WO2000002796A2

WO2000002796A2 - Apparatus and method for dispensing fluid from a container

Info

Publication number: WO2000002796A2
Application number: PCT/EP1999/004885
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ruggero Cera
Original assignee: Wax Technology S.A.S.
Priority date: 1998-07-10
Filing date: 1999-07-12
Publication date: 2000-01-20
Also published as: ITMO980150A1; IT1305495B1; WO2000002796A3

Abstract

Apparatus (1; 101; 201; 301; 401) for dispensing a fluid from container means (2), comprising nozzle means (3; 103; 203; 303; 403) provided with first conduit means (4; 104; 204; 304; 404) for dispensing said fluid, second conduit means (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) for introducing air into said container means (2), at least a portion of said first conduit means (4; 104; 204; 304; 404) and said second conduit means (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) is parallel to an axis of a spout (14; 210) of said container means (2) and an axis of said nozzle means (3; 103; 203; 303; 403). A method for dispensing a fluid enclosed in container means (2) comprising: discharging said fluid from said container means (2) by way of dispensing conduit means (4; 104; 304; 404) and simultaneously introducing air into said container means (2) through air introduction conduit means (5; 105; 305; 405); interrupting said discharging and said introducing by way of closure means (6a; 106a; 306; 406) for closing said dispensing conduit means (104; 304; 404) and closure means (6b; 106b; 306; 406) for closing said air introduction conduit means (105; 305; 405), said discharging, said introducing and said interrupting are performed by acting simultaneously on said closure means (6a; 106a; 306; 406) for closing said dispensing conduit means (4; 104; 304; 404) and on said closure means (6b; 106b; 306; 406) for closing said air introduction conduit means (5; 105; 305; 405).

Description

Apparatus and method for dispensing a fluid from container means

The invention relates to an apparatus for dispensing a fluid product from container means.

The prior art comprises bottles containing water or other drinks, which are discharged after the opening on the neck of the bottle has been freed from a cap serving to close said opening.

Removal of the cap requires the use of both hands, which can constitute a problem, particularly for handicapped or elderly persons or for persons who have difficulty in moving their arms.

Furthermore the cylindrical body of the bottle is not easy to grasp, which makes it difficult to pour out the contents by tipping up the bottle.

A first object of the present invention is to improve existing systems for dispensing fluids.

A further object of the present invention is to simplify the operations required for discharging and interrupting the discharge of a fluid from a container means.

Another further object of the present invention is to allow dispensing of a fluid enclosed in a container means to be performed or interrupted using just one hand.

A first aspect of the present invention relates to aipparatus for dispensing a fluid from container means, comprising nozzle means provided with first conduit means for dispensing said fluid, second conduit means for introducing air into said container means, characterised in that at least a portion of said first conduit means and said second conduit means is parallel to an axis of a spout

(14; 210) of said container means (2) and an axis of said nozzle means (3; 103;

203).

A second aspect of the present invention relates to a method for dispensing a fluid enclosed in a container means, comprising: discharging said fluid from said container means by way of a dispensing conduit means and simultaneously introducing air into said container means by way of an air introduction conduit means; interrupting said discharging and said introducing operations by way of a first closure means for closing said dispensing conduit means and a second closure means for closing said air introduction conduit means, characterised in that said discharging, said introducing and said interrupting operations are performed by acting simultaneously on said first closure means and on said second closure means.

Said first closure means and said second closure means can be actuated by acting on an actuating means that can be operated from outside and is coupled to said first closure means .

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the actuating means comprises an oscillating lever.

This way, the act of pouring, for example of water into a glass, is particularly simple and does not pose a problem even for people who have difficulty in moving their arms.

The invention may be better understood and implemented with reference to the enclosed drawings, which represent some exemplifying and non-limiting forms of construction wherein:

Figure 1 is a longitudinal section of an apparatus for dispensing fluid products;

Figure 2 is a section taken along ll-ll in Figure 1 , showing a closure means in the positions of outflow and shut-off of respective conduit means;

Figure 3 is a longitudinal section of a second embodiment of the apparatus for dispensing fluid products;

Figure 4 is a section taken along IV-IV in Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a longitudinal section of a third embodiment of an apparatus for dispensing fluid products;

Figure 6 is a section taken along VI-VI in Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a section taken along VII-VII in Figure 5;

Figure 8 is a longitudinal section of a closure cap which may be associated to the third embodiment of the apparatus shown in figures 5 to 7;

Figure 9 is a cross section of a fourth embodiment of an apparatus for dispensing fluid products;

Figure 10 is a section taken along X-X in Figure 9, showing the apparatus in a shut-off condition;

Figure 11 is a section as in figure 10, but showing the apparatus in an outflow condition;

Figure 12 is a section taken along XII-XII in Figure 9, showing the apparatus in a shut-off condition;

Figure 13 is a longitudinal section of an apparatus for dispensing fluid products according to the invention, showing a variation which may be used in connection with the third and fourth embodiments of the apparatus, the Figure showing the apparatus in a shut-off condition; Figure 14 is a section as in figure 13, but showing the apparatus in an outflow condition;

Figure 15 is a longitudinal section of a closure cap which may be associated to an apparatus according to the invention;

Figure 16 is a longitudinal section of a fifth embodiment of an apparatus for dispensing fluid products, according to the invention;

Figure 17 is a longitudinal section of an apparatus for opening and closing containers.

Figure 18 is a longitudinal section of a bottle support which may be associated to an apparatus according to the invention

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, an apparatus 1 for dispensing water or some other drink contained in a bottle 2 and intended to be collected in a glass 23 comprises a nozzle means 3 which internally contains a conduit means 4 for dispensing water and a conduit means 5 for introducing air into the bottle 2.

The conduit means 4 and 5 are parallel to each other and to a longitudinal axis

A-A of the apparatus 1.

The conduit means 4 and 5 are able to switch from a closed condition to an open condition and vice versa by way of closure means 6, comprising a closure means 6a for closing the dispensing conduit means 4 and a closure means 6b for closing the air introduction conduit means 5. These closure means 6a and

6b are joined together and have substantially spherical outer surfaces and internally are provided with cylindrical cavities 9 and 10 capable of constituting portions of the conduit means 4 and 5 respectively. The closure means 6 can be rotated by way of an externally operatable lever 11 so as to orient the cavities

9 and 10 in such a way as to interrupt or restore communication between the remaining upper and lower portions of the conduit means 4 and 5. The nozzle means 3 has a guide opening 12 that allows the lever 11 to be rotated from a position wherein water is dispensed to a position wherein the apparatus 1 is in a closed condition. The top of the closure means 6 is coupled with seals 7 and

8 to prevent leakage of water; said seals 7 and 8 are kept pressed against the means 6 by a pressing means 13 screwed onto the neck 14 of the bottle 2.

During use, the bottle is supported by a support means 25 which keeps it in a tilted position (namely with the neck 14 pointing downwards). A lateral surface portion of the pressing means 13 has external threading 13a capable of permitting coupling with a ring nut means 15 which is provided with an inwardly projecting lower edge 16 that is capable of engaging with a corresponding outwardly projecting upper edge 17 of the nozzle means 3. This way, by screwing the ring nut means 15 onto the pressing means 13, the nozzle means 3 and consequently the closure means 6 and the seals 7 and 8 are tightened against the pressing means 13 in such a way as to reach an optimal condition wherein the seals 7 and 8 prevent the leakage of water and the closure means 6 is nonetheless able to rotate without difficulty. In order to maintain this condition, a lock nut unscrew prevention means 18 is screwed onto the pressing means 13 until it locks against the ring nut means 15. Between the pressing means 13 and the nozzle means 3 there is peripherally interposed a longitudinal guide means 24 capable of preventing relative rotation between the nozzle means 3 and the pressing means 13 while the ring nut means 15 is being screwed onto the pressing means 13, while permitting reciprocal translation along the axis A-A. On the neck 14 of the bottle 2, the pressing means 13 has a protuberance 19 which extends inside the bottle 2 and constitutes an extension of the air introduction conduit means 5; this creates a lower pressure at the entrance to the air introduction conduit means 5 than at the entrance to the water dispensing conduit means 4. This causes the air to rise through the conduit means 5 and the water to descend through the conduit means 4. The apparatus 1 advantageously has a removable cap 20 which can be coupled with the nozzle means 3, which externally has a circular tooth 21 capable of engaging with a corresponding groove 22 inside the cap 20. Application of this cap 20 when the apparatus 1 is not being used allows said apparatus to be maintained in a good hygienic condition. Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a second embodiment of an apparatus 101 for dispensing water or some other drink contained in a bottle 2. The apparatus 101 comprises a nozzle means 103 which internally contains a conduit means 104 for dispensing water and a conduit means 105 for introducing air into the bottle 2.

The conduit means 104 and 105 are parallel to each other and to a iongitudinal axis A-A of the apparatus 101.

The conduit means 104 and 105 are able to switch from a closed condition to an open condition and vice versa by way of closure means 106, comprising a closure means 106a for closing the dispensing conduit means 104 and a closure means 106b for closing the air introduction conduit means 105. These closure means 106a and 106b are joined together and have substantially spherical outer surfaces and internally are provided with cylindrical cavities 109 and 110 capable of constituting portions of the conduit means 104 and 105 respectively. The closure means 106 can be rotated by way of an externally operatable forked lever 111 so as to orient the cavities 109 and 110 in such a way as to interrupt or restore communication between the remaining upper and lower portions of the conduit means 104 and 105. The nozzle means 103 has opening 112a and 112b through which respective pins 113a and 113b of the forked lever 111 pass. The pins 113a and 113b are connected, respectively, to the closure means 106a for closing the dispensing conduit means 104 and to the closure means 106b for closing the air introduction conduit means 105. The forked lever may be rotated, from a first position wherein water is dispensed to a second position wherein the apparatus 101 is in a closed condition, by means of a slidable driving element 114, connected at one end to an extension 115 of the forked lever 111 and provided with a handgrip 116 at the opposite end. The handgrip 116 protrudes from a slit 140 of a supporting and guiding member 139, connected to the nozzle means 103 for supporting and guiding the drive element 114. The first position of the forked lever 111 is indicated with the reference numeral 111a in Figure 4, whilst the second position is indicated by the reference numeral 111 b in Figure 4. The corresponding positions of the extension 115 and the handgrip 116 are indicated, respectively, with the reference numerals 115a, 115b and 116a, 116b, in Figure 4.

The top of the closure means 106 is coupled with seals 107 and 108 to prevent leakage of water and the bottom of the closure means 106 rests on resting elements 117 and 118. The seals 107 and 108 are kept pressed against the means 106 by a pressing means 119 which may be screwed onto the nozzle 103.

The pressing means 119 is provided with a dispensing conduit 120 and an air conduit 121 which constitute, respectively, continuation of the dispensing conduit means 104 and air introduction conduit means 105 and terminate in a cavity 122 of the pressing means 119.

The cavity 122 is able to fit with a male coupling 123 screwed on the neck 14 of the bottle 2. The male coupling 123 is provided with a further dispensing conduit 126 and a further air conduit 125 which constitute continuation of the dispensing conduit 120 and the air conduit 121 , respectively. The male coupling 123 has a pipe 138 which extends inside the bottle 2 and constitutes an extension of the further air conduit 125; this creates a lower pressure at the entrance to further air conduit 125 than at the entrance to the further dispensing conduit 124. This causes the air to rise through the air introduction conduit means 105, the air conduit 121 and the further air conduit 125 and the water to descend through the further dispensing conduit 126, the dispensing conduit 120 and the dispensing conduit means 104. The male coupling 123 is provided with peripheral grooves 127 capable of fitting with locking means 128, 129, for instance at least a pair of retractable teeth, protruding towards the inside of the cavity 122 and capable of securing a stable connection between the male coupling 123 and the cavity 122 of the pressing means 119 and a correct alignment of the dispensing conduit 120 and the air conduit 121 with the further dispensing conduit 126 and the further air conduit 125, respectively. The locking means 128, 129 may be retracted acting on a pair of slidable elements 130 and 131 of the pressing means 119, in order to disengage the male coupling 123 from the cavity 122. The male coupling 123 is further provided with a peripheral gasket 124 to prevent leakage of the liquid contained in the bottle, when the male coupling 123 is connected with the pressing means 119.

Figures 5, 6 and 7 illustrate a third embodiment of an apparatus 301 for dispensing water or some other drink contained in a bottle 2. The apparatus 301 comprises a nozzle means 303 which internally contains first conduit means 304 for dispensing water and second conduit means 305 for introducing air into the bottle 2.

The first conduit means 304 and the second conduit means 305 are parallel to each other and to a longitudinal axis A-A of the apparatus 301. The first conduit means 304 and the second conduit mans 305 may be switched from a closed condition to an open condition and vice versa by way of closure means 306. The closure means 306 comprises first valve means 307a for closing said first conduit means 304 and second valve means 307b for closing said second conduit means 305 (Figures 6 and 7). Each valve means 307a and 307b comprises a shutting means 308 which fits with a corresponding valve seat 309 and is movable from a closed position, shown with uninterrupted lines in Figures 6 and 7, and an open position, shown with interrupted lines in Figures 6 and 7. The shutting means 308 are fixed to an end of a slidable stem 310 having an other end opposite to said end connected to elastic means 311 which may be compressed by an actuating lever 312 having an end rotatingly connected to hinge means 313. Limiting means 323 are provided to limit the rotation of the actuating lever 312 around the hinge means 313. The actuating lever 312 is provided with a protrusion 360 capable of engaging and compress said elastic means 311. The first valve means 307a comprises a first chamber 314a communicating with a dispensing chamber

320 through a first opening 315a and a second chamber 316a communicating with the first conduit means 304 through a second opening 317a. The dispensing chamber 320 communicates with a dispensing conduit 320a of a male coupling 322 which may be screwed onto the neck 14 of the bottle 2. When the shutting means 308 are in said closed position, there is no communication between the first conduit means 304 and the dispensing chamber 320, so that the liquid contained in the bottle 2 can not be dispensed through the nozzle means 303. On the other hand, when the shutting means 308 are in the open condition, the first conduit means 304 communicates with the dispensing chamber 320 through the first chamber 314a and the second chamber 316a, thus allowing the liquid contained in the bottle 2 to be dispensed through the nozzle means 303 passing through the neck 14 of the bottle 2, the dispensing conduit 320a, the dispensing chamber 320, the first chamber 314a, the second chamber 316a and the first conduit means 304 of the nozzle means 303.

The second valve means 307b comprises a first chamber 314b communicating with an air chamber 321 through a first opening 315b and a second chamber 316b communicating with the second conduit means 305 through a second opening 317b. The air chamber 321 communicates with an air conduit 321 a of the male coupling 322. When the shutting means 308 are in said closed position, there is no communication between the second conduit means 305 and the air chamber 321 , so that air can not be introduced into the bottle 2. On the other hand, when the shutting means 308 are in the open condition, the second conduit means 305 communicates with the air chamber 321 through the first chamber 314b and the second chamber 316b, thus allowing air to be introduced into the bottle 2 via the second conduit means 305 passing through the second chamber chamber 316b, the first chamber 314b, the air chamber

321 and the air conduit 321a.

The male coupling 322 is provided with peripheral grooves 327a capable of fitting with locking means 328, 329, for instance at least a pair of retractable teeth, protruding towards the inside of the dispensing chamber 320 and air chamber 321 and capable of securing a stable connection between the male coupling 322 and said chambers 320 and 321. The locking means 328, 329 may be retracted acting on a pair of slidable elements 330 and 331 of the apparatus 301 , in order to disengage the male coupling 322 from the chambers 320 and 321. The male coupling 322 is further provided with peripheral gaskets 324 and 324a to obtain a liquid- and air-tight coupling between the male coupling 322 and the chambers 320 and 321. Figure 8 illustrates a cap 332 which may be inserted onto the male coupling 322 to close the bottle 2 when the dispensing apparatus 301 is not being used. The cap 332 has cavities 333a and 333b capable of fitting with the male coupling 322. A pair of retractable teeth 334 and 335 protrude towards the inside of the cavities 333a and 333b. The retractable teeth 334 and 335 are capable of fitting with the peripheral grooves 327a and 327b of the male coupling 322, in order to secure a stable connection between the male coupling 322 and the cap 332. The retractable teeth 334 and 335 may be retracted acting on a pair of slidable elements 336 and 337 of the cap 332, in order to disengage the male coupling 322 from the cap 332.

Figure 9 to 12 illustrate a fourth embodiment of an apparatus 401 according to the invention.

The apparatus 401 compπses a nozzle means 103 which internally contains first conduit means 404 for dispensing water and second conduit means 405 for introducing air into the bottle 2.

The first conduit means 404 and the second conduit means 405 are parallel to each other and to a longitudinal axis A of the apparatus 401. The first conduit means 404 and and the second conduit means 405 may be switched from a closed condition to an open condition and vice versa by way of closure means 406, comprising first valve means 407a for closing the first conduit means 404 and second valve means 407b for closing the second conduit means 405. Each valve means 407a and 407b comprises a shutting means 408 which fits with a corresponding valve seat 409 and is movable from a closed position and an open position. Figure 10 and 12 show, respectively, the second valve means 407b and the first valve means 407 a in said closed position, whilst Figure 11 shows the second valve means 407b in an open position, in said open position. The shutting means 408 is fixed to an end of a slidable stem 410 having an other end opposite to said end connected to elastic means 411 which may be compressed by an actuating lever 412 having an end rotatingly connected to hinge means 413. Limiting means 423 are provided to limit the rotation of the actuating lever 412 around the hinge means 413. The actuating lever 412 is provided with a protrusion 460 capable of engaging and compress said elastic means 411. The first valve means 407a comprises a first chamber 414a communicating with a dispensing chamber 420 through a first opening 415a and a second chamber 416a communicating with the first conduit means 404 through a second opening 417a. The chamber 420 communicates with the neck 14 of the bottle 2, on which the apparatus 401 may be screwed. When the shutting means 408 are in said closed position, there is no communication between the first conduit means 404 and the dispensing chamber 420, so that the liquid contained in the bottle 2 can not be dispensed through the nozzle means 403. On the other hand, when the shutting means 408 are in the open condition, the first conduit means 404 communicates with the dispensing chamber 420 through the first chamber 414a and the second chamber 416a, thus allowing the liquid contained in the bottle 2 to be dispensed through the nozzle means 403 passing through the neck 14 of the bottle 2, the dispensing chamber 420, the first chamber 414a, the second chamber 416a and the first conduit means 404 of the nozzle means 403.

The second valve means 407b comprises a first chamber 414b communicating with an air conduit 421 through a first opening 415b and a second chamber 416b communicating with the second conduit means 405 through a second opening 417b. When the shutting means 408 are in said closed position, there is no communication between the second conduit means 405 and the air conduit 421 , so that air can not be introduced into the bottle 2. On the other hand, when the shutting means 408 are in the open condition, the second conduit means 405 communicates with the air conduit 421 through the first chamber 414b and the second chamber 416b, thus allowing air to be introduced into the bottle 2 via the second conduit means 405 passing through the second chamber chamber 416b, the first chamber 414b and the air conduit 421. The shutting means 408 may be actuated by exerting a compression on the elastic means 411 through the actuating lever 412. The compression on the elastic means 411 causes the elastic means to be deformed so that the elastic means 411 pushes the shutting means 408 from the closed position shown in Figure 10 to the open position shown in Figure 11. The shutting means 408 may be switched to the closed position by releasing the operating lever 412 so that the elastic means 411 returns in their undeformed position shown in Figure 10 pulling the shutting means into the closed position.

The nozzle means 303, 403 of the third embodiment 301 and fourth embodiment 401 of the apparatus according to the invention may be closed by a cap 450 when the apparatus 301 , 401 is not being used, in order to keep the apparatus in good hygienic conditions.

Figures 13 and 14 show a variation, which may be applied to the third and fourth embodiments of the apparatus described above, In this variation, the shutting means 308 is associated to elastic return means 430 interposed between the shutting means 408 and a wall portion 431 of the apparatus 401.

The shutting means 308 are connected to one end of the stem 310, the other end of which, opposite to said one end, may be pressed by the lever 312, through the protrusion 360, in order to displace the shutting means from the closed position shown in Figure 13 to the open position shown in Figure 14.

The elastic return means 430 guarantee that the shutting means 308, returns in its closed position when the actuating lever 312 is released.

Figure 15 illustrates a cap 132 which may be inserted onto the male coupling

123 to close the bottle 2 when the dispensing apparatus 101 is not being used.

The cap 132 has a cavity 133 capable to fit with the male coupling 123. A pair of retractable teeth 134 and 135 protrude towards the inside of the cavity 133. The retractable teeth 134 and 135 are capable of fitting with the peripheral groove

127 of the male coupling 123, in order to secure a stable connection between the male coupling 123 and the cap 132. The retractable teeth 134 and 135 may be retracted acting on a pair of slidable elements 136 and 137 of the cap 132, in order to disengage the male coupling 123 from the cap 132.

Figure 16 illustrates a fifth embodiment of an apparatus 201 for dispensing fluid products, according to the invention.

The apparatus 201 comprises a nozzle means 203 which internally contains a dispensing conduit means 204 for dispensing a fluid product and an air introduction conduit means 205 for introducing air into the container.

The nozzle means 203 are provided with a fluid opening 206 for passage of the fluid product and an air opening 207 for passage of air. Said fluid opening 206 communicates with said dispensing conduit means 204 and said air opening

207 communicates with said air introduction conduit means 205.

The nozzle means 203 is rotatably mounted in a bush 208 provided with a fluid inlet conduit 209 having an axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of the nozzle 203. The fluid inlet conduit 209 may be coupled to the spout 210 of a container by means of an angled pipe-fitting 213, so that the axis of the nozzle 203 is substantially parallel to the axis of the spout 210. There are provided connecting means 211 and 212 for connecting the pipe-fitting 213 to the fluid inlet conduit 209 and the spout 210. Said connecting means 211 and 212 are provided with sealing means 215 and 216 for preventing leakage of fluid from the connecting means 211 and 212. An air conduit 214 is arranged at the inside of the fluid inlet conduit 209 and extends through the fluid inlet conduit 209, the angled pipe fitting 213 and the spout 210 of the container. The nozzle means 203 may be rotated, for instance by an operating lever, not shown, from a first position, wherein the fluid opening 206 is aligned with the fluid inlet conduit 209 and the air opening 207 is aligned with the air conduit 214, to a second position, wherein a wall 217 of the nozzle means 203 closes the inlet of the fluid inlet conduit 209 and the inlet of the air conduit 214. When the nozzle means 203 is in said first position the fluid inlet conduit 209 communicates, through the fluid opening 206, with the dispensing conduit means 204, thus allowing the fluid in the container to be dispensed through the nozzle means 203 and the air conduit 214 communicates, through the air opening 207, with the air introduction conduit means 205, thus allowing air from the outside to enter into the container through the nozzle means 203. When the nozzle means 203 are in said second position, the wall 217 prevents the fluid in the container from being dispensed through the nozzle means 203 and air from the outside from entering into the container through the nozzle means 203. Figure 17 illustrates an apparatus 501 for supporting a container 502 when the container is to be opened or closed, for instance by unscrewing a cap 503 from the neck 504 of the bottle 502, or by screwing the cap 503 onto the neck 504. The apparatus 501 comprises a base support 505 which may be securely fixed to a rest plane 506 using fixing means 507, for instance vise means. The base support 507 comprise a cavity 508 having a bottom wall 509 and sloping side walls 510. The bottom wall 509 and the side walls 510 being coated with a friction material 511 , preferably an elastic friction material, such as rubber.

When a container 502, for instance a bottle, is to be opened or closed, the bottom portion of the container 502 is introduced into the cavity 508 until the side walls of the container 502 get in contact with the elastic friction material coating the side walls 510 of the cavity 508. Now, it is possible to screw the cap 503 on the neck 504 of the container 502, or to unscrew the cap 503 from the neck 504, by exerting a pressure on the container 502 in the direction of the arrow F when the cap is rotated, so that the friction between the elastic friction material 511 and side walls of the container 502 prevents the container 502 from rotating. Therefore, it is possible to screw or unscrew the cap 503 using only one hand, which makes the apparatus 501 particularly useful for people having difficulties in using one of their harms.

Figure 18 illustrates support means 601 for supporting a bottle 2, provided with an apparatus 1 , 101 , 301 , 401 for dispensing fluid products according to the invention, during dispensing operations. The support means 601 comprises a support body 602 closed at its bottom end and provided with an opening 603 at its upper end. The opening 603 is shaped in such a way as to be able to accommodate and support the neck 14 o he bottle with an apparatus for dispensing fluid products according to the invention connected to it. Receptacle means 604 are provided at the bottom end of the support body 602, to accommodate container means into which the liquid contained in the bottle 2 may be poured and liquid poured accidentally out of the container means may be collected. A pair of oppositely disposed openings 606, provided on side walls of the support body 602, make possible for the user to reach the actuating lever 11 , 11 , 312, 412 in order to actuate the dispensing apparatus 1 , 101 , 301 , 401.

The invention thus conceived is open to numerous modifications and variants, all of which come within the conceptual scope of the invention. Furthermore, all parts may be replaced by technically equivalent elements.

Claims

1. Apparatus (1 ; 101 ; 201 , 301 , 401 ) for dispensing a fluid from container means (2), comprising nozzle means (3; 103; 203; 303; 403) provided with first conduit means (4; 104; 204; 304; 404) for dispensing said fluid, second conduit means (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) for introducing air into said container means (2), characterised in that at least a portion of said first conduit means (4; 104; 204; 304; 404) and said second conduit means (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) is parallel to an axis of a spout (14; 210) of said container means (2) and an axis of said nozzle means (3; 103; 203; 303; 403).

2. Apparatus (1; 101; 301 ; 401) according to claim 1 , and further comprising closure means (6a; 106a; 306; 406) for closing said first conduit means (4; 104; 304; 404) and closure means (6b; 106b; 306; 406) for closing said second conduit means (5; 105; 305; 405).

3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said closure means (6a; 106a) for closing said dispensing conduit means (4; 104) and said closure means (6b; 106b) for closing said air introduction conduit means (5; 105) are joined together.

4. Apparatus (1 ; 101 ) according to claim 2, or 3, wherein said closure means (6a, 6b; 106a, 106b) have cavities (9, 10; 109, 110) that constitute portions of said conduit means (4, 5; 104, 105).

5. Apparatus (1 ; 101 ; 301 ; 401 ) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein said closure means (6a, 6b; 106a, 106b; 306; 406) can be actuated by way of a common actuating means (11 ; 111 ; 312; 412) which can be operated from outside.

6. Apparatus (1 ; 101 ) according to any preceding claims, wherein said closure means (6a, 6b; 106a, 106b) are coupled at the top with seals (7, 8; 107, 108) for preventing leakage of said fluid.

7. Apparatus (101) according to any preceding claims, wherein said closure means (106a, 106b) are coupled at the bottom with resting elements (117, 118).

8. Apparatus (1 ; 101 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first and second conduit means (4, 5; 104, 105) pass through nozzle means (3; 103) located on one side of said closure means (6a, 6b; 106a, 106b).

9. Apparatus (1 ; 101 ) according to any preceding claims, and further comprising pressing means (13; 119) capable of pressing said seals (7, 8; 107, 108) against said closure means (6a, 6b; 106a, 106b).

10. Apparatus (1) according to claim 9, wherein, on another side of said closure means (6a, 6b), said conduit means (4, 5) pass through said pressing means (13).

11. Apparatus (1 ) according to claim 9, or 10, wherein said pressing means (13) can be coupled with an outlet opening of said container means (2).

12. Apparatus (1 ) according to one of claims 9 to 11 , wherein said pressing means (13) has a threaded section on a portion of its lateral surface.

13. Apparatus (1 ) according to claim 12 and further comprising ring nut means (15) capable of being screwed onto said pressing means (13).

14. Apparatus (1) according to claim 13, wherein said ring nut means (15) has an inwardly projecting lower edge (16).

15. Apparatus (1 ) according to claim 14, wherein said lower edge (16) is capable of engaging with a corresponding externally projecting upper edge (17) of said nozzle means (3).

16. Apparatus (1 ) according to one of claims 9 to 15, wherein between said pressing means (13) and said nozzle means (3) there is interposed a longitudinal guide means (24) capable of permitting reciprocal translation but preventing reciprocal rotation between said pressing means (13) and said nozzle means (3).

17. Apparatus (1) according to any preceding claims, wherein the top of said pressing means (13) has a protuberance (19) constituting an extension of said air introduction conduit means (5).

18. Apparatus (1; 101 ; 301; 401) according to any preceding claims and further comprising a support means (25; 601 ) capable of maintaining said container means (2) in a position with its outlet opening pointing downwards during use.

19. Apparatus (1 ; 301 ; 401 ) according to any preceding claims and further comprising a removable cap (20; 450), which can be coupled with said nozzle means (3; 303; 403).

20. Apparatus (1 ) according to claim 19, wherein said removable cap (20) is provided internally with a groove (22) capable of being engaged by a corresponding tooth (21 ) located on the external surface of said nozzle means (3).

21. Apparatus (101 ) according to claim 5, wherein said common actuating means (111 ) are actuated by a slidable driving element (114), connected at one end to said common actuating means (111 ) and provided with a handgrip (116) at the opposite end.

22. Apparatus (101 ) according to claim 21 , wherein said handgrip (116) protrudes from a slit (140) of a supporting and guiding member (139) connected to said nozzle means (103).

23. Apparatus (101 ) according to one of claims 9, 21 , 22, wherein said pressing means (119) is provided with a dispensing conduit (120) and an air conduit (121 ) which constitute, respectively, continuation of the dispensing conduit means (104) and air introduction conduit means (105).

24. Apparatus (101) according to one of claims 9, 21 , 22, 23, wherein said pressing means (119) may be screwed on said nozzle means (103).

25. Apparatus (101) according to one of claims 9, 21 , 22, 23, 24, wherein said dispensing conduit (120) and said air conduit (121 ) terminate in a cavity (122) of the pressing means (119).

26. Apparatus (301 ; 401 ) according to one of claims 1 , 2, 5, 18 or 19, wherein said closure means (306; 406) comprise first valve means (307a; 407a) for closing said first conduit means (304; 404) and second valve means (307b; 407b) for closing said second conduit means (305; 405).

27. Apparatus (301 ; 401) according to claim 26, wherein said first valve means (307a; 407a) and said second valve means (307b; 407) comprises shutting means (308; 408) which fits with a corresponding valve seat (309; 409) and is movable from a closed position to an open position and vice-versa.

28. Apparatus according to claim 27, wherein said shutting means (308; 408) are connected to one end of slidable stem means (310; 410).

29. Apparatus according to claim 28, wherein said slidable stem means (310; 410) has an other end, opposite to said one end, connected to elastic means (311 ; 411 ).

30. Apparatus according to claim 27 or 28, wherein said shutting means (308; 408) are associated to elastic return means (430) interposed between said shutting means (308; 408) and a wall portion (431 ) of the apparatus (301 ; 401 ).

31. Apparatus according to one of claims 26 to 30, wherein said common actuating means comprises an actuating lever (312; 412) capable of operating said shutting means (308; 408).

32. Apparatus according to claim 31 , wherein said actuating lever (312; 412) is provided with a protrusion (360; 460) designed to exert a pressure on said elastic means (311 ; 411 ) or on said other end of said stem means (310; 410).

33. Apparatus (301 ; 401 ) according to one of claims 27 to 32, wherein said first valve means (307a; 407a) comp╧Çses a first chamber (314a; 414a) communicating with a dispensing chamber (320; 420) through a first opening (315a; 415a) and a second chamber (316a; 416a) communicating with said first conduit means (304; 404) through a second opening (317a; 417a), said first chamber (314a; 414a) communicating with said second chamber (317a; 417a) when said shutting means (308) is in said open position.

34. Apparatus (301; 401) according to one of claims 27 to 33, wherein said second valve means (307b; 407b) comprises a first chamber (314b; 414b) communicating with an air conduit (321a; 421) through a first opening (315b; 415b) and a second chamber (316b; 416b) communicating with said second conduit means (305; 405) through a second opening (317b; 417b), said first chamber (314b; 414b) communicating with said second chamber (316b; 416b) when said shutting means is in said open position.

35. Apparatus (301 ) according to claim 34, wherein said first chamber communicates with said air conduit means (321a) via an air chamber (321 ).

36. Apparatus (101 ; 301 ) according to one of preceding claims and further comprising a coupling element (123; 322) which may be coupled with the neck (14) of the bottle (2).

37. Apparatus (101) according to claim 36, wherein said coupling element (123) is insertable into said cavity (122).

38. Apparatus (301 ; 401 ) according to claim 36, wherein said coupling element (322) is insertable into said dispensing chamber (320; 420).

39. Apparatus (301 ) according to claim 38, wherein said coupling element is insertable into said air chamber (321 ).

40. Apparatus (101 ) according to claim 38, wherein said pressing means (119) is provided with locking means (128, 129) capable of locking said coupling element (123) into said cavity (122) and arranged in such a way as to guarantee a correct alignment of said dispensing conduit (120) and said air conduit (121) with a corresponding further dispensing conduit (126) and a corresponding further air conduit (125), respectively, provided in said coupling element (123).

41. Apparatus (301; 401) according to claim 39 and further comprising locking means (328, 329) capable of locking said coupling element (322) into said dispensing chamber (320; 420).

42. Apparatus (301 ) according to claim 41 , wherein said locking means (328, 329) are capable of locking said coupling element (322) into said air chamber 321 ).

43. Apparatus (101 ; 301 ; 401 ) according to one of claims 40 to 42, wherein said locking means comprises at least a pair of retractable teeth (128, 129; 328, 329).

44. Apparatus (101; 301 ; 401) according to claim 43, wherein said coupling element (123; 322) is provided with peripheral grooves (127; 327a, 327b) capable of being engaged by said retractable teeth (128, 129; 328, 329).

45. Apparatus (101 ; 301 : 401 ) according claim 43, or 44, and further comprising retracting means (130, 131 ; 330, 331 ) for causing retraction of said retractable teeth (128, 129; 328, 329).

46. Apparatus (101 ; 301 , 401 ) according to one of claims 36 to 45, and further comprising a cap (132; 332) which may be coupled with said coupling element (123; 322).

47. Apparatus (101 ; 301. 401) according to claim 46, wherein said removable cap (132; 332) is provided with at least one cavity (133; 333a, 333b) into which said coupling element (123; 322) may be fitted.

48. Apparatus (101 ; 301 ; 401 ) according to claim 47, wherein said removable cap (132; 332) is provided with locking means (134, 135; 334, 335) capable of locking said coupling element (123; 322) into said at least one cavity (133; 333a, 333b).

49. Apparatus (101 ; 301 ; 401 ) according to claim 48, wherein said locking means comprises at least a pair of retractable teeth (134, 135; 334, 335) protruding towards the inside of said at least one cavity cavity (133; 333a, 333b) and capable of engaging said peripheral grooves (127; 327a, 327b).

50. Apparatus (101 ; 301 ; 401 ) according to claim 49, wherein said removable cap (132; 332) is provided with retracting means (136, 137; 336, 337) for causing retraction of said retractable teeth (134, 135; 334, 335) from said at least one cavity (133; 333a, 333b).

51. A removable cap (132; 332) which may be coupled with a coupling element (123; 322) insertable onto the neck (14) of a container (2), said removable cap (132; 332) being provided with at least one cavity (133; 333a, 333b) into which said coupling element (123; 322) may be fitted, characterised in that it comp╧Çses locking means (134, 135; 334, 335) capable of locking said coupling element (123; 322) into said at least one cavity (133; 333a, 333b).

52. A removable cap (132; 332) according to claim 51 , wherein said locking means comprises at least a pair of retractable teeth (134, 135; 334, 335) protruding towards the inside of said at least one cavity (133; 333a, 333b) and capable of engaging peripheral grooves (127; 327a, 327b) of said coupling element (123; 322).

53. A removable cap (132; 332) according to claim 52, and further comprising retracting means (136, 137; 336, 337) for causing retraction of said retractable teeth (134, 135; 334, 335) from said at least one cavity (133; 333a, 333b).

54. Apparatus (501 ) for supporting a container (502) comprising a base support (505) provided with a cavity (508) having a bottom wall (509) and sloping side walls (510), said bottom wall (509) and said side walls (510) being coated with a friction material (511 ).

55. Apparatus (501 ) according to claim 54 wherein said friction material (511 ) is an elastic material.

56. Support means (601 ) according to claim 18, comprising a support body (602) closed at its bottom end and provided with an opening (603) at its upper end, said opening (603) being shaped in such a way as to be able to accommodate and support a neck (14) of said container means (2).

57. Support means (601) according to claim 56, and further comprising receptacle means (604) provided at the bottom end of said support body (602).

58. Support means according to claim 56, or 57, and further comprising at least one opening (605) provided on a side wall of said support body (602).

59. A method for dispensing a fluid enclosed in container means (2) comprising: discharging said fluid from said container means (2) by way of dispensing conduit means (4; 104; 304; 404) and simultaneously introducing air into said container means (2) through air introduction conduit means (5; 105; 305; 405); interrupting said discharging and said introducing by way of closure means (6a; 106a; 306; 406) for closing said dispensing conduit means (4 104; 304; 404) and closure means (6b; 106b; 306; 406) for closing said air introduction conduit means ( 5; 105; 305; 405), characterised in that said discharging, said introducing and said interrupting are performed by acting simultaneously on said closure means 6a; 106a; 306; 406) for closing said dispensing conduit means ; 104; 304; 404) and on said closure means ( 6b; 106b; 306; 406) for closing said air introduction conduit means (5; 105; 305; 405).

60. A method according to claim 59, wherein said discharging, said introducing and said interrupting are performed by acting on actuating means (11 ; 111 ; 312; 412) which can be operated from outside and is coupled to said closure means (6a, 6b; 106a, 106b; 306; 406).

61. A method according to claim 59 or 60 and further comprising supporting said container means (2) in such a way that it has an outlet opening pointing downwards.