Container with anti-spill opening and respective cap

The present invention concerns the field of receptacles intended to contain a certain quantity of liquid while maintaining a of their internal volume filled with gas.

Such containers are generally provided with stopper shutter. At the opening of the cap, part of the liquid which is Nearby, for example a drop retaining by capillarity near the plug, may be projected outside of the container when imbalance between the pressure within said container and ambient pressure prevailing outside. The liquid then likely to spread near the container opening or to be projected on hands or clothing of the user. This drawback becomes even more important when the liquid is likely to cause spots, which is the case when it comes to condition products to dye hair.

In this regard, it is known EP-A-0528707 which proposes a two vials packaging for storing separately from the other two products, particularly liquids, and to mix the just prior to use. This conditioning is adapted to store separately, firstly a dye solution for dyeing for hair and on the other hand the oxidant which is necessary for setting work of the dye solution. To dye hair with "Oxidation dyes", it is indeed necessary to develop the dye on hair by adding an oxidant, for example hydrogen peroxide, on the dye when it is set up on the hair. The presentation duplicate flasks therefore greatly facilitates the implementation of hair dyeing.

The user causes, before opening, mixing the dye solution and oxidant and shakes in general the packaging to complete this mix. A chemical reaction Oxidation is triggered that causes a release of gas, in particular oxygen, which tends to increase the pressure inside packaging. At the top of the bottle is provided a male tube threaded on which can be screwed in a sealed manner a tip closed distribution, and whose tip can be broken to create a opening at the time of use, in order to pour the product on the hair. This breakable tip prevents the user from the reseal container by reuse of said tip, which is desirable in the since the oxidation dye is not conserved after mixing. The user is encouraged to throw the packaging after a first use of the dye.

However, it appears that a drop of colorant is generally adjacent the frangible tip during the opening because the inner end of the dispensing nozzle is shaped pointed that tends to retain a drop of dye and capillary the user generally has shaken packaging, which caused the training that drop. Thus, when the user breaks the point for opening the package, gout present in the immediate vicinity may be projected on an outer surface of the package, on the hands of the user or worse on his clothing that it risks stain irreparably. This phenomenon is even more marked than the user has caused the mixture of the two components of a dye some time to cause the opening, for example if it is washed the hair between the two operations. Indeed, the chemical reaction between the two components will have caused an increase in pressure where a greater pressure differential between the interior of packaging and the ambient atmosphere at the opening.

Furthermore, it was found that the sealing means breakable which exhibit very high hygienic qualities are not always easy to implement and use. While their mechanical properties are too high, the user will tend to use a sharp blade or scissors to break the tip with a potential risk of injury and a more complex opening. the Conversely, if the mechanical characteristics of the breakable tip are low, the tip may break accidentally during handling to which the package is subjected such as packaging operations, stacking and transport. then you lose a packaging and may stain the neighboring containers that also can not be marketed, causing a loss important.

The invention proposes to provide a storage device liquid with high hygienic qualities before use and when opening while being inexpensive and easy to use and clean.

The device according to one aspect of the invention, used to store liquid, in particular capillary and comprises a container and a cap removable, the cap being of the type comprising a gripping portion and a shutter portion adapted to cooperate with an end piece of the container, the said nozzle forming a passage between an interior region of the container and the outside free end of the nozzle forming an outlet orifice liquid. The device comprises means for maintaining the liquid contained in the container at an axial distance from the orifice of the nozzle, the cap being in closed position.

Thus, it prevents a sudden effusion of liquid out of the container at the opening when the pressure prevailing in the zone the inner container exceeds the external pressure, the container being partly filled with liquid and partially gas. The liquid is kept away from the orifice of the nozzle.

Advantageously, the plug fixing means on the container are provided, and the plug comprises means for allowing a pressure balance in the inner region of the container and the pressure outside when opening until the fixing means cap on the container are disabled. This arrangement allows the depressurization of the container before the liquid flow in it.

Advantageously, the cap comprises a portion extending substantially between the orifice of the nozzle and an opposite end of said nozzle in communication with the interior region of the container in position closed. In other words, said portion extending from a closed end of the plug at an opposite open end and may exceed or not said open end. The liquid can not stay in the front end the opening, reducing the risk of projection at the plug opening.

Preferably, said portion comprises at least one channel adapted to communicating the interior region of the container and a zone delimited by the cap and in communication with the outside. The canal, low section, allows gas to pass but inhibits the passage of liquid.

In one embodiment of the invention, said portion comprises at least two tabs suitable for closing at least in part the mouthpiece. The partial blocking of the nozzle prevents or at least reduces the liquid droplet formation ready to squirt out when the opening. The channel can be formed between the legs. The legs can be of different length from each other. The free ends of legs can be flat, pointed or rounded. The legs may be separated by at least one slot. Slots may be of length different from each other.

In one embodiment of the invention, the legs are length substantially equal to that of the tip. The amount of liquid near the tip is then extremely low and generally presents in the form of a thin film.

In another embodiment of the invention, the legs are substantially greater than that of the nozzle length and protrude in the inner region of the container in the closed state. The amount of liquid near the tip is still extremely low and comes in generally in the form of a convex drop of small dimensions to the end of the legs.

In another embodiment of the invention, the portion extending substantially between the orifice of the nozzle and one end opposite the said tip in communication with the interior region of container is shaped corresponding to the inner surface of said tip. The shutter portion may be provided either to cooperate with a free end of the nozzle, or to cooperate with one end of the end piece close to the interior region of the container.

In one embodiment of the invention, the means Pressure balance are able to pass through a liquid retention portion in the tip by capillary action.

The device may comprise a length of tubing above that of the plug, disposed within said stopper and opening at a end in the vicinity of the orifice of the nozzle in closed position and the other end in the interior region of the container.

The invention also provides a removable plug for container for liquid storage, including capillary. The plug is of the type comprising a gripping part and a part a shutter adapted to cooperate with an end piece of the container. The tip shape a passage between an interior region of the container and the outside, a free end of the hub forming a fluid outlet. The cap includes means for maintaining the liquid in the container remote from the orifice of the nozzle, the stopper being position closed.

In case of presence of a drop of liquid near the plug, said drop is spaced from the tip which allows depressurization of the liquid spray without container capable of spread on outer surfaces of the container on the hands of a user, on her clothes, etc. Depressurization can be performed by gas sampling in the liquid drop.

The device according to one aspect of the invention, used to store liquid, in particular capillary and comprises a container and a cap removable. The cap is of the type comprising a gripping portion and a shutter portion adapted to cooperate with an end piece of the container, the said nozzle forming a passage between an interior region of the container and outside. A free end of the tip forms an outlet orifice liquid. The device comprises a sealing means for the liquid maintaining said axially remote from the liquid outlet and gas permeable.

The device according to one aspect of the invention, used to store liquid, in particular capillary and comprises a container and a cap removable. The cap is of the type comprising a gripping portion and a shutter portion adapted to cooperate with an end piece of the container, the said nozzle forming a passage between an interior region of the container and outside. A free end of the tip forms an outlet orifice liquid. The device comprises means for spreading, by adsorption, portion of the liquid away from the orifice of the nozzle, at the opening of device.

The device may comprise surfaces on which the liquid spreads during depressurisation. The device may further understand the surfaces on which the liquid spreads over opening movement.

The device according to one aspect of the invention , used to store liquid, in particular capillary and comprises a container and a cap removable. The cap is of the type comprising a gripping portion and a shutter portion adapted to cooperate with an end piece of the container, the said nozzle forming a passage between an interior region of the container and outside. A free end of the tip forms an outlet orifice liquid. The device comprises a gas communication means adapted to remove gases contained in the device, the remaining liquid maintained in said device.

A liquid drop usually forming near the outlet port, the gas communication means is adapted to collect gas elsewhere, including beyond the drop, for example in the drop the container is in normal position, the top cap. The exhaust gases away from the drop, in particular to distance radial and / or axial avoids projection.

Provision may be prohibited or at least impede the Fillers of the container after initial opening by the user.

The cap, according to one aspect of the invention, is intended to close off releasably an opening in communication with a supply of product formed within a container, said cap comprising means of mechanical fastening capable of cooperating with means reservoir of complementary hook or an intermediate element mounted on said tank. Said cap includes means capable, in unassembled position of said cap, to oppose the establishment of the cap over the opening.

Thus, a user is unable to reseal the container with the cap, which is a very strong incentive to cast said container, which is desired in the case of products likely to deteriorate after opening and setting the ambient atmosphere.

Advantageously, said means comprises means resiliently deformable that, in the mounted position plug, are engagement within said opening, said means being elastically deformable such that in the position of the unassembled cap, they define at least in part, an upper section to a inner section of said opening.

Said elastically deformable means have in the state free after a larger cross section than the diameter of open and normally can not enter said opening which is generally of substantially cylindrical shape or very slightly truncated.

Advantageously, the cap comprises a side wall which a first end is closed by a transverse wall, and of which a second end is open.

Preferably, the elastically deformable means are containing at least two tabs arranged at least partly inside the side and secured to the transverse wall wall. The legs can be integral with the rest of the cap.

In one embodiment of the invention, the legs are oriented substantially along a longitudinal axis of the side wall.

In one embodiment of the invention, said section legs, greater than an inner section is formed at least in part by a free end of said lugs.

Advantageously, said lugs are protruding with respect to the sidewall.

In one embodiment of the invention, said legs are separated from each other by slots.

The legs may be of different length from each other. The free ends of the tabs may be flat, pointed or rounded. The legs may be separated by at least one slot. of the slots can be of different length from each other. slots may extend to the transverse wall. Slots may be short, and terminate substantially at the free end of the sidewall.

In another embodiment of the invention, the means elastically deformable are formed of at least one skirt arranged to least partly inside the side wall and secured to the wall cross.

In another embodiment of the invention, the said tabs are integral with the side wall.

The plug may be formed in one piece by molding. The container may also be formed in one piece by molding.

We see that the cap is easy to manufacture and economic, presents no risk of inadvertent opening during of handling steps, and is easy and clean opening.

The invention will be better understood in the study of Detailed description of some embodiments taken as of non-limiting example and illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which :<sl><li>Figure 1 is an axial sectional view of a container according to the invention;</li><li>Figure 2 is a sectional view along II-II of Figure 1;</li><li>Figures 3 to 6 are variants of figure 1;</li><li>Figures 7 to 12 show the cap of the delivery stages in the bottle;</li><li>Figure 13 is a sectional view along XIII-XIII of Figure 12;</li><li>Figures 14 to 17 show the steps of opening the container; and</li><li>Figure 18 is an axial sectional view of another mode embodiment of the invention.</li></sl>

As can be seen in the figures, the bottle comprises a bottle body 1 and a cap 2. The body 1 is made of glass or molded synthetic material and has, for example, a general form frustoconical, eg circular, oval or other, and ends upwardly with a shoulder 3 surmounted by a nozzle 4 of form very slightly truncated.

The tip 4 has an upper edge 5 forming its end free, its other end connecting to the shoulder 3. The tip 4 is hollow and thus forms a passage 6 using inside communication 1a body 1 with the outside. An outlet port 7 planar circular is formed at the upper end of the passage 6 in the same plane as the upper edge 5 of the nozzle 4. A male thread 8 is formed on the surface Outdoor 4a of the nozzle 4.

The plug 2 comprises a side wall 9 in form of a skirt, slightly tapered, so that its shape is concordant with the shape of the tip 4. The plug 2 further comprises a wall 10 and flat circular upper closing the upper end 9a of the side wall 9. The lower end 9b of the side wall 9 is opened. 9c inner surface of said side wall 9 is provided with a female thread 11 adapted to cooperate by screwing with the male thread 8 the tip 4. The side wall 9 forms a grip portion. Wall top 10 forms a closure part.

On the lower surface 10a of the top wall 10, side the side wall 9 is formed a sealing flange 12 of circular shape relatively sharp and diameter corresponding to that of the edge 5 so in the closed state, said sealing rim 12 is in sealing contact with the upper edge 5 of the nozzle 4.

The cap 2 comprises three legs 13 elongated connected with their upper end to the lower surface 1 Oa of the upper wall 10 inside of the sealing flange 12. Each tab 13 extends to the down inside of the side wall 9. The lower end 14 of each tab 13 projects from the side wall 9 axially away from the wall top 10, axially being understood as being in the direction of the axis of truncated cone formed by the side wall 9.

Each tab 13 is in the form of a circular arc in section transverse and is separated from adjacent tabs 13 by a slot 15 which extends over the entire length of the tabs 13. Alternatively, one could design one or more slots 15 extend only over a part of the length of the tabs 13 from their lower ends 14. however should keep slots 15 extending to close to the top wall 10 for a reason which will be described below.

Between the lugs 13 is defined a channel 16 extending over the entire length of said lugs 13, what might be expected, again, it extends over only a part of their length from their end less than 14.

In Figure 1, we see that the cap 2 is separated from the body 1. The tabs 13, which are relatively flexible in the transverse direction, are represented in the free state. In this free state, the lower ends 14 are part of a notional circle whose diameter is greater than that of the orifice 7 of the connector 4. Thus, a user who unscrewed the plug 2 and completely separated from the tip 4 has great difficulty in replace the cap 2 of said cap 4, because the ends 14 of the legs 13 occupy a larger diameter than that offered by the opening 7 pass 6. The user is therefore strongly encouraged not to close the container with the cap 2.

In the variant illustrated in Figure 3, the tabs 13 have a higher length than in Figure 1, which constant elasticity the material forming them, allows a greater distance between their 14 lower extremities, which can make it even more difficult attempt patching with plug 2.

In contrast, in the variant illustrated in Figure 4, the lower ends 14 of the legs 13 are substantially flush the lower end of the side wall 9 while presenting, although Naturally, such a distance that they could return to the free state in port 7. This variant is particularly advantageous if there is concern a user tries to close the container with the cap 2 the aid of an instrument such as a blade or pliers to tighten come the lower ends 14 of the legs 13. The lower ends 14 legs 13 are tapered being shorter in their radial edge inside on their radial outer edge. Thus, during a possible attempt patching of the container, if the end of a lug 13 comes into contact with the upper edge 5 of the fitting 4, the tab 13 will tend to escape radially outwards and therefore, outside the orifice 7.

In the variant illustrated in Figure 5, the cap 2 comprises a single tab 17 but the lower part is divided into several legs 18 away from each other downwardly so that they have lower ends 19 similar to the ends lower 14 of the variants described above. We could also provide a tab 13 and a tab 17 to two arms 18, or two legs 17 to two branches 18.

In the variant illustrated in Figure 6, the plug 2 includes 13 legs of very short length, substantially less than the length axial cap, and between which is fixed by fitting a tube plunger 26. The dip tube 26 is of generally cylindrical form with an upper end 26a formed at an angle and disposed in the channel 16 between the legs 13, and a lower end 26b beyond the lower end 9b of the side wall 9. Thus, in the closed state, the lower end 26b of the tube 26 is disposed not in the passage 6 but in the inner region 1a of the bottle body 1. During the opening, after breaking the seal formed between the rim 12 and the upper edge 5 of the fitting 4, before complete disengagement of the threads 8 and 11, the gas overpressure in the interior region of the vial body 1 escape in through the interior of the tube 26 and then by one or more of slots 15 separating the legs 13 and back down between the tip 4 and the wall side 9. The upper end 26a bevel ensures communication between the interior of the tube 26 and at least one of the slots 15. If a drop of liquid is present in the passage 6, the decompression gas prior to disengagement of the threads 8 and 11 guarantees lack of projection through the equalization of pressures and internal external. When the bottle is in the closed normal position, the plug 2 being oriented upwardly, the lower end 26b of the tube 26 must be be at a level between the upper surface of contained liquid in the body of the bottle 1 and the drop portion or liquid which, by capillarity, may park in the passage 6 of the nozzle 4. It allows degassing without liquid outlet.

Alternatively, it could still provide that the tabs 13, occupying a reduced radial gap, are disposed within the tube 26 the upper end 26a will always be bevelled to allow gas communication.

sealing stages of the container are illustrated in Figures 7 to 12. These sealing stages take place in the production unit the manufacturer of the product concerned, and are not physically within reach the consumer at home.

In Figure 7, we see that we just present the stopper 2 above of the bottle 1, the legs 13 being in the free state. Then, by a axial downward movement, are moved towards the plug 2 of the orifice 7 of the nozzle 4, see Figure 8. With the help of a tool 20, the provoked mutual approximation of the tabs 13 so that they are part of a notional circle of diameter less than that of the opening 7 of the outlet 6, see Figure 9. The tool 20 may be in the form of a plurality of fingers, at least by a tab 13 or branch 18, capable of moving radially each leg 13 or class 18 inward. Fingers the tool 20 may be in a shape resembling the diaphragm a camera so as to come closer tabs 13 which of their number.

In Figure 10, we see that after tightening of the lugs 13 by the tool 20 is continued axial movement downwardly of the cap 2 with the end 14 of the legs 13 in the opening 7 and by bringing in said ends 14 slightly.

In Figure 11, it is seen that the tool 20 is removed, the tabs 13 being retained in the upper portion of the passage 6. It then resumes the axial movement down to the mutual commitment of the threads 8 and 11. It causes the plug 2 in rotation to cause the screwing up the full and tight seal as illustrated in Figure 12.

The ends 14 of the tabs 13 are projecting inside the body 1 below the shoulder 3.

The operation of the device in the aperture is illustrated in Figures 14 to 17. When the container is filled at least partially liquid, a drop 21 of liquid stays generally near the shoulder 3 due to a capillary phenomenon. In the case of a applicator hair dye, the drop in almost 21 forms all cases insofar as the user shakes the container to cause mixing of the two components. Can refer to EP-A-0528707 for a more complete description of a packaging with two compartments. The volume of the drop 21 of course depend on the physicochemical characteristics of the liquid, such as viscosity, surface tension, its hydrophilicity, etc.

In the case of a conventional plug, no legs 13, the drop forms in the upper end of the plug in direct contact with its upper wall and may occupy a large part of the passage the mouthpiece.

As seen in Figure 14, with the cap 2 in accordance with the invention, the droplet 21 is formed under the shoulder 3 and under the legs 13.Grâce to the invention, the drop is held at a distance axially from the orifice 7.

When unscrewing the cap 2, as illustrated in Figure 15, said plug 2 back slightly, causing the separation of sealing flange 12 with the upper edge 5 of the fitting 4 and the breaking the seal.

If overpressure gas in relation to the ambient atmosphere when opening is located inside the body 1 of the container, these will escape through the slots 15 and / or channel 16 formed between the tabs 13 and 15 pass through the slots formed between the legs 13 near the upper wall 10 and escape between the threads 8 and 11. As most of the volume of the droplet 21 is in a zone included radially outside the ends 14 of the lugs 13, the exhaust the overpressure gas causes only a very small amount of liquid from the drop 21 in the channel 16. Further, this very low amount of liquid by capillary action tends to remain in the slots 15 formed between the lugs 13 whose radial dimensions are smaller than those channel 16. This very small amount of liquid can be spread over the free surfaces of the lugs 13 and the inner surface of the passage 6 formed by the tip 5, free surfaces that define slots 15 and Channel 16. Channel 16 will, in general, the greater share of surfaces spreading. The channel 16 forms, in addition, means for withdrawing gas distance of the drop which forms, for the most part, in a place radially and / or axially offset from the lower end 16 formed at the free end of the channel legs 13. The free cross section by which escape the gas is sufficiently small for no significant amount of liquid comes out through the outlet orifice when this step. One can thus collect liquid spray without gas.

The depressurization phenomenon therefore occurs in the position illustrated in Figure 15, wherein the threads 8 and 11 are still in engagement, securing the plug 2 relative to the body 1 and prevents its projection while allowing gases to escape. The depressurization occurring, we continue to unscrew the cap 2 then removed axially, the legs 13 sliding in the passage 6 of the nozzle 4. The closure means formed here by the lugs 13 greatly reduces space that can be occupied by the liquid in the passage 6, see 13.

In the position illustrated in Figure 16, it is seen that the residues 21 of gout tend to be spread over the wall of the passage 6 being slightly driven by the legs 13. During the movement opening, the spreading area of ​​gout increases gradually. Indeed, the tabs 13 leaving an increasing part the inner surface of the nozzle 5, which part extends between the level of the lower end of the legs 13 in the closed state and instantaneous level during said opening movement.

The inner surface of the tip 5 is, in the embodiment illustrated, slightly truncated, the orifice 7 having a diameter lower than the base of the outlet 6 close to the shoulder. The tabs 13 are forced to approach each other during said opening movement, which reduces the free cross section for the liquid in the passage 6. In other words, the width of slots 15 reduced, which causes a wiping effect with dropout of a portion of the drop in the body 1.

In the end motion, it completely separates the cap 2 body 1, the ends 14 of the tabs 13 crossing the hole 7. The legs 13 then resume their free form by occupying dimensions cross greater than those of the orifice 7, thereby preventing the reuse cap 2 on the body 1, see Figure 17. This shows that opening the container occurs without projection of the liquid in the container, in so far as a possible drop of liquid is separated areas through which pressurized gas can escape. In other words, the legs 13 allow to pick up the gas overpressure beyond the drop 21 and allow their escape after breaking the seal and before complete separation of the plug 2 and the body 1, from which an extremely safe and clean opening of the container. Yes if exhaust gases causes a small drop of liquid, it spreads over surfaces provided for this purpose and which prevent projection.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 18, the legs 13 were replaced by a single protrusion 22 which occupies substantially all of the space formed in the nozzle 4, and is flush with the bottom surface 24 of the shoulder 25 that must here be of dimension relatively large in the radial direction relative to the cap axis. This surface of the shoulder and the surface of the lower end 23 of the protuberance 22 offer a virtually smooth surface on which no liquid drop is formed. In general, only a very liquid film thin remain on this surface after mixing components dye and shaking by the user. When opening, the lift up the protrusion 22 causes only a very low amount of liquid from the film, which had formed, this amount tending to spread during movement along the inner wall of passage 6, which further reduces the amount likely to be screened at depressurization.

In this embodiment, the seal between the plug 2 and the body 1 may be formed or, as in the other embodiments, near the upper wall of the cap or the contrary near the lower end 23 of the protuberance 22.

Thanks to the invention, there is provided a cap and a container Economic production and the safe and proper use. The plug may be fixed by press-fitting or by screwing. projection of the risk of liquid contained in the container is removed in the case of use normal. In other words, there is provided in at least a portion of passage 6, a liquid tight structure to prevent his stay in said gas-permeable portion and to depressurize the container. The combination of the liquid seal and gas permeability offers great benefits.

The cap may, in addition, be provided with means preventing or at least embarrassing strongly reuse the container, which provides a single use of the product contained in the container by prompting the user to throw said container after first use. Finally, it adds no extra room or the cap, or the container, both of which may be formed integrally by molding.