U.S. patent number RE37,675 [Application Number 09/761,819] was granted by the patent office on 2002-04-30 for dispensing bottle having two openings.
This patent grant is currently assigned to L'Oreal. Invention is credited to Jean-Louis H. Gueret.
United States Patent |
RE37,675 |
Gueret |
April 30, 2002 |
Dispensing bottle having two openings
Abstract
A reservoir body (101) contains a product (102) and is provided
with at least two openings, one (P) of these openings being
provided with a part (103) for increasing the pressure, and the
other opening (R) being provided with a part (110) for braking and
retaining the product (110). This device permits easy manipulation,
allows a controlled dispensing, and optionally precise dosing,
while ensuring a good preservation of the product over time.
Inventors: |
Gueret; Jean-Louis H. (Paris,
FR) |
Assignee: |
L'Oreal (Paris,
FR)
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Family
ID: |
9488463 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/761,819 |
Filed: |
January 18, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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Reissue of: |
781228 |
Jan 10, 1997 |
05860571 |
Jan 19, 1999 |
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Foreign Application Priority Data
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Jan 25, 1996 [FR] |
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96 00862 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
222/153.06;
222/209 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B05B
11/00 (20130101); B65D 47/2025 (20130101); B65D
47/205 (20130101); B65D 83/0094 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B05B
11/00 (20060101); B65D 47/04 (20060101); B65D
83/00 (20060101); B65D 47/20 (20060101); B67D
005/32 () |
Field of
Search: |
;222/185.1,209,212,215,153.06,153.11,153.14 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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733 446 |
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Oct 1932 |
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FR |
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771 150 |
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Oct 1934 |
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FR |
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771 180 |
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Oct 1934 |
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FR |
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59 866 |
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Aug 1954 |
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FR |
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1 164 796 |
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Oct 1958 |
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FR |
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1 248 664 |
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Nov 1960 |
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FR |
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1 376 462 |
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Sep 1964 |
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FR |
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2 411 140 |
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Aug 1979 |
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FR |
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2 630 409 |
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Oct 1989 |
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FR |
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2 656 240 |
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Jun 1991 |
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FR |
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Other References
English language Derwent Abstract of FR 2 411 140, Aug. 10, 1979.
.
English language Derwent ABstract of FR 2 630 409, Oct. 27, 1989.
.
English language Derwent Abstract of FR 2 656 240, Jun. 28,
1991..
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Primary Examiner: Derakshani; Philippe
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow,
Garrett & Dunner, L.L.P.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A dispensing bottle, comprising:
a reservoir body containing a product reservoir and provided with
at least two openings, a first of said openings ending in a
neck;
means at said neck for increasing the pressure in the
reservoir;
a constrictor at said second opening for substantially preventing
the product from flowing through said second opening in the absence
of pressure from the pressure increasing means;
means for fixing the pressure-increasing means on the first opening
of the reservoir; and
sealing means for sealing said first opening so as to prevent
discharge of the product through the first opening.
2. A bottle according to claim 1 including a cover cap mountable to
the second end of the bottle.
3. A bottle according to claim 1 wherein the reservoir body has a
rigidity sufficient that the reservoir body is not deformed during
use.
4. A bottle according to claim 1 wherein the body of the bottle is
made of one from the group consisting of glass, thermoplastic
material and aluminum.
5. A bottle according to claim 1 wherein the product reservoir
contains one of a lotion, a milk, a shampoo, a cream and a
foam.
6. A bottle according to claim 1 wherein the capacity of the
pressure-increasing means is less than the volume of the
bottle.
7. A bottle according to claim 6 wherein the capacity of the
pressure-increasing means ranges from 0.2% to 25% of the volume of
the bottle.
8. A bottle according to claim 1 wherein the capacity of the
pressure-increasing means is in the range of from 0.1 ml to 5
ml.
9. A bottle according to claim 1 wherein the pressure-increasing
means is comprised by one of a bulb made of an elastomeric
material, a piston, and a bellows.
10. A bottle according to claim 1 wherein the pressure-increasing
means is connected to the first opening by one of catch-engagement
and screwing.
11. A bottle according to claim 1 wherein the pressure-increasing
means is comprised by a bellows surmounted by a push button made of
a rigid material.
12. A bottle according to claim 1 wherein the pressure-increasing
means, the fixing means and the neck form a unit partly
encapsulated in a rigid part.
13. A bottle according to claim 12 wherein the encapsulation
comprises overmolding of the rigid part around the unit formed by
the pressure-increasing means, the fixing means and the neck.
14. A bottle according to claim 12 wherein the rigid part and the
elastomeric bulb are a single piece.
15. A bottle according to claim 12 wherein the rigid part is
comprised by two separate parts assembled around the unit formed by
the pressure-increasing means, the fixing means and the neck.
16. A bottle according to claim 12 wherein the rigid part is made
of a thermoplastic material.
17. A bottle according to claim 12 wherein the rigid part comprises
a cover cap for protecting the pressure-increasing means.
18. A bottle according to claim 1 including a rigid part partly
overmolding the pressure-increasing means, the fixing means, and
the neck in such a way that the pressure-increasing means is
situated inside a hollow cavity in the rigid part and that the
pressure-increasing means does not extend above the surface of the
rigid part.
19. A bottle according to claim 1 wherein the bottle has two
pressure-increasing means positioned symmetrically relative to the
first opening.
20. A bottle according to claim 1 wherein the constrictor comprises
a retaining cell open towards the reservoir.
21. A bottle according to claim 20 wherein the retaining cell is
formed by the walls of the constrictor.
22. A bottle according to claim 20 including an annular flange at
an inlet of the retaining cell.
23. A bottle according to claim 1 wherein the constrictor has a
dispensing end, further comprising an obturating means for
intermittently obturating said dispensing end of the
constrictor.
24. A bottle according to claim 23 wherein said obturating means
comprises one of an elastic lip, an elastic valve, a flat
deformable gasket placed at the bottom of the cover cap, and a
service cap forming part of the cover cap.
25. A bottle according to claim 1 including one of a foam
applicator, a ball, a spatula and a brush at one end of the
constrictor.
26. A bottle according to claim 1 wherein the constrictor has
plural ducts for the simultaneous dispensing of the product.
27. A bottle according to claim 1 wherein the pressure-increasing
means is fixed on the neck by at least one of the
pressure-increasing means itself or a rigid ring.
28. A bottle according to claim 12 wherein the rigid part has a
hinged lid, the pressure-increasing means being secured to said
lid.
29. A bottle according to claim 1 wherein the sealing means is
semipermanent.
30. A bottle according to claim 1 wherein the sealing means has a
membrane which is permeable to air and is impermeable to
liquids.
31. A bottle according to claim 1 including an air restoring
means.
32. A bottle according to claim 2 wherein the cover cap has a flat
face which allows the bottle to be stored upside down.
33. A bottle according to claim 1 wherein the pressure-increasing
means and the reservoir communicate via a capillary duct.
34. A bottle according to claim 1 including an end fitting
traversed by a duct, and a two-way flap valve separating the duct
into two ducts, of which one duct communicates with the inside of
the bottle and the other duct is a median duct which is extended in
a lower duct having an opening to the outside of the bottle.
35. A bottle according to claim 34 wherein the end fitting has a
concave profile at the opening of the lower duct.
36. A dispensing bottle, comprising:
a reservoir body containing a product reservoir and provided with
at least two openings, a first of said openings ending in a
neck;
means at said neck for increasing the pressure in the
reservoir;
a constrictor at said second opening for substantially preventing
the product from flowing through said second opening in the absence
of pressure from the pressure increasing means;
means for fixing the pressure-increasing means on the first opening
of the reservoir; and
a sealing device for sealing said first opening so as to prevent
discharge of the product through the first opening, wherein the
sealing device comprises an obturating cover tearable or pierceable
during the first use by actuating the pressure increasing
means.
37. A bottle according to claim 36 wherein the obturating cover is
made of a material impermeable to air and to the constituents of
the product and is chemically inert in relation to the product.
38. A dispensing bottle, comprising:
a reservoir body containing a product reservoir and provided with
at least two openings, a first of said openings ending in a
neck;
means at said neck for increasing the pressure in the
reservoir;
a constrictor at said second opening for substantially preventing
the product from flowing through said second opening in the absence
of pressure from the pressure increasing means;
means for fixing the pressure-increasing means on the first opening
of the reservoir;
a sealing device for sealing said first opening so as to prevent
discharge of the product through the first opening; and
air restoring means comprising one of a cap having means for
renewed air intake, a lip, an elastic valve, a renewed air intake
valve mounted between the pressure increasing means and the ambient
air, and a hole formed in the pressure increasing means.
39. A dispensing bottle, comprising:
a reservoir body containing a product reservoir and provided with
at least two openings, a first of said openings ending in a
neck;
means at said neck for increasing the pressure in the
reservoir;
a constrictor at said second opening for substantially preventing
the product from flowing through said second opening in the absence
of pressure from the pressure increasing means;
means for fixing the pressure-increasing means on the first opening
of the reservoir; and
sealing means for sealing said first opening so as to seal said
first opening at least prior to a first use of the dispensing
bottle.
40. A dispensing bottle according to claim 39, wherein said sealing
means defines in combination with said pressure increasing means,
at least one compartment that, at least prior to the first use of
the dispensing bottle, is tightly separated from said
reservoir..Iadd.
41. A dispenser comprising:
a reservoir body;
a product reservoir contained in the reservoir body;
at least a first opening and a second opening intended to be in
flow communication with the product reservoir;
means for increasing pressure in the reservoir via the first
opening;
a constrictor for substantially preventing the product from flowing
through said second opening in the absence of pressure from the
pressure increasing means; and
sealing means for sealing said first opening so as to prevent
discharge of the product through the first
opening..Iaddend..Iadd.
42. The dispenser of claim 41, wherein the product reservoir
contains one of a lotion, a milk, a shampoo, a cream, a foam, a
paste, a gel, and a loose powder..Iaddend..Iadd.
43. The dispenser of claim 41, wherein the capacity of the pressure
increasing means is less than the volume of the product
reservoir..Iaddend..Iadd.
44. The dispenser of claim 41, wherein the pressure increasing
means comprises one of a bulb made of an elastomeric material, a
piston, and a bellows..Iaddend..Iadd.
45. The dispenser of claim 41, wherein the pressure increasing
means comprises a bellows surmounted by a push button made of a
rigid material..Iaddend..Iadd.
46. The dispenser of claim 41, further comprising a lid configured
to protect the pressure increasing means..Iaddend..Iadd.
47. The dispenser of claim 41, wherein the sealing means is
semipermanent..Iaddend..Iadd.
48. The dispenser of claim 41, wherein the sealing means comprises
a membrane permeable to air and impermeable to
liquids..Iaddend..Iadd.
49. The dispenser of claim 41, further comprising air restoring
means..Iaddend..Iadd.
50. The dispenser of claim 41, further comprising a capillary duct
intended to provide flow communication between the pressure
increasing means and the product reservoir..Iaddend..Iadd.
51. The dispenser of claim 41, wherein the reservoir body is
substantially rigid such that the reservoir body is not deformed
during use of the dispenser..Iaddend..Iadd.
52. The dispenser of claim 41, wherein the reservoir body includes
the first opening and the second opening..Iaddend..Iadd.
53. The dispenser of claim 52, wherein the reservoir body includes
a neck defining the first opening..Iaddend..Iadd.
54. The dispenser of claim 53, wherein the pressure increasing
means is on the neck..Iaddend..Iadd.
55. The dispenser of claim 53, wherein the sealing means is
connected to the neck..Iaddend..Iadd.
56. The dispenser of claim 52, further comprising a cover cap
mountable to an end of the reservoir body including the second
opening..Iaddend..Iadd.
57. The dispenser of claim 41, further comprising a part coupling
the pressure increasing means to the reservoir
body..Iaddend..Iadd.
58. The dispenser of claim 57, wherein the sealing means is
connected to the coupling part..Iaddend..Iadd.
59. The dispenser of claim 57, wherein the coupling part includes
the first opening..Iaddend..Iadd.
60. The dispenser of claim 41, wherein the sealing means comprises
a part movable with respect to the reservoir
body..Iaddend..Iadd.
61. The dispenser of claim 60, wherein the movable part includes a
duct, the movable part being movable between a first position
wherein the duct is placed in flow communication with the reservoir
and a second position wherein the duct lacks flow communication
with the reservoir..Iaddend..Iadd.
62. The dispenser of claim 60, wherein the pressure increasing
means is provided on the movable part..Iaddend..Iadd.
63. The dispenser of claim 60, further comprising a part fixed to
the reservoir body, wherein the movable part is movably provided on
the fixed part..Iaddend..Iadd.
64. The dispenser of claim 63, wherein the movable part is
rotatably provided on the fixed part..Iaddend..Iadd.
65. The dispenser of claim 63, wherein the fixed part includes the
first opening..Iaddend..Iadd.
66. The dispenser of claim 60, wherein the movable part is
rotatable with respect to the reservoir body..Iaddend..Iadd.
67. The dispenser of claim 41, wherein the sealing means comprises
an obturating cover configured to be ruptured..Iaddend..Iadd.
68. The dispenser of claim 41, wherein the pressure increasing
means comprises a portion configured to rupture the obturating
cover..Iaddend..Iadd.
69. The dispenser of claim 41, wherein the sealing means comprises
a non-return valve..Iaddend..Iadd.
70. A dispenser comprising:
a reservoir body;
a product reservoir contained in the reservoir body;
at least a first opening and a second opening intended to be placed
in flow communication with the product reservoir;
means for increasing pressure in the reservoir via the first
opening;
a constrictor for substantially preventing the product from flowing
through said second opening in the absence of pressure from the
pressure increasing means; and
sealing means for sealing said first opening so as to seal said
first opening at least prior to a first use of the
dispenser..Iaddend..Iadd.
71. The dispenser of claim 70, wherein the product reservoir
contains one of a lotion, a milk, a shampoo, a cream, a foam, a
paste, a gel, and a loose powder..Iaddend..Iadd.
72. The dispenser of claim 70, wherein the capacity of the pressure
increasing means is less than the volume of the product
reservoir..Iaddend..Iadd.
73. The dispenser of claim 70, wherein the pressure increasing
means comprises one of a bulb made of an elastomeric material, a
piston, and a bellows..Iaddend..Iadd.
74. The dispenser of claim 70, wherein the pressure increasing
means comprises a bellows surmounted by a push button made of a
rigid material..Iaddend..Iadd.
75. The dispenser of claim 70, further comprising a lid configured
to protect the pressure increasing means..Iaddend..Iadd.
76. The dispenser of claim 70, wherein the sealing means is
semipermanent..Iaddend..Iadd.
77. The dispenser of claim 70, wherein the sealing means comprises
a membrane permeable to air and impermeable to
liquids..Iaddend..Iadd.
78. The dispenser of claim 70, further comprising air restoring
means..Iaddend..Iadd.
79. The dispenser of claim 70, further comprising a capillary duct
intended to provide flow communication between the pressure
increasing means and the product reservoir..Iaddend..Iadd.
80. The dispenser of claim 70, wherein the reservoir body is
substantially rigid such that the reservoir body is not deformed
during use of the dispenser..Iaddend..Iadd.
81. The dispenser of claim 70, wherein the reservoir body includes
the first opening and the second opening..Iaddend..Iadd.
82. The dispenser of claim 81, wherein the reservoir body includes
a neck defining the first opening..Iaddend..Iadd.
83. The dispenser of claim 82, wherein the pressure increasing
means is on the neck..Iaddend..Iadd.
84. The dispenser of claim 82, wherein the sealing means is
connected to the neck..Iaddend..Iadd.
85. The dispenser of claim 81, further comprising a cover cap
mountable to an end of the reservoir body including the second
opening..Iaddend..Iadd.
86. The dispenser of claim 70, further comprising a part coupling
the pressure increasing means to the reservoir
body..Iaddend..Iadd.
87. The dispenser of claim 86, wherein the sealing means is
connected to the coupling part..Iaddend..Iadd.
88. The dispenser of claim 86, wherein the coupling part includes
the first opening..Iaddend..Iadd.
89. The dispenser of claim 70, wherein the sealing means comprises
a part movable with respect to the reservoir
body..Iaddend..Iadd.
90. The dispenser of claim 89, wherein the movable part includes a
duct, the movable part being movable between a first position
wherein the duct is placed in flow communication with the reservoir
and a second position wherein the duct lacks flow communication
with the reservoir..Iaddend..Iadd.
91. The dispenser of claim 89, wherein the pressure increasing
means is provided on the movable part..Iaddend..Iadd.
92. The dispenser of claim 89, further comprising a part fixed to
the reservoir body, wherein the movable part is movably provided on
the fixed part..Iaddend..Iadd.
93. The dispenser of claim 92, wherein the movable part is
rotatably provided on the fixed part..Iaddend..Iadd.
94. The dispenser of claim 92, wherein the fixed part includes the
first opening..Iaddend..Iadd.
95. The dispenser of claim 89, wherein the movable part is
rotatable with respect to the reservoir body..Iaddend..Iadd.
96. The dispenser of claim 70, wherein the sealing means comprises
an obturating cover configured to be ruptured..Iaddend..Iadd.
97. The dispenser of claim 70, wherein the pressure increasing
means comprises a portion configured to rupture the obturating
cover..Iaddend..Iadd.
98. The dispenser of claim 70, wherein the sealing means comprises
a non-return valve..Iaddend..Iadd.
99. A dispenser comprising:
a reservoir body;
a product reservoir contained in the reservoir body;
at least a first opening and a second opening intended to be placed
in flow communication with the product reservoir;
a pressurizing member configured to increase pressure in the
reservoir via the first opening;
a constrictor configured to substantially prevent the product from
flowing through said second opening in the absence of pressure from
the pressurizing member; and
sealing means for sealing said first opening so as to prevent
discharge of the product through the first
opening..Iaddend..Iadd.
100. A dispenser comprising:
a reservoir body;
a product reservoir contained in the reservoir body;
at least a first opening and a second opening intended to be placed
in flow communication with the product reservoir;
a pressurizing member configured to increase pressure in the
reservoir via the first opening;
a constrictor configured to substantially prevent the product from
flowing through said second opening in the absence of pressure from
the pressurizing member; and
sealing means for sealing said first opening so as to seal said
first opening at least prior to a first use of the
dispenser..Iaddend.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a dispensing bottle permitting a
controlled and optionally metered dispensing of its contents while
offering a comfortable grip. Moreover, the bottle may be provided
with a sealing system which prevents degradation, in particular by
air, of the product during its storage and/or between uses.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the pharmaceutical or cosmetic field, gels and creams are
usually stored in pots provided with a simple lip and are taken up
by dipping the finger directly in the pot. This practice has two
drawbacks, i.e., microbial contamination introduced into the stored
product, and the lack of precise metering of the product.
The use of a dropper bottle for metered dispensing of a liquid
product is known. A dropper bottle usually comprises a reservoir
having a squeezable bulb at one of its ends and a constricted
opening at the other end. Air is expelled from the reservoir by
actuating the bulb, the end having the constricted opening is
immersed in a bottle containing the product to be metered, and the
product enters the reservoir upon relaxation of the bulb. The
product is subsequently dispensed by actuating the bulb.
Such dropper bottle systems are not suitable for the dispensing of
products with a creamy consistency such as gels, or viscous
products in general. Indeed, products of this consistency can only
rise with difficulty through the constrictor, since air bubbles are
drawn into the reservoir at the same time as the product, and a
proportion of the product inevitably remains stuck on the outer
wall of the dropper bottle. Moreover, with each use of the dropper
bottle it must be assumed that the bottle has previously been
opened, and hence that the product has been placed into contact
with the oxygen of the air.
Bottles with deformable walls and a constricting end are also
known, offering a metered dispensing of the contained product by
simple pressure on the walls. These bottles, being manually
compressed, have the drawback that they do not afford very precise
dosing. Moreover, since their walls are deformable, they can only
be carried in luggage with certain precautions, i.e., being
protected from pressure and shocks. Although the addition of a
leakproof closing system to the constrictor makes it possible to
avoid accidental leakages, there still remains the risk of the
walls of the bottle yielding under unduly high pressure.
Furthermore, such bottles tend to become deformed in the course of
time, in particular to keep the concave shape imparted by the
manual pressure. The deformable plastic materials of which these
bottles are made are not suitable for the packaging of luxury
products for which more rigid materials are preferred. Moreover,
the expensive products are dispensed in small quantities, and it is
not known how to make bottles of a small size with deformable walls
and offering a complete return of excess dispensed product.
For example, devices are known from U.S. Pat. No. 3,145,879,
FR-A-733446, FR-A-1248664, FR-A-2411140, FR-A-1164796 and
FR-A-771150 which comprise a reservoir cavity filled by a product
to be dispensed, one end of the cavity comprising a
pressure-increasing means, the other a braking system. However,
none of these documents mentions any sealing device for single or
semi-permanent use.
From U.S. Pat. No. 4,770,305 there is known a sealing device for
single use applied to the top of the neck of a bottle. This device
consists of an aluminum foil cover and a tip which can pierce this
cover foil before the first use. However, this document does not
suggest in any way the use of such a device in any application
other than on the neck of a bottle.
FR-A-2656240 describes a semipermanent sealing device for the
filling and dispensing a product contained in a reservoir formed by
a flexible pouch. This document neither describes nor suggests the
application of such a device to an application other than the
filling and dispensing from a reservoir.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide a bottle with a
rigidity allowing easy manipulation, provided with a dispensing
system which permits a controlled dispensing, and optionally a
precise dosing, of the product containing therein, irrespective of
the viscosity of the product, while ensuring preservation of the
product over time.
The above and other objects are achieved according to the invention
by a bottle comprising a reservoir body containing a product and
provided with at least two openings, the first (P) of these
openings being provided with a pressure-increasing means, and the
second opening (R) being provided with means for braking and
retaining the product.
The product to be dispensed may be a paste, a cream, a gel, a
liquid, loose powder, and generally any Galenic form, with the
exception of a compact solid.
Preferably, the body of the bottle is chosen to have a sufficient
rigidity so as not to be deformed under normal manual pressure in
the usual conditions of use. For this purpose, a naturally rigid
material is used as, for instance, glass or aluminum. It is also
possible to use thermoplastic materials such as polypropylene,
polyethylene, polystyrene, or copolymers of ethylene, of propylene,
and/or of styrene, these materials having sufficient thicknesses to
give them the desired rigidity.
A rigid bottle can also be made by means of a more flexible
material, if this bottle is small and has angular shapes. Thus the
product contained in the reservoir included in the body of the
bottle cannot flow out under the effect of any accidental pressure
exerted on the body of the bottle.
In the absence of pressure-increasing means and braking and
retaining means provided by the present invention, rigid bottles,
irrespective of the reason for their rigidity, usually do not
permit a proper emptying of their contents.
During the packaging of the bottle, the product is introduced into
the container body. The braking and retaining means, which is
chosen according to the nature of the product, prevents the product
from emerging from the bottle in the absence of pressure.
According to another aspect of the invention, the bottle comprises
a body forming a reservoir in which there is stored a product, a
pressure-increasing means, a means for fixing the
pressure-increasing means on the first opening P of the reservoir
ending in a neck, and optionally a cover cap C.sub.R, the cover cap
C.sub.R cooperating with the second end of the bottle where the
constrictor is placed.
The invention more particularly concerns fluid products such as
lotions, in particular milks and shampoos, gels, creams, foams, the
dispensing of which is intended to be controlled. This invention
concerns, in particular, cosmetic or therapeutic use and, as a
general rule, products of a high price and where it is desirable to
prevent wastage. The bottles in accordance with the invention
permit a controlled dispensing, and optionally metering, of such
products.
In accordance with the invention, the unit constituted by the body,
by the means for fixing the neck, and by the pressure-increasing
means is provided with a sealing device which ensures that the
contents of the reservoir do not come into contact with air during
the whole duration of storage, and possibly even between two
successive uses. Moreover, the bottles in accordance with the
invention prohibit any direct contact between the manipulator and
the inside of the reservoir. Thus the risks of microbial
contamination are extremely limited. The sealing device may be
constituted by the pressure-increasing means, by the first end P of
the bottle and by the fixing means, and comprises at least one
sealing means for single or semipermanent use.
Such a sealing means for single use which can be used in the
present invention consists, for example, of a tearable or
pierceable obturating cover which, during the first use, is pierced
or torn by actuation of the pressure-increasing means. This
obturating cover is, for example, constituted by an aluminum foil
or by a polyethylene film, or is made of any other material that
can be easily torn. The pressure-increasing means is provided with
a striker which pierces or tears the cover when pressure is applied
to the pressure-increasing means.
A ball, not secured to the pressure-increasing means, may also be
placed into the space provided between the cover and the
pressure-increasing means, and may come to bear on the cover and
tear it when pressure is applied to the pressure-increasing means.
This cover may be fixed in any way to the pressure-increasing
means, to the neck of the bottle, to the fixing means or to the
bonding or welding means which hold the parts fixed to one another.
Moreover, the cover must advantageously be made of a material which
is impermeable to air and to the constituents of the formula, so as
to prevent the formula from migrating out of the reservoir during
storage; this material must, moreover, be chemically inert in
relation to the formula used.
Such semipermanent sealing means may be constituted by a fixing
device which has two positions, i.e., an open position and a closed
position, and which can be actuated by a simple movement.
Advantageously, such a device is constituted by at least two parts
joined and secured, one to the neck of the bottle, and the other to
the pressure-increasing means. These two parts may be placed in two
different relative positions by a straightforward movement of one
of these parts. In one of these two positions, a passage or duct
traversing the fixing means causes the pressure-increasing means to
communicate with the reservoir. In the other position, this passage
or duct no longer exists, or it is obturated, and the seal between
the pressure-increasing means and the reservoir is leakproof. Such
sealing means, well known to those skilled in this art, are
operated for an opening or closing movement by rotation, or by
vertical, horizontal or lateral displacement, or by rocking.
The sealing device may also comprise a membrane permeable to air
and impermeable to liquid, which prevents the product from rising
up as far as the pressure-increasing means.
The neck of the bottle at the end having the first opening P may
comprise a constricted part so as to limit the possibility of the
product rising up as far as the pressure-increasing means. For
example, the pressure-increasing means and the reservoir may
communicate by a narrow duct such as a capillary duct.
Preferably, the capacity of the pressure-increasing means is
smaller than the volume of the bottle. Thus the product can be
dispensed in a controlled manner. Usually, the capacity of the
pressure-increasing means is chosen in the range of from 0.1 ml to
5 ml. Preferably, the capacity of the pressure-increasing means
ranges from 0.2% to 25% of the volume of the bottle. Thus it is not
likely that high pressures which could entail a heavy discharge
from the bottle will be accidentally exerted on the
pressure-increasing means. The capacity of the pressure-increasing
means is adjusted according to the rheology, in particular the
viscosity, of the product and the usual dose used for this product,
as is known in the art.
Preferably, the pressure-increasing means is formed by a bulb of an
elastomeric material, a piston, or a bellows connected to the first
opening P by means of a conventional fixing means, e.g., by
catch-engagement or by screwing. If the pressure-increasing means
is formed by a bulb, it may be of any shape. Optionally, the
pressure-increasing means may be surmounted by a push button made
of a rigid material.
Preferably, the unit constituted by the pressure-increasing means,
the fixing means and the neck is partly encapsulated in a rigid
part. This encapsulation makes it possible to partly protect the
pressure-increasing means from shocks; it affords a better seal for
the fixing of the pressure-increasing means on the neck of the
body, as well as a better grip of the dispensing bottle. This
encapsulation may be obtained by any conventional means, e.g., by
overmolding (composite molding) the rigid part around the unit
constituted by the pressure-increasing means, the fixing means and
the neck.
The rigid part is constituted of any rigid material, e.g., a
thermoplastic material such as polypropylene, polyethylene,
polystyrene, and the copolymers of ethylene, propylene and/or of
styrene. These materials are used with sufficient thicknesses to
give them the desired rigidity.
Optionally, the rigid part and the elastomeric bulb may be molded
as a single piece of thermoplastic material whose thickness varies
according to the desired rigidity. The rigid part may also be
constituted by two distinct parts, which are assembled around the
unit constituted by the pressure-increasing means, by the fixing
means and by the neck, by screwing, or by catch-engagement, or by
bonding, or by any other conventional means.
Optionally, the part made of a rigid material may have a lid for
protecting the pressure-increasing means.
When the pressure-increasing means is partly encapsulated in the
rigid part, the encapsulation is obtained in such a way that the
pressure-increasing means is disposed inside a hollow cavity
arranged in the rigid part, and that the pressure-increasing means
is even with the surface of the rigid part, or that it is
substantially recessed relative to this surface. Thus when the user
is holding the bottle in his hand, he must intentionally reach the
pressure-increasing means with his finger and does not risk
actuating it in error. Moreover, the advantageous rigid nature of
the bottle unit permits a good grip by the user. When the bottle is
placed inside luggage, the rigid part protects the
pressure-increasing means and prevents the latter from being
actuated accidentally.
According to a variant of the invention, the bottle can be provided
with two pressure means placed symmetrically relative to the first
opening P in order to facilitate the manipulation of the bottle.
This variant makes it possible to exert simultaneous pressure with
the thumb on one side and with another finger, preferably the index
finger of the same hand, on the other side of the bottle and
affords the user a good grip associated with very good control of
the delivery.
The constrictor permitting the dispensing of the product is chosen
according to the product to be dispensed. The diameter of its
dispensing duct is chosen according to the rheology, and in
particular the viscosity, of the product, so that in the absence of
pressure on the pressure-increasing means the product does not
spontaneously flow out through this duct.
Preferably, the constrictor has at its outlet inside the bottle, a
retaining cell open towards the reservoir in such a way that some
of the product is retained inside this cell in the normal positions
of use of the bottle (e.g., a vertical position with the
constrictor disposed towards the bottom, a horizontal position, and
any intermediate position). The inlet and the outlet of the
constrictor are defined by the direction of flow of the product.
This retaining cell may, for example, be constituted by the walls
of the constrictor if, in relation to the viscosity of the product,
the constructor has sufficient length relative to its width to
ensure a good retention, or by a duct extending in the reservoir
which extends the walls of the constrictor. It may also be formed
by an annular flange at the inlet of the cell.
The retaining cell makes it possible to keep a small quantity of
the product available for immediate dispensing, even if the bottle
has been stored in a position other than with the constrictor at
the bottom. This reserve quantity, if of sufficient height, makes
it possible to prevent the passing of air contained in the
reservoir through the product when the pressure-increasing means is
actuated. Finally, the retaining cell permits a better draining of
the contents of the bottle.
The constrictor and the body of the bottle may constitute only a
single part with the constrictor forming the extension of the
bottle, but they may also consist of two parts with the constrictor
being screwed or clipped in a leakproof manner onto the mouth of
the bottle. At the dispensing end of the constrictor there may be
located an obturator means which obturates the constrictor in the
absence of pressure and folds under the thrust of the product. The
obturator may consist of an elastic lip or an elastic valve whose
flanges diverge under the pressure of the product. Such a valve
consists of a flat or circular nozzle made of an elastomeric
material, one end of which is slipped over the rigid end of the
constrictor, and the other end is pierced by a wider or narrower
opening which remains closed in the absence of pressure.
The constrictor may instead be obturated by a flat deformable
gasket placed at the bottom of the cover cap. The constrictor may
also be obturated in a leakproof manner by a service cap system
forming part of the cover cap. Moreover, the outlet end of the
constrictor may be provided with any means facilitating the
dispensing of the product, e.g., an applicator made of foam, a
massaging surface, a ball, a spatula or a brush.
According to a variant of the invention, the constrictor may
comprise several ducts for the simultaneous dispensing of the
product. Preferably, the constrictor has from one to three
ducts.
The cover cap of the service cap may be fixed to the bottle or to
the constrictor by any known, such as catch engagement, by
screwing, by means of a bayonet fastener, etc.
As indicated above, the pressure-increasing means may be fixed to
the neck of the bottle which ends in the first opening P by means
of the fixing means. This fixing is preferably leakproof in such a
way that pressure exerted on the pressure-increasing means is
integrally retransmitted into the body of the bottle and is
reflected in a flowing out of the product. The fixing of the
pressure-increasing means on the neck may be ensured by the
pressure-increasing means itself. For example, the
pressure-increasing means may be extended in a skirt which has a
profile complementary to the profile of the neck of the bottle. The
fixing of the pressure-increasing means on the neck of the bottle
may also be ensured by a rigid ring molded or not over the
pressure-increasing means.
According to a variant of the invention, the lid of the rigid part
may comprise a hinge and be molded as a single piece together with
the rigid part, the pressure-increasing means being fixed to the
lid by any known means. Moreover, the pressure-increasing means may
also be molded as a single piece with the lid of the rigid
part.
Preferably, the bottle comprises an air restoring or venting means.
Thus air return to the inside of the bottle after use may be
effected through the constrictor, for example, by means of a cap
capable of a renewed air intake. It may also be effected by the
pressure-increasing means by means of a renewed air intake valve
situated between the pressure-increasing means and the ambient air.
The pressure-increasing means may also be provided with a hole
which may be obturated by the finger for dispensing and which lets
air pass when the finger is removed from the pressure-increasing
means. In the case where the renewed air intake is not effected by
means of the constrictor, the bottle is then provided with a
non-return valve, for example at the neck or the fixing means,
which prevents the product from again rising up as far as the
pressure-increasing means.
The cover cap C.sub.R which closes the dispensing end (outlet) of
the bottle has any shape. Preferably, this lid has a flat face
which allows the bottle to be stored upside down. Thus, with the
product descending by gravity into the mouth of the constrictor,
the bottle is always ready for use.
The pressure-increasing means is placed anywhere on the top of the
bottle or laterally relative to the bottle. When the
pressure-increasing means is positioned at the top of the bottle,
it may be placed coaxially with the constrictor or along an axis
different from that of the constrictor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
To render the invention more readily understood, devices meeting
the characteristics of this invention will be described below by
way of example. Except in a special case, the upper parts (the neck
and parts attached to the neck) and the lower part (the constrictor
and the part cooperating with the constrictor) of the bottle are
independent and it is possible to combine all the variants of these
two parts of the bottle in the examples that follow, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a bottle in accordance
with the invention;
FIGS. 2A and 2B show a longitudinal sectional view of a bottle in
accordance with the invention, comprising two bulbs, a service cap,
an elastic cap and an opening closing system operated by
rotation;
FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C, being respectively a perspective, a
longitudinal section, and a partial longitudinal section, show a
bottle in accordance with the invention provided with an applicator
made of foam and an opening and closing system operating by means
of a pivot;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a bottle in accordance with the
invention whose pressure-increasing means is protected by a hinged
lid;
FIGS. 5A and 5B show, in perspective and in partial cross-section,
a device in accordance with the invention whose bulb is placed on a
hinged lid;
FIGS. 6A and 6B show, in cross-section and in enlarged
cross-section, a constrictor comprising a retaining cell;
FIG. 6C shows a cross-sectional view of one end of the
constrictor;
FIGS. 7A and 7B show in a longitudinal section and an enlarged
longitudinal section, a device in accordance with the invention for
horizontal storage; and
FIGS. 8A and 8B are longitudinal and cross-sectional views,
respectively, of an end fitting that can be fitted on the device in
accordance with the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The device shown in FIG. 1 comprises a glass container body 101
containing the product 102, a bulb 103 made of an elastomeric
material, a ring-shaped collar 104 for fixing the bulb 103 on the
neck 112 of the bottle, an obturator 105, a non-return valve 106, a
striker 107 and a cap 109. The non-return valve 106 prevents the
product in the container body 101 from being discharged through the
bulb 103 and so acts as a sealing device.
The body of the bottle is extended on one side in a constrictor 110
provided with an outlet opening R for the product and having a
profile 111. On the other side, a neck 112 has groove 113 for
fastening the ring 104 on the outer surface, and an air intake
opening P. The bulb comprises a renewed air intake valve 108 at its
center, and is molded over its whole circumference by the collar
ring 104. The collar ring 104 is made of a rigid material and is
provided with an internal cylindrical skirt 114 which is fitted in
the fastening groove 113 of the neck 112, and an external skirt 115
with an internal diameter substantially equal to the external
diameter of the neck 112 and comprising a fastening groove 116
complementary to that the neck 112.
The obturator 105 is formed by an aluminum foil welded to the ring
104 at the circumference of the bulb and together with the ring
obturates the opening P. The ball 107 is placed between the bulb
and the obturator so that at the time of first use, pressure
exerted on the bulb causes the obturator to be torn by impact on
the ball.
The cap 109 is provided with an internal cylindrical skirt 117, an
external skirt 118 and a stud 119 which are coaxial. The external
skirt 118 has a profile which cooperates with the body of the
bottle, the internal skirt 117 has a profile which cooperates with
the profile 111 of the constrictor, and the stud 119 penetrates
into the opening R, obturating it, when the cap 119 is mounted on
the bottle. The cap is provided with a flat bottom 120 which
permits the vertical storage of the bottle with the end R towards
the bottom. Thus, the bottle is always ready for use.
The device shown in FIG. 2A comprises a glass reservoir-bottle 201
containing a product 201a, a service cap 202 on the side of the
constrictor 216, a double bulb 203 made of polyethylene on the
opposite side to the constrictor, and a rotary opening-closing
system formed by a fixed part 205 and a movable part 206. The end P
of the bottle ends in a neck 207 provided with fastening means
207a. The other end R ends in another neck 208 provided with
fastening means 208a.
The service cap has a body 209 and a cover cap 210 connected by a
hinge 211. The cover cap 210 has fixing means 212 allowing it to be
fastened on the body of the service cap. The cap has an external
skirt 213 whose end on the opposite side to the cap 210 cooperates
with the body 201 of the bottle and an internal skirt 214 coaxial
with the skirt 213 and provided with fastening means 215
complementary with the fastening means 208a of the neck 208. The
body 209 of the service cap has an opening forming the constrictor
216. The opening is obturated by an elastic lip 226 (FIG. 2B) made
of an elastomeric material overmolded around the constrictor 216.
The constrictor 216 extends the neck 208. The cover cap 210 of the
service cap comprises a cylindrical internal skirt 217 within which
the constrictor 216 may be positioned.
When the cover cap 210 of the service cap is in the closed position
as shown in the Figures, the end 216a of the constrictor is
inserted in the internal skirt 217 of the cover cap and rests on
the bottom of the cover cap so as to ensure a leakproof seal. When
the service cap is open, the elastic lip 226 can let the product
pass (opening, direction B)due to pressure exerted on this product.
When this pressure stops, the lip 226 allows air to pass (opening,
direction A) due to the low pressure in the bottle.
The two bulbs 203 are molded in a single piece, folded during
assembly at the hinges 231 and fixed by catch-engagement 218 at
their two ends around the movable part 206 of the rotary
opening-closing system. The movable part 206 is traversed by a main
duct 219, through which extends the fixed part 205, and by two
radial lateral ducts 220. The duct 219 opens to end P of the
bottle. Each of the ducts 220 extends between the cavity 203a of
one of the bulbs and the transverse duct 225 of the fixed part 205
when in the open position. The movable part 206 is, moreover,
provided with fastening means 222 cooperating with
(catch-engagement) fastening means 207a of the neck 207 at the end
P, and is in bearing contact with a shoulder 230 of the body of the
bottle. These means 207a permit the rotation of the part 206 around
this neck.
The fixed part 205 is fixed to the neck 207 by (catch-engagement)
fastening means 223 complementary to those 207b of the neck 207. It
is traversed by the main duct 224 which extends the neck 207 of the
bottle and by the transverse ducts 225 opening out in the duct 224
at the level of the lateral duct of the movable part 206. Since the
movable part 206 is capable of turning around the neck 207, it can
be positioned in two preferable positions determined by stops (not
shown) located on the neck 207. In an open position, the transverse
duct 225 is opposite the lateral ducts 220 and any pressure exerted
on the bulbs 203 is transmitted to the inside of the bottle and
then to the outlet of the constrictor 216. In the closed position,
the transverse duct 225 is perpendicular to the lateral ducts 220
and any pressure on the bulbs cannot be transmitted.
The device shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C comprises a reservoir bottle 301
containing a product 301b, an elastomeric bulb 302 overmolded by a
part 303 with a triangular cross-section made of polypropylene, a
part 304 made of polypropylene fixed to the neck 305 of the bottle,
a cover cap 306 and an applicator 307 made of foam.
The bottle ends on one side in a constrictor 308 provided with an
opening R within which is placed the foam applicator 307, and on
the other side by the neck 305 whose end defines the outlet opening
P. The neck 305 is provided with fastening means 309 (catch
engagement) on the outer surface. The cover cap 306 has an internal
skirt 310 and an external skirt 311 which are coaxial and cooperate
respectively with the constrictor and the body of the bottle.
The round bulb 302 is overmolded on its circumference by the part
303. The part 303 is provided with a central ball and socket joint
313 allowing it to pivot round the axis I--I, perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis X--X of the bottle. This ball and socket joint
313 is traversed by a duct 314 and cooperates with a complementary
part 315 of the part 304. The complementary part 315 has an
opening, which could also take the form of a duct, communicating
the neck 305 of the bottle and the ball and socket joint.
The part 304 is provided with a virtually parallelepiped shaped
skirt 317 comprising (catch-engagement) fastening means 318
complementary to those 309 forming part of the neck 305 of the
bottle. The two parts 303 and 304 cooperate with one another via
the ball and socket join 313 so as to define two preferred
positions corresponding to the edges 303a, 303b of the part 303
resting on the part 304. In one of these positions, the duct 314
and the opening in part 315 are opposite one another and a pressure
on the bulb is transmitted to the reservoir containing the product
301b and then to the constrictor. In the other position, the duct
314 and the opening 316 do not communicate. Thus any pressure on
the bulb 302 remains without effect, and it is possible to close an
open bottle merely by rocking the part 303.
The device shown in FIG. 4 is constituted by a body provided with
two openings. It ends on one side in a constrictor 402 and on the
other in a neck connected to an elastomeric bulb 403 by means of a
fixing means. Two parts 401 and 415 are made of a rigid material
and have a single profile. The bulb 403 is level with the surface
of the part 415. Cover cap 404 is provided with a sealing skirt
405. The end of the constrictor 406 is fitted within a skirt 407
for fixing the cover cap on the constrictor. Skirt 407 and
constrictor 406 are provided with complementary fastening means
408, 409 defining a bayonet-type fastening.
The body of the bottle is partly overmolded by the part 401 which
has a recess around the bulb 403. The part 415 is fixed by
catch-engagement in this recess. The part 401 forms a single
uniform profile in cooperation with the cover cap 404. The part 415
has a lid 410 with a hinge 412 that covers the bulb 403 in the
closed position. The lid 410 has a relief 411 capable of following
the shapes of the bulb.
According to a variant, provision may be made for the end of the
constrictor which is inserted in the internal skirt of the cover
cap 405 to rest on a gasket so as to ensure a leakproof seal, the
gasket making it possible to prevent any low pressure from forming
in the bottle when it is opened.
The device shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B has a body 502 provided with
two openings. It ends at one side in a constrictor (not shown) and
on the other side (P) in a neck 502a on which there is fixed a
rigid part 503 made of polyethylene. The part 503 has a lid 504
including a bulb 506 made of polyethylene, the thickness of whose
walls is less than that of the lid 504. The part 503 carries a
cover 505 and is molded therewith as one piece to form a body 507
having skirt 513. The hinge 508 connects the lid and the body.
The body 507 is fixed on the neck 502a of the bottle (by
catch-engagement) and has an opening O which extends the opening P
of the bottle. This opening O is obturated by the cover foil of
aluminum welded to the body 507. The lid 504 has a fastening means
509 allowing it to be fastened to the body 507 which is provided
with complementary fastening means 512, and a skirt 510 which
cooperates in a leakproof manner with the skirt 513 of the body so
that when the lid 504 is closed, the bottle is ready for use.
The bulb 506 is positioned in such a way that in the closed
position it is opposite the opening O. The bulb 506 is provided
with a striker 511 so that when the cover cap 504 is closed and
pressure is exerted on the bulb, the striker 511 tears the
obturator 505. This pressure causes the product to emerge through
the end of the bottle on the opposite side to the opening P. The
unit has a symmetry of revolution.
The constrictor 601 of FIGS. 6A and 6B cooperates with the body 602
of the bottle by fastening means 603 complementary to those 604
with which the body of the bottle is fitted. The constrictor 601 is
provided on its internal circumference with an annular bead 605
which defines a retaining cell 606. Thus, even if the bottle is
stored in a position other than vertical, there always remains at
least one product dose in the cell ready for dispensing. The outlet
R of the constrictor is obturated by an elastic lip 607 made of an
elastomer which retains the product in the absence of a pressure
increase in the reservoir. This device functions in the same way as
those described above.
In the variant shown in FIG. 6C, a circular valve 609 made of an
elastomer is molded on a part 618 fixed on the constrictor 603 and
traversed by the duct 619. This valve ensures the sealing of the
unit.
The device shown in FIG. 7 differs from the preceding ones in that
it is arranged to be positioned flat on a support in the direction
of its largest dimension. For this purpose, the neck 710 of the
bottle 701 which is obturated by a tearable obturating cover 705
has an elbow 702. The pressure-increasing means comprises a bellows
703 joined to the neck 710 by ring-type fixing means 704. This
bellows is surmounted by a rigid push button 713. The outlet end R
has a constrictor 708 whose longitudinal axis forms an angle
90.degree.<.alpha.<180.degree. relative to the axis of the
body of the bottle. The end R is obturated by a stopper 717.
According to a variant of the invention, the bottle may be provided
at its dispensing end with an end fitting such as shown in FIGS. 8A
and 8B. The end fitting 801 shown in these Figures is constituted
by two parts: the first part 801.1 has fastening means (not shown)
for fastening it on the constrictor of the bottle (for example by a
force-fit). The part 801.1 is connected by means of a flap hinge
801.3 to the second part 801.2 of the end fitting. The parts 801.1
and 801.2 have fastening means 801.4, 801.5 allowing them to be
held fixed one against the other in their use position, as well as
sealing means (not shown). Provision could also be made for the end
fitting 801 to be constituted as a single part corresponding to the
two parts 801.1 and 801.2 held in a fixed position.
The end fitting 801 is traversed by a duct 802 comprising three
parts. The upper duct 802.1 communicates with the inside of the
bottle. A two-way flap valve 803 separates the upper duct 802.1
from the median duct 802.2. The lower duct 802.3 extends the median
duct 802.2 and opens towards the outside of the bottle. The width
of the duct 802 is reduced in the direction from the inlet of the
duct 802 inside the bottle towards the outlet of the duct 802. The
median duct 802.2 has a greater width at the level of the valve 803
and is narrower at the level of the lower duct 802.3. The lower
duct 802.3 is over its whole length narrower than the median duct
802.2.
The part 801.2 has a concave profile 804 at the level of the
opening 805 of the lower duct 802.3, this profile 804 being placed
around, and substantially perpendicular to, the opening 805. The
two-way flap valve 803 is fastened to the part 801.1 by a flap
hinge 803.1. The width and the thickness of this hinge 803.1 make
it possible to regulate the force required for displacing the valve
803.
In FIG. 8B, which is a cross-section of the end fitting at the
level of the valve 803, it can be seen that the width of the valve
803 relative to the duct 802.2 at the level of the valve also
affects the flow rate through the duct 802.
This device makes it possible to improve the renewed air intake
effect. It also makes it possible to prevent the formation of drops
at the opening 805 of the bottle. It permits a more uniform
dispensing.
Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present
invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is
therefore to be understood that the invention may be practiced
otherwise than as specifically described herein.
* * * * *