WO2008104655A2

WO2008104655A2 - Fluid product dispenser

Info

Publication number: WO2008104655A2
Application number: PCT/FR2008/050121
Authority: WO
Inventors: Xavier Brahim; Olivier De Pous
Original assignee: Valois Sas
Priority date: 2007-01-31
Filing date: 2008-01-25
Publication date: 2008-09-04
Also published as: FR2911850B1; WO2008104655A3; FR2911850A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a fluid product dispenser that comprises : a fluid product tank (1) ; and an application end piece (2) defining a symmetry axis X, the end piece comprising a free end area (21) located on the X axis and a peripheral area (22) extending from the end area (21) about the X axis; characterised in that the peripheral area (22) defines at least one dispensing opening (23) while the end area (21) does not include any opening.

Description

Fluid dispenser

The present invention relates to a fluid dispenser comprising a fluid reservoir and an applicator tip at which the fluid is dispensed to be applied to an application surface, such as the skin, the nails, the hair, the eye, mucous membranes, etc. The application surface may also be inorganic, such as a fabric, paper, wall, etc. However, the preferred fields of application of the present invention will be those of cosmetics, perfumery or even pharmacy.

There already exist in the prior art different types of distributors comprising a reservoir and an applicator tip. Generally, the nozzle defines a dispensing orifice located at the end of the nozzle, that is to say at its free end. Considering that the applicator tip has a certain axial symmetry about an axis, the dispensing orifice is conventionally located on this axis at the free end of the nozzle. Thus, the fluid product exits the nozzle at the axial orifice and can be applied by bringing the tip into contact with the desired application surface. A problem with the positioning of the orifice is that it is not easy to apply the fluid with the free end of the tip which has a very small surface. The object of the present invention is to overcome this aforementioned drawback of the prior art by defining a fluid dispenser with an applicator tip whose application of fluid product is facilitated.

To do this, the present invention provides a fluid dispenser comprising a fluid reservoir, and an applicator tip defining an axis of symmetry X, the tip comprising a free end zone located on the X axis and a zone peripheral, which extends from the end zone around the X axis, characterized in that the peripheral zone forms at least one dispensing orifice. Advantageously, the peripheral zone comprises several distribution orifices distributed over the peripheral area. Thus, the dispensing orifices are located on the periphery of the nozzle, at a much larger area than the free end zone of the nozzle. In addition, by providing a plurality of dispensing orifices, a larger amount of fluid can be dispensed than with a single axial dispensing orifice.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the tip has an ogival shape, the peripheral zone being partly substantially cylindrical or frustoconical. Preferably, the tip is a symmetrical piece of revolution about an axis X. According to another interesting aspect of the invention, said at least one dispensing orifice is elongate and extends substantially axially. The orifice, or preferably the orifices, may thus be in the form of elongate slots arranged substantially parallel to each other in the axial direction. The peripheral zone thus constitutes a fluid dispensing zone, while the free end zone constitutes or completes the application zone making it possible to spread the fluid product over the desired application surface.

According to a practical embodiment, said at least one orifice is formed by a self-sealing slot comprising two edges in sealing contact, the edges being detached under the pressure of the fluid product.

Advantageously, said at least one dispensing orifice is an incision of the nozzle, advantageously made after molding of said nozzle. The incision thus defines the two lips of the slot which are in sealing contact at rest, that is to say in the absence of fluid under pressure. The slots can be made after molding of the tip, or on the contrary during the molding of the tip.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the nozzle comprises a base zone devoid of a dispensing orifice, said at least one dispensing orifice extending between this base zone and the end zone which is also devoid of dispensing orifice. Advantageously, the tip is directly connected to the reservoir which comprises a deformable actuating wall. According to a practical embodiment and economic, the nozzle and the reservoir are made integrally, the reservoir comprising a sealable filling bottom. The reservoir thus comprises an end formed with the applicator tip and another end defining the sealable filling base. Thus, the tank can be filled by its initially open bottom. Then the bottom is sealed, for example by heat sealing.

According to another characteristic, the dispenser further comprises a removable case that covers the tip and at least a portion of the actuating wall of the tank. The case has the function of protecting the nozzle, optionally sealing the dispensing orifices, and preventing inadvertent, accidental or inadvertent actuation of the deformable wall of the tank.

Instead of directly mounting the nozzle on the reservoir, it is also possible, in the context of the present invention, to mount the applicator tip on a dispensing head or a dispensing member such as a pump or a valve. Thus, the fluid product will be dispensed at the tip after each actuation of the head or the dispenser member.

One of the principles of the invention is to provide an applicator tip whose dispensing orifice is not located axially, so long as one can define an axis of symmetry of the tip. Of course, the tip does not need to be perfectly symmetrical about an axis: however, it is possible to define a free end zone and a non-planar peripheral zone that extends around the axis of symmetry. In the sense of the present invention, the peripheral zone extends at an axial level which is less than the free end zone which constitutes the axial end of the endpiece.

The invention will now be more fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings giving by way of non-limiting example an embodiment of the invention. In the figures: FIG. 1 is an enlarged perspective view of the front of a fluid dispenser according to one embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2a is an exploded view in longitudinal or axial cross section of FIG. unassembled state, Figure 2b is a view similar to that of Figure 2a in the assembled state, Figure 3 is a view similar to Figures 2a and 2b for a distributor according to a second embodiment of the invention, - FIGS. 4a and 4b are exploded views partially in perspective and partly in section of a dispenser according to a third embodiment of the invention, FIG. 5 is an enlarged view in longitudinal or axial cross-section through the dispenser of FIGS. 4a and 4b in the assembled state, and FIGS. 6a and 6b are enlarged cross-sectional views through a dispenser according to a fourth embodiment, respectively in initial position and in positi it's final of use. The fluid dispenser of the invention can be made in one piece or in several pieces. In the monobloc version, the dispenser can be made with a single plastic material, or with two different plastics overmoulded, co-molded or injected. In other words, a plastics material may be molded on the other plastic material, or the two plastics may be injected into two separate compartments of a single mold. One of the plastics may be more flexible than the other.

Referring firstly to Figures 1, 2a, 2b and 3. The fluid dispenser comprises two components, namely a reservoir 1 and an applicator tip 2. As mentioned above, the reservoir 1 and the applicator tip 2 can be made in one piece, or under the form of two or three separate separate pieces reported on each other.

In this embodiment, the reservoir 1 comprises a flexible tube 11 which constitutes a deformable actuating wall. The flexible tube 11 is fixed at one of its ends to a neck 12 defining a fluid outlet opening 13. The neck may be welded or glued to the tube. Alternatively shown in Figure 3, the tube and the neck are made integrally, for example by injection / blowing. The opposite end of the flexible tube 11 defines a sealable filling base 14 which is initially open. Before sealing the bottom 14, the tube 11 may have a circular cross section, oblong, ellipsoidal, etc. Of course, the bottom seal 14 modifies the section of the tube 11, particularly at or near the sealed bottom 14. Prior to sealing, the tube 11 may have a cylindrical configuration. The tube 11 preferably has a shape memory for returning the tube to its rest configuration after each deformation. Alternatively, it is possible to make the tube 11 without shape memory so that the tube remains in its deformed configuration.

Instead of the flexible tube 11, it is also possible to provide any type of deformable flexible bag with or without shape memory, flexible deformable container with or without shape memory, or a piston system comprising a cylindrical sliding shaft to the inside which a piston slides tightly. More generally, it is possible to use in the context of the present invention any type of reservoir with variable useful volume by deformation or displacement of an actuating wall. Even more generally, any type of fluid reservoir may be used in the context of the present invention, when a head or a dispenser member is interposed between the reservoir and the dispensing nozzle.

The dispensing nozzle 2 is preferably made integrally by injection / molding of a plastic material. The dispensing nozzle 2 may be substantially rigid, but preferably the nozzle is relatively flexible, and even deformable, at least partially and / or locally. The tip 2 has a global configuration defining an axis of symmetry X, which may even be an axis of revolution. This axis of symmetry X may be coincident with the axis of symmetry of the tank 1, which is the case in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3. It is not necessary that the tip has a perfect symmetry around the axis

X: it suffices that the tip has some even coarse symmetry around an axis that can be traced at least approximately. In this way, it is possible to define a free end zone 21 which is located on the X axis and which defines the tip of the tip. This free end zone 21 here has a slight bending. In FIGS. 1 to 3, the tip 2 has a general configuration of substantially ogival shape having a symmetry of revolution with respect to the axis X. Beyond this free end zone 21, the tip 2 defines a peripheral zone 22 which connects to the free zone 21 in a continuous manner. This peripheral zone 22 here has a substantially frustoconical shape that becomes ogival close to the free zone 21.

Upstream of this peripheral zone 22, the nozzle 2 defines a base zone 25 which connects to the peripheral zone 22, preferably in a continuous manner. The base zone 25 also has a substantially frustoconical or even cylindrical configuration. The base zone 25 is the one that makes it possible to connect the tip 2 to the neck 12 of the tank 1. To do this, the base zone 25 internally forms an attachment slot 251 intended to cooperate, for example by snapping with a projecting hooking profile 121 formed at the neck 12. When the nozzle 2 is made integrally with the reservoir 1, the base zone 25 forms the opening 13, the neck 12 being integrated into the zone base 25.

Internally, the tip 2 forms a conduit 26 which connects directly to the opening 13 of the neck 12. The conduit 26 passes substantially axially through the base zone 25 and the peripheral zone 22. The axial end of the conduit 26 is closed by the free end zone 21. According to the invention, the peripheral zone 22 forms at least one dispensing orifice 23 which communicates the conduit 26 with the outside. In the embodiment shown in the figures, there are four dispensing orifices 23 which are distributed equiangularly on the peripheral zone 22. The dispensing orifices 23 are formed by the visible outer portions of slots 24 which pass through the wall thickness of the peripheral zone 22. These slots 24 extend in substantially axial ways and radial at a time. More specifically, each slot 24 is oriented radially about the axis X and extends axially along the axis X. As a result, the dispensing orifices 23 are in the form of self-sealing slots comprising two edges. 231 and 232 which are in sealing contact with each other in the rest position, that is to say when the nozzle is not subjected to any stress. On the other hand, when the pressurized fluid product reaches the conduit 26 of the nozzle, the nozzle moves away from the slot 24 by detaching the two edges 231 and 232, thus creating an outlet passage for the fluid under pressure. The dispensing orifices 23 extend here on the peripheral zone 22 between the free end zone 21 and the base zone 25. It should be noted that the free end zone 21 has no distribution orifice, while as the base zone 25, only the peripheral zone 22 being provided with a dispensing orifice. The wall thickness of the tip 2 at the peripheral zone 22 can be determined in a very varied manner. If the wall thickness is large, it will require a large fluid pressure to separate the slots 24 and thus define a dispensing orifice for the fluid. On the other hand, if the wall thickness of the peripheral zone 22 is small, a low fluid pressure will be sufficient to open the dispensing orifices. Another factor also affects the opening threshold of the dispensing orifices, namely the flexibility of the material used to form the applicator tip 2.

The slots 24 defining the dispensing orifices 23 may be made during the molding of the applicator tip 2. As a preferred variant, it is possible to make the slots 24 after molding the tip 2 by incising the tip 2 at the level of its peripheral zone 22 with a suitable cutting blade. For example, it is possible to use a single cross-shaped blade to make the four slots 24 of the end piece 2 of the embodiment shown in the figures. It is also possible preform the slots 24 without initially defining a passage between the inner conduit 26 and the outside. Thus, during the first use of the dispenser, the pressure of the fluid product will finish forming the slots 24 and thus define the dispensing orifices 23. It is then possible to use the preform of the initially closed slots as a first-use security device allowing guarantee the user the first use of the dispenser.

When the dispenser is made in two separate parts, it is possible to fill the tank 1 through the opening 13 formed by the neck 12. However, it is preferable to premount the applicator tip 2 on the tank 1 and fill the tank by its sealable filling base 14 which is initially open. Then, it is sufficient to seal the bottom 14 by any known means, such as for example by heat sealing. Figure 1 shows the dispenser in the filled and sealed state. It can be seen that the bottom 14 is sealed by local pinching and sealed sealing of the tube 11. It is then sufficient for the user to exert pressure on the flexible tube 11 which serves as a deformable actuating wall. In response, fluid is forced through the opening 13 and the conduit 26 to reach the slots 24. The pressurized fluid then opens the dispensing orifices 23 and reaches the level of the peripheral zone 22 The fluid product exits here at four distinct locations of the nozzle defined by the four orifices 23. The user can then apply the fluid product on the desired application surface by using the peripheral zone 22, and optionally also of the free end zone 21 which is devoid of dispensing orifice. As soon as the pressure is released on the tube 11, the dispensing orifices are closed, the edges 231 and 232 returning in sealing contact with one another. Thus, in the rest position, the fluid product stored inside the dispenser is sealingly insulated from the outside, which prevents any deterioration of the fluid product by oxidation or drying.

Reference will now be made to FIGS. 4a, 4b and 5 to explain a third embodiment of the invention. The distributor includes also a reservoir 1 and a nozzle 2 which may be substantially similar or identical to those of the embodiments of Figures 1 to 3. More specifically, the reservoir may be identical to that of Figures 2a and 2b, that is to say made in two separate parts, namely a tube 11 and a neck 12. However, in this third embodiment, the dispenser further comprises a removable protective case 3 which covers the tip 2 and at least a portion of the tube 11 preferably at the place where it forms the deformable actuating wall. One can for example make the case 3 with a substantially cylindrical section or sheath 31 surmounted by a dome-shaped section or cover 32. The two sections 31 and 32 together define an internal space 30 which will be used to accommodate the tip 2 and at least a portion of the tube 11. The inner wall of the case, preferably at the sheath 31 is connected to the cover 32, forms an annular bead 33 intended to engage with the base area 25 of 2. This is visible in FIG. 5. According to an interesting characteristic, the inner wall of the cap 32 comes into intimate contact with the external surface of the nozzle 2, particularly at the level of the dispensing orifices. the case also fulfills an additional shutter function of the openings 23. The cylindrical section or sheath 31 surrounds the flexible tube 11 and thus prevents any inadvertent, accidental or inadvertent deformation of the tube which could then produce a dispensing fluid product at the tip 2. Preferably, the removable protective case 3 is made of a substantially rigid material, so that it is substantially indeformable. The case 3 may also be referred to as the hull or protective cover. Referring again to FIGS. 4a and 4b, it may be noted that the lower end of the tank 1 is formed with a rigid flange 15 at which a hooking hole 16 is formed. In FIG. 4b, a ring 4 passes through the hole 16. It can thus hang the dispenser to a wire, a string, a cord, etc. which will allow to transport the distributor by suspension.

Reference will now be made to FIGS. 6a and 6b which show a fourth embodiment of the invention which may possibly be considered as a variant of the third embodiment of Figures 4a, 4b and 5. Indeed, the dispenser also comprises a protective cover 32 'which cap the nozzle 2, and possibly a part or even the entire tank by means of a sheath, as is the case in the third embodiment. The cover 32 'of this fourth mode is characterized mainly by the fact that it is provided with several breaking blades 34, in this case four in number, regularly distributed circumferentially. These rupture blades 34 extend both radially and axially star-shaped devoid of center. Each blade 34 comprises a breaking edge 341 which is slightly inclined with respect to the axis of the distributor. The blades are spaced from each other at their upper ends so as to form a housing in which is received the free end zone 21 which is devoid of dispensing orifice. On the other hand, the applicator tip 2 comprises four slots 24, just as in the previous embodiments, defining four dispensing orifices 23. The particularity of this embodiment lies in the fact that the slots 24 are provided with an initial sealing membrane 27 which separates the dispensing orifices 23 from the central common duct 26 which is directly connected to the reservoir. The closure membranes 27 are thin and easily breakable. They are here formed at the level where the slots 24 open into the common conduit 26. However, it is possible to form the membranes 27 at another location at the slots 24, for example directly at or near the dispensing orifices 23 According to this fourth embodiment, the rupture blades 34 are intended to break the initial closure membranes 27, thus establishing the communication between the conduit 26 and the dispensing orifices 23. The rupture blades 34 thus fulfill a function of breaking means. According to another aspect of this fourth embodiment, the protective cover 32 'is movable between an initial position shown in Figure 6a and a final dispensing position shown in Figure 6b.

In the initial position of FIG. 6a, the cover 32 'is disposed on the applicator tip 2 so that the rupture edges 341 of the blades 34 are arranged near or just in contact with the initial sealing membranes 27 without breaking them. To ensure this position, the cover 32 'comprises one or more ribs 33 intended to be housed in a first groove 251 formed in the base zone 25 of the applicator tip 2. Thus, in this configuration, the blades 34 leave the membranes 27 intact. This is the configuration of the dispenser before first use, that is, between when it is manufactured and when it will be used for the first time. In this case, it may be the transport and storage configuration. Before the first use, the user must move the cover 32 'relative to the applicator tip 2 to bring it into the position shown in Figure 6b. The rib 33 of the cover 32 is then housed in a second groove 252 also formed at the base zone 25 of the nozzle 2. The rupture blades 34 have been moved so as to break the initial sealing membranes 27 communication is then established between the conduit 26 and the dispensing orifices 23. Thereafter, the user can indifferently position the cover 32 'in the first position or in the second position, since the membranes 27 have been definitively broken. It is not necessary in this fourth embodiment that the orifices are in the form of self-sealing slots. Indeed, the sealing of the orifices is ensured in the rest position by the blades 34 which close off the slots 24. The presence of a free end zone 21 devoid of distribution orifices is advantageous, since it makes it possible to confer good resistance or rigidity to the applicator tip. In place of slots and axial radial blades, slits and helical blades may also be provided. The membranes 27 are of course intended to ensure that the fluid stored inside the dispenser is not in contact with the outside air. In addition, the membranes fulfill a function of guarantee of first use to the user. Although the present invention has been described with reference to a dispenser comprising only a reservoir and an applicator tip, it is conceivable to apply the present invention in a dispenser. more complex fluid product comprising, in addition to the reservoir 1, a head or a dispensing member interposed between the reservoir 1 and the application nozzle 2. For example, a pump or a valve can be mounted on the neck of the reservoir 1 and can be mounted the applicator tip 2 at the outlet of the pump or the valve.

Thanks to the invention, there is obtained a dispenser whose applicator tip allows easy application of the fluid while ensuring a perfect preservation of the fluid within the dispenser.

Claims

claims

1.- Fluid dispenser comprising:

a reservoir of fluid product (1), and

an applicator tip defining an axis of symmetry X, the tip comprising a free end zone located on the X axis and a peripheral zone extending from the zone; end (21) about the X axis, characterized in that the peripheral zone (22) forms at least one dispensing orifice (23) and the end zone (21) is devoid of orifice.

2. A dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral zone (22) comprises a plurality of dispensing orifices (23) distributed over the peripheral zone.

3. The dispenser according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the nozzle

(2) has an ogival shape, the peripheral zone (22) being in part substantially cylindrical or frustoconical.

4. A dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the tip (2) is a piece of symmetrical revolution about an axis X.

5. A dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one dispensing orifice (23) is elongate and extends substantially axially.

6. A dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one orifice (23) is formed by a self-sealing slot comprising two edges (231, 232) in sealing contact, the edges being peeled off under pressure. fluid product.

7. A dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one dispensing orifice (23) is an incision of the nozzle, advantageously made after molding said tip.

8. A dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tip (2) comprises a base area

(25) devoid of a dispensing orifice, said at least one dispensing orifice (23) extending between said base zone (25) and the end zone (21) which is also devoid of dispensing orifice .

9. A dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tip (2) is directly connected to the reservoir (1) which comprises a deformable actuating wall (11).

10. The dispenser of claim 9, further comprising a removable case (3) which covers the tip (2) and at least a portion of the actuating wall (11) of the tank.

11. A dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reservoir (1) comprises a hooking hole (16) for the passage of a suspension member (4) such as a wire or a ring.

12. A dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a removable cover (32 ') provided with breaking means (34) capable of breaking at least one initial sealing membrane (27) which separates the duct ( 26) auditing at least one dispensing orifice (23), before the first use of the dispenser.

13. The dispenser of claim 12, wherein the hood

(32 ') is axially displaceable with respect to the tip (2) between an initial position in which the rupture means leave the membrane (27) intact and a final use position in which the rupture means have broken the membrane .

14. A dispenser according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the breaking means comprise at least one blade (34) which extends axially and radially, the blade comprises a breaking edge (341) intended to come into contact with the membrane to break it.