Packaging and dispensing unit for bi-products

The present invention relates to a device for the simultaneous distribution of two products packaged separately according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention is particularly suited to the application of certain products used in cosmetics, pharmacy or dermato-pharmacology. The invention relates in particular, products which, for reasons of stability may be placed one in contact with each other, at the time of use. For example, mention may be made of assets such as vitamin C, A, or E, bicarbonate, fruit acids such as citric acid, to be dispensed with a moisturizing product in the form of a gel, a cream or a 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, in particular a tube with flexible walls 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, adapted to output through an output orifice, 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 striated cord having a little of both 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, the first product being in turn fed by an annular passageway. The respective flow rates of each of the products are determined in large part by the diameter of the neck of the container with flexible walls, and by the configuration of the body of the dispensing head, etc .. Thus, if it is desired to produce such a system with different flow characteristics of this involves changing the body of the dispensing head, and therefore to invest in an expensive mold. Of course, in one of the embodiments the body containing the second product, has a separate base. However, the bottom of the configuration is such that it does not alter the flow of product leaving the soft-sided tube. It therefore has no impact on the respective flow rates of each product.

In FR 2,629,058, describes a device of the same type further comprising means for varying the respective flow rates of each product. Typically, the flow rates are adjusted by output of the device, by varying the angular position of a dispensing spout with respect to a capsule, which has the effect of modifying accordingly the orifice section through which the products come out. 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 described a similar system in which the closure of the outlet is achieved by means of an elastically deformable member in the form of a lip, capable to depart under fluid pressure to let the product and to return to the closed position, with or without air intake, as soon as the pressure ceases.

A device having the features of the preamble of claim 1 is known from EP-A-0737629.

Also, is it an object of the invention to provide a device for the distribution of two products packaged separately, providing simple and economic means to achieve, 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 whose setting respective flow rates of each of the products does not require to change all of the dispensing head.

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

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

Other objects appear further detail in the following description.

Thus, according to the invention, these objects are achieved by an assembly for dispensing at least two products packaged separately, through at least one outlet comprising:<sl><li>a) a first container containing a first product A;</li><li>b) a dispensing member to allow the pressurized outlet of the product A, via a hollow stem mounted on elastic return means, and of which one 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 out, and secondly, at least one passageway in communication with the hollow shaft for conveying the product a under pressure towards a second orifice;</li></sl>    characterized in that said actuating means are mounted on the hollow stem via an intermediate piece comprising an inlet orifice in communication with the hollow rod, said intermediate piece being capable, in cooperation with the body, to distribute the product A under form at least one flow of product a, the configuration determines the respective flow rates of output of the 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 .. Also advantageously, Product out pushes the product through B a movable piston. This prevents the products A and B are kept in contact with each other, which may be essential for certain products torques.

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 sealingly piece also ensures the 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, makes it possible, where appropriate, to facilitate significantly the molding of the body, and consequently to reduce the manufacturing cost. In other words, the body may be used to distribute products torques with different respective flow rates by simply changing the adapter 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 on the manufacture of a head body mounted directly on the hollow rod 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, the respective flow rates adjustment possibilities are significantly more than would be possible if the flow distributor formed an integral part of the body of the dispensing head, and this, only by changing the configuration of the channels or passages holes formed by the intermediate piece.

Furthermore, the drain of the device can be completed, regardless of the ratio of respective flow rates of each of the products.

Advantageously, the body can be surmounted with a closing element and said body forming a bearing surface to allow to exert an actuating pressure, the (or the) aperture (s) being carried out (s) by said element. This element can be mounted by snap, bonding, welding, or other suitable means.

According to a first embodiment, the product A is pressurized in the first container, said dispensing member being formed with a valve. The product A can 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 consists of a manually operated pump.

The product reservoir B may consist of an annular body, the product A being conveyed towards the second orifice via a central conveying passage.

Advantageously, the body comprises a fixed annular bottom delimiting at least one 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 out said mobile bottom being separated axially fixed background. The presence of the piston is not essential, particularly when it comes to distribute very pasty consistency.

The central conveying passage can be raised relative to said fixed annular bottom 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 distributes the product A in the form of 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 annular piston. Thus, in this embodiment, the intermediate part allows, ensuring mounting on the hollow shaft of small diameter, to allow the realization of a wider central passage. Also, with this embodiment, the outgoing A product can be used directly from the container in which it is packaged.

According to a second embodiment, the intermediate part comprises a part located opposite the inlet port being capable of forming a deflector for the product A so as to convey it both into the central supply passage 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 central channel and the product stream A pushing annular piston. Also like the previous embodiment, this widens the central passage. Holes or slots may be provided at the base of the center stack, which orifices may, at the beginning of using the device to be located opposite the piston, but will be released after a slight rise of the piston, thereby increasing the flow into the central supply passage.

Another type of control is obtained with an embodiment wherein the intermediate part comprises a portion being capable of closing entirely or partly the orifice delimited by the fixed bottom, the product A being conveyed both into the passage central conveying and under the annular piston via lateral passages disposed between the fixed bottom and the intermediate piece and opening into the body through holes made in the fixed bottom near the periphery of the body of the actuating means. In addition to expanding the central passage, the adapter according to this embodiment allows to pass Product outskirts, 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 spaced material bridges angularly, so as to allow passage of the product A in the lateral passages.

Alternatively, the reservoir for the second product B consists of a central portion of the 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 hypothesis, the intermediate part has an inlet port in communication with the hollow shaft which is arranged so as to distribute the product A in the form of a central flow intended to push the product B and lateral passages for generating first lateral flows for feeding the annular conveying passage, said first lateral flows emerging in the annular conveying passage through slits or orifices made in an annular bottom of said supply passage. This reduces the central flow in the 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 opening on the annular feeder passage so as to generate second lateral flows to feed the passage of Amen annular ed. This increases the product flow A exiting through the annular passage. Furthermore, priming, the piston evacuates residual air located beneath it, by the slots or openings of the central passage.

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

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 the actuating means by frangible bridges of material. the bridges of material can be broken at the first use, which ensures the inviolability of the system.

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

The first and second ports may lead to a single outlet port, 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 the product so as to release said outlet port and allow the outflow of the product, and to return to closed position when the pressure ceases. Advantageously used a lip of elastomeric material.

The flow rate ratio B / A varies depending on products and applications. 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 stem or the sleeve having, on at least part of the height of its external surface or its internal surface, striations capable of allowing the exhaust air . This air removal function is particularly advantageous when the dispensing head is removable.

According to a preferred embodiment, the actuating means is mounted in force on the intermediate piece. Other means can be used for 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, in connection with non-limiting exemplary embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:<ul><li>FIG 1 shows a first embodiment of a packaging and bi-product dispensing device according to the invention;</li><li>2A-2D illustrate a partial view of four variants of the embodiment of Figure 1;</li><li>Figure 3 illustrates a second embodiment of a packaging and bi-product dispensing device according to the invention; and</li><li>4A and 4B illustrate a variant of the embodiment of Figure 3.</li></ul>

The assembly 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises a bag of flexible material 2, in particular based on aluminum inside which is disposed a first product A (in the form of a cream for example). The product A can be a moisturizing product in the form of a gel in aqueous phase or aqueous-alcoholic cream a 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 at the bottom thereof an air intake port 5. pocket head 3 has an annular skirt 6 closed by an annular base 7 carrying a central duct 8 in communication with the pocket, and on which is mounted a manual operated pump 9. the pump 9 can be fitted by crimping, via a intermediate part (not shown) which can be snap-fitted inside the central shaft 8. the annular skirt 6 has on its outer surface, an annular edge 10 designed to rest on the free edge of the rigid or semi enclosure 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 an intermediate element 32, the function and characteristics are described in more detail below. The dispensing head comprises a body 14 of axis X, obtained by molding a single piece, eg polypropylene. The body 14 defines an annular region 15 containing a second product B, for example an active, to distribute in combination with the product contained in the bag 2. The product B can be made of a product in an anhydrous phase, which cream or gel, containing active agents such as vitamin C, a or E, bicarbonate, or fruit acids.

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

A cap 20 is arranged close to the body 14 and to 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 central duct 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 within the cap , and defines with the body of the cap, an axial passage 23 in communication with the annular zone 15 via a slit or a 24 opening in a transverse wall 28 of the cap, said axial passage 23 leading to a radial passage 25 in communication also 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 opens on the mouthpiece at which the elastomeric member forms a lip 29. In the rest position, the lip 29 bears elastically on a corresponding edge formed by the transverse wall 27 of stopper 20, said edge forming a seat 30 for the lip 29. Under pressure product, the lip 29 moves away from the seat 30 to let the product. When the pressure ceases, the lip 29 comes to bear sealingly against the rigid seat 30.

The annular zone 15 is closed by a mobile 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 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 pump shaft 11 via an intermediate element 32, performing the further flow distributor function. Intermediate 32 comprises a transverse wall member 39 connected to an annular edge 40 of slightly smaller external diameter than the inner diameter of the free edge of the body 14, so as to enable a force fitting of the body 14 of the intermediate element 32. the intermediate element has at its center an axial shaft 33 forming an inner diameter of the sleeve adapted to permit its mounting force on the pump rod 11. the axial shaft 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 hoop 42 is obtained by molding with the body 14 of the dispensing head 13. The hoop 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, in particular during the first use, guaranteeing the inviolability of all before the first use.

For dispensing the mixture, the user presses the bearing surface 21 of the push button 13, which causes the depression of the pump rod 11 and the output of the product A, through the hollow rod, through the port 34 of the intermediate element 32. the product A passes through the lugs 19 under the piston 31, which under the pressure, causes the product outlet B through the passage 24 and orifice 23. the product B is thus fed into the radial passage 25. Simultaneously, the product A passes into the central duct 18 and opens into the radial channel 25, where it mixes with the product B. the thrust of the mixture causes the opening of the lip 29, said mixture exiting at the outlet 35 defined by the lip and the seat. By releasing the pressure on the pushbutton 13, the pump rod returns to the closed position by elastic return, which interrupts the output of 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 simultaneous release, but separated from the two products A and B or the orifices may lead laterally as in the embodiment embodiment illustrated, or parallel to the axis of the device.

Thus, in this version, the intermediate member used for mounting the dispenser 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 broader section than it might have if the button was mounted directly on the pump shaft, particularly because of the molding and mold requirements. Similarly, it reduces the flow of effective product to push the piston 31 and bring out the product B. This reduces the flow rate ratio B / A. In addition, it reduces the fragility of the central fireplace.

In the variant of Figure 2A, the intermediate member 32 carries facing the hole 34, a deflector 37 carried by lugs 38 spaced angularly around the orifice 34. The flow of product A are shown in the drawing by the arrows. The deflector 37 breaks the product flow A exiting the pump rod and increases the flow of said product A run laterally beneath 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, are generated, as and as the piston rises. These openings, once released, rules allow the product A to pass from the annular passage to the central channel 18, thus increasing the fluid flow A into the central passage 18. In this embodiment, the internal surface of the skirt 33 carries axial vertical streaks 41 to permit evacuation of air during installation of the dispensing head 13 of the pump rod. The striations 41 extend the full height of the rod or of the axial skirt 33, with the exception of the upper end, so as to ensure a tight scope of the skirt on the hollow stem, of about 1 mm. In the same way as for the previous embodiment, it is possible a supply channel 18 of wider or narrower section, depending on the flow rate ratio B / A desired.

In the variant of Figure 2B, the fixed head 16 of body 14 is separated axially from 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 tabs 45. in addition, passageways 46 are formed in the fixed base 16 in the vicinity of its periphery. Thus, the product A out of the hollow shaft 11 via the orifice 34 of the intermediate member 32, passes under the fixed head 16, opens into the body 14 through the holes or circumferential slots 46. Once in the body, product, first, pushes the piston 31, and on the other hand, pass through the central channel 18 between the tabs 19. This configuration advantageously allows to evacuate the air, in particular for seed, particularly if the 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 element 44 to be fed into the central channel 18, the remaining product A passing under the fixed base 16 and opens under the piston 31 via the peripheral passageways 46. Thus, compared to the previous embodiment, one increases the product flow rate A in the central channel 18. the amount of product passing through the annular space around the element 44 depends on the width of the latter. By varying this width consequence we play 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 stream in the A variant of the preceding figure. However, the fixed head 16 of body 14 with a profile having an axial recess, similar to that formed by the intermediate element 32, thus reducing the axial gap present between the intermediate element 32 and the fixed head 16, and increasing the product path length a as fixed bottom 16. the product a lot of the hollow shaft 11 via the orifice 34 of the intermediate element 32, passes the one hand, into the central duct 18, around the element 44, and secondly, under the fixed base 16, which opens into the body 14 through the holes or circumferential slots 46. once in the body, the product on the one hand, pushes the piston 31, and secondly 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 the fixed bottom. Thus, part of the product A passes essentially live in the 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, modifies the respective flow rates of the products A and B. in fact, the number of alternatives is unlimited and allows to obtain very fine adjustment of the ratio B /AT.

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. The central passage 118 has its bottom closed by a movable base 131 acting as a piston. The body 114 defines an annular area 115 for the passage of product A. The body is closed in its upper part by a cap 200 with an inclined surface 210 defines a bearing surface for actuation of a valve 105 on top of a container 104 of the aerosol canister type, containing the composition A. the valve is surmounted by a valve stem 103. the cap 200 has 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 an orifice 126. the second channel 250 is in communication with the annular zone through an orifice 124. the two outlets 350, 351 are located in rapid succession to each other so as to facilitate the simultaneous removal of both 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 slide inside a skirt 102 mounted by snap on the rim of the container 104. the body 114 of the dispensing head 113 is mounted on the valve stem 103 through a member intermediate 132 acting also as flow distributor of the product A, so as to determine the flow rate ratio B / A.

In this embodiment, the intermediate member 132 includes a transverse plate 139 carrying an axial skirt 133 forming a sleeve of suitable diameter to allow its force fitting on the valve stem 103. The axial skirt 133 leading to an outlet 134 disposed opposite the movable piston 131. the body 114 of the dispensing head 113 is force-fitted on the intermediate element 132, via a side skirt 140 which cooperates sealingly with the inner surface of the edge free of the body 114, said plate 139 being in contact with the fixed annular wall 116. the upper surface of the 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 assembly for the simultaneous dispensing of products A and B, the user presses the surface 210, causing the depression of the valve stem 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 tray 139 of the intermediate member 132. A first portion of product A pushes the center pin 131 and causes the product outlet B through the 351. outlet the other part of the product passes through the radial channels 150, under the annular base 116, and opens into the annular passage 115, via the slots or openings 146. A product out 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 dispensing of products A and B.

Similarly for the other embodiment, the assembly of the dispensing head 113 of the valve stem 103, via an intermediate element 132 allows to freely choose the respective sections of the center channel 118 and the annular passage 115, independently of the section of the valve stem 103. in addition, adjusting 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 element 132 is radially extended 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, connected in strength to the other. The first portion 153 includes an annular transverse plate 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 collar 142 via a vertical edge 140 whose outer diameter is slightly smaller than the inner diameter the lower edge of body 114, so as to allow a body strength mount 114 of the intermediate member 132. the inner edge of the annular plate 139 is connected to a raised central portion 151 via an edge 152 whose outer diameter is slightly less than the internal diameter of the 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 a 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 the product to an expansion chamber to 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 351. outlet A portion of product A directed into the central passage 118, passes through the annular area 115 through orifices or slots 157 arranged in the lower portion of the central duct 118. it creates and two levels of flow to the annular zone. The holes 157 may, before the first use be located opposite the piston, and emerge after the piston has risen a certain axial height. Simultaneously, another part of the product A passes through the radial channels 150, between the intermediate 132 and the fixed head piece 116, and opens into the annular area 115 through the slots or openings 146. Product exits through orifice exit 350. in the same way as for other embodiments, the adjustment possibilities are endless playing on the size, number, and configuration of the passages, holes or other elements constituting 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 configuration of the output channels A and B. These products output channels may include for example restrictions or other elements able to change the flow of outgoing products.

In the foregoing detailed description, it has been made reference to preferred embodiments of the invention. It is obvious that variations may be made thereto without departing from the invention as hereinafter claimed.