EP2584947A1

EP2584947A1 - Dispensing device for fluid products, particularly in the paste state of the type of creams or the like

Info

Publication number: EP2584947A1
Application number: EP11731075.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Antonio Fontana
Original assignee: Lameplast SRL
Current assignee: Lameplast SRL
Priority date: 2010-06-23
Filing date: 2011-06-09
Publication date: 2013-05-01
Anticipated expiration: 2031-06-09
Also published as: ITMO20100187A1; WO2011161506A1; ES2576042T3; IT1400793B1; EP2584947B1

Abstract

The dispensing device (1) for fluid products, particularly in the paste state of the type of creams or the like comprises a fastening tubular body (5) associable with the dispensing mouth (4) of a container (2) for containing a fluid product (3) to be dispensed, wherein at one extremity of the fastening tubular body (5) is defined an outlet mouth (8) of the fluid product (3) in correspondence to which are fitted non-return valve means (9, 10) comprising a shutter body (9) suitable for temporary closing the outlet mouth (8) and elastic means (10) for returning the shutter body (9) itself, the shutter body (9) comprising a stem (1 1) arranged through the outlet mouth (8) and having a first extremity (12), arranged inside the fastening tubular body (5) and associated with the elastic means (10), and a second extremity (13), arranged substantially outside the fastening tubular body (5) and suitable for contacting by sealing a locator stop surface (14) obtained in correspondence to the outlet mouth (8) and facing the outside of the container (2), in a closing configuration the second extremity (13) being substantially in contact with the locator stop surface (14) and in an opening configuration the second extremity (13) being substantially away towards the outside with respect to the locator stop surface (14).

Description

DISPENSING DEVICE FOR FLUID PRODUCTS, PARTICULARLY IN THE PASTE STATE OF THE TYPE OF CREAMS OR THE LIKE

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a dispensing device for fluid products, particularly in the paste state of the type of creams or the like.

Background Art

Different hygienic-sanitary devices are known for dispensing fluid products such as pastes, gels or creams.

A particular type of these devices consists in traditional bottles having an open extremity for dispensing the product and made of a soft enough plastic material which allows squeezing the sides of the bottle to push the fluid products towards the open extremity.

The shape of the deformable bottle can be cylindrical, spherical, oval or whatever else, or can be bellows-shaped, in which case the product containment bag consists of a container that can be folded on itself.

Another type of device consists of a cylindrical body suitable for containing the product and inside which slides a piston integral with the extremity of a push rod to operate like a traditional dispensing syringe.

Both the above types of devices have the characteristic of placing under pressure the fluid product from the dispensing device and pushing it towards the outside through a dispensing mouth.

For the more practical and convenient use of these devices, in correspondence to the dispensing mouth is sometimes fitted a dispensing device specifically equipped with non-return valve means which allow the exiting fluid product to pass through when a preset internal pressure is reached.

These dispensers consist in a tubular body fitted over the dispensing mouth and having an outlet opening obstructable by means of a mobile shutter body which is completely housed inside the tubular body.

In the closing configuration, the shutter body rests on the inner surface of the tubular body delimiting the outlet opening while, in the opening configuration, it reverses towards the inside of the container, freeing the passage for the fluid product through the outlet opening. To permit the correct operation of the dispensing device, inside the tubular body is obtained a flexible air chamber containing a contrast spring.

The shutter body is associated with the flexible air chamber and, by effect of the force of the spring, is crushed against the outlet opening in the closing configuration.

Nevertheless, when the fluid product is placed under pressure by the user by means of the hygienic-sanitary device, the pressure of the fluid squeezes the flexible air chamber, overcoming the force of the spring.

The squeezing of the flexible air chamber drags the shutter body in a direction away from the outlet opening and allows dispensing the fluid product towards the outside.

These dispensers for hygienic-sanitary devices nevertheless have a number of drawbacks, including the fact that they are usually very complicated and composed of numerous component parts that are not always easy to assemble. Furthermore, the fact is underlined that the presence of a flexible air chamber arranged inside the tubular body inconveniently requires the presence of precision couplings between the various component parts in order to ensure the necessary air seal.

Traditional dispensers, on the other hand, are often cumbersome and difficult to handle.

It should not be forgotten furthermore that these dispensers often have rather high manufacturing costs which negatively affect the retail price to the public, with the risk of making the products placed on the market less interesting for customers.

Description of the Invention

The main aim of the present invention is to provide a dispensing device for fluid products, particularly in the paste state of the type of creams or the like, which has compact overall dimensions and is very easy to handle, which is simple and quick to use by users, and can be manufactured in a practical, easy and functional way by the assembly of a particularly limited number of pieces.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing device for fluid products, particularly in the paste state of the type of creams or the like, which allows to overcome the mentioned drawbacks of the state of the art within the ambit of a simple, rational, easy and effective to use as well as low cost solution.

The above objects are achieved by the present dispensing device for fluid products, particularly in the paste state of the type of creams or the like, comprising at least a fastening tubular body associable with the dispensing mouth of a container for containing at least a fluid product to be dispensed, at one extremity of the fastening tubular body being defined at least an outlet mouth of the fluid product in correspondence to which are fitted non-return valve means comprising at least a shutter body suitable for temporary closing the outlet mouth and elastic means for returning the shutter body itself, characterized by the fact that said shutter body comprises at least a stem arranged through said outlet mouth and having a first extremity, arranged inside said fastening tubular body and associated with said elastic means, and a second extremity, arranged substantially outside said fastening tubular body and suitable for contacting by sealing a locator stop surface obtained in correspondence to said outlet mouth and facing the outside of said container, in a closing configuration said second extremity being substantially in contact with said locator stop surface and in an opening configuration said second extremity being substantially away towards the outside with respect to said locator stop surface.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more evident from the description of several preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of a dispensing device for fluid products, particularly in the paste state of the type of creams or the like, illustrated by way of example, but not limited to them, in the annexed drawings in which:

figure 1 is an exploded view of the dispensing device according to the invention;

figure 2 is a section view of the dispensing device of figure 1 in a closing configuration;

figure 3 is a section view of the dispensing device of figure 1 in an opening configuration;

figure 4 is a section view, on an enlarged scale, which shows a possible modification to the dispensing device of figure 1 in a closing configuration; figure 5 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the dispensing device according to the invention;

figure 6 is a section view of the dispensing device of figure 5 in a closing configuration;

figure 7 is a section view of the dispensing device of figure 5 in an opening configuration.

Embodiments of the Invention

With particular reference to the embodiment shown in figures from 1 to 3, globally indicated by 1 is a dispensing device for fluid products, particularly in the paste state of the type of creams or the like.

In this respect, it is pointed out that in the present treatise by the term fluid products are not meant only liquid products but also viscous products, e.g., in the state of paste or gel, and powdered products, in particular very fine powders with great flowability.

The dispensing device 1 is designed to be fitted on a container 2 containing a fluid product 3 to be dispensed, of the type of a medical, pharmaceutical and/or cosmetic product.

In particular, the container 2 has a dispensing mouth 4 for the exit of the fluid product 3.

In the particular embodiments shown in the figures, the container 2 consists, e.g., of a tube that can be folded on itself and the dispensing mouth 4 is made up of the terminal neck of the tube 2.

It cannot be ruled out however that the container 2 consist in a container of different shape and operation type, such as a bellows, a syringe or the like.

In any case, the fluid product 3 inside the container 2 can be pressed at exit towards the dispensing mouth 4 by effect of the squeezing of the sides of the container 2 or, in the case of syringes or the like, by operation of a pusher element such as a piston.

The dispensing device 1 comprises a fastening tubular body 5 that can be fitted on the dispensing mouth 4 and, for this purpose, has an extremity with an interlocking edge 6 that can be coupled with a fastening tooth 7 obtained on the terminal neck 4 of the tube 2.

At the opposite extremity of the fastening tubular body 5 is defined an outlet mouth 8 of the fluid product 3, in correspondence to which non-return valve means 9, 10 are fitted.

The non-return valve means 9, 10 are designed to allow the dispensing of the fluid product 3 when this is placed under pressure by effect of the squeezing of the container 2 and, at the same time, are suitable for closing the outlet mouth 8 as soon as the above pressure terminates.

More in detail, the non-return valve means 9, 10 comprise a shutter body 9, suitable for temporarily closing the outlet mouth 8, and elastic means 10 for returning the shutter body 9.

The shutter body 9 comprises a stem 11 which is arranged passing through the outlet mouth 8.

The stem 11 has a first extremity 12, arranged inside the fastening tubular body 5 and associated with the elastic means 10, and a second extremity 13, arranged substantially outside the fastening tubular body 5 and suitable for contacting by sealing a locator stop surface 14 that is obtained in correspondence to the outlet mouth 8, and is facing towards the outside of the container 2.

In closing configuration, the second extremity 13 is substantially in contact with the locator stop surface 14 while in open configuration, the second extremity 13 is substantially moved away towards the outside with respect to the locator stop surface 14.

In this respect, it must be underscored that in the present treatise the fact that the locator stop surface 14 faces towards the outside of the container 2 means that at least a part of such surface is turned the opposite way with respect to the inner side of the fastening tubular body 5.

In the same way it must be noted that when, in the present treatise, it is stated that a component of the dispensing device 1, such as the second extremity 13, moves or moves away towards the outside of the container 2, this means that it moves in the exit direction of the fluid product 3 through the outlet mouth 8; similarly, the movement of a component of the dispensing device 1 towards the inside means that that component moves in the direction opposite to the exit direction of the fluid product 3.

The shutter body 9 also comprises a bottom plate 15 associated with the first extremity and suitable for carrying the elastic means 10.

The bottom plate 15 extends substantially transversal to the stem 1 1 and has a plurality of guiding fins 16 for centring the shutter body 9 with respect to the fastening tubular body 5.

The guiding fins 16 are intended to slide on the inner surface of the fastening tubular body 5, between a guiding fin 16 and another being defined an area 17 for the transit of the fluid product 3 flowing out of the container 2.

The bottom plate 15 comprises a closing edge 18 which, in the opening configuration, is suitable for coming in contact with a corresponding locator edge 19 of the fastening tubular body 5 to prevent further dispensing of the fluid product 3.

In the embodiment shown in the figures from 1 to 3, therefore, the dispensing device 1 also acts as a doser inasmuch as it is able to administer a preset quantity of fluid product 3 and also interrupt dispensing in the event of the user continuing to press on the container 2.

The closing edge 18, e.g., is a raised ring which extends substantially coaxial to the stem 11.

The closing edge 18 and the locator edge 19 are substantially inclined to define corresponding invitation surfaces which facilitate coupling.

In the embodiment of the present invention shown in the figures from 1 to 3, the elastic means 10 are composed of a helical spring stopped up between the inner surface of the fastening tubular body 5 and the bottom plate 15.

The helical spring 10, in particular, is arranged coaxially around the stem 11 and inside the closing edge 18, which thus acts as a container element and ensures its correct positioning.

Usefully, the outlet mouth 8 and the locator stop surface 14 are obtained on an annular insert 20 associated with the fastening tubular body 5.

For this purpose, the extremity of the fastening tubular body 5 opposite the dispensing mouth 4 has an opening 21 for housing the annular insert 20, in correspondence to which interlocking means 22, 23 are provided for the connection of the annular insert 20 to the fastening tubular body 5.

The interlocking means 22, 23, e.g., consist of an annular tooth 22 obtained on at least one between the annular insert 20 and the fastening tubular body 5, and of a corresponding annular seat 23, obtained on the other between the annular insert 20 and the fastening tubular body 5 and in which the annular tooth 22 can be fitted.

In particular, the annular tooth 22 is obtained in the annular insert 20 while the annular seat 23 is obtained in the fastening tubular body 5 in correspondence to the opening 21.

Advantageously, the annular insert 20 is made of a substantially flexible material, of the rubber, silicone type, etc., to allow the perfect adhesion between the outlet mouth 8 and the second extremity 13 in the closing configuration. That the annular insert 20 be made of rigid material while the second extremity

13 be made of substantially flexible material cannot however be ruled out.

To further upgrade the seal of the dispensing device 1 in closing configuration, the locator stop surface 14 and the second extremity 13 have a substantially truncated-cone configuration, with vertex turned towards the inside of the container 2, to define a cone-on-cone coupling.

In the particular embodiment of the invention shown in the figures from 1 to 3, the locator stop surface 14 and the second extremity 13 are substantially complementary and matching with each other.

The second extremity 13 therefore has cross dimensions on average wider than the cross dimensions of the stem 11 and it snugly couples with the locator stop surface 14.

Alternative modified embodiments cannot however be ruled out such as that shown in figure 4, wherein the second extremity 13 and the locator stop surface

14 have different inclinations and the opening angle of the locator stop surface 14 is larger than the opening angle of the second extremity 13, meaning by

"opening angle" the angle at the vertex of the corresponding truncated cone defined by the locator stop surface 14 and by the second extremity 13. In this modified embodiment, the different inclination of the contact surfaces allows guaranteeing a further improvement of the seal of the dispensing device

1 in closing configuration and prevents any possibility of the fluid product 3 remaining trapped between the second extremity 13 and the locator stop surface 14, thus guaranteeing the sterility of the fluid product 3 inside the container 2. During the closing phase, in fact, the second extremity 13 first of all comes into contact with the narrowest part of the locator stop surface 14 and, by exploiting the flexibility and the elasticity of the surfaces, it rests on the remainder of the locator stop surface 14 and expels the excess fluid product 3 outwards.

The operation of the dispensing device shown in the figures from 1 to 3 is the following.

At the time of use, the user applies a compression force on the container 2, deforming its walls and placing under pressure the fluid product 3 contained inside it.

The increase in pressure inside the container 2 pushes the fluid product 3 through the dispensing mouth 4, the areas 17 and the outlet mouth 3, determining the sliding of the shutter body 9 outwards in contrast to the force applied by the helical spring 10.

The fluid product 3, then draws through the second extremity 13 and the locator stop surface 14 and comes out outside.

Upon reaching a predetermined stroke of the shutter body 9, the closing edge 18 reaches the locator edge 19, thus closing the communication passage between the inside of the container 2 and the outlet mouth 8.

In this circumstance, therefore, despite the user continuing to apply pressure on the container 2, the fluid product 3 is not in any case able to reach the outlet mouth 8 and dispensing is interrupted after the exit of a pre-established dose of the fluid product 3.

Once the container 2 has been released, the fluid product 3 stops being under pressure and the elastic return of the helical spring 10 returns the shutter body 9 to the closing configuration.

The dispensing of a new dose of fluid product 3 starts again when the container

2 is again squeezed by the user. The figures from 5 to 7 show an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein the dispensing device 1 has a fastening tubular body 5, an annular insert 20, a shutter body 9 with stem 11, first extremity 12 and second extremity 13 substantially identical to those previously described and shown in the figures from 1 to 3.

Unlike the embodiment of the figures from 1 to 3, the dispensing device 1 of the figures from 5 to 7 is without the bottom plate 15 and the elastic means 10 do not consist in a helical spring but, rather, comprise a leaf spring or a radial spring 24, 25, 26.

Such leaf spring or radial spring 24, 25, 26, in particular, comprises an annular body 24 fitted on the inner surface of the fastening tubular body 5, a central body 25 associated by interlocking with the first extremity 12, and a series of flexible arms 26, with curvilinear shape, placed staggered between the annular body 24 and the central body 25.

Similarly to the figures from 1 to 3, in the dispensing device of figures from 5 to 7 too, the locator stop surface 14 and the second extremity 13 are substantially complementary and matching with each other, but it cannot be ruled out that they may also be inclined as is the case shown in figure 4.

The operation of the dispensing device of the figures from 5 to 7 is substantially similar to that of the solution previously described, with the difference that, the bottom plate 15 and relative closing edge 18 not being contemplated, the dispensing device 1 is unable to act as a doser.

At the time of use in fact, the user applies a compression force on the container 2, deforming its walls and placing under pressure the fluid product 3 contained inside it.

The increase in the pressure inside the container 2 pushes the fluid product 3 through the dispensing mouth 4 and determines the sliding of the shutter body 9 towards the outside in contrast to the force applied by the leaf spring/radial spring 24, 25, 26.

The fluid product 3, therefore, draws through the second extremity 13 and the locator stop surface 14 and exits on the outside.

As long as the user continues to apply pressure on the container 2, the fluid product 3 passes through the outlet mouth 8 and dispensing is only interrupted once the container 2 is released, when, the elastic return of the leaf spring/radial spring 24, 25, 26 returns the shutter body 9 to the closing configuration.

Claims

1) Dispensing device (1) for fluid products, particularly in the paste state of the type of creams or the like, comprising at least a fastening tubular body (5) associable with the dispensing mouth (4) of a container (2) for containing at least a fluid product (3) to be dispensed, at one extremity of the fastening tubular body (5) being defined at least an outlet mouth (8) of the fluid product (3) in correspondence to which are fitted non-return valve means (9, 10) comprising at least a shutter body (9) suitable for temporary closing the outlet mouth (8) and elastic means (10) for returning the shutter body (9) itself, characterized by the fact that said shutter body (9) comprises at least a stem (1 1) arranged through said outlet mouth (8) and having a first extremity (12), arranged inside said fastening tubular body (5) and associated with said elastic means (10), and a second extremity (13), arranged substantially outside said fastening tubular body (5) and suitable for contacting by sealing a locator stop surface (14) obtained in correspondence to said outlet mouth (8) and facing the outside of said container (2), in a closing configuration said second extremity (13) being substantially in contact with said locator stop surface (14) and in an opening configuration said second extremity (13) being substantially away towards the outside with respect to said locator stop surface (14).

2) Dispensing device (1) according to the claim 1, characterized by the fact that said shutter body (9) comprises a bottom plate (15) associated with said first extremity (12) and suitable for carrying said elastic means (10).

3) Dispensing device (1) according to the claim 2, characterized by the fact that said bottom plate (15) comprises at least a guiding fin (16) for centring said shutter body (9) with respect to said fastening tubular body (5).

4) Dispensing device (1) according to the claim 3, characterized by the fact that said bottom plate (15) comprises a plurality of said guiding fins (16), between a fin (16) and another being defined an area (17) for the transit of said fluid product (3) flowing out of said container (2).

5) Dispensing device (1) according to one or more of the claims from 2 to 4, characterized by the fact that said bottom plate (15) comprises at least a closing edge (18) which, in said opening configuration, is suitable for coming in contact with a corresponding locator edge (19) of said fastening tubular body (5) to prevent further dispensing of said fluid product (3).

6) Dispensing device (1) according to the claim 5, characterized by the fact that said closing edge (18) is a raised ring which extends substantially coaxial to said stem (11).

7) Dispensing device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said elastic means (10) comprise a helical spring arranged substantially around said stem (1 1) and stopped up between the inner surface of said fastening tubular body (5) and said bottom plate (15).

8) Dispensing device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said elastic means (10) comprise at least one between a leaf spring and a radial spring (24, 25, 26).

9) Dispensing device (1) according to the claim 8, characterized by the fact that said at least one between a leaf spring and a radial spring (24, 25, 26) comprises at least an annular body (24) fitted on the inner surface of said fastening tubular body (5), at least a central body (25) associable with said first extremity (12), and a series of flexible arms (26) placed staggered between said annular body (24) and said central body (25).

10) Dispensing device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said locator stop surface (14) and said second extremity (13) have a substantially truncated-cone configuration with vertex turned towards the inside of said container (2) to define a cone-on-cone coupling.

11) Dispensing device (1) according to the claim 10, characterized by the fact that said locator stop surface (14) and said second extremity (13) are substantially complementary and matching with each other.

12) Dispensing device (1) according to the claim 10, characterized by the fact that said locator stop surface (14) and said second extremity (13) have different inclinations, the opening angle of said locator stop surface (14) being larger than the opening angle of said second extremity (13).

13) Dispensing device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said outlet mouth (8) and said locator stop surface (14) are obtained on an annular insert (20) associated with said fastening tubular body (5).

14) Dispensing device (1) according to the claim 13, characterized by the fact that it comprises interlocking means (22, 23) for the connection of said annular insert (20) on said fastening tubular body (5).

15) Dispensing device (1) according to the claim 14, characterized by the fact that said interlocking means (22, 23) comprise at least an annular tooth (22) obtained on at least one between said annular insert (20) and said fastening tubular body (5) and a corresponding annular seat (23) obtained on the other between said annular insert (20) and said fastening tubular body (5) and in which said annular tooth (22) can be fitted.

16) Dispensing device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said annular insert (20) is made up of a substantially flexible material.

17) Dispensing device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said second extremity (13) is made up of a substantially flexible material.