FR2801040A1 - Dispenser for viscous liquids has screw action casing which twists internal bag to dispense contents - Google Patents

Abstract

the dispenser for viscous materials has a shell in two sections (3,4) which are rotatably connected. The shell contains a bag for holding the paste with a dispensing valve. The two shell halves are rotated with respect to each other to cause the bag to twist and compress the contents for dispensing. The shell can have an anti-return catch to prevent the sections releasing the bag.

Description

 RECIPIENT <U> DEFLATABLE INTERNAL FLUID FLUID DISPENSER, <U> AND ITS MANUFACTURING </ U> METHOD. The present invention relates to deformable inner pouch fluid dispensing containers, and methods of making same.

There are many types of fluid dispensing containers including a deformable inner bag whose compression allows the release of the fluid it encloses.

The containers can be divided into two categories according to the compression mode of the internal bag, those in which the compression is effected by the expansion of a pressurized gas contained in the space between an external rigid bottle and the flexible bag, and those in which the compression is performed by a mechanical action exerted on the flexible bag containing the fluid to be dispensed.

For the purposes of environmental protection, compressed gas containers are gradually replaced by non-gas dispensing containers, that is to say by mechanically actuated devices.

It is to this latter category that the present invention relates.

More particularly, the invention relates to a fluid dispensing container, intended in particular for dispensing liquid or pasty fluids, and comprising - a substantially rigid outer shell, which delimits a hollow interior space and which extends along. a central axis, this outer shell comprising first and second rotary shell elements relative to each other about the central axis, - a deformable pocket which is contained at least partially in the interior volume of the outer shell which delimits a closed interior volume intended to contain the fluid to be dispensed, this pocket extending along the central axis between first and second ends, the first pocket end being integral with the first shell element, said pocket cooperating with at least one part of the outer shell so as to be deformed in a direction corresponding to a compression of the interior volume of said pocket when first and second shell elements undergo relative rotation in an angular direction of actuation, - and a fluid distribution device mounted the first shell element, which communicates with the interior volume of the pocket and which comprises a fluid outlet.

EP-A-0 406 134 discloses such a dispensing container, in which the bag has a helically folded bellows-shaped side wall which cooperates by screwing effect with the outer shell during relative rotation of the first and second elements of the bag. shell.

This dispensing container is relatively complex and expensive to produce, insofar as the helical folds of the bag must be both rigid enough to cooperate with the shell by screwing effect and sufficiently flexible to allow the deformation of the bag. The present invention is intended to overcome this disadvantage, and to provide a fluid dispenser container having a simple and inexpensive structure.

For this purpose, according to the invention, fluid dispensing container of the kind in question characterized in that the second end of the bag is immobilized in rotation around the central axis relative to the second shell member.

With this arrangement, the relative rotation between the first and second shell members causes a torsion of the pocket, which produces a compression of the interior volume of said pocket to allow or facilitate the distribution of the fluid.

thus obtains a pressurization of the interior volume of the pocket in a particularly simple manner. In preferred embodiments of the invention, it may be possible to make use of one and / or the other of the following provisions: the outer shell comprises a non-return device which allows the relative rotation of the first and second hull elements only in the direction of actuation; the second end of the bag is slidably mounted in the second shell element; - The second end of the pocket forms a rigid bar extending perpendicularly to the central between two ends respectively sliding in two axial grooves formed inside the second shell member; the fluid dispensing device comprises a control member which is movable between a rest position where said device prohibits the exit of the fluid from the other hand, an actuating position where said device delivers fluid from the pocket this control member being in mechanical connection with an actuating member which is itself movable between idle and active positions respectively corresponding to the rest and actuation positions, the control member of the dispensing device, this member actuating element being secured to the first shell element in rotation about the central axis, said actuating member being biased resiliently towards its rest position and cooperating with a circular toothing which is centered on said central axis and comprises at least a tooth, said toothing being integral with the second shell element and each tooth of this toothing having a face in the form of e of ramp adapted to move actuating member by cam effect from the rest position of this actuating member to the active position of said actuating member during the relative rotation of the first and second shell members in the operating direction, a stop face which is adapted to abut against actuating member by preventing relative rotation of the first and second shell members in an angular direction opposite to the angular direction of actuation: the device is thus automatically actuated fluid distribution during the relative rotation of the first and second shell elements at the same time as the internal volume of the pocket is compressed, and the actuating member forms at the same time a non-return ratchet screw to the relative rotation of the first and second shell elements; - The actuator is adapted to hit the outer shell emitting a noise audible by a user when said actuator returns to the rest position arriving at the abutment face of each tooth of the toothing; - The control member of the dispensing device is a control rod sliding along the central axis between its resting and operating positions, and the actuating member is a lever having a first branch extending substantially perpendicularly. to the central axis between on the one hand, first end attached to the first hull element on the other hand, a second end, said first branch being in mechanical connection with the control rod of the dispensing device, and a second branch extending the first branch substantially parallel to the central axis from the second end of the first branch to free end which cooperates with the toothing of the second shell member, which toothing is oriented radially inwardly to angularly move the lever by camming of the ramp-shaped face of each tooth of said toothing, when the first and second th shell elements undergo a relative rotation; - The first end of the first leg of the lever is rigidly secured to the first shell member and is resiliently flexible to allow the angular displacement of the lever; - The first leg of the lever cooperates by simple stop with the control rod of the dispensing device for driving the control rod to its actuating position, said control rod being further biased elastically to its rest position; - The control rod of the dispensing device forms fluid outlet; - The fluid outlet opens at a flexible applicator head carried by the first shell element <B> - </ B> the pocket has a greater resistance to torsion towards its first end than towards its second end; the bag is formed by a side wall and comprises thin and flexible portions separated from each other by stiffer reinforcing strips extending parallel to the central axis from the first end of the bag towards the second end of said pocket, each reinforcing strip having a decreasing stiffness towards the second end of the pocket; each reinforcement strip has a decreasing width from the first end of the pocket to the second end of said pocket.

Furthermore, the subject of the invention is also the method of manufacturing a dispensing container as defined above, in which a pocket twist is imposed on itself at its second end before the first use of said container, way to initiate twisting of the pocket from its second end to its first end.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of one of its embodiments, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings - Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a dispensing container according to one embodiment of the invention, in the storage position (the head down) and before any use, - Figure 2 is a view partial exploded view of the head of the container of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view along line III of FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is a similar one to FIG. 1 showing the dispensing container (FIG. the head up) being actuated by a user, - and Figure 5 is a partial view in cross section along the line V of Figure 4.

In the different figures, the same references designate identical or similar elements.

FIG. 1 shows a dispensing container 1 according to one embodiment of the invention, which constitutes a shaving brush intended to apply a shaving product (foaming or non-foaming gel, foaming cream, etc.).

But of course, the invention could be used in other applications.

In particular, such a container can be used for the distribution of any fluid product, that is to say any product of the liquid state in the pasty state through intermediate states of greater or lesser viscosity. The products that can be dispensed with the container according to the invention can be of any kind, including consumer products, such as hygiene products, cosmetic products such as liquid soaps, body milks, shaving products, food products such as sauces or condiments, or industrial products such as paints, lubricants, glues.

In the example considered here, the dispensing container 1 comprises a substantially rigid outer shell 2, made for example of plastic, which has a generally cylindrical shape of revolution about a central axis X.

This outer shell 2 comprises an outer body 3 which extends along the X axis between the first end 3a, open, and a second end 3b, closed in the example in question, and an actuating ring which closes the first end 3a. the outer body 3 which is rotatably mounted on this end around the X.

In the example considered, the actuating ring 4 has a front face provided with a flexible applicator head for applying the shaving product to the skin of the user, this applicator head being in this case formed by a brush or the like, short-haired (but in other applications of the invention, this applicator head 5 could possibly be different, or even be removed). In addition, a removable closure cap 6, made for example of plastic, can advantageously be adapted to the ring <B> dl </ B> actuation 4. In the example, this cap has a flat bottom 6a: perpendicular to the X axis, which allows to store the container 1 in vertical position upside down on a support surface S, thus facilitating the draining of the applicator head 5 after use. The drying of this head is also facilitated by ventilation holes 6b formed in the cap 6.

In the outer body 3 is inserted a deformable pocket 7 filled with fluid to be dispensed, which extends along the axis X between on the one hand, a first end 7a forming a neck in the vicinity of the actuating ring 4, and secondly, a closed second end 7b, adjacent to the second end of the outer body 3. This pocket 7 is made of any flexible synthetic material compatible with a twist of said pocket itself, to pressurize the fluid contained therein as will be explained below. The pocket 7 may for example be made of polyethylene polypropylene film.

The second end 7b of the pocket 7 advantageously forms a rigid bar, obtained for example by welding or gluing the side wall of the pocket on a transverse reinforcement made of plastic or other material. This rigid bar extends perpendicularly to the X axis between two ends 7c respectively sliding in two diametrically opposite axial grooves 3c, provided on the other hand, for reasons which will be seen below, the side wall of the pocket 7 comprises thin and flexible portions 7d (for example two in number), separated from each other by stiffer reinforcing strips 7 (for example also two in number) in extra thickness, extending parallel to the central axis since first end 7a of the pocket to the vicinity of the second end 7b of said pocket. Each reinforcing strip 7e has a decreasing stiffness towards the second end of the bag, this variation in stiffness being obtained for example by a decreasing width of the strips 7e of the first end of the bag towards the second end of said bag.

Finally, the first end 7a of the closed bag a fluid dispensing device that a valve 8, which is secured to both said first end 7a (for example by crimping a metal ring on the body of the valve and on the end 7a of the bag) and with the actuating ring 4 (for example by gluing a flange 8a of the valve on flats 4a formed at the rear of the front face of the ring 4, as one can see it in Figure 2).

The valve 8 comprises a hollow control rod 9 which extends along the central axis X and which is slidably mounted in the body of said valve, through axial hole 4b formed in the front face of the ring In a manner known per se , the control rod 9 normally held elastically, under the action of an internal spring of the valve (not shown), in a rest position or maximum extension position where the valve 8 is closed. When the control rod 9 is depressed in the valve 8, in an actuating position, said valve opens by placing the inside of the bag 7 in communication with the hollow rod 9.

The valve used in the container according to the invention is of conventional type, such as that described for example in patent FR-A-1 332 802. Alternatively, this valve could be replaced by a metering pump to piston such as that described for example in GB-A-2 091 818, or by any other dispensing device.

Furthermore, the control rod 9 is controlled by an actuating member 10 formed by an elastic lever, made for example of spring steel and comprising - a first leg 11 extending substantially perpendicular to the central axis X between on the one hand, a first end 11a fixed rigidly to the ring 4 and, on the other hand, a second end 11b, said first leg being traversed by the control rod 9 and able to push this rod into the actuating position by pressing a shoulder 9a formed on said rod, and a second leg 12 extending the first leg 11 substantially parallel to the central axis X from the second end 11a the first branch to a free end which cooperates with a toothing 13 formed at the inside the outer body 3.

As shown in FIG. 2, the rigid attachment of the first end 11a of the first leg of the lever can advantageously be obtained by embedding a transverse anchoring bar 14 with a non-circular section, integral with said first end 11a, in complementary holes 15 formed in two half-shells 16, which half-shells are assembled by welding or otherwise in a plane of axial anointing to form the ring 4.

Moreover, the toothing 13 has a plurality of teeth 17 oriented radially inward, for example four in number, as can be seen in FIG. 3. Each tooth 17 of this toothing comprises - a ramp-like face 18 which is adapted to move the end 12a of the lever 10 radially towards the inside by camming effect when the ring 4 is turned in the angular direction of actuation A to a user, as can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, which makes elastically flexing the first leg 11 of the lever 10 from its rest position to an active position where said first leg bears on the shoulder 9a of the control rod and triggers the output of a small amount of product 19 by the rod 9, - and a substantially radial stop face 20 which is adapted to form a stop cooperating with the free end 12a of the lever 10 to prevent rotation of the ring 4 in the opposite angular direction to the direction angular actuation A.

Thus, the lever 10 serves both as a non-return ratchet and as an actuator for the valve 8 when the ring 4 is turned.

In addition, the rotation of the ring 4 also causes torsion of the pocket 7 by forming tendrils 21 (FIG. 4), which always maintains a certain pressure in this pocket at least at the moment when the ring is turned, and this allows consequently, the outlet of the fluid to be dispensed (or which facilitates the distribution of fluid if the valve 8 is replaced by a metering pump).

Thanks to the reinforcing strips 7e of the pocket 7, the torsion of the pocket 7 begins its second end 7b (see Figure 4), which ensures a good flow of the fluid to the valve.

Alternatively, it would be possible to remove the reinforcing strips 7e provided that at the end of the manufacturing process of the dispensing container 1, the pouch itself is deliberately twisted at its second end 7b before first use of said container, in order to initiate twisting of the pocket from its second end in the angular direction corresponding to the rotation of the ring 4.

As the pocket 7 kinks, the end 7b of this pocket rises in the grooves 3a of the outer body 3 towards the first end 7a (FIG. 4).

Advantageously, the lever hits a part of the outer shell 2, for example ring 4, emitting a noise audible by the user when said lever returns to the rest position while arriving at the abutment face 20 of each tooth of the teeth, which makes it possible to signal to the user that he has taken out the necessary dose of fluid product at the level of the applicator head 5.

Claims (10)

A fluid dispensing container, comprising: a substantially rigid outer shell (2), which delimits a hollow interior space and which extends along a central axis (X), said outer shell comprising first and second shell elements (3); 4) rotatable relative to one another about the central axis (X), - a deformable pocket (7) which is contained at least partially in the inner volume of the outer shell (2) and which delimits a closed interior volume intended to contain the fluid to be dispensed, this pocket extending along the central axis (X) between first and second ends (7a, 7b), the first end (7a) of the pocket being secured to the first hull member (4) and said pocket cooperating with at least a portion (3) of the outer shell so as to be deformed in a direction corresponding to a compression of the interior volume of said pocket when the first and second hull members (3 , 4) are rotated in an angular direction of operation (A), - and a fluid distribution device (8), mounted on the first shell member (4), which communicates with the interior volume of the pocket (7). and which has a fluid outlet (9), characterized in that the second end (7b) of the bag is immobilized in rotation about the central axis (X) relative to the second shell member (3). 2. Container according to claim 1, wherein the outer shell (2) comprises a non-return device (10, 13) which allows the relative rotation of the first and second shell elements (3, 4) only in the actuating direction. (AT). The container of claim 2, wherein the second end of the bag (7b) is slidably mounted in the second shell member (3). 4. Container according to claim 2, wherein the second end (7b) of the bag forms a rigid bar which extends perpendicularly to the central axis between two ends (7c) respectively sliding in two axial grooves (3c) formed to inside the second hull element. 5. Container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid dispensing device (8) comprises a control member (9) which is movable between on the one hand, a rest position where said prohibited device output fluid and on the other hand, an actuating position where said device distributes fluid from the bag, this control member (9) being in mechanical connection with an actuating member (10) which is itself movable between rest and active positions respectively corresponding to the rest positions and actuation of the control device of the dispensing device, this actuating member (10) being secured to the first shell element (4) in rotation around the central axis , said actuating member being elastically biased towards its rest position and cooperating with a circular toothing (13) which is centered on said central axis (X) and which comprises at least one tooth (17), said toothing being integral with the second shell member (3) and each tooth (17) of this toothing comprising - a ramp-shaped face (18) which is adapted to move the actuating member (10) by camming from the rest position of this actuating member to the active position of said actuating member during the relative rotation of the first and second shell members (3, 4) in the actuating direction ( A), - and a stop face (20) which is adapted to abut against the actuating member by preventing relative rotation of the first and second shell members in an angular direction opposite to the angular direction of operation. The container according to claim 5, wherein the actuating member (10) is adapted to strike the outer shell (2) by emitting an audible sound to a user when said actuating member returns to the rest position upon arrival. at the abutment face (20) of each tooth (17) of the toothing. Container according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the control member of the dispensing device is a control rod sliding along the central axis (X) between its resting and operating positions, and actuating member (10) is a lever having - first leg (11) extending substantially perpendicular to the central axis (X) between a first end (11a) attached to the first shell member (4) and on the other hand, a second end (11b), said first branch (11 being mechanical connection with the control rod (9) dispensing device, - and a second branch (12) extending the first branch substantially parallel to the axis central (X) from the second end of said first branch to a free end 12a) which cooperates with the toothing (13) of the second shell element, which toothing is oriented radially inwards for de angularly placing the lever (10) by cam effect of the ramp-shaped face (18) of each tooth of said toothing, when the first and second shell members (3, 4) undergo relative rotation. 8. Container according to claim 7, wherein the first end (11a) of the first leg of the lever rigidly secured to the first shell element (4) and is elastically flexible to allow the angular displacement of the lever. 9. Container according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the first leg (11) of the lever cooperates by simple stop with the control rod (9) of the dispensing device for driving the control rod towards its actuating position. , said control rod being moreover biased elastically towards its rest position. The container of any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the control rod (9) of the dispensing device forms the fluid outlet. he. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid outlet (9) opens at a flexible applicator head (5) carried by the first shell member (4). Container according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the pocket (7) has a greater resistance to torsion towards its first end (7a) than towards its second end (7b). The container according to claim 12, wherein the pocket (7) is formed by a side wall which has thin and flexible portions (7d) separated from each other by stiffer reinforcing strips extending parallel to the central axis from the first end (7a). ) of the pocket to the second end (7b) of said pocket, each reinforcing strip having a decreasing stiffness towards the second end of the pocket. The container of claim 13, wherein each reinforcing strip (7e) has a decreasing width from the first end (7a) of the bag to the second end (7b) of said bag. 15. A method of manufacturing a dispensing container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein it imposes a twisting of the pocket (7) itself at its second end (7a) before the first use of said container.