EP0888974B1 - Device for fractional discharge of a tube - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a device for fractionally emptying a tube with deformable walls, according to the preamble of claim 1, containing a product of the cream or paste type. The invention is particularly suitable for emptying formed tubes aluminum, or a complex comprising at least one layer of aluminum. Of such tubes are used in particular in the field of cosmetics, and in particularly for the packaging of hair coloring products, in particular for wicks.

Many devices have been devised to facilitate the emptying of the tubes, and especially aluminum tubes. We can cite for example, the "sardine key", which consists in emptying the tube by winding its bottom on a small cylinder diameter. Such devices represent a clear advance over the technique consisting of removing the product, crushing the tube with your fingers. However, although effective, this device does not offer the possibility of emptying the tube with a single hand, neither to know the quantity of product remaining, nor even to know the amount of product poured.

In certain fields, in particular in the field of hair coloring, due to the relatively high cost price of this type of packaging, it has been proposed to package in a single tube, the quantity of product necessary for at least two uses, then implying one use fraction of the contents of the tube. In the field of hair coloring, the quality of the result, in particular its reproducibility, largely depends measurement of compliance with the quantities of product to be used. This dosage requirement precise is incompatible with conventional draining techniques tubes, which allow a very approximate dosage of the amount of product used. In addition, the gestures are not simple, in particular, when the product dispensed must be applied directly to the hair, using a nozzle arranged on the neck of the tube. Finally, it turns out that the tube drain rate is clearly insufficient, generally less than or equal to 80%, depending on the viscosity of the product. This is not satisfactory, neither for the consumer, nor for the manufacturing such products, due to the need to package in the tube, more product than necessary.

European patent application EP-A-0 407 320 relates to a device for the extrusion of the contents of a sachet, in the form of a V-shaped clamp actuated by the user and provided with a thinner zone forming a joint. The clamp can be made by injection, followed by folding at the area of articulation, using a material of the type known under the name RIGIPLAST® commercial.

Such a device, although satisfactory for the application which it describes, is not satisfactory in the event that fractional use of the contents of the sachet is required. Indeed, it is not possible to precisely dose the quantity of product distributed. Furthermore, the use of such a device to empty a sachet is not a problem, since, due to its shape relatively flat, the bag does not tend to slide axially under the effect of the pressure exerted on the sachet, sandwiched between the support plate and the base plate. This is not true for packaging in the form of a tube, which typically has an inclined portion in the direction of the line of junction closing its bottom.

US-A-5,145,093 describes a device for emptying a tube of toothpaste, in the form of tongs, comprising a base plate and a support plate at least twice shorter than the base plate, and allowing the contents of the tube to be emptied in two stages. For this purpose, after the partial emptying of the tube, the empty part must be folded over the non-emptied part of the tube, and replace the tube thus folded again in the clamp, to extrude the second half of the tube.

The device described in this document suffers from several drawbacks. Indeed, the base plate extends beyond the shoulder of the tube, so that it is not not possible to obtain as high a drain rate as desirable. Else part, when emptying the second part of the tube, part of the product may to flow inadvertently onto the base plate. Finally, nothing is designed to prevent the tube from sliding axially under the effect of pressure exerted by the support plate.

It is therefore one of the objects of the invention to provide a device which allows simple and precise, total or fractional emptying of the contents of a tube, and this, with a refund rate higher than the refund rate obtained conventional methods or devices.

It is another object of the invention to provide a device for emptying fraction of the contents of a tube, which allows precise and reproducible dosing of the quantity of product distributed.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a device allowing selectively, depending on the application, to drain the entire tube, or only a fraction, which fraction must also be determined specifies as possible.

Other objects will appear in more detail in the description. following.

According to the invention, these objects are achieved by producing an X-axis device for the emptying of a tube formed by a body with deformable walls, a first of which end is closed along a junction line forming a bottom, a second end being surmounted by a collar delimiting an opening for the exit of a product contained in the tube, said neck being connected to the body by a shoulder, said device comprising a base plate whose length is slightly less than the height under the shoulder of the tube, a support plate, length axial substantially identical to the length of the base plate, and articulated on the base plate around an A axis perpendicular to the X axis, so that when said tube is disposed between the base plate and the support plate, with the junction line located near axis A, the folding of the support plate on the base plate, drives the product towards the opening, and causes crushing of the walls of the tube between the base plate and the support plate, characterized in that the support plate comprises at least two parts articulated around an axis parallel to axis A, so as to allow selectively placing all or part of the support plate on the plate basic, and total or fractional emptying of the tube.

The device according to the invention is particularly advantageous in that it is of a extremely low production cost. In addition, it is easy to use. In particular, it can be used with one hand, which allows, if necessary, use the other hand to hold the container into which the product is poured. In addition, the dosage of a fraction of the contents of the tube is more precise than the dosage allowed by conventional devices. Finally, the emptying rate is very high.

Advantageously, means are arranged in the vicinity of the axis of articulation A to maintain the junction line of the tube, and immobilize the tube between the plate support and base plate. Such means make it possible to avoid that, when a pressure is exerted on the support plate, the tube is pushed forward, by sliding effect of the support plate on the inclined part of the tube.

For this purpose, the support plate and the base plate advantageously form a recess in the vicinity of axis A, on either side of said axis, said means to maintain the junction line comprising at least one member, located at the interior of one of the recesses, said member having a free end, and is arranged so that when the support plate is folded over the plate base, said free end intercepts a closure plane passing through axis A and parallel to the base plate. Advantageously, the recesses are in half cylinder shape.

Said organ may comprise a rib or at least one spike oriented according to axis A. In the case of pins, several pins are used which are arranged regularly across the width of the device (i.e., parallel to axis A). In the case of a rib, it advantageously extends over the entire width of the device. Thus, by closing the support plate on the base plate, the pins or the rib, press on the joint or weld area of the tube, and fold it back downwards, in the recess formed by the base plate. The tube is then blocked and can never slide forward.

According to one embodiment, the support plate has two parts, one, distal, located opposite the A axis, the other, proximal, adjacent to the A axis, the two parts being connected by an articulation allowing the complete folding of the distal part on the proximal part. This notably facilitates the gestures for the emptying of the first part of the tube.

Advantageously, the articulation connecting the two parts forming the support plate is arranged so that the support of the proximal part, on the base plate empties half of the contents of the tube. The position of the articulation zone connecting the two parts forming the support plate, is determined in particular according to the shape of the tube. To this end, in the event that the tube is to be emptied in two equal fractions, the position of the articulation zone may not coincide with half the length of the backing plate. it depends in particular on the geometry of the tube.

According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, means are designed to keep the proximal part in the folded position on the plate base, after emptying the part of the tube located between the base plate and said proximal part. This characteristic is particularly advantageous in that it allows, after using the first part of the tube, to store it, while keeping it kept inside the device according to the invention. So the product remaining in the upper part of the tube, cannot flow back into the part bottom of the tube.

For example, maintaining the proximal part in the folded position on the base plate is made by clipping, by means of at least one hook provided on either one of said base plates or support plate.

The base plate may be slightly concave in shape, the concavity being oriented on the side of the support plate. This compensates for the effect linked to the intrinsic flexibility of the base plate, depending on the nature of the material thickness and also reduces the effort required to emptying the tube. As an indication, the concavity may have a radius of curvature can go from 1 m to infinity.

Advantageously, the articulation formed around the axis A, as well as that (or those) connecting the parts forming the support plate consist of film hinges. Such an embodiment is particularly advantageous when the device is produced by molding of thermoplastic materials.

Although usable with tubes made of other materials (thermoplastics for example), the device according to the invention is particularly suitable for tubes made of aluminum or a complex comprising at least one layer aluminum.

The product contained in the tube can for example be a coloring product capillary.

• la figure 1 représente une vue en perspective d'un premier mode de réalisation du dispositif selon l'invention; et
• les figures 2A-2B, 3A-3B, 4A-4B représentent différentes vues illustrant le fonctionnement du dispositif selon l'invention.

The invention consists, apart from the arrangements set out above, of a certain number of other arrangements which will be explained below, with reference to nonlimiting exemplary embodiments, described with reference to the appended figures, among which:

• Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the device according to the invention; and
• Figures 2A-2B, 3A-3B, 4A-4B show different views illustrating the operation of the device according to the invention.

As shown in Figure 1, the device 1 according to the invention comprises a base plate 2, generally rectangular in shape and whose dimensions are adapted to the size of the tube to be drained. The base plate 2 has a free end 3. The end 4 opposite the free end forms a recess 5 of section in the form of a half-cylinder, the function of which will be explained in more detail later. The recess 5 is connected to a recess 6, of identical section to the section of recess 5, formed by a first end 7 of a support plate 8. The articulation of the plate support on the base plate is around an axis A perpendicular to the axis X of the device. Advantageously, the joint consists of a film hinge 15 connecting two adjacent edges of the recesses 5 and 6.

The shape and dimensions of the support plate (8) are identical to those of the base plate (2), so that in the closed position the two plates are significantly overlap. The support plate 8 comprises two parts 9, 10 connected by a film hinge 11 allowing the folding of the part 10 on the part 9, around an axis B, parallel to axis A, as we will see in more detail thereafter. In this embodiment, the film hinge 11 is located substantially in the middle of the support plate, so as to allow emptying into two substantially identical parts of the contents of a tube. In reality, in depending on the shape of the tube, part 9 may be slightly longer than the part 10.

Thus arranged, the part 10 can pivot by an angle of at least 180 °, so as to on the one hand be able to completely fold over on part 9, when emptying the first part of the tube, and secondly, to come into alignment with part 9 when emptying the second part of the tube. Means of attachment, type clipping hooks 12, 13, are provided on part 9, on each of its edges, so as to allow the attachment of the part 9 on the base plate 2, after emptying the first half of the tube. All of this will be explained in a way more precise with reference to FIGS. 2A-2B, 3A-3B, 4A-4B.

A rib 14, is arranged radially over the entire width of the half-cylinder formed by the recess 6. This rib is arranged so that in position closed of the support plate 8 on the base plate 2, the free edge of the rib intercepts the plan to close the device. So when a tube is placed at inside the device, with the weld zone 21 substantially in contact with the film hinge forming axis A, by folding the support plate onto the base plate, the rib 14 presses on the weld zone and causes it to fold back into the recess 5, thus preventing the tube from sliding forward, as mentioned with reference to the device of patent US-A-5,145,093. Alternatively, this function is provided by a row of at least two pins arranged radially in the recess 6, and aligned parallel to the axis A.

The width of the device along the axis A is preferably slightly greater than the width of the tube. Its length along the X axis is slightly less than the height under the shoulder of the tube. In other words, the axial length of the device (measured between axis A and the free end of the base plate or plate support) is such that, when the tube is positioned in the device, with the weld zone correctly positioned with respect to the rib 14, only the part consisting of the shoulder of the tube, the neck and the outlet orifice extends beyond the end of the base plate and the support plate. So in position closed of the device, the jaws formed by the base plate and the plate support arrive just under the shoulder of the tube. This feature allows optimize the tube drain rate.

The operation of the device will now be explained with reference to Figures 2A-2B, 3A-3B, 4A-4B. In FIGS. 2A and 2B, the tube 20 is positioned on the base plate 2, with the junction line 21, located in the vicinity of the axis A. As it appears clearly, the base plate arrives just under the shoulder 22 connecting the body 24 of the tube 20 to the neck 23. In this representation, the part 10 is folded over the part 9 around the axis 11, so as to allow the emptying of the first half only of tube 20.

In FIGS. 3A and 3B, the two parts 9 and 10 folded back on themselves, are folded over the lower part of the tube 20. During this movement, the rib 14 stresses the junction zone 21 of the tube in the recess 5, thus preventing any sliding of the tube forward. The pressure exerted on the support plate, expels the product towards the outlet, until the part of the tube wedged between part 9 of the support plate and the base plate is completely emptied. At this time, the corresponding part of the tube body is perfectly flat. This gesture can be performed with one hand. After emptying the first half of the tube, and assuming that a hook device 12 13 is used, as described with reference to Figure 1, part 9 of the backing plate is locked on the base plate. The tube can then be closed. Pending of a new use, it can be stored, thus kept in the device. This prevents in particular that during its conditioning, under the effect of pressures accidental, the product contained in the upper part of the tube does not flow back towards the lower part.

In FIGS. 4A and 4B, the part 10 of the support plate is unfolded on the part high of the tube 20 so as to empty the second half of the tube. Pressure exerted by this part 10 of the support plate 8 causes the expulsion of the product out of the tube 20, and this until the tube is completely emptied. In reality, the ends of the base plate 2 and of the support plate 8 passing just under the shoulder, there remains a small cone 25 between the shoulder and the end of the device. The content remaining in this cone can be drained substantially by forcing the cone to fold over part 10 of the support plate 8. The rate is thus close to, or even greater than, 95%, which constitutes progress noticeable compared to conventional methods and devices.

As is apparent from the above description, the device is simple to use, the fractional dosing of the contents of the tube is carried out with precision. The overall effort to bringing is reduced by the creation of two successive lever arms; a first lever arm with portion 9 of the support plate as the first point of force, the tube 20 as a fulcrum and the axis A as a point of rotation; and one second lever with part 10 of the support plate as a second point of force, with only half the tube as a second fulcrum, and the hinge 11 as the second rotation point. The device can be used with one hand, which allows to hold with the other hand the container in which is poured the product.

It is obvious that the fractionation can be carried out other than by halves of the tube. We can indeed consider a support plate in three articulated parts around two axes, each of the axes being positioned so as to empty the tube by third party. The presence of the support plate in two or more parts does not prevent the emptying of the contents of the tube at once.

As materials used for the production of the device according to the invention, may mention the thermoplastic materials chosen from chlorides of polyvinyl, polystyrenes, or any other suitable material. The device can be made in a single injection molding operation.

In the foregoing detailed description, reference has been made to modes of preferred embodiments of the invention. Obviously there may be variations made without departing from the invention as claimed below.

Claims (14)

1. Device (1) with a longitudinal axis X for emptying a tube (20) formed of a body (24) with deformable walls, a first end of which is closed along a seam line (21), a second end being surmounted by a neck (23) delimiting an opening for the exit of a product contained in the tube, the said neck being joined to the body by a shoulder (22), the said device comprising a base plate (2) whose length is slightly less than the under-shoulder height of the tube, a cover plate (8) of axial length substantially identical to the length of the base plate (2), and articulated to the base plate about an axis A perpendicular to the axis X so that when the said tube is arranged between the base plate and the cover plate, with the seam line situated in the vicinity of the axis A, the folding of the cover plate (8) onto the base plate (2) drives the product towards the opening and causes the squeezing of the walls of the tube between the base plate and the cover plate, characterized in that the cover plate comprises at least two parts (9,10) articulated about an axis B parallel to the axis A, in such a way as to make it possible selectively to bring all or part of the cover plate (8) to bear on the tube, and to allow the total or fractional emptying of the latter.
2. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that means (14) are arranged in the vicinity of the axis of articulation A so as to hold the seam line (21) of the tube and immobilize the tube (20) between the cover plate (8) and the base plate (2).
3. Device according to Claim 2, characterized in that the cover plate (8) and the base plate (2) form a reinforcement (5,6) in the vicinity of the axis A, upon either side of the said axis, the said means for holding the seam line comprising at least one member (14), situated inside one of the reinforcements (6), the said member having a free end, and is arranged in such a way that when the cover plate (8) is folded onto the base plate (2) the said free end intersects a closure plane passing through the axis A and parallel to the base plate (2), and causes the folding of the seam line (21) in the other reinforcement.
4. Device according to Claim 3, characterized in that the said member comprises a rib (14) or at least one peg oriented along the axis A.
5. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the cover plate (8) comprises two parts (9,10), one (10) distal, situated away from the axis A, the other (9) proximal adjacent to the axis A, the two parts being joined by an articulation (11) permitting the complete folding of the distal part (10) onto the proximal part (9).
6. Device according to Claim 5, characterized in that the articulation (11) joining the two parts forming the cover plate is arranged in such a way that bringing the proximal part (9) to bear on the base plate (2) causes the emptying of half the contents of the tube.
7. Device according to Claim 5 or 6, characterized in that means (12,13) are provided for holding the proximal part (9) in a position folded onto the base plate (2), after emptying of that part of the tube (20) which is situated between the base plate (2) and the said proximal part (9).
8. Device according to Claim 7, characterized in that the proximal part (9) is held in a position folded onto the base plate (2) by clipping, by means of at least one catch (12,13) provided on one or other of the said base plate (2) or cover plate (8).
9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base plate (2) is of slightly concave shape, the concavity being oriented to the side of the cover plate (8).
10. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the concavity defines a radius of curvature of from 1 m to infinity.
11. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the articulation (15) formed about the axis A, as well as that (or those) (11) joining the parts (9,10) forming the cover plate (8) consist of film hinges.
12. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the said device (1) is made by moulding of thermoplastics materials.
13. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tube (20) is formed of aluminium or of a composite comprising at least one layer of aluminium.
14. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the product is a hair tinting product.

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