U.S. patent number RE38,022 [Application Number 09/893,490] was granted by the patent office on 2003-03-11 for dispensing head.
This patent grant is currently assigned to L'Oreal. Invention is credited to Vincent De Laforcade.
United States Patent |
RE38,022 |
De Laforcade |
March 11, 2003 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Dispensing head
Abstract
A dispensing head for dispensing a product of liquid to viscous
consistency. The head has a fixed part (10) fixed on a dispenser
reservoir (3) and a movable part (4) separated from the fixed part
by a peripheral cutout and connected thereto in a pivotable manner
by a hinge zone (7). The movable part has a connector with a free
end (11a) to cause the movable part (4) to communicate with the
dispenser valve (2) and actuate the opening of the latter. The
cutout (9) is situated substantially between the hinge zone and the
fixed part (10), and is situated in a plane perpendicular to an
axis of the connector in a position substantially corresponding to
the position of the free end (11a) of the connector.
Inventors: |
De Laforcade; Vincent
(Rambouillot, FR) |
Assignee: |
L'Oreal (Paris,
FR)
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Family
ID: |
9485841 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/893,490 |
Filed: |
June 29, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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Reissue of: |
773253 |
Dec 23, 1996 |
05915597 |
Jun 29, 1999 |
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Foreign Application Priority Data
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Dec 22, 1995 [FR] |
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95 15333 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
222/182;
222/402.13; 222/402.23 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D
83/206 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B65D
83/16 (20060101); B67D 005/06 () |
Field of
Search: |
;222/182,402.1,402.13,402.21,402.22,402.23 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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682408 |
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Jun 1966 |
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BE |
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1398595 |
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Mar 1965 |
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FR |
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2710558 |
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Apr 1995 |
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FR |
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2592004 |
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Jun 1997 |
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FR |
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1105867 |
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Mar 1968 |
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GB |
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2196062 |
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Apr 1988 |
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GB |
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Primary Examiner: Yuen; Henry C.
Assistant Examiner: Willatt; Stephanie
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow,
Garrett & Dunner, L.L.P.
Claims
I claim:
1. A head for the dispensing of a product of a liquid to viscous
consistency, provided with a dispensing valve (2) and having a
longitudinal axis (X), this head comprising a fixed part (10)
capable of being fixed on a reservoir (3) containing the product,
and a movable part (4) separated by a peripheral cutout (9) and
connected for pivoting round a hinge zone (7); a connecting means
(11) having a free end (11a) for causing the movable part (4) to
communicate with the valve (2) and actuate the opening of the
valve, this head comprising a dispensing opening (8) provided with
an axis (Y); wherein the cutout (9) is situated substantially
between the hinge zone and the fixed part (10); and in that the
hinge zone is situated in a plane perpendicular to the axis (X) at
a position substantially corresponding to the position of the said
free end (11a) along the axis (X).
2. A dispensing head according to claim 1, wherein the cutout (9)
has a median portion (9a) substantially perpendicular to the axis
(X) and two end branches (9b, 9c) which are inclined relative to
the median portion (9a) and end on either side of the hinge zone
(7), the branches (9a, 9b) being shaped in such a way that an angle
(.alpha.) is formed between each branch (9b, 9c) and the median
portion (9a) of the cutout.
3. A dispensing head according to claim 2, wherein the angle
(.alpha.) is from 70.degree. to 160.degree..
4. A dispensing head according to claim 3, wherein the angle
(.alpha.) is an obtuse angle.
5. A dispensing head according to claim 2 wherein the median
portion (9a) of the cutout (9) has the shape of a circular arc.
6. A dispensing head according to claim 1 wherein the fixed portion
is formed by a cylindrical ring (10).
7. A dispensing head according to .[.any one of.]. claim 1 wherein
the fixed part and the movable part (4) are made of one piece.
8. A dispensing head according to claim 1 wherein the hinge zone is
a film hinge (7).
9. A dispensing head according to claim 1, wherein the hinge zone
(7) passes through a plane defined by the axis (X) and an axis (Y)
passing through the opening (8).
10. A dispensing head according to claim 9, wherein an obtuse angle
.beta. is formed between the axes (X) and (Y).
11. The dispensing head of claim 1, wherein said cutout comprises
an arcuate portion entirely in a plane that is perpendicular to the
axis (X), the plane of said arcuate portion being closer to a lip
of said fixed part that is for being fixed on the reservoir than
said plane of said hinge zone.
12. A dispensing head according to claim 1, wherein in a plane
defined by the axes (X) and (Y), the profile of the cutout (9) has
a bent portion, said profile decreasing from an end situated in the
vicinity of the hinge zone as far as an end of the opposite side to
the hinge zone.
13. A dispensing head according to claim 1, wherein in a plane
defined by the axes (X) and (Y), the profile of the cutout (9) has
an inclined rectilinear portion, said profile decreasing from an
end situated in the vicinity of the hinge zone as far as an end of
the opposite side to the hinge zone.
14. A dispensing head according to claim 1, wherein the movable
part (4) is dome shaped.
15. A dispenser (1) for the dispensing of a product of a liquid to
viscous consistency comprising: a reservoir (3) containing the
product, provided with a dispensing valve (2) and having a
longitudinal axis (X); a dispensing head consisting of a fixed part
(10) fixed on the reservoir (3) and a movable part (4) separated by
a peripheral cutout and connected in a pivotable manner by a hinge
zone (7), a connecting means (11) having a free end (11a) to cause
the movable part (4) to communicate with the valve (2) and actuate
the opening of the valve, this head comprising, moreover, a
dispensing opening (8) provided with an axis (Y), the profile of
the cutout (9), in a plane defined by the axes (X) and (Y),
decreasing in a direction away from the hinge end; wherein the
cutout (9) is situated substantially between the hinge zone and the
fixed part (1), and in that the hinge zone is situated in a plane
perpendicular to the axis (X) at a position substantially
corresponding to the position of the said free end (11a) along the
axis (X).
16. A dispenser according to claim 15, wherein the cutout (9) has a
median portion (9a) substantially perpendicular to the axis (X) and
two end branches (9b, 9c) inclined relative to the median portion
(9a) and ending on either side of the hinge zone (7), the branches
(9a, 9b) being shaped so that an angle (.alpha.) is formed between
each branch (9b, 9c) and the median portion (9a) of the cutout.
17. A dispenser according to claim 15, wherein the valve (2) is a
depression valve.
18. A dispenser according to claim 15, wherein the angle (.alpha.)
is an angle of from 70.degree. to 160.degree..
19. A dispenser according to claim 15, wherein the connecting means
is formed by an emergent valve stem (11) and an axial pin (5)
cooperating with the stem.
20. A dispensing head for a dispenser having a reservoir with a
dispensing valve, the dispensing head comprising: a fixed part
having a lower lip for being attached to the reservoir of the
dispenser; a movable part spaced from said fixed part by a
peripheral cutout except at a hinge zone that pivotably attaches
said movable part to said fixed part; and a dispensing passageway
in said movable part, said passageway having a dispensing opening
with a dispensing axis and an interior opening that is for being
connected to the dispensing valve of the dispenser and for
operating the dispensing valve, said interior opening having a
longitudinal axis for being aligned with an axis of the dispensing
valve and a seat for receiving an end of the dispensing valve when
the dispensing head is mounted on the dispenser, wherein said hinge
zone is entirely in a first plane that is perpendicular to said
longitudinal axis of said interior opening and that is coplanar
with a plane of said seat when said movable part is not depressed
.Iadd.and said cutout is situated entirely below said first
plane.Iaddend..
21. The dispensing head of claim 20, wherein said cutout comprises
an arcuate portion entirely in a second plane that is perpendicular
to said longitudinal axis of said interior opening and spaced from
said first plane, and two linear branch portions at ends of said
arcuate portion that extend said cutout from said second plane to
said first plane, a gap between said two branch portions at said
first plane defining said hinge zone.
22. The dispensing head of claim 21, wherein said two branch
portions are two opposite slanted sides of a trapezoid and said
first plane is a short side of the trapezoid and said second plane
is an opposing long side of the trapezoid.
23. The dispensing head of claim 20, wherein said cutout comprises
an arcuate portion entirely in a second plane that is perpendicular
to said longitudinal axis of said interior opening, said second
plane being closer to said lower lip than said first plane.
24. The dispensing head of claim 20, wherein said fixed part and
said movable part have respective exterior side contours that
together form a continuous curved side surface so that said fixed
and movable parts are visually indistinguishable, except for said
cutout therebetween..Iadd.
25. A dispensing head for a dispenser having a reservoir and a
dispensing valve that has a longitudinal axis, the dispensing head
comprising: a fixed part; a movable part spaced from said fixed
part by a cutout; a hinge pivotally coupling said fixed part to
said movable part; a dispensing passageway in said movable part,
said dispensing passageway having a dispensing opening and an
interior opening, the interior opening being adapted to receive the
dispensing valve of the dispenser to permit operation of the
dispensing valve upon movement of said moveable part about said
hinge, and wherein at least a substantial portion of said cutout is
located below a first plane that both is perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of said dispensing valve when said dispensing
head is connected to said valve and passes through said
hinge..Iaddend..Iadd.
26. A dispensing head of claim 25, wherein said cutout has a main
portion located below said first plane and said cutout has two end
branches, one of the end branches being located at either end of
said main portion on opposite sides of said hinge, the end branches
each being inclined from said main portion upward toward said first
plane..Iaddend..Iadd.
27. A dispensing head according to claim 26, wherein an angle
.alpha. is formed between each end branch and said main portion of
said cutout..Iaddend..Iadd.
28. A dispensing head of claim 27, wherein said angle .alpha. is
from 70 degrees to 160 degrees..Iaddend..Iadd.
29. A dispensing head of claim 27, wherein said angle .alpha. is an
obtuse angle..Iaddend..Iadd.
30. A dispensing head of claim 27, wherein said main portion of
said cutout has the shape of a circular arc..Iaddend..Iadd.
31. A dispensing head of claim 25, wherein said fixed portion is
formed by a cylindrical ring..Iaddend..Iadd.
32. A dispensing head of claim 25, wherein said fixed part and said
movable part are made of one piece..Iaddend..Iadd.
33. A dispensing head of claim 25, wherein said hinge includes a
film hinge..Iaddend..Iadd.
34. A dispensing head of claim 25, wherein said hinge passes
through a plane defined by said axis of said dispensing valve and
said dispensing opening..Iaddend..Iadd.
35. A dispensing head of claim 26, wherein said main portion of
said cutout is located in a second plane that is located below and
parallel to said first plane..Iaddend..Iadd.
36. A dispensing head of claim 26, wherein said end branches are
two opposite slanted sides of a trapezoid having a short side that
lies in said first plane..Iaddend..Iadd.
37. A dispensing head for a dispenser having a reservoir and a
dispensing valve that has a longitudinal axis, the dispensing head
comprising: a fixed part; a movable part spaced from said fixed
part by a cutout; a hinge pivotally coupling said fixed part to
said movable part; a dispensing passageway in said movable part,
said dispensing passageway having a dispensing opening and an
interior opening, the interior opening being adapted to receive the
dispensing valve of the dispenser to permit operation of the
dispensing valve upon movement of said moveable part about said
hinge, and wherein at least a substantial portion of said cutout
lies below a first plane that is both perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of said dispensing valve when said dispensing
head is connected to said valve and passes through said hinge, and
wherein the position of the top of the dispensing valve
substantially corresponds to the position of said first plane when
said dispensing valve is connected to said dispensing
head..Iaddend..Iadd.
38. A dispensing head of claim 37, wherein said cutout has a main
portion located below said first plane and said cutout has two end
branches, one of the end branches being located at either end of
said main portion on opposite sides of said hinge, the end branches
each being inclined from said main portion upward toward said first
plane..Iaddend..Iadd.
39. A dispensing head according to claim 38, wherein an angle
.alpha. is formed between each end branch and said main portion of
said cutout..Iaddend..Iadd.
40. A dispensing head of claim 39, wherein said angle .alpha. is
from 70 degrees to 160 degrees..Iaddend..Iadd.
41. A dispensing head of claim 39, wherein said angle .alpha. is an
obtuse angle..Iaddend..Iadd.
42. A dispensing head of claim 39, wherein said main portion of
said cutout has the shape of a circular arc..Iaddend..Iadd.
43. A dispensing head of claim 37, wherein said fixed portion is
formed by a cylindrical ring..Iaddend..Iadd.
44. A dispensing head of claim 37, wherein said fixed part and said
movable part are made of one piece..Iaddend..Iadd.
45. A dispensing head of claim 37, wherein said hinge includes a
film hinge..Iaddend..Iadd.
46. A dispensing head of claim 37, wherein said hinge passes
through a plane defined by said axis of said dispensing valve and
said dispensing opening..Iaddend..Iadd.
47. A dispensing head of claim 38, wherein said main portion of
said cutout is located in a second plane that is located below and
parallel to said first plane..Iaddend..Iadd.
48. A dispensing head of claim 38, wherein said end branches are
two opposite slanted sides of a trapezoid having a short side that
lies in said first plane..Iaddend..Iadd.
49. A dispensing head for a dispenser having a reservoir and a
dispensing valve that has a longitudinal axis, the dispensing head
comprising: a fixed part; a movable part spaced from said fixed
part by a cutout; a hinge pivotally coupling said fixed part to
said movable part; a dispensing passageway in said movable part,
said dispensing passageway having a dispensing opening and an
interior opening, the interior opening being adapted to receive the
dispensing valve of the dispenser to permit operation of the
dispensing valve upon movement of said moveable part about said
hinge, and wherein at least a substantial portion of said cutout
lies below a first plane that is both perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of said dispensing valve when said dispensing
head is connected to said valve and passes through said hinge, and
wherein said cutout has a non-linear profile when viewed from a
side of said hinge..Iaddend..Iadd.
50. A dispensing head of claim 49, wherein said cutout has a main
portion located below said first plane and said cutout has two end
branches, one of the end branches being located at either end of
said main portion on opposite sides of said hinge, the end branches
each being inclined from said main portion upward toward said first
plane..Iaddend..Iadd.
51. A dispensing head according to claim 50, wherein an angle
.alpha. is formed between each end branch and said main portion of
said cutout..Iaddend..Iadd.
52. A dispensing head of claim 51, wherein said angle .alpha. is
from 70 degrees to 160 degrees..Iaddend..Iadd.
53. A dispensing head of claim 51, wherein said angle .alpha. is an
obtuse angle..Iaddend..Iadd.
54. A dispensing head of claim 51, wherein said main portion of
said cutout has the shape of a circular arc..Iaddend..Iadd.
55. A dispensing head of claim 49, wherein said fixed portion is
formed by a cylindrical ring..Iaddend..Iadd.
56. A dispensing head of claim 49, wherein said fixed part and said
movable part are made of one piece..Iaddend..Iadd.
57. A dispensing head of claim 49, wherein said hinge includes a
film hinge..Iaddend..Iadd.
58. A dispensing head of claim 49, wherein said hinge passes
through a plane defined by said axis of said dispensing valve and
said dispensing opening..Iaddend..Iadd.
59. A dispensing head of claim 50, wherein said main portion of
said cutout is located in a second plane that is located below and
parallel to said first plane..Iaddend..Iadd.
60. A dispensing head of claim 50, wherein said end branches
portions are two opposite slanted sides of a trapezoid having a
short side that lies in said first plane..Iaddend..Iadd.
61. A dispensing head for a dispenser having a reservoir and a
dispensing valve that has a longitudinal axis, the dispensing head
comprising: a fixed part; a movable part spaced from said fixed
part by a cutout; a hinge pivotally coupling said fixed part to
said movable part; a dispensing passageway in said movable part,
said dispensing passageway having a dispensing opening and an
interior opening, the interior opening being adapted to receive the
dispensing valve of the dispenser to permit operation of the
dispensing valve upon movement of said moveable part about said
hinge, and wherein at least a substantial portion of said cutout
lies below a first plane that is both perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of said dispensing valve when said dispensing
head is connected to said valve and passes through said hinge, said
cutout has a non-linear profile when viewed from a side of said
hinge, and wherein the position of the top of said dispensing valve
substantially corresponds with the position of said first plane
when said dispensing valve is connected to said dispensing
head..Iaddend..Iadd.
62. A dispensing head according to claim 61, wherein said cutout
has a main portion located below said first plane and said cutout
has two end branches, one of the end branches being located at
either end of said main portion on opposite sides of said hinge,
the end branches being inclined from said main portion upward
toward said first plane..Iaddend..Iadd.
63. A dispensing head according to claim 62, wherein an angle
.alpha. is formed between each end branch and said main portion of
said cutout..Iaddend..Iadd.
64. A dispensing head of claim 63, wherein said angle .alpha. is
from 70 degrees to 160 degrees..Iaddend..Iadd.
65. A dispensing head of claim 63, wherein said angle .alpha. is an
obtuse angle..Iaddend..Iadd.
66. A dispensing head of claim 63, wherein said main portion of
said cutout has the shape of a circular arc..Iaddend..Iadd.
67. A dispensing head of claim 61, wherein said fixed portion is
formed by a cylindrical ring..Iaddend..Iadd.
68. A dispensing head of claim 61, wherein said fixed part and said
movable part are made of one piece..Iaddend..Iadd.
69. A dispensing head of claim 61, wherein said hinge includes a
film hinge..Iaddend..Iadd.
70. A dispensing head of claim 61, wherein said hinge passes
through a plane defined by said axis of said dispensing valve and
said dispensing opening..Iaddend..Iadd.
71. A dispensing head of claim 62, wherein said main portion of
said cutout is located in a second plane that is located below and
parallel to said first plane..Iaddend..Iadd.
72. A dispensing head of claim 62, wherein said branch portions are
two opposite slanted sides of a trapezoid having a short side that
lies in said first plane..Iaddend.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a head for the dispensing of a product in
a liquid form with a relatively viscous consistency, having a
particularly compact shape, and also relates to a dispenser
comprising this head. This dispenser may be used in various fields
of application and may serve for the dispensing of cosmetic
products (a lacquer, a deodorant, a hair mousse, a body lotion, a
depilatory foam liquid foundation, or a sunscreen lotion) or
dermopharmaceutical products (an insect repellant, analgesic or
anti-inflammatory product), household products, paints, etc. in the
form of liquids, gels, sprays or foams.
As is known the dispenser of the invention comprises a reservoir
containing the product, provided with a dispensing valve equipped
with an actuating means, such as an actuating stem, and having a
longitudinal axis of symmetry; and a dispensing head comprising a
movable part, such as a push button provided with a connecting
means for causing the movable part to communicate with the valve
and to actuate the opening of the letter. This connecting means is
capable of acting on the actuating means of the valve. The movable
part comprises, moreover, a conduit transversing the connecting
means and connecting one end of the actuating means to a dispensing
opening provided in the movable part. The head comprises, moreover,
a fixed part such as a retaining ring capable of being fixed on the
reservoir and provided for holding the movable part in position.
The movable and fixed parts are separated by a peripheral cutout
and pivotally connected by a hinge zone.
In general, when a valve with an emergent stem is used the
connecting means is constituted by a pin joined to the movable
part, capable of cooperating with the valve stem.
A dispenser of this kind has been described by the Applicant in
FR-A-2 592 004. The dispensing head of this dispenser is obtained
in a single piece and comprises a push button provided with the
dispensing opening, and connected to a fixing ring in a pivotable
manner, by a film hinge.
The Applicant has found that the dispensing head, and consequently
the dispenser according to FR-A-2 592 004, is of a relatively great
height. Because of this, the storage and packing of this type of
dispenser require a great deal of space.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The principal object of the present invention is to improve the
dispensers of the kind defined above, by reducing their total
volume. Moreover, the invention aims to reduce the quantity of raw
material required for the manufacture of the head. Moreover, thanks
to the invention, it is possible to obtain dispensing heads with a
particularly attractive appearance.
These objects are attained by creating a dispensing head of the
above described kind, and by reducing the height of the dispensing
head. A particular object of the invention is to obtain as low an
implantation of the fixed part of the dispensing head on the
reservoir as possible.
A first aspect of the present invention provides a head for the
dispensing of a product of a liquid to viscous consistency,
intended to be mounted on a reservoir which contains the product
and is provided with a dispensing valve and has a longitudinal
axis, this head comprising, in particular, a fixed part capable of
being fixed on the reservoir, and a movable part, said parts being
separated by a peripheral cutout and pivotably connected at a hinge
zone; and a connecting means having a free end for causing the
movable part to communicate with the valve and to actuate the
opening of the valve, this head comprising, moreover, a dispensing
opening provided with a central axis. It is characterized in that
the cutout is situated substantially between the hinge zone and the
fixed part; and in that the hinge zone is situated in a position
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis corresponding substantially
to the position of the free end along the longitudinal axis.
A second aspect of the present invention provides an improved
dispenser for the dispensing of a product of a liquid to viscous
consistency, having a longitudinal axis and comprising the
dispensing head of the first aspect, mounted on the product
reservoir provided with a dispensing valve.
Advantageously, the hinge zone is situated between the opening and
the fixed part. In a first preferred embodiment, the cutout has a
median portion substantially perpendicular to the axis and two end
branches ending on either side of the hinge zone, inclined relative
to the median portion, ending on either side of the hinge zone.
Thus in a preferred embodiment of the invention, an angle .alpha.
is formed between each branch and the median portion of the cutout.
The angle .alpha. is typically from 70.degree. to 160.degree..
Preferably, this angle .alpha. is an obtuse angle. By means of this
arrangement, the median portion of the cutout is situated on the
side of the reservoir at a level lower than the hinge zone.
In a second embodiment the cutout has, along the longitudinal and
central axes, a profile comprising a bent portion, the profile
decreasing from an end situated in the vicinity of the hinge zone
as far as an end on the opposite side to the hinge zone. Thus the
cutout has an inclined cross-section, so that the point of this
cutout nearest to the reservoir is situated on the side
diametrically opposed to the opening, that is to say, at the place
where the user is pressing to actuate the valve.
In another embodiment, the cutout has an inclined rectilinear
profile along the longitudinal and central axes, the profile
decreasing from an end situated in the vicinity of the hinge zone
as far as an end on the opposite side to the hinge zone.
The valve that can be used for equipping the dispenser in
accordance with the invention is advantageously a conventional
depression valve. This valve may be a male valve comprising an
emergent actuating stem communicating with the dispensing opening
via a connecting pin of the movable part. It is also possible to
use a female valve without a stem; in this case, the stem is joined
to the movable part in communication with this valve.
The movable part advantageously takes the form of a flattened domed
cap, performing the function of a push button capable of actuating
the opening of the valve via the stem. The top of the cap is
formed, for example, by an inclined plane constituting a bearing
surface on which the user places his index finger with a view to
effecting the dispensing of a product dose. Advantageously, this
push button comprises a conduit for passing the product towards the
dispensing opening. This conduit has two segments as extension of
one another, respectively defining an axial duct and a radial duct
bent relative to one another and forming between them an obtuse
angle .beta.. Advantageously, the axial duct of this conduit is
formed by a hollow central pin carried by the internal face of the
push button capable of being connected to the valve stem. Thus,
according to an important aspect of the invention, the central pin
has a height along the longitudinal axis, such that its free end is
situated substantially at the same level as the hinge zone. When
the product to be dispensed is a liquid the dispensing opening may,
if required, be provided with a spraying nozzle.
The fixed part is preferably constituted by a cylindrical ring of a
low height, advantageously less than 1.5 mm, mounted, for instance,
by catch-engagement on the reservoir. This catch-engagement is
effected, for example, on a crimped bead of a valve carrier cup
surmounting the reservoir. Advantageously, the dispensing valve is
fixed in the valve carrier cup, for example also by crimping.
The fixed part carries an extension, for example of a trapezoidal
shape, the large base of the trapezium whereof is joined to the
fixed part, this extension being turned towards the opposite side
to the reservoir. The small base of the trapezium forms, in
particular, the pivoting axis of the hinge zone and is
advantageously orientated perpendicularly to the axis of the
reservoir. The two lateral sides of the trapezium thus converging
towards the hinge zone are delimited by two inclined branches of a
cutout separating the movable part from the fixed part. The ends of
the branches on the opposite side to the hinge zone open out in a
median portion of the cutout. This median portion is orientated
substantially perpendicularly to the axis of the reservoir, and is
situated on the circumference of the movable part. This median
portion of the cutout has, in particular, the shape of a circular
arc. This cutout allows the movable part to pivot relative to the
fixed part round the axis of the hinge zone.
This hinge zone, by means of which the movable part is connected to
the fixed part, is preferably situated in a plane passing through
the axis of the reservoir and the central axis of the dispensing
opening. According to the invention, this hinge zone is situated at
a level along the axis of the reservoir corresponding substantially
to the level of the connecting means. More particularly, the
connecting means is constituted by the valve stem and the pin of
the movable part. In particular, the level of the hinge zone is
situated exactly at the height of the emergent end of the valve
stem. The hinge zone may be constituted by two pivot pins
orientated perpendicularly to the axis of the reservoir and carried
by the movable part, these pivot pins cooperating with two
complementary cylindrical bores carried by the fixed part of the
dispensing head. However, the hinge zone is preferably a film hinge
formed by a portion of a flexible material of smaller thickness
than the rest of the material forming of the movable part.
The dispensing head thus constituted then forms a monobloc assembly
(fixed part-movable part and film hinge). From the industrial point
of view, this monobloc embodiment permits easy moulding, only
requiring low costs for assembling the head on the reservoir.
When the hinge zone is situated substantially at the level of the
connecting means, any deformation of the stem is avoided during its
actuation, which would risk making it fragile and/or blocking its
axial movement.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
To render the present invention more readily understood, an
embodiment represented in the attached drawings will be described
by way of a purely illustrative example which is in no way
restrictive.
FIG. 1 is a partial axial section of a dispenser in accordance with
the invention, in its rest position.
FIG. 2 is a partial axial section of the dispenser of FIG. 1 in the
course of the dispensing.
FIG. 3 is a partial side view of the dispenser of FIG. 1 shown in
perspective.
FIG. 4 shows a top view in perspective along line IV--IV of FIG.
3.
FIG. 5 shows a front view in perspective of the dispensing head of
the invention along line V--V of FIG. 3.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to the attached FIGS. 1 to 5, there may be seen a
dispenser for a liquid product, which has been designated as a
whole by the reference numeral 1. The dispenser 1 has a valve
carrier cup 12, wherein there is crimped a dispensing valve 2
equipping a generally cylindrical reservoir 3, pressurized by means
of a propellant gas and having a longitudinal axis X of symmetry.
The reservoir 3 contains, for example, a liquid cosmetic or
dermo-pharmaceutical product to be dispensed in the form of a
filiform jet, a spray or a foam. If required, it is possible to use
a reservoir provided with a pouch for the product, connected to the
valve or fitted with a piston and acted on by a propellant means
such as a propellant gas or a spring.
The dispenser 1 comprises a dispensing head 1a formed by a push
button 4 and by a cylindrical retaining ring 10. The push button
has the shape of a skull cap or circular dome whose top forms an
inclined flat portion 41. The push button and the ring 10 are made
from one and the same piece, a flexible film hinge zone 7 being
provided for connecting the two. The ring 10 has a cylindrical
skirt 10a provided internally by a catch-engagement bead 10b
intended to be fixed on a circumferential flange 3a carried by the
container 3. The skirt 10 has an annular flat portion 10c situated
above the bead 10b and joined to the push button 4. A cylindrical
and hollow axial pin 5, joined to the flat portion 41 of the push
button 4, is arranged inside the push button. The flat portion 41
of the push button constitutes a bearing surface whereon the user
exerts pressure to start the dispensing of the product.
To ensure the mobility of the push button relative to the ring 10,
a circular arc-shaped peripheral cutout 9 separates the push button
4 from the ring 10. The cutout 9 is obtained in the side wall of
the dome 4, in the vicinity of the plate 10c. This cutout has a
circular arc-shaped portion 9a, perpendicular to the axis X, which
extends over a peripheral range of approximately 240.degree. and
whose ends bear the reference numerals 9d and 9e. These ends 9d, 9e
are respectively connected to a branch 9b and 9c of the cutout, so
that an angle .alpha. is formed between each branch 9b and 9c
respectively and the portion 9a. This angle .alpha. is
approximately 120.degree.. Thus the branches 9b, 9c define the
lateral sides of a trapezoidal zone 14 having a large base 14a on
the side of the reservoir, and a small base 7 on the opposite side
(see FIG. 5). The small base 7 is a flexible zone with a reduced
thickness, as compared with the rest of the wall of the dome, and
forms the film hinge (FIG. 1). Thus the push button is mounted for
pivoting, relative to the ring 10, round the axis of the hinge zone
7. The base 14a is situated in the continuation of the arc shaped
portion 9a and in the same plane. As for the film hinge, it is
situated in a plane perpendicular to the axis X and arranged
approximately halfway between the dispensing opening 8 and the arc
shaped portion 9a of the cutout. The opening 8 is provided in an
extension 42 of the push button with a central axis Y. The plane of
the film hinge passes, moreover, through the free end 11a of the
valve stem.
The pin 5 is traversed by an axial duct 6a of a routing conduit
which is connected to a transverse or radial duct 6b leading to the
dispensing opening 8. The transverse duct 6b and the opening 8 with
a central axis Y forms an obtuse angle .beta. with the axis X of
the reservoir 3. The free end .[.11a.]. of the pin 5 has a bore
with a diameter larger than that of the conduit 6a, so as to form a
recess 5a capable of receiving with a light grip the free end of an
actuating stem 11 of the valve 2. By means of this arrangement in
accordance with the invention, the film hinge 7 is, on the one
hand, situated substantially at the same height along the axis X as
the free end 11a of the valve stem. On the other hand, the cutout 9
is entirely situated at a lower level along the axis X than that of
the film hinge 7.
The container 3 is, moreover, surmounted by a valve carrier cup 12
fixed on the latter by the flange 3a. In the cup 12, the dispensing
valve 2 comprising the said actuating stem 11 emerging from the cup
is fixed, for example by crimping. On the opposite side to the stem
11, the valve is connected to a dip tube 13 permanently dipping
into the product to be dispensed.
The valve 2 is of the conventional "depression" type opening of
which is actuated by the depression of the stem 11 in the direction
of the axis X towards the bottom of the reservoir. More
particularly, the depression of the stem 11 is actuated by the user
who starts the dispensing of the product by depressing the plate 41
of the push button in the direction of arrow F (FIG. 2).
It shall be duly understood that the embodiment described above is
in no way restrictive and may give rise to any type of desirable
modifications. Thus the branches 9b, 9c connected to the portion 9a
of the cutout 9 may take the shape of curves, circular arcs, or
have another non-rectilinear shape. The profile of the cutout along
a plane defined by the axes X and Y may decrease from one end
situated in the vicinity of the hinge zone, as far as the opposite
end of the hinge zone. In this case, the profile may be
rectilinear.
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