Patent Description:
In particular, the invention refers to a dispensing device for a substance used in the cosmetic or medical field such as a cream, a foundation, etc..

Fluid substances used in the cosmetic or medical field are usually marketed in containers equipped with manual pumps which allow the product to be dispensed.

In particularly exacting contexts, consumers are attracted by the aesthetics and the functionality of the container in which these substances are marketed.

The containers according to prior art are normally disposable and therefore must have an acceptable marketing cost.

The final cost of a container results from a combination of various items, among which the assembly costs stand out in particular, in addition to the quality of the materials of which they are made.

Another very important item to take into consideration is the generation of rejects, which if high in number, affects the end price of the product.

Especially in the case of containers with glass parts, for example blown glass, where tolerances are difficult to control, most rejects originate not from the container having 'functioning' problems but from assembly or visual defects, misalignment of printed parts or parts in relief, or obvious misalignments resulting from a 'final' position of mutually coupled parts which is not aesthetically pleasing.

<CIT> and <CIT> disclose devices for dispensing fluid known in the art.

The object of the present invention is to provide a device for dispensing a fluid substance which is improved compared with the prior art.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device which can be assembled more easily than the devices according to prior art, thus generating less waste due to aesthetic defects.

This and other objects are achieved by means of a device produced according to the technical teachings of the claims annexed hereto.

Further features and advantages of the innovation will become clearer in the description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of the device for dispensing a fluid substance, illustrated - by way of a non-limiting example - in the drawings annexed hereto, in which:.

With reference to the figures stated, reference number <NUM> is used to denote, as a whole, a device for dispensing a fluid substance.

In this document, the term 'fluid substance' means a liquid or relatively dense substance which can be dispensed via a manually operated pump P. The fluid substance can be of a cosmetic, medical, etc. type.

By way of example, the device can be a cream, a liquid for make-up, etc..

The device <NUM> comprises an external container <NUM> endowed with a collar <NUM> and an intermediate element <NUM> fixed, for example by means of snap-fitting or an undercut, to the collar <NUM> (see <FIG>).

The external container <NUM> can be made of glass or plastic, and can have a neck <NUM> endowed with a thread <NUM>.

The collar <NUM> can feature a counter-thread <NUM>; the thread <NUM> and the counter-thread <NUM> can be configured so as to provide a screwing limit (or stroke limit) position which is essentially a "snap-fit" arrangement which determines a sole, centred alignment between the collar <NUM> and the external container <NUM>.

The sole alignment between the collar <NUM> and the container <NUM> can be very useful, for example in the event that the footprint of the container is not circular, or in the event that, even in the presence of a circular footprint, the said container features lettering or designs in relief, or various decorations (including printed decorations) which are preferably perfectly positioned according to the nozzle of a pump P which will be coupled to the container.

The system described above is also effective to prevent (accidental or intentional) unscrewing.

For example, the thread <NUM> and the counter-thread <NUM> may be single thread arrangements. As can be seen in <FIG>, one of either the said counter-thread <NUM> or the said thread <NUM> can feature an isolated portion 16A of the thread (essentially a part of the thread which is separate from the rest of the thread) which determines the said stroke limit or alignment position when the said portion is inserted into a seat 4A made in the other either said thread <NUM> or counter-thread <NUM>.

For example, the seat 4A, which is clearly visible in <FIG>, can be formed of two uprights M1, M2 which extend in an essentially axial direction underneath the thread <NUM>, in practice creating the seat 4A configured to house the insulated portion of the thread 16A (see for example <FIG>).

The upright M1 prevents over-screwing, while the upright M2 prevents the collar <NUM> unscrewing.

According to the invention, the container <NUM> is a separate piece with respect to the collar <NUM>; in this case, a deformable element G can be envisaged (which can also be simply a gasket, as shown) placed between the collar <NUM> and the container <NUM>, as visible in <FIG>. The deformable element G can be, for example, made of NBR or LDPE or PP, and can be provided for the purpose of recovering and absorbing the 'height' tolerances between the collar <NUM> and the container <NUM> (when made of glass, for example, as mentioned earlier).

Between the intermediate element <NUM> and the collar <NUM> there are first torsional alignment means <NUM>, 6A present to ensure univocal positioning of the intermediate element with respect to the collar (and therefore to the container <NUM> given that the collar <NUM> is positioned according to the said container <NUM>).

The first torsional alignment means can also be of a very simple type, for example - as illustrated in <FIG>and <FIG> a protuberance <NUM> with axial extension (i.e. parallel to an axis A of the device <NUM>) which fits into a suitable seat 6A. In this way the intermediate element <NUM> is positioned according to both the collar <NUM> and the container <NUM>.

Obviously, the first alignment means <NUM>, 6A can be made in other ways useful for the purpose of carrying out the required alignment, in an unambiguous way.

The intermediate element <NUM> can be snap-fitted onto the collar <NUM>. To make the coupling, the collar can envisage a step <NUM> (or a free edge, for example, with a corner) which cooperates with undercut means envisaged on the intermediate element, for example teeth <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>).

In <FIG> and <FIG>, it can be seen that the intermediate element <NUM> features a (for example circular) opening <NUM>, which cooperates with a flange <NUM> of a pump P for fixing the pump to the collar <NUM>.

More specifically, the collar <NUM> can also feature an opening <NUM> therein, through which a deformable bag D can be inserted. The deformable bag D (inserted inside the container <NUM>) can feature a flange D1, for example which rests on the collar <NUM> in a suitable seat.

The pump flange <NUM> and the bag flange D1 can be sandwiched between the collar <NUM> and the intermediate element <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

A gasket G2, for example an O-ring, can be envisaged between the bag D and the pump P (or rather the pump body, below the flange <NUM>).

The pump P can feature an elongated element <NUM>, which extends inside the bag D and guides the deformation thereof following expulsion of the fluid substance S.

Also in <FIG>, it can be seen that the pump P has a hollow stem P1 coupled, in a sealed manner, to a dispensing button <NUM>.

The button <NUM> can feature a cylindrical seat which couples in a sealed manner to the said stem P1.

The dispensing button <NUM> is coupled in a rotating manner to the intermediate element <NUM> so as to be able to move between a first lock position (<FIG> and <FIG>), in which at least one stop <NUM> of the button <NUM> abuts a surface <NUM> of the intermediate element <NUM>, to prevent an axial translation of the button <NUM>.

The button <NUM> also has a dispensing position (shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, for example rotated by <NUM>° with respect to the intermediate element <NUM> with respect to the position in <FIG>), in which an axial movement of the button <NUM> is allowed in order to dispense the fluid substance S contained in the external container <NUM> (inside the bag D obviously, which is optional).

The device <NUM> also comprises a ring nut <NUM> for moving the button <NUM>, the said ring nut being torsionally coupled to the said button <NUM>; the ring nut <NUM> (possibly together with a coating or covering 15A thereof) is configured so as to hide from view, at least part of a lateral surface of the said button <NUM> and of the said intermediate element <NUM>.

Advantageously, however, the ring nut <NUM> leaves the top of the button <NUM> totally accessible.

The ring nut <NUM> is torsionally coupled to the button <NUM>, for example by means of at least a further axial rib <NUM> which cooperates with at least one axial recess <NUM> in the button.

In practice, a rotation of the ring nut <NUM> also causes a rotation of the button <NUM> to move the said button between the locked position thereof and the activation position thereof (or vice versa).

The ring nut <NUM> can be snap-fitted to the intermediate element <NUM> but always in such a way that the said ring nut is rotatably mounted on the intermediate element <NUM>, which can act as a guide for the rotation thereof. For this purpose, the coupling can be achieved by means of further teeth <NUM> (or a continuous edge, however undercut) which cooperate with a free edge (for example with a corner) of the intermediate element <NUM>.

Since the ring nut <NUM> is configured to rotate (around the axis A) on top of the intermediate element, the said ring nut features a resting surface <NUM> for resting on top of the intermediate element <NUM>.

The resting surface <NUM> is kept apart by the further teeth <NUM>, which allows no - or only minimal - translation of the ring nut <NUM> (along the axis A).

The ring nut <NUM> can feature a covering 15A made of a metallic material (for example, aluminium) or with a metallic finish, which renders the said ring nut very aesthetically pleasing, lending the device distinction. For example, the covering can be fitted onto the ring nut <NUM> and secured by interference fit.

Advantageously, the dispensing button <NUM> features a protruding nozzle <NUM> and, consequently, the ring nut <NUM> (and the covering 15A) features a window <NUM> inside which the said nozzle <NUM> is positioned. In practice, the window completely surrounds the nozzle and can be elongated in an axial direction so as to allow translation of the nozzle <NUM> following operation of the button <NUM>.

Furthermore, in <FIG> for example, it can be seen that the ring nut <NUM> (or the covering 15A) features a free end endowed with a lowered portion <NUM> which makes a lateral part of the said button <NUM> (located in a diametrically opposite position with respect to the nozzle) accessible.

Returning to the description of the coupling (useful for the creation of an ON-OFF system) between the button <NUM> and the intermediate element <NUM>, it should be noted that the stop <NUM> can be an axial rib on the button <NUM> which, when the button is in the said dispensing position (see <FIG>), is aligned with a guide <NUM> provided on the said intermediate element <NUM>, which guides the stop <NUM> during the axial stroke of the button; optionally, the guide <NUM> has a stop 18A for the stop <NUM> when the button <NUM> is at the stroke limit thereof.

Advantageously, as is visible in <FIG>, the axial recess <NUM> is featured on the external surface of the button <NUM> in the same position as the said stop <NUM> on the internal surface of the button <NUM>.

To conclude the description, and as can be seen in <FIG>, but also in <FIG>, an elastic tab <NUM> on the intermediate element <NUM> can cooperate with the stop <NUM>, in order to keep the button <NUM> in the locked position.

The tab <NUM> can feature a tooth 23A which engages in a depression or recess 13A in the said stop, precisely to stabilise the position thereof.

It must be underlined that the parts of the device can be made of various materials.

For example, the external container <NUM> can preferably be made of blown glass. The said container can have a circular, elliptical, square, or rectangular conformation (plan view) or even a shape that varies axially, for example circular at the base and square near the neck, etc..

The collar <NUM>, the dispensing button <NUM>, and the ring nut <NUM> and possibly the nozzle <NUM> are preferably made by moulding a plastic material (each one as a single piece).

Some plastic materials that can be used include one or more of the following: PP, PET, PETG, HDPE, PE, PA, PBT.

As mentioned earlier, the covering 15A for the ring nut <NUM> can be made of a metal or plastic material, for example of aluminium or PP, PET, PETG, HDPE, PE, PA, PBT, and may also be finely decorated.

The pump P can be of the conventional type, and is preferably airless if coupled with the deformable bag D.

The operation envisaged in the invention is apparent from the description above and is essentially as follows.

Prior to use, the device is in the position shown in <FIG>. In this position, the stroke of the button <NUM> (accessible from the top of the ring nut <NUM>, 15A and partially through the lowered portion <NUM> of the said ring nut) is prevented by the stop <NUM>, which abuts the surface <NUM> of the intermediate element <NUM>.

The 'closed' position is kept stable by the tabs <NUM> and by the teeth 23A, which engage with the recess 13A.

Obviously, as can be seen in <FIG>, two diametrically opposing stops <NUM> may be envisaged on the dispensing button <NUM>, and consequently two surfaces <NUM>, two flaps <NUM> (and so on) are envisaged on the intermediate element <NUM>.

Turning the ring nut <NUM>, or rather the covering 15A integral with the ring nut <NUM> (in the example, anticlockwise), results in the button <NUM> being rotated by the further axial rib <NUM> engaged with the recess <NUM> in the said button. Rotation continues until the button is in the dispensing position, i.e. the position shown in <FIG>.

In this position the stops <NUM> are aligned with the guides <NUM>, permitting axial translation (free stroke) of the button <NUM> for dispensing. The said translation (transmitted to the stem P1 of the pump P) allows dispensing of the substance S contained in the deformable bag D through the nozzle <NUM> in a known manner.

It should be emphasised that the ring nut <NUM>, or at least the covering 15A thereof, completely hide the intermediate element <NUM>, the collar <NUM>, and the other "non-aesthetically pleasing" parts of the device <NUM>, such as for example the recesses <NUM> in the button. Only a part of the dispensing button <NUM> and the nozzle <NUM> remains accessible (and visible) (through the window <NUM>).

The alignment of the various parts of the device (in particular the nozzle <NUM>, the lower portion <NUM> of the ring nut <NUM>, and the covering 15A) with respect to the external container <NUM> is guaranteed by the systems for the mutual or reciprocal alignment of the various components, as described above.

Therefore, the container <NUM> can also have prints, reliefs, or preferential zones with respect to which the nozzle <NUM> can be aligned by means of the arrangements described above.

The device is therefore extremely pleasing to the eye and conveys a sense of great overall quality to the end user.

Furthermore, the alignment systems envisaged minimise rejects generated by incorrect assembly of the device.

Furthermore, provision of the dispenser locking and unlocking system protects the product from accidental dispensing, even during transport and in the absence of a protective cap.

Claim 1:
Device (<NUM>) for dispensing a fluid substance, comprising an external container (<NUM>) equipped with a collar (<NUM>) and an intermediate element (<NUM>) fixed to the collar (<NUM>), between the intermediate element (<NUM>) and the collar (<NUM>) being present first torsional alignment means (<NUM>, 6A), the intermediate element (<NUM>) having an opening (<NUM>) cooperating with a flange (<NUM>) of a pump (P) for fixing the pump to the collar (<NUM>), the pump (P) having a stem (P1) tightly associated to a dispensing button (<NUM>), the dispensing button (<NUM>) being rotatably associated to the intermediate element (<NUM>) in a movable way between a locking position, in which at least one stop (<NUM>) of the button (<NUM>) strikes a surface (<NUM>) of the intermediate element (<NUM>), to prevent an axial translation of the button (<NUM>), and a dispensing position in which an axial movement of the button (<NUM>) for dispensing a fluid substance contained in the external container (<NUM>) is allowed, the device (<NUM>) further comprising a ring nut (<NUM>) torsionally coupled to the push button (<NUM>) to move the push button (<NUM>) between the locking position and the dispensing position, the ring nut (<NUM>) hiding from view at least part of a lateral surface of said push button (<NUM>) and of said intermediate element (<NUM>), characterized in that the collar (<NUM>) is separate from the container (<NUM>).