EP1172305A1 - Storage and distribution device for a product, particularly fragrance carriers - Google Patents

Abstract

The perfume tester spray comprises a pump (21) connected to a bottle (23) of perfume with a spray head (27) which can spray perfume on to a paper sampling strip. The strip is placed on a sliding plate (30) which also operates the pump when it is pushed in. A pivoting arm (40) fits against a collar (42) on the spray head and locks it when no strip is present on the plate.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for packaging and distribution of a product, in particular a perfume, as may be used on points of sale, for product testing.

In the field of perfumery for example, it is common to have on the product sales outlets, testers allowing customers to try the product before you buy it. Most often, these testers are made up of same models as those intended for sale. The limited volume of these testers implies that they must be renewed frequently. In addition, the assessment of fragrances by customers, can be distorted by the charged atmosphere of a mixture of vapors which can emanate from the different perfume bottles present on the test point. In addition, the disappearance of testers on these test points is relatively common. Finally, the designers of such outlets are limited in their creativity by the obligation to provide a very specific location in front for the tester (s).

Also, it was proposed, in order to solve all the problems mentioned previously, relocate the pump in relation to the containers containing the perfumes. Thus, the pump, associated with its actuating member, can be fixedly mounted on a display, and connected via a conduit, more or less very long, to the container containing the perfume, which is located in a furniture not accessible to customers. As a result, the risk of theft or breakage of perfume bottles are reduced in theory significantly, but still existing. Anyway, saving space on the displays is important. The containers containing the perfumes may have a larger capacity. The vapors from the vials are contained in a closed cabinet. In short, the the benefits are many.

However, the fact remains that the furniture is of considerable cost. In addition, it is frequent that the push button intended for the actuation of the pump, or torn off, often by pure vandalism, thereby rendering the test device.

Recently, devices have been proposed allowing impregnation automatic supports, especially cardboard, sometimes called "wipes", put available to the consumer on a piece of furniture, and that the consumer can impregnate on demand, using the desired perfume product.

The support is introduced into a horizontal slot by the consumer. Through friction, the support turns a notched wheel with an eccentric axis, and comes to stop at the end of the race on a stop. The consumer then removes the support, which, from made of the eccentricity of the wheel, is blocked in the slot delimited in part by said wheel. By exerting traction on the support thus retained, it causes actuation of the pump and product outlet on the support to be impregnated. In continuing to pull on the support, a declutching mechanism releases the latter.

Besides the sophistication, such a device is expensive to produce, unreliable, and non-immediate operation for the consumer. Indeed, it is on the support that the mechanical traction control for the actuation of the pump. The support, in particular when it has already been the subject of an impregnation prior is likely to tear under the traction exerted by the consumer. As a result, a part may get stuck in the device, which may prevent any further operation. In addition, any failure to rigidity in the support to be impregnated makes it difficult to introduce the latter into the slot delimited by the notched wheel.

Also, is it one of the objects of the invention to produce a mechanical device for the packaging and distribution of a product on a support to be impregnated, and enabling all or part of the drawbacks discussed above to be remedied with reference to conventional devices.

It is in particular an object of the invention to produce a device of the type above, which is simple to use, economical to produce, mechanically reliable, and offering sufficient resistance to acts of vandalism.

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

According to the invention, these objects are achieved by producing a device for packaging and distribution on a support of a product, in particular a perfume, comprising: a) a dispensing member, intended to be connected to a container containing said product, and coupled to at least one orifice for the outlet of the product, next to which (or which) at least part of the support can be positioned; b) a manual actuating element of the dispensing member; and c) locking means able to pass from a first position in which the dispensing member cannot be actuated at a second position in which the dispensing member can be actuated, said locking means going from the first position to the second when positioning the support relative to (or to) product outlet orifice (s).

Thus, such an assembly can be placed inside an enclosure or behind a wall, only being accessible from the outside, the element intended for actuation of the distribution member in response to a manual actuation command, a window for example, crossing the wall or one face of the enclosure, so allow access by the support to the outlet. We limit the risks acts of vandalism. In addition, the actuating means cannot be actuated without having previously positioned a support opposite (or) outlet port (s), which prevents untimely soiling of the device.

Said enclosure or said wall form a fixed body (or frame) on which is mounted in position, preferably fixed, the dispensing member, the element actuation and the mechanical locking means being movable relative to the body and relative to the distribution member.

Advantageously, the device comprises means for receiving the support in view of its positioning in relation to (or) orifice (s). Release. Such support, in particular in the form of a plate, allows positioning, in particular at a distance or at a fixed lateral position, from the support relative to (or aux) outlet (s), which allows, for example in the context of a distribution in the form of a conical spray, to ensure that the entire product distributed is deposited on the support.

Preferably, the positioning of the support relative to (or) orifice (s) of exit of the product, is essentially carried out by a displacement, in particular in translation of the support relative to said support receiving means. During this movement, the support is not subject to any major constraint, reducing thus the risks of damage to the support, in particular when it is in cardboard.

Alternatively, it is possible to provide that the positioning of the support by relative to the product outlet, is done by a displacement of the means of reception itself, on which the support to be impregnated has previously been placed. This solution is however not preferred insofar as it does not prohibit necessarily actuation of the distribution member in the absence of support to to impregnate, to permeate.

Advantageously, the means intended to receive the support acts as an element actuating. This reduces the number of elements accessible from outside the device, thereby reducing the risk of vandalism. Alternatively, it is possible to provide an actuating element, in particular in the form of a button, distinct from the means for receiving the support to be impregnated.

When the support is used as a means of actuation, the movement of positioning of the support relative to the outlet orifice ends with a combined movement of the support and the receiving means thereof, on a short distance, corresponding to the actuation stroke of the distribution. Such a combined movement is of negligible amplitude compared to to the prior movement of the support to be impregnated relative to the means of receipt of the latter.

Preferably, the actuation of the dispensing member results from a force exerted manually on the actuating element, substantially in the axis of the displacement of the support relative to the support receiving means. The movement is thus simplified, since the manual actuation movement extends the positioning movement of the support to be impregnated relative to the product outlet, all of which can be done with one hand.

The support receiving means may consist of a plate comprising means forming a rail, capable of guiding the support in translation. Such means may be formed from the edges of a recess formed by a surface of the plate, and into which the support to be impregnated is slipped.

Advantageously, means forming a stop can be provided to limit the displacement of the support relative to said receiving means. This ensures a substantially identical axial positioning of the support relative to the orifice of product release. In addition, such a stopper informs the user when it can exercise the actuation command.

According to a specific embodiment, the mechanical locking means consist of a lock with which a dispensing head comprising said (or said) outlet orifice (s), comes into engagement when the means of locking are in the first position, so as to prevent actuation of the dispensing member, said lock being coupled to a finger, one end of which is located on the path of the support to be impregnated, and with which the support comes in engagement during its positioning with respect to (or) orifice (s) of exit, said engagement causing movement of said latch and passage of the locking means in said second position.

The movement of said lock can be a pivot movement around an axis (X). Thus, by sliding the support on the receiving means, one end of the support comes into engagement with said finger, which causes it to tip over and cause a corresponding pivot movement of the lock. The support then goes under the end of the finger, thus preventing the bolt from returning to the locked position, as long as the support to be impregnated is in position relative to the outlet.

Advantageously, said axis (X) is perpendicular to an axis (Y) of the distribution, and perpendicular to an axis (A) of the displacement of the support by report to the receiving means.

Preferably, said axis (X) is substantially at the same height as the portion of the dispensing head which comes into engagement with the bolt when the means are in the first position. Thus, the functioning of the locking / unlocking mechanism is improved. In particular, the force to be exerted by the support to be impregnated on the finger, to cause the tilting of the lock is significantly reduced, thereby limiting the risks media damage.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the locking means return automatically in said first position by gravity, when the support is no longer engaged with the finger.

Preferably, the actuation of the dispensing member is done by displacement axial of an element of the dispensing member, in particular a pump rod, the along an axis (Y) of the distribution member. In the case of an organ of dispensing in the form of a valve associated with an aerosol container, actuation of the valve can be done by axial insertion or by lateral tilting of the valve stem.

The actuating element can be pivotally movable about an axis (Z) perpendicular to the axis (Y) of the dispensing member. Such an axis (Z) is preferably perpendicular to an axis (A) of the movement of the support relative to the means of reception. The distance between the axis (Z) and the means of reception of the support to be impregnated, is sufficiently large in relation to the stroke actuating the dispensing member so that the movement of the means receiving medium is almost linear, and preferably substantially in the extension of the movement of the support relative to the receiving means.

Advantageously, the actuating element, during its pivoting movement around the axis (Z) comes into engagement with a bearing surface of the head distribution, the engagement of the actuating element and said support surface of the dispensing head via a portion, in profile in particular conical, cylindrical, or spherical, formed by the bearing surface and / or by the actuating element.

Means can be provided for guiding the head in translation distribution when it is engaged with the actuating element in response to an actuation command. Such means notably prevent the dispensing head to rotate around its axis.

According to a specific embodiment, the product distribution unit, the support receiving means, the actuating element of the distribution, and the locking means are contained inside a enclosure, a passage passing through a wall of said enclosure so as to be able position the support relative to (or to) the product outlet orifice (s), said product actuating element being accessible from outside the enclosure. Alternatively, all of these elements can be arranged behind a wall of a presentation furniture.

Advantageously, the receiving means emerges at least in part from said enclosure via said passage, so as to allow actuation of the distribution in response to pressure exerted on said receiving means.

The dispensing member can be coupled to the container via a conduit, one of which first end is arranged inside the enclosure, a second end of the conduit being located outside the enclosure and connected to said container.

The device according to the invention is particularly suitable for packaging and the distribution of a cosmetic product, in particular a perfume product.

• la figure 1 représente une vue de la face avant du dispositif tel qu'il se présente aux yeux des consommateurs sur un point de vente ;
• la figure 2 représente une vue en coupe d'un mode de réalisation du dispositif selon l'invention ; et
• les figures 3A-3C illustrent trois phases de fonctionnement du dispositif représenté à la figure 2.

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 view of the front of the device as it appears to consumers at a point of sale;
• FIG. 2 represents a sectional view of an embodiment of the device according to the invention; and
• FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate three phases of operation of the device shown in FIG. 2.

In Figure 1 is shown the front face 2 of a parallelepiped enclosure 3 forming part of the device 1 according to the invention. The front face 2, in the vicinity of its lower edge, is crossed by a window 4, through which emerges the front end 5 of a plate 6 intended to receive the sample to be impregnated. The upper surface 14 of the plate 6 has an axial recess 7 delimited by two longitudinal edges 8, 9. The recess 7 delimits with the edge upper 10 of window 4, a slot 11 intended for the insertion of the support in the device. The lateral edges 12, 13 of the window 4 participate in guiding the plate 6, when, as will be seen in detail below, it is used as pump actuation means. The lower surface 15 of the plate 6 is at distance from the lower edge 16 of window 4 so as to allow movement of pivoting of plate 6 around an axis perpendicular to the axis of plate 6, in view of operating the pump. This will be described in detail later.

FIG. 2, to which reference is now made, illustrates a mode of preferential embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention. It includes an enclosure 3 one side of which, opposite the front face 2, is open. The device 1 includes a fixed support 20 on which is fixedly mounted a pump 21. The pump 21 is connected to a first end of a conduit 22, the other end of which is connected to a can 23, in particular made of glass or metal, containing the perfume to be dispensed, and arranged outside the enclosure. The pump 21 includes a pump rod 24 onto which a dispensing head is forcibly fitted in the form of a push button 25. The push button 25 comprises a conduit 26 in communication with the pump rod 24, and opening onto an outlet orifice 27 formed in a nozzle, and turned towards the axis A of the plate 6.

The dispensing head 25 is immobilized in rotation about its axis Y at by means of two plates 34 integral with an actuating member 30 which will make the subject of a detailed description below, and consisting in part of the plate 6.

The actuating member 30 consists of the plate 6, the front face 5 of which emerges from the enclosure 3 through the window 4, which plate 6 is integral of a first end of two arms 31 distant from each other and parallel between them. The other end of the arms 31 is pivotally mounted on an axis Z connected to the enclosure 3. The axis Z is perpendicular to the axis Y of the dispensing head 25, and also perpendicular to the axis A of the stage 6. The axis Z is as far apart as possible from plate 6 so that the radius of curvature of the path of said plate 6 is as large as possible, which allows said plate 6 to move in a movement, which can, on a short run, be compared to a linear movement. Between the two arms 31, the actuating member 30 forms a spherical surface portion 32, intended to come into engagement with a bearing surface 33 formed by the push button 25. The bearing surface 33 is substantially perpendicular to the Y axis of the dispensing head 25. Similarly, on either side of the spherical surface portion 32, the actuating member 30 carries two planar elements 34, intended to frame the dispensing head 25, of so as to prevent the latter from rotating around its axis (Y), in particular under the action of the spring intended to return the pump 21 to the position closed.

The device according to this embodiment also comprises a member for lock 40 intended to prevent actuation of the dispensing member 21 in the absence of support to be impregnated on the plate 6. Such a locking member 40 comprises a latch element 41, which in the absence of support on the plate 6 (as shown in FIG. 2) is located opposite a free edge 42 of a skirt forming part of the dispensing head 25, so that, in this position of the lock 41, the dispensing head 25 cannot be moved in the direction opposite to the front face 2 of the enclosure 3. The locking element 40 also includes a finger 43 whose free end 44 is substantially in the bottom of the recess 7 of the plate 6, the other end of the finger being at vicinity of a hinge axis X of the locking element 40 relative to the enclosure 3. The axis X is perpendicular to the axis A of the plate 6, and parallel to the axis Z of articulation of the actuating member 30 relative to the fixed frame 3. The axis X is substantially at the level of the skirt, the free end 42 of which abuts against the latch 41. The part of the locking element 40 located on the side of the latch 41 is heavy enough that, under the effect of its weight, the element of lock 40 automatically returns to its locked position (figure 2) when no stress is exerted on the free end 44 of the finger 43.

As it appears in Figure 2, the recess 7 formed in the surface upper 14 of the plate 6 ends in a portion 50 capable of forming a axial stop for the support to be impregnated, during its movement along the axis AT.

The operation of the device which has just been described is illustrated in the figures 3A-3C to which reference is now made.

In Figure 3A, the consumer grasps between the thumb and the index finger, a support to be impregnated S, in the form of a cardboard strip of about 2 cm wide, and slides it into the slot 11 delimited by the axial recess 7 and by the upper edge of window 4. Support S is guided in the recess 7 by edges 8 and 9, until the front end of the support S meets the free end 44 of the finger 43. At this moment, the finger rocks around the axis X, which causes a corresponding tilting movement of the lock 41, until the latter is no longer opposite the skirt portion 42 of the button pusher 25.

As shown in Figure 3B, and continuing to advance the support S in the slot 11, the free end 44 of the finger 43 mounts on the support S, allowing the latter to be able to continue its axial progression in the recess 7 of the plate 6, until the front end of the support S arrives in engagement against the stop 50. At this time, the fingers of the consumers are substantially in contact with the front face 5 of the plate 6.

In Figure 3C, the consumer exerts pressure on the element actuation 30, via the front face 5 of the plate 6. The pressure is exerted substantially in the same direction as the movement causing the progression of the support S in the axial recess 7. Thus exerted, the pressure makes it tilt the plate 6 around the pivot axis Z, further causing the setting engagement of the spherical surface portion 32 of the actuating element 30 with the bearing surface 33 of the dispensing head 25. The latter causes axial insertion of the pump rod 24, and the product outlet in the form of a spray via port 27. In this dispensing position, the angle formed by the plate 6 with respect to the horizontal is of the order of 15 °. The spray from orifice 27 is directed towards the support S, and permeates the latter. The consumer then releases the pressure on the front face 5 of the plate 6, which causes the rear tilting of the latter around the Z axis. It exerts traction on the support S, so as to make it slide axially in the direction opposite the stop 50. Quickly, the support disengages from the free end 44 of finger 43, which causes gravity return of latch 41 to the position locking in which it is facing the skirt portion 42 of the head distribution 25. The device 1 is then ready for the impregnation of a new support.

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 (22)

Device (1) for packaging and distribution on a support (S), a product, in particular a perfume, comprising: a) a distribution member (21), intended to be connected to a container (23) containing said product, and coupled to at least one orifice (27) for the outlet of the product, opposite which (or which) a at least part of the support (S) can be positioned; b) an element manual actuation (30) of the distribution member (21); and c) means of lock (40) able to pass from a first position in which the distribution (21) cannot be actuated at a second position in which the dispensing member (21) can be actuated, said locking means (40) going from the first position to the second when positioning the support (S) relative to (or to) the product outlet orifice (s) (27). Device (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises means, in particular in the form of a plate (6), for receiving the support (S) with a view to its positioning relative to (or to) the orifice ( s) outlet (27). Device (1) according to claim 2 characterized in that the positioning of the support (S) relative to (or to) the orifice (s) for the outlet of the product (27) is effected by a displacement, in particular in translation, of the support (S) relative to said means for receiving (6) the support. Device (1) according to claim 2 or 3 characterized in that the means (6) intended to receive the support (S) acts as an actuating element (30). Device (1) according to claims 3 and 4 characterized in that the actuation of the dispensing member (21) results from a force exerted on the actuating element (30), substantially in the axis (A ) displacement of the support (S) relative to the receiving means (6) of the support. Device (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5 characterized in that said means for receiving (6) the support (S) comprises means (8, 9) capable of guiding the support (S) in translation. Device (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 6 characterized in that abutment means (50) are provided to limit the movement of the support (S) relative to said receiving means (6). Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 characterized in that the locking means (40) consist of a lock (41) with which a dispensing head (25) comprising said (or said) orifice (s) outlet (27), comes into engagement when the locking means (40) are in the first position, so as to prevent actuation of the dispensing member (21), said latch (41) being coupled to a finger (43) with which the support (S) comes into engagement when it is positioned relative to (or to) outlet orifice (s) (27), said engagement causing a movement of said latch (41) and the passage of the locking means (40) in said second position. Device (1) according to claim 8 characterized in that the movement of said latch (41) is a pivot movement around an axis (X). Device (1) according to claim 9 characterized in that said axis (X) is perpendicular to an axis (Y) of the dispensing member (21). Device (1) according to claims 2 and 9 or 10 characterized in that said axis (X) is perpendicular to an axis (A) of the movement of the support (S) relative to the receiving means (6). Device (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 11 characterized in that said axis (X) is substantially at the same height as the portion (42) of the dispensing head (25) which comes into engagement with the latch (41) when the locking means (40) are in the first position. Device (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 12 characterized in that the locking means (40) automatically return to said first position by gravity, when the support (S) ceases to be in engagement with the means lock (40). Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuation of the dispensing member (21) is effected by axial displacement of an element (24) of the dispensing member, in particular d 'a pump rod, along an axis (Y) of the dispensing member (21). Device (1) according to claim 14 characterized in that the actuating element (30) is pivotally movable about an axis (Z) perpendicular to the axis (Y) of the dispensing member (21) . Device (1) according to claims 2 and 14 or 15 characterized in that said axis (Z) is perpendicular to an axis (A) of the movement of the support (S) relative to the receiving means (6). Device (1) according to claim 15 or 16 characterized in that the actuating element (30), during its pivoting movement around the axis (Z), comes into engagement with a bearing surface (33 ) of the dispensing head, the engagement of the actuating element (30) and of said bearing surface (33) of the dispensing head (25) taking place via a portion, in particular of spherical profile ( 32), cylindrical, or conical, formed by the bearing surface and / or by the actuating element. Device (1) according to claim 17 characterized in that means (34) are provided to ensure a fixed position in rotation about its axis (Y) of the dispensing head (25). Device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 18 characterized in that the product distribution member (21), the receiving means (6) of the support (S), the actuating element (30 ) of the dispensing member, and the locking means (40) are contained inside an enclosure (3), a passage (4) passing through a wall (2) of said enclosure so as to be able to position the support (S) relative to (or to) the product outlet orifice (s) (27), said actuating element (30) being accessible from outside the enclosure. Device (1) according to claim 19 characterized in that the receiving means (6) emerges at least in part from said enclosure (3) via said passage (4), so as to allow actuation of the dispensing member (21) in response to pressure exerted on said receiving means (6). Device (1) according to claim 19 or 20 characterized in that the dispensing member (21) is coupled to the container (23) via a conduit (22), a first end of which is disposed inside the enclosure ( 3), a second end of the conduit (22) being located outside the enclosure (3) and connected to said container (23). Use of a device (1) according to any one of the claims which above for the packaging and distribution of a cosmetic product, in particular a perfuming product.

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