CONTAINER AND FERRULE ASSEMBLY WITH FLUID DISPENSING SYSTEM

Abstract

TITLE: CONTAINER AND FERRULE ASSEMBLY WITH FLUID DISPENSING SYSTEM Container and ferrule assembly with fluid distribution system, the ferrule (10) being configured to join the container (100, 100') in a removable manner by threading. The threading of the container (100, 100') and ferrule (10, 10') assembly is formed by the complementarity between a first thread shape of the face (11.1, 11.1') of the threading interaction surface of the body (11, 11') of the ferrule (10, 10'), and a second thread shape of the face (101.1, 101.1') of the threading interaction surface of the neck (101, 101') of the container (100, 100'). Two or more protrusions (12) projecting from the thread interaction surface are located on the first or second thread form (11.1, 11.1', 101.1, 101.1') and positioned so as to be able to serve as a thread coupling (102, 102') on the other thread form of the thread assembly.Each protuberance (12) takes the form of a cone or spherical cap protruding from the thread interaction surface, with a diameter (D) substantially identical to the free distance (d) between the crests of each thread pitch (102, 102') and a height (A) substantially identical to the free height (a) of the recess between flanks of the threads of the thread (102, 102') of the other thread form. Figure for the abstract: 1.

Description

Title of the invention: CONTAINER AND FERRULE ASSEMBLY WITH FLUID DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

[0001] The present invention relates to an assembly consisting of a container and a ferrule coupled thereto, preferably from the perfumery and cosmetics sector, where the ferrule comprises a system for dispensing the liquid or fluid contained in the container. Background of the invention

[0002] Containers containing a certain type of fluid and incorporating a ferrule coupled to said container as a closure system and distribution element for the fluid contained in said container are known in the state of the art.

[0003] Usually made of metallic material, these ferrules are joined in a non-removable manner to the container, which is for its part made of another type of material such as glass, conventionally used, as a general rule. This non-removable junction between ferrule and container prevents correct recycling of the assembly, once its end of life has been reached, due to the heterogeneous composition of the materials of the different parts of said ferrule-container assembly.

[0004] In order to solve this problem, ferrules allowing a threaded connection with the container are known in the state of the art. This solution makes it possible to separate the ferrule and the container at the time of their disposal, and thus, their proper treatment with a view to separate recycling, depending on the materials composing each part. This solution also involves certain disadvantages directly linked to the configuration of the thread of the ferrule, a greater consumption of material for forming it being in fact necessary in order to be able to profile the entire threaded development of the part.

[0005] This solution based on the establishment of a thread between the ferrule and the container also has the disadvantage of a slower manufacturing process, since their industrialization assumes the use of "transfer" machines working at a rate of 100-150 pieces / minute for the creation of the thread of the ferrules. In addition to the above, the increase in oil consumption for the production of the thread of the ferrule must also be taken into account. The use of stamping oils is in fact necessary during the development of the thread, this stamping process being the conventional process for producing the thread of metal ferrules.

[0006] The configuration of a ferrule and container assembly allowing a secure but removable junction of these, thus proves necessary so that the user can properly and easily separate them and manage their recycling. All this must be carried out without to significantly affect the consumption of environmentally impacting materials and with the least damage to the productive capacity of all or one of the parts involved, such as in this case, the ferrule. Description of the invention

[0007] The objective of the present invention is to provide a container and ferrule assembly provided with a fluid distribution system for containers, which makes it possible to solve the aforementioned drawbacks and to provide other advantages indicated below.

[0008] For the sake of clarity, ferrule should be understood as the cap, sleeve or similar element for coupling to the neck of a container for its effective closure and the placement of the distribution system for the fluid contained in the container, where conventionally, said cap or similar appears open at its two ends, to couple by one of them to said neck of the container and, by the other, to pass the dosing, distribution, spraying system, etc., fixed thereto and having to penetrate to the bottom or inside of the container.

[0009] Still for the sake of clarification, fluid distribution system must be understood as any system for distributing the fluid contained in the container, whether by spraying, dosing by pumping or the like, conventionally used on containers of perfume, cosmetic, deodorant or other similar types of products.

[0010] To close the notions of precision deemed necessary, the notion of shape or distance substantially identical to a described shape or distance must be understood as a distance or shape coinciding with that compared in its description or presenting similar shapes or values ​​making it possible to retain the functionality and advantages associated with said shape or distance specific to the described shape.

[0011] In accordance with the objective of the invention, and according to a first aspect, the present invention is based on a container and ferrule assembly with a fluid distribution system, where the ferrule is configured so as to removably join by threading to the container.

[0012] Advantageously in the present invention, the thread of the container and ferrule assembly is formed by the complementarity between a first thread form of the face of the thread interaction surface of the body of the ferrule, and a second thread form of the face of the thread interaction surface of the neck of the container, where are located on the first or second thread form, two or more projecting protrusions of the thread interaction surface, placed so as to be able to serve as a thread coupling on the other thread form of the thread assembly.

[0013] Each of these protuberances takes a shape substantially identical to a cone or spherical cap protruding from the thread interaction surface where it is located, with a cone or spherical cap section diameter substantially identical to the free distance between the crests of each thread pitch and a cone or spherical cap height substantially identical to the free height of the recess between the flanks of the threads of the other thread form.

[0014] In this way, the configuration of a container and ferrule assembly is obtained allowing their coupling and uncoupling by threading, as well as their proper treatment as waste, both of the container and of the ferrule. For this purpose, one of the two thread forms is advantageously used with minimum mechanical action for the generation of the protuberances acting as a replacement for the complementary thread of the thread of the other thread form.

[0015] This mechanical action which, preferably although not limitingly, is based on a stamping process on one of the two thread shapes and at predetermined points, of spherical or conical marks allowing, as indicated, to act as a replacement for the complementary thread of the thread of the other thread shape. This solution involves a minimization of the manufacturing times of the parts integrating the thread shapes corresponding to the protuberances, compared to other thread solutions using for example stamping, in addition to avoiding a greater consumption of material for said generation of the part, as well as the consumption of oils during said stamping of the complete threads on these metal type parts.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the distribution of the protrusions on the first or second thread form is carried out so as to have between 2 and 4 protrusions for each complete turn on the thread axis, following the helical trajectory of a thread configured to mate with the thread of the other thread form of the thread assembly.

[0017] It has been verified that, although this is the minimum number of protrusions to achieve the coupling between the thread of the container neck and the ferrule, to correctly and securely maintain the two interaction surfaces on this thread, and moreover, to require the minimum number of operations on the part incorporating the protrusions minimizing the working times on it and therefore minimizing the effects of machining on the productivity of these parts, the preferred and optimal distribution of protrusions on the first or second thread form is 4 protrusions per complete revolution on the thread axis, following the helical trajectory of a thread configured to mate with the thread of the other thread form of the thread assembly and with a minimum of protrusions to complete two thread turns.

[0018] Alternatively, the distribution of the protuberances on the first or second thread form is carried out in such a way as to have more than 4 protuberances for each complete revolution about the thread axis, following the helical path of one thread configured to mate with the thread of the other thread form in the thread assembly.

[0019] This latter embodiment configures the assembly with a greater arrangement of protrusions increasing the contact points between the thread forms of the ferrule and the container neck for applications requiring reinforcement of these contact points or simply to improve the threaded coupling between the ferrule and the container.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, regardless of the number of protrusions applied to the first or second thread form, these protrusions are uniformly distributed angularly relative to the thread axis along the helical path of the thread. This improves the stability and safety of the threaded coupling without any significant area of ​​the thread path being unsupported by the protrusions on the thread of the thread.

[0021] According to an alternative embodiment, the protuberances homogeneously distributed at one or more points angularly relative to the thread axis following the helical path of the thread, form sets of protuberances with two or more adjacent protuberances in the helical direction of the thread.

[0022] This configuration makes it possible to facilitate the guidance and / or to reinforce the contact between the ferrule and the thread of the neck of the container at the points deemed necessary, such as for example at the start of the coupling between threads and / or other points of the helical threading trajectory.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the body of the ferrule configured for its adaptation to the neck of the opening of the container, comprises the protruding protrusions at its inner face, as a first thread form of the face of the thread interaction surface of the body of the ferrule, where said protrusions are configured in an arrangement allowing to serve as a coupling for the complementary thread arranged as the second thread form of the face on the thread interaction surface of the neck of the container, where each protrusion is formed by a hollowing of the outer face of the body towards the inside of the ferrule.

[0024] This preferred configuration makes it possible to have protrusions on the ferrule, a part that is easier to machine for creating said protrusions, and threads on the container. The invention thus takes on particular relevance in the case of metal ferrules, maximizing the advantages of each previous embodiment with this feature.

[0025] Alternatively to the above, the neck of the container includes the projecting protrusions at its outer face, as a second form of threading of the face on the thread interaction surface of the neck of the container, wherein said protrusions are configured in an arrangement suitable for serving as a coupling for the complementary thread arranged as the first thread form of the face of the thread interaction surface of the body of the ferrule, wherein each protrusion is formed by a projection from the outer face of the neck of the container towards the outside.

[0026] This alternative configuration makes it possible to have the protrusions on the container and the thread on the ferrule, for applications requiring more appropriately to have these protrusions on the container and not on the ferrule.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the ferrule is mainly composed of metallic materials. Alternatively, the ferrule may be made of other materials, more specifically, it may be mainly composed of plastic materials.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment of the container, the latter is mainly made of glass or plastic and the ferrule is made of metallic material.

[0029] Alternatively, the container is predominantly made of metal or glass and the ferrule is made of plastic material.

[0030] This invention is of particular relevance for combinations of ferrules and containers made of different materials. Indeed, the known configuration of non-removable coupling did not allow for correct treatment of waste, while the described inventive solution allows for easy and correct separation of the parts made of different materials and their correct treatment as waste. Brief description of the figures

[0031] In order to facilitate understanding of the presentation, attached are drawings representing, schematically and solely by way of non-limiting example, the practical cases of the following embodiments.

[0032] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] is a front view of a ferrule provided with the fluid distribution system which is the subject of the invention, in a position close to its thread on the threaded neck of a container which is also the subject of the invention.

[0033] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a bottom perspective view of a ferrule which is the subject of the invention, without container or fluid distribution system.

[0034] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a top perspective view of a ferrule which is the subject of the invention, without container or fluid distribution system, with groups of protrusions at different points of the body of the ferrule.

[0035] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a front view of a ferrule with a distribution system of fluid according to an alternative embodiment of the invention where the protrusions are located on the neck of the container.

[0036] Description of a preferred embodiment of the invention

[0037] In the present preferred embodiment of the invention, and as shown in Figures 1 and 2, there is provided a ferrule (10) formed by a cylindrical sleeve or cap open at its two ends, one for coupling to the threaded neck (101) of a container (100) and generating a tight closure between the two parts (10 and 101), and the other end for coupling to the fluid distribution system (105), namely in this case, a system for spraying the fluid contained in the container (100). Alternatively, this spray system could be replaced, as a fluid distribution system (105), by a pumping system or other system for distributing said contained fluid.

[0038] The body (11) of the ferrule (10) comprises slots at its outer face (11.2) of the body (11) towards the inner space of the ferrule (10), forming protrusions (12) on the inner face (11.1) of the thread interaction surface of the body (11) of the ferrule (10), as a first thread form.

[0039] These protrusions (12), which in the present preferred embodiment have a substantially conical shape, although they can alternatively have substantially spherical cap shapes or the like, are arranged relative to each other along a helical path so as to remain configured in an arrangement allowing them to serve as a coupling for the complementary thread (102) of the outer face (101.1) of the thread interaction surface of the neck (101) of the container (100), as a second thread shape.

[0040] In the present preferred embodiment, four protrusions (12) are arranged homogeneously distributed angularly, each 90°, for each complete turn of the ferrule on the thread axis (e), following the helical trajectory configured to couple to the thread (102) of the neck (101) of the container (100), with two thread turns covered by said distribution of protrusions (12). It is possible to use another number of protrusions (12) per complete thread turn. This may be at least 2, although more optimally and as shown, 4 protrusions (12) are arranged per revolution to ensure efficient and secure coupling between the first thread form of the face (11.1) of the interaction surface of the ferrule (10) and the second thread form of the face (101.1) of the interaction surface for threading the neck (101) of the container (100).Alternatively, the ferrule (10) may be configured with more than 4 protrusions (12) per complete thread revolution, in order to provide better guidance during the threading action of the ferrule (10) on the neck (101) of the container (100) and / or better coupling to withstand pressures for specific applications of pressurized fluids contained within the container.

[0041] Optionally, as can be seen in [Fig.3], at one or more points where the protrusions (12) are uniformly distributed angularly on the body (11) of the ferrule, two or more adjacent protuberances (12) are provided, so as to allow for better guidance and coupling to the thread of the neck (101) of the container (100) at these points.

[0042] In a manner common to any preceding embodiment, the protuberances (12) have a shape allowing their coupling between the threads of the thread (102) of the neck (101) of the container (100), this coupling being a safe and efficient passage of the protuberances (12) through the recess between the threads of said thread (102), allowing guided passage and retention in the thread without jumping of the thread, at least with normal use of the assembly. To do this, the protuberances are dimensioned so that the diameter (D) of the section of the cone is substantially identical to the free distance (d) between the crests of each thread pitch (102) of the neck (101) of the container (100) and the height (A) of the cone is substantially identical to the free height (a) of the recess between flanks of the threads of the thread (102) of the neck (101) of the container (100).

[0043] In the preceding embodiments, the ferrule (10) is predominantly composed of metal, in this case preferably aluminum, although other metals are possible. Alternatively, other materials are possible for the majority formation of the ferrule, such as plastic materials. These alternatives of materials used are intended for possible combinations of designs involving differences between the possible treatment of the container and the ferrule as waste, which is the point where this invention takes on particular relevance.

[0044] As indicated in the previous embodiments, the container (100) and ferrule (10) assembly with fluid distribution system (105) allows an efficient and secure coupling between the thread (102) of the container (100) and the ferrule (10) from minimum elements of mechanization of the body (11) of the ferrule (10), such as the protrusions (12) with a substantially conical shape or a spherical cap in a helical arrangement for coupling to the thread. This allows to obtain a ferrule with a minimum manufacturing and formation time of the thread elements, as well as the non-necessity of additional raw material for forming the thread surface and the non-necessity of using stamping oils in the case of using this machining process.This also allows the ferrule (10) and the container (100) to be easily uncoupled, in order to properly treat them as waste, when the material of the ferrule (10) is different from the material of the container (100), as in the case of glass and plastic containers with metal ferrules and in the case of glass and metal containers with plastic ferrules.

[0045] In an alternative embodiment, the protrusions (12) are created on the neck (101') of the container (100') so as to have the complete thread on the ferrule (10'), the outer surface (101.1') of the neck (101) of the container (100) being the surface containing the protrusions (12) towards the outside of the container to contact and mate with the recesses between threads on the inner face (11.1') of the body (111) of the ferrule (10').

[0046] Although reference is made to a concrete embodiment of the invention, it will be obvious to an expert in the field that the container and ferrule assembly with fluid distribution system described may be subject to numerous modifications and variations, and that all of the details indicated may be replaced by other technically equivalent ones, without departing from the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims

1. - Container and ferrule assembly with fluid distribution system, wherein the ferrule (10) is configured to join the container (100, 100') removably by threading the container (100, 100') and ferrule (10, 10') assembly, characterized in that the threading of the container (100, 100') and ferrule (10, 10') assembly is formed by the complementarity between a first thread shape of the face (11.1, 11.1') of the interaction surface for threading the body (11, 11') of the ferrule (10, 10'), and a second thread shape of the face (101.1, 101.1') of the interaction surface for threading the neck (101, 101') of the container (100, 100'), in which are located on the first or second thread form (11.1, 11.1', 101.1, 101.1') two or more protrusions (12) projecting from the thread interaction surface, positioned so as to be able to serve as a thread coupling (102, 102') on the other thread form of the thread assembly, in which each protrusion (12) takes a shape substantially identical to a cone or a spherical cap protruding from the thread interaction surface where it is located, with a diameter (D) of the cone or spherical cap section substantially identical to the free distance (d) between the crests of each thread pitch (102, 102') and a height (A) of the cone or spherical cap substantially identical to the free height (a) of the recess between flanks of the threads of the thread (102, 102') of the other thread form.

2. - Container and ferrule assembly with fluid delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the distribution of the protrusions (12) on the first or second thread form (11.1, 11.1', 101.1, 101.1') is made so as to have between 2 and 4 protrusions (12) for each complete turn on the thread axis (e), following the helical trajectory of a thread configured to mate with the thread (102, 102') of the other thread form of the thread assembly.

3. - Container and ferrule assembly with fluid distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the distribution of the protrusions (12) on the first or second thread form (11.1, 11.1', 101.1, 101.1') is carried out so as to have 4 protrusions (12) for each complete turn on the thread axis (e), according to the helical path of a thread configured to mate with the thread (102, 102') of the other thread form of the thread assembly and with minimal protrusions (12) allowing two turns of the thread to be completed.

4. - Container and ferrule assembly with fluid delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the distribution of the protrusions (12) on the first or second thread form (11.1, 11.1', 101.1, 101.1') is made so as to have more than 4 protrusions (12) for each complete turn on the thread axis (e) following the helical path of a thread configured to mate with the thread (102, 102') of the other thread form of the thread assembly.

5. - Container and ferrule assembly with fluid distribution system, according to any one of claims 2 to 4, in which the protuberances (12) are uniformly distributed angularly relative to the thread axis (e) following the helical path of the thread.

6. - Container and ferrule assembly with fluid product dispensing system, according to any one of claims 2 to 4 in which the protuberances (12), homogeneously distributed at one or more points angularly relative to the thread axis (e) following the helical path of the thread, form sets of protuberances (12) with two or more adjacent protuberances in the helical direction of the thread.

7. - Container and ferrule assembly with fluid distribution system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body (11) of the ferrule (10), configured for its adaptation to the neck (101) of the opening of the container (100), comprises the protrusions (12) projecting at its inner face, as a first thread form of the face (11.1) of the thread interaction surface of the body (11) of the ferrule (10), said protrusions being configured in an arrangement allowing to serve as a coupling for the complementary thread (102) arranged as the second thread form of the face (101.1) on the thread interaction surface of the neck (101) of the container (100), each protrusion (12) being formed by a hollowing of the outer face (11.2) of the body (11) towards the inside of the ferrule (10).

8. - Container and ferrule assembly with fluid delivery system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the neck (101') of the container (100') comprises the protrusions (12) projecting at its outer face as a second thread form of the face (101.1') on the thread interaction surface of the neck (101') of the container (100'), said protrusions (12) being configured in an arrangement to serve as a coupling for the complementary thread (102') arranged as the first thread form of the face (11.1') of the thread interaction surface of the body (111) of the ferrule (10'), each protrusion (12) being formed by a projection of the outer face (101.1') of the neck (101) towards the outside.

9. - Container and ferrule assembly with fluid distribution system according to any one of claims 7 or 8, in which the ferrule (10, 10') is predominantly composed of metallic materials.

10. - Container and ferrule assembly with fluid distribution system according to any one of claims 7 or 8, in which the ferrule (10, 10') is mainly composed of plastic materials.

11. - Container and ferrule assembly with fluid delivery system according to claim 9, in which the container (100, 100') is predominantly made of glass or plastic and the ferrule is predominantly made of metallic material.

12. - Container and ferrule assembly with fluid distribution system according to claim 10, in which the container (100, 100') is mainly made of metal or glass and the ferrule is mainly made of plastic material.

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