different (lower) with respect to the first height.

[0292] The body 101 in use assumes an own maximum height with respect to its base, which is represented by the portion of body 101 that is in contact with the supporting surface 400. More precisely the base of the body 101 is realized by the second end 101k” of the engaging portion 101k.

[0293] The injector 201, with respect to said maximum height, lies at a height that is substantially half with respect to the maximum height, or is at a height significantly less than half with respect to the maximum height, or is at aheight significantly more than half of the maximum height. Preferably, the height assumed by the injector 201 is different with respect to said maximum height.

[0294] It is therefore clear that the injector 201 is arranged on the body 101 and, in general, is to be considered anyway operationally coupled to the body 101.

[0295] As it will become clear from the present description, the injector 201 is arranged such that the dispensing mouth 102 results free and accessible when the container 300 is coupled to the injector itself. By "accessible” is intended that the portion of the dispensing mouth 102 from which the water in use physically exits, is accessible from the normal direction of water exit, and therefore such dispensing mouth 102 can be used without the need for adaptations or in any case alterations with respect to normal functionality of use.

[0296] In particular, when the container 300 is coupled to the injector itself, the dispensing mouth 102 can dispense water outside the container 300.

[0297] The gas addition unit 200 comprises a support or connector 202 for the container 300, that is configured to be removably engaged to the container 300.

[0298] The injector 201 is arranged in correspondence of a surface of the support 202 that in use realizes a contacting portion, preferably substantially planar, with the container 300.

[0299] In the embodiment of figure 1 and 2, the support or connector 202 in use lies below the container 300. Specifically, figure 1 and figure 2, show an embodiment wherein the support or connector 202 has a substantially disk-shaped form with a circular cross-section. In the same way, also the container 300 has a circular cross-section.

[0300] The diameter of the two circular sections is substantially the same, in order to identify an aesthetic aspect in which the profile of the support or connector 202 extends uninterruptedly with the profile of the lateral wall of the container 300.

[0301] The injector 201, positioned at the center of the support or connector 202, is therefore destined to add gas below the level of water present in the container 300, and this occurs independently of the level of water present in the container 300.

[0302] Thanks to this technical feature, the gassing of the water is improved: in fact, the gas injected into container 300 tends to rise, while the water occupies the lower part of container 300. When the gas is introduced into the internal volume 300v of container 300, it shall necessarily pass through all the water, from bottom to top, and consequently mixes better with the water.

[0303] It is therefore eliminated the need to precisely design the length of the injector typical of top-down injection solutions, in order to be able to contact the water even when it is at a low level in the container.In use, then, the injector 201 directly contacts the bottom wall 302 of container 300 and protrudes along a direction substantially axial to the axis of the container 300 inside the container itself.

[0304] In use, therefore, a user arranges the container 300 in correspondence of the support or connector 202 with a top-down movement. Figure 1 shows a condition in which the container 300 is separated from the support 202, while figure 2 shows a condition in which the container 300 is coupled to the support 202, in particular lying on top of the latter.

[0305] The container of the specific embodiment of figure 1 and 2 has an engaging portion 303 that is arranged in correspondence of the bottom wall 302.

[0306] The engaging portion 303 comprises an inlet recess 305 that is configured to house at least part of the injector 201.

[0307] The injector 201 that in this case then is configured to introduce itself at least partially in the engaging portion 303 and / or in the bottom wall 302 of the container 300, comprises a front portion 201 f that is substantially rigid.

[0308] Preferably, but non-limiting thereto, the injector 201 is configured to allow to regulate the flow of the gas added to the container 300 at least between a condition in which the flow is stopped and a condition in which the flow is allowed.

[0309] Therefore, the injector 201 comprises an open configuration, in which it feeds gas into the container 300, and a closed configuration, alternative to the open configuration, in which it does not feed gas into the container 300.

[0310] Preferably, although non-limiting thereto, the injector 201 is normally in said closed configuration. This avoids inappropriate diffusions of carbonization gas outside the container 300 and avoids having to regulate the gas supply to the injector in a complex manner by means of remote valves.

[0311] Embodiment of figure 3 and 4

[0312] Similarly to what has been described for the embodiment of figure 1 and 2, also in this case the injector 201 is placed in a substantially different position with respect to the dispensing mouth 102.

[0313] Also in this case, this technical feature advantageously allows to disconnect the traditional operability of the dispensing mouth 102 from the use of the gas addition unit 200, allowing the simultaneous dispensing of gas and water as previously described.

[0314] Also in the embodiment of figure 3 and 4, the dispensing mouth 102 lies at a first height and the injector lies at a second height different (lower) with respect to the first height.The gas addition unit 200 comprises a support or connector 202 for the container 300, that is configured to be removably engaged to the container 300.

[0315] In the embodiment of figure 3 and 4, the support or connector 202 in use lies laterally with respect to the container 300.

[0316] While in the embodiment shown in figure 1 and 2, the container 300 is coupled to the support or connector 202 along a substantially vertical axis, coinciding with the axis of the container 300 itself, in this case the container 300 is coupled to the support or connector 202 along an axis which, although coinciding with the axis of the container 300 itself, is substantially horizontal.

[0317] The support or connector 202 is in this case arranged at a higher height with respect to the height at which the support or connector 202 of the embodiment of figure 1 and 2 lies, and is constrained to the engaging portion 101k in proximity to the junction between the latter and the dispensing portion 101 e.

[0318] The height at which the support or connector 202 lies is substantially close to the height at which the control organ of the water dispensing valve 104 lies.

[0319] Also in this case the support or connector 202 is of disk shape type, but is smaller with respect to the size assumed by the support or connector 202 in the embodiment shown in figure 1 and 2.

[0320] Also in the embodiment of figure 3 and 4 the injector 201 , positioned at the center of the support or connector 202, is therefore destined to add gas as far as possible below the level of the water present in the container 300 Therefore, also the embodiment of figure 3 and of figure 4, is destined to reduce the need to precisely design the length of the injector typical of top-down injection solutions, in order to be able to contact the water even when it is at a low level in the container.

[0321] In this case the coupling support or connector 202 - container 300 occurs in correspondence of the stopper 330.

[0322] In use, then, the injector 201 directly contacts the stopper 330 of container 300 and protrudes along a direction substantially axial to the axis of the container 300 in the stopper 330.

[0323] In use, therefore, a user arranges the container 300 in correspondence of the support or connector 202 with a lateral movement along a direction substantially horizontal. Figure 3 shows a condition in which the container 300 is separated from the support or connector 202, while figure 4 shows a condition in which the container 300 is coupled to the support or connector 202, in particular lying side by side to the latter.

[0324] The container of the specific embodiment of figure 2 and 3 has an engaging portion 303 that is arranged in correspondence of the stopper 330.

[0325] The engaging portion 303 comprises an inlet recess 305 that is configured to house at least part of the injector 201.The injector 201 that in this case then is configured to be introduced at least partially in the engaging portion 303 comprises a front portion 201f that is substantially rigid.

[0326] Preferably, but non-limiting thereto, the injector 201 is configured to allow to regulate the flow of the gas added to the container 300 at least between a condition in which the flow is stopped and a condition in which the flow is allowed.

[0327] Therefore, the injector 201 comprises an open configuration, in which it feeds gas into the container 300, and a closed configuration, in which it does not feed gas into the container 300.

[0328] Preferably, although in a non-limiting extent, the injector 201 is normally in said closed configuration. The specific spatial arrangement and orientation of the support or connector 202 typical of the embodiment shown in figure 3 and 4 makes it convenient adopting a cover 202c for said support or connector 202, which can be removably connected to the support or connector 202. Conveniently, the cover 202c can comprise a recess for housing the injector 201.

[0329] Although the cover 202c is only shown in figure 3, this does not mean that this cover can be used exclusively on this embodiment, as it can also be applied, for example, to the embodiment shown in figure 1 and 2.

[0330] Embodiment of figure 5

[0331] Figure 5 shows a particular embodiment of a faucet 100 in which the support or connector 202 is arranged in a position similar to the one shown in figure 3 and 4, but in which the container 300 comprises an engaging portion 303 arranged in correspondence of the portion of the lateral wall 301, and in particular in correspondence of a portion of the lateral wall 301 close to the bottom wall 302.

[0332] Unlike the embodiment shown in figures 3 and 4, in which the coupling container 300 - support or connector 202 takes place with the container 300 arranged horizontally, in the embodiment of figure 5 the coupling container 300 - support or connector 202 takes place with the container arranged vertically.

[0333] Specific embodiment of the gas addition unit 200

[0334] The present disclosure shows a particular typology of injector 201 and gas addition unit 200 that can be used in the embodiments of the faucet 100 described herein, and in particular, in the embodiments of figure 1 and 2 and figure 3 and 4, but which can also be used on generic faucets 100 or other devices destined to add gas to water or beverages, but without the characteristic related to the fact that the injector 201 is arranged in a position substantially different with respect to the dispensing mouth 102.The gas addition unit 200, as well as the injector 201 hereinafter described, can be used in a generic water gassing device, that is also object of the present disclosure and that is schematically represented in figure 12. The device of figure 12 has also a guide 101 u to guide the lower portion of the container 300 towards the injector 201 preferably in a substantially axial way with the main development axis of the injector itself.

[0335] As will become clear from the following description, in a preferred embodiment, the first position is a stable position, while the second position is an unstable position, determined and maintained by the persistence of an external force.

[0336] In particular, the injector 201 is movably installed on the support or connector 202 and is movable, optionally in axial translation, with respect to a striking surface 202r for the support or connector 202.

[0337] The striking surface 202r is the one that in use is contacted, or anyway reached in substantial proximity, by the container 300 when operatively coupled to the support or connector 202 and / or to the injector 201.

[0338] The first position is a resting position, and in this position the injector 201 stops the passage of gas towards the container 300.

[0339] The second position is a dispensing position, and in this position the injector 201 allows the passage of gas towards the container 300.

[0340] The injector 201 is configured to allow adjusting the flow of the gas added to the container 300, at least between a condition in which the flow is stopped and a condition in which the flow is allowed.

[0341] Therefore, the injector 201 comprises an open configuration, in which it feeds gas into the container 300, and a closed configuration, in which it does not feed gas into the container 300.

[0342] Preferably, although non-limiting thereto, the injector 201 is normally in said closed configuration.

[0343] As shown in figures 6 and 7, the second position is determined by a force exerted by said container 300 on said injector 201.

[0344] The open configuration of the injector 201, consequently, is an unstable configuration, determined by the force exerted by the container 300.

[0345] In use, the longer the user presses the container 300 against the injector 201, the longer is the time in which the injector 201 remains open, and therefore the longer is the time of gas injection into the internal volume of the container 300.

[0346] Upon cessation of the force exerted by the user, and therefore by the container 300 on the injector 201, the latter switches from the open configuration to the closed configuration, and this configuration is therefore defined herein as stable configuration, which remains in the absence of a force sufficient to determine the opening of the injector 201.It is therefore clear that in the closed configuration the injector 201 is in the first position and in the open configuration the injector 201 is in the second position. There is the possibility of a plurality of intermediate positions between the first position and the second position, resulting from the free axial sliding.

[0347] As can be clearly seen in figures 5 and 6, the injector 201 is configured to be introduced at least partially into the container 300, optionally into the engaging portion 303 of the container, and this is made possible in particular by the fact that the front portion 201f of the injector 201 is substantially rigid.

[0348] The recess present in the engaging portion 303 of the container 300 has a shape that substantially follows the shape of the front portion 201 f of the injector 201.

[0349] The injector 201 comprises a rear portion 201 r, it also being substantially rigid and substantially opposed with respect to said front portion 201 f.

[0350] As will be better clarified in the following descriptions, the rear portion 201 r is a gas flow regulation portion. On the injector 201, and in particular on the rear portion 201 r of the latter, acts an elastic element 203 configured to retain the injector 201 in the closed configuration.

[0351] The elastic element 203 is in used deformed by an external force in order to place the injector 201 in said open configuration for as long as said external force persists. The external force is the force in use exerted by the user on the container 300 in case the front portion 201 f of the injector 201 is introduced in the recess of the engaging portion 303 of the container 300.

[0352] The support or connector 202 comprises a gas supply chamber 204 connected with the gas supply duct 107g. In particular, the gas supply chamber 204 is directly connected with the gas supply duct 107g in such a way that there is a constant supply of gas to the aforementioned chamber.

[0353] In a preferred embodiment, the gas supply chamber 204 is arranged in correspondence of the terminal portion of the gas supply duct 107g.

[0354] The elastic element 203 is arranged in the gas supply chamber 204.

[0355] In the embodiment of figure 6 and 7, the rear portion 201 r comprises a pushing plate 201 p. A first portion, in figures a first end, of the elastic element 203 is directly positioned in contact with, and acts on, the pushing plate 201 p.

[0356] A second portion, in figures a second end opposed to the first end, of the elastic element 203 is directly positioned in contact with, and acts on, a predefined part of the gas supply chamber 204.

[0357] The elastic element 203 is a coil spring that exerts an axial force suitable for pushing and maintaining, in the absence of external forces of a higher order, the injector 201 in the closed configuration. Preferably, but non-limiting thereto, the elastic element 203 is a coil spring made of metal, for example stainless steel.The elastic element 203 has an own axis that is aligned with, and / or parallel to, the axis along which the injector 201 moves in translation.

[0358] When the injector 201 is in the closed configuration, it protrudes maximally toward the outside of the support or connector 202. The external force exerted by the user determines an axial compression of the elastic element 203 (in general, a deformation of the latter), such as to determine a sliding of the injector 201 with respect to the support or connector 202: in this case, although the injector while still protruding outside the support or connector 202, it protrudes less with respect to when it is in the closed configuration.

[0359] The injector 201 is a hollow injector, and comprises or defines a supply duct 207 for the gas towards said container 300. Clearly, the supply duct 207, when the injector 201 is in open configuration, is in communication with the gas supply chamber 204.

[0360] In particular, the front portion 201f of the injector 201 is hollow and comprises or defines said supply duct 207.

[0361] The rear portion 201 r of the injector 201 comprises an orifice 208 that is connected with the supply duct 207. The orifice extends along a direction inclined, preferably orthogonal, with respect to the direction along which the supply duct 207 develops.

[0362] When the injector 201 is in open configuration, the orifice 208 directly receives the gas from the gas supply chamber 204 and allows the gas flow toward the supply duct 207.

[0363] The first sealing element 210 is configured to removably engage to the container 300 to prevent an exit of said gas from said container 300.

[0364] The first sealing element 210 is arranged in correspondence of the front portion 201 f and has a diameter sufficient to be introduced into the recess identified by the engaging portion 303 and to exert a sliding friction with the wall of the recess such as to prevent a gas leakage during the coupling.

[0365] Between the pushing plate 201 p and the upper wall of the gas supply chamber there is a second sealing element 211, specifically a second sealing ring.

[0366] The second sealing element 211 is housed within the gas supply chamber 204 and is interposed between the pushing plate 201 p and the upper wall of the gas supply chamber 204.

[0367] When injector 201 is in the closed configuration, the second sealing element 211 is compressed between the upper wall of the gas supply chamber 204 and the pushing plate 201 p, and prevents the flow of gas from the gas supply chamber 204 to the orifice 208 and from there to the supply duct 207.

[0368] When the external force exerted by the user through the container 300 pushes the injector 201 toward the inside of the support or connector 202, the second sealing element 211 is spaced with respect to the upper wall ofthe gas supply chamber 204, and this spacing allows the pressurized gas to flow from the gas supply chamber 204 to the orifice and from there to the supply duct for then being supplied into the internal volume of the container 300.

[0369] It should be noted that the second sealing element 211, although preferably present, may not be present. In the latter case, the gas sealing in the gas supply chamber 204 in order to prevent its flow into the supply duct 207, is determined by a direct contact between the upper wall of the gas supply chamber 204 and the pushing plate 201p.

[0370] Consequently, when there is the second sealing element 211, when the injector 201 is in said open configuration, the second sealing element 211 is distanced from a predefined wall (upper wall) of the gas supply chamber 204 and allows a gas flow from the gas supply chamber 204 to the supply duct 207 through the orifice 208.

[0371] Otherwise, when the injector 201 is in said closed configuration, the second sealing element 211 is in contact with the predefined wall (upper wall) of the gas supply chamber 204 and prevents the flow of gas from the gas supply chamber 204 to the supply duct 207, optionally through the orifice 208.

[0372] As it appears clear from figures 6 and 7, the gas supply chamber 204 comprises a passage portion 204p, tapered with respect to a remaining portion of the gas supply chamber 204, which slidably houses the injector 201, and which in particular houses the rear portion of the injector.

[0373] The passage portion 204p, where the container 300 is not engaged on the injector 201 , opens on an external environment.

[0374] Figure 6 and 7 show a particular embodiment in which the injector 201 comprises a third sealing element 212, preferably a third sealing ring.

[0375] The third sealing element 212 is arranged inside the passage portion 204p and isolates the gas supply chamber 204 from the external environment, preventing gas leaks into an annular gap otherwise present between the injector 201 and the lateral walls of the passage portion 204p.

[0376] The third sealing element 212 is arranged in correspondence of the rear portion 201 r of the injector, but this specific technical solution should not be intended in a limiting way. In alternative embodiments, not shown in the attached figures, the third sealing element 212 could be arranged in correspondence of front portion 201f of the injector 201. In any case, the third sealing element 212 is sleeved on the injector 201.

[0377] The third sealing element 212 remains in the passage portion 204p both when said injector 201 is in said open configuration, and when said injector 201 is in said closed configuration and / or during the movement, in particular the axial sliding, of said the injector 201 between the first position and the second position.

[0378] Figures 6 and 7 show a particular embodiment of injector 201 that comprises a striker 215 configured to limit the introduction of injector 201 into container 300, in particular into the engaging portion 303 of container 300.The striker 215 is arranged in an intermediate position of the injector 201, in particular a position substantially corresponding to the partition between the front portion 201f of the injector 201 and the rear portion 201 r of the injector 201.

[0379] The striker 215 is in this case in form of plate (therefore, substantially annular) that extends substantially orthogonally with respect to the main development axis of the injector 201. This solution should not be understood as limiting, since the striker 215 could alternatively extend in a direction generally oblique with respect to the main development direction of the injector 201.

[0380] Container

[0381] It is also object of the present disclosure a container 300 for water, that is configured to contain water added with gas, preferably carbon dioxide.

[0382] The container 300 is preferably configured to be operatively coupled to a gassing device, optionally a faucet 100 as the one herein described.

[0383] The container 300 comprises an engaging portion 303 for an injector 201 of gas of the gassing device, preferably the injector 201 of the faucet 100.

[0384] In an embodiment, the engaging portion 303 is arranged in a position substantially different with respect to the dispensing opening 304, being for example arranged in the bottom wall 302 or in correspondence of a portion of the lateral wall 301 proximal to the bottom wall 302.

[0385] In an alternative embodiment, the container 300 comprises a stopper 330 that is configured to be removably coupled to the dispensing opening 304 and the engaging portion 303 is arranged on the stopper 330.

[0386] Regardless of the position assumed by the engaging portion 303, this engaging portion 303 preferably comprises an inlet recess 305 that develops substantially in axial direction and that is specifically configured to house at least part of the injector 201, preferably being configured to house the front portion 201f of the injector 201.

[0387] In some embodiments, in particular the embodiments wherein the engaging portion 303 is arranged on the stopper 330 or in correspondence of the bottom wall 302 of the container 300, the inlet recess 305 extends along a direction substantially axial with a main development axis of the container 300. The inlet recess 305, alternatively, can be parallel to a main development axis of the container 300, but offset with respect to this latter.

[0388] The engaging portion 303 comprises a gas supply valve 306 that is configured to allow the access of the gas in the internal volume 300v and to prevent the exit of the gas as soon as the pressure of the gas injected by the injector 201 drops below the pressure in the internal volume 300v, closing automatically. The gas supply valve306 opens again when the pressure of the gas injected by the injector 201 exceeds the pressure present in the internal volume 300v.

[0389] The gas supply valve 306 comprises:

[0390] - an open configuration, for allowing a flow of the gas toward the internal volume 300v, or alternatively

[0391] - a closed configuration, for allowing said flow said flow of the gas toward the internal volume 300v.

[0392] The closed configuration is a resting configuration, while the open configuration is unstably determined by the pressure of gas fed in use by the injector 201.

[0393] In particular, the gas supply valve 306 is conceived with the purpose of preventing an exit of the water or beverage contained in the internal volume 300v when the gas flow stops, and in particular during the transition between the open configuration and the closed configuration.

[0394] This technical feature is particularly useful when the gas supply valve 306 is positioned in the lower portion of the container 300; in fact, in this case in use the valve is below the level of the water or beverage, and it is then important that it closes quickly to avoid unwanted exits of water or beverage, which in particular on high-end products, could be particularly inconvenient.

[0395] The particular technical solution, better described in the following portion of the description, which uses a return spring, ensures that not only upon cessation of gas supply by the injector 201, and not only in conditions of pressure equilibrium between the upstream and downstream sides of the valve, but even in conditions where the pressure upstream of the gas supply valve 306 is slightly greater than the pressure downstream of the gas supply valve 306, the recalling force exerted by the spring determines the switching from an open configuration to a closed configuration.

[0396] In order to realize the switching between the open configuration, unstable, and the closed configuration, resting, the gas supply valve 306 comprises and elastic element 307, preferably in form of coil spring, and also comprises a closing element 308 (plate) fixed in correspondence of of a first portion, preferably a first end, of the elastic element 307.

[0397] The elastic element 307 and the closing element 308 are both arranged in the inlet recess 305; in particular, the closing element 308 is movably arranged, in particular slidingly arranged, in the inlet recess 305.

[0398] By action exerted by the elastic element 307, the plate determines the passage from the open configuration to the closed configuration of the valve or vice versa.

[0399] The elastic element 307 comprises a first portion, in particular a first end, and a second portion, in particular a second end.

[0400] The first portion is fixed to the closing element 308, while the second portion is fixed to a predefined part of the inlet recess 305.Preferably, the inlet recess 305 assumes a T shape, with a first portion with reduced diameter, arranged at a first height and joining with an enlarged portion, arranged at a second height. As schematically represented in figure 6 and 7, the second height is greater with respect to the first height.

[0401] The elastic element 307 is mainly arranged in the first portion with reduced diameter, and only a minimum part of the latter extends in the enlarged portion. The closing element 308 is arranged in the enlarged portion.

[0402] The engaging portion 303 comprises a striking wall 310 for said closing element 308; such striking wall is preferably the wall that joins the enlarged portion with the first portion with reduced diameter.

[0403] When the gas supply valve 306 is in said open configuration, the closing element 308 is at a first distance from the striking wall 310.

[0404] When the gas supply valve 306 is in closed configuration, the closing element 308 is at second distance, lower with respect to the first distance, or is in contact with, said striking wall 310.

[0405] The fact that, in the closed configuration, the closing element 308 is at a second distance from the striking wall 310 or is in contact with the latter depends on the optional - but preferred - presence of a sealing element, which is present in the embodiment shown in the attached figures.

[0406] Preferably, in fact, the closing element 308 is coupled to a sealing element 311 , preferably a sealing ring, configured to seal the passage identified by the inlet recess 305 when the gas supply valve 306 is in the closed configuration.

[0407] When present, the sealing element 311 is interposed between the striking wall 310 and the closing element 308 and it therefore destined to prevent a direct contact between the closing element 308 and the striking wall 310 keeping, when the gas supply valve 306 is in said closed configuration, the closing element 308 at the second distance from the striking wall 310.

[0408] The elastic element 307 is configured to determine a recalling force such that to maintain said gas supply valve 306 in said closed configuration. In particular, the elastic element is configured to determine a recalling force such that to maintain the closing element 308 at the second distance from the striking wall 310 (is it is present the sealing element 311) or in contact with the striking wall 310 (in case of absence of the sealing element 311).

[0409] In use, the gas supply valve 306 is configured to cooperatively operate with the injector 201 to be arranged in the open configuration only after the switching, for the injector 201, from the closed configuration to the open configuration. In particular, the gas supply valve 306 is configured to avoid accidental switching risks toward the open configuration by effect for example of the handling of the container 300. Being substantially embedded, the gas supply valve 306 can be actuated by switching toward the open configuration only after the introduction of the injector 201 in the inlet recess 305.

[0410] This means that when the user exerts a sufficient push to move the injector 201 as above described, the movement of the injector 201 determines the opening thereof (passage from closed configuration to openconfiguration) and this determines a flow of gas towards the gas supply valve 306; the gas supply valve 306 receives the flow of gas which first feeds the first portion with a reduced diameter of the inlet recess 305, and such flow of gas exerts an increasing pressure sufficient to cause a deformation of the elastic element 307 (compression of the coil spring) sufficient to move the closing element 308 from the second position to the first position, and consequently sufficient to determine a spacing of the sealing element 311 from the striking wall 310 and, therefore, allow a flow of gas towards the internal volume 300v of the container 300.

[0411] As anticipated, the action of the elastic element 307 is such that it retains the closing element 308 in a condition that seals the passage identified by the inlet recess 305 under conditions of equal pressure between the inlet of the gas supply valve 308 (inlet recess 305, upstream position of the valve, in correspondence of the engaging portion 303) and the valve outlet (portion of the duct above the closing element 308, which opens onto the internal volume 300v), and, preferably, under conditions of pressure on the valve inlet greater with respect to the pressure conditions found downstream of the valve.

[0412] More specifically, the technical effect of the recalling force of the elastic element 307 on the closing element 308 is such that the gas supply valve 306 is configured to remain in said closed configuration when a pressure P1 in correspondence of said inlet is equal to a pressure P2 in correspondence of said outlet, and in particular is configured to remain in said closed configuration when a pressure P1 in correspondence of said inlet is greater than a pressure P2 in correspondence of said outlet but lower with respect to a maximum pressure difference (APmax) between said inlet and said outlet, and to switch from said closed configuration to said open configuration when a pressure difference (P2-P1) between said inlet and said outlet is greater than said maximum pressure difference (APmax).

[0413] The elastic element 307 has a first elastic constant k1 (N / m), while the elastic element 203 of the injector 201 has a second elastic constant k2 (N / m). The first elastic constant k1 and the second elastic constant k2 can be of equal value or be different.

[0414] When the engaging portion 303 of the container 300 is positioned in correspondence of the bottom wall 302, and in use is therefore below the water level, it is appropriate that the gas supply valve 306 closes before the injector 201 in order to prevent undue exits of pressurized water from the bottom portion of the container 300. Therefore, in these embodiments, the elastic constant k1 of the elastic element 307 of the gas supply valve 306 of the container 300 is greater than the elastic constant k2 of the elastic element 203 of the injector 201.

[0415] Figure 8 shows a particular embodiment of the container 300 wherein the stopper 330 integrates the gas supply valve, the characteristics thereof have already been previously described and are therefore not repeated. In figure 8 it is shown a non-limiting technical solution wherein the stopper 330 is fixed to the body of the container by screwing.

[0416] Pressure indicatorA particular embodiment of the container 300 herein described comprises, or is operatively coupled to, a pressure indicator 315.

[0417] This embodiment, comprises a pressure sensor 316 that is operatively connected to the pressure indicator 315. The pressure sensor is configured to supply a measurement of the pressure in the internal volume 300v of the container 300.

[0418] If the container 300 comprises the pressure indicator 315, it can be an analog or numerical (digital) indicator. The pressure indicator 315 can be arranged in any position of the container 300. For example, the pressure indicator 315 can be arranged in substantial proximity of the bottom wall 302, or can be arranged in correspondence of the stopper 330.

[0419] Figure 10 shows an example wherein the pressure indicator 315 is arranged in substantial proximity of the bottom wall 302.

[0420] Figure 11 shows an example wherein the pressure indicator 315 is arranged in correspondence of the stopper 330.

[0421] If the container 300 is operatively coupled to the pressure indicator 315, such pressure indicator can be arranged in correspondence of a user interface 105 of the faucet 100, or can be a virtual pressure indicator represented on an electronic device of the user. In this case the electronic device (for example, a tablet or a smartphone) is electronically coupled to the faucet 100.

[0422] The electronic coupling modes follow known art, for example via Bluetooth protocol, and are therefore not described herein.

[0423] The pressure indicator 315 is configured to show at least a first and a second pressure value in the internal volume 300v. The first pressure value indicates a first and lower gassing level, while the second pressure value indicates a second and greater gassing level.

[0424] Automatic regulation of the gassing level

[0425] As schematically represented in figure 13, in a particular embodiment, the faucet 100, and more generally the gassing device described herein, can be configured to automatically regulate the gas addition level inside the container 300 according to the amount of water contained therein, and more particularly as a function of the ratio between the internal volume 300v of the container 300 and the amount of water contained in the internal volume 300v.

[0426] Preferably, the gassing device, and for example its specific embodiment as faucet 100, is destined to automatically regulate the gas addition level into the container 300, without the need for user intervention.In the above embodiment, the user shall simply couple the container 300 to the injector 201, for example in the previously described modes, and the gassing device activates by feeding the gas addition unit 200 from the gas supply duct 107g to carry out the above-described technical function.

[0427] The present disclosure therefore shows a gassing device for water or beverages, in particular a faucet 100, that comprises a data processing unit 150 configured to set and / or adjust in an automated way, by means of the gas addition unit 200, a predetermined gassing level V, P of said water or of said beverage in said container 300 in accordance to at least a first gassing factor determined by, associated to, or by means of, said container 300, and in particular determined by, associated to, or by means of, physical characteristics of the container 300 and / or of a content thereof.

[0428] The data processing unit 150 can comprise a general-purpose processor, an ASIC, a programmable logical controller, an FPGA. The data processing unit 150 can comprise therein a memory or be operatively (electrically, optically) connected with an external memory.

[0429] In particular the data processing unit 150 is programmed for controlling the gas addition unit 200, so that the injector 201 through the gas injection in the internal volume 300v of the container 300 determines the predetermined gassing level V, P of said water in said container 300.

[0430] In other embodiments, the user sends electronic data related to the physical characteristics of container 300 and / or of its content to the data processing unit 150 and the latter carries out the above-described technical operations.

[0431] The gassing factor (or if in plurality the gassing factors) comprises a numerical value indicating a physical quantity of the container 300 and / or its content, in particular the water or beverage contained therein.

[0432] Operatively, the data processing unit 150 receives such first gassing factor from a different device, better described in the following portion of the description.

[0433] In a non-limiting embodiment, the faucet 100, and more generally the gassing device described herein, can comprise at least a sensor 118 configured to measure the quantity of water contained in the container 300, and more particularly the ratio between the internal volume 300v of the container 300 and the amount of water contained in the internal volume 300v.

[0434] The sensor 118 then allows to measure the value of the first gassing factor and then allows to determine the first gassing factor. The sensor 118 constitutes an outer device, optionally an electronic outer device, that transmits (in form of electronic data) the first gassing factor to the data processing unit 150. The same situation may occur for the second gassing factor: this too can be conveniently transmitted from an outer device outside the data processing unit 150.

[0435] Embodiments in which the data processing unit 150 receives the value of the first gassing factor not from the sensor 118 but from additional outer devices are those in which the data processing unit 150 receives this firstgassing factor from the user interface of the faucet 100 or from an operatively associated portable electronic device, preferably uniquely operatively associated, with a specific user.

[0436] Such sensor 118 (or plurality of sensors) may be (or comprise) a weight sensor and / or an optical sensor and / or a capacitive sensor and / or an RFID-type sensor. More in particular, the sensor 118 can be:

[0437] - an optical sensor, operatively coupled to the body of the gassing device, and in particular to the body 101 of the faucet 100, so as to be able to optically identify the container 300 and measure its internal volume 300v, and / or so as to be able to optically identify the level of liquid contained in the container 300;

[0438] - a weight sensor, for example installed on the support or connector 202 and in particular on the surface of the latter which, in use, comes into contact with the container 300, to identify the weight of the container 300 and -if present - the weight of the water or beverage contained in the internal volume 300v;

[0439] - a wireless sensor, operatively coupled to the body of the gassing device, and in particular to the body 101 of the faucet 100, so as to be able to at least receive data from a wireless transmitter housed on or in the container 300.

[0440] In some non-limiting embodiments, the data processing unit 150 part of, or operationally associated to, the faucet 100 (or, in general, gassing device) can store in advance a weight value of the empty container 300 and / or an internal volume 300v of the container 300.

[0441] In some embodiments, the data processing unit 150 can be configured to store a plurality of volumetric data relating to internal volumes 300v of a plurality of standardized sizes of container 300.

[0442] Figure 13 in particular shows a specific embodiment wherein the data processing unit stores in its memory or in the operatively accessed memory, three types of container 300: type "A,” with a capacity of 500 ml; type “B,” with a capacity of 1000 ml; type “C,” with a capacity of 1500 ml.

[0443] In an embodiment, the data processing unit determines the gassing level to be supplied in accordance with the sole capacity of container 300, therefore in relation to a single, first factor (arrow 1001, figure 13). In another embodiment, the data processing unit obtains, through the sensor 118 the level of water contained in the container 300 (second factor) and determines the gassing level as a function also of such second factor (arrow 1002, figure 13).

[0444] The first and the second gassing factor are preferably simultaneously taken into account to determine the gassing level V, P of the water or beverage in the container 300. This means that in an embodiment, the data processing unit 150 performs an electronic calculation in which the first gassing factor and the second gassing factor are both used in an electronic calculation, thus "simultaneously,” which results in commanding and adjusting the gas addition unit 200 in such a way to achieve the gas addition as above described.

[0445] In a particular embodiment, the data processing unit 150 takes into account the ratio or difference between the first gassing factor and the second gassing factor, for example, a ratio between the total internal volume 300vof the container 300 and the volume occupied by the water or beverage, to determine the gassing level V, P, in particular by means of a predetermined calculation algorithm such that a volume V of gas injected into the container 300 decreases as the volume occupied by the water or beverage (second gassing factor) increases.

[0446] The data processing unit 150, in an embodiment, is configured to control the gassing level during the step of gas injection in the container. In this case, there is a feedback towards the data processing unit 150 during the step of gas injection.

[0447] In particular, in this case there is the presence of a feedback electronic signal suitable for permitting to the data processing unit 150 to determine what is the gassing level of the water or beverage reached in real time inside container 300. The data processing unit 150 uses such feedback signal to determine whether the gassing level is the predetermined one.

[0448] In other embodiments, instead, the data processing unit 150 orders the gas addition unit 200, regulating a volume of the gas and / or a pressure of the gas injected in container 300 without feedback from the actual gassing condition determined inside the container itself.

[0449] In both of the above-described cases, the data processing unit 150 can be configured to determine an interruption in the flow (injection) of gas to the injector 201 , in particular by determining a stopping of the gas feeding in said gas supply duct 107g or by forcing a switching from the open configuration to the closed configuration for the injector 201, in particular when the gassing level of the water or beverage inside the container 300 reaches or exceeds the predetermined gassing level (feedback present) or when the volume of gas injected through the injector 201 reaches the volume of gas previously predetermined to obtain the predetermined gassing level V, P in container 300.

[0450] In an embodiment, in use, a user which approaches the container 300 to the faucet 100 (or, in general, to the gassing device) determines an automatic identification of the volume of the container 300.

[0451] In particular, the RFID sensor is configured to electronically read a tag 350 positioned in or on container 300 and, from this reading, which therefore takes place on a wireless channel, infer the volume of container 300 approached to faucet 100 (or, in general, the gassing device).

[0452] In the embodiment described herein, when the user acts with his force on the container 300 to determine the opening of the injector 201, the faucet, and more generally the gassing device, is destined to dispense gas in a manner similar to the one previously described, but only up to a predetermined gassing level, upon reaching which, regardless of whether the user continues to exert a sufficient force to keep the injector 201 open, the gas addition into the container 300 stops due to the automatic closure of the injector 201 forced by the gas addition unit 200.

[0453] The gassing level described herein may be a predetermined volume of gas added to container 300, and / or a predetermined pressure reached, following the injection of gas, in the internal volume of container 300.In a non-limiting embodiment, the data processing unit 150 may store in advance a plurality of preset gassing levels, defined in relation to a gas addition volume and / or pressure within container 300.

[0454] The user is able to select a preset gassing level from among the plurality of preset levels. The gas addition takes place and continues until the gassing level reaches the preset gassing level preselected by the user.

[0455] Figure 13 shows a specific embodiment wherein the data processing unit 150 stores in its memory or in the operatively accessed memory, three predetermined gassing levels (in general, a plurality of levels): "HIGH”, "MEDIUM”, "LOW”. The predetermined gassing level represents a third factor (arrow 1003, Figure 13) for determining the volume of gas within container 300 and / or the gas pressure within container 300.

[0456] The gassing level determined as a function of the first and, optionally, the second factor as described above is adjusted according to a gassing level selected by the user.

[0457] In an embodiment, the "MEDIUM” level corresponds to a predetermined default gassing level (volume V of gas added within the container equal to Vo (liters), and / or pressure P within the container 300 equal to Po (kg / cm2)) .

[0458] The values Vo and / or Po are determined as a function of the first and, optionally, second factor as described above.

[0459] The faucet 100 (or, in general, the gassing device) can be configured to set "MEDIUM” as the predetermined default gassing level.

[0460] The selection, by the user, of a gassing level other than "MEDIUM” (i.e., a gassing level other than the default level) determines a change in the Vo and / or Po values as indicated below:

[0461] - "HIGH” level selection: V=Vo +cii and / or P=Po +02

[0462] - "LOW” level selection: V=Vo - pi and / or P=Po - p2

[0463] a1 and o2 are corrective factors for gas volume / gas pressure increase; |31 and |32 are corrective factors for gas volume / gas pressure decrease.

[0464] The "HIGH” level therefore constitutes a predetermined gassing level that is higher with respect to the predetermined default gassing level, while the "LOW” level constitutes a predetermined gassing level that is lower with respect to the predetermined default gassing level.

[0465] In light of the above description it is therefore clear that the gassing device, and in particular the faucet described herein, may comprise a data processing unit 150 configured to set and / or adjust in an automated way, via said data processing unit 150, and preferably in a way arbitrarily settable by a user, at least one of a first predetermined gassing level and a second predetermined gassing level. The second predetermined gassing level therefore constitutes an auxiliary gassing level.Such first and second predetermined gassing level may also be arbitrarily set in an alternative manner for equal gassing factors.

[0466] Some embodiments of the gassing device object of the present disclosure, and in particular of the faucet 100, herein described are such that the data processing unit 150 is configured to allow adjusting the default gassing level value as desired: the user, through the data processing unit 150 can set the Vo and / or Po value as desired.

[0467] Furthermore, it is possible to program the data processing unit 150 so that the above-mentioned corrective factors can also be set as desired by the user.

[0468] The above-described features relieve the user of having to manually regulate the gassing level of the water as a function of the characteristics of the container 300 and / or its contents, and make it easier to use the device described herein.

[0469] The above-described characteristics identify a way of regulating or imposing a gassing of water or beverages in a container 300, and this way is determined by physical characteristics that can be inferred from, or are in any case associated with, the container 300 or its contents.

[0470] The above-described characteristics, and in particular the stopping of the gas dispensing when the abovedescribed conditions occur, make the use of the device described herein safer: the injection of excessive amounts of gas, which may not be compatible with the resistance of container 300, is reduced and, ideally, avoided.

[0471] The above-described characteristics, also allow the user to have in a simple way, water or more or less carbonated beverages.

[0472] Particular embodiment of the valve of container 300 and of the injector 201

[0473] A further particular embodiment of container 300 comprises a valve which dispenses gas from the bottom upwards and is located in the bottom portion of container 300 and which, furthermore, dispenses gas from the axially central portion of the container towards a radially outer portion of the container.

[0474] Such embodiment differs from the embodiment shown, for example, in figure 7. Such embodiment, in fact, has an outlet 308u of the gas supply valve 306 substantially opening axially with the axis of container 300; this determines a gas injection in a direction substantially axial to the axis of the container 300.

[0475] In the embodiment of figure 14, instead, the outlet 308u of the gas supply valve 308 is destined to allow the gas supply in a direction not axial with the direction of the axis of the container 300. Such axis is indicated in figure with letter K. The outlet 308u is oriented in such a way that the initial flow of gas is directed along a direction oblique with respect to the axis of container K. However, such oblique direction is a direction consistent with the traditional direction assumed by the gas, which typically tends to rise upward.Preferably, the valve herein described comprises a plurality of outlets 308u configured to allow to supply gas in substantial temporal simultaneity within the water. The plurality of outlets 308u can comprise an even or odd number of outlets.

[0476] The technical effect of the misalignment from the axis of container 300 is to elongate the path that the gas must travel with respect to the solution in which the addition of gas occurs along the axis of container 300. This leads to a greater contact between the gas and the water and increases the gassing effect.

[0477] In figure 14 it is shown an embodiment of container 300 in which the bottom wall 302 defines a bottom wall of the internal volume of the container destined to contain water, and comprises, in an axially central portion, a dome 301 d.

[0478] The dome 301 d houses at least partially the gas supply valve 308, and comprises at least one duct 301b that realizes the outlet 308u of the valve; the at least one duct 301b has a predetermined inclination with respect to the axis K of the container 300, and is directed towards a radially outer and upper portion of the container 300.

[0479] The dome 301 d substantially protrudes axially along the axis K of the container 300 and identifies an element that protrudes at a higher height with respect to the height of the bottom wall of the internal volume of the container.

[0480] In figure 14, the dome 301 d identifies two ducts 301b having a same inclination with respect to the axis K and opposed to each other. A plurality of ducts 301b improves the gassing quality of the water with respect to a solution having a single duct.

[0481] In figure 15 it is shown a further embodiment of the container 300, wherein the dome 301 d is absent. The embodiment of figure 15 maintains, in common with the embodiment of figure 14, the fact that the bottom wall of the container 300 comprises a plurality of ducts 301b having a predetermined inclination with respect to the axis K of the container 300, in such a way as to allow a gas addition of water from the bottom upwards and from a radially central portion to a radially outer portion of the container.

[0482] In the embodiment of figure 15, the bottom wall of the internal volume of container 300 is substantially planar. Although figure 15 shows an embodiment in which two ducts 301b are shown, this number should not be considered limiting. In fact, there could be only a single duct 301b.

[0483] Figure 17 shows a perspective view of part of the valve of container 300. In figure 17 firstly, it can be seen the presence of a central guide 308g of substantially cylindrical shape for the elastic element 307. The central guide 308g is arranged on the axis K. The central guide 308g is arranged inside the elastic element 307 and retains it in an appropriate position, so that it can be compressed along a direction coinciding with the axis K.

[0484] The closing element 308 comprises a plurality of recesses 308r arranged in correspondence of the radially outer portion of the closing element. The recesses 308r extend uninterruptedly between the head portion and the bottom portion of the closing element 308 and are conceived to allow the passage of gas towards the ducts 301b.Figure 17 shows an embodiment wherein the dome 301 d has four ducts 301b, two by two orthogonal to each other. The embodiment of figure 17 then shows the presence of four outlets 308u simultaneously active to introduce gas into the water. The larger the cross-section of the container 300, the more useful the presence of a large number of outlets is useful for providing a uniform and effective gassing of the water.

[0485] In use, when the gas is fed with sufficient pressure in the valve, the closing element 308 is moved by its stable position to an unstable position, deriving - for the embodiments of figure 14 and 15 - from the compression of the elastic element 307, in this case pushed upwards.

[0486] The closing element 308 distances itself from the striking wall 308z and this determines the possibility, for the gas, to pass with a path substantially horizontal between the striking wall 308z and the closing element 308 and, subsequently, in a plurality of gaps realized between the recesses 308r and the internal wall 3011 of the dome 301d.

[0487] Conversely, when the closure element 308 is in the resting position, its lower surface is in contact with the striking wall 308z and this determines the impossibility for the gas to pass through the substantially horizontal path described above, and therefore the impossibility of arriving in the plurality of interstices described above.

[0488] It should be noted that figures 14 and 15 show a particular embodiment in which the inlet recess 305 is of a substantially conical shape, or in any case tapering as it proceeds deeper; this shape helps to guide the injector 201 into the correct coupling position, in this case in particular aligned and parallel to the axis K.

[0489] Similarly, also the injector 201 and in particular the front portion 201f of the injector 201 has a conical shape, or anyway substantially tapering moving towards its peripheral or distal portion, with the purpose of adapting to the shape of the inlet recess 305. In particular, in the embodiment of figure 14 and of figure 15, the front portion 201 f is the one that assumes conical shape.

[0490] The front portion 201 f identifies at least:

[0491] - a first section, distal, with lower diameter, and that is the section that first enters in contact and is introduced in the inlet recess 305, and

[0492] - a second section, proximal to the base, with greater diameter.

[0493] The first sealing element 210 is arranged almost in a head portion of the injector 201. The head portion of the injector is the one that is at a greater height and is the one that in use is introduced mostly in the inlet recess 305.

[0494] Unlike what happens, for example, for the embodiment shown in figure 7, in which the movement of the front portion 201f of the injector 201 - substantially rigid - determines a corresponding and rigid movement of the pushing plate 201 p that realizes the body that determines the opening and closing of the injector 201, in the embodiment of figures 14 and 15, the movement of the front portion 201f of the injector 201 does not correspond to a corresponding and rigid translation of the rear portion 201 r of the injector.In the embodiment of figure 14 and of figure 15, the front portion 201f and the rear portion 201 r are mutually movable and can be positioned at a first distance and a second distance. The distance described herein is measured along a direction substantially parallel to the direction identified by the axis K.

[0495] The relative movement between the front portion 201f and the rear portion 201 r, and - in particular - the axial translation between the front portion 201f and the rear portion 201 r of the injector determines the passage between the open configuration and the closed configuration.

[0496] It should be noted in the embodiment of figure 14 and of figure 15, both the front portion 201f and the rear portion 201 r are movable.

[0497] The front portion 201 f of the injector comprises a striking plate 201 p upon which rests the bottom wall of the container 300.

[0498] The front portion 201f of the injector is internally sleeved on a support 201s that allows the sliding along a direction substantially parallel to the direction identified by the axis K.

[0499] The support 201s has a central cavity with substantially axial development with the axis K, suitable for housing part of the front portion 201f of the injector 201.

[0500] The plate 201 p has a retention portion 201 u which is configured to retain the above-mentioned plate 201 p in place when not pressed by the container, preventing the exit of the plate from the support 202. The retention portion 201 u comprises a step that engages on a retention ring 201 q that is planarly aligned with the striking surface of the support 202. The number reference 201z identifies a clearance space located below the plate 201p, necessary to allow the axial compression of the plate 201 p within the support 202.

[0501] As represented in figure 16, which shows a partial perspective section of the injector without the plate 201 p, the head portion of the support 201s is substantially cylindrical, and is suitable for inserting into a corresponding recess 201t (see figure 15), of cylindrical annular shape, of the front portion 201f of the injector 201.

[0502] The head portion of the support 201s ends with a striking wall indicated by the reference 201y, also visible in the partial section of figure 16.

[0503] Inside the gas supply chamber 204, the rear portion 201 r of the injector is realized by a disk substantially axially movable and pushed towards the front portion 201f by a first elastic element 203.

[0504] A second elastic element 203' is arranged between the front portion 201 f and the support 201s and is located such as to push the front portion 201f in a direction of movement away from the support 201s.

[0505] In use, the pressure exerted by the container 300 on the front portion 201f of the injector 201 determines a compression of the second elastic element 203' that in turn determines an approach of the front portion 201 f to the support 201s, until bringing the bottom wall of recess 2011 into contact with the striking wall 201y, progressively reducing the free space 201w that is between the bottom wall of recess 2011 and the striking wall 201y. Then, in atleast a use configuration there is at least a use condition wherein the recess 2011 identifies a free room between the striking wall 201 y and the bottom wall.

[0506] The reduction of the free space 201w is associated with the reduction in the clearance space 201 z, since the plate 201 p is part of the front portion 201f, and consequently the retention portion 201 u moves integrally with the front portion itself.

[0507] A central column of the front portion 201f is inserted into the central cavity of the support 201s and extends to a depth such that it can contact the rear portion 201 r.

[0508] The central column houses the supply duct 207 inside it.

[0509] The central column, and therefore the front portion 201 f, can come into contact with the rear portion 201 r when the front portion 201f is pushed downwards, i.e., translated axially from the first position to the second position.

[0510] More specifically, the central column, and then the front portion 201 f enters in contact with the rear portion 201 r before the front portion 201f of the injector reaches the second position.

[0511] A third position is defined as an intermediate position between the first position and the second position. In such third position, the front portion 201f is pushed downwards and compressed towards the rear portion 201 r, but the injector is still in the closed configuration.

[0512] In such third position, the second elastic element 203' has been compressed, the front portion 201f has undergone a translation, but the rear portion of the injector has not. The rear portion 201 r in the third position, has been contacted by the central column, but it is not yet moved.

[0513] Only with the continuation of the pushing downwards of the front portion 201f beyond the third position and towards the second position is determined a movement of the rear portion 201 r which determines the switching to the open configuration for the injector 201.

[0514] This further movement determines the compression of the first elastic element 203 which determines the opening of the valve, i.e., the switching between the configurations previously described.

[0515] Therefore, it appears clear that:

[0516] - the front portion 201 f can assume an its own first position, further away with respect to the rear portion 201 r, and an its own second position, closer to the rear portion 201 r;

[0517] - the rear portion 201 r can assume an its own first position, wherein it stops the passage of gas, and an its own second position, wherein it allows the passage of gas;

[0518] - the front portion 201f is axially movable with respect to the rear portion 201 r.When the injector 201 is in the third position, the front portion 201f is in its second position while the rear portion 201 r is still in its first position.

[0519] When the injector 201 is in the second position, both the front portion 201f and the rear portion 201 r are in their second position.

[0520] When the injector 201 is in the first position, both the front portion 201f and the rear portion 201 r are in their first position.

[0521] The invention is not limited to the attached embodiments, and for this reason the reference numbers present in the claims are provided for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility thereof and are not to be considered as limiting.

[0522] It is finally clear that to the object of the present disclosure may be applied additions, modifications, or variations obvious to an expert in the art without thereby departing from the scope provided by the attached claims.

Claims

Claims1. Faucet (100), comprising:- a body (101) having at least a dispensing portion (101e) provided with a dispensing mouth (102) for water, and an engaging portion (101k) connected to the dispensing portion (101e) and in correspondence of which the body (101) is configured to be engaged, optionally rotatably and / or translatably engaged, to a substantially rigid supporting surface (400), preferably a kitchen or bathroom supporting plane,- at least a first water supply duct (107) at least partially housed in the body (101) and configured to supply water to said dispensing mouth (102) through said dispensing portion (101e) of said body (101);- a water dispensing valve (104), user-controllable and configured to set at least one between a temperature and / or a flow of water supplied from said at least a first water supply duct (107) towards said dispensing mouth (102); the faucet (100) further comprising a gas supply duct (107g), preferably a carbonization gas supply duct, and a gas addition unit (200), supplied by said gas supply duct (107g) and comprising an injector (201) configured to add a gas to a container (300) for water or beverages removably couplable to said gas addition unit (200);said injector (201) being arranged on the, and / or coupled to the, body (101) in a position distinct and / or distanced with respect to said dispensing portion (101e) and / or to said dispensing mouth (102), preferably wherein said injector (201) is arranged on the, or coupled to the, body (101) in correspondence of said engaging portion (101k).

2. Faucet according to claim 1, wherein said injector (201) is configured to add said gas below the level of water or beverage contained in use in said container (300), optionally independently with respect to the level assumed by the water or beverage in said container (300),and / or wherein said gas, preferably said carbonization gas, comprises, optionally is, carbon dioxide, preferably wherein said injector (201) is arranged in a position such that the dispensing mouth (102) results free and accessible when said container (300) is coupled to the injector (201).

3. Faucet according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said injector (201) is configured to contact a lateral wall (301) or a bottom wall (302) of said container (300) and / or is configured to add said gas from the bottom upwards, and / or wherein said gas addition unit (200), optionally at least said injector (201), is arranged laterally with respect to said body (101), or protrudes in a direction substantially oblique or orthogonal with respect to a direction along which said body (101) mainly develops.

4. Faucet according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said body (101) comprises an engaging portion (101k) connected to said dispensing portion (101e), preferably uninterruptedly,optionally wherein said dispensing portion (101 e) is connected to said engaging portion (101k) in correspondence of a first end (101k') of said engaging portion (101k),said body (101) being engaged, optionally rotatably and / or translatably engaged, to said supporting surface (400), in correspondence of said engaging portion (101k), preferably in correspondence of a second end (101k”) of said engaging portion (101k) opposed to said first end (101k') of said engaging portion (101k),wherein said dispensing mouth (102) is arranged in correspondence of an end of the dispensing portion (101e) opposed with respect to the end of said dispensing portion (101e) connected to said engaging portion (101k), preferably in correspondence of said first end (101k') of said engaging portion (101k),and / or wherein said dispensing mouth (102) lies at a first height and wherein said injector (201) lies at a second height different with respect to said first height.

5. Faucet according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said body (101) comprises a base portion and develops up to a maximum height with respect to a height of said base portion,said base portion of said body (101) being engaged on said supporting surface (400), optionally said base portion corresponding to said second end (101k”) of the engaging portion (101k);said injector (201) lying at a height substantially equal to a half between said maximum height and said height of said base portion, or lying at a height sensibly lower with respect to a half between said maximum height and said height of said base portion or lying at a height sensibly higher with respect to a half between said maximum height and said height of said base portion.

6. Faucet according to one or more of claims from 3 to 5, wherein said gas addition unit (200), optionally at least said injector (201), is arranged laterally with respect to said engaging portion (101k), or protrudes in a direction substantially oblique or orthogonal with respect to a direction along which said engaging portion (101k) mainly develops.

7. Faucet according to one or more of claims from 4 to 6, wherein said engaging portion (101k) is a substantially rigid portion, and wherein said dispensing portion (101e) is rotatably engaged on said engaging portion (101k).

8. Faucet according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said gas addition unit (200) comprises a support (202) for said container (300), configured to be removably coupled to said container (300), and preferably to removably retain said container (300); preferably said support (202) lying in use below, or laterally with respect to, said container (300),said injector (201) being arranged in correspondence of said support (202).

9. Faucet according to claim 8, wherein said support (202) is arranged in substantial proximity of a base portion of said body (101), preferably in substantial proximity of said second end (101k”) of said engaging portion (101k), and / or is configured to be fixed, in particular in a rigid way, to said supporting surface (400),or wherein said support or connector (202) is arranged in substantial proximity of said water dispensing valve (104).

10. Faucet according to one or more of the preceding claims when depending on claim 3, wherein said injector (201) is configured to at least partially introduce itself into said lateral wall (301) or said bottom wall (302) of said container (300).

11. Faucet according to one or more of the preceding claims when depending on claim 7, wherein said injector (201) is movably installed on said support or connector (202) and is movable, optionally by axial translation, with respect to a striking surface (202r) of said support or connector (202), between a first resting position where it stops a passage of gas and at least a second dispensing position where it allows a passage of gas.

12. Faucet according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said injector (201) has:- an open configuration, wherein it supplies gas in said container (300),- a closed configuration, wherein it does not supply gas in said container (300);and wherein said injector (201) is normally, in particular in absence of coupling with said container (300), in said closed configuration.

13. Faucet according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein said second position is determined by a force exerted by said container (300) on said injector (201) and / or wherein said open configuration is an unstable configuration, preferably determined by said force exerted by said container (300), and said closed configuration is a stable configuration,optionally wherein in said closed configuration said injector (201) is in said first position and wherein in said open configuration said injector (201) is in said second position.

14. Faucet according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said injector (201) comprises a front portion (201f), realizing an engaging portion with said container (300) and configured to be removably coupled with said container (300), and / or wherein said container (300) comprises an engaging portion (303) for said injector (201), optionally for said front portion (201f) of said injector (201).

15. Faucet according to claim 14, wherein said injector (201) is configured to be introduced at least partially into said container (300), optionally in said engaging portion (303) of said container,preferably wherein said front portion (201f) is substantially rigid and / or is configured to be introduced into said container (300), and optionally in said engaging portion (303) of said container (300),optionally, said engaging portion (303) of said container (300) comprising a recess and / or being arranged in a position substantially separated, preferably substantially opposed, with respect to a closable dispensing opening (304) of said container (300).

16. Faucet according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein said gas addition unit (200) comprises an elastic element (203), configured to retain said injector (201) in said closed configuration and to be deformed by an external force for putting said injector (201) in said open configuration.

17. Faucet according to claim 8 and / or claim 16, wherein said support or connector (202) comprises a gas supply chamber (204) connected with, and in use supplied by, said gas supply duct (107g),preferably wherein said elastic element (203) is arranged in said gas supply chamber (204);optionally said gas supply chamber (204) being connected with an end portion of said gas supply duct (107g).

18. Faucet according to claim 16 or claim 17, wherein said injector (201) comprises a rear portion (201 r), substantially opposed with respect to said front portion (201f), said rear portion (201 r) being a gas flow regulation portion, and wherein said elastic element (203) exerts a pushing action on said rear portion (201 r), preferably wherein said rear portion (201 r) comprises a pushing plate (201 p);optionally wherein said elastic element (203) comprises a first portion, preferably a first end, contacting said pushing plate (201 p) and a second portion, preferably a second end opposed with respect to said first end, contacting a wall of said gas supply chamber (204).

19. Faucet according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said injector (201) is a hollow injector, and comprises or defines a supply duct (207) for said gas towards said container (300);preferably wherein at least said front portion (201f) is hollow, and comprises or defines a supply duct (207) for said gas towards said container (300);optionally wherein said rear portion (201 r) comprises at least an orifice (208) connected with said supply duct (207) and configured to receive said gas from said gas supply chamber (204).

20. Faucet according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said injector (201) comprises a first sealing element (210), preferably a first sealing ring,said first sealing element (210) being configured to removably engage to said container (300) to prevent an exit of said gas from said container (300);optionally said first sealing element (210) being arranged in correspondence of said front portion (201 f) and / or being configured to be engaged, optionally introduced, into said engaging portion (303) of said container (300).

21. Faucet according to one or more of the preceding claims when depending on claim 18, wherein said injector (201) comprises a second sealing element (211), preferably a second sealing ring,said second sealing element (211) being arranged in substantial correspondence to said rear portion (201 r), said second sealing element (211) being housed into said gas supply chamber (204).

22. Faucet according to claim 12 and claim 21, wherein when said injector (201) is in said open configuration, said second sealing element (211) is distanced from a predefined wall of said gas supply chamber (204) and allows a gas flow from said gas supply chamber (204) to said supply duct (207), optionally through said orifice (208), and wherein when said injector (201) is in said closed configuration, said second sealing element (211) is in contact with said predefined wall of said gas supply chamber (204) and prevents said flow of gas from said gas supply chamber (204) towards said supply duct (207), optionally through said orifice (208).

23. Faucet according to one or more of the preceding claims when depending on claim 16, wherein said gas supply chamber (204) comprises a passage portion (204p) housing said injector (201), said passage portion (204p) ending on an outer environment;the injector (201) comprising a third sealing element (212), preferably a third sealing ring;said third sealing element (212) being arranged in said passage portion (204p) and isolating said gas supply chamber (204) from said outer environment;preferably wherein said third sealing element (212) is arranged in correspondence of said rear portion (201 r) of said injector (201);said third sealing element (212) optionally remaining in said passage portion (204p) both when said injector (201) is in said open configuration, and when said injector is in said closed configuration and / or during the movement of said injector (201) between said first position and said second position.

24. Faucet according to one or more of the preceding claims when depending on claim 13 or 14, wherein said injector (201) comprises a striker (215) configured to limit the introduction of said injector (201), and preferably of said front portion (201f) of said injector (201) in said container (300),preferably said striker (215) extending in a direction substantially oblique or orthogonal with respect to a main development direction of said front portion (201f) and / or having a substantially annular shape.

25. Faucet according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said gas supply duct (107g) extends below said supporting surface (400), and is configured to be connected to a gassing unit (600),said gassing unit (600) being configured to removably house a gas reservoir (601), preferably a carbon dioxide reservoir;said gas reservoir (601) being normally pressurized;said gassing unit (600) being configured to supply a gas in outlet from said gas reservoir (601) to said gas supply duct (107g).

26. Container (300) for water or beverages, configured to contain water added with gas, and preferably configured to be operatively coupled to a gassing device for water or beverages, optionally a faucet (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims,said container (300) comprising:- a lateral wall (301) and a bottom wall (302) joined to said lateral wall (301), overall defining an internal volume (300v) of said container (300),- a closable distribution opening (304), preferably arranged in a position substantially opposed with respect to said bottom wall (302);said container (300) comprising an engaging portion (303) for an injector (201) of gas of said gassing device for water, preferably the injector (201) of the faucet (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims.

27. Container according to claim 26, wherein said engaging portion (303) is arranged in a position substantially different with respect to said dispensing opening (304) and being optionally arranged in said bottom wall (302), or comprising a stopper (330) configured to be removably coupled to said dispensing opening (304), and wherein said engaging portion (303) is arranged on said stopper (330).

28. Container according to claim 26 or claim 27, wherein said engaging portion (303) comprises an inlet recess (305) configured to house at least part of said injector (201), preferably configured to house a front portion (201f) of said injector (201),preferably said inlet recess (305) extending along a direction substantially axial with a main development axis of said container (300).

29. Container according to one or more of claims 26-28, wherein said engaging portion (303) comprises a gas supply valve (306) having:- an open configuration, for allowing a flow of said gas toward said internal volume (300v),- a closed configuration, for impeding said flow of said gas toward said internal volume (300v);said closed configuration being a resting configuration and / or said open configuration being unstably determined by a pressure of the gas supplied in use by said injector (201) and / or wherein said open configuration is an unstable configuration and wherein said closed configuration is a resting configuration.

30. Container according to claim 28 or 29, wherein said gas supply valve (306) comprises an elastic element (307) and a closing element (308) fixed in correspondence of a first portion, preferably a first end, of said elastic element (307);preferably wherein said elastic element (307) and said closing element (308) are arranged in said inlet recess (305) and wherein said elastic element (307) comprises a second portion, preferably a second end, of said elastic element (307), fixed to a predefined wall of said inlet recess (305).

31. Container according to claim 30, wherein said engaging portion (303) comprises a striking wall (310) for said closing element (308), preferably wherein said inlet recess (305) comprises a striking wall (310) for said closing element (308),and wherein:- when said gas supply valve (306) is in said open configuration, said closing element (308) is at a first distance from said striking wall (310),- when said gas supply valve (306) is in said closed configuration, said closing element (308) is at a second distance, lower with respect to said first distance, or is in contact with, said striking wall (310);optionally said closing element (308) comprising a sealing element (311), optionally a sealing ring, configured to seal the passage identified by said inlet recess (305) when said gas supply valve (306) is in said closed configuration,said sealing element (311) being configured to maintain said closing element (308) in correspondence of said second distance from said striking wall (310) when said gas supply valve (306) is in said closed configuration, and resulting interposed between said striking wall (310) and said closing element (308).

32. Container according to claim 29 and at least one between claim 30 or claim 31, wherein said elastic element (307) is configured to determine a recalling force such that to maintain said gas supply valve (306) in said closed configuration,preferably wherein said elastic element (307) is configured to determine a recalling force such that to maintain said closing element (308) at said second distance from said striking wall (310) or in contact with said striking wall (310).

33. Container according to one or more of claims 26-32, wherein said gas supply valve (306) is configured to cooperatively operate with said injector (201) and to be arranged in said open configuration only after a switching, for said injector (201), from said closed configuration to said open configuration.

34. Container according to one or more of the preceding claims 26-33, comprising a pressure indicator (315) and a pressure sensor (316) operatively connected to said pressure indicator (315) and configured to provide a measurement of a pressure present in said internal volume (300v),preferably wherein said pressure indicator (315) is configured to show at least a first and a second pressure value within said internal volume (300v), respectively indicating a first gassing value and a second gassing value of said water by means of said gas.

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