EP2112092A1 - Thumbwheel distributor for hard gelatine capsules, or dispenser for powder, granules and liquids - Google Patents

Abstract

The distributor/dispenser has a thumb wheel (2) including an outer grip skirt on which symbols representing opening and closing positions of the distributor/dispenser are graved. The wheel clipped onto a cylindrical body (3) of a case (1) has a horizontal central plate with an eccentric reservoir cell (21) that contains dosage products, where the dosage products in the reservoir cell of the wheel are delivered outside through a vertical canalization (14) of the case by lifting a sliding cover (11) of the case and by tilting the distributor/dispenser.

Description

The invention relates to a unitary dispenser of nutritional capsules or oval-shaped tablets, it is intended to contain, according to the format of the product, sixty, ninety or one hundred and twenty units.

Made up of a casing with a tilting lid, at the base of which a knob is clipped, the two plastic parts, thin walls, are molded by a high-speed injection process, and put into cardboard as soon as they fall, they are then delivered separately. at the customer for a traditional packaging and a fast assembly, these different stages defining a very competitive industrial cost price.

Tamper-proof and of a remarkable water-tightness, it brings a security of absolute hygiene, the gestures of rational and visual use can not give rise to any false maneuver, since it is enough to screw the wheel of a quarter turn, of lift the tilting lid and then tilt the dispenser to select a capsule, the opening or closing strokes are provided by vertical stops clear.

Some devices concerning two-piece dispensing tubes are reserved exclusively for small spherical homeopathic granules, for example the patents FR 10 98 150 and FR 96 05 354 .

In both cases, the device consists of a tube and a dispensing head each having a cutout for an upper or lower lateral outlet of the product, itself channeled into an outer or inner groove of the tube; the design of the parts and their assembly do not allow a proper industrialization, on the other hand the cutouts in the tube prohibit the essential sealing for this type of product.

The patent FR 99 11 497 designed to distribute small homeopathic granules of spherical shape has a superior outlet eccentric without any protection, the structure of parts and their assembly do not allow a rational industrialization as to the waterproofness it is non-existent; there is no external visual cue to check the position of use, the inner spherical stops can be exceeded when in use.

The patent US 3189 221 describes a distributor made of three parts of which two are pre-assembled, it can contain only small products of spherical shape and has an upper central opening without any protection, the selection of products in a vertical side cylinder that requires the game for its clipping forbids any sealing, the dust can penetrate inside the barrel and pollute the products, the molding of three parts and the assembly of two parts increase significantly the industrial cost price.

Other systems allow the packaging of large pills, the patent US 5,947,329 describes a distributor made in three parts with lower side exit through the wheel, it is a random operation, indeed to use when the dispenser is returned several pills can penetrate successively into the vertical tube of the housing making uncontrollable the unitary distribution; the lower product outlet cutout through the wheel does not provide the necessary seal, the molding of three parts and the assembly of two parts significantly increase the industrial cost.

The PCT 2005 00 7065 describes a very different design dispenser, it is made in four parts a selector with seal is sandwiched between a lid capsule and a vial containing the loose pills, the molding of four pieces and the assembly of three pieces increase substantially the industrial cost price.

Nutritional supplements for active cosmetics or pharmacy presented in the form of oval capsules to be ingested are packaged in pots, pill or vials and are difficult to prehensile.

In use the container must be inclined causing the untimely exit of several products that must be reintroduced with the microbe-bearing fingers, closing the container in a sealed manner the proliferation of bacteria is accentuated.

Other products consisting of liquid formulas, powders or granules sold in pharmacies, cosmetics, food, maintenance, plant protection, and the like require a precise and constant dosage that is difficult to obtain when using, for example, corks. closing the container or a graduated cup, resulting in a loss of product, drips during the transfer operation and the risk of staining, otherwise the dosages are very approximate.

The present invention relates to a wheel dispenser characterized by its extreme simplicity, and its versatility since it can independently distribute unitarily capsule or compacted products of oval shape, and dosing liquid products, powders or granules.

Tamper-proof, watertight and inexpensive the roller dispenser provides the consumer with a perfect hygienic safety, since the products contained in the container have no contact with the outside atmosphere at every use, which is indispensable insofar as these products contain infinitesimal doses of active products that must arrive intact in the consumer's body.

The dispenser consists of two plastic parts, a casing with a tilting upper lid at the base of which is clipped a knob, the two parts treated with thin walls are molded by high-speed injection process, and put in cardboard at the fall of hurry ; they are then delivered separately to the customer for traditional packaging and rapid assembly, these different stages defining a competitive industrial cost price.

A cylindrical housing open at the base is provided in the upper part with a horizontal tray whose eccentric cylindrical orifice is closed by a hinged tilting lid made inviolable by a self-detachable tongue.

Internally under the horizontal plate and in the axis of the eccentric cylindrical orifice is molded a vertical duct opening in the form of a gutter contiguous to the wall and of the same height.

Externally the base of the housing has a raised vertical index mark positioned in the axis of the tilting lid and a clipping groove.

The packaging is very simple, housing upside down filling is done by the open bottom, the inner riser is protected to prevent product entry.

After conditioning a cylindrical knob with knurled gripping skirt is clipped to the base of the housing on which it can rotate a quarter turn without being uncoupled; internally the wheel is provided at mid-height of a horizontal tray under which is molded an eccentric reservoir cell whose volume is intended to contain a capsule or a dose of product.

The reservoir cell of the wheel and the inner vertical pipe of the housing are inscribed on the same radius of travel.

Externally the gripping skirt of the wheel has two symbols indicating the positions "opening" or "closing" of the dispenser according to their positioning facing the reference index of the housing.

The wheel is made of translucent material so that the consumer can verify by transparency the presence of a capsule or a dose of product before use.

In the closed position of the dispenser the reservoir tank of the wheel and the vertical pipe emerging from the housing are shifted by 90 °; when the dispenser is returned to the normal position head up, the product packaged in bulk in the housing fills by gravity reservoir tank of the wheel, while the vertical pipe of the housing resting on the horizontal plate of the wheel prohibits any entry of product.

At first use the tamperproof tab of the tilting lid is detached. By opening the dispenser by screwing the knob one quarter turn, the reservoir cell enclosing a capsule or a dose of product is positioned in the axis of the vertical pipe emerging from the housing, by raising the tilting lid and tilting the dispenser the product crosses the riser to be delivered externally.

The angular displacement of the wheel 90 ° is limited by a cutout formed in a vertical inner skirt of the wheel abutting on one of the outer sides of the riser of the housing.

If inadvertently, the lid remains raised, dispenser open, no risk of release of a second product or a new dose.

During the handling of use by tilting the dispenser, the products packaged in bulk inside the casing are stirred avoiding any sticking phenomenon of the capsules between them knowing that the outer casing is gelatin or starch derivative; in the same way the possible agglutination of the powder or granules is overcome.

Moreover, the pressure of the riser emerging from the housing on the flexible horizontal plate of the wheel arase the cell which can then contain only one capsule or a predetermined dose of product.

After use, the tilting lid is lowered, closing the dispenser by unscrewing quarter turn of the knob, the reservoir cell is shifted by 90 ° relative to the vertical duct opening of the housing; by gravity effect one of the loose capsules in the housing or a dose of product fills the reservoir cell again.

The gesture of simple and rational use can not cause any false maneuver, when the symbols "opening" or "closing" engraved on the outer skirt of the wheel are positioned in front of a reference mark embossed on the case, the consumer is informed the position of the distributor.

• Figure 1 : coupe verticale du boîtier ouvert.
• Figure 2 : vue de dessus.
• Figure 3 : vue de dessous.
• Figure 4 : coupe verticale de la molette.
• Figure 5 : vue de dessous.
• Figure 6 : vue extérieure, mode de conditionnement et assemblage.
• Figure 7 : coupe axiale du distributeur fermé.
• Figure 8 : vue extérieure du distributeur fermé.
• Figure 9 : coupe axiale du distributeur ouvert.
• Figure 10 : vue extérieure du distributeur ouvert.

Various features of the present invention will become apparent on reading the detailed description which follows with reference to the figures below, the shapes and volumes of which are given for illustrative and not limiting purposes.

• Figure 1 : vertical section of the open housing.
• Figure 2 : top view.
• Figure 3 : view from below.
• Figure 4 : vertical cut of the wheel.
• Figure 5 : view from below.
• Figure 6 : external view, packaging mode and assembly.
• Figure 7 : axial section of the closed distributor.
• Figure 8 : external view of the closed dispenser.
• Figure 9 : axial section of the open dispenser.
• Figure 10 : external view of the open dispenser.

According to the invention and with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, the capsule dispenser for capsules or the powder, liquid or granule dispenser consists of two molded plastic parts, and delivered separately for packaging.

A casing (1) with a tilting lid (11) is provided with an inner through-channel (14) contiguous to the wall; on the housing (1) is clipped while being able to rotate a quarter turn a wheel (2) whose central horizontal plate (15) has an eccentric reservoir cell (21) for containing a capsule or a dose of product.

The housing (1), Figures 1 to 3, consists of a cylindrical body (3) open at the base, the upper body (3) supports a horizontal plate (7) whose installation (8) provided a cylindrical eccentric orifice (9) is connected by a hinge (10) to a tilting lid (11) provided with an eccentric mini-skirt (12) which closes off the eccentric orifice (9) of the horizontal plate (7) when the tilting lid (11) is closed again after molding of the piece; the end of the horizontal plate (7) maintains a horizontal tab (13) self-detachable which ensures the inviolability of the tilting lid (11) after closing.

Under the horizontal plate (7) in the axis of the eccentric orifice (9) is molded, contiguous to the inner wall of the body (3) a vertical channel outlet (14) having the shape of a gutter and identical height to that of the body (3).

The open bottom part of the body (3) comprises a mini stop (4) under which is dug a groove (6) necessary for clipping the knob (2).

Above the mini stop (4) and in the axis of the rocker cover (11) a vertical index mark (5) indicates the positions "opening" or "closing" when positioned in the axis of one symbols (17) or (17a) of the wheel (2).

The wheel (2), Figures 4 and 5 , consists of a central cylindrical horizontal plate (15) externally connected to a knurled gripping skirt (16) on which are engraved a symbol (17) represented by a circle for the opening and a symbol (17a) represented by a horizontal line for closing.

The upper inner portion of the gripping skirt (16) is provided with a ring (18) ensuring the clipping of the wheel (2) in the groove (6) of the housing (1).

The central cylindrical plate (15) supports a vertical skirt (19) sealing the lower part of the housing (1) by lightly tightening in the interior of the body (3).

The skirt (19) has a vertical cutout (20) about 120 ° which limits the movement of a quarter turn of the wheel (2), one side of the vertical cutout (20) abutting on the one of the outer sides of the rising vertical pipe (14) of the housing (1).

Under the central horizontal plate (15) is molded an eccentric reservoir cell (21) intended to receive a capsule or a dose of product, the cell (21) is inscribed on the same radius as that of the vertical pipe (14) of the housing (1).

A rod (22) provided under the horizontal plate (15) is oriented relative to the symbols "opening" and "closing" (17) and (17a) etched on the gripping skirt (16).

The wheel (2) is made of translucent plastic so that the consumer can before use transparently check the presence of a capsule or a dose of product.

The two parts constituting the dispenser or the doser are delivered separately at the customer or its conditioner; following the Figure 6 filling the product is in bulk by the bottom of the housing (1) positioned upside down, the end of the eccentric pipe (14) being protected so that the product can not enter.

Under vertical pressure, the wheel (2), oriented by the rod (22) in the axis of the rocker cover (11), is clipped on the open base of the body (3).

The inner ring (18) of the gripping skirt (16) takes place in the groove (6) of the body (3) so that the two parts can not be detached while being rotatable, the skirt (19) ensures the lower sealing of the casing (1) by slight tightening in the open base of the body (3) while one of the sides of the cutout (20) of the skirt (19) abuts on one of the outer sides of the pipe vertical (14) of the housing (1) limits the opening stroke or closing a quarter turn.

In the closed position of the wheel (2), Figures 7 and 8 , the symbol (17a) being placed in the axis of the vertical reference index (5) of the housing (1), the reservoir cell (21) of the wheel (2) and the emergent riser (14) of the housing (1) inscribed on the same radius are shifted by 90 °.

When the dispenser is placed upside down, by gravity effect one of the loose capsules in the body (3) where a dose of product takes place in the reservoir cell (21) while the base of the inner riser (14) housing (1) resting on the horizontal plate (15) of the wheel (2) prohibits any product entry.

To use the dispenser or the doser the manipulations are simple, rational and visual.

From the first use, Figures 9 and 10 , it is necessary to detach the horizontal tongue (13) which ensures the inviolability of the tilting lid (11).

Then by holding the casing (1) with one hand and turning the knob (2) a quarter of a turn, the symbol (17) is positioned opposite the vertical index mark (5) of the casing (1) confirming that the dispenser is open, the reservoir cell (21) of the wheel (2) containing a capsule or a dose of product is positioned under the emerging vertical duct (14) of the housing (1); by lifting the tilting lid (11) and tilting the dispenser, the capsule or the dose of product retained trapped in the reservoir cell (21) of the wheel (2) passes through the vertical pipe (14) of the housing (1) to be delivered outside.

The angular displacement over 90 ° of the wheel (2) is limited by one of the sides of the cutout (20) formed in the skirt (19) of the wheel (2) which abuts on one of the outer sides of the wheel. vertical duct opening (14) of the housing (1).

By tilting the dispenser to deliver a capsule or a dose of product, the products packaged in bulk in the body (3) are stirred, which avoids any phenomenon of sticking of the capsules together or the agglutination of powders or granules.

On the other hand, the pressure of the emergent riser (14) of the casing (1) on the horizontal plate (15) of the knob (2) flushes the reservoir cell (21) to select a single capsule or a dose of pre-determined product.

After employment, Figures 7 and 8 , the tilting lid (11) is lowered, then by quarter-turn unscrewing of the knob (2) the dispenser is closed, the symbol (17a) is positioned facing the mark (5) of the casing (1), the reservoir cell (21) of the wheel (2) is again shifted 90 ° relative to the emerging vertical pipe (14) of the housing (1), which allows a capsule or a dose of product to take place again in the reservoir cell (21).

Simplified design, manufactured in two thin-walled parts defining a high rate of molding, inviolable, waterproof and easy packaging the dispenser or the dispenser provides a total hygiene guarantee since the products packaged loose in the housing (1) do not are not in contact with the fingers, nor with the atmosphere.

It is also important to note the low cost of the device made in two pieces delivered separately at the customer, molding no further manipulation the parts being directly put in shipping boxes as soon as they leave the press.

The device can be miniaturized or declined in larger sizes, receive oval and cylindrical capsules or tablets regardless of their texture, size, and quantities.

Depending on the characteristic of the products: powder, liquid, or granular reservoir (21) of the wheel (2) can be dimensioned according to the desired use, the upper portion of the inner vertical pipe (14) of the housing ( 1) may be extended by a dropper or spout; for very liquid products the base of the riser (14) of the housing (1) can be provided with an open elastomeric seal without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (5)

Capsule dispenser, or powder dispenser, made in two parts characterized by a housing (1) whose open cylindrical body (3) comprises at the base a reference index (5), the body (3) is provided in the upper part of a horizontal plate (7) with an eccentric orifice (9) in which a tilting lid (11) is articulated under the plate (7) is molded into an upright riser (14); after conditioning of the product in the housing (1) positioned upside down, a wheel (2) with an outer gripping skirt (16) on which are engraved two symbols (17) and (17a) representing the open and closed positions provided with an eccentric reservoir cell (21) is clipped on the body (3) where it can rotate a quarter of a turn, in the closed position the emergent riser (14) and the reservoir cell (21) are offset by 90 ° dispenser replaced head up a capsule or a dose of product fills the reservoir cell (21); when the knob (2) is used by screwing the reservoir cell (21) trapping a capsule or a dose of product is positioned under the riser (14) of the casing (1), by tilting the lid (11) on product is delivered to the outside. Dispenser capsules or metering device according to claim 1 characterized by the housing (1) whose cylindrical body (3) open at the bottom is provided with a horizontal plate (7) with eccentric cylindrical orifice (9), on the plate ( 7) is provided a recess (8) whose end is connected by a hinge (10) to a tilting lid (11) provided with a mini skirt (12) which seals the eccentric orifice (9) of the tray horizontal (7) when after molding the tilting lid (11) is closed; the opposite part of the horizontal plate (7) supports a horizontal tab (13) self-detachable which ensures the inviolability of the housing (1) after closing the tilting lid (11); under the recess (8) and in the axis of the eccentric orifice (9) is molded adjacent to the inner wall of the body (3) an emergent vertical duct (14) having the shape of a gutter and identical height to that of the body (3); the lower open part of the cylindrical body (3) is connected to a mini stop (4) under which is hollowed a groove (6) for clipping the knob (2), on the top of the mini stop (4) and in the axis of the rocking lid (11) a vertical index (5) embossed at the base of the housing (3) and in the axis of the emergent riser (14) allows the user to visually control the position opening or closing the dispenser when positioned in the axis of one of the symbols (17) or (17a) engraved on the gripping skirt (16) of the wheel (2). Dispenser capsules or metering device according to claim 1 characterized by the wheel (2) consisting of a central cylindrical horizontal plate (15) externally connected to a knurled gripping skirt (16) on which are etched spaced 90 ° a symbol (17) represented by a circle for the opening and a symbol (17a) represented by a horizontal line for closing; the upper inner upper portion of the gripping skirt (16) comprises a ring (18) which, by being snapped into the groove (6) of the casing (1), assembles the two parts, which can rotate between them on a quarter turn; internally the central horizontal plate (15) supports a vertical skirt (19) which ensures the lower sealing of the housing (1) while lightly tightening in the interior of the body (3), the skirt (19) comprises a directed cutout (20) about 120 ° provided to limit the rotational stroke of the wheel (2), one edge of the cutout (20) abutting in the position "opening" or "closing" on one side external of the emergent riser (14) of the housing (1); Under the horizontal plate (15) is attached eccentrically a reservoir cell (21) inscribed on the same radius as that of the emerging vertical pipe (14) of the housing (1), the reservoir cell (21) dimensioned according to the product is intended to contain a capsule or a dose of product; a rod (22) in relief under the horizontal plate (15) makes it possible to mechanically orient the clasp (2) on the casing (1) in the closed position after conditioning the loose products in the casing (1). Dispenser capsules or metering device according to one of claims 1 to 3 characterized by the visual means of use consisting of a raised index (5) etched at the base of the body (3) in the axis of the riser (14) housing (1) and opening and closing symbols (17) and (17a) engraved on the gripping skirt (16) of the wheel (2) oriented with the cutout (20) of the vertical skirt sealing (19); when the symbol (17a) is placed facing the index (5) the dispenser is closed, the reservoir cell (21) of the wheel (2) is shifted by 90 ° with the emergent riser (14) of the casing ( 1), when the symbol (17) is placed facing the index (5) the dispenser is open, the reservoir cell (21) of the wheel (2) containing the product is positioned in the axis of the riser outlet (14) of the housing 1). Dispenser capsules or metering device according to one of claims 1 to 4 characterized by the emerging vertical duct (14) of the housing (1) whose generously dimensioned gutter shape avoids any jamming of product, moreover the pressure of the base of the riser vertical pipe (14) on the flexible horizontal plate (15) of the wheel (2) provides a sufficient seal in the interior of the housing (1) to prevent any intrusion of powder, liquid, or granulated inside the emergent riser (14); during the screwing movement of the knob (2), the base of the riser (14) lines the reservoir cell (21) of the knob (2) which can then contain only one capsule or a predetermined dose of product.

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