Refillable screw-on aerosol can with a portable compressor

Abstract

Screw-on refillable aerosol can with a portable compressor. The invention relates to an assembly comprising an aerosol can including a pressurized container (12) containing a product, in particular a cosmetic product, externally provided with at least one external thread assembled to a closure device (10) comprising a dispensing head (90) connected to a product dispensing valve (20) and a lid (14) defining an opening (34) for accessing the dispensing valve and including a mounting skirt (32) for screwing onto said container. The assembly includes a portable pneumatic compressor for transporting compressed gas between the compressor and the aerosol can by means of a gassing nozzle (150) through which a compressed gas supply line (100) passes. Figure 4

Description

Title of the invention: Screw-on refillable aerosol can with a portable compressor

[0001] The present invention relates to a pressurization head for repressurizing a packaging and dispensing device comprising a pressurized container. This head is particularly useful for repressurizing packaging and dispensing devices commonly referred to as "aerosols".

[0002] More generally, a cosmetic product is a product as defined in Regulation (EC) No 1223 / 2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on cosmetic products. Technological background

[0003] The prior art, particularly US patent 3817297, describes the need for recharging and pressurizing aerosol devices. This patent describes how two aerosol devices are connected by their respective valve stems to allow the product to pass from one device to the other and for pressure to equalize between the two devices.

[0004] This system is difficult to implement, particularly with regard to the operation of joining the valve stems together via a transfer tube. Since assembling this transfer tube requires axial movement of the tube relative to the valve stem, the valve stem may be actuated during assembly, thus risking soiling the operator's hands.

[0005] Other devices configured to be refilled with the product to be dispensed and / or with the propellant gas are also known from documents FR-2898348 and FR-1350478. In particular, document FR-2898348 instructs the device to be fitted with a second valve, called a filling valve, to allow refilling with the product or gas. This technical solution is costly, as it significantly increases the unit manufacturing cost of such devices. Document FR-1350478 proposes a different technical solution by providing a conditioning and dispensing device equipped with a removable valve.

[0006] Document JP3202068U discloses a device comprising a liquid and a gas under pressure enclosed in a container body, with a communication hole formed in the bottom of the container body. A removable connection is attached to the communication hole to connect a gas cylinder to supply pressurized gas to the device.

[0007] Document WO2012 / 081754 discloses a device comprising an inner container having an upper surface formed with an inlet for introducing a The contents are housed in an insertion space. An actuator body is in close contact with the upper end of a charger. A connecting hose is connected to the inside of the inner container from one side of the actuator body. A valve connects the hose to the outside when pressure is released from one side and blocks the connection to the outside from the hose when pressure is released. Air pressure is increased by heating. Gassing is performed from another aerosol by pressure differential.

[0008] Document WO97 / 37894 discloses a device for portion-filling reusable cans or bottles with pressurized sprayed liquid, supplied from a storage container using a piston pump. A console is connected to the storage container. A pressure cylinder is positioned above the can or bottle, the dispensing opening of which is directly linked to the opening of the can or bottle. A piston with a piston rod moves within the cylinder. The upper end of the can or bottle is connected to a supply pipe from a storage tank. An air filling station is integrated into the pressurized liquid filling station, and a check valve is provided at the discharge opening of the pressure cylinder. This system adds a valve to the bottom or side of the container for carbonation.

[0009] Document DE19513886 discloses rechargeable aerosol, with

[0010] - a thin-walled box body, preferably made of aluminum, which has a medium filling opening at one end

[0011] - a valve assembly, which can be inserted with its end into the opening of the box and can be attached to it by a screw fitting, and whose spray head is arranged to be removable for filling with aerosol gas,

[0012] - the body has a can neck that is at least short with an external ridge at its opening end,

[0013] - a part of the coupling mechanism is fixed to the neck of the gearbox, essentially under the outer ridge,

[0014] - the valve assembly has a radial mounting flange that surrounds the bead The outer edge of the neck, at least in the shape of a semicircle capable of being crimped, the upper edge of the sealing ring belonging to the valve assembly is positioned between the flange and the bead,

[0015] - and a union nut is provided which cooperates with the coupling mechanism by means of an axial traction action, the radial flange of which rests on the upper end face of the axial pressure valve mounting flange, and which has an axial opening for the spray head having.

[0016] This device uses an intermediate piece between the valve and the bottle neck to ensure correct positioning of the valve and sealing.

[0017] Document FR1350478 discloses a sprayer with a removable valve holder allowing for refilling with liquid and gas at will. For this purpose, this sprayer may comprise a combination of a container, a spray valve, and a means for removably attaching said valve to said container. This valve is expressly designed to cooperate with the valve of a gas refill container, so as to cause the simultaneous opening of the two cooperating valves. The container may have an externally threaded head. The means for removably attaching the valve to said container consists of a clamping nut, and sealing elements are interposed between said nut, said head, and the adjacent parts of said valve. The gassing is carried out using an aerosol.

[0018] Document GB2197690 discloses a refillable aerosol comprising a container formed with a filling opening closed by an easily removable and replaceable cap, and a manually operated valve through which a pressurized fluid can be dispensed from inside the container. The valve can also function as an inlet valve for introducing a propellant into the container from a pressurized aerosol propellant container. The valve disposed on the propellant container may have a nozzle for insertion into the valve of the refillable container, or a separate connector may be provided. Gassing is effected by means of an aerosol.

[0019] Document DE29502194 discloses a refillable aerosol can supplied by means of a housing equipped with a wall mounting plate in which a powerful compressor is installed. This compressor is connected via a flexible hose and an adapter and can apply a working pressure of 6 to 12 bar to the refillable aerosols via a holding device and an on / off switch. This document does not disclose a screw-on refillable aerosol system.

[0020] There is a need to propose a refilling system for an aerosol device, which is simple to use and adaptable to any type of device, regardless of its level of filling and / or its residual internal pressure.

[0021] There is a need to provide a refilling system for an aerosol device, which does not require any difficult and meticulous handling.

[0022] There is a need to provide a refilling system for an aerosol device, with which it is possible to refill an aerosol without risking getting one's hands dirty.

[0023] There is a need to achieve the association between a compressed air injection system via the stem or via the diffuser of a pressurized aerosol with a screw ring allowing the refilling of product and gas, with gas management without sealing problems or safety risks, a vent system allowing in particular the degassing of the gas during unscrewing.

[0024] There is a need to provide a refillable air-operated aerosol with performance equivalent to aerosols on the market using liquefied gas. Definition of the invention

[0025] The invention achieves this by proposing a packaging solution with a leak-proof and pressure-resistant screw-on ring, allowing for safe unscrewing during use. The assembly according to the invention, which enables compressed air refilling, has been developed to allow gassing via the valve stem or directly via the diffuser.

[0026] The invention relates to an assembly comprising an aerosol including a pressurized container containing a product, in particular a cosmetic product, and externally provided with at least one external thread assembled to a closure device comprising a dispensing head connected to a product dispensing valve and a cover defining an access opening to the dispensing valve and including a mounting skirt intended to be screwed onto said container, said mounting skirt being provided with a bore including at least one internal thread complementary to the external thread, it includes a portable pneumatic compressor including a power supply means and an electrically driven compressor connected to a compressed gas line, and a temporary fastening element, by means of which the compressor can be temporarily connected in an operating state to the aerosol valve,The temporary attachment is achieved using a mechanical assembly detachable from the aerosol and comprising a gassing nozzle, to ensure the transport of compressed gas between the compressed gas line of the compressor and the aerosol dispensing valve; the compressor comprising user-operable control elements; the assembly being equipped with a venting system allowing degassing during disassembly of the aerosol and compressor, in order to perform product refilling.

[0027] Thanks to the invention, it becomes possible in particular to:

[0028] The combination of a compressor with a canister equipped with a screw-on neck which allows for refilling with juice and gas,

[0029] Recharge it with gas, in particular air, via the diffuser or via the valve,

[0030] A high gassing pressure, greater than 6 bar,

[0031] A sealed, unscrewable, and rescrewable aerosol / compressor system, which is safe thanks in particular to the presence of a vent allowing degassing during unscrewing.

[0032] A system equipped with a chamber to prevent product leakage during regassing when pressure remains in the packaging.

[0033] After recharging, the rechargeable aerosol according to the invention works with air with a performance equivalent to aerosols on the market using liquefied gas.

[0034] The invention also relates to a cosmetic process comprising the operations of (i) Providing a set as described above, (ii) Assembling the compressor at the aerosol dispensing head, (iii) Operate the control elements to move compressed gas from the compressor reservoir to the aerosol. Main definitions

[0035] A "cross-section of a part with axis X" is a section perpendicular to the X axis of the part.

[0036] By "longitudinal axis of a part", we mean the line joining all the barycenters of the cross sections of a part. Preferred modes of implementation

[0037] Preferably, the assembly according to the invention has one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination:

[0038] The gassing nozzle is assembled on the distribution head connected to the valve.

[0039] The gassing nozzle is traversed by a compressed gas supply conduit from compressor towards a nozzle on the dispensing head.

[0040] The gassing nozzle has an O-ring, such that when the compressor is disposed in the head, the O-ring is applied to the cover or other system / element to ensure sealing and direct the path of the gas through the diffuser so that the gas can then enter the container.

[0041] It includes an additional detachable part to secure the gassing nozzle to the dispensing head, the additional part bearing against the cover.

[0042] The closing device is equipped with vents to allow degassing when unscrewing the container.

[0043] The mounting skirt includes internally a discontinuous thread in the circumferential direction for screwing the lid onto the container, to allow degassing when unscrewing the container.

[0044] The portable compressor includes a pressure regulator coupled to a compressed gas storage tank.

[0045] The compressor comprises a chassis; an engine mounted on said chassis, a gas storage tank coupled to said chassis, a compression mechanism in communication with said storage tank, said engine engaging the drive mechanism.

[0046] The portable compressor includes a first gauge coupled to said storage tank allowing the tank pressure to be measured, and optionally a second gauge coupled to said regulator allowing the pressure downstream of said regulator to be measured.

[0047] The compressor includes a valve coupled to said storage tank, where said valve opens to vent compressed air to the outside of the compressor from the moment a predetermined tank pressure is satisfied. Description of the figures

[0048] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, non-limiting examples of its implementation, and from examination of the accompanying schematic and partial drawing, on which:

[0049] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a closing device screwed onto a storage container that can be recharged by a portable compressor according to the invention,

[0050] [Fig.2] Fig.2 is a perspective view of a cover of the device in Fig.1

[0051] [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] is a partial cross-sectional view of the lid of the [Fig.2],

[0052] [Fig.4] Fig.4 is a schematic diagram of the assembly according to the invention, after compressor detachment.

[0053] Figure 1 shows a closure device, designated by the general reference numeral 10, which is designed to be screwed onto a container 12 for storing a product under pressure. The device 10 is shown in an assumed vertical position 5 and extends along a longitudinal axis XX'. The device 10 comprises a lid 14 for closing the container and a valve 20 for dispensing the product contained in the container.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the valve 20 is supported by the lid 14. The lid 14 is screwed onto the storage container 12. As will be described in more detail later, the lid 14 is designed to allow the container 12 to be opened under pressure. The dispensing valve 20 extends partially inside the container 12. The dispensing valve 20 comprises a valve body 18 and a valve stem 20 that is axially movable relative to the valve body 18. The valve stem 20 extends axially out of the valve body 18.

[0055] The valve body 18 defines a chamber 22 in which the valve stem 20 is engaged. The valve stem 20, with axis X-X', is able to move within the chamber 22 between a closed valve position illustrated in [Fig. 1] and an open position. The device 10 includes a sealing washer 24 interposed between the valve body 18 and the cover 14. The valve body 18 extends axially on the side opposite the sealing washer 24 by an end in communication with the chamber 22 and to which a dip tube (not shown) is provided for attachment.

[0056] An axial distribution channel 26 is provided in the valve stem 20 and communicates, at its lower end, with a radial channel 28 opening onto the outer surface of said stem. The distribution channel 26 opens onto the 30 upper front face of the valve stem 20. In the closed position of the valve, the sealing washer 24 closes the radial channel 28 so that it does not communicate with the chamber 22.

[0057] In a manner known per se, the valve stem 20 is provided, at its upper end, with a push button (not shown) to allow 6 the actuation of the valve 20 and the distribution of the product contained in the container 12. The dispensing valve 20 is equipped with a spring (not shown) mounted between the valve body 18 and the valve stem 20 to maintain said stem in the closed position in 5 the absence of pressure on the push button by the user.

[0058] The cover 14 is made in one piece by molding from a synthetic material, for example polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyketone, etc. The cover 14 comprises an upper front end wall 30 and an external mounting skirt 32 extending from said wall. An access opening 34 for the dispensing valve 20 is provided in the end wall 30. The opening 34 allows passage of the valve stem 20 of the dispensing valve. The valve stem 20 extends through the opening 34 and projects from the end wall 30 on the side opposite the mounting skirt 32. The opening 34 is through and made in the thickness of the end wall 30. The opening 34 is centered on the axis X-X'.

[0059] The end wall 30 bears axially against the upper end of the container 20 12. The lid mounting skirt 32 is centered on the axis X-X'. The mounting skirt 32 extends axially from the end wall 30. The end wall 30 extends radially. The mounting skirt 32 extends axially along a large-diameter edge of the end wall 30. The skirt 32 has a circular cross-section. In the illustrated embodiment, the annular mounting skirt 32 has a stepped shape with two cylindrical parts of different diameters. Alternatively, the mounting skirt 32 may have a single diameter.

[0060] As will be described in more detail later, the mounting skirt 32 includes internally a discontinuous helical thread 36 in the circumferential direction for screwing the cover 14 onto the container 12. The mounting skirt 32 is delimited radially by an outer surface (not referenced) and by an opposing inner surface 7 forming a bore 32a. The bore 32a is coaxial with the axis XX' and cylindrical in shape. The thread 36 is provided on the bore 32a. The cover 14 also includes an internal annular retaining skirt 38 5 to allow the dispensing valve 20 to be attached to said cover. The retaining skirt 38 extends axially from the underside of the front end wall 30.

[0061] The skirt 38 is centered on the axis X-X'. The mounting skirt 32 radially surrounds the internal fixing skirt 38, remaining radially distant from it. In the illustrated embodiment, the fixing of the dispensing valve 20 inside the internal skirt 38 of the lid is achieved by butting. The lid 14 further includes an annular sealing skirt 40 extending axially from the underside of the front end wall 30. The sealing skirt 40, with axis X-X', is located radially between the external and internal skirts 32 and remains radially distant from them. The sealing skirt 40 engages hermetically in an access opening 42 of the container. The free end of the sealing skirt 40 is axially offset from the 20 side of the end wall 30 relative to the engagement end of the thread 36 of the cover.

[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, two turns of the thread 36 extend axially below the sealing skirt 40. The container 12, with axis X-X', internally delimits an internal volume or reservoir 44 for storing the cosmetic product. The container 12 comprises a bottom end (not visible) and an open opposite end that delimits the access opening 42 to the internal reservoir 44. The container 12 is provided externally with a thread 46 that engages with the thread 36 of the mounting skirt of the lid 30.

[0063] The thread 46 may be continuous or discontinuous in the circumferential direction. The container 12 may be made of metallic or synthetic material. As previously stated, the thread 36 of the mounting skirt is discontinuous in the circumferential direction. As is more clearly illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the thread 36 is formed by a succession of helical thread segments 50 spaced from one another in the circumferential direction. In [Fig. 3], only the outer skirt 32 of the lid is shown in its entirety.

[0064] The thread segments 50 of the cover are formed on the bore 32a of the outer skirt and extend radially inwards. The circumferential spacing between two successive thread segments 50 is identical along the thread 36. The thread segments 50 are aligned axially. In the illustrated embodiment, the thread segments 50 have the same circumferential dimension. Alternatively, it is possible to provide thread segments with different circumferential dimensions.

[0065] The space between two successive thread segments 50 in the circumferential direction forms a notch 52 on the bore 32a of the mounting skirt. In other words, each notch 52 is delimited between an end edge of a thread segment 50 and the opposite end edge of the immediately adjacent thread segment 50. The notches 52 of one turn of the thread 36 are axially aligned with the notches 52 of the next turn of the thread. Thus, the notches 52 are arranged so that Define axial passages on the bore 32a of the mounting skirt 32. These axial passages are therefore entirely free of thread segments 50.

[0066] Each thread segment 50 of the thread is delimited in the axial direction by an upper flank 50a oriented axially towards the end wall 30, and by an opposing lower flank 50b. The upper flank 50a forms a continuous helical ramp in the circumferential direction. This helical ramp is inclined radially inwards and downwards. Each thread segment 50 of the thread also includes a vertex (not referenced) separating the upper flanks 50a and lower flanks 50b. The vertex connects the smaller diameter ends of the upper flanks 50a and lower flanks 50b.

[0067] As previously stated, the thread 36 of the lid mounting skirt engages with a thread 46 of the container. In 9, referring again to [Fig. 1], the thread 46 bears against the upper flanks of the thread segments of the thread 36. Radial gaps 54 are provided between the bottom of the container thread 46 and the top of the lid thread 36. Axial gaps (not referenced) are also provided between the container thread 46 and the lower flanks of the thread segments of the lid thread 36. The gaps between the container and lid threads 46 and 36, as well as the notches 52 in the lid, are provided to allow the passage and evacuation of the propellant gas contained inside the container 12 when it is opened.Upon opening, when the user unscrews the cover 14, the evacuation of the propellant gas begins as soon as the sealing skirt 40 of said cover is no longer in radial contact with the access opening 42 of the container.

[0068] In this position, the thread 36 of the lid is always engaged with the thread 46 of the container, which ensures that the container can be opened without risk of propulsion of the lid 14 and the distribution valve 20.

[0069] As shown in [Fig. 4], to repressurize the container 12 when product distribution is no longer optimal or is no longer achieved, the gassing nozzle 150, through which a supply line 100 of compressed gas from a compressor (not shown) passes, is assembled to the distribution head 90, following the path indicated by the arrows in the figure. This head 90 has a base forming a housing in which the nozzle can be placed.

[0070] As shown in [Fig.5], to ensure better sealing, the nozzle 150 may include an O-ring 200 or other system / element to ensure sealing and direct the path of the gas through the diffuser so that the gas can then enter the canister, the distribution valve 20 being retained in the closing element 10, such that when the device is disposed in the head, the O-ring is applied to the cup.

[0071] As shown in [Fig.6], the nozzle 150 is traversed by the central cylindrical supply conduit 100 of constant cross-section opening into a fixing area.

[0072] In the example shown in figures 5 and 6, the tip has a truncated cone shape but it could be otherwise.

[0073] The compressor implemented according to the invention is, for example, a compressor of the type described in documents US6942464, EP1350031, GB2403514B, US7494035B2.

[0074] The cover 14 may be of the type described in document EP1332097.

[0075] The invention is not limited to the examples described. The aerosol can have a different structure, as can the connecting nozzle.

Claims

Demands

1. An assembly comprising an aerosol including a pressurized container (12) containing a product, in particular a cosmetic product, and having externally at least one external thread assembled to a closure device (10) including a dispensing head (90) connected to a product dispensing valve (20) and a cover (14) defining an opening (34) for access to the dispensing valve and including a mounting skirt (32) for screwing onto said container, said mounting skirt having a bore (32a) including at least one internal thread (36) complementary to the external thread, characterized in that it includes a portable pneumatic compressor including a power supply means and an electrically driven compressor connected to a compressed gas line, and a temporary fastening element,by means of which the compressor can be temporarily connected in working order to the valve (20) of the aerosol, the temporary connection being made by means of a mechanical assembly detachable from the aerosol and comprising a gassing nozzle (150), to ensure the transport of compressed gas between the compressed gas line of the compressor and the aerosol dispensing valve (20), the compressor comprising control elements that can be operated by the user, the assembly being equipped with a venting system allowing degassing when the aerosol and compressor are disassembled, in order to carry out product recharging and the gassing nozzle (150) is assembled on the dispensing head (90) connected to the valve.

2. Assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the gassing nozzle (150) is traversed by a supply conduit (100) of compressed gas from the compressor to a nozzle of the distribution head (90).

3. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gassing nozzle (150) has an O-ring (200), such that when the compressor is disposed in the head, the O-ring (200) is applied to the cover (10).

4. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an additional part detachable to ensure the attachment of the gassing nozzle (150) to the dispensing head (90), the additional piece resting on the cover.

5. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure device (10) is equipped with vents, to allow degassing when unscrewing the container.

6. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mounting skirt (32) internally includes the discontinuous thread (36) in the circumferential direction for screwing the lid (14) onto the container (12), to allow degassing when unscrewing the container (12).

7. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the portable compressor includes a pressure regulator coupled to a compressed gas storage tank.

8. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the compressor comprises a chassis; an engine mounted on said chassis; a gas storage tank coupled to said chassis; a compression mechanism in communication with said storage tank, said engine engaging the drive mechanism of said compression mechanism.

9. Assembly according to any one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the portable compressor includes a first gauge coupled to said storage tank enabling the tank pressure to be measured, and optionally a second gauge coupled to said regulator enabling the pressure downstream of said regulator to be measured.

10. Together according to any one of claims 7 to 9, the compressor including a valve coupled to said storage tank (106), wherein said valve opens to vent compressed air to the outside of the compressor from the moment a predetermined tank pressure is satisfied.

11. Cosmetic process comprising the steps of (i) Providing an assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, (ii) Assembling the compressor to the dispensing head (90) of the aerosol, (iii) Actuating the control elements to pass compressed gas from the compressor reservoir to the aerosol.

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