EP1467932B1 - Device with rigid container and multiple flexible bags for packaging and dispensing fluids - Google Patents

Abstract

Container/dispenser holds at least two supple sealed pouches with different fluid products and at least one dispensing pump or valve. The pouches have their upper ends shaped to engage with a fixing ring on the container and the pump(s) or valve(s). The two pouches are linked by adjacent flat surfaces, or they can be made in the form of a double pouch with a dividing partition. The container/dispenser (9) holds at least two supple sealed pouches (1) with different fluid products and at least one dispensing pump (13) or valve. The pouches have their upper ends (4) shaped to engage with a fixing ring (7) on the container and the pump(s) or valve(s). The two pouches are linked by adjacent flat surfaces, or they can be made in the form of a double pouch with a dividing partition. The pouches are made by injection-blowing or extrusion-blowing from a plastic material, or from welded plastic and metal films.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for packaging and dispensing fluid, and more particularly to a new device for packaging and dispensing fluid, liquid or pasty product, of the type comprising at least two flexible bags placed in a single rigid container, associated one or more pumps or valves, ensuring the storage of at least two fluid products protected from the air and their distribution, mixed or separately, in good conditions of efficiency.

Container-type fluid dispensing and dispensing devices are well known. They generally comprise a rigid shell container in which is placed a flexible bag which retracts as the product is extracted. The expulsion of the product out of the bag can be obtained by means of an "airless" pump, or without air intake, or under the pressure of a propellant gas acting in the bottle on the wall of the bag. In the case of the expulsion of the product out of the pocket by means of a pump without air intake, a vent is provided, generally in the bottom or in the neck of the bottle, to allow the outside air to penetrate in the space between the bottle and the bag with each actuation of the pump and thus allow the bag to retract while maintaining a sufficient pressure on its walls. An exemplary embodiment according to this technique is described in patent FR 2,723,356 relating to a device comprising a flexible plastic bag, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, in a rigid container whose neck has an air inlet.

Another device using this technique and adapted to the selective distribution of one or two products, alone or as a mixture, is described in patent FR 2 804 666 according to which a first product is introduced into the bag while that the second, and the propellant, are in the rigid container around the pocket, the assembly being completed by a selective valve. However, this system is relatively complex and requires a special valve.

US-A-5,411,176 discloses a rigid container containing two flexible bags, wherein the container is provided with a collar under which are fixed two bags introduced by the removable bottom of the bottle, and carrying two pumps of the type without recovery of 'air. Another device comprising a rigid container associated with two bags and two valves is described in the utility model DE-91.05.565 where the bags are fixed by means of tubular sleeves and connecting tubes, to a plate receiving the valves.

The difficulties encountered in this technique are often related to the deformations of the wall of the bag during its retraction, which can cause retentions of significant volumes of product and limit the efficiency of the distribution of the fluid. Another difficulty is to ensure a satisfactory seal of the pocket to preserve the integrity of the product contained therein. Indeed, the products that contain the pockets are often sensitive to the oxidation caused by the oxygen of the air and can degrade if air is introduced into the pocket. Sealing defects are often encountered at the junction of the bag and the pump. They can also result from a certain porosity of the materials used for the realization of the pocket. Finally, the folds formed by the wall of the bag during its retraction may cause tears likely to let air which then reaches the product in the pocket.

These difficulties are further increased when it is desired to use two or more pockets included in the same rigid container to ensure the distribution, simultaneous or not, of two or more products complementary to each other.

The present invention specifically relates to a device for packaging and dispensing fluid products, liquid or pasty, of the type comprising at least two flexible flexible bags placed in the same single rigid container, associated with one or more pumps or valves, ensuring a effective distribution of at least two products separately or in mixture.

The invention also relates to a device for packaging and dispensing a plurality of fluid products each contained in a separate bag, ensuring a very good ease of filling the pockets without the need to resort to complex or specially adapted tools.

The invention also relates to a device for packaging and dispensing a plurality of fluid products, of the type comprising at least two flexible flexible bags placed in the same single rigid container, ensuring perfect packaging of the product by means of an excellent seal of the pocket.

The invention finally relates to a device of the type indicated above, which can be manufactured in good conditions of profitability.

The device for packaging and dispensing fluid products according to the present invention is of the type comprising at least two flexible flexible bags placed in the same single rigid container, associated with at least one pump or valve, and it is distinguished in that each pocket comprises means cooperating with at least one fixing ring to the rigid container and with the pump or pumps.

According to an advantageous embodiment, each pocket comprises at least one planar surface assembly to another pocket, the pockets being joined by their respective flat surfaces.

According to a preferred embodiment, the device of the invention comprises at least two bags combined with a single ring for fixing the container and the pumps or valves, the ring being fixed to the pockets by any known means of attachment such as welding, bonding latching or mechanical crimping. The single ring used in the invention is advantageously designed to allow attachment of the snap pockets of their neck on the ring, which ensures greater ease of manufacture and assembly of the elements of the device.

Similarly, the pump, or the valve, can be attached to the bag by the same attachment means, preferably snap-fastening.

According to another preferred embodiment, the two pockets are formed in one piece and are then in the form of a double pocket having two compartments separated by a partition, each compartment preferably having its own opening provided with a collar. for fixing a pump. This embodiment has the advantage of stiffening the structure of the pocket by means of the partition wall, which has the effect of facilitating the return of the products contained in the pockets.

According to a variant, the pockets and the ring are formed in a single unitary piece, manufactured by extrusion, blowing, extrusion blow molding or injection blow molding from a suitable plastic material.

The pumps used in the invention are pumps without air intake, type "airless", as commonly used in the art.

The plastics used for the manufacture of the bags may be chosen for example from a polyethylene, a polypropylene, a polyamide, a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl alcohol (EVOH), etc. It can be single-layer materials or multilayer complexes including a metal layer, for example an aluminum barrier layer reinforcing the seal, combined with one or more layers of plastic material. The manufacture of the bag from these materials can be carried out by techniques such as injection blow molding or extrusion blow molding in a suitable mold. It is also possible to manufacture the bag by welding a plastic or metal film, or a metal / plastic multilayer complex on a support forming the neck of the pocket.

The material used for the ring may be a plastic of the same kind as that used for the pocket, but treated so as to give it sufficient rigidity, for example by using a greater thickness of material. It is thus possible to use polyethylene or polypropylene rings, and as indicated above, the ring and the pockets can be manufactured in one piece, by injection blow molding or any other appropriate technique. The rigid container may be made of plastic or any suitable rigid material. For example, rigid containers made of polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), glass or metal such as aluminum can be manufactured.

As indicated above, the device comprises a single ring associated with several pockets, the assembly being put in place in a rigid container.

The openings in the ring are preferably arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of the ring, but they can be deported, depending on the shape of the cylinder and the desired effects.

The cylinder formed by the pocket does not form a body of revolution, its section not being circular, but is preferably a straight cylinder with a semicircular section including at least one flat lateral surface serving to join the pockets together in the same container. Other shapes can be produced without difficulty, and for example a substantially elliptical shape, or a shape any continuous or polygonal, or a non-cylindrical shape, depending on the aesthetic effect sought or imposed by the shape of the rigid container.

Depending on the case, each pump adapted to each pocket can be actuated by an independent pusher, or, on the contrary, it can provide a single pusher simultaneously actuating two or more pumps.

According to the invention, two or more identical bags can be associated, but it is also possible to combine pockets of different volumes, the dosing chamber of each pump then being preferably adapted to the volume of the corresponding bag. This is particularly advantageous in the case of dispensing complementary fluid products which must be mixed in specific amounts. Thus, a device with a rigid container and two flexible bags according to the invention can be adapted to the mixing ratio of the two products contained in the pockets, and if this ratio must be, for example, 2/1, it is possible to predict that the volume of the second pocket is equal to half of that of the first, and the same for the volume of the dosing chamber of the second pump relative to the first. Thus, each time the single pusher is pressed, two volumes of the first product are expelled for only one of the second, and the two pockets are emptied in parallel.

In order for the bags to retract inside the rigid container, an outside air supply is provided in the form of a vent or an air intake circuit. In its simplest form, the vent is provided in the wall, for example in the bottom of the rigid container, and is preferably provided with a valve and / or a filter. The air circuit, allowing the outside air to enter the volume between the wall of the rigid container and the pockets, is preferably designed to remain closed as long as the fluid is kept in each pocket and not open each time the pumps are operated in such a way that only one volume of air equivalent to the volume of fluid expelled from each pocket. At the end of actuation of the pumps, the air circuit is automatically closed, which ensures optimal preservation of the products contained in the pockets by limiting evaporation through the wall of the pockets.

According to a preferred embodiment, the air circuit is constituted by a passage arranged in the edge of the ring, communicating with the space between the pump and the pusher, and comprising closing means as long as the pump is not operated. Thus, the closure of the air circuit, in the rest position, can be ensured by the seal made between the piston and its fixing ring.

The fluid products contained in the bags can be expelled separately, when the device comprises separate pushers, or simultaneously. The simultaneous and controlled expulsion of fluid products is advantageous in the case of products that must be mixed extemporaneously and in specific proportions. The presence of a single pusher acting on two or more pumps facilitates this simultaneous expulsion, and the choice of pumps with suitable dosing chambers ensures the composition of the mixture in the appropriate proportions. Thus, the metering chambers of the pumps can be proportional to the volume of the pockets. In addition, the device of the invention may comprise juxtaposed or concentric product outlet nozzles, to ensure excellent mixing of the products from each pocket. Alternatively, the outlet pipes of the pumps can be joined to open into a common outlet nozzle, the mixture then being in the nozzle.

The container-pocket according to the present invention has the advantage of being easily filled without the need for complex tools. According to the present invention, the filling can be carried out with standard tools, by simple gravity, which ensures a very good regularity of filling. Moreover, the great freedom of shape of the pocket makes it easy to adapt to rigid containers of various shapes.

Various mentions and drawings may be affixed to the pocket or the rigid container, for example by printing or screen printing, depending on the intended use.

During its use and the extraction of the products contained therein, each pocket retracts regularly, limiting the risk of cracking or tearing.

The rate of release of the product, that is to say the ratio between the volume of product introduced into the bag during filling and the volume extracted during use, is excellent, and can be greater than 90%.

The device for packaging and dispensing fluid products according to the invention is particularly suitable for products with complementary actions or activities which must only be mixed during their use while they must be kept separately to prevent them from reacting. one over the other. A field of application where the invention can thus advantageously be used is for example that of two-component glues, one of which is intended to cause the rapid hardening of the other.

Another area of application is that of cosmetic or dermatological compositions, such as creams and gels, where it may be useful to proceed with the extemporaneous mixing of two components which must be kept separately to prevent them from reacting with each other. 'other.

• Figure 1 : une vue en perspective d'une poche suivant la présente invention réalisée par injection soufflage de matière thermoplastique..
• Figure 2 : une vue en coupe partielle et en perspective de l'assemblage de deux poches suivant la Figure 1, maintenues par une bague.
• Figure 3 : une vue en coupe partielle et en perspective d'un ensemble comprenant les poches de la Figure 2 et leurs pompes respectives, maintenues par une bague, et mises en place dans un récipient rigide muni d'un poussoir unique.
• Figure 4 : une vue en coupe partielle et en perspective d'une variante de la poche de la Figure 2 comprenant une bague unique intégrée.
• Figure 5 : une vue en coupe partielle et en perspective d'un ensemble comprenant les poches de la Figure 4 et leurs pompes respectives, mises en place dans un récipient rigide muni d'un poussoir pour chaque pompe.
• Figure 6 : une vue d'une variante du dispositif représenté sur la Figure 3.

Several nonlimiting examples of embodiments of adapted bags and flasks, forming devices for packaging and dispensing a plurality of fluids, according to the present invention, are described in more detail below, with reference to the appended drawings, which represent:

• Figure 1 is a perspective view of a pocket according to the present invention produced by injection molding of thermoplastic material.
• Figure 2 is a partial sectional view in perspective of the assembly of two pockets according to Figure 1, held by a ring.
• Figure 3 is a partial sectional view in perspective of an assembly comprising the pockets of Figure 2 and their respective pumps, held by a ring, and placed in a rigid container with a single pusher.
• Figure 4 is a partial sectional view in perspective of a variant of the pocket of Figure 2 comprising a single integrated ring.
• Figure 5 is a partial sectional view in perspective of an assembly comprising the pockets of Figure 4 and their respective pumps, placed in a rigid container provided with a pusher for each pump.
• Figure 6: a view of a variant of the device shown in Figure 3.

The bag (1) shown in Figure 1 comprises a semi-cylindrical wall (2) closed by a bottom (3) and open in its upper part at the neck (4). This pouch is made of polypropylene and is manufactured by injection blow molding. The body (2) of the pocket is flexible while the collar (4) thicker, is rigid.

As shown in Figure 1, the body of the bag is not symmetrical about its axis but comprises a planar face (5) connecting to the hemi-cylindrical portion by a flank (6) on each side. The exact dimensions of the flat part (5) and the two sides (6), and the angle of their connection are determined according to the assembly of the pockets and their placement in the rigid container.

Two pockets (1a, 1b) identical to that of Figure 1 are assembled to the same ring (7) having two openings (8a, 8b) communicating with the necks (4) pockets, as shown in Figure 2. The two pockets (1a) and (1b) are assembled by their flat face (5). These two pockets can be manufactured in a single element constituting a pocket two compartments separated by the face (5) serving as a partition. The neck (4a) of the pocket (1a) can be fixed in the opening (8a) by snapping or welding.

Once the two pockets assembled to the ring (7), the assembly is put in place in the rigid container (9) shown in Figure 3, made of polypropylene injection blow molding. The fixing of the ring (7) in the rigid container (9) is ensured by snapping in force the edge of the ring cooperating with a groove (10) formed in the inner wall of the rigid container (9).

As shown in Figure 3, a pump (11a, 11b) is placed in each opening (8) of the ring. The pumps (11a, 11b) are sealingly mounted on the neck (4) of the pocket (1) and are actuated by a single pusher (12). The seal can be provided in the usual manner, for example by means of an annular seal. Pressure on the pusher (12) causes the movement of the hollow piston (13) in the chamber (14) of each pump. The release of the pusher causes the piston (13) to rise under the action of the spring (15) and to fill the metering chamber (14). A new actuation of the piston causes the output of a dose through the conduit (16) and the nozzle (17), causing a retraction of the bag (1). A vent (not shown) in the vial allows the outside air to enter the volume between the rigid container (9) and the bags (1) and to retract them as and when the pusher (12) is actuated. The operation of the pump can be ensured in a conventional manner by valves (not shown) placed at the inlet and the outlet of the metering chamber (14).

As shown in Figure 5, the single pusher (12) can be replaced by two pushers (12a, 12b) actuating each of the two pumps (11a, 11b) respectively.

In the variant of Figure 4, the two pockets (1) and the ring (7 ') are manufactured by molding in one piece.

FIG. 6 represents a partial view of the device of FIG. 5, showing the air inlet circuit, ensuring the communication of the volume comprised between the inner wall of the rigid container (9) and the pockets (1a, 1b) with the outside when the pumps (11a, 11b) are actuated by pressure on one or the other of the pushers (12a, 12b).

The passage of the air is arranged through grooves (18) formed in the edge of the ring edge (7) placing the volume between the rigid container (9) and the pockets (1) in communication with the space separating the body of the pump (11) and the ring (19) for fixing the pusher (12), then with the outside, following the arrow (20).

This air passage is open when the pusher (12) is actuated, and closed when it is raised under the action of the spring (15). Thus closing the air circuit, in the rest position, is ensured by the seal made between the piston (13) and its fixing ring (21).

Claims (18)

1. A device for packaging and dispensing several fluid products, of the type comprising at least two sealed flexible bags (1) placed in the same single rigid container (9), connected to at least one pump (13) or valve, characterized in that each bag (1) comprises means (4, 10) cooperating with at least one ring (7) for fastening to the container and with the pump(s) or valve(s).
2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that each bag comprises at least one flat surface (5) for assembly with another bag.
3. The device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that it comprises at least two bags (1a, 1b) combined with a single ring for fastening to the container and to the pump(s) or valve(s).
4. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises two bags formed as a single piece, in the form of a double bag comprising two compartments separated by a partition (5).
5. The device according to any one of claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the bags (1) are fastened by snapping their neck (4) over the ring (7).
6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the bags and the ring are formed as a single unitary piece, produced by molding using a suitable plastic.
7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the bags are produced by injection-blow molding or extrusion-blow molding a material selected from a polyethylene, a polypropylene, a polyamide, and an ethylene/vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymer.
8. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the bags are produced by welding a plastic or metal film or a multilayer metal/plastic complex on a support forming the neck of the bag.
9. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an air circuit between the outside and the volume between the wall of the rigid container and the bags.
10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that the air circuit consists of a vent in the wall of the rigid container, equipped with a valve and/or a filter.
11. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that the air circuit consists of a passage made in the rim of the ring (7), communicating with the space between the pump (11) and the push-button (12), and comprising means for closing when the pump is not actuated.
12. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that each pump fitted to each bag is actuated by an independent push-button.
13. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a single push-button simultaneously actuating two or more pumps.
14. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that it comprises juxtaposed or concentric product outlet nozzles, to ensure the mixing of the products from each bag.
15. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that the pump outlet ducts are joined to emerge in a common outlet nozzle where the mixing takes place.
16. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the bags have a substantially elliptical, polygonal or non-cylindrical shape.
17. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bags (1) have different volumes.
18. The device according to claim 17, characterized in that the volume of the metering chamber (14) of each pump (11) is proportional to the volume of the bag.

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