Abstract:
A tilting valve for dispensing a product from a pressurized container includes an opening/closing element with at least two inlet apertures. The opening/closing element is capable, in response to a force transmitted to the opening/closing element laterally to a longitudinal axis of the tilting valve, of moving from a closed position to a first open position in which the product under pressure is dispensed at a first flow rate. The opening/closing element is further capable, in response to a force transmitted to the opening/closing element parallel to the longitudinal axis, of moving from the closed position to a second open position in which the product is dispensed at a second flow rate different from the first flow rate.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This document claims priority to French Application No. 02 11559, filed Sep. 18, 2002 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/419,528, filed Oct. 21, 2002, the entire content of both of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention disclosed relates to a valve for a pressurized container. Such valves are used for example in cosmetics to dispense hair products (lacquers, sprays, etc.), personal hygiene products, make-up products, or sunscreen products. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Discussion of Background 
   In a common configuration, valves for pressurized containers include a valve body incorporating an opening/closing element in the form of a valve stem, part of which emerges outside the valve body. The valve stem is capable of sliding in a leaktight manner in engagement with a sealing element in the form of an annular seal. 
   The valve stem is traversed by an axial channel one extremity of which emerges axially outside the valve body. The valve stem is designed to communicate with a passage traversing a valve actuating element incorporating at least one outlet aperture. The other extremity of the channel emerges radially via an inlet aperture or several inlet apertures arranged in the same axial position. 
   When the valve is in the closed position, the inlet aperture(s) is (are) closed against the sealing element. In response to an operating action, the valve moves axially downward, and the inlet aperture(s) in the valve stem is (are) placed in communication with the pressurized product inside the valve body. The product is then carried, via the valve stem and the passage traversing the actuating element, to the dispensing aperture. In the case of a valve with several inlet apertures, these are simultaneously placed in communication with the valve body. 
   When the operating action ceases, a spring housed inside the valve body returns the valve stem to the closed position. The dispensing of product is interrupted. 
   As well as being actuated in response to an axial movement, certain valves can be actuated in response to a force exerted laterally on the valve stem. These valves are referred to as “tilt” valves. In certain so-called “female” valves, the opening/closing element does not emerge outside the valve body. In this case, a portion of the actuating element is engaged inside the valve body and causes the valve to open or close. 
   A valve according to a different configuration is described, for example, in patent FR 2 725 182. In this document, the valve body is traversed by a purge aperture for the dispensing of a propellant gas in conjunction with the product or separately from it. 
   In all of these known valves, the operating action produces a movement of the opening/closing element, and its passage from a closed position to an open position in which the product is dispensed at a determinate and single flow rate. 
   In the first type of valve, the cross-section of the inlet aperture(s) and/or the number of inlet apertures determines the exit flow rate. For a valve of the type as described in document FR 2 725 182, referred to above, the depth and/or the width and/or the number of grooves made on the inner surface of the valve body determines the exit flow rate. 
   Thus, when the hair product is in the form of a lacquer, a container fitted with a valve allowing a first flow rate is used. When the product is to be atomized in the form of a spray, another container fitted with another valve allowing a second flow rate, higher than the first, is used. Two separate devices are therefore required when the user wishes to have the option of choosing between two different dispensing modes of the same product. 
   Variable-flow valves are described in documents U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,292,827, 3,195,569 and 6,296,155. By virtue of their configuration, the two positions with different flow rates are close to each other. In particular, the two flow rates are obtained by transmitting a force to the valve in the same direction, more precisely by moving the valve stem downward to a greater or lesser degree. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,139,128 describes a variable-flow tilt valve. This valve includes a valve stem traversed by a channel emerging, on one hand, at an outlet aperture and, on the other hand, at a product inlet passage defined between two parts of the valve stem. When the valve stem is moved axially downward, this passage is placed in communication with the pressurized product inside the valve body. When the valve stem is tilted, the two parts of the valve stem defining the product inlet passage move apart so as to enlarge the passage. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   One of the objects of the invention is to provide a valve capable of dispensing a product at different flow rates, according to the spray characteristics desired, making a distinction between the actuating movements allowing the product to be dispensed at different flow rates. 
   Another object of the invention is to provide a device that is simple and economical to produce. 
   Further objects of the invention will become apparent in the detailed description which follows. 
   According to one embodiment of the invention, these objects are achieved with a tilt-type valve configured to dispense a product contained in a pressurized container. The valve includes a lengthwise axis X and incorporates an opening/closing element with at least two inlet apertures. The opening/closing element is capable, in response to a force transmitted to the opening/closing element laterally to the axis X, of moving from a closed position to a first open position in which the product under pressure is dispensed at a first flow rate and which, in response to a force transmitted to the opening/closing element parallel to the axis X, is capable of moving from the closed position to a second open position in which the product is dispensed at a second flow rate different from the first. 
   The two open positions permit two different dispensing flow rates, each being obtained in normal conditions of use by a manual action, for example using the finger, and capable of being maintained for as long as desired. Thus, in the case of a hairstyling product for example, in an initial open position, the product is dispensed at a relatively low flow rate, in the form of a lacquer. In a second opening position, the product is dispensed at a higher flow rate, in the form of a spray. The same device can then be used for both dispensing modes. 
   The movement to actuate the opening/closing element to dispense the product at the first flow rate is relatively different from that used to dispense the product at the second flow rate. In effect, when the opening/closing element is directly accessible by the user, the force transmitted to the opening/closing element is the force exerted by the user directly on the opening/closing element. In one embodiment, the first flow rate is obtained by tilting the opening/closing element, while the second flow rate is obtained by depressing it, thereby allowing the user to readily differentiate the two flow rates. In the case where the opening/closing element is surmounted by an actuating element, for example a pushbutton, the force transmitted to the opening/closing element is that transmitted by the pushbutton in response to the force exerted by the user on the pushbutton. 
   The two flow rates can also be readily identified by identifying, for example, two distinct surfaces on the pushbutton. A first surface can be configured to transmit a force to the opening/closing element laterally to the axis X, and a second surface can be configured to transmit a force to the opening/closing element parallel to the axis X. In addition, two distinct inlet apertures can clearly differentiate the two flow rates. 
   The valve can be in communication with the product via an immersion tube, the product being in this case propelled by means of a liquefied or compressed gas. Alternatively, the product can be contained inside a flexible-walled pocket with the propellant gas on the outside. Other pressurizing mechanisms are possible. According to one embodiment of the invention, the opening/closing element can include a valve stem of which a portion emerges outside a valve body. The valve stem is traversed by an axial channel emerging, at or near one end, outside the valve body via an outlet aperture and, at or near the other end, via at least two inlet apertures which, in the closed position, are isolated from the valve body. 
   The valve can include a sealing element, for example in the form of an annular seal placed inside the valve body. The valve stem can include an annular portion placed inside the valve body. The annular portion can incorporate a lip capable, in the closed position, of bearing against the sealing element so as to define in conjunction with the sealing element an annular space isolated from the valve body, with the first inlet aperture emerging inside the annular space. 
   At least one second inlet aperture emerges laterally against the sealing element, in the closed position. The first and second inlet apertures can be of identical cross-section, or of dissimilar cross-section. 
   From a practical point of view, the flow rate is not necessarily a direct function of the number and size of the apertures. In effect, in the case where the product enters the valve stem via at least two separate apertures, the flows of product via the different apertures may interfere with each other as a function of the relative position of the apertures, so that the resultant flow rate can be different from the sum of the flow rates particular to each aperture taken independently. 
   The first and second inlet apertures can be at different angular positions. This configuration has the effect of reducing transient phenomena between the flows corresponding to each of the open positions. 
   According to another aspect of the invention, a device is provided for the packaging and dispensing of a product, for example a cosmetic product. The device can include a pressurized container holding the product to be dispensed, and can be fitted with a valve according to the present invention. 
   The product can be pressurized with a compressed or liquefied gas. The propellant gas can be in contact with the product or separated from it by a piston or flexible pocket inside which the product is held. 
   The device can also include an element to actuate the valve and dispense the product under pressure via at least one dispensing aperture located, for example, inside a nozzle, such as a swirl-effect nozzle. The actuating element can include two distinct bearing surfaces for actuation of the valve. A first bearing surface can be configured so that the opening/closing element moves axially and a second bearing surface can be configured so that the opening/closing element moves laterally. For example, the first bearing surface can pass through a plane effectively perpendicular to the axis X. The second bearing surface can pass through a plane parallel to the axis X, or can pass through a plane effectively perpendicular to the axis X and be formed at a distance offset from the axis X so that the second bearing portion does not intersect the axis X. 
   Advantageously, the device according to the invention can be used for the packaging and dispensing under pressure of a cosmetic product, for example a hair product, a personal hygiene product, a make-up product, a skincare product, or a sunscreen product. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, particularly when considered in conjunction with the drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1  shows a general view of a packaging and dispensing device according to one embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 2  shows an exploded view of the device illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIGS. 3A to 3C  show partial cross-sections of the device illustrated in  FIG. 1  in different positions; 
       FIG. 4  shows a partial cross-section of a variant of the device illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 3C ; and 
       FIG. 5  shows a variant of the opening/closing element of the device according to the invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   The device  100  illustrated overall in  FIG. 1  includes a cylindrical container  20 , for example made of aluminum or tinplate, surmounted by a head  30  for the actuation of a valve  10  (which will be described in detail below) and for the dispensing of a composition, for example a hair product, via a dispensing aperture  31 . The dispensing head  30  includes two bearing surfaces  32  and  33  configured to actuate the valve. A removable cap  40  covers the dispensing head  30 . 
   As can be seen in greater detail in  FIGS. 3A to 3C , the valve  10  is mounted in a collar  60  rolled onto a flanged edge of the aluminum container  20 . The latter is shown only partially. The valve  10 , of longitudinal axis X, includes a cylindrical valve body  11  one end of which terminates in an axial conduit  12  onto which an immersion tube  50  is press fitted. The other end of the valve body  11  is closed by the valve supporting collar  60 . A seal  13  provides leaktight closure. By way of example, the seal  13  can be annular and can be approximately 1 mm in thickness. An annular crown  11   a , formed inside the valve body  11  in proximity to the collar  60 , forms a leaktight contact with the inner surface of the seal  13 , thereby simultaneously holding the latter in position and providing the requisite leaktightness. A valve stem  14 , of which a portion  14   a  emerges outside the valve body  11 , slides axially inside the annular seal  13 . 
   In this embodiment, a part  14   b  of the valve stem  14  is located inside the valve body  11 , and includes an annular portion  15  of which the periphery incorporates a lip  15   a . A spring  16 , in the absence of force exerted on the valve stem, holds the free end of the annular lip  15   a  tightly against the seal  13  such that an annular space  17  is defined by the annular portion  15 , the lip  15   a  and the annular seal  13 . 
   The valve stem  14  is traversed axially by a channel  18  of which one extremity emerges outside the valve body via an axial opening  18   a . The channel  18  emerges radially in proximity to its other end via two openings  18   b  and  18   c . A first opening  18   b  emerges into the annular space  17  in the valve closed position ( FIG. 3A ). A second opening  18   c  bears tightly against the inner edge of the annular seal  13  in the valve closed position. According to the example illustrated, openings  18   b  and  18   c  are of identical cross-section and occupy more or less the same angular position. The diameter of openings  18   b  and  18   c  can be for example of the order of 0.2 to 0.6 mm. They are disposed axially, for example approximately 1.5 mm apart. However, it is clear that the two openings can have different cross-sections and/or angular spacings. 
   As can be seen in  FIGS. 3B and 3C , a dispensing head  30  in the form of a pushbutton is press fitted onto the emergent part  14   a  of the valve stem  14 . The dispensing head  30  is traversed by a passage  34  of which one extremity is in communication with the channel  18  in the valve stem. The other end of the passage  34  leads to a dispensing aperture  31 , defined for example by a swirl channel nozzle (not shown in detail). 
   The dispensing head includes a first bearing surface  32  formed at a distance from the axis X and which allows the valve to be actuated by a tilting movement. The dispensing head includes a second bearing surface  33  passing through the axis X of the valve stem and preferably perpendicular to this axis X, which allows the valve to be actuated by a downward axial movement. 
   By exerting a force F 1  on the surface  32  of the dispensing head ( FIG. 3B ), a lateral force is transmitted to the valve stem  14  such that it is tilted relative to the axis X. The annular lip  15   a  moves away from the seal  13 , following a certain angular path, thereby establishing communication between the inside of the valve body and the annular space  17  and therefore between the inside of the valve body and the inside of the stem  14  via the opening  18   b . The opening  18   c  remains closed against the seal  13 . The product contained in the valve body enters the channel  18  in the valve stem  14  via opening  18   b  only. It travels through the passage  34  in the dispensing head  30  and exits in the form of a cloud of fine droplets via aperture  31  at a first flow rate, for example, approximately 0.4 g/s. 
   By exerting a force F 2  on the surface  33  of the dispensing head ( FIG. 3C ), the valve stem moves axially downward by a distance such that the opening  18   c  is no longer aligned with the annular seal  13 . In addition, the annular lip  15   a  disengages from the seal  13  around its entire circumference. The product enters the channel  18  in the valve stem via the two openings  18   b  and  18   c . It is then dispensed via the dispensing aperture  31 , for example in the form of a spray at a second flow rate significantly higher than that in  FIG. 3B , for example at approximately 1.0 g/s. 
   From one or the other actuation positions of  FIG. 3B  or  3 C, by releasing the pressure on the dispensing head, the spring  16  causes the valve stem  14  to revert to its position in  FIG. 3A . Dispensing of product is interrupted. 
   According to a variant illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the channel  18  in the valve stem  14  emerges radially via a third opening  18   d  placed at an angular offset relative to opening  18   c . The third opening  18   d  also engages in a leaktight manner against the inner edge of the annular seal  13  in the valve closed position. The valve  10  can be identical in all other respects to that in the previous embodiment. 
   According to this variant, by exerting a force on the surface  32  of the dispensing head, a lateral force is transmitted to the valve stem  14  such that it is tilted relative to the axis X. As before, the annular lip  15   a  disengages from the seal  13  thereby establishing communication between the inside of the valve body and the inside of the stem  14  via opening  18   b . Openings  18   c  and  18   d  remain closed against the seal  13 . The product enters the channel  18  in the valve stem  14  via opening  18   b  only, and is dispensed via the aperture  31  at a first flow rate. 
   By exerting a moderate force axially on the surface  33  of the dispensing head, the valve stem moves downward by a distance such that opening  18   c  is no longer aligned with the seal  13 , while opening  18   d  remains closed against the seal  13 . The product contained in the valve body enters the channel  18  in the valve stem  14  via openings  18   b  and  18   c  and is dispensed via the aperture  31  at a second flow rate. 
   By exerting a slightly greater axial force on the surface  33  of the dispensing head, the valve moves downward by a greater distance such that opening  18   d  leaves its position of leaktight engagement with the seal  13 . The product then enters the channel  18  in the valve stem via the three openings  18   b ,  18   c  and  18   d . It is then dispensed via the dispensing aperture  31  at a rate significantly higher than the second flow rate. 
   By replacing the two openings  18   c  and  18   d , it is possible to use an opening  18   e , for example of triangular section, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . The width of the opening  18   e  decreases progressively in the direction towards the bottom of the container. This opening  18   e  also engages in a leaktight manner against the inner edge of the annular seal  13  in the valve closed position. 
   According to this variant, by exerting a moderate axial force on the bearing surface  33  of the dispensing head  30 , the valve stem  14  moves downward by a distance such that only a narrow portion of the opening  18   e  is disengaged from the annular seal  13 . The upper part of the opening  18   e  (i.e. its wider portion) remains closed against the seal  13 . The product contained in the valve body enters the channel  18  in the valve stem  14  via the lower part of opening  18   e  and also via opening  18   b . It enters the passage  34  in the dispensing head  30  and exits in the form of a cloud of fine droplets via opening  31 . The dispensed flow rate is relatively low. 
   The greater the force exerted on the dispensing head  30  the higher the flow rate, until a position is reached where the opening  18   e  is fully disengaged from the seal  13 . In this position, the product is dispensed at a rate significantly greater than the previous flow rate. Alternatively, the opening  18   e  may be of oblong section and effectively of constant width over its full height. In this alternative, for an identical height of the opening  118   e , the difference in flow rate between the two positions is smaller than in the case of an opening of triangular section. Other shapes for the second inlet opening  18   e  are possible, preferably having an elongated dimension along the longitudinal axis X of the stem  14 . 
   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.