EP3917683A2

EP3917683A2 - Fluid product reservoir

Info

Publication number: EP3917683A2
Application number: EP20739740.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Fabrice Soulard; Bruno Simon; Philippe Peixoto
Original assignee: Shiseido International France SAS
Current assignee: Shiseido International France SAS
Priority date: 2019-01-28
Filing date: 2020-01-27
Publication date: 2021-12-08
Anticipated expiration: 2040-01-27
Also published as: WO2020157421A3; ES2940740T3; US20220167724A1; FR3092095B1; US11633029B2; WO2020157421A2; JP2022523271A; FR3092095A1; EP3917683B1

Abstract

Fluid product reservoir comprising a neck (12) defining an opening (16), the neck (12) comprising an upper annular edge (14) defining an outer ridge (140) and an inner ridge (146), the opening (16) being defined by an inner wall (161) connected to the upper annular edge (14) by the inner ridge (146), characterized in that at least one cutout (15) is provided at the upper annular edge (14), this cutout (15) extending on the inner wall (161), interrupting the inner ridge (146), but does not extend as far as the outer ridge (140), such that the upper annular edge (14) is continuous over its entire periphery, including at the cutout (15), this cutout (15) further forming a base (151) defining a ridge (156) with the inner wall (161) of the opening (16).

Description

Fluid reservoir

The present invention relates to a fluid reservoir comprising a body and a neck defining an opening, the neck comprising an upper annular edge defining an outer edge and an inner edge, the opening being defined by an inner wall connected to the upper annular edge by the internal ridge. Such a reservoir is commonly used in the fields of perfumery or cosmetics. It is generally associated with a pump or a valve to extract the fluid product it contains. A single or extended stopper with a tigelle can also be mounted on the neck to close it.

In the prior art, it is known to provide such a reservoir with an interior decoration piece or even a flexible pocket.

Document FR2776627 describes for example a dispenser comprising a fixing sleeve which rests on the upper annular edge of the neck of a reservoir and which serves as a support for a decorative element which extends around the plunger tube of a pump mounted on the neck of the reservoir. The fixing sleeve has a perfectly symmetrical configuration, just like the neck of the reservoir. As a result, the decorative element is arranged without precise angular orientation within the tank. This device would not be suitable for the insertion of a deployment scenery requiring a precise initial angular orientation before insertion to properly deploy in the particular internal geometry of a tank. Indeed, such a non-oriented decoration can lead to blocking or friction along the internal walls, preventing the total deployment of the decoration. It is the same for an internal flexible pocket.

Soft bags are generally provided with a support sleeve which is disposed in and on the neck of the reservoir. The angular orientation of the flexible bag in the tank is often imposed by its geometry and that of the tank. More specifically, when the reservoir has a rectangular or oblong cross section, the flexible bag is dimensioned correspondingly, so that its deployment in the tank rotates it so that it can occupy the maximum space. Otherwise, the flexible pouch has no particular angular orientation in the reservoir.

The object of the present invention is to define a reservoir which makes it possible to fix the angular orientation of a decorative element or of a flexible pocket and more generally to position a decorative element or of a flexible pocket in the three dimensions of the space x, y and z with respect to the reservoir.

To do this, the present invention proposes that the upper annular edge of the neck is provided or formed with at least one recess which extends over the internal wall interrupting the internal ridge. Said at least one recess does not extend to the outer ridge, thus leaving the upper annular edge unbroken. In addition, it forms a bottom defining an edge with the inner wall of the opening. Preferably, two diametrically opposed recesses are provided.

As a result, the recesses extend only over part of the inner periphery of the upper annular edge, thus forming two recessed slots separated by two intact annular edge segments. These recesses can also be qualified as cavities, alcoves, housings, cutouts, recesses, indentations, grooves, etc.

The ends of each recess form rotational stop profiles and the bottom forms an axial bearing surface. Any member occupying such a recess is thus locked in rotation x and y by the ends of the recess, and in the height z by the bottom of the recess. This blocking characteristic on the neck in x, y rotation and in the height z is essential if one wishes to fill through the insert without causing it to rotate or to sink into the reservoir. It is also essential if it is desired to insert into the reservoir a member requiring deployment oriented and indexed in x, y and z with respect to the neck and to the internal shape of the reservoir. According to the invention, the fluid reservoir further comprises an insert engaged in the neck and comprising a fixing sleeve disposed in the neck, this fixing sleeve comprising at least one flange section which projects radially outwards and which is received in said at least one recess in the neck, resting on its bottom (151). The insert can include a decorative element or a flexible pocket. Advantageously, the flange section is received substantially without rotational play in its respective recess. In other words, the flange section extends from one end to the other of each recess or comes into contact with the two opposite ends of the recess. At each flange section, there remains an annular edge range, so that the annular edge forms a complete loop, the width of which is thinned at the level of the recesses.

According to another aspect of the invention, the fixing sleeve may be drilled with at least one vent hole, which allows air in the reservoir around the fixing sleeve to be exhausted to the outside. In fact, the reservoir is filled with fluid, while the insert is already in place in the reservoir. The fluid product is injected through the fixing sleeve and when the level of fluid in the reservoir reaches the bottom of the sleeve, the air trapped in the reservoir must be able to come out. But since the sleeve is in place in the neck of the tank, it prevents drainage. Hence the presence of one or two ventilation holes that will communicate the reservoir with the neck by passing through the sleeve. As a variant or in addition, the fixing sleeve may comprise two opposing flats between the flange sections. These flats create passages between the neck and the sleeve, which allow air trapped in the tank to escape to the outside. Thus, it is possible to make a sleeve with vent holes and / or flats.

Since the insert is forcibly inserted through the neck, it is advantageous if it is provided with vertical reinforcing ribs at the neck. These ribs can be made in one piece with the sleeve or by overmolding or bi injection. These ribs can also participate in the evacuation of the air when filling the bottle. For example, it is possible not to completely push the sleeve into the neck during filling.

According to a particular embodiment, the fixing sleeve can be provided with a decorative element which has a wingspan greater than the diameter of the internal wall of the neck. Thus, the decorative element is deformed as it passes through the neck and then unfolds in the body of the tank. With a tank that is not revolving, it is preferable, if not necessary, that the decorative element is oriented correctly inside the tank. According to another embodiment, a flexible pocket may be integral with the fixing sleeve, which then serves as a pocket support.

The invention also defines a fluid dispenser comprising a fluid reservoir as defined above and a dispensing member, such as a pump, mounted in a sealed manner on the upper annular edge of the neck.

The spirit of the invention lies in the fact of locally profiling the internal part of the upper annular edge of the neck of the reservoir to form rotational stop profiles. The insert which engages with the neck recesses is not only rotated, but also precisely positioned in height inside the reservoir.

The invention will now be more fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings, giving by way of nonlimiting examples, two embodiments of the invention.

In the figures:

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a fluid reservoir according to a first embodiment of the invention,

Figure 2 is a top view of the neck of the reservoir of Figure 1,

Figures 3A and 3B are vertical cross-sectional views of the neck of Figure 2, respectively along section lines AA and BB of Figure 2, FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of an insert according to a first embodiment of the invention,

Figure 5 is a top view of the sleeve of the insert of Figure 4,

Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 5 for an alternative embodiment,

Figure 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view through a fluid dispenser incorporating a pump, a reservoir and an insert according to the invention,

Figure 8 is a view similar to that of Figure 7 with a plug in place of the pump,

Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 1 for a tank according to a second embodiment of the invention,

Figure 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view through an insert according to a second embodiment of the invention, and

Figure 11 is a top view of the insert of Figure 9.

Figure 1 shows a fluid reservoir R comprising a body 1 1 forming a fluid storage volume and a neck 12 which extends upward from the body 1 1 and which defines an opening 16 which communicates the 'inside the body 1 1 with the outside. The body 1 1 and the neck 12 can be in one piece or made in two separate assembled parts. The neck 12 may include a projecting annular reinforcement 13 which will be used for fixing a dispensing member, such as a pump, by means of a fixing ring. Referring to Figures 2, 3A and 3B, it can be seen that the neck 12 defines an upper annular edge 14, which can be perfectly flat. Preferably, this annular edge 14 comprises a projecting annular sealing ring 142. On the other hand, an outer ridge 140 is formed at the level of the junction of this edge 14 with the annular reinforcement 13. Internally, the opening 16 forms an internal wall 161 which is connected to the edge 14 forming an internal ridge 146. According to the invention, the annular edge 14 and the internal wall 161 are interrupted by two recesses 15, which thus interrupt the internal ridge 146. These two recesses 15 do not extend to the outer edge 140, so that there remain two annular edge areas 145 at the level of the recesses 15. More precisely, each recess 15 extends over a portion of the periphery of the edge 14, for example over 60 °. Each recess defines two opposite ends 152, as well as a bottom 151 and a vertical wall 154. The bottom 151 defines an edge 156 with the inner wall 161 of the opening 16. The vertical side wall 153 defines a ridge 154 with the beach. edge 145. Each recess 15 may have a general configuration in the form of a dovetail. The bottom 151 is flat, while the vertical wall 153 is curved. The two ends 152 can be planar and extend radially. The two edge areas 145 are interconnected by two edge sections 141 having a greater width. In other words, it can be said that the recesses 15 are hollowed out in the upper annular edge 14 towards the opening 16 leaving the annular reinforcement 13 intact. It should be noted that the annular edge 14 extends over the entire periphery, including at the level of the recesses 15, thus forming a closed flat loop. The sealing ring 142 is also continuous over the entire periphery.

In the example used, the neck forms two recesses 15. However, without departing from the scope of the invention, it is possible to produce a neck with only one recess, or on the contrary with more than two recesses. Preferably, the recess (s) extend inwardly only. However, in some cases, it may be considered to extend the recesses 15 to the level of the outer ridge 140. The bottom 151 of the recesses is flat, but it is also possible to achieve it with another configuration. The vertical side walls 154 are curved, but it is also possible to envisage producing them with another configuration, in particular flat rectilinear. An essential feature of the recesses is that they are hollowed out in the annular edge 14 and open towards the opening 16.

The reservoir R can be made of any suitable material, such as, for example, glass, wood, ceramic, plastic or even metal. The shape of the body 1 1 and the neck 12 is not critical to the present invention, as the upper annular edge 14 is formed with one or more recesses as described above.

According to the invention, the reservoir R is provided with an insert D, as can be seen in FIG. 4. This insert D is intended to be engaged in the neck 12 of the reservoir R so as to also extend inside. of the body 1 1. The insert D of Figure 4 comprises a fixing sleeve M, which has a generally tubular shape. The insert D also comprises a decorative element 27 which can be produced integrally with the sleeve M. As a variant, it is also possible for the decorative element 27 to be attached and fixed to the sleeve M. According to a technique of manufacture, the decorative element 27 can be produced by overmolding or bi-injection, in particular with a plastic material which is more flexible than that of the sleeve M. Referring to FIG. 4, it can be seen that the decorative element 27 is presented here in the form of two wings which extend on either side of the sleeve M. The span of these two wings is much greater than the diameter of the opening 16 of the neck 12. However, due to the deformation capacity of the decorative element 27, it is possible to engage the sleeve M inside through the neck 12 by deforming the decorative element 27. Once past the neck 12, the decorative element 27 can deploy and extend freely inside the tank R. Of course, it is preferable in this case that e the reservoir R is made of a transparent material, such as glass.

Referring to the upper part of Figure 4 or again to Figure 5, it can be seen that the upper part of the sleeve M is made with one or more vent hole (s) 22, which pass through the wall thickness of the sleeve M. The ventilation hole 22, visible in FIG. 4, extends to the inside of the sleeve M. It is thus possible to provide one or more ventilation hole (s) 22, for example distributed from equidistantly all around the periphery of the sleeve M. It can also be seen that the outer wall of the sleeve M is provided with several vertical reinforcing ribs 23 which protrude outwardly, as can be seen in FIG. ribs 23 can be made so in one piece with the sleeve M, or on the contrary be overmolded or bi-injected, for example with a particularly rigid plastic material. The purpose of these ribs 23 is to strengthen the strength of the sleeve M, in particular when a vertical thrust is exerted. These ribs 23 also make it possible to keep the ventilation holes 22 out of contact with the internal wall 161. These ribs 23 can also serve, in certain cases, to hold the sleeve in place in the neck by friction. They can therefore fulfill a threefold function: reinforcement, ventilation and maintenance.

At its upper end, the sleeve M defines an annular edge 24 which defines an opening 26 which extends through the sleeve M and communicates with the vent hole 22. The annular edge 24 also forms two flange sections 25. which protrude radially outward. It can be seen that these flanges 25 have a dovetail-shaped configuration, just like those of the recesses 15 of the neck 12 of the reservoir R. These flange sections 25 can be dimensioned so as to be able to be received in the recesses 15. Preferably, each flange section 25 completely fills its respective recess 15. This means that the two opposite edges of the flange sections 25 will simultaneously come into contact with the two opposite ends 152 of the recess 15. Thus, the flange sections 25 are received without rotational play inside the recesses 15. The lower surface of the flange sections 25 bears against the bottom 151 of the recesses 15. The upper surface of the flange sections 25 can advantageously come flush with the edge. annular upper 14 of the neck 12. The reinforcing ribs 23 can come into contact with the internal wall 161 of the opening 16 of the neck 12. The tro u of vent 22 is preferably kept away from the internal wall 161, so as not to be obstructed. In the embodiment of Figure 5, the two flange sections 25 are joined together by two curved wall sections 241, since the sleeve M has a circular cylindrical configuration. In the variant embodiment of FIG. 6, the sleeve M 'still has a cylindrical cross section, but not a circular one. Indeed, it can be seen that the two flange sections 25 are connected together by two flats 241 '. The annular edge 24 'is then no longer circular, but rather of rectangular shape. In this variant embodiment, it is possibly not necessary to form vent holes 22 in the flats 241 ′, or ribs 23. In fact, given that the internal wall 161 of the opening 16 is substantially or perfectly circular cylindrical and that the flats 241 'are by definition flat, there remains a passage between the internal wall 161 and the flats 241. This passage is much smaller in the embodiment of FIG. 5, given that the sections of connection 241 are curved, as is the internal wall 161. The distance between the connection sections 241 and the internal wall 161 is provided by the ribs 23.

FIG. 7 very schematically shows a dispenser incorporating the reservoir R of the invention and the insert D of the invention. The distributor also comprises a distribution member P which may be a pump. This dispensing member P is provided with a push button B which makes it possible to actuate the pump and dispense the fluid, for example in the form of a spray. For fixing the pump P on the neck 12 of the reservoir R, a fixing ring F is provided, which may be a ring to be crimped, to be screwed or else to be snap-fitted. The aim is to maintain the dispenser member P in a fixed and sealed manner on the neck 12. It can be noted in FIG. 7 that the flange sections 25 are engaged inside the recesses 15 and that the dispenser member P comprises a flange P1 which comes into sealed contact with the annular edge 14 of the neck, possibly with the interposition of a neck gasket. The seal is preferably carried out at the sealing ring 142. The body of the distribution member P extends inside the fixing sleeve M of the insert D.

For the assembly of this distributor, the procedure is as follows. We begin by engaging the insert D in the reservoir R through the neck 12. To do this, we present the lower end of the insert D at the level of the opening 16. By pressing the insert D on the reservoir R, the element decoration 27 will be deformed, for example by winding around the sleeve M. This makes it possible to engage the decorative element 27 and the sleeve M in the opening 16 of the neck 12. For this, we press strongly on the annular edge upper 24 of the sleeve M, hence the usefulness of the reinforcing ribs 23. The insertion by force of the insert D through the neck 12 continues until the decorative element 27 reaches below the neck 12, inside the body 1 1, where it can then be deployed freely. The final phase of placing the insert D in the reservoir R consists in positioning the flange sections 25 in a manner aligned with the recesses 15, so as to be able to receive them. A final axial bearing on the annular edge 24 makes it possible to engage the flange sections 25 inside the recesses 15. Not only has the insert D reached its position inside the reservoir R, but especially the element of decor 27 is perfectly oriented with precision inside the body 1 1, due to the engagement of the flange sections 25 in the recesses 15. This makes it possible to angularly orient the decor element 27 precisely with respect to the reservoir R, especially when the latter has a configuration that is not symmetrical in revolution.

The decorative element 27 here has a much larger scale than that of the opening 16, but it is also possible to envisage another decorative element whose dimensions remain within that of the opening 16 of the neck 12.

It should be noted that the introduction of the insert D into the reservoir R is done while the reservoir R is empty. The reservoir R is filled through the insert D, and more precisely its fixing sleeve M. In practice, an injection cannula is engaged inside the opening 26. This injection cannula injects fluid product in the reservoir through the sleeve M. as soon as the fluid in the reservoir R reaches the lower end of the sleeve M, the air trapped in the reservoir R must escape from it around the sleeve M engaged in the neck . To facilitate the evacuation of the trapped air, there is provided one or more vent hole (s) 22, as mentioned above, which allow the air to be evacuated not only around the sleeve M, but also through the sleeve M. In addition or as a variant, the fixing sleeve M ', with its flats 241', also allows correct evacuation of the air, creating two passages of increased section . Thus, it is possible to use a fixing sleeve with flats or with vent holes or with both cumulatively.

Once the reservoir has been filled in this way, the distribution member P is placed on the reservoir R and fixed in place using the fixing ring F. Finally, the push button B is mounted on the actuating rod of distribution unit P. A protective cover, not shown, can be fitted to protect push button B.

As a variant, the insert D can be held in place on the neck by means of a ring on which a simple plug can be mounted. In FIG. 8, a more successful embodiment can be seen, using a plug B 'which cooperates with a fixing ring F', a neck seal G and the sleeve M of an insert D '. More precisely, the insert D ′ can be similar to the insert D: it can possibly be shorter, but its sleeve M remains generally unchanged. Its flange sections 25 engage the recesses. The neck gasket G is positioned on both the neck gasket 142, the flange sections 25 and the annular edge 24. The inner periphery of the neck gasket G can come into alignment with the inner wall of the sleeve M. The fixing ring F 'engages the neck and includes an internal flange F1 which extends above the neck gasket G to compress it against the sealing ring 142 of the neck, the flange sections 25 and the annular edge 24, in order to create a seal. The fixing ring F 'also comprises a sleeve F2 which is internally threaded. The stopper B ′, which can be in one piece or in several parts, comprises a threaded crown B2 which comes into threaded engagement with the threaded sleeve F2. The stopper B 'also includes a shoulder B1 which comes to bear on the inner edge of the neck seal G to compress it on the annular edge 24 of the sleeve M. The stopper B' also forms a stud B3 engaged in the sleeve M so as to create a tight contact with the internal wall of the sleeve and / or with the gasket neck G. Finally, the stud B3 is extended by a rod B4 which will serve as an applicator of fluid. The rod B4 extends into the sleeve M, and possibly beyond inside the reservoir R.

The fixing of the plug B ’by thread on the fixing ring F’ is optional: the retention of the plug B ’could be entirely ensured by the tight friction engagement of the stud B3 and the sleeve M.

Reference will now be made to FIGS. 9-1 1 to describe a second embodiment of the invention. The fluid reservoir R 'of FIG. 9 is substantially identical to that of FIG. 1, except that it has a horizontal cross section of square or substantially square shape. The neck 12 with its recesses 15 may be identical to that of the first embodiment, and will therefore not be described in detail. On the other hand, the insert S is very different from that of the first embodiment. This insert S also comprises a fixing sleeve M ”which can generally have a configuration substantially similar to the upper part of the sleeve M or M '. This fixing sleeve M ”comprises an annular edge 24 which defines a through opening 26. The edge 24 forms two flange sections 25, which may be identical to those of the first embodiment. In place of the decorative element 27, the insert S comprises a flexible pocket 27 ', which can for example be produced by welding complex laminated sheets, for example of aluminum and of plastic. The flexible pocket 27 'is welded around the fixing sleeve M ”, which then serves as a pocket support. In its initial state, the flexible pocket 27 'is substantially flat, as can be seen in Figure 1 1. Given the square geometry of the reservoir R ', there is no longer any orientation or preferred direction, as is the case with a reservoir of rectangular or oblong horizontal section. Thus, it is advantageous, even necessary, to orient the flexible bag 27 inside the body 1 1 '. This orientation is not done automatically and it is therefore necessary to rotate the flexible bag 27 'inside the body 1 1', so that its plane is oriented in the diagonal (shown in dotted lines in Figure 8) of the body 1 1 '. This orientation by rotation can be done visually or roughly by grasping the fixing sleeve M ”and rotating it on itself. However, thanks to the invention, it is no longer necessary to search for the optimum orientation by trial and error. Indeed, it suffices to fix the flexible pouch 27 'on the sleeve M ”with a defined angular orientation, which allows, once the flange sections 25 are engaged in the recesses 15, to position the plane of the flexible pouch 27 in alignment with the diagonal of the body 1 T. Then, the pocket 27 'can be deployed inside the body 1 T by occupying a maximum space.

It should be noted that the aligned arrangement of the plane of the flexible bag 27 'with the diagonal of the body 1 T is a characteristic which can be protected in itself, that is to say independently of the fact that the fixing sleeve M ” or provided with flange sections 25. This characteristic (alignment of the plane and of the diagonal) is particularly advantageous in the case of a reservoir or bottle of square horizontal section.

Whether it is a decorative element or a flexible pouch, the profiled tank with its sleeve makes it possible to precisely determine the arrangement, and more particularly the angular orientation, inside a tank. Advantageously, this angular orientation, thanks to the recesses 15 and to the flange sections 25, does not disturb the subsequent assembly of a dispensing member, such as a pump, since the upper annular edge 14 retains its integrity over its entire periphery.

Claims

1. Fluid product reservoir (R; R ') comprising a body (1 1) and a neck (12) defining an opening (16), the neck (12) comprising an upper annular edge (14) defining an outer edge ( 140) and an internal ridge (146), the opening (16) being defined by an internal wall (161) connected to the upper annular edge (14) by the internal ridge (146), characterized in that at least one recess (15) is provided at the upper annular edge (14), this recess (15) extending over the internal wall (161) interrupting the internal ridge (146), but does not extend to the outer edge (140), so that the upper annular edge (14) is continuous over its entire periphery, including at the level of the recess (15), this recess (15) further forming a bottom (151) defining an edge (156) with the inner wall (161) of the opening (16).

2. Fluid reservoir (R; R ’) according to claim 1 or, wherein two diametrically opposed recesses (15) are provided.

3. Fluid reservoir (R; R ’) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an insert (D; D’; S) engaged in the neck (12) and comprising a fixing sleeve

(M; M '; M ”) disposed in the neck (12), this fixing sleeve (M; M'; M”) comprising at least one flange section (25) which projects radially outwards and which is received in said at least one recess (15) of the neck (12) resting on its bottom (151).

4. Fluid reservoir (R; R ') according to claim 4, wherein the flange section (25) is received substantially without rotational play in its respective recess (15).

5. Fluid reservoir (R; R ’) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the fixing sleeve (M) is pierced with at least one vent hole (22).

6. Fluid reservoir (R; R ’) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the fixing sleeve (M’) comprises two opposite flats (241 ’) between the flange sections (25).

7. Fluid product reservoir (R; R ') according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the fixing sleeve (M) comprises vertical reinforcement and venting ribs (23) at the neck (12). .

8. fluid reservoir (R; R ') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing sleeve (M; M') is provided with a decorative element (27) which has a span greater than the diameter of the internal wall (161) of the neck (12).

9. Fluid reservoir (R; R ’) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a flexible bag (27’) is integral with the fixing sleeve (M ”).

10. Fluid product dispenser comprising a fluid product reservoir (R; R ') according to any one of the preceding claims and a dispensing member (P; B'), such as a pump or a plug, mounted so waterproof on the upper annular edge (14) of the neck (12).