WO2021084093A1

WO2021084093A1 - Device for assisting with the use of a device for dispensing a product

Info

Publication number: WO2021084093A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/080559
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thierry Decock
Original assignee: Nemera La Verpilliere
Priority date: 2019-10-31
Filing date: 2020-10-30
Publication date: 2021-05-06
Also published as: FR3102676B1; FR3102676A1

Abstract

The device (1) for assisting with the use of a device (2) for dispensing a product. The dispensing device (2) has a main longitudinal axis (4) and comprises a reservoir (24) containing the product. The assistance device (1) comprises: - means for securing to the dispensing device (2), - locking means (16) that can be activated so as to prevent dispensing of the product, and - means for measuring a use inclination (8) of the main longitudinal axis (4) of the dispensing device (2) with respect to the axis of gravity (7). The locking means (16) are configured to be activated when the use inclination (8) is at least equal to a predefined operating inclination during at least a predetermined period t. The operating inclination is predefined at least in accordance with a geometry of the reservoir (24) of the dispensing device (2).

Description

Title of the invention: Device for assisting the use of a product dispensing device The invention relates to a device for assisting the use of a device for dispensing a product, in particular a liquid product in the form of aerosol.

There are known devices for assisting the use of a dispensing device comprising locking means making it possible to prevent the dispensing of product in certain circumstances. Document FR 3077484 describes a device for assisting the use of a product dispensing device comprising locking means and means for detecting an inclination of the assistance device and therefore an inclination of the device. distribution. The locking means are configured to prevent actuation of the dispensing device when the tilt detection means detects an improper position, including improper tilt. This prevents the dispensing of a dose of product from being carried out under poor conditions. Such poor distribution conditions present a risk of dispensing an insufficient dose of product, or even no dose of product distributed. They also present a risk of defusing a pump included in the dispensing device. In addition, a bad inclination of the dispensing device, when the dispensing device delivers product in the form of an aerosol, impacts the quality of the aerosol (drop size distribution, aerosol profile). The assistance device described in document FR 3077484 therefore makes it possible to reduce these risks. However, there is a need to further improve the assistive devices in order to make their use simpler, more precise, safer and more economical.

Indeed, the assistance device described by document FR 3077484 only takes into account the inclination without considering other factors which can positively influence the maximum possible inclination to ensure good distribution. This results in position restrictions that are more important than necessary at times.

The object of the invention is in particular to respond to the technical problem and to provide a device for assisting the use of a product dispensing device allowing easier, more precise, safer or more economical use. To this end, the subject of the invention is in particular a device for assisting the use of a device for dispensing a product, the dispensing device having a longitudinal axis main and comprising a reservoir containing the product, the assistance device comprising:

- means of securing to the distribution device,

- locking means capable of being activated to prevent the dispensing of product,

- means for measuring an inclination of use of the main longitudinal axis of the dispensing device with respect to the axis of gravity, in which the locking means are configured to be activated when the inclination of use is at least equal to a predefined operating inclination for at least a predetermined duration t, and in which the operating inclination is predefined at least as a function of a geometry of the reservoir of the dispensing device.

Taking into account the geometry of the reservoir of the dispensing device in order to predefine the operating tilt makes it possible to optimize the tilt restrictions of the dispensing device, which facilitates its use since the user thus benefits from greater freedom of positioning of the dispensing device. In addition, product waste is reduced since the measurement of the operating tilt is more accurate. Furthermore, the assistance device makes it possible to reduce the risk of non-dispensing of product when the applicator is actuated by preventing the dispensing of product when the inclination of use is inappropriate, for example when it is such that one end of a plunger of a pump of the dispensing device is no longer, or not sufficiently, immersed in the product included in the reservoir. At the same time, this reduces the risk of the pump being deactivated. Furthermore, in the case where the distribution data of the distribution device are monitored, the assistance device makes it possible to reduce the parasitic data linked to improper use of the distribution device, such as for example a inappropriate aerosol profile, or non-delivery of dose that would not be detected.

When the dispensing device is arranged vertically, the main longitudinal axis of the dispensing device coincides with the axis of gravity. When using the dispensing device, it is tilted by the user so that the main longitudinal axis of the dispensing device is tilted at a usage tilt relative to the axis of gravity. The operating inclination is the inclination from which proper dispensing of product can no longer be ensured and is therefore prevented by the locking means.

When a distribution direction is downward with respect to the axis of gravity, the inclination of use must be greater than the inclination of operation for appropriate product distribution. When the dispensing direction is upward relative to the axis of gravity, the tilt of use should be less than the tilt of operation for proper dispensing of product.

Thus, the locking means are configured to be activated when the inclination of use is at least equal to or greater than the inclination of operation for the predetermined time t when the direction of distribution is oriented upwards with respect to the axis of gravity and / or to be activated when the inclination is at least equal to or less than the operating inclination for the predetermined time t when the direction of distribution is oriented downward with respect to the axis of gravity.

In one embodiment of the invention, the locking means can be coupled to self-regulating means allowing the monitoring and control of the inclination of use and / or the number of doses delivered and / or remaining of product. included in the tank.

Likewise, it is possible to envisage in the context of a preferred configuration that the locking means are automatically activated as soon as a distribution direction of the distribution device is oriented downward. This would be advantageous in the context of nasal-type dispensing devices in order to simplify their use in terms of convenience for patients and the medical profession.

Likewise, a contrary preferential configuration can be defined in the context of eye drops type devices where the application of a product is more effective if the distribution direction is oriented downwards. Automatic locking of the dispensing device for any upward dispensing orientation would be easier to use for patients and the medical profession.

Advantageously, the assistance device further comprises means for measuring a filling level of the reservoir, the operating inclination being further defined as a function of a filling level of the reservoir measured by the measuring means of a filling level.

The means for measuring the filling level of the reservoir may comprise at least one device, system or component for measuring based on ultrasound, infrared laser and / or weighing the product.

Likewise, it is possible that these means for measuring a filling level include at least one device, system or component making it possible to indirectly determine the filling level of the reservoir via monitoring and control of the number of doses dispensed by the tank. distribution device. The volume of a dispensed dose of product being known, it is then possible to deduce from it via a formula mathematically the remaining volume of product in the tank and therefore the filling level of the latter. For example, the following formula can be used:

V _R = V, _R - N _DD ^* V _D

In which: V _R corresponds to the volume of product remaining in the reservoir after n dispensed doses of product.

V _{/ R} corresponds to the initial filling volume of the reservoir before any use of the dispensing device.

N _DD corresponds to the number of doses of product dispensed. V _D corresponds to the volume of a dispensed dose of product.

Likewise, it is possible to determine the remaining volume of product in the tank using the following formula:

VR = NDR ^* VD

In which, VR and VD are as defined above and NDR corresponds to the number of remaining doses of product to be dispensed.

Thus, the restriction of inclination of the dispensing device is further optimized according to the filling level of the reservoir and therefore facilitates the use of the dispensing device.

Advantageously, the assistance device further comprises calculation means configured to define the operating inclination as a function of the geometry of the reservoir and of the filling level of the reservoir measured by the means for measuring a filling level. of the tank.

Thus, the tilt restrictions of the dispensing device are even more optimized and take into account the evolution over time of the product capacity of the reservoir as a function of the geometry of this reservoir. The inclination allowing good use of the dispensing device is not the same depending on the filling level of the reservoir. When the reservoir is completely filled or almost completely filled, the use of the dispensing device is possible within a very wide range of values of inclination of use of the dispensing device. In particular, in the case where the dispensing device comprises a pump provided with a dip tube, then there are few positions of the dispensing device in which the end of the dip tube present in the reservoir is not completely submerged in the product. On the contrary, as the dispensing device is used, the reservoir empties and the operating inclination decreases so that fewer and fewer use inclinations are compatible with an appropriate dispensing of product. In particular, the more the reservoir is empty, the less the end of the dip tube is immersed in the product during the tilting of the device. distribution. Thus, the operating inclination is high when the tank is completely or almost completely filled and decreases as the tank is emptied. The calculation means therefore make it possible to take into account the various parameters mentioned above in order to calculate an operating inclination value that is as precise as possible. In one embodiment, the calculation means use the following mathematical formulas in order to determine the operating inclination as a function of the number of doses delivered or remaining to be delivered and the level of filling of product in the tank:

In the event that the volume of product remaining in the tank is less than or equal to half the volume of the tank, the operating inclination (IF) can be calculated with the following formula:

[Math 1]

In which, V / R, NDD and VD are as defined above and DR: corresponds to the diameter of the tank.

The V / R -NDD * VD portion of the equation corresponds to the calculation of the remaining volume VR in the tank. As indicated previously, this remaining volume can also be calculated by the following formula: VR = NDR * VD.

In the event that the volume remaining in the tank is greater than half the volume of the tank, the operating inclination (IF) can be calculated with the following formula depending on the number of doses delivered:

[Math 2]

Where DR, VD and NDD are as defined above, and

V _V corresponds to the total volume of the empty tank.

NDR corresponds to the number of possible doses if the reservoir is completely filled with the product to be dispensed.

N _{D /} corresponds to the initial number of doses that can be dispensed.

In the event that the volume remaining in the tank is greater than half of the volume of the tank, the operating inclination (IF) can also be calculated with the following formula depending on the number of doses remaining: [Math 3]

In the above embodiments, in order to define the various mathematical formulas, the calculation means consider the reservoir of geometry similar to a flask with a flat bottom and without a mouthpiece.

In different technical configurations, it is possible for the calculation means to consider at least two different geometries of the reservoir to determine the operating inclination and thus allow the assistance device to adapt to at least two types of distribution devices. comprising tanks of different shapes. This allows the assistance device to be reusable because it can be assembled and can be successively interacted with different distribution devices.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is that the assistance device may include a table of operating inclination values as a function of the filling level of the tank. This table of values is determined by experimentation and allows the calculation means to define a mathematical function from which it is possible to monitor and self-regulate the operating angle value according to the filling level of the tank.

Advantageously, the predetermined duration t is between one and five seconds, preferably between one and three seconds.

This duration is short enough to prevent the user from having time to actuate the dispensing device before the locking means of the assistance device are actuated and long enough to prevent these locking means from being actuated too easily. when this is not necessary, which makes it possible to delay the wear of these locking means and simplifies the use of the dispensing device.

Provision can be made for these inclinations to be adapted as a function of the direction of product distribution. The table of values below shows, as a function of an upward orientation of distribution and of the number of doses delivered or remaining in the reservoir, the operating inclination determining the activation of the locking means if the inclination d use is equal to or greater than this value.

[Table 1]

This range of values was determined based on a reservoir with a geometry similar to that of a flask with a flat bottom and no tip. The following additional parameters were considered to determine the operating tilt:

- Tank height: H _R = 40 mm

- Tank diameter: DR = 26 mm

- Filling volume: V = 20 ml - Volume of a dose: V _D = 100 μl

Advantageously, the assistance device further comprises signaling means configured to emit at least a first signal when the locking means are activated.

Thus, the user is warned that the dispensing device is locked, which reduces the risk of him attempting to force the dispensing device and damaging it. Further, it makes the use of the dispensing device clearer for the user. In the case where the dispensing device comprises a locking via a fingerprint sensor and the user has just unlocked the dispensing device via his previously authenticated fingerprint, this signal can also indicate to him that the inclination of the device dispensing device is not suitable for a good dispensing of product or a use without risk of defusing the pump of the dispensing device. The user then understands that the dispensing device is locked due to its inclination of use and must then reorient the dispensing device according to a more suitable inclination of use for dispensing the product.

In a configuration of the invention, it is necessary for the user to re-request the release of the dispensing device and to pay attention to its new inclination of use in order to obtain the dispensing of the product.

In another configuration, there is no need on the part of the user to relock the dispensing device, the latter being able to unlock automatically once the dispensing device is in an "acceptable" use inclination. the locking means and / or the self-regulation means.

Advantageously, the assistance device comprises signaling means configured to emit at least a second signal when:

- the locking means are deactivated so as not to prevent the dispensing of product, and

- the inclination of use is at least equal to the inclination of operation.

Thus, the user is warned when the dispensing device is in conditions allowing the distribution of appropriate product and without risk of defusing a pump potentially integrated into the dispensing device. The use of the dispensing device is thus facilitated. As previously stated, when the dispensing direction is downward relative to the axis of gravity, the operating inclination should be greater than the operating inclination for proper dispensing of product. When the dispensing direction is upward relative to the axis of gravity, the inclination of use should be less than the inclination of operation for proper dispensing of product. Thus, the signaling means are configured to emit at least a second signal when the inclination is at least equal to or greater than the operating inclination when the distribution direction is oriented upwards with respect to the axis of gravity and / or to emit at least a second signal when the inclination is at least equal to or less than the operating inclination when the distribution direction is oriented downward with respect to the axis of gravity.

In one embodiment, the signaling means comprise visual indication means capable of emitting at least one of the first and second signals.

Visual signals are easy for the user to understand. They can consist of a light of a given color or a readable message telling the user what to do and / or the condition of the device. For example, the visual cue may indicate “Straighten Device” when the dispensing device has an improper use tilt or “Ready” when the dispensing device is unlocked and has an appropriate usage tilt. A visual signal has the advantage of being perceptible by hearing impaired people.

In one embodiment, the signaling means comprise auditory indication means capable of emitting at least one of the first and second signals.

The auditory signals are easy for the user to understand. They can consist of a short tone, repeated or not, or an intelligible message telling the user what to do or the status of the device. For example, the auditory cue may consist of the utterance of the phrase “Straighten the device” when the dispensing device has an improper use tilt, or “Device ready” when the dispensing device is unlocked and has a tilt of appropriate use. The advantage of a hearing signal is that it is noticeable by people with sight problems.

In one embodiment, the signaling means comprise vibratory indicating means capable of emitting at least one of the first and second signals.

The vibratory indication means allow the user to have an indication of the status of the dispensing device even if he has sight and hearing problems. In addition, in association with another signal, visual or auditory, it improves the capture of the user's attention and reduces the risk, for example, that the latter will not notice a visual message emitted by the users. means of reporting.

Provision can be made for the first and / or the second signal to be formed by a combination of signals emitted by the visual indication means and / or the auditory indication means and / or the vibratory indication means. For example, provision can be made for the first signal to comprise a visual signal with a screen displaying the message "Straighten the device", an auditory signal with the emission of a tone, and a vibratory signal with a vibration of the assistance device. . In another example, provision can be made for the second signal to include a visual signal with the emission of a green light and an auditory signal with the message "Device ready" being spoken.

Likewise, in another configuration, the screen can display to the user additional information such as the number of doses dispensed and / or remaining. Brief description of the figures

We will now present an embodiment given solely by way of non-limiting example in support of the appended figures in which:

[Fig. 1] Figures 1A and 1B are perspective views of an assist device and a dispensing device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[Fig. 2] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the assistance device and the dispensing device of Figures 1A and 1B.

[Fig. 3] FIG. 3 is an axial sectional view of the assistance and distribution devices of FIGS. 1A to 2, the distribution and assistance device being in a vertical position and a reservoir of the distribution device being filled to a first level filling.

[Fig. 4] FIG. 4 is an axial sectional view of the assistance and distribution devices of FIG. 3, inclined with respect to the axis of gravity and with a distribution direction oriented upwards with respect to this same axis of gravity . [Fig. 5] FIG. 5 is an axial sectional view of the assistance and distribution devices of FIGS. 3 and 4, inclined with respect to the axis of gravity and with a distribution direction oriented downwards with respect to this same axis of gravity.

[Fig. 6] Figure 6 is an axial sectional view of the assistance and distribution devices of the previous figures, in the same position as in Figure 3 but with a reservoir at a second filling level of product below the first filling level of product.

[Fig. 7] Figure 7 is an axial sectional view of the assistance and distribution devices of Figure 5, inclined relative to the axis of gravity.

[Fig. 8] Figure 8 is an axial sectional view of the assistance and distribution devices of Figures 6 and 7, inclined relative to the axis of gravity.

detailed description

In the embodiment presented below, a device for assisting the use of a product dispensing device is described in which the dispensing device is a nasal spray and the product is a drug, in particular a pain-relieving drug. opioid-based. It is possible to provide for the dispensing device to be any other dispensing device known to those skilled in the art, for example a device for dispensing liquid product in the form of a drop. Provision can also be made for the product to be any other compatible product for use with a product dispensing device, this product possibly being a drug or not, for example a cosmetic product. The dispensing device 2 to which the assistance device 1 is secured comprises a pump 21 having a dispensing tip 22 and a reservoir 24. The pump 21 comprises a plunger 25 which extends into the reservoir 24. The plunger 25 is more or less immersed in the product contained in the tank 24 depending on the filling level thereof. The dispensing device 2 further comprises a movable part forming an applicator 23. This applicator 23 is mounted so as to slide along a main longitudinal axis 4 of the dispensing device 1 between a rest position, in which the applicator is in its most distal position possible and therefore closest to the dispensing tip 22, and an activation position which is the minimum position that the applicator 23 must occupy so that the entire dose of product that it is provided to distribute when actuation of the distribution device 1 is actually distributed. This may be the most proximal position of the applicator 23, that is to say the furthest possible from the dispensing nozzle 22. It may be provided that this is another position. predetermined, less proximal, that is to say less distant from the dispensing end piece 22. Provision can be made for any other dispensing device 2 to be used in association with the assistance device 1 according to the invention, provided that its operation is compatible with that of the assistance device 1.

In another configuration of the distribution 2 and assistance devices 1, provision may be made for the assistance device 1 to be a reusable device and therefore intended to be assembled and interacting successively with different distribution devices 2, of different types. or not. These dispensing devices 2 then constitute "disposable" type devices after each end of use. An end of use may result in an end of treatment, an empty tank 24 or an insufficient filling level for an appropriate distribution of product.

In the present embodiment, the assistance device 1 is in several parts. Provision can however be made for the assistance device 1 to be produced in one part. A first part is formed by a reusable base 11. This base 11 comprises, among other things, signaling means 12 comprising a screen capable of displaying a visual signal, a fingerprint sensor 13 and electronic components 14 useful for controlling and monitoring the various functions of the assistance device 1. The base 11 comprises an upper wall from which extends a first pin 15. The assistance device further comprises locking means 16 included in a base 17. The base 17 comprises a lower wall forming a support for the locking means 16 and from which extends a second pin (not shown) of complementary shape to that of the first pin 15 extending from the base 11 and able to come into engagement therewith so to secure the base 17 and the base 11 and to put them in electrical communication, and in particular to put them in electronic communication. The assistance device 1 also comprises means for securing (not shown) to the dispensing device 2.

The locking means 16 can be any locking means known to those skilled in the art and compatible with the operation of the dispensing device 2. These locking means 16 are able to be activated to prevent the dispensing of product by the dispensing device. 2. For example, the locking means 16 may consist of means preventing or limiting a movement of the applicator 23 of the dispensing device 2. The locking means 16 are also able to be deactivated to allow the dispensing of product by the dispenser. dispensing device 2. Provision can for example be made for the locking means 16 to be movable between a locking position in which the locking means 16 prevent or limit the movement of the applicator 23 and an unlocking position in which the locking means. locking 16 no longer prevent or limit the movement of the applicator 23.

In another embodiment of the invention, it can be envisaged that the locking means 16 are directly integrated into the dispensing device 2, for example in interaction with a pump included in the dispensing device 2. This would enhance the reusable nature of the assistance device 1, thus being able to adapt to different types of locking means 16 included in different successive distribution devices 2.

Likewise, this configuration would reduce the risks of rapid wear and / or of the assistance device 1 since the assistance device would then be freed from locking means 16 which must adapt to a succession of distribution devices 2, in the case where the assistance device 2 is reusable.

When the distribution device 2 is arranged vertically, the main longitudinal axis 4 of the distribution device 2 coincides with the axis of gravity 7 (see Figure 1A). When using the dispensing device 2, the latter is inclined by the user so that the main longitudinal axis 4 of the dispensing device 2 is inclined at an inclination of use 8 with respect to the axis of gravity 7. The assistance device 1 comprises measuring means (not shown) of the inclination of use 8.

The assistance device 1 further comprises means for measuring (not shown) a filling level of product in the reservoir 24. The assistance device 1 further comprises calculation means configured to define an operating inclination. as a function of a geometry of the reservoir 24 and of its filling level measured by the means for measuring the filling level of the tank 24. The calculation means can for example use the following mathematical formula in order to determine the operating inclination (IF) in the case where the volume of product remaining in the tank is less than half the volume of the tank:

[Math 1]

In which :

V _/ R corresponds to the initial filling volume of the reservoir 24 before any use of the dispensing device 2,

N _DD corresponds to the number of doses of product distributed,

DV corresponds to the volume of a dose of product, and

D _R : corresponds to the diameter of the tank.

The operating inclination corresponds to the inclination from which, depending on the geometry of the reservoir 24 and the filling level of the reservoir 24, there is a significant risk that the product delivery will not take place under conditions. appropriate or does not take place at all during actuation of the dispensing device 2, which is liable to lead to deactivation of the pump 21.

In the present case, the signaling means comprise visual indication means formed by a screen 12 configured to emit a first signal when the locking means 16 are activated and to emit a second signal when the locking means 16 are deactivated and the inclination of use of the dispensing device 2 is equal to or less than the inclination of operation when the direction of dispensing is oriented upward (see figure 4) and equal to or greater than the inclination of operation when the direction of distribution 2 is oriented downwards (see figure 5). In this case, the first signal consists of a first visual message displayed on the screen 12 and indicating "Straighten the device" and the second signal consists of a second visual message displayed on the screen 12 and indicating "Ready". Provision can of course be made for the first and second signals to be, independently of one another, all types of signals, for example an auditory and / or vibratory signal.

We now describe an operating mode of the assistance device 1 according to the embodiment presented above.

In the rest state, the dispensing device 2 is in a vertical position and the locking means 16 are activated so as to prevent the dispensing of product. The main longitudinal axis 4 of the distribution device 2 and the axis of gravity 7 are the same. In other words, the inclination of use 8 between these two axes is equal to 0 ° (see FIG. 3). The reservoir 24 is here almost completely filled and one end of the plunger 25 is completely immersed in the product contained in the reservoir 24 when the dispensing device 2 is in a vertical position (see FIG. 3). When the user wishes to use the dispensing device 2, he places his finger on the fingerprint sensor 13 in order to deactivate the locking means 16 and therefore to unlock the dispensing device 2. The user's fingerprint has previously registered so that it is recognized as an authorized user by the assistance device 1. When the user's fingerprint is authenticated, electronic control means via the electronic components present in the base 11 control a movement of the locking means 16 from their locking position to their unlocking position. The dispensing device 2 is thus unlocked and ready to dispense product and the screen 12 displays the second “Ready” message. When using the dispensing device 2, the user brings the dispensing device 2 to his face in order to insert the dispensing tip 22 into one of his nostrils. When positioning the dispensing tip 22 in the nostril, the user tilts the dispensing device 2 according to an inclination of use 8. The means for measuring an inclination of use 8 measure this inclination of use 8 and this measurement is compared by processing means (not shown) with the operating inclination calculated by the calculation means as a function of the geometry of the reservoir 24 and of the filling level of the reservoir 24 measured by the level measuring means filling. As long as the inclination of use 8 remains less than the inclination of operation when the direction of distribution is oriented upwards, the locking means 16 remain deactivated and product distribution is therefore possible (see FIG. 4). If the measured inclination of use 8 reaches or exceeds the inclination of operation for a predetermined period of time t, for example between one and five seconds, the assistance device 1 controls activation of the locking means 16 so as to that product distribution is no longer possible.

Screen 12 then displays the first message “Straighten the device”. To be able to obtain a dose of product, the user must then reorientate the dispensing device 2 according to a use inclination 8 different from the previous one and which is not equal to or greater than the operating inclination determined by the calculation means. , this in order to automatically deactivate the locking means 16 again in order to allow the dispensing of a dose of product. It can be provided that the unlocking of the locking means 16 is not automatic and requires the user places his finger on the fingerprint sensor 13 in order to allow the dispensing of a dose of product.

Provision can be made for the calculation means to be configured to take into account a product distribution direction and to adapt the operating inclination accordingly. Thus, as long as the inclination of use 8 remains greater than the inclination of operation when the distribution direction is oriented downwards, the locking means 16 remain deactivated and product distribution is therefore possible (see FIG. 5). .

As the product is dispensed by the dispensing device 2, the level of product present in the reservoir 24 decreases (see FIG. 6). On each modification of the quantity of product present in the reservoir 24, the calculation means define a new operating inclination. The more the reservoir 24 empties, the lower the operating inclination (see Figures 4 and 7, and 5 and 8) and therefore the more the number of positions of the dispensing device 2 compatible with an appropriate dispensing of product is reduced. Thus, the assistance device 1 according to the invention makes it possible to use the dispensing device with great freedom of positioning when the reservoir 24 is filled and makes it possible to follow in a precise and dynamic manner the evolution of the operating inclination. throughout the use of the dispensing device 2. The invention is not limited to the embodiment presented and other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

[Claim 1] Assistance device (1) for the use of a dispensing device (2) of a product, the dispensing device having a main longitudinal axis (4) and comprising a reservoir (24) containing the product, the assistance device (1) comprising:

- means for securing to the distribution device (2),

- locking means (16) able to be activated to prevent the dispensing of product,

- means for measuring an inclination of use (8) of the main longitudinal axis (4) of the dispensing device (2) relative to the axis of gravity (7), in which the locking means ( 16) are configured to be activated when the inclination of use (8) is at least equal to a predefined operating inclination for at least a predetermined duration t, characterized in that the operating inclination is predefined at least as a function of a geometry of the reservoir (24) of the dispensing device (2).

[Claim 2] An assist device (1) according to claim 1, further comprising means for measuring a filling level of the reservoir (24), the operating inclination being further defined as a function of a level. filling of the reservoir (24) measured by the means for measuring a filling level.

[Claim 3] An assist device (1) according to claim 2, further comprising calculation means configured to define the operating inclination as a function of the geometry of the reservoir (24) and of the filling level of the reservoir (24). ) measured by the means for measuring the filling level of the reservoir (24).

[Claim 4] Assistance device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the predetermined duration t is between one and five seconds, preferably between one and three seconds.

[Claim 5] Support device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising signaling means (12) configured to emit at least a first signal when the locking means (16) are activated.

[Claim 6] Assistance device (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising signaling means (12) configured to emit at least a second signal when:

- the locking means (16) are deactivated so as not to prevent the dispensing of product, and

- the inclination of use (8) is at least equal to the inclination of operation.

[Claim 7] An assistance device (1) according to any one of claims 5 or 6, in which the signaling means (12) comprise visual indication means capable of transmitting at least one of the first and second signals.

[Claim 8] An assistive device (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the signaling means comprises auditory indicating means capable of emitting at least one of the first and second signals.

[Claim 9] An assist device (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the signaling means comprise vibratory indicating means capable of emitting at least one of the first and second signals.