EP1757536B1 - Device for the packaging and the supplying of a product - Google Patents

Abstract

The assembly has pressurized aerosol containers each having a valve with an actuating stem (11). A distribution device is displaced with respect to the container to actuate the valve and to discharge the product via a distribution opening. A blade (40) stops against a wall (34) transversal to a longitudinal axis (X) to prevent the device from displacing the stem along the axis. The blade allows the device to tilt the stem around an axis (Y) along a direction from rest position of the stem and prevents the device to tilt the stem around the axis (Y) in an opposite direction.

Description

The present invention relates to a package for packaging and dispensing a product, especially a cosmetic product. Such a product may be distributed in particular in the form of a cream, a gel, a mousse or a spray.

"Cosmetic product" means a product as defined in Council Directive 93/35 / EEC of 14 June 1993, amending for the sixth time Directive 76/768 / EEC.

Generally, a packaging and dispensing assembly, as targeted by the present invention, comprises a container containing the product to be dispensed equipped with a dispensing member. Such a dispensing member may be a pump or a valve which is surmounted by a dispensing device. The dispensing device allows the user to route the product exiting the container to a dispensing orifice. It can furthermore make it possible to control the actuation of the dispensing member, to eject a dose of product out of the container.

Some dispensing devices are further provided to allow separate or mixed dispensing of two products stored separately in two containers.

Thus, it is known from the patent application French FR-A-2,732,245 a dispensing device comprising a body and a push-button movable relative to this body to cause the simultaneous or separate dispensing of two products from two containers in which these products are stored separately. Each container is provided with a valve comprising a hollow actuating rod whose depression causes the product to be dispensed.

The dispensing devices of one or more products are generally fitted on the operating rod or rods of the valve or the pump so that when the dispensing device is assembled on the container (s), the actuating rod can be depressed and thus actuated. Product can then exit the container without this being desirable.

The document JP2004154459 also discloses a set of the same type as those described above wherein the push button is hooked on a hoop, itself attached to the containers, so as to pivot relative to the hoop and containers to actuate the valves. The push button can pivot in two directions relative to its rest position.

The document US3,618,827 discloses a packaging and dispensing assembly comprising a container surmounted by a dispensing device. A semi-spherical cap covers the dispensing device, the cap having a fixed portion and a pivoting portion which, when tilted, disengages the dispensing orifice. When it is tilted, the pivoting part furthermore press on the dispensing device by tilting it to actuate the valve.

There is a need for a set that limits the accidental distribution of products.

There is also a need to have a distribution set that can easily be operated.

There is also a need to have an assembly that minimizes the oxidation of the products to be dispensed.

There is also a need to have a dispensing assembly that can dispense two products from two containers in the same proportions for each actuation.

• au moins un récipient contenant un produit, le récipient étant pourvu d'un organe de distribution comportant une tige d'actionnement ;
• un dispositif de distribution apte à se déplacer par rapport au récipient afin d'actionner l'organe de distribution et permettre la sortie du produit au travers d'au moins un orifice de distribution,
  l'ensemble pouvant se caractériser en ce qu'il comporte des moyens pour limiter le déplacement du dispositif de distribution, les moyens comportant au moins un aileron apte à venir en butée contre une surface transversale à l'axe longitudinal de la tige d'actionnement lors de l'enfoncement du dispositif de distribution selon cet axe de manière à empêcher le dispositif de distribution de déplacer la tige d'actionnement selon son axe longitudinal, les moyens étant en outre configurés pour permettre au dispositif de distribution de basculer la tige d'actionnement autour d'un axe de basculement, selon une première direction en partant d'une position de repos de la tige, et l'empêcher de basculer la tige d'actionnement autour de l'axe de basculement dans la direction opposée à la première direction à partir de la position de repos.

According to the invention, these objects can be achieved by providing a set of packaging and dispensing of a product comprising:

• at least one container containing a product, the container being provided with a dispensing member having an actuating rod;
• a dispensing device adapted to move relative to the container in order to actuate the dispenser member and allow the product to exit through at least one dispensing orifice,
  the assembly being characterized in that it comprises means for limiting the displacement of the dispensing device, the means comprising at least one fin capable of abutting against a surface transverse to the longitudinal axis of the actuating rod during the driving of the dispensing device along this axis so as to prevent the dispensing device from moving the actuating rod along its longitudinal axis, the means being furthermore configured to enable the dispensing device to tilt the stem; actuating about a tilt axis in a first direction from a rest position of the rod, and preventing it from tilting the actuating rod about the tilt axis in the opposite direction to the first direction from the rest position.

Thanks to the presence of means for limiting the displacement of the dispensing device, it prevents the actuating rod is driven along its longitudinal axis, particularly during assembly of the device on the container. One can then provide to use a dispensing device removably attached to the container so that, for example, the user can remove it to clean it as and when uses and replace it on the container without risk of getting out of the container. product. Means for limiting the movement of the dispensing device also guide the user's gestures during the distribution of the product. They only allow a tilting of the rod in one direction relative to its rest position.

Moreover, the actuating rod actuating by tilting, it requires a low support force to be actuated which allows comfort in use. The product can indeed leave the actuating rod at the slightest tilting thereof.

The fin may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rod, particularly within the dispensing device, from an upper surface to a free edge forming a stop.

The free edge of the fin may comprise a straight portion bearing on the transverse surface, the right portion being extended by a rounded portion located at a distance, measured along the longitudinal axis of the rod, from the transverse surface. The rounded portion thus allows the tilting of the dispensing device.

The assembly may further comprise guiding means configured to authorize the tilting of the dispensing device only around the tilting axis. The guide means may for example comprise a rail located opposite the fin. The free edge of the fin can be engaged in the rail in the rest position. Alternatively, it can be provided that the free edge of the fin is engaged in the rail once the tilting of the actuating device is initiated.

The assembly may further comprise a fixing member for fixing the dispensing device on the container. The fixing member may comprise a mounting skirt adapted to snap on the container, either directly above or on a cup itself fixed, for example by crimping on the neck of the container.

The dispensing device may comprise hooking means to allow its attachment to the fastener. The hooking means may comprise at least one hook which cooperates with at least one shaft so as to be able to pivot about the shaft and allow the dispensing device to tilt around the tilting axis. Preferably, the hooking means comprise two hooks which cooperate respectively with two shafts, the two hooks and the two shafts being respectively aligned along a line parallel to the tilting axis. The tilting is thus more stable.

It is thus possible to mount the dispensing device on the mounting member by means of attachment means so as to deliver these two parts already assembled on the filling line of the container. One assembly operation is then necessary after filling the container.

The dispensing device may comprise at least one tip adapted to engage the actuating rod of the container to allow to communicate the interior of the container with the dispensing orifice.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the assembly comprises two containers.

The dispensing device can then be arranged to channel the products separately up to two dispensing orifices. According to this embodiment the dispensing device comprises two separate channels for conveying the product from each container to each dispensing orifice. This embodiment is particularly advantageous for dispensing products which are not stable in time when in contact with each other and which must be brought into contact with one another as late as possible. .

Alternatively, the dispensing device can be arranged to allow mixing of the products before they reach the dispensing orifice.

The assembly may also include a cover for protecting the dispensing device.

The container (s) may be pressurized. The dispensing member can then be a valve.

The container (s) may contain a cosmetic product, especially a hair coloring product. One of the containers may contain a coloring product and the other container may contain an oxidizing product.

• la figure 1 représente en perspective un ensemble de conditionnement et de distribution selon l'invention ;
• la figure 2 représente en vue éclatée l'ensemble de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 3 illustre le dispositif de distribution de l'ensemble représenté sur les figures 1 et 2 ;
• la figure 4 illustre un organe de fixation du dispositif de distribution sur les récipients ;
• la figure 5 représente schématiquement et partiellement, en coupe axiale, l'ensemble de conditionnement et d'application conforme à l'invention,
• la figure 6 représente une coupe de la figure 5 selon la ligne VI-VI ;
• la figure 7 représente une coupe identique à celle de la figure 6 alors que le dispositif est en cours d'utilisation ; et
• les figures 8 et 9 représentent des variantes de réalisation de l'ensemble selon l'invention.

The invention will be better understood on reading the following detailed description, non-limiting examples of implementation thereof, and on examining the appended drawing, in which:

• the figure 1 represents in perspective a set of packaging and dispensing according to the invention;
• the figure 2 represents in exploded view the whole of the figure 1 ;
• the figure 3 illustrates the distribution device of the assembly represented on the figures 1 and 2 ;
• the figure 4 illustrates a fastener of the dispensing device on the containers;
• the figure 5 represents schematically and partially, in axial section, the packaging and application assembly according to the invention,
• the figure 6 represents a section of the figure 5 according to line VI-VI;
• the figure 7 represents a cut identical to that of the figure 6 while the device is in use; and
• the Figures 8 and 9 represent alternative embodiments of the assembly according to the invention.

We have shown on figures 1 and 2 a dispensing assembly comprising a dispensing device 20 mounted on two containers 10 containing products to be mixed extemporaneously.

In particular, the containers contain cosmetic products, in particular, according to one particular example, hair coloring products. One of the containers 10 contains, for example, a coloring product and the other of the containers 10 contains an oxidizing product.

Each container 10 is, in the exemplary embodiment described, of the pressurized aerosol type and comprises a valve provided with an actuating rod 11, having a longitudinal axis X and X 'as can be seen on FIG. figure 2 . The valve is held by crimping on a cup 12 crimped on the container.

The actuating rod 11 is hollow and the product distribution is effected, when the actuating rod is tilted, therethrough.

The dispensing device 20 is fixed on the containers by means of a fixing member 30. The dispensing device 20 is fixed in such a way that it can tilt the actuating rods. In particular, the distribution device 20 is movable relative to the fastener 30 to control the actuation of the valve stems.

The fixing member 30, illustrated in particular at figure 4 comprises two tubular mounting skirts 31 of circular cross section, which snap-fit under the cup 12 of the corresponding container. For this purpose, an annular bead 33 is provided on the radially inner surface of each skirt to be housed under each cup.

The two mounting skirts 31 are contiguous to one another so as to bring the containers as close as possible and to limit the overall size of the packaging assembly.

The mounting skirts 31 are also secured to each other by a transverse wall 34 which extends above each skirt 31. The transverse wall 34 is traversed by two circular passages 35, respectively concentric to each skirt. mounting 31, each of the passages 35 being provided to receive the upper end of one of the containers 10. The two circular passages 35 are aligned along an axis Y.

Two openings 36 are also provided near each passage 35, along the Y axis, outside the passages 35. In the illustrated example, each opening 36 is of square shape, but it is obvious that any other form could be used. Each opening 36 is traversed by a shaft 37 whose function will be explained later in the description, the shaft 37 being elongated along the Y axis and having a cross section to this circular Y axis.

The two skirts 31 are also connected at their periphery by two straight walls 38, parallel to the axis Y so as to form an oval outer wall.

Above the transverse wall 34, a peripheral flange 39 extends at the periphery of the wall 34, over only a portion of its periphery. In particular, the peripheral rim 39 surrounds the two rounded ends of the transverse wall 34 and one of its straight edges 38, the second right edge 38 being devoid of rim. The function of this rim will be explained in the following description.

The dispensing device 20 is more particularly illustrated in FIG. figure 3 . It comprises an outer shell 21 whose upper part is rounded and forms an actuating surface 22. The shell 21 ends in its lower part by a free edge 21a.

The dispensing device 20 is further arranged to separately channel the products from the containers to two dispensing orifices 23. For this purpose, two separate ducts 24 are provided inside the shell 21 which each comprise a vertical endpiece. 24a for sealing in the product on the actuating rods. Each endpiece is extended by a horizontal portion 24b which opens out through a dispensing orifice 23. The two horizontal portions 24b converge towards each other so that the two dispensing orifices 23 are substantially contiguous. The ends of the conduit portions 24b pass through the shell 21 so that the orifices 23 project beyond the outer shell of the shell, forming a spout.

According to a variant not illustrated, it can be provided that the two ducts 24 are connected before their end so as to allow the mixing of the products before they reach the dispensing orifice which is then unique.

The dispensing device 20 is advantageously attached to the fixing member 30 by hooks 25 provided on the free edge 21a of the shell, at each rounded end. The two hooks 25 are aligned along the Y axis to form a tilting axis. Each hook 25 is configured to hook to the corresponding shaft 37 while being pivotable around, so as to allow the dispensing device to tilt relative to the fastener, about the Y axis.

According to a variant not illustrated, the dispensing device 20 may not be hooked to the fastener. We then get rid of the hooks and the corresponding trees. The dispensing device is then held in place in the packaging and dispensing assembly by being only fitted on the actuating rods.

In the mounted position of the dispensing device 20, the peripheral rim 39 of the fastener protects the dispensing device, in particular by surrounding its base. The straight edge 38 of the transverse wall of the fastener which is devoid of flange is located on the side of the dispensing orifices 23, namely towards the front of the dispensing device, so as to allow the tilting forward of the device 20. The rim 39 leaves moreover overflow only the actuating surface 22.

Means 40 for limiting the movement of the dispensing device are provided. In particular, the means 40 are configured to prevent the dispensing device 20 from moving the actuating rods 11 parallel to their longitudinal axis X and X 'while allowing the dispensing device 20 to tilt the actuating rods in one direction. F from their rest position. The means 40 are located between the two containers so as to prevent the depression of the two valve stems at the same time.

The means 40 comprise a fin provided on the dispensing device. The fin 40 extends inside the shell 21 from the inner face of the actuating surface 22 to a free edge 41 forming a stop. The fin is constituted by a wall parallel to the longitudinal axes X and X 'of the actuating rods. The free edge 41 of the fin 40 has a straight portion 41 disposed after the movable member is hooked to the fastener, so as to be in the vicinity of the transverse wall 34 of the body member. fixation. Thus, as soon as we try to drive the dispensing device 20 parallel to the axes X and X 'of the actuating rods, the right portion 41a of the free edge of the fin abuts against the transverse wall 34.

The free edge of the flap comprises a rounded portion 41b towards the front, which is at a distance from the transverse wall and which thus allows the dispenser to tilt around the Y axis, forwards, according to a direction F from the rest position of the actuating rods. Advantageously, the fin 40 is formed at the rear of the hull, on the opposite side to the dispensing orifices 23 and does not extend over the entire width of the hull. The fin is thus positioned and has a shape such that it prevents rearward tilting, in the direction opposite to the direction F from the rest position of the dispensing device. This prevents the user actuates the actuating rods so as to orient the dispensing orifices to the top of the device.

According to a variant illustrated in figure 8 it can be provided to use a fin 40 with a free edge 41 forming a completely straight stop, without rounding, and to use a transverse wall 34 of the fixing member 30 which comprises a portion 34a slightly inclined towards the front, facing of the fin, so as to allow the tilting of the dispensing device forward.

To avoid the lateral sloshing of the dispensing device 20 relative to the fixing member, provision is advantageously made for guiding means 50 configured to allow dispenser tilting only around the Y axis. According to the example illustrated, the guide means 50 comprise a guide rail. The rail has a height sufficient to receive the flap located next. In particular, the free edge 41 of the fin is engaged between the two walls of the rail 50 in the rest position.

The guide means 50 allow to perfectly position the dispensing device relative to the actuating rods during actuation so as to move the two rods in the same way. It is thus possible to distribute the two products in the same proportions with each actuation.

The packaging assembly also comprises a cover 60 to protect the distribution device 20. The cover 60 is held by clamping on the fixing member 30, in particular on the peripheral rim 39.

In the example just described, two containers are provided, but the dispensing device 20 can also be used on a single container. The means preventing depression of the actuating rod and allowing it to tilt in one direction can be provided on one side of the valve stem or, as illustrated in FIG. figure 9 , on each side of the valve stem. According to this last embodiment, it is possible to dispense with the guide rail which prevents lateral sloshing of the device. Indeed, the device having only one container, it is less likely to move laterally. On the other hand, a fin being provided on each side of the valve stem, the two fins alone prevent lateral sloshing.

In the foregoing detailed description, reference has been made to preferred embodiments of the invention. It is obvious that variations can be made without departing from the invention as claimed hereinafter.

Claims (23)

1. Assembly for packaging and dispensing a product, comprising:

   - at least one container (10) containing a product, the container being provided with a dispensing member having an actuation rod (11) of longitudinal axis X or X';

   - a dispensing device (20) able to move in relation to the container in order to actuate the dispensing member and to allow product to emerge via at least one dispensing orifice (23),

   the assembly being characterized in that it comprises means (40) for limiting the movement of the dispensing device, the means (40) having at least one fin (40) able to abut a surface (34) transverse to the axis X or X' when the dispensing device is depressed along the axis X or X' so as to prevent the dispensing device (20) from moving the actuation rod (11) along the axis X or X'; the means (40) further being configured to allow the dispensing device (20) to tilt the actuation rod about an axis Y in a first direction starting from a rest position of the rod and to prevent the actuation rod from tilting about the axis Y in the opposite direction to the first direction starting from the rest position.
2. Assembly according to Claim 1, characterized in that the fin (40) extends parallel to the axis X or X'.
3. Assembly according to either of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the fin (40) extends inside the dispensing device from an upper surface (22) to a free edge (41) that forms a stop.
4. Assembly according to Claim 3, characterized in that the free edge (41) of the fin has a straight part (41a) bearing against the transverse surface (34), the straight part being continued by a rounded part (41b) spaced apart, along the axis X or X', from the transverse surface (34).
5. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises guide means (50) configured to allow the dispensing device to tilt only about the axis Y.
6. Assembly according to Claim 5, characterized in that the guide means (50) comprise a trackway adjacent to the fin (40).
7. Assembly according to Claims 4 and 6, characterized in that the free edge (41) of the fin (40) is inserted into the trackway (50).
8. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a fastening member (30) for fastening the dispensing device (20) to the container.
9. Assembly according to Claim 8, characterized in that the fastening member (30) comprises a mounting skirt (31) able to be snap-fastened to the container.
10. Assembly according to either of Claims 8 and 9, characterized in that the dispensing device (20) comprises attachment means (25) so that it can be attached to the fastening member (30).
11. Assembly according to Claim 10, characterized in that the attachment means (25) comprise at least one hook which engages with at least one spindle (37) such that it can pivot about the spindle and allow the dispensing device (20) to tilt about the axis Y.
12. Assembly according to Claim 11, characterized in that the attachment means (25) comprise two hooks which each engage with one of two spindles (37), the two hooks and the two spindles being in each case aligned along a line parallel to the axis Y.
13. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dispensing device (20) comprises at least one end piece (24) able to be fitted over the actuation rod of the container.
14. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises two containers (10).
15. Assembly according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the dispensing device (20) is designed to channel the products separately to two dispensing orifices.
16. Assembly according to Claim 15, characterized in that the dispensing device comprises two separate channels (24) for directing the product from each container towards each dispensing orifice.
17. Assembly according to Claim 15, characterized in that the dispensing device is designed to allow the products to mix before they reach the dispensing orifice.
18. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a cap (60) intended to protect the dispensing device (20).
19. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container or containers is or are pressurized.
20. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dispensing member is a valve.
21. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container or containers contains or contain a cosmetic product.
22. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container or containers contains or contain a hair colorant.
23. Assembly according to any one of Claims 14 to 22, characterized in that one of the containers contains a colorant and the other container contains an oxidant.

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