WO2015150700A1

WO2015150700A1 - Assembly for dispensing a fluid or pasty product with a product supply

Info

Publication number: WO2015150700A1
Application number: PCT/FR2015/050841
Authority: WO
Inventors: Frédéric Platel
Original assignee: Frédéric Platel
Priority date: 2014-03-31
Filing date: 2015-03-31
Publication date: 2015-10-08
Also published as: EP3126059B1; FR3019150B1; EP3126059A1; FR3019150A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly for dispensing a fluid or pasty product including a dispensing device such as a mechanical pump (1, 1a) with a dispensing push-button 3, associated with a container (2) containing a quantity N+R of said product, characterised by including means for stopping or blocking the removal of said product, taking place after the amount N has been dispensed and isolating, inside the container (2), a product supply R that can be used only in a second attempt after the user has activated said supply R using an unblocking system 19, and alerting the user of the upcoming end of the fluid or pasty product to be dispensed. The assembly for dispensing a fluid or pasty product according to the present invention is particularly suitable for the use of creams contained in opaque or semi-opaque bottles, such as cosmetic or pharmaceutical creams, but also for alcoholic products such as perfumes or sensitive pharmaceutical products.

Description

"Fluid dispenser assembly or

pasty with product reserve »

The present invention relates to a fluid or pasty product dispensing assembly such as a liquid or a cream, associated with an opaque container containing the fluid or pasty product within which a reserve of said product is delimited. The actuation of this dispensing assembly makes it possible to extract from the container the product which is distributed through a dispensing orifice. This type of distribution is ideally used in the fields of cosmetic perfumery and pharmacy.

Usually, the dispensing assembly consists of an atmospheric or airless exhaust pump fixedly mounted on the container. The container is generally opaque it is impossible to know the level of the product to be dispensed remaining in the bottle or when there is almost no product left in the container unlike the perfume bottle, these being mostly transparent is known. at any time the level of the product to be distributed.

In the prior art several patents are known which allow a visualization of the product level inside a device with airless or atmospheric pump.

The international patent application WO2012169755 describes a beauty product container with an airless pump which makes it possible to evacuate the contents. An insertion groove is located between the transparent outer container and the inner container. An indicator for quantifying the remaining amount of product is connected to the piston within the inner container and inserted into the insertion groove. As the product decreases inside the opaque container the piston rises naturally causing the indicator in the groove. A reading of the level of the product is thus visible through the outer container which must be transparent. European patent application EP 2522246 A2 is also known which describes a container with an airless pump system specifically adapted for cosmetic products. In this device the outer container is opaque and the inner container is transparent. The opaque outer container has a transparent window at its bottom. Inside the transparent inner container, the bottom surface of the airless pump has an identification means. As the product is depleted, the valve, which is also transparent, rises so that the state of total exhaustion of the contents is indicated according to the change of visibility of the identification means which is visible through the transparent window of the opaque container.

The aforementioned or known devices are characterized by identification means (transparent container, translucent identification groove on the side of the container) which tend to limit or denature the packaging or the overall aesthetic of the product or the product line , which often displeases brands very attached to the aesthetics and homogeneity of their product line. Or as in the case of the patent application EP 2522246 A2 the visibility of the identification means is not always easy (visibility through several walls more or less transparent or translucent) or even incompatible with certain products such as opaque creams. In this case the means of identification is visible only once the empty container, which is not the objective here. It should also be noted that for a good conservation of the product, in some cases it must not be exposed to light, and must be in a perfectly opaque container.

The use of these devices is therefore not always satisfactory and present in the case of certain uses major drawbacks including:

- Identification by areas of transparency on the container that changes the aesthetics of the usual containers. This change in aesthetics, Transparency, indication is not always compatible with the harmony and design of a line of cosmetics that represents an important aspect of the product.

- A translucent groove that by nature also does not keep the product out of the light.

These systems do not always have the readability and reading comfort desired because of the superposition of the openings, the translucent appearance of certain materials and the vision of the sometimes hidden indicator. We have to get the information.

- An alert that may be late and depending on the appearance of the product and in some cases only indicate that the container is empty. But the system does not fulfill its function of anticipation with users.

- Additional manufacturing costs related to the number and assembly of more or less complex parts. This extra cost is most often unacceptable in the case of large series applications, where one looks for a low cost and parts geometries feasible at lower cost.

The present invention therefore proposes to provide a product reserve system that does not have the drawbacks mentioned above according to the prior art and is intended to allow a user when all of the initial product has been consumed, to have easily access a stock of the same product in the same container, thereby informing the user of the upcoming end of the product while allowing him to continue using it before renewing and purchasing a new product. This system keeps the same aesthetics, the same opacity as the containers without indications and is a reliable mechanical alert. The user can not ignore the fact that it is on the stock of product since it is he who activates when the entire initial product has been taken. The user is temporarily deprived of the product before the triggering of the reserve by his care, so he is alerted. Moreover, there is available with this method a quantity of product in reserve which can be defined by the manufacturer and therefore different from one product to another depending on the quantity to be dispensed and the frequency of use for example.

In view of these prior art, the present invention has set the objective of creating a supply of product inside containers, especially opaque, containing a product which may be liquid or pasty and viscous associated or mounted with a traditional atmospheric pump or without air. The object of the present invention is therefore:

A fluid or pasty product dispensing assembly, such as a liquid or a cream, comprising:

a fluid or pasty product dispensing device which is a mechanical pump without air or atmospheric, fixed on a container, said container containing a quantity of fluid or pasty product,

a push button fixed on the pump and making it possible to actuate said pump so that the product is distributed,

characterized in that the distribution set is configured to adopt several successive states of operation:

a first dispensing state in which the dispensing assembly is able to dispense a first quantity of product contained in the receptacle by actuation of the push button,

a second so-called blocking state in which the dispensing assembly is prevented from continuing product dispensing despite actuation of the push button, thus leaving a second quantity of product called the R product reserve in the container,

- A third distribution said state is reached by an external action of unblocking the dispensing assembly and wherein the dispensing assembly is adapted to distribute the product from the reserve by actuation of the push button. According to other possible features the present invention may comprise:

A fluid or pasty product dispensing member such as an atmospheric or airless manual mechanical pump on which a dispensing pusher is mounted. It should be noted that the present invention is not suitable for aerosol-type pressure fluid dispensers.

- A dispensing orifice connected to the dispenser member.

- An external container or bottle and containing the fluid or pasty product. The dispenser member being fixedly mounted releasably on the same container.

- A device for creating a supply of product is disposed within said container. This device is different depending on whether the distribution system is atmospheric or airless. In the case of a dispensing system by a mechanical pump without air intake, said without air, it may be an open internal container, sealingly slidable inside the outer container and having a stop at its upper end for locking the wiper piston compressing and accompanying the vacuum product. In the case of a delivery system by a mechanical pump with so-called atmospheric air intake the plunger tube is deliberately made significantly shorter than in the rules known in the art for prematurely interrupting the sampling. This shortened dip tube is associated with a small sealed container containing the bottom of the outer container and sliding inside said outer container. In both cases, this device makes it possible to use most of the product contained in the container in the traditional way, but it makes it possible to prohibit or block a small portion of the same product inside the same container. It is this remaining part of product that we can call stock of product R. This reserve of product may be more or less important and represent a greater or lesser percentage of the total volume of initial product.

- A key system or unlocking device. This key system allows during its operation to release the reserve of product still contained in the container.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description given below with reference to the appended drawings in which:

- The set of figures 1 shows a series of 4 diagrams in section and 2 diagrams in bottom view Figures 1.1 to 1.6 representing the reserve system and its various steps in the case of a device with airless pump.

- The set of figures 2 represents the same device, but more detailed Figures 2.1 to 2.4.

- The set of Figures 3 shows a series of 4 diagrams in section Figures 3.1 to 3.4 showing the various steps in the case of a device with airless pump, but in an alternative embodiment of the reserve with airless pump.

- The set of figures 4 shows a series of 4 diagrams in section and 2 diagrams in bottom view Figures 4.1 to 4.6 representing the reserve system and its various steps in the case of a device with atmospheric pump with plunger.

FIG. 5 shows a series of 4 diagrammatic views in FIGS. 5.1 to 5.4 showing the various steps of the case of a device also with an atmospheric pump, but in a first variant of operation of the present invention with an atmospheric pump.

FIG. 6 shows a series of 3 diagrams shown in section 6.1 to 6.3 also with atmospheric pump, but in a second alternative embodiment of the present invention with atmospheric pump with plunger.

- The set of figures 7 shows a series of 4 diagrams in section and 2 diagrams in bottom view Figures 7.1 to 7.6 also with atmospheric pump, but in a third embodiment of the present invention with atmospheric pump.

FIG. 8 represents a series of 4 sectional views of the present invention, FIGS. 8.1 to 8.4, but in a second variant of operation with an airless pump.

FIG. 9 shows a series of 4 diagrammatic views in section FIGS. 9.1 to 9.4 and 2 diagrammatic diagrams in FIGS. 9.5 and 9.6 in a third variant of operation of the present invention with an airless pump.

Referring to all of FIGS. 1 describing the product stock system inside an opaque container associated with an airless pump, and in particular FIG. 1.1, it can be seen that the product reserve system according to the present invention comprises, in this first example of non-limiting embodiment with airless pump, said airless pump as a dispensing member generally designated by the reference 1 which is positioned on the outer container 2, generally made of glass or opaque plastic material containing the product to be distributed. The dispensing member 1 is generally fixedly mounted on the container 2 so as not to be removable by the user (using only his hands) to prevent any pollution of the product contained in the container 2. The organ 1 distribution is surmounted by a dispensing plunger 3. A fret 4 and a ring 5 generally complete the distribution assembly. The product stock system inside the opaque container according to the present invention also comprises an internal container 6 held inside the outer container 2 by a key or unlocking device 7. The unlocking device or key 7 is attached to the inner container 6 ideally by clipping, col lage or screwing. The unlocking device 7 can be fixed on the cylinder of the inner container 6 or on the bottom of said inner container 6 if it has one. Inside the inner container S, the wiper piston is arranged ideally smooth disc-shaped 8.. The inner container 6 has in its upper part lugs or a mechanical stop flange 9 for blocking the scraper disc 8. Said scraper disc 8 is mounted either at the top by discarding the lugs or flange 9 or by the bottom if the inner container 6 has no bottom and this before having fixed the key or unlocking device 7. The set is mounted inside the outer container 2 until it is not i-ci is found at the bottom by the lugs or u flange 10 located at the base of the outer container 2. The assembly formed by the inner container 6 and the unlocking device 7 is also blocked up by pins or projections 11 as shown in Figure 1.2 (seen from below of Figure 1.1) and located on the locking / unlocking device 7 and possibly l r the inner container 6. These lugs or sail lie 11 come in stop against the shoulder or the rib 12 located at the inside the outer container 2. The assembly formed by the outer container 2, the inner container S, the release device 7 and the scraper piston 8 is therefore locked and unmountable. This assembly is also maintained in rotation thanks to small bosses 13 visible in FIG 1.2 and more particularly to the magnification of Figures 2.3 and 2.4. These small bosses 13 are located inside the gro ure or shoulder 12 of the outer container 2. It should be noted that the assembly formed by the outer container 2, the inner container 6 and the piston 8 form a set waterproof. Indeed the piston 8 although coul issant is mounted sealingly inside the inner container 6 thanks in particular to the use of plastic adapted materials. Similarly, the inner container 6 is sealingly mounted inside the outer container 2 by means of one or more rs rods or sealing lips 14 ideally located outside the inner container 6 on its upper part. as shown on the magnification of Figures 2.1 and 2.2. In FIG. 1.1 it can be seen that the quantity of product contained between the lugs or retaining flange 9 and the scraper piston 8 determines what we will call the quantity of product N corresponding to the first distribution state relative to the normal use of the liquid product. or pasty contained in the container 2.

During the actuation of the dispensing member 1, the quantity N of fluid or pasty product is expelled and distributed through the orifice located in the push button 3. This operating step described in FIGS. 1.1 and 1.3 corresponds to at the first distribution state in which the dispensing assembly is able to dispense a first quantity of product N contained in the container 2. As the quantity of product N is distributed by actuation of the push button 3, the together constituted by the dispensing member 1, the outer container 2, the hoop 5, the inner container 6 and the piston 8 being perfectly airtight, the piston 8 rises along the inner container 6 as in the case of a traditional airless system. A vent hole 15 located in the deblocking device 7 and / or in the internal container 6 makes it possible not to create a vacuum between the piston 8 and said release device 7 and thus to avoid upsetting the rise of said piston 8 along the inner container 6.

The dispensing of fluid or pasty product is normally done until all the quantity of product N is distributed and that the piston 8 is blocked in its ascent by a mechanical stop represented here in the form of lugs or retaining collar 9. Therefore according to the present invention the piston 8 is found blocked thus preventing the distribution of the remaining product. This corresponds to a second so-called blocking state in which the dispensing assembly is prevented from continuing dispensing the product contained in the container 2 despite the actuation of the push button 3, thus leaving in the same container 2 a second quantity of product undistributed called product reserve R. This so-called blocking state showing the volume of Reserve R is visualized in Figure 1.3. The inner container 6 and the unlocking device 7 are themselves locked inside the outer container 2 as indicated above by the lugs or projections 13 thus avoiding any movement of the assembly, visualized in the magnification of FIG. 2.2. The volume R of product or reserve volume can be increased or decreased according to the necessities of the product by increasing or decreasing the height of the inner container 6 or by changing the positioning of the lugs or the retaining flange 9 on said internal container 6. It is clear from this description that it is no longer possible for the user to distribute more product without an action on his part unlike a simple visual indicator. This lack of product distribution indicates to the user that it remains in its opaque container that the volume of product R contained in the previously defined reserve. It is therefore time for the user to trigger a new purchase. Meanwhile, the user can continue to use the product by triggering the distribution of the reserve R always contained inside the outer container 2. It should also be noted that according to the present invention the reserve of product R is at the inside the same container 2 as the first quantity of product N. We thus keep at all times and in all the successive operating states of the present invention, a seal between the various elements of the distribution assembly and thus avoid any pollution or contamination of the product. The present invention therefore avoids us to disassemble the airless pump 1 of the container 2 and thus allows us to avoid, among other things, any problem of operation of the airless pump 1 and any contamination or contamination of the product both in the airless pump 1 and in the container 2.

To access the third state of distribution, which we will describe as the distribution of the reserve R, it will suffice to bring an action on the key or unlocking device 7. In the set of figures 1 we have represented a rotating system but others actions are possible and will be described in a non limiting thereafter. To trigger the dispensing of the product reserve R it will be enough to "turn" the unlocking device 7 by means of the rib 16 or any other means facilitating this action. The lugs or projections 11 will then be guided in the groove or the shoulder 12 until reaching the stop 17 located inside the outer container 2. At the stop the lugs or projections 11 located on the release device and / or possibly on the inner container 6 will be disposed opposite a vertical groove 18 located inside the outer container 2. From then on it is possible to "push" upwards the assembly formed by the inner container 6 and the unlocking device 7 until the lugs or projections 11 come into abutment at the end of the groove 18 or the top of the inner container 6 abuts the ring 5. This action is shown in Figure 1.4. The piston 8 will slide along the inner wall of the container 6. Due to the displacement of the inner container 6 in the product reserve area R, said piston 8 will even be brought down slightly inside the container 2. The process is described in Figures 1.3 and 1.4. Figures 1.4 and 1.5 show the inner container 6 and the unlocking device 7 after the action of "turn" and "push axially". Other actions are possible such as a rotational movement type screwing or unscrewing and / or an axial or lateral thrust and / or axial or lateral pull type unclipping .... The downward displacement of the piston 8 is shown by the height h. We always have a seal between the outer container 2 and the inner container 6 thanks to the rods or lips 14 and between the piston 8 and the inner container 6.

Once this action "turn-push" of great simplicity carried out, it is then possible according to the present invention to distribute the entire supply of product R from the dispensing member 1. Figure 1.6 represents the moment or the piston 8 comes into contact again with the lugs or projections 11 or in contact with the bottom of the ring 5 thus marking the total end of distribution of the fluid or pasty product contained in the container 2. The set of figures 3.1 to 3.4 represents a first variant of the present invention with a pump without air. In this one we have made the choice to describe an inner container 6 and an unlocking device 7 that is no longer a single piece 19 that will be called a container with a locking device, said container 19 going back naturally inside. of the outer container 2, after being unlocked after a single action of "turning" as before. Of course this version as any other version can be made with an inner container 6 and an unlocking device 7 forming a single piece or 2 separate parts as described in the first version of the present invention. The choice is mainly related to construction and assembly concerns. Indeed in the choice of an inner container 6 and a release device 7 forming a single piece 19, the piston 8 is forcibly assembled inside the container with locking device 19 before mounting said containing 19 inside the outer container 2. Figure 3.1 shows a section of the assembly before use and Figure 3.2 the same set when all the product N has been dispensed.

In this variant, after having been unlocked by an action of "turning" or rotational movement by means of the rib 16 shown in FIG. 3.3, the assembly formed by the container with the release device 19 and the piston 8 has the same way and plays the same role as the only piston 8 in the first phase of distribution of the product shown in Figures 3.1 and 3.2. All of these 2 elements is perfectly sealed and sliding inside the outer container 2, in particular through the lips or rods 14 as in the initial version of this patent. But in this variant, under the effect of the distribution of the product, this set, after being unlocked by a single action of "turning" as before, is brought naturally to fill the depression created by the distribution and use of the product fluid or pasty. This version more difficult to achieve technically requires a construction of the lips and rushes 14 finer and in specific materials that may require the use of a specific piece. Indeed the friction forces between the container 6 or 19 and the outer container 2 must be calculated such that they are less than the vacuum force created by the distribution of the product to allow the assembly formed by the container 19 and the piston 8 to go up along the outer container 2 and thus ensure the proper operation of the dispensing device 1 here consisting of a pump without air. This operation is shown schematically in Figures 3.3 and 3.4. In the same way as above, the total end of the distribution of the product will end up according to various possible options, such as for example when the piston 8 comes into contact with the underside of the ring 5 or when the top of the internal container 6 comes to a stop on this same underside. ring 5 or when the lugs 11 will abut on the top of the groove 18. This situation is shown in Figure 3.4. In this version of the present invention only the unlocking action of the key 7 (if the container 19 is made of two parts containing 6 and unlocking system 7) is necessary to allow the total use of the product reserve R created .

In this first variant of the present invention, we have also differently represented the lugs or flange 10 and the shoulders or ribs 12. Unlike the initial version the lugs or flange 10 are represented by a shoulder 10a larger and forming a base background more consistent. This variant offers a more luxurious appearance but is more expensive in its realization. According to this design, said container with locking device 19 will be forcibly assembled in the outer container 2 until the lugs 11 of said container 19 or of the release device 7 become lodged in the groove 12 of the outer container 2. clipping. All of Figures 4 describe the product stock system inside an opaque container associated with an atmospheric pump. In FIG. 4.1, it can be seen that the product reserve system according to the present invention comprises, in this first example of non-limiting embodiment with atmospheric pump, said dispensing pump generally designated by the reference la which is positioned on the container. external 2, usually made of glass or opaque plastic containing the product to be dispensed. As for the version with airless pump 1, the dispensing member is generally fixedly mounted on the container 2 so as not to be removable by the user to avoid any pollution of the product contained in the container 2. The organ The dispenser 4 is also provided with a dispensing plunger 3. A ring 4 and a ring 5 also complete the dispensing assembly as in the case of the airless pump system. Associated with the atmospheric mechanical pump distribution system is also a dip tube 20 fixed under the distribution system la. According to the present invention, the product stock system inside an opaque container also comprises a small inner container but smaller than previously 21 also serving as a bottom to the outer container 2 and held within said outer container 2 by a key or release device 22. The unlocking device or key 22 is fixed on the inner container 21, ideally by splicing, gluing or screwing. The unblocking device 22 can be fixed on the cylinder of the inner container 21 or on the bottom of said inner container. The choice of assembly between the two parts can be linked for example to the choice of assemblies. It should be noted as we will see later that the inner container 21 and the unlocking device 22 may well also form a single piece as in the case of the airless distribution device described above. The assembly formed by the inner container 21 and the release device 22 is mounted inside the outer container 2. The latter is blocked by the by the lugs or flange 10 located at the base of the outer container 2. The assembly formed by the inner container 21 and the release device 22 is also blocked upwards by lugs or projections 11 on the device of release 21 and possibly on the inner container 21. These lugs or projections 11 abut against the shoulder or the rib 12 located inside the outer container 2. The assembly formed by the outer container 2, the inner container 21 and the unlocking device 22 is therefore locked and unmountable. This assembly can also be kept in rotation thanks to small bosses 13 located on the groove or shoulder 12 of the outer container 2. These elements are described in the bottom view, FIG. 4.2. It should be noted that the assembly formed by the outer container 2 and the inner container 21 forms a sealed assembly and behaves like a traditional bottle. The inner container 21 is sealingly mounted inside the outer container 2 by means of one or more rods or sealing lips 23 ideally located outside the inner container 21 on its upper part. Contrary to the uses, the dip tube 20 in the present invention does not touch and does not approach the bottom of the container 2. In the present invention the dip tube 20 stops at a height h of the bottom formed by the container 2 and the container internal 21. This height h determines the reserve of product R which will be used after the activation of the unlocking system 22. The product contained above this height h corresponding to the amount of product N, amount called "normal" product and which will be used in the first distribution state.

When actuating the dispensing member 1a, the fluid or pasty product is expelled and dispensed through the orifice located in the push button 3. As the product is dispensed, the quantity of product N contained inside the bottle formed by the container 2 and the inner container 21, decreases. This operating step described in FIGS. 4.1 and 4.3 corresponds to the first distribution state in which the set of distribution is able to dispense a first quantity of product N contained in the container 2.

The liquid or pasty product is subjected to atmospheric pressure by the arrival of air through the vent hole 24 located on all atmospheric pumps. The distribution of the product is normally as on all bottles of the market until the level of said product is found just below the inlet 25 of the dip tube 20 corresponding to the height h. Therefore according to the present invention the distribution of the remaining product can no longer be done. This corresponds to the second so-called blocking state in which the dispensing assembly is prevented from continuing to dispense the product contained in the receptacle 2 despite the actuation of the push-button 3, thus leaving in the same receptacle 2 a second quantity of product that is not Distributed called reserve of product R. This blocking state showing the reserve volume R is shown in FIG. 4.3. The volume of product stock R is substantially equal to or slightly less than the volume of product between the bottom of the container 2, the inner container 21 and the end of the dip tube 20 representing the height h. The inner container 21 and the release device 22 are always locked inside the outer container 2 as indicated above by the lugs or projections 11 thus avoiding any movement of the assembly. The volume R of product or reserve volume can be increased or decreased according to the necessities of the product by increasing or decreasing the length of the dip tube 20 and thus changing the height h of the reserve product. It is clear from this description that it is no longer possible for the user to distribute more product without an action on his part unlike a simple visual indicator. This lack of product distribution indicates to the user as before that it remains in its opaque container that the volume of product R contained in the previously defined reserve. It is therefore time for the user to trigger a new purchase. Meanwhile the user can continue to use the product by triggering the distribution of the reserve R always contained inside the outer container 2.

As for the version with airless pump, to access the third distribution state, which we will describe as distribution of the reserve R, it will suffice to carry an action on the key or unlocking device 22 shown in Figure 4.4. We have shown a rotating system or rotational movement but other actions are possible and will be described in a non-limiting way thereafter. To trigger the dispensing of the product reserve R it will be sufficient to turn the release device 22 with the rib 16 or any other means facilitating this action, as shown in Figures 4.2 and 4.5. The lugs or protrusions 11 will then be guided in the groove or the shoulder 12 until they reach the stop 17 located inside the outer container 2. When the lugs or projections 11 located on the release device 22 are in abutment, / or possibly on the inner container 21 will be disposed opposite a vertical groove 18 located inside the outer container 2. From then on it is possible to "push" upward or axial thrust, the assembly formed by the inner container 21 and the release device 22 until the lugs or projections 11 arrive at the end of the groove 18 on the stop 26. This action is shown in Figure 4.5. During this action, the lips 23 providing the perfect seal between the container 2 and the inner container 21, the reserve product R will go up with the inner container 21. Once the lugs or projection 11 have arrived on the stop 26 at the end of the bleeding 18, a small boss 27 will prevent any return or descent of the inner container 21 down and maintain said inner container 21 fixed in position. Therefore, the bottom of the plunger tube 25 will be very close and practically in contact with the interior bottom of the inner container 21. It should be noted that the air in the container 2 will be slightly compressed during the ascent of the inner container 21 with the reserve of product R. If this overpressure of air is not very important, it will be immediately evacuated during the first actuation of the atmospheric pump through the vent 21. According to the present invention, we will see later other solutions to eliminate the compression of air within the container 2.

In this situation, it is found in a conventional position of a bottle with atmospheric pump, it is then possible according to the present invention to distribute all the product reserve R from the dispenser member 1a. Figure 4.6 shows the moment when all of the liquid, viscous or pasty product has been dispensed.

It should be noted that as for the version with airless pump 1, the supply of product R is inside the same container 2, as the first quantity of product N. As before, we thus keep at all times and in all the successive operating states of the present invention, a seal between the various elements of the distribution assembly and thus avoid any pollution or contamination of the product. The present invention thus avoids us to disassemble the atmospheric pump 1a of the container 2 and thus enables us to avoid, among other things, any problem of priming the atmospheric pump 1a and any pollution or contamination of the product both in the atmospheric pump 1 and in the container 2.

All of Figures 5.1 to 5.4 represents a first variant of the present invention with atmospheric pump. In this, as in the first variant with airless pump, we have chosen to describe a simplified, non-limiting version without locking device. In Figure 5.1 we have shown the device in section before use. The inner container 28 is used in this bottom variant to the container 2 and does not have and is not associated with an unlocking system. Indeed, being in the presence of a distribution system with atmospheric pump 1a, the inner container 28 will naturally be positioned at the bottom of the container 2 without any particular action even when the product inside said container 2 is used by actuating the atmospheric distribution system. The frictional forces exerted by the sealing lips 29, located on the outside of the container without locking device 28, on the internal walls of the container 2 and without variation of the pressure inside said container 2 will maintain said internal container 28 in position.

Figure 5.2 shows this variant, when the normal amount of liquid product or pasty N, with the exception of the reserve R, has been distributed. For greater security, the inner container 28 may have a second lip 30 which is ideally gripping on the inside of the container 2. It will then suffice simply to "push" to the rear of the container 2 on the bottom of the inner container 28 and back up the latter until feel the click, create by crossing the lip 30 on the shoulder 31 located on the container 2. At the passage of the shoulder 31 the lips 30 are released from their clamping indicating the end of the thrust. The slight excess pressure of the air during the ascent of the container 28 and the reserve R inside the container 2 will block the container 28 on the shoulder 31 as shown in Figure 5.3. From then on, the bottom of the plunger tube 25 will be very close and practically in contact with the inner bottom of the inner container 28. The bottom of the plunger tube 25 could also serve as a second end signal of the thrust on the container 28. As before, it is then possible according to the present invention to distribute all the product reserve R from the dispensing member 1a. Figure 5.4 shows the moment when all of the liquid, viscous or pasty product has been distributed according to this first variant of the present invention with atmospheric pump la.

In this first variant of the present invention with atmospheric pump, we have replaced the lugs or flange 10 by a shoulder 10a as before, thus forming a more substantial bottom base. This variant offers a more luxurious appearance. In this version the inner container 28 comes to rest on this shoulder 10a to the assembly by sliding along the container 2. As for the version with airless pump, this solution is also adaptable with a system comprising an unlocking system 22 integrated or not internal container 21.

The set of Figures 6.1 to 6.2 represents a second variant of the present invention with atmospheric pump la. In Figure 6.1, we describe an inner container and a unblocking device forming a single piece 32 which will be called a container with deblocking device. In this second variant of the present invention with atmospheric pump 1a, we have also shown the lugs or flange 10 by a shoulder 10a larger and forming a more substantial bottom base as before. According to this design, said container with unblocking device 32 will be assembled from the top of the container 2 first by simply sliding against the inside of the inner container 2. In this variant of the present invention the container 2 has inside in its bottom end a thread 33. A thread 34 is also found on the outside of the container with release device 32. To facilitate the screwing of the inner container with release device 32 in the bottom of the container may be provided a device facilitating this operation represented here in a nonlimiting manner by ribs 35.

Figure 6.2 shows this variant, when all the quantity of product N with the exception of the reserve R has been distributed. In this variant, it will be necessary to unblock the container 32 and in fact be able to use the reserve R, turn the said container 32 in order to raise the latter as when screwing with a rib 16 placed on the bottom of the internal container with deblocking device 32. Ideally a small circular ring 36 located inside the container 2 will serve as a stop to the container 32 during the ascent thereof. The sealing lip 37 located on the inner container 32 will come into abutment during the ascent of the inner container 32 on the circular ring 32. In the same way as above, it is then possible according to the present invention to distribute the entire supply of product R from the dispensing member 1b.

In this second version of the present invention with an atmospheric pump, we have shown a nonlimiting means to avoid excessive air overpressure during the ascent of the container 21, 28 or 32. Indeed the assembly formed by the container 2, the distribution system 1a, the hoop 5 and the inner container 21, 28 or 32 is perfectly airtight. The equilibrium atmospheric pressure is only made during the actuation of the dispensing member 1a through the vent hole 24. At rest the vent hole 24 is usually closed inside the dispensing organ la. Also during the recovery of the inner container 21, 28 or 32 and without actuating the dispenser member 1a, the air is thus slightly compressed. This compression may be more or less important and is a function of the volume of reserve R relative to the total volume of product initially contained in the container R, that is to say the amount N + R. If the reserve R is of the order of 10 to 15% of the total volume of product N + R contained in the container 2, this excess pressure of the air will be entirely acceptable, knowing that from the first use of the organ distribution, this overpressure will disappear. On the other hand, if this ratio is higher, the compression of the air during the ascent of the inner container 21, 28 or 32 in the container 2 may be too great. In FIG. 6.1 and the magnification FIG. 6.3 we have shown in a nonlimiting manner, two series of small intermittent rods or gadroons 38 inside the container 2. When the inner container 21, 28 or 32 is raised, the seal continuous between the lip 23, 29 or 37 and the container 2 will be interrupted at the passage of these small intermittent rods 38. And slightly compressed air will pass between the interstices caused at these small intermittent rods 38. This air will escape then between the inner container 21, 28 or 32 and the container 2 and the open bottom thereof. Several series of intermittent rods can thus be realized. These small rods 38 can be replaced by small vertically ideal hollow ribs also located at the same place inside the container 2. According to the present invention other solutions are also possible such as for example a simultaneous thrust on the bottom of the internal container 21, 28 or 32 and the push button 3 of the dispensing member 1a. This simultaneous thrust on the pusher 3 will aim to open the dispensing member 1a and thus allow the air to escape through the vent hole 24 of said dispensing member 1a when the inner container is raised. 21, 28 or 32.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown and described in detail, because various options can be made without departing from its scope. In particular in a third version of the present invention with atmospheric pump, we have made the choice to always describe a system with reserve but this time operable and unlockable from above and no longer from the bottom. The set of figures 7.1 to 7.6 represents this third variant with atmospheric pump la.

In this variant, the assembly consists of an atmospheric distribution device 1a, a container 2 and a push button 3. The hoop 39 and the ring 40 which complete this assembly are connected to each other. other by mechanical means 41 in the form of one or more projections and ribs to be indexed and prevent rotation between said collar 39 and said ring 40. There are pins 42 which are this time not on the inner container 21, 28 or 32 and / or the unlocking system 22, but are located on the ring 40 and / or the hoop 39. These lugs 42 can slide inside a rib or a shoulder 43 clearly visible on the magnification figure 7.2. In this variant it is therefore the hoop 39 and the ring 40 which serve as an unlocking device. Indeed, in this variant of the present invention there is also a flange 44 located this time in the top of the outer container 2 as shown in FIG. 7.2 and 7.6. The hoop 39 and the ring 40 are assembled in force through this flange 44 in the rib or shoulder 43. From then on the assembly formed by the dispensing device 1a, the container 2, the hoop 39 and the ring 40 form a set unremovable. There is also a necessary seal between the container 2 and the ring 40, a seal that can be made non-limitingly by small lips 45 located on the ring 40. In order to avoid unintentional rotation between the ring 40, the hoop 39 and the container 2, a small abutment or projection 46 may be added inside the rib 43.

As for the previous versions, and contrary to practice, the bottom of the dip tube 25 does not touch and does not approach the bottom of the container 2 and stops at a height h of the bottom of the container 2. This height h here also determines the product reserve R which can be used after the activation of the unlocking system formed here by the ring 40 possibly associated with the hoop 39. The volume R or reserve volume is shown in Figure 7.3. To use the reserve R according to the present invention, it will suffice in this variant of the present invention to carry an action on the release device constituted here by the ring 40 and the ring 39. In Figures 7.1 to 7.6 we have shown a system rotating but other actions are possible such as those described above in a non-limiting manner. To trigger the dispensing of the product reserve R it will suffice to turn the release device formed by the ring 40 and the collar 39. The lugs or protrusions 42 will then be guided in the groove or the shoulder 43 until arriving on the stop 47 located inside the outer container 2 as described in the two views from above Figures 7.5 and 7.6. Arrived at the stop pins or projections 42 located on the ring 40 and / or the hoop 39 will be disposed opposite a vertical groove 48 located inside the outer container 2. From then on it is possible in this variant to push downwards, the assembly formed by the ring 40, the hoop 39, the dispensing device 1a, the dispensing pusher 3 and the dip tube 20 until the pins or projections 42 come into abutment at the end of the vertical groove 48. This action is shown in Figure 7.4. Therefore the bottom of the plunger tube 25 will be very close and practically in contact with the bottom of the container 2. In this action, it is preferable to actuate the atmospheric pump by pushing it on the dispensing pusher 3, which will have effect of opening the venting of the atmospheric pump via the vent hole 24, and avoid creating in the container an internal overpressure may oppose resiliently to the descent of the pump up or up the upward. But the air exhaust means described above remain adaptable.

In this situation, it is found in a conventional position of a bottle with atmospheric pump, it is then possible to distribute the entire supply of product R from the dispenser member 1a.

This variant with locking system from the top is not limiting. It shows that it is also possible to adapt the previous variants with atmospheric pump or airless 1 with locking systems located indifferently at the bottom of the container 2 or at the top of said container 2 at the ring 5, 40 and the fret 4, 39 for example.

Note that in this variant it is possible to multiply the product reserves. Indeed it is possible to multiply the grooves 43 and the vertical grooves 48 throughout the interior of the container 2, ideally by copying a staircase shape. Then turning and descending successively the assembly formed by the ring 40, the hoop 39, the dispensing device 1a, the push button 3 and the dip tube 20 following the grooves 43 and the grooves 48 in the form of a staircase it will then be possible to distribute several product reserves. The quantities of reserve being defined by the different heights of the vertical grooves 48. This arrangement has the advantage of being certain to distribute step by step the exact quantities of product defined by each reserve. This principle may present a interest to be certain to distribute a quantity of product in the form of precise doses in the medical for example.

In a second variant of the present invention with an airless pump, we have shown a system with reserve that can also be actuated and released from the top and no longer from the bottom. All of Figures 8.1 to 8.4 represents this second variant with airless pump 1.

In this variant, we see in Figure 8.1 that the assembly consists of an airless pump 1, a container 2 and a push button 3. The collar 39 and a ring 49 complete this set and are linked one to the other as previously by mechanical means 41. There are also pins 42 which are located on the ring 49 and / or the hoop 39. As previously the pins 42 slide inside a rib or a shoulder 43 and a flange 44 located as above in the top of the outer container 2. The assembly formed by the dispensing device 1, the container 2, the hoop 39 and the ring 49 form a releasable assembly and sealed. Note in Figure 8.1 that the ring 49 has a stop 50 which extends downwards and serve as a stop means. Similarly, the scraper piston 51 has a notch 52 which is ideally slightly larger than the abutment 50 and can accommodate the abutment 50.

As and when the pump 1 is actuated, the quantity of product N is distributed and the piston 51 rises along the container 2. The distribution of fluid or pasty product is normally done until all the quantity product N is distributed and that the piston 51 is blocked in its ascent by the stop 50 located on the ring 49. Figure 8.2 shows this step in which the wiper piston 51 abuts on the stop 50. Therefore according to the present invention the piston 51 blocked, prevents the distribution of the remaining product or reserve volume R. To release this reserve volume R, the user according to the present invention, must carry an action on the unlocking device here constituted by the ring 49 and / or the band 39. In figures 8.1 at 8.4 we have shown a rotating system but other actions are possible such as a rotational movement type screwing or unscrewing and / or an axial or lateral thrust and / or axial or lateral traction type unclipping .... the present version it suffices to turn the release device formed by the ring 49 and / or the hoop 39 until the stop 50 is opposite the notch 52 located in the geometry of the wiper piston 51 as is visible in figure 8.3. Therefore the scraper piston 51 can continue to go up along the container 2 under the operation of the airless pump 1 and it will again be possible to distribute the rest of the product of the reserve R.

Fig. 8.4 shows the device when all the N + R product contained in the container 2 has been dispensed. The scraper piston 51 is then in contact with the bottom of the ring 49.

Note that in this variant with an airless pump, it is also possible to multiply the reserves by multiplying the stops 50 on the ring 49 and the notches 52 on the piston 51. To multiply the reserves the stops 50 and the notches 52 will have respectively heights and depths of greater and greater.

A third variant of the present invention with airless pump is shown in the set of FIGS. 9.1 to 9.6. In this variant, we find a set consisting of an airless pump 1, a container 2 and a push button 3, a hoop 4 and a ring 5 as in the initial version, all being fixed and secured. This assembly also comprises a scraper piston 53 pierced in the middle. Figure 9.1 also shows a rod 54 having at its upper end a stop 55 serving as a stop means. Said rod 54 passes through the scraper piston 53 and inside the bottom of the container 2 through the opening 56 created in the bottom of said container 2. At the other end of the rod 54 there are unlocking means 57 here represented by 2 ear-shaped lugs. A seal is ensured between the scraper piston 53 and the rod 54. By against the opening 56 located in the bottom of the container 2 to a shape adapted and slightly larger than the rod 54 and the unlocking means 57. The air can therefore flow freely between the rod 54 and the container 2 at said opening 56.

As the pump 1 is actuated, the quantity of product N is distributed and the piston 53 rises along the container 2 and the rod 54. The distribution of the fluid or pasty product is normally up to that all the quantity of product N is distributed and that the piston 53 is blocked in its ascent by the stop 55. The other end of the rod 54 is itself locked outside the container 2 thanks to the pins 56, the scraper piston 53 is stopped and prevents the distribution of the remaining product or reserve volume R. FIG. 9.2 describes this situation in which the scraper piston 53 is retained by the stopper 55. To release this reserve volume R, the according to the present invention, will have to act on the unlocking device here constituted by the rod 54 associated with the ear lugs 57. In the present version it will then suffice to turn the release device 57 to make so that the lugs 57 can pass freely through the opening 56 located in the bottom of the container 2. This action is shown in Figures 9.2 - 9.3 and Figures 9.5 and 9.6. In FIG. 9.5 it can be seen how the ear lugs 57 block the rod 54 thanks to an opening 56 arranged at a certain angle with respect to the lugs 57. When said lugs 57 are found opposite the shape opening 56 after the To "turn" FIGS. 9.3 and 9.6, the scraper piston 53 can then continue to rise along the container 2 under the operation of the airless pump 1 and it will again be possible to distribute the rest of the product of the reserve R It should be noted that after unblocking the rod 54, the piston 53 rises along the inside of the container 2 accompanied by said rod 54 as described in FIG. Figure 9.4 shows the device when all the N + R product contained in the container 2 has been dispensed. The scraper piston 53 is then in contact with the bottom of the ring 5. The unlocking means are not limiting, and in this case it will be noted that it is also possible to unlock the wiper piston 53 by separating the unlocking means 57 of the rod 54 by unscrewing by example thus making it possible to release the piston 53 and the rod 54.

The fluid or paste dispensing devices according to the present invention described above in a nonlimiting manner are particularly suitable for the use of creams contained in opaque or semi-opaque bottles such as cosmetic or pharmaceutical creams but also to products alcoholics such as fragrances or sensitive pharmaceuticals.

Claims

claims

a fluid or pasty product dispensing device which is a mechanical pump without air (1) or atmospheric (la), fixed on a container (2), said container (2) containing a quantity of fluid or pasty product, - push button (3) fixed on the pump and for actuating said pump for the product to be dispensed,

a first dispensing state in which the dispensing assembly is able to dispense a first quantity of product contained in the receptacle (2) by actuation of the push button (3),

a second so-called blocking state in which the dispensing assembly is prevented from continuing product dispensing despite the actuation of the push button (3), thus leaving in the container (2) a second quantity of product called a product reserve; R

- A third said distribution state is reached by an external action of unblocking the dispensing assembly and wherein the dispensing assembly is adapted to distribute the product from the reserve by actuation of the push button (3).

2- product distribution assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises one or more unlocking devices (7, 19, 22, 32, 40, 49, 57) which are able, under an external action, to unblock the distribution set and thereby enable the use of the R product pool.

3- product distribution assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the container (2) comprises a scraper piston (8) associated with an airless pump (1) and the dispensing assembly comprises at least one blocking element which is able to mechanically lock the movement of the scraper piston (8) inside the container (2).

4- product dispensing assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that the container (2) comprises an inner container (6,19) sliding inside said container (2).

5- product distribution assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that said at least one locking element of the scraper piston (8) is located on the inner container (6,19) inside which the scraper piston (8 ) slides.

6. Product distribution assembly according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that said at least one locking element forms one or more mechanical stops.

7- product distribution assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the product dispensing device comprises a dip tube (20) associated with an atmospheric pump (la) and having an open end (25) which is at a height h of the bottom of the container (2), thus preventing the dispensing of product when the quantity of product which remains in the container from the bottom of the container (2) is less than or equal to the height h, and corresponds to the product reserve R.

8- product dispensing assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that the container (2) comprises an inner container (21,28,32) sealed with the container (2), serving as a bottom to said container (2) and sliding inside this container (2) to reduce the height h.

9- Product distribution assembly according to claims 4 or 8, characterized in that the unlocking device or devices (7, 22) are fixed on the inner container (6, 21) and located in the bottom of the container (2) .

10- product distribution assembly according to claims 4 or 8, characterized in that the or the unlocking devices (7, 19, 22, 32, 40, 49, 57) and the inner container form a single piece (19, 28, 32) called container with releasing device (s).

11- product dispensing assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the or the unlocking devices (7, 19, 22, 32, 40, 49, 57) are arranged below the container (2).

12- product distribution assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the or the unlocking devices (7, 19, 22, 32, 40, 49, 57) are arranged above the container (2).

13- product distribution assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the or unlocking devices (7, 19, 22, 32, 40, 49, 57) are adapted to be actuated in a rotational movement and / or following an axial or lateral thrust and / or axial or lateral traction exerted from outside the dispensing assembly.

14- Product distribution assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that the unlocking device (s) (57) and said at least one locking element (55) are located on a rod (54) passing through the container (2) and the scraper piston (53).

15- product distribution assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises, arranged on the inner face of the container (2), one or more elements in relief and / or concave cooperating during the ascent of the inner container (21,28,32) or during the descent of the dispensing device (la), with one or the other of the container and the device.

16- Product distribution assembly according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the distribution assembly is also configured to adopt at least two additional operating states:

a fourth so-called blocking state in which the dispensing assembly is prevented from continuing product dispensing despite actuation of the pushbutton (3), thus leaving in the container (2) a third quantity of product called second product reserve R,

a fifth state called distribution which is reached by an external action of unblocking of the dispensing assembly and in which the dispensing assembly is able to dispense product from the second reserve by actuation of the push button (3) .

17. A method of using a fluid or pasty product dispensing assembly, such as a liquid or a cream, the assembly comprising:

a fluid or pasty product dispensing device which is a mechanical pump without air (1) or atmospheric (la), fixed on a container (2), said container (2) containing a quantity of fluid or pasty product,

a push button (3) fixed on the pump and making it possible to actuate said pump for the product to be dispensed,

characterized in that the method comprises the following steps:

- Actuation of the push button (3) to dispense a first quantity of product contained in the container (2) in a first distribution state of the distribution assembly until reaching a second so-called locking state in which the assembly dispensing device is prevented from continuing product dispensing despite actuation of the push button (3), thus leaving in the container (2) a second quantity of product called product reserve R,

-blocking the dispensing assembly by an external action of unlocking said dispensing assembly, then actuation of the push button (3) for dispensing product from the reserve in a third said distribution state of the dispensing assembly.