Dispensing device for a receptacle containing a product of liquid to pasty consistency

The dispensing device includes a sealing capsule fitted with a dispensing opening (3), the capsule including a clamp (6) having two arms (7) linked by a crosspiece (9), one zone of which serves to close the opening (3), the ends of the arms furthest away from the crosspiece being fitted with articulation parts (A) on a fixed part of the receptacle (1); these articulation parts (A) are designed to allow displacement of the clamp (6) in an axial direction (X--X) in order to distance the crosspiece (9) of the opening (3). The device includes a cam system (c), set in between the arms (7) of the clamp (6) and a fixed part of the receptacle, intended to cause the displacement of the clamp (6) in an axial direction (X--X); the articulation parts (A) of the clamp (6) include a non-circular transversal sectioned axis (16) on each arm, which works together with a window (17) in such a way that, whatever the angle of the axis, the axis (16) and the internal face of the window (17) are sufficiently close to prevent any movement of the clamp in relation to the receptacle, whilst causing the aforementioned displacement in an axial direction.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
The invention pertains to a dispensing device, for a receptacle containing 
a product of liquid to pasty consistency, of the type which includes a 
sealing capsule which has a dispensing opening, the said capsule 
possessing a means of closing more or less in the form of a clamp which 
has two arms linked by a crosspiece, a part of which serves to close the 
said opening, the far ends of the said arms bearing means of articulation 
on a section fixed to the receptacle, these means of articulation being 
designed to allow for displacement of the clamp following the axial 
direction of the receptacle in order to move the crosspiece on the said 
opening, the whole being such that rotating the clamp will cause 
displacement of the crosspiece following a trajectory more or less at a 
tangent to the said opening. 
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
In such a device, the possible displacement of the clamp following the 
axial direction of the receptacle allows, by moving the crosspiece away 
from the opening, for avoidance of parasitic friction of the crosspiece 
against the opening, and/or of disengaging a closing device from the 
opening which could pass through it in a longitudinal direction. 
FR-A-1 541 166 shows, especially in FIG. 5 to 8, a closing device of this 
type which uses springs, during the articulation process, which allow for 
the displacement of the rotation axis due to the traction exerted by the 
user. 
This device is relatively complicated, notably from the point of view of 
assembly, due to the presence of the springs. Furthermore, it is 
relatively fragile to use, because the springs could leave their housing 
if not handled correctly. Moreover, such a device demands that the user 
effects a double movement, including an initial traction movement to the 
clamp, followed by rotation. 
U.S. Pat. No. 1,828,224 shows a dispensing device of the type in question, 
which also includes cams, set between the arms of the clamp and a fixed 
section of the receptacle, which, on commencement of rotation of the 
clamp, from its closed position, will cause the aforementioned 
displacement of the clamp in an axial direction. According to this 
document, the lower ends of the clamp are bent in such a way that they 
form springs with two more or less parallel arms; one of the arms serves 
as a means of articulating the clamp, whereas the other arm works together 
with the cams. Such a device produces considerable unattractive bulk at 
the said bent ends of the clamp; furthermore, the material of which the 
clamp is made needs to be sufficiently elastic for the spring formed by 
one bent end to be efficient. The clamp is thus manufactured from a 
different material to the one used for the cap linked to this clamp. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The aim of the invention is, especially, to supply a device fitted with a 
closing device of the type defined previously, which is of robust, 
economical and simple design. Furthermore, we wish to produce a design in 
which the co-operation of the clamp and the cam would dispense with the 
need for an elastic device. 
In accordance with the invention, a dispensing device, for a receptacle 
containing a product of liquid to pasty consistency, of the type defined 
previously, and which includes a cam device between the arms of the clamp 
and a fixed part of the receptacle, designed to cause, from commencement 
of rotation of the cam, from the closed position, the aforementioned 
displacement of the clamp in an axial direction, is characterized by the 
fact that the means of articulating the clamp include, for each arm, a 
non-circular transversal section axis designed to work together with a 
window in such a way that, whatever the angle of the axis, sufficiently 
close contact will be established between the axis and the internal 
surface of the window in order to prevent the clamp from banging against 
the receptacle, whilst causing the aforementioned displacement in an axial 
direction. 
To its advantage, the window is not circular. 
Preferably, the axis should be located on the internal face of each arm of 
the clamp, whereas the window should be located on a fixed section of the 
recipient. 
The transversal section of the axis may be of any of the following forms: 
oval, triangular, square, cross-shaped. 
In the case of an axis with a cross-shaped transversal section, the window 
on the fixed part of the receptacle should generally be circular, but its 
middle section should bear a depression and a boss diametrically opposite 
each other, corresponding to the closed position of the clamp. 
To its advantage, the dispensing device has a clicking ratchet device, 
which allows for the clamp to be closed or opened, the passage from one 
position to the other necessitating a degree of force such that it will 
not be closed or opened accidentally. 
The receptacle may be closed using a picot system fixed to the crosspiece 
of the clamp; the axis is composed of a component, at the base of which 
there are two shoulders which form an angle together, the upper section of 
which is a trapezoid with rounded edges the large base of which faces 
upwards, whereas one contour of the lower section of the window is more or 
less semi-circular the upper section being triangular, the base of the 
window including a boss intended to work with the shoulders when the 
component rotates, this component possessing an axis engaged in a 
longitudinal slit in the fixed section of the receptacle. 
Preferably, the wall of the triangular shaped section of the window should 
be fairly thin in such a way as to withstand slight distortion during 
rotation of the component fixed to the clamp. 
Advantageously, a boss has been included in the lower section of the 
window, it being wide enough to allow a definite stopping of the clamp in 
co-operation due to the walls of the window and the two shoulders. 
The dispensing opening in the device may be composed of a slit in a dome 
shaped membrane located at one end of the receptacle, against which will 
lie, the aforementioned clamp crosspiece, in the closed position, the cam 
devices possessing at least one ramp fixed to one of the two elements 
constituted by the clamp and receptacle, and a follow up ramp component on 
the other element, in order to cause axial displacement of the clamp at 
the commencement of rotation. 
Preferably, the ramp should be composed of a groove in the receptacle and 
should have a circle shaped form, the centre of which is in the middle 
plane of the receptacle, and symmetrical to this plane, the middle of this 
groove should have an inverted groove, whereas the cam follower component 
should be composed of a tappet on the lower face of the arm of the 
adjacent clamp and set into this groove.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
Reference to the diagrams, and notably to FIGS. 1 and 2, will reveal a tube 
shaped receptacle 1 the transversal section of which is more or less 
rectangular, the small sides of which are slightly convex at the edges. 
The larger faces of the receptacle 1 present a certain degree of 
pliability in that it is possible for the user to distort them by applying 
pressure. This receptacle 1, of the distortable tube type, is intended to 
contain a product of liquid to pasty consistency, such as cosmetic cream. 
The upper end of the receptacle is fitted with a sealing capsule 2 which 
includes a dispensing opening 3 composed of a slit 4 in a dome shaped 
membrane 5, as shown in the examples in FIGS. 1 to 5. The capsule 2 is 
fixed to the neck of the receptacle 1. It is evident that the transversal 
section of the receptacle may differ from the one shown. It may, for 
example, be oval or circular. 
The dispensing device D, formed by the capsule 2, with the membrane 5 and 
the dispensing opening 3, includes a means of closing composed of a clamp 
6 which has two arms 7, 8 which are more or less parallel, linked to a 
crosspiece 9, the central zone of which, in the closed position of the 
clamp 6 as shown in FIG. 1, rests against the membrane 5 and closes the 
opening 3. In this closed position, the clamp 6 prevents the lips of the 
slit 4 from opening and prevents dispensing of the product. On the other 
hand, when the clamp 6 is in the open position shown in FIG. 2, it is 
possible to obtain the product from the opening 3 by exerting pressure on 
the large faces of the receptacle 1. 
The ends of the arms 7, 8 furthest away from the crosspiece 9 are fitted 
with means of articulation A designed to allow displacement of the clamp 6 
following the axial direction X--X (see FIG. 4) of the receptacle 1 in 
order to distance the crosspiece 9 from the opening 3. Rotation of the 
clamp 6, effected by the means of articulation A ensures displacement of 
the crosspiece 9 following a path more or less at a tangent to the opening 
3. 
A cam system C is included between arms 7 and 8 of the clamp and a section 
of the capsule 2 fixed to the receptacle in order to cause, at 
commencement of rotation of the clamp 6, from its closed position as shown 
in FIG. 3, the aforementioned displacement of the clamp 6 following the 
axial direction X--X. Thus, the crosspiece 9 distances itself slightly 
from the membrane 5 and the opening 3, and any friction between the 
crosspiece 9 and the membrane 5 is avoided during eventual movement of the 
clamp 6. 
The cam system C comprises, on a part fixed to the receptacle 1, in two 
zones opposite with respect to the axis X--X, a ramp 10, which in the 
example considered is composed of a groove 11. The groove 11 is in the 
form of a circle centred on a geometrical axis B located in the area of 
the means of articulation A. The groove 11 is located above the means of 
articulation A, its concave section facing towards the bottom. The middle 
plane of the groove 11 admits a plane passing through the axis X--X of the 
receptacle and through the rotation axis B, the middle of said groove 
having a zone 12 with an inverted curve. This zone 12 is formed between a 
rounded boss 13 on the upper wall of the groove 11 protruding radially 
towards the interior by means of a convex surface, and a concave zone 14, 
located on the lower wall of the groove 11. 
Flush with each arm 7, 8 of the clamp, the cam system C includes a cam 
follower composed of a tappet 15 located on the internal face of each arm. 
This tappet 15 has a circular section and a diameter equal to the constant 
width of the groove 11. The tappet 15 is engaged in the corresponding 
groove 11. In the closed position of the clamp 6, shown in FIG. 3, the 
tappet 15 works together with the summit of the convex boss 13 and the 
base of the concave zone 14 in such a way that the clamp 6 is pushed to 
the bottom to the maximum extent possible. The crosspiece 9, as can be 
seen on FIG. 3, comes into contact with the membrane 5, and, due to this 
contact, prevents the slit 4 from opening. 
The means of articulation A have been designed to prevent any unexpected 
movement between the clamp 6 and the receptacle 1, but whilst still 
authorising the aforementioned displacement following the direction X--X 
of the clamp 6 at the commencement of rotation. 
These means of articulation A include, on each arm 7, 8, an axis 16 located 
on the internal face of the arm and protruding orthogonally at the middle 
plane of the arm. This axis 16 has a non-circular transversal section; in 
the example shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the axis 16 has a cross-shaped section, 
with equal length arms, at right angles. The axis 16 is designed, on each 
side of the neck 1a of the receptacle, to work together with a 
non-circular window 17 located on a fixed part of the receptacle 1, in 
such a way that whatever the angle of the axis 16, sufficiently close 
contact will be made between the axis 16 and the internal surface of the 
window 17 in order to avoid any unexpected movement. The window 17 will 
generally be circular but the upper section of it will be fitted with a 
boss 18 which will protrude radially towards the inside, and the lower 
section of it will bear a hollow 19 diametrically opposite to the boss. 
The hollow 19 and the boss 18 are located on the middle longitudinal plane 
of the receptacle and are in line with the inverted curve 12 of the groove 
11. Two diametrically opposed arms 16a, 16b of the axis 16 are in line 
with the tappet 15, the other two arms of the axis being at right angles. 
The co-operation of the arms of the axis 16, aligned with the tappet 15, 
with the boss 18 and the hollow 19, constitutes a latching mechanism which 
allows for the clamp 6 to be positioned either in an open or closed 
position, the passage from one position to the other necessitating such 
force that it will not be effected accidentally. 
It is clear that the axis 16 could have a transversal section of a 
different form, for example, oval, triangular or square, the form of the 
window 17 being adapted accordingly. Furthermore, the positions of the 
window and of the axis could be inverted; the window would thus be located 
on a branch of the clamp and the axis would be on the fixed part of the 
receptacle. 
This being the case, it would function as follows: 
In the closed position, as shown in FIG. 3, the clamp 6 is applied against 
the opening 3, as has already been explained, due to the position of the 
clamp 15 in the hollow of zone 12. When the user effects the rotation 
movement of the clamp 6, whatever the direction of rotation, the clamp 6 
will be lifted by one of the sloping surfaces leading down to the base of 
the concave section 14. This will cause displacement of the arms 7, 8 and 
of the crosspiece 9 following a direction corresponding more or less to 
the axis X--X. The crosspiece 9 is distanced from the membrane 5 following 
a direction perpendicular to the surface with which it is in contact. At 
the commencement of this rotation movement, the two arms 16a, 16b of the 
axis 16 aligned with the clamp 6 release themselves respectively from the 
hollow 19 and the boss 18 as shown in FIG. 4. The axis 16 remains in 
contact at at least three points with the wall of the window 17, which 
prevents any unexpected movement. 
The follow through of the rotation movement of the clamp 6 may continue 
until the clamp 6 arrives at the end of the groove 11, as shown in FIG. 5. 
Reference to FIGS. 6 to 8 will reveal a variation in the dispensing device: 
only the upper part of the capsule 102 is shown in the diagram, the 
dispensing opening 103 being composed of a hollow section set into the top 
of the capsule. Closing of this hollow section 103 is effected by the 
entrance of a picot 20 formed on the internal face of the crosspiece 109 
of the clamp 106. This picot 20 seals the opening 103 when the clamp 106 
is in the closed position. The crosspiece 109 is interdependent with the 
two arms, in the manner described above, but only one arm 108 is 
represented in FIG. 6. The means of articulation A, located on the lower 
part of the arm 108, include a component 116 protruding towards the 
interior, supported by the end of each arm 108. The component 116 which 
extends in an orthogonal direction to the plane of the arm 108, is set in 
an opening or window 117 set into a fixed part of the receptacle not shown 
in FIG. 6. 
The component 116 is of prismatic form, a section of which may be seen in 
FIG. 6, the generators of the prism being orthogonal to the plane of FIG. 
6. The base of the component 116 has two shoulders 21, 22 which are 
symmetrical in relation to the direction of the middle longitudinal arm 
108. The middle lines of the shoulders 21, 22 together form an angle E of 
approximately 90.degree.. A concave section of a free space 23, formed by 
the lower surfaces of the shoulders 21, 22, in the form of a dihedron, 
faces the bottom. 
The upper zone of the component 116, situated above the shoulders 21, 22, 
presents a more or less isosceles shaped trapezoid transversal section, 
the large base of which faces upwards and the small base of which is 
located at the link point of the upper and lower parts formed by the 
shoulders. The angles of the part 24 situated at the ends of the large 
base are rounded off. 
The window 117, associated with the component 116 is set into the fixed 
part of the receptacle, the component 116 being set into this window. The 
contour 25 of the lower part of the window 117 is more or less 
semi-circular, whereas the upper part 26 of this window is in the form of 
an isosceles triangle. In the closed position, the clamp 106, the rounded 
ends of the shoulders 21, 22, lean against the contour 25, whereas the 
rounded ends of the large base of the part 24 lean against the sides of 
the angle forming the upper part 26. 
The base of the window 117, that is to say the lower area of the contour 
25, includes a boss 27 intended to work together with the shoulders, the 
top of this boss being formed by a slightly convex surface. 
The component 116 includes an axis 28 which protrudes transversally towards 
the interior, that is to say on the side of the wall of the receptacle, 
this axis 28 being more or less in the centre of gravity of the part 24 
and extending perpendicularly across the plane of FIG. 6. The axis 28 is 
composed of a tappet or a circular section slug. 
An elongated slit 29, the large axis of which merges with a symmetrical 
axis of the window 117, is set into the fixed part of the receptacle which 
bears this window 117, to take the axis 28. This slit 29 is designed in 
such a way that when the clamp 106 is in a closed position, as shown in 
FIG. 6, the axis 28 is adjacent to or in contact with the lower end of the 
slit 29. The slit is sufficiently long to allow displacement of the axis 
28 during opening. The width of the window 29 is equal to the diameter of 
the axis 28 in such a way as to assist in holding the component 116 in a 
lateral position. 
The upper part 26 of the wall 30 of the window 117 is relatively thin in 
order that it may be distorted slightly, as shown in FIG. 7, when the 
component 116 is being rotated. 
Given this, the dispensing device functions as follows: 
When the user pivots the clamp 106, for example in a clockwise direction, 
the shoulder 22 working together with the boss 27, as shown in FIG. 7, 
initiates an axial movement of the clamp 106 and of the crosspiece 109, 
the picot of which frees itself from the opening 103. The axis 28 moves 
towards the top of the slit 29 as shown in FIG. 7. 
The rotation of the clamp 106 may follow and the crosspiece 109 will 
describe a more or less circular trajectory, the axis 28 remaining at the 
same level in the slit 29 during this movement, whereas the end of the 
shoulder 22 moves against the upper convex zone of the boss 27. During 
this rotation of the component 116, the rounded angle of the upper part 
24, opposite the boss 27, is in contact with the wall 30, which undergoes 
slight elastic deformation as shown in FIG. 7. This elastic deformation 
contributes, during closure of the capsule, good return of the clamp 106 
to the neutral position, thanks to pressure exerted by the wall 30 against 
the component 116. 
At the end of the opening action of the clamp 106, the shoulder 22, as 
shown in FIG. 8 comes into contact with the far lefthand end of the boss 
27, whereas the shoulder 21 is in contact with the contour 25 and the 
rounded angle opposite the shoulder 22 is in contact with the wall 30. The 
axis 28 will again be in contact with the lower end of the slit 29. The 
width of the boss 27 thus allows a definite stopping of the clamp 106 and 
of the crosspiece 109. To its advantage, the whole is designed in such a 
way that the clamp 106 will be locked into an open position such that the 
upper part 109 of the clamp forms a continuous section with the fixed dome 
102a of the capsule 102. 
It would seem that the component 116 cannot unexpectedly move about inside 
the window 117 during the movement of the clamp 106, thanks to the various 
contacts effected between the shoulder 22 and the rounded angle opposite, 
and thanks to the axis 28 engaged in the slit 29.