EP1293439B1 - Storage and dispensing device for a liquid product - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to conditioning and dispensing a liquid or powdery product, especially a cosmetic or care product, for example a body milk, a make-up removing oil, a shampoo, a liquid soap or a hair product.

No. 4,412,634 discloses a dispensing device comprising a head of rotational distribution rotatable relative to a support for screwing on the neck of a container. The head rotates around a geometric axis of rotation coinciding with the axis of the collar and has an output channel having a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the geometric axis of rotation. Product is likely to stagnate in the outlet channel of the dispensing head in the absence of use, which is undesirable especially if it is a product capable of forming a solid residue by drying.

US 4,420,098 discloses a container comprising in the upper part a bellows and a dispensing device such as that described in US Pat. No. 4,412,634, the head distribution rotating around a geometric axis of vertical rotation. A dip tube is connected to a device for producing a mixture of air and product, so as to distribute a foam. Such a container is not adapted to receive a protective cover of the dispensing head. In addition, its aesthetic differs significantly from that of the containers consumers are used to. Finally, an important volume of container is occupied by air at the expense of the product, which is likely to be wrong perceived by some consumers.

U.S. Patent 4,878,604 discloses a dispensing device, according to the preamble of claim 1, having a head which can rotate around a vertical geometric axis of rotation, comprising an outlet channel having a horizontal inner portion and a terminal portion slightly inclined downward. Product is likely to accumulate in the serving horizontal. In addition, this dispensing device is not adapted to receive a hood of protection of the dispensing head.

We still know packaging and distribution devices that comprise a container provided in the upper part with a pump comprising a push-button having a horizontal output channel. The push button can be locked in closing position by being pressed into the pump body and then turned around an axis geometric vertical rotation.

Such devices are not entirely satisfactory, for several reasons.

First, it is necessary to distribute a significant amount of product to repeatedly actuate the push button, except to equip the container with a pump delivering a large quantity of product each time the push button is pressed, but then the quantity delivered may be excessive in some cases.

Moreover, the support surface of the pushbutton on which the user exercises a thrust is relatively distant, at rest, from the body of the container, taking into account the amount of movement of the push button. In the case where the container has a large capacity, it becomes difficult to operate the pump in the same hand as the who holds the container.

In addition, to bring the push-button to the closed position, the user must dispense a dose of product, which is not always used.

Finally, when the push button is released, product may remain in the exit channel of the push button, sink on the container and soil it.

There is a need to benefit from a device for conditioning and distribution remedying all or some of the disadvantages mentioned above.

The invention aims to meet this need.

The subject of the invention is a new device for packaging and distribution of a product liquid or powdery having a variable volume container, a dip tube and a dispensing head which can take at least one dispensing position in which a communication is established between an outlet port and the interior of the container and a position in which said communication is interrupted, the distribution of the product occurring in response to a reduction in the interior volume of the container.

The invention according to claim 1, is characterized in that, the head distribution is rotatable, rotatable about a geometric axis of rotation. The axis Geometric rotation can be non-vertical and not horizontal when the container is placed on a horizontal flat surface.

This makes it possible to modify the inclination of the outlet orifice by turning the head of distribution, in order to reduce the risk of the product being held in an exit channel of the dispensing head.

This can also make it easier to fix a protective cover, as will be explained later.

The container may be devoid of pump and the user may dispense only the amount of product needed by ceasing to decrease the interior volume of the container as soon as the desired quantity is reached.

According to one aspect of the invention, corresponding to a particular embodiment, the wall of the container is elastically deformable, so that the container can recover its shape initial release once released by the user. When the container is released, the product contained in the outlet channel of the dispensing head is sucked back to the container, which prevents the product does not dry or oxidize.

In a particular embodiment, the inner section of the dip tube is chosen so that when the container returns to its original shape after having dispensed product, the container being substantially full, the dip tube is filled with air on a major part of its length. Thus, in case of accidental pressure on the container, an unwanted product exit is avoided.

The dispensing head having an outlet channel, at least a part of it outlet channel can be directed upwards when the dispensing head is in the position closure, for example the terminal part. The outlet channel can be defined by a spout, for example. Thus, a residual quantity of product, possibly present in the channel outlet, does not flow outwards but towards the inside of the dispensing head, and risk of contaminating the container.

The geometric axis of rotation can extend in a vertical plane, obliquely up and to the side of the end part of the outlet channel, when the head of dispensing is in dispensing position and the container is resting on a flat surface horizontal. The geometric axis of rotation can make a non-zero angle, less than or equal to 45 degrees, with the vertical, for example. The end part of the outlet channel can be tilted upwards of more than 10 degrees from the horizontal, for example, when the head of distribution is in the closed position and that the container rests on a flat surface horizontal.

The dispensing head may be eccentric with respect to the upper part of the container and rotate relative to a support, for example being eccentric with respect to a part of this support which is used for mounting on the body of the container. In distribution position, the outlet channel opening outwards through at least one outlet orifice, the vertical through the outlet may not intersect at least the top of the container while in the closed position, the vertical passing through the exit orifice may intersect the container. Thus, the user can easily access the space under the exit port to collect the distributed product.

According to one aspect of the invention, corresponding to a particular embodiment, moves from the dispensing position to the closed position by a half-turn rotation of the dispensing head, about said geometric axis of rotation. This rotation of a half-turn can be done in any direction, for example.

According to another aspect of the invention, corresponding also to one embodiment particular, the outlet channel of the dispensing head is directed downwards when the head of distribution is in distribution position. This can help avoid having to tilt the container for dispensing product, and can facilitate the emptying of the container.

The device may comprise a protective cover adapted to be fixed on the container when the dispensing head is in the closed position. Number of known devices, pump, do not have a protective cover due to the size of the push button. The use of a protective cover can simplify the structure of the distribution head, because the latter can, without fear of product leakage, not be locked by locking means in the closed position, unlike the push buttons many known devices. Finally, especially when the dispensing head has a nozzle directed upwards in the closed position, the dispensing head can be easily housed inside a protective cover, relatively compact. In particular, the hood and the dispensing head can be arranged so that the hood can not be mounted on the container when the dispensing head is in the position of distribution.

The dispensing head can rotate relative to a support that can be reported on the container body or made in one piece with it. When the support is attached to the container body, it can be snap-fastened or screwed onto it, for example, to possibly allow to reuse the dispensing head.

The dispensing head may be snap-fastened or by any other means on said support.

The support may comprise at least one relief (projecting or recessed) allowing the user to precisely position the dispensing head in at least one position predetermined, for example the dispensing position and / or the closing position. In particular, the support may comprise at least one boss and the distribution head at least two pairs of ribs, the ribs of each pair being able to position themselves from and other boss when the dispensing head is in the position corresponding to these ribs, distribution or closure. Crossing by one of the aforementioned ribs of the boss is a hard point perceptible to the user, who is thus assured of correct positioning of the dispensing head. The crossing of the boss by one of the ribs can also be accompanied, if necessary, by an audible click.

The dip tube can be fixed on a support relative to which the head of distribution rotates, or alternatively be integral with the container body, especially when the dispensing head is mounted on a support adapted to be removably attached to the container body, which can be filled with product and closed with a stopper removable.

The dip tube can communicate with the dispensing head so as to avoid a mixture of air with the product circulating in the dip tube and avoid formation of foam.

The container may have a generally flattened shape, defining two large faces which may for example be flat or curved and on which the user can press to distribute the product. Alternatively, or additionally, the container may have at least one bellows for creating an overpressure inside the container, to raise the product in the dip tube and the dispensing head and distribute it.

In a particular embodiment, the dispensing head being rotatable, this last can be moved in a direction parallel to its geometric axis of rotation, to move from a position in which the outlet is isolated from the interior of the container at a position where the outlet port can communicate with the interior of the container, and vice versa.

Still in a particular embodiment, the dispensing head can be moved in a direction parallel to its geometric axis of rotation to move from one locked position in which the dispensing head can not rotate relative to the container to an unlocked position in which the dispensing head can turn by relative to the container, and vice versa. Thus, it is possible for example to lock the dispensing head in closed or dispensing position.

In a particular embodiment, the container has a cavity allowing pass the hand under the outlet of the dispensing head, when the latter is in distribution position. In such an embodiment, the vertical passing through the outlet orifice can intersect the container, especially its lower part, when the dispensing head is in distribution position.

The container may be shaped to accommodate a device for packaging and autonomous application.

According to an invention aspect, corresponding to a particular embodiment, the the capacity of the container is between 150 and 600 ml, being for example greater or equal to 200 ml, or even greater than 300 ml, or even greater than or equal to 400 ml.

In a particular embodiment, the dispensing head can move from the position closing at the dispensing position by an intermediate position allowing a balancing the pressure between the outside and the inside of the container. Balancing the pressure can be done through a micro-orifice.

A device according to claim 1 may be more compact than a partially bellows container superior as described in the aforementioned US Patent 4,420,098.

In a particular embodiment, the dispensing head can be rotatable and configured, if necessary, for able to be moved in a direction parallel to its geometric axis of rotation, for from a position in which the outlet is isolated from the interior of the container to a a position in which the outlet port communicates with the interior of the container, and reciprocally.

• la figure 1 représente un dispositif de conditionnement et de distribution selon un exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, la tête de distribution étant en position de fermeture,
• la figure 2 représente le dispositif de la figure 1, la tête de distribution étant en position de distribution,
• la figure 3 est une coupe axiale schématique de la tête de distribution et de son support,
• la figure 4 représente une variante de réalisation de la tête de distribution,
• la figure 5 représente un dispositif de conditionnement et d'application autonome, logé dans le récipient,
• la figure 6 représente le dispositif de la figure 5, ouvert,
• la figure 7 représente une variante de réalisation du récipient,
• la figure 8 représente, pour comparaison, une tête de distribution, qui ne forme pas partie de l'invention,
• la figure 9 représente de manière schématique et partielle un récipient comportant un soufflet,
• la figure 10 représente une autre variante de réalisation de la tête de distribution,
• la figure 11 est une coupe schématique axiale d'une variante de la tête de distribution de la figure 3 et de son support,
• la figure 12 est une vue en coupe transversale schématique et partielle selon XII-XII de la figure 11,
• la figure 13 est une coupe schématique et partielle selon XIII-XIII de la figure 12,
• les figures 14 et 16 sont des vues analogues à la figure 12 correspondant à d'autres positions de la tête de distribution de la figure 11, et
• la figure 15 est une coupe schématique et partielle selon XV-XV de la figure 14.

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge on reading the following detailed description, non-limiting examples of implementation, and on examining the appended drawing, in which:

• FIG. 1 represents a packaging and dispensing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the dispensing head being in the closed position,
• FIG. 2 represents the device of FIG. 1, the dispensing head being in dispensing position,
• FIG. 3 is a schematic axial section of the dispensing head and its support,
• FIG. 4 represents an alternative embodiment of the dispensing head,
• FIG. 5 represents a device for autonomous packaging and application, housed in the container,
• FIG. 6 represents the device of FIG. 5, open,
• FIG. 7 represents an alternative embodiment of the container,
• FIG. 8 represents, for comparison, a dispensing head, which does not form part of the invention,
• FIG. 9 schematically and partially shows a container comprising a bellows,
• FIG. 10 represents another variant embodiment of the dispensing head,
• FIG. 11 is a schematic axial section of a variant of the dispensing head of FIG. 3 and its support,
• FIG. 12 is a schematic and partial cross-sectional view along XII-XII of FIG. 11,
• FIG. 13 is a schematic and partial section along XIII-XIII of FIG. 12,
• Figures 14 and 16 are views similar to Figure 12 corresponding to other positions of the dispensing head of Figure 11, and
• Figure 15 is a schematic and partial section along XV-XV of Figure 14.

FIG. 1 shows a device 1 for packaging and distribution according to a first example of implementation of the invention. This device 1 has a container 2 intended to contain a liquid product, the latter may have a consistency more or less viscous. The container 2 may contain, for example, a body milk, a shampoo, a liquid soap, a makeup removal oil, a hair product, this list not being limiting. The capacity of the container 2 is, for example, between 150 and 600 ml, being equal to about 400 ml in the embodiment described. The container 2 is stable when its bottom wall rests on a flat horizontal surface.

The body of the container 2 is made with a flexible wall, possibly transparent, eg polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate or polyamide, this list is not limiting. The body of container 2 is made with a non-circular, generally oblong cross section, which defines two large curved faces 2a on which the user can press to compress elastically the body of the container 2 and reduce its internal volume, in order to distribute the product, as will be detailed later. When the body of the container 2 is released, it returns to its original form. The body of the container 2 can be made by blowing.

The container comprises a support 3 attached to the upper part of the body of the container. A dispensing head 4 having a spout 7 defining an outlet channel 19 3, with an end portion 19a and a dispensing orifice 9 at its end. end, can rotate relative to the support 3. The dispensing head 4 is shown in FIG. the closed position in FIG. 1 and in the dispensing position in FIG. distribution 4 is generally eccentric with respect to a median axis of the container body.

The support 3 comprises at its base a surface 5 which makes it possible to fix with friction on the container 2 a protective cover 6, when the dispensing head 4 is in the position of closing. The dispensing head 4 is configured so that it prevents the setting place the hood 6 when in the dispensing position.

The dispensing head 4 can communicate, in dispensing position, with a dip tube 8 extending to the bottom of the container 2, as can be seen in FIGS. and 2.

In the embodiment described, the dispensing head 4 can turn around a geometric axis of rotation X making a nonzero angle i with the vertical, extending obliquely upwards and towards the opposite side to the spout 7, when the dispensing head is in closing position.

The dispensing head 4 can be brought from the closed position to the distribution position, or reciprocally, by a rotation of 180 degrees about the X axis. In the illustrated example, this rotation can take place in any direction but we do not leave the scope of the present invention by providing the support and the dispensing head with means which allow only one direction of rotation to move from the closed position to the distribution position.

In the dispensing position, the vertical Y passing through the outlet orifice 9 is offset from the container 2 and does not intersect the latter. Thus, the user is not bothered by the container 2 to collect the product dispensed by the spout 7.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, the support 3 comprises a wall 11, cylindrical of revolution around the X axis, closed at the top and communicating internally at its lower end with a nozzle 12 for mounting the tube 8. An annular bead 14 is formed on the radially outer surface of the wall 11 and the dispensing head 4 comprises a mounting skirt 15 which is provided with lower part of an annular groove 16 snapping on the bead 14. The wall 11 is traversed by a radial orifice 18 which is diametrically opposite to the inner channel 19 when the dispensing head 4 is in the closed position. So when the head of 4 is turned half a turn to be brought into distribution position, the channel 19 exit opens opposite the orifice 18, and communicates with the latter, which allows to the product contained in the container to gain the outlet port 9 when the user compresses the container to raise product in the dip tube 8. The adjustment between the wall 11 and the mounting skirt 15 is tightened, so that in the position of distribution, the product passing through the orifice 18 passes entirely into the outlet channel 19 and when the dispensing head 4 is in the closed position, the orifice 18 is closed so substantially sealed by the mounting skirt 15. Of course, we do not go beyond the scope of the invention by otherwise realizing the means which make it possible to communicate the outlet channel and the interior of the container when the dispensing head is in a position of distribution and isolate the outlet channel from the inside of the container when the head of distribution is in the closed position, for example using other forms of plug.

The support 3 comprises a transverse wall 21 on which the wall 11 and the end piece 12. This transverse wall 21 extends obliquely, perpendicularly to the X axis, and has a relief constituted by a boss 23, intended to cooperate with couples of ribs 24 and 25 made on the dispensing head 4, when the latter is in the closed or dispensing position. More specifically, in the closed position, the boss 23 is lodged between the two ribs 24. The user can feel the crossing of the boss 23 by the ribs 24. Similarly, when the dispensing head 4 is in the position of distribution, the boss 23 is housed between the two ribs 25.

The support 3 comprises an inner sealing skirt 27 which is applied from sealingly on an eccentric neck of the container body 2.

The support 3 can be fixed in many ways on the body of the container, by example by snap-fitting by means of ribs 28. The support 3 may be, in a variant not shown, made in one piece with the body of the container. In another variant that will be described later, the dispensing head rotates relative to a support that can be fixed removably on the container body.

To use the device 1, the user brings the dispensing head 4 into position dispensing and presses the faces 2a to raise the product in the dip tube 8 and in the output channel 19. Once the desired quantity has been dispensed, the user releases the container and the latter returns to its original shape. The return to the original form is accompanied suction of the product contained in the outlet channel 19 and in the dip tube 8, the product returning to the container, and a return of air. The dip tube 8 is purged from product it contains. The inner section of the dip tube, whose inner diameter is for example of the order of 1.5 mm, may be small enough that the product does not rise by itself in the dip tube 8 as soon as the container has resumed its shape initial. The dispensing head 4 can then be brought into the closed position, so that a possible residual quantity of product present inside the outlet channel 19 flows inwardly of said channel instead of drip on the outside.

The dispensing head can still be made so that it can be moved parallel to the X axis, as shown in Figure 4. In this figure, we have shown a dispensing head 4 'which can be pulled away from its support 3' or pushed against the latter. When the head 4 'is pushed against the support 3', it cooperates with reliefs of the latter and it is locked in rotation. When the head 4 'is pulled, she can be rotated to be brought from the closed position to the position of distribution, and vice versa.

Alternatively, or additionally, the movement of the dispensing head parallel to the axis of rotation may be accompanied by the opening or closing of a passageway for communicating the outlet channel with the interior of the container.

In a non-illustrated embodiment, especially when the product is powdery, the dispensing head can be moved in translation to move from the closed position at the dispensing position and vice versa.

The lower part of the container 2 can be shaped to receive a applicator or a device for autonomous packaging and application 100, such as represented in FIG. 5. This device 100, represented in the open position in FIG. has a first part 101 and a second part 102 which can delimit with the first part 101 a closed volume. The second portion 102 is secured to an applicator 103 in compressible porous material, able to absorb a product poured into the formed cavity by the first part 101. The applicator 103 can be configured so that in the closing position, it is at least partly compressed inside the closed volume. AT each opening of the device, after expansion of the porous material, the latter may contain substantially all the packaged product in the device. The cavity formed by the first part 101 can be filled using the dispensing head 4 previously described.

Of course, the container can be given many shapes, in particular his body, without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, there is shown on FIG. 7 a container equipped in the upper part with a dispensing head 4 such that previously described but which differs from the container 2 in that it has a cavity 110 allowing space for the hand of the user, directly above the exit port 9, when the dispensing head is in dispensing position.

For comparison, is shown in Figure 8 a head of 4 "distribution which does not form part of the invention, which can pivot relative to a support 3 "around a geometric axis of horizontal rotation when the container rests on a flat horizontal surface. In position of dispensing, the spout 7 "of the dispensing head 4" is directed downwards and in the position of closing, corresponding to Figure 8, the beak 7 "is directed upwards.

We can still realize otherwise ways that allow to vary the interior volume of the container for dispensing product. In particular, one can for example make the container with a bellows 120, as shown in Figure 9.

Furthermore, it is possible to provide a jet or section reducer in the channel of out or elsewhere on the product path.

The dispensing head can be rotatable relative to a support that can be detachably attached to a container body, as will now be described in reference to Figure 10.

In this figure, there is shown a set 130 consisting of a head of 140 distribution and a support 150. The dispensing head 140 is identical to the head of distribution 4 previously described. The support 150 differs from the support 3 previously described in particular by the presence of a mounting skirt 151 internally threaded, suitable for screw on a neck 161 of a container body 160. An insert 162 for fixing a tube plunger 8 is introduced into the neck 161. The support 150 comprises a tip 153 adapted to engage sealingly in a conduit 164 at the bottom of the insert 162, when screwed on the collar 161.

The container body 160 can be delivered with the insert 162, filled with product and closed by a removable cap 170, shown in broken lines in FIG.

After removal of the cap 170, the support 150 is screwed onto the body of the container and the dispensing head 140 can then be used in the same manner as the head of distribution 4 previously described.

FIGS. 11 to 16 show a variant embodiment of the head of distribution of Figure 3, allowing a balancing of the pressure inside the container with the outside when rotating the head.

The transverse wall 21 of the support 3 is pierced with a micro-orifice 40 enabling communication between the interior of the container and the interior space 41 of the head of the distribution.

The transverse wall 21 comprises a cylindrical skirt 42 provided with two diametrically opposite slots 43 and 44 as can be seen in Figures 12 to 16.

The slots 43 and 44 have a height less than that of the skirt 42.

The dispensing head is provided with a cylindrical skirt 50, in leaktight contact with the skirt 42 in the closed position of the assembly.

The skirt 50 is provided over part of its height with two slots 51 and 52 diametrically opposite.

In the closed position, as illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 13, the skirts 42 and 50 form sealing, the slots 43 and 44 not being in front of the slots 51 and 52.

By turning the dispensing head 4 relative to the support 3, for example in the clockwise as illustrated, we go through an intermediate position illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, where the slits 43 and 44 are respectively facing the slots 51 and 52.

In this intermediate position, a communication is established between the container and the outside by means of the micro-orifice 40 and the slots 43, 44 and 51, 52.

The possible air passage resulting from this communication makes it possible to balance the internal pressure of the container and the external pressure, and to avoid an unexpected exit product on arrival in dispensing position, in case of overpressure inside the container in the closed position.

If we continue to turn clockwise, we come to the distribution position shown in Figure 16. The skirt 50 has rotated 180 ° by relative to the closed position. Slots 43 and 44 are no longer in correspondence with slots 51 and 52, but they could be in a non-illustrated embodiment without interfere with the rise of the product in the tube if the micro-orifice 40 is sufficiently small.

The dispensing head can take other forms even than those which have just been described, without departing from the scope of the present invention. as claimed below. In this respect, the term "head" should not be interpreted restrictively but rather have a very wide and cover all types of distribution devices.

Claims (34)

1. A device (1) for packaging and dispensing a fluid in liquid or powder form, the device comprising:

   a variable-volume receptacle;

   a dip tube (8); and

   a dispenser head (4; 4'; 4"; 140), including an outlet orifice, capable of occupying at least a dispensing position in which communication is established between an outlet orifice and the inside of the receptacle, and a closed position in which said communication is interrupted, the fluid being dispensed in response to the inside volume of the receptacle being reduced, the device being characterized in that the dispenser head is rotatable about an axis of rotation (X) that is not vertical and not horizontal when the receptacle is placed on a horizontal plane surface.
2. A device according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the inside section of the dip tube is selected in such a manner that when the receptacle returns to its initial shape after dispensing fluid, and when the receptacle is substantially full, the dip tube is filled with air over a major fraction of its length.
3. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that it does not have a pump.
4. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that at least a portion (19a) of the outlet channel (19) points upwards when in the closed position.
5. A device according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the outlet channel has an end portion (19a) that points upwards when the dispenser head is in the closed position.
6. A device according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the axis of rotation (X) extends in a vertical plane, obliquely upwards and towards the end portion (19a) of the outlet channel when the dispenser head is in the dispensing position.
7. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the axis of rotation (X) makes a non-zero angle (i) of not more than 45° relative to the vertical when the receptacle (2) is standing on a horizontal plane surface.
8. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the dispenser head is turnable relative to a support (3; 3').
9. A device according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the dispenser head (4) is off-center relative to the top portion of the body of the receptacle.
10. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that, while in the dispensing position, a vertical line (Y) passing through the outlet orifice (9) does not intersect at least the top portion of the receptacle (2), and while in the closed position, the vertical line (Y) passing through the outlet orifice intersects the receptacle.
11. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the dispenser head (4) is moved from its dispensing position to its closed position by being turned through half a turn about said axis of rotation (X).
12. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that an outlet channel (19) of the dispenser head is directed downwards when the dispenser head (4) is in the dispensing position.
13. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that it includes a protective cap (6) suitable for fixing on the receptacle (2) when the dispenser head (4) is in the closed position.
14. A device according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the protective cap and the dispenser head are arranged in such a manner that the cap cannot be mounted on the receptacle when the dispenser head is in the dispensing position.
15. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the dispenser head (4; 140) is turnable relative to a support (3; 150) fitted to the body of the receptacle.
16. A device according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the support (3; 150) is fixed to the body of the receptacle by snap-fastening or by being screwed thereon.
17. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by the fact that the dispenser head is turnable relative to a support made integrally with the body of the receptacle.
18. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the dispenser head (4; 140) is fixed to a support (3; 150) by snap-fastening.
19. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the dispenser head is turnable relative to a support (3) which includes at least one portion in relief (23) enabling the dispenser head to be positioned in a predetermined position, e.g. the dispensing position or the closed position.
20. A device according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the support (3) enables the dispenser head (4) to be positioned accurately both in the closed position and in the dispensing position.
21. A device according to either one of the two immediately preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the support includes at least one projection (23) and the dispenser head includes at least two pairs of ribs (24; 25), the ribs in each pair being suitable for taking up positions on either side of said projection (23) when the dispenser head is in the dispensing position or in the closed position.
22. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the dip tube (8) is fixed to a support (3) relative to which the dispenser head is turnable.
23. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 21, characterized by the fact that the dip tube (8) is secured to the body of the receptacle, the dispenser head (140) being mounted on a support (150) suitable for being removably fitted to the receptacle body (160).
24. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the wall of the receptacle is elastically deformable so that the receptacle is capable of returning to its initial shape once released by the user.
25. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the receptacle is generally flat in shape, defining two major faces (2a) suitable for being squeezed together by the user in order to dispense the fluid.
26. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the receptacle includes a bellows (120) enabling its inside volume to be varied.
27. A device according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the dispenser head (4') is movable in a direction parallel to its axis of rotation, to pass from a position in which the outlet orifice is isolated from the inside receptacle to a position in which the outlet orifice is in communication with the inside of the receptacle, and vice versa.
28. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the dispenser head is movable in a direction parallel to its axis of rotation to pass from a locked position in which the dispenser head cannot be turned relative to the receptacle to an unlocked position in which the dispenser head is free to turn relative to the receptacle, and vice versa.
29. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the receptacle has a cavity (110) enabling a hand to be passed beneath the outlet orifice of the dispenser head when the dispenser head is in its dispensing position.
30. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the receptacle is shaped to be capable of receiving an independent packaging and applicator device (100).
31. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the volume of the receptacle (2) lies in the range 150 ml to 600 ml.
32. A device according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the volume of the receptacle is greater than or equal to 400 ml.
33. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the dispenser head passes from the closed position to the open position via an intermediate position for balancing the pressures outside and inside the receptacle.
34. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that it includes a micro-orifice (40) opening out to the inside the receptacle above the substance.

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