U.S. patent application number 09/728818 was filed with the patent office on 2001-11-01 for process for forming novel spiral compositions.
This patent application is currently assigned to THIBIANT, PATRICK. Invention is credited to Le Cavalier, Steven R., Long, Daniel, Thibiant, Patrick.
Application Number | 20010035230 09/728818 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23914113 |
Filed Date | 2001-11-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010035230 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Thibiant, Patrick ; et
al. |
November 1, 2001 |
Process for forming novel spiral compositions
Abstract
A method and apparatus are provided that allows two or more
compositions to be filled with a spiral configuration into a single
container. Each product may have completely different chemical and
physical properties, and each product may have a different function
and purpose. The method includes providing at least two compounds,
arranged in separate storage bins each having a pump and a hose
attached thereto; rotating a container, for receiving a resulting
product formed by the at least two compounds, into position
relative to a support and alignment funnel; pumping the at least
two compounds through the respective hoses into a nozzle assembly
having at least two nozzles for filling the container; and
combining predetermined amounts of each of the at least two
compounds for creating the resulting product housed in a single
container, wherein the resulting product has the at least two
compounds formed in a spiral configuration.
Inventors: |
Thibiant, Patrick; (Pacific
Palisades, CA) ; Long, Daniel; (Simi Valley, CA)
; Le Cavalier, Steven R.; (Simi Valley, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Richard H. Zaitlen
PILLSBURY MADISON & SUTRO LLP
Suite 2800
725 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles
CA
90017-5406
US
|
Assignee: |
THIBIANT, PATRICK
|
Family ID: |
23914113 |
Appl. No.: |
09/728818 |
Filed: |
December 1, 2000 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09728818 |
Dec 1, 2000 |
|
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09481968 |
Jan 12, 2000 |
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6213166 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
141/268 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61K 2800/88 20130101;
A45D 40/16 20130101; A61K 8/03 20130101; A45D 40/24 20130101; A61Q
19/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
141/268 |
International
Class: |
B67C 003/26; B67C
003/34 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of forming spiral compositions, comprising the steps
of: providing at least two compounds, arranged in separate storage
bins each having a pump and a hose attached thereto; rotating a
container, for receiving a resulting product formed by the at least
two compounds, into position relative to a support and alignment
funnel; pumping the at least two compounds through the respective
hoses into a nozzle assembly having at least two nozzles for
filling the container; and combining predetermined amounts of each
of the at least two compounds for creating the resulting product
housed in a single container, wherein the resulting product has the
at least two compounds formed in a spiral configuration.
2. The method of forming spiral compositions according to claim 1,
wherein the resulting product created is a dual-phase
composition.
3. The method of forming spiral compositions according to claim 1,
wherein the resulting product created is at least one of a facial
cosmetic treatment and a cosmetic treatment for the body.
4. The method of forming spiral compositions according to claim 1,
wherein the resulting product created is a cationic personal care
product.
5. The method of forming spiral compositions according to claim 1,
wherein the resulting product created is a non-ionic personal care
product.
6. The method of forming spiral compositions according to claim 1,
wherein the resulting product created is a body gel.
7. The method of forming spiral compositions according to claim 1,
wherein the resulting product created is a multi-phase
composition.
8. The method of forming spiral compositions according to claim 1,
wherein in the step of providing at least two compounds, the
compounds are waxes.
9. The method of forming spiral compositions according to claim 1,
wherein the step of pumping the at least two compounds utilizes
gear pumps.
10. The method of forming spiral compositions according to claim 1,
wherein the step of pumping the at least two compounds utilizes
piston pumps.
11. A method of filling a container with a resulting product having
at least a dual-phase composition, composed of at least two
compounds in a spiral configuration, the method comprising the
steps of: providing a filling apparatus having, a nozzle assembly
having at least two nozzles coupled together in a close
configuration, at least two pumps for pumping each of the compounds
stored in separate composition storage bins each interconnected by
a suction hose to each pump, at least two hoses interconnected to
the nozzles and the pumps, a support and alignment funnel coupled
to the apparatus for supporting the container to be filled in an
upright position, a drive motor coupled to the nozzle assembly
adapted to move the nozzle assembly in a vertical direction during
filling of the container, and a spinning motor coupled to a
spinning puck that supports the container and rotates the container
during filling of the container; mounting the container on the
spinning puck and the support and alignment funnel; signaling a
commencement step from the filling machine; lifting the nozzle
assembly directly over the container and the support and alignment
funnel; spinning the container with the spinning puck at a
predetermined number of revolutions per minute; dropping the nozzle
assembly into the container whereby the tip of the nozzles are
proximate to a bottom portion of the container; starting the at
least two pumps; forcing the nozzle assembly to rise vertically at
a designated rate; controlling a rate of flow of each of the at
least two compounds by the pumps; and pushing the at least two
compounds through the respective hoses to fill the container.
12. The method of filling a container with a resulting product
according to claim 11, wherein the resulting product is a
multi-phase composition.
13. The method of filling a container with a resulting product
according to claim 1 1, wherein the resulting product is at least
one of a facial cosmetic treatment and a cosmetic treatment for the
body.
14. The method of filling a container with a resulting product
according to claim 11, wherein the resulting product is a cationic
personal care product.
15. The method of filling a container with a resulting product
according to claim 11, wherein the resulting product is a non-ionic
personal care product.
16. The method of filling a container with a resulting product
according to claim 11, wherein the resulting product is a body
gel.
17. The method of filling a container with a resulting product
according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the two compounds is
a wax.
18. The method of filling a container with a resulting product
according to claim 11, wherein in the step of starting the at least
two pumps, the pumps are gear pumps.
19. The method of filling a container with a resulting product
according to claim 11, wherein in the step of starting the at least
two pumps, the pumps are piston pumps.
20. An apparatus for filling a container with a resulting product
having at least two compositions formed in a spiral configuration,
comprising: a nozzle assembly having at least two nozzles coupled
together in a close configuration; at least two pumps for pumping
each of the compositions stored in separate composition storage
bins each interconnected by a suction hose to each pump; at least
two hoses interconnected to the nozzles and the pumps; a support
and alignment funnel coupled to the apparatus for supporting the
container to be filled in an upright position; a drive motor
coupled to the nozzle assembly adapted to move the nozzle assembly
in a vertical direction during filling of the container; and a
spinning motor coupled to a spinning puck that supports the
container and rotates the container during filling of the
container.
21. The apparatus for filling a container with a resulting product
according to claim 20, wherein the resulting product is a
dual-phase composition.
22. The apparatus for filling a container with a resulting product
according to claim 20, wherein the resulting product is a
multi-phase composition.
23. The apparatus for filling a container with a resulting product
according to claim 20, wherein the resulting product is at least
one of a facial cosmetic treatment and a cosmetic treatment for the
body.
24. The apparatus for filling a container with a resulting product
according to claim 20, wherein the resulting product is a cationic
personal care product.
25. The apparatus for filling a container with a resulting product
according to claim 20, wherein the resulting product is a non-ionic
personal care product.
26. The apparatus for filling a container with a resulting product
according to claim 20, wherein the resulting product is a body
gel.
27. The apparatus for filling a container with a resulting product
according to claim 20, wherein at least one of the two compositions
is a wax.
28. The apparatus for filling a container with a resulting product
according to claim 20, wherein the at least two pumps are gear
pumps.
29. The apparatus for filling a container with a resulting product
according to claim 20, wherein the at least two pumps are piston
pumps.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] AREA OF ART
[0002] The present invention relates to making multi-product fills
for substantive and decorative purposes. In particular, the present
invention relates to novel ways to fill containers with separate
kinds and types of cosmetics, whereby an enhanced and durable
spiral configuration of multi-phase (heterogeneous) products may be
made, in addition to other novel product configurations.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
[0003] A survey of existing products on the market reveals the
multiple efforts that have been made to create visually appealing
product configurations, and the containers that house them, which
serve to preserve a desired visual appeal. Likewise, in addition to
mechanical attempts to solve these problems, chemical solutions
have also been attempted; however, the lack of commercial success
in this field points to an on-going and longstanding need.
[0004] Conventional attempts at making a two-or-more phase product
in one dispensing container have proven difficult and sometimes
impossible due to chemical reactions or product instability (i.e.,
reacting with each other). What has not been adequately
accomplished, or developed to date, is a system based on the
chemicals themselves and the system chemistry and
incompatibility--for example, putting water and oil together.
Likewise, after reviewing thousands of products, a few number of
personal care cosmetics with two-or-more phases in one dispensing
container were uncovered.
[0005] To understand why known systems have not been able to
address the aforementioned problems effectively, further background
is offered for consideration to explain the nature of the problem,
and why it has been solved by the instant teachings.
[0006] Cosmetic materials generally contain various types of
coloring materials, such as pigments and dyes. Such coloring
materials, in some cases, contain as masking agents for covering
coloring, materials derived from raw materials that are in some
cases contained for the purpose of providing a particular effect in
relation to skin makeup, which is a positive function of these
coloring materials.
[0007] Because consumers have increasingly demonstrated a diverse
sense of appreciation in regard to the value of cosmetic materials,
such cosmetic materials are now required to possess additional
merits related to their intrinsic appeal as objects of beauty. This
appreciation is in complement with providing pleasure in use, as
well as the basic functions of being suitable for make-up, and so
forth. In other words, today's cosmetics must look good and work
well to satisfy the needs of the consumers.
[0008] For example, historically, the preparation of two-or-more
differently colored products has been challenging. Even in
cosmetics such as basic lipsticks, to produce a two-tone or
multi-colored effect on the lips required innovation. In such
instances, to achieve the desired blending effect, one color had to
be applied to the lips as a base and the other color or colors
superimposed thereon for contrast. The desired final effect was
then achieved by blending the superimposed colors on the lips
itself.
[0009] Likewise, attempts have been made to produce a unitary
lipstick having a plurality of colors by assembling several
individual segments in an adjacent spaced relationship, and
thereafter compressing the segments together to form a unitary
lipstick mass. Such lipsticks, however, have met with limited
commercial success, and one reason may be that these lipsticks have
been more difficult and expensive to produce than conventional
one-color lipsticks. In practice, of course, lipsticks that are
formed by molding segments of different colors into a single
multi-colored tube are usually applied to the lips by using the
single color of each segment such that these lipsticks merely offer
the convenience of two separate colors in one unitary mass.
[0010] Known disclosures thus highlight that the concept of a
dual-phase or multi-phase cosmetic composition being quite
interesting inasmuch as such a composition has a potential for
combining two or more functional cosmetic aspects into a single
product that may be applied to a subject. However, with any such
multi-functional, multi-phase cosmetic composition, it is obviously
important that the formed product be functional and effective and
that such be maintained, preserved, and usable over a reasonable
product life span. This difficulty has not been overcome by known
disclosures.
[0011] Another largely unaddressed issue is containing and
packaging a multi-phase cosmetic composition. Here, it is desirable
that each of the phases comprising the total product be dispensed
into a container such that the respective phases are generally
maintained separately, remain stable, and that in viewing the
product, each phase as packaged is visually distinct. Of principal
concern is that during the proposed life of a multi-phase cosmetic
product, respective phases comprising the total product do not
blend and mix together such that the total product in the end is
nearly or substantially homogeneous. In addition, in containing a
multi-functional, multi-phase cosmetic composition, it is important
that the respective phases comprising the composition be dispensed
in a manner such that the particular phases are present and occur
throughout the final product. It is also important that in
gathering a single application from a container, a subject is
likely to gather an adequate amount of each respective phase.
[0012] At the root of these several matters is the idea that
cosmetic products rely on color to provide beauty enhancement.
Thus, beauty aids such as foundation, blush, mascara, brow
products, and the like, rely on color enhancement provided by these
products for effectiveness. In view of the criticality of color in
such applications, it is desirable to present the cosmetic product,
which is ultimately applied to the face or other parts of the body
to highlight that color, in a way that emphasizes its color. In the
past, such cosmetic products, if visible at all, were presented as
a colored composition. Those skilled in the cosmetic arts
appreciate that if the color of the cosmetic composition could be
presented in a more dramatic manner, the product would be more
desirable to the purchaser.
[0013] For example, presenting the color in the form of a spiral,
helix, swirled pattern, or the like, against a background of a
clear or color-contrasted liquid, dramatically emphasizes the
attractiveness of the color of the cosmetic beauty aid.
[0014] It would be relatively simple to produce an oil-based
pigment phase in a clear aqueous phase, or vice versa. The
immiscibility of the two phases would permit the production of a
cosmetic product in which the above desired, highly attractive
packaging could be provided. However, the inclusion of an oil-based
phase would be undesirable for at least two reasons. First, it
would be difficult to combine the immiscible phases to form the
complete cosmetic composition. Second, even if the two immiscible
phases could somehow be combined, the product, containing a
non-water-soluble phase might be difficult to remove.
[0015] Ideally, a two-phase composition should include a color
phase and clear or color-contrasted gel phase that are miscible.
However, when attempts were made to produce such a product in the
past, a two-phase composition was obtained in which the color phase
bled into the gel phase, producing a product that was aesthetically
unattractive.
[0016] Thus, cosmetic products have not been produced in which a
color phase, highlighting the tint or color of the cosmetic
composition, is disposed as a discrete color phase against a
background of a clear or color-contrasted gel.
[0017] An emulsion is known to be a dispersed system comprising at
least two immiscible liquid phases (Remington's Pharmaceutical
Sciences, 18th Edition, 1990). The emulsion's immiscible liquid
phase is composed of droplets between 0.005 to 2000 microns in
diameter, although the range of droplet diameters may be narrower
(e.g., between 0.1 to 100 microns). Emulsions are known to be
thermodynamically unstable. It is believed that the free energy
associated with the high surface area of small droplets is reduced
when these droplets coalesce into large droplets of less surface
area. To minimize droplet coalescence, it is known that an
emulsifying agent can be added to form a thin film about each
droplet of immiscible liquid in the emulsion (Remington's
Pharmaceutical Sciences, 18th Edition, 298-309, 1990).
[0018] Stable emulsions containing silicones of two or three phases
are well-known. The low surface tension of silicone promotes thin
film formation which stabilizes emulsions. Lower alkyl
(C.sub.1-C.sub.4) and amino-substituted polysilaxanes (silicones)
are used because of their insolubility in polar and non-polar
liquids such as water and oils. Seldom used are the cyclic
silicones, such as diphenylmethicone, because of their oil
solubility which causes the cyclic silicones to dissolve in the oil
phase of the emulsion rather than forming a distinct phase.
[0019] Silicone emulsions have been used in a number of products.
In cosmetic, pharmaceutical and skin preparations, a fat paste-like
emulsion of decamahylpentasilaxune, poly(oxyethylene stearate),
water and sorbitan monostearate has been used (Thimineur R. J.
& Traver F. J., DE 3,045,083). In personal-care formulations,
such as water-based hair conditioners, water in silicone emulsion
has been used (Gum, M. L., W08S/03641/AI). In formulations for
polishes, an emulsion of dimethylsiloxanes, naphtha hydrocarbons,
emulsifiers and water has been used (Hill M. P. L. & Vandamme
L. J. R., DE 3,616,575 Al). Water-thinned paint emulsions have used
silicones (Udalova A. V., et al., Lakokas Mater, Ikh. Primen.,
2:14-16). Waterproof sealant emulsions have used silicones (Saad W.
T. & Stodgell R. F., U.S. Pat. No. 4,383,062; Bauman T. M.,
Freiberg A. L., U.S. Pat. No. 4,590,220).
[0020] The ordered phase of liquid crystal has many of the
properties of the solid state such as optical anisotropy and
birefringence, which produce special interference patterns that can
be detected using a cross-polarizing microscope. Liquid crystals
also have the mechanical properties of liquids. Because the
crystals have only partial rotational or translational freedom the
liquid crystals exist in a mesophase state (Intro to Liquid
Crystals, Priestly E. B., et al., eds., Plenum Press, N.Y.
1976).
[0021] Liquid crystals known as lyotropic liquid crystals may
spontaneously form when the concentration of oils in an oil-water
emulsion is at a particular concentration. (See, e.g., Marland J.
S. & Mulley B. A., J. Pharm. Pharmocol. 1971, 23(8): 561-572).
Lyotropic liquid crystal formation is commonly observed in a wide
variety of emulsions and such liquid crystals are known to be
unstable.
[0022] The only significant attempt among the prior art to address
the problem solved by the teachings of the present invention was a
hair gel where a white product was filled inside of a clear gel.
The product was filled using a two-step process. First, the clear
gel was filled with an Arenco tube, and then in a modified
registration station, the spiral was filled with a diving nozzle
and a peristaltic pump.
[0023] Formation of the spiral required spinning the tube of clear
gel and then submerging the nozzle to the bottom of the tube. While
the nozzle was then lifted up, the peristaltic pump started and
operated until the nozzles came close to the top of the clear
product. The next step was stopping and reversing to stop the flow
of the white product.
[0024] Known spiral fills (for example sold by Estee Lauder.sup.7,
Lapraire.sup.7, Erno Lazlo.sup.7 and Revlon.sup.7), or more
elaborate designs in clear gel, are priced at between $50.00 and
$100.00, and require two-step processes, both of which urge
strongly against their industrial efficacy. Their respective
shelf-lives are also dubious.
[0025] Likewise, toothpaste-tube filling technology works by
simultaneously filling tubes in straight lines that show through
transparent windows in the sides of the tubes. While such efforts
are dictated by ornamental constraints, no known methods can
perform the process in fewer than two steps.
[0026] Finally, there are liquid crystals that form at only certain
temperatures known as thermotropic liquid crystals. This type of
liquid crystal is quite stable, but has not been used to solve the
problems addressed by the teachings of the present invention.
[0027] U.S. Pat. No. 4,335,103 to Barker et al. (the '103 patent)
discloses a two-phase cosmetic cleansing cream composition that
includes two separate and stable cosmetic composition phases that,
when inter-mixed, yield a cleansing composition that is applicable
to the face and other parts of the body. This composition comprises
a first cleansing-cream phase composition that includes an oil, a
thickening agent, an emulsifier, and water.
[0028] The second phase, a gel phase, comprises water or a
water-soluble material and a thickening agent. The two-phase
cosmetic cleansing cream compositions are combined in a swirl-like
or marble-like pattern within a container such that the cream
hard-gel phases are generally stable, separate, and visibly
distinct.
[0029] Although the teachings of the '103 patent represents an
advance in the art, it does not emphasize a color phase. Colorants
easily migrate. As such, the absence of a teaching in the prior art
of non-bleeding phases establish the absence in the art of a
two-phase cosmetic composition in which the color-phase composition
highlights the critical emphasis of the composition.
[0030] Likewise, conventional cosmetic vehicles for skin
moisturization deliver moisture to the skin only on the initial
application of the cosmetic moisturizer. The need for a cosmetic,
dermatologic or medicinal multi-phasic vehicle that will, in
addition, provide sustained skin moisturization while blocking skin
moisture loss has been long felt. There has also been a need for a
multi-phase vehicle that can be used to provide water-soluble and
lipid-soluble active ingredients, such as vitamins, plant extracts,
antioxidants, proteins, polymers, oils and the like. Most cosmetic
vehicles consist of emulsions. In sum, there are needs for two or
more types of cosmetic products housed within the same
container.
[0031] In contrast to known systems, the teachings of the present
invention address and overcome these long felt needs by providing,
instead of two or more different products, one product (or a
unitary composition housed in a single container) with multiple
functions and different appearances.
[0032] The present inventors have yet to see something functional
like this on the market. There are some products with somewhat
similar concepts, but not functionally implemented. Attempts
ranging from products with floating materials that have no purpose
to spirals that degrade when moved, or merely constitute ornamental
fillers, show the need for the present invention. Accordingly, the
instant system combines chemical functionality and a visually
appealing product to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0033] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a process and apparatus to overcome the drawbacks of the
prior art.
[0034] Additionally, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a process and apparatus for generating a dual-phase or
multi-phase product whereby each phase maintains certain chemical
and physical properties that makes each phase stable and gives each
phase the ability to co-exist with the other.
[0035] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
solution to the problem of having multiple functions in a single
product by creating a stable and extremely functional product.
[0036] Briefly stated, an apparatus is provided that can have two
or more products filled in the same container having a swirl-like
pattern. Each product can have completely different chemical and
physical properties. Thus, each product can have a different
function and purpose.
[0037] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there
is provided a method of forming spiral compositions, comprising the
steps of: providing at least two compounds, arranged in separate
storage bins each having a pump and a hose attached thereto;
rotating a container, for receiving a resulting product formed by
the at least two, into position relative to a support and alignment
funnel; pumping the at least two compounds through the respective
hoses into a nozzle assembly having at least two nozzles for
filling the container; and combining predetermined amounts of each
of the at least compounds for creating the resulting product housed
in a single container, wherein the resulting product has the at
least two compounds formed in a spiral configuration.
[0038] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there
is provided an apparatus for filling a container with a resulting
product having at least two compositions formed in a spiral
configuration, comprising: a nozzle assembly having at least two
nozzles coupled together in a close configuration; at least two
pumps for pumping each of the compositions stored in separate
composition storage bins each interconnected by a suction hose to
each pump; at least two hoses interconnected to the nozzles and the
pumps; a support and alignment funnel coupled to the apparatus for
supporting the container to be filled in an upright position; a
drive motor coupled to the nozzle assembly adapted to move the
nozzle assembly in a vertical direction during filling of the
container; and a spinning motor coupled to a spinning puck that
supports the container and rotates the container during filling of
the container.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0039] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an apparatus that
performs the process of creating at least a dual-phase spiral
product according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 2 illustrates a rear view of an apparatus having a
control mechanism that performs the process of creating at least a
dual-phase spiral product according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0041] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of three examples
of nozzle configurations according to an embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0042] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of an example of an opening
of a nozzle assembly according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0043] The present inventors have discovered that, as discussed
above, one approach not adequately explored to date involves a new
delivery system using a toothpaste-like filling concept, with one
of the two usual steps eliminated, and applying the same to a
desired personal care product. This invention allows the generation
of a wide variety of products, especially those nearly impossible
to formulate with chemicals or alternate systems (i.e., ascorbic
acid or clear shower gel with a high level of silicones).
[0044] The present inventors have further discovered that
dual-phase compositions are most favorably disposed within single
containers for many cosmetic industry applications. In solving the
problems discussed above with respect to creating chemically
integrable products, issues with respect to filling containers with
the resulting compositions have generated their own respectively
innovative solutions.
[0045] Namely, in lieu of rotating tubes, top and bottom filling
schemes, and control rate of flow issues, the present inventors
have fabricated a one-step process that allows the of filling of a
product having two or more compounds with ratios and patterns that
are quite variable, yet makes a durable resulting product.
[0046] Likewise, the flexibility achieved by the instant teachings
has resulted in a novel enhanced spiral fill that overcomes the
pitfalls created as artifacts of the toothpaste-based processes.
This approach enables the dispensing of the product in a more
uniform and aesthetically-pleasing fashion, in addition to an
improved display.
[0047] As mentioned below, the most studied prior art attempt to
address the problem solved by the teachings of the present
invention was a hair gel where a white product was filled inside of
a clear gel. The product was filled using a two-step process.
First, the clear gel was filled with an Arenco tube, and then in a
modified registration station, the spiral was filled with a diving
nozzle and a peristaltic pump.
[0048] According to this disclosure, formation of the spiral
required spinning the tube of the clear gel and then submerging the
nozzle to the bottom of the tube. While the nozzle was then lifted
up, the peristaltic pump started and operated until the nozzle came
close to the top of the clear product. The next step was stopping
and reversing the flow of the white product. In addition to the
cost factors, high degrees of mechanical and systemic failures
resulted from this two-step process.
[0049] Conventional spiral fills have been subject to these same
constraints, and by way of further example, known designs in clear
gel are priced at between $50.00 and $100.00, per container and
require two-step processes, both of which urge strongly against
their industrial efficacy. This is in addition to the fact that
such disclosure has little durability.
[0050] Similarly, and in contrast to the instant teachings,
toothpaste-tube filling technology works by simultaneously filling
tubes in straight lines that show through transparent windows in
the sides of the tubes. While such efforts are dictated by
ornamental constraints, neither method can perform the process in
fewer than two steps.
[0051] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an apparatus that
performs the process of creating at least a dual-phase spiral
product according to an embodiment of the present invention. A
drive motor dive assembly 101 is shown, which is coupled to the
filling nozzle assembly 111. The drive motor dive assembly 101 is
adapted to move the filling nozzle assembly 111 in a vertical
direction for filling a container with the resulting product. FIG.
1 illustrates a nozzle assembly 111 having two nozzles, but, there
may be more than two nozzles incorporated into a nozzle assembly
111 depending upon the resulting product to be created. The nozzle
assembly 111 may be further supported by a nozzle support assembly
105 coupled to the apparatus.
[0052] FIG. 1 also illustrates a spinning motor 113, arranged next
to a spinning puck 115, that is underneath a support and alignment
funnel 100. The support and alignment funnel 100 and the spinning
puck 115 hold up the container (or tube) during the filling
process. The spinning puck 115 is driven by the spinning motor 113,
which provides the mechanical capability to rotate the spinning
puck 115, thus rotating the container, during the filling
process.
[0053] There are also pumps 107, 135 (see FIG. 2) for pumping each
of the compositions (that will form the resulting product) stored
in separate composition storage bins through hoses 103, 109 that
are interconnected to the pumps (107, 135) and the nozzle assembly
111. The pumps may be gear-type pumps, or piston-type pumps.
Preferably, piston-type pumps are used because they provide a more
precise delivery of the compositions stored in the storage
bins.
[0054] FIG. 2 illustrates a rear view of an apparatus having a
control mechanism that performs the process of creating at least a
dual-phase spiral product according to an embodiment of the present
invention. The first pump 107 and a second pump 135 are shown at
the rear of the apparatus. Connected to the pumps 107, 135 are
suction hoses 127, 137, which are interconnected with the separate
composition storage bins.
[0055] FIG. 2 illustrates a flow rate controller 121, 133 for
controlling the flow rates of each of the pumps 107, 135. A
fill-time timer 123 is provided on the apparatus to determine the
amount of time required to fully fill a container of the resulting
product. There is also a spin speed controller 117 on the apparatus
to control the rotational velocity of the spinning puck 115. A dive
and rise after fill speed controller 119 allows the user to control
the speed of the nozzle assembly 111 as it moves in the vertical
direction before and after the filling operation. The control box
for lifting and spinning 129 houses the electronics and circuitry
for controlling the spinning motor 113 and the drive motor dive
assembly 101. There is also a rise during fill speed controller 131
on the apparatus that allows the user to control the speed of the
nozzle assembly as it moves up in the vertical direction during the
filling operation.
[0056] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of three examples
of nozzle opening configurations 300, 301, 302, each producing a
dual-phase composition according to an embodiment of the present
invention. Each of these three nozzle opening configurations 300,
301, 302 will produce a resulting product with different spiral
configurations. The arrangement of the nozzle openings with the
type of material to be dispensed may be of a variety of
combinations, and FIG. 3 illustrates only three exemplary
samples.
[0057] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of an example of an opening
of a nozzle assembly 111 according to an embodiment of the present
invention. For example, a clear gel may be dispensed from the
center of the nozzle 400, while colored/contrast materials may be
dispensed from the nozzle openings on the sides 401, 402. Any
suitable arrangement may be made in order to produce a specific
spiral configuration of the resulting product.
[0058] The compounds and compositions dispensed by the apparatus of
the present invention are not limited to cosmetic and/or health
care products. Any liquid or semi-liquid compound may be dispensed
from the storage bins, including different colored waxes for making
candles having novel spiral configurations. Plastics and other
polymer materials may also be dispensed, and novel spiral
configurations may also be formed by the apparatus of the present
invention using these materials.
[0059] Having described preferred embodiments of the invention with
reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that
the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that
various changes and modifications may be effected therein by one of
ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope or
spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
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