EP0617904B1 - Dispensing package for a pasty, stick-like product with an external, fixed decorating sleeve - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a packaging distributor for sticky stick-shaped product, according to the preamble of claim 1. A package of this type is known from the document FR-A-2 573 734

This type of packaging of the prior art presents many disadvantages. Notably, it is difficult with packaging known to find for the body a material which satisfies economically, both mechanical and compatibility requirements with the product of the pasty stick. Similarly, with the packaging of the prior art, it is not easy to differentiate the appearance of distributor packaging by depending on the pasty product it contains. In other words, except to make different hollow bodies for the same type packaging, which is extremely expensive, all of these packaging is substantially identical, regardless of pasty product they contain.

Consequently, the object of the present invention is to offer economical distributor packaging for stick of pasty product, which overcomes the disadvantages mentioned above in the prior art.

To achieve the object, the invention includes the characteristics which are set out in the section Characterizing of claim 1.

Other advantageous characteristics make the objects dependent claims.

The invention will emerge more clearly from the detailed description of an embodiment, given only as example, which follows and refers to the accompanying drawings, wherein.

Figure 1 is an elevational view, partially in cut and cut away, from distributor packaging, according to the invention.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view along the line II-II, of the piston of the packaging of FIG. 1.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view, along the line III-III of the second end of the packaging of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a partial sectional view along the line IV-IV of figure 3.

FIG. 5 is a partial view of a detail of the sealing system of the packaging in Figure 1.

Referring to the figures, we see a packaging distributor 1 for any pasty product in stick shape. Following the example illustrated, packaging 1 is intended for a cosmetic product hygiene such as deodorant. However, any other pasty product applicable in the same way, and by example in the field of cosmetics, medicine, DIY, food or the like, can also be packaged similar to 1.

This package 1 comprises a hollow body 2, the longitudinal direction is parallel to an axis XX ', as seen in Figures 1, 2 and 3. Here, the hollow body 2 has an approximately cylindrical shape, of which the axis XX 'constitutes the center. However, it is perfectly possible that the hollow body 2 has a oval, oblong, polygonal or any other section other form allowing in other a good grip of packaging 1.

Of course, the hollow body 2 must define a space internal in which the stick of sticky product can sliding housing, that is to say being guided in the direction X-X ', which also constitutes the central and longitudinal axis of this rod. So the stick of pasty product is movable in translation along X-X ', between a retracted position inside the body 2, and a position for use projecting from a first end 825 of the body 2.

This end 825, located at the top in FIG. 1, defines a so-called upper space opening internal delimited by the hollow body 2. The second end of body 2, i.e. its end lower, is opposite along X-X 'at the end 825, and is designated at 27 in FIG. 1.

This second end 27 of the body is closed by a wheel 7, bowl-shaped and whose cross-section perpendicular to the axis XX 'corresponds substantially to that of the body 2. This wheel (figures 1 and 3) is mounted on the body 2 so that it can be rotated relative to it, about the axis XX '. The dial 7 allows to control a device 6 of movement of the stick, between its retracted positions and use, one way or the other.

More specifically, the wheel 7 is integral in rotation of a screw 62 of the device 6, and drives it when it is maneuvered. The displacement screw 62 is arranged inside the body 2 along X-X ', and extends substantially from the lower end 27 to the upper end 825 thereof. In view of Figures 1 and 2, it is understood that the device 6 also includes a piston 63, the shape of which corresponds substantially to that of the internal space defined by body 2, so that it can be moved to sliding along X-X 'inside the latter. This piston 63 is integral in rotation and at sliding of the stick of pasty product. We understand already only thanks to the device 6, when the screw 62 is turned using the knob 7, the piston 63 which is immobilized in rotation relative to the body 2, moves the stick of pasty product sliding along X-X ' and in a direction corresponding to the direction of rotation of screw 62.

In Figures 1 and 5, we see that the first end 825 of body 2 can be closed using a plug or cap 5. Like the knob 7, the cap 5 has the shape of a bowl or cap, but whose concavity is opposite to that of said scroll wheel. In fact, the closure cap 5 is mounted on the body 2 in order to plug its end 825, whence the pasty stick may protrude when packaging 1 is used.

Note also in Figures 1 and 2 that the piston 63 has orifices 61 which open out each opposite the two longitudinal ends 825 and 27 of body 2 of the packaging. In other words, the internal space defined by the body 2 is divided perpendicular to X-X 'by the piston 63, and the two parts of this internal space are connected one to the other by the orifices 61.

The packaging also includes a sealing system 8 provided between the cap 5 and the body 2. Thanks to this sealing system and at ports 61, when packaging 1 is arranged upside down, i.e. with the first end 825 down, the part of the internal space of the body 2 extending from the first end 825 to piston 63, can act as a mold for the realization of the stick, by casting through the orifices 61 of a fluid transforming after solidification into a stick of selected pasty product. The line perpendicular to X-X 'visible in Figure 1 and designated in N indicates the filling level of this fluid inside the package 1. Looking at the level N, we understand that the stick fills at least partially the orifices 61 of the piston 63, which have preferably a flared shape towards the second end 27 of body 2. Thus, the stick of pasty product is joined together in both rotation and sliding along X-X 'of piston 63. It goes without saying that after filling, for example using one or more flexible nozzles of smaller diameter than orifices 61 and therefore capable of penetrating into space internal where the stick is molded, the second end 27 of the body 2 is plugged using the wheel 7.

According to the invention, the body 2 comprises of share an internal sleeve 3 and on the other hand a barrel or fixed external sleeve 4. The internal sleeve 3 of the body 2, which brings together most of the functional elements of packaging 1, protrudes along the axis XX 'of the socket 4, and therefore defines the two ends longitudinal 825 and 27 of the body 2. For its part, the external sleeve 4 which partially surrounds the shirt internal 3, constitutes the fixed part of the packaging which is taken in hand by the user when the latter activates the dial 7. Thanks to this structure particular to the invention, the exterior of the body 2, i.e. socket 4, can easily be provided decorative elements such as for example prints, transparent parts, inlays, reliefs or analogues, while the internal part, namely the shirt 3, is made of a deformable material elastic and compatible with the pasty product constituting the stick conditioned in the packaging 1. In addition, protrusions and shaped recesses appropriate came in material with the shirt internal 3 and the socket 4, to constitute means integrated assembly of the two components of the body 2.

Following the illustrated example which relates to a packaging for lip cosmetic such as red lip, inner liner 3, sliding piston 63 as well as the displacement screw 62 are produced in one synthetic and plastic such as polypropylene, for example. As for the external sleeve 4, the cap 5 and the dial 7, these are preferably made of a rigid material such as styrene plastic, whose appearance and resistance mechanics are appropriate. Obviously, others materials can also be used for external parts (4, 5 and 7) of packaging 1, such as especially acrylo-nitrile styrene, or polymers such that polystyrene, and in particular the one designated by common designation ABS. Likewise, wood or metal can be used for external parts of packaging 1. Similarly, it is not imperative to make the internal liner 3 in polypropylene, and this can be obtained by molding of polyoxide methyl (POM) or the like.

Now the different elements of the packaging 1 illustrated in the figures will be described. We understands from Figure 1 that the system seal 8 above is not constituted here by a part interposed between the closure cap 5 and the body 2, but includes a lip integrally formed with the inner folder 3 and which forms the first end 825. The lip 825 extends along the entire periphery of the shirt 3 so that it can come seal tightly by deforming in a throat of corresponding shape of the cap 5, when the latter is in the shutter position of the body 2. The position shutter of the body 2 by the cap 5 is that which is illustrated in particular in Figure 1, and corresponds full engagement of the cap 5 on the body 2. We understand by referring in particular to FIG. 5, that when the cap 5 is removed from the body 2, the peripheral end lip 825, which is made in an elastically deformable material which projection along X-X 'of the outer sleeve 4, is located in a rest position in which it is not arranged exactly opposite the throat of the cap 5, but slightly inward of the internal space defined by the body 2. Now, we also notice that the throat of the cap 5 has a shape which widens towards the second end of package 1, so that the lip 825 is deformed radially outwards when it enters the throat, which has the effect to hermetically seal its peripheral surface internal against a corresponding surface of the outer periphery of the cap groove 5.

As indicated above, the sealing system 8 further comprises between the first end 825 and the rigid bush 4, at least one protrusion peripheral or radial, integral with the folder 3, as well as a corresponding surface of the cap 5 against which each protuberance comes press tightly when deformed, when the cap is in the closed position of the body 2.

Referring to Figures 1 and 5, we see that following the illustrated embodiment, several radial protuberances 833 integrally formed with the shirt 3, protrude like rings extending respectively along planes perpendicular to the axis XX 'of the outer surface of this shirt which has lip 825. In fact, the radial rings peripherals 833, which are three in number here, protrude from an outer surface of the shirt 3 substantially frustoconical and whose diameter decreases towards the lip 825. The closure cap 5 comprises a surface of corresponding shape, which extends to inside of it, between the throat with which cooperates the end lip 825, and a thread internal 53, by means of which the cap 5 can be screwed on the body 2.

More specifically, the part of the shirt 3 which makes projection of the outer sleeve 4 and which comprises the lip 825, has a thread 35 with which cooperates the thread 53 of the cap 5. The thread 53 and the thread 35, as well as the free peripheral rim of the cap 5, are arranged so that at the end of screwing, that is to say in the closed position, the cap 5 exerts on the shirt 3 an effort approximately oriented towards the second end 27 of the body 2. This allows not only to obtain the deformations mentioned above of the lip 825 and the protuberances annulars 833 against the corresponding surfaces of the cap 5, but also to guarantee good support in packaging closing position 1.

The force exerted by the cap 5 in position shutter or end of screwing, also for effect of offsetting the manufacturing tolerances of the packaging 1. In fact, it can be seen in FIG. 1 that shutter position, peripheral free end of the cap 5 comes to rest on the one hand corresponding end of the rigid sleeve 4 (for obtain a uniform external appearance of the packaging 1), as well as against an 835 annular projection of the shirt 3, which extends projecting therefrom next a plane perpendicular to the axis XX '. A recess peripheral is formed below the protuberance 835, which projects along the axis XX ', from the end mentioned above of the socket 4, when the cap 5 is not mounted on the body 2. Thus, in end of screwing on the cap 5, the peripheral end bottom of it just lean against and elastically deforms the annular protuberance 835 of the shirt 3, so that it moves towards the recess which is formed below it. Such flexible support of the cap 5 against the protuberance ring 835 further improves the seal between the body 2 and the cap 5, but above all allows the compensation for manufacturing clearances and immobilization in the closed position thereof.

Referring now to Figure 2, we see that the inner liner 3 has, radially projecting towards the interior of the space defined by the body 2, a plurality of edges or ribs made of material 36. These edges 36 which extend roughly parallel to the axis XX ', here are 5 in number and are regularly distributed over the inner periphery of the shirt 3. Each of the edges 36 of the shirt 3 comes be housed in a correspondingly shaped groove in the piston 63, in order to guide it along the axis XX '. Similarly, the piston 63 illustrated has five filling ports 61, of which the cross section of each perpendicular to the axis XX 'is substantially circular and which are arranged so that on the same radius of piston 63, either formed or an orifice filling 61, i.e. a longitudinal groove for a edge 36. It goes without saying in the light of FIGS. 1 and 2 in particular, that these longitudinal edges 36 which cooperate with the grooves of the piston 63, allow also the immobilization in rotation of the latter as well as a stick of pasty product.

It will be noted here that according to the embodiment illustrated, at the end 27 of the body 2, that is to say at its end opposite to the cap 5, the edges 36 of the shirt 3 define a surface of revolution 366 thanks to which as will be explained later, the displacement screw 62 is immobilized axially and guided in rotation relative to the body 2.

Now, the integrated assembly means of the inner liner 3 and outer sleeve 4 are going to be described. As is clear from Figure 1, these assembly means comprise on the one hand at least one positioning and immobilization device shirt 3 with respect to socket 4, (as seen in particular on the cut-away part of FIG. 1), and on the other hand at least one fixing device by elastic stapling or "clipping" 437.

The positioning and immobilization device of the packaging 1 illustrated comprises parts 431 of the shirt 3 protruding from the outside of it as well that corresponding housing 433 housed in inside the bushing 4. The protruding parts 431 each one has the shape of a "T" whose vertical bar is roughly parallel to the axis XX ', and the bar of which transverse is perpendicular to this axis. In fact, the cross bars of the projecting parts 431 of the shirt 3 are joined and constitute a peripheral annular protuberance, above which extends the protrusion described above 835 as well as the recess towards which it deforms when the cap 5 is mounted on the body 2. The concave parts 433 with which the parts in projection 431 of the shirt 3 cooperate, have the form of tapered or "V" slots. As is clear from Figure 1, the free end of each branch parallel X-X 'of the projecting parts 431 comes in support against the bottom of a concave 433 shaped part of V, when the socket 4 is mounted along X-X ', around the shirt 3. It goes without saying that this assembly of the socket 4 is made by engaging the socket 4 on the jacket 3, by the second end 27 (or end lower) of the latter. We understand that this socket engagement 4 on shirt 3 is possible until the concave parts or housing 433 abuts against the parts in projection 431. In fact, parts 431 and 433 are office of axial stop according to X-X ', and immobilize also in rotation the shirt 3 relative to the socket 4.

Obviously, the elastic stapling or "clipping" of the sleeve 3 on sleeve 4 using devices 437 must be completed before parts 431 and 433 come into abutment against each other. following the illustrated embodiment, the device clipping 437 includes a plurality of protruding notches come from material with the shirt, with each of which cooperates a corresponding recess of the socket 4. On see in Figure 1 that the clipping devices 437 are provided at the end of the socket 4 which is opposite to parts 433, i.e. at its end closest to the second end 27, and therefore to the drive wheel 7.

Note here that this wheel 7 is also mounted on the body 2 by displacement along the axis XX ', towards the cap 5. More specifically, the wheel 7 is moved along X-X 'to cap 5 until its free peripheral end comes to bear against a corresponding peripheral end surface 47 of the outer sleeve 4. The peripheral end lower 47 of socket 4 here defines a surface of revolution capable of guiding in rotation and immobilizing along X-X 'the drive wheel 7 relative to the body 2. Here, the surface 47 comprises a part roughly near perpendicular to the axis XX 'and a centering shoulder but of course could have any other appropriate form, such as frustoconical shape tapering towards the end 27. On further seen in Figure 1 that near the device 437, the jacket 3 has other notches in protruding outwards. These other notches cooperate with a corresponding edge of the dial 7, and allow attachment of the latter by stapling elastic on the shirt 3, and therefore on the body 2. Of course, this elastic stapling on the shirt 3 of the wheel 7 is performed before it comes in stop against the guide surface 47 of the sleeve external 4.

In Figures 1 and 3, we see that between the device 437 and the lower end 27, the jacket 3 comprises at least one designated external peripheral flange by the reference numeral 93. In fact, the shirt 3 illustrated has four annular flanges or peripheral rods 93, so each comes to be pressed in elastically deforming against the interior of the drive wheel 7, when it is mounted on the body 2. In view of Figure 1, it emerges clearly that these peripheral rods 93 have for function to insulate hermetically from the outside, the internal space defined by the body 2, at level of its lower end 27. In other words, thanks to the sealing rings 93, the thumbwheel 7 closes off sealingly the second end 27 of the body 2, when mounted on it.

But, before mounting the wheel 7, it is imperative to introduce the displacement device 6 to inside the body 2. In fact, the longitudinal screw 62 and the piston 63 are preferably assembled by screwing, after which the device 6 thus formed either introduced into the body 2, from the second end 27. Note here that, unlike all equivalent packaging of the prior art, the packaging 1 according to the invention makes it possible to assembly of all its elements and parts according to same direction, i.e. towards its sealing cap 5.

From Figures 1, 3 and 4, we understand that the screw 62 has, at its end opposite the cap shutter 5, part 627 made of material and roughly wheel-shaped (see Figure 3). This wheel is lodged with play, when mounting the device 6 in the body 2, inside a cylindrical part of the jacket 3, which extends from the surface of revolution 366 formed by the edges 36 mentioned, up to the second end 27 of the body 2. Thus, for mounting the device 6, the grooves of the piston 63 are engaged along X-X 'in the edges longitudinal 36, until a suitable surface of the wheel 627 of the screw 62 comes to bear against the rotation surface 366 of the sleeve 3, which is arranged for this purpose opposite the end 27. From this way, the screw 62 is positioned along X-X ', and is guided in rotation by the surface of revolution 366 formed by the end of the edges 36. Although on Figure 1 the guide surfaces between the jacket 3 and the screw 62 extend approximately perpendicularly to the X-X 'axis, and it is also possible that these are oriented differently, for example frustoconical.

It is also thanks to the wheel 627 of the screw 62 that the latter can be made integral in rotation wheel 7. Now, we see in Figure 3 that this wheel 627 has solid spokes that extend radially from the screw 62 proper towards a rim-shaped part of wheel 627, by through which it cooperates with the shirt 3. These solid rays not only define orifices which open on the one hand opposite the orifices 61 of the piston 63, and on the other hand facing the end 27 of the body 2 in order to allow the filling of the latter when carrying out the pasty stick by molding, but also constitute dog clutch elements, which engage with elements 762 of the dial 7. These elements of clutch wheel 7 are, as seen on the Figure 4, in the form of teeth from material. More precisely, the interconnection teeth 662, which extend approximately along X-X 'from inside the concavity of the wheel 7, have an arcuate shape (figure 3) and a free end defining an inverted V. Each element or interconnection tooth 762 of the wheel 7 comes to be housed along X-X 'between two rays full of the wheel 627, and near a central part or wheel hub 627, when wheel 7 is mounted on the assembly constituted by the body 2 and the device 6. Since each tooth 762 is inserted between two full spokes of the wheel 627 of the screw 62, this the latter is made integral in rotation by dog clutch wheel 7.

The functioning of the packaging 1 which has just been described is identical to that of the packaging correspondents of the prior art. In other words, when the cap is removed and the user holds the external sleeve 4 of the body 2 in hand, all rotation in one direction or the other of the wheel 7 causes a displacement along the axis XX 'of the rod pasty, in a corresponding direction.

We therefore obtained in accordance with the invention a distributor packaging thanks to which excellent sealing is obtained without interposition of a part separated between the cap and the body 2, the structure is particularly simple and easy to to assemble. Indeed, the assembly of the packaging 1 consists in fixing the shirt 3 on the socket 4, assemble the body 2 thus constituted with the cap 5, then to introduce into this body the device for displacement 6. So, notably thanks to the sealing obtained using the parts 825, 833 and 835 described higher, the pasty stick can be obtained by molding in the internal space of the body 2, after which the second end 27 of it can be closed thanks to the watertight mounting (peripheral rods 93) of the wheel 7. It will again be emphasized here that with respect to the cap 5, jacket 3, sleeve 4, device 6 and the dial 7 are all mounted in the same direction, that is to say from bottom to top in Figure 1, which makes the packaging assembly in accordance with the invention extremely fast and simple.

Obviously, the invention is in no way limited to the mode of realization which has just been described, and includes all equivalents and combinations of illustrated technical means, if these are carried out within the scope of the claims.

Claims (11)

1. Dispensing packing essentially from synthetic material for a stick-shaped pasty product such for example as a deodorant or lipstick and of the type comprising a hollow body (2) inside of which the pasty stick is guided along a longitudinal direction (X-X') between a retracted position and a position of use projecting from a first end (825) of the body, a device (6) for the displacement of the stick constituted by a sliding piston (63) to which the stick is made fast and by a screw (62) adapted to co-operate with a piston for displacing it along the said direction (X-X'), a knurled cap (7) for rotatably driving the screw (62), mounted onto the other end or second end (27) of the body (2) as well as a cap (5) for the closing of the first end (825), a sealing system being provided between the cap (5) and the body (2) whereas the piston (63) comprises apertures (61) opening in facing relation to both ends of the body, so that the stick may be obtained from the second end (27) of the body by the casting of the product through the said apertures (61) and the solidification within the body (2) before the mounting of the knurled drive cap (7), characterized in that the body comprises on the one hand an internal casing (3) which defines both longitudinal ends (825, 27), is open at these two ends and is made from an elastically deformable material compatible with the pasty product and a stationary external sleeve (4) surrounding the said casing (3) so that both ends of the latter are axially projecting from the sleeve and on the other hand integrated means for assembling the sleeve (4) with the internal casing (3) and in that the closure cap (5) and the knurled drive cap (7) are fitted over the upper and lower projecting ends, respectively, of the casing.
2. Packing according to claim 1, characterized in that the internal casing (3) comprises a surface of revolution (366) made integral in one piece of material and disposed in facing relation to the second end (27) of the body whereas the aforesaid drive screw (62) which is inserted into the packing through this end is caused to bear along the said direction (X-X') and is guided for rotation upon this surface of revolution (366) of the casing (3).
3. Packing according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the aforesaid sealing system comprises a lip (825) which constitutes the first end of the internal casing (3) and adapted to be caused to hermetically accommodate itself while becoming deformed into a corresponding groove of the cap (5) when the latter is in the position of closing the body of the packing (1).
4. Packing according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the aforesaid sealing system comprises between the first end (825) and the external sleeve (4) at least one peripheral protusion (833, 835) made integral in one piece of material with the internal casing (3) as well as a corresponding surface of the cap (5) upon which the protusion is caused to hermetically press itself while being deformed, when the cap (5) is in the position of closing of the body of the packing (1).
5. Packing according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the internal casing (3) comprises near its first end (825), a threading (35) with which co-operates a tapping (53) of the aforesaid cap (5) so that at the end of screwing, i.e. in the closing position, the latter (5) exerts upon the casing (3) a force approximately directed towards the second end (27) of the body (2).
6. Packing according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the aforesaid assembly means comprise on the one hand at least one device (431, 433) for the positioning and for the holding against motion of the casing (3) with respect to the external sleeve (4) and on the other hand at least one device (437) for the fastening through elastic clamping or "clipping" of the casing (3) and of the said sleeve (4).
7. Packing according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that ribs (36) for the guiding of the piston (63) and of the stick, made internal in one piece of material with the internal casing (3) extend in projecting relationship in nearly parallel relation to the aforesaid longitudinal direction (X-X'), that end of these ribs (36) which is opposite to the cap (5) preferably constituting the aforesaid surface of revolution (366) for the guiding in rotation of the screw (62) of the displacement device (6).
8. Packing according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the external sleeve (4) of the body is of a rigid material such as a styrenic plastic or a metal and comprises ornamental elements such for example as impressions, transparent parts, inlayings, reliefs or the like.
9. Packing according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the stationary external sleeve (4) has near its end opposite to the cap (5) another surface of revolution (47) adapted to guide in rotation the knurled drive cap (7) with respect to the body (2) of the packing (1).
10. Packing according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the internal casing (3) of the body (2) comprises near the second end (27) at least one peripheral sealing collar or rib adapted to hermetically press itself while being elastically deformed upon the inside of the knurled drive cap (7).
11. Packing according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the aforesaid knurled drive cap (7) and the displacement screw (62) have dog elements (627, 762) made integral in one piece of material and in mutual engagement so as to make the said screw (62) fast to for rotation with the knurled drive cap (7), these elements being preferably located near the axis of rotation (X-X') of the said screw (62).

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