FR2760227A1 - DISTRIBUTION HEAD AND DISPENSER EQUIPPED WITH SUCH A HEAD - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a dispensing head (2), as well as to a dispenser (1) equipped with this head for dispensing a liquid product (P) under pressure comprising: hooking means (14) able to hook onto a reservoir (4) containing the product, the reservoir being provided with a dispensing valve (6) with an emerging stem (8) controlled by lateral tilting, actuating and dispensing means (24) of said product, movable relative to the hooking means (14), the actuating and dispensing means comprising a dispensing orifice (38) and an outlet channel (32, 34) connecting the orifice (38) to the rod (8), and connecting means (25) arranged between the hooking means (14) and the actuation and distribution means (24). The actuating and dispensing means (24) and the connecting means (25) form a single piece, made of elastomeric material, so that said valve (6) can be actuated by pressure applied at any point an outer surface defined by the actuation and distribution means (24), and by the connecting means (25).

Description

The invention relates to a head for dispensing a liquid product,

  in particular a product pressurized using a propellant having improved comfort of use, as well as a dispenser comprising this head. The object of the present invention is, in particular to propose a dispensing head which can be actuated by pressing on any point of its apparent external surface. This dispenser can be used in different fields of application and can be used for dispensing cosmetic products (hairspray, deodorant, hair foam, body milk, depilatory foam, liquid foundation, sun milk, styling gel, self-foaming shaving gel) or dermopharmaceuticals (insect repellent, analgesic or anti-inflammatory), household products, paint, etc.,

  as a liquid, gel, spray or foam.

  Such dispensers comprise, in known manner, a reservoir containing the product and a propellant gas, provided with a dispensing valve equipped with a control rod, a dispensing head comprising a movable part provided with a connection means for put the mobile part in communication with the valve and control the opening of the latter. The connection means is capable of acting on the actuating means of the valve. The mobile part further comprises a conduit passing through the connection means and connecting one end of the valve stem to a dispensing orifice provided in the mobile part. The head further comprises a fixed part such as a retaining hoop, capable of being fixed on the tank and provided for maintaining the mobile part. The moving parts

  and fixed are linked together by elastic connecting means.

  In general, the connection means is constituted by a pin integral with the movable part, and able to cooperate with the valve stem, when using a valve

with emerging stem.

  A distributor of this kind has been described in document FR-A-2 718 720, in the name of the applicant. The latter includes a pressurized product reservoir provided with a lateral tilting valve, and surmounted by a dispensing head. The dispensing head of this dispenser is made in one piece. It comprises a push button provided with the dispensing orifice, connected to a fixing band, by a set of flexible tabs. Thus, a re-entrant zone is formed between the mobile part and the fixed part. The movable part has an extended bearing surface allowing to actuate a distribution valve, of the lateral tilting type, by pressing on any point of the surface of the

mobile part.

  The Applicant has found that the above dispensing head can have the following drawbacks: when the user presses with the finger on the movable part, the latter pivots towards the reservoir, and the finger can be pinched between the fixed hoop and the moving part. In addition, after use, when the dispensing head is rinsed, for example under the tap, a considerable amount of water is trapped, this amount of water pouring out, so

  untimely, when changing the inclination of the dispenser.

  Also known, from document FR-A-2 713 060, also in the name of the applicant, a dispensing head comprising a movable part carrying a porous applicator member, and a fixed part, such as a hoop of fixing, a flexible connection between the mobile and fixed parts being produced by a flexible, continuous veil of small thickness. This dispensing head is made up of two parts and includes an applicator member. To apply the product on a surface, the dispenser is supported on the surface, accompanied by a lateral movement. By this lateral movement, the opening of the

  valve, and product distribution.

  The aim of the present invention is to perfect dispensers of the kind described above by improving their comfort of use, in particular by recommending a bearing surface, with a view to triggering the distribution of the product, of an enlarged extent. so that the product can be dispensed by pressing on substantially any point on its surface. In addition, the invention proposes a dispensing head with a smooth surface which does not have any discontinuity, in particular no cutting line or re-entrant part, between movable actuation means and means for fixing the head to the tank. Thanks to the invention, the entire external surface of the head can serve as a product withdrawal surface. In addition, the entire head can be rinsed under the tap, without the risk of trapping water in the space defined by the fixed and movable parts of the head. According to a particular aspect of the invention, the head can be made of a non-slip material, allowing the dispenser to be used

  of the invention, with wet hands.

  In addition, thanks to the invention, it is possible to obtain particularly aesthetic dispensing heads, since the invention allows great freedom

morphological realization.

  The present invention firstly relates to a dispensing head for a liquid product comprising - hooking means able to hang on a reservoir containing the product under pressure, the reservoir being provided with a dispensing valve with rod 'emerging actuation and the opening of which is controlled by lateral tilting of the rod, - actuation and distribution means for said product, movable relative to the hooking means, the actuation and distribution means further comprising , a dispensing orifice and an outlet channel connecting said orifice to the valve stem, - connecting means arranged between the hooking means and the

  means of actuation and distribution.

  According to the invention, the actuation and distribution means and the connection means form a single piece, made of thermoplastic elastomeric material, said valve being able to be actuated by a pressure applied at any point on a defined external surface. by the means

  actuation and distribution and connecting means.

  Typically, the elastomeric material has a Shore A hardness of between 30 and 70. This material is advantageously chosen from silicones, natural or synthetic rubbers, nitrile rubbers, polyurethanes, blends of polypropylene and block copolymers styrene

  - butadiene - styrene, polypropylene and styrene block copolymers -

  ethylene - butylene - styrene, polypropylene and block copolymers

ethylene - propylene - diene.

  According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the attachment means are constituted by a cylindrical hoop forming a single piece with the flexible connection means and the actuation and distribution means, the

  external surface of the head having substantially no reentrant part.

  In this case, the entire dispensing head is made of elastomeric material. To ensure the shape stability necessary for fixing the head to the tank, the attachment means advantageously comprise a cylindrical portion of greater thickness than that of the connecting means. According to another embodiment, the hooking means consist of a cylindrical hoop, made of rigid or semi-rigid thermoplastic material, this hoop, on the one hand, carrying the connecting means and the actuation and distribution and on the other hand, clinging to said reservoir, the

  external surface of the head having substantially no reentrant part.

  To secure the hoop with the elastomer part, it is possible to

  consider bonding or thermal welding of the respective parts.

  o0 However, it is more advantageous to make this connection during molding of the head, for example by a technique of bi-injection of the rigid thermoplastic material to form the hoop, and of the elastomeric material to form the actuation and distribution means. as well as the means of

flexible binding.

  According to another interesting aspect of the invention, the connection means and the actuation and distribution means have a general shape of a dome. Thus, it is possible for the user to control the opening of the dispensing valve by pressing substantially any point on the external surface of the dome. The dome thus formed comprises, the dispensing orifice which is connected by the dispensing channel to the valve stem. This channel advantageously comprises an end part in the form of a pin, capable of fitting onto said valve stem. In this case, the pin consists of a relatively thick wall, required to ensure the shape stability necessary for

Actuation of the valve.

  The constitution of the dispensing orifice depends on the nature of the product to be dispensed and on the desired form of distribution. Thus, to dispense a dose of a relatively viscous product such as a shampoo, a styling gel or a cream, a simple orifice can be produced by molding. When it is desired to distribute a relatively liquid product, such as a hair spray, in the form of a spray in fine droplets (spray), it is desirable to have a nozzle attached at the end of the distribution channel. Thus, commercial swirling or semi-swirling nozzles can be used, making it possible to obtain an improved spray, the droplet size of which is much smaller than the

  io droplet size, produced by a non-vortex nozzle.

  When it is desired to distribute a foaming liquid in the form of a foam, for example a shaving foam or a styling foam, a grid or any other attached device can be placed at the end of the distribution channel,

  to create the desired foam texture.

  The dispensing head thus formed then forms an assembly in one piece (fixed part - movable part). From the industrial point of view, this monobloc realization allows an easy molding, as well as a simple and

economic.

  The present invention also relates to an improved dispenser for dispensing a liquid or gelled product, comprising: - a reservoir containing said product and a propellant, provided with a dispensing valve with an emerging actuating rod and the l opening is controlled by lateral tilting of the rod, and a distribution head covering said reservoir, this distribution head being

as previously described.

  3o Thanks to the present invention, it is possible to produce dispensing heads allowing great freedom of realization from the morphological point of view of the head. To better understand the object of the present invention, we will describe, by way of purely illustrative and in no way limiting, an embodiment

  shown in the accompanying figures.

  Figure 1 is a partial axial section of a distributor according to a first

  embodiment of the invention, in the rest position.

  Figure 2 is a partial axial section of the dispenser of Figure 1 during distribution. Figure 3 is a partial axial section of a dispenser according to a second embodiment of the invention, the dispensing head and its fixing band

  being made of the same material.

  FIG. 4 represents a view in partial axial section of a dispenser according to another embodiment of the invention, the dispensing head

  being fitted with an attached spray nozzle.

  FIG. 5 represents a view in partial axial section of a dispenser according to another embodiment of the invention, the dispensing head being provided with an attached grid, this dispenser being designed for dispensing

of a foaming product.

  0o Referring to Figures 1 and 2 attached, we can see a liquid product dispenser generally designated by the reference 1. The dispenser 1 includes a dispensing head 2, a valve holder cup 3 fitted to a reservoir 4, generally cylindrical, pressurized with a propellant, and having a longitudinal X axis of symmetry. The tank 4

  contains a liquid or gelled product P, for example cosmetic or dermo-

  pharmaceutical, to be distributed in the form of a thread jet, spray, gel or foam, the product P being pressurized using an appropriate propellant G. If necessary, it is possible to use a reservoir in which is placed a pocket containing the product to be dispensed, the propellant gas being disposed outside the pocket. It is also possible to use a cylindrical reservoir in which the product is placed, separate from the propellant gas by means of a movable piston. Such a device is described, for example,

in document FR-A- 2 731 683.

  The tank 4 is a cylindrical aluminum canister of circular cross section,

  whose apex 4b is shaped like a warhead. The top 4b carries the cup holder

  valve 3 which is fixed to the reservoir by a crimping bead 4c. In the cup 3, is fixed by expansion, a distribution valve 6, this valve comprising an actuating rod 8 emerging, actuable by lateral tilting. The valve 6 is connected to a dip tube 10 communicating with the product P. The junction area of the warhead 4b with the cylindrical wall 4a of the reservoir comprises a peripheral groove 12. This groove 12 is used for fixing the dispensing head 2. For this purpose, the dispensing head 2 comprises a cylindrical hoop 14, provided at its lower end with an internal bead 16 which cooperates with the groove 12 of the reservoir. On the side opposite to the bead 16, the hoop 14 has a peripheral recess 18, formed by a cylindrical part 20 of smaller diameter than the diameter of the hoop 14. In the recess 18 is disposed, in a removable manner, a protective cover 22 The hoop 14, with the cylindrical part 20, is made of a material

  relatively rigid thermoplastic, for example polypropylene.

  The cylindrical part 20 is connected to a deformable dome 24, by means of a junction zone 25. The dome 24 is substantially in the shape of a hemisphere and constitutes an actuation button for opening the valve. The dome 24 is made of an elastomeric material, for example a

  mixture of propylene and styrene - ethylene butylene block copolymer -

  styrene. Advantageously, the hoop 14 and the dome 24 are produced by bi-injection of the

two corresponding materials.

  The base of the dome 24 consists of an annular part 26, itself

  adjoining part 20 of hoop 14.

  The dome 24 has internally a hollow central pin 28. Its free end is provided with a bore 30, capable of fitting onto the valve stem 8. The pin 28 io is crossed by an axial channel 32 of a conduit d routing which is connected to a transverse or radial channel 34 leading to the distribution orifice 38. The transverse channel 34 and the orifice 38 of central axis Y form an obtuse angle t with the axis X of the reservoir 3. The pin 28 has a relatively large diameter, which

  provides the shape stability necessary to cooperate with the valve stem.

  According to the embodiment considered, it should be noted that an area of slight

  depression 36 is provided, at the bottom of which is the orifice 38.

  To dispense a dose of product, the user grasps the dispenser 1 substantially at the level of the hoop 14. Whatever the angular position of the dispenser, the user places his index finger at any point on the surface of the dome 24 or of the junction zone 25, by exerting pressure in the direction of the X axis, as symbolized by the arrow F (see FIG. 2). The pressure F exerted by the user causes a deformation of the dome 24, which causes an inclination of the pin 28 and the valve stem 8. The valve is then opened and product P is dispensed. When the product P is, for example a gelled composition, it accumulates in the depression 36 and its surroundings, where it can be removed, by the user under proper conditions. When the pressure F on the dome ceases, the latter returns, by elasticity, to its initial shape, drives the pin 28 in the axial position and causes the valve to close. The depression 36 at the bottom of which is disposed the dispensing orifice 38, is provided to prevent the user inadvertently placing the finger on said orifice 38. It is understood that it is not necessary to achieve vacuum 36. After use, the dispensing head can be rinsed under the tap, without risk of entrapment

  of water inside the dispensing head.

  Figure 3 shows a dispenser 101 according to a second embodiment of the invention. The corresponding parts from those of the previous realization

  have reference numbers increased by 100. Their description does not

  will only be partially included, so as to highlight only the differences. According to FIG. 3, the dispensing head 102 is carried by a hoop 114 molded integrally with the dome 124 in a single elastomeric material. To be able to ensure good holding of the head on the container 104, relative to the hoop 14 of FIG. 1, the hoop 114 has a greater wall thickness. Thus, any risk of separation can be avoided during

  actuation of the valve stem 108.

  Figure 4 shows a dispenser 201, according to another embodiment of the invention. The corresponding parts of those of the embodiment of Figure 1

  have reference numbers increased by 200. Their description does not

  will only be partially included, so as to highlight only the differences. According to FIG. 4, the dispensing head 202 includes a dome 224 in which a depression 236 is formed. At the bottom of this depression 236 is formed an annular recess 242 intended to accommodate a vortex nozzle 240. A distribution channel, comprising a axial part 232 and a radial part 234, places the valve stem 208 in communication with a spray orifice 238 arranged in the nozzle 240. The distributor 201 is suitable, in particular, for dispensing a relatively fluid product such as a lacquer for hair. FIG. 5 shows a dispenser 301 according to another embodiment of the invention. The corresponding parts of those of the embodiment of Figure 4

  have reference numbers increased by 100. Their description does not

  will only be partially taken over. Compared to the dispenser of FIG. 4, the dispenser 301 does not have a spray nozzle, but an insert in the form of a grid 340 provided with a flange 344. The grid has a multitude of openings 338. According to the figure 5, the dispensing head 302 has a recess 342, for example of circular or rectangular shape, in which the edge of the grid 340 is embedded. A dispensing channel 332, 334 connects the valve stem 308 with an expansion chamber 335 located right behind the grid 340. The distributor 301 is suitable, in particular, for the distribution of a foaming product, such as a shaving foam. After product distribution and expansion in chamber 335, aerated foam builds up

  on the external surface of the grid 340, where it can be removed.

Claims (9)

  1 - Dispensing head (2 ... 302) of a liquid product (P) comprising hooking means (14 ... 314) able to hang on a tank (4 ... 304) containing the product under pressure, the reservoir being provided with a dispensing valve (6) with an actuating rod (8 ... 308) emerging and the opening of which is controlled by lateral tilting of the rod, - actuating means and distribution (24 ... 324) of said product, movable relative to the hooking means (14 ... 314), the actuation and distribution means comprising, in addition, a distribution orifice (38. .. 338) and an outlet channel (32 ... 332; 34 ... 334) connecting said orifice to the valve stem (8 ... 308), - connecting means (25 ... 325) arranged between the means   attachment (14 ... 314) and the actuation and distribution means (24 ... 1 5 324),   characterized in that the actuation and distribution means (24 324) and the connection means (25 ... 325) form a single piece, made of thermoplastic elastomeric material, said valve (6) being actuable by pressure applied at any point on a defined external surface   by the actuation and distribution means and the connecting means.   2 - Dispensing head according to claim 1, characterized in that the hooking means (114) form a single piece with the connecting means (125) and the actuation and distribution means (124), the external surface of the head having substantially no reentrant part, the attachment means comprising a cylindrical portion of greater thickness   important than that of the connecting means and capable of covering said reservoir (104).   3 - Dispensing head according to claim 1, characterized in that the attachment means are constituted by a cylindrical hoop (14, 214, 314), made of rigid or semi-rigid thermoplastic material, this hoop, on the one hand , carrying the connection means (25, 225, 325) and the actuation and distribution means (24, 224, 324) and on the other hand, clinging to said reservoir (4, 204, 304), the surface external of the head showing substantially no part re-entering.   4 - Dispensing head according to claim 3, characterized in that it is produced by bi-injection of the rigid thermoplastic material to form the hoop (14, 214, 314) and the elastomeric material to form the actuation means and distribution (24, 224, 324) as well as the connecting means (25, 225, 325).   - Dispensing head according to any one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that the elastomeric material has a Shore A hardness between 30 and 70.   6 - Dispensing head according to any one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that the elastomeric material is chosen from silicones, natural or synthetic rubbers, nitrile rubbers, polyurethanes, blends of polypropylene and styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers, polypropylene and styrene block copolymers - ethylene - butylene - styrene, polypropylene and block copolymers ethylene - propylene - diene.   7 - Dispensing head according to any one of the preceding claims,   io characterized in that the connecting means (25 ... 325) and the means   actuation and distribution (24 ... 324) have a dome shape.   8 - Dispensing head according to any one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that the actuation and distribution means (224, 324)   further comprise an attached spray nozzle (238, 338).   9 - Distributor (1 ... 301) for the distribution of a liquid product (P) comprising: - a reservoir (4 ... 304) containing said product and a propellant gas, provided with a distribution valve (6 ) with an actuating rod (8 ... 308) emerging and the opening of which is controlled by lateral tilting of the rod, and - a dispensing head (2 ... 302) covering said reservoir, characterized in that said dispensing head conforms to any one of the preceding claims.   10 - Distributor according to claim 9, characterized in that the product (P) is gel or foaming liquid.