[0001] This invention relates to an improved applicator stopper.
[0002] The invention has for its object an applicator stopper for containers wherein, for
example, a solution to be used topically is contained.
[0003] Although its use can be made in multiple fields, the present stopper is more particularly
devised for all the cases wherein a solution has to be applied on a determined area
by means of a slight pression of the stopper onto the area to be treated, while the
container is maintained in inverted position, said stopper comprising means for automatical
obturation acting when the pressure ceases, which prevents the output flow of the
liquid even in the inverted position of the container.
[0004] An appropriate example of use of this stopper is the use in containers comprising
solutions to be applied topically, as for example hair lotions, hair-growing compositions
and the like, the normal position of use of such a container being the inverted position.
When using the proposed stopper, it is possible to perfectly control the liquid pouring
after having selected the area to be treated.
[0005] In general, the stopper forming the object of the present invention is made of two
one-piece bodies of a moulded material, one of these bodies forms a cylindrical sleeve
inserted with close fit in the neck of the container, vial or similar, in suitable
sealing conditions which impose the liquid to circulate only inside said sleeve. The
sleeve comprises a radial flange which acts as a stop when the stopper is inserted,
said flange comprising a right-angled skirt which surrounds the mouth of the neck
externally ; from this flange a truncated projection is provided, which is of a lower
radius and provided with a circular aperture in its smaller base, which communicates
the inside of the sleeve with the outside thereof.
[0006] The second body of the stopper is a cylindrical core which is mounted coaxially into
the inside of the above-mentioned sleeve, this core having along its upper edge several
helicoidal bands of a suitable material, which act as a spring due to the elasticity
of the material, said bands uniting at the upper part as a circular base from which
a projecting stud protrudes through the central aperture of the truncated projection
of the sleeve. Said circular base remains applied against the seat formed by the central
aperture of the truncated projection of the sleeve, due to the spring action, while
creating the consequent obturation preventing the output flow of the liquid, even
in the inverted position of the container. However, when the stud is pressed against
an area to be treated, this stud elastically steps back in axial direction, and the
liquid flows through the passage resulting between the above-mentioned stud and the
output aperture surrounding the latter.
[0007] In order to facilitate the explanation, a sheet of drawings is enclosed, these drawings
showing one particular embodiment of the invention, given by way of example only.
Figures 1 and 2 show one of the component portions of the stopper, such as seen in
a semi-cross-sectional view and as a plane view respectively.
Figure 3 shows the other component forming part of the stopper, namely the elastic
obturator, such as seen on an elevation view and as a plane view.
Figure 4 shows the assembly of the applicator stopper according to the invention.
[0008] Referring to the drawings, one may see a pouring stopper made of two one-piece bodies,
designated in general by 1 and 2, of which 1 could be considered as a valve body,
comprising a cylindrical sleeve 3 which locates under pressure into the neck of the
container, and being provided on its external surface with annular ridges 4 as sealing
means. This sleeve 3 comprises a radial flange of the insertion kind, which comprises
a skirt 6 which adapts itself onto the external end of the neck of the container.
At the upper position, a truncated projection 7 is provided with a pouring orifice
8.
[0009] Inside the sleeve 3, the core 9 forming part of the body 1 is fixed ; this core could
be considered as the actual obturator element. From the upper end of said core 9,
according to the position shown by the drawings, helicoidal bands 10 of a suitable
material acting as a spring are provided, these bands joining at their upper end a
circular base with a conical seat 11 which adapts itself in the conical plane 16 provided
at the lower internal part of the outlet orifice 8. The obturation 2 comprises an
end stud 12 projection from the orifice 8 in a position suitable for receiving a sealing
cap 13.
[0010] The operation will be easily understood when examining the drawings. As a matter
of fact, the core 9 is maintained in a blocked condition in the inside area of the
sleeve 3, thanks to the retention created by the steps 14 and 15 of both elements
3 and 9.
[0011] In the rest position of the pouring stopper and even if it is brought to an inverted
position of the container bearing this stopper, the plane 11 is maintained duly applied
on the seat 16 in the closure position, due to the action of the spring helix 10.
If the stud 12 is pressed against a surface, this stud moves back due to the elasticity
of the spring helix 10, allowing the liquid to go out through the gap resulting between
the projection 12 and the orifice 8. When the pressure is removed, the system returns
to its initial closure position.
[0012] It has to be understood that the invention is not at all limited to the features
such as explained because many variants or modifications, in particular the shape
and material of the components, can be brought therein without departing from the
scope of this invention.
Improved applicator stopper, of the kind comprising two one-piece bodies (1,2) made
of a moulded material and associated together and forming an interdependent assembly
with a function of valve, essentially characterized in that one (1) of the bodies
has the shape of a sleeve (3) inserted and located in the neck of the container, till
an end formed by an external radial flange (5) of this sleeve, which flange is extended
angularly at its edge to form a skirt (6) outside the neck of the container, this
body (1) comprising at its upper end a truncated projection (7) provided with a pouring
aperture (8) in its lower base, in that the other (2) of said bodies forms a tubular
core (9) having an internal cylindrical surface and a stepped external surface, in
order to allow its association with the inside of the above-mentioned sleeve (3),
both said elements remaining in axial position, said tubular core (9) presenting at
its internal end, some bands (10) of a suitable material, extending according to a
helicoidal arrangement having a function of spring, said core uniting by its opposite
end to a cylindrical piece ending by a truncated area creating a seat with another
similar area internally surrounding the pouring aperture (8), and in that at the base
of the truncated area a stud (12) is provided, which projects through the pouring
aperture (8) and retains this position thanks to the helicoidal spring (10), this
stud being pressed from the outside in axial direction while causing an elastic stepping-back
of the spring and the resulting separation of both conical areas of obturation, which
make free the output flow of liquid through the passage resulting between the stud
and the aperture surrounding the latter.
