WO2007036615A2

WO2007036615A2 - Method and device for preserving and dispensing a product in a closed container

Info

Publication number: WO2007036615A2
Application number: PCT/FR2006/001895
Authority: WO
Inventors: Raymond Castanet
Original assignee: Raymond Castanet
Priority date: 2005-09-27
Filing date: 2006-08-03
Publication date: 2007-04-05
Also published as: FR2891262A1; WO2007036615A3

Abstract

The invention concerns a fluid or pasty product (39) contained and protected from ambient air in a container (38) provided with a cap (37) including a non-return system (24) enabling the product (39b) to be expelled but preventing it from returning and including a filtering system (29) provided with a non-return system (32) enabling purified air input, into the container, to replace the expelled product (39b), but preventing air form returning or the product from passing through. Said method for prolonged storage which protects the product against unwanted elements contained in ambient air, in spite of its being frequently and discretely dispensed, is suitable for various embodiments in different types of devices. It is particularly adapted for preserving pasty products such as food-grade sauces in containers with flexible and elastic walls, as well as for producing small-sized devices designed to contain perfumes or drugs.

Description

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PRESERVING AND DISPENSING A PRODUCT IN A CLOSED CONTAINER.

The present invention relates to a method and a device for preserving and dispensing a product contained in a container or a closed enclosure, which ensures the preservation of the product while allowing to take one or more parts.

In general, the overall function of a container is to be filled wholly or partially with a product, to contain it and to preserve it for distribution, the product being able to be fluid, liquid, pasty, powdery , granular or consisting of one or more pieces. Its use consists of emptying all or part of it while keeping the remaining product inside to ensure its preservation until it is used up. To ensure its overall function and its use, such a device must be provided with systems providing partial functions, which are: 1) An enclosure or a container ensuring the capacity and preservation, away from the ambient environment.

2) An inlet port for filling,

3) A closing system of this inlet port

4) An outlet port for sampling or emptying,

5) A closure system of this outlet. 6) An inlet for the entry of an external fluid to replace the sampled product.

7) A closing system of this inlet port

Note now that the functions 2), 4) and 6) which are most often and traditionally filled by the same orifice, (for example a neck for a bottle) can also be provided by different orifices. Similarly, the functions 3), 5) and 7) which are generally filled by a single object (for example a lid or a plug), can be performed by different systems.

But these traditional systems generally fulfill their preservation function only when they have been properly filled and capped in a neutral and sterile environment and their contents often suffer various deteriorations when they have been opened or when part of their contents has been taken.

This deterioration of the content is most often caused by the intake of outside air, replacing the volume of product taken. Indeed this entry of air brings various agents which are detrimental to a good conservation and which are likely to degrade the qualities and characteristics of the product.

The oxygen, the carbon dioxide, the water vapor contained in this air are likely to react chemically with the product, in a harmful way. Dust, micro-organisms and other pollutants cause various deteriorations. To limit these adverse effects, several devices and methods are already used by those skilled in the art.

For example, the content can be kept at a low temperature to limit the proliferation of microbes, resulting in a set of constraints and limitations.

It is possible, by filling the container in neutral and sterile atmosphere, to obtain a longer shelf life before opening. You can also add a preservative or an antioxidant, which, unfortunately, alters the characteristics of the product that you want to preserve. In addition, if the preserved product is a product food or cosmetic, the addition of an adjuvant can deteriorate the qualities or even be detrimental to health.

Another method is to keep the product contained, away from the air. It has many advantages over previous ones. It is implemented in various devices, as described for example,

_ In the Patent Application Publication ⁰ 2859188 N ⁰ 03 10325 national registration where an inner bag can be emptied by means of a pump, by deforming so that its internal volume is equal to contained fluid, which prevents the penetration of outside air. in Patent Application Publication ⁰ 2,837,184 No. 02 09 898 national registration where even an internal pocket can be emptied by gravity.

Such devices have the disadvantage of requiring two separate containers, one flexible to contain the fluid and another, sufficiently rigid to contain the previous container and allow its handling. This results in complex and expensive manufacturing processes and the use of such devices is restricted and difficult. This method of avoiding the introduction of a volume of air into the container to replace an equivalent volume of sampled product is therefore expensive and its scope is limited.

If the natural and traditional method of use of a container is unsuitable for good conservation, it is because it consists in replacing the sampled product with an equivalent volume of air. To overcome this drawback, it suffices to improve the natural process so that the fluid admitted into the container is a fluid free of undesirable effects, for example purified air.

In fact, it is not the air inlet that poses a problem, but only the entry of some of its elements. For example, the air contains about 78% of nitrogen, which gas generally has no ill effects. For this purpose, it is sufficient, in accordance with the object of the present invention, to allow only filtered air to be introduced into the containment chamber, free from undesirable elements, while not permitting the introduction or the reintroduction of product. polluted by direct contact with the ambient air.

This process, easy to perform inexpensively, ensures a long shelf life and allows the use of most of the product. It is therefore very economical because it avoids wastage and ecological because it reduces the amount of detritus released into the environment or treated by recycling plants. To carry out this improved natural process, ie to replace the volume of product taken by an equivalent volume of air freed of its undesirable elements, it is sufficient to add, temporarily or permanently, to the container containing the product. to take, a filter system that prevents the entry of these undesirable elements, this container can be fixed or movable and / or portable.

One of the devices according to the invention will therefore be a container, which is permanently added a system filtering the ambient air, so that the air introduced during a sample of product contained in this container, is rid of elements harmful to the preservation of this product. In a preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention, the filter system will be incorporated in the closing system of the container; for example a lid or a cap. It will be interesting, for small quantities of product, that this container is easily portable. For example, if it is a question of preserving a product such as mayonnaise or a tomato sauce, the container may be a standard model bottle whose cap is equipped with devices according to the invention.

The products to be preserved being of very different characteristics, the containers and filtering systems will have shapes and characteristics adapted to these products. The simplicity of manufacture of the device according to the invention will allow any person skilled in the art to easily make this adaptation, in order to respond to the most diverse cases. If the product is pasty, the container may be provided with means capable of forcing the exit of the product, for example a bottle of mayonnaise may be sufficiently flexible plastic material, so that at least one wall can be compressed.

If the product is sensitive to humidity, use a dehumidifier filter. If it is only sensitive to micro-organisms and dust, a simple microporous filter will suffice. In general, it will be particularly advantageous to use a filter system having several layers] of active products so as to rid the air of its elements that may affect the preservation of the product. In the case where a maximum shelf life is desired, it may be advantageous to use a filter which only allows the passage of nitrogen from the air and the neutral gases. For the manufacture of these filters can be used the various substances known to those skilled in the art. For example, to absorb carbon dioxide can be used soda lime.

To dehumidify the air can be used crystals of calcium chloride or silica gel. <

For oxygen, iron oxide can be added to calcium chloride, acting as an activator, which "traps" oxygen by changing the degree of activation according to the following reactions: Fe - »Fe ²⁺ +2 e ^" ; O ₂ + ₂ H ₂ O + 4 e ^" -> 4 OH ^" ; Fe ²⁺ + 2OH ^" -> Fe (OH) ₂ ; 4 Fe (OH) ₂ + O ₂ + 2H ₂ O -> 4 Fe (OH) ₃ .

Activated charcoal, activated silica, diatomite, zeolite, etc. can also be used. all things suitable for being arranged for example in a case (29 a), in a mixture and / or in layers (29b), each of which plays its role of filtration, in a filter cartridge (29), as described in FIG. In one embodiment of a principle device according to the method of the invention (FIG. 1), any container (1) that can have a withdrawal system and / or a filling system such as a lid , a valve or a tap is provided with an orifice (2), equipped with a closing system (3) for filling the container, with a product outlet (4), equipped with a system of non-return valve (5) of any kind but in accordance with the practice of the art, for example deformable or with a valve or valve, allowing the product to exit but avoiding the entry of air and the return of product into the container and an air inlet (6), equipped with a filter (7) allowing the entry of purified air from its unwanted elements the. This latter orifice can additionally and advantageously, in the same embodiment, or, in a another embodiment, be equipped with a non-return closure (8), for example valve or valve, which allows the entry of air but prohibits the exit of the product. Similarly to increase the seal can be provided a second anti-return system (5a) of product outlet.

In one embodiment (FIG. 1), the product outlet or air inlet anti-return functions are filled by valves that open by pivoting about hinge pins integral with the walls of the outlet orifices and Entrance. These elements may be similar to the valve described (Figure 2) consisting of an arcuate palette provided on the rope of the arc, a flexible portion connected to the wall of the orifice and coming to rely on a shoulder to provide the sealing function, but this valve function can be filled by any device provided and in accordance with the state of the art, capable of performing this function. The state of the art thus has many systems that can fulfill this task, such as valves, ball valves, diaphragm, valve, etc., and any device including a part held in support on a seat or a sealing shoulder allows this non-return sealing by positioning, elastic parts or springs. However the valve closure system described (Figure 2) is of interest and can be used in one or other embodiment of the invention. Indeed this system can be made of plastic by various well-known molding and thermoforming processes and can be machined together with the overall device with which it is a part.

It is constituted (Figure 2), a flexible plastic tongue (9), coming to rest on a shoulder (12) arranged between the outlet pipe (14) and the emission pipe (13) of a product outlet or air inlet orifice, so as to close this orifice and having a flexible portion (10) integral with the wall (11) of this orifice allowing a rotational movement of this tongue which removes it its support position and releases an opening for the outlet of the product contained in the container or: the entry of air before or after passing through the filter.

It is also preferable to use a flap closure system (FIG. 3) comprising a pad made of flexible and elastic material (15) sealingly bearing against a sealing seat (18) provided with one or a plurality of fixing lugs (16) being received in an opening (17) located in the valve seat (18) possibly held by a boss (16a). Under the pressure of any fluid admitted into the emission conduit (19), this pellet deviates from its seat and allows the fluid to pass through the opening (20). When this pressure stops, the pellet rests on its seat, thanks to its elasticity and prohibits the return of fluid or other element. This flap closure system can also be used, both in the product outlet orifice and in the ambient air inlet, before or after filtering.

In a preferred embodiment of a device according to the invention, the product and air inlet orifices as well as the valves and the filtering systems are integrated in one and the same dispenser and filter device which serves both of product dispenser and ambient air filter. One can then adapt its outer shapes and dimensions so that it constitutes a plug, able to plug the filling orifice of any container; for example a bottle, a bottle a jar or any other container of fluid, liquid, pasty, powdery or granular product. Such a device (FIG. 4) filling the office of a plug (37) may consist of a body (21) whose dimensions are adapted to the plugging of the filling orifice of the receptacle which it must allow to empty while preserving the preservation of the product contained. It comprises an intake chamber (22) of the product to be sampled, optionally a first output anti-return system (23), for example a valve or a valve, allowing the passage of the product and closing after its passage, a second anti-return outlet system (24), for example with a valve or a valve, allowing the passage of the product and closing after its passage, possibly a second chamber (25) located between the two valves and intended to contain product pending outlet, a spout (26) for guiding the outlet of the product. This plug also comprises a filter block (29) housed in an air inlet duct between the ambient air intake chamber (30) and the filtered air receiving chamber (31), in which is a non-return system (32), for example valve or valve, opening to the passage of filtered air and prohibiting the passage of the product. This plug may comprise an orifice (33) which allows filtered air to pass into the receptacle and limits the product admission into the filtered air-receiving chamber (31), it may also comprise a pivoting lid (35). ) around an attachment point (36) connecting it to the plug body (21).

The valves may be of the type connected to the walls by flexible and resilient parts (27) which, if they are not used, keep them resting on the valve seats (28) integrated in the body of the device and which allow them to be opened. during the passage of the appropriate fluid (the product or the filtered air) and their return support at the end of this passage, or of another type, in use of the art, able to perform the anti-return function ; by, for example valve or valve. ,

The device, according to the invention, acting as a plug (FIG. 4) uses valves connected to the walls by a flexible part which enables them to open and applies them in a sealed manner against the surfaces of the valve seats arranged in the seats. walls of the device. However, with some minor modifications and obvious to those skilled in the art, it is possible to use, alone or in combination, other types of valve. In particular, it is possible to use a valve system (15), with a flexible and elastic pad, sealingly bearing on a seat (18), as described (FIG. 3), of the same shape or shape adapted to the duct in which he is placed. In one or the other embodiments of a device according to the invention, the ambient air is filtered before being admitted into the container to replace the product taken in order to ensure the conservation of the rest of the product. . It is therefore not always necessary that the air is perfectly purified, it is sufficient that the filtering avoids the introduction of elements likely to disturb this conservation. As a result, the characteristics of the filter will depend on the characteristics of the product and the container. In a preferred embodiment, it is possible to use a filtering system constituted by a container containing one or more filter elements, for example a filter block (FIG. 5) similar to the filter block (29), used in the device described (FIG. in the air intake duct between rooms (30) and (31). This filter block consists of a body (29a) of suitable shape, (for example tubular as the filter block (29) described in Figure 4), and contains various filtering elements and / or absorbent and / or purifying (29b).

Depending on the degree of purification sought, these elements (29b) may be more or less numerous and arranged in a mixture or in several layers that the air must pass before being admitted into the container. They can consist of a simple body filtering more or less fine dust, or filtering very fine dust and microorganisms. If a very thorough purification is desired, one of these elements may comprise a sterilizing product. It is also possible to use a filter that avoids the passage of undesirable gaseous substances. Similarly to prevent the introduction of moisture into the container can be used a dehumidifying element.

It is useful to recall, even if it seems obvious, that, in order to fulfill its duties, a valve, in its rest position, is usually held in a hermetic manner on a surface called a seat, under the constraint of elastic forces part of the overall valve closing system and acting in this sense, in the absence of any other force and that the opening of a valve allowing the passage of a fluid is usually under the pressure that the fluid exerts on the opening face of the valve, while a pressure exerted on its closing face only reinforces the ordinary tightness. In one or the other of the devices according to the invention, the pressure that the fluid exerts on the opening face to move the valve from its rest position and cross this barrier is provoked, as the case may be, obviously by the elements specific to the context or by a pressure provoked voluntarily by the manipulator of the device.

Thus, in a preferred embodiment of a device according to the invention (FIG. 6), a container (38) of any shape, suitable for containing a product (39), is closed by a plug (37). ) as shown in Figure (4). In the ordinary position of non-use, the product is stationary and undergoes no solicitation to remove it from the container. If the lid (35) is sealed the pressure inside the container is approximately independent of the external pressure. When the lid (35) is opened, the pressure inside the container equilibrates with the atmospheric pressure. Indeed at the opening, if this internal pressure is lower, then, purified air is admitted into the container through the filter in the air intake duct and opening the valve (32). If the internal pressure is higher than the ambient pressure, air contained in the container escapes by opening the valves (24) (and if it exists, the valve (23)), used for the evacuation of the product .

It should be noted that the valve (23), used to retain a supply of product (39b), after the first use, helps to strengthen the tightness of the system, its presence is therefore interesting. However, in most cases the product outlet valves (24) and (32) associated with the air inlet filter, are sufficient to make the device fully operational. Depending on whether this container contains a liquid or a pasty or powdery product, the product will be taken naturally by bending or spilling the container or by exerting pressure on the containers. elastic walls of this container.

Indeed, (FIG. 7), after having lifted the lid (35), the container (38), which contains a liquid product

(39), is tilted to allow product removal. In the container, the liquid whose surface is always horizontal, passes into the inlet chamber (22) of the plug (37). This liquid is pressed on the valve (24) (and optionally (23)), away from its closed rest position and then flows into a stream of product taken (39a). It is then sufficient to return the container to its normal position so that the valves

(24) (optionally also (23)) and (35) close again under the effect of their own closing mechanisms.

The product returns to normal position, without having been polluted by outside air.

This is made possible by the fact that the liquid product flows easily under the sole constraint of the force of gravity. This force sees its naturally vertical component decompose into pressure force exerted on any surface opposing the flow of the liquid, in particular on the opening face of the valve

(24) which opens to allow the liquid to pass.

The use is therefore easier compared to the general case, occurring when emptying an ordinary bottle.

Indeed, the flow of the product reduces the volume of fluid in the ordinary container and creates a vacuum inside said container; depression which opposes a smooth flow of fluid. By cons in the implementation of the method and any device according to the invention this disadvantage is eliminated through the external air sampling system which is provided with the cap according to the invention.

This is because the pressure difference created by the product flow between the inside and the outside of the container is constantly balanced by an outside air flow (Al) which through atmospheric pressure passes through the system. filter (29) and opens the valve (32). The filtered air (A2) then enters the container and replaces the collected liquid with a substantially equal volume of purified air.

In the case where the bottle has elastic walls, the existence of this valve (32) of the air filter system, provides an additional advantage in allowing to accelerate the exit of the liquid because, by pressing on the walls, one creates an overpressure inside the bottle, which closes the air intake valve (32) and exerts a pressure on the surface of the product to accelerate its flow. This characteristic will also be particularly advantageous, in the case where the product is pasty, powdery or if its viscosity is important.

Indeed, in the case of a high viscosity, the internal bonding forces and the friction forces oppose the flow of the product, by counteracting the action of the force of gravity. It is then necessary to voluntarily create additional forces to extract the product. For example, the action of the force of gravity can be facilitated by reversing the container and shaking it. But it will be even more interesting to use a container having a deformable elastic portion and create an internal pressure able to eject the product, pressing this part.

This is made possible by the fact that the air inlet valve (32) opposes the outlet of any internal fluid, so that any internal pressure is exerted mainly on the product emission valve (24). )

(and possibly (23)). In the case where the product is slightly liquid or even very pasty (Figure 8), it will be advantageous to use a container with at least one wall is deformable, for example a plastic container (38), which will collect of the product by inverting the container and manually exerting pressure on the deformable wall (s). For example, the pressures (P1) and (P2) exerted on the walls create an internal pressure (P3) which has the effect of keeping the air intake valve (32) closed and applying to the product (39). ) a pressure that makes it out (39b) of the container by opening the valve (24).

When one stops pressing on the walls of the container, the pressure (P3) reverses and becomes a depression which has the effect of sucking, inside the container, the product in the process of exit, which causes the closure of the product outlet valve (24) and the opening of the air inlet valve (32). Purified outside air then replaces the sampled product. It is sufficient afterwards to replace the container in its normal position, waiting for another sample.

In the case where a bottle is used, at least a part of which makes it possible to create an internal pressure, for example a bottle (38) having at least one flexible wall, the method according to the invention is particularly suitable for producing preservation and fractional distribution of liquid products, high viscosity, or pasty and allows the use of dispensing nozzles particularly interesting.

In one embodiment of a principle device according to the method of the invention (FIG. 9), the plug body (40) intended to be fixed on a container (38), possibly by face, by means of a thread ( 4O.a), is equipped with at least one external air intake port (41) (Al), a filter block (42), composed of at least one layer of filter material (43) and a valve (44) allowing the entry of purified air (A2), but prohibiting its exit as well as that of the product. This cap is provided with a fluid, liquid, pasty or powdery fluid dispensing head (Fl), whose exit orifice, flexible and elastic, normally closed, opens under the pressure of the product, induced by the pressure (P1) that the user exerts directly or indirectly on at least one wall of the container (38), which when tilted or inverted (Fig. 10) results in an internal pressure (P2) which causes the product (F2) to exit from the outlet (46). This is made possible by the fact that the pressure (P2), being greater than the atmospheric pressure causes the closing of the valve (44) and is thus exerted on all internal surfaces of the container and in particular that of the product. When the user no longer exerts this pressure, a depression is created inside the container under the action of the return forces of the walls returning to their original shape. As a result, the outlet orifice, for example a dispensing spout (46), closes hermetically, prohibiting the entry of outside air via this outlet, whereas this ambient air is at atmospheric pressure, can penetrate through the air outlet. vent (41) in the ambient air inlet chamber (47) of the filter block (42). It passes through the various filter layers (43) or is purified, arrives in the purified air inlet chamber (48) and opens the valve (44). The purified air (A2) then enters the container and replaces the product charge emitted (F2) which restores, inside the container, a pressure substantially equal to the atmospheric pressure. The device is ready for a new use.

To apply the method according to the invention it is necessary to fulfill two main objectives. 1) It must be ensured that the air introduced into the container is only purified air of its undesirable elements. For this, any device according to the invention must be provided with a suitable filter; which will be the case in all the examples cited in this description.

2) It must be avoided that product which has been in contact with the ambient air is reintroduced into the container. For this purpose, the outlet orifice must be hermetically sealed when the device is not in use and it must close at the end of a sample so that the product emitted is not reintroduced in contact with the remaining product. Several types of apparatus make it possible to achieve this second objective.

As we have seen, it is possible to use a non-return valve, but also a deformable dispensing nozzle, as for example (Fig. 9, Fig. 10 and Fig. 11).

In this case, the cap is provided with a part (45) having a dispensing spout (46). This piece (45) made of flexible and elastic material is secured to the plug body (40), by screwing, crimping, force fitting or any other method so that it does not come out of its housing while undergoing deformations caused by the internal pressure (P2). It is provided with a portion (50) which is fixed and integral with the stopper body (40) and has a spout, tubular or more or less elliptical, forming a dispensing spout and terminating in parts, the lips ( 49), having a zero internal section at rest. In this rest position, the lips (49) are in contact with each other and the inner duct of the spout is hermetically sealed at these lips.

In use, cap down, the product descends into the room (45). The pressure (P2) caused by the user causes a deformation of this piece and in particular the pouring spout (46), whose internal conduit fills with product. This product goes to the exit, spreads the lips (49) and leaves the container. As soon as the pressure (P2) ceases, the lips (49) close hermetically, isolating the product from the ambient air.

In order to obtain a decorative effect, in the case of a product with a pasty consistency, it is possible to see (FIG. 11) another example of a piece (45) terminated by a distributor spout (46) having lips (49) which are spread apart under the effect of pressure (P2) pass an elliptical cord flat product and close hermetically when stopping this pressure. In (fig.12), we can see another example of room (45) where this piece (45a) is terminated by a nozzle (46.a) having lips (49.a) of the type "squid beak" . At rest the lips arranged in a cross are hermetically closed. They deviate under the pressure (P2) to let a cord whose cross section has a decorative effect. Depending on the desired decorative purpose, these lips of suitable shape, in desired number, can be arranged to obtain the shape of the desired product bead. All the previous embodiments of devices according to the invention are suitable for dispensing product in the tilted or inverted position. Devices can be designed that can be used in any position. In particular, we can see (Fig. 17) a particularly interesting system. The various components of this system are detailed in the preceding figures (Fig. 13) (Fig. 14) (Fig. 15) (Fig. 16). In this system, the device (45) with spout, previously used is replaced by a slightly more complex apparatus [(Fig.13), (Fig.14), (Fig.17)], composed of various parts. A plastic part (51) which forms a dispensing head and is fixed by its part (50) to the plug body (40). This part whose at least the upper part is flexible and expandable has an orifice (52) which will allow the outlet (F2) of the product (Fl) contained in the bottle.

The plug body (40) which is fixed on a container (38), has a needle (53) which in normal position closes the orifice (52). This needle is secured to the plug body by a needle holder consisting of solid parts (54) in which are arranged empty parts (55) forming orifices through which the product (Fl). Figure (15) shows the path taken by the product when the elastic upper part of the workpiece (51) lifts under the product (Fl) push and deviates from the upper part of the needle (53) to let out the distributed product (F2). As soon as the pressure (P1) exerted on the walls of the bottle (38) stops, the pressure (P3) exerted on the product becomes less than or equal to the atmospheric pressure and the elastic upper part of the piece (51) comes to again apply hermetically to the upper surface of the needle (53). A filter block (42) provided with a non-return valve system (44), optionally valve or valve, having one or more filter elements (43), is attached to the plug body (40). ) and makes it possible to filter the ambient air (Al) entering the inlet chamber (47) through at least one vent (41) according to a process similar to the preceding devices thus ensuring that the arrival in the flask of a purified air (A2), through the inlet chamber (48) and the non-return valve (44). ,

_ 4 _ A plunger tube (56) with flexible walls whose lower part can collect the product to the bottom of the container and whose upper part is provided with a valve system comprising a flexible and elastic valve (57) coming s pressing a flat portion (58) foπant sealing seat and secured to the plug body (40) at its portion (60). This valve elastic material and flexible can be fixed in an orifice of this seat and held by a lug (59).

An optional sealing film cap (60) comprising a tubular portion (60c) sliding on the tube (56), a portion (60a) having the inner shape of the bottle and sliding on its inner surface and a portion film (60b) constituted by a flexible and elastic membrane connecting the parts (60a) and 60c). This hat whose lower surface closely matches the upper surface of the product is integral with this surface and follows the movements. It isolates the product from the filtered air (A2) which reinforces its preservation and keeps the product load in the lower part of the bottle, whatever the position of this bottle, which allows its use in any position . An over-cap (61) covering the dispensing head (51) and being fixed on the cap body (40). We can see (Fig. 17) the complete set in operating state, explained by the figures (Fig. 14) and (% 15).

When a pressure (P1) is exerted on at least one wall of the vial, this results in a pressure (P3) inside the vial which compresses the air (A2) contained in the vial and is transmitted on all the surfaces internally, in particular on the valve flap (44) which sits tightly on its valve seat and prevents the output, through the filter system (42), of this compressed air. This compressed air presses on the surface of the product, directly or via (17) of the membrane (60b) if the film cap (60) has been put in place. Under the effect of the internal pressure (P3) the product is admitted into the tube (56) lifts the valve plug (57) and enters a first product inlet chamber (62) located in the plug body , below the portions (54) and 55), then enters the second chamber (63) located inside the dispensing head (51) after passing through the empty portion (55) of the needle holder (53) . After filling the second intake chamber (63), the thrust of the product lifts the elastic upper part of the dispensing head (51) which, deviating from the needle (53), releases the orifice (52) thus allowing to the product (F2) to expand to the outside.

As long as the pressure (P1) is exerted, this has the effect of pressing the outer surface of the membrane (60b) in contact with the air (A2). Under pressure (P3) this membrane acts as a piston and moves towards the bottom of the container by pushing back the product (Fl) which finds its outlet by penetrating into the tube (56). The parts (60a) and (60c) also move in solidarity with the membrane (60b), the portion (60a) sliding against the inner walls of the bottle and the portion (60c) sliding around the tube (56). The product continues to come out of the bottle as long as the user presses on the bottle.

As soon as the pressure (P1) is interrupted, the pressure (P3) disappears and is replaced by an internal depression created by restoring restoring forces of the walls of the bottle. This depression stops the thrust of the product on the walls of the dispensing head (51) which returns to its rest position and hermetically seals the orifice (52), thus stopping the product emission (F2).

The inside of the bottle being in a vacuum, the outside air (Al), which is at atmospheric pressure, enters through the vent (41) into the inlet chamber (47) and then into the filter block (42) passes through the filter elements (43) and arrives, purified, into the inlet chamber (48). Under the effect of atmospheric pressure, this filtered air (A2) pushes the valve valve (44) and enters the bottle to replace the sampled product, by rebalancing the internal and external pressures of the bottle. The device is ready for a new use.

If you want to stop the sampling and store the bottle, then place the over-cap (61) which will enhance the preservation of the product. Indeed, this overcap (61) is provided with a supply of product (64) cleaner and / or sterilizer that will sterilize the dispensing head (51) and excess product (F2) possibly remained on the head of distribution (51). This preservative product (64) is contained in an interior space of the overcap (61) arranged between the flexible inner (66) and outer (67) parts optionally in a material (65) elastic and porous absorbent (eg polyethylene foam). The upper part of the inner part (66) is provided with one or more slots forming flexible and elastic lips (68) which can move away under pressure and let out preservative (64) and possibly absorbent material elastic (65).

When closing the bottle with the overcap (61), possibly by screwing it by means of a screw thread (69) complementary to the screw thread (70) of the plug body (40), the upper part the dispensing head (51) presses on the lips (68) which move apart and compress the elastic absorbent material (65) which thus releases the preservative product (64) contained therein. The driving movement of the overcap (61) continuing, further apart the lips (68) which allows the absorbent elastic portion (65) to pass thereby forming a "sponge" (71) which cleans the upper part the dispensing head (51) and in particular the commissures of the orifice (52).

This kind of over-plug whose shape and characteristics can be adapted to any product dispensing head, can equip any device according to the invention. It provides additional safety of preservation because it cleans and sterilizes the dispensing head, after a sample and maintains it in a sterilizing atmosphere.

The device described in FIGS. (FIG. 13), (FIG. 14), (FIG. 17), is susceptible of an advantageous improvement which allows the fractional distribution of product (F2) in predetermined doses. For this purpose, adequate dimensions and the geometry of the valve (57), the plug body (40) and the dispensing head (51) are sufficient to ensure that the distance between the valve seat surface ( 58) and the lower surface of the parts (54) and 55) carrying the needle (53) has a value (d) predefined, these parts thus delimiting, with their additional parts, a predetermined volume (V) of the admission chamber. (62). For the dose of product taken to have a volume substantially equal to (V) it is sufficient that the distance (d) is less than the stroke of the peripheral upper parts of the flexible and elastic valve (57) which then bear on the face lower part (54) and seal the orifices formed by the empty parts (55), which stops the passage of the product Fl from the inlet chamber (62) to the inlet chamber (63). Indeed, when the product (Fl) raises the tube (56) under the effect of the pressure (P3), it removes the valve (57) from its seat (58) and raises its peripheral parts and possibly the entire valve (57) according to the elasticity of the lug (59) and the force of the pressure (P3). It is then possible to determine a distance (d) and an adequate geometry of the valve (57) and the lug (58) so that the lifting of all or part of the valve bears on the lower surface of the part (54) and obstructs the orifices (55). In the previous devices we have mainly described valve systems provided with a valve or a flexible valve, this is not a limitation of the devices according to the invention because any non-return valve system can be used, according to the context. In particular, it is possible to use (FIG. 16) a ball valve system (72) which can easily be inserted into any orifice to allow the unilateral passage of a fluid.

This valve system (72), composed of a valve body (73), a ball (74) held in hermetic bearing against an orifice (75) by elastic pins (76) is particularly suitable for miniaturization and can be the object (fig.18) of a very simple and very interesting realization. Under the effect of a fluid under pressure (F), the ball (74) pushing the elastic pins (76) releases the orifice (75), which allows the fluid (F) to be introduced into the orifice (75) then out through the orifice (77). On the other hand the circulation in the other direction is impossible, since the orifice (75) is blocked by the ball (74). It should be noted that according to the use and the geometry of the elements, the valve (72) may not include lugs (76).

It is possible to see (FIG. 18) a bottle with flexible and elastic walls (38) that can be of small dimensions, equipped with a ball valve (72) inserted in the central orifice (78) of a filter block (42). ), having at least one filter layer (43). This device (Fig.18) could include a second ball valve to allow the entry of air and prohibit its output, but in many cases the filter block (42) can be removed. Indeed, it is possible to choose the filter layer (43a), directly in contact with the product, so that it is impervious to this product but permeable to air. For example, a "Teflon" or tightly woven silicone fabric can be used. In this case, when a pressure (P1) is exerted on at least one wall of the container (38), the pressure (P2) created inside the bottle pushes the product against the ball (74) and the filter layer ( 43a). The product (F1) can then pass through the valve (72) and exit at (F2) but can not pass through the filter layer (43a) impervious to this product.

When releasing the pressure (P1), the pressure (P2) is then replaced by a depression under the effect of restoring forces of the walls returning to their rest position, which allows the ambient air (Al) to penetrating the filter body (72) and purifying itself through the various filter layers (43), including the layer (43a) which is permeable to air. The purified air (A2) can then enter the bottle and replace the volume of product taken.

This device, particularly simple and easy to miniaturize, is likely to many miniaturizations. It can be used in cosmetics to store perfumes or in pharmacies to contain and store drugs that can be used in low doses. For example in ophthalmology, products having a dosage of only a few drops per day, very sensitive to germs and environmental pollutants. These products, once the bottle opened have a very limited life which leads to a significant waste or the addition of a preservative may have harmful side effects. To address this problem, single-use, single-use, single-dose containers are used, which results in additional waste and increases the amount of waste released to the environment or collected by collection services. and or recycling. The device according to the invention constitutes an adequate response to this problem.

It should be noted that this simplified device can also be provided with an over-cap cleaner and sterilizer, which allows a very long-term preservation, despite frequent removal of small amounts of product. Such a device, (Fig.19) particularly well suited to eye drops and liquid drugs in drops, consists of a bottle (38) equipped with a filter block (42) provided with several filter layers including a layer (43a) directly in contact with the product, impervious to this product but permeable to air. As before, a valve dispensing system is inserted into the central orifice of the filter block (42). This valve system can be any system, consistent with the practice of the art, for example ball as before. But we can also use, instead of a ball, a movable pin (79) of adequate geometry and dimensions, provided with flexible and resilient lugs (80) which, at rest, keep its lower surface resting on its seat and flexible and resilient lugs (81) which, in the tilted position and under the action of pressure (P1) exerted by the user, abut against the upper part of the dispensing head and limit the stroke of the needle. This system has the advantage of allowing easy passage of the liquid and forcing the complete exit of each drop.

This device is completed, like the previous ones, by an overcap (61), containing a preservative product (64) so as to keep the dispensing head sterile during periods of non-use.

Claims

CLAIMS.

1) A method for storing and preserving a product, in a container or a closed chamber, characterized in that the air introduced into the chamber, during a product sample, is ambient air beforehand filtered and cleared of undesirable elements through its passage through a filter device which is provided with at least a portion of the container or which is associated with this closed enclosure permanently and integrally.

2) Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it consists of a container (1) provided with an orifice (2), equipped with a closure system (3) for filling the container, a product outlet (4), equipped with a non-return closure system (5) according to the use of the art allowing the product to exit but avoiding its return to the container, optionally a second non-return closure system (5a), and an air inlet (6), equipped with a filter (7) allowing the entry of purified air from its undesirable elements .

3) Device according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the air inlet port is provided with a non-return closure system (8) according to the practice of the art which allows the entry of purified air but prohibited its exit and that of the product.

4) Device according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the product outlet and air inlet orifices and the non-return systems and the filter system may consist of several filter elements, are integrated in a single device whose outer shapes and dimensions are able to form a plug for closing the filling orifice of a container for which it is intended; for example a bottle, a bottle, a jar or any other container of fluid, liquid, pasty, powdery or granular product.

5) Device according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the device (37) fulfilling the plug function consists of a body (21) whose dimensions are adapted to the closure of the filling port of the container that it must allow emptying while preserving the preservation of the contained product comprising an intake chamber (22) of the product to be sampled, at least one product outlet anti-return system (24) allowing the product to pass through and closing after its passage, possibly a second chamber (25) and a spout (26) for guiding the product outlet, this cap also comprising a filter block (29) which is housed in an air inlet duct between the an ambient air intake chamber (30) and the filtered air receiving chamber (31) in which there is a non-return system (32) opening to the passage of the filtered air and preventing the passage of the product, this cap can compor an orifice (33) which allows the passage of filtered air into the container and limits the product admission into the filtered air receiving chamber (31) and which may also include a pivoting cover (35) around an attachment point (36) connecting it to the plug body (21). 6) Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the non-return closure system comprises a flexible plastic tongue 9, coming to support on a shoulder 12 arranged between the outlet duct 14 and the emission duct 13 of an outlet or inlet orifice, so as to seal this orifice, this tongue being provided with a flexible portion 10 secured to the wall 11 of this orifice which allows a rotational movement away from its support position and allows to clear an opening for the outlet of the product contained in the container or the inlet of the air before or after its passage in the filter.

7) Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the non-return closure system comprises a pad of flexible and elastic material (15) sealingly bearing on a sealing seat (18) provided with one or more fixing lugs (16) being received in an opening (17) located in the valve seat (18) and possibly held by a boss (16a).

8) Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the non-return closure system is a ball system composed of a valve body (73), a ball (74) which can plug an orifice (75) optionally maintained in heπnetic support against this hole by elastic pins (76). 9) Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plug body (40) intended to be fixed on a container (38), possibly by face by means of a thread (4O.a), is equipped with at least one external air intake port (41) (Al), a filter block (42), composed of at least one layer of filter material (43) and a valve (44). ) allowing the entry of purified air (A2) but prohibiting its exit as well as that of the product; this stopper being provided with a fluid, liquid, pasty or powdery fluid dispensing head (45), whose exit orifice, flexible and elastic, normally closed, opens under the pressure of the product, induced by the pressure (P1) that the user exerts directly or indirectly, on at least one wall of the container (38) when it is tilted or turned, this dispensing head (45) made of flexible and elastic material, integral with the body cap (40), having a dispensing spout (46) ending in lips (49), having a zero internal section at rest but opening to allow the product (F2) to pass under the action of the user, to form, in the case where the product is pasty, a bead of product whose section may have a decorative effect.

10) Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (38) is provided with a plug body (40) on which is fixed a dispensing head (51) whose flexible upper part and elastic comprises an orifice (52) for the outlet of the product; this plug body having a needle (53) closing the orifice (52) in the normal rest position, this needle being secured to the plug body by a needle holder consisting of solid parts (54) in which are arranged empty portions (55) forming orifices allowing the passage of the product which, under the pressure (P1) exerted by the user, leaves the dispensing head through the orifice (52), after lifting the upper part of the head (51) and have it separated from the needle which blocked the orifice (52); this plug body being equipped with a vent (41) opening into a chamber intake manifold (47) of the filter block (42) having one or more filter elements (43) facing an inlet chamber (48) provided with a non-return valve system (44).

11) Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is equipped with a plunger tube (56) with flexible walls whose lower part can collect the product to the bottom of the container and whose upper part is provided with a valve system comprising a flexible and elastic valve (57) resting on a flat portion (58) forming a sealing seat and secured to the plug body (40) at its portion (60). ), this valve elastic material and flexible that can be fixed in an orifice of the seat and held by a lug (59), this valve system and the dispensing head (51) and the plug body (40) may have dimensions and geometry such that the distance between the surface of the valve seat (58) and the lower surface of the parts (54) and 55) carrying the needle (53) has a predefined value (d), these portions thus delimiting, with their annexes, a volu me (V) predetermined the inlet chamber (62) so that the distance (d) is less than the stroke of the peripheral upper parts of the flexible and resilient valve (57) bearing on the underside of the portion (54) and closing the orifices formed by the empty portions (55).

12) Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is equipped with a film sealing cap (60) comprising a tubular portion (60c) sliding on the tube (56), a portion (60a ) having the inner shape of the bottle and sliding on its inner surface and a film portion (60b) constituted by a flexible and resilient membrane connecting the portions (60a) and 60c). 13) Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it consists of a flask with flexible and resilient walls (38) which can be of small dimensions, equipped with a. filter unit (42) having at least one filter layer (43) into which a ball valve (72) is inserted, which device may comprise a second ball valve to allow the entry of air and to prohibit its outlet or may comprise a filter layer (43 a), directly in contact with the product, impervious to this product but permeable to air, for example fabric "Teflon" or tightly woven silicone.

14) Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it consists of a bottle (38) equipped with a filter block (42) provided with several filter layers including a layer (43a) directly in contact with the product impervious to this product but permeable to air and a valve dispensing system inserted into the central orifice of the filter block (42), this valve system being provided with a movable needle (79) of adequate geometry and dimensions, provided with resilient and resilient lugs (80) which, at rest, keep its lower surface resting on its seat, and flexible and resilient lugs (81) which under the action of the pressure ( ) exerted by the user abut against the upper part of the dispensing head and limit the stroke of the needle, this device can be completed by an overcap (61), containing a preservative product (64). 15) Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is equipped with an overcap (61) provided with a supply of product (64) cleaning and / or sterilizing contained in an interior space of on-plug (61) arranged between the flexible (66) and outer (67) inner parts optionally in a material (65) elastic and porous absorbent the upper part of the inner part (66) being provided with one or more slots forming resilient and resilient lips (68) which can move away under pressure and let out preservative (64) and optionally elastic absorbent material (65).