Cap for aerosolized or aerosol-type product dispenser, cap / product dispenser assembly and method for manufacturing such cap

Abstract

The invention relates to a cap (10) for a dispenser (20) of aerosol-type / aerosol-type products, made of at least one plant-fiber-based material, in particular of a paper-based material, comprising a cylindrical, rotationally symmetrical skirt (11), one base (12) of which is closed and the other base (13) of which is open to receive one end (21) of the dispenser (20). The cylindrical skirt (11) has successive first and second circumferential portions, the first and second circumferential portions having a first inner diameter (d2) and a second inner diameter (d3), respectively, the first and second inner diameters (d2, d3) being smaller than an average inner diameter (d1) of the remaining portions of the cylindrical skirt, the first and second circumferential portions being spaced apart from each other, the cap (10) is configured to receive a rib (22) formed on an end portion (21) of the dispenser (20) with the cap (10) closing the end portion of the dispenser (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of closed atomizing or aerosol product dispensers, and particularly to the field of closed aerosol cans.

[0002] Therefore, the present invention relates more specifically to caps for atomizing or aerosol product dispensers, cap / product dispenser assemblies, and methods for manufacturing such caps. Background Technology

[0003] Dispensers for atomizing or aerosol products, such as aerosol cans, are typically sealed with caps made of plastic. However, while dispensers made of tinplate or aluminum can be easily recycled, the caps are not.

[0004] To limit the carbon footprint of such caps and facilitate their recycling, it has been proposed to manufacture them from plant fiber-based materials, particularly paper-based materials. This type of solution is specifically described in documents KR2023040367A and JP2021160774A.

[0005] According to these documents, this plant fiber cap comprises a cylindrical, rotationally symmetrical skirt, one base of which is closed, while the other base is open to receive the dispenser. The cap is held at the end of the dispenser by providing an inwardly rolled edge at the open base of the skirt to reinforce the skirt at that base.

[0006] In this configuration, when pressed vertically, this single rolled edge abuts against the spherical dome of the aerosol can based on a wedge effect. Therefore, while this cap is easy to recycle due to its plant fiber construction, it does not provide perfect retention, as retention is entirely provided by this single wedge effect. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention aims to overcome this deficiency and therefore intends to provide a cap that is easier to recycle than caps made of plastic materials, and provides better retention at the end of the dispenser when the cap is closed on the end of the atomizing or aerosol product dispenser.

[0008] For this purpose, the present invention relates to a cap for atomizing or aerosol product dispensers, the cap being made of at least one plant fiber-based material, particularly a paper-based material, the cap comprising a cylindrical, rotationally symmetrical skirt, one base of which is closed, while the other base of the skirt is open to receive one end of the dispenser. The cylindrical skirt has a first circumferential portion and a second circumferential portion, the first circumferential portion and the second circumferential portion having a first inner diameter and a second inner diameter respectively, the size of the first inner diameter and the second inner diameter being smaller than the size of the average inner diameter of the rest of the cylindrical skirt, the first circumferential portion and the second circumferential portion being spaced apart from each other so as to accommodate ribs formed on the end of the dispenser when the end of the dispenser is closed by the cap.

[0009] The ribs of the dispenser, such as the curved neck of the dome of an aerosol can, are held in place by a first and second circumferential portion of a cylindrical skirt with a reduced diameter. This results in the cap being held at the end of the dispenser more effectively than the simple wedging effect achieved by plant fiber caps in the prior art. Furthermore, since the cap is made of plant fibers, it is easy to recycle.

[0010] According to the present invention, the first circumferential portion and the second circumferential portion may each take the form of a groove formed on the outer periphery of the cylindrical skirt.

[0011] The dispenser may be an aerosol can, and the rib is the bent neck of the aerosol can.

[0012] This aerosol can particularly benefits from the cap according to the invention, because the aerosol can includes ribs that can cooperate with the cap due to the structure of the aerosol can, which are the curved neck of the aerosol can.

[0013] At least one plant fiber-based material used to make the cap can be spiral-wound cardboard.

[0014] This spiral-wound cardboard is particularly suitable for forming the skirt of a hat because, through this design, the skirt is difficult to deform under radial stress.

[0015] Plant fiber-based materials are at least partially coated with finishing agents and / or waterproofing materials, such as varnishes or resins.

[0016] This coating allows the cap's finish to adapt to the dispenser's needs and appearance, and, when needed, provides protection against moisture and possible accidental product release.

[0017] Both the first inner diameter and the second inner diameter can be at least 0.5 mm smaller than the average inner diameter of the rest of the cylindrical skirt, preferably at least 0.8 mm smaller, and even more preferably at least 1.2 mm smaller.

[0018] The dimensions of the first and second diameters ensure that the cap is held in a specially optimized manner on the dispenser.

[0019] The first circumferential portion and the second circumferential portion can be spaced apart from each other by a distance between 1 nm and 8 nm, preferably between 2 mm and 6 mm, and can advantageously be spaced apart by a distance substantially equal to 4 mm.

[0020] This distance also helps to maintain the cap in a specially optimized way on the dispenser.

[0021] The present invention also relates to a cap / aerosol can assembly comprising a cap according to the invention and an atomizing / aerosol product dispenser having an end portion to be received by an open base of a skirt and ribs formed on the end portion of the dispenser. The first circumferential portion and the second circumferential portion are spaced apart so that the ribs formed on the end of the dispenser can be accommodated when the end of the dispenser is closed by the cap.

[0022] This component benefits from the advantages associated with the cap it includes.

[0023] The product dispenser can be an aerosol can, and the rib is the bent neck of the aerosol can.

[0024] This assembly, which includes an aerosol can as a product dispenser, particularly benefits from the cap according to the invention, because the aerosol can includes ribs that can cooperate with the cap due to the structure of the aerosol can, which are the curved neck of the aerosol can.

[0025] The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a cap for an aerosol can, the method comprising the following steps: A cylindrical, rotationally symmetrical skirt is provided, which is made of at least one plant fiber-based material, and particularly of a paper-based material. A first circumferential portion and a second circumferential portion are formed successively on the skirt. The first circumferential portion and the second circumferential portion have a first inner diameter and a second inner diameter, respectively. The dimensions of the first inner diameter and the second inner diameter are smaller than the average inner diameter of the rest of the cylindrical skirt. The first circumferential portion and the second circumferential portion are spaced apart from each other to accommodate the bent neck of the aerosol can between the first circumferential portion and the second circumferential portion. The cap thus formed has a cylindrical skirt portion comprising a closed cylindrical base and another base portion that is open to receive one end of the dispenser.

[0026] This method is used to manufacture caps according to the invention and benefits from the advantages associated with caps. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The invention will be better understood by referring to the accompanying drawings and reading the description of exemplary embodiments given as purely non-limiting examples, in which: Figure 1 The cap according to the invention is shown in partial cross-sectional view on the right side of the figure. Figure 2A It shows including, for example Figure 1 The cap / aerosol assembly of the shown cap, Figure 2B Show Figure 2A A detailed view of the cap / aerosol assembly, with the cap partially cut off to show the arrangement of the cap relative to the curved neck of the aerosol can.

[0028] Identical, similar, or equivalent parts of different figures are labeled with the same reference numerals to facilitate reference between figures.

[0029] To make the diagram more readable, the various parts shown in the diagram are not necessarily shown at a uniform scale.

[0030] Different options (variations and embodiments) should not be construed as mutually exclusive, but can be combined with each other. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Figure 1 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a cap 10 intended for assembly onto an aerosol can 20 according to the invention, such as... Figure 2A As shown, Figure 1 The right side is a sectional view. Figure 1 The left side is the front view.

[0032] While this cap 10 is particularly suitable for mounting on aerosol cans, it is not limited to this purpose, and the cap 10 can also be adapted for mounting on atomizing or aerosol product dispensers, provided that the dispenser includes ribs at one of its ends, particularly the end to be closed. Thus, for example, the cap according to the invention can be adapted for mounting on a dispenser including an atomizing pump, which can be snap-fitted or screwed onto the remainder of the dispenser. According to this option, the cap 10 can then be adapted to be mounted on the valve or ring of the pump by snap-fitting onto the ribs of the pump's valve or ring.

[0033] The cap according to the invention is made of plant fiber-based material, advantageously paper-based material. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the cap 10 according to the invention (particularly the cylindrical skirt 11 of the cap 10, as specifically described below) can be made particularly from spirally wound cardboard.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the cap according to the present invention comprises: The skirt 11 is cylindrical and rotationally symmetrical, with one base 12 closed and the other base 13 open to receive one end 21 of the dispenser 20. Cover 12A, which closes the base 12.

[0035] According to the invention, the cylindrical skirt 11 has successive first circumferential portions 15 and second circumferential portions 16, each having a first inner diameter d2 and a second inner diameter d3, the dimensions of which are smaller than the average inner diameter d1 of the remaining portion of the cylindrical skirt. The first and second circumferential portions are spaced apart from each other to accommodate a rib 22 formed on the end of the dispenser 20 when the cap 10 closes the end of the dispenser 20. Here, the rib 22 is the bent neck of the aerosol can. This arrangement is... Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown in, Figure 2B A portion of the mid-skirt was removed to show this containment.

[0036] The skirt has a cylindrical, rotationally symmetrical shape, wherein a first base 12 of the skirt is closed by a cover 12A, while a second base of the skirt is open to receive one end of the dispenser 20. Therefore, the average inner diameter d1 of the cylindrical skirt 11 is adjusted to substantially correspond to the diameter of the end 21 of the dispenser 20 received by the cap 10. Thus, in this example, the average inner diameter d1 of the cylindrical skirt 11 can be equal to 50.8 mm. As specifically described above, in order to provide strength to the skirt, in this embodiment, the skirt is made of spirally wound cardboard. The thickness e1 of the cylindrical skirt 11 can be between 2 mm and 0.2 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 0.5 mm, or even substantially equal to 0.75 mm. The height of the cylindrical skirt 11 is suitable for accommodating the end of the dispenser and the dispenser's attachments, in this case, the nozzle (not shown) of the dispenser 20, while limiting the risk of accidental actuation of the nozzle. Therefore, the height of the cylindrical skirt 11 is suitable for receiving the nozzle and has an additional safety height to prevent any accidental actuation.

[0037] As specifically described above, in order to allow the cap 10 to be securely held on the end 21 of the dispenser, a first circumferential portion 15 and a second circumferential portion 16 are arranged on the cylindrical skirt 11. More specifically, in this embodiment, the first circumferential portion 15 and the second circumferential portion 16 are formed by compression molding and each takes the form of a groove (and therefore a rib on the inside of the cylindrical skirt 11) formed on the outer periphery of the cylindrical skirt 11. According to the invention, the first circumferential portion 15 and the second circumferential portion 16 have a first inner diameter d2 and a second inner diameter d3, respectively, the dimensions of which are smaller than the average inner diameter d1 of the cylindrical skirt 11.

[0038] In the conventional configuration of the invention used in this embodiment, the first inner diameter d2 and the second inner diameter d3 can be the same. Of course, as a variation of the invention, the first inner diameter d2 and the second inner diameter d3 can be different from each other. According to this choice, in order to form the stop portion for the rib 22 of the dispenser 20, the first diameter d2 can be smaller than the second diameter d3.

[0039] As specifically described above, the first circumferential portion 15 and the second circumferential portion 16 are arranged spaced apart from each other to receive ribs 22 formed on the end 21 of the dispenser 20. This arrangement is achieved by the spacing between the first circumferential portion 15 and the second circumferential portion 16, which is equal to the thickness of the ribs 22 of the dispenser 20. In this embodiment, the first circumferential portion 15 and the second circumferential portion 16 are spaced apart from each other at a height h2, which is approximately equal to 4 mm. To allow the opening of the skirt to abut against the shoulder of the end 21 of the dispenser, the first circumferential portion 15 and the second circumferential portion 16 can be located at a distance from the open base 13 of the cylindrical skirt 11. Therefore, within the scope of this embodiment, the first circumferential portion 15, specifically the distal portion of the open base 13 of the cylindrical skirt 11, is arranged at a height h1 of 6 mm relative to the open base 13 of the cylindrical skirt 11.

[0040] It should be noted that, according to a variant not shown, the second circumferential portion 16 may be arranged at the open base 13 of the cylindrical skirt 11, for example, in the form of a rolled-up edge of the cylindrical skirt 11. In this configuration, the cap 10 does not rest on the shoulder formed on the end, and is held only by the cooperation of the first and second circumferential portions with the rib 22 of the end 21 of the dispenser 20.

[0041] It should be noted that although in this embodiment the first circumferential portion 15 and the second circumferential portion 16 are formed by pressing the cylindrical skirt 11, the first circumferential portion 15 and the second circumferential portion 16 can of course be formed in other ways. Therefore, for example, without departing from the scope of the invention, it is entirely conceivable that the first circumferential portion 15 and the second circumferential portion 16 are each arranged in the form of an internal groove on the interior of the cylindrical skirt 11. Thus, according to this alternative configuration, the first circumferential portion 15 and the second circumferential portion 16 are each formed from a thickened portion protruding from the interior of the cylindrical skirt 11.

[0042] At the closed base 12 of the cylindrical skirt 11, the cylindrical skirt 11 has an inwardly rolled edge 17. Therefore, the cover 12A abuts against this rolled edge from the inside of the cylindrical skirt 11, the rolled edge forming an abutment for the cover 12A. The shape of the cover is complementary to the skirt, and therefore the cover can be in the form of a disc, the diameter of which is substantially equal to the average inner diameter d1 of the cylindrical skirt 11. The cover 12A is made of a plant fiber-based material, particularly a paper-based material. Thus, in this embodiment, the cover 12A is made of cardboard (or grey cardboard) or cardstock, and depending on the choice of cardstock for the cover 12A, rigidity is provided by the cylindrical skirt 11, which is made of spirally wound cardboard.

[0043] To protect the cap from moisture and possible accidental product release, the cap 10 may be at least partially coated with a waterproof material, such as varnish or resin.

[0044] As an alternative to or supplement to this coating, the material of the cap, particularly the skirt, may include a "coated" finishing layer. As is known to those skilled in the art of paper and paperboard production, this finishing layer enables paper and paperboard to have a matte or glossy appearance. This finishing layer comprises a coating consisting of 80% to 92% by weight of fine pigments and 8% to 20% by weight of binder. The fine pigments are those with a size less than 2 µm, such as calcium carbonate or kaolinite, and the binder is, for example, an adhesive, particularly starch.

[0045] This cap 10 can be manufactured by implementing a manufacturing method that includes the following steps: A cylindrical, rotationally symmetrical skirt 11 is provided, which is made of at least one plant fiber-based material, and particularly of a paper-based material. A first circumferential portion and a second circumferential portion are formed on the skirt, the diameter of which is smaller than the rest of the cylindrical skirt. The first circumferential portion 15 and the second circumferential portion 16 are spaced apart from each other so as to accommodate the bent neck of the aerosol can between the first circumferential portion 15 and the second circumferential portion 16.

[0046] Within the scope of this method, the cap 10 thus formed has a cylindrical skirt 11 comprising a closed cylindrical base and another base 13 that is open to receive one end of the dispenser 20. Of course, this closure of the cylindrical skirt 11 can be performed during the provision of the cylindrical skirt 11, between the step of providing the skirt and the step of forming the first circumferential portion 15 and the second circumferential portion 16, during or after the step of forming the first circumferential portion 15 and the second circumferential portion 16.

[0047] According to this embodiment of the invention, the step of forming the first circumferential portion 15 and the second circumferential portion 16 can be the step of pressing and molding the cylindrical skirt 11. Of course, another method can be used to perform this molding without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, in particular, it is entirely conceivable that the first circumferential portion 15 and the second circumferential portion 16 can be formed by thermoforming.

[0048] According to another variation of the invention, the steps of forming the first circumferential portion 15 and the second circumferential portion 16 can be performed simultaneously with the step of providing the cylindrical skirt 11. According to this option, during the step of providing the cylindrical skirt 11, the cylindrical skirt 11 may be formed with the first circumferential portion 15 and the second circumferential portion 16. This option can be particularly implemented in the case where the first circumferential portion 15 and the second circumferential portion 16 are provided as thickened portions of the cylindrical skirt 11.

Claims

1. A cap (10) for atomizing / aerosol product dispenser (20), the cap (10) being made of at least one plant fiber-based material, particularly a paper-based material, the cap comprising a cylindrical, rotationally symmetrical skirt (11), one base (12) of the skirt (11) being closed and the other base (13) of the skirt (11) being open to receive one end (21) of the dispenser (20). The cap (10) is characterized in that the cylindrical skirt (11) has a first circumferential portion and a second circumferential portion, the first circumferential portion and the second circumferential portion having a first inner diameter (d2) and a second inner diameter (d3), respectively, the size of the first inner diameter (d2) and the second inner diameter (d3) being smaller than the size of the average inner diameter (d1) of the remaining portion of the cylindrical skirt, the first circumferential portion and the second circumferential portion being spaced apart from each other so as to accommodate a rib (22) formed on the end (21) of the dispenser (20) when the cap (10) closes the end of the dispenser (20).

2. The cap (10) for the dispenser (20) according to claim 1, wherein, The dispenser (10) is an aerosol can, and the rib (22) is the bent neck of the aerosol can.

3. The cap (10) for the dispenser (20) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The at least one plant fiber-based material used to make the cap is spiral-wound cardboard.

4. The cap (10) for the dispenser (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The plant fiber-based material is at least partially coated with a finishing layer and / or a waterproofing layer, such as varnish or resin.

5. The cap (10) for the dispenser (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, Both the first inner diameter and the second inner diameter are at least 0.5 mm smaller than the average inner diameter of the remaining portion of the cylindrical skirt, preferably at least 0.8 mm smaller, and even more preferably at least 1.2 mm smaller.

6. The cap (10) for the dispenser (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The first circumferential portion (15) and the second circumferential portion (16) are spaced apart by a distance between 1 nm and 8 nm, preferably between 2 mm and 6 mm, and can advantageously be spaced apart by a distance substantially equal to 4 mm.

7. An assembly of a cap (10) / atomizing / aerosol product dispenser (20), comprising a cap according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and an atomizing / aerosol product dispenser (20), the atomizing / aerosol product dispenser (20) having an end to be received by an open base (13) of the skirt (11) and a rib (22) formed on the end (21) of the dispenser (20). in, The first circumferential portion and the second circumferential portion are spaced apart to accommodate the rib (22) formed on the end (21) of the dispenser (20) when the cap (10) closes the end of the dispenser (20).

8. The component according to claim 7, wherein, The product dispenser (20) is an aerosol can, and the rib (22) is the bent neck of the aerosol can.

9. A method of manufacturing a cap for atomizing / aerosol product dispenser (20), comprising the following steps: A cylindrical, rotationally symmetrical skirt (11) is provided, said skirt (11) being made of at least one plant fiber-based material, and particularly of a paper-based material. A first circumferential portion and a second circumferential portion are formed successively on the skirt, the first circumferential portion and the second circumferential portion having a first inner diameter (d2) and a second inner diameter (d3), respectively. The dimensions of the first inner diameter (d2) and the second inner diameter (d3) are smaller than the dimension of the average inner diameter (d1) of the remaining portion of the cylindrical skirt. The first circumferential portion and the second circumferential portion are spaced apart from each other so as to accommodate the bent neck of the distributor (20) between the first circumferential portion and the second circumferential portion. The cap thus formed has a cylindrical skirt (11) comprising a closed cylindrical base and another base (13) which is open to receive one end of the dispenser (20).

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