Dispensing – Processes of dispensing
Reexamination Certificate
2001-02-02
2003-02-18
Morris, Lesley D. (Department: 3754)
Dispensing
Processes of dispensing
C222S144500, C222S145200, C222S148000, C222S402180, C222S136000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06520377
ABSTRACT:
The present invention relates to a method for dispensing two components, particularly liquid components, using a propellant gas, the components being packaged separately from one another in the same dispenser. The invention also relates to a dispenser for allowing the selective dispensing of the components.
More specifically, the dispenser according to the invention is of the “aerosol can” type equipped with a dispensing valve that can be actuated using a push-button and equipped with a dispensing system. Customarily, a push-button such as this includes a dispensing orifice via which the component (or components) leaves the can, under the thrust of the propellant gas. The valve with which the present invention is concerned is of the dual feed type, each feed route being in communication with a reservoir, each of which contains one of the components. In particular, the invention is concerned with the dispensing of these components, not only in the form of a mixture but also, as desired, individually. The invention in particular envisages cleaning out the dispensing system using the propellant gas before or after each use.
So, one aspect of the present invention is to provide a dispenser which allows the selective dispensing of either one of the components in isolation or in a mixture of the components. Another aspect of the invention is to provide a dispenser which allows the dispensing system to be cleaned out automatically or at will before or after each use.
The dispenser of the invention can be used for dispensing products of different kinds, for example cosmetic or dermo-pharmaceutical products, household, technical, horticultural products, etc.
In general, in multi-component products that are to be stored separately and mixed at the time of use, a chemical reaction takes place between the components. Now, when a mixture of the components remains at rest in the dispenser system, even after a relatively short period of time, residues form and block the dispensing system. Thereafter, any subsequent dispensing becomes impossible. This phenomenon is highly pronounced when the product is, for example, a two-part adhesive, one of the components of which contains a monomer and the other a polymerization catalyst. The dispensing of a two-component product in the form of a mixture contained in a mixing dispenser is widely known.
Thus, document DE-A-29 16 699 describes a dispenser containing a product with two liquid components, contained separately in a common can and pressurized using a propellant gas. The can is equipped with a mixing valve with two feed routes. A first feed route of the valve is in communication with a flexible pouch placed inside the can and filled with a first component. The second feed route of the valve communicates with a volume formed between the interior wall of the can and the external wall of the pouch. Packaged together in this volume are the second product and the propellant gas. This dispenser makes it possible, when the dispensing valve is actuated, to dispense a mixture of the two components.
A shaving cream dispenser which allows two liquids, initially separate, to be mixed in a mixing valve leading to the heating of the cream, is described in document U.S. Pat. No. 3,326,416. One of the liquids may be hydrogen peroxide and the other may contain a hypophosphite. The reaction of these liquids causes an exothermal breakdown of the liquids, supplying heat to foaming components and making it possible to dispense a warm foaming mixture.
A dispenser capable of containing several components is described in document FR-A-2 133 112. A dispensing valve that can be actuated by a push-button is designed to selectively dispense one of the components or a mixture of various components. The valve, as described, is not designed to clean out the dispensing system using a propellant gas before or after use. In addition, such a valve cannot be produced on an industrial scale. This is because, depending on the number of components to be dispensed, a number of inlet chambers are stacked up in this valve, each chamber having a sealing means through which a common nozzle passes. This document does not describe in detail how each inlet chamber is placed in communication with a corresponding reservoir respectively containing one of the components, nor how these reservoirs are arranged in a common external body and pressurized using the propellant gas. This dispenser attempts to avoid the blocking of the valve but does not in any case prevent the blocking of the dispensing system, nor does it envisage cleaning out the dispensing system using the propellant gas.
Document EP-A-0 709 305 describes a dispenser comprising a dispensing valve for a single product that is to be dispensed in the form of a spray or mousse or foam, using a propellant gas, the valve being equipped with an additional gas intake orifice and with a nozzle carrying a moving seal which, in a position of rest, seals off the additional gas intake orifice. The nozzle, when pushed partially in, moves the seal into a position in which it uncovers the additional gas intake orifice, and gas is sent into the dispensing system to clean it out. The nozzle, when it is pushed fully in, positions the moving seal in an area where a longitudinal and/or circular groove made in the internal wall of the valve body allows product to be let in. Thus, a product/gas mixture is dispensed. This dispenser is not designed for dispensing two products or for mixing two products.
Another source, document U.S. Pat. No. 3,568,888, discloses a dispenser containing, separately, two liquids. This dispenser is equipped with a selective dispensing system allowing the dispensing of either one of the liquids alone or of a mixture of the two liquids. This dispenser exhibits several drawbacks.
Specifically, this dispensing system entails three-position actuation, two of which are to be provided in a position somewhere between the position of rest and the fully pushed-in position. Such actuation is difficult for the user to achieve because the two intermediate positions are difficult to identify. Hence, when the user's finger, pressing on the pushbutton, moves during dispensing, particularly during prolonged dispensing action, a change in the composition of the product may occur in the course of dispensing, and this may have disastrous consequences.
In addition, the dispensing system consists of a valve of complex and bulky construction occupying a great deal of volume inside the dispenser, which volume it would be desirable to fill with product and/or, in particular, with propellant gas. Furthermore, in this valve, in order to guarantee reliable operation, it is necessary to provide sealing in four places: a) at the place where the valve stem emerges to the outside of the valve body; b) at the inlet of the first liquid to the valve body; c) at the inlet of the second liquid to the valve body; and d) between a flange on the stem and the internal wall of the valve body.
Developing a valve thus configured is one of the trickiest of tasks. What is more, in certain regions inside the valve body, for example below the flange, product residue may build up, carrying the risk of impeding the correct operation of the valve or even of causing the valve to stick.
The invention sets out to overcome at least one of the above drawbacks by providing a dispensing unit comprising a valve of at least one of relatively simple construction, relatively easy to use and relatively reliable in operation, allowing the user to choose one of several methods of dispensing a multi-component product.
Another aspect of the invention involves providing a dispensing unit whose valve construction makes it possible to remove product residue built up in the valve body and/or to prevent the formation of such residue. Yet another aspect of the invention is to equip this dispensing unit with a valve of little bulk so that maximum volume is available for the storage of the product and/or the propellant gas.
Thus, the subject of the invention is a dispenser for separately packagin
L'Oreal
Morris Lesley D.
Willatt Stephanie L.
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