FR3008394A1 - DEVICE FOR SLOWING THE FLOW AND REFLUX OF A PRODUCT - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for slowing down the flow and reflux of a product contained in a compressible container (1), said device comprising a product distribution means forming a means of slowing the flow of distribution of the product towards the product. outside the container and the product reflux towards the inside of the container, characterized in that it comprises, upstream of the dispensing means (9b; 55b) in the direction of dispensing the product towards the outside of the container, at minus additional static means (11; 17; 23; 27,29; 33; 37; 41a; 41b; 59a; 59b) for slowing the product flow and reflux.

Description

The invention relates to a device for slowing the flow and reflux of low viscosity product and which is intended to equip a manually pumped emptying container. The manually pumpable containers cause a product reflux followed by suction of air inside the container when the envelope (body) returns to its shape as soon as the pressure is released. These phenomena can accelerate the oxidation and degradation of the product contained in the container. There are containers provided with non-return systems generally consisting of a pocket without reshaping inserted into a shell / body compressible on which / there is an air intake (vent) to balance the pressure between the inside and the outside of the envelope. Depending on the viscosity of the products contained, these containers provided with anti-return systems make it possible to reduce or even eliminate the phenomena of reflux and suction of air into the containers. These containers are usually filled by the dispensing orifice. Such containers are for example described in patent applications FR 2 844 773 and FR 2 973 783. These containers with anti-return system are effective for viscous products but can not prevent the reflux of the product followed by a suction of air within the container for low viscosity products such as those, for example, which have a viscosity of less than 1000 centipoise (cps). Indeed, unlike viscous products, the fluid products are evacuated very quickly from the dispensing orifice as soon as the pressure on the envelope ceases. Therefore, the dispensing orifice is completely clear, which favors the return suction of the product which has remained in the neck, then the suction of the ambient air towards the inside of the envelope, when the compressible envelope returns to its original shape. This phenomenon is due to the flow of air passing through the orifice which is greater than the flow of air entering the envelope by the air intake means (vent). On the other hand, for the viscous products, a residue of product remains at the level of the orifice while blocking it totally or partially. In the latter case, the air flow through the vent is greater than that through the orifice, allowing the envelope to resume its original shape without suction through the orifice or the product remained in the neck nor the ambient air. Containers or containers of the prior art are divided into several categories as detailed below. I - Aluminum tube Aluminum tubes are filled at the back and closed at the back by folding and tightening. They deform as and when they are used, which makes it possible to eliminate or reduce the entry of air into the container. As the deformation of the body of the tube is important and keeps its crushed shape with each pressure on the body of the tube until it is completely crushed on itself at the end of use, the quantity of product remaining can thus to be visualized. This progressive deformation gives an unattractive appearance to the tube's visual. This tube is ideal for creams and thick pastes because the viscosity of the cream prevents the product from refluxing into the tube. On the other hand, when the creams have a low viscosity, they tend to flow very easily from the open tube in a horizontal or vertical position with the head downwards, which favors the entry of air into the tube. This slight air intake into the tube for low viscosity products is a major disadvantage for air and oxygen sensitive products. The consequences may be drying out, oxidation and contamination of the inside of the tube by the ambient air. In addition, it is difficult to obtain a continuous dose proportional to the pressure exerted on the body of the tube, particularly at the end of emptying because the quantity of product expelled depends on the quantity of product available at the location where the tube is crushed. When the aluminum tube is still full, there is a risk of expelling too much product relative to the desired dose, especially during the first use. At the end of use, when there is little product in the tube, it is necessary, with each use, by a gesture of back and forth, to raise the product from the bottom of the tube to the orifice by successive crushing and often with several iterations. This handling of the tube to restore the product is quite laborious and represents a significant disadvantage for the user. II- Rolled tube Rolled tubes consist of three or more layers.

Traditionally, an aluminum layer is sandwiched between two polymer layers. These tubes are made from a sheet welded along its length, and then the neck with the head are attached to the tube. These tubes are filled at the back and then pinch welded between two jaws. Deformation of the body of the rolled tube avoids, as for the aluminum tube 10, the entry of air into the container for creams and pastes rather viscous. In contrast, for low viscosity creams, during the compression of the user on the body of the rolled tube, the deformation of the tube is less important than that of aluminum, with a slight recovery in shape more or less important depending on the composition of the layers 15 of the tube. Creams of low viscosity tend to flow very easily from the open laminate tube in a horizontal or vertical position with the head down, which promotes the entry of air into the tube. This slight air intake into the tube for low viscosity products is a major disadvantage for air and oxygen sensitive products. The consequences may be drying out, oxidation and contamination of the inside of the tube by the ambient air. In addition, as for the aluminum tube, it is difficult to obtain a continuous dose proportional to the pressure force on the body of the rolled tube because the amount of product expelled depends on the amount of product available to it. where the tube is crushed. When the rolled tube is still full, there is a risk of expelling too much product relative to the desired dose, especially during the first use. At the end of use, when there is little product in the tube, it is necessary, with each use, by a gesture of back and forth, to raise the product from the bottom of the tube to the orifice by successive crushing and often with multiple iterations. This handling of the tube to restore the product is quite laborious and represents a significant disadvantage for the user.

III- Mono or multilayer plastic tube The polymer plastic tubes are obtained by extrusion or by injection. They can be monolayer, for example in PE, PP or multilayer, by combining, by way of example, the following materials PE, PP, EVOH. Unlike aluminum tubes and rolled tubes, the polymer tube returns to its shape after each use. It is a shape memory container that expels the cream with each pressure on the tube body and replaces, in the tube, the volume of product expelled by ambient air. As it resumes its original shape after each use, it is necessary to position it at rest with the head down, on a flat capsule in general, to make the product flow to the head of the tube for a new use. When there is little product left in the tube, it is often necessary to shake it, compress it completely, or even cut it at the end of use to recover the doses of the remaining product. The significant recovery of air in the tube after use is a critical disadvantage for products sensitive to air and oxygen. The consequences may be drying out, oxidation and contamination of the inside of the tube by the ambient air. In addition, as for the aluminum tube and the laminate tube, it is difficult to obtain a continuous dose proportional to the pressure force on the body of the shape memory polymer tube because the quantity of product expelled depends on the quantity of product available at the location where the tube is crushed. When the polymer tube is still full, there is a risk of expelling too much product relative to the desired dose, especially during the first use. At the end of use, when only a small amount of product remains in the tube, it is necessary for each use, by a gesture of back and forth, to raise the product from the bottom of the tube to the orifice by successive crushing and often with multiple iterations. With each use, in particular for products of low viscosity, the primer can be important and it can occur a phenomenon of "spitting" product mixing air and product. The handling and use of the polymer tube to restore the product is quite laborious and represents a significant disadvantage for the user. IV - Mono or multilayer tube vial The deformable flexible tubes and flexible flasks made of single or multilayer polymer, as described in the documents FR 2 733 205 and US5301840, are manufactured by injection blow molding and allow a filling by the neck so to maximize the amount of product contained after conditioning. When the tube or the polymer bottle is still full, there is a risk of expelling too much product relative to the desired dose, especially during the first use. As it returns to its original shape after each use, it is necessary to position the bottle / tube on the head to flow the product to the head of the bottle / tube for a new use. It is often even necessary to shake the tube at the end of use to recover the last doses of product. With each use, in particular for products of low viscosity, the primer can be important and it can occur a phenomenon of "spitting" product mixing air and product. The handling and use of the polymer tube or bottle to restore the product is quite laborious and represents a significant disadvantage for the user.

V- Valve tubes, valve, non-return, mechanical anti-reflux in the neck Valve mechanisms intended to be inserted, after filling, on the orifice of a flexible tube, as described in documents US 2004 / 0050872, US 2006/0021994, US 2010-0163584, US 3,438,554, US 4,842,165 and FR 2,828,679, consist of several parts moving relative to each other to allow the passage or blocking of the product through the dispensing head. At least one piece housed in a set of parts moves relative to this assembly during the pressure of the user on the tube. The restoring force is provided by means of a spring-shaped retaining piece to block the passage and block the flow and backflow of product to the inside or the outside. To function properly these valves have a large restoring force, resulting in the need to strongly press on the container body to release the opening of the shutter valve and distribute the product. The quantity of product obtained is not proportional to the pressure exerted. Indeed, to obtain the first dose, it is often necessary to press strongly to obtain the product. This product can be expelled in small quantities or as a product spray. When the cream has dried in the closed zone, the restitution becomes even more difficult, if not impossible, in the case of blockage of the valve. Indeed, a risk of blockage is possible when the product has dried in the closure zone of the valve. In addition, the pressure to be exerted on the container body is not identical depending on the amount of residual product in the tube. In fact, the less product there is, the more you have to press hard on the body. In addition, these valves do not offer a solution to avoid bacterial contamination between the outside of the container and the inside of the container. VI-Valves (Silicone, Anti-Drop) also known as "dropper" The valve described in US 6,065,642 provides a product retention zone in contact with the outside on the flexible portion. This area is therefore likely to dry or be contaminated by the user. The residual product in this zone does not give a clean appearance to the container. In addition, the silicone is not recyclable with polyethylene. The present invention provides for at least partially overcoming the disadvantages mentioned above by providing a device for slowing the flow and reflux of a product contained in a compressible container, said device comprising a means for dispensing the product forming a medium. slowing the flow of product distribution towards the outside of the container and product reflux to the interior of the container, characterized in that it comprises, upstream of the dispensing means in the direction of distribution of the product to the outside the container, at least one additional static means for slowing the flow and the product reflux. By static additional means of slowing down the flow and product reflux is meant a means which does not comprise any part (s) in motion or which is deformed during the implementation of the slowing down function of the flow and the reflux of product (as a result of pressure exerted by a user on the compressible container). Such a means is particularly advantageous with respect to mobile or deformable valves described in the prior art which are, because of their dynamic operation, likely to wear, to lock and are therefore less reliable. Note that the product distribution means forming a slowing means (first slowing means) is also static, so that the entire device according to the invention has this advantageous characteristic. Advantageously, the successive means or stages of slowing / limiting the flow and the product reflux ensure an excellent slowing down of the product, namely not only the flow of distribution of the product towards the outside of the container (as a result of the pressure of the product). operator on the container) but especially the return flow of the product to the inside of the container (reflux) .Thanks to this retarder effect, the product is suspended (due to its viscosity) between the successive means or stages of slowing down / limitation, and partially or completely mouth the dispensing means (eg orifice), which prevents or strongly limits the suction of air by said dispensing means and therefore to the interior of the container. Advantageously, the device according to the invention provides a better protection against oxidation and degradation of low viscosity products than in the prior art. Due to a more efficient slowing of flow, this device makes it possible to avoid the expulsion of an excessive dose of product during an excessive pressure exerted on the container (spraying effect or spitting out). The outlet flow of the product is effectively controlled and thus offers easy product distribution, continuous dosing without primer, and interruptions. The device according to the invention is particularly simple design and a small footprint that allows it for example to be inserted into the neck of a compressible container for example provided with a product anti-return system. Advantageously, the device according to the invention is made of the same material as the container, which facilitates the manufacture (100% recyclable).

The device according to the invention is advantageously applied to a compressible container which comprises a system of recovery of form (or anti-return) allowing, to outside air, to be sucked through the outer envelope of the container ( eg via one or more vents) so that the envelope returns to its original shape. Thanks to the invention, the fact that the product is trapped between the successive means or stages of slowing down / limitation of the device makes it possible to promote the suction of air via the reformed system rather than by means of distribution, and therefore to prolong the recovery action of the container. For very fluid products, the device according to the invention considerably reduces the entry of air into the container and, for products with high viscosity, it suppresses the entry of air into the container in combination with the anti-air effect. return of the recovery system of the container.

The device according to the invention also applies advantageously to compressible containers with low recovery of shape whose outer envelope is for example aluminum or laminate. According to other characteristics taken separately from each other or in combination: - said at least one additional static slowdown means is disposed at a distance from the distribution means so as to define between them at least one housing; the housing or housings formed between two stages or consecutive levels of flow and reflux limitation (slowing down) can be used to insert an additional insert or means for limiting the flow / reflux (propeller, baffles, etc.), flow treatment / reflux (eg filter) or any other product that can interact with the product contained in the container (additive, preservative, dye, bactericide, fungicide ...); this or these housing (internal) constitute one or more volumes or separate waiting areas of the product contained inside the container; the dimensions of this or these volumes are for example adjustable depending on the fluidity of the product and / or depending on the available space in the neck of the container where the device is installed; - The device comprises two parts, one carrying the product distribution means and the other said at least one additional static slowdown means, the two parts being nested one inside the other so that said at least one housing separates the distribution means from said at least one additional static slowdown means; such an arrangement is of relatively simple design and can be made by injection; the device comprises a part which carries, on the one hand, at one of its two opposite ends, the means for dispensing the product and, on the other hand, at a distance from the latter, said at least one additional static means of slowing down so as to define between them said at least one housing, said at least one additional static slowdown means forming a flap hingedly mounted on the workpiece; such a single piece, simple in design, is easy to install at the dispensing end of the envelope (by insertion into the neck of the container) and is simple to manufacture, for example by injection; - The part carrying the product dispensing means carries a hinged lid by means of a flexible hinge. - The device comprises a closure system which comprises a body incorporating the product dispensing means, said body being provided with a lid which, depending on its position, is adapted to close the dispensing means. - The part carrying the product distribution means and said at least one additional static slowdown means are integral part of the body of the closure system; the number of constituent elements of such an embodiment is thus particularly reduced and the manufacturing and placing operations on the container are simplified; said at least one additional static slowdown means comprises a plurality of openings arranged in a plate disposed at a distance from the dispensing means; - The dispensing means comprises at least one orifice for dispensing the product; the sum of the diameters of the plurality of openings of said at least one additional slowing means is at least equal to the diameter of the dispensing orifice; said at least one additional static slowdown means may comprise one of the following means, for example introduced into the internal passage of the neck of the container mentioned above: a plurality of parallel or non-parallel channels, for example made in the form of a insert, a porous or fibrous filter forming insert, baffles for example made in the form of an insert (the baffles are for example distributed in the form of a helix or helical screw); the housing (internal) defined between the dispensing means and a first additional static retarder means disposed upstream (this retarding means is for example formed by a plurality of openings arranged in a plate disposed at a distance from the dispensing means) allows, by for example, to accommodate a flow retarder insert (second additional retarder means) comprising, a plurality of parallel channels or not, a filter, a series of baffles ...; The subject of the invention is also a container or compressible container (for example comprising a product anti-return system such as a system provided with at least one vent arranged in the elastically deformable external envelope of the container), characterized in that it comprises, arranged at a dispensing end, a device for slowing the flow and reflux of the product as briefly described above. According to a possible characteristic, the dispensing end has an open internal passage (defined by a neck of the container) for communication between the inside and the outside of the container, the device for slowing the flow and reflux of the product being arranged in said open internal passage so that communication between the inside and the outside of the container at the dispensing end takes place only through this device. Note that this device is advantageously put in place in the open passage after filling the container with fluid (or low viscosity). The open passage having relatively large dimensions, the filling of the container is facilitated. According to a possible characteristic, the internal passage is open, at one end, on the inside of the container and, at the opposite end, on the outside thereof, the product distribution means being disposed opposite to -vis the end opening on the outside and said at least one additional static retarder means being disposed in the internal passage. The length of the product flow and reflux slowing device is less than the length of the open internal passage. Advantageously, the container to which the device according to the invention applies may for example comprise the following embodiments: the container comprises an elastically deformable envelope having a closed end which is opposite its dispensing end, the device comprising a flexible inner pouch secured inside the casing along an annular fastening line, the pouch having a closed first end and a second open end arranged on the closed end side of the casing, said pouch constituting between said annular fixing line and its second open end, a skirt, retained only by the annular fixing line and covering, inside the envelope, an annular zone, the envelope having, in the annular zone covered by said skirt, at least one orifice (for example a series of orifices) of air intake inside the envelope, adite skirt constituting a valve ensuring the closing of said at least one orifice in case of manual pressure on the envelope (compressible flexible pouch pocket with shape memory); alternatively, the container comprises an elastically deformable envelope having a closed end which is opposite its dispensing end, the device comprising a flexible inner pouch fixed by a first end inside the envelope along an annular fastening line the pocket having a closed second end which is disposed either on the closed end side of the casing when the device is filled with product or on the dispensing end side when the device is emptied, at least one port air intake being provided in the outer casing 30 between the annular fixing line and the closed end of the casing. The invention also relates to a method of implementing a compressible container, said container comprising an open distribution end and a closed opposite end, the open distribution end having an open internal passage for communication between the The method comprises the following steps: - introduction of a product inside the container through the open internal passage; - insertion into said open internal passage of a device for slowing down the flow. and reflux of the product as briefly discussed above. Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention appear from the following description of several embodiments given by way of illustration and without limitation, with reference to the appended drawings in which: FIGS. 1A-C illustrate in axial section a first embodiment of a device according to the invention comprising two parts respectively carrying a dispensing means and an additional static retarder means, intended to be inserted into the neck of a compressible container; - Figure 2 illustrates in axial section a single piece carrying the distribution means and additional retarder of Figures 1A-C; - Figure 3 illustrates in axial section a single piece carrying the dispensing means of Figure 1A and a variant of an additional static retarder means; FIGS. 4A-B, 5A-B and 6A-B illustrate three different embodiments of an additional static retarder insert that can be installed in one of the devices of the preceding figures; FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate the arrangement of FIGS. 1A and 1C incorporating the insert of FIGS. 6A and 6B; FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate an alternative embodiment of the arrangement of FIGS. 7A and 7B; - Figures 9A and 9B illustrate in axial section another arrangement of two parts respectively carrying a dispensing means and an additional static retarder means intended to be arranged on the neck of a compressible container; - Figure 10 illustrates in axial section a single piece carrying the distribution means and additional retarder of Figures 9A and 9B; FIGS. 11A and 11B, on the one hand, and 12A and 12B, on the other hand, illustrate, in axial section, two other arrangements of each of two parts which respectively carry a distribution means and an additional static retarder means intended to be arranged on the neck of a compressible container; FIGS. 13A-C show, in plan view, different embodiments of additional static retarder means each comprising a plate provided with openings of different shapes and numbers; Figures 14A and 14B illustrate in axial section and in plan view another embodiment of a piece carrying a static additional retarder means; FIG. 15 represents an axial sectional view of a first exemplary embodiment of a compressible container with fixing of a pocket in the outer envelope; - Figure 16 is an axial sectional view of the container of Figure 15 after blowing or filling the bag; - Figure 17 is an axial sectional view of the container of Figure 16 after closing the outer casing; FIG. 18 is an axial sectional view of a second example of a compressible product packaging container; - Figure 19 is an axial sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the part carrying the dispensing means of Figure 1B; FIG. 20 is a view in axial section of an alternative embodiment of the single piece of FIG. 2. In general, the invention, the description of which follows, applies to the containers or compressible containers containing a fluid product or to low viscosity (tube type, bottle, bottle-tube ... containing for example a cream or other product) with manual pump emptying, having an elastically deformable envelope which is deformed by compression under the effect of a pressure exerted by the user and who returns to its original shape in the absence of pressure (so-called recoil containers or non-return system). Two examples provided by way of illustration and without limitation of such containers provided with an air-vent or vent-type non-return system are illustrated in FIGS. 15 to 18. The invention may, however, be applied to other types of rectifying devices not described herein. Figure lA illustrates a first particular embodiment of a device 10 according to the invention which is intended to be placed on a container as mentioned above. The device 10 has the function of slowing / limiting the flow and reflux of fluid or low viscosity contained in the container. In Figures 1B and 1C is partially shown the elastically deformable outer shell 1 of the compressible flexible container. This envelope 1 is generally elongate in shape and has an open distribution end comprising a shoulder 3 in the form of a truncated cone and a neck 5 adapted to receive a closure cap (not shown) screwed onto the threaded outer periphery of said collar. The neck 5 defines an internal passage 7 open, at one end 7a, on the inside of the envelope and, at the opposite end 7b, on the outside thereof. The diameter of the internal passage must be as large as possible to facilitate filling before the introduction into the passage of the device 10. The device 10 according to the invention comprises two parts 9 and 11 nested one inside the other , one 9 covering the other 11, and which are inserted in the internal passage 7 (Fig.1C). The hollow part 9 is formed by an upper plate 9a (for example disk-shaped) having an axial central orifice 9b and a side wall 9c (for example cylindrical) forming a skirt which extends axially from a peripheral zone of the plate, perpendicular to it. A shoulder 9d intended to bear against an inner peripheral edge 5a of the neck is formed. The plate 9a provided with the orifice 9b acts as a means for dispensing a flow of product contained in the container when it is arranged opposite the open end 7b (FIG. . This pierced plate is a first means or stage for slowing the flow and reflux of product to the container when the user stops pressing the container to extract product. Several dispensing orifices instead of one may alternatively be provided. The part 11 of outer diameter less than the inner diameter of the part 9 has substantially the same shape as the latter but reversed and without the shoulder. The part 11 comprises a plate 11a forming a base and in which are formed a plurality of axial openings 11b. A peripheral wall 11c extends axially away from the plate 11a, perpendicular to it. The plate 11a provided with the openings 11b plays the role of an additional means of static slowing of the flow and the reflux. This additional means is disposed in the internal passage 7 upstream of the first retarder means. These two means / successive stages of slowing down provide a slowdown / limitation of flow and reflux particularly effective. The sum of the diameters or passage sections of the openings 11b is at least equal to that of the dispensing orifice 9b. The number of openings 11b is defined experimentally as a function of the fluidity or viscosity of the product. It will be noted that the diameter of each opening is smaller than that of the dispensing orifice 9b and also depends on the fluidity or viscosity of the product. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C, the two parts 9 and 11 of the device 10 inserted into each other define between them an internal housing 13 of a given volume in which product is trapped after a first product distribution. . The degree of effectiveness of the slowing down of the product flow and reflux depends, on the one hand, on the ratio between the distribution orifice (s) and the openings (11b) of the additional retarder means adapted to the viscosity of the product and, on the other hand , of the volume of product present in the internal housing at the end of the expulsion of the product. It will be noted that the invention is all the more effective as the products to be dispensed are fluid and therefore the return of air can be important. The inner housing can be used to receive, for example in the form of insert (s), one or more other additional static retarder means and / or to receive one or more additional elements providing additional functionalities: biocide filter, antibacterial, fungicide. ..formant insert, additive carrier insert (dyes, complements ...). FIG. 2 illustrates a second embodiment of a device according to the invention which, unlike the device of FIGS. 1A-C, is formed in one piece. The single piece 15 comprises, on the one hand, the part 9 of Figure 1A which carries the plate 9a and its product dispensing orifice and, on the other hand, a plate 17 forming a flap mounted in an articulated manner on the workpiece 9, at the end opposite the plate 9a, through a hinge 17a. A plurality of openings 17b are arranged in the plate and form, when the shutter is closed, an additional static retarder means (return flow and distribution flow). This additional static means is disposed at a distance from the orifice 9b and thus delimits between them an internal housing 19 which can be used as described for FIGS. 1A-C. This piece 15 (two-stage slatted shut-off distributor) can be obtained by molding thanks to the presence of the articulated perforated flap. The integrally formed part 15 is then inserted into the internal passage 7 of the neck of FIG. 1A to obtain the envelope provided with this part as illustrated in FIG. 1C. Figure 3 illustrates a third embodiment of a device according to the invention which is also formed in one piece. The part 21 (helical flow retarder) comprises, the part 9 of Figure 1A carrying at one end the plate 9a and its product dispensing orifice and which is open at its opposite end. A plurality of baffles 23 are arranged in the inner housing 25 in a helical arrangement and are formed for example in one piece with the part 9. The staggered arrangement of the baffles can create a retarding effect on the distribution flow of the product and on the product return flow. The part 21 is then introduced into the internal passage 7 of the neck of FIG. 1B. FIGS. 4A-B, 5A-B and 6A-B show various forms of inserts that can be mounted in one of the internal insert-holder housings of the devices of FIGS. 1A-C and 2. Each of these inserts plays the role of an additional static flow or reflux slowing means or stage which thus forms, when associated with one of the devices of FIGS. 1A-C and 2, a static slowing means intermediate between the first and the second means of static deceleration. FIG. 4A illustrates a piece 27 forming an insert which comprises a plurality of baffles 29. The insert 27 takes for example the shape of a helical screw of suitable dimensions to be accommodated in the internal housing or in the housing 19 before the shutter perforated 17 is folded down to hold the insert in position as shown in bottom view (fig.4B). FIGS. 5A and 5B show a flow retardant insert 31 which comprises a plurality of parallel channels 33 arranged between them in a body 35, for example, of cylindrical shape or of another shape which is complementary to the housing or passage (passage internal 7 of Figure 1B) wherein said body will be inserted. The small diameter of the channels coupled to their length ensures the effect of slowing the flow of distribution and return of product. The number of channels, their diameter and their length are adjusted according to the fluidity or viscosity of the product. Figures 6A and 6B show a porous or fibrous filter insert 37, for example cylindrical, which is for example made of a spongy material loaded with silver nitrate to act as a preservative. This filter may alternatively be an antibacterial, biocidal, fungicidal filter. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, this insert 37 is for example installed in the internal housing 13 delimited by the hollow portion of the part 11 of FIG. 1B. which constitutes a filter holder retarder. FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a variant of FIGS. 7A and 7B in which only the filter holder part 41 and the insert filter 43 are modified, for example, to adapt to the product to be dispensed. The part 41 differs from the part 11 by the plate 41a carrying the plurality of openings 41b which adopts an intermediate position between the two open opposite ends 41c and 41d, thus dividing the hollow interior of the part into two compartments C1, C2 . The filter 43 has a reduced thickness relative to that of the filter 37, thus forming a relatively flat insert which is housed in the smaller C1 compartment. Such an insert may for example be suitable for a less fluid product (more pasty). The position of the wall is adjusted according to the desired size of at least one of the two compartments and in particular of Cl. FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate an embodiment in which the part 11 of FIG. additional static inserted in a closure system 51 provided with a cover 53 hinged to a closure body 55 by means of a flexible hinge 57. The body 55 forms a cap which more particularly comprises a wall 55a forming the top of the cap and in which is performed a central hole 55b for product distribution. A boss 53a arranged on the inner face of the cover 53 is provided to cooperate with the orifice 55b and close the latter when the valve is folded against the wall 55a. An outer skirt 55c extends to the outer periphery of the wall 55a, perpendicularly and away from it so as to form the cap.

Two concentric side walls 55d, 55e, forming for example cylindrical rings, extend perpendicularly to the wall 55a in an area located around the orifice 55b and at an axial extension less than that of the skirt 55c. The two rings 55d, 55e provide between them an intermediate space 55f and the outer ring 55d is threaded on its inner face, which allows the body 55 to be mounted around the neck 5 by screwing (FIG 9B). The inner ring 55e delimits an internal housing 55g adapted to accommodate the piece 11 by interlocking force and in which opens the orifice 55b. the part 11 is thus inserted before placing the closure system 51 on the neck of the container envelope. Note that the removable part 11 may alternatively be replaced by the part 41 of Figure 8A. FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment of FIGS. 9A and 9B in which a cover closure system 61 differs from the system 51 by the presence of an additional static flow and reflux retarder means articulated on the internal wall 55e in the manner a shutter similarly to the hinged plate 17 (fig.2). The additional retarder means comprises a plate 59a hinged by a flexible hinge and provided with a plurality of axial openings 59b. Thus, the system 61 is made in one piece, which facilitates its manufacture, as well as its establishment on the neck 5 of Figure 9A since the operation of insertion of the retarder means in the inner housing 55g is removed .

The inner housing 55g (insert holder housing) can accommodate, as required, an insert filter as described above (Figs 4A-B, 5A-B, 6A-B), or other types of inserts. FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate another type of product distribution means used in cooperation with an additional static retarder means already described such as that of FIG. 1A. The dispensing means is a cannula (instrument commonly used in the pharmaceutical field). The part 71 which comprises the dispensing means comprises an elongated body inside which extends a channel 71a for supplying product to a through orifice 71b. The body extends downwards in the form of two concentric side walls 71c, 71d similar to the walls 55d, 55e and which form between them an intermediate space 71e and the outer wall 71c is threaded on its inner face, which allows the fit the body around the neck 5 by screwing (Fig. 11B). The inner wall 71d delimits an inner housing 71f adapted to receive the part 11 by interlocking force and in which opens the channel 71a. The piece 11 is thus inserted before placing the piece 71 on the neck 5. Note that the removable piece 11 can be replaced by the part 41 of Figure 8A and an insert filter can be inserted into the inner housing 71f . A not shown cap, for example transparent, is provided to cap the piece 71 and close the opening 71b. Figures 12A and 12B illustrate a variant in which a part 81 intended to be mounted on the neck 5 (Figure 12B) differs from the part 71 by the presence of an internal product supply channel 81a which is longer than the channel 71a and ends with a toothbrush head 81b provided with a plurality of orifices 81c in communication with the channel for dispensing product into the brush. FIGS. 13A-13C respectively illustrate, in plan view, various embodiments of an additional static flow retarder means which comprises a plate provided with a plurality of openings intended to be placed upstream of a distribution means of FIG. a product flow (first static retarder).

Figure 13A corresponds to the part 11 of Figure lA with a plurality of circular openings distributed in the thickness of the plate 11a. Fig. 13B illustrates a variation of the workpiece 11 in which the apertures of a workpiece 91 take the form of lumens 91b made in a plate 91a, which are parallel to each other and whose length, shape and number may vary. 13C shows a part 93 comprising a plate 93a in which two lights 93b in the form of a circular arc (semicircle) are made. A different number of lights as well as different shapes 10 can be envisaged (eg several arcs of circle arranged in the same circumference). The plate 11a, 91a, 93a carrying the openings may be arranged at the end of the part 11, 91, 93 as for the part 11 of Figure lA or, alternatively, be arranged in an intermediate position as for the piece 41 of Figure 8A. FIGS. 14A and 14B show a part 95 carrying an additional static retarder means such as part 11: a plate 95a placed at one end of an annular side wall 95c is provided with a plurality of through openings 95b. A shoulder 95d is provided at the opposite end of this wall so that the part 95 inserted in the neck 5 of Figure 1A rests on the inner flange 5a. Next, a closure system with a lid similar to the system 51 of FIG. 9A is mounted around the neck by screwing or clipping. The system 51 is slightly modified at its upper part and by deleting the wall 55e to be able to cap the neck and the piece 95 which protrudes relative thereto. A conventional lid closure system can be used. It will be noted that the part (s) carrying the additional static retarder means, described above, may be made for example of polyethylene or polypropylene. The presence of this or these parts at the neck can reduce the dead volume at the container head. Figures 15 to 17 illustrate an example of a container or container 100, the distribution end 1a of the envelope 1 is shown in several of the previous figures. The casing 1 has a second end open lb (Figs 15 and 16). In an annular zone 103, the envelope comprises one or more air intake orifices 105. Inside the casing 1 is disposed a flexible pouch 107, of generally cylindrical shape, having a closed first end 109 and a second end 111 open. When the pocket is inserted into the envelope, with its closed first end 109 placed against the shoulder 3 of the envelope, the second open end 111 of the pocket is located between the second end 1b of the envelope and the annular zone 103 which is entirely covered by the pocket 107 inside the casing 1. Between the annular zone 103 and the first end 1a of the casing 1 is arranged a fastening line 113 of the pocket 107 on the casing 1. This fastening line 113 is made for example by welding. Beyond the fastening line 113, between the latter and its second open end 111, the pocket 107 constitutes a skirt 115, retained only by the fastening line 113, and which covers the annular zone 103. has been pushed towards the second open end lb of the outer casing 1 (FIG 16), this second end 1b is closed by pinching and sealing (FIG 17), according to a sealing strip 117. The container can then be filled , for example by means of a cannula inserted in the first open end of the outer casing 1. After filling, the collar 5 is inserted at least one additional static flow and reflux retarder and flow distributing means (First static retarder means) so that said at least one additional retarder means is disposed upstream of the dispensing means relative to the direction of flow of the product which is extracted from the casing. In other words the additional retarder means is closer to the inside of the envelope than the dispensing means. The additional retarder and dispenser means can take any of the forms described above. A not shown closure cap is then attached to the neck 5 and the container is ready for use.

To deliver a quantity of fluid or viscous product, after opening the cap, it suffices for the operator to apply to the outer casing a manual pressure. The skirt 115 then acts as an annular valve and closes all the orifices 105 of the annular zone 103. The manual pressure on the outer casing 1 is transmitted to the pocket 107 which turns back by accompanying the product towards the first end of the open end. the outer casing 1. When the desired quantity of product has been obtained, the operator releases the pressure on the outer casing 1 and closes the cap. The additional means or retarders contribute to the effective slowing of the return flow of product towards the interior of the envelope and, as a result, strongly limit or even prevent the return of air which, generally, accompanies the flow of return of product, especially since the product is fluid. This effective slowing of the return flow allows the recovery of shape of the casing 1 by suction of the air through the or the air intake orifices. In addition, the formulation of the product contained in the container is more protected from the air than before. Thanks to the means (s) additional upstream static retarder there is also a very effective slowing down during the expulsion of the product by the downstream distribution means and the spitting noise which generally accompanies the expulsion of product by the means of distribution is deleted. If a manual pressure is not enough, the operator renews it, the valve replaying its role. Manual pressure is analyzed as a manual pumping operation. The outer casing 1, elastically deformable, returns to its original shape because the skirt 115 does not oppose the entry of air through the orifices 105. On the other hand, the skirt 115 opposes the air outlet through the orifices 105. The orifices 105 may be of circular or oblong shape, they may be constituted by single or cross slots, they may be made by incomplete cutting of a pellet of the outer shell 1. The smaller the orifices , the lower the risk of pollution of the pocket, the more the vulnerability of the container is reduced, and the more its appearance is aesthetic.

The orifices 105 may be regularly distributed over the entire annular zone 103 or grouped in a limited region of said zone. This arrangement of the orifices in an annular zone 103 makes it possible to overcome two constraints existing in the containers prior to a single orifice to be closed by the operator's finger: the constraint for positioning the orifice on the outer casing and the positioning stress of the finger on the orifice. According to the invention, the manual pressure on the outer casing can be exerted in any point indifferently. The provision of small diameter orifices largely eliminates the risk of sand or grains penetrating through the orifices in the outer casing and deteriorating the bag 107. This results in protection of the integrity of the container. The shape and the number of the orifices are not a condition of operation of the container and the skirt 115 plays its role of valve even if the annular zone has only one orifice and whatever the shape of this orifice. One advantage is that the use of a portion of the pocket 107, in this case the skirt 115 as an annular valve, on the one hand, allows by a single operation of fixing the pocket 107 in the outer casing 1 of having a valve, on the other hand, dispenses with having to implement a valve reported. Figure 18 very schematically illustrates another example of container 120. The casing 1 has a closed end lb opposite its dispensing end la. The container has a flexible inner pouch 123 secured at a first end 123a to the inside of the casing along an annular fastener line 125. The pouch has a second closed end 123b which is disposed either on the end side closed lb envelope (Fig.18) when the container is filled with product or the side of the dispensing end la when the container is emptied. At least one air inlet 121 is provided in the outer casing 1 between the annular attachment line 125 and the closed end 1b of the casing.

As for the device 100, one or more additional static retarder means and a dispenser means are put in place in the neck 5 after filling the bag and a closure system cap or cap is fixed on the neck. The orifice 121 is then closed by the finger of an operator who presses on the envelope to extract the product. This container has the particularity of being completely empty. Indeed, the closed end 123b of the bag has a shape complementary to the inner shape of the casing near its dispensing end (for example frustoconical shape of the shoulder 3) in order to be able to completely empty the product of the envelope when the pocket is completely turned over and that its closed end comes into contact with the internal shape of the envelope upstream of the neck. FIG. 19 illustrates an embodiment of the part 9 of FIG. 1B in which the dispensing orifice 9b is closed by means of a simplified plugging system consisting of a cover 96 carrying a plug boss 97 10 the orifice 9b, and articulated on the part 9 by a flexible hinge 98. FIG. 20 illustrates an embodiment of the part 9 of FIG. 2, with the simplified blocking system of FIG. the product dispensing means, carries a cover 96 adapted to close the dispensing means 9b. In general, the parts comprising a flexible hinge are preferably made of polypropylene, and the other parts are preferably made of polypropylene or high density polyethylene. The device for slowing the flow and reflux of a product contained in a compressible container is positioned in the open internal passage 7. In the axis of the internal passage 7, the length of the device for slowing the flow and the reflux of the product is less than the length of the internal passage 7. Thus, at the end of the emptying of the compressible container, there is no early closure of the orifices of the additional static means for slowing the flow 25 and the product reflux by the pocket 107 .

Claims (15)

REVENDICATIONS1. A device for slowing the flow and reflux of a product contained in a compressible container, said device comprising a means for dispensing the product forming a means for slowing the flow of product distribution towards the outside of the container and the product reflux towards the interior of the container, characterized in that it comprises, upstream of the distribution means (9b; 55b) in the direction of distribution of the product towards the outside of the container, at least one means (11; 17; 23; 27, 29; 33; 37; 41a, 41b; 59a, 59b); additional static slowing of product flow and reflux. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one additional static slowdown means (11; 17; 23; 27,29; 33; 37; 41a, 41b; 59a, 59b) is arranged at a distance from the means of distribution so as to define between them at least one housing. 3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises two parts, one (9) carrying the product distribution means and the other (11) said at least one additional static slowdown means, both parts being nested one inside the other so that said at least one housing (13) separates the dispensing means from said at least one additional static slowdown means. 4. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises a part (15) which carries, on the one hand, at one of its two opposite ends, the product distribution means (9b) and, on the other hand part, at a distance from it, said at least one additional static slowdown means so as to define between them said at least one housing (19), said at least one additional static slowdown means forming a flap (17) mounted so as to articulated on the piece. 5. Device according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the piece (9, 15) carrying the product dispensing means (9b) carries a lid (96) articulated by means of a flexible hinge (98). ). 6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a closure system (51; 61) which comprises a body (55; 9) integrating the product distribution means (55b), said body being provided with a cover (53) which, depending on its position, is adapted to close the dispensing means. 7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the part 5 carrying the product distribution means (55b) and said at least one additional static slowdown means (59a) form an integral part of the body (59) of the closure system. . 8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said at least one additional static slowdown means comprises a plurality of openings (11b; 17b; 41b; 59b) arranged in a plate disposed at a distance from the means of distribution. 9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said at least one additional static slowdown means comprises a plurality of channels (33). 15 10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said at least one additional static slowdown means comprises a porous filter insert (37; 43). 11. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said at least one additional static slowdown means comprises baffles (23; 29). 12. Compressible container (1), characterized in that it comprises, disposed at a dispensing end (1a), a device for slowing the flow and reflux of the product according to one of claims 1 to 11. Container according to claim 12, characterized in that the dispensing end has an open internal passage (7) for communication between the inside and the outside of the container, the device for slowing the flow and the reflux of the container. product being arranged in said open internal passage. Container according to claim 13, characterized in that the length of the device for slowing the flow and the reflux of the product is less than the length of the open internal passage (7). 15. A method of operating a compressible container (1), said container comprising an open dispensing end (1a) and a closed opposite end (1b), the open dispensing end having an open internal passage (7) for communication between the inside and the outside of the container, the method comprising the following steps: introduction of a product into the container through the open internal passage (7), insertion into said open internal passage (7) a device for slowing the flow and reflux of the product according to one of claims 1 to 10.