EP0918023A1 - Device for extemporaneously mixing two products - Google Patents

Abstract

The bowl-shaped container (1) with a lid (10) has two chambers (6, 7) separated by a sleeve (5) actuated by a retraction mechanism (17) of a sliding or screw system inside a base (3) integrally molded with the container. When the sleeve is retracted the two products are in mutual contact ready for mixing. The sleeve is made from a rigid or semi-rigid material, retracted through a passage surrounding the base (13) of the inner chamber.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for the extemporaneous mixing of two products, used in particular for the production of a hair composition, such as a coloring or perming composition for the hair.

In the cosmetic field, and in particular that of coloring or perm for hair, compositions resulting from a mixture are used extemporaneous of two products: a first product (the oxidant), generally under liquid form, and a second product (the dye) whose consistency can be liquid to pasty, or powdery. In the case of a permanent, we use a active in liquid form, and a thickener, in the form of a powder or a cream.

For the pairs of liquid / liquid, or liquid / powder products, there are mixing devices generally consisting of a lower container containing the first product, from an upper container containing the second product, and surmounted by a dispensing tip, and a removable closure means capable of isolate the first container from the second. Means of the trocar or rod type actuation are provided to, before use, expel the shutter, and allow the mixture to be produced. The mixture thus produced is then dispensed by exerting pressure on the deformable walls of the upper container.

According to another embodiment of these mixers, the two containers are concentric, means allowing, with a view to producing the mixture of move a cylindrical skirt isolating the first product (contained in an area ring) of the second product (contained in a central area), so that put them in contact, and thus make the mixture. Such devices are described in particular in patent US-A-3,696,919, US-A-3,856,138 or EP 0 060 401.

All these devices are not suitable for producing a mixture, one of which at less of the components is of high viscosity. Indeed, experience shows that it it is impossible to achieve a homogeneous mixture with such devices when one of the components has a high viscosity. In addition, a significant amount of the highly viscous product remains attached to the walls, and therefore does not participate to the mixture, which produces a mixture whose properties are substantially different from those expected. In addition, the method of distribution of the product, know, by a pressure exerted on the walls of the mixer, is not possible in the event of a high viscosity mixture, insofar as such a mode of distribution would require too great a force to express the mixed. Furthermore, all of these devices are particularly unsuitable when this involves conditioning a very small quantity of the component with high viscosity. Finally, such devices, by design, prohibit removal and the application by means of a brush-type applicator, or by means of the fingers.

Also, traditionally, mixtures involving at least one product with high viscosity, such as a paste, is usually done in a bowl. For this purpose, the two components are introduced one by one into the bowl, and mixed using a adequate tool. The mixture obtained is then withdrawn using an applicator brush type, or with your fingers. This process is impractical to implement. because of the numerous manipulations to be carried out. In addition, the price of separate packaging of components is relatively expensive. Finally, such separate packaging is penalizing in terms of space.

It is therefore one of the objects of the invention to provide a device for the extemporaneous mixture of two products, at least one of which may be of viscosity that is as simple and convenient to use as the mixing devices traditionally used for mixtures of two liquid components.

It is another object of the invention to provide a mixing device presenting, for the realization of the mixture, all the advantages of the devices automatic machines traditionally used for mixing two liquids, and authorizing any method of sampling and application, traditionally used for mixtures with high viscosity, in particular by means of a spatula, a brush, or with your fingers.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a mixing device economical to produce, and which is of reduced bulk compared to separate packaging of the different components of the mixture.

Other objects will appear in detail in the description which follows.

According to the invention, these objects are achieved by producing a device for mixing extemporaneous of two products, comprising a substantially volume container constant V, whose walls which circumscribe it delimit with means of separation, a first volume zone V1, containing a first product and a second volume zone V2 containing, separately from the first, a second product, said container comprising an opening delimited by a free edge of the container, to allow access to the mixture, said separation means being able, under the action of actuating means, to pass from a first position in which the volume V2 of the second zone is substantially equal to V-V1 at a second position in which the volume V2 of the second zone is substantially zero, and in which the two products are in contact with one the other so that they can be mixed.

Very advantageously, said separation means pass from said first to second position without passing through said opening of the container. In other words, going from the first to the second position the separation means do not cross a plane containing said opening. So for example, the separation means pass from the first position to the second passing through a passage formed in the walls of the container, say out of the plane containing the opening. Mixing is much easier especially in the case of products with high viscosity. Furthermore, in passing the separation means from the first position to the second, without crossing the plane in which said opening is located, the section of the opening is not affected by the presence of the separation means in the retracted position. In addition, the opening section does not have to take into account the shape or dimensions of the separation means. Preferably also, the separation means consist of a rigid or semi-rigid element.

According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, the bottom of the second area is at fixed height or axial position. So, unlike piston-cylinder systems in which a piston moves axially at inside a cylinder, according to the invention, the bottom of the second zone forms a fixed piston inside a movable separating element acting as a cylinder. The bottom thus perfectly scrapes the interior walls of the element of separation, thus retaining all of the product inside the container initially in the second zone. In other words, the bottom of the second area is surrounded, at least in part by a passage through the thickness of the walls of the container, and through which, passing from the first to the second position, the separation means move in sealed manner. Typically, the movement is a sliding movement, i.e. simple translation, either in translation coupled with a rotation (movement helical).

Thus, after retraction of the separation means, the container is completely clear, which allows, for example with an appropriate tool to homogenize or to perfect the mixture. The volume of the container is unchanged (to the nearest thickness separating element walls). The presence of separation means, to contain the two products separately, does not generate, after placing in contact with products, dead volume or difficult to access area. Of this way, nothing in the volume defined by the container disturbs the operation homogenization of the mixture. Thanks to the actuation means, the contact of the two products forming the mixture, is done automatically, as in liquid / liquid mixers, without requiring manual handling of the products to bring them into contact with each other. The device includes in addition to a reduced number of parts, which from a cost point of view makes it perfectly competitive.

Advantageously, said container has a bottom, axially fixed, said actuating means being arranged to cause movement of the means of separation from the fixed bottom, substantially opposite to the opening, so as to release substantially all of said volume V. Thus, by pulling the separation means from the bottom, it avoids that the product remains attached to the means of separation. In addition, the opening of the container is not affected in what way whether by the presence of separation means, which, after mixing have disappeared from the container. The product can therefore be removed conventional with a spatula or brush, or with your fingers.

According to a preferred form, said container is in the form of a large "bowl" opening, means being provided for removably closing said opening. Such means may include a screwed cover.

More specifically, the separation means consist of a hollow cylinder disposed inside the container, and oriented axially so as to delimit a annular volume containing the first product, and a central volume containing the second product, said cylinder having a first open end, and a second end sealed with a fixed piston formed by a portion of said bottom fixed axially, said cylinder being able, by sliding tight around said fixed piston, move from a first position, substantially to inside said volume, in which it isolates the first product from the second, at a second position located substantially outside said volume, on one side of the bottom opposite to said opening.

Advantageously, the means for removably closing said opening, also seal said first open end of the cylinder. Advantageously, the open end of the hollow cylinder is located substantially in the plane of the free edge delimiting the opening, the hollow cylinder being closed by a self-sealing skirt.

Preferably, said fixed bottom comprises an annular part and a central part forming said fixed piston, an annular space separating the annular part of the central part of the fixed bottom, so as to allow the cylinder to slide hollow around the fixed piston, means being provided for sealing between the hollow cylinder, and a free edge of said annular part of the bottom. Such a sealing can be obtained by screwing, and / or by any other suitable means of elastomeric or other type of seal.

Said central part may consist of the transverse wall of a base central located on the side of the bottom opposite to the opening, and of axial height substantially equal to the axial height of the cylinder, said hollow cylinder being suitable to slide around said central base.

According to an advantageous embodiment, said annular part of the fixed bottom has an inner edge, able to cooperate by screwing with a helical thread provided on the outer surface of the cylinder, said actuating means being able to rotate said cylinder relative to said inner edge of so as to cause the cylinder to pass from the first position to the second. Such a screwing contributes to ensuring a good seal between the hollow cylinder and the annular part of the bottom fixed axially.

By way of example, said actuating means consist of a flange annular integral with the hollow cylinder, and arranged around the central base. A such a collar may include fins, or other reliefs capable of promoting the handling.

According to this embodiment, said container can be mounted on at least two peripheral feet, fixed relative to the container, and arranged around the annular collar, the feet being angularly spaced apart from each other so to allow access to said actuating means, with a view to achieving the mixed. Such feet can be arranged in a half-moon around the base central, and contribute with the base, to ensure good stability of the whole.

Advantageously also, said central base has at an opposite end to said transverse wall, a base fixed to said feet, in particular by bonding, welding, or clipping.

According to another embodiment, the outer surface of the central base has a thread capable of cooperating sealingly with a thread corresponding provided on the inner surface of the hollow cylinder, the passage of the first position to second of the separation means being effected by placing in rotation of the central base relative to the hollow cylinder, means being designed to immobilize said hollow cylinder in rotation. Such a provision offers the advantage of being able to form a completely closed assembly under the bottom of the container.

Such immobilization means may include at least one rib formed on the outer surface of the hollow cylinder, and capable of coming into engagement with at least one corresponding notch provided on the edge outside of said annular space.

According to this embodiment, the container can be mounted on an annular base surrounding the central base, said annular base being fixed relative to the container. Advantageously, the annular base is obtained from molding with the container. We uses a thermoplastic material such as polypropylene or chloride polyvinyl.

In the same way as for the previous embodiment, the central base may have at one end opposite to said transverse wall, a base connected to said annular base, in particular by snap-fastening, so as to be free in rotation relative to said annular base, said base forming said means actuation.

By way of example, said first and second products are intended for the preparation of a hair composition. With this in mind, the first product can be a oxidant of liquid consistency, the second product being a colorant of liquid to pasty or powdery consistency. According to an alternative, said hair composition is a product with two components, the first product being a perming agent in liquid form, the second product being a thickener, in particular in the form of a powder. The mixture forms an extremely viscous paste, applicable by hand or by means of a brush.

• les figures 1A-1C illustrent un premier mode de réalisation du dispositif de mélange selon l'invention;
• les figures 2A-2C illustrent le fonctionnement du dispositif représenté aux figures 1A-1C; et
• les figures 3A-3C illustrent une variante du mode de réalisation des figures 1A et 1C.

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:

• Figures 1A-1C illustrate a first embodiment of the mixing device according to the invention;
• Figures 2A-2C illustrate the operation of the device shown in Figures 1A-1C; and
• Figures 3A-3C illustrate a variant of the embodiment of Figures 1A and 1C.

Figures 1A-1C to which reference is now made illustrate a first embodiment of the mixing device according to the invention. The device according to this embodiment is in the form of a bowl 2 with a large opening 8, mounted on two feet 3, 4, obtained by molding with the bowl 2. Inside the bowl 2, substantially in the X axis, is arranged a hollow cylindrical skirt 5, which delimits with the walls 45 of the bowl, including with the bottom two zones 6, 7, isolated one from the other. A first annular zone 7, of initial volume V1, contains a first product, in particular an oxidant in liquid form. A second zone 6, central, initial volume V2, contains a second product, in particular a dye in the form of a cream or powder. The overall volume of the bowl, i.e. substantially V1 + V2 (to the thickness of the walls) is V. The cylindrical skirt 5 has an open end 11 which, in the position illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, i.e. before mixing, is substantially in the plane of the opening 8 delimited by the free edge 9 of the bowl. A screwed cover 10 covers so removable opening 8, and also closes the opening defined by the end open 11. A sealing skirt 26 formed by the cover 10 makes it possible to isolate sealingly the annular zone 7 of the central zone 6.

The end 12 opposite the open end 11 of the cylindrical skirt 5 is sealed off by a bottom consisting of an end wall 13 of a central base 14 arranged under the bowl. A seal 19 can be provided at the vicinity of the end wall 13 so as to improve the tightness of the closure of the end 12. The central base 14 is substantially tall identical to the height of the cylindrical skirt 5 and ends with a base formed of two portions 15, 16, connected to feet 3, 4, by gluing, welding or any other suitable technique, so as to immobilize the base in rotation 14. This forms an assembly capable of resting stably on a surface. plane. The end 12 of the cylindrical skirt 5 is located outside of the bowl 2, under this, and ends in a part folded 90 ° outwards 24, carrying elements projecting radially, and forming an actuating flange 17. The space between the feet 3, 4 allows the user to have access to the collar actuation, with a view to producing the mixture, as will be seen more in detail later.

As it appears clearly in Figure 1B, the bottom of the bowl has a part annular 20, of which a free edge 21 is situated so as to delimit with the wall end 13 of the central base 14, an annular space 22 adapted to receive the skirt cylindrical 5. A seal 18 can be provided between the annular part 20 of the bottom of the bowl and the folded part 24, so as to improve the sealing in the position of storage. The outer surface of the cylindrical skirt has a helical thread 25, able to cooperate by screwing with the free edge 21 of the annular part of the bottom of bowl 2, so that when the flange 17 is rotated, the rotational movement of the cylindrical skirt 5, is accompanied by a movement of axial translation of the latter, until its open end 11 arrives substantially at the free edge 21 of the annular part of the bottom of the bowl. In this position, the central zone 6 is of substantially zero volume. The volume V of the bowl, substantially identical to the initial volume, is completely free, that is, free of any protruding or raised element capable of creating volumes dead, harmful if necessary, to the homogenization of the mixture and / or its sample.

In the sectional view illustrated in FIG. 1C, the feet 3 and 4 are in the form of half Moon.

Figures 2A-2C illustrate the operation of the mixer according to the invention. In FIG. 2A, the device is in the position illustrated in the figures previous. The dye in the form of a cream is contained in the central zone 6, of volume V2. The oxidant is in the annular part 7 of volume V1. The two products are kept isolated from each other. Bowl 2 is covered with screwed cover 10.

To carry out the mixing, the user actuates the flange 17 so as to cause an axial movement of the cylindrical skirt 5, opposite the opening 8 of the bowl 2. The end wall 13 of the central base 14 acts as a fixed piston, and retains the dye in the bowl, as the cylindrical skirt descends. In addition, the fixed piston ensures perfect wiping of the internal walls of the skirt cylindrical 5, so that all the product contained in the central zone 6 is actually used for the mixture to be produced. The volume V2 of the central part 6 decreases gradually until it is substantially equal to zero in the position illustrated in Figure 2B. In this position, in fact, the cylindrical skirt 5 is located entirely outside the bowl, which has a substantially internal surface continuous and smooth, free of any relief or hollow element able to interfere homogenization of the mixture and / or its sampling. The overall volume of the bowl after mixing is substantially identical to its initial volume.

In Figure 2C, the cover has been removed. The mixture can be homogenized with using a spatula for example, and taken and applied so conventional with a brush, or with your fingers, the free edge 9 of the bowl 2 can be used to wring out the brush.

The embodiment of Figures 3A-3C is in its form, slightly different of the embodiment which has just been discussed with reference to FIGS. 1A-1C and 2A-2C. However, its principle is identical. According to this embodiment, the central base 14 carries on its outer surface a thread 30 capable of cooperating with a corresponding thread 31 provided on the inner surface of the skirt cylindrical 5. The screw connection seals the end closure 12 of the cylindrical skirt 5. According to this embodiment, the bowl 2 is mounted on an annular base 32. The central base 14 is axially immobile and free in rotation relative to the annular base 32. The base 14 has at its end opposite the end wall 13, a base consisting of a wall transverse 33 of which a flange 34 can be connected by snap-fastening on the end free of the annular base 32. The cylindrical skirt 5, present on the outside of the bowl 2 two radial lugs 35, 36 oriented opposite one another, and the end of which free has a notch 37, respectively 38, capable of coming into engagement with a rib 39, respectively 40, arranged axially on the surface internal of the annular leg 32, over a substantial part of its height, of so as to immobilize in rotation the cylindrical skirt 5, during its movement axial, with a view to producing the mixture. A seal 41 can be provided between the free edge 21 of the annular part 20 of the bottom of the bowl 2, and the skirt cylindrical 5, so as to perfect the tightness of the bowl at this location.

To make the mixture, the user grasps the bowl by the rim 34, and drags it rotation with respect to the annular base 32. In doing so, thanks to the cooperation of threads 30 and 31, the cylindrical skirt 5 is driven downwards, until it or substantially outside the bowl 2, in the position illustrated in FIG. 3C. So as discussed with reference to the previous embodiment, the end wall 13 of the base 14 acts as a fixed piston so as to retain the product contained at inside zone 6, in bowl 2. In the position of FIG. 3C, the the open end 11 of the cylindrical skirt 5 is substantially at the same level that the annular part 20 of the bottom of the bowl 2, as well as the end wall 13 of the base 14. In the same way as for the other embodiment, the mixture can, after removing the cover 10, be homogenized by means of a spatula or brush before being removed for application.

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 (20)

Device (1) for the extemporaneous mixing of two products, comprising a container (2) of substantially constant volume V, the walls (45) of which circumscribe delimit with separation means (5), a first zone (7) of volume V1, containing a first product and a second zone (6) of volume V2 containing, separately from the first, a second product, an opening (8) being delimited by a free edge (9) of the container, to allow access to the mixing, said separation means (5) being able, under the action of means actuation (17, 34), to pass from a first position in which the volume V2 of the second zone (6) is substantially equal to V-V1 at a second position in which the volume V2 of the second zone (6) is substantially zero, and in which the two products are in contact with each other so that they can be mixed, said separation means (5) passing from the first position to the second without passing through said opening (8). Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the means for partition (5) consist of a rigid or semi-rigid element. Device according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that the bottom (13) of the second zone (6) is in a fixed axial position. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that that the bottom (13) of the second zone (6) is surrounded, at least in part, by a passage through the thickness of the walls (45) of the container, and through which, passing from the first to the second position, the separation means (5) are move0 tightly. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that that said container (2) has a bottom, axially fixed, said means actuator (17, 34) being arranged to cause movement of the separation means (5) relative to the fixed bottom, substantially opposite to the opening (8), so as to release substantially all of said volume V. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that that said container (2) is in the form of a "bowl" with a large opening, means (10) being provided for removably closing said opening. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that that the separation means (5) consist of a hollow cylinder arranged at inside the container (2), and oriented axially so as to define a volume annular (7) containing the first product, and a central volume (6) containing the second product, said cylinder (5) having a first open end (11), and a second end (12) sealed with a fixed piston (13) formed by a portion of said axially fixed bottom, said cylinder (5) being able, by a sealed sliding around said fixed piston (13), pass from a first position, substantially inside said volume, in which it isolates the first product of the second, at a second position located substantially outside said volume, on one side of the bottom opposite to said opening (8). Device according to claims 6 and 7 characterized in that the means (10) to removably close said opening, also close off sealing said first open end (11) of the cylinder (5). Device according to claim 7 or 8 characterized in that said fixed bottom comprises an annular part (20) and a central part forming said fixed piston (13), an annular space (22) separating the annular part from the central part of the fixed bottom, so as to allow the hollow cylinder (5) to slide around the fixed piston (13), means (41, 21, 25) being provided for sealing between the hollow cylinder, and a free edge (21) of said annular part (20). Device according to Claim 9, characterized in that the said central part consists of a transverse wall (13) of a central base (14) located on the side from the bottom opposite to the opening (8), and of axial height substantially equal to the axial height of the cylinder (5), said hollow cylinder (5) being able to slide around of said central base (14). Device according to claim 9 or 10 characterized in that said part annular (20) of the fixed bottom has an inner edge (21), able to cooperate by screwing with a helical thread (25) provided on the outer surface of the cylinder (5), said actuating means (17) being adapted to rotate said cylinder (5) relative to said inner edge (21) so as to cause the passage of the cylinder (5) from the first position to the second. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that that said actuating means consist of an annular flange (17) integral with the hollow cylinder (5), and arranged around the central base (14). Device according to claim 12 characterized in that said container is mounted on at least two peripheral feet (3, 4), fixed relative to the container (2), and arranged around the annular flange (17), the feet being spaced angularly between them so as to allow access to said means actuator (17), for the production of the mixture. Device according to claim 13 characterized in that said central base (14) has at one end opposite to said transverse wall, a base (15, 16) fixed to said feet (3, 4), in particular by gluing, welding, or clipping. Device according to claim 10 characterized in that the surface outside of the central base (14) has a thread (30) capable of cooperating with tightly sealed with a corresponding thread (31) provided on the inner surface from the hollow cylinder (5), the passage from the first position to the second of the means separation by rotating the central base (14) relative to the hollow cylinder (5), means (37-40) being provided for immobilizing in rotation said hollow cylinder (5). Device according to claim 15 characterized in that the container (2) is mounted on an annular foot (32) surrounding the central base (14), said foot annular (32) being fixed relative to the container. Device according to claim 16 characterized in that the central base (14) has at one end opposite said transverse wall (13), a base (33, 34) connected to said annular base (32), in particular by snap-fastening, so as to be free to rotate relative to said annular leg (32), said base (33, 34) forming said actuating means. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first and second products are intended for the preparation of a hair composition. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first product is an oxidizer of liquid consistency, the second product being a dye liquid to pasty or powdery consistency. Device according to claim 19 characterized in that said composition is a two-component perm product, the first product being a perm active in liquid form, the second product being a thickener, especially in the form of a powder.

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