CONTAINER OF A PRODUCT AND RELATIVE DISPENSING METHOD Technical field

The present invention relates to a container of a product, for example a cosmetic (creams, serums, etc.) or eye drops or other and relative dispensing method.

Prior art

Containers are known for containing creams, which are provided with a tank for containing the product and a dispenser with a cap. The cap is removable from the tank and allows access to the underlying dispenser. By compressing the tank, the product exits from the dispenser. The cap can then be reapplied by connecting it with a thread or with pressure by elastic deformation.

A drawback of such a solution is related to the fact that once the cap is removed to dispense the product, there is the risk of losing it. Furthermore, for opening and closing the container it is necessary to have both hands available and advantageously also a support surface.

The object of the present invention is to propose a container of a product and relative dispensing method which allow to facilitate and make opening the container more convenient, minimising the risk of the drawbacks described above.

Object of the invention

The defined technical task and the specified aims are substantially achieved by a container of a product and relative dispensing method comprising the technical features set forth in one or more of the appended claims.

Brief description of the drawings

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the illustrative and thus non-limiting description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a container of a product and relative dispensing method in the appended drawings, in which:

- figure 1 shows a sectional view of a container according to the present invention;

- figure 2 shows an exploded view of the container of figure 1 ;

- figures 3 and 4 show details of figure 2

- figures 5, 6, 7 show a perspective view of some components of figure 1 ;

- figures 8 and 9 show a bottom view and a perspective view of a component of figure 1 ;

- figures from 10 to 14 show a sequence of configurations assumed by the container.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

A container of a product, typically cosmetic (for example creams, serums, etc.), is denoted by the reference numeral 1 in the appended drawings. Such a product is typically liquid or semi-solid (highly viscous). A particular application of the container 1 is a dropper. The container 1 comprises a tank 2 for containing the product. Such a tank 2 can be compressed manually by a user. Typically the tank 2 has lateral walls which can be compressed towards each other for dispensing the product.

The container 1 comprises a system 3 for dispensing the product which is placed in the tank 2. As exemplified in the appended drawings, the dispensing system 3 comprises a product dispenser 31. The dispenser 31 may be a single monolithic body or an assembly of several parts. The dispensing system 3 also comprises a system 32 for transmitting motion from the cap 33 to the dispenser 31. Suitably, the transmission system 32 allows the dispenser 31 to be moved towards or away from the tank 2 so as to position the dispenser 31 in a more projected position for dispensing and in a more retracted position when not in use.

The dispensing system 3 suitably comprises a cap 33 of the dispenser 31 . The cap 33 is inseparably constrained to the tank 2. The transmission system 32 is intended to move said dispenser 31 between: i) an operating configuration in which said dispenser 31 enables the dispensing of the product through the cap 33; ii) a rest configuration in which said dispenser 31 is retracted towards the tank 2 with respect to the operating configuration. Suitably, in the rest configuration the dispenser 31 is protected externally by the cap 33. In the rest configuration, the dispenser 31 is not accessible from the outside.

Suitably, both in the operating configuration and in the rest configuration, the distance between the cap 33 and the tank 2 is substantially unchanged. The cap 33 is integrated in the container 1 (for example it is inseparable from the tank 2). In the operating configuration the cap 33 uncovers the dispenser 31 , making it accessible from the outside, in the rest configuration it protects the nozzle 313. In particular in the rest configuration the dispenser 31 is inaccessible from outside the container 1. Therefore, it is protected from contamination and dust. It also prevents dispensing the product from the container 1 , avoiding accidental soiling.

The cap 33 is movable. In particular, it is movable with respect to the tank 2. The cap 33 assumes a first position with which the rest configuration is associated and a second position with which the operating configuration is associated. In the second position the cap 33 is rotated with respect to in the first position. In particular in the second position the cap 33 is rotated 180° with respect to the first position. Suitably the cap rotates around a rotation axis. Such an axis conveniently coincides with a preponderant longitudinal extension axis of the tank 2 (which is usually perpendicular to a support base of the container 1 ).

In the operating configuration the dispenser 31 preferably projects outside the cap 33 (although possibly, in a particular solution, it may not project). In the rest configuration the dispenser 31 does not project outside the cap 33. The rest configuration and the operating configuration are assumed at two opposite stroke ends of a movement stroke of the cap 33.

The cap 33 suitably defines a cavity facing the tank 2. In such a cavity, the cap 33 at least partially houses the dispenser 31. Suitably the cap 33 comprises a base 331 and a lateral side 332 which extends from the base 331 towards the tank 2.

The cap 33 advantageously comprises a slot 330; such a slot 330 is afforded on the base of the cap 33. The slot 330 is a through slot and crosses the thickness of said base 331. The slot 330 allows the dispensing of the product in the operating configuration. In the operating configuration the dispenser 31 crosses the slot 330. Thereby, the dispenser 31 protrudes externally and can dispense the product.

The dispenser 31 preferably comprises:

-a cuff 311 placed at an outlet of the tank 2; such a cuff 311 defines a concavity. The product in output from the tank 2 advantageously enters the cuff 311 (in particular in the concavity defined by the cuff 311 );

-a spout 312 which projects away from the cuff 311 .

Suitably the dispenser 31 (advantageously both cuff 311 and spout 312) is rigid.

Suitably at the output from the tank 2 the container 1 comprises a pin 5 provided with a passage hole 50 which crosses it from side to side. Such a hole 50 is intended to be crossed by the product. The hole 50 comprises a minimum passage section comprised between 5 and 15 millimetres so as to facilitate the return of the product towards the tank 2 when there is a passage from the operating configuration to the rest configuration. The pin 5 comprises an annular slot 53 in which a mouth of the tank 2 engages.

Suitably the dispenser 31 (in particular the cuff 311 ) is rotatable around the pin 5. Advantageously a fluid-dynamic seal 51 (advantageously ringshaped) is interposed between the dispenser 31 and the pin 5. The seal 51 is advantageously integral with the cuff 311 and comprises a sealing lip which rests on a side surface of the pin 5. The pin 5 is suitably a distinct body from the tank 2 and assembled thereto. Suitably there is a chamber 52 between the pin 5 and the cuff 311 for the product waiting to be dispensed. Such a chamber 52 is variable in volume. In particular in the operating configuration such a chamber 52 has maximum volume, while in the rest configuration it has minimum volume (at most even zero). With the passage from the operating configuration to the rest configuration, the product present in such a chamber 52 spontaneously returns to the tank 2 (in the preferred solution crossing the hole 50 present on the pin 5).

Advantageously, the dispenser 31 comprises a nozzle 313 placed inside said spout 312. The product being dispensed transits between the nozzle 313 and the spout 312. Advantageously the nozzle 313 is more rigid with respect to the spout 312. The nozzle 313 is suitably movable axially along the spout 312. Such an expedient allows the entry of air during the relaxation step of the container 1 after the dosage of product. The nozzle 313 comprises a body having two opposite ends connected by a lateral wall. Such a body is full, and does not have an internal duct (possibly there may be a shaping on the outer surface). The nozzle 313 suitably comprises a chamfer to facilitate centring with the spout 312 at an end which is more distanced from the tank 2.

The nozzle 313 comprises a lateral swelling. Such an expedient prevents the nozzle 313 from falling towards the tank 2. Such a lateral swelling suitably comprises a cut. This facilitates the passage of product and air. The lateral wall of the nozzle 313 laterally comprises a propeller, advantageously two-pronged. This increases the sliding surface of the product; thus the influence of the pressure created by the reduction of the volume interposed between the cuff 31 1 and the outlet of the tank 2 decreases during the closing/retracting step of the dispensing system.

Advantageously, the spout 312 comprises a passage section narrowing. Such a section narrowing retains the nozzle 313, preventing it from falling inside the cuff 31 1 .

The container 1 comprises an element 4 interposed between the dispenser 31 and the cap 44. Suitably the interposed element 4 envelops the cuff 311 . In particular it is interposed between the cuff 31 1 and the cap 33. The cap 33 is movable with respect to the interposed element 4. The interposed element 4 preferably comprises an opening 40; in the operating configuration the opening 40 and the slot 330 are at least partially superposed, allowing the passage of the dispenser 31. In fact, in the operating configuration the dispenser 31 crosses the opening 40. In the rest configuration the dispenser 31 lies completely outside said opening 40. In the rest configuration the interposed element 4 at least partly superposes the slot 330, occluding it. Suitably the opening 40 extends in an arc, for example in a half-moon shape (in particular an arc of a circle). This allows to avoid interference between the dispenser 31 and the interposed element 4 during the transition from the rest configuration to the operating configuration. Suitably the opening 40 does not intercept the rotation axis of the cap 33 (in the operating configuration and/or in the rest configuration and/or during the passage between the operating configuration and the rest configuration). Suitably the slot 330 does not intercept the rotation axis of the cap 33 (in the operating configuration and/or in the rest configuration and/or during the passage between the operating configuration and the rest configuration). Suitably the interposed element 4 is constrained to the tank 2 for example by coupling means 42.

The transmission system 32 comprises a first groove 322 afforded along the interposed element 4. Such a first groove 322 is a through groove. It crosses a lateral wall of the interposed element 4 from side to side. The first groove 322 extends helically.

The transmission system 32 comprises at least a first projection 321 which from the dispenser 31 projects towards the cap 33, engaging in the first groove 322.

The first projection 321 engages with the first groove 322. In particular, the first projection 321 crosses the first groove 322. The interposed element 4 maintains a fixed position in the container 1 . In particular, the interposed element 4 is fixed with respect to the tank 2.

Suitably the cap 33 comprises an inner sleeve 335. Such an inner sleeve 335 has a cylindrical surface. Suitably, the sleeve 335 extends starting from the base 331 . The sleeve 335 envelops the interposed element 4. Suitably the sleeve 335 is placed near the interposed element 4. The lateral side 332 of the cap 33 envelops the sleeve 335. A gap 336 is advantageously present between the lateral side 332 of the cap 33 and the sleeve 335. The transmission system 32 comprises a first handling element 333 solidly constrained to the cap 33 and intended to push the first projection 321 along the first groove 322 to pass from the rest configuration to the operating configuration. The first handling element 333 advantageously comprises a first pusher 334. The first pusher 334 is suitably shaped like a wing; suitably the wing has a component with preponderant extension along a direction parallel to those of the rotation axis of the cap 33 (or has a preponderant extension direction parallel to that of rotation of the cap 33).

The transmission system 32 comprises a second groove 3220 afforded along the interposed element 4. Such a second groove 3220 is a through groove. It crosses the lateral wall of the interposed element 4 from side to side. The second groove 3220 extends helically.

The transmission system 32 comprises at least a second projection 3210 which from the dispenser 31 projects towards the cap 33.

The second projection 3210 engages with the second groove 3220. In particular, the second projection 3210 crosses the second groove 3220.

The transmission system 32 comprises a second handling element 3330 solidly constrained to the cap 33 and intended to push the second projection 3210 along the second groove 3220 to pass from the operating configuration to the rest configuration. To pass from the operating configuration to the rest configuration, the rotation direction of the cap 33 is opposite the direction to pass from the rest configuration to the operating configuration. In the first case, the interaction between the first handling element 333 and the first projection 321 is used while suitably the second handling element 3330 and the second projection 3210 are substantially disengaged. In the second case, the reverse occurs. The second handling element 3330 advantageously comprises a second pusher 3340. The second pusher 3340 is suitably shaped like a wing; suitably such a wing has a component with preponderant extension along a direction parallel to those of the rotation axis of the cap 33. In particular, the wing has a preponderant extension direction parallel to the rotation axis of the cap 33. Therefore a rotation of the cap 33 determines a rotation of the second projection 3210, which moving along a helical trajectory imposed by the second groove 3220 of the interposed element 4 determines a lowering of the dispenser 31 (or in other words the approach of the dispenser 31 with respect to the tank 2). Thereby there is a passage from the operating configuration in which the dispenser 31 is farther away from the tank 2 to a rest configuration in which the dispenser 31 is closer to the tank 2. Suitably, the first and the second projection 321 , 3210 are diametrically opposite. Suitably the first and the second groove 322, 3220 lie in diametrically opposite positions of the interposed element 4. Suitably, the first handling element 333 extends outwards starting from the sleeve 335. Suitably, the second handling element 3330 extends outwards starting from the sleeve 335. Suitably, the first and the second handling element 333, 3330 extend from diametrically opposite positions of the sleeve 335.

Suitably the cap 33 is rotatably constrained to the interposed element 4 (for example by means of a protrusion which engages in a corresponding groove). The interposed element 4 is fixed with respect to the tank 2 and therefore the cap 33 is rotatable with respect to the tank 2.

Suitably, the container 1 has a preponderant extension direction. The tank 2 extends for at least 50% of the extension of the container along the preponderant extension direction. The cap 33 extends for at least 25% of the extension of the container along the preponderant extension direction. An outer surface of the container 1 is defined for at least 90% (preferably at least 95%) by the union of the tank 2 and the cap 33. Suitably both the cap 33, the tank 2 and the transmission system 32 are made of plastic. Advantageously, the entire container 1 is made of plastic (it can be of the same type or differ for the various parts). Suitably there are no metal elements.

An object of the present invention is further a method for dispensing a product, (for example cosmetic) from a container 1 provided with a dispenser 31. Advantageously, the method is implemented by a container of a product having one or more of the features described above.

The method comprises the step of moving a cap 33 of the dispenser 31 from a first to a second position; the step of moving the cap 33 of the dispenser 31 from the first to the second position comprises the step of moving the dispenser 31 (by means of a motion transmission system 32 from the cap to the dispenser) from: i) a rest configuration in which said dispenser 31 is retracted towards the tank 2 with respect to the operating configuration and is protected externally by the cap 33; to ii) an operating configuration in which said dispenser 31 enables the dispensing of the product through the cap 33.

The step of moving the cap 33 suitably comprises the step of rotating the cap 33 around a rotation axis. The rotation of the cap 33, at least for a stretch, causes a thrust on the dispenser 31 which therefore passes from the rest configuration to the operating configuration. In this regard, the cap 33 comprises a first handling element 333 which intercepts a first helical projection 321 integral with the dispenser 31 and which projects inside (or in any case crosses) a first groove 322 which remains in a fixed position in the container 1 . The first groove 322 is afforded in an element 4 interposed between the cap 33 and the dispenser 31 .

Thereby the rotation of the cap 33 determines a rotational translation of the dispenser 31 (the first groove 322 being helical). Therefore, the dispenser 31 rotates and moves away from the tank 2. A spout 312 of the dispenser 31 moving away from the tank 2 and rotating through both an opening 40 placed on a base of the element 4 and a slot 330 of the cap 33. There is therefore a mechanical synchronisation between the rotation of the cap 33 and the lifting of the spout 312 so that the latter, moving away from the tank 2, also crosses the slot 330 of the cap 33. Thereby the spout 312 projects outside the cap 33 and more generally the container 1 . The product can thus be dispensed conveniently. Suitably, the method then comprises the step of dispensing the product coming from the tank 2 by means of the dispenser 31 or more specifically by means of the spout 312.

Once the dispensing of the product is completed, the method comprises the step of repositioning the dispenser 31 in a protected position inside the cap 33.

In this regard, the method comprises the step of moving a cap 33 of the dispenser 31 from the second to the first position. The step of moving the cap 33 from the second to the first position comprises the step of moving, by means of the transmission system 32, the dispenser 31 : i) from the operating configuration in which the dispenser 31 enables the dispensing of the product through the cap 33; ii) to the rest configuration in which said dispenser 31 is retracted towards the tank 2 with respect to the operating configuration and is protected externally by the cap 33.

The step of moving the cap 33 from the second to the first position suitably comprises the step of rotating the cap 33 around the rotation axis (preferably according to a direction opposite that for passing from the first to the second position). The rotation of the cap 33, at least for a stretch, causes a thrust on the dispenser 31 which therefore passes from the operating configuration to the rest configuration. In this regard, the cap 33 comprises a second handling element 3330 which intercepts a second helical projection 3210 integral with the dispenser 31 and which projects inside (or in any case crosses) a second groove 3220 which remains in a fixed position in the container 1 . The second groove 3220 is afforded in an element 4 interposed between the cap 33 and the dispenser 31 .

Thereby the rotation of the cap 33 causes a rotational translation of the dispenser 31 (the second groove 3220 being helical). Therefore, the dispenser 31 rotates and approaches the tank 2. The spout 312 of the dispenser 31 approaching the tank 2 and rotating is released (exits) from the opening 40 and the slot 330 of the cap 33 (and therefore no longer crosses them).

The rotation of the cap also causes the slot 330 to superpose a wall of the casing 4 which therefore occludes it. The spout 312 is therefore protected. The present invention achieves important advantages. Firstly, it allows to facilitate opening the container and dispensing the product, making the whole more ergonomic. The user can possibly intervene by acting safely even without having a fixed horizontal surface on which to safely rest the cap after opening.

The invention as it is conceived is susceptible to numerous modifications and variants, all falling within the scope of the inventive concept characterised thereby. Further, all the details can be replaced with other technically equivalent elements. In practice, all the materials used, as well as the dimensions, can be any whatsoever, according to need.