WO2006122377A2

WO2006122377A2 - Device for atomisation of perfume

Info

Publication number: WO2006122377A2
Application number: PCT/BE2006/000052
Authority: WO
Inventors: Phillipe Kriwin
Original assignee: Phillipe Kriwin
Priority date: 2005-05-18
Filing date: 2006-05-17
Publication date: 2006-11-23
Also published as: WO2006122377A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a fluid atomisation device, comprising: a first body, a second body with a mobile mounting with relation to the first body, at least one joint extending between the first body and the second body, a tube extending into the first body and a system opposing a relative movement between the two bodies.

Description

Spray device for perfume

The present invention relates to a spraying device, in particular for perfume or Cologne, which is refillable from a bottle or other container. The device is advantageously of small volume relative to the volume of the bottle. The device can thus be discreet and is able to be easily transported.

Perfume spraying devices or water capable of being recharged have already been proposed.

According to one of the known devices, the spray head is unscrewed from the body so as to form a relatively wide opening for filling the body. The head is then revived. These devices are usually large in volume. In addition, the filling operation is often complicated, especially if the bottle has a particular shape or an opening not easy to pour a liquid out of the bottle.

It has already been proposed to produce perfume bottles comprising a piston system for filling spray devices. Such flasks have an unattractive appearance or shape. The use of such bottles is more complicated.

For example, document EP 1588775 discloses a packaging and dispensing assembly for a cosmetic product which comprises a receptacle and a refillable unit removably disposed on the receptacle. The refillable unit comprises a pump capable of withdrawing product from the container when the refillable unit is disposed above the container and withdrawing product from the refillable unit when said unit is separated from the container. To achieve this result, the rechargeable unit has a movable bottom, said bottom having a check valve with a non-return ball .. Such a rechargeable unit, after a number of use, will have sealing problems. In addition, once the rechargeable unit emptied partially or completely filled, it is not possible to replace the unit in the container. In case, where inadvertently, a user tries to drive the refill unit into the container, the unit will be pressurized, which may cause unwanted deformation of the unit or part of it . In addition, once the unit is filled and separated from the container, the piston must be moved to allow suction by the pump. The vacuum created by the pump may be insufficient to generate a movement of the piston.

Also known from EP 1579924 a set of packaging and dispensing a fluid product. This set includes a refillable unit having a pump capable of withdrawing product from a container when the unit is placed on said container, and capable of withdrawing product from the storage chamber of the unit when the refillable unit is separate of the container. In this embodiment, the bottom of the unit always has a non-return valve. When filling the chamber of the rechargeable unit, the total volume of the rechargeable unit is substantially equal to twice the volume of the empty unit. The danger exists that a user exerts too much pressure during the filling of the unit, which can cause an undesired displacement of the unit relative to the housing, see a suction of liquid in the receiver housing and the setting contact of the outer wall of the bottom with liquid. Another danger is that the user tries to push the unit to its compact position, which may cause leaks, especially through the bottom passages of the unit.

When using the unit, the total volume of the unit will decrease due to the depression created during pumping operations. The present invention provides a spraying device, easy to use to allow filling from an existing bottle. The device, once, ready for use, is in a compact form and does not have a check valve on its bottom. The risks of leakage are very low or nonexistent with the device according to the invention, the filling and the removal of liquid is advantageously operating by the same small diameter conduit. When the spraying device is overturned, only the liquid present in the tube or duct of small diameter could flow by gravity. However, in view of the small diameter of the tube or duct, without actuation of a pumping mechanism, the liquid present in the duct or tube remains in it by the resistance to flow and / or to a capillary effect and / or creating a certain vacuum in the volume containing the liquid to be sprayed. Preferably, the volume of the device, ready for use, is invariable.

The invention relates to a device for spraying a fluid comprising an assembly having a receiving chamber for the sprayed fluid, a first face associated with a tube extending into the chamber and adapted to be associated with a head of spray and a second face opposite to the first side forming a bottom. The device is characterized in that the device comprises:

- a first body having a wall adapted to form the first face and adapted to form at least partially the receiving chamber;

a second body mounted movable with respect to the first body and having the second face, said second body being adapted to define a chamber with the first body, said second body being movable relative to the first body between a remote position for which the defined volume by the first and second bodies is maximum and a retracted position for which the volume defined by the first and second bodies is minimal; at least one seal extending between the first body and the second body, the seal ensuring at least a seal to the fluid to be sprayed and to the air; a tube extending in the first body from the wall forming the first face to at least the vicinity of the second face, said tube being associated with a means on which is removably mounted the spray head and a suitable means to connect the tube to a filling tip; and

a system for opposing a relative movement of the bodies between them and maintaining the second body in its retracted position.

Advantageously, the first and second bodies are adapted so that the ratio of the maximum volume of the bodies in the remote position / minimum volume of the bodies in the retracted position is between 1.5 and 2.5, preferably about 2.

Preferably, the first and second bodies are adapted so that the ratio of the maximum volume of the bodies in the remote position / minimum volume of the bodies in the retracted position is between 1.8 and 2, preferably between 1.8 and 1.99. This allows a filling of the device with a volume of liquid substantially corresponding to the internal volume of the first body. In addition, when the suction of liquid is done with the end of the tube intended to be associated with the spray head turned downwards, the return of the second body to the retracted position will only chase the air located above the end of the tube in the first body.

The tube is advantageously substantially rigid.

According to a particular embodiment, the first body is adapted to extend at least partially in the second body. Preferably, the first body has a substantially cylindrical outer face, while the second body has a substantially cylindrical inner face, an advantageously substantially toroidal seal extending between said cylindrical inner face of the second body and said substantially cylindrical outer face of the first body. . This allows a limited displacement of the second body relative to the first body provides sufficient suction to fill the device with liquid.

According to another advantageous form, the second body extends at least partially in the first body. Preferably, the second body has a substantially cylindrical outer face, while the second body has a substantially cylindrical inner face, an advantageously substantially toroidal seal extending between said cylindrical inner face of the second body and said substantially cylindrical outer face of the first body. .

According to an advantageous detail, one or more stops limit the movement of the bodies together.

According to an advantageous detail, the minimum volume is less than 100 ml, advantageously between 5 ml and 75 ml, preferably between 5 ml and 50 ml.

According to a feature of one embodiment, the tube or a tip thereof or a connecting piece attached thereto comprises a filter element adapted to prevent the passage of dust or solid particles. This feature is interesting because it avoids a malfunction of the pump and / or unwanted clogging of the spray orifice. The filter element is for example capable of stopping particles having a size greater than 300 .mu.m, advantageously greater than 200 .mu.m, preferably greater than 100 .mu.m or even less than 10 .mu.m.

According to a detail of an advantageous embodiment, the tube (9) is connected to a part defining a receiving chamber of a pump, said pump being removably mounted in said chamber. This allows a very easy filling of the device by suction, without solid particles are likely to possibly foul the pump. The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a device according to the invention and a removable part adapted to be mounted or connected to the tube (9) or to its tip (10). Such a piece may for example take the form of the needle (13) or the connecting piece (40). Advantageously, the removable part comprises a filter element able to prevent the passage of dust or solid particles.

The subject of the invention is also a device for spraying a fluid comprising an assembly having a receiving chamber (5) for the fluid to be sprayed, a first face associated with a tube (9) extending into the chamber and adapted to be associated with a spray head and a second face opposite to the first bottom-forming face, said device further comprising means adapted to suck a liquid in the chamber or a part thereof by at least one orifice or a tube or channel, characterized in that it further comprises a filter element adapted to filter the liquid sucked into the chamber or part thereof via said at least one orifice or tube or channel. Advantageously, the filter element is adapted to prevent the passage of dust or solid particles. Preferably, said at least one orifice or tube or channel is associated with or comprises a filter element.

The filter element is for example capable of stopping particles having a size greater than 300 .mu.m, advantageously greater than 200 .mu.m, preferably greater than 100 .mu.m or even less than 100 .mu.m.

The invention still relates to a device for spraying a fluid comprising an assembly having a receiving chamber (5) for the fluid to be sprayed, a first face associated with a tube (9) extending into the chamber and adapted to be associated with a spray head and a second face opposite to the first bottom-forming face, said device further comprising a pumping device and a means adapted to draw a liquid into the chamber or a part thereof by at least one least one orifice or tube or channel, characterized in that that the pumping device is removably mounted relative to the assembly.

Advantageously, the assembly has a chamber in which is mounted removably the pumping device.

Finally, the subject of the invention is the use of a device or an assembly according to any one of the preceding claims for spraying a liquid and for refilling the device with liquid to be sprayed by suction of liquid contained in a bottle or tank.

Details and features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description in which reference is made to the accompanying drawings.

In these drawings, FIG. 1 is a perspective and exploded view of a preferred device according to the invention; Figure 2 is a sectional view of the device according to Figure 1; FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the device in the position of the bodies remote from each other; FIG. 4 is a sectional view of another embodiment, FIG. 5 is a similar view of FIG. Figure 3 is a sectional view of the connection element used in FIG.

5.

The device of FIG. 1 comprises:

- A first body 1 having a wall 2 adapted to form the upper face and adapted to form at least partially the perfume receiving chamber; a second body 3 mounted to move relative to the first body 1 and having the face 4 intended to form the bottom, said second body 3 being adapted to define a chamber 5A, 5B with the first body 1, said second body 3 being movable relative to the first body 1 between a remote position for which the volume 5A, 5B defined by the first and second bodies 1, 3 is maximum ( see Figure 2) and a retracted position (see Figure 3) for which the volume defined by the first and second body is minimal; at least one seal 6 extending between the first body 1 and the second body 3, the seal ensuring at least one seal to the fluid to be sprayed and to the air, this seal 6 is secured to the outer face 7 of the second body 3 this seal 6 being located between two circular or annular flanges 7,8 of the second body 3;

a substantially rigid tube 9 extending in the first body 1 from the upper wall 2 to at least the vicinity of the second face or bottom 4 in the retracted position of the bodies, said tube 9 being associated with a means such as a mouthpiece 10 on which is removably mounted the spray head 11 comprising the pumping system, said means being further adapted to connect the tube to a filling nozzle 12 extended by a tube 13; and

a system such as a cap 14 to oppose a relative movement of the bodies 1.3 between them and maintain the second body 3 in its retracted position, said cap 14 being screwed on a thread 15 which the first body 1 has .

The first and second bodies are adapted so that the ratio of the maximum volume of the bodies in the remote position / minimum volume of the bodies in the retracted position is between 1.8 and 2, preferably between 1.8 and 1.99. This allows a filling of the device with a volume of liquid substantially corresponding to the internal volume of the first body. In addition, when the suction of liquid is done with the end of the tube intended to be associated with the spray head turned downwards, the return of the second body to the retracted position will only chase the air located above end 19 of the tube 9 being in the first body 1. The volume of the chamber (in the retracted position of the bodies between them is for example 5 to 50 ml).

The first body 1 has a housing 16 in which can be arranged the tube 13 and the nozzle 12. The nozzle 12 has an inner chamber 12A for receiving at least a portion of the nozzle 10. Advantageously, this chamber also comprises a filter element 12B adapted to prevent the passage of particles or dust during a filling operation. According to another possible embodiment the nozzle 10 may comprise a filter element to prevent the entry of particles or dust during a filling operation. However, the use of a removable or replaceable part comprising a filter element is preferred.

The second body is connected to the cap by a button 17 allowing a relative rotational movement between the cap 14 and the body 3. The cap allows sufficient gripping thereof to ensure the displacement of the body 3 relative to the body 1.

Preferably, the first body has a substantially cylindrical inner face, while the second body has a substantially cylindrical outer face, the seal extending between said cylindrical inner face of the first body and said substantially cylindrical outer face of the second body.

The first body 1 has a stop 18 to limit the maximum relative movement of the bodies away from each other.

In FIG. 2, the spray head 11 is in a low position where the pump of the head is ready to pump liquid out of the chamber 5 via the tube 9. When the head is raised, liquid is in position to spray a quantity of liquid. Spraying is done during the downward movement of the head. The use of the device of Figures 1 and 2 is described below.

When the device no longer contains perfume, the spray head 11 is removed with its pump, and the tube 13 is removed from its housing 16. The tube 13 is mounted on the nozzle 10.

The tube 13 is introduced into a perfume bottle 20.

Unscrewing the cap 14 to allow the displacement of the body 3 (arrow X) relative to the body 1 and create a suction of liquid in the chamber 5A, 5B, the liquid entering the chamber through the free end 19 of the tube 9 and coming from the part 5 A of the chamber 5. The aspirated liquid is therefore not able to leave the chamber of the device.

Once the movement of the body 3 is completed (the rim 8 abuts the abutment 18), a thrust is exerted to bring the body 3 back to its starting position (arrow Y).

By this movement, the air present in the chamber is expelled above the end 19 of the tube 9.

We screw the cap 14 on the body 1, to secure the bodies together.

The tube 13 is removed from the bottle.

The tube 13 is removed from the nozzle 10 and is placed in its housing 16.

The spray head 11 is replaced on the nozzle 10.

Instead of using the tube 13, the tip 10 can be used to connect the device to an end of a tube already present in a bottle. In such an embodiment, the tube 13 and its tip 12 are advantageously secured to a bottle, to allow the tip 10 to be directly connected to the tip 12 of the bottle. In this embodiment, it is advantageous to provide a cap or a plug adapted to close the tip 12, when said tip is not connected to the tip 10 of the device.

FIG. 4 is a view of a device similar to that shown in FIG.

This device has a tube 9 extending from the vicinity of the bottom of the chamber 5 to a chamber 30 adapted to receive a pumping mechanism 32 for pumping liquid or perfume from the chamber 5, and the propulsion of liquid to The pump mechanism 32 is controlled by the knob 33 having an inner channel 34 for connecting the pump 32 to the spray orifice.

During a downward movement of the button 33 (position shown in Figure 4), the previously pumped liquid is expelled through the spray orifice 31, given a non-return system of the pump. During the upward movement of the button 33 (for example by means of a spring or other elastic means), liquid is pumped by the pump 32 to be brought into a zone or buffer chamber of the pump, from which the liquid will be expelled during the downward movement of the button 33.

For the filling of the device, the button 33 and the pumping mechanism 32 are removed.

Next, a connection piece 40 is mounted on the endpiece 10. This part 40 is partially inserted into the chamber 30.

This piece 40 has a central channel 41. The end 42 is engaged in the chamber 30, while the other end 43 advantageously extends out of the chamber 30. The channel 41 has an adjacent portion 41 A of the end 43 of the piece 40, this portion 41 A having one or more zones of shrinkage 44,45 to ensure a good seal with the tip 50 of a bottle with a system of spraying, as well as to ensure a depression of the tip 50, to bring the pump 51 in an open position for suction or pumping liquid from the bottle into the device.

In an advantageous form, it is intended to provide the piece 40 with a filter element 44 to prevent the aspiration of dust into the spray device.

After unscrewing the lid 14 and placing the device returned with the piece 40 (see Figure 5) while pressing or pushing the tip 50, the body 3 is moved relative to the body 1 so as to create a depression. By this depression, the liquid of the bottle passes via the tube 52, the pump 51 and the tip 50 into the channel 41 of the workpiece 40, and then into the tube 9, to fall into the chamber of the body 1.

After partial filling of the chamber 5 A of the body 1, it is sufficient to move the body 3 downwards to bring it back to its folded position. The liquid present in the chamber 5A then passes partially into the inner chamber 5B of the body 3. The lid is then tightened to immobilize the bodies 1 and 3 between them. The pumping mechanism 32 is then placed back into the housing or chamber 30, before the button 33 is put back.

Claims

claims

1. Device for spraying a fluid comprising an assembly having a receiving chamber (5) for the fluid to be sprayed, a first face associated with a tube (9) extending into the chamber and adapted to be associated with a head and a second face opposite to the first bottom-forming face, characterized in that the device comprises: a first body (1) having a wall adapted to form the first face and adapted to at least partially form the receiving chamber ( 5); a second body (3) movably mounted relative to the first body (1) and having the second face, said second body being adapted to define a chamber with the first body, said second body being movable relative to the first body between a position; remote for which the volume defined by the first and second body is maximum and a retracted position for which the volume defined by the first and second body is minimal; at least one seal extending between the first body and the second body, the seal providing at least one seal to the fluid to be sprayed and to the air;

a tube extending in the first body from the wall forming the first face to at least the vicinity of the second face in the retracted position of the bodies, said tube being associated with means on which the head is removably mounted spraying means and means adapted to connect the tube to a filling tip; and

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second bodies are adapted so that the maximum volume ratio of the bodies in the remote position / minimum volume of the bodies in the retracted position is between 1, 5 and 2.5, of preferably about 2.

3. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second bodies are adapted so that the ratio of the maximum volume of the bodies in the remote position / minimum volume of the bodies in the retracted position is between 1.8 and 2, preferably between 1.8 and 1.99.

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first body is adapted to extend at least partially in the second body.

5. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first body has a substantially cylindrical outer face, while the second body has a substantially cylindrical inner face, an advantageously substantially toric seal extending between said cylindrical inner face of the second body. and said substantially cylindrical outer face of the first body.

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tube (9) or a nozzle thereof or a connecting part attached thereto comprises a filter element adapted to prevent the passage of dust or solid particles.

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tube (9) is connected to a workpiece defining a receiving chamber of a pump, said pump being removably mounted in said chamber.

8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the minimum volume is less than 100ml, preferably between 5ml and 75ml, preferably between 5ml and 50ml.

9. An assembly comprising a device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and a removable piece adapted to be mounted or connected to the tube (9) or to its tip 10.

10. The assembly of claim 9, characterized in that the removable part comprises a filter element adapted to prevent the passage of dust or solid particles.

11. Device for spraying a fluid comprising an assembly having a receiving chamber (5) for the fluid to be sprayed, a first face associated with a tube (9) extending into the chamber and adapted to be associated with a head spraying apparatus and a second face opposite to the first bottom-forming face, said apparatus further comprising means adapted to suck a liquid into the chamber or a part thereof by at least one orifice or tube or channel, characterized in that it further comprises a filter element adapted to filter the liquid sucked into the chamber or part thereof via said at least one orifice or tube or channel.

12. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that the filter element is adapted to prevent the passage of dust or solid particles.

13. Device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that said at least one orifice or tube or channel is associated or comprises a filter element.

14. Device for spraying a fluid comprising an assembly having a receiving chamber (5) for the fluid to be sprayed, a first face associated with a tube (9) extending into the chamber and adapted to be associated with a head spraying apparatus and a second face opposite to the first bottom-forming face, said apparatus further comprising a pumping device and means adapted to draw a liquid into the chamber or a part thereof by at least one orifice or tube or a channel, characterized in that the pumping device is removably mounted relative to the assembly.

15. Device according to claim 14, characterized in that the assembly has a chamber in which is mounted removably the pumping device.

16. Use of a device or an assembly according to any one of the preceding claims for spraying a liquid and for refilling the device with liquid to be sprayed by suction of liquid contained in a bottle or reservoir.