U.S. patent application number 10/607547 was filed with the patent office on 2004-04-15 for gas lighter.
Invention is credited to Doucet, Michel, Frigiere, Rene.
Application Number | 20040072114 10/607547 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29724897 |
Filed Date | 2004-04-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040072114 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Doucet, Michel ; et
al. |
April 15, 2004 |
Gas lighter
Abstract
Gas lighter comprising a reservoir, for containing a fuel, the
reservoir having an upper wall through which a well and a
gas-dispensing device passes. The gas-dispensing device includes at
least one tubular element arranged in the well. The tubular element
including at least one snap-fitting member designed to cooperate
with a retaining element secured to the upper wall of the reservoir
in the well when the tubular element is assembled with the
reservoir.
Inventors: |
Doucet, Michel; (Bains Sur
Ouste, FR) ; Frigiere, Rene; (Allaire, FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JONES DAY
222 EAST 41ST STREET
NEW YORK
NY
10017
US
|
Family ID: |
29724897 |
Appl. No.: |
10/607547 |
Filed: |
June 26, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
431/344 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F23Q 2/163 20130101;
F23Q 2/173 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
431/344 |
International
Class: |
F23D 014/28 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 26, 2002 |
FR |
0207927 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A gas lighter comprising: a reservoir having an upper wall; a
well, the well passing through the upper wall; and a gas-dispensing
device having at least one tubular element arranged in the well,
wherein the tubular element has at least one snap-fitting member
designed to cooperate with a retaining element secured to the upper
wall when the tubular element is assembled with the reservoir.
2. A lighter according to claim 1, wherein the tubular element
comprises two snap-fitting members for engaging the retaining
element to snap-fit the tubular element in the upper wall of the
reservoir in the well.
3. A lighter according to claim 1, wherein the upper wall is formed
integral with the reservoir.
4. A lighter according to claim 1, wherein the upper wall of the
reservoir, the well and the tubular element are all in the shape of
a cylinder that is circularly symmetrical.
5. A lighter according to claim 1, wherein the tubular element and
the upper wall of the reservoir in the well have relatively smooth
walls.
6. A lighter according to claim 1, further comprising an annular
seal arranged between the wall and the tubular element.
7. A lighter according to claim 6, wherein the annular seal is
arranged between a radially external rim formed on the tubular
element and a radially internal rim formed on the wall.
8. A lighter according to claim 7, wherein the tubular element has
a first axial distance (H.sub.1), extending between the radially
external rim and a point of contact where the snap-fitting member
engages the retaining element, and the upper wall has a second
axial distance (H.sub.2) between the radially internal rim and the
point of contact, the first and second distances (H.sub.1, H.sub.2)
being chosen to exert a pre-determined pressure on the annular
seal.
9. A lighter according to claim 1, wherein the retaining element is
formed on a lower portion of an interior face of the upper
wall.
10. A lighter according to claim 1, wherein the snap-fitting member
is arranged in a lower part of the tubular element.
11. A lighter according to claim 10, wherein the snap-fitting
member comprises a tab having a nib, the nib being directed
radially outwards and having a transverse face, the tab being
elastic in a radial direction.
12. A lighter according to claim 1, wherein the tubular element
further comprises a regulating device.
13. A lighter according to claim 12, wherein the regulating device
is a microporous membrane.
14. A lighter according to claim 13, wherein the tubular element
further comprises a metal inner tube having a lowered end for
receiving the microporous membrane.
15. A lighter according to claim 1, wherein the tubular element has
an upper end comprising a radially internal rim defining an opening
through which there passes an outlet duct of a valve, the valve
being moveable along an axis of the tubular element, wherein a
compression spring is arranged between the radially internal rim
and the valve.
16. A lighter according to claim 1, wherein the reservoir is formed
of a material selected from the group consisting of styrene
acrylonitriles or acrylonitrile butadiene styrenes.
17. A lighter according to claim 1, wherein the tubular element is
made of semi-crystalline polymer.
18. A gas lighter comprising: a reservoir containing a fuel, the
reservoir having an upper wall, a well, the well passing through
the upper wall; and a gas-dispensing device having at least one
tubular element including at least one snap-fitting member; wherein
the upper wall includes a retaining element for engaging the
snap-fitting member.
19. A lighter according to claim 18, wherein the tubular element
comprises two snap-fitting members for engaging the retaining
element to snap-fit the tubular element in the upper wall of the
reservoir in the well.
20. A lighter according to claim 18, wherein the upper wall is
formed integral with the reservoir.
21. A lighter according to claim 18, wherein the upper wall of the
reservoir, the well and the tubular element are all in the shape of
a cylinder that is circularly symmetrical.
22. A lighter according to claim 18, wherein the tubular element
and the upper wall of the reservoir in the well have relatively
smooth walls.
23. A lighter according to claim 18, further comprising an annular
seal arranged between the upper wall and the tubular element.
24. A lighter according to claim 23, wherein the annular seal is
arranged between a radially external rim formed on the tubular
element and a radially internal rim formed on the upper wall.
25. A lighter according to claim 24, wherein the tubular element
has a first axial distance (H.sub.1), extending between the
radially external rim and a point of contact where the snap-fitting
member engages the retaining element, and the wall has a second
axial distance (H.sub.2) between the radially internal rim and the
point of contact, the first and second distances (H.sub.1, H.sub.2)
being chosen to exert a pre-determined pressure on the annular
seal.
26. A lighter according to claim 18, wherein the retaining element
is formed on a lower portion of an interior face of the upper
wall.
27. A lighter according to claim 18, wherein the snap-fitting
member is arranged in a lower part of the tubular element.
28. A lighter according to claim 27, wherein the snap-fitting
member comprises a tab having a nib, the nib being directed
radially outwards and having a transverse face, the tab being
elastic in a radial direction.
29. A lighter according to claim 18, wherein the tubular element
further comprises a regulating device.
30. A lighter according to claim 29, wherein the regulating device
is a microporous membrane.
31. A lighter according to claim 30, wherein the tubular element
further comprises a metal inner tube having a lowered end for
receiving the microporous membrane.
32. A lighter according to claim 18, wherein the tubular element
has an upper end comprising a radially internal rim defining an
opening through which there passes an outlet duct of a valve, the
valve being moveable along an axis of the tubular element, wherein
a compression spring is arranged between the radially internal rim
and the valve.
33. A lighter according to claim 18, wherein the reservoir is
formed of a material selected from the group consisting of styrene
acrylonitriles or acrylonitrile butadiene styrenes.
34. A lighter according to claim 18, wherein the tubular element is
made of semi-crystalline polymer.
35. A method of manufacturing a gas lighter having a reservoir
including an upper wall having a retaining element and a well which
passes through the upper wall, the method comprising: providing a
gas dispensing device within the well, the gas dispensing device
including at least one tubular element having at least one
snap-fitting member, wherein the step of providing a gas dispensing
device within the well comprises: placing the tubular element into
the well until the snap-fitting member engages the retaining
element thereby securing the dispensing device into the well.
36. The method of claim 35, wherein the tubular element comprises
two snap-fitting members for engaging the retaining element.
37. The method of claim 35, wherein the upper wall is formed
integral with the reservoir.
38. The method of claim 35, wherein the upper wall of the
reservoir, the well and the tubular element are all in the shape of
a cylinder that is circularly symmetrical.
39. The method of claim 35, wherein the tubular element and the
upper wall of the reservoir in the well have relatively smooth
walls.
40. The method of claim 35, further comprising providing an annular
seal between the upper wall and the tubular element.
41. The method of claim 40, wherein the annular seal is arranged
between a radially external rim formed on the tubular element and a
radially internal rim formed on the upper wall.
42. The method of claim 41, wherein the tubular element has a first
axial distance (H.sub.1), extending between the radially external
rim and a point of contact where the snap-fitting member engages
the retaining element, and the wall has a second axial distance
(H.sub.2) between the radially internal rim and the point of
contact, the first and second distances (H.sub.1, H.sub.2) being
chosen to exert a pre-determined pressure on the annular seal.
43. The method of claim 35, wherein the retaining element is formed
on a lower portion of an interior face of the upper wall.
44. The method of claim 35, wherein the snap-fitting member is
arranged in a lower part of the tubular element.
45. The method of claim 44, wherein the snap-fitting member
comprises a tab having a nib, the nib being directed radially
outwards and having a transverse face, the tab being elastic in a
radial direction.
46. The method of claim 35, wherein the tubular element further
comprises a regulating device.
47. The method of claim 46, wherein the regulating device is a
microporous membrane.
48. The method of claim 47, wherein the tubular element further
comprises a metal inner tube having a lowered end for receiving the
microporous membrane.
49. The method of claim 35, wherein the tubular element has an
upper end comprising a radially internal rim defining an opening
through which there passes an outlet duct of a valve, the valve
being moveable along an axis of the tubular element, wherein a
compression spring is arranged between the radially internal rim
and the valve.
50. The method of claim 35, wherein the reservoir is formed of a
material selected from the group consisting of styrene
acrylonitriles or acrylonitrile butadiene styrenes.
51. The method of claim 35, wherein the tubular element is made of
semi-crystalline polymer.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to gas lighters.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] More particularly, the invention relates to a gas lighter
comprising a reservoir, to contain a fuel, the reservoir having an
upper wall through which a well, and a gas-dispensing device
passes, the gas-dispensing device includes at least one tubular
element arranged in the well.
[0003] Generally, the tubular element of the dispensing device is
installed into a well by screwing a threaded ring into a tapped
upper part of the well, as depicted in FIG. 1 of document
WO-A01/18452. This type of fitting has the advantage in that it can
be used particularly with a reservoir made of an amorphous
polymer.
[0004] The above-mentioned amorphous polymers are polymers having
chains of monomers disposed in disordered or random manner, unlike
semi-crystalline or crystalline polymers, in which the chains are
disposed uniformly. Certain amorphous polymers offer advantages for
making fuel reservoirs for lighters, with particular examples worth
mentioning being the categories of SANs (styrene acrylonitriles)
and ABSs (acrylonitrile butadiene styrenes). Certain amorphous
polymers are also transparent, which makes it possible to see the
level of liquid fuel remaining in the reservoir. Amorphous polymers
are also generally less expensive and easier to use than
semi-crystalline polymers.
[0005] However, these amorphous polymers are relatively brittle at
ambient temperature because their elongation at the elastic limit
is small, generally less than 5%. Fitting the tubular element using
a threaded ring creates practically no tensile stress in the wall
of the well, unlike force-fitting techniques previously known, thus
avoiding the appearance of microcracks through which gas may
escape.
[0006] However, using a threaded ring requires the use of
relatively complex molds which lengthen the de-molding operations.
In addition, the operation of screwing the threaded ring into the
well is a relatively difficult and lengthy process to perform in an
automated manufacturing process thus increasing the time needed for
assembling the lighters. These disadvantages mean that the cost of
manufacture for mass production is significantly increased.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention provides a gas lighter that provides a
simplified fitting for the tubular element into the well, while at
the same time affording a good seal, which is compatible with the
use of amorphous polymers.
[0008] To this end, a lighter having a tubular element including at
least one snap-fitting member designed to cooperate with a
retaining element formed on the upper wall of the reservoir is
provided.
[0009] By virtue of this arrangement, the tubular element and the
upper wall of the reservoir preferably have relatively smooth walls
and thus are easier to manufacture since the snap-fitting element
does not have any screw threads.
[0010] Furthermore, fitting the dispensing device onto the
reservoir is also simpler and quicker because all that is required
is for the tubular element to be forced into the well until the
snap-fitting member engages the retaining element.
[0011] In addition, it is optionally possible to use any of the
following provisions singularly or in combination:
[0012] an annular seal is arranged between the upper wall of the
reservoir in the well and the tubular element to improve sealing.
More preferably, the annular seal is arranged between a radially
external rim formed on the tubular element and a radially internal
rim formed on the upper wall;
[0013] the tubular element has a first axial distance H.sub.1
measured along its longitudinal axis. The first axial distance
H.sub.1 extending from the radially external rim to the point of
contact of the snap-fitting members with the retaining element. The
well has a second axial distance H.sub.2 extending from the
radially internal rim to the point of contact of the snap-fitting
members with the retaining element. The first axial distance
H.sub.1 and the second axial distance H.sub.2 being chosen to exert
a pre-determined pressure on the annular seal which provides
improved sealing without giving rise to significant tensile
stresses in the wall of the well;
[0014] the retaining element is preferably formed on the lower
portion of the interior face of the upper wall of the
reservoir;
[0015] the snap-fitting member is preferably arranged in the lower
portion of the tubular element; thus making it generally
non-accessible to users who may desire, for whatever reason, to
dismantle the tubular element from the lighter;
[0016] the snap-fitting member includes a tab having a nib, which
is directed radially outwards and has a transverse face. The tab
has an elasticity which allows the nib to deform inwards as the
tubular element is forced into the well, while permitting the nib
to return to its regular position when the tubular element reaches
its assembled position, thus permitting the transverse face of the
nib to bear against the retaining element.
[0017] the tubular element includes an inner tube, preferably made
of metal, the inner tube preferably having a microporous membrane
located at the lower end of inner tube. The microporous membrane
ensuring a roughly constant gas flow rate;
[0018] the upper end of the tubular element comprising a radially
internal rim defining an opening through which passes an outlet
duct of a valve which can move along the axis of the tubular
element, thus permitting the valve to move from an at rest
position, whereby preferably the valve is closed to an in-use
position, whereby preferably the valve is opened. Preferably a
compression spring is arranged between the radially internal rim
and the valve so as to bias the valve closed;
[0019] the reservoir is preferably manufactured from an amorphous
polymer. More preferably, the reservoir is manufactured from SANs
or ABSs;
[0020] the tubular element is preferably manufactured from a
semi-crystalline polymer.
[0021] Other features and advantages of the invention will become
apparent to those skill in the art during the description which
will follow, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference
to the appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 is a vertical cross sectional view of an embodiment
of a top portion of a lighter; and
[0023] FIG. 2 is a simplified vertical cross sectional view of an
alternate embodiment of a gas dispensing device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] In the various figures, the same references are used to
designate identical or similar elements.
[0025] For purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles
of the present invention, reference will now be made to an
exemplary, non-limiting embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1. As shown,
the gas lighter 1 comprises a reservoir 2 intended to contain a
fuel under pressure and, partially, in liquid phase, such as
isobutene.
[0026] In the embodiment of the lighter shown, the reservoir 2 is
formed of a bowl 3, the bowl 3 preferably being U-shaped in cross
section, and having a bottom wall, not visible in FIG. 1, and an
annular side wall that extends upwards from the bottom wall to an
upper end 4.
[0027] The upper end 4 may be closed off by an upper wall 5 which,
in the example depicted, may be a separate part fixed to the bowl 3
by any method known in the art including, but not limited to
bonding, gluing, welding, friction or press fit, etc.
Alternatively, the upper wall 5 may be manufactured as an integral
part with the bowl 3.
[0028] The reservoir 2 is preferably manufactured from at least one
rigid amorphous polymer material, including, for example, from ABSs
(acrylonitrile butadiene styrenes), SANs (styrene acrylonitriles),
etc. Alternatively, by way of example, the bowl 3 may be
manufactured from SAN, while the upper wall 5 may be manufactured
from ABS, and vice versa, it being possible, in known manner, to
bond these materials together, for example by ultrasonic sealing,
bonding, ultrasonic welding, gluing, etc.
[0029] As previously stated, the advantage of such amorphous
polymers is that they are relatively inexpensive and easy to
implement, process, manufacture, and form parts from. In addition,
the amorphous polymer material, such as SAN, may be transparent,
making it possible for the gas lighter user to see the level of
liquid fuel remaining in the reservoir.
[0030] Other amorphous-type polymers may be used, provided that
their mechanical and chemical properties are compatible with them
being used as a gas lighter.
[0031] The upper wall 5 of the reservoir may further have a well 6,
that in the example shown extends along a vertical axis Z and which
advantageously may be in the shape of a cylinder that is circularly
symmetrical.
[0032] The well 6, generally speaking, is capable of receiving a
gas dispensing device 10 that is actuated by an operating device 11
carried by the head 12 of the lighter, which overlies the reservoir
2. In the embodiment depicted, the head 12 preferably is retained
against the upper wall 5 of the reservoir by catches 20 (i.e.,
studs) on the head 12 that cooperate by snap-fitting or clipping
with complementary catches 21 molded in the upper wall 5 of the
reservoir 2.
[0033] The head 2 may also form a support for fitting an ignition
device 14 and a windshield 13, the windshield 13 forming a screen
or shield against the wind or draft.
[0034] The ignition device 14, which are generally widely known in
the art, may comprise, for example, a spark wheel 15 and a flint 16
held pressed against the spark wheel 15 by a spring 17 received in
a circular cavity 18 in the head 12. A complementary cavity 19 is
formed in the upper wall 5 of the reservoir 2 to accommodate the
cavity 18 of the head 12. However, it is of course possible to use
other types of ignition devices, such as a piezoelectric device,
etc.
[0035] The dispensing device 10 generally includes a tubular
element 22, which preferably is in the shape of a cylinder that is
circularly symmetrical for engaging the upper wall 5 of the
reservoir 2 in the well 6. Preferably, the tubular element 22 may
include an inner tube 23, which is made of metal. The tubular
element 22 preferably is made of a semicrystalline polymer such as
POM (polyoxymethylene) or nylon-6,6. These semi-crystalline
polymers generally have a high strength, thus permitting the inner
tube 23 to be force-fitted into the tubular elements 22, thus
sealing and immobilizing the inner tube 23 in the tubular element
22.
[0036] The lower part 24 of the inner tube 23 preferably has a
regulating device for regulating the gas flow rate, which
regulating device may be, for example, a microporous membrane 25.
This microporous membrane 25 preferably includes a film of
polypropylene stretched uniaxially and having pores of elongate
shape, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,496,309. The microporous
membrane 25 preferably is held against an interior shoulder 23a of
the inner tube 23, the shoulder 23a being formed in the vicinity of
the lower end 24 of the inner tube 23. Thus enabling the
microporous membrane 25 to cover an orifice 26 formed in the center
of the shoulder 23a. The microporous membrane 25 is preferably
pressed against the bottom face of the shoulder 23a by a rigid ring
27, which is itself retained at the bottom of the inner tube 23 by
crimping the lower end 24 of the inner tube 23.
[0037] The tubular element 22 may comprise two snap-fitting members
28, 29 designed to cooperate with a retaining element 30 to secure
the tubular element 22 with the upper wall 5 of the reservoir 2 in
the well 6. Thus, the tubular element 22 and the upper wall 5 are
assembled without any screw threads making the lighter particularly
easy to assemble since all that is required for the tubular element
22 to engage the upper wall 5 of the reservoir 2 is for the tubular
element 22 to be forced into the well 6 in between the upper wall 5
until the snap-fitting members 28, 29 engage the retaining elements
30. Furthermore, since the tubular element 22 and the upper wall 5
of the reservoir do not have any screw threads, they can be
manufactured using molds which allow higher production rates.
[0038] The snap-fitting members 28, 29 are preferably arranged in
the lower portion 22a of the tubular element 22, thus making them
generally non-accessible to users. Thus, increasing the safety of
the lighters by decreasing the likelihood that a user, for whatever
reason, would dismantle the tubular element 22 from the
lighter.
[0039] The retaining element 30 is preferably formed on the lower
portion of the interior face 5a of the upper wall 5 of the
reservoir 2.
[0040] It should be noted, however, that it is of course possible
for the quantity of snap-fitting members to vary.
[0041] Preferably, the upper wall 5 of the reservoir 2 in the well
6 and the tubular element 22 have smooth walls which are in contact
with each other over a relatively long length thus providing a
proper seal between the reservoir 2 and the gas dispensing device
10. More preferably, when the reservoir is manufactured from an
amorphous polymer, such as SAN or ABS, the diameter of the tubular
element 22 does not exceed the diameter of the well 6.
[0042] To permit assembly with a pre-filled reservoir 2,
preferably, the well 6 includes a diaphragm (not shown), to reduce
leakage of fuel. The diaphragm being broken upon entry of the
tubular element 22 into the well 6.
[0043] An annular seal 31 is preferably arranged between the upper
wall 5 and the tubular element 22 in the well 6. More preferably,
the annular seal 31 is arranged between a radially external rim 32
formed on the tubular element 22 and a radially internal rim 33
formed on the upper wall 5.
[0044] Furthermore, preferably the tubular element 22 has a first
axial distance H.sub.1 measured along its longitudinal axis Z. The
first axial distance H.sub.1 extending from the radially external
rim 32 to the point of contact of the snap-fitting members 28, 29
with the retaining element 30. The well 6 having a second axial
distance H.sub.2 extending from the radially internal rim 33 to the
point of contact of the snap-fitting members 28, 29 with the
retaining element 30. Advantageously, the first and second
distances (H.sub.1, H.sub.2) are chosen so that a pre-determined
but not excessive pressure is exerted on the annular seal 31 thus
ensuring proper sealing.
[0045] In contrast with prior art devices, which as stated above
requires a threaded ring, the fitting between the tubular element
22 and the upper wall 5 allows the pressure exerted on the seal to
be set more precisely.
[0046] As shown, each snap-fitting member 28, 29 generally includes
a tab 35 extending from the lower end of the tubular element 22 in
the longitudinal direction Z. The tab ending in a nib 36, which is
directed radially outwards and having a transverse face 37 directed
towards the upper end of the tubular element 22. The tab 35 has a
radial elasticity which allows the nib 36 to deform inwards as the
tubular element 22 is forced into the well 6 in between the upper
wall 5. The tab's elasticity thereafter permits the nib 36 to
return to its position when the tubular element 22 reaches its
assembled position, thus permitting the transverse face 37 of the
nib 36 to bear against the retaining element 30.
[0047] As best shown in FIG. 2, the cross section of the tabs 35
generally forms two diametrically opposed circular arcs.
[0048] As further shown in FIG. 1, the dispensing device 10
preferably includes a valve 40 having a gas outlet duct 41 opening
near the ignition means 14. The duct 41 preferably includes a
shutter 42 located in the lower part of the dispensing device 10.
Preferably, the shutter 42 is made from an elastomeric material
designed to shut off the gas passage orifice 26 as the duct 41 is
move along the longitudinal axis Z of the tubular element 22.
Preferably, the duct 41 also contains slots 43 formed near the
shutter 42 in order to provide communication with the inside of the
inner tube 23.
[0049] Furthermore, the operating device 11 includes a fork 45
mounted to tilt about a pin secured to the head 12. The fork 45
having a first end 46 and a second end 49. The first end 46
cooperates with a lower shoulder 47 and an upper shoulder 48 formed
on the upper end of the duct 41 which emerges from the inner tube
23 thus permitting the gas dispensing device 10 to be raised as the
user depresses the second end 49 of the fork 45. When the user
depresses the second end 49 of the fork 45 raising the duct 41, the
valve 40 is opened releasing gas from the reservoir 2.
[0050] Preferably, a compression spring 50 is arranged between the
underside of the second end 49 of the fork 45 and the upper wall 5
of the reservoir 2 thus biasing the fork 45 upwards and hence
biasing the valve into a closed position when the lighter is not in
use.
[0051] In the alternate embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, the upper
end 52 of the tubular element 22 may include a radially internal
circular rim 53 which defines an opening 54 through which the
outlet duct 41 passes. A compression spring 55 is preferably
arranged between the circular rim 53 and the lower shoulder 47 of
the duct 41, so as to bias the valve closed during non-use. Similar
to the operation described above, to open the valve the user simply
exerts a downward force on the fork 45 (not depicted in FIG. 2)
causing the fork 45 to tilt so that the first end 46 of the fork 45
presses on the upper shoulder 48 of the duct 41 and lifts the duct
41, compressing the spring 55. When the user stops exerting the
downward force on the fork 45, the compression spring 55 causes the
duct 41 to be returned to its closed position. It will be noted
that in this embodiment the spring 50 placed under the second end
49 of the fork 45 is replaced by the spring 55 placed between the
circular rim 53 and the lower shoulder of the duct 41, thus the
spring 50 beneath the second end 49 of the fork 45 is no longer
needed.
[0052] In this embodiment, the dispensing device 10 forms a
complete assembly comprising a device for regulating the gas flow
rate, which is preferably formed by the microporous membrane 25 as
described above, and a valve 40 for controlling the flow rate. The
valve 40 has the advantage of being naturally in its closed
position thus preventing the escape of gas from the reservoir when
not in use. Furthermore, since the dispensing device of this
embodiment is installed as a complete assembly, this embodiment
further prevents the escape of gas that may occur after the
piercing of the diaphragm situated in the well 6 but before the
fitting of the valve 40. Aside from the reduction in gas losses,
this embodiment also makes it possible to simplify the devices that
recuperate gas on the production line.
[0053] The present invention has been described in connection with
the preferred embodiments. These embodiments, however, are merely
for example and the invention is not restricted thereto. It will be
understood by those skilled in the art that other variations and
modifications can easily be made within the scope of the invention
as defined by the appended claims, thus it is only intended that
the present invention be limited by the following claims.
* * * * *