EP1352689A1 - Dispensing head with movable cannula for a storing and dispensing device - Google Patents

Abstract

A dispensing cap (10) has a fixed part (11) with an interior output orifice selectively opened to the interior of a container (20), and a movable part (12) with conduit and a dispensing orifice (122). The movable part is rotatable about an axis (Y) oblique to the container axis (X) to closed or opened position. At the closed position, the movable part shuts the interior output orifice. At the opened position, the interior output orifice connects the dispensing orifice via conduit. An Independent claim is also included for an assembly for dispensing a product.

Description

The present invention relates to a dispensing head intended to equip a device for packaging and distributing a product, in particular cosmetic or dermatological. Such a product can be distributed in particular as a cream, gel, foam or spray.

Generally, a distribution head, as referred to herein invention is intended to equip a packaging and distribution which comprises a reservoir containing the product to be distributed, provided an open end, on which is fixed a dispensing member. Such dispensing member may be a pump or a valve which is surmounted a distribution head. A distribution head of this type allows the user to convey the product leaving the reservoir towards a port of distribution. It can also make it possible to control the actuation of the dispensing member, for ejecting a dose of product from the reservoir.

For certain uses requiring a relatively precise application, it is known to use a dispensing head fitted to a container in which the dispensing orifice is formed at the end of an elongated element such as a cannula.

Patent FR 2,594,808 describes an example of an aerosol dispenser comprising a reservoir fitted with a valve and surmounted by such a head distribution. The cannula is also mobile and can take two positions of different distribution. However, it is not intended that the cannula could take a closed position.

US Patent 3,116,856 also describes an example of a dispenser of the type aerosol comprising a reservoir equipped with a valve and surmounted by such a head of distribution. According to this document, the distribution head includes a first part fixed on the reservoir and a cannula, movable relative to this first part, between a dispensing position and a closed position. In the dispensing position, i.e. when the dispensing orifice can communicate with the interior of the reservoir by activating the valve, the cannula is arranged along an axis perpendicular to the axis of the container. In position of closing, i.e. when the dispensing opening cannot communicate with the inside of the tank, the cannula is placed along the side wall of the tank, along an axis parallel to the axis of the tank. So, to go from the dispensing position to the closed position, the user just has to press on the cannula along an axis substantially parallel to the axis of the container so as to rotate the cannula around an axis perpendicular to the axis of the container.

The subject of the invention is a new dispensing head intended to be mounted on an X-axis reservoir which comprises a first element provided with a interior outlet capable of being in selective communication with the interior of the tank, and a second element, crossed by a conduit which leads to a dispensing orifice. The second element is able to pivot around a Y axis oblique to the X axis so as to pass from a closed position in which the second element blocks the interior outlet orifice, at a dispensing position in which the interior outlet is in communication, via the conduit, with the dispensing orifice. The head of distribution is further configured to activate a planned distribution member on the tank, in particular a pump or a valve, so as to communication the interior outlet of the first element with the interior of the tank.

To move from a position of use to a closed position, it suffices to rotate part of the dispensing head around a Y axis which is oblique to the X axis of the tank.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the second element, that is to say the part movable from the dispensing head, may include a shaft mounting member Y mounted in the first element so as to pivot around its Y axis. second element may further comprise a cannula, namely an element elongated, crossed by a portion of the conduit and which opens into the orifice of distribution. Because the dispensing orifice is formed at the end of a relatively elongated element, the dispensing head is capable of dispensing produces with precision and direction.

The axis of the cannula can advantageously form a non-zero angle with the axis of the mounting member, in particular an angle of about 45 °. Thus, the cannula does not not extend in the Y axis around which it pivots so that it is relatively easy, thanks to its elongated shape, to grasp it and rotate it around the Y axis by making it describe a circular movement around the Y axis.

According to a particular example, the Y axis forms an angle of about 45 ° with the X axis of the tank.

The cannula can be outside the X axis in the dispensing position of the head of distribution. The dispensing opening which is at the free end of the cannula is thus relatively distant from the axis of the reservoir and therefore from the hand of the user holding the tank. This avoids that the product that leaves through the orifice dispenser does not stain the user's fingers.

The cannula can be substantially in the X axis when it is in the position of closing. Thus, in this position the cannula does not increase the size side of the packaging and distribution device it equips.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the mounting member comprises a side wall, in particular cylindrical of revolution, comprising at least one opening, and is crossed by a second portion of the conduit. The mounting member is pivotally mounted in a cavity formed in the first element into which the interior outlet orifice opens, said cavity and the mounting member having complementary shapes. The organ of mounting is mounted in the cavity in such a way that, in the position of closing the dispensing head, its side wall seals tightly the interior outlet and that, in the dispensing position, the opening is at less partially opposite the interior outlet.

The mounting member can be held in the first element by friction, or even by snap-fastening, for example thanks to a projection annular provided on the outer wall of the mounting member and which cooperates with an annular groove provided on the internal wall of the cavity, or Conversely.

The first element of the dispensing head can be directly mounted on the tank. It then comprises fixing means intended to fix said head. on the tank, in particular by tightening, snap-fastening or screwing.

The second element can be obtained from a single piece molding of a thermoplastic material. The first element can also be obtained from one-piece molding of a thermoplastic material.

The invention also relates to a device for packaging and distribution of a product, in particular a cosmetic, comprising an axis reservoir X and a distribution head such as the one just described previously.

The dispensing head may not significantly overflow the largest cross section S, along a plane perpendicular to the X axis, of the reservoir when the device is observed in the X axis of the tank and when the second element is in the closed position. In this closed position, the device has a small lateral dimension since it is simply limited to the size of the tank. So, such a distributor is relatively space-saving to store.

When the second element is in the dispensing position, the dispensing head extends beyond the largest cross section S, along a plane perpendicular to the X axis of the reservoir when the device is observed in the X axis of the reservoir.

The device may also include a distribution member equipping the reservoir and provided with an activation member with which the first is coupled element. The dispensing member is for example constituted by a valve of the type aerosol valve, or a manually operated pump. So the head of distribution and in particular the first element also serves as a push button to control the actuation of the dispensing member.

The device according to the invention is particularly useful for packaging and the distribution of a cosmetic or dermatological product, in particular under form of a cream, foam, gel or spray.

• la figure 1 illustre une vue en élévation d'un mode de réalisation d'un dispositif de conditionnement et de distribution d'un produit surmonté d'une tête de distribution selon l'invention ;
• la figure 2 représente une vue éclatée du dispositif illustré à la figure 1 ;
• la figure 3A représente une section longitudinale de la tête de distribution du dispositif de la figure 1 en position de fermeture ;
• la figure 3B représente une section longitudinale de la tête de distribution du dispositif de la figure 1 en position de distribution ;
• la figure 4A représente une vue de dessus du dispositif illustré à la figure 1 en position de fermeture ; et
• la figure 4B représente une vue de dessus du dispositif illustré à la figure 1 en position de distribution.

The invention consists, apart from the arrangements set out above, of a certain number of other arrangements which will be explained below, with reference to nonlimiting exemplary embodiments, described with reference to the appended figures, among which:

• Figure 1 illustrates an elevational view of an embodiment of a device for packaging and dispensing a product surmounted by a dispensing head according to the invention;
• Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the device illustrated in Figure 1;
• Figure 3A shows a longitudinal section of the dispensing head of the device of Figure 1 in the closed position;
• FIG. 3B represents a longitudinal section of the dispensing head of the device of FIG. 1 in the dispensing position;
• FIG. 4A represents a top view of the device illustrated in FIG. 1 in the closed position; and
• Figure 4B shows a top view of the device illustrated in Figure 1 in the dispensing position.

There is shown in Figures 1 to 4B an example of a device 1 of packaging and distribution equipped with a distribution head 10 according to the invention.

The device 1 comprises a reservoir 20 of axis X, produced for example in aluminum. It is obvious that any other material can be used to make the tank and in particular tinplate or plastic. The tank 20 comprises a side wall 21, of generally cylindrical section transverse S circular and constant over most of its height, closed at one end by a bottom 22. The second end of the tank has a shoulder 23 surmounted by an open neck on which is set with a distribution member 30.

The distribution member 30, which is not shown in detail on the figures, for example consists of an aerosol type valve, the reservoir being pressurized. A mounting cup 32, set on the open neck of the reservoir, supports an activation member 31. The activation member is a rod valve which can be activated axially, i.e. a push-in valve, in response to pressure exerted on it. When the pressure stops actuation, a return means, in particular a spring, constrains the rod valve in valve closed position. The valve stem is formed substantially in the X axis of the tank and axially extends beyond the opening of the tank. Alternatively, a valve can be used, the valve stem of which can be activated laterally, i.e. a tilting valve.

As a variant, it is possible to envisage using a distribution member constituted of a pump. In this case, the pump is usually actuated by an axially exerted pressure which causes the axial displacement of a activating organ. The activation member is coupled to a piston whose movement inside the pump body, in one direction, causes the output under product pressure, and in the other direction, causes product suction in the pump body. Generally the piston is constrained in its position corresponding to the maximum volume of the pumping chamber by means of a spring.

The dispensing head 10, shown in more detail in FIGS. 3A and 3B, is essentially formed of a first element 11 constituting a body, designed to be mounted on the tank 20, and a second element 12, mobile relative to the body 11.

The body 11 is obtained by molding in one piece of a material thermoplastic, for example polypropylene. The body understands, in its lower part, a mounting skirt 110 mounted by clamping on the cup 32 of the dispensing member so as to secure the dispensing head with the tank. Advantageously, the inner wall of the mounting skirt includes a first step 110a which clamps the cup and, on at least part of its periphery, a second step 110b which abuts on the cup 32. This stop 110b makes it possible to mount the dispensing head on the tank in a precise position, in particular to limit the axial depression of the dispensing head on the reservoir and thus avoid activate the valve stem during assembly. Alternatively, the inner wall of the mounting skirt may include a godron, not shown, which comes snap under the cup 32, or into a groove, not shown provided on the wall of the tank 20. The skirt 110 covers the upper part of the reservoir at the shoulder and has a cross section substantially equal to that of the rest of the tank so that the wall outside of the mounting skirt is an extension of the side wall of the tank, without lateral overflow.

The upper part of the body 11 of the dispensing head constitutes a button button. To activate the valve stem 31, the upper part of the body 11 of the dispensing head includes a sleeve 119 which is fitted onto the valve stem 31 with which it is coupled. The sleeve allows to transmit at the valve stem the pressure exerted by a user on the exterior surface of the dispensing head in order to push it in so as to open the valve.

To allow actuation of the valve stem, the upper part of the body can be moved relative to the tank, and therefore relative to the skirt which itself is fixed relative to the reservoir. For this purpose, the upper part of the body 11 is connected to the skirt 110 by an intermediate wall 111, cylindrical of revolution. This intermediate wall 111 has a smaller diameter than the diameter of the mounting skirt 110 and is not mounted concentrically with the mounting skirt 110. In fact, the wall 111 is formed by a axial extension 112 of a small angular portion of the mounting skirt 110 while the lower edge 111a of the rest of the wall 111 is free. The angular portion 112 thus acts as a hinge and the free edge 111a can sink into the inside of the mounting skirt. A transverse ledge 113 advantageously extends radially from the upper end of the mounting skirt 110, which is not continuous with the intermediate wall 111, to leave only an opening 114 just sufficient to allow pushing in the push button without too large an opening formed in the dispensing head.

To receive the movable element 12 of the dispensing head, the upper part of the body 12 comprises a cavity 117. The cavity 117 has a geometric axis Y which forms with the axis X of the reservoir, an angle α approximately equal to 45 °. The cavity 117 is delimited by a cylindrical side wall 117a which intersects the axis X, and by a bottom 117b. An annular groove 117c, the function of which will be detailed by thereafter, extends in a plane perpendicular to the Y axis in the side wall 117a, opposite the bottom 117b.

The cavity 117 is intended to be placed in communication with the interior of the tank. To this end, a channel 118, formed substantially in the X axis of the tank, opens at a first end 118a into the side wall 117b of the cavity 117. The second end 118b of the channel 118 opens into the sleeve 119 coupled to valve stem 31. When in response to pressure exerted on the dispensing head the sleeve pushes in the valve stem, the valve opens thus placing the interior of the tank in communication with the channel 118.

The movable element 12 of the dispensing head comprises an elongated element 120 consisting of a cannula, of substantially frustoconical external shape. The cannula 120 is crossed by a first conduit 121a which leads to a end of the cannula on a dispensing orifice 122.

The cannula is mounted in the body 11 of the dispensing head by a member mounting 123 constituted by a cylindrical wall of revolution formed at the end of the cannula opposite the dispensing orifice 122. The mounting 123 and the cavity 117 in which it is inserted have shapes appreciably complementary. The cylindrical wall 123 indeed comes in tight contact with the wall of the cavity 117 while allowing the member to mounting to pivot around the Y axis. An annular bead 123a, formed on the outer wall of the mounting member, is designed to be housed in the groove annular 117c of the cavity so as to maintain the movable element 12 in position in the body 11 of the head, while still allowing, again, the mounting to pivot around the Y axis. The mounting member is traversed by a second conduit 121b which communicates with the first conduit 121a which crosses the cannula. An opening 124 is formed on an angular portion of the wall forming the mounting member 123, in its lower part, the opening can come opposite the interior outlet orifice 118a defined by the end of channel 118 which opens into cavity 117. Thus, in a first position of the movable element 12, the interior outlet orifice 118a is in communication, via the opening 124, with the conduit 121 and therefore with the orifice of distribution 122. In a second position of the movable element 12, the orifice internal outlet 118a is closed by the wall 123 of the mounting member. Alternatively, provision can be made for the channel 118 to open, not in the side wall of the mounting member, but in its bottom, the bottom then being partially open so as to obtain a distribution position and a open position.

The cannula 120 has a geometric axis Z which forms with the axis Y of the organ of mounting, in a plane passing through the opening 124, an angle β approximately equal to 45 ° by approaching the opening 124. Thus, in the dispensing position, that is to say when the opening 124 is opposite the interior outlet orifice 118a formed in the axis X of the reservoir, the cannula 120 is substantially perpendicular to the X axis of the tank. When the cannula is substantially in the axis X of the reservoir, the opening 124 is facing an area of the wall delimiting the cavity 117 diametrically opposite to the interior outlet orifice 118a, so that the interior outlet 118a faces the wall 123 of the mounting member.

According to the embodiment of the device described, the upper part of the body 12 has a generally curved external shape, this curved surface being cut by two substantially flat surfaces.

A first planar surface 116 partially cuts the dome along an oblique axis with respect to the X axis of the tank, in particular along an axis perpendicular to the Y axis. The cylindrical cavity 117 which receives the element mounting member mobile 12, opens substantially at the center of this surface 116. From its side, the cannula 120 is surrounded at its base, that is to say on the side of the mounting, of a hemispherical cap 125 whose flat base comes to bear on the flat surface 116 of the body 12. The curvature of the cap 125 is such that it continues the convex shape of the upper part of the body 12.

The curved surface of the upper body is also cut by a second substantially planar surface 115, even slightly concave, which cuts another part of the dome in another plane oblique to the axis Tank X. It is a continuous surface which has the function of identifying the area on which the user can press to press the push button.

In the closed position, the cannula is substantially in the X axis of the reservoir as shown in Figures 3A and 4A and therefore does not extend beyond the cross section S of the tank. In this closed position, you can provide that the dispensing head is covered with a removable cap, not shown, which prohibits any tilting of the cannula.

In order to facilitate the use of the device according to the invention, it is possible to identify the two positions which the movable element 12 can take and which correspond, on the one hand, at the distribution position and, on the other hand, at the distribution position closing. For this purpose, one can for example provide a visual mark on the curved surface of the upper body with which can be successively compared two marks provided on the movable portion 12. The comparison of a first mark then corresponds to the position of distribution and comparison of a second brand corresponds to the position closing. The marks can be formed for example by colors different letters or different letters explicit enough to allow the user to identify the dispensing position and the closing.

Alternatively or in addition, the two positions can be identified mechanically. We can indeed provide a pin on the flat base of the hemispherical cap 125 which cooperates with a groove in an arc on the flat surface 116 of the upper part of the body, the two ends of the arc of the throat corresponding to the two positions of the head of distribution. Thus, when the movable element pivots about the Y axis, the pin is moves in the groove in an arc and abuts at both ends throat.

To use the device 1, the user places the cannula 120 along an axis substantially perpendicular to the X axis of the tank by rotating the entire mobile part 12 around the Y axis, the circular movement of the cannula being materialized by the arrow F in FIG. 3B. In this position shown in FIGS. 3B and 4B, the interior outlet orifice 118a is in communication with the dispensing orifice 122. In addition, in this position, the cannula laterally extends beyond the cross section S of the reservoir, as as seen in Figure 4B, so that the dispensing orifice 122 is relatively far from the tank and the user's hand when holding the device for pressing the push button. The user can then press the push button by pressing on the surface 115 in order to push in the sleeve as well as the valve stem, this movement being authorized by the fact that the part top of the dispensing head swings around the hinge 112 and that the free edge 111a of the intermediate wall 11 can sink inside the mounting skirt 110. The valve then opens so as to let out of the tank the pressurized product contained in the tank. The product is then distributed by the distribution orifice via the channel 118 and the conduit 121a and 121b.

In the foregoing detailed description, reference has been made to modes of preferred embodiments of the invention. It is obvious that there are variations be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed below.

Claims (21)

Distribution head (10) intended to be mounted on a tank (20) of axis X, the distribution head comprising: a) a first element (11) provided with an interior outlet orifice (118a) capable of being in selective communication with the interior of the tank; and b) a second element (12), traversed by a conduit (121a; 121b) which opens onto a dispensing orifice (122), the second element being able to pivot around an axis Y oblique to the axis X so as to pass from a closed position in which the second element closes the interior outlet (118a), to a dispensing position in which the interior outlet (118a) is in communication, via the conduit ( 121a; 121b), with the dispensing orifice (122);
the dispensing head being further configured to activate a dispensing member (30) provided on the reservoir. Dispensing head according to claim 1, characterized in that the second element (12) comprises a mounting member (123) with a Y axis mounted in the first element (11) so as to pivot around its Y axis. Dispensing head according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second element (12) comprises a cannula (120) traversed by a portion (121a) of the duct which opens into the dispensing orifice (122). Dispensing head according to claim 3, characterized in that the axis of the cannula (120) forms a non-zero angle with the axis of the mounting member (123), in particular an angle of approximately 45 °. Dispensing head according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the Y axis forms an angle of approximately 45 ° with the X axis of the reservoir. Dispensing head according to any one of Claims 3 to 5, characterized in that in the dispensing position the cannula is outside the X axis, in particular along an axis substantially perpendicular to the X axis. Dispensing head according to any one of Claims 3 to 6, characterized in that in the closed position the cannula is substantially in the X axis. Dispensing head according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the mounting member (123) comprises a side wall comprising at least one opening (124), and is crossed by a second portion (121b) of the conduit, said mounting member (123) being pivotally mounted in a cavity (117) formed in the first element (11) into which the internal outlet orifice (118a) opens. Dispensing head according to claim 8, characterized in that the mounting member (123) is mounted in the cavity (117) in such a way that, in the closed position, its side wall (123) seals the internal outlet (118a) and that, in the dispensing position, the opening (124) is at least partially opposite the internal outlet (118a). Dispensing head according to any one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that the mounting member (123) is held in the first element (11) by friction. Dispensing head according to any one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that the mounting member (123) is held in the first element (11) by snap-fastening. Dispensing head according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first element (11) comprises fixing means (110a) intended to fix the dispensing head to the reservoir, in particular by clamping, snap-fastening or screwing. Dispensing head according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second element (12) is obtained by molding in one piece from a thermoplastic material. Dispensing head according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first element (11) is obtained by molding in one piece from a thermoplastic material. Device (1) for packaging and distributing a product, in particular cosmetic comprising a reservoir (20) of axis X and a head of distribution (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. Device according to claim 15, characterized in that the dispensing head (10) does not extend beyond the largest cross section S, along a plane perpendicular to the axis X, of the reservoir (20) when the device is observed in the axis X of the reservoir and when the second element (12) is in the closed position. Device according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the dispensing head (10) projects beyond the largest cross section S, along a plane perpendicular to the axis X, of the reservoir (20) when the device is observed in the axis X of the reservoir and when the second element (12) is in the dispensing position. Device according to any one of Claims 15 to 17, characterized in that it further comprises a dispensing member (30) fitted to the reservoir and provided with an activating member (31) with which the first element is coupled (11). Device according to claim 18, characterized in that the dispensing member (30) consists of a valve of the aerosol valve type. Device according to claim 18, characterized in that the dispensing member (30) consists of a manually operated pump. Use of a device (1) according to any one of claims 15 to 20 for the packaging and distribution of a cosmetic product, or dermatological, in particular in the form of a cream, a foam, a gel or a spray.

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