EP0547978B1 - Dispensing cap for a fluid or viscous product and container equipped with such a cap - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a dispensing capsule for a fluid or viscous product, intended to be mounted on the neck of a container containing the product.

More specifically, the invention relates to a capsule generally made of plastic, of the type comprising a base part comprising an envelope defining the upper wall and the side wall of the capsule, said base part being provided with fixing means on the neck of the container and a distribution passage for said product in communication with the interior of the container, a movable cover in the form of a plate, pivoting about an axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of the neck of the container between a closed position prohibiting the distribution of the product and in which the said movable cover is disposed in a recess in the upper wall of the base part level with it and an open position authorizing the distribution of the said product, and an actuating pusher comprising a tongue movable towards the inside of said capsule from a rest position in which said tongue is disposed in a recess t of the side wall of the base part level with it, said movable cover comprising guide surfaces in the form of ramps capable of cooperating with an extension towards the inside of the upper end of said tongue for, during movement of the tongue from its rest position, pivot said cover from its closed position to its open position.

A capsule having such characteristics is described in EP-A-0 323 779 from the applicant company.

In this document, the extension towards the inside of the tongue of the actuating pusher is produced in the form of a bead cooperating with inclined ramps produced on inward extensions of the movable cover to pivot this cover in a open position allowing the distribution of the product contained in the container.

The cover comprises a product distribution duct in communication with the container and the capsule of the prior document is arranged to ensure, when the push-button is actuated, a pivoting movement of limited amplitude of the movable cover, just sufficient to release the free end of the distribution duct provided in the cover.

The present invention proposes to produce a dispensing capsule of the type defined above which, while being of a simple and economical construction, which can in particular be produced in one piece by molding of plastic material, allows by simple pressing on the pusher to obtain a complete opening of the movable cover, that is to say to a position in which the movable cover is substantially at right angles to its closed position.

The capsule according to the invention is essentially characterized by the fact that the inward extensions of the upper end of the tongue of the actuating pusher consist of flattened branches substantially perpendicular to the tongue, the free ends of which are bevelled , that the movable cover has lateral flanges offset inwardly extending from the pivot axis of said movable cover, said flanges having at their ends opposite to the pivot axis inclined guide surfaces, preferably having an eccentric cam profile, able to cooperate with the ends of the branches of the pusher so that, during the displacement of said branches under the effect of pressing on the tongue, cause a first pivoting movement of opening of the cover, and that the base part comprises, in the path of movement of said branches, projecting bearing surfaces in the form of ramps capable of deflecting v ers the ends of said branches when moving them further, in order to, in cooperation with said flanges of the movable cover, cause the pivoting movement of opening of the cover to continue to a fully open position , preferably at least substantially at right angles to the closed position.

In a preferred embodiment, the projecting spans of the base part are offset with respect to the flanges of the movable cover, the arms of the pusher having a width sufficient to come to bear on said spans and said flanges to cause the hood opening as shown above.

In a particular embodiment, the movable cover comprises locking means on the base part in the closed position, said locking means being arranged to be released during the first pivoting movement of opening of the cover mentioned above.

The locking means are advantageously of the snap-on type and produced on bearing surfaces facing a nozzle of distribution of product projecting from the base part and from a closure element for this nozzle provided on the underside of the movable cover.

It is preferably provided according to the invention on the base part of the means for retaining and guiding the branches of the actuating plunger.

These retaining and guiding means are for example produced in the form of bosses provided on the inner face of the side wall part of the casing of the base part.

In a first embodiment of the invention, the movable cover is articulated on a fixed cover immobilized on the base part, the articulation preferably being in the form of a film hinge.

In a second embodiment of the invention, the movable cover is articulated directly on the base part, preferably also by a film hinge.

The actuating pusher is advantageously also articulated on the base part at the level of the lower end of the tongue, preferably by a film hinge.

Thus, the base part, the actuating member, the movable cover and, when provided, the fixed cover can be made in one piece by plastic molding.

The product dispensing orifice in the capsule can be a nozzle projecting from the base part. According to the invention, thanks to the complete pivoting movement of the movable cover, this nozzle is completely cleared for the distribution of the product.

In an alternative embodiment and in the same manner as in document EP-A-0 323 779, there may be provided in the movable cover a product distribution duct opening out in the vicinity of the end of the movable cover opposite to the hinge pin and in communication with the product distribution passage of the base part.

In this case, it is advantageously provided according to the invention that this communication takes place at the articulation of the movable cover on the base part.

To facilitate this realization, the movable cover can be made in the form of a separate part, assembled to the unitary assembly consisting of the base part and the actuating pusher.

The invention also relates to a container on the neck of which is mounted a capsule as defined above.

In the various embodiments of the invention, the base part preferably has a bearing limiting the driving-in movement of the tongue of the actuating plunger.

• la figure 1 illustre un récipient équipé d'une capsule de distribution selon l'invention en position fermée,
• la figure 2 illustre le récipient équipé d'une capsule de distribution selon l'invention en position d'ouverture,
• la figure 3 illustre en coupe une capsule selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention avant son montage sur un récipient,
• la figure 4 illustre la capsule de la figure 3 dans sa position montée d'utilisation,
• la figure 5 illustre la capsule de la figure 4 en position d'ouverture,
• les figures 6 à 8 sont des vues en perspective schématiques montrant la capsule des figures précédentes selon trois positions en cours d'ouverture,
• les figures 9 et 10 sont des vues similaires aux figures 4 et 5 d'une capsule selon un second mode de réalisation de l'invention,
• les figures 11 et 12 sont des vues analogues d'un troisième mode de réalisation de l'invention,
• la figure 13 est une vue en perspective du capot mobile de la capsule des figures 11 et 12.

In order to better understand the invention, we will now describe, without limitation, three embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:

• FIG. 1 illustrates a container fitted with a dispensing capsule according to the invention in the closed position,
• FIG. 2 illustrates the container equipped with a dispensing capsule according to the invention in the open position,
• FIG. 3 illustrates in section a capsule according to a first embodiment of the invention before it is mounted on a container,
• FIG. 4 illustrates the capsule of FIG. 3 in its mounted position for use,
• FIG. 5 illustrates the capsule of FIG. 4 in the open position,
• FIGS. 6 to 8 are schematic perspective views showing the capsule of the preceding figures in three positions during opening,
• FIGS. 9 and 10 are views similar to FIGS. 4 and 5 of a capsule according to a second embodiment of the invention,
• FIGS. 11 and 12 are similar views of a third embodiment of the invention,
• FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the movable cover of the capsule of FIGS. 11 and 12.

There is shown very generally in FIGS. 1 and 2, a container provided with a capsule according to the first embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 8.

We therefore refer first to Figures 1 to 8.

The container 1 has at its upper part a neck (not visible in the drawing) provided with a neck on which is mounted the capsule according to the invention generally designated by 2.

For this purpose, the capsule comprises a set of two concentric skirts 3, 4, the outer skirt 3, provided with an internal screw pitch engaging around the neck which is provided with a complementary screw pitch, and the skirt 4, interior, constituting a sealing surface inside the neck.

The capsule comprises an outer envelope defining a side wall 5 and an upper wall 6.

The walls 5 and 6 have recesses in which are arranged an actuating plunger generally designated by 7 and a closure cover generally designated by 8.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, in the closed position, the pusher 7 and the cover 8 are arranged so as to extend the walls 5 and 6 of the capsule respectively, substantially without any solution of continuity.

The actuating pusher 7 has a tongue-shaped wall 9 extended at its upper end in the mounting position by a substantially U-shaped plate having two flattened branches 10 each having a beveled end 11 defining an inclined end face of ramp.

The pusher 7 is articulated at the opposite end of the tongue 9 by a film hinge 12 to the base part generally designated by 13 of the capsule, this base part 13 comprising in one piece the flanges 3 and 4 for mounting on the neck of the container as well as the envelope defining the interior walls 5 and 6.

The base body, in this embodiment, comprises for the passage of the product a nozzle 14 projecting upwardly provided on its outer wall with a latching groove 15 in which a latching bead 16 can engage an outer skirt 17 of a closure element 18 produced on the cover and which comprises an internal skirt 19 intended to penetrate into the nozzle 14 to close the latter in the closed position of the cover.

In the example illustrated, the cover has two parts, one designated by 20, the other designated by 21 connected by a film hinge 22, the part 21 being moreover connected to the base body 13 by a film hinge 23 .

The base body 13 has bosses 24 capable of retaining the cover element 21 when the cover 8 is folded around the film hinge 23 in the position of use, from FIG. 3 to FIG. 4.

Thus, in the position of use illustrated in FIG. 4, the cover element 21 is immobilized relative to the base body and constitutes a fixed cover, while the cover element 20 is capable of pivot around the film hinge 22 relative to the cover element 21 and therefore constitutes a movable cover.

This movable cover 20 comprises two lateral flanges 25 each extending from the area of the hinge film hinge 22 in the direction of the free end of the movable cover 20, each of the flanges having in its end portion in the direction of the free end of the movable cover an inclined guide surface 26, preferably in the form of an eccentric cam.

The capsule according to the invention comprises on the base portion 13 of projections in the form of ramps 27 offset inwardly relative to the flanges 25 of the movable cover 20 and capable of cooperating with the legs 10 of the pusher 7 during insertion of it as will be explained below.

As seen in Figure 3, the entire capsule according to the invention can be made in one piece, preferably by plastic molding.

To pass from the deployed manufacturing position of FIG. 3, to the closed position of use of FIG. 4, it suffices to fold the actuating pusher 7 and the entire cover around the film hinges 12 and 23 respectively. 8.

For retaining and guiding the arms 10 of the pusher on the base part, bosses 28 are provided on the inner wall of the casing of the base part.

Finally, the base part comprises an inclined wall 29 produced opposite the tongue 9 of the pusher 7 and constituting a bearing limiting the depression of the pusher.

The capsule according to the invention is opened as illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 8 by pressing on the tongue 9 of the pusher 7, holding the container with one hand as illustrated in FIG. 2.

Initially, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the inclined end portions 11 of the arms 10 of the pusher come to bear on the profiled surfaces 26 of the flanges 25 of the movable cover 20, causing the cover 20 to pivot around the articulation axis constituted by the film hinge 22 with respect to the fixed cover 21. This first movement causes the locking bead 16 of the shutter element 18 to be released from the corresponding groove 15 of the outer wall of the nozzle 14. Continued support on the tongue of the pusher causes the branches to lift upwards along the upper faces of the projecting bearing surfaces 27 of the base part, and pressing on the flanges 25 of the movable cover 20 to cause the lifting thereof up to a position complete opening illustrated in Figure 8.

The nozzle 14 is thus well cleared for the distribution of the product.

The embodiment of Figures 9 and 10 differs essentially from that of the previous figures in that the cover 30 is in one piece and is articulated on the base part, preferably by a film hinge 31 in the vicinity of the edge peripheral of the capsule, the cover comprising, as in the previous embodiment, lateral flanges 32 extending from the hinge pin 31 and having guide bearing surfaces in the form of profiled cams 33.

In this embodiment, the arms 10a of the actuating pusher 7a are longer so as to cooperate at their ends with the flanges 32 of the cover 30.

As in the previous embodiment, and although this is not visible in the drawing, the base part has projecting spans in the form of ramps similar to the spans 27 of the previous embodiment, so that the operation of this embodiment with regard to the pivoting of the cover 30 is the same as in the previous embodiment with regard to the pivoting of the movable cover 20.

In this second embodiment, the means for locking the cover on the base part are somewhat different but also released when the pivoting movement of the cover 30 begins.

In this embodiment, the annular closure element 19a comprises an annular external bead 16a which, in the closed position, snaps behind the base surface of the nozzle 14a passing from the closed position of FIG. 9 to the partially open position in Figure 10.

The continued pivoting movement of the cover towards its fully open position is carried out in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

The third embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 12 differs essentially from the previous embodiments in that the movable cover 40, which can be produced in the form of separate part, comprises a product distribution duct 41 opening at its free end.

The cover includes guide flanges 42 provided with profiled ends.

The flanges 42 extend from the hinge pin 44 which, in this embodiment consists of a journaled shaft in bearings formed in the base part of the capsule.

In this embodiment, a passage 45 is provided at the level of the articulation axis ensuring the distribution of the product from the interior of the container to the distribution duct 41.

We find in this embodiment, the same configuration of pusher 7 as in the first embodiment, the basic body also comprising projecting projections in the form of ramps 27a.

The operation of this embodiment with regard to opening the cover is the same as that of the preceding embodiments.

In the foregoing, and although two successive movements of advance of the branches and pivoting of the movable cover have been mentioned, it must be clear that for the user, these movements are felt as a continuous movement when pressed on the pusher.

Although the invention has been described in connection with particular embodiments, it is obvious that it is in no way limited thereto and that it can be brought to it in different variants and modifications without going beyond its ambit.

Claims (13)

1. Dispensing cap, for a fluid or viscous product, intended to be mounted on the neck of a container containing the product, the said cap comprising:- a base part including a casing defining the upper wall and the lateral wall of the cap, the said base part being equipped with means for fastening on the neck of the container and with a passage, for dispensing the said product, in communication with the inside of the container; a movable cover in the form of a small plate pivoting about an axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of the neck of the container, between a closure position preventing the dispensing of the product and in which the said movable cover is arranged in a recess of the upper wall of the base part level with the latter and an opening position permitting the dispensing of the said product; and an actuating pusher device including a tongue which is movable towards the inside of the said cap, from a rest position in which the said tongue is arranged in a recess of the lateral wall of the base part level with the latter, the said movable cover comprising guide surfaces in the form of ramps capable of interacting with an inward extension of the upper end of the said tongue in order, at the time of displacement of the said tongue from its rest position, to cause the said cover to pivot from its closure position towards its opening position; the cap being characterized in that the inward extensions of the upper end of the tongue (9) of the actuating pusher device (7, 7a) consist of flattened branches (10, 10a) substantially perpendicular to the tongue, the free ends (11) of which are bevelled; in that the movable cover (20, 30, 40) includes lateral flanges (25, 32, 42) extending from the pivoting axis (23, 31, 44) of the said movable cap, the said flanges including at their ends which are opposite the pivoting axis inclined guide surfaces (26, 33, 43) preferably having an eccentric cam profile and capable of interacting with the ends (11) of the branches (10, 10a) of the pusher device in order, at the time of displacement of the said branches through the effect of pressing on the tongue (9), to give rise to a first pivoting movement for opening the cover; and in that the base part (13) includes in the displacement path of the said branches projecting hearing surfaces in the form of ramps (27, 27a) capable of deflecting the ends of the said branches upwards when the displacement of the latter is continued, in order, by interacting with the said flanges of the movable cover, to give rise to the continuation of the pivoting movement for opening the cover as far as a position of complete opening, preferably at least substantially at right angles with respect to the closure position.
2. Cap according to Claim 1, characterized in that the projecting bearing surfaces of the base part are offset with respect to the flanges of the movable cover, the branches of the pusher device having a width which is sufficient to bear on the said bearing surfaces and the said flanges in order to give rise to the opening of the movable cover.
3. Cap according to either of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the movable cover (20, 30) includes means for locking on the base part (13) in the closure position, the said locking means being arranged so as to be released at the time of the said first pivoting movement for opening the cover.
4. Cap according to Claim 3, characterized in that the locking means are of the snap-fit type (15, 16) and are produced on bearing surfaces opposite a nozzle (14) for dispensing the product projecting from the base part (13), and an element (18) for closing off this nozzle provided on the lower face of the movable cover.
5. Cap according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it includes, on the base part (13), means (28) for retention and guiding of the branches (10, 10a) of the actuating pusher device (7, 7a).
6. Cap according to Claim 5, characterized in that the retention and guide means consist of protuberances (28) provided on the inner face of the lateral wall part (6) of the casing of the base part (13).
7. Cap according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movable cover (20) is articulated on a stationary cover (21) immobilized on the base part, preferably by means of a film-type hinge (22).
8. Cap according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the movable cover (30) is articulated directly on the base part, preferably by a film-type hinge (31).
9. Cap according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating pusher device (7, 7a) is articulated on the base part (13) at the level of the lower end of the tongue (9), preferably by means of a film-type hinge (12).
10. Cap according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is produced in a single piece, particularly by moulding from plastic material.
11. Cap according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it includes, in the movable cover, a channel for product dispensing, which opens out in the vicinity of the free end of the said movable cover opposite the axis of articulation and in communication with the passage for product dispensing of the base part; and in that it comprises, at the level of the axis of articulation (44) of the cover (40), a passage (45) for the said product.
12. Cap according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base part (14) includes a bearing surface limiting the driving-in force of the tongue of the actuating pusher device.
13. Container capable of containing a fluid or viscous product,characterized in that it includes, mounted on its neck, a dispensing cap according to any one of the preceding claims.

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