FR2718720A1 - Distribution set for a fluid or solid product. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a distribution assembly for a product, in particular a cosmetic, comprising an axis of symmetry (A), a movable part (10, 110), a hollow hollow part (7, 107), flexible means for connection between the movable and fixed parts, the movable part being able to move along said axis (A), the connecting means being constituted by at least one tongue (11, 111) oriented in a plane substantially orthogonal to the axis ( A), a first end (11a, 111a) of the tongue being secured to the moving part and a second end (11b, 111b) of this tongue being secured to the fixed part, the product being dispensed via the moving part.

Description

The present invention relates to a distribution assembly for

  apply a fluid or solid product to a surface to be treated.

  Among the products which can be distributed by means of such a set, mention will be made, for example, of cosmetic or dermopharmaceutical products, such as deodorants, blushes, hair sprays, insect repellents, products for the housework, in particular for cleaning dishes by hand, and technical products, especially products

  paint, lubrication products.

  More specifically, this distribution set is a body deodorant product. Document FR-A 2 661 661 in the name of the applicant, describes a distributor of pressurized liquid, comprising a dispensing member in the form of a push button, by which the user can trigger the

  product distribution by pressing any area of this button-

  pusher. However, this device consists of several parts,

  resulting in a difficult industrial assembly and which is therefore relatively expensive.

  In addition, from an operational point of view, it is desirable to confer on

this distributor more flexibility.

  In the specific case of the cosmetic field, deodorant applicators have already been proposed which use a liquid composition contained in a reservoir on which is fixed a dispensing head comprising an applicator dome made of a porous material. This guy

  applicator is described, for example, in patent FR-A-2,647,034.

  However, this device has the following drawbacks:

  the application, the user feels a certain stiffness on the skin.

  In addition, to ensure the closure of the reservoir, when the product is not used, it is necessary to provide a relatively complicated dispensing head, which increases the cost price; on the other hand, to use the product, it is necessary to perform a prior action, bringing the liquid

  in the porous dome which serves as an applicator.

  It has also been proposed to apply liquids in aerosol form, as described in document FR-A 2,517,639. In this case, the reservoir is provided with a dispensing valve equipped with a push button and a covering cover serving as fixing element for the push button. The housing of this push button in a notch in its covering hood requires, moreover, that the user, to operate this device, must place his index finger exactly in the right place, which does not facilitate

not its use.

  Generally, this equipment consists of several parts; this therefore results in complicated assembly during manufacture, resulting in a price of

comes back high.

  The object of the present invention is to propose a new dispensing assembly which eliminates the above-mentioned drawbacks, by using a one-piece dispensing system, in which the dispensing member is linked to a fixing element, by means of flexible tongues. , the whole being molded in one piece. In particular, this assembly can be produced for a reduced cost price. On the other hand, the user will appreciate the easy handling of this dispenser and its flexibility of operation. The present invention therefore relates to a product distribution assembly, comprising an axis of symmetry, a moving part, a hollow fixed part, flexible connecting means between the moving and fixed parts, the moving part being able to move along said axis, characterized in that the connecting means consist of at least one tongue oriented in a plane substantially orthogonal to the axis, a first end of the tongue being secured to the moving part and a second end of this tongue being secured to the fixed part, the

  product distribution being carried out via the moving part.

  By distribution set, we must understand both an applicator

than a distributor itself.

  According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the dispensing assembly may include several tabs distributed regularly between the two parts

  mobile and fixed. Advantageously, the number of tabs is from 2 to 12.

  Preferably, a first end of a first tongue is opposite a second end of a second tongue. In other words, the

  tabs are arranged in staggered rows on a plane.

  The use of these tabs makes it possible to give the applicator a large

  flexibility or smoothness of operation when actuated.

  The use of several tabs allows better orientation of the moving part

relative to the fixed part.

  According to the invention, the product to be dispensed can be gaseous, liquid, pasty or

solid.

  Alternatively, the first end of a first tab is in position

  vicinal to the first end of a second tab.

  Thus, a monobloc sub-assembly is obtained consisting of the moving part, the fixed part and the tongues, the moving part being able to move relative to the fixed part in the axial direction with a gentle movement following a relatively large stroke, the stroke being depending on the length of the tabs. Generally, the stroke is about a third of the length of a tongue. We can therefore adjust this stroke according to the particular use envisaged. This sub-assembly can be molded or injected in a thermoplastic material. Preferably the thermoplastic material is polypropylene or polyethylene. We can however make this sub-assembly in metal or

elastic metal alloy.

  According to another variant of the present invention, the tongues can

  have at least one zone protruding from the plane occupied by the tongues.

  This zone can be in the form of a simple meander, or can have a sinusoidal shape. This shape allows, during application, to obtain a significant elongation of the tongues which results in a

  maximum stroke of the moving part.

  According to a first embodiment, the dispensing assembly may further include a reservoir in which the product to be dispensed is housed, the fixed part being mounted on said reservoir. In this case, the tank can be a pressurized tank, equipped with a dispensing valve able to put the tank in communication with a dispensing member, an axial movement, in the direction of the tank, of the moving part causing

this communication.

  According to this first embodiment, the dispensing member is, in particular, constituted by a supply channel formed in the moving part

  and is terminated by a dispensing nozzle.

  According to a second embodiment, the dispensing member consists of a supply channel connected to a porous dispensing dome secured to the moving part, the latter serving as a support for the dome. It will be understood that a pressure exerted on the dome, when it is applied to the surface to be treated, will actuate the dispensing valve and thus cause the distribution of the product through the dispensing dome. This arrangement ensures easier use than that of the deodorant described in document FR-A-2

647,034.

  When it is a liquid product conditioned under pressure in accordance with this first and second embodiments, this product is advantageously

  a composition with cosmetic and / or dermatological action.

  According to a third embodiment, the movable part serves as a support for a disintegrating product of pasty or solid consistency, the fixed part serving as a gripping member. Such a crumbly product can be a block of powder

  make-up, a solid foundation etc ...

  A makeup product can thus be applied to the skin of the face of

very sweet way.

  Another object of the present invention is a body deodorant consisting of a dispensing assembly as defined above, and

  particularly suitable for the second embodiment.

  To better understand the present invention, we will now describe, by way of purely illustrative and in no way limitative, three

  embodiments, shown in the accompanying drawings.

  Figure 1a shows, in partial axial section, a liquid distribution assembly, according to a first embodiment of the invention, in the rest position; Figure 1b shows, in partial axial section, the dispensing assembly of Figure 1b, in the dispensing position; 2a shows a view on the plane P corresponding to the section along line 1-11 of Figures la and 3; Figure 2b shows a view of a variant, similar to that of Figure 2a; Figure 3 shows, in partial axial section, a liquid distribution assembly, according to a second embodiment of the invention Figure 4a is a top view of a third embodiment of the invention, comprising a product solid or pasty; Figure 4b is a sectional view along the line IVb-IVB of Figure 4a; Figure 5a is a longitudinal sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the device of Figure 4a at rest; Figure 5b is a longitudinal sectional view of the alternative embodiment of the device of Figure 5a, during application; Figure 6 is an enlarged view of a tab, according to the mode of

  embodiment shown in Figures 5a and 5b.

  Referring to Figures la and 1b of the drawings, there is designated by the reference 1 the pressurized tank of a first embodiment of a distribution assembly according to the invention, comprising an axis of symmetry A. This tank is a cylindrical can of circular cross section, the top of which is shaped like a warhead 2, which carries at its upper end a valve cup fixed to the can by a crimping bead 3. The valve cup carries, along axis A, a distribution valve 4 which, in the case of the present example, is a male valve comprising an emerging rod 5. This valve is a valve with lateral deformation, also called tilt valve, the opening of which is effected by lateral tilting of the rod 5. The junction area of the warhead 2 with the cylindrical wall of the

  tank 1 is provided with a peripheral latching groove 6.

  In tank 1, a liquid composition, for example a body deodorant or a hair spray, has been packaged, having a viscosity of approximately 0.003

  Not. This liquid is pressurized using a propellant gas.

  The reservoir 1 is capped with a dispensing head formed by a one-piece molded or injected polypropylene subassembly and consisting of a fixed peripheral part 7 of axial symmetry, which is connected to a set of flexible tongues 11, themselves integral with 'A central part 10, movable in axial translation; the fixed parts 7 and mobile 10 are concentric. The peripheral part 7 is a cylindrical skirt carrying inside its lower edge turned towards the reservoir, a peripheral ratchet bead 7a cooperating with the groove 6. Inside the upper zone of the peripheral part 7 on the side opposite the bead is arranged on a plane P, the set of flexible tongues 11, tongues which have two ends 11a and 11b, the first end 11a of which is connected to the central part 10 and the second of which 11b is connected to the peripheral part 7. These tabs are

  regularly distributed in the space between the fixed 7 and mobile 10 parts.

  The central part 10 is part of the dispensing member D of the pressurized product and has the shape of a cap. This central room has a central fireplace

  13 able to engage in sealed manner at the free end 5a of the valve stem 5 4.

  This chimney is extended by an angled supply channel 14, so as to connect the valve stem 5 to the spray nozzle 15 with which the part is provided.

central 10.

  Figure 2a shows the plane P, along the section line 11-11 of Figure la, and illustrates the arrangement of the tongues 11 which connect the movable 10 and fixed parts 7, according to a first alternative embodiment. It can be seen that the tongues 11 have the same orientation, so that one end 11 a of a first tongue connected to the movable part 10, is opposite the end 11 b of a tongue

  connected to the peripheral part 7.

  FIG. 2b shows an alternative arrangement of the tongues 11 situated on the same plane P, o two ends 11a of two consecutive tongues are arranged one next to the other and connected to the central part 10, the other two ends 11b being arranged, one in the vicinity of the other, and attached to the

peripheral part 7.

  In FIG. 1b, the operation of the distribution assembly of FIG. 1a is shown diagrammatically. When the user exerts a pressure on the part 10 according to arrow F, thanks to the flexibility of the tongues 11, the part 10 rocks, so that the portion comprising the nozzle 15 rises, while the opposite portion sinks, causing, by tilting the valve stem 5 4, the opening thereof. By producing a set of tongues 11 according to FIG. 2a, there is obtained, when the central part 10 is pushed in, a slight rotation about the axis A, having the effect of spraying in sweeping. This scanning does not occur, when using a set of tabs arranged according to Figure 2b. In

  in all cases, the operation is very flexible.

  The flexibility of operation and possibly the angle of rotation of the part

  10 can be adjusted by adjusting the length and thickness of the tabs.

  In the case of a cylindrical distributor, a tongue 11 can extend over an angular value of 20 to 180. The number of tabs is

advantageously chosen from 2 to 12.

  Referring to Figure 3, there is shown a distribution assembly with axial symmetry of a body deodorant, according to a second embodiment, where the identical parts or playing a role analogous to that of Figure 1 a carry the

  reference numbers of this figure 1 a, increased by 100.

  According to this second embodiment, a container forming a reservoir 101 for a liquid deodorant product is equipped with a porous distribution dome 109, for example made of Porex, fixed on a convex support plate 108, by an annular skirt 112 of hanging. Support 108 is connected on its portion

  peripheral on the side opposite the skirt 112, to a cylindrical skirt 110 a.

  The support - annular skirt - cylindrical skirt assembly constitutes a movable part 110. The cylindrical skirt 110 Oa comprises, at its portion facing the reservoir,

  The end 111 a (see FIGS. 2a and 2b) of the tabs 111.

  As in the previous embodiment according to FIG. 1 a, the second end 111b of the tongues 111 is connected to a fixed peripheral part 107, of cylindrical shape, which is mounted, by snap-fastening, on the annular groove 106, with which the zone of junction of the ogive 102 top with the cylindrical wall

tank 101.

  The operation of this device is as follows: the user applies the dome

  porous 109 directly on the surface to be treated, exerting slight pressure.

  Thanks to the flexible deformation of the tongues 111, the rod 105 of the valve 104 is depressed, causing the dome 109 to be impregnated with the deodorant product.

  liquid, via the rod 105 and the feed channel 114.

  After use, the distribution dome 109 is protected by a cover

protection (not shown).

  According to a third embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b, a fixed part 207 of substantially rectangular section with rounded angles serves as a gripping element for a block of solid make-up product S, for example a foundation, to apply directly to the skin. The product S is housed in a central part 210, in the form of a cup having a bottom 208. The cup and the fixed part are concentric. At its base, the cup is connected to the end 211a of tongues 211 which, in turn, are connected to the part.

  device 207 by their end 211 b.

  By grasping this assembly by the peripheral piece 207, the user applies the product S to the skin, where he obtains, thanks to the flexibility of the tongues 211, a

gentle makeup.

  Figures 5a and 5b show a variant of the device shown in Figures 4a and 4b. In order to further increase the flexibility of application, the tongues 311 connecting the central 310 and peripheral 307 parts have been provided with a wavy zone Z, which is situated outside the plane P (see FIG. 6). This zone Z is

  located, preferably about halfway between the ends 311 a and 311 b.

  These wavy tongues 311 confer a great softness of application (materialized by the arrow F in FIG. 5b), as a result of an elongation in the opposite direction of the applied force. Of course, they can be used

  also in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 3.

Claims (16)

  1. Product distribution assembly, comprising an axis of symmetry (A), a movable part (10, 110, 210, 310), a hollow fixed part (7, 107, 207, 307), flexible means of connection between the movable and fixed parts, the movable part being able to move along said axis (A), characterized in that the connecting means are constituted by at least one tongue (11, 111, 211, 311) oriented in a plane (P) substantially orthogonal to the axis (A), a first end (11a, 111a, 211a, 311a) of the tongue being integral with the moving part, a second end (11b, 111b, 211b , 311b) of this tongue being integral with the fixed part, the distribution of the product being performed via the moving part.   2. Distribution assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises several tabs (11, 111, 211, 311) distributed regularly   between the two movable (10, 110, 210, 310) and fixed (7, 107, 207, 307) parts.   3. Distribution assembly according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in   that the number of the tabs (11, 111, 211, 311) is from 2 to 12.   4. Distribution assembly according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in   that the first end (11a, 111a, 211a, 311a) of a first tongue (11, 111, 211, 311) is opposite a second end (11b,   111 b, 211 b, 311 b) a second tab.   5. Distribution assembly according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in   that the first end (11a, 111a, 211a, 311a) of a first tongue 11 is in the vicinal position, relative to a first end a second tab.   6. Distribution assembly according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in   what the moving part (10, 110, 210, 310), the fixed part (7, 107, 207, 307) and   the tongue (11, 111, 211, 311) constitute a one-piece sub-assembly.   7. Distribution assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that the   sub-assembly is molded or injected in thermoplastic material.   8. Distribution assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that the   thermoplastic material is polypropylene.   9. Distribution assembly according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in   that the tongue (11, 111, 211, 311) has at least one zone (Z) coming out of the plane (P).   10.Distribution assembly according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in   what it comprises, in addition, a reservoir (1, 101) in which is housed the   product, the fixed part (7, 107) being mounted on said tank.   11.Distribution assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that the reservoir (1, 101) is a pressurized reservoir, equipped with a distribution valve (4, 104) capable of placing the reservoir in communication with a distribution member (D), an axial movement (F) towards the tank of the moving part (10, 110) causing said communication. 12.Distribution assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that the distribution member (D) consists of a feed channel (14) formed   in the moving part (10) and terminated by a dispensing nozzle (15).   13.Distribution assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that the distribution member (D) consists of a supply channel (114) connected to a porous dispensing dome (109) integral with the movable part   (110), the latter serving as a support for the dome.   14.Distribution assembly according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in   that the moving part (310) serves as a support for a disintegrating product (S) of pasty or solid consistency and in that the fixed part (307) serves as an organ gripping.   15.Distribution assembly according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized   in that the product contained in the reservoir (1) is a liquid composition   with cosmetic and / or dermatological action.   16.Applicant of body deodorant, characterized in that it consists of a   distribution assembly according to any one of the claims previous.