FR2840290A1 - PIPE TYPE PACKAGING AND DISPENSING ASSEMBLY - Google Patents

Abstract

The container/dispenser assembly (1) consists of a container (2) with an outlet and a manually-operated dispensing pump (7) fed by a plunger tube (100). The plunger tube is compressible in an axial direction and is located between the pump and inlets (34, 35) adjacent to the base of the container, so that the inlets remain at a constant distance from the base regardless of the position of the pump. The plunger tube can be in the form of two separate tubes (31, 33) linked at one end to the pump and at the other to a connector (40) on the base of the container, and able to bow as the pump is depressed.

Description

lo phase change by molecular alloys.

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  The present invention relates to an assembly for the packaging and distribution of a product, in particular cosmetic. As preferred examples, the cosmetic product is a perfume, a makeup product, or a composition of the vein, in particular of the skin. Many perfumes are now packaged in glass bottles whose walls are relatively thick, giving the packaging a significant weight, perceived as a guarantee of quality and luxury in the spirit of good

number of consumers.

  The glass bottle, in the case of a perfume, is equipped with a manually actuated pump, supplied by a dip tube whose free end is located as close as possible to the bottom of the container. The pump is surmounted by a push button having an orifice for dispensing the product, in particular

in spray form.

  One of the difficulties associated with this type of device is that, for certain forms of containers, in particular for containers with a thick bottom and of falble width (for example in the form of a drop), the wide wind tolerances, and the variations of bottom thickness, important. Thus, in such configurations, it is not uncommon, in the same manufacturing batch, to observe containers with a

  bottom 3 mm thick and others with a bottom 10 mm thick.

  The same problem arises, generally to a slightly lesser extent, with bottles of different configuration, in particular with

flat bottom flasks.

  Obviously, this results in appreciable variations in the interior height of the tank, which can reach 10% or even more. Therefore, the free end of a dip tube of a given length will be in contact with the bottom of a container whose bottom is of medium thickness, and will be at substantial distance from the bottom of a thick container below average. Conversely, the dip tube will come up against

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  -important way, and therefore, will be forced to contort in all

  sense in the case of a bottle whose bottom is thicker than the average.

  Such variations can then generate: i) significant difficulties when mounting the pump on the container; ii) significant variations in the capacity of the bottles; and

  iii) significant variations in the maximum emptying degree of the bottles.

  It is therefore one of the objects of the invention to provide a packaging and distribution unit, using a dip tube, and resolving in all

  or part of the difficulties exposed with reference to conventional systems.

  It is in particular an object of the invention to produce such a set of packaging, which is easy to carry out, in particular linked by means of a tool.

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  It is another object of the invention to produce such a packaging unit, allowing substantially identical emptying degrees, whatever the distance from the distribution element to the bottom, inside a

given variation range.

  Still other objects will appear in the detailed description which follows.

  According to the invention, these objects are achieved by producing an assembly for the packaging and distribution of a product, in particular cosmetic, comprising: i) a container, forming a reservoir for the product and delimiting an opening of axis X; ii) a dispensing element, in particular a manually actuated pump, equipping said opening; and iii) a structure forming a dip tube for the supply of product to the dispensing element, said structure comprising at least one inlet orifice situated in the vicinity of the bottom, and forming an axially spring so that a portion of said structure forming a dip tube either in contact with said tail bottom or

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  the distance from the distribution element to the bottom inside a determined range of variation. The distance from the distribution element to the bottom preferably means the distance measured along the X axis between the distribution element and the internal surface.

the bottom.

  Due to the ability of the structure forming a dip tube to compress elastically along its longitudinal axis, in particular when its end opposite the opening, is in abutment against the bottom of the container, it is possible by dimensioning the structure forming a tube plunger taking into account the minimum and maximum thicknesses of the bottom of a manufacturing batch, to always have the inlet port of the dip tube as close as possible to the bottom, variations in the degree of compression of the structure forming the tube diver compensating for variations in

internal height of the container.

  The structure forming the dip tube being configured so as to be able to compress elastically, its mounting does not pose any particular difficulty, even for bottles whose bottom is thicker than the average. Furthermore the degree of emptying of the container is substantially independent of variations

the thickness of its bottom.

  Due to the axial compressibility of the structure forming a dip tube, the inlet orifice, or at least one inlet, is in a substantially fixed position relative to the tail axis regardless of the distance from the dispensing element. at the bottom inside the said beach. Thus, container configurations are authorized, in

  particularly in the form of a drop, that is to say of small width at the level of their bottom.

  Advantageously, the structure forming the dip tube is configured in the form of an axially compressible loop, extending from the orifice (s) located near the bottom of the container to the dispensing element. Thus, depending on the degree of compression of the loop, this behind is more or less crushed or open, the greatest distance to the axis of the portions of the

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  loop, measured perpendicular to said axis, being representative of said audit

crushing or said opening.

  According to a first embodiment, the loop consists of a single tube folded back on itself in contact with the bottom, the first and second ends, at least one of which is open (preferably both), of the tube being connected to the distribution element, a portion of the tube located near the bottom being

  crossed by one or more orifices.

  By way of specific example, the internal diameter of the tube is of the order of 0.8 mm to 1 mm, the orifices provided in its wall, at the level of the folding zone in contact with the bottom, possibly being of a diameter on the order of 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm. Preferably, a plurality of such orifices are made, so as to ensure an adequate supply of the dispensing element. Generally, the "perforated" area of the dip tube is located approximately a ml-distance between the two ends of the tube. According to the second embodiment, the loop is formed of at least two separate tubes, a first open end of each tube being connected to the dispensing element, the second ends of the tubes being open and connected together by a first connecting piece in contact with the bottom of the container, and ensuring liquid communication between the second ends

  open tubes and the product in the container.

  The first connecting piece can be made of a material permeable to

  product, especially a frit or foam.

  Alternatively, the connecting piece is perforated so as to allow said liquid communication. Thus, the connecting part can be in contact with the bottom via an edge, in particular an annular one, and delimiting one or more notches so as to allow the product to communicate with the inlet orifices of the tubes.

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  Advantageously, the first open ends of said wind tubes connected to the distribution element via a second connecting piece, preferably identical to the first. The interchangeability of the two parts facilitates

  assembly operations of the assembly.

  Prior to its insertion inside the container via said opening, the loop can be constrained in a configuration of small opening, that is to say of reduced width along an axis perpendicular to the axis of said opening, by means of a soluble bond in the product. Thus, it facilitates the mounting of the structure forming a dip tube, inside the container, in particular, within the framework of a

industrial process.

  Such a link can be constituted in particular of a gelatin type material. It must be sufficiently soluble, so as to break quickly when in contact with the product. Thus, after introduction of the dip tube into the container, the link does not oppose the axial crushing of the loop, thus making it possible not to

  affect assembly operations in industrial.

  Advantageously, the container is made of glass. Preferably, the container is blown.

  Preferably, the profile of the interior surface of the bottom of the container is concave, the

  the top of the concavity being turned in a direction opposite to the opening.

  It is in a configuration of this type that the largest are found

  variations in bottom thickness, and therefore in internal height of the container.

  In a cost-effective way, the distribution element is made up of a mounted pump

  on the container, in particular by snap-fastening, screwing or crimping.

  Alternatively, and although this does not constitute a preferential embodiment, it is possible to pressurize the contents of the container, in particular by means of a propellant gas, the dispensing element then being a valve of the type

aerosol valve.

  The range of thickness variation of the bottom of the container can have an amplitude of more or less 50%, or even more, around an average thickness. Such a range of thickness variation can generate variations in the internal height of the

  container up to 10% or more.

  The invention consists, apart from the arrangements set out above, in a certain number of other arrangements which will be explained below, in connection with nonlimiting exemplary embodiments, described with reference to the appended figures. , among which: - Figure 1 shows an exploded view of a packaging unit according to a first embodiment of the invention; - Ies 2A and 2B wind sectional views relating to the embodiment of Figure 1; - Figures 3A and 3B are sectional views relating to a second mode of

realization of the invention.

  The assembly 1 represented in FIGS. 1 and 2A-2B comprises a glass container 2, intended for the packaging of a perfume. The cross section of the container is elongated. As appears in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the interior surface of the container, when viewed in longitudinal section along a plane parallel to the largest dimension of the container, is of width progressively decreasing in

bottom direction 3.

  The container 2 is surmounted by a neck 4, a free edge of which defines an opening 5.

  The outer surface of the neck, in the vicinity of the opening 5, has a bead 6

  for crimping a pump 7, by means of a flange 8.

  The pump 7 is surmounted by a push button 9 for manual actuation of the pump. The push button 9 has an orifice 10 for spraying the product. The assembly 1 also includes a cap 11, intended to be mounted from

  removably on the container, in particular by snap-fastening.

  The pump 7 comprises a pump body 12, one end of which ends in

a tubular entry element 13.

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  On the entry tubular element 13, is mounted, in particular by clamping or snap-fastening, a structure forming a dip tube 100. The structure 100 comprises a connection element 20 comprising an axial cylindrical skirt 21 intended to be fitted around [ tubular element 13 of the pump 7, and two skirts 22, 23 turned in the direction of the bottom 3 of the container, and slightly inclined towards the outside with respect to the axis X of the pump (which corresponds to the axis of

opening 5 of the container).

  By an open end of the skirt 22 is introduced an open end 30 of a tube 31. By an open end of the skirt 23 is introduced an end

  open 32 of a tube 33. The tubes 31 and 33 are of identical lengths.

  The open ends 34, 35 of the tubes 31 and 33 opposite the ends 30 and 32 are connected to each other by a connecting element 40, identical to element 20. The element 40 comprises an axial skirt 41 of which a free edge 46 is turned in direction of the bottom 3 of the container. The element 40 also comprises two skirts 42 and 43, turned in the direction of the opening 5, and inclined towards the outside relative to the axis X. By an open end of the skirt 42 is introduced the open end 34 of the tube 31. Through an open end of the skirt 43 is introduced the open end

of tube 33.

  The edge 46 of the axial skirt 41 is crenellated so that, when it bears against the bottom 3 of the container, there are defined one or more openings to allow the product to reach the open ends 34 and 35 of the tubes 31 and 33. Before assembly, the tubes 31 and 33 are kept at a close distance from each other by means of a link 50 soluble in the product packaged in the container 2.

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  During assembly, after filling with product via the opening 5, the structure forming the dip tube 100 is introduced inside the container until the edge 46

  either in abutment against the bottom 3 of the container.

  At this time, and continuing the driving-in movement of the pump 7 until the latter is in an adequate position relative to the neck 4 of the container, the link 50, some of which has dissolved in the product, releases the two tubes 31 and 33, allowing the loop they form to compress axially in response to the

  axial pressure exerted on the pump.

  Then, conventionally, the pump 7 is rtie on the bead 6 of the neck 4, via the flange 8. The push button 9 is then mounted on the pump rod. Figure 2A mounts ['set 1 in the mounted position with a bottom 3 of 5 mm thick. FIG. 2B shows the same assembly 1 in the assembled position with a

bottom 3 10 mm thick.

  As is clear, the loop formed by the structure 100 of FIG. 2A

  is significantly less axially crushed than that of FIG. 2B.

  The open ends 34 and 35 of the tubes 31 and 33 wind in identical position relative to the interior surface of the bottom 3. Wiles also wind in identical position relative to the axis X of the container. Both containers can be

  defects in substantially the same way.

  In use, a vacuum inside the pump body (following the action of this from the back) causes a product rise in the tubes

  plungers 31 and 33, then into the pump body 12.

  On the next actuation, the product contained in the pump body 12 is distributed in the form of a cloud of fine droplets via the spraying orifice 10.

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  The embodiment of FIGS. 3A and 3B to which reference is now made differs from the previous embodiment in that the structure forming the dip tube 100 comprises a single tube 31 folded back on itself in contact with the bottom 3. The two open ends 30 and 32 of the tube 31 vent connected to the pump via a connection element 20 identical to the connection element

of the previous embodiment.

  On either side of the X axis, the tube portion 31 located closest to the bottom 3 is crossed by a plurality of small orifices 101 allowing communication

  between the container and the dip tube, for the supply of pump 7.

  At assembly everything takes place in the manner indicated in the preceding embodiment. FIG. 3A mounts the assembly 1 in the mounted position with a bottom 3 5 mm thick. FIG. 3B shows the same assembly 1 in the assembled position with a

bottom 3 10 mm thick.

  As is clear, the loop formed by the structure 100 of FIG. 3A is substantially less axially crushed, and less open than that of the

Figure 3B.

  The orifices 101 of the tube 31 are in an identical position relative to the interior surface of the bottom 3. They are also in an identical position relative to the axis X of the container. The two containers can be damaged in substantially the same way.

  In the above detailed description, reference has been made to modes of

  preferred realization of the invention. It is obvious that variants can be there

  made without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed below.

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Claims (12)

  1. Assembly (1) for the packaging and distribution of a product, in particular cosmetic comprising: i) a container (2) forming a reservoir for the product and delimiting an opening (5) of axis X; ii) a distribution element (7), in particular a manually actuated pump, equipping said opening (5); and iii) a structure forming a dip tube (100) for supplying product with the dispensing element, said structure comprising at least one inlet orifice (34, 35, 101) located in the vicinity of a bottom (3 ) of the container, and forming an axially spring so that a portion of said structure forming a dip tube is in contact with said bottom (3) tail, whatever the distance from the   distribution at the bottom (3) beyond a determined range of variation.   2. - assembly (1) according to ia claim 1 characterized in that ['inlet port (34, 35, 101) or at least one inlet port is in a substantially fixed position relative to the axis X tail that either the distance from the distribution element (7) to   bottom (3) inside said range.   3. - assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that the structure forming the dip tube (100) is configured in the form of an axially compressible loop, extending from the (or) orifice (s) ( 34, 35, 101) located at   near the bottom (3) of the container up to the dispensing element (7).   4. - assembly (1) according to claim 3 characterized in that the loop consists of a single tube (31) folded on itself in contact with the bottom (3), the first and second ends (30, 32) of the tube being connected to the distribution element (7), a portion of the tube (31) located near the bottom being   crossed by one or more orifices (101).   5. - assembly (1) according to claim 3 characterized in that the loop is formed of at least two separate tubes (31, 33), a first open end 1 1 2840290   (30, 32) of each tube being connected to the distribution element (7), the second ends (34, 35) of the tubes being open and connected together by a first connecting piece (40) in contact with the bottom of the container, and ensuring the liquid communication between the second open ends (34, 35) of the tubes and the product contained in the container (2); 6. - assembly (1) according to claim 5 characterized in that the first connecting piece (40) is made of a material permeable to the product, in particular a frit or foam.   7. - assembly (1) according to claim 5 characterized in that the piece of   link (40) is perforated so as to allow said liquid communication.   8. - assembly (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7 characterized in   that the first open ends (30, 32) of said wind tubes connected to the distribution element (7) via a second connecting piece (20) identical to the first (40).   9. - assembly (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 8 characterized in   that prior to its insertion inside the container via said opening (5), the loop is constrained in a configuration of reduced width along an axis   perpendicular to the X axis, by means of a link (50) soluble in the product.   10. - assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 characterized in   that the container (2) is made of glass.   11. - assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 characterized   in that an inner surface of the bottom (3) of the container is concave, the top of   the concavity being rotated in a direction opposite to the opening (5).   12. - assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims   characterized in that the distribution element (7) consists of a pump   mounted on the container, in particular by snap-fastening, screwing or crimping. 1 2 2840290   13. - Use of a set (1) according to any one of the claims which   precedent for the packaging and distribution of a cosmetic product, including a fragrance.