Device for packaging and dispensing a product with child safety

Abstract

The invention relates to a product packaging and dispensing device (10) which comprises a container (12) containing the product to be dispensed; a sub-assembly attached to the container (12) and comprising a grooved neck (14), a pump (16) and a push member (18) actuating the pump (16) by manual pressure; and a closure cap (20) having a first ribbed cylindrical wall (200) engaging on the grooved neck (14), thus forming a bayonet-type connection system. The sub-assembly has an annular surface (140) provided with at least one lug (142). The cover (20) has a second wall (300) provided with at least one axial rib (304) abutting against the at least one lug (142) when the cover (20) is in a closed position, The second wall (300) has two diametrically opposed regions (306) that can be deformed by manual pressure so as to allow rotation of the cover (20) by releasing the at least one rib (304) from the at least one lug (142).

Description

PACKAGING AND DISPENSING DEVICE! FOR PRODUCT WITH CHILD-RESISTANT SAFETY

[0001] The present invention relates to a product packaging and dispensing device with child safety features.

[0002] The invention belongs to the field of child-resistant dosing systems.

[0003] Numerous solutions have been proposed to equip bottles, flasks and other containers with closure systems to limit access to their contents by children and to guarantee the same access by adults.

[0004] However, most existing solutions are either complex and expensive to manufacture, insufficiently robust, or do not meet the applicable standards and regulatory provisions.

[0005] The present invention aims to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art.

[0006] To this end, the present invention proposes a product conditioning and dispensing device comprising: -a container having a base and an upper edge opposite this base, the container holding the product to be distributed; -a sub-assembly attached to the container and comprising a neck, a product dispensing pump and a plunger, capable of sliding in the corner, actuating the pump by manual pressure; and -a closing cover having a first wall; the device being remarkable in that: -the coi is equipped with two slots, each having a first flared part originating on an upper edge of the coi and a second thin part extending over a finite length of the coi, forming a bend with said first part. Said first wall has two first ribs, each intended to be inserted into a slot of the coi to allow the hood to move by rotation from a closed position, in which the first two ribs are each wedged at the bottom of the second thin part, to an open position, in which said first ribs have reached the the first flared sections, and in that -the subassembly has an annular surface resting on the upper edge of the container and having at least one lug, and the lid has a second cylindrical wall with a diameter greater than the first wall and concentric with respect to the first wall, the second wall having an inner face having at least one second axial rib abutting against at least one lug when the lid is in a closed position; and -the second wall has two diametrically opposed regions that can be deformed by manual pressure so as to allow rotation of the hood by releasing at least one second rib from at least one lug.

[0007] Thus, the product packaging and dispensing device is equipped with a robust, child-resistant locking system comprising a very limited number of parts, simple to manufacture, and inexpensive. Indeed, the packaging device combines a safety component—the lid, which requires specific pressure to rotate and release—with a high-performance, well-controlled opening component—the lid's opening system, which incorporates a bayonet-type mechanism. It should be noted that the safety component, employing secondary ribs against lugs, is completely separate from the opening component involving the bayonet system. In this way, each component has no influence on the other, guaranteeing the proper functioning of the product packaging and dispensing device according to the invention under all circumstances.

[0008] The hood is attached to the subassembly using a bayonet-type fastening system. When the hood is in the closed position, the second ribs are wedged at the bottom of the second thin sections of the slots, thus preventing any translation of the hood along its axis of revolution. When the hood is rotated from its closed position, the second ribs migrate towards the first flared sections of the slots. Once they reach these first sections, they no longer act as a stop, and nothing holds the hood to the subassembly. The hood can then be removed from the subassembly effortlessly. The presence of two second ribs and two slots ensures that the forces produced are evenly distributed. between the hood and the subassembly during rotation of said hood around said subassembly. It should be noted that in the second thin section of the slot, each first rib slides along a longitudinal axis of said first rib, and in the first flared section, each first rib slides along an axis that is inclined with respect to a longitudinal axis of said first rib. Indeed, it is assumed that each first rib maintains the same spatial orientation in the second thin section of the slot and in the first flared section of said slot.

[0009] In a particular embodiment, the aforementioned annular surface is provided with two diametrically opposed lugs, and the aforementioned inner face is provided with two second diametrically opposed axial ribs that abut against the two lugs when the cover is in the closed position. This further enhances the locking security of the device.

[0010] In one particular embodiment, the second wall has an outer face with a predetermined thickness in both deformable regions. This allows the user to easily identify the locations where they must apply pressure and rotate the cover to unlock and open it.

[0011] Depending on a specific feature, this raised section may have multiple grooves. This improves grip and traction during the pressing and rotating maneuver, and further facilitates identifying the correct positions for this maneuver simply by touch.

[0012] In one particular embodiment, the cover includes instructions for opening the device. This facilitates proper use of the device and avoids the need for a separate, impractical paper instruction manual.

[0013] Depending on a specific feature, these opening instructions can be engraved on the lid. This eliminates the need to print an ink label and then affix that label to the lid.

[0014] According to one possible feature of the invention, the two slots of the coi are diametrically opposed so that the first two flared parts are aligned along a diameter of the coi.

[0015] According to one possible feature of the invention, the first two ribs are diametrically opposed, each of the first two ribs having a circular arc profile extending along an imaginary circle representing the periphery of the neck. The presence of two second ribs and two diametrically opposed slots allows for the distribution of forces during an unintended opening maneuver.

[0016] According to one possible feature of the invention, the width of the second thin section of each slot is greater than the width of the first rib, and the width of the first flared section of each first rib is greater than the length of said first rib. More precisely, the width of the second thin section is slightly greater than the width of the first rib, such that the first rib can slide along the second thin section without creating any play. Similarly, the width of the first flared section of the slot is slightly greater than the length of the first rib, so that when the entire length of the first rib reaches the first flared section of the slot, it can immediately slide into said first flared section.

[0017] The invention also relates to a method of using a product conditioning and distribution device according to the invention.

[0018] According to the invention, the method comprises the following steps, assuming that the hood closes said device: - a step of applying manual pressure to the two deformable regions of the second wall of the hood, so as to release the second ribs of the two lugs, - a step of rotating the hood resulting in each first rib sliding into each slot, from the second thin section to the first flared section, - a step of removing the subassembly cover when each first The rib is completely included within the first flared portion of each slot. Brief description of the drawings

[0019] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of particular embodiments, given by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] [Fig. 1] is a schematic perspective and partially transparent view of a device according to the present invention, in a particular embodiment.

[0021] [Fig, 2] is a schematic perspective view of a sub-assembly included in a device according to the present invention, in a particular embodiment.

[0022] [Fig. 3] is a schematic perspective view partially showing the interior of a hood included in a device according to the present invention, in a particular embodiment.

[0023] [Fig. 4] is a schematic perspective view partially showing the exterior of a hood included in a device according to the present invention, in a particular embodiment.

[0024] [Fig. 5] is a schematic side view of a device according to the present invention, showing the positioning of the second ribs bearing against the lugs. Description of method(s) of implementation

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, in a particular embodiment, a product packaging and distribution device 10 according to the invention comprises a container 12, preferably cylindrical, which contains the product to be distributed,

[0026] The product to be distributed is, for example, a liquid, a paste, or a gas. By way of example, but not limited to, it could be a pharmaceutical, cosmetic, cleaning, or food product.

[0027] The container 12 has a bottom 120 and an upper rim 122 at its end opposite the bottom 120.

[0028] Referring to Figure 2, the device 10 also includes a sub-assembly fixed to the container 12 and comprising a coi 14, a product distribution pump 16 and a pusher 18. The pusher 18 is able to slide in the coi 14 and actuates the pump 16 by manual pressure applied to the top of the pusher 18.

[0029] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the neck 14 is a hollow cylindrical wall having two slots 150, each having a first flared portion 151 extended by a second thin portion 153. The first flared portion 151 originates on an upper edge 152 of the corner 14 and extends across the width of said corner 14 along an axis inclined with respect to the axis of revolution of this neck 14. Before completely traversing the neck 14, the first flared portion 151 is extended by the second thin portion 153, which extends along an imaginary circle representing the circumference of the neck 14. This second thin portion 153 has an arc-shaped profile dictated by the curvature of the neck 14 and has a finite length within said corner 14. It should be noted that each slot 150, comprising the first flared portion 151 and the second thin part 153, is blind, and that the said two parts 151, 153 are in communication with each other.Indeed, each slot 150 can be considered a profiled recess, made in the neck 14 and not crossing said neck 14. The two slots 150 are arranged on the neck 14 diametrically opposite, that is to say that the midpoints of the first two flared parts 151 considered along the upper edge 152 of the neck 14, are aligned along a diameter of the neck 14, and the two second thin parts 153 extend on the same side with respect to said first flared parts 151. .

[0030] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the device 10 also includes a closing cover 20, which has a first cylindrical wall 200 with two first ribs 154. More precisely, this wall The cylindrical wall 200 has an internal surface 201 from which the first two ribs 154 emerge. These first two ribs 154 extend along the same imaginary circle representing the circumference of the first cylindrical wall 200 and are positioned diametrically opposite each other on the first wall 200. Each first rib 154 thus has a circular arc profile dictated by the curvature of the first wall 200 of the cover 20, and has a finite length. These first ribs 154 can therefore be considered as projecting, curved rods. The width of the second thin parts 153 of the slots 150 is greater than the width of the first ribs 154 and the width of the first flared parts 151 of said slots is greater than the length of the first ribs 154. The hood 20 is placed on the subassembly so that each first rib 154 is inserted into a slot 150 of the neck 14.This cover 20 is rotatably mounted on the subassembly, so that it can move from a closed position, in which the first ribs 154 are wedged at the bottom of the second thin sections 153 of the two slots 150, to an open position, in which said first ribs 154 have reached the first flared sections 151 of said slots 150. The first ribs 154 slide within the second thin sections 153 of the slots 150 without creating any play. Once the first ribs 154 have reached the first flared sections 151 of the slots 150, the cover 20 can be removed from the subassembly along the direction in which each of said first flared sections 151 extends. In effect, the cover 20 is removed from the subassembly while maintaining the spatial orientation of the first ribs 154, identical to that in which they had in the second thin parts 153 of the slits 150.In this way, the hood 20 is mounted on the sub-assembly by means of a bayonet-type system.

[0031] Referring to Figure 2, the aforementioned sub-assembly has an annular surface 140 which rests on the upper edge 122 of the container 12.

[0032] According to the invention, the annular surface 140 is provided, on its face opposite to that located inside the container 12, with at least one lug 142.

[0033] Referring to Figures 1, 3, and 5, the hood 20 also has a second cylindrical wall 300 with a diameter greater than that of the first wall 200 and concentric with respect to the latter. The second wall 300 has a inner face 302, visible in figures 1 and 3, having at least one second axial rib 304, visible in figures 1 and 3. In the closed position of the cover 20, this second rib 304 comes to rest against the lug 142, thus locking the device 10 in rotation,

[0034] Referring to Figures 1, 2, and 5, in the embodiment considered, the annular surface 140 has two diametrically opposed lugs 142, and the inner face 302 has two diametrically opposed axial second ribs 304 that abut against the two lugs 142 of the cover 20. However, a greater number of lug / second rib pairs could be provided. In these figures, only one of the two lugs 142 is visible, the other lug 142 being hidden by elements of the device 10.

[0035] Referring to Figures 1 and 4, the second wall 300 further comprises two diametrically opposed regions 306 that can be deformed by manual pressure. These two regions 306 are positioned such that any straight line passing through the axis of the cylinder of walls 200 and 300, orthogonal to this axis and passing through the second rib(s) 304, is orthogonal to any straight line passing through the axis of this same cylinder and dividing the two regions 306 into two sectors of equal area. In other words, the two regions 306 are positioned perpendicular to the second rib(s) 304.

[0036] The unlocking maneuver of the device 10 consists of applying manual pressure to these two regions 306 while rotating the hood 20. By deformation of the second wall 300, the second ribs 304 then move away from the axis of the aforementioned cylinder and, when the pressure exerted is sufficient, they spread apart enough to be released from the lugs 142.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, in a particular embodiment, the second wall 300 may have an external face with a slight overthickness in the two deformable regions 306. This overthickness may include a plurality of grooves 308, visible in Figures 1, 3, and 4.

[0038] Alternatively, the two deformable regions 306 may feature a special engraving or silkscreen printing or any other characteristic allowing The user must identify them so that they can press in the correct place on the cover 20 in order to remove it.

[0039] The second wall 300 can be made of any material whose mechanical properties are compatible with the elastic deformation required for the operation of the device 10.

[0040] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, in a particular embodiment, the hood 20 can incorporate instructions for opening the device 10. By way of non-limiting example, these instructions can be engraved, or printed or affixed by any other technique, on the hood 20, for example on the top of the hood 20, for example in the form, on the one hand, of two arrows directed towards each other and located above the two deformable regions 306, indicating that it is necessary to press on these two regions 306 and on the other hand, of a rotating arrow indicating the direction of rotation for the opening and unlocking action.

[0041] In the examples in Figures 1 and 4, these illustrations are supplemented by the number "1" located between the two facing arrows and the number "2" located next to the rotating arrow. These numbers indicate the order of operations, namely, press down on the cover 20, then rotate it.

[0042] A method of using a product packaging and distribution device 10 according to the invention comprises the following steps, assuming that the cover 20 closes said device 10: - a step of applying manual pressure to the two deformable regions 306 of the second wall 300 of the hood 20, so as to release the second ribs 304 from the two lugs 142, - a step of rotating the hood 20 causing each first rib 154 to slide in each slot 150, from the second thin part 153 to the first flared part 151, - a step of removing the cover 20 from the subassembly when each first rib 154 is completely included in the first flared part 151 of each slot 150.

Claims

Demands

1. Device (10) for packaging and dispensing product comprising: -a container (12) having a bottom (120) and an upper edge (122) opposite said bottom (120), said container (12) containing the product to be distributed; - a sub-assembly fixed to said container (12) and comprising a neck (14), a product dispensing pump (16) and a plunger (18) adapted to slide within said neck (14), actuating said pump (16) by manual pressure; and - a closing cap (20) having a first cylindrical wall (200), characterized in that -the neck (14) is provided with two slots (150) each having a first flared part (151) originating on an upper edge (152) of the neck (14) and a second thin part (153) extending over a finite length of the neck (14) forming a bend with said first part (151), said first wall (200) having two first ribs (154) each intended to be inserted into a slot (150) of the neck (14) to allow the hood (20) to pass by rotation from a closed position for which the first two ribs (154) are each wedged at the bottom of the second thin part (153) to an open position for which said first ribs (154) have reached the first flared parts (151), - said subassembly has an annular surface (140) resting on said upper edge (122) of said container (12), having at least one lug (142); - said hood (20) has a second cylindrical wall (300) with a diameter greater than said first wall (200) and concentric with respect to said first wall (200), said second wall (300) having an inner face (302) having at least one second axial rib (304) abutting said at least one lug (142) when the hood (20) is in a closed position; and -said second wall (300) has two diametrically opposed regions (306) deformable by manual pressure so as to allow rotation of said hood (20) by releasing said at least one second rib (304) out of said at least one lug (142).

2. Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that said annular surface (140) is provided with two diametrically opposed lugs (142) and said inner face (302) is provided with two second diametrically opposed axial ribs (304) coming into buttress respectively against said two lugs (142) when the hood (20) is in the closed position.

3. Device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said second wall (300) has an outer face having a predetermined thickness in said two deformable regions (306).

4. Device (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that said thickness comprises a plurality of grooves (308).

5. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said cover (20) includes instructions for opening said device (10).

6. Device (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that said opening instructions are engraved on said cover (20).

7. Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the two slots (150) of the neck (14) are diametrically opposed so that the first two flared parts (151) are aligned along a diameter of the neck (14).

8. Device (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that the first two ribs (154) are diametrically opposed, and in that each of the first two ribs (154) has a circular arc profile extending along a fictitious circle materializing the periphery of the neck (14);

9. Device (10) according to any one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the width of the second thin part (153) of each first rib (150) is greater than the width of a first rib (154), and in that the width of the first flared part (151) of each first rib (150) is greater than the length of said first rib (154).

10. A method of using a product packaging and dispensing device 10 according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises the following steps assuming that the cover 20 closes said device 10: - a step of applying manual pressure to the two deformable regions 308 of the second wall 300 of the hood 20, so as to release the second ribs 304 from the two lugs 142, - a step of rotating the hood 20 causing each first rib 154 to slide in each slot 150, from the second thin part 153 to the first flared part 151, - a step of removing the cover 20 from the sub-assembly when each first rib 154 is completely included in the first flared part 151 of each slot 150.

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