EP1086902A1 - Device for storing separately and mixing two products, and for distributing the mixture - Google Patents

Abstract

Container(2) has its inner volume separated by a plug(8) into compartments(4, 5) to hold two different products (A, B)which are mixed prior to application, in first position the plug is held against walls of container by compression and in second compression is released. One or more of the compartments has outlet and cover linked to component which rotates plug between closed and open positions.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for packaging separated from two components, mixing them and distributing the mixture as well got.

We already know many devices to store separately two components which are to be mixed extemporaneously during the first use.

Thus, we know from US-A 5,088,627, a device of the type comprising a container with two compartments, a rigid, removable cap to separate said compartments before first use, a nozzle distribution and a rotary actuator. This operating member is suitable to prohibit, in an initial position, the opening of the dispensing nozzle. Of coupling means are provided to transform the rotation of the maneuver in one action on the cap, in order to make the two communicate compartments, said coupling means comprising a coupling member axially movable both with respect to the container and with respect to the maneuver. The container with two compartments is formed of a body in one room, a transition zone of smaller section being provided between the two compartments. In this way, a constriction is formed, serving as a seat for the cap before mixing the components.

This device has certain drawbacks. In particular, the body can be difficult to achieve, especially if it is intended to contain a component whose nature limits the choice of materials that can be used to make it, as well as the manufacturing techniques that can be implemented. Indeed, in particular the adaptation of the plug, in a leaktight manner, in the area body throttle, may be unreliable, due to body construction by injection blowing. Indeed, it results from this technique tolerances significant of the internal section of this transition zone, intolerable for the tight fitting of a rigid plug.

The object of the invention is to propose a new device for separate packaging of two components, their mixing and the distribution of mixture obtained, which is relatively easy and simple to manufacture and which is of a high reliability, and in particular suitable for packaging at least two components, at least one of which may be irritating or corrosive.

Among the products intended to be packaged in the targeted device by the present invention, there may be mentioned, in particular, hair dyes by oxidation or products for permanent waving of the hair. Usually, this type of product has at least two components, including one has a strong reducing or oxidizing power, and the contacting of which untimely, before use, with the other component causes degradation of the product.

Also, the invention provides a device for extemporaneous mixing at least two components, comprising a container with a longitudinal axis, defining two compartments, kept isolated from each other by a plug, one of the compartments having an outlet for the distribution of mixing, an opening / closing member being provided for, in response to a actuation command, move the plug from a storage position in which the two compartments are isolated from each other, at a position of mixture in which the two compartments are in communication, with a view to carrying out the mixing of said components. In accordance with the invention, in storage position, the cap has a cross section greater than its cross section in the mixing position.

According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the plug consists of an elastically deformable element, said plug being placed in the position of storage by axial compression in response to a first movement of said opening / closing member, said axial compression causing a increase in the cross section of said plug, a second movement of said opening / closing member, opposite the first, causing the decompression of the plug and a decrease in its cross section, so as to allow the mixing of the two components.

Preferably, the container comprises a body formed by a cylinder of substantially constant section.

By this arrangement, it is possible to realize, in the same container formed in one piece, two compartments aligned one on the other and separated from each other by said elastic plug. Such an achievement is simple to be carried out and at a reduced cost price.

Thus, it is no longer necessary, thanks to the invention, to carry out separate compartments which must be assembled one on top of the other, and worry about the tightness of the whole. Nor is it necessary to make a one-piece container with median constriction and closed by a stopper axially movable, of the aforementioned type. Thanks to the invention, the manufacture of the device is simplified, and the choice of manufacturing techniques and materials can to be used is extended.

Advantageously, the body of the container is provided with a closed bottom. In this case, the bottom can be made in one piece with the cylindrical body, made of a rigid or, preferably semi-rigid, material. It is possible also, to use an added background. A body of semi-rigid material has the advantage of being compressible, which facilitates, during application, distribution, and in particular the dosage, of the mixture of components obtained.

Also, the container body can be made by techniques known, in particular, by injection blowing; by blow molding; through mono-material injection, for example PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or by bi-injection of two suitable materials.

When one chooses the realization of the body by bi-injection, this one can advantageously comprise an inner layer with a barrier function, and a outer layer, ensuring the body's hold and giving the desired exterior appearance to the latter.

Advantageously, the opening / closing member consists of two elements movable axially with respect to each other, and between which is placed the plug.

In this way it is possible to mount the cap so axially compressible and radially deformable between said elements. This modification of the conformation of the cap is reversible, in response to (de) axial compression generated by said opening / closing member. So, whatever the tolerances of the container body, a seat calibration and / or the plug is not necessary; catching up with variations dimensions of the container body or imperfections of its internal surface takes place automatically.

In other words, when the plug is biased in the position of storage by the opening / closing member, the periphery of the plug comes tight contact with the side wall of the container. When the cap is located in the mixing position, a communication is created between the periphery of the cap and side wall of the tank, allowing the passage of both components to mix them.

The stopper may be made of an elastic material, such as a suitable elastomer or elastic foam.

Preferably, the elastic material is chosen from rubbers natural or synthetic, and more particularly among nitrile rubbers, butadiene, Neoprene® (supplied by the company Du Pont), thermo-plastic rubbers injectables, such as Santoprene® (supplied by Monsanto), silicone rubbers, etc., compatible with both components contained in the tank.

When the stopper is made of foam, advantageously, the foam is a closed cell foam. Among the foams targeted by the invention, one can mention, in particular, polyethylene, polyurethane or polyester foams.

Advantageously, the elastic material has a Shore A hardness ranging from 30 to 90.

The device of the invention may further include means for stop, to prevent rotation of the opening / closing member relative to the container.

According to one embodiment, the actuation command of the opening / closing member is generated by an operating member coupled to this opening / closing member, via a coupling member, for example by snap-in.

Advantageously, the operating member is mobile axially, both with respect to the container, and with respect to the stopper. According to a embodiment, said operating member is capable of being screwed onto the container.

The operating member can be made in one piece, by molding, with the coupling member.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the coupling member is shaped as a hollow rod, able to connect, after mixture, one of the compartments with a dispensing nozzle fitted to said outlet. This tip is provided, in particular, with an outlet channel. The dispensing nozzle can be closed by a removable, breakable tab or by a removable cap, for example a screw cap. The stem extends, advantageously, in the form of a neck delimiting an open free end and on which the dispensing nozzle is mounted. Advantageously, the rod communicates with said compartment by means of at least one light. Advantageously also, this light extends substantially over the entire height of the stem.

The assembly of the device can be carried out simply. Cap, mounted between two elements of the opening / closing member, being put in place inside the container, after mounting on the rod coupling member. The operating member is advantageously in the form of a part unique and is molded integrally with the drive rod. When screwing in the operating member on the tank, the rod is lowered and thus axial compression of the stopper through the organ opening / closing. The radial expansion of the plug resulting from this compression, ensures the tight and reliable separation of the conditioned components in the two compartments. It should be noted that, during the assembly operation, the plug remains in a fixed axial position.

The use of the device, which will be described later, is easy and is done ergonomically.

Another object of the invention relates to the use of the device which comes to be described for the packaging, mixing and distribution of a hair composition, in particular a hair dye or a composition permanent wavy hair, in two components.

• la figure 1 est une vue schématique éclatée, en coupe axiale, d'un dispositif 1 conforme à un exemple de réalisation, montrant le conditionnement d'un premier composant ;
• la figure 2 représente le dispositif de la figure 1, en cours de montage du bouchon, de l'organe d'ouverture/fermeture et de l'organe de manoeuvre ;
• la figure 3 représente le dispositif de la figure 1, en cours de conditionnement du second composant ;
• la figure 4 représente le dispositif 1 en position de stockage ;
• la figure 5 représente le dispositif de la figure 1en cours de mélange des composants ;
• la figure 6 est une vue schématique, en coupe axiale, du dispositif 1 conforme à la figure 1, en cours d'application du mélange.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge on reading the detailed description which follows, of an illustrative and nonlimiting embodiment, and on examining the appended drawing in which:

• Figure 1 is an exploded schematic view, in axial section, of a device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the packaging of a first component;
• 2 shows the device of Figure 1, during assembly of the plug, the opening / closing member and the operating member;
• Figure 3 shows the device of Figure 1, during conditioning of the second component;
• Figure 4 shows the device 1 in the storage position;
• FIG. 5 represents the device of FIG. 1 during the mixing of the components;
• Figure 6 is a schematic view, in axial section, of the device 1 according to Figure 1, during application of the mixture.

There is shown in Figures 1 to 6 a device 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

This device 1 comprises an elongated container body 2a 2, having a closed bottom 3. The body 2a forms a first lower compartment 4 and a second upper compartment 5 (Figures 2 to 6). One end 2b, opposite the background, is open. In the vicinity of the open end, the body 2a has a external thread 2c.

As seen in Figure 3, in the storage position, the first and second compartments 4, 5 are hermetically separated, until the first use, by a plug 8 placed inside the container 2. This cap is capable of pressing tightly against the internal surface of the body 2a, and this reversibly.

The first compartment 4 contains a component A, for example a color precursor or reducer. The second compartment 5 contains a component B, for example an oxidant. Both components A and B must be stored separately until first use. In the particular example of embodiment described, components A and B consist of two liquids.

According to the embodiment, the body 2a has a shape general cylindrical, of revolution around a longitudinal axis X.

The body 2a is advantageously produced by injection blowing or by blow molding, in a plastic material chemically compatible with components A and B, to be packaged in said body. Alternatively, the body is made of glass. As an indication, if one of the components is acid thioglycolic or hydrogen peroxide, to make perms or dyes capillaries, the body 2a is advantageously made of PVC or a complex PE / EVOH / PE multilayer (polyethylene / polyvinyl alcohol / polyethylene).

The plug 8 is in the form of an elastic washer which, in the absence of axial compression, is of thickness H ₂ . It can be made, for example, of a closed cell foam or be made of nitrile / butadiene rubber. The plug 8 is supported by a rigid base plate 7, provided with a central pin 11, passing through a central opening 8a of the plug 8. The upper end of the pin 11 has a bulge 12. The base plate 7 is blocked axially, towards the bottom of the container, by fins 23, on the free end of which it rests. An annular plate 9, also rigid, is arranged on the elastic washer, so that it is sandwiched between the base 7 and the annular plate 9. The base plate 7 and the annular plate 9 have substantially the same dimension . When the plug 8 is not under axial stress, it has substantially the same diameter as the base 7 and the annular plate 9. When, by axial stress, the base 7 and the annular plate 9 are brought together by relative to the other, the elastic washer 8 is crushed and expands radially, so that its peripheral edge is in sealed contact against the internal surface of the body 2a of the container. Thus, the compartment 4 is sealingly isolated from the compartment 5. In other words, during this relative approximation of the base 7 and the annular plate 9, the elastic washer undergoes compression; its thickness decreases (see H ₁ in Figures 2 and 3), causing a radial expansion of the elastic washer. In this way, when a sub-assembly, formed from the base 7, the elastic washer 8 and the annular plate 9, is placed inside the cylindrical container 2, said sub-assembly constitutes a reversible closure means.

The bulge 12 of the pin 11 is intended to be fixed on a rod 19 hollow, having a laterally perforated part, materialized by at least one axial slot 21. The slot (s) 21 extend (s) substantially over the entire height of the rod 19. The rod 19 is hollow and extends in the form of a cylindrical neck 30, delimiting an opening 30a and comprising an external thread 32.

The lower part of the rod 19 is closed by a partition transverse 25, which transverse partition carries a plurality of lugs 24a, radially flexible and distributed regularly around the periphery of said partition 25. These tabs extending axially in the direction of the annular plate 9. The free ends of the legs 24a are shaped as internal hooks 24, elastically deformable, able to grip on the bulge 12 of the pin 11. Thus, these tabs constitute a coupling member between the plug 8 and a external operating member 17.

It should be noted that the base plate 7 is provided on its underside abutment means, consisting of at least one notch 22. This notch is able to come in lateral abutment against one of the anti-rotation fins 23 formed on the wall internal of the lower compartment 4. The height of these fins 23, advantageously 3 or 4 in number, is decisive for the volume of the first compartment 4. Indeed, as we will see later, during assembly of the assembly, the base plate 7 comes to rest axially on the fins 23, the upper end 23a of which forms an axial stop for the means of plugging 7, 8, 9. When the operating member 17 is actuated, the notch 22 cooperating with one of the fins 23, prevents rotation of the plugging means 7, 8, 9.

The upper part of the rod, near the neck 30, is connected to the operating member 17. This operating member 17 is presented under the shape of a cap 35, serving as a grip for the user. Cap 35 is able to be fixed on the open end 2b of the tank. For this purpose, a skirt external cylindrical 35a is provided with an internal thread 17b, able to cooperate with the external thread 2c of the tank. The outer skirt 35a has a rim annular 17a turned towards the X axis, intended to be placed, after installation of the cap 35 on the container, beyond an external annular bead 2d formed on the body 2a, in the vicinity of the thread 2c. This provision constitutes a stop, so as to prevent the cap 35 from being detached from the container 2 by the user. An internal sealing skirt 34 is also provided, intended to come to bear radial against the internal wall of the container 2.

Using the threads 2c and 17b, the operating member 17 is mounted movable, both in rotation and in axial translation on the body 2, to allow the user to act on the opening member / closing 7.9. Thus, it is possible to selectively compress or decompress the plug 8, and thus to vary its radius (R ₁ in the storage position and R ₂ in the mixing position, R ₁ being greater than R ₂ ).

Indeed, during assembly of the operating member 17, by screwing on the cap 35, an axial pressure is exerted by the tabs 24a of the rod 19 on the annular plate 9. Consequently, the plug 8 is compressed axially and expands radially (R ₁ ). The plug is then in the storage position. Under the effect of the radial expansion of the stopper, its peripheral edge is pressed against the internal wall of the container 2, thus hermetically separating the compartments 4 and 5.

When the operating member 17, via the rod 19, by partial unscrewing of the cap 35, does not exert any stress on the opening / closing member 7, 9, the plug 8 retracts radially (R ₂ ) . In this configuration, the stopper is in the mixing position. Thus, an annular space (E) is created between the internal wall of the container 2 and the periphery of the plug 8. This annular space (E) allows communication between the two compartments 4 and 5, making it possible to mix the components A and B .

An application nozzle 18 is fixed to the cap 35, so as to communicate with the inside of the rod 19. The application nozzle 18 defines a outlet channel 18c, closed at its end by a closing tab 20, removable. Furthermore, the inside of the rod 19 communicates with the second compartment 5 which surrounds it, by the aforementioned slot (s) 21.

By shaking the whole, the user can perfect the homogeneity of the mixture of components A and B.

After removing tab 20, the mixture A + B obtained can leave the body 2 by means of the dispensing nozzle 18, via the light (s) 21 (see figure 6). The tapered shape of the tip 18 promotes localized application of said mixture at the desired location. This nozzle 18 is connected by screwing by means an internal thread 18b on the thread 32 of the neck 30 of the rod 19. A skirt cylindrical seal 18a is provided, applying radially against the wall internal cervix 30.

Advantageously, the container body 2a is provided with at least one deformable portion, the compression of which facilitates distribution, in a metered manner, of the mixture A + B to be applied.

The assembly and packaging of the device 1 is carried out from the next way.

We start by filling the lower compartment 4 of the container 2 with component A, so that the filling level does not exceed the upper end 23a of the anti-rotation fins 23 (see FIG. 1).

After assembly of the elastic washer 8 between the two elements 7, 9 of the opening / closing member, the emerging portion 12 of the pin 11 is snapped between the tabs 24a. By engaging the plug 8 inside the body 2a, this sub-assembly thus formed 7, 8, 9, 19 is then driven axially in the direction of the bottom 3. At this stage, the flange 17a is passed over the thread 2c, then by screwing, the thread 17b of the cap 35 is engaged in the thread 2c of the body 2a. After complete screwing of the cap 35 in the direction of arrow F ₁ , the device 1 is in the configuration shown in FIG. 2. The plugging means 7, 8, 9 then rests on the upper end 23a of the fins 23 The compressed plug 8, of height H ₁ and of radius R ₁ , closes the first compartment 4.

As shown in Figure 3, we then introduce an appropriate amount of component B in the second compartment 5 through the opening 30a of the neck 30.

After screwing the end piece 18 on the neck 30 of the cap 35, as symbolized by the arrow F ₂ , the device 1 is closed reliably, and can be placed on the market.

To use the device, the user turns the operating member 17 in the direction of the arrow F ₃ . During this operation, the cap 35 rises axially from a height H ₃ and drives axially upwards, the rod 19. This movement causes the loosening of the two elements 7, 9 of the opening / closing member. Indeed, the threads 32 of the neck 30 and of the coupling member 17 are shaped so that the rotation of the cap 35 is accompanied by an axial displacement upwards of the latter, sufficient to mount the rod 19 The rise of the rod 19, at the end of a sufficient stroke H ₃ , removes the stress exerted on the annular plate 9 and thus allows the plug 8 to retract radially.

Thus, by elasticity, the stopper returns to its initial shape, decreasing in radius (R ₂ ) and gaining height (H ₃ ). At this stage, its height (H ₂ ) is therefore approximately equal to (H ₁ + H ₃ ). In this way, said annular space (E) is formed between the periphery of the cap 8 and the internal wall of the tank body, allowing the compartments 4, 5 to be placed in communication and the components to be mixed (see FIG. 5).

After shaking the device 1, the user cuts the tab of closure 20 and apply the mixture of components A + B at the desired location, according to the diagram in Figure 6.

In the foregoing detailed description, reference has been made to a preferred embodiment of the invention. It is obvious that variants can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed below.

Claims (19)

Device (1) for the extemporaneous mixing of at least two components (A, B), comprising a container (2) of axis (X), defining two compartments (4, 5), kept isolated from one another by a plug (8), one of the compartments (5) having an outlet orifice (30a) for dispensing the mixture, an opening / closing member (7, 9) being provided for, in response to a actuation control, move the plug (8) from a storage position (R ₁ ), in which the two compartments (4, 5) are isolated from each other, to a mixing position (R ₂ ), in which the two compartments are in communication, for the purpose of mixing said components (A, B), characterized in that in the storage position, the plug (8) has a cross section greater than its section cross in mixing position. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the plug (8) is consisting of an elastically deformable element, said plug being placed storage position by axial compression, in response to a first movement of said opening / closing member (7, 9), said axial compression causing an increase in the cross section of said plug (8), a second movement of said opening / closing member (7, 9), opposite the first, causing the decompression of the plug (8) and a reduction in its section transverse so as to allow the mixing of the components (A, B). Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the container (2) comprises a body (2a) formed of a cylinder of constant section. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that that said opening / closing member consists of two elements (7, 9) axially movable relative to each other, and between which the plug (8). Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that that the actuation command is generated by an operating member (17) coupled to said opening / closing member (7, 9) via a coupling member (19, 24). Device according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the plug (8) is formed from an elastic material, in particular an elastomer or a foam elastic closed cell. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the plug (8) is made of a material chosen from natural or synthetic rubbers, and preferably among the nitrile and butadiene rubbers, the rubbers injectable thermo-plastics and silicone rubbers, as well as among polyethylene, polyurethane or polyester foams. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that that the plug (8) is made of a material having a Shore A hardness between 30 and 90. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that that it further comprises stop means (22, 23), to prevent rotation of the opening / closing member (7, 9) relative to the container (2). Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that that the operating member (17) is axially movable both relative to the container (2) and relative to the plug (8) respectively. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the maneuver (17, 19) is screwed onto the container (2). Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the operation (17) is carried out in one piece by molding with the coupling (19, 24). Device according to any one of Claims 5 to 12, characterized in that that the coupling member (19, 24) comprises a hollow rod (19), capable of placing communication one of the compartments (5) with a dispensing nozzle (18) equipping said outlet orifice (30a). Device according to claim 13, characterized in that said rod (19) communicates with said compartment (5) by at least one light (21). Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 14, characterized in that that said container (2) has a closed bottom (3) made integrally with the body (2a) of a rigid or semi-rigid material. Device according to claim 15, characterized in that said body (2a) is produced by injection blowing; by blow molding; by single injection material, such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or by bi-injection of two suitable materials. Device according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that said body (2a) is made of a PE / EVOH / PE complex (polyethylene / alcohol polyvinyl / polyethylene). Device according to any one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that said dispensing nozzle (18) is closed by a tab (20) or by a removable hood. Use of a device (1) according to any one of the claims for packaging, mixing and dispensing a hair composition, in particular a hair dye or a composition permanent wavy hair, in two components.

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