MXPA97001055A - Container monocuerpo, for the separate conditioning and the mixture of at least dosproduct - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a container for the separate conditioning and mixing of at least one base product and at least one secondary product, comprising a body, an internal plug, a closing means and a plug opening device internal, the body comprising a wall defining the profile of a bowl-shaped main cavity capable of containing the base product and the profile of a secondary cavity capable of containing the secondary product, the secondary cavity being included in the main cavity, the plug allowing hermetically isolating the secondary cavity of the main cavity, the closure means allowing the main cavity of the outside air to be hermetically isolated, characterized in that the device for opening the internal cap allows the internal cap to be removed before or simultaneously with the opening of the cavity princip

Description

MQNOCUERPO RECIPIENT, FOR SEPARATE CONDITIONING AND THE MIXING OF AT LEAST TWO PRODUCTS Field of the invention The subject of the invention is a container for the separate conditioning and subsequent mixing of at least two products. It is known that it is often necessary to make a mixture of several products at the time of use, the separated products being well supported by their prolonged storage, while their mixture is rapidly altered. Such conditioning can be used, for example, for the marketing of pharmaceutical, cosmetic or photographic products. The container object of the invention refers more particularly to the preservation and mixing of products of poor fluidity, in particular to the storage and mixing of several products at least one of which is viscous, such as for example the preservation and mixing of a product. powder with a cream or a paste or two creams. We can cite coloring products as an example of such products.

REF: 24053 Background of the invention Various packages are already known which allow a separate storage of two products and their contacting just before use, in particular by documents FR-2283064, FR-2602752, FR-2396701, EP-0417998. However, these containers allow a mixture essentially under the action of gravity, which is poorly adapted in the case of viscous products and powders, products that flow poorly. More precisely, in document F-2283064 the proposed system allows the separate storage of a solid and a liquid which are isolated by a tear-off film. In this system, the opening, incomplete, between the two compartments that contain each product, opening due to the tearing of the film, would be insufficient to allow an easy and homogeneous mixture of products, in the case that one of these products was a paste , a cream or a powder. In the system of document F-2602752, one of the products is a liquid that will impregnate a tampon contained in another cavity, both cavities being separated by a tear-off film. This conditioning therefore has the same drawbacks (difficulty of flow and mixing) for a paste, cream or powder as described above. The same goes for the device of the patent F-2396701. In addition, the containers according to this patent are constituted by the assembly and the welding of several compartments, whereby the high number of pieces of such container implies a non-negligible extra cost in relation to a one-piece container. In the system described in EP-0417998, the container comprises a tubular upper compartment, which is unfavorable for mixing when the product stored in the upper compartment is a cream and therefore flows poorly. This form also has the drawback of not easily allowing the mixing of the products by means of an instrument such as a rod or a brush. This drawback is common to the other known systems. In addition, this container is manufactured by injection with blowing, which is a costly technique.

US-4,410,085 and W095 / 23744 describe devices that allow the simultaneous mixing of two products contained in two cavities, one main, the other secondary contained in the main cavity, the two cavities being separated by a plug. However, in each of these devices, it is necessary to open the main cavity before opening the secondary cavity. Accordingly, awkward handling at the time of opening of the secondary cavity runs the risk of the product contained in the main cavity leaving the container. For this reason, the applicant has experienced amazement when discovering an inexpensive container, for the separate conditioning of at least one base product and of at least one secondary product, in a single body and that can be manufactured under interesting economic conditions. This container allows in particular the storage and mixing in good conditions of products that flow with difficulty, in particular of several products, at least one of which is viscous, such as for example two creams or a powder with a cream or a paste .

Description of the invention The subject of the invention is a single-body container for the separate conditioning and mixing of at least one base product and at least one secondary product, comprising a body, an internal stopper, a closing means and a delivery device. opening of the internal plug, the body comprising a wall defining the profile of a bowl-shaped main cavity capable of containing the base product and the profile of a secondary cavity capable of containing the secondary product, the secondary cavity being included in the main cavity, allowing the internal plug to hermetically insulate the secondary cavity of the main cavity / allowing the closing means to hermetically isolate the main cavity of the external air, characterized in that the device for opening the internal cap allows removing the internal cap before opening the cap. the main cavity or simultaneously to it. This device allows to avoid risky manipulations at the time of opening the secondary cavity, since this is done while the main cavity is still closed and the contents of both cavities can not be poured out, or simultaneously with the opening of the cavity. main cavity and the user does not have to manipulate the plug of the secondary cavity while the main cavity is already open, its contents being able to escape. The profile of the main cavity presents globally the shape of a bowl. In this way, the profile of the secondary cavity can be inscribed in the form of an excrescence. The profile of the main cavity can also be provided with a flat bottom. The bowl shape allows, in particular, easy mixing of the products contained in the body, by means of instruments, such as a brush or toothpick. This facility is extremely favorable for obtaining a homogeneous mixture from products of poor fluidity, in particular products in which at least one is viscous. This ease of mixing is all the more important when the user of these products is not an expert, but an ordinary consumer.

The body is made of thermopastic material. It can be the result of the superposition of several different thermoplastic materials and can be manufactured by any means known to the person skilled in the art, such as, for example, thermoforming, injection, blowing. Preferably, to make the product economically interesting, it is manufactured by thermoforming or by injection, and according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is manufactured by thermoforming. As thermoplastic material, for example, polyethylene, polypropylene, a copolymer of ethylene and propylene can be used. The closing means may be an external plug located in the opening of the main cavity; in this case, the body comprises complementary engaging means at the periphery of the main cavity. The closure means can also be a detachable film in one piece. In the event that the closure means is a detachable film of a single piece, it will be of an air-tight material and chemically compatible with the base and secondary products.

The film is fixed to the wall of the body and located in the opening of the main cavity. The fixing of the film to the body must be at the same time sealed and manually started. In addition, it is necessary that the film is made of a material such that it does not tear when it is torn from the body, but, on the contrary, comes out in one piece. Such a film is usually constituted by at least three superimposed layers: the central layer, which may be made of aluminum or thermo-elastic material, determines the tightness of the film; the upper layer of thermoplastic material conditions the impossibility of tearing the film and the lower layer is a thermoplastic film which makes the film peelable. The internal plug is essentially constituted by a skirt and a bottom; it must allow the tight closing of the secondary cavity; it must also be easily removed before the opening of the main cavity or simultaneously to the same, to allow the mixing of the two products before use. The secondary cavity is provided, at its ends, with hooking means that cooperate with the skirt of the cap and allow it to be tightly fixed. The internal plug is preferably made with thermo-elastic material. It may be manufactured by any means known to the person skilled in the art, such as for example by thermoforming an extruded film or by injection. Preferably, the plug will be manufactured by injection; this technique, more exact, allows to obtain a better watertightness. To allow the user to remove the plug, several solutions can be considered: In a first variant, the profile of the secondary cavity comprises a rigid projection and a deformable zone in the periphery and in a first end of this projection, this projection cooperating with this deformable zone in such a way that a pressure exerted on the deformable area causes the internal plug to jump by supporting its other end on said internal plug. This should preferably be done before the film has been removed. The periphery of said projection can be made deformable by any means known to the person skilled in the art, such as, for example, by the presence of grooves in the profile of the cavity or by a smaller thickness of the thermoplastic material at the periphery of this projection. Eventually, the internal plug can be provided with an internal skirt in which the rigid projection will be placed, preventing it from flexing under pressure. In a second variant, the internal plug comprises a rigid pin whose end rests on the wall of the secondary cavity. A pressure exerted on this wall allows the cap to pop out. You must also proceed to this action before you have removed the film. In a third variant, the internal plug is provided with a recessed tongue having two ends, one end fixed to the internal plug, and another end fixed to the closing means, by means of a non-detachable fixing. In particular, when the closure means is a peelable film, the fixing of the tongue on the film is different from the fixing of the film on the body, whereby, when the user removes the film, it pulls the tongue and the film with it. the internal plug. This solution has the advantage of allowing with a single action the opening of the two cavities and the dragging of the internal plug out of the container.

According to a fourth variant, the internal plug comprises a hollow skirt of sufficient height so that the bottom of the main cavity emerges at the level of the upper wall of the body and the bottom of the internal plug is fixed by means of a closure. According to the invention, the fixing of the bottom of the internal plug to the closing means is not detachable. In particular, when the closure means is a releasable film, the fixing of the internal plug on the film is different from the fixing of the film on the body. Thus, when the user removes the film, it drags the internal plug with it. This solution has the advantage of allowing in a single act the opening of the two cavities and the dragging of the internal plug out of the container. According to the first three variants of the invention, the manufacturer first fills the secondary cavity with the secondary product; then, fill this cavity with the internal plug; then fill the main cavity and the obtura, eventually fixing the tongue to the film in the case of the fourth variant. According to the fourth variant, the manufacturer can, according to the shape of the cavity, proceed as in the preceding variants. It can also place the secondary product inside the hollow internal plug, said plug becoming so that it rests on its bottom. Then fix the body on this plug; then turn the assembly over and fill the main cavity, then secure the closing means, fixing the bottom of the internal plug on the film. Depending on the case, the body profile can be provided with a flat bottom that allows it to rest on a flat surface. This body can also comprise a skirt that allows it to rest on a flat surface whatever the profile of the rest of the body. After having removed the film and opened the secondary cavity, the user can mix by means of any known instrument, such as a brush or a swab, the base product and the secondary product. The container according to the invention may further comprise a sample cavity disposed in the wall of the body, this cavity being able to contain a sample dose of the base product or the secondary product. This cavity is blocked by a closing means of the same type as that which covers the main cavity. However, these two media are different, which allows opening the sample cavity and dosing the product it contains without opening the main cavity. The container according to the invention can also comprise an instrument cavity arranged in the wall of the body, this cavity being able to contain various instruments useful for the handling of the products, such as gloves, a brush, etc ... In the same way that the cavity for sample, the instrument cavity can be sealed by an independent closing means; it can, however, be sealed by the same closing means as the main cavity. In order to better understand the object of the invention, we will describe below, by way of non-limiting example, containers corresponding to the characteristics of this invention.

Figure 1 represents a device according to the invention in cross section, whose opening is carried out by means of a projection located on the wall of the secondary cavity.

Figures 2a and 2b represent a device according to the invention in cross section, whose opening is carried out by means of a rigid pin fixed on the cap.

Figure 3 represents a device according to the invention in cross section, whose opening is made by means of a fixed tab.

Figures 4a, 4b and 4c represent a device according to the invention in cross section, this device comprising an emergent cap fixed by closing the main cavity, as well as the procedure for filling it.

Figures 5 and 6 each represent a device according to the invention in cross section, each of these devices comprising a pop-up cap, provided with a rigid spigot, fixed by means of closing the main cavity.

The container shown in FIG. 1 is constituted by a body 1 of thermoformed polyethylene, an internal plug 2, two thermofixed films 3 and 4. The body 1 has the shape of a protuberance defining a main cavity 1.1 in the form of a bowl and a secondary cavity 2.1 at the bottom of the main cavity 1.1; a hooking means 1.5 of the press fit type allows the tight fitting of the cap 2 separating the cavity 1.1, which contains a product 1.2, and the cavity 2.1 containing a product 2.2. The products 1.2 and 2.2 are respectively a cream and a powder for dyeing the hair. A peripheral circular skirt 1.6 allows the container to be placed on a flat surface. For this purpose, the skirt 1.6 has a height equal to at least that of the protrusion. In addition, the wall of the body 1 comprises at the level of the cavity 2.1 a projection 2.3 and an annular groove 2.3.1 around this projection. The upper end of this projection is located within a skirt 2.3.2 of the plug 2 that extends into the secondary cavity. The annular groove 2.3.1 makes the zone 2.3.3 deformable, according to the periphery of the projection. A pressure P can be exerted on this area at the base of the projection 2.3 to make the stopper 2 go off. The attached cavities 1.3 and 1.4 allow different utensils to be stored in them, and a sample of the product 2.2. The cavity 1.4 is covered by the film 4, independent of the film 3. The latter seals both the main cavity 1.1 and the adjoining cavity 1.3. In a first time, the user starts the film 4 and uses the sample contained in 1.4 to check the tolerance of this product on his skin; then turn the container over and exert a pressure on the deformable zone 2.3.3 at the base of the projection 2.3, thus removing the cap 2. Re-turn the container and start the film 3. The utensils contained in 1.3 are then accessible and You can mix the products 1.2 and 2.2. The container shown in the figures 2a and 2b differs from that of figure 1 by the absence of the projection in the secondary cavity and by the existence of a rigid spigot 2.4 fixed to the internal plug 2 and whose end faces the wall of the cavity 2.1. The manner of use illustrated in Figure 2b is the same as in Figure 1. The deformable zone is made with a thickness less than the wall of the body 1 located opposite the end of the spigot 1.4.

The container shown in figure 3 differs from that of figure 1 by the absence of projection in the secondary cavity and by the existence of a fixed tab 2.6. The tongue 2.6 has two ends, one of these ends being fixed to the internal plug 2 and the other to the film 3. After the opening of the film 4, allowing access to the sample, the user starts the film 3, also pulling the tongue 2.6 as well as the internal plug 2. You can then mix the products with the help of the utensils extracted from the cavity 1.3. The device shown in figures 4a, 4b and 4c is constituted by a body 1, an internal plug 2 and two films 3 and 4. This device is distinguished from that of figure 1 by the fact that the internal plug 2 comprises a skirt cylindrical of a height such that the bottom of the plug surfaces out of the surface of the main cavity 1.1 which has the shape of a bowl. The bottom of the plug 2 is fixed to the film 3 which seals the main cavity, in such a way that when the film is torn off, the plug that is integral with it opens and releases the secondary product 2.2 that was retained in the cavity 2.1. As shown in figure 4c, at the time of conditioning, the plug 2 of product 2.2 is filled, then the body is placed on the plug in a sealed manner, and only then is the body turned over and filled the main cavity with the product 1.2. The device shown in FIG. 5 is distinguished from that shown in FIGS. 4 a and 4 b by the presence of a rigid rod 2.4 fixed to the internal plug 2 and whose end faces the wall of the cavity 2.1. In a first time, the user releases the plug 2 by exerting a pressure on the deformable zone 2.3.3, then removes the film 3 that carries the plug 2 out of the container with it. This device has the advantage over the previous one of avoiding projections when removing the plug 2. The device shown in figure 6 is distinguished from that of figure 5 by the fact that the bottom 2.8 of the plug is located lower. The plug 2 adheres to the film 3 by its skirt 2.9. The operation is the same as that described with respect to Figure 5. This device has the advantage, in relation to the previous one, of preventing a part of the product 2.2 from being stuck to the walls of the plug 2. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known by the applicant to carry out the present invention, is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects to which it refers. Having described the invention as above, the content of the following is claimed as property:

Claims (23)

1. Container for the separate conditioning and mixing of at least one base product and at least one secondary product, comprising a body, an internal plug, a closing means and an internal plug opening device, the body comprising a wall defining the profile of a bowl-shaped main cavity capable of containing the base product and the profile of a secondary cavity capable of containing the secondary product, the secondary cavity being included in the main cavity, allowing the stopper to isolate hermetically the secondary cavity of the main cavity, the closure means allowing the main cavity of the outside air to be hermetically isolated, characterized in that the device for opening the internal cap allows the internal cap to be removed before or simultaneously with the opening of the main cavity.

2. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the body is made of thermoplasic material.

3. Container according to any of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the body is made of polyethylene, polypropylene, copolymer of ethylene and propylene.

4. Container according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the body is made of thermoformed or injected material.

5. Container according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the body is made of several different thermoplastic materials superimposed.

6. Container according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the closure means is an external cap and the main cavity is provided, at its ends, with hooking means that allow the fixing of the external cap.

7. Container according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the closing means is a detachable film in one piece.

8. Container according to claim 7, characterized in that the film is fixed to the body by thermofixation.

9. Container according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the wall of the secondary cavity comprises a rigid projection and a deformable area at the periphery of this projection and at a first end thereof, this projection and this deformable zone cooperating in such a way that a pressure exerted on the deformable area causes the internal plug to jump by supporting its other end on said plug.

10. Container according to claim 9, characterized in that the deformable zone comprises at least one groove in the periphery of the rigid projection.

11. Container according to claim 10, characterized in that the deformable zone comprises a zone of smaller thickness of the thermopipestic material at the periphery of the rigid projection.

12. Container according to claim 9, characterized in that the internal cap is provided with an internal skirt inside which the rigid projection is to be placed, which prevents it from freezing.

13. Container according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the internal plug comprises a rigid rod whose end rests on the wall of the secondary cavity.

14. Container according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the internal plug is provided with a fixed tab comprising two ends, an end fixed to the internal plug and an end fixed to the closure means by a non-detachable fixation.

15. Container according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the internal cap comprises a skirt of sufficient height so that the bottom of the inner cap emerges from the main cavity above the level of the main product and the bottom of the cap is fixed to the cap. closure means by a non-releasable fixation.

16. Container according to any of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the wall of the body is provided with a flat bottom.

17. Container according to any of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the body is provided with a skirt that allows it to be held on a flat support.

18. Container according to any of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the body further comprises a cavity capable of containing a sample dose of the base product or the secondary product.

19. Container according to any of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the body further comprises a cavity capable of containing at least one instrument useful for handling the products.

20. Container according to any of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the main product is a viscous product.

21. Container of Conformity with any of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the main product is a cream or a paste.

22. Container according to any of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that the secondary product is a cream, a paste or a powder.

23. Container according to any of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that the main and secondary products are coloration products.