Receptacle for an active substance

Abstract

This receptacle (1) comprises at least one gas-permeable element (2, 4) defining a part of a chamber (3) for an active substance (6). Each gas-permeable element (2, 4) has a base wall (20, 40) and a side wall (22, 42), the base wall (20, 40) comprising perforations (26, 46). The receptacle (1) further comprises a breathable member (5, 7) secured at its periphery in a receiving portion (25, 47) of the at least one gas-permeable element (2, 4) so as to cover the perforations. The breathable member (5, 7) is selected so that a ratio of a bending resistance of the breathable member (5, 7) to a length of insertion (l25, l47) of the breathable member in the receiving portion (25, 47) is between 10 N.m-1 and 100 N.m-1. In addition, an outer diameter of the breathable member (5, 7) is strictly higher than an inner diameter of the receiving portion (25, 47) so that, upon insertion of the breathable member (5, 7) into the receiving portion (25, 47), friction is established between a peripheral edge of the breathable member (5, 7) and an internal surface of the receiving portion (25, 47).

Description

[0001] RECEPTACLE FOR AN ACTIVE SUBSTANCE

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a receptacle for regulating an atmosphere in a packaging or a medical device containing sensitive or odorous products. Such a receptacle may be used, for example, in a packaging filled with sensitive products such as food, nutraceutical products, pharmaceutical products or diagnostic products, or in a compartment defined in a medical device, notably in an inhaler such as a DPI (Dry Powder Inhaler) or in a diagnostic test cartridge. The invention also relates to a method and an apparatus for manufacturing such a receptacle, and to a use of such a receptacle.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is known to use a receptacle filled with an active substance to regulate the atmosphere in a packaging or a medical device. In particular, a number of small desiccant receptacles, also called canisters, have been disclosed, which are formed from body portions onto which one or more perforated end caps are secured. These receptacles generally contain a desiccant material which adsorbs water vapor from the air, as the air flows through the perforations provided in the end cap(s) of the receptacle. However, one problem of conventional desiccant receptacles is that the desiccant material often includes fine particles, which may escape from the receptacle and contaminate the products contained in the packaging or the medical device.

[0006] In order to reduce the risk of contamination, receptacles have been proposed where perforations of the receptacle are closed by a porous membrane allowing moisture to flow toward the interior of the receptacle. In particular, WO2016 / 108869A1 discloses a canister comprising, on at least one of its ends, openings that are closed by a membrane formed from high density, spun-bonded polyolefin materials. More precisely, the periphery of the membrane is positioned between a base wall of the canister and an annular retaining lip. However, the manufacturing of such a canister by injection molding is complex, since it requires that the membrane be placed in a mold cavity in which the membrane is not retained laterally. The periphery of the membrane, which is expected to become embedded between the base wall and the surrounding retaining lip, is free on both sides and is not supported by any surface of the mold cavity. Then, the membrane may be bent at its periphery by the flow of molten thermoplastic material, which may generate voids between the membrane and the base wall of the canister. This does not ensure a qualitative attachment of the membrane at its periphery and, since the membrane is not fixed at its periphery in a reliable manner, there remains a risk of leaks of active material out of the canister, at the interface between the membrane and the walls of the canister.

[0007] It is these drawbacks that the invention is intended more particularly to remedy by proposing a gas-permeable receptacle for atmosphere regulation, which makes it possible to obtain a significant reduction of the risk that active material escapes from the receptacle, the manufacturing of the gas-permeable element being simple and predictable so that it can be easily automated, in a reliable manner and with a better efficiency.

[0008] DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0009] For this purpose, a subject of the invention is a receptacle for regulating an atmosphere in a packaging or a medical device containing sensitive or odorous products, the receptacle comprising at least one gas-permeable element defining a part of a chamber for an active substance, the at least one gas-permeable element having a base wall and a side wall, the base wall comprising perforations, wherein the receptacle further comprises a breathable member secured at its periphery in a receiving portion of the at least one gas-permeable element so as to cover the perforations, the receiving portion being defined by a transverse wall extending from the base wall of the at least one gas-permeable element around a main axis, wherein: - a ratio of a bending resistance of the breathable member to a length of insertion of the breathable member in the receiving portion of the at least one gas- permeable element, in the direction of the main axis, is between 10 N.nr1and 100 N.m-1,

[0010] - an outer diameter of the breathable member is strictly higher than an inner diameter of the receiving portion of the at least one gas-permeable element so that, upon insertion of the breathable member into the receiving portion, friction is established between a peripheral edge of the breathable member and an internal surface of the receiving portion.

[0011] Within the meaning of the invention, a breathable member has a gas-permeability compatible with its use in an atmosphere control receptable. In one embodiment, an air permeability of the breathable member of the at least one gas-permeable element is higher than or equal to 1 cm3.s’1, preferably higher than or equal to 1.5 cm3.s’1. In the context of the invention, the air permeability of the breathable member is measured according to the guidelines of DIN 53120-2.

[0012] In the context of the invention, the bending resistance of the breathable member is measured according to standard test method ISO 2493-1 :2010. In the case of a breathable member made of a heterogeneous material, such as a paperboard, the bending resistance of the breathable member is measured in the machine direction, i.e. in the direction of movement of the strip of breathable material during manufacturing.

[0013] Within the frame of the invention, the receiving portion of a gas-permeable element, in which a breathable member is received, is delimited by a transverse wall of the gas-permeable element extending from the base wall around a main axis. This transverse wall may be, in particular, the side wall of the gas-permeable element, or an inner skirt positioned internally relative to the side wall of the gas- permeable element. The length of insertion of the breathable member in the receiving portion is defined as the length, taken in the direction of the main axis, between a free edge of the transverse wall and a position reached by the breathable member at the end of its insertion into the receiving portion in a translational movement parallel to the main axis. The inner diameter of the receiving portion is considered as the minimum diameter of the receiving portion along the path for inserting the breathable member into the receiving portion in a translational movement parallel to the main axis.

[0014] In the context of the invention, the breathable member may have a flat shape with a circular outline, or a cylindrical shape with a circular base. However, it is understood that the breathable member may also have other shapes, for example it may have a flat shape with a non-circular outline, or a cylindrical shape with a non-circular base, where the non-circular outline or non-circular base may be oval, quadrilateral, etc. In such cases, the outer diameter of the breathable member is considered as the diameter of a circle circumscribing the outline or base of the breathable member. Generally, the shape of the breathable member substantially corresponds to the shape of a cross-section of the receiving portion taken perpendicular to the main axis. When the receiving portion has a non-circular cross-section, the inner diameter of the receiving portion is considered as the diameter of a circle inscribed in the cross-section of the receiving portion, taken at the location where the diameter is minimum along the path for inserting the breathable member into the receiving portion in a translational movement parallel to the main axis.

[0015] Thanks to the specific characteristics of the breathable member selected to cover the perforations of the at least one gas-permeable element, a qualitative attachment is ensured between the breathable member and the gas-permeable element. Such a qualitative attachment is key for the performance of the receptacle in terms of limiting escape of fine particles. Upon insertion into the receiving portion, the breathable member is put under stress, which causes the friction fit and therefore the holding of the breathable member during the manufacturing of the atmosphere control receptable. Advantageously, a receptacle according to the invention can be manufactured in a simple and reliable manner, by inserting each breathable member into the corresponding gas-permeable element, in the direction of the main axis, so that the breathable member is secured in the receiving portion while covering the perforations. It has been found by the inventors that, by selecting a value of between 10 N.nr1and 100 N.nr1for the ratio of the bending resistance of the breathable member to the length of insertion in the receiving portion, the insertion of the breathable member in a gas-permeable element of dimensions typically used for regulating the atmosphere in a packaging or a medical device containing sensitive or odorous products, can be implemented in an automated manner on existing manufacturing lines for atmosphere control receptables, with high efficiency both in terms of reliability of the positioning of the breathable member and in terms of speed of production, compatible with production rates which can reach 1000 receptacles per minute.

[0016] It has been observed experimentally that the stiffness required for the breathable member to be held in place once inserted into the receiving portion is all the greater as the length of insertion of the breathable member in the receiving portion is high. On manufacturing lines, the assembly comprising the gas-permeable element and the breathable member inserted therein is a semi-finished product that must withstand subsequent manufacturing operations without the breathable member moving or becoming detached from the gas-permeable element. This semi-finished product is subjected to mechanical stress, including shocks and vibrations, for example when the semi-finished product is dropped into a storage packaging; when it is dropped into a vibrating bowl; when it is filled with an active substance; when it is assembled with another element of the receptacle to lock the chamber in a closed configuration. The intensity of mechanical stress increases with the weight, and therefore the dimensions, of the gas-permeable element.

[0017] It has also been observed that a breathable member with high stiffness tends, under the effect of friction at the interface between its peripheral edge and the internal surface of the receiving portion, to deviate from its position centered on the main axis of the receiving portion and rotate at an angle in the gas-permeable element. In particular, dimensional variations such as circularity defects, e.g. resulting from manufacturing tolerances, can cause greater dimensional interference between the breathable member and the receiving portion and create areas of concentration of friction. The selected range for the ratio of the bending resistance of the breathable member to the length of insertion in the receiving portion makes it possible to obtain both ease of insertion of the breathable member in the receiving portion and maintenance of its positioning in the receiving portion in the presence of mechanical stress.

[0018] According to one embodiment, a deformation for assembly of the breathable member in the receiving portion is higher than or equal to 1 %, defined as the ratio of, on the one hand, a difference between the outer diameter of the breathable member and the inner diameter of the receiving portion to, on the other hand, the outer diameter of the breathable member. Such a deformation for assembly corresponds to a dimensional interference between the breathable member and the transverse wall of the receiving portion making it possible for the breathable member to be held by friction fit in the receiving portion. In practice, the dimensional interference between the breathable member and the transverse wall is adjusted to allow the holding of the breathable member in the receiving portion while avoiding the formation of folds or wrinkles of the breathable member which would leave potential leakage areas for the active substance.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the outer diameter of the breathable member is strictly higher than a final inner diameter of the receiving portion of the at least one gas-permeable element, so that friction is established between the peripheral edge of the breathable member and the internal surface of the receiving portion at the position reached by the breathable member in the assembled configuration of the receptacle. In this way, the breathable member is secured by friction at its periphery in the receiving portion in the assembled configuration of the receptacle. In the context of the invention, the final inner diameter of the receiving portion is considered as the diameter of the receiving portion at the position reached by the breathable member in the assembled configuration of the receptacle.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the breathable member of the at least one gas- permeable element is a paperboard member. Within the meaning of the invention, a paperboard is a sheet material comprising interconnected discrete natural fibers and having a mass per unit area higher than or equal to 250 g.rrr2. The natural fibers of a paperboard may include, for example, cellulosic fibers, wood fibers of any variety used in papermaking, or other plant fibers such as, e.g., cotton fibers, or fibers derived from recycled paper. In the context of the invention, the natural fibers of a paperboard may also be mixed with synthetic fibers, such as, e.g., nylon, fiberglass or polyolefin fibers, or impregnated with nonfibrous materials, such as plastics or resins. The manufacturing of a paperboard conventionally comprises forming an aqueous fiber suspension (or slurry); draining the fiber suspension to form a sheet; and drying the sheet. In the invention, the paperboard member may also be a laminated or composite paperboard material. Advantageously, the stiffness of a paperboard member can be adjusted by varying the density of the fibers. In the case of a receptacle for moisture absorption, the capacity of cellulosic and other natural fibers to absorb moisture can contribute to increasing the absorption capacity of the receptacle.

[0021] According to one embodiment, a mean thickness of the breathable member of the at least one gas-permeable element is between 0.3 mm and 1 mm in uncompressed regions. In the context of the invention, the thickness of the breathable member is measured according to standard test method ISO 534:2011 , it being understood that, in the case of a breathable member having a surface area of less than 200 mm2, the thickness measurement is performed on the available surface area of the sample. Such a range for the thickness of the breathable member corresponds to a good ratio between the stiffness of the breathable member and the volume of the breathable member, thus limiting the loss of volume in the receptacle due to the presence of the breathable member.

[0022] According to one embodiment, a density of the breathable member of the at least one gas-permeable element, defined as a ratio of the mass per unit area of the breathable member to the mean thickness of the breathable member, is between 400 kg.rrr3and 850 kg. nr3In the context of the invention, the mass per unit area of the breathable member is measured according to standard test method ISO 536:2019. Such a range for the volume density of the breathable member corresponds to a good ratio between the stiffness of the breathable member and the gas-permeability of the breathable member. According to one embodiment, for at least one gas-permeable element of the receptacle, the transverse wall which defines the receiving portion is the side wall of the gas-permeable element. According to another embodiment, for at least one gas-permeable element of the receptacle, the transverse wall which defines the receiving portion is an inner skirt of the gas-permeable element, which may be provided inwardly relative to the side wall of the gas-permeable element.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the side wall of a gas-permeable element of the receptacle comprises a snap-fastening member configured to engage with a corresponding snap-fastening member of another element of the receptacle to attach the elements of the receptacle to one another and lock the chamber in a closed configuration.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the elements of the receptacle are attached to one another by the snap-fastening members and the breathable member of said gas- permeable element which comprises a snap-fastening member is compressed at its periphery in the direction of the main axis, resulting in a pressure force between contact surfaces of the snap-fastening members in the direction of the main axis. The pressure force between the contact surfaces of the snap-fastening members generates an increased force for disassembly of the snap-fastening members, when applying compression to the snap-fastening members transversely to the main axis. In particular, it has been observed experimentally that the retention force of a gas-permeable element relative to another element of the receptacle is increased by the presence of the breathable member.

[0025] According to one feature of the invention, the elements of the receptacle are attached to one another by the snap-fastening members and a compression rate of the breathable member of said gas-permeable element which comprises a snap-fastening member is higher than or equal to 10%. The compression rate of the breathable member is defined as the ratio of, on the one hand, a difference between the initial thickness of the breathable member and its thickness when the elements of the receptacle are attached to one another, to, on the other hand, the initial thickness of the breathable member. Such a compression rate of the breathable member allows for compensation of dimensional variations in the dimensions of the snap-fastening members, e.g., resulting from manufacturing tolerances. Advantageously, when the elements of the receptacle are attached to one another by the snap-fastening members, a gap is formed between a free edge of the gas-permeable element and a shoulder of the other element of the receptacle.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the base wall of the at least one gas-permeable element comprises at least one reinforcing rib extending radially across an internal surface of the base wall. The reinforcing rib(s) provide mechanical strength to the gas-permeable element, thus contributing to a secure attachment of the gas- permeable element relative to the other element of the receptacle. In particular, the reinforcing rib(s) on the internal surface of the base wall may impose deformation on the breathable member positioned in the receiving portion, in such a way that it prevents a disengagement of the snap-fastening members. The presence of the reinforcing rib(s) also reduces the weight of plastic in the at least one gas-permeable element, making it possible to have thinner walls apart from the rib(s).

[0027] In a receptacle according to the invention, the gas-permeable element is usually not intended to be removed by a user after the receptacle has been closed, especially after the chamber has been filled with an active substance. For this reason, the gas-permeable element is advantageously free of any means for removing the gas-permeable element relative to the other elements of the receptacle.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the active substance in the chamber of the receptacle belongs to a group of: humidity absorbers (or desiccants); oxygen absorbers (or oxygen scavengers); odor absorbers; absorbers of volatile olfactory organic compounds; emitters of humidity; emitters of volatile organic compounds such as a fragrance, an aroma, a nutrient; and mixtures thereof. It is understood that, within the meaning of the present disclosure, the term "absorb", when referring to a given active material, is used to encompass all chemical and physical phenomena by which a gas may be retained by said active material. In particular, this includes bulk phenomena, generally referred to as “absorption”, where gas molecules enter the active material; or surface phenomena, generally referred to as “adsorption”, where gas molecules attach to the surface of the active material.

[0029] In one embodiment, the active substance in the chamber of the receptacle comprises at least one inorganic active substance, optionally selected from the group comprising molecular sieves, zeolites, silica gel, clay, activated carbon, hydrate salts, metal oxides, and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the active substance in the chamber of the receptacle comprises at least one active substance in powder form including fine particles with a size of less than or equal to 200 pm. An example of an active substance in powder form with such fine particles is activated carbon.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the receptacle comprises a tubular body, having a base wall and a side wall open at one end opposite from the base wall, and a cap configured to close the open end of the tubular body, the cap having a base wall and a side wall open at one end opposite from the base wall, wherein at least one among the base wall of the tubular body and the base wall of the cap comprises perforations which are covered by a breathable member secured in a receiving portion of the tubular body or the cap. At least one among the tubular body and the cap thus forms said at least one gas-permeable element of the receptacle.

[0031] According to another embodiment of the invention, the receptacle comprises a tubular body having a side wall open at both ends, and a first cap and a second cap configured to close, respectively, a first open end and a second open end of the tubular body, each of the first cap and second cap having a base wall and a side wall open at one end opposite from the base wall, wherein at least one among the base wall of the first cap and the base wall of the second cap comprises perforations which are covered by a breathable member secured in a receiving portion of the first cap or the second cap. At least one among the first cap and the second cap thus forms said at least one gas-permeable element of the receptacle.

[0032] According to one feature of the invention, the body and / or the cap(s) of the receptacle are made of polymer-based materials which are impermeable to liquids. Examples of suitable polymeric resins for the body and / or the cap(s) of a receptacle according the invention include, without limitation: polyolefins such as polyethylene, e.g. high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene, polybutylene, polyisobutylene; copolymers of ethylene such as for example ethylene vinyl acetates, ethylene ethyl acrylates, ethylene butyl acrylates, ethylene maleic anhydrides, ethylene alpha olefins; polystyrene; copolymers of styrene; polyethylene terephthalate (PET); polyvinylchloride (PVC); copolymers of vinyl chloride; polyvinylidene chlorides; polyamides; polycarbonates; polyoxymethylenes; copolyesters; polyphenylene oxides; polymethyl methacrylates; copolymers of acrylate; fluoride polymers; polyimides; polyurethanes; and any combination thereof. According to one embodiment, each of the body and / or the cap(s) of the receptacle is obtained by molding, in particular injection molding, of a thermoplastic polymer material.

[0033] Another subject of the invention is a method for manufacturing a receptacle as described above, comprising steps of:

[0034] - providing the at least one gas-permeable element defining a part of the chamber of the receptacle;

[0035] - inserting a breathable member into the at least one gas-permeable element, in the direction of the main axis, so that the breathable member is secured in the receiving portion while covering the perforations;

[0036] - introducing an active substance in at least one element defining a part of the chamber of the receptacle;

[0037] - attaching the elements defining the chamber of the receptacle to one another so as to lock the chamber in a closed configuration.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the manufacturing method, the breathable member is inserted into the at least one gas-permeable element by aligning a central axis of the breathable member with the main axis of the receiving portion, with a concentricity tolerance of less than a difference between the outer diameter of the breathable member and the inner diameter of the receiving portion, preferably less than half the difference between the outer diameter of the breathable member and the inner diameter of the receiving portion.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the manufacturing method, the breathable member is inserted into the at least one gas-permeable element using a suction device configured to hold the breathable member by air suction and release the breathable member when secured in the receiving portion by stopping the air suction.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the manufacturing method, the elements defining the chamber of the receptacle are attached to one another by snap-fastening, using a snap-fastening member of the side wall of at least one gas-permeable element configured to engage with a corresponding snap-fastening member of another element of the receptacle.

[0041] Another subject of the invention is an apparatus for manufacturing a receptacle as described above, comprising:

[0042] - an actuator for inserting a breathable member into the at least one gas- permeable element, in the direction of the main axis, so that the breathable member is secured in the receiving portion while covering the perforations;

[0043] - an alignment control device for controlling the alignment of a central axis of the breathable member with the main axis of the receiving portion during insertion of the breathable member into the at least one gas-permeable element;

[0044] - a filling device for introducing an active substance in at least one element defining a part of the chamber of the receptacle.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the actuator (or cylinder) is configured to apply a translational pushing force to the breathable member in the direction of the main axis, in order to insert and secure the breathable member into the receiving portion. The actuator may be of any type suitable for this function, e.g., an electric actuator, a pneumatic actuator, a hydraulic actuator, etc. According to one embodiment, the alignment control device is set with a concentricity tolerance, corresponding to a maximum concentricity deviation allowed by the alignment control device between the central axis of the breathable member and the main axis of the receiving portion. In other words, the alignment control device is configured to allow a concentricity deviation between the central axis of the breathable member and the main axis of the receiving portion of less than the selected value of concentricity tolerance. Advantageously, the concentricity tolerance is less than a difference between the outer diameter of the breathable member and the inner diameter of the receiving portion, preferably less than half the difference between the outer diameter of the breathable member and the inner diameter of the receiving portion.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a suction device configured to hold a breathable member by air suction and release the breathable member when secured in the receiving portion by stopping the air suction, the suction device preferably being capable of suctioning a single breathable member from a stack of breathable members. In one embodiment, the suction device is integrated into the actuator.

[0047] Another subject of the invention is a use of a receptacle as described above, having its chamber at least partially filled with an active substance, for controlling the atmosphere in a packaging or a medical device containing sensitive products, such as tablets or capsules containing a pharmaceutical composition; nutraceuticals; herbalism products; diagnostic products.

[0048] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] Features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of a receptacle, a manufacturing method and a manufacturing apparatus according to the invention, this description being given merely by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a receptacle according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0050] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the receptacle of Figure 1 ;

[0051] Figure 3 is a cross section of a closable bottle containing a plurality of pharmaceutical tablets and the receptacle of Figure 1 for controlling the atmosphere in the bottle;

[0052] Figure 4 is a cross section according to plane IV of Figure 1 ;

[0053] Figure 5 is a view at larger scale of the detail V of Figure 4;

[0054] Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 5 for a receptacle devoid of a breathable disc in the cap of the receptacle;

[0055] Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 5 for a receptacle according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0056] Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 4 for a cap of a receptacle according to a third embodiment of the invention; and

[0057] Figure 9 is a schematic view showing successive steps S1 , S2, S3 of a manufacturing method of the receptacle of Figure 4.

[0058] ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0059] In the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5 and 9, the receptacle is a canister 1 intended to be dropped in a packaging in which sensitive and / or odorous products are stored. By way of example, as illustrated in Figure 3, the canister 1 may be used to absorb humidity and / or odors inside a bottle 9 containing moisture-sensitive tablets 8. The canister 1 comprises a gas-permeable body 2 and a gas-permeable cap 4 configured to close an open end of the body 2. The body 2 and the cap 4 define together a chamber 3 for an active substance 6. In the example shown in Figure 4, the active substance 6 is a desiccant material comprising particles 61 of an inorganic desiccant material, such as silica gel, molecular sieve and / or activated clay, mixed with fine particles 62 of activated carbon. By way of a non-limiting example, both the body 2 and the cap 4 are injection molded parts, which may be made of the same or different polymeric materials, e.g., selected among polyethylene and polypropylene.

[0060] As shown in the figures, in this first embodiment, the body 2 has a tubular shape with a circular cross section centered on a longitudinal axis X2. The body 2 comprises a base wall 20 including a plurality of perforations 26, and a side wall 22 projecting from the base wall 20 substantially perpendicular thereto. The cap 4 also has a tubular shape with a circular cross section centered on a longitudinal axis X4. The cap 4 comprises a base wall 40 including a plurality of perforations 46, and a side wall 42 projecting from the base wall 40 substantially perpendicular thereto. As clearly visible in Figure 2, the base wall 40 of the cap includes a plurality of reinforcing ribs 41 extending radially across an internal surface of the base wall 40, which are arranged relative to each other to form a star shape. The perforations 26, 46 of the body 2 and the cap 4 are each in the shape of truncated square pyramids having their smaller area ends located at the outer surface and their larger area ends located at the inner surface of the respective base wall 20, 40, thus contributing to limiting the escape of the active substance 6 out of the canister 1 .

[0061] For the attachment of the cap 4 relative to the body 2, the body 2 and the cap 4 comprise complementary snap-fastening members 28 and 48. The snap-fastening member 28 of the body 2 is an outwardly projecting portion of the side wall 22, whereas the snap-fastening member 48 of the cap 4 is an inwardly projecting portion of the side wall 42. As shown in Figure 4, when the body 2 and the cap 4 are attached to each other, their longitudinal axes X2 and X4 are aligned and form a main axis of the canister 1. When the snap-fastening members 28, 48 are engaged with each other, each snap-fastening member 28, 48 is received in a recess 49, 29 adjacent to the other snap-fastening member 48, 28, and contact surfaces 28a, 48a of the snap-fastening members are facing each other in the direction of the axes X2, X4. When the body 2 and the cap 4 of the canister are attached to one another by the snap-fastening members 28, 48, a gap 10 is formed between a free edge 43 of the cap and a shoulder 23 of the body 2.

[0062] To prevent escape of particles of the active substance 6 out of the canister 1 , especially of fine particles 62 of activated carbon, and avoid contamination of the tablets 8 contained in the bottle 9, the canister 1 comprises two breathable discs 5, 7. According to a non-limiting example, the breathable discs 5, 7 may both be made of a paperboard comprising cellulosic fibers, having an air permeability higher than or equal to 1.5 cm3.s’1to still ensure good gas circulation between the outside and the inside of the canister 1. This gas exchange between the outside and the inside of the canister 1 allows the outside atmosphere to be regulated by the active substance 6 contained in the canister. Advantageously, in this embodiment, a mean thickness ts, t? of each breathable disc 5, 7 is between 0.3 mm and 1 mm in uncompressed regions. A volume density of each breathable disc 5, 7, defined as a ratio of the mass per unit area of the breathable disc to its mean thickness, is between 400 kg. nr3and 850 kg. nr3

[0063] Each breathable disc 5, 7 is configured to be secured at its periphery in a receiving portion 25, 47, respectively of the body 2 or the cap 4, so as to cover the perforations 26, 46. In this first embodiment, the receiving portion 25 of the body 2 is defined by the side wall 22 of the body which extends around the longitudinal axis X2, and the receiving portion 47 of the cap 4 is defined by the side wall 42 of the cap which extends around the longitudinal axis X4. As shown in Figure 4, for the breathable disc 5 of the body 2, the length of insertion €25 in the receiving portion 25 corresponds to the length, taken in the direction of the longitudinal axis X2, between the free edge 21 of the side wall 22 and the position reached by the breathable disc 5 at the end of its insertion into the receiving portion 25 in a translational movement parallel to the longitudinal axis X2, i.e. , the internal surface of the base wall 20 of the body. For the breathable disc 7 of the cap 4, the length of insertion €47 in the receiving portion 47 corresponds to the length, taken in the direction of the longitudinal axis X4, between the free edge 43 of the side wall 42 and the position reached by the breathable disc 7 at the end of its insertion into the receiving portion 47 in a translational movement parallel to the longitudinal axis X4, i.e. , the internal surface of the reinforcing ribs 41 of the cap.

[0064] In order to ensure a holding of each breathable disc 5, 7 with respect to the corresponding receiving portion 25, 47, the characteristics of the breathable disc and its dimensions relative to the corresponding receiving portion are finely adjusted. More precisely, an outer diameter ds of the breathable disc 5 of the body 2 is selected to be strictly higher than an inner diameter d25 of the receiving portion 25 of the body so that, upon insertion of the breathable disc 5 into the receiving portion 25, friction is established between a peripheral edge 51 of the breathable disc 5 and an internal surface 22a of the receiving portion 25. The inner diameter d25 of the receiving portion 25 is considered as the minimum diameter of the receiving portion 25 along the path for inserting the breathable disc 5 into the body 2 in a translational movement parallel to the longitudinal axis X2. In the example shown in Figure 4, the inner diameter d25 of the receiving portion 25 of the body is substantially constant along the length of the body 2, except for the draft angle as commonly used in injection molding to facilitate the release of the molded body, which is usually less than 1 °, or less than 0.5°.

[0065] In a similar way, an outer diameter d? of the breathable disc 7 of the cap 4 is selected to be strictly higher than an inner diameter d47 of the receiving portion 47 of the cap so that, upon insertion of the breathable disc 7 into the receiving portion 47, friction is established between a peripheral edge 71 of the breathable disc 7 and an internal surface 42a of the receiving portion 47. The inner diameter d47 of the receiving portion 47 is considered as the minimum diameter of the receiving portion 47 along the path for inserting the breathable disc 7 into the cap 4 in a translational movement parallel to the longitudinal axis X4. In the example shown in Figure 4, the inner diameter d47 of the receiving portion 47 of the cap is defined at the level of the inwardly projecting snap-fastening member 48.

[0066] For each breathable disc 5, 7, the difference between the outer diameter ds, d7 of the breathable disc and the inner diameter d25, d47 of the receiving portion 25, 47 is selected so that a dimensional interference is established between the breathable disc 5, 7 and the transverse wall 22, 42 of the receiving portion, making it possible for the breathable disc 5, 7 to be held by friction fit in the receiving portion 25, 47. In particular, a deformation for assembly of the breathable disc 5, 7 in the receiving portion 25, 47 is advantageously selected to be higher than or equal to 1 %, defined as the ratio of, on the one hand, a difference between the outer diameter ds, d? of the breathable disc and the inner diameter d25, d47 of the receiving portion to, on the other hand, the outer diameter ds, d? of the breathable disc. In practice, the dimensional interference between the breathable disc 5, 7 and the transverse wall 22, 42 is also adjusted to avoid the formation of folds or wrinkles of the breathable disc 5, 7, which would create leakage areas for the active substance 6.

[0067] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, in the assembled configuration of the canister 1 , the periphery of the breathable disc 7 of the cap is folded over the reinforcing ribs 41 and compressed between the free edge 21 of the body and the base wall 40 of the cap in the direction of the longitudinal axes X2, X4. When the snap-fastening members 28, 48 are engaged with one another, the presence of the compressed breathable disc 7 between the free edge 21 of the body 2 and the base wall 40 of the cap 4, increases the force for disassembling the cap 4 from the body 2 when applying compression to the side wall 22 of the receptacle, transversely to the longitudinal axes X2, X4. The presence of the breathable disc 7 generates a pressure force on the clipping surfaces 28a, 48a in the direction of the longitudinal axes X2, X4, as clearly seen through a comparison between Figures 5 and 6, which increases the friction on these surfaces and therefore the resistance to a relative movement. Similarly, the side wall 22 of the body 2 is less subject to deformation in the axial direction, due to the pressure applied on the breathable disc 7. The deformation of the breathable disc 7 caused by the presence of the reinforcing ribs 41 also creates a stop element on the inner side of the snap-fastening member 28 of the body, thus limiting the inward movement of the side wall 22. Advantageously, when the body 2 and the cap 4 are attached to one another by the snap-fastening members 28, 48, a compression rate of the breathable disc 7 is higher than 10%. With reference to Figure 9, a method for manufacturing the canister 1 comprises steps S1 , S2, S3 as described below. The method can advantageously be implemented in an automated manner on existing manufacturing lines for atmosphere control canisters. A non-limitative example of an apparatus for manufacturing atmosphere control canisters 1 according to the invention is shown schematically in Figure 9, comprising: at least one actuator (or cylinder) 11 , 1 T for inserting a breathable disc 5, 7 into a respective receiving portion 25, 47, so as to cover the perforations 26, 46 of the body 2 or the cap 4; at least one suction arm 13, 13’, which may be integrated into the at least one actuator 11 , 1 T as shown schematically in Figure 9, for holding each breathable disc 5, 7 by air suction and release the breathable disc once it is secured in the receiving portion 25, 47 by stopping the air suction; a filling nozzle 15 for introducing the active substance 6 into the body 2 once it has been assembled with its breathable disc 5. The actuator 11 , 1 T may be any type of actuator known in the art, e.g., an electric actuator, a pneumatic actuator, a hydraulic actuator, etc. The suction arm 13, 13’ is advantageously capable of suctioning a single breathable disc 5 or 7 from a stack of breathable discs, so as to safely handle the breathable discs one by one.

[0068] The apparatus may also comprise an alignment control device (not shown in Figure 9) for controlling the alignment of the central axis X5, X7 of each breathable disc 5, 7 with the longitudinal axis X2, X4 of the corresponding receiving portion 25, 47, during the insertion of the breathable disc 5, 7 into the body 2 or the cap 4. The alignment control device is advantageously pre-set with a concentricity tolerance, corresponding to a maximum concentricity deviation allowed by the alignment control device between the central axis X5, X7 of the breathable disc 5, 7 and the longitudinal axis X2, X4 of the receiving portion 25, 47. To ensure a reliable covering of the perforations 26, 46 by the breathable disc 5, 7, the concentricity tolerance of the alignment control device is less than a difference between the outer diameter ds, d7 of the breathable disc 5, 7 and the inner diameter d25, d47 of the receiving portion 25, 47, preferably less than half the difference between the outer diameter ds, d7 of the breathable disc 5, 7 and the inner diameter d25, d47 of the receiving portion 25, 47. By way of example, the concentricity tolerance may be less than 0.5 mm, preferably less than 0.4 mm.

[0069] In a first step S1 of the manufacturing method, the breathable disc 5 is inserted into the body 2, in a translational movement parallel to the longitudinal axis X2. This insertion can be implemented using the actuator 11 , coupled with the suction arm 13, which is configured to apply a pushing force P5 on the breathable disc 5 until the breathable disc 5 is secured at its periphery 51 by friction fit in the receiving portion 25 of the body 2. In this embodiment, at the end of its insertion into the receiving portion 25, the breathable disc 5 rests against the internal surface of the base wall 20 of the body and covers the perforations 26. As can be seen in Figure 4, the inner diameter d25 of the receiving portion 25 is also the final inner diameter of the receiving portion 25 at the position reached by the breathable disc 5 in the assembled configuration of the canister 1. The outer diameter ds of the breathable disc 5 is strictly higher than the final inner diameter of the receiving portion 25, so that friction is present between the peripheral edge of the breathable disc 5 and the internal surface of the receiving portion 25 at the position reached by the breathable disc in the assembled configuration of the canister 1 . In this way, the breathable disc 5 is held by friction at its periphery in the receiving portion 25 in the assembled configuration of the canister 1 .

[0070] In the first step S1 , the breathable disc 7 is also inserted into the cap 4, in a translational movement parallel to the longitudinal axis X4. In a way similar to the breathable disc 5, the insertion of the breathable disc 7 can be implemented using the actuator 11’, coupled with the suction arm 13’, which is configured to apply a pushing force P7 on the breathable disc 7 until it is secured at its periphery 71 by friction fit in the receiving portion 47 of the cap 4. In this embodiment, at the end of its insertion into the receiving portion 47, the breathable disc 7 rests against the internal surface of the reinforcing ribs 41 of the base wall 40 of the cap and covers the perforations 46 while being at a distance therefrom.

[0071] Advantageously, during the insertion steps of the breathable discs 5, 7, the central axis X5, X7 of each breathable disc 5, 7 is aligned with the longitudinal axis X2, X4 of the corresponding receiving portion 25, 47, with a concentricity tolerance of less than a difference between the outer diameter ds, d? of the breathable disc 5, 7 and the inner diameter d25, d47 of the receiving portion 25, 47, preferably less than half the difference between the outer diameter ds, d? of the breathable disc 5, 7 and the inner diameter d25, d47 of the receiving portion 25, 47. As explained above, this alignment may be controlled automatically, using an alignment control device preset with a value of concentricity tolerance adapted to the dimensions of the breathable disc 5, 7 and the receiving portion 25, 47.

[0072] Then, in a step S2, the body 2 comprising the breathable disc 5 resting on the internal surface of the base wall 20 and held by friction at its periphery 51 , is filled with an appropriate quantity of the active substance 6. To this end, a filling nozzle 15 may be used, to inject the particles 61 and 62 of the active substance 6 into the volume of the body 2 through its open end. Of course, other types of filling devices known in the art may also be used for this filling step.

[0073] After the body 2 comprising a breathable disc 5 has been filled with an appropriate quantity of the active substance 6, it is assembled with a cap 4 also previously provided with a breathable disc 7, as shown in step S3 of Figure 9. To this end, the longitudinal axes X2 and X4 of the body 2 and cap 4 are aligned, and the body and cap are displaced toward one another in the direction of the arrows F of Figure 9, parallel to the aligned longitudinal axes X2, X4, until the body 2 and the cap 4 are attached to one another by means of the snap-fastening members 28, 48. Here again, an alignment control device may be used to control the alignment of the longitudinal axes X2, X4 when assembling the body and the cap.

[0074] In this step S3, the breathable disc 7 of the cap is further deformed during the assembly with the body 2. More precisely, the free edge 21 of the body pushes the periphery of the breathable disc 5 toward the base wall 40 of the cap, so that the breathable disc 5 takes the form of a cup as shown in Figure 5, with its periphery folded over the reinforcing ribs 41 . When the snap-fastening members 28, 48 are engaged with one another, the chamber 3 containing the active substance 6 is safely locked in a closed configuration. In particular, the presence of the compressed breathable disc 7 between the free edge 21 of the body 2 and the base wall 40 of the cap 4, increases the force for disassembling the cap 4 from the body 2 when applying compression to the side wall 22 of the receptacle, transversely to the longitudinal axes X2, X4. The presence of the breathable disc 7 generates a pressure on the clipping surfaces 28a, 48a, which increases the friction on these surfaces and therefore the resistance to a relative movement. The side wall 22 of the body 2 is less subject to deformation in the axial direction, due to the pressure applied on the breathable disc 7.

[0075] In the second embodiment shown in Figure 7, elements that are similar to those of the first embodiment have the same references. The receptacle of the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in that the reinforcing ribs 41 of the cap 4 are not present. In this case, as shown in Figure 7, the length of insertion €47 in the receiving portion 47 corresponds to the length, taken in the direction of the longitudinal axis X4, between the free edge 43 of the side wall 42 and the position reached by the breathable disc 7 at the end of its insertion into the receiving portion 47 in a translational movement parallel to the longitudinal axis X4, i.e., the internal surface of the base wall 40 of the cap. In this second embodiment, the length of insertion €47 is higher than that of the first embodiment, which may require a modification of certain characteristics of the breathable disc 7, for example its density or its thickness, so that the ratio of its bending resistance to the length of insertion €47 remains within the selected range of the invention and the breathable disc 7 is securely fitted in the receiving portion 47. In this second embodiment, the inner diameter d47 of the receiving portion 47 is also the final inner diameter of the receiving portion 47 at the position reached by the breathable disc 7 in the assembled configuration of the canister. The outer diameter d7 of the breathable disc 7 is strictly higher than the final inner diameter of the receiving portion 47, so that friction is present between the peripheral edge of the breathable disc 7 and the internal surface of the receiving portion 47 at the position reached by the breathable disc in the assembled configuration of the canister. In this way, the breathable disc 7 is held by friction at its periphery in the receiving portion 47 in the assembled configuration of the canister.

[0076] In the third embodiment shown in Figure 8, elements that are similar to those of the first embodiment have the same references. The cap 4 of the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the receiving portion 47 is delimited by an inner skirt 44 of the cap, which extends around the longitudinal axis X4 while being arranged radially inwardly relative to the side wall 42 of the cap, instead of being delimited by the side wall 42 of the cap. In this case, the length of insertion €47 in the receiving portion 47 corresponds to the length, taken in the direction of the longitudinal axis X4, between the free edge of the inner skirt 44 and the position reached by the breathable disc 7 at the end of its insertion into the receiving portion 47 in a translational movement parallel to the longitudinal axis X4, i.e. , in the example shown in Figure 8, the internal surface of the base wall 40 of the cap. Of course, in a variant, the base wall 40 may be provided with reinforcing ribs internally relative to the inner skirt 44, similar to the ribs 41 of the first embodiment, which would change the length of insertion €47.

[0077] In this third embodiment, the outer diameter d7 of the breathable disc 7 is selected to be strictly higher than the inner diameter d47 of the receiving portion 47 of the cap so that, upon insertion of the breathable disc 7 into the receiving portion 47, friction is established between a peripheral edge 71 of the breathable disc 7 and the internal surface 44a of the receiving portion 47. Here again, to ensure a secure holding of the breathable disc 7 with respect to the receiving portion 47, a deformation for assembly of the breathable disc 7 in the receiving portion 47 is advantageously higher than or equal to 1 %, defined as the ratio of, on the one hand, a difference between the outer diameter d7 of the breathable disc and the inner diameter d47 of the receiving portion to, on the other hand, the outer diameter d7 of the breathable disc. As shown in Figure 8, the inner diameter d47 of the receiving portion 47 is also the final inner diameter of the receiving portion 47 at the position reached by the breathable disc 7 in the assembled configuration of the canister. The outer diameter d7 of the breathable disc 7 is strictly higher than the final inner diameter of the receiving portion 47, so that friction is present between the peripheral edge of the breathable disc 7 and the internal surface of the receiving portion 47 at the position reached by the breathable disc in the assembled configuration of the canister. In this way, the breathable disc 7 is held by friction at its periphery in the receiving portion 47 in the assembled configuration of the canister.

[0078] EXAMPLES

[0079] In the following examples, the receptacle is a “1g canister” configured to contain an active substance. The receptacle comprises a body, a cap and two breathable discs respectively positioned in the body and the cap. In each example and comparative example, the body has the structure of the body 2 shown in Figures 1 to 7. In Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 , the cap has the structure of the cap 4 with ribs shown in Figures 1 to 5, whereas in Example 2 the cap has the structure of the cap 4 without ribs shown in Figure 7. For each example and comparative example, the characteristics and dimensions of the breathable disc of the body and the breathable disc of the cap are shown in the corresponding tables.

[0080] Example 1

[0081] A series of canisters according to Example 1 were manufactured according to the steps of the manufacturing method shown in Figure 9, being filled with an active substance comprising silica gel and activated carbon. For each breathable disc 5, 7, the ratio of the bending resistance to the length of insertion was sufficient to ensure reliable and repeatable insertion of the breathable disc and guarantee a proper holding in the receiving portion, respectively before the active substance was filled in the body and before the cap was assembled with the body. No leak of active substance was observed when submitting the canisters to vibrational solicitations.

[0082] Interestingly, in Example 1 , the thickness of the breathable disc 7 of the cap was selected not only to allow the clipping of the snap-fastening members 28, 48 of the body and cap, but also to increase the locking force of the snap-fastening members 28, 48, which was measured experimentally. As explained above, the presence of the compressed breathable disc 7 between the free edge 21 of the body and the base wall 40 of the cap, increases the force for disassembling the cap 4 from the body 2 when applying compression to the side wall 22 of the receptacle, transversely to the longitudinal axes X2, X4. The presence of the breathable disc 7 generates a pressure on the clipping surfaces 28a, 48a, which increases the friction on these surfaces and therefore the resistance to a relative movement. Similarly, the side wall 22 of the body is less subject to deformation in the axial direction, due to the pressure applied on the breathable disc 7. The deformation of the breathable disc 7 caused by the presence of the reinforcing ribs 41 also creates a stop element on the inner side of the snap-fastening member 28 of the body, thus limiting the inward movement of the side wall 22.

[0083] Example 2

[0084] Here again, a series of canisters according to Example 2 were manufactured according to the steps of the manufacturing method shown in Figure 9, being filled with an active substance comprising silica gel and activated carbon. For each breathable disc 5, 7, the ratio of the bending resistance to the length of insertion was sufficient to ensure reliable and repeatable insertion of the breathable disc and guarantee a proper holding in the receiving portion, respectively before the active substance was filled in the body and before the cap was assembled with the body. No leak of active substance was observed when submitting the canisters to vibrational solicitations.

[0085] Comparative Example 1

[0086] During the manufacturing of canisters according to Comparative Example 1 , it was observed that the ratio of the bending resistance to the length of insertion was too low for the breathable discs 5, 7 to be securely maintained in their respective receiving portions in an industrially repeatable manner. In particular, before filling the body with an active substance comprising silica gel and activated carbon, it was observed that the breathable disc 5 of the body tended to move and become off-centered in the receiving portion 25 of the body. It was also observed that, when assembling the cap with the body, the breathable disc 7 of the cap was not securely retained in the cap and tended to rotate at an angle so that it could not be blocked at its periphery between the free edge 21 of the body and the base wall 40 of the cap, thus leaving potential leakage areas for the active substance through the perforations of the cap. In some cases, the breathable disc 7 even escaped from the cap during the handling of the cap, in manufacturing steps subsequent to the insertion of the breathable disc 7 in the cap, such as during the feeding of the caps to the vibrating bowls that distribute the caps for clipping onto the bodies. Leaks of activated carbon were observed when submitting the canisters to vibrational solicitations. Comparative Example 2

[0087] Comparative Example 2 illustrates a case where the same paperboard was used to obtain the breathable discs of the body and the cap. The breathable disc 7 in the cap is the same as in Example 1 and was found satisfactory. However, the breathable disc 5 of the body did not behave appropriately, as the ratio of the bending resistance to the length of insertion did not allow a reliable insertion of the breathable disc 5 in the receiving portion 25 of the body. Manufacturing operations subsequent to the insertion of the breathable disc 5 in the body, in particular the dropping of the body into distribution bowls before filling with the active substance, were observed to possibly cause a movement of the breathable disc 5, which can become off-centered in the receiving portion 25 of the body and lose peripheral contact with the body by tilting at an angle around a transverse axis, thus leaving potential leakage areas for the active substance through the perforations of the body. Leaks of activated carbon were observed when submitting the canisters to vibrational solicitations.

[0088] As emerges from the above description of embodiments and examples, for a receptacle according to the invention, the specific characteristics of the breathable members selected to cover the perforations of the body and cap ensure that a qualitative attachment of the breathable member is obtained. This is key for the performance of the receptacle in terms of limiting escape of fine particles. An advantageous application of the receptacle of the invention is with an active substance comprising fine particles, e.g. in powder form, the receptacle then being dust-free. A receptacle according to the invention can also be manufactured in a simple and reliable manner, by inserting each breathable member into the corresponding body or cap, in the direction of the main axis, so that the breathable member is secured in the receiving portion while covering the perforations.

[0089] The invention is not limited to the examples described and shown. In particular, the invention has been illustrated for a canister. However, it may also be implemented for other types of receptacles known in the art for atmosphere regulation, for example for stoppers or compartments in vials. In addition, in the case of a canister, the body of the canister may be open at two or more ends, in which case it may be provided with two or more caps, each cap being configured to close one open end of the body. The elements of a receptacle according to the invention may also be attached to one another by other means than snapfastening members, for example by welding, adhesive bonding, etc.

[0090] A breathable member of a receptacle according to the invention may also be made of materials other than those described above, provided that the characteristics of the breathable member, in particular in terms of gas-permeability, bending resistance and dimensions, are within the selected ranges of the invention to ensure a secure holding of the breathable member in the corresponding receiving portion. Suitable materials for the breathable member include other materials than paperboard, however paperboard is advantageous in that it is an inexpensive material with good gas-permeability properties; its bending resistance can be easily adjusted based on the composition, density and / or thickness of the paperboard; and it is a biodegradable or decomposable material, thus improving the recyclability of the receptacle.

[0091] A gas-permeable element and a breathable member of a receptacle according to the invention may also have other shapes than those described above and shown in the figures. In particular, instead of a flat shape with a circular outline as shown in the figures, the breathable member may have other shapes, for example a flat shape with a non-circular outline, or a cylindrical shape with a non-circular base, where the non-circular outline or non-circular base may be oval, quadrilateral, etc. In the same way, the receiving portion may have a non-circular cross-section, taken perpendicular to the main axis. Generally, the shape of the breathable member substantially corresponds to the shape of the cross-section of the receiving portion. Even if a receptacle according to the invention is particularly suitable for containing an active substance in powder form with fine particles due to its dust-proof properties, a receptacle according to the invention can also be adapted to be used to contain an active substance in the form of a gel or a liquid. Of course, many other variants can be considered, falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. CLAIMS1. Receptacle (1 ) for regulating an atmosphere in a packaging (9) or a medical device containing sensitive or odorous products (8), the receptacle (1 ) comprising at least one gas-permeable element (2, 4) defining a part of a chamber (3) for an active substance (6), the at least one gas-permeable element (2, 4) having a base wall (20, 40) and a side wall (22, 42), the base wall (20, 40) comprising perforations (26, 46), wherein the receptacle further comprises a breathable member (5, 7) secured at its periphery in a receiving portion (25, 47) of the at least one gas-permeable element (2, 4) so as to cover the perforations (26, 46), the receiving portion (25, 47) being defined by a transverse wall (22, 42; 44) of the at least one gas-permeable element (2, 4) extending from the base wall (20, 40) around a main axis (X2, X4), wherein: a ratio of a bending resistance of the breathable member (5, 7) to a length of insertion ( 25, €47) of the breathable member in the receiving portion (25, 47) of the at least one gas-permeable element (2, 4), in the direction of the main axis (X2, X4), is between 10 N.rrr1and 100 N.rrr1, an outer diameter (ds, d?) of the breathable member (5, 7) is strictly higher than an inner diameter (d25, d4?) of the receiving portion (25, 47) of the at least one gas-permeable element (2, 4) so that, upon insertion of the breathable member (5, 7) into the receiving portion (25, 47), friction is established between a peripheral edge (51 , 71 ) of the breathable member (5, 7) and an internal surface (22a, 42a; 44a) of the receiving portion (25, 47).

2. Receptacle according to claim 1 , wherein a deformation for assembly of the breathable member (5, 7) in the receiving portion (25, 47) is higher than or equal to 1 %, defined as the ratio of, on the one hand, a difference between the outer diameter (ds, d?) of the breathable member (5, 7) and the inner diameter (d25, d4?) of the receiving portion (25, 47) to, on the other hand, the outer diameter (ds, d?) of the breathable member (5, 7)3. Receptacle according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the breathable member (5, 7) of the at least one gas-permeable element (2, 4) is a paperboard member.

4. Receptacle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a mean thickness (ts, t?) of the breathable member (5, 7) of the at least one gas- permeable element (2, 4) is between 0.3 mm and 1 mm in uncompressed regions.

5. Receptacle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a density of the breathable member (5, 7) of the at least one gas-permeable element (2, 4), defined as a ratio of the mass per unit area of the breathable member to the mean thickness of the breathable member, is between 400 kg. nr3and 850 kg. nr36. Receptacle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an air permeability of the breathable member (5, 7) of the at least one gas- permeable element (2, 4) is higher than or equal to 1 cm3.s’1, preferably higher than or equal to 1 .5 cm3.s’1.

7. Receptacle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, for at least one gas-permeable element (2, 4), the transverse wall which defines the receiving portion (25, 47) is the side wall (22, 42) of the gas-permeable element.

8. Receptacle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, for at least one gas-permeable element (4), the transverse wall which defines the receiving portion (47) is an inner skirt (44) of the gas-permeable element, positioned inwardly relative to the side wall (42).

9. Receptacle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side wall (42) of a gas-permeable element (4) comprises a snap-fastening member (48) configured to engage with a corresponding snap-fastening member (28) of another element (2) of the receptacle (1 ) to attach theelements (2, 4) of the receptacle to one another and lock the chamber (3) in a closed configuration.

10. Receptacle according to claim 9, wherein the elements (2, 4) of the receptacle (1 ) are attached to one another by the snap-fastening members (28, 48) and the breathable member (7) of said gas-permeable element (4) comprising a snap-fastening member (48) is compressed at its periphery in the direction of the main axis (X2, X4), resulting in a pressure force between contact surfaces (28a, 48a) of the snap-fastening members (28, 48) in the direction of the main axis (X2, X4).

11. Receptacle according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the elements (2, 4) of the receptacle (1 ) are attached to one another by the snap-fastening members (28, 48) and a compression rate of the breathable member (7) of said gas-permeable element (4) comprising a snap-fastening member (48) is higher than 10%.

12. Receptacle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base wall (40) of the at least one gas-permeable element (4) comprises at least one reinforcing rib (41 ) extending radially across an internal surface of the base wall (40).

13. Receptacle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the active substance (6) belongs to a group of: humidity absorbers; oxygen absorbers; odor absorbers; absorbers of volatile olfactory organic compounds; emitters of humidity; emitters of volatile organic compounds; and mixtures thereof.

14. Receptacle according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the receptacle (1 ) comprises: a tubular body (2) having a base wall (20) and a side wall (22) open at one end (24) opposite from the base wall (20), and a cap (4) configured to close the open end (24) of the tubular body (2), the cap (4) having a base wall (40) and a side wall (42) open at one end (44) opposite from the base wall (40),wherein at least one among the base wall (20) of the tubular body (2) and the base wall (40) of the cap (4) comprises perforations (26, 46) which are covered by a breathable member (5, 7) secured in a receiving portion (25, 47) of the tubular body (2) or the cap (4), at least one among the tubular body (2) and the cap (4) forming said at least one gas-permeable element of the receptacle (1).

15. Receptacle according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the receptacle comprises: a tubular body having a side wall open at both ends, a first cap and a second cap configured to close, respectively, a first open end and a second open end of the tubular body, each of the first cap and second cap having a base wall and a side wall open at one end opposite from the base wall, wherein at least one among the base wall of the first cap and the base wall of the second cap comprises perforations which are covered by a breathable member secured in a receiving portion of the first cap or the second cap, at least one among the first cap and the second cap forming said at least one gas-permeable element of the receptacle (1 ).

16. Method for manufacturing a receptacle (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising steps of: providing the at least one gas-permeable element (2, 4) defining a part of the chamber (3) of the receptacle; inserting a breathable member (5, 7) into the at least one gas-permeable element (2, 4), in the direction of the main axis (X2, X4), so that the breathable member (5, 7) is secured in the receiving portion (25, 47) while covering the perforations (26, 46); introducing an active substance (6) in at least one element (2) defining a part of the chamber (3) of the receptacle; attaching the elements (2, 4) defining the chamber (3) of the receptacle to one another so as to lock the chamber (3) in a closed configuration.

17. Method according to claim 16, wherein the breathable member (5, 7) is inserted into the at least one gas-permeable element (2, 4) by aligning a central axis (Xs, X?) of the breathable member (5, 7) with the main axis (X2, X4) of the receiving portion (25, 47), with a concentricity tolerance of less than a difference between the outer diameter (ds, d?) of the breathable member (5, 7) and the inner diameter (d25, d4?) of the receiving portion (25, 47).

18. Method according to claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the breathable member (5, 7) is inserted into the at least one gas-permeable element (2, 4) using a suction device (13, 13’) configured to hold the breathable member by air suction and release the breathable member when secured in the receiving portion (25, 47) by stopping the air suction.

19. Apparatus for manufacturing a receptacle (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, comprising: an actuator (11 , 11’) for inserting a breathable member (5, 7) into the at least one gas-permeable element (2, 4), in the direction of the main axis (X2, X4), so that the breathable member (5, 7) is secured in the receiving portion (25, 47) while covering the perforations (26, 46); an alignment control device for controlling the alignment of a central axis (X5, X7) of the breathable member (5, 7) with the main axis (X2, X4) of the receiving portion (25, 47) during insertion of the breathable member (5, 7) into the at least one gas-permeable element (2, 4), with a concentricity tolerance of less than a difference between the outer diameter (ds, d?) of the breathable member (5, 7) and the inner diameter (d25, d4?) of the receiving portion (25, 47); a filling device (15) for introducing an active substance (6) in at least one element (2) defining a part of the chamber (3) of the receptacle.

20. Use of a receptacle (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, having its chamber (3) at least partially filled with an active substance (6), for controlling the atmosphere in a packaging (9) or a medical device containing sensitive orodorous products (8), such as tablets or capsules containing a pharmaceutical composition; nutraceuticals; herbalism products; diagnostic products.

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