Device for powdered products

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (1) having a tubular shape, comprising a body (2) and at least two extremities (3a, 3b), wherein at least one of these extremities (3a, 3b) has a V-shape (4) and comprises an opening (5) forming an ellipse (6), and wherein the angle between i) the central and longitudinal axis (7) of the device (1) and ii) the tangential line (8) formed by said V-shape (4) is lower than 10.

Claims

1. A device having a tubular shape, the device comprising: a body; and a first extremity that, has a V-shape and comprises an opening forming an ellipse, and an angle between a central longitudinal axis of the device and a tangential line formed by the V-shape is lower than 10.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the body of the device has a shape selected from the group consisting of a regular shape, an irregular shape and combinations thereof.

3. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a second extremity comprising an opening.

4. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a second extremity that is closed.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the angle is from 4 to 9.5.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein an angle corresponding to an inclination of the ellipse with the tangential and longitudinal axis of the device is from 5 to 30.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein a length of the device is from 60 to 180 mm.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein a diameter of the body at a top of the ellipse is from 10 to 40 mm.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein a length of the ellipse is between 25 mm to 55 mm.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein a width of the ellipse is between 9 mm to 14 mm.

11. The device according to claim 1, wherein a ratio between a length and a width of the ellipse is between 3 and 5.

12. The device according to claim 1, comprising at least one graduation.

13. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is rigid and made of plastic.

14. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device has a shape of an item selected from the group consisting of fruit, vegetable and animal.

15. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is configured to extract, contain, transport, deliver and/or dose a powdered product.

16. A kit comprising a container and a device having a tubular shape, the device comprising a body and at least two extremities, at least one of the at least two extremities has a V-shape and comprises an opening forming an ellipse, and an angle between a central longitudinal axis of the device and a tangential line formed by the V-shape is lower than 10.

17. The kit according to claim 16, wherein the container contains a powdered product.

18. A process to extract, contain, transport, deliver and/or dose a powdered product comprising the following steps: positioning on top of a container a device having a tubular shape, the device comprising a body and at least two extremities, at least one of the at least two extremities has a V-shape and comprises an opening forming an ellipse, and an angle between a central longitudinal axis of the device and a tangential line formed by the V-shape is lower than 10, the container being open and containing the powdered product; inserting the device into the powdered product; removing the device, the device now containing the powdered product inside; and transferring the powdered product from the container to a place of use of the powdered product.

19. The process according to claim 18, comprising twisting the device on a degree from 5 to 360 degrees after the inserting step.

20. The process according to claim 18, wherein the powdered product has a density from 200 to 600 g/L and/or a particle size distribution and/or an average particle size distribution from 30 to 500 m.

21. The process according to claim 18, wherein the powdered product is a food product.

22. The process according to claim 18, wherein the device is inserted vertically into the container such that during the insertion, the central longitudinal axis of the device maintains a perpendicular position relative to a bottom side of the container.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

(1) The invention and some particular embodiments thereof will now be described in more details with regard to the accompanying figures. The figures show manners of implementing the present invention and are not to be construed as being limiting to other possible embodiments falling within the scope of the attached claim set.

(2) FIG. 1 represents a device according to the invention, having a tubular shape, comprising a body with a regular shape, two extremities: one of them has a V-shape and comprises an opening forming an ellipse the other extremity comprises an opening.

(3) FIG. 2 represents a device according to the invention, having a tubular shape, comprising a body with a funnel shape (an irregular shape having a regular variation of the diameter of the body along its length), two extremities: one of them has a V-shape and comprises an opening forming an ellipse the other extremity is closed.

(4) FIG. 3 represent several views of a device according to the invention, having a tubular shape, comprising a body with an irregular shape having an irregular variation of the diameter of the body along its length. The general shape of the device represents a carrot. It has two extremities: one of them has a V-shape and comprises an opening forming an ellipse the other extremity is closed and it comprises a design pattern (tail of the carrot).

(5) FIG. 3A is a view of the device (1) from the upper side.

(6) FIG. 3B is a view of the device (1) from the down side.

(7) FIG. 3C is a front side view of the device (1).

(8) FIG. 3D is a hindsight view of the device (1).

(9) FIGS. 3E and 3F are side views of the device (1).

(10) FIG. 3G is a 3D view of this particular device (1).

(11) FIG. 4 represent another embodiment of the device according to the invention. It has a tubular shape and it comprises a body with an irregular shape with a regular variation of the diameter of the body along its length. It represents a kind of shovel. The device has two extremities: one of them has a V-shape and comprises an opening forming an ellipse the other extremity is closed and it comprises a design pattern (tube in the form of a queue).

(12) FIG. 4A is a representation of the front view of the device and FIG. 4B is a 3D view.

(13) FIG. 5 represents a kit of part according to the invention.

(14) FIG. 6 represent different steps of using the device according to the invention in order to extract, contain, transport, deliver and/or dose the powdered product.

(15) FIG. 7 are photos representing different steps of using the device according to the invention on cacao powder.

(16) FIG. 8 are photos representing different steps of using the device according to the invention on coffee powder.

(17) FIG. 9 are photos representing different steps of using the device according to the invention on infant cereals.

(18) In the figures and/or description, the reference numbers correspond to the following technical features: (1) device (2) body of the device (1) (3) extremity of the device (1) (4) V-shape formed by at least one of the extremities of the device (1) (5) opening of the at least one of the extremities of the device (1) (6) ellipse formed by the opening (5) (7) central and longitudinal axis of the device (1) (8) tangential line formed by said V-shape (4) (9) tangential and longitudinal axis of the device (1) (10) top of the ellipse (6) (11) graduation (12) powdered product (13) container that can comprise a powdered product (12) (14) base of the container (13) (15) opening of the container (13) (16) side wall of the container (13) (17) lid of the container (13) (18) place of use of the powdered product (12) : angle between the central and longitudinal axis (7) of the device (1) and the tangential line (8) formed by the V-shape (4) : angle corresponding to the inclination of the ellipse (6) with the tangential and longitudinal axis (9) of the device (1) : diameter of the body (2) of the device (1) measured at the top (10) of the ellipse (6) (I.d.) length of the device (1) (I.e.) length of the ellipse (6) (I.t.e) distance from the top of the device (1) to the top (10) of the ellipse (6) (w.e.) width of the ellipse (6) (d) distance between two successive graduations (11) (E) end of the V-shape (4)

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

(19) The next paragraphs give the definition of some terms and expressions used in the present application.

(20) By the expressions device having a tubular shape or (hollow) tubular device, it is meant a device having a hollow tubular shape, that is to say the shape of the device is a tube with an enclosed volume that can comprise some product, especially some powdered product. The enclosed volume is bounded (i.e. delimited) by the internal side of the wall of the device having a hollow tubular shape and this enclosed volume is adapted to allow the device containing at least some product. This means that the hollow can have dimensions (e.g. width/length) of from a few millimeters to a few centimeters, for example from 5 mm to 5 cm, such as from 1 cm to 3 cm. For example, the hollow tubular shape may contain at least 0.5 cm.sup.3, or at least 1 cm.sup.3, or at least 2 cm.sup.3, or at least 5 cm.sup.3 or at least 8 cm.sup.3 or at least 10 cm.sup.3 of product.

(21) The dimensions of the hollow of the device can be constant or not along its length. In some embodiments for example, the dimensions of the hollow of the device can decrease from the top extremity to the bottom extremity of the device. In addition, the shape of the enclosed volume can be regular or irregular along the tube. In a particular embodiment, the hollow of the device has constant dimensions and the enclosed volume has a regular shape, for example when the tube delimits a hollow ring of a diameter constant from the top to the bottom extremities.

(22) The body or body of the device should be understood as the part of the device in-between the at least two extremities of the device. The body generally has a longitudinal axis.

(23) The diameter of the device and the diameter of the body of the device correspond to the external diameter of the tube (of the device or of its body). It can be measured when the device is cut perpendicularly to its length (i.e. cross-section) and it generally corresponds to the longest distance of the tube that passes through the centre. Depending of the embodiments the tube can have a regular or irregular shape. The cross-section of the tube can for example form a circle. In that case the diameter will correspond to the largest distance (longest chord of the circle) i.e. the straight line segment that passes through the centre of the circle and whose endpoints lie on the circle. The cross-section of the tube can for example form an oval or an ellipse. Again the diameter will correspond to the largest distance that passes through the centre. However for a convex or a concave shape, the diameter is defined to be the largest distance that can be formed between two opposite parallel lines tangent to its boundary.

(24) The width of the tube generally corresponds to the shortest (and external) distance of the tube that passes through the centre when the device is cut perpendicularly to its length (i.e. cross-section). However for a convex shape, it is defined to be the shortest distance that can be formed between two opposite parallel lines tangent to its boundary. The width of the tube may correspond to the diameter of the device in some embodiments, for example when the cross-section of the tube forms a circle. In some other embodiments, it will be smaller, for example when the cross-section of the tube forms an oval.

(25) The diameter corresponds to the diameter of the tube (of the device or of its body) as measured at the top edge of the ellipse.

(26) Each measure of width, length and diameter is measured externally, unless otherwise specified.

(27) An extremity of the device is an end part of the device that can be located at the bottom of the device (i.e. bottom extremity) or at the top of the device (i.e. top extremity).

(28) The bottom of the device can be defined at the lowest part of the device when the device is held upright/vertically (that is to say when the extremity having a V-shape and comprising an opening forming an ellipse is located down). The top of the device is defined at the highest part of the device when the device is hold upright/vertically.

(29) By the expression an extremity has/having a V-shape, it is intended to mean that the shape of the extremity decreases to form a V or a U (i.e. a bevelled extremity). The extremity is terminated (i.e. it ends) by a peak or a point (i.e. the diameter of the tube becomes 0 or is close to 0) or it can form a little curve (i.e. the diameter of the tube does not become 0 or is not close to 0). The end of this extremity having a V-shape is also named E in the present invention. In a particular embodiment, the device has an extremity having a U-shape.

(30) An extremity can contain an opening or it can be closed. In the present invention, at least one of the extremities of the device comprises an opening. An opening is a gap. An extremity that is closed means that if we put some powdered product into the device, said product cannot go out through this closed extremity. For example it is a sealed extremity.

(31) The expressions an opening of an ellipse form, an opening having an ellipse form and an opening forming an ellipse can be used interchangeably. They mean that the opening is oblique (slanting) to the length of the device and it is preferably cut sharp. The ellipse may be more or less regular, i.e. it can have a regular or irregular form, especially depending on whether E ends by a little circle (i.e. a curve) or by a peak. As previously mentioned, by the expression an opening forming an ellipse, it can be understood that only a part of the opening forms an ellipse (for example as illustrated in FIG. 2). In a particular embodiment, at least the upper part of the opening forms an ellipse. In another particular embodiment, the entire opening forms an ellipse (for example as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4).

(32) The angle is the angle between i) the central and longitudinal axis (also called central longitudinal axis) of the device and ii) the tangential line formed by the V-shape of the at least one extremity (generally the bottom extremity). In the present invention it has to be lower than 10.

(33) The angle corresponds to the inclination of the ellipse with the tangential and longitudinal axis which goes along the external side of the wall of the device (also called tangential longitudinal axis of the device). When the device is used vertically to the powder product (even if it can be used obliquely or horizontally), it therefore corresponds to the penetration angle of the device into the powdered product.

(34) The expressions a product under the powder form, a powdered product, a powder product, a product having a powder form, a product with a powder form can be used interchangeably. They refer to a product having a granulated form. As previously mentioned the powdered product has generally a density from 200 to 600 g/L, for example from 250 to 580 g/L or from 250 to 480 g/L, and/or a particle size distribution and/or an average particle size distribution from 30 to 500 m, and especially from 50 to 400 m, such as from 80 to 300 m, or from 100 to 200 m, or from 120 to 180 m. It may also contain some linking or agglomerate agents.

(35) The powder product can be transferred via the device of the invention from a container to its place of use. By the expression its place of use, it is intended to mean a new physical place that is different from the original container and wherein the powder product will either be directly employed (for consumption for example) or it will stay before a later use. Depending on the type of powder product and on the purpose of the powder transfer, it is generally a recipient such as for example a new container, a plate, a bowl, a cup, a baby's bottle or any other suitable items.

(36) The expressions kit, kit of part and kit-of-part can be used interchangeably in the present invention.

(37) The verbs transport and transfer can be used interchangeably.

(38) The verbs deliver and dispense can also be used interchangeably. They refer to the distribution or delivery of the powder product.

(39) When the terms generally and typically are used in relation with a specific feature, this specific feature should not be considered as mandatory but rather as optional.

(40) Some particular embodiments of the invention will now be described in more details with regard to the accompanying figures.

(41) FIG. 1 shows a specific embodiment of the invention. It represents a device (1) according to the invention (front side view representation), having a tubular shape. It comprises a body (2) with a regular shape, i.e. the diameter of the body (2) is constant along its length. The device (1) has two extremities (3a, 3b): the extremity (3a) (or bottom extremity) has a V-shape (4) and comprises an opening (5a) forming an ellipse (6). As previously mentioned the angle between the central and longitudinal axis (7) of the device (1) and the tangential line (8) formed by said V-shape (4) is typically from 4 to 9, or from 5 to 8. In a particular embodiment the angle is 8.

(42) The end E is made by a little curve. the extremity (3b) (or top extremity) comprises an opening (5b). As previously mentioned said opening (5b) can have various shapes. In this particular embodiment the opening (5b) is perpendicular to the length of the device.

(43) In this embodiment, the device (1) contains four graduations (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d) made of nicks associated with a number indicating the filling level (encircled digital numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4). Each graduation is separated at a similar distance (d) from another one and the enclosed volume between two successive graduations (between 11a and 11b for example) is similar to the enclosed volume between two other successive graduations (between 11b and 11c or between 11c and 11d).

(44) This particular embodiment may be particularly suitable for example when it is used by mothers for delivering/dosing infant formulas or infant cereals.

(45) FIG. 2 is another embodiment of the invention. It represents a device (1) having a tubular shape (front side view representation), comprising a body (2) with a funnel shape, which is an irregular shape having a regular variation of the diameter of the body (2) along its length.

(46) The device (1) has two extremities (3a, 3b): the extremity (3a) (or bottom extremity) has a V-shape (4) and comprises an opening (5) forming an ellipse (6). In a particular embodiment the angle is 6. The end E is made by a peak and the ellipse (6) has therefore an irregular form. the extremity (3b) (or top extremity) is closed.

(47) In this embodiment, the device (1) contains three graduations (11a, 11b, 11c) made of single lines surrounding entirely the device (1). The distance (d1) separating two successive graduations (between 11a and 11b) is different from the distance (d2) separating two other successive graduations (between 11b and 11c)in the present case d1>d2but the enclosed volume between these two sets of successive graduations is similar.

(48) FIG. 3 represent several views of a device (1) according to the invention. It has the shape of a carrot. It is made of a rigid plastic material using a 3D printer. This device would be particularly suitable for products like cacao powder for example. The device (1) has two extremities (3a, 3b): the extremity (3a) (or bottom extremity) has a V-shape (4) and comprises an opening (5) forming an ellipse (6). The end E is made by a little curve. In a particular embodiment the angle is 7. the extremity (3b) (or top extremity) is closed and it comprises a design pattern (tail of the carrot). This pattern is part of the general design (carrot) of the device but it also helps the consumer to better handle it. The tube may be in orange colour and the tail in green to better remind the appearance of this particular vegetable.

(49) FIG. 3A is a view of the device (1) from the upper side, that is to say at the extremity (3b), which is the tail of the carrot.

(50) FIG. 3B is a view of the device (1) from the down side, that is to say at the extremity (3a). The opening (5) is represented, as well as the largest extremity (3b). The diameter of the body (2) measured at the top (10) of the ellipse (6) is also represented in this figure. It has a value of 18.7 mm in a particular embodiment.

(51) FIG. 3C is a front side view of the device (1). In a particular embodiment, the device (1) has a total length (I.d.) of 80 mm (the design pattern being included).

(52) The end E is made by a little curve.

(53) In a particular embodiment, the top (10) of the ellipse (6) is located at a distance (I.t.e) that is half of the length (I.d.) of the device (1), that is to say at a distance of 40 mm from the top of the device (1). The length (I.e.) of the ellipse will therefore also be 40 mm, the width (w.e.) of the ellipse will be 12 mm and the ratio between the length (I.e.) and the width (w.e.) of the ellipse will be 3.33. The diameter of the body (2) measured at the top (10) of the ellipse (6) is also represented in this figure.

(54) FIG. 3D is a hindsight view of the device (1). In this embodiment the device (1) comprises five graduations (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e) that are made by several nicks that completely surround the device (1). The thickness of the nicks is also different in the present example (0.9 mm for 11b, 1.2 mm for 11c, 2.3 mm for 11d), but they may also be similar in some other embodiments.

(55) The distances (d) separating two successive graduations (11) as well as the enclosed volumes between them are all different. In a particular embodiment for example, 11a is located at 3 mm of the bottom, 11b at 15 mm, 11c at 32 mm, 11d at 45 mm and 11e at 59 mm (when measured from the middle of the nicks to the end of the bottom extremity 3a, i.e. to E). The distance between 11a and 11b is 12 mm, the distance between 11b and 11c is 17 mm, the distance between 11c and 11d is 13 mm and the distance between 11d and 11e is 14 mm.

(56) In this particular embodiment the cross-section of the tube forms an oval. The diameter of the device (i.e. of the tube) varies along its length: it is for example at 13.3 mm at 11b, it is 17.4 mm at 11c, it is 18.5 mm at 11d and it is 18.7 mm (=diameter ) at the top (10) of the ellipse (6). The width of the tube also varies along its length and it is smaller than the diameter of the device in this embodiment: it is for example 9 mm at 11b and 15.5 mm at 11c.

(57) FIGS. 3E and 3F are side views of the device (1). The angle , corresponding to the inclination of the ellipse (6) with the tangential and longitudinal axis (9) of the device (1), is 15 in a particular example.

(58) FIG. 3G is a 3D view of this particular device (1).

(59) So in a particular embodiment, the device described in FIG. 3 has the following measures: angle =7 diameter =18.7 mm I.d.=80 mm I.t.e=40 mm I.e.=40 mm w.e.=12 mm several graduations (for example 5)

(60) Of course, various embodiments can exist. For example the different lengths, diameters, angles mentioned in the different figures can be modified to provide many other suitable devices covered by the present invention. By way of example, another suitable embodiment could be the device described in FIG. 3 but having the following measures: angle =8 diameter =15 mm I.d.=70 mm I.t.e=42 mm I.e.=38 mm w.e.=10 mm several graduations, for example three graduations 11a, 11b, 11c made by nicks having a thickness of 2 mm and spaced from a distance of 14 mm

(61) Another embodiment could be the device described in FIG. 3 but having the following measures: angle =5 diameter =23 mm I.d.=90 mm I.t.e=50 mm I.e.=40 mm w.e.=11 mm no graduation

(62) FIG. 4 represent another embodiment of the device (1) according to the invention. FIG. 4A is a representation of the front view of the device and FIG. 4B is a 3D view. The device (1) has a tubular shape and it comprises a body (2) having an irregular shape with a regular variation of the diameter of the body (2) along its length. It is rigid. It represents a kind of shovel and it may be in a colour like gold to remind the spirit of the coffee world. This device (1) would be particularly suitable for products like coffee powder for example.

(63) The device (1) has two extremities (3a, 3b): one of them (3a) has a V-shape (4) and comprises an opening (5) forming an ellipse (6). In a particular embodiment the angle between the central and longitudinal axis (7) of the device (1) and the tangential line (8) formed by said V-shape (4) is 7 the other extremity (3b) is closed and it comprises a design pattern (tube in the form of a queue).

(64) In a particular embodiment, the measures are the following ones: diameter =18.7 mm I.d.=111 mm I.t.e=73 mm I.e.=38 mm w.e.=10 mm

(65) And there is no graduation.

(66) FIG. 5 represents a kit of part according to the invention. It comprises the device (1) of the invention and a container (13) containing some powder product (12). The container (13) is a box with one bottom (14), one opening (15) that allows the consumer having access to the powder product (12). It has also four sides (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) and one lid (17) allowing to close the box.

(67) The device (1) of the present invention is attached to the lid (17) of the container (13) with gluing strips (not shown) so that it can be easily grabbed to be later used to extract, contain, transport, deliver and/or dose some powdered product (12).

(68) FIG. 6 represent some of the different steps of using the device according to the invention in order to extract, contain, transport, deliver and/or dose the powdered product. In a first step illustrated by FIG. 6.1, the device (1) of the invention (which can be the carrot device represented in FIG. 3) is vertically placed on top of the container (13), said container (13) comprising a base (14), an opening (15) being open to get access to the content of the container (13) and containing some powder product (12).

(69) Then, as illustrated by FIG. 6.2, the device (1) is inserted by the consumer (with his hand) vertically into the powder product (12) of the container (13), by pressing the device (1) until a certain level (e.g. up to the last graduation).

(70) Next step is illustrated by FIG. 6.3. The device (1) is removed vertically. It now contains some powder product (12) inside.

(71) The powder product (12) is then transferred (not illustrated in the figures) from the container (13) to its place of use (18), by a simple move of the hand for example.

(72) As illustrated by FIG. 6.4, the powder product (12) is finally delivered to its place of use (18), such as a baby's bottle for infant formula or infant cereals for instance, or a bowl for coffee powder or cacao powder for example.

(73) The photos of FIG. 7 represent different steps of using the device according to the invention on cacao powder such as Nesquik powder from Nestle.

(74) In 7.1, the carrot device from FIG. 3 is vertically placed on top of the plastic Nesquik container.

(75) Then, as illustrated by FIG. 7.2, the device is inserted by the consumer (with his hand) vertically into the cacao powder of the plastic Nesquik container, by pressing the carrot device until a certain level (e.g. up to the last graduation). As illustrated by FIG. 7.3 the device is then removed vertically. It now contains some cacao powder inside. The cacao powder is then transferred (not shown in the figures) from the plastic Nesquik container to a cup. As finally illustrated by FIGS. 7.4 and 7.5, the cacao powder product is finally delivered into the cup by tapping the carrot device on the cup.

(76) The photos of FIG. 8 are photos representing different steps of using the device according to the invention on coffee powder such as Nescafe Azera from Nestle.

(77) In 8.1, the carrot device from FIG. 3 is vertically placed on top of the tin can container containing the coffee powder. Then, as illustrated by FIG. 8.2, the device is inserted by the consumer (with his hand) vertically into the coffee powder of the tin can container, by pressing the carrot device until a certain level (e.g. up to the last graduation). As illustrated by FIG. 8.3 the device is then removed vertically. It now contains some coffee powder inside. The coffee powder is then transferred (not shown in the figures) from the tin can container to a cup. As finally illustrated by FIGS. 8.4 and 8.5, the customer finally delivers the coffee powder product into the cup by tapping the device with his fingers.

(78) FIG. 9 are photos representing different steps of using the device according to the invention with infant cereals.

(79) In 9.1, the carrot device from FIG. 3 is vertically placed on top of the flexible pack (or pouch) container containing the infant cereals powder. Then, as illustrated by FIG. 9.2, the device is inserted by the consumer (with his hand) vertically into the infant cereals powder of the flexible pack container, by pressing the carrot device until a certain level (e.g. up to the last graduation). As illustrated by FIG. 9.3 the device is then removed vertically. It now contains some infant cereals powder inside. The infant cereals powder is then transferred (not shown in the figures) from the flexible pack container to a baby's bottle. As finally illustrated by FIGS. 9.4 and 9.5, the infant cereals powder product is finally delivered into the baby's bottle by tapping the device on the baby's bottle.

(80) Other kinds of devices have also been tested.

(81) In an experiment A, several devices have been produced and tested. They all have one extremity (the bottom extremity) having a V-shape and comprising an opening forming an ellipse, and wherein the angle between the central and longitudinal axis of the device and the tangential line formed by said V-shape was 10. The total length (I.d.) of these devices was 80 mm. Different lengths (I.e.) and widths (w.e.) of the ellipse have been tested: 37 mm10 mm 41 mm11 mm 47 mm13 mm 50 mm14 mm

(82) In each case, the device was not able to suitably retain the powder product as this one (or a majority thereof) has slipped. These devices are not part of the invention. Having an angle lower than 10 is therefore an essential feature for the device according to the invention.

(83) Other devices have been manufactured for an experiment B. They all have one extremity (the bottom extremity) having a V-shape and comprising an opening forming an ellipse. The total length (I.d.) of these devices was 80 mm, as for the experiment A. Different angles were tested as well as various lengths (I.e.) and widths (w.e.) for the ellipse: angle =9, I.e.w.e.=42 mm11 mm angle =9, I.e.w.e.=38 mm10 mm angle =8, I.e.w.e.=38 mm10 mm angle =7, I.e.w.e.=41 mm12 mm angle =7, I.e.w.e.=50 mm13 mm angle =5, I.e.w.e.=40 mm10 mm angle =5, I.e.w.e.=40 mm11 mm

(84) In each case, the device was able to suitably retain and deliver the powder product. These devices are part of the invention.

(85) In an experiment C, other devices have been manufactured. They all have one extremity (the bottom extremity) having a V-shape and comprising an opening forming an ellipse, and the length (I.d.) was similar than for experiments A and B. The following angles as well as an ellipse with these various lengths (I.e.) and widths (w.e.) have also been tested: angle =5, I.e.w.e.=28 mm9 mm angle =7, I.e.w.e.=28 mm10 mm angle =7, I.e.w.e.=35 mm10 mm

(86) These devices are also part of the invention. They are however a little bit less convenience that the devices of experiment B due to the shorter lengths of the ellipse that render them a little bit more complicated (but still possible) to fill and to empty. A length (I.e.) of the ellipse between 38 mm to 50 mm (as in experiment B) is therefore particularly advantageous.

(87) For each experiment A, B and C, the devices have been tested following the process as described in the present invention (i.e. test T), and particularly by: a) positioning the device (empty) on top of the container, said container being open and containing some powder product (in the present case, it was a cacao powder of a density of 480 g/L and with an average particle size distribution of 156 m) b) inserting said device into the powder product by pressing it until a certain level (that was close to the top of the device) c) removing the device, and assessing whether the device now comprises (retains) some powder product inside d) transferring the powder product from the container to its place of use (a cup) e) delivering the powder product into its place of use (a cup)

(88) The suitability of a device for the present invention was determined depending on whether it succeeds all the different steps a) to e), and especially whether it was able to suitably retain the powder product (or a majority thereof, e.g. at least 80% or at least 85% or at least 90% or at least 92% or at least 95% or at least 98% or at least 99% of the product that enters into the device at step b)), when performing step c). Steps a), b) and c) were made vertically. For the devices that provide suitable results, other successful trials were made using the device obliquely and also horizontally. Other successful trials were also obtained when adding a step b) after step b) and before step c), said step b) consisting of twisting the device on a certain degree. Several degrees have also been tested (45, 90, 180) and they all provide satisfactory results.

(89) In another set of experiments, several types of products have also been tested using the device from FIG. 3. The devices of the invention are particularly suitable for these following products: powdered cacao products with a density of 480 g/L and of 580 g/L, and with a particle size distribution between 50 to 400 m with an average particle size distribution of 156 m (NESQUIK, Nestle) powdered infant cereals with a density of 250 g/L (Baby cereals good Night, Nestle) powdered infant formula with a density of 450 g/L powdered coffee product (NESCAFE Azera) with a density of 270 g/L powdered bouillons (Maggi Bouillon, Legums, beef and veal)

(90) Some liquid products and viscous products (gels, jellies, ices, jams, marmalades) have also been tested and the devices of the invention are less convenient or not particularly suitable with these products that are not in powder form.

(91) Although the present invention has been described in connection with the specified embodiments, it should not be construed as being in any way limited to the presented examples. The scope of the present invention is set out by the accompanying claim set. In the context of the claims, the terms comprising or comprises do not exclude other possible elements or steps. Also, the mentioning of references such as a or an etc. should not be construed as excluding a plurality. The use of reference signs in the claims with respect to elements indicated in the figures shall also not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Furthermore, individual features mentioned in different claims or parts of the description, may possibly be advantageously combined, and the mentioning of these features in different claims or parts of the description does not exclude that a combination of features is not possible and advantageous.