Title of Invention	CLOSFABLE DISPENSING DEVICE FOR DISPENSING A LIQUID, VISCOUS OR PASTY MEDIUM CONTAINED IN A CONTAINER
Abstract	The invention relates to a closeable dispensing device for dispensing a liquid, viscous or pastey medium contained in a container, comprising a first opening (25;63) for dispensing the medium located in the container, a second opening (33;53) for ventilating and/or venting the container, and a closure device (3;6) which can be actuated in order to produce and break a connection between the first opening (25;63) and the container and between the second opening (33;53) and the container, the closure device (3;6) is designed such that, when actuated to produce a connection between the first opening (25;63) and the container, the device firstly produces a connection between the second opening (33;53) and the container and then produces the connection between the first opening (25;63) and the container. The dispensing device is designed such that no connection can be produced between the second opening (33;53) and the container when there is a connection between the first opening (25;63) and the container.

Title of Invention

CLOSFABLE DISPENSING DEVICE FOR DISPENSING A LIQUID, VISCOUS OR PASTY MEDIUM CONTAINED IN A CONTAINER

Abstract

The invention relates to a closeable dispensing device for dispensing a liquid, viscous or pastey medium contained in a container, comprising a first opening (25;63) for dispensing the medium located in the container, a second opening (33;53) for ventilating and/or venting the container, and a closure device (3;6) which can be actuated in order to produce and break a connection between the first opening (25;63) and the container and between the second opening (33;53) and the container, the closure device (3;6) is designed such that, when actuated to produce a connection between the first opening (25;63) and the container, the device firstly produces a connection between the second opening (33;53) and the container and then produces the connection between the first opening (25;63) and the container. The dispensing device is designed such that no connection can be produced between the second opening (33;53) and the container when there is a connection between the first opening (25;63) and the container.

Full Text	The present invention relates to a device in particular a closeable dispensing device for dispensing a liquid, viscous or pasty medium contained in a container, having a first opening for dispensing the medium located in the container, having a second opening for ventilating and/or venting the container, and having a closure, device which can be actuated in order to produce and break a connection between the first opening and the container and between the second opening and the container. Such dispensing devices can be used, for example, on drinks bottles for children or cyclists. A dispensing device which is suitable for drinks bottles is described in DE 199 37 754 Al. The dispensing device described in the aforementioned document is a device which can be positioned on a drinks bottle and comprises a part which, once positioned on the drinks bottle, is fixed and a nipple which can be moved relative to said part, or more precisely can be pushed into it and drawn out of it. The nipple has a channel running through it, via which the drinks bottle is connected to a drinking opening provided at the top end of the nipple. This channel is closed in the state in which the nipple has been pushed into the fixed part (pushed onto a stopper closing the channel) and is open in the drawn-out state. The said dispensing device also contains measures which are intended to ensure that the channel is completely closed in the closed position of the nipple, and that the nipple cannot leave the closed position of its own accord but, on the other hand, can be moved into and out of the closed position with only a small amount of force being applied. These measures are embodied by latching elements which are provided on the nipple and, in the closed position, latch into associated latching elements of the fixed part, the latching elements which are provided on the fixed part of the dispensing device being arranged on elastically moveable elements which are accessible from outside of the dispensing device. The fact that the dispensing device can be closed in a sealed manner, and cannot open of its own accord, is an important precondition in allowing the drinks bottle also to be used for carbonated beverages. In the case of dispensing devices which do not satisfy the abovementioned requirements, the positive pressure produced in the drinks bottle by the carbon dioxide can cause the dispensing device to open of its own accord, which may result in the beverage located in the drinks bottle running out, and in gases flowing out (a reduction in the carbon-dioxide content of the beverage) . It goes without saying that both of these occurrences are undesirable. The measures which have been taken in order to satisfy the abovementioned conditions in the case of the abovedescribed dispensing device known from DE 199 37 754 A1 do not optimally satisfy these conditions: it cannot reliably be ensured that the dispensing device does not open of its own accord and, furthermore, the dispensing device is more complicated to use (the operations of closing and, in particular, opening the dispensing device). DE 183301 C discloses a dispensing device which, as a closure device which can be actuated in order to produce and break a connection between the container and the opening for dispensing the medium contained in the container, is formed by a slide which can be displaced transversely to the connection between the opening and the container. Such a slide makes it possible, with relatively low outlay, to close the connection between the opening and the container in a sealed manner; the slide cannot under any circumstances be moved into the open position by a positive pressure or negative pressure prevailing in the container. However, when there is a positive pressure or a negative pressure prevailing in the container, it is necessary to apply a considerable amount of force in order to actuate the slide. The object of the present invention is thus to provide a dispensing device which, on the one hand, gives a particularly good sealing closure and, on the other hand, is straightforward to actuate even when there is positive pressure or negative pressure prevailing in the container. The dispensing device according to the invention is distinguished in that the closure device is designed such that, when actuated as is required in order to produce a connection between the first opening and the container, it first of all produces a connection between the second opening and the container and only then produces the connection between the first opening and the container. The use of such a dispensing device proves to be advantageous because even a closure device which is more difficult to move as a result of positive pressure or negative pressure prevailing in the container can be actuated by it with only a small amount of force being applied. This applies, in particular, once the closure device has produced a connection between the second opening and the container. A positive pressure or negative pressure prevailing in the container can then dissipate via the second opening, with the result that the closure device is subject to lower forces than would be the case without the pressure equalization. It is thus possible for even a closure device which gives a particularly good sealing closure, for example a slide of the type described in DE 103301 C, or some other closure device which is more difficult to open as a result of a positive pressure or negative pressure prevailing in the container to be actuated with only a small amount of force being applied. Furthermore, the pressure equalization when the first opening is not yet connected to the container also proves to be advantageous because, as a result, none of the medium contained in the container can spray out of the dispensing device when the dispensing device is opened: nothing can spray out of the first opening because, when the first opening is connected to the container, there is no positive pressure or negative pressure prevailing in the container on account of the preceding pressure equalization via the second opening; at most only a negligibly small amount, if anything at all, can spray out of the second opening because the second opening, in order to perform the task intended for it, i.e. to ensure ventilation or venting of the container, may be very small. The fact that the operations of ventilating and venting the container, on the one hand, and of dispensing medium contained in the container, on the other hand, takes place via different openings of the dispensing device also proves to be advantageous because this can prevent an individual who is opening the dispensing device using his/her mouth, or who positions the first opening in his/her mouth as the dispensing device is being opened, from being able to, or having to, breathe in gases which pass out of the second opening as the container is vented; in the case of carbonated beverages, these gases contain carbon dioxide, which can make one feel unwell if breathed in and, in particular when one is exhausted, may even result in a brief period of unconsciousness. Advantageous developments of the invention can be gathered from the subclaims, the following description and the figures. The invention is explained in more detail hereinbelow by way of exemplary embodiments and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 shows a cross section through a first dispensing device, which will be described hereinbelow, in a state in which neither the medium which is to be dispensed by the dispensing device nor gases can pass out, Figure 2 shows a cross section through the dispensing device shown in Figure 1, in a state in which gases, but not the medium which is to be dispensed by the dispensing device, can pass out, Figure 3 shows a cross section through the dispensing device shown in Figures 1 and 2, in a state in which the medium which is to be dispensed by the dispensing device can be removed, Figure 4 shows a different sectional illustration of the dispensing device shown in Figure 1 (section along a section line IV-IV depicted in Figure 1), and Figure 5 shows a cross section through a second dispensing device, which will be described hereinbelow, in a state in which neither the medium which is to be dispensed by the dispensing device nor gases can pass out. The dispensing devices which will be described hereinbelow are designed for use on a drinks bottle; a liquid (a beverage) contained in the drinks bottle can be poured out or drunk via said dispensing devices. It should be pointed out at this juncture, however, that the dispensing devices, which will be described hereinbelow, are not restricted to such a use. It is also possible for the dispensing devices - if appropriate following corresponding adaptation to the given conditions - to be used for containers other than a drinks bottle, and for them to dispense different liquid, viscous or pasty media, for example medicaments, soaps, oils, perfumes, detergents, etc. In the example in question, the dispensing devices described are screwed onto the neck 1 of a bottle. It is not absolutely necessary, however, for the dispensing devices to be fastened on the neck 1 by being screwed onto the same. It is also possible for fastening to take place in any other desired manner, for example by plugging on, plugging in, screwing in, adhesive bonding, etc. The first dispensing device, which is shown in Figures 1 to 4, comprises a spout part 2 which is fixed (in the state in which the dispensing device has been fastened on the neck 1 of the bottle), a slide 3, which is plugged through the spout part 2 and can be moved relative to the spout part 2, and a cap 4 positioned at one end of the slide 3. The spout part 2 comprises a fastening portion 21, for fastening the spout part 2 on the neck 1, and a spout 22 which, in the example in question, serves for dispensing the liquid contained in the bottle. The shape and the size of the spout 22 are selected such that an individual can insert the spout into his/her mouth and drink therefrom; in the example in question, the spout 22 is of frustoconical design. It should be pointed out at this juncture that it is also possible for the spout 22 to be of any other desired shape; the size and the shape of the spout are preferably made dependent on the intended use of the dispensing device. In the open state, which is shown in Figure 3, the dispensing device has a channel, comprising three channel parts 23, 24 and 31, running through it, the channel connecting the interior of the bottle to an outlet opening 25 provided at the top end of the spout 22; via this channel, with the dispensing device in the open state shown in Figure 3, the liquid contained in the bottle passes to the outlet opening 25. Of the three channel parts 23, 24 and 31 the channel part 23 is a channel part which is provided in the spout part 2 (in the spout 22 of the same) and extends to the outlet opening 25 from the top side of an opening which accommodates the slide 3, the channel part 24 is a channel part which is likewise provided in the spout part 2 and extends to the neck 1 from the underside of the opening which accommodates the slide 3, and the channel part 31 is a constituent part of the slide 3. The portion 26 of the spout part 22, said portion having the channel part 24 running through it, has the special feature that it is thin enough for it to be pressed elastically upwards against the slide 3 by the positive pressure which is produced in the bottle during normal usage. The slide 3 serves as a closure device. It allows the dispensing device to be moved from the closed state into the open state and vice versa. The slide 3 is an elongate element with an oval cross section and is plugged into an opening of the spout part 2 running above the neck 1, transversely to the latter, and it can be displaced in the longitudinal direction relative to the spout part 2. It should be pointed out at this juncture that the slide 3 and the opening in the spout part 2 which is assigned to it need not have an oval cross section. It is also possible to use any other desired cross sections. The important factors, however, are that the cross sections of the slide 3 and associated opening coincide, that the outer dimensions of the slide 3 correspond as precisely as possible to the inner dimensions of the opening, and that the slide 3 is guided in a rotationally fixed manner in the opening. By virtue of the slide 3 being displaced, the channel part 31 contained therein is also displaced. In that position of the slide 3 which is shown in Figure 3, the channel parts 23, 24 and 31 are aligned with one another. This gives rise to a continuous channel from the interior of the bottle to the outlet opening 25; the dispensing device is open, and liquid can be be [sic] removed from the bottle via the outlet opening 25. In the state shown in Figure 2, in which the slide 3 has been displaced a little way to the left, the channel part 24 and the channel part 31 no longer overlap, as a result of which there is no longer a continuous channel from the interior of the bottle to the outlet opening 25 and, consequently, it is no longer possible for liquid to pass from the bottle to the outlet opening 25. In the state which is shown in Figure 1, the slide 3 has been displaced further to the left, with the result that there is likewise no continuous channel between the interior of the bottle and the outlet opening 25 and, consequently, it is likewise not possible for liquid to pass from the bottle to the outlet opening 25. In addition to the channel part 31, the slide 3 also contains a further channel 32. This channel 32, which will be referred to hereinbelow as a pressure-equalizing channel, begins on the right alongside the channel part 31 on the underside of the slide 3, extends a little way upwards from there, then bends off to the right and, from there, runs in the longitudinal direction of the slide 3 as far as a pressure-equalizing opening 33 provided at the right-hand end of the slide 3. The precise course taken by the pressure-equalizing channel 32 is of secondary importance. The important factor, in particular, is that, during the movement of the slide 3 which has to be executed in order to move the dispensing device from the closed state, which is shown in Figure 1, into the open state, which is shown in Figure 3, a connection between the interior of the bottle and the pressure-equalizing opening 33 is produced via the pressure-equalizing channel 32 before the channel part 31 reaches the channel part 23 and/or the channel part 24. It would also be possible for the pressure-equalizing opening to be provided at some other location. However, it is preferably not located in the vicinity of the outlet opening 25. The pressure-equalizing channel 32 serves for venting the bottle before the dispensing device is opened. Such venting proves to be advantageous because, on account of the force to which the slide 3 is subjected by a positive pressure prevailing in the bottle being eliminated, said slide can be moved, from then on, with only a small amount of force being applied, and because it is thus possible to prevent the situation where, when the dispensing device is opened, liquid sprays out of the outlet opening 25 on account of a positive pressure prevailing in the bottle. Furthermore, the fact that the venting, rather than taking place via the outlet opening 25, takes place via the pressure-equalizing opening 33, which is provided at a different location, has the advantage that there is no risk of an individual who is opening the dispensing device using his/her mouth, or who positions the first opening in his/her mouth as the dispensing device is being opened, being able to, or having to, breathe in the gases which pass out of the second opening as the container is vented. In particular when the bottle contains a carbonated beverage, the act of breathing in these gases is not unproblematic. This is because the gas which passes out in this case is carbon dioxide and, if the person wishing to drink from the bottle breathes this in, he/she could suffer from a depletion of oxygen and the associated side effects. It is also possible for ventilation, i.e. an equalization of a negative pressure prevailing in the bottle, to take place via the pressure-equalizing opening 33. A negative pressure may be produced in the bottle, for example, if the liquid located in the bottle cools when the dispensing device is closed and/or if the bottle is closed at low air pressure (for example on a mountain) and opened again at high air pressure (for example in the valley). Ventilation of the bottle also results in the slide being easier to move. The pressure-equalizing channel 32 is preferably very much narrower than the channel leading to the outlet opening 25. This prevents liquid from being able to spray out of the pressure-equalizing opening 33. In the closed state of the dispensing device, which is shown in Figure 1, neither the channel part 31 of the slide 3 nor the pressure-equalizing channel 32 of the slide overlap with the channel part 24. It is thus not possible either for liquid to pass out of the outlet opening 25 or for gas to escape via the pressure-equalizing opening 33. It is not possible either for any liquid or gas to pass out between the slide 3 and the spout part 2. The cross sections of the slide 3 and of the opening accommodating the latter are identical, with the result that there are no interspaces between the slide 3 and spout part 2 via which liquid or gas could escape. Sealing is also provided when a positive pressure forms within the bottle, be this as a result of a change in temperature, or as a result of a change in air pressure, or as a result of a carbonated drink, or as a result of some other circumstances. As a result of a positive pressure which may be established, the portion 26 of the spout part 2, said portion containing the channel part 24, is pressed elastically upwards against the slide 3, this preventing either liquid or gases from escaping from the bottle. The cap 4, which has already been mentioned in the introduction, is positioned at the right-hand end of the slide and in the closed state of the dispensing device, which is shown in Figure 1, strikes against the spout part 2. This cap 4 may be dispensed with if the end of the slide 3 on which, in the example in question, the cap 4 is positioned has a corresponding thickened portion which can be used as a stop. If one wishes to open the dispensing device, that end of the slide 3 which is illustrated on the left-hand side in the figures has to be forced into the spout part 2. If a positive pressure has formed in the bottle, this may be associated with a slightly increased amount of force having to be applied until the position shown in Figure 2 has been reached. In the state which is shown in Figure 2, the slide 3 has been forced into the spout part 2 to the extent where the pressure-equalizing channel 32 ends up located above the channel part 31. In this state, a positive pressure or negative pressure present in the bottle can be dissipated via the channel part 24, the channel 32 and the pressure-equalizing opening 33. In this state, the channel part 31 has not yet reached the channel part 24, with the result that it is still not possible for any liquid to pass to the outlet opening. The dissipation of the positive pressure or negative pressure prevailing in the bottle allows the slide 3, from then on, to be pushed very easily into the spout part 2. The state which is shown in Figure 3 is finally achieved by continued pushing of the slide 3 into the spout part 2. In this state, the channel parts 23, 24 and 31 end up located one above the other and thus form a continuous channel from the bottle to the outlet opening 25, as a result of which liquid can be removed from the bottle. At the same time, the channel 32 is no longer located above the channel part 24, as a result of which it is no longer possible for any gas to pass out or in via the pressure-equalizing opening 33. In the example in question, the pressure-equalizing channel 32 is already disconnected before a connection is produced between the interior of the bottle and the outlet opening 25. This is particularly advantageous because the situation where liquid passes out via the pressure-equalizing opening 33 as one is drinking from the bottle can thus be reliably ruled out. It would also be possible, however, to make provision for the pressure-equalizing channel 32 still to be wholly or partially open as the connection between the interior of the bottle and the outlet opening 25 begins to be produced, and only to be closed at a more or less later point in time. In particular if the pressure-equalizing channel 32 and/or the pressure-equalizing opening 33 are/is very small, or to be more precise have/has such a small cross section, or are/is so small, that only a very negligibly small amount of liquid, if any at all, can pass out via the same, provision can nevertheless also be made, on the other hand, for the pressure- equalizing channel 33 likewise still to be wholly or partially open when there is a connection between the interior of the bottle and the outlet opening 25; it would then also be possible for pressure equalization to take place via the pressure-equalizing opening 33 as one is drinking, as a result of which the act of drinking would have to be broken off less frequently, if at all, in order for the positive pressure or negative pressure produced as one is drinking to be equalized. In order for the bottle to be closed again, the slide 3 has to be pushed into the spout part 2, until it stops, from its end which is illustrated on the right-hand side in the figures. The state which is shown in Figure 1 is thus reached again. The dispensing device described also has two further special features. One of the special features is that the channel leading from the bottle to the outlet opening 25 begins at an eccentric location, as seen in the plan view of the dispensing device, and also outside the centre of the bottle neck. This makes it possible to achieve the situation where in the closed state of the dispensing device, which is shown in Figure 1, the slide 3 does not project laterally beyond the bottle neck 1. This would not be possible if the channel leading to the outlet opening 25, or more precisely the channel part 24 thereof, and the bottle neck 1 were arranged coaxially. The second of the abovementioned special features is that the channel leading to the outlet opening 25, rerther than running straight upwards, slopes. This makes it possible to achieve the situation where the dispensing device, despite its asymmetrical construction, has a centre of gravity which is located in the middle. This proves to be advantageous because the dispensing device, by virtue of being oscillated, can thus be moved quickly into a position in which it can be gripped by a gripper and positioned on the bottle neck. The abovedescribed construction of the dispensing device means that, irrespective of the details of the practical realization, the dispensing device is liquid- and gas-tight in the closed state, cannot be opened by a positive pressure or a negative pressure prevailing in the container, and can nevertheless be closed straightforwardly under all circumstances, in particular even when there is a positive pressure or a negative pressure prevailing in the container. A further dispensing device, which likewise has these advantages and the advantages mentioned further above, is illustrated in Figure 5. The second dispensing device, which is shown in Figure 5, comprises a carrier part 5 which is fixed (in the state in which the dispensing device has been fastened on the neck 1), a spout part 6, which can be connected to the carrier part, a pin 7, which is fastened on the spout part 6, and a sealing disc 8 retained by the pin 7. The carrier part 5 is in the form of a stepped hollow cylinder with a bottom part 51, which has a large diameter, and a top part 52, which has a smaller diameter. The bottom part 51 has an internal thread, by means of which the carrier part 5 can be screwed onto the neck 1 of the bottle. The top part 52 has an external thread, onto which the spout part 6 can be screwed. Provided at the approximate location where the bottom part 51 and the top part 52 come into contact with one another is a pressure-equalizing opening 53 via which, as will be described in more detail at a later stage in the text, a positive pressure or negative pressure prevailing in the bottle may be dissipated. The spout part 6 comprises an essentially cup-like body 61 with a border 62 which extends from the top end and runs outwards in the first instance and then downwards, essentially parallel to the body 61. The border 62 has an internal thread, which can be screwed onto the external thread of the top part 52 of the carrier part 5. The body 61 is open in the upward direction; its top end forms a spout 63 for dispensing the liquid contained in the bottle. In the example in question, the shape and the size of the spout 63 are selected such that an individual can insert the spout 63 into his/her mouth and drink therefrom. It is possible, in principle, for the spout 63 to be of any desired shape and of any desired size; the shape and the size of the spout 63 are preferably made dependent on the intended use of the dispensing device. The body 61 is closed in the downward direction by a base 64. The centre of the base 64 preferably contains an opening, through which the pin 7 can be plugged. The body 61 has, in the bottom region, a recess 65 which encircles it over its entire circumference and is provided with through-passages 66. The sealing disc 7 [sic], in the example in question is a circular disc which, in the closed state of the dispensing device, is pressed against the top part 52 of the carrier part 5 from beneath and closes the bottle in a liquid- and gas-tight manner. The centre of the sealing disc preferably contains an opening, through which the pin 7 can be plugged. The pin 7 has different diameters along its length. It has the largest diameter at its bottom end. There, it has a head with a diameter which is larger than the diameter of the opening provided in the sealing disc 8. Following this, it has a diameter which will be referred to hereinbelow as the medium diameter and corresponds approximately to the diameter of the opening provided in the sealing disc 8, or is somewhat smaller than this. In the assembled state of the dispensing device, the region of the central diameter of the pin 7 extends from the head of the pin 7 to the location at which the pin reaches the base 64 of the body 61; in the assembled state of the dispensing device, the end of that portion of the pin which has the medium diameter butts against the base 64 from beneath. Furthermore, the pin has another, smaller diameter, which will be referred to hereinbelow as the smallest diameter, this smallest diameter corresponding approximately to the diameter of the opening provided in the base 64 of the body 61. That part of the pin 7 which has the smallest diameter, i.e. the top part, has one or more slits running in the longitudinal direction of the pin 7 from above. The parts of the pin which are separated from one another by the at least one slit can be moved elastically and, at their free ends, have outwardly projecting latching hooks which, in the state in which the pin 7 has been plugged through the opening of the base 64 of the body 61, engage behind the opening and thus prevent the pin 7 from being drawn out of the opening provided in the base 64 of the body 61. The pin 7 fastens the sealing disc 8 on the body 61. For this purpose, the pin 7 is plugged through the sealing disc 8 from beneath and then - likewise from beneath - is plugged through the base 64 of the body 61. The operations of opening and closing the dispensing device take place by virtue of the spout part 6 being rotated, to be more precise by virtue of the spout part 6 being screwed onto the carrier part 5 to different extents. The spout part 6 thus moves upwards and downwards relative to the carrier part 5. The dispensing device is closed when the spout part 6 has only be screwed a little way onto the carrier part 5, and is open when the spout part 6 has been screwed a long way onto the carrier part 5. Figure 5 illustrates the state in which the dispensing device is closed. In this case, the spout part 6 has been screwed upwards to such an extent that (via the pin 7) it draws the sealing disc 8 onto the step between the top part 51 and the bottom part 52 of the carrier part 5. In this state, neither liquid nor gas can escape from the region located beneath the sealing disc 8 into the region located above the sealing disc 8; the region located beneath the sealing disc 8 is closed in a liquid- and gas-tight manner. If, starting from this state, the spout part 6 is screwed further onto the carrier part 5, then the spout part 6 moves downwards relative to the carrier part 5. As the spout part 6 moves, the pin 7 also moves downwards (the base 64 of the spout part 6 presses against the step which is present between that portion of the pin which has the smallest diameter and that portion of the pin which has the medium diameter). It is possible here for gas to flow out of the region located beneath the sealing disc 8 into the region located above the sealing disc 8 (when there is positive pressure prevailing in the bottle) or vice versa (when there is negative pressure prevailing in the bottle). The gas flows through the opening present in the sealing disc 8 (if the sealing disc 8 maintains its position shown in Figure 5) and/or flows between the sealing disc 8 and the step which is present between the parts 51 and 52 of the carrier part 5 (if the sealing disc likewise moves downwards). The region which is located above the sealing disc 8, and into which gas flows out of the region located beneath sealing disc 8 or out of which gas flows into the region located beneath the sealing disc 8, is connected to the surroundings of the dispensing device via the pressure-equalizing opening 53 which has already been mentioned above. It is thus possible for a positive pressure or negative pressure which is present in the bottle to be completely dissipated via the pressure-equalizing opening 53. During this pressure equalization, it is still not possible for any liquid to pass out of the spout. For this purpose, the spout part 6 has to be screwed further onto the carrier part 5. It is also the case that, at most, only a negligibly small amount of liquid, if any at all, can pass outwards via the pressure-equalizing opening 53. The routes which the liquid would have to take are too narrow for this purpose. As the spout part 6 is screwed further onto the carrier part 5, the spout part 6 moves further downwards. In this case, finally, the base 64 of the spout part 6 passes the step which is present between the bottom part 51 and the top part 52 of the carrier part 5. Once this has taken place, liquid can pass out of the interior of the bottle into the recess 65 and, from there, on to the spout 63 via the through-passages 66 provided in the recess 65. The dispensing device is open from this point on. Before the base 64 of the spout part 6 has passed the step which is present between the bottom part 51 and the top part 52 of the carrier part 5, it is not possible for any liquid to be removed from the bottle because the base 64, which slides along the inside of the top part 52 of the carrier part 5, blocks the route of the liquid here to the recess 65. As the spout part 6 is screwed further onto the carrier part 5, the spout part 6 moves further downwards until, finally, it is completely open. The position which the spout part 6 has to assume in order for the dispensing device to be completely open is indicated by dashed lines in Figure 5. In order for the dispensing device to be closed again, the spout part 6 has to be screwed back again into the position shown in Figure 5. In this case, the operations described above take place in reverse sequence and in the opposite direction. The external thread on the top part 52 of the carrier part 5 and the internal thread on the border 62 of the spout part 6 preferably have a very large pitch, with the result that the spout part 6 can be moved from the closed position into the open position by a fraction of a revolution. A great advantage of the dispensing device described in relation to Figure 5 is that the spout part 6, which at the same time forms the closure device of the dispensing device which can be actuated in order to move the dispensing device from the open (liquid-dispensing) state into the closed state (in which no liquid is dispensed) and vice versa, has to be moved in the direction of the bottle in order to move the dispensing device into the open state. In contrast to many known dispensing devices, the situation where the dispensing device is moved into the open state by a positive pressure prevailing in the bottle is thus ruled out under all circumstances. A further great advantage of the dispensing device described in relation to Figure 5 is the presence of the pressure-equalizing opening 53. This makes it possible for the dispensing device to be moved into the open position with only a small amount of force being applied. The pressure-equalizing opening 53 can also prevent the situations where liquid sprays out of the spout 63 when the dispensing device is moved into the open position, and where the individual drinking from the bottle is able to, or has to, breathe in carbon dioxide or other harmful gases. In the case of the dispensing device shown in Figure 5, the pressure-equalizing opening 53 is not closed when the dispensing device is in the open state. This, as has been described above with reference to the first-described dispensing device, may be advantageous. On the other hand, however, it is also readily possible, in the case of the dispensing device shown in Figure 5, to ensure that the pressure-equalizing opening 53 is wholly or partially closed when liquid can be removed from the dispensing device. Only slight modifications to the dispensing device shown in Figure 5 are necessary for this purpose. One possibility here is for the spout part 6 not to have any recess 65 with through-passages 66 at the locations which are situated at the pressure-equalizing opening 53 in the open state of the dispensing device. The pressure-equalizing opening 53 is then closed by the niche-free locations of the body 61 when the dispensing device is in the open state. The dispensing device shown in Figure 5 thus has essentially the same advantages as the dispensing device shown in Figures 1 to 4. A further advantage of the abovedescribed dispensing devices which has not yet been mentioned is that the pressure equalization has been realized very straightfowardly. In particular, the pressure equalization and the dispensing of the liquid contained in the bottle take place via one and the same opening of the bottle. It is thus possible for the dispensing devices described to be used for any desired conventional bottles and other containers. For the sake of completeness, it should be mentioned that, both in the case of the dispensing devices described and in the case of other dispensing devices, the construction of the respective dispensing device makes it possible to define as desired the point in time at which the pressure equalization is to begin and at which the pressure equalization is to end. A wide variety of advantages can be achieved by the dispensing devices described. In particular, the latter are straightforward to use and cannot under any circumstances open of their own accord. It should be self-evident, and requires no further explanation, the [sic] the abovedescribed pressure equalization can also advantageously be used, and can be realized with low outlay, for any other desired dispensing devices. WE CLAIM: 1. Closeable dispensing device for dispensing a liquid, viscous or pastey medium contained in a container, comprising a first opening (25;63) for dispensing the medium located in the container; a second opening (33; 53) for ventilating and/or venting the container; and a closure device (3;6) which can be actuated in order to produce and break a connection between the first opening (25;63) and the container and between the second opening (33;53) and the container, the closure device (3;6) is designed such that, when actuated to produce a connection between the first opening (25;63) and the container, the device firstly produces a connection between the second opening (33;53) and the container and then produces the connection between the first opening (25;63) and the container, characterized in that the dispensing device is designed such that no connection can be produced between the second opening (33;53) and the container when there is a connection between the first opening (25;63) and the container. 2. Dispensing device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the container is a drinks bottle. 3. Dispensing device as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the second opening (33;53) is arranged such that a user orally opening the dispensing device or positioning the first opening (25;63) in his/her mouth as the dispensing device is being opened, needs not to breathe in gases which pass out of the second opening (33;53) as the container is vented. 4. Dispensing device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure device (3;6) is formed by a slide (3) which can be displaced transversely to the connection between the first opening (25;63) and the container. 5. Dispensing device as claimed in Claim 4, wherein a part (26) of the dispensing device is arranged between the container and the slide, and wherein the part can be pressed elastically against the slide (3) by a positive pressure prevailing in the container. 6. Dispensing device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure device (3;6) is formed by an element (6) which can be moved along the connection between the first opening (25;63) and the container. 7. Dispensing device as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the movement of the closure device (3;6) takes place by virtue of the closure device being screwed onto another component (5) of the dispensing device or by virtue of the closure device being screwed back. 8. Dispensing device as claimed in Claim 6 or 7, wherein the closure device (3;6) is located in a first position when the dispensing device is closed, and wherein the closure device (3;6) is located in a second position when the dispensing device is open, the first position being at a greater distance from the container than the second position. The invention relates to a closeable dispensing device for dispensing a liquid, viscous or pastey medium contained in a container, comprising a first opening (25;63) for dispensing the medium located in the container, a second opening (33;53) for ventilating and/or venting the container, and a closure device (3;6) which can be actuated in order to produce and break a connection between the first opening (25;63) and the container and between the second opening (33;53) and the container, the closure device (3;6) is designed such that, when actuated to produce a connection between the first opening (25;63) and the container, the device firstly produces a connection between the second opening (33;53) and the container and then produces the connection between the first opening (25;63) and the container. The dispensing device is designed such that no connection can be produced between the second opening (33;53) and the container when there is a connection between the first opening (25;63) and the container.

Full Text

The present invention relates to a device in particular a closeable dispensing device
for dispensing a liquid, viscous or pasty medium contained in a container, having a
first opening for dispensing the medium located in the container, having a second
opening for ventilating and/or venting the container, and having a closure, device
which can be actuated in order to produce and break a connection between the first
opening and the container and between the second opening and the container.
Such dispensing devices can be used, for example, on drinks bottles for children or
cyclists.
A dispensing device which is suitable for drinks bottles is described in DE 199 37 754
Al. The dispensing device described in the aforementioned document is a device
which can be positioned on a drinks bottle and comprises a part which, once
positioned on the drinks bottle, is fixed and a nipple which can be moved relative to
said part, or more precisely can be pushed into it and drawn out of it. The nipple
has a channel running through it, via which the drinks bottle is connected to a
drinking opening provided at the top end of the nipple. This channel is closed in the
state in which the nipple has been pushed into the fixed part (pushed onto a
stopper closing the channel) and is open in the drawn-out state. The said dispensing
device also contains measures which are intended to ensure that the channel is
completely closed in the closed position of the nipple, and that the nipple cannot
leave the closed position of its own accord but, on the other hand, can be moved
into and

out of the closed position with only a small amount of
force being applied. These measures are embodied by
latching elements which are provided on the nipple and,
in the closed position, latch into associated latching
elements of the fixed part, the latching elements which
are provided on the fixed part of the dispensing device
being arranged on elastically moveable elements which
are accessible from outside of the dispensing device.
The fact that the dispensing device can be closed in a
sealed manner, and cannot open of its own accord, is an
important precondition in allowing the drinks bottle
also to be used for carbonated beverages. In the case
of dispensing devices which do not satisfy the
abovementioned requirements, the positive pressure
produced in the drinks bottle by the carbon dioxide can
cause the dispensing device to open of its own accord,
which may result in the beverage located in the drinks
bottle running out, and in gases flowing out (a
reduction in the carbon-dioxide content of the
beverage) . It goes without saying that both of these
occurrences are undesirable.
The measures which have been taken in order to satisfy
the abovementioned conditions in the case of the
abovedescribed dispensing device known from
DE 199 37 754 A1 do not optimally satisfy these
conditions: it cannot reliably be ensured that the
dispensing device does not open of its own accord and,
furthermore, the dispensing device is more complicated
to use (the operations of closing and, in particular,
opening the dispensing device).
DE 183301 C discloses a dispensing device which, as a
closure device which can be actuated in order to
produce and break a connection between the container
and the opening for dispensing the medium contained in
the container, is formed by a slide which can be
displaced transversely to the connection between the

opening and the container. Such a slide makes it possible, with relatively low outlay,
to close the connection between the opening and the container in a sealed manner;
the slide cannot under any circumstances be moved into the open position by a
positive pressure or negative pressure prevailing in the container. However, when
there is a positive pressure or a negative pressure prevailing in the container, it is
necessary to apply a considerable amount of force in order to actuate the slide.
The object of the present invention is thus to provide a dispensing device which, on
the one hand, gives a particularly good sealing closure and, on the other hand, is
straightforward to actuate even when there is positive pressure or negative pressure
prevailing in the container.
The dispensing device according to the invention is distinguished in that the closure
device is designed such that, when actuated as is required in order to produce a
connection between the first opening and the container, it first of all produces a
connection between the second opening and the container and only then produces
the connection between the first opening and the container.
The use of such a dispensing device proves to be advantageous because even a
closure device which is more difficult to move as a result of positive pressure or
negative pressure prevailing in the container can be actuated by it with only a small
amount of force being applied. This applies, in particular, once the closure device
has produced a connection between the second opening and the container. A
positive pressure or negative pressure prevailing in the container can then

dissipate via the second opening, with the result that the closure device is subject
to lower forces than would be the case without the pressure equalization.
It is thus possible for even a closure device which gives a particularly good sealing
closure, for example a slide of the type described in DE 103301 C, or some other
closure device which is more difficult to open as a result of a positive pressure or
negative pressure prevailing in the container to be actuated with only a small
amount of force being applied.
Furthermore, the pressure equalization when the first opening is not yet connected
to the container also proves to be advantageous because, as a result, none of the
medium contained in the container can spray out of the dispensing device when the
dispensing device is opened: nothing can spray out of the first opening because,
when the first opening is connected to the container, there is no positive pressure or
negative pressure prevailing in the container on account of the preceding pressure
equalization via the second opening; at most only a negligibly small amount, if
anything at all, can spray out of the second opening because the second opening, in
order to perform the task intended for it, i.e. to ensure ventilation or venting of the
container, may be very small.
The fact that the operations of ventilating and venting the container, on the one
hand, and of dispensing medium contained in the container, on the other hand,
takes place via different openings of the dispensing device also proves to be
advantageous because this can prevent an individual who is opening the dispensing
device using his/her mouth, or who positions the first opening in his/her mouth as
the dispensing device is being opened, from being able to, or having to, breathe in
gases which pass out of the second opening as the container is vented; in the case

of carbonated beverages, these gases contain carbon dioxide, which can make one
feel unwell if breathed in and, in particular when one is exhausted, may even result
in a brief period of unconsciousness.
Advantageous developments of the invention can be gathered from the subclaims,
the following description and the figures.
The invention is explained in more detail hereinbelow by way of exemplary
embodiments and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
Figure 1 shows a cross section through a first dispensing device, which will be
described hereinbelow, in a state in which neither the medium which is to
be dispensed by the dispensing device nor gases can pass out,
Figure 2 shows a cross section through the dispensing device shown in Figure 1, in
a state in which gases, but not the medium which is to be dispensed by
the dispensing device, can pass out,
Figure 3 shows a cross section through the dispensing device shown in Figures 1
and 2, in a state in which the medium which is to be dispensed by the
dispensing device can be removed,
Figure 4 shows a different sectional illustration of the dispensing device shown in
Figure 1 (section along a section line IV-IV depicted in Figure 1), and
Figure 5 shows a cross section through a second dispensing device, which will be
described hereinbelow, in a state in which neither the

medium which is to be dispensed by the
dispensing device nor gases can pass out.
The dispensing devices which will be described
hereinbelow are designed for use on a drinks bottle; a
liquid (a beverage) contained in the drinks bottle can
be poured out or drunk via said dispensing devices.
It should be pointed out at this juncture, however,
that the dispensing devices, which will be described
hereinbelow, are not restricted to such a use. It is
also possible for the dispensing devices - if
appropriate following corresponding adaptation to the
given conditions - to be used for containers other than
a drinks bottle, and for them to dispense different
liquid, viscous or pasty media, for example
medicaments, soaps, oils, perfumes, detergents, etc.
In the example in question, the dispensing devices
described are screwed onto the neck 1 of a bottle. It
is not absolutely necessary, however, for the
dispensing devices to be fastened on the neck 1 by
being screwed onto the same. It is also possible for
fastening to take place in any other desired manner,
for example by plugging on, plugging in, screwing in,
adhesive bonding, etc.
The first dispensing device, which is shown in
Figures 1 to 4, comprises a spout part 2 which is fixed
(in the state in which the dispensing device has been
fastened on the neck 1 of the bottle), a slide 3, which
is plugged through the spout part 2 and can be moved
relative to the spout part 2, and a cap 4 positioned at
one end of the slide 3.
The spout part 2 comprises a fastening portion 21, for
fastening the spout part 2 on the neck 1, and a spout
22 which, in the example in question, serves for
dispensing the liquid contained in the bottle. The

shape and the size of the spout 22 are selected such
that an individual can insert the spout into his/her
mouth and drink therefrom; in the example in question,
the spout 22 is of frustoconical design. It should be
pointed out at this juncture that it is also possible
for the spout 22 to be of any other desired shape; the
size and the shape of the spout are preferably made
dependent on the intended use of the dispensing device.
In the open state, which is shown in Figure 3, the
dispensing device has a channel, comprising three
channel parts 23, 24 and 31, running through it, the
channel connecting the interior of the bottle to an
outlet opening 25 provided at the top end of the spout
22; via this channel, with the dispensing device in the
open state shown in Figure 3, the liquid contained in
the bottle passes to the outlet opening 25.
Of the three channel parts 23, 24 and 31
the channel part 23 is a channel part which is
provided in the spout part 2 (in the spout 22 of
the same) and extends to the outlet opening 25
from the top side of an opening which accommodates
the slide 3,
the channel part 24 is a channel part which is
likewise provided in the spout part 2 and extends
to the neck 1 from the underside of the opening
which accommodates the slide 3, and
the channel part 31 is a constituent part of the
slide 3.
The portion 26 of the spout part 22, said portion
having the channel part 24 running through it, has the
special feature that it is thin enough for it to be
pressed elastically upwards against the slide 3 by the

positive pressure which is produced in the bottle
during normal usage.
The slide 3 serves as a closure device. It allows the
dispensing device to be moved from the closed state
into the open state and vice versa.
The slide 3 is an elongate element with an oval cross
section and is plugged into an opening of the spout
part 2 running above the neck 1, transversely to the
latter, and it can be displaced in the longitudinal
direction relative to the spout part 2. It should be
pointed out at this juncture that the slide 3 and the
opening in the spout part 2 which is assigned to it
need not have an oval cross section. It is also
possible to use any other desired cross sections. The
important factors, however, are that the cross sections
of the slide 3 and associated opening coincide, that
the outer dimensions of the slide 3 correspond as
precisely as possible to the inner dimensions of the
opening, and that the slide 3 is guided in a
rotationally fixed manner in the opening.
By virtue of the slide 3 being displaced, the channel
part 31 contained therein is also displaced. In that
position of the slide 3 which is shown in Figure 3, the
channel parts 23, 24 and 31 are aligned with one
another. This gives rise to a continuous channel from
the interior of the bottle to the outlet opening 25;
the dispensing device is open, and liquid can be be
[sic] removed from the bottle via the outlet opening
25.
In the state shown in Figure 2, in which the slide 3
has been displaced a little way to the left, the
channel part 24 and the channel part 31 no longer
overlap, as a result of which there is no longer a
continuous channel from the interior of the bottle to
the outlet opening 25 and, consequently, it is no

longer possible for liquid to pass from the bottle to
the outlet opening 25.
In the state which is shown in Figure 1, the slide 3
has been displaced further to the left, with the result
that there is likewise no continuous channel between
the interior of the bottle and the outlet opening 25
and, consequently, it is likewise not possible for
liquid to pass from the bottle to the outlet opening
25.
In addition to the channel part 31, the slide 3 also
contains a further channel 32. This channel 32, which
will be referred to hereinbelow as a
pressure-equalizing channel, begins on the right
alongside the channel part 31 on the underside of the
slide 3, extends a little way upwards from there, then
bends off to the right and, from there, runs in the
longitudinal direction of the slide 3 as far as a
pressure-equalizing opening 33 provided at the
right-hand end of the slide 3. The precise course taken
by the pressure-equalizing channel 32 is of secondary
importance. The important factor, in particular, is
that, during the movement of the slide 3 which has to
be executed in order to move the dispensing device from
the closed state, which is shown in Figure 1, into the
open state, which is shown in Figure 3, a connection
between the interior of the bottle and the
pressure-equalizing opening 33 is produced via the
pressure-equalizing channel 32 before the channel part
31 reaches the channel part 23 and/or the channel part
24. It would also be possible for the
pressure-equalizing opening to be provided at some
other location. However, it is preferably not located
in the vicinity of the outlet opening 25.
The pressure-equalizing channel 32 serves for venting
the bottle before the dispensing device is opened. Such
venting proves to be advantageous

because, on account of the force to which the
slide 3 is subjected by a positive pressure
prevailing in the bottle being eliminated, said
slide can be moved, from then on, with only a
small amount of force being applied, and
because it is thus possible to prevent the
situation where, when the dispensing device is
opened, liquid sprays out of the outlet opening 25
on account of a positive pressure prevailing in
the bottle.
Furthermore, the fact that the venting, rather than
taking place via the outlet opening 25, takes place via
the pressure-equalizing opening 33, which is provided
at a different location, has the advantage that there
is no risk of an individual who is opening the
dispensing device using his/her mouth, or who positions
the first opening in his/her mouth as the dispensing
device is being opened, being able to, or having to,
breathe in the gases which pass out of the second
opening as the container is vented. In particular when
the bottle contains a carbonated beverage, the act of
breathing in these gases is not unproblematic. This is
because the gas which passes out in this case is carbon
dioxide and, if the person wishing to drink from the
bottle breathes this in, he/she could suffer from a
depletion of oxygen and the associated side effects.
It is also possible for ventilation, i.e. an
equalization of a negative pressure prevailing in the
bottle, to take place via the pressure-equalizing
opening 33. A negative pressure may be produced in the
bottle, for example, if the liquid located in the
bottle cools when the dispensing device is closed
and/or if the bottle is closed at low air pressure (for
example on a mountain) and opened again at high air
pressure (for example in the valley). Ventilation of

the bottle also results in the slide being easier to
move.
The pressure-equalizing channel 32 is preferably very
much narrower than the channel leading to the outlet
opening 25. This prevents liquid from being able to
spray out of the pressure-equalizing opening 33.
In the closed state of the dispensing device, which is
shown in Figure 1, neither the channel part 31 of the
slide 3 nor the pressure-equalizing channel 32 of the
slide overlap with the channel part 24. It is thus not
possible either for liquid to pass out of the outlet
opening 25 or for gas to escape via the
pressure-equalizing opening 33. It is not possible
either for any liquid or gas to pass out between the
slide 3 and the spout part 2. The cross sections of the
slide 3 and of the opening accommodating the latter are
identical, with the result that there are no
interspaces between the slide 3 and spout part 2 via
which liquid or gas could escape. Sealing is also
provided when a positive pressure forms within the
bottle, be this as a result of a change in temperature,
or as a result of a change in air pressure, or as a
result of a carbonated drink, or as a result of some
other circumstances.
As a result of a positive pressure which may be
established, the portion 26 of the spout part 2, said
portion containing the channel part 24, is pressed
elastically upwards against the slide 3, this
preventing either liquid or gases from escaping from
the bottle.
The cap 4, which has already been mentioned in the
introduction, is positioned at the right-hand end of
the slide and in the closed state of the dispensing
device, which is shown in Figure 1, strikes against the
spout part 2. This cap 4 may be dispensed with if the

end of the slide 3 on which, in the example in
question, the cap 4 is positioned has a corresponding
thickened portion which can be used as a stop.
If one wishes to open the dispensing device, that end
of the slide 3 which is illustrated on the left-hand
side in the figures has to be forced into the spout
part 2. If a positive pressure has formed in the
bottle, this may be associated with a slightly
increased amount of force having to be applied until
the position shown in Figure 2 has been reached.
In the state which is shown in Figure 2, the slide 3
has been forced into the spout part 2 to the extent
where the pressure-equalizing channel 32 ends up
located above the channel part 31. In this state, a
positive pressure or negative pressure present in the
bottle can be dissipated via the channel part 24, the
channel 32 and the pressure-equalizing opening 33. In
this state, the channel part 31 has not yet reached the
channel part 24, with the result that it is still not
possible for any liquid to pass to the outlet opening.
The dissipation of the positive pressure or negative
pressure prevailing in the bottle allows the slide 3,
from then on, to be pushed very easily into the spout
part 2.
The state which is shown in Figure 3 is finally
achieved by continued pushing of the slide 3 into the
spout part 2. In this state, the channel parts 23, 24
and 31 end up located one above the other and thus form
a continuous channel from the bottle to the outlet
opening 25, as a result of which liquid can be removed
from the bottle. At the same time, the channel 32 is no
longer located above the channel part 24, as a result
of which it is no longer possible for any gas to pass
out or in via the pressure-equalizing opening 33. In
the example in question, the pressure-equalizing

channel 32 is already disconnected before a connection
is produced between the interior of the bottle and the
outlet opening 25. This is particularly advantageous
because the situation where liquid passes out via the
pressure-equalizing opening 33 as one is drinking from
the bottle can thus be reliably ruled out. It would
also be possible, however, to make provision for the
pressure-equalizing channel 32 still to be wholly or
partially open as the connection between the interior
of the bottle and the outlet opening 25 begins to be
produced, and only to be closed at a more or less later
point in time. In particular if the pressure-equalizing
channel 32 and/or the pressure-equalizing opening 33
are/is very small, or to be more precise have/has such
a small cross section, or are/is so small, that only a
very negligibly small amount of liquid, if any at all,
can pass out via the same, provision can nevertheless
also be made, on the other hand, for the pressure-
equalizing channel 33 likewise still to be wholly or
partially open when there is a connection between the
interior of the bottle and the outlet opening 25; it
would then also be possible for pressure equalization
to take place via the pressure-equalizing opening 33 as
one is drinking, as a result of which the act of
drinking would have to be broken off less frequently,
if at all, in order for the positive pressure or
negative pressure produced as one is drinking to be
equalized.
In order for the bottle to be closed again, the slide 3
has to be pushed into the spout part 2, until it stops,
from its end which is illustrated on the right-hand
side in the figures. The state which is shown in
Figure 1 is thus reached again.
The dispensing device described also has two further
special features.

One of the special features is that the channel leading
from the bottle to the outlet opening 25 begins at an
eccentric location, as seen in the plan view of the
dispensing device, and also outside the centre of the
bottle neck. This makes it possible to achieve the
situation where in the closed state of the dispensing
device, which is shown in Figure 1, the slide 3 does
not project laterally beyond the bottle neck 1. This
would not be possible if the channel leading to the
outlet opening 25, or more precisely the channel part
24 thereof, and the bottle neck 1 were arranged
coaxially.
The second of the abovementioned special features is
that the channel leading to the outlet opening 25,
rerther than running straight upwards, slopes. This
makes it possible to achieve the situation where the
dispensing device, despite its asymmetrical
construction, has a centre of gravity which is located
in the middle. This proves to be advantageous because
the dispensing device, by virtue of being oscillated,
can thus be moved quickly into a position in which it
can be gripped by a gripper and positioned on the
bottle neck.
The abovedescribed construction of the dispensing
device means that, irrespective of the details of the
practical realization, the dispensing device
is liquid- and gas-tight in the closed state,
cannot be opened by a positive pressure or a
negative pressure prevailing in the container, and
can nevertheless be closed straightforwardly under
all circumstances, in particular even when there
is a positive pressure or a negative pressure
prevailing in the container.

A further dispensing device, which likewise has these
advantages and the advantages mentioned further above,
is illustrated in Figure 5.
The second dispensing device, which is shown in
Figure 5, comprises a carrier part 5 which is fixed (in
the state in which the dispensing device has been
fastened on the neck 1), a spout part 6, which can be
connected to the carrier part, a pin 7, which is
fastened on the spout part 6, and a sealing disc 8
retained by the pin 7.
The carrier part 5 is in the form of a stepped hollow
cylinder with a bottom part 51, which has a large
diameter, and a top part 52, which has a smaller
diameter. The bottom part 51 has an internal thread, by
means of which the carrier part 5 can be screwed onto
the neck 1 of the bottle. The top part 52 has an
external thread, onto which the spout part 6 can be
screwed. Provided at the approximate location where the
bottom part 51 and the top part 52 come into contact
with one another is a pressure-equalizing opening 53
via which, as will be described in more detail at a
later stage in the text, a positive pressure or
negative pressure prevailing in the bottle may be
dissipated.
The spout part 6 comprises an essentially cup-like body
61 with a border 62 which extends from the top end and
runs outwards in the first instance and then downwards,
essentially parallel to the body 61.
The border 62 has an internal thread, which can be
screwed onto the external thread of the top part 52 of
the carrier part 5.
The body 61 is open in the upward direction; its top
end forms a spout 63 for dispensing the liquid
contained in the bottle. In the example in question,

the shape and the size of the spout 63 are selected
such that an individual can insert the spout 63 into
his/her mouth and drink therefrom. It is possible, in
principle, for the spout 63 to be of any desired shape
and of any desired size; the shape and the size of the
spout 63 are preferably made dependent on the intended
use of the dispensing device.
The body 61 is closed in the downward direction by a
base 64. The centre of the base 64 preferably contains
an opening, through which the pin 7 can be plugged.
The body 61 has, in the bottom region, a recess 65
which encircles it over its entire circumference and is
provided with through-passages 66.
The sealing disc 7 [sic], in the example in question is
a circular disc which, in the closed state of the
dispensing device, is pressed against the top part 52
of the carrier part 5 from beneath and closes the
bottle in a liquid- and gas-tight manner. The centre of
the sealing disc preferably contains an opening,
through which the pin 7 can be plugged.
The pin 7 has different diameters along its length. It
has the largest diameter at its bottom end. There, it
has a head with a diameter which is larger than the
diameter of the opening provided in the sealing disc 8.
Following this, it has a diameter which will be
referred to hereinbelow as the medium diameter and
corresponds approximately to the diameter of the
opening provided in the sealing disc 8, or is somewhat
smaller than this. In the assembled state of the
dispensing device, the region of the central diameter
of the pin 7 extends from the head of the pin 7 to the
location at which the pin reaches the base 64 of the
body 61; in the assembled state of the dispensing
device, the end of that portion of the pin which has
the medium diameter butts against the base 64 from

beneath. Furthermore, the pin has another, smaller
diameter, which will be referred to hereinbelow as the
smallest diameter, this smallest diameter corresponding
approximately to the diameter of the opening provided
in the base 64 of the body 61.
That part of the pin 7 which has the smallest diameter,
i.e. the top part, has one or more slits running in the
longitudinal direction of the pin 7 from above. The
parts of the pin which are separated from one another
by the at least one slit can be moved elastically and,
at their free ends, have outwardly projecting latching
hooks which, in the state in which the pin 7 has been
plugged through the opening of the base 64 of the body
61, engage behind the opening and thus prevent the pin
7 from being drawn out of the opening provided in the
base 64 of the body 61.
The pin 7 fastens the sealing disc 8 on the body 61.
For this purpose, the pin 7 is plugged through the
sealing disc 8 from beneath and then - likewise from
beneath - is plugged through the base 64 of the body
61.
The operations of opening and closing the dispensing
device take place by virtue of the spout part 6 being
rotated, to be more precise by virtue of the spout part
6 being screwed onto the carrier part 5 to different
extents. The spout part 6 thus moves upwards and
downwards relative to the carrier part 5.
The dispensing device is closed when the spout part 6
has only be screwed a little way onto the carrier part
5, and is open when the spout part 6 has been screwed a
long way onto the carrier part 5.
Figure 5 illustrates the state in which the dispensing
device is closed. In this case, the spout part 6 has
been screwed upwards to such an extent that (via the

pin 7) it draws the sealing disc 8 onto the step
between the top part 51 and the bottom part 52 of the
carrier part 5. In this state, neither liquid nor gas
can escape from the region located beneath the sealing
disc 8 into the region located above the sealing disc
8; the region located beneath the sealing disc 8 is
closed in a liquid- and gas-tight manner.
If, starting from this state, the spout part 6 is
screwed further onto the carrier part 5, then the spout
part 6 moves downwards relative to the carrier part 5.
As the spout part 6 moves, the pin 7 also moves
downwards (the base 64 of the spout part 6 presses
against the step which is present between that portion
of the pin which has the smallest diameter and that
portion of the pin which has the medium diameter).
It is possible here for gas to flow out of the region
located beneath the sealing disc 8 into the region
located above the sealing disc 8 (when there is
positive pressure prevailing in the bottle) or
vice versa (when there is negative pressure prevailing
in the bottle). The gas flows through the opening
present in the sealing disc 8 (if the sealing disc 8
maintains its position shown in Figure 5) and/or flows
between the sealing disc 8 and the step which is
present between the parts 51 and 52 of the carrier part
5 (if the sealing disc likewise moves downwards). The
region which is located above the sealing disc 8, and
into which gas flows out of the region located beneath
sealing disc 8 or out of which gas flows into the
region located beneath the sealing disc 8, is connected
to the surroundings of the dispensing device via the
pressure-equalizing opening 53 which has already been
mentioned above. It is thus possible for a positive
pressure or negative pressure which is present in the
bottle to be completely dissipated via the
pressure-equalizing opening 53. During this pressure
equalization, it is still not possible for any liquid

to pass out of the spout. For this purpose, the spout
part 6 has to be screwed further onto the carrier part
5. It is also the case that, at most, only a negligibly
small amount of liquid, if any at all, can pass
outwards via the pressure-equalizing opening 53. The
routes which the liquid would have to take are too
narrow for this purpose.
As the spout part 6 is screwed further onto the carrier
part 5, the spout part 6 moves further downwards. In
this case, finally, the base 64 of the spout part 6
passes the step which is present between the bottom
part 51 and the top part 52 of the carrier part 5. Once
this has taken place, liquid can pass out of the
interior of the bottle into the recess 65 and, from
there, on to the spout 63 via the through-passages 66
provided in the recess 65. The dispensing device is
open from this point on.
Before the base 64 of the spout part 6 has passed the
step which is present between the bottom part 51 and
the top part 52 of the carrier part 5, it is not
possible for any liquid to be removed from the bottle
because the base 64, which slides along the inside of
the top part 52 of the carrier part 5, blocks the route
of the liquid here to the recess 65.
As the spout part 6 is screwed further onto the carrier
part 5, the spout part 6 moves further downwards until,
finally, it is completely open.
The position which the spout part 6 has to assume in
order for the dispensing device to be completely open
is indicated by dashed lines in Figure 5.
In order for the dispensing device to be closed again,
the spout part 6 has to be screwed back again into the
position shown in Figure 5. In this case, the

operations described above take place in reverse
sequence and in the opposite direction.
The external thread on the top part 52 of the carrier
part 5 and the internal thread on the border 62 of the
spout part 6 preferably have a very large pitch, with
the result that the spout part 6 can be moved from the
closed position into the open position by a fraction of
a revolution.
A great advantage of the dispensing device described in
relation to Figure 5 is that the spout part 6, which at
the same time forms the closure device of the
dispensing device which can be actuated in order to
move the dispensing device from the open
(liquid-dispensing) state into the closed state (in
which no liquid is dispensed) and vice versa, has to be
moved in the direction of the bottle in order to move
the dispensing device into the open state. In contrast
to many known dispensing devices, the situation where
the dispensing device is moved into the open state by a
positive pressure prevailing in the bottle is thus
ruled out under all circumstances.
A further great advantage of the dispensing device
described in relation to Figure 5 is the presence of
the pressure-equalizing opening 53. This makes it
possible for the dispensing device to be moved into the
open position with only a small amount of force being
applied. The pressure-equalizing opening 53 can also
prevent the situations where liquid sprays out of the
spout 63 when the dispensing device is moved into the
open position, and where the individual drinking from
the bottle is able to, or has to, breathe in
carbon dioxide or other harmful gases.
In the case of the dispensing device shown in Figure 5,
the pressure-equalizing opening 53 is not closed when
the dispensing device is in the open state. This, as

has been described above with reference to the
first-described dispensing device, may be advantageous.
On the other hand, however, it is also readily
possible, in the case of the dispensing device shown in
Figure 5, to ensure that the pressure-equalizing
opening 53 is wholly or partially closed when liquid
can be removed from the dispensing device. Only slight
modifications to the dispensing device shown in
Figure 5 are necessary for this purpose. One
possibility here is for the spout part 6 not to have
any recess 65 with through-passages 66 at the locations
which are situated at the pressure-equalizing opening
53 in the open state of the dispensing device. The
pressure-equalizing opening 53 is then closed by the
niche-free locations of the body 61 when the dispensing
device is in the open state.
The dispensing device shown in Figure 5 thus has
essentially the same advantages as the dispensing
device shown in Figures 1 to 4.
A further advantage of the abovedescribed dispensing
devices which has not yet been mentioned is that the
pressure equalization has been realized very
straightfowardly. In particular, the pressure
equalization and the dispensing of the liquid contained
in the bottle take place via one and the same opening
of the bottle. It is thus possible for the dispensing
devices described to be used for any desired
conventional bottles and other containers.
For the sake of completeness, it should be mentioned
that, both in the case of the dispensing devices
described and in the case of other dispensing devices,
the construction of the respective dispensing device
makes it possible to define as desired the point in
time at which the pressure equalization is to begin and
at which the pressure equalization is to end.

A wide variety of advantages can be achieved by the
dispensing devices described. In particular, the latter
are straightforward to use and cannot under any
circumstances open of their own accord.
It should be self-evident, and requires no further
explanation, the [sic] the abovedescribed pressure
equalization can also advantageously be used, and can
be realized with low outlay, for any other desired
dispensing devices.

WE CLAIM:
1. Closeable dispensing device for dispensing a liquid, viscous or pastey medium
contained in a container, comprising a first opening (25;63) for dispensing
the medium located in the container; a second opening (33; 53) for ventilating
and/or venting the container; and a closure device (3;6) which can be
actuated in order to produce and break a connection between the first
opening (25;63) and the container and between the second opening (33;53)
and the container, the closure device (3;6) is designed such that, when
actuated to produce a connection between the first opening (25;63) and the
container, the device firstly produces a connection between the second
opening (33;53) and the container and then produces the connection
between the first opening (25;63) and the container, characterized in that the
dispensing device is designed such that no connection can be produced
between the second opening (33;53) and the container when there is a
connection between the first opening (25;63) and the container.
2. Dispensing device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the container is a drinks
bottle.
3. Dispensing device as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the second opening
(33;53) is arranged such that a user orally opening the dispensing device or
positioning the first opening (25;63) in his/her mouth as the dispensing
device is being opened, needs not to breathe in gases which pass out of the
second opening (33;53) as the container is vented.

4. Dispensing device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the
closure device (3;6) is formed by a slide (3) which can be displaced
transversely to the connection between the first opening (25;63) and the
container.
5. Dispensing device as claimed in Claim 4, wherein a part (26) of the
dispensing device is arranged between the container and the slide, and
wherein the part can be pressed elastically against the slide (3) by a positive
pressure prevailing in the container.
6. Dispensing device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the
closure device (3;6) is formed by an element (6) which can be moved along
the connection between the first opening (25;63) and the container.
7. Dispensing device as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the movement of the
closure device (3;6) takes place by virtue of the closure device being
screwed onto another component (5) of the dispensing device or by virtue of
the closure device being screwed back.
8. Dispensing device as claimed in Claim 6 or 7, wherein the closure device
(3;6) is located in a first position when the dispensing device is closed, and
wherein the closure device (3;6) is located in a second position when the
dispensing device is open, the first position being at a greater distance from
the container than the second position.

The invention relates to a closeable dispensing device for dispensing a liquid,
viscous or pastey medium contained in a container, comprising a first opening
(25;63) for dispensing the medium located in the container, a second opening
(33;53) for ventilating and/or venting the container, and a closure device (3;6)
which can be actuated in order to produce and break a connection between the first
opening (25;63) and the container and between the second opening (33;53) and
the container, the closure device (3;6) is designed such that, when actuated to
produce a connection between the first opening (25;63) and the container, the
device firstly produces a connection between the second opening (33;53) and the
container and then produces the connection between the first opening (25;63) and
the container. The dispensing device is designed such that no connection can be
produced between the second opening (33;53) and the container when there is a
connection between the first opening (25;63) and the container.

Documents:

1087-kolnp-2003-granted-abstract.pdf

1087-kolnp-2003-granted-claims.pdf

1087-kolnp-2003-granted-correspondence.pdf

1087-kolnp-2003-granted-description (complete).pdf

1087-kolnp-2003-granted-drawings.pdf

1087-kolnp-2003-granted-examination report.pdf

1087-kolnp-2003-granted-form 1.pdf

1087-kolnp-2003-granted-form 18.pdf

1087-kolnp-2003-granted-form 2.pdf

1087-kolnp-2003-granted-form 26.pdf

1087-kolnp-2003-granted-form 3.pdf

1087-kolnp-2003-granted-form 5.pdf

1087-kolnp-2003-granted-reply to examination report.pdf

1087-kolnp-2003-granted-specification.pdf

1087-kolnp-2003-granted-translated copy of priority document.pdf

« Previous Patent

Next Patent »

Patent Number

226714

Indian Patent Application Number

1087/KOLNP/2003

PG Journal Number

52/2008

Publication Date

26-Dec-2008

Grant Date

24-Dec-2008

Date of Filing

27-Aug-2003

Name of Patentee

BMF GMBH

Applicant Address

SEEWEG NORD 11, 86911 RIEDERAU

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	PATZ WERNER, WESTEND	16, 86928 HOFSTETTEN

PCT International Classification Number

B65D 47/28

PCT International Application Number

PCT/DE02/00058

PCT International Filing date

2002-01-10

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	101 13 109.7	2001-03-15	Germany