WO2022263729A1

WO2022263729A1 - Device for packaging and dispensing a sterile product with a nozzle and a spring tongue

Info

Publication number: WO2022263729A1
Application number: PCT/FR2022/000053
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jacques Pozzi
Original assignee: Sivel
Priority date: 2021-06-15
Filing date: 2022-05-30
Publication date: 2022-12-22
Also published as: FR3123899A1; FR3123899B1

Abstract

The device for packaging and dispensing a product (2) comprises a container (1) containing the product (2) to be dispensed, a dispensing accessory (3) having a nozzle (7) with a flexible portion incorporating one or more metering chambers (9), and an air renewal assembly comprising an inlet duct (12), and a filter (13) cooperating with a valve (14). The product (2) in the container (1) is expelled to the outside when the chambers (9) are compressed, without air being able to enter the container (1) via the nozzle. A non-return valve (10) allows the product (2) to pass into the chambers (9) in the absence of loading but prevents the product (2) from returning into the container (1) when the chambers (9) are compressed. One or more elastic tongues (8) are provided cooperating with the flexible part (7) of the nozzle in order to make the operation of the device easier, by urging the nozzle from the inside towards its deployed position with a maximum perimeter.

Description

Title of the invention: DEVICE FOR PACKAGING AND DISTRIBUTING A STERILE PRODUCT WITH TIP AND

SPRING TONGUE

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of packaging, and more specifically to that of the packaging and distribution of a liquid, semi-fluid or viscous product intended to be kept sterile, without the addition of of preservatives, and distributed in portions or in doses, in particular in drops, using a dispenser assembly.

The invention more particularly relates to a device for packaging and dispensing a product, and which comprises a container intended to contain the product to be dispensed using an accessory with which the container is provided, said accessory comprising a nozzle and being mounted in a sealed manner on an open neck of said container.

Prior technique

[0003] Packaging devices of conventional structure are known which make it possible to preserve and distribute a product in the form of doses or calibrated drops or in any other form, while maintaining its cleanliness or its sterility throughout the duration of its use.

[0004] These devices are used in particular in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food fields, and for some more particularly in the ophthalmological field.

[0005] A device of this type as described in patent FR3 080844 makes it possible to obtain a precise dosage. It includes a dispenser accessory fitted with at least one dosing chamber which, when activated, makes it possible to deliver doses of product through a nozzle. This tip is made up of two parts, one rigid and the other flexible, the elastic flexible part putting pressure on the metering chamber delimited by said two parts. A product dispensing assembly composed of the elastic end of the flexible part of the nozzle in cooperation with the end of the rigid part of said nozzle allows the product to be expelled towards the outside when the chamber is compressed but does not does not allow air to enter inside the container when said chamber is no longer stressed.

This device comprises a non-return valve which allows the supply of the chamber when pressing on the flexible part ceases and a vacuum is created in the chamber by the elastic return of said flexible part to its initial position. This valve prevents the product from returning to the bottle when the chamber is used.

[0007] This device provides for a location for a filter whose purpose is to make the air entering the bottle sterile in order to compensate for the depression created by the distribution of a portion of product; this filter can be placed in the rigid central part of the mouthpiece.

[0008] This patent also describes a valve associated with the filter and operating in such a way that it can let air into the bottle and prevent any air or liquid from leaving the bottle.

[0009] The major drawback of this type of device when it has to dispense a semi-fluid or viscous product lies in the difficulty of filling the metering chamber when the pressure on the flexible part ceases and a depression is created in said chamber. In fact, the suction force due to the elastic return of said flexible part to its initial position is low and may prove to be insufficient to correctly fill the metering chamber. This suction force must be sufficient to overcome the antagonistic forces due to the passage of the semi-fluid or viscous product in the ducts which carry it into the chamber and to the opening of the non-return valve.

[0010] However, this capacity for suction of the product by the flexible part of the endpiece is necessarily low given its elastomer or thermoplastic elastomer structure.

[0011] This drawback can lead the user to consider that the device is defective.

[0012] The main purpose of the invention is to allow the distribution of semi-fluid or viscous products that can be stored and distributed sterilely.

[0013] More generally, the object of the invention is to remedy the drawbacks of analogous devices of the state of the art and to propose such a device which is better suited to the various requirements of practice than the known devices. SUMMARY

[0014] With a view to improving the situation, according to the invention there is proposed a device for packaging and dispensing a product, generally liquid, semi-fluid or viscous, comprising: a rigid container containing the product to be packaged and distribute; a dispensing accessory with which the receptacle is fitted comprising an outer end piece fitted with a flexible part and a rigid part and making it possible to dispense the product, at least one metering chamber being provided inside the end piece; with the particularity that the tip is actuated by the flexible part and allows the product to be expelled out of the device when said at least one chamber filled with product is compressed by stressing the flexible part but not allowing air to enter inside the container when said flexible part is no longer stressed, a non-return valve allowing the product contained in the container to enter said at least one chamber when the flexible part is no longer stressed but opposing the return of the product into the container when said flexible part is stressed, and characterized in that the device includes a set for renewing the air comprising a filter in cooperation with a valve allowing the entry of air into the container but opposing any outlet of air or liquid outside of said container, and in which at least one elastic tab connected to the rigid part surrounded by the tip forms pushing means to return the flexible part to a default position away from a central rod of the rigid part, for filling with product of said at least one metering chamber when the flexible part is no longer stressed.

[0015] Thanks to these provisions, it is possible to improve the suction effect of the product towards the dispensing accessory, by an automatic and rapid return (as soon as the load on the flexible part of the tip) to a correctly deployed state of the tip delimiting the metering chamber.

[0016] In other words, by pressing the tip from the inside towards its deployed position with a maximum perimeter, after the distribution of a dose, the elastic tab(s) form pushing means for the flexible part of the tip, which is separated (at least locally) from the central rod of the rigid part.

[0017]According to one feature, the movement of the tongue(s) can be facilitated by a leverage effect, the actuation zone on the flexible part coinciding with an end of the elastic tongue.

[0018] Each tongue may be longer than it is wide, and the length of the tongue exceeds the axial dimension of the actuation zone.

Optionally, the actuation zone corresponds to a blister or a bulge in the tip, in the unsolicited state of the latter. Such a zone is thus clearly perceptible by being typically remote and/or axially spaced from the container.

[0019] The flexible part of the end piece can be made of a different, more deformable material than the material of which the tongues are made. It is understood that each tongue is intrinsically very little deformable, for example not bendable by more than 45° with respect to a flat configuration (flat angle), from one end to another, without breaking the material.

In various embodiments according to the invention, one can also use one or more of the following provisions: [0021]Each tongue is thinner than a portion of the flexible part covering the tongue and/or each tongue may optionally have a substantially constant thickness, at least as regards a portion of the tongue directly in contact with the flexible part.

[0022] Optionally, the at least one elastic tab is located inside the at least one metering chamber.

[0023] Preferably, the at least one elastic tab is an integral part of a part including said rigid part and which belongs to the dispensing accessory which extends along a longitudinal axis of the device, each tab being preferably made in one more rigid material than that of the flexible part in order to present a greater resistance to deformation,

[0024] In a variant, the at least one tab present in the connection zone to said rigid part has an orifice making it easier to pass the product to be dispensed to the at least one metering chamber.

[0025] Optionally, the tip is operable to dispense, at a free axial end of this tip, a dose of product, sampled via a sample outlet of the container.

The tip can optionally have an increase in its external section of . so as to present a locally larger perimeter in an annular region coinciding with a distal end (farthest from the container) of the tongue, in comparison with part of the tip which is comparatively closer to the container.

Brief description of the drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention emerge from the description given below, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which represent, by way of non-limiting examples, embodiments and implementations of the object of the invention. In these drawings:

[0027] [Fig.l] is a schematic view in axial section of an example of a device according to the invention when it is not requested, representing a container in which the product to be dispensed is located, an accessory for dispensing comprising a tip made up of two parts, one rigid and the other flexible, the metering chambers delimited by said two parts, the end of said flexible part which cooperates with the end of said rigid part allowing the product to be expelled to the outside when the chambers are compressed but not allowing air to enter the interior of the container when said chambers are not stressed, a non-return valve allowing the product to enter the chambers when they are no longer called upon but preventing the return of the product to the container when the chambers are called upon, an air renewal assembly consisting of an inlet channel air, a filter in cooperation with a valve, each chamber comprising an elastic tongue.

[0028] [Fig.2] is a schematic view in axial section of a device according to [Fig.l], when the flexible part is stressed, the chambers are compressed, the check valve prevents any return of the product to V inside the container, that the tabs are in contact with the central rod of the rigid part of the dispensing nozzle and that a dose of product has been ejected.

[0029] [Fig.3] is a schematic view in axial section of a device according to [Fig.l], when the flexible part has been released, the metering chambers have returned to their initial position under the effect of their own elasticity combined with the elastic return of the tabs, that the non-return valve is open, that the chambers are filled with the product to be dispensed and that the renewal air has entered the free space of the container after having crossed the inlet channel , the filter and the valve.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0030] The device as shown in [Fig.l], including a container 1 containing the product 2 to be dispensed and a dispensing accessory 3, is in the configuration available to the user before any use.

[0031] The dispensing accessory 3 can form a tip which here has an outer tubular wall. This outer wall typically extends around a longitudinal axis of the end piece. At least one metering chamber 9 is delimited radially between this outer wall _and the rigid part 4. In [Fig.l], it can be seen that the metering chamber(s) 9 are empty of product 2 and that the flexible part 7 or actuating part of the dispensing accessory 3 has not been requested.

[0032] The device is provided with at least one tongue 8 with an elastic return effect, movable in response to a stress on the flexible part 7 of the dispensing accessory 3. The tongue 8 can be rigid, at the Except for a hinge zone, this tongue 8 acting as a spring. In [Fig.l], the tongue 8 is in its initial position, detached from the central rod of the rigid part 4, for example by extending longitudinally (parallel to the central rod of the rigid part 4), from a junction zone with the rigid part 4. Each tab 4 can be connected to the base portion of the rigid part 4, extending longitudinally outwards, parallel to the central rod of the rigid part 4.

The non-return valve 10, here associated with a sampling orifice 11 for conveying the product 2 to the dispensing accessory 3, is closed so as to separate the product 2 contained in the container 1 from the metering chamber 9. In options, this valve 10 is mounted on and/or seated against the base portion of the rigid portion 4. [0034] The valve 14 allowing the renewal air to penetrate into the space 15, free of product 2, of the container 1, through the inlet passage 12 located in the base portion of the rigid pallie 4, then the filter 13, and opposing any air or liquid 2 outlet from the inside to the outside of the container 1 is closed.

[0035] During its first use, the device operates as follows.

As shown in [Fig.2] the user exerts lateral pressure on the flexible wall 7 or actuating part of the dispenser accessory 3 along the arrows A; HAS'.

This pressure causes the contraction of the chamber 9. If the product 2 is already initially present in such a chamber 9, this causes the expulsion following the arrow B of a dose 16 of the product 2 by separation of the end 6 of the flexible actuating part 3 with respect to the end 5 of the central rod of the rigid part 4 of the dispensing accessory 3.

Under the effect of the increase in pressure created inside the chamber 9, the non-return valve 10 is pressed against the base portion of the rigid part 4, preventing any return of the liquid 2 towards the inside container 1 through orifice 11.

In this phase the tongue 8 is driven by the flexible part 3 towards the central rod of the rigid part 4 (in an intermediate region located axially between the base portion and the free end) and is pressed against this last.

[0040] The [Fig.3] shows the device when the user has released the pressure on the flexible part 3, that it has returned to its initial position along the arrows C; C', and that under the effect of the suction thus created the product 2 has:

- passed through sampling orifice 11 along arrow D,

- lifted valve 10,

- passed through the hole in the shape of a light 16, located for example at the base of the tongue

8,

- and filled room 9.

[0041] The exit of a portion of product 2 from the interior of container 1 towards chamber 9 created a depression in the free part 15 of product 2 of container 1.

[0042] In order to compensate for this depression, a volume of renewal air corresponding to the volume of product 2 admitted into the chamber 9 enters the free part 15 of the container 1 along the arrow E after having passed through the inlet channel 12 located in the base portion of the rigid part 4, the filter 13 and open the valve 14.

It can be seen that the tongue 8 has also returned to its initial position by a spring effect due to its elasticity and that it has thus contributed to the suction effect due to the return of the flexible part 3 to its initial position. .

We have thus, thanks to the spring effect of the tab 8, contributed to the suction of the product 2 in the chamber 9 and made the filling of said chamber 9 easier than with the elastic return only of the flexible part 3.

This combination of the elasticity of the flexible part 3 and of the tongue 8 can be particularly useful in the case where the product 2 is semi-fluid or viscous,

Other embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, it is possible to use a device comprising only one metering chamber 9 provided with a single tab, or one or more metering chambers as well as tabs of any shape.

Claims

Claims [Claim 1] Device for packaging and dispensing a generally liquid, semi-fluid or viscous product (2), comprising: - a rigid container (1) containing the product (2) to be packaged and dispensed; ~ a dispensing accessory (3) with which the receptacle (1) is provided comprising an external endpiece provided with a flexible part (7) and a rigid part (4) and allowing the product (2) to be dispensed, at least a metering chamber (9) being provided inside the tip; with the particularity that the end piece is actuated by the flexible part (7) and allows the product (2) to be expelled towards the outside of the device when said at least one chamber (9) filled with product (2) is compressed by stressing the flexible part (7) but not allowing air to enter inside the container (1) when said flexible part (7) is no longer stressed, a non-return valve (10) allowing the product (2) contained in the receptacle (1) from entering said at least one chamber (9) when the flexible part (7) is no longer stressed but opposing the return of the product (2) into the receptacle (1 ) when said flexible part (7) is stressed, and being characterized in that the device includes an air renewal assembly comprising a filter (13) in cooperation with a valve (14) allowing the entry of air air in the container (1) but opposing any air or liquid outlet outside said container

(1), and in which at least one elastic tongue (8) connected to the rigid part (4) and surrounded by the end piece forms pusher means to return the flexible part (7) to a default position separated by a central rod of the rigid part (4), for filling with product

(2) of said at least one metering chamber (9) when the flexible part (7) is no longer stressed.

[Claim 2] Device according to Claim 1, in which the at least one tab (8) is located inside the at least one metering chamber (9).

[Claim 3] Device according to Claim 1 or 2, in which the at least one tongue (8) forms an integral part of a part including the said part rigid (4) and which belongs to the dispensing accessory (3) which extends along a longitudinal axis of the device, each tongue (8) being preferably made of a material which is more rigid than that of the flexible part (7) to provide greater resistance to deformation.

[Claim 4] Device according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, in which a junction zone between the at least one tongue (8) and the rigid part (4) is located inside the container (1) and has at least one orifice (16) for communication between the interior of the container (1) and the at least one metering chamber (9).