EP0410858B1 - Assembly for dispensing at least one fluid product such as cosmetics or pharmaceutics - Google Patents

Abstract

A dispenser for a fluid substance, esp. used in cosmetics or pharmaceuticals, consists of a cap (1) which fits onto the container (2) and made with at least one outlet channel (8). The/each outlet channel has a system which closes its outlet, made in the form of a shutter (9a) which is able to deform elastically and interact with a seat (8e). The deforming shutter and seat form a self-closing valve which is opened by the pressure of the fluid passing through it but closes once the pressure stops. The shutter is pressed towards the seat by a support which limits its deformation. The pressure which expels the fluid from the container can be of various types, e.g. a pump piston or flexible bulb.

Description

The present invention relates to a distribution assembly for one or more fluid product (s) in the form of a liquid or cream (or paste) of varying thickness. This set makes it possible in particular to distribute cosmetic or pharmaceutical products.

Numerous dispensing assemblies are known comprising a container containing the product to be dispensed, on which a dispensing head is fixed removably or not. This dispensing head includes a device allowing the user to activate the dispensing, and at least one dispensing channel communicating, on the one hand, with the container containing the product to be dispensed, and, on the other hand, with the 'outside.

In a known manner, when there are several products to be distributed, the container can comprise several parts, either that it consists of several independent containers, or that it consists of a single container divided by internal partitions into several compartments, each of the containers or compartments being connected to a channel of the same dispensing head. The dispensing head may also contain a compartment for a product different from that contained in the container, this compartment being connected to the distribution channel for the product contained in the container or to a different channel.

It is known that after the distribution of the product, part of it remains in the distribution channel. This part of the product is in contact with air during the air intake from the dispensing head and, possibly, during storage. The product can therefore be degraded by oxidation or contaminated by impurities and microorganisms in the air and, consequently, during a subsequent distribution, the distributed product may have lost its qualities and even become harmful.

In US-A-4,099,651, it has been proposed to solve this problem by a closure system which opens only under the pressure of the product to be dispensed. This patent describes a dispensing head comprising a tubular element fixed to the end piece of a flexible tube; the tubular element contains, over at least part of its length, a flat partition which protrudes from the tubular element: two product outlet channels are thus defined. A sleeve of elastic material is fitted over the tubular element and over the part of the planar partition which projects beyond it. The closure system consists of the edge of the sleeve of elastic material which rests on the two opposite faces of the end of said planar partition; this edge is in contact with these two faces of the partition when there is no distribution, deviates from these faces when there is distribution of the product to be distributed and returns by elasticity in contact with these faces when ceases the distribution.

However, in such a closure system, the contact between the edge of the sleeve and the face of the partition is only ensured by the elasticity of the edge area of the sleeve and this frequently results in a very insufficient seal at rest, whatever the contact surface between the edge of the sleeve and each of the faces of the partition, in particular when the product dispensed is viscous.

US-A-4,124,150 shows a distribution assembly: according to the preamble of claim 1 with a channel and a shutter subjected to the action of a constraint member tending to keep this shutter applied to a seat with which it cooperates to seal the closing contact. The closure system thus formed can be considered relatively sealed. However, the constraint member is formed by a sort of spring blade, in relatively bulky outer projection; the mounting of this constraint member does not appear to be very robust or reliable.

The object of the present invention is to provide for the dispensing assemblies, a robust and reliable closure system, which is perfectly sealed at rest, that is to say when there is no dispensing of product, which does not opens only under the pressure of the product to be dispensed, and which practically does not allow, by itself, air intake. This system is, therefore, aseptic by itself.

A subject of the present invention is therefore a distribution assembly for at least one fluid product according to claim 1, assembly which comprises a container and a distribution head containing at least one distribution channel for the product (s) to be distributed. , a closure system being located at the terminal part, opening onto the outside of (or each) distribution channel, said system being formed by at least one shutter and by at least one seat, which is part of a part of the dispensing head, the shutter (s) being constituted by an elastic lip being in contact with their associated seat when there is no distribution, moving away from said seat by bending perpendicularly to the direction of thrust of the product under the pressure of the product to be dispensed and returning by elasticity in contact with said seat when the dispensing ceases, the (or each) shutter (s) being subjected to the action of a member of constrained e tending to keep it (or them) applied (s) on the seat with which it (s) cooperates (s) to seal the closing contact, characterized in that the lip constituting the shutter is part a piece of flexible material and that the constraint member is constituted by a rigid element pressing on the part made of flexible material or fixed thereon so as to keep the lip applied on the seat.

It is understood that the tightness mentioned in the definition below is only ensured with production imperfections. According to the invention, it must be sufficient to prevent practically any aspiration of air through the closure system after the end of the dispensing of the product, whatever the viscosity of the product to be dispensed. The tightness being somewhat a function of the contact area between the shutter and the seat, the invention, plans to choose a contact area of sufficient size for sealing to be ensured.

According to the present invention, the closure system therefore forms a valve or a valve which can only open in one direction: the direction of distribution of the product.

The closure system according to the invention, which, in practice, consists only of a small contact area between a shutter of flexible material and a seat, has the advantage of being able to adapt to all of the dispensing heads. , whether they are mounted on welded tubes, distributors with follower piston or flexible bag or on rigid bottles. It can also easily be integrated with dispensing heads having very variable aesthetic shapes. Indeed, the flexible part comprising the shutter and the part carrying the seat of the shutter can have various shapes.

The shutter can be of any material that can deform elastically. It is preferably made of natural, synthetic or thermoplastic elastomer. Among the elastomers which can be used, mention may be made, for example, of styrenebutadiene copolymers, nitrile rubbers, polychloroprene or neoprene, EPDM rubber, polyurethanes, silicone rubber and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers.

When the obturator is a lip, it can be constituted by an aluminum sheet fixed on a sheet of plastic material: polyethylene or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or sandwiched between two sheets of plastic.

The seat is preferably made of a rigid material, but can also be, in particular when the shutter has the shape of a lip, of elastic material.

The constraint member has the function of maintaining the shutter applied to the seat during storage and of increasing the pressure necessary to obtain the deformation of the shutter. This improves the tightness of the closure system. It can also have the function of facilitating the return of the shutter to its closed position. It is advantageously adjustable so as to make it possible to adjust the pressure of the product to be dispensed necessary for the opening of the closure system. In the absence of a constraining member, it is often difficult to maintain the seal of the closure during storage before and after the first use of the product to be dispensed.

The rigid element of the constraint member may be a cover or a support holding the piece of flexible material up to the vicinity of the lip, a partition perpendicular to the direction of flow pressing on a wall which is parallel to it, of the elastic piece this wall can be obtained, for example, using an extra thickness of the piece of flexible material.

The end part of the distribution channel is preferably delimited on the one hand, by a part partially made of flexible material comprising the shutter and on the other hand, by a part comprising the seat of the shutter. The channel can be formed in the room comprising the shutter and / or in the room comprising the seat. In this case, the passage of the product from the channel to the closure system is by a slope, so as to facilitate the flow of the product, avoiding a threshold effect. This slope is advantageously located in the seat. The channel can also be delimited by an area where the part comprising the shutter and the part comprising the seat are assembled in a sealed manner, for example by gluing or using a weld bead.

In the closure system, the contact area between the flexible lip and the seat can be curved or wavy; it is preferably made up of a plane portion; said plane portion can be, for example, rectangular or have a shape of a rounded tongue at its end. The lip can slightly protrude from the seat so as to form a spatula for the direct application of the product distributed on a surface, in particular the skin in the case of a cosmetic product. The seat can also protrude from the lip, the product leaving being inside a surface belonging to the part comprising the seat and / or to a cover or support. The plane portion of the contact zone can be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the assembly, oblique to this axis or parallel to this axis, depending on the direction of the terminal part of the channel. The part comprising the lip preferably has the general shape of a blade of elastic material which thins to form the lip; the thinning is preferably in the form of a bevel. The blade may include a core formed by an aluminum sheet so as to make it more impermeable; this core can be placed on or under the blade or be embedded in the elastic material constituting the blade. The blade may or may not extend over the entire cross section of the dispensing head.

According to a first variant, the part comprising the seat and the seat, on which the lip is applied, are made of rigid material. In this case, the constraint member is advantageously constituted by a cover or a support made of rigid material, the blade of elastic material comprising the lip thus being between two rigid parts: the part comprising the seat and the support or cover. We will speak of support for a part located on the side of the container with respect to the blade and we will speak of a cover for a part situated on the side opposite the container with respect to the blade of elastic material. It is understood that the cover or the support leaves free the lip forming part of the blade, so that it can move away from the seat. The cover or support has, preferably, a shape facilitating the application of the lip on the seat and the return of the lip to its rest position in sealed contact with the seat, that is to say that the cover or support has a shape facilitating the elastic memory of the lip. For this purpose, the cover or the support may comprise one or more rib (s) or one or more stud (s) fitting respectively into one or more rib (s) or one or more corresponding cavity (ies) of the blade. The cover can also include a sliding shutter system so as to adjust the stress exerted on the lip.

According to a particular embodiment of this variant, the dispensing head has a lateral outlet, the channel (the channels) of the dispensing head is (are) constituted (s) of a first conduit parallel to the longitudinal axis of the distribution assembly, said first conduit being in communication with the container, and of a second conduit making an angle with the first conduit, the part comprising the seat in rigid material and the blade in elastic material delimiting the second conduit on its entire length and constituting, at the end of the second conduit, a closure system formed by the lip situated at the outer end of the blade and by an end surface of the part comprising the seat. The closure system and part of the second duct are preferably arranged in a lateral extension forming a spout, for example radial, of the dispensing head.

According to a second variant, the seat and the part comprising the seat are made of elastic material. The part comprising the seat can then be formed by a second blade of elastic material, substantially parallel to the first blade, advantageously identical to the first blade, the blade and the seat in elastic material being held externally between rigid walls constituting the stress members. A semi-rigid wall may be provided between the blade and the seat of elastic material, the lip and the seat projecting beyond the end of the semi-rigid wall, the lip and the seat being capable of coming to bear one against the other when the system is at rest; the blade and the part comprising the seat preferably surround the semi-rigid wall and are, in this case, advantageously, molded in one piece.

To allow directing of the product flow at the outlet of the distribution channel, the piece of elastic material includes a product supply channel. It is also possible to provide a channel having the same function in the rigid seat, opposite the piece of elastic material.

The closure system according to the invention can be used in many types of dispensing head.

In a first type, the distribution head does not include an air intake. In this case the vacuum is gradually made in the container. A container is then preferably used comprising a follower piston, said piston approaching the opening of the container as it is dispensed, or a bag or a flexible tube, the walls of the bag or tube closer together during the distribution. In this case the closure system according to the invention, which closes immediately after the passage of the product to be dispensed, can make it possible to avoid mounting a second valve, while the dispensing heads generally used on receptacles with follower piston or pocket usually have two.

The dispensing head may also include a second valve associated with the closure system according to the invention, the latter constituting the first valve. In this case, the push button can carry a piston moving in an internal space forming the pump body. The push button may advantageously include a flexible membrane accessible from the outside which acts as a piston by modifying the volume of the internal space. The volume of the pump body formed can be arranged parallel to or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the assembly, the push button being actuated parallel or perpendicular to said longitudinal axis.

It can be provided that part of the wall of the dispensing head is made of thin elastic material, so that it can be pierced using a hypodermic needle; said needle is used either create a vacuum and, consequently, to eliminate the air and suck the product contained in the container in the dispensing head, without contaminating the dispensing orifice, or to create an overpressure which makes it possible to purge the dispensing head at 1 using a sterile gas, for example nitrogen. The thinned part may constitute a portion of the blade provided with a lip of the closure system.

According to a second type of dispensing head, this comprises an air return valve. This air return valve is preferably constituted by a valve made of elastic material. This valve is preferably in the shape of a bell, advantageously split on the side wall in the vicinity of its top. Said valve is, more particularly, formed in the blade of elastic material forming a shutter.

Many other distribution assemblies according to the invention can be envisaged by those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention.

To better understand the object of the invention, we will describe below, purely by way of illustration and not limitation, several embodiments shown in the accompanying drawing.

• la figure 1 est une vue en coupe longitudinale d'un ensemble de distribution selon l'invention ne comportant pas de seconde valve, en position de stockage ;
• la figure 2 est une vue du meme ensemble de distribution en position de distribution ;
• la figure 3 est une vue en coupe longitudinale d'un autre ensemble de distribution selon l'invention dans lequel la tete de distribution est fixée sur un flacon à pompe ;
• les figures 4 et 5 sont des vues schématiques d'une tete de distribution dans lesquelles le couvercle formant organe de contrainte a différentes formes ;
• les figures 6 et 7 représentent respectivement, en perspective cavalière et en coupe longitudinale, une tete de distribution comportant une valve de reprise d'air ;
• la figure 8 représente une autre tête de distribution avec reprise d'air ;
• la figure 9 illustre schématiquement un ensemble de distribution de deux produits avec un seul canal de sortie ;
• la figure 10 représente une pièce rigide comportant le siège pour la distribution simultanée de deux produits ;
• la figure 11 illustre une variante du mode de réalisation dé la pièce comportant le siège et de la pièce en matériau élastique comportant la lèvre ;
• la figure 12 illustre une variante de la lèvre de distribution formant spatule ;
• la figure 13 représente un ensemble selon l'invention pour la distribution simultanée de deux produits ;
• les figures 14 et 14a représentent respectivement en perspective et en coupe un ensemble de distribution selon l'invention où la distribution est actionnée par un dôme flexible ;
• la figure 15 est une coupe axiale d'une variante de tête de distribution dans laquelle la pièce comportant le siège du système de fermeture est constitué par une lame en matériau élastique ;
• la figure 16 est une variante de la tête de la figure 15 avec pièce intermédiaire semi-rigide entre les deux lames élastiques ;
• la figure 17 est une coupe axiale d'une tête semblable à celle de la figure 16, mais avec sortie axiale et non latérale du produit à distribuer.
• la figure 18 est également une coupe axiale schématique d'une tête semblable à celle de la figure 13 comportant un dispositif particulier de protection des lames élastiques ;
• les figures 19 et 20 représentent en perspective et en coupe axiale une tete semblable à celle de la figure 2 comportant un système particulier de blocage de la lame du système de fermeture ;
• les figures 21a et 21b représentent en coupe axiale et en perspective une tête de distribution à deux valves avec un dispositif particulier d'actionnement de la pompe ;
• la figure 22 représente en coupe axiale, une tête de distribution comportant un autre dispositif particulier d'actionnement de la pompe ;
• la figure 23a représente un ensemble de distribution comportant deux valves avec actionnement de la pompe par un dôme flexible ;
• la figure 23b représentant en agrandi, le détail de la valve inférieure ;
• les figures 24a à 24c représentent en perspective en coupe axiale et en coupe longitudinale, un peigne comportant un dispositif de fermeture selon l'invention, pour l'application d'un produit capillaire ;
• la figure 25 représente en coupe axiale un ensemble, selon l'invention, à corps de pompe horizontal .

On this drawing :

• Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a dispensing assembly according to the invention having no second valve, in the storage position;
• Figure 2 is a view of the same dispensing assembly in the dispensing position;
• Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of another dispensing assembly according to the invention in which the dispensing head is fixed to a pump bottle;
• Figures 4 and 5 are schematic views of a dispensing head in which the cover forming the constraining member has different shapes;
• Figures 6 and 7 show respectively, in perspective perspective and in longitudinal section, a dispensing head comprising a air return valve;
• Figure 8 shows another distribution head with air intake;
• Figure 9 schematically illustrates a distribution assembly of two products with a single outlet channel;
• FIG. 10 represents a rigid part comprising the seat for the simultaneous distribution of two products;
• FIG. 11 illustrates a variant of the embodiment of the part comprising the seat and of the part made of elastic material comprising the lip;
• FIG. 12 illustrates a variant of the dispensing lip forming a spatula;
• FIG. 13 represents an assembly according to the invention for the simultaneous distribution of two products;
• Figures 14 and 14 a respectively show in perspective and in section a dispensing assembly according to the invention where the dispensing is actuated by a flexible dome;
• Figure 15 is an axial section of a variant of the dispensing head in which the part comprising the seat of the closure system is constituted by a blade of elastic material;
• Figure 16 is a variant of the head of Figure 15 with semi-rigid intermediate piece between the two elastic blades;
• Figure 17 is an axial section of a head similar to that of Figure 16, but with axial and non-lateral outlet of the product to be dispensed.
• Figure 18 is also a schematic axial section of a head similar to that of Figure 13 having a particular device for protecting the elastic blades;
• Figures 19 and 20 show in perspective and in axial section a head similar to that of FIG. 2 comprising a particular system for blocking the blade of the closure system;
• Figures 21 a and 21 b show in axial section and in perspective a dispensing head with two valves with a special device for actuating the pump;
• FIG. 22 shows in axial section, a dispensing head comprising another particular device for actuating the pump;
• FIG. 23 a represents a distribution assembly comprising two valves with actuation of the pump by a flexible dome;
• FIG. 23 b showing an enlarged view of the detail of the lower valve;
• Figures 24 a to 24 c show in perspective in axial section and in longitudinal section, a comb comprising a closure device according to the invention, for the application of a hair product;
• Figure 25 shows in axial section an assembly, according to the invention, with pump body horizontal.

According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2 the assembly 1 is constituted by a dispensing head 3 which comprises a single valve constituted by a resilient lip closure system according to the invention, the head being fixed on a tube flexible 2.

The tube 2 is provided with a neck 4 comprising, on the tube side, a part 5 of larger diameter and on the distribution head side, a coaxial part 6 of smaller diameter. Part 5 is provided with two circular beads 5 a and 5 b of identical outside diameters.

The part 6 of smaller diameter has at least one rectangular notch 7 on its upper edge.

The dispensing head 3 is a head with lateral distribution. It has a generally cylindrical shape provided with a radial lateral extension forming a spout 3 a ; the closure system F is located at the outer end of this spout 3 a .

Said head 3 comprises a part 8 comprising the seat situated in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X - X of the assembly 1, covering the entire outer surface of the dispensing head farthest from the tube 2, that is to say ie the upper surface according to FIG. 1. This part 8 comprising the seat has the shape of a disc provided with a radial spout 8 a of rectangular shape projecting towards outside. The part 8 comprising the seat is also provided with a cylindrical cavity 8 b into which is inserted the narrow part 6 of the neck 4 of the tube 2. A groove 8 c ends in the vicinity of the outer edge of the spout 8 a of the part 8 comprising the seat by a slope 8 d inclined towards the outside and towards the tube 2. The internal face (upper in FIG. 1) of the external edge of the spout forms the seat 8 e . The seat 8 e is located in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X - X of the distributor assembly and has the shape of a rectangle.

A blade of elastic material 9 comprising the lip of the closure system is placed in contact with the internal face (lower face in FIG. 1) of the part 8 comprising the seat 8 e and rests on a support 10. The blade of elastic material 9 covers the entire internal surface of the part 8 comprising the seat, that is to say that it has the shape of a disc provided with a spout the end of which is cut at a bevel and which is located at right of the spout 8 a of the part 8 comprising the seat. The beveled end of the spout is inclined towards the part 8 comprising the seat and its edge forms the lip 9 a of the closure system.

In summary, the closure system F, according to the invention, is constituted by the seat formed by the surface 8 e of the spout 8 a and by the lip 9 a of the blade 9, lip formed by the edge of the outside in bevel of the beak.

The support 10 acts as a constraint member. It comprises a rigid flat wall parallel to the part 8 comprising the seat and the blade 9 having the form of a disc 11 provided with a spout 11 has rectangular arranged vis-à-vis the nozzle 8a of the part comprising the seat 8 and the nozzle 9a of the blade 9. the blade spout bevel 9 forms the lip 9a protrudes beyond the beak 11a of the rigid wall. In the flat wall 11 is formed with an axial and circular opening 11 b bordered by a cylindrical skirt 11 c turned towards the tube 2. Said skirt 11 c surrounds the narrowest part 6 of the neck 4 of the tube 2.

The support 10 also includes a peripheral skirt 12 which is fixed to the periphery of the part 8 comprising the seat 8 e by a rib and groove system, except at the edge of the spout 8 a of the part comprising the seat 8 e . This skirt 12 has a notch opposite the spout 11 a of the rigid disc 11.

The skirt 12 is provided on its internal face with a circular bead 12 a which is placed by snapping under the bead 5 a of the part 5 of larger diameter of the neck 4 of the tube 2.

The device operates as follows: when the user wishes to dispense the product contained in the tube 2, he rotates the dispensing head 3 until the notch 7 of the neck 4 comes in front of the groove 8 c of the seat 8. Then he presses the tube 2, which passes the product through the first conduit formed by the neck 4 in the second perpendicular conduit delimited by the blade 9 and the groove 8 c of the part 8 comprising the seat.

When the product arrives at the level of the closing zone F, the lip 9 a formed by the edge deviates by bending from the surface 8 e of the spout 8 a , from the part 8 comprising the seat, perpendicular to the direction of thrust of the product and the product can come out as illustrated in FIG. 2. The support 10 which holds the blade limits the movement of the lip 9 a when the closing system is opened. As soon as the user stops pressing on the tube 2, there is no more thrust of the product to be dispensed at the closure system F and the lip 9 a returns, by elasticity, in contact with the seat 8 e , in the closing zone F. The support 10 then exerts on the blade 9 a certain constraint which applies the lip 9 a against the seat 8 e and ensures the desired desired tightness . The air can no longer enter the tube 2 and, therefore, the product cannot be contaminated by impurities or microorganisms, nor oxidized.

Figure 3 shows, like Figures 1 and 2, a dispensing assembly in which the closure system F comprises a lip carried by a blade of elastic material, but the dispensing head is fixed on a pump bottle. The entire distribution is designated by 101 as a whole. It comprises a rigid bottle 102, on which is fixed a pump system 104 and a distribution head 103. The distribution head 103 has a radial external projection forming a spout 103 a at the end of which is disposed the closure system F.

According to the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the bottle 102 contains a dip tube 102 b and is provided on the edge of its side wall, opening side, of an external thread 102a.

The pump 104 is mounted on the bottle 102, opening side.

The pump 104 comprises an outer cover 105 constituted by a first cylindrical skirt 105 a carrying an internal screw pitch 105 g corresponding to the external screw pitch 102 a of the bottle, an annular shoulder 105 b , located in a plane perpendicular to the axis longitudinal Y - Y of the distribution assembly which rests on the edge of the opening of the bottle 102, a second cylindrical skirt 105 c parallel to the first skirt 105 a but of smaller diameter and a second annular shoulder 105 d parallel to the first shoulder 105 b in which an opening is formed circular 105 e centered on the Y - Y axis. The skirt 105 c carries a discontinuous internal annular collar 105 f . The pump system 104 also comprises an element 106 of cylindro-conical shape, the conical part of which faces the bottle 102. This element 106 is provided on the outer edge of its cylindrical part with an annular flange 106 a which rests on the discontinuous annular flange 105 f of the outer cover 105. The edge of the conical part of the element 106 is connected to a cylindrical duct 106 b into which the dip tube 102 b fits. The cylindrical-conical element 106 contains a spring 107 in compression and a ball 108 with a diameter greater than that of the conduit 106 b and less than that of the cylindrical part of the element 106. A hollow piston 110 providing an axial internal conduit 109 can slide in the cylindrical part of the element 106. It comprises, first of all, an enlarged part 110 a having an outside diameter equal, apart from the necessary clearance, to the inside diameter of the cylindrical part of the element 106, part 110 a on which the spring 107 is supported, secondly, a part 110 b of external diameter equal, apart from the necessary clearance, to the diameter of the opening 105 e of the cover 105 and thirdly, a part 110 c of diameter lower, which is fitted into the dispensing head 103. On the edge of this part 110 c is formed a rectangular notch 114.

The dispensing head 103 consists of a part 111 comprising the seat 111 e , of a blade 112 comprising the lip 112 a of the closure system F and of a support 113. The part 111 comprising the seat is a disc in rigid plastic material fitted with a spout 111 a . This disc 111 rests on the edge of the part 110 c of the hollow piston 110. In the part 111 comprising the seat 111 e is formed a groove 111 c radial which extends from the edge of the part 110 c of the hollow piston 110 to the nozzle 111 a . The groove 111 c ends with a slope 111 d inclined towards the outside and towards the bottle 102. The edge of the spout 111 a is also inclined towards the outside in the direction of the bottle 102 and ends with a flat rectangular surface 111 e constituting the seat. A blade made of elastic material 112 is disposed on a rigid support 113, under the internal face of the part 111 comprising the seat. The blade 112 also has the shape of a disc provided with a radial beak. It has a circular opening 112 b for the passage of the part 110 c of the hollow piston 110. On the edge of this opening 112 b is cut a chamfer 112 c which opens in the radial groove 111 c of the seat 111. The end of the beak of the blade 112 is beveled so as to form a lip 111 a which is in contact with the seat 111 e . The seat 111 e and the lip 112 a of the blade 112 in contact with the latter form the closure system F according to the invention.

The rigid support 113, on which the blade 112 rests, acts as a restraining member. It consists of a disc-shaped element provided with a radial spout 113 a , having a flat surface on the blade side, and carrying an outer skirt 113 b extending on either side of the element 113, except at level of the edge of the spout 113 a where it extends only in the direction of the bottle 102. This skirt 113 b fits onto the edge of the part 111 comprising the seat 111 e by a system of rib and groove, except at nozzle tip level 111 a . The edge of the part facing the bottle 102 of the skirt 113 b is located in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Y - Y of the dispensing assembly and it is circular; its inner diameter is greater than that of the portion 105 c of the outer cover 105 so as to be slidable thereon. The skirt 113 b is in its cylindrical assembly, except at the level of the spout 103 a of the dispensing head 103, where it has a curved shape allowing it to adapt to the shape of the spout 103 a . The support 113 also carries a cylindrical internal skirt 113 c , having an internal diameter equal, apart from the necessary clearance, to the external diameter of the part 110 b of the hollow piston 110. In the support 113 is formed a circular opening 113 d having a diameter equal, except for the necessary clearance, to the external diameter of the 110 c part of the hollow piston. The support 113 is supported by an annular flat 113 e located between the opening 113 d and the skirt 113 c on the flat located between the parts 110 b and 110 c of the hollow piston. It can be seen that the head 103 is movable in rotation around the hollow piston 110.

The assembly illustrated in Figure 3 operates as follows. When the user wishes to dispense the product contained in the bottle 102, he pivots the head 103 around the part 110 c of the hollow piston 110 until the notch 114 is opposite the chamfer 112 c provided at the edge of the opening 112 b of the blade 112, which allows the conduit 109 to communicate with the radial groove 111 c of the seat 111. The user then presses on the external surface (upper, in FIG. 3) of room 111 comprising the seat. The head 103 sinks, the piston 110 compresses the spring 107 and the skirt 113 b slides on the part 105 c of the outer cover 105 and the ball 108 closes the conduit 106 b . The product contained in the element 106 and in the internal conduit 109 of the piston 110 is pushed towards the closing system F. The lip 112 a of the beak of the blade 112 moves away from the seat 111 e and the product is dispensed. When the user stops pressing, the dispensing head 103 rises by the action of the spring 107 and, under the influence of the vacuum formed, the ball 108 goes up releasing the conduit 106 b and a new quantity of product to be dispensed enters the cylindrical-conical element 106. This new quantity will be distributed when the user exerts a new pressure on the part comprising the seat 111. It can be seen that the system closing F replaces the second ball usually used in pump systems to prevent air from entering.

FIG. 4 represents a dispensing head designated as a whole by 203 comprising a part 204 comprising the seat of the closure system, a blade of elastic material 205 comprising the lip of the closure system and a cover 206 acting as a constraint member . The blade 205 is hollowed out of a groove 205 a in which a rib 206 a of the cover fits. The blade 205 is thus stiffened, which allows it to the lip formed by its beveled end to return more easily to contact with the seat making it opposite.

FIG. 5 represents another dispensing head, designated as a whole by 303, in which the cover has a shape making it possible to apply the lip to the seat and to facilitate the return of the lip of the closure system, according to the invention , in its rest position in tight contact with the seat. The blade 305 rests on a piece 304 comprising the seat. Said blade 305 comprises an end portion having roughly, in section along a longitudinal plane, substantially the shape of a right triangle, one side 305 a of which is perpendicular to the general plane of the blade. The dispensing head 303 has a cover 306 parallel to the blade 305, which is provided with a return 306 a perpendicular to the general plane of the cover 306 and therefore to the blade 305 and which presses on the side 305 a of the blade 305 thus applying the lip carried by the blade 305 on the seat being part of part 304 which faces it opposite. In addition, said blade 305 is thus partially stiffened, which allows the lip to return more easily to contact with the seat.

Figures 6 and 7 show a dispensing head, designated as a whole by 403, comprising an air intake. The dispensing head comprises a support 404, a blade 405 carrying, on the one hand, the lip 405 a of the closing device F and the air return valve 409, a part 406 comprising the seat 406 a also serving as member for holding the blade 405 in place and a cover 410 intended to block the closing device F and the air return valve 409.

The support 404 comprises a cylindrical skirt 411 which, according to the embodiment shown in Figure 7, is fixed by screwing on the neck of a bottle (not shown). Perpendicular to the skirt 411 is fixed a generally flat disc 414 carrying a thickening 414 a located directly above the closing device F , the section of which has the shape of a rectangular trapezoid, the oblique side being turned towards the bottle and towards inside the dispensing head 403. A duct 412 secured to the disc 414 opens at the level of said oblique side and it is in communication with a dip tube 413. The disc 414 is also provided with a circular opening 414 c . The blade of elastic material 405 has a lip 405 c formed by its beveled end which rests on the seat 406 a formed by the edge of the part 406.

A channel 414 b delimited by the part 406 forming a seat and the thickening 414 c , on the one hand, and the bevel of the blade 405, on the other hand, connects the conduit 412 and the closing system F constituted by the lip 405 has blade 405 and seat 406 has part 406. It can be noted that in the embodiment of Figures 6 and 7, the closure system F is not located in a side spout, but on the top of the dispensing head 403, the dispensing channel being oblique to the longitudinal axis of the 'together. After the part having the bevel-shaped end, the thickness of the blade 405 decreases by forming a shoulder 405 b and it carries, in this thinner part a valve 409, in the shape of a bell, the apex of which is turned towards the bottle and which is split, on its side wall at 409 a . The blade 405 is covered by the part 406 comprising the seat which is fixed by fitting on the support 404 and comprises a return 406 b pressing against the shoulder 405 b . The part 406 comprising the seat 406 a is provided with two openings, one for the closure F according to the invention and another for the valve 409. The dispensing head 403 is protected by a cover 410 fitting onto the support 404 and is fixed to it by a film hinge 410 a . The face of the cover, on the dispensing head side is provided with two bosses, one 410 b allowing the protection and blocking of the closing system F and the other 410 c blocking the air intake valve 409.

The device operates as follows: the user lifts the cover 410, then he actuates the dispensing head 403 by pressing on the flexible bottle. The product passes through the dip tube 413, then into the conduit 412 and into the channel 414 b . The lip 405 a of the blade 405 moves away from the seat 406 a and the product is dispensed. The wall 406 b of the part 406 comprising the seat pressing on the wall 405 b of the blade tends to apply the lip 405 a to the seat 406 a and facilitates the return of the lip 405 a to its rest position. When the user stops dispensing, the edge of the lip 405 a of the blade 405 comes back to rest in a sealed manner on the edge 406 a under the influence of the vacuum formed after dispensing a dose of product, the lips of the slot 409 a of the valve 409 move apart and air enters the bottle. Finally, the user closes the cover 410.

FIG. 8 illustrates a dispensing head with a lateral spout designated as a whole by 803 comprising a bell-shaped valve 809 formed in the blade 805, this blade 805 resting on a part 804 comprising the seat and being covered by a cover 806. This dispensing head 806 is not protected by a cover, but the cover 806 is partially movable in rotation around a hinge so as to be able to open or close access to the air return valve 809. The cover 806 serves both as a restraining member and as a blocking member of the air return valve.

FIG. 9 schematically represents an assembly 601 for dispensing a mixture of a pasty product B packaged in a flask 602 with follower piston 602 b and of a tracer product A, also pasty, contained in a dispensing head 603 comprising a lateral spout 603 a in which the closing system F is arranged (blade lip 605 and flat surface forming the seat of the part 604).

FIG. 10 represents the part forming the seat of a dispensing head for the simultaneous distribution of two products in which two parallel channels are provided.

FIG. 11 shows the blade of elastic material 705 and the part 704 comprising the seat in a dispensing head 703 comprising a lateral spout. The edge 704 a of the dispensing orifice serves as a seat for a lip 705 a of the blade 705. Said blade 705 has ribs 705 b which fit into the corresponding grooves 704 b of the seat 704 and serve on the one hand to seal the assembly, on the other hand to stiffen the blade and apply the lip 705 a to the seat 704 a .

FIG. 12 represents a dispensing head 503 in which the blade of elastic material 505 projects from the seat of the part 504 forming a seat so as to be able to act as an application spatula.

FIG. 13 represents a distribution assembly designated as a whole by 901 comprising a tube 902, closed by a distribution head 903, which is surmounted by a cover 907 and which is constituted by a part 904 comprising two symmetrical seats 945 c , 945 d , an elastic glove finger 905 which carries two elastic lips 955 in combination with 956 a , 956 b cooperating with the two seats so as to form two closure systems Fa and Fb and a capsule 906 forming a constraint member.

The tube 902 is constituted by an envelope 921 closed at one end by a weld 922. The end opposite to the weld is provided with a neck 923 carrying an external thread 924 and on a part of smaller outside diameter, a 925 annular snap system formed by a groove and a bead. At the junction between the tube 902 and its neck 923, said neck carries an internal annular flange 926. The tube is divided into two compartments 927 a and 927 b by a plane partition 928 located in the plane of symmetry of the tube. Compartment 927 a contains product A and compartment 927 b contains product B.

The distribution head 903 has two channels 941 a and 941 b for distributing the product; each of the channels 941 a and 941 b is closed respectively by a closing system F a and F b according to the invention.

Room 904 with the seat is constituted by a disc-shaped piece 942 which fits into a rib-groove system on the flange 926 in the vicinity of the junction between this flange and the internal wall of the neck 923. The piece 942 is provided with two chimneys 943 a and 943 b arranged symmetrically with respect to the partition 928 and extending respectively in the direction of compartment 927 a and of compartment 927 b . The disc 942 carries a parallelepipedal finger 944 of rectangular section centered on the axis of symmetry of the dispensing head 903 in the extension of the partition 928. The finger 944 carries on its faces arranged symmetrically with respect to the partition 928, two grooves 945 a and 945 b forming with the thermowell 905 the outlet channels 941 a and 941 b for each of the products A and B. These outlet channels stop before the end of the finger 944, providing flat surfaces 945 c and 945 d which are respectively part of the closing devices F a and F b in the channels 941 a and 941 b .

The finger 944 preferably comprises, on the faces opposite those carrying the grooves, two longitudinal ribs (not shown) intended to cooperate with corresponding grooves (not shown) of the thermowell 905, to facilitate its mounting. The thermowell 905 is threaded onto the finger 944 of the part 904 comprising the seat. It comprises an annular collar 951 which rests on the collar 942 of the seat and has an outside diameter equal to the inside diameter of the neck 923 of the tube 902. The collar 951 is extended by a cylindrical part 952 of smaller diameter, connected to a cylindrical part 954 of even smaller diameter, by a frustoconical part 953. The thermowell 905 ends in a beveled tip 955 forming lips. The thermowell 905 is pierced by an inner conduit which matches the shape of the finger 944. This conduit comprises two flat surfaces 956 a and 956 b which rest on the faces of the finger 944 hollowed out from the grooves 945 a and 945 b . The end of these flat surfaces corresponding to the end of the bevelled end piece 955 forming the lips cooperates with the flat surfaces 945 c and 945 d of the seat to form respectively the closing devices F a and F b according to the invention.

The capsule 906 is formed of a cylindrical-conical skirt 961, the internal wall of which rests on the external wall of the parts 952, 953 and 954 of the thermowell 905. The conical part of the external wall of the skirt 961 is in the extension of the beveled tip 955 forming the lips. The capsule 906 comprises a second external skirt 962 provided internally with a bead 963 cooperating, by snap, with the bead 925 of the neck 923 of the tube.

The dispensing head 903 is covered, as shown in FIG. 13, with a cover 907. This cover has a bottom 971 and a cylindrical skirt 972. The edge of the skirt 972 internally carries a thread 973 cooperating with the external thread 924 the neck 923 of the tube 902 for fixing, by screwing, the cover 907 to the neck 923 of the tube 902. The bottom 971 of the cover 907 carries an internal skirt 974 whose inner wall matches the shape of the outer wall of the end piece beveled 955 forming lips of the thimble 905. This skirt protects the closure systems F a and F b during storage and prevents the lips 955 from being spread apart by accident.

The device operates as follows. When the user wishes to dispense the two products contained in the tube, he presses on either side of the tube, perpendicular to the partition 928. For example, product A, under the action of this pressure, passes through the chimney 943 a , then in channel 941 a and at the level of the flat surface 945 c , there bends apart the lip formed by the bevelled end 955 of the elastic thimble 905. The closing device F a is opened and the product is dispensed. When the user stops pressing on the tube, the lip returns by elasticity to his seat formed by the flat surface 945 d . The closing device F a is sealed and the air can no longer enter the compartment 927 a . The distribution process for product B is identical. Finally, the user fixes the cover 907 on the tube to cover the dispensing head.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 and 14 , the dispensing assembly is designated by 1001. Said assembly is more particularly intended for the distribution of products in the form of a single dose or of a sample.

In this assembly, the dispensing head and the container are integrated. The assembly is constituted by a rigid part 1004 comprising the seat 1004 a of the closing system F, a blade 1005 carrying the lip 1005 a of the system F and a cover 1006 forming a constraint member, the blade 1005 being in sandwich between the part comprising the seat 1004 and the cover 1006. The system F is protected by a breakable plate 1007.

The assembly has the appearance of a housing comprising a rectangular part 1001 a essentially constituting the container part and a trapezoidal part 1001 b essentially constituting the part forming the dispensing head.

The part 1004 comprising the seat consists of a plastic plate which is hollowed out in its trapezoidal part of a channel 1004 c which ends in a slope 1004 b , the part 1004 ending in a flat surface 1004 a which constitutes the closing system seat F.

The blade 1005 in its trapezoidal part ends in a bevel so as to form a lip 1005 a which cooperates with the seat 1004 a in the closure system F. According to the embodiment shown, the lip 1005 a extends beyond the seat 1004 a to form a spatula facilitating the application of the dispensed product.

At the level of the square part 1001 a of the assembly 1001 the blade 1005 forms a dome 1005 b which defines a chamber 1002 forming a container for the product above the part 1004 comprising the seat 1004 a .

The cover provided with an opening 1006 a surrounded by a crown 1006 b through which the dome 1005 b is accessible. In the trapezoidal part, it ends with an oblique partition 1006 c , which cooperates with a corresponding oblique partition with a thickening 1005 c of the blade 1005, so as to press the lip 1005 a on the seat 1004 a .

The plate 1007 for locking the closing system F is a plastic plate having in its thickness a notch 1071 into which the lip 1005 a penetrates. The lower wall 1072 of this notch is welded by a self-breaking weld to the piece 1004 at the seat 1004 a and the upper wall 1073 which is thin and has a certain elasticity pinches the blade 1005.

When the user wishes to distribute the product, he removes the wafer 1007 by turning it to break the weld between the wall 1071 and the part 1004 and then releases the lip 1005 a . To distribute the product, it presses on the elastic dome 1005 b. Under the pressure exerted, the product leaves chamber 1002 and passes through channel 1004 c . The product then separates the lip 1005 a from the seat 1004 a and the product leaves.

When the user stops pressing the elastic dome 1005 b the lip 1005 a returns in tight contact with the seat 1004 a .

Figures 15 to 18 show dispensing heads comprising a closure system constituted by an elastic blade resting on an also elastic seat.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the elastic blade 1105 with its lip 1105 a comprising the seat formed by its beveled end rests on a piece 1104 of elastic material, preferably similar to that of the blade 1105. The seat 1104 has the shape of a blade and ends in a bevel 1104 a , constituting the seat substantially symmetrical of the bevel 1105 a with respect to the joint plane of the two blades.

The assembly of the blade 1105 and of the part 1104 comprising the seat is sandwiched between a rigid cover 1107 and a rigid support 1108 forming stress members. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the dispensing head 1103 has a lateral spout 1103 a containing the outlet channel for the substance to be dispensed. The channel 1105 b is hollowed out in the blade 1105 and extends to the lip 1105 a . A conduit 1109 crosses the support 1108 in the direction orthogonal to the mid-plane of this support and it is connected to the channel 1105 b . The support 1108 comprises, on the side opposite the seat 1104, means 1111 allowing its connection to the neck of a follower piston container or a flexible pocket.

FIG. 16 shows a variant 1203 of the dispensing head with lateral outlet from FIG. 15. The dispensing head comprises a blade 1205 provided with a lip 1205 a and a flexible piece 1204 comprising the seat sandwiched between a support 1208 and a cover 1207 forming organs of constraint. The blade 1205 is identical to the blade 1105 of FIG. 15 but the part 1204 comprising the seat 1204 a has a longitudinal recess 1210 which extends to a lip 1204 a identical to the lip 1105 a of the blade 1105, the seat 1204 a being symmetrical to the lip 1205 a with respect to the plane of the joint.

According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, a rigid or semi-rigid wall, forming a partial stiffener, is disposed in the recess 1210. This wall 1212 extends substantially from the external contour of the conduit 1209 passing through the support 1208 to lip 1204 a .

FIG. 17 represents a dispensing head 1303 comprising, like that shown in FIG. 16, a blade 1305 and an elastic support 1304 comprising the seat 1304 a separated by a stiffener 1312 but arranged for an outlet of the product in the axial direction of the container 1302. The blade 1305 and the elastic support 1304 are provided at their end respectively with a lip 1305 a and a seat 1304 a and are symmetrical with respect to their joint plane, this joint plane passing, according to the mode of embodiment shown, by the axis of the container 1302. The wall 1312 forming a stiffener is disposed between the blade 1305 and the part 1304 forming a seat 1304 a . It is hollowed out by two symmetrical canals 1312 a and 1312 b . The product leaves the container 1302 through an opening 1314 whose diameter is sufficient for the product to be able to engage on either side of the wall 1312, in the channels 1312a and 1312 b in the direction of the lip 1305 a and of the seat 1304 a and the exit slot.

The blade 1305 and the part 1304 comprising the seat have at their lower part, a flange 1315 extending radially outwards, suitable for being clamped by the lower edge of a sleeve 1316 provided in a rigid envelope 1317 surrounding the blade 1305 and the part comprising the seat 1304 and ensuring fastening by snap-fastening on the neck of the container 1302. The rigid envelope 1317 constitutes the constraint member. It has an upper roof end 1318 which holds the blade 1305 and the seat 1304 at the base of the lips 1305 a and 1304 a which protrude freely from this envelope 1317. It should be noted that the blade 1305 and the part 1304 with the seat can form two separate parts or a single part.

FIG. 18 shows a variant of the dispensing head shown in FIG. 13. The dispensing head 1403 comprises a thermowell 1405 which is threaded on a finger-shaped support 1404 of rectangular parallelepiped shape so as to form two symmetrical closing systems F a and F b for the output of products A and B respectively.

According to the embodiment shown in Figure 18, the capsule 1406 which externally holds the thermowell 1405, has a cylindrical skirt 1461 provided at its upper part with a bead which is inserted in a corresponding circular groove of the blade 1405 near the beginning of the bevel 1405 a of the blade. This skirt has an external thread which carries a crimping ring 1407. By screwing this ring, it can be moved between a low position where it blocks the blade 1405 and a high position (shown in dotted lines in FIG. 18 ) of use where the blade 1405 is released.

Figures 19 and 20 show a dispensing head 1603 with side spout comprising a blade 1605 sandwiched between a rigid part 1604 comprising the seat and a cover 1606 forming constraint organ. On the cover 1606 is formed a rectangular opening 1661 arranged symmetrically with respect to the median plane of the blade and extending from the limit of the bevel 1605 a of the blade 1605 diametrically to the vicinity of the edge of the cover opposite the spout 1603 a the dispensing head 1603. In this opening can slide according to the double arrow f , a tongue 1607 which modifies according to, its position, the flexibility of the lip of the blade 1605 so as to adjust the pressure of the product necessary for the opening of the closing system.

FIGS. 21 a and 21 b show an embodiment of a dispensing head 1903, with side nozzle 1903 a , forming a pump. The dispensing head 1903 comprises a part 1904 comprising the seat 1904 d provided with a spout 1904 a . In the piece 1904 is radially dug a channel 1904 b which extends in the beak 1904 a and ends at the level of the bead comprising a flat surface constituting the seat 1904 d . The piece 1904 comprising the seat is provided with an external skirt 1941 arranged so as to be able to be fixed on the container (not shown) and an internal skirt 1942 whose wall is locally coincident with that of the skirt 1941 which defines a conduit 1909 connecting the container and the channel 1904 b . This conduit 1909 contains a ball valve 1913 in which the ball is held on the dispensing head side. The blade made of elastic material 1905 rests on the part 1904 comprising the seat and comprises a bevel-shaped part 1905 a whose lip cooperates with the surface 1904 d of the support to form the closure system F according to the invention. After the bevelled part 1905 a , the blade 1905 has a smaller thickness and it has, opposite the pipe 1909, a part 1951 in the shape of a bell, the side wall of which has an annular step 1952 forming a bellows and the top of which is hollowed out by a partially spherical cavity 1953. The blade 1905 is surmounted by a cover 1906 fixed on the support 1904 except at the end of the spout 1903 a and which has an internal skirt 1961 whose lower edge bears on the thinned part of the blade 1905 and against the wall of the bevel 1905 a . In the cover 1906 is formed a circular opening 1962, situated opposite the bell-shaped part 1951 of the blade, and having a diameter greater than the maximum diameter of said part 1951 at its base. A pusher 1910 is introduced into the opening 1962. It includes a dome 1914 connected to a flange 1912. The flange 1912 is pressed against the internal wall of the cover 1906 using a spring 1914. Said spring 1914 is mounted around of the bell 1951 and rests, on the one hand, on the flange 1912, on the other hand, on the thinned part of the blade 1905. The dome 1911 carries in its center a rod 1911 a on the end of which a sphere is fixed 1911 b . This sphere 1 911 b is inserted into the cavity 1953 of the bell shaped portion 1951 of the blade 1905.

The device operates as described below. When the user wishes to distribute the product, he presses on the dome 1911 by crushing the spring 1914. The bell-shaped part 1951 deforms and its internal volume E decreases; the ball valve 1913 is closed. The pressure of the product contained in the space E and the channel 1904 b causes the opening of the closure system F and the product is dispensed. When the user releases his pressure on the dome 1911, the spring brings the flange 1912 in abutment against the cover 1906, the bell-shaped part 1951 resumes its shape by elasticity and the internal space E increases causing a depression. At the same time, the closing system F closes tightly. The vacuum in the internal space E causes the opening of the ball valve 1913 and a suction of the product, of the container in the internal space E.

FIG. 22 represents a variant of the piston system shown in FIGS. 21 a and 21 b . The dispensing head 2003 comprises a part 2004 comprising the seat on which rests a blade 2005 surmounted by a cover 2006. The part 2004 comprising the seat is similar to the part comprising the seat of FIG. 21 a . It includes a conduit 2009 connecting the container not shown and the channel 2004 c dug in the room 2004 and containing a ball valve 2013.

According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 22, the conduit 2009 is extended on the blade side 2005. Said blade 2005 comprises a beveled part 2005 a and a thinned part which carries a cylindrical skirt 2051 surrounding the extension of the conduit 2009. The cover 2006 is provided with an opening 2062 of diameter greater than that of the skirt 2051, opening in which is mounted a dome 2011 provided with a collar 2012. A spring 2014 surrounds the skirt 2051 and is supported, on the one hand, on the thinned part of the blade 2005 and, on the other hand, on the collar 2012. In its center, the dome 2011 carries at the end of a rod 2011 a , a piston 2011 b capable of sliding in leaktight manner inside of the extension of the 2009 pipe which forms the pump body.

To operate the 2003 distribution head, the user presses on the dome 2011 and the piston 2011 b , advances by reducing the internal space E of the extension of the pipe 2009 forming the pump body. The rest of the operation of the apparatus is then similar to that described in the case of FIGS. 21 a and 21 b .

FIG. 23 a schematically represents a dispensing assembly 2101 in which the product to be dispensed is contained in a flexible pocket 2102 protected by a rigid enclosure 2110 provided with an air intake opening 2110 a . The dispensing head 2103 is of the type with lateral outlet fitted with a nozzle 2103 a and which acts as a pump. Said head 2103 comprises a piece 2104 comprising the seat on which is fixed the flexible pocket 2102 and which is fixed on the edge of the rigid enclosure 2110. A blade 2105 is placed on the piece 2104 comprising the seat and is held by a cover 2106. The part 2104 comprising the seat is constituted by a plate 2141 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the assembly 2101 generally having the form of a disc provided with a spout. At the end of the spout, the piece 2104 comprises a bead 2104 a having an oblique flat surface 2104 d forming a seat facing the axis of the assembly and towards the container. It comprises a cylindrical skirt turned towards the cover 2142 which surrounds the blade except at the end of the spout 2103 a and a skirt 2143 turned downwards, onto which the flexible tube is welded. The part is pierced in the vicinity of its axis with a circular opening 2144 on which is fixed a non-return valve with bell constituted by a valve 2113 illustrated in more detail in FIG. 23 b . This bell valve consists of two capsules 2114 and 2115, the lower capsule 2114 being of relatively rigid plastic and the capsule 2115, being relatively flexible so that it can deform. The two capsules are fixed to each other by fitting. The two capsules 2114 and 2115 are each provided with a skirt 2116 and 2117 turned towards one another by forming a tight seal and capable of sliding against each other until separating leaving a space between them during the deformation of the capsule 2115. The capsules 2114 and 2115 have openings 2118 and 2119 respectively which can only be brought into communication when the skirts 2116 and 2117 are separated. The blade 2105 comprises in the beak 2103 has a bevelled part 2105 a which bears in a sealed manner on the surface 2104 d forming a seat and a thinned part in the form of a dome 2111, the dome having at its base a diameter greater than that of the bell valve 2113. Between the dome 2111 and the closing system F, the blade 2105 is hollowed out with a channel 2105 b . The cover 2106 covers the blade except in its part corresponding to the closing system F and it is provided in its center with a circular opening 2161 through which the dome 2111 projects outside.

The device of Figure 23 has functions as described below. When the user wishes to dispense the product contained in the flexible tube 2102, he presses on the elastic dome 2111 which reduces the internal space E contained under said dome 2111, the valve 2113 being closed. The product contained in the space E and in the channel 2105 b undergoes an overpressure and opens the closing system F. When the user stops pressing on the dome 2111, the closing system F closes again and the dome resumes its forms by elasticity which causes the formation of a depression in the internal space E. The valve 2113 opens and product is transferred from the flexible tube 2102 in the space E.

Figures 24 a to 24 c show a set 2201 according to the invention serving as a comb for applying a hair product. The handle of the comb consists of a rigid enclosure 2210, provided with an air intake opening 2210 a and containing a flexible pocket 2202. On the handle of the comb: (rigid enclosure 2210 and flexible pocket 2202), is fixed a dispensing head 2203 which has the shape of a cone of oval section provided with teeth 2245. In the following description, the assembly 2201 will be considered to be arranged horizontally as shown in FIGS. 24 a and 24 b . The dispensing head 2203 consists of a part 2204 comprising the seat carrying on each side, a row of horizontal teeth 2245. On the support 2204 rests an elastic blade 2205 protected by a shell 2206 forming a constraining member disposed on said blade 2205, which is welded at its periphery to the edge of the support 2204. The support 2204 comprises a vertical disc 2241 which closes the rigid enclosure 2210. This disc 2241 carries a skirt 2242 which fits into the rigid enclosure and is used for fixing the flexible pocket 2202, the edge of the latter being wedged between said skirt 2242 and the internal wall of the rigid enclosure 2210. On the side opposite the skirt 2242, the disc 2241 carries an eccentric duct 2243 which is indented on its upper part, shell side 2206, to allow the fixing of the blade 2205 between the part 2204 and the shell 2206. The conduit 2243 is hollowed out on the lower side, below the blade 2205, of a cavity of parallelepiped shape having on the handle side, a vertical wall 2244 a . The duct 2243 is extended at its lower part by a shell 2246 which is hollowed out, along its axis of symmetry, by a product supply channel 2247, as visible in FIG. 24 c . At the teeth 2245 of the part 2204, the lateral edges of the blade 2205 form a bevel 2205 a and 2205 b respectively, which rests on the symmetrical edges of the shell 2246 which form the seat. Consequently, the edges of the shell 2246 and the lips of the bevels 2205 a and 2205 b of the blade 2205 respectively form the lips and the seats of the closure systems F a and F b according to the invention. The blade carries, at the teeth 2245 of the comb, a groove 2253 disposed on the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the blade. Shortly after the fixing zone between the cover and the notch of the conduit 2243, the blade forms a dome 2251, a space E being formed between this dome 2251 and the shell 2246. Furthermore, at the level of the conduit 2243, the blade 2205 2252 carries a lug facing 2204 part which rests on the wall 2244 has located handle side of the cavity 2244 of the piece 2204. the wall 2244 form a seat for the closed lip ergot in 2252 and all wall-lip constitutes a valve F c . The cover 2206 is fixed by welding or snapping on the edge of the support 2204, except at the level of the closure systems F a and F b where the cover 2206 comprises two notches 2261 a and 2261 b for the passage of the bevels 2205 a and 2205 b of the blade 2205. The cover 2206 is provided with a rib 2263 complementary to the rib 2253 of the blade. The cover 2206 is pierced with a circular opening 2262 through which the dome 2251 projects.

The device operates as described below. When the user wishes to distribute the product, he grasps the comb by the handle constituted by the rigid enclosure 2210, and he presses on the dome 2251. He thus reduces the space E and product, the valve F c being closed, an overpressure on the product contained in this space. Under the pressure of the product, the lips 2205 a and 2205 b move away from the seat formed by the edge of the shell 2204 and the closure systems Fa and Fb open. The product is distributed over the comb teeth 2245. When the user stops pressing on the dome 2251, the closure systems F a and F b close again, the lips 2205 a and 2205 b returning to the seat formed by the edge of the shell 2204, the dome 2251 resumes its shape by elasticity, which causes a depression in space E; the valve F c opens, the lug 2252 moving away from the wall 2244 a and the product contained in the flexible tube 2202 is sucked into space E by the line 2243. Simultaneously, the user can distribute the product distributed, in the hair using the comb.

FIG. 25 represents an assembly 2301 according to the invention, the dispensing head 2303 of which comprises a lateral spout 2303 a and in the form of a pump, the push-button 2308 actuating the piston being of lateral access. On the dispensing head 2303 is welded a flexible pocket 2302, which is protected by a rigid enclosure 2310 provided with an air intake opening 2310 a . In the dispensing head 2303, the part 2304 comprising the seat and the cover 2306 define an internal space E forming a piston body which is arranged laterally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the enclosure 2310. A lateral push button 2308 mounted on a spring 2314 carries a piston 2381 capable of sliding horizontally in the piston body as shown in FIG. 27. The space E is connected to the flexible bag 2302 by a ball valve 2313 and to the outside by a channel 2304 c to a closing system F whose seat is formed by the surface 2304 d of the part 2304 on which the lip 2305 rests has an elastic blade 2305.

Claims (21)

1. A unit (1) for the dispensing of at least one fluid product, which unit comprises a container (2) and a dispensing head (3) containing at least one dispensing duct (8c) for the product(s) to be dispensed, a closing system (F) being situated at the end portion opening towards the outside of the (or each) dispensing duct (8b), the said system (F) being formed by an obturator (9a) and by at least one seat (8e) which forms part of a component (8) of the dispensing head (3), the obturator (or obturators) (9a) being constituted by an elastic lip (9a) being in contact with the associated seat (8e) when no dispensing action takes place, moving away from the said seat (8e) by flexure perpendicularly to the direction of the thrust of the product under the pressure of the product to be dispensed and returning by resilience into contact with the said seat (8e) when the dispensing stops, the (or each of the) obturator(s) (9a) being subjected to the action of a constraining element (10) tending to keep it (or them) applied to the seat (8e) wherewith it (or they) cooperate(s) to ensure the seal of the closing contact, characterized in that the lip (9a) constituting the obturator forms part of a component made of a flexible material (9) and that the constraining element is constituted by a rigid element (10) bearing on the component (9) of a flexible material, or fixed on the latter so as to keep the lip (9a) applied to the seat (8e).
2. A unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the obturator (9a) is a natural, synthetic or thermoplastic elastomer.
3. A unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the obturator is constituted by an aluminium foil fixed to a sheet made of a plastic material or sandwiched between two sheets made of a plastic material.
4. A unit according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the seat (8) is made of a rigid material.
5. A unit according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least the end portion of the dispensing duct (8c) is delimited on the one hand, by a component (9) made of a flexible material comprising the obturator and, on the other hand, by a component (8) comprising the seat of the obturator.
6. A unit according to claim 5, characterized in that the passing of the product from the duct to the closing system is effected via a slope.
7. A unit according to claim 1, characterized in that in a closing system (F), the contact zone between the flexible lip (9a) and the seat (8a) is constituted by flat portion.
8. A unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the lip slightly projects from the seat so as to form a spatula.
9. A unit according to one of claims 1, 7 or 8, characterized in that the component (9) comprising the lip (9a) has the general shape of a strip reducing in thickness to form the lip (9a).
10. A unit according to claim 9, characterized in that the strip (9) comprises a core formed by an aluminium foil.
11. A unit according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the constraining element is constituted by a cover (11) or a support made of a rigid material, the strip being comprised between the rigid part (8) comprising the seat (8a) and the cover (11) or support.
12. A unit according to claim 11, characterized in that the cover comprises a sliding flap (1607) to regulate the constraint exerted on the lip (1605a).
13. A unit according to claim 12, characterized in that the cover (206) or support comprises one or several ribs (206a) or one or several spikes being fitted respectively in one or several grooves (205a) or one or several corresponding holes of the strip (205).
14. A unit according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the dispensing head (3) compridrd a lateral outlet, that the dispensing duct (or ducts) is (are) constituted by a first duct (5, 6) parallel to the longitudinal axis (X - X) of the unit, the said first duct (5, 6) communicating with the container (2), and by a second duct (8c) forming an angle with the first duct, the seat (8) made of a rigid material and the strip (9) made of a resilient material delimiting the second duct (8c) over the whole of its length and constituting at the end of the second duct, a closing system (F) formed by the lip situated at the outer end of the strip (8) and by an end surface (8d) of the seat.
15. A unit according to claim 14, characterized in that the closing system (F) and a portion of the second duct (8c) are disposed in a lateral extension (3a) forming the beak of the dispensing head (3).
16. A unit according to claim 15, characterized in that the part comprising the seat (1104, 1204) is formed by a second strip made of a resilient material, substantially parallel to the first strip (1105, 1205), the strip and the component comprising the seat, being externally held between rigid walls (1107, 1108; 1207, 1208) forming the constraining element.
17. A unit according to claim 16, characterized in that provision is made for a semi-rigid partition (1212) between the strip (1205) and the seat (1204) made of a resilient material, the lip situated at the outer end of the strips projecting beyond the end of the semi-rigid partition.
18. A unit according to claim 17, characterized in that the strip (1305) and the seat (1304) surround the semi-rigid partition (1312) and are moulded from a single piece.
19. A unit according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the dispensing head comprises an air intake valve (404).
20. A unit according to claim 19 characterized in that the air intake valve is a valve (409) having the shape of a cup slit on its side wall (409a).
21. A unit according to claim 19, characterized in that the air intake valve (409) is arranged in the strip (405) made of a resilient material comprising the obturator.

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