Device for packaging and dispensing a fluid product and associated dispensing method

Abstract

Device for packaging and dispensing a fluid product and associated dispensing method The device comprising a container (12) and a dispensing system (14). The system (14) comprises: a dispensing conduit (49) defining a pumping channel; an upstream non-return valve (52) arranged in a lower sampling opening (22); a downstream non-return valve (60) arranged in a dispensing orifice (58); an elastic pumping element (42) formed in the dispensing conduit (49). The pumping channel is arranged completely outside the interior volume of the container (12) between the lower opening (22) and the dispensing orifice (58) of fluid product, the dispensing conduit (49) being applied to an external surface of the container (12) or being partially delimited by an external surface of the container (12). Figure for the abstract: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Device for packaging and dispensing a fluid product and associated dispensing method

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for packaging and dispensing a fluid product, in particular a cosmetic product, comprising:

[0002] - a container defining an interior volume intended to receive the fluid product; and - a system for distributing fluid product outside the interior volume comprising: • a dispensing conduit defining a fluid pumping channel extending from a lower fluid product collection opening in the interior volume provided through the container to a fluid product dispensing orifice outside the packaging and dispensing device; • an upstream non-return valve located in the lower sampling opening or in the pumping channel; • a downstream non-return valve arranged in the distribution orifice or between the upstream non-return valve and the distribution orifice; • an elastic pumping element deformable by a user from outside the container, the elastic pumping element being formed in the distributor conduit or arranged in the pumping channel between the upstream non-return valve and the distribution orifice.

[0003] The cosmetic product is, for example, a hair product, a hygiene product, a facial and / or body care product, a makeup product, or a sun protection product.

[0004] More generally, a cosmetic product is a product as defined in Regulation EC No 1223 / 2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council, dated 30 November 2009, relating to cosmetic products.

[0005] A large number of cosmetic products are to be used in calibrated doses in order to optimize the effectiveness of the product. For this purpose, the packaging and dispensing devices for these products generally include a pump intended to release the necessary quantity of product.

[0006] However, conventional pumps contain many parts and are made of different materials. These pumps include metal parts, such as springs or balls.

[0007] This limits the recyclability of packaging and distribution devices and / or generates significant costs to ensure recycling.

[0008] The proposal of eco-responsible, environmentally friendly solutions whose design and development take into account environmental issues is becoming a major concern to help meet global challenges.

[0009] It is therefore essential to design more sustainable products, thereby reducing the quantity of materials used, replacing them with more environmentally friendly materials and using recyclable materials in order to reduce the carbon footprint of the product.

[0010] In this context, it is important to develop packaging that generates less waste, in particular optimized for the quantity of products transported, in particular by reviewing their design and / or resizing them in order to reduce the volume and weight of the quantity of packaging.

[0011] The objective is to offer reusable eco-responsible containers, particularly those that can be refilled at home or in stores, in order to reduce the carbon footprint of packaging.

[0012] In this context, it becomes important to replace certain materials with alternatives that have a better environmental footprint, in particular by reducing the use of raw materials from petrochemicals.

[0013] The objective is to offer eco-responsible materials, particularly those derived from green chemistry, in order to limit the environmental impact of packaging from its manufacture to its end of life, in particular thanks to materials with a good biodegradability profile and / or derived from renewable sources.

[0014] In this context, it is important to offer recyclable packaging containing in particular separable elements and / or made up of a minimum of materials and / or free from materials that are difficult to recycle in order to facilitate their end of life.

[0015] Thus, it is necessary to develop packaging made from environmentally friendly recyclable materials to enable the re-use of packaging at the end of its life and avoid pollution of recycling channels.

[0016] Furthermore, conventional pump systems do not easily adapt to all types of containers, particularly flexible containers such as sachets.

[0017] US2009302064 proposes, to limit the number of parts making up the pumps and to facilitate recycling, a fluid conditioning and dispensing device comprising a reservoir and a pneumatic pumping system removably mounted above the reservoir.

[0018] The pneumatic pumping system comprises an inlet valve connected to a dip tube provided in the reservoir, a valve for dispensing product towards the outside of the device and an elastic dome suitable for being manually pressed by the user to reduce the space in the dome and release product through the dispensing valve.

[0019] The elasticity of the dome further allows it to return to its initial shape when the user releases it, and therefore to suck product from the dip tube into the dome for subsequent dispensing.

[0020] However, such a packaging and distribution device is not entirely satisfactory. The pumping system must be connected to the dip tube which is internal to the tank. The presence of this dip tube complicates the manufacture of the tank.

[0021] Furthermore, such a solution is difficult to adapt for pumping into flexible containers, such as bags, since the dip tube could hinder handling of the bag and complicate its recycling.

[0022] Other devices for packaging and dispensing fluid products having pumping systems are described in documents US2007102455A1, US2014339266A1 and US2022160183A1.

[0023] An aim of the invention is to provide a device for packaging and dispensing cosmetic products equipped with a pumping system enabling a controlled dose of product to be delivered, the device being easily recyclable, while being inexpensive and easily adaptable to any type of container, including flexible containers such as sachets or tubes.

[0024] To this end, the invention relates to a device for packaging and dispensing a fluid product, in particular a cosmetic product, characterized in that the pumping channel is arranged completely outside the interior volume of the container between the lower sampling opening and the fluid product dispensing orifice, the dispensing conduit being applied to an external surface of the container or being partially delimited by an external surface of the container.

[0025] The dispensing conduit arranged outside the container eliminates the rigid internal plunger present in conventional air pumps. This facilitates recycling, since the dispensing system is then easily separable from the container for processing, if necessary.

[0026] The distribution system is also composed of few parts compared to a conventional air pump, thanks in particular to the presence of the elastic pumping element formed or arranged in the conduit. Thus, its cost can be reduced and its recyclable nature improved.

[0027] Furthermore, the distribution system is suitable for rigid containers or flexible containers for which traditional pumps are generally incompatible.

[0028] According to one variant, the device for packaging and dispensing a fluid product comprises the following characteristic:

[0029] - the container has an access entrance to the interior volume opening into the interior volume, the access entrance being fitted with an additional non-return valve.

[0030] The additional non-return valve allows air to enter the interior volume to compensate for the product delivered from the interior volume to the pumping channel and to avoid the establishment of a partial vacuum in the interior volume. Thus, the dispensing system can be mounted on rigid containers, without hindering the dispensing of product, and without leading to uncompensated deformations of the container wall.

[0031] According to one variant, the device for packaging and dispensing a fluid product comprises the following characteristic:

[0032] - the additional non-return valve is mounted to be reversibly movable between a position of partial closure of the access entrance and a position of release of the access entrance releasing access to the interior volume.

[0033] The mobility of the non-return valve frees access to the interior volume via the access inlet. The system can then be refilled with product and thus further limit the ecological impact of the packaging and distribution device.

[0034] According to one variant, the device for packaging and dispensing a fluid product comprises the following characteristic:

[0035] - the distribution system comprises a flap hinged relative to the conduit tributor, the additional non-return valve being carried by the shutter so that the non-return valve and the shutter are jointly movable between the partially closed position and the release position.

[0036] The flap hinged relative to the distributor conduit reduces the number of parts constituting the system, these two elements then being connected, and advantageously molded together. In addition, this flap facilitates the opening of the access inlet to the interior volume for the user. It is thus easy for the user to refill the container, with a simple reinstallation of the non-return valve in the access inlet once filling has been carried out.

[0037] According to one variant, the device for packaging and dispensing a fluid product comprises the following characteristic:

[0038] - the distributor conduit comprises a partition attached to an external surface of the containing, in particular a bar, the pumping channel being arranged between the attached partition and the external surface, preferably being defined by the attached partition and the external surface.

[0039] The location of the pumping channel between the external surface and a partition attached to the external surface, preferably being delimited between these elements, simplifies the manufacture of the packaging and distribution device and its recycling. The assembly of the partition on the external surface is in fact simple to implement, while offering a possibility of disassembly before recycling, if necessary.

[0040] According to one variant, the device for packaging and dispensing a fluid product comprises the following characteristic:

[0041] - the distributor conduit comprises at least one elastic region formed in projection on the attached partition, the elastic region defining in the pumping channel a pumping volume, the elastic region being configured to be pressed by a user from outside the container between an expanded configuration maximizing the pumping volume and a compressed configuration minimizing the pumping volume, the expanded configuration being a rest configuration.

[0042] The production of the elastic pumping element in the form of a projecting region on the attached partition simplifies the assembly of the packaging and dispensing device by avoiding the addition of an additional part. The elastic pumping element is also easily accessible and maneuverable from the outside.

[0043] According to one variant, the device for packaging and dispensing a fluid product comprises the following characteristic:

[0044] - at least one of the upstream non-return valve and the downstream non-return valve is integral with the added partition, and is advantageously in one piece with the added partition.

[0045] The attachment of the upstream non-return valve and / or the downstream non-return valve to the attached partition limits the number of parts, which simplifies the assembly of the product distribution system on the container. Thus, the attached partition provided with the valve(s) can be assembled in one piece, facilitating the assembly of the device.

[0046] According to variants, the device for packaging and dispensing a fluid product comprises one or more of the following characteristics:

[0047] - the pumping channel contains an elastic bladder delimiting a volume of pumping disposed between the attached partition and the external surface, the bladder being configured to be pressed by a user from the outside between an expanded configuration maximizing the pumping volume and a compressed configuration minimizing the pumping volume, the expanded configuration being a resting configuration;

[0048] - the added partition is a partition without elastic return, in particular is a movie.

[0049] The arrangement of an elastic bladder of variable internal volume between the added partition and the external surface defines a variable pumping volume which can be modified from outside the device by a user. The elastic bladder being arranged in the pumping channel under the added partition, it is not necessary for the added partition to be elastic and it can even be formed from a flexible material. Thus, the dispensing system can be adapted to different containers. The added partition can be made from inexpensive materials and it can be assembled by simplified processes such as heat sealing.

[0050] According to one variant, the device for packaging and dispensing a fluid product comprises the following characteristic:

[0051] - the container comprises an external wall formed from at least one film, in particular of at least one folded film;

[0052] - the container is a sachet, in particular a sachet sealed at its periphery.

[0053] The particular shape of the dispensing conduit with a pumping channel arranged outside the container allows the latter to be assembled on flexible walls, or even on a bag formed by folding or assembling films. It is thus possible to provide an air pumping dispensing system, at low cost, on such containers, without harming their recyclability.

[0054] According to variants, the device for packaging and dispensing a fluid product comprises one or more of the following characteristics:

[0055] - the container comprises a self-supporting external wall, advantageously deformable and urged into a resting position;

[0056] - the container is a bottle or a tube.

[0057] The dispensing conduit is also easily assembled on rigid containers, while offering greater recyclability than conventional pump systems. It can also be assembled on tubes, to provide a metered dispensing system, while facilitating the manufacture of the container.

[0058] According to one variant, the device for packaging and dispensing a fluid product comprises the following characteristic:

[0059] - it includes a removable plug for blocking the dispensing orifice, in particular particular mounted integral with the container or distribution system.

[0060] The removable cap prevents potential product leaks that could occur during involuntary pressure on the pumping element and protects the product from the external environment.

[0061] The invention also relates to a method for dispensing a fluid product, in particular a cosmetic product, the method comprising: - providing a device; - the pressure by a user of the elastic pumping element towards a crushed configuration minimizing the pumping volume; - opening of the downstream non-return valve and release of a calibrated dose of fluid product present in the distribution channel through the distribution orifice towards the outside; - the release of the elastic pumping element towards a rest configuration being an expanded configuration maximizing the pumping volume causing the closing of the downstream non-return valve; - opening of the upstream non-return valve and suction of fluid product from the interior volume towards the distribution channel through the lower opening providing access to the interior volume.

[0062] The invention will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0063] [Fig-1] [Fig. 1] is a side view of a first packaging and dispensing device according to the invention;

[0064] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of the device of [Fig.l];

[0065] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a succession of schematic sections along a vertical plane of the device of [Fig.l], taken at different stages of the fluid product distribution process;

[0066] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a front view of a second packaging device and distribution according to the invention;

[0067] [Fig.5] [Fig.6] is a schematic sectional view along a vertical plane of the device of [Fig.4];

[0068] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is an exploded perspective schematic view of the device of the [Fig.3], during its manufacture;

[0069] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a perspective view of a third conditioning device operation and distribution according to the invention,

[0070] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a perspective view of a fourth conditioning device operation and distribution according to the invention,

[0071] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a schematic sectional view along a vertical plane of a fifth packaging and distribution device according to the invention,

[0072] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is a schematic sectional view along a vertical plane of a dispensing system suitable for being attached to an external wall of a container to form a packaging and dispensing device according to the invention.

[0073] A first device 10 for packaging and dispensing a fluid product 11, in particular a cosmetic product according to the invention, is shown in Figures 1 to 3.

[0074] The fluid product 11 is, for example, a hair product, a hygiene product, a facial and / or body care product, a makeup product, or a sun protection product. It has a liquid formulation or in the form of a cream.

[0075] The packaging and dispensing device 10 comprises a container 12 and a dispensing system 14 for the fluid product 11 attached to the container 12.

[0076] In the example shown in Figures 1 to 3, the container 12 is a bottle comprising a wall 16 of generally prismatic shape. The container 12 defines an interior volume 18 intended to receive the fluid product 11, an upper access inlet 20 to the interior volume 18 and a lower opening 22 for withdrawing fluid product 11 from the interior volume 18. The container 12 further comprises a pressure compensation non-return valve 34, removably arranged in the access inlet 20.

[0077] The wall 16 is self-supporting, in that it does not deform macroscopically under the effect of its own weight when it is placed on a support.

[0078] The wall 16 is advantageously elastically deformable from a rest configuration by pressure between the user's fingers. It is elastically biased towards the rest configuration once deformed. The wall 16 is for example made of plastic, in particular polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate and / or polypropylene, or even recyclable plastic. The wall 16 is in particular made by extrusion-blow molding.

[0079] The wall 16 defines an external surface 23 comprising several faces including a horizontal lower face defining a flat bottom 24, a front face 26 intended to receive the distribution system 14, a rear face 27 opposite the front face 26 and an upper face 25.

[0080] The wall 16 defines, in this particular example of container 12, a shoulder 28 on the upper face 25 and a concave region 30 on the rear face 27.

[0081] The base 24 is intended to be placed on a horizontal support to keep the container 12 upright.

[0082] The front face 26 delimits a vertical groove 31 opposite which the distribution system 14 is fixed.

[0083] The lower opening 22 for sampling fluid product 11 is located on the bottom of the front face 26, in the vicinity of the bottom 24. It is here located at the end of a horizontal sampling chimney (not visible) extending into the interior volume 18.

[0084] When present, the concave region 30 is located on the rear face 27. It facilitates handling of the device 10 and use of the distribution system 14.

[0085] The shoulder 28 is formed in the upper face 25 of the wall 16, opposite the bottom 24 in the corner formed with the rear face 27.

[0086] The shoulder 28 is provided with a vertically projecting sleeve 32 defining the access inlet 20 to the interior volume 18. The access inlet 20 is provided with the non-return valve 34 opening into the interior volume 18.

[0087] In the example shown in Figures 1 to 3, the non-return valve 34 is reversibly movable between a position of partial closure of the access inlet 20 and a position of release of the access inlet 20 releasing access to the interior volume 18 to allow a new filling when the fluid product 11 is present in the interior volume 18.

[0088] In the partially closed position, the non-return valve 34 allows the passage of gas from the outside of the device 10 to the interior volume 18, to ensure pressure compensation in the event of dispensing of fluid product 11 from the interior volume 18. On the contrary, the non-return valve 34 blocks the outlet of fluid product 11 from the interior volume 18, thus avoiding an unintentional exit of fluid product 11.

[0089] The distribution system 14 of the fluid product 11 is arranged outside the interior volume 18. It comprises a partition 36 attached to the external surface 23 of the container 12, to delimit with the external surface 23, a fluid pumping channel 50.

[0090] The distribution system 14 further comprises an upstream assembly 38 for supplying the fluid product 11 into the pumping channel 50, a downstream assembly 40 for distributing the fluid product 11 outside the pumping channel 50 and an intermediate elastic pumping element 42.

[0091] In this example, the distribution system 14 further comprises an articulated flap 44 to support the pressure compensation non-return valve 34.

[0092] All the elements of the distribution system 14 are advantageously made in one piece, preferably by molding in a single mold. The elements of the distribution system 14 are formed in particular from thermoplastic elastomer.

[0093] The added partition 36 comprises a bar 46 added for example by gluing or heat-sealing on the external surface 23 to cover the groove 31, which is here provided on the front face 26 of the container.

[0094] The bar 46 has an internal surface 48 which forms with the front face 26 a distributor conduit 49 delimiting the pumping channel 50 between the added partition 36 and the front face 26. It extends here opposite the front face 26 over the entire width of the front face 26.

[0095] The pumping channel 50 is arranged completely outside the interior volume 18 of the container 12 between the upstream assembly 38 and the downstream assembly 40 for dispensing the fluid product 11.

[0096] The upstream assembly 38 comprises an upstream non-return valve 52, inserted through the lower opening 22 opening into the interior volume 18, advantageously into the sampling chimney.

[0097] In this example, the upstream assembly 38 further comprises a flexible hinge (not visible) connecting a lower edge of the attached partition 36 to the upstream non-return valve 52.

[0098] The upstream non-return valve 52 allows the fluid product 11 to exit from the interior volume 18 towards the pumping channel 50, but prevents the fluid product 11 from moving in the opposite direction, from the pumping channel 50 towards the interior volume 18.

[0099] The downstream distribution assembly 40 is integral with the attached partition 36. It comprises a distribution nozzle 54 connecting upstream an opening 56 of the pumping channel and downstream a distribution orifice 58 of fluid product 11 towards the outside of the packaging and distribution device 10. The downstream distribution assembly 40 further comprises a downstream non-return valve 60 inserted in the dispensing nozzle 54.

[0100] The downstream non-return valve 60 allows the fluid product 11 to exit from the pumping channel 50 to the outside of the packaging and dispensing device 10. It prevents the return of gas or fluid product 11 from outside the packaging and dispensing device 10 to the pumping channel 50.

[0101] In the example shown in Figures 1 to 3, the bar 46 comprises a projecting elastic region 47 forming the elastic pumping element 42 manually deformable by a user from outside the packaging and dispensing device 10. The projecting elastic region 47 here has a bump shape.

[0102] The elastic pumping element 42 defines in the pumping channel 50, a pumping volume 62 which varies depending on the pressure exerted by the user on the projecting elastic region 47.

[0103] The elastic pumping element 42 is configured to be pressed by a user from outside the container 12, between a crushed configuration minimizing the pumping volume 62 and an expanded configuration maximizing the pumping volume 62, the expanded configuration being a resting configuration.

[0104] The difference in volume of the pumping volume 62 between the crushed configuration and the expanded configuration corresponds to the volume of a delivered dose of fluid product 11. This dose is advantageously calibrated to optimize the effectiveness of the fluid product 11.

[0105] The elastic pumping element 42 is located between the lower opening 22 for drawing fluid product 11 from the interior volume 18 and the distribution orifice 58.

[0106] In the particular example shown in Figures 1 to 3, the elastic pumping element 42 is further arranged opposite the concave region 30 of the rear face 27. Thus, when handling the system, the user advantageously inserts the concave region 30 into the hollow between his thumb and index finger. His fingers are then arranged to rest on the elastic pumping element 42 which is thus easily accessible by the user. Consequently, the packaging and dispensing device 10 can be used with one hand.

[0107] The articulated flap 44 is connected to the attached partition 36 by a flexible hinge 64 which allows a rotational movement of the flap 44 relative to the distributor conduit 49.

[0108] The pressure compensation non-return valve 34 is carried by the flap 44. Thus, the non-return valve 34 and the flap 44 are jointly movable between the partially closed position and the position for releasing the access inlet 20.

[0109] In the partially closed position, the articulated flap 44 extends substantially parallel to the upper face 25 of the container 12, opposite the shoulder 28.

[0110] In the release position, the articulated flap 44 has been pivoted upwards to clear access to the access inlet 20 and allow, for example, filling of the interior volume.

[0111] A method of manufacturing the packaging and dispensing device 10 will now be described.

[0112] The container 12 is initially molded, for example by extrusion blow molding to form a bottle.

[0113] In the example shown in [Fig.l], all the elements of the distribution system 14 are molded, preferably in one piece in a single mold.

[0114] The container 12 and the distribution system 14 are subsequently assembled by gluing or heat-sealing. The assembly is carried out between the front face 26 of the container 12 and the attached partition 36.

[0115] The articulated flap 44 as well as the associated non-return valve 34 are placed in the position of release of the access inlet 20 releasing access to the interior volume 18. The fluid product 11 is introduced into the interior volume via the access inlet 20.

[0116] The hinged flap 44 and the non-return valve 34 are moved to the position of partial closure of the access inlet 20 before use of the device 10.

[0117] The operation of the device 10 according to the invention for dispensing a dose of fluid product 11 will now be described, in particular with regard to [Fig.3].

[0118] When first used, the fluid product 11 is located only in the container 12, the pumping channel 50 is filled with air (see step (a) in [Fig.3]).

[0119] The user presses the elastic pumping element 42 towards the compressed configuration minimizing the pumping volume 62 (step (b)). The pressure within the pumping channel 50 increases. The air contained in the pumping channel 50 is blocked by the upstream non-return valve 52 and then flows towards the distribution orifice 58 via the nozzle 56. The downstream non-return valve 60 therefore opens to allow the overpressure air to pass into the pumping channel 50 until the initial pressure is restored in the pumping channel 50.

[0120] The volume of air escaping from the pumping channel 50 is generally equal to the difference in volume of the pumping volume 62 between the expanded configuration and the collapsed configuration.

[0121] The user then releases the elastic pumping element 42 (step (c)). The latter returns to its rest configuration which is the expanded configuration maximizing the pumping volume 62. A vacuum is created in the pumping channel 50. The downstream non-return valve 60 closes and the fluid product 11 contained in the interior volume 18 is sucked towards the pumping channel 50 in order to restore the initial pressure. The fluid product 11 then passes through the sampling chimney through the lower opening 22. It passes through the upstream non-return valve 52 and emerges in pumping channel 50.

[0122] The volume of fluid product 11 sucked in is generally equal to the quantity of air evacuated when the elastic pumping element 42 is pressurized by the user.

[0123] The volume of fluid product 11 evacuated from the interior volume 18 during suction is replaced by air entering the interior volume 18 through the access inlet 20 through the pressure compensation non-return valve 34.

[0124] The steps of pressing and releasing the elastic pumping element 42 by the user are repeated (steps (d) and (e)), until all of the air contained in the pumping channel 50 is evacuated and replaced by fluid product 11.

[0125] When the pumping channel 50 is filled with fluid product 11, the user again presses the elastic pumping element 42 towards the compressed configuration, minimizing the pumping volume 62 (step (f)). The fluid product 11 then flows through the downstream non-return valve 60 and the nozzle 54, to dispense a dose of fluid product 11, until the initial pressure in the pumping channel 50 is restored.

[0126] The volume of fluid product 11 delivered is generally the same as the volume of air previously evacuated and corresponds to a calibrated dose of fluid product 11 to be used to optimize its effectiveness.

[0127] When the elastic pumping element 42 is released by the user (step (g)), a new dose of fluid product 11 contained in the interior volume 18 is sucked towards the pumping channel 50 and passes through the upstream non-return valve 52. The interior volume 18 compensates for this suction by a flow of air entering through the non-return valve 34.

[0128] Steps (f) and (g) are repeated during subsequent uses of the packaging and dispensing device 10, until the fluid product 11 initially contained in the interior volume 18 is exhausted.

[0129] A new filling of the container 12 can then be carried out by tilting the flap 44 again towards the position for releasing the access inlet 20.

[0130] In a variant, the device 10 comprises a removable plug for closing the dispensing orifice 58, in particular mounted integrally with the container 12 or the dispensing system 14.

[0131] A second packaging and distribution device 10 will now be described, with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6. Only the differences between the first packaging and distribution device 10 described above and the second packaging and distribution device 10 are described below.

[0132] The container 12 is here a sachet which forms a pocket. The wall 16 is formed by a film 100 folded and sealed at its periphery.

[0133] The film 100 is arranged to give the bag a prismatic shape with an outline trapezoidal in front view and a substantially triangular outline in side view.

[0134] The external surface 23 defines a front face 26, on which the distribution system 14 is fixed, a rear face 27 arranged opposite the front face 26 and a bottom 24 formed by a fold 102 of the film.

[0135] The fold 102 allows the second packaging and dispensing device 10 to stand upright when placed on a flat surface.

[0136] The access inlet 20 provided with the pressure compensation non-return valve 34 is located in the upper region of the rear face 27.

[0137] The lower opening 22 for drawing off fluid product 11 from the interior volume 18 is located in the lower region of the front face 26, close to the bottom 24, in this example at the level of the central vertical axis of the front face 26. The upstream non-return valve 52 is fixed to the container 12 in the lower opening 22.

[0138] The added partition 36 is a strip of film 104 fixed to the front face 26 by heat-sealing or gluing to the periphery of the strip of film 104. As previously, the pumping channel 50 is delimited between the front face 26 and the strip of film 104 forming the added partition 36.

[0139] The pumping channel 50 comprises an upstream end into which the upstream non-return valve 52 opens and a downstream end opening into the dispensing nozzle 54 of the upstream assembly 40 for dispensing fluid product 11. The nozzle 54 is here arranged at an upper corner of the container 12. The pumping channel 50 extends between its two ends, advantageously following the periphery of the container 12.

[0140] The film strip 104 is devoid of elastic return. The elastic pumping element 42 is formed by a bladder 106 disposed in the pumping channel 50 between the upstream non-return valve 52 and the downstream non-return valve 60.

[0141] The bladder 106 delimits the variable pumping volume 62 disposed in the pumping channel 50. The bladder 106 is configured to be pressed by a user from the outside by pressing on the attached partition 36, between a crushed configuration minimizing the pumping volume 62 and an expanded configuration maximizing the pumping volume 62, the expanded configuration being a rest configuration.

[0142] The method of manufacturing the second packaging and dispensing device 10, illustrated [Fig.6], will now be described.

[0143] The film 100 is cut into the desired bag shape. The cutting includes a step of forming the access inlet 20 and the lower opening 22.

[0144] The pressure compensation non-return valve 34 is fixed in the access inlet 20 and the upstream non-return valve 52 is fixed in the lower opening 22 for sampling fluid product 11.

[0145] The film 100 is then folded so as to form the front face 26, the rear face 27 with an outline and area identical to the front face 26 and between the two faces 26 and 27, the bottom 24 showing fold 102.

[0146] The attached partition 36 is cut to form the film strip 104 defining the pumping channel 50. A lateral projecting region of the film strip 104 receives the bladder 106 and the dispensing orifice 58 is cut.

[0147] The downstream non-return valve 60 is fixed to the distribution orifice 58 to form the distribution assembly 40 of the fluid product 11.

[0148] The bladder 106 is placed between the front face 26 and the film strip 104.

[0149] The side edges 108, 110 of the film 100 are heat-sealed together. and with the edges 112, 114. This sealing ensures the watertightness of the bag.

[0150] Simultaneously, the film strip 104 is fixed to the front face 26 by heat-sealing its periphery.

[0151] Once the side edges are sealed, the fluid product 11 is introduced into the interior volume 18

[0152] The upper edge of the container 12 is then also sealed by heat sealing between the edges 116 and 118 to close the interior volume 18.

[0153] The dispensing of fluid product 11 from the second packaging and dispensing device 10 is similar to that described previously. Unlike the first packaging and dispensing device 10, the bladder 106 and not a region of the partition 36 ensures the elastic return causing the suction of fluid product 11 into the pumping channel 50.

[0154] In a variant, the second packaging and dispensing device 10 is devoid of an access inlet 20 allowing the entry of air to compensate for the released volume of fluid product 11. The container 12 being flexible, it gradually collapses during successive dispensings of fluid product 11, the interior volume 18 decreasing to compensate for the released volume of fluid product 11.

[0155] A third packaging and dispensing device 10 according to the invention, shown [Fig.7], will now be described.

[0156] Only the differences between the first packaging and distribution device 10 described above and the third packaging and distribution device 10 are described below.

[0157] The container 12 is a thermoformed plastic package. It comprises two half-shells 150 and 152 of ellipsoidal outline sealed together along a rim at their periphery.

[0158] The half-shell 150 defines the front face 26 on which the distribution system 14 is fixed and the shell 152 defines the rear face 27.

[0159] The strip 46 is glued to the front face 26 in order to delimit the distribution channel 50.

[0160] The access inlet 20 provided with the non-return valve 34 is provided in the rear face 27 in order to balance the pressures by air entering the interior volume 18 when dispensing a dose of fluid product 11.

[0161] A fourth packaging and distribution device 10 according to the invention, shown [Fig.8], will now be described.

[0162] Only the differences between the first packaging and distribution device 10 described above and the fourth packaging and distribution device 10 are described below.

[0163] In the example shown in [Fig.8], the container 12 is a tube. The external surface 23 defines a front face 26, a rear face 27 opposite the front face and a bottom 24 of circular contour here.

[0164] In this example, the access inlet 20 is provided in the bottom 24, advantageously in the center of the bottom 24. The bottom 24 is concave and / or further comprises at least one groove 180, 182, in particular two grooves 180, 182 arranged through the bottom 25, for example along two perpendicular diameters of the circle defining the perimeter of the bottom 24.

[0165] When the container 12 is arranged with its bottom 24 directed downwards, and placed on a flat surface, the bottom 24 being in contact with this surface, air can always pass under the bottom 24, due to the concavity and / or the presence of the or each groove 180, 182. Each dose of fluid product 11 dispensed from the interior volume 18 is replaced by external air accessing the access inlet 20 through the concavity of the bottom 24 and / or through the or each groove 180, 182.

[0166] A fifth packaging and distribution device 10 according to the invention, shown [Fig.9], will now be described.

[0167] Only the differences between the second packaging and distribution device 10 described above and the fifth packaging and distribution device 10 are described below.

[0168] The container 12 comprises a hollow self-supporting wall 200 having a central opening and a sealing film 202 closing the central opening.

[0169] The hollow self-supporting wall 200 is advantageously of parallelepiped shape, forming for example a tray. It is elastically deformable by being urged towards a rest position.

[0170] The attached film 104 forming the attached partition 36 of the distribution system 14 is fixed to the sealing film 202 defining between them the pumping channel 50. The bladder 106 is then introduced between the films 104, 202.

[0171] The access inlet 20 provided with the non-return valve 34 is provided in the self-supporting wall 200.

[0172] A variant of the dispensing system 14 configured to be attached to an external surface 23 of a container 12 will now be described, with reference to [Fig. 10]

[0173] The distribution conduit 49 comprises two films 250, 252 assembled one on the other delimiting between them the pumping channel 50. The inner film 250 is intended to be fixed on an external surface of the container 12. The outer film 252 is attached to the inner film and forms the attached partition 36 described above. As previously, a bladder 106 is arranged in the pumping channel 50 between the films 250, 252 to form the elastic pumping element 18.

[0174] The distribution system 14 thus formed is capable of being manufactured separately from the container 12. It is configured to be fixed in one piece to any container 12, for example by gluing the inner film 250 to the external surface 23 of the container 12.

Claims

Claims

1. Device (10) for packaging and dispensing a fluid product (11), in particular a cosmetic product, comprising: - a container (12) defining an interior volume (18) intended to receive the fluid product (11); and - a distribution system (14) for fluid product (11) outside the interior volume (18) comprising: • a distributor conduit (49) defining a pumping channel (50) for fluid (18) extending from a lower opening (22) for drawing fluid product (11) from the interior volume (18) provided through the container (12) to a distribution orifice (58) for fluid product (11) outside the packaging and distribution device (10); • an upstream non-return valve (52) arranged in the lower sampling opening (22) or in the pumping channel (50) • a downstream non-return valve (60) arranged in the distribution orifice (58) or between the upstream non-return valve (52) and the distribution orifice (58); • an elastic pumping element (42) deformable by a user from outside the container (12), the elastic pumping element (42) being formed in the distributor conduit (49) or arranged in the pumping channel (50) between the upstream non-return valve (52) and the distribution orifice (58); characterized in that the pumping channel (50) is arranged completely outside the interior volume (18) of the container (12) between the lower sampling opening (22) and the dispensing orifice (58) for fluid product (11), the dispensing conduit (49) being applied to an external surface (23) of the container (12) or being partially delimited by an external surface (23) of the container (12).

2. Device (10) according to claim 1, in which the container (12) has an access inlet (20) to the interior volume (18) opening into the interior volume (18), the access inlet (20) being provided with an additional non-return valve (34).

3. Device according to claim 2, in which the additional non-return valve (34) is mounted to be reversibly movable between a position of partial closure of the access inlet (20) and a position of release of the access inlet (20) releasing access to the interior volume (18).

4. Device (10) according to claim 3, in which the distribution system (14) comprises a flap (44) articulated relative to the distributor conduit (49), the additional non-return valve (34) being carried by the flap (44) so ​​that the non-return valve (34) and the flap (44) are jointly movable between the partial closure position and the release position.

5. Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which the dispensing conduit (49) comprises a partition (36) attached to an external surface (23) of the container (12), in particular a bar (46), the pumping channel (50) being arranged between the partition (36) and the external surface (23), preferably being defined by the partition (36) and the external surface (23).

6. Device (10) according to claim 5, in which the dispensing conduit (49) comprises at least one elastic region (47) formed as a projection on the attached partition (36), the elastic region (47) defining in the pumping channel (50) a pumping volume (62), the elastic region (47) being configured to be pressed by a user from outside the container (12) between an expanded configuration maximizing the pumping volume (62) and a crushed configuration minimizing the pumping volume (62), the expanded configuration being a rest configuration.

7. Device (10) according to any one of claims 5 or 6, in which at least one of the upstream non-return valve (52) and the downstream non-return valve (60) is integral with the added partition (36), and is advantageously in one piece with the added partition (36).

8. Device (10) according to claim 5, in which the pumping channel (50) contains an elastic bladder (106) defining a pumping volume (62) disposed between the attached partition (36) and the external surface (23), the bladder (106) being configured to be pressed by a user from the outside between an expanded configuration maximizing the pumping volume (62) and a compressed configuration minimizing the pumping volume (62), the expanded configuration being a resting configuration.

9. Device (10) according to claim 8, in which the attached partition (36) is a partition without elastic return, in particular is a film (104, 252).

10. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (12) comprises an external wall formed of at least one film (100, 202), in particular of at least one folded film (100).

11. Device (10) according to claim 10, wherein the container (12) is a sachet, in particular a sachet sealed at its periphery.

12. Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, in which the container (12) comprises a self-supporting external wall (16, 200), advantageously deformable and urged towards a rest position.

13. A device (10) according to claim 12, wherein the container (12) is a bottle or a tube.

14. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a removable plug for closing the dispensing orifice (58), in particular mounted integrally with the container (12) or the dispensing system (14).

15. Method for dispensing a fluid product (11), in particular a cosmetic product, comprising the following steps: - providing a device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14; - pressing by a user the elastic pumping element (42) towards a compressed configuration minimizing the pumping volume (62); - opening the downstream non-return valve (60) and releasing a calibrated dose of fluid product (11) present in the dispensing channel (50) through the dispensing orifice (58) towards the outside; - releasing the elastic pumping element (42) towards a rest configuration being an expanded configuration maximizing the pumping volume (62) causing the closing of the downstream non-return valve (60);- opening of the upstream non-return valve (52) and suction of fluid product (11) from the interior volume (18) towards the distribution channel (50) through the lower opening (22) providing access to the interior volume (18).; 20

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