WO2023208890A1

WO2023208890A1 - Device for dispensing a fluid product

Info

Publication number: WO2023208890A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/060744
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sophie FREISSINET
Original assignee: Pierre Fabre Dermo-Cosmetique
Priority date: 2022-04-29
Filing date: 2023-04-25
Publication date: 2023-11-02
Also published as: FR3135067A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for dispensing a fluid product comprising a non-expandable external container (10) having an opening (105), a closed internal reservoir (11) having a flexible wall (111) containing the product, which closed internal reservoir is arranged in the external container and provided with a spout for dispensing the product (113) extending laterally out of the external container, and a pressurising system (12) configured to let air into the external container, into an inside space in the external container outside the internal reservoir, the system being manually actuatable and reversibly attached to the assembly formed by the external container and the internal reservoir. The external container (10), the internal reservoir (11) and the pressurising system (12) are configured and assembled together so as to close the opening in the external container and prevent any air from escaping therefrom.

Description

DEVICE FOR DISTRIBUTING A FLUID PRODUCT

The present invention is part of the field of fluid product distribution devices of the manual pump type.

More particularly, the present invention relates to a device for dispensing a fluid product, as well as an assembly method and a disassembly method of such a device. The invention also relates to an internal reservoir, as well as an assembly of internal reservoir and external container, for such a device.

A particularly preferred field of application of the invention, although in no way limiting, is that of the storage and distribution of fluid cosmetic products, such as milks, creams, liquid soaps, etc. Numerous dispensing devices have been proposed by the prior art for such an application. Typically, these devices include a container for receiving the product and a dosing pump equipped with a dip tube, one end of which is immersed in the product. Manually operating the pump creates a suction drawing the product inside the dip tube to a nozzle which distributes it out of the container. When all of the product contained in the container has been distributed, the whole thing is thrown away.

Documents US 5,454,488, US 9,272,835, US 2008/10571 1 and JP H10 120054 describe fluid product dispensing devices of various constitutions, with a manual dosing pump. These devices are not intended to be at least partially reused when all of the product they contain has been distributed. They are also not reusable, or their reuse first requires complex operations of dismantling, cleaning to ensure the cleanliness of a new product to be distributed, and reassembly.

Document US 2015/284147 describes a toothpaste dispensing device, part of which can be reused, but only after cleaning. In recent years, environmental protection has become a key concern for both industrial players and consumers. Reducing waste, as well as reducing its ecological impact, are major levers. It is therefore particularly desirable to limit the packaging, favor the use of reusable items and encourage the use of recyclable materials. Different waste recycling channels have been developed, in order to reduce the quantity incinerated or buried in the ground and to recover them. These sectors require selective sorting of waste by type of constituent material, and are currently not able to recycle complex products made from mixtures of different materials.

The present invention is part of this framework of reducing the ecological impact of waste, and more particularly devices for dispensing fluid products equipped with a manual pump. More particularly, the present invention aims to provide such a device of which at least part is reusable, preferably easily, without requiring a cleaning operation, and by the consumer himself. An additional objective of the invention is that the non-reusable part of this device is suitable for treatment by current recycling channels.

In order to meet these objectives, according to a first aspect, the present invention proposes a device for dispensing a fluid product, which comprises:

- a non-expandable external container, comprising a lower wall and a side wall comprising, opposite this lower wall, an upper part and an upper edge defining an opening,

- a closed internal tank containing the product to be distributed, arranged at least partly in the external container, comprising a flexible wall and a product distribution spout which extends laterally outside the external container, the lateral direction here being defined as a direction having an inclination with respect to a longitudinal direction extending from the lower wall towards the upper edge of the side wall of the outer container, along this side wall, in particular a direction substantially perpendicular to this longitudinal direction, said flexible wall and said distribution spout forming a one-piece structure,

- and a pressurization system configured to introduce air into the external container, in a space interior to the external container outside the internal tank, this pressurization system being manually operable and being reversibly fixed to the assembly formed by the external container and the internal tank. The outer container, the inner tank and the pressurization system are configured and assembled together to close the opening of the outer container and prevent any escape of air from the outer container.

The pressurization system can be reversibly attached, depending on the embodiments, either to the upper part of the side wall of the external container, or to an upper part of the internal tank in configurations in which such an upper part protrudes out of the outer container. We mean, by fixed in a reversible manner, that the pressurization system can be separated from the assembly formed by the external container and the internal tank without destruction, so that it can be fixed to it again, this as much as whenever necessary.

The flexible wall and the distribution spout of the internal tank form a one-piece structure. By this we mean that either they were manufactured in one piece, or they were assembled together irreversibly, for example by gluing or welding, so that they cannot be separated. 'from each other without destruction.

In the present description, the term fluid product means a liquid or pasty product capable of flowing, in particular having a dynamic viscosity, determined using a rotating viscometer, for example of the Rheomat RM200 type, under a shear of 10 s ^-1 and at ambient temperature (25°C), which is between 5,000 and 30,000 mPa.s.

By non-expandable external container we mean a container whose internal volume cannot increase. Preferably, it is also non-compressible, that is to say its internal volume cannot decrease. This does not exclude the possibility that the external container is deformable, such deformation cannot however be accompanied by a variation in its internal volume.

The internal reservoir used in the constitution of the device according to the invention is for its part delimited at least in part by a flexible wall, so that its internal volume can vary, in particular in the direction of a reduction.

In the device according to the invention, the internal reservoir and the external container advantageously form two constituents that are quite distinct from each other. In particular, they do not share any common wall, so that they are entirely separable. When using the device according to the invention, actuation of the pressurization system causes the introduction of air into the external container, into the space surrounding the internal tank contained therein. Due to the non-expandable nature of the external container, and the absence of any possibility for air to escape, this has the effect of compressing the internal reservoir, causing the product to be distributed outside the device, through the spout. of distribution. The quantity of product dispensed is controlled by the actuation level of the pressurization system. The compression of the internal tank is irreversible, so that each subsequent actuation of the pressurizing system causes the distribution of a quantity of the product contained in the internal tank. The device according to the invention is further configured such that throughout these stages, only the internal reservoir, and in particular its flexible wall and its dispensing spout, comes into contact with the product. The other elements, external container and pressurization system, are never affected by the product. After separation of the internal reservoir, which proves to be particularly easy in particular due to the formation in one piece of the flexible wall and the distribution spout, these other elements are thus, at least as far as the powering system is concerned. pressure, and also with regard to the external container in preferred embodiments of the invention, easily and immediately reusable, without the need to clean them beforehand. It is then sufficient to adequately assemble these elements with a new internal reservoir filled with product, this product possibly being identical to the previous one, or different, to obtain a product distribution device that is operational again. In this, the device according to the invention perfectly meets the pro-environmental objective set by the present invention, in terms of reducing waste and using reusable articles. In particular, its reuse never requires cleaning, but only the replacement of the internal tank.

The device according to the invention can also meet one or more of the characteristics described below, implemented individually or in each of their technically effective combinations.

The internal reservoir is preferably formed from material(s) of recyclable type. Optionally, this or these material(s) can meet the requirements of the European Pharmacopoeia for compatibility with food contact. The internal reservoir is preferably formed more than 80%, preferably more than 85%, especially 100%, in a single material. It is preferably formed from plastic material(s) such as polyethylene, polypropylene or polyethylene terephthalate. These materials may in particular have themselves been obtained by recycling. The thickness of the flexible wall of the internal reservoir is chosen according to the specific material used, to obtain the desired compressibility. Such a choice falls within the skills of those skilled in the art.

The external container is also preferably formed from a single material, preferably recyclable, and in a single piece. This material may in particular be a plastic material, such as polyethylene terephthalate, or a material based on natural fibers, in particular cellulose fibers, such as cardboard. The thickness of the outer container walls is chosen based on the specific material used, to achieve the desired non-extensible character. Here again, such a choice falls within the skills of those skilled in the art.

The pressurization system is preferably also made of recyclable material(s), in particular plastic material(s) such as polypropylene or polyethylene.

The possible sealing members that the device may include, which will be described further in the present description, can be formed from elastomer, rubber, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyurethane, or any other conventional material in itself for the production of sealing members. waterproofing.

In particular embodiments of the invention, the dispensing spout extends laterally above the upper edge of the side wall of the outer container. Such an embodiment advantageously favors that the assembly of the different elements with each other, in particular of the internal tank and the external container, is airtight in order to prevent any escape of air from the latter.

In alternative embodiments of the invention, the dispensing spout extends through the side wall of the external container, preferably in the upper part of this side wall, for example in a pierced notch for this purpose in the thickness of the side wall, preferably from the upper edge of the latter.

The dispensing spout is preferably equipped, preferably at its free end located outside the external container, with a non-return valve, preventing any entry of external substance into the internal reservoir. Such a characteristic ensures optimal protection of the product contained in the internal tank with respect to air and ambient impurities, in particular microbiological contaminants. This non-return valve can be assembled in the distribution spout in a removable or non-dismountable manner. In this last configuration, it is part of the one-piece structure formed by the flexible wall and the distribution spout of the internal tank.

In particular embodiments of the invention, the dispensing spout is closed by a removable shutter. This shutter may be of the irreversibly removable type, such as a breakable shutter. It then presents, apart from a function of protecting the product contained in the internal tank against external contaminants, the function of first use indicator. Alternatively, this shutter can be of the reversibly removable type, such as a shutter with a flap or a member which can be moved, for example by pivoting, between an opening position and a closing position of the spout. Any conventional reversible fixing system in itself can be used for fixing the pressurization system to the assembly formed by the external container and the internal tank. This fixing can for example be carried out by snap-fastening or by screwing, the pressurization system and the external container or the internal tank being in either case provided with cooperating means adapted for this purpose.

Preferably, the pressurization system is fixed on the external container or the internal tank so as to form a cap for the assembly, covering the entire opening of the external container and the entire upper part of the internal tank, with the exception of the dispensing spout which projects outside the device. The pressurization system then preferably comprises a lower peripheral skirt fixed reversibly all around the upper part of the side wall of the external container or a possible upper part of the internal tank projecting above the container external, depending on the device configuration.

In particular embodiments of the invention, the external face of the upper part of the side wall of the external container is provided with a thread, and the internal face of the lower peripheral skirt of the pressurization system is provided with 'a cooperating thread. Optionally, one of these threads, preferably the thread of the external container, can be provided in its groove with a prominence inducing resistance to screwing, testifying to a sufficient level of screwing, in particular to obtain the hermeticity of the assembly between the pressurization system and the external container. It is within the skills of those skilled in the art to know how to position such a prominence in the appropriate place for this purpose.

Alternatively, the pressurization system can be fixed to the external container by a hinge securing it to the latter and allowing its movement between a closed position in which it covers the opening of the external container and an open position in which it allows access. The pressurization system and the external container are then further provided with cooperating members to ensure reversible locking in the closed position.

In the embodiments in which the pressurization system comprises a lower peripheral skirt fixed around the external container or an upper part of the internal tank projecting above the external container, this lower peripheral skirt can be pierced with a notch. The dispensing spout of the internal tank is then arranged so as to extend laterally, above the upper edge of the side wall of the external container, through this notch.

More generally, in particular embodiments of the invention, the pressurization system comprises a lower peripheral skirt reversibly fixed to the assembly formed by the external container and the internal tank, this lower peripheral skirt being pierced with a notch through which the dispensing spout extends laterally above the upper edge of the side wall of the outer container.

In alternative embodiments of the invention, the external container is pierced in the upper part of its side wall with a notch, preferably longitudinal, and preferably opening at its upper edge, and through which the dispensing spout extends laterally outside of said external container.

In particular embodiments of the invention, the internal tank is fixed to the external container by reversible hermetic fixing means, for example by screwing or snap-fastening.

In alternative embodiments of the invention, the internal reservoir is attached to the external container by non-reversible hermetic fixing means. The external container is then not reusable. In such a configuration, it is then preferably formed from recyclable material, preferably biosourced, for example based on cellulose fibers, with a view to protecting the environment and using renewable resources. The irreversible fixing system is also preferably of the easily destructible type, such as welding by a fine welding bead, configured to ensure on the one hand good resistance when using the device, and on the other hand allow easy separation when the internal tank has been emptied, allowing recycling of the internal tank on the one hand, and the external container on the other hand, through specialized recycling channels. The reversible fixing of the pressurization system is then preferably carried out on a rigid upper part of the internal tank projecting above the external container, for example by screwing or preferably by snap-fastening, the pressurization system and the tank internal being provided with adequate cooperating means for this purpose.

In still other variants of the invention, the internal tank and the external container are not fixed to each other. The internal tank is simply placed inside the external container, and is held there by the pressurization system attached to the external container so as to form a cap. In such a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the external container can be easily reused, after its separation from the pressurization system and its separation from the internal tank which is simply removed for this purpose.

The pressurization system of the device according to the invention is preferably of the type allowing the distribution of a quantity predetermined product. We can then qualify it as a dosing pump.

In particular embodiments of the invention, the pressurization system comprises:

- a suction and compression chamber delimited by an upper wall and a peripheral side wall of which a zone is elastically deformable, for example forms an elastically deformable bellows,

- and an air circulation channel from the external environment to this chamber, equipped with a non-return valve.

The system is further preferably configured so that the upper wall is manually movable between a high rest position in the elastically deformable zone is relaxed, the internal volume of the chamber then being at its maximum value, and a low position of actuation in which the elastically deformable zone is compressed, reducing the internal volume of the chamber. The outer container, the inner tank and the pressurization system are arranged to allow air to flow unidirectionally from the chamber to the outer container, in the interior space of the outer container outside the inner tank. Such a configuration advantageously makes it possible to control the volume of product distributed at each actuation of the system, this volume corresponding to the loss of internal volume of the chamber caused by the movement of its upper wall towards the lower position.

The unidirectional nature of the air flow from the pressurization system to the external container is preferably ensured by a unidirectional valve arranged in a passage taken by this air flow to circulate from the pressurization system to the external container . This one-way valve can in particular be integrated into the internal tank or the pressurization system.

Throughout this description, the terms unidirectional or non-return will be used interchangeably to designate a valve allowing the circulation of air through it in only one direction.

In particular embodiments of the invention, particularly adapted to simple configurations of the internal tank, the pressurization system comprises a plate fixed, in particular in a removable manner, by for example by snap-fastening, under the suction chamber, preferably inside the lower peripheral skirt. This plate is sized to occupy the entire transverse surface of the lower peripheral skirt. It is pierced with a through orifice guiding the flow of air expelled from the suction chamber towards the external container. A one-way valve is preferably placed in this through orifice allowing the passage of air from the suction chamber of the pressurizing system towards the external container, and preventing the passage of air in the opposite direction.

In particular embodiments of the invention, the internal reservoir is a simple flexible bag, equipped with a product distribution spout. This flexible bag may or may not be equipped with a bottom gusset allowing it to stand upright. In such embodiments, the internal tank is preferably arranged in the external container without being attached to it, and the one-way valve ensuring the unidirectional nature of the air flow from the pressurization system to the external container is preferably integrated in the pressurization system, in particular in a plate fitted to the latter and placed under the suction chamber, as described above.

In alternative embodiments of the invention, the internal reservoir comprises:

- a flexible wall pocket containing the product, comprising an opening at an upper end,

- a collar, preferably annular, rigid fixed to the upper end of this pocket, with an external peripheral contour coinciding with that of the upper edge of the side wall of the external container, comprising an upper face and an opposite lower face, the pocket s 'extending from an internal peripheral zone of the lower face of the flange, the flange resting by an external peripheral zone of its lower face on the upper edge of the side wall of the external container and being pierced, between the external peripheral zone and the zone internal peripheral of its lower face, of a through orifice, extending between its upper face and its lower face, in hydraulic communication with the pressurization system and with the internal volume of the external container, - a distribution nozzle in hydraulic communication with the internal volume of the pocket,

- and a closing member fixed in the collar and closing the opening of the pocket.

Preferably, the through orifice provided in the collar is provided with a unidirectional valve allowing the passage of an air flow from the upper face to the lower face of the collar.

Such an embodiment proves to be particularly advantageous in terms of producing the cooperating assembly of the different elements of the device according to the invention with each other, since it is the internal reservoir itself which ensures the passage of the air, preferably in a unidirectional flow, from the pressurizing system to the external container, when the collar is inserted between the latter, via the through hole drilled in this collar.

The soft-walled bag, the dispensing spout and the collar preferably form a one-piece structure. Thus, either they were manufactured as an integral part, or they were manufactured independently of each other and assembled to form a non-disassembleable assembly. The soft-walled pocket and the collar are preferably formed from the same material, but not necessarily by the same technique. Thus, preferably, the flexible wall pocket is formed by blowing or extrusion of film then welding, or even extrusion and lamination, so as to form a wall of thin thickness, ensuring the compressibility of the pocket, and the collar is preferably formed by injection so as to give it greater thickness and the required level of rigidity. The pocket and the collar can be connected to each other directly, for example by welding, or by an intermediate sleeve, or any other intermediate connecting element, the presence of which is dictated by the requirements of industrial manufacturing.

In particular embodiments of the invention, the internal reservoir is installed in the external container in a position such that the flange rests on the upper edge of the side wall of the latter, the flexible wall pocket extending from the collar, in the internal volume of the external container. Such a characteristic facilitates the assembly of the elements to each other constituents of the device according to the invention to close the opening of the external container and prevent any escape of air from the latter. The pressurization system then preferably forms a cap covering the assembly, as described above.

Preferably, in order to ensure good airtightness of the assembly:

- the lower face of the flange is provided, at its external peripheral zone, with a peripheral sealing member and the flange rests on the upper edge of the side wall of the external container by this sealing member, or the upper edge of the side wall of the external container is provided with a sealing member and the collar rests with its lower face on this sealing member,

- and/or the upper face of the collar is provided, at the level of the external peripheral zone of its upper face, with a peripheral sealing member and the pressurization system rests on this sealing member, or the pressurization system comprises a wall provided with a peripheral sealing member and rests on the external peripheral zone of the upper face of the collar by this sealing member, the lower peripheral skirt of the pressurization system is then preferably extending from this wall, at the periphery of the sealing member, to be fixed reversibly to the upper part of the side wall of the external container or to the outer edge of the collar. The space formed between the upper face of the collar and this wall of the pressurization system can advantageously be used for the circulation of the air expelled from the chamber of the pressurization system towards the external container, via the the through orifice, where appropriate provided with a one-way valve, formed in the collar, when using the device.

The sealing members used in the device according to the invention can be of any conventional type in itself. Each of these sealing members may in particular be a sealing lip, formed integrally with the element which carries it, or a seal fixed to this element, in particular in a removable manner, for example by snap-fastening.

In particular embodiments of the invention, the dispensing spout extends laterally outwards through the flange of the internal reservoir. Such a characteristic advantageously further promotes the hermetic assembly of the different elements of the device with each other.

The shutter member closing the flexible wall pocket may or may not be removable. It can be fixed to the collar by any conventional means in itself, for example by snap-fastening or screwing in embodiments in which it is a plug, or by heat welding, ultrasonic or induction fixing, in embodiments in which it is a cover. In particular embodiments of the invention, the shutter member is formed in one piece with the collar, the whole then forming a solid and continuous plate.

The device according to the invention can contain any fluid product, in particular chosen from food products, pharmaceutical products, medical devices and cosmetic products.

Preferably, the product is a cosmetic product, such as a body milk, a cream, a liquid soap, etc.

The internal reservoir can have any capacity, in particular between 15 milliliters and 1 liter. The pressurization system can, for example, be configured to deliver, with each actuation, a dose of between 0.15 and 5 milliliters.

For example, the device can have a product storage capacity of 15 ml, the pressurization system, in particular its variable volume chamber, then being configured so that each actuation, in particular each maximum reduction in volume internal of the chamber, causes the delivery of 0.15 ml of product (corresponding to a reduction of 0.15 cm ³ in the internal volume of the chamber). Otherwise, the device can for example have a product storage capacity of 1000 ml, the pressurization system, in particular its variable volume chamber, then being configured so that each actuation, in particular each maximum reduction of the internal volume of the chamber, causes the delivery of 5 ml of product (corresponding to a reduction of 5 cm ³ in the internal volume of the chamber).

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of assembling a device according to the invention. This method comprises the reversible hermetic attachment of the pressurization system to the assembly formed by the external container containing the inner reservoir in a position in which the dispensing spout extends laterally outside the outer container, preferably above the upper edge of the side wall of the outer container or through the upper portion of the side wall of the external container. This fixing can in particular be carried out by screwing or snap-fastening a lower peripheral skirt of the pressurization system at the level of the external face of the upper part of the side wall of the external container or at the level of the external edge of a collar of the internal tank resting on the upper edge of the side wall of the external container, the different elements of the device being assembled to each other so as to prevent any escape of air from the external container, and the distribution spout being preferably positioned so as to extend through a notch provided for this purpose in the lower peripheral skirt of the pressurization system or in the side wall of the external container.

Previously, the assembly method according to the invention may comprise a step of arranging the internal reservoir in the external container, in a position in which the dispensing spout extends laterally outside the external container, preferably au- above the upper edge of the side wall of the external container or through the side wall of the external container, in a notch formed for this purpose in this wall, and so as to ensure the hermeticity of the assembly.

Preferably, all of these operations are carried out while the dispensing spout is closed by a removable shutter.

A method of using the device according to the invention then comprises opening the dispensing spout, by removing the removable shutter, then activating the pressurization system as many times as necessary, to successively distribute doses of the product contained in the internal tank.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of disassembling a device according to the invention, which can in particular, but not limited to, be implemented when all of the product contained in the internal reservoir has been distributed. This process comprises the separation of the pressurization system and the assembly formed by the external container and the internal tank, then the separation of the external container and the internal tank. The system pressurization, which has remained clean and has not been in contact with the product, can easily be reused, as can, where appropriate, depending on the embodiment of the device, the external container. Otherwise, it can be recycled. The empty internal tank can also be recycled.

A new refill, formed by an internal reservoir containing a fluid product to be distributed, where appropriate attached to an external container, can then be used to reconstitute a device according to the invention by assembly with the pressurization system.

Thus, another aspect of the invention relates to a reservoir for a device according to the invention, usable as an internal reservoir within this device, and comprising:

- a flexible wall bag containing a fluid product, comprising an opening at an upper end,

- a collar, preferably annular, rigid fixed to the upper end of this pocket, comprising an upper face and an opposite lower face, the pocket extending from an internal peripheral zone of this lower face, the collar being pierced, between an external peripheral zone and an internal peripheral zone of its lower face, a through orifice extending between its upper face and its lower face, this orifice optionally being able to be provided with a unidirectional valve allowing the passage of a flow of air, only, from the upper face to the lower face,

- a closing member fixed in the collar and closing the opening of the pocket,

- and a dispensing spout in hydraulic communication with the internal volume of the pocket, extending laterally outwards through the collar, the dispensing spout being closed by a removable shutter.

This reservoir may meet one or more of the other characteristics described above with reference to the internal reservoir of the device according to the invention. In particular, the lower face of the collar may be provided, at its external peripheral zone, with a peripheral sealing member, formed integrally with the collar or fixed to the latter, in particular in a removable manner. The pocket, the dispensing spout and the collar preferably form a one-piece structure. The invention also relates to an assembly of internal reservoir and external container for the device of the invention, this assembly comprising:

- a tank as defined above,

- and a non-expandable external container, comprising an upper edge defining an opening, inside which the pocket is placed, and fixed in a hermetic manner, and preferably irreversibly, by its upper edge to the external peripheral zone of the lower face of the collar.

This internal reservoir and this external container may meet one or more of the other characteristics described above with reference respectively to the internal reservoir and the external container of the device according to the invention.

In particular, the flange of the internal tank may include, on its outer edge, means for its reversible attachment to the pressurization system of the device according to the invention.

The characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly in the light of the examples of implementation below, provided simply by way of illustration and in no way limiting the invention, with the support of Figures 1 to 7, in which:

Figure 1 represents a general view of the different constituent elements of a device for dispensing a fluid product according to the invention;

Figure 2 shows a sectional view along a longitudinal plane of the upper part of the internal reservoir of the device of Figure 1;

Figure 3 represents a sectional view along a longitudinal plane of the pressurization system of the device of Figure 1;

Figure 4 represents a sectional view along a longitudinal plane of a variant of the pressurization system of Figure 3;

Figure 5 represents a general view of the device of Figure 1 after assembly of its constituent elements;

Figure 6 represents a sectional view along a longitudinal plane of the upper part of the device of Figure 5 in a rest configuration.

Figure 7 represents a sectional view along a longitudinal plane of the upper part of the device of Figure 5 in an actuation configuration.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the figures, the constituent elements of the device according to the invention are of generally circular outline, such a shape being however in no way limiting the invention.

The device for dispensing a fluid product according to the invention comprises three constituent elements: an external container 10, an internal reservoir 11 and a pressurization system 12, which can also be described as a manual dosing pump. Examples of embodiments of these constituent elements are shown in Figure 1, separated from each other.

The external container 10 is of the non-expandable type, that is to say that its internal volume cannot increase, and preferably also non-compressible, that is to say that its internal volume cannot decrease. It comprises a lower wall 101 and a side wall 102 extending from this lower wall, which together define an internal volume 107 of the external container 10. All of these walls are preferably formed in one piece. The side wall 102 comprises, opposite the lower wall 101, an upper part 103 and an upper edge 104 defining an opening 105. The lower wall 101 and the side wall 102 are solid. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the external container 10 further comprises a thread 106 intended to ensure its reversible attachment to the pressurization system 12. Such an embodiment is, however, in no way limiting to the invention , and the external container 10 can be provided with any other reversible fixing member, in particular of the type allowing fixing by snap-fastening, of the pressurizing system 12. The pressurizing system 12 can otherwise for example be fixed to the external container 10 on one side by a hinge allowing its movement for opening or closing of the external container 10, and on an opposite side by a reversible locking system in the closed position of the external container 10, comprising means fixed on the pressurization system 12 and cooperating means fixed on the external container 10, these means being able to be of any conventional type in itself.

The internal reservoir can be formed from a simple flexible-walled sachet fitted with a product dispensing spout, this sachet and this dispensing spout forming a one-piece structure.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the internal reservoir 11 is of more complex configuration, and comprises a pocket 1 10 with flexible wall 1 1 1 defining an internal volume 1 1 14 containing the product 13, an annular collar 1 12 fixed to an upper end 1 1 12 of the pocket 1 10 by the via an intermediate sleeve 114 and a product distribution nozzle 113 extending laterally towards the outside of the device through the collar 112.

The upper part of the internal reservoir 1 1 is shown in more detail, in sectional view, in Figure 2. At its upper end 1 1 12, the pocket 1 10 with flexible wall 1 1 1 has an opening 1 1 13. The pocket 110, the sleeve 114, the collar 112 and the dispensing spout 113 preferably form a one-piece structure, preferably but not limited to the same material, preferably plastic. These parts are however of different thicknesses, the wall 1 1 1 of the pocket 1 10 being of thin thickness, giving it great flexibility, while the collar 1 12 is much thicker, so as to give it the level of rigidity required.

The pocket 1 10 may include one or more welds, in particular longitudinal and/or in the lower part opposite its opening 1 1 13, this weld or these welds having for example made it possible to close it on itself after filling.

The collar 112 has a lower face 1121, at which the pocket 110 is secured to it via the sleeve 114, and an opposite upper face 1122. More precisely, the wall 111 of the pocket 110 is secured to the lower face 1121 of the collar 112 at the level of the internal peripheral zone of this face, that is to say the peripheral zone of this localized face towards the center of the device.

The external peripheral contour of the collar 112 substantially coincides, in shape and dimensions, with the upper edge 104 of the side wall 102 of the external container 10. Thus, in the embodiment shown in the figures in which the external container 10 is of generally cylindrical shape, the external peripheral contour of the collar 1 12 is circular, of the same diameter as that of the opening 105 of the external container 10.

At the level of its lower face 1121, in the external peripheral zone of the latter, that is to say the peripheral zone located towards the outside of the device, the collar 112 is provided with a sealing member, more particularly, in the embodiment shown in the figures, with a prominent peripheral sealing lip 1123. Between this peripheral lip 1123 and the internal peripheral zone of its lower face 1 121, the collar 1 12 is pierced with a through orifice 1 124 equipped with a non-return valve 1 125, this non-return valve being schematized in the figures, just like all the non-return valves of the device, by a cross. The number, dimensions and positioning of the non-return valves shown in the figures are in no way limiting to the invention, and all other numbers, dimensions and positioning of such valves fall within the scope of the invention, to the extent that they achieve the same function as the non-return valves specifically shown in the figures. The non-return valve 1125 is configured to allow the passage of air only from the upper face 1122 towards the lower face 1121 of the collar 112. At the level of the lower face 1121, the through orifice 1124 opens outside the pocket 1 1 1, in the cylinder of revolution in which the collar 1 12 fits.

The dispensing spout 1 13 is in hydraulic communication, via the interior spaces of the collar 1 12 and the sleeve 1 14, with the internal volume 1 1 14 of the pocket 1 10, and opens outside the device at one end free opposite 1131. Its internal channel 1132 is provided with a non-return valve 1133 allowing passage only from the internal volume 1114 of the pocket 110 towards the free end 1131. The dispensing spout 1 13 can optionally be closed, at its free end 1 131, by a removable shutter 1 134. This shutter can be of the irreversibly removable type, such as a breakable tip, or of the reversibly removable type.

The internal reservoir 11 further comprises a closing member 115 hermetically fixed inside the flange 112 so as to close the opening 1113 of the pocket 110. This closing member, allowing in particular to close the pocket 1 10 after filling it, may or may not be removable. It may in particular be a plug, fixed to the collar 1 12 by friction type fixation, and optionally comprising a handle 1151 facilitating its handling for this purpose. It can otherwise be a cover, for example fixed to the collar 1 12 by heat sealing. In variants of the invention, no shown in the figures, the shutter member 115 is formed in one piece with the collar 112, the assembly then forming a solid and continuous plate. Whatever the embodiment, the closing member 115 is fixed in the collar 1 12 so as not to block the dispensing spout 1 13, and allow the circulation of product 13 from the internal volume 1 1 14 of the pocket 110 to the dispensing spout 1 13.

The pressurization system 12, also called metering pump, comprises, in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, an annular wall 123 of external diameter slightly greater than that of the upper edge 104 of the side wall 102 of the external container 10 From this annular wall 123 extend substantially perpendicularly, on a first face, at the level of the outer peripheral edge of the annular wall 123, a lower peripheral skirt 121, and, on a second face opposite the first face, at the level of the internal peripheral edge of the annular wall 123, an upper peripheral skirt 124.

The lower peripheral skirt 121 is pierced with a notch 122 extending substantially over its entire height. This lower peripheral skirt 121 is further provided, on its internal face, with reversible fixing means cooperating with the reversible fixing means carried by the external container 10, and described above, for example a thread (not visible in the figures ) capable of cooperating with a thread carried by the external container 10. The internal diameter of the lower peripheral skirt 121 is for this purpose substantially equal to the external diameter of the upper part 103 of the side wall 102 of the external container 10.

The pressurization system 12 further comprises a push button 125 fitting partly inside the upper peripheral skirt 124.

An embodiment of this push button is shown in Figure 3. It comprises a so-called suction and compression chamber 126 delimited by an upper wall 127 and a peripheral side wall 128, the lower zone 129 of which, disposed inside of the upper peripheral skirt 124, is elastically deformable. In the embodiment shown in the figures, this elastically deformable zone forms an elastically deformable bellows 129. The chamber 126 is not closed in its lower part. There upper wall 127 is manually movable between a high rest position in which the bellows 129 is relaxed and a low actuation position in which the bellows 129 is compressed, reducing the internal volume of the chamber 126.

The annular wall 123 is further pierced in its thickness with a through channel 1231 allowing the circulation of air from the environment external to the device towards the chamber 126. This channel 1231 is equipped with a non-return valve 1232 preventing the passage into reverse.

The annular wall 123 is further provided, at the level of its face from which the lower peripheral skirt 121 extends, in the immediate vicinity of this skirt, with a member, here a lip, for peripheral sealing 1233.

In a variant embodiment illustrated in Figure 4, the pressurization system 12 comprises a plate 121 1 fixed under the annular wall 123, inside the lower peripheral skirt 121, so as to occupy the entire transverse surface of the latter. This fixing is for example carried out by snap-fastening, and so as to provide a space 1212 for the circulation of air between the annular wall 123 and the plate 1211. The latter is also pierced with a through orifice 1213, provided with a non-return valve 1214 allowing the passage of air only in the direction coming from the suction chamber 126.

The external container 10, the internal tank 11 and the pressurization system 12 are assembled together so as to form a device according to the invention, shown schematically in Figure 5 and in which the pocket 110 of the internal tank 11 containing the product (represented by dotted lines in Figure 5) is located in the external container 10, the pressurization system 12 covering the whole and the dispensing spout 113 extending laterally outside the external container 10. The assembly is carried out so as to close the external container 10 hermetically, allowing only the passage of air coming from the pressurization system 12 towards its internal volume 107, and no air outlet out of the external container.

This assembly is illustrated in more detail in Figure 6. The pocket 1 10 is placed in the external container 10. It is surrounded by a space free 108. The collar 1 12 rests, via the sealing lip 1 123, on the upper edge 104 of the side wall 102 of the external container 10. The dispensing spout 1 13 extends laterally outwards, au- above this upper edge 104. The lower peripheral skirt 121 of the pressurization system 12 is fixed reversibly, by fixing means not shown in the figure, around the upper part 103 of the side wall 102 of the external container 10. In this position, the sealing lip 1233 of this system is pressed against the upper face 1122 of the flange 1 12 and the sealing lip 1 123 of the lower face 1121 of the flange 1 12 is pressed against the edge upper 104 of the side wall 102 of the external container 10, ensuring the sealing of the assembly.

Assembling all of these elements together is particularly simple to carry out.

In the initial rest position, shown in Figure 6, the chamber 126 of the pressurization system 12 has its maximum volume, having been filled with air coming from the outside via the channel 1231 with which it is in hydraulic communication, as shown at 14 in Figure 6. The distribution nozzle 113 is optionally closed by the shutter 1134.

Before first use, shutter 1134 is removed. To use the device, the upper wall 127 of the chamber 126 is pressed by the user towards the external container 10, as illustrated at 15 in Figure 7. This has the effect of compressing the bellows 129, thus reducing the volume of the chamber 126. The flow of expelled air is then guided, as indicated at 16 in Figure 7, through the through orifice 1122 of the collar 112, to the space 108 surrounding the pocket 110 in the external container 10. This supply of air compresses the pocket 1 10, as indicated at 17 in Figure 7, and causes the expulsion of the product 13 contained there, along the path 18, out of the distribution spout 113 No air outlet being permitted outside the external container 10, the compression of the pocket 110 is definitive. The volume of product 13 distributed is equal to the volume lost by the chamber 126 during manual actuation of the upper wall 127 of the pressurization system 12. In parallel, the chamber 126 fills again with air coming from the outside, through the canal 1231, by the elastic return effect of the bellows 129 which spontaneously returns to its relaxed position as soon as the pressure on the upper wall 127 is stopped. The relaxation of the bellows 129 returns the upper wall 127 to its initial high rest position, thereby creating a suction of air into the chamber 126. These operations were very simple to carry out by the user, who can in particular carried out with one hand. If necessary, when the bag 110 initially contains a small quantity of air, one or more initial actuations of the upper wall 127 of the chamber 126 are necessary before the first delivery of product 13.

During all of these operations, the product 13 did not come into contact with anything other than the internal reservoir 11. When the latter is empty, the user simply detaches the pressurization system 12 from the external container 10 and removes the internal tank 11 from the latter. The pressurization system 12 and the external container 10 can easily be reused to reconstitute a device according to the invention, by assembling them as described above with a new internal tank 11 filled with product. The used internal tank 1 1 can be recycled.

In a variant of the invention, not shown in the figures, the external container 10 and the internal reservoir 11 are hermetically fixed to each other in an irreversible manner, for example by a weld bead replacing the lip of sealing 1 123 of the collar 1 12. In such a case, the external container cannot be reused, but it can be recycled after its separation from the internal tank by destruction of the irreversible fixing means. In such a configuration, it is further advantageous for the means of reversible attachment to the lower peripheral skirt 121 of the pressurization system 12 to be carried not by the upper part 103 of the side wall 102 of the external container 10, but by the collar 1 12, at the level of an external peripheral edge 1 126 of the latter.

Claims

1. Device for dispensing a fluid product (13), characterized in that it comprises:

- a non-expandable external container (10), comprising a lower wall (101) and a side wall (102) comprising, opposite said lower wall (101), an upper part (103) and an upper edge (104 ) defining an opening (105),

- a closed internal tank (1 1) containing said product (13), arranged in said external container (10), comprising a flexible wall (1 1 1) and a product distribution spout (1 13) extending laterally to the exterior of said external container (10), said flexible wall (1 1 1) and said dispensing spout (1 13) forming a one-piece structure,

- and a pressurization system (12) configured to introduce air into said external container (10), into an interior space (108) of said external container (10) exterior to said internal tank (1 1), operable manually , and reversibly fixed to the assembly formed by said external container (10) and said internal tank (1 1 ), said external container (10), said internal tank (1 1) and said pressurization system (12 ) being configured and assembled together to close the opening (105) of said external container (10) and prevent any escape of air from said external container (10).

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein said distribution nozzle (113) is equipped with a non-return valve (1133).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said distribution nozzle (1 13) is closed by a removable shutter (1 134).

4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said internal reservoir (1 1) is fixed to said external container (10) by reversible hermetic fixing means.

5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said internal reservoir (1 1) is fixed to said external container (10) by non-reversible hermetic fixing means.

6. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said internal reservoir (1 1) and said external container (10) are not fixed to one another. the other.

7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said pressurization system (12) comprises a lower peripheral skirt (121) reversibly fixed to the assembly formed by said external container (10) and said internal reservoir (1 1), said lower peripheral skirt (121) being pierced with a notch (122) through which said distribution spout (1 13) extends laterally above the upper edge (104) of the side wall (102) of said external container (10).

8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said external container (10) is pierced in the upper part (103) of its side wall (102) with a notch through which said dispensing spout ( 1 13) extends laterally outside said external container (10).

9. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said pressurization system (12) comprises:

- a suction and compression chamber (126) delimited by an upper wall (127) and a peripheral side wall (128) of which a zone is elastically deformable (129),

- and a channel (1231) for circulating air from the external environment towards said chamber (126), equipped with a non-return valve (1232), said upper wall (127) being manually movable between a high position of rest in which said elastically deformable zone (129) is relaxed and a low actuation position in which said elastically deformable zone (129) is compressed, reducing the internal volume of said chamber (126), said external container (10), said internal tank (1 1) and said pressurization system (12) being arranged to allow the circulation of air unidirectionally from said chamber (126) towards said external container (10), in said interior space (108) of said internal container (10) outside said internal tank (1 1).

10. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said product (13) is a cosmetic product.

11. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said internal reservoir (1 1) comprises: - a pocket (1 10) with a flexible wall (1 1 1) containing said product (13), comprising an opening (1 1 13) at an upper end (1 112),

- a rigid collar (1 12) fixed to the upper end (1 1 12) of said pocket (1 10), with an external peripheral contour coinciding with that of the upper edge (104) of the side wall (102) of said external container (10), comprising an upper face (1 122) and an opposite lower face (1 121), said pocket (110) extending from an internal peripheral zone of said lower face (1 121), said flange (1 12) resting by an external peripheral zone of its lower face (1 121) on the upper edge (104) of the side wall (102) of said external container (10) and being pierced, between the external peripheral zone and the internal peripheral zone of its lower face (1121), a through orifice (1124) extending between its upper face (1122) and its lower face (1121), in hydraulic communication with said pressurizing system (12) and with the internal volume (107) of said external container (10),

- a distribution spout (1 13) in hydraulic communication with the internal volume (1 1 14) of said pocket (1 10),

- and a closing member (1 15) fixed in said flange (1 12) and closing the opening (1 1 13) of said pocket (110).

12. Device according to claim 1 1, in which the lower face (1121) of said flange (1 12) is provided, at its external peripheral zone, with a peripheral sealing member (1 123), and said flange (1 12) rests on the upper edge (104) of the side wall (102) of said external container (10) by said peripheral sealing member (1 123).

13. Device according to claim 1 1 or 12, wherein said dispensing spout (1 13) extends laterally outwards through said flange (1 12).

14. Method of assembling a device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising the reversible hermetic fixing of said pressurization system (12) to the assembly formed by said external container (10) containing said tank internal (1 1) in a position in which said dispensing spout (113) extends laterally outside of said external container (10).

15. Assembly method according to claim 14, comprising a step prior arrangement of said internal reservoir (1 1) in said external container (10), in a position in which said dispensing spout (113) extends laterally outside of said external container (10).

16. Method for disassembling a device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising the separation of said pressurization system (12) from the assembly formed by said external container (10) and said internal tank (1 1), then the separation of said external container (10) and said internal tank (1 1).

17. Reservoir (1 1) for device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising:

- a pocket (1 10) with a flexible wall (1 1 1) containing a fluid product (13), comprising an opening (1 1 13) at an upper end (1 1 12),

- a rigid collar (1 12) fixed to the upper end (1 1 12) of said pocket (1 10), comprising an upper face (1 122) and an opposite lower face (1 121), said pocket (1 10 ) extending from an internal peripheral zone of said lower face (1121), said flange (1 12) being pierced, between an external peripheral zone and an internal peripheral zone of its lower face (1 121), with a through orifice (1,124) extending between its upper face and its lower face,

- a closing member (1 15) fixed in said collar (112) and closing the opening (1 1 13) of said pocket (110),

- and a distribution spout (1 13) in hydraulic communication with the internal volume (1 1 14) of said pocket (1 10), extending laterally outwards through said flange (1 12), said spout distribution (1 13) being closed by a removable shutter (1134), said pocket (1 10), said collar (112) and said distribution spout (1 13) forming a one-piece structure.

18. Assembly of internal reservoir (1 1) and external container (10) for device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising:

- a reservoir (1 1) according to claim 17,

- and a non-expandable external container (10), comprising an upper edge (104) defining an opening (105), inside which said pocket (1 10) is arranged, and hermetically fixed by said upper edge (104 ) to the external peripheral zone of the lower face (1121) of said flange (112).