FR2871712A1 - COSMETIC, HYGIENIC OR PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCT DELIVERY ASSEMBLY WITH A CASE - Google Patents

Abstract

A cosmetic, hygienic or pharmaceutical product dispensing assembly comprises a tubular case (12), open at a first longitudinal end (14) and a second longitudinal end (16) and defining a reference geometrical axis (100) and a axial direction (102) from the first end (14) to the second end (16). In this case slides a movable assembly (50), provided with a bottom (46) forming a pusher, turned towards the first longitudinal end (14), of a head (40) facing the second longitudinal end (16), and a volume (28) housing the product, the movable element (50) being movable at least in the axial direction (102) from a storage position to a position of use in which the head (40) makes protruding out of the case (12). Locking means (52) make it possible, on the one hand, to prevent the mobile equipment (50) in the storage position from moving in the opposite direction to the axial direction and, on the other hand, to prohibit the moving equipment (50) from position of use to move in the opposite direction to the axial direction. A spring (80) recalls the moving assembly (50) in the opposite direction to the axial direction.

Description

2871712 1

  TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The invention relates to a dispensing assembly for a cosmetic, hygienic or pharmaceutical product, in particular but in a non-exclusive manner. , to a spray, spray or atomizer, provided with a protective case.

  STATE OF THE PRIOR ART Portable dispensers intended for itinerant use are frequently transported in pockets or handbags and it proves necessary to protect them in order to prevent, on the one hand, that the product to be dispensed spreads during the transport, and secondly that dust impede the subsequent operation of the device.

3] In the document FR 2 606 298 is described a set consisting of a vaporizer and a protective case to address this problem. The vaporizer is of conventional type with a bottle closed by a head forming a push button and ejection nozzle. The tubular case forms a three-piece extraction mechanism, with an outer tube provided with helical ramps, a rotating base provided with axial slides and an intermediate slider provided with radial pins inserted into the axial slideways and the helical ramps. . The bottle of the vaporizer is supported by the intermediate slider, so that when the base is rotated relative to the tube, the vaporizer is gradually extracted from the tube, following a helical path relative to the tube and rectilinear with respect to the base . The base further comprises orthoradial notches forming end stops and allowing, when the vaporizer protrudes out of the case, to press the push button without pushing the bottle in the case.

4] Such a system is not satisfactory. It can only be opened and closed with both hands, holding the tube with one hand while the other hand turns the base. From an ergonomic point of view, the user does not know in advance what will be the final position of the ejection nozzle. Indeed, the nozzle pivots with the base relative to the tube, so that it is difficult to appreciate in advance the final angular position of the nozzle relative to the tube.

  If, moreover, the operator inadvertently does not turn the pedestal all the way up during opening, the pins of the mechanism do not penetrate the orthoradial cuts, so that when the user presses the push button, he also depresses the pedestal. the vaporizer in the case, and the fluid is partially vaporized in the case, contaminating it. The rotating base must be shaped to facilitate handling and allow its rotation relative to the case, which imposes material and shape choices that limit the freedom of designers to determine the dressing and the finish of the case.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] The invention therefore aims at providing a dispensing assembly for a cosmetic, hygienic or pharmaceutical product limiting the number of visible parts, and a very simple and intuitive use.

6] For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a cosmetic, hygienic or pharmaceutical product dispensing assembly, comprising: a tubular case, open at a first longitudinal end and at a second longitudinal end and defining a longitudinal geometric axis and a axial direction from the first end to the second end; a movable element relative to the holster, provided with a bottom forming a pusher, turned towards the first end, of a head turned towards the second end, and of a housing volume of the product, the moving equipment being mobile at least in the axial direction from a storage position to a use position in which the head protrudes out of the case; - Locking means to firstly prohibit the moving element in the storage position to move in the opposite direction to the axial direction and also prohibit the moving element in the position of use to move in the opposite direction to the axial direction; and elastic return means of the moving element in the opposite direction to the axial direction.

7] Just push on the bottom of the moving equipment to extract the mobile equipment from the holster. This operation can be performed with one hand, the case being held by four fingers while the fifth, in practice the thumb or forefinger, pushes the bottom of the mobile unit by inserting into the case by the first longitudinal end.

8] The return to the storage position is assisted by the elastic return means. In addition, the elastic return means allow the user to ensure that the mobile equipment is securely locked in the use position because in the opposite case, the elastic return means automatically bring the moving equipment to the position storage.

9] Preferably, the locking means comprise a cyclic mechanism defining a first stop to prohibit the moving element in the storage position from moving in the opposite direction to the axial direction and a second stop to prohibit the moving element in position. of use to move in the opposite direction to the axial direction, and defining a cyclic path between the first stop and the second stop, such that the passage from the use position to the storage position is obtained by a movement of the movable relative to the case in the axial direction beyond the position of use, followed by a movement of the movable member relative to the case in the opposite direction to the axial direction, caused by the elastic return means. Similarly, the cyclic path defined by the cyclic mechanism is such that the transition from the storage position to the position of use is obtained by a movement of the moving element relative to the holster in the axial direction beyond the position of use, followed by a movement of the movable element relative to the holster in the opposite direction to the axial direction, caused by the elastic return means. The operations of extraction and storage of the mobile equipment in the case are particularly simple and intuitive.

According to one embodiment, the cyclic mechanism comprises a first element integral with the case and a second element integral with the moving equipment, one of the first and second elements being a cam and the other of the first and second elements being a mint. The desired movement is achieved with a great economy of means and a reduced number of pieces.

1] Preferably, the mobile assembly further comprises a body integral with the bottom and forming the housing volume of the product, as well as a mechanism for delivering the product, the head being movable relative to the body between a rest position and a activation position for driving the delivery mechanism, the transition from the rest position to the activation position requiring the application on the head of a force having an axial component in the opposite direction to the axial direction. The mechanism may be for example pump or valve if the product to be delivered is liquid.

2] Preferably, the case comprises a stop preventing the head from moving to the activation position when the moving equipment is in the storage position. This stop prevents any involuntary activation of the delivery mechanism of the product in the storage position.

3] According to a preferred embodiment, the movement between the rest position and the activation position is a translation movement parallel to the reference geometric axis. Alternatively, it is possible to envisage a rotary movement of the head or a compound movement.

4] Preferably, the device further comprises an elastic return means of the head to the rest position.

According to one embodiment, the head comprises a spray nozzle.

6] Preferably, the mobile equipment in storage position is fully housed inside the holster. The risks of activation of the head or the bottom of the mobile equipment are then very reduced. The dressing function is then essentially provided by the holster.

According to one embodiment, the case has a non-circular radial section. This ensures a guidance of the moving equipment in translation without rotation. Alternatively, the case may be circular, provided to provide guide rails.

8] According to one embodiment, the elastic return means of the moving element to the storage position comprise a compression spring having an end bearing on the moving element and a second end bearing on the holster. The device is then particularly simple. However, it is also possible to provide a tension spring.

9] According to one embodiment, the device further comprises means for braking the movement of the moving element in the opposite direction in the axial direction, for example by friction of the moving element against the holster. The retraction movement is non-abrupt, giving the user a feeling of comfort.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

0] Other advantages and features will emerge more clearly from the following description of a particular embodiment of the invention, given by way of non-limiting example, and represented by reference to the attached drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a dispensing assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention; - Figure 2 shows an axial sectional view of the dispensing assembly of Figure 1, in the storage position; Figure 3 shows an axial sectional view of the dispensing assembly of Figure 1, in the use position; FIG. 4 represents a detail of a heart-shaped cam of the assembly of FIG. 1.

  DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

1] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, a small distribution set, compatible with a transport in a pocket or purse for example, is formed by a vaporizer 10 housed in a case 12. The case is of tubular form of substantially square radial section and open at its two longitudinal ends 14, 16, which will be hereinafter, for reasons of convenience, respectively lower and upper. The case has a longitudinal reference geometric axis 100 for the device and an axial direction 102 ranging from the lower end 14 to the upper end 16. The case consists of two parts integral with each other: an outer cladding tube 18 and an inner sleeve 20, provided with an intermediate plate 22 extending in a radially inward plane.

2] The vaporizer is of conventional structure, with a rigid bottle 26 defining an inner volume 28 of housing of the product, the bottle 26 forming a neck 30 closed by a mechanism 32 for delivering the product, in the embodiment of a pump to pre-compression axial reciprocating controlled by a nozzle tube 34. The nozzle tube 34 is disposed parallel to the axis 100 of the holster and fitted into a vaporization head 40, which forms a bent duct (not shown) connecting the nozzle tube 34 to a nozzle 42. The bottle is housed in a cylinder head 44 whose bottom 46 closes the lower end 14 of the holster in the position of Figure 2, and can slide along the inner walls of the holster 12. The bottle 26 is secured to the yoke 44 and formed therewith a crew 50 movable relative to the holster.

3] A locking mechanism 52 with cam connects the case 12 to the moving element 50. This mechanism consists of at least one cam 54 cooperating with a lug 56. In the embodiment, two cams 54 are arranged diametrically opposed protruding on the outer wall of the yoke 44. Each of these cams cooperates with a tab 56 formed at the end of a ring 58 which is inserted forcefully with the fingers 60 to 60. end of the inner sleeve 20. A cam 54 has been shown in detail in Figure 4. It is formed by a groove 62 forming a cyclic path in the heart with an upper tip 64 located at the convergence of two major tracks 66, 68 forming an inverted V, and a lower tip 70 disposed at the convergence of two small tracks 72, 74 also forming an inverted V. Two low points 76, 78 are defined at the junctions between the two parts in inverted V. The tracks are located at different depths and separated by steps 79, so that the lug can flow with respect to the cam only in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 4.

4] A compression spring 80 is supported by one end on a flange 82 formed on the cylinder head of the moving assembly, and by the other end on the intermediate plate 22 of the inner sleeve 20, which is also provided with a central opening of the upper guide of the cylinder head.

5] The device operates in the following manner: [0026] In the storage position in Figure 2, the spring 80 recalls the movable assembly 50 in the opposite direction to the axial direction 102. Each lug 56 is then in abutment with the upper tip 64 of the corresponding core cam which prevents any movement in the opposite direction to the axial direction 102, thus locking the moving element in the storage position. The head 40 is in abutment against the upper face of the plate 22, so that if a user or an object applies a thrust on the head 40, no force is transmitted to the pump 32. The nozzle 42 is protected by the holster to prevent any risk of dirt from dust.

7] We move from the storage position of Figure 2 to the use position shown in Figure 3 in two phases. In a first phase, it is necessary to push the bottom 46 of the yoke in the axial direction, against the biasing of the return spring 80, to slide the movable assembly in the case. The chins 56 then run through the tracks 66 to the first low point 78, which constitutes an intermediate stop in the axial direction 102. In a second phase, the user releases the bottom of the cylinder head, and the spring 80 drives the crew movable 50 in the opposite direction to the axial direction 102, until the lugs 56 abut the lower tip 70 of the cam 54 and constitute a locking in the use position. In this position, the head 40 is no longer in abutment against the plate 22 and is therefore free to move. The nozzle 42 is released from the case. If the user presses the head 40, the yoke 44 remains stationary relative to the case and only the head 40 of the vaporizer sinks, driving the nozzle tube 34 of the pump and causing the delivery of the product by the mechanism of 32. As soon as the pressure on the head 40 ceases, the nozzle tube 34 and the head 40 return to the rest position, under the stress of a spring (not shown) internal to the pump.

8] We move from the position of use of Figure 3 to the storage position of Figure 2 by pressing again on the bottom 46 of the yoke in the axial direction 102. The lugs 56 then leave the lower tip 70, until it is found at the second low point 76 which constitutes an intermediate stop for the moving equipment 50 in the axial direction 102. As soon as the pressure on the bottom 46 of the cylinder head ceases, the mobile assembly 50 is driven by the spring 80 and slides in the case to the position of Figure 1, where each lug 56 is abutted against the upper tip 64 of the corresponding cam. Preferably, the gentle friction created on the one hand between the rim of the bottom 46 of the yoke and the inner wall of the tube 18, and on the other hand between the body of the yoke 44 and the rim of the plate 22 makes it possible to motion of the mobile crew not abrupt.

9] Naturally, various modifications are possible.

0] The case can consist of a single piece combining the functions performed by the outer tube and the inner sleeve, and possibly that of the crown.

1] The vaporizer could alternatively be in the form of an aerosol cartridge containing the product to be dispensed and a neutral gas under pressure and closed by a valve or a valve instead of the pump.

2] The cylinder head and bottle can also be in one piece. The bottom of the cylinder head can be omitted, the bottom of the bottle then playing the role of pusher. Conversely, the dispenser may have a flexible body forming a deformable bag closed by a valve-type mechanism or a pump, the fixing of the distributor to the cylinder head being then performed at the base of the mechanism.

3] The nozzle head may eventually protrude out of the case in the storage position. Similarly, the bottom of the breech can protrude out of the case in storage position. In this respect, the device of the invention gives the designer complete freedom.

4] The nozzle may be disposed axially at the upper end of the head, for example in the extension of the nozzle tube. The drive movement of the product delivery mechanism can be any: back and forth movement in the axis of the case, or perpendicular to the axis of the case, tilting movement about an axis perpendicular to the axis of the case, rotational movement in the axis of the case, or more generally compound movement. However, it is preferable that the driving movement of the delivery mechanism has an axial component in the opposite direction to the axial direction, to enhance the action of the spring and prevent movement of the moving assembly relative to the holster.

5] The term vaporizer is to be taken in a generic sense, also covering the 25 atomizers, sprayer, etc. The invention may furthermore be applied to the distribution of non-liquid products, for example powders, emulsions or pasty products.

6] The cam or cams can be integral with the case and cooperate with one or more chins integral with the moving equipment. The cam mechanism shown may be replaced by any type of similar operating mechanism, for example a ring gear mechanism as found in some ballpoint pens.

Claims (10)

  1 - A cosmetic, hygienic or pharmaceutical product distribution assembly, comprising: a tubular case (12), open at a first longitudinal end (14) and at a second longitudinal end (16) and defining a longitudinal geometric axis (100) reference and an axial direction (102) from the first end (14) to the second end (16); a moving element (50) with respect to the holster (12), provided with a bottom (46) forming a pusher, turned towards the first longitudinal end (14), with a head (40) facing towards the second longitudinal end (16), and a volume (28) housing the product, the crew (50) being movable at least in the axial direction (102) of a storage position to a position of use in which the head (40) projects out of the case (12); locking means (52) for firstly prohibit the movable element (50) in the storage position from moving in the opposite direction to the axial direction and secondly to prohibit the moving element (50) from position of use to move in the opposite direction to the axial direction; and - elastic return means (80) of the moving element (50) in the opposite direction to the axial direction.   2 - Dispensing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the locking means comprise a cyclic mechanism (52) defining a first stop (64) to prevent the moving element (50) in the storage position from moving in the direction opposite to the axial direction (102) and a second stop (70) to prevent the moving element (50) in the position of use from moving in the opposite direction to the axial direction (102), and defining a cyclic path between the first stop (64) and the second stop (70), such that the passage from the use position to the storage position is obtained by a movement of the moving element (50) relative to the holster (12) in the axial direction beyond the position of use, followed by a movement of the moving element (50) relative to the holster in the opposite direction to the axial direction, caused by the elastic return means (80). ).   3 - Dispensing assembly according to claim 2, wherein the cyclic path defined by the cyclic mechanism (52) is such that the passage from the storage position to the position of use is obtained by a movement of the moving element ( 50) relative to the case (12) in the axial direction beyond the position of use, followed by a movement of the moving element (52) relative to the case (12) in the direction opposite to the axial direction, caused by the elastic return means (80).   4 dispensing assembly according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the cyclic mechanism (52) comprises a first element integral with the case (12) and a second element integral with the moving element (50), one first and second members being a cam (54) and the other of the first and second members being a lug (56).   - Dispensing assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the movable element (50) further comprises a body (26) integral with the bottom and forming the volume (28) for housing the product, and a mechanism for delivering the product (32), the head (40) being movable relative to the body (26) between a rest position and an activation position for driving the delivery mechanism (32), the passage of the rest position at the activation position requiring the application on the head (40) of a force having an axial component in the opposite direction to the axial direction (102).   6 - Dispensing assembly according to claim 5, wherein the case (12) comprises a stop (22) preventing the head (40) to move to the activation position when the mobile assembly (50) is located in storage position.   7 - Dispensing assembly according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the movement between the rest position and the activation position is a translation movement parallel to the reference geometric axis (100).   8 - dispensing assembly according to any one of claims 5 to 7, further comprising a resilient return means of the head to the rest position.   9 - dispensing assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the head comprises a spray nozzle.   - Dispensing assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, 5 wherein the moving element in the storage position is fully housed inside the case.   11 - dispensing assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the case (12) has a non-circular radial section.   12 - dispensing assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elastic return means of the moving element (50) to the storage position comprises a compression spring (80) having an end bearing on the mobile element (50) and a second end bearing on the case (12).   13 - Dispensing assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising means for braking the movement of the moving element in the opposite direction in the axial direction.