Packaging and dispensing unit for bi-products

The present invention relates to a device for the simultaneous dispensing of two products packaged separately. The invention is particularly suited to the application of certain products used in cosmetics, pharmacy or dermatology and pharmacology. The invention is especially products which, for stability reasons may not be placed in contact one to the other, until use. Examples include assets such as vitamin C, A, or E, baking, fruit acids such as citric acid, dispensing with a moisturizing product in the form of a gel, cream or cream gel.

Patent FR-A-2615826 discloses a device for dispensing a mixture of pasty substance and of at least one pasty additive, particularly in the form of a striated cord. The device comprises a container, especially a tube walls flexible, containing a first pasty product. The container is surmounted by a neck on which is mounted a dispensing head. The dispensing head has a body including an annular portion forms a reservoir for a second product, capable out through an outlet, under the thrust of the first product. The body also defines a central passage for conveying the first product to said outlet port, so as to form a cord having a bit streaked the two products. According to a variant illustrated in this document, the second Product is contained in a central portion of the body of the dispensing head, first product itself being carried by an annular passage. flows respective of each product are determined largely by the diameter of the neck of the container with flexible walls, and the body configuration the dispensing head, etc .. Thus, if it is desired to produce such a system, with different rates of features, it involves changing the body of the dispensing head, so investing in an expensive mold. Certainly, in a embodiments, the body containing the second product, is substantively reported. However, the bottom of the configuration is such that it does not affect nothing the flow of product leaving the soft-sided tube. It therefore has no impact on the respective flow rates of each of the products.

In FR 2,629,058, describes a device of the same type including further means for varying the respective flow rates of each of products. Typically, the flow rates are adjusted in the output device, by varying the angular position of a dispensing spout with respect to a capsule, which has the effect to amend the section of holes through which out products. Such a device has the drawback of being relatively complex and expensive to manufacture.

In one of the embodiments of the patent EP 0410858, there is disclosed a equivalent system wherein the closure of the outlet orifice is made at means of an elastically deformable member in the form of a lip, capable of depart under the product pressure to let the product, and go closed position, with or without air intake as soon as the pressure ceases.

Also, is it an object of the invention to provide a device for distribution of two products packaged separately, having means simple and inexpensive to carry out, to determine the respective flow rates of each product.

This is in particular an object of the invention to provide a device for dispensing two products packaged separately, and that the adjustment of respective flow rates of each product does not require changing the whole of the dispensing head.

It is another object of the invention to use a dispensing head comprising a body obtained by molding a thermoplastic material in particular, and the modification of the respective output flows of products does not imply a modification of the body of the dispensing head.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a device adaptable on a container of which the product outlet is controlled by a pump manual actuation or by a valve, via an output rod whose diameter outside is very low (typically less than 5 mm, and generally, the order of 2 to 3 mm).

Other objects appear further detail in the description follows.

Thus, according to the invention, these objects are achieved by an assembly for dispensing at least two products packaged separately, through at least one output port comprising:<sl><li>a) a first container containing a first product A;</li><li>b) a dispensing member to allow the output under fluid pressure A, via a hollow stem mounted on elastic return means, and of which a end opens out of the first container;</li><li>c) means surmounting the dispensing member, to allow actuation of the dispensing member, said means comprising a body of axis X, forming on one hand a reservoir for the second product B, adapted to output the through a first orifice, under the thrust of the product A, and secondly, the least one passageway in communication with the hollow shaft for feeding the product A under pressure towards a second orifice;</li></sl>characterized in that said actuating means are mounted on the rod hollow via an intermediate piece capable, in cooperation with the body, to distribute the Product in the form of at least one product stream A, the configuration determines the respective flow rates of output of products A and B.

Advantageously, the body is made of a single piece obtained by molding, in particular a thermoplastic material such as polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, etc .. advantageously, the Product B pushes the product through a movable piston. This prevents Products A and B are kept in contact with one another, which can be essential for certain products of couples.

Thus according to the invention, the respective flow rates are determined at least in part, by a separate part from the body of the dispensing head, which piece ensures Moreover the tight mounting of the assembly on the hollow shaft (pump or valve for example). This intermediate piece, located between the container containing the first product and the reservoir containing the second product, allows, if optionally, to facilitate significantly the molding body, and Therefore to reduce the manufacturing cost. In other words, the same body can be used to dispense pairs of products with flow rates respective different, simply by changing the intermediate piece assembly. The adapter can also be obtained by molding, which molding is, in terms of cost, incommensurate with the additional costs that would be imposed in the manufacture of a head body mounted directly on the hollow shaft and incorporating all the elements necessary to the distribution of product flow A in the head to modify the respective flow rate of each product. In addition, possible adjustment of the respective flow rates are significantly numerous than would be possible if the flow distributor formed part an integral body of the dispensing head, and this, only by adjusting the channel configuration, passageways formed by the intermediate piece.

Furthermore, the drain of the device can be completed, regardless of the report respective flow rates of each product.

Advantageously, the body may be surmounted by a member closing said body and forming a bearing surface for exerting pressure actuating the (or the) aperture (s) being carried out (s) by said element. This element may be mounted by snap-fastening, bonding, welding or any other means appropriate.

According to a first embodiment, the product A is pressurized in the first container, said dispensing member being formed with a valve. Product may be pressurized by means of a liquefiable gas or not, or by means of a piston pushed by a gas, for example. Alternatively, the dispensing member is consisting of a manually operated pump.

Product tank B may be constituted by an annular portion of the body, product A being conveyed towards the second orifice via a central conveying passage.

Advantageously, the body comprises a fixed annular bottom delimiting at least an orifice for the body placed in communication with the hollow stem, the reservoir comprising a moving bottom in the form of an annular piston capable of moving axially under the thrust of the product A, said movable base being separated axially fixed background. The presence of the piston is not essential, especially when it comes to distribute very pasty consistency.

The central feed passage may be raised relative to said annular base fixed and be carried by spaced bridges of material circumferentially around said orifice, and whose one end is secured to the annular bottom, a second end being secured to the delivery passage.

According to a first embodiment, the intermediate piece has an orifice communications interface with the hollow stem, and distributes Product form a central flow of product A, opening both directly into the passageway central conveying, and under the annular piston, between the fixed bottom and the piston annular. Thus, in this embodiment, the intermediate part allows, in providing the mounting on the hollow shaft of small diameter, to allow the achievement a wider central passage. In addition, with this embodiment, it may To use the outgoing product directly from the container in which it is packaged.

According to a second embodiment, the intermediate piece has an orifice input in communication with the hollow stem, a portion located opposite being input port capable of forming a deflector for the product A so as to the carry both in the passage central conveying and under the annular piston via lateral passages lying between bridges of material supporting the deflector. Thus controls both the product stream A passing through the channel and central flow of product A pushing annular piston. In addition, as for the previous embodiment, this widens the central passage. of the holes or slots may be provided at the base of the central duct, which orifices may, at the beginning of using the device to be located opposite the piston, but that will be released after a slight rise of the piston, thus allowing to increase the flow in the central feed passage.

Another type of regulation is obtained with an embodiment in which the intermediate part comprises an inlet port in communication with the rod hollow, a portion of said intermediate piece being capable of closing entirely or part the orifice delimited by the fixed bottom, the product A being conveyed both into the central supply passage and under the annular piston via side passages disposed between the fixed bottom and the intermediate piece and opening into the body through orifices made in the fixed bottom near the periphery of the body of the actuating means. In addition to expanding the central passage, the intermediate part according to this embodiment, allows to get the product At the periphery, under the annular piston. This embodiment is advantageous in that it allows the discharge of air, in particular in the case of product A very viscous.

The portion capable of closing the central orifice may be carried by one or more bridges of material spaced angularly so as to allow passage of the product A into the lateral passages.

Alternatively, the reservoir for the second product B consists of a part central body, the first product A being conveyed towards the second orifice via an annular conveying passage surrounding all or part of the central reservoir.

In this case, the adapter may include an inlet in communication with the hollow shaft and arranged so as to distribute the product A in the form of a central flow intended to push the product B and passages side for generating first lateral flows for feeding the passage annular inlet, said first lateral flow opening into the passage annular inlet through slots or openings in a bottom said annular supply passage. This reduces the central flow under product B, to increase the passage of the product A by the annular area.

Holes or slots may be formed in the central portion of the body and leading to the annular feed passage so as to generate second lateral flows to feed the annular inlet passageway. We This increases the product flow A exiting through the annular passage. Otherwise, the priming, the piston evacuates residual air located beneath it, by slots or orifices of the central passage.

Advantageously, the actuating means are mounted on a hoop dressing. The covering hoop can be molded with the piece intermediate.

According to another embodiment still, the band and the actuating means are formed of a single piece obtained by molding, said band being connected to actuating means by frangible bridges of material. the bridges of material can be broken at the first use, which ensures the inviolability of system.

Product may be contained in a flexible material pocket. As For example, an aluminum foil is used, or a more complex different materials. Advantageously, the pocket is contained within a rigid or semi-rigid enclosure.

The first and second ports may lead to a single outlet orifice, or two distinct outlet openings.

In particular in the case of a single outlet orifice, the latter can be closed by an elastically deformable member capable of moving away under the pressure of product so as to release said outlet port and allow the output of the product, and to return to closed position when the pressure ceases. Advantageously ion uses a lip of elastomeric material.

The flow rate ratio B / A varies depending on products and applications. As For example, the ratio of flow rates B / A varies between 5/95 and 50/50.

Advantageously, the intermediate piece is mounted on the hollow stem via a sleeve, the hollow shaft (or sleeve) having on at least a portion of the height of its outer surface (inner surface) of striations capable of allowing air evacuation. This air removal function is particularly advantageous when the dispensing head is removable.

According to a preferred embodiment, the actuating means are mounted force on the intermediate piece. Other means can be used to mounting the actuator means on the intermediate piece.

For example, products A and B are cosmetic, pharmaceutical, or dermo-pharmaceuticals.

The invention consists, apart from the provisions disclosed above, in a number of other provisions which will be explained below, about of nonlimiting exemplary embodiments described with reference to Figures accompanying drawings wherein:<ul><li>1 shows a first embodiment of a set of packaging and bi-product dispensing device according to the invention;</li><li>2A-2D illustrate a partial view of four variants of the method embodiment of Figure 1;</li><li>3 illustrates a second embodiment of a set of packaging and bi-product dispensing device according to the invention; and</li><li>4A and 4B illustrate a variant of the embodiment of the 3.</li></ul>

The assembly 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises a bag of flexible material 2, to aluminum base including, within which is disposed a first product A (in the form of a cream for example). Product may be a product moisturizer in the form of a gel in aqueous or aqueous-alcoholic phase, cream water-in-oil or oil-in-water, a cream gel, or an anhydrous phase.

A free edge of the pouch is mounted by bonding or welding on a pocket head 3, which is mounted on the free edge of a rigid or semi rigid enclosure 4, having in its bottom an air intake port 5. The pouch head 3 shows an annular skirt 6 closed by an annular base 7 with a fireplace Central 8 in communication with the pocket, and on which is mounted a manual operated pump 9. The pump 9 can be mounted by crimping, via an intermediate piece (not shown) which can be snap-fitted inside the central shaft 8. The annular skirt 6 has on its outer surface, a annular edge 10 designed to rest on the free edge of the rigid enclosure or semi rigid 4, the skirt 6 being forcibly inserted into the opening of the enclosure 4.

A dispensing head 13 is mounted on the pump shaft 11 by means of a intermediate element 32, the function and characteristics are described in more detail subsequently. The dispensing head comprises a body 14 of axis X, obtained by molding in one piece, eg polypropylene. The body 14 defines an annular region 15 containing a second product B, for example a assets, to distribute in combination with the product contained in the bag 2. The product B can consist of a product in anhydrous phase, a cream or a gel containing assets such as vitamin C, A and E, bicarbonate or fruit acids.

The body 14 has a fixed annular bottom 16 defining an axial opening 17. A central chimney 18 is supported by three legs 19 arranged regularly around the orifice 17, so as to allow passage of the first product A between said lugs 19.

A cap 20 is arranged close to the body 14 and define a support surface 21 to allow actuation of the pump 9. The cap is mounted by snap-fastening on the free edge of the body 14. The central duct 18 is axial height such that, in the mounted position of the cap 20, the chimney Central is in contact with the inner surface of the transverse wall 27 of the cap forming the bearing surface 21. An elastomer member 22 is disposed inside the cap and defines with the body of the cap, an axial passage 23 in communication with the annular zone 15 through a slot or opening 24 formed in a transverse wall 28 of the cap, said axial passageway 23 leading to a radial passage 25, also in communication with the central duct 18 through a slot or hole 26 formed in the wall of the central duct 18 in the vicinity of its upper edge. The radial passage 25 leads to a spout at which the elastomeric member forms a lip 29. In the rest position, the lip 29 is elastically against an edge corresponding formed by the transverse wall 27 of the plug 20, said edge forming a seat 30 for the lip 29. Under pressure product, the lip 29 departs from the seat 30 to let the product. When the pressure ceases, the lip 29 returns to sealing abutment against the rigid seat 30.

The annular area 15 is closed by a movable bottom forming a piston 31 capable, under the thrust of product A, to push the product B towards the hole 24. The annular piston 31 is axially separated from the bottom 16, so as to allow the product A to pass into the annular space between the fixed base 16 and the piston to push it. The dispensing head 13 is mounted on the rod pump 11, via an intermediate element 32, playing further function flow divider. The intermediate element 32 comprises a transverse wall 39 connected to an annular edge 40 of slightly smaller outer diameter than internal diameter of the free edge of the body 14, so as to allow mounting in strength of the body 14 of the intermediate element 32. The intermediate element door its center an axial shaft 33 forming an inner diameter of sleeve adapted to allow its force fitting on the pump shaft 11. The chimney axial 33 leads to a port 34 in communication with the hollow rod 11, and opening opposite the central opening 17 defined by the fixed head 16.

A removable cover 36 covers the dispensing head. The dispensing head also comprises a covering band 42. In this embodiment, the ferrule 42 is obtained by molding with the body 14 of the dispensing head 13. The ferrule 42 is mounted by snap-on pocket head 3. At the exit of the mold, the hoop is connected to the body by breakable tabs 43, particularly when the first use, guaranteeing the inviolability of all before his first use.

For dispensing the mixture, the user presses the support surface 21 of the button pusher 13, which causes the depression of the pump rod 11 and the output of product A, through the hollow rod, through the orifice 34 of the intermediate element 32. A product passes through the lugs 19 in the piston 31, which under the pressure causes the product outlet B through the orifice 24 and the passage 23. The product B is thus forwarded in the radial passage 25. Simultaneously, the Product passes through the central duct 18 and opens into the radial channel 25, where it mixes with product B. The thrust of the mixture causes the opening of the lip 29, said mixture emerging at the outlet opening 35 bounded by the lip and seat. Releasing the pressure on the push button 13, the rod pump returns to the closed position by elastic return, which interrupts the output products A and B.

Alternatively, it is possible to provide two passages 25 arranged side by side, and opening onto two adjacent holes, so as to cause the output simultaneous, but separate the two products A and B. The orifice or orifices can lead laterally as in the illustrated embodiment, or parallel to the axis of the device.

Thus, in this version, the adapter used for mounting of the dispensing head on the pump shaft, allows, in addition to sealing, to increase the fluid flow A passing directly into the central channel 18, allowing to give it a wider section than that could have if the pushbutton was mounted directly on the pump shaft, particularly because of the molding and mold requirements. Of the same way, it reduces the flow of effective product to push the piston 31 and make out product B. This reduces the flow rate ratio B / A. In addition, reduces the fragility of the central fireplace.

In the variant of Figure 2A, the intermediate member 32 carries facing hole 34, a deflector 37 carried by lugs angularly spaced every 38 around the orifice 34. The flow of product A are shown in the drawing by the arrows. The deflector 37 breaks the flow of outgoing A product of the pump rod and increases the flow of said product Led laterally under the piston, which increases the thrust applied to the piston, and thus the amount of product B distributed. Thus regulates the flow of product B to priming. advantageously, holes or slots 38, provided at the base of the central duct 18, and located before the first use, facing the piston 31, emerged, as and as the piston rises. These holes, once released, let in In effect the product to flow from the annular passage to the central channel 18, thus increasing the fluid flow A into the central passage 18. In this mode embodiment, the inner surface of the axial skirt 33 carries vertical streaks 41 to permit evacuation of air during installation of the dispensing head 13 on the pump shaft. The striations 41 extend the full height of the rod or the axial skirt 33, with the exception of the upper end, so as to ensure waterproof scope of the skirt on the hollow stem, of about 1 mm. Of the same manner as the previous embodiment, it is possible a channel supply 18 more or less wide section, depending on the flow rate ratio B / A wish.

In the variant of Figure 2B, the fixed head 16 of body 14 is axially separated the transverse wall 39 of the intermediate element 32. Furthermore, the orifice 17 is tightly sealed by a sealing element 44 carried by angularly spaced lugs 45. In addition, passageways 46 are formed in the fixed base 16 in the vicinity of its periphery. Thus, the product A fate of the hollow shaft 11 via the orifice 34 of the intermediate member 32, passes under the fixed bottom 16 opens into the body 14 through the holes or peripheral slots 46. ​​Once in the body, the product on the one hand, pushes the piston 31, and another hand, pass through the central channel 18 between the tabs 19. This configuration advantageously allows to evacuate the air, in particular for seed, in particular if product A is very viscous.

The variant in Figure 2C differs from the variant of Figure 2B, in that the element 44 does not fully closes the opening 17 of the base 16, so that part of the product passes around the member 44 to be fed into the central channel 18, the rest of product A passing under the fixed base 16 and opens under the piston 31 via the peripheral passageways 46. Thus, relative in the previous embodiment, one increases the fluid flow A into the central channel 18. The amount of product passing through the annular space around located the element 44 depends on the width of the latter. By varying this width, it plays accordingly on the respective flow rates of each of the products A and B.

In the variant of Figure 2D, the flow of product A are substantially identical to the product flow in the A variant of the previous figure However, the fixed bottom 16 of the body 14 to a profile having a recess axial, similar to that formed by the intermediate element 32, thus reducing the axial space between the intermediate element 32 and the fixed head 16, and increasing product path length A under the fixed bottom 16. The Product fate of the hollow stem 11 via the orifice 34 of the intermediate element 32, passes a hand, in the central duct 18, around the element 44, and on the other hand, under the fixed base 16, which opens into the body 14 through the openings or slots devices 46. Once in the body, the product on the one hand, pushes the piston 31, and on the other hand, pass through the central channel 18 via openings or slots 47 formed in the lower portion of the central duct 18 in the vicinity of fixed background. Thus, part of the product A passes substantially live in supply channel 18, while another part passes first under the piston 31 before passing into the supply channel 18. As can be seen, playing on the size, the number, the length of the passages, and their configuration, is modified respective flow rates of the products A and B. In reality, the number of variants is unlimited and provides very fine adjustments to the ratio B / A.

In the embodiment of Figure 3, the body 114 of the dispensing head 113 has a central passage 118 in which is disposed the product B. central passage 118 has its bottom closed by a movable base 131 acting piston. The body 114 defines an annular zone 115 for the passage of Product A. The body is closed in its upper part by a cap 200 which an inclined surface 210 defines a bearing surface for actuation of a valve 105 surmounting a container 104 of the aerosol canister type, containing the product A. The valve is surmounted by a valve stem 103. The cap 200 comprises two channels 250, 251 leading to two adjacent outlet ports 350, 351. The first channel 251 is in communication with the central channel 118 through a port 126. The second channel 250 is in communication with the annular zone via an orifice 124. The two outlets 350, 351 are located so close to each other so as to facilitate the simultaneous removal of two products distributed. The annular zone has a fixed annular bottom 116 pierced by an annular slot 146, or a plurality of slots or openings arranged regularly on the periphery of the base 116. A collar 142 is secured to the body and has a free edge 101 adapted, upon actuation of the valve 105 to sliding inside a skirt 102 mounted by snap-fastening on the container edge 104. The body 114 of the dispensing head 113 is mounted on the valve stem 103 via an intermediate element 132 acting also as the flow distributor product A, so as to determine the flow rate ratio B / A.

In this embodiment, the intermediate element 132 includes tea 139 carrying a transverse axial skirt 133 forming a sleeve diameter suitable to allow its assembly in force on the valve stem 103. The skirt axial 133 leads to an outlet 134 disposed facing the piston 131. The movable body 114 of the dispensing head 113 is mounted by force on the intermediate element 132, via a lateral skirt 140, cooperating sealingly with the inner surface of the free edge of the body 114, said plate 139 being in contact with the fixed annular wall 116. The surface the upper transverse plate 139 has channels 150 extending radially from the orifice 134 to the periphery of the element 132 so as to be in communication with the annular passage 115 through the slots or openings 146. The channels are spaced uniformly over the entire surface of the element 132.

To use the set for the simultaneous distribution of products A and B, the user presses the surface 210, causing the depression of the stem valve 103. The pressurized product leaves through the hollow stem 103 and opens into the body 114 of the dispensing head 113 through the orifice 134 formed in the plate 139 of the intermediate element 132. The first part of the Product pushes the center pin 131 and causes the output of the product B through the outlet 351. The other part of the Product passes through the radial channels 150, under the annular base 116, and opens into the annular passage 115, through the slots or openings 146. The product A leaves simultaneously with the product B by the outlet 350. When the actuating pressure ceases on the surface 210, the valve stem 103 returns by elastic return in the closed position, interrupting the distribution of products A and B.

In the same manner as in other embodiment, the assembly of the head distribution 113 of the valve stem 103 via an intermediate element 132 allows to freely choose the respective sections of the central channel 118 and annular passage 115, irrespective of the section of the valve stem 103. Moreover, it adjusts the ratio of the respective flow by exploiting in particular the size and number of radial passages 150 and ports 146.

According to the variant of Figures 4A and 4B, the intermediate member extends 132 radially by a skirt, obtained by molding with the element 132, and forming a covering hoop 142. The element 132 consists of two parts 153, 154, mounted in strength to the other. The first portion 153 includes a plate annular transverse 139 on the outer surface of which are formed the radial channels 150. The outer edge of the annular plate 139 is connected to the hoop 142 via a vertical edge 140 whose outer diameter is slightly smaller than the internal diameter of the lower edge of the body 114, so as to allow a mounting strength of the body 114 on the intermediate element 132. The inner edge of annular plate 139 is connected to a raised central portion 151 via an edge 152 whose outer diameter is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of central passage 118 so as to press-fit into said central passage. The raised central portion is pierced at its center with an aperture 134. The piece 153 is forcibly mounted on a second part 154 having at its center bore to be forcibly mounted on the valve stem 103. A space 155 is provided between the workpiece 152 and the workpiece 153 to form a product for the expansion chamber at the outlet of the valve 105.

By actuating the valve, Product exits the valve stem 103 and opens into the expansion chamber 155. A portion of A comes under the central piston 131 via port 134, so as to push a quantity of product B to port exit 351. A portion of Led in the central passage 118, passes in the annular region 115 through orifices or slots 157 arranged in the lower portion of the central duct 118. This creates two levels of flow towards the annular zone. The holes 157 may be before the first use located opposite the piston, and disengage after the piston has ascended to a certain axial height. Simultaneously, another part of the product A passes through the radial channels 150 between the intermediate part 132 and the fixed bottom 116, and opens into the annular area 115 through the slots or openings 146. Product A exits through the outlet port 350. In the same way as for the other modes of embodiment, the adjustment possibilities are endless playing on the size, number, and configuration of the passages, openings or other constituent the intermediate element 132.

In all these embodiments, the respective flow rates of the products A and B are also determined to some extent by the channel configuration Release of A and B. These products output channels can behave as for example restrictions or other elements able to change the flow of products outgoing.

In the foregoing detailed description, it was refers to modes of preferred embodiment of the invention. It is obvious that variations may be there made without departing from the spirit of the invention as hereinafter claimed.