EP3009377B1 - Ensemble de distribution d'un produit - Google Patents

Ensemble de distribution d'un produit Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3009377B1
EP3009377B1 EP14187478.4A EP14187478A EP3009377B1 EP 3009377 B1 EP3009377 B1 EP 3009377B1 EP 14187478 A EP14187478 A EP 14187478A EP 3009377 B1 EP3009377 B1 EP 3009377B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
lever
container
coupling member
discharge means
dispensing head
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.)
Active
Application number
EP14187478.4A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP3009377A3 (fr
EP3009377A2 (fr
Inventor
Werner Marie Camiel Clauwaert
Philip Vandermeulen
Annick Albertine Alfons Dumon
Harry Plechelmus Christenhusz
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.)
FrieslandCampina Nederland BV
Original Assignee
FrieslandCampina Nederland BV
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 FrieslandCampina Nederland BV filed Critical FrieslandCampina Nederland BV
Publication of EP3009377A2 publication Critical patent/EP3009377A2/fr
Publication of EP3009377A3 publication Critical patent/EP3009377A3/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3009377B1 publication Critical patent/EP3009377B1/fr
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/14—Containers for dispensing liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant
    • B65D83/145—Containers for dispensing liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant with tamper-indicating means, e.g. located in front of nozzle outlets
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/14—Containers for dispensing liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant
    • B65D83/16—Actuating means
    • B65D83/18—Hand lever actuators
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/14—Containers for dispensing liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant
    • B65D83/16—Actuating means
    • B65D83/18—Hand lever actuators
    • B65D83/182—Hand lever actuators combined with hand grips
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/14—Containers for dispensing liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant
    • B65D83/16—Actuating means
    • B65D83/20—Actuator caps
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/14—Containers for dispensing liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant
    • B65D83/16—Actuating means
    • B65D83/20—Actuator caps
    • B65D83/206—Actuator caps comprising cantilevered actuating elements, e.g. levers pivoting about living hinges
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/14—Containers for dispensing liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant
    • B65D83/16—Actuating means
    • B65D83/22—Actuating means with means to disable actuation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/14—Containers for dispensing liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant
    • B65D83/16—Actuating means
    • B65D83/22—Actuating means with means to disable actuation
    • B65D83/224—Tamper-indicating means obstructing initial actuation
    • B65D83/228—Tamper-indicating means obstructing initial actuation consisting of a rupturable connection between actuator element and actuator cap or skirt, e.g. tear strips or bridges
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/14—Containers for dispensing liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant
    • B65D83/38—Details of the container body
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/14—Containers for dispensing liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant
    • B65D83/40—Closure caps

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an assembly for dispensing a product.
  • Aerosol containers as such are commonly known from the prior art.
  • a container, containing a foodproduct, particularly cream, is currently marketed and sold by the applicant.
  • the known container is lightweight, compact and designed to be disposed after being used-up.
  • An example of the container, having an advantageous configuration, is disclosed in applicant's EP1916931A1 .
  • the known container has manually operable discharge means, made of plastic. Particularly, during operation of the aerosol container, in case of operating the discharge means, cream is ejected via a distal dispensing head and undergoes a so called 'overrun', such that a 'spray cream' which resembles common whipped cream, is obtained.
  • the container comprises valve means and a small discharge nozzle. During activation, the nozzle sprays the cream into a foodproduct receiving space that is defined by the dispensing head, upon which the cream preferably expands to a desired degree and is agitated vigorously due to expanding propellant.
  • US2009/0127293 relates to a dispenser trigger head for a container provided with a dispenser rod, the head comprising a base configured to be fastened on the container; a lever hinged to the base.
  • the lever defines an actuation surface located to the side of the dispenser head.
  • An endpiece is carried by and molded, integrally with the lever, the endpiece being configured to couple to the dispenser rod and being in communication with at least one composition ejection orifice for ejecting composition in a forward direction.
  • EP0188957 discloses a plastic spout comprises an annular skirt, mounted on a container, and a nozzle.
  • a wall of the nozzle is connected to the skirt by a relatively rigid lug, the hinge being provided at the end of this lug which is opposite the nozzle.
  • a projecting support surface, which permits actuation of the valve, is provided on the side of the nozzle which is adjacent to the hinge.
  • An object of the present invention is to improve the aerosol container.
  • the invention aims to provide a semi-professional, or even a professional, appearance of the container, wherein utilization of the container can be carried out in a straightforward manner, without leading to a considerable rise in the manufacturing costs.
  • the invention is characterised by the features of claim 1.
  • an assembly for dispensing a product comprising:
  • an assembly that comprises:
  • the aerosol container and discharge means can be sold separately. Also, the discharge means is preferably reusable, so that it can be used many times, to cooperate with a large number of aerosol containers. In this way, a discharge means providing a relatively professional appearance can be provided, and a large number of mass produced aerosol containers.
  • the reusable discharge means of the assembly can be a more expensive component compared to conventional operating parts of prior art foodproduct discharge means. However, since the discharge means can be used several times, the overall costs of its use can be relatively low, over time. Besides, the reusable discharge means can be at least partly made of one or more relatively expensive materials that has/have a relatively low susceptibility to contamination and bacterial growth, for example a material that can be cleansed repeatedly at a high temperature without damaging the respective part.
  • the coupling member can provide a reliable connection between the discharge means and the aerosol container.
  • the removable covering of the coupling member can protect the external part of the aerosol valve before use, for example during transport, storage and delivery of the container. Thus, it can prevent that the valve is accidentally actuated. Also the covering can insure maintenance of hygienic conditions, particularly by preventing people to touch the external valve part. Besides, the removable covering can provide tamper evidence.
  • an assembly for dispensing a product comprising:
  • the cap Before an initial use, the cap substantially covers the discharge means that are mounted on the aerosol container. One part of the discharge means, the operating member, reaches through an opening that is defined by the cap. As a result, a relatively compact assembly having a relatively long operating member and a relatively small cap can be obtained.
  • the cap can substantially protect the discharge means before use, for example against contamination and/or physical damage.
  • the cap blocks a movement, for example a pivoting movement, of the discharge means with respect to the container.
  • an assembly for dispensing a product the assembly comprises::
  • each of the connector sections can be provided with respective screw thread, to connect to respective components.
  • one of the connector sections (particularly one that is faced-away from the container) is provided with means to allow a bayonet connection thereto.
  • one of the components to be coupled to the container via the mounting member can be a cap.
  • the components can include one or ore types of dispensing means.
  • Figures 1-25 show embodiments of assemblies, each assembly including one or more rigid aerosol containers 1 (one shown), to discharge (and shape/model) a foodproduct.
  • the rigid container 1 can be made of various materials, for example a rigid plastic, a metal, or an alloy.
  • Each container 1 has a reservoir 2 containing a propellant and a foodproduct, and an operable discharge valve 4 for discharging the foodproduct.
  • the cross-sections of Figures 11 , 18 show examples of the container valve 4 (in this case being located in an upper section of the container).
  • the present container 1 is configured to be used upside down, and therefore does not comprise a dip-tube dispensing mechanism.
  • the container can be provided with operable valve means, comprising a downwardly (i.e. towards a container bottom) depressible foodproduct ejection nozzle 4 and spring means to counteract the depressing of the nozzle, such as in a currently marketed spray foodproduct aerosol container, as will be appreciated by the skilled person.
  • operable valve means comprising a downwardly (i.e. towards a container bottom) depressible foodproduct ejection nozzle 4 and spring means to counteract the depressing of the nozzle, such as in a currently marketed spray foodproduct aerosol container, as will be appreciated by the skilled person.
  • depressing of the foodproduct ejection nozzle 4 leads to opening of the valve means so that foodproduct and part of the propellant can be ejected towards the dispensing head, to be dispensed thereby.
  • Mentioned spring means can urge the valve to a closed position (such position
  • Each container 1 is compact (for example with an overall volume less than 1l), of a lightweight construction.
  • a packed container 1, comprising the foodproduct can weigh less than 1 kg, such as about 750 or 250 g.
  • the container as such is made of tinplate or aluminium, coated on the inside, and has a substantially cylindrical shape.
  • the container can also be made of a different material, for example a rigid plastic.
  • the present aerosol container 1 is of a non-refillable type, to be discarded after being used up.
  • the present container 1 is of a relatively inexpensive, durable construction, having few components.
  • an upper end of the container may include a circumferential flange 18 (see figures 11 , 18 ).
  • the container 1 comprises at least one reservoir 2 containing the foodproduct, the foodproduct being safe for consumption, and a suitable propellant.
  • the aerosol container can be packed with foodproduct and propellant, the initial pressure in the container being for example in the range of 7-18 atmospheres, depending on the amount of packed foodproduct, as will be appreciated by the skilled person.
  • the propellant can consist of one or more gasses acceptable from the viewpoint of food technology, for example a gas which substantially dissolves in the foodproduct, a gas which substantially does not dissolve in the foodproduct and a combination of these gasses.
  • the propellant can comprise CO2, nitrogen (N2), laughing gas (N2O) or a combination of these gasses (such as nitrogen and laughing gas).
  • N2 nitrogen
  • N2O laughing gas
  • 15-25 w% (weight%) of the propellant can be N2 and the remainder of the propellant (i.e. 85-75 w%) can be N2O.
  • At least part of the propellant can be packed separately from the foodproduct, for example in the case that the container is provided with separate reservoirs, for example with a movable or flexible partition to provide such separation (such as in European patent application EP 1 061 006 A1 ).
  • the container can include a first reservoir containing the product, and a second reservoir containing the propellant (separate from the product)
  • the propellant and foodproduct are packed together, in the same reservoir, in the aerosol container (for example in case the container is provided with a single reservoir).
  • the foodproduct comprises cream.
  • a "spray cream” that is obtained from use of the present aerosol container 1 generally differs from conventional whipping cream (obtained from manually or automatically whipping common cream without using a cream propellant) to a high degree.
  • the foodproduct can comprise various other ingredients, for example sugar, emulsifier, stabiliser, aroma.
  • the cream has a fat content in the range of about 5%-50%, for example about 40%.
  • Another cream composition can include a fat milk constituent (particularly cream, or common cream) and a non-fat milk constituent (for example skimmed milk), see EP 1 061 006 A1 .
  • a cream foodproduct can comprise at least 80 w% of one or more milk constituents, and preferably at least circa 90 w%.
  • each assembly is also provided with operable discharge means 3, 103, 203, 303, 403 to discharge the foodproduct from the reservoir 2.
  • the discharge means are firmly, undetachably, attached to the container 1.
  • the discharge means are detachably connected to the container 1.
  • Figures 1-8 depict a first embodiment of an assembly 1, 3, 8 for dispensing a product.
  • the first embodiment includes an afore-mentioned container 1, and a first manually operable discharge means 3, configured to cooperate with the discharge valve 4 of the container to discharge the foodproduct.
  • the first embodiment preferably comprises a cap 8.
  • Fig. 1 depicts the first embodiment, wherein the cap 8 is joined with the container.
  • the cap is made of a transparent material, for example a transparent plastic.
  • Fig. 2 shows the embodiment after the cap 8 has been removed from the container 1, and after the discharge means 3 has been joined with the container 1.
  • the aerosol container 1 is provided with a dedicated coupling member 10, configured to releasingly hold the manually operable discharge means 3.
  • the coupling member 10 is shown in more detail in Figures 3-4 .
  • the coupling member 10 is made of a different material than the material of the container.
  • the coupling member 10 is made of plastic, for example (i.e. not limited to) polypropylene.
  • the coupling member 10 as such has been made in a separate process (for example in a suitable plastic component manufacturing process, for example injection moulding) with respect to a container manufacturing process, and is therefore not made in one piece with the container 1.
  • both the container and the coupling member can be manufactured in an efficient manner.
  • the container 1 as such is manufactured by a standard aerosol container manufacturing process.
  • the coupling member 10 as such can be mass-produced, leading to a low cost-price thereof.
  • Joining the coupling member 10 and the container 1 is preferably carried out after the container 1 has been filled with product (for example after the valve 4 has been mounted to the container 1).
  • the coupling member 10 defines an interior space that receives an upper section of the container 1 (as well as a distal part of the valve 4 that protrudes from the container 1).
  • the coupling member 10 is integrally, preferably in a rotational fixed manner (i.e. with respect to a centre line of the container 10), and preferably concentrically, connected to an upper end of the container 1.
  • the coupling member 10 and the container flange 18 can firmly hold each other using a clamping force, and optionally using adhesive.
  • the coupling member 10 can be made of a resilient material, which material provides a clamping force to firmly grip the container after assembly.
  • the coupling member 10 and the container 1 are provided with one or more blocking members and/or with a friction enhancing surface, interacting with each other to block turning/rotation of the coupling member 10 with respect to the container 1.
  • the present coupling member may include a (in the example substantially ring-shaped) lower section 11, which connects to the container flange 18 (and encloses that flange) after assembly.
  • the present lower section 11 of the coupling member 10 is provided with a first circumferential rim 11a and a second circumferential rim 11b, the rims 11a, 11b being spaced-apart from each other.
  • One or both of these rims 11a, 11b and a lower edge of the cap 8 may be configured to cooperate with each other, to removable connect the cap 8 via the coupling member 10 to the container 1.
  • the lower edge of the cap 8 may be provided with an internal rim, or internal cams, configured to releasably grasp one of the rims 11a, 11b of the coupling member 10.
  • the coupling member 10 may comprise a breakable or tearable connection, to releasably hold the cap.
  • a connection between the cap 8 and coupling member 10 can include a breakable member that breaks when the cap is 8 removed for the first time from the coupling member 10, for example to provide a tamper evident connection.
  • the breakable of tearable connection can be manufactured by a thermal process, for example by applying heat (to the cap and/or coupling member) to locally melt the cap to the coupling member, by ultrasonic welding, or differently.
  • the present coupling member also includes an (in the example substantially ring-shaped) upper section 12.
  • a circumferential, cylindrical, surface (of the present upper section 12) of the coupling member 10 is provided with an outer screw thread 12a.
  • a diameter of the upper section 12 is smaller than a diameter of the lower section 11.
  • the lower section 11 of the coupling member 10 includes a top wall section 13, extending inwardly to join a lower end of the upper section 12.
  • the coupling member 10 comprises an integral, removable covering 10a.
  • the present covering 10a is a flat, disc shaped part of the coupling member 10, and is held by an upper edge of the upper section 12.
  • the coupling member 10 comprises a breakable or tearable connection 14, to releasably hold its covering 10a.
  • the present covering 10a is integrally provided with an operating member 10b, in this case an upstanding, preferably ring-shaped, operating member 10b.
  • the covering 10a can be removed to provide access to the discharge valve 4.
  • the operating member 10b can be pulled, to tear the covering 10a from a remaining part of the coupling member 10.
  • Figures 4C, 4D , 5 , 6 show a preferred embodiment of the manually operable discharge means (i.e. discharge mechanism) 3. It includes a mounting member (i.e. a main part) 3a, configured to be held by the coupling member 10, and a lever 3c that is pivotally connected to the mounting member 3a, via a pivot axis 3d that is located at or near a front side of the mounting member 3a.
  • the lever 3c is an actuating member, configured to be manually moved for operating the discharge valve 4 when the discharge means 3 is held by the coupling member 10.
  • the present discharge means 3 comprises a distal product dispensing head 5, and a duct section 6 (depicted in Figures 8A-8C ) to connect the dispensing head to a distal part of the container valve 4 after mounting, such, that product can flow from the valve via a channel access 6e of the duct section 6, a subsequent channel 6d and respective outflow openings 6f (see Fig. 8C ) into the dispensing head 5.
  • the mounting member 3a defines an interior space for receiving the coupling member 10, the interior space being accessible at a lower end of the mounting member 3a, and having internal screw thread 3b to detachably connect to the external thread 12a of the coupling member 10.
  • the mounting member 3a of the operable discharge means 3 is made of a durable, rigid material, for example a metal, an alloy, steel, a rigid plastic, for example a fibre reinforced plastic.
  • the operable discharge means 3 can provide a professional, sturdy and sleek appearance to the assembly.
  • the lever 3c can be made of a durable, rigid material, for example a metal, an alloy, steel, or a plastic, for example fibre reinforced plastic.
  • the lever 3c is made of the same material as the mounting member 3a.
  • the mounting member 3a of the discharge means 3 covers the coupling member 10 when the mounting member 3a has been mounted thereon (i.e. when the coupling member 10 is held in the interior space defined by the mounting member 3a).
  • the coupling member 10 can be enclosed between the container 1 and discharge means 3, for example to be kept substantially out of sight.
  • the mounting member 3a can be dimensioned such, that a lower edge 3e abuts an external surface of the container reservoir 2, after mounting.
  • the mounting member 3a can be dimensioned such, that a lower edge 3e abuts a rim 11b of the mounting member 11, after mounting.
  • the coupling member 10 can act as a sealing means between the discharge means 3 and the upper section of the container 1.
  • the coupling member 10 can be made of a plastic material having a certain resiliency. Such plastic material can also act to clamp the mounting member 3a of the discharge means to the coupling member 10, when they have been screwed together.
  • the mounting member 3a of the discharge means and the lever 3c are configured to cooperate, to guide the lever 3c along the mounting member 3a during operation.
  • the mounting member 3a is provided with a top part, having an upstanding wall section 3f.
  • the mounting member 3a (particularly the upstanding wall section 3f) is provided with a central aperture 3j (see Fig. 4c ).
  • the interior of the mounting member 3a is provided with a cylindrical wall 3k (see Fig. 4D ), that is spaced-apart from an outer circumferential wall of the mounting member 3a, the wall 3k enclosing an interior that is accessible from the central aperture 3j.
  • a distal part of the valve 4 which part protrudes from the container 1, reaches into the interior of the internal cylindrical wall 3k and connects there to the channel access 6e of the duct section 6.
  • the lever 3c comprises an upper section having two spaced-apart side walls 3g (having a substantially triangular shape, in the example), reaching along the upstanding wall section 3f when the lever is in an operating position.
  • the upstanding wall section 3f can guide the lever between an idle position and valve operating position, for example preventing a certain lateral movement of the lever 3c when respective side walls 3g extend there-along.
  • a lateral end of the upstanding wall section 3f pivotally holds the lever 3c at an end (via the pivot axis 3d).
  • the top lever part 3g reaches (from the pivot axis 3d) over the mounting member, to an elongated lever leg part 3h.
  • the lever manually operable leg part 3h extends at an angle downwardly from the top lever part 3g, along (and spaced-apart from) a back side of the mounting member 3a, to an area that lies below the lower end 3e of the mounting member.
  • a longitudinal length of the leg part 3h is significantly larger than (for example at least two times as large as) an axial height of the outer circumferential wall of the mounting member.
  • the length of the leg part 3h is at least 5 cm, or longer, for example about 8 cm.
  • Figures 2 , 5C shows the lever 3c the first, idle position. From this position, the lever 3c can be pressed towards the mounting member 3a, to a second position (such that the lever 3c pivots with respect to pivot axis 3d), to operate the container valve 4 (i.e., to axially move a valve part 4 from a valve closing position to a valve opening position, allowing product discharge) after mounting.
  • the upper section of the lever 3c is provided with a central opening 3i (see Fig. 7 ), being enclosed between lateral wall sections protruding towards each other from the side walls 3g.
  • Part of the duct section 6 extends through the opening 3i (i.e. therefore being part of a duct channel passage), and cooperates with the upper lever section (having side walls 3g), to hold the dispensing head 5.
  • the dispensing head 5 defines a foodproduct receiving space to receive the foodproduct from one or more outflow openings 6f (two lateral outflow openings 6f are shown in Fig. 8B ) of the duct section 6.
  • a (downstream) distal part of the food product shaping dispensing head 5 has foodproduct shaping projections 5a.
  • the dispensing head 5 is removable from the other components 3a, 3c, 6 of the discharge means.
  • the present (first) dispensing head 5 can be replaced by a second dispensing head, such as a different type of dispensing head for example having a different shape, different dimensions, and/or different or no food product shaping projections with respect to the first dispensing head 5, to provide a different shaping of the product.
  • the present duct section 6 is made of a rigid material, for example a rigid plastic, a metal, an alloy, for example steel.
  • the duct section has a feeding channel 6d, extending through a straight proximal part 6b and a straight distal part 6a.
  • the proximal part 6b (releasingly) connects to the external valve part (to receive product therefrom) via a channel access 6e after mounting (when the mounting member 3a of the operable discharge means 3 are held by the coupling member 10, with the duct section 6 being appropriately positioned in the mounting member 3a and the lever 3c).
  • the distal part 6a connects to the dispensing head 5 (to feed product to the head), after assembly.
  • the present dispensing head 5 and duct section 6 are releasingly connected, in this case by a screw thread connection.
  • a distal part 6a of the duct section is provided with screw thread 6g, the dispensing head 5 being configured to be screwed on the thread 6g.
  • the present duct section 6 is providing with a blocking part 6i, protruding laterally from the distal part 6a, to define an operating position of the dispensing head 5.
  • dispensing head 5 can be releasingly connected to the duct section 6 by a clicking connection, clamping connection, or in a different manner.
  • the distal part 6a of the duct section 6 protrudes into the foodproduct receiving space of the dispensing head 5 to supply the foodproduct thereto.
  • an outer upper surface of the lever 3c has been provided with an optional depression (see fig. 5E ) that abuts the central opening 3i of the lever, such, that a bottom part of the dispensing head 5 can protrude (slightly) into the upper lever part -viewed in side view- (see Fig. 5C ).
  • the present duct section 6 is arranged to hold the dispensing head spaced-apart from an external surface of the lever 3c, when the lever is in its idle position (see Figure 5E ). In this way, the lever can be moved between the idle and operating positions, without the dispensing head 5 counteracting such movement by direct contact with the lever 3c.
  • the duct section 6 is supported by the external part 4 of the container's discharge valve (at the channel access 6e of its proximal section 6b).
  • the duct section 6 is provided with lever supporting parts 6c, in the example consisting of two laterally extending, aligned, cam parts 6c located at or near the intersection of the distal and proximal parts 6a, 6b.
  • the cam parts 6c interact with the lever 3c, particularly with the upper lateral wall sections; the lateral wall sections have respective internal concave sections 3m that are supported by the cam parts 6c, thereby positioning the duct section 6 and lever 3c with respect to each other.
  • a pivoting movement of the lever 3c from its idle to its operating position leads to a respective axial movement of the rigid duct channel 6, leading to axial movement of the valve part 4 in a direction towards the container 1 (and a respective opening the valve).
  • movement of the lever 3c in opposite direction is achieved by spring means, for example, by a spring force of the valve 4 of the container 1, transferred leading to axial movement of the duct channel 6 away from the container 1.
  • the lever supporting parts 6c of the duct section 6 preferably have smooth convex, rounded, lever supporting surfaces.
  • smooth concave sections 3m of the lever 3c can pivot about these external surfaces of the lever supporting parts 6c, with relatively low friction.
  • centre lines of the (in the example cylinder shaped) lever supporting parts 6c coincide with a longitudinal central plane of the proximal duct section part 6b (see Fig. 8A )
  • centre lines of the proximal and distal part of the duct section 6 include an angle smaller than 180° with one another, for example an angle in the range of 90° - 170° (for example a range of 130° - 160°, see Figures 8A, 8C ).
  • the lever 3c and the duct section 6 are configured so that the lever supporting parts 6c of the duct section 6 are spaced-apart from the mounting part 3a of the discharge means.
  • the lever supporting parts 6c of the duct section 6 can move to and from the mounting part 3a during foodproduct discharging and subsequent releasing operations of the lever 3.
  • the duct section 6 is removable from the mounting member 3a and lever 3c, after the dispensing head has been separated from the duct section 6.
  • a locking system is provided, to lock the duct section in a duct channel passage (i.e., to block separation of the duct section 6 from the mounting member 3a and lever 3c), and to lock the lever 3c in place (thereby preventing that the lever swings to an opened position).
  • the locking system holds the lever 3c, duct section 6 and mounting member 3a together, at least in a respective idle position.
  • the dispensing head 5 can be part of such a locking system.
  • the dispensing head 5 -mounted to the duct section- provides a locking of the lever 3c, particularly, preventing the lever 3c to pivot from its idle position over a large angle (of more than 45°) to an opened position (away from the mounting member 3a). Due to the separation between the dispensing head 5 and the lever 3c (when the lever is in its idle position), a small amount of swinging freedom of the lever from its depicted idle position away from the mounting part 3a (to a position wherein the lever contacts the dispensing head, and is spaced-apart from the lever supporting parts 6c) may be available.
  • the bottom part of the dispensing head 5 (when mounted to the duct section 6) can prevent rotation of the duct section 6 with respect to the mounting member 3a and lever 3c via cooperation with the upper lever section (see Fig. 5C , 5E, 6 ).
  • part of the locking system is achieved by cooperation between the proximal part 6b of the duct section 6 and the mounting member 3a.
  • the duct section 6 is provided with a laterally protruding locking cam 6h (at the proximal end 6e) that is positioned below an inwardly protruding locking part 3n (for example a flange) of the mounting member 3a after assembly (see Fig. 5B ).
  • the locking part 3n of the mounting member 3a prevents passage of the duct section's locking cam 6h in axial direction upwardly (away from the container 1), in case the duct section 6 is in a rotational operating position, holding the dispensing head 5 (as in Figures 5C and 6 ).
  • the locking system can also prevent swinging of the lever from the idle position to an opened position (i.e. in a direction away from the mounting member 3a).
  • the lever 3c can be pivoted upwardly (away from the mounting member 3a). Also, in that condition, the duct section 6 can be rotated such that its locking cam 6h is released from the locking part 3n of the mounting member; in the example, this is achieved by rotating the duct section over 90° (the rotation being carried out around the centre line of the proximal duct section part 6b). Subsequently, the duct section 6 can be removed from the mounting member 3a and lever 3c. Assembly of duct section 6, lever 3c and dispensing head 5 to the mounting member 3a can be achieved by carrying out the above-described procedure in reverse order.
  • the manually operable discharge means can be disassembled in a relatively straightforward manner, for example to have the different components being cleansed thoroughly (optionally by a dishwashing apparatus).
  • the dispensing head 5 can have different orientations with respect to the lever 3c, when the head 5 is mounted for dispensing (and shaping) product.
  • a first head position is shown in Figures 5A-5E
  • a second head position is shown in Fig. 6 .
  • the first and second head position are mirror symmetrical with respect to one another.
  • the rotational orientation of the duct section with respect to the duct channel passage i.e. with respect to the mounting member 3a and lever 3c
  • Figures 5A-5E show a first position of the duct section 6, wherein the distal part 6a reaches forwardly (i.e. towards an area extending in front of the discharge means, at the side of the hinge axis 3d), aiming the discharge head 5 in the same direction.
  • Figure 6 show an opposite second position of the duct section 6, wherein the distal part 6a reaches backwardly (i.e. towards an area extending at the back of the discharge means, at the side of the lever arm 3h), aiming the discharge head 5 in the same direction. Selecting the position of the duct section 6 (and the respective orientation of the dispensing head) can be carried out, in this embodiment, during the mounting of the duct section 6.
  • the present lever 3c is dimensioned to allow placing the dispensing head 5 in the respective different orientations.
  • the lever for example its optional depression, see fig. 5E
  • the lever can be shaped such, that the bottom part of the dispensing head 5 can protrude (slightly) into the upper lever part (see Figures 5C , 6 ) -viewed in side view-, in case the head 5 is in each of the (two) respective positions with respect to the lever.
  • the dispensing head can be spaced-apart from the external surface of the lever 3c, in each of the head's orientations, when the lever is in its idle position.
  • the removable duct section can include one or more curved duct parts.
  • the removable duct section can be made partly or totally of an elastic material.
  • the removable duct section can be fixed to the discharge head 5, to be jointly coupled ( at the same time) to the mounting part 3a and lever 3c of the dispensing means.
  • the proximal part and distal part of the duct section extend in line with one another.
  • the discharge head can have only one orientation with respect to the lever (for example a position that is substantially concentric with a centre line of the container 1), when the lever is in its idle position.
  • Figures 9-13 depict a second embodiment according to an aspect of the invention.
  • the depicted second embodiment differs from the first embodiment, described above, in that the assembly does not comprise a dedicated coupling member, configured to releasingly hold the manually operable discharge means, the coupling member comprising an integral, removable covering to cover an external part of the discharge valve before the discharge means is coupled to the coupling member.
  • the manually operable discharge means 103 are directly coupled to the container 1 (particularly to its flange 18).
  • the second embodiment may be provided with such a the coupling member, having said an integral, removable covering (to cover an external part of the discharge valve before the discharge means 4 is coupled to the coupling member).
  • the present second embodiment is an assembly for dispensing a product, the assembly comprising at least one rigid aerosol container 1, having at least one reservoir 2 containing a propellant and a foodproduct (whether or not together), and an operable discharge valve 4 for discharging the foodproduct.
  • the assembly is also provided with a manually operable discharge means 103, configured to cooperate with the discharge valve 4 to discharge the foodproduct.
  • the assembly includes a removable cap 108 to substantially cover the discharge means 103.
  • the manually operable discharge means 103 integrally comprises a coupling member 103a, which member 103a is integrally, concentrically, connected to an upper end of the container 1.
  • the coupling member 103a and the container flange 18 can firmly hold each other using a clamping force or clicking force.
  • the present example also includes a circumferential sleeve 119, enclosing the lower section of the coupling member 103a.
  • the sleeve 119 abuts a lower edge of the cap 108.
  • the sleeve 119 has a substantially truncated conical shape, and has a lower edge abutting the external surface of the container 1.
  • the sleeve 119 and the coupling member 103a of the discharge means 103 cooperate (for example via joints, integral blocking members, interlocking cams, notches and the-like) to prevent removal of the sleeve 119 (from the container 1).
  • the coupling member 103a and sleeve 119 can be firmly connected to each other, such as via a plurality of interconnecting sections, for example via ultrasonic welding.
  • the cap 108 is detachably coupled to the operable discharge means 103, for example to the sleeve 119.
  • Figures 9, 11 show the cap 108 when it is mounted, and Fig. 10 shows part of the assembly after removal of the cap 108.
  • the detachable coupling of the cap 108 can be achieved, for example to the coupling member 103a thereof, or via the sleeve 119 (that is coupled to the coupling member 103a and container 1).
  • the coupling member 103a, the sleeve 119, or both may comprise a breakable or tearable connection, to releasably hold an edge of the cap 108.
  • a connection between the cap 108 and coupling member 103a and/or sleeve 119 can include a breakable member (for example one, or a plurality of breaking members) that breaks when the cap is 108 removed for the first time, for example to provide a tamper evident connection.
  • a breakable member for example one, or a plurality of breaking members
  • such a breakable of tearable connection can be manufactured by a thermal process, for example by applying heat to locally melt material, by ultrasonic welding, or differently.
  • the discharge means 103 of the second embodiment is provided with a dispensing head 105 and a lever 103c.
  • the lever 103c is pivotally connected to an upper section of the mounting member 103a, via a hinge 103d that is located at or near a front side of the mounting member 103a.
  • the lever 103c comprises an upper part having two spaced-apart side walls 103g.
  • the upper part 103g reaches (from the pivot axis 103d) in a radial direction (with respect to a container's centre line) to an opposite side of the mounting member, to an integral elongated lever leg part 103h.
  • the leg part 103h extends at an angle downwardly from the top lever part 103g, along (and spaced-apart from) a back side of the mounting member 103a, for example to an area that lies below the lower end of the mounting member 103a (see Fig. 11 ).
  • a longitudinal length of the leg part 103h is larger than an axial height of the outer circumferential wall of the mounting member 103a.
  • the length of the leg part 103h is at least 2 cm, or longer.
  • hinge 103d is an integral component of both the lever 103c and the mounting member 103a.
  • the hinge 103d can be a film hinge 103d, made of plastic.
  • the hinge 103d can be manufactured in one piece with one or both of the lever 103c and the mounting member 103a, for example in an injection moulding process.
  • the hinge is configured to allow the lever 103c to pivot (after removal of the cap 108) from an idle position to an opened position (away from the mounting member 103a) over an angle of 90° or more, particularly an angle of 180° or more.
  • the mounting member 103a of the discharge means and the lever 103c are configured to cooperate, to guide the lever 103c along the mounting member 103a during operation.
  • the present mounting member 103a is provided with a top part, having spaced-apart upstanding walls 103f (see Fig. 12 ), enclosing a central aperture.
  • the upper section of the lever 103c comprises the two spaced-apart side walls 103g, which reach along the upstanding wall section 103f when the lever is in an operating position.
  • the upper section of the lever extends between the two spaced-apart side walls 103g of the mounting member 103a.
  • the upstanding wall section 103f can guide the lever between an idle position and a respective valve operating position, preventing a certain lateral movement of the lever 103c when respective side walls 103g extend there-along.
  • the lever 103c and mounting member 103a include further positioning parts (in this case located near the hinge 103d), to position the lever in a respective idle position.
  • the present positioning parts are hook members 103x (of the lever) and respective hook receivers 103y (being hook receiving apertures of the mounting member 103a), which cooperate when the lever 103c is in its idle position, for positioning the lever.
  • the hook members 103x extend in parallel, and in parallel with respect to the container's centre line, and protrude into the hook receivers 103y, when the lever is in its idle position.
  • the positioning parts 103x, 103y cooperate when the lever is pressed from the idle position towards the container 1 (to a product discharge position), to guide the rotation of the lever, and to take away or reduce lateral forces that are applied onto the hinge 103d.
  • the hook members 103x and respective receivers 103y can cooperate to position the dispensing head 105 onto the container's valve 4, when closing of the lever.
  • the lever 103c and mounting member 103a cooperate to counteract pivoting of the lever 103c to an opened position.
  • a blocking system 103q, 103r can be provided, configured to prevent opening of the lever 103c, unless a predetermined opening force is applied thereto.
  • the blocking system is provided by opposite hook members 103q (of the mounting member), releasingly interlocking with opposite parts 103r (for example suitable blocking members of the lever) when the lever 103c is in its idle position.
  • this blocking system can also be configured differently.
  • Figures 10, 11 shows the lever 103c the first, idle position. From this position, the lever 103c can be pressed towards the mounting member 103a, to a second position, to move the dispensing head downwardly (towards the container) to operate the container valve 4 (i.e., to axially move a valve part 4 from a valve closing position to a valve opening position, allowing product discharge).
  • the dispensing head 105 defines a foodproduct receiving space.
  • a (downstream) distal part of the food product shaping dispensing head 105 has foodproduct shaping projections 105a.
  • a distal part of the valve 4 which part protrudes from the container 1, reaches towards the dispensing head 105 and connects to an access 105b thereof (see Fig. 11 ).
  • the dispensing head 105 (when in an operational position) extends substantially concentric with respect to a centre line of the container 1 (and valve 4).
  • a generally mushroom shaped dispensing head 105 is provided, so that improved foodproduct shaping can be achieved, as is described in applicant's EP1916931A1 .
  • the dispensing head can also be shaped and dimensioned differently, see figures 26A and 26B show alternative examples of dispensing heads 105', 105".
  • the first alternative example 105' (of Fig. 26A ) has an elongated foodproduct receiving space (that is longer than the foodproduct receiving space of the example shown in Figures 10, 11, 13 ), having a number of foodproduct shaping projections at a distal part.
  • the alternative head 105" shown in Fig. 26B is not provided with foodproduct receiving space, and includes a cylinder shaped distal part.
  • the dispensing head 105 and a lever 103c are made of the same material.
  • one or more of the dispensing head 105, the lever 103c and the respective mounting member 103a, preferably all, can be made of plastic.
  • the product dispensing head 105 has a proximal sleeve 105c, for example having an outwardly tapered inner wall that defines the product access 105b, to receive a distal part of the discharge valve 4 (see also Figures 14-15 , showing similarly tapered inner walls).
  • the dispensing head 105 is removable from the other components of the discharge means, for example to be cleansed, and/or to be replaced with a different type of dispensing head, for example with one of the examples 105', 105" shown in Figures 26A, 26B .
  • the upper section of the lever 103c is provided with a central opening 103i (see Fig. 10-11 ) to receive the dispensing head.
  • a proximal part 105c of the dispensing head 105 extends through the opening 103i and cooperates with the lever, to releasingly hold one another.
  • the proximal parts 105c', 105c" of the alternative dispensing heads 105', 105" are also configured to extend through the opening 103i and to cooperate with the lever, to releasingly hold one another.
  • the operating member includes a cylindrical or tapered inner wall 103k, the interior thereof being accessible via said opening 103i.
  • the product dispensing head has a proximal sleeve 105c that can be inserted via the opening 103i, to be coupled to said inner wall 103k.
  • the head 105 can be twisted (from an operating position, depicted in Fig. 10 ) over an angle of 90 0 with respect to the lever 103c to allow removal of the head.
  • the coupling between the dispensing head 105 and lever 103c is provided by a bayonet connection.
  • the sleeve part 105c of the dispensing head 105 is provided with axially protruding bayonet cams 105d (two, at opposite sides of the head, in this example).
  • the opening 103i and inner wall 103k are configured to allow axial passage of the dispensing head's sleeve 105c and bayonet cams 105d, when they have a certain rotational mounting orientation with respect to the lever 103c.
  • the opening 103i and inner wall 103k of this embodiment define (two opposite, axial) guiding grooves which guide the bayonet cams 105d in a direction towards the container 1. After insertion, the bayonet cams 105d have passed the inner wall 103k. Also, in that case, preferably, the head's sleeve 105c abuts a rim that encloses the insertion opening 103i of the lever 103c.
  • the dispensing head 105 can be rotated from a respective intermediate head position to a locked position (over an angle of 90° in the example), such, that the respective bayonet cams 105d are moved away from the guiding grooves, towards locking positions defined by respective inner edge parts of the inner wall 103k.
  • a holding mechanism is provided to counteract rotation of the dispensing head 105 when it is in its locked position.
  • the head 105 can be held in its locked position by clicking means 103z, for example small protrusions 103z located on the inner edge of the inner wall 103k to counteract rotational displacement of the bayonet cams 105d using a small friction force.
  • the head 105 may be clamped to the lever 103c via an axial clamping force, for example by an optional clamping force achieved by lever parts on the head's sleeve 105c and the bayonet cams 105d.
  • Disassembly of the head 105 from the lever 103c is achieved by carrying out these steps in reverse order (that is, rotating the head from the locking position back to the intermediate position, thereby overcoming the holding mechanism 103z -if any- and subsequently sliding the head's sleeve part 105c out of and away from the lever's 103c inner wall 103k).
  • each alternative dispensing head 105', 105" is configured the same as the sleeve part of the first head example 105, in this case having axially protruding bayonet cams.
  • Assembly and disassembly of one of the alternative dispensing heads 105', 105" (see Fig. 26A, 26B ) to and from the lever can be carried out in the same manner as described above, including sliding the head's sleeve part 105c', 105c" in and out of the lever's 103c inner wall 103k, and rotating the head 105', 105" between the the intermediate position and locking position.
  • the external surface of the proximal part 105c, 105c', 105c" of the dispensing head can include a relief, for example one or more protrusions, for example ring shaped structures. This relief can reduce chances that the head's external surface sticks to an opposite inner surface of the lever 103a, for example during operation and/or mounting/dismounting.
  • the cap 108 has an opening 108a.
  • the lever 103 reaches through the opening 108a, such that the cap 108 blocks movement of the operating member in at least one direction.
  • the lever 103a is pivotally movable over an angle of at least 90°, in a direction away from the container 1, when the cap 108 has been removed.
  • the cap 108 as such is configured to block said pivotal movement when the cap 108 is in a position to cover the discharge means 103 (as in Figures 9, 11 ).
  • a reliable, compact assembly can be provided.
  • the lever 103a protrudes out of the cap 108, via the respective aperture 108a, the lever is visible from surroundings in case the cap 108 is mounted to the container 1 (via a respective part of the discharge means 103, in this example).
  • the cap 108 provides different functions at the same time, that is: covering the discharge means 103, as well as preventing a certain displacement of the lever 103a.
  • the discharge means 103 is provided with a blocking member 103p, having an initial blocking state to block a pivotal movement of the lever towards the container 1, when the cap 108 is in a position to cover the discharge means 103.
  • the blocking member 103p which can also serve as a temper evident member, is adjustable from the blocking state (shown in Fig. 9 ) to a releasing state, to allow pivotal movement of the lever towards the container 1.
  • one or more breakable connecting members hold the blocking member 103p in its initial blocking position, thereby providing a further temper evidence.
  • the blocking member 103p is a wall part, integrally connected to the mounting member 103a. As follows from Figures 9, 11, 12 , the blocking member 103p extends below the lever 103c when the blocking member is in its initial blocking state. Preferably, before use, the blocking member 103p is attached to a lower side of the lever 103c and/or another nearby part of the discharge means 103, for example via one or more breakable connecting members.
  • the present blocking member 103p is pivotally connected to a side wall of the mounting member 103a. The blocking member 103p can be pressed inwardly towards the container valve 4, thereby breaking said breakable connecting members -if any-, such, that the blocking member 103p pivots to the respective releasing state (shown in Fig.
  • the blocking member can also have a different configuration.
  • the lever 103c and blocking member 103p are configured to interact when they are in abutting relationship, for example via interlocking and/or snapping profiles, to counteract movement of the lever 103c in different directions, for example both horizontal and vertical directions (with respect to the container 1).
  • the blocking member 103p is adjustable between the blocking state (shown in Fig. 9 ) and the releasing state.
  • the blocking member 103p can be returned to its ignition blocking state, to prevent the movement of the lever towards the container 1, such as during logistics and handling.
  • the third embodiment is substantially the same as the embodiment shown in Figures 9-13 , the only significant difference being that the dispensing head 205 of the third embodiment has been made in one piece with the lever 203c.
  • the dispensing head 205 and lever 103c are not detachable connected.
  • the embodiment comprises discharge means, having the mounting member 203a, hook members 203x, blocking member 203p, cap 208, circumferential sleeve 219 and dispensing head 205 with an access 205b and distal head parts 205a.
  • the third embodiment can be assembled using relatively little assembly steps, providing a relatively cheap, durable, hygienic solution.
  • the fourth embodiment is substantially the same as the embodiments shown in Figures 9-15 , a first significant difference being that the discharge means of the fourth embodiment are removable from the container 1.
  • the fourth embodiment comprises discharge means, having a mounting member 303a, hook members 303x, blocking member 303p and dispensing head 305 with an access 305b and distal head parts 305a.
  • the fourth embodiment is provided with a cap configured to block an opening movement of the lever 303c of the discharge means (such as in Figures 9, 11 and 14 ), however, that is not essential.
  • a blocking system 303q, 303r is be provided, configured to prevent opening of the lever 303c, unless a predetermined opening force is applied thereto.
  • the fourth embodiment includes a coupling member 310, having a lower section 311 which connects to the container flange 18 (and encloses that flange) after assembly.
  • the present coupling member 310 also includes an (in the example substantially ring-shaped) upper section 312.
  • a circumferential, cylindrical, surface (of the present upper section 312) of the coupling member 310 is provided with an outer screw thread 312a.
  • a diameter of the upper section 312 is smaller than a diameter of the lower section 311.
  • the coupling member 310 can be the same as, or similar to, the coupling member 10 of the first embodiment.
  • the coupling member 310 may comprise an integral, removable covering (not shown in Fig. 17 ), for example a flat, disc shaped part, and an optional a breakable or tearable connection, to releasably hold the covering.
  • an optional operating member for example an upstanding, preferably ring-shaped, operating member (see Fig. 4 ).
  • the discharge means include a mounting member 303a defining an (interior) space for receiving the coupling member 310, the space being accessible at a lower end of the mounting member 303a, and having internal screw thread 303b to detachably connect to the external thread 312a of the coupling member 310.
  • the mounting member 303a of the operable discharge means 303 is preferably made of a plastic, for example polypropylene or a different plastic material.
  • the mounting member 303a of the discharge means only covers the upper part 312 of the coupling member 310 when the mounting member 303a has been mounted thereon.
  • an assembly can include one or more second manually operable discharge means, configured be held by the coupling member 310 of the container instead of a first manually operable discharge means 303, wherein the first and second manually operable discharge means are configured differently.
  • the second manually operable discharge means may be the same as, or similar to, the discharge means 3 shown in Figures 1-8 .
  • the second discharge means can comprises a metal or alloy part to connect to the coupling member 310.
  • containers 1 having first manually operable discharge means 303 can be distributed and sold, the first manually operable discharge means 303 providing end users direct capability to discharge food product, in an efficient manner.
  • the end users have the option to replace the first manually operable discharge means 303 (which may have a relatively cheap configuration) with an improved, for example more durable, multi-purpose (for example providing different reorientation of the head 5), and more professionally looking, second operable discharge means (for example the above-described discharge means 3).
  • containers 1 can be distributed and sold without yet being provided with any operable discharge means 303, such as the container depicted in Figure 1 .
  • end users can select an operable discharge means 3 and/or 303 (provided separately) to be mounted to the container (via the mounting member 10; 310) before use.
  • the present invention also provides a modular system including one or more assemblies of the invention, wherein several types of manually operable discharge means are interchangeable.
  • the fifth embodiment is substantially the same as the embodiment described with respect to Figures 16-17 , the most significant difference being that the coupling member 410 comprises a first connector section 412a to releasingly hold one component (for example a cap 408, or a suitable manually operable discharge means 3, 303), and a second connector section 412b to releasingly hold another component (for example a manually operable discharge means 403).
  • the coupling member 410 comprises a first connector section 412a to releasingly hold one component (for example a cap 408, or a suitable manually operable discharge means 3, 303), and a second connector section 412b to releasingly hold another component (for example a manually operable discharge means 403).
  • the present coupling member 410 connects to the flange 18 of the aerosol container 1 (and encloses that flange) after assembly. Also, the coupling member 410 has a central aperture 410i; as follows from Fig. 18 , as an example, the external part of the container valve 4 protrudes through this aperture 410i, to be operated by -and feed product to- downstream discharge means 403.
  • the present coupling member 410 includes an (in the example substantially ring-shaped) section 412.
  • a circumferential, cylindrical, surface (of the present ring shaped section 412) of the coupling member 410 is provided with an outer screw thread 412a, thereby providing the first connector section.
  • the coupling member 410 has an upper ring shaped flange 412b, surrounding the aperture 410i, and extending radially inwardly with respect to the first connector section 412a.
  • the upper flange 412b provides said second connector section of the coupling member 410.
  • the second connector section 412b is provided with a number of connector apertures 412c, usable as part of a releasable connection with another component (being the manually operable discharge 403 in this example).
  • the second connector section of the coupling member 410 is arranged to provide a bayonet coupling with the other component 403.
  • the assembly includes a removable cap 408, having internal screw thread 408x, to removably mount the cap onto the external thread 412a of the coupling member 410.
  • the coupling member 410, a sleeve 419, or both may comprise a breakable or tearable (tamper evidence) connection (for example one or more breaking members), to releasably hold an edge of the cap 408.
  • a manually operable discharge means 403 is provided, being detachably connected to the second connector section of the coupling member 410 (see Fig. 18 ), simultaneously with the cap 408, such that the cap 408 covers the discharge means 403 (for example prior to use, or after use).
  • Figures 21-23 show details of the discharge means 403 when connected to the coupling member 410.
  • Figures 24-25 shown the discharge means 403 separately.
  • the removable discharge means 403 as such can be configured in various ways.
  • the present example is provided with a dispensing head 405 that is tiltably held by an integral mounting member 403a.
  • a generally mushroom shaped dispensing head 405 is provided, so that improved foodproduct shaping can be achieved, as is described in applicant's EP1916931A1 .
  • the head 405 can also be configured in a different manner. As in the embodiments of Figures 15-17 , the head 405 has a proximal access 405b that receives the distal part of the container valve 4, to cooperate with the valve 4
  • the head 405 integrally comprises an operating member, i.e., a knob part 422 for manual activation of dispensing of the foodproduct.
  • activation of the discharge means 403 can be achieved by manually operating (i.e. depressing, tilting) of the dispensing head 405, via the knob 422.
  • the operating member 422 of the present example is fully enclosed by the cap 408, when dispensing means and cap are joined with the mounting member (see Fig. 18 ).
  • the mounting member 403a of the dispensing head 405 includes a plurality of bayonet cams 405d (four substantially L-shaped cams 405d in this example, evenly distributed along an inner surface of the mounting member).
  • the connector apertures 412c of the flange 412b of the coupling member 410 allow axial passage of the L-shaped bayonet cams 405d first, after which the mounting member 403a can be turned to move the bayonet cams 405d to respective blocking positions (see Fig. 23 ). Disassembly of the head 405 can be achieved by carrying out these steps in reverse order.
  • one or more other types of removable dispensing means are provided, for example the dispensing means 3 of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1-8 , and/or the dispensing means of the embodiment of Figures 16-17 .
  • the one or more other types of removable dispensing means can be coupled to the coupling member 410 of the present fifth embodiment (particularly after the respective dispensing means 403 shown in Fig. 18-25 have been removed there-from).
  • the one or more other types of removable dispensing means can be provided with internal screw thread parts 3a, 3b, 303a, 303b, such, that they can be screwed onto the first connector section 412a of the present coupling member 410.
  • the present fifth example combines several advantages of the above-described embodiments.
  • containers 1 having the respective manually operable discharge means 403 -connected to the second connector sections 412b- can be distributed and sold, the manually operable discharge means 403 being protected well, within the protective cap 408.
  • end users have the option to replace the manually operable discharge means 403.
  • the cap 408 can provide very hygienic storage of the aerosol container 1, when mounted, for example during an idle storage period and/or in case the discharge means 403 have been removed (such as for cleansing purposes).
  • the rigid aerosol container can be provided with a single reservoir, containing propellant and product together.
  • the rigid aerosol container can be provided with a plurality of reservoirs.
  • propellant and product can be contained separate from each other, in different reservoirs of the rigid container.
  • a single-use dispensing means for example, can include a connection means having a breaking member, such that a dispensing means 3 can be mounted to a coupling member 10 once, and only once.
  • a dismounting of the dispensing means 3 can lead to breaking (for example rupture) of the breaking member, such, that the broken breaking member prevent any second mounting of the dispensing means 3.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)

Claims (10)

  1. Ensemble de distribution d'un produit, comprenant :
    - au moins un récipient aérosol rigide (1), ayant au moins un réservoir (2) contenant un agent propulseur et un produit alimentaire, et une soupape de décharge (4) actionnable pour décharger le produit alimentaire, dans lequel le récipient (1) est configuré pour être utilisé à l'envers, et ne comprend donc pas de mécanisme de distribution à tube plongeur ;
    - un premier moyen de décharge actionnable manuellement (103 ; 303), configuré pour coopérer avec la soupape de décharge (4) pour décharger le produit alimentaire ; dans lequel le moyen de décharge actionnable manuellement (103 ; 203) intègre un élément de couplage (103a ; 203a), lequel élément (103a ; 203a) est connecté d'un seul tenant et concentriquement à une extrémité supérieure du récipient (1) ; dans lequel le moyen de décharge (103 ; 303) comprend une tête de distribution (105 ; 205 ; 305) et un levier (103c ; 203c ; 303c) ;
    le levier (103c ; 203c ; 303c) étant connecté de manière pivotante à une section supérieure de l'élément de couplage (103a; 203a; 303a) au moyen d'une charnière (103d) qui est située au niveau ou à proximité d'un côté avant de l'élément de couplage (103a ; 203a ; 303a), dans lequel la charnière (103d) fait partie intégrante à la fois du levier (103c ; 203c ; 303c) et de l'élément de couplage (103a ; 203a ; 303a),
    dans lequel la charnière est configurée pour permettre au levier (103c ; 203c; 303c) de pivoter d'une position de repos à une position ouverte selon un angle de 90° ou plus,
    caractérisé en ce que l'élément de couplage (103a ; 203a ; 303a) du moyen de décharge et le levier (103c ; 203c ; 303c) sont configurés pour coopérer, pour guider le levier (103c ; 203c ; 303c) le long de l'élément de couplage (103a ; 203a ; 303a) pendant l'actionnement, l'élément de couplage (103a ; 203a ; 303a) ayant une partie supérieure, ayant des parois verticales espacées (103f), contenant une ouverture centrale, dans lequel une section supérieure du levier (103c; 203c ; 303c) comprend deux parois latérales espacées (103g), qui s'étendent le long de la section de paroi verticale (103f) de l'élément de couplage (103a ; 203a ; 303a) lorsque le levier est dans une position d'actionnement,
    dans lequel le levier (103c ; 203c ; 303c) et l'élément de couplage (103a ; 303a) comprennent en outre des parties de positionnement, pour positionner le levier dans une position de repos respective, dans lequel les parties de positionnement sont des éléments à crochet (103x ; 203x ; 303x) et des récepteurs de crochet respectifs (103y), qui coopèrent lorsque le levier est pressé depuis la position de repos en direction du récipient (1) vers une position de décharge de produit, pour guider la rotation du levier, et pour supprimer ou réduire les forces latérales qui sont appliquées sur la charnière (103d) ;
    dans lequel la tête de distribution (105 ; 205 ; 305) est soit :
    a) détachable des autres composants du moyen de décharge, dans lequel une section supérieure du levier (103c) est pourvue d'une ouverture centrale (103i) pour recevoir la tête de distribution, dans lequel, après assemblage, une partie proximale (105c) de la tête de distribution (105) s'étend à travers l'ouverture (103i) et coopère avec le levier, pour se maintenir de manière libérable l'un l'autre ; soit
    b) faite d'un seul tenant avec le levier (203c ; 303c).
  2. Ensemble selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la charnière est configurée pour permettre au levier (103c ; 203c ; 303c) de pivoter d'une position de repos à une position ouverte selon un angle de 180° ou plus.
  3. Ensemble selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le levier (103c ; 203c ; 303c) comprend une partie supérieure (103g), dans lequel la partie supérieure (103g) s'étend depuis la charnière (103d) dans une direction radiale par rapport à une ligne centrale du récipient vers un côté opposé de l'élément de couplage, vers une partie intégrante de patte de levier allongée (103h), la partie de patte (103h) s'étendant selon un angle vers le bas depuis la partie de levier de la partie supérieure (103g).
  4. Ensemble selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le levier (103c ; 303c) et l'élément de couplage (103a ; 303a) coopèrent pour contrer le pivotement du levier (103c) vers une position ouverte, dans lequel l'ensemble comprend un système de blocage (103q, 103r ; 303q, 303r) configuré pour empêcher l'ouverture du levier (103c) à moins qu'une force d'ouverture prédéterminée ne soit appliquée à celui-ci.
  5. Ensemble selon la revendication 4, dans lequel le système de blocage est constitué d'éléments à crochet opposés (103q ; 303q), s'emboîtant de manière libérable avec des parties opposées (103r ; 303r) lorsque le levier (103c ; 303c) est dans sa position de repos.
  6. Ensemble selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le moyen de décharge (103) est pourvu d'un élément de blocage (103p ; 203p ; 302p), ayant un état de blocage initial pour bloquer un mouvement de pivotement du levier vers le récipient (1), dans lequel l'élément de blocage (103p ; 203p ; 302p) est réglable de l'état de blocage à un état de libération, pour permettre un mouvement de pivotement du levier vers le récipient (1).
  7. Ensemble selon la revendication 6, dans lequel l'élément de blocage (103p ; 203p ; 302p) est une partie de paroi, reliée d'un seul tenant à l'élément de couplage (103a ; 203a ; 302a), dans lequel l'élément de blocage (103p ; 203p ; 302p) s'étend en dessous du levier (103c; 203c; 302c) lorsque l'élément de blocage est dans son état de blocage initial, dans lequel l'élément de blocage (103p ; 203p ; 302p) est relié de manière pivotante à une paroi latérale de l'élément de couplage (103a ; 203a ; 302a), dans lequel l'élément de blocage (103p ; 203p ; 302p) peut être pressé vers l'intérieur vers une soupape de récipient (4), de sorte que l'élément de blocage (103p; 203p ; 302p) pivote dans l'état de libération respectif.
  8. Ensemble selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'ensemble comprend un manchon circonférentiel (119 ; 219), contenant une section inférieure de l'élément de couplage (103a ; 203a), dans lequel le manchon (119; 219) vient en butée contre un bord inférieur d'un capuchon amovible (108; 208), le manchon (119; 219) ayant une forme sensiblement tronconique, et ayant un bord inférieur venant en butée contre la surface externe du récipient (1).
  9. Ensemble selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le récipient est fait de plastique.
  10. L'ensemble selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant des moyens de décharge actionnables manuellement qui sont au moins partiellement faits d'un pastique.
EP14187478.4A 2009-06-02 2010-06-01 Ensemble de distribution d'un produit Active EP3009377B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NL2002949A NL2002949C2 (en) 2009-06-02 2009-06-02 An assembly for dispensing a product.
PCT/NL2010/050328 WO2010140881A2 (fr) 2009-06-02 2010-06-01 Ensemble de distribution d'un produit
EP10726623.1A EP2437990B1 (fr) 2009-06-02 2010-06-01 Ensemble de distribution d'un produit

Related Parent Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP10726623.1A Division EP2437990B1 (fr) 2009-06-02 2010-06-01 Ensemble de distribution d'un produit
EP10726623.1A Division-Into EP2437990B1 (fr) 2009-06-02 2010-06-01 Ensemble de distribution d'un produit

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3009377A2 EP3009377A2 (fr) 2016-04-20
EP3009377A3 EP3009377A3 (fr) 2017-02-15
EP3009377B1 true EP3009377B1 (fr) 2022-03-16

Family

ID=41531710

Family Applications (3)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP14187478.4A Active EP3009377B1 (fr) 2009-06-02 2010-06-01 Ensemble de distribution d'un produit
EP12185673.6A Withdrawn EP2650232A2 (fr) 2009-06-02 2010-06-01 Ensemble de distribution d'un produit
EP10726623.1A Not-in-force EP2437990B1 (fr) 2009-06-02 2010-06-01 Ensemble de distribution d'un produit

Family Applications After (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP12185673.6A Withdrawn EP2650232A2 (fr) 2009-06-02 2010-06-01 Ensemble de distribution d'un produit
EP10726623.1A Not-in-force EP2437990B1 (fr) 2009-06-02 2010-06-01 Ensemble de distribution d'un produit

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (3) EP3009377B1 (fr)
DK (1) DK3009377T3 (fr)
ES (1) ES2914149T3 (fr)
NL (3) NL2002949C2 (fr)
WO (1) WO2010140881A2 (fr)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
BE1024437B9 (nl) 2016-10-24 2018-06-06 Giuseppe Pascariello Universele inrichting voor het actief koelen of verwarmen en verdelen van voedingsmiddelen uit spuitbussen
WO2022250534A1 (fr) 2021-05-27 2022-12-01 Frieslandcampina Nederland B.V. Récipient aérosol contenant un produit alimentaire

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0188957A1 (fr) * 1984-12-21 1986-07-30 VALVE PRECISION S.A.R.L. (société à responsabilité limitée) Diffuseur en matière plastique pour récipient sous pression

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3109565A (en) * 1962-06-05 1963-11-05 Louis F Kutik Closure for pressurized dispensing can having an actuator for the discharge valve
US3744682A (en) * 1971-09-01 1973-07-10 Dow Chemical Co Safety overcap for aerosol containers
GR74502B (fr) * 1980-05-30 1984-06-28 Oreal
US4694975A (en) * 1984-05-10 1987-09-22 Mckesson Corporation Method and apparatus for storing and dispensing fluids containered under gas pressure
DE3731365A1 (de) * 1987-09-18 1989-04-06 Wella Ag Aerosolbehaelter
US5549228A (en) * 1995-08-11 1996-08-27 Insta-Foam Products, Inc. Attachment system for fluent product dispensers
WO1997013706A1 (fr) * 1995-10-09 1997-04-17 Aerosol Gripclip Pty Ltd Dispositif de commande pour recipient atomiseur
NL1012351C2 (nl) 1999-06-16 2000-12-19 Friesland Brands Bv Spuitbussysteem voor spuitroom.
US6494349B1 (en) * 1999-11-17 2002-12-17 The Gillette Company Hand-held product dispensers having pressurized delivery
US20040188473A1 (en) * 2003-03-25 2004-09-30 Groh David M. Hand-held product dispensers having pressurized delivery
US7641079B2 (en) * 2006-03-03 2010-01-05 Clayton Corporation Aerosol can valve and cover assembly
US8499984B2 (en) * 2006-06-21 2013-08-06 Summit Packaging Systems, Inc. One-piece trigger cap for a spray dispenser
ATE550268T1 (de) * 2006-09-11 2012-04-15 Friesland Brands Bv Aerosolbehälter
FR2923810A1 (fr) * 2007-11-15 2009-05-22 Oreal Tete de distribution du type a declenchement par gachette.

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0188957A1 (fr) * 1984-12-21 1986-07-30 VALVE PRECISION S.A.R.L. (société à responsabilité limitée) Diffuseur en matière plastique pour récipient sous pression

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
NL2005801C2 (en) 2011-09-20
NL2005801A (en) 2011-03-21
NL2005802C2 (en) 2011-08-30
EP2437990A2 (fr) 2012-04-11
ES2914149T3 (es) 2022-06-07
WO2010140881A2 (fr) 2010-12-09
EP2650232A2 (fr) 2013-10-16
NL2002949C2 (en) 2010-12-07
EP3009377A3 (fr) 2017-02-15
DK3009377T3 (da) 2022-05-30
EP2437990B1 (fr) 2014-11-12
WO2010140881A3 (fr) 2011-04-21
NL2005802A (en) 2011-03-28
EP3009377A2 (fr) 2016-04-20
HK1222619A1 (en) 2017-07-07

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