EP0670270B1 - Dispensing device for a container having a neck - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a dispensing device capable of being placed at the upper end of a neck container containing a liquid product or in the form of a cream, in particular a cosmetic or pharmaceutical product.

More particularly, the present invention relates to a dispensing device comprising a hollow dispensing nozzle, capable of being engaged at its lower part in and / or on the neck of the container, blocking means being provided for axially immobilizing the nozzle. relative to the neck, said end piece comprising, at its upper part, at least one orifice for the passage of the product to be dispensed, and a cover surrounding said end piece and comprising a top part, defining an opening for the outlet of the product to be dispensed, means cooperating engagement being provided on the cover and the container neck to retain said cover on the container neck while allowing relative rotation of the cover relative to the container neck between a closed rest position and an open dispensing position in which said opening is in communication with the dispensing orifice (s) of the nozzle.

Examples of embodiment of such distribution devices are for example indicated in EP-A-0 452 196 of the applicant company.

A first type of such a device is arranged to allow a combined movement of rotation and axial translation of the cover relative to the neck of the container, the cover comprising for this purpose an internal thread cooperating with an external thread formed on the neck of the container. .

A second type of such a device is arranged so that once mounted on the neck of the container, the cover is movable only in rotation relative to the neck of the container, and therefore relative to the dispensing nozzle, the cover comprising for this purpose at its lower part means, such as notches, for hooking under a flange produced at the periphery of the neck of the container.

A variant of a device of the second type mentioned above is further described in French patent application 93 12642 from the applicant company.

The cover is movable in rotation only relative to the neck of the container between a closed position and an open dispensing position. This cover has at its upper part a pumping mechanism, with a variable volume pumping chamber, defined by a deformable dome-shaped membrane on which the user acts to cause the expulsion of the product contained in the container through the 'dispensing nozzle, when the cover has been turned to its dispensing position.

In all known devices, the dispensing tip and the cover are produced separately by molding plastic material and are placed separately on the neck of the container.

German device DE-34 38 193 discloses a device as defined in the preamble of claim 1, in which the dispensing end piece is tightly adjusted inside the cover in order to obtain sealing on closing and the maintenance of the nozzle by the cover during the positioning on the neck of the container. The cover and the endpiece must be produced with very low manufacturing tolerances, which imposes a relatively high manufacturing cost.

The present invention proposes to provide a dispensing device which, while offering the advantages of the previously known devices, allows a significant saving in terms of manufacturing and a simple positioning and positioning on the corresponding neck container.

The device according to the present invention is essentially characterized in that the dispensing end piece and the cover are made in one piece during a single molding step, and are connected by bridges of material, capable of be broken during a relative movement of the cover relative to the dispensing nozzle.

Thanks to the invention, the seal upon closing can be obtained other than by a tight fit as described in the German patent DE 34 38 193 mentioned above. In the invention, the material bridges can hold the end piece during mounting on the neck of the container so that a tight fit of the end piece in the cover is no longer necessary to maintain the end piece during mounting. Thus, the invention allows great freedom in the choice of how to ensure the seal. In addition, material bridges can be given the role of tamper-evident witness, which further reduces the cost of the device.

The material bridges according to the present invention advantageously consist of a plurality of tabs arranged in the same plane substantially perpendicular to the common axis of the dispensing nozzle and of the cover, said tabs preferably being equiangularly spaced apart.

In a first embodiment corresponding to the first type of device described above, the tabs which connect the dispensing nozzle and the cover are arranged so as to allow, without being broken, the positioning and immobilization the dispensing tip on the container neck. The tabs are broken by shearing on first use, by relative movement, by unscrewing, of the cover relative to the dispensing nozzle.

The tabs according to the invention constitute in this case a witness of inviolability, not visible but perceptible to the user.

In a second embodiment corresponding to the second type of device mentioned above, the tabs connect the dispensing end piece and the cover, being arranged so as to be broken during the operation of fitting the end piece. distribution, and the cover which it is secured by means of said tabs, on the container neck.

In a third embodiment corresponding in particular to the variant of the second type of device mentioned above, the tabs which connect the dispensing nozzle and the cover are arranged so as to allow, without being broken, the installation and the 'immobilization of the dispensing tip on the container neck. The tabs are broken by shearing on first use, by relative movement, by rotation, of the cover relative to the dispensing nozzle.

In this mode of implementation, as in the first mode of implementation described above, the tabs constitute a witness of inviolability, not visible, but perceptible by the user.

In all the modes of implementation, the provisional connection provided by the tabs makes it possible, during the positioning of the dispensing nozzle on the neck of the container produced by the cooperating positioning and rotation locking means on the dispensing nozzle and the container neck, a simultaneous positioning of the cover relative to this neck, which avoids the successive operations required in the devices of the prior art for the establishment and positioning of the dispensing nozzle and then the cover.

In addition, thanks to the fact that the dispensing nozzle and the cover are, according to the invention, made in one piece, a single mold is necessary for their manufacture, which simplifies this manufacture and reduces the cost.

The positioning and rotation locking means advantageously comprise at least one notch made on the dispensing end piece and cooperating in correspondence of shapes with at least one projection on the inner wall of the neck of the container. The notches and the projections preferably have a triangular or trapezoidal shape, the point of which is directed upwards.

The device according to the invention can advantageously include means, visible from the outside, testifying to a possible violation of the device. It may be, in particular, a part such as a plate, produced in the vicinity of the base of the cover connected to the cover by bridges of material capable of being broken during the first manipulation of opening the cover by relation to the container by rotation or, where appropriate, rotation / translation.

It is possible to provide for this purpose on the container, means such as a boss cooperating with the wafer during this first opening movement to cause a rupture of the material bridges. According to the invention, such a plate, when it is provided is made in one piece with the cover during the step of molding the latter with the dispensing nozzle.

• les figures 1 et 2 sont des vues schématiques en coupe d'un premier mode de mise en oeuvre de dispositif selon l'invention selon deux positions en cours d'utilisation,
• la figure 3 est une vue analogue à la figure 1 d'une variante du premier mode de réalisation,
• les figures 4 et 5 sont des vues analogues aux figures 1 et 2 d'un second mode de mise en oeuvre du dispositif selon l'invention,
• les figures 6 et 7 illustrent un troisième mode de mise en oeuvre du dispositif selon l'invention en cours de mise en place et respectivement en cours d'utilisation, et
• les figures 8 et 9 sont des vues analogues aux figures 6 et 7 d'un quatrième mode de mise en oeuvre de dispositif selon l'invention.

Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear on reading the following description of exemplary embodiments, in no way limiting, with reference to the appended drawing in which:

• FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematic sectional views of a first embodiment of the device according to the invention in two positions during use,
• FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 1 of a variant of the first embodiment,
• FIGS. 4 and 5 are views similar to FIGS. 1 and 2 of a second embodiment of the device according to the invention,
• FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a third mode of implementation of the device according to the invention during installation and respectively during use, and
• Figures 8 and 9 are views similar to Figures 6 and 7 of a fourth embodiment of the device according to the invention.

We first refer to Figures 1 and 2.

The device according to the invention is mounted on the neck 1 of a container 2 containing a liquid product or in the form of a cream such as a pharmaceutical or cosmetic product. The neck of the container has an external thread 3 and an end portion of reduced diameter 4 having a groove 5 in its external wall.

The device according to the invention comprises a hollow dispensing end piece 6, also called reduction gear in the art, comprising at its lower part an internal skirt 7 engaged in the upper end of the neck of the container and an external skirt 8 comprising projecting from its inner wall a bead 9 capable of being slammed into the groove 5 of the neck to ensure axial immobilization of the dispensing nozzle 6 relative to the neck of the container.

To ensure immobilization in rotation of the dispensing nozzle 6 relative to the neck, the inner skirt 7 of the nozzle 6 comprises, according to the invention, at least one notch of triangular shape 10 whose tip is directed upwards and which is able to engage in correspondence of shapes on a triangular projection 11 on the inner wall of the container neck, when the end piece 6 is placed on the container neck.

Thus, the dispensing nozzle 6, as soon as it is placed on the neck of the container, is immobilized relative to the latter, both in axial translation and in rotation.

The nozzle 6 has at its upper end orifices 12 for the passage towards the outside of the product contained in the container.

The device according to the invention also comprises a cover 13 provided at its lower part with an internal thread 14 able to cooperate with the thread 3 of the neck to allow a screwing and unscrewing movement of the cover relative to the neck, that is that is to say a combined displacement in rotation and in axial translation of the cover relative to the neck between the extreme positions illustrated respectively in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The cover has an inner skirt 15, joined, as seen in FIG. 1, to the skirt 8 of the dispensing nozzle 6 by tabs of small section 16 constituting bridges of material which, as seen in the 2, are broken after the first movement of unscrewing the cover relative to the neck from the position illustrated in FIG. 1 to the position illustrated in FIG. 2.

According to the invention, it is possible, for example, to provide two tabs arranged diametrically, three tabs arranged substantially at 120 ° or even four tabs arranged substantially at 90 ° relative to each other. to others in the same plane perpendicular to the axis of the device shown on the drawing.

The skirt 15 could be longer and in this case it is possible to envisage providing two or more rows of legs 16 spaced axially.

The upper part of the cover is produced in the form of an insert 17 comprising a central orifice 18 for the outlet of the product.

The configuration of the upper part 17 is such that, in the rest position illustrated in FIG. 1, the orifices 12 are closed while in the dispensing position illustrated in FIG. 2, and in which the cover has been lifted by unscrewing, communication is allowed between the orifices 12 of the dispensing nozzle 6 and the opening 18 of the upper part 17 of the cover.

The upper part 17 is, in the example illustrated, an insert.

The cover and the dispensing nozzle are made in one piece by injection molding of a thermoplastic material such as for example polypropylene.

The variant embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 differs from the embodiment previously described only by the presence, before the first use, above the opening 18 of the upper part 17 of the cover, of a disc-shaped part. 19, provided with a point and joined by bridges of material 20 to the part 17. The part 19 constitutes a visible indicator of violation which is added to the means of detection, not visible, of violation constituted by the legs 16 whose breakage is however sensitive to the user during the first use by a slight resistance encountered in the movement of unscrewing the cover relative to the neck of the container.

The embodiment described in Figures 4 and 5 differs essentially from that illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 by the structure of the upper part 21 which, in known manner, is made for example of elastomer, and has a lip 22 capable of lifting when product is expelled from the container, said upper part 21 comprising an internal conduit 23 opening directly above the lip and in communication with the internal volume, defined in the position of use illustrated in FIG. 5, in communication with the outlet orifices 12 of the dispensing nozzle 6.

The embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 and respectively 8 and 9 differ from the previous ones in that the cover is no longer secured by screwing the neck of the container, but is secured to the latter by a snap connection preventing an axial displacement of the cover relative to the neck of the container but allowing a relative rotation of the cover relative to this neck.

In more detail, in the embodiment of Figures 6 and 7, the neck 24 of the container 2 has a peripheral flange 25 for immobilization in the axial direction of the cover and at least one projection 26 which has a trapezoidal shape and whose function is the same as that of the projection (s) 11 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, namely the immobilization in rotation of the dispensing nozzle relative to the neck of the container.

The dispensing nozzle 27 comprises according to the invention at least one trapezoidal cutout 28 opening downwards capable of cooperating for this purpose with the projection (s) 26 of the neck of the container.

The dispensing nozzle 27 has at its upper part a slit-shaped orifice 29 for the outlet of the product.

The cover 30 has an inner skirt 31 provided at its lower end with snap notches 32 capable of engaging, as illustrated in FIG. 7, under the flange 25 of the neck of the container for immobilization in the axial direction of the cover relative to the neck of the container.

The cover 30 comprises an attached upper part made of elastomeric material, 33, provided with a tongue, capable of lifting, 34, and at the level of which a conduit 35 opens capable of communicating with the orifice 29 of the end piece. distribution.

According to the invention, the dispensing end piece 27 is made in one piece by injection molding with the cover 30 and connected to the latter by bridges of material, molded in the form of legs 36 similar to the legs 16 of the previous embodiments.

As seen in Figure 6, the assembly consisting of the dispensing nozzle, the cover and the upper part thereof, is placed in one piece on the container neck, the legs 36 being broken during the joining of the end piece distribution relative to the container neck during the abutment contact between the cutout (s) 28 and the projection (s) 26. The movement of the cover is then extended downwards until the notches 32 snap under the collar 25 of the neck.

The embodiment of Figures 8 and 9 differs essentially from that of Figures 6 and 7 by construction details at the distribution nozzle 27 and the cover 30 and especially by the different configuration of the end portion 38 of the hood.

Functionally, the device of FIGS. 8 and 9 is very similar to that of FIGS. 6 and 7 in that the dispensing end piece and the cover are made in one piece and joined by lugs 36 which are broken during the 'engagement of the entire device on the container neck, the cover can then rotate relative to the container neck and therefore relative to the dispensing nozzle immobilized thereon.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 6 and 7 and respectively 8 and 9, means are advantageously provided, not illustrated, materializing the limit rotational positions of the cover relative to the neck of the container, in particular to indicate the position in which the dispensing orifice of the nozzle 27 is in the position allowing the expulsion of the product through the upper part 38.

Claims (8)

1. A dispensing device for a container (2) with a neck containing a liquid product or in the form of a cream, comprising a hollow dispensing end fitting (6, 27) capable of being engaged at its lower portion in and/or on the neck of the container, locking means being provided so as to immobilize the end fitting axially relative to the neck, the said end fitting comprising at its upper portion at least one opening (12, 29) for the passing of the product to be dispensed, and a cover cap (13, 30) surrounding the said end fitting and having an upper portion defining an opening (18, 35) for the emergence of the product to be dispensed, cooperating engagement means (14, 3; 32, 25) being provided on the cover cap and the neck of the container for keeping the said cover cap on the neck of the container, while permitting a relative rotation of the cover cap in relation to the neck of the container between a closed rest position and an open dispensing position wherein the said opening communicates with the dispensing opening or openings of the end fitting, the dispensing end fitting (6, 27) comprising means (10, 28) capable of co-operating with corresponding means (11, 26) of the neck of the container, so as to ensure during the placing of the said end fitting its positioning and locking against rotation on the neck of the container, characterized in that the dispensing end fitting (6, 27) and the cover cap (13, 30) are made in one piece in the course of a single moulding step and are connected by integral bridging parts (16, 36) capable of being broken during a relative movement of the cover cap in relation to the dispensing end fitting.
2. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the said integral bridging parts (16, 36) are constituted by a plurality of tabs disposed in the same plane substantially perpendicularly to the common axis of the dispensing end fitting and of the cover cap, the said tabs being preferably interspaced at equal angles.
3. A device according to claim 2, arranged to permit a combined movement of rotation and axial translation of the cover cap (13) relative to the neck of the container, the said cover cap having an internal thread (14) cooperating with an external thread (3) arranged on the neck of the container, characterized in that the tabs (16) which connect the dispensing end fitting and the cover cap are disposed in such a way as to permit the positioning and the immobilization of the dispensing end fitting on the neck (1) of the container (2), without being broken.
4. A device according to claim 2, arranged in such a way that once mounted on the neck of the container, the cover cap (30) is movable only in rotation relative to the neck of the container, the cover cap comprising means (32) for fastening under a flange (25) made at the circumference of the neck of the container, characterized in that the tabs (36) which connect the dispensing end fitting and the cover cap are disposed so as to be broken during the operation of positioning the dispensing end fitting and the cover cap, wherewith it is integral by means of the said tabs, on the neck (24) of the container (2).
5. A device according to claim 2, arranged in such a way that, once mounted on the neck of the container, the cover cap (30) is movable only in rotation relative to the neck of the container, the cover cap comprising means (32) for fastening under a flange (25) made at the circumference of the neck of the container, characterized in that the tabs which connect the dispensing end fitting and the cover cap are disposed so as to allow the positioning and immobilization of the dispensing end fitting on the neck of the container, without being broken.
6. A device according to claim 5, characterized in that the cover cap comprises at its upper portion a pumping mechanism with a pumping chamber with a variable volume, defined by a dome-shaped deformable membrane (21, 33).
7. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means permitting the positioning and immobilization against rotation of the dispensing end fitting relative to the neck of the container comprise at least one recess (10, 28) obtained on the dispensing end fitting and cooperating with a conformity of shapes with at least one projection (11, 26) on the internal wall of the neck of the container.
8. A device according to claim 7, characterized in that the said recess or recesses (10, 28) and the said projection or projections (11, 26) have a triangular or trapezoidal shape with an upwardly pointing tip.

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