EP2550110A1

EP2550110A1 - Fluid dispenser

Info

Publication number: EP2550110A1
Application number: EP11717681A
Authority: EP
Inventors: stéphane Beranger; Patrick Muller
Original assignee: Aptar France SAS
Current assignee: Aptar France SAS
Priority date: 2010-03-25
Filing date: 2011-03-22
Publication date: 2013-01-30
Also published as: FR2957903B1; WO2011117526A1; FR2957903A1; BR112012024322A2; US20120318825A1; CN102917804A

Abstract

The invention relates to a fluid dispenser including: a container (1) forming a neck (11) having threads (12); a dispensing member (2), such as a pump; and an attachment system (F) including an attachment ring (3) provided with a means (34) for mounting onto the threads (12) of the neck so that the ring (3) can be unscrewed from the neck over an axial unscrewing path. In said dispenser, the outer wall of the neck (11) is provided with a shoulder (13), and the attachment system (F) also includes a safety gear (4, 4') that is inserted onto the attachment ring (3), the gear coming into axial abutment with the shoulder (13) and being secured to the attachment ring (3) at the end of the axial unscrewing path so as to prevent the attachment system (F) from being immediately withdrawn from neck (11) after the attachment ring (3) is unscrewed. Said fluid dispenser is characterized in that the safety bit (4) includes an unlocking means (42) for withdrawing the gear from the axial abutment thereof with the shoulder (13) of the neck (11).

Description

Fluid dispenser

The present invention relates to a fluid dispenser comprising a fluid reservoir, a dispensing member such as a pump and a fastening system for fixing the dispenser member on the reservoir. This type of dispenser is frequently used in many fields, including those of perfumery, cosmetics or pharmacy.

A particular type of fluid reservoir defines a neck having an outer wall provided with a thread which may include one or more threads. On the other hand, the fixing system may comprise a fixing ring provided with receiving means for receiving the dispensing member and mounting means on the thread of the neck, so that the fixing ring is unscrewable from the neck on an axial unscrewing stroke. This is a quite classic design for a fluid dispenser in the field of perfumery, cosmetics or pharmacy. In general, the mounting means of the fixing ring are in the form of an internal thread which is complementary to the external thread of the neck. Both threads have an identical or substantially identical thread pitch. Thus, when the reservoir is filled with fluid, it is possible to mount the dispenser member on the reservoir by screwing the fixing ring on the threaded neck. Similarly, it is possible to unscrew the threaded neck fixing ring, especially when the tank is empty or almost empty. During screwing or unscrewing, the fixing ring moves relative to the neck over an axial stroke, while being rotated.

The disadvantage with this type of fastening system to screw is that it is very easy to unscrew the fixing ring to reach the contents of the tank. This fastening system thus offers only a weak guarantee of first use to the user. This is why other types of fastening systems are used which make it possible to form a definitive assembly. However, in some applications, the user prefers the fastening system to be dismountable in order notably to be able to recover the remainder of fluid product inside the reservoir when the latter is almost empty. An object of the present invention is to define a fastening system allowing unscrewing, but which does not lead directly to access to the fluid reservoir. In other words, it is not enough to unscrew the fixing ring of the threaded neck of the tank to be able to remove the fastening system of the tank. The goal is to avoid, or at least delay, intentional, malicious, and / or inadvertent disassembly of the fastening system.

In the prior art, US3547295 discloses a fastening system comprising a security ring which retains a cap screwed onto a threaded neck of a bottle, once the cap is completely unscrewed. The crown is split, which allows to separate it from the cap to remove it completely from the neck. However, the crown remains in place on the neck, which is not practical or aesthetic.

The object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of this prior art.

To achieve these objects, the present invention provides a fluid dispenser comprising a fluid reservoir forming a neck having an outer wall provided with a thread, a dispensing member, such as a pump, a fastening system for fixing the dispensing member on the neck of the reservoir, this system comprising a fixing ring provided with receiving means for the dispensing member and mounting means on the thread of the neck, so that the ring is unscrewable from the neck on an axial unscrewing stroke, wherein the outer wall of the neck is provided with a shoulder, and the fastening system further comprises a security ring engaged on the fixing ring, the ring abutting axially with the shoulder of the collar, the ring being secured to the fixing ring at the end of the axial unscrewing stroke, so as to prevent the withdrawal of the fastening system from the neck of the tank, after unscrewing of the the fixing ring, characterized in that the security ring comprises unlocking means for disengaging the ring from its axial abutment with the shoulder of the neck. Thus, it is not enough to unscrew the fixing ring of the threaded neck to be able to access the contents of the fluid reservoir. It is still necessary to disengage the safety ring from below the shoulders of the tank. Indeed, the security ring in abutment under the shoulder of the collar performs a blockage which occurs after unscrewing the fastening ring of the threaded neck. Thus, a malicious user believing that he has to deal with a conventional unscrewing fastening system will be surprised to see that the fastening system remains stuck on the neck after unscrewing. It will need to undertake additional thinking to quickly solve the problem of blocking at the end of axial unscrewing stroke. Finding no immediate solution, he will often tend to give up completely removing the tank mounting system, and he will eventually give up his intention and screw the ring on the threaded collar, thus completing its fraudulent operation. On the other hand, the legal user of the distributor, who acquired it legally, will take the time of the reflection to understand where the blockage comes from and to find the solution allowing to overcome this blockage to have access to the contents of the tank. The security crown, as its name suggests, thus fulfills a first-use security function, deterring malicious users, but allowing the legal user to completely remove the tank attachment system.

The safety ring is engaged on the fixing ring: this means that the security ring can be engaged around the fixing ring or inside the fixing ring.

Thanks to the unlocking means, the user can act in a guided manner on the crown to unlock it. This prevents the user from acting on the crown as he can by destroying it in order to remove it from below the shoulder. Thanks to the unlocking means, the user knows how to act on the security ring to release the shoulder of the neck.

According to a practical embodiment, the unlocking means comprise two diametrically opposed zones of operation on which can be deformed to deform the crown, the ring comprising at least one abutment member intended to abut under the shoulder of the neck, the deformation of the ring by pressing on the actuating zones disengaging said at least one element of stop below the shoulder. Thus, the user must perform two operations to remove the tank fastening system, namely a first conventional unscrewing operation, and then a deformation operation of the crown. Of course, the user must maintain the deformed crown while pulling axially on to disengage from around the neck.

According to another practical embodiment, the unlocking means comprise a tear-off strip allowing, after tearing, to disengage the crown from the shoulder. Advantageously, the tear-off strip extends over a part of the periphery of the ring, the ring comprising at least one stop element intended to abut under the shoulder of the neck, this stop element being formed at the level of the strip. tear. Thus, by removing the band on at least half of the periphery of the crown, it is possible to disengage it from below the shoulder.

According to another aspect of the invention, the fixing ring abuts on the crown to engage said at least one abutment element around the neck to under its shoulder. Thus, the fixing ring is used to push on the security ring to engage around the neck to under the shoulder.

According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, the fastening system further comprises a trim band which extends around the fixing ring and the safety ring, when the fastening system is mounted on the neck, the crown being disengaged from the collar at the end of the unscrewing stroke. In other words, the trim band also moves axially relative to the safety ring during the axial unscrewing stroke. When the fastening system is mounted on the neck, the hoop preferably completely masks the security ring, so that it is not visible. However, after unscrewing the ring, the crown is visible, and it is even advantageous to make the crown with a bright color, so that the user notices it immediately. He will then understand that it is necessary to act on this part, either intuitively, or by means of indications provided in an explanatory note attached or even directly written on the crown, to completely remove the fixing system of the tank.

According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the trim band engages the actuating zones of the security ring to block said at least one abutment element under the shoulder of the neck, when the fastening system is mounted on the collar. Thus, the rigidity of the trim band is used to dimensionally stabilize the safety ring in order to ensure the positioning of the abutment element (s) under the shoulder of the neck. Once the trim ring removed from the security ring, it finds all its deformation capabilities that allow it to disengage from below the shoulder.

According to a particular embodiment, the trim band comprises an outer casing and an inner sleeve engaged in the outer casing, this sleeve engaging tightly around the fixing ring, the ring being advantageously arranged axially under the inner sleeve . This is particularly the case when the security ring is engaged around the fixing ring, creating an extra thickness which is compensated at the level of the trim band by the inner sleeve. When we do without this inner sleeve, it is virtually mandatory to make the band with a floor or step at the security ring.

So far, it has been planned to make the fastening profile on the fixing ring for practical reasons. Alternatively, it is also possible to achieve the snap profile at the trim band. This means that the fastening profile can be located anywhere in the fastening system, in that it allows for an axial abutment with the safety ring which is also also in axial abutment under the shoulder of the neck when the neck ring has been unscrewed. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the ring gear is axially displaceable relative to the ring over a distance greater than or equal to the axial unscrewing stroke. Advantageously, the ring comprises hooking means coming into axial abutment with a fastening profile of the fastening system at the end of the axial unscrewing stroke, the ring being or then coming into abutment against the shoulder of the neck, so that the fixing ring can not be released from the neck. Preferably, the attachment profile is formed by the fixing ring. In this practical embodiment, the security ring is a separate constituent element of the fixing ring. They are made separately and reported on one another. However, without departing from the scope of the invention, it is conceivable to make the fixing ring and the security ring integrally by being connected by a rupture zone. When unscrewing the fixing ring, the safety ring normally remains secured to the ring on an initial stroke until the security ring comes into abutment against the shoulder of the neck. From this moment, the fixing ring continues its axial unscrewing stroke, while the security ring remains static axially with respect to the neck of the reservoir. Thus the safety ring moves axially relative to the ring over a distance greater than or equal to the axial unscrewing stroke.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the mounting means of the fixing ring comprise deformable regions in which the thread of the neck is encrusted during assembly of the ring on the neck. This makes it possible to mount the fixing ring on the threaded neck, not by screwing the fixing ring, but by pushing it axially into its final position. The threading of the neck will then become embedded in the deformable regions of the ring by a phenomenon of material creep. After a certain time, the impression of the thread in the deformable regions is definitive, which allows the unscrewing of the ring. Of course, alternatively, one can use a fixing ring comprising a conventional internal thread. The spirit of the invention lies in the fact of adding an additional step of disassembly to the conventional unscrewing step. The security ring does not prevent unscrewing, but allows a link between the fastening system and the neck of the tank at the end of unscrewing. The user can undo this link with the unlocking means to disengage the crown from the shoulder of the neck.

The invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings which give by way of non-limiting examples several embodiments of the invention.

In the figures:

FIG. 1a is a vertical cross-sectional view through a dispenser made according to a first embodiment of the invention, the dispenser being shown in the unassembled state just before assembly,

FIG. 1b is a cross-sectional view turned 90 ° of the dispenser of FIG. 1a;

FIGS. 2a and 2b are exploded perspective views of the fixing ring and the safety ring of the first embodiment of the invention of FIGS. 1a and 1b;

FIGS. 3a and 3b are views respectively similar to FIGS. 1a and 1b of the dispenser according to the first embodiment of the invention in the assembled state,

FIGS. 4a and 4b are views respectively similar to FIGS. 3a and 3b of the dispenser according to the first embodiment being dismantled,

FIGS. 5a and 5b are views respectively similar to FIGS. 4a and 4b of the dispenser according to the first embodiment of the invention at the end of dismantling,

FIGS. 6a and 6b are views partially in section partly in perspective of the dispenser of the first embodiment of the invention at the end of the disassembly operation corresponding to FIGS. 5a and 5b, FIGS. 7a and 7b are respectively similar views to FIGS. 3a and 3b for an alternative embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 8a and 8b are respectively similar views to FIGS. 1a and 1b for another variant embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a partially cross-sectional view partly in perspective of a fluid dispenser according to a second embodiment of the invention, the dispenser being in the process of being assembled;

FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9 of the fluid product dispenser according to the second embodiment of the invention in the assembled state,

FIG. 11 is a greatly enlarged perspective and sectional view showing the interactions between the safety ring, the fixing ring and the neck of the tank,

FIG. 12 is a view partially in section partly in perspective of the dispenser of FIGS. 9 to 11 during disassembly, and

- Figure 13 is a view similar to that of Figure 12 of the distributor according to the second embodiment of the invention at the end of disassembly.

In all the embodiments and embodiments shown in the various FIGS. 1 to 13, the fluid dispensers of the invention comprise a fluid reservoir 1 (shown partially), a dispensing member 2, such as a pump or a valve, and a fastening system F for fixing the pump or the valve on the tank 1.

The fluid reservoir 1 is shown only partially in the various figures, only its upper part being visible. This upper part consists essentially of a neck 1 1 which protrudes from a peripheral area 15 which already forms a part of the tank body (not shown). The neck 1 1 comprises an inner wall defining an opening which communicates the interior of the tank with the outside. The neck 1 1 also defines an outer wall on which is formed a thread 12 and an annular peripheral shoulder 13. Below the shoulder 13, the neck 1 1 joins the peripheral area 15. Above the thread 12, the neck defines an upper annular edge 14 which makes the junction between the outer wall and the inner wall. The thread 12 is in the form of one or more screw threads which protrude helically over the outer periphery of the neck 11. The thread 12 may consist of a single continuous thread extending over the periphery of the neck, or alternatively, the thread 12 may be in the form of several thread segments distributed over the outer periphery of the neck 11. The reservoir also comprises a peripheral annular shoulder 13. This is a quite conventional reservoir with a conventional threaded neck. The shoulder may be continuous over the entire periphery of the neck, or on the contrary it may be discontinuous. In the various figures, this shoulder 13 is continuous and oriented downwards. It is separated from the upper annular edge 14 by the threading 12. It can also be said that the shoulder 13 is situated between the threading 12 and the peripheral band 15.

The dispensing member 2 can be a pump or a valve, or another type of dispensing member for dispensing the fluid contained in the reservoir 1. The dispensing member 2 comprises a body 21 defining a fluid product inlet 22 and a snap-fitting flange 23. In the case of a pump or a valve, the dispenser member 2 also comprises a stem of FIG. actuating or valve 24 which is axially displaceable back and forth within the body 21 against a spring (not shown). Such a dispensing member is often associated with a pusher or dispensing head (not shown) which is mounted on the free end of the actuating rod.

24. Thus, the user can press with one or more finger (s) on the pusher to push the actuating rod 24 inside the body 21 and thus distribute fluid product from the tank in dosage form or not. The distribution of the fluid product can be in pulverized form, cord, hazel, etc. Again, this is a completely conventional design for a distribution organ in the fields of perfumery, cosmetics or even pharmacy. The fastening system F comprises several constituent elements according to the invention, namely a fixing ring 3, a safety ring 4 and a trim ring 5. The trim band 5 is however optional.

The fixing ring 3 can be made in several parts, but preferably it is made integrally by plastic molding injection. The fixing ring 3 generally has an axial symmetry of revolution. The fixing ring comprises receiving means 31 in the form of a detent housing for the snap-in receiving of the detent flange 23 of the body 21 of the dispensing member 2. The receiving means 31 define an opening central axial through which the actuating rod 24 of the dispensing member 2 passes. The fixing ring also comprises an annular plate 32 which extends radially outwards from the outer periphery of the detent housing reception means 31. This annular plate 32 is associated with an annular neck seal G which is intended to be compressed on the upper edge 14 of the neck 11. On its outer periphery, the plate 32 is connected upwardly to a guide sleeve. The plate 32 is also connected downwards to a skirt 33 which is intended to be engaged around the threaded neck 1 1 of the tank 1. The skirt 33, like the sleeve, has a substantially cylindrical configuration. The skirt 33 internally defines mounting means 34 which will cooperate with the thread 12 of the neck. More specifically, in this first embodiment of the invention, these mounting means are in the form of deformable regions 34 in which the thread 12 of the neck will become embedded. In other words, the deformable regions are deformed by the threading 12 of the neck by a phenomenon of material creep. After a while, the material has finished flowing and is stabilizing dimensionally. Indentations 37, as visible in FIGS. 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b and 6a, are then formed inside the skirt 33. The deformable regions 34 are here in the form of platelets which protrude from the inner wall of the skirt 33. In place of these plates, one can imagine other geometric shapes, such as ribs, pins, or a continuous bead. This type of means particular mounting allows to mount the fixing ring 3 on the threaded neck of the tank without the need to screw the ring. On the contrary, the ring is simply thrust axially on the neck by deforming the deformable regions 34. Once the fixing ring has reached its final mounting position on the neck, definitive impressions 37 are formed inside the skirt. , allowing then to unscrew the ring of the threaded neck. This is a technique that has already been described in the prior art.

According to the invention, the fixing ring 3 further comprises one or more attachment profile (s) 35, which can be formed on the outer wall of the skirt 33 near its lower end, as can be seen on Figure 1a. Without departing from the scope of the invention, these attachment profiles can be provided at another location of the skirt 33, such as for example inside the skirt. However, in the embodiment shown in the figures, and in particular in FIGS. 2a and 2b, the hooking profiles 35 are made in the form of rib segments which extend over part of the periphery of the skirt. 33 at its outer lower end. Each segment of attachment profiles 35 may for example extend over 60 °. We will see below what is the function of these attachment profiles 35.

The trim band 5 shown in FIG. 1a has a particular configuration: in fact, it is made in two distinct parts, namely an outer casing 51 and an inner sleeve 52 engaged inside the outer casing 51. . The outer casing 51 may be made of plastic, but preferably of metal, while the inner sleeve 52 is preferably made of plastic. The inner sleeve 52 is fixedly received, without possibility of rotation or axial displacement, inside the outer casing 51. On the other hand, the inner sleeve 52 is engaged, without possibility of rotation, around the fixing ring 3, and more particularly around its sleeve and / or its skirt 33. The inner sleeve 52 is capable of sliding axially around of the skirt 33 between a pre-assembled position shown in Figures 1a and 1b and a final mounting position shown in Figures 3a and 3b. In the pre-assembled position, the trim band 5 is engaged around the ring 3, but not completely, the band 5 can still be moved down around the band 3 to reach the final mounting position. As can be seen in Figures 1a and 1b, in the pre-assembled position, the inner sleeve 52 is not yet positioned at the mounting means 34 of the skirt 33, whereas in the final mounting position, the inner sleeve 52 is positioned at the mounting means 34, thereby reinforcing the skirt 33 and promoting the deformation of the mounting means by the thread 12. Since the outer casing 51 is generally cylindrical, and the inner sleeve 52 extends only over a portion of the height of the casing 51, there is created a space between the outer casing 51 and the skirt 33 below the inner sleeve 52, as can be seen in the figures. This space will be used to receive the security ring 4 which will be described in detail below. It has been seen previously that the fastening profiles 35 are formed at the level of the skirt 33. In a variant, it is possible to produce similar or equivalent fastening profiles at the level of the trim band, for example at the level of the skirt. the inner wall of the casing 51 or at the lower end of the inner sleeve 52. Without departing from the scope of the invention, it can also be considered that the inner sleeve 52 is part of the fixing ring 3, and that the trim band is then only in the form of the outer casing 51.

The security ring 4 is a substantially cylindrical annular piece which can be made by injection molding plastic material. The security ring 4 can be made separately, or alternatively, it can be made in one piece with the fixing ring 3 or with the inner sleeve 52 being connected thereto by a zone or rupture bridges. that can be broken by pulling or pushing. The security ring 4 comprises near its upper end of the attachment means 45 which project radially inwardly. These attachment means, as can be seen in FIG. 2b, may be in the form of two segments of ribs distributed on the periphery internal of the crown. As can be seen in the various figures, the security ring 4 is engaged around the skirt 33 of the fixing ring 3, so that the fastening means 45 are located axially above the profiles of FIG. It may also be noted that the security ring 4 is disposed inside the space formed below the sleeve 52 between the ring 3 and the envelope 51. According to the invention, the attachment means 45 are intended to come into axial abutment with the hooking profiles 35, so as to secure the safety ring 4 to the fixing ring 3. This axial catching however does not prevent the crown 4 to turn around the ring. This axial attachment also does not prevent the ring 4 from moving axially relative to the ring 3 over a limited axial distance.

Still according to the invention, the safety ring 4 forms at its lower end two actuating zones 42 which are arranged on the outer wall of the ring diametrically opposite. This can be deduced from Figure 1a, and more clearly visible in Figures 2a and 2b. These two actuating zones 42 are in the form of local reinforcements projecting radially outwardly from the outer wall of the crown. The upper end of each reinforcement may be bevelled or chamfered so as to promote its engagement inside the outer casing 51 of the hoop 5. On the other hand, the security ring 4 also forms near its end. lower two abutment members 41 which protrude radially inwards. Each stop member 41 is in the form of a small flange or tongue whose free end is slightly bent upwards. The two abutment members 41 are arranged diametrically opposite and offset from the two diametrically opposed actuating zones 42 of 90 °. This is clearly visible in Figure 2a. It will be readily understood that by pressing the two actuating zones 42 so as to bring them together, the security ring 4 will deform so as to move the two abutment elements 41 away from each other. The ring 4, which is circular cylindrical in the state of rest, can thus be deformed so as to have an oval or oblong shape. The two actuating zones 42 come closer, while the two abutment elements 41 move away. We will see below how this feature is used in the context of the present invention. The two actuating zones 42 are advantageously engaged with the inner wall of the outer casing 51, as can be seen in Figures 3a and 3b in the assembled state of the dispenser. As for the abutment elements 41, they extend radially inward below the lower end of the skirt 33, as can be seen in Figures 1b and 3b. According to the invention, the stop elements 41 are intended to come into axial abutment under the shoulder 13 formed by the neck 1 1, as will be seen below.

The security ring 4 is engaged around the skirt 33 of the ring 3 in the space defined between the skirt 33 and the hoop 5. The safety ring 4 is secured to the ring only because of the commitment of these attachment means 45 above the attachment profiles 35 of the ring 3. The security ring 4 is free to move axially relative to the ring for a certain limited distance, and even to turn freely around the ring. This is also the case when the security ring 4 is made integrally with another piece, after breaking the zones or material bridges that connect them initially.

Reference will now be made successively to the various FIGS. 1 to 6b to describe the mounting and dismounting procedures of a fastening system F of the invention on a tank neck, which may advantageously be conventional.

Referring firstly to Figures 1a and 1b, it can be seen that the lower end of the skirt 33 and part of the safety ring 4 still protrude downwardly out of the outer casing 51 of the ferrule 5. The upper end of the sleeve of the fixing ring 3 is spaced from the re-entrant portion of the outer casing 51. The upper annular edge of the safety ring 4 is spaced from the lower end of the inner sleeve 52. On the other hand, the skirt 33 of the ring 3 is not yet engaged around the threaded neck 1 1 of the tank 1. However, the stop element 41 of the safety ring 4 comes into contact with the upper annular edge 14 of the neck 1 1. The lower end of the skirt 33 comes into contact with the abutment element 41. The dispensing member 2 is already received in the fixing ring 3 and extends partially inside the neck 1 1. From this initial position, it is possible to exert an axial thrust force on the trim band 5 in the direction of the tank 1. This has the effect of deforming the abutment elements 41 of the security ring 4 so as to pass around the neck 1 1. During this operation, the security ring 4 may be deformed so as to have an oval shape. The abutment members 41 move away from one another as the actuating zones 42 move toward each other. The axial displacement of the security ring 4 around the neck 1 1 continues until the abutment members 41 are housed under the annular shoulder 13 of the neck 1 January. The engagement of the abutment members 41 under the shoulder 13 may be referred to as latching. Continuing to push axially on the trim ring 5, the mounting means 34 will engage with the thread 12 so as to inlay the thread 12 in the mounting means. At the same time, the abutment members 41 move away from the shoulder 13 towards the peripheral zone 15. The axial thrust continues until reaching the final assembly position shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b.

The mounting means 34 are then engaged with the thread 12, the neck seal G is crushed between the plate 32 and the upper annular edge 14 of the neck, the abutment members 41 are in contact with the peripheral region 15, the upper end of the safety ring 4 is in contact with the lower end of the inner sleeve 52, and the outer casing 51 of the hoop 5 extends to below the ring 4 so as to hide it completely. The dispenser can then be used normally by pressing the pusher (not shown) mounted on the actuating rod 24 of the dispensing member 2.

When the user wishes to remove the dispenser member 2 and its fastening system F from the tank 1, it first unscrews the fixing ring 3 of the threaded collar 1 1 in a conventional manner in the anti-rotation direction. schedule. Alternatively, the unscrewing can be provided in the clockwise direction to force the user to think for a longer time. In both cases, it applies a sufficient torque on the trim band 5. The assembly formed by the hoop 5 and the ring 3 then moves both in rotation and in the axial direction on an axial unscrewing stroke. When the mounting means 34 are completely disengaged from the threaded neck 1 1, there remains in the skirt 33 the impressions 37 formed by the thread 12 of the neck 1 1.

According to the invention, it is not possible to remove from the neck the assembly formed by the ring 3, the hoop 5 and the dispensing member 2: in fact, the security ring 4 prevents this withdrawal, because these attachment means 45 are in axial abutment with the attachment profiles 35 of the ring 3 and that these abutment members 41 are in axial abutment under the shoulder 13 of the neck 1 1. The fixing ring 3 is certainly completely unscrewed from the neck, but is retained on this neck by the security ring 4, which fills a sort of function of linkage or axial retention on the neck while bearing under the shoulder 13. In this intermediate disassembly position, the security ring 4 is partially extracted from the space formed under the holding sleeve 52 between the ring 3 and the outer casing 51. Thus, the security ring 4 protrudes below the hoop 5. These two actuating zones 42 are completely unmasked or disengaged from the outer casing 51, as visible in Figure 4a. It is advantageous to make the security ring 4 with a bright or bright color, so as to immediately strike the attention of the user. It is a way of indicating to him intuitively that it is necessary to act on this piece to completely disengage the fastening system with the distributor member of the neck of the tank.

Referring to Figures 5a, 5b, 6a and 6b, it is understood how to manipulate or act on the security ring 4 to release it from its stop under the shoulder 13 of the neck. Indeed, in Figure 5a, we see that it is possible to press the two diametrically opposed actuating zones 42 of the ring 4 so as to bring them closer to each other. The lower edge of the crown pivots inward, so its upper edge remains in engagement with the skirt 33 of the ring 3. This deformation results in an ovalization of the ring 4, at least in its lower part. Therefore, the stop members 41 move away from each other, as can be seen in Figure 5b. This allows them to disengage from below the shoulder 13 so as to fully disengage the neck attachment system 1 1. The deformation of the security ring 4 is even more visible in FIGS. 6a and 6b. In practice, it is sufficient for the user to maintain the deformed crown while it pulls axially on to disengage the neck. Then, it can release the pressure on the crown which takes again its cylindrical configuration of rest.

It may be noted that after total withdrawal of the fastening system F, it is possible to re-assemble it on the threaded neck, since no constituent part of the fastening system has been damaged during dismounting. Alternatively, it is conceivable to design the fastening system of the invention so that it can not be raised on the neck. For example, the size and / or the resilience of the abutment members can be increased so that they come into abutment on the upper edge of the neck, when the security ring is entirely extracted from the hoop. However, to allow the initial assembly, it is necessary that the crown is partially engaged in the hoop to deform in the manner of the first embodiment, so that the stop members can engage force around the neck.

During the disassembly operation, the security ring 4 must be able to move axially relative to the fixing ring 3 over an axial distance which is greater than or equal to the axial unscrewing stroke of the fixing ring. Indeed, it is preferable, even necessary, that the fixing ring 3 is completely unscrewed from the threaded neck at the moment when the abutment members 41 come into contact with the shoulder 1 3.

To completely remove the fastening system F from the threaded neck of the reservoir, it is therefore necessary for the user to proceed in two stages, namely a first step of unscrewing anti-clockwise or hourly, followed by a second step of deformation or ovalization. of the security crown for the Disengaging from below the shoulder 13. The second deformation step is intended to complicate the removal operation of the fastening system, and thereby dissuade the malicious users. The procedure for actuating the security ring 4 can be provided with the dispenser or even explained schematically on the security ring itself.

Referring to Figures 7a and 7b, we can see an alternative embodiment in which the trim ring 5 'does not include an inner sleeve, as in the first embodiment. The hoop 5 'is an outer envelope, which may for example be made of metal. This outer casing comes into tight contact around the fixing ring 3, and also surrounds the security ring 4 forming a peripheral step. This variant embodiment aims to demonstrate that the inner sleeve 52 can be dispensed with.

Referring now to Figures 8a and 8b, there is still another embodiment, wherein the fixing ring 3 is threaded internally before mounting on the threaded neck 1 January. Indeed, we can see an internal thread 38 formed inside the skirt 33 which is adapted to cooperate by screwing and unscrewing with the thread 12 of the neck 1 1. This variant embodiment aims to demonstrate that it is possible to use a conventional fastening ring to be screwed.

Referring to Figures 9 to 13, we will describe a second embodiment of the invention, and more particularly a second type of security ring referenced 4 '. The fluid reservoir 1, as well as the dispensing member 2, may be substantially identical or identical to those of the first embodiment. The neck 1 1 is provided with an external thread 12 and a peripheral annular shoulder 13. The fixing ring 3 forms receiving means 31 for the dispensing member 2, an annular plate 32 for compressing a seal collar G on the upper edge 14 of the neck, and a substantially cylindrical skirt 33 which extends around the neck 1 1 so as to engage the thread 12. The skirt 33 forms at its lower free end one or more profile (s) fastener 35 which is in the form of a complete rib or rib segments projecting radially inwardly. The skirt 33 also forms an upper stop 36 which is formed inside the skirt above the attachment profile 35. This is more visible in FIG. It can thus be said that a housing is defined between the attachment profile 35 and the high abutment 36.

The security ring 4 'is here engaged inside the skirt 33, and not outside, as is the case in the first embodiment of the invention. The ring 4 'can move axially inside the skirt 33 for a limited distance, namely in the housing formed between the upper stop 36 and the attachment profile 35. For this, the ring 4' comprises a collar rigid 43 which is engaged within the housing defined between the hooking profile 35 and the upper stop 36. The collar 43 can thus move axially between these two upper and lower limits. Its upper edge 46 can abut under the abutment 36, while its lower face defines attachment means 45 which come into axial abutment with the attachment profile 35 formed at the lower inner end of the skirt 33. This collar 43 extends downwardly forming a ring 47 whose inner upper edge forms an abutment element 41 which engages under the shoulder 13, as shown in Figure 1 1. The abutment element 41 extends over all or part of the periphery of the ring 47. The ring 47 extends downwardly into contact with the peripheral region 15 of the neck 11. A part of the periphery of the ring 47 constitutes a tear-off ring 48 provided with a gripping tab 49. The tear-off ring 48 is connected on its upper edge to the collar 43 by bridges of breakable material 44. The tear-off strip 48 advantageously extends over more than half of the periphery of the security ring 4 '.

Reference will now be made successively to FIGS. 9, 10, 12 and 13 to describe in detail the methods of assembly and disassembly of this fastening system on the reservoir neck of the invention.

In FIG. 9, the security ring 4 'is already in place on the neck 1 1 with its stop element 41 engaged under the shoulder 13. place of the crown 4 'around the neck can be done using a suitable press, or with the aid of the fixing ring 3. Indeed, it is possible to print an axial thrust to the security ring 4' when the upper edge 46 of the collar 43 is supported under the upper abutment 36 of the skirt 33, as shown in FIG. 9. By virtue of this engagement, it is possible to engage the security ring 4 'around the neck 1 by force. 1 so as to be housed under the shoulder 13. It may be noted that the trim ring 5 ', which is generally cylindrical, is not yet engaged around the skirt 33.

In Figure 10, the fastening system F is in the final mounting position on the neck 1 1. The security ring 4 'is housed under the shoulder 13, the skirt 33 is engaged with the thread 12 and the hoop 5' is in contact with the peripheral region 15 of the neck 1 January. The dispenser can be used normally in this configuration by pressing the pusher (not shown) mounted on the actuating rod 24 of the dispensing member 2.

In FIG. 12, the fastening system F has already been unscrewed from the threaded neck so as to disengage the security ring 4 ', which nevertheless remains engaged inside the skirt 33 by the abutment between the fastening means 45 and the hooking profile 35. The abutment element 41 abuts under the shoulder 13. In FIG. 12, the user has already begun tearing the tear-off strip 48 by pulling it at the level of the tongue. This has the effect of separating the strippable strip 48 from the collar 43 which remains engaged within the skirt 33 of the fixing ring. Continuing to pull and tear the strip 48 over at least half of the periphery of the ring, the stop element 41 can be released from below the shoulder 13, and thus remove the entire system of as shown in FIG. 13. The collar 43 always remains engaged inside the ring 3. Since the tear-off strip 48 does not extend over the entire periphery of the ring 48, it remains secured to the rest of the security ring 4 '.

As in the first embodiment of the invention, the user must proceed with two successive dismantling steps, namely a first step of unscrewing, followed by a second step of pulling and tearing the strip 48. By pulling strongly on the strip 48, it is possible to remove the entire security ring 4 'of the Inside the ring 3. Thus, it is possible to screw the fastening system F on the threaded neck of the tank.

As in the first embodiment of the invention, the second step of pulling and pulling is intended to complicate the procedure of dismantling the fastening system to dissuade potential malicious users or wanting to disassemble the system inadvertently . The presence of a gripping tongue 49 is sufficient to make it clear to the user that it must be pulled to obtain the unlocking or unlocking of the security ring 4 '.

The axial displacement of the ring 4 'inside the fixing ring 3 takes place over an axial distance which is greater than or equal to the axial unscrewing stroke of the fixing ring 3.

This second embodiment has the advantage of being able to use a perfectly cylindrical conventional trim ring, without using an inner sleeve 52, as is the case in the first embodiment. The disadvantage of this second embodiment is that the security ring 4 'is partially destroyed after use, while the security ring 4 of the first embodiment is only momentarily deformed. It is however possible to implement the crown 4 of the first embodiment in the second embodiment instead of the crown 4 ', and vice versa.

Thanks to the invention, the conventional unscrewing of the fastening system is associated with an additional voluntary gesture that requires the user a certain degree and moment of reflection. Indeed, he must think to understand how it must act on the security ring to be able to disengage or unblock its grip or stop with the neck of the tank. The actuating zones 42 and the tear-off strip 48 constitute means for unlocking the safety rings 4, 4 'which facilitate the disengagement of the ring from below the shoulder. These means However, deblocking is optional in the present invention: the user could himself deteriorate or cut the security ring to release it from the neck.

Claims

claims

1. - Fluid product dispenser comprising:

- a fluid reservoir (1) forming a neck (1 1) having an outer wall provided with a thread (12),

a dispensing member (2), such as a pump,

- a fastening system (F) for fixing the dispensing member (2) on the neck (1 1) of the tank (1), this system (F) comprising a fixing ring (3) provided with receiving means ( 31) for the dispensing member (2) and mounting means (34) on the thread (12) of the neck, so that the ring (3) is unscrewable from the neck on an axial unscrewing stroke,

in which :

the external wall of the neck (1 1) is provided with a shoulder (13), and

- The fastening system (F) further comprises a safety ring (4; 4 ') engaged on the fixing ring (3), the ring coming into axial abutment with the shoulder (13) of the neck (1 1). , the ring being secured to the fixing ring (3) at the end of the axial unscrewing stroke, so as to prevent the withdrawal of the fastening system (F) from the neck (1 1) of the tank, after unscrewing the fixing ring (3)

characterized in that the security ring (4; 4 ') comprises unlocking means (42; 48) for disengaging the ring from its axial stop with the shoulder (13) of the neck (1 1).

2. - A dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the unlocking means comprise two diametrically opposite actuating zones (42) on which can be depressed to deform the ring (4), the ring (4) comprising at least one element of stop (41) intended to abut under the shoulder (13) of the neck (1 1), the deformation of the ring (4) by pressing on the actuating zones (42) disengaging said at least one stop element (41) from below the shoulder (13).

3. - Dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the unlocking means comprise a tear strip (48) allowing, after tearing, to disengage the ring (4 ') of the shoulder (13).

4. - A dispenser according to claim 3, wherein the tear strip (48) extends over a portion of the periphery of the ring (4 '), the ring comprising at least one stop element (41) intended to come into abutment under the shoulder (13) of the neck (1 1), this abutment element (41) being formed at the tear tape (48).

5. - A dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing ring (3) abuts on the ring (4; 4 ') to engage said at least one abutment element (41) around the neck ( 1 1) to under its shoulder (13).

6. - A dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening system (F) further comprises a trim band (5; 5 ') which extends around the fixing ring (3) and of the safety ring (4; 4 '), when the fastening system (F) is mounted on the neck (1 1), the ring being disengaged from the ring at the end of the unscrewing stroke.

7. - A dispenser according to claim 6, wherein the trim band (5; 5 ') engages the actuating zones (42) of the security ring (4) to block said at least one element of stop (41) under the shoulder (13) of the neck (1 1), when the fastening system is mounted on the neck.

8. - Dispenser according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the trim band (5) comprises an outer casing (51) and a sleeve internal (52) engaged in the outer casing (51), this sleeve (52) engaging tightly around the fixing ring (3), the ring (4) being advantageously arranged axially under the inner sleeve (52).

9. - A dispenser according to claim 6, 7 or 8, wherein the attachment profile is formed by the trim band.

10. - A dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ring (4; 4 ') is axially movable relative to the ring (3) over a distance greater than or equal to the axial unscrewing stroke.

1 1. - Distributor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ring (4; 4 ') comprises hooking means (45) coming into axial abutment with a fastening profile (35) of the fastening system (F) at the end of the axial unscrewing stroke, the ring (4; 4 ') then abutting against the shoulder (13) of the neck (1 1), so that the fixing ring (3) can not be released from the neck .

12. - Dispenser according to claim 1 1, wherein the attachment profile (35) is formed by the fixing ring (3).

13. - A dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting means of the fixing ring (3) comprise deformable regions (33) in which the thread (12) of the neck (1 1) is encrusted when mounting the ring (3) on the neck.