dispensing device

Abstract

A dispensing device (1) comprising a container (2), a flow restrictor (4) and a closure (6), the dispensing device (1) comprising: - a first attachment mechanism between the tubular portion (22) of the container (2) and the tubular portion (41) of the flow restrictor (4), the first attachment mechanism being homogeneous over the perimeter of the tubular portion of the container and of the tubular portion of the flow restrictor, and - a second attachment mechanism between the tubular portion (41) of the flow restrictor (4) and the tubular portion (62) of the closure (6), the second attachment mechanism being homogeneous over the perimeter of the tubular portion of the flow restrictor and of the tubular portion of the closure, wherein the ratio of the holding force of the first attachment mechanism to the holding force of the second attachment mechanism is greater than or equal to 1.5, preferably greater than or equal to 2.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a dispensing apparatus for storing and dispensing unit products. The invention also relates to a method for assembling and filling the dispensing apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Multi-unit dispensing devices are known for storing and distributing unit-sized products. These devices comprise several components, each with a specific function. Typically, a dispensing device may include a container for storing unit-sized products, a flow restrictor suitable for dispensing the stored products unit-by-unit, and a closure for resealing the container. One disadvantage of multi-unit dispensing devices is the difficulty in controlling the device's airtightness due to the multiple sealing interfaces. This is particularly challenging for dispensing devices intended to receive sensitive products (such as food, nutritional products, pharmaceutical products, or diagnostic products), where the internal atmosphere, such as humidity levels and oxygen levels, needs to be controlled to preserve the sensitive product stored in the device.

[0003] More specifically, the present invention aims to remedy these disadvantages by providing a dispensing device that enables controlled and predictable sealing to ensure that units of product stored in the device have a target shelf life, while also providing the possibility of controlled dispensing of units of product. Summary of the Invention

[0004] For this purpose, according to a first aspect, the subject of the present invention is a dispensing device for storing and dispensing unit products, the dispensing device comprising a container, a flow restrictor, and a closure, the dispensing device comprising:

[0005] - A first attachment mechanism located between the tubular portion of the container and the tubular portion of the flow restrictor, the first attachment mechanism being homogeneous in circumference of the tubular portion of the container and the tubular portion of the flow restrictor, and

[0006] - A second attachment mechanism located between the tubular portion of the flow restrictor and the tubular portion of the closure, the second attachment mechanism being homogeneous in circumference of the tubular portions of the flow restrictor and the closure.

[0007] The ratio of the holding force of the first attachment mechanism to the holding force of the second attachment mechanism is greater than or equal to 1.5, preferably greater than or equal to 2. The holding force of the first attachment mechanism is defined as the opening force required to remove the flow restrictor from the container when the flow restrictor is assembled with the closure through the second attachment mechanism. The holding force of the second attachment mechanism is defined as the opening force required to remove the closure from the flow restrictor when the flow restrictor is assembled with the container through the first attachment mechanism. Both the holding force of the first attachment mechanism and the holding force of the second attachment mechanism are determined by an opening force applied at a given opening speed of 150 mm / min using a longitudinal axis (X1) parallel to the corresponding tubular portion.

[0008] According to one feature of the invention, the holding force of the second attachment mechanism is selected to be greater than or equal to 15N.

[0009] According to one feature of the invention, the holding force of the second attachment mechanism is selected to be less than or equal to 55N, preferably less than or equal to 40N.

[0010] According to one feature of the invention, the holding force of the second attachment mechanism is selected to be in the range of 15N to 55N, preferably in the range of 15N to 40N.

[0011] Within the scope of this invention, an attachment mechanism is considered homogeneous on the perimeter of the tubular portions of the two components of its effective dispensing device when the holding force of the attachment mechanism is substantially the same regardless of the relative angular orientation of the two components. In other words, such a homogeneous attachment mechanism is uniformly distributed on the perimeter of the tubular portions of the two components, and the opening force required to disassemble the two components from each other, applied parallel to the longitudinal axes of the tubular portions of the two components, is substantially the same regardless of the angular position of the point on the perimeter of the tubular portion where the opening force is applied. As a non-limiting example, such a homogeneous attachment mechanism may include continuous snap-fit ​​fastening members, such as grooves and complementary protruding rings or protrusions, completely surrounding the tubular portions of the two components of the dispensing device, or it may include a plurality of discrete retaining elements regularly distributed on the perimeter of the tubular portions of the two components.

[0012] Due to its specific structure with a controlled difference in holding force between the first and second attachment mechanisms, the dispensing device according to the invention ensures a high level of sealing between the three components of the dispensing device. This is particularly important for dispensing devices intended to receive sensitive products and include active materials for regulating the atmosphere inside the device. For example, the sensitive products may be food, nutritional products, pharmaceutical products, or diagnostic products, and the active material capable of regulating the atmosphere in the device may be a hygroscopic agent or an oxygen scavenger. The sealing of such a dispensing device with a controlled atmosphere (represented by its water vapor transmission rate (WVTR)) is crucial to achieving the desired shelf life of the sensitive products stored in the device.

[0013] It has been observed that when the holding force ratio of the first attachment mechanism and the second attachment mechanism is selected within the range of the present invention, and the holding force of the second attachment mechanism is selected within the range of 15N to 55N, preferably within the range of 15N to 40N, the sealing characteristics of a three-piece dispenser device with two sealing interfaces are substantially equivalent to the sealing characteristics of a two-piece device comprising only a container and a closure with a single sealing interface. Therefore, the dispensing device according to the first aspect of the present invention (which has a holding force ratio within the range of the present invention and a holding force of the second attachment mechanism within the range of 15N to 55N, preferably within the range of 15N to 40N) allows for the preservation of sensitive unit products stored in the device, while providing flow reduction characteristics for the dispensing of unit products and allowing the user to easily open the closure.

[0014] The holding force ratio within the scope of this invention also applies to a method for assembling a dispensing device, which includes first pre-assembling a flow restrictor and a closure, and then assembling a container with the pre-assembled flow restrictor and closure. An advantage of this assembly sequence is that the pre-assembly of the flow restrictor and closure can be performed by the manufacturer of the dispensing device components, and the assembly of the container with the pre-assembled flow restrictor and closure can be performed on a packaging line after the step of filling the container with unit products. Therefore, the assembly of the dispensing device can be completed in a single step on a packaging line using conventional packaging equipment.

[0015] To achieve a high level of sealing among the three components of the dispensing device, a fundamental parameter is the maintenance of sufficient contact pressure at the interface between the closure and the flow restrictor, and at the interface between the flow restrictor and the container. Specifically, when the closure and flow restrictor are pre-assembled and stored for an extended period before being used to seal the container, they tend to conform to each other during storage, resulting in dimensional changes, including an increase in the outer diameter of the flow restrictor and a decrease in the diameter of the sealing skirt of the closure. This reduces the contact pressure at the interface between the closure and the flow restrictor, thereby reducing the seal quality at this interface. The same applies to the interface between the flow restrictor and the container, which also requires maintaining sufficient contact pressure.

[0016] The inventors have discovered that by setting the holding force ratio of the second attachment mechanism to be greater than 1.5 and the holding force to be between 15N and 55N, preferably between 15N and 40N, the sealing characteristics of a three-piece dispenser device with two sealing interfaces are substantially equivalent to those of a two-piece device consisting only of a container and a closure with a single sealing interface. The selected range of the holding force of the second attachment mechanism allows for achieving the desired sealing quality while still maintaining ergonomics in use.

[0017] In the context of this invention, the active material for atmosphere conditioning may be received in a container falling into the dispensing device. As a variation, the active material for atmosphere conditioning may be received in a chamber defined within the closure of the dispensing device. Within the meaning of this invention, an active material is a material capable of conditioning the atmosphere in the device. The active material can be of any type. In particular, the active material may belong to the group consisting of: humectants (or desiccants); oxygen scavengers; odor absorbers; and / or emitters of humidity or volatile olfactory organic compounds. Optionally, the active material may be capable of releasing gaseous substances, such as water vapor or fragrance. For example, such a property can be useful for applications where sensitive products require specific humidity levels. Such products are, for example, powders, especially for generating aerosols, gelatin capsules, herbs, gels and creams including cosmetics, and food products.

[0018] Examples of suitable dehydrating agents include, but are not limited to, silica gel, dehydrating clay, activated alumina, calcium oxide, barium oxide, natural or synthetic zeolites, molecular sieves or similar sieves, or deliquescent salts such as magnesium sulfide, calcium chloride, aluminum chloride, lithium chloride, calcium bromide, zinc chloride, etc. Preferably, the dehydrating agent is a molecular sieve and / or silica gel.

[0019] Examples of suitable oxygen collectors include, but are not limited to, reducing metal powders, particularly iron, zinc, and tin powders; metal oxides that still possess oxidizing capabilities, particularly ferrous oxide; and iron compounds, such as carbides, carbonyl compounds, and hydroxides, used alone or in the presence of activators such as hydroxides, carbonates, sulfites, thiosulfates, phosphates, organic acid salts, or hydrogen salts of alkali or alkaline earth metals, activated carbon, activated alumina, or activated clay. Other reagents for collecting oxygen may also be selected from specific reactive polymers, such as those described in, for example, patent documents US5,736,616 A, WO 99 / 48963A2, WO 98 / 51758A1, and WO 2018 / 149778A1.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the flow restrictor and the closure are made of a polymer-based material, wherein the tensile modulus of the polymer-based material of the closure is significantly lower than that of the polymer-based material of the flow restrictor. Selecting a polymer-based material that is harder than that of the closure for the flow restrictor allows for limiting the expansion of the flow restrictor under stress generated by the closure, thereby maintaining sufficient contact pressure at the interface between the closure and the flow restrictor.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the flow restrictor and the closure are made of a polyolefin-based material, wherein the polyolefin of the flow restrictor and the closure are the same and selected from polyethylene and polypropylene, and the tensile modulus of the polyolefin-based material of the closure is strictly lower than that of the polyolefin-based material of the flow restrictor. Selecting the same but different grades of polyolefin for the flow restrictor and the closure makes the material of the flow restrictor harder than the material of the closure, which helps the closure to open in an ergonomic manner by minimizing the friction that may exist when two strictly identical materials are in contact.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the container is made of a polymer-based material, the tensile modulus of which is greater than or equal to the tensile modulus of the polymer-based material of the flow restrictor. Selecting a polymer-based material that is harder than that of the flow restrictor for the container can limit the expansion of the container under stress generated by the flow restrictor, thereby maintaining sufficient contact pressure at the interface between the flow restrictor and the container.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the container is made of a polyolefin-based material, selected from polyethylene and polypropylene, wherein the tensile modulus of the container's polyolefin-based material is greater than or equal to the tensile modulus of the flow restrictor's polyolefin-based material. Similarly, selecting the same but different grades of polyolefin for both the container and the flow restrictor makes the container material harder than the flow restrictor material to minimize frictional effects.

[0024] According to one feature of the invention, the melt flow index (MFI) of the polymer-based material of the closure element is higher than that of the polymer-based material of the flow restrictor. By way of non-limiting example, a suitable choice of constituent materials for the components of the dispensing device according to the invention could be that the container uses polypropylene; and the flow restrictor and closure elements use low-density polyethylene (LDPE), wherein the LDPE formulation for the closure element is selected to have a higher melt flow index (MFI) than the LDPE formulation for the flow restrictor.

[0025] According to one feature of the invention, the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of the dispensing device comprising the assembled container, flow restrictor, and closure is less than or equal to 1.2 times the WVTR measured separately for the same container sealed in a moisture-proof manner.

[0026] According to one feature of the invention, the disassembly of the first attachment mechanism involves friction between the inner contact surface of the container and the outer contact surface of the flow restrictor, wherein the deformation of the disassembly of the first attachment mechanism is greater than or equal to 1%, and the deformation of the disassembly of the first attachment mechanism is defined as a ratio of the following two aspects: on the one hand, the absolute value of the difference between the minimum perimeter of the contact surface of the container and the maximum perimeter of the contact surface of the flow restrictor, and on the other hand, the maximum perimeter of the contact surface of the flow restrictor, wherein the perimeter value is taken from the configuration in which the flow restrictor is disassembled from the container and assembled with the closure through the second attachment mechanism.

[0027] According to one feature of the invention, the disassembly of the second attachment mechanism involves friction between the inner contact surface of the flow restrictor and the outer contact surface of the closure, wherein the deformation of the disassembly of the second attachment mechanism is less than or equal to 2.5%, and the deformation of the disassembly of the second attachment mechanism is defined as a ratio of two aspects: on the one hand, the absolute value of the difference between the minimum perimeter of the contact surface of the flow restrictor and the maximum perimeter of the contact surface of the closure, and on the other hand, the maximum perimeter of the contact surface of the closure, wherein the perimeter value is taken from the configuration in which the flow restrictor is disassembled from the closure and assembled with the container through the first attachment mechanism.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the first attachment mechanism includes an interference fit and a snap-fit ​​connection between the container and the flow restrictor, the snap-fit ​​connection including an inner snap-fit ​​member of the container and a complementary outer snap-fit ​​member of the flow restrictor.

[0029] According to one feature, the internal snap fastening member of the container has a retaining surface that forms a hard point for disassembling the snap fastening member, and this retaining surface is advantageously inclined at an angle greater than or equal to 15°, preferably greater than or equal to 20°, relative to the longitudinal axis of the tubular portion of the container.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the second attachment mechanism is constituted by an interference fit between the flow restrictor and the closure member, specifically without any snap-fit ​​fastening connection. In this embodiment, at least 15N of holding force can be obtained for the second attachment mechanism to retain the closure member without any lateral recess, i.e., by the smooth inner surface of the flow restrictor, without any retaining member. Specifically, in this embodiment, the seal can be achieved between two planes, i.e., between the face-to-face surfaces of the flow restrictor and the closure member, or preferably between a line and a plane, for example, when there is a protrusion on at least one of the face-to-face surfaces of the flow restrictor and the closure member.

[0031] According to another embodiment, the second attachment mechanism includes both an interference fit between the flow restrictor and the closure and a snap-fit ​​connection, wherein the snap-fit ​​connection includes an inner snap-fit ​​member of the flow restrictor and a complementary outer snap-fit ​​member of the closure.

[0032] According to one feature, the inner snap fastening member of the flow restrictor has a retaining surface that forms a hard point for disassembling the second snap fastening member, and this retaining surface is advantageously inclined at an angle of less than or equal to 20°, preferably less than or equal to 15°, relative to the longitudinal axis of the tubular portion of the flow restrictor.

[0033] According to one feature, the first attachment mechanism is configured such that the force required to assemble the container with a sub-assembly including a flow restrictor and a closure pre-assembled via a second attachment mechanism has a predetermined value below a given threshold, which allows the sub-assembly to be automatically assembled with the container on a packaging line.

[0034] According to one feature, the sub-assemblies, including the flow restrictor and the closure pre-assembled via a second attachment mechanism, are configured to be assembled with the container via a simple displacement of the sub-assemblies and the container toward each other along the aligned longitudinal axes of the tubular portions of the flow restrictor and the container via a first attachment mechanism.

[0035] In one embodiment, the closure includes a chamber for an active material intended to control the atmosphere within the container. The sidewalls of the chamber form a contact surface of the closure, which is part of a second attachment mechanism and configured to frictionally engage with a corresponding contact surface of a flow restrictor. In this embodiment, the maximum perimeter of the contact surface of the closure can be determined by the fill rate of the chamber with the active material. Therefore, the holding force of the second attachment mechanism can be adjusted by regulating the amount of active material introduced into the chamber of the closure.

[0036] In another embodiment, the closure includes a chamber for an active material intended to control the atmosphere within the container. The sidewalls of the chamber are surrounded by an outer sealing skirt, with a gap between the sidewalls and the outer sealing skirt. The outer sealing skirt forms a contact surface of the closure, which is part of a second attachment mechanism and is configured to frictionally engage with a corresponding contact surface of a flow restrictor. In this embodiment, the maximum perimeter of the contact surface of the closure is independent of the fill rate of the chamber by the active material and can be adjusted according to the design of the outer sealing skirt and the mechanical properties of its constituent materials.

[0037] According to one characteristic, each of the three components of the dispensing device (i.e., the container, the flow restrictor, and the closure) is based on a suitable polymer material. Examples of suitable polymer materials include, but are not limited to, free radical or linear high-density and low-density polyethylene, ethylene copolymers such as ethylene vinyl acetate, ethylene ethyl acrylate, ethylene butyl acrylate, ethylene maleic anhydride, ethylene α-olefins (regardless of the polymerization or grafting modification method), polypropylene, polybutene, and polyisobutylene. Polyolefins are advantageously chosen for cost reasons and because of ease of use. However, other polymer materials may also be considered, such as polyvinyl chloride; copolymers of vinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, and polystyrene; copolymers of styrene, cellulose derivatives, polyamides, polycarbonates, polyoxymethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, copolyesters, polyphenylene ether, and polymethyl methacrylate; copolymers of acrylates, fluorinated polymers, polyimides, and polyurethanes, etc.

[0038] If desired, combinations of these polymers may be used. The polymers used to produce the three components of the dispensing device (i.e., the container, the flow restrictor, and the closure) may also contain one or more additives such as fibers, expanding agents, additives such as stabilizers and colorants, lubricants, release agents, adhesives or reinforcing collectors, and / or any other reagents as required by the application.

[0039] According to one embodiment, in the assembled configuration of the dispensing device, a first attachment mechanism and a second attachment mechanism are positioned within the container, and along the longitudinal axis of the tubular portion of the container, the first attachment mechanism is farther from the open end of the container than the second attachment mechanism. Because the stiffness of the container increases due to its distance from its open end, this arrangement contributes to a higher holding force for the first attachment mechanism compared to the holding force of the second attachment mechanism.

[0040] According to a second aspect, the subject of the present invention is a dispensing device for storing and dispensing unit products, the dispensing device comprising a container, a flow restrictor, and a closure, the dispensing device comprising:

[0041] - A first attachment mechanism located between the container and the flow restrictor, the first attachment mechanism relating to friction between the inner contact surface of the container and the outer contact surface of the flow restrictor, and

[0042] - A second attachment mechanism located between the flow restrictor and the closure member, the second attachment mechanism involving friction between the inner contact surface of the flow restrictor and the outer contact surface of the closure member.

[0043] in:

[0044] - The deformation of the first attachment mechanism after disassembly is greater than or equal to 1%, and the deformation of the first attachment mechanism after disassembly is defined as the ratio of the following two aspects: on the one hand, the absolute value of the difference between the minimum perimeter of the contact surface of the container and the maximum perimeter of the contact surface of the flow restrictor; on the other hand, the maximum perimeter of the contact surface of the flow restrictor, wherein the perimeter value is taken from the configuration of the flow restrictor after disassembly from the container and assembly with the closure through the second attachment mechanism.

[0045] - The deformation of the second attachment mechanism after disassembly is less than that of the first attachment mechanism after disassembly and is less than or equal to 2.5%. The deformation of the second attachment mechanism after disassembly is defined as the ratio of the following two aspects: on the one hand, the absolute value of the difference between the minimum perimeter of the contact surface of the flow restrictor and the maximum perimeter of the contact surface of the closure, and on the other hand, the maximum perimeter of the contact surface of the closure, wherein the perimeter value is taken from the configuration of the flow restrictor after disassembly from the closure and assembly with the container through the first attachment mechanism.

[0046] Due to this controlled difference between the deformation used to disassemble the first attachment mechanism and the deformation used to disassemble the second attachment mechanism, the dispensing device according to the second aspect of the invention ensures a high level of sealing between the three components of the dispensing device. In particular, the sealing characteristics of a three-piece dispenser device with two sealing interfaces can be substantially equivalent to the sealing characteristics of a two-piece device comprising only a container and a closure with a single sealing interface. In this way, the dispensing device according to the second aspect of the invention allows for the preservation of sensitive unit products stored in the device, while providing flow reduction characteristics for dispensing unit products and allowing the user to easily open the closure.

[0047] Another subject of the present invention is a method for assembling and filling the above-described dispensing device, the method comprising the following steps:

[0048] - The closure and the flow restrictor are assembled together via a second attachment mechanism;

[0049] - Fill the container with unit product;

[0050] - The sub-assemblies, including the flow restrictor and closure pre-assembled via the second attachment mechanism, are assembled with the container via the first attachment mechanism.

[0051] When the closure of the dispensing device includes a chamber for the active material, the sidewall of the chamber forms a contact surface as part of the second attachment mechanism described above. The method advantageously includes the following steps:

[0052] - The cavity of the closure is filled with an active material;

[0053] - The closure, whose chamber is filled with active material, is assembled with the flow restrictor via a second attachment mechanism;

[0054] - Fill the container with unit product;

[0055] - The sub-assemblies, including the flow restrictor and closure pre-assembled via the second attachment mechanism, are assembled with the container via the first attachment mechanism. Attached Figure Description

[0056] The features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of several embodiments of the dispensing apparatus and method according to the invention, which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0057] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the dispensing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the dispensing device, which is in a configuration where the flow restrictor is detached from the container and assembled with the closure via a second attachment mechanism;

[0059] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a dispensing device, wherein the dispensing device is in a configuration in which the flow restrictor is detached from the closure and assembled with the container via a first attachment mechanism;

[0060] Figure 4 It is based on Figure 1 The cross section of plane IV;

[0061] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of the details of V;

[0062] Figure 6 It is similar to the dispensing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 The cross section;

[0063] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A magnified view of detail VII; and

[0064] Figure 8 It is similar to the dispensing device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 The view. Detailed Implementation

[0065] exist Figures 1 to 5In the first embodiment shown, the dispensing device 1 is intended for storing and dispensing sensitive unit products, such as diagnostic test strips, or nutritional or pharmaceutical products in the form of pills, lozenges, or tablets. The dispensing device 1 comprises three components: a container 2 for storing the unit product, a flow restrictor 4 for dispensing the unit product in a controlled manner, preferably unit-by-unit, and a closure 6 for resealing the container 2. In the example shown, the dispensing device 1 has a cylindrical shape centered on a longitudinal axis X1; it should be understood that other shapes are possible in the context of this invention.

[0066] Container 2 includes a bottom wall 21, a circumferential wall 22, and an open end 25 located opposite the bottom wall 21. The open end 25 is intended to be closed by a closure 6 after the insertion of the flow restrictor 4. The flow restrictor 4 is configured to prevent the accidental release of more than one product at a time. To this end, the flow restrictor 4 includes an annular wall 41 having a circumferential edge 47 at one end, from which a substantially convex guide portion 44 extends. The convex guide portion 44 includes three curved legs that connect the circumferential edge 47 to a central orifice 49, while defining three dispensing holes 48 between the three curved legs. The convex guide portion 44 ensures the return of any excess product that may have been dispensed back into container 2 through the dispensing holes 48.

[0067] The closure 6 includes a top wall 61 and side walls 62 extending from the top wall. The top wall defines a circumferential gripping portion 63, which may include ridges or other protruding features configured to aid gripping. Figure 4 As clearly seen, the closure 6 includes a chamber 67 for receiving an active material 7 (particularly a desiccant and / or oxygen scavenger) capable of regulating the atmosphere within the container 2. The chamber 67, defined between the top wall 61 and the side wall 62, is sealed by a vent cap 8 that retains the active material 7 within the chamber. In the illustrated example, the vent cap 8 is a cardboard piece held circumferentially by a thin, rolled-up extension of the side wall 62. In other embodiments, the vent cap 8 may be a porous membrane, for example, fixed to the distal end of the side wall 62 by heat sealing, ultrasonic welding, overmolding, etc.

[0068] In this first embodiment, by way of non-limiting example: the container 2, the flow restrictor 4, and the closure 6 are all obtained by injection molding of polymer materials; the polymer material constituting the container 2 is polypropylene with a tensile modulus of 1350 MPa (ISO527) and a flexural modulus of 1200 MPa (ASTM D790); the polymer material constituting the flow restrictor 4 is low-density polyethylene (LDPE) with a tensile modulus of 200 MPa (ISO527) and a melt flow index (MFI) of 1.5 g / 10 min (ISO1133-1, 190°C / 2.16 kg); the polymer material constituting the closure 6 is low-density polyethylene (LDPE) with a tensile modulus of 140 MPa (ISO527), a flexural modulus of 130 MPa (ASTM D790), and a melt flow index (MFI) of 7.5 g / 10 min (ISO1133-1, 190°C / 2.16 kg). According to its advantageous features, the polymer material constituting the flow restrictor 4 is low-density polyethylene (LDPE) containing an anti-blocking agent.

[0069] The dispensing device 1 includes a first attachment mechanism located between the container 2 and the flow restrictor 4, and a second attachment mechanism located between the flow restrictor 4 and the closure member 6. The first attachment mechanism includes an interference fit between the circumferential wall 22 of the container 2 and the annular wall 41 of the flow restrictor 4, and a snap-fit ​​connection between the inner circumferential groove 24 of the circumferential wall 22 of the container and the outer circumferential ring 42 of the annular wall 41 of the flow restrictor 4. The second attachment mechanism only includes an interference fit between the annular wall 41 of the flow restrictor 4 and the outer circumferential protrusion 64 of the side wall 62 of the closure member 6.

[0070] The disassembly of the first and second attachment mechanisms involves friction between the contact surfaces. More specifically, the disassembly of the first attachment mechanism involves friction between the inner contact surface 23 formed by the upper portion of the circumferential wall 22 of the container, including the inner groove 24, and the outer contact surface 43 formed by the circumferential ring 42 of the flow restrictor. The inner groove 24 of the container has a retaining surface S. 24 The surface retains geometric hardpoints for disassembling the outer ring 42 from the inner groove 24. Advantageously, in this example, the surface S retains... 24 An angle α, approximately 22° (greater than 20°), is tilted relative to the longitudinal axis X1. Maintain surface S. 24 This relatively large tilt angle α ensures strong resistance to the disassembly of the first attachment mechanism.

[0071] The disassembly of the second attachment mechanism involves friction between the inner contact surface 45 formed by the flat annular wall 41 of the flow restrictor and the outer contact surface 65 formed by the outer protrusion 64 of the sidewall 62 of the closure. Interestingly, in this first embodiment, since the contact surface 65 of the closure is defined by the sidewall 62 defining the chamber 67, the maximum circumference of the contact surface 65 of the closure can be determined by the active material filling rate of the chamber 67. Therefore, the holding force of the second attachment mechanism can be adjusted by adjusting the amount of active material introduced into the chamber 67. In this first embodiment, since the annular wall 41 of the flow restrictor is flat, there are no geometric hard points on the path of disassembling the outer protrusion 64 relative to the flat wall 41. Since the flat annular wall 41 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X1 of the dispensing device, in this example, the tilt angle β of the retaining surface formed by the flat annular wall 41 relative to the longitudinal axis X1 is substantially zero. It is understood that the flow restrictor 4 has a draft angle between 0.5° and 2°, but since the annular wall 41 opens toward the free end of the flow restrictor 4 opposite to the convex guide portion 44, the inclined surface produced by this draft angle is not a retaining surface.

[0072] In this first embodiment, because appropriate values ​​are selected for the inner diameter of the upper portion of the circumferential wall 22 of the container 2 located between the inner groove 24 and the opening end 25 of the container, the diameter of the bottom of the inner groove 24 of the container, and the outer diameter at the apex of the outer ring 42 of the flow restrictor 4, the deformation required for disassembling the first attachment mechanism is selected to be greater than or equal to 1%. The inner diameter of the upper portion of the circumferential wall 22 of the container 2 defines the minimum perimeter L of the contact surface 23 of the container. 23 The outer diameter at the apex of the outer ring 42 of the flow restrictor 4 defines the maximum circumference L of the contact surface 43 of the flow restrictor. 43 Note that the minimum perimeter L 23 and maximum perimeter L 43 The value is taken from the configuration in which the flow restrictor 4 is detached from the container 2 and assembled with the closure 6 through the second attachment mechanism, which corresponds to Figure 3 The configuration shown. For example, in this illustrative embodiment, the minimum perimeter L 23 It is 94.3 mm; the maximum circumference L 43 The deformation is 96.1 mm; the deformation required to disassemble the first attachment mechanism is 1.9%.

[0073] Similarly, by selecting appropriate diameters for the upper portion of the flat annular wall 41 of the flow restrictor 4 and the outer protrusion 64 of the closure 6, these diameters respectively define the minimum perimeter L of the contact surface 45 of the flow restrictor. 45 The maximum perimeter L of the contact surface 65 with the closure 65Therefore, the deformation required to disassemble the second attachment mechanism was chosen to be less than or equal to 2.5%. Here, it is important to note the minimum perimeter L. 45 and maximum perimeter L 65 The value is taken from the configuration where the flow restrictor 4 is detached from the closure 6 and assembled with the container 2 through the first attachment mechanism, which corresponds to... Figure 2 The configuration shown. For example, in this illustrative embodiment, the minimum perimeter L 45 It is 86.1 mm; the maximum circumference L 65 The deformation is 87.3 mm; the deformation required to disassemble the second attachment mechanism is 1%.

[0074] The corresponding holding forces of the first attachment mechanism and the second attachment mechanism of the dispensing device 1 according to the first embodiment are determined using an automatic force tester (Chatillon TCD200).

[0075] The holding force of the first attachment mechanism

[0076] Several sub-assemblies of container 2, including the flow restrictor 4, are fixed to a force testing instrument. Flow restrictor 4 is subjected to a vertical force applied by a hook that moves upward, i.e., moves parallel to the longitudinal axis X1 of the dispensing device. A vertical force is applied to the lower surface of the circumferential edge 47 of flow restrictor 4 at a traction speed of 150 mm / min. The vertical force is recorded until flow restrictor 4 is removed from container 2.

[0077] The holding force of the second attachment mechanism

[0078] A closed dispensing device 1, comprising the assembled container 2, flow restrictor 4, and closure 6, is fixed to a force testing instrument. The closure 6 is subjected to a vertical force applied by a hook, which moves upward, i.e., parallel to the longitudinal axis X1 of the dispensing device. A vertical force is applied to the gripping portion 63 of the closure at a traction speed of 150 mm / min. The vertical force is recorded until the closure 6 is removed from the flow restrictor 4.

[0079] The corresponding opening force (N) is recorded in the table below, and the corresponding holding force ratio is calculated:

[0080]

[0081] It should be noted that the aforementioned measured value of the opening force of the first attachment mechanism was obtained in a configuration where the flow restrictor 4 was not assembled with the closure 6 via the second attachment mechanism. In fact, the presence of the closure 6, attached to the flow restrictor 4 via the second attachment mechanism, increases the holding force of the first attachment mechanism. This is because the sealing pressure exerted by the outer contact surface 65 formed by the outer protrusion 64 of the closure on the inner contact surface 45 formed by the flat annular wall 41 of the flow restrictor tends to increase the outer diameter at the apex of the outer ring 42 of the flow restrictor 4, which defines the maximum circumference L of the contact surface 43 of the flow restrictor. 43 .

[0082] As a result, compared to when the closure 6 is not assembled with the flow restrictor 4, the deformation and opening force required to deactivate the first attachment mechanism, i.e., to remove the flow restrictor 4 from the container 2, increases when the closure 6 is assembled with the flow restrictor 4 via the second attachment mechanism. Therefore, in the table above, the data on the ratio of the opening force to the holding force of the first attachment mechanism is underestimated compared to the case where the opening force of the first attachment mechanism is measured in the configuration where the flow restrictor 4 is assembled with the closure 6 via the second attachment mechanism.

[0083] The airtightness of several closed dispensing devices 1 of the first embodiment, including the assembled container 2, flow restrictor 4, and closure 6, is also determined by measurement of water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) according to ASTM-D7709. To assess the leakage rate caused by the double-sealed interface at the first and second attachment points, the WVTR value of the dispensing device 1 is compared with a reference value obtained from the same container 2 sealed in a moisture-proof manner. In this example, the WVTR reference value is obtained by sealing an aluminum foil seal to the open end 25 of the container. Alternatively, the WVTR reference value for a separate container can be obtained by gluing a metal sheet to the open end 25 of the container with epoxy resin or hot melt adhesive, or by using a moisture-proof reference closure, which can also optionally be secured to the container with sealing resin.

[0084] The WVTR measurement results are recorded in the table below. In each case, measurements were obtained for container 2, molded from polypropylene, flow restrictor 4, and closure 6, molded from low-density polyethylene (LDPE). The container has a wall thickness of 1.1 mm, a circular cross-section with an outer diameter of 32.2 mm, and a total height of 53 mm.

[0085]

[0086] The absolute value of WVTR varies depending on dimensional parameters (exchange surface area resulting from height and diameter, wall thickness) and material selection. However, it has been observed that when the holding force ratio of the first and second attachment mechanisms is selected within the scope of this invention, the sealing characteristics of a three-piece dispenser device with two sealing interfaces are substantially equivalent to those achievable with a two-piece device comprising only the container and closure with a single sealing interface. As shown above, the WVTR of the dispenser device 1, comprising the container 2, the flow restrictor 4, and the closure 6 assembled together, is less than or equal to 1.2 times the reference WVTR measured separately for a container sealed in a moisture-proof manner.

[0087] Therefore, the dispensing device 1 of the first embodiment, having a holding force ratio within the scope of the present invention, enables the storage of sensitive unit products in the device, while providing flow reduction characteristics for the dispensing of unit products, and allows the user to easily open the closure, particularly with an opening force of less than 35 N.

[0088] exist Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the second embodiment shown, elements similar to those in the first embodiment have the same reference numerals. The difference between the dispensing device 1 in the second embodiment and the first embodiment is that the sealing portion of the closure 6 is formed by an outer sealing skirt 66 of the closure, rather than by the sidewall 62 of the chamber 67. In this second embodiment, the sidewall 62 of the chamber 67 is surrounded by the outer sealing skirt 66, with a gap between the sidewall 62 and the outer sealing skirt 66. The outer sealing skirt 66 forms the contact surface 68 of the closure, which is part of the second attachment mechanism and is configured to frictionally engage with the contact surface 45 of the flow restrictor.

[0089] In the first embodiment, the first attachment mechanism includes an interference fit between the circumferential wall 22 of the container 2 and the annular wall 41 of the flow restrictor 4, combining a snap-fit ​​connection between the inner circumferential groove 24 of the circumferential wall 22 of the container and the outer circumferential ring 42 of the annular wall 41 of the flow restrictor. Disassembly of the first attachment mechanism involves friction between an inner contact surface 23 formed by the upper portion of the circumferential wall 22, including the inner groove 24, and an outer contact surface 43 formed by the outer circumferential ring 42 of the flow restrictor. The inner groove 24 of the container has a retaining surface S. 24 The retaining surface is tilted at an angle α of approximately 22° (i.e., greater than 20°) relative to the direction of the longitudinal axis X1.

[0090] In this second embodiment, the second attachment mechanism includes an interference fit between the annular wall 41 of the flow restrictor 4 and the outer skirt 66 of the closure 6, combined with a snap-fit ​​connection between the inner circumferential groove 46 of the annular wall 41 of the flow restrictor and the outer circumferential protrusion 67 of the outer skirt 66 of the closure. Disassembly of the second attachment mechanism involves friction between the inner contact surface 45 formed by the annular wall 41 of the flow restrictor, including the inner groove 46, and the outer contact surface 68 formed by the outer protrusion 69 of the outer skirt 66 of the closure. The inner groove 46 of the flow restrictor has a retaining surface S. 46 The retaining surface is tilted at an angle β of approximately 12° (i.e. less than 15°) relative to the direction of the longitudinal axis X1.

[0091] Similarly, by selecting appropriate values ​​for the inner diameter of the circumferential wall 22 of container 2, the diameter of the bottom of the inner groove 24 of container 2, and the outer diameter at the apex of the outer ring 42 of the flow restrictor 4, the inner diameter of the circumferential wall 22 of container 2 limits the minimum circumference L of the contact surface 23 of the container. 23 The outer diameter at the apex of the outer ring 42 of the flow restrictor 4 limits the maximum circumference L of the contact surface 43 of the flow restrictor. 43 Therefore, the deformation required to disassemble the first attachment mechanism was chosen to be greater than or equal to 1%. Minimum perimeter L 23 and maximum perimeter L 43 The value is taken from the configuration in which the flow restrictor 4 is detached from the container 2 and assembled with the closure 6 through the second attachment mechanism, which corresponds to Figure 3 The configuration shown. For example, in this illustrative second embodiment, the minimum perimeter L 23 It is 94.3 mm; the maximum circumference L 43 The diameter is 96.8 mm; the deformation required to disassemble the first attachment mechanism is 2.6%.

[0092] Similarly, by selecting appropriate diameters for the inner diameter of the annular wall 41 of the flow restrictor 4, the bottom diameter of the inner groove 46 of the flow restrictor 4, and the outer diameter at the apex of the outer protrusion 69 of the closure, the inner diameter of the annular wall 41 of the flow restrictor 4 limits the minimum circumference L of the contact surface 45 of the flow restrictor. 45 The apex of the outer diameter of the outer protrusion 69 of the closure 6 defines the maximum perimeter L of the contact surface 68 of the closure. 68 Therefore, the deformation required to disassemble the second attachment mechanism was chosen to be less than or equal to 2.5%. Minimum perimeter L 45 and maximum perimeter L 68 The value is taken from the configuration where the flow restrictor 4 is detached from the closure 6 and assembled with the container 2 through the first attachment mechanism, which corresponds to... Figure 2 The configuration shown is illustrated. For example, in this illustrative embodiment, the minimum perimeter L... 45 It is 85.4 mm; the maximum circumference L 68The diameter is 87.3 mm; the deformation required to disassemble the second attachment mechanism is 2.1%.

[0093] As in the first embodiment, an automatic force tester (Chatillon TCD200) is used to determine the corresponding holding forces of the first attachment mechanism and the second attachment mechanism of the dispensing device 1 according to the second embodiment, resulting in an average holding force ratio greater than 2.

[0094] exist Figure 8 In the third embodiment shown, elements similar to those in the first and second embodiments have the same reference numerals. The only difference between the dispensing device 1 in the third embodiment and the second embodiment is that the snap-fit ​​connection is located between the outer circumferential protrusion 67 of the outer skirt 66 of the closure and the inner circumferential protrusion 46' (instead of the inner circumferential groove 46) of the annular wall 41 of the flow restrictor. Disassembly of the second attachment mechanism involves friction between the inner contact surface 45 formed by the annular wall 41 of the flow restrictor, including the inner protrusion 46', and the outer contact surface 68 formed by the outer protrusion 69 of the outer skirt 66 of the closure. The inner protrusion 46' of the flow restrictor has a retaining surface S. 46’ The surface is tilted at an angle β of approximately 12° (i.e. less than 15°) relative to the longitudinal axis X1.

[0095] As can be seen from the above description of several embodiments of the dispensing device according to the present invention,

[0096] The invention is not limited to the examples described and shown. In particular, the three components of the dispensing device according to the invention can be made of materials and shapes other than those described above. For example, in embodiments where the dispensing device is intended for storing and dispensing very small units of product (e.g., granules), it is preferable to remove the circumferential edge 47 of the flow restrictor 4 and directly connect the leg of the convex guide portion 44 to the annular wall 41 to avoid any risk of granules getting stuck in the gap between the circumferential edge 47 and the closure 6.

Claims

1. A dispensing device (1) for storing and dispensing unit products, comprising a container (2), a flow restrictor (4), and a closure (6), said dispensing device comprising: - A first attachment mechanism located between the tubular portion (22) of the container (2) and the tubular portion (41) of the flow restrictor (4), wherein the first attachment mechanism is homogeneous in circumference of the tubular portion of the container and the tubular portion of the flow restrictor, and - A second attachment mechanism located between the tubular portion (41) of the flow restrictor (4) and the tubular portion (62; 66) of the closure (6), the second attachment mechanism being homogeneous in circumference of the tubular portion of the flow restrictor and the tubular portion of the closure. Wherein, the ratio of the holding force of the first attachment mechanism to the holding force of the second attachment mechanism is greater than or equal to 1.

5. The holding force of the first attachment mechanism is defined as the opening force required to remove the flow restrictor from the container when the flow restrictor is assembled with the closure via the second attachment mechanism. The holding force of the second attachment mechanism is defined as the opening force required to remove the closure from the flow restrictor when the flow restrictor is assembled with the container via the first attachment mechanism. Both the holding forces of the first and second attachment mechanisms are determined using an opening force applied parallel to the longitudinal axis (X1) of the corresponding tubular portion at a given opening speed of 150 mm / min. The holding force of the second attachment mechanism is greater than or equal to 15 N and less than or equal to 55 N.

2. The dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein, The ratio of the holding force of the first attachment mechanism to the holding force of the second attachment mechanism is greater than or equal to 2.

3. The dispensing device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The holding force of the second attachment mechanism is less than or equal to 40 N.

4. The dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The second attachment mechanism is formed by the interference fit between the flow restrictor (4) and the closure (6), without any snap fastening connection.

5. The dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The flow restrictor (4) and the closure (6) are made of a polymer-based material, and the tensile modulus of the polymer-based material of the closure (6) is significantly lower than that of the polymer-based material of the flow restrictor (4).

6. The dispensing device according to claim 5, wherein, The flow restrictor (4) and the closure (6) are made of a polyolefin-based material, the polyolefin of the flow restrictor (4) and the closure (6) being the same and selected from polyethylene and polypropylene, and the tensile modulus of the polyolefin-based material of the closure (6) being strictly lower than that of the polyolefin-based material of the flow restrictor (4).

7. The dispensing device according to claim 5, wherein, The container (2) is made of a polymer-based material, and the tensile modulus of the polymer-based material of the container (2) is greater than or equal to the tensile modulus of the polymer-based material of the flow restrictor (4).

8. The dispensing device according to claim 6, wherein, The container (2) is made of a polyolefin-based material selected from polyethylene and polypropylene, and the tensile modulus of the polyolefin-based material of the container (2) is greater than or equal to the tensile modulus of the polyolefin-based material of the flow restrictor (4).

9. The dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of the distribution device (1), which includes the container (2), the flow restrictor (4), and the closure (6) assembled together, is less than or equal to 1.2 times the WVTR measured separately for the same container (2) sealed in a moisture-proof manner.

10. The dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The disassembly of the first attachment mechanism involves friction between the inner contact surface (23) of the container (2) and the outer contact surface (43) of the flow restrictor (4), wherein the deformation of the disassembly of the first attachment mechanism is greater than or equal to 1%, and the deformation of the disassembly of the first attachment mechanism is defined as the ratio of the following two aspects: on the one hand, the absolute value of the difference between the minimum perimeter of the contact surface (23) of the container and the maximum perimeter of the contact surface (43) of the flow restrictor, and on the other hand, the maximum perimeter of the contact surface (43) of the flow restrictor, wherein the perimeter value is taken from the configuration of the flow restrictor (4) being disassembled from the container (2) and assembled with the closure (6) through the second attachment mechanism.

11. The dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The disassembly of the second attachment mechanism involves friction between the inner contact surface (45) of the flow restrictor (4) and the outer contact surface (65; 68) of the closure (6), wherein the deformation of the disassembly of the second attachment mechanism is less than or equal to 2.5%, and the deformation of the disassembly of the second attachment mechanism is defined as the ratio of the following two aspects: on the one hand, the absolute value of the difference between the minimum perimeter of the contact surface (45) of the flow restrictor and the maximum perimeter of the contact surface (65; 68) of the closure, and on the other hand, the maximum perimeter of the contact surface (65; 68) of the closure, wherein the perimeter value is taken from the configuration of the flow restrictor (4) being disassembled from the closure (6) and assembled with the container (2) through the first attachment mechanism.

12. The dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first attachment mechanism includes both an interference fit between the container (2) and the flow restrictor (4) and a snap fastening connection, wherein the snap fastening connection includes an inner snap fastening member (24) of the container and a complementary outer snap fastening member (42) of the flow restrictor.

13. The dispensing device according to claim 12, wherein, The inner snap-fit ​​fastening member (24) of the container (2) has a retaining surface (S 24 The retaining surface forms hard points for disassembling the snap fasteners (24, 42), this retaining surface (S) 24 The angle (α) is greater than or equal to 15° relative to the longitudinal axis (X1) of the tubular portion (22) of the container.

14. The dispensing device according to claim 13, wherein, The retaining surface (S) 24 The angle (α) is greater than or equal to 20° relative to the longitudinal axis (X1) of the tubular portion (22) of the container.

15. The dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The closure (6) includes a chamber (67) for an active material (7) intended to control the atmosphere within the container (2), the sidewall (62) of the chamber forming a contact surface (65) of the closure, the contact surface being part of the second attachment mechanism and configured to frictionally engage with the corresponding contact surface (45) of the flow restrictor.

16. The dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The closure (6) includes a chamber (67) for an active material intended to control the atmosphere within the container (2), the sidewall (62) of the chamber being surrounded by an outer sealing skirt (66) with a gap between the sidewall (62) and the outer sealing skirt (66), the outer sealing skirt (66) forming a contact surface (68) of the closure, the contact surface being part of the second attachment mechanism and configured to frictionally engage with the corresponding contact surface (45) of the flow restrictor.

17. The dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, In the assembled configuration of the dispensing device, the first attachment mechanism and the second attachment mechanism are positioned inside the container (2), and along the longitudinal axis (X1) of the tubular portion (22) of the container, the first attachment mechanism is farther from the opening end (25) of the container than the second attachment mechanism.

18. A method for assembling and filling a dispensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the steps of: - The closure (6) is assembled with the flow restrictor (4) by means of the second attachment mechanism; - Fill the container (2) with a unit product; - The sub-assemblies, including the flow restrictor (4) and the closure (6) pre-assembled via the second attachment mechanism, are assembled together with the container (2) via the first attachment mechanism.

19. A method for assembling and filling the dispensing device according to claim 15, the method comprising the steps of: - Fill the chamber (67) of the closure (6) with active material (7); - The closure (6), whose chamber (67) is filled with the active material (7), is assembled with the flow restrictor (4) via the second attachment mechanism; - Fill the container (2) with a unit product; - The sub-assemblies, including the flow restrictor (4) and the closure (6) pre-assembled via the second attachment mechanism, are assembled together with the container (2) via the first attachment mechanism.

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