MXPA97005764A

MXPA97005764A - Devices for storing separately two components, its mixture and the distribucc

Info

Publication number: MXPA97005764A
Application number: MXPA/A/1997/005764A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Albisetti Nicolas
Original assignee: L'oreal
Priority date: 1996-08-02
Filing date: 1997-07-30
Publication date: 1998-02-01

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for separately packaging two components, for mixing them together, and for supplying the resulting mixture, the device being characterized in that it comprises a container or receptacle having two compartments, a removable plug for separating the compartments during the storage of the components up to the first use, extreme dispenser part defining an outlet channel for the mixture, movable closure means relative to the container and the end piece and suitable in a first position relative to the end piece and the container, to close the outlet channel during the storage of the components, and a maneuvering device that is axially displaceable to cause displacement of the sealing means in a second position in relation to the end piece and to the container, in which the channel output is no longer closed by the sealing means, and the displacement of the plug for placing the compartments in communication with each other, wherein the plug is connected to the operating body by a coupling device which makes it possible for the plug to be dragged over at least a portion of the axial displacement of the operating device, to establish communication between said compartments

Description

DEVICE FOR STORING SEPARATELY TWO COMPONENTS, ITS MIXTURE AND THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE MIXTURE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a device for separately packaging two components, mixing them and distributing the mixture thus obtained. Numerous devices are already known for separately storing two components that are to be mixed extemporaneously at the time of first use. German utility model G 8624488.4 is known a device in which one of the compartments is constituted by a bottle that has at its upper end an externally threaded neck and wherein the other compartment is formed by a tubular part coupled to the inside of the neck, closed at its lower end by a removable plug and provided at its upper end with a distribution tube that defines an outlet channel, sealed by a lock cap. The plug is retained by friction in the tubular part and axially rests on its periphery against a parapet formed at the base of the neck. A sealing rod extends towards the top of the plug and engages in the outlet channel until the plug rests on the parapet. This makes it possible to avoid that the component contained in the tubular Dart can be distributed without mixing REF: 25266 previously with the component present in the bottle. The tubular part is in one piece with an outer skirt cooperating by screwing with the neck thread and allows, at the moment of the rotation drive in the direction of a screw, to raise the tubular part to the inside of the neck. The plug, which is retained axially by the parapet formed at the base of the neck, ceases, at the end of a predetermined course towards the top of the tubular part, to be retained by the latter, and falls into the bottle, which allows the component contained in the tubular part is mixed with that contained in the bottle. This known device does not offer total satisfaction, especially since the filling of the tubular part becomes difficult. In particular, it is not possible to introduce a product through the distribution tube when the plug is coupled to the tubular part, since the sealing rod now closes the outlet channel. It is therefore necessary to fill the tubular part when the plug is not yet in place in it, and in this known device, the threaded neck becomes removable to do this. On the other hand, the filling of the tubular part is effected with the distribution tube upside down, sealed by the lock cap. When the product is a powder, the latter can fill the outlet channel and subsequently obstruct the placement of the cap preventing the insertion of the sealing rod in the outlet channel. When the product is a liquid, the traces of the liquid can subsist in the outlet channel, which is obstructed, when the product is irritating, the user can, when unscrewing the lock cap, be exposed to said product.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention is directed to proposing a novel device for separately packaging two components, their mixing and the distribution of the mixture thus obtained, which can be manufactured and filled inexpensively, which also allows to pack a solid component separately or irritating liquid, in complete safety, and that is safe to use. The invention achieves this thanks to a device of the type comprising a container having two compartments, a removable plug for separating said compartments during the storage of the components until the first use, a distribution tube that defines an outlet channel for the mixture sealing means, such as, for example, a sealing rod, useful for closing the outlet channel during the storage of the components, and a maneuvering member axially displaceable to cause a relative displacement of the tube and the sealing means with the In order to release the outlet channel and a displacement of the plug in order to communicate the compartments, characterized in that the plug is connected to the operating member by a coupling member that allows the plug to be pulled on at least part of the axial displacement of the operating member in order to establish communication between the compartments. Unlike the aforementioned known device, the cap is not retained axially against a parapet of the container during the movement of the maneuvering member and the invention facilitates the filling of the container compartments by the liquid or powder products. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the sealing means are in one piece with the cap. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the maneuvering member moves on the threading of the container. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the maneuvering member is intended to be moved separately from the tube to bring the two compartments into communication. In a variant, the maneuvering member is intended to be displaced axially in conjunction with the tube for communicating the two compartments and the maneuvering member has a relief useful for being brought into contact with the coupling member at the end of an operation. axial displacement of the upper operating member to the insertion depth of the sealing means in the outlet channel. Preferably, the container comprises a body made in one piece by molding and has a narrowing that serves as a seat for the cap. Preferably, the container body is open at both its ends. The two openings of the body of the container, on the one hand, facilitate its manufacture by injection-blow or extrusion-blowing and, on the other hand, it allows to control with great precision the internal diameter of the narrowing by which the compartments communicate. It is thus possible to make it possible to obtain a tightness of sealing of this narrowing by a stopper during separate storage of components. On the other hand, this airtightness can be tested before the filling of the compartments, which can be effected advantageously by the respective openings of the container body without risk of contamination of one component by the other. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the coupling member has a cylindrical part able to be sealed in the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge with the reading of the detailed description that follows, of the examples of the non-limiting mode of the invention, and with the examination of the attached drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic view , in axial section, of a device according to a first embodiment example, before the mixing of the components, Figure 2 is a view analogous to Figure 1, which represents the device after mixing the components, the Figure 3 is a schematic view, in axial section, representing a device according to a second example of the embodiment of the invention, before mixing the components, Figures 4 and 5 are views analogous to Figure 3, which show the device in the course of different phases at the time of the first use, Figure 6 is a schematic view, in axial section, of a device according to a third example of an embodiment of the invention. ion, and Figure 7 is a view analogous to that of the Figure 6, which represents the device after mixing the components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES FIG. 1 and 2 show a device 1 according to a first example of the embodiment of the invention. This device 1 comprises a container body 2, which has a narrowing 3 connecting an upper compartment 4 and an upper compartment 5, intended to contain, respectively, the components A and B before the first use. A plug 6 fits in the constriction 3 to separate the upper 4 and lower compartments 5, and allows the separate storage of the components A and B. The body 2 is elongated on the longitudinal axis X, has a generally symmetrical shape of revolution around of this axis and has at its two axial ends the collars 7,8 externally threaded. The body 2 is advantageously manufactured by injection-blowing in a plastic material chemically compatible with the compounds to be packaged. By way of indication, if one of the components is thioglycolic acid, used to make the permanent ones, the body 2 is advantageously manufactured in PVC or by injection-blown or by co-extrusion-blowing in a multiple layer of PE / EVOH / PE. The use of a multiple layer, allows to combine both chemical resistance and mechanical strength to allow to benefit equally from an aesthetic aspect, if necessary. It is noted, on the other hand, that by the relatively simple shape of the body 2, it is relatively easy to control the thickness of its wall. A distribution tube 9, which defines an outlet channel 10, is directed towards the neck 7 by means of an internally threaded support 11. The support 11 is provided with an airtight annular edge 12 which fits on the radially internal surface of the neck 7. The plug 9 is provided with a thread 13, which allows the connection by directing a lock cap 14. The outlet channel 10 covers the lower part of the compartment 4 with a conical plug 15, which diverges towards the interior of the container. A maneuvering member 16 allows the cap 6 to be displaced in the body 2, in order to communicate the upper and lower compartments 4, and allows the components A and B to be mixed. The maneuvering member 16 comprises an external skirt 17, provided at its end of an annular bearing 18, retained by locking in an annular groove 19, formed on the external surface of the wall of the body 2 that laterally delimits the lower compartment 5. The maneuvering member 16 also comprises an internal skirt 20, threaded internally, to be directed on the neck 8 and to transform a rotation of the maneuvering member 16 into an axial displacement of the latter on the X axis. The fins 21 are formed on the external surface of the skirt 17, to facilitate the grasping of the maneuvering member 16 by the user. The skirt 17 is connected on a seat 22 forming a groove 23 intended to receive an annular bearing 24, in a substantially complementary manner, formed at the lower end of a coupling member 25, in which the upper end is in one piece with the plug 6. The coupling member 25 is hollow and its side wall is traversed, in its part upper, grooves or notches 26, which allow the component B contained in the coupling member 25, to reach the rest of the compartment 5. The groove 23 has a retaining parapet 27, which allows axially pulling the coupling member 25, in the moment in which the maneuvering member 16 is directed on the neck 8. It presents, in the vicinity of its free edge and on its radially internal surface, an annular bearing 29, which is applied on the lower part 30 of the coupling 25. This lower part 30 is cylindrical, of revolution, and slides in a hermetic manner to the contact of the bearing 29. The bearing 24 presents a sharp shape towards the base, improving the hermeticity of its junction in the throat 23. The plug 6 has a transverse wall 71, connected at its periphery to a hermetic annular edge 31, which extends upwards and is shaped to fit closely in the narrowing 3, in order to separate the compartments 4 and 5 during storage. The transverse wall 71 is connected on its lower face to the coupling member 25, and is extended superiorly, at its center, by a sealing rod 32, which axially traverses the upper compartment 4. The rod 32 has an upper extremity 33, formed to engage, in the outlet channel 10 and to close the latter, at the moment in which the plug 6 is adjusted in the constriction 3. The thread of the neck 8 is chosen so that the rotation of the maneuvering member 16 is accompanied by a axial displacement of the latter and of the plug 6, higher than the insertion depth of the end 33 in the outlet channel 10, so that at the end of the rotation of the operating member 16, the end 33 of the sealing rod has cleared the outlet channel 10, as shown in Figure 2. For the assembly and filling of the device, it begins by placing in the narrowing 3 of the body 2, the plug 6 introducing it with the rod obtained ration 32 and the coupling member 25 through the opening of the neck 8. The tightness of the separation of the compartments 4 and 5 is advantageously tested in this state of manufacture. The upper compartment 4 can then be filled with the component A, and the distribution tube 9, provided with the lock cap 14, is directed towards the neck 7. The body 2 is rotated again and the compartment 5 can be filled with the component A, the grooves 26 allow the product to enter the interior of the coupling member 25 and reach the rest of the compartment 5. After the latter is filled by the component B, the maneuvering member 16 is connected on the neck 8 and directed on the latter, up to the coupling of the bearing 18 in the annular groove 19 and locked in the bearing 24 in the groove 23. Since the plug 6 separates the compartments 4 and 5, the user can not distribute the component A due to the fact that the rod 32 seals the outlet channel 10. It is also possible to fill the compartment 4 with an irritant or corrosive product, without risk to the user, in case of premature unscrewing of the cap uchón 14. For the use of the device, the user rotates the operating member 16 in the direction of unscrewing the threaded neck 8. The coupling member 25 is pulled axially by the parapet 27, towards the base in Figure 2, until that the bearing 18 bears axially on the lower edge of the throat 19. The plug 6 moves towards the base on the same axial course as that of the maneuvering member 16, and has cleared the constriction 3, allowing the formation of the mixture M in the lower compartment 5. The sealing rod 32 moves together with the plug 6 and releases the outlet channel 10 from the distribution plug 9. The user can now obtain the mixture M through the distribution tube 9., after having removed the cap 14. The device 1 has been put into use position by a simple rotation movement of the maneuvering member. Figures 3 to 5 show a device 40 according to a second example of an embodiment of the invention. The device 40 comprises a body 41, which has a narrowing 42, by means of which the upper and lower compartments 43 and 44 can be communicated. The body 41 has an elongated shape along a longitudinal axis X and has at its two axial ends the collars 45 and 46, threaded externally. The inner surface of the neck 46 laterally delimits the compartment 43. A plug 61 allows to separate the compartments 43 and 44 during the separate storage of the components A and B.

An end piece 48 is directed towards the neck 45 for closing the compartment 44 at the bottom. This end piece 48 has an outer skirt extending the cylindrical wall of the body 41, which laterally delimits the compartment 44 and comprises an internal skirt. 49, threaded internally and shaped to be directed on the neck 45. The inner skirt 49 is connected on a seat 50 that extends transversely to the axis X and on which, a hermetic annular edge 51, emerges upwards, shaped to fit over the radially internal surface of the neck 45, in order to obtain a hermetic lock of the lower end of the body 41. Notches are provided on the skirt 49 to cooperate with the projections made at the base of the neck 45 and which prevent the user from unscrewing the piece 48. A maneuvering member 52 is directed on the neck 46 to pull the plug 47 in movement and put the compartments in communication 43 and 44 at the time of first use of the device. The operating member 52 has an outer skirt in which the upper part 53 is internally threaded, and the lower part 54 is enlarged and provided on its radially internal surface with an annular bearing 55, shaped to engage in the annular groove 72, formed around the constriction 42 of the body 41, between the compartments 43 and 44.

The maneuvering member 52 is manufactured in one piece in a plastic material with a distribution tube 56, it is connected to the part 53 forming a groove 57. The tube 56 defines an outlet channel 75 that opens into the interior of the compartment upper 43 by an opening 58, conical, diverging towards the compartment 43. The tube 56 is threaded externally for the union of a lock cap 59. A coupling member 60 is coupled to its upper end in the throat 57, cited above , and is connected to its lower end in the cap 47. The latter has a transverse wall 61, which extends in the lower part by an airtight annular edge 62, in contact with the constriction 42 to ensure a hermetic separation of the compartments 43. and 44. The coupling member 60 is hollow and is provided in its lower part with side grooves 63, which allow the passage of the product from inside the coupling member 60, towards the rest of the upper compartment 43. The coupling member 60 has, in the upper part, a cylindrical wall 67, of revolution, and fits tightly in the neck 46 so as to be hermetically connected with the latter. The transverse wall 61 of the plug 47 is extended superiorly, at its center, by a sealing rod 64, which passes through the compartment 43 and has an upper end 65, shaped to engage at the lower end of the outlet channel 75, at the end thereof. the plug 47 is placed in the constriction 3, as shown in Figure 3. This prevents the distribution of the unmixed component A in the event of unscrewing of the cap 59. The coupling member 60 has at its end upper, an annular bearing 66, which has a sharp shape towards the top, in order to fit tightly in the groove 57, and which forms, with the wall 67, a parapet 68. The outer skirt of the maneuvering member 52 , internally has a parapet 69, useful to rest axially on the parapet 68 of the bearing 66 to be pulled towards the top of the coupling member 60, together with the maneuvering member 52. The assembly and the filling of the device 40 is carried out in the following manner. It begins by placing the cap 47 in the constriction 42 in place, introducing it through the opening of the neck 46. Then, the body 41 can be rotated and the compartment 44 filled by the neck 45. After filling by the component B of the compartment 44, the latter is closed by screwing the end piece 48. Then, the body 41 is rotated again and the compartment 43 is filled by the component A, which can pass through the lateral grooves 63, of the coupling member 60. Once the compartment 43 is filled, the operating member 52 connects on the neck 8, the annular bearing 55, elastically passes a rim 70, formed at the lower end of the neck 46. Once the maneuvering member 52 is placed in place on the body 41, the annular bearing 66 it engages fully in the throat 57, and is held in axial support by the operating member 52, on the edge of the upper end of the neck 46. The sealing rod 65, enters the outlet channel 75 to seal it. For the use of the device, the user rotates the operating member 52 in the direction of its unscrewing of the neck 46. At the end of the rotation course of the operating member, the parapet 69 rises until it rests on the parapet 68 of the bearing 66, as shown in Figure 4. At the moment of this displacement of the maneuvering member, the plug 47 is held immobile by connection to the body 41. The maneuvering member moves over a distance greater than the sinking depth of the dipstick. seal 64, inside the outlet channel 75 so that the latter is no longer blocked by the end 65 of the sealing rod 64. Next, the user continues to rotate the maneuvering member 52, pulling it together to support the parapet 69 against the parapet 68 in its axial displacement of the coupling member 60, which makes it possible to clear the narrowing 42 of the body 41. At the end of the rotation of the operating member 52, as shown in Figure 5, the component A is lowered to mix it with the component B and obtain the mixture M. The outlet channel 75 is released, the user can obtain the mixture M by unscrewing the lock cap 59 A device 40 'is shown in Figures 6 and 7, according to a third example of an embodiment of the invention. The same reference signs have been assigned to the elements identical or functionally analogous to those of the example of the preceding embodiment, of which no detailed description will be made. The lower part of the device 40 'is identical to that of the device 40. The upper part of the device 40' differs from that of the device 40, especially by the shape of the plug 47 ', of the coupling member 60', of the operating member 52 'and of the body 41'. The maneuvering member 52 'has an internal skirt 53', internally threaded and shaped to be directed on the neck 46 'of the body 41', and of an outer skirt 54 ', of a diameter greater than that of the internal skirt 53', provided at one end by an annular bearing 55 ', which radially forms a projection towards the inside. This "annular 55" bearing is retained in an annular groove 70 ', formed on the external surface of the body wall 41', which laterally delimits the compartment 43 'in its lower part. The plug 47 ', defines, at the level of its connection with the coupling member 60', a parapet 73, shaped to rest axially against a parapet, in a complementary manner in the lower part of the compartment 43 ', when the plug 47' is placed in the narrowing 42. The coupling member may be slightly axially compressed, once the plug 47 'and the operating member 52' are in place, so as to improve the seal of the compartment lock 43 '. Advantageously, the maneuvering member 60 'can be elastically deformed under the effect of this axial compression. The maneuvering member 52 'is provided on an external surface with ribs 72 which improve the grip of the maneuvering member 52' by the user. The assembly and filling of the device 40 'are substantially identical to those described for the device 40., unlike the maneuvering member 52 'is retained, at the end of its displacement in rotation, causes the mixing of the components A and B, on the body 41', by the bearing of the annular bearing 55 'against the upper edge of the annular throat 70 ', as shown in Figure 7. However, the invention is not limited to the example of the modality just described. It is possible to modify especially the shape of the container and manufacture the latter, not in a single piece, but by assembling two pieces manufactured separately. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the practice of said invention, is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects to which it relates. Having described the invention as above, property is claimed as contained in the following:

Claims

1. A device for separately packaging two components, their mixing and the distribution of the mixture thus obtained, comprising a container having two compartments, a removable plug, for separating the compartments during the storage of the components, up to the first use, a distribution tube, which defines an outlet channel, for the mixture, sealing means, useful for closing the outlet channel during the storage of the components and a maneuvering member, axially displaceable to cause relative movement of the tube and the sealing means, in order to release the outlet channel and a displacement of the cap in order to communicate the compartments, characterized in that the cap is attached to the operating member by a coupling member, which allow the plug to be pulled over a part of the cap. at least the axial displacement of the maneuvering member, in order to establish a communication between the compartments.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sealing means are in one piece with the plug.

3. The device according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the maneuvering member moves on a thread of the container.

4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the maneuvering member is intended to be displaced axially away from the tube to bring the two compartments into communication.

5. The device according to one of any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the maneuvering member is manufactured by molding in one piece with the distribution tube.

6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that the maneuvering member has a relief, useful to be brought into contact by tension with the coupling member, at the end of the axial displacement of the maneuvering member, greater than the insertion depth of the sealing means in the outlet channel.

7. The device according to one of any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the container comprises a body made in one piece by molding and has a narrowing, which serves as seat to the cap.

8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that the container is open at both its ends.

9. The device according to one of any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the coupling member has a cylindrical part, useful to fit hermetically in the container.

10. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that one of the components is an irritant or corrosive product.