Abstract:
A device for atomizing a fluid product includes a reservoir containing the product and air, with the reservoir including a wall having at least one deformable area. A dip tube communicates selectively or permanently with an atomizing aperture to atomize the product when pressure is exerted on the deformable area. According to a preferred example, the dip tube includes at least one air passage to allow at least part of the air contained in the reservoir to mix with the product conveyed by the dip tube. The air passage is located between the two ends of the dip tube. Further, before a first use of the device and in an at least partially deformed position of the deformable area, the at least one air passage is not immersed in the product, regardless of the position of the reservoir.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This document claims priority to French Application Number 05 52571, filed Aug. 26, 2005 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/713,370, filed Sep. 2, 2005, the entire content of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention concerns a device for atomizing a fluid product. In particular, the invention concerns a small or miniature atomizer which can be used in the packaging of cosmetic products. The invention can be particularly advantageous, for example, for perfumes. 
   2. Description of Related Art 
   As sample type devices are not generally intended for sale, their manufacturing cost must be as low as possible. It is therefore important that such devices have parts which can be easily mass-produced and that assembly can be performed simply. In addition, they must be able to generate a good quality spray, and with the characteristics that are as constant as possible. 
   One solution for producing such packaging at as low a cost as possible could include providing a reservoir in the form of a dispenser of the type commonly used for the packaging of certain physiological saline solutions, eye drops or make-up removal products. A dispenser of this kind is produced in a single piece with an atomizing aperture, the opening of which is created by pulling off an end piece, in particular by twisting the end piece about the axis of the aperture. The filling of a device of this kind can be carried out via an open bottom of the reservoir. The latter is then closed up, for example by welding, in the manner of a tube. 
   A solution of this kind however suffers from two major drawbacks. The first is due to the fact that, upon opening, the aperture that results from pulling off the end piece by twisting is of imprecise shape and size. As a result, the spray that can be obtained through such an aperture, when the compressible walls of the reservoir are pressed, can have characteristics that vary greatly from one device to another. Often, the section of the aperture is such that it is not possible to generate a spray. The product can only flow out in the form of more or less large drops or a continuous trickle. 
   In addition, after filling of the reservoir, problems can arise in the welding/closing operation, particularly where a highly volatile product such as a perfume is concerned. Under the effect of the heat, there is a risk of the product evaporating, deteriorating, or perhaps even igniting. 
   Another solution is described, for example in EP 1 279 607, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,571,504, 2,642,313, 2,728,981, GB 680 815 and GB 263 699, which use a device of the nebuliser type. The device described in these documents includes a container with a deformable wall which contains a liquid product to be atomized. The container is topped by an atomizer head provided with an atomizing aperture that communicates with the inside of the container by a dip tube. An air inlet is provided in the upper part of the tube or above the tube. When the container is compressed, the internal volume of the container is reduced so that the air is compressed and forces the product from the container. The product then goes up into the dip tube. The compressed air also tends to escape from the container and enters the dip tube via the air inlet. A mixture of air and product is then obtained in the tube before atomization. 
   However, in certain positions, the air inlet is immersed in product at the same time as the lower end of the dip tube. If the user presses the deformable wall of the reservoir in such a position, the product is dispensed in the form of a jet or trickle and not a good quality spray. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Therefore, one of the objects of the invention is to implement an atomizing device, wholly or partially solving the problems discussed above with reference to the conventional devices. 
   Another object of the invention is to implement such a device that is easy to mass produce, with a production cost that is as low as possible. 
   Another object of the invention is to provide a device of this kind that makes it possible to generate a good quality spray. 
   The above objects can be achieved by a device for atomizing a fluid product according to the invention. A preferred example includes a reservoir containing the product and air, with the reservoir including a wall having at least one deformable area. A dip tube communicates selectively or permanently (or continuously) with an atomizing aperture that is capable of atomizing the product in response to pressure exerted on the deformable area. The dip tube includes a first end, and a second end, at the opposite end to the first, through which the product can enter. The dip tube also includes at least one air passage for allowing at least part of the air contained in the reservoir to mix with the product conveyed by the dip tube, with the air passage located between the two ends of the dip tube. According to a preferred example, before a first use of the device and in an at least partially deformed position of the deformable area, the at least one air passage is out of the product (it is not immersed), irrespective or regardless of the position of the reservoir. Irrespective or regardless of the position of the reservoir means irrespective of the substantially stationary position of the reservoir. Of course, it is not excluded that, when the reservoir is shaken, product can momentarily reach the level of the air passage. 
   Because the air passage is never immersed in product, product entering the dip tube is prevented or reduced. Thus, the product does not come out in the form of a poor quality jet without the product being mixed with air. For example, the product will either be atomized in the form of a spray by virtue of the air/product mixture, or air alone will come out depending on whether or not the second end of the tube is immersed in product. 
   By way of example, the air passage is preferably out of the product when the deformable area is deformed to its maximum, under normal conditions of use. 
   The second end of the dip tube can be located in the vicinity of the bottom of the reservoir so that most of the product contained in the reservoir can be dispensed. 
   Also by way of example, the dip tube can include more than one air passage, when it is desired for example to obtain a more aerated spray. The dip tube can for example include two air passages located opposite one another. The dip tube can also include at least two air passages situated at two or more different heights. 
   The cross-section of the air passage or passages can be circular, but it can also be oval, triangular, polygonal or any other shape. When the dip tube includes two or more air passages, they can have identical or different shapes or cross-sections. 
   By way of example, the air passage can open out facing a portion of the wall of the reservoir located at the opposite side from the deformable area. Thus, when the wall of the reservoir is pressed, the volume of the reservoir is reduced at the side opposite to the air passage which avoids the product being brought to the level of the air passage. 
   According to an example, the atomizing aperture can open out along an axis that is oblique with respect to the axis of the dip tube. The atomizing aperture can also open out along an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the dip tube. As the device is preferably used with its top upwards with the tube substantially vertical, one may thus obtain a spray which is not vertical. For example, a horizontal spray can be provided which facilitates the application of the product on the skin by providing, for example, an atomizing aperture oriented at 90° with respect to the axis of the dip tube. 
   Advantageously, the deformable area of the wall preferably has shape memory, that is to say it is configured so as to resume its initial shape by elastic return when the pressure ceases. The device can then be used several times consecutively. 
   The deformable area can have, for example, a substantially convex profile in its non-deformed position, for example in the shape of a dome, and a substantially concave profile in its deformed position. This configuration facilitates the return of the wall to the convex position when the pressure ceases. The wall located opposite the deformable area can be substantially flat for example. 
   Further by way of example, the deformable area of the reservoir can be formed from a thermoplastic material, in particular polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polyacrylonitrile, polyoxymethylene, polyvinyl chloride, or a mixture of these materials. 
   The device can include an atomizing end piece fixed to the reservoir which includes the atomizing aperture. 
   The atomizing device can also include a closure member capable of closing off the atomizing aperture. 
   The device is particularly advantageous for the packaging and atomizing of a sample measure of a cosmetic product, particularly a perfume. 
   As should be apparent, the invention can provide a number of advantageous features and benefits. It is to be understood that, in practicing the invention, an embodiment can be constructed to include one or more features or benefits of embodiments disclosed herein, but not others. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the preferred embodiments discussed herein are provided as examples and are not to be construed as limiting, particularly since embodiments can be formed to practice the invention that do not include each of the features of the disclosed examples. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     A better understanding of the invention will be gained from reading the following description in conjunction with the accompanying figures. The figures are offered purely as a guide and by way of example, and in no way limit the invention. 
       FIGS. 1 to 6  illustrate perspective views of one embodiment of the atomizing device according to the invention, in different positions; 
       FIG. 7  partially depicts in axial cross-section the atomizing device illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  partially illustrate variant embodiments of the dip tube of the device of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 10A  illustrates an circular cross-section embodiment of an air passage within the dip tube as viewed from the front of the air passage; 
       FIG. 10B  illustrates an oval cross-section embodiment of the air passage within the dip tube as viewed from the front of the air passage; 
       FIG. 10C  illustrates a triangular cross-section embodiment of the air passage as viewed from the front of the air passage; 
       FIG. 11A  illustrates a polygonal cross-section embodiment of the air passage as viewed from the front of the air passage; and 
       FIG. 11B  illustrates the polygonal cross-section embodiment of the air passage of  FIG. 11A  as viewed from a side. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Referring now to the drawings, like reference numerals are utilized to designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
   The device depicted in overview in the example of  FIGS. 1 to 6  includes a reservoir  10  with a deformable wall, containing the product P to be dispensed and air. An end piece  20  includes an atomizing aperture  21  and is mounted on the reservoir. The atomizing aperture  21  is in communication with the inside of the reservoir by a dip tube  30  having a longitudinal axis X. 
   According to the illustrated example, the reservoir  10  has as shaped of a drop of water, however it is to be understood that it can have any other shape permitting the deformation of at least one of its walls. It can for example be in the shape of a sphere. 
   The reservoir  10  is obtained, for example, by moulding, in particular by injection blow moulding from a single piece, of a thermoplastic material. The reservoir is, for example, formed from polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polyacrylonitrile, polyoxymethylene, polyvinyl chloride, or a mixture of these materials. 
   The wall of the reservoir  10  includes an area  11  having, for example, a rounded shape which is deformable when pressure is exerted on it. This wall preferably has shape memory so that it resumes its initial position when pressure is no longer exerted on it. 
   At the opposite side to this area  11 , the reservoir  10  has a flat wall  12  in the illustrated example. This configuration of the reservoir makes it possible to easily identify the area on which the user should exert pressure so that operation of the device is easily recognizable. In addition, this configuration makes it possible to easily hold the device between two fingers. Furthermore, the flat wall  12  can also be advantageous for holding the device in a stable position when it is set down on a surface. The flat wall  12  can also easily be decorated or provided with other indicia if desired. 
   The reservoir  10  ends with an open neck  13  in the illustrated example, visible in  FIG. 7 , on which the atomizing end piece  20  is mounted so as to be leak proof. The external shape of the atomizing end piece  20  is such that, when the end piece is fixed on the reservoir neck, it forms the end of the water drop shape. By way of example, the atomizing end piece  20  includes an attachment skirt  24 , cylindrical or a shape generated by revolution, which cooperates by latching with an annular groove  14  formed on the external wall of the neck  13  of the reservoir. 
   The atomizing end piece  20  also includes a sealing skirt  25 , for example cylindrical or a shape generated by revolution, with the sealing skirt being concentric with the attachment skirt  24 . The sealing skirt  25  rests in a leak proof manner on the internal surface of the neck  13  of the container. The attachment skirt  24  and the sealing skirt  25  extend parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the dip tube. 
   A wall  26 , transverse to the axis X, partially closes up the sealing skirt  25  in its upper part. The transverse wall  26  includes a passage  27  that opens out in a duct  28  with longitudinal axis Y, perpendicular to the axis X in the illustrated example. The duct  28  is closed at one of its ends  28   a , and open at the other of its ends  28   b  in order to receive a nozzle  40  in which the atomizing aperture  21  is formed. 
   The dip tube  30  is press-fitted into the atomizing end piece  20 . For example, the first end  30   a  of the dip tube is press-fitted into the sealing skirt  25 . The second end  30   b  of the dip tube opens out substantially towards the bottom of the reservoir so as to be immersed in the product to be atomized when the atomizing device is in the top-upwards position. 
   An aperture  31  is formed in the lateral wall of the dip tube  30  to allow the air present in the reservoir  20  above the product to be used to provide an atomized spray, when the reservoir is compressed, with the air introduced into the dip tube at the same time as the product goes up into the tube, as depicted in  FIG. 6 . 
   The position of the air passage  31  is chosen according to the shape of the reservoir and the initial amount of product, so that, before a first use of the device, the air passage  31  is out of the product, irrespective or regardless of the position of the reservoir. 
   In particular, when the device is in the top-upwards position, that is to say when the second end  30   b  of the dip tube is below the first  30   a , it can be seen in  FIGS. 1 and 2  that the upper level  100  of the product is below the air passage  31 . Preferably, when the device is in the top-downwards position, that is to say when the second end  30   b  of the dip tube is above the first end  30   a , it can be seen in  FIGS. 4 and 5  that the upper level  100  of the product is still below the air passage  31 . Similarly, when the dip tube is horizontal as depicted in  FIG. 3 , the upper level  100  of the product is below the air passage  31 . Also, the air passage  31  is preferably out of the product when the deformable area  11  is deformed to its maximum as depicted in  FIG. 6 . 
   According to one particular example, if a sphere-shaped reservoir is used, the air aperture is placed at the center of the sphere and the reservoir is filled with a volume of product less than half the total volume of the reservoir. 
   In the positions illustrated in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  6 , the lower end  30   b  of the dip tube  30  is immersed in the product. The product can then be atomized by pressing the deformable wall  11  as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . The reservoir  10  then changes from a convex first position, corresponding to its non-deformed position, to a concave second position corresponding to its deformed position. The rest of the reservoir is substantially not deformed so that, when the deformable wall  11  is deformed, the internal volume of the reservoir decreases. The air present in the reservoir is then compressed and an excess pressure is created inside the reservoir. The product is pushed inside the dip tube, through its end  30   b , at the same time as the air is introduced therein, via the air passage  31 , so that a product/air mixture is formed in the dip tube. The mixture obtained is then atomized through the aperture  21 . 
   When the wall resumes its initial shape, air then enters the reservoir, for example, through the atomizing aperture  21 . If some product remains inside the reservoir, excess pressure can again be created by deforming the activating wall and thus another measure of the product can be atomized. 
   In the positions illustrated in  FIGS. 3 to 5 , the lower end  30   b  of the dip tube is no longer immersed in the product. Given that the air passage  31  is also out of the product, if the user presses the deformable wall  11 , only air will come out. They will then know that they must position the reservoir differently to be able to atomize product. 
   According to the invention, as the lower end  30   b  of the dip tube and the air passage  31  are never both immersed in product, the user can avoid discharge of the product in the form of a jet or stream. Either the product will be atomized in the form of a spray by virtue of the air/product mixture, or air alone will come out. 
   In the example just described, the air passage is a hole of circular cross section as illustrated in  FIG. 10A . As shown for example in  FIGS. 10B-10C  and  11 A- 11 B, the air passage can be formed by a hole of any other shape, for example a hole of oval, triangular or polygonal cross-section. 
   In addition, the dip tube can include several air passages  31 . The dip tube can for example include two air passages located opposite one another as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , or two air passages  31  located at two different heights as depicted in  FIG. 9 . Preferably, all the air passages will remain out of the product, irrespective or regardless of the position of the reservoir. 
   In order that the atomizing device can be better stored between two uses, the atomizing end piece  20  can include a closure member  50 , in the form for example of a cap that is fixed on the outside of the nozzle  40  as seen in  FIG. 7 . 
   In a variant, provision can be made for the atomizing aperture to be closed off before a first use, for example by means of a heat-sealed film, for example, one which cannot be repositioned after having been removed. An arrangement of this kind is adapted to single-use atomizing devices. 
   Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.