Device for conditioning and dispensing a fluid product and associated dispensing process

Abstract

Fluid product conditioning and dispensing device and associated dispensing method. The device comprises a container (12) and a dispensing system (14). The system (14) comprises: a dispensing conduit (49) defining a pumping channel; an upstream check valve (52) disposed in a lower sampling opening (22); a downstream check valve (60) disposed in a dispensing orifice (58); and a pumping elastic element (42) formed in the dispensing conduit (49). The pumping channel is disposed entirely outside the internal volume of the container (12) between the lower opening (22) and the fluid product dispensing orifice (58), 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). (See Figure 2 for abbreviations.)

Description

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

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

[0002] - a container defining an internal volume intended to receive the fluid product; and - a system for distributing fluid product outside the internal volume, comprising: • a distribution conduit defining a fluid pumping channel extending from a lower opening for the extraction of fluid product from the internal volume provided through the container to a fluid product distribution orifice outside the conditioning and distribution device; • an upstream non-return valve located in the lower sampling opening or in the pumping channel; • a downstream non-return valve disposed 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 distribution conduit or disposed in the pumping channel between the upstream check valve and the distribution orifice.

[0003] The cosmetic product is, for example, a hair product, a hygiene product, a face 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 of 30 November 2009 on cosmetic products.

[0005] Many cosmetic products require calibrated doses to optimize product effectiveness. For this purpose, packaging and dispensing devices for these products generally include a pump designed to release the necessary quantity of product.

[0006] However, conventional pumps contain many parts and are made of different materials. These pumps notably include metallic 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 in order to help meet global challenges.

[0009] It is therefore essential to design more durable products, thereby reducing the amount of materials used, replacing them with more environmentally friendly materials and using recyclable materials in order to decrease 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, notably by reviewing their design and / or resizing them in order to reduce the volume and weight of the amount of packaging.

[0011] The objective is to offer reusable, eco-friendly containers in particular rechargeable at home or in store 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, in particular those derived from green chemistry, in order to limit the environmental impact of packaging from its manufacture to its end of life, in particular through materials with a good biodegradability profile and / or from renewable sources.

[0014] In this context, it is important to offer recyclable packaging containing in particular separable elements and / or made 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 of environmentally friendly recyclable materials to allow for the recovery of packaging at the end of its life and to avoid pollution of recycling channels.

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

[0017] US2009302064 proposes, in order to limit the number of parts composing the pumps and to facilitate recycling, a fluid conditioning and distribution device comprising a tank and a pneumatic pumping system mounted removably above the tank.

[0018] The pneumatic pumping system includes an inlet valve connected to a dip tube provided in the tank, a product distribution valve to 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 distribution valve.

[0019] The elasticity of the dome also allows it to return to its original shape when the user releases it, and thus to draw product from the dip tube into the inside of the dome for subsequent distribution.

[0020] However, such a conditioning 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 tank's manufacture.

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

[0022] Other fluid product conditioning and distribution devices featuring pumping systems are described in documents US2007102455A1, US2014339266A1 and US2022160183A1.

[0023] One object of the invention is to provide a cosmetic product packaging and distribution device equipped with a pumping system enabling the delivery of a controlled dose of product, 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 conditioning and distributing a fluid product, in particular a cosmetic product, characterized in that the pumping channel is disposed totally outside the internal volume of the container between the lower sampling opening and the fluid product distribution orifice, the distribution conduit being applied to an external surface of the container or being partially delimited by an external surface of the container.

[0025] The distribution conduit located outside the container eliminates the rigid internal plunger found in conventional air pumps. This facilitates recycling, since the distribution system can then be easily separated from the container for processing, if necessary.

[0026] The distribution system also consists of fewer 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 recyclability improved.

[0027] Moreover, the distribution system adapts equally well to rigid or flexible containers for which traditional pumps are generally incompatible.

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

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

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

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

[0032] - the additional non-return valve is mounted to move reversibly between a 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 allows access to the internal volume via the access inlet. The system can then be refilled with product, thus further limiting the environmental impact of the packaging and dispensing device.

[0034] According to one variant, the device for conditioning and distributing a fluid product comprises the following feature:

[0035] - the distribution system includes a flap hinged relative to the conduit distributor, the additional check valve being carried by the flap so that the check valve and the flap can be moved together between the partial closing position and the release position.

[0036] The hinged flap relative to the distribution conduit reduces the number of parts constituting the system, as these two elements are connected and advantageously molded together. Furthermore, this flap facilitates user access to the internal volume. This makes it easy for the user to refill the container, with simple reinstallation of the non-return valve in the access inlet once refilling is complete.

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

[0038] - the distribution conduit includes a partition attached to an external surface of the container, in particular a strip, the pumping channel being disposed between the added partition and the external surface, preferably being defined by the added partition and the external surface.

[0039] Locating the pumping channel between the external surface and a partition attached to the external surface, preferably delimited between these elements, simplifies the manufacture and recycling of the conditioning and dispensing device. Assembling the partition onto the external surface is indeed simple to implement, while also offering the possibility of disassembly before recycling, if necessary.

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

[0041] - the distribution conduit comprises at least one elastic region formed in a protrusion on the added partition, the elastic region defining in the pumping channel a pumping volume, the elastic region being configured to be squeezed by a user from outside the container between an expanded configuration maximizing the pumping volume and a crushed configuration minimizing the pumping volume, the expanded configuration being a resting configuration.

[0042] Designing the elastic pumping element as a projecting region on the added partition simplifies the assembly of the conditioning and distribution device by eliminating the need for an additional part. Furthermore, the elastic pumping element is easily accessible and operable from the outside.

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

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

[0045] Securing the upstream and / or downstream non-return valve to the added partition reduces the number of parts, thus simplifying the assembly of the product distribution system onto the container. The added partition, equipped with the valve(s), can therefore be assembled as a single unit, facilitating the installation of the device.

[0046] Depending on variants, the device for conditioning and distributing a fluid product comprises one or more of the following features:

[0047] - the pumping channel contains an elastic bladder delimiting a volume pumping device located between the added partition and the external surface, the bladder being configured to be squeezed by a user from the outside between an expanded configuration maximizing the pumping volume and a crushed 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 film.

[0049] The arrangement of an elastic bladder with variable internal volume between the attached partition and the external surface defines a variable pumping volume that can be modified from outside the device by a user. Since the elastic bladder is located in the pumping channel under the attached partition, the attached partition does not need to be elastic and can even be made of a flexible material. Thus, the dispensing system can adapt to different containers. The attached partition can be made from inexpensive materials and can be assembled using simplified processes such as heat sealing.

[0050] According to one variant, the device for conditioning and distributing a fluid product comprises the following feature:

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

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

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

[0054] Depending on variants, the device for conditioning and distributing a fluid product comprises one or more of the following features:

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

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

[0057] The dispensing conduit can also be easily assembled onto rigid containers, while offering superior recyclability compared to conventional pump systems. It can also be assembled onto tubing to provide a metered dispensing system, while simplifying container manufacturing.

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

[0059] - it includes a removable plug for sealing the distribution orifice, in particular mounted as a fixed part of the container or distribution system.

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

[0061] The invention also relates to a method for distributing a fluid product, in particular a cosmetic product, the method comprising: - the provision of a device; - the pressure exerted by a user on the elastic pumping element towards a compressed configuration minimizing the pumping volume; - the opening of the downstream non-return valve and the release of a calibrated dose of fluid product present in the distribution channel through the distribution orifice to the outside; - the release of the elastic pumping element towards a resting configuration being an expanded configuration maximizing the pumping volume causing the closure of the downstream check valve; - the opening of the upstream non-return valve and aspiration of fluid product from the internal volume to the distribution channel through the lower access opening to the internal volume.

[0062] The invention will become clearer upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

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

[0064] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of the device in [Fig.1];

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0073] A first conditioning and distribution device 10 for 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 face and / or body care product, a makeup product, or a sun protection product. It has a liquid or cream formulation.

[0075] The conditioning and distribution device 10 includes a container 12 and a distribution 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 internal volume 18 for receiving the fluid product 11, an upper access inlet 20 to the internal volume 18, and a lower opening 22 for withdrawing fluid product 11 from the internal volume 18. The container 12 further includes a pressure-compensating check 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 placed on a support.

[0078] The wall 16 is advantageously elastically deformable from a rest configuration by pressure between the user's fingers. Once deformed, it is elastically forced back towards its rest configuration. 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 notably manufactured 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 a top 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 defines 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, near the bottom 24. It is located here at the end of a horizontal sampling chimney (not visible) extending into the internal volume 18.

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

[0085] The shoulder 28 is provided 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 internal volume 18. The access inlet 20 is provided with the non-return valve 34 opening into the internal volume 18.

[0087] In the example shown in figures 1 to 3, the check 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 internal volume 18 to allow refilling when the fluid product 11 is present in the internal volume 18.

[0088] In the partially closed position, the check valve 34 allows gas to pass from outside the device 10 into the internal volume 18, to ensure pressure compensation in the event of distribution of fluid product 11 from the internal volume 18. Conversely, the check valve 34 blocks the outlet of fluid product 11 from the internal volume 18, thus avoiding an unintentional release of fluid product 11.

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

[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 out of the pumping channel 50 and an intermediate elastic pumping element 42.

[0091] In this example, the distribution system 14 further includes a hinged flap 44 to support the pressure compensation check 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 includes a bar 46 attached 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 strip 46 has an internal surface 48 which forms with the front face 26 a distributing 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 disposed entirely outside the internal volume 18 of the container 12 between the upstream assembly 38 and the downstream assembly 40 for distributing the fluid product 11.

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

[0097] In this example, the upstream assembly 38 further includes a flexible hinge (not visible) connecting a lower edge of the added 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 internal 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 internal volume 18.

[0099] The downstream distribution assembly 40 is integral with the added 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 to the outside of the conditioning and distribution device 10. The downstream distribution assembly 40 further includes a downstream non-return valve 60 inserted in the distribution nozzle 54.

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

[0101] In the example shown in figures 1 to 3, the bar 46 has a protruding elastic region 47 forming the pumping elastic element 42 which can be manually deformed by a user from outside the conditioning and distribution device 10. The protruding elastic region 47 has a bump shape here.

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

[0103] The elastic pumping element 42 is configured to be squeezed 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 and expanded configurations corresponds to the volume of a dose of fluid product 11 delivered. This dose is advantageously calibrated to optimize the efficiency 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 internal 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 positioned 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 their thumb and forefinger. Their fingers are then positioned to rest on the elastic pumping element 42, which is thus easily accessible to the user. Consequently, the conditioning and dispensing device 10 can be operated with one hand.

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

[0108] The pressure compensation check valve 34 is carried by the flap 44. Thus, the check valve 34 and the flap 44 are movable together between the partially closed position and the release position of the access inlet 20.

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

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

[0111] A manufacturing process for the conditioning 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.1], 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 takes place between the front face 26 of the container 12 and the added partition 36.

[0115] The hinged flap 44 and the associated non-return valve 34 are placed in the release position of the access inlet 20, freeing access to the internal volume 18. The fluid product 11 is introduced into the internal volume through 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 the use of the device 10.

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

[0118] During its first use, the fluid product 11 is located only in the container 12, the pumping channel 50 is filled with air (see step (a) on [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 check valve 52 and then flows towards the distribution orifice 58 through the nozzle 56. The downstream check valve 60 therefore opens to allow the excess 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 crushed configuration.

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

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

[0123] The volume of fluid product 11 evacuated from the internal volume 18 during aspiration is replaced by air entering the internal volume 18 through the access inlet 20 via the pressure compensation check 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 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 check valve 60 and the nozzle 54, to dispense a dose of fluid product 11, until the initial pressure is restored in the pumping channel 50.

[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 user releases the elastic pumping element 42 (step (g)), a new dose of fluid product 11 contained in the internal volume 18 is drawn towards the pumping channel 50 and passes through the upstream check valve 52. The internal volume 18 compensates for this aspiration by an airflow entering through the check valve 34.

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

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

[0130] In one variant, the device 10 includes a removable plug for sealing the dispensing orifice 58, in particular mounted as a unit with the container 12 or the dispensing system 14.

[0131] A second conditioning and distribution device 10 will now be described, with reference to Figures 4 to 6. Only the differences between the first conditioning and distribution device 10 described above and the second conditioning 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 sachet a prismatic shape with a trapezoidal contour in front view and a substantially triangular contour 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 conditioning and dispensing device 10 to stand upright when placed on a flat surface.

[0136] The access inlet 20 equipped with the pressure compensation check valve 34 is located in the upper region of the rear face 27.

[0137] The lower opening 22 for sampling fluid product 11 in the internal volume 18 is located in the lower region of the front face 26, near 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 film strip 104. As before, the pumping channel 50 is delimited between the front face 26 and the film strip 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 distribution nozzle 54 of the upstream fluid product distribution assembly 40 11. The nozzle 54 is here disposed 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 check valve 52 and the downstream check 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 squeezed by a user from the outside by pressing on the added 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 resting configuration.

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

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

[0144] The pressure compensation check valve 34 is fixed in the access inlet 20 and the upstream check valve 52 is fixed in the lower opening 22 for the extraction of fluid product 11.

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

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

[0147] The downstream non-return valve 60 is fixed on 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 lateral edges 108, 110 of the film 100 are sealed together by heat sealing. and with edges 112, 114. This seal ensures the bag is airtight.

[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 internal 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 inner volume 18.

[0153] The distribution of fluid product 11 from the second conditioning and distribution device 10 is analogous to that described previously. Unlike the first conditioning and distribution device 10, the bladder 106, and not a region of the partition 36, provides the elastic return causing the aspiration of fluid product 11 into the pumping channel 50.

[0154] In one embodiment, the second conditioning and distribution device 10 is devoid of an access inlet 20 allowing air to enter to compensate for the volume of fluid product 11 released. The container 12 being flexible, it gradually collapses during successive distributions of fluid product 11, the internal volume 18 decreasing to compensate for the volume of fluid product 11 released.

[0155] A third conditioning and distribution device 10 according to the invention, represented [Fig.7], will now be described.

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

[0157] The container 12 is a thermoformed plastic package. It comprises two half-shells 150 and 152 with an 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 equipped with the non-return valve 34 is provided in the rear face 27 in order to equalize pressures by air inlet into the internal volume 18 during the distribution of a dose of fluid product 11.

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

[0162] Only the differences between the first conditioning and distribution device 10 described above and the fourth conditioning 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 with a circular contour.

[0164] In this example, the access entrance 20 is provided in the bottom 24, advantageously in the center of the bottom 24. The bottom 24 is concave and / or further includes 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 positioned with its bottom 24 facing downwards, and placed on a flat surface, with the bottom 24 in contact with this surface, air can always pass under the bottom 24, due to the concavity and / or the presence of the groove or each groove 180, 182. Each dose of fluid product 11 distributed from the internal volume 18 is replaced by outside air entering the access inlet 20 through the concavity of the bottom 24 and / or through the groove or each groove 180, 182.

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

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

[0168] The container 12 includes 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 parallelepiped in shape, forming for example a tray. It is elastically deformable when subjected to stress towards a rest position.

[0170] The added film 104 forming the added partition 36 of the distribution system 14 is fixed on 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 entrance 20 fitted with the non-return valve 34 is provided in the self-supporting wall 200.

[0172] A variant of a distribution system 14 configured to be reported on 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 top of the other, delimiting the pumping channel 50 between them. The inner film 250 is intended to be fixed to 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 before, a bladder 106 is disposed 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 suitable for being manufactured separately from the container 12. It is configured to be fixed in one piece on any container 12 for example by gluing the inner film 250 to the outer surface 23 of the container 12.

Claims

1. Demands Device (10) for conditioning and dispensing a fluid product (11), in particular a cosmetic product, comprising: - a container (12) defining an internal volume (18) intended to receive the fluid product (11); and - a distribution system (14) for liquid product (11) outside the internal volume (18) comprising: • a distribution conduit (49) defining a pumping channel (50) for fluid (18) extending from a lower opening (22) for sampling fluid (11) in the internal volume (18) provided through the container (12) to a distribution orifice (58) for fluid (11) outside the conditioning and distribution device (10), the pumping channel (50) extending between its two ends, following the periphery of the container (12), the lower opening (22) for sampling fluid (11) being located near the bottom of the container (12); • an upstream non-return valve (52) disposed in the lower sampling opening (22) or in the pumping channel (50); • a downstream non-return valve (60) disposed 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 distribution conduit (49) or disposed 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 disposed entirely outside the internal volume (18) of the container (12) between the lower sampling opening (22) and the fluid product (11) distribution orifice (58), the distribution conduit (49) being applied to an external surface (23) of the container (12) or being delimited partially by an external surface (23) of the container (12), and in that the distribution conduit (49) has an added partition (36) on an external surface (23) of the container (12), the added partition being a strip (46), the pumping channel (50) being disposed between the added partition (36) and the external surface (23), preferably being defined by the added partition (36) and the external surface (23).

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

3. Device according to claim 2, wherein the additional check valve (34) is movablely reversibly mounted 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 internal volume (18).

4. Device (10) according to claim 3, wherein the distribution system (14) comprises a hinged flap (44) relative to the distribution conduit (49), the additional check valve (34) being carried by the flap (44) so ​​that the check valve (34) and the flap (44) are jointly movable between the partially closed position and the release position.

5. Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the distribution conduit (49) has at least one elastic region (47) formed in projection on the added partition (36), the elastic region (47) defining in the pumping channel (50) a pumping volume (62), the elastic region (47) being configured to be squeezed 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 resting configuration.

6. Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one of the upstream check valve (52) and of the downstream check valve (60) is integral with the added partition (36), and is advantageously one piece with the added partition (36).

7. Device (10) according to claim 6, wherein the pumping channel (50) contains an elastic bladder (106) delimiting

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14. a pumping volume (62) disposed between the added partition (36) and the external surface (23), the bladder (106) being configured to be squeezed by a user from the outside between an expanded configuration maximizing the pumping volume (62) and a crushed configuration minimizing the pumping volume (62), the expanded configuration being a resting configuration. Device (10) according to claim 7, wherein the added partition (36) is a partition without elastic return, in particular is a film (104, 252). Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (12) comprises an outer wall formed of at least one film (100, 202), in particular of at least one folded film (100). Device (10) according to claim 9, wherein the container (12) is a bag, in particular a bag sealed at its periphery. Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the container (12) comprises a self-supporting outer wall (16, 200), advantageously deformable and stressed towards a rest position. Device (10) according to claim 11, wherein the container (12) is a bottle or tube. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a removable plug for sealing the dispensing orifice (58), in particular mounted integrally with the container (12) or the dispensing system (14). A method for distributing a fluid product (11), in particular a cosmetic product, comprising the following steps: supply of a device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13; pressure by a user of the elastic pumping element (42) towards a crushed configuration minimizing the pumping volume (62); opening of the downstream non-return valve (60) and release of a calibrated dose of fluid product (11) present in the distribution channel (50) through the distribution orifice (58) to the outside; release of the elastic pumping element (42) to a rest configuration being an expanded configuration maximizing the pumping volume (62) causing the closure of the downstream check valve (60); opening of the upstream check valve (52) and aspiration of fluid product (11) from the internal volume (18) to the distribution channel (50) through the lower opening (22) of access to the internal volume (18).

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