U.S. patent number RE38,328 [Application Number 09/709,714] was granted by the patent office on 2003-11-25 for packaging and dispensing device.
This patent grant is currently assigned to L'Oreal. Invention is credited to Jean-Louis H. Gueret.
United States Patent |
RE38,328 |
Gueret |
November 25, 2003 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Packaging and dispensing device
Abstract
The invention relates to a device for packaging and dispensing
substances in the form of a liquid, a gel, or a paste form, the
device comprising a receptacle having a plurality of compartments
for separately storing at least two substances, each compartment
having an outlet for the substance, the device further comprising
fixing means for fixing a rotary dispensing head on the receptacle
to enable the substance contained in a selected compartment
corresponding to a predetermined angular position of the head to be
dispensed. Said dispensing head has a single dispensing channel
provided at its outlet end with a non-return valve suitable for
opening under the effect of thrust from upstream substance, and it
is shaped to establish selective communication between the outlet
of said selected compartment and said dispensing channel and/or to
exert selective action on means for extracting substance and
associated with said selected compartment.
Inventors: |
Gueret; Jean-Louis H. (Paris,
FR) |
Assignee: |
L'Oreal (Paris,
FR)
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Family
ID: |
9481868 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/709,714 |
Filed: |
November 13, 2000 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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Reissue of: |
688166 |
Jul 29, 1996 |
05833121 |
Nov 10, 1998 |
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Foreign Application Priority Data
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Aug 10, 1995 [FR] |
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95 09730 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
222/144.5; 222/1;
222/494 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B05B
11/0029 (20130101); B05B 11/007 (20130101); B05B
11/0072 (20130101); B05B 11/3084 (20130101); B65D
1/04 (20130101); B65D 47/263 (20130101); B65D
81/3288 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B05B
11/00 (20060101); B65D 47/04 (20060101); B65D
47/26 (20060101); B65D 81/32 (20060101); B65D
1/04 (20060101); B67D 005/60 () |
Field of
Search: |
;222/94,95,1,129,135,142.6,142.9,144.5,206,212,265,266,490,494
;215/260,316 ;220/203.11 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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539551 |
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Jul 1973 |
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CH |
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24 44 227 |
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Mar 1976 |
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DE |
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30 11 634 |
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Oct 1981 |
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DE |
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0421860 |
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Apr 1991 |
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EP |
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0 427 609 |
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May 1991 |
|
EP |
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0427629 |
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May 1991 |
|
EP |
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0649795 |
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Apr 1995 |
|
EP |
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BE 429076 |
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Jul 1938 |
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FR |
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2 697 233 |
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Apr 1994 |
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FR |
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Primary Examiner: Gartenberg; Ehud
Assistant Examiner: Buechner; Patrick
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow,
Garrett & Dunner, LLP
Claims
I claim:
1. A device for packaging and dispensing substances in liquid, gel,
or paste form, the device comprising a receptacle having a
plurality of compartments for separately storing at least two
substances, each compartment having an outlet for the substance,
the device further comprising fixing means for fixing a rotary
dispensing head on the receptacle to enable only the substance
contained in a selected compartment corresponding to a
predetermined angular position of the head to be dispensed, wherein
said dispensing head includes a single dispensing channel provided
at its outlet end with a non-return valve suitable for opening
under the effect of thrust from upstream substance, and wherein
said dispensing head is shaped to establish selective communication
between the outlet of said selected compartment and said dispensing
channel.
2. A device according to claim 1, wherein said non-return valve is
of the type that allows ingress of air.
3. A device according to claim 1, wherein said non-return valve is
situated substantially flush with the outside surface of the
dispensing head.
4. A device according to claim 1, wherein said non-return valve is
made by overmolding an elastomer.
5. A device according to claim 1, wherein said dispensing head is
suitable for taking up a closure angular position in which the
dispensing channel is isolated from said outlets.
6. A device according to claim 1, wherein said fixing means
comprise a cover having an outlet tubular skirt for snapping onto
the receptacle, and a neck for rotatably receiving the dispensing
head, the cover having orifices passing therethrough and
communicating respectively in sealed manner with said outlets and
opening out to the inside of the neck at locations that are
angularly spaced apart.
7. A device according to claim 6, wherein said orifices are
constituted by recesses formed in the inside face of the neck at
its base.
8. A device according to claim 6, wherein the cover includes
annular sealing lips that engage in said openings respectively when
the cover is in position on the receptacle.
9. A device according to claim 1, wherein the receptacle has at
least a portion of its wall that is flexible so as to enable the
user to expel substance by pressing on said wall.
10. A device according to claim 9, wherein said portion of the wall
which is flexible is a portion that is elastically deformable.
11. A method for packaging and dispensing substances comprising
filling a device according to claim 1 with a first and second
lotions having different sun protection factors, said first and
second lotions being filled in different compartments in said
device.
12. A device for packaging and dispensing substances in liquid,
gel, or paste form the device comprising a receptacle having a
plurality of compartments for separately storing at least two
substances, each compartment having an outlet for the substance,
the device further comprising fixing means for fixing a rotary
dispensing head on the receptacle to enable only the substance
contained in a selected compartment corresponding to a
predetermined angular position of the head to be dispensed, wherein
said dispensing head includes a single dispensing channel provided
at its outlet end with a non-return valve suitable for opening
under the effect of thrust from upstream substance, and wherein
said dispensing head is shaped for exerting selective action on
means for extracting substance and associated with said selected
compartment.
13. A device for packaging and dispensing substances in liquid,
gel, or paste form, the device comprising a receptacle having a
plurality of compartments for separately storing at least two
substances, each compartment having an outlet for the substance,
the device further comprising fixing means for fixing a rotary
dispensing head on the receptacle to enable only the substance
contained in a selected compartment corresponding to a
predetermined angular position of the head to be dispensed, wherein
said dispensing head includes a single dispensing channel provided
at its outlet end with a non-return valve suitable for opening
under the effect of thrust from upstream substance, wherein said
dispensing head is shaped to establish selective communication
between the outlet of said selected compartment and said dispensing
channel, and wherein said dispensing head is shaped for exerting
selective action on means for extracting substance and associated
with said selected compartment.
14. A device for packaging and dispensing substances in liquid,
gel, or paste form, the device comprising a receptacle having a
plurality of compartments for separately storing at least two
substances, each compartment having an outlet for the substance,
the device further comprising fixing means for fixing a rotary
dispensing head on the receptacle to enable only the substance
contained in a selected compartment corresponding to a
predetermined angular position of the head to be dispensed, wherein
said dispensing head includes a single dispensing channel provided
at its outlet end with a non-return valve suitable for opening
under the effect of thrust from upstream substance, wherein said
dispensing head is shaped for exerting selective action on means
for extracting substance and associated with said selected
compartment, wherein said fixing means for fixing the rotary
dispensing head on the receptacle enable the head to move axially
along its axis of rotation, and wherein said outlets for substance
are situated on hollow control rods which, by being depressed, act
on extraction means suitable for causing substance to be
expelled.
15. A device according to claim .[.1.]. .Iadd.14.Iaddend., wherein
said control rods are associated with respective pumps suitable for
dispensing a measured quantity of substance on each depression of
the control rod..Iadd.
16. A device for dispensing substances in liquid, gel, or paste
form, the device comprising: a receptacle including at least a
first compartment configured to contain a first substance and
including a first outlet for the first substance, and a second
compartment configured to contain a second substance separately
from the first substance and including a second outlet for the
second substance; and a dispensing head including a dispensing
channel, an outlet, and a valve configured to open in response to
substance flow from the first and second compartments; wherein the
dispensing head is configured to be movable between a first
compartment dispensing position and a second compartment dispensing
position, the dispensing head being configured to dispense, via the
dispensing channel, only the first substance from the first
compartment when in the first compartment dispensing position and
only the second substance from the second compartment when in the
second compartment dispensing position, and wherein the dispensing
head is configured to prevent simultaneous dispensing from the
first and second compartments. .Iaddend..Iadd.
17. The device of claim 16, wherein the dispensing head is
rotatably movable between the first and second compartment
dispensing positions. .Iaddend..Iadd.
18. The device of claim 16, wherein the dispensing head is
configured so that the dispensing channel is placed in flow
communication with the first outlet when the dispensing head is in
the first compartment dispensing position and in flow communication
with the second outlet when the dispensing head is in the second
compartment dispensing position. .Iaddend..Iadd.
19. The device of claim 16, wherein the dispensing head is also
movable to a closure position wherein the dispensing channel lacks
flow communication with the first and second compartments.
.Iaddend..Iadd.
20. The device of claim 16, wherein the receptacle includes a
flexible portion configured to be pressed to expel substance from
one of the first and second compartments. .Iaddend..Iadd.
21. The device of claim 16, further comprising fixing means for
fixing the dispensing head on the receptacle. .Iaddend..Iadd.
22. The device of claim 16, wherein the dispensing head outlet is
provided at an end of the dispensing channel, and wherein the valve
is provided at the dispensing head outlet. .Iaddend..Iadd.
23. The device of claim 22, wherein the valve is configured to
prevent passage of contaminants into the device via the dispensing
head outlet. .Iaddend..Iadd.
24. The device of claim 22, wherein the valve is configured to
allow ingress of air. .Iaddend..Iadd.
25. The device of claim 16, further comprising a first pump
associated with the first compartment and a second pump associated
with the second compartment, wherein the device is configured to
actuate only the first pump when the dispensing head is in the
first compartment dispensing position and only the second pump when
the dispensing head is in the second compartment dispensing
position. .Iaddend..Iadd.
26. The device of claim 25, wherein the first pump includes a first
hollow control rod including the first outlet and the second pump
includes a second hollow control rod including the second outlet,
each of the first and second pumps being configured to be actuated
by moving their respective hollow control rod. .Iaddend..Iadd.
27. The device of claim 26, wherein the dispensing head is rotably
movable between the first and second compartment dispensing
positions, and wherein the dispensing head is axially movable to
cause actuation of one of the first and second pumps.
.Iaddend..Iadd.
28. The device of claim 16, wherein the first substance is
contained in the first compartment and the second substance is
contained in the second compartment. .Iaddend..Iadd.
29. The device of claim 28, wherein the first and second substances
are cosmetic products. .Iaddend..Iadd.
30. The device of claim 29, wherein the first and second substances
are sun protection products having differing sun protection
factors. .Iaddend..Iadd.
31. The device of claim 29, wherein the first substance is a sun
protection product and the second substance is an after-sun
product. .Iaddend..Iadd.
32. The device of claim 16, further comprising a mount configured
to mount the dispensing head on the receptacle. .Iaddend..Iadd.
33. The device of claim 32, wherein the mount is a cover including
a skirt provided on the receptacle and a neck movably receiving the
dispensing head. .Iaddend..Iadd.
34. The device of claim 33, wherein the dispensing head is
rotatably received on the neck. .Iaddend..Iadd.
35. The device of claim 34, wherein the dispensing head and the
neck are coupled via a cooperating bead and groove.
.Iaddend..Iadd.
36. The device of claim 33, wherein the neck includes a first
orifice in flow communication with the first outlet and a second
orifice in flow communication with the second outlet, and wherein
the dispensing head includes an opening providing substance flow to
the dispensing channel, the opening being in flow communication
with the first orifice when the dispensing head is in the first
compartment dispensing position and being in flow communication
with the second orifice when the dispensing head is in the second
compartment dispensing position. .Iaddend..Iadd.
37. The device of claim 36, wherein the dispensing head is
rotatably received on the neck. .Iaddend..Iadd.
38. The device of claim 33, wherein the skirt is coupled to the
receptacle. .Iaddend..Iadd.
39. The device of claim 33, wherein the skirt and the receptacle
are coupled via a cooperating bead and groove. .Iaddend..Iadd.
40. A method of selectively dispensing a substance, comprising:
providing the device according to claim 16, wherein a first
substance is contained in the first compartment and a second
substance is contained in the second compartment; selecting a
compartment from which to dispense a substance; moving the
dispensing head to one of the first and second compartment
dispensing positions corresponding to the selected compartment; and
dispensing the substance from the selected compartment.
.Iaddend..Iadd.
41. The method of claim 40, wherein the moving of the dispensing
head includes rotating the dispensing head. .Iaddend..Iadd.
42. The method of claim 40, further comprising axially displacing
the dispensing head. .Iaddend..Iadd.
43. The method of claim 40, wherein the first and second substances
are cosmetic products. .Iaddend..Iadd.
44. The method of claim 43, wherein the first and second substances
are sun protection products having differing sun protection
factors. .Iaddend..Iadd.
45. The method of claim 43, the first substance is a sun protection
product and the second substance is an after-sun product.
.Iaddend..Iadd.
46. A device for dispensing substances in liquid, gel, or paste
form, the device comprising: a receptacle including at least a
first compartment configured to contain a first substance and
including a first pump, and a first outlet for the first substance,
and a second compartment configured to contain a second substance
separately from the first substance and including a second pump,
and a second outlet for the second substance; and a dispensing head
configured to be movable between a first compartment dispensing
position and a second compartment dispensing position, the
dispensing head being configured to actuate the first pump and
dispense only the first substance from the first compartment when
in the first compartment dispensing position and to actuate the
second pump and dispense only the second substance from the second
compartment when in the second compartment dispensing position, and
wherein the dispensing head is configured to prevent simultaneous
dispensing from the first and second compartments.
.Iaddend..Iadd.
47. The device of claim 46, wherein the first pump includes a first
hollow control rod including the first outlet and the second pump
includes a second hollow control rod including the second outlet,
each of the first and second pumps being configured to be actuated
by moving their respective hollow control rod. .Iaddend..Iadd.
48. The device of claim 46, wherein the dispensing head is rotatbly
movable between the first and second compartment dispensing
positions. .Iaddend..Iadd.
49. The device of claim 46, wherein the dispensing head is axially
movable to cause actuation of one of the first and second pumps.
.Iaddend..Iadd.
50. The device of claim 46, wherein the dispensing head includes an
element for contacting one of the first and second pumps to cause
pump actuation when in one of the first and second compartment
dispensing positions. .Iaddend..Iadd.
51. The device of claim 46, further comprising fixing means for
fixing the dispensing head on the receptacle. .Iaddend..Iadd.
52. The device of claim 46, wherein the dispensing head includes a
dispensing channel configured to be placed in flow communication
with the first pump when the dispensing head is in the first
compartment dispensing position and in flow communication with the
second pump when the dispensing head is in the second compartment
dispensing position. .Iaddend..Iadd.
53. The device of claim 52, wherein the dispensing head includes an
outlet in fluid communication with the channel and a valve at the
outlet, the valve being configured to open in response to substance
flow in the channel. .Iaddend..Iadd.
54. The device of claim 53, wherein the valve is configured to
prevent passage of contaminants into the device via the dispensing
head outlet. .Iaddend..Iadd.
55. The device of claim 53, wherein the valve is configured to
allow ingress of air. .Iaddend..Iadd.
56. A method of selectively dispensing a substance, comprising:
providing the device according to claim 46, wherein a first
substance is contained in the first compartment and a second
substance is contained in the second compartment; selecting a
compartment from which to dispense a substance; moving the
dispensing head to one of the first and second compartment
dispensing positions corresponding to the selected compartment; and
dispensing the substance from the selected compartment.
.Iaddend..Iadd.
57. The method of claim 56, wherein the moving of the dispensing
head includes rotating the dispensing head. .Iaddend..Iadd.
58. The method of claim 56, further comprising axially displacing
the dispensing head. .Iaddend..Iadd.
59. The method of claim 56, wherein the first and second substances
are cosmetic products. .Iaddend..Iadd.
60. The method of claim 59, wherein the first and second substances
are sun protection products having differing sun protection
factors. .Iaddend..Iadd.
61. The method of claim 59, the first substance is a sun protection
product and the second substance is an after-sun product. .Iaddend.
Description
The present invention relates to a device for packaging and
dispensing substances that are in liquid, gel, or paste form, and
particularly, but not exclusively, a device for packaging and
dispensing a plurality of cosmetic substances for providing
protection against exposure to the sun, and having different
protection (screen) factors.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
German patent application No. 2 444 227 discloses a device for
packaging and dispensing two liquid substances, the device
comprising a two-compartment receptacle for storing the substances
separately, each compartment having a substance outlet opening, and
the device having means for fixing a rotary dispensing head on the
receptacle enabling the substance contained in a selected
compartment corresponding to a predetermined angular position of
the head to be dispensed. In that device, the substances are
discharged via two respective dispensing channels which open out
side by side. Such a device does not provide entire satisfaction,
in particular because foreign bodies such as sand or dust can
penetrate into the receptacle when it sucks in air as it returns to
its initial shape after dispensing substance. In addition, after
prolonged use of one only of the substances, the other substance
contained in the associated dispensing channel can dry out or spoil
in contact with air.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A particular object of the present invention is to remedy those
drawbacks.
This is achieved by the present invention which provides a device
for packaging and dispensing substances in liquid, gel, or paste
form, the device comprising a receptacle having a plurality of
compartments for separately storing at least two substances, each
compartment having an outlet for the substance, the device further
comprising fixing means for fixing a rotary dispensing head on the
receptacle to enable the substance contained in a selected
compartment corresponding to a predetermined angular position of
the head to be dispensed, wherein said dispensing head includes a
single dispensing channel provided at its outlet end with a
non-return valve suitable for opening under the effect of thrust
from upstream substance, and wherein said dispensing head is shaped
to establish selective communication between the outlet of said
selected compartment and said dispensing channel and/or for
exerting selective action on means for extracting substance and
associated with said selected compartment.
Advantageously, said non-return valve is of the type that allows
ingress of air.
The invention prevents foreign body pollution of the substances
contained inside the receptacle, and in the event of prolonged use
of one only of the substances, stagnation of the other substance in
the dispensing channel is avoided. This reduces the risk of the
dispensing channel clogging or of the substance spoiling on contact
with air.
When the thrust exerted on the non-return valve by the substance
ceases, then the substance contained in the dispensing channel is
advantageously returned to the associated compartment by the
suction that accompanies return of the device to its initial state.
This avoids the substances in the two compartments mixing in the
dispensing channel when subsequently dispensing the substance
contained in the other compartment.
When the packaging and dispensing device is used for packaging
cosmetics for providing protection against exposure to the sun, the
user can advantageously have available a plurality of substances of
different protection factors or a substance for protection against
exposure to the sun and an after-sun lotion such as a hydrating
cream, in the form of a single bottle or tube.
The term "receptacle" should not be understood restrictively, but
is used to cover any type of container whether a single piece or
made up by assembling a plurality of unit containers side by side,
in which case said "compartments" correspond, in fact, to said unit
containers.
In a particular embodiment of the invention, the rotary dispensing
head can take up an angular position in which it closes the device,
said channel then being isolated from said openings. Since the
device is opened or closed by rotating the dispensing head without
separating the parts of the device, problems associated with losing
the top or with foreign bodies such as sand penetrating and then
making closure difficult, as are encountered with prior art tubes
and bottles, are avoided.
In a particular embodiment of the invention, said fixing means for
fixing the rotary head on the receptacle comprise a cover having an
outlet tubular skirt for snapping onto the receptacle, and a neck
for rotatably receiving the head, the cover also having orifices
passing therethrough and communicating respectively in sealed
manner with said outlets of said compartments and opening out to
the inside of the neck at locations that are angularly spaced
apart. Advantageously, said orifices are constituted by recesses
formed in the inside face of the neck at its base, and the cover
includes annular sealing lips that engage in said openings
respectively when the cover is in position on the receptacle.
In a particular embodiment of the invention, the receptacle
includes at least one flexible wall shaped to enable the user to
expel the substance contained in a compartment by applying pressure
to said wall. Advantageously, said flexible wall is elastically
deformable, and at rest is in the form of a hemisphere that
projects from the outside surface of the receptacle.
In a particular embodiment of the invention, said fixing means for
fixing the rotary dispensing head on the receptacle enable the head
to move axially along its axis of rotation, and said outlets for
substance are situated on hollow control rods which, by being
depressed, act on extraction means suitable for causing substance
to be expelled, the head having a bearing surface shaped so as to
press axially against only one of the control rods at a time.
In a particular embodiment of the invention, said control rods are
associated with respective pumps suitable for dispensing a measured
quantity of substance on each depression of the control rod.
In a particular embodiment of the invention, said non-return valve
is made by overmolding an elastomer material.
Preferably, the non-return valve is situated substantially flush
with the outside surface of the dispensing head. Thus, the
substance leaving the non-return valve during dispensing can
accumulate on the outside surface of the dispensing head before
being taken off by the user, either by using the fingers or by
placing it directly on that part of the body where the substance is
to be applied.
A device of the kind specified above is advantageously used for
packaging and dispensing two cosmetics for providing protection
against exposure to the sun, having different protection factors,
or a substance for providing protection against exposure to the sun
together with an after-sun lotion.
Nevertheless, it would not go beyond the ambit of the invention to
use a device as specified above for successively applying two
treatment substances, for example where one of the substances needs
to be applied in the morning and the other in the evening.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention
appear on reading the following detailed description of three
non-limiting embodiments of the invention, and on examining the
accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a fragmentary and diagrammatic axial section view of a
packaging and dispensing device constituting a first embodiment of
the invention;
FIG. 2 is a fragmentary and diagrammatic axial section view of a
packaging and dispensing device constituting a second embodiment of
the invention; and
FIG. 3 is a fragmentary and schematic axial section view of a
packaging and dispensing device constituting a third embodiment of
the invention.
MORE DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1 shows a packaging and dispensing device 1 constituting a
first embodiment of the invention. The device 1 comprises a
receptacle 2 having two compartments 3 and 4 designed to receive
two lotions for providing protection against exposure to the sun,
and having different protection factors. The receptacle 2 is made
using any conventional technique for shaping plastics material,
e.g. by injection blowing or by extrusion and heat sealing. The
compartments 3 and 4 are separated by a partition 5 and they open
out to the top end of the receptacle 2 via respective openings 6
and 7 having parallel axes and of circular cross-section.
On the outside, the receptacle 2 has a shoulder to define a setback
8 for securing a cover 9. The cover covers the openings 6 and 7 and
the zone where the partition 5 connects to the region of the top
wall of the receptacle that extends between the openings. The
setback 8 is radially defined on the inside by a tubular wall 10 on
the outside of which there is formed an annular groove 11. The
groove 11 is intended to receive an annular bead 12 of
complementary shape projecting radially inwards from a tubular
skirt 13 formed on the bottom portion of the cover 9. The bead 12
is snapped into the groove 11. The top of the tubular skirt 13 runs
into a wall 14 extending transversely to the axis of the tubular
skirt 13, said wall 14 being extended upwardly by a neck 15 about
an axis X and serving to receive a rotary endpiece or dispensing
head 16. The axes of the openings 6 and 7 are parallel to the axis
X. The wall 14 is provided on its bottom face with annular sealing
lips 17 and 18 that fit in leakproof manner in the openings 6 and 7
respectively of the receptacle 2. Recesses 19 and 20 formed at the
base of the neck 15 on its radially inside surface, and in the
embodiment described in the form of rectilinear slots extending
parallel to the axis X of the neck 15, have their bottom ends
opening out in the openings 6 and 7 respectively and have their top
ends opening out in the neck 15 at respective diametrically
opposite locations.
On the outside, the dispensing endpiece 16 is defined by a top wall
16a that is dome-shaped and by a side wall 16b that is in the form
of a tubular skirt, and on the inside it has two coaxial tubular
skirts 21 and 22 whose top ends are connected to the inside face of
the dome-shaped wall 16a. Between them, the tubular skirts 21 and
22 leave an annular space acting as a channel 23 through which
substance can pass, opening out at its top end to the outside face
of the wall 16a via a dispensing orifice 24. The side wall 16b is
provided on its radially inner surface with an annular groove 25
that is snapped onto an annular bead 26 of complementary shape made
on the radially outer surface of the neck 15.
The tubular skirt 21 situated between the wall 16b and the tubular
skirt 22 is cut away in its periphery from its bottom end edge so
as to form an opening 27 through which the substance leaving the
recesses 19 or 20 can pass into the channel 23 (depending on the
angular position of the dispensing endpiece 16).
When not dispensing substance, the dispensing orifice 24 is
normally closed by a non-return valve 28, preferably of the type
that allows air intake, made by overmolding an elastomer material
on the wall 16a of the dispensing endpiece 16.
The transverse wall 14 has a first annular sealing lip 29 on its
top face adjacent the radially inner surface of the tubular skirt
21 and a second annular sealing lip 30 extending between the
tubular skirt 21 and the tubular skirt 22.
Depending on which substance is selected, the user turns the
dispensing endpiece 16 about the axis X so as to cause the opening
27 of the annular skirt 21 to face the recess 19 or the recess 20
and thus dispense the substance contained in the compartment 3 or
the compartment 4, respectively, or else the user places it in an
intermediate position to close the device. After positioning the
dispensing endpiece 16 as a function of the selected compartment,
the user presses the wall of the receptacle 2 defining said
compartment so as to dispense the substance contained therein, with
the non-return valve 28 lifting under drive from the pressure in
the substance. When the user releases the receptacle 2, the
non-return valve 28 closes again because of its own resilience.
When the receptacle 2 is made of an elastically deformable flexible
material, the action of closing the non-return valve 28 is
facilitated because of the suction that accompanies the return of
the receptacle to its initial shape. During subsequent dispensing
of the substance contained in the other compartment, this suction
makes it possible to avoid the substances coming from the
compartments 3 and 4 mixing in the channel 23.
FIG. 2 shows a packaging and dispensing device 1' constituting a
second embodiment of the invention. For this embodiment and for the
next embodiment, the same reference symbols are used to designate
elements that are identical to those of the preceding embodiment,
and they need not be described again in detail.
Overall the receptacle 2' has the same shape as the above-described
receptacle 2, and the cover 9' differs from the previous cover
mainly in the shape of the inside of the neck 15. The cover 9' has
a tubular skirt 31 inside the neck, which skirt is cut away over
two limited angular sectors of its periphery at two diametrically
opposite locations to form two substance-passing openings 32 and
33.
The dispensing endpiece 16' mounted to rotate on the neck 15 about
the axis X includes an outside wall 16b' from which there projects
a rib 34 serving as a marker to indicate which compartment has been
selected, and a top wall 16a' that is dome-shaped and that has a
central outlet orifice 35 for the substance passing through the top
thereof. A non-return valve 36 of elastomer material is made at the
top of the wall 16a' by being overmolded thereon, and it is cut in
a star configuration running from its center so as to form a
plurality of flexible fingers 37 that touch one another at rest so
as to close the valve in the absence of being subjected to upstream
pressure of substance for dispensing, which fingers are suitable
for deforming and spreading apart outwardly under the effect of
pressure from substance to be dispensed. The dispensing endpiece
16' has two coaxial tubular skirts 21' and 22' on its inside which
are connected via their tops to the inside face of the wall 16a'.
The radially inner tubular skirt 22' defines an inside channel 23'
through which substance passes and opening out at its top end via
the orifice 35, with this skirt being open at its bottom end over a
limited sector of its periphery to form an opening 38 through which
substance passes into the channel 23'. The intermediate tubular
skirt 21' fits in leakproof manner against the radially inner
surface of the neck 15 above the recesses 19 and 20. It is cut open
from its bottom end edge over a limited angular sector of its
periphery to form an opening 39 for passing the substance coming
from the recess 19 or 20 on its way to the channel 23' (after
passing through the opening 32 or 33 and through the opening
38).
To dispense the substance, the user positions the marker 34 on the
same side as the compartment 3 or the compartment 4 which contains
the selected substance.
The opening 39 of the inner tubular skirt 21' is then situated
either between the recess 19 and the opening 32 adjacent thereto,
or else between the recess 20 and the opening 33 adjacent thereto.
Substance is dispensed by pressing the wall of the receptacle
defining the selected compartment 3 or 4. The substance flows
through the opening 39 and the adjacent opening 32 or 33, the
opening 38 of the inner tubular skirt 22', and thus reaches the
dispensing orifice 35 via the channel 23'. The fingers of the
non-return valve 37 splay apart under the effect of the pressure of
the substance. When the user ceases to press on the receptacle, the
resilience thereof tends to return it to its initial shape, thereby
sucking back the substance contained in the channel 23'.
To close the device, the user positions the dispensing endpiece 16'
in an intermediate angular position where both recesses 19 and 20
are isolated from the channel 23'.
FIG. 3 shows a packaging and dispensing device 1" constituting a
third embodiment of the invention.
The device 1" comprises a receptacle 2" housing two unit containers
3" and 4" filled with two respective substances for dispensing
separately, e.g. two substances for providing protection against
exposure to the sun and having different protection factors.
The containers 3" and 4" are provided at their top portions with
pumps 3a" and 4a" (known per se) and shown diagrammatically, which
pumps are provided with respective hollow control rods 3b" and
4b".
The pumps 3a" and 4a" may be of the type that does not allow
ingress of air, and the containers 3" and 4" may be of the type in
which the substance is packaged in a flexible bag that is capable
of collapsing onto itself as the substance is dispensed.
The top portion of the receptacle 2" has a setback at the top
thereof, and an annular groove 11" is formed in the radially outer
surface of the setback for receiving a cap 9" on the receptacle 2"
while leaving it free to slide along a predetermined stroke
parallel to the axis X. The cap 9" has a tubular skirt 13" which is
provided in the vicinity of its bottom end edge with an annular
bead 12" that engages in the groove 11" to hold the cap 9" on the
receptacle 2". The cap 9" is installed on the receptacle 2" by
snap-fastening. The top portion of the tubular skirt 13" runs into
a transverse wall 14" that extends generally perpendicularly to the
axis X. The wall 14" is extended upwards by a neck 15" on which a
dispensing head 16" is mounted to rotate about the axis X.
The control rods 3b" and 4b" pass through the wall 14" via
respective holes 19" and 20" and they open out the inside of the
neck 15" in a shouldered portion 15a" thereof that extends from its
base and that is shaped to enable the control rods 3b" and 4b" to
slide parallel to the axis X.
The head 16" differs from the head 16 described above with
reference to FIG. 1 in the shape of the tubular skirt 21" in
contact with the radially inner surface of the neck 15". More
precisely, the tubular skirt 21" has a shoulder at 21a" in the
bottom portion thereof over one-half of its periphery so as to
cooperate with the shouldered portion 15a" of the neck 15" to form
a semi-annular groove .[.23".]. .Iadd.27".Iaddend. in which the
control rods 3b" or 4b" can slide freely. The tubular skirt 21" is
provided over half of its outside circumference with a rib 21b"
constituting a bearing surface designed to thrust axially on the
end edge 3c" or 4c" of one of the control rods 3b" or 4b" when the
cap 9" is pressed down on the receptacle 2". The channels formed
inside the control rods are referenced 3d" and 4d". The portion of
the tubular skirt 21" extending facing the shouldered portion 15a"
of the neck 15" includes at least one opening .[.27".].
.Iadd.21c".Iaddend., which is preferably situated vertically
beneath the non-return valve 28 fitted to the dispensing head 16"
for allowing the substance that leaves the control rod against
which the tubular skirt 21" is pressing via the rib 21b" so as to
go .Iadd.through channel 23".Iaddend. towards the dispensing
orifice .Iadd.24 .Iaddend.fitted with the non-return valve 28. The
radially outer annular surface of the tubular skirt 21" situated
above the shoulder 21a" presses in leakproof manner against the
radially inner annular surface of the neck 15" situated above the
shouldered portion 15a".
To dispense the substance contained in one of the containers 3" or
4", the user rotates the dispensing head 16" so as to position the
rib 21b" over the control rod 3b" or 4b" corresponding to the
substance to be dispensed. Both control rods 3b" and 4b" are
returned towards their fully-deployed rest position by resilient
return means included in the pumps 3a" and 3b".
Under the return action of the control rod pressing against the rib
21b", the cover 9" is pushed into abutment by the bead 12" against
the top end of the annular groove 11". To dispense a quantity of
substance, the user presses the dispensing head 16" so as to cause
the cover 9" to move down onto the receptacle 2". As the cover 9"
moves down, the rib 21b" presses against one of the control rods
(the control rod 3b" as shown in FIG. 3), while the other control
rod is free to penetrate unhindered into the annular groove
.[.23".]. .Iadd.27".Iaddend. and therefore remains in its deployed,
rest position.
When the corresponding control rod is pressed down, a predetermined
quantity of substance is expelled via the corresponding channel 3d"
or 4d", which constitutes a compartment outlet in the context of
the present invention.
Naturally, the invention is not limited to the three embodiments
described above.
In particular, it is possible within the invention to provide a
device for dispensing more than two substances as alternatives, or
for dispensing substances other than lotions for providing
protection against exposure to the sun.
The receptacle used for packaging the substances may be of various
shapes, and in particular it may have a wall that is entirely
flexible and elastically deformable, or in a variant it may have a
wall that is rigid in some portions and flexible in others. Under
such circumstances, the flexible wall is advantageously
hemispherical in shape and projects outwards from the receptacle
when at rest.
* * * * *