Fluid product dispenser

Abstract

A dispenser comprising: a container (R) forming a threaded neck (R3) and a main face (Rf); a dispensing component (P), such as a pump or valve; a retaining ring (B) forming a threaded skirt (B1) for engagement around the threaded neck (R3) with an optimal tightening torque; and a decorative sleeve (F) mounted on the retaining ring (B) having a complementary face (Fc) for precise orientation at an angle relative to the main face (Rf) of the container (R), characterized in that, once the optimal tightening torque is reached, the decorative sleeve (F) can rotate rubbed against the ring (B), such that the decorative sleeve (F) can rotate around the retaining ring (B) until its complementary face (Fc) is precisely oriented relative to the main face (Rf).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a distributor for fluid products, having a container forming a threaded neck and a main face. The distributor also includes a dispensing component (e.g., a pump or valve) and a retaining ring forming a threaded skirt capable of engaging the threaded neck of the container with optimal tightening torque. Optionally, a neck seal is compressed between the neck and the retaining ring. The distributor also includes a decorative sleeve mounted on the retaining ring. This decorative sleeve has a complementary surface for precise angular orientation relative to the main face of the container.

[0002] The preferred applications of this invention are in the perfume manufacturing, cosmetics manufacturing, and pharmaceutical industries. Background Technology

[0003] Dispensers with directional sleeves have been known for a long time in the prior art. Generally, the directional sleeve makes the container perfect, both in terms of shape and / or aesthetics. Due to tolerances at the container neck, retaining ring, and neck seal, the desired angular orientation of the directional sleeve is not always achieved when the optimal tightening torque is reached. Typically, a compromise is made between these unattainable requirements: either the seal is pressed too loosely or too tightly, or the faces are not perfectly aligned.

[0004] The present invention aims to overcome the known defects of such dispensers with directional sleeves. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the present invention proposes a distributor having:

[0006] - A container for fluid products, the container forming a threaded neck and at least one main face.

[0007] -Distribution components, such as pumps or valves,

[0008] - A retaining ring, which forms a threaded skirt, engages the threaded neck of the fluid product container with optimal tightening torque.

[0009] - A decorative sleeve, which is mounted on a retaining ring and has at least one complementary surface, which is precisely oriented at an angle relative to the main surface of the container of the fluid product. Once the optimal tightening torque is reached, the decorative sleeve rotates rubbed against the retaining ring, allowing it to rotate around the retaining ring until the complementary surface of the decorative sleeve is precisely oriented relative to the main surface.

[0010] Advantageously, the rotational friction between the retaining ring and the decorative sleeve is substantially equal to or slightly greater than the optimal tightening torque. Therefore, when the maximum tightening torque is reached, the retaining sleeve begins to rotate around the retaining ring. During the installation operation of the retaining ring (with its pump or valve) on the threaded neck of the container, there is no need to concern oneself with the final tightening point, only that the two surfaces are aligned or aligned.

[0011] Advantageously, the neck seal can be positioned between the neck and the retaining ring, and the neck seal is fully compressed with an optimal tightening torque. Based on the set optimal tightening torque value between the retaining ring and the decorative sleeve, the neck seal automatically achieves optimal compression. A self-sealing lip can be used instead of the neck seal.

[0012] According to an advantageous embodiment, the retaining ring may form an outer groove, and the decorative sleeve may form an inner groove. The inner and outer grooves are fixedly engaged until a predetermined optimal tightening torque is reached. Then, the inner groove slides past the outer groove, allowing the complementary surfaces to be oriented relative to the principal surface. The first pawl of the groove indicates that the final tightening torque has been reached, and the last pawl indicates that the end faces are aligned.

[0013] Advantageously, the inner and / or outer slots may have gently sloping sides that can slide in the tightening direction when the determined optimal tightening torque is reached or exceeded.

[0014] On the other hand, the inner and / or outer slots may have steep slopes that drive the slots to nest in the loosening direction. Therefore, the slots remain embedded during tightening, but the final tightening torque is not reached during loosening.

[0015] Preferably, the decorative sleeve may have an inner seat with a threaded skirt engagement around a retaining ring and an outer shell forming a complementary surface, with the inner groove formed by the inner seat.

[0016] In one embodiment, or as an aid to the slot, the container may form a stop profile, and the decorative sleeve may form a stop claw portion, which engages with the stop profile in a relative angular position corresponding to the mutual orientation of the desired primary and complementary surfaces.

[0017] Preferably, the decorative sleeve may have an inner seat that engages with the threaded skirt portion of the retaining ring and an outer shell that forms a complementary surface, with the stop claw portion formed by the inner seat.

[0018] Obviously, the invention is advantageously applied to embodiments where the main and complementary surfaces are planar and / or equipped with common decorative elements.

[0019] The present invention also relates to an installation method for installing the above-mentioned distributor, which includes the following steps:

[0020] a) Determine the optimal tightening torque for tightening the retaining ring on the threaded neck to ensure optimal compression of the neck seal.

[0021] b) The rotational friction between the decorative sleeve and the retaining ring is essentially fixed at the optimal tightening torque value.

[0022] c) The decorative sleeve is installed around the fixing ring.

[0023] d) The retaining ring is arranged on the threaded neck, and

[0024] e) Drive the decorative sleeve to rotate so that the retaining ring is first screwed onto the threaded neck, and then the primary and complementary faces are properly positioned relative to each other.

[0025] This invention determines the optimal tightening torque by utilizing the rotational resistance of the decorative sleeve on the retaining ring. The decorative sleeve and retaining ring rotate as a whole, while the tightening torque does not yet reach the frictional force between these two components. Furthermore, the decorative sleeve rotates around the retaining ring screwed onto the neck with the required torque. Grooves with varying bevels ensure both smooth sliding when the optimal tightening torque is reached and loosening. A stop at the end position ensures alignment or uniformity. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The invention will now be fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are given as several non-limiting embodiments of the invention.

[0027] The attached image is as follows:

[0028] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the dispenser in the installation state according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the distributor shown.

[0030] Figure 3 It is a vertical sectional view of the components, retaining rings, and decorative sleeves;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the retaining ring of the present invention that receives the dispensing component;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a bottom perspective view of the decorative sleeve of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a horizontal sectional view showing the embedding of the decorative sleeve and retaining ring according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 7a , 7b 7c is a perspective view, showing Figure 1 and 2 Different installation steps for the distributor are shown;

[0035] Figure 8This is a cross-sectional perspective view of the dispenser in the installation state according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Detailed magnified images; and

[0037] Figure 10 Similar to Figure 6 The decorative sleeve of the second embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0038] First, refer to Figures 1 to 6 This describes a dispenser according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The dispenser has a container R for a fluid product, the container forming a body R1 for holding the fluid product, which can be of any nature, such as perfume, cosmetic, or pharmaceutical. The body R1 defines an upper shoulder R2, which in this case is substantially planar. The shoulder R2 can be of other shapes. The container R also has a neck R3 that projects upward from the shoulder R2. The neck R3 is externally threaded. In other words, it forms one or more external threads. The threaded neck R3 also defines an annular upper edge R4, which can be planar or profiled.

[0039] It should be noted that the main body R1 is essentially a parallelepiped shape, thus defining a primary face Rf. The main body R1 may define a second primary face, which may be opposite to the primary face Rf. The primary face Rf may be decorated, in the form of ink, spray paint, screen printing, labeling, engraving, molded decoration, etc. This decoration may be internal or external.

[0040] The dispenser also has a dispensing component P, which can be a pump or a valve. The dispensing component is equipped with a button P3 for dispensing the fluid product by pressing the button. The dispensing component P is not critical to this invention and will not be described in detail. When a pump is involved, it typically has a pump body P1 with a fluid product inlet. A piston slides in a sealed manner within the pump body P1 to pressurize and deliver a dose of fluid product. The piston is mounted on an actuating rod P2, which reciprocates under the action of a return spring. The dose of pressurized fluid product is discharged through an outlet valve to button P3, which has a fluid product outlet. This design is perfectly common for pumps in the cosmetics, perfume, or pharmaceutical industries.

[0041] To ensure a sealed mounting of the dispensing component P onto the container R of the fluid product, the dispenser is equipped with a retaining ring B having a threaded skirt B1 that engages with the threaded neck R3 of the container. The threaded skirt B1 is then tightened onto the threaded neck R3 with an optimal tightening torque. Generally, a neck seal J can be used, which can be an annular flat seal. This neck seal J is positioned on the annular upper edge R4 of the neck R3 and is either directly compressed by the retaining ring B or, as in this case, compressed by the dispensing component P. Alternatively, a self-sealing lip can be used instead of the neck seal J, making sealing contact with the inner wall of the threaded neck R3. In any case, with or without a neck seal, the final tightening of the threaded ring B1 onto the threaded neck R3 is determined by an optimal tightening torque.

[0042] It should be pointed out that, in Figure 4 In the middle, the outer wall of the threaded skirt B1 is equipped with a vertical outer groove B2, which will refer to Figure 6 This will be explained in detail.

[0043] The dispenser also has a decorative sleeve F, which has an inner seat F1 for engaging with a threaded ring B1 surrounding a retaining ring B, such as Figure 3 As shown. The decorative sleeve F also has an outer shell F3, which surrounds the inner seat F1 and is substantially parallelepiped in shape, similar to the body R1 of the container R. The outer shell F3 defines a complementary surface Fc, which is used for precise orientation relative to the main surface Rf of the container R.

[0044] The decorative sleeve F defines multiple vertical inner grooves F2 within the inner seat F1, which are used to mate with the outer groove D2 of the threaded skirt B1.

[0045] The retaining ring B is driven to rotate by the decorative sleeve F, and is secured by the inner groove F2 of the decorative sleeve F being embedded in the outer groove B2 of the threaded skirt B1.

[0046] Figure 6An advantageous embodiment of slots F2 and B2 is shown. The outer slots B2 can extend from one side to the other along the entire periphery of the outer wall of the threaded skirt B1. As for the outer slots B2, they can be spaced apart from each other. For example, only two to five inner slots can be arranged within the inner seat F1. Each outer slot B2 has a gentle slope side B21, a steep slope side B22, and a flat top B23. As for the inner slots F2, they can have a similar configuration, with a gentle slope side F21, a steep slope side F22, and a flat top F23. Thus, it is readily understood that the gentle slope sides B21 and F21 can slide on each other to allow the inner slot F2 to move from one inner slot B2 to the other. Then, the gentle slope sides F21 and B21 slide on each other until the flat tops B23 and F23 engage. Thus, the flat tops slide on each other until the inner slot F2 falls between two successive outer slots B2 of the threaded skirt B1. Because the steep slope sides B22 and F22 enter into an insurmountable side contact, the inner groove F2 can slide across the outer groove B2 in a clockwise direction corresponding to the tightening direction, rather than in a counterclockwise direction corresponding to the loosening direction.

[0047] During installation, the decorative sleeve F is fitted around the retaining ring B, with the inner groove F2 of the decorative sleeve F engaging with the outer groove B2 of the threaded skirt B1. There is no specific orientation between the decorative sleeve F and the retaining ring B. Once the decorative sleeve F is installed on the retaining ring B, the assembly can be carried on the container R, such as... Figure 7a As shown. The dispensing component P is inserted into the neck R3 until the end of the screw ring B1 contacts the threaded neck R3. Then, the decorative sleeve F must be rotated to tighten the screw ring B1 onto the threaded neck R3. However, when the optimal tightening torque is reached, such as the optimal compression corresponding to the neck seal J, the decorative sleeve F is not necessarily correctly oriented relative to the container body R1. In other words, the complementary surface Fc of the decorative sleeve F is not necessarily oriented relative to the main surface Rf of the container R. This situation is shown in... Figure 7b .

[0048] According to the present invention, the decorative sleeve F can also be driven to rotate on the fixing ring B, at which point it rotates as a whole with the container R. The rotation of the decorative sleeve F is made possible because the inner groove F2 can slide on the outer groove B2 of the fixing ring B1. In other words, the inner groove F2 can slide, pass over, slide, or even brush against the outer groove B2. Clearly, the sliding of the inner groove F2 on the outer groove B2 only occurs when the optimal tightening torque has been reached between the threaded skirt B1 and the threaded neck R3. Figure 7c The final position shown indicates that the two faces Rf and Fc are correctly oriented.

[0049] Therefore, to achieve the present invention, the optimal tightening torque must first be determined by tightening the retaining ring B onto the threaded neck R3. Then, the slip threshold of rotation between the decorative sleeve and the retaining ring must be such that the decorative sleeve is substantially fixed at the optimal tightening torque value. This can be achieved using various factors such as the groove height, the inclination of the sloped side, the material used, and the number of inner grooves F2.

[0050] Generally, this sliding threshold is the friction threshold between two surfaces, which in this first embodiment are formed. Therefore, it can be said that the friction force that engages the decorative sleeve F with the retaining ring B is equal to or greater than the optimal tightening torque between the retaining ring B and the neck R3.

[0051] Figure 8 , 9 10 illustrates another important feature of the invention, which can be Figure 1 This is implemented in the illustrated embodiment or in another embodiment without the outer notch B2. It is evident that the container R' of the fluid product has a stop profile R21 formed at its shoulder R2. The stop profile can be very simple, consisting of a small protrusion extending upwards from the shoulder R2. This stop profile R21 is axially arranged below the inner seat F2' of the decorative sleeve F'. To mate with the stop profile R21, the inner seat F1' forms a tongue F2' at its lower edge. When the complementary surface Fc of the decorative sleeve F' is precisely oriented relative to the main surface Rf of the container R', the tongue will abut against the stop profile R21. This is in... Figure 9 It is particularly evident that, in order to achieve the final stop position showing the alignment of the two surfaces Rc and Rf, the following is employed: Figure 3 The same method is shown in a and 3c. The upper assembly is supported on the container, and then the retaining ring, acting as a decorative sleeve F', is screwed onto the threaded neck. Once the optimal tightening torque is reached, the decorative sleeve F' begins to rotate around the retaining ring B until the interrupted part F2' abuts against the stop surface R21. The threaded skirt B1 of the retaining ring B may or may not have an outer notch B2. The inner wall of the inner seat F1' may or may not have... Figure 10 The inner groove F2 is shown. It is sufficient that the friction between the inner seat F1' and the threaded skirt B1 is equal to or slightly greater than the optimal tightening torque between the retaining ring B and the threaded neck R3.

[0052] Because of this invention, the decorative sleeve can be precisely oriented relative to the container without concern for the optimal tightening torque, as the necessary frictional force has been pre-determined so that the decorative sleeve can rotate around the retaining ring once the optimal tightening torque is reached. The final angular position of the decorative sleeve F can be adjusted via the final stop, such as... Figures 8 to 10 As shown.

Claims

1. A distributor, which has: - A container (R; R') for fluid products, the container forming a threaded neck (R3) and at least one main face (Rf), - Distribution components (P), such as pumps or valves, - A retaining ring (B) forms a threaded skirt (B1), which engages with the threaded neck (R3) of the container (R; R') of the fluid product at an optimal tightening torque. - A decorative sleeve (F; F'), mounted on a retaining ring (B), having at least one complementary surface (Fc) for precise orientation at an angle relative to the principal surface (Rf) of the container (R; R') of the fluid product. Its features are, Once the optimal tightening torque is reached, the decorative sleeve (F; F') rotates rubbing against the retaining ring (B), allowing the decorative sleeve (F; F') to rotate around the retaining ring (B) until the complementary surface (Fc) of the decorative sleeve is precisely oriented relative to the principal surface (Rf).

2. The dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotational friction between the retaining ring (B) and the decorative sleeve (F; F') is equal to or slightly greater than the optimal tightening torque.

3. The dispenser according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The neck seal (J) is positioned between the threaded neck (R3) and the retaining ring (B), and the neck seal (J) is fully compressed with the optimal tightening torque.

4. The dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, A retaining ring (B) forms an outer groove (B2), and a decorative sleeve (F; F') forms an inner groove (F2). The inner groove (F2) and the outer groove (B2) are fixedly engaged until the determined optimal tightening torque is reached. Then, the inner groove (F2) slides over the outer groove (B2) so that the complementary surface (Fc) can be oriented relative to the principal surface (Rf).

5. The dispenser according to claim 4, characterized in that, The inner groove (F2) and / or the outer groove (B2) have sloping sides (F21; B21) that can slide in the tightening direction when the determined optimal tightening torque is exceeded.

6. The dispenser according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The inner slot (F2) and / or the outer slot (B2) have steep slope sides (F22; B22) that drive the slots to nest in the loosening direction.

7. The dispenser according to claim 4, 5 or 6, characterized in that, The decorative sleeve (F; F') has an inner seat (F1) that engages with a threaded skirt (B1) surrounding a retaining ring (B) and an outer shell (F3) that forms a complementary surface (Fc), with an inner groove (F2) formed by the inner seat (F1).

8. The dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The container (R') of the fluid product forms a stop profile (R21), and the decorative sleeve (F') forms a stop claw (F2'). The stop claw mates with the stop profile (R21) in a relative angular position corresponding to the mutual orientation of the desired main surface (Rf) and complementary surface (Fc).

9. The dispenser according to claim 8, characterized in that, The decorative sleeve (F') has an inner seat (F1') that engages with a threaded skirt (B1) surrounding a retaining ring (B) and an outer shell (F3) that forms a complementary surface (Fc), with a stop pawl (F2') formed from the inner seat (F1').

10. The dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The main face (Rf) and complementary face (Fc) are planar and / or have shared decorations.

11. A method for installing a distributor according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The installation method includes the following steps: a) Determine the optimal tightening torque for tightening the retaining ring (B) onto the threaded neck (R3). b) The rotational friction between the decorative sleeve (F; F') and the retaining ring (B) is essentially fixed at the optimal tightening torque value. c) The decorative sleeve (F; F') is installed around the retaining ring (B). d) The retaining ring (B) is arranged on the threaded neck (R3), and e) Drive the decorative sleeve (F; F') to rotate so that the retaining ring (B) is first screwed onto the threaded neck (R3), and then the main face (Rf) and the complementary face (Fc) are properly positioned relative to each other.

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