EP0494803A1 - Actuator cap with multiple jets and closure - Google Patents

Actuator cap with multiple jets and closure Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0494803A1
EP0494803A1 EP92400005A EP92400005A EP0494803A1 EP 0494803 A1 EP0494803 A1 EP 0494803A1 EP 92400005 A EP92400005 A EP 92400005A EP 92400005 A EP92400005 A EP 92400005A EP 0494803 A1 EP0494803 A1 EP 0494803A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
outlet
push
piston
further characterized
orifices
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP92400005A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0494803B1 (en
Inventor
Jean-Pierre Lina
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Aptar France SAS
Original Assignee
Valois SAS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Valois SAS filed Critical Valois SAS
Publication of EP0494803A1 publication Critical patent/EP0494803A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0494803B1 publication Critical patent/EP0494803B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/0005—Components or details
    • B05B11/0062—Outlet valves actuated by the pressure of the fluid to be sprayed
    • B05B11/0064—Lift valves
    • B05B11/0067—Lift valves having a valve seat located downstream the valve element
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B1/00—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means
    • B05B1/14—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with multiple outlet openings; with strainers in or outside the outlet opening
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/0005—Components or details
    • B05B11/0062—Outlet valves actuated by the pressure of the fluid to be sprayed
    • B05B11/0072—A valve member forming part of an outlet opening
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1001—Piston pumps
    • B05B11/1016—Piston pumps the outlet valve having a valve seat located downstream a movable valve element controlled by a pressure actuated controlling element
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
    • B65D47/20—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge
    • B65D47/2018—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge comprising a valve or like element which is opened or closed by deformation of the container or closure
    • B65D47/2056—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge comprising a valve or like element which is opened or closed by deformation of the container or closure lift valve type
    • B65D47/2062—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge comprising a valve or like element which is opened or closed by deformation of the container or closure lift valve type in which the deformation raises or lowers the valve stem
    • B65D47/2068—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge comprising a valve or like element which is opened or closed by deformation of the container or closure lift valve type in which the deformation raises or lowers the valve stem in which the stem is lowered by the pressure of the contents and thereby opening the valve
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/14—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant
    • B65D83/28—Nozzles, nozzle fittings or accessories specially adapted therefor
    • B65D83/30—Nozzles, nozzle fittings or accessories specially adapted therefor for guiding the flow of spray, e.g. funnels, hoods
    • B65D83/306—Actuators formed as a rigid elongate spout
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/14—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant
    • B65D83/75—Aerosol containers not provided for in groups B65D83/16 - B65D83/74
    • B65D83/753—Aerosol containers not provided for in groups B65D83/16 - B65D83/74 characterised by details or accessories associated with outlets
    • B65D83/7535—Outlet valves opened by the product to be delivered

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a push-button nozzle with multiple jets and closure, intended to equip a sprayer or a manual dispenser of fluid product.
  • Such push-pieces are used in particular for projecting a pharmaceutical product into the nose of a patient, but can also be used for other applications.
  • a technical problem which arises with all the push-pieces is to prevent the contact of the product contained in the push-piece with the outside air, in order to prevent drying of the product, its oxidation by the oxygen of the air or product pollution.
  • European patent application No. 0129643 describes a push-button comprising a cylindrical conduit provided with an outlet end comprising an outlet orifice and in which slides a piston secured to a needle directed towards the outlet orifice , the piston being elastically biased towards a position where the needle closes the outlet orifice and can be pushed back into an open position of the outlet orifice by the pressure of a fluid to be sprayed.
  • the present invention aims to solve these technical problems. It should be noted that such push-pieces are generally disposable after the product reserve of the spraying device has been used up. The technical solution adopted must therefore necessarily be inexpensive.
  • the present invention therefore relates to a push-button for a fluid dispenser comprising a chamber provided with an outlet and at least one cylindrical part having an axis of symmetry, a piston secured to a means for closing the outlet. sliding in said cylindrical part, said piston being urged by an elastic means so as to close the outlet by the closing means, and said piston being able to be pushed back by the pressure of the fluid product emitted by a distributor of so as to open said outlet, characterized in that the outlet of the push-piece is constituted by three outlet orifices, the piston is extended towards said outlet orifices by a rod having a certain flexibility, and the closure means is constituted by three valve stems integral with the stem, each having an end adapted to close an outlet orifice.
  • the rod has a certain flexibility in bending.
  • the push-piece has a cylindrical conduit extending towards the outlet orifices the cylindrical part in which the piston slides, and the valve stems are formed on radial ribs which extend from the rod and which slide with a certain play in the cylindrical conduit.
  • the push-piece end piece may further comprise a bottom wall in which the outlet orifices are formed, said bottom wall having an interior surface, or directed towards the valve stems, composed of three conical surfaces each converging towards a outlet, and of concavity turned towards said valve stems.
  • each valve stem is in the shape of a hemisphere and is applied in a sealed manner against a conical surface surrounding an outlet or else the end of each valve stem is planar and each outlet is surrounded by a flat facing a flat end of the valve stem, said flat being parallel to said flat end.
  • the push-piece has a hollow body comprising an outlet end in which the outlet orifices are formed, and an open end in which a socket is fitted, said socket having a bottom which closes the open end of the body and which is extended towards the outlet end by a solid part, then by a cylindrical wall in which the piston slides.
  • the massive part of the socket has a blind bore for receiving an actuating rod of the distributor serving for the emission of the product, the bore communicates with a lateral channel opening into an external groove of the socket which itself opens , through an opening in the cylindrical wall of the sleeve, between the piston and the outlet end of the body.
  • said massive part of the sleeve can be pierced with a vent channel which opens out between the piston and said massive part and which communicates with the atmosphere.
  • the push-piece can include a frustoconical body 1 which can be molded in plastic material, admitting an axis of revolution 2 and extending between an open end 3 and an outlet end 4, of smaller diameter at the end 3.
  • the end 3 has a cylindrical inner recess 8, advantageously provided with an inner peripheral lip 8a.
  • the recess 8 is extended towards the end of the sorb 4 by a first cylindrical conduit 9 of diameter less than the diameter of said recess 8, and said first cylindrical conduit 9 itself extends by a second cylindrical conduit 10 of diameter less than the diameter of said first cylindrical conduit 9, to a bottom wall 4a of the outlet end 4.
  • the bottom wall 4a is crossed by three outlet orifices 5 distributed at 120 degrees from each other around the axis 2 and equidistant from the axis 2.
  • the outlet orifices 5 can be inclined on the axis 2 so as to produce divergent jets when a product is emitted by the push-button.
  • the bottom wall 4a further comprises an interior surface divided into three conical surfaces 11 with axes parallel to the axis 2 each converging towards an outlet orifice 5, and of concavity turned towards the end 3 of the body 1.
  • the open end 3 of the push-piece can have a support ring 7 extending radially outwards, allowing a user to actuate the push-piece with two fingers.
  • the open end 3 of the push-piece can have a skirt 6 extending axially in the direction opposite to the end 4, so as to surround a pump or a spray valve on which the push-button.
  • a socket 20 which can be molded in plastic material, extending between a bottom 21 and an open end 22, and of outside diameter equal to the diameter of the first cylindrical conduit 9, is fitted tightly into said cylindrical conduit 9 and occupies the entire length of said conduit 9.
  • the bottom 21 of the sleeve 20 is extended externally by a crown 23, of complementary shape to the cylindrical recess 8 of the body 1, fitted into said cylindrical recess 8.
  • the crown 23 has a peripheral groove 23a, of shape complementary to the lip 8a, in which said lip 8a is snapped when the crown 23 is fitted into the cylindrical recess 8.
  • the sleeve 20 comprises a cylindrical cavity 24, centered on the axis 2, which extends over part of the length of said sleeve, between a solid part 25 and the open end 22.
  • This cylindrical cavity is delimited by a wall lateral cylindrical 24a having an internal diameter equal to the internal diameter of the cylindrical duct 10.
  • the massive part 25 of the sleeve 20 has a blind central bore 26 which opens onto the bottom 21 of the sleeve 20.
  • the bore 26 comprises a first cylindrical part 26a then a second cylindrical part of reduced diameter 26b, delimited by a shoulder 26c.
  • the portion 26b of the bore 26 communicates with a lateral lateral channel 27, which opens into an external groove 28 of the sleeve 20, parallel to the axis 2.
  • the groove 28 extends from the lateral channel 27 to the the open end 22 of the sleeve 20, where the cylindrical side wall 24a of said sleeve has an opening 29 which communicates said groove 28 with the cylindrical cavity 24 of the sleeve.
  • the massive part 25 of the sleeve has a non-central vent channel 30 which passes through said massive part parallel to the axis 2, and which communicates the cylindrical cavity 24 with the atmosphere.
  • the push-button according to the invention also comprises a piston 31 sliding in the cylindrical cavity 24 of the sleeve and extended towards the outlet end 4 of the push-button by an axial rod 32 having a certain flexibility in bending .
  • the rod 32 extends from the piston 31 to an end 33 close to the outlet end 4, said end 33 comprising three radial ribs 34 distributed at 120 degrees from each other around the axis 2, which slide with a certain clearance in the second cylindrical duct 10 of the push-piece (see FIG. 2).
  • Each rib 34 comprises a valve stem 35 of small diameter, disposed at the same distance from the axis 2 as the outlet orifices 5 of the push-piece, and which extends parallel to the axis 2 in the direction of the outlet end 4 of the push-piece until an end 36 adapted to close an outlet orifice 5.
  • the three valve stems 35 are of identical length and form with the three ribs 34 a rigid assembly.
  • the piston 31, the stem 32, the ribs 34 and the valve stems 35 can be molded from plastic.
  • a helical spring 37, or any other elastic means formed for example with the solid part 25, is disposed between the solid part 25 of the sleeve 20 and the piston 31, so as to elastically stress the assembly formed by the piston 31, the stem 32, the ribs 35 and the valve stems 35 towards the outlet end 4.
  • valve stems 35 are pushed against the bottom wall 4a and are guided towards the outlet openings 5 by the three cones 11 which constitute the inner surface of said bottom wall: if, during assembly of the push-piece, the relative angular arrangement of the body 1 and of the piston 31 is such that the three valve stems 35 do not are not opposite the three outlet orifices 5, the elastic stress of the valve stems 35 against the cones 11 in fact causes a rotational movement of the assembly formed by the piston 31, the rod 32, the ribs 34 and the rods valve 35 , at the same time as this assembly is pushed towards the outlet end 4, until the ends 36 of the three valve stems 35 respectively close the three outlet orifices 5.
  • the mounting of the push-button does not therefore does not require precise angular positioning of the assembly formed by the piston 31, the rod 32, the ribs 34 and the valve rods 35 relative to the body 1: this assembly is therefore simple and requires only conventional tools.
  • the ends 36 of the valve stems 35 may have a rounded hemispherical shape, which collaborates with the cones 11 to close the outlet orifices 5 in a sealed manner.
  • the ends 36 ′ can be flat and perpendicular to the axis 2, and the bottom wall 4a of the push-piece can have flats 38 surrounding each outlet orifice 5, in with regard to said ends 36 ′ of the valve stems 35, said flats 37 having a width identical to that of the ends 36.
  • the ends of the valve stems 35 may nevertheless have any other shape, without departing from the scope of the invention.
  • valve stems 35 may have slightly different lengths or the inner surface of the bottom wall 4a have cones 11 which are not all at exactly the same height along the axis 2.
  • the three ends 36 of the valve stems 35 are in all cases in sealed contact with the bottom wall 4a, each closing an outlet orifice 5: in fact, under the action of the spring 37, the rigid set formed by the three ribs 34 and the three valve stems 35 can be oriented by bending deformation of the stem 32, so that each end of the valve stem closes an orifice 5. This orientation, which places the ribs slightly oblique in the cylindrical conduit 10, is only possible thanks to the play between the ribs 34 and the cylindrical conduit 10.
  • the manufacturing tolerances to be made up by the orientation of the rigid assembly formed by the three ribs 34 and the three valve stems 35 are generally small, so that the angular deviation of the ribs 34 is small: it therefore suffices to have a low clearance between said ribs 34 and the cylindrical conduit 10 to allow the desired orientation of the ribs 34.
  • valve stems 35 cease to be perfectly parallel to the axis 2.
  • ends 36 of the valve stems are hemispheres (FIG. 1) which bear against the cones 11, this does not interfere with the sealing of the contact between each end 36 in a hemisphere and each cone 11.
  • ends 36 ′ are flat (FIG.
  • the push-button according to the invention can be used on a manual spraying or dispensing pump, or on an aerosol valve, comprising a hollow actuating rod (not shown) which is used for the emission of a fluid product .
  • the actuating rod is fitted into the first cylindrical part 26a of the blind bore 26, in abutment against the shoulder 26c.
  • the shoulder 26c presses on the actuating rod of the pump or of the spray valve, so that fluid is emitted by said actuating rod in the second cylindrical part 26b of the blind bore 26, at a relatively high pressure.
  • the product passes through the lateral channel 27, the groove 28, the opening 29, and enters the cylindrical chamber 39.
  • the piston 31 Due to the pressure of the product, the piston 31 is pushed back towards the solid part 25 of the sleeve 20 by driving with it the valve stems 35, which open the outlet orifices 5 (cf.: FIG. 3). The product is then emitted through the three outlet orifices 5.
  • the piston 31 When the piston 31 is pushed back towards the solid part 25 of the sleeve, part of the air comprised between said piston 31 and said solid part 25 is expelled through the channel d '' vent 30.
  • the product When the user stops pressing on the crown 7, the product ceases to be emitted by the actuating rod of the pump or of the valve, so that the pressure in the cylindrical chamber 39 drops.
  • the spring 37 then pushes the piston towards the outlet end 4, until the three valve stems 35 close the three outlet orifices 5, as explained above.
  • the product contained in the push-piece is then isolated from the atmosphere, and therefore protected from drying, oxidation or pollution. It should be noted that the spring 37, generally metallic, is not in contact with the product: there is therefore no risk of polluting the product either.
  • the push-button according to the invention could also be mounted not coaxially with the actuating rod of the pump or of the valve as in the example presented, but with the axis 2 perpendicular to the actuating rod.

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)

Abstract

Actuator cap for dispensing a fluid substance, comprising a chamber (39) provided with an outlet and with at least one cylindrical portion (24) having an axis of symmetry (2), a piston (31) integral with a means for closing the outlet sliding in the said cylindrical portion (24), the said piston (31) being urged by an elastic means (37) so as to close the outlet by the closure means, and the said piston (31) being able to be pushed back by the pressure of the fluid substance expelled by the dispenser so as to open the said outlet, characterised in that the outlet of the actuator cap is constituted by three outlet orifices (5), the piston (31) is extended towards the said outlet orifices (5) by a rod (32) having a degree of bending flexibility and the closure means is constituted by three valve stems (35) integral with the rod (32), each comprising an end (36; 36') which is suitable for closing off an outlet orifice (35). <IMAGE>

Description

La présente invention concerne un embout-poussoir à jets multiples et à fermeture, destiné à équiper un pulvérisateur ou un distributeur manuel de produit fluide. De tels embouts-poussoirs sont utilisés notamment pour projeter un produit pharmaceutique dans le nez d'un patient, mais peuvent aussi être utilisés pour d'autres applications.The present invention relates to a push-button nozzle with multiple jets and closure, intended to equip a sprayer or a manual dispenser of fluid product. Such push-pieces are used in particular for projecting a pharmaceutical product into the nose of a patient, but can also be used for other applications.

Un problème technique qui se pose avec tous les embouts-poussoirs est d'empêcher le contact du produit contenu dans l'embout-poussoir avec l'air extérieur, afin d'empêcher un séchage du produit, son oxydation par l'oxygène de l'air ou une pollution du produit.A technical problem which arises with all the push-pieces is to prevent the contact of the product contained in the push-piece with the outside air, in order to prevent drying of the product, its oxidation by the oxygen of the air or product pollution.

Ce problème peut être résolu de diverses façons pour un embout-poussoir classique comportant un seul orifice de sortie. Par exemple, la demande de brevet européen n° 0129643 décrit un embout-poussoir comportant un conduit cylindrique doté d'une extrémité de sortie comportant un orifice de sortie et dans lequel coulisse un piston solidaire d'un pointeau dirigé vers l'orifice de sortie, le piston étant sollicité élastiquement vers une position où le pointeau obture l'orifice de sortie et pouvant être repoussé dans une position d'ouverture de l'orifice de sortie par la pression d'un produit fluide à pulvériser.This problem can be solved in various ways for a conventional push-piece having a single outlet orifice. For example, European patent application No. 0129643 describes a push-button comprising a cylindrical conduit provided with an outlet end comprising an outlet orifice and in which slides a piston secured to a needle directed towards the outlet orifice , the piston being elastically biased towards a position where the needle closes the outlet orifice and can be pushed back into an open position of the outlet orifice by the pressure of a fluid to be sprayed.

Dans un embout-poussoir à jets multiples, le produit est éjecté par plusieurs orifices de sortie. On peut certes imaginer d'obturer chacun de ces orifices de sortie par un moyen de fermeture, mais alors se posent deux problèmes techniques:

  • 1°) comment faire en sorte simplement que chaque moyen de fermeture se trouve en face d'un orifice de sortie, sans compliquer le montage de l'embout poussoir, et
  • 2°) comment garantir l'étanchéité de la fermeture de tous les orifices de sortie, sans pour autant nécessiter des tolérances de fabrication irréalistes, ni compliquer le dispositif.
In a multi-jet push-piece, the product is ejected through several outlet orifices. One can certainly imagine closing each of these outlet orifices by a closing means, but then two technical problems arise:
  • 1) how to simply ensure that each closure means is opposite an outlet orifice, without complicating the mounting of the push-piece, and
  • 2) how to guarantee the tightness of the closure of all the outlet orifices, without requiring unrealistic manufacturing tolerances, or complicating the device.

La présente invention a pour but de résoudre ces problèmes techniques. Il faut bien noter que de tels embouts-poussoirs sont généralement jetables après épuisement de la réserve de produit du dispositif de pulvérisation. La solution technique adoptée doit donc nécessairement être peu coûteuse.The present invention aims to solve these technical problems. It should be noted that such push-pieces are generally disposable after the product reserve of the spraying device has been used up. The technical solution adopted must therefore necessarily be inexpensive.

La présente invention a donc pour objet un embout-poussoir pour distributeur de produit fluide comportant une chambre dotée d'une sortie et d'au moins une partie cylindrique ayant un axe de symétrie, un piston solidaire d'un moyen de fermeture de la sortie coulissant dans ladite partie cylindrique, ledit piston étant sollicité par un moyen élastique de façon à fermer la sortie par le moyen de fermeture, et ledit piston pouvant être repoussé par la pression du produit fluide émis par un distributeur de façon à ouvrir ladite sortie, caractérisé en ce que la sortie de l'embout-poussoir est constituée par trois orifices de sortie, le piston est prolongé vers lesdits orifices de sortie par une tige présentant une certaine souplesse, et le moyen de fermeture est constitué par trois tiges de soupape solidaires de la tige, comportant chacune une extrémité adaptée à obturer un orifice de sortie. Avantageusement, la tige présente une certaine souplesse en flexion. Selon une forme de réalisation avantageuse de l'invention, l'embout-poussoir comporte un conduit cylindrique prolongeant vers les orifices de sortie la partie cylindrique dans laquelle coulisse le piston, et les tiges de soupape sont formées sur des nervures radiales qui s'étendent à partir de la tige et qui coulissent avec un certain jeu dans le conduit cylindrique. L'embout-poussoir peut en outre comporter une paroi de fond dans laquelle sont formés les orifices de sortie, ladite paroi de fond ayant une surface intérieure, ou dirigée vers les tiges de soupape, composée de trois surfaces coniques convergeant chacune vers un orifice de sortie, et de concavité tournée vers lesdites tiges de soupape. Les orifices de sortie peuvent être répartis à 120 degrés les uns des autres autour de l'axe de symétrie, à même distance de l'axe, et les tiges de soupape peuvent aussi être réparties à 120 degrés les unes des autres, à la même distance de l'axe que les orifices de sortie. Avantageusement, l'extrémité de chaque tige de soupape est en forme de demi-sphère et s'applique de façon étanche contre une surface conique entourant un orifice de sortie ou bien l'extrémité de chaque tige de soupape est plane et chaque orifice de sortie est entouré d'un méplat en regard d'une extrémité plane de tige de soupape, ledit méplat étant parallèle à ladite extrémité plane. Dans une forme de réalisation de l'invention, l'embout-poussoir comporte un corps creux comportant une extrémité de sortie dans laquelle sont formés les orifices de sortie, et une extrémité ouverte, dans laquelle est emboîtée une douille, ladite douille comportant un fond qui ferme l'extrémité ouverte du corps et qui se prolonge vers l'extrémité de sortie par une partie massive, puis par une paroi cylindrique dans laquelle coulisse le piston. Avantageusement, la partie massive de la douille comporte un alésage borgne pour recevoir une tige d'actionnement du distributeur servant à l'émission du produit, l'alésage communique avec un canal latéral débouchant dans une cannelure extérieure de la douille qui elle-même débouche, par une ouverture de la paroi cylindrique de la douille, entre le piston et l'extrémité de sortie du corps. En outre, ladite partie massive de la douille peut être percée d'un canal d'évent qui débouche entre le piston et ladite partie massive et qui communique avec l'atmosphère.The present invention therefore relates to a push-button for a fluid dispenser comprising a chamber provided with an outlet and at least one cylindrical part having an axis of symmetry, a piston secured to a means for closing the outlet. sliding in said cylindrical part, said piston being urged by an elastic means so as to close the outlet by the closing means, and said piston being able to be pushed back by the pressure of the fluid product emitted by a distributor of so as to open said outlet, characterized in that the outlet of the push-piece is constituted by three outlet orifices, the piston is extended towards said outlet orifices by a rod having a certain flexibility, and the closure means is constituted by three valve stems integral with the stem, each having an end adapted to close an outlet orifice. Advantageously, the rod has a certain flexibility in bending. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the push-piece has a cylindrical conduit extending towards the outlet orifices the cylindrical part in which the piston slides, and the valve stems are formed on radial ribs which extend from the rod and which slide with a certain play in the cylindrical conduit. The push-piece end piece may further comprise a bottom wall in which the outlet orifices are formed, said bottom wall having an interior surface, or directed towards the valve stems, composed of three conical surfaces each converging towards a outlet, and of concavity turned towards said valve stems. The outlet ports can be distributed 120 degrees from each other around the axis of symmetry, at the same distance from the axis, and the valve stems can also be distributed at 120 degrees from each other, at the same distance from the axis as the outlet ports. Advantageously, the end of each valve stem is in the shape of a hemisphere and is applied in a sealed manner against a conical surface surrounding an outlet or else the end of each valve stem is planar and each outlet is surrounded by a flat facing a flat end of the valve stem, said flat being parallel to said flat end. In one embodiment of the invention, the push-piece has a hollow body comprising an outlet end in which the outlet orifices are formed, and an open end in which a socket is fitted, said socket having a bottom which closes the open end of the body and which is extended towards the outlet end by a solid part, then by a cylindrical wall in which the piston slides. Advantageously, the massive part of the socket has a blind bore for receiving an actuating rod of the distributor serving for the emission of the product, the bore communicates with a lateral channel opening into an external groove of the socket which itself opens , through an opening in the cylindrical wall of the sleeve, between the piston and the outlet end of the body. In addition, said massive part of the sleeve can be pierced with a vent channel which opens out between the piston and said massive part and which communicates with the atmosphere.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront au cours de la description détaillée suivante d'une forme de réalisation particulière de l'invention, donnée à titre d'exemple non limitatif, en regard des dessins joints.Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear during the following detailed description of a particular embodiment of the invention, given by way of nonlimiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Sur les dessins:

  • la figure 1 est une vue en coupe longitudinale d'un embout-poussoir selon une forme de réalisation de l'invention, en position fermée;
  • la figure 2 est une vue partielle en coupe selon la ligne II-II de la figure 1 ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue en coupe longitudinale de l'embout-poussoir de la figure 1, en position ouverte, et ;
  • la figure 4 est une vue partielle en coupe longitudinale d'une variante de l'embout-poussoir de la figure 1.
In the drawings:
  • Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a push-piece according to an embodiment of the invention, in the closed position;
  • Figure 2 is a partial sectional view along line II-II of Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the push-piece of Figure 1, in the open position, and;
  • FIG. 4 is a partial view in longitudinal section of a variant of the push-piece of FIG. 1.

En référence à la figure 1, l'embout-poussoir peut comporter un corps tronconique 1 pouvant être moulé en matière plastique, admettant un axe de révolution 2 et s'étendant entre une extrémité ouverte 3 et une extrémité de sortie 4, de diamètre inférieur à l'extrémité 3. L'extrémité 3 comporte un évidement intérieur cylindrique 8, doté avantageusement d'une lèvre périphérique intérieure 8a. L'évidement 8 se prolonge vers l'extrémité de sorbe 4 par un premier conduit cylindrique 9 de diamètre inférieur au diamètre dudit évidement 8, et ledit premier conduit cylindrique 9 se prolonge lui-même par un second conduit cylindrique 10 de diamètre inférieur au diamètre dudit premier conduit cylindrique 9, jusqu'à une paroi de fond 4a de l'extrémité de sortie 4. La paroi de fond 4a est traversée par trois orifices de sortie 5 répartis à 120 degrés les uns des autres autour de l'axe 2 et équidistants de l'axe 2. Les orifices de sortie 5 peuvent être inclinés sur l'axe 2 de façon à produire des jets divergents lorsqu'un produit est émis par l'embout-poussoir. La paroi de fond 4a comporte en outre une surface intérieure divisée en trois surfaces coniques 11 d'axes parallèles à l'axe 2 convergeant chacune vers un orifice de sortie 5, et de concavité tournée vers l'extrémité 3 du corps 1.Referring to Figure 1, the push-piece can include a frustoconical body 1 which can be molded in plastic material, admitting an axis of revolution 2 and extending between an open end 3 and an outlet end 4, of smaller diameter at the end 3. The end 3 has a cylindrical inner recess 8, advantageously provided with an inner peripheral lip 8a. The recess 8 is extended towards the end of the sorb 4 by a first cylindrical conduit 9 of diameter less than the diameter of said recess 8, and said first cylindrical conduit 9 itself extends by a second cylindrical conduit 10 of diameter less than the diameter of said first cylindrical conduit 9, to a bottom wall 4a of the outlet end 4. The bottom wall 4a is crossed by three outlet orifices 5 distributed at 120 degrees from each other around the axis 2 and equidistant from the axis 2. The outlet orifices 5 can be inclined on the axis 2 so as to produce divergent jets when a product is emitted by the push-button. The bottom wall 4a further comprises an interior surface divided into three conical surfaces 11 with axes parallel to the axis 2 each converging towards an outlet orifice 5, and of concavity turned towards the end 3 of the body 1.

L'extrémité ouverte 3 de l'embout-poussoir peut comporter une couronne d'appui 7 s'étendant radialement vers l'extérieur, permettant à un utilisateur d'actionner l'embout-poussoir avec deux doigts. En outre, l'extrémité ouverte 3 de l'embout-poussoir peut comporter une jupe 6 s'étendant axialement dans la direction opposée à l'extrémité 4, de façon à entourer une pompe ou une valve de pulvérisation sur laquelle est montée l'embout-poussoir.The open end 3 of the push-piece can have a support ring 7 extending radially outwards, allowing a user to actuate the push-piece with two fingers. In addition, the open end 3 of the push-piece can have a skirt 6 extending axially in the direction opposite to the end 4, so as to surround a pump or a spray valve on which the push-button.

Une douille 20, pouvant être moulée en matière plastique, s'étendant entre un fond 21 et une extrémité ouverte 22, et de diamètre extérieur égal au diamètre du premier conduit cylindrique 9, est emboîtée serrée dans ledit conduit cylindrique 9 et occupe toute la longueur dudit conduit 9. Le fond 21 de la douille 20 est prolongé extérieurement par une couronne 23, de forme complémentaire de l'évidement cylindrique 8 du corps 1, emboîtée dans ledit évidement cylindrique 8. En outre, la couronne 23 comporte une gorge périphérique 23a, de forme complémentaire de la lèvre 8a, dans laquelle ladite lèvre 8a vient s'encliqueter lorsque la couronne 23 est emboîtée dans l'évidement cylindrique 8.A socket 20, which can be molded in plastic material, extending between a bottom 21 and an open end 22, and of outside diameter equal to the diameter of the first cylindrical conduit 9, is fitted tightly into said cylindrical conduit 9 and occupies the entire length of said conduit 9. The bottom 21 of the sleeve 20 is extended externally by a crown 23, of complementary shape to the cylindrical recess 8 of the body 1, fitted into said cylindrical recess 8. In addition, the crown 23 has a peripheral groove 23a, of shape complementary to the lip 8a, in which said lip 8a is snapped when the crown 23 is fitted into the cylindrical recess 8.

La douille 20 comporte une cavité cylindrique 24, centrée sur l'axe 2, qui s'étend sur une partie de la longueur de ladite douille, entre une partie massive 25 et l'extrémité ouverte 22. Cette cavité cylindrique est délimitée par une paroi latérale 24a cylindrique ayant un diamètre intérieur égal au diamètre intérieur du conduit cylindrique 10.The sleeve 20 comprises a cylindrical cavity 24, centered on the axis 2, which extends over part of the length of said sleeve, between a solid part 25 and the open end 22. This cylindrical cavity is delimited by a wall lateral cylindrical 24a having an internal diameter equal to the internal diameter of the cylindrical duct 10.

La partie massive 25 de la douille 20 est doté d'un alésage central borgne 26 qui débouche sur le fond 21 de la douille 20. A partir du fond 21 de la douille, l'alésage 26 comporte un première partie cylindrique 26a puis une deuxième partie cylindrique de diamètre réduit 26b, délimitée par un épaulement 26c. La partie 26b de l'alésage 26 communique avec un canal latéral 27 radial, qui débouche dans une cannelure extérieure 28 de la douille 20, parallèle à l'axe 2. La cannelure 28 s'étend depuis le canal latéral 27 jusqu'à l'extrémité ouverte 22 de la douille 20, où la paroi latérale cylindrique 24a de ladite douille comporte une ouverture 29 qui fait communiquer ladite cannelure 28 avec la cavité cylindrique 24 de la douille.The massive part 25 of the sleeve 20 has a blind central bore 26 which opens onto the bottom 21 of the sleeve 20. From the bottom 21 of the sleeve, the bore 26 comprises a first cylindrical part 26a then a second cylindrical part of reduced diameter 26b, delimited by a shoulder 26c. The portion 26b of the bore 26 communicates with a lateral lateral channel 27, which opens into an external groove 28 of the sleeve 20, parallel to the axis 2. The groove 28 extends from the lateral channel 27 to the the open end 22 of the sleeve 20, where the cylindrical side wall 24a of said sleeve has an opening 29 which communicates said groove 28 with the cylindrical cavity 24 of the sleeve.

En outre, la partie massive 25 de la douille comporte un canal d'évent 30 non central qui traverse ladite partie massive parallèlement à l'axe 2, et qui fait communiquer la cavité cylindrique 24 avec l'atmosphère.In addition, the massive part 25 of the sleeve has a non-central vent channel 30 which passes through said massive part parallel to the axis 2, and which communicates the cylindrical cavity 24 with the atmosphere.

L'embout-poussoir selon l'invention comporte par ailleurs un piston 31 coulissant dans la cavité cylindrique 24 de la douille et prolongé vers l'extrémité de sortie 4 de l'embout-poussoir par une tige axiale 32 présentant une certaine souplesse en flexion. La tige 32 s'étend à partir du piston 31 jusqu'à une extrémité 33 proche de l'extrémité de sortie 4, ladite extrémité 33 comportant trois nervures radiales 34 réparties à 120 degrés les unes des autres autour de l'axe 2, qui coulissent avec un certain jeu dans le second conduit cylindirique 10 de l'embout-poussoir (voir figure 2). Chaque nervure 34 comporte une tige de soupape 35 de faible diamètre, disposée à la même distance de l'axe 2 que les orifices de sortie 5 de l'embout-poussoir, et qui s'étend parallèlement à l'axe 2 en direction de l'extrémité de sortie 4 de l'embout-poussoirjusqu'à une extrémité 36 adaptée à obturer un orifice de sortie 5. Les trois tiges de soupape 35 sont de longueur identique et forment avec les trois nervures 34 un ensemble rigide. Le piston 31, la tige 32, les nervures 34 et les tiges de soupape 35 peuvent être moulés en matière plastique.The push-button according to the invention also comprises a piston 31 sliding in the cylindrical cavity 24 of the sleeve and extended towards the outlet end 4 of the push-button by an axial rod 32 having a certain flexibility in bending . The rod 32 extends from the piston 31 to an end 33 close to the outlet end 4, said end 33 comprising three radial ribs 34 distributed at 120 degrees from each other around the axis 2, which slide with a certain clearance in the second cylindrical duct 10 of the push-piece (see FIG. 2). Each rib 34 comprises a valve stem 35 of small diameter, disposed at the same distance from the axis 2 as the outlet orifices 5 of the push-piece, and which extends parallel to the axis 2 in the direction of the outlet end 4 of the push-piece until an end 36 adapted to close an outlet orifice 5. The three valve stems 35 are of identical length and form with the three ribs 34 a rigid assembly. The piston 31, the stem 32, the ribs 34 and the valve stems 35 can be molded from plastic.

Un ressort hélicoïdal 37, ou tout autre moyen élastique formé par exemple avec la partie massive 25, est disposé entre la partie massive 25 de la douille 20 et le piston 31, de façon à solliciter élastiquement l'ensemble formé par le piston 31, la tige 32, les nervures 35 et les tiges de soupape 35 vers l'extrémité de sortie 4. Ainsi, en dehors de toute action extérieure, les tiges de soupape 35 sont repoussées contre la paroi de fond 4a et sont guidées vers les orifices de sortie 5 par les trois cônes 11 qui constituent la surface intérieure de ladite paroi de fond : si, lors du montage de l'embout-poussoir, la disposition angulaire relative du corps 1 et du piston 31 est telle que les trois tiges de soupape 35 ne sont pas en face des trois orifices de sortie 5, la sollicitation élastique des tiges de soupape 35 contre les cônes 11 entraîne en effet un mouvement de rotation de l'ensemble formé par le piston 31, la tige 32, les nervures 34 et les tiges de soupape 35, en même temps que cet ensemble est repoussé vers l'extrémité de sortie 4, jusqu'à ce que les extrémités 36 des trois tiges de soupape 35 viennent respectivement obturer les trois orifices de sortie 5. Le montage de l'embout-poussoir ne nécessite donc pas un positionnement angulaire précis de l'ensemble formé par le piston 31, la tige 32, les nervures 34 et les tiges de soupape 35 par rapport au corps 1 : ce montage est donc simple et ne nécessite qu'un outillage classique.A helical spring 37, or any other elastic means formed for example with the solid part 25, is disposed between the solid part 25 of the sleeve 20 and the piston 31, so as to elastically stress the assembly formed by the piston 31, the stem 32, the ribs 35 and the valve stems 35 towards the outlet end 4. Thus, apart from any external action, the valve stems 35 are pushed against the bottom wall 4a and are guided towards the outlet openings 5 by the three cones 11 which constitute the inner surface of said bottom wall: if, during assembly of the push-piece, the relative angular arrangement of the body 1 and of the piston 31 is such that the three valve stems 35 do not are not opposite the three outlet orifices 5, the elastic stress of the valve stems 35 against the cones 11 in fact causes a rotational movement of the assembly formed by the piston 31, the rod 32, the ribs 34 and the rods valve 35 , at the same time as this assembly is pushed towards the outlet end 4, until the ends 36 of the three valve stems 35 respectively close the three outlet orifices 5. The mounting of the push-button does not therefore does not require precise angular positioning of the assembly formed by the piston 31, the rod 32, the ribs 34 and the valve rods 35 relative to the body 1: this assembly is therefore simple and requires only conventional tools.

Comme représenté sur la figure 1, les extrémités 36 des tiges de soupape 35 peuvent avoir une forme arrondie en demi-sphère, qui collabore avec les cônes 11 pour obturer les orifices de sortie 5 de façon étanche. Ou bien, comme représenté sur la figure 4, les extrémités 36′ peuvent être planes et perpendiculaires à l'axe 2, et la paroi de fond 4a de l'embout-poussoir peut comporter des méplats 38 entourant chaque orifice de sortie 5, en regard desdites extrémités 36'des tiges de soupape 35, lesdits méplats 37 ayant une largeur identique à celle des extrémités 36. Les extrémités des tiges de soupape 35 peuvent néanmoins avoir toute autre forme, sans sortir du cadre de l'invention.As shown in FIG. 1, the ends 36 of the valve stems 35 may have a rounded hemispherical shape, which collaborates with the cones 11 to close the outlet orifices 5 in a sealed manner. Or, as shown in FIG. 4, the ends 36 ′ can be flat and perpendicular to the axis 2, and the bottom wall 4a of the push-piece can have flats 38 surrounding each outlet orifice 5, in with regard to said ends 36 ′ of the valve stems 35, said flats 37 having a width identical to that of the ends 36. The ends of the valve stems 35 may nevertheless have any other shape, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Du fait des tolérances de fabrications, les tiges de soupape 35 peuvent avoir des longueurs légèrement différentes ou la surface intérieure de la paroi de fond 4a présenter des cônes 11 qui ne soient pas tous exactement à la même hauteur le long de l'axe 2. Selon l'invention, les trois extrémités 36 des tiges de soupape 35 sont dans tous les cas en contact étanche avec la paroi de fond 4a en obturant chacune un orifice de sortie 5 : en effet, sous l'action du ressort 37, l'ensemble rigide formé par les trois nervures 34 et les trois tiges de soupape 35 peut s'orienter par déformation en flexion de la tige 32, de façon que chaque extrémité de tige de soupape obture un orifice 5. Cette orientation, qui place les nervures légèrement en biais dans le conduit cylindrique 10, n'est possible que grâce au jeu entre les nervures 34 et le conduit cylindrique 10. En outre, il faut bien remarquer que l'obturation de tous les orifices de sortie 5 n'est garantie que parce qu'ils sont au nombre de trois: avec un nombre d'orifices de sortie 5 supérieur à trois et un nombre correspondant de tiges de soupape, on pourrait seulement être sûr de la bonne obturation de trois des orifices, puisque le fait que trois tiges de soupape soient en appui contre la paroi de fond suffit à déterminer la position de l'ensemble des tiges de soupape.Due to manufacturing tolerances, the valve stems 35 may have slightly different lengths or the inner surface of the bottom wall 4a have cones 11 which are not all at exactly the same height along the axis 2. According to the invention, the three ends 36 of the valve stems 35 are in all cases in sealed contact with the bottom wall 4a, each closing an outlet orifice 5: in fact, under the action of the spring 37, the rigid set formed by the three ribs 34 and the three valve stems 35 can be oriented by bending deformation of the stem 32, so that each end of the valve stem closes an orifice 5. This orientation, which places the ribs slightly oblique in the cylindrical conduit 10, is only possible thanks to the play between the ribs 34 and the cylindrical conduit 10. In addition, it should be noted that the closure of all the outlet orifices 5 is only guaranteed because they are among the number three: with a number of outlet ports 5 greater than three and a corresponding number of valve stems, one could only be sure of the correct sealing of three of the ports, since the fact that three valve stems are pressed against the bottom wall is sufficient to determine the position of all of the valve stems.

Les tolérances de fabrication à rattraper par l'orientation de l'ensemble rigide formé par les trois nervures 34 et les trois tiges de soupape 35 sont généralement faibles, de sorte que la déviation angulaire des nervures 34 est faible : il suffit donc d'un faible jeu entre lesdites nervures 34 et le conduit cylindrique 10 pour permettre l'orientation voulue des nervures 34.The manufacturing tolerances to be made up by the orientation of the rigid assembly formed by the three ribs 34 and the three valve stems 35 are generally small, so that the angular deviation of the ribs 34 is small: it therefore suffices to have a low clearance between said ribs 34 and the cylindrical conduit 10 to allow the desired orientation of the ribs 34.

Du fait de cette orientation, les tiges de soupape 35 cessent d'être parfaitement parallèles à l'axe 2. Dans le cas où les extrémités 36 des tiges de soupapes sont des demi-sphères (figure 1) qui s'appuient contre les cônes 11, ceci ne gêne pas l'étanchéité du contact entre chaque extrémité 36 en demi-sphère et chaque cône 11. Dans le cas où les extrémités 36'sont planes (figure 4) et s'appuient sur des méplats 38 formés autour des orifices de sortie 5, du fait que la déviation angulaire des tiges de soupape par rapport à l'axe 2 est faible et du fait du faible diamètre desdites tiges de soupape, le jeu ainsi créé entre les méplats 38 et les extrémités planes 36′ est très faible et peut être rattrapé par déformation des extrémités 36′ et ou/flexion des tiges de soupape 35, de sorte que les extrémités 36'des tiges de soupape obturent de façon étanche les orifices de sortie 5.Because of this orientation, the valve stems 35 cease to be perfectly parallel to the axis 2. In the case where the ends 36 of the valve stems are hemispheres (FIG. 1) which bear against the cones 11, this does not interfere with the sealing of the contact between each end 36 in a hemisphere and each cone 11. In the case where the ends 36 ′ are flat (FIG. 4) and are supported on flats 38 formed around the orifices outlet 5, because the angular deviation of the valve stems relative to the axis 2 is small and because of the small diameter of said valve stems, the clearance thus created between the flats 38 and the flat ends 36 ′ is very weak and can be caught up by deformation of the ends 36 ′ and / or bending of the valve stems 35, so that the ends 36 ′ of the valve stems seal the outlet orifices 5.

Fonctionnement: Operation :

L'embout-poussoir selon l'invention est utilisable sur une pompe manuelle de pulvérisation ou de distribution, ou sur une valve à aérosol, comportant une tige d'actionnement creuse (non représentée) qui sert à l'émission d'un produit fluide. La tige d'actionnement est emboîtée dans la première partie cylindrique 26a de l'alésage borgne 26, en butée contre l'épaulement 26c.The push-button according to the invention can be used on a manual spraying or dispensing pump, or on an aerosol valve, comprising a hollow actuating rod (not shown) which is used for the emission of a fluid product . The actuating rod is fitted into the first cylindrical part 26a of the blind bore 26, in abutment against the shoulder 26c.

Au repos, c'est-à-dire en l'absence de toute sollicitation extérieure, les extrémités 36 des tiges de soupape 35 obturent les orifices de sortie 5, comme il a été vu précédemment, et le piston 31 est dans une position située entre l'ouverture 29 de la paroi cylindrique 24a et la partie massive 25 de la douille 20, de sorte que l'ouverture 29 communique avec une chambre cylindrique 39 délimitée par le piston 31, la paroi cylindrique 24a de la douille, le second conduit cylindrique 10 du corps 1, et la paroi de fond 4a.At rest, that is to say in the absence of any external stress, the ends 36 of the valve stems 35 close the outlet orifices 5, as has been seen previously, and the piston 31 is in a position located between opening 29 of the cylindrical wall 24a and the solid part 25 of the sleeve 20, so that the opening 29 communicates with a cylindrical chamber 39 delimited by the piston 31, the cylindrical wall 24a of the sleeve, the second cylindrical conduit 10 of the body 1, and the bottom wall 4a.

Lorsqu'un utilisateur appuie sur la couronne 7 du poussoir, l'épaulement 26c appuie sur la tige d'actionnement de la pompe ou de la valve de pulvérisation, de sorte que du produit fluide est émis par ladite tige d'actionnement dans la seconde partie cylindrique 26b de l'alésage borgne 26, à une pression relativement élevée. Le produit passe dans le canal latéral 27, la cannelure 28, l'ouverture 29, et pénètre dans la chambre cylindrique 39.When a user presses the crown 7 of the pusher, the shoulder 26c presses on the actuating rod of the pump or of the spray valve, so that fluid is emitted by said actuating rod in the second cylindrical part 26b of the blind bore 26, at a relatively high pressure. The product passes through the lateral channel 27, the groove 28, the opening 29, and enters the cylindrical chamber 39.

Du fait de la pression du produit, le piston 31 est repoussé vers la partie massive 25 de la douille 20 en entraînant avec lui les tiges de soupape 35, qui ouvrent les orifices de sortie 5 (cf. : figure 3). Le produit est alors émis par les trois orifices de sortie 5. Lorsque le piston 31 est repoussé vers la partie massive 25 de la douille, une partie de l'air compris entre ledit piston 31 et ladite partie massive 25 est chassée par le canal d'évent 30.Due to the pressure of the product, the piston 31 is pushed back towards the solid part 25 of the sleeve 20 by driving with it the valve stems 35, which open the outlet orifices 5 (cf.: FIG. 3). The product is then emitted through the three outlet orifices 5. When the piston 31 is pushed back towards the solid part 25 of the sleeve, part of the air comprised between said piston 31 and said solid part 25 is expelled through the channel d '' vent 30.

Lorsque l'utilisateur cesse d'appuyer sur la couronne 7, le produit cesse d'être émis par la tige d'actionnement de la pompe ou de la valve, de sorte que la pression dans la chambre cylindrique 39 baisse. Le ressort 37 repousse alors le piston vers l'extrémité de sortie 4, jusqu'à ce que les trois tiges de soupape 35 obturent les trois orifices de sortie 5, comme exposé ci-dessus. Le produit contenu dans l'embout-poussoir est alors isolé de l'atmosphère, et donc à l'abri du séchage, de l'oxydation ou d'une pollution. Il faut noter que le ressort 37, généralement métallique, n'est pas en contact avec le produit : il ne risque donc pas non plus de polluer le produit.When the user stops pressing on the crown 7, the product ceases to be emitted by the actuating rod of the pump or of the valve, so that the pressure in the cylindrical chamber 39 drops. The spring 37 then pushes the piston towards the outlet end 4, until the three valve stems 35 close the three outlet orifices 5, as explained above. The product contained in the push-piece is then isolated from the atmosphere, and therefore protected from drying, oxidation or pollution. It should be noted that the spring 37, generally metallic, is not in contact with the product: there is therefore no risk of polluting the product either.

Il va de soi que l'embout-poussoir selon l'invention pourrait aussi bien être monté non pas coaxial à la tige d'actionnement de la pompe ou de la valve comme dans l'exemple présenté, mais avec l'axe 2 perpendiculaire à la tige d'actionnement.It goes without saying that the push-button according to the invention could also be mounted not coaxially with the actuating rod of the pump or of the valve as in the example presented, but with the axis 2 perpendicular to the actuating rod.

Claims (10)

1.- Embout-poussoir pour distributeur de produit fluide comportant une chambre (39) dotée d'une sortie et d'au moins une partie cylindrique (24) ayant un axe (2) de symétrie, un piston (31) solidaire d'un moyen de fermeture de la sortie coulissant dans ladite partie cylindrique (24), ledit piston (31 ) étant sollicité par un moyen élastique (37) de façon à fermer la sortie par le moyen de fermeture, et ledit piston (31 ) pouvant être repoussé par la pression du produit fluide émis par un distributeur de façon à ouvrir ladite sorbe, caractérisé en ce que la sortie de l'embout-poussoir est constituée par trois orifices de sortie (5), le piston (31 ) est prolongé vers lesdits orifices de sorbe (5) par une tige (32) présentant une certaine souplesse, et le moyen de fermeture est constitué par trois tiges de soupape (35) solidaires de la tige (32), comportant chacune une extrémité (36 ; 36′) adaptée à obturer un orifice de sortie (35). 1.- Push-piece for a fluid dispenser comprising a chamber (39) having an outlet and at least one cylindrical part (24) having an axis (2) of symmetry, a piston (31) integral with means for closing the outlet sliding in said cylindrical part (24), said piston (31) being biased by elastic means (37) so as to close the outlet by the closing means, and said piston (31) being able to be repelled by the pressure of the fluid product emitted by a distributor so as to open said sorb, characterized in that the outlet of the push-piece is constituted by three outlet orifices (5), the piston (31) is extended towards said sorbe orifices (5) by a rod (32) having a certain flexibility, and the closure means is constituted by three valve rods (35) integral with the rod (32), each having one end (36; 36 ′) suitable for closing an outlet orifice (35). 2.- Embout-poussoir selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en outre en ce que la tige (32) présente une certaine souplesse en flexion. 2.- push-piece according to claim 1, further characterized in that the rod (32) has a certain flexibility in bending. 3.- Embout-poussoir selon la revendication 1 ou la revendication 2, caractérisé en outre en ce qu'il comporte un conduit cylindrique (10) prolongeant vers les orifices de sortie (5) la partie cylindrique (24) dans laquelle coulisse le piston, et les tiges de soupape (35) sont formées sur des nervures radiales (34) qui s'étendent à partir de la tige (32) et qui coulissent avec un certain jeu dans le conduit cylindrique (10). 3.- push-piece according to claim 1 or claim 2, further characterized in that it comprises a cylindrical conduit (10) extending towards the outlet orifices (5) the cylindrical part (24) in which the piston slides , and the valve stems (35) are formed on radial ribs (34) which extend from the stem (32) and which slide with some clearance in the cylindrical conduit (10). 4.- Embout-poussoir selon une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en outre en ce qu'il comporte une paroi de fond (4a) dans laquelle sont formés les orifices de sorbe (5), ladite paroi de fond ayant une surface intérieure, ou dirigée vers les tiges de soupape (35), composée de trois surfaces coniques (11) convergeant chacune vers un orifice de sortie (5), et de concavité tournée vers lesdites tiges de soupape (35 ). 4.- push-piece according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further characterized in that it comprises a bottom wall (4a) in which the sorbe orifices (5) are formed, said bottom wall having a surface inside, or directed towards the valve stems (35), composed of three conical surfaces (11) each converging towards an outlet orifice (5), and of concavity turned towards said valve stems (35). 5.- Embout-poussoir selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en outre en ce que les orifices de sortie (5) sont répartis à 120 degrés les uns des autres autour de l'axe (2), à même distance de l'axe (2), et les tiges de soupapes (35) sont aussi réparties à 120 degrés les unes des autres, à la même distance de l'axe (2) que les orifices de sortie (5). 5.- push-piece according to any one of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the outlet orifices (5) are distributed at 120 degrees from each other around the axis (2), at the same distance from the axis (2), and the valve stems (35) are also distributed at 120 degrees from each other, at the same distance from the axis (2) as the outlet orifices (5). 6.- Embout-poussoir selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en outre en ce que l'extrémité (36) de chaque tige de soupape (35) est en forme de demi-sphère et s'applique de façon étanche contre une surface conique (11) entourant un orifice de sortie (5). 6.- push-piece according to any one of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the end (36) of each valve stem (35) is in the form of a hemisphere and is applied in a sealed manner against a conical surface (11) surrounding an outlet (5). 7.- Embout-poussoir selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en outre en ce que l'extrémité (36′) de chaque tige de soupape (35) est plane et chaque orifice de sortie (5) est entouré d'un méplat (38) en regard d'une extrémité (36′) plane de tige de soupape (35), ledit méplat (38) étant parallèle à ladite extrémité plane (36′). 7.- push-piece according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further characterized in that the end (36 ′) of each valve stem (35) is planar and each outlet orifice (5) is surrounded a flat (38) facing a planar end (36 ′) of the valve stem (35), said flat (38) being parallel to said flat end (36 ′). 8.- Embout-poussoir selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en outre en ce qu'il comporte un corps (1) creux comportant une extrémité de sortie (4) dans laquelle sont formés les orifices de sortie (5), et une extrémité ouverte (3) dans laquelle est emboîtée une douille (20), ladite douille (20) comportant un fond (21) qui ferme l'extrémité ouverte (3) du corps (1) et qui se prolonge vers l'extrémité de sortie (4) par une partie massive (25), puis par une paroi cylindrique (24a) dans laquelle coulisse le piston (31). 8.- push-piece according to any one of the preceding claims, further characterized in that it comprises a hollow body (1) having an outlet end (4) in which the outlet orifices (5) are formed, and an open end (3) in which a socket (20) is fitted, said socket (20) having a bottom (21) which closes the open end (3) of the body (1) and which extends towards the end outlet (4) by a solid part (25), then by a cylindrical wall (24a) in which the piston (31) slides. 9.- Embout-poussoir selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en outre en ce que la partie massive (25) de la douille (20) comporte un alésage borgne (26) pour recevoir une tige d'actionnement du distributeur servant à l'émission du produit, l'alésage (26) communique avec un canal latéral (27) débouchant dans une cannelure extérieure (28) de la douille (20) qui elle-même débouche, par une ouverture (29) de la paroi cylindrique (24a) de la douille (20), entre le piston (31) et l'extrémité de sortie (4) du corps (1). 9.- push-piece according to claim 8, further characterized in that the solid part (25) of the sleeve (20) has a blind bore (26) for receiving an actuating rod of the distributor used for emission. of the product, the bore (26) communicates with a lateral channel (27) opening into an external groove (28) of the sleeve (20) which itself opens, through an opening (29) in the cylindrical wall (24a) of the sleeve (20), between the piston (31) and the outlet end (4) of the body (1). 10.- Embout-poussoir selon la revendication 7 ou la revendication 8, caractérisé en outre en ce que la partie massive (25) de la douille (20) est percée d'un canal d'évent (30) qui débouche entre le piston (31) et ladite partie massive (25) et qui communique avec l'atmosphère. 10.- push-piece according to claim 7 or claim 8, further characterized in that the solid part (25) of the sleeve (20) is pierced with a vent channel (30) which opens out between the piston (31) and said massive part (25) which communicates with the atmosphere.
EP92400005A 1991-01-07 1992-01-02 Actuator cap with multiple jets and closure Expired - Lifetime EP0494803B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9100123 1991-01-07
FR9100123A FR2671329B1 (en) 1991-01-07 1991-01-07 MULTI-JET PUSH-BUTTON WITH CLOSURE.

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0494803A1 true EP0494803A1 (en) 1992-07-15
EP0494803B1 EP0494803B1 (en) 1994-09-07

Family

ID=9408494

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP92400005A Expired - Lifetime EP0494803B1 (en) 1991-01-07 1992-01-02 Actuator cap with multiple jets and closure

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US5195665A (en)
EP (1) EP0494803B1 (en)
DE (1) DE69200370T2 (en)
FR (1) FR2671329B1 (en)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0661069A2 (en) * 1993-12-28 1995-07-05 Meiji Seika Kaisha Ltd. Spray container for spraying medicinal liquid to mucous membrane of throat
FR2771012A1 (en) * 1997-11-17 1999-05-21 Sofab Nasal spray which allows both nostrils to be treated at the same time
EP1475157A1 (en) * 2003-05-06 2004-11-10 Ing. Erich Pfeiffer GmbH Nozzle for nasal sprayer having a plurality of exit orifices for spraying viscous material
FR3046551A1 (en) * 2016-01-07 2017-07-14 Aptar France Sas NASAL DISTRIBUTION HEAD OF FLUID PRODUCT AND DISPENSING DEVICE COMPRISING SUCH A HEAD.
CN110433978A (en) * 2014-04-10 2019-11-12 Gb发展公司 Fluid distributing apparatus and with reply component valve

Families Citing this family (27)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
IT1270138B (en) * 1994-05-25 1997-04-29 Giovanni Albini NEBULIZED PRESSURE FLUID DISPENSER, PROVIDED WITH MOBILE SHUTTER FOR PRESSURE FLUID ACTION
US5938079A (en) * 1995-01-27 1999-08-17 Nordson Corporation Dispensing head for two-component foam with shutoff
DE19638602A1 (en) * 1995-10-31 1997-05-15 Fritz Meckenstock Discharge valve for hand-operated pump
FR2746657B1 (en) * 1996-03-29 1998-06-26 Sofab ANTIBACTERIAL DEVICE FOR SPRAYING A LIQUID PRODUCT
US5842616A (en) * 1996-04-24 1998-12-01 Ter S.R.L. Atomized liquid dispenser applicable to manually operated pumps
DE19627228A1 (en) * 1996-07-05 1998-01-08 Pfeiffer Erich Gmbh & Co Kg Discharge device for media
IT1294275B1 (en) * 1997-07-24 1999-03-24 Giovanni Albini FLUID DISPENSING BUTTON THROUGH A MOBILE NOZZLE ON THE BUTTON ITSELF
FR2771296B1 (en) * 1997-11-25 2000-03-10 Sofab NASAL TIP WITH END CLOSURE
FR2773784B1 (en) * 1998-01-16 2000-03-24 Valois Sa SPRAY HEAD FOR A FLUID PRODUCT DISPENSER
US6276568B1 (en) * 1998-08-21 2001-08-21 Pharmacia & Upjohn Company Spray bottle grip
DE10108486A1 (en) * 2001-02-22 2002-09-19 Steven Padar Device for application of fluids comprises a valve with a sealing element which by means of a spring is pressed against the outlet so that the pump channel at its distal end is closed
GB0204829D0 (en) * 2002-03-01 2002-04-17 Glaxo Group Ltd A fluid dispensing device
US8499985B2 (en) 2003-05-28 2013-08-06 Robert A. Lehmkuhl Automatic dispensing cap for squeezable bottle
US6938800B1 (en) * 2003-05-28 2005-09-06 Robert A. Lehmkuhl Automatic dispensing cap for squeezable bottle
DE102004034629A1 (en) * 2004-06-14 2006-01-05 Seaquist Perfect Dispensing Gmbh Device and spray head for atomizing a preferably cosmetic liquid and method for producing such a device
DE102005043258A1 (en) * 2004-09-14 2006-03-16 Eric Schliemann Device for the metered dispensing of a medium
FR2887232B1 (en) * 2005-06-21 2010-11-05 Rexam Dispensing Sys PUSH BUTTON FOR LIQUID PRODUCT DISPENSER
FR2893314B1 (en) * 2005-11-16 2007-12-21 Rexam Dispensing Smt Soc Par A ACTUATING AND DISPENSING HEAD FOR PUMP
GB0610666D0 (en) * 2006-05-30 2006-07-05 Glaxo Group Ltd Fluid dispenser
CN2937092Y (en) * 2006-08-02 2007-08-22 袁建军 Liquid dispenser
JP5458328B2 (en) 2008-06-10 2014-04-02 ミードウェストヴァコ・カルマー・ゲーエムベーハー Fluid discharge head
DE102008027598A1 (en) * 2008-06-10 2009-12-24 Meadwestvaco Calmar Gmbh Fluid discharge head for use with fluid discharge device, has valve body with intermediate valve disk that defines compartment bottom of pressure chamber, where medium discharge pressure is adjusted in chamber to open upper valve seat
DE102011007396A1 (en) * 2011-04-14 2012-10-18 Ing. Erich Pfeiffer Gmbh Discharge head for a tube and tube with discharge head
FR2975021B1 (en) * 2011-05-11 2014-03-07 Jacques Gerbron PUMP FOR DOSING AND DISPENSING A LIQUID OR VISCOUS PRODUCT
EP2653236A1 (en) * 2012-04-17 2013-10-23 Linde Aktiengesellschaft Device and method for a controlled discharge of a fluid
DE102016204953A1 (en) * 2016-03-24 2017-09-28 F. Holzer Gmbh Metering pump for a metering device and metering device
CN114291433B (en) * 2022-01-10 2023-04-11 中山市联昌喷雾泵有限公司 External spraying pump of elastic component

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0129643A1 (en) * 1983-04-28 1985-01-02 Ing. Erich Pfeiffer GmbH &amp; Co. KG Spray or metering pump

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AT107080B (en) * 1924-04-17 1927-08-25 Lingner Werke Ag Tube with the closure body under the action of a spring.
CH163205A (en) * 1932-06-16 1933-07-31 S Manzardo Roger Tube with automatic locking device.
US2109397A (en) * 1935-06-13 1938-02-22 Henderson Douglas Closure for collapsible tubes and containers
CH186698A (en) * 1935-11-05 1936-09-30 Styner Fritz Tube.
US2170588A (en) * 1938-04-13 1939-08-22 Douglas Gordon Self-closing cap for collapsible tubes
US2607515A (en) * 1946-12-18 1952-08-19 Robert A Felburg Closure for collapsible tubes, with pressure-responsive, resiliently biased outlet element
FR944944A (en) * 1947-02-08 1949-04-20 Automatic closing device, intended in particular for tubes and other similar containers
CH311443A (en) * 1952-08-13 1955-11-30 Valtl Rudolf Automatic tube closure.
CH662629A5 (en) * 1984-12-28 1987-10-15 Paul Comment PRESSURE REDUCER-REGULATOR FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF A GASEOUS, LIQUID, VISCOUS, POWDERY OR PASTY PRODUCT.
US5158215A (en) * 1989-11-08 1992-10-27 Paul Comment Automatic lift valve

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0129643A1 (en) * 1983-04-28 1985-01-02 Ing. Erich Pfeiffer GmbH &amp; Co. KG Spray or metering pump

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0661069A2 (en) * 1993-12-28 1995-07-05 Meiji Seika Kaisha Ltd. Spray container for spraying medicinal liquid to mucous membrane of throat
EP0661069A3 (en) * 1993-12-28 1995-09-13 Meiji Seika Kaisha Spray container for spraying medicinal liquid to mucous membrane of throat.
FR2771012A1 (en) * 1997-11-17 1999-05-21 Sofab Nasal spray which allows both nostrils to be treated at the same time
WO1999025408A1 (en) * 1997-11-17 1999-05-27 Rexam Sofab Nose sprayer
EP1475157A1 (en) * 2003-05-06 2004-11-10 Ing. Erich Pfeiffer GmbH Nozzle for nasal sprayer having a plurality of exit orifices for spraying viscous material
US7104469B2 (en) 2003-05-06 2006-09-12 Ing. Erich Pfeiffer Gmbh Discharge device for at least one medium
CN110433978A (en) * 2014-04-10 2019-11-12 Gb发展公司 Fluid distributing apparatus and with reply component valve
CN110433978B (en) * 2014-04-10 2021-07-13 Gb发展公司 Fluid dispensing device and valve with return member
FR3046551A1 (en) * 2016-01-07 2017-07-14 Aptar France Sas NASAL DISTRIBUTION HEAD OF FLUID PRODUCT AND DISPENSING DEVICE COMPRISING SUCH A HEAD.

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2671329B1 (en) 1993-03-19
DE69200370D1 (en) 1994-10-13
US5195665A (en) 1993-03-23
FR2671329A1 (en) 1992-07-10
DE69200370T2 (en) 1995-05-11
EP0494803B1 (en) 1994-09-07

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0494803B1 (en) Actuator cap with multiple jets and closure
EP0705143B1 (en) Spray nozzle and vaporizer provided with such nozzle
EP0549049B1 (en) Assembly for dispensing at least one fluid product
EP0734969B1 (en) Aerosol dispenser with two spray nozzles
EP0969933B1 (en) Device for spraying a fluid product, such as a double dose dispenser
EP0410857A1 (en) Assembly for dispensing at least one product, especially cosmetics, in cream, fluid or powder form
EP0486355A1 (en) Dispenser for a liquid to pasty product and holding device for this dispenser
EP0688609B1 (en) Manually actuated precompression pump for spraying a liquid and dispensing assembly comprising such a pump
EP0437131A1 (en) Precompression hand pump for the spraying of a liquid, in particular a perfume
EP1004523B1 (en) Dispensing valve for pressurised fluid
EP0481833B1 (en) Dispensing unit for a fluid product comprising a device with a double lever arm for activating a distribution device
EP1202818B1 (en) Device for dispensing a fluid product with closure system
EP1052191A1 (en) Container fitted with a dispensing head
EP0605275B1 (en) Assembly for spraying a liquid comprising a precompression pump
EP0696233B1 (en) Portable device for distributing a fluid material
FR2734246A1 (en) Miniature distributor for small medicine doses or perfume samples
FR2622478A1 (en) Spray nozzle for an atomiser of a valve type for aerosols
FR2814727A1 (en) Pressurized container comprising a valve, useful for dispensing a spray, gel, mousse, cosmetic or pharmaceutical product, has spring holding it in closed position until actuator is depressed
EP1024094B1 (en) Locking dispenser head
FR2672574A1 (en) ADJUSTABLE AND CLOSED PUSH BUTTON FOR A MANUAL DEVICE FOR SPRAYING OR DISPENSING FLUID PRODUCT.
FR2715083A1 (en) Dispensing device with reduced pressure drop comprising a dispensing nozzle.
EP1086908A2 (en) Actuator cap for spray container
EP1551559B1 (en) Push-button sprayer equipped with a projecting side nozzle
FR2627156A1 (en) CLOSURE CAPSULE WITH MOBILE ELEMENT FOR BOTTLES AND OTHER CONTAINERS
EP0561696A1 (en) Dispensing nozzle

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): DE FR GB IT

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19920918

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: SOCIETE ANONYME DITE:ETABLISSEMENTS VALOIS

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19940216

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): DE FR GB IT

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69200370

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19941013

ITF It: translation for a ep patent filed
GBT Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977)

Effective date: 19941201

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: TP

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: CD

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: CA

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: IF02

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20021223

Year of fee payment: 12

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20030128

Year of fee payment: 12

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20030204

Year of fee payment: 12

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20040102

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20040803

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20040102

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20040930

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.

Effective date: 20050102