Assembly for dispensing a fluid product

(54) Title: DISTRIBUTION SET OF (57) Summary:

FLUID PRODUCT (30) Unionist Priority: 10/01/2007 fr 0752603 (66) Internal Priority: 860446 (73) Holder (s): Valois SAS

(72) Inventor (s): Hervé Pennaneac'h (74) Attorney (s): Orlando de Souza (86) International Order: pct FR2008050013 de

07/01/2008 (87) International Publication: wo 2008 / 099096de

21/08/2008

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FLUID PRODUCT DISTRIBUTION SET

The present invention relates to a fluid product distribution set, more particularly suitable for dispensing pasty products, such as creams, gels, ointments, etc. The present invention will find a privileged application in the fields of cosmetics, pharmacy or perfumery.

In the prior art, FR 2 822 808 describes a fluid product distribution set, comprising a distributor and packaging that involves the distributor. The dispenser is in the form of a relatively flat, small crucible, defining a distribution hole on one of its edges. This distribution orifice is initially closed by a plug that can be removed, notably by pulling out. The packaging hides the smaller crucible, but defines a chamfer at which the removable plug is positioned. For this, the chamfer is defined on a lateral edge of the packaging.

The drawback with this type of distribution set is that the user has difficulties in recovering the fluid product distributed by the distributor. In effect, after having removed the removable plug, the user relies on the packaging, which has the effect of compressing the smaller crucible of the dispenser. As a result, fluid product is distributed through the distribution orifice located at the bottom of the packing chamfer. It is understood that it is not easy to recover the product at the bottom of a smaller chamfer. Thus, it often happens that fluid product expands in the packaging just next to the orifice

2/13 distribution. This prior art distribution set is therefore not truly adapted to the distribution of pasty products such as creams. It is first of all suitable for more fluid products, such as perfume, that are sprayed. There is no recovery of fluid product directly from the outlet of the distribution orifice.

The present invention therefore has the object of defining a fluid product distribution set more adapted to the distribution of pasty or creamy product. The fluid product must be able to be easily recovered by the user, without spreading everywhere. The assembly must be safe to allow the user to easily recover the fluid product. The set must also be aesthetic and allow easy apposition and extension of indications of all kinds, such as a brand, a logo, an adornment or a text.

In order to achieve these different objects, the present invention proposes a fluid product distribution set, characterized by the product distributor, which comprises a fluid, comprising a fluid product reservoir and a filling element, the reservoir comprising at least one flexible sheet provided an opening cut out of the sheet, the filling element being mounted in that opening, and a flexible coating that surrounds the dispenser, the covering comprising a window through which the closure element is accessible. Contrary to the prior art distribution set in which the distribution hole is located laterally on an edge, the

3/13 The distribution orifice of the present invention is located on the flexible sheet, that is, away from the edges of the sheet and the coating. The distribution orifice is thus located on a substantially flat surface, thus favoring the recovery of the fluid product distributed. Advantageously, the opening and the window define respective flat peripheral edges and are located above the other in a superimposed manner. Preferably, the dispenser is permanently attached to the coating. However, it can also be considered to be able to extract the distributor from its coating. Advantageously, the closure element comprises definitive or removable maintenance means, able to receive the peripheral edge of the window fixedly. Preferably, the maintenance means comprise an outer peripheral rail in which the edge of the window is housed, advantageously by locking. Thus, it is not even necessary to stick the distributor inside the coating. However, in certain cases, an alternative or supplementary bonding is performed.

According to another aspect of the invention, the window is initially closed by a removable butterfly. Advantageously, the butterfly is formed by the coating and bounded by predetermined rupture zones. Before the first use, the user removes the removable butterfly and accesses the filling element. Preferably, the removable butterfly is not repositionable, so its removal gives an indication to the user of the primacy of using the set. The removable butterfly therefore has a safety function for first use. In addition, the removable butterfly aesthetically completes the

4/13 coating so that an adornment can extend over the entire covering, including the butterfly.

According to a practical embodiment, the dispenser comprises a front sheet and a back sheet, advantageously connected in a monoblock manner, the sheets being anchored together on their peripheries, the front sheet forming the opening, advantageously cut out in a substantially central manner in the sheet. front, the sealing element comprising a peripheral flange on which a peripheral edge of the opening is fixed, advantageously by welding. On the other hand, the coating may comprise a front face and a rear face, advantageously connected together in a monoblock manner, the front face forming the window, advantageously cut out substantially centrally in the front leaf, the distributor being arranged between the front face and the rear face with the shutter element placed at the window level. Advantageously, the coating further comprises a lead flap, advantageously connected, in a monoblock manner to the front face, the rear face being fixed on that flap, to close the package on the dispenser. The cladding thus forms a kind of case, from which a face is crossed by a window. The window can have the most diverse shapes. It can advantageously be centered, or, on the contrary, be arranged in a decentralized manner. The coating can be carried out from a single sheet of paper, cardboard, plastic, metal or a mixture of these.

According to an interesting embodiment of the

5/13 invention, the filling element defines a fluid product distribution orifice, advantageously disposed in a fluid product recovery cap, and comprises a repositioned obturating cap capable of filling the orifice and advantageously covering the recovery cap. Thus, at each distribution of fluid product, the user can recover it in the recovery cap, then fill the distribution hole, closing the filling cap.

Advantageously, the distribution set can have a generally substantially flat configuration, defining a plane, the distribution orifice extending along an axis that is substantially perpendicular to that plane.

A principle of the invention is to coat, in an aesthetic and functional way, a dispenser, whose fluid product outlet is located on a substantially flat sheet. The hole is not located between two sheets, but, on the contrary, on a single sheet that is cut, so as to form an opening that does not extend to the edge of the sheet. Consequently, the opening will be surrounded by a lead line, allowing to fix the sheet provided with the opening in another element, such as another sheet.

The invention will then be more fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings by way of non-limiting examples two embodiments of the invention.

In the figures:

figure 1 represents an exploded perspective view of a product distribution set

6/13 fluid, according to a first embodiment of the invention, in the course of connection;

figure 2 represents a view of the distribution set of figure 1 in the connected state;

figure 3 represents a view similar to figure 2 with the dispenser in an open position;

figure 4 represents a view similar to figure 1 for a second embodiment of the invention;

figure 5 represents a view of the distribution set of figure 4 in the connected state after removal of the removable butterfly;

figure 6 represents a view similar to figure 3 for the second embodiment of the invention;

figure 7 represents an enlarged cross-sectional view through the distribution set of figures 1 to 3 in the closed state;

figure 8 represents a view similar to figure 7 with the distributor in the open state; and

figure 9 represents a perspective view of the filling element used in the first embodiment of the invention in its state at the exit of the mold.

Reference will be made initially to Figures 1 to 3 and 7 to 9 to describe in detail the first embodiment of a fluid product distribution set according to the invention. This assembly comprises three constitutive elements, namely a fluid product reservoir 1, a filling element 2 and a liner 3. Reservoir 1 and filling element 2 are connected to constitute a fluid product distribution.

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Reservoir 1 is made of a flexible material, such as sheets formed from a laminated aluminum and plastic complex. Simple plastic sheets, paper, metal, etc. can also be used. The reservoir is in the form of a small flat crucible, comprising a front leaf 11 and a rear leaf 12 which can advantageously be manufactured in a monoblock manner, that is, with a common edge 112. The reservoir can also be made from two separate sheets 11 and 12. The sheets 11 and 12 are arranged in a superimposed manner and are anchored on their periphery 13. The anchoring can advantageously be carried out by welding. So, it is advantageous to use plastic sheets or with a plastic coating. The anchoring can be carried out over the entire periphery of the leaves, comprised there at the level of the common edge 112. In practice, the anchoring is done on the three sides, the side formed by the common edge 112 not being anchored. According to an interesting feature of the invention, the front leaf 11 is formed with an opening 14, which defines a peripheral edge 15. This opening 14 is, in this case, formed substantially in the center of the leaf 11. It is also possible to position that opening 14 in a non-centered manner, but always away from the outer edges of the leaf 11. In other words, the opening 14 is entirely surrounded by a peripheral edge 15 formed by the sheet 11. The opening 14 therefore extends in the plane of the sheet 11, like the peripheral edge 15.

The closure element 2 is positioned at the level of the opening 14 of the sheet 11, in order to close the opening 14.

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The filling element 2 has the function of allowing the fluid product stored inside the reservoir 1 to exit. For this purpose, the filling element defines a fluid product distribution hole 210 that makes the inside of the reservoir communicate with the outside. . Advantageously, the sealing element comprises a plugging element for sealingly sealing the dispensing orifice. Reference will be made after figures 7, 8 and 9 to describe in detail a non-limiting embodiment of a closure element according to the invention. This filling element comprises three pieces, even if they can be made in a monoblock manner. Thus, the closure element comprises a bottom 21 that defines a recovery cap 211, the distribution orifice 210, as well as a peripheral contour 212. Recovery cap 211 has a preferably concave configuration. The orifice 210 is positioned in the center of the cap 211. The peripheral contour 212 surrounds the recovery cap 211. The outer peripheral edge of the cap 211 protrudes beyond the contour 212. The second part of the filling element is a crown 22 which and advantageously connected to the bottom 21 by a material bridge 24. The crown forms an annular fixation zone 222 that surrounds a protruding annular rim 224. The rim defines an annular peripheral rail 223 that will serve as a means of maintenance for the coating 3, as will be seen below. The crown 22 is arranged over the contour 212, so as to involve the recovery cap 211. This is visible in figures 7 and

8. However, at the exit of the mold, as shown in

9/13 figure 9, the crown 22 is positioned in the same plane as the bottom 21. Then, it is possible to take the crown 22 over the bottom 21 by rotation, deforming the material bridge 24. The annular peripheral fixation zone 222 extends around

<td>trough 223.</td><td>That</td><td>zone</td><td>in</td><td>fixing 222 will</td><td>serve for</td>

<td>fixing the</td><td>leaf</td><td> 11</td><td>of</td><td>reservoir. More</td><td>precisely,</td>

<td>as if</td><td>can</td><td>to see</td><td>in</td><td>figures 7 and 8, and</td><td>the edge 15 of</td>

opening 14 is anchored, advantageously by welding, on the anchoring area 222 of the crown 22. The anchoring is made on the entire periphery of the crown, in order to make a watertight contact. The third part of the sealing element is a repositionable sealing cap 23 that defines a sealing punch 23 0 to be sealed in the distribution hole 210 of the bottom 21. The cap also covers the recovery cap 211. The cover 23 is connected to the crown by a hinge 232. Initially, as shown in figure 9, the cover 23 extends roughly in the same plane as the crown 22 and is connected to it by several bridges of breakable matter 233. In other words, the outer edge of the cover is separated from the crown by arcuate slits 234. Before the first use, the bridges of breakable material 233 are intact. This gives the user an indication as if the filling element had never been opened before. These 233 bridges therefore have a safety function of first use. The crown 22 is permanently fixed on the contour 212 of the bottom 21, for example, by welding. It should be noted that only sheet 11 is attached to the closure element 2. The back sheet 12 has no attachment point to the closure element 2. This is not, however, exclusive.

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Naturally, in place of that particular filling element in figures 7 to 9, any appropriate filling element can be used, allowing fluid product to escape from a reservoir formed from a reservoir formed from one or two flexible sheets. The repositionable shutter cap is even optional.

The coating 3 comprises a front face 31 and a rear face 32, these two faces being able to be connected in a monobloc manner by a common edge 312. The front face 31 is formed with a window 34, defining a peripheral edge 35. In the example shown, the window 34 is located substantially in the center of the front face 31. On the other hand, the covering also comprises a lead flap 33 which is in the case attached to the front face 31. The flap 33 can be formed in a monoblock manner with the front face 31, defining a common edge 313, which is advantageously parallel to the edge 312 connecting the front face to the rear face. The first assembly step a is to bring the dispenser 1 against the front face 31, in order to place the sealing element 2 in the window 34. The edge of the window can advantageously be locked in the groove 223 of the sealing element. The sheet 11 of the reservoir can also be glued inside the front face 31. The second assembly operation consists of folding the flap 33 over the distributor 1, in order to place it against the back sheet 12. The third operation consists of folding the rear face 32 on the dispenser 1, so that the rear face 32 is placed against the rear leaf 12. The rear leaf 12 can be glued to the face

11/13 rear 32. The rear face 32 is finally attached to the flap 33, advantageously by gluing or welding. The distributor 1 is then entirely developed by the coating 3. This is shown in figure 2. However, distributor 1 can be seen from the open sides of the coating 3. However, it is not excluded to form the lining 3 with side flaps (not shown), allowing the lining 3 to be completely closed over the distributor 1, so that it is no longer entirely visible, except at the level of its filling element 2.

The user then only has to lift the cover 23, breaking the material bridges 233 to discover the distribution hole 210 and its recovery cap 211. By pressing the lining 3 in such a way as to bring the front face towards the rear face, the reservoir 1 is deformed and the fluid product it contains is placed under pressure, so that it is prevented from flowing through the distribution port 211. The user can then recover the fluid product accumulated in the recovery cap 211. After use, the user can close the cap 23, in order to fill the orifice 210. Referring again to figures 7 and 8, it can be seen that the peripheral edge 35 of the window 34 extends over the crown 22 of the filling element 2. Advantageously, the peripheral edge 35 is inserted into the rail 223 formed by the crown

22. However, it is not excluded to fix the edge 35 on the crown, for example, by gluing or welding. The maintenance of the edge 35 in the rail 223 can be done by locking. In the absence of rail 223, the distributor 1 can be kept inside the liner 3 anyway, for example

12/13 example, by gluing. The edge 35 can come to be placed around the edge 224 of the zone 222. This allows to center the distributor, and more particularly its closing element in relation to the window 34.

The coating 3 is made with a flexible material, such as paper, cardboard, plastic or metal. Once wrapped around the dispenser 1, the front face 31, and advantageously the rear face 32, has a certain flexibility, allowing its deformation in order to approach them and to separate them from each other.

With reference to figures 4 to 6, a second embodiment can be seen which constitutes a variant of the first. The dispenser 1 can be substantially identical in total to that of the first embodiment. As for the cladding 3, it differs from that of the first embodiment in that the window 34 is initially closed by a butterfly 36 which is advantageously formed in a monoblock manner by the front face 31. The butterfly 36 is bounded by predetermined rupture zones 37 which can be pre-cut or weakened areas. To release the window, as shown in figure 5, the user only needs to act on the removable butterfly 36 to separate it from the sheet 31 at the level of predetermined rupture zones

37. Then, the user can use the set as in the first embodiment. The removable butterfly 36 preserves the integrity of the front face 31, so that it can be decorated without interruption in the window. It is possible to stamp the butterfly 36, so that it is in relief in relation to the rest of the face

Front 13/13 31. In this way, the butterfly 36 can be positioned on the cover 23 and the edge 224 of the obturation element with the edge 35 of the window that will lodge in the rail 223 or at least around the edge 224 .

<td>Thanks</td><td>The</td><td>invention,</td><td>it has</td><td>a set</td><td>in</td>

<td>distribution</td><td>in</td><td>product</td><td>fluid that can</td><td>be used</td><td>The</td>

<td>way of</td><td>one</td><td>crucible</td><td colspan="2">classic keeping the hubcap</td><td>in</td>

<td>recovery</td><td> 211</td><td colspan="3">horizontally. The user holds</td><td>O</td>

<td>together with</td><td>an</td><td>of hands</td><td>and supports on the</td><td>front face</td><td> 31</td>

to make the fluid product come out. The user can then retrieve the product with the help of the other hand. After use, the user can close the lid ensuring perfect tightness. The coating 3 naturally improves the aesthetics of the dispenser 1, but also allows for better maintenance of the assembly in the hand and considerably increases the surface for affixing indications, such as, for example, an ornament, a logo, a brand or any other legal indication or useful. The distribution set has a narrow thickness on the order of a few millimeters. He is relatively flat, in order to sign up for a plan. This allows you to insert it on shelves as an advertising sample. However, it must be noted that the distribution port 210 extends perpendicular to the plane of the assembly.

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