Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US5379919?dq=5,581,513
Timestamp: 2015-03-26 23:18:37
Document Index: 118324087

Matched Legal Cases: ['application No. 07', 'art 111', 'art 111', 'art 111', 'art 111', 'art 111', 'art 103', 'art 406', 'art 406', 'art 406', 'art 406', 'art 406', 'art 1104', 'art 1904', 'art 1904', 'art 1904', 'art 1904', 'art 1951', 'art 2104', 'art 2104', 'art 2104', 'art 2104', 'art 2204', 'art 2204', 'art 2204', 'art 2204', 'art 2204']

Patent US5379919 - Unit for dispensing at least one fluid product, in particular, a cosmetic or ... - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inAdvanced Patent SearchPatentsThe invention concerns a unit for dispensing at least one fluid product; this unit comprises at least one dispensing duct, each comprising at its end portion a closing system opening towards the outside. The closing system is formed by an obturator which forms part of a component made of an elastically...http://www.google.com/patents/US5379919?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US5379919 - Unit for dispensing at least one fluid product, in particular, a cosmetic or pharmaceutical product, having a pressure actuated, self-sealing closure outletAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS5379919 APublication typeGrantApplication numberUS 08/176,885Publication dateJan 10, 1995Filing dateJan 3, 1994Priority dateJul 25, 1989Fee statusPaidAlso published asCA2021856A1, CA2021856C, DE69007894D1, DE69007894T2, DE69024668D1, DE69024668T2, DE69025774D1, DE69025774T2, DE69027051D1, DE69027051T2, EP0410858A2, EP0410858A3, EP0410858B1, EP0540129A1, EP0540129B1, EP0549049A1, EP0549049B1, EP0549050A1, EP0549050B1, US5301850, US5388728, US5413250Publication number08176885, 176885, US 5379919 A, US 5379919A, US-A-5379919, US5379919 A, US5379919AInventorsJean-Louis GueretOriginal AssigneeL'orealExport CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (19), Referenced by (19), Classifications (61), Legal Events (3) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetUnit for dispensing at least one fluid product, in particular, a cosmetic or pharmaceutical product, having a pressure actuated, self-sealing closure outlet
US 5379919 AAbstract
The invention concerns a unit for dispensing at least one fluid product; this unit comprises at least one dispensing duct, each comprising at its end portion a closing system opening towards the outside. The closing system is formed by an obturator which forms part of a component made of an elastically deformable material and a seat which forms part of another component of the dispensing head. The obturator is in contact with its associated seat in the absence of any dispensing action, moving away from the seat by elastic deformation under the pressure of the product to be dispensed, and returning by elasticity into contact with the seat when the dispensing stops. The obturator is subjected to the action of a constraining element tending to keep it applied to the seat wherewith it cooperates.
1. In a unit for dispensing at least one fluid product, said unit comprising:(a) a container; (b) a dispensing head; (c) said dispensing head including means defining at least one dispensing duct for said at least one fluid product to be dispensed, said dispensing duct having a first and a second end; (d) closing means situated at said second end of the said at least one dispensing duct; (e) said closing means comprising an obturator which forms part of a first component of the dispensing head made of an elastically deformable material and at least one seat which forms part of a second component of the dispensing head; (f) said obturator being adapted to be in contact with said seat when no dispensing is taking place, but to move away from said seat by elastic deformation under pressure of the product being dispensed and to reenter into contact with said seat by elasticity when dispensing stops; the improvement comprising: (g) said at least one dispensing duct comprising a first duct portion extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the dispensing unit, said first duct portion communicating with the container, and said closing means comprising a second duct portion extending at an angle relative to said first duct portion to define a lateral outlet, said second duct portion having a longitudinal axis, said second duct portion terminating in said second end of said dispensing duct and which is remote from said first duct portion; said seat comprising a peripheral groove formed in said head and said obturator comprising a ring of elastic material carried at least partially in said groove, said second duct portion intercepting said groove so that said ring of elastic material will be moved elastically in a direction parallel to said longitudinal axis of second duct portion under the influence of the pressure of the product being dispensed. 2. The dispensing unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein said obturator is formed of one of the group consisting of: a natural, a synthetic and a thermoplastic elastomer, said elastomer being associated with said seat to define said second duct portion.
3. The invention as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first duct portion communicates with a flexible container, said flexible container being located in said container, said dispensing head having a one way valve located in one of said first and second duct portions for allowing flow from said flexible container to said second end of said dispensing duct.
4. The dispensing unit as claimed in claim 3 wherein said one way valve is located between said first and second duct portions.
5. The dispensing unit as claimed in claim 3, wherein said dispensing head includes operating means for opening said one way valve to cause the product to move through said one way valve toward said obturator so that subsequent operation of said operating means will cause the product to pass through said obturator to be dispensed.
6. The dispensing unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first end of said dispensing duct is defined by a part made of a flexible material comprising the obturator and a rigid part comprising the seat for the obturator.
7. The dispensing unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein said operating means comprises a flexible enclosure compressible by a user and positioned between said one way valve and said second end of said dispensing duct.
8. The invention as claimed in claim 1 wherein said dispensing head has a peripheral edge extending about said longitudinal axis and said peripheral groove extends completely about said peripheral edge of said dispensing head.
9. The invention as claimed in claim 1 wherein said ring of elastic material includes a stud and said groove includes a recess receiving said stud to constrain movement of said ring.
10. The invention as claimed in claim 1 wherein said ring of elastic material includes a dispensing duct formed therein adjacent said second duct portion.
11. In a unit for dispensing at least one fluid product, said unit comprising:(a) a container; (b) a dispensing head; (c) said dispensing head including means defining at least one dispensing duct for said at least one fluid product to be dispensed, said dispensing duct having a first and a second end; (d) closing means situated at said second end of the said at least one dispensing duct; (e) said closing means comprising an obturator which forms part of a first component of the dispensing head made of an elastically deformable material and at least one seat which forms part of a second component of the dispensing head; (f) said obturator being adapted to be in contact with said seat when no dispensing is taking place, but to move away from said seat by elastic deformation under pressure of the product being dispensed and to reenter into contact with said seat by elasticity when dispensing stops; the improvement comprising: (g) said at least one dispensing duct comprising a first duct portion extending parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the dispensing unit, said first duct portion communicating with the container, and said closing means comprising a second duct portion extending at an angle relative to said first duct portion to define a lateral outlet, said second duct portion having a longitudinal axis, said second duct portion terminating in said second end of said dispensing duct and which is remote from said first duct portion; said seat comprising a peripheral groove formed in said head and said obturator comprising a ring of elastic material carried at least partially in said groove, said second duct portion intercepting said groove so that said ring of elastic material will be moved elastically in a direction parallel to said longitudinal axis of second duct portion under the influence of the pressure of the product being dispensed, said dispensing head having a peripheral edge extending about said longitudinal axis and said peripheral groove extending completely about said peripheral edge of said dispensing head; said ring of elastic material including a stud and said groove including a recess receiving said to stud to constrain movement of said ring; said ring of elastic material includes a dispensing duct formed therein adjacent said second duct portion. Description
This is a division of application No. 07/916,256, filed Jul. 21, 1992 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,301,850 which is a division of Ser. No. 07/556,546, filed Jul. 24, 1990, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,328.
The present invention concerns a unit for dispensing one or several fluid product(s) in a liquid form or a more or less thick cream (or pasty) form. This unit permits in particular the dispensing of cosmetic or pharmaceutical products.
Many dispensing units are known comprising a container containing the product to be dispensed and having a dispensing head fixed thereon in a detachable or non-detachable manner. This dispensing head comprises a device allowing the user to actuate the dispensing, and at least one dispensing duct communicating on the one hand with the container containing the product to be dispensed and on the other hand, with the outside.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a closure system for such dispensing units, which is perfectly leakproof during the state of rest, that is to say, when the product is not being dispensed, which only opens under the pressure of the product to be dispensed, and which on its own virtually does not allow any air to be readmitted. This system is therefore aseptic per se which is not the case as far as said U.S. Pat. No. 4,099,651 is concerned.
The present invention therefore provides a unit for dispensing at least one fluid product, which unit comprises:- a container and a dispensing head containing at least one dispensing duct for the product(s) to be dispensed, a closure system situated at the end portion of said at least one duct and opening towards the outside of the or each dispensing duct, the closure system being formed by at least one obturator which forms part of a component of the dispensing head made of an elastically deformable material and by at least one seat which forms part of another component of the dispensing head, the obturator(s) being in contact with their associated seat when no dispensing action takes place, moving away from the seat by elastic-deformation under the pressure of the product to be dispensed, and returning into contact with the seat by elasticity when the dispensing stops; characterized in that the or each said obturator is subjected to the action of a constraining element tending to keep it applied to the seat wherewith it cooperates to ensure the seal of the closing contact.
When the obturator is a resilient part moving away from the seat in the direction of the pressure of the product, the constraining element is more particularly formed by a stud or bead of a resilient material maintaining the flexible part of the rigid element comprising the seat so as to oppose the deformation of the obturator.
In a first variant, the part comprising the seat and the seat on which the lip bears, are made of a rigid material. In this case, the constraining element is advantageously formed by a cover or a support made of a rigid material, the strip made of the resilient material comprising the lip which is thus contained between two rigid parts; the part comprising the seat and the support or cover. Reference will be made to a support for a part situated on the side of the container in relation to the strip, and to a cover for a part situated on the opposite side to the container in relation to the strip made of a resilient material. It is, of course, understood that the cover or the support leaves the lip forming part of the strip free so that it can move away from the seat. The cover or support preferably has a shape facilitating the application of the lip to the seat and the return of the lip into its rest position in a leakproof contact with the seat, that is to say the cover or support has a shape promoting the resilient memory of the lip. For this purpose, the cover or the support may comprise at least one rib or at least one stud fitting into a respective said rib or into at least one corresponding hole of the strip. The cover may also comprise a sliding flap system so as to regulate the constraint exerted on the lip.
In a second embodiment of the invention, the obturator is formed by a resilient part, one part whereof is disposed opposite the outlet opening of the dispensing duct and which in this zone, moves away from a rigid seat by elasticity parallel to the direction of pressure of the product. The resilient part advantageously forms part of a torus externally round the dispensing head. The torus may completely surround the dispensing head or may be interrupted and comprise at each end an anchorage in the part comprising the seat. To allow the flow the product to be directed to the outlet of the dispensing duct, the part made of a resilient material comprises a feeder duct for the product. One may also arrange, in the rigid seat opposite the part made of a resilient material, a duct having the same function. The cross-section of the resilient torus may have various forms such as: circular, elliptical, triangular or similar. The constraining element is advantageously formed by a stud capable of being inserted in a corresponding recess of the part comprising a rigid seat, this stud being disposed on the side remote from the feeder duct for the product.
The dispensing head may also comprise a second valve associated with the closure system in accordance with the invention, the latter forming the first valve. In this case, the push button may carry a piston displaced in an internal space forming a pump barrel. The push button may advantageously comprise a flexible membrane, accessible from the outside which performs the function of a piston by modifying the volume of the internal space. The volume of the pump barrel formed may be disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis of the unit or perpendicular to the latter, the push button being actuated parallel or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
In order that the present invention may more readily understood, several embodiments thereof will now be described below on a purely illustrative and non-restrictive basis, with reference to the attached drawings.
FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of another dispensing unit in accordance with the invention, wherein the dispensing head is mounted on a pump bottle;
FIGS. 23a and 23b shown an axial cross-section and a view in perspective, respectively, of a dispensing head with two valves with a particular device for actuating the pump;
In the embodiment represented in FIGS. 1 and 2, the unit 1 is formed by a dispensing head 3 which comprises a single valve constituted by a closing system with a resilient lip in accordance with the invention, the head being mounted on a flexible tube 2.
When the product arrives in the vicinity of the closing system F, the lip 9a formed by the edge moves away, because the surface 8e of the beak 8a is bent away from the surface 8 comprising the seat, perpendicular to the direction of pressure of the product, and the product can emerged as illustrated in FIG. 2. The support 10 holding the strip limits the displacement of the lip 9a during the opening of the closing system. When the user stops pressing on the tube 2, there is no longer any pressure of the product to be dispensed in the region of the closing system F and the lip 9a returns by elasticity into contact with the seat 8e, in the closing zone F. The support 10 then exerts a certain constraint on the strip 9, which applies the lip 9a against the seat 8e and ensures the suitable desired seal. Air can no longer penetrate into the tube 2, and therefore the product can no longer be contaminated by impurities or microorganisms, nor be oxidized.
Like FIGS. 1 and 2,3 represents a dispensing unit wherein the closing system F comprises a lip carried by a strip made of a resilient material, but the dispensing head is mounted on a pump bottle. The dispensing unit is designated by 101 as a whole. It comprises a rigid bottle 102 on which is fixed a pump system 104 and a dispensing head 103. The dispensing head 103 comprises an outer radial projection forming a beak 103a, the closing system F being disposed at its end.
The pump 104 comprises an outer cover cap 105 constituted by a first cylindrical skirt 105a carrying a female screw thread 105a corresponding to the male screw thread 102a of the bottle, an annular shoulder 105b, situated in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Y--Y of the dispensing unit which rests on the edge of the opening of the bottle 102, a second cylindrical skirt 105c parallel to the first skirt 105a, but with a smaller diameter and a second annular shoulder 105d parallel to the first shoulder 105c wherein there is arranged a circular opening 105e centred on the axis Y--Y. The skirt 105c carries a discontinuous inner annular flange 105f. The pump system 104 also comprises an element 106 of a cylindrical-conical shape whose conical part is tapered towards the bottle 102. This element 106 is provided on the outer edge of its cylindrical portion with an annular flange 106a resting on the discontinuous annular flange 105f of the outer cover cap 105. The edge of the conical portion of the element 106 is connected to a cylindrical duct 106b in which the dip tube 102b is fitted. The cylindrical-conical element 106 contains a compression spring 107 and a ball 108 with a diameter larger than that of the duct 106b and smaller than that of the cylindrical portion of the element 106. A hollow piston 110 providing an inner axial duct 109 can slide in the cylindrical portion of the element 106. It comprises, firstly, an enlarged portion 110a, having an outer diameter equal, save for the necessary clearance, to the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion of the element 106, on which portion 110a the spring 107 bears, secondly a portion 110b with an outer diameter equal to the diameter of the opening 105e of the cover cap 105 save for the necessary clearance, and thirdly a smaller diameter portion 110c that is fitted in the dispensing head 103. A rectangular cut out 114 is arranged on the edge of this portion 110c.
The dispensing head 103 is constituted by a part 111 comprising the seat 111e, a strip 112 comprising the lip 112a of the closing system F and a support 113. The part 111 comprising the seat is a disc made of a rigid plastic material provided with a beak 111a. This disc 111 bears on the portion 110c of the hollow piston 110. A radial groove 111c extending from the edge of the portion 110c of the hollow piston 110 as far as the beak 111a is arranged in the part 111 comprising the seat 111e. The groove 111c terminates in a slope 111d inclined outwardly and towards the bottle 102. The edge of the beak 111a also slopes outwardly and towards the bottle 102 and terminates in a flat rectangular surface 111a constituting the seat. A strip 112 made of a resilient material is disposed on a rigid support 113 beneath the inner face of the part 111 comprising the seat. The strip 112 also has the shape of a disc provided with a radial beak. It comprises a circular opening 112b to receive the portion 110c of the hollow piston 110. A bevel 112c cut on the edge of this opening 112b opens into the radial groove 111c of the seat 111. The end of the beak of the strip 112 is bevelled so as to form a lip 111a that is in contact with the seat 111e. The seat 111e and the lip 112a of the strip 112 in contact therewith form the closing system F in accordance with the invention.
The unit illustrated in FIG. 3 functions as follows. When the user wishes to dispense the product contained in the bottle 102, he causes the head 103 to swivel round the portion 110c of the hollow piston 110 until the cut out 114 is opposite the bevel 112c arranged at the edge of the opening 112b of the strip 112, which allows the duct 109 to communicate with radial groove 111c of the seat 111. The user then presses on the outer surface (the top one in FIG. 3) of the part 111 comprising the seat. The part 103 is lowered, the piston compresses the spring 107 and the skirt 113b slides on the portion 105c of the outer cover cap 105 and the ball 108 closes the duct 106b. The product contained in the element 106 and in the internal duct 109 of the piston 110 is pushed towards the closing system F. The lip 112a of the beak of the strip 112 moves away from the seat 111e and the product is dispensed. When the user stops pressing, the dispensing head 103 rises again under the action of the spring 107, and under the effect of the facuum that has been formed, the ball 108 rises. releasing the duct 106b and a fresh quantity of the product penetrates into the cylindrical-conical element 106. This fresh quantity will be dispensed when the user exerts renewed pressure on the part comprising the seat 111e. It will be seen that the closing system F replaces the second ball generally used in the pump systems to prevent the intake of air.
FIGS. 6 and 7 represent a dispensing head generally designated 403, comprising an air intake. The dispensing head comprises a support 404, a strip 405 carrying:- the lip 405a of the closing system F and the air intake valve 409, a part 406 comprising the seat 406a also serving as an element holding the strip 405 in place, and a cover cap 410 intended to lock the closing device F and the air intake valve 409.
A channel 414b delimited by the part 406 forming the seat and the thickened portion 414c on the one hand, and the bevel of the strip 405 on the other hand, causes the duct 412 to communicate with the closing system F constituted by the lip 405a of the strip 405 and the seat 406a of the part 406. It may be noted that in the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7, the closing system F is not situated in a lateral beak but on the top of the dispensing head 403, the dispensing channel slanting in relation to the longitudinal axis of the unit. After the part comprising the bevel-shaped end the thickness of the strip 405 decreases, forming a shoulder 405b, and it carries in this thinner part a cup-shaped valve 409 whose top is turned towards the bottle and which is slit on its lateral wall 409a. The strip 405 is covered by the part 406 comprising the seat which is secured by being fitted on the support 404 and comprises a turn 406b bearing against the shoulder 405b. The part 406 comprising the seat 406a is provided with two openings, one for the closing device F in accordance with the invention and another for the valve 409. The dispensing head 403 is protected by a cover cap 410 fitted on the support 404 and fixed to the latter by a film hinge 410a. The face of the cover cap nearer the dispensing head is provided with two bosses, the one 410b ensuring the protection and the locking of the closing system F and the other 410c looking the air intake valve 409.
The dispensing head 903 comprises two ducts 941a and 941b for dispensing the product; each of the ducts 941a and 941b is closed respectively be a closing system Fa and Fb in accordance with the invention.
In the embodiment represented in FIG. 15 the resilient strip 1105, together with its lip 1105a comprising the seat formed by its bevelled end, rests on a part 1104 made of a material which is resilient, and is preferably similar to that of the strip 1105. The seat 1104 is strip-shaped and ends in a bevel 1104a, constituting the substantially symmetrical seat of the bevel 1005a in relation to the joint of these two strips.
FIGS. 22a to 22cschematically represent a dispensing head 1803 with a lateral beak forming a pump comprising a push botton and a stirrup 1807 for locking the strip 1805 of the closing system F. The stirrup 1807 is pivotal about a point near the centre of its arms 1871, by being fixed on two pivot pins 1872 carried by the push button 1808. The transverse bar of the stirrup is provided with an enlarged portion 1879, one edge of which carries the stud 1873 and forms a slightly curved surface forming an angle with the arms of the stirrup. The stirrup 1807 swings between a position represented in FIG. 22a where it locks the closing system by means of the stud 1873 and, through the intermediate position represented in FIG. 22b, to a position represented in FIG. 22c where the stirrup 1807 rests with a portion of its enlarged surface 1879 on the upper surface of the push button and is locked by a pin 1874 carried by a fixed tab integral with the container 1809. The stirrup may then be used as a lever for bearing on the push button 1808. By pressing on the curved side of the enlarged portion 1873, the user obtains a gearing down of the pressure force exerted on the push button 1808.
FIGS. 23a and 23b represent an embodiment of a dispensing head 1903 with a lateral beak 1903a forming a pump. The dispensing head 1903 comprises a part 1904 comprising the seat 1904d provided with a beak 1904a. In the part 1904, there is cut a radial channel 1904b which extends in the beak 1904a and terminates in the region of the bead comprising a flat surface constituting the seat 1904d. The part 1904 comprising the seat is provided with an outer skirt 1941 arranged so as to be capable of being mounted on the container (not shown) and an inner skirt 1942 whose side is locally identical with that of the skirt 1941 which defines a duct 1909 communicating the container with the channel 1904b. This duct 1909 contains a ball valve 1913 in which the ball is held on the side nearer the dispensing head. The strip 1905 made of a resilient material rests on the part 1904 forming the seat, and comprises a bevelled portion 1905a whose lip cooperates with the surface 1904d of the support to form the closing system F in accordance with the invention. After the bevelled portion 1905a, the strip 1905 has a reduced thickness, and opposite the duct 1909 it has a cup-shaped portion 1951 whose side wall comprises an annular step 1952 forming a bellows and whose top is hollowed out by a partly spherical cavity 1953. The strip 1905 is surmounted by a cover 1906 fixed on the support 1904, except in the region of the end of the beak 1903a, and which comprises an inner skirt 1961 whose bottom edge bears on the portion with a reduced thickness of the strip 1905 and against the side of the bevel 1905a. There is a circular opening 1962 in the cover 1906, situated opposite the cup-shaped portion 1951 of the strip, and having a diameter larger than the maximum diameter of the part 1951 at its base. A push button 1910 is placed in the opening 1962. It comprises a dome 1914 connected to a flange 1912. The flange 1912 is applied against the inner side of the cover 1906 by means of a spring 1914 which is mounted round the cup 1951 and bears on the one hand against the flange 1912 and on the other hand, against the reduced thickness portion of the strip 1905. The dome 1912 carries at its centre, a stem 1911a, having a sphere 1911b fixed at its end. This sphere 1911b comes to be inserted into the cavity 1953 of the cup-shaped portion 1951 of the strip 1905.
The device functions as described below. When the user wishes to dispense some of the product, he depresses the dome 1911 by compressing the spring 1914. The cup-shaped portion 1951 is deformed and its internal volume E decreases. The ball valve 1913 is closed. The pressure of the product contained in the space E and the channel 1904b causes the closing system F to open and the product is dispensed. When the user relaxes his pressure on the dome 1911, the spring returns the flange 1912 to bear against the cover 1906; the cup-shaped portion 1951 reassumes its shape by elasticity; and the internal space E increases while producing low pressure. Simultaneously, the closing system F is closed in a leakproof manner. The low pressure in the internal space E causes the ball valve 1913 to open and the product to be drawn up from the container into the internal space F.
In the embodiment represented in FIG. 24, the duct 2009 is extended on the side of the strip 2005. This strip 2005 comprises a bevelled portion 2005a and a reduced thickness portion which carries a cylindrical skirt 2051 surrounding the extension of the duct 2009. The cover 2006 is provided with an opening 2062 with a diameter larger than that of the skirt 2051, in which opening there is mounted a dome 2011 having a flange 2012. A spring 2014 surrounds the skirt 2051 and bears on the one hand against the reduced thickness portion of the strip 2005 and on the other hand, against the flange 2012. At its center, the dome 2011 carries at the end of a stem 2011a, a piston 2011b capable of sliding in a leakproof manner inside the extension of the duct 2009 which forms the pump barrel.
To actuate the dispensing head 2003 the user presses on the dome 2011, and the piston 2011b advances while reducing the internal space F of the extension of the duct 2009 forming the pump barrel. The rest of the functioning of the apparatus is then similar to that described with reference to FIGS. 23a and 23b.
FIG. 25a schematically represents a dispensing unit 2101 wherein the product to be dispensed is contained in a flexible bag 2102 protected by a rigid shell 2110 provided with an air intake opening 2110a. The dispensing head 2103 is of the type having a lateral outlet provided with a beak 2103a and forms a pump. The head 2103 comprises a part 2104 comprising the seat whereon the flexible bag 2102 is mounted and which is fixed on the edge of the rigid shell 2110. A strip 2105 is positioned on the part 2104 comprising the seat and it is held in position by a cover 2106. The part 2104 comprising the seat is constituted by a plate 2141 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the unit 2101 having the general shape of a disc provided with a beak. At the end of the beak, the part 2104 comprises a bead 2104a having a slanting flat surface 2104d forming the seat facing the axis of the unit and facing the container. It comprises a cylindrical skirt facing the cover 2142 which surrounds the strip except in the region of the end of the beak 2103a, and an upwardly facing skirt 2143 to which the flexible tube is welded. The part is pierced near its axis by a circular opening 2144 whereon is mounted a cup type of nonreturn valve which is constituted by a valve 2113 illustrated in greater detail in FIG. 25b. This cup valve consists of two capsules 2114 and 2115, the lower capsule 2114 being made of a relatively rigid plastic material and the capsule 2115 being relatively flexible so as to be capable of deformation. The two capsules are fixed to each other by nesting. The two capsules 2114 and 2115 are each provided with a skirt 2116 and 2117 which face each other while forming a leakproof seal, and are capable of sliding on each other until they separate, leaving a gap between then during the deformation of the capsule 2115. The capsulews 2114 and 2115 have opening 2118 and 2119 respectively which can only communicate with each other when the skirts 2116 and 2117 are separated. In the beak 2103a, the strip 2105 comprises a bevelled portion 2105a which bears in a leakproof manner on the surface 2104d forming the seat and a dome-shaped portion 2111 with a reduced thickness, the dome having at its base a diameter larger than that of the cup valve 2113. Between the dome 2111 and the closing system F, the strip 2105 is provided with a channel 2105b. The cover 2106 covers the strip except in its portion corresponding to the closing system F and it is provided at its centre with a circular opening 2161 through which the dome 2111 projects outwardly.
FIGS. 26a to 26c represent a unit 2201 in accordance with the invention serving as a comb for the application of a hair product. The handle of the comb is formed by a rigid shell 2210 provided with an air intake opening 2210a and containing a flexible bag 2202. On the comb handle (the rigid shell 2210 and the flexible bag 2202), is mounted a dispensing head 2203 having a conical shape with an oval cross-section and provided with teeth 2245. In the remainder of the description, the unit 21 will be considered as being disposed horizontally, as represented in FIGS. 26a and 26b. The dispensing head 2203 consists of a part 2204 comprising the seat, carrying on each side a row of horizontal teeth 2245. A resilient strip 2205 resting on the support 2204 is protected by a shell 2206 which forms the constraining element disposed on the strip 2205 and is welded at its periphery to the edge of the support 2204. The support 2204 contains a vertical disc 2241 which closes the rigid shell 2210. This disc 2241 carries a skirt 2242 fitted in the rigid shell and serves to fix the flexible bag 2202 whose edge is gripped between the skirt 2242 and hte inner side of the rigid shell 2210. On the side remote from the skirt 2242, the disc 2241 carries an eccentric duct 2243 which is cut at its top of the side nearer the handle 2206 to allow the strip 2205 to be fixed between the part 2204 and the shell 2206. The duct 2243 is hollowed out at its bottom below the strip 2205 by a parallelepiped hole having, at its side nearer the handle, a vertical partition 2244a. The duct 2243 is extended at its lower portion in a shell 2246 which is provided along its axis of symmetry with a delivery channel 2247 for the product, as may be seen in FIG. 26c. In the region of the teeth 2245 of the part 2204, the lateral edges of the strip 2205 form respective bevels 2205a and 2205b which rest on the symmetrical edges of the shell 2246 forming the seat. Therefore, the edges of the shell 2246 and the lips of the bevels 2205a and 2205b of the strip 2205 respectively form the lips and the seats of the closing system Fa and Fb in accordance with the invention. In the region of the teeth 2245 of the comb, this strip carries a groove 2253 disposed on the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the strip. Just after the mounting zone between the cover and the cut out of the duct 2243, the strip forms a dome 2251, a space E being arranged between this dome 2251 and the shell 2246. Moreover, at the level of the duct 2243, the strip 2205 carries a stud 2252 turned towards the part 2204 which rests on the partition 2244a situated on the handle side of the cavity 2244 of the part 2204. The partition 2244a forms the seat for the lip closed by the stud 2252 and the combination of the partition and the lip constitutes a valve Fc. The cover 2206 is fixed by welding or catch engagement on the edge of the support 2204, except in the region of the closing systems Fa and Fb where the cover 2206 comprises two cut outs 2261a and 2261b for the bevels 2205a and 2205b of the strip 2205. The cover 2206 if provided with a rib 2263 complementary to the rib 2253 of the strip. The cover 2206 is pierced by a circular opening 2262 through which the dome 2251 projects.
FIGS. 28 and 29a and 29b represent dispensing heads according to the second embodiment of the invention wherein the obturator is a resilient part disposed opposite the outlet of the dispensing duct and which moves away from the seat in a direction parallel to the pressure of the liquid to be dispensed.
In cross-section, the toric seal 2505 is circular, provided with a stud 2552 in the region of the closing system, and it is fitted into the groove 2542. The dome 2507 is situated above the support 2504 and it defines, above the support 2504, an internal space E which communicates on the one hand with the duct 2543 and on the other hand, with the cut out 2545. The base of the dome 2507 is extended, on the side remote from the opening of the duct 2543, in a plate carrying a stud 2508 that cooperates with the partition 2546 to form a valve 2513. In this valve 2513, the stud 2508 rests in a leakproof manner on the surface of the edge of the partition 2546. The cover 2506 is fixed to the periphery of the support 2504 and it is provided with an opening 2561 through which the dome 2507 projects. At the level of the torus 2505, the cover 2506 is out by a groove 2562 having the cross-sectional shape of a circular segment, which is fitted to the groove 2542 to form together therewith (in cross section) a larger circular segment. At the level of the outlet of the dispensing duct 2543, and above it, the groove 2562 and a fraction of the groove 2542 are provided with a delivery duct 2509 for the product.
The unit 2501 functions as follows. When the user wishes to dispense the product, he presses on the resilient dome 2507 and reduces the internal space E since the valve 2513 is closed. The product contained in the space E is subjected to excess pressure and exerts pressure via the duct 2543 on the torus 2505 to displace it by elasticity in the direction of arrow f2, thereby opening the delivery duct 2509 towards the outside. The product is dispensed. When the user stops pressing on the elastic dome 2511 the pressure of the product to be dispensed, on the torus 2505, stops and the torus reassumes its position by elasticity and closes the duct 2509. Since the dome reassumes its shape by elasticity, low pressure is generated in the space E. This low pressure causes the valve 2513 to open, the stud 2508 moving away by being bent from the edge of the partition 2546. Some of the product contained in the bag 2502 is drawn up onto the space E via the duct 2544 and the out out 2545. The dispensing head is ready for a fresh dispensing of the product.
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KgHand-operated dispenser for paste-like to fluid substances and linking receptacle thereforUS20100276456 *Jan 7, 2009Nov 4, 2010Capital Innovation (Sarl)Pump for liquid or viscous productUS20120124942 *Mar 3, 2010May 24, 2012Gidi ShaniVolume adjusted preservation containment systemWO1995029121A1 *Apr 18, 1995Nov 2, 1995Gerard Charles PoolmanPretreating dispensing deviceWO1995029122A1 *Apr 18, 1995Nov 2, 1995Joseph Fernand DeflanderPretreating dispensing deviceWO2002078502A1Feb 20, 2002Oct 10, 2002Kimberly Clark CoDosing pump for liquid dispensers* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification222/108, 222/491, 222/571, 222/494International ClassificationB65D83/76, B65D47/34, B65D47/28, B65D47/20, B65D83/00, B05B11/00, B65D77/04, B65D45/00Cooperative ClassificationB05B11/3032, B65D45/00, B65D77/04, B05B11/3067, A45D40/26, B05B11/3057, A45D37/00, B05B11/3001, B05B11/3061, B05B11/0078, A45D2200/058, A45D2040/0018, B05B11/007, B05B11/3074, B65D47/2018, A45D34/04, B05B11/3069, B65D83/0055, B05B11/0032, B05B11/3004, A45D2200/051, B05B11/0072, B05B11/0048, A45D2200/056, B05B11/3056, B05B11/0027, B05B11/0043European ClassificationB05B11/30H5, B05B11/30H7B, B05B11/30H3F, B05B11/30E6, B05B11/30C2, B05B11/30C, B05B11/30H8B, B05B11/30H7B2, B05B11/00B9T, B05B11/30H3F2, B65D83/00B, B05B11/00B11, B65D45/00, B65D47/20E, B05B11/00B5A4, B05B11/00B5A2, B65D77/04, B05B11/00B3F, B05B11/00B9R, A45D34/04, A45D40/26, A45D37/00Legal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionJun 16, 2006FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 12Jun 13, 2002FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 8Jun 29, 1998FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 4RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services