EP0497961B1 - Dispensing device with automatic closure for container holding a liquid or pasty product - Google Patents

Dispensing device with automatic closure for container holding a liquid or pasty product Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0497961B1
EP0497961B1 EP91915932A EP91915932A EP0497961B1 EP 0497961 B1 EP0497961 B1 EP 0497961B1 EP 91915932 A EP91915932 A EP 91915932A EP 91915932 A EP91915932 A EP 91915932A EP 0497961 B1 EP0497961 B1 EP 0497961B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
membrane
capsule
dome
container
slit
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
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EP91915932A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0497961A1 (en
Inventor
Vincent De Laforcade
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LOreal SA
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LOreal SA
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    • 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
    • B65D47/2031—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 the element being formed by a slit, narrow opening or constrictable spout, the size of the outlet passage being able to be varied by increasing or decreasing the pressure
    • 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
    • B65D47/42—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices with pads or like contents-applying means
    • B65D47/44—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices with pads or like contents-applying means combined with slits opening when container is deformed or when pad is pressed against surface to which contents are to be applied

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a dispenser device with automatic closure for a container containing a liquid to pasty product to be dispensed, device of the type of those which have a dome-shaped membrane convex towards the outside, covering an outlet end of the container, at least one slot provided towards the top of the dome of the membrane, and having a large dimension, said slot being limited by edges extending parallel to this large dimension and suitable for coming into contact against one another to produce a tight seal at rest, and to move aside to allow passage to the product when sufficient pressure is transmitted to the product and a rigid capsule intended to be fixed on the end of the container fitted with the membrane and to partially cover the dome in a region surrounding the slot which remains uncovered (US-A-935 089).
  • Such a dispensing device constitutes an aid for using the container with one hand, since it is not necessary to recap the container, to avoid the flow of the product when the pressure is stopped transmitting to the product.
  • the devices known to date make it possible to more or less satisfactorily provide the desired seal as soon as the pressure exerted on the product ceases.
  • the quality of the seal obtained depends, in particular, on the precision with which the slit is produced.
  • such an embodiment of the slot generally requires additional operations, for example cutting by a blade, increasing the cost price of the device.
  • the object of the invention is, above all, to provide a dispenser device with automatic closure, of the type defined above, which ensures a good seal as soon as the pressure exerted on the product ceases and therefore which prevents an air intake, while being simple, economical and reliable to manufacture.
  • a self-closing dispensing device for a container containing a liquid to pasty product to be dispensed of the kind defined above is characterized in that projecting support means are provided on at least one of the two surfaces formed by the interior surface of the capsule and the exterior surface of the membrane, and said interior surface of the capsule is suitable for conforming to the exterior surface of the membrane in the free state, apart from the abovementioned support means, the assembly being such that at the end of positioning of the rigid capsule on the container, the action of the support means causes a deformation of the dome of the membrane and a sealed application of the edges of the slot against each other .
  • the slot is obtained by molding with the membrane, so that the edges of the slot, when the membrane is in the free state, are slightly spaced from each other, the deformation caused by the above means support at the end of installation of the rigid capsule being sufficient to apply the edges of the slot in a sealed manner against each other.
  • the support means consist of two bosses, the shape of which is a portion of a sphere having its center situated in the median plane perpendicular to the long length of the slot; these bosses are symmetrical with respect to the diametral plane containing the large dimension of the slot.
  • the bosses are provided on the membrane and are obtained directly from molding with this membrane, said bosses having their convexity turned radially outward.
  • the dome formed by the membrane is spherical and the internal surface of the rigid capsule is a concave spherical surface of the same radius as the dome, apart from the bosses.
  • the outlet end of the container comprises a nozzle provided with an external thread while the rigid capsule comprises a sleeve provided with an additional internal thread capable of cooperating with the thread of the nozzle in order to maintain the capsule.
  • said capsule comprising a coaxial cylindrical skirt located radially between the dome and the sleeve, to come into abutment against a shoulder of the container at the end of screwing of the capsule.
  • the invention consists, apart from the arrangements set out above, of a certain number of other arrangements which will be more explicitly discussed below in connection with an exemplary embodiment described with reference to the attached drawing, but which is by no means limiting.
  • Figure 1 of this drawing is an elevational view, with parts broken away, of a membrane for a dispensing device according to the invention.
  • Figure 2 finally, shows in elevation, with some parts cut and others torn, a dispensing device according to the invention, in the closed position of the membrane.
  • a dispensing device D for a container 1 constituted, in the example considered, by a tube 2.
  • This tube 2 contains a pasty product to be dispensed by one end of outlet 3 with passage 4.
  • the output of the product is obtained by transmitting a pressure to this product.
  • the tube 2 can be made with deformable walls and a pressure exerted on the walls of the tube 2 is transmitted to the product; according to another possibility, the container 1 or the tube 2 would have rigid walls and the pressure would be transmitted to the product thanks to the displacement of a piston controlled by the user.
  • the device D comprises a membrane M, in particular of elastomeric material, in the shape of a dome 5 convex towards the outside, covering the end 3 and the outlet passage 4 of the tube 2.
  • the dome 5 is advantageously constituted by a portion of a sphere and, in the example considered, by a hemisphere. This dome 5 is connected, at its equatorial plane, to an annular cylindrical portion 6 of larger diameter whose lower face 7 is capable of coming to bear against the transverse face of the end 3 of the tube.
  • This end 3 is arranged in the form of a nozzle and has an external thread 10, while the capsule 9 comprises a sleeve 11 provided with a complementary thread 12 suitable for ensuring the maintenance of the capsule on the nozzle by screwing.
  • the capsule 9 partially covers the dome 5 in a region surrounding the slot 8 which remains uncovered.
  • Support means A projecting are provided on at least one of the two surfaces constituted by the inner surface 13 of the capsule and the outer surface 14 of the dome 5.
  • the support means A are provided projecting outwardly on the surface 14 of the dome and are constituted by two bosses 15, 16 whose shape is a portion of a sphere.
  • the center of the portion of sphere constituting each boss 15, 16 is located in the median plane perpendicular to the long length of the slot 8.
  • the bosses 15, 16 are symmetrical with respect to this plane. These bosses 15, 16 are obtained by molding with the capsule 9.
  • the internal surface 13 of the capsule 9, which covers the dome 5, follows the external surface of this dome in the free state, apart from the bosses 15, 16.
  • the internal surface 13 of the capsule 9 is spherical concave , of the same radius as the convex spherical outer surface 14 of the dome.
  • the two bosses 15 and 16 come into contact with the internal surface 13 in a reduced, almost punctual zone, preferably located in the vicinity of the circular edge 17 of the opening made in the capsule 9 for the passage of the upper part of the dome 5 .
  • the capsule 9 has a cylindrical skirt 18 coaxial with the sleeve 11, and situated radially between the dome 5 and this sleeve 11.
  • the transverse face of the lower end of the skirt 18 is suitable for abutting, at the end of screwing of the capsule 9, against a shoulder 19 formed by the transverse end face of the end piece 3.
  • the base 20 of the concave spherical inner surface 13 of the capsule comes to bear simultaneously against the annular part 6 which can undergo deformation.
  • the crushing of part 6 is limited by the abutment of the skirt 18 against shoulder 19.
  • the bosses 15 and 16 in particular their projection relative to the spherical surface 14, are determined in such a way that at the end of the positioning of the capsule 9, by screwing on the end piece 3, the cooperation of the internal surface 13 of the capsule and of the above bosses 15, 16 causes a deformation of the dome 5 and a sealing application of the edges 8a, 8b against each other.
  • edges 8 a, 8 b in the free state of the membrane, as shown in Figure 1 may be slightly spaced from one another. Under these conditions, the slot 8 can be obtained by molding with the membrane, which considerably simplifies the manufacturing operations, without the sealing after the installation of the capsule 9 being affected.
  • the material of the dome-shaped membrane M 5 is chosen to be flexible enough to close under the constraint of the bosses 15, 16 bearing against the surface 13, and to allow easy opening of the slot 8 during limited pressure. exerted by the user on the tube 2 and transmitted to the product.
  • dome 5 material elastomers whose shore hardness is below 60 shore A and more particularly around 20 shore A.
  • the materials in question are preferably from the EPDM family, that is to say copolymers of ethylene and propylene, which are satin-finished during molding.
  • elastomers such as natural rubbers, nitriles or butyls, as long as the compatibility with the packaged product is correct.
  • the capsule 9 is provided with a cover 24 articulated on an area of the contour of the capsule, in particular by a film hinge 21.
  • the cover 24 has a shape which comes to press lightly on the part of the membrane M projecting from the capsule.
  • the zone of the cover diametrically opposite to the hinge 21 comprises a hooking spout 22 suitable for snapping into a housing of the capsule.
  • the cover 24 has been shown in the closed position. It provides additional security by creating a second sealing barrier.
  • the hood is opened by tilting it around 180 ° around the hinge 21.
  • the cover 24 can be molded, in the open position, in one piece with the capsule 9.
  • the membrane M is put in place on the end of the end piece 3, the face 7 of the part 6 coming to bear against the end of this end piece. At this instant the membrane M is in the free state and the edges 8 a , 8 b of the slot 8 are spaced apart as shown in FIG. 1.
  • the capsule 9 is then placed by screwing the sleeve 11 onto the end piece 3.
  • the cover 24 is opened by tilting it around the hinge 21 so as to completely release the outer part of the dome 5 and of the capsule 9 surrounding it.
  • the dispensing device of the invention makes it possible to avoid any air intake during the dispensing of the product.
  • the slit of the membrane can be obtained by molding, which simplifies manufacturing and is economical.

Abstract

The dispensing device is comprised of a membrane (M) configured like an outwardly convex dome (5), covering an outlet end (3) of the container, and at least one slot (8) provided towards the top of the dome. A rigid cap (9) is provided to be fixed to the container end (3) fitted with the membrane (M) and to partially cover the dome (5) in a region surrounding the slot (8) which remains uncovered; projecting bearing means (A) are provided on at least one of the two surfaces formed by the internal surface (13) of the cap and the external surface (14) of the membrane. and said internal surface (13) of the cap assumes the shape of the external surface (14) of the membrane, when it is in a free condiiton, except for said bearing means (A). The assembly is such that at the end of the setting in place of the rigid cap (9) on the container (2), the action of the bearing means (M) causes a deformation of the dome (5) of the membrane and a sealing application of the edges (8a, 8b) of the slot against each other.

Description

L'invention est relative à un dispositif distributeur à fermeture automatique pour récipient contenant un produit liquide à pâteux à distribuer, dispositif du genre de ceux qui comportent une membrane en forme de dôme convexe vers l'extérieur, recouvrant une extrémité de sortie du récipient, au moins une fente prévue vers le sommet du dôme de la membrane, et présentant une grande dimension, ladite fente étant limitée par des bords s'étendant parallèlement à cette grande dimension et propres à venir en contact l'un contre l'autre pour réaliser une fermeture étanche au repos, et à s'écarter pour laisser le passage au produit lorsqu'une pression suffisante est transmise au produit et une capsule rigide prévue pour être fixée sur l'extrémité du récipient équipée de la membrane et pour venir recouvrir partiellement le dôme dans une région entourant la fente qui reste découverte (US-A-935 089).The invention relates to a dispenser device with automatic closure for a container containing a liquid to pasty product to be dispensed, device of the type of those which have a dome-shaped membrane convex towards the outside, covering an outlet end of the container, at least one slot provided towards the top of the dome of the membrane, and having a large dimension, said slot being limited by edges extending parallel to this large dimension and suitable for coming into contact against one another to produce a tight seal at rest, and to move aside to allow passage to the product when sufficient pressure is transmitted to the product and a rigid capsule intended to be fixed on the end of the container fitted with the membrane and to partially cover the dome in a region surrounding the slot which remains uncovered (US-A-935 089).

Un tel dispositif distributeur constitue une aide à l'utilisation d'une seule main du récipient cár il n'est pas nécessaire de reboucher ce récipient, pour éviter l'écoulement du produit, lorsque l'on cesse de transmettre une pression au produit.Such a dispensing device constitutes an aid for using the container with one hand, since it is not necessary to recap the container, to avoid the flow of the product when the pressure is stopped transmitting to the product.

Les dispositifs connus à ce jour permettent d'assurer de manière plus ou moins satisfaisante l'étanchéité recherchée dès que cesse la pression exercée sur le produit. La qualité de l'étanchéité obtenue dépend, notamment, de la précision avec laquelle la fente est réalisée. De plus, une telle réalisation de la fente nécessite généralement des opérations supplémentaires, par exemple découpage par une lame, augmentant le prix de revient du dispositif.The devices known to date make it possible to more or less satisfactorily provide the desired seal as soon as the pressure exerted on the product ceases. The quality of the seal obtained depends, in particular, on the precision with which the slit is produced. In addition, such an embodiment of the slot generally requires additional operations, for example cutting by a blade, increasing the cost price of the device.

L'invention a pour but, surtout, de fournir un dispositif distributeur à fermeture automatique, du genre défini précédemment, qui assure une bonne étanchéité dès que la pression exercée sur le produit cesse et donc qui évite une reprise d'air, tout en étant d'une fabrication simple, économique et fiable.The object of the invention is, above all, to provide a dispenser device with automatic closure, of the type defined above, which ensures a good seal as soon as the pressure exerted on the product ceases and therefore which prevents an air intake, while being simple, economical and reliable to manufacture.

Selon l'invention, un dispositif distributeur à fermeture automatique pour récipient contenant un produit liquide à pâteux à distribuer du genre défini précédemment est caractérisé par le fait que des moyens d'appui en saillie sont prévus sur au moins l'une des deux surfaces constituées par la surface intérieure de la capsule et la surface extérieure de la membrane, et ladite surface intérieure de la capsule est propre à épouser la surface extérieure de la membrane à l'état libre, abstraction faite des susdits moyens d'appui, l'ensemble étant tel qu'en fin de mise en place de la capsule rigide sur le récipient, l'action des moyens d'appui provoque une déformation du dôme de la membrane et une application étanche des bords de la fente l'un contre l'autre.According to the invention, a self-closing dispensing device for a container containing a liquid to pasty product to be dispensed of the kind defined above is characterized in that projecting support means are provided on at least one of the two surfaces formed by the interior surface of the capsule and the exterior surface of the membrane, and said interior surface of the capsule is suitable for conforming to the exterior surface of the membrane in the free state, apart from the abovementioned support means, the assembly being such that at the end of positioning of the rigid capsule on the container, the action of the support means causes a deformation of the dome of the membrane and a sealed application of the edges of the slot against each other .

De préférence, la fente est obtenue de moulage avec la membrane, de sorte que les bords de la fente, lorsque la membrane est à l'état libre, sont légèrement écartés l'un de l'autre, la déformation provoquée par les susdits moyens d'appui en fin de mise en place de la capsule rigide étant suffisante pour appliquer les bords de la fente de manière étanche l'un contre l'autre.Preferably, the slot is obtained by molding with the membrane, so that the edges of the slot, when the membrane is in the free state, are slightly spaced from each other, the deformation caused by the above means support at the end of installation of the rigid capsule being sufficient to apply the edges of the slot in a sealed manner against each other.

Avantageusement, les moyens d'appui sont constitués par deux bossages dont la forme est une portion de sphère ayant son centre situé dans le plan médian perpendiculaire à la grande longueur de la fente ; ces bossages sont symétriques par rapport au plan diamétral contenant la grande dimension de la fente.Advantageously, the support means consist of two bosses, the shape of which is a portion of a sphere having its center situated in the median plane perpendicular to the long length of the slot; these bosses are symmetrical with respect to the diametral plane containing the large dimension of the slot.

De préférence, les bossages sont prévus sur la membrane et sont obtenus directement de moulage avec cette membrane, lesdits bossages ayant leur convexité tournée radialement vers l'extérieur.Preferably, the bosses are provided on the membrane and are obtained directly from molding with this membrane, said bosses having their convexity turned radially outward.

Généralement, le dôme formé par la membrane est sphérique et la surface interne de la capsule rigide est une surface concave sphérique de même rayon que le dôme, abstraction faite des bossages.Generally, the dome formed by the membrane is spherical and the internal surface of the rigid capsule is a concave spherical surface of the same radius as the dome, apart from the bosses.

Avantageusement, l'extrémité de sortie du récipient comporte un embout muni d'un filetage extérieur tandis que la capsule rigide comporte un manchon pourvu d'un filetage interne complémentaire propre à coopérer avec le filetage de l'embout pour assurer le maintien de la capsule, ladite capsule comportant une jupe cylindrique coaxiale située radialement entre le dôme et le manchon, pour venir en butée contre un épaulement du récipient en fin de vissage de la capsule.Advantageously, the outlet end of the container comprises a nozzle provided with an external thread while the rigid capsule comprises a sleeve provided with an additional internal thread capable of cooperating with the thread of the nozzle in order to maintain the capsule. , said capsule comprising a coaxial cylindrical skirt located radially between the dome and the sleeve, to come into abutment against a shoulder of the container at the end of screwing of the capsule.

L'invention consiste, mises à part les dispositions exposées ci-dessus, en un certain nombre d'autres dispositions dont il sera plus explicitement question ci-après à propos d'un exemple de réalisation décrit avec référence au dessin ci-annexé, mais qui n'est nullement limitatif.The invention consists, apart from the arrangements set out above, of a certain number of other arrangements which will be more explicitly discussed below in connection with an exemplary embodiment described with reference to the attached drawing, but which is by no means limiting.

La figure 1, de ce dessin, est une vue en élévation, avec parties arrachées, d'une membrane pour un dispositif distributeur conforme à l'invention.Figure 1 of this drawing is an elevational view, with parts broken away, of a membrane for a dispensing device according to the invention.

La figure 2, enfin, montre en élévation, avec certaines parties coupées et d'autres arrachées, un dispositif distributeur selon l'invention, en position de fermeture de la membrane.Figure 2, finally, shows in elevation, with some parts cut and others torn, a dispensing device according to the invention, in the closed position of the membrane.

En se reportant au dessin, plus particulièrement à la figure 2, on peut voir un dispositif distributeur D pour un récipient 1 constitué, dans l'exemple considéré, par un tube 2. Ce tube 2 contient un produit pâteux à distribuer par une extrémité de sortie 3 munie d'un passage 4.Referring to the drawing, more particularly to FIG. 2, one can see a dispensing device D for a container 1 constituted, in the example considered, by a tube 2. This tube 2 contains a pasty product to be dispensed by one end of outlet 3 with passage 4.

La sortie du produit est obtenue en transmettant une pression à ce produit. Par exemple le tube 2 peut être réalisé avec des parois déformables et une pression exercée sur les parois du tube 2 est transmise au produit ; selon une autre possibilité, le récipient 1 ou le tube 2 aurait des parois rigides et la pression serait transmise au produit grâce au déplacement d'un piston commandé par l'utilisateur.The output of the product is obtained by transmitting a pressure to this product. For example, the tube 2 can be made with deformable walls and a pressure exerted on the walls of the tube 2 is transmitted to the product; according to another possibility, the container 1 or the tube 2 would have rigid walls and the pressure would be transmitted to the product thanks to the displacement of a piston controlled by the user.

Le dispositif D comporte une membrane M, notamment en matière élastomère, en forme de dôme 5 convexe vers l'extérieur, recouvrant l'extrémité 3 et le passage de sortie 4 du tube 2. Le dôme 5 est avantageusement constitué par une portion de sphère et, dans l'exemple considéré, par un hémisphère. Ce dôme 5 se raccorde, au niveau de son plan équatorial, à une partie annulaire 6 cylindrique de plus grand diamètre dont la face inférieure 7 est propre à venir en appui contre la face transversale de l'extrémité 3 du tube.The device D comprises a membrane M, in particular of elastomeric material, in the shape of a dome 5 convex towards the outside, covering the end 3 and the outlet passage 4 of the tube 2. The dome 5 is advantageously constituted by a portion of a sphere and, in the example considered, by a hemisphere. This dome 5 is connected, at its equatorial plane, to an annular cylindrical portion 6 of larger diameter whose lower face 7 is capable of coming to bear against the transverse face of the end 3 of the tube.

Une fente 8, rectiligne, dont la grande dimension est perpendiculaire au plan des figures 1 et 2, est prévue vers le sommet du dôme 5 pour laisser le passage au produit, par écartement de ses bords 8a, 8b parallèles à la grande dimension de la fente.A slot 8, rectilinear, whose large dimension is perpendicular to the plane of Figures 1 and 2, is provided towards the top of the dome 5 to allow passage to the product, by spacing its edges 8 a , 8 b parallel to the large dimension from the slot.

Une capsule rigide 9, généralement réalisée en matière plastique, est prévue pour être fixée sur l'extrémité 3 du tube. Cette extrémité 3 est agencée sous la forme d'un embout et comporte un filetage extérieur 10, tandis que la capsule 9 comporte un manchon 11 pourvu d'un filetage complémentaire 12 propre à assurer le maintien de la capsule sur l'embout par vissage.A rigid capsule 9, generally made of plastic, is provided to be fixed on the end 3 of the tube. This end 3 is arranged in the form of a nozzle and has an external thread 10, while the capsule 9 comprises a sleeve 11 provided with a complementary thread 12 suitable for ensuring the maintenance of the capsule on the nozzle by screwing.

La capsule 9 vient recouvrir partiellement le dôme 5 dans une région entourant la fente 8 qui reste découverte.The capsule 9 partially covers the dome 5 in a region surrounding the slot 8 which remains uncovered.

Des moyens d'appui A en saillie sont prévus sur au moins l'une des deux surfaces constituées par la surface intérieure 13 de la capsule et la surface extérieure 14 du dôme 5.Support means A projecting are provided on at least one of the two surfaces constituted by the inner surface 13 of the capsule and the outer surface 14 of the dome 5.

Dans l'exemple considéré, les moyens d'appui A sont prévus en saillie vers l'extérieur sur la surface 14 du dôme et sont constitués par deux bossages 15, 16 dont la forme est une portion de sphère. Le centre de la portion de sphère constituant chaque bossage 15, 16 est situé dans le plan médian perpendiculaire à la grande longueur de la fente 8. Les bossages 15, 16 sont symétriques par rapport à ce plan. Ces bossages 15, 16 sont obtenus de moulage avec la capsule 9.In the example considered, the support means A are provided projecting outwardly on the surface 14 of the dome and are constituted by two bosses 15, 16 whose shape is a portion of a sphere. The center of the portion of sphere constituting each boss 15, 16 is located in the median plane perpendicular to the long length of the slot 8. The bosses 15, 16 are symmetrical with respect to this plane. These bosses 15, 16 are obtained by molding with the capsule 9.

La surface intérieure 13 de la capsule 9, qui recouvre le dôme 5, épouse la surface extérieure de ce dôme à l'état libre, abstraction faite des bossages 15, 16. Autrement dit, la surface intérieure 13 de la capsule 9 est sphérique concave, de même rayon que la surface extérieure sphérique convexe 14 du dôme.The internal surface 13 of the capsule 9, which covers the dome 5, follows the external surface of this dome in the free state, apart from the bosses 15, 16. In other words, the internal surface 13 of the capsule 9 is spherical concave , of the same radius as the convex spherical outer surface 14 of the dome.

Les deux bossages 15 et 16 viennent en contact avec la surface interne 13 suivant une zone réduite, presque ponctuelle, de préférence située au voisinage du bord circulaire 17 de l'ouverture ménagée dans la capsule 9 pour le passage de la partie haute du dôme 5.The two bosses 15 and 16 come into contact with the internal surface 13 in a reduced, almost punctual zone, preferably located in the vicinity of the circular edge 17 of the opening made in the capsule 9 for the passage of the upper part of the dome 5 .

La capsule 9 comporte une jupe cylindrique 18 coaxiale au manchon 11, et située radialement entre le dôme 5 et ce manchon 11. La face transversale d'extrémité inférieure de la jupe 18 est propre à venir en butée, en fin de vissage de la capsule 9, contre un épaulement 19 constitué par la face transversale d'extrémité de l'embout 3.The capsule 9 has a cylindrical skirt 18 coaxial with the sleeve 11, and situated radially between the dome 5 and this sleeve 11. The transverse face of the lower end of the skirt 18 is suitable for abutting, at the end of screwing of the capsule 9, against a shoulder 19 formed by the transverse end face of the end piece 3.

La base 20 de la surface intérieure sphérique concave 13 de la capsule vient, simultanément, en appui contre la partie annulaire 6 qui peut subir une déformation. L'écrasement de la partie 6 est limitée par la venue en butée de la jupe 18 contre l'épaulement 19.The base 20 of the concave spherical inner surface 13 of the capsule comes to bear simultaneously against the annular part 6 which can undergo deformation. The crushing of part 6 is limited by the abutment of the skirt 18 against shoulder 19.

Les bossages 15 et 16, notamment leur saillie relativement à la surface sphérique 14, sont déterminés de manière telle qu'en fin de mise en place de la capsule 9, par vissage sur l'embout 3, la coopération de la surface interne 13 de la capsule et des susdits bossages 15, 16 provoque une déformation du dôme 5 et une application étanche des bords 8a, 8b l'un contre l'autre.The bosses 15 and 16, in particular their projection relative to the spherical surface 14, are determined in such a way that at the end of the positioning of the capsule 9, by screwing on the end piece 3, the cooperation of the internal surface 13 of the capsule and of the above bosses 15, 16 causes a deformation of the dome 5 and a sealing application of the edges 8a, 8b against each other.

Ces bords 8a, 8b à l'état libre de la membrane, comme représenté sur la figure 1, peuvent être légèrement écartés l'un de l'autre. Dans ces conditions, la fente 8 peut être obtenue de moulage avec la membrane ce qui simplifie sensiblement les opérations de fabrication, sans que l'étanchéité après mise en place de la capsule 9 en soit affectée.These edges 8 a, 8 b in the free state of the membrane, as shown in Figure 1, may be slightly spaced from one another. Under these conditions, the slot 8 can be obtained by molding with the membrane, which considerably simplifies the manufacturing operations, without the sealing after the installation of the capsule 9 being affected.

Le matériau de la membrane M en forme de dôme 5 est choisi suffisamment souple pour se fermer sous la contrainte des bossages 15, 16 en appui contre la surface 13, et pour permettre l'ouverture aisée de la fente 8 lors d'une pression limitée exercée par l'utilisateur sur le tube 2 et transmise au produit.The material of the dome-shaped membrane M 5 is chosen to be flexible enough to close under the constraint of the bosses 15, 16 bearing against the surface 13, and to allow easy opening of the slot 8 during limited pressure. exerted by the user on the tube 2 and transmitted to the product.

Des essais ont conduit à choisir comme matériau du dôme 5 des élastomères dont la dureté shore se situe au-dessous de 60 shore A et plus particulièrement vers 20 shore A.Tests have led to choosing as dome 5 material elastomers whose shore hardness is below 60 shore A and more particularly around 20 shore A.

Les matériaux en question sont de préférence de la famille des EPDM, c'est-à-dire des copolymères d'éthylène et de propylène, que l'on satine lors du moulage.The materials in question are preferably from the EPDM family, that is to say copolymers of ethylene and propylene, which are satin-finished during molding.

On peut aussi choisir différents élastomères tels que les caoutchoucs naturels, nitriles ou butyles, dans la mesure où la compatibilité avec le produit conditionné est correcte.We can also choose different elastomers such as natural rubbers, nitriles or butyls, as long as the compatibility with the packaged product is correct.

Avantageusement, la capsule 9 est munie d'un capot 24 articulé sur une zone du contour de la capsule, en particulier par une charnière film 21. Le capot 24 présente une forme qui vient appuyer légèrement sur la partie de la membrane M débordant de la capsule. La zone du capot diamétralement opposée à la charnière 21 comporte un bec d'accrochage 22 propre à s'encliqueter dans un logement de la capsule.Advantageously, the capsule 9 is provided with a cover 24 articulated on an area of the contour of the capsule, in particular by a film hinge 21. The cover 24 has a shape which comes to press lightly on the part of the membrane M projecting from the capsule. The zone of the cover diametrically opposite to the hinge 21 comprises a hooking spout 22 suitable for snapping into a housing of the capsule.

Sur la figure 2, le capot 24 a été représenté en position fermée. Il assure une sécurité supplémentaire en créant une deuxième barrière d'étanchéité. Le capot 24, en position de fermeture, empêche toute distribution de produit par pression sur le tube.In Figure 2, the cover 24 has been shown in the closed position. It provides additional security by creating a second sealing barrier. The cover 24, in the closed position, prevents any distribution of product by pressure on the tube.

Pour l'utilisation, on procède à l'ouverture du capot en le faisant basculer d'environ 180° autour de la charnière 21.For use, the hood is opened by tilting it around 180 ° around the hinge 21.

Le capot 24 peut être moulé, en position ouverte, d'une seule pièce avec la capsule 9.The cover 24 can be molded, in the open position, in one piece with the capsule 9.

La mise en place du dispositif distributeur et son fonctionnement résultent immédiatement des explications qui précèdent.The installation of the dispensing device and its operation immediately result from the foregoing explanations.

La membrane M est mise en place sur l'extrémité de l'embout 3, la face 7 de la partie 6 venant en appui contre l'extrémité de cet embout. A cet instant la membrane M est à l'état libre et les bords 8a, 8b de la fente 8 sont écartés comme représenté sur la figure 1.The membrane M is put in place on the end of the end piece 3, the face 7 of the part 6 coming to bear against the end of this end piece. At this instant the membrane M is in the free state and the edges 8 a , 8 b of the slot 8 are spaced apart as shown in FIG. 1.

On effectue ensuite la mise en place de la capsule 9 par vissage du manchon 11 sur l'embout 3.The capsule 9 is then placed by screwing the sleeve 11 onto the end piece 3.

Vers la fin du vissage, les bossages 15, 16 sont serrés du fait de leur contact avec la surface intérieure 13. Il y a apparition, de chaque côté de la fente 8, d'une force sensiblement perpendiculaire à cette fente et dirigée ce l'extérieur vers la fente, ce qui provoque l'application des bords 8a, 8b l'un contre l'autre et la fermeture de la fente.Towards the end of the screwing, the bosses 15, 16 are tightened due to their contact with the interior surface 13. There is the appearance, on each side of the slot 8, of a force substantially perpendicular to this slot and directed this l outside towards the slot, causing the application of the edges 8a, 8b against each other and closing the slit.

On obtient donc un dispositif distributeur qui est fermé et étanche au repos. Cette fermeture est obtenue grâce à une force positive, effective, due à la coopération des bossages 15, 16 et de la capsule 9. La fermeture assurée par la membrane M est complétée par celle assurée par le capot 24.We therefore obtain a dispensing device which is closed and waterproof at rest. This closure is obtained by virtue of a positive, effective force, due to the cooperation of the bosses 15, 16 and of the capsule 9. The closure provided by the membrane M is completed by that provided by the cover 24.

Pour distribuer le produit, on ouvre le capot 24 en le faisant basculer autour de la charnière 21 de manière à dégager complètement la partie extérieure du dôme 5 et de la capsule 9 l'entourant.To dispense the product, the cover 24 is opened by tilting it around the hinge 21 so as to completely release the outer part of the dome 5 and of the capsule 9 surrounding it.

Lorsque l'on exerce une pression sur le tube 2, cette pression est transmise au produit qui agit contre la surface interne du dôme 5 et provoque l'ouverture de la fente 8, ce qui permet la sortie de ce produit, lorsque la pression exercée sur le tube 2 est suffisante.When a pressure is exerted on the tube 2, this pressure is transmitted to the product which acts against the internal surface of the dome 5 and causes the opening of the slot 8, which allows the exit of this product, when the pressure exerted on tube 2 is sufficient.

Dès que la pression cesse, le dôme 5 se referme automatiquement.As soon as the pressure stops, the dome 5 closes automatically.

Le dispositif distributeur de l'invention permet d'éviter toute reprise d'air lors de la distribution du produit. En outre, la fente de la membrane peut être obtenue par moulage, ce qui simplifie la fabrication et est économique.The dispensing device of the invention makes it possible to avoid any air intake during the dispensing of the product. In addition, the slit of the membrane can be obtained by molding, which simplifies manufacturing and is economical.

Claims (10)

  1. Dispensing device with automatic closure for a container containing a liquid or pasty product to be dispensed, including a membrane (M) in the form of a dome (5) which is convex outwards covering one outlet end (3) of the container (2), at least one slit (8) provided towards the top of the dome (5) of the membrane (M) and exhibiting a long dimension, the said slit (8) being bounded by edges (8a, 8b) extending parallel to this long dimension and capable of coming into contact against one another to produce a sealed closure at rest, and of separating to leave a passage for the product when sufficient pressure is transmitted to the product; and a rigid capsule (9) designed to be fixed onto that end (3) of the container (2), which is equipped with the membrane (M), and to partially cover over the dome (5) in a region surrounding the slit (8) which remains uncovered; characterized in that projecting bearing means (A) are provided over at least one of the two surfaces made up of the inside surface (13) of the capsule (9) and the outside surface (14) of the membrane (M), and the said inside surface (13) of the capsule is capable of matching the outside surface (14) of the membrane (M) in the free state, disregarding the abovementioned bearing means (A), the whole being such that when the rigid capsule (9) has been fitted onto the container (2) the action of the bearing means (A) gives rise to a deformation of the dome (5) of the membrane (M) and a leaktight application of the edges (8a, 8b) of the slit (8) against one another.
  2. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the slit (8) is obtained from moulding with the membrane (M) so that the edges (8a, 8b) of the slit, when the membrane is in the free state, are slightly separated from one another, the deformation brought about by the abovementioned bearing means (A), once the rigid capsule (9) has been fitted, being sufficient to apply the edges of the slit against each other in a sealed manner.
  3. Device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the bearing means (A) are made of two bosses (15, 16), the shape of which is a portion of a sphere having its centre situated in the mid-plane perpendicular to the length of the slit (8).
  4. Device according to Claim 3, characterized in that the bosses (15, 16) are symmetrical with respect to the diametral plane (P) containing the length of the slit (8).
  5. Device according to Claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the bosses (15, 16) are provided on the membrane (M) and are obtained directly from moulding with this membrane, the said bosses (15, 16) having their convexity pointing radially outwards.
  6. Device according to one of Claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the dome (5) formed by the membrane is spherical and the internal surface (13) of the rigid capsule is a spherical concave surface with the same radius as the dome (5), disregarding the bosses (15, 16).
  7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the membrane (M) is produced in an elastomer the Shore hardness of which lies below 60 Shore A and more particularly close to 20 Shore A.
  8. Device according to Claim 7, characterized in that the material of the membrane (M) is of the EPDM family.
  9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet end of the container includes an endpiece (3) equipped with an outside screw thread (10) whereas the rigid capsule (9) includes a sleeve (11) provided with a complementary internal screw thread capable of interacting with the screw thread on the end piece in order to hold the capsule, the said capsule (9) including a coaxial cylindrical skirt (18) situated radially between the dome (5) and the sleeve (11), so as to come into abutment against a shoulder (19) of the container when the capsule has been screwed on.
  10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the capsule (9) is equipped with a cap (24) articulated to a contour zone of the capsule, particularly by a film hinge (21), this cap (24) creating in the closed position a second sealing barrier and preventing any dispensing of product through pressure on the container.
EP91915932A 1990-08-29 1991-08-27 Dispensing device with automatic closure for container holding a liquid or pasty product Expired - Lifetime EP0497961B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9010764A FR2666308B1 (en) 1990-08-29 1990-08-29 DISPENSING DEVICE WITH AUTOMATIC CLOSURE FOR CONTAINER CONTAINING A LIQUID PASTE PRODUCT TO BE DISPENSED.
FR9010764 1990-08-29
PCT/FR1991/000692 WO1992004244A1 (en) 1990-08-29 1991-08-27 Dispensing device with automatic closure for container holding a liquid or pasty product

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0497961A1 EP0497961A1 (en) 1992-08-12
EP0497961B1 true EP0497961B1 (en) 1994-12-28

Family

ID=9399927

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP91915932A Expired - Lifetime EP0497961B1 (en) 1990-08-29 1991-08-27 Dispensing device with automatic closure for container holding a liquid or pasty product

Country Status (8)

Country Link
US (1) US5234138A (en)
EP (1) EP0497961B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2964167B2 (en)
CA (1) CA2067760C (en)
DE (1) DE69106337T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2066469T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2666308B1 (en)
WO (1) WO1992004244A1 (en)

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FR2713953B1 (en) * 1993-12-22 1996-02-02 Oreal Device for metered preparation and dispensing of a cosmetic product.
FR2714595B1 (en) * 1993-12-30 1996-02-02 Oreal Water in oil emulsion containing retinol, its use and packaging.
US5531363A (en) * 1994-06-10 1996-07-02 Aptargroup, Inc. Dispensing closure cartridge valve system
US5842618A (en) * 1995-03-30 1998-12-01 Colgate-Palmolive Company Dispensing closure with controlled valve actuation
US5927566A (en) * 1996-07-11 1999-07-27 Aptargroup, Inc. One-piece dispensing system and method for making same
US5927567A (en) * 1996-11-12 1999-07-27 Owens-Illinois Closure Inc. Dispensing closure and method of making
US6092551A (en) * 1998-05-19 2000-07-25 Chesebrough-Pond's Usa Co., Division Of Conopco, Inc. Duckbill valve
ID25801A (en) * 1997-08-21 2000-11-02 Seaquist Closures DISTRIBUTION PACKAGES AND METHODS TO MAKE EXTRACT PACKAGES
US5881772A (en) * 1998-01-05 1999-03-16 Chesebrough-Pond's Usa., Co. Division Of Conopco, Inc. Smiling duckbill valve
DE19832799B4 (en) * 1998-07-21 2006-03-02 Kunststoffwerk Kutterer Gmbh & Co. Kg Hinged cap
CA2307478A1 (en) * 2000-05-03 2001-11-03 Garth T. Webb Anti-microbial dispenser
US6672487B1 (en) 2002-06-07 2004-01-06 Owens-Illinois Closure Inc. Fluid dispensing closure, package and method of manufacture
US7134575B2 (en) * 2002-12-21 2006-11-14 Gateway Plastics, Inc. Closure for a container
WO2006105574A1 (en) * 2004-10-11 2006-10-12 Sophinity Pty Ltd Dispensing fluids from containers using self closing valve, typically duckbill type valve
US20070228079A1 (en) * 2006-02-16 2007-10-04 Gateway Plastics, Inc. Closure for a container
EP3829994A4 (en) 2018-07-27 2022-05-04 Spoonfuls, Inc. Cap having a spoon-shaped closure

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FR955907A (en) * 1950-01-20
US1935089A (en) * 1932-06-13 1933-11-14 Ray H Kistler Closure for collapsible tubes
US2552715A (en) * 1946-09-25 1951-05-15 Gray Tom Frederick Pressure-operated dispensing nozzle for collapsible tubes
US2591354A (en) * 1947-06-10 1952-04-01 Griffiths Hughes Ltd E Means for holding and extruding paste and liquid materials
US2583340A (en) * 1949-10-18 1952-01-22 Elof F Olsen Resilient discharge valve for dispensers operated by pressure of the contents
US3349972A (en) * 1966-10-24 1967-10-31 Carlton L Whiteford Dispenser closure
WO1980002378A1 (en) * 1979-05-03 1980-11-13 Commw Scient Ind Res Org Device for promoting endothelial cell motility and/or vascularisation
US4728006A (en) * 1984-04-27 1988-03-01 The Procter & Gamble Company Flexible container including self-sealing dispensing valve to provide automatic shut-off and leak resistant inverted storage
US4749108A (en) * 1986-12-19 1988-06-07 The Procter & Gamble Company Bimodal storage and dispensing package including self-sealing dispensing valve to provide automatic shut-off and leak-resistant inverted storage
US4991745A (en) * 1989-04-25 1991-02-12 Liquid Molding Systems, Inc. Dispensing valve with trampoline-like construction
US5005737A (en) * 1989-06-29 1991-04-09 Seaquist Closures Flexible dispensing closure having a slitted resilient outlet valve and a flanged vent valve

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2666308A1 (en) 1992-03-06
EP0497961A1 (en) 1992-08-12
FR2666308B1 (en) 1992-11-13
CA2067760A1 (en) 1992-03-01
CA2067760C (en) 2001-07-17
WO1992004244A1 (en) 1992-03-19
JPH05502209A (en) 1993-04-22
US5234138A (en) 1993-08-10
DE69106337D1 (en) 1995-02-09
ES2066469T3 (en) 1995-03-01
DE69106337T2 (en) 1995-08-24
JP2964167B2 (en) 1999-10-18

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