FR3077484A1 - VERTICAL FALL INDICATOR - Google Patents

Abstract

Assist device (100) for the use of a product dispensing device (70), which comprises inclination detection means and signaling means. These signaling means are configured to transmit a signal if and only if the inclination detecting means detects that the assisting device (100) is in a predefined inclination. A tip (120) and a product dispensing device (70) that includes tilt detection means and signaling means. These signaling means are configured to transmit a signal if and only if the inclination detecting means detects that the assisting device (100) is in a predefined inclination.

Description

Vertical fall indicator

The invention relates to a device for assisting the use of a product dispensing device, in particular a liquid product in the form of drops, a product dispensing nozzle, and a product dispensing device.

For the sake of clarity, we define the following vocabulary:

- A product distribution device is the set of a tank capable of containing this product and a distribution nozzle.

- A dispensing nozzle is equipment that attaches to the opening of a tank to ensure the delivery of controlled doses of the product contained in this tank. This dispensing nozzle can be provided for dispensing liquid product in the form of drops or droplets, regardless of the size of these droplets, and in particular comprises aerosol, vaporization, nebulization. This dispensing nozzle can also be provided for dispensing powdery product.

In the ophthalmic field, there are numerous devices for dispensing liquid product in the form of drops and it has already been proposed, in document FR2980378, an ophthalmic dispensing device allowing the user to dispense a liquid product in the form of drops. with more precision. It allows the patient to position the dispensing opening more precisely in relation to their eye, but does not offer a solution to optimize the inclination of the dispensing device when dispensing the drops of liquid product. Consequently, in this known dispensing device, the drops can magnify under the effect of the accumulation of product at the edge of the dispensing orifice, in particular because of a repeated poor inclination of the dispensing device. Furthermore, a tilting defect can also lead to a decrease in the drop size compared to the desired drop size. In these two cases, the size of the drop delivered does not correspond to that of the optimal drop and the dose of liquid product is not that expected.

In the nasal area, there are many devices for dispensing liquid product in aerosol form, that is to say by spraying, the dispensing tips of which have various shapes facilitating the insertion of the tip of

-2distribution in each nostril. However, these dispensing devices do not make it possible to ensure that the orientation and the inclination of the dispensing device are optimal for a good distribution of the aerosol, the orientation and the inclination of the dispensing device being able to impact the quality of the aerosol (drop size distribution, aerosol profile), this quality being affected by the orientation and the inclination of the dispensing device as a function of gravity.

Similar difficulties can be encountered with any other type of dispensing device, for example oral, ear for dispensing liquid or powdery product.

The purpose of the invention is to provide a solution to this problem in order to guarantee that the dose of product delivered to a user is always the same, even after several uses and corresponds to the optimal dose.

An object of the invention is a device for assisting in the use of a product distribution device, which comprises tilt detection means and signaling means, said signaling means being configured to emit a signal. if and only if the inclination detection means detect that the assistance device for use is in a predefined inclination.

In the following, the expression “assistance device” designates the assistance device for use, the expression “distribution device” designates the product distribution device.

The expression “inclination” designates the inclination alone, or the inclination combined with the upward or downward orientation, that is to say that it is specified whether the assistance device is positioned head up or upside down. According to the invention, the term “predefined inclination” is understood to mean the inclination of the assistance device corresponding to a predefined inclination of the dispensing device

In the case of a device for dispensing liquid product in the form of drops, the predefined inclination is for example the inclination in which the liquid product dispensed has the least possible adhesion of the drops to the end of the orifice of distribution. Preferably, the predefined inclination corresponds to an inclination in which the axis of the dispensing orifice of the dispensing device is vertical, that is to say parallel to the direction of gravity, with a lower tolerance margin at 20 ° and preferably less than 15 °, the dispensing orifice being oriented downwards. The predefined inclination can also correspond to an inclination in which the axis of the dispensing orifice of the dispensing device is located between 0 and 30 ° (value included) from the vertical, with a tolerance margin of less than 20 ° and

-3 preferably less than 15 °.

In the case of a device for dispensing a liquid product in the form of an aerosol, the predefined inclination is for example the inclination in which the aerosol dispensed is optimal in terms of distribution of drop sizes, distribution profile, the dispensing orifice being oriented upwards.

Using the inclination detection means and the signaling means, the user is thus detected and signaled that the dispensing device is in an inclination suitable for dispensing drops, for example, or for spraying.

With a device for dispensing liquid product in the form of drops, if the user starts dispensing the product only during the signal of good inclination, he avoids the deposit of residual liquid around the dispensing orifice and ensures that the dose delivered is optimal. The absence of residual liquid around the dispensing orifice allows the user to avoid any potentially contaminating contact between a drop delivered and residues of contaminated liquid.

With a dispensing device in the form of an aerosol, if the user does not start dispensing the product until the correct inclination has been signaled, the user ensures the optimal inclination of the dispensing tip to reach the area targeted.

The invention is therefore particularly advantageous for devices for dispensing liquid product in aerosol form and even more particularly for dispensing liquid product in the form of drops.

According to one embodiment, the assistance device is arranged so that the latency time for the change of a signal following a change in inclination is less than 250 ms, preferably less than 150 ms, to allow the user to synchronize the activation of the dispensing device when detecting the correct positioning of the assistance device and thus to trigger the administration of the product only when the dispensing device is in the predefined inclination. The signaling means are advantageously configured to take the active state only and immediately when the dispensing device is in the predefined inclination and to leave the active state as soon as the predefined inclination is lost, "immediately" and "as soon as To be interpreted as meaning "within the latency period".

The tilt detection means comprise a tilt sensor, for example of the gyroscope or accelerometer type. Using this technology to monitor the tilt of the dispensing device provides a signal

-4 electronically exploitable which provides information on the precise inclination of the distribution device. Thus, not only can the correct inclination be detected, but this inclination will only be validated if the orientation of the device is the correct, namely with the dispensing nozzle at the bottom for a device for dispensing liquid in the form of drops.

According to another embodiment, the signaling means of the assistance device comprise visual indication means capable of emitting a visual signal.

In the case of delivery of eye drops into an eye, a light signal to be monitored can also be used to attract the patient's ocular attention, which has an effect on the patient's nictation in the direction of better opening. of the eye, therefore of an easier delivery of the drop: the risk that the drop is released when the eye blinks is thus reduced. Thus, the visual indication means advantageously comprise at least one light area visible to the patient when the product is delivered to his eye and are capable of creating a light sequence with this light area. With known ophthalmic devices, the user tends to blink, which is known as nictation. This reflex affects keeping the eye open during the dispensing of the liquid product, for example in the form of drops. It makes the dosage incorrect and can also cause wastage by loss of product and even overdose in case of doubt about the quantity received and repeated delivery by the user. The light sequence requests the visual attention of the user to encourage him to temporarily suspend his nictation and keep his eye open, thus allowing the liquid product to be distributed on an open eye and not in whole or in part on the eyelid.

According to another embodiment, the signaling means of the assistance device comprise auditory indication means capable of emitting an auditory signal in order to allow the person applying the drops to be informed of the correct inclination even if he has no visual access to a light signal.

According to another embodiment, the signaling means of the assistance device comprise means of vibratory indication able to emit a vibratory signal in order to allow the one who applies the drops to be informed of the correct inclination even if he does not have visual access to a light signal and even if it is in a noisy environment.

The above embodiments can of course be combined with one another.

According to another embodiment, the assistance device comprises a housing in which the tilt detection means and the means of

Signal, this box being provided with securing means configured to secure the box to a distribution device, in order to protect said inclination detection means and the signaling means and in order to prevent the distribution device or the device assistance only slips to the ground when you hold only one of these two devices. Advantageously, the housing is configured to be removably secured to the dispensing device in order to be reused with another dispensing device or to be cleaned independently of the dispensing device, preventing the operation of this from the assistance device. may be affected by this cleaning.

According to a first variant, the housing is shaped to only partially cover a dispensing device, leaving a part of said dispensing device accessible to a tactile or visual contact, in particular the reservoir, in order to:

- protect the dispensing device in the event, for example, of a fall,

- provide sufficient protective space to house one or more of the following means of signaling: visual, auditory and vibratory;

while authorizing:

- tactile access to the reservoir of the distribution device, for example:

- a flexible reservoir intended to be clamped by the fingers of a user for the application of pressure intended to deform the flexible reservoir in order to cause the distribution of product, in particular of liquid product in the form of drops,

- a tank with a tactile writing identifying the nature of the product contained, its expiration date ...

- visual access to a tank of the product distribution device allowing to see, for example:

- a written indication on the tank to identify the nature of the product contained, its expiry date ...

by transparency of at least part of the tank, the product contained in the tank, to check its level, its condition (color, fluidity, etc.).

According to a second variant compatible with the first variant, the housing has the form of a tube open at one end and closed at another end.

According to a third variant, the housing of the assistance device has an opening to allow the passage of the distribution device.

In a first version, the housing has a collar shape. The removable attachment of the housing is made possible by the fact that the collar is provided with an inner circular lip capable of fitting into a concave shape of the device.

-6distribution. The collar can also be provided with a concave shape intended to receive an outer circular lip carried by the dispensing device. The circular lip and the concave shape can be continuous or discontinuous. They form at least in part the securing means and make it possible to ensure a blocking which prevents any sliding between the dispensing device and the assistance device and in order, if necessary, to position the visual indication means visibly. by the patient when the dispensing device is positioned above an eye ready to deliver a drop into said eye.

In a second version, the housing has a support end capable of being located beyond the dispensing orifice relative to the reservoir when the assistance device is secured to said dispensing device, the support end being provided with an edge intended to rest next to the patient's body area intended to receive the dispensed product. Advantageously, the support end has the shape of a flared tube in order to form a distribution chamber isolated from the environment, to protect the eye, for example, from annoying lights, wind or dust.

In addition, the length of the housing of the assistance device, for example of said flared tube, corresponds to a comfortable distance, that is to say a distance which guarantees that the impact of the drop delivered is not painful, while limiting the risks of a bad trajectory.

In the case of dispensing eye drops, the term “comfortable distance” is understood to mean the distance which is the good compromise between the recoil necessary relative to an eye so as not to trigger a reflex to close the eyelid of this eye and the proximity required. to aim correctly, without the impact of the drop on the fall area being painful. Preferably, the comfortable distance is between 10 mm and 50 mm, and even more preferably between 15 mm and 40 mm.

According to another embodiment, particularly advantageous for the distribution of liquid product in the form of drops in one eye, the light zone is arranged so as to be visible to the patient when the product is delivered to his eye, and capable of creating a light sequence of this light area.

An object of the invention is also a product dispensing nozzle including an assistance device as described above. Such a dispensing nozzle can be associated with a reservoir of the user's choice or reused on another reservoir in the case where it is a single-use dispensing device.

An object of the invention is also a product distribution device, comprising a reservoir capable of containing said product, the distribution device

-7 including a user assistance device as described above. The inclusion of the assistance device in the dispensing tip, respectively in the dispensing device, can consist in the incorporation of the inclination detection means and the signaling means of the assistance device in said dispensing tip. , respectively in said distribution device.

Another possibility is to glue the housing of the assistance device to the housing of the dispensing end piece, respectively of the dispensing device.

We will now present embodiments of the invention given solely by way of nonlimiting examples of the scope of the invention and with the aid of the appended figures in which:

- Figure 1 is a slightly perspective view from above of a device for assisting the use of a product dispensing device according to a first embodiment, the liquid product dispensing device is provided with a dispensing nozzle in the form of drops,

FIG. 2 is a perspective view from above of the assistance device of FIG. 1, in the position of use on the bottle, after removal of the cap from the dispensing nozzle,

FIG. 3 is an elevational view in partial section along l-l of the assistance device in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the position of use on the bottle, after removal of the cap from the dispensing end piece,

- Figure 4 is a slightly perspective view from above of an assistance device according to a second embodiment, said assistance device is positioned below a bottle, said bottle is positioned to be threaded into said assistance device,

FIG. 5 is a perspective view from above of the assistance device of FIG. 4, in the position of use on a bottle, after removal of the cap from the dispensing nozzle,

FIG. 6 is a view in elevation and in partial section along ll-ll of the assistance device of FIGS. 4 and 5, in the position of use on a bottle, after removal of the cap from the dispensing end piece,

FIG. 7 is a slightly perspective view from above of an assistance device according to a third embodiment, below a bottle, said bottle being positioned to be threaded onto said assistance device,

FIG. 8 is a perspective view from above of the assistance device of FIG. 7, in the position of use on the bottle after removal of the cap from the dispensing nozzle,

FIG. 9 is a view in elevation and in partial section along lll-lll of the assistance device in FIGS. 7 and 8, in the position of use on the bottle after removing the cap from the dispensing end piece,

- Figure 10 is an elevational view of an assistance device according to a fourth embodiment in the position of use on the bottle after removing the cap from the dispensing nozzle, and all of the bottle and the device assistance is positioned above a human eye, ready to deliver a drop of product,

FIG. 11 illustrates three different views of signaling means which form part of the assistance device of FIG. 10 as they are seen by the patient in the delivery position in three different states,

- Figure 12 shows different examples of shape of the signaling means and examples of arrangement of the lit areas with and without radial effect.

As illustrated in the figures, the device for assisting the use of a product dispensing device comprises tilt detection means and signaling means intended to help the user deliver the product correctly. The dispensing device is for example a device for dispensing liquid product in the form of drops, for example for ophthalmic applications, for which the inclination, for example vertical or close to vertical, promotes the precision of the dispensed drop. By way of nonlimiting example, the product dispensing device can also be a nasal spray dispensing device whose inclination promotes good distribution of the aerosol. According to the embodiments shown, the tilt detection means and the signaling means are advantageously housed in a box intended to receive the dispensing device. The signaling means include, for example, visual or auditory or vibratory indication means. When visual indication means are provided, the dispensing device or the dispensing tip or the assistance device which includes them includes a display device.

FIG. 1 shows a device 70 for dispensing liquid in the form of drops and, opposite, in the position ready to be put on, an assistance device 100.

The dispensing device 70 comprises a reservoir 280 in the form of a bottle provided with a dispensing nozzle 120 screwed onto the neck of the reservoir 280 and is closed by screwing a cap 80. This dispensing nozzle 120 is provided with a dispensing orifice 150 (visible in FIG. 2) for dispensing the liquid in the form of

-9gouttes. The walls of the reservoir 280 are elastically deformable in order to allow a user pressing them towards each other to create an overpressure generating the formation of a drop at the level of the dispensing orifice 150. The dispensing device 70 is intended to be used upside down, that is to say, the reservoir 280 being located above the dispensing nozzle 120, itself positioned above the eye which must receive the drop or drops of liquid product.

The assistance device 100 is formed of a collar-shaped housing 175 and provided with a light line 90 positioned in a circular fashion on an edge 130 of the assistance device 100, intended to be oriented towards the side of the orifice. distribution 150 opposite the reservoir 280. The light line 90 constitutes visual indication means 77 formed by a succession of light points arranged in four sections in arcs of circle 77 slightly spaced apart. The housing 175 has an interior wall 15 which makes it possible to follow the cylindrical shape of the reservoir 280 up to an engagement position which corresponds to the connection with the reservoir 280 of the housing 175 of the assistance device 100. The housing 175 is provided with tilt detection means (not shown) and means of visual indication previously described. The internal diameter of the internal wall 15 of the housing 175 is dimensioned so that the housing 175 can be threaded, without play, on the reservoir 280. According to another embodiment not shown, the housing 175 can be provided to be threaded by the tank bottom.

In Figure 2, we see the same dispensing device 70 without the cap 80, equipped with the assistance device 100 positioned between the dispensing device 70 and a screw thread 110 of the dispensing nozzle 120 intended to receive a thread screw cap 80. In this configuration, the assistance device 10 is in its engaged position. It has, on its edge 130, on the side of the dispensing orifice 150 with respect to the reservoir 280, a light line 90. The light line 90 can be disposed at the same distance from the central axis of the assistance device 100 , axis on which the dispensing orifice 150 is positioned. The light line 90 can also be arranged at different distances from the central axis, have different widths and lengths or different contour shapes.

In Figure 3, there is seen a partial section l-l of the housing 175 of the assistance device 100. The reservoir 280 is itself shown in elevation. Part of the space between the housing 175 and the reservoir 280 is occupied by an energy source in the form of an electric battery 160 capable of electrically supplying LED type bulbs forming the light line 90 and a printed circuit. 125 which is fixed to the interior wall 15 of the housing 175 and which includes inclination detection means of the type

-10gyroscope (not shown) similar to those used on mainstream “Smartphone” type mobile phones, tablets and other similar devices. Thus, when the tilt detection means detect a predetermined tilt, the light line 90 is supplied to indicate to the user that the dispensing nozzle 120 is in the optimal position for dispensing liquid. A small lip 180, integral with the interior wall 15 of the housing 175, is capable of being compressed during the positioning of the assistance device 100 to allow the assistance device 100 to slide on the exterior wall 190 of the dispensing tip 120. The small lip 180 is housed in a groove 195 between the reservoir 280 and the dispensing tip 120 in order to block the assistance device 100 in its latching position. The small lip 180 and the groove 195 can be continuous or discontinuous. Figures 4, 5 and 6 show an assistance device 200 in a second embodiment with a housing 275. The housing 275 has the shape of a tube hollowed out longitudinally in order to leave the reservoir 280 accessible, in particular at manual pressure. One end of the housing 275 forms a base 230 to receive the bottom of the dispensing device 70 and allow the housing 275 to be placed on a flat surface. The other end of the housing 275 forms a collar 260 capable of surrounding the base of the dispensing nozzle 120. The housing 275 thus forms a case for the reservoir 280. The dimensions of the housing 275 are chosen so that the housing 275 s' threads on the tank 280 without play.

Visual indication means are constituted by six light points 285 distributed uniformly on the edge of the collar 260 located on the side of the dispensing nozzle 120 with respect to the reservoir 280. The light points 285 are constituted by six LED bulbs distributed in a manner regular and have identical shapes and dimensions. In the thickness of the base 230 of the housing 275 are housed auditory indication means 240 in the form, for example, of a beep transmitter or a miniature electronic buzzer.

There are also, in the base 230 of the housing 275, the other parts necessary for the proper functioning of the visual indication 285 and hearing indication 240 devices: a printed circuit (not shown) with an inclinometer (of the electronic gyroscope or accelerometer type). (not shown) and an energy storage means in the form of an electric battery 287. The visual indication means 285 and the auditory indication means 240 are powered by the electric battery 287 and controlled by the electronic gyroscope (not shown) The electrical connection between the means located in the base 230 and the means located in the collar 260 is made by electrical conductors 290 which pass over a wall

-Internal 295 of the housing 275 which connects the base 230 of the assistance device 210 to the collar 260.

A small lip 297, integral with the inner wall of the collar 260, is capable of being compressed during the positioning of the assistance device 200 to allow the assistance device 200 to slide on the reservoir 280. This small lip 297 is housed in a groove 195 located between the reservoir 280 and the dispensing nozzle 120 in order to block the assistance device 200 in its engaged position.

Figures 7, 8 and 9 show an assistance device 300 in a third embodiment with a housing 375 which has the shape of a swollen vase, of oval section, hollowed out longitudinally along two large flattened faces facing each other. screw, in order to leave the reservoir 280 accessible, in particular at manual pressure. The housing 375 thus forms a case which protects the reservoir 280 with a base 320 at one end and a collar 330 at the other end. Between the two, the internal wall 340 of the housing 375 moves away from the external wall 350 of the reservoir 280. In the collar 330 and in the base 320, the various elements necessary for the operation of the assistance device 300 are placed. in the collar 330, visual indication means 360 are placed. In the base 320, the inclination detection means (not shown) are placed which make it possible to detect the predefined inclination of the assistance device 300, means hearing aid 370, vibration indicating means 380, an electric battery 385 which supplies the three signaling devices and the electronic circuit (not shown). The electrical connection between the part of the assistance device 300 located in the base 320 and the visual indication means 360 located in the collar 330 is made by electrical conductors 387 which connect the elements present in the base 320 of the device assistance 300 at collar 330.

FIG. 10 represents a dispensing device 100 integral with an assistance device 400 according to a fourth embodiment with a box 475 in the form of an open flared tube which comes to extend the reservoir 280 by being screwed like a cap and one edge of which 430 farthest from the dispensing nozzle 120 relative to the reservoir 280, forms a support zone intended to be placed in abutment around an eye when the dispensing device 100 is turned over and placed above this eye to deliver a drop, for example of eye drops. The wall of the housing 475 may include one or more windows (not shown) allowing light to enter the housing 475. Means of visual indication 410, constituted by bulbs of LED type 420 aligned in a circle, are positioned in order to '' be visible to

The interior of the housing 475. The rest of the assistance device 400, namely in particular the battery, the printed circuit and the electronic gyroscope, are not shown in FIG. 10. They are present in the housing 475. The means of visual indication 410 are illustrated in transparency in FIG. 10, as is the dispensing nozzle 120.

FIG. 11 represents three different states of the visual indication means 410 from the point of view of a user in the drop delivery position, identical to the position described in FIG. 10. The visual indication means 410 consist of 'LED bulbs 420 white or any other color, aligned for example in a circle and defining discontinuous light points. The first state on the left corresponds to all of the LED 420 light bulbs on. The middle state corresponds to a single lit LED bulb 425. The right state corresponds to a light movement created by switching on and off several LED 420 bulbs quickly.

FIG. 12 represents different examples of shape patterns of the visual indication means of the assistance device 400, including patterns with radial arrangements. The dark areas correspond to the illuminated areas of the visual indication means.

Overall, the visual indication means can be arranged along several concentric paths. The visual indication means may include one or more continuous lines, light segments, light points, or any other combination. The segments may be sections in a circular arc, rectilinear, oriented circularly, radially or according to any other arrangement. The light points can be arranged regularly or not. The visual indication means can be arranged in a circle, along rays starting from the center and in any way. When there are several lines, segments, points, these can have dimensions and / or shapes similar to each other or not and / or irregular spacing between them and / or different positions relative to the dispensing orifice. The visual indication means can be fed in regular or random sequences.

Advantageously, the visual indication means are arranged to indicate to the user how the assistance device must be tilted to be in the predetermined inclination. To this end, visual indication means may include several distinct light zones, for example portions of circles generating different colors. Thus opposite portions of a circle defining an axis are for example lit in green when the assistance device is well inclined with respect to the predefined direction and other portions of a circle lit in red if

-13The inclination of the axis passing through these portions is not the predefined one. The lighting of the different parts of the circle will then change from green or red and from red to green depending on whether or not the inclination of the assistance device is changed.

According to another embodiment not shown, the housing 400 has a smaller support area, not necessarily surrounding the dispensing area of the liquid product.

The small lip 297 and the groove 195 can be continuous or discontinuous, the groove can be carried by the assistance device, the circular lip by the dispensing device, the circular lip and the groove can be replaced by any other means of attachment adapted.

The light points 285 can be distributed irregularly and / or have different shapes and dimensions. The light points 285 can also be formed by a light ring surmounted by the wall of the collar provided with at least one orifice intended to let the light pass only in the form of points. When there are several light points or light zones, they can be covered with a light guide giving a continuous light effect.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments presented and other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is in particular possible to adapt the shape of the box to bottles of different shape, to arrange the light signaling means differently, etc.

In particular, the housings can have any shape other than that described above, not annular, for example an open shape in C, as soon as this shape is adapted.

In the case of an open C-shaped housing, its engagement around the bottle can be made laterally, in a groove provided for example between the dispensing nozzle and the bottle.

In the examples illustrated, the product dispensing device is provided with a reservoir whose flexible walls are intended to be deformed by pressure to dispense the liquid. The product dispensing device may also include a rigid pressure tank coupled to a valve, or provided with a pump coupled to activation means.

According to an embodiment not shown, the groove is formed on the assistance device 100 and the circular lip is carried by the dispensing device. According to yet another embodiment, the circular lip and the groove are replaced by any other suitable attachment means, in particular elastic tabs.

The usage assistance device may include time delay means, coupled for example to visual, vibratory or auditory indication means, so that the visual, vibratory, auditory signal lasts only for a predetermined period of time.

The usage assistance device can be coupled to locking means of the dispensing device preventing the activation of the dispensing device when the detection means detect an inappropriate tilt.

The user assistance device can be coupled to means for detecting activation of the dispensing device. The assistance device or the distribution device may include means for memorizing the inclinations corresponding to each activation of the distribution device and / or means for communicating this information. The assistance device can also be coupled to user advice means, the automatic triggering of which can be controlled after detection of the activation of the dispensing device in a wrong inclination. User advice means can for example be in the form of a computer application.

The assistance device for use can be coupled to means for detecting the presence of an eye (for example by color analysis) and / or for detecting a predefined distance of use relative to an eye. or relative to any other area of the human body, and only be active when the vicinity of an eye or the predefined distance is detected. The assistance device for use can be coupled to means for counting distributed doses or remaining doses so that it is no longer active when a number of distributed or remaining doses is reached.

The signaling means can be provided that can be adjusted manually or automatically so that they can be adjusted according to the user (tactile, auditory, visual sensitivity) and / or the more or less noisy, bright environment, disturbing in terms of detection of vibration.

The assistance device for use may include a switch coupled to the signaling means, for example a button which can be actuated voluntarily by the user. The switch may include a contact detector reacting when the user grasps the dispensing device or a pressure sensor reacting when the user activates the dispensing device.

Claims (11)

claims 1. Assistance device (100, 200, 300, 400) for the use of a product distribution device (70), said assistance device (100, 200, 300, 400) being characterized in that '' it comprises tilt detection means and signaling means, said signaling means being configured to emit a signal if and only if the tilt detection means detect that the assistance device (100, 200, 300 , 400) is in a predefined tilt. 2. Assistance device (100, 200, 300, 400) according to any one of the preceding claims, the signaling means of which comprise visual indication means (77) capable of emitting a visual signal. 3. Assistance device (100, 200, 300, 400) according to the preceding claim, in which the visual indication means (410) comprise at least one light zone visible to the patient when the product is delivered to his eye and are able to create a light sequence with this light zone. 4. Assistance device (100, 200, 300) according to any one of the preceding claims, the signaling means of which include auditory indication means (240, 370) capable of emitting an auditory signal. 5. Assistance device (100, 200, 300) according to any one of the preceding claims, the signaling means of which comprise vibrating indication means (380) capable of emitting a vibrating signal. 6. Assistance device (100, 200, 300, 400) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a housing (175, 275, 375, 475) in which the tilt detection means and the means are located. signaling, the housing (175, 275, 375, 475) being provided with securing means configured to secure the housing (175, 275, 375, 475) to a distribution device (70). 7. Assistance device (100, 200, 300, 400) according to the preceding claim, in which the housing (175, 275, 375, 475) is shaped so that, when it is secured to said distribution device (70), cover only partially said device Distribution (70), leaving part of said distribution device (70) accessible to tactile and / or visual contact. 8. Assistance device (400) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, in which the housing (475) has a support end capable of being located beyond the dispensing orifice relative to the reservoir. (70) when the assistance device is secured to said dispensing device, the support end being provided with an edge (430) intended to bear beside the body area of the patient intended to receive the dispensed product. 9. Assistance device (100, 200, 300, 400) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a display device (390) comprising visual indication means (410) provided with at least one zone. luminous visible by the patient in situation of delivery of the product in his eye, and capable of creating a luminous sequence of this luminous zone. 10. Product dispensing nozzle (120), characterized in that it includes an assistance device (100, 200, 300, 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 9. 11. Product distribution device (70) comprising a reservoir (280) capable of containing a product, characterized in that it includes an assistance device (100, 200, 300, 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.