EP1831082B1 - Liquid dispenser designed to be fixed in a bottle neck and related bottle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns a liquid dispenser (213) comprising an insert (15) including a peripheral surface (201) to be fixed to the neck (11), the insert (15) delimiting a liquid dispensing conduit (17) extending between an inner surface (48) and an outer surface (43) of the insert (15). The dispenser (213) comprises a pour spout (21) projecting relative to the outer surface (43) of the insert (15), forming a downstream portion (57) of the dispensing conduit (17), and a cap (23) releasable towards a configuration opening said conduit (17). The insert (15) delimits an outside air supply conduit (19) into the bottle (12), distinct from the dispensing conduit (17), the air supply conduit (19) extending between the outer surface (43) and the inner surface (48), the dispenser comprising a shutter (205) releasable from the air supply conduit (19).

Description

The present invention relates to a liquid dispenser according to the preamble of claim 1.

The invention applies in particular to bottles intended to contain liquids, in particular alcohol, or edible oils.

A known bottle comprises a dispenser of the aforementioned type which allows the distribution by gravity of the liquid contained in this bottle by pivoting the neck downwards. The liquid is guided at the outlet of the bottle by the spout of transverse dimensions smaller than those of the neck.

Such distributors are not entirely satisfactory. Indeed, if the diameter of the distribution duct is relatively small, the liquid flow is irregular, which disrupts the distribution of the liquid.

DE-A-31 43 319 discloses a dispenser according to the preamble of claim 1. FR 2,450,756 discloses another dispenser comprising an external air supply duct.

An object of the invention is therefore to provide a distributor of the aforementioned type, in which the distribution of the liquid is facilitated, especially if the distribution duct is of small size.

For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a dispenser according to claim 1.

The dispenser according to the invention may comprise one or more of the features which are the subject of claims 2 to 7.

The invention further relates to a bottle according to claim 8.

• la figure 1 est une vue en coupe suivant un plan vertical médian du goulot d'une première bouteille selon l'invention ;
• la figure 2 est une vue analogue à la figure 1, juste avant la distribution du liquide contenu dans la bouteille ;
• la figure 3 est une vue analogue à la figure 2 du goulot d'une bouteille qui ne fait pas partie de l'intervention telle que revendiquée,
• la figure 4 est une vue analogue à la figure 2 du goulot d'une bouteille qui ne fait pas partie de l'intervention telle que revendiquée,
• la figure 5 est une vue analogue à la figure 4, dans laquelle le liquide contenu dans la bouteille peut s'écouler ;
• la figure 6 est une vue analogue à la figure 2 du goulot d'une bouteille ; et
• la figure 7 est une vue analogue à la figure 2 d'une deuxième bouteille selon l'invention.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

• the figure 1 is a sectional view along a median vertical plane of the neck of a first bottle according to the invention;
• the figure 2 is a view similar to the figure 1 just before dispensing the liquid contained in the bottle;
• the figure 3 is a view similar to the figure 2 the bottleneck of a bottle that is not part of the intervention as claimed,
• the figure 4 is a view similar to the figure 2 the bottleneck of a bottle that is not part of the intervention as claimed,
• the figure 5 is a view similar to the figure 4 in which the liquid contained in the bottle can flow;
• the figure 6 is a view similar to the figure 2 the neck of a bottle; and
• the figure 7 is a view similar to the figure 2 of a second bottle according to the invention.

In all that follows, the terms "inferior" and "superior" refer to a bottle at rest, placed on a horizontal plane with its neck directed upwards. The terms "inside" and "outside" refer to the volume defined by the bottle. The terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to the direction of circulation of the liquid when dispensed out of the bottle.

We have shown on Figures 1 and 2 , the neck 11 of a first bottle 12, provided with a liquid distributor 13 according to the invention.

The distributor 13 comprises an insert 15 mounted in force in the neck 11, the insert 15 delimiting a conduit 17 for dispensing the liquid contained in the bottle 12, and a conduit 19 for supplying outside air into the bottle 12.

The dispenser 13 further comprises a spout 21 deployable from the insert 15 and a cap 23 screwed onto the neck 11 in the configuration shown in the figure 1 .

The neck 11 is generally tubular in shape extending along a longitudinal axis X-X '. It has a substantially cylindrical inner circumferential surface delimiting a central passage 27 for distributing the liquid, and an outer peripheral surface 29 provided with a threading tap of the plug 23. The neck 11 connects the internal volume 30 of the bottle 12 to the outside the bottle 12.

The insert 15 is totally arranged in the central passage 27. It comprises a central body 31 of axis X-X ', in which are formed a central channel 33 of axis XX' and a secondary channel 35 parallel, shifted transversely by The body 31 further comprises an upstream portion 37, which extends downwardly and delimits a lower portion of the secondary channel 35.

The body 31 is substantially cylindrical in shape. It has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the central passage 27.

The body 31 is provided on its outer peripheral surface with annular ribs 39 for attachment to the neck 11, which bear against the inner peripheral surface 25 of the neck 11 and an upper portion 41 of complementary shape to the central passage 27. The ribs 39 seal the neck 11 in a sealed manner.

The height of the upper part 41 taken along the axis X-X 'is greater than the height of the lower ribs 39.

The body 31 of the insert 15 has a substantially flat outer surface 43 which is flush with the upper edge 45 of the neck 11 and an inner surface 48 located in the passage 27.

The central channel 33 comprises a lower portion 47 opening into the inner surface 48 and an upper portion 49 which opens into the outer surface 43 outside the neck 11.

The lower portion 47 has a transverse dimension greater than the maximum transverse dimension of the spout 21.

The upper part 49 is of substantially conjugate shape with the spout 21.

The body 31 delimits, between the lower portion 47 and the upper portion 49 of the channel, a peripheral shoulder 51 directed inwardly. This shoulder 51 forms a stop for locking the lower end 53 of the spout 21, as will be described below.

The secondary channel 35 is for example of cylindrical shape. It has a constant diameter throughout its length. It opens on the one hand into the inner surface 48 at the end of the upstream part 37 and on the other hand into the outer surface 43 of the body 31.

The secondary channel 35 forms the external air supply duct 19 in the bottle 12.

The upstream end of the secondary channel 35 opens into the upstream part 37, which protrudes upstream with respect to the part of the body 31 into which the upstream end of the central channel 33 opens.

The spout 21 is formed by a tube having at its lower end 53 a flared portion radially outwardly, and at its upper end 55, a bead that projects radially inwards. An inner lumen 57 connects the ends 53 and 55.

The spout 21 is slidably mounted along the longitudinal axis XX 'between a retracted position in the insert 15, shown in FIG. figure 1 and an extended position, partially protruding out of the insert 15 shown in the figure 2 .

The spout 21 is also rotatably mounted about the axis X-X '.

In the retracted position shown in figure 1 a lower region 59 of the pouring spout 21 is received in the lower portion 47 of the central channel 33. Furthermore, an upper region 61 of the spout 21 is disposed in abutment against the body 31 in the upper part 49 of the channel 33 and is flush with the outer surface 43 of the body 31.

In the deployed position shown in figure 2 the flared portion 53 abuts the shoulder 51. The upper region 61 of the spout 21 protrudes out of the insert 15 beyond the outer surface 43 of the body 31, and the lower region 59 is received in the portion upper 49 of the channel 33.

In this deployed position, the lower part 47 of the central channel 33 of the insert 15, and the internal slot 57 of the spout 21 form the liquid distribution duct 17.

The plug 23 comprises a lateral wall 71 of complementary shape to the outer peripheral surface 29 of the neck 11, a substantially flat upper wall 73 extending from the upper edge of the wall 71, and a sealing washer 75 provided with a lug 77 for deploying the spout 21, the washer 75 being attached to the lower surface of the wall 73.

The deployment pin 77 projects into the interior of the bottle 12 and comprises, at its lower end, a part 79 undercut.

The plug 23 is releasable between a closed configuration of the conduit 17, shown in FIG. figure 1 , and an opening configuration of the conduit 17 shown on the figure 2 .

In the closure configuration shown in FIG. figure 1 , the cap 23 is screwed onto the neck 11. Its side wall 71 is engaged on the outer surface 29 and its upper wall 73 covers the upper edge 45 of the neck 11 and the outer surface 43 of the body 31. The sealing washer 75 is resting on the outer surface 43 of the body 31 and closes the air supply duct 19.

The plug 23 thus forms a releasable shutter of the air supply duct 19.

Moreover, the cap 23 keeps the spout 21 in its retracted position. The lug 77 is engaged in the upper end 55 of the pouring spout 21. Its undercut portion 79 engages with the annular bead at the end 55, which closes the distribution duct 17 in a sealed manner.

The stopper 23 thus releasably closes the liquid distribution duct 17.

In the aperture configuration shown in figure 2 , the cap 23 is completely away from the neck 11 and the spout 21.

The operation of the first bottle 12 according to the invention will now be described.

Initially, the plug 23 is in its closed configuration. As previously stated, the side wall 71 is screwed tightly onto the neck 11, and the washer 75 closes both the liquid distribution duct 17 and the air supply duct 19.

To distribute the liquid out of the bottle 12, the cap 23 is first unscrewed, which causes the lug 77 and the spout 21 to rotate about the axis X-X 'in a substantially helical path upwards.

Then, the cap 23 is pulled up on the figure 1 , away from the neck 11 along the axis X-X '. The air supply duct 19 is then released.

During this movement, the lug 77 drives the spout 21 to move it from its retracted position to its deployed position in which the flared portion 53 abuts against the shoulder 51.

The lug 77 is then released from the upper end 55 of the spout 21. The liquid distribution duct 17 is then released. Then the bottle 12 is bent to the left on the figure 2 to distribute the liquid by gravity.

During this distribution, the outside air enters through the air supply duct 19, and maintains the pressure in the interior volume 30 at a value substantially equal to the atmospheric pressure. The flow of liquid flowing out of the bottle 12 through the distribution duct 17 is regular, which facilitates its distribution.

The second distributor 113 represented on the figure 3 , differs from the first distributor 13 by the characteristic that the plug 23 is devoid of pin 77 of deployment of the spout 21.

Furthermore, the outer surface 43 of the body 31 extends horizontally inside the neck 11 and has a central recess 101 in the form of a bowl.

The central channel 33 and the secondary channel 35 open into the bottom of this recess 101.

An elastic annular lip 103, integral with the insert 15, protrudes outwardly from the bottom of the recess 101 around the central channel 33.

The free edge 105 of this lip 103 is engaged in a peripheral rib 106 extending externally in the vicinity of the upper end 55 of the spout 2.

In the closing configuration of the stopper 23, the lower washer 75 of the stopper 23 bears on the upper end 55 of the spout and holds the elastic lip 103 under stress between the rib 106 and the bottom of the recess 101.

As soon as the plug 23 is released, the elastic lip 103 extends outwardly. It brings the upper end 55 of the spout 21 beyond the upper edge 45 of the neck 11, in an intermediate deployed position represented on the figure 3 . The manual gripping of the pouring spout 21, to bring it to its fully deployed position, shown in dashed line on the figure 3 , in which the lower end 53 abuts against the shoulder 51, is thus facilitated.

The third distributor 213 shown on the Figures 4 and 5 differs from the distributor 13 shown on the figure 1 by the following characteristics.

The insert 15 comprises an outer peripheral ring 201 which has an inner peripheral surface of complementary shape to the outer peripheral surface 29 of the neck 11. The ring 201 is screwed onto this surface 29.

The ring 201 is connected to the body 31 by an annular upper wall 203 which covers the upper edge 45 of the neck 11. The ring 201 maintains the body 31 in position in the neck 11. The body 31 has a shape complementary to the central passage 27 and seals the passage 27 in a sealed manner.

The outer surface 43 of the body 31 extends downstream of the upper edge 45 of the neck 11.

Furthermore, the closure cap 23 of the distribution duct covers only the upper end 55 of the pouring spout 21 in its closed configuration, and does not close the air supply duct 19.

The dispenser 213 further comprises a capsule 205 selectively closing the air supply duct 19, distinct from the plug 23, mounted permanently on the insert 15.

This capsule 205 comprises a cylindrical side wall 207 of complementary shape to the outer peripheral surface of the screw ring 201, and a top wall 209 of closure having a central orifice 211 through which the spout 21 is engaged.

The upper wall 209 is internally provided with a pin 212 for closing the air supply duct 19 which projects inwardly from the neck 11.

Furthermore, the side wall 207 comprises radial openings 215 in the vicinity of the upper wall 209.

The closure cap 205 is slidably mounted on the ring 201, along the axis X-X ', between a closed position of the air supply duct 19 shown in FIG. figure 4 , and a release position of this conduit 19 shown on the figure 5 .

In the closed position, the upper wall 209 of the closure cap 205 bears tightly against the outer surface 43 of the body 31. The closure pin 212 is then engaged in the air supply duct 19 and mouth this conduit 19.

A metal spring 216 is interposed between the lower edge 217 of the screw ring 201 and an annular stop 219 which projects towards the axis XX 'from the side wall 207 of the cap 205. The spring 216 biases the cap 205 towards its closed position.

Alternatively, an elastic member, integral with the ring 201 or the wall 207 replaces the spring 216.

In the release position, the upper wall 209 is disposed away from the outer surface 43 of the body 31, and the closing pin 212 of the air supply duct 19 is clear of the duct 19. The openings 215 open into the space defined between the wall 209 and the outer surface 43.

The operation of this distributor 213 is as follows.

Initially, the cap 23 of the spout is released and the spout 21 is manually deployed.

Then the bottle 12 is bent to the left on the figure 4 , the capsule 205 being held in its closed position by the biasing force of the spring 216. The air supply duct 19 being closed, no liquid flows out of the bottle 12.

Then, the capsule 205 is moved away from the neck 11, against the spring 216 to bring the abutment 219 of the lower edge 217. The upper wall 209 of the capsule 205 then deviates from the outer surface 43 of the body 31 and releases the radial openings 215. The outside air enters through the radial openings 215, then flows along the gap defined between the upper wall 209 and the outer surface 43. The outside air then enters in the bottle via the air supply duct 19. The liquid then flows out of the bottle 12 through the distribution duct 17.

To stop the flow of liquid, the releasable capsule 205 is released. The capsule 205 is returned to its closed position under the effect of the biasing force of the spring 216.

The distributor 313 represented on the figure 6 differs from that shown on the figure 5 in that the insert 15 has a structure similar to that of the figure 1 , that is to say that it has no peripheral ring 201 for screwing.

Moreover, the pouring spout 21 is integral with the body 31 and is not retractable in this body 31. The closure cap 205 of the air supply duct 19 is mounted directly sliding on the neck 11 .

The capsule 205 further comprises an elastic lip 301 that protrudes outwardly from the top wall 209 and extends around the central orifice 211.

The free edge 303 of the lip 301 bears against an outer peripheral shoulder 305 located at the upper end 55 of the spout 21.

The operation of this distributor 313 is moreover analogous to that of the distributor 213 shown in FIG. figure 5 . However, the elastic biasing force of the capsule 205 towards its closed position is generated by the flexion of the elastic lip 301 when the capsule 205 is moved away from the neck 11.

The distributor 413 represented on the figure 7 differs from the distributor 313 shown on the figure 6 , by the following characteristics.

The air supply duct 19 comprises, upstream of the outer surface 43 of the body 31, an annular central chamber 401 having a vertical section of transverse dimensions greater than the diameter of the secondary duct 35.

The upper end of the channel 35 opens into the chamber 401. Moreover the chamber 401 is connected to the upper surface 43 by an annular channel 402 of vertical section smaller than the vertical section of the chamber 401.

The body 31 forms, between the annular channel 402 and the upper end of the chamber 401, two peripheral shoulders 403 substantially inclined downstream.

Furthermore, the closure member 212 comprises a peripheral base 404 which projects downwardly from the upper wall 209. The base 404 extends in the annular channel 402 about the axis X-X '. The member 212 comprises a lower portion 405 located at the lower end of the base 404 and engaged in the chamber 401. The lower portion 405 has upper peripheral edges 407 of respective shapes substantially complementary to the respective shoulders 403 at the end. upper chamber 401.

The vertical section of the member 212 thus has a shape of arrow directed inwards.

An elastic flange 409 protrudes from the outer surface 43 of the body 31 and has a free edge 411 bearing on the upper wall 209 of the cap 205.

The central opening 211 formed in the capsule 205 is of transverse dimension greater than the external diameter of the spout 21.

The outer surface 43 of the body 31 extends inwardly with respect to the upper edge 45 of the neck 11.

Furthermore, the plug 23 is integral with the pouring spout 21. This stopper 23 is hinged to the spout 21 about a transverse axis YY '. The side wall 71 of the cap 23 is substantially complementary in shape to the internal slot 57 of the spout 21.

The operation of the bottle 413 shown on the figure 7 differs from the operation of the bottle 313 shown on the figure 6 in that, in its closed position, the capsule 205 is biased outwardly by the elastic flange 409. In this closed position, the upper edges 407 of the closure member 212 are respectively disposed in abutment against the respective shoulders 403 of the chamber 401. The air supply duct 19 is thus closed sealingly by the closure member 212.

To allow the flow of the liquid, the cap 205 is pushed towards the neck 11, against the biasing force of the elastic flange 409.

In the release position, the lower portion 405 of the closure member 212 is disposed away from the shoulder 407 of the chamber 401 and the air supply duct 19 is released.

The air thus flows from the outside towards the inside of the bottle 12, passing through the gap defined between the spout 21 and the opening 211, then in the space delimited between the outer surface 43 of the body. 31 and the upper wall 209 of the capsule 205. The active rection for the passage of air between the upper edges 407 and the shoulders 403 is thus high, which is favorable for increasing the flow of liquid through the conduit 17.

To stop the flow of liquid, the capsule 205 is released and is returned to its closed position by the elastic flange 409.

Thanks to the invention which has just been described, it is possible to have a liquid dispenser comprising an insert intended to be fixed in the neck of a bottle, the dispenser facilitating the dispensing of liquid out of the bottle through to an outside air supply duct formed in the insert away from a liquid distribution duct.

Furthermore, the dispenser may have a deployable pouring spout and means for activating the deployment of the spout when opening a spout closure cap.

The dispenser may also have movable shutter means of the air supply duct, permanently mounted on the insert, and which make it easy to control the flow of liquid out of the bottle.

Claims (8)

1. Liquid dispenser (13; 413) intended to be fixed in the neck (11) of a bottle (12), the dispenser (13; 413) being of a type comprising:

   - an insert (15) comprising a peripheral surface (39, 41) for fixing in the neck (11), the insert (15) delimiting a passageway (17) for dispensing the liquid, which passageway (17) extends between an internal surface (48) and an external surface (43) of the insert (15);

   - a pouring spout (21) capable of projecting out relative to the external surface (43) of the insert (15), the pouring spout (21) forming a downstream portion (57) of the dispensing passageway (17);

   - a stopper (23) releasable from a configuration of closure of the dispensing passageway (17) into a configuration of opening of that passageway (17);
   the insert (15) delimiting a passageway (19) for introducing external air into the bottle (12), which passageway (19) is distinct from the dispensing passageway (17), the air introduction passageway (19) extending between the external surface (43) and the internal surface (48), the dispenser (13; 413) including a blocking means (23; 205) releasable from the air introduction passageway (19), the pouring spout (21) being mounted so as to be movable relative to the insert (15) between a position substantially retracted into the insert (15) and at least one deployed position projecting out relative to the external surface (43) of the insert (15),

   characterised in that the stopper (23) includes a lug (77) for deployment of the pouring spout (21) which engages internally in the dispensing passageway (17) in its closure configuration.
2. Dispenser (13) according to claim 1, characterised in that the releasable blocking means is formed by the closure stopper (23).
3. Dispenser (413) according to claim 1, characterised in that the releasable blocking means comprises a capsule (205), distinct from the stopper (23), the capsule (205) being mounted so as to be movable relative to the insert (15) between a position of blocking the air introduction passageway (19) and a position of freeing the air introduction passageway (19).
4. Dispenser (413) according to claim 3, characterised in that the releasable blocking means comprises an element for return (409) of the capsule (205) towards its blocking position.
5. Dispenser (413) according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterised in that the capsule (205) is mounted so as to be movable in translation relative to the insert (15) along the longitudinal axis (X-X') of the insert (15).
6. Dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that an element for biasing the pouring spout (21) towards its deployed position is interposed between the insert (15) and the pouring spout (21); and in that, in its closure configuration, the closure stopper (23) retains the pouring spout (21) in its substantially retracted position against the biasing element.
7. Dispenser (13; 413) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the air introduction passageway (19) opens out in a portion of the interior surface (48) which projects upstream from that portion of the interior surface (48) in which the liquid dispensing passageway (17) opens out.
8. Bottle (12) intended to contain a liquid, of a type comprising a neck (11) and a dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, the insert (15) being fixed in the neck (11).

Images