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EP3746030B1 - Device for dosing or counting objects - Google Patents

Device for dosing or counting objects Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3746030B1
EP3746030B1 EP19708134.2A EP19708134A EP3746030B1 EP 3746030 B1 EP3746030 B1 EP 3746030B1 EP 19708134 A EP19708134 A EP 19708134A EP 3746030 B1 EP3746030 B1 EP 3746030B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
objects
plate
tongues
pitch
tongue
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP19708134.2A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3746030A1 (en
Inventor
Guillaume ZOCZEK
Ludovic Soual
Hugues Brouard
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
STI Plastics SAS
Original Assignee
STI Plastics SAS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by STI Plastics SAS filed Critical STI Plastics SAS
Publication of EP3746030A1 publication Critical patent/EP3746030A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3746030B1 publication Critical patent/EP3746030B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J7/00—Devices for administering medicines orally, e.g. spoons; Pill counting devices; Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine
    • A61J7/02—Pill counting devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J3/00—Devices or methods specially adapted for bringing pharmaceutical products into particular physical or administering forms
    • A61J3/02—Devices or methods specially adapted for bringing pharmaceutical products into particular physical or administering forms into the form of powders
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J3/00—Devices or methods specially adapted for bringing pharmaceutical products into particular physical or administering forms
    • A61J3/06—Devices or methods specially adapted for bringing pharmaceutical products into particular physical or administering forms into the form of pills, lozenges or dragees
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J3/00—Devices or methods specially adapted for bringing pharmaceutical products into particular physical or administering forms
    • A61J3/10—Devices or methods specially adapted for bringing pharmaceutical products into particular physical or administering forms into the form of compressed tablets
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J7/00—Devices for administering medicines orally, e.g. spoons; Pill counting devices; Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine
    • A61J7/0076—Medicament distribution means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06M—COUNTING MECHANISMS; COUNTING OF OBJECTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06M1/00—Design features of general application
    • G06M1/08—Design features of general application for actuating the drive
    • G06M1/083—Design features of general application for actuating the drive by mechanical means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06M—COUNTING MECHANISMS; COUNTING OF OBJECTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06M1/00—Design features of general application
    • G06M1/28—Design features of general application for zeroising or setting to a particular value
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06M—COUNTING MECHANISMS; COUNTING OF OBJECTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06M1/00—Design features of general application
    • G06M1/28—Design features of general application for zeroising or setting to a particular value
    • G06M1/286—Design features of general application for zeroising or setting to a particular value with dials, pointers, or similar type indicating means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J1/00—Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes
    • A61J1/03—Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes for pills or tablets

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for metering or counting objects, such as granules for example.
  • Said device comprises a handle and an endpiece in which are arranged individual housings each intended to receive an object, in a plurality of parallel rows.
  • the number of individual housings available to the device is thus of the order of 5 to 100.
  • the device comprises a cover system capable of sliding in a direction perpendicular to the rows, comprising telescopic sections.
  • Such a system thus makes it possible to cover a defined number of rows of individual housings.
  • each row can be either uncovered or covered in its entirety, the device only makes it possible to pick up a number of objects which is a multiple of the number of slots in each row. Consequently, if the user wishes a different number of objects, he must return the excess object or objects to the container. This therefore implies that the user counts the objects, and this also poses hygiene problems when objects extracted from the container have to be replaced there.
  • An object of the invention is therefore to design a device for dosing or counting objects contained in a container, which, while having a reduced size and being simple to use, makes it possible to take from said container the exact number of desired objects, in order to allow the user to know immediately the quantity withdrawn, and to avoid having to put supernumerary objects back into the container
  • size of the housings is meant in the present text the dimension of said housings along the longitudinal axis. In the case where the housings have a circular outline, said size is the diameter of the circle. Similarly, the length of an element is understood along the longitudinal axis.
  • the device is much shorter than a device having a single row of housings that can be selectively covered or uncovered by a single pull tab.
  • the device is particularly simple to use insofar as actuation of the pull tab by the user automatically moves one or both tabs to define the desired dose.
  • the drive mechanism comprises a longitudinal notch formed in at least one of the tongues and an abutment extending into the notch from another tongue, the difference between the length of the notch and the length of the stop being substantially equal to said pitch.
  • the housings are arranged in the form of two pairs of two parallel rows and the pull tab comprises two tabs facing each pair of rows.
  • the plate comprises two lines of graduations, each graduation indicating a unique number of objects
  • the pull tab comprises two windows arranged opposite a respective line of graduations so that the total number of housings uncovered by the zipper appears through one of the two windows.
  • the graduations of one of said lines indicate even numbers of objects and the graduations of the other line indicate odd numbers of objects.
  • each tab comprises a first respective window arranged facing the line of graduations indicating the odd numbers of objects, and a second respective window arranged facing the line of graduations indicating the even numbers of objects, the first and the second window of one tongue being aligned longitudinally while the first and the second window of the other tongue are offset longitudinally by a distance equal to said pitch.
  • an odd number in one row is substantially longitudinally aligned with the next higher even number in the other row.
  • the housings are arranged in the form of three series of three parallel rows and the pull tab comprises three tabs.
  • each tab cooperates with the plate by a notched slideway, the distance between two adjacent notches being equal to said not.
  • the plate has a tooth extending transversely and engaging in a notch of a respective slide.
  • the device may further comprise a cover rigidly connected to the plate, the pull tab being arranged between the plate and the cover.
  • the plate comprises between ten and thirty housings.
  • each housing has a circular outline.
  • the pitch is less than the size of said housings.
  • the plate has a domed concave end forming a spoon.
  • the device further comprises a cap extending around the plate to form with the plate a volume for receiving objects, said cap comprising an end piece adapted to be secured to a container containing the objects to be counted or dose.
  • the cap comprises a transparent portion facing the plate to allow a user to check whether an object is present in each uncovered housing.
  • transparent it is meant that a user can discern through the cover whether each uncovered housing has indeed been filled with an object.
  • the invention proposes a device for dosing or counting objects comprising two main parts.
  • the first main part is a plate in which a plurality of housings are arranged, the number of housings being equal to the maximum number of objects to be dosed or counted by said device.
  • the number of slots can be between ten and thirty.
  • Each housing is sized to receive a single object.
  • the shape of the housing can therefore be adapted according to the shape of the objects to be dosed or counted.
  • each housing has a circular outline.
  • the housings are arranged in rows arranged parallel to each other along a longitudinal axis of the device (denoted X in the figures) which, as will be seen below, is the opening and closing axis of the device .
  • the housings are arranged in the form of two pairs each consisting of two adjacent rows. It is however possible to provide a different arrangement of the housings, for example in the form of three series each consisting of three parallel rows, without thereby departing from the scope of the present invention. This particular embodiment will be described with reference to the figures 10 to 18 .
  • the housings are staggered, that is to say that the housings of a first row of the pair are offset longitudinally (along the X axis) with respect to the housings of the second row of the pair, with a determined pitch (denoted P in the figures).
  • the pitch is defined as the distance, along the X axis, between the center of a slot in one row and the center of an immediately adjacent slot in the other row of the same pair.
  • the pitch is less than the size of the housings, while being non-zero.
  • the housings of a row of the first pair are advantageously aligned (along the X axis) with the housings of the adjacent row of the second pair.
  • the second main part is a pull tab comprising two adjacent tongues, each adapted to cover a pair of rows of housings of the plate.
  • Said pull tab is arranged to slide with respect to the plate along the X axis, so that a movement of a tongue along the X axis makes it possible to uncover or cover one or more housings of the respective pair of rows.
  • the two tabs are capable of sliding relative to each other along the X axis, and are also coupled by a drive mechanism configured so that a sliding of the zipper along the X axis by a distance greater than the pitch P causes a simultaneous movement of the two tongues.
  • the pull tab advantageously has a means to facilitate its manipulation by a user, for example a lug in relief operable by a finger of the user.
  • the device further comprises a cover rigidly secured to the plate, which makes it possible to maintain the pull tab sliding with respect to the plate.
  • the cover can be fixed to the plate by any suitable means (welding, gluing, screwing, snap-fastening, etc.).
  • the cover has a longitudinal opening giving access to the pull tab for its actuation by a user.
  • the figures 1 and 2 illustrate an embodiment of the device, respectively with and without the cover to allow better visualization of the arrangement of the various parts.
  • the device is shown in the closed position, that is to say that all the housings are covered by the two tabs, and therefore cannot receive any object.
  • the picture 3 is an exploded top view of the various parts making up the device.
  • the pull tab 2 is formed of a first tab 20 and a second tab 21, able to slide relative to each other along the axis X.
  • the pull tab is also arranged to slide along the axis X relative to plate 1.
  • the pull tab is assembled by superimposing the actuation zone of the tongue 20 on the actuation zone of the tongue 21 (the actuation zone of the tongue 21 being arranged between the plate 1 and the actuation zone of the tongue 20).
  • the closure zone is offset in a direction transverse to the axis X with respect to the actuation zone.
  • the closure zone can be offset with respect to the actuation zone in the direction of the thickness of said tabs. The value of these offsets is chosen so that, when the pull tab 2 is assembled, the closure zones of the two tabs 20, 21 extend side by side along their length, in the same plane parallel to the plane of the plate 1.
  • the pull tab has an actuating lug 22 allowing a user to slide it in an opening or closing direction using one of his fingers.
  • this lug 22 extends directly from the upper tab 20.
  • the mechanism for driving the tongues 20, 21 relative to each other comprises a longitudinal notch 210 (formed for example in the lower tongue 21) and a longitudinal stop 200 (extending through example from the underside of the upper tab 20, as shown in the figure 4 ), having a length less than that of the notch 210 and arranged in said notch 210 when the pull tab is assembled.
  • the difference between the length of the notch 210 and the length of the stop 200 is substantially equal to the pitch P. Consequently, the maximum sliding travel of one tongue relative to the other in a given direction is substantially equal to the pitch P. Beyond this race, the abutment is in contact with the edge of the notch and a sliding of a tab in this same direction causes the simultaneous sliding of the other tab.
  • this relative sliding play of the two tongues means that, depending on the configuration of the pull tab, the ends 20a, 21a of the two tongues can be either aligned (that is to say at the same longitudinal position ), or offset by a distance substantially equal to the pitch P along the X axis. As will be seen below, these relative positions are used depending on whether the desired number of objects to be dosed or counted is even or odd.
  • the figures 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views of the device in a configuration allowing respectively to dose an odd number and an even number of objects.
  • the housings are arranged in the right part of the plate 1.
  • the opening direction is therefore oriented from right to left, and the closing direction from left to right.
  • the abutment 200 is in contact with the left end of the notch 210.
  • the pull tab comprises two windows arranged opposite a respective line of graduations G on the plate, so that the total number of slots discovered by the zipper appears through one of the two windows.
  • each tongue in fact comprises two windows, one of which faces a window of the other tongue, and the other is closed off by a surface full of the other tongue.
  • the windows 201, 202 of the upper tongue 20 are aligned longitudinally.
  • the windows 211, 212 of the lower tongue 21 are offset longitudinally by a distance substantially equal to the pitch P.
  • the windows 201 and 211 are opposite one of the another, exposing a graduation of the line of odd numbers of plate 1 (cf. figure 6 and 9 ).
  • the window 202 is on the other hand facing a solid surface of the lower tab 21, so that no graduation of the line of even numbers is exposed.
  • the windows 202 and 212 are facing each other, exposing a graduation of the line of even numbers of plate 1 (cf. figure 7 and 8 ).
  • the window 201 is on the other hand facing a solid surface of the lower tab 21, so that no graduation of the line of odd numbers is exposed.
  • an odd number in one row of tick marks is aligned with the next higher even number in the other row of tick marks; however, depending on the play that may exist between the two tabs depending on the direction of opening or closing, it may be preferable to shift said numbers slightly.
  • each tongue 20, 21 cooperates with the plate 1 by a longitudinal rib (designated by the reference 204 on the figure 4 ) engaged in a respective groove 13 of the plate.
  • the device advantageously comprises a mechanism for indexing the pull tab relative to the plate.
  • This mechanism comprises a notched slider 203, 213 formed on each of the tabs, the distance between two adjacent notches being equal to the pitch P.
  • the notched slider is arranged on the longitudinal edge of each tab opposite the rib which slides in the groove 13.
  • the indexing mechanism also has two teeth 11, 12 arranged on the plate 1 and extending transversely to the sliding direction. Each tooth cooperates with the notches of a respective slide, the pull tab being in a stable position relative to the plate when each tooth is engaged in a respective notch.
  • Each tooth 11, 12 advantageously has a certain flexibility in the transverse direction in order to be able to retract sufficiently to allow the pull tab to slide from one configuration to another.
  • the tabs 20, 21 advantageously have retaining means 205, 215 projecting outwards and adapted to come into abutment against the respective tooth 11, 12 if a user attempts to slide the pull tab in the closing direction beyond of the completely closed configuration, which prevents the tabs from being able to be extracted from the device.
  • the device may further comprise a cover 3 which makes it possible to maintain the pull tab 2 on the plate.
  • the cover 3 advantageously comprises a longitudinal opening 30 which allows a user to access the actuation lug 22 of the pull tab.
  • the length of the opening 30 is adapted to the total stroke of the lug 22 between a fully closed configuration and an open configuration.
  • the device can be manufactured by plastic injection of the plate, of each pull tab and of the cover, then assembly of the pull tab on the plate and closure of the cover. This manufacturing process therefore involves a limited number of parts and simple molding and assembly techniques.
  • the figure 2 and 6 to 9 illustrate different configurations of the device for metering or counting objects (the cover not being shown to allow visualization of the mechanism for indexing the pull tab).
  • the picture 2 shows the device in the fully closed configuration.
  • each of the tongues 20, 21 covers all of the housings of the pair of rows R1-R2; R3-R4 respectively, so that no object can be received in a slot.
  • the figure 6 shows the device with the pull tab in a position allowing a single housing 10 to be uncovered.
  • the end 20a of the tongue 20 is offset by a distance equal to the pitch P with respect to the end 21a of the tongue 21 in the opening direction of the device.
  • the adjacent housing of row R1 is covered by tab 20 and the housings of rows R3 and R4 are completely covered by tab 21.
  • the user To switch from the configuration of the picture 2 to that of the figure 6 , the user must move the lug 22 by a distance equal to the pitch P in the opening direction, which induces an offset of one notch of the teeth 11, 12 relative to the slides 203, 213.
  • the window 201 of the tongue 20 is opposite the window 211 of the tongue 21, thus revealing the number 1 corresponding to the single uncovered housing, while the window 202 of the tongue 20 is opposite a solid surface of the tongue 21, so that no even number is visible.
  • the figure 7 shows the device with the pull tab in a position allowing two housings 10 to be uncovered.
  • the end 20a of the tongue 20 is aligned longitudinally with the end 21a of the tongue 21.
  • a housing of row R3 are uncovered; the adjacent housing of the row R1, respectively R4 remains covered by the tab 20, respectively 21.
  • the user To switch from the configuration of the figure 6 to that of the figure 7 , the user must move the lug 22 by a distance equal to the pitch P in the direction of opening, which, thanks to to the drive mechanism, causes simultaneous sliding of the two tabs along said distance (the tabs therefore remaining offset relative to each other, thus uncovering three housings: the first housing of rows R1 and R2 and the first housing of row R3); then, the user must move the lug 22 in the closing direction by a distance equal to the pitch P, which, thanks to the actuating mechanism, induces sliding only of the tongue 20.
  • the ends 20a and 21a of the two tabs are aligned longitudinally and reveal only the first housing of row R2 and the first housing of row R3.
  • the teeth 11, 12 remain in the same position relative to the slides 203, 213 as on the figure 6 . Furthermore, the window 202 of the tongue 20 is opposite the window 212 of the tongue 21, thus revealing the number 2 corresponding to the two uncovered housings, while the window 201 of the tongue 20 is opposite a surface full of the tongue 21, so that no odd number is visible.
  • an odd number of housings is obtained with the ends 20a, 21a of the tabs offset longitudinally by a pitch distance P. From a configuration of complete closure of the device, such a configuration is obtained by moving the lug in the opening direction until the desired number appears in the windows 201, 211. Thanks to the drive mechanism, the displacement of the lug is equal to the distance of the pitch P, only the tongue 20 moves, the tongue 21 remains stationary; then as soon as the lug is moved by a distance greater than the pitch P, the two tabs slide simultaneously in the opening direction.
  • An odd number of housings is obtained with the ends 20a, 21a of the tongues aligned longitudinally. From a configuration of complete closure of the device, such a configuration is obtained by moving the lug in two opposite directions: a first movement in the direction of opening until you see appearing in the windows 201, 211 a number odd greater than the desired number, then a second movement in the closing direction until the desired even number appears in the windows 202, 212.
  • the drive mechanism the passage from the position uncovering an odd number of objects to the position uncovering the desired even number of objects, the displacement of the lug in the closing direction by a distance equal to the pitch P causes a sliding of the tongue 20 only, the tongue 21 remaining stationary; then, as soon as the lug is moved by a distance greater than the pitch P (if the difference between the odd number and the even number is greater than one), the two tabs slide simultaneously in the closing direction.
  • the figures 10 to 18 schematically illustrate an embodiment comprising three tabs, each being capable of uncovering or covering three rows of housings.
  • the figure 10 schematically illustrates the plate 1 comprising the housings 10 and the three tongues 2001, 2002, 2003 which together form the pull tab 2.
  • the cover has been omitted but it can of course be present.
  • the housings are organized in series of three parallel rows, respectively R11-R13 (corresponding to tab 2001), R21-R23 (corresponding to tab 2002) and R31-R33 (corresponding to tab 2003).
  • a housing of a row is offset longitudinally by a pitch P with respect to an immediately adjacent housing on an adjacent row.
  • a housing in row R13 is offset by a distance equal to the pitch P of the nearest housing in row R12, which itself is offset by a distance equal to the pitch P of the accommodation closest to row R11. Consequently, said housing of row R13 is offset longitudinally by twice the pitch P with respect to said housing of row R11.
  • housings of a determined row of a series are aligned longitudinally with the housings of the corresponding row in the other series (that is to say, to continue the example, rows R21 and R31).
  • the pull tab is formed by successive superposition of tabs 2001, 2002, 2003 (tab 2003 being closest to the bottom of plate 1).
  • the tab 2001 also includes an actuating lug 22.
  • the tongues 2001, 2002 and 2003 are coupled by a drive mechanism comprising, on the tongue 2001, a stop 2006; on the tongue 2002, a notch adapted to receive the stop 2006, the length of the notch 2006 being greater by a length equal to the pitch P than the length of the stop 2006; on the tab 2003, a notch 2004 adapted to receive the abutment 2006, the length of the notch 2004 being greater by a length equal to the pitch P than the length of the notch 2005, and by a length greater than length equal to twice the pitch P to the length of the stop 2006.
  • a displacement of the actuating lug 22 in an opening direction or closure causes the tab 2001 to slide and, if the stop 2006 is in contact with the edge of the notch 2005 and/or the edge of the notch 2004 in the direction of actuation, a sliding of the tongue 2002 and/or of the tongue 2003.
  • the graduations are, in the embodiment with three tabs, distributed over four lines G1-G4, being noted that some numbers are present twice in these graduations (notably 3, 6, 9).
  • Each tab therefore has four openings (designated by the reference sign of the tab followed by the letters b, c, d or e) facing each of the graduation lines. It will be noted that, depending on the tongue considered, the openings can be aligned or offset by a distance equal to P or twice P. The arrangement of these openings is defined in relation to the position of the numbers on the graduation lines and of the different possible configurations of the zipper. A person skilled in the art is able to determine this arrangement as a function of the total number of objects to be dosed or counted by the device.
  • the device also comprises an indexing mechanism similar to that previously described, namely a notched slideway arranged on at least the tongue 2001, and preferably on the three tongues, cooperating with two teeth opposite the plate.
  • the figures 12 to 18 illustrate different configurations of the device.
  • the device is in the closed configuration, the three tongues 2001-2003 covering all of the housings of the plate 1.
  • the ends 2001a, 2002a, 2003a of the three tongues are aligned longitudinally.
  • the tongue 2001 is offset in the direction of the opening by a pitch P, thus uncovering a housing 10 of the row R11.
  • Tabs 2002 and 2003 remain in the position of the figure 12 .
  • the tab 2001 is offset in the opening direction by a pitch P with respect to its position of the figure 13 (i.e. twice the pitch P in relation to its position of the figure 12 ), and the tongue 2002 is also shifted by a pitch P in the opening direction, thanks to the drive mechanism.
  • the 2003 tab remains in its position of figure 12 and 13 .
  • three housings 10 are uncovered (one on row R11, one on row R12, and one on row R21).
  • a new movement of a pitch P of the tongue 2001 in the direction of opening has the effect of causing the tongues 2002 and 2003 to slide, leading to the configuration of the figure 18 , where six dwellings are discovered.
  • the user wishes to discover only four slots, from the configuration of the figure 17 , he again moves the tongue 2001 by a pitch P in the closing direction, the tongue 2001 then driving the tongue 2002, thus leading to the configuration of the figure 15 , where three housings are uncovered, then it moves the tongue 2001 in the opposite direction (in the direction of opening) by a pitch P, the tongues 2002 and 2003 remaining stationary, thus leading to the configuration of the figure 16 .
  • the device which has just been described can be used in particular for metering or counting drugs which are in the form of granules, micro-granules, tablets, etc.
  • the device is particularly advantageous for small objects (for example of the order of 0.5 mm to 5 mm), because it allows, by immersing the plate in a container containing said objects, to simply take the exact number of desired objects, without the user having to manipulate the objects.
  • the plate may have a domed concave end (not shown) forming a spoon, adjacent to the zone comprising the housings. This spoon makes it easier to retrieve the last objects contained in a pot.
  • the device further comprises a cap 4 extending around the plate 1 and comprising a tip 40 adapted to be secured to a container containing the objects to be counted or metered.
  • the tip 40 has a tubular shape that can be inserted into the neck of a container.
  • the end piece is advantageously provided with a collar 41 extending radially and forming a stop during the engagement of the end piece in the neck of the container.
  • the figure 21 illustrates the device of figures 19 and 20 after connection to a container 5 containing the objects to be counted or measured.
  • the container 5 comprises a neck 50 inside which the tip 40 of the cap is mounted, preferably with a slight tightening to allow sufficient mechanical strength of the device on the container for the subsequent manipulations which are described below.
  • the collar 41 of the cap bears against the edge of the neck 50.
  • this mode of connection is given for illustrative purposes only and those skilled in the art can use any other means to connect the cap to a container.
  • the tip of the cap could be mounted outside the neck of the container instead of inside; moreover, instead of being secured by friction, the endpiece could be screwed onto or into the neck of the container.
  • the cap 4 thus makes it possible to form, with the plate 1, a volume for receiving the objects taken from the container. Thanks to this cap, the removal of objects from the container is facilitated, in particular when there remain only a few objects to be removed from the melted container. Indeed, once the tip 40 of the cap has been connected to the container (cf. figure 21 ), it suffices to tilt the container 5 to transfer the objects into the cap 4, bring the plate 1 into a substantially horizontal position to allow each uncovered housing 10 to receive an object, then, by slightly tilting the plate 1, transfer the excess objects into the container. The user can then extract the retained objects from their housings by tilting the plate 1 more strongly, and by causing the objects to come out through the end piece 40.
  • the mechanical connection between the cap 4 and the plate 1 is designed to avoid any dead zone in which an object could remain stuck.
  • the cover has at least one transparent part opposite the plate 1, thus allowing the user to check whether all of the uncovered housings 10 have indeed been filled with an object.
  • the cap can be entirely made of a transparent material or comprise only a transparent window.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
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  • Medicinal Chemistry (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
  • Medical Preparation Storing Or Oral Administration Devices (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
  • Toys (AREA)
  • Measuring Volume Flow (AREA)

Description

DOMAINE DE L'INVENTIONFIELD OF THE INVENTION

La présente invention concerne un dispositif de dosage ou de comptage d'objets, tels que des granules par exemple.The present invention relates to a device for metering or counting objects, such as granules for example.

ETAT DE LA TECHNIQUESTATE OF THE ART

Lorsque des objets sont contenus dans un récipient, se pose le problème de prélever au sein du récipient un nombre précis d'objets. Tel est le cas par exemple pour des granules ou des comprimés contenus dans un récipient comprenant plusieurs doses d'un traitement médicamenteux, le patient auquel ce traitement est destiné devant prélever dans ce récipient la dose correspondant au plan de prise qui lui a été prescrit.When objects are contained in a container, the problem arises of removing a precise number of objects from the container. Such is the case for example for granules or tablets contained in a container comprising several doses of a medicinal treatment, the patient for whom this treatment is intended having to take from this container the dose corresponding to the intake plan which has been prescribed to him.

Or, lorsque les objets sont de petite taille et que chaque dose est constituée d'un nombre significatif d'objets, le prélèvement du nombre adéquat d'objets est long et fastidieux.However, when the objects are small and each dose consists of a significant number of objects, the sampling of the appropriate number of objects is long and tedious.

Il est donc souhaitable de disposer d'un dispositif de dosage qui permette de prélever simplement le nombre d'objets nécessaire.It is therefore desirable to have a metering device which makes it possible to simply sample the number of objects required.

Le document US 2004/0191313 décrit un tel dispositif de dosage. Ledit dispositif comprend une poignée et un embout dans laquelle sont agencés des logements individuels destinés à recevoir chacun un objet, selon une pluralité de rangées parallèles. Le nombre de logements individuels dont dispose le dispositif est ainsi de l'ordre de 5 à 100. Afin de faciliter le prélèvement du nombre d'objets souhaité, le dispositif comprend un système de couverture apte à coulisser dans une direction perpendiculaire aux rangées, comportant des sections télescopiques. Un tel système permet ainsi de recouvrir un nombre défini de rangées de logements individuels. Cependant, dans la mesure où chaque rangée peut être soit découverte soit recouverte dans sa totalité, le dispositif ne permet de prélever qu'un nombre d'objets qui est un multiple du nombre de logements de chaque rangée. Par conséquent, si l'utilisateur souhaite un nombre différent d'objets, il doit remettre dans le récipient le ou les objets en excès. Ceci implique donc que l'utilisateur compte les objets, et cela pose également des problèmes d'hygiène lorsque des objets extraits du récipient doivent y être replacés.The document US 2004/0191313 describes such a metering device. Said device comprises a handle and an endpiece in which are arranged individual housings each intended to receive an object, in a plurality of parallel rows. The number of individual housings available to the device is thus of the order of 5 to 100. In order to facilitate the removal of the desired number of objects, the device comprises a cover system capable of sliding in a direction perpendicular to the rows, comprising telescopic sections. Such a system thus makes it possible to cover a defined number of rows of individual housings. However, insofar as each row can be either uncovered or covered in its entirety, the device only makes it possible to pick up a number of objects which is a multiple of the number of slots in each row. Consequently, if the user wishes a different number of objects, he must return the excess object or objects to the container. This therefore implies that the user counts the objects, and this also poses hygiene problems when objects extracted from the container have to be replaced there.

EXPOSE DE L'INVENTIONDISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Un but de l'invention est donc de concevoir un dispositif de dosage ou de comptage d'objets contenus dans un récipient, qui, tout en présentant une taille réduite et en étant simple à utiliser, permette de prélever au sein dudit récipient le nombre exact d'objets souhaité, afin de permettre à l'utilisateur de connaître de manière immédiate la quantité prélevée, et d'éviter d'avoir éventuellement à remettre dans le récipient des objets surnumérairesAn object of the invention is therefore to design a device for dosing or counting objects contained in a container, which, while having a reduced size and being simple to use, makes it possible to take from said container the exact number of desired objects, in order to allow the user to know immediately the quantity withdrawn, and to avoid having to put supernumerary objects back into the container

A cet effet, l'invention propose un dispositif de dosage ou de comptage d'objets, comprenant :

  • une plaque pourvue d'une pluralité de logements adaptés pour recevoir chacun un unique objet, lesdits logements étant agencés selon au moins deux séries d'au moins deux rangées agencées parallèlement selon un axe longitudinal de telle sorte que, dans une même série, les logements d'une première rangée soient décalés longitudinalement par rapport aux logements de la seconde rangée d'un pas non nul ;
  • une tirette agencée en coulissement par rapport à la plaque selon ledit axe longitudinal, ladite tirette comprenant au moins deux languettes adjacentes, chacune adaptée pour recouvrir ou découvrir une série de rangées respective, lesdites languettes étant agencées en coulissement relatif l'une par rapport à l'autre d'une distance égale audit pas et couplées par un mécanisme d'entraînement configuré pour qu'un coulissement de la tirette selon l'axe longitudinal d'une distance supérieure audit pas entraîne un déplacement simultané des deux languettes.
To this end, the invention proposes a device for dosing or counting objects, comprising:
  • a plate provided with a plurality of housings each adapted to receive a single object, said housings being arranged in at least two series of at least two rows arranged in parallel along a longitudinal axis such that, in the same series, the housings of a first row are offset longitudinally relative to the housings of the second row by a non-zero pitch;
  • a pull tab arranged to slide relative to the plate along said longitudinal axis, said pull tab comprising at least two adjacent tabs, each adapted to cover or uncover a respective series of rows, said tabs being arranged to slide relative to one another each other by a distance equal to said pitch and coupled by a drive mechanism configured so that sliding of the pull tab along the longitudinal axis by a distance greater than said pitch results in simultaneous movement of the two tabs.

Par « taille des logements » on entend dans le présent texte la dimension desdits logements selon l'axe longitudinal. Dans le cas où les logements ont un contour circulaire, ladite taille est le diamètre du cercle. De même, la longueur d'un élément s'entend selon l'axe longitudinal.By “size of the housings” is meant in the present text the dimension of said housings along the longitudinal axis. In the case where the housings have a circular outline, said size is the diameter of the circle. Similarly, the length of an element is understood along the longitudinal axis.

Ainsi, grâce à la disposition des logements selon plusieurs rangées parallèles, le dispositif est beaucoup moins long qu'un dispositif présentant une unique rangée de logements pouvant être sélectivement couverts ou découverts par une unique tirette.Thus, thanks to the arrangement of the housings in several parallel rows, the device is much shorter than a device having a single row of housings that can be selectively covered or uncovered by a single pull tab.

Par ailleurs, le dispositif est particulièrement simple à utiliser dans la mesure où l'actionnement de la tirette par l'utilisateur déplace automatiquement une languette ou les deux pour définir la dose souhaitée.Furthermore, the device is particularly simple to use insofar as actuation of the pull tab by the user automatically moves one or both tabs to define the desired dose.

Selon un mode de réalisation particulièrement avantageux, le mécanisme d'entraînement comprend une encoche longitudinale formée dans au moins une des languettes et une butée s'étendant dans l'encoche à partir d'une autre languette, la différence entre la longueur de l'encoche et la longueur de la butée étant sensiblement égale audit pas.According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the drive mechanism comprises a longitudinal notch formed in at least one of the tongues and an abutment extending into the notch from another tongue, the difference between the length of the notch and the length of the stop being substantially equal to said pitch.

Selon une forme d'exécution préférée pour sa simplicité de réalisation et son utilisation intuitive, les logements sont agencés sous la forme de deux paires de deux rangées parallèles et la tirette comprend deux languettes en regard de chaque paire de rangées.According to a preferred embodiment for its simplicity of production and its intuitive use, the housings are arranged in the form of two pairs of two parallel rows and the pull tab comprises two tabs facing each pair of rows.

Le mécanisme d'entraînement est avantageusement configuré pour procurer les positions suivantes de la tirette par rapport à la plaque :

  • une position fermée dans laquelle chacune des languettes recouvre l'ensemble des logements de la paire de rangées respective ;
  • une pluralité de premières positions ouvertes dans laquelle les languettes découvrent un nombre total impair de logements, les extrémités desdites languettes étant décalées longitudinalement d'une distance égale au pas ;
  • une pluralité de deuxièmes positions ouvertes dans laquelle les languettes découvrent un nombre total pair de logements, les extrémités desdites languettes étant alignées longitudinalement ;
  • le passage de la position fermée à une première position ouverte comprenant un déplacement longitudinal d'une première languette dans un sens d'ouverture d'une distance égale au pas, l'autre languette restant immobile, puis, si le nombre d'objets est supérieur à un, un déplacement longitudinal simultané des deux languettes dans le sens d'ouverture ;
  • le passage d'une première position ouverte à une deuxième position ouverte comprenant un déplacement longitudinal de la première languette d'une distance égale au dit pas dans un sens de fermeture puis, si la différence entre le nombre d'objets est supérieure à un, un déplacement longitudinal simultané des deux languettes dans le sens de fermeture.
The drive mechanism is advantageously configured to provide the following positions of the pull tab relative to the plate:
  • a closed position in which each of the tongues covers all of the housings of the respective pair of rows;
  • a plurality of first open positions in which the tongues uncover an odd total number of housings, the ends of said tongues being offset longitudinally by a distance equal to the pitch;
  • a plurality of second open positions in which the tongues uncover an even number of housings, the ends of said tongues being aligned longitudinally;
  • the passage from the closed position to a first open position comprising a longitudinal displacement of a first tongue in an opening direction by a distance equal to the pitch, the other tongue remaining stationary, then, if the number of objects is greater than one, a simultaneous longitudinal displacement of the two tabs in the direction of opening;
  • the passage from a first open position to a second open position comprising a longitudinal displacement of the first tab by a distance equal to said pitch in a closing direction then, if the difference between the number of objects is greater than one, a simultaneous longitudinal movement of the two tabs in the closing direction.

Selon un mode de réalisation, la plaque comporte deux lignes de graduations, chaque graduation indiquant un nombre unique d'objets, et la tirette comprend deux fenêtres agencées en regard d'une ligne de graduations respective de sorte que le nombre total de logements découverts par la tirette apparaisse au travers de l'une des deux fenêtres.According to one embodiment, the plate comprises two lines of graduations, each graduation indicating a unique number of objects, and the pull tab comprises two windows arranged opposite a respective line of graduations so that the total number of housings uncovered by the zipper appears through one of the two windows.

De préférence, les graduations de l'une desdites lignes indiquent des nombres pairs d'objets et les graduations de l'autre ligne indiquent des nombres impairs d'objets.Preferably, the graduations of one of said lines indicate even numbers of objects and the graduations of the other line indicate odd numbers of objects.

Selon un mode de réalisation, chaque languette comprend une première fenêtre respective agencée en regard de la ligne de graduations indiquant les nombres impairs d'objets, et une seconde fenêtre respective agencée en regard de la ligne de graduations indiquant les nombres pairs d'objets, la première et la seconde fenêtre d'une languette étant alignées longitudinalement tandis que la première et la seconde fenêtre de l'autre languette sont décalées longitudinalement d'une distance égale audit pas.According to one embodiment, each tab comprises a first respective window arranged facing the line of graduations indicating the odd numbers of objects, and a second respective window arranged facing the line of graduations indicating the even numbers of objects, the first and the second window of one tongue being aligned longitudinally while the first and the second window of the other tongue are offset longitudinally by a distance equal to said pitch.

De manière avantageuse, un nombre impair d'une ligne est sensiblement aligné longitudinalement avec le nombre pair immédiatement supérieur de l'autre ligne.Advantageously, an odd number in one row is substantially longitudinally aligned with the next higher even number in the other row.

Selon une autre forme d'exécution du dispositif, les logements sont agencés sous la forme de trois séries de trois rangées parallèles et la tirette comprend trois languettes.According to another embodiment of the device, the housings are arranged in the form of three series of three parallel rows and the pull tab comprises three tabs.

De manière particulièrement avantageuse, chaque languette coopère avec la plaque par une glissière crantée, la distance entre deux crans adjacents étant égale audit pas. Par ailleurs, la plaque présente une dent s'étendant transversalement et s'engageant dans un cran d'une glissière respective.In a particularly advantageous manner, each tab cooperates with the plate by a notched slideway, the distance between two adjacent notches being equal to said not. Furthermore, the plate has a tooth extending transversely and engaging in a notch of a respective slide.

Le dispositif peut en outre comprendre un capot rigidement lié à la plaque, la tirette étant agencée entre la plaque et le capot.The device may further comprise a cover rigidly connected to the plate, the pull tab being arranged between the plate and the cover.

Selon un mode de réalisation, la plaque comprend entre dix et trente logements. De manière avantageuse, chaque logement présente un contour circulaire.According to one embodiment, the plate comprises between ten and thirty housings. Advantageously, each housing has a circular outline.

De préférence, le pas est inférieur à la taille desdits logements.Preferably, the pitch is less than the size of said housings.

Selon un mode de réalisation, la plaque présente une extrémité concave bombée formant cuiller.According to one embodiment, the plate has a domed concave end forming a spoon.

Selon un mode de réalisation, le dispositif comprend en outre une coiffe s'étendant autour de la plaque pour former avec la plaque un volume de réception des objets, ladite coiffe comprenant un embout adapté pour être solidarisé à un récipient contenant les objets à compter ou doser.According to one embodiment, the device further comprises a cap extending around the plate to form with the plate a volume for receiving objects, said cap comprising an end piece adapted to be secured to a container containing the objects to be counted or dose.

De manière particulièrement avantageuse, la coiffe comprend une portion transparente en regard de la plaque pour permettre à un utilisateur de vérifier si un objet est présent dans chaque logement découvert.In a particularly advantageous manner, the cap comprises a transparent portion facing the plate to allow a user to check whether an object is present in each uncovered housing.

Par « transparente », on entend qu'un utilisateur puisse discerner au travers de la coiffe si chaque logement découvert a bien été rempli par un objet.By “transparent”, it is meant that a user can discern through the cover whether each uncovered housing has indeed been filled with an object.

DESCRIPTION DES FIGURESDESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention ressortiront de la description détaillée qui va suivre, en référence aux dessins annexés sur lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en perspective du dispositif selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, en configuration fermée ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue en perspective du dispositif de la figure 1, le capot étant enlevé ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue éclatée de dessus dudit dispositif ;
  • la figure 4 est une vue en perspective d'une partie de la tirette comprenant une butée d'entraînement ;
  • les figures 5A et 5B sont des vues en coupe du dispositif dans une configuration permettant respectivement de doser un nombre impair et un nombre pair d'objets ;
  • la figure 6 est une vue en perspective dudit dispositif, dans une configuration d'utilisation permettant de doser un unique objet ;
  • la figure 7 est une vue en perspective dudit dispositif, dans une configuration d'utilisation permettant de doser deux objets ;
  • la figure 8 est une vue en perspective dudit dispositif, dans une configuration d'utilisation permettant de doser seize objet ;
  • la figure 9 est une vue en perspective dudit dispositif, dans une configuration d'utilisation permettant de doser dix-sept objets ;
  • la figure 10 est une vue éclatée de dessus d'une autre forme d'exécution du dispositif ;
  • la figure 11 est une vue éclatée de dessous des languettes formant la tirette du dispositif de la figure 10 ;
  • les figures 12 à 18 illustrent différentes configurations d'utilisation du dispositif de la figure 10 ;
  • la figure 19 est une vue en perspective d'un dispositif comprenant en outre une coiffe ;
  • la figure 20 est une vue en coupe partielle du dispositif de la figure 19 ;
  • la figure 21 illustre le dispositif des figures 19 et 20 connecté à un récipient contenant les objets à doser.
Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings in which:
  • the figure 1 is a perspective view of the device according to one embodiment of the invention, in the closed configuration;
  • the picture 2 is a perspective view of the device of the figure 1 , the cover being removed;
  • the picture 3 is an exploded top view of said device;
  • the figure 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the pull tab including a drive stop;
  • the figures 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views of the device in a configuration making it possible respectively to dose an odd number and an even number of objects;
  • the figure 6 is a perspective view of said device, in a configuration of use making it possible to dose a single object;
  • the figure 7 is a perspective view of said device, in a configuration of use making it possible to dose two objects;
  • the figure 8 is a perspective view of said device, in a configuration of use making it possible to dose sixteen objects;
  • the figure 9 is a perspective view of said device, in a configuration of use making it possible to dose seventeen objects;
  • the figure 10 is an exploded top view of another embodiment of the device;
  • the figure 11 is an exploded view from below of the tabs forming the pull tab of the device of the figure 10 ;
  • the figures 12 to 18 illustrate different configurations of use of the device of the figure 10 ;
  • the figure 19 is a perspective view of a device further comprising a cap;
  • the figure 20 is a partial sectional view of the device of the figure 19 ;
  • the figure 21 illustrates the device of figures 19 and 20 connected to a container containing the objects to be dosed.

DESCRIPTION DETAILLEE DE MODES DE REALISATION DE L'INVENTIONDETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

L'invention propose un dispositif de dosage ou de comptage d'objets comprenant deux parties principales.The invention proposes a device for dosing or counting objects comprising two main parts.

La première partie principale est une plaque dans laquelle sont agencés une pluralité de logements, le nombre de logements étant égal au nombre maximal d'objets à doser ou compter par ledit dispositif. Par exemple, le nombre de logements peut être compris entre dix et trente.The first main part is a plate in which a plurality of housings are arranged, the number of housings being equal to the maximum number of objects to be dosed or counted by said device. For example, the number of slots can be between ten and thirty.

Chaque logement est dimensionné pour recevoir un unique objet. La forme du logement peut donc être adaptée en fonction de la forme des objets à doser ou compter. De manière particulièrement avantageuse, chaque logement présente un contour circulaire.Each housing is sized to receive a single object. The shape of the housing can therefore be adapted according to the shape of the objects to be dosed or counted. Particularly advantageously, each housing has a circular outline.

Les logements sont agencés selon des rangées agencées parallèlement les unes aux autres le long d'un axe longitudinal du dispositif (noté X sur les figures) qui, comme on le verra plus bas, est l'axe d'ouverture et de fermeture du dispositif.The housings are arranged in rows arranged parallel to each other along a longitudinal axis of the device (denoted X in the figures) which, as will be seen below, is the opening and closing axis of the device .

De préférence, et comme illustré sur les figures 1 à 9 qui seront décrites en détail plus bas, les logements sont agencés sous la forme de deux paires constituées chacune de deux rangées adjacentes. Il est cependant possible de prévoir un agencement différent des logements, par exemple sous la forme de trois séries constituées chacune de trois rangées parallèles, sans pour autant sortir du cadre de la présente invention. Cette forme particulière d'exécution sera décrite en référence aux figures 10 à 18.Preferably, and as illustrated in the figures 1 to 9 which will be described in detail below, the housings are arranged in the form of two pairs each consisting of two adjacent rows. It is however possible to provide a different arrangement of the housings, for example in the form of three series each consisting of three parallel rows, without thereby departing from the scope of the present invention. This particular embodiment will be described with reference to the figures 10 to 18 .

Au sein d'une même paire, les logements sont agencés en quinconce, c'est-à-dire que les logements d'une première rangée de la paire sont décalés longitudinalement (selon l'axe X) par rapport aux logements de la seconde rangée de la paire, d'un pas déterminé (noté P sur les figures). Le pas est défini comme la distance, selon l'axe X, entre le centre d'un logement d'une rangée et le centre d'un logement immédiatement adjacent de l'autre rangée de la même paire. De manière avantageuse, pour préserver la compacité du dispositif, le pas est inférieur à la taille des logements, tout en étant non nul.Within the same pair, the housings are staggered, that is to say that the housings of a first row of the pair are offset longitudinally (along the X axis) with respect to the housings of the second row of the pair, with a determined pitch (denoted P in the figures). The pitch is defined as the distance, along the X axis, between the center of a slot in one row and the center of an immediately adjacent slot in the other row of the same pair. Advantageously, to preserve the compactness of the device, the pitch is less than the size of the housings, while being non-zero.

Les logements d'une rangée de la première paire sont avantageusement alignés (selon l'axe X) avec les logements de la rangée adjacente de la seconde paire.The housings of a row of the first pair are advantageously aligned (along the X axis) with the housings of the adjacent row of the second pair.

La deuxième partie principale est une tirette comprenant deux languettes adjacentes, chacune adaptée pour recouvrir une paire de rangées de logements de la plaque.The second main part is a pull tab comprising two adjacent tongues, each adapted to cover a pair of rows of housings of the plate.

Ladite tirette est agencée en coulissement par rapport à la plaque selon l'axe X, de sorte qu'un déplacement d'une languette selon l'axe X permet de découvrir ou de recouvrir un ou plusieurs logements de la paire de rangées respective.Said pull tab is arranged to slide with respect to the plate along the X axis, so that a movement of a tongue along the X axis makes it possible to uncover or cover one or more housings of the respective pair of rows.

Comme cela sera expliqué en détail plus bas, les deux languettes sont aptes à coulisser l'une par rapport à l'autre selon l'axe X, et sont par ailleurs couplées par un mécanisme d'entraînement configuré pour qu'un coulissement de la tirette selon l'axe X d'une distance supérieure au pas P entraîne un déplacement simultané des deux languettes.As will be explained in detail below, the two tabs are capable of sliding relative to each other along the X axis, and are also coupled by a drive mechanism configured so that a sliding of the zipper along the X axis by a distance greater than the pitch P causes a simultaneous movement of the two tongues.

La tirette présente avantageusement un moyen pour faciliter sa manipulation par un utilisateur, par exemple un ergot en relief actionnable par un doigt de l'utilisateur.The pull tab advantageously has a means to facilitate its manipulation by a user, for example a lug in relief operable by a finger of the user.

De manière avantageuse, le dispositif comprend en outre un capot rigidement solidaire de la plaque, qui permet de maintenir la tirette en coulissement vis-à-vis de la plaque. Le capot peut être fixé à la plaque par tout moyen adapté (soudure, collage, vissage, encliquetage, etc.).Advantageously, the device further comprises a cover rigidly secured to the plate, which makes it possible to maintain the pull tab sliding with respect to the plate. The cover can be fixed to the plate by any suitable means (welding, gluing, screwing, snap-fastening, etc.).

Le capot présente une ouverture longitudinale donnant accès à la tirette pour son actionnement par un utilisateur.The cover has a longitudinal opening giving access to the pull tab for its actuation by a user.

Les figures 1 et 2 illustrent un mode de réalisation du dispositif, respectivement avec et sans le capot pour permettre de mieux visualiser l'agencement des différentes pièces. Sur ces deux figures, le dispositif est représenté en position fermée, c'est-à-dire que tous les logements sont recouverts par les deux languettes, ne pouvant donc recevoir aucun objet. La figure 3 est une vue éclatée de dessus des différentes pièces composant le dispositif.The figures 1 and 2 illustrate an embodiment of the device, respectively with and without the cover to allow better visualization of the arrangement of the various parts. In these two figures, the device is shown in the closed position, that is to say that all the housings are covered by the two tabs, and therefore cannot receive any object. The picture 3 is an exploded top view of the various parts making up the device.

La plaque 1 présente une forme générale rectangulaire et sensiblement plane. La plaque comprend trois zones principales, à savoir (de la droite vers la gauche sur la figure 3) :

  • une première zone d'extrémité comprenant quatre rangées R1-R4 de logements 10 (les rangées R1-R2 formant une première paire et les rangées R3-R4 formant une seconde paire, comme représenté également sur la figure 8). La longueur de cette première zone d'extrémité est suffisamment longue pour l'agencement de l'ensemble des logements nécessaires pour permettre le dosage du nombre maximal d'objets souhaité.
Plate 1 has a generally rectangular and substantially planar shape. The plate comprises three main areas, namely (from right to left on the picture 3 ):
  • a first end zone comprising four rows R1-R4 of housings 10 (the rows R1-R2 forming a first pair and the rows R3-R4 forming a second pair, as also shown in the figure 8 ). The length of this first end zone is long enough for the arrangement of all the housings necessary to allow the dosage of the maximum number of desired objects.

Dans le sens de la largeur, s'étendent de part et d'autre des deux paires de rangées deux rainures longitudinales 13 dans lesquelles coulissent une nervure longitudinale des languettes (la nervure 204 de la languette 20 est visible sur la figure 4 ; la languette 21 présente une nervure similaire);

  • une zone centrale comprenant deux lignes de graduations G s'étendant selon l'axe X, chaque graduation indiquant un nombre unique d'objets entre 0 (ou 1) et le nombre maximal d'objets à doser (24 dans le mode de réalisation illustré). Les graduations de l'une desdites lignes indiquent des nombres pairs d'objets et les graduations de l'autre ligne indiquent des nombres impairs d'objets. Cette zone centrale comprend en outre deux dents 11, 12 qui s'étendent transversalement à l'axe X et qui, comme on le verra plus bas, coopèrent avec la tirette pour former un mécanisme d'indexation ;
  • une seconde zone d'extrémité, opposée à la première, essentiellement prévue pour permettre le coulissement de la tirette jusqu'à sa position extrême d'ouverture.
In the direction of the width, extend on either side of the two pairs of rows two longitudinal grooves 13 in which slide a longitudinal rib of the tongues (the rib 204 of the tongue 20 is visible on the figure 4 ; tongue 21 has a similar rib);
  • a central zone comprising two lines of graduations G extending along the X axis, each graduation indicating a unique number of objects between 0 (or 1) and the maximum number of objects to be dosed (24 in the illustrated embodiment ). The graduations of one of said lines indicate even numbers of objects and the graduations of the other line indicate odd numbers of objects. This central zone further comprises two teeth 11, 12 which extend transversely to the axis X and which, as will be seen below, cooperate with the pull tab to form an indexing mechanism;
  • a second end zone, opposite the first, essentially provided to allow the sliding of the pull tab to its extreme open position.

La tirette 2 est formée d'une première languette 20 et d'une seconde languette 21, aptes à coulisser l'une par rapport à l'autre selon l'axe X. La tirette est par ailleurs agencée en coulissement selon l'axe X par rapport à la plaque 1.The pull tab 2 is formed of a first tab 20 and a second tab 21, able to slide relative to each other along the axis X. The pull tab is also arranged to slide along the axis X relative to plate 1.

Chaque languette comprend deux zones principales, à savoir (de la droite vers la gauche sur la figure 3) :

  • une première zone, dite zone d'obturation, dont la longueur et la largeur sont choisies pour recouvrir entièrement une rangée respective (R1-R2 ou R3-R4) lorsque la tirette est en position extrême de fermeture telle qu'illustrée sur les figures 1 et 2 ;
  • une seconde zone, dite zone d'actionnement, comprenant un mécanisme d'entraînement mutuel des languettes.
Each tab has two main areas, namely (from right to left on the picture 3 ):
  • a first zone, called the closure zone, the length and width of which are chosen to completely cover a respective row (R1-R2 or R3-R4) when the pull tab is in the extreme closed position as illustrated on the figures 1 and 2 ;
  • a second zone, called the actuation zone, comprising a mechanism for mutually driving the tabs.

La tirette est assemblée en superposant la zone d'actionnement de la languette 20 sur la zone d'actionnement de la languette 21 (la zone d'actionnement de la languette 21 étant agencée entre la plaque 1 et la zone d'actionnement de la languette 20). On notera que, pour chaque languette, la zone d'obturation est déportée dans une direction transversale à l'axe X par rapport à la zone d'actionnement. Par ailleurs, la zone d'obturation peut être déportée par rapport à la zone d'actionnement dans la direction de l'épaisseur desdites languettes. La valeur de ces déports est choisie pour que, lorsque la tirette 2 est assemblée, les zones d'obturation des deux languettes 20, 21 s'étendent côte à côte suivant leur longueur, dans un même plan parallèle au plan de la plaque 1.The pull tab is assembled by superimposing the actuation zone of the tongue 20 on the actuation zone of the tongue 21 (the actuation zone of the tongue 21 being arranged between the plate 1 and the actuation zone of the tongue 20). It will be noted that, for each tab, the closure zone is offset in a direction transverse to the axis X with respect to the actuation zone. Furthermore, the closure zone can be offset with respect to the actuation zone in the direction of the thickness of said tabs. The value of these offsets is chosen so that, when the pull tab 2 is assembled, the closure zones of the two tabs 20, 21 extend side by side along their length, in the same plane parallel to the plane of the plate 1.

La tirette présente un ergot d'actionnement 22 permettant à un utilisateur de la faire coulisser dans un sens d'ouverture ou de fermeture à l'aide d'un de ses doigts. De préférence, cet ergot 22 s'étend directement à partir de la languette supérieure 20.The pull tab has an actuating lug 22 allowing a user to slide it in an opening or closing direction using one of his fingers. Preferably, this lug 22 extends directly from the upper tab 20.

Selon un mode de réalisation préféré, le mécanisme d'entraînement des languettes 20, 21 l'une par rapport à l'autre comprend une encoche longitudinale 210 (formée par exemple dans la languette inférieure 21) et une butée longitudinale 200 (s'étendant par exemple à partir de la face inférieure de la languette supérieure 20, comme illustré sur la figure 4), présentant une longueur inférieure à celle de l'encoche 210 et agencée dans ladite encoche 210 lorsque la tirette est assemblée.According to a preferred embodiment, the mechanism for driving the tongues 20, 21 relative to each other comprises a longitudinal notch 210 (formed for example in the lower tongue 21) and a longitudinal stop 200 (extending through example from the underside of the upper tab 20, as shown in the figure 4 ), having a length less than that of the notch 210 and arranged in said notch 210 when the pull tab is assembled.

La différence entre la longueur de l'encoche 210 et la longueur de la butée 200 est sensiblement égale au pas P. Par conséquent, la course maximale de coulissement d'une languette par rapport à l'autre dans un sens donné est sensiblement égale au pas P. Au-delà de cette course, la butée est en contact avec le bord de l'encoche et un coulissement d'une languette dans ce même sens entraîne le coulissement simultané de l'autre languette.The difference between the length of the notch 210 and the length of the stop 200 is substantially equal to the pitch P. Consequently, the maximum sliding travel of one tongue relative to the other in a given direction is substantially equal to the pitch P. Beyond this race, the abutment is in contact with the edge of the notch and a sliding of a tab in this same direction causes the simultaneous sliding of the other tab.

Par ailleurs, l'existence de ce jeu de coulissement relatif des deux languettes fait que, suivant la configuration de la tirette, les extrémités 20a, 21a des deux languettes peuvent être soit alignées (c'est-à-dire à une même position longitudinale), soit décalées d'une distance sensiblement égale au pas P selon l'axe X. Comme on le verra plus bas, ces positions relatives sont mises à profit selon que le nombre souhaité d'objets à doser ou compter est pair ou impair.Furthermore, the existence of this relative sliding play of the two tongues means that, depending on the configuration of the pull tab, the ends 20a, 21a of the two tongues can be either aligned (that is to say at the same longitudinal position ), or offset by a distance substantially equal to the pitch P along the X axis. As will be seen below, these relative positions are used depending on whether the desired number of objects to be dosed or counted is even or odd.

Les figures 5A et 5B sont des vues en coupe du dispositif dans une configuration permettant respectivement de doser un nombre impair et un nombre pair d'objets. Sur ces figures, les logements sont agencés dans la partie droite de la plaque 1. Le sens d'ouverture est donc orienté de la droite vers la gauche, et le sens de fermeture de la gauche vers la droite. Comme on le voit sur la figure 5A, lorsque le dispositif est en configuration d'ouverture permettant de découvrir un nombre impair de logements, la butée 200 est au contact de l'extrémité gauche de l'encoche 210. Par conséquent, à partir de cette configuration, un déplacement de l'ergot 22 dans le sens d'ouverture entraînera immédiatement un coulissement simultané des deux languettes, tandis qu'un déplacement dans le sens de fermeture entraînera d'abord un coulissement de la languette 21 seule, d'une distance égale au pas P, puis, une fois que la butée 200 sera en appui contre l'extrémité droite de l'encoche 210, un coulissement simultané des deux languettes. Inversement, comme on le voit sur la figure 5B, lorsque le dispositif est en configuration d'ouverture permettant de découvrir un nombre pair de logements, la butée 200 est au contact de l'extrémité droite de l'encoche 210. Par conséquent, à partir de cette configuration, un déplacement de l'ergot 22 dans le sens d'ouverture entraînera d'abord un coulissement de la languette 20 seule, d'une distance égale au pas P, puis, une fois que la butée 200 sera en appui contre le bord gauche de l'encoche 210, un coulissement simultané des deux languettes, tandis qu'un déplacement de l'ergot dans le sens de fermeture entraînera immédiatement un coulissement simultané des deux languettes.The figures 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views of the device in a configuration allowing respectively to dose an odd number and an even number of objects. In these figures, the housings are arranged in the right part of the plate 1. The opening direction is therefore oriented from right to left, and the closing direction from left to right. As seen on the figure 5A , when the device is in the open configuration allowing an odd number of housings to be discovered, the abutment 200 is in contact with the left end of the notch 210. Consequently, from this configuration, a displacement of the lug 22 in the opening direction will immediately cause simultaneous sliding of the two tabs, while movement in the closing direction will first cause sliding of the tab 21 alone, by a distance equal to the pitch P, then, once the abutment 200 bears against the right end of the notch 210, a simultaneous sliding of the two tabs. Conversely, as seen in the figure 5B , when the device is in the open configuration allowing an even number of housings to be discovered, the abutment 200 is in contact with the right end of the notch 210. Consequently, from this configuration, a displacement of the lug 22 in the direction of opening will first cause sliding of the tab 20 alone, by a distance equal to the pitch P, then, once the stopper 200 is resting against the left edge of the notch 210, a simultaneous sliding of the two tabs, while a displacement of the lug in the closing direction will immediately cause a simultaneous sliding of the two tabs.

De manière particulièrement avantageuse, la tirette comprend deux fenêtres agencées en regard d'une ligne de graduations G respective sur la plaque, de sorte que le nombre total de logements découverts par la tirette apparaisse au travers de l'une des deux fenêtres. Dans la mesure où les zones d'actionnement des languettes 20, 21 sont superposées, chaque languette comprend en fait deux fenêtres dont l'une est en regard d'une fenêtre de l'autre languette, et l'autre est obturée par une surface pleine de l'autre languette.In a particularly advantageous manner, the pull tab comprises two windows arranged opposite a respective line of graduations G on the plate, so that the total number of slots discovered by the zipper appears through one of the two windows. Insofar as the actuation zones of the tongues 20, 21 are superimposed, each tongue in fact comprises two windows, one of which faces a window of the other tongue, and the other is closed off by a surface full of the other tongue.

Plus précisément, selon un mode de réalisation, les fenêtres 201, 202 de la languette supérieure 20 sont alignées longitudinalement. En revanche, les fenêtres 211, 212 de la languette inférieure 21 sont décalées longitudinalement d'une distance sensiblement égale au pas P. Ainsi, dans une première configuration de la tirette, les fenêtres 201 et 211 sont en regard l'une de l'autre, exposant une graduation de la ligne de nombres impairs de la plaque 1 (cf. figures 6 et 9). La fenêtre 202 est en revanche en regard d'une surface pleine de la languette inférieure 21, de sorte qu'aucune graduation de la ligne de nombres pairs n'est exposée. Inversement, dans une seconde configuration de la tirette, les fenêtres 202 et 212 sont en regard l'une de l'autre, exposant une graduation de la ligne de nombres pairs de la plaque 1 (cf. figures 7 et 8). La fenêtre 201 est en revanche en regard d'une surface pleine de la languette inférieure 21, de sorte qu'aucune graduation de la ligne de nombres impairs n'est exposée.More specifically, according to one embodiment, the windows 201, 202 of the upper tongue 20 are aligned longitudinally. On the other hand, the windows 211, 212 of the lower tongue 21 are offset longitudinally by a distance substantially equal to the pitch P. Thus, in a first configuration of the pull tab, the windows 201 and 211 are opposite one of the another, exposing a graduation of the line of odd numbers of plate 1 (cf. figure 6 and 9 ). The window 202 is on the other hand facing a solid surface of the lower tab 21, so that no graduation of the line of even numbers is exposed. Conversely, in a second configuration of the zipper, the windows 202 and 212 are facing each other, exposing a graduation of the line of even numbers of plate 1 (cf. figure 7 and 8 ). The window 201 is on the other hand facing a solid surface of the lower tab 21, so that no graduation of the line of odd numbers is exposed.

En théorie, un nombre impair d'une ligne de graduations est aligné avec le nombre pair immédiatement supérieur de l'autre ligne de graduations ; cependant, en fonction des jeux qui peuvent exister entre les deux languettes selon le sens d'ouverture ou de fermeture, il peut être préférable de décaler légèrement lesdits nombres.In theory, an odd number in one row of tick marks is aligned with the next higher even number in the other row of tick marks; however, depending on the play that may exist between the two tabs depending on the direction of opening or closing, it may be preferable to shift said numbers slightly.

De manière avantageuse, chaque languette 20, 21 coopère avec la plaque 1 par une nervure longitudinale (désignée par le repère 204 sur la figure 4) engagée dans une rainure 13 respective de la plaque.Advantageously, each tongue 20, 21 cooperates with the plate 1 by a longitudinal rib (designated by the reference 204 on the figure 4 ) engaged in a respective groove 13 of the plate.

Par ailleurs, le dispositif comprend avantageusement un mécanisme d'indexation de la tirette par rapport à la plaque. Ce mécanisme comprend une glissière crantée 203, 213 formée sur chacune des languettes, la distance entre deux crans adjacents étant égal au pas P. La glissière crantée est agencée sur le bord longitudinal de chaque languette opposé à la nervure qui coulisse dans la rainure 13. Le mécanisme d'indexation présente par ailleurs deux dents 11, 12 agencées sur la plaque 1 et s'étendant transversalement à la direction de coulissement. Chaque dent coopère avec les crans d'une glissière respective, la tirette étant en position stable par rapport à la plaque lorsque chaque dent est engagée dans un cran respectif. Chaque dent 11, 12 présente avantageusement une certaine flexibilité dans la direction transversale afin de pouvoir s'escamoter suffisamment pour permettre le coulissement de la tirette d'une configuration à une autre.Furthermore, the device advantageously comprises a mechanism for indexing the pull tab relative to the plate. This mechanism comprises a notched slider 203, 213 formed on each of the tabs, the distance between two adjacent notches being equal to the pitch P. The notched slider is arranged on the longitudinal edge of each tab opposite the rib which slides in the groove 13. The indexing mechanism also has two teeth 11, 12 arranged on the plate 1 and extending transversely to the sliding direction. Each tooth cooperates with the notches of a respective slide, the pull tab being in a stable position relative to the plate when each tooth is engaged in a respective notch. Each tooth 11, 12 advantageously has a certain flexibility in the transverse direction in order to be able to retract sufficiently to allow the pull tab to slide from one configuration to another.

Les languettes 20, 21 présentent avantageusement un moyen de retenue 205, 215 en saillie vers l'extérieur et adapté pour venir en butée contre la dent 11, 12 respective si un utilisateur tente de faire coulisser la tirette dans le sens de fermeture au-delà de la configuration complètement fermée, ce qui permet d'éviter que les languettes ne puisse être extraites du dispositif.The tabs 20, 21 advantageously have retaining means 205, 215 projecting outwards and adapted to come into abutment against the respective tooth 11, 12 if a user attempts to slide the pull tab in the closing direction beyond of the completely closed configuration, which prevents the tabs from being able to be extracted from the device.

Le dispositif peut comprendre en outre un capot 3 qui permet de maintenir la tirette 2 sur la plaque. Le capot 3 comprend avantageusement une ouverture longitudinale 30 qui permet à un utilisateur d'accéder à l'ergot d'actionnement 22 de la tirette. La longueur de l'ouverture 30 est adaptée à la course totale de l'ergot 22 entre une configuration entièrement fermée et une configuration ouverte.The device may further comprise a cover 3 which makes it possible to maintain the pull tab 2 on the plate. The cover 3 advantageously comprises a longitudinal opening 30 which allows a user to access the actuation lug 22 of the pull tab. The length of the opening 30 is adapted to the total stroke of the lug 22 between a fully closed configuration and an open configuration.

Le dispositif peut être fabriqué par injection en matière plastique de la plaque, de chaque tirette et du capot, puis assemblage de la tirette sur la plaque et fermeture du capot. Ce procédé de fabrication met donc en jeu un nombre limité de pièces et des techniques de moulage et d'assemblage simples.The device can be manufactured by plastic injection of the plate, of each pull tab and of the cover, then assembly of the pull tab on the plate and closure of the cover. This manufacturing process therefore involves a limited number of parts and simple molding and assembly techniques.

Les figures 2 et 6 à 9 illustrent différentes configurations du dispositif de dosage ou comptage d'objets (le capot n'étant pas représenté pour permettre de visualiser le mécanisme d'indexation de la tirette).The figure 2 and 6 to 9 illustrate different configurations of the device for metering or counting objects (the cover not being shown to allow visualization of the mechanism for indexing the pull tab).

La figure 2 représente le dispositif en configuration de fermeture complète. Dans cette configuration, chacune des languettes 20, 21 recouvre l'ensemble des logements de la paire de rangées R1-R2 ; R3-R4 respective, de sorte qu'aucun objet ne peut être reçu dans un logement.The picture 2 shows the device in the fully closed configuration. In this configuration, each of the tongues 20, 21 covers all of the housings of the pair of rows R1-R2; R3-R4 respectively, so that no object can be received in a slot.

La figure 6 représente le dispositif avec la tirette dans une position permettant de découvrir un seul logement 10. Dans cette position, l'extrémité 20a de la languette 20 est décalée d'une distance égale au pas P par rapport à l'extrémité 21a de la languette 21 dans le sens d'ouverture du dispositif. Ainsi, seul un logement de la rangée R2 est découvert ; le logement adjacent de la rangée R1 est recouvert par la languette 20 et les logements des rangées R3 et R4 sont entièrement recouverts par la languette 21. Pour passer de la configuration de la figure 2 à celle de la figure 6, l'utilisateur doit déplacer l'ergot 22 d'une distance égale au pas P dans le sens d'ouverture, ce qui induit un décalage d'un cran des dents 11, 12 par rapport aux glissières 203, 213. Par ailleurs, la fenêtre 201 de la languette 20 est en regard de la fenêtre 211 de la languette 21, laissant ainsi apparaître le chiffre 1 correspondant à l'unique logement découvert, tandis que la fenêtre 202 de la languette 20 est en regard d'une surface pleine de la languette 21, de sorte qu'aucun nombre pair n'est visible.The figure 6 shows the device with the pull tab in a position allowing a single housing 10 to be uncovered. In this position, the end 20a of the tongue 20 is offset by a distance equal to the pitch P with respect to the end 21a of the tongue 21 in the opening direction of the device. Thus, only one housing of row R2 is uncovered; the adjacent housing of row R1 is covered by tab 20 and the housings of rows R3 and R4 are completely covered by tab 21. To switch from the configuration of the picture 2 to that of the figure 6 , the user must move the lug 22 by a distance equal to the pitch P in the opening direction, which induces an offset of one notch of the teeth 11, 12 relative to the slides 203, 213. Furthermore, the window 201 of the tongue 20 is opposite the window 211 of the tongue 21, thus revealing the number 1 corresponding to the single uncovered housing, while the window 202 of the tongue 20 is opposite a solid surface of the tongue 21, so that no even number is visible.

La figure 7 représente le dispositif avec la tirette dans une position permettant de découvrir deux logements 10. Dans cette position, l'extrémité 20a de la languette 20 est alignée longitudinalement avec l'extrémité 21a de la languette 21. Ainsi, un logement de la rangée R2 et un logement de la rangée R3 sont découverts ; le logement adjacent de la rangée R1, respectivement R4 reste recouvert par la languette 20, respectivement 21. Pour passer de la configuration de la figure 6 à celle de la figure 7, l'utilisateur doit déplacer l'ergot 22 d'une distance égale au pas P dans le sens d'ouverture, ce qui, grâce au mécanisme d'entraînement, provoque un coulissement simultané des deux languettes selon ladite distance (les languettes restant donc décalées l'une par rapport à l'autre, découvrant ainsi trois logements : le premier logement des rangées R1 et R2 et le premier logement de la rangée R3) ; puis, l'utilisateur doit déplacer l'ergot 22 dans le sens de fermeture d'une distance égale au pas P, ce qui, grâce au mécanisme d'actionnement, induit un coulissement uniquement de la languette 20. Ainsi, les extrémités 20a et 21a des deux languettes sont alignées longitudinalement et découvrent uniquement le premier logement de la rangée R2 et le premier logement de la rangée R3. Les dents 11, 12 restent dans la même position par rapport aux glissières 203, 213 que sur la figure 6. Par ailleurs, la fenêtre 202 de la languette 20 est en regard de la fenêtre 212 de la languette 21, laissant ainsi apparaître le chiffre 2 correspondant aux deux logements découverts, tandis que la fenêtre 201 de la languette 20 est en regard d'une surface pleine de la languette 21, de sorte qu'aucun nombre impair n'est visible.The figure 7 shows the device with the pull tab in a position allowing two housings 10 to be uncovered. In this position, the end 20a of the tongue 20 is aligned longitudinally with the end 21a of the tongue 21. a housing of row R3 are uncovered; the adjacent housing of the row R1, respectively R4 remains covered by the tab 20, respectively 21. To switch from the configuration of the figure 6 to that of the figure 7 , the user must move the lug 22 by a distance equal to the pitch P in the direction of opening, which, thanks to to the drive mechanism, causes simultaneous sliding of the two tabs along said distance (the tabs therefore remaining offset relative to each other, thus uncovering three housings: the first housing of rows R1 and R2 and the first housing of row R3); then, the user must move the lug 22 in the closing direction by a distance equal to the pitch P, which, thanks to the actuating mechanism, induces sliding only of the tongue 20. Thus, the ends 20a and 21a of the two tabs are aligned longitudinally and reveal only the first housing of row R2 and the first housing of row R3. The teeth 11, 12 remain in the same position relative to the slides 203, 213 as on the figure 6 . Furthermore, the window 202 of the tongue 20 is opposite the window 212 of the tongue 21, thus revealing the number 2 corresponding to the two uncovered housings, while the window 201 of the tongue 20 is opposite a surface full of the tongue 21, so that no odd number is visible.

On peut, selon le même principe, découvrir tout nombre souhaité, pair ou impair, de logements selon le nombre d'objets à doser ou compter, en actionnant l'ergot 22 dans un sens d'ouverture et/ou de fermeture.It is possible, according to the same principle, to discover any desired number, even or odd, of housings according to the number of objects to be dosed or counted, by actuating the lug 22 in an opening and/or closing direction.

D'une manière générale, un nombre impair de logements est obtenu avec les extrémités 20a, 21a des languettes décalées longitudinalement d'une distance au pas P. A partir d'une configuration de fermeture complète du dispositif, une telle configuration s'obtient en déplaçant l'ergot dans le sens d'ouverture jusqu'à voir apparaître dans les fenêtres 201, 211 le nombre souhaité. Grâce au mécanisme d'entraînement, le déplacement de l'ergot est égal à la distance du pas P, seule la languette 20 se déplace, la languette 21 reste immobile ; puis dès que l'ergot est déplacé d'une distance supérieure au pas P, les deux languettes coulissent simultanément dans le sens d'ouverture.In general, an odd number of housings is obtained with the ends 20a, 21a of the tabs offset longitudinally by a pitch distance P. From a configuration of complete closure of the device, such a configuration is obtained by moving the lug in the opening direction until the desired number appears in the windows 201, 211. Thanks to the drive mechanism, the displacement of the lug is equal to the distance of the pitch P, only the tongue 20 moves, the tongue 21 remains stationary; then as soon as the lug is moved by a distance greater than the pitch P, the two tabs slide simultaneously in the opening direction.

Un nombre impair de logements est quant à lui obtenu avec les extrémités 20a, 21a des languettes alignées longitudinalement. A partir d'une configuration de fermeture complète du dispositif, une telle configuration s'obtient en déplaçant l'ergot dans deux sens opposés : un premier déplacement dans le sens d'ouverture jusqu'à voir apparaître dans les fenêtres 201, 211 un nombre impair supérieur au nombre souhaité, puis un second déplacement dans le sens de fermeture jusqu'à voir apparaître dans les fenêtres 202, 212 le nombre pair souhaité. Grâce au mécanisme d'entraînement, le passage de la position découvrant un nombre impair d'objets à la position découvrant le nombre pair d'objets souhaité, le déplacement de l'ergot dans le sens de fermeture d'une distance égale au pas P provoque un coulissement de la languette 20 uniquement, la languette 21 restant immobile ; puis, dès que l'ergot est déplacé d'une distance supérieure au pas P (si la différence entre le nombre impair et le nombre pair est supérieure à un), les deux languettes coulissent simultanément dans le sens de fermeture.An odd number of housings is obtained with the ends 20a, 21a of the tongues aligned longitudinally. From a configuration of complete closure of the device, such a configuration is obtained by moving the lug in two opposite directions: a first movement in the direction of opening until you see appearing in the windows 201, 211 a number odd greater than the desired number, then a second movement in the closing direction until the desired even number appears in the windows 202, 212. Thanks to the drive mechanism, the passage from the position uncovering an odd number of objects to the position uncovering the desired even number of objects, the displacement of the lug in the closing direction by a distance equal to the pitch P causes a sliding of the tongue 20 only, the tongue 21 remaining stationary; then, as soon as the lug is moved by a distance greater than the pitch P (if the difference between the odd number and the even number is greater than one), the two tabs slide simultaneously in the closing direction.

Les figures 10 à 18 illustrent de manière schématique un mode de réalisation comprenant trois languettes, chacune étant apte à découvrir ou recouvrir trois rangées de logements.The figures 10 to 18 schematically illustrate an embodiment comprising three tabs, each being capable of uncovering or covering three rows of housings.

Dans la mesure où la structure des différentes pièces est similaire à celle du mode de réalisation représenté sur les figures 1 à 9, cette structure ne sera pas décrite à nouveau en détail ici. On s'attachera en revanche à décrire ci-après les particularités liées à la mise en oeuvre du dispositif.Since the structure of the various parts is similar to that of the embodiment shown in the figures 1 to 9 , this structure will not be described again in detail here. On the other hand, an attempt will be made to describe below the specific features linked to the implementation of the device.

La figure 10 illustre de manière schématique la plaque 1 comprenant les logements 10 et les trois languettes 2001, 2002, 2003 qui forment ensemble la tirette 2. Le capot a été omis mais il peut naturellement être présent.The figure 10 schematically illustrates the plate 1 comprising the housings 10 and the three tongues 2001, 2002, 2003 which together form the pull tab 2. The cover has been omitted but it can of course be present.

Les logements sont organisés par séries de trois rangées parallèles, respectivement R11-R13 (correspondant à la languette 2001), R21-R23 (correspondant à la languette 2002) et R31-R33 (correspondant à la languette 2003). Au sein de chaque série, un logement d'une rangée est décalé longitudinalement d'un pas P par rapport à un logement immédiatement adjacent sur une rangée adjacente. En d'autres termes, par exemple, un logement de la rangée R13 est décalé d'une distance égale au pas P du logement le plus proche de la rangée R12, qui lui-même est décalé d'une distance égale au pas P du logement le plus proche de la rangée R11. Par conséquent, ledit logement de la rangée R13 est décalé longitudinalement du double du pas P vis-à-vis dudit logement de la rangée R11.The housings are organized in series of three parallel rows, respectively R11-R13 (corresponding to tab 2001), R21-R23 (corresponding to tab 2002) and R31-R33 (corresponding to tab 2003). Within each series, a housing of a row is offset longitudinally by a pitch P with respect to an immediately adjacent housing on an adjacent row. In other words, for example, a housing in row R13 is offset by a distance equal to the pitch P of the nearest housing in row R12, which itself is offset by a distance equal to the pitch P of the accommodation closest to row R11. Consequently, said housing of row R13 is offset longitudinally by twice the pitch P with respect to said housing of row R11.

Par ailleurs, les logements d'une rangée déterminée d'une série (par exemple la rangée R11) sont alignés longitudinalement avec les logements de la rangée correspondante dans les autres séries (c'est-à-dire, pour poursuivre l'exemple, les rangées R21 et R31).Furthermore, the housings of a determined row of a series (for example the row R11) are aligned longitudinally with the housings of the corresponding row in the other series (that is to say, to continue the example, rows R21 and R31).

La tirette est formée par superposition successive des languettes 2001, 2002, 2003 (la languette 2003 étant la plus proche du fond de la plaque 1). La languette 2001 comprend par ailleurs un ergot d'actionnement 22.The pull tab is formed by successive superposition of tabs 2001, 2002, 2003 (tab 2003 being closest to the bottom of plate 1). The tab 2001 also includes an actuating lug 22.

Les languettes 2001, 2002 et 2003 sont couplées par un mécanisme d'entraînement comprenant, sur la languette 2001, une butée 2006 ; sur la languette 2002, une encoche adaptée pour recevoir la butée 2006, la longueur de l'encoche 2006 étant supérieure d'une longueur égale au pas P à la longueur de la butée 2006 ; sur la languette 2003, une encoche 2004 adaptée pour recevoir la butée 2006, la longueur de l'encoche 2004 étant supérieure d'une longueur égale au pas P à la longueur de l'encoche 2005, et d'une longueur supérieure d'une longueur égale au double du pas P à la longueur de la butée 2006. Ainsi, à partir d'une position relative initiale des languettes 2001, 2002, 2003, un déplacement de l'ergot d'actionnement 22 dans un sens d'ouverture ou de fermeture entraîne le coulissement de la languette 2001 et, si la butée 2006 est en contact avec le bord de l'encoche 2005 et/ou le bord de l'encoche 2004 dans le sens d'actionnement, un coulissement de la languette 2002 et/ou de la languette 2003.The tongues 2001, 2002 and 2003 are coupled by a drive mechanism comprising, on the tongue 2001, a stop 2006; on the tongue 2002, a notch adapted to receive the stop 2006, the length of the notch 2006 being greater by a length equal to the pitch P than the length of the stop 2006; on the tab 2003, a notch 2004 adapted to receive the abutment 2006, the length of the notch 2004 being greater by a length equal to the pitch P than the length of the notch 2005, and by a length greater than length equal to twice the pitch P to the length of the stop 2006. Thus, from an initial relative position of the tabs 2001, 2002, 2003, a displacement of the actuating lug 22 in an opening direction or closure causes the tab 2001 to slide and, if the stop 2006 is in contact with the edge of the notch 2005 and/or the edge of the notch 2004 in the direction of actuation, a sliding of the tongue 2002 and/or of the tongue 2003.

Par ailleurs, par rapport au mode de réalisation à deux languettes, où les graduations indiquant le nombre de logements découverts étaient réparties sur deux lignes, les graduations sont, dans le mode de réalisation à trois languettes, réparties sur quatre lignes G1-G4, étant noté que certains nombres sont présents à deux reprises dans ces graduations (notamment 3, 6, 9).Moreover, compared to the embodiment with two tabs, where the graduations indicating the number of uncovered housings were distributed over two lines, the graduations are, in the embodiment with three tabs, distributed over four lines G1-G4, being noted that some numbers are present twice in these graduations (notably 3, 6, 9).

Chaque languette présente par conséquent quatre ouvertures (désignées par le signe de référence de la languette suivi par les lettres b, c, d ou e) en regard de chacune des lignes de graduation. On notera que, suivant la languette considérée, les ouvertures peuvent être alignées ou décalées d'une distance égale à P ou au double de P. L'agencement de ces ouvertures est défini en lien avec la position des nombres sur les lignes de graduation et des différentes configurations possibles de la tirette. L'homme du métier est à même de déterminer cet agencement en fonction du nombre total d'objets à doser ou compter par le dispositif.Each tab therefore has four openings (designated by the reference sign of the tab followed by the letters b, c, d or e) facing each of the graduation lines. It will be noted that, depending on the tongue considered, the openings can be aligned or offset by a distance equal to P or twice P. The arrangement of these openings is defined in relation to the position of the numbers on the graduation lines and of the different possible configurations of the zipper. A person skilled in the art is able to determine this arrangement as a function of the total number of objects to be dosed or counted by the device.

De manière avantageuse, bien que non représentée, le dispositif comprend également un mécanisme d'indexation similaire à celui précédemment décrit, à savoir une glissière crantée agencée sur au moins la languette 2001, et de manière préférée sur les trois languettes, coopérant avec deux dents opposées de la plaque.Advantageously, although not shown, the device also comprises an indexing mechanism similar to that previously described, namely a notched slideway arranged on at least the tongue 2001, and preferably on the three tongues, cooperating with two teeth opposite the plate.

Les figures 12 à 18 illustrent différentes configurations du dispositif.The figures 12 to 18 illustrate different configurations of the device.

Sur la figure 12, le dispositif est en configuration fermée, les trois languettes 2001-2003 recouvrant l'ensemble des logements de la plaque 1. Les extrémités 2001a, 2002a, 2003a des trois languettes sont alignées longitudinalement.On the figure 12 , the device is in the closed configuration, the three tongues 2001-2003 covering all of the housings of the plate 1. The ends 2001a, 2002a, 2003a of the three tongues are aligned longitudinally.

Sur la figure 13, la languette 2001 est décalée dans le sens de l'ouverture d'un pas P, découvrant ainsi un logement 10 de la rangée R11. Les languettes 2002 et 2003 restent dans la position de la figure 12.On the figure 13 , the tongue 2001 is offset in the direction of the opening by a pitch P, thus uncovering a housing 10 of the row R11. Tabs 2002 and 2003 remain in the position of the figure 12 .

Sur la figure 14, la languette 2001 est décalée dans le sens de l'ouverture d'un pas P par rapport à sa position de la figure 13 (soit du double du pas P par rapport à sa position de la figure 12), et la languette 2002 est également décalée d'un pas P dans le sens de l'ouverture, grâce au mécanisme d'entraînement. La languette 2003 reste dans sa position des figures 12 et 13. Ainsi, trois logements 10 sont découverts (un sur la rangée R11, un sur la rangée R12, et un sur la rangée R21).On the figure 14 , the tab 2001 is offset in the opening direction by a pitch P with respect to its position of the figure 13 (i.e. twice the pitch P in relation to its position of the figure 12 ), and the tongue 2002 is also shifted by a pitch P in the opening direction, thanks to the drive mechanism. The 2003 tab remains in its position of figure 12 and 13 . Thus, three housings 10 are uncovered (one on row R11, one on row R12, and one on row R21).

Un nouveau déplacement d'un pas P de la languette 2001 dans le sens d'ouverture a pour effet d'entraîner les languettes 2002 et 2003 en coulissement, conduisant à la configuration de la figure 18, où six logements sont découverts.A new movement of a pitch P of the tongue 2001 in the direction of opening has the effect of causing the tongues 2002 and 2003 to slide, leading to the configuration of the figure 18 , where six dwellings are discovered.

Si l'utilisateur souhaite découvrir seulement cinq logements, il déplace la languette 2001 dans le sens de fermeture d'un pas P, les deux autres languettes 2002 et 2003 n'étant pas entraînées, ce qui conduit à la configuration de la figure 17.If the user wishes to uncover only five housings, he moves the tab 2001 in the closing direction by a pitch P, the other two tabs 2002 and 2003 not being driven, which leads to the configuration of the figure 17 .

Si l'utilisateur souhaite découvrir seulement quatre logements, à partir de la configuration de la figure 17, il déplace à nouveau la languette 2001 d'un pas P dans le sens de fermeture, la languette 2001 entraînant alors la languette 2002, conduisant ainsi à la configuration de la figure 15, où trois logements sont découverts, puis il déplace la languette 2001 en sens inverse (dans le sens d'ouverture) d'un pas P, les languettes 2002 et 2003 restant immobiles, conduisant ainsi à la configuration de la figure 16.If the user wishes to discover only four slots, from the configuration of the figure 17 , he again moves the tongue 2001 by a pitch P in the closing direction, the tongue 2001 then driving the tongue 2002, thus leading to the configuration of the figure 15 , where three housings are uncovered, then it moves the tongue 2001 in the opposite direction (in the direction of opening) by a pitch P, the tongues 2002 and 2003 remaining stationary, thus leading to the configuration of the figure 16 .

Le dispositif qui vient d'être décrit peut être utilisé notamment pour doser ou compter des médicaments qui se trouvent sous la forme de granules, micro-granules, comprimés, etc. Le dispositif est particulièrement avantageux pour des objets de petite taille (par exemple de l'ordre de 0,5 mm à 5 mm), car il permet, en plongeant la plaque dans un récipient contenant lesdits objets, de prélever simplement le nombre exact d'objets souhaité, sans que l'utilisateur n'ait à manipuler les objets.The device which has just been described can be used in particular for metering or counting drugs which are in the form of granules, micro-granules, tablets, etc. The device is particularly advantageous for small objects (for example of the order of 0.5 mm to 5 mm), because it allows, by immersing the plate in a container containing said objects, to simply take the exact number of desired objects, without the user having to manipulate the objects.

Par ailleurs, pour faciliter le vidage des récipients, la plaque peut présenter une extrémité concave bombée (non représentée) formant cuiller, adjacente à la zone comprenant les logements. Cette cuiller permet de récupérer plus facilement les derniers objets contenus dans un pot.Furthermore, to facilitate the emptying of the containers, the plate may have a domed concave end (not shown) forming a spoon, adjacent to the zone comprising the housings. This spoon makes it easier to retrieve the last objects contained in a pot.

Selon une forme d'exécution particulièrement avantageuse illustrée sur les figures 19 et 20, le dispositif comprend en outre une coiffe 4 s'étendant autour de la plaque 1 et comprenant un embout 40 adapté pour être solidarisé à un récipient contenant les objets à compter ou doser. Par exemple, l'embout 40 présente une forme tubulaire pouvant être insérée dans le goulot d'un récipient. L'embout est avantageusement pourvu d'une collerette 41 s'étendant radialement et formant une butée lors de l'engagement de l'embout dans le goulot du récipient.According to a particularly advantageous embodiment illustrated in the figures 19 and 20 , the device further comprises a cap 4 extending around the plate 1 and comprising a tip 40 adapted to be secured to a container containing the objects to be counted or metered. For example, the tip 40 has a tubular shape that can be inserted into the neck of a container. The end piece is advantageously provided with a collar 41 extending radially and forming a stop during the engagement of the end piece in the neck of the container.

La figure 21 illustre le dispositif des figures 19 et 20 après connexion à un récipient 5 contenant les objets à compter ou doser. Le récipient 5 comprend un goulot 50 à l'intérieur duquel est monté l'embout 40 de la coiffe, de préférence avec un léger serrage pour permettre une tenue mécanique suffisante du dispositif sur le récipient en vue des manipulations ultérieures qui sont décrites plus bas. La collerette 41 de la coiffe est en appui contre le bord du goulot 50. Bien sûr, ce mode de connexion n'est donné qu'à titre illustratif et l'homme du métier pourra employer tout autre moyen pour connecter la coiffe à un récipient. Par exemple, l'embout de la coiffe pourrait être monté à l'extérieur du goulot du récipient au lieu de l'intérieur ; par ailleurs, au lieu d'une solidarisation par friction, l'embout pourrait être vissé sur ou dans le goulot du récipient.The figure 21 illustrates the device of figures 19 and 20 after connection to a container 5 containing the objects to be counted or measured. The container 5 comprises a neck 50 inside which the tip 40 of the cap is mounted, preferably with a slight tightening to allow sufficient mechanical strength of the device on the container for the subsequent manipulations which are described below. The collar 41 of the cap bears against the edge of the neck 50. Of course, this mode of connection is given for illustrative purposes only and those skilled in the art can use any other means to connect the cap to a container. . For example, the tip of the cap could be mounted outside the neck of the container instead of inside; moreover, instead of being secured by friction, the endpiece could be screwed onto or into the neck of the container.

La coiffe 4 permet ainsi de former, avec la plaque 1, un volume de réception des objets prélevés dans le récipient. Grâce à cette coiffe, le prélèvement des objets dans le récipient est facilité, notamment lorsqu'il ne reste que peu d'objets à prélever au fondu du récipient. En effet, une fois que l'embout 40 de la coiffe a été connecté au récipient (cf. figure 21), il suffit d'incliner le récipient 5 pour transférer les objets dans la coiffe 4, amener la plaque 1 dans une position sensiblement horizontale pour permettre à chaque logement 10 découvert de recevoir un objet, puis, en inclinant légèrement la plaque 1, transférer les objets en surnombre dans le récipient. L'utilisateur peut ensuite extraire les objets retenus de leurs logements en inclinant plus fortement la plaque 1, et en faisant sortir les objets au travers de l'embout 40.The cap 4 thus makes it possible to form, with the plate 1, a volume for receiving the objects taken from the container. Thanks to this cap, the removal of objects from the container is facilitated, in particular when there remain only a few objects to be removed from the melted container. Indeed, once the tip 40 of the cap has been connected to the container (cf. figure 21 ), it suffices to tilt the container 5 to transfer the objects into the cap 4, bring the plate 1 into a substantially horizontal position to allow each uncovered housing 10 to receive an object, then, by slightly tilting the plate 1, transfer the excess objects into the container. The user can then extract the retained objects from their housings by tilting the plate 1 more strongly, and by causing the objects to come out through the end piece 40.

La liaison mécanique entre la coiffe 4 et la plaque 1 est conçue pour éviter toute zone morte dans laquelle un objet pourrait rester coincé.The mechanical connection between the cap 4 and the plate 1 is designed to avoid any dead zone in which an object could remain stuck.

De préférence, la coiffe présente au moins une partie transparente en regard de la plaque 1, permettant ainsi à l'utilisateur de vérifier si l'ensemble des logements 10 découverts a bien été rempli par un objet. La coiffe peut être intégralement réalisée en un matériau transparent ou comporter seulement une fenêtre transparente.Preferably, the cover has at least one transparent part opposite the plate 1, thus allowing the user to check whether all of the uncovered housings 10 have indeed been filled with an object. The cap can be entirely made of a transparent material or comprise only a transparent window.

Naturellement, l'invention pourrait trouver application dans d'autres domaines nécessitant de doser ou compter un nombre précis d'objets.Naturally, the invention could find application in other fields requiring the metering or counting of a precise number of objects.

REFERENCESREFERENCES

US 2004/0191313US 2004/0191313

Claims (18)

  1. Device for dosing or counting objects, comprising:
    - a plate (1) provided with a plurality of recesses (10) each suitable for receiving a single object, said recesses being arranged in at least two series of at least two rows (R1-R2; R3-R4) disposed in parallel along a longitudinal axis (X) such that, in a same series (R1-R2; R3-R4), the recesses in a first row (R1; R3) are offset longitudinally relative to the recesses in the second row (R2; R4) by a non-zero pitch (P);
    - a pull element (2) arranged to slide relative to the plate (1) along said longitudinal axis (X), said pull element comprising at least two adjacent tongues (20, 21; 2001-2003), each designed to cover or uncover a corresponding series of rows, said tongues (20, 21) being arranged to slide relative to one another over a distance equal to said pitch (P) and coupled by a drive mechanism configured such that the sliding of the pull element (2) along the longitudinal axis over a distance greater than said pitch (P) causes the simultaneous movement of the two tongues (20, 21).
  2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism comprises a longitudinal notch (210; 2004, 2005) formed in at least one (21; 2002, 2003) of the tongues and an abutment (200; 2006) extending in the notch (210; 2004, 2005) from another tongue (20; 2001), the difference between the length of the notch (210; 2005) and the length of the abutment (200; 2001) being substantially equal to said pitch (P).
  3. Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the recesses are arranged in the form of two pairs of two parallel rows (R1-R2, R3-R4) and the pull element comprises two tongues (20, 21).
  4. Device according to claim 3, wherein the drive mechanism is configured to provide the following positions of the pull element with respect to the plate:
    - a closed position in which each one of the tongues (20, 21) covers all of the recesses of the corresponding pair of rows (R1-R2; R3-R4);
    - a plurality of first open positions in which the tongues (20, 21) uncover an odd total number of recesses, the ends (20a, 21a) of said tongues being offset longitudinally over a distance equal to the pitch (P);
    - a plurality of second open positions in which the tongues (20, 21) uncover an even total number of recesses, the ends (20a, 21a) of said tongues being longitudinally aligned;
    the passing from the closed position to a first open position comprising a longitudinal movement of a first tongue (20) in a direction of opening over a distance equal to the pitch (P), the other tongue (21) remaining immobile, then, if the number of objects is greater than one, a simultaneous longitudinal movement of the two tongues (20, 21) in the direction of opening;
    the passing from a first open position to a second open position comprising a longitudinal movement of the first tongue (20) over a distance equal to said pitch (P) in a direction of closing then, if the difference between the number of objects is greater than one, a simultaneous longitudinal movement of the two tongues (20, 21) in the direction of closing.
  5. Device according to one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the plate (1) includes two lines of graduations (G), each graduation (G) indicating a unique number of objects, and the pull element (2) comprises two windows (201, 211) arranged facing a corresponding line of graduations (G) in such a way that the total number of recesses uncovered by the pull element appears through one of the two windows (201, 211).
  6. Device according to claim 5, wherein the graduations of one of said lines indicate the even numbers of objects and the graduations of the other line indicate the odd numbers of objects.
  7. Device according to claim 6, wherein each tongue (20, 21) comprises a corresponding first window (201, 211) arranged facing the line of graduations indicating the odd numbers of objects, and a corresponding second window (202, 212) arranged facing the line of graduations indicating the even numbers of objects, the first and the second window (201, 202) of one tongue (20) being longitudinally aligned while the first and the second window (211, 212) of the other tongue are offset longitudinally over a distance equal to said pitch (P).
  8. Device according to one of claims 6 or 7, wherein an odd number of one line is substantially aligned longitudinally with the next immediately higher even number of the other line.
  9. Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the recesses are arranged in the form of three series of three parallel rows (R11-R13, R21-R23, R31-R33) and the pull element comprises three tongues (2001, 2002, 2003).
  10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each tongue (20, 21) cooperates with the plate (1) by a notched slider (203, 213), the distance between two adjacent notches being equal to said pitch (P).
  11. Device according to claim 10, wherein the plate (1) has a tooth (11, 12) extending transversally and being engaged in a notch of a corresponding slider (203, 213).
  12. Device according to one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a cover (3) rigidly connected to the plate (1), the pull element (2) being arranged between the plate (1) and the cover (3).
  13. Device according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the plate (1) comprises between ten and thirty recesses (10).
  14. Device according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein each recess (10) has a circular contour.
  15. Device according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the pitch (P) is less than the size of said recesses (10).
  16. Device according to one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the plate (1) has a domed concave end forming a spoon.
  17. Device according to one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising a cap (4) extending around the plate (1) to form with the plate a volume for receiving objects, said cap comprising an endpiece (40) suitable for being attached to a recipient (5) containing the objects to be counted or dosed.
  18. Device according to claim 17, wherein the cap (4) comprises a transparent portion facing the plate (1) in order to allow a user to check if an object is present in each recess uncovered.
EP19708134.2A 2018-01-31 2019-01-29 Device for dosing or counting objects Active EP3746030B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1850772A FR3077200A1 (en) 2018-01-31 2018-01-31 DEVICE FOR ASSAYING OR COUNTING OBJECTS
FR1851986A FR3077199B1 (en) 2018-01-31 2018-03-07 DEVICE FOR METERING OR COUNTING OBJECTS
PCT/FR2019/050181 WO2019150027A1 (en) 2018-01-31 2019-01-29 Device for dosing or counting objects

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EP3746030A1 EP3746030A1 (en) 2020-12-09
EP3746030B1 true EP3746030B1 (en) 2022-01-26

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US (1) US11135134B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3746030B1 (en)
JP (1) JP7164629B2 (en)
KR (1) KR102693369B1 (en)
CN (1) CN111989078B (en)
ES (1) ES2911446T3 (en)
FR (2) FR3077200A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2019150027A1 (en)

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JP2022030933A (en) 2020-08-07 2022-02-18 大成化工株式会社 Measuring device and container with measuring device

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US7617935B2 (en) * 2008-01-10 2009-11-17 Anderson Packaging, Inc. Reusable child-resistant, senior friendly unit dose container
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JP6779455B2 (en) * 2017-06-08 2020-11-04 株式会社サイレック Tablet counting supply device

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JP7164629B2 (en) 2022-11-01
EP3746030A1 (en) 2020-12-09
US11135134B2 (en) 2021-10-05
CN111989078A (en) 2020-11-24
ES2911446T3 (en) 2022-05-19
KR102693369B1 (en) 2024-08-09
CN111989078B (en) 2022-12-20
KR20200131819A (en) 2020-11-24
JP2021512752A (en) 2021-05-20
BR112020015515A2 (en) 2021-01-26
FR3077200A1 (en) 2019-08-02
US20200368112A1 (en) 2020-11-26
FR3077199A1 (en) 2019-08-02
FR3077199B1 (en) 2020-02-28
WO2019150027A1 (en) 2019-08-08

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