WO2006043001A1

WO2006043001A1 - Pushbutton cap, pushbutton and pushbutton dispensing member provided with said cap and method for mounting the cap on the pushbutton

Info

Publication number: WO2006043001A1
Application number: PCT/FR2005/050864
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gérard CORNET; Firmin Garcia
Original assignee: Valois Sas
Priority date: 2004-10-18
Filing date: 2005-10-18
Publication date: 2006-04-27
Also published as: FR2876676A1; FR2876676B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a cap (1) mountable on the pushbutton of an axially displaceable dispensing member. The inventive cap comprises a shell (2) for enveloping at least partially the pushbutton (5) in such a way that it is unable to be axially displaced and first use safety means (3, 4) for preventing the shell to be removed from the pushbutton.

Description

Pusher cap, pusher and pusher dispensing member provided with such a cap and method of mounting such a cap on a pusher.

The present invention relates to a removable cap for mounting on a pusher or dispensing head of a dispensing member such as a pump or a valve. The pusher or the dispensing head is axially displaceable, and comprises for this purpose, a bearing surface on which can be pressed with one or more finger (s) of a hand to move the pusher or head back and forth. The cap prevents actuation of the pusher or the head by prohibiting access to the support surface. The cap must be removed from the pusher or head to access the support surface. The present invention also relates to the pusher equipped with the removable cap of the invention and the dispensing member, that is to say the pump or the valve, equipped with a pusher having such a cap. In addition, the present invention relates to a method of mounting such a removable cap on a pusher of a pump or a valve. Such caps for pushers or dispensing heads are frequently used in the fields of perfumery, cosmetics or even pharmacy.

A primary function of such a pusher cap or dispensing head is to protect the pusher or dispensing head by wrapping it at least partially. A second function is to prevent unintentional or inadvertent actuation of the pusher, which would result in dispensing a dose of fluid. Caps of this type are used on many fluid dispensers, such as perfume sprays. The cap must be removed to operate the dispenser.

On the other hand, it is also known to equip some fluid dispensers with first-use safety means to guarantee the user that the dispenser has never been used before. There are many designs and structures of first-use security means. A simple technique is to place the dispenser in a sealed package. A second technique consists in coating the cap and a portion of the dispenser or the pump with a tear-off film.

The present invention provides another technique which does not require the addition of additional element to the dispenser such as any package.

To this end, the present invention proposes a cap intended to be mounted on an axially displaceable dispensing member plunger, said cap comprising an envelope intended to at least partially envelop the pusher so that it is no longer axially displaceable. characterized in that it further comprises first-use security means for preventing withdrawal of the envelope from the pusher. The security means are thus formed by the cap, so that they constitute a part thereof.

According to a practical embodiment, the security means and the envelope are made integrally, the security means being connected to the envelope by at least one zone of lesser resistance adapted to be broken, so that the means of security are initially connected to the envelope and separable from it, in order to be able to remove the casing of the pusher.

According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the envelope comprises an internal surface intended to fit the external shape of the pusher, so that the envelope is at least locally in contact with the pusher. The envelope is well named because it extends around the pusher following its outer contour. Thus, the envelope has a shape substantially identical to that of the pusher that it envelops, so that one can believe visually that the envelope is the pusher. This gives the distributor and more particularly to its distribution member an undeniable aesthetic effect. Advantageously, the envelope comprises a top, an open bottom and a peripheral side skirt, the skirt being interrupted on its periphery at a notch, the security means extending in this notch so as to complete the skirt in its peripheral extent. In the case where the envelope follows the outer contour of the pusher, it is not always possible to report the cap on the pusher in a perfectly axial way. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a notch which communicates with the open bottom so as to bring the envelope on the pusher by a combined movement both lateral and axial. The notch thus makes it possible to enlarge the access opening inside the receiving housing formed by the envelope.

This access opening enlarged by the notch is restricted by the security means which together with the skirt of the envelope form a complete belt which surrounds the pusher.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the security means comprise two parts each connected respectively to the envelope, at least one of the parts being movable between an open position in which the parts are separated from one another, thus giving access to the interior of the envelope, and a closed position in which the parties provide access to the interior of the envelope. Advantageously, the parts are fixed to each other in the closed position by fixing means advantageously comprising a retaining member formed by one of the parts engaged in a retaining window formed by the other part. According to a practical embodiment, the parts are hinged so as to fold over one another to secure them together. Advantageously, the zones of lesser resistance form articulations by pivoting. The two parts thus fulfill a function of closing or encirclement for securely encircle the envelope on the pusher. One could compare the two parts to the two elements of a belt closure in clothing. It should be noted that the links that connect the parts to the envelope serve both articulation and breaking point to separate the parts of the envelope.

According to a practical embodiment, the security means comprise a pull tab for tearing the security means of the envelope. This pull tab can be formed by one of the two parts or by both parts. The present invention also proposes a pusher for a dispensing member such as a pump or a valve comprising a cap such as defined above. Advantageously, the envelope and the security means embrace the pusher on its outer periphery, so that the cap is in contact with the pusher. According to an interesting embodiment, the pusher comprises a dispensing spout which projects laterally, the envelope forming a mouthpiece which conforms to the shape of the spout. This nozzle, because it extends radially outwardly, prevents the casing from being returned perfectly axially on the cap. The notch made at the level of the skirt of the casing thus makes it possible to bring the casing laterally or radially so as to make the dispensing spout penetrate into the end of the casing. With a pusher having such a beak configuration, the security means in the form of two parts that complete the peripheral extent of the envelope are particularly advantageous.

The invention also relates to a dispensing member such as a pump or a valve comprising a pusher provided with a cap as defined above.

On the other hand, the invention also defines a method of mounting a cap provided with two-part safety means on a pump or valve pusher, the method comprising first putting the cap on the pusher. with the parts in the open position, then bring the parts in the closed position so as to make the cap integral with the pusher.

One can of course imagine that one of the two parts of the security means are formed or integrated into the envelope. In this case, the security means comprise only one mobile part which completes the peripheral extent of the envelope. The embodiment using two separate parts of the envelope and connected thereto by bridges of brittle material is advantageous because after removal of the two parts, there is no longer any trace of the security means on the envelope . In this way, it is believed that the envelope has never been provided with these security means.

The invention will now be more fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings giving by way of non-limiting example an embodiment of the invention. In the figures:

FIG. 1 is an enlarged perspective view of a cap according to the invention with the security means in the open state,

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cap of FIG. 1 with the safety means in the closed position,

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the caps of FIGS. 1 and 2 with the security means withdrawn or torn from the envelope, and

FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view through a dispensing member equipped with a cap according to the nonlimiting embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3.

In the figures, the cap according to the invention has been designated as a whole by the reference numeral 1. In FIG. 4, it can be seen that the cap 1 is mounted on a pusher 5, which is itself mounted on an organ 6 which may be a pump or a valve. This pump or valve 6 is further provided with a fixing ring 7 for mounting the pump or the valve on a fluid reservoir.

More specifically, the pump or the valve comprises a body 61 in engagement snapped into the fixing ring 7. In addition, the pump or valve 6 comprises an actuating rod 62 on which the pusher 5 is mounted. For this purpose, the pusher 5 comprises a connecting sleeve 55 engaged around the free end of the actuating rod 62. In a conventional manner, the pusher

5, which can also be described as a dispensing head, comprises a bearing surface 51 on which the user can press with one or more finger (s) to move the pusher 5 and thus push the actuating rod 62 in the pump body 61. In response, fluid is dispensed through the actuating rod 62 and then through the connecting sleeve 55. The product then flows through an outlet channel 53 formed by the pusher 5.

The fluid product can be collected at the outlet of the channel 53. In this particular embodiment, the pusher 5 forms a spout 52 which projects laterally or radially. The end of the outlet channel 53 extends into the spout 52 so that the dispensing orifice is placed at the end of the spout 52. In addition, the pusher 5 comprises a peripheral ring 54 which extends from the bearing surface 51 downwards. This ring 54 is also connected to the spout 52. This is a particular design pusher or dispensing head forming a protruding beak. However, this configuration is relatively common in the field of cosmetics, in which creams are dispensed by pumps or valves. At the outlet of the dispensing head of the pusher, the user wants to collect the dose of cream. The bill 52 due to its prominent shape facilitates the recovery of the cream by placing the finger or other recovery element under the spout. Thus, there is no risk of defiling or losing cream on the pusher. The wiping and cleaning of the dispensing orifice are also facilitated.

Reference will now be made more particularly to FIGS. 1 to 3 to explain the structure and functions of the push cap according to the invention. The cap comprises two constituent elements, namely an envelope 2 and first-use security means 3, 4. The cap 1, that is to say the envelope 2 and the security means 3, 4, can be made in one piece by injection / molding plastic material. This means that the security means are made integrally with the envelope 2.

The casing 2 has a general configuration substantially identical or similar to that of the pusher 5. In this way, the casing 2 matches the shape or the external contour of the pusher 5, including its beak 52. The casing 2 defines a housing internal receiving means 20 for receiving the pusher 5. This inner housing is delimited by an inner surface 201 which is intended to come at least locally in contact with the pusher 5. In FIG. 4, it can be seen that the internal surface 201 of the envelope 2 closely follows the contour of the pusher 5, including at the spout 52. In this way, the envelope 2 also closes the dispensing orifice of the pusher 5. More specifically, the envelope 2 comprises a wall upper or upper 21 intended (e) to come into contact with the bearing surface 51 of the pusher 5. On its rear part, the top 21 forms a chamfer 211 which delimits the rear edge of the top 21. On its front , the top 21 extends to the level of an end wall 22 which is placed at the end of the spout 52, thereby closing the dispensing orifice. The front portion of the top 21 and the end wall 22 form a tip 23 which protrudes radially outwards, in the manner of the spout 52. The tip 23, as can be seen in FIG. The casing 2 also includes a peripheral side skirt 24 which extends downwardly from the outer periphery of the top 21. The skirt 24 also extends downwardly from the outside. 23. However, in this non-limiting embodiment, the skirt 24 does not extend over the entire periphery, but is instead interrupted on its rear side opposite the endpiece 23. The skirt 24 thus forms two vertical lateral edges 241 which are connected together by the rear edge of the top 21 formed by the bevel 211. The edges 241 and the chamfer 211 thus define the edge of a rear lateral indentation 27. The envelope 2 also comprises a wide open bottom 25 which is delimited As seen in Figure 3, the open bottom 25 communicates widely with the rear indentation 27 so as to form together a large access passage. This is also visible in Figure 1. It is understood that it is then easy to insert the pusher 5 inside the receiving housing 20 of the casing 2 by a displacement both axial and radial, so as to penetrate the spout 52 inside the hollow end-piece 23. The security means here comprise two parts 3 and 4 which are respectively integrally connected by molding with the envelope 2. Each part is connected to the envelope 2 by material bridges 28 which have a flexibility allowing a displacement of the parts 3 and 4 by pivoting with respect to the casing 2. In other words, the material bridges 28 form articulations by pivoting for the parts 3 and 4 is thus connected by two material bridges 28 at the lateral edges 241 of the skirt 24 defining the rear notch 27. Since the edges 241 extend substantially vertically, when the capuchin hon is mounted on a pusher of a dispenser held vertically, the pivot axis of the parts 3 and 4 is substantially vertical so that the parts 3 and 4 move in a horizontal plane. Part 3 is connected to the edge left rear while the portion 4 is connected to the right rear edge of the skirt 24 when looking at the envelope of the rear face the notch. The parts 3 and 4 are thus movable between an open position, as shown in FIG. 1, and a closed position as shown in FIG. 2. In the open position, the notch 27 is easily and widely accessible. and it is thus possible to insert the pusher 5 inside the casing 2. The parts 3 and 4 are then separated from one another and point in divergent directions or at least parallel. The open position of Figure 1 may also be the molding position of the cap. In contrast, in the closed position of Figure 2, the two parts 3 and 4 are folded over one another and are advantageously fixed together. Any fastening means can be used to connect the two parts 3 and 4 together. Preferably, the fixing means are final so that the two parts 3 and 4, once fixed together, are no longer a unitary piece indissociable except by destruction. One can for example imagine fastening means in the form of a retaining window 41 formed by the part 4 in which is definitively latched a retaining member 31 formed by the part 3. The retaining member 31 can present the shape of a pin or a harpoon that can pass through the window 41 and unfold once the window passed in the manner of a harpoon. A definitive and indestructible fixation is thus achieved.

It should be noted that the parts 3 and 4 once fixed together, as shown in Figure 2, complete the peripheral extent of the skirt 24 at the notch 27. It can also be said that parts 3 and 4 are extend in the extension of the skirt 24 so as to complete on its rear part. Thus, the parts 3 and 4 close or at least restrict the extent of the indentation 27. The skirt 24 forms a portion of the belt which envelops the peripheral ring 54 of the pusher, and the parts 3 and 4 act as closing elements of the belt by completing the skirt at the notch, so that the ring 54 can be surrounded on its entire periphery by the skirt and the security means. However, it can be provided that the skirt comprises other notches on its periphery, which will not be supplemented by security means. It may be noted that the inner wall of the parts 3 and 4 also comes into intimate contact with the outer wall of the ring 54, as can be seen in FIG. 4.

According to an interesting embodiment, the security means are also provided with a pull tab 32, which is here formed by the part

3. This pull tab 32 may extend along the rear wall of the ring 54, and may advantageously protrude upwardly beyond the bearing surface 51 so that it can be easily grasped by the fingers of the user. It is thus possible to exert a pull on this tongue 32 so as to take it off the crown 54. By exerting a sufficient traction force, the parts 3 and 4 are torn off from the envelope 2 at the material bridges 28, which are then play the role of zone of less resistance adapted to be broken. Preferably, the material bridges 28 remain integral with the parts 3 and 4, as can be seen in FIG. 3. In this way, there is no longer any trace of the security means at the level of the envelope 2. It can thus be used and reused as a cap in its own right. Indeed, once the security means separated from the envelope 2, the user can use the envelope 2 as a conventional cap. The notch 27 remains largely open and communicates with the open bottom 25 so as to allow easy introduction and removal of the envelope from the pusher 5.

Although the present description has been made with reference to security means forming two distinct parts of the envelope 2, it is also possible to imagine an embodiment in which the security means comprise only one articulated part. on the envelope 2. In this case, the fixing of the free end of the single articulated part must be able to be fixed directly on the envelope 2.

It should also be noted that the security means of the cap according to the invention are only integral with the casing 2 and not other elements of the dispensing member, for example the fixing ring 7. it is possible to mount the cap on a pusher while the pusher is already mounted on the pump 6. It is sufficient for that to bring the cap with the parts 3 and 4 in the open position as shown in Figure 1, and then close or fold parts 3 and 4 once the casing 2 is in place on the cap. Fixing together parts 3 and 4 locks the security means. One can of course imagine fastening means other than snapping or harpooning, such as welding or gluing.

The invention can also be considered in that it can deform a portion of the peripheral extent of the skirt 24 of the cap to allow insertion or placement of the pusher inside the cap. Advantageously, it is possible to use this deformable portion of the skirt to give it a function of first-use security means.

Claims

claims

1.- cap (1) intended to be removably mounted on a pusher (5) of dispensing member (6) movable axially, said cap comprising an envelope (2) intended to at least partially wrap the pusher (5) so that it is no longer displaceable axially, the cap further comprising first-use security means

(3, 4) intended to prevent the withdrawal of the envelope from the pusher, characterized in that the security means (3, 4) and the envelope (2) are made in one piece, the security means being connected to the envelope by at least one zone of least resistance (28) adapted to be broken, so that the security means are initially connected to the envelope and separable therefrom, in order to be able to remove the envelope of the button.

2. The cap of claim 1, wherein the envelope comprises an inner surface (201) intended to match the external shape of the pusher, so that the envelope is at least locally in contact with the pusher.

3. A cap according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the envelope (2) comprises a top (21), an open bottom (25) and a peripheral side skirt (24), the skirt being interrupted on its periphery at the an indentation (27), the security means (3, 4) extending into this indentation so as to complete the skirt in its peripheral extent.

4. Cap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the security means comprise two parts (3, 4) each respectively connected to the casing (2), at least one of the parts being movable between an open position in which parts are separated from one another, thus giving access to the inside (20) of the envelope (2), and a closed position in which the parts restrict access to the interior of the envelope.

5. Cap according to claim 4, wherein the parts (3, 4) are fixed to one another in the closed position by fastening means.

(31, 41) advantageously comprising a retaining member (31) formed by one of the parts (3) engaged in a retaining window (41) formed by the other part (4).

6. The cap according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the parts (3,

4) are articulated so as to fold them one on the other to fix them together.

7. A cap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the zones of weakness form pivotal joints (28).

8. Cap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the security means comprise a pull tab (32) for tearing the security means of the envelope.

9.- Pusher (5) of dispensing member (6) comprising a cap (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. A pusher according to claim 9, wherein the casing (2) and the security means (3, 4) follow the pusher on its outer periphery, so that the cap is in contact with the pusher.

11. A pusher according to claim 9 or 10, comprising a distribution nozzle (52) which projects laterally, the casing forming a tip (23) which matches the shape of the spout.

12. A dispensing member (6), such as a pump or a valve, comprising a pusher (5) provided with a cap (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

13. A method of mounting a cap (1) according to claim 4 on a pusher (5) of dispensing member (6), the method comprising first of putting the cap (1) on the pusher (5) with the parts (3, 4) in the open position, then bring the parts in the closed position so as to make the cap integral with the pusher.