EP1092642B1 - Dispensing device for a composition having a concentration gradient - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a device for packaging and distribution of a composition, containing at least one compound, the concentration varies over at least part of the range of use of the device. The composition can be of very liquid to less liquid consistency, in particular in the form of a milk or an emulsion.

In the cosmetic field in particular, it is known to package in a suitable container, a composition comprising either a homogeneous phase or a plurality of separate phases. In the latter case, after shaking the container, there has mixing phases, and obtaining a mixture where each active has a determined concentration. The concentration values of each of the active ingredients are defined by the formulator once and for all. With each use, the distributed composition has the same concentrations.

However, in the field of cosmetics, as well as in other fields such as pharmacy, or dermatology, it might be desirable to vary, preferably in a linear fashion, the concentration of active ingredients between the start and the end of the treatment This is particularly the case for sun protection for children who, in the first days of exposure should be maximum, if not total, then, which can gradually decrease after a few days of exposure. It is the same for products containing self-tanning active ingredients, which must have a very discreet effect during the first uses, then, more and more pronounced after a few uses. It could be the same for products slimming, which could have an increasing slimming action powerful over time. As an example again, may be mentioned certain treatments for the skin or scalp, and which due to the aggressive action of certain compounds which they contain must be applied to progressive concentration, before being at stabilized final concentration, of so as to allow treatment to continue with maximum efficiency.

Today, the change of concentratioh implies a separate packaging for each of the different concentrations. The multiplication of resulting packaging, prohibits general public use of this type of treatments, which are reserved for use in very high institutes of range. In addition, this system only allows a limited number of mergers different.

US-A-4,893,729 describes a device for dispensing a composition of sun protection, comprising a container defining two compartments, one containing one lotion, and the other containing a sunscreen. The two compartments are in communication with a mixing chamber via respective orifices. The section of the orifice connecting the mixing chamber to the compartment containing the sun filter is adjustable to vary the degree of protection of the distributed solar composition. Such a device is complex. The variation of concentration in sunscreen of the composition distributed is done in stages discrete whose number is necessarily reduced. Therefore, the disadvantages and the limits of such a system are numerous.

It is therefore one of the objects of the invention to propose packaging, can in particular be obtained by molding in one piece, and allowing the distribution of a composition, in particular a cosmetic composition, containing at least one compound whose concentration must vary over at least a portion of the range use of the packaging.

It is also an object of the invention to propose a device in which a such variation in concentration is linear, at least over part of the range of uses.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide such a device for distribution which allows such a variation in concentration, increasingly or decreasing.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a simple device of use, reliable, and economical to carry out.

Other objects will appear in the detailed description which follows.

According to the invention, these objects are achieved by producing a device for packaging and distribution of a composition (C1), in particular cosmetic, pharmaceutical or dermatological, comprising: a) a first container containing said composition (C1); b) suitable means, in response to a actuation command, to allow the distribution of a given volume of said composition (C1); c) a second container containing a makeup composition (C2); and d) suitable means, in response to the distribution of said given volume of composition (C1) from the first container, to allow the passage of a fraction of said makeup composition (C2) from the second container, to the first container.

In the case of a composition of low viscosity, the mixture of the fraction of make-up composition (C2) with the composition (C1) contained in the first container, is done automatically. For a more viscous composition important, it may be necessary to shake the device in order to improve the homogenization of the composition to be distributed.

Preferably, the suitable means, in response to the distribution of said given volume of composition (C1) from the first container, to allow the passage of a fraction of said makeup composition (C2) from the second container, to the first container, consist of a siphon disposed between the first and the second container.

The siphon constitutes a preferred embodiment of the invention in the since it authorizes the molding in one piece, of the device, without requiring additional valves, or other similar means, between the two containers.

Preferably, the distribution of the composition (C1) from the first container takes place without air intake, that is to say, without the composition volume (C1) is not replaced by a corresponding volume of air. This distribution without air intake creates a vacuum inside the first container, capable of causing the suction of a corresponding volume of said make-up composition (C2) from the second container, the "corresponding volume" being of such a volume that the pressure balance is restored.

Advantageously, an air intake member is provided to allow entry in the second container an air volume corresponding substantially to the volume of distributed composition. This return air element is necessary, in particular when the second container is in rigid or semi-rigid form. According to one alternative, the make-up composition is contained inside a flexible pocket, in particular in a metal / thermoplastic complex, the walls of which will be able sag on themselves in response to the loss of volume transferred from the second container to the first container In the latter case, the return air to the interior of the second container is not necessary. However, if the flexible pocket is contained in a rigid enclosure, it must be under pressure atmospheric so as to allow the deformation of the pocket.

Preferably, composition C1 is distributed under pressure by means in particular a pumping member, such as a manually actuated pump. Alternatively, the container may have deformable walls elastically, and be surmounted by a valve without air intake, i.e. unidirectional opening, the distribution of composition C1 being effected by pressing the walls of the first container so as to force the distribution of composition C1 through an outlet orifice on which the valve is mounted without air intake. When the walls thus deformed resume, in particular by elastic recall, their initial configuration, a corresponding volume of makeup is sucked from the second container This second solution is not preferred, especially when a metered dispensing precise is desired.

Thus, according to the invention, during the first or first uses, the concentration of a given compound (for example, a sunscreen) in the distributed composition, corresponds to the initial concentration of the composition contained in the first container.

Then, each time you pump into the first container, as long as there is the make-up composition in the second container, an equivalent amount of make-up composition contained in the second container is drawn into the first container, so that during this phase the volume of composition liquid in the first container does not vary significantly.

Assuming a make-up composition less concentrated than the composition initially contained in the first container, each volume of makeup added to the first container will help decrease gradually the concentration of said compound in the liquid composition distributed.

Assuming an additional composition more concentrated than the composition initially contained in the first container, each volume of composition booster in the first container will help increase gradually the concentration of said compound in the liquid composition distributed.

After the contents of the second container have been completely aspirated, the concentration of liquid composition contained in the first container will stabilize, and reach a final value at most equal to the concentration of the make-up composition in the second container. In practice, the final value of the concentration of liquid composition contained in the first container will be all the closer of the concentration of the make-up composition than the volume of the second container is large compared to the volume of the first container.

Advantageously, said siphon-forming means comprise a conduit, one of which first end opens into the second container via a first orifice located near its bottom, and a second end of which opens into the first container via a second orifice located at a level lower than that of the first port. Advantageously, said conduit has a portion located at a level higher than the maximum level of product in the second container.

Due to the pressure balance inside the device, both compositions whose interface area, possibly formed by a volume of air, is generally located at the siphon, do not mix so sensitive. However, it may be desirable to provide means for, before the first use, keep isolated the liquid composition contained in the first container, make-up composition. Such means can be arranged at the level of the siphon conduit, and be in the form of a valve or valve. According to an advantageous embodiment, the conduit of the siphon has at its highest point a portion on which it is of oblong section. A clamp, positioned on the device, opposite said portion, crushes the conduit, so as to prevent any migration of a composition towards the other. Such pliers can be connected to a cap intended for removably cover the dispensing head. So at the first use, by removing the cap, the user also removes the clamp, thus authorizing the communication of the two containers.

Alternatively, the siphon includes a first portion, in communication with the first container, and a second portion in communication with the second container, each of the first and second portions having one end free closed by a removable plug, the communication of the first and second portions being made, after removal of the plugs, at the time of first use of the device. When connecting the two portions, the free end of the first portion can be force-fitted into the free end of the second, or vice versa. Other means of connection can be expected.

Preferably, the distribution means consist of a pump manual actuation, an outlet orifice of the first container being closed with sealingly through an inlet duct of said manually actuated pump. Such a pump can be connected to a dip tube, one free end of which is located near the bottom of the first container.

More preferably, the air intake member is, where appropriate, formed of a air return port of said manually actuated pump, said air port air intake being in communication with said second container. To this end, the manually operated pump can be mounted in a neck of the device, said neck opening separately on said outlet of the first container, and on an intermediate zone in communication with said second container, the member air intake being in communication with said intermediate zone.

Preferably, the maximum filling level of the first and / or second container, is located below the highest point of the siphon. So, to fill the device, one can proceed as follows: the liquid composition is introduced, via the outlet, into the first container, up to the level of maximum filling, which is located below the highest point of the siphon. The make-up composition is introduced into the second container via the zone intermediate, up to maximum filling. In doing so, a volume of air is enclosed in the siphon, and isolates the liquid composition of the first container from the make-up composition.

Alternatively, the two containers are filled from the same container (by example from the first container) of the same identical composition. In this Indeed, the maximum filling level of the first container is located above from the highest point of the siphon. After that, we introduce into one or other of the containers, a "concentrate" capable of modifying the relative concentrations of the liquid composition of the first container and the makeup composition.

Advantageously, the neck has a thread pitch capable of cooperating with a pitch of corresponding screw of a distributor head on which the pump is mounted. The dispensing head can be removably capped with a cap.

According to one embodiment, the makeup composition in the second container is such that the curve representing the concentration of at least one compound present in the liquid composition pumped from the first container, in depending on the number of doses pumped, has a portion with a slope positive. The compound can be a self-tanning active ingredient.

Alternatively, the makeup composition in the second container is such that the curve representing the concentration of at least one compound present in the liquid composition pumped from the first container, depending on the number of pumped doses, has a portion with a negative slope. The compound can be a sun filter.

• les figures 1A-1B illustrent une vue d'ensemble et une vue en coupe d'un premier mode de réalisation du dispositif selon l'invention ;
• les figures 2A-2B illustrent une caractéristique avantageuse d'un mode de réalisation du dispositif selon l'invention ;
• les figures 3A-3C illustrent les différentes étapes d'un mode de réalisation d'un procédé de remplissage du dispositif illustré aux figures 1A-1B, et 2 ; et
• les figures 4A-4C illustrent les différentes phases d'utilisation du dispositif illustré aux figures 1A-1B.

The invention consists, apart from the arrangements set out above, of a certain number of other arrangements which will be explained below, with reference to nonlimiting exemplary embodiments, described with reference to the appended figures, among which:

• Figures 1A-1B illustrate an overall view and a sectional view of a first embodiment of the device according to the invention;
• FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate an advantageous characteristic of an embodiment of the device according to the invention;
• FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate the different stages of an embodiment of a method for filling the device illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1B, and 2; and
• Figures 4A-4C illustrate the different phases of use of the device illustrated in Figures 1A-1B.

As shown in Figures 1A-1B, the device 1 according to a mode of particular embodiment comprises a body 2, rigid or semi-rigid, the cross section of which transverse is elongated. The body 2 is surmounted by a neck 3, one of which free edge 4 delimits an opening in which a pump is mounted manual actuation 5. The neck 3 as well as the pump 5, are arranged along an axis X. The pump 5 is surmounted by a dispensing head 6, comprising a portion axially movable 7, so as to allow actuation of the pump 5, and the outlet of the composition to be dispensed via an orifice 8. The dispensing head 6 includes a thread (not shown) capable of cooperating with a thread corresponding provided on the outside surface of the neck 3.

The body 2 defines two volumes, defining a first container 11 intended for receive the composition to be dispensed C1, and a second container 12 intended for receive a make-up composition C2, capable of modifying the concentration of at least a compound of composition C1 contained in the first container

The first container 11 comprises an outlet orifice 13 arranged along the axis X, and intended to receive in leaktight manner an inlet duct 14 of the pump 5. The inlet conduit is extended by a dip tube 15, one free end of which is located substantially at the bottom of the first container 11. The first container 11 has a maximum filling level corresponding substantially to the surface transverse 17, formed inside the container 11, and into which opens outlet 13.

The second container 12 is disposed slightly offset axially at the above the first container 11, and is of volume substantially identical to the volume of the first container 11. The second container 12 is in communication with an intermediate zone 18 located in the extension of the neck 3, above of the first container 11. In the assembled position, a portion of larger section 19 of the inlet duct 14 of the pump 5 is located inside said zone intermediate. This portion of larger section of the conduit 14 is provided with a air return port 20 of the pump. Thus, the air intake orifice communicates with the second container 12, and is isolated from the first container 11. According to this mode of embodiment, the maximum filling level of the second container 12 corresponds substantially at the level of the wall in which the orifice 13 of the first container 11.

The first container 11 is connected to the second container via a siphon 30 formed by a conduit one end 31 of which is in communication with the second container 12 via an orifice 32 formed at the bottom of the second container 12. The conduit forming siphon 30 has a first portion 33 rising over substantially the entire height of the body 2 of the device, up to a U-shaped portion, 34, which extends by a portion 35, descending over substantially the entire height of the body 2. The highest point 39 of the siphon duct 30 is located axially, substantially at the maximum filling level of the second container 12. The portion 35 is extended by a part folded at 90 °, 36 including one end 37 communicates via an orifice 38 with the first container 11. The orifice 38 is located in below the orifice 32 for communication with the second container 12. Areas junction 40, in the form of a thick wall are formed between the first container, the second container, and the different portions of the siphon duct 30.

The body of the container is obtained by molding in a single piece of a material such than polyethylene or polypropylene.

In the partial view of the device shown in Figures 2A-2B, it appears that the siphon 30 has, in the vicinity of the top of the U, 34, a hollow section of oblong shape, which can be crushed using a removable clamp 41 connected via a cord 42, to a removable cap 43 intended to cover the head of distribution 6 between two uses. Thus mounted, the clamp 41 isolates hermetically the make-up composition C2 contained in the second container 12 of the liquid composition C1 contained in the first container 11. We reduce thus, the risks of untimely migration from one composition to another, especially when transporting the device before its first use. To the first use, by removing the cap 43, traction is exerted on the clamp 41, which is removed, which helps restore the hollow section oblong, suitable for letting the liquid pass. The clamp 41 can be mounted before filling of the two containers 11, 12, between the filling of the first container 11 and filling the second container 12, or after filling the two containers 11, 12.

To complete the device which has just been discussed with reference to the figures discussed above, we can proceed as illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C. In the figure 3A, the liquid composition C1 is introduced into the first container 11, via the orifice 13, and this, until reaching the corresponding maximum level substantially to the transverse wall 17. The composition C1 also rises in the portion 35 siphon 30, without however reaching the highest point 39 of the U-shaped portion, 34. At this moment, the clamp 41 is placed on the portion of oblong section 45 of the siphon 30. Then, via the intermediate zone 18, a filling rod cubit is introduced into the second container 12. The makeup composition C2 is introduced into the second container 12, until a filling level is reached maximum located below the wall in which the orifice 13 of the first container 11. Composition C2 also rises in portion 33 of the siphon 30, preceded by an air volume 50. The distribution head 6 is screwed onto the neck 3 of the bottle, with the inlet conduit 14 in sealed engagement inside orifice 13 (see Figures 1B and 2B). The cap 43 (FIG. 2A) connected to the clamp 41 is positioned on the dispensing head 6. The device is thus ready for use.

The different phases of using such a device are shown in the figures 4A-4C. In FIG. 4A, by actuating the pump 5 for the first time, a composition corresponding to the liquid composition C1 initially contained in the first container 11 is dispensed. In response to the depression generated in the first container 11, due to the absence of air intake inside the first container, an identical volume of composition C1, contained in portion 35 of the siphon 30 is aspirated so as to replace the pumped volume of C1. Recovery of air inside the second container 12 is done via the air intake orifice 20 of the pump. Thus, the volume of product inside the first container 11 remains substantially constant During this first phase, the concentration of distributed composition is constant, and corresponds to the initial concentration of the composition C1. This phase can be prolonged during several pumpings, it is to say until composition C2 actually begins to enter the first container 11. The number of pumps corresponding to this first phase actually depends on the composition volume C1 initially present in the portion 35 of the siphon 30, of the volume of air possibly trapped between C1 and C2 inside the siphon 30, and the volume of the dose pumped by the pump 5.

After this first phase, as illustrated in Figure 4B, and from the moment where the composition C2 begins to be effectively sucked in the first container 11, it occurs, depending on the relative concentrations of compositions C1 and C2, a dilution or concentration effect of the composition distributed by pump 5. Indeed, in this phase also, the volume of composition C1 in the first container remains constant This dilution effect or concentration is done gradually in response to each pumping at means of the pump 5. The volume of composition C2 contained in the container 12 gradually decreases until it becomes zero.

In FIG. 4C, after having completely emptied the container 12, the composition liquid C1 has a concentration located at an intermediate level between its initial concentration and the initial concentration of the composition C2. The report volumes of the first and second containers is a determining factor for the value of the final concentration of composition C1 in the first container During this phase, at each pumping of composition C1, the volume pumped is no longer replaced by a corresponding volume from container 12. As a result, the level in the container 11 gradually decreases. the concentration of composition C1 is constant. This last phase is continues until the first container 11 is completely emptied.

Thus, such a distribution comprises three main phases: a first phase (generally the shortest) in which only composition C1 is distributed; a second phase in which a mixture of compositions C1 and C2, according to a concentration increasing or decreasing gradually ; and a third phase in which the distributed composition is at constant concentration, which concentration is at most equal to the concentration of the make-up composition C2 initially present in the second container.

The relative length of each of the three phases, and the slope of the curve in the second phase, are adjusted at will by choosing appropriately the main parameters of the device, such as the volumes of each container, the initial concentrations of each of compositions C1 and C2, the volume of the pumped dose, and the configuration of the siphon.

In the foregoing detailed description, reference has been made to modes of preferred embodiments of the invention. Obviously there may be variations made without departing from the invention as claimed below.

Claims (20)

1. Device (1) for packaging and dispensing a composition (C1), particularly a cosmetic, pharmaceutical or dermatological composition, comprising: a) a first container (11) containing the said composition (C1); b) means (5) capable, in response to an actuation command, of allowing a given volume of the said composition (C1) to be dispensed; c) a second container (12) containing a top-up composition (C2); characterized by means (30) capable, in response to the dispensing of the said given volume of composition (C1) from the first container (11), of allowing a fraction of the said top-up composition (C2) to pass from the second container (12) to the first container (11).
2. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that means (13, 14, 20) are provided so that the volume of composition (C1) contained in the first container (11) remains approximately constant as long as some of the top-up composition (2) is left in the second container (12).
3. Device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the dispensing of the composition (C1) from the first container (11) occurs without air being taken into the said first container (11).
4. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises an air intake member (20) to allow a volume of air that corresponds roughly to the volume of the fraction of composition (C2) transferred to the first container (11) to enter the second container (12).
5. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the means (30) capable, in response to the dispensing of the said given volume of composition (C1) from the first container (11), of allowing a fraction of the said top-up composition (C2) to pass from the second container (12) to the first container (11) consist of a siphon (30).
6. Device (1) according to Claim 5, characterized in that the said siphon-forming means (30) comprise a duct, a first end (31) of which opens into the second container (12) via a first orifice (32) located near its bottom, and a second end (37) of which opens into the first container (11) via a second orifice (38) located at a level below that of the first orifice (32).
7. Device (1) according to Claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the maximum fill level (17) of the first container (11) and/or the maximum fill level of the second container (12) is located below the uppermost point (39) of the siphon (30).
8. Device according to Claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the maximum fill level (17) of the first container (11) and/or the maximum fill level of the second container (12) is located above the uppermost point (39) of the siphon (30).
9. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the dispensing means (5) consist of a manually actuated pump (5).
10. Device according to Claim 9, characterized in that the pump (5) is configured in such a way that, upon each actuation, a determined amount of the said composition (C1) is taken up from the first container (11) without the intake of air and that, in return, a corresponding volume of air is introduced into the second container (12).
11. Device according to Claim 10, characterized in that an outlet orifice (13) of the first container (11) is sealed closed by an inlet duct (14) of the said manually actuated pump (5).
12. Device according to any one of Claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the pump (5) is connected to a dip tube (15), a free end of which is located near the bottom of the first container (11).
13. Device according to Claims 4 and any one of Claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the air intake member is formed of an air intake orifice (20) of the said manually actuated pump (5), the said air intake orifice (20) being in communication with the said second container (12).
14. Device according to Claim 13, characterized in that the manually actuated pump (5) is mounted in a neck (3) of the device, the said neck (3) opening separately onto the said outlet orifice (13) of the first container (11), and onto an intermediate zone (18) in communication with the said second container (12), the air intake member (20) being in communication with the said intermediate zone (18).
15. Device according to any one of Claims 9 to 14, characterized in that the neck (3) has a screw thread capable of collaborating with a corresponding screw thread of a dispensing head (6) on which the pump (5) is mounted.
16. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 15, characterized in that means (41) are provided for, prior to first use, forming a removable barrier between the composition (C1) of the first container and the top-up composition (C2).
17. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the top-up composition (C2) in the second container (12) is such that the curve representing the concentration of at least one compound present in the composition (C1) dispensed from the first container (11), as a function of the number of doses dispensed, has a portion which has a positive slope.
18. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the top-up composition (C2) in the second container (12) is such that the curve representing the concentration of at least one compound present in the composition (C1) dispensed from the first container (11), as a function of the number of doses dispensed, has a portion which has a negative slope.
19. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is obtained by moulding, in a single piece, from a material, particularly a thermoplastic, such as a polypropylene or a polyethylene.
20. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the said compound is a compound which forms a sunscreen, or a cosmetic, pharmaceutical or dermatological active ingredient.

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