U.S. patent application number 14/391803 was filed with the patent office on 2015-03-26 for container for a fluid product, and dispenser using such a container.
This patent application is currently assigned to APTAR FRANCE SAS. The applicant listed for this patent is APTAR FRANCE SAS. Invention is credited to Patrick Muller, Florent Pouliaude.
Application Number | 20150083757 14/391803 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48534412 |
Filed Date | 2015-03-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150083757 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Muller; Patrick ; et
al. |
March 26, 2015 |
CONTAINER FOR A FLUID PRODUCT, AND DISPENSER USING SUCH A
CONTAINER
Abstract
A fluid reservoir including a bottom and a duct that defines an
opening, a sealing ball being engaged in the duct in such a manner
as to close the opening hermetically, the ball being movable by an
external thrust member in such a manner as to cause the ball to
fall by gravity to the bottom of the reservoir so that the opening
is thus unblocked. The duct is connected to a dip tube that extends
into the proximity of the bottom of the reservoir, the duct
presenting a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the dip
tube, the ball being in leaktight engagement in the duct before
being pushed into the dip tube in which it falls freely to the
bottom of the reservoir.
Inventors: |
Muller; Patrick; (Saint
Aubin Sur Gaillon, FR) ; Pouliaude; Florent;
(Fouqueville, FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
APTAR FRANCE SAS |
Le Neubourg |
|
FR |
|
|
Assignee: |
APTAR FRANCE SAS
Le Neubourg
FR
|
Family ID: |
48534412 |
Appl. No.: |
14/391803 |
Filed: |
April 16, 2013 |
PCT Filed: |
April 16, 2013 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/FR2013/050832 |
371 Date: |
October 10, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/321.7 ;
222/501 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B05B 11/3047 20130101;
B05B 15/30 20180201; B65D 39/06 20130101; B05B 11/3025 20130101;
B05B 11/0038 20180801; B05B 11/0054 20130101; B65D 83/32 20130101;
B65D 83/382 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/321.7 ;
222/501 |
International
Class: |
B65D 88/54 20060101
B65D088/54 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 20, 2012 |
FR |
12 53661 |
Claims
1. A fluid reservoir including a bottom and a duct that defines an
opening, a sealing ball being engaged in the duct in such a manner
as to close the opening hermetically, the ball being movable by an
external thrust member in such a manner as to cause the ball to
fall by gravity to the bottom of the reservoir so that the opening
is thus unblocked; the duct is connected to a dip tube that extends
into the proximity of the bottom of the reservoir, the duct
presenting a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the dip
tube, the ball being in leaktight engagement in the duct before
being pushed into the dip tube in which it falls freely to the
bottom of the reservoir.
2. A reservoir according to claim 1, wherein the ball is held
captive by the dip tube.
3. A reservoir according to claim 1, wherein the duct and the dip
tube are formed as a single piece by an insert.
4. A reservoir according to claim 1, wherein the opening is formed
by a duct that includes a projecting internal sealing bead, the
sealing ball being in leaktight engagement in the duct, below the
bead.
5. A reservoir according to claim 1, wherein the opening is formed
by a duct that includes a projecting internal sealing bead, the
ball being in leaktight engagement with the projecting internal
sealing bead.
6. A reservoir according to claim 1, comprising a reservoir body
forming the bottom, and an insert forming the duct and the opening,
the insert also forming a collar that extends radially outwards
from the duct, the collar coming into engagement with the reservoir
body.
7. A fluid dispenser comprising a pusher and a dispenser member,
such as a pump, that is mounted in removable manner on a reservoir
according to claim 1, the dispenser member including a thrust
member that is suitable for being inserted into the opening of the
reservoir, so as to push the ball and cause it to fall to the
bottom of the reservoir.
8. A dispenser according to claim 7, wherein the thrust member is
formed by an inlet tube that communicates upstream with a chamber
of the dispenser member, the inlet tube coming into leaktight
engagement in the opening of the reservoir, so as to establish
communication between the reservoir and the chamber.
9. A dispenser according to claim 7, wherein the thrust member is
formed by a dip tube that communicates upstream with a chamber of
the dispenser member, the dip tube being connected to an inlet tube
that comes into leaktight engagement in the opening of the
reservoir, thereby establishing communication between the reservoir
and the chamber.
10. A dispenser according to claim 7, including a casing that
surrounds the pusher, the dispenser member, and a portion of the
reservoir, such that the casing is movable relative to the
reservoir by moving the pusher relative to the dispenser member.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid reservoir including
a bottom and an opening. The reservoir is for associating with a
dispenser member, such as a pump or a valve, so as to constitute a
fluid dispenser. In addition, the present invention also relates to
a fluid dispenser including a reservoir of the invention.
Advantageous fields of application of the present invention are the
fields of perfumery, cosmetics, and pharmacy.
[0002] In the prior art, fluid reservoirs already exist, each
having an opening that is closed or sealed by means of a film that
is mounted in leaktight manner on the opening of the reservoir.
When the reservoir is then associated with a dispenser member, the
film is perforated in such a manner as to create fluid
communication between the reservoir and the dispenser member. That
type of reservoir may be in the form of a cartridge or refill that
may be replaced by another once empty. It may thus be said to be a
replaceable or interchangeable reservoir.
[0003] In the prior art, document U.S. 2006/0054633 is also known,
which describes a reservoir have an opening that is provided with
an inlet valve formed by a ball that is urged against a seat by a
spring. The ball is pushed out of contact with its seat by a pin
that is formed by a specific pump for associating with the
reservoir. Sealing between the reservoir and the pump is formed by
a tube that comes into engagement at the outside of the valve seat
that forms a sealing sleeve. When the pump is removed from the
reservoir, the ball is urged against its seat by the spring, such
that the reservoir is once again sealed. The reservoir in that
document presents a structure that is complex as a result of using
a ball valve and a sealing sleeve for co-operating with the tube of
the pump. In addition, the pump also presents a structure that is
complex, given that it must be provided with a pin that makes it
possible to push the ball of the valve, and with a particular tube
that is able to co-operate with the sleeve of the reservoir.
[0004] Documents FR 358354 and FR 358564 describe bottles each
having a neck in which a ball is engaged in hermetic manner. By
means of a pusher in the form of a tube, the ball may be pushed so
as to cause it to fall by gravity to the bottom of the bottle. Such
bottles are not adapted for mounting a pump or a valve so as to
constitute a fluid dispenser.
[0005] An object of the present invention is to remedy the
above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art by defining a removable
reservoir of simple structure that is initially sealed by a sealing
ball and that has an opening suitable for being unblocked merely by
putting into place a dispenser member, such as a pump of standard
design. Another object of the present invention is to use a single
thrust member both for moving the sealing ball away from the
opening of the reservoir and for providing sealing between the
reservoir and the dispenser member.
[0006] To do this, the present invention proposes a fluid reservoir
including a bottom and a duct that defines an opening, a sealing
ball being engaged in the duct in such a manner as to close the
opening hermetically, the ball being movable by an external thrust
member in such a manner as to cause the ball to fall by gravity to
the bottom of the reservoir so that the opening is thus
unblocked;
[0007] the fluid reservoir being characterized in that the duct is
connected to a dip tube that extends into the proximity of the
bottom of the reservoir, the duct presenting a diameter that is
smaller than the diameter of the dip tube, the ball being in
leaktight engagement in the duct before being pushed into the dip
tube in which it falls freely to the bottom of the reservoir.
[0008] The dip tube is thus incorporated with the reservoir, such
that the pump or valve that is mounted thereon does not need to
have a dip tube. It is also easier to dislodge the ball from the
duct with the inlet of the pump or valve, which is hard, rather
than with a dip tube, which is very often flexible. The sealing
ball is not a valve ball, and is used only for initially closing or
sealing the opening of the reservoir. As soon as it is pushed by
the external thrust member, it falls freely into the reservoir and
no longer performs any function, except to inform the user that the
dispenser member has been connected to the reservoir correctly. To
do this, naturally it is necessary for the reservoir to be
transparent or at least translucent.
[0009] In an advantageous first embodiment, the ball is held
captive by the dip tube. Advantageously, the duct and the dip tube
are formed as a single piece by an insert. The duct may be
considered as a local narrowing or constriction of the dip tube,
situated at the opening of the reservoir. Once the ball has been
disengaged from the narrowing or constriction, it falls freely
inside the dip tube, given that the inside diameter of the dip tube
is greater than the diameter of the ball. By holding the ball
captive in the dip tube, it is prevented from moving freely inside
the reservoir. This may improve the appearance of the
reservoir.
[0010] According to an advantageous characteristic of the
invention, the opening is formed by a duct that includes a
projecting internal sealing bead, the sealing ball being in
leaktight engagement in the duct, below the bead. Not only is the
ball prevented from being removed from the duct because of the
bead, but the position of the ball inside the duct is also fixed.
The sealing bead comes into bearing contact with an element of the
dispenser member, e.g. the external thrust element. In a variant
that is not preferred, the ball may be arranged above the bead.
[0011] According to another advantageous characteristic of the
invention, the opening is formed by a duct that includes a
projecting internal sealing bead, the ball being in leaktight
engagement with the projecting internal sealing bead. The ball may
be arranged below or above the bead, or even at the bead. The
contact between the ball and the bead forms a leaktight annular
contact that may be in addition to the contact between the ball and
the duct.
[0012] In a practical embodiment, the reservoir comprises a
reservoir body forming the bottom, and an insert forming the duct
and the opening, the insert also forming a collar that extends
radially outwards from the duct, the collar coming into engagement
with the reservoir body. The ball may thus be pre-mounted in the
duct of the insert before fitting and fastening the insert on the
reservoir body. The insert may be fastened on the reservoir body by
any means, e.g. leaktight snap-fastening, leaktight force-fitting,
heat-sealing, adhesive, etc. Naturally, the reservoir may also be
made as a single piece.
[0013] The present invention also defines a fluid dispenser
comprising a pusher and a dispenser member, such as a pump, that is
mounted in removable manner on a reservoir as defined above, the
dispenser member including a thrust member that is suitable for
being inserted into the opening of the reservoir, so as to push the
ball and cause it to fall to the bottom of the reservoir. Thus, the
combination of the dispenser member and the reservoir makes it
possible to disengage the ball from the opening of the reservoir,
thereby establishing communication between the reservoir and the
dispenser member.
[0014] In an embodiment of the invention, the thrust member is
formed by an inlet tube that communicates upstream with a chamber
of the dispenser member, the inlet tube coming into leaktight
engagement in the opening of the reservoir, so as to establish
communication between the reservoir and the chamber. Thus, the
inlet tube performs two functions, namely the function of pushing
the ball out of the duct, and the function of providing sealing
between the reservoir and the dispenser member. Sealing may be
improved by the presence of a sealing bead inside the duct.
[0015] In another embodiment, the thrust member is formed by a dip
tube that communicates upstream with a chamber of the dispenser
member, the dip tube being connected to an inlet tube that comes
into leaktight engagement in the opening of the reservoir, thereby
establishing communication between the reservoir and the chamber.
Thus, the dip tube pushes the ball out of the duct, and the inlet
tube provides sealing with the duct. Provision may even be made for
the dip tube to be made integrally with the inlet tube, such that
the inlet tube may be considered as forming an integral part of the
dip tube. In this configuration, it can be considered that the dip
tube also performs two functions, namely the function of pushing
the ball, and the function of providing sealing between the
reservoir and the dispenser member.
[0016] In an advantageous embodiment, the dispenser includes a
casing that surrounds the pusher, the dispenser member, and a
portion of the reservoir, such that the casing is movable relative
to the reservoir by moving the pusher relative to the dispenser
member.
[0017] The spirit of the invention resides in sealing a reservoir,
preferably a removable reservoir, very simply by means of a ball
that is disengaged from the opening of the reservoir by a thrust
element of a dispenser member (e.g. a pump), and that falls by
gravity into the reservoir. An advantageous characteristic is that
the thrust element also performs a sealing function for sealing
between the reservoir and the dispenser member. The presence of a
dip tube incorporated with the reservoir makes it possible to use a
dispenser member without a dip tube, and to hold the ball captive
by the dip tube once disengaged from the opening. The reservoir of
the invention may be used with any standard or conventional pump,
given that they all include an inlet tube that connects with a pump
or valve chamber through an inlet valve.
[0018] The invention is described more fully below with reference
to the accompanying drawings which show two embodiments of the
invention by way of non-limiting example.
[0019] In the figures:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a vertical section view through a fluid dispenser
including a reservoir, in a first embodiment of the invention;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a view of the FIG. 1 reservoir in its initial
state before being associated with the FIG. 1 dispenser member;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a view similar to the view in FIG. 1 showing a
reservoir in a second embodiment of the invention; and
[0023] FIG. 4 is a view similar to the view in FIG. 2 for the FIG.
3 reservoir in its initial state.
[0024] Reference is made firstly to FIGS. 1 and 2 for a general
description of the various component elements of a fluid dispenser
of the invention. The dispenser comprises three essential component
elements, namely a fluid reservoir R, a dispenser member 4, which
in this embodiment is a pump, that is mounted on the fluid
reservoir R, and a pusher 5 that is mounted on the dispenser member
4. Optionally, the dispenser also includes a casing 6 that envelops
or surrounds the pusher 5, the dispenser member 4, and at least a
portion of the reservoir R, as can be seen in FIG. 1.
[0025] The dispenser member 4 is a pump including a pump chamber 40
that is defined between an inlet valve 41 and an outlet valve 43.
In order to reduce the volume of the pump chamber 40, a piston 42
is provided that slides in leaktight manner in a cylinder. The
dispenser member 4 also includes an actuator rod 44 through which
the fluid that is put under pressure in the pump chamber 40 is
driven. At its bottom end, below the inlet valve 41, the dispenser
member 4 forms an inlet tube 45 in which a dip tube 46 is engaged.
In a variant, the dip tube 46 may be made integrally with the inlet
tube 45, such that the inlet tube 45 forms part of the dip tube. In
FIG. 1, it should be observed that the diameter of the dip tube 46
is smaller than the diameter of the inlet tube 45, given that the
dip tube 46 is engaged inside the inlet tube 45. Even for an
integral embodiment, it is preferable for the dip tube 46 to
present a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the inlet
tube 45. This design is entirely conventional for a pump in the
fields of perfumery, cosmetics, and pharmacy.
[0026] The pusher 5 is engaged on the free end of the actuator rod
44 of the dispenser member 4. The pusher includes a dispenser
orifice 51 that advantageously makes it possible to dispense the
fluid in the form of spray. By pressing on the pusher 5, the
actuator rod 44 is moved, driving the piston 42 with it, in such a
manner as to reduce the working volume of the pump chamber 40. The
inlet valve 41 is thus closed, and the outlet valve 43 opens when
the pressure inside the pump chamber 40 reaches a predetermined
threshold. From that moment on, the fluid under pressure in the
chamber 40 can flow through the actuator rod 44 so as to reach the
dispenser orifice 51. As soon as the pressure on the pusher 5 is
relaxed, the actuator rod 44 returns into its rest position under
the action of the return spring. The pump chamber 40 thus increases
in volume, the outlet valve 42 closes, and the inlet valve opens so
as to suck the fluid contained in the reservoir up through the dip
tube 46 and the open inlet valve 41. This operation is entirely
conventional for a pump associated with a pusher in the fields of
cosmetics, perfumery, and pharmacy.
[0027] The casing 6, which is an optional element, surrounds the
pusher 5 with the exception of the dispenser orifice 51, the
dispenser member 4, and a portion of the reservoir R, as can be
seen in FIG. 1. Thus, in order to actuate the dispenser, it is
necessary to move the reservoir R relative to the casing 6. In this
way, the pusher 5 is moved relative to the dispenser member 4, or,
more precisely, the pusher 5 pushes down the actuator rod 44 and
the piston 42 in such a manner as to dispense a dose of fluid
through the orifice 51. The casing 6 may extend around the
reservoir R into the proximity of the bottom 12, if so desired.
Conversely, the casing 6 need extend only into the proximity of the
top end of the reservoir R, if so desired.
[0028] The fluid reservoir R may be made as a single piece, but
preferably it is made as two distinct pieces that are fitted one on
the other, namely a reservoir body 1 and an insert 2. The body 1
comprises a side wall 11 of any shape that is closed, at its bottom
end, by a bottom 12, and that defines, at its top end, a neck 13.
The body 1 may be made out of any appropriate material, e.g. glass,
plastics material, metal, etc. The insert 2 includes a duct 21 that
defines an opening 20 that puts the inside of the body 1 into
communication with the outside. The duct 21 is substantially
cylindrical but may internally define one or more projecting
sealing beads 24 that locally reduce the flow section of the duct
21. At its top end, the duct 21 forms an inlet bevel 23 that makes
it easier to access the duct 21. The insert 2 also includes a
collar 22 that extends radially outwards from the duct 21. In the
embodiment in FIGS. 1 and 2, the duct 21 extends downwards from the
inner periphery of the collar 22. In a variant, the duct 21 may
extend upwards from the inner periphery of the collar 22. The first
function of the collar 22 is to assemble the insert 2 on the
reservoir body 1. Assembly may be achieved using any technique,
such as adhesive, heat-sealing, snap-fastening, or interfitting,
for example. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the collar 22 is heat-sealed or
adhesively-bonded on the top edge of the neck 13 of the reservoir
body 1.
[0029] In the invention, a sealing ball 3 is housed in leaktight
manner inside the duct 21, in such a manner as to close or seal the
opening 20 of the reservoir. This implies that, at least locally,
the inside diameter of the duct 21 is smaller than the diameter of
the ball 3.
[0030] The ball is preferably made of a material that is more dense
than the fluid: by way of example, it is possible to use a metal,
glass, or a plastics material that is more dense than the fluid, so
that the ball does not float, but, on the contrary, sinks. When the
duct 21 is provided with an internal sealing bead 24, it is
preferable for the ball 3 to be received below the bead 24.
Preferably, the ball 3 may come into contact with the bead 24 in
such a manner as to create an additional sealing zone. The bead 24
also makes it possible to fix the position of the ball 3 inside the
duct 21. Specifically, it suffices to engage the ball 3 in the duct
21 via its bottom end, and to push it until it comes into abutment
against the bead 24. It is then clear that the ball 3 is positioned
correctly inside the duct 21. This initial sealing position is
shown in FIG. 2. Naturally, the reservoir R is already full of
fluid, e.g. perfume, a lotion, a serum, a cream, etc. In a variant,
it is possible to envisage positioning the ball 3 above the bead
24, optionally in contact with said bead. Provision may also be
made to position the ball 3 at the bead 24, without the ball coming
into contact with the cylindrical portion of the duct 21.
[0031] The reservoir R may thus be manipulated without any risk of
loss or leakage of fluid. The reservoir may be in the form of a
cartridge or a refill that may be associated with the assembly
constituted by the dispenser member 4, the pusher 5, and optionally
the casing 6. To do this, the user begins by inserting the free end
of the dip tube 46 into the opening 20 until it comes into contact
with the ball 3. Then, the user presses harder, in such a manner as
to push the ball 3 out of the duct 21 by means of the dip tube 46.
Once the ball has been disengaged from the duct 21, it falls by
gravity into the reservoir, down to the bottom 12. Without any
effort, the user may then insert the dip tube 46 through the
opening 20 of the duct 21 until the inlet tube 45 is engaged inside
the duct 21. Once again, it suffices for the user to press harder,
so as to force-fit the inlet tube 45 inside the duct 21 until in
the final assembled position shown in FIG. 1. When the duct 21 is
provided with one or more projecting sealing beads, the inlet tube
45 is engaged with its free end beyond the bead(s) 24, such that
the bead 24 locally deforms the tube 45 over its entire periphery,
so as to create better sealing. Naturally, this implies that the
diameter of the inlet tube 45 is slightly smaller than the inside
diameter of the duct 21 or of the sealing bead(s) 24. The dip tube
46 thus extends into the proximity of the bottom 12, and the ball 3
is free to move inside the reservoir R. By making the reservoir
body 1 with a material that is opaque, the ball 3 cannot be seen.
Furthermore, by making the ball 3 with a plastics material that is
dense, it does not generate any noise inside the reservoir body
1.
[0032] Reference is made below to FIGS. 3 and 4 in order to
describe an advantageous second embodiment of the invention. In
FIG. 3, the dispenser is shown in part only, with the top portion
of the dispenser not being shown. However, the dispenser member 4,
the pusher 5, and the optional casing 6 may be strictly identical
to those of the first embodiment in FIG. 1. Even the inlet tube 45
of the dispenser member 4 may be identical. The same applies for
the overall structure of the fluid reservoir R' that also comprises
a reservoir body 1' and an insert 2'. The reservoir body 1'
includes a bottom 12 and a neck 13. However, the neck 13 differs a
little from the neck of the first embodiment in that it includes a
wide inlet section 14 and a snap-fastener groove 15. The insert 2'
also includes a duct 21 that may be provided internally with a
sealing bead 24. The insert 2' also includes a collar 22 that
differs from the collar of the first embodiment in that it
comprises annular reinforcement 26 for coming into engagement with
the wide section 14, and an annular sealing rib 27 for becoming
housed in the groove 15 of the neck 13. The duct 21 also forms an
inlet bevel 23 that makes it easier to access the duct 21. The duct
21 extends downwards so as to form a dip tube 25 that extends into
the proximity of the bottom 12. It should be observed that the
inside diameter of the duct 21 is smaller than the inside diameter
of the dip tube 25.
[0033] In the sealed initial position shown in FIG. 4, a sealing
ball 3 is received inside the duct 21 below the bead 24, as in the
first embodiment. The ball 3 may come into contact with the bead
24. The reservoir R' is thus completely sealed and full of fluid.
It may be manipulated by the user so as to associate it with the
assembly constituted by the dispenser member 4, the pusher 5, and
the optional casing 6. Thus, the user may insert the reservoir R'
into the casing 6 in such a manner as to engage the inlet tube 45
of the dispenser member 4 in the bevel of the duct 21. The user
encounters a first difficulty when the inlet tube 45 comes into
engagement with the bead 24. By increasing the pressure, the user
causes the inlet tube 45 to penetrate beyond the bead 24 so as to
push the ball 3, which drops freely into the dip tube 25 down to
the bottom 12, as shown in FIG. 3. Naturally, it is necessary for
the diameter of the ball 3 to the slightly greater than the inside
diameter of the duct 21, and smaller than the inside diameter of
the dip tube 25. Given that the dip tube 25 extends into the
proximity of the bottom 12, the ball 3 remains held captive by the
dip tube 25, and cannot move freely inside the reservoir R'.
[0034] In this second embodiment, it should be observed that the
inlet tube 45, which acts as an external thrust member, makes it
possible not only to disengage the ball 3 from the duct 21, but
also to provide sealing between the reservoir R' and the dispenser
member 4. To this end, in FIG. 3 it should be observed that the
outside diameter of the inlet tube 45 may be smaller than the
inside diameter of the duct 21, but greater than the inside
diameter of the sealing bead 24, so as to provide localized sealing
only at the bead 24. In the first embodiment in FIGS. 1 and 2, the
ball 3 is pushed by means of the dip tube 46, and sealing is
provided by means of the inlet tube 45. However, the inlet tube 45
may be considered as an integral part of the dip tube 46, or vice
versa, such that the same thrust member performs both the functions
of pushing the ball and of providing sealing.
[0035] In both embodiments, the ball 3 serves only to initially
close or seal the opening 20 of the reservoir, and no longer
performs any sealing or closing function once the reservoir is
connected to the dispenser member. Incorporating the dip tube 25
with the reservoir, as in the second embodiment, makes it possible
to use a dispenser member 4 that does not have a dip tube. A
reservoir of the invention may be used as a removable cartridge or
refill that is replaceable or interchangeable.
* * * * *