Subset of a distribution device and distribution device comprising such a subset

Abstract

Distribution device subset and distribution device comprising such a subset. This distribution device subset (100) comprises a body (101) configured to receive an element (50) in a housing (110), around which are arranged retaining elements (114), each carrying at least one retaining relief (120), and which are divided into two categories of retaining elements (114A; 114B). The retaining reliefs (120) include at least one lower relief (120A) and at least one upper relief (120B). The retaining reliefs (120) of either category of retaining elements, first or second, comprise only a single retaining relief, either upper or lower.Alternatively, the retaining features (120) of the first category of retaining devices (114A) comprise an upper retaining feature (120B) and a lower retaining feature (120A), which differ in shape and / or size from the upper or lower retaining features of the second category of retaining devices (114B). (See Figure 2a for abbreviations.)

Description

Title of the invention: Subassembly of a distribution device and distribution device comprising such a subassembly

[0001] The present invention relates to a device subset, in particular a device subset for dispensing a product, for example a pharmaceutical fluid product, and a dispensing device comprising such a device subset.

[0002] In the field of product dispensing devices, particularly in the field of medical fluid spraying devices, it is common to have an element configured to be mechanically activated by a user, and a dispensing device subassembly to which this element is movably attached. For example, the element may include a reservoir containing the product to be dispensed. The dispensing subassembly generally comprises a housing, which receives the element, and a dispensing orifice, for dispensing the product, for example, by mechanical action of the user on the element.

[0003] The element is generally mechanically attached to the sub-assembly in an assembled configuration of the distribution device. The sub-assembly includes retaining elements, generally breakable bridges or clips formed by elastic arms, which are arranged around the housing and which cooperate, in particular by complementary shapes, with the element to hold the latter in position, assembled to the device sub-assembly.

[0004] When a dispensing device in its assembled configuration is made available to users, it is necessary to prevent the unintentional or deliberate dismantling of the component that could render the device inoperable, particularly if the dispensing device falls to the ground or if a person pulls on the component. According to application examples, the retaining devices must withstand a force exceeding a predetermined value, known as the extraction force, to prevent the unintentional or deliberate dismantling of the component.

[0005] Generally, during use, for example, initial use, the dispensing device is activated by a mechanical action exerted by a user, directly or indirectly causing the transfer of the product from the reservoir to the dispensing orifice. This mechanical action generally involves applying a force to the element necessary to overcome the retaining mechanisms and allow the element to move, thus triggering activation; this force is called the activation force. To facilitate the use of the dispensing device, the activation force should be relatively low and stable. the other. Conversely, before voluntary activation by the user, it is necessary to prevent unintentional activation of the dispensing device, for example in the event of the dispensing device falling on the ground or during storage of the device, the activation force must therefore not be too weak.

[0006] Ideally, the retaining devices should be sized so as to be able to obtain a sufficient extraction force to prevent unintentional or deliberate dismantling of the element, and an activation force in the window allowing simple activation for the user but not too weak to prevent unintentional activations.

[0007] Known distribution devices do not allow for the easy dimensioning of retaining elements to obtain the correct extraction and activation forces. Indeed, it has been observed that a change in the retaining elements that results in a variation of one of the extraction or activation forces also results in a change in the same direction of the other. For example, known retaining elements do not allow for an increase in the extraction force without also increasing the activation force, and vice versa.

[0008] For example, document WO99 / 24171A2 describes a dispensing device whose reservoir is included in a moving element and connected to the dispensing device by frangible bridges that form the retaining elements influencing the extraction and activation force. Thus, on this dispensing device, a modification of the frangible bridges to adjust one of the two extraction or activation forces will necessarily affect the other.

[0009] A distribution device comprising a reservoir assembled in an element, itself assembled to a complementary distribution portion, is also known from document EP0546607A1. The distribution portion includes extension arms with upper and lower ridges, which are offset to create a recess between them. The element includes a peripheral protrusion, which is received in the recess in an assembled configuration. With such a device, a modification of the extension arms to adjust one of the two extraction or activation forces will necessarily also affect the other.

[0010] It is these problems that the invention intends to remedy in particular, by proposing a distribution device in which the activation force and the extraction force are each adjustable with little impact on the other.

[0011] To this end, the invention relates to a device subassembly, the subassembly comprising a body, which is configured to receive an element in a housing, and retaining members, which are arranged at the periphery of the housing, each of which carries at least one retaining relief, the retaining reliefs including at least one upper relief and at least one lower relief positioned one above the other on an internal face of the retaining members and along an axis of insertion of the element into the body, said retaining members being configured to cooperate with a relief carried by the element and are divided into two different categories of retaining members, the two categories of retaining members including a first category of retaining member and a second category of retaining member, a subset of device, the subset comprising a body, which is configured to receive an element in a housing, and retaining members, which are arranged at the periphery of the housing, which each carry at least one retaining relief configured to cooperate with a relief carried by the element and which are divided into two different categories of retaining members, the two categories of retaining members including a first category of retaining member and a second category of retaining member.

[0012] According to the invention, the retaining ridges of each retaining element of the second category of retaining element comprise only a lower retaining ridge, and the retaining ridges of each retaining element of the first category of retaining element comprise at least one upper retaining ridge, or, also according to the invention, the retaining ridges of each retaining element of the first category of retaining element comprise only an upper retaining ridge, and the retaining ridges of each retaining element of the second category of retaining element comprise at least one lower retaining ridge, or, also according to the invention, the retaining ridges of each retaining element of the first category of retaining element and of the second category of retaining element comprise an upper retaining ridge and a lower retaining ridge,said upper or lower retaining features of the second category of retaining device being different in shape and / or size from the corresponding upper or lower retaining features of the first category of retaining device.

[0013] Thanks to the invention, the two categories of retaining elements are provided with different retaining reliefs, and consequently, the activation and / or extraction forces associated with each category of retaining elements are specific. For example, it is thus possible to specialize one of the two categories of retaining elements to impact the activation force, while having little or no influence on the extraction force, whereas the other retaining elements of the other category are specialized to impact the extraction force, while having little or no influence on the activation force. In comparison, in the prior art, the retaining elements are not differentiated, that is to say, the retaining elements all have similar or even identical retaining profiles, which limits the possibilities of adjusting the activation force and the extraction force independently of each other.

[0014] According to advantageous but not mandatory aspects of the invention, such a dispensing device may incorporate one or more of the following features taken in isolation or in any technically feasible combination.

[0015] Advantageously, the retaining reliefs are projections. In this way, the cooperation between the relief of the element and the retaining reliefs is improved.

[0016] Advantageously, the housing has a cylindrical portion configured to receive the element in a manner that conforms to the contours. This improves the guidance of the element within the body.

[0017] Advantageously, the device subassembly comprises four retaining members, two of which have only an upper retaining relief and two have a lower retaining relief and an upper retaining relief, configured such that the force required to move the relief of the element beyond the lower retaining reliefs is greater than the force required to move the relief of the element beyond the upper retaining reliefs.

[0018] Advantageously, the retaining elements are elastic tabs extending from an edge of the housing along the insertion axis. This construction is simple and easy to manufacture.

[0019] Advantageously, the inner face of the elastic tabs has a radius of curvature identical to a radius of curvature of the housing. Thus, there is continuity between the housing and the inner face of the elastic tabs, allowing for better guidance of the element within the housing.

[0020] Advantageously, the retaining ridges are positioned on the inner face of the elastic tabs. Such a construction improves the cooperation between the retaining elements and the ridge of the element.

[0021] Advantageously, the lower retaining reliefs of the first category of retaining element are positioned at a free end of the elastic legs.

[0022] Advantageously, the lower retaining reliefs of the second category of retaining element are positioned at a free end of the elastic legs.

[0023] Advantageously, the lower retaining ridges are positioned at a free end of the elastic legs.

[0024] Advantageously, the retaining elements of the second category are elastic tabs having a width greater than that of the elastic tabs that constitute the retaining elements of the first category. Thus, the retaining elements of the second category are more rigid than the retaining elements of the first category.

[0025] Advantageously, the retaining elements of the second category are elastic tabs having a greater angle than the elastic tabs that constitute the retaining elements of the first category. Thus, the retaining elements of the second category are more rigid than the retaining elements of the first category.

[0026] Advantageously, the retaining elements of the second category are elastic tabs having a radial thickness greater than that of the elastic tabs that constitute the retaining elements of the first category. Thus, the retaining elements of the second category are more rigid than the retaining elements of the first category.

[0027] Radial thickness is defined as a thickness measured radially to the insertion axis.

[0028] Advantageously, the elastic tabs forming the retaining elements of the second category each comprise two stiffening ribs extending parallel to the insertion axis.

[0029] Advantageously, the number of restraint organs of the first category is equal to the number of restraint organs of the second category, preferably the number equal to two.

[0030] Advantageously, the first category restraint devices and the second category restraint devices are distributed alternately and uniformly around the housing.

[0031] Advantageously, the retaining elements of the first category are symmetrical with respect to the insertion axis.

[0032] Advantageously, the retaining elements of the second category are symmetrical with respect to the insertion axis.

[0033] Advantageously, the subassembly includes a distribution port.

[0034] Advantageously, the body includes a distribution orifice.

[0035] Advantageously, the body is configured to be inserted into a patient's nostril.

[0036] Advantageously, the body has a generally cylindrical shape with an axis, and equipped with a distal end and a proximal end. Preferably, the dispensing orifice is positioned at the distal end. Thus, the general cylindrical shape allows for easy insertion into the patient's nostril.

[0037] The term “distal” refers to what is on the side of the distribution orifice and the term “proximal” refers to the opposite side.

[0038] Advantageously, the insertion axis coincides with the body axis.

[0039] Advantageously, the distal end of the body is hemispherical in shape. This shape allows for comfortable insertion into the patient's nostril.

[0040] Advantageously, the housing is at the proximal end of the body.

[0041] Advantageously, the subassembly comprises at least one bearing surface, preferably two bearing surfaces, configured to receive a user's finger. Preferably, the subassembly comprises two radial protrusions, each carrying a bearing surface for receiving a user's finger.

[0042] Advantageously, the subassembly comprises a support member, preferably reported around the body, said support organ comprising the support surface, preferably comprising the two radial protrusions.

[0043] Alternatively, the subassembly includes a tip onto which the body is attached, said tip being configured to be inserted into the nostril of a patient.

[0044] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a distribution device comprising the device subset as described above and a copy of the element received in the housing, the element comprising a relief cooperating with the retention reliefs of the device subset.

[0045] The product to be distributed can be a liquid, such as a solution or a suspension, or a solid, for example in powder form.

[0046] Advantageously, the dispensing device is a spraying device, in particular a nasal spray device, preferably configured to dispense the product in the form of a spray, a jet, or an aerosol. A product presented in this form more easily reaches the targeted area.

[0047] Advantageously, the product is distributed in the form of a spray.

[0048] The term "aerosol" refers to the dispersion of particles of a liquid, a solution or of a solid in a gas.

[0049] The term "spray" refers to a type of aerosol in which the dispersion is approximately conical. Typically, the cone of a spray has an opening angle between 0 degrees and 120 degrees.

[0050] The expression "between... and..." should be understood as including the bounds of the interval thus defined.

[0051] The term "jet" refers to a spray in which the dispersion cone has a narrow opening angle, preferably between 0 degrees and 15 degrees. The particles, in this case, may be fused or joined together in a continuous line of material.

[0052] Advantageously, the dispensing device may include, for example, a sliding cap in the reservoir, a pump, a valve, or a system delivering a gas and the product to be dispensed, or any other liquid or powder dispensing mechanism known to those skilled in the art.

[0053] A pump is understood to be a device capable of drawing in and expelling a fluid.

[0054] A valve is understood to be a device capable of selectively retaining and releasing a fluid, in particular a pressurized fluid. The valve can be metering if, during the action releasing the fluid, the quantity of fluid released is independent of the duration of the valve actuation, while the valve is said to be continuous if the quantity of fluid released depends on the duration of the valve actuation.

[0055] Advantageously, the body of the device subassembly is provided with a dispensing orifice and configured to be inserted into a patient's nostril, and wherein the element comprises a reservoir containing a product to be dispensed and is configured to to be pressed by a user's finger to trigger the distribution of the product from the reservoir to the patient's nostril via the dispensing orifice.

[0056] Advantageously, the element has a hollow cylindrical shape.

[0057] Advantageously, the element is configured to translate within the body in a direction parallel to the insertion axis.

[0058] Alternatively, the insertion axis has an angle with the body axis, preferably is perpendicular to the body axis.

[0059] Alternatively, the element is an activation button independent of the tank.

[0060] Alternatively, the element is a button provided with a drilling point for a reservoir containing a powder.

[0061] Alternatively, the element is a protective cap covering an activation button.

[0062] The user may be the patient or another person, for example a healthcare professional.

[0063] A patient is defined as an individual in whose nostril one receives the delivery device.

[0064] The user is defined as the individual who takes control of the distribution device and activates the device to trigger the distribution.

[0065] In most cases, the user is also the patient.

[0066] It may happen that the user is a different person from the patient, for example in the case where the patient requires help.

[0067] The invention will be better understood, and other advantages thereof will become more apparent, in the light of the following description of several embodiments of a dispensing device, in accordance with its principle, given solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0068] - [Fig. 1] Figures 1a) and 1b) respectively represent a perspective view and a longitudinal section of a distribution device according to a first embodiment of the invention, the distribution device comprising a body and an element assembled to the body;

[0069] - [Fig. 2] Figures 2a) and 2b) respectively represent a perspective view exploded view of the body and element of [Fig.1], and a detail of the body shown on a larger scale;

[0070] - [Fig. 3] Figures 3a), 3b) and 3c) respectively represent a top view of the body of figure 2b), a longitudinal section of the body along a first section plane IIIB-IIIB identified in figure 3a), and another longitudinal section of the body along a second section plane IIIC-IIIC identified in figure 3a), the second section plane IIIC-IIIC being orthogonal to the first section plane IIIB-IIIB;

[0071] - [Fig. 4] Figures 4a) and 4b) respectively represent a partial and partial view perspective of a body belonging to a distribution device according to a second embodiment of the invention, and a top view of this body;

[0072] - [Fig. 5] Figures 5a) and 5b) respectively represent a partial and partial view perspective of a body belonging to a distribution device according to a third embodiment of the invention, and a top view of this body, and

[0073] - [Fig. 6] Figures 6a), 6b) and 6c) respectively represent a detail of the element of [Fig.1], a detail of an element belonging to a distribution device according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, and a longitudinal section of a body belonging to a distribution device according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0074] A distribution device 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 1 to 3. The distribution device 10 here comprises a device subassembly 100 and an element 50, which is configured to be assembled to the device subassembly 100. The device subassembly 100 and the element 50 are shown separately in [Fig.2] a).

[0075] The dispensing device 10 is configured to dispense, in the form of a spray, jet, or aerosol, a product contained in the element 50. In this embodiment, the product to be dispensed is a fluid but could also be in powder form. The element 50 comprises a reservoir 52 (visible in Figure 1b) containing a fluid product to be dispensed. The reservoir 52 is closed by a cap 54 and is fitted into the element 50. The fluid product contained in the reservoir 52 is referred to as 55. The fluid product is generally a liquid such as a solution or suspension. Alternatively, the fluid product is a gel or a powder.

[0076] The distribution device 10 is in particular a nasal spray device configured to distribute the product in the form of a spray.

[0077] Products, particularly pharmaceuticals, that can be distributed by the distribution device 10 are, for example, formulations containing at least one active ingredient such as peptides, proteins, hormones, active ingredients of biological origin such as live inactivated viruses, virus proteins, viral vectors and viral subunits, nucleotide-based active ingredients such as DNA, RNA or oligonucleotides, active ingredients with a molecular weight of up to 1500 Da, polysaccharides, vaccines, enzymes, antibodies, nutritional formulas or other active substances or mixtures thereof.

[0078] Products, particularly pharmaceuticals, that can be distributed by the dispensing device 10 include, for example, formulations containing as active ingredients midazolam, benzodiazepines, morphine, naloxone, su- fentanil, fentanyl, epinephrine, adrenaline, ketamines including esketamine, norketamine, cyanocobalamin, hydroxocobalamin, decongestants, vasoconstrictors, nalmefene, salbutamol, ipratropium, montelukast, anesthetic agents, antihistamines, antiemetics, desmopressin, oxytocin, GnRH analogues, nafarelin, busurelin, calcitonin, insulin, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, dihydroergotamine, metoclopramide, ondansetron, bevacizumab, zavegepant, nicotine, corticosteroids, steroids, sedatives, dexmedetomidine, ketorolac, the lorazepam, lidocaine or xylocaine, or combinations thereof.

[0079] The device subassembly 100 comprises a body 101 having a distal portion 102, which is provided with a distribution orifice 104, through which the fluid is distributed in the form of droplets forming a spray. The distal portion 102 is configured here to be inserted into a patient's nostril, so that the fluid exiting through the distribution orifice 104 is sprayed into the nostril and more specifically into the patient's nasal cavity. The body 101 is advantageously made in one piece, for example by an injection molding process of a thermoplastic polymer material.

[0080] The distribution device 10 here includes a passage channel, here formed by a hollow needle 106, which is integral with the body 101 and which includes a first end fluidically connected to the distribution orifice 104, and a second end, opposite to the first end, which is configured to pierce the plug 54, so as to put the reservoir 52 and the distribution orifice 104 into fluidic communication.

[0081] In Figure 1b), the dispensing device 10 is shown in a standby configuration, in which the stopper 54 has not yet been pierced by the needle 106. This standby configuration corresponds, for example, to the configuration in which the dispensing device 10 is made available to users after manufacturing, assembly, filling, and packaging. The body 101 includes a needle holder 108 comprising a housing in which the needle 106 is fixedly contained, said needle holder 108 also comprising a proximal stop surface, which is oriented towards the stopper 54 and which is configured to abut against a distal surface of the stopper 54.

[0082] With reference to [Fig. 2], the element 50 generally has the shape of a cylinder of revolution about an axis of element A50. The element 50 comprises a cylindrical portion 58 centered on the axis of element A50. The element 50 also comprises a relief 60, which is here formed as a continuous circumferential projection on the cylindrical portion 58 extending radially to the axis of element A50.

[0083] The body 101 provides a housing 110 which is configured to receive the element 50. Housing 110 generally presents a form of revolution around an insertion axis Al 10. Housing 110 is configured to receive element 50 according to a translational movement parallel to the insertion axis Al 10, the axis of element A50 being coincident with the insertion axis Al 10 when element 50 is received in housing 110.

[0084] The element 50 is configured to be pressed by a finger, for example a thumb, of a user to bring the stopper 54 closer to the needle 106 and the needle holder 108 in an activation movement in the distal direction. The element 50 includes for this purpose a bearing surface 56, which is located opposite the distal portion 102 along the insertion axis A1 10 when the dispensing device 10 is in its assembled configuration.

[0085] When the user presses on the support surface 56 and pushes the element 50 into the body 101, the needle 106 approaches the stopper 54 and pierces it, fluidly connecting the reservoir 52 to the dispensing orifice 104, then the proximal stopper surface of the needle holder 108 butts against the distal surface of the stopper 54 so that the stopper 54 slides into the reservoir 52 to expel the product 55 through the needle 106, so as to trigger the dispensing of the product 55 from the reservoir 52 to the patient's nostril via the dispensing orifice 104.

[0086] In the illustrated example, the distribution device 10 also includes a support member 20, which provides two bearing surfaces 22A and 22B extending radially with respect to the axis of the body 101 and configured to receive fingers, preferably the index and middle fingers, of the user when grasping and operating the distribution device 10.

[0087] Preferably, the housing 110 includes a cylindrical portion 112, which is configured to receive the relief 60 of the element 50 in a tight fit. By "tight fit," it is meant that, when the element 50 is received in the housing 110, the movements of the element 50 relative to the body 101 are limited, within manufacturing tolerances and assembly clearances, to pivot-sliding movements about the insertion axis Al 10. In other words, the cylindrical portion 112 of the housing 110 forms a sleeve, centered on the insertion axis Al 10, which is configured to receive the element 50 in a tight fit. The use of the distribution device 10 is thus facilitated by preventing unwanted movements of the element 50 relative to the subassembly 100 when the distribution device 10 is activated.Preferably, the housing 110 may include a cylindrical guide portion 113 or a guide portion 113 configured to receive the cylindrical portion 58 of the element 50 in a tight fit, said guide portion 113 being on the distal side of the cylindrical portion 112.

[0088] The body 101 also includes retaining elements 114, which are arranged at the pe Periphery of the housing 110. Each retaining element 114 comprises an inner face 116, which is oriented towards the insertion axis A110. The retaining elements 114 include retaining ridges 120, which are formed on the inner faces 116 of the retaining elements 114. The retaining ridges 120 are advantageously projections, which are formed on the inner faces 116 of the retaining elements 114, as in the illustrated example. The retaining ridges 120 are visible in cross-section in Figures 3b) and 3c).

[0089] The retaining ridges 120 include at least one upper retaining ridge 120A and at least one lower retaining ridge 120B, which is different from the at least one upper retaining ridge 120A. In the illustrated example, the retaining ridges 120 include two upper retaining ridges 120A and four lower retaining ridges 120B. The terms lower and upper are given with reference to the distal and proximal sides of the device subassembly 100. More specifically, "upper" means an element closer to the distal side than to the proximal side, and "lower" means an element closer to the proximal side than to the distal side.

[0090] At least one upper retaining relief 120A and at least one lower retaining relief 120B are positioned one above the other along the insertion axis Al 10; in other words, the upper retaining reliefs 120A and lower retaining reliefs 120B are offset along the insertion axis Al 10 so as to provide a space V120 for the relief 60 of the element 50 when the element 50 is received in the housing 110. The upper retaining reliefs 120A and the lower retaining reliefs 120B are then located, along the insertion axis Al 10, on either side of the relief 60 of the element 50. The element 50 is then in a so-called "standby" position relative to the body 101, corresponding to the assembled position of the element 50 in the body 101, the distribution device 10 being in standby configuration.

[0091] The retaining ridges 120 are configured to cooperate with the ridge 60 of the element 50, particularly through complementary shapes, so as to limit or prevent the movement of the element 50 relative to the body 101, especially when the distribution device 10 is in a standby configuration. The retaining members 114 each carry at least one retaining ridge 120.

[0092] When the element 50 is in the waiting position relative to the body 101, it is understood that the upper retaining ridges 120A cooperate with the ridge 60 of the element 50 to prevent further insertion, i.e., in the distal direction, of the element 50 into the housing 110, according to the activation movement. Conversely, the lower retaining ridges 120B cooperate with the ridge 60 of the element 50 to prevent the element 50 from being extracted from the housing 110, according to an extraction movement, i.e., in the proximal direction, which is opposite to the activation movement.

[0093] In the preferred example shown, the retaining devices 114 are advantageously The elastic leg 118 extends from an edge of the housing 110 along the insertion axis Al 10. Each elastic leg 118 has an annular sector cross-section centered on the insertion axis Al 10 and comprises a captive end 119A, by which this elastic leg 118 is connected to the rest of the body 101, and a free end 119B, located opposite the captive end 119A along the insertion axis Al 10. Each elastic leg 118 has a height equal to a distance measured parallel to the insertion axis Al 10 between the captive end 119A and the free end 119B. In an alternative configuration, each elastic leg may have a rectangular cross-section.

[0094] The inner face 116 of the retaining members 114 thus forms an inner face of the elastic legs 118, the retaining ridges 120 being positioned on the inner face of the elastic legs 118. Each elastic leg 118 also includes an outer face 124 and two lateral faces 125, the outer face 124 being oriented opposite to the inner face 116 of the corresponding elastic leg 118, while the two lateral faces 125 are substantially included in two planes including the insertion axis Al 10 and connect the inner face 116 to the outer face 124.

[0095] The retaining elements 114 are divided into two different categories of retaining elements 114, each category comprising a first category and a second category. In this example, the first category of retaining element and the second category of retaining elements each comprise several retaining elements 114. The retaining elements of the first category are designated by reference numeral 114A, while the retaining elements of the second category are designated by reference numeral 114B. The retaining elements of the first category 114A are visible in cross-section in Figure 3c), while the retaining elements of the second category 114B are visible in cross-section in Figure 3b).

[0096] For each elastic tab 118, an angle of this elastic tab is defined as the angle between the two lateral faces 125 of this elastic tab projected onto a plane perpendicular to the insertion axis A110. Thus, each elastic tab 118 of a first-category retaining device 114A has an angle denoted A125A, while each elastic tab 118 of a second-category retaining device 114B has an angle denoted A125B. In the first embodiment of the invention, the angle A125A of the elastic tabs 118 of the first-category retaining devices 114A is equal to the angle A125B of the elastic tabs 118 of the second-category retaining devices 114B.

[0097] For each elastic leg, a width of this elastic leg 118 is defined as a minimum distance, measured orthoradially to the insertion axis Al 10, between the two lateral faces 125 of this elastic leg 118. By definition, a direction orthoradial to a given axis is a direction that is orthogonal to a plane radial to this axis but without intersecting it. Each elastic leg 118 of a retaining device of the first category 114A has a width denoted L125A, while each elastic leg 118 of a retaining device of the second category 114B has a width denoted L125B. In the first embodiment of the invention, the width L125A of the elastic legs 118 of the retaining devices of the first category 114A is equal to the width L125B of the elastic legs 118 of the retaining devices of the second category 114B.

[0098] Preferably, the inner face 116 of the elastic tabs 118 has a radius of curvature identical to a radius of curvature of the housing 110 and coincides with the diameter of the housing 110, to promote the guidance of the element 50 during the activation of the distribution device 10, and thus reduce the dispersion of the effort to be exerted for activation.

[0099] In the illustrated example, the device subassembly 100 comprises four retaining members 114, two of which have a single retaining relief 120, here a lower relief 120B, and two have both an upper retaining relief 120A and a lower retaining relief 120B, the retaining members 114 being configured such that the force required to move the relief 60 of the element 50 past the lower retaining reliefs 120B is greater than the force required to move the relief 60 of the element 50 past the upper retaining reliefs 120A.

[0100] For each first category 114A containment device, the containment reliefs 120 comprise both an upper containment relief 120A and a lower containment relief 120B.

[0101] In the illustrated example, for each second-category retaining element 114B, the retaining reliefs 120 comprise only a lower retaining relief 120B. In other words, each second-category retaining element 114B does not include an upper retaining relief. It is understood that, compared to prior art distribution devices, the absence of an upper retaining relief reduces the activation force of the distribution device 10, without having a significant impact on the extraction force of the distribution device 10.

[0102] In an alternative not shown, for each retaining element of the first category 114A, the retaining reliefs 120 comprise only an upper retaining relief 120A. In other words, each retaining element of the first category 114A does not include a lower retaining relief. It is understood that, compared to prior art distribution devices, the absence of a lower relief reduces the extraction force of the distribution device 10, without having a significant impact on the activation force of the distribution device 10.

[0103] Preferably, the device subassembly 100 comprises at least two restraint elements of the first category 114A. Preferably, the subassembly of Device 100 comprises at least two retaining elements of the second category 114B. Preferably, the sub-assembly of device 100 comprises as many retaining elements of the first category 114A as of retaining elements of the second category 114B. Preferably, the retaining elements of the first category 114A and the retaining elements of the second category 114B are evenly distributed around the insertion axis Al 10, so as to maintain the element 50 aligned with the insertion axis Al 10 during activation or extraction movements.

[0104] Preferably, the retaining elements of the first category 114A and the retaining elements of the second category 114B are distributed alternately around the insertion axis Al 10 so as to balance the activation or extraction force around the insertion axis Al 10.

[0105] Preferably, each lower retaining relief 120B of the first-category retaining devices 114A is positioned at the free end 119B of the corresponding elastic tab 118. Preferably, each lower retaining relief 120B of the second-category retaining devices 114B is positioned at the free end 119B of the corresponding elastic tab 118.

[0106] For each retaining member 114, it is understood that when a force is applied on a retaining relief 120 of this retaining member so as to move this retaining relief 120 away from the insertion axis, the elastic leg 118 tends to deform preferentially at the level of its captive end 119A, in other words the bending of the elastic leg 118 is preferentially localized at the level of its captive end 119A.

[0107] Advantageously, for each second category retaining member 114B, the body 101 also includes stiffening ribs 122, which extend in projection on the external face 124 of the corresponding elastic leg 118.

[0108] Each rib 122 extends parallel to the insertion axis Al 10 so as to stiffen and limit the bending of the elastic leg 118 when this elastic leg is subjected to a force tending to move it away from the insertion axis Al 10. Preferably, each rib 122 connects the associated elastic leg 118 to the rest of the body 101 so as to further increase the stiffness and resistance to bending of the elastic leg 118. Each rib 122 extends at least from the captive end 119A of the elastic leg 118 towards the free end 119B. Preferably, each rib 122 extends continuously over at least 80% of the height of the elastic leg 118, and preferably over 100% of the height of the elastic leg.

[0109] Preferably, each rib 122 extends, along the insertion axis Al 10, at least to the level of the lower ridges 120B. In the example illustrated in Figures 4a), 5a), and 6c), the lower retaining ridges 120B are positioned at the free end 119B of the elastic tabs 118, so the ribs 122 extend from preference up to the free end 119B. More specifically, each rib 122 is configured to increase a second moment of bending of the elastic tab 118 on which this rib 122 is located, so as to increase the activation or extraction force generated by the upper retaining reliefs 120A or the lower retaining reliefs 120B located on this elastic tab.

[0110] In the illustrated example, each rib 122 comprises two opposing lateral faces 126A and 126B, which extend on either side of a mean plane containing the insertion axis Al 10, and a rear face 128, which connects the two lateral faces 126A and 126B of the rib 122 under consideration.

[0111] Each rib 122 has a radial thickness E128, which is measured radially to the insertion axis Al 10 between the rear face 128 of this rib 122 and the outer face 124 of the corresponding elastic leg 118. The radial thickness E128 is variable here, as illustrated in Figure 3b). Preferably, the radial thickness E128 decreases as one moves away from the captive end 119A of the elastic leg 118.

[0112] Each rib 122 has a width L126, which is measured orthogonally to the mean plane associated with this rib 122 between the two lateral faces 126A and 126B of this rib 122, the width L126 being measured at the joint between the elastic tab 118 and the corresponding rib 122. Preferably, the width L126 of each rib 122 is between 0.75 mm and 2 mm, preferably between 0.9 mm and 1.3 mm.

[0113] In the illustrated example, the elastic tabs 118 forming the second category retaining members 114B each include two ribs 122. The ribs 122 thus make it possible to increase the force to be applied on the lower retaining ridges 120B present on the second category retaining members 114B in order to move these lower retaining ridges 120B away from the insertion axis Al 10. Since the second category retaining members 114B do not include an upper ridge, the presence of these ribs 122 only increases the extraction force without impacting the activation force.

[0114] Preferably, for each second category retaining member 114B, the associated elastic leg 118 has a substantially symmetrical shape with respect to a plane of symmetry including insertion Al 10. This ensures that the resulting force exerted by all the second category retaining members 114B on the element 50, during activation or extraction movements, remains substantially aligned with the insertion axis Al 10.

[0115] In the illustrated example, one of the lateral faces 126A or 126B of the ribs coincides with one of the lateral faces 125 of the corresponding elastic leg 118.

[0116] Alternative embodiments of the invention are illustrated in figures 4 to 6.

[0117] In alternative embodiments of the invention, elements analogous to those of other embodiments bear the same reference numerals and function in the same way. In what follows, only the differences between each embodiment and the preceding one(s) will be described.

[0118] A device subassembly 200 belonging to a dispensing device 10 according to a second embodiment of the invention is shown in [Fig. 4]. The device subassembly 200 comprises a body 201 with ribs 222, which have a different shape from the ribs 122 of the device subassembly 100 of the first embodiment. More specifically, whereas in the first embodiment, the cross-section of each rib 122 in a plane including the insertion axis Al 10 is partly triangular in the proximal portion, in the second embodiment, the rear face 128 of each rib 222 comprises a proximal portion 228, which is geometrically supported by a cylinder centered on the insertion axis Al 10. Alternatively, the rear face 128 may be geometrically supported by a plane orthoradial to the insertion axis 110.In other words, in the first mode the radial thickness of the ribs 122 decreases continuously as one approaches the free end 119B of the corresponding elastic leg 118, whereas in the second embodiment, the radial thickness E128 of the proximal portion 228 is substantially constant.

[0119] The fact of preserving the proximal portion 228 with a constant radial thickness El28 makes it possible to increase the flexural rigidity of the corresponding elastic leg 118 even more compared to the first embodiment, and thus to increase the extraction force even more, without having an impact on the activation force, since the retention members of the second category 114B do not here include an upper retention relief 120A.

[0120] A subset of device 300 belonging to a distribution device 10 according to a third embodiment of the invention is shown in [Fig.5].

[0121] In the third embodiment of the invention, the width L125A of the elastic tabs 118 of the first-category restraints 114A is advantageously less than the width L125B of the elastic tabs 118 of the second-category restraints 114B. In other words, the second-category restraints 114B are elastic tabs 118 whose width L125B is advantageously greater than the width L125A of the elastic tabs 118 that constitute the first-category restraints 114A. Similarly, the angle A125A of the elastic tabs 118 of the first-category restraints 114A is advantageously less than the angle A125B of the elastic tabs 118 of the second-category restraints 114B. In other words, the second-category restraints 114B are elastic tabs 118 whose angle A125B is advantageously superior to the angle A125A of the elastic tabs 118 which constitute the retaining elements of the first category 114A. Preferably, the angle A125B is between 50 degrees and 120 degrees, preferably between 70 degrees and 90 degrees.

[0122] The resulting extraction force generated by the second category retaining members 114B of the third embodiment of the invention is thus greater than the resulting extraction force generated by the second category retaining members 114B of the first embodiment of the invention and of the second embodiment, and this without impact on the activation force, since the second category retaining members 114B do not here include a higher retaining relief 120A.

[0123] With reference to [Fig. 6], the relief 60 of the element 50 of the preceding embodiments is shown on a larger scale in Figure 6a). A relief 460 of alternative shape to the relief 60 of the element 50 is shown in Figure 6b). A subset of a device 400 belonging to a dispensing device according to an alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 6c).

[0124] With reference to figure 6a), the relief 60 comprises a distal face 62A, which is turned towards the upper retaining reliefs 120A when the relief 60 is received in the receiving space V120, and a proximal face 62B, which is turned towards the lower retaining reliefs 120B when the relief 60 is received in the receiving space V120.

[0125] In the illustrated example, the distal face 62A is geometrically supported by a frustoconical surface centered on the axis of element A50, while the proximal face 62B is substantially supported by a plane orthogonal to the axis of element A50. The relief 60 here includes a peripheral face 62C, which connects the distal face 62A to the proximal face 62B. The peripheral face 62C here has the shape of a cylinder of revolution about the axis of element A50.

[0126] The peripheral face 62C is connected to the distal face 62A by a fitting 63, which is represented by an edge in figure 6a). In practice, since the element 50 is generally manufactured by an injection molding process of a thermoplastic polymer material, a radius of curvature of less than 0.1 millimeter is considered to constitute an edge.

[0127] With reference to figure 6b), the relief 460 includes a fitting 463, which connects the distal face 62A to the peripheral face 62C. The fitting 463 is tangent to the distal face 62A and to the peripheral face 62C.

[0128] The distal face 62A, the fitting 463, and the peripheral face 62C thus form a continuous, curved surface without an edge. The absence of an edge on the fitting 463 reduces friction between the relief 460 and the upper retaining reliefs 120A during the activation movement of the element 50, thereby reducing the va Reliability of the activation force, and facilitates activation of the distribution device 10 by the user. Preferably, the bending radius of the fitting 463 is greater than 0.5 millimeters, preferably greater than 1 millimeter. In the variant not shown, the peripheral face 62C is omitted.

[0129] By extension, the distal face 62A extends continuously from the cylindrical portion 58 of the element 50 to the proximal face 62B, with a radius of curvature greater than 0.5 millimeters, preferably greater than 1 millimeter. The absence of an edge on the activation face 62A reduces friction between the activation face 62A and the upper retaining ridges 120A during the activation movement of the element 50, thereby reducing the variability of the activation force and facilitating activation of the spray device 10 by the user.

[0130] With reference to Figure 6c), for each retaining element 114A of the first category, the device subassembly 400 includes notches 402, which are formed in the body 101 so as to extend the lateral faces 125 of the associated elastic tab 118. The notches 402 extend parallel to the insertion axis Al 10. The height of the elastic tabs 118 of the retaining elements of the first category 114A is thus greater than the height of the elastic tabs 118 of the retaining elements of the second category 114B.

[0131] As a result, the second moment of bending of the elastic tab 118 of the retaining elements of the first category 114A is thus lower than the second moment of bending of the retaining elements of the second category 114B. The activation force generated by the upper reliefs 120A is lower when the notches 402 are provided compared to the situation without notches in the other embodiments.

[0132] In all the illustrated embodiments, each retaining element of the second category 114B comprises only one retaining relief 120, here the lower relief 120B, the absence of an upper relief 120A allowing the force required to activate the distribution device 10 to be reduced. Other means are of course possible to reduce the activation force compared to prior art distribution devices.

[0133] According to a first variant not shown, the second category retaining elements 114B comprise, in addition to the lower retaining ridges 120B, upper retaining ridges 120A, which, however, have a different shape and / or dimensions than the upper retaining ridges 120A of the first category retaining elements 114A. According to a first example, the upper retaining ridges 120A of the second category retaining elements 114B project outwards on the inner face 116 of the elastic tabs 118, over a radial dimension smaller than that of the upper retaining ridges 120A of the first category retaining elements 114A. According to a second example, the angles of the bearing faces, configured for cooperating with the relief 60 of element 50, are different.

[0134] In all the illustrated embodiments, the main consideration is the reduction of the activation force relative to the extraction force for the spraying devices. The principles of the invention are, of course, applicable to cases where it is desired to increase the activation force relative to the extraction force. It is sufficient to reverse the notions of upper and lower with respect to the drawings.

[0135] More generally, for each second category retention device 114B, the retention reliefs 120 include an upper retention relief 120A and a lower retention relief 120B, the upper or lower retention reliefs of the second category retention device being different in shape and / or size from the corresponding upper or lower retention reliefs of the first category retention devices 114A.

[0136] The embodiments and variants mentioned above can be combined with each other to generate new embodiments of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. Dispensing device subassembly (100; 200; 300; 400), the subassembly comprising a body (101), which is configured to receive an element (50) in a housing (110), and retaining members (114), which are arranged at the periphery of the housing (110), which each carry at least one retaining relief (120), the retaining reliefs (120) including at least one upper relief (120A) and at least one lower relief (120B) positioned one above the other on an internal face (116) of the retaining members (114) and along an insertion axis (A1 10) of the element (50) in the body (101), said retaining members (114) being configured to cooperate with a relief (60; 460) carried by the element (50) and are distributed in two different categories of retaining members, the two categories of retaining members including a first category of retaining member (114A) and a second category of retaining member (114B),characterized in that the retaining reliefs (120) of each retaining member of the second category of retaining member (114B) comprise only a lower retaining relief (120A), and the retaining reliefs (120) of each retaining member of the first category of retaining member (114A) comprise at least one upper retaining relief (120B), or in that the retaining reliefs (120) of each retaining member of the first category of retaining member (114A) comprise only an upper retaining relief (120A), and the retaining reliefs (120) of each retaining member of the second category of retaining member (114B) comprise at least one lower retaining relief (120B), or in that the retaining reliefs (120) of each retaining member of the first category of retaining member (114A) and of the second category of retaining member (114B) comprise a relief upper retaining relief (120A) and a lower retaining relief (120B),said upper (120A) or lower (120B) retaining reliefs of the second category of retaining member (114B) being different in shape and / or dimension from the corresponding upper (120A) or lower (120B) retaining reliefs of the first category of retaining member (114A).,

2. A dispensing device subassembly (100; 200; 300; 400) according to claim 1, wherein the retaining reliefs (120) are projections.

3. A dispensing device subassembly (100; 200; 300; 400) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the housing (110) has a cylindrical portion configured to receive the element (50) in a manner adjusted to the relief (60; 460).

4. A dispensing device subassembly (100; 200; 300; 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising four retaining members (114), two of which comprise a single retaining relief (120B) and two of which comprise a lower retaining relief (120B) and an upper retaining relief (120A), configured such that the force required to pass the relief (60; 460) of the element (50) beyond the lower retaining reliefs (120B) is greater than the force required to pass the relief (60; 460) of the element (50) beyond the upper retaining reliefs (120A).

5. Dispensing device subassembly (100; 200; 300; 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which the retaining members (114) are elastic tabs (118) extending from an edge of the housing (110) along the insertion axis (A1 10).

6. A dispensing device subassembly (100; 200; 300; 400) according to claim 5, wherein the inner face (116) of the elastic tabs (118) has a radius of curvature identical to a radius of curvature of the housing (110).

7. Dispensing device subassembly (100; 200; 300; 400) according to any one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the retaining reliefs (120) are positioned on the internal face (116) of the elastic tabs (118).

8. Dispensing device subassembly (100; 200; 300; 400) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the lower retaining reliefs (120B) of the first category of retaining member (114A) are positioned at a free end (119B) of the elastic tabs (118).

9. Dispensing device subassembly (100; 200; 300; 400) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the lower retaining reliefs (120B) of the second category of retaining member (114B) are positioned at a free end (119B) of the elastic tabs (118).

10. A dispensing device subassembly (300) according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the retaining members of the second category (114B) are elastic tabs (118) having a width (L125B) greater than a width (L125A) of the elastic tabs (118) which constitute the retaining members of the first category (114A).

11. A dispensing device subassembly (300) according to any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein the retaining members of the second category (114B) are elastic tabs (118) having an angle (A125B) greater than an angle (A125A) of the elastic tabs (118) which constitute the retaining members of the first category (114A).

12. Dispensing device subassembly (100; 200; 300; 400) according to any one of claims 5 to 11, in which the elastic tabs (118) forming the retaining members of the second category (114B) each comprise two stiffening ribs (122) extending parallel to the insertion axis (A1 10).

13. A dispensing device (10), comprising the dispensing device subassembly (100; 200; 300; 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and an element (50) received in the housing (110), the element (50) comprising a relief (60; 460) cooperating with the retaining reliefs (120) of the dispensing device subassembly.

14. A dispensing device (10) according to claim 13, wherein the dispensing device is a spray device, in particular a nasal spray device.

15. A dispensing device (10) according to claim 14, wherein the body of the dispensing device subassembly (100; 200; 300; 400) is provided with a dispensing orifice (104) and configured to be inserted into a patient's nostril, and wherein the element (50) comprises a reservoir (52) containing a product (55) to be dispensed and is configured to be pressed by a user's finger to trigger dispensing of the product from the reservoir (52) to the patient's nostril via the dispensing orifice (104).

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