Refillable dispenser

Abstract

A refillable dispenser comprising a filling and venting system (S) including a first external end (Se) forming an air outlet duct (12) and a liquid inlet duct (11) and a second internal end (Si) forming an air inlet duct (22) and a liquid outlet duct (21), characterized in that the filling and venting system (S) further comprises a pull-open valve (15, 24) disposed in a chamber (C), in which the air and liquid flows passing through the outlet duct (12) and air inlet duct (22) and the liquid inlet duct (11) and outlet duct (21) meet and intersect when the pull-open valve (15, 24) is open. (See Figure 3 for abbreviations.)

Description

Title of the invention: Refillable dispenser

[0001] The present invention relates to a refillable dispenser that can be refilled by gravity using a refillable bottle. The primary application areas for this invention are perfumery, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. This type of refillable dispenser is often referred to as a "portable" dispenser. It generally has a small reservoir capacity of approximately 10 ml and is equipped with a pump activated by pressing a button. It also includes a filling and venting system at its lower end, opposite the button.

[0002] In the prior art, for example, document EP2791031A2 is known, which describes a refillable dispenser equipped with a filling system actuated by means of the actuating rod of a pump mounted on a source bottle. The refillable dispenser also incorporates a vent valve that vents air from the dispenser's reservoir to the outside. The drawback is that the fluid product at the end of the filling process is also vented through the vent valve, which contaminates the refillable dispenser and the source bottle. This is unacceptable.

[0003] We also know of document EP2500277A1, which describes a dispensing assembly in which the source bottle is equipped with a flow-crossing filling and venting system. The refillable dispenser does not have a filling valve: its dispensing head must first be removed in order to screw the filling and venting system onto its threaded neck. At the end of the filling operation, the dispensing head must be screwed back onto the reservoir of the refillable dispenser. In total, therefore, two unscrewing and two screwing operations are required. This is tedious and results in the loss of liquid product.

[0004] We also know of document EP2719466, which describes a dispensing assembly in which the refillable dispenser is equipped with a filling and venting system that is mounted on a source bottle by means of a specific bayonet connection. More precisely, a socket is permanently mounted on the unthreaded neck of the source bottle. Furthermore, the filling and venting system includes a valve that opens by gravity and is held in the closed position by magnetic attraction generated by a magnet mounted in a cap covering the filling and venting system. Thus, as soon as the cap is removed, the refillable dispenser can leak if it is tilted or inverted. This is unacceptable.

[0005] The present invention aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art by defining a refillable dispenser that can easily be mounted on a standard source bottle. Another goal is for the filling to be conditioned by the controlled actuation of a valve.

[0006] To this end, the present invention proposes a refillable dispenser comprising or integrating a filling and venting system defining a first external end forming an air outlet duct and a liquid inlet duct and a second internal end, giving into the reservoir, and forming an air inlet duct and a liquid outlet duct, characterized in that the filling and venting system further comprises a pull-opening valve disposed in a chamber, in which the air and liquid flows passing through the air outlet and inlet ducts and the liquid inlet and outlet ducts meet and cross, when the valve is open.

[0007] A "pull-opening valve" is defined as a valve that can be actuated by the user by pulling between the refillable dispenser, held by its reservoir for example, and the source bottle on which the refillable dispenser is mounted. The filling and venting system is connected to the source bottle, and the pull exerted by the user causes the valve to open, allowing the air and liquid flows to cross. The pull-opening valve can close automatically under the action of a return spring or by a push from the user in the opposite direction to the pull. This pull-opening valve does not require any rotating components, such as pure rotation or screwing.

[0008] Each conduit in the filling and venting system has its own function, defined by its configuration, such as its length, cross-section, axial position, etc. The user simply pulls on the source bottle while holding the refillable dispenser securely to initiate the flow of air and liquid, without having to worry about the flow path. At the end of the filling process, the user releases the pull and applies a push to close the valve, or does nothing if the valve is returned by a spring.

[0009] Advantageously, the air outlet duct and the liquid inlet duct are separated from the air inlet duct and the liquid outlet duct by the valve and the chamber.

[0010] According to another aspect of the invention, the air inlet duct and the liquid outlet duct can communicate permanently with the chamber. Furthermore, the air outlet duct and the liquid inlet duct can be separated from the chamber by the valve.

[0011] According to another feature of the invention, all the conduits (air and liquid inlet and outlet) can extend axially.

[0012] Advantageously, the air outlet duct is axially longer than the liquid inlet duct. This difference in length allows the type of fluid to be dictated. (air or liquid) which will travel through these conduits, namely air in the longer conduit and liquid in the shorter conduit.

[0013] On the other hand, the liquid outlet duct may have a larger cross-sectional area than the air inlet duct. This difference in cross-sectional area determines the nature of the fluid (air or liquid) that will flow through these ducts, namely air in the narrower duct and liquid in the wider duct.

[0014] Preferably, the pull-open valve is held in the closed position by a return spring. Thus, the flow is stopped as soon as the user releases the pull. It can interrupt the filling process when the reservoir of the refillable dispenser is full or only partially full.

[0015] According to a highly advantageous feature, the refillable dispenser includes a threaded sleeve that allows the refillable dispenser to be screwed directly onto a threaded neck of a source bottle. The user can proceed as follows: they first remove the pump from the source bottle by unscrewing it. They then reposition the refillable dispenser on the source bottle by screwing the threaded sleeve onto the threaded neck of the source bottle's reservoir. They then invert the screwed assembly to place the source bottle above the refillable dispenser. They apply traction between the source bottle and the refillable dispenser by, for example, holding the refillable dispenser securely (resting it on a table) and moving the source bottle upwards away from the refillable dispenser. The filling valve is then opened, and the air and liquid flows cross.When the user judges that the refillable dispenser's reservoir is sufficiently full, they release the pull and the valve closes under the action of the return spring. They can then turn the screwed assembly over and unscrew the refillable dispenser from the source bottle, then screw the pump back onto the source bottle. The user then has a fully operational refillable dispenser and source bottle.

[0016] According to a practical embodiment, a moving part forms a single unit encompassing the air outlet duct, the liquid inlet duct, and the threaded sleeve. Advantageously, the moving part forms part of the chamber and a valve seat for the pull-open valve.

[0017] According to another aspect of the invention, a fixed part can form, in a single piece, the air inlet duct, the liquid outlet duct, and a valve element for the pull-open valve. Advantageously, the fixed part forms a lip that slides in a sealed manner within the chamber. More precisely, the lip slides in a sealed manner within a sliding sleeve formed by the moving part.

[0018] The spirit of the invention lies in interposing a chamber and a pull-out valve between the two pairs of conduits, in order to control the flow paths of air and liquid and to facilitate filling. Indeed, the pull-out valve allows a Precise dosing of the liquid is achieved by simply releasing the pull cord, especially when the valve is equipped with a return spring. The direct screw-on connection to the standard neck of the source bottle is a particularly advantageous feature that simplifies the refilling process.

[0019] The invention will now be described in greater detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings, giving by way of non-limiting example, one embodiment of the invention.

[0020] In the figures:

[0021] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view through a distributor rechargeable according to the invention,

[0022] [Fig.2] Fig.2 is a vertical cross-sectional view through the system of filling and venting of the refillable dispenser of the [Fig. 1] in the inverted and closed position, and

[0023] [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] is a view similar to that of the [Fig.2] in the open position.

[0024] The refillable dispenser of the invention is intended to be temporarily connected to a source bottle F, partially shown in [Fig. 3]. The assembly thus formed is then positioned upside down with the source bottle F above the refillable dispenser of the invention, so that the liquid from the source bottle F flows by gravity into the reservoir of the refillable dispenser of the invention, while the air contained in the refillable dispenser of the invention is expelled upwards into the source bottle F.

[0025] The source bottle F, which cooperates with the refillable dispenser of the invention, can be of a completely conventional type, comprising, for example, a one-piece glass reservoir with a threaded neck Fl and a conventional dispensing head (not shown) mounted on the threaded neck of the reservoir simply by screwing it on. The dispensing head can include a pump actuated by means of a push button.

[0026] Referring to [Fig. 1], it can be seen that the refillable dispenser of the invention comprises, firstly, a reservoir R, on which is mounted a dispensing head T comprising a pump P and a push button B forming an outlet orifice O. The dispensing head T can be mounted by any suitable means on the reservoir R, which may form a profiled neck for this purpose. The reservoir R can be made of any suitable material, such as, for example, glass, plastic, metal, etc. At its lower end, the reservoir R is provided with a filling and venting system S of the invention. A protective cover 6 can protect the system S when it is not in use. The system S comprises a first external end Se capped by the protective cover 6 and a second internal end Si facing the interior of the reservoir R.The S system can be connected to the R tank by any suitable means, such as snap-fit, the . assembly by force, gluing, welding, screwing, etc.

[0027] Reference will now be made to [Fig. 2], which shows the filling and venting system S in an inverted position relative to [Fig. 1]. This inverted position corresponds to the filling position of the reservoir R, as will be seen below. The system S comprises two main components, namely a movable part 1 and a fixed part 2. The movable part 1 is intended to be temporarily connected to the source bottle F. As for the movable part 2, it is fixedly mounted in the reservoir R, advantageously by means of a flexible mounting sleeve 5 which can form one or more crushable sealing ridges.

[0028] The moving part 1 is preferably made in one piece from a suitable plastic material, such as polypropylene or high-density polyethylene. This moving part 1 comprises, firstly, a threaded sleeve 13, which is formed with an internal thread, intended to engage with the threaded neck Fl of the source bottle F. A neck seal 14 provides a seal when the threaded sleeve 13 is screwed onto the threaded neck Fl of the source bottle. Inside this threaded sleeve 13, the moving part 1 forms a liquid inlet 11 and an air outlet 12. The threaded sleeve 13 and the outlets 11 and 12 are located at the first external end Se. The liquid inlet 11 can partially extend around the crescent-shaped air outlet 12. It can be noted that the axial height of the air outlet duct 12 is much greater than that of the liquid inlet duct 11.The upper end of the air outlet duct 12 can extend to the same level as the upper annular edge of the threaded sleeve 13. The height of the liquid inlet duct 11 can be said to be approximately half the height of the air outlet duct 12. Just below the ducts 11 and 12, the movable part 1 forms an annular valve seat 15, preferably with a frustoconical or rounded internal wall. Around this valve seat 15, the movable part 1 forms a chimney 16 that extends downwards. In its upper part, the chimney 16 forms an internal sliding sleeve 16a and an external stop shoulder 16b. Below the sliding sleeve 16a, the chimney 16 continues downwards to terminate in a projecting outwards support flange 17. Shoulder 16b faces downwards towards the support edge 17.

[0029] The fixed part 2 is preferably made in one piece from a suitable plastic material. The fixed part 2 forms a liquid outlet 21 and an air inlet 22. These two ducts 21 and 22 open downwards at the second internal end Si. It can be noted that the cross-sectional area of ​​the air inlet duct 22 is much smaller than that of the liquid outlet duct 21. However, they have a substantially identical height. The air inlet duct 22 can extend partially around the liquid outlet duct 21 in the form of crescent moon. The fixed part 2 also forms an axial support rod 23, which supports a valve element 24 intended to come into selective, leak-proof contact with the valve seat 15 formed by the movable part 1. The valve element 24 can be made of a flexible material. The fixed part 2 also forms a sealing lip 25 which makes a sealed sliding contact inside the sliding barrel 16a of the moving part 1. Thus, a chamber C is formed inside the sliding barrel 16a between the valve seat 15 and the sealing lip 25. Due to the sealed contact of the valve element 24 with its valve seat 15, the air outlet 12 and liquid inlet 11 conduits are separated from chamber C. Conversely, the liquid outlet 21 and air inlet 22 conduits are permanently connected to chamber C. This means that the interior of the tank R is permanently connected to chamber C.It can also be said that the liquid inlet ducts 1 and air outlet ducts 12 are separated from the liquid outlet ducts 21 and air inlet ducts 22 by the chamber C and the valve formed by the valve member 24 and its seat 15.

[0030] As mentioned above, the fixed part 2 may be provided with a mounting sleeve 5, which is preferably made from a flexible plastic material. This sleeve 5 may form one or more crushable sealing ridges that come into contact with the inner wall of the tank R.

[0031] The fixed part 2 is also provided with a ring 3 which is fixedly mounted on the fixed part 2 so as to form a single unit. The connection between the fixed part 2 and the ring 3 can be made by any suitable means, such as snap-fitting, welding, or bonding. This ring 3 forms a casing 31 which surrounds the threaded sleeve 13, as well as the sliding barrel 16a. At its lower end, the ring 3 forms a stop 32 intended to cooperate with the shoulder 16b of the moving part 1. A return spring 4 is mounted around the chimney 16 between the stop rim 17 and the stop 32. Thus, the valve member 24 is elastically forced against its valve seat 15. By pulling the threaded sleeve 13 out of the housing 31, the valve member 24 disengages from its valve seat 15 and the return spring 4 is compressed.However, as soon as the force is released on the threaded sleeve 13, the moving part 1 returns to its rest state under the action of the return spring 4. The valve is then closed again: its valve element 24 is again in tight contact on its seat 15.

[0032] It can therefore be said that the valve of the filling and venting system S is a pull-open valve, which is operated by partially extracting the threaded sleeve 13 from the casing 31. When this threaded sleeve 13 is screwed onto a threaded neck Fl of the source bottle F and the refillable dispenser is positioned below the source bottle F, the user simply needs to hold the reservoir R of the refillable dispenser securely and pull on the source bottle F to open the valve and thus establish a Fluid communication occurs between the various conduits 11, 12, 21, and 22 through chamber C. The liquid from the source bottle F flows through the liquid inlet conduit 11, passes through chamber C, and then flows through the outlet conduit 21. As for the air contained in the reservoir R of the portable dispenser, it flows through the air inlet conduit 22, then through chamber C, and finally through the air outlet conduit 12 to return to the source bottle F. Therefore, the air and liquid flows intersect within chamber C when the valve is open. This is shown in [Fig. 3], where the incoming and outgoing air and liquid flows are represented by arrows A and L for air and liquid, respectively. We can see that the spring 4 is compressed between the stop rim 17 and the stop 32 and that the sealing lip 25 has been moved downwards inside the sliding barrel 16a.The air and liquid flows intersect within the filling and venting system S until the user decides to release the tension exerted between the source bottle F and the reservoir of the portable dispenser. At this point, the return spring 4 takes action and pushes the moving part 1 back inside the casing 31, which has the effect of bringing the valve element 24 back into tight contact with its seat 15. The system has then returned to the rest position of [Fig. 2].

[0033] It should be noted that the liquid flow entering chamber C through the liquid inlet duct 11 and the air flow entering chamber C through the air inlet duct 22 cross, or even mix, in the chamber, but exit chamber C respectively through the liquid outlet duct 21 and through the air outlet duct 12. The path of the air and liquid flows through the ducts 11, 12, 21 and 22 is imposed by the configuration of the ducts, and in particular by their length, their cross-section, their axial height, etc.

[0034] It can be noted in this filling and venting system S that all the conduits 11, 12, 21 and 22 extend in the same axial direction. They are arranged in pairs downstream and upstream of the chamber C, in which the pull-opening valve 24, 15 is located.

[0035] Thanks to the invention, we have a portable dispenser, easily connectable to a source bottle by screwing, in which the air and liquid flows cross without difficulty and whose central valve is operated manually by pulling.

Claims

Claims

1. A refillable dispenser comprising a filling and venting system (S) comprising a first outer end (Se) forming an air outlet duct (12) and a liquid inlet duct (11) and a second inner end (Si) forming an air inlet duct (22) and a liquid outlet duct (21), characterized in that the filling and venting system (S) further comprises a pull-opening valve (15, 24) arranged in a chamber (C), in which the air and liquid flows passing through the outlet (12) and air inlet (22) and inlet (11) and liquid outlet (21) ducts meet and cross, when the pull-opening valve (15, 24) is open.

2. A refillable dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the air outlet duct (12) and the liquid inlet duct (11) are separated from the air inlet duct (22) and the liquid outlet duct (21) by the pull-open valve (15, 24) and the chamber (C).

3. A refillable dispenser according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the air inlet duct (22) and the liquid outlet duct (21) communicate permanently with the chamber (C).

4. A refillable dispenser according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the air outlet duct (12) and the liquid inlet duct (11) are separated from the chamber (C) by the pull-open valve (15, 24).

5. A refillable dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein all conduits (11, 12, 21, 22) extend axially.

6. A refillable dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein the air outlet duct (12) is axially longer than the liquid inlet duct (11).

7. A refillable dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein the liquid outlet duct (21) has a larger passage section than that of the air inlet duct (22).

8. A refillable dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein the pull-open valve (15, 24) is biased into the closed position by a return spring (4).

9. A refillable dispenser according to any preceding claim, comprising a threaded sleeve (13) for screwing the refillable dispenser onto a threaded neck (F1) of a source bottle (F).

10. A refillable dispenser according to claim 9, wherein a moving part (1) forms in a single piece the air outlet duct (12), the liquid inlet duct (11) and the threaded sleeve (13).

11. A refillable dispenser according to claim 10, wherein the movable part (2) forms a part of the chamber (C) and a valve seat (15) for the pull-open valve (15, 24).

12. A refillable dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein a fixed part (2) forms in a single piece the air inlet duct (22), the liquid outlet duct (21) and a valve member (15) for the pull-open valve (15, 24).

13. A refillable dispenser according to claim 12, wherein the fixed part (2) forms a lip (25) which slides in a sealed manner in the chamber (C). * * *

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