WO1998028204A2

WO1998028204A2 - Container for packaging two products to be poured and kept separately before being mixed for use

Info

Publication number: WO1998028204A2
Application number: PCT/FR1997/002370
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michel Vandromme; Charles Pileur
Original assignee: Sanofi
Priority date: 1996-12-24
Filing date: 1997-12-19
Publication date: 1998-07-02
Also published as: FR2757486B1; WO1998028204A3; FR2757486A1

Abstract

The invention concerns a container (10) comprising a fixed body (12), in which are arranged two compartments (24, 26) respectively containing the two products, and means (16) for dispensing the mixture of these products. The two compartments (24, 26) are delimited by two sections of a tubular reservoir (18) mounted axially movable in the body (12). The two compartments (24, 26) are mutually connected by an axially communicating orifice (24) that can be closed by a fixed plunger (14) extending in the reservoir (18). The container (10) further comprises a control member (20) mounted rotating about a closed end (18A) of the reservoir, co-operating by threaded joint with this end (18A), for moving the reservoir (18) with respect to the plunger (14) between positions separating and communicating the compartments (24, 26). The dispensing means preferably comprise a nipple (16) for expelling the mixture.

Description

"Receptacle for packaging two products that can flow and be kept separate before being mixed for use".

The present invention relates to a receptacle for packaging two products which can flow and which are kept separate before being mixed for use.

It applies in particular to the packaging of cosmetic products or drugs.

There is already known in the prior art a receptacle for packaging two products which can flow and which are kept separate before being mixed for use, of the type comprising a fixed body in which are arranged two compartments containing the two products respectively, means for connecting the two compartments and means for distributing the mixture of products.

The object of the invention is to provide a receptacle of this type which is easy to use, of simple structure and inexpensive to manufacture, the dimensions of this receptacle being able to be reduced, for example comparable to those of a pen.

To this end, the invention relates to a receptacle of the aforementioned type, characterized in that the body has a generally tubular shape, and in that the compartments, on the one hand, are delimited by two sections of a tubular mounted reservoir movable axially in the body, and on the other hand, are connected to each other by an axial communication orifice closable by means of a fixed plunger extending in the reservoir, this reservoir comprising a first closed end and a second open end connected to the distribution means, the receptacle further comprising a control member rotatably mounted around the closed end of the tank, cooperating by screwing with this closed end, so as to move the tank relative to the plunger between positions of separation and communication of compartments. According to other characteristics of the invention: - The plunger comprises a head for closing the communication orifice and a tubular base for connection with the body forming a connection piece for the reservoir with the distribution means; - the open end of the tank is fitted onto the base of the plunger;

- The base of the plunger is extended by a skirt folded outwards from this base and towards the head of the plunger, so as to pinch the open end of the tank between the base and the skirt;

- The control member extends in the longitudinal extension of one end of the body through which extends the closed end of the reservoir, provided with means of axial immobilization of the control member relative to the body;

the closed end of the reservoir is extended by a finger forming a witness for mixing of the products, this witness, on the one hand, being retracted into the control member when the reservoir is in the compartment separation position, and d on the other hand, projecting outside this control member, through a bore in this control member, when the reservoir is in the position for placing the compartments in communication; the dispensing means comprise a teat connected to the body so as to extend longitudinally one end of this body through which the open end of the reservoir extends, the teat comprising a first part for connection with the body and a second converging part for expelling the contents of the tank;

- the connecting part of the teat is made of rigid material, and the expelling part of the teat is made of flexible material allowing its temporary deformation born by external pressure to expel the contents of the tank;

- The expulsion part is made of synthetic material overmolded on the connecting part also made of synthetic material;

- The expulsion part of the teat is provided with a free end intended to be opened by drilling or cutting to allow the expulsion of the contents of the reservoir; - The receptacle comprises a removable cap for protecting the teat, preferably fitted on the connecting part of this teat.

The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the drawings in which:

- Figure 1 is a front view of a receptacle according to the invention;

- Figure 2 is a top view of the receptacle shown in Figure 1;

- Figures 3 and 4 are views in axial section of the receptacle shown in Figure 1, in configurations for separating and placing the compartments in communication, respectively; - Figure 5 is an exploded axial sectional view of the receptacle shown in Figure 1.

There is shown in Figures 1 to 5 a receptacle according to the invention, designated by the general reference 10. This receptacle is intended for the packaging of two different products which can flow, in particular in liquid or pulverulent form, and kept separate before d 'be mixed for use.

For example, the two products to be mixed can form, the first, an active ingredient, and the second, a solvent. The active principle can be a cosmetic product or a drug.

The receptacle 10 is elongated and tapers at its ends so as to have the general shape of a pen.

The median cross section of the receptacle 10 is delimited by a substantially triangular contour whose sides and angles are softened by curved lines. The dimensions of the receptacle 10 can be relatively reduced. For example, the length and the largest width of the receptacle 10 can be approximately 120 mm and 17 mm respectively.

As will become clearer hereinafter, the receptacle 10 is made up of a small number of elements allowing very simple manufacture and use of this receptacle.

The receptacle 10 comprises, on the one hand, fixed elements, namely, a tubular body 12, a plunger 14 and a nipple 16, and on the other hand, mobile elements, namely a tubular reservoir 18 and a member for command 20.

The body 12, the plunger 14, the teat 16, the reservoir 18 and the member 20 are all coaxial or aligned with the longitudinal axis X of the receptacle.

The receptacle 10 also includes a removable cap 22, in the general form of a shell, intended to protect the teat 16.

The various elements of the receptacle 10 are made of synthetic materials, for example polypropylene or polyoxymethylene.

The reservoir 18, mounted movably in the body 12, has a first end 18A closed and a second end 18B open. This open end 18B is connected to the nipple 16 intended to dispense the contents of the reservoir 18.

The reservoir 18 has a general shape stepped longitudinally so as to present two coaxial sections delimiting two compartments 24, 26 respectively.

The two compartments 24, 26 respectively contain the products intended to be mixed for use. The two compartments 24, 26 are connected together by an axial communication orifice 28 which can be closed off by means of the plunger 14 which extends in the reservoir 18, more particularly in the second compartment 26.

The closed end 18A of the reservoir extends through a first end 12A of the body. The open end 18B of the reservoir extends through the second end 12B of the body.

The plunger 14 comprises a head 30 for closing the communication orifice 28 and a tubular base 32 for connection with the body 12 forming a connection piece for the reservoir 18 with the teat 16.

The head 30 and the base 32 are connected to each other by a straight connection part 34. The cross section of this connecting part 34 has a general shape of a cross allowing the communication of the second compartment 26 with the nipple 16 via the base 32.

The open end 18B of the reservoir is fitted onto the external contour of the base 32 of the plunger. This base 32 is extended by a skirt 36 folded outwards from the base 32 and towards the head 30 of the plunger. The free edge of the skirt 36 forms a collar 38 hooked, in a manner known per se, on the internal surface of the second end 12B of the body. The control member 20, extending in the longitudinal extension of the first end 12A of the body, is rotatably mounted around the closed end 18A of the tank. The first end 12A of the body is extended by a skirt 40 folded towards the inside of this body, intended to cooperate by snap-fastening with the control member 20 to immobilize the latter axially relative to the body 12. The control member 20 cooperates by screwing with the closed end 18A of the reservoir, so as to axially move this reservoir 18 relative to the plunger 14 between a first position for separating the compartments 24, 26, as shown in FIG. 3, and a positioning position in communication with these compartments 24, 26, as shown in FIG. 4.

It will be noted that the reservoir 18 is immobilized in rotation about the axis X, on the one hand, by friction of the surfaces in contact with the open end 18B of the reservoir and the base 32 of the plunger, and on the other hand, by pinching the open end 18B of the reservoir between the base 32 and the skirt 36 of the plunger. These friction and pinching, however, allow the axial movement of the reservoir 18 when the control member 20 is actuated.

Optionally, the surface of the base 32 of the plunger in contact with the open end 18B of the reservoir is provided with annular ribs allowing good control of the friction and the seal between the reservoir 18 and the base 32.

The closed end 18A of the reservoir is extended by an axial finger forming a witness 42 for mixing the products.

When the reservoir 18 is in the position for separating the compartments 24, 26, the indicator 42 is retracted into the control member 20, as shown in FIG. 3. On the other hand, when the reservoir 18 is in the position for placing the compartments 24,26 in communication, the indicator 42 protrudes outside of the control member 20, through a bore 44 of this member, as shown in FIG. 4.

The nipple 16 is connected to the body 12 so as to extend the second end 12B of this body longitudinally. The nipple 16 comprises a first part 16A for connection with the body, fitted on the skirt 36 of the plunger 14, and a second converging part 16B for expelling the contents of the reservoir 18.

Preferably, the connecting part 16A of the teat is made of rigid material and the expelling part

16B of this teat is made of flexible material allowing its momentary elastic deformation by external pressure to expel the contents of the reservoir 18.

By way of example, the expulsion part 16B of the teat is made of elastomer molded onto the connecting part 16A of this teat which is made of polypropylene.

The cap 22 is preferably fitted onto the connecting part 16A of the teat.

The expulsion part 16B of the teat is provided with a free end 46 intended to be opened by drilling or cutting to allow the expulsion of the contents of the reservoir 18.

As a variant, the free end 46 of the teat can be permanently open, the cap 22 ensuring a tight closure of this teat when it is fitted onto the connecting part 16A of the teat.

The use of receptacle 10 is very simple.

When the receptacle 10 is offered for sale, the two products are separated. The head 30 of the plunger 14 closes the communication orifice 28 of the reservoir so as to separate the two compartments 24,26. The indicator 42 is retracted into the control member 20 (see FIG. 3).

When the user wishes to take part of the content of the reservoir 18, he rotates the control member 20, in the screwing direction of the latter, which has the effect of axially displacing the reservoir 18, upwards considering Figures 3 and 4, and to separate from the communication orifice 28 the shutter head 30 of the plunger. The two compartments 24, 26 are then put into communication. The indicator 42 projects outside the control member to indicate to the user that the products are mixed (see FIG. 4). For aesthetic purposes in particular, it is possible to provide stops for limiting the angular travel of the control member, so that, when the reservoir 18 is in one of its positions shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the contours of the body 12 and of the control member 20 do not have an angular offset disturbing the continuity of the general outline of the receptacle 10.

After the compartments 24, 26 have been placed in communication, the user mixes the products by shaking the receptacle 10, preferably by large, substantially vertical movements.

Then, the user removes the cap 22 to disengage the nipple 16 and, if necessary, sever the free end 46 of this nipple. Finally, the user directs the free end 46 of the teat to an area for applying the contents of the reservoir and presses on the flexible part 16B of this teat to locally expel a certain amount of the contents of the reservoir. After use, the cap 22 is replaced on the nipple 16, in order to avoid any involuntary pressure on the latter.

The invention has many advantages. In particular, the receptacle according to the invention comprises a limited number of elements, the sealing of the reservoir being ensured by very simple means.

The dimensions of the receptacle can be relatively reduced so as to allow it to be held in one hand, substantially like a pen, and to press the teat between the fingers of the hand.

The use of the receptacle according to the invention is very simple, the teat constituting means for distributing the content of the reservoir allowing a local and precise application of this content.

The nipple can only be used after drilling or cutting off its free end, the user can detect an undesirable violation of the receptacle.

The product mixing indicator makes it clear to the user that the contents of the tank are ready for use and must be used within a time compatible with the conservation of the mixture.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Receptacle for packaging two products which can flow and which are kept separate before being mixed for use, of the type comprising a fixed body (12) in which two compartments (24,26) are arranged containing the two products respectively, means for connecting the two compartments (24, 26) and means (16) for distributing the mixture of products, characterized in that the body (12) has a generally tubular shape, and in that the compartments (24 , 26), on the one hand, are delimited by two sections of a tubular reservoir (18) mounted axially displaceable in the body (12), and on the other hand, are connected together by an axial communication orifice (28 ) closable by means of a fixed plunger (14) extending into the reservoir (18), this reservoir (18) comprising a first closed end (18A) and a second open end (18B) connected to the distribution means (16 ), the receptacle included nt moreover a control member (20) rotatably mounted around the closed end (18A) of the reservoir, cooperating by screwing with this closed end (18A), so as to move the reservoir (18) relative to the plunger (14 ) between separation and communication positions of the compartments (24,26).

2. Receptacle according to claim 1, characterized in that the plunger (14) comprises a head (30) for closing the communication orifice (28) and a tubular base (32) for connection with the body (12) forming a connection piece for the reservoir (18) with the distribution means (16).

3. Receptacle according to claim 2, characterized in that the open end (18B) of the tank is fitted on the base (32) of the plunger (14).

4. Receptacle according to claim 3, characterized in that the base (32) of the plunger (14) is extended by a skirt (36) folded outwards from this base (32) and towards the head (30) of the plunger (14), so as to pinch the open end (18B) of the reservoir between the base (32) and the skirt (36).

5. Receptacle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control member (20) extends in the longitudinal extension of one end (12A) of the body through which extends the closed end (18A) of the reservoir, provided with means (40) for axially immobilizing the control member (20) relative to the body (12).

6. Receptacle according to claim 5, characterized in that the closed end (18A) of the reservoir is extended by a finger forming a witness (42) for mixing the products, this witness (42), on the one hand, being retracted into the control member (20) when the reservoir (18) is in the position for separating the compartments (24, 26), and on the other hand, projecting outside this control member (20), through a bore (44) of this control member, when the reservoir (18) is in the position for placing the compartments in communication (24, 26).

7. Receptacle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dispensing means comprise a teat (16) connected to the body (12) so as to extend longitudinally one end (12B) of this body through which extends the open end (18B) of the reservoir, the teat (16) comprising a first part (16A) for connection with the body (12) and a second converging part (16B) for expelling the contents of the reservoir (18 ).

8. Receptacle according to claim 7, characterized in that the connecting part (16A) of the teat is made of rigid material, and in that the expelling part sion (16B) of the teat is made of flexible material allowing its momentary deformation by external pressure to expel the contents of the reservoir (18).

9. Receptacle according to claim 8, characterizes in that the expelling portion (16B) is made of synthetic mate _¬ riau molded on the connecting portion (16A) also made of synthetic material.

10. Receptacle according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the expulsion part (16B) of the teat is provided with a free end (46) intended to be opened by drilling or cutting for allow the contents of the reservoir (18) to be expelled.

11. Receptacle according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that it comprises a removable cap (22) for protecting the teat (16), preferably fitted on the connecting part (16A) of this teat .