EP1127802A2 - Dispenser on a container - Google Patents

Abstract

A dispenser for dispensing a product. The dispenser comprises a container for containing a product. The container comprising a body having at least one deformable wall and an opening. The dispenser also comprises a dispensing adapter on the container. The dispensing adapter has a flow passage to be placed in flow communication with the opening of the container, and an outlet orifice forming a seat. A closure is configured to be received in a sealed position on the seat. A mount connects the closure to the dispensing adapter. At least a portion of the mount is elastically deformable and is configured such that force applied to the closure moves the closure away from the seat so as to allow the product to flow through the outlet orifice, and the closure elastically returns to the sealed position on the seat when the force is removed.

Description

The present invention relates to a packaging and distribution assembly equipped with a dispensing nozzle as can be used for the distribution of products, in particular cosmetic, pharmaceutical or dermatological. Such set can be used in particular for the distribution of a shampoo, a gel, make-up or care product, or body milk.

In the field of cosmetics in particular, an emphasis is placed on the research of new concepts, in particular on new gestures for the distribution and / or application of the product.

Among the criteria to be considered as priorities in the process of developing a new concept of packaging and distribution, in addition to the good conservation of the product, appear the practical character, clean, comfortable, especially on application, economical to perform, and / or possibly playful.

Many solutions have been proposed, with more or less success on the market, to package and distribute such products, some of these solutions presenting unacceptable drawbacks, in particular as regards their cost or ease of use.

It is therefore one of the objects of the present invention to provide a set packaging and distribution allowing the clean and easy distribution of product.

It is another object of the invention to provide a packaging unit and distribution equipped with means allowing a good conservation of the product contained in the container for which it is intended.

It is yet another object to provide a package of packaging and economical distribution to realize, simple to use, and which facilitates the control of the quantity of product distributed.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a set of packaging and distribution with original characteristics application of the product on a surface intended to receive it.

Still other objects will appear in the detailed description which follows.

According to the invention, these objects are achieved by producing an assembly for the packaging and distribution of a product, in particular a cosmetic product, comprising a container containing the product, said container comprising a body with deformable walls, in particular elastically, one end of which is closed by a bottom, and the other end of which defines an opening on which is mounted a dispensing tip, the dispensing tip comprising an inlet orifice intended to be put in communication with the, and an outlet opening on a seat capable of receiving a sealing element in a sealed manner, said element closure element being connected to the dispensing endpiece via a mounting, elastically deformable means being provided for, in response to a stress exerted directly on the closure element, externally to the dispensing nozzle, allow the closure element to move away from said seat to clear, at least in part, said outlet orifice, and thus allow the outlet of the product, said closure element returning by reminder of the means elastically deformable, in tight support on the seat when the constraint.

The terms "in watertight support" designate at least one seal to the product. As will be seen later, it is possible to provide a micro-leak between the closing element and the seat, so as to allow an air intake.

Thus, the closure element contributes to good preservation of the product and allows a cleaner distribution of the product. Furthermore, the fact that the opening of the outlet can be controlled and controlled by a constraint mechanical exerted from the outside of the end piece, that is to say other than, from inside the nozzle, under the push of the product, allows better control the distribution of the latter, especially when it comes to distributing it localized way. In addition, the user can control the speed with which the product leaves the container by exerting more or less pressure on the walls deformable container. In addition, the body language is particularly original.

It is obvious that the sealing of the closure element on the seat is depends in particular on the viscosity of the product. Thus, the conditions for obtaining of such a seal will not be the same for a weak composition viscous and for a highly viscous composition. This seal is regulated in particular by adjusting the elastic restoring force exerted by the element mounting.

Preferably, said elastically deformable means consist of at least minus part of the mounting element. Elastic deformation can be a elastic elongation, or deflection, of all or part of the element mounting. In the case of a portion deforming by elastic elongation, we will make this portion of elastomeric material. When it comes to serving deforming by bending, this portion will be produced using materials non-elastomeric thermoplastics, especially polypropylenes, the portion being deformed then being configured so as to have the characteristics of elastic bending required. According to another embodiment, the means elastic consist of an auxiliary means, in particular a spring.

Advantageously, said closure element is designed so as to be able to move away from the seat in response to movement of said closure member in engagement on a surface suitable for receiving the product to be distributed, in particular according to a movement substantially parallel to said surface. So, for example, by moving the closure element in abutment on a surface intended to receive the product distributed, especially in the palm of the hand, the element is forced to closure to move away from its seat. In the case of a closure element formed of a ball, the orifice is released by rolling the ball resting in the hollow of hand, which forces the ball to cross all or part of the edge delimiting the seat into which the outlet opens. Thus, the outlet is completely clear or part, which allows the product contained in the container to flow under the effect of its weight, and / or under the effect of a pressure that can be exerted on the container walls. The quantity dispensed can thus be controlled in a way more precise. In addition, the closure element, in this case the ball, can then be used to massage the surface on which the product is to be applied, so as to promote penetration.

Alternatively, the closure member is moved from its seat, using a finger of the hand holding the container on which the nozzle is mounted, pressurizing of the product via the flexible walls of the container, being, where appropriate, produced by on the other hand.

The element can be configured other than as a ball. The bottom line is that its shape allows, on the one hand the "tight" closure of the outlet orifice of the end piece, on the other hand that a mechanical stress can be exerted on it, from outside the nozzle, and finally, that in response to this constraint, that the closure element can move relative to the seat so as to at least partially clear the opening.

Alternatively, and in addition to the possibility of moving the closure element from outside the tip, it is possible to cause displacement in response to pressure exerted inside the nozzle by the product to be dispensed. In the in the case of a closure element in the form of a ball, the product flows out around the ball, between the latter and the seat delimited by the outlet orifice. Thus, the user chooses between the two distribution modes.

Preferably, said closure element comprises at least a portion of spherical surface, said seat being formed by a recess in which opens said outlet. The shape of the seat is chosen so that it last, in combination with the closing element, makes a seal for the product, in particular on an annular zone at said outlet orifice. As well as mentioned above, said closure element advantageously forms a complete sphere. The area bounded by the seat and on which goes leaning on the closure element depends on the required seal, and the ease sought at opening. In the case of a closing element under shape of a ball, it is advantageous to make the seat in the form of a cap hemispherical with corresponding dimensions, the main thing being that the ball can be moved from its seat by forcing it from the outside. Alternatively, for a closure element in the form of a ball, the seat is frustoconical. In practice, and reduced to its simplest expression, the seat consists essentially of a free, annular edge delimiting the orifice of outlet of the nozzle, the free edge section being chosen according to the diameter of the closure element so that, in the absence of stress, rests on stably on said seat.

The mounting element can be made, in whole or in part, of a chosen material among thermoplastic or crosslinked elastomers, in particular silicones, Nitriles, natural or synthetic Latexes, EPDM, Polyurethanes, mixtures of Polypropylene and SBS, SEBS, or EPDM, the Polyethylenes of very low density, mixtures based on polyester glycols (TPU) or Polyether glycols (PEBA and COPE), flexible polyvinyl chlorides (PVC). Of preferably, such a material has a hardness of between 20 Shore A and 40 Shore D, and preferably between 40 Shore A and 75 Shore A. Its elasticity can range from 0.5 to 5 MPa, and preferably 0.8 to 2 MPa (tensile stress at 100% elongation). These same materials can also be used for the realization of the closing element.

The mounting element can be obtained by molding with the closing element, of identical or different materials, compatible with each other, that is to say, suitable for molding temperature, to form chemical bonds between them. The element closure is not necessarily made of elastomeric material. As examples include polyethylenes or polypropylenes.

The mounting element may include a connecting member, one end of which can be made integral with the dispensing nozzle by gluing, welding, or by mechanical attachment means, in particular snap-fastening or harpooning. Still other means can be used. Such means are widely used in the packaging industry for products, especially cosmetics, and therefore do not require additional detailed description. The attachment is preferably done inside the end piece, that is to say in a passage arranged between the inlet port and the outlet port. The means ensuring the attachment of the mounting element to the end piece can be themselves configured so as to be elastically deformable, in particular by bending, so that they provide, in whole or in part, the elastic return of the element of closing on his seat.

Preferably, means are provided to allow the attachment of said tip. on the container containing the product to be dispensed. Typically, the tip dispenser can be screwed, slammed, welded or glued to the container. A hood removable may be provided to, in particular during transport, prevent the closing element does not move away from its seat and causes an exit accidental product. Thus, in the closed position, such a cap can be in pressing on the closing element so as to prevent any displacement thereof untimely.

The applicator tip can occupy with respect to the container, a position called "transport" in which, even in the case of untimely overpressure at inside the container, the product cannot come out. Such means are good known, and operate for example, on the basis of one or more orifices which can be selectively compared to each other.

Such an assembly can be used for the packaging and distribution of a cosmetic product, in particular a hair, sun care, or hygiene product bodily.

• la figure 1 illustre un mode de réalisation préférentiel d'un ensemble équipé d'un embout de distribution selon l'invention ;
• la figure 2 illustre une coupe en perspective de l'embout distributeur monté sur l'ensemble représenté à la figure 1 ;
• la figure 3 illustre de façon schématique le fonctionnement de l'embout distributeur selon l'invention ;
• les figures 4A et 4B illustrent une vue partielle d'un embout distributeur selon un mode de réalisation différent du mode de réalisation des figures précédentes ; et
• les figures 5 et 6, 7, 8A-8B, et 9 illustrent encore d'autres modes de réalisation de l'embout distributeur selon l'invention, et en particulier, du montage de l'élément de fermeture sur l'embout.

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 illustrates a preferred embodiment of an assembly equipped with a dispensing nozzle according to the invention;
• Figure 2 illustrates a perspective section of the dispenser nozzle mounted on the assembly shown in Figure 1;
• Figure 3 schematically illustrates the operation of the dispensing nozzle according to the invention;
• FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a partial view of a dispensing nozzle according to an embodiment different from the embodiment of the previous figures; and
• Figures 5 and 6, 7, 8A-8B, and 9 illustrate yet other embodiments of the dispensing nozzle according to the invention, and in particular, the mounting of the closure element on the nozzle.

The assembly 1 represented in FIG. 1 comprises a container 2, one end of which is closed by a bottom 3, and the other end of which forms a neck 4 ending in a free edge delimiting an opening 5. The neck 4 has on its surface external thread 6, able to cooperate with a corresponding thread 7 provided on an internal surface of a dispensing nozzle 10. The container 2 is obtained from molding of a thermoplastic material, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. The side walls of the container 2 are flexible and deformable under pressure, in particular from the user's hands, so as to allow constrain the output of the product via the distributor nozzle 10 which will now be described in detail. The product can be a shampoo, body milk, a product makeup remover, suntan lotion, etc.

As it appears more clearly on the sectional view of Figure 2, the tip distributor 10 has a first cylindrical portion 11, on the surface internal of which is threaded 7. Other means could be good safe envisaged to ensure the attachment of the nozzle 10 on the container 2. As example, we can mention the snap-fastening, the gluing, or the welding. The part cylindrical 11 defines an inlet orifice 8 for the product to be dispensed.

The cylindrical skirt 11 extends over a substantial part of the height of the nozzle 10, by a frustoconical part 12, the section of which decreases in the direction opposite to the cylindrical part 11. The frustoconical portion 12 ends by an outlet orifice 13 opening into an inverted frustoconical part 14, of low height, which, as will be seen in more detail below, forms a seat for a ball 15, capable of selectively closing said outlet orifice 13. All like container 2, the dispensing nozzle 10 can be obtained by molding a thermoplastic material of the same type as that used to produce the container 2.

At the top of the dispensing nozzle 10, a ball 15 is arranged, integral with a mounting element 30. The mounting element 30 comprises a connecting member 16, a first end of which is integral with the closure element 15. Said connecting member 16 is made of elastomeric material, for example in silicone. Another end of the connecting member 16 is connected to a loop 17 made of polypropylene, intended to be hung on a hooking element 18, formed by molding inside the frustoconical part 12. In the representation Figures 1 and 2, the ball 15 rests on the seat 14, and seals tightly the outlet orifice 13 of the dispenser nozzle 10. In this position, the link 16 is partially stretched so as to, by elastic return, constrain the ball 15 resting on the seat 14. In addition, in this position, provision may be made a micro leak between the seat 14 and the closing element 15, so as to extract air when the closing element is in position on its seat. Such a micro leak can be obtained by giving the seat 14 and / or the closing element 15, an appropriate surface finish. Alternatively, this return air can only be done during closing

According to one possible embodiment, the connecting member 16, the ball 15, and the loop 17 can be obtained by molding from a single material elastomeric. Alternatively, the ball 15 and the hooking loop 17 are made of a first non-elastomeric material while the connecting member 16 is made of elastomer, the assembly being obtainable by bi-injection. Alternatively again, the different elements making up the mounting element and the closure element can be made separately, and assembled by bonding, welding, or any other means of mechanical attachment.

The assembly illustrated in FIG. 1 also includes a removable cap 19, capable, in the closed position, of ensuring the immobilization of the ball 15 on its seat 14, so as to avoid accidental dispensing of product during transport. In this effect, on its internal face, the cap 19 forms a recess 20 in profile corresponding to the profile of the ball 15.

As shown in Figure 3, to distribute product, the user presses lightly ball 15 in the palm of his hand, and gives him a movement lateral, in a direction substantially parallel to the surface of the hand. The marble 15, thus forced to rest in the palm of the hand, moves laterally by relative to the seat 14, which partially clears the orifice 13. This displacement of the ball 15 is accompanied by an elastic elongation of the connecting member 16. In this semi-clear position of the orifice 13, the user exerts pressure on the side walls of the container body, so as to cause the exit under product pressure. Alternatively, in the case of a more liquid product, this the latter flows naturally under the effect of its weight.

When the user interrupts the pressing of the ball 15 on the surface of the hand, the connecting member 16 exerts a force capable of returning the ball in sealed support on the seat 14 so as to close the orifice 13. In this closed position, the ball 15 can be used as a massaging device for the surface on which the product is to be applied so as to promote penetration.

It should be noted that with such a design, the output of the product can be caused also, simply by applying pressure on the flexible walls of the container. The product thus pressurized exerts sufficient pressure to take off the ball 15 from its seat 14, and come out uniformly all around the ball.

In the representations of FIGS. 4A and 4B, the mounting element 30 comprises a fastening member consisting of a cross element, semi rigid 21. The element cross 21 is integral with one end of the elastic connecting member 16. The other end of the connecting member 16 is integral with the ball 15, made in a material identical to the material forming the fastening member. The set is formed by bi-injection. To assemble the dispensing nozzle, the operator introduces the cross member 21 in the passage leading to the outlet orifice 13. This making the branches of the cross organ fold back towards the organ of link 16, until they reach the area of greatest section 22 of the nozzle 10. At this instant, the branches of the member 21 resume their position of maximum deployment, where they lock the assembly inside the end piece 10. According to this embodiment, it should be noted that the branches of the cross member 21, because of their ability, in the mounted position, to bend (in a direction opposite to their deflection direction during assembly) add to the elastic deformability of the mounting element 30, the essentials of which however, results from the elastic deformability of the connecting member 16.

According to a variant (not shown) of the previous embodiment, the elasticity results from the presence of a spring, disposed between member 21 and the connecting member 16, made of rigid material, said spring disappearing during introduction, by the through a stop.

In the embodiment of Figure 5, the attachment means 25 of the element mounting 30, consists of a semi-rigid element, which is snapped on, glued or welded inside a recess made on the inner surface of the end piece. The connecting member 16, connecting the attachment means 25 to the closure element 15, is made of elastomer.

In the embodiment of Figure 6, the attachment of the ball 15 to the nozzle 10 is done by means of a harpoon member 23, which when inserted into the nozzle 10 is able to assume a position of reduced bulk until when it arrives in an area of larger section. At this time, by elastic return, the harpoon 23 deploys and secures the element of mounting 30 and of the closing element 15 relative to the dispensing nozzle 10. The member 23, as well as the ball 15, are made of polypropylene or polyethylene. The connecting member 16 is made of nitrile elastomer.

In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the closing element 15 is made in silicone elastomer, and is formed of a truncated sphere, crossed in its center by a channel 34. The mounting element 30 consists of a link 16, one end of which is connected to a harpoon element 31 having at minus two legs spaced angularly. The other end of the organ connection 16 is integral with a portion of sphere 33 of such shape, that in position mounted, it complements the truncated portion of the element closure 15. The connecting member 16 has a larger portion 32 section, able to be tightly mounted in the channel 34, so as to immobilize the mounting element 30 on the closing element 15. The mounting element 30 is obtained from one-piece molding, made of polypropylene

The mounting element 30 is first assembled with the mounting element closure 15. To do this, the legs of the harpoon 31 are engaged to inside the channel 34. The free ends of the legs of the harpoon 31 fold in direction of the connecting member 16, until complete passage of the channel 34. After complete crossing of channel 34, the legs resume elasticity their maximum deployment position. The translational movement of the element mounting 30 with respect to the closure element, continues until full insertion of the clamping portion 32 inside the channel 34. The assembly thus mounted is then positioned on the end piece 10. To do this, the harpoon legs 31 are engaged inside the outlet passage from the mouthpiece. In doing so, when crossing the reduced section portion of the dispensing nozzle 10, the legs of the harpoon 31 fold in the direction of the connecting member 16. On reaching the widest section 22, the tabs harpoon 31 deploy and ensure irreversible attachment of the assembly formed of the mounting element 30 and the closing element 15 on the end piece 10.

During the distribution of the product, in response to a mechanical stress exerted on the closing element 15, the legs of the harpoon 31 flex elastically in a direction opposite to their deflection direction during assembly. The closing element 15 moves relative to the seat 14 so as to allow the product to exit. When the stress ceases, the legs of the harpoon generate a force capable of resiliently recalling the closure element in closed position on the seat 14.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 8A and 8B, the mounting element 30 and the closing element 15 are obtained by molding, in one piece, made in thermoplastic elastomer. The mounting element 30 comprises a U-shaped portion 41 able to be fixed, in particular by welding, to the end of the end piece 10 defining the outlet orifice 13. An internal skirt 42 of the U-shaped portion extends over the entire height of a passage of smaller section 43 of the end piece 10. The skirt 42 is integral with a first end of a connecting member 16, connecting the portion in a U shape to the closing element 15. After molding, the closing element 15 is positioned correctly with respect to the mounting element 30, in the manner illustrated by the arrow F in FIG. 8B, the passage of the ball 15 inside the skirt 42 being made possible due to the elasticity of the materials. When distribution, the operation is comparable to that of FIG. 5.

The embodiment of FIG. 9 differs from that of FIGS. 4A and 4B in that the mounting element 30 and the closing element 15 are crossed by a axial passage 44, capable of allowing the insertion of a tool in the form of a needle, intended to facilitate assembly of the assembly on the end piece 10. In addition, according to this embodiment, the closing element 15, and the mounting element 30 are obtained from molding of a polypropylene, the elastic deformability resulting essentially elastic bending of the legs of the cross member 21, when a stress is exerted on the closure element 1-5.

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 spirit of the invention as claimed below.

Claims (15)

Set (1) for packaging and distributing a product, especially cosmetic, comprising a container (2) containing the product, said product container comprising a body with deformable walls, in particular elastically, one end of which is closed by a bottom (3), and the other end of which delimits an opening (4) on which is mounted a dispensing nozzle (10), the nozzle dispenser (10) comprising an inlet orifice (8) intended to be placed in communication with the container (2), and an outlet (13) opening onto a seat (14) capable of sealingly receiving a closure element (15), said element closure element (15) being connected to the dispensing nozzle (10) via a mounting (30), elastically deformable means (16, 21, 31) being provided for, in response to a stress exerted directly on the closure element (15), outside the dispensing nozzle (10), allow the element to closure (15) to move away from said seat (14) in order to release, at least in part, said outlet orifice (13), and thus allow the outlet of the product, said element of closure (15) returning by recall of said elastically deformable means (16, 21, 31), in sealed support on the seat (14) when the stress ceases. Assembly (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that said means elastically deformable consist of at least a part (16, 21, 31) of the mounting element. Assembly (1) according to claim 2 characterized in that said element of mounting (30) comprises a portion (16) deforming by elastic elongation. Assembly (1) according to claim 2 or 3 characterized in that said mounting element (30) has a deforming portion (21, 31) elastically by bending. Assembly (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said closure member (15) moves away from the seat in response to the movement of said closure member (15) in engagement with a surface suitable for receiving the product to be distributed, in particular the palm of the hand. Assembly (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said closure element (15) is further able to move away from the seat (14) in response to a pressure exerted inside the nozzle (10) by the product to distribute. Assembly (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said closure element (15) comprises at least a portion of surface spherical, said seat (14) forming a recess into which opens said outlet orifice (13), said recess being of suitable shape, in combination with the closing element (15), to form a seal for the product to be dispensed. Assembly (1) according to claim 7 characterized in that said element of closure (15) forms a sphere. Assembly (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said mounting element (30) is, in whole or in part, made of a material chosen from thermoplastic or crosslinked elastomers, especially Silicones, Nitriles, Natural or synthetic Latexes, EPDM, Polyurethanes, mixtures of Polypropylene and SBS, SEBS, or EPDM, Very low density polyethylenes, blends based on polyester glycols (TPU) or Polyether glycols (PEBA and COPE), Polyvinyl Chlorides flexible (PVC). Assembly (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the mounting element (30) is obtained by molding with the element closure (15), of identical or different materials, compatible with each other. Assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 characterized in that the mounting element (30) comprises a connecting member (16), one of which end is secured to the dispensing nozzle by gluing, welding, or by mechanical attachment means (17, 21, 23, 25, 31, 41), in particular snap or harpooning. Assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 characterized in that it comprises means (7) for allowing the attachment of said tip (10) on the container (2) containing the product to be dispensed. Assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 characterized in that it comprises means, in particular a removable cap (19), for lock the closing element (15) in a sealed position on said seat (14). Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the closing element (15) moves away from said seat (14) under the product pushing in response to pressure exerted on the deformable walls of the container (2). Use of an assembly (1) according to any one of the claims above for the packaging and distribution of a cosmetic product, in particular a hair, sun care, or personal hygiene product.

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