Source bottle and refillable dispenser assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly comprising a source bottle (S) comprising a body (S1) and a threaded neck (S2) formed in a single piece, and a refillable dispenser (N1) comprising a dispensing head (T) and a filling and venting system (1), the refillable dispenser (N1) comprising a reservoir (R), where the refillable dispenser (N1) has a threaded sleeve (111), the threaded sleeve can be screwed onto the threaded neck (S2) such that the filling and venting system (1) can be connected to the body (S1) such that the fluid product in the source bottle (S) can flow from the source bottle (S) through the filling and venting system (1) under gravity into the reservoir (R), while the air of the reservoir (R) can flow from the reservoir (R) through the filling and venting system (1) simultaneously into the source bottle (S).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dispensing assembly including a source bottle and a refillable dispenser, with the aim of using the source bottle to refill a refillable fluid product dispenser. The present invention also relates to a filling method for implementing the dispensing assembly of the present invention. The preferred application fields of the present invention are the fields of perfumes, cosmetics or even pharmaceuticals. This type of refillable dispenser is usually denoted by the term "travel" dispenser. Generally, the dispensing assembly has a reservoir with a small capacity of at most about 10 ml and is equipped with a pump that can be actuated by pressing a button. The dispensing assembly also includes a filling valve opposite the button at its bottom end. Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, for example, document EP 2791031A1 is known, which describes a refillable dispenser equipped with a filling valve that can be actuated by the actuating rod of a pump mounted on the source bottle. The refillable dispenser also integrally forms an exhaust valve that discharges air from the refillable dispenser reservoir to the outside. The drawback is that at the end of filling, the fluid product also discharges through the exhaust valve, which can dirty the refillable dispenser and the source bottle. This is unacceptable.

[0003] Document EP2500277A1 is also known, which describes a dispensing assembly whose source bottle is equipped with a filling and exhaust system through a flow intersection. The refillable dispenser does not include a filling valve: its dispensing head must first be removed to be able to screw the filling and exhaust system onto its threaded neck. At the end of the filling operation, the dispensing head must be screwed back onto the reservoir of the refillable dispenser again. Therefore, in summary, two unscrewing and two screwing operations must be performed. This is tedious and a source of fluid product loss.

[0004] Document EP2719466 is also known, which describes a dispensing assembly whose refillable dispenser is equipped with a filling and exhaust system that is mounted on the source bottle through a specific bayonet connection. More precisely, a bushing is permanently mounted on the non-threaded neck of the source bottle. In addition, the filling and exhaust system includes a valve that opens by gravity and is held in the closed position by the magnetic attraction generated by a magnet installed in a stopper covering the filling and exhaust system. Therefore, once the stopper is removed, if the refillable dispenser is tilted or knocked over, the refillable dispenser may leak. This is unacceptable. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to overcome the above drawbacks of the prior art by defining a dispensing assembly whose refillable dispenser can be easily mounted on a standard source bottle. Another object is to regulate filling through the controlled actuation of a valve.

[0006] To this end, the present invention proposes a component including a source bottle and a refillable dispenser. The source bottle is advantageously made of glass and includes a body for containing a fluid product and a threaded neck made in one piece with the body. The refillable dispenser defines a longitudinal axis X and includes a dispensing head provided with a button at the upper end and a filling and venting system at the lower end. The refillable dispenser includes a reservoir that communicates with the dispensing head and the filling and venting system. Wherein, the refillable dispenser is integrally formed with a threaded sleeve that can be screwed onto the threaded neck of the source bottle. The filling and venting system is then connected to the body such that the fluid product in the source bottle can flow by gravity from the source bottle into the reservoir via the filling and venting system, and such that the air in the reservoir can simultaneously flow from the reservoir into the source bottle via the filling and venting system.

[0007] The threaded sleeve is permanently connected to the refillable dispenser such that it cannot be separated from the refillable dispenser. Advantageously, the threaded sleeve is an integrally formed and inseparable part of the filling and venting system, and the filling and venting system is mounted on the reservoir in a permanent manner.

[0008] The spirit of the present invention is to integrally form all the functions necessary for flow crossover and connection in the refillable dispenser such that the refillable dispenser can be screwed onto a standard bottle, especially a standard bottle made of glass, which can be made in one piece with the threaded neck. The source bottle does not integrally form any specific features designed to cooperate with the filling and venting system of the refillable dispenser, and the filling and venting system only cooperates with the standard threaded neck of the source bottle.

[0009] According to another feature of the present invention, the reservoir can include a glass tube defining two openings. The filling and venting system is mounted on one opening of the glass tube in a permanent manner, while the dispensing head is mounted on the other opening of the glass tube in a permanent manner.

[0010] Initially, the source bottle can be provided with a dispensing head removably screwed onto the threaded neck to be replaced by the refillable dispenser.

[0011] According to another particularly interesting aspect of the present invention, the filling and venting system can include a controllable valve that is manually actuated between a closed state and an open state by an axial movement along the longitudinal axis X caused by traction or rotation. This means that the user switches the valve between the closed state and the open state through a dedicated or induced operation. In document EP2719466, it is gravity that performs this replacement.

[0012] Advantageously, the controllable valve includes a valve seat and a valve member, and the valve seat moves integrally with the threaded sleeve.

[0013] According to another aspect, the filling and venting system can include a fixed part mounted on the reservoir and a movable part that can axially move relative to the fixed part within a predetermined axial stroke to respectively achieve the opening and closing of the controllable valve.

[0014] According to the first embodiment, the threaded sleeve can be formed by the movable part, and the valve member is a free member (such as a ball), which is pressed against the valve seat by the fixed part in the closed state and can be freely disengaged from the valve seat by itself in the open position. Advantageously, the movable part forms a flow crossover duct, and an end edge of the flow crossover duct forms the valve seat. The threaded sleeve and the flow crossover duct can be made as two separate parts or as a single piece.

[0015] Alternatively, the free member can be replaced by a blocking member integrally formed with the fixed part, and the blocking member cooperates with the valve seat formed by the movable part.

[0016] According to the second embodiment, the threaded sleeve can be formed by the fixed part, the movable valve member is formed by the movable part, and is pressed against the valve seat by a return spring in the closed state, and when the threaded sleeve is screwed onto the threaded neck, by the axial pressing of the movable part on the threaded neck, the movable valve member is disengaged from the valve seat against the force exerted by the return spring and is in the open position. Advantageously, the movable part forms a flow crossover duct, and the valve member is firmly mounted on the flow crossover duct.

[0017] According to the third embodiment, the fixed part and the movable part can rotate relative to each other, and the fixed part and the movable part together define a cam system that can cause the fixed part to move axially relative to the movable part along the longitudinal axis by the relative rotation of the fixed part relative to the movable part. This type of cam system makes it possible to convert the rotation usually applied by the user on the rotary actuating member into the movement or axial movement of another member to switch between a passive state and an active state.

[0018] Advantageously, the cam system includes an inclined helical ramp formed by one of the fixed part and the movable part and a cam formed by the other of the fixed part and the movable part, and the cam slides along the inclined helical ramp when the fixed part rotates relative to the movable part. The term "ramp" can be replaced by a thread, a thread portion, a slope, an edge, a ridge, a rib, a groove, etc. The term "cam" can be replaced by a profile, a lug, a protrusion, a slider, etc.

[0019] According to another aspect of this third embodiment, a spring can act between the fixed part and the movable part to push the fixed part towards the movable valve member, thereby pressing it against its valve seat. The cam system moves the fixed part away from the movable valve member in one rotational direction so that it can be disengaged from its valve seat, which corresponds to the open state of the controllable valve, and in the other rotational direction, pushes the movable valve member onto its valve seat, which corresponds to the closed state of the controllable valve. Thus, the cam system of the present invention makes it possible to overcome the force exerted by the spring to open the controllable valve and to assist the closing of the controllable valve by the spring, which pushes the fixed part against the movable valve member in order to press the movable valve member against its valve seat.

[0020] According to another feature of this third embodiment, the movable part that has formed the threaded sleeve and the valve seat also forms a sliding cylinder, and the fixed part forms a lip conduit that engages in the sliding cylinder in a sealing and sliding manner. Advantageously, the lip conduit forms a thrust pin that is intended to contact the movable valve member to push it onto its valve seat. The lip conduit is located downstream of the controllable valve and connects the reservoir of the refillable dispenser to the controllable valve. By rotating the fixed part relative to the movable part, or vice versa, the cam system axially moves the fixed part relative to the movable part, which causes the lip conduit to slide inside the sliding cylinder of the movable part onto the fixed part.

[0021] Advantageously, the movable part can also form an inlet pipe upstream of the valve seat inside the threaded sleeve. The inlet pipe forms an axial opening and a lateral opening, and the lateral opening is advantageously positioned close to the valve seat. The fluid product from the source bottle will travel from the top to the bottom through the lateral opening, while the air of the refillable dispenser will travel from the bottom to the top through the axial opening.

[0022] According to another embodiment, the threaded sleeve and the valve seat are formed by the movable part, the valve member is formed by the fixed part, and a spring acts between the fixed part and the movable part to push the valve member towards the valve seat. The fixed part and the movable part can be moved along the longitudinal axis against the spring by traction so that the movable member is disengaged from the valve seat, and thus the controllable valve is brought into the open position. Once the traction is released, the spring automatically returns the controllable valve to the closed position. This embodiment can be implemented without a threaded sleeve. Once the refillable dispenser is connected to the source bottle, the user pulls the refillable dispenser to move it away from the source bottle. Then, the user holds the traction force until the desired filling level is reached. By releasing the traction force, the controllable valve automatically closes under the restoring action of the spring.

[0023] According to another embodiment, the threaded sleeve and the valve seat are formed by a movable part, the valve member is formed by a fixed part, and a spring acts between the fixed part and the movable part to push the valve member towards the valve seat. The fixed part and the movable part together define a cam system that can cause the fixed part to perform relative axial movement relative to the movable part along the longitudinal axis through the relative rotation of the fixed part relative to the movable part. The fixed part and the movable part can be moved against the spring by an opening torque to disengage the movable member from the valve seat and thus bring the controllable valve into the open position. Once the opening torque is released, the spring automatically returns the controllable valve to the closed position. This embodiment can be implemented without a threaded sleeve. Once the refillable dispenser is connected to the source bottle, the user rotates the refillable dispenser while holding the source bottle. Then, it holds the torque until the desired filling level is reached. By releasing the torque, the controllable valve automatically closes under the restoring action of the spring.

[0024] According to another embodiment, the threaded sleeve and the valve seat are formed by a fixed part, the valve member is formed by a movable part, and a spring acts between the fixed part and the movable part to push the valve member towards the valve seat. By screwing the threaded sleeve onto the threaded neck of the source bottle, the fixed part and the movable part can be moved against the spring to disengage the movable member from the valve seat and thus bring the controllable valve into the open position. The movable part advantageously includes a ball valve that includes a ball seat and a ball that moves freely by gravity. When the refillable dispenser is in the upright position, the ball rests on its ball seat. This embodiment can be implemented without a threaded sleeve. In this embodiment, the main valve is separated from the temporary valve (free ball).

[0025] The present invention also defines a method for filling a refillable dispenser from a source bottle, which is advantageously made of glass and includes a body containing a fluid product and a threaded neck made in one piece with the body. The source bottle is provided with a dispensing head that can be removably screwed onto the threaded neck. The refillable dispenser defines a longitudinal axis X and includes a dispensing head provided with a button at the upper end and a filling and exhaust system at the lower end. The refillable dispenser includes a reservoir that communicates with both the dispensing head and the filling and exhaust system. The refillable dispenser has a threaded sleeve that can be screwed onto the threaded neck of the source bottle.

[0026] The filling method includes the following consecutive steps:

[0027] a - Unscrew the dispensing head from the threaded neck.

[0028] b - Screw the refillable dispenser onto the threaded neck.

[0029] c - Flip the assembly thus formed to arrange the source bottle above the refillable dispenser.

[0030] d - Cause the fluid product in the source bottle to flow into the reservoir by gravity via the filling and venting system, and cause the air in the reservoir to flow into the source bottle from the reservoir via the filling and venting system simultaneously.

[0031] e - Flip the thus - formed assembly to again arrange the refillable dispenser above the source bottle.

[0032] f - Unscrew the refillable dispenser from the threaded neck, and

[0033] g - Optionally, screw the dispensing head back onto the threaded neck.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the filling and venting system includes a controllable valve that is manually actuated by an axial movement along the longitudinal axis X between a closed state and an open state. The method includes an additional step between step c and step d, and this additional step includes pulling the refillable dispenser while holding the source bottle. Thus, the user must perform a dedicated pulling operation to open the valve. It is automatically performed under the action of a return spring or returns to the closed state through another dedicated pushing operation performed by the user.

[0035] According to another embodiment, the filling and venting system includes a controllable valve that is manually actuated by an axial movement along the longitudinal axis X between a closed state and an open state, and this axial movement is caused by step b of screwing the refillable dispenser onto the threaded neck. The user is not aware that simply screwing in the travel dispenser will open the valve, while unscrewing will close the valve.

[0036] In yet another embodiment, the method includes an additional step between step c and step d, and this additional step includes rotating the refillable dispenser while holding the source bottle. It is automatically performed under the action of a return spring or returns to the closed state through another dedicated reverse - rotation operation performed by the user.

[0037] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate two embodiments of the invention by way of non - limiting examples. Description of the Drawings

[0038] In the figures:

[0039] Figure 1a is a schematic side view of the source bottle with its dispensing head removed,

[0040] Figure 1b is a partially transparent schematic side view of the refillable dispenser according to the present invention,

[0041] Figure 2a is an exploded cross - sectional view of the filling and venting system according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 2b is a view of a filling and exhaust system similar to Figure 2a in an assembled state and in a closed position;

[0043] Figure 2c is an inverted view of a filling and exhaust system similar to Figure 2b in an open position,

[0044] Figure 3a and Figure 3b are perspective views of the filling and exhaust system of Figures 2a to 2c in a closed position and an open position, respectively,

[0045] Figure 4a , Figure 4b and Figure 4c are views of variants of a first embodiment of the present invention that are respectively similar to Figure 2a , Figure 2b and Figure 2c ;

[0046] Figure 5a , Figure 5b and Figure 5c are schematic diagrams showing different steps of the filling operation of a refillable dispenser of the present invention using a source bottle,

[0047] Figure 6a , Figure 6b and Figure 6c are views of a second embodiment of the present invention of a filling and exhaust system that are respectively similar to Figure 2a , Figure 2b and Figure 2c ;

[0048] Figure 7a and Figure 7b are views of a second embodiment of the present invention of a filling and exhaust system that are respectively similar to Figure 3a and Figure 3b ;

[0049] Figure 8a , Figure 8b and Figure 8c are views that are respectively similar to view Figure 5a , view Figure 5b and view Figure 5c for showing different filling steps of filling a "travel" dispenser incorporating a filling and exhaust system according to a second embodiment of the present invention,

[0050] Figure 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view through a refillable dispenser incorporating a filling and exhaust system according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 10aIs an exploded, cut-away perspective view of a filling and venting system according to a third embodiment of the present invention,

[0052] Figure 10b Is a perspective view of a part of a filling and venting system according to the third embodiment,

[0053] Figure 11a And Figure 11b Are enlarged vertical cross-sectional views through a filling and venting system according to the third embodiment, in the closed and open positions respectively,

[0054] Figures 12a to 12f Is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a refillable dispenser according to the third embodiment mounted on a source bottle during various filling stages,

[0055] Figure 13a And Figure 13c Are enlarged vertical cross-sectional views through a filling and venting system according to the fourth embodiment, in the closed and open positions respectively,

[0056] Figure 13b Is a perspective view of a part of a filling and venting system according to the fourth embodiment, in the closed position,

[0057] Figure 14 Is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view through a filling and venting system according to the fifth embodiment, in the closed position, and

[0058] Figure 15 Is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view through a filling and venting system according to the sixth embodiment, in the closed position. Detailed Description

[0059] First, reference will be made to Figure 1a And Figure 1b to briefly describe the structure of a refillable or "travel" dispenser and a source bottle S. The combination of these two entities forms the dispensing assembly of the present invention, the purpose of which is to fill the travel dispenser with the source bottle S without overpressure and without overflow leakage.

[0060] The source bottle S can have a conventional overall design in the fields of perfumery, cosmetics or even pharmaceuticals. The source bottle S can be limited to a simple single-piece glass bottle formed by a body intended to contain a fluid product and a threaded neck protruding above the body. Obviously, the source bottle S can also be provided with accessories that do not change the single-piece design of the body and the threaded neck.

[0061] The source bottle S can be provided, for example, with a dispensing head S4 which can include a pump S41 covered by a button S42 and is removably mounted on the threaded neck S2 by means of a threaded ring S43. In Figure 1aIn it, the circular arrow indicates that the dispensing head S4 can be removed by rotating during unscrewing movement. Thus, the source bottle S can be summarized as having a body S1 with an integrally formed threaded neck S2. The source bottle S can be made of any suitable material and is advantageously made of glass. The threaded neck S2 can meet the dimensional standards in the fields of perfumes and cosmetics.

[0062] In two embodiments according to the present invention, a "travel" refillable dispenser can be obtained. In Figure 1b it, the "travel" refillable dispenser corresponds indifferently to the first embodiment or the second embodiment, which is why it is denoted by N1 for the first embodiment and N2 for the second embodiment. The refillable dispenser first includes a reservoir R designed to hold a fluid product. At the upper end of the reservoir, the reservoir R is provided with a dispensing head T, which can include a pump P covered by a button T1 and is mounted on the reservoir R in a determined or permanent manner by a fastening ring T2. At the lower end of the reservoir, the reservoir R is provided with a filling and exhaust system, which can have two forms 1 and 2 corresponding to the two embodiments of the present invention. These filling and exhaust systems 1, 2 will be described in detail below.

[0063] Optionally, the refillable dispensers N1, N2 can be provided with an upper cover C1 covering the dispensing head T and a lower cover C2 covering the filling and exhaust systems 1, 2.

[0064] Generally, the refillable dispensers N1, N2 have a fluid product reservoir R, which communicates with the dispensing head T at its upper end and with the filling and exhaust systems 1, 2 at its lower end.

[0065] According to a specific embodiment, the reservoir R can be made of glass and, in particular, in the form of a drawn glass tube, which defines two opposite openings, one opening receiving the dispensing head T and the other receiving the filling and exhaust systems 1, 2.

[0066] According to the present invention, the filling and exhaust systems 1, 2 are integrally formed into the refillable dispensers N1, N2 such that they cannot be separated from the refillable dispensers. The user cannot remove the filling and exhaust system from the reservoir without compromising the integrity of the refillable dispenser. Thus, it is impossible to remove the filling and exhaust system from the "travel" dispenser to install it on the threaded neck S2 of the source bottle S.

[0067] Refer to Figure 2a 、 Figure 2b and Figure 2c, these figures show the filling and exhaust system 1 in the first embodiment of the present invention. The filling and exhaust system 1 includes a fixed part 1f and a movable part 1m, which cooperate with each other as will be seen below. The filling and exhaust system 1 further includes a movable valve member 15, which is in the form of a ball here. Incidentally, the system 1 also includes an annular flat seal 16, which is intended to seal the upper annular edge S3 of the source bottle S.

[0068] The movable part 1m includes two component parts 11 and 12, which are separately manufactured herein and superposed on each other, but which can also be made as one piece. The movable part 1m first includes a mounting part 11, which forms a threaded sleeve 111 capable of engaging with the threaded neck S2 of the source bottle S. The thread of the threaded sleeve 111 is an internal thread because the thread of the threaded neck S2 is an external thread. The threaded sleeve 111 forms a downward-facing shoulder 114 on the outside. The mounting part 11 also includes a substantially cylindrical or completely cylindrical chimney 112. At the joint between the threaded sleeve 111 and the chimney 112, the mounting part 11 forms a toothed plate 113. It can be said that this plate 113 extends around the chimney 112 above the threaded sleeve 111.

[0069] The movable part 1m further includes a transfer part 12, which has a substantially cylindrical overall structure so as to be able to engage in the chimney 111 in a sealed sliding manner. The transfer part 12 defines a flow crossover duct 121 inside, which is separated by a partition 122 that advantageously extends obliquely. Thus, the fluid product flows from one side of the partition 122, while air flows in the reverse direction on the other side. The cylinder 121 defines an upper annular edge 124, which serves as a valve seat for the ball 15 as will be seen below. The transfer part 12 also forms an annular lip 123 that projects radially outwards. In the final assembled position, the transfer part 12 is inserted into the chimney 122, where the lip 123 abuts against the upper edge of the chimney 112. This is shown in Figure 2b and Figure 2c as shown.

[0070] As described above, by forming the duct 121 in the extension of the chimney 112, it is possible to make the movable part M as one piece.

[0071] The fixed part 1f also includes two parts, namely a crown part 13 and a cage part 14. The crown part 13 is firmly engaged in the cage part 14, such that it is finally possible to make these two parts as one piece.

[0072] The structure of the crown portion 13 is substantially cylindrical: However, its upper end is partially closed by a locking pin 131, which is surrounded by a channel opening 132. At the lower end of the crown portion, the crown portion 13 forms a toothed collar 133, which can be tightly interlocked with the toothed plate 113 of the mounting portion 11. In Figure 2b , the teeth of the plate 113 and the collar 133 are interlocked, while in Figure 2c , the teeth are disengaged and spaced apart. When the "travel" dispenser N1 is screwed onto the threaded neck S2 of the source bottle S, the engagement of the plate teeth 113 and the crown 133 has the function of guiding the rotation of the movable part 1m, as will be seen below. Another function of the crown portion 13 is to form a limited space for the movable valve member 15, which can be in sealing contact with the valve seat 124 formed at the upper end of the transfer portion 12. In Figure 2b 's closed position, the ball 15 is pressed against its seat 124 by the locking pin 131. In Figure 2c , corresponding to the open position, the ball 15 is disengaged from the seat 124 and can rest on the pin 131.

[0073] The cage portion 14 serves as a container for the crown portion 13 and also for the movable part 1m. The cage portion 14 forms a skirt portion 141, and the lower end of the skirt portion forms an internal hooking profile 144. At its upper end, the cage portion 14 forms a dome 142 with a dual function. The first function is to firmly receive the crown portion 13. The second function is to form a firm and sealed fastener with the lower edge of the reservoir R, which is advantageously made in the form of a drawn glass tube. This is why the dome 142 can be overmolded on the skirt portion 142 and is formed of a flexible plastic material (such as an elastomer).

[0074] In Figure 2b , corresponding to the closed position of the filling and exhaust system 1, the threaded sleeve 111 is completely set inside the skirt portion 141. The internal hooking profile 144 is axially set below the internal shoulder 114. In Figure 2c , corresponding to the open position of the filling and exhaust system 1, the threaded sleeve 111 protrudes from the skirt portion 141, and the internal hooking profile 144 engages with the internal shoulder 114.

[0075] In Figure 3a and Figure 3b , the filling and exhaust system 1 with the cage portion 14 removed is shown. This clearly shows the crown portion 13 and the mounting portion 11. It is easier to notice the locking pin 131 surrounded by the wide channel opening 132. The shoulder 114 can also be discerned on the outer wall of the threaded sleeve 111. In Figure 3a , the teeth of the plate 113 and the collar 133 are tightly interlocked, so that the two parts 11 and 13 are integral when rotating. Conversely, in Figure 3bIt can be noted that the teeth of the plate 113 and the collar 133 are disengaged or spaced apart from each other, such that the two parts no longer rotate integrally. In other words, the crown 13 can be guided to rotate while keeping the mounting part 11 stationary.

[0076] Returning temporarily to Figure 2b and Figure 2c , it can be understood that the filling and venting system 1 can be added and screwed onto the threaded neck S2 by means of the threaded sleeve 111. After the connection is formed, the filling and venting system 1 remains in the closed position. It can also be said that the movable valve member 15 together with its valve seat 124 forms a controllable valve, which is locked in the closed position by the locking pin 131. To unlock the valve, all the user has to do is apply a traction force on the "travel" dispenser N1 while holding the source bottle S with the other hand to move them away. This has the effect of moving the movable part 1m within the cage part 14. This axial movement has the effect of releasing the movable valve member 15, which can then disengage from its seat 124 by itself. Additionally, the teeth of the plate 113 and the collar 133 are disengaged, such that the rotation of the reservoir R does not cause the threaded sleeve 111 of the threaded neck S2 to unscrew. This disengagement between the fixed part 1f and the movable part 1m ensures that the "travel" dispenser N1 cannot be unscrewed from the source bottle S when the valve is open.

[0077] Referring to Figure 4a , Figure 4b and Figure 4c , a variant of the first embodiment of the present invention can be seen. There are structural differences, but the operation is the same. The filling and venting system 1' according to this variant also includes a movable part 1m' and a fixed part 1f'. Here, the movable part 1m' is formed by the mounting and transfer part 11', which is a single piece. This part 11' forms the threaded sleeve 111, which can be the same as the threaded sleeve of the first embodiment. The part 11' also forms the toothed plate 113, which can be the same as the toothed plate of the first embodiment. Here, the part 11' is integrally formed with the flow cross-pipe 115, which internally forms an inclined separating partition 116. The pipe 115 forms an annular crimp 117 on the outside and defines a valve seat 118 at its upper end. The annular lip 114 is formed around the pipe 115 in the axial extension of the toothed plate 113.

[0078] The fixed part 1f' also includes a crown 13' and a cage part 14'. The crown 13' also includes a toothed collar 133 at its lower end, which can be the same as or similar to the toothed collar of the first embodiment. The crown 13 defines an internal shoulder 134 inside.

[0079] The cage part 14' can be substantially the same as the cage part 14 of the first embodiment.

[0080] In this filling and venting system 1', the ball 15 is replaced by a blocking member 15' that is firmly mounted within the crown 13. To this end, the blocking member 15' includes a mounting bushing 151 that is firmly joined and advantageously snap-fitted within the crown 13. The blocking member 15' also includes a blocking cap 152 and a lateral channel opening 153.

[0081] In Figure 4b the closed and installed position shown, it can be seen that the upper part of the pipe 115 engages within the mounting bushing 151, and its upper annular edge 118 serves as a valve seat for sealing contact with the cap 152. Thus, it is not possible for any fluid to pass through. Accordingly, the flow cross-pipe 115 is closed. It can also be noted that the teeth of the plate 113 and the collar 133 are interlocked, as in the first embodiment.

[0082] In Figure 4c corresponding to the open position of the filling and venting system 1', it can be noted that the cap 52 is arranged away from the valve seat 118 such that the fluid product can enter the pipe 115 through the lateral channel opening 153. As before, the teeth of the plate 113 and the collar 133 are disengaged. A portion of the threaded sleeve 111 projects from the cage 14'.

[0083] Reference can now be made to Figure 5a 、 Figure 5b and Figure 5c to describe the filling operation of the refillable dispenser N1 by the source S. After removing the dispensing head S4 from the neck S2, the "travel" dispenser N1 can be added and installed by screwing the "travel" dispenser onto the neck S2. This is shown in Figure 5a . The source bottle S can be firmly held, and the "travel" dispenser N1 can be guided in rotation, as indicated by the circular arrow. As described above, the threaded sleeve 111 engages threadedly with the threaded neck S2. At the end of the tightening, the user can apply an axial traction force in the direction of the arrow visible in Figure 5b . What the user has to do is to hold the bottle S with one hand and grasp the reservoir R of the "travel" dispenser N1 to apply an axial traction force away from the source S. This has the effect of opening a controllable valve integrally formed into the filling and venting system 1 or 1'. The fixed part 1f or 1f' remains integrally formed with the reservoir R, while the movable part 1m or 1m' remains integrally formed with the source bottle S. This axial traction force has the effect of opening the valve, but also has the effect of disengaging the teeth of the plate 113 and the collar 133 such that the rotational drive of the reservoir R no longer has the effect of unscrewing the threaded sleeve 111 from the neck S2. Thus, the user can flip the assembly to achieve Figure 5cThe structure shown. Then, the fluid product stored in the source bottle S can flow by gravity through the filling and venting system 1 or 1' into the reservoir R, which has been controlled to the open state. The fluid product can flow through the flow cross-over pipe on one side of the separating partition 122 or 116. At the same time, the air trapped in the reservoir R can flow upward through the filling and venting systems 1, 1' or escape into the source bottle S, flowing through the flow cross-over transfer pipe on the other side of the partition. Once the liquid level of the fluid product reaches the open valve, the filling ends. There is enough air in the reservoir of the "travel" dispenser to absorb pressure or temperature changes. Then, by pressing the travel dispenser against the source bottle, the valve can be immediately closed. Alternatively, in the case of the first embodiment, the assembly can be flipped to place the travel dispenser N1 back above the source bottle S. By doing so, even before the valve is closed by pressing the travel dispenser N1 against the source bottle S, the ball 15 will return to its seat 124 by gravity and close the pipe 121.

[0084] Figure 6a , Figure 6b and Figure 6c Figure 8 shows the filling and venting system 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As in the first embodiment, this filling and venting system 2 also includes a fixed part 2f and a movable part 2m. The relative movement of these two parts 2f and 2m has the same purpose as in the first embodiment, namely, to open and close the valve integrally formed into the filling and venting system 2. However, different from the first embodiment in which the valve is opened due to the traction force applied by the user, in this second embodiment, when the filling and venting system 2 is screwed onto the source bottle S, the valve automatically opens.

[0085] The fixed part 2f includes two parts, namely, the mounting part 23 and the cage part 24. The cage part 24 can be substantially similar or identical to the cage part of the first embodiment. For the mounting part 23, it includes (as in the first embodiment) a threaded sleeve 231 designed to engage with the threaded neck S2 of the source bottle S. This mounting part 23 generally defines a cylindrical, slightly frustoconical structure. The threaded sleeve 231 is located at the lower part of the mounting part 23. The threaded sleeve 231 is provided with two notches 230, which are in Figure 7a and Figure 7bThis can be seen more clearly in the figure. At its opposite end, the mounting part 11 forms a sliding cylinder 231 which terminates in an annular upper edge serving as a valve seat 234. Externally, the mounting part 11 forms an annular bearing shoulder 232. The mounting part 11 is firmly received within the cage part 24 which itself is firmly and sealingly received within the lower opening of the reservoir R which can also be made in the form of a drawn glass tube. Without going into further detail, the cage part 24 includes a skirt part 241 which forms an abutment profile 244 on the inside. For the cover 242, it can be made by overmolding with a flexible plastic material such as an elastomer.

[0086] The movable part 2m also includes two parts, namely a transfer part 21 and a movable valve member 25. These two parts are firmly connected to each other such that they can be made in one piece.

[0087] The transfer part 21 includes an annular plate 211 below which an annular seal 26 is arranged. Two axially projecting parts 212 arranged in a diametrically opposed manner extend downward from the outer periphery of the annular plate 211. These projecting parts 212 are captured in notches 230 as can be seen in Figure 7a and 7b the figure. The transfer part 21 also forms a flow crossover duct 213 in which a separating partition 214 extends. At its upper end, the duct 213 forms a lip 215.

[0088] The filling and exhaust system 2 also includes a spring 27 which is arranged inside the threaded sleeve 231 and abuts against the shoulder 232. On the opposite side, the spring 27 bears on the annular plate 211 of the transfer part 21.

[0089] The movable valve member 25 includes a corolla 251 and anchoring projections 252 which are received in a fixed manner within the flow crossover duct 213 as can be seen in Figure 6b and Figure 6c the figure.

[0090] In the closed position of the valve of the filling and exhaust system 2, the corolla 251 rests sealingly on the valve seat 234 formed by the crown 23. The spring 27 is compressed between the shoulder 232 and the plate 211 such that the corolla 251 is strongly pressed against the valve seat 234. The projecting parts 212 of the transfer part 21 are received within the cage part 14 and in the notches 230 of the threaded sleeve 231 as can be seen in Figure 7a and Figure 7b the figure. The lip 215 of the duct 213 engages in a sealed sliding manner within the cylinder 233 of the mounting part 23.

[0091] In Figure 6cIn [the figure], a valve in the open state is shown. It can be seen that the threaded sleeve 231 is now fully screwed onto the threaded neck S2 of the source bottle, which causes the axial movement of the transfer part 23. The plate 211 of this transfer part presses against the upper annular edge S3 of the source bottle S, and the seal 26 is inserted therein. The axial movement of this transfer part 21 causes the return spring 27 to be compressed and the crown 251 to disengage from its valve seat 234. Then the valve is opened.

[0092] It should be noted that in this second embodiment, when the sleeve 231 is screwed onto the threaded neck S2, the valve automatically opens. In other words, the actuation of the controllable valve is caused by the operation of tightening / unscrewing the sleeve 231 on the threaded neck S2. On the other hand, it can be noted that the seal between the refillable dispenser N2 and the source bottle S occurs at the very beginning of tightening, because the seal 26 is compressed by the plate 211 of the transfer part 21 against the annular upper edge S of the neck S2. Therefore, the risk of leakage is minimized.

[0093] In Figure 7a and Figure 7b it can be seen more precisely that the threaded sleeve 231 is formed with two wide notches 230, which extend almost over the entire height of the threaded sleeve until it approaches the shoulder 232. The protrusion 212 is inscribed inside these notches 230 and can move axially by sliding by utilizing the compression of the return spring 27 as explained above. In Figure 7a the valve is in the rest position and abuts against the fastening profile 244 of the cage part, as can be seen in Figure 6b In Figure 7b the valve is open, and by the plate 211 pressing on the upper annular edge S3 of the neck S2, the protrusion 212 has moved axially upward inside the notch 230. Then, as can be seen in Figure 6c the protrusion 212 snap-fits above the hook-shaped profile part 244. This snap-fit may produce a noise, such as a "click" sound, which indicates to the user that the valve is in the open position.

[0094] Referring to Figure 8a 、 Figure 8b and Figure 8c the different steps of the filling operation of the "travel" refillable dispenser N2 can be seen. In Figure 8a the refillable dispenser N2 is added to the source bottle S and can be tightened by driving the "travel" dispenser to rotate relative to the bottle S. As explained above, the threaded sleeve 231 is threadedly engaged with the threaded neck S2. At the end of tightening, as shown in Figure 8b the protrusion 212 snap-fits on the other side of the hook-shaped profile part 244 of the cage part 24, thus producing a small click sound to indicate to the user that the tightening is completed. What the user has to do is to turn the assembly upside down, as shown in Figure 8cThe fluid product from the source bottle S then flows by gravity into the reservoir R of the refillable dispenser N2, passing through the flow crossover duct 213 on one side of the separating partition 214. At the same time, the air contained in the reservoir R can be discharged upward into the source bottle S through the duct 213 on the other side of the partition 214.

[0095] After the refillable dispenser N2 has been filled, the assembly is simply turned over and the dispenser unscrewed from the source bottle S. Finally, the user can optionally reassemble the dispensing head S4 onto the threaded neck S2.

[0096] Figure 9 A refillable or "travel" dispenser N3 according to a third embodiment of the invention is shown, which is integrally formed with a filling and exhaust system 3 that performs substantially the same functions as the previous systems. The "travel" dispenser N3 shown here does not have a pump mounted on its neck, but it must be understood that it is actually integrally formed with the pump, as in the two previous embodiments. The filling and exhaust system 3 is mounted in a fixed and sealed manner at the lower end of a reservoir R that can be formed by a glass tube. As in the previous embodiments, the filling and exhaust system 3 is permanently mounted at the lower end of the reservoir R: any disassembly is impossible. Typically, as in the two previous embodiments, the filling and exhaust system 3 includes a fixed part 3f and a movable part 31 or 3m. The fixed part 3f includes two parts 32 and 33, which are mounted together to form an integral assembly. The filling and exhaust system 3 also includes a ball 34 used as a movable valve member, and a spring 35 acting between the fixed part 3f and the movable part or part 31 or 3m. The filling and exhaust system 3 is integrally formed with a controllable valve.

[0097] Now refer to Figure 10a and Figure 10bThe structure of the filling and exhaust system 3 according to this third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. The movable part 31 or 3m is preferably made as a single piece by injection of plastic material. First, this movable part 31 forms a threaded sleeve 311 which is intended to be threadedly engaged with the threaded neck of the source bottle. The movable part 31 also forms an inlet pipe 312 which extends coaxially within the threaded sleeve 311. This inlet pipe 312 includes an axial opening 3121 and a lateral opening 3122. The threaded sleeve 311 is connected to the inlet pipe 312 by an annular plate 313. A neck seal 314 is inserted inside the threaded sleeve 311 around the inlet pipe 312 to contact the lower surface of the annular plate 313. The plate 313 forms an annular valve seat 315 which is in the form of an annular flange projecting upward from the inner periphery of the plate 313. This valve seat 315 surrounds the upper end of the inlet pipe 312. It can even be noted that the lateral opening 3122 is located near the valve seat 315. The movable part 31 also forms a sliding cylinder 316 which extends upward from the annular plate 313. The sliding cylinder 316 is coaxial with the valve seat 315 and extends outside the valve seat. Externally, the sliding cylinder 316 is provided with axial ribs or vertical ribs 317 which extend upward from the plate 313. For example, two ribs 317 may be provided which are positioned in a diametrically opposed manner. The sliding sleeve 316 extends upward by means of a plurality of projections or flexible segments 318 which form a hook-shaped profile 319 on the outside.

[0098] As previously mentioned, the fixed part 3f includes two separate parts 32 and 33 which are firmly attached to each other. The first fixed part 32 includes a substantially cylindrical skirt 321 which surrounds the threaded sleeve 311 of the movable part 31. At its upper end, the skirt 321 is connected to an inner crown 322 which forms an axial snap-fit housing 323. The crown 322 also forms one or more downwardly directed inclined helical ramps 324. As an example, two ramps 324 can be provided.

[0099] The second fixed part 33 includes an annular collar 331 which projects radially outward and is intended to be supported on the crown 322. The second fixed part 33 also includes a snap-fit section 333 which is intended to engage with the snap-fit housing 323 in a snap-fit manner. Externally, the fixed part 33 is provided with a sealing edge 332 which is intended to make a tight sealing contact inside the reservoir R. The second fixed part 33 also forms a lip pipe 334 which forms an annular lip 335 at its lower end which is intended to make a sealing sliding contact inside the sliding cylinder 316. The lip pipe 334 forms a downwardly directed push pin 336 inside. The filling and exhaust system 3 also includes a ball 34 and a spring 35, the functions of which will be explained in more detail below. The ball 34 which is selectively supported on its valve seat 315 forms a controllable valve, the operation of which will be described below.

[0100] In Figure 10b , the first fixed part 32 is shown as being mounted on the movable part 31. The skirt 321 surrounds the threaded sleeve 311 and a part of the sliding cylinder 316, which part is partially visible below the inclined spiral ramp 324. It can also be noted that the upper end of the vertical rib 317 contacts the ramp 324. The spring 35 is arranged around the flexible protrusion 318 and bears on the one hand on the top of the crown 322 and on the other hand below the hook-shaped profile 319. The spring 35 thus pushes the hook-shaped profile 319 away from the crown 322. As a result, the upper end of the vertical rib 317 is pushed against the inclined spiral ramp 324. In Figure 10b , the rib 317 is at the highest level of the ramp 324 such that the hook-shaped profile 319 is in the furthest position relative to the crown 322. It is readily understood that a counterclockwise rotation of the fixed part 32 around the movable part 31 has the effect of moving the rib 317 along the inclined ramp 324, thereby moving the hook-shaped profile 319 closer to the crown 322.

[0101] In Figure 11a , the filling and exhaust system 3 is shown in its closed position. The spring 35 is relaxed. The hook-shaped profile 319 is in its furthest position from the crown 322. The sealing lip 335 of the guiding lip 334 is pushed to the maximum extent inside the sliding sleeve 316. The thrust pin 336 contacts the ball 34, thereby pushing the ball onto its valve seat 315. The rib 317 is in the Figure 10a position shown. In this closed position, since the ball 34, which serves as a movable valve member, is pressed by the pin 336 against its valve seat 315, there can be no fluid communication between the inlet pipe 312 and the lip pipe 334.

[0102] In Figure 11b , the movable part 31 or 3m has moved relative to the fixed part 3f. This relative axial movement is generated by a relative rotation between the movable part 3m and the fixed part 3f. During this relative rotation, the rib 317 has moved along the inclined spiral ramp 324 from the Figure 10b closed position shown to the open position, in which the rib 317 is then located at the other end of the ramp 324. The movement of the rib 317, which acts as a cam, has the effect of moving the hook-shaped profile 319 closer to the crown 322. The spring 35 is then compressed. The lip pipe 334 has moved in the sliding sleeve 316 and the thrust pin 336 has disengaged itself from the ball 34, which rests in a stress-free manner on its valve seat 315. It is readily understood that the fluid product flow from the inlet pipe 312 will disengage the ball 34 from its valve seat 315 to enable it to flow through the lip pipe 334.

[0103] Reference will now be made to Figures 12a to 12fTo describe the complete operation of filling the "travel" dispenser N3 from the source bottle S through the filling and venting system 3 according to this third embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 12a it, the threaded sleeve 311 has been tightened around the threaded neck S2 of the source bottle S. However, the filling and venting system 3 is still in Figure 11a the closed position shown. The ball 34 is pushed against its valve seat 315 by the pin 336. To achieve this configuration, the user must simply guide the refillable dispenser R to rotate on the threaded neck S2 of the source bottle.

[0104] By continuing to rotate on the refillable dispenser R, the configuration shown in Figure 12b is reached. The system 3 is then in Figure 11b the open configuration shown. The pin 36 disengages from the ball 34.

[0105] Then, the user can flip the source bottle S, on which the "travel" dispenser N3 is mounted, to achieve the Figure 12c configuration. Then, the fluid product stored in the source bottle S flows by gravity through the lateral opening 3122 of the inlet pipe 312 to reach the ball 34, then the ball disengages from its valve seat and rests unstably and unsealed on the pin 336. Then, the fluid product can flow through the lip pipe 334 to reach the reservoir R of the "travel" dispenser N3. At the same time, the air from the reservoir R of the "travel" dispenser N3 can escape through the lip pipe 334 and the axial opening 3121 of the inlet pipe 312.

[0106] Once the liquid level reaches the inlet of the lip pipe 334, the filling of the reservoir R is completed. A small amount of air is retained around the second fixed part 33. This is the Figure 12d configuration.

[0107] Then, the user can invert the source bottle S again to achieve the Figure 12e configuration shown. The reservoir R of the "travel" dispenser N3 is filled with the fluid product and a small amount of air, but since the ball 34 rests sealingly on its valve seat 315 by gravity, the fluid cannot flow back into the source bottle S.

[0108] Then, it is a simple matter to close the control valve of the filling and venting system 3 by rotating the "travel" dispenser N3 on the source bottle S. This causes the Figure 12f configuration shown, which corresponds to the Figure 11b closed configuration.

[0109] The user can unscrew the threaded sleeve 31 from the threaded neck S2 of the source bottle to separate the "travel" dispenser N3 from the source bottle S.

[0110] In short, the "travel" dispenser N3 is first screwed onto the neck S2 of the source bottle S by the threaded sleeve 311. Then, by continuing the tightening operation, the controllable valves 34, 315 of the filling and exhaust system 3 are opened. After the reservoir is filled, rotate in the opposite direction to close the controllable valve. Finally, the "travel" dispenser N3 is unscrewed from the source bottle S. This operation sequence, that is, tightening / opening / closing / unscrewing, is applied by the torque peak generated by the extrusion of the neck seal 314 in combination with the tightening torque that is less than the opening torque. Therefore, it is ensured that the tightening stage occurs before the opening stage, and the closing stage occurs before the unscrewing stage. More precisely, at the end of tightening, the upper edge of the threaded neck S2 of the source bottle S contacts the neck seal 314. This axial contact produces a torque peak, which of course fixes the sleeve 31 relative to the neck S2 and triggers the opening of the controllable valve. When closing and unscrewing, this is also symmetrically applicable. The unscrewing torque is less than the torque peak generated by the compression of the neck seal 314, so that the controllable valve is closed before unscrewing.

[0111] In this third embodiment, the controllable valve is opened during the process of screwing the threaded sleeve 311 onto the threaded neck S2 of the source bottle S, and is closed before the screwing-off operation. For the user, the opening and closing of the controllable valve is imperceptible.

[0112] Figure 13a , Figure 13b and Figure 13c A fourth embodiment of the invention is shown, which is integrally formed with a filling and exhaust system 4 that performs substantially the same functions as the previous systems. Only the lower part of the "travel" dispenser N4 is shown here, but it must be understood that it is actually integrally formed with the pump, as in the other previous embodiments. Except for the ball 34 and the ramp 324, the filling and exhaust system 4 generally adopts the design of the filling and exhaust system 3 of the third embodiment. The filling and exhaust system 4 is mounted in a fixed and sealed manner at the lower end of the reservoir that can be formed by a glass tube. As in the previous embodiment, the filling and exhaust system 4 is permanently mounted at the lower end of the reservoir R: any disassembly is impossible. Typically, as in the previous embodiment, the filling and exhaust system 4 includes a fixed part 4f and a movable part 4m. The fixed part 4f includes two parts 42 and 43, which are mounted together to form an integral assembly. The filling and exhaust system 4 also includes a spring 45, which acts between the fixed part 4f and the movable part 4m. The filling and exhaust system 4 is integrally formed with a controllable valve that is manually actuated by traction.

[0113] The movable part 4m can include the same features as the movable part 3m of the third embodiment, i.e., it includes ribs 317, which are labeled 417 in this fourth embodiment. Additionally, the movable part 4m forms a threaded sleeve 411 and a valve seat 415.

[0114] In addition to the inclined surface 324 and the thrust pin 336, the fixed part 4f can include the same features as the fixed part 3f of the third embodiment. Instead of the inclined surface 324, the fixed part 4f forms a longitudinal slot 434, in which the rib 417 engages in a sliding manner. The fixed part 4f also includes two separate parts 42 and 43 that are firmly attached to each other. The first fixed part 42 defines an upper annular edge 418 on which the spring 45 is supported. The second fixed part 43 forms a valve member 436 instead of the thrust pin 336.

[0115] Thus, the complete operation of filling the travel dispenser N4 from the source bottle S by the filling and exhaust system 4 according to this fourth embodiment of the present invention is as follows:

[0116] - Tighten the threaded sleeve 411 of the threaded neck S2 of the source bottle S,

[0117] - Flip the thus-formed assembly to arrange the source bottle S above the dispenser N4,

[0118] - Apply a traction force on the dispenser N4 while holding the source bottle S, such that the controllable valve opens (the valve member 436 disengages from its seat 415),

[0119] - Fill the reservoir R of the dispenser N4 and expel air into the source bottle S ( Figure 13c arrows A and F in),

[0120] - Release the traction force applied on the dispenser N4, such that the controllable valve closes under the action of the spring 45,

[0121] - Flip the thus-formed assembly to again arrange the dispenser N4 above the source bottle S,

[0122] - Unscrew the threaded sleeve 411.

[0123] With this dispenser N4, the user can easily control the filling level of the reservoir R by releasing the traction force at the desired time.

[0124] Figure 14Figure 5 of the present invention is shown, which is integrally formed with a filling and exhaust system 5 that performs substantially the same functions as the aforementioned system. Except for the ball 34, the filling and exhaust system 5 generally adopts the design of the filling and exhaust system 3 of the third embodiment. A cam system with an inclined surface 324 and ribs 317 has also been adopted, but with some modifications such that it automatically returns to its starting position.

[0125] Generally, as in the previous embodiments, the filling and exhaust system 5 includes a fixed part 5f and a movable part 5m. The fixed part 5f includes two parts 52 and 53, which are mounted together to form an integral assembly. The filling and exhaust system 5 also includes a spring 55 that acts between the fixed part 5f and the movable part 5m. The filling and exhaust system 5 is integrally formed with a manually actuated controllable valve achieved by rotation or screwing.

[0126] The movable part 5m can include the same features as the movable part 3m of the third embodiment, including ribs 517.

[0127] The fixed part 5f can include the same features as the fixed part 3f of the third embodiment, including the inclined surface 324, but uses the valve member 436 of the fourth embodiment instead of the thrust pin 336 of the third embodiment.

[0128] The fixed part 5f also includes separate parts 52 and 53 that are firmly attached to each other. The first fixed part 52 defines an inclined surface 524, and the second fixed part 53 forms a valve member 536.

[0129] As in the third embodiment, the spring 55 acts between the movable part 5m and the first fixed part 52.

[0130] Therefore, after the sleeve 511 has been screwed onto the threaded neck of the source bottle S, by applying an opening torque, the movable part 5m can rotate relative to the fixed part 5f such that the ribs 517 can slide along the inclined surface 524.

[0131] The special feature of this fifth embodiment is that the slope of the inclined surface 524 and the stiffness of the spring 55 are designed such that once the torque is released, the ribs 517 automatically slide back under the inclined surface 524. In other words, as in the fourth embodiment, once the user releases the torque, the automatic return of the controllable valve to the closed position occurs. Therefore, it is not necessary to manually unscrew it to close the controllable valve.

[0132] Therefore, the complete operation of filling the travel dispenser N5 from the source bottle S through the filling and exhaust system 5 according to this fifth embodiment of the present invention is as follows:

[0133] - Screw the threaded sleeve 511 onto the threaded neck S2 of the source bottle S,

[0134] - Invert the assembly thus formed so as to dispose the source bottle S above the dispenser N5,

[0135] - Apply an opening torque between the dispenser N5 and the source bottle S such that the controllable valve opens,

[0136] - Maintain the opening torque during the filling of the reservoir R of the dispenser N5,

[0137] - Release the tightening torque such that the controllable valve closes under the action of the spring 55,

[0138] - Invert the assembly thus formed so as to dispose the dispenser N5 above the source bottle S again,

[0139] - Unscrew the threaded sleeve 511.

[0140] With this dispenser N5, the user can easily control the filling level of the reservoir R by releasing the torque at the desired moment.

[0141] Reference Figure 15 , a sixth embodiment of the travel dispenser N6 will be briefly described. Generally, as in the previous embodiments, the filling and exhaust system 6 includes a fixed part 6f and a movable part 6m. The fixed part 6f includes two fixed parts 61 and 62 which are mounted together with each other to form an integral assembly. The movable part 6m includes two movable parts 63 and 64 which are mounted together with each other by capturing a ball 65 therebetween to form an integral assembly. The filling and exhaust system 6 further includes a spring 65 which acts between the fixed part 6f and the movable part 6m. The filling and exhaust system 6 is integrally formed with a manually actuated controllable main valve achieved by rotation and is integrally formed with a temporary free ball valve.

[0142] The first fixed part 61 forms a threaded sleeve 611 to be screwed onto the threaded neck S2 of the source bottle S. The second fixed part 62 forms a main valve seat 625.

[0143] The first movable part 63 forms a support collar 631 which is intended to abut against the upper edge of the threaded neck S2, with a neck seal possibly therebetween. The first movable part 63 also forms a tube 631 penetrating into the threaded neck S2, a temporary valve seat 632 and a flue 634. When the dispenser N6 is in the upright position, the ball 65 is received in the flue 634 and rests on the temporary valve seat 632 by gravity, as can be seen in Figure 15 .

[0144] The second movable forming part 64 is firmly mounted around the flue 634 and includes a pin 644 engaged in the flue to limit the degree of freedom of the ball 65, which can still move freely under gravity. Since the movable parts 63 and 64 are fixed relative to each other, the ball is never blocked: it can move freely within the restricted space defined by the temporary valve seat 632 and the pin 644. The second movable part 64 also forms a main valve member 645, which can be in sealing contact with the main valve seat 625 under the action of the spring 65.

[0145] Thus, the complete operation of filling the travel dispenser N6 from the source bottle S through the filling and exhaust system 6 according to this sixth embodiment of the present invention is as follows:

[0146] - Tighten the threaded sleeve 611 of the threaded neck S2 of the source bottle S so that the controllable main valve opens.

[0147] - Flip the resulting assembly to arrange the source bottle S above the dispenser N6.

[0148] - Fill the reservoir of the dispenser N6 by gravity.

[0149] - Flip the resulting assembly again to arrange the dispenser N6 above the source bottle S once more so that the temporary valve closes (the ball 65 is supported on its valve seat 632).

[0150] - Unscrew the threaded sleeve 611 so that the controllable main valve closes.

[0151] With this dispenser N6, the controllable main valve is separated from the temporary valve, which only performs its function after the second flip and before unscrewing.

[0152] In the six embodiments, including the variant of the first embodiment, the "travel" refillable dispenser is integrally formed with a filling and exhaust system, which includes a threaded sleeve designed to be directly screwed onto the threaded neck S2 of the source bottle S, which is preferably made as a single piece, for example, made of glass.

[0153] The filling and exhaust system is integrally formed with a controlled valve, the opening of which is generated by the action of the user, that is, a traction without elastic restoring stress in the first embodiment, a traction that automatically returns to the closed position through elastic stress in the fourth embodiment, a simple tightening under elastic stress in the second and sixth embodiments, an actuating tightening under elastic stress after or before screwing onto the neck of the source bottle in the third embodiment, and an actuating tightening that automatically returns to the closed position through elastic stress in the fifth embodiment.

[0154] It should be noted that these different gravity filling and venting systems, and more specifically their controllable valves, can be achieved without a threaded sleeve intended to be screwed directly onto the threaded neck S2 of the source bottle S. In other words, it is possible to seek independent protection for a refillable dispenser comprising a dispensing head, a reservoir and a gravity filling and venting system incorporating a controllable valve, the refillable dispenser being manually actuated between a closed state and an open state by an axial movement caused by traction or rotation.

Claims

1. A component, comprising a source bottle (S) and a refillable dispenser (N1; N2; N3; N4; N5; N6), The source bottle (S) is advantageously made of glass and includes a body (S1) for containing a fluid product and a threaded neck (S2) made in one piece with the body (S1), The refillable dispenser (N1; N2; N3; N4; N5; N6) defines a longitudinal axis (X) and includes a dispensing head (T) provided with a button (T1) at the upper end and a filling and venting system (1; 1'; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6) at the lower end. The refillable dispenser (N1; N2; N3; N4; N5; N6) includes a reservoir (R) which communicates with both the dispensing head (T) and the filling and venting system (1; 1'; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6), Characterized in that, The refillable dispenser (N1; N2; N3; N4; N5; N6) is integrally formed with a threaded sleeve (111; 231; 311; 411; 511; 611) that can be screwed onto the threaded neck (S2) of the source bottle (S). The filling and venting system (1; 1'; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6) is then connected to the body (S1) such that the fluid product from the source bottle (S) can flow by gravity from the source bottle (S) into the reservoir (R) via the filling and venting system (1; 1'; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6), while air from the reservoir (R) can simultaneously flow from the reservoir (R) into the source bottle (S) via the filling and venting system (1; 1'; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6).

2. The dispensing assembly according to claim 1, Wherein, The threaded sleeve (111; 231; 311; 411; 511; 611) is permanently connected to the refillable dispenser (N1; N2; N3) such that the threaded sleeve cannot be separated from the refillable dispenser. The threaded sleeve (111; 231; 311; 411; 511; 611) is advantageously an integrally formed and non-separable part of the filling and venting system (1; 1'; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6), and the filling and venting system is permanently mounted on the reservoir (R).

3. The dispensing assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, Wherein, The filling and venting system (1; 1'; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6) includes controllable valves (15, 124; 15', 118; 25, 234; 34, 315; 415, 436; 515, 536; 625, 645), which are manually actuated between a closed state and an open state by an axial movement along the longitudinal axis (X) caused by traction or rotation. The controllable valves include valve seats (124; 118; 315; 415; 515; 625) and valve members (15; 15'; 34; 436; 536; 645), and the valve seats (124; 118; 315; 415; 515; 625) move integrally with the threaded sleeves (111; 231; 311; 411; 511; 611).

4. The dispensing assembly according to claim 3, wherein, the filling and venting system (1; 1'; 3; 4; 5; 6) includes: a fixed part (1f; 1f'; 3f; 4f; 5f; 6f), mounted on the reservoir (R); and a movable part (1m; 1m'; 3m; 4m; 5m; 6m), capable of axially moving relative to the fixed part (1f; 1f'; 3f; 4f; 5f; 6f) within a predetermined axial stroke to respectively open and close the controllable valves (15, 124; 15', 118; 34, 315; 415, 436; 515, 536; 625, 645).

5. The dispensing assembly according to claim 4, wherein, the threaded sleeves (111; 311) are formed by the movable parts (1m; 3m), the valve members (15; 34) are free members, such as balls, which are pressed by the fixed parts (1f; 3f) against the valve seats (124; 315) in the closed state, and the valve members are free from the valve seats (124; 315) in the open position.

6. The dispensing assembly according to claim 5, wherein, the fixed part (3f) and the movable part (3m) are rotatable relative to each other, and the fixed part (3f) and the movable part (3m) together define a cam system (317, 324), which can cause a relative axial movement of the fixed part (3f) relative to the movable part (3m) along the longitudinal axis (X) through a relative rotation of the fixed part (3f) relative to the movable part (3m).

7. The dispensing assembly according to claim 6, wherein, the cam system includes an inclined helical ramp (324) formed by one of the fixed part (3f) and the movable part (3m) and a cam (317) formed by the other of the fixed part (3f) and the movable part (3m), and during the relative rotation of the fixed part (3f) relative to the movable part (3m), the cam (317) slides along the inclined helical ramp (324).

8. The dispenser assembly according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, a spring (35) acts between the fixed part (3f) and the movable part (3m) to push the fixed part (3f) towards the movable valve member (34), thereby pressing the valve member against the valve seat (315) of the valve member, and the cam system (317, 327) moves the fixed part (3f) away from the valve member (34) in the rotational direction, so that the valve member can be disengaged from the valve seat (315).

9. The dispensing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, the threaded sleeve (411) and the valve seat (415) are formed by the movable part (4m), the valve member (436) is formed by the fixed part (4f), a spring (45) acts between the fixed part (4f) and the movable part (4m) to push the valve member (436) towards the valve seat (415), and the fixed part (4f) and the movable part (4m) can be moved along the longitudinal axis (X) against the spring (45) by traction, so that the movable member (436) is disengaged from the valve seat (415), and thus the controllable valve is brought into the open position. Once the traction is released, the spring (45) automatically returns the controllable valve to the closed position.

10. The dispensing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, the threaded sleeve (511) and the valve seat (515) are formed by the movable part (5m), the valve member (536) is formed by the fixed part (5f), a spring (55) acts between the fixed part (5f) and the movable part (5m) to push the valve member (536) towards the valve seat (515), the fixed part (5f) and the movable part (5m) together define a cam system (517, 524), the cam system can cause the fixed part (5f) to perform relative axial movement along the longitudinal axis (X) relative to the movable part (5m) by relative rotation of the fixed part (5f) relative to the movable part (4m), the fixed part (5f) and the movable part (5m) can be moved against the spring (55) by an opening torque, so that the movable member (536) is disengaged from the valve seat (515), and thus the controllable valve is brought into the open position. Once the opening torque is released, the spring (55) automatically returns the controllable valve to the closed position.

11. The dispensing assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The movable part (3m; 4m; 5m) also forms an inlet pipe (312) inside the threaded sleeve (311) upstream of the valve seat (315; 415; 515). The inlet pipe (312) forms an axial opening (3121) and a lateral opening (3122), and the lateral opening (3122) is advantageously positioned close to the valve seat (315; 415; 515).

12. The dispensing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, the threaded sleeve (611) and the valve seat (625) are formed by the fixed part (6f), the valve member (645) is formed by the movable part (6m), and a spring (65) acts between the fixed part (6f) and the movable part (6m) to push the valve member (645) towards the valve seat (625). By screwing the threaded sleeve (611) onto the threaded neck (S2) of the source bottle (S), the fixed part (6f) and the movable part (6m) can move against the spring (65) to disengage the movable member (645) from the valve seat (625), and thus bring the controllable valve into the open position. The movable part (6m) is advantageously integrally formed with a ball valve, which includes a ball seat (632) and a ball (66) that moves freely by gravity. When the refillable dispenser (N6) is in the upright position, the ball (66) rests on the ball seat (632).

13. A method for filling a refillable dispenser (N1; N2; N3; N4; N5; N6) by means of a source bottle (S), the source bottle (S) being advantageously made of glass and including a body (S1) containing a fluid product and a threaded neck (S2) made in one piece with the body (S1). The source bottle (S) is provided with a dispensing head (S4) that can be removably screwed onto the threaded neck (S2). The refillable dispenser (N1; N2; N3; N4; N5; N6) defines a longitudinal axis (X) and includes a dispensing head (T) provided with a button (T1) at the upper end and a filling and exhaust system (1; 1'; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6) at the lower end. The refillable dispenser (N1; N2; N3; N4; N5; N6) includes a reservoir (R) that communicates with both the dispensing head (T) and the filling and exhaust system (1; 1'; 2). The refillable dispenser (N1; N2; N3; N4; N5; N6) is integrally formed with a threaded sleeve (111; 231; 311; 411; 511; 611) that can be screwed onto the threaded neck (S2) of the source bottle (S). The filling method includes the following successive steps: a, unscrewing the dispensing head (S4) from the threaded neck (S2), b, screwing the refillable dispenser (N1; N2; N3; N4; N5; N6) onto the threaded neck (S2), c, invert the assembly thus formed so as to arrange the source bottle (S) above the refillable dispenser (N1; N2; N3; N4; N5; N6), d, allow the fluid product from the source bottle (S) to flow by gravity via the filling and venting system (1; 1'; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6) into the reservoir (R), and allow air from the reservoir (R) to simultaneously flow from the reservoir (R) via the filling and venting system (1; 1'; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6) into the source bottle (S), e, invert the assembly thus formed so as to arrange the refillable dispenser (N1; N2; N3; N4; N5; N6) again above the source bottle (S), f, unscrew the refillable dispenser (N1; N2; N3; N4; N5; N6) from the threaded neck (S2), and g, optionally, screw the dispensing head (S4) back onto the threaded neck (S2).

14. The filling method according to claim 13, wherein, the filling and venting system (1; 1'; 4) comprises controllable valves (15, 124; 15', 118; 415, 436) which are manually actuated between a closed state and an open state by an axial movement along the longitudinal axis (X), and the method comprises an additional step between steps c and d, the additional step comprising pulling the refillable dispenser (N1; N4) while holding the source bottle (S).

15. The filling method according to claim 13, wherein, the filling and venting system (2; 3; 5; 6) comprises controllable valves (25, 234; 34, 315; 515, 536; 625, 645) which are manually actuated between a closed state and an open state by an axial movement along the longitudinal axis (X), and the method comprises an additional step between steps c and d, the additional step comprising rotating the refillable dispenser (N2; N3; N5; N6) while holding the source bottle (S).

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