U.S. patent application number 17/530400 was filed with the patent office on 2022-03-10 for shampoo bottle with replaceable color cartridges.
This patent application is currently assigned to L'Oreal. The applicant listed for this patent is L'Oreal. Invention is credited to Jason Fyfe.
Application Number | 20220073257 17/530400 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-03-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220073257 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fyfe; Jason |
March 10, 2022 |
SHAMPOO BOTTLE WITH REPLACEABLE COLOR CARTRIDGES
Abstract
A bottle includes a squeezable main chamber configured to
dispense a bulk liquid; a cap that dispenses the bulk liquid; and a
bulkhead between the main chamber and cap, wherein the bulkhead
supports a cartridge containing an additive liquid that is dosed
into the bulk liquid.
Inventors: |
Fyfe; Jason; (Homdel,
NJ) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
L'Oreal |
Paris |
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FR |
|
|
Assignee: |
L'Oreal
Paris
FR
|
Appl. No.: |
17/530400 |
Filed: |
November 18, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16728501 |
Dec 27, 2019 |
11198551 |
|
|
17530400 |
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International
Class: |
B65D 81/32 20060101
B65D081/32; A45D 34/00 20060101 A45D034/00; B05B 7/04 20060101
B05B007/04 |
Claims
1. A method of infusing a hair care product with an additive
liquid, comprising: providing a squeeze bottle with a main chamber
containing a bulk liquid and a cartridge containing an additive
liquid; and squeezing the squeeze bottle to dispense both the
additive liquid and bulk liquid from the bottle.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising dosing the additive
liquid into the bulk liquid when squeezing the squeeze bottle.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising replacing the
cartridge with a different cartridge having a different additive
liquid.
4. The method of claim 1, comprising dosing the additive liquid
into a dosing chamber before dispensing the bulk liquid from the
squeeze bottle.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the bulk liquid passes into the
dosing chamber before being dispensed.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the additive liquid is a dye or
coloring agent.
7. A method of making a squeeze bottle, comprising: inserting a
cartridge containing an additive liquid into a compartment of a
squeeze bottle, wherein the compartment is segregated from a bulk
liquid in a squeezable bulk chamber.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the compartment of the additive
liquid is supported from a bulkhead separating the squeezable bulk
chamber from a dispensing cap.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the cap comprises a additive
liquid doser for dosing additive liquid into the bulk liquid.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a division of U.S. application Ser. No.
16/728,501, filed Dec. 27, 2019, fully incorporated herein
expressly by reference for all purposes.
SUMMARY
[0002] In one embodiment, a bottle comprises: a squeezable main
chamber configured to dispense a bulk liquid; a cap that dispenses
the bulk liquid; and a bulkhead between the main chamber and cap,
wherein the bulkhead supports a cartridge containing an additive
liquid that is dosed into the bulk liquid.
[0003] In one embodiment, the bulk liquid is a hair care product,
and the additive liquid includes a dye or coloring agent.
[0004] In one embodiment, the additive liquid is dosed as the
bottle is squeezed to dispense the bulk liquid.
[0005] In one embodiment, the additive liquid is dosed prior to
dispensing the bulk liquid.
[0006] In one embodiment, squeezing the main chamber doses the
additive liquid and dispenses the bulk liquid.
[0007] In one embodiment, the cartridge is pliant to deform when
the squeeze bottle is squeezed.
[0008] In one embodiment, the cartridge is sealed.
[0009] In one embodiment, a combination of hair care products
comprises: a bottle with a squeezable main chamber configured to
dispense a bulk liquid; a cap that dispenses the bulk liquid; and a
bulkhead between the main chamber and cap, wherein the bulkhead
supports a cartridge containing an additive liquid that is dosed
into the bulk liquid; and one or more cartridges containing
additive liquids.
[0010] In one embodiment, a method of infusing a hair care product
with an additive liquid, comprises: providing a squeeze bottle with
a main chamber containing a bulk liquid and a cartridge containing
an additive liquid; and squeezing the squeeze bottle to dispense
both the additive liquid and bulk liquid from the bottle.
[0011] In one embodiment, the method further comprises dosing the
additive liquid into the bulk liquid when squeezing the squeeze
bottle.
[0012] In one embodiment, the method further comprises replacing
the cartridge with a different cartridge having a different
additive liquid.
[0013] In one embodiment, the method comprises dosing the additive
liquid into a dosing chamber before dispensing the bulk liquid from
the squeeze bottle.
[0014] In one embodiment, the bulk liquid passes into the dosing
chamber before being dispensed.
[0015] In one embodiment, the additive liquid is a dye or coloring
agent.
[0016] In one embodiment, a method of making a squeeze bottle,
comprises: inserting a cartridge containing an additive liquid into
a compartment of a squeeze bottle, wherein the compartment is
segregated from a bulk liquid in a squeezable bulk chamber.
[0017] In one embodiment, the compartment of the additive liquid is
supported from a bulkhead separating the squeezable bulk chamber
from a dispensing cap.
[0018] In one embodiment, the cap comprises a additive liquid doser
for dosing additive liquid into the bulk liquid.
[0019] In one embodiment, a bottle, comprises: a squeezable main
chamber configured to dispense a bulk liquid; a cap that dispenses
the bulk liquid; and a dissolvable cartridge in contact with the
bulk liquid.
[0020] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify
key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to
be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject
matter.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages
of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same
become better understood by reference to the following detailed
description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, wherein:
[0022] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatical illustration of a bottle and
replaceable cartridges in accordance with an embodiment of this
disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatical illustration of the bottle of
FIG. 1 illustrating the insertion of a replaceable cartridge;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatical illustration of the bottle of
FIG. 1 illustrating the mixing and dispensing of the fluids;
[0025] FIG. 4A is a diagrammatical illustration of an additive
liquid doser in accordance with one embodiment;
[0026] FIG. 4B is a diagrammatical illustration of an additive
liquid doser in accordance with one embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 4C is a diagrammatical illustration of an additive
liquid doser in accordance with one embodiment; and
[0028] FIG. 4D is a diagrammatical illustration of an additive
liquid doser in accordance with one embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] This disclosure relates to a dual chamber bottle with a
doser for mixing and dispensing at least two liquids. The bottle
holds a first bulk liquid in a bulk chamber, and the bottle holds a
second additive liquid in a cartridge. The first and second liquid
are segregated from each other. The doser is provided to dose the
additive liquid into the bulk liquid. The second liquid is an
additive that enhances a quality of the first liquid.
[0030] In one embodiment, the bottle and mixing dispenser according
to this disclosure has uses for dispensing personal care products
to a user. In one embodiment, the first liquid is a shampoo or
other hair care product, and the second liquid is a colorant or dye
to enhance the color of the shampoo.
[0031] In one embodiment, the second additive liquid is only mixed
with the first bulk liquid immediately prior to or at the time of
dispensing the first bulk liquid or both prior to and at the time
of dispensing the first bulk liquid.
[0032] In one embodiment, a doser doses the second additive liquid
into the bulk liquid. The second additive liquid is provided in a
replaceable cartridge that fits into a respective magazine.
[0033] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 a bottle 100 according to one
embodiment will be described. The bottle 100 includes a plastic,
optionally transparent or translucent, bulk chamber 102. The bulk
chamber 102 can be any plastic that is readily pliant by
application of manual pressure allowing the liquid therein to be
dispensed from the bottle 100 through the diptube 108 by squeezing.
In one embodiment, the bulk chamber 102 is pliant to bend or yield
reversibly, however, the material is not destroyed or altered in an
irreversible manner The bottle 100 includes a rigid or semi-rigid
plastic, optionally opaque, cap 104 for housing the additive liquid
doser 400.
[0034] In an embodiment, the bulk chamber 102 can have any
geometric form including regular or irregular forms. In an
embodiment, the bulk chamber 102 comprises a cross-section of
substantially any geometric shape including circular, triangular,
square, rectangular polygonal, regular or irregular shapes, or the
like, as well as other symmetrical and asymmetrical shapes, or
combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the bulk chamber 102
includes a body structure that is substantially cylindrical. In an
embodiment, the bulk chamber 102 includes a body structure that is
substantially rigid or semi-rigid. In an embodiment, the bulk
chamber 102 includes a body structure that is pliable or
semi-pliable. The bulk chamber 102 can be constructed out of a
variety of materials including, for example, elastomers,
co-elastomers, polymers, co-polymers, and blends or combinations
thereof, etc. Other suitable materials for fabrication bulk chamber
104 include thermoplastic polymers, thermoplastic elastomers,
glass, metals, and the like.
[0035] In an embodiment, the bulk chamber 102 are made from one or
more recyclable materials, compostable materials, sustainable
materials, biodegradable materials, plant-based material, and the
like. In an embodiment, the bulk chamber 102 comprises one or more
of biodegradable polymers, biodegradable polyesters, biodegradable
polyurethanes, biodegradable starches, biodegradable cellulosic
materials, biodegradable aliphatic polyesters, and the like.
[0036] In an embodiment, the bulk chamber 102 is made from one or
more recyclable materials, compostable materials, sustainable
materials, biodegradable materials, plant-based material, and the
like. In an embodiment, the bulk chamber 102 comprises one or more
of biodegradable polymers, biodegradable polyesters, biodegradable
polyurethanes, biodegradable starches, biodegradable cellulosic
materials, biodegradable aliphatic polyesters, and the like.
[0037] In an embodiment, the bulk chamber 102 is made from
injection molded starch. In an embodiment, the bulk chamber 102 is
made from bamboo or wood pulp or bagasse using thermoforming or
injection molding processes. In an embodiment, the bulk chamber 102
includes mycelium & agricultural waste (as binder). In an
embodiment, the bulk chamber 102 is made bio-based thin films. In
an embodiment, the bulk chamber 102 is made from compostable or
biodegradable materials, such as poly(lactic acid), polyethylene
terephthalate, polycaprolactone, poly(1,4-butylene succinate),
polyhydroxyalkanoate, cellulose and its derivatives, and
polybutylene adipate terephthalate. In an embodiment, the bulk
chamber 102 is made from non-woven poly(vinyl alcohol), optionally,
impregnated with active ingredients. In an embodiment, the bulk
chamber 102 includes methylated crystalline cellulose (MCC) as a
formula delivery vehicle.
[0038] In an embodiment, other parts of the bottle 100, including
the cap 104, spout 116, bulkhead 118, and cartridges 200, 300 can
be made from the above-mentioned materials.
[0039] In one embodiment, the cap 104 includes a levered spout 116
that pivots to open and close a passageway for dispensing the
liquids. For example, in the position illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2,
the levered spout 116 is down closing the passageway, while in FIG.
3 the levered spout 116 is up opening the passageway and allowing
dispensing of the liquid mixture. In one embodiment, the levered
spout 116 pivots between the open and closed position by pivoting
at a fulcrum, so that opening and closing the passageway depends on
depressing the levered spout 116 at one or the other side of the
fulcrum.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, a bulkhead 118
connects the bulk chamber 102 to the cap 104. The bulkhead 118 can
be made from rigid or semi-rigid plastic. In one embodiment, the
bulkhead 118 can thread on to the top end of the bulk chamber 102.
In one embodiment, the bulk chamber 102 has outer threads on the
upper end of the chamber 102, and the bulkhead 118 can have
matching inner threads on the lower side that thread on to the
lower chamber 102. Further, the bulkhead 118 can have outer threads
on the upper side that allow the cap 104 with inner matching
threads to thread on to the upper side of the bulkhead 118.
[0041] In one embodiment, the bulkhead 118 also prevents the liquid
in the bulk chamber 102 from mixing prematurely with the additive
liquid 122. The bulkhead 118 includes a flat disk 112 that seals
the bulk chamber 102 on top except for a small opening 110 to which
a diptube 108 is attached. The diptube 108 extends down from the
opening 110 to the bottom of the bulk chamber 102.
[0042] In one embodiment, the bulkhead 118 also includes a magazine
106. In one embodiment, the magazine 106 is a cylindrical tube with
an opening 114 level with the disk 112, and the magazine 106
extends down into the bulk chamber 102, but is closed on the
bottom. The magazine 106 is a compartment to hold the replaceable
cartridges 200, 300 with the additive liquid 122. The magazine 106
may have an inner diameter that matches with the outer diameter of
the cartridges 200, 300 so as to prevent the cartridge 200, 300
from falling out when the container bottle 100 is tipped upside
down.
[0043] The cartridges 200, 300 hold the additive liquid 122 that is
mixed with the bulk liquid 120 upon dispensing the bulk liquid 120
so as to give the dispensed bulk liquid a desired characteristic.
Cartridges 200, 300 are generally cylindrical closed-bottom
vessels. The cartridges 200, 300 are replaceable and
interchangeable to give the consumer a variety of choices. The
cartridges 200, 300 can be made from materials similar to the bulk
chamber 102.
[0044] In one embodiment, cartridges 200, 300 have dissolvable
shells, and the dissolvable cartridges 200, 300 can be inserted in
direct contact with the bulk liquid 120 in the bulk chamber 102,
which causes the dissolvable shells to dissolve, and dispensing the
additive liquid 122 into the bulk liquid 120. In one embodiment, a
dissolvable shell is made from poly(vinyl alcohol) or its
derivatives and copolymers. In the dissolvable cartridge
embodiments, the bottle 100 may not have a bulkhead 118 or doser
400. In dissolvable cartridge embodiments, the entire contents of
the cartridge 200, 300 are mixed with the entire contents of the
bulk chamber 102.
[0045] In embodiments with replaceable, non-dissolvable cartridges,
the top opening of the cartridges 200, 300 can be sealed in various
ways to prevent leakage prior to use. In one embodiment, cartridges
200, 300 are sealed by a puncture seal, i.e., a seal designed to be
readily punctured which self-seals around the puncture, such as a
rubber film. In another embodiment, a reusable rubber stopper is
fitted to the top of the cartridges 200, 300 to provide a seal to
prevent the additive liquid 122 from leaking.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 2, the bottle 100 can be a reusable and
refillable bottle 100 upon using up all the bulk liquid 120 or the
additive liquid 122. In one embodiment, the bulkhead 118 can be
separated from the bulk chamber 102 to initially fill or to re-fill
the bulk chamber 102 with a hair care product, for example. Then,
the bulkhead 118 is reattached to the bulk chamber 102. A cartridge
200 or 300 is selected and placed in the opening 114 into the
magazine 106.
[0047] Next, the cap 104 is reattached to the bulkhead 118, and in
the process the cartridge 200 is sealed to the additive liquid
doser 400 housed in the cap 104.
[0048] In one embodiment, the additive liquid doser 400 is for
dosing the additive liquid 122 from the cartridge 200. In one
embodiment, the additive liquid doser 400 is for dosing a small
amount of additive liquid 122 into the bulk liquid 120 that is
being dosed. The additive liquid 122 can be dosed in pre-determined
quantities or in a varying quantity. The additive liquid doser 400
therefore is configure for dosing an amount of additive liquid 122
less than the entire amount in the cartridge 200, 300. Dosing can
be a continuous infusion of the additive liquid 122 in the stream
of bulk liquid 120 with or without turbulent stream mixing. Dosing
can be a single dose of additive liquid 122 delivered to a mixing
chamber of predetermined volume, following by mixing with the
stream of bulk liquid 120. In order to withdraw the additive liquid
122 from the cartridge 200, dose the additive liquid, and infuse
the additive liquid 122 into the bulk liquid 120 several techniques
can be employed.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 4A, in one embodiment, the additive liquid
doser 400 includes a mixer 410, such as a venturi mixer. In this
embodiment, squeezing the bulk chamber 102 forces the bulk liquid
120 into and up through the diptube 108, whereafter the liquid 120
passes through the throat of the venturi 410 thereby drawing the
additive liquid 122 by the venturi effect, thereby also mixing the
additive liquid 122 in the stream of bulk liquid 120. In FIG. 4A, a
diptube 402 with a rubber stopper 406 for sealing the opening in
the cartridge 200 is illustrated. A similar diptube and rubber
stopper can be applied to all embodiments of the additive liquid
doser 400.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 4B, in one embodiment, the additive liquid
doser 400 includes a dosing chamber 420 having a predetermined
volume. In this embodiment, a first one-way valve 426 is provided
at the top end of the diptube 422 for the additive liquid 122. A
second one-way valve 424 is provided at the top end of the diptube
108 for the bulk liquid 120. First and second one-way valves 426,
424 prevent liquids the return of liquids from the dosing chamber
420 to the respective cartridge 200 and bulk chamber 102. In this
embodiment, to dose the additive liquid 122 in the dosing chamber
420 first, the bottom 100 is inverted to let the additive liquid
122 drain by gravity into the chamber 420. Then, the bottle 100 is
inverted again to end the dosing. The consumer may then squeeze the
bulk chamber 102 to force the bulk liquid 120 into the dosing
chamber 420 where it may mix with the additive liquid 122 before
being expelled out from the dosing chamber 420 to the spout 116. In
another embodiment, the bottle 100 does not need to be inverted to
dose the additive liquid 122 to the dosing chamber 420. Instead,
the magazine 106 and cartridge are made from a more pliable plastic
than the bulk chamber 102. Therefore, upon squeezing the bulk
chamber 102, the pressure is relieved by deforming the magazine 106
and cartridge 200 first, followed by forcing the bulk liquid 120 up
through the diptube 108. In one embodiment, the main chamber 102 is
squeezed to fill the dosing chamber 402 with the bulk liquid. Then,
the bottle 100 can be inverted to allow a predetermined amount of
additive liquid 122 into the dosing chamber 402. Shaking the bottle
100 can mix the additive liquid 122 and the bulk liquid 120 to add
color. Then, the levered spout 116 can be opened, and the combined
mixture can be poured out through the spout 116.
[0051] In one embodiment, the dosing chamber 420 and valves 424,
426 can be omitted. In this embodiment, the diptubes 422, 418 for
the additive liquid 122 and bulk liquid 120, respectively, are
connected directly to the outlet in the spout 116. Therefore, upon
squeezing the bulk chamber 102, the dispensing of the additive
liquid 122 precedes, the dispensing of the bulk liquid 120. Thus,
there is little to no mixing prior to dispensing, and the customer
may simply mix the liquids in the hand, or upon applying the
liquids on the hair to work up to a lather.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 4C, in one embodiment, the additive liquid
doser 400 includes a pump assembly 412 to dose the additive liquid
122 into a dosing chamber 408. For example, the pump assembly 412
includes a piston 416 which can be directly linked to the levered
spout 116, so that when the levered spout 116 is pushed down to
open the dispensing passageway, a dose of the additive liquid 122
is delivered into the dosing chamber 408. A one-way valve 440
prevents the additive liquid 122 from flowing into the diptube 108
of the bulk liquid 120. In the pump assembly 412, the additive
liquid 122 flows through the hollow center of the piston 416 and
then into a flexible tube 418 leading to the dosing chamber 408.
The dosing of the additive liquid 122 becomes semi-automatic,
because the levered spout 116 needs to be pressed down in order to
dispense the bulk liquid 120. Thereafter, the consumer may then
squeeze the bulk chamber 102 to force the bulk liquid 120 into the
dosing chamber 408 where it may mix with the additive liquid 122
before being expelled out from the dosing chamber 420 to the spout
116.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 4D, this embodiment of the additive liquid
doser 400 is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 4B, however, where
one-way valves are used in FIG. 4B, in FIG. 4D, a type of plug
valve is used that requires manual assisted to open and close. The
valve 434 on the diptube 428 of the additive liquid 122 and the
valve 432 on the diptube 108 of the bulk liquid are linked so that
as one valve is opened the other valve is closed. An indicator 436
can show which valve is presently open. In this embodiment, the
consumer may open the valve 434, closing the valve 432, first to
dose the additive liquid 122 into the dosing chamber 430 by
squeezing the bulk chamber 102. Then, open the valve 432, closing
the valve 434, to dispense the bulk liquid 120 to the dosing
chamber 430 and then out of the spout 116 by further squeezing of
the bulk chamber 102.
[0054] One embodiment of this disclosure relates to a dual chamber
bottle with a doser for mixing and dispensing at least two liquids.
The bottle holds a first bulk liquid in a bulk chamber, and the
bottle holds a second additive liquid in a cartridge. The first and
second liquid are segregated from each other. The doser is provided
to dose the additive liquid into the bulk liquid. The second liquid
is an additive that enhances a quality of the first liquid.
[0055] While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and
described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made
therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention.
* * * * *