Abstract:
An assembly is provided for packaging and dispensing a pressurized product, in which the assembly includes a container containing the product and a dispensing element fitted to the container and provided with an activating member. The activating member can be moved along a longitudinal axis X of the dispensing element, and a dispensing head is mounted on the container by a collar. The dispensing head includes an actuating member that can be moved relative to the collar, and the coupling between the collar and the actuating member is such that rotating the actuating member relative to the collar causes displacement of the activating member along the axis X to dispense the product through at least one outlet orifice of the dispensing head.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
         [0001]    This document claims priority to French application number 0104091 filed Mar. 27, 2001, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.  
         FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The invention relates to a device for packaging and dispensing a product, such as a cosmetic or dermatological product. Such a product can be dispensed in the form of a cream, a gel, a foam or a spray. The product can be packaged in pressurized form using a gas introduced into the container containing the product, with the gaseous propellant mixed with or separate from the product, and with the pressurized dispensing taking place through an aerosol type valve. Alternatively, the product can be pressurized during dispensing by means of a manually actuated pump.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    DISCUSSION OF BACKGROUND  
           [0004]    Generally, in pressurized dispensing devices using a valve, the product is dispensed in response to pressure applied either axially (push-in valve) or laterally (tilt valve) to an actuating member in the form of a push button (also known as a “spray head”). Such a push button can be moved relative to a mounting collar which is fixed to the container. Pressure on the actuating member causes displacement (depression or tilting) of an activating member in the form of a valve stem, to expel the product through an outlet orifice provided in the spray head. When the actuating pressure is removed, a return means, such as a spring, forces the activating member into the valve-closed position.  
           [0005]    In the case of a pump, the pump is usually actuated by applying pressure axially to a push button. This pressure causes axial displacement of an activating member. The activating member is connected to a piston, so that displacement of the activating member causes displacement of the piston inside the pump body. Displacement in one direction expels the product under pressure, while displacement in the opposite direction draws the product into the pump body. The piston is usually biased towards its position corresponding to maximum volume of the pumping chamber by a spring.  
           [0006]    The configuration of these conventional devices is such that it is sometimes difficult to actuate the pump or valve with one hand and collect the dispensed product with the same hand. However, the ability to dispense and collect the product with the same hand can be desirable, especially with certain products such as creams or gels. Independently of the ability to both actuate and collect the dispensed product with the same hand, it may be desirable, particularly in the cosmetic field, to allow a product to be dispensed with a hand action which is quite simply different from conventional hand actions.  
           [0007]    FR-2-661 116 discloses a device equipped with a manually actuated pump. In this arrangement, the product is dispensed by applying pressure axially to a push button. The push button is connected to a steep slope and is configured in such a way that the axial pressure applied to the push button depresses the pump rod and expels the product through an outlet orifice. At the same time as the pump rod is being depressed, the push button is caused to rotate through about 30° in such a way as to bring about a corresponding angular displacement of the product spray. With this arrangement, the steep slope formed by the collar means that it is impossible directly to rotate the push button relative to the collar. The rotation of the push button can only result from the axial pressure applied to the push button. This axial pressure simultaneously both actuates the pump and also rotates the push button as the product comes out. In other words, in this arrangement, the rotation is only an induced movement and not an initiating movement. As a result, the hand action of the user is identical to that of the conventional pumps described above.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    One of the objects of the invention is to provide a device for packaging and dispensing a product, such as a cosmetic product, under pressure, that permits a hand action by the user that differs from that of conventional devices.  
           [0009]    It is another object of the invention to provide a device in which the dispensing element can be actuated by a rotary movement applied directly by the user to an actuating member.  
           [0010]    It is a further object of the invention to provide a device that allows the same hand to be used to both dispense the product and collect the product so dispensed.  
           [0011]    It is still a further object of the invention to provide a dispensing device that is simple to use and inexpensive to manufacture.  
           [0012]    The above objects, as well as additional advantages, can be achieved according to various aspects of the invention as will become apparent from the description herein. In accordance with the invention, an assembly is provided for packaging and dispensing a product. The product can include cosmetics or dermatological products in various forms such as creams, gels, or sprays. Although the arrangement is particularly advantageous for cosmetic products, it could also be used for other products as well. The arrangement includes a container containing the product and a dispensing element fitted to the container. The dispensing element includes an activating member that can be moved along a longitudinal axis of the dispensing element. The arrangement also includes a dispensing head mounted on the container by a collar. The dispensing head includes an actuating member that can be moved relative to the collar. In addition, the connection between the collar and the actuating member is such that rotating the actuating member relative to the collar causes displacement of the activating member along the longitudinal axis (X) to dispense the product through at least one outlet orifice of the dispensing head.  
           [0013]    With the arrangement of the invention, rotary movement applied directly to the actuating member by the user produces an axial movement of the activating element and, as a result, the dispensing element is actuated to expel the pressurized product through the outward orifice. Consequently the hand action of the user of the device according to the invention is significantly different from the hand action of the conventional devices referred to earlier.  
           [0014]    The configuration of the invention is contrary to that described in FR-A-2 661 116, in which the movement applied directly by the user to the push button is an axial movement, and this axial movement actuates the dispensing element and induces the rotary movement of the push button. With the arrangement of FR-A-2 661 116, the rotary movement induced in the push button plays no part in initiating the actuation of the pump.  
           [0015]    Although the invention is not limited to such an arrangement, by way of example, according to one form of the invention, a valve can have an actuating stroke on the order of 0.5 mm, and actuation can arise from rotation on the order of a few degrees of the actuating member relative to the collar. According to an alternate arrangement, in the case of a pump in which the actuating stroke may be of the order of 2 mm or more, actuation of the pump can arise from a rotation of between 10° and 50° , preferably approximately 30° . The angle of rotation depends to a large extent on the configuration of the connection between the actuating member and the collar.  
           [0016]    According to a preferred form, when the actuating action is discontinued, the activating member is pushed back up axially by a return expedient acting on the dispensing element. By way of example, the return can be provided by a helical spring as is present in a conventional spray or pump return. This return automatically turns the actuating member in the opposite direction to that in which it was rotated to actuate the dispensing element. It is to be understood that alternate or auxiliary return arrangements can be provided to return the actuating member in the reverse rotary direction (i.e., in reverse to the actuating direction).  
           [0017]    The axial displacement of the activating member preferably results from the rotation of the actuating member about a longitudinal axis. This feature greatly simplifies the design of the dispensing head.  
           [0018]    In one specific exemplary embodiment, the arrangement includes at least one driving element, for example in the form of a pin, formed by the actuating member (or conversely by the collar). This driving element is able to engage with at least one guide element formed by the collar (or conversely by the actuating member). The guide element(s) includes a ramp configured to cause the axial displacement of the activating member when the actuating member is rotated. Various forms of the guide element(s) are possible. By way of example, the guide element can be in the form of a window passing through a side wall of the collar, with the window having a profile corresponding to the desired ramp profile and the desired speed and/or stroke of opening. By way of example and not to be construed as limiting, the average slope of the at least one ramp is preferably less than 50° , and more preferably less than 30° . The engagement of a driving element with its associated guide means can be effected via an opening leading to a free edge of the collar. Although not to be construed as limiting, according to a preferred embodiment, the at least one driving element is associated with the actuating member and the at least one guide element is associated with the collar.  
           [0019]    According to an optional advantageous aspect of the invention, a plurality of driving elements can be provided at regularly spaced intervals, with each driving element associated with a corresponding guide element. In a particularly preferred form, three driving elements and guide elements are provided. The provision of a plurality of driving elements and associated guide elements greatly facilitates rotating of the actuating member and the actuation of the valve or pump.  
           [0020]    The actuating member is rotatably coupled relative to the collar to allow movement between a first angular position and a second angular position. According to another optional aspect, the connection between the actuating member and the collar is preferably such that the rotation of the actuating member between the first position and an intermediate position (between the first and second positions) causes little or no axial displacement of the activating member. The positions between the first position and the intermediate position constitute a “locked” zone of the device, in which the risk of accidental actuation of the dispensing element, e.g., when putting on a cap (optional), is greatly reduced. By way of example, the “locked” zone can be separated from the ramp by a notch which is overcome by a click action. The notch may be overcome automatically by the return force of the pump or valve, or manually by the user. For at least certain products, such a notch makes the presence of an auxiliary cap less important. In an illustrated exemplary arrangement, when the actuating member is rotated between the first position and the intermediate position, the driving element can be in engagement with a portion of the corresponding guide element that is approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and that is upstream of the ramp of the corresponding guide element. The opening through which the driving element is placed in engagement with the guide element is preferably offset angularly from the most upstream edge of the guide element, so that when the driving element is in abutment against the upstream edge (the rest or storage position), the actuating member cannot be detached from the collar merely by pulling on the actuating member. The outlet orifice is preferably also positioned along the longitudinal axis, to further facilitate the actuation of the dispensing element and the collecting of the dispensed product in the same hand.  
           [0021]    According to an additional advantageous aspect, the actuating member preferably includes reliefs, for example in the form of bands, which can make it easy to rotate the actuating member relative to the connecting collar. Such bands are preferably oriented parallel to the axis of rotation of the actuating member.  
           [0022]    Optionally, a removable cap can be provided for covering the outlet orifice in the storage position of the device. The removable cap can include a seal, for example, in the form of an elastomeric ball, which, in the closed position of the cap, seals the outlet orifice. Because the dispensing element is actuated by rotating the actuating member, the risk of accidentally actuating the dispensing element when putting on the cap, are greatly reduced. In addition, the sealing arrangement which comes into engagement with the outlet orifice can further reduce the possibility of accidental actuation or leakage.  
           [0023]    The dispensing element may be an aerosol type valve, with the container in the form, for example, of a can made of metal or a thermoplastic material. The valve may be of the “male” type, in which case the activating member includes a hollow rod projecting out of the valve body, with a part inside the valve body that opens and closes the valve.  
           [0024]    Alternatively, the valve can be of the “female” type, in which case the activating member includes an opening/closing element entirely contained within the valve body, and tubular portion of the actuating member, which is in communication with the outlet orifice, comes into engagement with the activating member to dispense the product.  
           [0025]    In another embodiment, the dispensing element is a manually actuated pump.  
           [0026]    The container can be made of, among other things, glass or a thermoplastic material. By way of example, the collar, the actuating member, and the cap (if any) can be molded of thermoplastic materials such as a polypropylene, a polyethylene terephthalate, or a polyvinyl chloride. However, it is to be understood that the use of other materials is also possible.  
           [0027]    The device according to the invention can advantageously used for packaging and dispensing a cosmetic or dermatological product, especially in the form of a cream, a foam, a gel or a spray. The product may be, for example, a personal hygiene product, a hair styling product, a hair dye product, a skin or hair care product, make-up, or a sunscreen product. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0028]    A better appreciation of the invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will become further apparent from the following detailed description, particularly when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of one embodiment of the invention;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 2 depicts the device of in FIG. 1 in an exploded view;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 3 is another exploded view of only a portion of the device depicted in FIG. 1;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 4 is a cross-section of the device of FIGS.  1 - 3 ;  
         [0033]    FIGS.  5 A- 5 B illustrate the operation of the device of FIGS.  1 - 4 ; and  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 6 depicts a cross-section of a second embodiment of the device of the invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0035]    An example of the device  1  according to the invention will now be described with reference to FIGS.  1 - 4  and  5 A- 5 B. By way of example, the device  1  can include a can  2  formed of metal (e.g., tin plate) or another material, with a rolled free edge defining an opening  3 . As shown in FIG. 4, a valve support  4  is crimped onto the rolled edge. The valve  5  itself is conventional and includes a valve stem  6  whose longitudinal axis X coincides with the axis of the valve  5 . The valve stem  6  emerges to the outside of a valve body  7  in the illustrated embodiment.  
         [0036]    A dispensing head  10  is mounted on the valve, and includes a collar  20  and an actuating member  40 . In addition, the illustrated embodiment preferably includes a cap  60  as shown in the drawings, however, as mentioned earlier, a cap is not required.  
         [0037]    The collar  20  includes a fixing skirt  21 , one end of which is designed to fit onto the container  2 . The inside of the fixing skirt  21  has a plurality of beads  22 ,  23  for snap engagement over the bead  8  where the valve  5  is crimped to the can  2 . Also formed on the inside of the fixing skirt  21  are a plurality of regularly spaced ribs  24  designed to abut against the top edge of the crimp bead  8 , to fix the axial position of the collar  20 . The fixing skirt  21  fits relatively tightly on the can  2  to effectively prevent rotation of the collar on the can  2 . It is to be understood that other expedients to mount the valve assembly with respect to the container are also possible. In the illustrated arrangement, in the vicinity of its open end, the fixing skirt  21  of the collar  20  is roughly cylindrical, and the skirt  21  reduces progressively as it extends away from the can  2 .  
         [0038]    As can be particularly seen in FIGS. 1 and 4, at about the same level as the base of the emerging part of the valve stem  6 , the collar  20  forms a first step  25 . The step  25  is located between the fixing skirt and a cylindrical portion  27  of smaller cross section than the fixing skirt  21 . About halfway up its axial height, the cylindrical skirt portion  27  includes a bead  26  on its outer surface for snap engagement in a groove  61  on the inside of the cap  60 .  
         [0039]    The collar  20  also includes a second step  28  separating the cylindrical portion  27  from a cylindrical end skirt  29 , which has a smaller diameter than the portion  27 . The end skirt  29  ends in a free edge  30 . In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the end skirt  29  is pierced by three windows  31 ,  32 ,  33  at approximately 120° intervals, each communicating with the free edge  30  via an opening  34 ,  35 ,  36 . However, it is to be understood that an alternate number of windows and openings could also be provided. Each window  31 ,  32 ,  33  includes an upstream portion  37  (with respect to the direction of rotation during opening) that is approximately perpendicular to the axis X, and a downstream portion  38  that slopes down towards the step  28 . Because of its slope, the downstream portion  38  forms a ramp, whose function is explained below in greater detail.  
         [0040]    For each window  31 ,  32 ,  33 , the opening  34 ,  35 ,  36  is angularly offset from the most upstream edge of the window. The distance is preferably about equal to the diameter of the pins, which are also discussed below in greater detail. By way of example, the upstream portion  37  can occupy about one quarter of the angular width of the window  33  and the ramp  38  can occupy approximately three quarters of the angular width. Also, by way of example, the slope of the ramp is preferably less than 50° , more preferably less than 30° . According to the preferred illustrated embodiment, the slope of the ramp  38  is approximately 20° .  
         [0041]    The dispensing head  10  also includes an actuating member  40 . The actuating member  40  includes an operating part  41 . Preferably the operating part has a curved surface, which, in the illustrated embodiment is in the form of a skirt forming a truncated sphere whose outer surface has reliefs in the form of bands  48  running parallel to the axis X. It is to be understood that other shapes for the actuating member are also possible. The skirt  41  has an open edge  49 , with the distance from the edge  49  to the step  28  preferably greater than or equal to the axial height of the ramps  38  formed by the windows  31 ,  32 ,  33 .  
         [0042]    Approximately halfway up the operating part  41  of the actuating member  40 , three projections in the form of pins  42 ,  43 ,  44  are spaced at 120° intervals. The pins project radially from the inside of the operating part  41  to permit engagement with the windows  31 ,  32 ,  33  via their respective openings  34 ,  35 ,  36 . As with the windows and openings, it is to be understood that an alternate number of pins could also be utilized. The diameter of the pins  42 ,  43 ,  44  is slightly less than the axial height of the windows  31 ,  32 ,  33  to allow guided displacement of the pins  42 ,  43 ,  44  inside the windows  31 ,  32 ,  33 .  
         [0043]    The operating portion  41  of the actuating member is surmounted by a hemispherical dome  45  at the top of which is an outlet hole  46  preferably disposed along the axis X. An axial passage  47  extends out one end at the top of the hemispherical dome  45  via the orifice  46 . The other end of the axial passage  47  is pushed onto the valve stem  6 .  
         [0044]    The actuating member  40  is fitted onto the collar (either before or after the latter is fitted onto the can  2 ) by engaging the pins  42 ,  43 ,  44  in the windows  31 ,  32 ,  33 , through the openings  34 ,  35 ,  36 , taking care to position the axial passage  47  at the correct angle on the valve stem  6  so that the pins  42 ,  43 ,  44  are in contact with the most upstream edge of their respective windows  31 ,  32 ,  33  (FIG. 5A). By way of example, the pins can be snapped through the openings such that once the pins are disposed in the windows, the actuating member will not inadvertently dislodge from the assembly. With the pins disposed at the upstream edges, corresponding to a storage or transport position, the actuating member  40  cannot easily be detached from the collar  20 , e.g., by simply being pulled off. In the position shown in FIG. 5A, axial pressure on the top of the dome  45 , e.g., when the cap  60  (described hereinafter) is being put on, has no effect on the valve stem  6 .  
         [0045]    To dispense a quantity of product, the user grasps the top end of the can  2 , placing thumb and middle finger in engagement with the operating portion  41  of the actuating member and placing the index finger somewhere near the outlet orifice  46 . He or she then rotates the actuating member about the axis X. As this happens, once the pins  42 ,  43 ,  44  have reached the ramps  38  formed by the windows  31 ,  32 ,  33 , the pins are guided downwards in the direction toward the container or can. This causes an axial movement of the valve stem  6 . When the pins  42 ,  43 ,  44  arrive in the vicinity of the lowest point of the ramps  38  (FIG. 5B) the valve  5  opens and the product travels up the valve stem  6  and into the tubular duct  47 . The product, in the form of a cream or other product, then passes out of the device through the orifice  46  and can be collected on the user&#39;s index finger.  
         [0046]    When the operating portion  41  of the actuating member is released, the return force of the valve spring (the spring itself is not shown in the drawing) pushes the valve stem  6  up again. As this happens, the actuating member  40  is rotated, by the action of the pins  42 ,  43 ,  44  guided along the ramps  38 , in the opposite direction to the actuating direction until the pins  42 ,  43 ,  44  are once again in the vicinity of the most upstream edge of the windows  31 ,  32 ,  33 .  
         [0047]    After use, the user positions the cap  60  on the dispensing head  10  by snap-engaging the groove  61  onto the annular bead  26 . In this position, illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 4, an elastomeric ball  62  (mounted, e.g., by a snap fit in a housing  63  formed on the inside of the closed end  64  of the cap  60 ) bears on the outlet orifice  46 . Preferably the ball bears elastically against the orifice (with the ball and/or the orifice elastic or elastomeric) to form a good seal.  
         [0048]    In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the device  1  includes, for example, a glass container  70  whose free edge forms a bead  71  defining an opening. The pump  72  is mounted on a support  76  crimped onto the bead  71 . The pump  72  is connected to a dip tube  75  whose free end is situated close to the bottom of the container  70 . From the body  73  of the pump  72  there emerges, in the opposite direction to the dip tube  75 , a pump rod  74  on which is mounted a dispensing head  10  similar to that discussed with reference to FIGS.  1 - 4  and  5 A- 5 B, except that the angle of rotation of the actuating member  40  is preferably greater than that of the actuating member  40  in the previous embodiment, because the actuating stroke of the pump  72  is longer than that of the valve  5 . As will be appreciated, the FIG. 6 arrangement illustrates an example in which the advantageous dispensing actuation according to the invention can be utilized with a pump-type dispenser. The device, including its operation, is in all other respects similar to that described with reference to the previous embodiment, and consequently requires no further detailed description.  
         [0049]    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.