Device for attaching a dispenser member to a receptacle

Abstract

An attaching ring or fixing ring is provided for attaching or fixing a dispenser member to a neck of a receptacle containing a substance to be dispensed. The ring is annular and has a bottom portion and a top portion. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom portion includes snap-fastening tabs for fixing the ring to the neck. The top portion includes an opening for the dispenser and a surrounding structure for securing the dispenser member to the neck. The top portion further includes at least one guide wall element extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the dispenser member and around the periphery of the fixing ring substantially in line with the snap-fastening tabs. A hoop can be provided for preventing the tabs from splaying apart. The hoop can include an internal projection, such as a vertical rib or a thread.

1. A container and dispenser assembly comprising:
 a container having a flange, said flange having an upper surface and a generally substantially cylindrical sidewall defining an outside diameter; 
 an annular fixing ring mounted on said flange of said container comprising a lower portion and an upper portion, said fixing ring upper portion having an upper portion height above said lower portion, said lower portion and said upper portion together defining a total height, said lower portion having a generally substantially circular-shaped interior defining a first inside diameter, said upper portion above said lower portion having a generally substantially cylindrical interior surface defining a second inside diameter substantially identical to said flange outside diameter, said upper portion having an inwardly-extending annular shoulder defining a lower surface for transferring an axial force to said flange upper surface, and having a turret extending upwardly from said shoulder, said turret defining a receiving cavity and having a central opening having a third inside diameter which is smaller than both said first inside diameter and said second inside diameter, at least a portion of the upper portion height of said fixing ring upper portion above said lower portion defining a generally substantially cylindrical exterior surface that is circumferentially continuous and that defines an outer diameter; 
 a dispenser member mounted in said fixing ring, said dispenser member including a pump having a body extending into said fixing ring turret in engagement therewith and having an upwardly extending dispenser head which extends upwardly through said smaller diameter central opening of said turret and which includes an actuator button; 
 an annular hoop mounted on said fixing ring having a central opening and comprising a bottom end, a top end, and an annular side wall having a height at least as great as the total height of said fixing ring so that said annular hoop peripherally surrounds said fixing ring preventing said lower portion of said fixing ring from splaying outwardly and maintaining said first inside diameter of said fixing ring smaller than said flange outside diameter, at least a portion of the height of said hoop annular side wall comprising a generally substantially cylindrical interior surface defining a first inner hoop diameter substantially identical with said outer diameter of said fixing ring cylindrical exterior surface above said lower portion so that frictional engagement between said hoop and said ring resists separation of said hoop from said ring, said interior surface of said hoop including a plurality of engaging structures extending along said annular side wall for engaging said fixing ring cylindrical exterior surface to increase axial resistance to separation of said hoop from said ring when oppositely directed forces are applied to said hoop and ring. 
 
     
     
       2. The assembly of  claim 1  wherein said plurality of engaging structures extends obliquely along said annular side wall of said hoop. 
     
     
       3. The assembly of  claim 1  wherein said hoop is made of metal and said fixing ring is made of plastic, and said plurality of engaging structures comprises portions of said interior surface of said hoop which define a further inner diameter of said hoop which is different from said first inner hoop diameter so that said portions increase axial resistance to separation of said hoop from said ring when oppositely directed forces are applied to said hoop and ring. 
     
     
       4. The assembly of  claim 1  wherein said hoop is made of metal and said fixing ring is made of plastic, and said plurality of engaging structures comprises portions of said interior surface of said hoop which define a further inner diameter of said hoop which is different from said first inner hoop diameter so that said fixing ring material creeps to conform to the a shape of said portions. 
     
     
       5. The assembly of  claim 1  wherein said plurality of engaging structures comprises a plurality of projections extending along said annular side wall, said projections defining a further inner diameter. 
     
     
       6. The assembly of  claim 5  wherein said hoop is made of metal and said fixing ring is made of plastic so that said projections are embedded in said fixing ring. 
     
     
       7. The assembly of  claim 5  wherein said hoop is made of metal and said fixing ring is made of plastic so that said fixing ring material creeps to conform to the a shape of said projections. 
     
     
       8. A substance dispenser assembly comprising:
 an annular fixing ring comprising a lower portion and an upper portion, said fixing ring upper portion having an upper portion height above said lower portion, said lower portion and said upper portion together defining a total height, said lower portion having a generally substantially circular-shaped interior defining a first inside diameter, said upper portion above said lower portion having a generally substantially cylindrical interior surface defining a second inside diameter, said upper portion having an inwardly-extending annular shoulder defining a lower surface and having a turret extending upwardly from said shoulder, said turret defining a receiving cavity and having a central opening having a third inside diameter which is smaller than both said first inside diameter and said second inside diameter, at least a portion of the upper portion height of said fixing ring upper portion above said lower portion defining a generally substantially cylindrical exterior surface that is circumferentially continuous and that defines an outer diameter; 
 a dispenser member mounted in said fixing ring, said dispenser member including a pump having a body extending into said fixing ring turret in engagement therewith and having an upwardly extending dispenser head which extends upwardly through said smaller diameter central opening of said turret and which includes an actuator button; 
 an annular hoop mounted partially on said fixing ring having a central opening and comprising a bottom end, a top end, and an annular side wall having a height at least as great as the total height of said fixing ring so that when said annular hoop is mounted fully on said fixing ring said hoop will peripherally surround said fixing ring preventing said lower portion of said fixing ring from splaying outwardly and whereby said fully mounted annular hoop will maintain said first inside diameter of said fixing ring to be smaller than said second inside diameter of said fixing ring, at least a portion of the height of said hoop annular side wall adjacent said bottom end comprising a generally substantially cylindrical interior surface defining a first inner hoop diameter substantially identical with said outer diameter of said fixing ring cylindrical exterior surface above said lower portion so that frictional engagement between said hoop and said ring resists separation of said hoop from said ring, said interior surface of said hoop including a plurality of engaging structures extending along said annular side wall for engaging said fixing ring cylindrical exterior surface to increase axial resistance to separation of said hoop from said ring when oppositely directed forces are applied to said hoop and ring. 
 
     
     
       9. The assembly of  claim 8  wherein said plurality of engaging structures extends obliquely along said annular side wall of said hoop. 
     
     
       10. The assembly of  claim 8  wherein said hoop is made of metal and said fixing ring is made of plastic, and said plurality of engaging structures comprises portions of said interior surface of said hoop which define a further inner diameter of said hoop which is different from said first inner hoop diameter so that as said hoop is moved into increased longitudinal engagement with said fixing ring said portions transfer some axial load to said fixing ring. 
     
     
       11. The assembly of  claim 8  wherein said hoop is made of metal and said fixing ring is made of plastic, and said plurality of engaging structures comprises portions of said interior surface of said hoop which define a further inner diameter of said hoop which is different from said first inner hoop diameter so that said fixing ring material will creep to conform to the a shape of said portions. 
     
     
       12. The assembly of  claim 8  wherein said plurality of engaging structures comprises a plurality of projections extending along said annular side wall, said projections defining a further inner diameter of said hoop which is smaller than said first inner hoop diameter so that as said hoop is moved into increased longitudinal engagement with said fixing ring said projections transfer some axial load to said fixing ring. 
     
     
       13. The assembly of  claim 12  wherein said hoop is made of metal and said fixing ring is made of plastic so that said projections become embedded in said fixing ring. 
     
     
       14. The assembly of  claim 12  wherein said hoop is made of metal and said fixing ring is made of plastic so that said fixing ring material will creep to conform to the a shape of said projections. 
     
     
       15. A substance dispenser assembly comprising:
 an annular fixing ring comprising a lower portion and an upper portion, said fixing ring upper portion having an upper portion height above said lower portion, said lower portion and said upper portion together defining a total height, said lower portion having a generally substantially circular-shaped interior defining a first inside diameter, said upper portion above said lower portion having a generally substantially cylindrical interior surface defining a second inside diameter, said upper portion having an inwardly-extending annular shoulder defining a lower surface and having a turret extending upwardly from said shoulder, said turret defining a receiving cavity and having a central opening having a third inside diameter which is smaller than both said first inside diameter and said second inside diameter, at least a portion of the upper portion height of said fixing ring upper portion above said lower portion defining a generally substantially cylindrical exterior surface that is circumferentially continuous and that defines an outer diameter; 
 a dispenser member mounted in said fixing ring, said dispenser member including a pump having a body extending into said fixing ring turret in engagement therewith and having an upwardly extending dispenser head which extends upwardly through said smaller diameter central opening of said turret and which includes an actuator button; 
 an annular hoop having a central opening and comprising a bottom end, a top end, and an annular side wall having a height at least as great as the total height of said fixing ring so that when said annular hoop is mounted fully on said fixing ring said hoop will peripherally surround said fixing ring preventing said lower portion of said fixing ring from splaying outwardly and whereby said fully mounted annular hoop will maintain said first inside diameter of said fixing ring to be smaller than said second inside diameter of said fixing ring, at least a portion of the height of said hoop annular side wall adjacent said bottom end comprising a generally substantially cylindrical interior surface defining a first inner hoop diameter substantially identical with said outer diameter of said fixing ring cylindrical exterior surface above said lower portion so that after said annular hoop is mounted partway on said fixing ring frictional engagement between said hoop and said ring will resist separation of said hoop from said ring, said interior surface of said hoop including a plurality of engaging structures extending along said annular side wall for engaging said fixing ring cylindrical exterior surface to increase axial resistance to separation of said hoop from said ring when oppositely directed forces are applied to said hoop and ring. 
 
     
     
       16. The assembly of  claim 15  wherein said plurality of engaging structures extends obliquely along said annular side wall of said hoop. 
     
     
       17. The assembly of  claim 15  wherein said hoop is made of metal and said fixing ring is made of plastic, and said plurality of engaging structures comprises portions of said interior surface of said hoop which define a further inner diameter of said hoop which is different from said first inner hoop diameter so that as said hoop is moved onto said fixing ring into increased longitudinal engagement with said fixing ring said portions transfer some axial load to said fixing ring. 
     
     
       18. The assembly of  claim 15  wherein said hoop is made of metal and said fixing ring is made of plastic, and said plurality of engaging structures comprises portions of said interior surface of said hoop which define a further inner diameter of said hoop which is different from said first inner hoop diameter so that said fixing ring material will creep to conform to the a shape of said portions. 
     
     
       19. The assembly of  claim 15  wherein said plurality of engaging structures comprises a plurality of projections extending along said annular side wall, said projections defining a further inner diameter of said hoop which is smaller than said first inner hoop diameter so that as said hoop is moved onto said fixing ring into increased longitudinal engagement with said fixing ring said projections transfer some axial load to said fixing ring. 
     
     
       20. The assembly of  claim 19  wherein said hoop is made of metal and said fixing ring is made of plastic so that said projections become embedded in said fixing ring. 
     
     
       21. The assembly of  claim 19  wherein said hoop is made of metal and said fixing ring is made of plastic so that said fixing ring material will creep to conform to the a shape of said projections. 
     
     
       22. A fixing device for fixing a dispenser member to a neck of a receptacle containing a substance to be dispensed, comprising:
 a fixing ring comprising a bottom portion having a fastening part structured to engage the receptacle neck and a top portion defining a receiving cavity for the dispenser member, the fixing ring defining an exterior surface; and   an annular hoop surrounding the fixing ring so as to prevent the fastening part from moving radially outwardly, the annular hoop having at least one projection located on an inner surface of the annular hoop, the projection extending radially inwardly, the projection being axially located at a level of the fixing ring and deforming inwardly the exterior surface of the fixing ring when the hoop is fully mounted on the ring so as to increase resistance to separation of the annular hoop from the fixing ring; and wherein, when the annular hoop is fully mounted on the fixing ring, the fixing ring extends axially below the projection in the direction of the receptacle.    
     
     
       23. The fixing device according to claim 22, wherein the at least one projection is annular.  
     
     
       24. The fixing device according to claim 23, wherein the annular projection extends circumferentially and horizontally.  
     
     
       25. The fixing device according to claim 22, wherein the hoop has an outer surface that is cylindrical at a level of the projection.  
     
     
       26. The fixing device according to claim 22, wherein the hoop has an outer surface that is recessed at a level of the projection.  
     
     
       27. The fixing device according to claim 22, wherein the hoop has an upper end and a lower end, the projection being spaced from the lower end so as to define a lower hoop section having a cylindrical inner surface, an outer surface of the ring having an outer diameter substantially identical to an inner diameter of the cylindrical inner surface so that the lower hoop section is engageable on the ring with the projection abutting a top end of the ring.  
     
     
       28. A fixing device according to claim 22, wherein the hoop comprises a plurality of annular projections.  
     
     
       29. The set of components according to claim 32, wherein the at least one projection comprises at least one annular shoulder.  
     
     
       30. The set of components according to claim 29, wherein the shoulder extends circumferentially horizontally.  
     
     
       31. The fixing device according to claim 22, wherein, when the hoop is fully mounted on the ring, the ring also extends axially above the projection.  
     
     
       32. A set of components that can be assembled in an assembled state to form a substance dispenser assembly, the set comprising:
 an annular fixing ring comprising a bottom portion and a top portion, the bottom portion having an inwardly projecting fastening part in the assembled state, the top portion defining a receiving cavity, at least a radially outermost portion of the fixing ring above the fastening part defining a substantially cylindrical exterior surface that defines an outer diameter;   a dispensing member structured to be mounted in the fixing ring so that the dispenser member extends into the fixing ring cavity in snap-fit engagement with the fixing ring and projects upwardly through the top portion; and   an annular hoop having top and bottom ends and having an annular side wall with a height that is sufficient to completely enclose the fixing ring and prevent the fastening part from moving radially outwardly when the annular hoop is mounted fully on the fixing ring, at least a portion of the height of the annular side wall adjacent the bottom end defining a substantially cylindrical interior surface having an inner diameter substantially identical with the outer diameter of the fixing ring substantially cylindrical exterior surface, at least one projection located on the annular hoop interior surface and spaced upwardly from the annular hoop bottom end to define a further inner diameter of the annular hoop, the further inner diameter being less than the outer diameter of the fixing ring substantially cylindrical exterior surface prior to assembly of the annular hoop and fixing ring so that as the annular hoop is moved onto the fixing ring into increased longitudinal engagement with the fixing ring the at least one projection being axially located at the level of the fixing ring when the hoop is fully mounted on the ring, the at least one projection inwardly deforms the exterior surface and transfers some axial load to the fixing ring so that after completion of the movement of the annular hoop further onto the fixing ring the engagement of the at least one projection with the fixing ring increases resistance to separation of the annular hoop from the fixing ring when oppositely directed forces are applied to the annular hoop and fixing ring, and so that, when the annular hoop is fully mounted on the fixing ring, the fixing ring extends axially below the projection.    
     
     
       33. The set of components according to claim 32, wherein, when the annular hoop is fully mounted on the fixing ring, the fixing ring also extends axially above the projection.  
     
     
       34. A set of components that can be assembled to form a substance dispenser assembly, the set comprising:
 an annular fixing ring comprising a bottom portion and a top portion, the bottom portion having a fastening part, the top portion defining a receiving cavity, at least a radially outermost portion of the fixing ring defining a substantially cylindrical exterior surface that defines an outer diameter;   a dispensing member structured to be mounted in the fixing ring so that the dispenser member extends into the fixing ring cavity and projects upwardly through the top portion; and   an annular hoop having top and bottom ends and having an annular side wall with a height that is sufficient to completely enclose the fixing ring preventing the fastening part from moving radially outwardly when the annular hoop is mounted fully on the fixing ring, at least one projection located on an interior surface of the annular hoop and that defines a further inner diameter of the annular hoop, the further inner diameter being less than the outer diameter of the fixing ring substantially cylindrical exterior surface prior to assembly of the annular hoop and fixing ring so that as the annular hoop is moved onto the fixing ring the at least one projection inwardly deforms the exterior surface and so that, after completion of a movement of the annular hoop further onto the fixing ring, the projection is axially located at a level of the ring and the engagement of the at least one projection with the fixing ring increases resistance to separation of the annular hoop from the fixing ring when oppositely directed forces are applied to the annular hoop and the fixing ring, respectively, and so that, when the annular hoop is fully mounted on the fixing ring, the fixing ring extends axially below the projection.    
     
     
       35. The set of components according to claim 34, wherein the at least one projection comprises at least one annular shoulder.  
     
     
       36. The set of components according to claim 35, wherein the shoulder extends circumferentially and horizontally.  
     
     
       37. The set of components according to claim 34, wherein, when the annular hoop is fully mounted on the fixing ring, the fixing ring also extends axially above the projection.  
     
     
       38. A container and dispenser assembly comprising:
 a container comprising a neck defining an opening into the container;   a dispenser;   a fixing ring to which the dispenser is mounted, the fixing ring comprising a bottom portion having a radially deformable part structured to engage the container neck and prevent removal of the fixing ring from the container neck, and a top portion defining a receiving cavity that receives at least a portion of the dispenser, the fixing ring further comprising an exterior surface;   a hoop around the fixing ring that prevents the radially deformable part from moving radially outwardly, the hoop having at least one projection located on an inner surface of the hoop, the projection extending radially inwardly, the projection inwardly deforming the exterior surface of the fixing ring; and wherein, when the hoop is fully mounted on the fixing ring, the fixing ring extends axially below the projection.    
     
     
       39. The assembly according to claim 38, wherein the dispenser is a pump.  
     
     
       40. The assembly according to claim 38, wherein, when the annular hoop is fully mounted on the fixing ring, the fixing ring also extends axially above the projection.  
     
     
       41. A container and dispenser assembly comprising:
 a container having a flange, the flange having an upper surface and a substantially cylindrical sidewall defining an outside diameter;   a fixing ring mounted on the flange of the container and comprising a lower portion and an upper portion, the lower portion and the upper portion together defining a total height of the fixing ring, the lower portion having a fastening part structured to engage the flange, the upper portion defining a receiving cavity with a central opening;   a dispenser mounted in the fixing ring, the dispenser including a pump engaged with the upper portion of the fixing ring and that extends upwardly through the central opening of the upper portion of the fixing ring;   a hoop mounted on the fixing ring having a central opening and comprising a bottom end, a top end, and an annular side wall, wherein the hoop surrounds the fixing ring and prevents the fastening part of the fixing ring from moving outwardly, at least a portion of the annular side wall comprising a substantially cylindrical interior surface defining an inner hoop diameter substantially the same as an outer diameter of an exterior surface of the fixing ring so that frictional engagement between the hoop and the fixing ring resists separation of the hoop from the fixing ring, the interior surface of the hoop including at least one projection that engages the exterior surface of the fixing ring when the hoop is fully mounted on the ring so as to increase axial resistance to separation of the hoop from the fixing ring when oppositely directed forces are applied to the hoop and the fixing ring, respectively; and wherein, when the annular hoop is fully mounted on the fixing ring, the fixing ring extends axially below the projection.    
     
     
       42. The assembly according to claim 41, wherein, when the annular hoop is fully mounted on the fixing ring, the fixing ring also extends axially above the projection.  
     
     
       43. A substance dispenser assembly comprising:
 a fixing ring comprising a lower portion and an upper portion, the fixing ring upper portion having an upper portion height above the lower portion, the lower portion and the upper portion together defining a total height, the lower portion having a substantially circular-shaped interior defining a first inside diameter, the upper portion above the lower portion having a substantially cylindrical interior surface defining an opening having a second inside diameter that is smaller than the first inside diameter;   a dispenser mounted in the fixing ring, the dispenser including a pump having a body extending into the fixing ring and engaged with the fixing ring and having an upwardly extending dispenser head that extends upwardly through the opening having the second inside diameter;   a hoop mounted partially on the fixing ring having a central opening and comprising a bottom end, a top end, and an annular side wall so that when the hoop is mounted fully on the fixing ring the hoop peripherally surrounds the fixing ring and prevents the lower portion of the fixing ring from moving radially outwardly, and wherein at least a portion of the height of the annular side wall adjacent the bottom end comprises a substantially cylindrical interior surface defining a first inner hoop diameter substantially identical with an outer diameter of the fixing ring cylindrical exterior surface, the interior surface of the hoop including a plurality of projections extending along the annular side wall that engage the fixing ring cylindrical exterior surface to increase axial resistance to separation of the hoop from the fixing ring when oppositely directed forces are applied to the hoop and the fixing ring, respectively.    
     
     
       44. A substance dispenser assembly comprising:
 an annular fixing ring comprising a lower portion and an upper portion, the upper portion above the lower portion and having an opening defining a receiving cavity;   a dispenser mounted in the fixing ring so as to extend into the receiving cavity and be in engagement with the upper portion of the fixing ring;   a hoop having a central opening and comprising a bottom end, a top end, and a peripheral side wall, so that when the hoop is fully mounted on the fixing ring the hoop will surround the fixing ring and prevent the lower portion of the fixing ring from expanding outwardly, wherein at least a portion of a height of the peripheral side wall near the bottom end comprises an interior opening dimensioned substantially the same as an outer dimension of the fixing ring so that, after the hoop is mounted partway on the fixing ring, frictional engagement between the hoop and the fixing ring resists separation of the hoop from the fixing ring, and wherein the interior surface of the hoop includes at least one engaging projection extending along at least a portion of the peripheral side wall and biting into an outer surface of the fixing ring when the hoop is fully mounted on the fixing ring; and wherein, when the annular hoop is fully mounted on the fixing ring, the fixing ring extends axially below the projection.    
     
     
       45. The substance dispenser assembly according to claim 44, comprising a plurality of engaging projections.  
     
     
       46. The substance dispenser assembly to claim 44, wherein, when the annular hoop is fully mounted on the fixing ring, the fixing ring also extends axially above the projection.