EP0626321B1 - Liquid dispensing device without dip tube - Google Patents

Liquid dispensing device without dip tube Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0626321B1
EP0626321B1 EP94401151A EP94401151A EP0626321B1 EP 0626321 B1 EP0626321 B1 EP 0626321B1 EP 94401151 A EP94401151 A EP 94401151A EP 94401151 A EP94401151 A EP 94401151A EP 0626321 B1 EP0626321 B1 EP 0626321B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
liquid
retention member
receptacle
neck
pump
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP94401151A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0626321A1 (en
Inventor
Claude Jouillat
Olivier De Pous
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Aptar France SAS
Original Assignee
Valois SAS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Valois SAS filed Critical Valois SAS
Publication of EP0626321A1 publication Critical patent/EP0626321A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0626321B1 publication Critical patent/EP0626321B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D34/00—Containers or accessories specially adapted for handling liquid toiletry or cosmetic substances, e.g. perfumes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/0005—Components or details
    • B05B11/0059—Components or details allowing operation in any orientation, e.g. for discharge in inverted position
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/04—Deformable containers producing the flow, e.g. squeeze bottles
    • B05B11/042—Deformable containers producing the flow, e.g. squeeze bottles the spray being effected by a gas or vapour flow in the nozzle, spray head, outlet or dip tube
    • B05B11/043—Deformable containers producing the flow, e.g. squeeze bottles the spray being effected by a gas or vapour flow in the nozzle, spray head, outlet or dip tube designed for spraying a liquid

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a liquid distribution device usable in upright position, and not including a dip tube.
  • the invention relates to a distribution device, adapted to be hand-held, and which includes a pump mounted on a liquid reservoir, the pump being above the free surface of the liquid in the tank during use of the device.
  • Such devices In the prior art, such devices always included a dip tube which extended from the dispenser to the bottom of the tank.
  • a dip tube has several disadvantages. First, it prohibits certain forms of original bottles, especially in the field of perfumery.
  • a dip tube in a container transparent has an aesthetic disadvantage, and the great diversity of forms of container implies the obligation to manufacture tubes adapted practically to each specific form.
  • the variation in length of the tube linked to the bottom of the glassware prevents an industrial definition of said dip tube.
  • the volume of liquid retained by the retention member constitutes a reserve liquid intermediate which allows one or more actuations of the device.
  • said retention member has the shape of a cup which is arranged around and below the inlet port of the pump when the device is in its upright position.
  • said retention member is fixed to the body of pump, preferably by nesting.
  • the upper ends of said flexible tabs form a fictitious circle whose diameter is greater than said inside diameter of the neck of the container, said flexible tabs which can be folded down during the positioning of said retention inside the container neck, then return to their flared shape, when the pump is mounted on the container.
  • said retention member is fixed to the neck of the container.
  • the pump body has, on its part located in the tank, ribs or grooves to retain a certain amount of liquid by capillarity when the tilt or agitation of the device, this amount of liquid then flowing along of the pump body in the receiving member under the effect of gravitation when the device is returned to its upright position.
  • said retention member has a cavity adapted to retain said pure capillarity liquid.
  • Said cavity is arranged under the pump inlet, and said cavity is open downward when the device is in an upright position.
  • Said cavity may have internal ribs to increase the contact surface between the wall of said cavity and the volume of liquid retained in the cavity.
  • the device To recharge the liquid retention member, it is necessary to turn the device in inverted position or shake it. A user may not think systematically return or shake the device before actuating it, in which case actuation does not produce any outflow of liquid or deactivates the dispenser. For avoid this drawback, the device may have an external shape such that it cannot be stably laid only in an inverted or tilted position.
  • a first application of the invention relates to the pumps mounted on the tanks made of transparent material and, for example, perfume bottles made of glass or crystal.
  • the device can be particularly advantageous, because that it does away with the usual unsightly dip tube in a bottle transparent.
  • the device of FIG. 1 comprises a pump 1 mounted on a container 2.
  • the container 2 is filled with a liquid 3 which has a free surface 4.
  • the volume located above of the free surface 4 can be empty or be filled with air or another gas, atmospheric pressure or at another pressure (for example in overpressure).
  • the pump 1 comprises a pump body 7 having one end, inlet 7a, provided an inlet 5 which communicates with the container 2.
  • the pump 1 comprises in addition to a hollow actuating rod 8, slidably mounted in the pump body 7, and which controls a piston (not shown).
  • the pump 1 can also include a pusher 10 (FIG. 6) which is mounted on the actuating rod 8.
  • the pusher comprises an outlet, which communicates with the actuating rod 8, to allow the expulsion of a dose of liquid.
  • a retention 6, which is here a cup, arranged around and under the orifice 5 in the position shown in Figure 1, and which is open at the top.
  • This cup can be by example in plastic or glass.
  • the cup 6 includes ribs 12, for example four, which make it possible to fix the cup 6 on the body of pump 7, for example by fitting on the inlet end 7a (generally called tube holder) of the pump body.
  • the present invention is shown in Figures 2 and 3 which show a variant of the cup of Figure 1.
  • the cup 6 has a bottom 16 and a substantially cylindrical side wall 17 whose outside diameter is preferably slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the neck 2a of the container 2.
  • flexible tabs 18 can be arranged around the upper end of said side wall 17 so as to flare from said cup towards the neck 2 of the tank at an angle with said wall. So the upper ends of said flexible tabs 18 form a fictitious circle of diameter greater than the inside diameter of the container neck.
  • the flexible tabs 18 fold down to slide along said neck then move away to possibly abut with their upper ends on the wall of the container located under said neck 2a. Besides the increases the capillarity effect above the cup 6 and thus ensures a total filling of this cup when the device is actuated, the flexible tabs 18 guarantee the inviolability of the device.
  • FIGs 4 and 5 show another embodiment of the cup, which does not is not part of the invention.
  • the cup 6 is here fixed on the neck 2a of the container.
  • She has a bottom 16 and a cylindrical side wall 17 extending over the entire height of the neck 2a of the container and comprising at least one opening 19 to let the product pass of the container 2 in the cup 6.
  • a annular surface 20 extends outwardly from the cup 6 substantially horizontal. This annular surface 20 comes to rest on the upper end of the neck 2a of the container when the device is placed in said container.
  • the cup 6 and the pump body 7, part of which also extends above said end top of the container neck 2a, are then fixed to the container neck by means conventional fixing 40 such as, for example a snap ring, as shown in figure 4.
  • the assembly cup / fixing means is made in one piece, the cup 6 comprising around the outer end of said horizontal annular surface 20, a flange 21 substantially cylindrical extending vertically on either side of said annular surface 20.
  • This cylindrical flange 21 has in its lower part 22 means for fixing the device on the container neck.
  • These fixing means may include tabs latching 23 snapping onto the container neck, as shown in the FIG. 5.
  • the cylindrical flange 21 is similar to a so-called snap ring, well known in the state of the art.
  • said fixing means may also include an internal thread cooperating with an external thread of the neck of the container, said cylindrical flange 21 being in this case of the screwable ring type.
  • the retention member that is to say the cup 6 in the modes described above, is made of a sufficiently flexible material to seal in the container neck.
  • a material can for example be a elastomer or a thermoplastic-elastomer (TPE), and the seal can be ensured either vertically on the inside of the glass neck via the wall lateral 17, or horizontally on the upper end of the container neck, by through the horizontal annular surface 20.
  • cup 6 could also be of frustoconical shape with a bottom 16 reduced to a minimum, or of semi-spherical shape, like the one shown in figure 1.
  • the device operates as follows.
  • the device Before actuating the device, it is shaken, tilted or returned to position reversed, with the pump 1 placed under the container 2. The liquid 3 is then at the near the inlet port 5 of the pump. Then replace the device in position right, with the pump 1 placed above the container 2. During this movement of inversion, a certain volume 15 of liquid remains inside the cup 6. The retention of liquid inside the cup 6 is partially due to the fact that the flipping movement is quite fast. But this fluid retention is also due to capillarity, due to the contact surface of the liquid inside 6a of the cup 6.
  • the interior 6a of the cup 6 can be provided with ribs for increase the contact surface between the liquid and the interior 6a of the cup, so as to increase fluid retention.
  • the body of pump 7 can be provided on its part located inside the container 2 with grooves or ribs 50 for retaining a certain amount of liquid during tilting or agitation of the device, this quantity of liquid then flowing along the body of pump 7 in the receiving member 6 under the effect of gravity when the device is returned to its upright position.
  • This implementation ensures a transfer of a maximum of product in the cup, especially when there is little product left in the container.
  • the volume 15 may possibly correspond to several actuations of the pump: it can for example correspond to a daily dose of the liquid product.
  • the device of the invention can limit the uncontrolled use by children, since it must be returned before use.
  • the device can have a shape such that it can only be placed in stable equilibrium in an inclined position, for example its inverted position.
  • the retention member of the device retains necessarily liquid when the user takes it in an upright position to activate it.
  • the container has a conical shape
  • the device comprises furthermore a cylindrical cover 13 having a flat bottom 14, which makes it possible to place the device in reverse position.
  • the container has a shape ovoid allowing it to be placed in the supine position.

Landscapes

  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)

Description

La présente invention concerne un dispositif de distribution de liquide utilisable en position droite, et ne comportant pas de tube-plongeur.The present invention relates to a liquid distribution device usable in upright position, and not including a dip tube.

Plus spécifiquement, l'invention concerne un dispositif de distribution, adapté à être tenu à la main, et qui comporte une pompe montée sur un réservoir de liquide, la pompe étant au-dessus de la surface libre du liquide dans le réservoir pendant l'utilisation du dispositif.More specifically, the invention relates to a distribution device, adapted to be hand-held, and which includes a pump mounted on a liquid reservoir, the pump being above the free surface of the liquid in the tank during use of the device.

Dans l'art antérieur, de tels dispositifs comportaient toujours un tube-plongeur qui s'étendait depuis le distributeur jusqu'au fond du réservoir. Un tel tube plongeur présente plusieurs inconvénients. En premier lieu, il interdit certaines formes de flacons originales, notamment dans le domaine de la parfumerie. De plus, un tube-plongeur dans un récipient transparent présente un désavantage du point de vue esthétique, et la grande diversité des formes de récipient implique l'obligation de fabriquer des tubes adaptés pratiquement à chaque forme spécifique. En outre, la variation de longueur du tube liée au fond d'eau des verreries empêche une définition industrielle dudit tube plongeur.In the prior art, such devices always included a dip tube which extended from the dispenser to the bottom of the tank. Such a dip tube has several disadvantages. First, it prohibits certain forms of original bottles, especially in the field of perfumery. In addition, a dip tube in a container transparent has an aesthetic disadvantage, and the great diversity of forms of container implies the obligation to manufacture tubes adapted practically to each specific form. In addition, the variation in length of the tube linked to the bottom of the glassware prevents an industrial definition of said dip tube.

Il existe dans l'art antérieur des dispositifs appelés "squeeze-bottle", où le liquide est expulsé à travers un conduit de sortie par déformation de la paroi souple du récipient. Un tel dispositif est décrit dans les documents FR-A-1 539 702, FR-A-1 525 560 et US-A-3 382 870. Ces documents divulguent en outre l'utilisation d'un organe de rétention pour définir une dose unique. Toutefois, aucun de ces dispositifs ne fonctionne avec une pompe à précompression délivrant de manière très exacte une ou plusieurs doses prédéterminées. De même, ces dispositifs ne sont pas adaptables à des récipients à paroi rigide, tel que des flacons de parfumerie en verre par exemple.In the prior art there are devices called "squeeze-bottles", where the liquid is expelled through an outlet duct by deformation of the flexible wall of the container. Such a device is described in documents FR-A-1,539,702, FR-A-1,525,560 and US-A-3 382,870. These documents also disclose the use of a retention device to define a single dose. However, none of these devices work with a precompression pump delivering very precisely one or more doses predetermined. Likewise, these devices are not adaptable to wall-mounted containers rigid, such as glass perfume bottles for example.

La présente invention a donc pour objet un dispositif de distribution de liquide sans gaz propulseur, comprenant un distributeur monté sur un récipient contenant ledit liquide,

  • dans lequel le liquide forme une surface libre dans le récipient et le distributeur comporte un orifice d'entrée qui est disposé au-dessus de ladite surface libre dans la position droite du dispositif, dans laquelle le distributeur est disposé partiellement au-dessus du récipient, ladite position droite étant la position d'actionnement du dispositif,
  • le dispositif comportant un organe de rétention de liquide qui communique avec l'orifice d'entrée et avec le récipient, ledit organe de rétention de liquide étant adapté à recevoir un certain volume de liquide lorsque le dispositif est agité ou incliné par rapport à sa position droite, et ledit organe de rétention de liquide étant adapté à retenir ledit volume de liquide en communication avec ledit orifice d'entrée lorsque le dispositif est dans ladite position droite, caractérisé en ce que
  • le distributeur est une pompe comportant un corps de pompe , et ledit organe de rétention comportant un fond et une paroi latérale de diamètre extérieur inférieur au diamètre intérieur du col du récipient, l'organe de rétention comportant en outre autour de l'extrémité supérieure de sa paroi latérale des pattes souples s'évasant vers le col du récipient selon une direction faisant un angle avec la verticale, pour assurer un remplissage total de l'organe de rétention.
    • The present invention therefore relates to a device for dispensing liquid without propellant gas, comprising a dispenser mounted on a container containing said liquid,
  • in which the liquid forms a free surface in the container and the dispenser has an inlet orifice which is arranged above said free surface in the upright position of the device, in which the dispenser is arranged partially above the container, said straight position being the actuation position of the device,
  • the device comprising a liquid retention member which communicates with the inlet orifice and with the container, said liquid retention member being adapted to receive a certain volume of liquid when the device is agitated or inclined relative to its position straight, and said liquid retention member being adapted to retain said volume of liquid in communication with said inlet orifice when the device is in said straight position, characterized in that
  • the dispenser is a pump comprising a pump body, and said retention member comprising a bottom and a side wall with an outside diameter less than the inside diameter of the neck of the container, the retention member further comprising around the upper end of its side wall of the flexible legs flaring towards the neck of the container in a direction making an angle with the vertical, to ensure complete filling of the retention member.

    • Ainsi, le volume de liquide retenu par l'organe de rétention constitue une réserve intermédiaire de liquide qui permet un ou plusieurs actionnements du dispositif.Thus, the volume of liquid retained by the retention member constitutes a reserve liquid intermediate which allows one or more actuations of the device.

    Selon une forme de réalisation, ledit organe de rétention a la forme d'une coupelle qui est disposée autour et en dessous de l'orifice d'entrée de la pompe lorsque le dispositif est dans sa position droite.According to one embodiment, said retention member has the shape of a cup which is arranged around and below the inlet port of the pump when the device is in its upright position.

    Selon une autre forme de réalisation, ledit organe de rétention est fixé au corps de pompe, avantageusement par emboítement.According to another embodiment, said retention member is fixed to the body of pump, preferably by nesting.

    Avantageusement, les extrémités supérieures desdites pattes souples forment un cercle fictif dont le diamètre est supérieur audit diamètre intérieur du col du récipient, lesdites pattes souples pouvant se rabattre lors de la mise en place dudit organe de rétention à l'intérieur du col du récipient, puis reprendre leur forme évasée, lorsque la pompe est montée sur le récipient.Advantageously, the upper ends of said flexible tabs form a fictitious circle whose diameter is greater than said inside diameter of the neck of the container, said flexible tabs which can be folded down during the positioning of said retention inside the container neck, then return to their flared shape, when the pump is mounted on the container.

    Dans un autre mode de réalisation, ledit organe de rétention est fixé au col du récipient.In another embodiment, said retention member is fixed to the neck of the container.

    De préférence, le corps de pompe présente sur sa partie située dans le réservoir, des nervures ou des rainures pour retenir par capillarité une certaine quantité de liquide lors de l'inclinaison ou l'agitation du dispositif, cette quantité de liquide s'écoulant ensuite le long du corps de pompe dans l'organe de réception sous l'effet de la gravitation lorsque le dispositif est remis dans sa position droite.Preferably, the pump body has, on its part located in the tank, ribs or grooves to retain a certain amount of liquid by capillarity when the tilt or agitation of the device, this amount of liquid then flowing along of the pump body in the receiving member under the effect of gravitation when the device is returned to its upright position.

    Selon un autre mode de réalisation de l'invention, ledit organe de rétention comporte une cavité adaptée à retenir ledit liquide pur capillarité. Ladite cavité est disposée sous l'orifice d'entrée de la pompe, et ladite cavité est ouverte vers le bas lorsque le dispositif est en position droite. Ladite cavité peut comporter des nervures intérieures pour augmenter la surface de contact entre la paroi de ladite cavité et le volume de liquide retenu dans la cavité.According to another embodiment of the invention, said retention member has a cavity adapted to retain said pure capillarity liquid. Said cavity is arranged under the pump inlet, and said cavity is open downward when the device is in an upright position. Said cavity may have internal ribs to increase the contact surface between the wall of said cavity and the volume of liquid retained in the cavity.

    Pour recharger l'organe de rétention de liquide, il est nécessaire de retourner le dispositif en position inversée ou de l'agiter. Il est possible qu'un utilisateur ne pense pas systématiquement à retourner ou à agiter le dispositif avant de l'actionner, auquel cas l'actionnement ne produit aucune sortie de liquide ou désamorce le distributeur. Pour éviter cet inconvénient, le dispositif peut avoir une forme extérieure tel qu'il ne puisse être posé de façon stable qu'en position inversée ou inclinée. To recharge the liquid retention member, it is necessary to turn the device in inverted position or shake it. A user may not think systematically return or shake the device before actuating it, in which case actuation does not produce any outflow of liquid or deactivates the dispenser. For avoid this drawback, the device may have an external shape such that it cannot be stably laid only in an inverted or tilted position.

    Une première application de l'invention concerne les pompes montées sur les réservoirs en matériau transparent et, par exemple des flacons de parfums en verre ou en cristal. Dans cette application, le dispositif peut être particulièrement avantageux, parce qu'il supprime le tube-plongeur habituel, particulièrement inesthétique dans un flacon transparent.A first application of the invention relates to the pumps mounted on the tanks made of transparent material and, for example, perfume bottles made of glass or crystal. In this application, the device can be particularly advantageous, because that it does away with the usual unsightly dip tube in a bottle transparent.

    D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaítront au cours de la description détaillée suivante de plusieurs formes de réalisation de l'invention, données à titre d'exemples non limitatifs, en regard des dessins joints.Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent during the The following detailed description of several embodiments of the invention, given at by way of nonlimiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

    Sur les dessins :

    • la figure 1 est une vue en coupe partielle d'un dispositif selon une première forme dé réalisation, en position droite,
    • la figure 2 est une vue en coupe partielle d'une variante du dispositif de la figure 1, qui est conforme à l'invention
    • la figure 3 est une vue de dessus de la coupelle du dispositif représenté sur la figure 2,
    • la figure 4 est une vue en coupe d'un dispositif selon une autre forme de réalisation,
    • la figure 5 est une vue en coupe d'une variante du dispositif de la figure 4, et
    • les figures 6 et 7 sont des vues schématiques de deux formes extérieures possibles du dispositif selon l'invention.
    In the drawings:
    • FIG. 1 is a partial section view of a device according to a first embodiment, in an upright position,
    • Figure 2 is a partial sectional view of a variant of the device of Figure 1, which is according to the invention
    • FIG. 3 is a top view of the cup of the device shown in FIG. 2,
    • FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a device according to another embodiment,
    • FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a variant of the device of FIG. 4, and
    • Figures 6 and 7 are schematic views of two possible external forms of the device according to the invention.

    Le dispositif de la figure 1 comporte une pompe 1 montée sur un récipient 2. Le récipient 2 est rempli d'un liquide 3 qui présente une surface libre 4. Le volume situé au-dessus de la surface libre 4 peut être vide ou être rempli d'air ou d'un autre gaz, à pression atmosphérique ou à une autre pression (par exemple en surpression).The device of FIG. 1 comprises a pump 1 mounted on a container 2. The container 2 is filled with a liquid 3 which has a free surface 4. The volume located above of the free surface 4 can be empty or be filled with air or another gas, atmospheric pressure or at another pressure (for example in overpressure).

    La pompe 1 comporte un corps de pompe 7 ayant une extrémité, d'entrée 7a, dotée d'un orifice d'entrée 5 qui communique avec le récipient 2. La pompe 1 comporte en outre une tige d'actionnement 8 creuse, montée coulissante dans le corps de pompe 7, et qui commande un piston (non représenté). La pompe 1 peut en outre comporter un poussoir 10 (figure 6) qui est monté sur la tige d'actionnement 8. Le poussoir comporte un orifice de sortie, qui communique avec la tige d'actionnement 8, pour permettre l'expulsion d'une dose de liquide.The pump 1 comprises a pump body 7 having one end, inlet 7a, provided an inlet 5 which communicates with the container 2. The pump 1 comprises in addition to a hollow actuating rod 8, slidably mounted in the pump body 7, and which controls a piston (not shown). The pump 1 can also include a pusher 10 (FIG. 6) which is mounted on the actuating rod 8. The pusher comprises an outlet, which communicates with the actuating rod 8, to allow the expulsion of a dose of liquid.

    Au voisinage de l'orifice d'entrée 5 de la pompe 1 est disposé un organe de rétention 6, qui est ici une coupelle, disposée autour de et sous l'orifice 5 dans la position représentée sur la figure 1, et qui est ouverte vers le haut. Cette coupelle peut être par exemple en matière plastique ou en verre. Avantageusement, la coupelle 6 comporte des nervures 12, par exemple quatre, qui permettent de fixer la coupelle 6 sur le corps de pompe 7, par exemple par emboítement sur l'extrémité d'entrée 7a (appelé généralement porte tube) du corps de pompe.In the vicinity of the inlet port 5 of the pump 1 is arranged a retention 6, which is here a cup, arranged around and under the orifice 5 in the position shown in Figure 1, and which is open at the top. This cup can be by example in plastic or glass. Advantageously, the cup 6 includes ribs 12, for example four, which make it possible to fix the cup 6 on the body of pump 7, for example by fitting on the inlet end 7a (generally called tube holder) of the pump body.

    La présente invention est représentée sur les figures 2 et 3 qui montrent une variante de la coupelle de la figure 1. Selon ce mode de réalisation, la coupelle 6 comporte un fond 16 et une paroi latérale 17 sensiblement cylindrique dont le diamètre extérieur est de préférence légèrement inférieur au diamètre intérieur du col 2a du récipient 2.The present invention is shown in Figures 2 and 3 which show a variant of the cup of Figure 1. According to this embodiment, the cup 6 has a bottom 16 and a substantially cylindrical side wall 17 whose outside diameter is preferably slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the neck 2a of the container 2.

    Avantageusement, des pattes souples 18 peuvent être disposées autour de l'extrémité supérieure de ladite paroi latérale 17 de telle manière à s'évaser de ladite coupelle en direction du col 2 du réservoir en faisant un angle avec ladite paroi. Ainsi, les extrémités supérieures desdites pattes souples 18 forment un cercle fictif de diamètre supérieur au diamètre intérieur du col de récipient. Lors de la mise en place du corps de pompe 7 et de la coupelle 6 à travers le col 2a du récipient, les pattes souples 18 se rabattent pour coulisser le long dudit col puis s'écartent pour éventuellement venir buter avec leurs extrémités supérieures sur la paroi du récipient situé sous ledit col 2a. Outre le fait d'augmenter l'effet de capillarité au-dessus de la coupelle 6 et ainsi assurer un remplissage total de cette coupelle lors de l'actionnement du dispositif, les pattes souples 18 garantissent l'inviolabilité du dispositif. En effet, toute tentative de retirer la pompe 1 du récipient, pour par exemple le remplir afin de le réutiliser à l'insu du fabricant, entraínerait la chute de la coupelle 6 au fond du récipient 2, la coupelle ne pouvant plus passer à travers le col 2a du récipient 2 en raison de la présence des pattes souples 18.Advantageously, flexible tabs 18 can be arranged around the upper end of said side wall 17 so as to flare from said cup towards the neck 2 of the tank at an angle with said wall. So the upper ends of said flexible tabs 18 form a fictitious circle of diameter greater than the inside diameter of the container neck. When placing the body of pump 7 and the cup 6 through the neck 2a of the container, the flexible tabs 18 fold down to slide along said neck then move away to possibly abut with their upper ends on the wall of the container located under said neck 2a. Besides the increases the capillarity effect above the cup 6 and thus ensures a total filling of this cup when the device is actuated, the flexible tabs 18 guarantee the inviolability of the device. Indeed, any attempt to remove the pump 1 of the container, for example to fill it in order to reuse it without the knowledge of the manufacturer, would cause the cup 6 to fall to the bottom of the container 2, the cup no longer being able to pass through the neck 2a of the container 2 due to the presence of the flexible tabs 18.

    Les figures 4 et 5 représentent un autre mode de réalisation de la coupelle, qui ne fait pas partie de l'invention. La coupelle 6 est ici fixé sur le col 2a du récipient. Elle comporte un fond 16 et une paroi latérale cylindrique 17 s'étendant sur toute la hauteur du col 2a du récipient et comportant au moins une ouverture 19 pour laisser passer le produit du récipient 2 dans la coupelle 6. A l'extrémité supérieure de ladite paroi latérale 17, une surface annulaire 20 s'étend vers l'extérieur de la coupelle 6 de manière sensiblement horizontale. Cette surface annulaire 20 vient reposer sur l'extrémité supérieure du col 2a du récipient lorsque le dispositif est mis en place dans ledit récipient. La coupelle 6 et le corps de pompe 7, dont une partie 30 s'étend également au-dessus de ladite extrémité supérieure du col 2a du récipient, sont alors fixés au col du récipient par un moyen classique de fixation 40 tel que, par exemple une bague à encliquetage, comme représenté sur la figure 4.Figures 4 and 5 show another embodiment of the cup, which does not is not part of the invention. The cup 6 is here fixed on the neck 2a of the container. She has a bottom 16 and a cylindrical side wall 17 extending over the entire height of the neck 2a of the container and comprising at least one opening 19 to let the product pass of the container 2 in the cup 6. At the upper end of said side wall 17, a annular surface 20 extends outwardly from the cup 6 substantially horizontal. This annular surface 20 comes to rest on the upper end of the neck 2a of the container when the device is placed in said container. The cup 6 and the pump body 7, part of which also extends above said end top of the container neck 2a, are then fixed to the container neck by means conventional fixing 40 such as, for example a snap ring, as shown in figure 4.

    Dans une variante de ce dispositif, représenté sur la figure 5, l'ensemble coupelle/moyen de fixation est réalisé en une pièce, la coupelle 6 comportant autour de l'extrémité extérieure de ladite surface annulaire horizontale 20, une bride 21 sensiblement cylindrique s'étendant verticalement de part et d'autre de ladite surface annulaire 20. Cette bride cylindrique 21 comporte dans sa partie inférieure 22 des moyens de fixation du dispositif sur le col du récipient. Ces moyens de fixation peuvent comporter des pattes d'encliquetage 23 venant s'encliqueter sur le col du récipient, comme représenté sur la figure 5. Dans ce cas, la bride cylindrique 21 s'apparente à une bague dite à encliquetage, bien connue dans l'état de la technique. Alternativement, lesdits moyens de fixation peuvent également comporter un filetage interne coopérant avec un filetage externe du col du récipient, ladite bride cylindrique 21 étant dans ce cas du type bague vissable.In a variant of this device, represented in FIG. 5, the assembly cup / fixing means is made in one piece, the cup 6 comprising around the outer end of said horizontal annular surface 20, a flange 21 substantially cylindrical extending vertically on either side of said annular surface 20. This cylindrical flange 21 has in its lower part 22 means for fixing the device on the container neck. These fixing means may include tabs latching 23 snapping onto the container neck, as shown in the FIG. 5. In this case, the cylindrical flange 21 is similar to a so-called snap ring, well known in the state of the art. Alternatively, said fixing means may also include an internal thread cooperating with an external thread of the neck of the container, said cylindrical flange 21 being in this case of the screwable ring type.

    Avantageusement, l'organe de rétention, c'est-à-dire la coupelle 6 dans les modes de réalisation décrits précédemment, est réalisé en un matériau suffisamment souple pour assurer l'étanchéité dans le col du récipient. Un tel matériau peut être par exemple un élastomère ou une matière thermoplastique-élastomère (TPE), et l'étanchéité peut être assurée soit verticalement sur l'intérieur du col de verre par l'intermédiaire de la paroi latérale 17, soit horizontalement sur l'extrémité supérieure du col du récipient, par l'intermédiaire de la surface annulaire horizontale 20.Advantageously, the retention member, that is to say the cup 6 in the modes described above, is made of a sufficiently flexible material to seal in the container neck. Such a material can for example be a elastomer or a thermoplastic-elastomer (TPE), and the seal can be ensured either vertically on the inside of the glass neck via the wall lateral 17, or horizontally on the upper end of the container neck, by through the horizontal annular surface 20.

    Bien que représenté sur les figures 2, 4 et 5 avec un fond plat, la coupelle 6 pourrait aussi être de forme tronconique avec un fond 16 réduit au minimum, ou de forme semi-sphérique, comme celle représentée sur la figure 1.Although shown in Figures 2, 4 and 5 with a flat bottom, the cup 6 could also be of frustoconical shape with a bottom 16 reduced to a minimum, or of semi-spherical shape, like the one shown in figure 1.

    Le dispositif fonctionne de la manière suivante.The device operates as follows.

    Avant d'actionner le dispositif, on l'agite, on l'incline ou on le retourne en position inversée, avec la pompe 1 disposée sous le récipient 2. Le liquide 3 se trouve alors au voisinage de l'orifice d'entrée 5 de la pompe. On replace ensuite le dispositif en position droite, avec la pompe 1 disposée au-dessus du récipient 2. Au cours de ce mouvement de retournement, un certain volume 15 de liquide reste à l'intérieur de la coupelle 6. La rétention de liquide à l'intérieur de la coupelle 6 est due partiellement au fait que le mouvement de retournement est assez rapide. Mais cette rétention de liquide est aussi due à la capillarité, du fait de la surface de contact du liquide à l'intérieur 6a de la coupelle 6. Avantageusement, l'intérieur 6a de la coupelle 6 petit être doté de nervures pour augmenter la surface de contact entre le liquide et l'intérieur 6a de la coupelle, de façon à augmenter la rétention de liquide. De même comme représenté sur la figure 4, le corps de pompe 7 peut être muni sur sa partie située à l'intérieur du récipient 2 de rainures ou de nervures 50 permettant de retenir une certaine quantité de liquide lors de l'inclinaison ou l'agitation du dispositif, cette quantité de liquide s'écoulant ensuite le long du corps de pompe 7 dans l'organe de réception 6 sous l'effet de la gravité lorsque le dispositif est remis dans sa position droite. Cette mise en oeuvre assure un transfert d'un maximum de produit dans la coupelle, notamment lorsqu'il ne reste que peu de produit dans le récipient.Before actuating the device, it is shaken, tilted or returned to position reversed, with the pump 1 placed under the container 2. The liquid 3 is then at the near the inlet port 5 of the pump. Then replace the device in position right, with the pump 1 placed above the container 2. During this movement of inversion, a certain volume 15 of liquid remains inside the cup 6. The retention of liquid inside the cup 6 is partially due to the fact that the flipping movement is quite fast. But this fluid retention is also due to capillarity, due to the contact surface of the liquid inside 6a of the cup 6. Advantageously, the interior 6a of the cup 6 can be provided with ribs for increase the contact surface between the liquid and the interior 6a of the cup, so as to increase fluid retention. Similarly as shown in Figure 4, the body of pump 7 can be provided on its part located inside the container 2 with grooves or ribs 50 for retaining a certain amount of liquid during tilting or agitation of the device, this quantity of liquid then flowing along the body of pump 7 in the receiving member 6 under the effect of gravity when the device is returned to its upright position. This implementation ensures a transfer of a maximum of product in the cup, especially when there is little product left in the container.

    Lors de l'actionnement de la pompe, tout ou partie du volume 15 de liquide est aspiré par l'orifice d'entrée 5 de la pompe, qui est plongé dans le volume 15 de liquide.When the pump is actuated, all or part of the volume 15 of liquid is sucked in through the inlet port 5 of the pump, which is immersed in the volume 15 of liquid.

    Le volume 15 peut éventuellement correspondre à plusieurs actionnements de la pompe : il peut par exemple correspondre à une dose journalière du produit liquide.The volume 15 may possibly correspond to several actuations of the pump: it can for example correspond to a daily dose of the liquid product.

    Lorsque le volume 15 correspond à un seul actionnement de la pompe, et si le dispositif peut être posé en position droite, le dispositif de l'invention peut limiter les utilisations incontrôlées par les enfants, puisqu'il doit être retourné avant d'être utilisé.When the volume 15 corresponds to a single actuation of the pump, and if the device can be placed in an upright position, the device of the invention can limit the uncontrolled use by children, since it must be returned before use.

    Avantageusement, comme représenté sur les figures 6 et 7, le dispositif peut avoir une forme tel qu'il ne puisse être posé en équilibre stable que dans une position inclinée, par exemple sa position inversée. Ainsi, l'organe de rétention du dispositif retient forcément du liquide lorsque l'utilisateur le prend en position droite pour l'actionner. Dans l'exemple de la figure 6, le récipient a une forme conique, et le dispositif comporte en outre un couvercle cylindrique 13 ayant un fond plat 14, qui permet de poser le dispositif en position inversée. Dans l'exemple de la figure 7, le récipient a une forme ovoïde lui permettant d'être posé en position couchée.Advantageously, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the device can have a shape such that it can only be placed in stable equilibrium in an inclined position, for example its inverted position. Thus, the retention member of the device retains necessarily liquid when the user takes it in an upright position to activate it. In the example of Figure 6, the container has a conical shape, and the device comprises furthermore a cylindrical cover 13 having a flat bottom 14, which makes it possible to place the device in reverse position. In the example of Figure 7, the container has a shape ovoid allowing it to be placed in the supine position.

    Claims (9)

    1. A liquid dispenser device without propellant including a dispenser (1) mounted on a receptacle (2) containing said liquid (3),
      in which the liquid forms a free surface (4) inside the receptacle and the dispenser includes an inlet orifice (5) which is disposed above said free surface (4) in the upright position of the device, in which the dispenser (1) is partly above the receptacle (2), said upright position being the actuating position of the device,
      the device including a liquid retention member (6) which communicates with said inlet orifice (5) and with the receptacle (2), said liquid retention member being adapted to received a certain volume of liquid (15) when the device is shaken or tilted relative to its upright position, and said liquid retention member being adapted to retain said volume of liquid (15) in communication with said inlet orifice (5) when the device is in said upright position,
      characterized in that the dispenser is a pump (1) including a pump body (7), and in that said retention member (6) includes a bottom (16) and a side wall (17) having an outside diameter that is slightly less than the inside diameter of the neck (2a) of the receptacle, the retention member (6) further including flexible tabs (18) disposed around the top edge of its side wall (17) and flaring towards the neck of the receptacle in a direction that makes an angle with the vertical, to make sure that the retention member is completely filled.
    2. A device according to claim 1, in which the retention member is in the form of a cup (6) which is disposed around and beneath the pump (1) when the device is in its upright position.
    3. A device according to claim 1 or claim 2, in which said retention member (6) is fixed to the pump body (7).
    4. A device according to claim 3, in which said retention member (6) is engaged on the bottom end (7a) of the pump body (7) by means of ribs (12).
    5. A device according to any preceding claim, in which the top ends of said flexible tabs (18) form a notional circle whose diameter is greater than said inside diameter of the neck of the receptacle, said flexible tabs (18) being capable of folding inwards when the said retention member (6) is put into place inside the neck of the receptacle and then of returning to their flared shape, while the pump (1) is being mounted on the receptacle (2).
    6. A device according to claim 1 or claim 2, in which said retention member (6) is fixed to the neck (2a) of the receptacle.
    7. A device according to any preceding claim, in which the pump body (7) has ribs or grooves (50) in its portion situated inside the container serving to retain a certain quantity of liquid when the device is tilted or shaken, said quantity of liquid then flowing along the pump body into the retention member (6) under the effect of gravity when the device is put back into the upright position.
    8. A device according to any preceding claim, having an outside shape such as it can be put down in a stable manner, only in a tilted or upside-down position.
    9. A device according to any preceding claim, in which the receptacle (2) is made of transparent material.
    EP94401151A 1993-05-26 1994-05-25 Liquid dispensing device without dip tube Expired - Lifetime EP0626321B1 (en)

    Applications Claiming Priority (2)

    Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
    FR9306310 1993-05-26
    FR9306310A FR2705590B1 (en) 1993-05-26 1993-05-26 Liquid distribution device that can be used in an upright position and does not include a dip tube.

    Publications (2)

    Publication Number Publication Date
    EP0626321A1 EP0626321A1 (en) 1994-11-30
    EP0626321B1 true EP0626321B1 (en) 1998-08-05

    Family

    ID=9447475

    Family Applications (1)

    Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
    EP94401151A Expired - Lifetime EP0626321B1 (en) 1993-05-26 1994-05-25 Liquid dispensing device without dip tube

    Country Status (5)

    Country Link
    US (1) US5476198A (en)
    EP (1) EP0626321B1 (en)
    JP (1) JP3543275B2 (en)
    DE (1) DE69412177T2 (en)
    FR (1) FR2705590B1 (en)

    Cited By (1)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    FR3143114A1 (en) * 2022-12-13 2024-06-14 L'oreal Device for packaging and dispensing cosmetic products comprising two intermediate chambers, 5 associated distribution method

    Families Citing this family (16)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    US5984146A (en) * 1996-09-27 1999-11-16 Kaufman; John G. Dispenser having foamed output
    DE19749165A1 (en) * 1997-11-07 1999-05-12 Topack Verpacktech Gmbh Device for supplying a glue application agent with glue
    FR2792511B1 (en) 1999-04-23 2001-06-08 Beaute Prestige Internat REVERSE PUMP VAPORIZATION APPARATUS
    FR2799449B1 (en) * 1999-10-06 2001-12-14 Oreal PUMP DOSER BOTTLE
    FR2811644B1 (en) 2000-07-12 2002-09-06 Oreal DEVICE FOR PACKAGING AND DOSED DISPENSING OF A LIQUID PRODUCT
    FR2817244B1 (en) 2000-11-24 2003-01-10 Oreal IMPROVED DEVICE FOR PACKAGING AND DOSED DISPENSING OF A LIQUID PRODUCT
    FR2817846B1 (en) 2000-12-08 2003-03-21 Valois Sa FLUID PRODUCT DISPENSER
    FR2828480B1 (en) 2001-08-10 2004-01-30 Oreal DEVICE FOR DISPENSING A PRODUCT WITHOUT DIP TUBE
    FR2832699B1 (en) * 2001-11-23 2004-01-30 Oreal DEVICE FOR PACKAGING AND DOSED DISPENSING OF A LIQUID PRODUCT
    US7607592B1 (en) 2004-11-08 2009-10-27 Kim Sang B Accessories for water and beverage bottles
    FR2892608B1 (en) * 2005-11-03 2008-05-30 Techpack Int Sa APPLICATOR DISTRIBUTOR OF A PASTY PRODUCT
    JP4804932B2 (en) * 2006-01-27 2011-11-02 株式会社吉野工業所 Nebulizer
    WO2008101149A1 (en) * 2007-02-15 2008-08-21 Cohen Ben Z Inlet for pump
    US10145308B2 (en) 2014-02-10 2018-12-04 United Technologies Corporation Gas turbine engine ring seal
    US10385560B2 (en) 2014-10-14 2019-08-20 Conopco, Inc. Device for spraying an enclosure triggered by inclination of a rotatable lid
    EP3206803A1 (en) 2014-10-14 2017-08-23 Unilever NV Spraying device

    Family Cites Families (16)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    US1896405A (en) * 1932-05-16 1933-02-07 Bonner B Hauser Ink bottle
    US1964609A (en) * 1933-09-15 1934-06-26 Ralph R Cone Dispensing device
    US2132657A (en) * 1936-05-15 1938-10-11 Cecil W Smith Liquid dispensing device
    US3029001A (en) * 1959-12-28 1962-04-10 Matthew B Blish Flexible dispensing closure for rigid containers
    US3382870A (en) * 1965-10-18 1968-05-14 Robert D. Parry Nebulizer
    US3369713A (en) * 1966-04-08 1968-02-20 Smith Kline French Lab Device for dispensing measured quantities of liquid
    FR1525560A (en) * 1966-06-03 1968-05-17 Sterwin Ag Deformable bottle device for dispensing liquids in spray form
    FR1539702A (en) * 1966-06-13 1968-09-20 Sterwin Ag Deformable bottle device for dispensing liquids in spray form
    US3991915A (en) * 1969-03-26 1976-11-16 Continental Can Company, Inc. Aerosol container
    BE793319A (en) * 1971-12-28 1973-06-27 Ciba Geigy AEROSOL DISPENSER FOR FLUID PRODUCTS
    LU72519A1 (en) * 1975-05-20 1977-02-10
    US4159791A (en) * 1977-04-04 1979-07-03 Crutcher William C Measuring and dispensing device
    US5259536A (en) * 1986-02-07 1993-11-09 Reyman Mark E Device for the controlled measuring and dispensing of a fluid
    FR2620052B1 (en) * 1987-09-09 1990-04-27 Valois MANUAL PUMP TYPE PREPRESSURE VAPORIZER FOR USE WITH A PROPELLANT GAS
    US4880151A (en) * 1988-10-31 1989-11-14 Shepherd Willard W Pressurized spray paint container
    US5279450A (en) * 1992-12-23 1994-01-18 Witt Jr Donald C Container with two separate chambers

    Cited By (2)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    FR3143114A1 (en) * 2022-12-13 2024-06-14 L'oreal Device for packaging and dispensing cosmetic products comprising two intermediate chambers, 5 associated distribution method
    WO2024126455A1 (en) * 2022-12-13 2024-06-20 L'oreal A device for storing and dispensing cosmetic products comprising two intermediate chambers, an associated dispensing method

    Also Published As

    Publication number Publication date
    JPH07149360A (en) 1995-06-13
    DE69412177T2 (en) 1999-04-29
    EP0626321A1 (en) 1994-11-30
    FR2705590A1 (en) 1994-12-02
    JP3543275B2 (en) 2004-07-14
    DE69412177D1 (en) 1998-09-10
    US5476198A (en) 1995-12-19
    FR2705590B1 (en) 1995-07-28

    Similar Documents

    Publication Publication Date Title
    EP0626321B1 (en) Liquid dispensing device without dip tube
    EP0486355B1 (en) Dispenser for a liquid to pasty product and holding device for this dispenser
    EP0952090B1 (en) Dosing tip
    FR2838322A1 (en) Vacuum valve for liquid soap dispenser, allows air to enter liquid reservoir thus reducing vacuum formed in reservoir
    FR2781772A1 (en) DISPENSER OF LIQUID PRODUCTS FOR DELIVERY BY SPRAYING
    FR2822502A1 (en) LIQUID DISPENSER FOR DISPENSING FOAM
    CA2305005A1 (en) Device for the tank mixture of at least two products including one powder
    FR2895374A1 (en) Sleeve for valve of aerosol spray can has inner sections which fit against valve, outer section at base of sleeve having deformable part which can be deformed both axially and radially
    EP1293439B1 (en) Storage and dispensing device for a liquid product
    FR2649074A1 (en) CONTAINER WITH ELASTIC SECTION BOTTLE
    EP2336079A1 (en) Device for filling containers
    EP0926074B1 (en) Container with an anti-spill device and anti-spill device
    CA2399152A1 (en) Device for measuring doses of liquid products contained in flasks or the like
    CA2204402A1 (en) Bottle with a flexible bag for distributing fluids and method for making same
    EP0312474B1 (en) Automatic dispenser for viscous products
    EP1491110B1 (en) Storing and dispensing device
    EP0605275B1 (en) Assembly for spraying a liquid comprising a precompression pump
    FR2952357A1 (en) FLUID CONTAINER COMPRISING A POCKET INTENDED TO CONTAIN SUCH FLUID, AND IS ASSOCIATED
    EP1363843B1 (en) Fluid product dispenser with flexible pouch and method for producing one such flexible pouch
    EP0444990A1 (en) Dispensing device for liquid or pasty products, particularly for cosmetic products
    EP2092985B1 (en) Container with dip tube
    EP1362525B1 (en) Applicator device of roll-on type
    FR2770606A1 (en) LIQUID DISTRIBUTION VALVE
    FR2580259A1 (en) Portable dosing can
    FR2828480A1 (en) Product container and dispenser, has additional inner wall in container forming passage linked to distributor and obviating need for plunger tube

    Legal Events

    Date Code Title Description
    PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

    AK Designated contracting states

    Kind code of ref document: A1

    Designated state(s): DE FR GB IT

    17P Request for examination filed

    Effective date: 19950330

    17Q First examination report despatched

    Effective date: 19960403

    RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

    Owner name: VALOIS S.A.

    RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

    Owner name: VALOIS S.A.

    GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

    GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

    GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

    GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

    GRAA (expected) grant

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

    AK Designated contracting states

    Kind code of ref document: B1

    Designated state(s): DE FR GB IT

    REF Corresponds to:

    Ref document number: 69412177

    Country of ref document: DE

    Date of ref document: 19980910

    GBT Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977)

    Effective date: 19981026

    PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

    STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

    Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

    26N No opposition filed
    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: GB

    Ref legal event code: IF02

    PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: DE

    Payment date: 20060519

    Year of fee payment: 13

    PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: IT

    Payment date: 20060531

    Year of fee payment: 13

    PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: DE

    Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

    Effective date: 20071201

    PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: GB

    Payment date: 20080506

    Year of fee payment: 15

    PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: IT

    Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

    Effective date: 20070525

    GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

    Effective date: 20090525

    PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: GB

    Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

    Effective date: 20090525

    PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: FR

    Payment date: 20120615

    Year of fee payment: 19

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: FR

    Ref legal event code: CD

    Owner name: APTAR FRANCE SAS, FR

    Effective date: 20130104

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: FR

    Ref legal event code: ST

    Effective date: 20140131

    PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: FR

    Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

    Effective date: 20130531