EP0823389B1 - Pressurised device with a slit element of foam material as pressurising means - Google Patents

Pressurised device with a slit element of foam material as pressurising means Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0823389B1
EP0823389B1 EP97401581A EP97401581A EP0823389B1 EP 0823389 B1 EP0823389 B1 EP 0823389B1 EP 97401581 A EP97401581 A EP 97401581A EP 97401581 A EP97401581 A EP 97401581A EP 0823389 B1 EP0823389 B1 EP 0823389B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
valve
product
cavity
alveolar material
alveolar
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
Application number
EP97401581A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0823389A1 (en
Inventor
Vincent De Laforcade
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LOreal SA
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LOreal SA
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Publication date
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/14—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant
    • B65D83/60—Contents and propellant separated
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/0005—Components or details
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/14—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant
    • B65D83/75—Aerosol containers not provided for in groups B65D83/16 - B65D83/74

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a new pressurized device for the distribution of products liquids or creams, such as for example cosmetics, foodstuffs, pharmaceutical.
  • a pressurized device consists of a container body, on which possibly comes to fit a cover; on the neck of this container is crimped a valve via a valve holder cup, a distribution means connected to the valve is provided; the container body and the cup define a reservoir cavity; the valve consists of a valve body, a valve control rod which passes through the valve body, a seal and a return system that presses the control rod valve against the seal, the assembly being held in place by crimping the valve holder cup; the valve control rod is surmounted by a push button.
  • the reservoir cavity are arranged a product to be dispensed and a means of propulsion.
  • the means of propulsion can be a compressed gas directly in contact with the product in the container body.
  • a plunger member is attached to the valve.
  • a flexible bag we are often faced with compatibility problems with the formula and strength of the material constituting the bag, which must be flexible and waterproof that time. If we use a piston to separate the gas from the product, we are faced with sealing problems along the contact surfaces between the piston and the inner wall of the container body.
  • the filling orifice of the gas must be distinct from that of the formula: the filling of the gas is often done by an orifice located at the bottom of the container, closed by a rubber stopper.
  • This configuration requires rework during manufacture: opening of the orifice filling the gas, fitting the bag or piston, fitting the plug. It is also expensive because of the complexity of the filling process: filling of the product then of the gas.
  • this device includes a high number of pieces; these parts require very fine adjustment (no screws, tightness) and are sophisticated, therefore this device is very expensive.
  • the energy storage by mechanical compression of the cellular material is done in small quantities: the user must turn the dial to store the corresponding energy about a dose of use before pressing the push button. The need to this double action makes the device complex and unattractive to the consumer hurry.
  • the bottle in which the product is contained has the shape of a bellows, also, even if it is compressed as much as possible by the action of the foam material, this bottle cannot empty completely and you get a low refund rate.
  • the invention relates to new pressurized devices for the distribution of a product and whose characteristics appearing in claim 1.
  • the shape of the element of cellular material is defined according to the invention before its introduction into the reservoir cavity.
  • the invention is particularly well suited to a pressurized device in which the foam element and the product are subjected to pressure permanent and uniform, it applies to any type of product distributor.
  • peripheral means a slot, one end of which is situated on the periphery of the element of cellular material.
  • a peripheral slit opens the material element alveolar on the outside.
  • the devices according to the invention make it possible to distribute all kinds of products under form of solution, emulsion, gel: lotions, creams, self-foaming compositions, milks, gels.
  • Such a device makes it possible to avoid mixing of the gas with the product to be dispensed and to avoid gas leaks.
  • the duration of use of the device is extended.
  • the pressure inside the device at the viscosity of the product to be dispensed is extended.
  • this device allows to pressurize a product, without risk of product pollution by gas and without air pollution.
  • this device has only a small number of mechanical parts in common use and its manufacture is simple, so it is little expensive. Its use is simple.
  • the device is not very fragile and does not have any risks of cells bursting due to clumsy use.
  • the means of compression is retained inside the device after complete restitution of the product, this device can therefore be reused several times provided that it is recharged with product.
  • a such a device thus makes it possible to save on the cost of packaging and its possible reprocessing.
  • a device according to the invention makes it possible to obtain a rate of return of the product. around 95%.
  • a cellular material usable in the present invention consists of a multitude cells filled with gases included in a deformable matrix, such as for example a polyolefin, elastomer or any type of thermoplastic foam, a foam of rubber, Buna, Neoprene, silicone or any other material.
  • the gas can be any gas which is compressible or liquefiable at the pressures of use, like nitrogen or it can just be air.
  • the cells When the foam is compressed, the cells are also compressed, they thus store a reserve of energy to pressurize the product. When we actuates the valve of the pressurized device, the cells expand and the product is returned.
  • the gas present in the cells is retained there and cannot escape from it. We thus avoid leakage and mixing problems with the product.
  • the element of cellular material used as a means of pressurization in the devices according to the invention has a shape complementary to that of the reservoir cavity, and preferably, it is chosen in shape overall cylindrical.
  • the element of cellular material used in such a device can be manufactured so known by extrusion or by cutting from a block of cellular cellular material closed. To cut a cylinder of cellular material, you have to compress before cutting. By this process, after cutting and decompression, an element of cellular material with slightly lateral contours concaves as described in document EP-A-561292. When such an element does not having no slot at its periphery is placed in a device as described above, of the product is housed between the concavity of the element in cellular material and the walls of the container. We therefore obtain a lower refund rate than that can be obtained with a cylinder with perfectly straight contours.
  • a cylinder of foam material cut from a large block is less expensive than cylinder of extruded foam material.
  • the element of foam material used in the present invention can be extruded or even cut out. Indeed, the slot allows a wider expansion of the element of foam material, this expansion compensates for the concavity of the material elements alveolar cut. We can thus obtain an almost complete return of the product with an element of cut foam material.
  • an element of cut honeycomb material has open cells on its contours, while an extruded element does not. Therefore in the present invention it is preferred to use an element of cellular material obtained by extrusion.
  • the element of cellular material is of dimensions (height, diameter) greater than those of the reservoir cavity so that when the cavity is closed tank, we obtain a pre-compression of the element in cellular material so still have energy available when there is little product left in the device.
  • the slot is radial with respect to the cylinder of material alveolar.
  • the element of cellular material may optionally include a central orifice on all its height.
  • the slot is made over the entire height of the cylinder of cellular material and over a width substantially equal to the radius of the cylinder of cellular material.
  • the device does not include a plunger member, it may be advantageous to provide a central orifice in the element of cellular material: in fact, when mounting the device, the element made of cellular material is introduced into the reservoir cavity.
  • the element of foam material is usually greater than or equal to the height of the tank cavity.
  • the valve When the valve is placed at the top of the tank cavity, by example when crimping the valve at the top of the container body, whose walls define the reservoir cavity, using a valve holder cup, the valve exerts a mechanical compression on the top of the element of cellular material. Cells under compression burst, the cellular material element is deformed in its upper part. Product can then be lodged in this deformation. Gas is diffused in the reservoir cavity and will mix with the product.
  • a central orifice can be provided in the element of cellular material, into which the valve can be inserted even when the device does not have diving organ.
  • the slot is associated with an orifice central over the entire height of the cellular material element.
  • the slot can open the cylinder from its outer surface to its central orifice or being only superficial, that is to say, not extend to the central orifice.
  • the material element honeycomb has at most one slot extending from its outer surface to its central opening. Preferably, it has a slot extending from its surface outside to its central opening. It may have several surface slots.
  • the central orifice is preferably of elongated shape and oriented in the extension of the slot.
  • the device when the device comprises a member plunger, it is possible to provide for the cylinder of cellular material comprising a slot which extends from its outer surface to its central opening consists of a piece rectangular-shaped foam material that is wrapped around the organ diver. Indeed, the production of lumps of shaped foam material rectangular is simpler, therefore more economical, than a cylinder in which a circular central hole is cut and then a slot.
  • the device according to the invention comprises, in a known manner, a body container, the container body defining the reservoir cavity, a valve comprising a body valve separate from the container body, the valve being placed at the top of the cavity tank, a distribution means connected to the valve and a pressurization means consisting of an element in closed cell cellular material, the element in material alveolar and the product being placed in the reservoir cavity and subjected to pressure permanent and uniform, so that the device distributes the product when operates the valve
  • the valve can be crimped to the neck of the container in a known manner by means of a valve holder cup, the container body and the cup defining the reservoir cavity.
  • the device according to the invention is provided with a valve in elastomeric material comprising latching means able to cooperate with the neck of the container body as described in French patent application FR-A-2741933.
  • a second variant of the invention relates to a pressurized container comprising a cup, a valve provided with a valve body, a valve control rod possibly surmounted by a push button possibly comprising a means valve, seal and return system, cup and valve body cooperating with each other to form, on the one hand, a reservoir cavity capable of containing a product to be dispensed and a means of propulsion, on the other hand, the valve body properly said delimiting the valve cavity, a passage being arranged between the reservoir cavity and the valve cavity.
  • valve body crosses the reservoir cavity over its entire height and constitutes a plunger member.
  • the cup and the valve body cooperate sealingly with their ends to form the body of the container.
  • the cup and the body of valve include complementary fastening elements, for example means likely to snap or complementary profiles which, once assembled, are welded together by any means known to those skilled in the art, such as, for example, rotational welding or gluing.
  • Hanging elements can also consist of complementary threads, so that one can screw the valve body and the cup tightly onto each other.
  • valve body which has, on its circumference, said hooking elements and a cup comprising a skirt outer, which has, at its end, said hooking elements complementary to those of the valve body, this cooperation defining the body of the can.
  • You can also choose a cup that has, on its circumference, hooking elements and a valve body comprising an outer skirt, which has, at its end, hooking elements complementary to those of the cup. It is also possible to use a cup and a valve body comprising each an outer skirt, the two skirts comprising hooking elements complementary.
  • valve body and the cup cooperate with each other to define a cavity inside the container, this cavity delimiting the valve.
  • the valve body and possibly the cup each comprise an inner skirt.
  • the internal skirts of the valve body and of the cup fit together one inside the other over all or part of their height to delimit the valve cavity.
  • the internal diameter of the internal skirt of the cup is substantially equal the outside diameter of the inner skirt of the valve body.
  • the upper surface of the inner skirt of the valve body advantageously comes press the seal by pressing it against the edge of the cup, which surrounds the passage valve control rod. The valve is then sealed.
  • a passage is arranged between the reservoir cavity and the valve.
  • the internal skirts of the cup and of the valve body comprise at least one notch, these notches being associated with a chamfer circular of one or other of the skirts, along the periphery of the contact surface between the skirts and possibly a groove over the entire height of the contact surface between the skirts, all of these cutouts (throat, chamfer, notches) defining said passage of the product, and possibly gas, between the reservoir cavity and the cavity valve.
  • the valve body and the cup are made of material thermoplastic.
  • These two elements can be made of the same material or of two different chemically compatible materials so they can be welded together or two chemically incompatible materials, assembled by screwing, gluing or snapping.
  • the materials which can be used in the present invention may include, for example, the family of polyolefins, such as polypropylene, polyethylene and copolymers of ethylene and propylene, the family of polyacetals, such as polyoxyethylene; polyethylene terephthalate can also be used, polymethyl methacrylate, the polymer used in the invention may contain fillers such as silica, glass fibers, carbon fibers. We may also consider manufacturing these elements from other materials, such as example in metal or glass.
  • the thickness of the walls of the cup and of the valve holder, and in particular of the skirts, are adapted by a person skilled in the art to resist the pressure of the propulsion means.
  • valve control rod can be of any type known to those skilled in the art, like for example an emerging rod, a female rod, whether it is displacement axial or lateral displacement, the latter type of valve also being called ⁇ tilt ⁇ .
  • the return means may in a known manner be a spring or any compressible material or elastically deformable that can be accommodated in the valve cavity.
  • the cup may include a circular groove.
  • This groove allows the use of a standard format push button which is positioned in said groove.
  • this groove gives more resistance to the cup.
  • the containers according to this variant of the invention are particularly advantageous when produced in the form of aerosol containers for sampling of at a few doses of using a product, because they compensate for an absence of this type of packaging satisfying the economic requirements of the market.
  • their use is in no way limited to the distribution of samples: the containers according to this variant of the invention can be produced in formats of all sizes, for which the skilled person can adapt the nature and thickness of the material in order to give the container the necessary resistance.
  • the device shown in FIGS. 1A and 2B comprises a container body 1 defining a reservoir cavity 1.1, of longitudinal axis X-X. On this body can possibly fitting a cover (not shown); on the neck of this container is crimped a valve 2 via a valve holder cup 3; the valve consists of a body of valve 2.1, of a valve control rod 2.2 which passes through the valve body, of a seal 2.3 and a spring 2.4 which presses the valve control rod 2.2 against the seal 2.3, the assembly being held in place by crimping the valve holder cup 3.
  • One dip tube 7 is attached to the valve.
  • FIG. 2A we see an element 25 of cellular material of cylindrical shape comprising a cylindrical orifice 26 in its center and a radial slot 28 which extends from the external surface of the cylinder up to orifice 26, before its introduction into the body container 1.
  • FIG. 3A we see an element 35 of cellular material of cylindrical shape, having an elongated central hole 36 which is substantially in the shape of an eye, and a slot 38 in the extension of the orifice 36.
  • This element can be used in place of the cylinder 25 in a device according to the invention not comprising a plunger member.
  • FIG. 2B we see the cylinder 5 of closed cell foam material which has been introduced into the container body 1.
  • the external diameter of the cylinder 5 is expected to be larger than the diameter of the reservoir cavity 1.1, to obtain a pre-compression side of the cellular material element in order to have still energy available for distribute the last parts of the product.
  • a cylindrical central orifice 6 is provided in the cylinder 5, the dip tube 7 coming to be housed in this orifice.
  • FIGS. 1B and 2C a device according to the invention ready for use: this device differs from that shown in FIGS. 1A and 2B by the fact that a product 19 was introduced by force through the valve 12, which resulted in a lateral and longitudinal compression of the cylinder of cellular material 15.
  • the compression is of the hydraulic type, that is to say in the three dimensions, over the entire volume of the element of cellular material 15.
  • the internal diameter of the orifice 16 is then slightly increased compared to the diameter of the orifice 6 shown in the figure 1A, the edges of the slot 8 shown in FIG. 2B have moved apart to form an opening 18.
  • the cylinder of cellular material 15 is therefore free to move the along the dip tube 17 as a function of its relative density with respect to the product.
  • valve control rod 12.2 On the valve control rod 12.2 is placed a push button 14.
  • the valve 12 By actuation of the push-button 14, the valve 12 is opened, the cylinder 15 expands and expels the product 19.
  • the latter is found in the configuration shown in Figures 1A and 2B. Thanks to the slot, the cylinder foam material expands widely and the formation of retention zones is avoided product. We can then again charge this device with product 19 as it was described above. This saves on packaging and reduces considerably the problem of reprocessing pressurized devices, since a same device can be reused a very large number of times.
  • FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C The variant of the device according to the invention shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C is distinguishes from the device shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2A 2B and 2C by the absence of dip tube in the cylinder of foam material. However, this includes a elongated central hole 36 having substantially the shape of an eye and a slot 38 in the extension of this orifice.
  • FIG. 3B we see the cylinder of cellular material 45 which is placed in the container 41, then in FIG. 3C, we see this same cylinder 55 in hydraulic compression in the container 51 into which the product 59 has been introduced.
  • a pressurized container according to Figures 4A to 4C, of generally cylindrical shape, consists of a cup 40.1 on which can come to fit a cover (not shown). This cup cooperates with the valve body 40.2 to form, on the one hand, an annular reservoir cavity 40.3 of longitudinal axis XX, containing a product 40.7 and in which a ring of cellular material 40.8 as shown in FIG. 2A has been introduces, and on the other hand, the valve cavity 40.9. Inside it are: an emerging valve control rod 40.4, a seal 40.5 and a spring 40.6, which together with the valve body constitute the valve itself. The emerging rod 40.4 is intended to cooperate with a push button not shown.
  • the cup 40.1 has, inter alia, in the center of its upper plate 41.1, an orifice 42.1, through which the emerging rod 40.4 passes, an outer skirt 43.1 and an inner skirt 44.1, coaxial, the plate 41.1 being oriented substantially perpendicular to these skirts.
  • the outer skirt 43.1 has, in its lower part, a profile 45.1, suitable for accommodating a complementary profile 41.2 coming from the body 40.2 of the valve; these two profiles are welded ( Figure 4C).
  • the inner skirt 44.1. of the cup has a substantially corresponding internal diameter to that of the seal 40.5 and a height substantially identical to that of the cavity 40.3.
  • the 46.1 lower surface of the inner skirt of the cup is welded to the bottom of the body valve ( Figure 4C).
  • a chamfer 48.1 On the inner periphery of the skirt 44.1 is located a chamfer 48.1.
  • a notch 47.1 is also provided in the inner periphery of the bottom of the skirt 44.1; this notch breaks the continuity of the weld between the internal skirt and the body valve.
  • the valve body 40.2 has on its circumference the profile 41.2 complementary to that already described 45.1; this profile allows the centering of the valve body and the cup during assembly and is welded to part 45.1 of the cup.
  • the valve body has an inner skirt 45.2 whose external diameter is substantially equal to the diameter internal of the inner skirt 44.1 of the cup and these two elements are welded. On the external lateral face of this skirt 45.2, over its entire height is provided a groove 46.2 and on the upper edge of this skirt is located a notch 48.2.
  • FIG. 4C The assembly of the pressurized container as shown in FIG. 4C is shown on Figures 4A and 4B: we first assembled the spring 40.6 around the rod emergent 40.4, then the joint 40.5, in the space defined by the inner skirt of the body of valve; then the ring 40.8 and the cup 40.1 are positioned and the cup is welded to the valve body 40.2 at the end of the skirts.
  • the pressurized container is then filled through the valve: by pressing on the rod emergent 40.4, the product, under pressure, fills the first cavity 40.9 defined by the inner skirt of the valve body, passes through the notch 48.2, descends along the groove 46.2 by the chamfer 48.1 then by the notch 47.1 and fills the cavity 40.3.
  • a push button and a cover, not shown, can then be mounted on the emergent stem and on the cup respectively.
  • the product follows the reverse path to that described for filling the device.
  • the ring Upon injection of the product, the ring is still compressed. When the product arrives through orifices 47.1 located at the bottom of the cavity 40.3, the ring is pushed up. he it follows that the container thus formed has a multi-position operation. If the product passes, during filling, towards the upper part of the cavity, compressing the ring on itself, or even pushing it down, it does not change the operation, because thanks to the slot in the ring 40.8 the ring can expand completely and repel all of the product to the valve.
  • the devices according to the invention represented above make it possible to obtain a product refund rate greater than 90%.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
  • Nozzles (AREA)
  • Dental Tools And Instruments Or Auxiliary Dental Instruments (AREA)
  • Sampling And Sample Adjustment (AREA)
  • Coating Apparatus (AREA)
  • Food-Manufacturing Devices (AREA)
  • Apparatus Associated With Microorganisms And Enzymes (AREA)
  • Prostheses (AREA)

Abstract

Dispositif pressurisé pour la distribution d'un produit (19) comprenant une cavité réservoir (11.1), un axe longitudinal (X-X), une valve (12) placée au sommet de la cavité réservoir et un moyen de distribution (14) relié à la valve, un moyen de pressurisation (15), caractérisé en ce que le moyen de pressurisation est constitué d'un élément en matériau alvéolaire à cellules fermées, l'élément en matériau alvéolaire et le produit étant placés ensemble à l'intérieur de la cavité réservoir, de façon à ce que le dispositif distribue le produit lorsque l'on actionne la valve, l'élément en matériau alvéolaire comportant au moins une fente à sa périphérie sur toute sa hauteur mesurée selon l'axe longitudinal. <IMAGE>Pressurized device for dispensing a product (19) comprising a reservoir cavity (11.1), a longitudinal axis (XX), a valve (12) placed at the top of the reservoir cavity and a dispensing means (14) connected to the valve, a pressurizing means (15), characterized in that the pressurizing means consists of an element of closed cell cellular material, the element of cellular material and the product being placed together inside the cavity reservoir, so that the device distributes the product when the valve is actuated, the element of cellular material comprising at least one slot at its periphery over its entire height measured along the longitudinal axis. <IMAGE>

Description

L'invention a pour objet un nouveau dispositif pressurisé pour la distribution de produits liquides ou crémeux, comme par exemple des produits cosmétiques, alimentaires, pharmaceutiques.The invention relates to a new pressurized device for the distribution of products liquids or creams, such as for example cosmetics, foodstuffs, pharmaceutical.

Selon l'art antérieur, un dispositif pressurisé est constitué d'un corps récipient, sur lequel vient éventuellement s'emboíter un couvercle ; sur le col de ce récipient est sertie une valve par l'intermédiaire d'une coupelle porte-valve, un moyen de distribution relié à la valve est prévu ; le corps récipient et la coupelle définissent une cavité réservoir; la valve est constituée d'un corps de valve, d'une tige de commande de valve qui traverse le corps de valve, d'un joint et d'un système de rappel qui plaque la tige de commande de valve contre le joint, l'ensemble étant maintenu en place par le sertissage de la coupelle porte-valve ; la tige de commande de valve est surmontée d'un bouton-poussoir. Dans la cavité réservoir sont disposés un produit à distribuer et un moyen de propulsion.According to the prior art, a pressurized device consists of a container body, on which possibly comes to fit a cover; on the neck of this container is crimped a valve via a valve holder cup, a distribution means connected to the valve is provided; the container body and the cup define a reservoir cavity; the valve consists of a valve body, a valve control rod which passes through the valve body, a seal and a return system that presses the control rod valve against the seal, the assembly being held in place by crimping the valve holder cup; the valve control rod is surmounted by a push button. In the reservoir cavity are arranged a product to be dispensed and a means of propulsion.

Le moyen de propulsion peut être un gaz comprimé directement au contact du produit dans le corps récipient. Dans ce cas un organe plongeur est fixé à la valve. On peut également prévoir, lorsque l'on ne souhaite pas que le produit soit au contact du gaz, de séparer le gaz et le produit par une poche souple ou par un piston. Dans le cas de la poche souple, on se trouve souvent confronté à des problèmes de compatibilité avec la formule et de solidité du matériau constituant la poche, qui doit être souple et étanche à la fois. Dans le cas où l'on utilise un piston pour séparer le gaz du produit, on se trouve confronté à des problèmes d'étanchéité le long des surfaces de contact entre le piston et la paroi interne du corps récipient. En outre, dans ces deux cas, l'orifice de remplissage du gaz doit être distinct de celui de la formule : le remplissage du gaz se fait souvent par un orifice situé au fond du récipient, obturé par un bouchon de caoutchouc. Cette configuration impose des reprises lors de la fabrication : ouverture de l'orifice de remplissage du gaz, mise en place de la poche ou du piston, mise en place du bouchon. Elle est également coûteuse du fait de la complexité du procédé de remplissage : remplissage du produit puis du gaz.The means of propulsion can be a compressed gas directly in contact with the product in the container body. In this case a plunger member is attached to the valve. We can also provide, when you do not want the product to be in contact with gas, separate the gas and the product by a flexible bag or by a piston. In the case of flexible pocket, we are often faced with compatibility problems with the formula and strength of the material constituting the bag, which must be flexible and waterproof that time. If we use a piston to separate the gas from the product, we are faced with sealing problems along the contact surfaces between the piston and the inner wall of the container body. In addition, in these two cases, the filling orifice of the gas must be distinct from that of the formula: the filling of the gas is often done by an orifice located at the bottom of the container, closed by a rubber stopper. This configuration requires rework during manufacture: opening of the orifice filling the gas, fitting the bag or piston, fitting the plug. It is also expensive because of the complexity of the filling process: filling of the product then of the gas.

Par ailleurs, on connaít du document EP-A-561292, des dispositifs distributeurs utilisant comme moyen de propulsion un matériau alvéolaire à cellules fermées. Un gaz est retenu prisonnier dans les cellules du matériau alvéolaire. Ce document décrit des dispositifs dans lesquels le produit est placé dans un flacon souple, à l'intérieur du corps récipient. Le matériau alvéolaire est placé dans ce corps récipient au contact et à l'extérieur du flacon souple. Le matériau alvéolaire est relié à une mollette. Avant d'actionner la valve par l'intermédiaire d'un bouton-poussoir, l'utilisateur doit emmagasiner de l'énergie dans le matériau alvéolaire par actionnement de la molette. Le gaz contenu dans le matériau alvéolaire est alors mis sous pression mécanique et transmet cette pression au flacon et à son contenu : par actionnement de la valve le produit peut alors être distribué.Furthermore, we know from document EP-A-561292, dispensing devices using as a means of propulsion, a closed cell cellular material. A gas is held captive in the cells of the alveolar material. This document describes devices in which the product is placed in a flexible bottle, inside the body container. The foam material is placed in this container body in contact and at the outside of the flexible bottle. The foam material is connected to a wheel. Before to actuate the valve via a push button, the user must to store energy in the cellular material by actuation of the wheel. The gas contained in the foam material is then put under mechanical pressure and transmits this pressure to the bottle and its contents: by actuating the valve the product can then be distributed.

Toutefois, un tel dispositif présente plusieurs inconvénients: ce dispositif comporte un nombre de pièces élevé; ces pièces nécessitent un ajustage très fin (pas de vis, étanchéité) et sont sophistiquées, par conséquent ce dispositif est très coûteux. Le stockage d'énergie par compression mécanique du matériau alvéolaire se fait par petites quantités: l'utilisateur doit tourner la molette pour emmagasiner l'énergie correspondant à environ une dose d'utilisation avant d'actionner le bouton-poussoir. La nécessité de cette double action rend le dispositif complexe et peu attrayant pour le consommateur pressé. Le flacon dans lequel est contenu le produit a la forme d'un soufflet, aussi, même si on le comprime au maximum par l'action du matériau alvéolaire, ce flacon ne peut pas se vider complètement et on obtient un taux de restitution faible.However, such a device has several drawbacks: this device includes a high number of pieces; these parts require very fine adjustment (no screws, tightness) and are sophisticated, therefore this device is very expensive. The energy storage by mechanical compression of the cellular material is done in small quantities: the user must turn the dial to store the corresponding energy about a dose of use before pressing the push button. The need to this double action makes the device complex and unattractive to the consumer hurry. The bottle in which the product is contained has the shape of a bellows, also, even if it is compressed as much as possible by the action of the foam material, this bottle cannot empty completely and you get a low refund rate.

Lorsque l'utilisateur emmagasine de l'énergie dans l'élément en matériau alvéolaire en tournant la molette, il crée une forte pression osmotique de part et d'autre de la paroi du flacon. Ainsi, la paroi de ce flacon, soumise à un mouvement de va-et-vient par l'action mécanique du matériau alvéolaire, est fragilisée par de trop fréquentes utilisations. On rencontre avec ce dispositif le même problème de compatibilité du produit avec la paroi du flacon que dans le cas ou l'on utilise une poche souple pour séparer un gaz du produit. En outre, si l'utilisateur, par maladresse, exerce une action trop forte sur la molette, il soumet le matériau alvéolaire à une pression qui fait éclater les cellules renfermant le gaz et endommage irréversiblement le dispositif. Enfin un tel dispositif ne permet pas de remplir le flacon en produit, par l'intermédiaire de la valve, en pressurisant le matériau alvéolaire, car on obtiendrait aussi par cette compression mécanique un éclatement des cellules, le dispositif n'étant alors plus utilisable.When the user stores energy in the cellular material element in turning the dial, it creates a strong osmotic pressure on both sides of the wall of the bottle. Thus, the wall of this bottle, subjected to a back and forth movement by action mechanical of the cellular material, is weakened by too frequent uses. We encounter with this device the same problem of compatibility of the product with the wall of the bottle than in the case where a flexible bag is used to separate a gas from product. In addition, if the user, by mistake, exerts too strong an action on the wheel, it subjects the foam material to burst cells containing the gas and irreversibly damaging the device. Finally, such a device does not not fill the bottle with product, via the valve, by pressurizing the cellular material, because one would also obtain by this mechanical compression a bursting of the cells, the device then no longer being usable.

Aussi, c'est avec étonnement que la demanderesse a découvert de nouveaux dispositifs pressurisés utilisant comme moyen de propulsion un élément en matériau alvéolaire à cellules fermées remédiant aux inconvénients de l'art antérieur. Also, it is with astonishment that the applicant discovered new devices pressurized using as a means of propulsion an element of cellular material with closed cells remedying the drawbacks of the prior art.

L'invention a pour objet de nouveaux dispositifs pressurisés pour la distribution d'un produit et dont les caracteristiques figurant dans la revendication 1.The invention relates to new pressurized devices for the distribution of a product and whose characteristics appearing in claim 1.

La forme de l'élément de matériau alvéolaire est définie selon l'invention avant son introduction dans la cavité réservoir.The shape of the element of cellular material is defined according to the invention before its introduction into the reservoir cavity.

Bien que l'invention soit particulièrement bien adaptée à un dispositif pressurisé dans lequel l'élément en matériau alvéolaire et le produit sont soumis à une pression permanente et uniforme, elle s'applique à tout type de distributeur de produit.Although the invention is particularly well suited to a pressurized device in which the foam element and the product are subjected to pressure permanent and uniform, it applies to any type of product distributor.

On entend par périphérique une fente dont une extrémité est située à la périphérie de l'élément en matériau alvéolaire. Une fente périphérique ouvre l'élément en matériau alvéolaire sur l'extérieur.The term peripheral means a slot, one end of which is situated on the periphery of the element of cellular material. A peripheral slit opens the material element alveolar on the outside.

Les dispositifs selon l'invention permettent de distribuer toutes sortes de produits sous forme de solution, d'émulsion, de gel : lotions, crèmes, compositions auto-moussantes, laits, gels.The devices according to the invention make it possible to distribute all kinds of products under form of solution, emulsion, gel: lotions, creams, self-foaming compositions, milks, gels.

Un tel dispositif permet d'éviter le mélange du gaz avec le produit à distribuer et d'éviter des fuites de gaz. Ainsi, la durée d'utilisation du dispositif est rallongée. Suivant la nature du matériau alvéolaire et la taille de l'élément en matériau alvéolaire, on peut adapter la pression à l'intérieur du dispositif à la viscosité du produit à distribuer. Un tel dispositif permet de pressuriser un produit, sans risque de pollution du produit par le gaz et sans pollution de l'atmosphère. En outre, ce dispositif ne comporte qu'un petit nombre de pièces mécaniques d'utilisation courante et sa fabrication est simple, il est donc peu coûteux. Son utilisation est simple. Le dispositif est peu fragile et ne comporte pas de risques d'éclatement des cellules liés à une utilisation maladroite. Enfin, le moyen de compression est retenu à l'intérieur du dispositif après restitution complète du produit, ce dispositif peut donc être réutilisé plusieurs fois à condition de le recharger en produit. Un tel dispositif permet ainsi de réaliser une économie sur le coût de l'emballage et son éventuel retraitement.Such a device makes it possible to avoid mixing of the gas with the product to be dispensed and to avoid gas leaks. Thus, the duration of use of the device is extended. According to nature of the foam material and the size of the element of foam material, the pressure inside the device at the viscosity of the product to be dispensed. Such a device allows to pressurize a product, without risk of product pollution by gas and without air pollution. In addition, this device has only a small number of mechanical parts in common use and its manufacture is simple, so it is little expensive. Its use is simple. The device is not very fragile and does not have any risks of cells bursting due to clumsy use. Finally, the means of compression is retained inside the device after complete restitution of the product, this device can therefore be reused several times provided that it is recharged with product. A such a device thus makes it possible to save on the cost of packaging and its possible reprocessing.

En outre, un dispositif selon l'invention permet d'obtenir un taux de restitution du produit de l'ordre de 95%.In addition, a device according to the invention makes it possible to obtain a rate of return of the product. around 95%.

Un matériau alvéolaire utilisable dans la présente invention est constitué d'une multitude de cellules remplies de gaz incluses dans une matrice déformable, comme par exemple une mousse en polyoléfine, en élastomère ou en tout type de matériau thermoplastique, une mousse de caoutchouc, de Buna, de Néoprène, de silicone ou tout autre matériau. Le gaz peut être n'importe quel gaz comprimable ou liquéfiable aux pressions d'usage, comme par exemple de l'azote ou il peut être simplement de l'air.A cellular material usable in the present invention consists of a multitude cells filled with gases included in a deformable matrix, such as for example a polyolefin, elastomer or any type of thermoplastic foam, a foam of rubber, Buna, Neoprene, silicone or any other material. The gas can be any gas which is compressible or liquefiable at the pressures of use, like nitrogen or it can just be air.

Lorsque le matériau alvéolaire est comprimé, les cellules le sont également, elles emmagasinent ainsi une réserve d'énergie pour pressuriser le produit. Lorsque l'on actionne la valve du dispositif pressurisé, les cellules s'expansent et le produit est restitué.When the foam is compressed, the cells are also compressed, they thus store a reserve of energy to pressurize the product. When we actuates the valve of the pressurized device, the cells expand and the product is returned.

Le gaz présent dans les cellules y est retenu et ne peut pas s'en échapper. On évite ainsi les problèmes de fuites et de mélange avec le produit.The gas present in the cells is retained there and cannot escape from it. We thus avoid leakage and mixing problems with the product.

Avantageusement, l'élément de matériau alvéolaire utilisé comme moyen de pressurisation dans les dispositifs selon l'invention est de forme complémentaire de celle de la cavité réservoir, et préférentiellement, il est choisi de forme globalement cylindrique.Advantageously, the element of cellular material used as a means of pressurization in the devices according to the invention has a shape complementary to that of the reservoir cavity, and preferably, it is chosen in shape overall cylindrical.

L'élément en matériau alvéolaire utilisé dans un tel dispositif peut être fabriqué de façon connue par extrusion ou par découpage dans un bloc de matériau alvéolaire à cellules fermées. Pour découper un cylindre de matériau alvéolaire, on est obligé de le comprimer avant le découpage. Par ce procédé, on obtient après découpage et décompression, un élément de matériau alvéolaire aux contours latéraux légèrement concaves comme il est décrit dans le document EP-A-561292. Lorsqu'un tel élément ne comportant pas de fente à sa périphérie est placé dans un dispositif tel que décrit ci-dessus, du produit vient se loger entre la concavité de l'élément en matériau alvéolaire et les parois du récipient. On obtient donc un taux de restitution inférieur à celui que l'on peut obtenir avec un cylindre aux contours parfaitement droits. Toutefois, un cylindre de matériau alvéolaire découpé dans un bloc de grande taille coûte moins cher qu'un cylindre de matériau alvéolaire extrudé. Pour des raisons économiques, on souhaite donc pouvoir utiliser dans les dispositifs pressurisés un élément de matériau alvéolaire découpé plutôt qu'extrudé, tout en conservant un taux de restitution satisfaisant.The element of cellular material used in such a device can be manufactured so known by extrusion or by cutting from a block of cellular cellular material closed. To cut a cylinder of cellular material, you have to compress before cutting. By this process, after cutting and decompression, an element of cellular material with slightly lateral contours concaves as described in document EP-A-561292. When such an element does not having no slot at its periphery is placed in a device as described above, of the product is housed between the concavity of the element in cellular material and the walls of the container. We therefore obtain a lower refund rate than that can be obtained with a cylinder with perfectly straight contours. However, a cylinder of foam material cut from a large block is less expensive than cylinder of extruded foam material. For economic reasons, we wish therefore be able to use an element of cellular material in pressurized devices cut rather than extruded, while maintaining a satisfactory rate of restitution.

L'élément de matériau alvéolaire utilisé dans la présente invention peut être extrudé ou même découpé. En effet, la fente permet une expansion plus large de l'élément de matériau alvéolaire, cette expansion compense la concavité des éléments de matériau alvéolaire découpés. On peut ainsi obtenir une restitution quasiment complète du produit avec un élément en matériau alvéolaire découpé.The element of foam material used in the present invention can be extruded or even cut out. Indeed, the slot allows a wider expansion of the element of foam material, this expansion compensates for the concavity of the material elements alveolar cut. We can thus obtain an almost complete return of the product with an element of cut foam material.

Toutefois, un élément de matériau alvéolaire découpé comporte des cellules ouvertes sur ses contours, tandis qu'un élément extrudé n'en comporte pas. Par conséquent dans la présente invention on préfère utiliser un élément de matériau alvéolaire obtenu par extrusion.However, an element of cut honeycomb material has open cells on its contours, while an extruded element does not. Therefore in the present invention it is preferred to use an element of cellular material obtained by extrusion.

De préférence l'élément de matériau alvéolaire est de dimensions (hauteur, diamètre) supérieures à celles de la cavité réservoir de telle sorte que lorsque l'on ferme la cavité réservoir, on obtienne une pré-compression de l'élément en matériau alvéolaire afin d'avoir encore de l'énergie à disposition lorsqu'il reste peu de produit dans le dispositif.Preferably the element of cellular material is of dimensions (height, diameter) greater than those of the reservoir cavity so that when the cavity is closed tank, we obtain a pre-compression of the element in cellular material so still have energy available when there is little product left in the device.

De préférence, selon l'invention, la fente est radiale par rapport au cylindre de matériau alvéolaire.Preferably, according to the invention, the slot is radial with respect to the cylinder of material alveolar.

L'élément de matériau alvéolaire peut éventuellement comporter un orifice central sur toute sa hauteur.The element of cellular material may optionally include a central orifice on all its height.

Avantageusement, lorsque le cylindre de matériau alvéolaire ne comporte pas d'orifice central, la fente est pratiquée sur toute la hauteur du cylindre de matériau alvéolaire et sur une largeur sensiblement égale au rayon du cylindre de matériau alvéolaire. Advantageously, when the cylinder of cellular material does not have an orifice central, the slot is made over the entire height of the cylinder of cellular material and over a width substantially equal to the radius of the cylinder of cellular material.

Lorsqu'un orifice central est prévu, celui-ci peut constituer un logement pour un organe plongeur relié à la valve.When a central opening is provided, this can constitute a housing for an organ plunger connected to the valve.

Lorsque le dispositif ne comporte pas d'organe plongeur, il peut être avantageux de prévoir un orifice central dans l'élément en matériau alvéolaire: en effet, au montage du dispositif, on introduit l'élément en matériau alvéolaire dans la cavité réservoir. L'élément en matériau alvéolaire est habituellement d'une hauteur supérieure ou égale à la hauteur de la cavité réservoir. Lorsque l'on place la valve au sommet de la cavité réservoir, par exemple lorsque l'on sertit la valve au sommet du corps récipient, dont les parois définissent la cavité réservoir, à l'aide d'une coupelle porte valve, la valve exerce une compression mécanique sur le sommet de l'élément de matériau alvéolaire. Les cellules soumises à la compression éclatent, l'élément de matériau alvéolaire se trouve déformé dans sa partie supérieure. Du produit peut ensuite venir se loger dans cette déformation. Du gaz est diffusé dans la cavité réservoir et va se mélanger au produit. Pour éviter ces inconvénients, on peut prévoir un orifice central dans l'élément en matériau alvéolaire, dans lequel peut s'introduire la valve même lorsque le dispositif ne comporte pas d'organe plongeur.When the device does not include a plunger member, it may be advantageous to provide a central orifice in the element of cellular material: in fact, when mounting the device, the element made of cellular material is introduced into the reservoir cavity. The element of foam material is usually greater than or equal to the height of the tank cavity. When the valve is placed at the top of the tank cavity, by example when crimping the valve at the top of the container body, whose walls define the reservoir cavity, using a valve holder cup, the valve exerts a mechanical compression on the top of the element of cellular material. Cells under compression burst, the cellular material element is deformed in its upper part. Product can then be lodged in this deformation. Gas is diffused in the reservoir cavity and will mix with the product. To avoid these drawbacks, a central orifice can be provided in the element of cellular material, into which the valve can be inserted even when the device does not have diving organ.

Selon un mode préféré de réalisation de l'invention, la fente est associée à un orifice central sur toute la hauteur de l'élément en matériau alvéolaire. La fente peut ouvrir le cylindre depuis sa surface extérieure jusqu'à son orifice central ou n'être que superficielle, c'est-à-dire ne pas s'étendre jusqu'à l'orifice central. L'élément en matériau alvéolaire comporte au plus une fente s'étendant depuis sa surface extérieure jusqu'à son orifice central. Préférentiellement, il comporte une fente s'étendant depuis sa surface extérieure jusqu'à son orifice central. Il peut comporter plusieurs fentes superficielles.According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the slot is associated with an orifice central over the entire height of the cellular material element. The slot can open the cylinder from its outer surface to its central orifice or being only superficial, that is to say, not extend to the central orifice. The material element honeycomb has at most one slot extending from its outer surface to its central opening. Preferably, it has a slot extending from its surface outside to its central opening. It may have several surface slots.

Lorsque le dispositif ne comporte pas d'organe plongeur, l'orifice central est de préférence de forme allongée et orienté dans le prolongement de la fente.When the device does not include a plunger member, the central orifice is preferably of elongated shape and oriented in the extension of the slot.

Selon une première variante de l'invention, lorsque le dispositif comporte un organe plongeur, on peut prévoir que le cylindre de matériau alvéolaire comportant une fente qui s'étend de sa surface extérieure jusqu'à son orifice central soit constitué d'un morceau de matériau alvéolaire de forme rectangulaire que l'on enroule autour de l'organe plongeur. En effet, la production de morceaux de matériau alvéolaire de forme rectangulaire est de réalisation plus simple, donc plus économique, que celle d'un cylindre dans lequel on découpe un orifice central circulaire puis une fente.According to a first variant of the invention, when the device comprises a member plunger, it is possible to provide for the cylinder of cellular material comprising a slot which extends from its outer surface to its central opening consists of a piece rectangular-shaped foam material that is wrapped around the organ diver. Indeed, the production of lumps of shaped foam material rectangular is simpler, therefore more economical, than a cylinder in which a circular central hole is cut and then a slot.

On peut prévoir que le dispositif selon l'invention comporte de façon connue un corps récipient, le corps récipient définissant la cavité réservoir, une valve comportant un corps de valve distinct du corps récipient, la valve étant placée au sommet de la cavité réservoir, un moyen de distribution relié à la valve et un moyen de pressurisation constitué d'un élément en matériau alvéolaire à cellules fermées, l'élément en matériau alvéolaire et le produit étant placés dans la cavité réservoir et soumis à une pression permanente et uniforme, de façon à ce que le dispositif distribue le produit lorsque l'on actionne la valveIt is possible to provide that the device according to the invention comprises, in a known manner, a body container, the container body defining the reservoir cavity, a valve comprising a body valve separate from the container body, the valve being placed at the top of the cavity tank, a distribution means connected to the valve and a pressurization means consisting of an element in closed cell cellular material, the element in material alveolar and the product being placed in the reservoir cavity and subjected to pressure permanent and uniform, so that the device distributes the product when operates the valve

La valve peut être sertie au col du récipient de façon connue par l'intermédiaire d'une coupelle porte-valve, le corps récipient et la coupelle définissant la cavité réservoir.The valve can be crimped to the neck of the container in a known manner by means of a valve holder cup, the container body and the cup defining the reservoir cavity.

On peut également prévoir que le dispositif selon l'invention soit muni d'une valve en matériau élastomérique comportant des moyens d'encliquetage aptes à coopérer avec le col du corps récipient comme il est décrit dans la demande de brevet français FR-A-2741933.One can also provide that the device according to the invention is provided with a valve in elastomeric material comprising latching means able to cooperate with the neck of the container body as described in French patent application FR-A-2741933.

Une seconde variante de l'invention concerne un récipient pressurisé comprenant une coupelle, une valve munie d'un corps de valve, d'une tige de commande de valve éventuellement surmontée d'un bouton-poussoir comportant éventuellement un moyen de distribution, d'un joint et d'un système de rappel, la coupelle et le corps de valve coopérant entre eux pour former, d'une part, une cavité réservoir apte à contenir un produit à distribuer et un moyen de propulsion, d'autre part, le corps de valve proprement dit délimitant la cavité de la valve, un passage étant aménagé entre la cavité réservoir et la cavité de la valve.A second variant of the invention relates to a pressurized container comprising a cup, a valve provided with a valve body, a valve control rod possibly surmounted by a push button possibly comprising a means valve, seal and return system, cup and valve body cooperating with each other to form, on the one hand, a reservoir cavity capable of containing a product to be dispensed and a means of propulsion, on the other hand, the valve body properly said delimiting the valve cavity, a passage being arranged between the reservoir cavity and the valve cavity.

Selon cette variante, le corps de valve traverse la cavité réservoir sur toute sa hauteur et constitue un organe plongeur.According to this variant, the valve body crosses the reservoir cavity over its entire height and constitutes a plunger member.

Selon cette variante, la coupelle et le corps de valve coopèrent de façon étanche à leurs extrémités pour former le corps du récipient. Par exemple, la coupelle et le corps de valve comprennent des éléments d'accrochage complémentaires, par exemple des moyens susceptibles de s'encliqueter ou des profils complémentaires qui, une fois assemblés, sont soudés entre eux par tous moyens connus de l'homme du métier, comme, par exemple la soudure par rotation ou le collage. Les éléments d'accrochage peuvent également consister en des filetages complémentaires, de sorte que l'on peut visser l'un sur l'autre le corps de valve et la coupelle de façon étanche.According to this variant, the cup and the valve body cooperate sealingly with their ends to form the body of the container. For example, the cup and the body of valve include complementary fastening elements, for example means likely to snap or complementary profiles which, once assembled, are welded together by any means known to those skilled in the art, such as, for example, rotational welding or gluing. Hanging elements can also consist of complementary threads, so that one can screw the valve body and the cup tightly onto each other.

Afin de réaliser cette coopération, on peut choisir un corps de valve qui présente, sur sa circonférence, lesdits éléments d'accrochage et une coupelle comprenant une jupe extérieure, qui présente, à son extrémité, lesdits éléments d'accrochage complémentaires de ceux du corps de valve, cette coopération définissant le corps du bidon. On peut également choisir une coupelle qui présente, sur sa circonférence, des éléments d'accrochage et un corps de valve comprenant une jupe extérieure, qui présente, à son extrémité, des éléments d'accrochage complémentaires de ceux de la coupelle. On peut également employer une coupelle et un corps de valve comprenant chacun une jupe extérieure, les deux jupes comprenant des éléments d'accrochage complémentaires.In order to achieve this cooperation, one can choose a valve body which has, on its circumference, said hooking elements and a cup comprising a skirt outer, which has, at its end, said hooking elements complementary to those of the valve body, this cooperation defining the body of the can. You can also choose a cup that has, on its circumference, hooking elements and a valve body comprising an outer skirt, which has, at its end, hooking elements complementary to those of the cup. It is also possible to use a cup and a valve body comprising each an outer skirt, the two skirts comprising hooking elements complementary.

Selon cette variante, le corps de valve et la coupelle coopèrent entre eux pour définir une cavité à l'intérieur du récipient, cette cavité délimitant la valve. De façon préférentielle, le corps de valve et éventuellement la coupelle comprennent chacun une jupe intérieure. Avantageusement, les jupes intérieures du corps de valve et de la coupelle s'emboítent l'une dans l'autre sur tout ou partie de leur hauteur pour délimiter la cavité de la valve. De préférence, le diamètre interne de la jupe intérieure de la coupelle est sensiblement égal au diamètre externe de la jupe intérieure du corps de valve.According to this variant, the valve body and the cup cooperate with each other to define a cavity inside the container, this cavity delimiting the valve. Preferably, the valve body and possibly the cup each comprise an inner skirt. Advantageously, the internal skirts of the valve body and of the cup fit together one inside the other over all or part of their height to delimit the valve cavity. Of preferably, the internal diameter of the internal skirt of the cup is substantially equal the outside diameter of the inner skirt of the valve body.

La surface supérieure de la jupe intérieure du corps de valve vient avantageusement appuyer sur le joint en le plaquant contre le rebord de la coupelle, qui cerne le passage de la tige de commande de valve. L'étanchéité de la valve est alors assurée.The upper surface of the inner skirt of the valve body advantageously comes press the seal by pressing it against the edge of the cup, which surrounds the passage valve control rod. The valve is then sealed.

Selon cette variante, un passage est aménagé entre la cavité réservoir et la valve. De façon préférentielle, les jupes intérieures de la coupelle et du corps de valve comportent au moins chacune une échancrure, ces échancrures étant associées à un chanfrein circulaire de l'une ou l'autre des jupes, le long du pourtour de la surface de contact entre les jupes et éventuellement à une gorge sur toute la hauteur de la surface de contact entre les jupes, l'ensemble de ces découpes (gorge, chanfrein, échancrures) définissant ledit passage du produit, et éventuellement du gaz, entre la cavité réservoir et la cavité de la valve.According to this variant, a passage is arranged between the reservoir cavity and the valve. Of preferentially, the internal skirts of the cup and of the valve body comprise at least one notch, these notches being associated with a chamfer circular of one or other of the skirts, along the periphery of the contact surface between the skirts and possibly a groove over the entire height of the contact surface between the skirts, all of these cutouts (throat, chamfer, notches) defining said passage of the product, and possibly gas, between the reservoir cavity and the cavity valve.

De façon avantageuse, le corps de valve et la coupelle sont fabriqués en matériau thermoplastique. Ces deux éléments peuvent être constitués d'un même matériau ou de deux matériaux différents compatibles chimiquement afin de pouvoir être soudés ensemble ou de deux matériaux incompatibles chimiquement, assemblés par vissage, collage ou encliquetage. Parmi les matériaux utilisables dans la présente invention, on peut citer, par exemple, la famille des polyoléfines, comme le polypropylène, le polyéthylène et les copolymères de l'éthylène et du propylène, la famille des polyacétals, comme le polyoxyéthylène ; on peut également employer du polyéthylène téréphtalate, du polyméthacrylate de méthyle, le polymère utilisé dans l'invention peut contenir des charges comme par exemple de la silice, des fibres de verre, des fibres de carbone. On peut également envisager de fabriquer ces éléments en d'autres matériaux, comme par exemple en métal ou en verre.Advantageously, the valve body and the cup are made of material thermoplastic. These two elements can be made of the same material or of two different chemically compatible materials so they can be welded together or two chemically incompatible materials, assembled by screwing, gluing or snapping. Among the materials which can be used in the present invention, may include, for example, the family of polyolefins, such as polypropylene, polyethylene and copolymers of ethylene and propylene, the family of polyacetals, such as polyoxyethylene; polyethylene terephthalate can also be used, polymethyl methacrylate, the polymer used in the invention may contain fillers such as silica, glass fibers, carbon fibers. We may also consider manufacturing these elements from other materials, such as example in metal or glass.

L'épaisseur des parois de la coupelle et du porte-valve, et notamment des jupes, sont adaptées par l'homme du métier pour résister à la pression du moyen de propulsion.The thickness of the walls of the cup and of the valve holder, and in particular of the skirts, are adapted by a person skilled in the art to resist the pressure of the propulsion means.

La tige de commande de valve peut être de tout type connu de l'homme du métier, comme par exemple une tige émergente, une tige femelle, qu'elle soit à déplacement axial ou à déplacement latéral, ce dernier type de valve étant appelée aussi 〈〈 tilt 〉〉.The valve control rod can be of any type known to those skilled in the art, like for example an emerging rod, a female rod, whether it is displacement axial or lateral displacement, the latter type of valve also being called 〈〈 tilt 〉〉.

Le moyen de rappel peut être de façon connue un ressort ou tout matériau comprimable ou élastiquement déformable que l'on peut loger dans la cavité de la valve.The return means may in a known manner be a spring or any compressible material or elastically deformable that can be accommodated in the valve cavity.

Eventuellement, la coupelle peut comprendre une rainure circulaire. L'existence de cette rainure permet d'utiliser un bouton-poussoir de format standard qui vient se positionner dans ladite rainure. En outre, cette rainure confère plus de résistance à la coupelle.Optionally, the cup may include a circular groove. The existence of this groove allows the use of a standard format push button which is positioned in said groove. In addition, this groove gives more resistance to the cup.

Les récipients selon cette variante de l'invention sont particulièrement avantageux lorsqu'ils sont réalisés sous la forme de récipients aérosols pour échantillonnage de une à quelques doses d'utilisation d'un produit, car ils pallient une absence de ce type de conditionnement satisfaisant aux exigences économiques du marché. Toutefois, leur usage n'est nullement limité à la distribution d'échantillons : les récipients selon cette variante de l'invention peuvent être réalisés dans des formats de toutes tailles, pour lesquels l'homme du métier sait adapter la nature et l'épaisseur du matériau afin de conférer au récipient la résistance nécessaire.The containers according to this variant of the invention are particularly advantageous when produced in the form of aerosol containers for sampling of at a few doses of using a product, because they compensate for an absence of this type of packaging satisfying the economic requirements of the market. However, their use is in no way limited to the distribution of samples: the containers according to this variant of the invention can be produced in formats of all sizes, for which the skilled person can adapt the nature and thickness of the material in order to give the container the necessary resistance.

Afin de mieux faire comprendre l'objet de l'invention, on va décrire ci-après, à titre d'exemple, plusieurs récipients répondant aux caractéristiques de cette invention.

  • Les figures 1A et 1B montrent, en coupe longitudinale, un dispositif pressurisé comportant un cylindre de matériau alvéolaire à cellules fermées comme moyen de propulsion, ce dispositif étant muni d'un organe plongeur.
  • Les figures 2A et 3A représentent un cylindre de matériau alvéolaire utilisé dans la présente invention, en coupe transversale, avant son introduction dans la cavité réservoir.
  • Les figures 2B, 2C, 3B et 3C représentent deux variantes de dispositif pressurisé selon l'invention en coupe transversale. Les figures 2B et 2C sont des coupes transversales suivant le plan ll-ll du dispositif représenté respectivement sur les figures 1A et 1B.
  • Les figures 4A, 4B et 4C représentent un dispositif selon une variante de l'invention en coupe longitudinale en cours de montage.
    • In order to better understand the object of the invention, a description will be given below, by way of example, of several containers meeting the characteristics of this invention.
  • FIGS. 1A and 1B show, in longitudinal section, a pressurized device comprising a cylinder of alveolar material with closed cells as a means of propulsion, this device being provided with a plunger member.
  • FIGS. 2A and 3A represent a cylinder of cellular material used in the present invention, in cross section, before its introduction into the reservoir cavity.
  • Figures 2B, 2C, 3B and 3C show two variants of pressurized device according to the invention in cross section. Figures 2B and 2C are cross sections along the plane II-II of the device shown in Figures 1A and 1B respectively.
  • FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C represent a device according to a variant of the invention in longitudinal section during assembly.

    • Le dispositif représenté sur les figures 1A et 2B comporte un corps récipient 1 définissant une cavité réservoir 1.1, d'axe longitudinal X-X. Sur ce corps peut éventuellement s'emboíter un couvercle (non représenté) ; sur le col de ce récipient est sertie une valve 2 par l'intermédiaire d'une coupelle porte-valve 3 ; la valve est constituée d'un corps de valve 2.1 , d'une tige de commande de valve 2.2 qui traverse le corps de valve, d'un joint 2.3 et d'un ressort 2.4 qui plaque la tige de commande de valve 2.2 contre le joint 2.3, l'ensemble étant maintenu en place par le sertissage de la coupelle porte-valve 3. Un tube plongeur 7 est fixé à la valve. Avant de sertir la valve 2 sur le corps récipient 1, on a introduit, par l'ouverture du bidon, un cylindre 5 de plastazote : matrice en polyoléfine et azote.The device shown in FIGS. 1A and 2B comprises a container body 1 defining a reservoir cavity 1.1, of longitudinal axis X-X. On this body can possibly fitting a cover (not shown); on the neck of this container is crimped a valve 2 via a valve holder cup 3; the valve consists of a body of valve 2.1, of a valve control rod 2.2 which passes through the valve body, of a seal 2.3 and a spring 2.4 which presses the valve control rod 2.2 against the seal 2.3, the assembly being held in place by crimping the valve holder cup 3. One dip tube 7 is attached to the valve. Before crimping the valve 2 on the container body 1, we have introduces, through the opening of the canister, a cylinder 5 of plastazote: polyolefin matrix and nitrogen.

    Sur la figure 2A on voit un élément 25 de matériau alvéolaire de forme cylindrique comportant un orifice cylindrique 26 en son centre et une fente radiale 28 qui s'étend de la surface extérieure du cylindre jusqu'à l'orifice 26, avant son introduction dans le corps récipient 1.In FIG. 2A we see an element 25 of cellular material of cylindrical shape comprising a cylindrical orifice 26 in its center and a radial slot 28 which extends from the external surface of the cylinder up to orifice 26, before its introduction into the body container 1.

    Sur la figure 3A on voit un élément 35 de matériau alvéolaire de forme cylindrique, comportant un orifice central allongé 36, qui a sensiblement la forme d'un oeil, et une fente 38 dans le prolongement de l'orifice 36. Cet élément peut être utilisé à la place du cylindre 25 dans un dispositif selon l'invention ne comportant pas d'organe plongeur.In FIG. 3A we see an element 35 of cellular material of cylindrical shape, having an elongated central hole 36 which is substantially in the shape of an eye, and a slot 38 in the extension of the orifice 36. This element can be used in place of the cylinder 25 in a device according to the invention not comprising a plunger member.

    Sur la figure 2B on voit le cylindre 5 de matériau alvéolaire à cellules fermées qui a été introduit dans le corps récipient 1. Le diamètre externe du cylindre 5 est prévu plus grand que le diamètre de la cavité réservoir 1.1, pour obtenir une pré-compression latérale de l'élément en matériau alvéolaire dans le but d'avoir encore de l'énergie à disposition pour distribuer les dernières parties du produit. Un orifice central cylindrique 6 est prévu dans le cylindre 5, le tube plongeur 7 venant se loger dans cet orifice.In Figure 2B we see the cylinder 5 of closed cell foam material which has been introduced into the container body 1. The external diameter of the cylinder 5 is expected to be larger than the diameter of the reservoir cavity 1.1, to obtain a pre-compression side of the cellular material element in order to have still energy available for distribute the last parts of the product. A cylindrical central orifice 6 is provided in the cylinder 5, the dip tube 7 coming to be housed in this orifice.

    Pour les éléments de la figure 1B communs avec la figure 1A on a utilisé les références de la figure 1A augmentées de 10. Pour les éléments de la figure 2C communs avec la figure 2B on a utilisé les références de la figure 2B augmentées de 10.For the elements of Figure 1B common with Figure 1A we used the references of Figure 1A increased by 10. For the elements of Figure 2C common with the figure 2B we used the references of figure 2B increased by 10.

    Sur les figures 1B et 2C est représenté un dispositif selon l'invention prêt à être utilisé: ce dispositif se distingue de celui représenté sur les figures 1A et 2B par le fait qu'un produit 19 a été introduit en force par l'intermédiaire de la valve 12, ce qui a entraíné une compression latérale et longitudinale du cylindre de matériau alvéolaire 15. La compression est du type hydraulique, c'est-à-dire dans les trois dimensions, sur toute le volume de l'élément en matériau alvéolaire 15. Le diamètre interne de l'orifice 16 est alors légèrement augmenté par rapport au diamètre de l'orifice 6 représenté sur la figure 1A, les rebords de la fente 8 représentée sur la figure 2B se sont écartés pour former une ouverture 18. Le cylindre de matériau alvéolaire 15 est donc libre de se déplacer le long du tube plongeur 17 en fonction de sa densité relative par rapport au produit. Sur la tige de commande de valve 12.2 est placé un bouton-poussoir 14. Par actionnement du bouton-poussoir 14, on ouvre la valve 12, le cylindre 15 se dilate et expulse le produit 19. Lorsque tout le produit 19 a été expulsé du dispositif, celui-ci se retrouve dans la configuration représentée sur les figures 1A et 2B. Grâce à la fente, le cylindre de matériau alvéolaire s'expanse largement et on évite la formation de zones de retenue de produit. On peut ensuite à nouveau charger ce dispositif en produit 19 comme il a été décrit ci-dessus. On réalise ainsi une économie sur l'emballage, et on réduit considérablement le problème du retraitement des dispositifs pressurisés, puisqu'un même dispositif peut être réutilisé un très grand nombre de fois.In FIGS. 1B and 2C is shown a device according to the invention ready for use: this device differs from that shown in FIGS. 1A and 2B by the fact that a product 19 was introduced by force through the valve 12, which resulted in a lateral and longitudinal compression of the cylinder of cellular material 15. The compression is of the hydraulic type, that is to say in the three dimensions, over the entire volume of the element of cellular material 15. The internal diameter of the orifice 16 is then slightly increased compared to the diameter of the orifice 6 shown in the figure 1A, the edges of the slot 8 shown in FIG. 2B have moved apart to form an opening 18. The cylinder of cellular material 15 is therefore free to move the along the dip tube 17 as a function of its relative density with respect to the product. On the valve control rod 12.2 is placed a push button 14. By actuation of the push-button 14, the valve 12 is opened, the cylinder 15 expands and expels the product 19. When all the product 19 has been expelled from the device, the latter is found in the configuration shown in Figures 1A and 2B. Thanks to the slot, the cylinder foam material expands widely and the formation of retention zones is avoided product. We can then again charge this device with product 19 as it was described above. This saves on packaging and reduces considerably the problem of reprocessing pressurized devices, since a same device can be reused a very large number of times.

    La variante du dispositif selon l'invention représentée sur les figures 3A, 3B et 3C se distingue du dispositif représenté sur les figures 1A, 1B, et 2A 2B et 2C par l'absence de tube plongeur dans le cylindre de matériau alvéolaire. Celui-ci comporte toutefois un orifice central 36 allongé ayant sensiblement la forme d'un oeil et une fente 38 dans le prolongement de cet orifice. Sur la figure 3B on voit le cylindre de matériau alvéolaire 45 qui est placé dans le récipient 41, puis sur la figure 3C, on voit ce même cylindre 55 en compression hydraulique dans le récipient 51 dans lequel a été introduit le produit 59.The variant of the device according to the invention shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C is distinguishes from the device shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2A 2B and 2C by the absence of dip tube in the cylinder of foam material. However, this includes a elongated central hole 36 having substantially the shape of an eye and a slot 38 in the extension of this orifice. In FIG. 3B we see the cylinder of cellular material 45 which is placed in the container 41, then in FIG. 3C, we see this same cylinder 55 in hydraulic compression in the container 51 into which the product 59 has been introduced.

    Un récipient pressurisé selon les figures 4A à 4C, de forme générale cylindrique, se compose d'une coupelle 40.1 sur laquelle peut venir s'emboíter un couvercle (non représenté). Cette coupelle coopère avec le corps de valve 40.2 pour former, d'une part, une cavité réservoir annulaire 40.3 d'axe longitudinal X-X, contenant un produit 40.7 et dans lequel un anneau de matériau alvéolaire 40.8 tel que représenté sur la figure 2A a été introduit, et d'autre part, la cavité de la valve 40.9. A l'intérieur de celle-ci se trouvent : une tige de commande de valve émergente 40.4, un joint 40.5 et un ressort 40.6, qui, avec le corps de valve, constituent la valve proprement dite. La tige émergente 40.4 est destinée à coopérer avec un bouton-poussoir non représenté.
    La coupelle 40.1 présente, entre autres, au centre de son plateau supérieur 41.1, un orifice 42.1, par lequel passe la tige émergente 40.4, une jupe extérieure 43.1 et une jupe intérieure 44.1, coaxiales, le plateau 41.1 étant d'orientation sensiblement perpendiculaire à ces jupes.    A pressurized container according to Figures 4A to 4C, of generally cylindrical shape, consists of a cup 40.1 on which can come to fit a cover (not shown). This cup cooperates with the valve body 40.2 to form, on the one hand, an annular reservoir cavity 40.3 of longitudinal axis XX, containing a product 40.7 and in which a ring of cellular material 40.8 as shown in FIG. 2A has been introduces, and on the other hand, the valve cavity 40.9. Inside it are: an emerging valve control rod 40.4, a seal 40.5 and a spring 40.6, which together with the valve body constitute the valve itself. The emerging rod 40.4 is intended to cooperate with a push button not shown.
    The cup 40.1 has, inter alia, in the center of its upper plate 41.1, an orifice 42.1, through which the emerging rod 40.4 passes, an outer skirt 43.1 and an inner skirt 44.1, coaxial, the plate 41.1 being oriented substantially perpendicular to these skirts.

    La jupe extérieure 43.1 présente, dans sa partie basse, un profil 45.1, propre à accueillir un profil complémentaire 41.2 venant du corps 40.2 de la valve ; ces deux profils sont soudés (figure 4C).The outer skirt 43.1 has, in its lower part, a profile 45.1, suitable for accommodating a complementary profile 41.2 coming from the body 40.2 of the valve; these two profiles are welded (Figure 4C).

    La jupe intérieure 44.1. de la coupelle a un diamètre interne correspondant sensiblement à celui du joint 40.5 et une hauteur sensiblement identique à celle de la cavité 40.3. La surface inférieure 46.1 de la jupe intérieure de la coupelle est soudée au fond du corps de valve (figure 4C). Sur le pourtour interne de la jupe 44.1 est situé un chanfrein 48.1. Une échancrure 47.1 est en outre prévue dans le pourtour interne du bas de la jupe 44.1 ; cette échancrure rompt la continuité de la soudure entre la jupe interne et le corps de valve.The inner skirt 44.1. of the cup has a substantially corresponding internal diameter to that of the seal 40.5 and a height substantially identical to that of the cavity 40.3. The 46.1 lower surface of the inner skirt of the cup is welded to the bottom of the body valve (Figure 4C). On the inner periphery of the skirt 44.1 is located a chamfer 48.1. A notch 47.1 is also provided in the inner periphery of the bottom of the skirt 44.1; this notch breaks the continuity of the weld between the internal skirt and the body valve.

    Le corps de valve 40.2 présente sur sa circonférence le profil 41.2 complémentaire de celui déjà décrit 45.1 ; ce profil permet le centrage du corps de valve et de la coupelle lors du montage et est soudé à la partie 45.1 de la coupelle. Le corps de valve présente une jupe intérieure 45.2 dont le diamètre externe est sensiblement égal au diamètre interne de la jupe intérieure 44.1 de la coupelle et ces deux éléments sont soudés. Sur la face latérale externe de cette jupe 45.2, sur toute sa hauteur est prévue une gorge 46.2 et sur le bord supérieur de cette jupe est située une échancrure 48.2.The valve body 40.2 has on its circumference the profile 41.2 complementary to that already described 45.1; this profile allows the centering of the valve body and the cup during assembly and is welded to part 45.1 of the cup. The valve body has an inner skirt 45.2 whose external diameter is substantially equal to the diameter internal of the inner skirt 44.1 of the cup and these two elements are welded. On the external lateral face of this skirt 45.2, over its entire height is provided a groove 46.2 and on the upper edge of this skirt is located a notch 48.2.

    Le montage du récipient pressurisé tel que représenté sur la figure 4C est représenté sur les figures 4A et 4B : on a tout d'abord assemblé le ressort 40.6 autour de la tige émergente 40.4, puis le joint 40.5, dans l'espace défini par la jupe intérieure du corps de valve ; puis l'anneau 40.8 et la coupelle 40.1 sont positionnés et la coupelle est soudée au corps de valve 40.2 en extrémité de jupes.The assembly of the pressurized container as shown in FIG. 4C is shown on Figures 4A and 4B: we first assembled the spring 40.6 around the rod emergent 40.4, then the joint 40.5, in the space defined by the inner skirt of the body of valve; then the ring 40.8 and the cup 40.1 are positioned and the cup is welded to the valve body 40.2 at the end of the skirts.

    Le récipient pressurisé est ensuite rempli à travers la valve : en appuyant sur la tige émergente 40.4, le produit, sous pression, remplit la première cavité 40.9 définie par la jupe intérieure du corps de valve, passe par l'échancrure 48.2, descend le long de la gorge 46.2 par le chanfrein 48.1 puis par l'échancrure 47.1 et remplit la cavité 40.3.The pressurized container is then filled through the valve: by pressing on the rod emergent 40.4, the product, under pressure, fills the first cavity 40.9 defined by the inner skirt of the valve body, passes through the notch 48.2, descends along the groove 46.2 by the chamfer 48.1 then by the notch 47.1 and fills the cavity 40.3.

    Un bouton poussoir et un couvercle non représentés peuvent être ensuite montés sur la tige émergente et sur la coupelle respectivement.A push button and a cover, not shown, can then be mounted on the emergent stem and on the cup respectively.

    Lorsque l'on presse sur la tige émergente par l'intermédiaire du bouton-poussoir, le produit suit le trajet inverse de celui décrit pour le remplissage du dispositif.When the emerging rod is pressed via the push button, the product follows the reverse path to that described for filling the device.

    A l'injection du produit, l'anneau est encore comprimé. Lorsque le produit arrive par les orifices 47.1 situés en bas de la cavité 40.3, l'anneau est repoussé vers le haut. ll s'ensuit que le récipient ainsi constitué a un fonctionnement multipositions. Si le produit passe, lors du remplissage, vers la partie haute de la cavité, en comprimant l'anneau sur lui-même, voire en le repoussant sur le bas, cela ne change pas le fonctionnement, car grâce à la fente dans l'anneau 40.8 l'anneau peut s'expanser complètement et repousser la totalité du produit vers la valve. Upon injection of the product, the ring is still compressed. When the product arrives through orifices 47.1 located at the bottom of the cavity 40.3, the ring is pushed up. he it follows that the container thus formed has a multi-position operation. If the product passes, during filling, towards the upper part of the cavity, compressing the ring on itself, or even pushing it down, it does not change the operation, because thanks to the slot in the ring 40.8 the ring can expand completely and repel all of the product to the valve.

    Dans un dispositif dont l'élément de matériau alvéolaire ne comporterait pas de fente, on obtiendrait un taux de restitution de l'ordre de 60 %.In a device whose element of cellular material does not have a slot, would obtain a refund rate of around 60%.

    En revanche, les dispositifs selon l'invention représentés ci-dessus permettent d'obtenir un taux de restitution du produit supérieur à 90%.On the other hand, the devices according to the invention represented above make it possible to obtain a product refund rate greater than 90%.

    Claims (21)

    1. Pressurized device, for dispensing a product (19; 59), comprising a reservoir cavity (1.1; 11.1; 40.3), a longitudinal axis (X-X), a valve (2; 12; 40.2) placed at the top of the reservoir cavity and a dispensing means linked to the valve, a pressurizing means (5; 15; 25; 35; 45; 55), characterized in that the pressurizing means consists of an element of closed-cell alveolar material, the element of alveolar material and the product are placed together inside the reservoir cavity so that the device dispenses the product when the valve is actuated, the element of alveolar material including at least one slit (8; 28; 38; 48) at its periphery over its entire height measured along the longitudinal axis, the said slit promoting the expansion of the element of alveolar material inside the cavity when product is dispensed.
    2. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the element of alveolar material (15; 55) and the product (19; 59) are subject to a permanent, uniform pressure.
    3. Device according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that the alveolar material is chosen from a polyolefin, elastomer or thermoplastic-material foam, a rubber, buna, neoprene or silicone foam.
    4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the element (5; 15; 35; 45; 55; 40.8) of alveolar material has a shape which complements that of the reservoir cavity.
    5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the element (5; 15; 25; 35; 45; 55) of alveolar material is generally cylindrical in shape.
    6. Device according to Claim 5, characterized in that the slit (8; 28; 38; 48) is radial relative to the cylinder (5; 25; 35; 45; 55) of alveolar material.
    7. Device according to either of Claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the slit extends over a width which is substantially equal to the radius of the cylinder of alveolar material.
    8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the element (5; 15; 25; 35; 45; 55) of alveolar material is obtained by extrusion.
    9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the element (5; 15; 25; 35; 45; 55) of alveolar material has dimensions which are greater than those of the cavity.
    10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the element (5; 15; 25; 35; 45; 55) of alveolar material includes a central orifice over its entire height.
    11. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the slit (8; 28; 38; 48) extends from the outer surface of the element (5; 15; 25; 35; 45; 55) of alveolar material as far as its central orifice.
    12. Device according to either of Claims 10 and 11, characterized in that the element of alveolar material comprises a cylindrical central orifice (6; 26).
    13. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it includes a plunger member (7; 17; 45.2; 44.1).
    14. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the cylinder of alveolar material consists of an element of alveolar material of rectangular shape wound around the plunger member.
    15. Device according to Claim 10, characterized in that the orifice (36) is of elongate shape and is orientated in the extension of the slit.
    16. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a receptacle body (1; 11) defining the reservoir cavity (1.1; 11.1) and a valve (2; 12) comprising a valve body (2.1) which is distinct from the receptacle body.
    17. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the valve (2; 12) is crimped to the neck of the receptacle (1; 11) by means of a valve-carrier dish (3), the receptacle body and the dish defining the reservoir cavity (1.1; 11.1).
    18. Device according to Claim 16, characterized in that it is equipped with a valve of elastomeric material which includes snap-fit means capable of interacting with the neck of the receptacle body.
    19. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 15, characterized in that it includes a dish (40.1), a valve equipped with a valve body (40.2), a valve-control rod (40.4) optionally surmounted by a push-button, a seal (40.5) and a return system (40.6), the dish and the valve body interacting with one another in order, on the one hand, to form a reservoir cavity (40.3) capable of containing a product to be dispensed and the propulsion means (40.8) and, on the other hand, the valve body proper delimiting the cavity (40.9) of the valve, a passage (47.1; 48.1; 46.2; 48.2) being made between the reservoir cavity and the cavity of the valve.
    20. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the product is chosen from any type of solution, emulsion or gel.
    21. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the product is chosen from lotions, creams, self-foaming compositions, milks or gels.
    EP97401581A 1996-07-31 1997-07-03 Pressurised device with a slit element of foam material as pressurising means Expired - Lifetime EP0823389B1 (en)

    Applications Claiming Priority (2)

    Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
    FR9609652A FR2751946B1 (en) 1996-07-31 1996-07-31 PRESSURIZED DEVICE COMPRISING A PIECE OF SPLIT MATERIAL AS A PRESSURIZING MEANS
    FR9609652 1996-07-31

    Publications (2)

    Publication Number Publication Date
    EP0823389A1 EP0823389A1 (en) 1998-02-11
    EP0823389B1 true EP0823389B1 (en) 1999-03-03

    Family

    ID=9494680

    Family Applications (1)

    Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
    EP97401581A Expired - Lifetime EP0823389B1 (en) 1996-07-31 1997-07-03 Pressurised device with a slit element of foam material as pressurising means

    Country Status (8)

    Country Link
    US (1) US5865351A (en)
    EP (1) EP0823389B1 (en)
    JP (1) JP3267533B2 (en)
    BR (1) BR9702697A (en)
    CA (1) CA2210842C (en)
    DE (1) DE69700124T2 (en)
    ES (1) ES2131983T3 (en)
    FR (1) FR2751946B1 (en)

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    US8028864B2 (en) 1992-02-24 2011-10-04 Homax Products, Inc. Actuator systems and methods for aerosol wall texturing
    US6883688B1 (en) 1992-02-24 2005-04-26 Homax Products, Inc. Aerosol spray texturing systems and methods
    US7278590B1 (en) 1992-02-24 2007-10-09 Homax Products, Inc. Systems and methods for applying texture material to ceiling surfaces
    FR2802515B1 (en) * 1999-12-15 2002-03-01 Oreal ASSEMBLY FOR PACKAGING AND DISPENSING UNDER PRESSURE OF A PRODUCT, USING A PROPELLER SEPARATELY PACKED FROM THE PRODUCT TO BE DISPENSED
    DE10121356B4 (en) 2001-05-02 2005-02-24 Karl Storz Gmbh & Co. Kg Valve arrangement for surgical instruments and valve basket for receiving the valve arrangement
    US6622880B1 (en) * 2003-01-06 2003-09-23 Crest Foam Industries Foam insert for pressure vessels
    US7500621B2 (en) 2003-04-10 2009-03-10 Homax Products, Inc. Systems and methods for securing aerosol systems
    US20050161531A1 (en) 2004-01-28 2005-07-28 Greer Lester R.Jr. Texture material for covering a repaired portion of a textured surface
    US7677420B1 (en) 2004-07-02 2010-03-16 Homax Products, Inc. Aerosol spray texture apparatus for a particulate containing material
    CN101056805B (en) * 2004-09-16 2011-07-27 克莱顿公司 Improved aerosol dispenser valve
    US7487893B1 (en) 2004-10-08 2009-02-10 Homax Products, Inc. Aerosol systems and methods for dispensing texture material
    US7407075B2 (en) * 2005-08-15 2008-08-05 Tyco Healthcare Group Lp Staple cartridge having multiple staple sizes for a surgical stapling instrument
    US8344056B1 (en) 2007-04-04 2013-01-01 Homax Products, Inc. Aerosol dispensing systems, methods, and compositions for repairing interior structure surfaces
    US9382060B1 (en) 2007-04-05 2016-07-05 Homax Products, Inc. Spray texture material compositions, systems, and methods with accelerated dry times
    US8580349B1 (en) 2007-04-05 2013-11-12 Homax Products, Inc. Pigmented spray texture material compositions, systems, and methods
    US9156042B2 (en) 2011-07-29 2015-10-13 Homax Products, Inc. Systems and methods for dispensing texture material using dual flow adjustment
    US9248457B2 (en) 2011-07-29 2016-02-02 Homax Products, Inc. Systems and methods for dispensing texture material using dual flow adjustment
    US9156602B1 (en) 2012-05-17 2015-10-13 Homax Products, Inc. Actuators for dispensers for texture material
    US9435120B2 (en) 2013-03-13 2016-09-06 Homax Products, Inc. Acoustic ceiling popcorn texture materials, systems, and methods
    US9776785B2 (en) 2013-08-19 2017-10-03 Ppg Architectural Finishes, Inc. Ceiling texture materials, systems, and methods
    USD787326S1 (en) 2014-12-09 2017-05-23 Ppg Architectural Finishes, Inc. Cap with actuator

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    US2689768A (en) * 1949-07-05 1954-09-21 Louis A Falligant Portable self-contained spray unit
    US3122284A (en) * 1960-06-06 1964-02-25 Colgate Palmolive Co Pressurized dispenser with pressure supplying and maintaining means
    US4729494A (en) * 1985-04-12 1988-03-08 Peillon Jean Pierre Container for liquid gas
    US5282549A (en) * 1992-03-16 1994-02-01 Williams Dispenser Corporation Dispenser with an energy storage member and an overload prevention mechanism

    Also Published As

    Publication number Publication date
    MX9705637A (en) 1998-07-31
    EP0823389A1 (en) 1998-02-11
    FR2751946A1 (en) 1998-02-06
    FR2751946B1 (en) 1998-09-11
    ES2131983T3 (en) 1999-08-01
    US5865351A (en) 1999-02-02
    JPH1076194A (en) 1998-03-24
    JP3267533B2 (en) 2002-03-18
    CA2210842C (en) 2001-09-04
    DE69700124D1 (en) 1999-04-08
    DE69700124T2 (en) 1999-06-24
    CA2210842A1 (en) 1998-01-31
    BR9702697A (en) 1998-09-01

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