FR2731684A1 - DEVICE FOR STORING AND DISPENSING A PRODUCT, SUCH AS A COSMETIC PRODUCT OR A PERFUME - Google Patents

Abstract

A device (1) for storing and dispensing a substance, comprising a fixed portion (4) and a portion (6) movable in relation to the fixed portion. The fixed portion comprises an open recess (14) slidably engaged by a plunger on the movable portion, and an upright projection (18) in said recess. The movable portion comprises a channel leading to a substance discharge region (38) and communicating with the recess for dispensing said substance. The recess and/or the channel contain the substance, and an openable sealing membrane (48) is arranged between the projection directed towards the membrane and the discharge region and extends across the channel sealed by the membrane until the projection opens said membrane when the portions are urged together, and the substance is discharged from the device by the pressure generated in the recess and/or the channel when the portions are urged together. The device is particularly suitable for cosmetics and/or perfumes.

Description

 The subject of the invention is a device for storing and distributing a liquid or more or less viscous product, such as a perfume or a cream, which can be advantageously distributed in the form of a "spray" (jet in fine droplets) and in particular in mixture with another product.

 More particularly, the invention relates to a device of the distribution pump type.

 Particularly in perfumery and the cosmetic industry, it is customary to offer consumers samples allowing them to test the product.

 However, most of the pump systems used today as samples are not fully satisfactory, in particular because they have a high cost price and have a complex structure (generally in the form of a pusher mounted on a product reservoir) , with a large number of pieces. They generally do not allow simple and reliable use in any position, or even with one hand.

 The problems of price and manufacturing complexity are also observed for pump devices intended for sale and delivering larger doses of product.

In addition, in practice, known systems have not been found to offer the following possibilities either.
- distribution of the product in the form of a "spray" or in mixture with a secondary product without complicating the structure of the distributor,
- delivery of a precise dose of the product in one or more times,
- product storage aseptically or without contact with another product or fluid until the first use of the product,
- application of a small force on the pusher of the pump for its use (due to the absence of spring).

Faced with this, the subject of the invention is a device which comprises a fixed part and a movable part with respect to the fixed part in approaching or spacing along an axis of movement, this device being characterized in that - the fixed part comprises
an open cavity in which is engaged in sliding along the axis of movement a portion forming a piston of the moving part, and
an appendage erected inside the cavity, substantially parallel to the axis of movement of the parts, - the movable part comprises
an interior passage which, on one side, leads to a product exit zone towards the outside and, on the other hand, communicates with the cavity for the distribution of said product, the cavity and / or the passage defining a volume storage of this product, and
a workable insulation membrane, interposed between the appendage facing it and said outlet zone, and arranged across said passage which it closes until the appendage opens this membrane when the two parts are brought together and that, under the pressure produced in the cavity and / or the passage by the bringing together of the parts, the main product is evacuated towards the outside by the exit zone.

 In this way, the user will have a device of a construction particularly easy to handle and reliable, which does not have to be fixed on an annex container containing the product and which moreover meets the requirements of a manufacturing simple, with a reduced number of elements, for a low cost price.

 In connection with the problems of maintaining the product isolated from a secondary fluid until the first use, the storage volume will be kept hermetically sealed by at least the insulation membrane until the opening thereof by the 'appendix. This membrane will advantageously be a perforable sealing film for the first use of the product.

 Still with the aim of offering users a reliable device ensuring quality distribution, the aforementioned passage extends, at least towards its end communicating with the cavity, substantially along the axis of movement and has a section at this point. and / or a volume close to that and / or that of the appendix so that, when the parts are brought together, the appendix moves in the passage forming a piston. Thus, the product will be even better guided and pushed towards the exit area. To further promote this guidance, the appendage will include longitudinal fins.

 According to an alternative embodiment, the moving part defines the storage volume of the main product, and the cavity of the fixed part defines a secondary volume for storing a secondary product for its distribution in mixture with the main product, said membrane insulation then being interposed between the two volumes.

 This particularly simple construction makes it possible to dispense a mixture of two products (for example main product / pre-compressed gas, which is particularly sought after to ensure good vaporization of the main product).

The invention and its implementation will appear more clearly with the aid of the description which follows, given with reference to the appended drawings, given solely by way of illustration. In these drawings
- Figure 1 shows schematically in median cross section a device according to the invention
- Figure 2 is an exploded view of the device of Figure 1
- Figures 3 and 4 show a detail of the device of Figure 1 in two successive stages of the use of this device
FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 show, in an enlarged and partial view, three successive stages in the use of a first alternative embodiment of the device of FIG. 1,
- Figures 8 and 9 show a detail respectively of a second and a third alternative embodiment of the device of Figure 1; and
- Figure 10 is an enlarged perspective view of a cartridge of the device of Figure 1.

 In what follows, the terms "upper" and "lower" qualify the opposite ends of the various elements of the device 1 of the invention, with reference to its position in FIG. 1 where it is shown placed on a substantially horizontal plane 2.

 For the clarity of the description, one of the parts of the device is arbitrarily said to be "fixed" and the other "mobile", even if it is clear that each part can be moved closer to or apart from the other.

 The invention applies to devices for the storage and distribution of cosmetic products and / or perfumery, including those in the parapharmacy field. Advantageously, the device constitutes a sample offered to the consumer or a "tester" offered at the point of sale to test the product. The product dispensed (called "main product") can be a liquid or a more or less pasty or viscous substance (for example a perfume, a milk, a gel or even a cream).

 The device illustrated in the figures is used for the distribution of the main product (liquid) in mixture with a "secondary product", in particular a gas.

 In Figure 1, the device 1 is shown as a whole, assembled. It has a relatively flat overall shape, here substantially circular, and dimensions such that it can be easily held and handled with one hand. It comprises a first fixed part or base 4, placed on the plane 2, to which is linked a second movable part 6 along an axis of movement 8.

 According to Figure 2, the part 4, in this case made in one piece (molded plastic, for example polyethylene), has a bottom 10 which is advantageously curved with a concavity facing the plane 2, to allow housing easy with a user's finger (shown in dotted lines) under the bottom.

 A first wall 12 rises from the bottom, here in its central part and delimits a cavity 14 open in the upper part. This wall 12 is here in the form of a tube which comprises towards its free end an annular shoulder 16 facing the cavity for retaining a piston detailed below.

 An appendage 18 rises from the bottom, substantially parallel to the axis 8, being disposed inside the cavity 14. It is advantageously in the general form of a cone or of a tapered or pointed rod towards its upper end. This appendage preferably comprises fins 20 longitudinal or oriented substantially along the axis 8 which promote the mixing of the products and ensure their guidance substantially axially.

 The base 4 also includes a peripheral ring 22 erected from the bottom to guide the moving part 6 in movement.

 The part 6 in this case comprises a main body or pusher 24, here formed in one piece from a molded plastic, which carries a cartridge 28.

 The body 24 has a circular upper portion whose surface is advantageously corrugated to form recessed recesses 26a and 26b for the fingers (shown diagrammatically in dotted lines by the user. This upper portion comprises an orifice 38 for the outlet of the product and ends in a falling border 34 which slides along the crown 22 during the relative movement of the parts 4 and 6. This border is extended by a tamper-evident ring 30 to which it is connected by a zone of lesser resistance 32, easily tearable by the user.

 The upper portion also comprises a falling extension 36, formed opposite the tube 12 and which delimits a cavity for housing the cartridge 28. This cavity communicates with the orifice 38, at the connection end of the extension with the upper portion, and is open at the opposite end 36a. On the side of its free end 36a, the extension constitutes a hollow piston which extends substantially along the axis of the tube 12 (in this case the axis 8) and which is capable of sliding in leaktight manner inside the cavity 14. For its elastic locking by force in the cavity 14, the piston has a shoulder 40, turned outwards, which cooperates with the retaining shoulder 16 of the wall 12. Once engaged in the cavity 14 and even when it is stationary, the piston permanently compresses the "secondary" fluid (gas such as air) contained in this cavity.

 The piston is immobilized in a high position in the cavity 14, until the first application of the product, thanks to the extractable ring 30 which is in abutment against the bottom 10 of the part 4 and thus prevents any approximation of the parts 4 and 6 Any means for holding the piston in the high position / equivalent to the ring 30, would also be suitable.

 The cylindrical reservoir 28 which extends substantially along the axis 8 has a hollowed out lower part 37 which here delimits a product chamber 42 and, on its external face, at least one groove or groove communicating with the ev; denenE 3- ), in this case two grooves 43a and 43b which meet at their upper end.

 The cartridge and the housing, inside which it is closely engaged, delimit an interior passage for the storage of the main product and its circulation towards the orifice 38 at the time of distribution.

This passage comprises the chamber 42 and, in this case, at least two channels 44a and 44b for discharging the mixed products to the outside. Each channel which communicates, on one side, with the chamber 42 and, on the other side, with the orifice 38 is defined by one of the grooves and the inner face of the wall of the extension.

 Advantageously, these channels have a shape and a section such that they allow the vaporization of the products. In this case, they have a section much smaller than that of the recess 37 and extend substantially parallel from the chamber 42 to end, each, by a bent portion 45a, 45b which opens onto the orifice 38. Au at their elbow, each channel has a turbulence zone 46a, 46b.

 The internal passage is filled with the main product and forms a storage volume which is advantageously closed until the first use, to avoid in particular any contamination or deterioration of the product, this communicating passage, for the distribution of the main product and the gas, with the cavity 14. The storage volume is closed by sealing membranes 48 and 50 which are here in the form of a continuous film or a film (for example aluminum and / or polyethylene).

 The first insulation membrane 48, suitable for being irreversibly opened by the appendix, is welded or fixed in any other equivalent manner to the base of the cartridge to hermetically seal the chamber 42. This membrane blocks the passage inside until the first use of the product, extending substantially perpendicularly to the axis 8. It is interposed between the storage volume of the main product and the secondary storage volume of gas that constitutes the cavity 14 and thus separates the main gas product. This membrane 48 is arranged opposite the appendage while being spaced apart when the piston is in its high position. It is interposed between the appendix and the orifice 38 while the second membrane 50 covers and closes the orifice 38.

 Advantageously, the appendage has a length sufficient to move inside the cavity of the extension and of the recess 37, when the parts 4 and 6 are brought together, and also has a slightly smaller section and / or volume. (e) to that and / or that of the empty space 37 and of the lower end of the housing cavity to be introduced therein by forming a second piston.

 Preferably, the device will include means authorizing the distribution of the dose of the main product in several installments, such as stops 52 (only shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) formed on the internal wall of the cavity 14 for sliding the piston in stages, the passage of a stop taking place by exerting a greater force on the pusher 24.

 Note that the device operates without a spring for priming the pump.

 Referring to Figures 5 to 9, variants of the device of the invention are shown. They are distinguished from the device of FIGS. 1 to 4 essentially in that, until the first use, the main product is no longer stored in the evacuation channels but only in the product chamber 42 ′, the second membrane n 'being more arranged on the orifice 38 but inside the extension being interposed between the channels and the product chamber. The latter is no longer formed by the recess 37 but is located under the cartridge 28, inside the hollow piston.

 The chamber 42 'is delimited laterally either by the internal face of the tubular wall of the extension (FIGS. 5 to 8) or by the wall of a tubular reservoir 54 locked inside the piston (FIG. 9). This chamber is hermetically closed at its lower end by the first membrane 48 'and at its upper end by the second membrane 50'.

 According to FIGS. 5 to 8, the membrane 50 ′ can be fixed either to the base of the cartridge (FIGS. 5 to 7), or to the wall of the extension which will then advantageously include an annular shoulder 60 for fixing the edge of this membrane (Figure 8), the membrane 48 'which faces the perforation appendage being attached to the lower end of the piston.

 According to FIG. 9, the two membranes are fixed to the lower and upper ends of the reservoir 54.

 The construction of the device of the invention, with its cartridge housed in the body 24, allows easy filling of the main product. In particular, the assembly of FIG. 9 allows a flexible and easy adaptation of the manufacture of the device to the needs of the customers since the reservoir 54 containing the desired product can be mounted at the last moment inside the body 24 according to the orders .

The device of Figures 1 to 4 operates as follows
The user begins by tearing off the ring 30 which hitherto guaranteed the inviolability of the device and withdraws the tongue 50. She then places the thumb under the hollow bottom and two other fingers in the housings 26a and 26b then exerts pressure on the parts 4 and 6 to bring them closer to each other.

 The descent of the piston into the cavity 14 causes a slight compression of the gas then the perforation of the membrane by the perforator 18, which then engages in the chamber 42. The fins 20 guide the air in the chamber 42 and promote its mixing to the main product.

The piston as well as the perforator exert a pressure on the products which circulate in mixture in the evacuation channels until being evacuated outside in the form of fine droplets (spray).

 At the end of the stroke of the piston 36 (FIG. 4), the piston 36 and the perforator 18 respectively occupy practically the entire volume of the cavity 14 and the cavity of the extension 36, up to the empty space 37, to allow vaporization. of (almost) the entire dose of the products contained. After dispensing the dose of the product, the device is discarded.

 For the variants of FIGS. 5 to 9, the user begins by simply removing the ring 30 then exerts a force on the parts to bring them closer.

Again, the descent of the piston into the cavity 14 compresses the gas which comes into contact with the main product when the first membrane 48 'is opened by the appendix.

 The second membrane 50 ′ can be chosen so that from a certain pressure exerted on it by the products it tears by itself. Otherwise, it will be perforated by the appendix once it has passed through the chamber 42 '(FIG. 7). Once the membrane 50 ′ is open, the mixture circulates in the passage up to the orifice 38 by entering the space 37 of the cartridge then in the evacuation channels.

 Of course, the invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described above. Thus, as a variant, the device could distribute only one product, for example contained in the cavity 14.

 According to another variant, the cavity 14 could contain the main product, the secondary product being contained inside the passage of the moving part.

 According to yet another variant, the membrane 48 could have a slit delimited by at least two lips which naturally close the membrane as long as the latter is spaced from the appendage. When the appendix comes into contact with the membrane, it pushes on its lips, spreading them apart, thereby opening the membrane.

Claims (11)

 1. Device for storing and distributing a main product, comprising a fixed part (4) and a part (6) movable relative to the fixed part in approach or in separation along an axis (8) of movement, this device (1) characterized in that  - the fixed part has  an open cavity (14) in which a part (36) forming a piston of the moving part is slidably engaged along said axis of movement,  an appendage (18) erected inside the cavity, substantially parallel to the axis of movement of the parts,  - the moving part includes  an interior passage (42, 44a, 44b) which, on the one hand, opens onto a zone (38) for the outflow of the product and, on the other hand, communicates with said cavity (14) for dispensing of said product, the cavity and / or the passage defining a storage volume for this product, and  an insulating membrane (48), openable, interposed between the appendage facing it and said outlet zone, and disposed across said passage which it closes until the appendix opens the membrane during the approximation of the two parts and that, under the pressure produced in the cavity and / or the passage by the bringing together of the parts, the main product is evacuated towards the outside by the outlet zone.  2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the membrane is in the form of a sealing film which can be irreversibly perforated by the appendix, during the first use of the product.  3. Device according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that said storage volume is hermetically sealed until the first use of the product by being closed by at least said membrane which isolates from another product the contents of the volume storage, until the first use.  4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, at least towards its end communicating with said cavity, said passage extends substantially along said axis of movement and has a section and / or a volume close to that and / or that of the appendix so that, when the two parts are brought together, the appendix moves in the passage by forming a piston therein.  5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that  - the interior passage of the moving part defines the storage volume of the main product,  said cavity of the fixed part defines a secondary volume for storing a secondary product for its distribution in mixture with the main product,  - Said insulation membrane is interposed between the two volumes to isolate the main product from the secondary product until it is opened by the appendix.  6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that  the movable part (6) comprises a cavity for housing a cartridge (28), this cavity being open on one side and in communication with said outlet zone on the other side, and  - a cartridge delimiting at least partially the storage volume of the main product which is closed, on one side, by said insulation membrane, the cartridge having on its external face at least one groove (43a, 43b) forming, with the wall of the housing cavity, a product discharge channel to the outside.  7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the appendage (18) is in the general form of a tapered or pointed rod which comprises longitudinal fins.  8. Device according to claim 6 or claim 7, characterized in that it comprises at least two channels (44a, 44b) for evacuation of the main product, each channel comprising  - a bent part (45a, 45b) so that the two channels meet at the level of the outlet zone, which essentially consists of an outlet orifice (38), and  - an area (46a, 46b) of turbulence, located at the elbow.  9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises means (52) for delivering the dose of the main product in one or more times.  10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a flattened circular shape, operable with one hand, its two parts externally defining recessed housings (26a, 26b) for the fingers of the 'user.  11. Device according to any one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that said cavity (14) of the fixed part comprises a shoulder (16) retaining cooperating with a complementary shoulder (40) of the piston to keep the piston engaged in the cavity, so that it constantly exerts pressure on the secondary product which is a gas.