FR2906981A1 - Dispensing nozzle for packaging and dispensing device, has nozzle portion having inner skirt provided with catch designed to enable nozzle to be fitted on container, and outer skirt radially surrounding inner skirt - Google Patents

Abstract

The nozzle (14) has portions (30, 32) provided with respective dispensing passages (62, 78) having different flow cross sections. A connecting unit (34) connects the portions which are configured to permit relative movement of the portions between close and distant positions in which a cosmetic product is dispensed by flowing through respective passages (78, 62). The portion (30) comprises an inner skirt (50) provided with a catch designed to enable the nozzle to be fitted on a neck of a container, and an outer skirt (42) radially surrounds the inner skirt.

Description

1 dispensing nozzle for packaging and dispensing device

  The present invention relates to the field of dispensing tips for devices for packaging and dispensing a product, in particular a cosmetic product. The present invention relates more particularly to the field of dispensing tips for packaging devices of a cosmetic product capable of allowing a different distribution of the cosmetic product depending on the desired mode of use. A first interesting use of the tip relates to the dispensing of a gel-type cosmetic product for application of the product in a small amount, for example for application to the face. In a second mode of use, the dispensing nozzle is able to allow a distribution of the product in large quantities, for example for an application on the body.

  There already exist, in the state of the art, packaging devices that allow a more or less rapid distribution of the same product. Such devices are generally provided with a container for storing and packaging the product which comprises, at one upper end, different sets of holes for the passage of the product, the overall passage section of the holes varying from one set to the other. other. These devices also comprise a pierced cap capping the upper end of the container and rotatably mounted thereon so as to be able to choose the amount of product to be taken.

For more details on the design of such devices, it will be possible to refer in particular to the French patent FR-A-1 327 382, or to US Pat. No. US 4,381,307. Such containers are particularly adapted for the purpose of the invention. distribution of solid particles, for example condiments. For the distribution of a liquid product, in particular a cosmetic product, the use of such sets of holes may be unsuitable. Indeed, the liquid may for example stick between the upper end of the container and the cap, which may in particular favor mold. Reference may also be made to US Pat. No. 3,170,633 which describes an end piece for dispensing a product contained in a container either in the form of fine droplets by spraying or in the form of a continuous flow.

In this regard, the nozzle comprises in particular a first portion provided with two distribution channels, each of the channels being associated with a distribution mode, and a second tubular portion inside which the first portion is rotatably mounted to selectively fluidically communicating one of the distribution channels with an outlet port in the first portion. This dispensing tip has the particular disadvantage of having a large number of elements to assemble to allow the distribution of a product, which increases its price returns. Furthermore, this tip is not suitable for the application of a product, especially a cosmetic product, in the form of a flow whose flow can be chosen beforehand by the user.

In view of the foregoing, the present invention therefore aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks. Another object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing nozzle for a device for packaging and dispensing a product, in particular a cosmetic product, which is particularly economical and easy to use. Another object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing nozzle that allows a continuous flow of a product, in particular a cosmetic product, whose flow rate may be chosen by a user, for example depending on the mode of application. retained for the product. According to a first aspect, the invention therefore relates to a dispensing nozzle for a device for packaging and dispensing a product, in particular a cosmetic product, comprising a first portion provided with at least one first dispensing line. and adapted to be mounted on the packaging and dispensing device, a second portion provided with at least one second distribution duct having a passage section for the product different from a passage section of the first distribution duct. The dispensing nozzle also comprises connecting means connecting the first portion and the second portion that are configured to allow relative movement of the first portion and the second portion between a close position in which the product is dispensed by changing to less through the second distribution conduit, and a remote position wherein the product is dispensed only through the first distribution conduit.

2906981 4 With such a tip, it becomes possible to obtain a more or less significant distribution of the product contained, and this in a particularly simple and effective manner. Indeed, with such connecting means, the dispensing nozzle can be used in a first use position in which the product passes at least through the second dispensing duct, and in a second position of use in which product passes only through the first distribution conduit. Therefore, it is conceivable that the passage section for the product can be easily modified. Preferably, in the close position, the product is distributed by passing through the first distribution duct and the second distribution duct. According to one characteristic of the invention, the second portion is at least partly engaged in the first portion in the close position. According to another characteristic of the invention, a first dispensing orifice of the first portion and a second orifice of the second portion are offset axially relative to each other, in the close position. In one embodiment, the first portion comprises a guide skirt cooperating with a guide skirt of the second portion, in the close position. To allow the passage from the close position to the remote position, said first and second portions are also rotatably articulated. Preferably, the dispensing nozzle further comprises a closure cap of the second distribution duct of the second portion. The closure cap is advantageously rotatably articulated on the second portion by additional connecting means. The connecting means connecting the first portion and the second portion, and the additional connecting means are advantageously diametrically opposed so that the gesture of use implicitly indicates the possible dual use of the dispensing tip. In one embodiment, the second portion comprises a guide skirt cooperating with a plug of the closure cap in an engaged position thereof in the second portion. The dispensing nozzle may also include an indexing means 10 capable of allowing a predetermined relative positioning of the nozzle and the device on which it is intended to be mounted. Advantageously, the tip comprises means for identifying the first portion and the second portion. Preferably, the dispensing nozzle is monobloc. Such a design makes it possible in particular to obtain a unitary assembly particularly easy to transport, handle and assemble. Advantageously, it is made of molded synthetic material, in particular PP (polypropylene). According to a second aspect, the invention also relates to a device for packaging and dispensing a product, in particular a cosmetic product, comprising a container containing the product and a dispensing tip as defined above. The present invention will be better understood on reading the detailed description of an embodiment taken by way of nonlimiting example and illustrated by the appended drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is an external view of a device 1 is an enlarged sectional view of the dispensing nozzle of the device of FIG. 1; FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate in FIG. section of the dispensing nozzle use positions of the device of Figure 1, and 5 - Figures 5 and 6 are respectively a bottom view and a top view of the dispensing tip of the device of Figure 1 In Figure 1, there is shown the general structure of a device for packaging and dispensing a product according to the invention, and designated by the general reference numeral 10, in a supposed vertical position. In the application envisaged, this device 10 is intended for the packaging and dispensing of a cosmetic product. However, it is readily apparent that the device can also be applied to the packaging and distribution of other types of products. The device 10 comprises a container 12, of general axis X-X 'longitudinal, and a dispensing nozzle 14 mounted at an upper end of the container 12 coaxially with said axis X-X'.

The container 12 is made here in the form of a deformable wall tube, which comprises a body 16 having a lower end 18 closed by pinching and heat sealing and an upper end (not shown) which has a coinciding collar. with the X-X 'axis. Of course, it is readily apparent that it is possible to use other types of containers to hold the product to be dispensed. Preferably, the container 12 has deformable walls. As is known per se, the neck is separated from the periphery of the body 16 by an annular shoulder, generally frustoconical, which extends in slope of the neck towards the periphery of said body.

The distribution nozzle 14 is, for its part, intended to allow the dispensing of the cosmetic product contained in the container 12 in different flow rates. As can be seen more clearly in FIGS. 2 to 6, dispensing nozzle 5 has a generally cylindrical shape and comprises, from bottom to top, a first tubular portion 30 which notably allows attachment of nozzle 14 to the container 12, a second portion 32 connected to said first portion by first connection means 34, and a closure cap 36 which is connected to said second portion via second connecting means 38. The first portion 30 lower part has a lower annular radial portion 40 in contact with the shoulder of the container 12, which is extended axially upwards by a cylindrical axial portion 42 whose outer diameter is substantially equal to that of the body 16 of the container 12, ci being delimited at an upper end by a radial portion 44 upper. The first lower portion 30 also includes a generally rounded portion 46 extending substantially radially inwardly and upwardly a small diameter end of the radial portion 44.

The first lower portion 30 is further provided with a thin skirt 48 extending axially downwardly from a lower surface of the rounded portion 46, and a thin skirt 50 and large diameter extending axially downward from a lower surface of the radial portion 44. The lower end of the skirt 48 is here shifted upwardly relative to that of the skirt 50. The skirts 48 and 50 are coaxial with the X-X 'axis. In order to allow the axial attachment of the dispensing nozzle 14 to the container 12, the first lower portion 30 further comprises a hook 52, which may be continuous or discontinuous circularly, formed on the inner edge of the skirt 50, at its lower end. For this purpose, the hook 52 is directed radially inwards and adapted to cooperate with a groove (not shown) of the neck 22 of the container 12. Of course, as a variant, it is easily conceivable that it is also possible to provide a groove and a hook formed on the first lower portion and the neck 22 of the container 12, respectively. In order to obtain a dispensing nozzle 14 having a good rigidity, the first portion 30 further comprises stiffening ribs 31, here in number seven, extending radially between an inner surface of the axial portion 42 and the skirt. 50. To allow angular indexing of the dispensing tip 14 to the container 12, the first lower portion 15 further comprises a tongue 54 extending radially inwardly from the axial portion 42 to the vicinity of the skirt 50. The tongue 54 is disposed circumferentially between two stiffening ribs 31. More specifically, the tongue 54 has an extension 56 axially extending downwardly in part 20 and intended to cooperate with an associated groove (not shown) provided on the shoulder of the container 12. Thus, the relative positioning of the tip of dispensing 14 and the container 12 is performed in a predetermined manner, which can be particularly advantageous, as will be described later.

To limit a possible risk of rotation of the dispensing nozzle 14 relative to the body 16 of the container 12, the first lower portion 30 further comprises, at the level of the skirt 50, an internal toothed surface 58 adapted to cooperate with the collar of said In fact, the neck is intended to be located radially between the skirt 48 and the skirt 50. In order to allow the dispensing of the product contained inside the container 12, the dispensing nozzle 14 comprises a skirt 60. of a reduced diameter with respect to the skirt 48, which extends axially downwards from a small diameter edge of the rounded portion 46. The lower end of the skirt 60 is axially displaced upwards by relative to a lower end of the skirt 48. A radial space (not referenced) is formed between said skirts.

The skirt 60 internally defines a cylindrical distribution conduit 62 which opens out at a dispensing or outlet orifice 64 formed on the rounded portion 46. The conduit 62 and the dispensing orifice 64 are centered on the X axis -X '. The second upper portion 32 of the generally cylindrical dispensing nozzle 14 comprises, in turn, a cylindrical axial portion 70 whose lower end comes into contact with the upper radial portion 44 of the first portion 30, in the position as shown in Figure 2. In the following description of the second portion 32 and the closure cap 36, it is considered that the relative positioning of the elements constituting the nozzle 14 distribution is that illustrated on this Fig. The second portion 32 further comprises a radial portion 72 radially inwardly extending an upper end of the axial portion 70. The second portion 32 is coaxial with the axis XX 'and circumscribed to the master torque of the first lower portion 30 . The second upper portion 32 also includes a rounded portion 74 extending substantially radially inwardly and upwardly a small diameter end of the radial portion 72, and a skirt 76 extending axially downwardly from a lower surface of said rounded portion 74. The skirt 76, coaxial with the axis X-X ', is here shaped so as to fit partially inside the distribution channel 62 of the first lower portion 30. In other words, the skirt 76 of the second portion 32 is partly engaged inside the skirt 60 of the first portion 30. Said skirts 60, 76 form guiding elements for the relative positioning of the first portion 30 and the second portion 32. The lower axial end of the skirt 76 is here shifted upwards relative to that of the skirt 60. I1 is provided an axial space (not referenced) between the radial portion 44 from the pr first lower portion and the radial portion 72 of the second upper portion 32. To obtain a distribution of the product outside the second portion 32, the latter internally delimits a cylindrical distribution duct 78 formed in the skirt 76 which opens out at a dispensing or outlet orifice 80. The distribution duct 78 and the skirt 76 are centered on the X-X 'axis. Thus, the dispensing orifice 80 is offset axially upwards relative to the dispensing orifice 64 of the first portion 30. In order to allow angular displacement of the second portion 32 greater than the first portion 30, the connecting means 34 are made here in the form of a hinge 82 (FIG. 5) of articulation connecting the upper end of the axial portion 42 of the first portion 30 to the lower end of the axial portion 70 of the second portion 32. The hinge 82 has a small angular dimension in the circumferential direction. It extends, considering the circumference of the first portion 30, at an angle which is here of the order of thirty degrees. Of course, it is also conceivable to provide a hinge having a substantially different angular dimension, but allowing however to obtain an angular tilting of the second portion 32 relative to the first portion 30 along an axis 5 transverse to the axis X- X '. Regarding the closure cap 36, it has a generally cylindrical shape. I1 comprises a cylindrical axial portion 90 whose lower end is in contact against the upper surface of the radial portion 72 of the second portion 32, a radial portion 92 extending radially inwardly an upper end of the axial portion 90, and a closure stud 94 axially extending downwardly a lower surface of the radial portion 92. The stud 94 is centered on the axis X-X '. I1 is here shaped so that its lower end is offset axially downwardly relative to that of the axial portion 90. The stud 94 is housed in part inside the distribution duct 78 of the skirt 76. Thus, the block 94 of the closure cap 36 closes the distribution duct 78 and the outlet orifice 80 of the second portion 32 to prevent outward flow of the product contained inside the container 12. To allow a displacement of the closure cap 36 with respect to the second portion 32, the connecting means 38 comprise a hinge tongue 96 (FIG. 5) articulating connecting an upper end of the axial portion 70 of the second portion 32 to a lower end of the axial portion 90 of the closure cap. The hinge 96 has a small angular dimension which is substantially equal to that of the hinge 82. The hinge 96 extends, considering the circumference of the second portion 32, according to a 2906981 12 angle a 'which is here of the order thirty degrees. The hinges 82 and 96 are diametrically opposed. To obtain a particularly economical dispensing nozzle 14, it is advantageously made in one piece, in particular by molding an elastically deformable synthetic material such as polypropylene (PP). The dispensing tip 14 can be obtained by bi-injection in order to obtain different colors for the first and second portions 30, 32 and for the closure cap 36.

In order to increase the ergonomics of the dispensing nozzle 14, it also comprises concave bearing zones (not referenced) for the finger of a user which are provided at the first and second portions 30, 32 and The concave bearing zones form means for identifying the different parts of the dispensing nozzle 14. Alternatively, it could also be possible to provide information on each of the constituent parts. dispensing tip 14 to replace these concave bearing areas, or in addition. When the user wishes to obtain the distribution of the product 20 contained in the receptacle 12 according to a first mode of use of the dispensing nozzle 14, he pivots the second portion 32 with respect to the first lower portion 30 by means of the hinge 82 of the connecting means 34, for example as shown in Figure 3. In this pivoting, the closure cap 36 remains integral with the second portion 32. The skirt 76 is here directed upwards. In a manner known per se, the hinge 82 is advantageously configured to make it possible to obtain the passage of the second portion 32 from a closed position to an open position, and vice versa, automatically when pivoting from this position. this. In this regard, the hinge 82 is under tension during this pivoting. Thus, the second portion 32 is remote from the first portion 30 so as to release the distribution conduit 62 and the outlet port 64. Under these conditions, the skirt 76, inside which the stud 94 is located, no longer closes the outlet orifice 64, which makes it possible to obtain a distribution of the product according to the first mode of use of the 14. In this mode, the quantity of product delivered is relatively greater than that which could be delivered via the outlet orifice 80 of the second portion 32. In fact, the distribution duct 62 has a passage section. for the product superior to that of the conduit 78 distribution. In this position in which the second portion 32 is remote from the first portion 30, the product from the container 12 passes only through the distribution conduit 62 and the outlet port 64. This position is particularly suitable for applying the product contained in the container 12 in the form of a thick layer.

On the contrary, if the user wishes to take a smaller quantity of product, he moves, from the position shown in FIG. 2, the closing cap 36 so that it is remote from the second portion. 32 so that the stud 94 no longer constrains the distribution conduit 78, as illustrated for example in FIG. 4. In this figure, the stud 94 is oriented upwards. The hinge 96 is advantageously configured to make it possible to obtain the passage of the closing cap 36 from a closed position to an open position, and vice versa, automatically when a pivoting thereof is effected. In this regard, the hinge 96 is under tension during this pivoting. In this second mode of use, the second portion 32 remains in abutment against the first lower portion 30 and the skirt 76 is housed inside the distribution duct 62. Thus, in this mode of use, wherein the first and second portions 30, 32 are in a close position, the product from the container 12 passes firstly through the conduit 62 for dispensing the first portion 30, then at through the delivery conduit 78 and the outlet port 80 of the second portion 32 before it can be applied by the user. Therefore, the distribution conduit 78 having a reduced passage section relative to that of the conduit 62, the amount of product dispensed is less than that obtained when the first and second lower and upper portions 30, 32 are in the remote position. We can take a small amount of product for example to emulsify with a jet of water to obtain a foam.

The diameter of the outlets 64 and 80 is advantageously between one and five millimeters. The diameter of the outlet orifice 64 is preferably equal to five millimeters, that of the outlet orifice 64 may be three millimeters. Although the difference in cross section is obtained here by a difference in diameter between the outlet ports 64 and 80, it is also possible to provide for this purpose different patterns for said orifices. It may for example be possible to provide a notched or star-shaped shape. Although in this embodiment, the skirt 76 is dimensioned so that its lower end is offset axially upwards with respect to the lower end of the skirt 60, it is easy to see that it is possible, on the contrary, to provide a skirt 76 which has an upper axial dimension so that its lower end is offset axially downwardly relative to that of the skirt 60, or to provide a skirt 76 whose lower end 76 is flush with that of the In these conditions, in the second mode of use of the endpiece 14 in which the skirt 76 is disposed in the distribution duct 62, the product from the container 12 passes only through the duct 78 of the container. distribution and the outlet port 80. However, the relative arrangement of the skirts 76 and 60 as illustrated in the figures is advantageous insofar as it limits the risk of a possible product deposit of the container 12 on the outer surface of the skirt 76, which can be troublesome for the user when moving from the close position of the first and second portions 30 and 32 to the remote position. The passage from a close position in which the first and second lower and upper portions 30, 32 are in contact with one another at a remote position, and vice versa, depending on the mode of use selected by the user, is obtained here by a rotation of the second portion 32 around an axis extending perpendicular to the plane of FIGS. 1 to 6. However, it is conceivable that it is also possible to envisage provide a rotation of the second portion 32 relative to the first portion 30 by rotation about an axis substantially parallel to the axis X-X '. However, with such a design, it is necessary to provide a skirt 76 having a restricted axial dimension.

Providing a tip 14 having first and second portions 30, 32 configured for use in a first use position in which the product passes only through the flow conduit 62 and the outlet port 64, and a second use position in which the product passes at least through the circulation conduit 78 and the outlet port 82 allows the dispensing of a product stream whose flow rate is previously selected by the user. In addition, by the relative arrangement of the hinges 82 and 96, the possible dual use of the dispensing tip 14 is suggested to the user. In order explicitly to indicate this dual use, it may be possible to provide on the body 16 of the container 12 information corresponding to the hinges 82 and 96. In this respect, the existence of the axial extension 56 of the first portion 30 forming indexing means of the dispensing tip 14 on the container 12 is particularly useful to ensure that the hinge 82, 92 are opposite this information after mounting the tip. 20

Claims (15)

  1- dispensing nozzle for a device for packaging and dispensing a product, in particular a cosmetic product, characterized in that it comprises a first portion (30) provided with at least one first distribution duct (62) and adapted to be mounted on the packaging and dispensing device, a second portion (32) provided with at least one second distribution duct (78) having a passage section for the product different from a passage section of the first distribution duct, and connecting means (34) connecting the first portion and the second portion which are configured to allow relative movement of the first portion (30) and the second portion (32) between a close position in which the product is dispensed by passing at least through the second delivery conduit (78), and a remote position where the product is dispensed only through the first conduit (62) of distribution.   2- A tip according to claim 1, wherein, in the close position, the product is dispensed by passing through the first conduit (62) distribution and the second conduit (78) distribution.   3- nozzle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second portion (32) is at least partially engaged in the first portion (30) in the close position.   4- nozzle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a first orifice (64) for dispensing the first portion (30) and a second orifice (80) for dispensing the second portion (32) are offset axially the one in relation to the other, in the close position. 2906981 18   5-nozzle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first portion (30) comprises a skirt (60) for guiding cooperating with a skirt (76) for guiding the second portion (32) in the close position. 5   6-nozzle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second portions (30, 32) are hinged to rotate.   7-nozzle according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a closure cap (36) of the second conduit (82) of distribution of the second portion (32).   8-mouthpiece according to claim 7, wherein the shutter hood (36) is rotatably articulated on the second portion (32) by additional connecting means (38).   9-ferrule according to claim 8, wherein the connecting means (34) connecting the first portion and the second portion, and the additional connecting means (38) are diametrically opposed.   10-tip according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second portion (32) comprises a skirt (76) for guiding cooperating with a stud (94) of a closure cap 20 (36) in a engaged position said shutter hood inside the second portion (32).   11-tip according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an indexing means (56) adapted to allow a predetermined relative positioning of the dispensing tip and the device on which it is intended to be mounted.   12-tip according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising means for identifying the first portion (30) and the second portion (32).   13-tip according to any one of the preceding claims, made in one piece. 2906981 19   14-nozzle according to any one of the preceding claims, made of molded synthetic material, in particular polypropylene.   A device for packaging and dispensing a product, especially a cosmetic product, comprising a container (12) containing the product and a dispensing tip (14) according to any one of the preceding claims.