Piston for container having airless dispenser for fluid product such as cosmetic product

Abstract

The piston (100) includes a body (102) having an outer side wall (104). A peripheral sealing portion (106) projects laterally outward from the outer sidewall (104) and extends circumferentially around the body (102) in a substantially continuous manner. The peripheral sealing portion (106) is configured to slide in a fluid-tight manner in a receptacle (14) delimited by an inside surface of a hollow reservoir (12) of the container (10). The piston (100) also includes a plurality of side extensions (108) projecting laterally outward from the outer sidewall (104) and spaced apart from each other along a perimeter of the body (102). A side extension (108) is axially spaced from the peripheral sealing portion (106) and is configured for sliding against an inside surface of the hollow reservoir (12) to facilitate guiding movement of the piston (100) in the receptacle (14).

Description

[0001] manual Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a piston for a container provided with an airless dispenser for a fluid product, such as a cosmetic product. Background Art

[0003] In the field related in particular to cosmetics, it is known to use containers for dispensing fluid products (such as liquids or gels), usually in multiple doses. In order to reduce the use of preservatives while still being able to preserve the product, airless (or airtight) dispensers have been conceived, which generally employ a mechanical vacuum pump that controls the movement of a piston capable of pushing the product contained in a chamber towards a dispensing nozzle while keeping the product enclosed in this chamber under fluid-tight conditions to avoid contamination. In this way, the airless dispenser ensures the dispensing of the product while protecting in particular the non-dispensed portion of the product from contact with the air.

[0004] As an example, in FIGS. 1 and 2 , 10 denotes a container of the above-specified type manufactured according to the prior art. The container 10 comprises a hollow reservoir 12, usually made of a transparent or translucent material, which internally defines a housing 14, which is configured to contain in a sealed manner a fluid product P (such as a cosmetic) that is usually to be dispensed in multiple doses at different times. The container 10 also comprises a piston 100, which is slidably and fluid-tightly mounted in the housing 14 and is intended to come into contact with the product P to be dispensed. The container also comprises an airless dispenser 16 mounted on the hollow reservoir 12, which can be operated by a user to create a vacuum in the housing 14 that acts on the piston 100. Whenever the airless dispenser 16 is operated, the piston 100 is attracted and pushes a certain amount or dose of the product P contained in the housing 14 out of the hollow reservoir 12.

[0005] As is typical in the prior art, the piston 100 includes a body 102 having an outer sidewall 104. In addition, the piston 100 includes a pair of peripheral sealing portions 106 protruding from the outer sidewall 104, the pair of peripheral protruding portions extending circumferentially in a substantially continuous manner around the body 102 and axially spaced from each other. The peripheral sealing portions 106 are configured to slide in the receiving portion 14 against the inner sidewall of the hollow reservoir 12 under fluid-tight conditions.

[0006] However, such piston types have some disadvantages.

[0007] In fact, when the piston 100 is operating in the container 10, both sealing portions 106 of the body 102 are in contact with the inner wall of the hollow reservoir 12. A peripheral air volume is thus defined, indicated as A, which is included in the axial direction between the sealing portions 106 and in the transverse direction between the outer sidewall 104 of the body 102 and the inner sidewall of the hollow reservoir 12. The peripheral air volume A is axially adjacent to the product P to be dispensed, the outer sidewall 104 being visible outside the hollow reservoir 12. Therefore, when the piston 100 is inside the housing 14 of the hollow reservoir 12, the presence and visibility of the outer sidewall 104 through the peripheral air volume A render the container 10 overall less aesthetically pleasing.

[0008] US 11,370,597 B2 describes a piston for a reservoir of a dispenser of fluid products without an air inlet and having a central axis. The piston comprises a sealing device and a guiding device. The sealing device extends in a plane orthogonal to the central axis and defines a single external sealing line of a closed loop away from the X axis and capable of contacting the inner wall of the reservoir. The guiding device comprises a base from which one or more tongues with free ends extend, which define an external guiding point away from the central axis and capable of contacting the inner wall of the reservoir. Summary of the invention

[0009] One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a piston for a container with an airless dispenser for a fluid product, such as a cosmetic product, wherein said piston is of an improved type and is able to solve the problems encountered in the prior art.

[0010] According to the invention, this and other objects are achieved by a piston having the features set out in the appended independent claim.

[0011] According to a preferred aspect, in the piston made according to the invention, the combined technical features of the peripheral sealing portion and the lateral extensions achieve the goal of ensuring better stability of the placement and movement of the piston inside the container it is intended to be inserted into, in particular compared to the invention disclosed in US 11,370,597 B2. In fact, the peripheral sealing lip or (one or more) annular sealing gaskets on one side and the teeth or tongues on the other side allow guiding the piston in a more stable and effective manner.

[0012] In particular, according to an advantageous aspect of the invention, when the piston is assembled to the hollow reservoir of the container, the outer sidewall of the piston is substantially hidden by the product to be dispensed, making the piston substantially invisible to the user. This also makes the container more aesthetically pleasing overall.

[0013] It should be understood that the attached claims are an integral part of the technical teachings provided in the following detailed description of the invention. In particular, the attached dependent claims define some preferred embodiments of the invention, which include some optional technical features. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which is provided herein by way of non-limiting example only, and with particular reference to the accompanying drawings which are summarized below.

[0015] Figures 1 and 2 are longitudinal sectional views of a container having an airless dispenser for a fluid product inserted in a cavity of the container. The container is also equipped with a piston made according to the prior art.

[0016] Figure 3 and Figure 4 1 and 2, wherein the container has a piston made according to the illustrated embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figures 5 to 8 They are Figure 3 and Figure 4 A perspective view, a top view, a side elevation view and a longitudinal section view of the piston are shown.

[0018] Figures 9 to 14 It includes two longitudinal section views of a container, and respectively includes a perspective view, a top view, a side elevation view and a longitudinal section view of a piston manufactured according to a second illustrated embodiment of the present invention and accommodated in the container.

[0019] Figures 15 to 17 It includes a longitudinal sectional view of a container, and respectively includes a side elevation view and a longitudinal sectional view of a piston manufactured according to a third illustrated embodiment of the present invention and accommodated in the container.

[0020] Figures 18 to 20 It includes a longitudinal sectional view of a container, and respectively includes a side elevation view and a longitudinal sectional view of a piston manufactured according to a fourth illustrated embodiment of the present invention and accommodated in the container.

[0021] Figure 21 to Figure 25 It includes a longitudinal sectional view of a container, and respectively includes a perspective view, a top view, a side elevation view and a longitudinal sectional view of a piston manufactured according to a fifth illustrated embodiment of the present invention and accommodated in the container.

[0022] Figure 26 to Figure 31 It includes two longitudinal sectional views of a container, and respectively includes a perspective view, a top view, a side elevation view and a longitudinal sectional view of a piston manufactured according to the sixth illustrated embodiment of the present invention and accommodated in the container.

[0023] Figure 32 to Figure 34 It includes a longitudinal sectional view of a container, and respectively includes a side elevation view and a longitudinal sectional view of a piston manufactured according to a seventh illustrated embodiment of the present invention and accommodated in the container.

[0024] For the sake of completeness, the following is a list of reference numbers and names used herein to identify the parts, elements and components shown in the figures summarized above.

[0025] P. Fluid products

[0026] 10. Container

[0027] 12. Hollow storage container

[0028] 14. Accommodation

[0029] 16. Airless Dispenser

[0030] 100. Piston

[0031] 102. Subject

[0032] 104. Outer wall

[0033] 106. Peripheral sealing part

[0034] 108. Side extension

[0035] 110. Peripheral sealing lip

[0036] 112. Teeth

[0037] 114.Center

[0038] 116.Central cavity

[0039] 118. Middle ring section

[0040] 120. Ring sealing gasket

[0041] 122. Concave

[0042] 124.Tab

[0043] 124a. Rod part

[0044] 124b.Header

[0045] 126. Arm

[0046] 128. Side hole

[0047] 130. Chassis DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Reference Figures 3 to 8, shows as a whole a container 10 provided with an airless dispenser 16 for a fluid product P, such as a cosmetic product, and comprising a piston 100 made according to a first illustrated embodiment of the invention.

[0049] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the container 10 includes a hollow reservoir 12, which is generally made of a transparent or translucent material. The hollow reservoir 12 (e.g., substantially formed in the shape of a bottle) defines a receptacle 14 internally, which is configured to sealably contain a fluid product P, such as a cosmetic, which is generally to be dispensed in multiple doses at different times. As described above, the container also includes a piston 100, which is slidably and fluid-tightly mounted in the receptacle 14 and is intended to contact the product P to be dispensed. The container 10 also includes an airless dispenser 16 mounted on the hollow reservoir 12, in particular, mounted at one end of the hollow reservoir 12, and in the illustrated embodiment, mounted at the top end of the hollow reservoir 12. The airless dispenser 16 can be operated by a user to create a vacuum in the receptacle 14 that acts on the piston 100. Each time the airless dispenser 16 is operated, the piston 100 is attracted and pushes a quantity or dose of the product P contained in the receptacle 14 out of the hollow reservoir 12 , in particular through a hole 18 formed through the airless dispenser 16 .

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the airless dispenser 16 includes a mechanical pump operable by a user. In yet another alternative embodiment, the airless dispenser 16 may use other means other than a mechanical pump to generate a vacuum to draw the piston 100, such as a syringe.

[0051] Especially referring to Figures 5 to 8 , the piston 100 includes a body 102 having an outer sidewall 104. In addition, the piston 100 includes a peripheral sealing portion 106 that protrudes laterally outward from the outer sidewall 104. The peripheral sealing portion 106 extends circumferentially around the body 102 in a substantially continuous manner. In addition, the peripheral sealing portion 106 is configured to slide in the receiving portion 14 against the inner sidewall of the hollow reservoir 12 under fluid-tight conditions.

[0052] The piston 100 also includes a plurality of side extensions 108 that protrude laterally outward from the outer sidewall 104 and are spaced apart from one another along the periphery of the body 102. The side extensions 108 are axially spaced apart from the peripheral sealing portion 106. In addition, the side extensions 108 are configured to slide against the inner sidewall of the hollow reservoir 12, thereby guiding the movement of the piston 100 within the receiving portion 14.

[0053] In this way, with the piston 100 installed in the container 10, the product P contained in the housing 14 can flow through the space laterally delimited between the lateral extensions 108, thereby covering the outer portion 104 and contacting the inner surface of the hollow reservoir 12. In other words, contrary to the prior art pistons, the product P can be axially included in the peripheral area between the lateral extensions 108 and the peripheral sealing portion 106, without any appreciable air volume being generated. In this way, the result is that the piston 100 is substantially hidden by the product P to be dispensed, so that the piston 100 is substantially "invisible" in the hollow reservoir 12. In fact, the only visible part of the piston 100 is the peripheral sealing portion 106.

[0054] Some other preferred technical features of the piston 100 according to the present invention will be described below.

[0055] Preferably, the peripheral sealing portion 106 and the side extension 108 are located at opposite sides of the body 102 in the axial direction. For example, the peripheral sealing portion 106 is located at (or near) the bottom of the body 102, and the side extension 108 is located at (or near) the top of the body 102.

[0056] Preferably, the body 102 of the piston 100 is made of plastic, more specifically of a thermoplastic material (eg by molding).

[0057] Preferably, the sealing portion 106 is manufactured in one piece with the main body 102 .

[0058] exist Figures 5 to 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the peripheral sealing portion 106 includes a peripheral sealing lip 110 that protrudes from the outer side wall 104 and extends continuously around the body 102. In particular, the peripheral sealing lip 110 extends laterally outward from the bottom of the body 102.

[0059] Preferably, the side extensions 108 are manufactured in one piece with the main body 102 .

[0060] Preferably, the side extensions 108 are mutually and evenly spaced around the perimeter of the outer sidewall 104 of the body 102 .

[0061] exist Figures 5 to 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of side extensions 108 include a plurality of teeth 112 spaced apart from one another (and evenly) along the outer sidewall 104 of the body 102. Specifically, the teeth 112 have a substantially triangular cross-section, the vertices of which are configured to maintain contact with the inner wall of the hollow reservoir 12.

[0062] Especially referring to Figure 8, the body 102 also includes a central portion 114 joined to the outer side wall 104. In particular, the central portion 114 is substantially cup-shaped and has a central cavity 116 that is intended to receive a portion of the airless dispenser 16 when the piston 100 is drawn into the vicinity of the airless dispenser 16. Preferably, the central portion 114 has a substantially circular cross-section.

[0063] Advantageously, the outer side wall 104 surrounds the central portion 114 externally and conceals it peripherally. Preferably, the body 102 also includes an intermediate annular section 118, which is laterally and circumferentially joined to the outer side wall 104 and the central portion 114, in particular at the top of the body 102. For example, the intermediate annular section 118 merges into the top of the central portion 114 starting from the top of the outer side wall 104, in particular by tapering upwards. In particular, the intermediate annular section 118 is configured to abut on respective shoulders (not numbered, for example formed on a tapered portion close to the neck) of the hollow reservoir 12 when the piston 100 is attracted near the airless dispenser 16.

[0064] Preferably, the outer side wall 104 , the central portion 114 and the intermediate annular segment 118 are manufactured in one piece, in particular in a monolithic body 102 .

[0065] Reference Figures 9 to 14 , shows a container (still designated 10 ) having a piston (still designated 100 ) made in accordance with a second illustrated embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Those parts and elements that are similar to or perform the same functions as those of the above-described embodiments have been given the same reference numerals. For simplicity, the description of these parts and elements will not be repeated below, and reference should be made to the above description.

[0067] Unlike the first embodiment, the peripheral sealing portion 106 is not a peripheral sealing lip. Instead, in this embodiment, the sealing portion 106 includes an annular sealing gasket 120, such as an O-ring. The annular sealing gasket 120 can be installed around the periphery of the outer side wall 104; alternatively, the sealing gasket 120 can be co-molded with the outer side wall 104, for example, by using a double injection technique. In addition, the annular sealing gasket 120 is located at the bottom of the outer side wall 104.

[0068] In this second embodiment, the sealing portion 106 (particularly the sealing portion 106 composed of the annular sealing gasket 120) is preferably obtained from an elastomeric material such as rubber. The main body 102 (particularly the outer side wall 104 of the main body 102) is made of plastic, more specifically, made of a thermoplastic material. This structure of the piston 100 is essentially a "two-component" and / or "two-material" structure, and the elastomeric material is only used for the sealing portion 106, which is advantageous because the elastomeric material will tend to absorb part of the product P and / or part of the lubricant that promotes the sliding action in the hollow reservoir 12 in an undesirable manner. In fact, this absorption will lead to the degradation of the properties and performance of the elastomeric component. This measure minimizes the part of the piston 100 that may be affected by this problem.

[0069] Unlike that adopted in the first embodiment, the side extensions 108 are not merely composed of teeth protruding laterally outward from the outer side wall 104. In this embodiment, the plurality of side extensions 108 include a plurality of tongues 124 that tend to bend laterally outward to contact the inner wall of the hollow reservoir 12. In particular, the outer side wall 104 has a plurality of side recesses 122 spaced from each other along the periphery of the body 102. The associated tongue 124 protrudes axially from the bottom of each side recess 122, in particular, for example, protrudes upright.

[0070] Advantageously, the tabs 124 (because they are flexible) facilitate insertion of the piston 100 through one end of the hollow reservoir 12 .

[0071] In the present embodiment, the undercut 122 is a groove formed transversely on the outer side of the outer side wall 104. In particular, the groove is oriented in a substantially axial direction.

[0072] In this embodiment, each tongue 124 includes a stem portion 124a axially protruding from the base of the undercut 122 and a head portion 124b protruding laterally outward from the stem portion 124a. Preferably, the head portion 124b has a shape similar to the teeth of the previous embodiment, for example, having a substantially triangular cross-section and a vertex configured to contact the inner wall of the hollow reservoir 12.

[0073] Reference Figures 15 to 17 , shows a container (still indicated at 10 ) having a piston (still indicated at 100 ) made in accordance with a third illustrated embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Those parts and elements that are similar to or perform the same functions as those of the previous embodiments have been given the same reference numerals. For simplicity, the description of these parts and elements will not be repeated below, and reference should be made to the above description.

[0075] Unlike the second embodiment, the sealing portion 106 is not just a single annular sealing gasket. Instead, in this embodiment, the sealing portion 106 includes a pair of annular sealing gaskets 120, such as a pair of O-rings, installed around the periphery of the outer side wall 104 and axially spaced from each other. The annular sealing gasket 120 is located at the bottom of the outer side wall 104.

[0076] Reference Figures 18 to 20 , shows a container (still indicated at 10 ) having a piston (still indicated at 100 ) made in accordance with a fourth illustrated embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Those parts and elements that are similar to or perform the same functions as those of the previous embodiments have been given the same reference numerals. For simplicity, the description of these parts and elements will not be repeated below, and reference should be made to the above description.

[0078] Unlike the second embodiment, the sealing portion 106 is not composed of an annular sealing gasket. Instead, in this embodiment, the sealing portion 106 includes the peripheral sealing lip 110 shown in the first embodiment, and reference should be made to the description of its technical features.

[0079] Reference Figure 21 to Figure 25 , shows a container (still indicated at 10 ) having a piston (still indicated at 100 ) made in accordance with a fifth illustrated embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Those parts and elements that are similar to or perform the same functions as those of the previous embodiments have been given the same reference numerals. For simplicity, the description of these parts and elements will not be repeated below, and reference should be made to the above description.

[0081] Unlike the first embodiment, the side extensions 108 are not composed of teeth. Instead, in this embodiment, the side extensions 108 include a plurality of arms 126 that protrude laterally from the side wall 14 and are configured to slide along the inner wall of the reservoir 12. Preferably, the arms 126 are bent toward the top of the body 102.

[0082] Reference Figure 26 to Figure 31 , shows a container (still indicated at 10 ) having a piston (still indicated at 100 ) made in accordance with a sixth illustrated embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] Those parts and elements that are similar to or perform the same functions as those of the previous embodiments have been given the same reference numerals. For simplicity, the description of these parts and elements will not be repeated below, and reference should be made to the above description.

[0084] Fig.26 The container 10 is shown without the product P inside, in order to make some details mounted in the piston 100 more visible. Fig. 27The container 10 is depicted with a product P contained in the receptacle 14 and in contact with the piston, in order to illustrate the visibility of the piston 100 through the hollow reservoir 26 .

[0085] Unlike the second embodiment, the side walls 104 are defined by the central portion 114 itself, as there is no intermediate annular section connecting them.

[0086] Unlike the second embodiment, the side wall 104 delimited by the central portion 114 has one or more side holes 128 intended to be traversed laterally by the product P. In the illustrated embodiment, the product P can flow laterally inside the central portion 114 and be retained by the sealing portion 106. In particular, the side holes 128 are located on the side wall 104, axially below the recess 122 and the tongue 124.

[0087] Unlike the second embodiment, the body 102 comprises a bottom plate 130 located at and protruding laterally from the bottom of the central portion 114. Preferably, the bottom plate 130 axially carries the sealing portion 106 comprising the peripheral sealing lip 110 made as described with reference to the previous embodiment.

[0088] Unlike the second embodiment, the recess 122 does not consist of a groove, but a notch passing transversely through the side wall 104, which is notably formed by the central portion 114. A tongue 124 protruding axially from the bottom of said notch extends within the gap delimited by such notch.

[0089] Reference Figure 32 to Figure 34 , shows a container (still indicated at 10 ) having a piston (still indicated at 100 ) made according to a seventh illustrated embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] Unlike the sixth embodiment, the sealing portion 106 comprises a sealing gasket 120 manufactured as described with reference to the previous embodiments, rather than a peripheral sealing lip. In particular, the bottom plate 130 laterally supports the sealing gasket 120 at its outer periphery.

[0091] Of course, without prejudice to the principle of the invention, the form of the embodiments and implementation details may be widely varied from those described and illustrated herein by way of non-limiting examples, without departing from the scope of the invention as described in the appended claims.

[0092] For example, the technical features distinguishing the various embodiments and variants thereof described and illustrated herein are freely interchangeable at any time.

Claims

1. A piston (100) for a container (10) provided with an airless dispenser (16) for a fluid product (P), such as a cosmetic product; the piston comprising: - a body (102) having an outer side wall (104); and - a peripheral sealing portion (106) projecting laterally outwardly from the outer side wall (104) and extending circumferentially around the body (102) in a substantially continuous manner; the peripheral sealing portion (106) being configured to slide fluid-tightly in a receiving portion (14) defined by an inner side surface of a hollow reservoir (12) of the container (10); - a plurality of side extensions (108) projecting laterally outwardly from the outer side wall (104) and spaced apart from one another along the periphery of the body (102); the side extensions (108) being axially spaced apart from the peripheral sealing portion (106) and configured to slide against an inner side surface of the hollow reservoir (12) to facilitate guiding movement of the piston (100) in the receiving portion (14); The piston is characterized in that the peripheral sealing portion (106) comprises: - a peripheral sealing lip (110) which projects from the outer side wall (104) and extends in a substantially continuous manner around the body (102), or - at least one annular sealing gasket (120) mounted circumferentially to the outer side wall (104); and Characterized in that the plurality of side extensions (108) include: - a plurality of teeth (112) spaced apart from one another along the outer side wall (104) of the body (102), or - A plurality of tongues (124) which tend to bend laterally outwardly into contact with the inner wall of the hollow reservoir (12).

2. The piston according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral sealing portion (106) and the side extension (108) are located on axially opposite sides of the body (102).

3. The piston according to claim 2, wherein the peripheral sealing portion (106) is located at or near the bottom of the body (102).

4. The piston according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side extension (108) is located at or near the top of the body (102).

5. The piston according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the plurality of side extensions (108) and the sealing portion (106) is made in one piece with the body (120).

6. The piston according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing portion (106) comprises a pair of outer side walls of the annular sealing gasket (120) circumferentially mounted to the outer side wall (104) and axially spaced.

7. Piston according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the outer side wall (104) has a plurality of undercuts (122) spaced from one another along the periphery of the body (102), an associated tongue (124) protruding axially from the bottom of each of the plurality of undercuts.

8. The piston according to claim 7, wherein the undercut (122) is a groove formed laterally on the outer side of the outer side wall (104).

9. The piston of claim 7, wherein the undercut (122) is a notch extending transversely through the outer sidewall (104).

10. The piston according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein each tongue (124) comprises a stem portion (124a) protruding axially from a base of the undercut (122) and a head portion (124b) protruding laterally outwardly from the stem portion (124a).

11. Piston according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said outer side wall (104) comprises at least one lateral hole (128) intended to be traversed transversely by said product (P).

12. The piston according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body (102) and the plurality of side extensions (108) are made of plastic.

13. Piston according to claim 12, wherein the peripheral sealing portion (106) is made of an elastomeric material.

14. The piston according to claim 12, wherein the peripheral sealing portion (106) is made of plastic.

15. A container (10) provided with an airless dispenser (16) for a fluid product (P); the container (10) comprising: - a hollow reservoir (12) which internally defines a housing (14) configured to contain the product (P) in a sealed manner; - A piston (100) manufactured according to any of the preceding claims; - an airless dispenser (16) mounted on the hollow reservoir (12) and operable by a user to generate a vacuum in the housing (14) which acts on the piston (100), so that the piston (100) is attracted and presses a certain amount or dose of the product (P) contained in the housing (14) out of the hollow reservoir (12).

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