WO2023006776A1

WO2023006776A1 - Dispensing spout, dispensing set and method for mounting a dispensing spout on a sachet

Info

Publication number: WO2023006776A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/070989
Authority: WO
Inventors: Aditya VARALE; Venkatesh SHEREGAR
Original assignee: L'oreal
Priority date: 2021-07-27
Filing date: 2022-07-26
Publication date: 2023-02-02

Abstract

A dispensing spout (14) destined to be mounted on a sachet, said dispensing spout (14) comprises: - a base (28) comprising a platform (34) and an outlet tube (36); - a first leaf (30) hinged to the platform (34) along a first axis of rotation (R-R') by a first hinge (50) between an extended and a folded position; and -a second leaf (32). The second leaf (32) is hinged along a second axis of rotation (S-S') to the first leaf (30) by a second hinge (60) between a deployed and a closed position, the first axis of rotation (R- R') and the second axis of rotation (S-S') extending in non-parallel directions.

Description

TITLE : Dispensing spout, dispensing set and method for mounting a dispensing spout on a sachet

The present invention relates to a dispensing spout destined to be mounted on a sachet, said dispensing spout comprising a base comprising a platform and an outlet tube, the platform extending along a platform axis and defining an outer face and an inner face, the tube extending along a tube axis, the tube having a neck protruding from the outer face and a sampling pipe from the inner face; a first leaf hinged to the platform along a first axis of rotation by a first hinge between an extended and a folded position; and a second leaf,

It is well-known to use a spout in order to dispense a controlled quantity of product conditioned in a sachet and to close the sachet in order to protect the product conditioned in the sachet.

Usually, the spout is permanently fixed on the sachet and can be only used on a single sachet.

In order to reduce waste, it is known to manufacture non-spouted sachet on which a spout can be removably attached.

Such spout can be use on multiple sachets by clipping it on and off new sachets several times.

JP 2015078003 and CN103231848 describe for example such a clip-on spout composed of a base and two leaves hinged to the base symmetrically.

However, such spouts are not entirely satisfactory.

Indeed, such spouts are complex to clip-on and to clip-off.

In particular, such spouts may be difficult to handle and to position correctly, especially with only one hand.

Furthermore, such spouts may not be fully satisfactory in terms of sealing, or may only be suitable for a sealed mounting for a limited type and size of sachets.

Moreover, such spouts could be difficult to manufacture and require multiple manufacture steps.

One aim of the invention is to provide a dispensing spout that can be easily mounted in a sealed manner on sachets with various designs and dimensions, while being easy to manufacture.

To this end, the invention proposes a dispensing spout destined to be mounted on a sachet, wherein the second leaf is hinged along a second axis of rotation to the first leaf by a second hinge between a deployed and a closed position, the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation extending in non-parallel directions. Thanks to the two hinged leaves, such a spout is easy to mount on a sachet. Because the two leaves are hinged in non-parallel directions, the user can move the first leaf and then the second leaf, and asymmetrically clip-on and clip-off the spout. In addition, such a spout is small-sized and can be easily manufactured in one piece, for example by plastic molding.

According to particular embodiments, the dispensing spout according to the invention has one or several of the following features, taken independently or in any technically feasible combination:

- The first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation are substantially perpendicular.

- The tube axis is substantially perpendicular to the platform axis.

This embodiment enables a better securing of the spout on a sachet, since the final closure of the second leaf is performed perpendicular to the closure of the first leaf, which assure a good maintaining in position of the spout.

- Each of the first leaf and the second leaf defines an outer face and an inner face, the inner face of each of the leaves comprising ribs interlocking to each other when the second leaf is in the closed position.

This embodiment enables a better sealing of the spout mounted on a sachet by a tightly grip of the sachet between the interlocking ribs.

- The free end of the sampling pipe, opposite to the platform, is tapered.

Such tapered free end enables an easy guidance of the sampling pipe into a sampling opening defined in the sachet.

- The neck of the tube defines an outer thread, the dispensing spout comprising a cap able to be screwed on the outer thread.

The closing of the spout with such a screw cap enables a better protection of the cosmetic product inside the sachet, by providing an extra air tightness required for the freshness of the product to be dispensed.

- The dispensing spout comprises a locking mechanism able to lock the second leaf in the closed position.

- The locking mechanism comprises a tip defined on one of the first leaf and the second leaf and a hook defined on the other of the first leaf and the second leaf, the hook being able to catch the tip in the closed position of the second leaf.

This embodiment enables a locking in position of the closed spout.

The invention also relates to a dispensing set comprising a spout as described above and a sachet defining a sampling opening, the spout being able to be mounted on the sachet by inserting the sampling pipe into the sampling opening. According to particular embodiments, the dispensing set according to the invention has one or several of the following features, taken independently or in any technically feasible combination:

-The sachet comprises a nozzle area defining a duct able to receive the sampling pipe of the dispensing spout, the duct merging at the sampling opening.

- The sachet comprises a product reservoir, the nozzle area protruding from the product reservoir.

This embodiment enables a securing of the spout mounted on the sachet in position. Indeed, the spout lies over the nozzle area and the sampling pipe is received inside the duct. Such a nozzle area improves the sealing of the mounting of the spout.

The invention also related to a method for mounting a dispensing spout on a sachet, the method comprising at least the following steps:

- supplying a dispensing set as described above, the first leaf being in the extended position and the second leaf being in the deployed position,

- defining an opening in the sachet,

- inserting the sampling pipe in the opening,

- moving the first leaf in the folded position, and

- moving the second leaf in the closed position.

The invention and its advantages will be better understood upon reading the following description given solely by way of non-limiting examples and with reference to the appended drawing, in which:

- [Fig 1 ] Figure 1 is a schematic view of the mounting of a dispensing spout on a sachet according to the invention.

- [Fig 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the dispensing spout of Figure 1 ; and

- [Fig 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the three positions of the dispensing spout of Figure 1 .

Figure 1 shows a dispensing set 10 comprising a sachet 12 and spout 14 removably mounted on the sachet 12.

The sachet 12 comprises a product reservoir 16 in which a product is conditioned.

The conditioned product is for example a makeup, care and/or coloring cosmetic product intended to be applied on a body surface. The conditioned product is in liquid form and may be of various viscosities. As an alternative, the conditioned product is a gel or a cream.

The product reservoir 16 is for example made of two foils 15 assembled one another along a peripheral seal 17.

The product reservoir 16 has a volume capacity comprised between 5 ml. to 750 ml_. A user is able to open a sampling opening 18 in the sachet 12 through which the conditioned product can be dispensed.

As illustrated on Figure 1, the sampling opening 18 is for example defined on one of the upper corner of the sachet 12.

In a variant not illustrated, the sampling opening 18 is defined on the top of the sachet

12.

The sampling opening 18 is for example made by locally cutting or tearing the foils 15.

As an alternative, a pre-cut 19 is previously defined on the sachet 12, for example as a perforated line. The sampling opening 18 is made by ripping off the part of the foils 15 facing the pre-cut 19.

In an advantageous manner, the sachet 12 comprises a nozzle area 20 defining a inner duct 22.

The duct 22 merges at the sampling opening 18 and connects the product reservoir 16 with the sampling opening 18, once the sampling opening 18 is defined.

The duct 22 has a width comprised between 5 mm and 20 mm .

Advantageously, the nozzle area 20 protrudes from the product reservoir 16.

As illustrated on the embodiment of figure 1 , the nozzle area 20 defines a neck area 24 protruding on one of the upper corner of the sachet 12 and able to be cut in order to define the sampling opening 18.

In a variant not illustrated, the nozzle area 20 protrudes from the product reservoir 16 on the top of the sachet 12 and the duct 22 extends along the direction of elevation of the sachet 12.

As illustrated on figure 2, the spout 14 destined to be mounted on the sachet 12 comprises a base 28, a first leaf 30 and a second leaf 32.

The base 28 comprises a platform 34 and an outlet tube 36 to be inserted in the duct

22.

The platform 34 extends along a platform axis P-P’ and defines an outer face 38 and an inner face 40. The outer face 38 and the inner face 40 are facing to each other according to an axis substantially perpendicular to the platform axis P-P’.

The outlet tube 36 extends along a tube axis T-T, for example substantially perpendicular to the platform axis P-P’.

The outlet tube 36 is a hollow tube for example with a circular cross-section.

The product conditioned in the product reservoir 16 of the sachet 12 is able to flow inside the outlet tube 36. The outlet tube 36 has an inner diameter for example comprised between 2 mm and 19mm. The outlet tube 36 has an outer diameter for example comprised between 5 mm and 20 mm.

The outlet tube 36 crosses the platform 34 for example in its middle and protrudes both from the outer face 38 and from the inner face 40.

The outlet tube 36 has a neck 42 protruding from the outer face 38 and a sampling pipe 44 protruding from the inner face 40.

The neck 42 defines a free end 43 facing the platform 34 and the sampling pipe 44 defines a free end 46 facing the platform 34.

Once the dispensing spout 14 is mounted on the sachet 12, the product conditioned in the product reservoir 16 of the sachet 12 is able to flow inside the outlet tube 36 from the free end 46 of the sampling pipe 44 to the free end 43 of the neck 42 to be distributed.

The free end 43 of the neck 42 has preferably an inner diameter smaller than the rest of the outlet tube 36, in order to limit the flow of the product during the distribution.

In a preferred embodiment, the neck 42 defines an outer thread 45.

In this embodiment, the dispensing spout 14 comprises a cap 47 able to be screwed on the outer thread 45.

The closing of the spout 14 with such a screw cap 47 enables a better protection of the product inside the sachet 12, once the dispensing spout 14 is mounted on the sachet 12.

The duct 22 is able to receive the sampling pipe 44.

The outer diameter of the sampling pipe 44 is advantageously substantially equal to the width of the duct 22, in order to avoid any product flow in the duct 22 outside the sampling pipe 44.

In order to facilitate the insertion of the sampling pipe 44 in the duct 22, the free end 46 of the sampling pipe 44 opposite to the platform 34 is advantageously tapered.

The free end 46 is for example tapered with a slant cut defining a sharp tip as illustrated in figure 3.

The first leaf 30 is hinged to the platform 34 along a first axis of rotation R-R’ by a first hinge 50 between an extended position illustrated in (A) on figure 3 and a folded position illustrated in (B) on figure 3.

As illustrated on figure 2, the first axis of rotation R-R’ is substantially parallel to the platform axis P-P’.

The first hinge 50 connects a connecting edge 51 of the first leaf 30 with a connecting lateral edge 53 of the platform 34. Each of the connecting edges 51 , 53 extends parallel to the first axis of rotation R-R’, and more specifically parallel to the platform axis P-P’. The first leaf 30 defines an outer face 52 and an inner face 54.

As illustrated in (A) on figure 3, when the first leaf 30 is in the extended position, the first leaf 30 extends parallel to the platform 34.

As illustrated in (B) on figure 3, when the first leaf 30 is in the folded position, the first leaf 30 extends perpendicular to the platform 34.

In the folded position, the inner face 54 of the first leaf 30 extends below the inner face 40 of the platform 34 and lies in contact with the sampling pipe 44.

Advantageously, a groove 56 is defined in the inner face 54 to receive the sampling pipe 44, when the first leaf 30 is in the folded position.

The inner face 54 also comprises ribs 58 extending perpendicular to groove 56 and protruding outwards from the inner face 54 of the first leaf 30.

The ribs 58 are advantageously also extending inside the groove 56.

The second leaf 32 is hinged to the first leaf 30 along a second axis of rotation S-S’ by a second hinge 60 between a deployed position illustrated on figure 2 and (B) on figure 3 and a closed position illustrated in (C) on figure 3.

As illustrated on figure 2, the first axis of rotation R-R’ and the second axis of rotation S-S’ extend in non-parallel directions, and more specifically are substantially perpendicular to one another.

The second hinge 60 connects a second connecting edge 61 of the first leaf 30 with a connecting edge 63 of the second leaf 32. Each of the connecting edges 61 , 63 extends parallel to the second axis of rotation S-S’, and more specifically perpendicular to the first axis of rotation R-R’, and parallel to the tube axis T-T.

The second leaf 32 is similar to the first leaf 30 and defines as well an outer face 62 and an inner face 64 comprising a groove 66 and ribs 68.

As illustrated on figure 2 and (B) on Figure 3, when the second leaf 32 is in the deployed position, the second leaf 32 extends in the continuation of the first leaf 30 parallel to the platform axis P-P’. It protrudes outward the second connecting edge 61.

As illustrated in (5) on figure 3, when the second leaf 32 is in the closed position, the second leaf 32 is facing the first leaf 30.

In the closed position, the inner face 54 of the first leaf 30 and the inner face 64 of the second leaf 32 lie against each other.

When the second leaf 32 is in the closed position, the ribs 58 of the first leaf 30 and the ribs 68 of the second leaf 32 are advantageously interlocking with each other.

When the first leaf 30 is in the folded position and the second leaf 32 is in the closed position as illustrated in (c) on figure 3, the sampling pipe 44 is located between the grooves 56, 66 of the leaves 30, 32. Preferably, the dispensing spout 14 comprises a locking mechanism 70 able to lock the second leaf 32 in the closed positon.

The locking mechanism 70 comprises a tip 72 defined on one of the first leaf 30 and the second leaf 32 and a hook 74 defined on the other of the first leaf 30 and the second leaf 32.

For example, in the embodiment illustrated on figure 3, the tip 72 is defined on the edge of the first leaf 30 opposite to the second hinge 60 and the hook 74 is defined on the edge of the first leaf 30 opposite to the second hinge 60.

The dispensing spout 14 is advantageously manufactured in one piece by plastic molding for example.

The dispensing spout 14 is for example made of a thermoplastic polymer, such as polypropylene.

A method for mounting a dispensing spout 14 on a sachet 12 will now be described with reference to figure 1.

First, a dispensing set 10 comprising a dispensing spout 14 and a sachet 12 as previously described is supplied.

The product reservoir 16 of the sachet 12 is filled with a product, for example a cosmetic product.

The dispensing spout 14 is arranged, so that the first leaf 30 is in its extended position and the second leaf 32 is in its deployed position.

As shown in the step A of figure 1, the sampling opening 18 is then opened by the user.

More specifically, the user cuts the sampling opening 18 on the sachet 12, for example on one corner of the sachet 12 or on top of the sachet 12.

As an alternative, a pre-cut 19 was previously defined on the sachet 12, for example as a perforated line. The user rips off the corner of the sachet 12 in order to cut the opening 18.

Afterwards, as shown in step B of figure 1, the sampling pipe 44 is inserted in the sampling opening 18.

The tapered free end 46 of the sampling pipe 44 allows an easy guidance of the sampling pipe 44 inside the opening 18.

In the embodiment shown in figure 1, the sampling pipe 44 is more specifically received into the duct 22. Preferably, the width of the duct 22 and the outer diameter of the sampling pipe 44 are substantially equal, so that once the sampling pipe 44 is received in the duct 22, no product can leak throughout the duct 22.

The inner surface 40 of the dispensing spout 14 lies against the sampling opening 18. Then, as shown in step C of figure 1, the first leaf 30 of the dispensing spout 14 is moved in the folded position.

For this purpose, the user applies for example a pressure on the outer face 52 of the first leaf 30, in order to rotate along the first axis of rotation R-R’.

The inner face 54 of the first leaf 30 lies against the sachet 12. The sampling pipe 44 is partly received inside the groove 56 defined in the inner face 54 of the first leaf 30, one foil 15 of the sachet 12 being interposed between the inner face 54 of the first leaf 30 and the duct 22.

Afterwards, as shown in step D of figure 1 , the second leaf 32 of the dispensing spout 14 is moved in the closed position.

For this purpose, the user has for example applied a pressure on the outer face 62 of the second leaf 32, in order to rotate along the second axis of rotation S-S’ perpendicularly to the first axis of rotation R-R’.

The inner face 64 of the second leaf 32 lies against the sachet 12 opposite to the inner face 54 of the first leaf 30.

The sampling pipe 44 and the foils 15 of the sachet 12 on each side of the duct 22 is received between the grooves 56, 66 of the leaves 30, 32 and is thus locked in position.

The ribs 58, 68 interlock with each other, in order to grip tightly the sachet 12, and more specifically the nozzle area 20,

In the embodiment shown in figure 1, the dispensing spout 14 encompasses the nozzle area 20 and more specifically lies over the neck area 24 securing the sachet 12 tightly in place.

In the embodiment shown in figure 1, the dispensing spout 14 comprises a locking mechanism 70. The tip 72 defined on the first leaf 30 is received in the hook 74 defined in the second leaf 32, thus locking the second leaf 32 in the closed position.

In this position, the product conditioned in the product reservoir 16 can be dispensed through the outlet tube 36 and especially through the free end 43 of the neck 42.

After dispensing the desired amount of product, the user can screw the cap 47, in order to protect the product still conditioned in the product reservoir 16 and to ensure air tightness.

Such a dispensing spout 14 can be easily mounted on a sachet 12 in a sealed manner, thanks notably to the locking mechanism 70 and the interlocking ribs 58, 68.

Thanks to the two hinges 50,60, such a dispensing spout 14 can be easily clipped - on and off multiple sachets 12 with various size and forms.

Furthermore, such a dispensing spout 14 is easy to manufacture in a one piece, for example by plastic molding. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in figure 1, the form of the sachet 12 with a nozzle area 20 protruding facilitates the assembly of the spout, as well as its fixing assuring a good sealing.

Claims

1 . Dispensing spout (14) destined to be mounted on a sachet (12), said dispensing spout (14) comprising:

- a base (28) comprising a platform (34) and an outlet tube (36), the platform (34) extending along a platform axis (P-P’) and defining an outer face (38) and an inner face (40), the tube (36) extending along a tube axis (T-T), the tube (36) having a neck (42) protruding from the outer face (38) and a sampling pipe (44) from the inner face (40);

- a first leaf (30) hinged to the platform (34) along a first axis of rotation (R- R’) by a first hinge (50) between an extended and a folded position; and

- a second leaf (32), characterized in that the second leaf (32) is hinged along a second axis of rotation (S-S’) to the first leaf (30) by a second hinge (60) between a deployed and a closed position, the first axis of rotation (R-R’) and the second axis of rotation (S-S’) extending in non-parallel directions.

2. Dispensing spout according to claim 1 , wherein the first axis of rotation (R-R’) and the second axis of rotation (S-S’) are substantially perpendicular.

3. Dispensing spout according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tube axis (T-T) is substantially perpendicular to the platform axis (P-P’).

4. Dispensing spout according to any one of claims 1 to 3,, wherein each of the first leaf (30) and the second leaf (32) defines an outer face (52, 62) and an inner face (54, 64), the inner face (54, 64) of each of the leaves (30, 32) comprising ribs (58, 68) interlocking to each other when the second leaf (32) is in the closed position.

5. Dispensing spout according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the free end (46) of the sampling pipe (44), opposite to the platform (34), is tapered.

6. Dispensing spout according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the neck (42) of the tube (36) defines an outer thread (43), the dispensing spout (14) comprising a cap (47) able to be screwed on the outer thread (43).

7. Dispensing spout according to any one of claims 1 to 6 comprising a locking mechanism (70) able to lock the second leaf (32) in the closed position.

8. Dispensing spout according to claim 7, wherein the locking mechanism (70) comprises a tip (72) defined on one of the first leaf (30) and the second leaf (32) and a hook (74) defined on the other of the first leaf (30) and the second leaf (32), the hook (74) being able to catch the tip (70) in the closed position of the second leaf (32).

9. Dispensing set comprising a spout (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and a sachet (12) defining a sampling opening (18), the spout (14) being able to be mounted on the sachet (12) by inserting the sampling pipe (44) into the sampling opening (18).

10. Dispensing set according to claim 9, wherein the sachet (12) comprises a nozzle area (20) defining a duct (22) able to receive the sampling pipe (44) of the dispensing spout (14), the duct (22) merging at the sampling opening (18).

11. Dispensing set according to claim 10, wherein the sachet (12) comprises a product reservoir (16), the nozzle area (20) protruding from the product reservoir (16).

12. A method for mounting a dispensing spout (14) on a sachet (12), the method comprising at least the following steps:

- supplying a dispensing set (10) according to any one of claims 9 to 11 , the first leaf (30) being in the extended position and the second leaf (32) being in the deployed position, - defining an opening (18) in the sachet (12),

- inserting the sampling pipe (44) in the opening (18),

- moving the first leaf (30) in the folded position, and

- moving the second leaf (32) in the closed position.