Packaging and dispensing device including a vacuum-filled container, and a method of manufacture

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for packaging and dispensing at least one fluid substance. The device has at least one container filled with a substance by a vacuum-filling process, a pump associated with the container and having a pump chamber into which the substance is drawn prior to being delivered to the outside, and anti-vacuum valve-forming means organized to isolate the pump chamber(s) of the pump(s) from the inside(s) of the associated container(s) when a vacuum is established therein for filling purposes.

1 . A device for packaging and dispensing at least one fluid substance, the device comprising at least one container filled with a substance by a vacuum-filling process, a pump associated with the container having a pump chamber into which the substance is drawn prior to being delivered to the outside, and anti-vacuum valve-forming means organized to isolate the pump chamber(s) of the pump(s) from the inside(s) of the associated container(s) when a vacuum is established therein for filling purposes.  
     
     
         2 . A device according to    claim 1   , wherein the, or each, container is constituted by a flexible bag.  
     
     
         3 . A device according to    claim 1   , wherein the, or each, container comprises a cylindrical wall and a moving bottom.  
     
     
         4 . A device according to    claim 1   , wherein the pump(s) is/are provided with a pushbutton forming dispenser endpiece, said endpiece being fitted to the control rod of the pump(s) after filling of the container(s).  
     
     
         5 . A device according to    claim 1   , wherein said anti-vacuum valve-forming means form an integral portion of at least one pump.  
     
     
         6 . A device according to    claim 1   , wherein said anti-vacuum valve-forming means are fitted to at least one pump, which pump is manufactured separately.  
     
     
         7 . A device according to    claim 1   , wherein said anti-vacuum valve-forming means include at least one support piece fitted to at least one container and on which the pump associated with said container is fixed.  
     
     
         8 . A device according to    claim 1   , wherein said anti-vacuum valve-forming means are secured to at least one container.  
     
     
         9 . A device according to    claim 1   , wherein said anti-vacuum valve-forming means include a valve member made of elastomer material.  
     
     
         10 . A device according to    claim 1   , wherein the pump(s) is/are of the type including a valve constituted by a ball.  
     
     
         11 . A device according to    claim 1   , wherein the pump(s) is/are of the type comprising a control rod associated with a return spring.  
     
     
         12 . A method of manufacturing a device for packaging and dispensing at least one fluid substance, said device having at least one container for containing a substance and a pump for dispensing it, the pump having a pump chamber into which, in operation of the pump, the substance is drawn prior to being delivered to the outside, the method comprising the steps consisting in: 
 assembling together the pump, the container, and anti-vacuum valve-forming means, the container being suitable for communicating via a first opening with the pump chamber via the anti-vacuum valve-forming means;    evacuating the inside of the container via a second opening thereof, the anti-vacuum valve-forming means isolating the container from the pump chamber during the evacuation step;    filling the container by causing it to communicate via said second opening with a source of substance; and    closing said second opening.    
     
     
         13 . A method according to    claim 12   , wherein, once the container has been filled, a dispenser endpiece is fitted to a sliding control rod of the pump, the fitting of said endpiece being accompanied by the control rod being pushed into the pump.  
     
     
         14 . A method of manufacturing a packaging and dispenser device having two containers for separately containing respective substances, and two pumps respectively associated with said containers for dispensing said substances simultaneously, each of the pumps having a pump chamber into which, during operation of the pump, the substance is drawn prior to being delivered to the outside, the method comprising the steps consisting in: 
 assembling each pump fitted with anti-vacuum valve-forming means to the associated container;    filling each container separately by a vacuum-filling process;    inserting both pumps and the associated containers in a case; and    fitting the case with a dispenser endpiece common to both pumps.