EP1773676B1 - Product-packaging and -dispensing device comprising a sterile filter flask which is equipped with a nozzle - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to the technical field of packaging, and more particularly to that of the packaging and dispensing of a liquid, semi-fluid or suspension product intended to be sterilely preserved, without the addition of preservatives, and distributed in portions or in doses, especially in drops.

The invention more particularly relates to a device for packaging and dispensing a product, and which comprises a container for containing the product to be dispensed with a nozzle, the type without air intake, which the container is provided, the nozzle may be integral with said container or be mounted in a sealed manner on an open neck of said container.

Conventional structure-conditioning devices are known which make it possible to preserve and distribute a product in the form of doses or drops or in any other form, while maintaining its sterility throughout the duration of its use.

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

Thus, such devices described in the patents are known. FR 2,770,495 , FR 2,638,428 and FR 2 661 401 wherein a container is provided with a dispensing tip in which a bacteriological filter membrane is placed and allows sterilization of the product as it is expelled from the container.

In these devices, the container has a flexible portion which, when manually compressed, causes the product to pass through the bacteriological membrane and exit outside. of said container, through the mouthpiece.

It should be noted that, when a portion of product is expelled outside the container, there is created inside said container a vacuum that must be compensated, either by a renewal air inlet equivalent to the volume of product expelled, or by a corresponding reduction in the internal volume of the container, which can be obtained by a corresponding deformation of the container.

However, the existing membranes to date do not allow the passage of a flow of product (liquid, semi-fluid or supension) in one direction, that is to say from inside the container to the outside , and that of an air flow in the opposite direction, that is to say from outside to inside the container. Indeed, the inner and outer faces of the membrane are "wetted" by the passage of the product and the outer face opposes the entry of the renewal air.

In this type of device, it is therefore necessary to provide a container whose interior volume is variable and decreases as the product it contains is distributed.

This requirement leads to unsightly containers and difficult to handle when they are not protected by a protective outer casing, or difficult and expensive to manufacture when provided such a protective outer casing.

Another disadvantage of these devices lies in the fact that it is not possible to dispense high viscosity products which require too much pressure to pass through sterilizing membranes whose pores have an extremely small diameter. They also do not allow the distribution of suspended products whose particles are stopped by the membrane.

Another type of device which makes it possible to obtain a similar result is described in FR 2 772 007 . It comprises a rigid container for containing the product to be packaged, a manual pump of the type without air inlet mounted on the container and intended to dispense the product in unit doses, and a sterilizing filter placed in a renewal air circuit. arranged in the bottom of the container.

The major drawback of this type of device lies in the fact that the bottle is rigid and that it is necessary to use a dosing pump to dispense the product. Such a pump described in the patent FR 2 772 007 includes many elements, including a metering chamber and two valves that isolate said chamber and distribute precise doses of product. This construction is very expensive, it considerably increases the cost price of the device, and the cost of such a pump can be practically equivalent to that of the bottle itself. The cost of such a device renders it unfit for use in certain fields such as, for example, the ophthalmological field, in which the products are offered at a low price and do not require precise dosing, since the products are distributed in the form of drops. Now a pump capable of dispensing drops requires a very precise construction which increases its cost accordingly.

Another disadvantage of such a device lies in the fact that the pump used comprises a pusher itself provided with a nozzle through which the product is dispensed. By the construction of the pump, the pusher is movable and the product is dispensed when the pusher is released and returns to its initial position under the effect of a return spring. This mobility of the pusher, and therefore the endpiece through which the product is distributed, makes the entire device unfit, even dangerous, to the distribution of ophthalmic drops.

Another disadvantage of a device comprising a pump lies in the impossibility of sterilizing it by heat. Indeed, the pump comprises plastic elements, some of which, by their nature, do not withstand the high temperatures necessary for the prior sterilization of the entire device before putting it into use.

Another disadvantage of this type of device lies in the fact that the pump most often comprises metal elements, such as the spring or the valves when they are constituted by steel balls, incompatible with certain products fragile or aggressive or can cause an electrolytic effect.

A first object of the invention is to allow the use of simple containers, not permanently deformed under the effect of the depression created by an expulsion of the product.

Another object of the invention is to allow the use of a device for filtering the renewal air entering the container without having to use a pump to obtain the distribution of the product.

More generally, the invention aims to overcome the disadvantages of similar devices of the state of the art and to provide such a device that is better suited to the various requirements of the practice than the known devices.

In order to achieve the aims sought by the invention, it proposes a device for packaging and dispensing a product, generally liquid, semi-fluid or in suspension, of the type known by US-A 5154 325 , comprising a container for containing the product to be packaged and distributing with an accessory, a set of renewal and filtration of the air entering the container after a dispensing of a portion or dose of product, the dispensing accessory being a nozzle whose container is provided, the assembly constituted by the container and the tip comprising at least one flexible portion whose solicitation allows the expulsion of product, and a valve associated with the nozzle allowing the product to leave the container when said flexible portion of the entire container and the nozzle is requested, without allowing the outside air of enter said container when said flexible portion is released, and the device according to the invention is characterized by the technical features of the characterizing part of claim 1.

Claims 2 to 10 define advantageous embodiments of the device of the invention.

Thus, the device makes it possible to dispense portions or doses of product by simple pressure on at least one flexible part of the container-nozzle assembly, and to compensate for the depression thus created in the container by an air inlet, preferably a sterile one, through the whole of renewal and filtration.

Advantageously, the container consists of two separately molded parts assembled in a sealed manner, one of which may comprise the tip or be constituted by the endpiece itself, which is associated with the first valve, and possibly the renewal and filtration of the air, and the other part may comprise a rigid portion for the housing of the air renewal and filtration device, when the latter is not placed in the nozzle.

In a first embodiment, the tip forms an integral part of the container, for example comes from molding with the container, which comprises at least one flexible portion, and a rigid portion constituting the bottom of the container, can be reported and secured with sealing to a substantially rigid portion of the container.

In a second embodiment the container comprises a substantially rigid portion on which is attached and fixed the tip which comprises at least one flexible portion, and said substantially rigid portion may be an extension of the rigid bottom of the container.

In both variants, said air renewal and filtration assembly may be located in the endpiece or in the rigid bottom integral with a substantially rigid portion of the container, and this assembly comprises a filter which may be either overmoulded or welded. ultrasound, or assembled by any other means. It allows the passage of outside air by simple suction to the interior of the container, to compensate for the depression generated by the distribution of a portion of product.

In the case where the air renewal and filtration unit is placed in the mouthpiece, the container does not necessarily comprise a rigid part, and the flexible part may be constituted by a part of the mouthpiece or a part of the mouthpiece. body of the container.

Depending on the nature of the product contained in the container, the filter will be chosen to be hydrophobic or hydrophilic, and possibly so as to prevent any product leaving the inside of the container to the outside. When the inner face of the filter that is in contact with the product has been wetted, this face can be rendered partially or even completely impervious to air, which can not escape, either very easily or with difficulty. from the container to the outside.

Thus, by carefully choosing the nature of the filter, it is sometimes possible with the aid of the latter and in a particularly simple manner, a valve that allows outside air to enter the interior of the container, but opposes, when the flexible portion of the container or the nozzle is biased, any liquid outlet or substantially air to the outside.

In the device of the invention, the additional valve associated with said air renewal and filtration assembly is intended to prevent any leakage of the product and the air contained in the container through an air inlet passage of said assembly. .

Such a valve is useful in the case where the nature of this product would not find a filter quality compatible with its valve function allowing the air to pass in the direction of the outside towards the interior of the container, but preventing any passage of product and air in the opposite direction from the inside to the outside of the container, after being wetted by the product. This valve is also useful in all cases where the nature of the filter would be incompatible with the product contained in the container.

This additional valve may also not be located in the immediate vicinity of the air exchange assembly but at any point inside the container as long as it performs its main function of preventing any air passage or liquid from the inside to the outside of the container when the flexible part is requested.

Advantageously, this additional valve is elastically deformable and cooperates with a seat located on the bottom, or on the tip, or on a piece located in the tip. Such an elastic valve can effectively prevent any exit of the product or air to the outside of the container through the air inlet passage, while allowing the entrance of the outside air flexing elastically inwards of the container, under the effect the suction of the outside air after the expulsion of a portion of product through the dispensing nozzle.

This dispensing tip, which may be molded with the body of the container or separately, comprises a valve which may be of the same construction as the elastic valve located in the air renewal and filtration assembly, either of different construction or constituted by the endpiece itself, but of a nature to always perform the same function, namely to allow the exit of the product by the effect of an overpressure when the deformable flexible part is stressed, and to prevent any entry of air by the effect of suction when said flexible portion is released.

In a variant, when the tip is made of an elastic material, it is the lips-like ends of the tip itself that can open and close on a central seat to form a valve. In this case, the valve associated with the nozzle is constituted by at least a portion of the nozzle itself.

In another variant the additional valve associated with the air renewal and filtration assembly, may be constituted by at least one filter of said assembly.

In yet another variant, and when the air renewal and filtration assembly is placed in the nozzle and comprises an additional valve, this second valve associated with this assembly for the air inlet and the first valve associated with the tip for the product outlet may form a single piece.

Thus, in a simple manner, an advantageously sterile product dispensing unit composed of a deformable chamber delimited by the receptacle itself and / or its mouthpiece, and two valves, one exclusively allowing the product to be dispensed. through the mouthpiece when the container and / or its nozzle is or are compressed (s) and the other allowing exclusively the entry of outside air through a passage in which is placed a filter when the container and / or its tip is or are no longer solicited (s).

In certain uses, for which the distribution of the product requires a relative dosage, it may be useful to limit the deformation of at least one flexible portion of the container and / or the tip, so as to obtain the distribution of a portion reproducible. For this purpose the endpiece and / or the container itself comprises at least one part situated inside or outside and facing said flexible part, said part of which will limit the deformation, or said flexible part is realized in such a way, as accordion for example, that it deforms, always substantially the same way.

When the filtration and air renewal assembly is located in the bottom of the rigid container, the flexible deformable portion is located in the nozzle and that its deformation is limited, it may be advantageous to place the additional valve in the nozzle between the deformable flexible part and the bottom of the rigid container.

Under these conditions, when the flexible portion of the nozzle is biased and its limited deformation, the pressure exerted on the liquid contained in the nozzle will not be transmitted to the air contained in the container.

Under certain conditions of use in which the wetting of the inner face of the filter by the product makes it difficult for the renewal air to pass from the outside to the inside of the container, and / or, more generally, in the case where the elasticity of the flexible part, tending to bring it back to its initial position after the expulsion of a portion of product, is not capable, on its own, of creating a sufficient depression for this renewal air When entering the container, it may be useful to create a complementary suction by adding, inside or outside the flexible part of the container and / or the tip, at least one elastically deformable part. acting as a return spring and soliciting at least one flexible part.

Finally, the filling of the container can be effected by the portion opposite to the tip, before the laying of a rigid bottom molded separately from the rest of the container, and assembled in a sealed manner to a substantially rigid portion of the container.

• la figure 1 est une vue schématique en coupe axiale d'un exemple de dispositif non-conforme à l'invention, représentant un récipient réalisé en deux parties assemblées l'une à l'autre, avec étanchéité, dans lequel une partie est composée d'un corps souple et d'un embout venu de moulage avec le corps et comportant un clapet, et l'autre partie est un fond rigide dans lequel se trouve un ensemble de renouvellement et filtration d'air;
• la figure 2 est une vue en demi-coupe axiale d'une variante de la figure 1, représentant un embout moulé séparément du reste du récipient et rapporté sur ce dernier, et comportant une partie souple et un clapet ;
• la figure 3 est une vue en coupe axiale d'une réalisation du dispositif conforme à l'invention dans laquelle un clapet supplémentaire est situé dans le fond rigide du récipient ;
• la figure 4 est une vue agrandie en demi-coupe axiale partielle représentant un deuxième mode de construction du clapet situé dans l'embout du dispositif de la figure 3;
• la figure 5 est une vue analogue à la figure 4

dans laquelle un troisième mode de réalisation du clapet est représenté ;

• les figures 5a et 5b sont des vues, analogues à la figure 5, de variantes d'embout dans lesquelles l'embout fait lui-même fonction de clapet ;
• la figure 6 est une vue en demi-coupe axiale d'un dispositif analogue à celui de la figure 3, en position d'utilisation lorsque la partie souple du récipient est sollicitée pour la distribution du produit ;
• la figure 7 est une vue analogue à la figure 6 lorsque la partie souple du récipient n'est plus sollicitée et reprend élastiquement sa forme initiale ;
• la figure 8a est une vue agrandie en demi-coupe axiale partielle d'un dispositif conforme à l'invention représentant l'ensemble de renouvellement et filtration d'air situé dans l'embout ;
• la figure 8b est une vue analogue à la figure 8a d'une variante dans laquelle les deux clapets forment une seule pièce ;
• la figure 8c est une vue analogue aux figures 8a et 8b d'une autre variante dans laquelle l'embout fait fonction de clapet ;
• la figure 9 est une vue en demi-coupe axiale d'un embout analogue à celui du dispositif de la figure 3 et sur laquelle on a représenté une pièce élastique faisant fonction de ressort de rappel de la partie souple de l'embout et aussi utilisable sur un dispositif conforme à l'invention;
• la figure 10 est une vue analogue à la figure 3

dans laquelle la partie souple de l'embout est en forme d'accordéon et aussi utilisable sur un dispositif conforme à l'invention;

• la figure 11 est une vue analogue à la figure 3

dans laquelle est représenté une pièce permettant de limiter la déformation de la partie souple de l'embout et aussi utilisable sur un dispositif conforme à l'invention;

• la figure 12 est une vue analogue à la figure 11 d'un dispositif conforme à l'invention

dans lequel un clapet supplémentaire et un siège associé audit clapet sont situés dans l'embout ; et

• la figure 13 est une vue en demi-coupe axiale d'un dispositif conforme à l'invention

dans lequel la partie souple est située dans l'embout lequel fait fonction de clapet, la déformation de ladite partie souple est limitée, un clapet supplémentaire et son siège associé sont situés dans l'embout et dans laquelle est représenté un troisième clapet.Other features and advantages of the invention appear from the description given below, with reference to the accompanying drawings, some of which represent, by way of non-limiting examples, embodiments and implementation of the object. of the invention. On these drawings:

• the figure 1 is a diagrammatic view in axial section of an example of a device not in accordance with the invention, showing a container made in two parts assembled to one another, with sealing, in which a part is composed of a body flexible and a nozzle integrally molded with the body and having a valve, and the other part is a rigid bottom in which there is a set of renewal and air filtration;
• the figure 2 is an axial half-section view of a variant of the figure 1 , representing a tip molded separately from the rest of the container and attached thereto, and having a flexible portion and a valve;
• the figure 3 is an axial sectional view of an embodiment of the device according to the invention in which an additional valve is located in the rigid bottom of the container;
• the figure 4 is an enlarged view in partial axial half section showing a second mode of construction of the valve located in the tip of the device of the figure 3 ;
• the figure 5 is a view similar to the figure 4

wherein a third embodiment of the valve is shown;

• the Figures 5a and 5b are views, similar to the figure 5 nozzle variants in which the nozzle itself acts as a valve;
• the figure 6 is an axial half-sectional view of a device similar to that of the figure 3 , in use position when the flexible part of the container is requested for the distribution of the product;
• the figure 7 is a view similar to the figure 6 when the flexible part of the container is no longer stressed and elastically retakes its initial shape;
• the figure 8a is an enlarged view in partial axial half-section of a device according to the invention showing the assembly of renewal and air filtration located in the tip;
• the figure 8b is a view similar to the figure 8a a variant in which the two valves form a single piece;
• the figure 8c is a view similar to Figures 8a and 8b another variant in which the nozzle acts as a valve;
• the figure 9 is an axial half-section view of a tip similar to that of the device of the figure 3 and on which there is shown an elastic piece acting as a return spring of the flexible part of the tip and also usable on a device according to the invention;
• the figure 10 is a view similar to the figure 3

wherein the flexible portion of the tip is accordion-shaped and also usable on a device according to the invention;

• the figure 11 is a view similar to the figure 3

in which is represented a piece for limiting the deformation of the flexible part of the tip and also usable on a device according to the invention;

• the figure 12 is a view similar to the figure 11 of a device according to the invention

in which an additional flap and a seat associated with said valve are located in the tip; and

• the figure 13 is an axial half-sectional view of a device according to the invention

wherein the flexible portion is located in the nozzle which acts as a valve, the deformation of said flexible portion is limited, an additional valve and its associated seat are located in the nozzle and which is shown a third valve.

In the various figures, the same reference numerals designate analogous elements of the various exemplary embodiments shown and described.

As shown on the figure 1 , the packaging and dispensing device comprises a container 1, consisting of a flexible central portion 2 of generally cylindrical shape, a rigid lower end body or portion 7, also of generally cylindrical shape, made integral and sealingly with a rigid bottom 6 in which there is a renewal and air filtration assembly comprising an air inlet passage 9 opening on an air filter 8, and an upper end portion forming a tip 3, in which is an annular resilient valve 4 cooperating with a central and axial seat 5, and allowing the opening and closing of a channel 10 defined around the seat 5, for the distribution of the product 11 contained in the body of the container.

The resilient valve comprises an annular bead 19, retained between a central annular and axial portion 20 of the nozzle 3 and a radial and annular extension 21 of the seat 5, and a deformable cylindro-conical portion 4, which is supported by the central seat 5 in the rest position. The mounting of this valve is such that at rest, it is in compression on the seat 5 so that it closes the passage 10, when not requested.

The part 3 forming tip may include an external thread 12 for mounting a plug protection 13.

The filter 8 is sealingly secured to the rigid bottom 6 either by overmolding, by ultrasonic welding, or by any other means so that the air entering the container 1 through the passage 9 is forced to pass through. of this filter 8. The inner face 14 of the filter 8 which is in constant contact with the product contained in the internal volume of the body 11 of the container 1 is wetted by this product which makes it substantially impervious to air in the direction from the inside to the outside of the container. The nature of the filter 8, which is chosen as a function of the liquid or semi-fluid or suspension product to be dispensed, prevents any product outlet from the inside to the outside of the container. Thus, if the product to be packaged and dispensed is of an aqueous nature, a filter of hydrophobic quality will be chosen, and if the product is of non-aqueous nature, a filter of hydrophilic quality will be chosen.

In this example, the container with its parts 2, 7 and the tip 3 is molded in one piece of synthetic material, and also that each of the elements constituting the bottom 6, the plug 13 and the seat 5-21 .

The figure 2 represents a variant of the device represented on the figure 1 in which the endpiece 3, provided with the elastic valve 4 cooperating with the seat 5-21 as on the figure 1 is manufactured by plastic molding separately from the container 1 also molded of synthetic material. This container 1 comprises a rigid part 7, on which the end piece 3 is fixed in a sealed manner. This rigid part 7 is an extension of the bottom 6, in which the filter 8 of the renewal and filtration assembly is assembled. air. The end piece 3 comprises a flexible part 25, of function equivalent to the flexible part 2 of the container 1 of the figure 1 , which is attached to Part 7 by a stiffer end portion

The figure 3 represents a device similar to that shown on the figure 1 in which a supplementary valve 15 has been added to the air renewal and filtration unit 15 in the rigid bottom 6, in order to isolate the filter 8 from the product to be dispensed, in the case where the nature of this product would not find a filter quality compatible with its valve function or in the case where the nature of the filter would not allow contact with the product without causing degradation of one or the other.

This resilient valve 15, in the form of a flat or slightly frustoconical annular disk, is retained by a key 16, molded separately and secured to the rigid bottom 6 or integrally molded with this bottom 6, and the valve 15 cooperates with a seat advantageously, but not necessarily conical 17 forming part of the bottom 6. The mounting of this valve 15 between the key 16 and the seat 17 is such that the elastic valve 15 is normally constantly applied to the seat 17. It allows the opening and closing an inlet passage 18 formed in the key 16 or in the bottom 6 and taken by the air after passing through the first passage 9 and the filter 8.

The device as shown in the figure 3 works in the following way, with reference to Figures 6 and 7 , on which the container is represented upside down, that is to say the tip 3 facing downwards.

Manual pressure exerted by a user following arrow A ( figure 6 ) on the flexible part 2 of the container 1 creates an overpressure inside said container 1. This overpressure maintains, on the one hand, the valve 15 closed, preventing any product outlet 11 or air 33 through the bottom 6 and, on the other hand, deforms the resilient part of the valve 4 which deviates from the central part of the seat 5, thus allowing the product to escape 11 along arrow C through duct 10.

This gives the distribution of a portion, dose or drop of the product.

This distribution of the product stops when the user stops pressing the flexible part 2 of the container 1.

At this time, no overpressure no longer acting inside the container 1, the valve 4 resiliently returns to the rest position in contact with the central part of the seat 5 and thus closes the outlet channel 10.

By releasing completely the pressure on the flexible part 2 of the container 1, the natural elasticity of this flexible part tends to make it resume its initial position along the arrow B ( figure 7 ) and creates a depression inside the container 1, which tends to cause an entrance of the outside air to compensate for the decrease in the volume of product, a portion of which was expelled in the previous phase of distribution.

This depression tends to keep closed the valve 4, which is thus in firm and sealed contact with the seat 5 preventing any entry of outside air through the passage 10 and tends to lift the elastic portion of the valve 15 which is detached from the seat 17 thus allowing the outside air to enter inside the container through the channel 9 along the arrow D, then through the filter 8 and finally through the passage 18 along the arrow D '.

This entry of the outside air ceases when the balance of the pressures is realized between the outside and the inside of the container 1.

At this time, the natural resilience of the valve 15 returns the latter to its initial position in contact with the seat 17. The entire device is then at equilibrium, and the product is isolated from the outside atmosphere and protected from any pollution.

The volume of product dispensed has been replaced by an equivalent volume of filtered air.

The filter 8 may preferably be sterilant and, if the entire device has been either filled under sterile conditions or has been terminally sterilized after filling, the product can be kept sterile for the duration of its use.

The operating mode of the device represented on the figure 1 , that is to say without the additional valve 15, is substantially identical. In this case, it is the filter 8 itself that acts as a valve by preventing any product or indoor air exit in the first phase (of the arrow A) and allowing the outside air to enter the container in the second phase (of arrow B).

The operating mode of the device represented on the figure 2 is also substantially identical. In this case, it is the flexible part 25 of the nozzle 3 which is biased in place of the flexible part 2 of the container 1 of the figures 1 and 3 .

Another embodiment of the valve 4 located in the tip 3 is shown on the figure 4 . It is then a valve 4 of similar construction to the valve 15 located in the bottom 6 on the figure 3 . The outer portion 19 of the valve 4 is retained between the inner face 20 of the nozzle 3 and the outer portion 21 of the seat 5. Like the valve 15, the valve 4 is always mounted against the seat 5, so that after having risen to let the product out through the passage 10 under the effect of an overpressure inside the container 1 it comes back on the seat 5 under the effect of its natural elasticity when the excess pressure ceases .

The figure 5 represents a third embodiment of the valve 4, which is, in this case, external at the end piece 3. It is also naturally elastic, of conical shape, and it is mounted elastically applied against the part 22 also conical of the end piece 3. This part 22 has a lateral orifice 23, but which could be axial, by which product contained in the container 1 can be dispensed. When an overpressure is created in the container the flexible portion 24 of the valve 4 is raised and releases the passage of the product to the outside of the container through the orifice 23. When this excess pressure ceases, the natural resilience of the valve 4 causes the return to its original position of the flexible portion 24 which closes the passage 23.

The figure 5a represents a construction of the tip 3, such that it alone forms a valve closing on itself, without the presence of a valve seat that is no longer necessary here. The ends 24a in the form of lips of the flexible tip 3 deviate under the effect of an overpressure in the container 1, and thus leave the product out through the passage 10 and then close on themselves when the overpressure ceases and closes the passage 10, thus preventing any entry of air into the container.

The figure 5b represents another mode of construction of the mouthpiece, similar to that shown in figure 5a but in which the flexible portion 24 of the nozzle 3 closes on a valve seat and support 5, through which the outlet passage 10 is formed. As in the preceding example shown in FIG. figure 5a , the ends 24a of the flexible portion 24 can also move away and close on themselves to remove any product residue at the end of the tip.

This construction relative to the ends 24a of the mouthpiece 3 in the form of lips can also be applied to the valve 4 shown in FIG. figure 5 .

The figure 8a represents a variant in which the device for renewal and filtration of the air is placed in the mouthpiece 3. As in the figure 1 , the heel 19 of the valve 4 is held between the parts 20 of the nozzle 3 and 21 of the seat 5, and this valve 4 opens under the effect of the overpressure created in the container 1, and closes hermetically on the valve seat 5 when this suppression ceases. The air intake passage 9a is located through the upper face of the nozzle 3, the filter 8 is placed on the inner face of this nozzle 3, and the additional valve 15a, corresponding functionally to the valve 15 of the figure 3 and associated with the air renewal device is maintained, when it exists, between the portion 20 of the nozzle 3 and the portion 21 of the valve seat 5. This valve 15a opens and closes elastically, so as to let the air in, and come to rest on the seat 17a of the nozzle 3, under the same conditions as the valve 15 of the figure 3 .

The figure 8b is a variant of the figure 8a , in which the valve 4a and the valve 15a, whose respective functions are to let the product out and let air in, as explained above, form a single piece being connected by their common part 19a. retained between the parts 20 and 21. A lateral protrusion 30 of the portion 21 of the valve seat 5 allows the latter to be secured to the nozzle 3, and this projection 30 comprises a passage 18a through which the air, which has passed through the passage 9a and the filter 8, can enter the interior of the container 1, when the valve 15a is spaced from its seat 17a.

On the Figures 8a and 8b , the expulsion of the product is obtained by an action on the flexible portion 2 of the container 1. This expulsion could equally well be obtained by an action on a flexible part (not shown) of the tip 3, as is the case in the example of the figure 2 , which can also be equipped an additional valve in the renewal assembly and air filtration, disposed in the bottom 6 of the container 1 or in the nozzle 3, as described above.

In addition, figure 8a may comprise a dip tube 29 which hooks on a vertical or axial protrusion 28 of the valve seat 5. This dip tube 29, when it exists, allows the arrival of the product to the outlet passage 10 and allows the use of the entire device at the place. This construction can be applied to all the other variants described above, which can therefore be used in one or the other position, that is to say at the place, with the tip 3 at the top (see figures 1,2 , 3 ), and upside down, with the tip 3 at the bottom (see Figures 6 and 7 ). Thus, the use of the device in reverse for an ophthalmic application and in the place for nasal use is preferred.

The figure 8c represents a combination of the means of the figures 5b and 8a , in which the filtration and air renewal assembly composed of the passage 9a and the filter 8 is placed in the mouthpiece 3, and where the elastic portion 24 of the mouthpiece which bears on the seat 5 replaces the valve 4. In this variant, the filter 8 may be molded onto the endpiece 3, or ultrasonically welded to the protrusion 30 of the seat 5, or assembled in a sealed manner by any other means to one or the other of these pieces. In this figure, there is shown the additional valve 15a, whose heel is retained in the portion 20 of the seat 5, and which is supported, when at rest, on the seat 17a located on the nozzle 3. In the intake phase of the renewal external air, its end lifts from the seat 17a and the air enters the container through the passage 9a, then the filter 8, and finally through the passage 18a formed in the outgrowth 30 of the seat 5. As in the figure 8b this protrusion 30 makes it possible to make the seat 5 and the nozzle 3. This valve 15a is not mandatory and the system can operate without its presence.

The figure 9 represents the tip 3 inside which an elastic piece 31 reinforces the elastic return of the flexible part 25, so as to create a greater depression inside the container 1, and thus to facilitate the entry of the renewal air by aspiration. This elastic piece 31, shown inside the tip 3, is an extension of the seat 5, but could be of any other shape and disposed at any point of the device, since it ensures a more efficient return of the flexible portion of the container and / or the nozzle to its initial position.

The figure 10 represents a variant form of the flexible portion 25 of the nozzle 3. This flexible portion 25 is not here solicited laterally, but axially or vertically, by pressing on the flange 26, and the accordion shape of this flexible portion 25 when it is compressed in contact with the rigid portion 7 of the container 1 limits its movement thereby creating a metering chamber 34 and allows a metered dispensing of the product, and allows it to resume its original shape by creating a vacuum that will cause an arrival renewal air through the filter 8. In the case where this vacuum is insufficient, it is possible to provide an additional elastic piece allowing a return of the flexible part 25 more effective. This additional piece can be of any kind and of any suitable form. It is also possible to carry out an extension in the form of strips (not shown) towards the bottom of the flange 26, which itself would spring by coming to bear against a rigid part of the container or the end piece 3 itself.

The figure 11 represents the container provided with its tip 3 with its flexible part 25, the movement of which lateral, when it is stressed, is limited by an extension 27 of the annular portion 21 of the valve seat 5. There is thus defined between the flexible portion 25 and the extension 27 a metering chamber 34. This limitation of the clearance allows to obtain a substantially reproducible deformation of the flexible portion 25 and the distribution of substantially identical product portions when the metering chamber 34 is compressed under the effect of the biasing of the flexible portion 25.

It should be noted, however, that the deformation of the flexible part as represented on one of the Figures 10 or 11 causes a displacement of a given volume of the product 11 and that this movement causes a decrease in an equivalent volume of the air 33. This decrease in the volume of the air 33 causes an increase in the pressure in the container which causes the expulsion of a portion of liquid outside the container.

It should be noted that the residual volume of air 33 increases as successive portions of product 11 are expelled and the pressure increase caused by the displacement of a given volume of product 11 increases. decreases as the device is used. Under these conditions the expulsion of the product 11 outside the container is not obtained by a constant force and the accuracy of the assay may be affected.

In order to overcome this disadvantage, it may be advantageous to place the additional valve 15 no longer in the immediate vicinity of the air renewal assembly but in the nozzle as shown in FIG. figure 12 . Placed thus the valve 15 will prevent any transmission to air 33 of the pressure exerted on the liquid 11 by the deformation of the flexible part 25 thus ensuring its primary function of preventing any air outlet when the flexible part is requested, but will allow moreover a very precise dosage since the volume of liquid 11 expelled will no longer depend on the pressure exerted by the air 33 contained in the container.

When it is necessary to avoid any contact between the product contained in the container and the filter or that the environment outside the device such as a decrease in pressure or a rise in temperature is likely to cause a passage of the liquid from the container through the filter, it may be useful to provide a third valve 15 ', as shown in FIG. figure 13 and located in the immediate vicinity of the filter. This third valve is not necessary for the proper functioning of the device and is only a guarantee of tightness of this device when not in use.

It should be noted that when the device comprises a bottom 6 reported, in which is the assembly of renewal and air filtration, as shown on the figures 1 , 3 , 6 and 7 , filling of the container can be carried out advantageously by the open part opposite to the end piece 3, in the inverted position and before the assembly of the rigid bottom 6.

In the case where the filtration device and air renewal is in the nozzle 3 and the latter comprises a flexible portion 25, the container 1 can be either molded of synthetic material or made of any material such as glass or metal.

Other embodiments of the container 1, the bottom 6, the nozzle 3, the respective valves or the spring part are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus one can achieve a nozzle that can dispense calibrated drops, or a nozzle or other nozzle for dispensing intended for any application whatsoever, since this tip is associated with a valve that allows only the output of the product.

Claims (10)

1. A device for packaging and dispensing a product, said product generally being liquid, semi-fluid or in suspension, comprising a container (1) designed to contain the product to be packaged and dispensed with the aid of an accessory, and an air renewal and filtration assembly (9, 9a, 8) for air entering the container (1) after a portion or dose of product had been dispensed, the dispensing accessory being a nozzle (3) with which the container (1) is provided, the assembly composed of the container (1) and nozzle (3) having at least one flexible portion (2, 25) which, when pressure is applied to it, is capable of expelling product, and a valve (4, 24, 24a) with which the nozzle (3) is provided to allow the product to pass out from the container (1) when pressure is applied to said flexible portion (2, 25) of the assembled container (1) and nozzle (3) without allowing external air to enter said container (1) when said flexible part (2, 25) is released, characterized in that it includes an additional valve (15, 15a) connected to said air renewal and filtration assembly (9, 9a, 8), designed to prevent the escape of the product (11) and air (33) contained in the container (1) through an air inlet passage (9, 9a) of said assembly (9, 9a, 8) and to prevent any contact between the product (11) and a filter (8) of said assembly (9, 9a, 8) when it is arranged between said filter (8) and the internal volume of the container (1), and any escape of the product (11) and air (33) via an air inlet passage (9, 9a) belonging to said assembly (9, 9a, 8) when it is arranged anywhere in the container (1) and when pressure is applied to said flexible portion (2, 25).
2. The device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the nozzle (3) is an integral part of the container (1), which comprises at least one flexible portion (2).
3. The device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that said container (1) comprises a substantially rigid portion (7) to which the nozzle (3) comprising at least one flexible portion (25) is added and fixed.
4. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1-3,
   characterized in that said air renewal and filtration assembly (9, 9a, 8) is situated in the nozzle (3), or in a rigid base (6) connected to a substantially rigid portion (7) of the container (1).
5. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1-4,
   characterized in that said valve (4a) connected to the nozzle (3) and said supplementary valve (15a) connected to said air renewal and filtration assembly (9a, 8) form a single component.
6. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1-5,
   characterized in that the deformation of said flexible portion (2, 25) of the nozzle (3) and/or of the container (1) is limited by a rigid element (7, 27) which defines with said flexible portion (2, 25) a dose-defining chamber (35).
7. The device as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that said supplementary valve (15) connected to said renewal and filtration assembly (9, 8) is arranged in such a way as to isolate the dose-defining chamber (34) from the air (33) contained in the container (1).
8. The device as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that it includes another supplementary valve (15') connected to said renewal and filtration assembly (9, 8), designed to prevent the escape of product (11) and air (33) when the device is not being used.
9. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1-8,
   characterized in that said valve (24, 24a) connected to the nozzle (3) is formed by at least a portion of the nozzle (3) itself.
10. The device as claimed in any one of claim 1-9,
    characterized in that it comprises at least one elastically deformable component (31) acting as a spring to create extra suction when the pressure applied to said flexible portion (2, 25) is removed.

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