IPC분류정보
국가/구분 |
United States(US) Patent
등록
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국제특허분류(IPC7판) |
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출원번호 |
UP-0260297
(2002-10-01)
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등록번호 |
US-7594595
(2009-10-12)
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우선권정보 |
FR-01 12599(2001-10-01) |
발명자
/ 주소 |
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출원인 / 주소 |
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대리인 / 주소 |
Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, L.L.P.
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인용정보 |
피인용 횟수 :
4 인용 특허 :
24 |
초록
▼
A device for dispensing a product may include a receptacle including at least one elastically deformable wall configured to be deformed to vary an interior volume of the receptacle, and a flow reducer defining a length and at least one passage. The flow reducer may at least partially include an elas
A device for dispensing a product may include a receptacle including at least one elastically deformable wall configured to be deformed to vary an interior volume of the receptacle, and a flow reducer defining a length and at least one passage. The flow reducer may at least partially include an elastically deformable, compressible material. The at least one passage may be substantially closed at at least one portion of its length when the flow reducer is in a substantially closed, at rest position. The at least one passage may be configured to enlarge when the compressible material is at least partially compressed via the effect of pressure from the product when the interior volume of the receptacle is reduced, thereby enabling dispensing of at least a portion of the product via the at least one passage.
대표청구항
▼
What is claimed is: 1. A device for dispensing a product, the device comprising: a receptacle comprising at least one elastically deformable wall configured to be deformed to vary an interior volume of the receptacle; and a flow reducer defining a length and at least one passage, the flow reducer a
What is claimed is: 1. A device for dispensing a product, the device comprising: a receptacle comprising at least one elastically deformable wall configured to be deformed to vary an interior volume of the receptacle; and a flow reducer defining a length and at least one passage, the flow reducer at least partially comprising an elastically deformable, compressible block of foam, wherein the at least one passage is substantially closed at at least one portion of its length when the flow reducer is in a substantially closed, at rest position, the at least one passage being configured to enlarge when the compressible material is at least partially compressed via the effect of pressure from the product when the interior volume of the receptacle is reduced, thereby enabling dispensing of at least a portion of the product via the at least one passage, wherein the flow reducer is configured such that the volume of the flow reducer becomes reduced when the at least one passage is enlarged from its substantially closed, at rest position, and wherein the flow reducer is configured to be permeable to air so as to enable intake of air when the at least one passage is closed. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the flow reducer is configured to substantially prevent the product from flowing from the device via gravity when the receptacle is at least partially inverted. 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the flow reducer comprises at least one setback located adjacent to at least one of the at least one passage and the interior of the receptacle, wherein the at least one passage opens out into the at least one setback. 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the setback comprises a generally conical shape converging toward the at least one passage. 5. The device of claim 3, wherein the setback comprises a generally cylindrical shape. 6. The device of claim 3, wherein the setback is located at least partially within the interior of the receptacle. 7. The device of claim 4, wherein the setback is located at least partially outside of the receptacle. 8. The device of claim 3, wherein the flow reducer comprises at least two setbacks located at substantially opposite ends of the at least one passage. 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the flow reducer comprises a projection located at least partially outside of the receptacle, the at least one passage opening out through the projection. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the flow reducer comprises one passage defining a single hole. 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the flow reducer comprises one passage defining a single slot. 12. The device of claim 1, wherein the flow reducer comprises a plurality of slots having ends, the plurality of slots meeting at common ends. 13. The device of claim 12, wherein the flow reducer comprises at least two slots, the at least two slots intersecting at intermediate portions of the at least two slots. 14. The device of claim 12, wherein the flow reducer comprises at least three slots having a common end, the at least three slots being substantially uniformly distributed in an angular relationship about an axis of the flow reducer. 15. The device of claim 1, wherein the flow reducer comprises at least one slot defining a varying width. 16. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one passage is formed without removing material from the flow reducer. 17. The device of claim 1, wherein the flow reducer is fixed to a support via at least one of an adhesive, a heat-seal, a clamp, and a rivet. 18. The device of claim 17, wherein the flow reducer is fixed directly to the support. 19. The device of claim 17, wherein the flow reducer is fixed to the support via at least one separate element. 20. The device of claim 17, wherein the flow reducer comprises a face extending transversely to an axis of the at least one passage, and the flow reducer is fixed to a wall of the support via the face. 21. The device of claim 20, wherein the wall comprises at least one rib engaged with the flow reducer. 22. The device of claim 21, wherein the rib comprises an annular rib. 23. The device of claim 1, wherein the flow reducer comprises a multi-layer structure. 24. The device of claim 23, wherein at least one of the layers of the multi-layer structure has a density that is different from the density of at least one of the other layers. 25. The device of claim 23, wherein at least one of the layers of the multi-layer structure comprises a material different from a material of at least one of the other layers. 26. The device of claim 24, wherein the at least one passage comprises an outlet orifice, and a layer of the multi-layer structure closest to the outlet orifice of the at least one passage is air permeable. 27. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is configured so that the flow reducer comprises a surface configured to apply the product. 28. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is configured so that the flow reducer does not include a surface configured to apply a product. 29. The device of claim 28, wherein the flow reducer is set back from a top surface of the device. 30. The device of claim 1, further comprising a stopper configured to close the receptacle, wherein the flow reducer is configured to substantially match the inside shape of the stopper. 31. The device of claim 30, wherein the flow reducer is configured to be compressed when the stopper is placed on the receptacle. 32. The device of claim 1, wherein the flow reducer is fixed in a substantially non-removable manner to the receptacle. 33. The device of claim 1, wherein the receptacle comprises a neck and the device further comprises an insert configured to be fitted into the neck of the receptacle, wherein the flow reducer is fixed to the insert. 34. The device of claim 1, further comprising a support configured to be movable relative to a body of the receptacle, wherein the flow reducer is fixed to the support. 35. The device of claim 34, further comprising a shutter element configured to be movable relative to the body of the receptacle, wherein the flow reducer is fixed to the shutter element. 36. The device of claim 35, wherein the shutter element is movable between a first position configured to enable a product to exit the receptacle, and a second position configured to substantially prevent the product from exiting the receptacle. 37. The device of claim 36, wherein the flow reducer is located downstream from the shutter element relative to a direction of flow of the product when exiting the receptacle. 38. The device of claim 1, wherein the receptacle comprises a shutter element configured to move via turning relative to a body of the receptacle, the shutter element being configured to selectively interrupt exit of a product from the receptacle. 39. The device of claim 1, wherein the flow reducer comprises at least one face at least partially covered by at least one of a flocking and one of a woven fabric and a non-woven fabric. 40. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the flow reducer and the receptacle is configured to define a space enabling air to enter the device via a side surface of the flow reducer. 41. The device of claim 40, wherein the space comprises an annular space around the flow reducer. 42. The device of claim 1, wherein the flow reducer is fixed to the receptacle via a face opening to the outside of the receptacle. 43. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one elastically deformable wall is configured to be squeezed by a user in order to reduce the interior volume of the receptacle. 44. The device of claim 1, wherein the receptacle defines a generally elongate cross-section. 45. The device of claim 44, wherein the receptacle defines a generally oval-shaped cross-section. 46. The device of claim 1, wherein the receptacle comprises at least two faces configured to be squeezed by the user in order to reduce the interior volume of the receptacle. 47. The device of claim 46, wherein the receptacle is configured to be sufficiently deformable to enable the at least two faces to contact each other when the user squeezes the receptacle. 48. The device of claim 1, wherein the receptacle comprises a capsule connected to a body of the flow reducer via a hinge. 49. The device of claim 1, wherein the interior volume of the receptacle ranges from about 50 milliliters to about 600 milliliters. 50. The device of claim 49, wherein the interior volume of the receptacle ranges from about 200 milliliters to about 600 milliliters. 51. The device of claim 1, further comprising at least one of a cosmetic product and a care product contained in the receptacle. 52. The device of claim 51, wherein the product comprises at least one of a shower gel, a shampoo, a body lotion, and an oil. 53. The device of claim 1, wherein the flow reducer comprises a filler comprising at least one biocidal agent. 54. The device of claim 1, wherein the flow reducer comprises a filler comprising at least one of magnetic particles and magnetizable particles. 55. The device of claim 1, further comprising a housing at least partially defining a fixed volume, wherein the flow reducer is located in the housing. 56. The device of claim 1, further comprising a housing at least partially defining a variable volume, wherein the flow reducer is located in the housing. 57. A method for dispensing at least one of a cosmetic product and a care product, the method comprising: providing the device of claim 51; and reducing the interior volume of the receptacle such that the pressure from the product compresses the compressible material, thereby enlarging the at least one passage such that at least a portion of the product is dispensed via the at least one passage. 58. The method of claim 57, wherein reducing the interior volume of the receptacle comprises squeezing the receptacle. 59. The method of claim 57, further comprising applying the product to at least one of skin and hair. 60. The device of claim 1, wherein the flow reducer lacks a surface configured to apply the product. 61. The device of claim 1, wherein the flow reducer is recessed with respect to the receptacle. 62. The device of claim 1, wherein the flow reducer comprises at least one material selected from composites, felts, polyurethanes, polyesters, polyethers, polyvinylchlorides, and nitril butyl rubber foams. 63. A device for dispensing a product, the device comprising: a receptacle defining a variable interior volume; and a flow reducer defining a length and at least one passage, the flow reducer at least partially comprising an elastically deformable, compressible block of foam permeable to air so as to enable intake of air when the at least one passage is closed, wherein the at least one passage is substantially closed at at least one portion of its length when the flow reducer is in a substantially closed, at rest position, the at least one passage being configured to enlarge when the compressible material is at least partially compressed via the effect of pressure from the product when the interior volume of the receptacle is reduced, thereby enabling dispensing of at least a portion of the product via the at least one passage, and wherein the flow reducer comprises a filler comprising at least one of magnetic particles and magnetizable particles. 64. The device of claim 63, wherein the flow reducer comprises at least one setback located adjacent to at least one of the at least one passage and the interior of the receptacle, wherein the at least one passage opens out into the at least one setback. 65. The device of claim 64, wherein the setback comprises a generally conical shape converging toward the at least one passage. 66. The device of claim 64, wherein the setback comprises a generally cylindrical shape. 67. The device of claim 64, wherein the setback is located at least partially within the interior of the receptacle. 68. The device of claim 65, wherein the setback is located at least partially outside of the receptacle. 69. The device of claim 64, wherein the flow reducer comprises at least two setbacks located at substantially opposite ends of the at least one passage. 70. The device of claim 63, wherein the flow reducer comprises a projection located at least partially outside of the receptacle, the at least one passage opening out through the projection. 71. The device of claim 63, wherein the flow reducer comprises one passage defining a single hole. 72. The device of claim 63, wherein the flow reducer comprises a multi-layer structure. 73. The device of claim 72, wherein at least one of the layers of the multi-layer structure has a density that is different from the density of at least one of the other layers. 74. The device of claim 72, wherein at least one of the layers of the multi-layer structure comprises a material different from a material of at least one of the other layers. 75. The device of claim 73, wherein the at least one passage comprises an outlet orifice, and a layer of the multi-layer structure closest to the outlet orifice of the at least one passage is air permeable. 76. The device of claim 63, wherein the device is configured so that the flow reducer comprises a surface configured to apply the product. 77. The device of claim 63, further comprising a support configured to be movable relative to a body of the receptacle, wherein the flow reducer is fixed to the support. 78. The device of claim 77, further comprising a shutter element configured to be movable relative to the body of the receptacle, wherein the flow reducer is fixed to the shutter element. 79. The device of claim 78, wherein the shutter element is movable between a first position configured to enable a product to exit the receptacle, and a second position configured to substantially prevent the product from exiting the receptacle. 80. The device of claim 79, wherein the flow reducer is located downstream from the shutter element relative to a direction of flow of the product when exiting the receptacle. 81. The device of claim 63, wherein the receptacle comprises a shutter element configured to move via turning relative to a body of the receptacle, the shutter element being configured to selectively interrupt exit of a product from the receptacle. 82. The device of claim 63, wherein the flow reducer comprises at least one face at least partially covered by at least one of a flocking and one of a woven fabric and a non-woven fabric. 83. The device of claim 63, wherein the flow reducer comprises an open-cell foam. 84. The device of claim 63, wherein at least one of the flow reducer and the receptacle are configured to define a space enabling air to enter the device via a side surface of the flow reducer. 85. The device of claim 84, wherein the space comprises an annular space around the flow reducer. 86. The device of claim 63, further comprising at least one of a cosmetic product and a care product contained in the receptacle. 87. The device of claim 86, wherein the product comprises at least one of a shower gel, a shampoo, a body lotion, and an oil. 88. The device of claim 63, wherein the flow reducer comprises a filler comprising at least one biocidal agent. 89. A method for dispensing at least one of a cosmetic product and a care product, the method comprising: providing the device of claim 86; and reducing the interior volume of the receptacle such that the pressure from the product compresses the compressible material, thereby enlarging the at least one passage such that at least a portion of the product is dispensed from the at least one passage. 90. The method of claim 89, further comprising applying the product to at least one of skin and hair. 91. The device of claim 63, wherein the flow reducer lacks a surface configured to apply the product. 92. The device of claim 63, wherein the flow reducer is recessed with respect to the receptacle. 93. A device for dispensing a product, the device comprising: a receptacle defining a variable interior volume; at least one of a cosmetic product and a care product contained in the receptacle; and a flow reducer defining a length and at least one passage, wherein the flow reducer is defined by a single piece of an elastically deformable, compressible block of foam, wherein the at least one passage is substantially closed at at least one portion of its length when the flow reducer is in a substantially closed, at rest position, the passage being configured to enlarge when the compressible material is compressed by the product when the interior volume of the receptacle is reduced, thereby enabling dispensing of at least a portion of the product via the at least one passage, wherein the flow reducer is fixed to a portion of the device such that the compressibility of the compressible material when compressed by the product is not substantially limited, wherein the flow reducer is configured such that the volume of the flow reducer becomes reduced when the at least one passage is enlarged from its substantially closed, at rest position, wherein the product comprises at least one of a shower gel, a shampoo, a body lotion, and an oil, and wherein the flow reducer is configured to be permeable to air so as to enable intake of air when the at least one passage is closed. 94. The device of claim 93, wherein the flow reducer comprises at least one setback located adjacent to at least one of the at least one passage and the interior of the receptacle, wherein the at least one passage opens out into the at least one setback. 95. The device of claim 94, wherein the setback comprises a generally conical shape converging toward the at least one passage. 96. The device of claim 94, wherein the setback comprises a generally cylindrical shape. 97. The device of claim 94, wherein the setback is located at least partially within the interior of the receptacle. 98. The device of claim 95, wherein the setback is located at least partially outside of the receptacle. 99. The device of claim 94, wherein the flow reducer comprises at least two setbacks located at substantially opposite ends of the at least one passage. 100. The device of claim 93, wherein the flow reducer comprises a projection located at least partially outside of the receptacle, the at least one passage opening out through the projection. 101. The device of claim 93, wherein the flow reducer comprises one passage defining a single hole. 102. The device of claim 93, wherein the flow reducer comprises a multi-layer structure. 103. The device of claim 102, wherein at least one of the layers of the multi-layer structure has a density that is different from the density of at least one of the other layers. 104. The device of claim 102, wherein at least one of the layers of the multi-layer structure comprises a material different from a material of at least one of the other layers. 105. The device of claim 103, wherein the at least one passage comprises an outlet orifice, and a layer of the multi-layer structure closest to the outlet orifice of the at least one passage is air permeable. 106. The device of claim 93, wherein the device is configured so that the flow reducer comprises a surface configured to apply the product. 107. The device of claim 93, further comprising a support configured to be movable relative to a body of the receptacle, wherein the flow reducer is fixed to the support. 108. The device of claim 107, further comprising a shutter element configured to be movable relative to the body of the receptacle, wherein the flow reducer is fixed to the shutter element. 109. The device of claim 108, wherein the shutter element is movable between a first position configured to enable a product to exit the receptacle, and a second position configured to substantially prevent the product from exiting the receptacle. 110. The device of claim 109, wherein the flow reducer is located downstream from the shutter element relative to a direction of flow of the product when exiting the receptacle. 111. The device of claim 93, wherein the receptacle comprises a shutter element configured to move via turning relative to a body of the receptacle, the shutter element being configured to selectively interrupt exit of a product from the receptacle. 112. The device of claim 93, wherein the flow reducer comprises at least one face at least partially covered by at least one of a flocking and one of a woven fabric and a non-woven fabric. 113. The device of claim 93, wherein at least one of the flow reducer and the receptacle are configured to define a space enabling air to enter the device via a side surface of the flow reducer. 114. The device of claim 113, wherein the space comprises an annular space around the flow reducer. 115. The device of claim 93, wherein the flow reducer comprises a filler comprising at least one biocidal agent. 116. The device of claim 93, wherein the flow reducer comprises a filler comprising at least one of magnetic particles and magnetizable particles. 117. A method for dispensing at least one of a cosmetic product and a care product, the method comprising: providing the device of claim 93; and reducing the interior volume of the receptacle such that the pressure from the product compresses the compressible material, thereby enlarging the at least one passage such that at least a portion of the product is dispensed from the at least one passage. 118. The method of claim 117, further comprising applying the product to at least one of skin and hair. 119. The device of claim 93, wherein the flow reducer lacks a surface configured to apply the product. 120. The device of claim 93, wherein the flow reducer is recessed with respect to the receptacle.
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