EP1205403A1 - Unit for storing and dispensing a product under pressure - Google Patents

Abstract

The container (2) has a valve (11) actuated by a sideways pressure on its stem (12) produced by tilting its outlet nozzle (20) after removing a locking cap (30) which has stays (33) to prevent the nozzle being moved. The nozzle, attached to the container by a separate mounting ring (13), has a threaded surface (31) at its broader end engaging with a matching thread (32) on the cap. The nozzle thread is separated from its outlet (22) by a zone with its diameter increasing from the outlet to the thread.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for packaging and pressure distribution of a product, especially a cosmetic. Such a product can be in the form of a liquid, foam, or more viscous consistency, especially in the form of a cream or gel. The invention can be used especially for the packaging and distribution of a care product, a make-up product, a hair or body hygiene product, or a skin protection product against the effects of the sun's rays.

In the case of a device using a valve, the product can be pressurized at by means of a propellant gas, liquefied or not. Gas can be conditioned, directly in contact with the product, or separately via a piston or a pocket with flexible walls.

Patent application FR-A-2 635 085 describes a dispenser of the pump type or with valve comprising a container containing the product. The container is topped a valve, and a dispensing head for actuating the pump or the valve, and the distribution of the product via at least one dispensing orifice. A cap is tightly mounted on the dispensing nozzle between two uses.

There are many problems with such a configuration. The first is that by mounting the cover on the device, the risks are great for that an untimely actuation of the dispensing element occurs, in particularly in the case of a valve with a very short actuation stroke.

In addition, in the mounted position of the cover, the dispensing orifice is not closed off. waterproof way. Therefore, especially for certain products whose trend clogging when drying is strong, the dispensing orifice and the channel opening onto the dispensing orifice, are subject to fouling, which risks make the device completely unusable, especially after a long period not in use. In addition, the residual product in the canal and in the vicinity of the opening, is likely to be degraded, in particular by oxidation, and to be unattractive.

If the hood configuration is changed so that in the mounted position on the dispensing nozzle, the dispensing orifice is sealed by a corresponding portion of the cover, in particular by its bottom, then the risks are even greater so that, by mounting the cover on the device, it inadvertent actuation of the dispensing element.

Document US-A-2,767,888 describes a device in which a cap is screwed onto a dispensing nozzle, the latter being mounted on a valve stem. Such a design suffers from several drawbacks. The first is the fact that there is no coupling in rotation between the end piece and the mounting hoop. Of this fact, it is not excluded that the cap may not be screwed so sufficient. In addition, if the cap were to be tightened sufficiently, then it it is not excluded that during the unscrewing movement, the nozzle rotates with the cap, making it impossible to remove the latter. The risk is all the more higher than, after use, a residue of product may flow along the nozzle and comes to soil the thread, to the point of causing it to stick with the cap thread. The risk of thread contamination is increased by the fact that the nozzle is relatively short and cylindrical, and that the thread is located on a portion of the end piece similar in section to the rest of the end piece.

Also, is it an object of the invention to provide a device for packaging and distribution under pressure of a product, in particular cosmetic, and which makes it possible to overcome all or part of the problems mentioned above with reference to patents FR-A-2,635,085 and US-A-2,767,888.

It is in particular an object of the invention to provide such a device for which the risks of inadvertent actuation of the dispensing element are significantly reduced.

It is another object of the invention to provide such a device for which the risk of clogging and clogging of the dispensing orifice and / or channel leading to the latter, are reduced substantially.

It is yet another object of the invention to produce such a device in which the protective cap can be easily screwed on / off and satisfactory on the distribution nozzle, and for which the risk of soiling the tip threads are significantly reduced.

It is yet another object to provide a device which can be manufactured and economically mounted and easy to use.

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 under pressure of a product, in particular cosmetic, comprising a container containing the product, said container being surmounted by a distribution element, in particular a valve, and a head distribution for actuation of the distribution element, and distribution of the produced via at least one dispensing orifice, the dispensing head comprising: a) a mounting band, integral with the container; b) a dispensing nozzle forming a channel opening onto said dispensing orifice, said nozzle being stationary in rotation relative to the mounting hoop and being capable, in response to an actuation command, to move so as to cause actuation of the dispensing element; and c) a cover screwed onto the end piece distribution, and comprising means suitable, in the screwed position of the cover, for prevent actuation of the dispensing element.

Thus, the cover being screwed directly onto the end piece, the risks of actuation untimely distribution element are reduced significantly, the screwing movement generating substantially no stress capable of cause such untimely actuation. On the contrary, screwing the cover onto the dispensing nozzle tends to pull the latter opposite the valve. Furthermore, in storage position, the risks of untimely actuation are eliminated from the made of the means provided for this purpose on the hood, which interact with a at least portion of the mounting hoop.

Such a configuration makes it possible to produce a dispensing head whose aesthetics is similar to that fitted to containers in the form of tubes. This characteristic, from a marketing point of view, is advantageous when the product condition is in the form of a care cream or gel, traditionally packaged in a tube.

The dispensing nozzle being fixed in rotation, the screwing of the cover can also be as tight as possible, thus improving seal upon closing, and further reducing risks of inadvertent actuation of the distribution element when the device is in storage position. When opened, the nozzle is fixed in rotation relative to the cover, which can be easily removed regardless of the degree of screwing.

Preferably, the thread of the end piece is on a portion of the end piece section larger than the section of the free end of the end piece at which is formed the dispensing orifice. Preferably, the threaded portion of the nozzle is separated from the free end of the nozzle by at least a portion of section gradually increasing towards the threaded portion. Alternatively, the threaded portion of the nozzle can be separated from the free end the tip by one or more bearings, the function of these bearings or others gradually increasing section portions being to delay, see to prevent, when the product reaches the thread. In addition, this feature facilitates the design of the cover by allowing the arrangement of the hood thread on the internal surface of its side wall exterior, without requiring an intermediate interior wall.

Preferably, the dispensing nozzle is formed from a separate piece from the hoop mounting. The term "separate" reflects the fact that the dispensing tip and the mounting hoop are made of two pieces, which at least after the first use, are, apart from their rotation coupling, independent of each other, i.e. connected by no material bridge, in particular in the form of a film hinge. Preferably, the two parts are molded separately. Alternatively, during molding, the two parts can be connected by bridges of material which are broken during the first use, and which, as a result, constitute indicators of inviolability.

This arrangement in which the dispensing nozzle consists of a part separate from the hoop greatly facilitates mounting of the head distribution on the container, and in particular, significantly reduces the risks inadvertent actuation of the valve during this mounting. In addition, this characteristic is advantageous compared to a solution according to which the nozzle distribution would be connected to the hoop by a film hinge insofar as, in particular in the case of a tilting valve, the actuation of the valve whatever the angular position of the point of exercise of the lateral force aimed at causing such a tilt.

Preferably, the dispensing element consists of a valve, the product being pressurized inside the container. Such a valve, due to its short stroke actuation, facilitates the distribution of the product.

According to a first embodiment, the valve is of the tilting type, capable of be actuated in response to pressure transverse to an axis of said valve. So, with this configuration, product distribution can be done directly on the surface where the product is to be applied, simply by putting the tip of distribution in engagement with the surface to be treated, and in displacement the nozzle distribution with respect to said surface.

According to a second embodiment, the valve is of the push-in type, capable of be actuated in response to an axially oriented pressure at said valve.

The mounting band can be fixedly mounted on the container, in particular by tight snap. Alternatively, it can be screwed onto the container.

The dispensing nozzle can be immobilized in rotation relative to the hoop of mounting, by means of one or more notches, formed by the mounting hoop (respectively, the tip), and able to engage in a corresponding number of grooves formed by the dispensing nozzle (respectively, the hoop of mounting). The operation of mounting the distribution head, and in particular the setting in accordance with the notches with the grooves, is all the easier to obtain since their number is great. As an example, their number ranges from 2 to 6, and preferably 2 to 4.

The dispensing nozzle may include an element, in particular in the form of a annular flange, which in cooperation with a corresponding portion of the hoop, forbidden to separate the dispensing tip from the rest of the head distribution. In addition, this annular element, upon actuation of the element of distribution by tilting, can come into engagement with said portion corresponding to the hoop, and act in the manner of a lever arm. We facilitate still distributing the product.

The means capable, in the target position of the cover, of preventing the actuation of the dispensing element, may consist of an edge, in particular an annular edge, and which, in the screwed position of the cover on the dispensing nozzle, is substantially in contact with the mounting hoop. The term "substantially" reflects the fact that the clearance between the annular edge of the cover and the mounting hoop is less than the stroke necessary to cause the opening of the dispensing element. Such clearance, when the dispensing element is a valve, can be of the order of 0.5 mm.

Preferably, the cover is configured so that, in the screwed position on the nozzle, a portion of the cover is in engagement with the dispensing orifice in order to close the latter tightly. Because the cover is screwed directly on the dispensing nozzle, the risks of inadvertent actuation of the distribution element when the cover is mounted on the latter, are reduced by in a sensitive manner, regardless of the degree of engagement of the cover with dispensing orifice. This eliminates the problem of parts manufacturing tolerances.

The device according to the invention can be used in particular for packaging and the distribution under pressure of a cosmetic product, in particular a care product, make-up, personal hygiene, hair or skin protection against harmful effects of solar radiation.

• les figures 1, 2, 3A-3C sont relatives à un premier mode de réalisation du dispositif selon l'invention; et
• les figures 4A-4B sont relatives à un second mode de réalisation 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:

• Figures 1, 2, 3A-3C relate to a first embodiment of the device according to the invention; and
• Figures 4A-4B relate to a second embodiment of the device according to the invention.

Figures 1, 2, 3A-3C to which reference is now made represent different views of a packaging and distribution device 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention.

According to this embodiment, the device 1 comprises a pressurized container 2, especially aluminum or tinplate, containing the product and a suitable gas to pressurize the product. The container 2 is surmounted by a valve 11 of the type to failover. The valve 11 includes a valve stem 12 emerging outside valve. The container 2 is equipped with a dispensing head 10 for actuation of the valve 11 and distribution of the product under pressure.

The dispensing head 10 comprises a mounting hoop 13 mounted by snap tightening on the crimping bead 14 of the valve 11. The hoop of mounting 13 mainly comprises a cylindrical skirt 15, one end of which is open, and the other end of which has an annular rim 16 delimiting an opening 17. The internal surface of the skirt 15 is provided with a bead latching 18 of the hoop 13 on the crimping bead 14 of the valve.

On the valve stem 12, is tightly mounted, a dispensing nozzle 20 crossed by a channel 21 disposed in the axis X of the valve 11. The channel 21, in its opposite end to the valve stem 12 opens onto a dispensing orifice 22. The end piece 20 is of gradually increasing section between the orifice of distribution 22 and the thread 31 provided opposite the distribution orifice.

As it appears clearly on the exploded view of Figure 2 as well as on the view in detail in FIG. 3C, the dispensing nozzle 20 is coupled in rotation with the mounting hoop 13 via an arrangement consisting of a plurality of notches 23 formed on the internal surface of mounting hoop 13, and capable of engaging in grooves 24 of corresponding geometry, formed by the outer surface of the dispensing nozzle 20.

The dispensing end piece 20, at its end opposite the dispensing orifice 22 forms a transverse flange 25 facing outwards, the diameter of which maximum is greater than the inside diameter of the annular rim 16 of the hoop mounting 13. Thus, the flange 25 prevents the dispensing nozzle 20 from being able to be disconnected from the rest of the dispensing head.

Directly on the distribution end piece 20 is screwed a cover 30 of flared profile, similar to the profile of the dispensing tip 20. For this purpose, the tip of distribution 20 has on its outer surface, near its end opposite the orifice 22, a thread 31, able to cooperate with a thread correspondent 32 formed on the inner surface of the cover 30, in the vicinity of its open end.

In the screwed-on position of the cover, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3A, the edge 33 delimiting the open end of the cover 30, is almost in contact with the rim annular 16 of the mounting band 13, so that in this mounted position of the cover 30, the latter cannot tilt appreciably around the X axis of valve 11, thus avoiding any risk of inadvertent actuation of valve 11 when the device is in the storage or transport position.

In the screwed position of the cover 30 on the dispensing end piece 20, a bead 34 formed by the bottom 35 of the cover, is in sealed engagement with the orifice of distribution 22 of the distribution nozzle 20, thus avoiding between two uses, any risk of clogging of the distribution orifice 22 or of the channel 21 by the product residual at this location. This characteristic is particularly advantageous for products of high viscosity. In addition, this watertight closure of the dispensing orifice 22 by means of the bead 34, in the case of products easily oxidizable, avoids the deterioration of any residual product inside the channel 21.

In order to use the device according to the invention, the user unscrews the cover 30. It places the dispensing orifice 22 on the surface to be treated, and moves the device 1 relative to said surface. Such support causes the tilting of the valve stem 12, the opening of the valve 11, and the product outlet through the orifice 22, via the axial channel 21. Such an open configuration of the valve 11, in tilted position of the end piece 20 and of the valve stem 12, is shown in the Figure 3B.

After use, it screwed the cover 30 back onto the dispensing nozzle 20, the screwing movement generating no stress likely to cause tilting of the valve stem 12. The screwing continues until the edge 33 of the cover 30 arrives in the close vicinity of the annular rim 16 of the hoop mounting (Figure 3A). The complete screwing of the cover 30 on the end piece distribution 20 is facilitated by the rotational coupling of the distribution nozzle 20 and the mounting hoop 13, which is itself stationary in rotation by relative to container 2.

The embodiment of FIGS. 4A and 4B differs from the embodiment previous in that the valve 11 is of the push-in type. The tip of distribution 20 forms two "ears" 26, 27 so as to allow actuation of the valve by an axial displacement of the nozzle 20 in the direction of the container 2 (see Figure 4B). The cover profile is different from the cover mode profile. previous embodiment so that, when the cover is screwed onto the end piece dispenser 20 (FIG. 4A), the cover 30 does not come into engagement with the ears of the end piece 20, which engagement would be likely to cause a untimely actuation of the valve 11.

The device 1 is also identical in all respects to that of the mode of previous achievement.

In particular, when the cover 30 is screwed onto the dispensing end piece 20, there is no substantially no risk of inadvertent actuation of the valve 11, no stress generated by the screwing movement is not likely to cause such actuation. The rotational coupling of the hoop 13 and the end piece distribution 20 allows a significant tightening of the cover 30 on the end piece 20, which tightening guarantees a good seal upon closing. In the screwed position of the cover 30 on the end piece 20, the edge 33 of the cover 30 is substantially in contact with the collar 16 of hoop 13, once again making it impossible to actuate valve 11.

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 (14)

Device (1) for packaging and dispensing a product under pressure, especially cosmetic, comprising a container (2) containing the product, said product container being surmounted by a dispensing element (11), in particular a valve, and a dispensing head (10) for actuating the dispensing element, and dispensing the product via at least one dispensing orifice (22), the distribution comprising: a) a mounting hoop (13), integral with the container; b) a dispensing nozzle (20) forming a channel (21) opening onto said orifice dispensing, said end piece (20) being immobile in rotation relative to the hoop mounting (13) and being able, in response to an actuation command, to be move so as to cause the actuation of the dispensing element (11); and c) a cover (30) screwed onto the dispensing nozzle, and comprising means (33) able, in the screwed-on position of the cover, to prevent actuation of the element distribution (11). Device (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that the dispensing nozzle (20) has a thread (31) capable of cooperating with a corresponding thread (32) of the cover (30), said thread (31) being formed on a portion of the nozzle, of cross section larger than the cross section of a free end of the nozzle where the dispensing orifice opens (22). Device (1) according to claim 2 characterized in that the thread (31) is separated from the dispensing orifice (22) by at least one portion of cross section gradually increasing towards the thread (31) and / or by minus a landing. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 characterized in that the thread (32) is provided on the inner surface of an outer side wall of the cover (30). Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 characterized in that the dispensing end piece (20) is formed from a separate part from the mounting hoop (13). Device (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the dispensing element consists of a valve (11), the product being pressurized inside the container (2). Device (1) according to claim 6 characterized in that the valve (11) is of the tilting type, capable of being actuated in response to a pressure transverse to an axis (X) of said valve. Device (1) according to claim 6 characterized in that the valve (11) is of the push-in type, capable of being actuated in response to a pressure oriented axially to said valve (11). Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 characterized in that the mounting hoop (13) is fixedly mounted on the container (2), in particular by tight snap-fastening. Device (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the dispensing end piece (20) is immobilized in rotation relative to the mounting hoop, by means of one or more notches (23), formed (s) by the mounting hoop (13) (respectively, the end piece (20)), and capable (s) of engaging in a corresponding number of grooves (24) formed (s) by the end piece distribution (20) (respectively, the mounting hoop (13)). Device (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the means capable, in the target position of the cover, of preventing the actuation of the dispensing element, consist of an edge (33), in particular annular, and which, in the screwed position of the cover (30) on the dispensing nozzle, is substantially in contact with the mounting hoop (13). Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (30) is configured so that, in the screwed position on the end piece (20), a portion (34) of the cover is in engagement with the dispensing orifice (22) in order to close the latter tightly. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dispensing nozzle (20) comprises an element (25), in particular in the form of an annular flange, which, in cooperation with a corresponding portion ( 16) of the hoop (13), it is prohibited to separate the dispensing end piece (20) from the rest of the dispensing head (10). Use of a device (1) according to any one of the claims which above for the packaging and distribution under pressure of a product cosmetic, in particular care, make-up, personal hygiene, hair or for protecting the skin against the effects of solar radiation.

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