U.S. patent number 3,603,484 [Application Number 04/803,306] was granted by the patent office on 1971-09-07 for a two-compartment mixing and dispensing device.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Mix-O-Matic Corporation. Invention is credited to Robert W. Ogle.
United States Patent |
3,603,484 |
Ogle |
September 7, 1971 |
A TWO-COMPARTMENT MIXING AND DISPENSING DEVICE
Abstract
This patent describes a self-contained, two-compartment mixing
device comprising an outer container adapted to contain a fluid,
and having a fluidtight end closure, an inner container received in
said outer container, said inner container having an end closure,
said end closure of said inner container facing said end closure of
said outer container to isolate the contents of the inner container
from the contents of the outer container. In a preferred embodiment
of this invention, the end closure of the outer container is
provided with a projection having cutting terminal surfaces
extending from said end closure inwardly into said outer container,
said sharp projection having cutting terminal surfaces being
adapted to be compelled toward and through the end closure of said
inner container by longitudinal compression of said outer container
to establish fluid communication between said inner and outer
containers.
Inventors: |
Ogle; Robert W. (Newport Beach,
CA) |
Assignee: |
Mix-O-Matic Corporation
(Wilmington, DE)
|
Family
ID: |
25186186 |
Appl.
No.: |
04/803,306 |
Filed: |
February 28, 1969 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/94;
222/90 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D
81/3222 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B65D
81/32 (20060101); B65d 035/22 () |
Field of
Search: |
;222/5,83.5,92,94,90
;132/67 ;251/339 ;206/47A |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Reeves; Robert B.
Assistant Examiner: Stack, Jr.; Norman L.
Claims
I Claim:
1. A self-contained, two-compartment mixing device comprising an
outer container adapted to contain fluid having a fluidtight end
closure, an inner container completely received in said outer
container, said inner container having an end closure, said end
closure of said inner container facing said end closure of said
outer container to isolate the contents of the inner container from
the contents of the outer container, the end closure of said outer
container being provided with a spout means slidable therethrough
whereby upon said spout means being slid through said end closure
of said outer container, the end closure of said inner container is
at least partially dislodged into the interior of said inner
container and fluid communication is established between said inner
and outer containers to provide mixing of the contents of said
containers.
2. A self-contained, two-compartment mixing device comprising an
outer container adapted to contain fluid having a fluidtight end
closure, an inner container completely received in said outer
container, said inner container having an end closure, said end
closure of said inner container facing said end closure of said
outer container to isolate the contents of the inner container from
the contents of the outer container, a dispensing spout slidably
disposed through said end closure, an outer cover on said
dispensing spout and said end closure and sealing on said outer
container, the outer end of said dispensing spout being covered by
a removable plunger cap, said spout being adapted to be downwardly
slid through said end closure by pressure on said plunger cap
whereby the lower end of said spout at least partially dislodges
the closure of said inner container into the interior of said inner
container to establish fluid communication between said inner and
outer containers to provide mixing of the contents of said
containers, said plunger cap being removable to permit the
dispensation of the mixed contents through said dispensing
spout.
3. A self-contained, two-compartment mixing device comprising an
outer container adapted to contain fluid having a fluidtight end
closure, a projection having cutting terminal surfaces and
flap-restraining means extending from said end closure inwardly
into said outer container, an inner container completely received
in said outer container, said inner container having an imperforate
end closure, said end closure of said inner container facing said
end closure of said outer container to isolate the contents of the
inner container from the contents of the inner container, the walls
of said outer container being longitudinally compressible whereby
upon compression of said outer container said sharp projection is
compelled toward and into said imperforate end closure and said
restraining means holds open flaps cut in said end closure causing
said flaps to project downwardly into the interior of said inner
container, said flaps being cut by terminal surfaces of said
projection to establish fluid communication between said inner and
outer containers to provide mixing of the contents of said
containers.
4. A self-contained, two-compartment mixing device comprising an
outer container adapted to contain fluid having a fluidtight end
closure, a projection having cutting terminal surfaces and
flap-restraining means extending from said end closure inwardly
into said outer container, said end closure also being provided
with an outwardly extending dispensing tip, threadably connected to
said tip a removable cap which also forms a seal on said outer
container, an inner container completely received in said outer
container, said inner container having an imperforate end closure,
said end closure of said inner container facing said end closure of
said outer container to isolate the contents of the inner container
from the contents of the outer container, the walls of said outer
container being longitudinally compressible whereby upon
compression of said outer container said sharp projection is
compelled toward and into said imperforate end closure and said
restraining means holds open flaps cut in said end closure causing
said flaps to project downwardly into the interior of said inner
container, said flaps being cut by terminal surfaces of said
projection to establish fluid communication between said inner and
outer containers to provide mixing of the contents of said
containers.
5. A self-contained, two-compartment mixing device comprising an
outer container adapted to contain fluid having a fluid tight end
closure, a dispensing spout extending from said end closure, a
cover encasing said spout and said end closure and joined to said
spout by a threaded connection, a projection comprising blades
having cutting terminal surfaces and retaining notches, and
flap-restraining means, said projection extending from said end
closure inwardly into said outer container, an inner container
completely received in said outer container, said inner container
having an imperforate end closure, said end closure of said inner
container facing said end closure of said outer container to
isolate the contents of the inner container from the contents of
the outer, the walls of said outer container having a series of
flexible undulations in proximity to its closed end to provide
longitudinal compressibility of said outer container, whereby upon
compression of said outer container said sharp projection is
compelled toward and said blades pierce said imperforate end
closure, said restraining means holds open flaps cut in said end
closure by said cutting terminal surfaces to cause said flaps to
project downwardly into said inner container and establish fluid
communication between said inner and outer containers to provide
mixing of the contents of said containers, and said retaining
notches hold said projection in said end closure after release of
compression.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The field of this invention relates to self-contained,
two-compartment mixing devices particularly adapted for use in the
mixing of two normally chemically reactive hair-dying ingredients.
However, the device of the present invention is generally
applicable to the storage and mixing at the time of use of any two
reactive or nonreactive liquids or to the mixing of any liquid and
solid.
The most common self-administered type of hair dye on the market at
the present time includes an oxidizable dye component. The
oxidizable dye component is sold in its unoxidized form and it is
necessary just prior to use that an oxidizing agent be admixed with
the dye in order to activate the same and render it ready for
administration to the hair. Generally, the other dyes available are
substantially less reactive with the carotene of the human hair
and, therefore, are less effective in dying the hair. For this
reason, best results are obtainable only by the use of the
oxidizable dye and an oxidizing agent therefor. The need for these
two reactive chemicals normally requires two separate storage
containers in the package since the materials are not compatible
for long periods of time when mixed. At the present time, the two
materials are sold in separate bottles. Also provided in the
package along with the bottles are directions for the mixing of the
contents of the two bottles prior to use. The mixing must be
accomplished by the ultimate user who is frequently a person
unfamiliar with the handling of reactive chemicals. Still further,
the customer for this type of product is normally not attracted to
and, in fact, may be repelled by the need for the mixing and
handling of such materials. Still further, there are certain
hazards present including the splashing of the oxidizing agent on
the clothing, into the eyes, and the like. For all of these
reasons, there has been a long-recognized and unsatisfied need for
a simple-to-operate, self-contained, two-compartment mixing device
particularly adapted for the handling of an oxidizable dye and the
oxidizing agent. The present invention, it is believed, fulfills
this need by providing a device which is easy to operate,
inexpensive to manufacture, and completely eliminates the need for
the handling of reactive chemicals by inexperienced persons thereby
doing away with the hazards discussed above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly, the present invention comprises a novel self-contained,
two-compartment mixing device comprising an outer container adapted
to contain fluid and having a fluidtight end closure, an inner
container received in said outer container, said inner container
having an end closure, said end closure of said inner container
facing said end closure of said outer container to isolate the
contents of the inner container from the contents of the outer
container, means associated with said outer container for
establishing fluid communication between said inner and outer
containers to provide mixing of the contents of said containers
without removing said end closure of said outer container.
In one preferred embodiment of this invention, the end closure of
the outer container is provided with a spout means slidable
therethrough, the inner end of said spout means being adapted to
dislodge the end closure of said inner container and the opposite
end of said spout means has fluid passages therein.
In another embodiment, the present invention comprises a novel
self-contained, two-compartment mixing device comprising an outer
container adapted to contain fluid and having a fluidtight end
closure, an inner container received in said outer container, said
inner container having an end closure, said end closure of said
inner container facing said end closure of said outer container to
isolate the contents of the inner container from the contents of
the outer container, the walls of said outer container being
longitudinally and/or laterally compressible whereby upon
compression of said outer container, fluid communication is
established between said inner and outer containers to provide
mixing of the contents of said containers. In yet another
embodiment of this invention, the end closure of the outer
container is provided with a sharp projection having cutting
terminal surfaces extending from said end closure inwardly into
said outer container, said sharp projection having cutting terminal
surfaces being adapted to be compelled toward and through the end
closure of said inner container by longitudinal compression of said
outer container to establish fluid communication between said inner
and outer containers.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a
self-contained, two-compartment mixing device particularly adapted
for the handling of reactive, toxic and/or noxious chemicals.
More specifically it is an object of the present invention to
provide a novel self-contained, two-compartment mixing device
adapted to contain an oxidizable hair dye and the oxidizing agent
therefor wherein these two materials can be separately stored for
prolonged periods and simply mixed at the time of use without the
need for any exposure of either material to the danger of spillage
or splashing.
Still another object of the present invention is the provision of a
two-compartment mixing device which permits the ready mixing of
reactive chemicals in a closed system to thereby appeal to
inexperienced users of such materials.
These and other objects and advantages of this invention will be
apparent from the more detailed description which follows taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Turning to the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a sectional side view of the preferred embodiment of the
present invention;
FIG. 2 is a cross section taken along the line 2--2 in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a sectional side view of the device of FIG. 1 after the
outer container has been longitudinally compressed to communicate
the contents of the inner and outer container;
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the device of FIG. 1 after
communication has been established between the inner and outer
containers;
FIG. 5 is a cross section taken along the line 4--4 in FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a separate partially sectioned view of the end closure
and projection for the outer container of the device shown in FIG.
1;
FIG. 7 is a side view of the projection from the closure for the
outer container;
FIG. 8 shows the projection of FIG. 7 rotated approximately
45.degree.;
FIG. 9 is a sectional side view of another embodiment of the
present invention;
FIG. 10 is a cross section taken along the line 10--10 in FIG.
9;
FIG. 11 shows the device of FIG. 9 in longitudinal compression to
dislodge the end closure on the inner container;
FIG. 12 shows the device of FIG. 9 after fluid communication has
been established between the inner and outer containers;
FIG. 13 shows a sectional side view of yet another embodiment of
this invention;
FIG. 14 shows the device of FIG. 13 in lateral compression to
establish fluid communication between said inner and outer
containers;
FIG. 15 shows a sectional side view of another embodiment of the
present invention;
FIG. 16 shows the operation of the device of FIG. 15 in an initial
stage;
FIG. 17 shows the device operation; FIGS. 15 and 16 in a subsequent
stage of operation; and
FIG. 18 shows the operation of the device of FIGS. 15-17 with the
parts disposed in a manner adapted for dispensation of the fluid
contents.
Turning to the drawings in greater detail, the outer container 10
is provided with an outer cover 12. Within the cover 12 is end
closure 14. Closure 14 is provided with dispensing spout 16 having
a fluid passage 18. The external threads 20 on spout 16 engage
internal threads 22 inside cover 12. Closure 14 also has a lip 24
which engages and forms a seal on the upper end 26 of container 10.
The closure 14 has female threads 28 which make up with the male
threads 30 on the exterior of container 10. The outer container 10
is longitudinally compressible as a result of the plurality of
accordionlike undulations 32, and is normally made of a resilient
plastic such as polyethylene. The end closure 14 is provided with
projection 34 having four cutting blades 36 each having terminal
sharp edges 38. Each blade 36 also has notches 40 therein which
engage flaps formed by the blade 36 and retains the blade after
fluid communication has been established, as is more fully
hereinafter explained. The upper extension 42 on projection 34 is
received in opening 44 of closure 14 with a snug, slip fit so that
a relatively slight force can remove projection 34 from closure 14.
The projection 34 is also provided with four flap restraining or
depressing means 46. The inner container 48 is normally made of
glass or a plastic. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the container 48 is
preferably pentagonal in cross section. However, the
cross-sectional configuration of the inner container is by no means
critical. Container 48 is provided in proximity to its closed end
with indentations 50 in each of its five longitudinal edges. The
indentations 50 are adapted to receive the inner edge of the bottom
most of the accordionlike undulations 32 with a snap fit. In this
way the container 48 is restrained from longitudinal movement with
respect to the outside container 10 during handling and shipping.
Inner container 48 is provided at its opened end with pierceable
cap 52 held in place by threads 54.
In the operation of the device shown in FIGS. 1 through 8, the hair
dye is normally stored in one container and the oxidizing agent in
the other container and the parts assembled in the fashion as shown
in FIG. 1. When it is desired to admix the two ingredients, the
user simply compresses the package in an accordionlike fashion as
shown in FIG. 3 to cause the projection 34 with its sharp cutting
edges 38 to pierce the cap 52 on the inner container 48. The
flap-restraining means 46 hold the flaps 56 cut out by the sharp
projection in an open position as shown in FIG. 3 to permit good
fluid communication and mixing of the contents of the inner and
outer containers. The notches 40 on blades 36 can engage flaps 56
so that when the longitudinal compression force is released as
shown in FIG. 4, the extension 42 slips from opening 44 and the
projection 34 remains in the inner container 48. Hereafter, the end
closure 14 is removed and the contents of the device dispensed
through the fluid passage 18 in spout 16.
Turning to the alternate embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 through 12,
the outer container 58 is provided with accordionlike undulations
60. The container 58 is provided with end closure 62 covered by
outer cap 66. The closure 62 is provided with a fluid passage 68 in
the threaded connection 70. The inner container 72 is provided with
a plug 74 provided with sealing ring 76. In the operation of this
device, when the outer container is partially or totally filled
with fluid, the plug 74 may be dislodged from the inner container
72 in the manner shown in FIG. 11 simply by applying a
longitudinally compressive force to the outer container 58. The
hydraulic action of the fluid in the outer container on the plug
dislodges the plug. Thereafter the outer cap 66 is removed and the
mixed contents of the device dispensed through fluid passage
68.
The device of FIGS. 13 and 14 represent a much simplified form of
the invention which is adequate for the simple mixing of many
chemicals, although it obviously cannot perform all of the
functions of the devices previously discussed. In FIGS. 13 and 14,
laterally compressible container 78 is provided with end closure
80. The fluidtight seal is provided by complementary threads 82.
The inner rigid container 84 has a sealing plug 86 which is
dislodgeable into the container 84 by hydraulic pressure. Fluid
communication is established simply by squeezing container 78 as
shown in FIG. 14.
In FIGS. 15 through 18, inclusive, there is shown still another and
preferred embodiment of this invention. In these Figures, the outer
container 88 is provided with an outer cover 90 and an end closure
92. The inner container 94 is provided with an end closure 96
having a centrally located raised portion 98. Passing through end
closure 92 is spout means 100, the lower rounded end 102 thereof
being adapted to contact said raised portion 98 of said closure 96.
The other end of said spout means is provided with fluid passages
104. The spout means 100 fits snugly but slidably in the opening in
end closure 102. The fit is snug enough to provide a fluidtight
seal, and yet permit downward movement through end closure 102
under a reasonable force. The spout means 100 will not slide
through end closure 102 under gravitational force alone, and hence
the fit may be referred to as a "force fit." During the storage and
in the initial phase of operation, the end of spout means 100 is
provided with a plunger cap 106. Initially, the device has the
appearance shown in section in FIG. 15. In operation, the outer
cover 90 is first removed and downward pressure is applied on the
plunger cap 106 to cause the end 102 of spout 100 to contact the
raised potion 98 and dislodge the plug 96 into the interior of
container 94 as shown in FIG. 17. Thereafter, the plunger cap 106
is removed leaving the fluid passages 104 in contact with the
interior of the outer container. In this way, the mixed fluid
contents can be dispensed through passages 104.
Those skilled in the art will immediately recognize that the device
of the present invention is applicable to the mixing of a wide
variety of liquid and liquid-solid combinations of reactive and
nonreactive materials. Accordingly, while the invention has been
described with particular reference to the application of the
mixing of an oxidizable dye with an oxidizing agent it is to be
understood that the invention is not limited thereto but envisions
the use of the device in the mixing of a wide variety of chemicals,
medicaments, and other consumer and industrial products.
The rigid and compressible containers which have been described can
be molded or otherwise formed from a wide variety of materials
which will be evident to those skilled in the art.
The outer container of this invention is compressible
longitudinally or laterally, preferably the former. As will be
evident from the foregoing, the outer container may at once be both
longitudinally and laterally compressible.
Having fully described the invention it is intended that it be
limited only by the lawful scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *