EP1502872B1 - Device with a double dispensing system - Google Patents

Abstract

The pot has a container (2) with a neck (6) delimiting a distribution opening (7). The container delimits a distribution opening (9) to be changed from a closed position to a disengaged position according to a movement of a cover, so that a product is delivered through the openings according to respective distribution modes. The opening (9) is delimited by an edge (18) connected to an edge (8) delimiting the opening (7). An independent claim is also included for a method of utilization of a cosmetic or care product distribution device.

Description

The present invention relates to a pot, as used in particular for the packaging of cosmetic products, in particular for the packaging of products in the form of a gel or a cream. The invention aims in particular the facilitated distribution of the contents of such pots.

Typically, in the cosmetic field, the contents of the pot is taken by the user, by means of one or more fingers that it introduces into the pot. In particular for pots of small section relative to their height, the removal of the product is not easy. Meanwhile, at the end of use of the pot, even if it is of low height relative to its section, to collect the residual product, the user pushes his fingers into the product, and his fingers are then covered with product on both inner and outer sides of the hand, even under his nails. However, the user prefers to exclusively use the inside of her fingers to apply a product, especially when it comes to application on the face.

Furthermore, in the case where the user applies successively different types of products, the user must wash hands between each application, otherwise risk contaminating its pot with components from other products, previously applied and which would be residual on his fingers. This contamination is problematic insofar as it may denature more quickly the composition contained in said pot, in particular by losing its properties.

In the same way, pollution can come from external sources related to the conditions of use of the product. In particular, when the product is used in the shower, the water projected into the shower enclosure may enter the pot. By thus modifying the cosmetic composition of the product it contains, this pollution also risks losing its cosmetic properties to the product.

So from the state of the art, we know of teaching documents FR-2829999 and US 2791358 , a container to avoid pollution problems and having a single and small distribution orifice of small section, and through which the product can flow by gravity, when the container is oriented "upside down". In this position, the user can then take the released product from the outer periphery of the orifice. This container comprises for this purpose two substantially identical section openings and formed in a wall of the container, a first opening forming said dispensing orifice, and a second opening cooperating with means for attaching a capsule adapted to selectively close this orifice of distribution. The capsule is not intended to be removable from this second opening. This method of distribution is not flexible, and does not optimize the emptying of such containers when they contain relatively pasty products with low flow coefficient.

In addition, the teaching of the document is also known. US 3283964 , a container provided with two openings of distinct section, the first opening forming a filling orifice while the second opening forms a dispensing orifice. For this purpose, the container has two juxtaposed necks respectively defining an opening respectively. The container is provided with a closure means having a first part screwed to the second opening, this first part being connected by a hinge to a second part able to selectively close the first opening. This closure means is complex to manipulate to obtain the clearance of the two openings, in fact, it is necessary to move the second part in rotation around its articulation to clear the first opening, then unscrew the first part to clear the second opening. This closure means can not be moved in a simple movement. Finally, none of the defined orifices allows the product to be taken directly inside the container.

Alternatively, known toothpaste tubes made with flexible walls, and provided at one end of a threaded neck, a cap that can be screwed. The neck of this type of tube is generally of small section, and adapted to distribute the product over a width substantially corresponding to a width of a toothbrush. Generally, the opening of the neck is defined perpendicularly to a main axis of elongation of the tube, and in this case, the plug provided for closing it is removable to allow the removal of product.

In a variant, document is known US 2729361 such a tube provided with flexible walls and whose only distribution orifice is not formed at a neck opening defined perpendicularly to the main axis of elongation of the tube, but is formed at the level of a screw thread of the neck so that the plug, here in the form of a nut, cooperates with the thread to be moved along this threaded neck, and then selectively determine the distribution of the product. When the nut is presented around the thread in which the orifice is formed, this orifice is then closed.

In the case where this dispensing orifice is made in a thread of a collar of a conventional toothpaste tube, then as it is taught by the documents US 2729361 and US 2721004 , the opening defined perpendicular to the main axis of elongation of the tube is closed by a plug so as not to define a dispensing orifice. This opening is generally of the same section as the lateral dispensing orifice. The sealing cap is mounted such that it can not be removed from the tube, even when the user presses on the walls of the tube to exit the product by the single and only dispensing orifice uncovered by the nut.

Also, is it an object of the invention to provide a pot whose content distribution is easy, the distribution can be indifferently obtained from two separate orifices, and which solves all or part of the problems discussed above in reference to known devices.

Thanks to the pot provided with two separate dispensing ports according to the present invention, the user can choose, at any time during the lifetime of the pot, between two separate sampling modes, which of the two modes is most suited to his needs . It can also avoid cleaning your fingers between each application of different products, and thus avoid all types of contamination of the product contained in the pot. This pot is economical to achieve insofar as one and the same lid allows to selectively close the two dispensing orifices. The selective opening of the orifices is particularly obtained by moving the lid along a neck of the pot in question, this movement having the final goal of completely detaching the neck cover.

It is particularly an object of the invention to make such a pot that is economical to produce, and simple to use.

It is in particular another object of the invention to provide a pot, with which the finger gesture is preserved, and which nevertheless allow a sample to be taken only at the outlet of the dispensing orifice without have to insert his finger in the pot.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a pot whose two dispensing orifices are of distinctly different sections.

Still other objects will appear in the following detailed description.

• un récipient contenant le produit, le récipient étant surmonté d'un col, tel qu'un bord libre de ce col délimite un premier orifice de distribution du produit;
• un couvercle amovible apte à coopérer avec le col pour sélectivement obturer ce premier orifice de distribution,

caractérisé en ce que le bord libre du col délimite au moins en partie un deuxième orifice de distribution, le deuxième orifice de distribution étant apte à passer d'une position obturée à une position dégagée en réponse à un mouvement du couvercle relativement au col, de manière à

1. i) selon un premier mode de distribution, le couvercle étant dans une position intermédiaire relativement au col entre une position d'obturation du premier orifice et une position détachée du col, délivrer le produit via le deuxième orifice, et
2. ii) selon un deuxième mode de distribution, le couvercle étant détaché du col, délivrer le produit via le premier orifice.

According to the invention, these objects are achieved, in whole or in part, by producing a device for packaging and dispensing a product, in particular a cosmetic and / or care product, comprising:

• a container containing the product, the container being surmounted by a neck, such that a free edge of this neck defines a first dispensing orifice of the product;
• a removable cover adapted to cooperate with the neck to selectively close this first dispensing orifice,

characterized in that the free edge of the neck defines at least partly a second dispensing orifice, the second dispensing orifice being able to pass from a closed position to an unobstructed position in response to a movement of the lid relative to the neck, way to

1. i) according to a first distribution mode, the lid being in an intermediate position relative to the neck between a closed position of the first orifice and a position detached from the neck, delivering the product via the second orifice, and
2. ii) according to a second distribution mode, the lid being detached from the neck, delivering the product via the first orifice.

In particular, by the term neck means a portion of a container having a narrowed section relative to the other sections of the container.

Advantageously, the first orifice defines a section capable of allowing the product to be taken from the inside of the pot. For example, it is sized to allow manual sampling of the product directly inside the container.

According to another advantageous characteristic, the second orifice defines an opening of section capable of allowing the product to be taken from the outside of the pot. For example, it is of dimensions capable of preventing manual removal of the product directly inside the container.

Preferably, a maximum opening of the second orifice is less than a maximum opening proposed by the first orifice.

In the context of the first mode of distribution, according to a preferred mode of use of the device according to the invention, the opening proposed by the second orifice is partly delimited by a rim of the lid. Thus, depending on the position of the lid relative to the container, the opening proposed by this second orifice varies.

The first orifice is delimited by the free edge of this neck. Advantageously, the second dispensing orifice is made in the thickness of the neck. In this case, the second orifice may form a slot on at least a portion of the height of said neck. This slot opens at a plane in which the first orifice is defined, the free edge having a portion forming a recess relative to this plane, such that this portion has second edges to define said slot. The free edge extends annularly in a non-planar surface. Thus, the opening of the second orifice is defined both by said second edges of the free edge and a part of the rim of the lid opposite the slot, in particular when the lid is in the intermediate position.

The slot is easy to make because it is directly obtained by molding during the manufacture of the device, which is itself preferably obtained by molding a thermoplastic material.

For example, in the case where the neck of the container is defined along a main axis of elongation, to allow the two distinct product distribution modes stated above to be proposed, the orifices oriented according to secant planes, one per report to the other. Thus, depending on how the user presents the pot, the product can exit by gravity by one or other of the dispensing orifices. According to a preferred embodiment, the first orifice is defined perpendicularly to this main elongation axis of the neck, while the second orifice is defined parallel to said axis.

According to a preferred embodiment, the slot delimited by these second edges forms a trapezoidal section, such that a base of the trapezium is formed at the free edge, a height of the trapezium relative to this base being defined parallel to an axis of main lengthening of the cervix.

According to other variants, the shape of the slot may be triangular, square, rectangle, polygonal, round or oval, or any other forms to obtain a distribution, especially when the product is pasty, in the form of a bead of section not necessarily circular, and may confer an advantage to the distribution of the product.

Advantageously, the neck is threaded and the cover comprises a corresponding screw pitch, to be retained on this neck. For example, the thread is presented on the inner periphery of a cylindrical portion of the lid, this cylindrical portion being closed at one end by a bottom. In the closed position of the lid on the container, the bottom may come to seal the first orifice, while the sealing of the second orifice is provided by the cooperation between a screw thread of the lid with a lower thread of the neck, the second orifice being located at the neck above, along the main axis of elongation of this lower screw pitch.

Depending on the position of the lid on the neck, the size of the opening formed at the second orifice varies. Depending on the number of turns involved in the cover relative to the neck, it moves in a helical movement as it rises as and along the neck while discovering as the outer edge of this collar. The opening proposed by the second orifice is discovered as the lid goes up along the neck. In the case where it is desired to obtain the exit of the product from the container through this orifice, the device is preferably oriented so that the product can exit through this orifice at least by gravity.

Preferably, the threading of the neck comprises at least one hard point making it possible to hold the lid in an intermediate position between a first position screwed at most on the neck and a second position released from the neck. Preferably, in the intermediate position, the lid releases at least partly the second orifice so as to allow dispensing according to the first distribution mode.

The maximum screwed position corresponds to a position of the cover in which the bottom of the cover comes for example in sealing bearing on the free edge delimiting the first orifice. Furthermore, in order to obtain a tight closure of the second orifice, in this closed position, the thread comprises at least one turn in cooperation with the lower screw thread presented by the thread of the neck.

In the unobstructed position of the neck, the lid is no longer in contact with the neck. Nevertheless, while remaining within the scope of the present invention, the lid can be connected by means of connection to the container.

Advantageously, the container comprises at least one elastically deformable wall so that a pressure exerted on the latter causes a displacement of the product in the container in the direction of at least one of the dispensing orifices, depending on the position of the lid relative to the collar. Thus, the presence of such a deformable wall allows, as and when the level of product decreases inside the pot, to bring the product near the first and or the second port of the pot, and allow easy sampling with the finger.

Preferably, when the lid is only partially unscrewed relative to the neck, and only the opening of the second orifice is accessible at least in part, the container is oriented upside down, and this second orifice down, to then exercise the pressure on the side walls, and thus recover the product that flows through the gravity and the pressure that is created in the container. Thus, the presence of the deformable wall allows, as and when the product level decreases inside the container, to bring the product in the vicinity of the second orifice, and allow easy sampling with the finger.

Also preferably, the deformable wall of the container is adapted to resume by elastic return a non-deformed position when said pressure ceases.

Alternatively, the container can then be rested on a horizontal surface, and in the second mode of dispensing completely remove the lid and then take the product directly into the container. In particular, the user can scrape the inner walls of the container to remove the product remains.

The device according to the invention can be used advantageously for the packaging of a cosmetic product, especially a styling product, or care of the skin or hair.

1. i) soit selon un premier mode de distribution, le couvercle étant placé dans une position intermédiaire relativement au col, depuis le deuxième orifice,
2. ii) soit selon un deuxième mode de distribution, le couvercle étant détaché du col, via le premier orifice.

It is another object of the invention to provide a method of using a packaging and dispensing device according to the invention in which it is chosen to take the product

1. i) in a first distribution mode, the lid being placed in an intermediate position relative to the neck, from the second orifice,
2. ii) in a second distribution mode, the lid being detached from the neck, via the first orifice.

• Figure 1 : une vue de profil d'un dispositif selon l'invention fermé;
• Figure 2 : une vue en coupe transversale d'un dispositif selon l'invention dans une position intermédiaire;
• Figure 3 : une vue en perspective d'un dispositif selon l'invention ouvert;
• Figure 4 : une vue de profil d'une partie d'un col d'un dispositif selon l'invention.

The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows and on examining the figures which accompany it. These are presented only as an indication and in no way limitative of the invention. The figures show:

• Figure 1 is a side view of a device according to the invention closed;
• Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a device according to the invention in an intermediate position;
• Figure 3: a perspective view of a device according to the invention open;
• Figure 4: a side view of a portion of a neck of a device according to the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a device 1 according to the invention, this device 1 comprises a container 2 and a lid 3. The container 2 is for example of circular section, and preferably of cylindrical shape. The container 2 has a bottom 4 by which it can be rested in a stable position on a flat and horizontal surface. This bottom 4 is preferably defined in a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis X, corresponding for example to an axis of symmetry of revolution of at least a portion of the container 2. The bottom 4 comprises for example also a circular section. Preferably, the container has a height relative to the longitudinal axis X smaller than a diameter of a section of this container, said section being defined in a plane perpendicular to this longitudinal axis X.

The container 2 comprises, Figure 2, a shoulder 5. It is surmounted by a neck 6 delimiting a first orifice 7. The shoulder 5, like the neck 6, respectively have internal diameters smaller than the inside diameter of the container 2. Preferably, the container 2 is filled in such a way that the maximum level of product introduced is located below the neck 6, and more particularly at the shoulder 5. The longitudinal axis X defines a main elongation axis of the neck 6. The first orifice 7 is delimited by a first free edge 8 of the neck 6. The free edge 8 is defined in a plane orthogonal to this axis X.

The device 1 comprises a second orifice 9 made in the thickness of the wall constituting the neck 6. The second orifice 9 creates a slot communicating between an outer periphery 10 of the neck 6 and an inner periphery 11 of the neck 6.

When the lid 3 is mounted on the container 2 in the closed position, see Figure 1, none of the two orifices 7 nor 9 is visible. The two dispensing orifices 7 and 9 of the device are preferably hermetically closed by this cover 3. The product distribution is then impossible. On the other hand, when the lid 3 is partly clear of the neck 6, at a height which corresponds to an intermediate position along the axis X, between the closed position and a position completely detached from this neck 6, then at least one section A of the opening proposed by the second orifice 9 is visible. In the case where the container 2 rests on its bottom 4, the product does not flow out of the container through this second orifice 9, insofar as the filling of the container 2 is at most up to the level of a junction between the neck 6 and the container 2.

To obtain a product outlet, when the lid 3 is in this intermediate position, the user grasps the container 2 and directs the second orifice 9 downwards. In the case where the product is relatively pasty and does not flow easily due to gravity alone, the container 2 is preferably provided with at least one elastically deformable wall. For example a side wall 12 of the container 2 parallel to the axis X, and or the bottom 4, are elastically deformable. The side wall 12 is defined below the shoulder 5.

The deformable wall may be made of elastomeric material, or a polyolefin obtained by metallocene catalysis. As more specific examples, mention may be made of a material (metallocene polyethylene) marketed under the trademark Exact ™ by the company DSM, or a material (metallocene polypropylene) marketed under the trade name Metocene ™ by the company Targor.

The lid 3 and the container 2 are provided to be able to maintain this intermediate position, so that the pressure exerted on the deformable wall in order to bring out the product, does not lead to a displacement of the lid 3 along the neck 6.

According to a first embodiment, shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the neck 6 has a thread 13 on its outer periphery 10 to cooperate with a thread 14 presented on the inside perimeter 15 of the cover 3. The cover 3 preferably comprises a cylindrical portion 16 secured to a cap 17 intended to rest on the free edges 8 of the neck 6, while the inner periphery 15, at which the threading 14 is defined, is presented at the cylindrical portion 16. In in this case, the holding of the lid 3 in the intermediate position can be obtained by a hard point obtained during the cooperation of the respective threads 13 and 14.

According to a second embodiment, not shown, the neck 6 comprises two grooves superimposed one above the other relative to the axis X. In correspondence, the inner periphery 15 has an outgrowth for selectively cooperating with the first or the second throat. Alternatively, the neck has a single groove to cooperate with different protrusions proposed on the inner periphery 15 of the lid 3, the protrusions being superimposed on each other relative to the axis X. The cooperation between the lid 3 and the collar 6 is then made by means of different levels of snap.

The lid 3 being removable, when completely removed from the neck 6, the two dispensing orifices 7 and 9 become accessible. More particularly, the first port 7 is accessible for product sampling, while the second port no longer has a finite section, insofar as the rim of the cover that participates in the definition of this opening is detached from the neck 6. From Preferably, the user then leaves the container 2 rest on its bottom 4, and uses the first dispensing orifice 7, of dimensions suitable for the introduction of at least one finger directly inside the container 2. there is little product in the container, the user who wishes to take the product finger directly into the recesses of the container, nevertheless exerts pressure on the deformable wall so as to bring this wall, and the product that covers the nearby in particular, there may be product residues on the inner faces of the side wall 12 and the shoulder 5.

The second dispensing orifice 9 is preferably not used when the lid 3 is completely detached from the neck 6. The shape of the slot proposed by this second orifice 9 may possibly serve as a means for removing the surplus of product taken from the fingers since the 7. In a variant, in the case where the product contained in the container 2 is very fluid, the slot of the second orifice may serve as a pourer to facilitate the flow of the product out of the container 2.

Indeed, according to a first embodiment of this second orifice 9, Figures 2, 3 and 4, it opens at the free edge 8 of the neck 6. In fact, it defines a slot whose edges 18 descend from the plane in which is defined mainly the free edge 8 in the thickness of the wall of the neck 6, so as to form a slot extending parallel to the axis X. For example, Figures 2 and 3, the slot forms a trapezium whose height is oriented parallel to the axis X. Alternatively, Figure 4, the second orifice 9 'is also cut in the thickness of the neck 6 from the free edge 8. In this alternative, the second orifice 9' has a slot rectangular.

The second orifice 9 or 9 'is made along the axis X, such that the opening formed by this orifice for the product distribution is a function of the position of the lid 3 along the neck 6, whereas the first orifice 7 is accessible only when the cover 3 is completely clear of the neck 6. For example, the more the cover 3 back along the neck 6, the larger the opening formed by the second opening 9 is of large section. Preferably, the dimension of the opening proposed by this second orifice 9 increases linearly as a function of the rise of the lid 3 along the neck 6. Alternatively the second orifice could be considered as a succession of openings defined separately from one another in the neck thickness 6.

Throughout the description, the phrase "having one" should be considered synonymous with "having at least one", unless the opposite is specified.

Claims (17)

1. Device (1) for packaging and dispensing a product, especially a cosmetic or care product, comprising:

   - a container (2) containing the product, the container being surmounted by a neck (6), such that a free edge (8) of this neck delimits a first dispensing orifice (7) for the product,

   - a removable cover (3) that can interact with the neck to selectively close off this first dispensing orifice,

   characterized in that the free edge of the neck at least partially delimits (18) a second dispensing orifice (9, 9'), it being possible for the second dispensing orifice to go from a closed position to an open position in response to a movement of the cover relative to the neck, so as,

   i) according to a first dispensing mode, with the cover in an intermediate position relative to the neck, between a position in which it closes off the first orifice and a position in which it is detached from the neck, to dispense the product via the second orifice, and,

   ii) according to a second dispensing mode, with the cover detached from the neck, to dispense the product via the first orifice.
2. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the first orifice has dimensions suitable for allowing the product to be taken up manually directly from inside the container.
3. Device according to either of Claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the second orifice defines an opening of section (A) suitable for allowing the product to be taken up from outside the container.
4. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the second orifice has dimensions suitable for preventing the product from being taken up manually directly from inside the container.
5. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a maximum opening of the second orifice is smaller than a maximum opening offered by the first orifice.
6. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the second dispensing orifice is made in the thickness of a wall of the neck, and forms a notch over at least part of the height of said neck.
7. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the opening offered by the second orifice, in the first dispensing mode, is partially delimited by a rim of the cover.
8. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the size of the opening of the second orifice varies as a function of a position of the cover relative to the container.
9. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the notch has a trapezoidal section, such that a base of the trapezoid is formed at the free edge (8), a height of the trapezoid relative to this base being defined parallel to a main axis (X) of elongation of the neck.
10. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the first orifice is defined perpendicular to a main axis (X) of elongation of the neck.
11. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the second orifice is defined parallel to a main axis (X) of elongation of the neck.
12. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the neck is threaded (13) and the cover has a corresponding screw thread (14), the position of the cover on the neck varying the size of the opening made at this second orifice depending on how far it is screwed onto the neck.
13. Device according to Claim 12, characterized in that the screw thread on the neck comprises at least one hard point for keeping the cover in the intermediate position between the first position in which it is screwed fully onto the neck and the second position in which it is detached from the neck.
14. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the container comprises at least one elastically deformable wall such that pressure exerted on this wall causes the product to move inside the container towards at least one of the dispensing orifices, depending on the position of the cover relative to the neck.
15. Device according to Claim 14, characterized in that the deformable wall can return, elastically, to a non-deformed position when said pressure ceases.
16. Use of a device according to any one of the preceding claims for packaging a cosmetic product, in particular a hair styling product or a skin or hair care product.
17. Method of using a device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the product may be taken up, as desired, either

    i) according to a first dispensing mode, with the cover in an intermediate position relative to the neck, from the second orifice, or

    ii) according to a second dispensing mode, with the cover detached from the neck, via the first orifice.

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