DISPENSER FOR PRESSURE CONTAINERS

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a diffuser for a pressurized container equipped with a valve, in particular for an aerosol generator, and more particularly a diffuser comprising different materials. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Generally, a diffuser consists of two main components with distinct functions, both molded from a single material. These two components are the outlet conduit, which carries the product from the pressure vessel out of the valve and distributes it, and the base body, which protects the outlet conduit and includes elements to actuate it and trigger the product's release. The diffuser can be molded as a single piece or have components molded from a single material and assembled or welded together. Only the diffuser's outlet conduit is in direct contact with the product inside the vessel. Therefore, the material used for the outlet conduit is constrained by the product inside the pressure vessel. This material constraint, in turn, impacts the diffuser's manufacturing costs.Thus, there is a need for a base body and a diffuser outlet duct whose costs are better optimized.

[0003] Diffusers already exist whose components are initially separate before assembly and then joined by bonding or thermal welding, or produced by two-material injection molding. Their design considers the base body on one hand and the outlet duct on the other. However, the components of these diffusers are most often designed with the optimization variable of improving the diffusion of the product contained in the pressurized container. The question of optimizing the quality and volume of the material composing the outlet duct, the cost of which is generally dictated by the material chosen, is rarely, if ever, considered. Therefore, it is necessary to have a diffuser whose outlet duct and base body allow for the optimization of the qualities and volumes of the chosen materials to limit additional costs.Furthermore, in order to meet societal commitments while respecting regulations, it may be important or even essential to be able to choose different qualities of materials for the outlet duct and the base body.

[0004] US patent 2017 / 233171 A1 discloses a cap assembly comprising an actuator with a first slot, a tab, and a spray passage. A nozzle is in fluidic communication with the spray passage. A housing is also included, having a notch to receive the tab in the non-actuated state and a first projection to be received by the first slot in the activated state.

[0005] Document FR 2 556 242 A1 discloses a dual-action diffuser, providing immediate and delayed diffusion, for pressurized ambient products. The diffuser comprises a container cap with an axial control tube for dispensing, which connects to the tubular control rod of an aerosol valve that seals the container containing the pressurized product. This axial tube opens into a first channel for immediate diffusion of the product, terminating in a nozzle for direct spraying into the atmosphere. This axial tube also opens into a second channel for delayed diffusion of the product, terminating in a nozzle for impregnating an absorbent material housed within the cap and exposed to the atmosphere through vents cut into the cap wall. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The objective of the invention is to provide a diffuser in which the choice of material for the outlet duct and that of the base body is dictated only by the properties required for each of them, the diffuser also having to be economical to manufacture.

[0007] According to the invention, a diffuser for a pressure vessel equipped with a valve, particularly for an aerosol generator, is proposed according to claim 1. The diffuser has a base body having a finger grip for the user to press to actuate the valve, and an outlet opening for the discharge of a product contained in the pressure vessel. The diffuser further has an outlet conduit located in the base body, which outlet conduit has a first end configured to cooperate with the valve of the pressure vessel, and a second end configured for the discharge of the product contained in the pressure vessel. The outlet conduit is coupled to the base body such that the second end of the outlet conduit is substantially opposite the outlet opening of the base body. At least a portion of the base body is made of recycled material.The outlet duct is made of a different material than the recycled material. Optionally, the outlet duct material itself can be recycled.

[0008] The embodiments of the invention are based inter aliaThe inventive idea is that the material used for the base body and the material used for the outlet conduit are of different origins, and therefore different prices. This allows the use of a high-quality material in contact with the product contained in the pressure vessel to be limited to the outlet conduit alone, a relatively small component, while the material used for the base body can be a recycled material chosen for its mechanical properties, lower cost, aesthetics, etc., rather than for its physicochemical suitability for the product contained in the vessel. This objective can be achieved by providing an outlet conduit and a base body in two separate parts that can be joined by various fastening methods.Thus, the dimensions of the outlet duct can be optimized to use as little material as possible, while the material of the basic body part will be an economically advantageous recycled material.

[0009] In the context of this invention, the adjective "recycled" refers to material from a used object that is recovered and reintroduced into a production cycle. In other words, a recycled object is waste resulting from previous use that has undergone a recycling process for reintroduction into a production cycle. This recycling process may include mechanical, physical, and / or chemical operations or transformations aimed at restoring the object's suitability for reintroduction into the consumer market. In other words, recycling an object is a process for treating the materials of that object that allows for the reintroduction into a production cycle of materials that composed a similar or different object that has reached the end of its life, or manufacturing residues. Depending on the quality of the recycling process, impurities may remain within the recycled material.

[0010] In the context of the invention, the expression "physico-chemical suitability" refers to a material whose chemical properties are suitable for the product contained in the pressure vessel, i.e. whose physico-chemical properties do not alter the chemical composition of the product or its organoleptic properties, and therefore its quality.

[0011] According to the invention, the material used for the outlet pipe differs from the recycled material used for the base body. In other words, the material used for the outlet pipe and the material used for the base body can have different compositions. "Composition" is understood in the context of the invention to mean chemical composition. For example, due to the possible presence of the aforementioned impurities in the recycled material, the recycled material of the base body has a different composition from the material used for the outlet pipe.

[0012] Thus, it is possible to use two materials of different compositions for the outlet conduit and the base body. The outlet conduit material will have a specific chemical suitability for the sample being collected, while the recycled material of the base body will not need to meet this requirement but can be chosen for its mechanical properties, among others. The base body and outlet conduit can therefore be manufactured in different plants. The same outlet conduit can be used with base bodies of varying qualities, and the same base body can be used with outlet conduits made of different materials. Numerous combinations are therefore possible.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the material used for the base body portion exhibits a total migration rate of its constituents to a reference product that is higher than the total migration rate of its constituents from the material used for the outlet conduit to the reference product. In one example, the total migration rate of its constituents from the material used for the outlet conduit to the reference product is less than 10 mg of said constituents per dm² of the material's surface area.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the material used for the outlet conduit is a virgin material. In another example embodiment, the material used for the outlet conduit is a food-grade material.

[0015] Within the European Union, Regulation (EC) No 1935 / 2004, and more recently Regulation (EC) No 10 / 2011 concerning plastic materials, constitutes the basic legislation applicable to materials in contact with food. According to the Regulation, these materials must be safe for human health and must not unacceptably alter the properties of the product. The Regulation also establishes that the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is required to conduct a conventional risk assessment of any risks to human health related to the use of certain types of materials in contact with food. The opinion issued by EFSA must therefore include the designation of the substance under evaluation, and any specifications or recommendations for any conditions or restrictions on the use of that substance.

[0016] It is possible to manufacture materials, including plastics, in such a way that they do not release more than 10 mg of substances per 1 dm² of surface area. A surface area of ​​6 dm² represents the surface area of ​​a 1 kg (or 1 liter) cube of food product. A total migration limit of 60 mg / kg applies to all materials in contact with food products. In other words, any migration of chemical constituents from these materials into food products above this limit is not permitted. If the risk assessment of an individual substance in these materials does not indicate a lower level, this level will constitute a generic limit for the inertness of a material, as described in Regulations (EC) No 1935 / 2004 and (EC) No 10 / 2011, in other words, the limit for the total migration of constituents from the material into the food product.Furthermore, based on a toxicological risk assessment, a specific migration limit may be established in addition to the total migration limit. The specific migration limit corresponds to the maximum permissible amount of a given substance released from a material into a food product.

[0017] To quantify the chemical transfer of constituents from a material to a food product, the concentration of migrating constituents is measured in products simulating food products, also called reference products, and not in the actual food products. The use of reference products simulating real food products provides an approximation of the actual migration in real food products. It is generally agreed that their use overestimates the actual migration. Reference products are used as food substitutes to simplify the chemical analysis of the migrating constituents found within them. The chemical detection and quantification of constituents require specific analytical methods for each chemical substance of interest, specially developed for each type of reference product.Reference products vary according to their chemical properties, thus representing different types of food products: hydrophilic (water-based foods), lipophilic (fatty foods), or amphiphilic (foods with both water and fat properties). For example, migration to an oily food product is measured using vegetable oil as the reference product. Reference products composed of 10% ethanol or 3% acetic acid are used for water-based foods and beverages. Dry foods are simulated by a synthetic polymer with a defined porosity. Butter and other amphiphilic foods are simulated by a solution composed of 50% ethanol.Distilled water is commonly used as a reference product for assessing the total migration of constituents from a material to a food product, i.e., the total chemical transfer of the material's constituents to the food product without necessarily knowing and distinguishing the chemical identity of each constituent taken separately, although other reference products may be used.

[0018] It is clear to those skilled in the art that reference products can also be used to simulate products other than food products, such as cosmetics or medical products. Thus, the total migration rate or the specific migration rate of constituents from a material to a cosmetic or medical product can be evaluated using cosmetic or medical reference products. Therefore, the embodiments of the invention are not limited to the use of reference products simulating food products.

[0019] In the context of the invention, the adjective "inert" refers to a material whose total migration rate of constituents into a given product or a given reference product does not exceed a certain safety limit, for example, the aforementioned total migration limit of 60 mg / kg. In other words, it will be a material that will not alter, or will only negligibly alter, the chemical composition of the product, and therefore its quality.

[0020] It should be noted that the adjectives "recycled" and "inert" are not necessarily mutually exclusive in the context of the invention. Thus, a recycled material can also be an inert material. Nevertheless, the production costs of an inert material are generally higher than the production costs of a recycled material, because the quality of the inert material will generally be superior to that of the recycled material. Indeed, impurities may remain within the recycled material, depending on the quality of the recycling process. Depending on their nature, these impurities may mean that the recycled material cannot be inert with respect to the product because they may exhibit a migration rate of constituents into the product exceeding a certain safety limit, and thus compromise its quality.

[0021] In the context of the invention, in contrast to the adjective "recycled," the adjective "virgin" refers to a material that has not yet been used. Thus, the material of the outlet duct can be first-use. It should be noted that an inert material may not be virgin. In other words, a recycled material used for the outlet duct can be used if it has a constituent migration rate below a certain safety limit, thus ensuring the maintenance of the product's quality. In this sense, the material is not virgin, as it is not first-use. It should also be noted that an inert material can also be virgin. Thus, it is necessary to distinguish between the adjectives "virgin" and "inert" in the context of the invention. For example, a virgin material may not be inert, and vice versa.

[0022] In the context of the invention, the expression "suitable for food contact" refers to a material that does not alter the nutritional or organoleptic qualities of a food product contained in the pressurized container, thus ensuring the safety of the consumer of said food product. It should be noted that a virgin material can also be suitable for food contact. It should also be noted that a material suitable for food contact may not be virgin. Therefore, it is necessary to distinguish between the adjective "virgin" and the expression "suitable for food contact" in the context of the invention. For example, a virgin material may not be suitable for food contact, and vice versa. Thus, if the diffuser is intended for a food product, the material of the outlet duct must be suitable for food contact, while the recycled material of the base body will not need to be and may be more economical.

[0023] In other words, an object's suitability for food contact means that the material it is made of meets regulatory (see European Regulations above) or normative requirements guaranteeing that there is no risk of induced toxicity to food or beverages from that object. Good hygiene practices dictate that this type of item be inert with respect to food products, preventing or safely limiting any migration of substances and having no catalytic effect likely to alter the quality of the food product.

[0024] It should be noted that the product contained in the pressurized container may belong to sectors other than food, such as cosmetics or medicine. Specific regulations also exist for these sectors and constitute the basic legislation applicable to materials in contact with cosmetic or medical products.

[0025] The base body forms a cavity that may include a concave wall and a convex wall forming a recess in the cavity. In the context of the invention, the adjectives "concave" and "convex" refer to the interior of the base body. In other words, these adjectives refer to an observer located within the cavity of the base body. The outlet opening may be formed in the convex wall of the base body. Pressure vessels generally have a cylindrical end to which the base body is attached. The main body of the valve and the cylindrical end of the pressure vessel may be aligned along an axis. Due to the presence of the convex wall, the outlet opening in the convex wall can be positioned closer to the valve axis, and the longitudinal dimension of the outlet conduit can be minimized.Indeed, thanks to this approach of the outlet opening, the longitudinal dimension between the valve axis and the second end can be minimized, thus making the outlet conduit more compact and minimizing the amount of material used and therefore production costs.

[0026] The finger joint of a diffuser can be defined as the part of the diffuser that is directly displaced by the pressure of a user's finger on a portion of the finger joint's external surface. The movement of the finger joint generally causes, mechanically, the displacement of the outlet and the actuation of the pressure vessel's valve.

[0027] According to the invention, at least one part of the basic body is made of recycled material. In one embodiment, the finger cot, the convex wall, or the concave wall, or a combination of two of these three parts, can be made of recycled material. In another embodiment, the entire basic body can be made of recycled material. For example, the finger cot, the convex wall, and the concave wall of the basic body can all be made of recycled material.

[0028] The concave and convex walls can be molded as a single piece. Therefore, the material used to manufacture the concave wall and the convex wall can be the same. In other embodiments, the convex wall can be bonded or heat-welded to the concave wall, or produced by two-material injection molding. Thus, the material used to manufacture the concave and convex walls can be different. Molding the concave and convex walls as a single piece is generally preferred, as the finished part will have greater mechanical strength.

[0029] According to a typical embodiment, the outlet duct may be available in a small number of so-called standard variants, for example a variant with a nozzle, and a variant without a nozzle, and the modeling of the variations of the basic body may be done in such a way as to adapt to the standard outlet ducts.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment, the material used for the outlet duct comprises any one of the following materials: a polymer material, a metal, or a combination of the aforementioned materials.

[0031] According to one exemplary embodiment, the polymer material comprises any one of the following polymers: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyoxymethylene (POM), polyethylene terephthalate (PBT), polyamide (PA), or a combination of the aforementioned polymers.

[0032] According to another example of an embodiment, the metal comprises aluminum, steel, in particular stainless steel, or an alloy of the two aforementioned metals.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, the material used for the basic body part comprises any one of the following materials: a polymer material, a non-polymer material, or a combination of the aforementioned materials.

[0034] According to one exemplary embodiment, the polymer material comprises any one of the following polymers: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), or a combination of the aforementioned polymers.

[0035] According to the invention, the base body is provided with a connection hole in the finger joint, and the outlet duct includes a hook portion designed to be inserted into the connection hole, so that the outlet duct can be attached to the base body. By defining a portion of the base body's design with the presence of a connection hole, a consistent means of securing the outlet duct to the base body is available for all diffuser variations. The connection hole facilitates the attachment of the outlet duct to the base body. It can be used, for example, to insert a mechanical fastener, glue or adhesive, solder, or a tool for attaching the outlet duct to the base body. Since only one connection hole is required at a given position on the base body, flexibility in designing the different diffuser variations is ensured.

[0036] In this way, the base body and the diffuser outlet duct can be manufactured independently from materials that are mechanically and / or chemically compatible or not. According to one embodiment, variations of the outlet duct are standardized and already manufactured. Therefore, only one part, the base body, needs to be modeled, allowing for greater logistical flexibility and reduced costs. The outlet duct can be attached to the base body by means of a mounting portion inserted into the connection hole, preventing it from detaching on its own. This mounting portion can be mechanically joined, welded, chemically bonded, and / or heat-bonded to the base body.The connection hole will therefore facilitate the fixing of the outlet duct and, by the introduction of the portion of the outlet duct, will facilitate the positioning of the outlet duct relative to the base body.

[0037] Depending on the fastening methods used to attach the outlet duct to the base body, the materials used for the base body and the outlet duct may be chosen to be mechanically and / or chemically compatible or not. Thus, if the introduced portion is mechanically joined to the base body, the materials used for the base body and the outlet duct may be chosen to be mechanically compatible, but not necessarily chemically compatible. Alternatively, if the introduced portion is welded, chemically bonded, and / or heat-bonded to the base body, the materials used for the base body and the outlet duct may be chosen to be chemically compatible, but not necessarily mechanically compatible.

[0038] In the context of the invention, the expression "chemically compatible" refers to a material whose chemical properties, in particular chemical reactivity, are compatible with the chemical properties, in particular chemical reactivity, of another material, i.e. whose chemical properties do not alter the chemical properties of that other material.

[0039] In the context of the invention, the expression "mechanically compatible" refers to a material whose physical properties, in particular mechanical properties, are compatible with the physical properties, in particular mechanical properties, of another material, that is to say, whose physical properties do not alter the physical properties of that other material.

[0040] Thus, a recycled polymer material from the base body can be mechanically and / or chemically compatible with a polymer material or metal from the outlet duct. For example, recycled polypropylene (PP) used to manufacture at least part of the base body can be mechanically and / or chemically compatible with polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or aluminum used to manufacture the outlet duct. Similarly, a recycled non-polymer material from the base body can be mechanically and / or chemically compatible with a polymer material or metal from the outlet duct. For example, a recycled polymer material used to manufacture at least part of the base body can be mechanically and / or chemically compatible with polyoxymethylene (POM), polyethylene terephthalate (PBT), or (stainless) steel used to manufacture the outlet duct.

[0041] According to an advantageous embodiment, a minimum longitudinal distance between a first point, said first point being a point of the connection hole on the external surface of the finger joint, and a second point, said second point being a point of the exit opening on the external surface of the base body, is less than 12 mm, preferably less than 10 mm, more preferably less than 8 mm.

[0042] In this way, an additional constraint is added to the modeling of the basic body, ensuring the use of a smaller outlet conduit and thus reducing the volume of material used. For example, due to the presence of the convex wall, the outlet opening in the convex wall can be positioned closer to the valve axis, and the longitudinal dimension of the outlet conduit can be minimized.

[0043] According to an advantageous embodiment, the second end of the outlet conduit is floating relative to the outlet opening.

[0044] In this way, there are fewer connection elements to be made between the outlet conduit and the base body, which requires less material and therefore reduces production costs.

[0045] In one embodiment, the basic body comprises a lower edge and an upper edge. In a preferred embodiment, the basic body comprises a lower portion. This lower portion of the basic body forms a substantially cylindrical lower cavity delimited by the lower edge of the basic body and by a lower end of the convex wall.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the height of said lower cavity of the base body is between 15 mm and 25 mm. The height of the lower cavity of the base body is defined in a direction parallel to the axis of the valve, going from the lower edge of the base body to the lower end of the convex wall.

[0047] In addition to the lower cavity of the basic body, a superior cavity of the basic body may be defined, which is formed by an upper portion of the basic body. This superior cavity is delimited by the lower end of the convex wall and by the upper edge of the basic body.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the height of said upper cavity of the base body is between 15 mm and 35 mm. The height of the upper cavity of the base body is defined in a direction parallel to the axis of the valve, going from the lower end of the convex wall to the apex of the upper edge of the base body.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the outlet conduit is arranged substantially entirely within the upper cavity of the base body. In other words, preferably the outlet conduit does not extend beyond the limits defined for the upper cavity of the base body.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the outlet conduit is divided into a first substantially straight section and a second section inclined relative to the first. The first section begins at the first end and terminates at the junction with the second section. The second section begins at the junction with the first section and terminates at the second end. Preferably, the first section is substantially parallel to the axis of the valve.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the attachment portion of the outlet duct, when attached, is visible from outside the diffuser, preferably at the finger grip, and has a recognizable shape and / or color to serve as a means of identification for the user. Thus, the attachment portion has the dual function of identifier and attachment. The shape and / or color of the attachment portion can indicate a product type, product origin, precautions for use, product packaging, etc. Since the material used for the base body is recycled, the outlet duct could, for example, be colored green so that the attachment portion forms a green dot on the finger grip. A manufacturer could thus communicate to its customers its strategic commitment to a sustainable development policy.

[0052] According to the invention, a pressure vessel diffuser is proposed to be used according to any of the preceding embodiments for the distribution of food, cosmetic, or medical products. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0053] These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings showing examples of embodiments of the invention. Identical numbers refer to identical features in all drawings. THE Figures 1A And 1B show an exploded perspective view and a perspective view of a longitudinal section, respectively, of the diffuser, the pressure vessel valve, and the pressure vessel according to an embodiment of the invention; The Figures 2A and 2B illustrate a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the diffuser and an enlargement, respectively, according to the embodiment of the Figures 1A And 1B ; There Figure 3 illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the diffuser according to another embodiment of the invention; The Figure 4 illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the diffuser according to another embodiment of the invention; and The Figure 5 illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the diffuser which is not according to the claimed invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0054] THE Figures 1A And 1B show an exploded perspective view and a perspective view of a longitudinal section, respectively, of the diffuser, the pressure vessel valve and the pressure vessel according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0055] The invention relates to a diffuser 100 for a pressure vessel 20, particularly for aerosol generators, foam generators, and systems for dispensing gels, creams, pastes, or liquids, etc. The diffuser 100 is designed to actuate the valve 30 of the vessel in order to draw at least a portion of the contents of the pressure vessel 20 and dispense it, for example, as an aerosol or foam. The pressure vessels 20 generally consist of a body 21 with a neck closed by a valve 30 mounted on a valve cup 35. Sometimes the valve cup 35 is attached to the body 21 by means of a dome 22. When the valve 30 is of the male type, a nozzle 31, or stem, protrudes from the valve 30.

[0056] The diffuser 100 comprises a base body 110 and an outlet conduit 120. The base body 110 may have a cavity formed by an outer wall 111 of the base body 110 or arranged within a substantially solid body. The outlet conduit 120 may be housed entirely or partially within the cavity formed by the outer wall 111. The outer wall 111 may include concave and / or convex portions. Thus, the base body 110 may form a cavity comprising a concave wall 118 and a convex wall 117 forming a recess in the cavity. In the context of the invention, the adjectives "concave" and "convex" refer to the interior of the base body 110. In other words, these adjectives refer to an observer located within the cavity of the base body 110.

[0057] The pressure vessel 20 generally has a cylindrical end to which the base body 110 is attached. The nozzle 31 of the valve 30 projects from this end and is centered with respect to it. The nozzle 31, the main body of the valve 30, and the cylindrical end of the pressure vessel 20 are aligned along an axis A. To cooperate with the cylindrical end of the vessel, a lower portion of the outer wall 111 of the base body 110 may have rotational symmetry about the axis A when attached to the vessel 20.

[0058] The base body 110 can be fitted with a mounting ring 112 for fixing it either directly to the pressure vessel 20, in particular to the housing 21 or the valve 30, or via a ferrule. This mounting ring 112 can be fitted with fastening means around its entire periphery or evenly distributed. These fastening means can be designed to cooperate with additional fastening means on the housing 21 or the valve 30 of the pressure vessel 20, or on the ferrule 23. In particular, the series of regularly distributed grooves of the Figures 1B Or 2Acan snap into place behind a rolled edge 24 at the interface between the housing 21 and the valve cup 35 or between the housing 21 and the dome 22 on which the valve cup 35 is fixed. Other means of fixing can be considered, such as a continuous rib, a thread for screwing, an excess of material for welding, glue for bonding, etc.

[0059] The wall 111 of the base body can be pierced with a finger hole 113 in which the finger 130 is placed. The finger 130 can be fixed to the rest of the base body 110 by a tab 131 which acts as a hinge so that when pressure is exerted on the finger 130 inwards towards the base body 110, i.e. towards the valve 30 when the diffuser 100 is fixed to the pressure vessel 20, the finger 130 pivots about an axis passing transversely through the tab 131. In the example of the Figures 1A And 1B, the finger joint 130 and the corresponding opening of the finger joint 113 are placed towards the top of the base body 110. In other embodiments, the finger joint 130 can be separated from the base body 110 and be pushed in either in a vertical translational movement or in a tilting movement around a support.

[0060] An outlet opening 114 can be made in the wall 111 of the base body 110. The outlet opening 114 can be configured so that the product taken from the pressure vessel exiting the outlet conduit 120 passes through it. The adjectives "front" and "rear" refer to this exit of the product through the outlet opening 114, the product exiting through a front portion of the diffuser 100 and the rear portion opposite it. In the example of the Figures 1A And 1BThe finger cot 130 is attached to the rest of the base body 110 by the tab 131 located at the rear of the finger cot 130. In another exemplary embodiment, the finger cot can be attached by the tab located at the front of the finger cot, see the Figure 4 .

[0061] The base body 110 includes a connection hole 140. The connection hole 140 passes through an external surface of the base body 110 and an internal surface of the base body 110, and can be configured to facilitate attachment of the outlet conduit 120 so that the outlet conduit 120 can be hooked onto the base body 110. The outlet conduit 120 can be hooked onto the base body 110 by mechanical joining, gluing, welding, and / or heat bonding. In the example of the Figures 1A And 1B , the connection hole 140 is located in the longitudinal cutting plane of the base body 110, on a front part of the finger joint 130.

[0062] In the implementation of Figures 1A And 1B The material used for the outlet duct 120 is different from the material used for the base body 110. In other words, the material used for the outlet duct 120 and the material used for the base body portion 110 have different compositions. "Composition" is understood in the context of the invention to mean chemical composition. For example, due to the possible presence of the aforementioned impurities in the recycled material, the recycled material of the base body portion 110 has a different composition from the material used for the outlet duct 120.

[0063] The material used for the base body part 110 may exhibit a total migration rate of its constituents to a reference product that is higher than the total migration rate of its constituents from the material used for the outlet duct 120 to the reference product. For example, the total migration rate of the constituents of the material used for the outlet duct 120 to the reference product may be less than 10 mg of said constituents per dm² of the material's surface area. A total migration limit of 60 mg / kg may apply to all materials of the outlet duct 120 in contact with food products.

[0064] The material used for the outlet conduit 120 can be inert with respect to the product contained in the pressure vessel 20. In the context of the invention, the adjective "inert" refers to a material of the outlet conduit 120 whose total migration rate of constituents to the reference product or to the product contained in the pressure vessel 20 does not exceed a certain safety limit, for example, the aforementioned total migration limit of 60 mg / kg. In other words, it will be a material of the outlet conduit 120 that will not alter, or will only negligibly alter, the chemical composition of the product, and therefore its quality.

[0065] The material used for the 120 outlet duct can be virgin material. In the context of the invention, the adjective "virgin" refers to a material that has not yet been used. Thus, the 120 outlet duct can be new. For example, the material of the 120 outlet duct can be new.

[0066] The material used for the outlet conduit 120 can be a food-grade material. In the context of the invention, the expression "food-grade" refers to a material that does not alter the food quality of a food product contained in the pressure vessel 20, thus ensuring the safety of the consumer of said food product.

[0067] The material used for the outlet duct 120 may comprise any of the following materials: a polymer material, a metal, or a combination thereof. The polymer material may comprise any of the following polymers: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyoxymethylene (POM), polyethylene terephthalate (PBT), polyamide (PA), or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the metal may comprise aluminum, steel, including stainless steel, or an alloy of the two aforementioned metals.

[0068] The material used for the base body part 110 does not need to meet this requirement, but can be chosen for its mechanical properties or its environmental and / or economic value. For example, if the diffuser 100 is intended for a food product, the material of the outlet duct 120 can be food-grade, while the material of the base body part 110, not being in contact with the product, does not need to be. In other examples, the diffuser 100 can be intended for a cosmetic, medical, or household product. The material of the outlet duct 120 can be inert, while the recycled material of the base body part 110, not being in contact with the product, does not need to be.

[0069] The material used for the base body component 110 is a recycled material. In the context of the invention, unlike the adjective "virgin," the adjective "recycled" refers to a material from a used object that is recovered and reintroduced into the production cycle from which it originated. In other words, the recycled base body 110 is waste resulting from previous use that has undergone a recycling process for reintroduction into the production cycle from which it originated. This recycling process may include physical and / or chemical operations, or transformations, to restore the base body 110's suitability for reintroduction into the consumer market.In other words, recycling a used object is a process of treating the materials of that object that allows materials from a similar or different object that has reached the end of its life, or manufacturing residues, to be reintroduced into the production cycle of the base object. Depending on the quality of the recycling, impurities may remain within the recycled material.

[0070] The material used for the basic body part 110 may comprise any of the following materials: a polymer material, a non-polymer material, or a combination thereof. The polymer material may comprise any of the following polymers: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), or a combination thereof.

[0071] Depending on the fastening methods used to attach the outlet duct 120 to the base body 110, the material used for the base body 110 and the material used for the outlet duct 120 may be chosen to be mechanically and / or chemically compatible with each other or not (see the Figures 2A-5 ).

[0072] In the context of the invention, the expression "chemically compatible" refers to a material whose chemical properties, in particular chemical reactivity, are compatible with the chemical properties, in particular chemical reactivity, of another material, i.e. whose chemical properties do not alter the chemical properties of that other material.

[0073] In the context of the invention, the expression "mechanically compatible" refers to a material whose physical properties, in particular mechanical properties, are compatible with the physical properties, in particular mechanical properties, of another material, that is to say, whose physical properties do not alter the physical properties of that other material.

[0074] Thus, a recycled polymer material from the base body 110 can be mechanically and / or chemically compatible with a polymer material or metal from the outlet conduit 120. For example, recycled polypropylene (PP) used to manufacture at least part of the base body 110 can be mechanically and / or chemically compatible with polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or aluminum used to manufacture the outlet conduit 120. Similarly, a recycled non-polymer material from the base body 110 can be mechanically and / or chemically compatible with a polymer material or metal from the outlet conduit 120. For example, a recycled polymer material used to manufacture at least part of the base body 110 can be mechanically and / or chemically compatible with polyoxymethylene (POM), polyethylene terephthalate (PBT), or (stainless) steel used to manufacture the outlet conduit 120.

[0075] It should be noted that at least part of the basic body 110 is made from recycled material. Depending on the embodiment of the Figures 1A And 1B The entire base body 110 is made of recycled material. Thus, both the finger cup 130, the convex wall 117, and the concave wall 118 of the base body 110 are made of recycled material. According to another embodiment, only that part may be made of recycled material. In a first example, the finger cup 130 can be made of recycled material. In a second example, the convex wall 117 can be made of recycled material. In a third example, the concave wall can be made of recycled material.

[0076] A more detailed description of the outlet conduit 120, its positioning relative to the base body 110, and its attachment to the base body 110 can be found below with reference to Figures 2A and 2B .

[0077] THE Figures 2A and 2B illustrate a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the diffuser and an enlargement, respectively, according to the exemplary embodiment of the Figures 1A And 1B At least part of the base body 110 of the diffuser 100 is made of recycled material. The outlet duct 120 of the diffuser 100, however, is made of a different material than the recycled material.

[0078] The outlet conduit 120, located in the base body 110, has a passage 123 between a first end 121 and a second end 122. The first end 121 is configured to cooperate with the valve of the pressure vessel. The second end 122 is configured for the discharge of the product contained in the pressure vessel. When the outlet conduit 120 is attached to the base body 110, the second end 122 is oriented to correspond with the outlet opening 114. The second end 122 can be fixed or floating relative to the outlet opening 114; floating in this example.

[0079] The outlet conduit 120 has means at its first end 121 for actuating the valve. If the valve is a female type, the first end 121 may include a stem for inserting into the valve to actuate it. If the valve is a male type, the first end 121 may be flared to facilitate the insertion of the stem when mounting the diffuser 100 onto the pressure vessel.

[0080] The second end 122 of the outlet duct opens to the outside and may be fitted with a nozzle to improve the quality of the aerosol. If the product outlet is not aligned with the valve, the outlet duct 120 may be divided into at least a first substantially straight section 124 and a second section 125 inclined relative to the first. In this example, the first section 124 begins at the first end 121 and terminates at the junction with the second section 125. The second section 125 begins at the junction with the first section 124 and terminates at the second end 122. The at least one first section 124 and the second section 125 form the passage 123 between the first end 121 and the second end 122.

[0081] To allow the installation of a nozzle, the second section 125 can be fitted on the side of the second end 122 with a nozzle housing 126. In the example of the Figures 2A and 2BThe second section 125 consists of an inner conduit 125a forming a portion of the passage 123 and which is surrounded by a cylindrical wall 125b at least on the side of the second end 122. The annular space between the inner conduit 125a and the cylindrical wall 125b constitutes the nozzle housing 126. If the diffuser 100 is not equipped with a nozzle, it is possible to omit the cylindrical wall 125b.

[0082] To attach the outlet conduit 120 to the base body 110, the outlet conduit 120 includes an attachment portion 150. In the example of the Figures 2A and 2BThe attachment portion 150 is joined to the top of the first section 124 of the outlet conduit and extends, when attached from the outlet conduit 120 to the base body 110, towards the front of the finger joint 130, coaxially with axis A. In another embodiment, the attachment portion 150 can extend at a distance from axis A, parallel to axis A. In yet another embodiment, the attachment portion 150 can extend obliquely with respect to axis A.

[0083] To attach the outlet conduit 120 to the base body 110 in the embodiment of Figures 2A and 2B The 150 attachment portion is provided with a part configured to cooperate with a complementary part made in the finger joint 130. The 150 attachment portion is intended to be snapped into the connection hole 140 to mechanically join the outlet conduit 120 to the base body 110.

[0084] The hook portion 150 may include a hook tenon consisting of a substantially cylindrical rod 152 that can be fixed by its first end to the outlet conduit 120 and having at its second end a cap 153 with a cross-section greater than the cross-section of the rod 152.

[0085] The junction between the rod 152 and the rest of the outlet conduit 120 can be formed by a shoulder 151 located at a distance from the cap 153. In this case, the attachment tenon 151, 152, 153 comprises a cylinder in which an annular groove is formed. The apex of the cylinder corresponds to the cap 153. The annular groove forms the rod 152. The portion of the cylinder opposite the cap 153 corresponds to the shoulder 151. The attachment portion 150 can be joined to the outlet conduit 120 by a hollow compartment 127. In this example, the hollow compartment 127 is parallelepiped-shaped to have a simple and structurally rigid form. The hollow compartment 127 can act as the shoulder 151.

[0086] To prevent the outlet conduit 120 from rotating around the attachment portion 150, which could cause the second end 122 of the outlet conduit to become misaligned with the outlet opening 114, anti-rotation means may be provided. In this example, these anti-rotation means consist of two guide tabs 160. These guide tabs 160 are located on the inner surface of the wall 111 of the base body and extend on either side of the second section 125 of the outlet conduit from the inner surface of the finger joint and towards the first end 121 of the outlet conduit. The two guide lugs 160 are placed opposite each other preferably symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal plane parallel to the axis A and passing through the center of the connection hole 140 and the outlet opening 114. They can be spaced apart so as to clamp, or at least surround with little play, the outlet conduit 120.To facilitate the installation of the outlet conduit 120, the distance between the two guide lugs 160 can widen slightly towards the first end 121 of the outlet conduit, along axis A.

[0087] In another preferred embodiment, the latching tenon 151, 152, 153 may include an asymmetrical or polyhedral cross-section. The connecting hole 140 may include an asymmetrical or polyhedral cross-section corresponding to the asymmetrical or polyhedral cross-section of the latching tenon 151, 152, 153. The asymmetrical or polyhedral cross-sections of the latching tenon 151, 152, 153 and the connecting hole 140 may be chosen such that, in the latched state, the rotation of the outlet conduit 120 relative to the base body 110 is blocked.

[0088] Depending on the length of the second section 125 of the outlet duct, it may be possible to bring the outlet opening 114 closer to axis A with a front portion comprising the outlet opening 114 formed by a convex surface 117. By bringing the outlet opening 114 closer to the convex surface 117, the longitudinal dimension l The distance between axis A and the end of the second section 125 can be made less than 15 mm, preferably less than 12.5 mm, and more preferably less than 10 mm. To make the outlet duct 120 even more compact, the height h of the first section 124 along axis A between the first end 121 and the top of the passage 123 can be made less than 15 mm, preferably less than 12.5 mm, more preferably less than 10 mm.

[0089] The connection hole 140 is made in the base body 110 to facilitate the attachment of the outlet conduit 120 to the base body 110. In this example, the connection hole 140 is located on the front half of the finger joint 120 and, according to the invention, the connection hole 140 passes through an internal and an external surface of the finger joint 130. The minimum longitudinal distance d between a first point, said first point being a point of the connection hole 140 on the external surface of the finger joint 130, and a second point, said second point being a point of the exit opening 114 on the external surface of the base body 110, may be less than 12 mm, preferably less than 10 mm, more preferably less than 8 mm.

[0090] The above constraints that are imposed on the dimensions l , h And dThe use of the outlet conduit 120 adds an additional constraint to the modeling of the base body 110, which ensures the use of a smaller outlet conduit 120, thus reducing the volume of material used. Indeed, since the outlet conduit 120 can be manufactured from an inert and / or virgin and / or food-grade material, its production costs are higher than those of the base body 110, which is made from recycled material. Furthermore, due to the presence of the convex wall 117, the outlet opening 114 in the convex wall 117 can be positioned closer to the axis A of the valve, and the longitudinal dimension of the outlet conduit 120 can be minimized, thereby contributing to the reduction in the volume of inert and / or virgin and / or food-grade material used.

[0091] The connection hole 140 is configured to receive and retain the hook tenon 151, 152, 153. The connection hole 140 can be defined by a first portion 141 and a second portion 142. The first portion 141 can be an internal portion opening onto the internal surface of the base body 110, onto the internal surface of the finger joint 130 in the Figures 2A and 2B The second portion 142 can be an external portion opening onto the external surface of the base body 110, onto the external surface of the finger joint 130 in the Figures 2A and 2B .

[0092] The first portion 141 of the connecting hole can be sized to receive the shank 152 of the hook tenon. The second portion 142 of the connecting hole can be wider and sized to receive the cap 153 of the hook tenon. In addition, the second portion 142 and the cap 153 can be configured so that the surface of the end of the cap 153 is flush with the external surface of the base body 110, flush with the external surface of the finger joint 130 in the Figures 2A and 2BThus, in the present example, the surface of the end of the cap 153 is not perpendicular to the axis of the stem 151, but slightly inclined to follow the continuity of the external surface of the finger joint 130 surrounding the connection hole 140. In another preferred embodiment, the cap 153 may protrude or be recessed relative to the external surface of the finger joint 130 surrounding the connection hole 140. Alternatively or in addition, the cap 153 and the connection hole 140 may have cross-sections of different shapes and the cap 153 may be inserted through the connection hole by pivoting the outlet conduit 120 relative to its final positioning in the attached state.

[0093] During attachment, the outlet conduit 120 can be inserted into the cavity formed by the outer wall 111 of the base body 110. The second end 122 of the outlet conduit can be oriented towards the outlet opening 114. The hook portion 150 is inserted into the connection hole 140. The cap 153 of the hook tenon can be forced through the connection hole 140. In this example, the cap 153 is forced through the first portion 141 of the connection hole 140 until it opens into the second portion 142, the cross-section of which is sufficient to receive it. In this position, the stem 152 of the hook tenon is placed in the first portion 141 of the connection hole, and the shoulder 151 can be near, or in contact with, the inner surface of the finger joint 130.

[0094] Simultaneously, the second section 125 of the outlet conduit 120 can be inserted between the guide tabs 160. The guide tabs 160 can thus guide the outlet conduit so that the second end 122 of the outlet conduit and the outlet opening 114 of the base body are aligned. The locking pin 151, 152, 153, fixed through the connection hole 140, can prevent the outlet conduit 120 from translating relative to the finger joint 130 along axis A. The guide tabs 160 can prevent the outlet conduit 120 from rotating relative to the base body 110 around axis A.

[0095] In another preferred embodiment, the outer surface of the finger cot 130 is provided with raised features to allow for improved friction with the user's finger. The cap 153 of the locking pin can be configured by its shape and / or size to form part of the raised features. For example, the raised features are formed by indentations in the outer surface of the finger cot, and the cap 153 is sized to cooperate with the connecting hole 140 to form a substantially similar indentation.

[0096] In addition, a portion of the hook 151, 152, 153, when attached, may be visible from outside the diffuser 100 and may have a recognizable shape and / or color to serve as a means of identification for the user. In this way, the hook 151, 152, 153 can have the dual function of an identifier and a means of attachment. The shape and / or color of the hook may indicate a product type, product origin, precautions for product use, product packaging, etc.

[0097] In accordance with the type of mechanical fastening means used to fix the outlet conduit 120 to the base body 110 in the embodiment of Figures 2A and 2BThe material used for the base body 110 and the material used for the outlet conduit 120 may be chosen to be mechanically compatible with each other, but not necessarily chemically compatible. In particular, in the embodiment of the Figures 2A and 2B The attachment portion 150 is made of a material that is mechanically compatible, but not necessarily chemically compatible, with the recycled material of the finger joint 130 in which the connection hole 140 is made. For example, a recycled polymer material of the finger joint 130 may be mechanically and / or chemically compatible with a polymer material of the attachment portion 150. Depending on the embodiment of the Figures 2A and 2B The entire base body 110 is made from recycled material. Thus, both the finger joint 130, the convex wall 117 and the concave wall 118 of the base body 110 are made from recycled material.

[0098] There Figure 3This illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the diffuser according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention. The diffuser 300 comprises a base body 310 and an outlet duct 320. At least a portion of the base body 310 is made of recycled material. The outlet duct 320, on the other hand, is made of a material different from the recycled material.

[0099] The basic body 310 may include an outer wall 311. The outer wall 311 may form a cavity, and the outlet conduit 320 may be housed entirely or partially within the cavity formed by the outer wall 311, entirely in the present example. The outer wall 311 may include concave and / or convex portions.

[0100] The diffuser 300 is a pressure vessel diffuser. The pressure vessel may include a cylindrical end. To cooperate with the cylindrical end of the vessel, a lower portion of the outer wall 311 of the base body may have rotational symmetry about axis A when attached to the vessel. The base body 310 may be configured to be attached to the pressure vessel by means of a retaining ring 312. In this example, the retaining ring 312 has a series of grooves evenly spaced around the periphery of an inner surface of the outer wall 311 of the base body. The retaining ring 312 may be adapted to snap into place behind a rolled edge of the upper end of the pressure vessel.

[0101] The base body 310 has a finger joint 330 intended to be pressed by the user to actuate a valve of the pressure vessel. The outer wall 311 of the base body may have a finger joint opening into which the finger joint 330 is inserted. The finger joint 330 can be attached to the rest of the base body 310 by a tab 331 on the rear of the finger joint 330, which acts as a hinge so that the finger joint 330 pivots about an axis passing transversely through the tab 331.

[0102] An outlet opening 314 can be made in the outer wall 311 of the base body 310. The outlet opening 314 can be configured so that the product taken from the pressure vessel exiting the outlet conduit 320 passes through it. In the embodiment of the Figure 3, the finger opening is joined to the exit opening 314 at the front of the base body 310. In another embodiment, an arch can separate the exit opening from the finger opening so that the structural strength of the top of the base body is reinforced.

[0103] The 310 base body includes a 340a, 340b connection hole. In this example, there are two connection holes 340a, 340b provided in the finger joint 330. The two connection holes 340a, 340b can be located towards the front of the finger joint 330 in the longitudinal plane of the diffuser passing through axis A. The two connection holes 340a, 340b are through holes between an external surface of the finger joint 330 and an internal surface of the finger joint 330 and can extend substantially parallel to axis A. The connection holes 340a, 340b can be defined by a cylindrical wall extending away from an internal surface of the finger joint 330 in a direction substantially parallel to axis A. Those skilled in the art will understand that multiple variations of the connection holes 340a, 340b can be implemented by varying, for example, the number, dimensions, positioning, or profile of the connection holes.

[0104] The connection holes 340a, 340b are configured to cooperate with a portion of the outlet conduit 320. In this example, the outlet conduit 320 includes two attachment portions 350a, 350b designed to be inserted into the corresponding connection holes 340a, 340b so that the outlet conduit 320 is attached to the base body. The outlet conduit 320 can be held in place by the two attachment portions 350a, 350b inserted into the corresponding connection holes 340a, 340b by push-fitting, gluing, heat-sealing, welding, etc.

[0105] The outlet conduit 320, located in the base body 310, has a passage 323 between a first end 321 and a second end 322. The first end 321 is configured to cooperate with the valve of the pressure vessel. The second end 322 is configured for the discharge of the product contained in the pressure vessel. When the outlet conduit 320 is attached to the base body 310, the second end 322 is oriented to correspond with the outlet opening 314. The second end 322 may be free to move relative to the outlet opening 314. The outlet conduit 320 may be divided into a first, substantially straight section 324 and a second section 325 inclined relative to the first. The first section 324 can start at the first end 321 and end at the junction with the second section 325. The second section 325 can start at the junction with the first section 324 and end at the second end 322.The first section 324 and the second section 325 can form the passage 323 between the first end 321 and the second end 322.

[0106] The two attachment portions 350a, 350b of the outlet conduit 320 can extend away from the second section 325 of the outlet conduit, substantially parallel to axis A, towards the finger joint 330. During installation, the outlet conduit 320 can be inserted into the cavity formed by the wall 311 of the base body. The second end 322 of the outlet conduit can be oriented towards the outlet opening 314. The attachment portions 350a, 350b, intended for attaching the outlet conduit 320 to the base body, can be inserted into the corresponding connection holes 340a, 340b before being secured to each other by gluing, interlocking, heat sealing, or welding. Thanks to the two connection holes 340a, 340b cooperating with the two hook portions 350a, 350b of the outlet conduit, the rotation of the outlet conduit 320 relative to the base body 310 can be blocked.A person skilled in the art will understand that this rotation can be prevented alternatively by changing the number and / or shape of the portions introduced and the corresponding connecting holes.

[0107] Depending on the fastening methods used to attach the outlet conduit 320 to the base body 310, the materials used for the base body 310 and the materials used for the outlet conduit 320 may be chosen to be mechanically and / or chemically compatible or not. In particular, in the embodiment of the Figure 3The two attachment portions 350a, 350b are made of a material that is mechanically and / or chemically compatible with the recycled material of the finger joint 330 in which the connection holes 340a, 340b are made. For example, a recycled polymer material of the finger joint 330 may be mechanically and / or chemically compatible with a polymer material of the attachment portions 350a, 350b. Depending on the embodiment of the Figure 3 The entire base body 310 is made from recycled material. Thus, both the finger joint 330 and the outer wall 311 of the base body 310 are made from recycled material.

[0108] There Figure 4This illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the diffuser according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention. The diffuser 400 comprises a base body 410 and an outlet duct 420. At least a portion of the base body 410 is made of recycled material. The outlet duct 420, on the other hand, is made of a material different from the recycled material.

[0109] The base body 410 may include an outer wall 411. The outer wall 411 may include concave portions forming a cavity, and the outlet conduit 420 may be entirely housed within the cavity formed by the outer wall 411. To cooperate with a cylindrical end of a pressure vessel equipped with a valve, a lower portion of the outer wall 411 of the base body 410 may have rotational symmetry about an axis A when fixed to the vessel. The base body 410 may be configured to be fixed to the pressure vessel by means of a retaining ring 412. In this example, the retaining ring 412 has a continuous rib on the periphery of an inner surface of the outer wall 411 of the base body such that the continuous rib can snap behind a rolled edge of the upper end of the pressure vessel.

[0110] The base body 410 may have a finger recess 430 intended to be inserted by the user, said finger recess 430 being formed by a finger recess opening 413 in the outer wall 411 of the base body. The finger recess 430 may be attached to the rest of the base body 410 by a tab 431 at the front of the finger recess 430 which acts as a hinge.

[0111] An outlet opening 414 can be made in the outer wall 411 of the base body 410. The outlet opening 414 can be configured so that the product taken from the pressure vessel exiting the outlet conduit 420 passes through it.

[0112] The base body 410 includes a connection hole 440. According to the invention, there is a connection hole 440 passing through the finger joint 430. The connection hole 440 can be located towards the rear of the finger joint 430 in the longitudinal plane of the diffuser passing through axis A. The connection hole 440 passes through an external surface of the finger joint 430 and an internal surface of the finger joint 430 and can extend substantially towards the center of the base body 410. The connection hole 440 is configured to facilitate the attachment of the outlet conduit 420 to the base body 410.

[0113] The outlet conduit 420, located in the base body 410, has a passage 423 between a first end 421 and a second end 422. The first end 421 is configured to cooperate with the valve of the pressure vessel. The second end 422 is configured for the discharge of the product contained in the pressure vessel. When the outlet conduit 420 is attached to the base body 410, the second end 422 is oriented to correspond with the outlet opening 414. The second end 422 may be free to move relative to the outlet opening 414.

[0114] The outlet duct 420 can be divided into a first, substantially straight section 424 and a second section 425 inclined relative to the first. The first section 424 and the second section 425 can form the passage 423 between the first end 421 and the second end 422. To allow the installation of a nozzle, the second section 425 can be provided on the side of the second end 422 with a nozzle housing 426, said nozzle housing 426 being formed by an annular space between an inner duct surrounded by a cylindrical wall of the second section 425.

[0115] To attach the outlet conduit 420 to the base body 410 in the embodiment of the Figure 4The outlet conduit 420 includes a latching portion 450. The latching portion 450 may be substantially cylindrical and extend towards the rear of the finger joint 430, in the latched state, from the top of the first portion 424 of the outlet conduit. The latching portion 450 may be provided with a part configured to cooperate with a complementary part or element such that the outlet conduit 420 is latched onto the base body 410.

[0116] The mounting portion 450 may include a mounting hole 451 configured to cooperate with a fastening means 455. The mounting hole 451 may be blind or through, smooth or threaded. The fastening means 455 may be a screw, bolt, rivet, etc. During fastening, the outlet conduit 420 may be inserted into the cavity formed by the outer wall 411 of the base body. The second end 422 of the outlet conduit may be oriented towards the outlet opening 414. The second section 425 of the outlet conduit 420 may be inserted between guide tabs 460. The guide tabs 460 thus guide the outlet conduit 420 so that the second end 422 of the outlet conduit and the outlet opening 414 of the base body are aligned.

[0117] These guide lugs 460 can be located on the inner surface of the outer wall 411 of the base body and extend on either side of the outlet opening 414 of the outlet conduit and in the direction of axis A so as to grip the second section 425 of the outlet conduit. The two guide lugs 460 are positioned opposite each other, preferably symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal plane parallel to axis A and passing through the center of the connection hole 440 and the outlet opening 414.

[0118] The mounting hole 451 can be aligned with the connection hole 440. In this way, the mounting means 455 can be inserted through the connection hole 440 to cooperate with the mounting hole 455 and hook the outlet conduit 420 onto the base body 410. The connection hole 440 can be configured so that, when hooked, the mounting means 455 is flush with the outer surface of the finger joint 430 surrounding the connection hole 440.

[0119] In accordance with the type of mechanical fastening means used to fix the outlet conduit 320 to the base body 310 in the embodiment of the Figure 4 The material used for the base body 310 and the material used for the outlet conduit 320 may be chosen to be mechanically compatible with each other, but not necessarily chemically compatible. In particular, in the embodiment of the Figure 4The attachment portion 450 is made of a material that is mechanically and / or chemically compatible with the material, recycled or not, of the fastening means 455. For example, a recycled metal from the fastening means 455 may be mechanically and / or chemically compatible with a metal from the attachment portion 450. Depending on the embodiment of the Figure 4 The entire base body 410 is made from recycled material. Thus, both the finger joint 430 and the outer wall 411 of the base body 410 are made from recycled material.

[0120] There Figure 5 illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the diffuser which is not according to the claimed invention.

[0121] The diffuser 500 comprises a base body 510 and an outlet duct 520. At least part of the base body 510 is made of recycled material. The outlet duct 520, however, is made of a different material than the recycled material.

[0122] The base body 510 may include an outer wall 511. The outer wall 511 may include concave portions forming a cavity, and the outlet conduit 520 may be entirely housed within the cavity formed by the outer wall 511. In this example, the outer wall 511 is substantially cylindrical. To cooperate with a cylindrical end of a pressure vessel equipped with a valve, a lower portion of the outer wall 511 of the base body may have rotational symmetry about an axis A in the state fixed to the vessel. The base body 510 may be configured to be fixed to the pressure vessel by means of a retaining ring 512.In the present example, the retaining ring 512 has a series of grooves regularly spaced around the periphery of an internal surface of the external wall 511 of the base body such that the series of grooves can snap behind a rolled edge of the upper end of the pressure vessel.

[0123] The base body 510 may have a finger recess 530 intended to be inserted by the user, said finger recess 530 being formed by a finger recess opening 513 in the outer wall 511 of the base body. The finger recess 530 may be attached to the rest of the base body 510 by a tab 531 on the rear of the finger recess 530 which acts as a hinge.

[0124] An outlet opening 514 can be made in the outer wall 511 of the base body. The outlet opening 514 can be configured so that the product taken from the pressure vessel exiting the outlet conduit 520 passes through it.

[0125] The base body 510 includes a connecting hole 540. In this example, there is a connecting hole 540 passing through the outer wall 511 of the base body below the outlet opening 514 at a distance from the outlet opening 514. The connecting hole 540 may be located in the longitudinal plane of the diffuser passing through axis A. The connecting hole 540 passes through an outer surface and an inner surface of the outer wall 511 of the base body and may extend substantially parallel to the axis of the outlet opening 514.

[0126] The outlet conduit 520, located in the base body 510, has a passage 523 between a first end 521 and a second end 522. The first end 521 is configured to cooperate with the valve of the pressure vessel. The second end 522 is configured for the discharge of the product contained in the pressure vessel. When the outlet conduit 520 is attached to the base body 510, the second end 522 is oriented to correspond with the outlet opening 514. The second end 522 can have a fixed position relative to the outlet opening 514.

[0127] The outlet conduit 520 can be divided into a first section 524 substantially straight and a second section 525a, 525b, 525c, 525d substantially perpendicular to the first in a rest position of the finger joint 530. The first section 524 and the second section 525a, 525b, 525c, 525d can form the passage 523 between the first end 521 and the second end 522.

[0128] The second section 525a, 525b, 525c, 525d may have an overall cylindrical shape and include, on its external surface near the junction with the first section 525, a first notch 525d defining a first deformable portion of the second section 525a, 525b, 525c, 525d. The second section 525a, 525b, 525c, 525d may also include a second notch 525c located near the internal surface of the external wall 511 of the base body defining a second deformable portion of the second section 525a, 525b, 525c, 525d. The first notch 525d and the second notch 525c can define a movable part 525b of the passage 523, said movable part 525b being able to accompany the vertical displacements of the first section 524.The first section 525a, 525b, 525c, 525d may include a fixed portion 525a relative to the outlet opening 514, said fixed portion 525a being a portion defined between the second notch 525c and the second end 522 of the outlet conduit.

[0129] To attach the outlet conduit 520 to the base body 510 in the embodiment of the Figure 5The outlet conduit 520 includes a hook portion 550. The hook portion 550 may consist of a plug attached to the fixed portion 525a of the second section of the outlet conduit, and extending substantially parallel to it at a distance. The hook portion 550 may be configured to be inserted into the connection hole 540 and to hold the outlet conduit 520 hooked to the base body 510 by push-fitting, gluing, heat-sealing, welding, etc. Those skilled in the art will understand that the number, shape, and dimensions of the plug may vary according to the desired hooking method. The hook portion 550, when the outlet conduit 520 is hooked to the base body 510, may maintain the position of the second end 522 of the fixed outlet conduit relative to the outlet opening. In addition, the 550 attachment portion can block the rotation of the 520 outlet conduit relative to the base body.

[0130] The outlet conduit 520 may include a fastening portion 526 for attaching the outlet conduit 520 to the finger joint 530. The fastening portion 526 may be configured to be attached to a fastening element 532 supplied to the finger joint 530. In this example, the fastening element 532 is a protruding tab on the inner surface of the finger joint 530 extending substantially vertically toward the top of the first section 524 of the outlet conduit. The fastening portion 526, in the Figure 5 , is a cylindrical wall projecting from the top of the first section 524 of the outlet conduit extending substantially vertically towards the inner surface of the finger joint 530. The fixing portion 526 and the fixing element 532 can be designed to cooperate mechanically and to fix the finger joint 530 to the outlet conduit 520 by interlocking, gluing, heat bonding, welding.

[0131] Preferably, the axes of the fastening element 532, the fastening portion 526, the first section 524 of the outlet conduit, and the pressure vessel valve are coaxial. Pressure applied by the user to the finger grip 530 can cause a substantially vertical displacement of the first section 524 of the outlet conduit and actuate the pressure vessel valve. The vertical displacement of the first section 524 of the outlet conduit is followed by deflection of the deformable sections 525c, 525d of the second section of the outlet conduit 520. In the actuated position of the finger grip, the movable portion 525b of the second section can be inclined relative to the first section 524 of the outlet conduit. Actuating the valve will cause the product contained in the pressure vessel to exit through the second end 522 of the outlet conduit via the passage 523 of the outlet conduit.

[0132] Depending on the fastening means used to attach the outlet conduit 520 to the base body 510, the material used for the base body 510 and the material used for the outlet conduit 520 may be chosen to be mechanically and / or chemically compatible or not. In particular, in the embodiment of the Figure 5 The attachment portion 550 is made of a material that is mechanically and / or chemically compatible with the recycled material of the base body 510 in which the connection hole 540 is made. For example, a recycled polymer material from the base body 510 may be mechanically and / or chemically compatible with a polymer material from the attachment portion 550. Depending on the embodiment of the Figure 5 The entire base body 510 is made from recycled material. Thus, both the finger joint 530 and the outer wall 511 of the base body 510 are made from recycled material.

[0133] Although the principles of the invention have been set forth above in relation to specific embodiments, it should be understood that this description is merely by way of example and does not constitute a limitation of the scope of protection which is determined by the claims attached below.

Claims

1. A diffuser (100) for a pressurized container (20) fitted with a valve (30), especially for an aerosol generator, which diffuser (100) is provided with: a base body (110) having a finger tab (130) to be depressed by the user to actuate the valve (30) and having an outlet opening (114) for the release of a product contained in the pressurized container (20); an outlet duct (120) placed in the base body (110), which outlet duct (120) has a first end (121) configured to cooperate with the valve (30) of the pressurized container (20) and a second end (122) configured for the release of the product contained in the pressurized container (20); wherein the outlet duct (120) is coupled to the base body (110) in such a way that the second end (122) of the outlet duct (120) is substantially facing the outlet opening (114) of the base body (110); wherein at least a part of the base body (110) is manufactured from recycled material and the outlet duct (120) is manufactured from a material different from the recycled material;the base body (110) being provided with a connecting hole (140) in the finger tab (130), between an inner surface and an outer surface of the finger tab (130), and the outlet duct (120) comprises a fastening portion (150) intended to be snapped into the connecting hole (140), in such a way that the outlet duct (120) may be fastened to the base body (110).

2. The diffuser for a pressurized container according to claim 1, wherein the material used for the part of the base body (110) has a total rate of constituent migration from said material into a reference product that is greater than the total rate of constituent migration from the material used for the outlet duct (120) into the reference product.

3. The diffuser for a pressurized container according to claim 2, wherein the total rate of migration of the constituents of the material used for the outlet duct (120) into the reference product is less than 10 mg of said constituents per 1 dm2 of surface area of said material.

4. The diffuser for a pressurized container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the material used for the outlet duct (120) is a virgin material.

5. The diffuser for a pressurized container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the material used for the outlet duct (120) is a material suitable for food contact.

6. The diffuser for a pressurized container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the material used for the outlet duct (120) comprises any one of the following materials: a polymeric material, a metal, or a combination of said aforementioned materials.

7. The diffuser for a pressurized container according to claim 6, wherein the polymeric material comprises any one of the following polymers: polyethylene, polypropylene, polyoxymethylene, butylene polyterephthalate, polyamide, or a combination of said aforementioned polymers.

8. The diffuser for a pressurized container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the material used for the part of the base body (110) comprises any one of the following materials: a polymeric material, a non-polymeric material, or a combination of said aforementioned materials.

9. The diffuser for a pressurized container according to claim 8, wherein the polymeric material comprises any one of the following polymers: polyethylene, polypropylene, polylactic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoate, polybutylene succinate, or a combination of said aforementioned polymers.

10. The diffuser for a pressurized container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the entire base body (110) is manufactured from the recycled material.

11. The diffuser for a pressurized container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a minimum longitudinal distance (d) between a first point, said first point being a point of the connecting hole (140), and a second point, said second point being a point of the outlet opening (114) on an outer surface (111) of the base body (110), is less than 12 mm, preferably less than 10 mm, more preferably less than 8 mm.

12. The diffuser for a pressurized container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second end (122) of the outlet duct (120) is floating in relation to the outlet opening (114).

13. Use of a diffuser (100) for a pressurized container (20) according to any one of claims 1-12 for dispensing a food product, or a cosmetic, pharmaceutical or medical product.