RU2851690C1 - Packaging device with built-in ventilation means - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: product packaging.

SUBSTANCE: present invention relates to the field of packaging and dispensing of liquid, semi-fluid or viscous products dispensed in portions or doses, namely to a device for packaging a dosed product. The device comprises a container (1) for storing the dosed product, a cap (4), a head mounted on the container (1) and containing a nozzle (31) for dispensing the product, and a ring element (2). The ring element contains an upper working part (21) designed to interact with the cap (4) to close the dosing device, and a lower connecting part (22) designed to interact with the container (1). The device has at least one ventilation hole (23) made in the ring element (2), wherein the at least one ventilation hole (23) opens into the mating area (J) between the upper working part (21) and the lower connecting part (22) to maintain an air communication channel between the space inside the packaging device and the space outside the packaging device when the cap (4) is installed on the ring element (2).

EFFECT: creation of a device for packaging a product containing a ventilation means designed to limit the risk of dust entering the dosing head of the packaging device.

9 cl, 7 dwg

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY TO WHICH THE INVENTION RELATES

The present invention relates to the general technical field of packaging, namely to the field of packaging and dispensing of a liquid, semi-fluid or viscous product dispensed in portions or doses.

The objective of the invention is, in particular, to create a device for packaging and dispensing a product, comprising a container containing the product, a head adapted to be placed on the open neck of said container, and a lid adapted to close the head of the packaging device.

The product being packaged and distributed may be a cosmetic or hygiene product, or a facial and/or body care product, or a make-up product, or a sunscreen, or a pharmaceutical product (e.g. an ophthalmic solution), or a food product.

LEVEL OF TECHNOLOGY

Packaging devices are known that allow for the storage and dispensing of products in doses, drops, or any other form, while maintaining the product's purity throughout its entire use. These devices are used, in particular, in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and food industries.

A device of this type typically comprises a container designed to receive a product of liquid, viscous or pasty consistency, a dosing head, the actuation of which ensures the ejection of a dose of the product at the level of the tip of the dosing head, and a cap adapted to be screwed onto the dosing head or to be snapped onto the dosing head to close the packaging device.

The principle of operation of this device is as follows. When the user needs a dose, they remove the cap and activate the dosing head, which expels the dose of product. The user then closes the device, replacing the cap on the dosing head.

After dispensing a dose, a residual amount of product usually remains on the tip of the dosing head.

When the cap is placed on the dispenser, any remaining product is trapped in a closed space created between the cap and the dispensing head. This prevents the product from drying out and creates a moist environment conducive to bacterial growth, especially if the product is a preservative-free solution with a high water content.

Therefore, it is preferable to dry the said residual amount of product to limit the risk of bacterial proliferation.

Ventilation devices have already been proposed. These devices have through-holes in the top wall of the cap. These through-holes allow the enclosed space to be opened to allow any residual product to dry.

However, a disadvantage of known ventilation means is that dust or other contaminants present in the ambient air can be drawn onto the dosing head by gravity when particles pass through the cap at the level of the through holes.

One of the objectives of this invention is to create a ventilation device that eliminates the aforementioned drawback. Specifically, the invention aims to create a device for packaging a product, such as a cream, gel, or liquid, containing a ventilation device capable of limiting the risk of dust entering the dosing head of the packaging device.

ESSENCE OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, a device for packaging a dosed product is proposed, comprising:

a container intended for storing the product to be dosed,

cap,

a head mounted on a container and containing

nozzle for releasing the product and

annular element containing

an upper working part designed to interact with the cap for closing the dispensing device, and

a lower connecting part designed to interact with the container,

characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one ventilation hole opening in the mating area between the upper working part and the lower joining part to maintain an air communication channel between the space inside the packaging device and the space outside the packaging device when the cap is installed on the ring element.

Preferred, but not limiting, aspects of the packaging device include the following:

the upper working part may contain

the first cylindrical side wall,

an annular cup projecting radially inward from the upper edge of the first side wall, and

a flange projecting radially outward from the lower edge of the first side wall,

wherein each ventilation hole is a groove located between the annular cup and the lower connecting part;

the upper working part may contain

the first cylindrical side wall,

an annular cup projecting radially inward from the upper edge of the first side wall,

a flange projecting radially outward from the lower edge of the first side wall, and

an annular flange extending radially outward, said annular flange being in contact with the bead and intended to interact with the side wall of the cap in such a way that the cap is maintained at a non-zero distance from the first side wall,

wherein each ventilation opening has a recess located in the flange and the annular flange, wherein said recess extends between the lower connecting part and the first side wall;

the packaging device may further comprise a tamper-evident tear tape connecting the cap to the annular member up to the first opening, wherein the tamper-evident tape is positioned so that it closes each ventilation opening before the first use of the packaging device;

the packaging device may further comprise a filter associated with each ventilation opening;

the packaging device may further comprise a means for regulating the level of ventilation, wherein the actuation of said regulating means makes it possible to change the size of each ventilation opening;

the first cylindrical side wall may comprise at least one through lumen, each through lumen being in fluid communication with a corresponding ventilation opening when the cap is mounted on the annular member;

the packaging device may contain three ventilation holes distributed in the radial direction every 120 degrees;

the cap may contain at least one through hole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Other advantages and characteristics of the packaging device will become clearer from the following description of several embodiments, given as non-limiting examples, and the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of the packaging device;

Fig. 2 schematically shows an axonometric view of the ring element of the packaging device;

Fig. 3 schematically shows an axonometric view of the ring element and the dispenser of the packaging device;

Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the cap of the packaging device when it closes the ring element;

Fig. 5 shows a local section of the ring element and the cap when the ring element is closed by the cap;

Fig. 6 shows a sectional view of the cap, the ring element and the dispenser; and

Fig. 7 schematically shows one embodiment of the packaging device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An example of a packaging device according to the invention is described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. In these various drawings, equivalent elements are given the same reference designations.

1. General information

1.1. Presentation of the packaging device

Fig. 1 shows a packaging device containing

container 1, intended for storing the product to be dosed,

ring element 2 on the top of container 1,

a dispenser 3 designed for connection with the annular element 2 at the level of the opening of the annular element 2, and

cap 4, designed to close the ring element 2 during storage or transportation of the packaging device.

The product may be liquid, viscous, or pasty. It may be, in particular, a cosmetic, food, or medicinal product.

As indicated above, when using such a packaging device, a residual amount of product may remain at the level of the nozzle 31 of the dispenser 3.

To ensure drying of this residual amount of product, a ventilation device is built into the proposed packaging device, which is described in more detail below.

This ventilation means has one (or more) ventilation holes made in the annular element 2 at the level of the area in which the cap 4 is fixed on the annular element 2. These ventilation holes provide air circulation between the cap 4 and the annular element 2 to ensure drying of the residual amount of product that may be at the level of the nozzle 31 after using the packaging device.

1.2. Advantages of the proposed packaging device

The solution proposed in this invention has many advantages, in particular, compared to known devices based on the formation of through holes in the upper wall of the cap.

In particular, the dispenser 3 is protected from dust and other contaminants contained in the surrounding air, since the said contaminants cannot reach the dispenser 3 under the force of gravity.

The solution according to the invention also facilitates the discharge of the residual amount of product in the event of its separation from the nozzle 31. If the solution is sufficiently liquid and the residual amount of product flows down, then the said opening(s) ensure its discharge into the space outside the packaging device (and not accumulation at the base of the dispenser 3).

Furthermore, the proposed solution ensures a cost-effective manufacturing solution for the packaging device, since it is easier to modify the shape of the annular element 2 to create a hole(s) in it in an industrial setting than to create through holes in the top wall of the cap 4. Indeed, the shape of the annular element 2 can be modified by changing the shape of the injection mold of the annular element 2, while creating through holes in the top wall of the cap 4 requires an additional drilling step (or deburring) of the cap 4 after its molding. Furthermore, if the shape of the through holes is created directly at the level of the mold for producing the cap 4, this may disrupt the injection of plastic during the production process and the regular flow of dyes, which is a critical issue in the field of cosmetics, where color and appearance are of paramount importance.

In addition, the location of the ventilation hole(s) on the lateral circumferential part of the packaging device ensures that the risk of blocking the ventilation means is limited, compared to an opening made on the upper surface of the cap 4, in particular, in the case of placing objects on the packaging device, etc.

Finally, the proposed solution has improved aesthetic characteristics, since when the cap 4 is mounted on the ring element 2, the hole(s) are(are) largely hidden, as shown in Fig. 4.

The various components that make up the packaging device are described in more detail below.

2. Container

Container 1 is designed to hold the product being packaged and dispensed. Container 1 can be made of various materials known to those skilled in the art (glass, polypropylene, etc.), depending on the application.

In some embodiments, container 1 is transparent or translucent, such as when the product contains an alcohol-based perfume solution. In other embodiments, container 1 is opaque, such as when the product contains an ophthalmic solution that must be protected from light.

Container 1 may have any shape known to those skilled in the art (cylindrical, cubic, etc.). The container contains

bottom,

one (or more) side wall(s), and

top hole.

The free end(s) of the side wall(s), opposite to the bottom, forms(form) a neck 11, on which an annular element 2 is installed.

Such a container 1 is known to those skilled in the art and is therefore not described in more detail below.

3. Cap

Cap 4 closes the packaging device. Specifically, cap 4 closes annular element 2 and dispenser 3 of the packaging device to protect dispenser 3 and prevent accidental release of product during transportation and/or storage of the packaging device.

The cap 4 may be made of plastic or any other material known to those skilled in the art. The cap contains

the top wall 41 and

side wall 42 (or several side walls, depending on the shape of the cap).

The side wall 42 may have an annular groove on its inner surface near the free end opposite the top wall 41. This annular groove is designed to engage, by snapping, a corresponding annular roller 215 located on the annular element 2. Alternatively, the side wall 42 may have a thread on its inner surface, in the region of the free end opposite the top wall. In this case, the thread of the cap 4 is designed to engage, by screwing, a corresponding thread located on the annular element 2.

The roller/thread ensures the removable fixation of the cap 4 on the ring element 2 when closing the packaging device.

This cap 4 is known to specialists in this field, so it is not described in more detail below.

4. Dispenser

Dispenser 3 ensures the discharge of the product contained in the container to the outside.

The dispenser 3 contains a housing 32, in the lower part of which an immersion tube 33 is installed. The immersion tube 33 is intended for immersion in the product, ensuring the possibility of feeding the product being dosed using the dispenser 3.

The dispenser 3 contains functional elements (not shown) that ensure the dosing of the solution through the nozzle 31 when the button 34 is pressed.

A large number of mechanisms and kinematic designs for product dosing devices are known, and the present invention can be based on these mechanisms. Therefore, it is clear to the reader that the packaging device according to the invention is not limited to the dispenser 3 described above and that the packaging device may include a different type of dispenser.

For example, in one embodiment, the dispenser may not have a dip tube. One example of such an embodiment is shown in Fig. 7. In this embodiment, the device comprises a flexible bag 11 containing the product to be dispensed. This flexible bag 11 is placed in a container 1. The flexible bag 11 is designed to compress as the amount of product contained within it decreases. This ensures that the product contained in the flexible bag 11 is "pushed" toward the dispenser 3, with no air gap between the product and the dispenser 3. This configuration of the container 1 (known as a "soft bottle") eliminates the need for a dip tube.

5. Ring element

5.1. Presentation

The ring element 2 is intended for installation on the container 1. It is a mating element that ensures the installation of the dispenser 3 on the container 1.

In some embodiments, the annular element 2 may be an integral part of the container 1.

In other embodiments, the annular element 2 and the dispenser 3 are made as a single unit.

Finally, in other embodiments, the annular element 2, container 1, and/or dispenser 3 are separate components intended for assembly during the manufacturing process of the packaging device. In this case, the annular element 2 is designed to be secured to the neck of container 1, for example,

by screwing onto the thread present on container 1, or

by means of a locking action.

The ring element 2 is further described with reference to a packaging device in which the ring element 2, the dispenser 3 and the container 1 are three separate components intended to be assembled together during the manufacture of the packaging device.

Fig. 2 shows that the annular element 2 contains an upper working part 21 and a lower connecting part 22, having two successive diameters:

the upper working part 21 forms a central passage 211 in which the dispenser 3 is installed, and this upper part 21 is located inside the cap 4 when the said cap closes the packaging device, and

the lower connecting part 22 ensures the connection (by screwing or locking action) of the ring element 2 with the container 1.

More specifically, the upper working portion 21 comprises a first cylindrical side wall 212 and an annular cup 213 protruding radially inward from the upper edge of the first side wall 212. This first side wall 212 transitions into a radially protruding flange 214, which expands in the form of a second cylindrical side wall 221, forming a lower uniting portion 22.

An advantage is provided in that the annular element 2 has a ventilation hole 23, which emerges in the area J of the junction between the upper working part 21 and the lower connecting part 22.

This ventilation opening 23 ensures the maintenance of a connecting channel between the space inside the packaging device and the space outside the packaging device when the cap 4 is installed on the ring element 2. This ensures the circulation of air in the volume formed between the cap 4, the ring element 2 and the dispenser 3 when the cap 4 is secured on the ring element 2. In this way, the drying of the residual amount of product (remaining on the dispenser nozzle after using the packaging device) is ensured.

The packaging device may comprise one opening 23 or several openings 23 distributed around the circumferential portion of the device. For example, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the packaging device comprises three ventilation openings 23 distributed every 120° and opening at the level of the mating region J between the cap 4 and the annular element 2.

5.2. Ventilation hole options

In one embodiment not shown, each ventilation hole 23 has a groove located in the flange 214 and the first side wall 212. Thus, when the cap 4 is installed on the ring element 2, said groove forms with the inner surface of the cap 4 a channel for the circulation of air between the space outside the device and the internal volume between the ring element 2, the dispenser 3 and the cap 4.

In another embodiment, each ventilation hole is formed by

an annular flange 24 protruding radially outward at the level of the region J of the mating between the upper working part 21 and the lower connecting part 22, and

recess located in flange 214 and annular flange 24.

More specifically, with reference to Fig. 2 and 3, the upper working part 21 comprises an annular flange 24 at the level of the end of the first side wall 212 opposite the cup 213 (i.e. at the level of the end connected to the flange). This annular flange 24 projects radially outward from the first side wall 212. The annular flange 24 ensures that the side wall 42 of the cap 4 is held at a non-zero distance from the first side wall 212 when the cap 4 is mounted on the annular element 2. Thus, there is a cylindrical space between

the outer surface of the first side wall 212 and

the inner surface of the side wall 42 of the cap 4.

The said recess, in turn, is made in the flange 214 and the annular flange 24. This ensures the creation of an air communication channel between the cylindrical space and the space outside the packaging device when the cap 4 is fixed on the annular element 2 (i.e. in a closed packaging device).

6. Optional aspects

6.1. Tamper-evident tape

The proposed device may comprise a tamper-evident tear-off tape (not shown) connecting cap 4 to annular element 2 up to the first opening. In this case, the tamper-evident tape may be positioned so as to cover vent(s) 23.

Thus, during storage of the packaging device before its first use, the ventilation openings 23 are closed, and the internal volume formed between the cap 4, the annular element 2 and the dispenser 3 remains hermetically sealed, which limits product loss due to evaporation and the risks of contamination.

After the first use (i.e. after tearing off the tape), the ventilation hole(s) 23 is(are) open, and the internal volume of the cap 4 is well ventilated.

The tamper evident tape may be a tear-off plastic film or any other type of tamper evident tape known to those skilled in the art.

6.2. Filter

The advantage provided is that each ventilation opening can contain a filter or valve, for example, allowing air and moisture to pass through, but preventing the penetration of bacteria or liquids coming from outside.

Such a filter may be, for example, a strip of porous fabric welded to the cap or pressed into the cap 4 during its molding.

6.3. Means for regulating the ventilation level

In one embodiment, the packaging device may comprise a means for regulating the level of ventilation of the volume formed between the cap 4, the dispenser 3 and the annular element 2.

In the case where the cap interacts with the annular element 2 by snapping, the means for regulating the ventilation level may be two adjacent grooves located on the inner surface of the cap 4, near its free end opposite the upper wall 41. When the lower groove (i.e. the groove located closer to the free end of the side wall of the cap) interacts with the annular roller 215 made in the annular element 2, the ventilation hole (holes) 23 is (are) completely open. When the upper groove (i.e. the groove most distant from the opening of the cap) interacts with the annular roller 215, the ventilation hole (holes) 23 is (are) completely or partially closed.

In the case where the cap 4 interacts with the annular element 2 by screwing, the means for regulating the ventilation level may have markings at two screwing levels.

6.4. Additional through-holes

In some cases, it may be advantageous for the ventilation opening(s) 23 to be combined with one (or more) through opening(s) formed in the first side wall 212.

Indeed, as shown in Fig. 6, the button 34 is separated from the annular element 2 at the level of the annular bowl 213. During the extraction of a dose of product by the user, some portion of the product may penetrate (under the action of gravity) between the button 34 and the annular bowl 213. In this case, this portion of the product is enclosed under the annular bowl 213.

The formation of one (or more) through openings 25, coinciding (each of which coincides) with the ventilation hole (or with the corresponding hole) 23, ensures the circulation of air F under the bowl 213 for drying any part of the product that is under it.

7. Operating principle

The operating principle of the packaging device described above is as follows.

The user requiring a dose of the product removes cap 4 from the packaging device by unscrewing or unclipping it from ring element 2. The screw-on fastening solution for cap 4 limits the risk of clogging the opening(s). Indeed, the movement along the openings created by screwing/unscrewing cap 4 ensures that the ventilation openings 23 are cleaned and prevented from becoming clogged.

The user then presses button 34 to activate dispenser 3. A portion of the product is sucked out of container 1 by means of immersion tube 33 and the functional elements of dispenser 3. This portion of the product is ejected at the level of nozzle 31. A residual amount of product remains at the level of nozzle 31.

After the dose has been drawn up, the user places the cap 4 on the ring element 2 and closes the packaging device.

Thanks to the ventilation hole (ventilation holes) 23, located (located) in the annular element 2, and the annular flange 24, which ensures that the side wall 42 is held at a non-zero distance from the first side wall 212, an air flow F is created in the volume formed between the annular element 2 and the cap 4, which ensures the drying of the residual amount of product remaining on the outlet nozzle 31.

The risk of dust (or any other particles suspended in the air) settling on the nozzle 31 is limited due to the lateral location of the ventilation opening(s) 23. In this case, if a residual amount of product separates from the guide element 31, it can be discharged into the space outside the packaging device through the ventilation opening(s).

It will be apparent to the reader that numerous changes may be made in the invention described above without materially departing from the new ideas and advantages described herein.

For example, the device may not have a dispenser. For example, the device may comprise a nozzle without an air inlet, integral with the ring element. In this case, product is dispensed by pressure exerted by the user on the container walls. Such a nozzle is described, for example, in US Patent 5,605,257. This nozzle comprises a flexible part that interacts with a rigid part such that the elastic end of the flexible part deflects from the end of the rigid part when pressure is applied to the container, allowing some of the product to flow out, and returns to its original position under the force of its elasticity, preventing outside air from entering the container.

Therefore, the appended claims refer to an “ejector head” to cover the various solutions that may be chosen for ejecting the product (dispenser, nozzle without an air intake, etc.).

Furthermore, even if the annular flange shown in Fig. 2 is continuous around the entire circumference of the annular element, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the annular element may be discontinuous (for example, it may be made of disconnected turns along an arc of a circle located around the entire circumference of the annular element).

Furthermore, it is clear to the reader that the ventilation holes described above may be combined with one or more through-holes (or holes) in the top and/or side walls of the cap. This ensures air circulation (inlet at the bottom, outlet at the top), which dries any residual product remaining at the ejection head.

Claims (26)

1. A device for packaging a dosed product, comprising container (1) intended for storing the product to be dosed, cap (4), a head mounted on a container (1) and containing nozzle (31) for releasing the product and annular element (2) containing an upper working part (21) designed to interact with the cap (4) for closing the dosing device, and a lower connecting part (22) designed to interact with the container (1), characterized in that it has at least one ventilation hole (23) formed in the annular element (2), wherein said at least one ventilation hole (23) emerges in the region (J) of the junction between the upper working part (21) and the lower joining part (22) to maintain an air communication channel between the space inside the packaging device and the space outside the packaging device when the cap (4) is installed on the annular element (2). 2. The device according to claim 1, in which the upper working part (21) contains the first cylindrical side wall (212), an annular cup (213) projecting radially inward from the upper edge of the first side wall, and a flange (214) projecting radially outward from the lower edge of said first side wall, wherein each ventilation hole (23) is a groove located between the annular cup (213) and the lower connecting part (22). 3. The device according to claim 1, in which the upper working part (21) contains the first cylindrical side wall (212), an annular cup (213) projecting radially inward from the upper edge of said first side wall, a flange projecting radially outward from the lower edge of said first side wall, and an annular flange (24) extending radially outward, said annular flange being in contact with the flange and intended to interact with the side wall (42) of the cap to ensure that the cap is maintained at a non-zero distance from said first side wall, wherein each ventilation hole (23) has a recess located in the flange and the annular flange, wherein said recess passes between the lower connecting part and the first side wall. 4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a tamper-evident tear tape connecting the cap to the annular element up to the first opening, wherein the tamper-evident tape is positioned so that it covers all ventilation openings (23) before the first use of the packaging device. 5. The device according to any one of claims 1-4, further comprising a filter associated with each ventilation opening (23). 6. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising means for regulating the level of ventilation, wherein actuation of said regulating means makes it possible to change the size of each ventilation opening (23). 7. The device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said first cylindrical side wall comprises at least one through lumen (25), each through lumen being in fluid communication with a corresponding ventilation opening (23) when the cap is mounted on the annular element. 8. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which comprises three ventilation openings (23) distributed in the radial direction every 120 degrees. 9. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cap (4) has at least one through hole.