Jar for dispensing a cosmetic product, the jar having a clutch system

Abstract

The invention provides a jar (1) for dispensing a cosmetic product, the jar (1) having a central axis X and comprising: - a reservoir (10), - a piston (7), - a rotary actuating element (5), - a drive element (8) that converts rotational movement of the actuating element (5) into translational movement of the piston (7), the drive element (5) comprising a threaded rod (81) engaged with the piston (7), surmounted by a drive head (84) engaged with the actuating element (5), the rod (81) extending into the reservoir (10) and having a product feed duct (83) opening into a projection (80) of the drive head (84) housed in a dispensing opening (50) of the actuating element (5) located in the upper portion of the jar (1), the jar having a clutch system between the actuating element (5) and the drive element (8) for managing the dispensing of a product dose.

Description

Description Title of the invention: Cosmetic product dispensing jar with clutch system. Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a cosmetic product dispenser jar. This jar includes product dispensing means to deliver identical doses of product with each actuation of an actuating element. The actuating element is designed to perform the actuation via a simple and easy gesture for the user.

[0002] The cosmetic product is fluid, of the cream type. Technical background

[0003] We are familiar with cosmetic product dispenser jars, which allow for the delivery of doses of liquid product.

[0004] Generally, these pots have a variable volume chamber containing the product. A piston, actuated by a mechanical system, compresses the chamber to force a dose of product out through a distribution orifice.

[0005] One of the disadvantages is that the dose dispensed differs from one intake to the next depending on the actuation movement performed by the user on the mechanical system.

[0006] Furthermore, the actuation movement sometimes requires gestures that are not natural, or even awkward.

[0007] Finally, some product may continue to come out of the opening after the pump has been activated, due to a phenomenon known as "residual effect." This excess product, dispensed after the user has already taken their dose, remains around the nozzle and can thus be contaminated by bacteria present in the environment or that were on the user's finger. Summary of the invention

[0008] The present invention aims to overcome the various disadvantages stated above, by means of a cosmetic product dispenser pot, equipped with product distribution means, which are easily operated by the user with improved and simplified gestures, and which allows the delivery of an identical dose of product repeatedly, without residual effect, and while preserving the intrinsic properties of the product contained inside the pot by preventing any contact between the stored product and the user's fingers.

[0009] This pot must be simple to manufacture and designed with easy recyclability in mind.

[0010] This goal is achieved through a cosmetic product dispenser jar featuring a central X-axis and comprising:

[0011] - a reservoir defining a variable-volume chamber suitable for storing the cosmetic product

[0012] - a piston mounted to move in translation inside the reservoir so as to vary the volume of said chamber,

[0013] - a rotary actuating element, mounted to rotate freely relative to the tank,

[0014] - a drive element transforming a rotational movement of the actuating element into a translational movement of the piston, said drive element comprising a threaded rod in contact with the piston, surmounted by a drive head in contact with the actuating element, said rod extending into the reservoir and having a product supply conduit opening into a nipple of the drive head housed in a distribution orifice of the actuating element located in the upper part of the pot.

[0015] The pot is characterized primarily by the fact that it includes a clutch system between the actuating element and the driving element for managing the distribution of a dose of product.

[0016] The main idea of ​​this invention is to provide a clutch system that allows the product to be dispensed or not during actuation, thus optimally managing the quantity of product dispensed with each actuation of the dispensing mechanism. Thanks to this clutch system, a precise and identical dose is delivered with each actuation of the dispensing element.

[0017] Furthermore, the actuation element is located at the top of the pot, and no longer at the bottom of the pot as was the custom in the prior art.

[0018] This design improves the dispensing process. The user holds the body of the jar with one hand, and with the other, they turn the rotating mechanism and dispense the cream. Thus, the same hand is used to turn the mechanism and dispense the product, while the other hand remains in contact with the jar during both the rotation and the dispensing of the cream.

[0019] In the earlier art, it was necessary to turn the actuating element at the bottom of the pot, then raise your hand to retrieve the dose of product that came out at the top of the pot.

[0020] In the invention, the actuation element has two functions: actuation of the distribution, and recovery of a dose of product.

[0021] The upper wall of the actuation element receives the dose of product dispensed from the nipple, and the user retrieves their dose of product with their finger by scraping this upper wall.

[0022] Depending on the different embodiments of the invention, which may be considered together or separately: - said clutch system includes means for guiding the actuating element in rotation and axial translation, the actuating element being movable in translation between a low position and a high position relative to the drive element. - said guiding means consist of a cam track on which slides at least one cam of the actuating element. - said cam path has at least one ascending ramp and one descending ramp, inducing respectively an upward translational movement for the actuating element to reach the upper position and a downward translational movement for the actuating element to reach the lower position. - the actuating element includes at least one arm bearing against at least one fin of the drive head so as to drive the drive element in rotation when the actuating element is in the lower position and is actuated, the arm and the fin belonging to the clutch system. - the arm of the actuating element is at a distance from the fin of the drive head so as not to cause the drive element to rotate when the actuating element is in the raised position and is actuated. - the training head has a plurality of fins extending radially and distributed regularly around the head. - the pot includes a ring mounted between the reservoir and the actuation element, said ring carrying the cam track. - the cam track has two opposing upward ramps, and two opposing downward ramps, the actuation element has two opposing cams, the actuation of the pot for the distribution of a dose of product is done by rotating the actuation element through 180°. - the nipple of the drive head has a closed free end and at least one lateral distribution window suitable for being obstructed by a plug of the actuating element in the lower position and for being cleared of the plug of the actuating element in the upper position. Brief description of the figures

[0023] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the detailed description that follows, for an understanding of which reference should be made to the attached drawings in which:

[0024] Fig. 1 is a general perspective view of a pot according to the invention;

[0025] [Fig.2] is a general semi-exploded perspective view of the pot in [Fig.1];

[0026] [Fig.3] is an exploded view of the pot in [Fig.1];

[0027] Figure 4 represents the training element of Figure 3 in perspective;

[0028] [Fig.5] is an enlarged view of the head of the drive element of [Fig.4];

[0029] [Fig.6] is a cross-sectional view of the drive element of [Fig.4];

[0030] Figure 7 represents the ring of Figure 3 in perspective;

[0031] Figure [Fig.8] represents the body of Figure [Fig.3] in perspective;

[0032] Figure 9 shows the underside of the actuation element of Figure 3 in perspective;

[0033] Figure [Fig. 10] represents the pot without a lid and the actuation element at rest;

[0034] Fig. 11 represents the pot without lid in cross-section, according to Fig. 10, with the piston in its initial position;

[0035] Figure [Fig. 12] represents the pot without a lid at half of its operation;

[0036] Fig. 13 represents the pot without a lid in cross-section, according to Fig. 12;

[0037] Figure [Fig. 14] represents the pot without lid in cross-section view, with the piston in its terminal position, and the actuating element at rest;

[0038] Figure [Fig. 15] shows in detail the different interlocking parts at the top of the lidless pot, in cross-section;

[0039] Figure [Fig. 16] shows in detail the clutch between the actuating element in the lower position and the driving element, in section and perspective;

[0040] Figure 17 shows in detail the disengagement between the actuating element in the high position and the drive element, in section and perspective. Detailed description of the invention

[0041] In the following description, elements with an identical structure or analogous functions will be designated by the same references.

[0042] By convention, the "axial" direction corresponds to that of the main extension of the receptacle, illustrated by the X axis on [Fig.1], and the "radial" direction is orthogonal to the axial direction.

[0043] In the detailed description of the figures that follows, the terms "upper" and "lower," or "top" and "bottom," will be used interchangeably with reference to the axial direction. Thus, the term "upper" refers to a part located near a lid of pot 1, and the term "lower" refers to a part located near a base of pot 1.

[0044] Similarly, the terms "outside or external" and "inside or internal" are used with reference to the radial direction, an outside element being radially further from the X axis than an inside element.

[0045] The pot 1 according to the invention consists of several parts mounted one inside the other along the mounting axis X, as illustrated by figures 1 to 3.

[0046] In this case, the jar 1 consists of a base 2 in which is mounted a reservoir 10 which conditions the cosmetic product, on which is mounted a ring 4 on which is mounted a rotating actuation element 5, which is itself capped with a lid 3. The rotating actuation element 5 is thus found in the upper part of the jar 1, at the level of the lid 3.

[0047] Inside the reservoir 10 are a piston 7 and a drive element 8.

[0048] All the parts mentioned, with the exception of the drive element 8, have an oval or oblong shape in the cross-section, along a plane perpendicular to the X axis. Therefore, the different parts are indexed relative to each other so that the oval or oblong shapes are well aligned axially.

[0049] More generally, it is preferable that all parts have a cross-section of the same shape and that they are aligned along an assembly axis, so as to obtain a pot with a continuous external profile.

[0050] Pot 1 could have a cylindrical shape, for example.

[0051] The cosmetic product is packaged in tank 10.

[0052] Preferably, the cosmetic product is fluid, such as a cream or foundation.

[0053] The cosmetic product is ejected via a dispensing orifice 50 located in the upper part of the jar 1. The dispensing orifice 50 is located more precisely on the actuation element 5 located in the upper part of the jar 1.

[0054] As illustrated in figures 11, 13, 14, the cosmetic product is packaged in a chamber 11 of the reservoir 10.

[0055] The reservoir 10 is mainly made up of a hollow body 6 through which the drive system 8 passes, and inside which a piston 7 is mounted. The lower part of the piston 7 partially delimits the chamber 11 suitable for containing the product.

[0056] This piston 7 translates inside the body 6 so as to vary the volume of the chamber 11, and thus create an overpressure in the chamber 11 causing the ejection of a dose of product through the distribution orifice 50.

[0057] To move the piston 7, the user actuates the actuating element 5 by rotating it. This rotation of the actuating element is transmitted to the drive system 8, which transforms this rotational movement into a translational movement of the piston 7.

[0058] Thus, with each actuation, a dose of product is dispensed.

[0059] We will describe each element in more detail.

[0060] The body 6 of the reservoir 10, visible in Figures 3, 8, and 15, has a peripheral wall 61 surmounted by a neck 64 comprising a constriction 64a at its upper free end. A shoulder 64b is thus formed inside the neck 64, opposite the constriction 64a. This shoulder 64b acts as an upper stop for the piston 7 when it is inserted into the reservoir 10, before the chamber 11 is filled.

[0061] The body 6 has an upper wall 62 of junction between the peripheral wall 61 and the neck 64. This upper wall 62 extends in a plane perpendicular to the axis X.

[0062] The body 6 is closed at the bottom by a removable lower wall 9, which allows the chamber 11 to be filled with product from the bottom of the tank 10, when the latter is positioned upside down.

[0063] The filling is carried out as follows: the sub-assembly consisting of the body 6, the piston 7, the drive system 8, the ring 4 and the actuating element 5, is positioned upside down, then the product is poured inside the body 6 via its lower part, then the bottom wall 9 is assembled to the body 6 to close the tank 10, then the sub-assembly is turned upside down to position it right side up.

[0064] It is then possible to mount the sub-assembly in base 2, and cover everything with lid 3.

[0065] The body 6 has a skirt 63 extending from the upper wall 62 and surrounding the neck 64. Preferably, the neck 64 protrudes from the skirt 63 along the X axis.

[0066] The skirt 63 has a curved collar 65 extending radially outwards from an upper edge of the skirt 63.

[0067] This collar 65 is able to cooperate with an internal protrusion 49 of the ring 4 so as to operate a snap-fit ​​of the body 6 into the ring 4. Indeed, the collar 65 rests on the protrusion 49 of the ring 4 at the end of assembly.

[0068] Slots 66 are provided on this collar 65 to make it more flexible to facilitate snapping.

[0069] Ring 4 is itself fitted onto base 2, allowing reservoir 10 to be suspended inside base 2.

[0070] The base 2, visible in [Fig.3], has a peripheral wall 21 and a bottom 26, delimiting an interior space housing the reservoir 10.

[0071] The drive system 8, illustrated in figures 4, 5, 6 and 15, has a cylindrical rod 81 extending over almost the entire height of the body 6.

[0072] This rod 81 has an external thread 82 suitable for cooperating with an internal thread 71 of the piston 7.

[0073] The external thread 82 extends over part of the rod 81.

[0074] Preferably, the external thread 82 extends over at least half the height of the rod 81.

[0075] Preferably, the external thread 82 extends over the upper half of the rod 81.

[0076] The rod 81 has an internal channel 83 extending from one end of the rod 81 to the other and opening at the top into a nipple 80 of the rod 81. This nipple 80 has at least one window 80a for distributing the product.

[0077] In the illustrated configuration, the nipple 80 has two radially arranged distribution windows 80a. The upper part of the nipple 80 is closed.

[0078] A configuration in which the nipple 80 has a single axial window also falls within the scope of the present invention.

[0079] Other window configurations and locations fall within the scope of the present invention from the moment the product emerges from the rod 81 in the upper part.

[0080] The rod 81 is surmounted by a drive head 84.

[0081] This head 84 has a central well 87 from which the nipple 80 protrudes. Thus, the product escaping from the windows 80a arrives in the well 87 before being redirected to the distribution orifice 50 of the actuation element 5.

[0082] The drive system 8 is fitted with the body 6. More specifically, the head 84 of the drive system 8 has a peripheral wall 89 whose lower end has an annular rim 88. This peripheral wall 89 fits into an annular space 69 provided for this purpose in the body 6, between the neck 64 and the skirt 63.

[0083] The annular rim 88 of the head 84 snaps into place under a protuberance 68 provided for this purpose in the body 6.

[0084] In the case presented, the annular rim 88 is external, and fits under a protrusion 68 extending from the inner surface of the outer skirt 63 of the body 6. Windows 67 are provided in the skirt 63 of the body 6 to allow the introduction of a tool to unclip the annular rim 88 from the protrusion 68 in case of disassembly.

[0085] In another possible configuration, the annular rim 88 is internal, and fits under a protuberance 68 extending from the outer surface of the neck 64 of the body 6.

[0086] These configurations are not limiting, and other assembly configurations between the drive system 8 and the body 6 can be envisaged while remaining within the scope of the invention.

[0087] The drive head 86 has at least one fin 85 adapted to cooperate with the actuating element 5 to drive the head 84 in rotation when the actuating element 5 is rotated by the user. This fin 85 thus allows the rotational movement of the actuating element 5 to be transmitted to the drive system 8.

[0088] The fin 85 extends radially from the peripheral wall 89 of the head 84.

[0089] The fin 85 extends from the outer surface of the peripheral wall 89.

[0090] Preferably, the drive head 84 comprises a plurality of fins 85 extending radially and regularly around the head 89.

[0091] Piston 7, shown in figures 3, 11, 13 and 14, is here mounted in the upper part of body 6.

[0092] The piston 7 has a contour conforming to the inner shape of the peripheral wall 61 of the body 6 so that there is contact between the piston 7 and the body 6, at least on a sealing line.

[0093] Here, the piston 7 has an upper lip 73 ensuring the guidance of the piston 7 in the body 6, and a lower lip forming a sealing line on the inner surface of the peripheral wall 61 of the body 6.

[0094] The piston 7 has a central chimney 74 provided with the internal thread 71 suitable for cooperating with the external thread 82 of the threaded part of the rod 81. Thus the piston 7 is placed inside the body 6 by screwing onto the rod 81 through the underside of the reservoir 10.

[0095] The piston 7 is screwed until the free end of its chimney 74 comes to a stop against the drive head 84. The piston 7 is then in its starting position, where the volume of the chamber 11 is at its maximum.

[0096] Preferably, the internal thread 71 extends over the entire height of the chimney 74.

[0097] In the configuration shown, the internal thread 71 of the piston 7 extends over a height equivalent to that of the external thread 82 of the rod 81, corresponding to half the height of the reservoir 10.

[0098] In the starting position of the piston 7, the entire internal thread 71 is engaged with the entire external thread 82, and the lips 72, 73 are located in the upper part of the reservoir 10. The piston is then in a so-called "high" position.

[0099] The piston 7 is mobile in axial translation inside the body 6. Indeed, each time the drive system 8 rotates, i.e. the rod 81 rotates in the manner of a worm screw, the piston 7 is driven axially by cooperation of the internal threads 71 ​​and external threads 82.

[0100] Piston 7 then descends gradually.

[0101] The chamber 11 storing the product is defined by the peripheral wall 61 of the body 6, by the lower face of the piston 7, by the rod 81 of the drive system 8, and by the bottom wall 9 of the tank 10. The bottom wall 9 is fixed to the body 6 in a sealed manner.

[0102] This chamber 11 has a variable volume between a configuration where the volume is maximum, as illustrated in [Fig.11], when the piston 7 is in the high position inside the body 6, and a configuration where the volume is minimum, when the piston 7 is in the so-called "low" position in the body 6 and comes close to the bottom wall 9 of the reservoir 10, as illustrated in [Fig.14].

[0103] When piston 7 is in the lower position, it means that all the cosmetic product has been dispensed, and that reservoir 10 is empty.

[0104] When the piston 7 is in the lower position, only one or two threads remain engaged between the internal threads 71 ​​and external threads 82.

[0105] Advantageously, the piston 7 has an elastomer lip 75 at the base of the thread 71, which grips the rod 81 to ensure a seal at the junction between the piston 7 and the drive element 8. Thus, the product cannot enter the threads 71, 82. Preferably, the piston 7 with its lip 75 is made of a single material, for example PE or PP.

[0106] With each actuation, the piston 7 descends slightly in the body 6, so as to decrease the volume of the chamber 11 and create a compression of the product, to force the product to enter the channel 83 of the rod 81 via its lower end located near the bottom wall 9 of the reservoir 10. Then the product travels in the channel 83 to the window 80a of the nipple 80, and finally arrives in the well 87 and the distribution orifice 50 of the actuation element 5.

[0107] Advantageously, when the product exits the dispensing orifice 50, it flows over an upper wall 52 of the actuating element 5. This upper wall 52 is curved towards the inside of the container 1, so as to form a product retention basin. This allows the user to easily retrieve the product without it overflowing from the actuating element 5.

[0108] This actuating element 5, illustrated in Figures 3, 9, and 15, is manipulated by the user, who rotates it to deliver a dose of product. The actuating element 5 is mounted on the drive system 8 so that it also rotates when actuation occurs, causing the piston 7 to move within the chamber 11 and thus dispensing a dose of product through the dispensing orifice 50, as explained above.

[0109] The actuation element 5 therefore has an upper wall 52 in which the distribution orifice 50 is made in the center, and from which extends a peripheral wall 51. The user manipulates the actuation element 5 by holding the peripheral wall 51 with his fingers.

[0110] The actuation element 5 also includes an inner skirt 57 of circular cross-section, axially centered, and extending from the lower surface of the upper wall 52. The peripheral wall 51 surrounds and conceals the inner skirt 57. [YES] This skirt 57 carries technical elements which will be described later in the description.

[0112] The skirt 57 extends around an annular plug 53 projecting from the lower surface of the upper wall 52. This plug 53 delimits the distribution orifice 50.

[0113] The plug 53 is suitable for insertion into the well 87 of the drive system 8.

[0114] In the rest position, this cap 53 surrounds the nipple 80 and blocks the windows 80a of the nipple 80. The nipple 80 completely blocks the distribution orifice 50. The product cannot get out.

[0115] During actuation, the cap 53 always surrounds the nipple 80 but is slightly raised relative to the nipple 80, thus exposing the dispensing orifice 50. Since the nipple 80 and the cap 53 are slightly conical in shape, the windows 80a are also exposed. In this position, the product can escape through the windows 80a and the dispensing orifice 50.

[0116] At the end of actuation, the plug 53 is again in the rest position and the distribution orifice 50 as well as the windows 80a are obstructed.

[0117] According to the invention, the pot includes a clutch system between the actuating element 5 and the drive element 8 for managing the distribution of a dose of product. This clutch system allows the rotation of the drive element 8 to be driven or not, according to different actuation phases, in order to control the exact dose of product that will be delivered over an actuation stroke.

[0118] To enable the engagement and rotation of the drive system 8, the actuating element 5 comprises at least one arm 56 which bears against at least one fin 85 of the drive head 84 when the actuating element 5 is rotated, as shown in [Fig. 16]. The arm 56 then pushes the fin 85 to induce a rotational movement of the drive system 8.

[0119] More specifically, the arm 56 protrudes from the lower surface of the upper wall 52 of the actuation element 5.

[0120] Preferably, this arm 56 is laterally secured to the inner skirt 57 of the actuation element 5 in order to reinforce it.

[0121] This arm 56 extends radially over a sufficient length to make contact with the fin 85 while stopping before the peripheral wall 89 of the drive head 84.

[0122] According to the configuration shown, the actuation element 5 has two diametrically opposed arms 56.

[0123] These two arms 56 cooperate with the plurality of fins 85.

[0124] The said clutch system includes means for guiding the actuating element 5 in rotation and axial translation, the latter being movable in translation between a low position and a high position relative to the drive element 8.

[0125] The said guiding means illustrated in figures 7 and 9 consist of a cam track 43 on which slides at least one cam 55 of the actuating element 5.

[0126] The cam track 43 has at least one upward ramp 43a and one downward ramp 43c, inducing respectively an upward translational movement for the actuating element 5 to reach the upper position and a downward translational movement for the actuating element 5 to reach the lower position. The actuating element 5 translates over a stroke d shown in [Fig. 13].

[0127] When the actuating element 5 is actuated and in the lower position, then the arms 56 come to rest against the fins 85 of the drive head 84 so as to drive the drive element 8 in rotation (clutch visible in [Fig.16]).

[0128] When the actuating element 5 is actuated and in the high position, then the arms 56 are at a distance from the fins 85 of the drive head 84 so as not to cause the drive element 8 to rotate (disengagement visible in [Fig.17]).

[0129] Each arm 56 has a calculated height so that it is large enough to fit between two fins 85 and make contact with a fin 85 when the actuating element 5 is in the low position (clutch), and small enough to move axially away from the fins 85 when the actuating element 5 is in the high position (disengage).

[0130] The fins 85 have a bevel 86 in the upper part, in order to guide the insertion of the arms 56 between two fins 85 when moving from the upper position to the lower position.

[0131] At the beginning of the actuation stroke, the actuating element 5 is in the lowered position, with each arm 56 inserted between two fins 85. Each arm 85 must travel a certain angular distance before making contact with the adjacent fin 85. This initial actuation phase delays the rotation of the drive element 8, thereby delaying the movement of the piston 7 and thus the product distribution at the start of the actuation.

[0132] Then, once contact is established, the drive element 8 is set in rotation, the piston 7 translates and the product arrives at the nipple 80.

[0133] Then the actuation element 5 arrives in the upper position allowing the dose of product to be released through the windows 80a of the nipple 80, the well 87 and the distribution orifice 50.

[0134] At the same time, the actuating element 5 is disengaged and then spins freely; the product is no longer compressed in chamber 11, and the dispensing gradually stops. This disengagement allows for better control of the amount of product dispensed during the actuation.

[0135] At the end of the actuation, the actuation element 5 returns to the lower position so as to close the distribution orifice 50.

[0136] Several parameters can be adjusted according to needs, and according to the desired quantity of product, the viscosity of the product, etc. Among these parameters, we can mention the distance separating two vanes to manage the delay before the start of dispensing, the length of the stroke in the lower position to manage the quantity of product dispensed, the return to the upper position relative to the end of the stroke to manage the stopping of dispensing, etc.

[0137] In this way, once the parameters are chosen, the same quantity of product is dispensed through the dispensing orifice 50 with each actuation. Therefore, there is no variation in the quantity of product dispensed from one dose to the next.

[0138] Stopping the dispensing process during actuation and returning the actuation element 5 to its lowered position prevents any residual product, meaning that no product continues to be dispensed after actuation has stopped. No excess product overflows from the orifice 50 after actuation. The dispensed dose can be collected by the user after actuation by running their finger along the upper wall 52 of the actuation element 5. After collecting this dose, the upper wall 52 of the actuation element 5 remains clean all around the orifice 50 because no more product is dispensing. This significantly reduces the risk of contamination of the product inside the container 1.

[0139] In practical terms, according to an example of the invention, the actuating element 5 comprises two diametrically opposed cams 55. These are pins projecting from the inner skirt 57 of the actuating element 5.

[0140] Thus, the cam path 43 has two ascending ramps 43a and two descending ramps 43c, diametrically opposed.

[0141] The actuation is thus done with a half-turn.

[0142] Ring 4 carries this cam track 43. Thus the actuating element 5 is guided in rotation and axial translation by ring 4 thanks to its cams 55 which slide on the cam track 43.

[0143] More generally, the actuation element 5 is mounted on the ring 4.

[0144] The ring 4, illustrated in figures 3, 7 and 15, has a transverse upper wall 47 surmounted by a collar 46 defining an opening into which the collar 64 and the outer skirt 63 of the body 6, as well as the head 84 of the drive system 8, can be inserted.

[0145] The collar 46 of the ring 4 carries the cam track 43.

[0146] This cam track 43 is raised on the outer surface of the collar 46.

[0147] The cam track 43 has two upper sections 43d and two lower sections 43b, connected by said ascending ramps 43a and descending ramps 43c.

[0148] Ring 4 has an oblong or oval shape, as previously announced, therefore with two areas having large radii of curvature and two areas having small radii of curvature.

[0149] The cams 55 rest on the lower sections 43b at the start of the actuation.

[0150] In the case shown, these lower sections 43b are positioned in the areas of large radii of curvature of the ring 4. Similarly, the cams 55 are positioned in the areas of large radii of curvature of the actuating element 5. The upper sections 43d are then located in the areas of small radii of curvature. The midpoint of each upper section 43d is situated at 45° to the midpoint of each lower section 43b.

[0151] Thus, over a 180° stroke, the cams 55 slide successively on half of a first lower section 43b, then on an ascending ramp 43a, then on the entirety of an adjacent upper section 43d, then on a descending ramp 43c, then on half of a second lower section 43b.

[0152] This configuration is not limiting, and 55 cams with 43b low sections could be in areas with small radius of curvature.

[0153] In any case, at rest, the actuation element 5 is aligned with the other parts of the pot 1, as illustrated in figures 10 and 11.

[0154] When the user actuates the actuation element 5 and makes a quarter turn (corresponding to half of the actuation), the actuation element 5 is no longer aligned with the other parts of the pot 1, as illustrated in figures 12 and 13.

[0155] Advantageously, the cams 55 are reinforced with bosses 59 projecting from the outer surface of the skirt 57 to the back of the cams 55. These bosses 59 also correspond to injection zones during the manufacture of the actuation element by molding.

[0156] The neck 46 of the ring 4 is provided with means for axial locking with the actuating element 5. In this case, the axial locking means consist of an external rib 45 of the neck 46 of the ring 4 located opposite the cam track 43 and reproducing the profile of the cam track 43. Thus, the cams 55 are clamped between the cam track 43 and the rib 45, and cannot come out axially.

[0157] In practical terms, the cams 55 are trapped in a groove 40 delimited on one side by the cam track 43, and on the other side by the rib 45.

[0158] The insertion of the cams 55 into this groove 40 is done via two sloping insertion zones 45a provided in the rib 45, which allow the cams 55 to snap into the groove 40.

[0159] Ring 4 is fixed to base 2 by elastic interlocking.

[0160] Any other means of attachment may be considered within the scope of the present invention.

[0161] This elastic interlocking is achieved at the level of an oval or oblong peripheral wall 41 of the ring 4, which cooperates with the oval or oblong upper rim 23 of the base 2 (see [Fig. 3]). Due to their oval or oblong shapes, the ring 4 and the base 2 are inherently prevented from rotating relative to each other.

[0162] The peripheral wall 41 of the ring 4 has a lower part 41a and an upper part 41b separated by a shoulder 42, the upper part 41b having slightly smaller dimensions than the lower part. Thus, the cover 3 can fit around the upper part 41b, and even rest on the shoulder 42.

[0163] Preferably, the lid 3 has dimensions (length and width) identical to those of the lower part 41a of the ring 4 so that there is continuity in the external shape of the pot 1.

[0164] Given the oblong or oval shape of the pot 1, it is intended that the user will turn the actuating element 5 half a turn to deliver a dose of product, so that the actuating element 5 is correctly repositioned on the body 6, with an alignment of its oval / oblong shape with the oval / oblong shape of the base 2.

[0165] The pot 1 includes means for indexing the rotation of the actuating element. In this case, these indexing means consist of two protrusions 44 projecting from the neck 46 of the ring 4 and adapted to fit into two slots 54 provided for this purpose in the inner skirt 57 of the actuating element 5. The two slots 54 are diametrically opposed, and mark two indexing positions at 0° and 180°.

[0166] Each protuberance 44 has two lateral slices: - a first beveled slice to facilitate its entry into slot 54, therefore its passage into the slot, and to help its exit from the slot while maintaining the same direction of rotation; - a second slice with a salient angle to prevent any backward movement, therefore any return if the user accidentally changes the direction of rotation.

[0167] The actuation element 5 also has guide ribs 58 projecting from the inner wall of the skirt 57 and which slide against the outer rib 45 of the neck 46 of the ring 4 to properly guide the rotation of the actuation element 5 relative to the ring 4. These ribs 58 also provide reinforcement of the skirt 57.

[0168] When lid 3 is placed on pot 1, it is no longer possible to access or rotate the actuating element 5. This is because lid 3 has means to prevent the rotation of the actuating element 5.

[0169] These means of blocking against rotation consist of an extension of the peripheral wall 31 of the cover 3, which comes to cover entirely the peripheral wall 51 of the actuating element 5, as well as the upper part 41b of the peripheral wall 41 of the ring 4. Thus, when the cover 3 is put in place on the ring 4, the user no longer has access to the actuating element 5 and can no longer turn the latter.

[0170] The cover 3 is snapped onto the ring 4 via snap-on lugs 48 located on the upper part 41b of the peripheral wall 41.

[0171] Preferably, the body 6, piston 7, drive system 8, base 2, ring 4, and actuator 5 are made of the same plastic material. The lid 3 is also preferably made of the same plastic material. This saves the user from having to sort the different parts of their container 1, according to the materials, in order to dispose of it in different recycling bins.

[0172] The plastic material may be chosen from polypropylene (PP), recycled polypropylene (R-PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), recycled polyethylene terephthalate (R-PET), a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polyethylene (PE), such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and / or high-density polyethylene (HDPE), a composite material, a post-consumer recycled material (PCR and / or a similar material). Preferably, it is recycled or non-recycled polypropylene and / or polyethylene terephthalate.

[0173] Thus, advantageously, the body 6, the piston 7, the drive system 8, the base 2, the ring 4, the actuating element 5 and the cover 3 are made of plastic material selected from polypropylene and / or polyethylene terephthalate.

[0174] Using plastics, especially similar plastics, throughout the entire container makes recycling easier. Polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate, in particular, are two plastics with well-established recycling cycles.

[0175] Pot 1 can be made using 3D printing.

[0176] In particular, the body 6, the piston 7, the drive system 8, the base 2, the ring 4, the actuator 5, and the lid 3 can be produced using 3D printing. This printing process allows for a great deal of freedom in creating these parts with patterns and shapes that contribute to the aesthetic appearance of the pot 1.

[0177] To easily fill reservoir 10 of pot 1, simply release the base 2 from the ring 4 by locally deforming the base 2 by pressing it on both sides. Then remove the bottom wall 9 from reservoir 10; if necessary, reinstall the piston 7 in the upper part of reservoir 10 by turning the head 84.

[0178] Position pot 1 upside down to fill reservoir 10, then close it with the bottom wall 9, re-click the base 2 onto the ring 4, and pot 1 is now ready to use.

[0179] It is understood that the container 1 is refillable. In this case, the refill consists of the reservoir 10, the drive system 8, and the piston 7. It is possible to refill the container with product according to the process defined above.

[0180] The configurations shown in the cited figures are only possible examples, by no means limiting, of the invention which on the contrary encompasses the variants of forms and designs within the reach of the man skilled in the art.

Claims

Demands

1. A cosmetic product dispenser (1) having a central X-axis and comprising: - a reservoir (10) defining a chamber (11) with variable volume suitable for storing the cosmetic product, - a piston (7) mounted to move in translation inside the reservoir (10) so as to vary the volume of said chamber (11), - a rotary actuating element (5), mounted to move in rotation relative to the reservoir (10), - a drive element (8) transforming a rotational movement of the actuating element (5) into a translational movement of the piston (7), said drive element (5) comprising a threaded rod (81) engaging with the piston (7), surmounted by a drive head (84) engaging with the actuating element (5), said rod (81) extending into the reservoir (10) and having a product supply conduit (83) opening into a nipple (80) of the drive head (84) housed in a distribution orifice (50) of the actuating element (5) located in the upper part of the pot (1), characterized in that it comprises a clutch system between the actuating element (5) and the driving element (8) for managing the distribution of a dose of product.

2. Pot (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said clutch system comprises means for guiding the actuating element in rotation and axial translation, the actuating element (5) being movable in translation between a low position and a high position relative to the drive element (8).

3. Pot (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said guiding means consist of a cam track (43) on which slides at least one cam (55) of the actuating element (5).

4. Pot (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said cam track (43) has at least one upward ramp (43a) and one downward ramp (43c), inducing respectively an upward translational movement so that the actuating element (5) arrives in the upper position and a downward translational movement so that the actuating element (5) arrives in the lower position.

5. Pot (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element (5) comprises at least one arm (56) bearing against at least one fin (85) of the drive head (84) so ​​as to drive the drive element (5) in rotation when the actuating element (5) is in the lower position and is actuated, the arm (56) and the fin (85) belonging to the clutch system.

6. Pot (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the arm (56) of the actuating element (5) is at a distance from the fin (85) of the drive head (84) so ​​as not to rotate the drive element (5) when the actuating element (5) is in the raised position and is actuated.

7. Pot (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 6, characterized in that the drive head (84) comprises a plurality of fins (85) extending radially and distributed regularly around the head (84).

8. Pot (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that it comprises a ring (4) mounted between the reservoir (10) and the actuating element (5), said ring (4) carrying the cam track (43).

9. Pot (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the cam track (43) comprises two opposing ascending ramps (43a), and two opposing descending ramps (43c), the actuation element (5) comprising two opposing cams (55), the actuation of the pot (1) for the distribution of a dose of product being done by rotation of the actuation element (5) through 180°.

10. Pot (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the nipple (80) of the drive head (84) has a closed free end and at least one lateral distribution window (80a) capable of being obstructed by a plug (53) of the actuating element (5) in the lower position and of being cleared of the plug (53) of the actuating element (5) in the upper position.

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