EP4064927B1 - Device for dispensing a liquid or pasty product - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

The present presentation concerns a device for dispensing a liquid or pasty product, and more particularly a dispensing device comprising a mother bottle and a daughter bottle refillable from the mother bottle. Such a device can in particular be used to distribute a cosmetic, care or perfumery product, in particular perfume.

Prior art

Users of cosmetic products are increasingly demanding small capacity packaging, whether to take up less space in their belongings when they are on the move or to comply with new regulations imposing maximum volumes for air travel. .

The patent EP 1 744 955 B1 thus describes a relatively small bottle, which can be refilled by coupling it to a larger bottle. To do this, the spray head of the large bottle is removed to reveal the pump rod of the large bottle dispensing mechanism. The pump rod is inserted into an opening of the small bottle and pushed towards the small bottle so as to trigger the passage of liquid from the large bottle to the small bottle.

Such a device, however, has several disadvantages: using the large bottle is impractical, because it requires often removing or replacing the spray head, depending on whether you wish to use the large bottle alone or as a refill for the small bottle. In addition, the aesthetics and stability of the assembly during charging can be improved. Moreover, EP 1 588 775 describes an assembly for packaging and dispensing a product comprising a container and a refillable unit. The refillable unit is stationary in the container and can be recharged by sucking up the product contained in the container.

There is therefore a need for a new type of distribution device.

Presentation of the invention

For this purpose, the present presentation concerns a device for dispensing a liquid or pasty product, in particular a cosmetic product, comprising a daughter bottle, a mother bottle and a refill mechanism, in which the daughter bottle is provided with a dispensing member and a daughter part of the refill mechanism, the mother bottle is provided with a mother part of the refill mechanism and defines a housing for removably receiving the daughter bottle, said daughter part being configured to couple to said mother part when the daughter bottle is received in the housing, the refill mechanism then being able to refill the daughter bottle with product from the mother bottle, the dispensing device being configured to transmit an actuation force from the dispensing member to actuate the recharging mechanism, the force necessary for actuation of the dispensing member being greater than or equal to the force necessary for actuation of the recharging mechanism.

For the purposes of this presentation, a cosmetic product can be, in the broad sense, a product intended to produce a visual effect on a person, but also a perfumery or care product. A liquid or pasty product designates a formula that is sufficiently fluid to be distributed by the dispensing device.

For the purposes of this presentation, a bottle is a container of any shape, capable of containing said product in a sealed manner with the exception of openings deliberately provided.

The mother bottle can be larger than the daughter bottle. The daughter bottle can be received partially or completely in the housing, that is to say that at least 30% of the volume of the daughter bottle is inside the housing, preferably at least 40%, preferably at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, preferably at least 70%, preferably at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, preferably the entire daughter bottle, possibly with the exception of its dispensing member.

Furthermore, the capacity (or capacity) of the mother bottle, that is to say the volume of product that the mother bottle can contain, may be greater than or equal to the capacity of the daughter bottle.

When coupled to each other, the mother bottle and the daughter bottle together define a refill mechanism, a mother part of which is provided on the mother bottle and a daughter part is provided on the daughter bottle. The refill mechanism is configured to transfer product from the mother bottle towards the daughter bottle. The coupling between the daughter part and the mother part of the refill mechanism is removable, so that after refilling the daughter bottle, the daughter bottle can be removed from the housing and then transported away from the mother bottle.

The daughter bottle dispensing member is configured to distribute product from the daughter bottle under the effect of an actuation force. The distribution member can be of the pump or valve type, for example. In these examples, during distribution, the product passes through the distribution member.

As indicated previously, when the daughter bottle is received in the housing of the mother bottle and the daughter part of the refill mechanism coupled to the mother part of said mechanism, an actuation force from the dispensing member of the daughter bottle is transmitted to the mechanism charging and activates the charging mechanism. Thanks to the fact that the force necessary to actuate the dispensing member is greater than or equal to the force necessary to actuate the recharging mechanism, when the dispensing member is actuated, the force is transmitted to the recharging mechanism and activates the recharging mechanism before being sufficient to operate the dispensing member, or simultaneously. Thus, the refill mechanism is actuated before or at the same time as the dispensing member, which guarantees the refilling of the daughter bottle with product when the distribution of product from the daughter bottle is carried out. For the user, these two actions are carried out in the same gesture and everything happens as if the dispensing member of the daughter bottle made it possible to distribute product from the mother bottle.

Therefore, the present dispensing device makes it possible to consume the product from the mother bottle when the daughter bottle is received in the housing and the mother and daughter parts of the refill mechanism coupled to each other. Thus, a separate dispensing head is not necessary for the mother bottle, which makes its use more ergonomic. The housing also ensures a stable and aesthetic coupling between the mother bottle and the daughter bottle.

The dispensing member is configured to deliver product from the daughter bottle under the action of pressure from a user. Thus, the dispensing device is easy to use. The pressure can be an axial pressure exerted in the longitudinal direction of the daughter bottle. The user can exert pressure directly on the organ of distribution, so that the distribution device can be without a mechanical transmission member.

When the daughter bottle is received in the housing, the refill mechanism is provided to actuate in response to the movement of the daughter bottle in the housing under the effect of said pressure.

Thus, in these embodiments, the pressure exerted by the user first sets the daughter bottle in motion in the housing, which activates the recharging mechanism, then, when the pressure becomes sufficient, for example at the end of the stroke of the recharging mechanism, the pressure exerted by the user activates the dispensing member.

In these embodiments, the same pressure jointly allows the actuation of the dispensing member (delivery of product from the daughter bottle) and the actuation of the refill mechanism (refilling of the daughter bottle from the mother bottle).

In some embodiments, the parent portion of the charging mechanism includes a pump whose outlet is configured to engage a port in the daughter portion of the charging mechanism. Particularly, the pump outlet can take the form of a rod.

In certain embodiments, the distribution device comprises sealing means provided between the mother part and the daughter part of the recharging mechanism. The sealing means, such as a flat, annular, O-ring, tight coupling between the mother part and the daughter part, etc., can be carried by the mother part and/or by the daughter part.

In certain embodiments, when the daughter bottle is received in the housing, a wall of the daughter bottle rests on an actuation portion of the refill mechanism. In particular, said actuation portion can be provided in the mother part of the recharging mechanism. Thus, the refill mechanism can be actuated by a movement of the daughter bottle, or more generally of said wall, said wall then pressing on the actuation portion.

In some embodiments, the daughter portion of the recharging mechanism includes a sealing valve such as a check valve. So, the product does not leak through the opening provided in the daughter part of the recharging mechanism.

In some embodiments, the seal valve is configured to open under product pressure from the mother bottle. The seal valve may be configured to remain closed when the product pressure from the mother bottle is below a predetermined threshold.

In certain embodiments, the refill mechanism and the dispensing member are dimensioned so that the volume of product injected into the daughter bottle by the refill mechanism in one actuation is less than or, preferably, equal to the volume of product distributed by the distribution member in one actuation. For quantitative considerations, we call actuation a complete stroke of the recharging mechanism or the distribution member. Thus, the aforementioned volumes are the maximum volumes that the recharging mechanism and the actuator can deliver.

Thanks to these characteristics, we prevent the volume of product injected into the daughter bottle by the refill mechanism from generating excess pressure in the daughter bottle. When the volumes are equal, the product refilled from the mother bottle aims to replace the same volume of the product immediately consumed due to the dispensing device. Thus, refilling the daughter bottle is particularly effective.

In certain embodiments, the daughter part of the refill mechanism is provided, on the daughter bottle, opposite the dispensing member. Typically, on a bottle extending in a longitudinal direction, for example from bottom to top, the daughter part of the refill mechanism can be provided at the lower end while the dispensing member can be provided at the upper end . The daughter part of the recharging mechanism can therefore be easily hidden from the user and coupled to the mother part, while the dispensing member remains easily accessible to the user.

In certain embodiments, the daughter bottle comprises a reservoir intended to accommodate the product, said reservoir being non-deformable. Thus, the volume accommodating the product, that is to say the capacity of the reservoir, is constant throughout distributions and refills, as opposed to a deformable bag or a piston reservoir.

In some embodiments, the mother bottle includes a cover around the refill mechanism. The cache can hide the device refill, and/or the interior of the housing, in view from outside the mother bottle. The cover can be opaque or translucent.

In certain embodiments, the daughter bottle comprises a reservoir intended to accommodate the product, the wall of the reservoir having at least one transparent or translucent window. This makes it easy to estimate the amount of product remaining in the tank. The wall of the tank may include several delimited windows, or even form an entire window, for example by being entirely transparent or translucent.

In certain embodiments, the mother bottle includes centering means mounted in the housing. The centering means, for example of the sheath type, ring, protuberance, keying device, etc., make it possible to further stabilize the daughter bottle in the housing in order to make the coupling between the daughter part and the mother part of the refill mechanism more reliable.

In certain embodiments, the reservoir of the daughter bottle has, in its lower portion, a locally reduced cross-sectional area. The lower portion can be, as explained previously, the portion opposite the distribution member. The transverse area is the surface measured transversely to the aforementioned longitudinal direction. Thanks to these arrangements, the quantity of inaccessible product at the bottom of the tank is reduced.

In certain embodiments, the mother bottle does not have an actuator distinct from the daughter bottle; in particular, the mother bottle may be without a dispensing head. Strictly speaking, the mother bottle may include its own dispensing member, integrated into the mother part of the refill mechanism, and itself has an internal actuator, but in normal use, in these embodiments, the user cannot Do not use this internal actuator without using the daughter bottle. Thus, the use of the daughter bottle is essential for the functioning of the mother bottle, the mother bottle cannot be used without the daughter bottle.

• la fourniture d'un dispositif de distribution comprenant un flacon fille, un flacon mère et un mécanisme de recharge, dans lequel le flacon fille est muni d'un organe de distribution et d'une partie fille du mécanisme de recharge, et le flacon mère est muni d'une partie mère du mécanisme de recharge ;
• l'introduction du flacon fille dans un logement du flacon mère de façon à coupler ladite partie fille à ladite partie mère, le mécanisme de recharge étant alors apte à recharger le flacon fille en produit depuis le flacon mère ;
• l'actionnement du mécanisme de recharge et de l'organe de distribution par une même force d'actionnement appliquée à l'organe de distribution et transmise au mécanisme de recharge.

This presentation also relates to a process for distributing a liquid or pasty product, in particular a cosmetic product, comprising:

• the provision of a dispensing device comprising a daughter bottle, a mother bottle and a refill mechanism, in which the daughter bottle is provided with a dispensing member and a daughter part of the refill mechanism, and the mother bottle is provided with a mother part of the charging mechanism;
• the introduction of the daughter bottle into a housing of the mother bottle so as to couple said daughter part to said mother part, the refill mechanism then being able to refill the daughter bottle with product from the mother bottle;
• the actuation of the recharging mechanism and the dispensing member by the same actuation force applied to the dispensing member and transmitted to the recharging mechanism.

This method can use a distribution device having all or part of the characteristics previously described. By applying a single actuation force, the user activates both the refill mechanism and the dispensing member, thereby dispensing product from the daughter bottle and jointly refilling the daughter bottle from the bottle mother.

• l'introduction du flacon fille dans un logement d'un flacon mère muni d'une partie mère du mécanisme de recharge, de façon à coupler ladite partie fille à ladite partie mère, le mécanisme de recharge étant alors apte à recharger le flacon fille en produit depuis le flacon mère ;
• l'actionnement du mécanisme de recharge par une force d'actionnement appliquée à une partie du flacon fille différente de l'organe de distribution.

The present presentation also relates to a method for refilling a daughter bottle with a liquid or pasty product, in particular a cosmetic product, in which the daughter bottle is provided with a dispensing member and a daughter part with a refill mechanism. , the recharge process comprising:

• introducing the daughter bottle into a housing of a mother bottle provided with a mother part of the refill mechanism, so as to couple said daughter part to said mother part, the refill mechanism then being able to refill the daughter bottle in produced from the mother bottle;
• the actuation of the refill mechanism by an actuation force applied to a part of the daughter bottle different from the dispensing member.

The recharging method can use a distribution device having all or part of the characteristics previously described. Thanks to such a process, a user can easily refill the daughter bottle after nomadic use of the daughter bottle independent of the mother bottle.

In some embodiments, the actuation force is applied to a cap of the daughter bottle.

Brief description of the drawings

• [Fig. 1] La figure 1 est une vue en perspective éclatée d'un dispositif de distribution selon un mode de réalisation.
• [Fig. 2] La figure 2 est une vue en couple longitudinale d'un dispositif de distribution selon le même mode de réalisation.

Other characteristics and advantages of the subject of the present presentation will emerge from the following description of embodiments, given by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended figures.

• [ Fig. 1 ] There figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a dispensing device according to one embodiment.
• [ Fig. 2 ] There figure 2 is a longitudinal couple view of a distribution device according to the same embodiment.

detailed description

A distribution device according to one embodiment will be presented with reference to the figures 1 And 2 . The dispensing device 10 comprises a daughter bottle 20 and a mother bottle 60.

The daughter bottle 20 includes a reservoir 22 (see the figure 2 ) intended to accommodate a liquid or pasty product, in particular a cosmetic, perfumery or care product. In this case, the reservoir 22, non-deformable, is formed by a tubular body 24, here of revolution, extending around an axis X defining a longitudinal direction. A radial direction is a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X and intersecting this direction. Likewise, an axial plane is a plane containing the axis X of the tank 22 and a radial plane is a plane perpendicular to this axis.

In this presentation, the terms upper, lower, top, bottom are to be understood in a relative sense only, with reference to the figures. They make it possible to distinguish two essentially opposite locations. In particular, the line connecting a “high” point to a “low” point, in this case the longitudinal direction X, is not necessarily vertical in the usual sense of the term.

The body 24 can be made of any material compatible with the desired liquid or pasty product, for example made of plastic such as a deformable or non-deformable thermoplastic material, glass, metal, or any other material known to those skilled in the art. . In this embodiment, the body 24 is made of a transparent material. In this case, the body 24 is made by injection, which makes it possible to easily create the desired reliefs, in particular, as will be seen later, a hooking part 26 for a distribution member 28.

The daughter bottle 20 may include a masking cap 30 here taking the form of an opaque cylinder, for example made of aluminum. The masking cap 30 is configured to fit onto the body 24 in order to mask its interior. However, the masking cover 30 can be hollowed out in places, for example to form a window 32 which allows you to see, through the transparent body 24, the level of product remaining in the reservoir 22. For a better appreciation of this level, the window 32 can be extended in the direction of gravity in normal use of the device, that is to say here in the longitudinal direction tank 22 has at least one transparent window 32. In other embodiments, the window 32 could be translucent, either due to the material of the body 24, or thanks to an additional material provided in the recess of the masking cover 30.

At one end, here its upper end, the body 24 is closed by a distribution member 28. In this case, the distribution member 28 comprises a pump 28a, the detail of which, known to those skilled in the art, is not is not shown. The pump 28a can be associated with a dip tube 28b, here flexible, extending towards the opposite end of the reservoir 22.

The distribution member 28 can be assembled to the body 24 by any suitable means, preferably waterproof. In this case, a flange 28c is provided to engage with the aforementioned attachment part 26, here by snap-fastening, the attachment part 26 being able to form a radial recess configured to receive a radial protuberance of the flange 28c.

The dispensing member 28 can be actuated, to deliver product from the daughter bottle, in a manner known per se, by axial pressure (that is to say in the longitudinal direction X) on a dispensing head 28d of pump 28a. Typically, the pump 28a then sucks up the product contained in the reservoir 22, via the dip tube 28b, and delivers it via the distribution head 28d.

The daughter bottle 20 may include a decorative hoop 48, for example to mask the fixing of the dispensing member 28 on the body 24. The hoop 48 can be metallic. The hoop can be assembled to the rest of the daughter bottle, for example to the collar 28c, by means known per se, for example by tightening. Furthermore, as appears from the figure 2 , the hoop 48 can cooperate, here thanks to external protuberances 48a, with a cap 80 of the distribution device 10, which will be described subsequently. The protuberances 48a can also be used to hold a travel cap, aimed at closing the single daughter bottle 20.

As indicated previously, the daughter bottle 20 also comprises the daughter part of a refill mechanism comprising a daughter part and a mother part. The mother part of the charging mechanism will be described later. In this case, the daughter part of the refill mechanism (or more simply "daughter part") is provided, on the daughter bottle 20, opposite the dispensing member 28. In this embodiment, the part girl closes the lower extremity of the body 24.

The daughter part of the recharging mechanism comprises a bottom 34 defining an orifice 36. The bottom 34 can be assembled to the body 24 by any suitable means, preferably waterproof. In this case, the bottom 34 comprises a peripheral skirt 34a whose radially external surface defines bosses 34b, here circumferential, intended to ensure tightening against the radially internal surface of the body 24 and, consequently, to guarantee both the maintaining and sealing the connection between the bottom 34 and the body 24.

The bottom 34 further comprises a base 34c closing the inside of the skirt 34a. In this embodiment, the base 34c has a flared shape towards the end of the body 24, which has the following double effect: on the one hand, inside the tank 22, in the lower portion of the tank 22, the cross-sectional area is locally reduced, in order to concentrate the remaining product; on the other hand, outside the reservoir 22, the flared shape is adapted to receive the mother part of the recharging mechanism, which will be described subsequently.

In this case, the base 34c has a stepped shape, formed of several successive radial plates, here coaxial and offset longitudinally relative to each other, connected by tubular sections. Instead of a stepped shape, the flared shape of the base 34c could generally be frustoconical, pyramidal, etc.

The bottom 34 can be formed in one piece, the skirt 34a, the bosses 64b and the base 34c being made from one piece. For example, the bottom 34 can be made of plastic material, for example polyethylene.

The orifice 36 is provided in the base 34c, in this case in its center. As indicated previously, the daughter part of the recharging mechanism may include a sealing valve such as a non-return valve to limit leaks through the orifice 36. In this case, the non-return valve is formed by a ball 38, held against the orifice 36 by a spring 40 mounted in compression between the ball 38, and a pierced cover 42, assembled at the base 34c and forming a support for the spring 40.

The mother bottle 60, for its part, comprises a reservoir 62 intended to accommodate a liquid or pasty product, in particular the same product as the reservoir 22 of the daughter bottle. In this case, the reservoir 62, non-deformable, is formed by a tubular body 64, here with a polygonal base, the body 64 being closed at its lower end. The longitudinal direction of the body 64 merges with the longitudinal direction of the daughter bottle 20 when the mother bottle 60 and the daughter bottle 20 are assembled as will be described subsequently, this is why we will subsequently speak of a single direction longitudinal X for brevity.

The body 64 can be made of any material compatible with the desired liquid or pasty product, for example glass. More generally, the body 64 can be made of a transparent material. In this case, the body 64 is produced by pressing, which makes it possible to control its internal shape with precision.

The body 64 can be at least partially closed, at its open end (upper end), by a cover 66 having an opening 66a. The cover 66 can also be made for example of pressed glass, plastic, metal, etc., possibly in the same material as the body 64. The cover 66 can be made separately from the body 64 due to manufacturing constraints, but is then assembled to the body 64 in a manner known per se, for example by screwing, gluing, welding, clipping, fitting or any other method of assembly conceivable by those skilled in the art. According to a variant using another manufacturing process, the body 64 and the cover 66 could be formed simultaneously, in a single piece.

The cover 66 supports a sheath 68 intended to form a housing 70 for the daughter bottle 20. The sheath 68 may have an interior shape corresponding to the exterior shape of the daughter bottle, in this case a shape extending mainly in the longitudinal direction X and substantially rotationally symmetrical around the longitudinal direction figure 2 , the sheath 68 can be long enough to receive at least 50% of the volume of the daughter bottle 20, in this case almost the entire daughter bottle 20, with the exception of the dispensing member 28 or the minus the elements necessary for its actuation, namely here the distribution head 28d.

The sheath 68 can be supported by the cover 66 by any means conceivable by those skilled in the art. As it appears from the figure 2 particularly, the sheath 68 is here assembled to the cover 66 by snap-fastening, in a manner similar to the assembly of the distribution member 28 on the body 24 described previously. The sheath 68 can be made of a material chosen by those skilled in the art according to their knowledge. In this case, to facilitate snap-fastening, particularly when the cover 66 is made of glass, the sheath 68 can be made of a plastic material such as an ionomer (for example of the Surlyn type, registered trademark), a polyterephthalate of ethylene (PET), a polyolefin, etc. Alternatively, the sheath 68 can be made of any other material conceivable by those skilled in the art, for example wood or metal.

The sheath 68 can be opened at its upper end to allow the insertion and removal of the daughter bottle 20 in the housing 70. Thus, thanks to the sheath 68 in this embodiment, the mother bottle 60 defines a housing 70 for receiving removable manner the daughter bottle 20. Optionally, the sheath 68 may comprise on its radially internal face ribs 68a, for example longitudinal, intended to come into contact with the exterior of the daughter bottle 20 in order to improve the stability of the daughter bottle 20 in the housing 70. In addition, the sheath 68 or more generally the housing 70 can be completed by a centering ring 74, here located at the entrance to the housing 70. The centering ring 74 can, for example by means of elastic tabs 74a projecting towards the housing 70, making the positioning of the daughter bottle 20 in the housing 70 even more reliable.

At its lower end, the sheath 68 can be closed by a bottom 68b, here transverse, supporting a mother part of the recharging mechanism. Thus, the mother bottle 60 is provided with a mother part of the refill mechanism.

More particularly, in this embodiment, the mother part of the recharging mechanism comprises a pump 72. The pump 72 can be assembled at the bottom 68b of the sheath 68 by any means conceivable by those skilled in the art, for example by snap-fastening. The pump 72, or more generally the mother part of the recharging mechanism, forms an interface between the interior of the reservoir 62, defined in a sealed manner between the body 64 of the mother bottle 60, the cover 66 and the sheath 68, and the exterior of the reservoir 62.

Furthermore, the mother bottle 60 may include a cover 76 around the refill mechanism. In this embodiment, the cover 76 is a separate part from the sheath 68, of tubular shape corresponding to that of the sheath 68 and mounted forcibly on the sheath 68, where it can be retained by ribs 68c, here longitudinal, provided on the radially outer face of the sheath 68. Alternatively, the cover 76 and the sheath 68 could be assembled in another way, or even form a single part. However, two separate parts, as illustrated, have the advantage of facilitating manufacturing and making it possible to use different materials; in this case, the cover 76 can be made of metal, in particular for aesthetic reasons. Other materials, opaque or not, can be considered. Furthermore, the presence of the ribs 68c provides a spacing between the sheath 68 and the cover 76. This spacing avoids the trapping of residual air, which would be between the bottom 68b and the lower end of the cover 76, during the introduction of the daughter bottle 20 into the housing 70. Indeed, such imprisonment would be likely to result in an overflow of product from the mother bottle 60.

There figure 2 shows that the cover 76 is located inside the reservoir 62 of the mother bottle and that, moreover, the cover 76 extends, on the side of the pump 72, beyond the sheath 68. More precisely, the cover 76 here extends longitudinally beyond the pump 72. Thus, the cover 76, located radially outside the sheath 68, hides from view the main part of the recharging mechanism, namely the pump 76, but also, as seen on the figure 2 , the interior of the sheath 68, therefore the daughter part received in the housing 70. In this, the mother bottle 60 includes a cover 76 around the refill mechanism.

The mother bottle 60 may include a decorative ring 78, for example to mask the fixing of the cover 66, the sheath 68 and/or the centering ring 74. The ring 78 may be metallic. The hoop can be assembled to the rest of the mother bottle, for example to the lid 66, by means known per se, for example by tightening. Furthermore, as appears from the figure 2 , the hoop 78 can cooperate, here thanks to external protuberances 78a, with a cap 80 so as to keep it assembled to the mother bottle 60.

As seen previously, the daughter bottle 20 is autonomous with regard to its distribution, the dispensing member 28 making it possible to deliver the product contained in the reservoir 22. However, when the user is not traveling or when he wishes to refill the daughter bottle 20, he can insert the daughter bottle 20 into the housing 70 of the mother bottle 60, thus obtaining the configuration illustrated on the figure 2 .

In this configuration, the daughter bottle 20 is received in the housing 70 and the daughter part of the refill mechanism is coupled to the mother part of the refill mechanism, whereby the refill mechanism is formed and made operational. In this case, the outlet 72a of the pump 72 engages in the orifice 36 of the daughter part of the refill mechanism, which defines a continuous channel from the reservoir 62 of the mother bottle 60 to the reservoir 22 of the daughter bottle 20, via the pump 72 and its outlet 72a, the orifice 36, the non-return valve comprising the ball 38, the spring 40 and the pierced cover 42. Thus, the refill mechanism is capable of refilling the daughter bottle 20 with product from the mother bottle 60.

The shoulders formed by the stepped base 34c, or more generally a wall of the daughter bottle 20, can rest on an actuation portion of the refill mechanism, in this case an actuation portion of the pump 72, as illustrated on the figure 2 . In addition to its capacity to transmit an actuation force, this support forms a sealing means between the mother part and the daughter part.

When the user wishes to dispense product, the cap 80 being removed, he can exert longitudinal pressure on the dispensing head 28d. He in return feels a resistance linked on the one hand to the actuation threshold of the distribution member 28, on the other hand to the actuation threshold of the pump 72. To the extent that the force necessary for the actuation of the distribution member 28 is greater than or equal to the force necessary for actuation of the recharging mechanism, the pressure of the user first overcomes the resistance of the recharging mechanism, and therefore first causes a longitudinal translation of the whole 20 girl bottle, down in the orientation of the figure 2 . This translation causes, by cooperation of the base 34c and the pump 72, the actuation of the pump 72 and, consequently, the transfer of product from the reservoir 62 of the mother bottle 60 to the reservoir 22 of the daughter bottle 20, the pressure of the product coming from the mother bottle 60 being sufficient to open the non-return valve, that is to say move the ball 38 against the spring 40. Thus, the actuation force of the dispensing member 28 (here the user's pressure) is transmitted, via the movement of the daughter bottle 20 in the housing 70, to actuate the refill mechanism.

The calibration of the actuation force of the distribution member 28 and the recharging mechanism can, in this case, be carried out by dimensioning the stiffnesses of the respective springs, or any other equivalent element, of the pump 28a and the pump 72. Typically, if the pump 72 of the recharging mechanism and the pump 28a of the dispensing member 28 are otherwise identical, the stiffness of the spring of the pump 28a of the dispensing member 28 will be greater than or equal to the stiffness of the pump spring 72 of the recharging mechanism.

The user continuing to exert pressure, the daughter bottle 20 arrives at the bottom of the housing 70 and/or at the end of the stroke of the pump 72. As a result, the pressure exerted by the user then exceeds the resistance of the organ distribution member 28, and ends up actuating the distribution member 28.

• la fourniture d'un dispositif de distribution 10 comprenant un flacon fille 20, un flacon mère 60 et un mécanisme de recharge, dans lequel le flacon fille 20 est muni d'un organe de distribution 28 et d'une partie fille du mécanisme de recharge, et le flacon mère 60 est muni d'une partie mère du mécanisme de recharge ;
• l'introduction du flacon fille 20 dans un logement 70 du flacon mère de façon à coupler ladite partie fille à ladite partie mère, le mécanisme de recharge étant alors apte à recharger le flacon fille 20 en produit depuis le flacon mère 60 ;
• l'actionnement du mécanisme de recharge et de l'organe de distribution 28 par une même force d'actionnement appliquée à l'organe de distribution 28 et transmise au mécanisme de recharge.

This embodiment therefore forms an example of a process for distributing a liquid or pasty product, in particular a cosmetic product, comprising:

• the provision of a dispensing device 10 comprising a daughter bottle 20, a mother bottle 60 and a refill mechanism, in which the daughter bottle 20 is provided with a dispensing member 28 and a daughter part of the refill mechanism , and the mother bottle 60 is provided with a mother part of the refill mechanism;
• introducing the daughter bottle 20 into a housing 70 of the mother bottle so as to couple said daughter part to said mother part, the refill mechanism then being able to refill the daughter bottle 20 with product from the mother bottle 60;
• the actuation of the recharging mechanism and the dispensing member 28 by the same actuation force applied to the dispensing member 28 and transmitted to the recharging mechanism.

As indicated previously, the refill mechanism and the dispensing member 28 can be dimensioned so that the volume of product injected into the daughter bottle 20 by the refill mechanism in one actuation is lower, higher or, preferably, equal to the volume of product distributed by the dispensing member 28 in one actuation. To do this, for example, the capacity of pump 72 can be respectively less, greater than or equal to the capacity of pump 28a.

According to another possible use, to refill the daughter bottle 20 without dispensing product, the user can exert pressure not on the dispensing head 28d but on the body 24 of the daughter bottle 20, for example via the collar 28c or the collar 48 of the daughter bottle 20. For example, a removable cap can be provided, typically serving to protect the dispensing member 28 during portable use of the daughter bottle, allowing the daughter bottle to be pressed, for example on the collar 28c, without activating the distributor 28.

• l'introduction du flacon fille 20 dans un logement 70 d'un flacon mère 60 muni d'une partie mère du mécanisme de recharge, de façon à coupler ladite partie fille à ladite partie mère, le mécanisme de recharge étant alors apte à recharger le flacon fille 20 en produit depuis le flacon mère 60 ;
• l'actionnement du mécanisme de recharge par une force d'actionnement appliquée à une partie du flacon fille 20 différente de l'organe de distribution 28.

This other use therefore forms an example of a process for refilling a daughter bottle 20 with a liquid or pasty product, in particular a cosmetic product, in which the daughter bottle 20 is provided with a dispensing member 28 and a part daughter of a recharging mechanism, the recharging process comprising:

• introducing the daughter bottle 20 into a housing 70 of a mother bottle 60 provided with a mother part of the refill mechanism, so as to couple said daughter part to said mother part, the refill mechanism then being capable of recharging the daughter bottle 20 in product from mother bottle 60;
• the actuation of the refill mechanism by an actuation force applied to a part of the daughter bottle 20 different from the dispensing member 28.

Alternatively, in particular if the actuation thresholds of the dispensing member 28 and the recharging mechanism are sufficiently far from each other, the user can exert a limited pressure on the dispensing head 28d which is sufficient to activate the refill mechanism, and stop exerting this pressure when the daughter bottle 20 reaches the stop; thus, the user releases the pressure on the dispensing head 28d before this pressure is sufficient to actuate the dispensing member 28.

Although the present description refers to specific embodiments, modifications can be made to these examples without departing from the general scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Furthermore, individual features of the different embodiments illustrated or mentioned can be combined in additional embodiments. Therefore, the description and drawings should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Claims (12)

1. A dispensing device (10) for dispensing a liquid or pasty product, in particular a cosmetic product, comprising a daughter bottle (20), a mother bottle (60) and a refill mechanism, wherein the daughter bottle (20) is equipped with a dispensing member (28) and a daughter portion of the refill mechanism, the mother bottle (60) is equipped with a mother portion of the refill mechanism and defines a recess (70) for removably receiving the daughter bottle (20), said daughter portion being configured to couple to said mother portion when the daughter bottle (20) is received in the recess (70), the refill mechanism then being able to refill the daughter bottle (20) with product from the mother bottle (60), the dispensing device being configured to transmit an actuation force of the dispensing member (28) in order to actuate the refill mechanism, the force required for actuating the dispensing member (28) being greater than or equal to the force required for actuating the refill mechanism, and wherein the dispensing member (28) is configured to dispense product from the daughter bottle (20) under the action of pressure from a user, and when the daughter bottle (20) is received in the recess (70), the refill mechanism is designed to actuate in response to the movement of the daughter bottle (20) in the recess (70) under the effect of said pressure.
2. The dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the mother portion of the refill mechanism comprises a pump (72), the outlet (72a) of which is configured to engage in an orifice (36) of the daughter portion of the refill mechanism.
3. The dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the daughter bottle (20) is received in the recess (70), a wall (34c) of the daughter bottle (20) bears on an actuating portion of the refill mechanism.
4. The dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the daughter portion of the refill mechanism comprises a sealing valve such as a non-return valve.
5. The dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the refill mechanism and the dispensing member (28) are dimensioned so that the volume of product injected into the daughter bottle (20) by the refill mechanism in one actuation is less than or equal to the volume of product dispensed by the dispensing member (28) in one actuation.
6. The dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the daughter portion of the refill mechanism is provided, on the daughter bottle (20), opposite the dispensing member (28).
7. The dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the daughter bottle (20) comprises a reservoir (22) intended to receive the product, said reservoir (22) being non-deformable.
8. The dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the mother bottle (60) comprises a cover (76) around the refill mechanism.
9. The dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the daughter bottle (20) comprises a reservoir (22) for receiving the product, the wall (30) of the reservoir (22) having at least one transparent or translucent window (32).
10. A method for distributing liquid or pasty product, in particular cosmetic product, comprising:

    - supplying a dispensing device (10) comprising a daughter bottle (20), a mother bottle (60) and a refill mechanism, wherein the daughter bottle (20) is equipped with a dispensing member (28) for delivering the product from the daughter bottle (20) under the action of pressure from a user and a daughter portion of the refill mechanism, and the mother bottle (60) is equipped with a mother portion of the refill mechanism;

    - introducing the daughter bottle (20) into a recess (70) of the mother bottle so as to couple said daughter portion to said mother portion, the refill mechanism then being able to refill the daughter bottle (20) with product from the mother bottle (60);

    - actuating the refill mechanism and the dispensing member (28) by a same actuating force applied to the dispensing member (28) and transmitted to the refill mechanism, when the daughter bottle (20) is received in the recess (70), the actuation of the refill mechanism taking place in response to the movement of the daughter bottle (20) in the recess (70) under the effect of said pressure.
11. A method for refilling a daughter bottle (20) with liquid or pasty product, in particular with cosmetic product, wherein the daughter bottle (20) is equipped with a dispensing member (28) and a daughter portion of a refill mechanism, wherein the dispensing member (28) is configured to dispense product from the daughter bottle (20) under the action of a pressure from a user, the refill method comprising:

    - introducing the daughter bottle (20) into a recess (70) of a mother bottle (60) equipped with a mother portion of the refill mechanism, so as to couple said daughter portion to said mother portion, the refill mechanism then being suitable for refilling the daughter bottle (20) with product from the mother bottle (60), and when the daughter bottle (20) is received in the recess (70), the refill mechanism is designed to actuate in response to the movement of the daughter bottle (20) in the recess (70) under the effect of said pressure;

    - actuating the refill mechanism by an actuating force applied to a portion of the daughter bottle (20) different from the dispensing member (28).
12. The method for refilling according to claim 11, wherein the actuating force is applied to a cap of the daughter bottle (20).

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