Fluid product dispenser

Abstract

The invention relates to a fluid product dispenser comprising: - a reservoir (R) forming a neck (31) defining an upper annular edge (32), - an outer covering (H) comprising a threaded sleeve (23) defining a central opening (20) for the passage of the neck (31), the reservoir (R) extending in the covering (H) along a longitudinal axis X, - a dispensing member (D) provided with a threaded ring (43) intended to come into threaded engagement with the threaded sleeve (23) of the outer covering (H), the dispensing number (D) bearing axially on the neck (31) at the end of screwing the threaded ring (33) onto the threaded sleeve (23), wherein the neck (31) and the threaded sleeve (23) together form axial stop means (25, 33) for axially blocking the neck (31) in the threaded sleeve (23) by pushing the dispensing member (D) axially onto the neck (31), the outer covering (H) comprising an outer shell (1) forming a threaded upper edge (11), and a cover (2; 2') comprising a threaded skirt (21) intended to come into threaded engagement with the threaded upper edge (11) of the outer shell (1), the cover (2; 2') forming the threaded sleeve (23; 23') defining the central opening (20) for the passage of the neck (31; 31') of the fluid product reservoir (R).

Description

[0001] Fluid product dispenser

[0002] The present invention relates to a fluid dispenser and more particularly to a refillable dispenser. This dispenser comprises a reservoir forming a neck, as well as an external covering forming a threaded sleeve defining a central opening for the passage of the neck. The dispenser also comprises a dispensing member provided with a threaded ring to be screwed onto the threaded sleeve. Preferably, the neck of the reservoir is held in a removable or reversible manner in the external covering, so that a user can remove the reservoir from the covering to replace it with another reservoir. The preferred fields of application of the invention are those of cosmetics, cleaning products or food.

[0003] Flexible pouch tanks inherently lack strength or rigidity, since the deformation of the flexible pouch is used to reduce the useful volume of the tank as fluid is extracted from it by the dispensing member. It is therefore complicated to mount the dispensing member on the neck of the tank or on the casing, while ensuring the tightness of the dispenser, due to the freedom of movement of the flexible pouch inside the casing. The tight mounting of the dispensing member on the neck of the tank or on the casing is all the more complicated since the tank is inserted into the casing through the open bottom of the casing and the mounting is carried out by screwing.

[0004] The aim of the present invention is to be able to screw the dispensing member onto the covering while guaranteeing a fixed hold of the neck in the covering and a perfect seal between the neck and the dispensing member.

[0005] To do this, the present invention proposes a fluid product dispenser comprising:

[0006] - a fluid product reservoir forming a neck defining an upper annular edge, - an external covering comprising a threaded sleeve defining a central opening for the passage of the neck, the fluid product reservoir extending in the covering along a longitudinal axis X,

[0007] - a dispensing member provided with a threaded ring intended to come into threaded engagement with the threaded sleeve of the external covering, the dispensing member coming into axial support on the neck at the end of screwing the threaded ring onto the threaded sleeve, the neck and the threaded sleeve together forming axial stop means for axially locking the neck in the threaded sleeve by axial thrust of the dispensing member onto the neck, characterized in that the external covering comprises:

[0008] - an outer shell forming a threaded upper edge, and

[0009] - a cover comprising a threaded skirt intended to come into threaded engagement with the threaded upper edge of the outer shell, the cover forming the central opening for the passage of the neck of the rigid end piece.

[0010] In other words, the dispensing member is screwed onto the external covering, but also engages with the neck of the reservoir to stress the axial stop between the neck and the threaded sleeve. The neck is thus held fixedly both relative to the external covering and relative to the dispensing member. The axial thrust exerted by the dispensing member on the neck can be used to create a seal between the neck and the dispensing member, for example by crushing a neck gasket onto the upper annular edge of the neck. Alternatively, the dispensing member may comprise a self-sealing lip which comes into sliding radial contact inside the neck.

[0011] In a refillable dispenser, the axial stop means must be removable or reversible, so that the user can easily deactivate them to separate the reservoir from the external casing. The disengagement of these two parts must be possible manually without using a tool. An axial and / or rotational movement must be sufficient to decouple the two parts.

[0012] According to a practical embodiment, the axial stop means comprise at least one peripheral support flange formed by one of the neck and the threaded sleeve and at least one lug formed by the other of the neck and the threaded sleeve, the lug being intended to come into axial alignment with the peripheral support flange by mutual rotation of the neck in the threaded sleeve and in mutual axial support by axial thrust on the neck.

[0013] Advantageously, the neck and the threaded sleeve may also together form rotational stop means to prevent the neck from rotating in the threaded sleeve, in particular when screwing the threaded ring onto the threaded sleeve. The neck is then locked both axially and in rotation inside the threaded sleeve: it can be said that the neck is integral with the sleeve, preferably in a removable or reversible manner. According to a practical embodiment, the one of the neck and the threaded sleeve already forming the peripheral support flange may further form an axial locking flange against which the lug is urged into abutment, when the neck is rotated in the threaded sleeve. Preferably, the peripheral support flange and axial locking flange are connected together, substantially at right angles.

[0014] On the other hand, the one of the neck and the threaded sleeve already forming the peripheral support flange can further form an access ramp to bring the lug into axial alignment with the peripheral support flange.

[0015] According to another aspect, the one of the neck and the threaded sleeve already forming the axial locking flange can further form an access ramp for bringing the lug into abutment against the axial locking flange.

[0016] Preferably, the peripheral support flange and the access ramp are connected together, forming an obtuse angle, for example of the order of 150 degrees.

[0017] In short, the lugs, which may for example be three in number, are moved by rotation of the neck in the sleeve, until they come into contact with their respective access ramps. Further rotation drives the lugs by sliding on the ramps to the level of their respective peripheral support flanges: the lugs and the peripheral support flanges are then axially aligned in pairs. Further rotation drives the lugs by sliding along their respective peripheral support flanges leads them to abutment against their respective axial locking flanges. Screwing the distribution member onto the threaded sleeve forces the lugs into contact pressed against their respective peripheral support flanges, while remaining in abutment against their respective axial locking flanges. Sealing is ensured by the compression of a neck seal on the annular edge of the neck or by a self-sealing lip.

[0018] The overall arrangement is comparable to a bayonet fitting, in which a lug or pin is guided into a recess forming a ramp that leads to an axially and rotationally locked end position. The recesses can be formed by the collar and the lugs by the casing, or vice versa.

[0019] It should be noted that this overall arrangement (axial stop means + rotational stop means + possibly access ramp) can be implemented in any cladding, which does not necessarily include a shell and a cover. Thus, individual protection could be sought for this overall arrangement. The cladding could, for example, form an open bottom. The reservoir is then introduced through the open bottom of the cladding with the neck first. The reservoir is moved axially in the cladding until the neck engages inside the threaded sleeve. An axial and / or rotational movement makes it possible to assemble the axial stop means. The subsequent screwing of the dispensing member onto the threaded sleeve makes the axial stop and the seal effective.

[0020] Preferably, the fluid product reservoir comprises a rigid tip and a flexible pouch, the rigid tip forming a fixing zone and the neck, the flexible pouch being connected in a sealed manner to the fixing zone. This is an advantageous embodiment for a variable volume reservoir. A deformable container or a follower piston system can also be used within the scope of the invention.

[0021] The flanges and ramps can be formed by the neck and the lugs by the lid, or vice versa.

[0022] With such a two-part design (shell and lid), two operating modes are possible. The first consists of inserting the tank bag into the outer shell, then attaching the lid to the neck of the tank. It is then rotated to screw it onto the shell. In doing so, the lugs will engage with the ramps to guide them respectively until they engage with the peripheral support flanges and the axial locking flanges. This requires that the bag does not rotate in the outer shell when the lugs engage with the ramps and the flanges. The rotational locking of the bag in the shell can be ensured by friction.

[0023] The second method of operation involves mounting the lid on the tank before inserting it into the outer shell. The user can grasp the bag with one hand and the lid with the other: rotating the lid on the tank allows the lugs to engage with the ramps and flanges. The bag can then be inserted into the outer shell and the lid screwed onto the shell.

[0024] In both operating modes, it is then sufficient to attach the dispensing member to the threaded sleeve of the cover and screw the threaded ring onto the sleeve. At the end of screwing, the lugs are respectively pressed against the peripheral support flanges. Screwing the ring onto the sleeve has the effect of pushing the neck downwards inside the casing.

[0025] The spirit of the invention lies in blocking the reservoir axially, and advantageously also in rotation, in the casing in order to be able to screw the threaded ring of the dispensing member onto a threaded sleeve of the casing, which can be made in two pieces. The invention applies to any dispenser, but more particularly to a refillable dispenser, in which the reservoir (of fixed or variable volume) constitutes a replaceable element.

[0026] In the figures:

[0027] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a tank ready for insertion into an outer shell,

[0028] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an external hull (with its tank) ready to receive a cover to complete the external cladding,

[0029] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the cover of Figure 2, and

[0030] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the rigid end cap of the reservoir of Figure 1, Figure 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view through the reservoir of Figure 1 disposed within the cladding of Figure 2,

[0031] Figure 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view through a dispenser according to the first embodiment of the invention,

[0032] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a cover according to a second embodiment of the invention, and

[0033] Figure 8 is a view similar to that of Figure 6 for a dispenser according to this second embodiment of the invention.

[0034] Reference will first be made to Figures 1 to 6 to describe the first embodiment of the invention. The dispenser, as can be seen in these figures, comprises three constituent elements, namely an external covering H, a fluid product reservoir R and a dispensing member D. The reservoir R is received inside the covering H and the dispensing member D is removably mounted on the covering H in communication with the reservoir R.

[0035] The fluid product reservoir R can be of any nature, provided that it defines a neck, which allows the interior of the reservoir to communicate with the exterior. The fluid product reservoir R can be rigid, but for reference it is of variable volume. Among the variable volume reservoirs, deformable cans and follower piston systems are already known. The example of figures 1 to 6 here implements a reservoir R with a flexible bag. More precisely, the reservoir R comprises a rigid end piece 3 and a flexible bag P. The rigid end piece 3 forms a fixing zone 30, visible in figures 4, 5 and 6, and a neck 31. The flexible bag P is connected in a sealed manner to the fixing zone 30, for example by welding or gluing.The flexible pouch P is here of a particular type: in fact, it is formed from four sheets, namely two main sheets F1 and F2 connected together to form a cylinder, an upper sheet F3 fixed on the fixing zone 30 and a bottom sheet. The upper sheet F3 and the bottom sheet are connected to the main sheets F1 and F2. This four-sheet pouch P has the advantage of defining a large useful volume, while being capable of restoring a maximum of fluid product. Of course, this is only a non-limiting example. In Figures 4, 5 and 6, it can be seen that the neck 31 of the rigid end piece 3 extends upwards from the fixing zone 30. The neck 31 defines an upper annular edge 32, as well as several lugs 33, which extend radially outwards from the external wall of the neck 31. For example, three lugs 33 can be provided.Each lug 33 may be in the form of a small horizontal blade. Below the lugs 33, near the fixing zone 30, the neck 31 forms an annular collar 34 which projects radially outwards. The function of this collar will be given below. Finally, the neck 31 may be initially closed by a cover 30, which is fixed in a sealed manner on the upper annular edge 32 of the neck 31.

[0036] The cladding H can be made in a single piece with an open bottom to allow the insertion of the tank R. Preferably, the cladding H comprises two separate constituent elements, namely an outer shell 1 and a cover 2 which is attached to the outer shell 1. This outer shell 1 can simply be in the form of a cylinder having a threaded upper edge 11. The bottom of the shell 1 can be open or closed. The cross-section of the outer shell 1 can be circular, or have other geometric shapes depending on the configuration of the tank R.

[0037] The cover 2 comprises a threaded skirt 21 adapted to engage threadedly or screwed on the threaded edge 11 of the outer shell 1. The cover 2 also comprises an annular plate 22, which may be flat or inclined. The cover 2 comprises a socket 23 which internally defines an opening 20. Externally, the socket 23 is provided with a thread 24. Internally, the socket 23 forms several flanges which project radially inwards. First, there is a peripheral axial bearing flange 25 which extends horizontally. Then, there is a vertical axial rotation-locking flange 26 which connects at its lower end to the peripheral support flange 25. There is also a ramp 27, which is in the form of an inclined flange which connects to the other end of the peripheral support flange 25. These three flanges 25, 26 and 27 form a set of flanges and it is necessary to provide as many sets of flanges as there are lugs 33.In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, there are three lugs 33 and three sets of flanges.

[0038] In Figure 5, the cooperation between the sleeve 23 and the neck 31 can be clearly seen, and more particularly the cooperation between the lugs 33 of the neck 31 and the flanges 25, 26 and 27 of the sleeve 23. Two lugs 33 can be seen resting on two peripheral support flanges 25: these two lugs 33 also come into abutment against the axial rotational abutment flanges 26. The lugs 33 are therefore blocked both axially and in rotation. To achieve this position shown in Figure 5, the lugs 33 can slide on the ramps 27 by rotating the neck 31 inside the sleeve 23 in the counterclockwise direction. The retention in the axis of the neck 31 inside the sleeve 23 is further reinforced by the annular collar 34 of the neck 31 which comes practically into contact with the internal wall of the sleeve 23. It can also be noted in Figure 5 that the threaded skirt 21 of the cover 2 is in threaded engagement with the threaded upper edge 11 of the external shell 1.

[0039] Reference will now be made to Figure 6, which shows a dispensing member D, mounted on the covering H and the reservoir R of Figure 5. The dispensing member D can be of a completely conventional design. It firstly comprises a pump 41, which is here a bellows pump. The dispensing member D also comprises a pusher 42 on which a user can press using a finger to actuate the pump 41. The dispensing member D is also provided with a threaded ring 43, which is in threaded engagement with the thread 24 of the sleeve 23. The dispensing member D also comprises a support plate 44 which makes it possible to compress a neck seal 45 on the upper annular edge 32 of the neck 31. To this end, it can be noted in Figure 6 that this upper annular edge 32 projects slightly out of the sleeve 23, to allow compression of the neck seal 45.The removable fixing is therefore ensured by the threaded ring 43 in threaded engagement with the thread 24 of the sleeve 23 and the seal is ensured by the crushing of the neck seal 45 by the support plate 44 on the upper annular edge 32 of the neck 31. The neck seal 45 does not need to come into sealed contact with the sleeve 23. It should be noted that the lugs 33 are pressed firmly on the peripheral support flanges 25. In other words, the rigid end piece 3 is pushed by the distribution member D downwards inside the covering H.

[0040] During the assembly operation, the cover 2 is first removed from the outer shell 1. The reservoir R can then be introduced into the outer shell 1, as shown in Figure 1. The rotational locking of the reservoir R inside the shell 1 can be ensured by the friction of the sheets F1 and F2 against the inner wall of the shell 1 or by the shape of the shell 1.

[0041] Once the tank R is inside the shell 1 as shown in Figure 2, the cover 2 can be attached to the external shell 1 and rotated so as to bring the lugs 33, by sliding on the ramps 27, onto the peripheral support flanges 25 and into contact with the axial rotational stop flanges 26. By continuing the rotation of the cover 2 on the shell 1, the threaded skirt 21 also comes into threaded engagement with the threaded upper edge 11 of the shell 1. Thus in a single rotational movement, the cover 2 is attached to the shell 1 and the lugs 31 are engaged with the flanges 25 and 26.

[0042] Alternatively, the cover 2 can first be mounted on the reservoir R. Then, the reservoir R, with the cover 2 mounted on it, can be introduced into the outer shell 1 and finally the cover 2 can be screwed onto the outer shell 1. This second operating mode does not require blocking of the pocket inside the outer shell.

[0043] With reference to Figures 7 and 8, a second embodiment can be seen which amounts to reversing the position of the lugs 33 and the flanges 25, 26 and 27. In Figure 7, it can be seen that the neck 3T of the rigid end piece 3' forms a peripheral support flange 35, as well as a ramp 37 which is inclined upwards. The neck 31' also forms an axial rotational stop flange 36, which is connected to the peripheral support flange 35. The axial rotational stop flange 36 is then extended by an annular collar 38. Just as in the first embodiment, there are as many sets of flanges 35, 36 and 37 as there are lugs, namely three. In Figure 8, the dispensing member D can be seen which may be identical to that of the first embodiment. However, the cover 2' differs from that 2 of the first embodiment in that the sleeve 23' internally forms three lugs 28, in place of the flanges 25, 26 and 27.These lugs 28 cooperate respectively with the sets of flanges 35, 36 and 37 in the same way as in the first embodiment, but in reverse. The lugs 28 slide along the ramps 37 to be housed both against the peripheral flanges 35 and the axial flanges 36. Therefore, the screwing of the distribution member D has the effect of pushing the lugs 28 against the peripheral flanges 35, given the axial thrust exerted on the upper annular edge 32 of the neck 3T by the neck seal 45 which is stressed by the support plate 44.

[0044] Therefore, the lugs can be formed outside the neck 31 or inside the socket 23'. Similarly, the flange assemblies can be formed inside the socket 23 or outside the neck 3T. In both cases, the lugs 33 or 28 engage with their respective flange assemblies when screwing the cover 2 or 2' onto the outer shell 1. The user does not need to perform any prior operation to engage the lugs with their respective flange assemblies. Simply rotating the cover 2 or 2' on the outer shell 1 is sufficient to perform this operation imperceptibly.

[0045] The cladding H is here shown in two pieces, namely an outer shell 1 and a cover 2 or 2'. However, in the case of a one-piece cladding, the engagement of the lugs 33 or 28 with their respective sets of flanges requires a prior operation, since it is necessary to engage the reservoir R inside the outer shell 1 by its open bottom, then rotate the reservoir inside the cladding to engage the lugs with their respective sets of flanges. It is obvious that this operation is not intuitive, because the user does not know that it is necessary to rotate the reservoir R inside the cladding to lock it axially and in rotation. This is why the first embodiment with a two-piece cladding is preferred. Instead of the neck seal 45, it is also possible to imagine a self-sealing lip which slides in a sealed manner around the neck 31 or 3T.The axial rotation locking flanges 26 and 36 and the ramps 27 and 37 are optional, but preferable. It should be noted that screwing the threaded ring 43 onto the sleeve 23 has the effect of pushing the neck 31 or 3T inside the casing, which allows the lugs 33 or 28 to stop with their peripheral support flanges 35 or 25.

Claims

Claims: Distributor of fluid product including: - a fluid product reservoir (R) forming a neck (31; 31') defining an upper annular edge (32), - an external casing (H) comprising a threaded sleeve (23; 23') defining a central opening (20) for the passage of the neck (31; 31'), the fluid product reservoir (R) extending into the casing (H) along a longitudinal axis X, - a distribution member (D) provided with a threaded ring (43) intended to engage with the threaded sleeve (23; 23') of the external casing (H), the distribution member (D) bearing axially on the neck (31; 31') at the end of the screwing of the threaded ring (33) onto the threaded sleeve (23; 23'), the neck (31; 31') and the threaded sleeve (23; 23') together forming axial stop means (25, 33; 35, 28) to axially lock the neck (31; 31') in the threaded sleeve (23; 23') by axial thrust of the distribution member (D) on the neck (31; 31'), characterized in that the external casing (H) comprises: - an outer shell (1) forming a threaded upper edge (11), and - a cover (2; 2') comprising a threaded skirt (21) intended to engage threadedly with the threaded upper edge (11) of the outer shell (1), the cover (2; 2') forming the threaded sleeve (23; 23') defining the central opening (20) for the passage of the neck (31; 31') of the fluid product reservoir (R). Distributor according to claim 1, wherein the neck (31; 31') and the threaded sleeve (23; 23') together form rotation-stopping means (26, 33; 36, 28) to prevent the neck (31; 31') from rotating in the threaded sleeve (23; 23'), particularly when screwing the threaded ring (33) onto the threaded sleeve (23; 23'). Distributor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the axial stop means (25, 33; 35, 28) comprise axial stop means (25, 33; 35, 38) comprising at least one peripheral support flange (25; 35) formed by one of the neck (31; 31') and the threaded sleeve (23; 23') and at least one lug (33; 28) formed by the other of the neck (31; 31') and the threaded sleeve (23; 23'), the lug (33; 28) being intended to come into axial alignment with the peripheral support flange (25; 35) by mutual rotation of the neck (31; 31') in the threaded sleeve (23; 23') and in mutual axial support by axial push on the neck (31; 31').A distributor according to claim 3, wherein the portion of the neck (31; 31') and the threaded sleeve (23; 23') already forming the peripheral support flange (25; 35) further forms an axial locking flange (26; 36) against which the lug (33; 28) is subjected to a stop when the neck (31; 31') is rotated within the threaded sleeve (23; 23'). A distributor according to claim 4, wherein the peripheral support flange (25; 35) and the axial locking flange (26; 36) are connected together at substantially a right angle. Distributor according to claim 3, 4 or 5, wherein that among the neck (31; 31') and the threaded sleeve (19; 19") already forming the peripheral support flange (25; 35) further forms an access ramp (27; 37) to bring the lug (33; 28) into axial alignment with the peripheral support flange (25; 35).Distributor according to claim 4 or 5, wherein that part of the neck (31; 31') and the threaded sleeve (23; 23') already forming the axial locking flange (26: 36) further forms an access ramp (27; 37) to bring the lug (33; 28) against the axial locking flange (26: 36). A dispenser according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the peripheral support flange (25; 35) and the access ramp (27; 37) are connected together at an acute angle. A dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispensing member (D) comprises an annular plate (44) that compresses a neck seal (45) onto the upper annular edge (32) of the neck (31; 31'). A dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid reservoir (R) comprises a rigid nozzle (3; 3') and a flexible pouch (P), the rigid nozzle (3; 3') forming a mounting area (30) and the neck (31; 31'), the flexible pouch (P) being hermetically sealed to the mounting area (30). Dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid product reservoir (R) is blocked against rotation in the outer shell (1) when the cover (2; 2') is mounted on the fluid product reservoir (R).

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