Powder dispenser

Abstract

A powder dispenser comprising a powder bottle (F) and a dispensing head (T) which together define a powder reservoir (R) extending from a base (F1) of the powder bottle (F) to a sealing wall (25) of the dispensing head (T) formed by a fixed portion (Pf) of the dispensing head (T) relative to the powder bottle (F), the sealing wall (25) forming a peripheral outlet lip (26) in selective, airtight contact with an outlet seat (32) formed by a movable portion (Pm) of the dispensing head (T) relative to the powder bottle (F), the outlet lip (26) leaving its contact with the outlet seat (32) upon actuation of the dispenser to allow the powder to exit the reservoir (R) by gravity, the fixed portion (Pf) comprising a passage sleeve (21) connected to the sealing wall (25) by connecting means (23), characterized in that the connecting means (23) are annular, without a central axial element,so that the powder reservoir (R) extends continuously from the bottom (F1) of the powder bottle F() to a sealing wall (25) of the dispensing head (T). "Figure for abbreviation: Figure 2",

Description

Title of the invention: Powder dispenser

[0001] The present invention relates to a powder dispenser that delivers powder by gravity. This type of dispenser generally comprises a powder reservoir extending from the bottom of the powder bottle to a sealing wall in selective, airtight contact with an outlet seat: the outlet lip leaving its contact with the outlet seat when the dispenser is actuation to allow the powder to exit the reservoir by gravity.

[0002] Such a dispenser is notably known from document DE19832419A1, in which the reservoir forms a kind of funnel leading to a dosing chamber. The sealing wall at the outlet of the dosing chamber is movable laterally at the same time as a dosing wall at the inlet of the dosing chamber. Thus, the powder stored in the dosing chamber is isolated from the reservoir by the dosing wall and can flow by gravity out of the dosing chamber through an opening in the sealing wall that is aligned with the outlet of the dosing chamber.

[0003] This dispenser of document DE19832419A1 is suitable for dispensing sugar or coffee, namely products that are more granular than powdery, and which are less prone to clumping than fine, moist, and / or oily powders. Indeed, the dispenser of document DE19832419A1 is not suitable for dispensing fine, moist, and / or oily powders: these can clump and form blockages at the funnel of the reservoir, at the inlet to the dosing chamber, or inside the dosing chamber.

[0004] The present invention aims to design a powder dispenser which is particularly well suited for the distribution of powders which are more or less fine, moist and / or greasy, some of which tend to clump together.

[0005] To this end, the present invention proposes a powder dispenser comprising a powder bottle and a dispensing head which together define a powder reservoir extending from a bottom of the powder bottle to a sealing wall of the dispensing head formed by a fixed part of the dispensing head relative to the powder bottle, the sealing wall forming a peripheral outlet lip in selective, airtight contact with an outlet seat formed by a movable part of the dispensing head relative to the powder bottle, the outlet lip leaving its contact with the outlet seat when the dispenser is actuation to allow the powder to exit the reservoir by gravity, the fixed part comprising a passage sleeve connected to the sealing wall by connecting means, wherein the connecting means are annular, without an axial central element,so that the powder reservoir extends continuously from the bottom of the powder bottle to a sealing wall of the head of, distribution. Thus, the powder has a clear (unobstructed) flow path of large cross-section inside the dispensing head. There is nothing in this flow path that could cause powder to clump and therefore form a blockage, which would stop the flow. The sealing wall is supported on its periphery, and not axially and / or centrally, which leaves a central passage for the powder. The purpose of the invention is to eliminate any constriction or restriction of the powder flow, in order to prevent powder clumping and blockage.

[0006] According to another feature of the invention, the connecting means can form lateral outlet windows that communicate with the outside of the dispenser when the outlet lip leaves its contact with the outlet seat. Figuratively, the dispensing head defines a pipe formed by the passage sleeve, which is closed at its lower end by the sealing wall. The outlets of this pipe are formed by the lateral windows, which direct the powder flow outwards towards the outlet lip, which is lifted from its seat when the dispenser is actuated. In other words, the flow of powder inside the dispensing head does not encounter any passage restriction or constriction that would result in the powder becoming denser. On the contrary, the flow of powder inside the dispensing head is cylindrical and / or divergent, but never convergent.All the powder passing through the passage sleeve falls axially onto the sealing wall and is deflected by this wall through the lateral windows to finally reach the opening formed between the outlet lip and its seat. The lateral windows and the outlet lip both successively direct the powder flow radially outwards, which has the effect of dispersing or de-densifying the powder, thus preventing any agglomeration and / or blockage. The distribution head of the invention operates in exactly the opposite way to a funnel: instead of concentrating the powder towards a central axial orifice of small diameter, the present invention teaches how to diffract the powder outwards like a sprinkler, which spreads the fluid. The purpose of the invention is always to eliminate any constriction or restriction of the powder flow, in order to avoid powder agglomeration and blockage in the flow.

[0007] According to another feature of the invention, the connecting means can extend axially substantially in line with the passage sleeve, so that the passage sleeve opens directly onto the sealing wall. For example, if the passage sleeve has a diameter of 30 mm, the connecting means can together define a diameter of 30 ± 5 mm. Advantageously, the connecting means together define a diameter of 28 to 35 mm. Preferably, the connecting means extend axially in line with or outside the passage sleeve. The spirit of the invention is still to prohibit any constriction or restriction of passage for the flow of powder, in order to avoid an agglomeration of powder and a blockage in the flow.

[0008] According to another feature of the invention, the outlet lip has an external diameter that is substantially equal to, and advantageously greater than, the internal diameter of the passage sleeve. For example, if the passage sleeve has a diameter of 30 mm, the outlet lip has an external diameter of 30 to 40 mm. Preferably, the connecting means extend axially in line with the passage sleeve, and the outlet lip has an external diameter greater than the diameter of the passage sleeve. The purpose of the invention is, once again, to eliminate any constriction or restriction of the powder flow, in order to prevent powder agglomeration and blockage in the flow.

[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, the powder bottle may include a neck having an internal diameter substantially equal to the internal diameter of the passage sleeve. In this case, the powder passing through the neck is not further constrained by its passage through the passage sleeve. The purpose of the invention remains to prevent any constriction or restriction of the powder flow, in order to avoid powder agglomeration and blockage in the flow.

[0010] According to another aspect of the invention, the powder reservoir, at the dispensing head, may have a maximum internal diameter at the outlet lip. This implies that the powder is dispersed or scattered when it reaches the outlet lip, dislodged from its seat when the dispenser is actuated. Here again, the spirit of the invention is the same: to eliminate any constriction or restriction of the powder flow, in order to prevent powder agglomeration and blockage in the flow.

[0011] According to yet another aspect of the invention, the powder reservoir at the dispensing head may have a minimum internal diameter greater than approximately 30 mm. Empirically, it has been observed that fine, moist, and / or oily powders have a strong tendency to agglomerate when passing through cross-sections smaller than approximately 30 mm. The term "approximately" can be defined as ± 10%. Again, the purpose of the invention remains the same: to eliminate any constriction or restriction of the powder flow, in order to prevent powder agglomeration and blockages in the flow.

[0012] According to an additional feature, the passage sleeve may be provided with a sealing lip that slides tightly within a cylindrical barrel attached to the outlet seat. This sealing lip seals the reservoir when it is opened and closed, so that the powder can only escape from the dispenser by gravity. Incidentally, this sealing lip may also serve to push or force powder through the outlet opening formed between the outlet lip and its seat in the actuated or open position of the dispenser.

[0013] According to a practical embodiment, the fixed part of the dispensing head may include a mounting piece that supports the passage sleeve and receives the neck of the powder bottle in a removable manner, advantageously by screwing, the passage sleeve and the neck of the powder bottle preferably being received inside the mounting piece. Thus, the neck and the sleeve may have substantially the same diameter, so that they do not cause any restriction of flow.

[0014] According to another practical aspect, the moving part of the dispensing head may comprise an internal sleeve that forms the outlet seat and a dispensing nozzle, into which the powder is channeled as it falls by gravity between the peripheral outlet lip and the outlet seat. A return spring acts between the internal sleeve and the fixed part to bring the peripheral outlet lip into tight contact with its outlet seat. Thus, the internal sleeve can be applied to the target surface to be powdered, and the user can apply pressure to the bottle in the direction of the target surface, which separates the outlet lip from its seat. Some of the powder present in the dispensing head can then flow through the passage sleeve, the side windows, and the outlet opening formed between the outlet lip and its seat.Next, the powder, already dispersed, spreads into the distribution nozzle, below the sealing wall, and finally falls by gravity onto the target surface delimited by the distribution nozzle.

[0015] Advantageously, the sealing wall may be convex towards the inside of the reservoir and includes a peak that extends between the connecting means and possibly into the connecting sleeve. The sealing wall may be domed, in the form of a dome, or conical, to direct the powder through the side windows.

[0016] The powder dispenser of the invention finds a preferred application for dispensing powders that may be particularly agglomerating, clumping, aggregating, compacting, or simply sticky. These powders are known to be difficult to dispense with conventional dispensers.

[0017] The spirit of the invention lies in offering the least possible grip and the largest possible passage cross-section for the powder, so that the powder can flow without obstruction in a substantially cylindrical hollow channel, before being evacuated to the outside with a radial component which allows its dispersion.

[0018] The present invention can be defined as a powder dispenser comprising a powder bottle and a dispensing head which together define a powder reservoir extending from a bottom of the powder bottle to a sealing wall. forming a peripheral outlet lip in selective, airtight contact with an outlet seat, the outlet lip leaving its contact with the outlet seat when the dispenser is actuation to allow the powder to exit the reservoir by gravity, and having one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or cumulatively: - the dispensing head comprising a passage sleeve connected to the sealing wall by connecting means, the connecting means being annular, without a central axial element, so that the powder reservoir extends continuously from the bottom of the powder bottle to a sealing wall of the dispensing head, - the distribution head comprising a passage sleeve connected to the sealing wall by connecting means, the connecting means forming lateral outlet windows which communicate with the outside of the distributor when the outlet lip leaves its contact with the outlet seat, - the distribution head comprising a passage sleeve connected to the sealing wall by connecting means, the connecting means extending axially substantially in line with the passage sleeve, so that the connecting sleeve opens directly onto the sealing wall, - the distribution head comprising a passage sleeve connected to the sealing wall by means of connection, the outlet lip having an external diameter which is substantially equal to, and advantageously greater than, the internal diameter of the passage sleeve, - the dispensing head comprising a passage sleeve connected to the sealing wall by means of connection, the powder bottle comprising a neck which has an internal diameter substantially equal to the internal diameter of the passage sleeve, - the powder reservoir, at the level of the dispensing head, has a maximum internal diameter at the level of the outlet lip, - the powder reservoir, at the level of the distribution head, has a minimum internal diameter greater than approximately 30 mm.

[0019] Consequently, protection could for example be sought for a distributor whose reservoir, at the level of the distribution head, has a minimum internal diameter greater than about 30 mm.

[0020] Thus, the present invention can be defined through various different characteristics, which nevertheless respond to the same and only problem, namely eliminating any constriction or restriction of passage for the flow of powder, in order to avoid an agglomeration of powder and a blockage in the flow, particularly for fine, wet and / or greasy powders, which are agglutinative at ambient temperature and humidity.

[0021] The invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings, giving, by way of non-limiting example, one embodiment of the invention.

[0022] In the figures:

[0023] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a powder dispenser according to the invention,

[0024] [Fig.2] Fig.2 is a vertical cross-sectional view through the distributor of powder from [Fig. 1], which is in a resting position,

[0025] [Fig.3] Fig.3 is a cross-sectional and perspective view of the powder dispenser the [Fig.1] according to another cutting angle,

[0026] [Fig.4] Fig.4 is an exploded perspective view of the powder dispenser figures 1 to 3,

[0027] [Fig. 5] [Fig. 5] is a view similar to that of [Fig. 2] in the actuated position, and

[0028] [Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a view similar to that of Fig. 3 in the actuated position of distribution.

[0029] The powder dispenser of the invention comprises two distinct entities, namely a powder bottle F and a dispensing head T, on which the powder bottle F is mounted upside down in a removable manner. It can be noted that the overall configuration of the dispenser is slightly conical or pyramidal, tapering upwards. The dispensing head T is thus wider than the bottle F. It can also be noted that the horizontal cross-section through the dispenser is substantially square, with walls that are more or less flat or convex and edges that are more or less rounded. This square cross-section facilitates gripping and holding the dispenser. However, it is possible that the dispenser of the invention could also have a round or even oval cross-section. This is not a critical feature of the invention.

[0030] With reference to figures 2, 3 and 4, we will now describe in detail the different elements that make up the powder dispenser of the invention.

[0031] First, the powder bottle F can be made of any suitable material, such as plastic, glass, metal, etc. The powder bottle F includes a base Fl located at the top, since the powder bottle F is positioned upside down on the dispensing head T. This base Fl can optionally be capped with a cap Fl 1. The powder bottle F also includes four side walls F2, which are substantially flat or slightly convex. These side walls F2 extend downwards into a more or less annular shoulder F3, given the square cross-section of the bottle. From this shoulder F2, the bottle F forms a neck F4, which is, of course, circularly cylindrical. The neck is provided with an external thread F5. The internal diameter of the neck F4 is relatively large, on the order of 30 mm or more. The internal wall of the neck F4 is preferably cylindrical and smooth so as not to provide any grip for the powder.

[0032] The dispensing head T comprises a fixed part Pf and a movable part Pm. When the powder vial F is mounted on the dispensing head T, the fixed part F is fixed relative to the vial F, while the movable part is movable relative to both the vial F and the fixed part Pm. It is the relative movement between the fixed part Pf and the movable part Pm that allows the powder stored in the vial F and in the dispensing head T to be dispensed by gravity.

[0033] The fixed part Pf here comprises a mounting piece 1 and a sealing piece 2. These two pieces 1 and 2 are joined together by any suitable means, such as press fitting, snap-fitting, welding, gluing, etc. It may even be envisaged that these two pieces 1 and 2 are made as a single unit, by bi-injection or overmolding.

[0034] The mounting piece 1 comprises a cylindrical portion 11, into which the closure piece 2 is engaged. Above this cylindrical portion 11, the mounting piece 1 forms a threaded ring 12, into which the threaded neck F4 of the bottle F is screwed. To ensure a tight seal, a neck seal J is provided, which preferably undergoes radial stress. Beyond the threaded ring 12, the mounting piece 1 forms a more or less wide annular plate, which connects outwards to a first square section 14 extending downwards and joining to a second square section 16 by forming a small shoulder 15 between them. Thus, the first square section 14 extends around the threaded ring 12 and the second square section 16 extends substantially around the cylindrical portion 11, which has a circular cross-section.

[0035] The sealing piece 2 is advantageously made of a plastic material that is more flexible than that used for the assembly piece 1. For example, a thermoplastic elastomer can be used for the sealing piece 2. This piece 2 comprises a circular-section through-hole sleeve 21 that is press-fitted into the circular cylindrical portion 11 of the assembly piece 1. It can be noted that the sleeve 21 is separated from the neck F4 of the bottle F by a section of the cylindrical portion 11. It can also be noted that the internal diameter of the neck F4 is substantially equal to the internal diameter of the through-hole sleeve 21. Thus, the volume formed by the neck F4, the cylindrical portion 11, and the through-hole sleeve 21 is generally or practically cylindrical, with only the section of the cylindrical portion 11 having a slight outward step between the neck F4 and the sleeve 21.We can therefore say that the internal diameter of the passage sleeve 21 is on the order of 30 mm or more, as is the case for the neck F4 of the bottle F. .

[0036] At its lower end, the passage sleeve 21 forms a sealing lip 22, which extends radially outwards below the lower end of the cylindrical portion 11. The sealing piece 2 also includes a sealing wall 25 disposed below the passage sleeve 21 and connected to it by Connecting means 23, which together form lateral exit windows 24. These connecting means 23 are in the form of tabs or bridges extending downwards in line with the passage sleeve 21 to connect the sealing wall 25 near its outer periphery. This sealing wall 25 defines on its outer periphery an exit lip 26, and preferably a double exit lip 26. The diameter of this exit lip 26 is greater than the internal diameter of the passage sleeve 21. The exit lip 26 may have a diameter that is identical or substantially identical to that of the sealing lip 22 which is located above it. It can thus be noted that the connecting means 23 and the side windows 24 are arranged between the sealing lip 22 and the (double) outlet lip 26. The sealing wall 25 is preferably curved inwards and can be in the form of a rounded dome or a cone.The apex 25s of the sealing wall 25 extends between the connecting means 23 and can even extend into the inside of the passage sleeve 21. The shape of the sealing wall 25 can be optimized to promote the flow of powder by gravity.

[0037] The moving part Pm here comprises two separate parts, namely an internal sleeve 3 and an external casing 4. It is not excluded to make these two parts as a single piece.

[0038] The internal sleeve 3 comprises a cylindrical body 31, which terminates at its upper end in a re-entrant rim 33. At its lower end, the cylindrical body 31 forms an outlet seat 32 for the outlet lip 26 of the sealing wall 25. The cylindrical body 31 also forms a sealing sliding wall for the sealing lip 22. Below the outlet seat 32, the internal sleeve 3 forms a nozzle 34, which flares radially outwards. At its lower end, the nozzle 34 connects via a more or less wide area to the external casing 4, which has a substantially square cross-section. More precisely, this external casing 4 comprises a main body with a substantially square cross-section, which has a re-entrant shoulder 42 at its upper end and is connected at its lower end 43 to the annular area 35.It can be noted that the upper part of the body 41 extends around the second square section 16 of the mounting part 1. The re-entrant shoulder 42 rests on the shoulder 15 formed between the first square section 14 and the second square section 16 of the mounting part 1.

[0039] Finally, a return spring S is disposed inside the distribution head T between the fixed part Pf and the moving part Pm, for example bearing on the re-entrant rim 33 of the inner sleeve 3. This return spring S forces the sealing wall 25 inside its exit seat 32 and the shoulder 15 against the re-entrant shoulder 42. The powder distributor is then in its rest position.

[0040] The bottle F and the dispensing head T together define a powder reservoir R, which extends from the bottom Fl of the bottle F to the sealing wall 25. This powder reservoir R also extends through the side windows 24 to the level of the cylindrical barrel 31. This powder reservoir R is completely isolated from the outside, on the one hand by the neck seal J, and on the other hand by the lips 22 and 26.

[0041] It can be noted that there is no element, part or piece located between the neck F4 and the sealing wall 25. It can be said that the neck F4 and the passage sleeve 21 open directly downwards onto the sealing wall 25. Thus, the powder stored inside the reservoir R can fall by gravity without obstruction onto the sealing wall 25 and from there slide outwards through the side windows 24 to come into contact with the sliding barrel 31 and the outlet lip 26.

[0042] Reference will now be made to Figures 5 and 6, which show the dispenser in the gravity-operated dispensing position. The powder dispenser of the invention is operated as follows. The user begins by placing the dispenser on the desired target surface, resting the annular pad 35 on the target surface. The user can then exert a vertical push or pressure on the powder bottle F, so as to move downwards the mounting piece 1 and the sealing piece 2 inside the inner sleeve 3 and the outer casing 4. This has the effect of compressing the return spring S, but above all of separating the outlet lip 26 from the outlet seat 32 formed by the cylindrical barrel 31. It should be noted that the sealing lip 22 always remains in airtight contact inside the cylindrical barrel 31, which is now located substantially at the level of the outlet seat 32.An outlet passage is thus formed for the powder between the outlet lip 26 and the nozzle 34. The powder is, however, confined inside the nozzle 34, given the more or less airtight contact between the annular area 35 and the target surface. The powder is thus distributed with an annular pattern all around the outlet lip 26 inside the nozzle 34. Once the powder has been dispensed, the user simply needs to release the pressure on the bottle F, so that the dispenser returns to its initial resting state under the action of the return spring S.

[0043] This powder dispenser of the invention is characterized by the fact that the passage cross-section of the reservoir inside the dispensing head T is free of any central or axial element that could promote powder accumulation and blockage. On the contrary, the passage cross-section is completely free and extends without restriction or constriction to the level of the sealing wall 25, which also creates no restriction of passage. Rather, the sealing wall 25 directs the powder radially outwards, so as to promote its dispersion and consequently its smooth flow. The only elements that could potentially disrupt the flow are the connecting means 23, which can be in the form of very thin bridges.

[0044] From a dimensional point of view, it is preferable that the cross-section of the reservoir R inside the distribution head be at least on the order of 30 mm. As for the sealing wall 26, its outlet lip 26 has a diameter greater than 30 mm in any case, given that the lip protrudes outwards relative to the passage sleeve 21.

[0045] The hollow and empty configuration of the reservoir R in the distribution head T, with a large diameter of the order of 30 mm or more, considerably promotes the gravity flow of the powder by avoiding any formation of agglomerate or plug.

[0046] The powder dispenser just described is particularly suitable for distributing powders that are more or less fine, moist and / or greasy, some of which tend to clump together.

Claims

Demands

1. A powder dispenser comprising a powder bottle (F) and a dispensing head (T) which together define a powder reservoir (R) extending from a bottom (Fl) of the powder bottle (F) to a sealing wall (25) of the dispensing head (T) formed by a fixed portion (Pf) of the dispensing head (T) relative to the powder bottle (F), the sealing wall (25) forming a peripheral outlet lip (26) in selective, airtight contact with an outlet seat (32) formed by a movable portion (Pm) of the dispensing head (T) relative to the powder bottle (F), the outlet lip (26) leaving its contact with the outlet seat (32) upon actuation of the dispenser to allow the powder to exit the reservoir (R) by gravity, the fixed portion (Pf) comprising a passage sleeve (21) connected to the sealing wall (25) by means of connecting (23), characterized in that the connecting means (23) are annular, without a central axial element,so that the powder reservoir (R) extends continuously from the bottom (Fl) of the powder bottle F() to a sealing wall (25) of the dispensing head (T).

2. Powder dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the connecting means (23) form lateral outlet windows (24) which communicate outside the dispenser when the outlet lip (26) leaves its contact with the outlet seat (32).

3. Powder dispenser according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connecting means (23) extend axially substantially in the continuation of the passage sleeve (21), so that the passage sleeve (21) opens directly onto the sealing wall (25).

4. Powder dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outlet lip (26) has an external diameter that is substantially equal to, and advantageously greater than, the internal diameter of the passage sleeve (21).

5. Powder dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the powder bottle (F) includes a neck (F4) which has an internal diameter substantially equal to the internal diameter of the passage sleeve (21).

6. Powder dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the powder reservoir (R), at the level of the dispensing head (T), has a maximum internal diameter at the level of the exit lip (26).

7. Powder dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the powder reservoir (R), at the level of the dispensing head (T), has a minimum internal diameter greater than about 30 mm.

8. Powder dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the passage sleeve (21) is provided with a sealing lip (22) which slides in a sealed manner in a cylindrical barrel (31) integral with the outlet seat (32).

9. Powder dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixed part (Pf) of the dispensing head (T) comprises a mounting piece (1) which supports the passage sleeve (21) and which receives the neck (F4) of the powder bottle (F) in a removable manner, advantageously by screwing, the passage sleeve (21) and the neck (F4) of the powder bottle (F) preferably being received inside the mounting piece (1).

10. Powder dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the moving part (Pm) of the dispensing head (T) comprises an internal sleeve (3) which forms the outlet seat (32) and a dispensing nozzle (34), in which the powder is channeled when it falls by gravity between the peripheral outlet lip (26) and the outlet seat (32), a return spring (S) acting between the internal sleeve (3) and the fixed part (Pf) to bring the peripheral outlet lip (26) into tight contact with its outlet seat (32).

11. A powder dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing wall (25) is convex towards the inside of the reservoir (R) and comprises a vertex (25s) that extends between the connecting means (23) and possibly into the connecting sleeve (21).

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