Liquid product dispenser

Abstract

A fluid product dispenser comprising: - a reservoir (R) forming a neck (31) defining an upper annular edge (32), - an external casing (H) comprising a threaded sleeve (23) defining a central opening (20) for the passage of the neck (31), the 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) of the external casing (H), the distribution member (D) bearing axially on the neck (31) at the end of the screwing of the threaded ring (33) onto the threaded sleeve (23), characterized in that the neck (31) and the threaded sleeve (23) together form axial stop means (25, 33) for axially locking the neck (31) in the threaded sleeve (23) by axial thrust of the distribution member (D) on the collar (31). "Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 6"

Description

Title of the invention: Fluid product dispenser

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid product dispenser, and more particularly to a refillable dispenser. This dispenser comprises a reservoir forming a neck, and an external casing forming a threaded sleeve defining a central opening for the passage of the neck. The dispenser also includes a dispensing element 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 within the external casing, so that a user can remove the reservoir from the casing to replace it with another reservoir. The preferred areas of application for the invention are cosmetics, cleaning products, and food.

[0002] Flexible pouch tanks inherently lack rigidity or shape retention, since the deformation of the flexible pouch is precisely what is used to reduce the tank's usable volume as fluid is extracted by the dispensing mechanism. Therefore, mounting the dispensing mechanism onto the tank neck or casing while ensuring the dispenser remains leak-proof is complicated due to the flexible pouch's freedom of movement within the casing. A leak-proof mounting of the dispensing mechanism onto the tank neck or casing is further complicated when the tank is inserted into the casing through the casing's open bottom and the mounting is achieved by screwing.

[0003] The object of the present invention is to be able to screw the distribution element onto the casing while ensuring a fixed retention of the neck in the casing and a perfect seal between the neck and the distribution element.

[0004] To this end, the present invention proposes a fluid product dispenser comprising: - a fluid product reservoir forming a neck defining an upper annular edge, - an external casing comprising a threaded sleeve defining a central opening for the passage of the neck, the fluid product reservoir extending into the casing along a longitudinal axis X, - a distribution element provided with a threaded ring intended to engage with the threaded sleeve of the external casing, the distribution element bearing axially on the neck at the end of the screwing of the threaded ring onto the threaded sleeve, characterized in that the neck and the threaded sleeve together form axial stop means to axially lock the neck in the threaded sleeve by axial push of the distribution member on the neck.

[0005] In other words, the distribution unit is fixed by screwing it onto the housing externally, the neck also engages with the reservoir neck to exert axial pressure on the stop between the neck and the threaded sleeve. The neck is thus held securely in place both relative to the external casing and to the distribution unit. The axial thrust exerted by the distribution unit on the neck can be used to create a seal between the neck and the distribution unit, for example, by compressing a neck gasket onto the upper annular edge of the neck. Alternatively, the distribution unit may include a self-sealing lip that makes radial sliding contact inside the neck.

[0006] 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 outer casing. These two parts must be able to be separated manually without the use of tools. An axial and / or rotational movement should be sufficient to decouple the two parts.

[0007] The housing can, for example, form an open bottom. The tank is then inserted through the open bottom of the housing, neck first. The tank is moved axially within the housing until the neck engages inside the threaded sleeve. An axial and / or rotational movement allows the axial stop means to be assembled. Subsequent screwing of the distribution element onto the threaded sleeve makes the axial stop and the seal effective.

[0008] Advantageously, the neck and the threaded sleeve can also together form rotational stop means to prevent the neck from rotating within the threaded sleeve, particularly when screwing the threaded ring onto the threaded sleeve. The neck is then blocked both axially and against rotation inside the threaded sleeve: it can be said that the neck is integral with the sleeve, preferably in a removable or reversible manner.

[0009] 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 into mutual axial support by axial push on the neck.

[0010] Advantageously, the portion between the neck and the threaded sleeve already forming the peripheral support flange can also form an axial locking flange against which the lug is subjected to a stop when the neck is rotated within the threaded sleeve. Preferably, the peripheral support flange and the axial locking flange are connected together at substantially a right angle.

[0011] On the other hand, the one between the neck and the threaded sleeve already forming the peripheral support flange can also form an access ramp to bring the lug into axial alignment with the peripheral support flange.

[0012] According to another aspect, that between the neck and the threaded sleeve already forming the axial locking flange can further form an access ramp to bring the lug against the axial locking flange.

[0013] Preferably, the peripheral support flange and the access ramp are connected together, forming an obtuse angle, for example of the order of 150 degrees.

[0014] In short, the lugs, which may be three in number, are moved by rotation of the neck within the sleeve until they come into contact with their respective access ramps. Further rotation causes the lugs to slide along the ramps until they reach their respective peripheral support flanges: the lugs and the peripheral support flanges are then axially aligned in pairs. Further rotation causes the lugs to slide along their respective peripheral support flanges until they abut against their respective axial locking flanges. Screwing the distribution element onto the threaded sleeve forces the lugs into firm contact against their respective peripheral support flanges, while remaining abutted against their respective axial locking flanges. Sealing is ensured by the compression of a neck gasket on the annular edge of the neck or by a self-sealing lip.

[0015] The overall arrangement is comparable to a bayonet fitting, in which a lug or pin is guided in a recess forming a ramp that leads to a final position that is axially and rotationally locked. The recesses can be formed by the neck and the lugs by the casing, or vice versa.

[0016] Preferably, the fluid reservoir comprises a rigid nozzle and a flexible pouch, the rigid nozzle forming a fastening zone and the neck, the flexible pouch being hermetically sealed to the fastening zone. This is an advantageous embodiment for a variable-volume reservoir. A deformable container or a piston follower system can also be used within the scope of the invention.

[0017] According to another interesting feature, the external casing may include: - an outer shell forming a threaded upper edge, and - a cover comprising a threaded skirt intended to engage threadedly with the threaded upper edge of the outer shell, the cover forming the central opening for the passage of the rigid nozzle neck.

[0018] The flanges and ramps can be formed by the neck and the lugs by the lid, or vice versa.

[0019] With such a two-part design, two operating methods are possible. The first consists of inserting the reservoir pouch into the outer shell, then placing the lid onto the neck of the reservoir. 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 flanges axial locking mechanisms. This requires that the pouch not rotate within the outer shell when the lugs engage with the ramps and flanges. Rotational locking of the pouch within the shell can be achieved through friction.

[0020] The second operating method consists of mounting the lid onto the reservoir before inserting it into the outer casing. The user can grasp the bag in one hand and the lid in the other: rotating the lid on the reservoir allows the lugs to engage with the ramps and flanges. The bag can then be inserted into the outer casing and the lid screwed onto the casing.

[0021] In both operating methods, it is then simply a matter of placing the distribution element onto the threaded sleeve of the cover and screwing the threaded ring onto the sleeve. Once tightened, the lugs are pressed against the peripheral support flanges. Screwing the ring onto the sleeve has the effect of pushing the neck downwards into the housing.

[0022] The spirit of the invention lies in locking the reservoir axially, and advantageously also rotationally, within the housing so that the threaded ring of the dispensing element can be screwed onto a threaded sleeve in the housing, which can be made in two parts. The invention applies to any dispenser, but more particularly to a refillable dispenser, in which the reservoir (of fixed or variable volume) is a replaceable component.

[0023] In the figures:

[0024] [Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a tank ready to be inserted into an outer shell,

[0025] [Fig.2] Fig.2 is a perspective view of an outer shell (with its reservoir) ready to receive a cover to complete the external casing,

[0026] [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] is a perspective view of the cover of the [Fig.2], and

[0027] [Fig.4] Fig.4 is a perspective view of the rigid nozzle of the reservoir. [Fig.l],

[0028] [Fig.5] The [Fig.5] is a vertical cross-sectional view through the tank of the [Fig.1] arranged inside the casing of the [Fig.2],

[0029] [Fig.6] Fig.6 is a vertical cross-sectional view through a distributor according to the first embodiment of the invention,

[0030] [Fig.7] Fig.7 is a perspective view of a lid according to a second mode of the realization of the invention, and

[0031] [Fig.8] Fig.8 is a view similar to that of Fig.6 for a distributor according to this second embodiment of the invention.

[0032] 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 casing H, a reservoir of fluid product R and a distribution element D. The reservoir R is received inside the casing H and the distribution element D is mounted removably on the casing H communicating with the reservoir R.

[0033] The fluid product reservoir R can be of any type, provided that it defines a neck, which allows communication between the inside of the reservoir and the outside. The fluid product reservoir R can be rigid, but by design it is variable volume. Among variable volume reservoirs, deformable drums and piston follower systems are already known. The example in Figures 1 to 6 uses a reservoir R with a flexible pouch. More precisely, the reservoir R comprises a rigid end 3 and a flexible pouch P. The rigid end 3 forms a mounting area 30, visible in Figures 4, 5 and 6, and a neck 31. The flexible pouch P is connected in a leak-proof manner to the mounting area 30, for example by welding or bonding.The flexible bag P is of a particular type: it is formed from four sheets, namely two main sheets Fl and F2 joined together to form a cylinder, an upper sheet F3 fixed to the attachment area 30, and a base sheet. The upper sheet F3 and the base sheet are attached to the main sheets Fl and F2. This four-sheet bag P has the advantage of defining a large usable volume while being able to deliver a maximum amount of fluid product. Of course, this is only a non-limiting example.

[0034] In Figures 4, 5, and 6, it can be seen that the neck 31 of the rigid tip 3 extends upwards from the attachment area 30. The neck 31 defines an upper annular edge 32, as well as several lugs 33, which extend radially outwards from the outer wall of the neck 31. For example, three lugs 33 may be provided. Each lug 33 may be in the form of a small horizontal blade. Below the lugs 33, near the attachment area 30, the neck 31 forms an annular collar 34 that projects radially outwards. The function of this collar will be given below. Finally, the neck 31 may initially be sealed by a operculum 30, which is fixed tightly to the upper annular edge 32 of the neck 31.

[0035] The casing H can be made as a single unit with an open bottom to allow the insertion of the tank R. Preferably, the casing H comprises two separate components, 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.

[0036] The cover 2 includes a threaded skirt 21 adapted to be threaded or screwed onto the threaded edge 11 of the outer shell 1. The cover 2 also includes a An annular plate 22, which can be flat or inclined. The cover 2 includes a sleeve 23 that internally defines an opening 20. Externally, the sleeve 23 has a thread 24. Internally, the sleeve 23 forms several flanges that project radially inwards. First, there is a peripheral axial support flange 25 that extends horizontally. Next, 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 that connects to the other end of the peripheral support flange 25. These three flanges 25, 26 and 27 form a flange assembly, and as many flange assemblies as there are lugs 33 must be provided. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, there are three lugs 33 and three flange assemblies.

[0037] In [Fig. 5], the interaction between the sleeve 23 and the neck 31 is clearly visible, and more specifically the interaction between the lugs 33 of the neck 31 and the flanges 25, 26, and 27 of the sleeve 23. Two lugs 33 rest on two peripheral support flanges 25; these two lugs 33 also come to rest against the axial rotational stop flanges 26. The lugs 33 are thus blocked both axially and rotationally. To reach this position shown in [Fig. 5], the lugs 33 can slide on the ramps 27 by rotating the neck 31 inside the sleeve 23 in a counterclockwise direction. The alignment of the neck 31 within the sleeve 23 is further reinforced by the annular collar 34 of the neck 31 which comes into almost full contact with the inner wall of the sleeve 23. It can also be seen in [Fig.5] that the threaded skirt 21 of the cover 2 is in threaded contact with the threaded upper edge 11 of the outer shell 1.

[0038] Reference will now be made to [Fig. 6], which shows a distribution unit D, mounted on the housing H and the reservoir R of [Fig. 5]. The distribution unit D can be of a completely conventional design. It comprises, first of all, a pump 41, which here is a bellows pump. The distribution member D also includes a push button 42 which a user can press with a finger to actuate the pump 4L. The distribution member D is also provided with a threaded ring 43, which engages with the thread 24 of the sleeve 23. The distribution member D also includes a support plate 44 which allows a neck seal 45 to be compressed onto the upper annular edge 32 of the neck 31. For this purpose, it can be seen in [Fig. 6] that this upper annular edge 32 protrudes slightly from 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 sealing is ensured by the compression 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 tight contact with the sleeve 23.

[0039] It should be noted that the lugs 33 are pressed firmly against the peripheral support flanges 25. In other words, the rigid end piece 3 is pushed downwards into the housing H by the distribution member D.

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

[0041] Once the reservoir R is inside the shell 1 as shown in [Fig. 2], the cover 2 can be brought onto the outer 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 rotation stop flanges 26. By continuing the rotation of the cover 2 on the shell 1, the threaded skirt 21 also comes into threaded contact with the threaded upper edge 11 of the shell 1. Thus, in a single rotational movement, the cover 2 is brought onto the shell 1 and the lugs 31 are engaged with the flanges 25 and 26.

[0042] Alternatively, the lid 2 can first be mounted on the reservoir R. Then, the reservoir R, with the lid 2 mounted on it, can be inserted into the outer shell 1 and finally the lid 2 can be screwed onto the outer shell 1. This second operating method does not require blocking the bag inside the outer shell.

[0043] With reference to Figures 7 and 8, a second embodiment can be seen, which consists of reversing the position of the lugs 33 and the flanges 25, 26, and 27. In [Fig. 7], it can be seen that the neck 31' of the rigid end piece 3' forms a peripheral support flange 35, as well as a ramp 37 that is inclined upwards. The neck 31' also forms an axial rotation stop flange 36, which is connected to the peripheral support flange 35. The axial rotation stop flange 36 then extends into an annular collar 38. As in the first embodiment, there are as many sets of flanges 35, 36, and 37 as there are lugs, namely three.

[0044] In [Fig.8], we see the distribution element D 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, instead of flanges 25, 26, and 27. These lugs 28 cooperate respectively with the flange assemblies 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 come into contact with both the peripheral flanges 35 and the axial flanges 36. Therefore, screwing 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 31' by the neck seal 45, which is stressed by the plate support 44.

[0045] Consequently, the lugs can be formed on the outside of the neck 31 or on the inside of the sleeve 23'. Similarly, the flange assemblies can be formed on the inside of the sleeve 23 or on the outside of the neck 31'. In both cases, the lugs 33 or 28 engage with their respective flange assemblies when the cover 2 or 2' is screwed onto the outer shell 1. The user does not need to perform any preliminary 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 accomplish this operation imperceptibly.

[0046] The housing H is shown here in two parts, namely an outer shell 1 and a cover 2 or 2'. However, in the case of a one-piece housing, engaging the lugs 33 or 28 with their respective flange sets requires a preliminary operation, since the reservoir R must be inserted into the outer shell 1 through its open bottom, and then the reservoir must be rotated inside the housing to engage the lugs with their respective flange sets. It is clear that this operation is not intuitive, as the user is unaware that the reservoir R must be rotated inside the housing to lock it axially and against rotation. This is why the first embodiment with a two-piece housing is preferred.

[0047] Instead of the neck seal 45, a self-sealing lip that slides tightly around the neck 31 or 31' can also be used. The axial rotation-locking flanges 26 and 36 and the ramps 27 and 37 are optional, but preferable.

[0048] It should be noted that screwing the threaded ring 43 onto the sleeve 23 has the effect of pushing the collar 31 or 31' inside the housing, which allows the lugs 33 or 28 to stop with their peripheral support flanges 35 or 25.

Claims

Demands

1. Fluid product dispenser comprising: - 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 threadedly 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'), in which the neck (31; 31') and the threaded sleeve (23; 23') together form axial stop means (25, 33; 35, 28) to axially block the neck (31; 31') in the threaded sleeve (23; 23') by axial push of the distribution member (D) on the neck (31;31'), characterized in that the external casing (H) comprises: - an external 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 external 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).;

2. Distributor according to claim 1, wherein the neck (31; 31') and the threaded sleeve (23; 23') together form rotation stop means (26, 33; 36, 28) to prevent the neck (31; 31') from rotating in the threaded sleeve (23; 23'), in particular when screwing the threaded ring (33) onto the threaded sleeve (23; 23').

3. Distributor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the axial stop means (25, 33; 35, 38) comprise at least one peripheral support flange (25; 35) formed by the neck (31; 31') and the threaded sleeve (23; 23') and at least one lug (33; 28) formed by 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') within the threaded sleeve (23; 23') and into mutual axial contact by axial thrust on the neck (31; 31').

4. Distributor according to claim 3, wherein that among 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 forced into a stop, when the neck (31; 31') is driven in rotation in the threaded sleeve (23; 23').

5. Distributor according to claim 4, in which the peripheral support flange (25; 35) and axial locking flange (26; 36) are connected together, substantially at a right angle.

6. 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).

7. 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).

8. Distributor according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the peripheral support flange (25; 35) and the access ramp (27; 37) are connected together, forming an acute angle.

9. Distributor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distribution member (D) comprises an annular plate (44) which compresses a neck seal (45) on the upper annular edge (32) of the neck (31; 31').

10. Dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid product reservoir (R) comprises a rigid nozzle (3; 3') and a flexible pouch (P), the rigid nozzle (3; 3') forming a fixing zone (30) and the neck (31; 31'), the flexible pouch (P) being hermetically connected to the fixing zone (30).

11. A dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid product reservoir (R) is rotationally locked in the outer shell (1) when the cover (2; 2') is mounted on the fluid product reservoir (R).

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