EP1344571B1 - Packaging for containing and delivering a product, in particular a fluid sample - Google Patents

Abstract

The assembly (1) comprises a container (2) having a body (3) with a closed base (4), and a mobile component (20) with a seal lip (25) which responds to manual pressure on a surface (21) by reducing the volume (80) between it and the base, causing the product to be sprayed through an outlet (7). The mobile component is returned to its initial position by a spring (6), allowing air to enter the container.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for packaging and dispensing under pressure, in particular in spray form, a fluid product. More particularly, the invention relates preferably to a miniature sprayer, preferably disposable, suitable for packaging in the form of a sample of cosmetic products, especially perfumes. The product is preferably liquid.

Distributors of this type are described in particular in the requests for FR-A-2,778,639 , EP-A-0 761 314 , FR-A-2,443,980 , or in patents US-A-3 897 005 , or US-A-3,412,907 . All these devices suffer mainly from at least one handicap, related either to their manufacturing cost, or to their ease of use, or to the quality of the spray they are able to generate.

The document US 3940030 describes a device for packaging and dispensing a liquid in spray form. The liquid is contained in a container provided with a follower piston. The distribution is obtained by means of a pump.

Indeed, the samples are not generally intended for sale, their manufacturing cost must be as low as possible. It is therefore important to have devices whose parts are easily achievable in large series and whose assembly can be performed in a simple manner. In addition, they must be able to generate a spray whose quality is as good as possible, and whose characteristics are as constant as possible.

Furthermore, especially for perfumes, it is known to present such samples in the form of a small volume container (typically 1.5 ml) comprising a cylindrical body, in particular glass, one end of which is closed by a background. The other end is open and receives a miniature pump, surmounted by an actuator comprising an orifice for spraying the perfume. Such a system is described in the document FR-A-2,646,408 .

The miniature pump, like any pump fitted to larger containers, comprises a pump body inside which a movable piston moves between a first position in which the pump body is of maximum volume and a second position in which the volume of the pump body is minimal. The pump body is in selective communication with the container via a dip tube and an intake valve, in particular in the form of a ball.

During the phase of reducing the volume of the pump body, the inlet valve is closed. In contrast, an outlet valve, located upstream of the dispensing orifice, is opened under the pressure of the product. The product is distributed in powdered form.

When the user releases the pressure exerted on the actuating member, the piston, under the effect of a spring, rises in the first position by creating a vacuum inside the pump body. In this so-called filling phase, the intake valve is opened under the effect of the depression prevailing inside the pump body, and the outlet valve is closed. Also, during this phase, a volume of air corresponding to the volume of product transferred from the container to the pump body, enters the container via a suitable vent port.

This miniature container system equipped with a pump also miniature, although satisfactory from the point of view of simplicity of use for the consumer, and from the point of view of the quality of the spray obtained, suffers from a major drawback related to its cost and the complexity of handling and assembling the components of small dimensions that compose it.

Devices comprising a reservoir provided with a dispensing orifice and surmounted by a movable piston makes it possible to pressurize a product contained in this reservoir so as to cause its exit through the dispensing orifice are known from the document US Patent 5,709,320 . But these devices use complex and expensive pistons because respectively provided with non-return valves.

Also, is it an object of the invention to provide a packaging and dispensing assembly, particularly adapted to the packaging and dispensing under pressure of sample doses of a product, in particular a cosmetic product, which solves in all or part of the disadvantages discussed above, with reference to conventional devices.

It is particularly an object of the invention to provide such an assembly which is economical to produce and easy to use.

Still other objects will appear in the following detailed description.

1. i) un récipient contenant le produit, le récipient étant délimité par un corps dont une extrémité est fermée par un fond ;
2. ii) un organe mobile relativement au corps du récipient et apte, en réponse à une commande exercée manuellement sur une surface d'un organe d'actionnement, à passer d'une première position dans laquelle le volume délimité entre l'organe mobile et le fond du récipient, ce volume contenant le produit, est maximal, à une seconde position dans laquelle ledit volume est minimal, de manière à pressuriser le produit contenu dans ledit volume et à en provoquer la sortie au travers d'au moins un orifice de distribution, le retour de l'organe mobile de la seconde position vers la première, lorsque cesse la commande d'actionnement, s'accompagnant d'une entrée d'air à l'intérieur dudit volume,

caractérisé en ce que l'entrée d'air à l'intérieur dudit volume se fait par au moins un passage formé entre l'organe mobile et une surface interne du récipient.According to the invention, these objects are achieved by producing an assembly for packaging and dispensing a product, in particular a cosmetic product, said assembly comprising

1. i) a container containing the product, the container being delimited by a body whose end is closed by a bottom;
2. ii) a member movable relative to the body of the container and adapted, in response to a command exerted manually on a surface of an actuating member, to pass from a first position in which the volume delimited between the movable member and the bottom of the container, this volume containing the product, is maximum, at a second position in which said volume is minimal, so as to pressurize the product contained in said volume and cause its output through at least one dispensing orifice , the return of the movable member from the second position to the first, when the actuation command ceases, accompanied by an air inlet inside said volume,

characterized in that the air inlet within said volume is at least one passage formed between the movable member and an inner surface of the container.

Thus, and contrary to conventional pump devices in which only the product contained inside the pump body is pressurized, according to the invention, at each actuation, the entire product contained in the container is pressurized.

The bottom of the container being closed, the volume of product dispensed during a given operation is not replaced. As a result, once the dispensing has begun, the volume of pressurized product in the container decreases with each new actuation.

In a conventional pump body, after possibly a priming phase, and while the volume of product contained in the container is greater than the volume of the pump body, during each suction phase, a volume of product similar to the volume of product that has been dispensed, enters the pump body. Therefore, with each actuation, substantially the same amount of product is pressurized inside the pump body.

The volume of product dispensed is compensated either by a decrease in volume of the container. To do this, it is possible to provide that the bottom is non-fixed axial position, and rises after each actuation, a rack-type non-return mechanism preventing it from moving back when the movable member passes from the first position to the second.

Advantageously, however, the volume of product dispensed is replaced by a corresponding volume of air, which enters said volume during the return of the actuating member from the second position to the first.

In conventional pump devices, the air inlet is in the portion of the container external to the pumping chamber.

Such a set can be made with a minimum number of pieces, which number, as we will see in more detail later can be up to two. In conventional systems, the number of pieces can be up to 10.

Therefore, with the assembly according to the invention, the mounting operations are reduced to a minimum. The cost is extremely low.

The value of the minimum volume remaining between the piston and the fixed bottom, when the piston is in its lowest position, determines the number of sprays that can be generated with the assembly according to the invention.

Preferably, the movable member comprises a lip adapted to be applied sealingly against an internal surface of the container during the passage of the movable member from the first position to the second, said inner surface being configured so that on at least a portion of the return movement of the movable member from the second position to the first, said lip is not in sealing contact with said inner surface. It is precisely during this period when the lip is not in sealing contact with the inner surface of the container that the entry of air into the variable volume occurs.

Advantageously, on at least a portion of its movement between said first and second positions, the lip is subjected to an increasing elastic stress towards the second position.

Thus, when the user releases the pressure exerted on the actuating surface, the piston, under the effect of a spring, rises axially in the opposite direction to that of the bottom of the container. Simultaneously with this upward movement, the lip of the piston, as and when the radial elastic stress to which it is subjected, decreases, tends to deviate radially from the axis so as to remain in engagement with the inner surface of the container. However, this radial movement, due to the inertia of the material forming the lip of the piston, and the slight depression that is created when initiating the upward movement, is slower than the abrupt movement back. As a result, air has time to enter the variable volume before the lip reseals against the inner surface of the container.

More specifically, the inner surface is of circular cross section, the lip being annular, the distance between a longitudinal axis of the assembly and said inner surface increasing, preferably progressively, in the direction of the return movement of the second position towards the first one. Thus, the radial movement to which reference has been made is allowed by the gradual increase of the distance separating the free edge of the lip from the inner surface of the container.

1. i) le matériau formant l'organe mobile, et en particulier la lèvre. Le matériau est choisi de sorte que le mouvement radial du bord libre de la lèvre sous l'effet de son élasticité soit plus lent que le mouvement de remontée de l'organe mobile. Un matériau de type polyéthylène s'est révélé être satisfaisant ;
2. ii) la configuration de la lèvre, en particulier son épaisseur ou son inclinaison au repos. Cette configuration a en effet a un impact sur le double mouvement relatif auquel elle est soumise lors du passage de l'organe mobile de la seconde position à la première ;
3. iii) le profil de la surface interne du récipient, et en particulier, la variation de distance de la lèvre à la surface interne du récipient entre les première et seconde positions de l'organe mobile ; et
4. iv) l'élasticité du moyen rappelant l'organe mobile dans la seconde position. Son élasticité doit être suffisante pour provoquer une remontée rapide de l'organe mobile lorsque cesse la pression d'actionnement sur la surface d'actionnement.

To obtain the desired result, different parameters can be taken into account, and adjusted relative to each other. These parameters include:

1. i) the material forming the movable member, and in particular the lip. The material is chosen so that the radial movement of the free edge of the lip under the effect of its elasticity is slower than the upward movement of the movable member. A polyethylene material has been found to be satisfactory;
2. ii) the configuration of the lip, in particular its thickness or inclination at rest. This configuration has indeed an impact on the relative double movement to which it is subjected during the passage of the movable member from the second position to the first;
3. iii) the profile of the internal surface of the container, and in particular, the variation in distance from the lip to the inner surface of the container between the first and second positions of the movable member; and
4. iv) the elasticity of the means reminding the movable member in the second position. Its elasticity must be sufficient to cause a rapid rise of the movable member when the actuating pressure ceases on the actuating surface.

The movable member may be obtained by molding with the actuating member.

The elastic return means may be obtained by molding with the actuating member, with the body of the container, or with both.

The fact that the spring is separated from the body of the container makes it possible to achieve the assembly by using a first material for the spring, having the required elastic properties, and a second material for the body, compatible with the decoration or the inscriptions that the one can wish to even appear on the body of the container. Thus, one can use a polyoxymethylene (POM) for the spring, and a polypropylene for the body of the container.

Alternatively, the elastic return means can be obtained by molding with an intermediate piece on which is mounted the actuating member.

In the latter case, it is possible to provide the spring on the end of the intermediate piece located near the bottom of the container. In this case, one end of the spring may be in abutment against the bottom of the container.

Preferably, the elastic return means, as well as any element obtained by molding with the latter, is made of POM.

As for the movable member and the body of the container are not obtained by molding with the elastic return means, they can be made of at least one polyolefin, in particular a polyethylene or a polypropylene.

According to another variant, the elastic return means may consist of a reported spring, in particular plastic or metal.

The dispensing orifice is in selective communication, via an opening / closing system, with at least one supply passage in communication with the product inside the container. In practice, the communication between the dispensing orifice and the supply passage is established at least when the movable member is in the second position.

The feed passage may be delimited between an element integral with the body of the container, in particular obtained by molding with the latter, and an element integral with the movable member, in particular obtained by molding with the latter.

Alternatively, the supply passage can be defined essentially by the movable member.

Alternatively again, the supply passage is delimited between an element integral with the body of the container, in particular obtained by molding with the latter, and said intermediate part.

The opening / closing system may be formed by the cooperation of an element integral with the body of the container, in particular obtained by molding with the latter, and with an element integral with the movable member, in particular obtained by molding with the latter .

Alternatively, the opening / closing system can be formed by the cooperation of the movable member and a portion secured to the actuating member.

Alternatively again, the opening / closing system is formed by the cooperation of a portion of an intermediate piece and a portion secured to the actuating member.

Advantageously, said surface of the actuating member is movable in a greater stroke than the rest of the actuating member, the communication between the supply passage and the dispensing orifice being established in response to the movement of the surface of the actuating member when the rest of the latter is stationary axially. For this purpose, the actuating surface may be curved and be edged annularly with a portion of smaller thickness, so as to allow a reversal of the profile of the actuating surface when the rest of the actuating member is immobilized axially.

The second position of the movable member may be determined by the engagement of a lower end of the movable member with the bottom of the container, or with any other stop encountered by the movable member or by any other element to which the mobile member is coupled.

Assuming that the second position is determined by the abutment of an annular edge of the movable member with the bottom of the container, it may be advantageous to provide that said annular edge is crenellated, or that the bottom of the container has reliefs capable of maintaining communication between the supply passage and the rest of the container.

The bottom of the container may be an attached bottom, the attachment of the bottom to the body of the container can be obtained in particular by snapping, screwing, gluing or welding. In this case, the plug can be obtained by molding with the body of the container, the plug being molded in the open position and connected to the body by a strip of material.

Advantageously, the dispensing orifice is fed by a plurality of vortex channels. The channels may be hollowed out either in the part of the body through which the dispensing orifice passes or in any other part arranged facing the dispensing orifice (movable member, intermediate piece).

The elastic return means may be configured as a stack of at least three rings connected two by two via two diametrically opposed spacers, the spacers separating a first ring of a second ring adjacent to the first being offset by 90 ° by relative to the spacers separating the second ring from a third ring adjacent to the second and disposed opposite the first. This arrangement facilitates to a large extent the molding of the piece forming the spring.

• les figures 1, 2, 3A-3C sont relatives à un premier mode de réalisation de l'ensemble de conditionnement et de distribution selon l'invention ;
• les figures 4A-4B illustrent une variante du ressort décrit en référence au premier mode de réalisation ;
• les figures 5 et 6A-6D sont relatives à un second mode de réalisation de l'ensemble de conditionnement et de distribution selon l'invention ;
• les figures 7 et 8A-8D sont relatives à un troisième mode de réalisation de l'ensemble de conditionnement et de distribution selon l'invention ;
• les figures 9 et 10A-10D sont relatives à un quatrième mode de réalisation de l'ensemble de conditionnement et de distribution selon l'invention ; et
• les figures 11 et 12A-12D sont relatives à un cinquième mode de réalisation de l'ensemble de conditionnement et de distribution selon l'invention.

The invention consists, apart from the arrangements described above, in 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:

• the Figures 1, 2 , 3A-3C relate to a first embodiment of the packaging and dispensing assembly according to the invention;
• the Figures 4A-4B illustrate a variant of the spring described with reference to the first embodiment;
• the figures 5 and 6A-6D relate to a second embodiment of the packaging and dispensing assembly according to the invention;
• the figures 7 and 8A-8D relate to a third embodiment of the packaging and dispensing assembly according to the invention;
• the figures 9 and 10A-10D relate to a fourth embodiment of the packaging and dispensing assembly according to the invention; and
• the figures 11 and 12A-12D relate to a fifth embodiment of the packaging and dispensing assembly according to the invention.

As shown in the overview of the figure 1 , the device 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention comprises an elongate container 2 of cylindrical shape. The container comprises a body 3, one end of which is closed by a bottom 4. The other end 5 is open. In the vicinity of its open end 5, the body 3 of the container has a spring portion 6, obtained by molding with the body 3 of the container. Above the spring 6, the wall of the body 3 is traversed by a dispensing orifice 7 opening at the bottom of a recess 8.

As is clearer from the figures 2 and 3A-3C an element 10 extends axially from the bottom 4 of the container to a level slightly above the uppermost portion of the spring 6.

The axial element 10 is of a first diameter about three quarters of its height from the bottom 4 and a second diameter, less than the first, on the upper quarter of its height. The lower portion 11 of the reduced diameter portion comprises a plurality of ribs intended, as will be seen in more detail later to allow the selective communication of the dispensing orifice 7 and a supply channel 27 which will be discussed in more detail later.

Over substantially the entire upper half of the portion of the body 3 located below the spring 6, the cross section of the inner surface 12 of the container increases progressively, due to a progressive reduction in the thickness of the wall of the body 3 on half in question. The difference in thickness between the thickest part of the wall and the thinnest part, adjacent the spring 6, is of the order of 1 to 2 mm.

Inside the body 3, via its open end 5, is introduced an element 20, hereinafter referred to as a movable member, and a height slightly less than the height of the body 3 of the container 2. The element 20 comprises a transverse wall 21 whose outer diameter is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the free edge formed by the end 5 of the body 3, so as to bear against said free edge. The end portion 5 of the body 3 and in which the dispensing orifice 7 is formed in combination with the surface 21 of the movable member 20 constitutes what will subsequently be called an actuating member, and that it will be generally referred to as 90.

A lateral skirt 22 is connected in the vicinity of the periphery of the transverse wall 21. At a portion 23 of its height substantially corresponding to the height of the portion of the body 3 situated above the spring 6, the lateral skirt 22 is of external diameter slightly smaller than the internal diameter of the body 3 so as to fit snugly inside the body 3.

The portion 23 is extended by a portion of smaller diameter 24 ending in an annular lip 25 facing downwardly flaring outwardly so as to be in sealing engagement with the inner surface 12 of the body 3. In rest position illustrated in figure 3A , the annular lip 25 is just below the lower end of the spring 6 and defines above the bottom 4 a volume 80 which, in this position, is maximum.

An axial skirt 26 is also connected to the transverse wall 21. The axial skirt 26 is of internal diameter slightly greater than the external diameter of the larger diameter portion of the axial element 10 so as to engage around the latter. leaving an annular passage 27.

In the rest position shown in figure 3A , a crenellated edge 28 of the axial skirt 26 is at a distance from the bottom 4 at least equal to the desired actuation stroke, while being as close as possible to said bottom so as to be as long as possible immersed in the product .

In the vicinity of its upper end, the inner surface of the axial skirt 26 comprises an annular lip 29 facing downwards and inclined towards the axis X of the assembly.

In the rest position of the assembly illustrated in figure 3A , the lip 29 is in sealing engagement against the portion of the axial element 10 located above the ribbed portion 11.

On the side facing the dispensing orifice 7, a radial passage 30 passes through the wall of the axial skirt 26 and opens into a recess 31 formed on the external surface of the portion 23 of the side skirt 22. In the mounted position of the assembly, the recess 31 is centered on the dispensing orifice 7 and defines with the internal surface of the body 3, a plurality of vortex channels 32 in communication with the spray orifice 7 and with the radial passage 30.

Although not shown in the drawing, a latching can be provided between the movable member 20 and the body 3 of the container so as to improve the attachment of one on the other.

According to this embodiment, the container 2 and the spring with which it is obtained molding is made of POM. The movable member 20 is made of polyethylene or polypropylene.

In use, the consumer exerts an axial pressure on the surface 21 of the actuating member 90 ( figure 3B ). In response to this axial pressure, the spring 6 is compressed, and the movable member 20 descends with the annular lip 25 in sealing engagement with the inner surface 12 of the body 3.

In doing so, the volume 80, defined between the bottom 4 and the movable member 20, decreases and the product contained therein is pressurized, and rises in the annular passage 27. The driving movement continues until complete compression spring 6 or until the crenellated edge 28 of the axial skirt 26 is in abutment against the bottom 4 of the container 2. In this position, the volume 80 is minimal.

In this position, the annular lip 29 is opposite the ribbed portion 11 of the axial element 10. The product contained in the annular passage 27 passes between the ribs of the portion 11, engulfs in the radial passage 30, in the vortex channels 32, and is sprayed via the dispensing orifice 7.

When the consumer releases the pressure exerted on the surface 21 ( figure 3C ), the movable member 20, under the action of the spring 6 raises axially. In doing so, the annular lip 29 ceases to be opposite the ribbed portion 11 and returns in sealed engagement with the portion located above the ribbed zone 11.

The gradually decreasing thickness of the wall of the body 3 of the container 2, coupled to the inertia of the material forming the annular lip 25 of the movable member, to the sudden thrust generated by the spring 6, and to the slight depression that may create itself inside the container when initiates the upward movement of the movable member 20, promotes the maintenance of a slight spacing between the free edge of the annular lip 25 of the movable member 20 and the inner surface 12 of the body 3, and this during at least a portion of the upward movement of the movable member 20. Air can then rush inside the container 2, so as to restore a pressure balance.

When the movable member 20 reaches its high position ( figure 3A ), the free edge of the annular lip 25 is again in sealing engagement with the inner surface 12 of the container body. Volume 80 is again maximum. The set is ready for a new actuation.

During the following actuation, everything happens in the same way, except that the volume pressurized by the movable member is reduced by the volume of product that has been dispensed during the preceding actuation, the latter having has been replaced by a corresponding volume of air.

In the embodiment which has just been described, the elastic return means 6 is configured as a helical spring. In the variant of Figures 4A and 4B , the spring 6 is configured as a stack of several rings 61, 62, 63, 64, 65. Two consecutive rings 61, 62 are kept at a distance from each other by two spacers 66, 67 diametrically opposite , while the rings 62 and 63 are kept at a distance from each other by two spacers 58, 69, offset by 90 ° relative to the spacers 66, 67, and so on over the entire stack.

In compression, and as represented in Figure 4B , the rings 61-65 of the stack approach two by two from each other, with maximum approximation or contact, at locations located at 90 ° relative to the spacers.

Due to the 90 ° offset of the spacers of a pair of rings with the spacers of the (or) pair (s) of rings adjacent thereto (s), the stack is compressed uniformly.

The spring according to the configuration which has just been described with reference to the Figures 4A and 4B can also be used for all the embodiments of the assembly which will be described later.

In the embodiment of figures 5 and 6A-6D , the assembly 101 comprises a container 102 comprising a cylindrical body 103 made of POM, one end of which is open and able to be sealingly sealed by a bottom 104, which can also be obtained by molding with the container 102. Fixing the bottom 104 on the body 103 can be obtained by clamping, latching, welding or gluing.

In the vicinity of its end opposite the bottom 104, the body 103 of the container has a spring portion 106, obtained by molding with the body 103 of the container. Above the spring 106, the wall of the body 103 is traversed by a dispensing orifice 107 opening at the bottom of a recess 108. The upper end 105 of the body 103 is closed by a convex transverse wall 121 obtained by molding with the rest of the body. In the vicinity of its periphery, the surface 121 has an annular zone of smaller thickness 146 which, as will be seen in more detail later, makes it possible to favor the inversion of profile of the curved wall 121. The body part 103 situated above the spring 106, and closed by the curved wall 121 constitutes the actuating member 190.

As it appears from Figures 6A-6D , and in the same manner as for the previous embodiment, below the spring 106, and substantially 1/3 of the height of the body 103 located under the spring, the wall of the body is of thickness gradually increasing towards the 104. Thus, on this portion of the body 103, the distance to the axis X of the inner surface 112 of the body 103 increases progressively in the opposite direction to the bottom 104.

The assembly according to this embodiment also comprises a movable member 120 made of polyethylene, comprising a lateral skirt 122 whose external diameter, at least in its upper part 123, is slightly smaller than the internal diameter of the body 103 so as to be mounted tightly, or hooked by any other means, including snap type.

The portion 123 is extended by a portion of smaller diameter 124 ending in an annular lip 125 facing downwardly flaring outwardly so as to be in sealing engagement with the inner surface 112 of the body 103. rest position illustrated in Figure 6A , the annular lip 125 is just below the lower end of the spring 6. The volume 180 that it delimits above the bottom 104 is maximum.

The lateral skirt 122 is connected in its upper part to an annular collar 140 which itself connects to an axial skirt 141 delimiting an axial passage 127. In the rest position illustrated in FIG. Figure 6A the annular flange 140 is spaced from the inner surface of the curved end wall 121.

On the side of the dispensing orifice 107, the upper surface of the transverse wall 140 has a groove 147 which, as will be seen in more detail below, makes it possible to maintain communication between the feed channel 127 and the orifice when the curved wall 121 is in a profile as shown in FIG. Figure 6C .

On the side facing the dispensing orifice 107, the outer surface of the portion 123 of the side skirt 122 has a recess 131. In the assembled position of the assembly, the recess 131 is centered on the dispensing orifice 107. and defines with the inner surface of the body 103, a plurality of swirl channels 132 in communication with the spray port 107 and with the space formed between the bulged wall 121 and the transverse flange 140.

The axial skirt 141 defines an inner channel having, in the vicinity of its upper end 142, a first inner section. The portion 142 is extended by a portion 143 having a second inner section, greater than the first. The portion 143 is extended by a portion 144 of inner section less than the first and second sections. The portion 144 represents a major portion of the total height of the skirt 141, and extends to a free end 128 located near the bottom of the container.

In the rest position shown in Figure 6A , the crenellated edge 128 of the axial skirt 141 is at a distance from the bottom 104 at least equal to the desired actuation stroke, while being as close as possible to said bottom so as to be as long as possible immersed in the product .

The wall 121 is connected to a stud 145 whose outer surface comprises an annular bead 129 which, in the rest position of the Figure 6A is in sealing engagement with the inner surface of the portion 142.

In use, the consumer exerts an axial pressure on the surface 121 of the actuating member 190 ( Figure 6B ). In response to this axial pressure, the spring 106 compresses, and the movable member 120 descends with the annular lip 125 in sealing engagement with the inner surface 112 of the body 103.

In doing so, the volume 180, defined between the bottom 104 and the movable member 120, decreases and the product contained therein is pressurized, and rises in the axial passage 127. The driving movement continues until complete compression the spring 106 and / or until the crenellated edge 128 of the axial skirt 141 abuts against the bottom 104 of the container 102. In this position, the volume 180 is minimal, and the lateral portion of the body actuation 190 is in axial abutment. The movable member 120 is immobilized axially inside the container 102.

By continuing to exert pressure on the wall 121, the profile thereof is reversed as shown in FIG. Figure 6C and the annular bead 129 ceases to be in sealing engagement against the portion 142 of the axial skirt 141.

The product contained in the feed channel 127 then rises in the direction of the transverse wall 121, passes into the groove 147 of the annular flange 140, engulfs in the swirl channels 132, and is sprayed via the dispensing orifice 107 .

When the consumer releases the pressure exerted on the surface 121 of the actuating member 190 ( Figure 6D ), The wall 121 finds its curved profile of the Figures 6A and 6B . The annular bead 129 returns in sealed engagement against the portion 142 of the axial skirt 141. The communication between the outlet port 107 and the supply channel 127 is interrupted.

The movable member 120, and the actuating member 190 to which it is coupled, under the action of the spring 106, move axially.

The gradually decreasing thickness of the wall of the body 103 of the container 102, coupled to the inertia of the material forming the annular lip 125 of the movable member, to the sudden thrust generated by the spring 106, and to the slight depression that may create itself inside the container when initiates the upward movement of the movable member 120, promotes the maintenance of a slight spacing between the free edge of the annular lip 125 of the movable member 120 and the inner surface 112 of the body 103, and this during at least a portion of the upward movement of the movable member 120. Air can then rush inside the container 102, so as to restore a pressure balance.

When the movable member 120 reaches its high position ( Figure 6A ), the free edge of the annular lip 125 is again in sealing engagement with the inner surface 112 of the container body. Volume 180 is again maximum. The set is ready for a new actuation.

At the next actuation, everything happens in the same way, except that the volume pressurized by the movable member 120 is reduced by the volume of product that has been dispensed during the previous actuation, the latter having been replaced by a corresponding volume of air.

In the embodiment of figures 7 and 8A-8D , the body 203 of the container 202 comprises a first cylindrical portion 250 adjacent to the bottom 204, and a second cylindrical portion 251, of larger internal section than the portion 250, and separated from the latter by a shoulder 252. The second portion cylindrical 251 ends with a free edge 253 delimiting an opening. The container 202 is made of polypropylene.

As it appears from Figures 8A-8D , and in the same manner as for the previous embodiment, below the shoulder 252, and substantially 1/3 of the height of the portion 250 of the body 203, the wall of the body is of thickness gradually increasing in size. direction of the bottom 204. Thus, on this portion of the body 203, the distance to the axis X of the inner surface 212 of the body 203 increases progressively in the opposite direction to the bottom 204.

Inside the container 202, an axial member 210 protrudes from the bottom and extends substantially to the free edge 253.

The assembly 201 also comprises an actuating member 290 configured in the form of a cylindrical POM element whose end is closed by an end wall 221. In the vicinity of its periphery, the wall 221 comprises an annular zone of more low thickness 246 which, as for the previous embodiment, promotes the overturning of the curved wall 221 when the side wall of the actuating member 290 is axially immobilized.

The cylindrical element, near its end closed by the wall 221, is traversed by a dispensing orifice 207 opening at the bottom of a recess 208.

Inside the actuating member 290, an axial skirt 245 projects from the transverse wall 221, and ends with a portion 229 flaring slightly outwardly.

On the opposite side to the wall 221, the cylindrical element is extended by a helical portion forming a spring 206. On the side of the spring 206 opposite the actuating member, the spring is connected to an annular portion 254 of slightly lower outer section. at the inner section of the portion 251 of the container 202 so as to press fit into it, the lower edge of the annular portion 254 abutting the shoulder 252 ( figure 8A ).

The assembly according to this embodiment also comprises a movable member 220 comprising a tubular element 222 having a first portion 223 extending over a height slightly less than the axial height of the axial skirt 245 of the actuating member 290, then extending by a portion 224 of inner section slightly greater than the inner section of the portion 223, and slightly greater than the outer section of the axial member 210.

The outer section of the tubular element 222 is, on the lower half of the tubular element 222, substantially smaller than its section on its upper half so as to define at this location a volume large enough to contain the product to be packaged.

So, to mount the whole way as represented in the figure 8A after introduction of the product into the body of the container 202 via the open end 253, the movable member 220, optionally equipped with the actuating member 290, is introduced into the container 202, the axial element 210 being introduced inside the skirt 222 of the movable member 220, leaving an annular channel 227 all around the axial member 210. The insertion movement continues until the portion 254 disposed under the spring 206 abut against the shoulder 252.

The coupling between the actuating member 290 and the movable member 220 can be done by clamping, snapping, gluing, or welding.

In this climb position of the figure 8A a crenellated edge 228 of the axial skirt 222 is at a distance from the bottom 204 at least equal to the desired actuation stroke, while being as close as possible to said bottom so as to be as long as possible immersed in the product .

In rest position illustrated at figure 8A , an annular zone of the flared portion 229 of the axial skirt 245 bears against a lower edge of the portion 223 of smaller internal section. Above the sealing zone, an annular channel exists between the outer surface of the axial skirt 245 and the inner surface of the portion 223 of the movable member 220. This annular channel opens onto a space formed between the inner surface of the wall 221 and the upper edge of the movable member 220.

On the side of the dispensing orifice 207, the upper edge of the movable member 220 has a groove 247 which, as will be seen in more detail later, makes it possible to maintain communication between the supply channel 227 and the dispensing orifice 207 when the curved wall 221 is in a profile as shown in FIG. Figure 8C .

On the side facing the dispensing orifice 207, the outer surface of the portion 223 of the movable member 220 has a recess 231. In the assembled position of the assembly, the recess 231 is centered on the dispensing orifice 207 and defines with the inner surface of the actuator 290, a plurality of vortex channels 232 in communication with the spray orifice 207 and with the space formed between the curved wall 221 and the upper edge of the organ mobile 220.

The movable member 220 substantially at half its height comprises an annular lip 225, facing downwardly flaring outwardly. In rest position illustrated at figure 8A a portion 226 of the movable member 220 located just above the lip 225 is sealingly applied against the inner surface of the portion 254 formed under the spring 206. During the downward movement of the movable member 220, at least when the portion 226 thereof ceases to be in sealing engagement with the portion 254 below the spring 206, the lip 225 is in sealing engagement against the surface 212 of the body 203.

In the rest position of the figure 8A , the volume 280 defined between the movable member 220 and the bottom 204 of the container is maximum.

In use, the consumer exerts an axial pressure on the surface 221 of the actuator 290 ( Figure 8B ). In response to this axial pressure, the spring 206 compresses, and the movable member 220 descends with the annular lip 225 in sealing engagement with the inner surface 212 of the body 203.

In doing so, the volume 280, defined between the bottom 204 and the movable member 220, decreases and the product contained therein is pressurized, and rises in the annular passage 227.

The driving movement continues until compression of the spring 206 and / or until the crenellated edge 228 of the axial skirt 222 of the movable member abuts against the bottom 204 of the container 202 ( Figure 8C ). In this position, the volume 280 is minimal, and the lateral portion of the actuating member 290 is in axial abutment. The movable member 220 is immobilized axially inside the container 202. By continuing to exert a pressure on the wall 221, the profile thereof is reversed and the annular zone of the flared portion 229 of the axial skirt 245 ceases to be in sealed engagement against the lower edge of the portion 223 of the movable member 220.

The product contained in the feed channel 227 then rises in the direction of the transverse wall 221, passes into the groove 247, engulfs in the swirl channels 232, and is sprayed via the dispensing orifice 207.

When the consumer releases the pressure exerted on the surface 221 of the actuating member 290 ( figure 8D ), The wall 221 finds its curved profile of Figures 8A and 8B . The annular zone of the flaring portion 229 of the axial skirt 245 returns in sealing engagement against the lower edge of the portion 223 of the movable member 220. The communication between the outlet orifice 207 and the supply channel 227 is interrupted .

The movable member 220, and the actuating member 290 to which it is coupled, under the action of the spring 206, move axially.

The decreasing thickness gradually of the wall of the body 203 of the container 202, coupled to the inertia of the material forming the annular lip 225 of the movable member, to the sudden thrust generated by the spring 206, and to the slight depression that may create itself inside the container when initiates the movement of the movable member 220, promotes the maintenance of a slight spacing between the free edge of the annular lip 225 of the movable member 220 and the inner surface 212 of the body 203, and for at least part of the upward movement of the movable member 220. Air can then rush inside the container 202, so as to restore a balance of pressures.

When the movable member 220 reaches its high position ( figure 8A ), the portion 226 of the movable member 220, located just above the lip 225, is again applied sealingly against the inner surface of the portion 254 formed under the spring 206. The volume 280 is again maximum. The set is ready for a new actuation.

At the next actuation, everything happens in the same way, except that the volume pressurized by the movable member 220 is reduced by the volume of product that has been dispensed during the previous actuation, the latter having been replaced by a corresponding volume of air.

The embodiment of the figures 9 and 10A-10D is a variant of the previous embodiment. For the sake of clarity, only those elements which differ from the previous embodiment will be described in detail. The elements identical to those of the preceding embodiment carry a reference numeral identical to that assigned to them in the previous embodiment, incremented by 100.

According to this embodiment, the member 320 movable relative to the body 303 of the container is obtained by molding polyethylene with the actuating member 390. Thus, the lip 325 which, during the passage of the movable member of the first in the second position, is in sealing engagement against the inclined surface 312, is formed by the open end of the actuating member, opposite the actuating surface 321.

The actuating member 390 is mounted snug or snap on an intermediate piece 360 POM whose lower end terminates in a spring portion 306, bearing against the bottom of the container.

The body 303 of the container 302 is made of polypropylene.

It is in an outer surface of the intermediate part 360 that the recess 331 and the vortex channels 332 are defined.

Closing the device upstream of the outlet orifice is provided by the cooperation of an annular bead 329 formed by a portion 345 secured to the actuating member 390, and which, in the rest position of the assembly is located in sealing engagement against a tubular portion 323 of small internal section of the intermediate piece 360. In response to an actuation command on the surface 321, the annular bead 329 descends opposite a portion of larger section 324 of the intermediate piece 360, so as to allow the passage of product around the bead 329.

In the rest position, illustrated in figure 10A , an annular portion 326 located above the lip 325 is sealingly applied against an annular bead 354 formed by the inner surface of the body 303 near its open end.

In use, the consumer exerts an axial pressure on the surface 321 of the actuator 390 ( figure 10B ). In response to this axial pressure, the spring 306 compresses, and the actuator 390 descends with the annular lip 325 in sealing engagement with the inner surface 312 of the body 303.

In doing so, the volume 380, defined between the bottom 304 and the movable member 320, decreases and the product contained therein is pressurized, and rises in the annular passage 327.

The driving movement continues until complete compression of the spring 306 against the bottom 304 of the container 302, without the turns that compose it can not be completely joined, so as to maintain communication between the channel 327 and the portion of the container, external to the intermediate part 360. In this position, the volume 380 is minimal. The part Lateral of the actuating member 390 and the intermediate piece 360 are immobilized axially inside the container 302.

By continuing to exert pressure on the wall 321, the profile thereof is reversed as shown in FIG. Figure 10C and the annular bead 329 ceases to be in sealing engagement against the small section portion 323 of the intermediate piece 360.

The product contained in the feed channel 327 then rises in the direction of the transverse wall 321, rushes into the swirl channels 332, and is sprayed via the dispensing orifice 307.

When the consumer releases the pressure exerted on the surface 321 of the actuating member 390 ( figure 10D ), the wall 321 finds its curved profile of Figures 10A and 10B . The annular bead 329 returns in sealing engagement against the portion 323 of smaller section of the intermediate part 360. The communication between the outlet port 307 and the supply channel 327 is interrupted.

The movable member 320, as well as the actuating member 390 with which it forms a single piece, under the action of the spring 306, go up axially.

The gradually decreasing thickness of the wall of the body 303 of the container 302, coupled to the inertia of the material forming the annular lip 325 of the movable member, to the sudden thrust generated by the spring 306, and to the slight depression which may create itself inside the container when initiates the upward movement of the movable member 320, promotes the maintenance of a slight spacing between the free edge of the annular lip 325 of the movable member 320 and the inner surface 312 of the body 303, and this during at least a portion of the upward movement of the movable member 320. Air can then rush inside the container 302, so as to restore a balance of pressures.

When the movable member 320 reaches its high position ( figure 10A ), the portion 326 located just above the lip 325, is again applied in a manner sealed against the bead 354 formed on the inner surface of the body 303. The volume 380 is again maximum. The assembly 301 is ready for a new actuation.

At the next actuation, everything happens in the same way, except that the volume pressurized by the movable member 320 is reduced by the volume of product that has been dispensed during the previous actuation, the latter having been replaced by a corresponding volume of air.

The embodiment of the figures 11 and 12A-12D constitutes another variant of the embodiment of the figures 7 and 8A-8D . For the sake of clarity, only those elements which differ from the figures 7 and 8A-8D . The elements identical to those of the embodiment of the figures 7 and 8A-8D have a numerical reference identical to that assigned to them in this embodiment, incremented by 200.

According to this embodiment, the spring 406, metal or plastic, consists of an insert disposed between the axial skirt 445 of the actuator 490, and the axial portion 410 of the body 403 of the container 402.

The movable member 420 is made of polyethylene. The body 403 of the container 402 and the actuator 490 are made of polypropylene.

According to this embodiment also, the actuating member 490 is axially movable relative to the movable member 420 over a necessary distance sufficient to align the spray orifice 407 and the recess 431 in which the channels are formed. swirling 432.

After aligning the spray orifice and the recess 431, a free edge 460 of the actuating member 490 abuts against a shoulder 461 of the movable member 420, so as to drive the latter towards the background 404.

In the rest position, illustrated in figure 12A , an annular portion 426 located above the lip 425 is sealingly applied against an annular bead 454 formed by the inner surface of the body 403 near its open end.

In the same way as for the previous embodiment, closing the device upstream of the outlet orifice 407 is provided by the cooperation of an annular bead 429 formed by a portion 445 secured to the actuating member 490. and a tubular portion 423 of small internal section of the movable member 420, in sealed support against which is located the bead 429, in the rest position of the assembly ( figure 12A ). In response to an actuation command on the surface 421 ( figure 12C ), the annular bead 429 descends opposite a portion of larger section 424 of the movable member 420, so as to allow the passage of product around the bead 429.

In use, the consumer exerts an axial pressure on the surface 421 of the actuating member 490 ( figure 12B ). In response to this axial pressure, the spring 406 compresses, and the actuator 490 descends on a short stroke during which the spray port 407 aligns with the center of the recess 431 in which the vortex channels are formed. 432.

Also doing this, the annular bead 429 ceases to be in sealing engagement against the portion 423 of small internal section of the movable member 420.

The movement of the actuating member alone, continues until the lower edge 460 of the actuating member is in abutment against the shoulder 461 of the movable member 420.

Past this stage, ( figure 12C ), the movable member 420 descends towards the bottom 404, with the annular lip 425 in sealing engagement with the inner surface 412 of the body 403.

The volume 480, defined between the bottom 404 and the movable member 420, decreases and the product contained therein is pressurized, and rises in the annular passage 427. The product contained in the supply channel 427 then rises in the direction of the transverse wall 421 engages in the vortex channels 432 and is sprayed via the dispensing orifice 407.

The driving movement continues until complete compression of the spring 406 or until a notched edge 428 of the movable member 420 abuts against the bottom 404 of the container 402.

When the consumer releases the pressure exerted on the surface 421 of the actuator 490 ( figure 12D ), the actuating member 490 rises a small height, independently of the movable member 420. In doing so, the spray orifice 407 is no longer centered on the recess 431 in which are formed the channels vortex 432 and the annular bead 429 returns in sealed engagement against the portion 423 of lower internal section of the movable member 420. The spray is interrupted.

Then, by a suitable stop system, the actuator 490 drives the movable member 420 in the opposite direction to the bottom.

The gradually decreasing thickness of the wall of the body 403 of the container 402, coupled to the inertia of the material forming the annular lip 425 of the movable member, to the sudden thrust generated by the spring 406, and to the slight depression that may to be created inside the container when initiates the upward movement of the movable member 420, promotes the maintenance of a slight spacing between the free edge of the annular lip 425 of the movable member 420 and the inner surface 412 of the body 403, and this during at least a portion of the upward movement of the movable member 420. Air can then rush inside the container 402, so as to restore a balance of pressures.

When the mobile member 420 reaches its high position ( figure 12A ), the portion 426 of the movable member 420, located just above the lip 425, is again sealingly applied against the bead 454 formed by the inner surface of the body 403 of the container 402. The volume 480 is again maximal. The assembly 401 is ready for a new actuation.

At the next actuation, everything happens in the same way, except that the volume pressurized by the movable member 420 is reduced by the volume of product that has been dispensed during the previous actuation, the latter having been replaced by a corresponding volume of air.

Although not appearing clearly in the drawing, for all the embodiments described above, during the return of the movable member 25, 125, 225, 325, 425, in the high position, liquid remains retained, in particular by capillarity inside the feed channel 27, 127, 227, 327, 427, so that during the following actuation, the spraying of the product is almost concomitant with the depression of the actuating surface 21 , 121, 221, 321, 421.

In the foregoing detailed description, reference has been made to preferred embodiments of the invention. It is obvious that variations can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed hereinafter.

Claims (24)

1. Assembly (1, 101, 201, 301, 401) for packaging and dispensing a product, especially a cosmetic product, said assembly comprising:

   i) a container (2, 102, 202, 302, 402) containing the product, the container being delimited by a body (3, 103, 203, 303, 403), one end of which is closed by an end wall (4, 104, 204, 304, 404);

   ii) a member (20, 120, 220, 320, 420) that can move relative to the body of the container and is able, in response to a command performed manually on a surface (21, 121, 221, 321, 421) of an actuating member (90, 190, 290, 390, 490), to pass from a first position, in which the volume (80, 180, 280, 380, 480) delimited between the movable member and the end wall of the container and containing the product is at a maximum, to a second position in which said volume is at a minimum, such that the product contained in said volume is pressurized and caused to emerge via at least one dispensing orifice (7, 107, 207, 307, 407), the return of the movable member from the second position to the first when the actuation command stops being accompanied by an intake of air into said volume,

   characterized in that the intake of air into said volume occurs via at least one duct formed between the movable member and an internal surface (12, 112, 212, 312, 412) of the container.
2. Assembly (1, 101, 201, 301, 401) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the movable member has a lip (25, 125, 225, 325, 425) able to bear in a sealing manner against the internal surface of the container while the movable member passes from the first position to the second, said internal surface being configured such that, at least for part of the return movement of the movable member from the second position to the first, said lip is not in sealing contact with said internal surface.
3. Assembly (1, 101, 201, 301, 401) according to Claim 2, characterized in that, for at least part of its movement between said first and second positions, the lip (25, 125, 225, 325, 425) is subjected to elastic stress that increases towards the second position.
4. Assembly (1, 101, 201, 301, 401) according to Claim 3, characterized in that the internal surface (12, 112, 212, 312, 412) has a circular cross section, with the lip being annular, and the distance between a longitudinal axis X of the assembly and said internal surface increasing, preferably progressively, in the direction of the return movement from the second position to the first.
5. Assembly (1, 101, 201, 301, 401) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the action of an elastic return means (6, 106, 206, 306, 406) results in the return of the movable member (20, 120, 220, 320, 420) from the second position to the first.
6. Assembly (1, 101, 201, 301, 401) according to Claim 5, characterized in that the elastic return means (6, 106, 206, 306, 406) is obtained by moulding either with the body of the container, or with the actuating member, or with both.
7. Assembly (1, 101, 201, 301, 401) according to Claim 6, characterized in that the movable member (20, 120, 220, 320, 420) is obtained by moulding with the actuating member.
8. Assembly (1, 101, 201, 301, 401) according to Claim 5, characterized in that the elastic return means (6, 106, 206, 306, 406) is obtained by moulding with an intermediate part (360) onto which the actuating member is fitted.
9. Assembly (1, 101, 201, 301, 401) according to Claim 8, characterized in that one end of the elastic return means abuts the end wall of the container.
10. Assembly (1, 101, 201, 301, 401) according to any one of Claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the elastic return means, and any element obtained by moulding therewith, is made of POM.
11. Assembly (1, 101, 201, 301, 401) according to any one of Claims 5, 8 or 9, characterized in that the movable member and the body of the container, when they are not obtained by moulding with the elastic return means, are made of at least one polyolefin, especially a polyethylene or a polypropylene.
12. Assembly (1, 101, 201, 301, 401) according to Claim 5, characterized in that the elastic return means consists of an inserted spring (406), made especially of plastic or metal.
13. Assembly (1, 101, 201, 301, 401) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dispensing orifice is in selective communication, by means of an opening/closing system (29, 129, 229, 329, 429), with at least one supply duct (27, 127, 227, 327, 427) in communication with the product inside the container.
14. Assembly (1, 101, 201, 301, 401) according to Claim 13, characterized in that the supply duct (27, 227, 427) is delimited between an element (10, 210, 410) integral with the body of the container, obtained especially by moulding therewith, and an element (26, 222, 422) integral with the movable member, obtained especially by moulding therewith.
15. Assembly (1, 101, 201, 301, 401) according to Claim 13, characterized in that the supply duct (127) is delimited essentially by the movable member.
16. Assembly (1, 101, 201, 301, 401) according to Claims 8 and 13, characterized in that the supply duct (327) is delimited between an element (310) integral with the container body, obtained especially by moulding therewith, and said intermediate part (360).
17. Assembly (1, 101, 201, 301, 401) according to any one of Claims 13 to 16, characterized in that the opening/closing system (29, 129) is formed by an element integral with the container body, obtained especially by moulding therewith, cooperating with an element integral with the movable member, obtained especially by moulding therewith.
18. Assembly (1, 101, 201, 301, 401) according to any one of Claims 13 to 16, characterized in that the opening/closing system (129, 229, 329, 429) is formed by the movable member cooperating with an integral portion of the actuating member.
19. Assembly (1, 101, 201, 301, 401) according to any one of Claims 8 to 18, characterized in that said surface (121, 221, 321) of the actuating member moves along a longer path than the rest of the actuating member, the communication between the supply duct and the dispensing orifice being established in response to the movement of said surface of the actuating member when the rest thereof cannot be moved axially.
20. Assembly (1, 101, 201, 301, 401) according to Claims 8 and 19, characterized in that the opening/closing system (329) is formed by an integral portion of the actuating member cooperating with said intermediate part.
21. Assembly (1, 101, 201, 301, 401) according to any one of Claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the second position of the movable member is determined by a lower end, especially in the form of a notched edge (28, 128, 228, 428), of the movable member engaging with the end wall of the container or with any other abutment encountered by the movable member or by any other element to which the movable member is connected.
22. Assembly (1, 101, 201, 301, 401) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the end wall (104) of the container is an inserted end wall, the end wall being fastened to the body of the container especially by snap-fastening, screwing, bonding or welding.
23. Assembly (1, 101, 201, 301, 401) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dispensing orifice is fed by a plurality of channels (32, 132, 232, 332, 432) providing a swirl effect.
24. Assembly (1, 101, 201, 301, 401) according to Claim 5, characterized in that the elastic return means is configured in the form of a stack of at least three rings (61-65) linked in pairs by way of two diametrically opposed spacers (66, 67, 68, 69), the spacers (66, 67) which separate a first ring (61) from a second ring (62) that is next to the first being offset by 90° with respect to the spacers (68, 69) which separate the second ring (62) from a third ring (63) that is next to the second and arranged on the opposite side of the second ring from the first ring.

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