US3635261A - Method and apparatus for packaging products which are to be stored separately but dispensed simultaneously - Google Patents

Abstract

A dispenser for packaging two products which must be stored separately but mixed when dispensed, said dispenser comprising an outer container and an inner container within said outer container, said inner container being provided with closure means which opens in response to a difference between the pressure in said outer container and that in said inner container, and means for creating such a pressure difference.

Description

e States Patent orane et a1.

Jan. 18, 1972 [54] METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PACKAGING PRODUCTS WHICH ARE TO BE STORED SEPARATELY BUT DKSPENSED SIMULTANEOUSLY Inventors: Bruno Morane, Paris; Charles Paoletti,

Aulnay Sous 8015; Louis Merrien, Fontenay Sous Bois; Manlio Maurelli, Vaujours; Robert Sathicq, Villepinte, all of France Assignee: LOreal, Paris, France Filed: July 25, 1969 Appl. N0.: 844,841

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Aug. 1, 1968 France ..161436 Dec. 5, 1968 France ..176871 U.S.Cl ..l41/3, l41/329,222/130 Int. Cl. ..B65b l/04,B65b 3/04 FieldoiSearch ..141/3, 17, 19, 20,329,330;

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 470,293 3/1892 Durand ..169/32 1,302,679 5/1919 Lauterbach 4. ..169/32 1,918,191 7/1933 239/303 X Paulus et a1 Primary Examiner-Houston S. Bell, Jr. Attorneyl-lolcombe, Wetherill & Brisebois [57]ABSTRACT 2 Claims, 15 Drawing Figures PATENTED M18872 SHEET 2 [1F 7 PATENTEU JAN 1 8m2 SHEET 3 0F 7 PATENTEU JAN] 8 I972 SHEET H 0F 7 PAnmmJma-m SHEEI 8BF 7 PATENTED M' Z 3.635.261 SHEET 7 [IF 7 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PACKAGING PRODUCTS WHICH ARE TO BE STORED SEPARATELY BUT DISPENSED SIMULTANEOUSLY In packaging cosmetics, or pharmaceuticals, or products used for maintenance purposes, it is often necessary to store two products simultaneously when one of these products reacts with the other when they are brought into contact. It is obvious that such contact must be avoided during storage in order to prevent the premature occurrence of the reaction which must take place at the moment of use. The two products are consequently often packaged in separate containers, but this requires the user to handle two containers at once when the products therein are being dispensed.

The object of the present invention is to provide a method of packaging and dispensing under pressure at least two products which are to be used simultaneously, but which must be stored separately, and a container for use in carrying out that method.

The invention is essentially characterized by the fact that at least one of the products to be dispensed is enclosed in an outer jacket provided with at least one closure valve. Inside this jacket is at least one container holding at least one other product to be dispenses simultaneously with the first. The containers are, during storage, subjected to the same internal pressure as the outer jacket. At the moment of use a high enough pressure is created within the container or containers to rupture it, and project its contents into the remaining space within the jacket. The products brought into contact in this manner are mixed by shaking the jacket and the mixture is dispensed through the valve in response to the internal pressure prevailing in the jacket.

In a first embodiment of the invention the outer jacket and the container or containers are initially filled at atmospheric pressure, and the higher pressure required to rupture the container or containers is produced by means of a cartridge of pressurizing fluid which is injected into one of the containers through a connecting valve. The cartridge of pressurizing fluid may be independent of the jacket and the containers and may be put into cooperation by the user just before the mixture is to be used.

In an alternative embodiment the cartridge of pressurizing fluid may also be enclosed inside the jacket and it is then placed in operation by connecting it to the container or containers by means of a perforating device.

In the first embodiment, the jacket which contains the complete mixture is pressurized just before use by the same I pressurizing fluid which ruptured the container or containers.

In a second embodiment of the invention, at least one of the products to be dispensed is inserted in an outer jacket which is closed by a valve. A container having an outer diameter equal to the inner diameter of said jacket is then placed within the jacket. This container holds one of the products to be dispensed and is closed at its top by means of a removable plug or a rupturable diaphragm. Its bottom is in the form of a movable piston which is slidable within the container. At the moment of use sufficient pressure is exerted on the lower surface of the movable piston to cause upward displacement of the piston and thereby open the upper part of the container and project its contents into the jacket. This force also drives the container toward the top of the outer jacket-"once the piston has reached its upper position. Thev mixture is finally dispensed through the valve of the jacket as a consequence of the pressure applied thereto by the container when said container has been forced into its upper position by the pressure acting against the lower surface of the piston.

In a third embodiment of the invention, the outer jacket and the container or containers are each filled, not only with the products which are to be simultaneously distributed, but also with the pressurizing fluid. This is done at a temperature below, or at most equal to that at which the pressurizing fluid has a vapor pressure equal to atmospheric pressure. The container or containers is placed in the jacket, and the jacket closed, at the same temperature. The container or containers is ruptured by the partial release of the pressure in the jacket, which causes the pressure inside the container or containers to become higher than that in the jacket outside the containers. The resulting mixture is dispensed, after shaking the jacket, in response to the pressure generated by the pressure fluid initially enclosed within the container or containers.

It is a further object of the invention to provide, as a new article of manufacture, a dispenser adapted to dispense simultaneously under pressure at least two products which must be stored separately, essentially characterized by the fact that it comprises an outer jacket provided with a valved closure and at least one container inside this jacket, said container comprising a weakened zone, and possibly being connected to a valve opening outside the jacket, or adjacent to a space containing a pressurized fluid. Said space may be placed in communication with the container or containers by means of a perforating device.

In the first embodiment of the invention the container or containers are connected to at least one valve opening outside the container and adapted to be placed in communication with the cartridge of pressurizing fluid, or adjacent at least one zone adapted to be perforated by at least one perforating device so as to connect the container to the space containing the pressurized fluid which is located inside the outer jacket of the dispenser according to the invention.

In the first case the device is operated by discharging at least one cartridge of pressurizing fluid through the valve, into the container or containers. In the second case the wall separating the container or containers from the space containing the pressurizing fluid is perforated. The release of the mixture from the device according to the invention may take place through a valve other than the one which has caused the rupture of the container or containers, when there is such a valve, or through the same valve.

In the second embodiment of the invention the device is essentially characterized by the fact that it comprises an outer jacket closed by a valve and a container which is slidable inside this jacket. The inner container comprises near its upper end a removable plug or a rupturable diaphragm, and at its lower end a movable piston which acts as its bottom and is slidable within the container more freely than the container is slidable within the jacket. The assembly of the container and the piston is positioned above a chamber containing a compressed gas which may or may not be liquefied. This chamber may be opened by a pin or the like to permit the compressed gas to come into contact with the movable piston.

In the device which has just been described the above-mentioned container may enclose a second container which may be slidable therein. The second container may have a movable piston which acts as its bottom and a weakened zone at its top and may act as the movable bottom of the first container. In this case the jacket initially contains a first product, the first container contains a second product, and the second container contains a third product.

It is clear that the present invention also includes a device in which the outer jacket encloses a container within which a plurality of slidable containers are mounted. The last container, that is to say the one which is inside all the others, has as its bottom a movable piston of the device.

In the case of the second embodiment of the invention, when the user perforates the chamber containing the compressed gas with a pin, the piston moves upwardly under the pressure exerted by the compressed gas and compresses the product within the container. This forces the plug out of its seat or ruptures the diaphragm so as to permit the product within the container to move into the outer jacket, which initially contains another product. The two products are thus mixed together and, when the piston arrives at its upper position within its container, the compressed gas drives this container toward the top of the jacket, thus causing the container to slide in the jacket, and pressurizing the mixture of fluids in the outer jacket. The user may then, by pressing the valve on the jacket; dispense the desired mixture.

It is obvious that, in order for the operation to proceed as above described, it is absolutely necessary that the frictional resistance to the sliding of the piston in the container, added to the force necessary to eject the plug or rupture the diaphragm must be less than the frictional resistance to sliding of the container in the outer jacket. In like manner this latter force must be less than the force produced by the action of the compressed gas on the movable piston. When there are several inner containers, analogous relationships with respect to the frictional resistance and dimensions of the components must be respected. In all cases the exact calculation of the frictional conditions and dimensions of the various components manner can be made in a conventional by the technician who designs the particular container, in which several inequalities must be respected in order to insure satisfactory operation of the device. These calculations will not be discussed in detail, since they are within the scope of a man skilled in the art. For the gaseous propellants currently used and for a jacket holding a single container provided with a thin wall, an essential condition for good operation is that the volume of air above the product in the outer jacket must be at least 20 percent greater than the volume of the product within the inner container.

The movable plugs in the slidable containers may be made of a flexible material. The openings in which they are placed may have dimensions slightly greater than those of the support for the valve on the jacket. The shape of the upper part of the movable piston may be complementary to the shape of the valve of the jacket in order to leave a minimum dead space at the end of the path of travel of the movable piston. The shape of the lower part of the movable piston may be complementary to that of the upper wall of the chamber containing the compressed gaseous propellant. In general the free volume within the outer jacket above the product which it contains is occupied by air under atmospheric pressure, but some degree of vacuum may also be used.

In the third embodiment of the invention the containers are neither connected to a valve or adjacent to any perforatable wall, and the device according to the invention comprises only one valve, to wit, the one through which the desired mixture is dispensed. In this case, so that the user may easily determine the time at which the inner container or containers is opened, the valve is provided with an optical or acoustic attachment which indicates when the pressure in the outer jacket has been sufficiently reduced to cause rupture of the inner container or containers.

In all of the embodiments of the invention the containers may be made either of a rigid material provided with a weakened frangible zone, or of a flexible material having for example, a weakened seam, or even a semirigid material closed by a pressure seal which can resist only a small internal pressure, or by a force fitted stopper. In particular, the containers may be made of a plastic material.

The gaseous propellant may consist of a mixture of butane and propane, or a mixture offreon 11 andfreon 12, or of any other pressurizing gases conventionally used at a relative pressure preferably less than 6 kg./cm.

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, several embodiments thereof will now be described, purely by way of illustration, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. I is a sectional view through a dispenser according to the invention which comprises a rigid container having a circular frangible zone near its lower end. This device is adapted to be put into use by means of an external cartridge of pressurizing fluid and the container is connected at its upper end to the dispensing valve.

FIG. 2 shows, in axial section, a dispenser according to the invention comprising a dispensing valve at its lower end, a rigid container provided with a circular frangible line, and being operated by means of a cartridge of pressure fluid outside the dispenser.

FIG. 3 shows, in axial section, a dispenser according to the invention enclosing a container of flexible plastic material provided with a weak seam at its bottom, and comprising a cartridge of pressure fluid attached thereto through which the desired mixture is dispensed.

FIG. 4 shows, in axial section, a dispenser according to the invention comprising a dispensing valve and a rigid container having a circular frangible area near its upper end and connected at its lower end to a cartridge of pressurizing fluid by a valve. The device is designed to operate with the dispensing valve down.

FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 represent an embodiment of the invention in which the dispenser comprises an inner container in the form of a metallic tube closed by a folded over joint. This dispenser comprises near its bottom a volume of pressurizing fluid which may be placed in communication with the container by means of a perforating pin operated from outside.

FIG. 8 shows, in partial axial section, a dispenser according to the invention of the same general type shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, but in which the perforating pin is made in a different manner.

FIG. 9 shows in axial section a dispenser according to the invention in which the container is not connected to any valve and is not contacted by any perforating pin, but is internally subjected to the same pressure as the external jacket.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show indicators which may be used in combination with the device of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 shows in section a device according to the invention which encloses a sliding container, the assembly being shown in storage position.

FIG. 13 shows the device illustrated in. FIG. 1 when the user has just perforated the chamber containing the compressed gas in order to mix the two fluids together.

FIG. 14 shows the device illustrated in FIG. 2 when the compressed gas has slid the container inside the jacket.

FIG. 15 shows in storage position a device according to the invention in which the outer jacket encloses two containers, one within the other.

Referring now particularly to FIG. 1, it will be seen thatreference numeral 1 designates the outer jacket of the dispenser according to the invention. This outer jacket is generally cylindrical in form and is made of any suitable material as is in general the case with conventional aerosol dispensers. It is closed at its top by avalve 2, the bottom of which is connected to acontainer 3. The container is a tube of rigid polyethylene material about 0.5 mm. thick. This tube has near its lower end a thinner zone 4, the thickness of which is about 0.2 mm. Theouter jacket 1 contains aliquid 5 which occupies only part of its volume. Thecontainer 3 is filled with aliquid 6. During manufacture, neither thecontainer 3 nor thejacket 1 is pressurized.

A cartridge of pressurizingfluid 8 is used when the liquids are to be mixed. This fluid may be, for example, a gas under pressure such as compressed air, nitrogen or freon. Thiscartridge 7 is closed by a valve 9 provided with amouthpiece 10. The user inserts themouthpiece 10 in the seat in the top of thevalve 2 and exerts sufficient pressure on thecartridge 7 to open the valve 9. The fluid pressurizer then applies its pressure to thefluid 6 in thecontainer 3, which ruptures the weakened zone 4 and consequently causes thefluid 6 to flow into thefluid 5. When thecartridge 7 reaches the same pressure as the fluid contained in the device, the user ceases to press on thecartridge 7 and disconnects it. The cartridge is replaced by a pushbutton dispenser and the device is shaken to insure a homogenous mixture of thefluids 5 and 6. It then suffices for the user to press the pushbutton which actuates thevalve 2, the reservoir being so positioned that the valve is at its upper end, so that under pressure from thefluid 8 inside thejacket 1, the mixture offluids 5 and 6 is dispensed, with thecontainer 3 acting as a plunging tube.

In the embodiment shown on FIG. 2,reference numeral 1 indicates the outer jacket of the dispenser according to the invention, which is provided with avalve 2, to which thecontainer 3 is attached. Thiscontainer 3 and its weakened zone 4a are made in the same way as in the embodiment of FIG. 1. The

container holds aliquid 6 and the jacket holds aliquid 5, and both are filled at atmospheric pressure.

When the user wishes to employ such a dispenser, he uses acartridge 7 of pressurizingfluid 8 provided with a valve 9 having a tip 116 and discharges the pressurizingfluid 8 into thecontainer 3 through thevalves 9 and 2, as has been hereinbefore indicated. This pressure, which may be about 5 kgJcm. for example, ruptures the tube constituting thecontainer 3 along its weakenedzone 40 and the liquid 6 mixes with theliquid 5. The dispenser is then shaken to insure homogenization of the mixture, and thecartridge 7 is removed and replaced by a dispensing valve actuated by a pushbutton. The mixture is dispensed by pressing on the pushbutton, thevalve 2 being positioned at the lower end of the dispenser according to the invention. The mixture is ejected as before by reason of the pressure produced inside the jacket by the pressurizingfluid 8 which, after rupturing thecontainer 3, is released into thejacket 1.

In a third embodiment shown in FIG. 3,reference numeral 1 indicates the outer jacket of the dispenser according to the invention, equipped at. its upper end with avalve 2 to which acontainer 3 inside thejacket 1 is connected. Thecontainer 3 is a bag of flexible plastic material which is closed at its lower end by a heat seal 4b. Thecontainer 3 is filled with aliquid 6, whereas thejacket 1 contains aliquid 5, both under atmospheric pressure. Anintermediate member 11 at the top of the jacket i covers the upper conical part of thejacket 1 but is provided with a central opening affording free access to thevalve 2. The wall of this opening, is provided withthreads 12 having a large pitch, which threads cooperate with arib 13 at the lower end of acartridge 7 containing a pressurizingfluid 8 under a pressure of 5 kg./cm. Thecartridge 7 carries at the center of its bottom 1141, avalve 15 provided with apin 16. The top of the cartridge carries avalve 17 which cooperates with a pushbutton 118 the actuation of which dispenses the mixture. Inside the valve 117 is atube 19 which extends down to the bottom 114i.

When this dispenser is to be used, thecartridge 7 is rotated. As a consequence of the cooperation between therib 13 and thehelical threads 12 the bottom M is thus moved toward thevalve 2. Thepin 16 of the valve then enters the seat provided therefore in thevalve 2, thus bringing the inside of thecartridge 7 into communication with that of thecontainer 3. The pressure exerted by the pressurizingfluid 8 then breaks the seal db of thecontainer 3, which causes theliquid 6 to flow into theliquid 5. The pressurizingfluid 8 follows it and ensures the pressurization of the entire volume within the jacket. Pressure on thepushbutton 18 then produces a partial vacuum in thecartridge 7, which draws the mixture of theliquids 5 and 6 up into the cartridge for distribution through thetube 19 andvalve 17.

In the embodiment which has just been described, thepushbutton 18 is positioned for use at the top of the dispenser and the mixture is dispensed without having to remove thecartridge 7 of pressurizing fluid.

In the embodiment of FIG. 4,reference numeral 1 still indicates the outer envelope of the dispenser according to the invention which carries at its upper end avalve 2 which may be actuated by a dispensingpushbutton 26.

The jacket l is provided at the center of its bottom 2i with an internally threaded sleeve connecting the inside of this jacket to the outer air. Acontainer 3 having at one end a threaded neck 3a is fastened inside the jacket by screwing this neck all the way into thesleeve 22 so as to hermetically seal thejacket 1. The dispenser comprises avalve 23 in the neck 3a. Thecontainer 3 comprises a weakened zone 4 near the end remote from said valve. Thecontainer 3 and zone 4 are of the same material and dimensions as in the embodiment of FIG. ll. Thecontainer 3 contains aliquid 6 and the jacket aliquid 5. Neither is filled under pressure.

When the embodiment of H6. 4 is to be used, the pin 110 of the valve 9 of thecartridge 7 is introduced into thevalve 23. Thecartridge 7 contains a pressurizingfluid 3 under a pressure of about 5 kg./cm. When a force is exerted sufficient to enable the pin to open thevalves 9 and 23, the pressure of thefluid 8 ruptures thecontainer 3 and drives thefluid 6 out of the container. When thecartridge 7 and the inside of the jacket ll attain the same pressure, thecartridge 7 is removed and the dispenser, which has been pressurized by thefluid 8, is shaken. After homogenization in this manner, pressure on thevalve 2 through itspushbutton 20 which are positioned at the bottom of the jacket, dispenses the mixture ofliquids 5 and 6.

In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, the need for a separate cartridge of pressurizing fluid is eliminated. In these figures, reference numeral ll indicates the outer jacket of the dispenser according to the invention provided at its upper end with a dispensing valve actuated by apushbutton 24. Thejacket 11 is closed at its lower end by a double bottom, the outer wall of which is indicated byreference numeral 25, and its inner wall by 26. Thewalls 25 and 26 define a cartridge which will contain a pressurizingfluid 8. Thewall 25 separates this space from the outside and carries acentral sleeve 27 made in two parts. One of these, outside thejacket 1, is provided with an internally threadedseat 28, while the other, indicated byreference numeral 29 comprises a central cylindrical recess. Thesleeve 27 is fastened to the bottom 25. Thewall 26 separates the space which will hold the fluid 8 from the remainder of the space inside the jacket ll. This wall carries, inside the space which is to receive thefluid 8, an internally threadedsleeve 30. The threaded recess in this sleeve is closed at its lower end, that is to say, adjacent the space containing thefluid 6 by aplug 31 molded at the time thesleeve 30 is manufactured. Inside thejacket 11 is acontainer 3 in the form of an aluminum tube, closed at one end by an externally threadedneck 32 and a sealingweb 33, and closed at the other end by a fold in the aluminum, indicated byreference numeral 34. Thecontainer 3 holds aliquid 6 and is fastened to the inside of the jacket by screwing its threadedneck 32 into thesleeve 36. Thesleeve 27 is adapted to receive a perforating device identified byreference numeral 35. Thedevice 35 comprises apushbutton 36,threads 37 adapted to cooperate with the threads in theseat 23 ofsleeve 27 and apunch 38 having a diameter substantially equal to that of the cylindrical recess in thepart 29 of thesleeve 27. Thepunch 38 is provided with alongitudinally extending groove 39. Thewalls 25 and 26 are attached to the lateral wall of thejacket 1 by adouble seal 40.

When manufacturing such a dispenser, the tube which forms thecontainer 3 is first filled from the bottom with theliquid 6 and this tube is positioned in the jacket l by screwing itsneck 32 into thesleeve 30. This jacket is then filled with theliquid 5 and closed at its upper end by means of the dispensing valve provided with the pushbutton 2d. The perforating device is then mounted in thesleeve 27, engaging thepunch 38 in the cylindrical recess of thepart 29 of thesleeve 27. This position is shown in FIG. 5.

The pressurizingfluid 8 is then introduced under pressure into the space between thewalls 25 and 26. This fluid passes through the threadedseal 28 and thegroove 39 in thepunch 38. When the double bottom is filled withfluid 8, the threadedpart 37 is inserted into theseat 23 by pressing on thebutton 36. This is made possible by the fact that thesleeve 27 and the threadedpart 37 are made of a relatively elastic plastic material. At this moment, the space between thewalls 25 and 26 is closed.

When the dispenser is to be used, thebutton 36 is turned to screw the perforatingdevice 35 in and thus cause axial displacement of thepunch 38 in the direction of theplug 31 and theweb 33. This position is shown on FIG. 6. At the end of the screwing, the punch has perforated themembers 31 and 33, thus connecting through thegroove 33 in the punch, the space containing the pressurizingfluid 6 and the inside of thecontainer 3. When subjected to this pressure thefold 34 unrolls, the upper end of the tube opens, and the liquid 6 therein is projected into theliquid 5. The dispenser is then shaken to insure homogenization of the mixture and it sufiices to turn the dispenser so that the pushbutton is downward and press thereon. The mixture is then dispensed in response to the pressure of thefluid 8 inside the jacket.

FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the device shown in FIGS. -7. This figure shows thejacket 1 of the dispenser provided at its upper end with a valve and associatedpushbutton 24. Thejacket 1 contains aliquid 5 and encloses acontainer 3 holding theliquid 6. Thecontainer 3 is a tube of the type described in connection with the embodiment of FIGS. 5-7. It is also screwed by its neck into asleeve 30, and is provided with aclosure web 33. Thesleeve 30 is blocked by aplug 31. The perforating device comprises apunch 38, which slides snugly in asleeve 41, without threads, the space containing the pressurizing fluid is enclosed by a cylinder having thesleeve 30 at its upper end and thesleeve 41 at its lower end. The perforatingdevice 35 slides in thesleeve 41. Thewall 26 defining this space is attached at its lower side to the bottom 42 of the dispenser by aseal 43 and the bottom 42 is similarly sealed to the lateral wall of thejacket 1 at 44. This arrangement makes it possible to avoid thedouble seal 40 shown on FIGS. 5-7.

This embodiment of the invention is filled and operated in the same way as the one illustrated in FIGS. 5-7.

FIG. 9 shows yet another embodiment of the device according to the invention. In thisfigure reference numeral 1 indicates the cylindrical outer jacket carrying at its upper end a dispensingvalve 2. Thejacket 1 encloses acontainer 3 which is attached to the bottom of the jacket in any suitable manner, for example by ablind sleeve 45. Thecontainer 3 is a tube of aluminum foil, the threaded neck of which is screwed into thesleeve 45, and the other end of which is closed by afold 34. The jacket contains aliquid 5 and thetube 3 contains afluid 6. During its manufacture, thetube 3 is filled with thefluid 6, and before closing the fold in this tube,liquid freon 12 is inserted therein. It is clear that the tube must be filled at a temperature below that at whichfreon 12 becomes liquid, for example, -l5 C. At this same temperature thetube 3 is placed in thejacket 1, and the jacket partially filled with thefluid 5 and a certain amount ofliquid freon 12 is then introduced into the jacket. Thejacket 1 is then closed by mounting thevalve 2 thereon and the dispenser is permitted to return to room temperature. The pressures inside and outside thetube 3 are the same, since they are both equal to the vapor pressure offreon 12 at the temperature of the dispenser as a whole.

When this device is to be used, thevalve 2 is opened b pressing onpushbutton 2, which depressurizes thejacket 1, by permitting the freon which it contains to escape. The pressure surrounding thetube 3 is thus diminished while the pressure therein remains the same. This causes the fold which closes one end of the tube to unroll, opening the tube so that its contents are propelled by thefreon 12 into thejacket 1. As soon as the user hears the tube explode, he releases the pressure on thevalve 2, shakes the dispenser, turns it over to position thevalve 2 at the bottom thereof, and again presses on the pushbutton to open thevalve 2, thus dispensing a mixture of thefluids 5 and 6. These fluids are propelled by the pressure inside thejacket 1 produced by the freon which was initially contained in thetube 3 and any of the freon originally contained by thejacket 1 which did not escape when the valve was first pressed.

It is obvious that, in this last embodiment, thecontainer 3 need not necessarily be fastened to the inside of thejacket 1. It is also clear that, if the noise made when the tube opens up is not loud enough to attract the attention of the user, acoustical or optical signaling means may be added to the device according to the invention to indicate to the user that thecontainer 3 has been ruptured. Such arrangements are shown on FIGS. 9, l0 and 11.

In FIG. 9 the outlet is provided with aflexible tube 46. This tube stays curved so long as freon is escaping through the outlet, but straightens up into the position shown in broken lines when a liquid mixture passes through the outlet. The straightening of thetube 46 indicates to the user that thecontainer 3 has ruptured so that a more or less emulsified liquid product will thereafter be propelled from the dispenser.

In FIG. 10 the outlet is provided with a removablecylindrical device 47 comprising apiston 48 pierced byholes 49, the piston rod being provided with alongitudinal groove 50. Thecylinder 47 is seated in the dispensing nozzle and thepiston 48 is a tight sliding fit inside it. The lower part of the piston rod is colored red, for example. When the user opens thevalve 2 of the device to release the gas in thejacket 1, the gas escapes through theholes 49 in thepiston 48 and through thegroove 50 in the piston rod without difficulty and without moving the piston. On the contrary, when thetube 3 has ruptured, a more or less emulsified liquid product strikes thepiston 48 and its viscosity is too great to permit it to pass through theholes 49, so that it pushes the piston to the outer end of its path of travel. Thepiston rod 50 comes all the way out of thedevice 47, so that the user can see the red thereon, which indicates that the first phase of the operation is over. The user then removes thedevice 47 and replaces it with a pushbutton which is used for nonnal dispensing as hereinbefore described.

In the embodiment of FIG. 11, anozzle 51 comprising achannel portion 52 is attached to the outlet of thevalve 2. This channel portion is covered by a vibratingblade 53 attached to the end of the channel remote from thevalve 2. In use, when the gas is being released from the jacket, theblade 53 produces a sound caused by the passage of gas. On the contrary, after rupture of thetube 3, a more or less emulsified mixture reaches thechannel 52, the sound is no longer produced. The dispenser is then shaken to assure homogenization of the mixture, and when it is turned over, and thevalve 2 opened, the mixture to be dispensed will escape through thechannel 52, by pushing away theblade 53.

FIGS. 12-14 show yet another embodiment of the invention. In thisembodiment reference numeral 1 indicates the outer jacket of the device according to the invention andreference numeral 54 indicates the dispensing valve which is pressed down to deliver the desired mixture. Thejacket 1 contains at its lower end achamber 55 and aneedle 56. Thechamber 55 contains butane at a pressure of 1.7 kg./cm. at 20 C. The needle has a screw-threaded segment by means of which it may be actually moved into contact with the upper wall of thechamber 55. Above thechamber 55 is acontainer 57 having an outer diameter equal to the inner diameter of thejacket 1. Thecontainer 57 may slide inside thejacket 1. It carries at its top a conical portion and is closed by aflexible stopper 58. The bottom of thecontainer 57 consists of amovable piston 59 which is slidable within thecontainer 57 and which bears against the conical part of thecontainer 57 when in its upper position. Thejacket 1 contains 40 cm. of aproduct 59a and thecontainer 57 contains 40 cm. of aproduct 60. These two products have a density of about I.

In order to provide the inequalities necessary for proper mechanical operation the diameter of theenvelope 1 is 5.2 cm. and its total heights is 15 cm. The diameter of theplug 58 is 2.6 cm. The volume of air initially contained betweenpiston 59 in its lower position and theupper wall 55 is negligible because of their complementary shapes. Thecontainer 57 is completely filled with 40 cm. of the product which it contains. The frictional resistance of thecontainer 57 in thejacket 1 is l0 kg; that of thepiston 59 and thecontainer 57 is 5 kg., and the force required to eject theplug 58 is 2 kg.

When the user desires to employ the device according to the invention he screws in thepin 56 so as to perforate the upper wall of thechamber 55. The pressure of the butane is exerted on the lower surface of thepiston 59 which transmits this pressure to the fluid 60 which forces out theplug 58. Thepiston 59 slides inside thecontainer 57 until it reaches its upper position, which position is shown in FIG. 2. At this moment the fluid 60 and 59a are mixed inside thejacket 1 and outside thecontainer 57. The pressure of the butane forces the assembly comprising thecontainer 57 andpiston 59 in its upper position upwardly within the outer jacket until themixture 59a-60 is compressed to a pressure equal to that developed by the pressurizing gas in thejacket 55 and approximating the frictional resistance. It then suffices for the user to press on the button which controls thevalve 57 in order to dispense the mixture 590-60 under the pressure generated by the pressurizing gas.

FIG. represents a variation of the embodiment of the device shown in FIGS. 12-14.

It will be seen that, in this case, thejacket 1 has the general characteristics shown on FIGS. 12-14. It comprises avalve 54, achamber 55 at its lower part, and apin 56 adjacent said chamber. Thejacket 1 holds acontainer 61, analogous to thecontainer 57, and closed by aplug 62. Inside thecontainer 61 is asecond container 63 closed by aplug 64 at its top. Thecontainer 63 has a shape analogous to that of thecontainer 61 and is slidable within thecontainer 61. Theplug 64 has a diameter less than the diameter of theplug 62. Thecontainer 63 is closed at its lower end by amovable piston 65 which is slidable therein. Thepiston 65 comprises a conical portion adapted to bear on the conical zone at the top of thecontainer 63. Thecontainer 63 holds a fluid 66, thecontainer 61 holds a fluid 67, and the outer jacket may hold a fluid 68. Thecontainer 63 and 61 are completelylilled by thefluids 66 and 67, while a dead space filled with air is positioned within thejacket 1 above thefluid 68. In such a device, when the user actuates thepin 56, the pressurizing gas in thechamber 55 is brought into contact with the lower surface of thepiston 65 and causes compression of the fluid 66, thus forcing out theplug 64. This results in compression of the fluid 67, which forces out theplug 62, thus causing ejection of the fluids 66-67 into thejacket 11 and the resulting mixture of the fluid 66, 67 and 68. All of these operations take place while thepiston 65 is being moved to its upper position within thecontainer 63 thereby driving thecontainer 63 into its upper position within thecontainer 61. Once the mixture has been fonned in this manner, the assembly comprising thepiston 65 and thecontainers 63 and 61 moves toward the upper part of thejacket 1 and places themixture 66, 67 and 68 under pressure. The user may then dispense this mixture by pressing on the pushbutton of thevalve 54.

Several examples of products which may be packaged in the dispenser according to the invention will now be given. EXAMPLE 1: Regenerative Hair Lotion Any of the dispensers shown in FIGS. 1-9 may be used.

The following products are placed in the inner container:

Methoxymethyl dicyandiamide 0.4 g. Triethanolaminc-para-hydroxy-benzoate 0.02 3. Water, q.s.p. cm

20 cm. of an aqueous, lactic acid solution having a pH of 2 is placed in the outer jacket.

The dispenser is operated as hereinbefore described to mix the two liquids and applied to very degraded bleached hair before setting it. After drying the hair appears clean and shiny, has excellent body, and the wave imparted by the set lasts very well.

EXAMPLE 2: Regenerative Hair Lotion Any one of the dispensers shown in FIGS. 1-9 may be used.

0.4 g. of hydroxymethyldicyandiamide is placed in the inner container.

The following solution is placed in the outer jacket:

trimethyl-cetyl ammonium bromide 0.02 g. citric acid q.s.p. P water q.s.p. 20 cm.

The dispenser is operated as hereinbefore described to mix the two liquids and apply them to bleached very degraded hair, before setting the hair. After dryi s. the hair has a clean, shiny appearance, has excellent body, and the set" lasts longer.

EXAMPLE 3: Bleaching Mixture Any of the dispensers shown in FIGS. 1-9 may he used. The following products are placed in the inner container:

potassium persulfate 27 g. biammonium phosphate 5 g. sodium carbonate 6 g. disodium salt of ethylene-diaminetctraacetic acid I g. sodium laurylsulfate 7.5 g. precipitated silica 3.5 g.

I00 cc. of hydrogen peroxide at 20 volumes is placed in the outer jacket.

The dispenser is operated as previously described to mix the two products and apply the mixture to the hair. The hair becomes four or five shades lighter.

EXAMPLE 4: Oxidation Dye for the Hair Any one of the dispensers shown in FIGS. 1-9 may be used:

40 cc. of the following mixture is placed in the inner container:

nonylphenol condensed with 4 moles of 40 cc. of hydrogen peroxide at 20 volumes is placed in the outer jacket.

The dispenser is operated as hereinbefore described to mix the two liquids which are then applied to percent white hair. A chestnut shade results.

EXAMPLE 5: Product for Coloring the Skin Any of the dispensers shown in FIGS. 1-9 may be used. The following mixture is placed in the inner container:

3-paranitrophenyl-2,5-diphcnyl tetrazolium chloride 0.78 5. ethanol, q.s.p. 50 water. q.s.p. I00

The following mixture is placed in the outer jacket:

l,2,4-trihydroxy naphthalene 0.34 g. ethanol q.s.p. 50 citric acid and sodium carbonate q.s.p. pH

The dispenser is operated as hereinbefore described to mix the two products. The mixture dispensed is applied to the skin and produces a natural golden tan.

EXAMPLE 6: Permanent for the Hair The device according to the invention makes it possible to use in a permanent waving liquid certain reducing agents which impart great softness to the hair facilitate its combing, and permit it to be beautifully waved without deterioration, but which have the disadvantage that they hydrolyze in an aqueous solution.

Any one of the dispensers shown in FIGS. 1-9 may be used.

The following mixture is placed in the inner container:

glycerol thioglycolate I51 g. glycerine l g.

The following mixture is placed in the outer jacket:

triethanolamine '4 cm.water 56 cm.

The dispenser is operated as previously described to mix the two liquids. The solution is applied to the hair on curlers in a conventional permanent waving process. After treatment the hair is very soft and has a beautiful wave. EXAMPLE 7: Fixative for Permanent Wave Any of the dispensers according to the invention may also be used as a package for products to be stored in the dry state and which polymerize in solution. This is particularly true of certain methylol compounds which, when applied to the hair, reticulate and polymerize inside the fiber and considerably improve the condition of the hair. These products are valuable as additives to fixatives for permanent waves. The dispenser according to the invention makes it possible to avoid premature polymerization.

2 g. of hydroxymethylurea are placed in the inner container.

The following mixture is placed in the outer jacket:

hydrogen peroxide at 30volumes 3 cm. phosphoric acid qsp. pil -2.8 water q.s.p. l5 cm.

The dispenser is operated as hereinbefore described to mix the two products. The resulting mixture is applied to hair wound up on rollers, which hair has been subjected to the reducing step of a permanent wave and then rinsed. After minutes, the hair is removed from the rollers, rinsed and set. The condition of the hair is substantially improved. EXAMPLE 8: Depilatory The dispenser according to the invention makes it possible to store certain enzymes which deteriorate rapidly in solution. These dispensers may be used to store proteolytic enzymes which, when they hydrolize, increase the effectiveness of the thiols in a depilatory as reducing agents.

The inner container of the dispenser holds the enzyme and the outer jacket contains a conventional depilatory. EXAMPLE 9: Pharmaceutical Product Obtained from a Lyophilized Powder it is well known that certain biological products may be stabilized by lyophilization when these mixtures are fragile, and thereby kept in powdered form until they are placed in solution at the moment of use. This is particularly the case with antiseptic solutions having an antibiotic base. A lyophilized antibiotic powder can be placed in the inner container of the dispenser according to the invention and the aqueous phase in which it is to be dissolved in the outer jacket.

We claim:

1. A method of packaging two products which must be stored separately but mixed when dispensed, said method comprising the steps of introducing one of said products into an inner container, adapted to rupture under pressure, introducing the other product at the same pressure as said first product into a jacket enclosing said inner container and provided with an external outlet, and associating with said jacket a cartridge holding propellant fluid under pressure and means for bringing said cartridge and inner container into communication with each other to create a fluid pressure differential between the contents of said inner container and jacket sufficient to cause rupture of said inner container and thereby admit the product held by said inner container, and said propellant, into said outer jacket.

2. The method as claimed inclaim 1 in which said cartridge is formed of a separate chamber in said jacket.

Claims (2)

1. A method of packaging two products which must be stored separately but mixed when dispensed, said method comprising the steps of introducing one of said products into an inner container, adapted to rupture under pressure, introducing the other product at the same pressure as said first product into a jacket enclosing said inner container and provided with an external outlet, and associating with said jacket a cartridge holding propellant fluid under pressure and means for bringing said cartridge and inner container into communication with each other to create a fluid pressure differential between the contents of said inner container and jacket sufficient to cause rupture of said inner container and thereby admit the product held by said inner container, and said propellant, into said outer jacket.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1 in which said cartridge is formed of a separate chamber in said jacket.

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