GB2532130A

GB2532130A - A container with separate sealed compartments

Info

Publication number: GB2532130A
Application number: GB1517861.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Welch Charlotte; Welch Brian; Welch Sally
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-10-09
Filing date: 2015-10-09
Publication date: 2016-05-11
Anticipated expiration: 2035-10-09
Also published as: GB201417846D0; GB2531047A; GB2532130B; GB201517861D0; GB201517848D0

Abstract

Container 1 may suitable for hair colourant. The container comprises separate and relatively sealed first A, second B and third C compartments; the first compartment receives a first substance (such as colourant); the second compartment receives a second substance (such as a developing solution); and the third compartment defines a mixing volume for receiving the first and second substances from the first and second compartments; at least one rupturable portion adjoins the third compartment and separates it from both the first and second compartments, so that in use, when the at least one portion is ruptured a passage is defined between the compartments and the contents from the first and second compartments can be urged into the third compartment and at least one opening means 6 is defined in the third compartment to permit opening of the container. The opening means may include a notch and a weakened section. A filter may be provided and the container may also include a mixing nozzle and an applicator including a comb, brush or spatula. Second opening means 6 may be provided at a wider section of the third compartment to provide a larger opening.

Description

A container with separate sealed compartments

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a container that is suitable for containing substances in separate sealed compartments having at least one rupturable portion to permit selective mixing of the substances to form a composition. The container is suitable for hair colourant, which may contain sufficient colourant and developer for test use for a patch test only and/or on a strand of hair.

Background

There is a large current market for hair dye, for both professional colouring carried out at hair salons, and for individuals colouring their hair at home. Permanent hair dye, containing para-phenylenediamine (PPD), usually consists of two elements that are mixed immediately prior to use: a colourant, and a developer. The hair colouring process can be potentially dangerous causing contact dermatitis, anaphylactic shock and in extreme cases death. This is due to the chemicals commonly used in the colourants, developers, or when both are combined. This can be exacerbated by the lack of experience and training of the users handling the products.

Most manufacturers recommend that their products are tested on the individual on which they are to be used, 48 hours before the product is used every time the product is used. Testing helps to indicate whether the user will or will not have an adverse reaction to the product. Testing every time is recommended as a user's tolerance to the chemicals can change due to the use of drugs (pharmaceutical or recreational), diet, age, tattoos, black henna tattoos, the use of sunscreen and other personal circumstances.

Manufacturers are constantly adjusting the product for marketing, competitive and technical purposes. Test guidelines generally specify that the test should be carried out with the colourant only or a small amount of colourant and developer (depending on which country a user is in and brand used). Semi-permanent hair dyes also require a 48hr test as some may contain a diluted para-dye, nitro-dye or azo-dye within the colourant. Colourant with bleaching booster powders and the developer also recommend a 48hr test due to the presence of ammonia, hydrogen peroxide and possibly small percentage of the PPD or its derivative.

Allergy UK also recommends a 48hr patch test as 'Cross-reactivity will occur in a 5 moderate number of patients who have become sensitised to one of these chemicals' and 'Note that if it is a 2 bottle product, you will need to mix a small amount of solution from each bottle & use this mixed solution for the test'.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: US 4534509 (Holzner) describes and shows a plastic packing device for the storage and the delivery of active materials consisting of multiple compartments destined to accommodate liquid, solid or gel materials, the compartments being formed by the joining of two flexible polymeric sheets and comprising at least a sealed storage compartment impervious to the active materials and a sealed receiving compartment.

US 7252091 (Wayne et al) describes and shows a hair colorant device capable of separately housing two volatile hair colorant solutions. The hair colorant device has two compartments used to store, introduce and mix the hair colorant solutions. When combined the two hair colorant solutions may be applied to a person's hair.

WO-A-2003091127 (Colour Test Ltd) describes and shows an apparatus for testing hair products. A multi-chamber sachet is provided with each chamber containing a mutually reactive agent of the hair product. A low strength seal between the chambers permits easy breakage and combining of contents. The sachet contents can then be used to provide a patch test for allergies, a compatibility test and/or a colour test for colourants, dyes and bleach hair products. The sachet provides quick and convenient testing prior to full use of the hair product.

EP0612672A (Stupar) discloses a package for housing and mixing two materials.

US2009/142006 -Al (Wine) discloses a multi-compartment bag comprising a front sheet and a back sheet that are affixed to each other along adjacent peripheral edges.

EP0688726-A1 (Stupar) discloses a plural compartment package for housing and storing two different materials.

US5755330 -A (Siragusa) discloses a package for containing two automatic toilet bowl cleaners.

US4057047-A (Gossett) discloses a thermal pack with ingredients for making either a cold or hot pack.

FR2876356-A1 (Winckels) discloses a double sachet the device having a channel 15 emerging in bags via openings.

W02013/087466-A1 (Schlarp) discloses a bag made of plastic film which when open can be filled with at least one product.

GB2482212-A (Robinson) discloses a dispensing device for a multi-compartment composition comprising a cylindrical or sleeve like housing.

There is therefore a need for a test-use container for hair colourant that is easy and accurate to use and which contains a sample of product suitable for patch testing, 25 and for testing on a hair sample. The present invention seeks to address one or more of these needs.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention in a first aspect there is provided a container with separate sealed compartments suitable for hair colourant, in which the container comprises separate and relatively sealed first, second and third compartments; the first compartment receives a first substance (such as colourant); the second compartment receives a second substance (such as a developing solution); and the third compartment defines a mixing volume for receiving the first and second substances from the first and second compartments; at least one rupturable portion adjoins the third compartment and separates it from both the first and second compartments, so that in use, when the at least one portion is ruptured a passage is defined between the compartments and the contents from the first and second compartments can be urged into the third compartment and at least one opening means is defined in the third compartment to permit opening of the container.

In this way the substances of the first and second compartments are isolated until use. This ensures the mixed composition is suitable for use, for example having the 10 correct potency that may change over time when mixed.

The container enables predetermined amounts of substances to be mixed to form a composition for a single use application. The container can then be disposed of. Importantly as the substances are contained with in the container they are not 15 exposed to the air which can affect some substances over time.

In some embodiments the third compartment includes a substance. For example the third compartment may include a bleaching agent that boosts the colourant.

In preferred embodiments each compartment has a volume that corresponds to the to predetermined mixing ratios of the substances contained in the compartments. Advantageously this can make mixing easier as each substance substantially fills the compartment so that application of light force will cause rupture of the rupturable portion which may be difficult to achieve if for example a small amount of substance is provided in a large volume.

In a preferred embodiment the mixing ratio for two substances may be 1 to 1.5. Ideally the compartments holding these substances may be sized to reflect the ratio, for example the two corresponding compartments being divided to have a 60%, 40% split, the compartment equating to 40% of the volume holding 1 part of the first substance and the compartment equating to 60% holding 1.5 parts of the second substance.

Preferably the container is sized to receive substance amounts sufficient to perform a 35 patch test and/or a hair strand test only. Although it is appreciated that the container may be used for other substances and compositions such as food stuffs, adhesives and settable solutions wherein the volumes contained will be dependent on the composition to be formed.

Ideally the container is suitable for addition to a package supplying hair dye or treatment so that a user can perform a patch or strand test prior to full application of the hair dye or treatment. Advantageously this can enable a user test the composition on their skin or hair to ensure they do not react to the composition, for example having an allergic reaction.

In some embodiments for example the container may be used for eyebrow and eyelash colouring substances enabling only the required amount to be mixed when required rather than having to dispense specific quantities from a large container for mixing which reduces longevity of contents of the large container due to exposure to air.

Advantageously by using the container of the present invention as a test/sample sachet there is no requirement to open the main container that typically contains larger quantities of substance. This can help reduce wastage of substances if for example a user has an undesirable reaction to a substance/composition or does not like the results of testing/sampling the composition.

In this way a user can save contents of unsuitable compositions and return or exchange them and/or is able to purchase the suitable/preferred composition having previously carried out a test or sample.

The first and second compartments include a rupturable portion so as to enable contents to enter the third compartment through a passage so that the substances can mix. In this way mixed composition is dispensed and there is reduced opportunity for unmixed contents to be applied/used by a user.

Advantageously this container allows a user to test the hair colourant without having to purchase and open a full-size container.

The container may be made from strong, durable, stable, lightweight materials.

The container may be made from but is not limited to Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Aluminium (AU) or Polyester (PE) In preferred embodiments, the container comprises film layers configured to form a 5 single three-compartment container. This is a convenient, discrete and easy to form arrangement.

The film layers may be formed from a polyester film. This material is inexpensive, easy to source and strong.

In another embodiment, the polyester film is formed from biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BoPET). This material is inexpensive, easy to source has high tensile strength and is chemically stable.

The container includes at least one opening means so as to access contents of the container. In some embodiments the opening means may comprise a weakened section configured to allow the sachet to be easily opened, for example torn or pierced, via the weakened section. This aids a user with opening and dispensing or accessing the sachet contents.

In some embodiments the weakened section is a notch formed in one side of the container. Typically the notch is provided on the third compartment so as to access the mixed composition. This is a simple and reliable way to provide a weakened section.

In preferred embodiments the third compartment tapers away from the first and second compartments to define a pathway through which controlled release of the contents is achieved. For example the third compartment may be substantially triangular.

It is appreciated that the overall shape of the container may be square or rectangular although the internal volume of the compartments may vary, such as the internal volume of the third compartment being triangular. In this embodiment the corners of the container may be heat sealed together so as to form a triangular internal volume whilst the overall shape appears square/rectangular.

Preferably the container is at least 50mm x 100mm.

In some embodiments the container may include a second opening means arranged at a wider section of the third compartment so as to provide an opening larger than 5 the pathway. Advantageously this permits contents to be accessed, for example with an applicator such as a brush or spatula.

In some embodiments the second opening means may comprise a guide at to where the container can be cut indicated by a cutting line. For example the cutting line may 10 be printed on an external face of the container.

In some embodiments the opening may include a filter to prevent any lumps of substance or any parts of the rupturable portion from being dispensed on to a user. For example if mixing a solid such as bleach powder with a developing liquid any 15 unmixed solids (bleach) would not be able to pass through the filter.

In preferred embodiments the container is dimensioned for holding a total volume of 15m1 to 25m1 of substances and preferably a total volume of 20m1 of substances.

It is appreciated that the container may be sized dependent upon contents and their intended use, therefore various shapes and sizes of container may be provided.

In some embodiments the container may include a slot configured for hanging the container on a hook or similar. This allows the container to be stored and displayed 25 easily and in a convenient location.

In some embodiments the container may be provided with a common dividing wall between the first and second compartments that can be broken to allow mixing of the contents of the first and second compartments for example the colourant solution and developing solution, before entering the third compartment. This allows a user to keep the contents separated but to mix the contents before dispensing, which helps to reduce the potential for spillage or mess.

In some embodiments the container may include at least one window so as to permit 35 a user to view the contents. This allows a user to assess that the contents have been mixed correctly.

In some embodiments the container may be formed from a transparent or translucent material so that mixing of contents can be readily assessed.

In some embodiments the container may include a mixing nozzle configured so that the substances will pass through the nozzle as the container is emptied, and will blend as they pass through the nozzle. This assists with dispensing and mixing the contents ensuring contents are fully mixed.

In another embodiment the container may include a comb to assist a user with application of the contents to a hair sample, without requiring a separate comb.

In some embodiments the containers may be provided with a display and storage apparatus for receiving one or more of the containers. Typically the apparatus comprises an elongate member comprising a plurality of hooks spaced along the elongate member for receiving the container(s). For example, the elongate member may comprise a plurality of hooks. This allows a vendor or similar to display and store a number of containers in a convenient location.

A method of forming the containers typically includes heat sealing of one or more layers of film. The method of forming the container may include the steps of overlaying a first film sheet onto a second film sheet; heat-sealing the opposed edges of the first and second sheets to form a pocket; feeding colourant in between the layers; heat-sealing the colourant into the pocket(s).

In some embodiments the container may include a third sheet of film arranged over the first film sheet; feeding developing solution in between the first and third polyester film sheets; and heat sealing the developing solution into the pocket between the layers so that one pocket is arranged within another.

In yet further embodiments the first compartment may be arranged within the second compartment or vice-versa.

In some embodiments the container is made from recycled materials and preferably 35 the container is capable of being recycled.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be made with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an overview of a preferred embodiment of the container; Figure 2 shows an overview of a second embodiment of a container; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of the invention, showing detail of an outer polyester film that forms part of the container, a notch formed in one 15 side of the container to provide a weakened section so that the container can be easily torn open, and a slot at one end for hanging the container on a hook or similar; Figure 4 shows a view from above of the third embodiment; Figure 5 shows a side view of third embodiment; Figure 6 shows a cutaway cross-sectional view of the third embodiment, showing internal detail of first and second pockets separated by a common internal wall; Figure 7 shows a package of hair treatment product that contains sufficient hair treatment product for colouring a user's hair, and which also contains a separate test-use container as shown in any one of Figures 3 to 6; and Figure 8 shows a display and storage apparatus for holding containers.

Detailed Description of the Figures

Embodiments of the container of the present invention will now be described with 35 reference to the figures.

Figures 1 and 2 shows a container 1 having three separate compartments, A, B and C. The containers are rectangular with compartments A and B arranged so that both are 5 adjacent to compartment C. Compartment A has the smallest internal volume. Compartment B has an internal volume larger than compartment A. Compartment C is the largest compartment providing a mixing region for the contents or compartments A and B (and optionally the contents of compartment C).

It is appreciated that the volumes of each compartment may vary in different containers so as to be suitable for different substances/compositions and associated mixing ratios.

Compartment C includes an opening means 6 in the form of a tear line which when torn reveals an opening 16 in the form of a pathway through which contents can be exuded.

The pathway 16 is 2 to 3 mm wide so as to permit controlled release of the mixed contents.

In Figure 1 Compartment C has a second opening means 6 in the form of a cutting line.

In Figure 1 the internal volume of compartment C is substantially trapezoid and the opening is formed at a corner of the third compartment C. The crosshatched region C1 adjacent to compartment C is not capable of containing any contents and forms a barrier to the substances/composition. Typically the crosshatched region Cl is formed from heat-sealing layers of film together or attaching them with adhesive.

This arrangement permits the container to be manufactured from square or rectangular layers of film. The crosshatched region Cl could be cut off during 35 manufacture if required/desired.

In Figure 1 the container has a first rupturable portion 4A arranged between compartment C and compartments A and B. When this ruptures contents from compartments A and B are released into compartment C. Arrows indicate the flow of substances from compartments A and B into C and exiting from C through the tear opening 6.

In some embodiments the wall between compartments A and B may also be rupturable providing a second rupturable portion 4B (see Figure 2). In this way mixing is permitted freely within the combined volume of the container. In addition to this it is possible to mix the contents of compartments A and B before they enter compartment C. Figure 3 shows a third embodiment of the container 1. The footprint of the container is rectangular. An upper face of the container is arcuate and a lower face of the 15 container is planar.

The container 1 is formed by layering layers of film 5 so that a single container with at least two compartments is provided. In this embodiment, the film layers are formed from a polyester film such as blaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BoPET), which is known under the trade name Mylar (RTM) in some territories. This material provides and inexpensive, easy-to-source and strong material that is highly flexible.

The container has an internal wall 4 formed from the same material to separate the compartments. The internal wall 4 is weakened before forming so that excess and 25 directed squeezing pressure applied to the container 1 will cause the internal wall 4 to rupture, allowing the contents of the compartments (not shown in Figure 3) to mix.

The third embodiment includes an opening means 6 in the form of a notch so that the container can be readily torn open.

In Figure 4 the container is shown having a window section 7 is formed so that a user can view the contents in use, for example to assess if the colourant and developer has mixed.

In some embodiments a spatula or application utensil is provided with the container. In some embodiments the application utensil or applicator may be included internal to the container wherein the application utensil may be displaced fully or partly so as to aid in application.

A notch 6 is formed in one side of the container 1, towards one end. The notch 6 5 forms a weakened section that allows the container/sachet to be easily torn open via the weakened section. This aids a user with opening and dispensing the container contents.

In Figure 4 the container is shown having a slot 8 formed in one end of the container 10 1 so that the container can be hung on a hook or similar for storage and/or display.

A display of containers 1 is shown in Figure 8. A number of containers 1 are hooked onto hooks spaced along the length of an elongate display member 9. This allows a vendor or similar to display and store a number of containers in a convenient 15 location.

Figure 5 shows a side view of the second embodiment of the container having a flat lower face and an arcuate upper face so as to define an internal volume for the substances to be contained and subsequently mixed. In this way the container can be position on a flat surface and the arcuate surface deformed in order to rupture the rupturable portion.

The containers 1 as described above can be easily and quickly formed by overlaying a first polyester film sheet onto a second polyester film sheet, heat-sealing the 25 opposed edges of the first and second sheets, feeding colourant in between the layers, and heat-sealing the colourant into pockets between the layers.

If required, a third pocket or compartment can be added, for holding bleaching agent booster powder. When the pocket is ruptured internally, the bleaching agent booster 30 powder mixes with the colourant solution and developing solution.

Figure 6 shows a cross section of a container having a compartment 3 arranged within compartment 2. The internal wall 4 that divides the compartments is rupturable so as to permit mixing when ruptured.

Containers such as container 1 described above can be included as part of a package 10 of hair treatment product as shown in Figure 6 that contains sufficient hair treatment product for completely colouring a user's head of hair.

A user can use the contents of the container 1 to patch test for allergies, and/or to test the results on a small sample of their own hair, before deciding whether to use the main contents of the package.

The sachet contents can then be used to provide a patch test for allergies, a 10 compatibility test and/or a colour test for colourants, dyes and bleach hair products. The sachet provides quick and convenient testing prior to full use of the hair product.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing 15 from the scope of invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A container with separate sealed compartments suitable for hair colourant, in which the container comprises separate and relatively sealed first, second and third compartments; the first compartment receives a first substance (such as colourant); the second compartment receives a second substance (such as a developing solution); and the third compartment defines a mixing volume for receiving the first and second substances from the first and second compartments; at least one rupturable portion adjoins the third compartment and separates it from both the first and second compartments, so that in use, when the at least one portion is ruptured a passage is defined between the compartments and the contents from the first and second compartments can be urged into the third compartment and at least one opening means is defined in the third compartment to permit opening of the container.
2. A container according to claim 1 wherein the third compartment includes a substance.
3. A container according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the first and second compartments have volume that correspond to predetermined mixing ratios of the substances contained in the first and second compartments.
4. A container according to any preceding claim wherein the container comprises film layers configured to define the compartments.
5. A container according to claim 4 wherein the film layers are formed from a polyester film.
6. A container according to claim 5 wherein the polyester film is formed from biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BoPET).
7. A container according to any preceding claim wherein the opening means comprises a weakened section configured to allow the container to be easily torn open.
8. A container according to any preceding claim wherein the opening means comprises a tear point in the form of a notch located on the third compartment.
9. A container according to any preceding claim wherein the third compartment tapers away from the first and second compartments to define a passageway/pathway through which controlled release of the contents is achieved.
10. A container according to claim 9 including a second opening means arranged at a wider section of the third compartment so as to provide an opening larger than the narrow opening.
11. A container according to any preceding claim including a filter.
12. A container according to any preceding claim for holding a volume of 15m1 to 25m1 of substances.
13. A container according to any preceding claim for holding a volume of 20m1 of substances.
14. A container according to any preceding claim comprising a slot configured for hanging the container.
15. A container according to any preceding claim wherein the container is configured with a common dividing wall between the first and second compartment that can be broken to allow mixing of the two substances before the substances enter the third compartment.
16. A container according to any preceding claim including at least one window to allow a user to view contents of one or more compartment(s).
17. A container according to any preceding claim including a mixing nozzle.
18. A container according to any preceding claim including an applicator comprising a comb, brush or spatula.
19. A multi-compartment container wherein the first and second compartments are maintained within the third compartment.
20. A container as substantially herein described with reference to the Figures.