Spring and dispenser comprising such a spring

Abstract

A spring ( 4 ) comprising two branches ( 41, 42 ) is connected by a bend ( 40 ) such that the branches form, in the idle position, an acute angle. Said branches are elastically mobile in relation to each other by relative pivoting around the bend until they come into contact with each other so as to be extended relatively in parallel. The spring also comprises a spring stiffness variation systems ( 43, 44 ) which produce different stiffnesses depending on whether the spring is compressed or slackened. Said variation system producing a low stiffness when the branches are extended relatively in parallel and a greater stiffness when the branches are forced together from the idle position.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . Spring ( 4 ) comprising two branches ( 41 ,  42 ) connected by a bend ( 40 ) such that the branches form, in the idle position, an acute angle, said branches being elastically mobile in relation to each other by relative pivoting around the bend until they come into contact with each other so as to be extended relatively in parallel, characterised in that it comprises spring stiffness variation means ( 43 ,  44 ) which produce different stiffnesses depending on whether the spring is compressed or slackened, said variation means producing a low stiffness when the branches are extended relatively in parallel and a greater stiffness when the branches are forced together from the idle position.  
     
     
         2 . Spring according to  claim 1 , wherein the spring stiffness variation means comprise locking means preventing the branches from being returned to a relatively parallel position from the idle position.  
     
     
         3 . Spring according to  claim 1 , wherein the branches ( 41 ,  42 ) are elastically deformable.  
     
     
         4 . Spring according to  claim 2 , wherein the variation means ( 43 ) are elastically deformable.  
     
     
         5 . Spring according to  claim 1 , wherein the variation means comprise a tab ( 43 ) attached to a so-called first branch ( 41 ) and extending between the two branches to the other so-called second branch ( 42 ), said tab ( 43 ) comprising one free end ( 431 ) and one end connected to the first branch, said second branch ( 42 ) comprising a stop housing ( 44 ) intended to receive the free end ( 431 ) of the tab, said free end ( 431 ) being locked at a stop in the housing ( 44 ) when the two branches are forced against each other, thus preventing the branches from being brought against each other by pivoting around the bend.  
     
     
         6 . Spring according to  claim 5 , wherein the tab ( 43 ) extends with its free end ( 431 ) oriented approximately towards the bend ( 40 ), the free end of the tab being located between the stop housing ( 44 ) and the bend ( 40 ) when the branches are relatively parallel.  
     
     
         7 . Spring according to  claim 5 , wherein the tab ( 43 ) extends with its free end ( 431 ) oriented relatively towards the free ends of the branches, the free end ( 431 ) of the tab ( 43 ) being located between the stop housing ( 44 ) and the free ends of the tabs when the branches are relatively parallel.  
     
     
         8 . Spring according to  claim 5 , wherein the first branch ( 41 ) forms a window ( 430 ) wherein the tab ( 43 ) is housed by elastic deformation when the two branches are extended relatively parallel.  
     
     
         9 . Spring according to  claim 5 , wherein the tab ( 43 ) extends so that its free end ( 431 ) is automatically housed and remains locked in the stop housing ( 44 ) of the second branch ( 42 ) when the two branches are compressed against each other.  
     
     
         10 . Spring according to  claim 1 , produced by plastic moulding.  
     
     
         11 . Fluid product dispenser comprising: 
 a reservoir ( 3 ) containing said fluid product and equipped with at least one actuating wall ( 10 ) on which pressure is exerted to reduce the volume of the reservoir,    a dispensing outlet ( 50 ) through which the fluid product is dispensed, 
 characterised in that the reservoir ( 3 ) contains a spring ( 4 ) according to any of the above claims.  
   
     
     
         12 . Dispenser according to  claim 11 , wherein a removable sealing component ( 12 ) seals the dispensing outlet ( 50 ) and thus isolates the reservoir ( 3 ) from the outside, the spring ( 4 ) being compressed so as to occupy a minimum volume when the sealing component seals the dispensing outlet.  
     
     
         13 . Dispenser according to  claim 12 , wherein the spring ( 4 ) is slackened to increase the volume of the reservoir as soon as to sealing component is removed by admitting gas into the reservoir via the dispensing outlet.