EP1749458B1 - Device for storing and dispensing - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (1) has a case (2) containing a product reserve. A product distribution mechanism has a rotating unit (4) whose rotation distributes a product. An activation system acting on the unit (4) has push buttons (7, 5) to drive the unit (4) in respective directions, where the driving in different directions is carried out in an independent manner. The buttons are made in a single piece using a base part (14) of the system. The buttons are engaged to corresponding openings (11) of the case and carried by elastically deformable blades (13) which close the respective openings.

Description

The present invention relates to devices for packaging and dispensing a product.

• un boîtier contenant une réserve du produit,
• un mécanisme de distribution du produit comportant un organe rotatif, et
• un système d'actionnement permettant d'agir sur l'organe rotatif du mécanisme de distribution, de telle sorte qu'une rotation dans une première direction de l'organe rotatif entraîne une distribution du produit.

The invention more particularly targets those comprising:

• a case containing a reserve of the product,
• a product dispensing mechanism comprising a rotary member, and
• an actuating system for acting on the rotational member of the dispensing mechanism, such that rotation in a first direction of the rotatable member results in dispensing of the product.

The rotary member is secured to a screw which drives for example a piston slidable in the housing.

We know by international demand WO 00/64303 a deodorant dispenser comprising two diametrically opposed pushbuttons on which the user can press to rotate the rotary member in a same direction in order to distribute the product.

The patent application European EP 1 405 803 and the utility model German DE 297 15 402 describe devices having only one push button, a pressure on it accompanied by a rotation of the rotary member in the direction of a distribution of the product. The actuating system is arranged to rotate in a second direction, opposite to the first, the rotary member when the push button returns to its initial position, this second rotation being of less amplitude than that performed in the first direction.

US 6,592,278 discloses a device according to the preamble of claim 1.

There is a need to further improve the packaging and dispensing devices having an actuation system configured to act on the rotational member of a dispensing mechanism.

• un boîtier contenant une réserve de produit,
• un mécanisme de distribution du produit comportant un organe rotatif, la rotation dans une première direction de l'organe rotatif s'accompagnant d'une distribution du produit,
• un système d'actionnement permettant d'agir sur l'organe rotatif du mécanisme de distribution,

dispositif dans lequel le système d'actionnement comporte :

• un premier bouton-poussoir permettant d'entraîner l'organe rotatif dans la première direction,
• un deuxième bouton-poussoir permettant d'entraîner l'organe rotatif dans une deuxième direction, opposée à la première,

l'entraînement de l'organe rotatif dans la première direction s'effectuant indépendamment de l'entraînement dans la deuxième direction.The invention thus has, according to one of its aspects, a device for packaging and dispensing a product, comprising:

• a case containing a reserve of product,
• a product dispensing mechanism comprising a rotatable member, the rotation in a first direction of the rotational member accompanied by a distribution of the product,
• an actuation system for acting on the rotary member of the dispensing mechanism,

device in which the actuation system comprises:

• a first push button for driving the rotary member in the first direction,
• a second push button for driving the rotary member in a second direction, opposite to the first,

driving the rotary member in the first direction is effected independently of the drive in the second direction.

The term "push button" should not be understood in a limited sense and encompasses any bearing surface on which the user can exert an action to cause a displacement of the rotary member. The two pushbuttons can be made with the same part or with several different parts.

Thanks to the invention, the user can cause product dispensing by pressing the first pushbutton as many times as he wishes, according to the quantity to be dispensed, and can also press the second pushbutton for example to cause the return of the unused product in the housing.

The force exerted on each push button can be relatively low, which contributes to the comfort of use, even in case of significant friction of the cup or piston or the product in the housing. This can still allow a precise dosage.

In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the first and second push buttons are made at least partially monolithically with a base part of the actuating system. The construction of the actuation system is thus greatly facilitated, as well as the reliability of operation.

The base piece can be fixedly mounted on the housing or alternatively hinged thereto. By "securely mounted" it should be understood that at least a portion of the base piece does not move substantially relative to the housing.

Particularly when the base piece is fixedly mounted on the housing, the base piece advantageously comprises two elastically deformable strips, each associated with one of the pushbuttons. Each slat may bend when the user presses the corresponding push button, and each slat can return the push button to its initial position when the user releases it.

The base piece may comprise arms, each arranged to act on the rotary member when the user presses the corresponding pushbutton. Each arm may comprise at least one first relief arranged to cooperate with a second relief of the rotary member when the user presses the push button, to drive the rotary member in rotation.

Advantageously, this first relief is configured to mesh with the rotary member during a relative movement corresponding to a depression of the push button and escape the rotary member during a relative movement in the opposite direction. Thus, each time the push button is pressed, the arm can drive the rotary member in the corresponding direction and when the user releases the push button, the rotary member is not driven in the opposite direction by the movement of the pushbutton. return of the arm.

Each arm can be carried by a slat above.

The rotary member comprises for example splines.

The two arms can be inclined obliquely towards each other, which can enable them to come more easily in contact with the rotary member, substantially tangentially thereto, to drive it in rotation.

The two arms respectively associated with the two pushbuttons may be substantially symmetrical to each other relative to a median plane for the device.

In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the actuating system comprises a brake which tends to immobilize the rotary member during the return movement of the arms.

The brake comprises, for example, a wiper which comes into contact with the rotary member. This wiper is advantageously made in one piece with the base part of the actuating system.

The wiper may comprise a thinned area giving it some flexibility, so as not to prevent rotation of the rotary member.

The wiper may have an edge arranged to engage in a groove of the rotary member. The crossing of each groove by the ridge can be accompanied by the emission of an audible click.

The wiper may be arranged between two ribs of the housing, which may for example limit the angular movement of the wiper during rotation of the rotary member

At least one of the base piece and the housing may comprise a slide and the other a corresponding relief, engaged in the slide. Thus, the fixing of the base portion on the housing can be carried out simply, for example by sliding along the longitudinal axis of the housing, and the manufacture of the device is further simplified.

The housing comprises for example two openings to access the pushbuttons, and the latter can project externally at rest, to facilitate their actuation by the user.

In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the elastic strips of the base portion are pressed against the edge of these openings when the device is at rest, thus preventing the introduction of dirt inside the housing.

In another embodiment of the invention, the pushbuttons of the actuating system are articulated about a common axis of rotation.

The housing comprises for example an insert having a pivot on which is articulated the base piece. This insert may comprise a braking surface coming into contact with the rotary member, this braking surface may comprise at least one relief intended to increase the friction.

The braking surface may in particular bear axially against an end face of the rotary member.

The device may comprise an elastic return member urging the rotary member bearing against the braking surface. This elastic return member comprises for example elastically deformable fins, molded in one piece with the rotary member, and can abut axially against a transverse wall of the housing. This transverse wall may also serve as a guide to a screw secured to the rotary member.

The rotary member may comprise two teeth axially offset and having inverted notches.

The actuating system can be arranged to act respectively on these two teeth when the user drives the actuating system in rotation in one direction and the other. The actuating system may include in particular two arms arranged to act respectively on each of these teeth. Each arm has a shape allowing it to come into contact with the associated toothing, when the corresponding pushbutton is actuated. These two arms are advantageously made monolithically with the base piece.

The base piece may comprise stops to limit its pivoting in one direction or the other, bearing against a wall of the housing. The latter may include an opening allowing the user to access the pushbuttons.

The base piece may have indications such as, for example, molded impressions or reliefs, informing the user of the location of the bearing zones constituting the pushbuttons and the direction of movement of the piston or the cup. inside the case.

Advantageously, whatever the way in which the actuation system is made, it is arranged so that pressing on one of the pushbuttons allows a rotational stroke of the rotary member substantially identical to that which results from a support on the other push-button, for the same degree of depression.

The rotatable member may be integral with a screw, as mentioned above, and this screw may mesh for example with a piston or a cup, this piston or cup being for example movable in translation in the body of the housing and more particularly in a cylindrical portion thereof, of non-circular inner section.

The housing may include a solid product bread, carried by the cup.

The casing may also comprise a fluid product, for example a gel, a paste or a cream, contained in an interior space of the casing, the distribution of the product being carried out for example through a dispensing nozzle or a dome provided with at least one dispensing orifice. The housing may comprise a piston which meshes with the screw and which makes it possible to force the product to pass through the distribution orifice (s).

The invention applies to the distribution and packaging of various products, including cosmetic, dermatological or other.

In the case of a cosmetic product, it is for example a product to be applied to the skin, including a deodorant, a makeup or care product, for example a foundation.

• la figure 1 est une vue schématique en perspective, partielle, d'un dispositif de conditionnement et de distribution selon un premier exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention,
• la figure 2 est une vue analogue à la figure 1, selon un autre angle de vue,
• la figure 3 est une vue de dessous du dispositif des figures 1 et 2, lorsque l'utilisateur appuie sur l'un des boutons-poussoirs,
• la figure 4 est une vue en élévation d'un autre exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention,
• la figure 5 est une vue de côté du dispositif de la figure 4,
• la figure 6 est une vue de dessus du dispositif de la figure 4,
• la figure 7 est une coupe longitudinale, partielle et schématique, du dispositif des figures 4 à 6,
• la figure 8 est une coupe longitudinale, partielle, selon VIII-VIII de la figure 7,
• la figure 9 est une coupe transversale, partielle, selon IX-IX de la figure 8, et
• la figure 10 représente isolément, en perspective et de manière schématique, la pièce de base du dispositif des figures 4 à 9.

The invention will be better understood on reading the following detailed description, non-limiting examples of implementation thereof, and on examining the appended drawing, in which:

• FIG. 1 is a partial schematic perspective view of a packaging and dispensing device according to a first embodiment of the invention,
• FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1, according to another angle of view;
• FIG. 3 is a view from below of the device of FIGS. 1 and 2, when the user presses one of the pushbuttons,
• FIG. 4 is an elevational view of another example of implementation of the invention,
• FIG. 5 is a side view of the device of FIG. 4,
• FIG. 6 is a view from above of the device of FIG. 4,
• FIG. 7 is a longitudinal section, partial and schematic, of the device of FIGS. 4 to 6,
• FIG. 8 is a partial longitudinal section along VIII-VIII of FIG. 7,
• FIG. 9 is a partial cross-section, along IX-IX of FIG. 8, and
• FIG. 10 represents in isolation, in perspective and schematically, the basic part of the device of FIGS. 4 to 9.

The device 1 of packaging and distribution shown in Figures 1 to 3 comprises a housing 2 of longitudinal axis X, containing a product to be dispensed, for example a deodorant, which may be in a solid or fluid form.

The housing 2 comprises a body having a cylindrical portion 3 generatrix parallel to the axis X and oval director.

Inside the housing 2 is mounted (e) in a manner known per se a cup or a piston not shown, for moving the product or to act on it, the cup or piston being slidable in the cylindrical portion 3 , being driven (e) moving by a screw which is mounted in the housing 2 so as to retain substantially the same axial position but which can rotate about the axis X.

Thus, a rotation of the screw in one direction or the other raises or lowers the piston or the cup in the housing 2 and makes it possible to cause the exit of the product or its return in the housing 2.

The screw is secured to one end of a rotary member 4 which can be made monolithically by molding plastic material with the screw and constitute the head.

The device 1 comprises an actuating mechanism comprising two push buttons 5 and 7 allowing the user to rotate in one direction or the other the rotary member 4.

Each push button 5 or 7 is engaged in a corresponding opening 11 of the housing 2, being carried by an elastically deformable sipe 13 of a base part 14 fixedly mounted inside the body of the housing 2. Each sipe 13 closes completely the associated opening 11, thus preventing the entry of dirt inside the housing 2, at rest.

Each strip 13 carries on the opposite side to the associated push button 5 or 7 an arm 16 arranged to mesh with splines 18 of the rotary member 4, parallel to the axis X, when the user presses the push button.

The two arms 16 are substantially symmetrical to one another with respect to a median plane of the device, substantially perpendicular to the axis of greater width of the housing 2, and are oriented obliquely towards each other.

Each arm 16 has two teeth 19 and 20 arranged to cooperate with the splines 18 so as to drive the rotary member 4 in rotation when the user presses the corresponding push-button and avoid, thanks to inclined flanks 22 and 23, a reverse movement, the rotary member 4 escaping the teeth 19 and 20 when the user releases the corresponding push-button.

To promote this exhaust, the actuation system comprises a shoe 24 which is applied to the rotary member 4.

In the example considered, the wiper 24 has in cross section a generally triangular shape, with an edge 25 engageable in the grooves 18.

The shoe 24 is connected to the base piece 14 by a thinned region 28 which allows it to pivot slightly when the rotary member 4 rotates. The passage of a groove 18 to another may be accompanied by the emission of an audible click.

Two ribs 30 made with the housing 2 can be provided on either side of the shoe 24 to limit the amplitude of the angular movement thereof.

The base piece may comprise a slide 31 in which is engaged a relief 32 of the housing 2 having for example a T-shape, the mounting of the base piece 14 in the housing 2 being effected in the example in question by a sliding along the X axis.

When the user presses one of the pushbuttons, the corresponding arm 16 engages the splines 4 and rotates the rotary member 4 in the associated direction, as shown in FIG. 3. This rotation can cause the product distribution or the return of product to the container, according to the selected push button. When the user releases the push button, it is reduced by the elasticity of the strip 13 which carries it in its initial position.

FIGS. 4 to 10 show a device according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.

This device differs mainly from the previous one in that the base piece 14 is no longer fixedly mounted on the casing 2 but can pivot about a Y axis parallel to the X axis between two positions each corresponding to the drive of the rotary member 4 in one direction.

More particularly, with reference to FIGS. 8 and 10, it can be seen that the base part 14 comprises a slot 35 through which a pivot 36 is made in a monolithic manner with an insert 37 defining the bottom of the case 2. , and whose upper end 38 is received in a housing 40 of the housing 2.

The base part 14 comprises two arms 16 having extensions 43 and 44 respectively arranged to cooperate with two sets of teeth 46 and 47 offset along the axis X of the rotary member 4. The teeth 46 and 47 comprise notches oriented in directions opposed. The extension 43 (respectively 44) can hook the notches of the toothing 46 (respectively 47) when the user presses the portion to the left (respectively to the right) of the Y axis in FIG. 9, which serves as the push button 7 (respectively 5). The notches of the teeth 46 and 47 have inclined faces 48 allowing a return of the corresponding arm 16 in the initial position without rotation of the rotary member 4.

Advantageously, as illustrated, the insert 37 has a braking surface 50 bearing axially against the end face 51 of the rotary member. 4 to immobilize the latter during the return movement of the arm 16 causing it to rotate.

The braking surface 50 comprises in the illustrated example reliefs 52 so as to generate more friction.

The end face 51 of the rotary member 4 is held in abutment against the braking surface 50 by means of an elastic return member, which is in the example in the form of a plurality of elastically deformable fins 56 made of one piece by molding with the rotary member 4 and bearing against a transverse wall 57 of the housing 2, as can be seen in Figure 7.

This transverse wall 57 supports a guide 58 for a screw 59 which is secured to the rotary member 4, this screw being for example made in one piece by molding plastic material with the rotary member 4.

The base piece 14 may laterally comprise wings 61, each provided with a tooth 62 making it possible to limit the pivoting of the base piece 14 about the Y axis while abutting against the wall of the casing 2.

In the example considered, the arms 16 extend parallel to each other, and parallel to a plane containing the X and Y axes in FIG. 9.

Indications 66 and 67 may for example be worn on the base piece 14 at the locations where the user must press to rotate in one direction or the other the rotary member 4. These indications 66 or 67 are for example made embossed with the base piece 14 during molding thereof and / or by printing or gluing a decor.

The invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described.

In particular, it is possible for example to provide the base piece 14 of the example of Figures 4 to 10 of the arms 16 of the example of Figures 1 to 3, adapting their shape if necessary.

Elastic vanes 56 can be replaced by other elastic return means, for example a spring washer.

The shoe 24 can be replaced by the braking surface 50.

The expression "having one" shall be understood as being synonymous with "having at least one", unless the opposite is specified.

Claims (41)

1. A packaging and dispenser device for a composition, the device comprising:

   · a casing (2) containing a reserve of composition;

   · a composition-dispenser mechanism comprising a rotary member (4), which, when turned in a first direction, is accompanied by the composition being dispensed,

   · an actuator system for acting on the rotary member of the dispenser mechanism,

   in which device the actuator system comprises:

   · a first pushbutton (7) enabling to turn the rotary member in the first direction,

   · a second pushbutton (5) characterized by the fact that the second pushbutton enables to turn the rotary member in a second direction, opposite to the first, wherein the rotary member being turned in the first direction is independent of the rotary member being turned in the second direction.
2. A device according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that at least part of the first and second pushbuttons are made integrally with a base portion (14) of the actuator system.
3. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the base portion (14) is mounted in stationary manner on the casing (2).
4. A device according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that the base portion (14) is hinged on the casing (2).
5. A device according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that the base portion (14) includes two elastically-deformable blades (13), each associated with a respective one of the pushbuttons.
6. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the base portion includes arms (16), each arranged to act on the rotary member when the user presses on the corresponding pushbutton.
7. A device according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that each arm includes at least a first portion in relief that is arranged to co-operate with a second portion in relief of the rotary member when the user presses on the pushbutton, so as to turn the rotary member.
8. A device according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the first portion in relief is configured to mesh with the rotary member during a relative movement corresponding to the pushbutton being pressed in, and to disengage from the rotary member during a relative movement in the opposite direction.
9. A device according to claim 5 and 6, characterized by the fact that each arm (16) is carried by a corresponding blade (13).
10. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the rotary member (4) includes fluting (18).
11. A device according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that the two arms (16) slope towards each other.
12. A device according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that the two arms (16) are substantially symmetrical to each other about a mid-plane of the device.
13. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the actuator system includes a brake opposing to the rotation of the rotary member (4).
14. A device according to claim 13, characterized by the fact that the brake comprises a brake shoe (24) that comes into contact with the rotary member (4).
15. A device according to the preceding claim and to claim 2, the brake shoe (24) is made integrally with the base portion (14) of the actuator system.
16. A device according to claim 14 and to 15, characterized by the fact that the brake shoe (24) includes a thin zone (28) that imparts flexibility thereto.
17. A device according to any one of claims 14 to 16 and to claim 10, the brake shoe (28) comprises a ridge (25) that is disposed in such a manner as to become engaged in one of the grooves (18) of the fluting of the rotary member (4).
18. A device according to claim 17, characterized by the fact that the device is configured so that each time the ridge passes from one groove to another, a click sound is emitted.
19. A device according to any one of claims 14 to 18, characterized by the fact that the casing comprises two splines and wherein the brake shoe is disposed between the two splines (30) of the casing.
20. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that at least one of the base portion and of the casing includes a slideway (31), and the other includes a corresponding portion in relief (32) engaged in the slideway.
21. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the casing includes two openings (11) permitting to access the pushbuttons (5, 7).
22. A device according to claim 5 and to claim 21, the resilient blades (13) of the base portion are pressed against the edges of the openings (11) when the device is at rest.
23. A device according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the pushbuttons (5, 7) of the actuator system are hinged about a common pivot axis (Y).
24. A device according to claim 2 and to claim 23, characterized by the fact that the casing includes a separate part (37) including a pivot pin (36) on which the base portion is hinged.
25. A device according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the separate part (37) includes a brake surface (50) that comes into contact with the rotary member.
26. A device according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the brake surface comes to bear axially against an end face (51) of the rotary member (4).
27. A device according to one of the claims 25 and 26, characterized by the fact that the device includes a resilient return member (56) that urges the rotary member (4) to bear against the brake surface.
28. A device according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the resilient return member comprises elastically-deformable fins (56).
29. A device according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the fins (56) of the resilient return member are molded integrally with the rotary member (4) and bear axially against a transverse wall (57) of the casing.
30. A device according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the transverse wall (57) guides a screw (59) that is secured to the rotary member (4).
31. A device according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the rotary member (4) has two sets of teeth that are axially-offset (46, 47), and that comprise oppositely-directed catches.
32. A device according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the actuator system is arranged to act on a respective one of the two sets of teeth when the user pivots the actuator system in one direction and in the other.
33. A device according to claim 31 and to claim 32, characterized by the fact that the actuator system includes two arms (16) that are arranged to act on respective ones of the sets of teeth.
34. A device according to claim 2 and to the preceding claim the two arms are made integrally with the base portion.
35. A device according to claim 2 and to claim 4, characterized by the fact that the base portion includes abutments (62) making it possible to limit the degree to which the base portion pivots in one direction or in the other by coming into abutment against a wall of the casing.
36. A device according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that the base portion (14) comprises indicators (66, 67) such as printed pieces or pieces in relief molded with the base portion informing the user about the location of bearing zones of the pushbuttons, and about the direction in which a piston or a dish is displaced inside the casing.
37. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the actuator system is configured so that pressing on one of the pushbuttons causes the rotary member to pivot through a stroke that is substantially identical to a pivot stroke that results from pressing on the other pushbutton, when pressed in to the same degree.
38. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the dispenser mechanism includes a screw that meshes with a piston or a dish, the piston or the dish being movable in translation inside the casing.
39. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the casing houses a solid cake of composition.
40. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 38, in which the casing houses a gel, a paste, or a cream.
41. A device according to any one of the previous claims, in which the composition is a cosmetic or a skin care product.

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