DEVICE FOR STORING AND DISPENSING A FLUID PRODUCT

Abstract

DEVICE FOR STORING AND DISPENSING A FLUID PRODUCT The invention relates to a pipette assembly, comprising: a pipette defining a first chamber for storing a first content which is in liquid form, the pipette having a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end, the distal end defining a distal opening which opens into the first chamber; an actuator arranged on the proximal end of the pipette, the actuator being configured to discharge the first content in the first chamber out of the pipette through the distal opening when actuated;a sealing component arranged on the distal end of the pipette, wherein the sealing component is arranged in a closed position in which the distal opening is blocked and a fluid-tight seal is formed between the sealing component and the pipette, thereby preventing the first contents from flowing out of the pipette through the distal opening; wherein the pipette assembly is configured such that the sealing component is pushed by the first contents into the first chamber upon actuation of the actuator so as to be displaced from the closed position, thereby discharging the first contents from the pipette through the distal opening. The invention also relates to a device for storing and dispensing the fluid product comprising the pipette assembly and a container. Figure for abstract: none;

Description

Title of the invention: DEVICE FOR STORING AND DISPENSING A FLUID PRODUCT FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a device for storing and dispensing a fluid product, in particular a cosmetic product, which is obtained by mixing different contents when the user wishes. The present invention also relates to a pipette assembly which may be part of the device. CONTEXT

[0002] Many fluid products, including cosmetic products, are formed as a mixture of different contents. For various reasons, it may not be desirable to form the mixture in advance and store it in a conventional single-chamber container before delivering the product to the user. For example, some cosmetic product mixtures are unstable and their effectiveness may decrease significantly over time. Accordingly, devices for storing and dispensing a fluid product have been developed, with which it is possible to separately store different contents until the user wishes to mix these different contents to form the final product.

[0003] One type of device provides a separate container storing a first content, which is to be installed on a main container by the user so that the first content can be discharged from the separate container and mixed with a second content in the main container. After which, the separate container is to be removed from the main container and a pipette is to be installed on the main container to dispense the resulting mixture.

[0004] Another type of device provides a push rod disposed within and extending in the longitudinal direction of a dip tube. The distal portion of the dip tube has a larger inner diameter than the proximal portion. The push rod is disposed near a button on the proximal end, and rests against the inner wall of the proximal portion of the dip tube to form a seal on the distal end of the push rod. When the button is depressed, the push rod moves distally, thereby allowing liquid to flow from the proximal end to the distal end of the dip tube around the push rod.

[0005] Another type of device provides a dip tube receiving a first cosmetic content. A discharge port at the distal end of the dip tube is received in a container and is closed by a sealing cap. Upon first Using the dip tube, the dip tube is lifted up and out of the container, while the sealing cap is blocked by a brush near an opening of the container and separated from the dip tube.

[0006] There remains a need for an improved device that further facilitates manufacture and use. SUMMARY

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an improved device for storing and dispensing a fluid product obtained by mixing different contents, in which said contents are stored separately until mixing is desired by the user. In particular, the present invention provides a device that allows separate storage of individual contents and easy mixing of these contents, has a simple structure, does not require a large number of components, and / or provides a great user experience.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pipette assembly comprising: a pipette defining a first chamber for storing a first content which is in liquid form, the pipette having a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end, the distal end defining a distal opening which opens into the first chamber; an actuator arranged on the proximal end of the pipette, the actuator being configured to discharge the first content in the first chamber out of the pipette through the distal opening when actuated;a sealing component arranged on the distal end of the pipette, wherein the sealing component is arranged in a closed position in which the distal opening is blocked and a fluid-tight seal is formed between the sealing component and the pipette, thereby preventing the first contents from flowing out of the pipette through the distal opening; wherein the pipette assembly is configured such that the sealing component is pushed by the first contents into the first chamber upon actuation of the actuator so as to be displaced from the closed position, thereby discharging the first contents from the pipette through the distal opening.;

[0009] According to one embodiment, the sealing component has a spherical shape.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the sealing component has a base portion plate that is exposed to the exterior of the pipette, and an upper portion extending from the base portion, wherein the upper portion engages an interior wall of the distal end of the pipette, thereby forming a fluid-tight seal between the sealing component and the pipette.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the upper portion of the sealing component comprises a first section extending from the base portion and having a truncated sphere shape, and a second section extending from the first section and having a cylindrical shape.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the pipette includes a receiving portion located at the distal end for receiving the sealing component therein, wherein the receiving portion comprises a section whose inner wall has a truncated sphere shape.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the sealing component is made of glass or a resilient material, preferably PP, PET, PETG or PCTA.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the pipette is made of PP, PET, PCTA or PETG.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the actuator comprises a button and a piston fixed at the distal end of the button, the actuator being configured to be actuated by pushing the button, and wherein the piston is configured to move distally upon actuation of the actuator, resulting in an increase in a pressure exerted on the sealing component by the first content, as a result of which the sealing component is displaced from the closed position.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the piston includes a distal surface oriented toward the distal end of the pipette, wherein the distance between the distal surface of the piston and the liquid level of the first content in the first chamber is not greater than 80% of the full stroke of the piston, preferably not greater than 61% of the full stroke of the piston, before the actuator is actuated.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the first chamber includes a portion that tapers toward the distal end of the pipette.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for storing and dispensing a fluid product, comprising: a pipette assembly according to the present invention; and a container defining a second chamber for storing a second content; wherein the pipette assembly is removably mountable to the container, the distal end of the pipette being received in the second chamber of the container.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the second content is different from the first content.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the container comprises a threaded neck portion, and the pipette assembly further comprises a cap, the cap comprising a threaded inner sidewall, wherein the pipette assembly is removably mountable to the container by connecting the neck portion of the container to the inner sidewall of the cap by a threaded connection.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the device further comprises a wiper arranged at the neck portion of the container, the wiper circumferentially surrounding the pipette when the pipette is mounted on the container.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the cap has a passage through which the button extends, wherein the button further comprises a graduation portion having graduations on its outer wall, wherein the button can be pushed to a position in which any one of the graduations is aligned with the top of the cap, to allow a corresponding and predetermined amount of contents within the second chamber to then be drawn into the first chamber.

[0023] The above and other aspects of the present disclosure will be more readily understood from the detailed description, claims, and drawings. The detailed description and specific examples are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] Implementations of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0025] [Fig.lA] [Fig.lA] is a schematic perspective view of the device for storing and dispensing a fluid product according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] [Fig.lB] [Fig.lB] is a schematic perspective view of the pipette assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is an exploded schematic view of the device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] [Fig.3A] [Fig.3A] is a schematic sectional view showing the pipette assembly and a wiper attached thereto according to the first embodiment;

[0029] [Fig.3B] [Fig.3B] is a partial enlarged view of a distal portion of the pipette assembly according to the first embodiment;

[0030] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a schematic perspective view of the pipette according to the first embodiment;

[0031] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a schematic perspective view of the actuator according to the first embodiment;

[0032] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a schematic sectional view of the device in the inactivated state where the pipette assembly is sealed according to the first embodiment;

[0033] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a sectional view of the device in an activated state where the pipette assembly is unsealed according to the first embodiment;

[0034] [Fig.8A] [Fig.8A] is a schematic sectional view showing the pipette assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] [Fig.8B] [Fig.8B] is a schematic partial enlarged view of a distal portion of the pipette assembly according to the second embodiment;

[0036] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a schematic perspective view of the sealing component according to the second embodiment.

[0037] In the drawings, like reference numerals may be used to designate like and / or like elements. The drawings are not necessarily to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The following description is purely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or its uses. Throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate similar or corresponding parts or features. It should be understood that, although expressions relating to directions such as "top," "bottom," "rear," "lower," "upper," "left," and "right" are used with reference to the drawings or specific embodiments, these expressions are used for the purpose of explanation and are not intended to require specific orientations unless otherwise indicated. These directions are merely provided as a guide to the examples provided, but may be modified in other applications.

[0039] [Fig.lA] is a schematic perspective view of the device 1 for storing and dispensing a fluid product according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As used herein, the fluid product may designate a product capable of flowing, in particular a liquid product. The device 1 comprises a pipette assembly 10 and a container 20. [Fig.lB] is a schematic perspective view of the pipette assembly 10 of the device 1 as shown in [Fig.lA].

[0040] [Fig. 2] is an exploded schematic view of the device 1 as shown in [Fig. 1A]. As can be seen in [Fig. 1B] and [Fig. 2], the pipette assembly 10 comprises a cap 11, a seal 12, a pipette 14, a sealing component 13 installed on the pipette 14, a spring 15, a plunger 16 and a button 17. The device 1 may further include a wiper 30, which may be attached to the pipette assembly 10 or the container 20.

[0041] [Fig. 3A] is a schematic sectional view showing the pipette assembly 10 and the wiper 30 attached thereto according to the first embodiment. [Fig. 4] is a schematic perspective view of the pipette 14 according to the first embodiment. As shown in [Fig. 3A] and [Fig. 4], the pipette 14 includes a proximal end 141 defining a proximal opening and a distal end 142 defining a distal opening. Each of the proximal opening and the distal opening opens into a first chamber 140 defined by the pipette 14. A first content 51, which is in the form of a liquid, is received in the first chamber 140. A sealing component 13 is arranged on the distal end 142 of the pipette 14 in a closed position, so as to block the distal opening of the pipette 14 and to form a fluid-tight seal between the sealing component 13 and the pipette 14. The first contents 51 received in the first chamber 140 can thus be sealed against the environment outside the pipette 14.

[0042] [Fig. 3B] is a partial enlarged view of a distal portion of the pipette assembly 10 according to the first embodiment. As shown, the pipette 14 includes a receiving portion 40 located at its distal end 142. The sealing component 13 is received by the receiving portion 40 when placed in the closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving portion 40 forms a bulge at the distal end 142 of the pipette 14. The receiving portion 40 includes a sealing section 41 which cooperates with the sealing component 13 to form a fluid-tight seal therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing component 13 is a ball having a spherical shape. It will be appreciated that other shapes for the sealing component 13 are also possible.In the illustrated embodiment, the inner wall of the sealing section 41 has a truncated sphere shape, i.e. a spherical segment, which is complementary to the shape of a corresponding portion of the sealing component 13.

[0043] The sealing component 13 may be made of glass or a resilient material, preferably PP, PET, PETG or PCTA. The pipette 14, in particular the receiving portion 40 of the pipette 14, may be made of a resilient material, preferably PP, PET, PCTA or PETG. As a non-limiting example, the sealing component 13 is made of glass and the receiving portion 40 of the pipette 14 is made of PTCA or PP. As another non-limiting example, the sealing component 13 is made of HDPE or PP and the receiving portion 40 of the pipette 14 is made of PCTA, PET or PP.

[0044] During manufacture, after pouring the first contents 51 into the first chamber 140, the sealing component 13 can be easily installed on the pipette 14 by simply pushing the sealing component 13 into the distal end 142 of the pipette 14. During this process, at least one of the sealing component 13 and the receiving portion 40 of the pipette 14 is slightly deformed to allow the sealing component 13 to move into the closed position.

[0045] When the sealing component 13 is placed in the closed position, the sealing section 41 extends from a first end 411 located near the top of the sealing component 13, across a horizontal median plane of the sealing component 13, to a second end 412 located at the lower half of the sealing component 13. The second end 412 of the sealing section 41 is adjacent to the horizontal median plane of the sealing component 13 or at least not far from it.

[0046] The configuration as illustrated is advantageous in that, on the one hand, the sealing component 13 can be easily installed on the pipette 14 in the closed position to form a reliable fluid-tight seal and, on the other hand, it can also be easily moved from the closed position to unseal the first chamber 140 as desired.

[0047] Another advantage of the spherical shape of the sealing component 13 is that it provides an aesthetically pleasing visual impression to the user, which is very important in the field of cosmetics, particularly when the container 20 is made of transparent material.

[0048] Additionally, the spherical shape of the sealing component 13 eliminates the need to carefully orient the sealing component 13 during installation.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the first chamber 140 includes a portion that tapers toward the distal end 142 of the pipette 14. This reduces the volume of the sealing component 13 required to seal the pipette 14.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, as part of the first chamber 140, a distal fluid channel is formed at the distal end 142 of the pipette 14. With reference to [Fig. 3B], the distal fluid channel includes a first section 42, which is located immediately above the sealing component 13, and a second section 43, which extends proximally (i.e., upwardly in [Fig. 3B]) from the first section 42. The first section 42 has a generally cylindrical shape with a smaller diameter than that of the sealing component 13, and is vertically aligned with the center of the sealing component 13. The second section 43 is tapered toward the distal direction, having a truncated cone shape. Such a design of the distal fluid channel helps to direct and concentrate the liquid pressure of the first contents 51 to an appropriate region on the sealing component 13 in an appropriate direction.This effectively facilitates pushing the sealing component 13 out of the closed position with the first contents 51 when required.

[0051] Referring to [Fig.3A] and [Fig.4], the pipette 14 further comprises a flange 144 and a projection 145 extending circumferentially at the proximal end 141 of the pipette. The flange 144 is disposed between a lower inner surface of the cap 11 and an upper surface of the seal 12. The flange 144 and the projection 145 are attached to the inner side of the cap 11 on their outer circumferences. The seal 12 is attached to the outer surface of the pipette 14 by an interference fit.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the inner diameter of the pipette 14 varies in its longitudinal direction. A step 143 is formed by a difference in inner diameter adjacent to the proximal end 141 of the pipette 14. The recess 143 can serve as a stop to support the spring 15, as explained in more detail below.

[0053] An actuator is arranged on the proximal end 141 of the pipette 14. The actuator can be operated by the user to discharge the first contents 51 in the first chamber 140 out of the pipette 14 through the distal opening of the pipette 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator is incorporated in the form of a button 17 and a piston 16 attached thereto. It is understood, however, that other types of actuators are also possible.

[0054] Referring to [Fig. 5], the button 17 includes a proximal end 171 where a plate portion is provided, and a distal end 172 to which the plunger 16 is attached. The button 17 further includes a rod portion 174 extending between the proximal and distal ends 171, 172 of the button 17. The spring 15 is to be arranged around the rod portion 174 of the button 17, with one end of the spring 15 attached to the button 17 and the other end of the spring 15 supported on the recess 143 formed by the pipette 14. The button 17 is biased by the spring 15 toward the proximal direction, i.e., the upward direction in [Fig. 3A]. The button 17 is provided with a boss 175 on the proximal side of the rod portion 174.

[0055] As shown in [Fig.3A], the cap 11 is provided with a passage in its upper surface 111, through which a portion of the button 17 extends. Under the action of the spring 15, the button 17 can be biased so that the boss 175 abuts against the inner side of the cap 11, which prevents further movement of the button 17 in the proximal direction.

[0056] [Fig. 6] is a schematic sectional view of the device 1 in the inactivated state before first use. As can be seen, the cap 11 is removably mounted on the container 20 by a threaded connection between a threaded neck portion 21 of the container 20 and a threaded inner side wall of the cap 11. As the cap 11 is screwed onto the container 20, the gasket 12 is compressed and provides a fluid-tight seal at the interface between the cap 11 and the container 20. The gasket 12 may for example be a PE foam gasket or a rubber gasket.

[0057] The container 20 defines a second chamber 200 in which a second content 52 is stored. As shown in [Fig.6], the distal end 142 of the pipette 14 is received in the second chamber 200 of the container 20. The sealing component 13 is in the closed position, so that the first content 51 and the second content 52 remain separate from each other.

[0058] If desired, the device 1 can be switched by the user to an activated state where the pipette 14 is unsealed. [Fig. 7] is a schematic sectional view of the device 1 in the activated state. As shown in [Fig. 7], the button 17 is pressed and the sealing component 13 is moved from the closed position. The movement of the component sealing 13 unblocks the distal opening of the pipette 14, so that the first contents 51 in the first chamber 140 can flow out of the pipette 14 through the distal opening. The first and second contents 51, 52 can thus be mixed to form the fluid product to be applied by the user.

[0059] The operation of the apparatus 1 is now explained with reference to the figures 6 and 7. Before activation of the device 1, the first contents 51 and the second contents 52 are stored separately from each other in the first chamber 140 and in the second chamber 200, respectively, as shown in [Fig. 6]. To activate the device 1, the user presses the button 17, which causes the piston 16 to move downward with the button 17, as shown in [Fig. 7]. The air above the first liquid contents 51 received in the first chamber 140 of the pipette 14 is compressed and the first contents 51 is pushed out. This results in an increase in the pressure exerted by the first contents 51 on the sealing component 13. In response to such increased pressure, the sealing component 13 is displaced out of the sealing position, thereby unsealing the pipette 14 and allowing the first contents 51 to be discharged from the pipette 14 through the distal opening.

[0060] When the button 17 is released by the user, it returns to its initial position under the action of the spring 15, at which time the fluid product in the second chamber 200 of the container 20 can be sucked into the first chamber 140 of the pipette 14. The user can then unscrew the cap 11 of the container 20, separate the pipette 14 from the container 20 and apply the fluid product as required.

[0061] According to the present invention, the increased pushing force of the first liquid content 51 is used to move the sealing component 13. In other words, the sealing component 13 is pushed out of the closing position by the first content 51 without requiring any additional components to move the sealing component 13. The unsealing of the pipette 14 can thus be achieved with a reduced number of components having simple structures. This considerably simplifies the manufacture and assembly of the device 1.

[0062] On the other hand, the unsealing of the pipette 14 can be carried out easily by a simple action of pressing the button 17, which does not require much effort from the user. This contributes to a better user experience of the device 1.

[0063] As shown in [Fig. 7], the sealing component 13 is free to move within the container 20 after the pipette 14 has been unsealed. In this case, the sealing component 13 is no longer attached to the other components of the pipette assembly 10 and can move away from the distal opening of the pipette 14. As a result, the flow of the first content 51, the second content 52 and the fluid product resulting can be optimized, since the obstruction to fluid flow caused by the sealing component 13 is minimized.

[0064] Preferably, the distance L (see [Fig.3A]) between the distal surface of the piston 16 and the liquid level of the first content 51, before the button is first pushed by the user, is small. It may not represent more than 80% of the full stroke of the piston 16, preferably not more than 61% of the full stroke of the piston 16, the full stroke of the piston 16 being defined as the maximum distance that the piston 16 can travel during use. With a full stroke of 16.5 mm, the distance L may for example not represent more than 13 mm, preferably not more than 10 mm.

[0065] Preferably, the first content 51 is different from the second content 52. The first content 51 may for example be an active formula, and the second content 52 may for example be a base formula. The second content 52 is preferably in fluid form, more preferably also in liquid form.

[0066] Optionally, before first use, the container 20 may be provided with a closure (not shown) by means of which the second chamber 200 is sealed. In this case, the user may select a suitable pipette assembly 10 containing a suitable first content 51 for use with a suitable container 20 containing a suitable second content 52 according to his own needs. The user may then remove the closure from the container 20, suitably position the pipette 14 relative to the container 20, and unseal the pipette 14 by pushing the button 17 so as to form a desired fluid product. In this way, the present invention also provides the possibility of more flexible choices.

[0067] The device 1 may further include a wiper 30 that may wipe the fluid product from the outer wall of the pipette 14 when the pipette 14 is removed from the container 20. Unwanted leakage of the fluid product may thus be prevented and the wall of the pipette 14 may appear clean to the user. The wiper 30 may also help to provide a better seal of the fluid contents in the container 20. Before the pipette assembly 10 is mounted on the container 20, the wiper 30 may be initially attached to the pipette assembly 10, particularly to the seal 12, as shown in [Fig. 3A]. When the pipette assembly 10 is mounted on the container 20 by screwing the cap 11 onto the container 20, the wiper 30 attaches to the inner side of the neck portion 21 of the container 20, for example by snap-fit ​​or press fit.Thereafter, the wiper 30 remains attached at the neck portion 21 of the container 20, even if the pipette assembly 10 is unscrewed and removed from the container 20. When the pipette 14 is mounted on the container 20, the wiper 30 circumferentially surrounds the pipette 14.

[0068] The wiper 30 includes external ribs configured to abut the neck portion 21 of the container 20 for a reliable connection between the wiper 30 and the container 20. The wiper 30 may further include internal ribs configured to abut the outer surface of the pipette 14.

[0069] With reference to Figures 5 and 6, the button 17 may further include a graduation portion 173, on which are present graduations indicating the quantity of fluid product to be aspirated. In the illustrated embodiment, a series of parallel indentation lines 1731, 1732, 1733, 1734 are present as graduations. When the distal end 142 of the pipette 14 is immersed in the fluid product and the button 17 is pressed by the user in particular positions, one of the corresponding indentation lines will align with the upper surface 111 of the cap 11. By observing the position of the graduations relative to the cap 11, the user can become aware of the distance traveled by the button 17 and therefore the quantity of fluid product to be aspirated into the first chamber 140 after the button 17 is released.This allows the user to draw a predetermined amount of contents into the first chamber 140 and achieve precise dosage control. As a non-limiting example, the first, second, third and fourth indentation lines 1731, 1732, 1733, 1734 correspond respectively to 0.5 mL, 0.4 mL, 0.3 mL and 0.2 mL of fluid product to be drawn.

[0070] Furthermore, a signaling member may be provided to provide a signal, for example a sound or a "click" sensation, related to the dosage. For example, a bump may be present at each graduation. When the button 17 is pressed, the bump at one or more graduations may strike a portion of the cap 11, producing a clicking sound.

[0071] Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in [Fig.8A] and [Fig.9].

[0072] [Fig.8A] is a schematic sectional view showing a pipette assembly 60 according to a second embodiment. [Fig.8B] is a schematic partial enlarged view of a distal portion of the pipette assembly 60 according to the second embodiment. The configuration of the pipette assembly 60 according to the second embodiment is the same or similar to that of the first embodiment in many respects, and the similarities will not be explained in full detail for the sake of brevity.

[0073] As shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the pipette assembly 60 includes a pipette 64, which is sealed at its distal end by a sealing component 63. The primary difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is the shape of the sealing component 63 and the shape of the fluid channel at the distal end of the pipette 64.

[0074] According to the second embodiment, the sealing component 63 is a cap comprising a flat base portion 631 that is exposed to the exterior of the pipette 64 and an upper portion that engages an interior wall of the distal end of the pipette 64. The pipette 64 includes a receiving portion 70 located at the distal end for receiving the sealing component 63 and forming a fluid-tight seal therebetween.

[0075] With reference to [Fig.8B] and [Fig.9], the upper portion of the sealing component 63 comprises a first section 632 extending from the base portion 631 and a second section 633 extending from the first section 632. The first section 632 has a truncated sphere shape, i.e., a spherical segment, and the second section 633 has a cylindrical shape. The inner wall of the receiving portion 70 of the pipette 64 has a shape that is complementary to the shape of the sealing component 63. In the embodiment, the receiving portion 70 comprises a first section 71 having an inner wall with a truncated sphere shape, and a second section 72 having a cylindrical inner wall. The receiving portion 70 may further comprise a third section 73 which engages the transition portion between the flat base portion 631 and the first truncated spherical section 632 of the sealing component 63.

[0076] Within the first chamber defined by the pipette 64, a distal fluid channel is formed at the distal end of the pipette 64. The distal fluid channel includes a cylindrical section 74 that is located immediately above the sealing component 63 when the sealing component 63 is in the closed position. The cylindrical section 74 extends coaxially with and has substantially the same diameter as the second cylindrical section 633 of the sealing component 63. This is advantageous in that a centered and concentrated liquid pressure can be applied to the sealing component 63 to more effectively move the sealing component 63 from the closed position when desired.

[0077] The flat base portion 631 facilitates installation of the sealing component 63 in the closed position because it facilitates gripping and handling of the sealing component 63.

[0078] The pipette assembly 60 according to the second embodiment operates similarly to the first embodiments. When the button 17 is pressed by a user to an appropriate degree, the sealing component 63 is pushed by the first contents 51 in the first chamber so as to be displaced from the closed position, thereby allowing the first contents 51 to be discharged from the pipette 64 through the distal opening. Once the pipette 64 is unsealed, the sealing component 63 is no longer attached to the other components and is free to move into the second chamber 200 defined by the container 20.

[0079] As in the first embodiment, the sealing component 63 may be made of glass or a resilient material, preferably PP, PET, PETG or PCTA. The pipette 64, in particular the receiving portion 70 of the pipette 64, may be made of a resilient material, preferably PP, PET, PCTA or PETG.

[0080] Although the present invention has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. The detailed description should be construed as exemplary only and does not describe all possible embodiments of the present disclosure. Many alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims defining the invention(s) disclosed herein.

[0081] Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of modifications, alterations, and combinations may be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention(s) disclosed herein, and that such modifications, alterations, and combinations should be considered within the scope of the inventive concept(s).

[0082] List of digital references

[0083] 1 device for storing and dispensing a fluid product

[0084] 10 pipette assembly according to the first embodiment

[0085] 11 cap

[0086] 111 upper surface of the cap

[0087] 12 joint

[0088] 13 sealing component

[0089] 14 pipette

[0090] 140 first room

[0091] 141 proximal end of the pipette

[0092] 142 distal end of the pipette

[0093] 143 detachment

[0094] 144 bridle

[0095] 145 projection

[0096] 15 spring

[0097] 16 piston

[0098] 17 button

[0099] 171 proximal end of the button

[0100] 172 distal end of the button

[0101] 173 graduation portion

[0102] 1731 first line of indentation

[0103] 1732 second indentation line

[0104] 1733 third line of indentation

[0105] 1734 fourth line of indentation

[0106] 174 stem portion

[0107] 175 bossage

[0108] 20 containing

[0109] 200 second room

[0110] 21 portion neck [YES] 30 tester

[0112] 40 receiving portion

[0113] 41 sealing section

[0114] 411 first end of the sealing section

[0115] 412 second end of the sealing section

[0116] 42 first section of the distal fluid channel

[0117] 43 second section of the distal fluid channel

[0118] 51 first content

[0119] 52 second content

[0120] 60 pipette assembly according to the second embodiment

[0121] 63 sealing component

[0122] 631 basic portion

[0123] 632 first section of the sealing component

[0124] 633 second section of the sealing component

[0125] 64 pipette

[0126] 70 receiving portion

[0127] 71 first section

[0128] 72 second section

[0129] 73 third section

[0130] 74 cylindrical section

Claims

Claims

1. A pipette assembly (10, 60), comprising: a pipette (14, 64) defining a first chamber (140) for storing a first content (51) that is in liquid form, the pipette (14, 64) having a proximal end (141) and a distal end (142) opposite the proximal end (141), the distal end (142) defining a distal opening that opens into the first chamber (140); an actuator arranged on the proximal end (141) of the pipette (14), the actuator being configured to discharge the first content (51) in the first chamber (140) out of the pipette (14) through the distal opening when actuated;a sealing component (13, 63) arranged on the distal end (142) of the pipette (14), wherein the sealing component (13, 63) is arranged in a closed position in which the distal opening is blocked and a fluid-tight seal is formed between the sealing component (13, 63) and the pipette (14, 64), thereby preventing the first contents (51) from flowing out of the pipette (14, 64) through the distal opening; wherein the pipette assembly (10, 60) is configured such that the sealing component (13, 63) is pushed by the first contents (51) into the first chamber (140) upon actuation of the actuator so as to be displaced from the closed position, thereby discharging the first contents (51) from the pipette (14, 64) through the distal opening.;

2. A pipette assembly (10, 60) according to claim 1, wherein the sealing component (13) has a spherical shape.

3. The pipette assembly (10, 60) of claim 1, wherein the sealing component (63) has a flat base portion (631) that is exposed to the exterior of the pipette (64) and an upper portion extending from the base portion (631), wherein the upper portion engages an interior wall of the distal end of the pipette (64), thereby forming a fluid-tight seal between the sealing component (63) and the pipette (64).

4. The pipette assembly (10, 60) of claim 3, wherein the upper portion of the sealing component (63) comprises a first section (632) extending from the base portion (631) and having a truncated sphere shape, and a second section (633) extending from the first section (632) and having a cylindrical shape.

5. A pipette assembly (10, 60) according to any preceding claim, wherein the pipette (14, 64) includes a receiving portion (40, 70) located at the distal end (142) for receiving the sealing component (13, 63) therein, wherein the receiving portion (40, 70) comprises a section whose inner wall has a truncated sphere shape.

6. A pipette assembly (10, 60) according to any preceding claim, wherein the sealing component (13, 63) is made of glass or a resilient material, preferably PP, PET, PETG or PCTA.

7. A pipette assembly (10, 60) according to any preceding claim, wherein the pipette (14, 64) is made of PP, PET, PCTA or PETG.

8. A pipette assembly (10, 60) according to any preceding claim, wherein the actuator comprises a button (17) and a plunger (16) attached to the distal end of the button (17), the actuator being configured to be actuated by pushing the button (17), and wherein the plunger (16) is configured to move distally upon actuation of the actuator, resulting in an increase in a pressure exerted on the sealing component (13, 63) by the first contents (51), as a result of which the sealing component (13, 63) is moved from the closed position.

9. The pipette assembly (10, 60) of claim 8, wherein the piston (16) includes a distal surface facing the distal end of the pipette (14, 64), wherein the distance (L) between the distal surface of the piston (16) and the liquid level of the first content in the first chamber (140) is no more than 80% of the full stroke of the piston, preferably no more than 61% of the full stroke of the piston, before the actuator is actuated.

10. Device (1) for storing and dispensing a fluid product, comprising: the pipette assembly (10, 60) according to any one of claims 1 to 9; and a container (20) defining a second chamber (200) for storing a second content (52); wherein the pipette assembly (10, 60) is removably mountable to the container (20), the distal end of the pipette (14, 64) being received in the second chamber (200) of the container (20).

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