EP0855350B1 - Pressurized container with two valves - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a new pressurized container, having, with a reduced number of parts, two valves: a first valve for the distribution of product, and a second valve for filling the container, refilling this when its content has been exhausted, or adding an additional asset to the product initially contained in the container. The invention is particularly suitable for the distribution of cosmetic or dermo-cosmetic products, under liquid, foam, gel, or cream form.

Since pressurized devices, aerosol type, for example, exist, the felt the need for a rechargeable system. The interest of this type of packaging is multiple. We can indeed imagine having a container of relatively large volume, containing the product, and a small container, easily transportable, which can be filled at will and taken away with you, on weekends, on walks, at the office, at the beach, etc.

Furthermore, such a small device can be used advantageously for a precise dosage of product for each use, especially in the field of pharmacy and dermo-cosmetics. However, despite this need, such a concept has still not seen the light of day, mainly for cost reasons.

One of the problems is the difficulty of making such a device at a competitive price. short. Indeed, in the case of products distributed in a pressurized container, if it is easy to prepare small packagings which respect the original formula, the economic criterion which the device must meet is not currently not respected. Indeed, a pressurized container, even a small one, requires, in order to function, a certain number of essential elements, which are the container body, i.e. a tin or aluminum can, on the walls of which a varnish is deposited and on the neck of which is crimped a valve, via a valve holder cup, as well as a distribution means connected to the valve.

However, the technique of manufacturing pressurized cans does not allow manufacturing cans small enough to match the volume of a test dose, or 3.5 ml to 8 ml approximately. Indeed, the work of crimping metal (crimping the valve holder cup, on the container body, on the one hand, and around the valve, on the other hand) which consists in forcing the metal to take the desired configuration, in particular to come and grip the valve, is a work that can only be done on pieces of sufficient size. This manufacturing constraint therefore conditions the size of the valve holder cup and therefore the volume of the container, which is necessarily greater than a dose of use.

On the other hand, these can shaping operations are expensive, as is the incorporation of a valve in the container, which nevertheless constitutes one of the elements essential for the operation of the pressurized container.

This cost problem is even more critical when it comes to achieving such a small device with two valves, a first for the distribution of product, one second for filling the tank, i.e. after emptying complete of its content, either in order to mix a first content product in the tank, with a second product contained in an auxiliary container.

Certainly, there are refillable aerosol type devices, consisting of a "small" canister surmounted by a first valve, and at the bottom of which, a second valve for refilling the container. The aerosol is refillable by means another larger aerosol device. The cost of this aerosol refillable is therefore simply that of a standard aerosol to which the cost of the second valve and of its mounting, that is to say a very high cost, had due to the small volume of the container.

There are examples of this type in fields other than cosmetics of association between a rechargeable device of small volume, and an aerosol of larger volume, intended for recharging the small device. This is particularly the case refillable lighters.

However, such rechargeable devices always consist of a container, a first valve for the distribution of the product, a system of filling, which is in fact, no more and no less than a second valve.

By way of example, mention may be made of the German patent DE 1,166,225 describing such a container fitted with two valves, each valve comprising a valve body and a separate spring, for, in the absence of an actuation command, maintain the valves in the closed position.

Patent FR 1 228 733 describes a refillable aerosol can, in which the filling or recharging, is carried out by means of an auxiliary container, by the same valve as that used for dispensing the product. These measures however, requires removing the push button before recharging, which can sometimes be difficult, and, after multiple recharging operations, weaken mounting the push button on the refillable container.

Likewise, patent FR 2 378 572 describes a process making it possible to aspirate and store a predetermined dose of a product, inside a removable head. The two operations occur simultaneously by the compression of a spring during the screwing of the head on a tank, and the compression of the dose stored at adequate pressure by loosening the head and releasing the same spring, so that, after the separation of the head and the tank, the head, made independent, can be used as an aerosol can. Spraying takes place by opening a separate valve held in the closed position by a separate spring.

Another problem is to offer the consumer products cosmetics, for example, products combining two active ingredients in one only formula. As an example, we can cite the whole range of products "two in one "available on the market, such as treating shampoos, styling-nourishing, make-up removers and moisturizers, etc. Such packaging is not possible as long as the two assets are compatible with each other and compatible with the support. Some formulas are impossible to formulate in the current state of the art, because the two active agents are incompatible with each other. We have therefore proposed "all in one" systems, most often complex, and consisting in conditioning the two active ingredients separately until the moment of their use, where they will be mixed more or less easily and quickly by the consumer. This type of packaging is frequently found in the oxidation coloring, perms.

The difficulty with such products is that since the assets are not stable when mixed, they should be used quickly after mixing and by therefore, must be either single-dose or of sufficiently small volume to be used in a shorter period of time than the time during which the mixture is active enough to be used with good efficacy.

Patent applications EP-A-063 759 and EP-A-217 582 describe systems for the extemporaneous mixing of two products by means of devices pressurized, mixing takes place in a device with two valves: a valve intake and distribution valve. Each of the valves has a cup, valve body, valve stem, seal and spring. Such a design has the disadvantage of being of a high cost price, due to the number of parts used. Furthermore, it does not authorize manufacturing single-dose, or multi-dose devices of low volume. A similar system is described in patent FR 1 431 181.

It is therefore one of the objects of the present invention to provide a device pressurized refillable, not having the disadvantages, in particular relative at cost, existing devices mentioned above.

It is in particular an object of the invention to provide a rechargeable system with a limited number of parts, compared to existing devices.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide packaging single-dose or multi-dose (preferably small volume), which allows condition two active ingredients in a completely separate way, which can be mixed in a simple and extemporaneous way, which works equally well for formulas "aerosolizable" (foams and sprays for example) than for formulas "not aerosolizable "(liquid to pasty and self-foaming formulas, for example), whose cost of filling does not appreciably exceed that of single-component packaging, and which also allows the creation asset associations, completely new to date.

Other objects of the invention will appear in detail in the description following.

According to the invention, these objects are achieved by means of a device comprising a pressurized product tank, on which a first valve is mounted and a second valve, said second valve being oriented opposite the first valve, and substantially in alignment with the first valve, means for distribution being associated with at least one of said first or second valves, each of the valves comprising means for, in response to a command, selectively allow the opening / closing of said valves, means of elastic reminder for, in the absence of an order, to request resources opening / closing in closed position, characterized in that said first and second valves are mounted inside the same body in communication with the reservoir, and are biased in the closed position by the same means of elastic recall. A device with two actuated valves is produced independent, and this, with a limited number of pieces.

The means for opening / closing the first and / or the second valve may consist of an emerging valve stem, of the side-tilt type, or depressing. A lateral tilting rod being a rod mounted so as to ability to tilt out of its axis, so as to connect a passage or orifice in the vicinity of its lower end, with the body valve on which it is mounted, thus allowing the product under pressure, contained in the valve body, to go back up inside the valve stem view of its distribution. In the case of a push-in valve stem, setting communication of the passage or orifice, is ensured by pushing in the rod in the valve body, along the axis of the stem.

Alternatively, the means for opening / closing the first and / or the second valve consist of a female member capable of receiving so removable, a control rod. This control rod can be part part of an actuation and distribution device, button type pusher, or consist of the valve stem emerging from an auxiliary container used to recharge the device. This characteristic, especially for the valve intended for refilling the container, is a possible solution to the problem accidental actuation of the filling valve.

The device may include a push button mounted on the first valve, in view of valve actuation and product distribution, the second valve being intended for filling or refilling the tank. Advantageously, the push button includes a diffusion means, of the grid, porous dome, or nozzle.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the device comprises a body and a bottom, the body forming a valve holder cup for the first valve, the bottom forming a valve cup for the second valve, the body of the device cooperating with the bottom to form, on the one hand, the reservoir of pressurized product, and on the other hand the valve body for said first and second valves. This configuration is particularly advantageous in that it helps to limit even more importantly the size of the device and the number of parts put used in such a device, thereby also reducing its cost of manufacturing. Furthermore, the mounting of such a device is very simple.

The first valve may include a first valve stem including a first end opens into the valve body, a second end opening out of the valve body, the second valve comprising a second valve stem, a first end of which opens inside the body valve, substantially opposite the first end of the first rod valve, a second end opening to the outside of the valve body, the elastic return means consisting of a spring bearing between said first ends of said first and second valve stems.

The first end of the second valve stem advantageously has a substantially flat portion, one face of which is situated opposite the bottom of the valve body, the second valve being held in the closed position by a support elastic between a sealing ring formed on said face and a seal crossed by the second valve stem and disposed in the bottom of the valve body, said seal being in tight contact, on the one hand with the internal walls from the second central chimney, and on the other hand with the second valve stem.

The body of the device can be tightly mounted on the bottom by welding, snap-fastening, screwing or gluing.

The body may consist of a transverse wall, forming a valve holder cup for the first valve, a first side skirt defining an external contour for the tank, and a first central chimney of given internal diameter, and defining an internal contour for the reservoir, the bottom having a wall transverse, forming valve holder cup for the second valve, a second side skirt cooperating with the first for attaching the bottom to the body, and a second central chimney forming a valve body, said second chimney central with an external diameter, slightly smaller than the internal diameter of the first central chimney, means being provided to allow the communication between the tank and the valve body.

The transverse wall of the body has, according to a preferred embodiment, at outside the device, an annular groove between the first side skirt and the first central chimney so as to receive a free edge of said means of distribution.

The first and second central chimneys are preferably of height substantially identical, said first central chimney having an edge free welded to the transverse wall of the bottom.

The means allowing communication between the reservoir and the valve body are arranged to allow either upside down operation or head at the top of the device, whatever the position of the device. The choice of this or that configuration depends on the application of the device and its Terms of use.

According to one embodiment, the bottom has a step in which the second valve stem emerges, said recess having a height according to the axis of the device greater than the height of the emerging part of the second valve stem. According to an alternative, such an offset is used in a way advantageous, in the case of a female type opening / closing member, for stacking several such devices. Such a drop can present on its lateral walls external to the device, a profile forming a key, said profile having a profile complementary to that of an adapter intended for be mounted on an auxiliary container for recharging the device. This characteristic makes it possible to prevent, or in any case, to limit so the risks of filling the container with a product other than that recommended by the device manufacturer, which could constitute a danger to the person performing such filling. This also allows limit the risk of seeing a container, initially marketed for a product of a given trademark, recharged later by a product competitor.

The bottom can be between the second side skirt and the second chimney central, a rounded annular profile, the concavity of which faces inwards of the tank. This characteristic contributes to substantially improve the degree of emptying of the tank.

Advantageously also, the first end of the first valve stem forms an axial stop so as to limit the movement of the second rod of valve when the second valve is opened for filling or tank refill.

The end of the second valve stem, opening to the outside of the device, is preferably of a shape adapted to cooperate with a free end of a valve stem of a pressurized auxiliary container for recharging the device. For example, said end of the second valve stem has a frustoconical profile.

The product can be pressurized by means of a liquefiable gas mixed with the product for "aerosolizable" formulas. For other formulas, pressurization is made by means of a closed cell cellular material organ, at the by means of a non-liquefiable gas above the free surface of the product, or at by means of a gas under pressure separated from the product by a flexible or rigid element, type, piston, pocket, etc.

a) au moins un premier dispositif formé d'un réservoir rempli en partie du produit A sous une pression donnée, et comportant des moyens de distribution, et des moyens d'admission;

b) un second dispositif formé d'un réservoir contenant le produit B sous une pression supérieure à la pression dans le premier dispositif, le second dispositif comportant des moyens de distribution du produit B sous pression, lesdits moyens de distribution étant aptes à coopérer avec les moyens d'admission du premier dispositif en vue du transfert du produit B dans le premier dispositif; et

c) des moyens pour la mise sous pression du mélange A+B dans le premier dispositif, en vue de sa distribution via les moyens de distribution du premier dispositif;

   caractérisé en ce que le premier dispositif est conforme au dispositif selon l'invention.According to another aspect of the invention, an assembly is also produced for the preparation of an extemporaneous mixture of at least two products A and B, intended to be distributed under pressure, comprising:

a) at least a first device formed from a reservoir partially filled with product A under a given pressure, and comprising distribution means, and intake means;

b) a second device formed by a reservoir containing product B under a pressure greater than the pressure in the first device, the second device comprising means for dispensing product B under pressure, said dispensing means being able to cooperate with the means for admitting the first device for the transfer of product B into the first device; and

c) means for pressurizing the mixture A + B in the first device, with a view to its distribution via the distribution means of the first device;

characterized in that the first device conforms to the device according to the invention.

Advantageously, the assembly also includes an adapter for mounting means for distributing the second device on the means for admitting the first device, for the transfer of product B into the first device.

The means for pressurizing the mixture A + B can comprise a liquefiable propellant, or an isolated non-liquefiable propellant optionally mixing by a flexible bag or a plunger. Alternately, the means for pressurizing the mixture A + B comprise a block of closed cell foam.

Product B can be kept under pressure in the second tank device by a liquefiable propellant, a block of cellular foam closed cells, a non-liquefiable propellant, possibly isolated from the mixing by a plunger or a flexible bag.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method is also carried out for the preparation of an extemporaneous mixture of at least two products A and B, intended for be distributed under pressure, characterized in that it is implemented by means of an assembly according to the invention.

Product A can be placed in the first device when mounting this one, or after mounting it, by transfer from another device pressurized.

Product A can be in the form of a powder (Vitamin, Enzymes, etc.) of a liquid or cream (silicone for styling and fixing sprays, etc.).

The mixture A + B is chosen by way of example from the following mixtures: keratolitic enzymes / moisturizing lotion, vitamins / nourishing cream, sprays fixants / shiny sprays, styling mousse / detangling mousse, etc.

• la figure 1 représente un premier mode de réalisation du dispositif selon l'invention;
• les figures 2A et 2B illustrent de façon schématique, le remplissage du dispositif de la figure 1;
• les figures 3A et 3B illustrent un autre mode de réalisation du dispositif rechargeable selon la présente invention; et
• la figure 4 illustre l'application mélangeur du dispositif selon l'invention.

The invention consists, apart from the arrangements set out above, of a certain number of other arrangements which will be explained below, with reference to nonlimiting exemplary embodiments, described with reference to the appended figures, among which:

• FIG. 1 represents a first embodiment of the device according to the invention;
• Figures 2A and 2B schematically illustrate the filling of the device of Figure 1;
• FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate another embodiment of the rechargeable device according to the present invention; and
• FIG. 4 illustrates the mixer application of the device according to the invention.

The pressurized container of FIG. 1, of generally cylindrical shape, of axis X, is composed of a body 2 having a transverse wall 3 forming a cup valve holder for a distribution valve 4. The body has a side skirt 5 delimiting the external contour of the reservoir 6 containing a pressurized product P, and forms a chimney or axial skirt 7 delimiting the internal contour of the tank 6. The body has an annular recess 47 so as to receive by snapping for example, a removable cover (not shown). The recipient also includes a bottom 8 consisting of a transverse wall 9, and a skirt lateral 100 comprising an external profile capable of cooperating with the internal profile of the lower part of the skirt 5, in order to ensure a tight mounting of the body 2 on the bottom 8. The assembly can be carried out by any suitable technique. As for example, the body can be welded (ultrasound, mirror, rotational welding), screwed, or slammed on the bottom. The bottom 8 forms a valve holder cup for the valve 13. Advantageously, as it appears in the drawing, the bottom has a concavity 46 facing the interior of the tank. This concavity allows better emptying of the tank and provides greater resistance pressure to the entire device.

The bottom 8 forms a chimney or axial skirt 10, of slightly outer diameter smaller than the internal diameter of the axial chimney 7, so that it can be mounted inside the axial chimney 7 and form a valve body 11, which will be discussed in more detail later. As it appears in the drawing, the body valve 11 is delimited by the axial chimney 10, the transverse wall 3 of the body, and a part 12 of the bottom 8, forming an axial offset 14 relative to at the bottom 8. The step is slightly higher than the height of the emerging part of the valve stem 15, so as to prevent any accidental actuation of the intake valve 13.

The heights of the two axial skirts 7 and 10 are substantially identical to so that the free edge of the skirt 7 is substantially in contact with the internal wall the bottom. The free edge of the skirt 7 is welded to the bottom. Apart from waterproofing, this welding gives greater resistance to the entire container, in especially better resistance to gas pressure. This weld can be carried out by any means known to those skilled in the art, such as, for example, ultrasonic, mirror, rotational welding, bonding.

On the internal periphery of the skirt 7 is disposed a chamfer 16. An orifice 17 is formed in the lower part of the skirt 7 and opens onto a groove or groove 18 formed for example over the entire height of the internal surface of the axial skirt 7. The groove 17 opens at the top of the container onto an orifice 19 crossing the axial skirt 10. This arrangement allows the communication of the reservoir 6 with the interior of the valve body 11. Such a container is used head at the top, and is particularly suitable for dispensing hairspray, lotion capillary, or perfume, etc. According to a variant, the orifice 17 in the axial skirt 7 is placed at the same level as the orifice 19 in the axial skirt 10, so that no groove is required between the walls of the two axial skirts 7 and 10. This configuration allows head-down operation of the device.

As already mentioned, the device according to the invention comprises inside the same valve body 11, two valves 4 and 13. The first valve is a product distribution. It includes a valve stem 20, centered on the X axis, and comprising an emerging part 28 outside the container, through an orifice formed in the transverse wall 3. On the emerging part 28 of the rod valve 20 is mounted an actuation and distribution device 21, of the type pushbutton. Advantageously, the transverse wall defines a groove annular 22 between the side skirt 5 and the axial skirt 7, so as to receive the free annular edge 23 of the push button. The depth of the groove 22 is chosen so as to allow the push button sufficient axial travel for actuating the valve stem 20.

The valve assembly 4 is sealed by means of a seal seal 23, of external diameter substantially equal to the internal diameter of the axial skirt 7, and held in abutment against the transverse wall 3 by the edge upper annular of the axial skirt 10. The valve stem is provided with at least an orifice or radial passage 24, opening onto an internal axial channel 25. The end 26 of the valve stem 20 opening out inside the valve body 11 has a shoulder, one face of which bears on the seal, preferably, via a sealing ring 40. The other face forms a bearing surface for a first end 33 of a helical spring 27, the restoring force keeps the shoulder in abutment against the seal 23. In this position, the orifice 24 is opposite the seal, which ensures a sealed closure of said orifice.

In this figure, the seal 23 is an attached seal. According to an alternative, the seal forms a single piece with the body of the device, and is obtained by bi-injection of an elastomeric material during the manufacture of the body 2.

According to the invention, inside the valve body 11 is mounted a second valve 13, comprising a valve stem 15, facing away from the valve stem 20, and located in the axis X of the container 1. The valve stem 15 is of structural similar to the valve stem 20. This valve stem 15 has one end 29 opening out of the container, in the recess 14, through a opening made in part 12 of the bottom. The other end 30 leads to the inside of the valve body 11 and forms a shoulder of which one face is in support on a seal 31, via a seal ring 32. The other face of the shoulder serves as a support for the end 34 of the spring 27, opposite to the end 33. Thus mounted, the spring maintains on the one hand the sealing ring 40 of the first valve 4 against the seal 23, and on the other hand the rod 32 of the valve 13 resting on the seal 31. In this closed position, a radial passage 35 of the valve stem faces the seal 31. The seal 31 is mounted tight in the bottom 36 of the valve body. The rod valve is also mounted tight in the central hole of the seal 31. Thus, in actuating the valve stem, by an axial recess in the valve body, the seal 31 flexes in its central part towards the inside of the body of valve, which clears the radial passage 35, and allows the passage of product, all maintaining a seal between the seal and the valve stem. By releasing the pressure on the valve stem, the seal 31, tightened on the valve stem, resumes its initial position at the bottom of the valve body, the sealing being completed by the presence of the sealing ring resting on the gasket 31. The part 26 of the rod valve 20, located inside the valve body 11 is extended by an axial part 37 forming a stop for the part 30 of the valve stem 15, so as to prevent the valve stem 15, when the latter is pressed axially, to enter completely inside the valve body 11, which would make the device completely inoperative, and would cause the untimely exit of product P.

This produces a structure with two valves 4 and 15 contained in the same valve body 11, and biased in the closed position by the same means elastic 27. Means other than a spring could be used. Both valves are independently operated.

Thus, the distribution of the product is ensured by action on the push button 21, which causes the valve stem 20 to sink in, and the communication of the orifice 24 with the valve body. The product under pressure contained in the valve body 11, rises in the internal channel 25 of the stem valve, and is routed to the outlet of the push button 21 via a distribution 38. Alternatively, the actuation and distribution means are of different structure and advantageously include diffusion means (not shown), type, nozzle, grid, or porous dome. Releasing the pressure exerted on the push button 21, the return force of the spring 27, urges the part 26 resting on the seal 23, and the orifice 24 opposite the seal 23, interrupting thus the distribution of product P.

When the content of the reservoir 6 is exhausted, the user recharges the latter at by means of a pressurized container 41, at the top of which is crimped a valve 42. This valve comprises an emerging valve stem 43 having an internal channel 44 of diameter slightly greater than the diameter of the end of the rod emerging 15 from the intake valve. Preferably, the end of the rod 15 has a frustoconical profile, so as to promote tight cooperation between the two valve stems 15 and 43. Thus to recharge the device 1, we apply the valve stem 15 of the device 1 to the end of the valve stem 43 of the auxiliary container 41 (FIG. 2A). By exerting axial pressure on the device rechargeable 1, in the direction of arrow 147 (FIG. 2B), a axial depression of the valve stem 15, which causes setting communication of the passage 35 with the interior of the valve body 11. The portion 30 abuts against portion 37 of valve stem 20. By accentuating the pressure, on the device 1, the movement is transmitted to the valve stem 43 of the auxiliary device 41, which causes the rod 43 to sink, and the opening of valve 42. The product under pressure contained in device 41 rises in the channel 44 and is transferred to the internal channel 45 of the valve stem 15, then is conveyed into the tank 6, via the passage 35, the valve body 11, the orifice 19, the groove 18, the chamfer 16 and the lower orifice 17. The transfer is continues until the pressure balance is reached between the device 41 and the device 1. The device 1 thus recharged can be used again, in the conditions described above.

With such a configuration, it should be noted that the stroke of the valve stem 15 of the inlet valve 13, between its rest position and its stop position, is very short and corresponds to the driving distance required for the correct functioning, increased by a slight play. In any event, it is such that the emerging rod cannot fully enter the valve body.

Advantageously, the container according to the invention is made of material thermoplastic, using the same material or two different materials, chemically compatible, so that they can be welded together. From materials which can be used in the present invention, there may be mentioned, for example, the family of polyolefins, such as polypropylene, polyethylene and copolymers of ethylene and propylene, the family of polyacetals, such as polyoxyethylene. It is also possible to use polyethylene tetphthalate, polymethyl methacrylate. Advantageously, for reasons waterproofing and keeping the formula, we use polybutylene terephthalate. The polymer used for the device according to the invention can comprise also fillers such as silica, glass fibers, or carbon.

In the embodiment which has just been described, the product is pressurized at using liquefiable gas. It is obvious that other means can be intended to pressurize the product, in particular for formulas not "aerosolizable" such as liquid to pasty, self-foaming formulas, etc. these products, pressurization is ensured either by a non-liquefiable gas, pressing directly on the free surface of the product, either by means of a gas compressed, isolated from the product by a flexible bag or a plunger. In the case of a piston, a piston is used fitted at its periphery with sealing means of the type sealing lips allowing a tight positioning of the piston relative to the side skirt 5 and relative to the axial skirt 7. The piston may have a profile adapted to the profile of the bottom, or of the upper transverse wall 3 of the device 1, so as to allow complete emptying of the tank. In the case of a pocket, a deformable pocket is used attached to a cylindrical coil. In all these embodiments, it is necessary to provide orifice type means ball for filling with propellant gas in the isolated part of the product. These means are well known and therefore require no description additional detail. According to another embodiment, the pressurization of the product in the tank is ensured by means of a block of foam foam closed cells, in the form of a ring arranged, before mounting the bottom on the body, around the axial skirt 7. When filling with product, the ring of foam, preferably split over its entire height, compresses in a multi-directional manner, which ensures the pressurization of the product in the tank. AT as an example, we use a plastazote (polyolefin foam and gas consisting nitrogen), or a rubber foam, or a buna, a Neoprene, a silicone, or any other material. The gas can be any compressible gas or liquefiable at working pressures or can simply be air. All these pressurization means which can be used according to the invention are described from in detail in French application FR-96/05918, filed on behalf of the Applicant on May 13, 1996.

The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B differs from that in FIGS. 1 and 2A-2B, in that it includes a security key which has two specific functions: protect the emerging rod of the auxiliary device 41 on the one hand, and on the other hand, prevent the filling of device 1 with a product other than that provided for in the device manufacturer. Such a key consists of an adapter 50, comprising means 51 to allow it to be mounted by breakdown, for example, on the top of the auxiliary device 41. The adapter comprises an axial chimney 52, which is forcibly mounted on the valve stem 43 of the valve 42. The axial chimney 52 has an external diameter slightly smaller than the internal diameter of the step 14. The axial chimney 52 has a height slightly greater than the height of the valve stem 43, so that one cannot trigger the unexpected opening of the valve 42 by simple pressing of any object on the top of the rod 43. As it appears more clearly in the sectional view of FIG. 3B, the external walls 54 of the recess 14 have a profile of notch type 53, able to cooperate with a complementary profile of the wall outside of the axial chimney 52.

Figure 4 to which reference is now made illustrates another use advantageous device according to the invention. According to this application, the device is used as a mixer of two active ingredients A and B, which can only be mixed just before use. With this in mind, before mounting the bottom on the body, we turn it over and introduce it through the opening opposite the wall transverse 3, a determined quantity of a product A. The dosage form of this active does not matter: we can consider a powder, such as vitamin or enzymes, or a liquid or cream, such as silicone in the case of styling and fixing sprays. In the case of "aerosolizable" products, we weld then the background on the body. In the case of non "aerosolizable" products, advantageously has a cell foam ring above the product closed M, before mounting the bottom on the body. When the bottom is mounted on the body, the foam ring M occupies all the space above the product A and is preferably in slight compression. Then we add the active ingredient B by the intake valve 13, as described with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, by placing the device 1 on the device 41 via the adapter 50. The product B is pressurized in the auxiliary device 41, either by a propellant liquefiable, either by a block of closed-cell foam, or by any other propellant means isolated from product B by a flexible bag or a piston. In the in the case of an aerosolizable product, the mixture is immediate and can be used at once. In the case of a non-aerosolizable product, the foam closed cell thermoplastic M, will contract when filling with product B, and allowing the latter to reach the first A, possibly playing the role of agitator to help mix the two active ingredients. AT this effect, the foam ring can be split over its entire height, thus forming an open ring, so that it can contract in all directions (laterally and longitudinally). The open ring can thus contract to such an extent that it only partially surrounds the chimney 7, and this on only part of its height, thus authorizing the product B to mix with product A. As the pressure drop in the device, the open foam ring returns to its original shape while around the chimney 7.

So the mixture is ready to use. From a commercial point of view, we can provide for the marketing of a kit comprising several mini-devices 1 partially filled with active ingredient A, a larger pressurized container containing the active ingredient B, the largest container with sufficient capacity and pressure to fill at least all the mini-devices in the kit. The kit may include a transfer adapter between the large container and the mini-devices. Alternatively, the mini-devices are delivered empty, and are sold with two auxiliary pressurized containers, one containing product A, the other containing product B. The user first transfers a given quantity of product A from the manner previously described with reference to the previous figure, then, from the same way, add to the device partially filled with product A, a quantity of product B so as to complete the reservoir and form a mixture A + B.

In the foregoing detailed description, reference has been made to modes of preferred embodiments of the invention. Obviously there may be variations made without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed below.

Claims (30)

1. Device (1) comprising a reservoir (6) of pressurized product, on which a first valve (4) and a second valve (13) are mounted, the said second valve (13) being oriented away from the first valve (4), and substantially in alignment with the first valve, actuating and dispensing means (21) being combined with at least one of said first or second valves, each of the valves comprising means (20, 24, 26, 15, 30, 35) for selectively opening and closing the said valves (4, 13) in response to a command and elastic return means (27) for urging the opening and closing means (20, 24, 26, 15, 30, 35) into the closed position in the absence of a command, characterized in that the said first and second valves (4, 13) are mounted inside one and the same valve body (11) in communication with the reservoir (6), and are urged into the closed position by the same elastic return means (27).
2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the opening and closing means for the first and/or the second valve comprise an emerging valve stem (20, 15), of the sideways-tilting or push-down type.
3. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the opening and closing means for the first and/or the second valve comprise a female member capable of receiving in a removable manner, a control stem.
4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises a pushbutton (21) mounted on the first valve, for the purpose of actuating it and for the distribution of the product, the second valve being intended for refilling or recharging the reservoir (6).
5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a body (2) and a bottom (8), the body (2) forming a valve-carrying dish for the first valve (4), the bottom (8) forming a valve-carrying dish for the second valve (13), the body (2) of the device (1) cooperating with the bottom (8) in order to form, on the one hand, the pressurized-product reservoir (6) and, on the other hand, the valve body (11) for the said first and second valves.
6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the first valve (4) comprises a first valve stem (20), a first end (26) of which opens out inside the valve body (11), a second end (28) opening out outside the valve body, the second valve (13) comprising a second valve stem (15), a first end (30) of which opens out inside the valve body (11), substantially facing the first end (26) of the first valve stem (20), a second end (29) opening out outside the valve body (11), the elastic return means (27) consisting of a spring bearing against the said first ends (26, 30) of the said first and second valve stems.
7. Device according to any one of claims 5 to 6, characterized in that the body (2) is mounted in a sealed manner on the bottom (8) by welding, snap-fastening, screwing or adhesive bonding.
8. Device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the body (2) has: a first transverse wall (3), forming a valve-carrying dish for the first valve (4); a first lateral skirt (5) defining an external contour for the reservoir (6); and a first central chimney (7) of given internal diameter, and defining an internal contour for the reservoir (6), the bottom (8) having: a second transverse wall (9), forming a valve-carrying dish for the second valve (13); a second lateral skirt (100) cooperating with the first in order to attach the bottom (8) onto the body (2); and a second central chimney (10) forming a valve body (11), the said second transverse wall (9) also forming a bottom (36) for the valve body, the said second central chimney (10) having an external diameter slightly less than the internal diameter of the first central chimney (7), means (16, 17, 18, 19) being provided to allow communication between the reservoir (6) and the valve body (11).
9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the first end (30) to the second valve stem (15) has a substantially plane portion, one face of which is located facing the said bottom (36), the second valve being held in a closed position by an elastic bearing element between a sealing ring (32) formed on the said face and a seal (31) through which the second valve stem (15) passes and placed in the bottom (36) of the valve body, the said seal (31) being in clamped contact, on the one hand, with the inner walls of the second central chimney (10) and, on the other hand, with the second valve stem (15).
10. Device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the transverse wall (3) of the body has, outside the device (1), an annular groove (22) between the first lateral skirt (5) and the first central chimney (7) so as to accommodate a free edge (23) of said dispensing means (21).
11. Device according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the said first and second central chimneys (7, 10) have a substantially identical height, the said first central chimney having a free edge welded to the transverse wall (9) of the bottom (8).
12. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the means (16, 17, 18, 19) allowing communication between the reservoir (6) and the valve body (11) are arranged so as to allow upside-down or upright operation of the device.
13. Device according to any one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that the bottom has an indentation (14) in which the second valve stem (15) emerges, the said indentation having a height along the X-axis of the device greater than the height of the emerging part (29) of the second valve stem (15).
14. Device according to any one of claims 7 to 13, characterized in that the bottom (8) has, between the second lateral skirt (100) and the second central chimney (10), a rounded annular profile, the concavity (46) of which is turned towards the inside of the reservoir (6).
15. Device according to any one of claims 7 to 14, characterized in that the first end (26) of the first valve stem (20) forms an axial stop (37) so as to limit the movement of the second valve stem (15) during opening of the second valve (13) for the purpose of refilling or of recharging the reservoir.
16. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that the said indentation (14) has, outside the device, a profile (53) forming a key, the said profile having a profile the complement of that of an adapter (50) designed to be mounted on an auxiliary container (41) for the purpose of refilling or of recharging the device.
17. Device according to any one of claims 7 to 16, characterized in that the end (29) of the second valve stem, opening out outside the device (1), is of suitable shape to cooperate with a free end of a valve stem (43) of a pressurized auxiliary container (41) for the purpose of refilling or of recharging the device.
18. Device according to claim 17, characterized in that the said end of the second valve stem (15) has a frustoconical profile.
19. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the said product is pressurized by means of a member made of close-cell foam (M), by means of a liquefiable gas mixed with the product, by means of a non-liquefiable gas above the free surface of the product, or by means of a pressurized gas separated from the product by a flexible or rigid element, of the piston, pouch, etc. type.
20. Assembly for preparing an extemporaneous mixture of at least two products A and B, intended to be dispensed under pressure, comprising:

    a) at least a first device (1) formed from a reservoir (6) partially filled with the product A under a given pressure, and comprising dispensing means (4, 21), and admission means (13);

    b) a second device (41) formed from a reservoir containing the product B under a pressure greater than the pressure in the first device (1), the second device (41) comprising means (42) for dispensing the product B under pressure, the said dispensing means being capable of cooperating with the admission means of the first device for the purpose of transferring the product B into the first device; and

    c) means (M) for pressurizing the mixture A+B in the first device, for the purpose of dispensing it via the dispensing means (4, 21) of the first device;

    characterized in that the first device (1) complies with any one of the preceding claims.
21. Assembly according to claim 20, characterized in that it furthermore comprises an adapter (50) for the assembly of the dispensing means (42) of the second device (41) on the admission means (13) of the first device (1), for the purpose of transferring the product B into the first device (1).
22. Assembly according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the means for pressurizing the mixture A+B comprise a liquefiable propulsion gas or a non-liquefiable propulsion gas possibly isolated from the mixture by a flexible pouch or a piston.
23. Assembly according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the means for pressurizing the mixture A+B comprise a block of close-cell foam (M).
24. Assembly according to any one of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that the product B is held under pressure in the reservoir of the second device (41) by a liquefiable propulsion gas, a close-cell foam block, a non-liquefiable propulsion gas, possibly isolated from the mixture by a piston or a flexible pouch.
25. The use of an assembly according to any one of claims 20 to 24 for the extemporaneous mixture of at least two products A and B.
26. Process for the preparation of an extemporaneous mixture of at least two products A and B, intended to be dispensed under pressure, characterized in that it is implemented by means of an assembly according to any one of claims 20 to 24.
27. Method according to claim 26, characterized in that the product A is put in place in the first device (1) during the assembly thereof.
28. Process according to claim 26, characterized in that the product A is put in place in the device (1), after assembly thereof, by transfer from another pressurized device.
29. Process according to any one of claims 26 to 28, characterized in that the product A is in the form of a powder (vitamins, enzymes), a liquid or a cream (silicone for styling and fixing sprays).
30. Process according to any one of claims 26 to 29, characterized in that the mixture A+B is selected from the following mixtures: keratolytic enzymes/hydrating lotion, vitamins/nourishing cream, fixing sprays/shine sprays, styling mousse/disentangling mousse.

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