EP1288142A1 - Unit for storing and dispensing a product under pressure - Google Patents

Abstract

The container (2) for a pressurised product has a valve (11) with a stem (12) and a dispensing head (10) with an element (20) which has one end attached to the valve stem and the other to an outlet orifice (38). A second element (40) of the dispensing head has an orifice (48) and can moved between two positions - one in which the orifice is closed by the first element and another in which is is open and linked with the valve to dispense the product. The movement of the second element relative to the first is made transversely with regard to its axis.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for packaging and pressure distribution of a product, especially a cosmetic product. Such a product can be in the form of a liquid, foam, or more viscous consistency, especially in the form of a cream or gel. The invention can be used especially for the packaging and distribution of a care product, a make-up product, a hair or body hygiene product, or a skin protection product against the effects of the sun's rays.

The product can be pressurized by means of a propellant gas, liquefied or not. The gas can be conditioned, directly in contact with the product, or so separated by a plunger or a pocket with flexible walls.

Patent application FR-A-2 635 085 describes a dispenser of the pump type or with valve comprising a container containing the product. The container is topped a valve, and a dispensing head for actuating the valve, and the product distribution via at least one dispensing orifice. A hood is mounted clamping on the dispensing nozzle between two uses.

There are many problems with such a configuration.

The first is due to the fact that even in the hood mounted position, the distribution is not sealed. Because of this, especially for certain products with a strong tendency to clog when drying, the orifice of distribution as well as the channel leading to the distribution orifice, are subject to fouling, which risks making the device completely unusable, especially after a long period of non-use. In addition the residual product in the canal and in the vicinity of the opening, is likely to deteriorate, in particular by oxidation, and be of unattractive appearance.

In addition, the risks are great for an actuation to occur untimely distribution element, especially when it is a valve whose actuation stroke is very small.

In the field of aerosol type devices, it is also known, either make a valve, directly in the form of a nozzle defining a channel whose the free end, in the rest position, is closed by a center-post, i.e. to equip a conventional valve with such a nozzle.

Devices of the aforementioned type are described in particular in documents EP-A-031 123, FR-A-2 684 080, US-A-5 370 313, US-A-3 696 977, EP-B1-298 847, FR-A-2 251 761, FR-A- 2 253 970, US-A-3 406 944. For some of these documents, the product supply channel is formed inside the post-center. For others, the product supply channel is formed around the center-post.

An actuation command, generally in the form of a pressure, interrupts the seal between the center-post and the free edge of the delimiting tip the dispensing orifice, thereby releasing at least partially the latter.

When the nozzle acts as a valve, the opening of the dispensing orifice allows product to be distributed directly.

When the nozzle overcomes a conventional valve, the control actuation causes simultaneously or almost simultaneously the release of the dispensing orifice and the opening of the valve. Likewise, the return of the dispensing orifice to its closed position is effected by elastic return when the valve actuation pressure ceases, either under the effect of product pressure, or under the effect of a restoring force generated by a spring fitted to the valve or by an auxiliary spring.

Generally speaking, such configurations allow any part of the supply channel, located upstream of the distribution orifice, to be protected from the external environment, thus avoiding the problems of product coagulation residual there or oxidation of such residual product.

On the other hand, as for the device described in the patent application FR-A-2 635 085, nothing prevents accidental actuations of the valve.

In addition, such a conception requires a gesture which is not always more user-friendly, and which makes certain sampling methods difficult. It's the case for example when you want to activate the valve with the same finger and collect the product distributed. Furthermore, the seals, particularly in the vicinity of the dispensing orifice may be difficult to make except to make it more difficult actuation of the valve, which, in areas such as cosmetics, can be considered unacceptable. Finally, the manufacturing cost of such device is high, and very often incompatible with the imperatives of some distribution channels such as mass distribution.

In US-A-3,450,316, the valve stem itself acts as a center-post. An external element delimiting a dispensing orifice is screwed onto the rod valve so as to pass from a first position in which the orifice of distribution is released at a second position in which the orifice of distribution is closed. The downside of such a design is that it prohibits the use of a standard valve stem. In addition, the mounting of this the latter is most delicate to carry out. In addition, for short stroke valves it is extremely difficult to guarantee both good safety with regard to untimely actuations of the valve, and a good seal against closing. Indeed, it is the free end of the valve stem itself which ensures sealing the dispensing orifice when the external element is in the second position. Therefore, due to the direct coupling between the element outside and the valve stem, the slightest pressure from the outside element on the valve stem, in order to ensure a good seal on closing, risk cause the valve to operate. A structure of the same type is described in US-A-3,901,410.

Also, is it an object of the invention to provide a device for packaging and distribution under pressure of a product, in particular cosmetic, and which makes it possible to overcome all or part of the problems mentioned above with reference to conventional devices.

In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide such a device for which the risks of clogging and clogging of the dispensing orifice and / or of the channel leading to the latter, are reduced substantially.

It is another object of the invention to provide such a device which is easy to to use and economical to make.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide such a device for which the risks of inadvertent actuation of the valve are reduced so sensitive.

Other objects will appear in the detailed description which follows.

i) un récipient pressurisé ;

ii) une valve équipant le récipient, et comprenant une tige de valve dont une portion émerge à l'extérieur d'un corps de valve ; et

iii) une tête de distribution pour l'actionnement de la valve, la tête de distribution comprenant :

a) un premier élément dont une première extrémité est couplée à la tige de valve de manière à mettre en communication un canal traversant axialement la tige de valve avec un canal, ménagé axialement dans le premier élément, et débouchant via au moins un orifice de sortie intérieur disposé à distance non nulle d'une extrémité libre de la tige de valve ; et

b) un second élément délimitant un orifice de distribution, et apte à passer d'une première position relativement au premier élément, interdisant l'actionnement de la valve, et dans laquelle l'orifice de distribution est obturé par le premier élément à une seconde position, autorisant l'actionnement de la valve, et dans laquelle l'orifice de distribution est au moins en partie dégagé, et communique avec l'orifice de sortie intérieur.

According to the invention, these objects are achieved by producing a packaging and distribution device comprising:

i) a pressurized container;

ii) a valve fitted to the container, and comprising a valve stem of which a portion emerges outside a valve body; and

iii) a dispensing head for actuating the valve, the dispensing head comprising:

a) a first element, a first end of which is coupled to the valve stem so as to put in communication a channel axially passing through the valve stem with a channel, formed axially in the first element, and opening out via at least one outlet orifice interior disposed at non-zero distance from a free end of the valve stem; and

b) a second element delimiting a dispensing orifice, and capable of passing from a first position relative to the first element, preventing actuation of the valve, and in which the dispensing orifice is closed by the first element to a second position, authorizing the actuation of the valve, and in which the dispensing orifice is at least partially cleared, and communicates with the internal outlet orifice.

This unique combination of means avoids any actuation untimely valve. In the storage position, the entire portion of the head distribution located upstream of the distribution orifice is protected from outside air, thus avoiding any risk of coagulation of the residual product and fouling of the head.

Thus, according to the invention, and unlike certain conventional configurations referred to above, the first element is an element separate from the valve stem, and is interposed between the latter and the second element. In this way, it acts as a buffer between the valve stem and the second element, and at the same time guarantees a good seal when closing the dispensing orifice, while keeping the risk at a very low level inadvertent actuation of the valve. In documents US-A-3 450 316 and US-A-3,901,410, previously referred to, the element defining the dispensing orifice is coupled directly to the valve stem.

The dispensing head according to the invention can be used on any rod standard valve.

Such a configuration also makes it possible to produce a dispensing head whose the aesthetics are similar to that fitted to the containers in the form of tubes. This characteristic, from a marketing point of view, is advantageous when the product conditioning is in the form of a care cream or gel, traditionally packaged in a tube.

Preferably, means are provided for, at least when the second element is in the second position, seal between the first element and the second so as to ensure the routing of all the product leaving the (or) interior outlet (s) to the dispensing orifice.

Preferably, these means also seal when the second element is in the first position. They thus avoid that residual product staying in the vicinity of the interior orifice flows between the first element and the second, towards the valve, and so defiles the device.

Such means may consist of an annular lip including a free edge, at least when the second element is in the second position, applies from sealingly against an inner annular surface of the second element.

The device may include means which, when the second element is in the first position relative to the first, are constrained elastically between the first and second elements. Such an element in slight constraint elastic helps to reinforce the buffer effect to which reference has been made previously. Such an elastic stress must be such that it allows a sufficient support between the first element and the second so as to ensure a sufficiently tight closure of the dispensing orifice, without however risking to actuate the valve. For this purpose, the annular lip is configured to have sufficient flexibility.

The sealing means can act as elastic means. The structure overall is thereby simplified accordingly.

Preferably, the annular lip at its free edge turned in one direction opposite the valve stem. So when the second element is in the first position, the free edge can be in light elastic support against the interior surface an end wall of the second element, delimiting said dispensing orifice, said free edge applying sealingly against the interior surface of a side wall of the second element when the latter is in the second position.

Preferably, the actuation of the valve results from a command exerted on the second element when the latter is in the second position. To this end, the outer surface of the second element may include reliefs, in particular bosses or recessed portions, favoring the exertion of pressure in the right place.

Preferably, the actuating movement of the valve is a movement separate from that allowing the passage of the second element from the first position to the second. Thus, the movement to move the distribution head from the storage position (second element in first position) at the position of distribution (second element in second position) is disconnected from valve actuation movement. Two separate commands are required : one to move the dispensing head to the dispensing position, the other to activate the valve.

Preferably, the passage of the second element from the first position to the second results from a movement of the second element relative to the first of which the direction and / or the direction is different from the actuation movement of the valve. This significantly reduces the risk of inadvertent actuation of the valve, especially at the precise moment when the dispensing head is passed the storage position to the distribution position.

Thus, the passage of the second element from the first position to the second can result from a movement of the second element relative to the first along an axis X of the first element, the actuation movement of the valve being a transverse movement to said X axis. Such a configuration corresponds to that in which a tilting valve is used.

Alternatively, the passage of the second element from the first position to the second results from a movement of the second element relative to the first along an X axis of the first element, in a first direction, the movement actuation of the valve being a movement along the X axis, in a second meaning, opposite to the first. Such a configuration corresponds to that in which a push-in valve is used.

The coupling existing between the first element and the second is such that the second position of the second element relative to the first is a "stable" position, it is to say that this position is maintained even when the constraint causing the the transition from the first to the second position. Such a coupling consists of preferably a screwing / unscrewing. Indeed, such a coupling allows the realization a good seal when closing the dispensing orifice while reducing risks of untimely actuation, in particular when, after use, the user moves the dispensing head from the dispensing position to the storage position.

According to a particular embodiment, the passage from the first position to the second results from a rotation of approximately 360 ° of the second element relative to the first.

Preferably, the interior outlet (s) is (are) of non-axis parallel to an axis of the dispensing orifice. This characteristic contributes to facilitate the configuration of the dispensing head according to the invention.

Thus, the dispensing orifice can be oriented along an axis X of the first element, the (or) interior orifice (s) being oriented transverse to said axis.

Advantageously, the dispensing head comprises a mounting hoop, integral with the container, said first element being immobile in rotation relative to to the mounting hoop. This characteristic is important especially when the relative movement between the first and second elements is a movement of screwing / unscrewing.

The mounting band can be fixedly mounted on the container, in particular by tight snap. Alternatively, it can be screwed onto the container.

Advantageously, the first element is immobilized in rotation relative to the mounting hoop, by means of one or more notches, formed by the hoop of assembly (respectively, the first element), and capable (s) of engaging in a corresponding number of grooves formed by the first element (respectively, the mounting hoop). The head mounting operation distribution, and in particular the alignment of the notches with the grooves, the greater the number, the easier it is to obtain. For exemple indicative, their number ranges from 2 to 6, and preferably from 2 to 4.

Advantageously also, the second element comprises an edge, in particular annular, which, when the second element is in the first position, is substantially in contact with the mounting hoop so as to prevent actuation of the valve. The term "substantially" reflects the fact that the game existing between the annular edge of the cover and the mounting hoop is less than the stroke necessary to cause actuation of the valve. Such a game, when the dispensing element is a valve, can be of the order of 0.5 mm. Such an edge is preferably arranged opposite the end wall in which is formed the dispensing orifice.

Means, in particular in the form of an axial stop, can be provided to prevent the dispensing head from being mounted on the container dissociate the second element from the first.

Similarly, the first element may include an organ, in particular in the form a continuous or discontinuous flange, which, in cooperation with a portion corresponding to the hoop, it is prohibited to separate the dispensing head from the fret. In addition, this annular flange, upon actuation of the element of distribution by tilting, can come into engagement with said portion corresponding to the hoop, and act in the manner of a lever arm. We facilitate still distributing the product. Advantageously, it is precisely this flange which defines the notches ensuring the rotational coupling of the hoop and the first element.

The device according to the invention can be used advantageously for the packaging and distribution under pressure of a cosmetic product, especially care, make-up, personal hygiene, hair or protection of the skin against the effects of solar radiation.

• la figure 1 est une vue d'ensemble du dispositif selon un mode de réalisation préférentiel de l'invention ;
• la figure 2 est une vue éclatée de la tête de distribution équipant le dispositif se la figure 1 ;
• la figure 3A représente la tête de distribution de la figure 2 en position de stockage ;
• la figure 3B représente la tête de distribution de la figure 2 en position de distribution ;
• la figure 3C est représentative de la tête de distribution des figures 3A et 3B lors de son actionnement ; et
• la figure 3D est une vue en coupe transversale de la figure 3A.

The invention consists, apart from the arrangements set out above, of a certain number of other arrangements which will be explained below, with reference to nonlimiting exemplary embodiments, described with reference to the appended figures, among which:

• Figure 1 is an overview of the device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
• Figure 2 is an exploded view of the dispensing head fitted to the device in Figure 1;
• FIG. 3A represents the dispensing head of FIG. 2 in the storage position;
• Figure 3B shows the dispensing head of Figure 2 in the dispensing position;
• FIG. 3C is representative of the dispensing head of FIGS. 3A and 3B when it is actuated; and
• Figure 3D is a cross-sectional view of Figure 3A.

Figures 1, 2, 3A-3D to which reference is now made represent different views of a packaging and distribution device 1 according to a preferential embodiment of the invention.

According to this embodiment, the device 1 comprises a pressurized container 2, especially aluminum or tinplate, containing the product and a suitable gas to pressurize the product. The container 2 is surmounted by a valve 11 of the type to failover. The valve 11 includes a valve stem 12 emerging outside of the valve body 8, and traversed by an axial channel 19. The container 2 is equipped a distribution head 10 for actuating the valve 11 and distributing the pressurized product.

The dispensing head 10, of axis X, comprises a mounting hoop 13 mounted by snap tightening on the crimping bead 14 of the valve 11. The hoop of mounting 13 mainly comprises a cylindrical skirt 15, one end of which is open, and the other end of which has an annular rim 16 delimiting an opening 17. The internal surface of the skirt 15 is provided with a bead latching 18 of the hoop 13 on the crimping bead 14 of the valve.

The dispensing head 10 also comprises a first element 20 comprising mainly a tubular member 21 of which a first end 22 is mounted tightly on the valve stem 12 so as to ensure communication between the axial channel 23 passing through the first element 20 and the axial channel 19 through the valve stem 12.

The tubular member 21 comprises a first portion 24, adjacent to the first end 22, and separated from a second portion 25, of smaller section than the first, by a shoulder 26 ending at its periphery by a bead ring finger 27.

In the vicinity of the first end 22, the tubular member 21 is connected to a transverse annular wall 28. The peripheral edge of the annular wall 28 is connects to a side skirt 29, the external surface of which has a thread 30.

At its end opposite to the transverse wall 28, the side skirt 29 is connects to a portion of frustoconical skirt 31 ending with a collar discontinuous ring whose outer diameter is greater than the diameter of the opening 17 formed in the hoop 13. The discontinuous flange comprises two diametrically opposite portions forming notches 32 intended to be inserted in grooves 9 formed between ribs 7 regularly spaced on the internal surface of the side skirt 15 of the hoop 13, so as to immobilize in rotation of the inner element 20 of the dispensing head 10 relative to the hoop 13. This engagement of the grooves 9 of the hoop 13 with the notches 32 of the inner element 20 is illustrated in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 3D.

At its end 33 opposite the end 22, the tubular member 21 ends in a portion of reduced section 34 closed by end wall 35. In the vicinity of the end wall 35, the channel 23 opens radially via at least one orifice interior 36. The reduced section portion 34 is bordered by an annular lip 37 one end of which is connected to the interior element 20, and the other end of which forms a free edge 38 facing upwards.

The dispensing head 10 also includes a second element 40 of height substantially identical to the height of the first element 20, and arranged outside of the last.

The element 40 has a side skirt 41 whose section gradually increases towards an open end 42 ending in a free edge 43. Au near the open end 42, the internal surface of the side skirt 41 has a thread 44 capable of cooperating with the thread 30 provided on the surface outside of the inner member 20.

Noticeably at mid-height, the internal surface of the side skirt 41 forms a annular rim 45 able to abut against the bead 27 of the element interior 20 so as, as will be seen in more detail later, prevent the external element 40 to separate from the internal element 20.

At its end 46 opposite the open end 43, the side skirt is closed by a transverse wall 47 pierced in its center with an axial orifice 48, of diameter slightly greater than the outside diameter of the section portion reduced 34 of the inner element 20. The portion 34 of the element 20 is of section slightly increasing in the direction opposite to the end wall 35.

The mounting of the dispensing head according to the embodiment which has just been described is carried out as follows:

The internal element 20 is introduced by its end 33 inside the hoop 13 via the opening 17 of the latter, taking care to arrange the notches 32 between two ribs 7 of the hoop 13.

Then, the inner element 20, equipped with the hoop 13, is introduced by its end 33 inside the external element 40, until the annular flange 45 by the bead 27. Such a crossing is done by a slight elastic deformation.

The introduction of the internal element 20 continues until the thread 44 of the external element 40 comes into engagement with the thread 30 of the element interior 20.

The element 40 is then screwed onto the inner element 20. In so doing the portion of reduced section 34 of the interior element engages tightly inside of the orifice 48 of the external element 40. The portion of reduced section 34 can be slightly increasing in cross-section towards the valve stem so that promote sealing on closing. The free edge 38 of the lip 37 is slightly elastic support against the internal surface of the end wall 47. The free edge 43 of the side skirt 41 is substantially in contact with the annular wall transverse 16 of the hoop 13.

It only remains to mount the hoop on the container by hanging it on the bead crimping valve 14, taking care to insert the valve stem 12 to inside the lower end 22 of the tubular element 21.

In the mounted position illustrated in FIG. 3A, the annular edge 43 of the element 40 is in abutment against the transverse wall 16 of the hoop 13. The dispensing orifice 48 is sealed off by the reduced section portion 34 of the element interior 20. In this position, any movement (sinking or tilting side) of element 40 is impossible. The valve 11 cannot therefore be actuated.

To actuate the valve 11, in order to dispense a dose of product, the user unscrew the element 40 relative to the inner element 20, until the flange 45 of the external element 40 is in abutment against the bead 27 of the inner element. In this position shown in FIG. 3B, the free edge 43 of the side skirt 41 of the external element 40 is at a distance from the hoop 13. The reduced section portion 34 of the inner element 20 is no longer in engagement with the dispensing orifice 48, which is then released. The free edge 38 of the annular lip 37 is applied sealingly against the internal surface of the lateral skirt 41 of the external element 40.

To activate the valve, it remains, as illustrated in FIG. 3C, to exert a lateral pressure F on the external surface of the lateral skirt 41 of the element outside 40, regardless of the angular position where this pressure is exerted. The pressure thus exerted on the element 40 causes the tilting rod to tilt. valve 12, and the outlet of the pressurized product via channel 19 of the valve stem 12, the channel 23 of the interior element 20, the interior outlet orifice 36, and the orifice of distribution 48. When the pressure on the external element 40 ceases, the valve is closes automatically under the return force of a suitable spring arranged to inside the valve body 8.

After use, the user screws the external element back onto the internal element, and until the distributor head 10 is again in the configuration of Figure 3A.

In the foregoing detailed description, reference has been made to modes of preferred embodiments of the invention. Obviously there may be variations made without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed below.

Claims (20)

Packaging and distribution device (1) comprising: i) a pressurized container (2); ii) a valve (11) fitted to the container, and comprising a valve stem (12), a portion of which emerges outside a valve body (8); and iii) a dispensing head (10) for actuating the valve, the dispensing head comprising: a) a first element (20) of which a first end is coupled to the valve stem so as to put in communication a channel (19) axially passing through the valve stem with a channel (23), formed axially in the first element, and opening via at least one internal outlet orifice (36) disposed at a non-zero axial distance from a free end of the valve stem (12); and b) a second element (40), delimiting a dispensing orifice (48), and capable of passing from a first position relative to the first element, preventing actuation of the valve, and in which the dispensing orifice is closed by the first element (20) in a second position, authorizing the actuation of the valve, and in which the dispensing orifice (48) is at least partially cleared, and communicates with the internal outlet orifice (36) . Device (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that the actuation of the valve (11) results from a command exerted on the second element (40) when the latter is in the second position. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that the passage of the second element (40) from the first position to the second results from a movement of the second element relative to the first whose direction and / or direction is different actuation movement of the valve (11). Device (1) according to claim 3 characterized in that the passage of the second element (40) from the first position to the second results from a movement of the second element relative to the first along an axis X of the first element, the movement of actuation of the valve (11) being a movement transverse to said axis X. Device (1) according to claim 3 characterized in that the passage of the second element (40) from the first position to the second results from a movement of the second element relative to the first (20) along an axis X of the first element, in a first direction, the actuation movement of the valve (11) being a movement along the axis X, in a second direction, opposite to the first. Device (1) according to claim 4 or 5 characterized in that the movement of the second element (40) relative to the first (20) is a screwing / unscrewing movement. Device (1) according to claim 6 characterized in that the passage from the first position to the second results from a rotation of approximately 360 ° of the second element (40) relative to the first (20). Device (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the interior outlet orifice (s) (36) is (are) of axis not parallel to an axis of l 'dispensing orifice (48). Device according to claim 8 characterized in that the dispensing orifice (48) is oriented along an axis X of the first element, the interior orifice (s) (36) being oriented transversely to said axis. Device (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the dispensing head (10) comprises a mounting band (13), integral with the container (2), said first element (20) being stationary in rotation relative to the mounting hoop. Device (1) according to claim 10 characterized in that the mounting hoop (13) is fixedly mounted on the container, in particular by tight snap-fastening. Device (1) according to claim 10 or 11 characterized in that the first element (20) is immobilized in rotation relative to the mounting hoop, by means of one or more notches (32), formed (s) by the first element (respectively, the mounting hoop), and able (s) to engage in a corresponding number of grooves (9) formed (s) by the mounting hoop (respectively, the first element). Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second element (40) comprises an edge (43), in particular annular, which, when the second element is in the first position, is substantially in contact with the mounting band (13) so as to prevent actuation of the valve. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that means, in particular in the form of an axial stop (27, 45), are provided for, in the mounted position of the dispensing head on the container, prevent separating the second element from the first. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means (37, 38) for, at least when the second element is in the second position, sealing between the first element (20) and the second (40) so as to ensure the routing of all the product leaving the interior outlet orifice (s) (36) towards the dispensing orifice (48). Device (1) according to claim 15 characterized in that said sealing means consist of an annular lip (37) including a free edge (38), at least when the second element (40) is in the second position, presses tightly against an inner annular surface of the second member (40). Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means (37, 38) which, when the second element (40) is in the first position relative to the first, are elastically constrained between the first and second elements (20, 40). Device according to claims 15 and 17 characterized in that said sealing means are formed of said elastic means. Device (1) according to claims 16 and 18 characterized in that when the second element (40) is in the first position, the free edge (38) is in elastic abutment against the interior surface of an end wall (47 ) of the second element delimiting said dispensing orifice (48), said free edge (38) sealingly pressing against the interior surface of a side wall (41) of the second element (41) when the latter is in the second position. Use of a device (1) according to any one of the claims which above for the packaging and distribution under pressure of a product cosmetic, in particular care, make-up, personal hygiene, hair or to protect the skin from the effects of solar radiation.

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