DELIVERING TAP EQUIPPED WITH INTERNAL SILICONE VALVE WITH AUTOMATIC CLOSURE WITH MULTIPLE LIQUID-SEALING AND TAMPER-PREVENTING SYSTEMS

Abstract

A tap is described for delivering liquids from a container comprising: a main body to be placed at the delivery end of the container; a valve inserted between a lower fastening body and the main body, which comprises slits to ensure the air-tightness allowing liquids to pass only when opening the tap; the lower fastening body to be placed on the delivery end of the container; and an upper plug placed over the main body; the main body comprises a tamper evident warranty ring integrated and removable when first opening the tap; and the upper plug is assembled on the main body and anchored to the warranty ring integrated in the main body.

Claims

1. A tap for delivering liquids from a container comprising: a main body configured to be placed at a delivery end of the container; a valve inserted between a lower fastening body and the main body, the valve comprising slits configured to ensure an air-tightness allowing liquids to pass only when opening the tap; the lower fastening body, configured to block the valve and allow its correct opening, fastened to the main body on its lower side configured to be placed on the delivery end of the container; and an upper plug or cap placed over the main body; wherein: the main body includes a tamper evident warranty ring integrated and removable when first opening the tap; and the upper plug is assembled on the main body and anchored to the warranty ring integrated in the main body.

2. The tap of claim 1, wherein the upper plug comprises a central pin configured to be inserted and be fastened in the warranty ring integrated in the main body to stably assemble the upper plug to the main body to the first opening of the tap.

3. The tap of claim 2, wherein the central pin comprises a small plane and the warranty ring comprises fastening means, the small plane being configured to be fastened to the fastening means.

4. The tap of claim 1, wherein the upper plug comprises internal sealing means and the main body comprises a cylindrical sealing geometry, the internal sealing means and cylindrical sealing geometry being sealing coupled to obtain a static seal to liquids and protect the valve.

5. The tap of claim 1, wherein the valve is inserted in a circular seat created in the lower part of the main body, with a surface in contact with the circular seat.

6. The tap of claim 1, wherein the lower fastening body comprises an upper surface which operates as lower seat in which the valve is placed, comprising a contact surface with the upper surface.

7. The tap of claim 1, wherein the main body comprises an internal cylinder with a connecting surface configured for operating as abutment plane for welding the lower fastening body, and the lower fastening body comprises a profile useful for welding the main body.

8. The tap of claim 1, wherein the main body comprises a first threading and the lower fastening body comprises a second threading, the first threading and the second threading being configured to be mutually screwed for screwing the main body and the lower fastening body.

9. The tap of claim 1, wherein the lower fastening body comprises a tamper-preventing flap inserted inside a seat of the lower fastening body, bent by following specific guiding geometries which connect it to the lower fastening body.

10. The tap of claim 1, wherein the upper plug comprises grasping handles and a central sealing geometry connected by jumpers configured for being broken, providing evidence of opening, once the handles are deformed to have a stronger grip and enable the removal of the upper plug and the simultaneous breakage of the warranty ring connected to the upper plug.

11. The tap of claim 1, wherein the upper plug comprises a spherical geometry configured to be coupled with the curvature of the valve compensating possible counter-pressures inside the tap, avoiding that the valve is deformed outwards and loses liquids by being deformed.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] The present invention will be better described by some preferred embodiments thereof, provided as a non-limiting example, with reference to the enclosed drawing, in which:

[0050] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the tap according to the present invention;

[0051] FIG. 2 are two side views of the tap according to the present invention;

[0052] FIG. 3 are two side sectional views of the assembled tap of FIG. 1 in its completely closed position;

[0053] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the inventive tap of FIG. 1;

[0054] FIG. 5 is an exploded sectional view of the inventive tap of FIG. 1;

[0055] FIG. 6 are two side sectional views of the inventive tap after the removal of the first tamper evident system;

[0056] FIG. 7 are two side sectional views of the inventive tap in its completely open position after inserting the pin;

[0057] FIG. 8 are two side sectional views of the inventive tap in its completely open position after inserting the pin;

[0058] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the tap according to the present invention;

[0059] FIG. 10 are two side views of the tap according to the present invention;

[0060] FIG. 11 are two side sectional views of the assembled tap of FIG. 1 in its completely closed position;

[0061] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the inventive tap of FIG. 1;

[0062] FIG. 13 is an exploded sectional view of the inventive tap of FIG. 1;

[0063] FIG. 14 are two side sectional views of the inventive tap after the removal of the first tamper evident system;

[0064] FIG. 15 are two side sectional views of the inventive tap in its completely open position after inserting the pin;

[0065] FIG. 16 are two side sectional views of the inventive tap in its completely open position after inserting the pin;

[0066] FIG. 17 is a series of views of the body of the inventive tap;

[0067] FIG. 18 is a series of views of the cap of the inventive tap;

[0068] FIG. 19 is a series of views of the lower part of the tap with counterfeit-preventing seal with integrated flap shown in an open molding position of the inventive tap;

[0069] FIG. 20 is a series of views and sections of the lower part in its version without the anti-counterfeiting closure flap, in order to give the end customer the chance of choosing which version to purchase;

[0070] FIG. 21 is a series of views of the silicone valve nowadays present on the market;

[0071] FIG. 22 is a series of views and sections of the upper plug in its completely plate version;

[0072] FIG. 23 is a series of views and sections of the Carpigiani model connector;

[0073] FIG. 24 is a series of views and sections of the Taylor model connector;

[0074] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the tap according to the present invention;

[0075] FIG. 26 are two side views of the tap according to the present invention;

[0076] FIG. 27 is a side sectional view of the assembled tap of FIG. 1 in its completely closed position;

[0077] FIG. 28 is an exploded view of the tap of the invention of FIG. 1;

[0078] FIG. 29 is an exploded sectional view of the tap of the invention of FIG. 1;

[0079] FIG. 30 is a series of views of a part of an embodiment of the tap according to the present invention;

[0080] FIG. 31 is a series of views of a part of another embodiment of the tap according to the present invention;

[0081] FIG. 32 are two side sectional views of the tap according to the present invention after the removal of the first tamper evident system;

[0082] FIG. 33 are two side sectional views of the tap according to the present invention in its complete opening position after having inserted a pin;

[0083] FIG. 34 are two side sectional views of the tap according to the present invention in its completely open position after having inserted a pin; and

[0084] FIG. 35 are side sectional and perspective views of a component of the tap according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0085] With reference to the Figures, different embodiments, as non-limiting example, of the delivering tap 1 of the invention will be shows and described.

[0086] Two embodiments of the tap 1 of the invention will be described, depending on the method used for performing a permanent fastening between a main body 3, 11 and a lower body 4, 6, 12, described below in more detail, and namely through welding or through screwing (which will be the main and preferred configuration).

[0087] Moreover, the two embodiments will in turn be divided into a first base version of the lower body (obtained both through fastening by screwing, and through fastening by welding) and a second version of the lower body comprising an integrated tamper-preventing flap (obtained both through fastening by screwing (not shown) and through fastening by welding).

[0088] Summarizing, four embodiments will be described of the tap 1 for delivering liquids of the invention, resulting from the coupling of the components listed below: [0089] the main body 11, shown in FIG. 30, to be coupled through screwing with one of the two following components: [0090] lower fastening body 12 with screwing, without tamper-preventing flap, shown in FIG. 31; [0091] lower fastening body with screwing with tamper-preventing flap (not shown in the Figures); [0092] the main body 3, shown in FIG. 17, to be coupled through welding with one of the two following components: [0093] lower fastening body 6 for welding, without tamper-preventing flap, shown in FIG. 20; [0094] lower fastening body 4 for welding with integrated counterfeit-preventing flap 4.1, shown in FIG. 19.

[0095] It will be clear for a skilled person in the art that the described tap can be made with different shapes, sizes and with equivalent parts, and could be used for various types of containers, for example the so-called Bag-in-Boxes, but also those of a rigid or semi-rigid type or others.

[0096] The tap 1 of the invention is used for delivering liquids from a container (not shown), and substantially comprises: [0097] the main body 3, 11 equipped with an integrated central warranty (tamper evident) ring/seal 3.1, 11.1 and configured to be placed at the delivery end of the container (being it rigid, semi rigid or flexible, of the Bag-in-Box type) (not shown); [0098] a valve 5, preferably made of silicone, (already present on the market and therefore to be purchases apart), for example of the known rtype manufactured by company LMS; [0099] the lower fastening body 4, 6, 12, which can be configured according two embodiments, depending whether it has to be fastened to the main body 3, 11 through welding (lower fastening body 4, 6 shown in FIGS. 19 and 20) or through screwing (lower fastening body 12 shown in FIG. 31).

[0100] The lower fastening body 4, 6 with profile 4.5, 6.5 useful for welding on the main body 3 can in turn be configured in two embodiments, depending whether it comprises or not the additional anti-counterfeiting warranty; the configuration with lower fastening body 4 with integrated counterfeit-preventing flap 4.1 (which will be described below in detail) and the configuration 6 without integrated flap. Its purpose is blocking the silicon valve 5, inserted between the lower fastening body 4 and the main body 3, and allow its correct opening.

[0101] The lower fastening body 12, comprising a threading 12.12 for screwing with a threading 11.18 obtained on the main body 11, can in turn be configured in two embodiments, depending whether it comprises or not the additional anti-counterfeiting warranty, and namely the version with lower fastening body 12 of FIG. 31 without integrated flap, and the version with integrated counterfeit-preventing flap (not shown in the Figures, but also being part of an embodiment of the invention). Their purpose, as for the previously described version, is blocking the valve 5, inserted between the lower fastening body 12 and the main body 11, and allow its correct opening.

[0102] The inventive tap 1 further comprises an upper plug or cap 2, 7, 10, preferably with integrated warranty seal and flexible handles, for its easy removal when first opening it, which is used to create the tamper evident system (once assembled on the main body 3, 11 and fastened to the tamper evident ring 3.1, 11.1 integrated in the body 3, 11.

[0103] In its main configuration, shown in FIGS. 25 to 35, also going in detail, the section of the inventive tap 1 assembled and in its closing and transport position can be seen in its preferred embodiment.

[0104] In particular, with reference to FIG. 27 where the inventive tap 1 is shown in section and in its closing position, it can be noted that the valve 5, preferably made of silicone, is inserted into a circular seat 11.3 (FIG. 30), obtained in the lower part of the tamper evident ring 11.1 integrated in the body 11 upon specific technical indications of the manufacturer of silicone valves 5 (FIG. 21).

[0105] The lower body 12 is inserted below the valve 5 (preferably with screwing and unscrewing-preventing blocking due to the geometries obtained on the two components, main body 11 and lower body 12 which will be described below in more detail), by stably blocking the valve 5 due to an upper surface 12.7 (FIG. 31) obtained on the lower body 12. Moreover, main body 11 and lower body 12 are stably connected due to the threadings 11.18, 12.12 obtained thereon, as explained below in detail. At the end of their assembly, main body 11 and lower body 12 will mutually push on an upper flange 5.1 (FIG. 21) and a lower flange 5.4 (FIG. 21) of the silicone valve 5, which is preferably made of soft silicone, thereby creating the conditions required by the system to obtain the air-tightness, and allowing the liquids to pass only through suitable slits 5.2 obtained on the valve 5, shown in FIG. 21, only when opening the delivering device.

[0106] It must be noted that, should the lower body be configured with the integrated counterfeit-preventing flap 4.1 (not shown in the Figures for the version with screwing, but being part of an embodiment of the tap 1 of the invention) before being assembled and afterwards screwed onto the main body 11, it will necessarily have to be closed in its assembling position by inserting the tamper-preventing flap 4.1 inside a suitably studied seat of the lower body, similar to the one shown for the versions of the lower body configured for welding, described below.

[0107] Going on analyzing FIG. 27, it can be noted that the upper plug (seal) 10 is stably assembled onto the main body 11 due to its central pin 10.4, shown in FIG. 35, which is inserted and fastened due to the undercut geometry of a small plane 10.1, shown in FIG. 35, in the tamper evident ring 11.1 integrated in the body 11 due to flexible fastening means or wings 11.2 (FIG. 30) present inside the tamper evident ring 11.1; the upper sealing plug 10 and the main body 11, once coupled, become a single component till the first opening of the tap 1, FIG. 32, as shown below.

[0108] The tap 1 of the invention, as can be seen by FIGS. 28, 29 as regards the configuration with lower body 12 with fastening system of the screwing type (and screwing system with tamper-preventing flap, not shown in the Figures) is formed of four components, three of which are suitably made while the fourth component is the valve, for example made of silicone 5 of a known type, which is purchased from an external manufacturing company, specialized in producing this type of components.

[0109] The embodiments of the tap 1 of the invention will now be described, considering the different types of fastening (screwing or welding) between the main body 3, 11 and the lower body 4, 6, 12, comprising the rear counterfeit-preventing flap or without flap.

[0110] The purpose is giving the customer a chance of having or not an additional safety system, in addition to the system which is already provided in the basic configuration of the inventive tap 1, due to the upper plug 2, 7, 10 which gets stuck in the ring 3.1, 11.1 of the main body 3, 11, obtaining an efficient front tamper evident counterfeit-preventing system.

[0111] The previously described configurations will be better described by some preferred embodiments, provided as a non-limiting example.

[0112] The opening step and the connecting step to automatic delivering machines (not shown) of the two embodiments of the invention will be described first.

[0113] With reference to FIGS. 27, 28 and 29, the first embodiment of the tap 1 of the invention is described, comprising: [0114] the upper plug or cap 10; [0115] the main body 11; [0116] the valve 5, preferably made of silicone; [0117] the lower body 12 without flap and with tamper-preventing flap (not shown in the figure, but similar to the one described for the version of the lower body 4 fastened through welding of FIG. 19).

[0118] With reference to FIG. 27, the inventive tap 1 is shown in its main configuration with the lower body 12 screwed on the main body 11 in its closing/transport position.

[0119] The components are mutually stably/operatively connected in the following way to form the inventive tap 1:

[0120] on the main body 11, the upper cap 10 will be inserted from the top, and will be fastened to the tamper evident ring 11.1 integrated on the body 11, creating the tamper evident system of the tap, while the upper sealing cylinder of the body 11.8, due to the ring or cylindrical sealing geometry 11.9 (FIG. 30), is coupled, once assembled, with the vertical wall 10.9 (FIG. 35), and creates the right seal to liquids between main body 11 and upper plug 10, further providing the aseptic property, necessary for the tap 1 to enter the market of elements sensible to bacterial contaminations.

[0121] The upper cap 10 is stably constrained in engagement due to the flexible wings 11.2 (FIG. 30) present on the tamper evident ring 11.1 of the main body 11, removable when first opening the inventive tap 1, which get stuck with the small plane 10.1 obtained on the central pin 10.4 of the upper plug 10, being stably constrained and becoming a unit therewith.

[0122] The upper plug 10 performs a static seal due to an internal sealing cylinder 10.9 present thereon, coupled with the cylindrical sealing geometry 11.9 present on the main body 11. Such coupling allows the tap to have a static seal to liquids and protects the internal silicone valve 5 from dust and from external treatments (for example, sterilization).

[0123] The silicone valve 5 (with an upper contact surface 5.1) is placed from the bottom by being inserted into a suitable circular seat 11.3 created in the lower part of the body 11, according to the guidelines imposed by the manufacturers of these silicone valves, which require that, where the seat is placed, their valve must have a particular geometry.

[0124] Finally, the lower body 12 is positioned. Such lower body 12 will be coupled with the body 11 and will be fastened thereto, stably constraining it by exploiting the threading 12.12 (FIG. 31) created thereon.

[0125] Such process firstly allows a single piece between main body 11 and lower body 12 (this is also true for the lower body version with flap, not shown) and further allows providing the right sealing pre-load to the silicone valve 5, which, in this way, performs its seal to liquids on the main body 11.

[0126] The lower body 12 comprises the upper surface 12.7, where the silicone valve 5 is placed (with a lower contact surface 5.4), which operates as lower seat of the silicone valve 5, and always follows the geometric guidelines imposed by manufacturers of silicone valves.

[0127] With reference to FIG. 32, it is possible to note the first opening step of the delivering tap 1, which consists in the removal of the upper plug 10, which is constrained to the main body 11 by means of the tamper evident ring 11.1 of the body 11 and the small plane 10.1 of the upper plug 10, freeing the passage 11.14, which then allows the connectors 8 (FIG. 24) and 9 (FIG. 23) to reach and be stably connected to the silicone valves 5, present and constrained on the body 3 by means of the lower body 4, allowing to deliver/open the valve 5 and the tamper-preventing flap.

[0128] The tamper evident ring 11.1 of the main body 11 remains attached to the upper plug 10 due to the flexible winds 11.2 and the small plane 10.1 obtained on the upper plug 10, and provides evidence of opening for the end customer, protecting him from the danger of opening and filling the container (preferably BIB) with counterfeit liquids.

[0129] Once having removed the tap 10, it is impossible to correctly re-position the ring 11.1, providing an optimum guarantee to the end customer.

[0130] With reference to FIGS. 33 and 34, it is possible to note the insertion and activation/opening for delivering of the inventive tap 1.

[0131] Precisely, FIG. 7 shows the insertion of the connector 8 of the Taylor machine.

[0132] In this case, the connecting pin 8, Taylor model, penetrates into the silicone valve 5 centrally, dilating the slits 5.2 (FIG. 33) present on the valve itself and performing a seal on the external diameter 8.1 of the pin 8 (FIG. 24). The pin 8, during the first opening step, pushes when penetrating the silicone valve 5 thereby opening the system. In the version with lower body fastened through screwing (not shown, but being part of an embodiment of the tap 1 of the invention), the pin 8 pushes the tap comprising the flap, opening it during its first penetration (not shown in the Figures). Such operation guarantees, till the first opening, to have a second counterfeit-preventing seal present on the inventive tap 1, providing a second and additional guarantee for the customer.

[0133] Moreover, it guarantees a stronger liquid seal and a higher oxygen barrier before the first opening.

[0134] It will obviously be possible to remove the pin 8, Taylor model, from the tap 1 of the invention also when the container is not yet empty, by exploiting the self-sealing feature of the silicone valve 5.

[0135] Analyzing FIG. 34, the insertion of the connector 9 for the Carpigiani machine is described (FIG. 23).

[0136] In this case, the connection pin 9, Carpigiani model, penetrates into the silicone valve centrally, dilating the through pre-cut 5.2 (FIG. 21) present on the valve itself and performing a seal on the external diameter 9.1 of the pin 9 (FIG. 24). The pin 9, during the first opening step, pushes, when penetrating, the silicone valve 5 and in case of lower body with tamper-preventing flap (not shown for this version) in turn pushes the flap of the lower body opening the system. Such operation guarantees, till the first opening, to have a second counterfeit-preventing seal present on the inventive tap 1, providing a second and additional guarantee to the client. Moreover, it guarantees a stronger seal to liquids and a higher oxygen barrier before the first opening.

[0137] It will obviously be possible to remove the pin 9, Carpigiani model, from the inventive tap 1 also when the container is not yet empty, by exploiting the self-sealing feature of the silicone valve.

[0138] Taking into account the embodiment of the tap 1 of the invention, in which the two components, main body 3 and lower fastening body 4, 6, are connected through welding (for example with hot blade, ultrasound or laser) as shown in FIGS. 1 to 8, with reference to FIG. 3, the section is shown at 0 and 90 of the inventive tap 1 assembled and in its closure and transport position.

[0139] In particular, with reference to FIG. 3, it can be noted that the silicone valve 5 is inserted into a circular seat 3.3 (FIG. 17), obtained in the lower part of the tamper evident ring 3.1 integrated in the body 3.

[0140] The lower body 4 (or 6, if this is the version without tamper-preventing flap 4.1) is inserted below the valve 5 (preferably through ultrasound or laser welding to the main body 3), stably blocking the valve 5 due to an upper surface 4.7 (FIG. 19) obtained on the lower body 4 (or 6, if this is the other version 6.7, FIG. 20). Moreover, the body 3 and the lower body 4 (or 6) become a single piece after welding, and the valve 5, for example made of soft silicone, which is placed between the two components, body 3 and lower body 4 (or 6), ensures the air-tightness, allowing the liquids to pass only through suitable slits 5.2 obtained on the valve 5, shown in FIG. 21, only when opening the delivering device.

[0141] It must be noted that the lower body 4, before being assembled and afterwards welded to the body 3, must be closed in its assembling position by inserting a tamper-preventing flap 4.1 inside a seat of the lower body 4. In order to better understand, the tamper-preventing flap 4.1 is bent by following specific guiding geometries 4.12 and 4.14, which connect it to the lower body 4 (FIG. 19).

[0142] Going on describing FIG. 3, it can be noted that the upper sealing cap 2 is stably assembled to the main body 3 due to its central pin 7.4 (FIG. 22), which will be inserted and fastened, due to an undercut geometry 7.1 (FIG. 22), in the tamper evident ring 3.1 integrated in the body 3, thanks to flexible fastening means or wings 3.2 (FIG. 17) present inside the tamper evident ring 3.1; the upper sealing cap 2 and the main body 3, once coupled, become a single component, until the first opening of the tap occurs, as described below.

[0143] The tap 1 of the invention, as can be seen from FIGS. 4, 5 as regards the configuration with lower body equipped with system with integrated tamper-preventing flap 4.1 (while FIGS. 12, 13 show the simplified configuration without the additional system with tamper-preventing flap), is formed of four components, three of which are manufactured by company Vitop, while the fourth component is the silicone valve 5, which is purchased from an external manufacturing company specialized in producing this type of components.

[0144] The two embodiments of the inventive tap 1 with and without system with rear counterfeit-preventing flap will now be described.

[0145] The purpose is providing the customer with the chance of having or not an additional safety system, taking into account that, already in its basic configuration, the inventive tap 1 is equipped, due to the upper plug 2 which gets stuck into the ring 3.1 of the main body 3, with an efficient front tamper evident, counterfeit-preventing system.

[0146] The previously described configurations will be better described by some preferred embodiments thereof, provided as a non-limiting example.

[0147] The opening step and the connecting step of automatic delivering machines (not shown) will first be described for the two version disclosed in the present Application.

[0148] With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the first embodiment of the tap 1 of the invention is shown, comprising: [0149] the upper plug or cap 2; [0150] the main body 3; [0151] the valve 5, preferably made of silicone; [0152] the lower body 4 with tamper-preventing flap 4.1 closed in its use position.

[0153] With reference to FIG. 3, the inventive tap 1 is shown in its configuration with sealing system 4.1 with rear counterfeit-preventing flap closed, in its closure/transport position.

[0154] The pieces are mutually stably/operatively connected in the following way, to form the inventive tap 1.

[0155] The upper plug 2 is inserted from the top on the main body 3.

[0156] The upper plug 2 is stably constrained in engagement due to the flexible wings 3.2 of the main body 3 (FIG. 17), present on the tamper evident ring 3.1, removable when first opening the inventive tap 1, which get stuck with a small plane 2.1 obtained on the central pin 2.4 of the upper plug 2 by being stably constrained and becoming a single unit therewith.

[0157] The upper plug 2 performs a static seal due to an internal sealing cylinder 2.9 present thereon, coupled with a cylindrical sealing geometry 3.9 present on the main body 3. Such coupling allows the tap to have a static seal to liquids and protects the internal silicone valve from dust and external treatments (for example, sterilization).

[0158] The silicone valve 5 (with a contact surface 5.1 is placed from below, by being inserted into a suitable circular seat 3.3 created in the lower part of the body 3 according to the guidelines imposed by the manufacturers of these silicone valves, which require that the seat, where their valve is places, must have a particular geometry.

[0159] Finally, the lower body 4 is positioned, which have been previously taken from its molding position shown in FIG. 19 to its assembling position, by closing the anti-counterfeiting flap 4.1.

[0160] Such lower body 4 will be coupled with the body 3 and will be fastened thereto, stably constraining by exploiting one of the known welding technologies (ultrasound or laser or hot blade) present on the market.

[0161] Such process allows firstly obtaining a single piece between main body 3 and lower body 4 with flap, and moreover allows providing the right sealing pre-load to the silicone valve 5, which in this way performs its seal to liquids on the main body 3.

[0162] The lower body 4 comprises the upper surface 4.7, where the silicone valve 5 is placed (with a contact surface 5.4), which operates as lower seat of the silicone valve 5, and always follows the geometric guidelines required by the manufacturers of silicone valves.

[0163] With reference to FIG. 6, it is possible to note the first opening step of the delivering tap 1, which consists in the removal of the upper plug 2, which is constrained to the main body 3 by means of the tamper evident ring 3.1 of the body 3 and the small plane 2.1 of the inventive tap 1, freeing the passage 3.14 to allow the connectors 8 and 9 to reach and be stably connected to the silicone valves 5 present and constrained to the body 3 by means of the lower body 4, allowing to deliver/open the valve 5 and the tamper-preventing flap 4.1 as will be described below.

[0164] The tamper evident ring 3.1 of the main body 3 remains attached to the upper plug 2 due to the flexible wings 3.2 and the small plane 2.1 obtained on the upper plug 2, and provides evidence of opening to the end customer, protecting him from the danger of opening and filling the container (preferably BIB) with counterfeited liquids.

[0165] Once removed the tap, it will be impossible to correctly re-position the ring 3.1, providing an optimum guarantee to the end consumer.

[0166] With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, it is possible to see insertion and activation/opening for delivering of the inventive tap 1.

[0167] Precisely, FIG. 7 shows the insertion of the connector 8 of the Taylor machine (FIG. 24).

[0168] In this case, the connection pin 8, Taylor model, penetrates into the silicone valve centrally, dilating the through pre-cut 5.2 (FIG. 21) present on the valve itself and performing a seal on the external diameter 8.1 of the pin 8 (FIG. 24). The pin 8, during the first opening step, pushes, when penetrating, the silicone valve 5 which in turn pushes the flap 4.1 of the lower body 4, opening the system.

[0169] Such operation guarantees, till the first opening, to have a second counterfeit-preventing seal present on the inventive tap 1, giving a second and additional guarantee to the customer. Moreover, it guarantees a greater seal to liquids and a higher oxygen barrier before the first opening.

[0170] It will obviously be possible to remove the pin 8, Taylor model, from the inventive tap also when the container is not yet empty, by exploiting the self-sealing feature of the silicone valve 5.

[0171] Taking into account FIG. 8, the insertion of the connector 9 of the Carpigiani machine (FIG. 23) will be described.

[0172] In this case, the connection pin 9, Carpigiani model, penetrates into the silicone valve centrally, dilating the through pre-cut 5.2 (FIG. 21) present on the valve itself, and performing a seal on the external diameter 9.1 of the pin 9 (FIG. 24). The pin 9, during the first opening step, pushes, when penetrating, the silicone valve 5, which in turn pushes the flap 4.1 of the lower body 4, opening the system.

[0173] Such operation guarantees, till the first opening, to have a second counterfeit-preventing seal present on the inventive tap 1, giving a second and additional guarantee to the customer. Moreover, it guarantees a stronger seal to liquids and a higher oxygen barrier before the first opening.

[0174] It will obviously be possible to remove the pin 9, Carpigiani model from the inventive tap also when the container is not yet empty, by exploiting the self-sealing feature of the silicone valve 5.

[0175] With reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, it is possible to note a second embodiment of the tap 1 of the invention formed of: [0176] an upper plug or cap 7; [0177] the main body 3; [0178] the valve 5, preferably made of silicone; [0179] a lower body 6 without tamper-preventing flap.

[0180] With reference to FIG. 14, the inventive tap 1 is shown, in its configuration without the rear counterfeit-preventing flap.

[0181] The pieces are mutually stably/operatively connected in the following way to form the inventive tap 1.

[0182] The upper plug 7 with completely flat profile is inserted from the top on the main body 3.

[0183] The upper plug 7 is stably constrained with engagement, due to the flexible wings 3.2 of the main body 3, present on the tamper evident ring 3.1, removable when first opening the inventive tap 1, which get stuck with a small plane 7.1 obtained on the central pin 7.4 of the upper plug 7, by being stably constrained and becoming a single piece therewith.

[0184] The upper plug 7 performs a static seal due to an internal sealing cylinder 7.9 present on the upper plug 7 coupled with the cylindrical sealing geometry 3.9 present on the main body 3.

[0185] Such coupling allows the tap to have a static seal to liquids and protects the internal silicone valve 5 from dust and external treatments (for example, sterilization).

[0186] The silicone valve 5 (with a contact surface 5.1) is placed from below, by being inserted into the suitable seat 3.3 created in the lower part of the body 3 according to guidelines required by the manufacturers of these silicone valves, which require that the seat where their valve is placed, must have a particular geometry.

[0187] Finally, the lower body 6 is positioned.

[0188] Such lower body 6 will be coupled with the body 3 and will be stably constrained thereto, by exploiting one of the known welding technologies (ultrasound or laser or hot blade) present on the market.

[0189] Such process firstly allows obtaining a single piece between main body 3 and lower body 6 and moreover allows giving the right sealing pre-load to the silicone valve 5, which, in this way, will perform its sealing to liquids and will be stably coupled with the main body 3.

[0190] The upper part 6.7 of the lower body 6, where the silicone valve 5 (with a contact surface 5.4) is placed, operates as lower seat of the silicone valve 5 and always follows the geometric guidelines required by manufacturers of silicone valves.

[0191] Always with reference to FIG. 14, it can be noted that the first opening step of the delivering tap 1 consists in the removal of the upper plug 7, which is constrained to the main body 3 by means of the tamper evident ring 3.1 of the body 3 and a small plane 7.1 of the inventive tap, freeing the passage 3.14, which then allow, as described below, the connectors 8 and 9 to reach and be stably connected to the silicone valves 5 present and constrained on the body 3 by means of the lower body 6, allowing the delivery/opening of the valve 5.

[0192] The tamper evident ring 3.1 of the main body 3 remains attached to the upper plug 7 due to the flexible wings 3.2 and the small plane 7.1 obtained on the upper plug 2, and gives evidence of opening to the end customer, protecting him from the danger of opening and filling the container (preferably BIB) with counterfeited liquids.

[0193] Once having removed the tap, it will be impossible to correctly re-position the ring 3.1 providing an optimum guarantee to the end consumer.

[0194] With reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, insertion and activation/opening for delivery of the inventive tap 1 are shown.

[0195] Precisely, FIG. 16 shows the insertion of the connector 8 of the Taylor machine 8 (FIG. 24).

[0196] In this case, the connection pin 8, Taylor model, penetrates the silicone valve centrally, dilating the through pre-cut 5.2 (FIG. 21) present on the valve itself, and performing a seal on the external diameter 8.1 of the pin 8 (FIG. 24). The pin 8, during the first opening step, pushes when penetrating the silicone valve 5 opening the system.

[0197] It will obviously be possible to remove the pin 8, Taylor model, from the inventive tap also when the container is not yet empty, exploiting the self-sealing feature of the silicone valve 5.

[0198] Analyzing FIG. 15, the insertion of the connector 9 of the Carpigiani machine (FIG. 23) is shown.

[0199] In this case, the connection pin 9, Carpigiani model, penetrates the silicone valve centrally, dilating the through pre-cut 5.2 (FIG. 21) present on the valve itself, and performing a seal on the external diameter 9.1 of the pin 9 (FIG. 24).

[0200] It will obviously be possible to remove the pin 9, Carpigiani model, from the inventive tap also when the container is not yet empty, exploiting the self-sealing feature of the silicone valve 5.

[0201] The tap 1 of the invention is used for delivering liquids from a container (not shown), and is preferably made as described below.

[0202] With reference to FIG. 17, the elongated cylindrical main body 3 preferably comprises, at its upper end, flexible fastening means 3.8 and liquid-sealing means 3.9 obtained thereon. It externally comprises fastening means 3.7 for removing and driving tools present on the filling machines and on the bag-manufacturing machines (in case of BIB). On the upper part of the main body 3, a pushing plane 3.12 is obtained, for the tool which pushes the tap inside the connection mouth to the bag (not shown and only in case of BIB). At the center of the main body 3, there is an integrated tamper evident ring 3.1 connected through jumpers 3.15 which will break when pulled by the tap (2 and 7, depending on the handle configuration which is projecting or plane, as described below).

[0203] Inside the tamper evident ring 3.1 there are the flexible fastening means 3.2, which are fastened to the upper plug (2 and 7 depending on the handle configuration which is projecting or plane, as described below). To make the sealing cylinder 3.8 flexible, there is a recess obtained on the upper part 3.4.

[0204] At the lower opposite end of the main body 3, it is possible to immediately note the fastening means 3.6 to the mouth (not shown) obtained on a lower external cylinder 3.13. Internally, it is possible to note a material recess 3.10 to make more flexible and enable the insertion of the tap on the external geometries of the mouth (not shown).

[0205] On the base of the lower external cylinder 3.13, a chamfer is internally provided, to enable the correct entry of the tap into the connecting mouth, which is not shown in these drawings (and is only valid in case of Bag-in-Box container).

[0206] The main body 3 comprises an internal cylinder 3.5 with a connecting surface 3.5, which operates as abutment plane for welding the lower body (4 or 6 depending on the configuration being analyzed) with known welding methods. Internally, it is possible to note the geometries which the manufacturers of silicone valves 5 suggest, and especially the upper chute 3.3 (because the valve is assembled from below). Centrally, it is possible to note the geometries obtained on the removable tamper evident ring 3.1, which fully comply with the requirements of manufacturers of silicone valves 5, especially the curved profile of the jumpers 3.15, which abuts onto the valve compensating possible internal counter-pressures when the tap is being closed (before its first opening) and thereby avoiding that the valve is deformed outwards and therefore loses liquids by being deformed. As can be seen below, this sealing profile is completed by the central internal profile of the tap (2 and 7, depending on the handle configuration which is projecting or plane, as described below).

[0207] With reference to FIG. 18, an upper protecting plug is described, with central fastening system to the integrated tamper evident ring present on the body 3 equipped with deformable grasping handles. More precisely, with reference to the drawings, it is possible to note that the tap 2 is equipped with internal sealing means 2.9, for example an internal sealing cylinder 2.9, which actively operate and generate its perfect seal with the cylindrical sealing geometry 3.9 of the body 3. Centrally, it is equipped with a pin 2.4 with the small plane 2.1, which is fastened to the flexible wings 3.2 present inside the tamper evident ring 3.1 (FIG. 17), and once being constrained, they become a single piece with the tap. Once having performed the first opening, the tamper evident ring 3.1 of the body 3 of FIG. 17 gets torn, since it is anchored to the small plane 2.1 of FIG. 18, and provides evidence to the end consumer of an occurred opening, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 14 (depending on the configuration of tap, with or without counterfeit-preventing flap present on the particular lower body 4 or 6). In a preferred way, the upper plug 2 comprises two grasping handles 2.2 connected to a central sealing geometry 2.8 by jumpers 2.7 which break (providing another evidence of opening to the end customer, and therefore a better guarantee) once the two handles are deformed (rotating them both by 90) to have a stronger grip and enable the removal of the tap and the simultaneous breakage of the tamper evident seal 3.1 connected to the tap 2. Centrally (internally) there is a spherical geometry 2.5, which fully complies, according to requirements of manufacturers of silicone valves 5, with the valve curvature. In this case, the system completes the one described for the tamper evident ring 3.1 in FIG. 17, especially the curved profile 2.5, which abuts onto the valve, compensating possible internal counter-pressures when the tap is being closed (before its first opening) and thereby avoiding that the valve is deformed outwards and therefore loses liquids by being deformed. There further are weakening geometries 2.3, which enable the distortion, and therefore the rotation at 90, of the two grasping handles of the tap 1.

[0208] With reference to FIG. 22, an upper protecting plug is shown, with central fastening system to the integrated tamper evident ring present on the body 3 equipped with deformable grasping handles. More precisely, with reference to the drawings, it can be noted that the tap is equipped with an internal sealing cylinder 7.9, which actively operates and determines a perfect seal with the cylindrical sealing geometry 3.9 of the body 3. Centrally, it is equipped with a pin 7.4 with a plane geometry 7.1, which is fastened to the flexible wings 3.2 present inside the tamper evident ring 3.1 (FIG. 17), which, once being constrained, become a single piece with the tap. Once having performed the first opening, the tamper evident ring 3.1 of the body 3 of FIG. 17 gets torn away, since it is anchored to the geometry 7.1 of FIG. 18, and provides evidence to the end consumer of the occurred opening, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 14 (depending on the configuration of tap, with or without counterfeit-preventing flap present on the particular lower body 4 or 6). In a preferred way, the upper plug 7 comprises two grasping handles 7.2 connected to the central sealing geometry 7.8 by jumpers 7.7, which will be broken (providing another evidence of opening to the end customer, and therefore a better guarantee) once the two handles are deformed (by rotating them both by 90) to have a stronger grip and enable the removal of the tap and the simultaneous breakage of the tamper evident seal 3.1 connected to the tap 2. Centrally (internally) there is a spherical geometry 7.5 which fully complies, according to the requirements of manufacturers of silicone valves 5, with the valve curvature. In this case, the system completes the one described for the tamper evident ring 3.15 (FIG. 17), especially the curved profile 7.5, which abuts onto the valve, compensating possible internal counter-pressures when the tap is being closed (before its first opening), and thereby avoiding that the valve is deformed outwards and therefore loses liquids by being deformed. There further are weakening geometries 7.3 which enable the distortion, and therefore the rotation at 90, of the two grasping handles of the tap.

[0209] With reference to FIG. 21, a silicone valve is shown, with central through notch 5.2 and external fitting flange with upper 5.1 and lower abutting planes 5.4. There are several manufacturers of these type of valves. The first one is company LMS, but there are others. All provide guidelines for creating optimum seats. An important prerogative is that the geometric arrangement of the inventive tap divided into main body 3 and lower body 4 or 6, 8 (which are then mutually welded with widespread and safe methods (hot blade, ultrasound or laser) depending on the configuration required by the customer) enables the chance of reproducing all required seats, and therefore using multiple types of valves. The particular silicone valve will not be dealt with in much detail, since it is peculiar for the present Application to use commercialized valves, and therefore adapt the system of the invention depending on the geometric needs of their manufacturers.

[0210] With reference to FIG. 19, it is possible to note the lower body 4 in its arrangement with integrated tamper-preventing flap, open in its molding position.

[0211] This is an optional part which, according to the specific request of a customer, can provide the inventive tap 1 with a supplementary rear counterfeit-preventing system, in addition to those already described before, which opens only when it penetrates into the pin 8, Taylor model, or the pin 9, Carpigiani model, or with any other type of pushing pin (not shown) present on the market, at its first opening.

[0212] The lower body with integrated flap 4 is formed of a main body, on which the geometries 4.7 are obtained, necessary and required for the right placement of the silicone valve 5 (always suggested by the manufacturer of silicone valves 5) and possibly a centering cylinder of the piece 4.6, considering that the lower body is inserted from below as last part, and then welded to the main body 3 according to known welding methods (hot blade, laser or ultrasound).

[0213] It is possible to note the welding plane 4.5, on which energy addressing devices (not shown) can be obtained, to improve the welding.

[0214] On the lower part of the piece, it is possible to note the geometries 4.16 useful to contain the distortion of the silicone valve 5 during the penetration by the pin 8 and/or 9.

[0215] The arrangement of the external walls 4.10 and of the chute 4.9 enable the entry of the tap once having completely assembled it in the mouth (not shown).

[0216] The curved geometry 4.11 generates the static seal of the piece, and therefore its counterfeit-preventing feature when it cooperates with the recesses 4.2 of the flap 4.1, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0217] There will be a bending hinge 4.13, which connects in a single piece the body to the flap 4.1. Connecting elements 4.12 4.14 enable and correctly and simply guide the closure of the flap.

[0218] On the flap 4.1, connected to the hinge 4.13 and consequently to the body 8 (everything will be a single piece obtained with the injection molding technique), there will be geometries to enable the entry of the tap 4.4 and 4.2 and a small stopper plane 4.3.

[0219] In order to stiffen the structure, a cross with ribs 4.15 is made.

[0220] With reference to FIG. 20, it is possible to note the lower body 6 in its arrangement without the integrated counterfeit-preventing flap.

[0221] This is the second possible configuration making part of the tap of the invention, which, according to the specific request of a customer, can provide the inventive tap 1 with a supplementary counterfeit-preventing system, with or without flap.

[0222] The lower body without integrated flap 6 is formed of a main body on which the geometries 6.7 are obtained, necessary and required for the right placement of the silicone valve 5 (always suggested by the manufacturers of silicone valves 5) and possibly a centering cylinder of the piece 6.6, considering that the lower body is inserted from below as last part and then welded to the main body 3 according to known welding methods (hot blade, laser or ultrasound).

[0223] It is possible to note the welding plane 6.5, on which energy addressing devices (not shown) can be obtained, to improve the welding.

[0224] On the lower part of the piece, it is possible to note the geometries 6.11 useful to contain the distortion of the silicone valve 5 during the penetration by the pin 8 and/or 9.

[0225] The arrangement of the external walls 6.10 and the chute 6.9 enables the entry of the tap, once it is completely assembled in the mouth (not shown).