EP1256526A1 - Apparatus for storing two products separately and dispensing them under pressure either separately or mixed - Google Patents

Abstract

A double container, comprising a first container (2) with a second one (30) inside it forming two separate compartments (40, 41) for two products under pressure, has a dispensing valve (5) with an outlet (20) capable of being connected to the two compartments separately or both together to dispense individual or mixed products. A double container, comprising a first container (2) with a second one (30) inside it forming two separate compartments (40, 41) for two products under pressure, has a dispensing valve (5) with an outlet (20) capable of being connected to the two compartments separately or both together to dispense individual or mixed products. The two containers can be made from a metal such as tinplate or aluminum, or a thermoplastic material. It also has a one-way valve between the containers and two controls for communication between the two compartments.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for the separate packaging of two products, and their distribution, either simultaneously, in a mixture, or successively, one after the other.

The invention is particularly suitable for the packaging and distribution of hair coloring or perming products.

More specifically, a first application concerns the products of coloration resulting from the extemporaneous mixture of a dye and an oxidant. In in this case, the two products are to be distributed simultaneously.

A second application concerns the permanent ones resulting from the application successive of two products: a perm reducer (thioglycolic acid for example) and a fixer.

In the field of hair coloring, have appeared recently on the market for distribution assemblies comprising a body and a push button, movable relative to this body, to cause the simultaneous distribution and separated from two products from two containers in which these products are stored separately, each container being provided with a valve comprising a hollow actuating rod, the depression of which causes the distribution of the product. Such a distribution assembly is described in the patent application French FR-A-2 732 245.

A difficulty with such distribution assemblies stems from the fact that the pressurization of the two containers may not be identical, making it difficult the distribution of the two products according to a very precise ratio, typically 1: 1. Such precise ratio between dye and oxidant is required when applying a hair coloring product.

In addition, the actuating rods may have upper ends which do not are not located exactly at the same level taking into account the tolerances of manufacturing, which entails a risk of non-simultaneous distribution of products, which is problematic when it comes to distributing a coloring product capillary.

Similarly, such devices, even if they do not necessarily allow a distribution as simultaneous as one could wish, do not allow either plus product distribution one after the other as required by the application of a hair permanent product.

Finally, and independently of the application, it is a fact that such devices, with two juxtaposed cans, are, because of their complexity, cost is important, and relatively large. Such congestion poses storage and handling problems.

Other distribution sets have been proposed, however not offering full satisfaction. By way of examples, mention may be made of US Pat. No. 3,236,457, the European patent applications EP-A-0 313 414, EP-A-0 427 609 or EP-A 0 243 667, the British patent GB 1,163,978 or the patent applications French FR-A-2 598 392 and FR-A-1 413 164.

US-A-3,232,493 describes a pressurized device in which the product dispensing is conditioned separately from the gas used to propel it. The product is separated from the propellant via a valve opening in response a differential of pressure. At each actuation of the valve, gas is introduced into the compartment containing the powder so as to pressurize it and force it exit. The product is therefore packaged separately from the propellant only outside the distribution phases.

Furthermore, when, in particular following a sudden rise in temperature, the pressure increases inside the compartment containing the product to be dispensed, then the latter, under pressure, can pass into the compartment containing the propellant.

It is therefore one of the objects of the invention to provide a device for the separate packaging of two products and their distribution, so simultaneous or one after the other, and solving all or part of the problems discussed above with reference to conventional devices.

It is in particular an object of the invention to produce such a device which is compact, economical to carry out, and simple to use.

It is another object of the invention to produce such an assembly which, when it is used for the simultaneous distribution of the two products it contains, ensures a precise ratio of one product to the other.

Still other objects will appear in the detailed description which follows.

According to the invention, these objects are achieved by producing a device comprising a first container and a second container, disposed inside the first, said first and second containers defining a first compartment containing a first pressurized product, and a second compartment containing, so isolated from the first, a second product under pressure, the device comprising a distribution valve having a suitable outlet orifice or passage, in response to an actuation command, to be put in selective communication with the first and / or second product, without these being able to be implemented contact with each other inside one or the other of said first and second compartments, a one-way opening valve being disposed between the first and second compartments.

The unidirectional opening valve allows the pressure inside the compartment in the direction of which the valve opens, to be substantially equal to the pressure inside the other compartment. In addition, it prevents the product contained in the compartment towards which it opens, does not enter inside the other compartment and come into contact with the product it contains.

Thus, the compartment in the direction of which the valve opens is pressurized via the other, which, at the inertia near the one-way valve, ensures a equilibrium or quasi-equilibrium of pressures between the first and second compartments. Therefore, in the case of a simultaneous distribution of the two products, it is possible to ensure a precise ratio of one of the products compared to the other.

To obtain the desired ratio, just play on the configuration of the passages ensuring selective communication with the first and / or the second product, depending in particular on the viscosity of each product.

Due to the arrangement of one container inside the other, the overall size is significantly reduced compared to that conventional assemblies as previously discussed.

The distribution head for actuation and distribution of the product is also greatly simplified compared to that required in a two-person set juxtaposed containers.

Depending on the application, the communication of the exit passage with the first product can be concomitant with the communication of the exit passage with the second product. Alternatively, setting communication of the exit passage with the first product can be separated from the communication of the outlet passage with the second product. The system can be configured to selectively allow both alternatives discussed above.

Preferably, the unidirectional opening valve opens towards the inside of the second compartment, that is to say, that delimited by the inner container. This configuration is preferred since the products are generally more heavy than the gas that pressurizes them. Therefore, the pressurization of the first via the second is more difficult to implement.

Advantageously, the first container comprises an orifice equipped with means for closure, in particular in the form of an elastomer plug, for the pressurization of the first compartment and the second compartment via the said unidirectional opening valve. Such an elastomer plug allows the passage of a needle intended to pressurize the first container, passage via which the needle passes through the cap which closes tightly, after removal of the needle, under the effect of the elasticity of the material.

Preferably, the unidirectional opening valve is provided on the second container. It can include a valve made of elastically deformable material, in particular in thermoplastic or crosslinked elastomer. Such a valve can be made of a material chosen from silicones, natural latex or synthetic, EPDM, polyurethanes, blends of polypropylene and SBS, SEBS, or EPDM, very low density polyethylenes, blends with based on polyester glycols (TPU) or polyether glycols (PEBA and COPE), flexible polyvinyl chlorides (PVC).

More preferably, the dispensing valve is arranged so as to allow the simultaneous or almost simultaneous communication of the exit passage with the first and second compartments. This configuration is desirable in the case of a simultaneous distribution of the two products contained in the device.

In the case of a successive distribution of the two products, the implementation simultaneous or almost simultaneous communication of the exit passage with the first and second compartments can cause, simultaneously with the exit of one of the products, a propellant outlet contained in the compartment containing the other product. Generally, this is not a problem. Yes however, this propellant outlet would be problematic so it would be possible to provide an offset communication of the outlet passage with the first and second compartments. A valve with such setting offset communication is described in patent application EP-A-0 709 305.

According to one embodiment, the dispensing valve is connected to a first tube plunger of which a free end is disposed substantially at the bottom of the first container. With this configuration, and in the event that the second container does not has no dip tube, it is possible, in the head-up position of the device, to distribute the product contained in the first compartment, by example the perm reducer. Then, turning the container over upside down position, the product contained in the second compartment, for example the fixative, can be dispensed.

The distribution valve can be connected to a second dip tube, one of which free end is disposed substantially at the bottom of the second container. With this configuration, and if the first container does not have a tube plunger, it is possible, in the head-up position of the device, to distribute the product contained in the second compartment, for example the permed. Then, by turning the container upside down, the product contained in the first compartment, for example the fixer, can be dispensed.

Assuming that each of the two compartments is associated with a tube plunger, it is possible, in the head-up position of the device, to distribute the two products (for example, a dye and an oxidant) simultaneously.

In the event that neither of the two compartments is associated with a tube plunger, it is possible, in the upside down position of the device, to distribute the two products (for example, a dye and an oxidant) simultaneously.

Advantageously, the valve comprises an opening / closing element (called commonly "sprinkler") suitable, in response to an actuation command, for pass from a first position in which the exit passage is isolated from sealed first and second compartments at a second position in which the outlet passage is, simultaneously or successively, placed in communication with said first and second compartments. The valve is preferably sinking.

The opening / closing element preferably comprises a piston capable of slide axially inside a valve body, said piston separating a first axial portion of the second valve body which in the first position of opening / closing element, are sealed in one the other.

Preferably, the valve is of the "male" type, the piston being integral with a rod valve part of which emerges outside the valve body, said valve stem being crossed by the exit passage. The piston can form one and the same part with the valve stem, or consist at least in part of a part reported.

More preferably still, in the first position of the element opening / closing, a piston sealing element, in particular a lip or a seal, seals at least one orifice passing through a wall side of the valve body and opening into the first compartment, said sealing element further ensuring leakproof insulation between said first and second axial portions of the valve body.

In the second position of the opening / closing element, said orifice crossing the side wall is clear so as to ensure communication between the first axial portion of the valve body and the first compartment, the second axial portion of the valve body, in communication with the second compartment, being in communication with the first axial portion of the body valve.

The piston sealing element may be made of a material identical to the material forming the remainder of the nozzle or a separate material. In the latter hypothesis, the sealing element can in particular be added, bi-injected or molded.

The communication between the first and second axial portions of the body of valve, when the opening / closing element is in the second position, can be provided via at least one axial groove formed in an internal wall of the valve body, and opposite which is said sealing element when the opening / closing element is in the second position.

The actuation command can be applied via a diffusion device coupled to the dispensing valve, and comprising at least one orifice for the separate or mixed distribution of said first and second products.

The first container, as well as the second container can be made of metal, in particular in tin or aluminum, or in thermoplastic material, especially in polyvinyl chloride (PVC), in Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) or a mixture of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) / Polyethylene Napthalate (PEN). The two containers can be made of the same material or of a different material.

The dispensing valve can be mounted on the first container, in particular by crimping or swaging.

The second container can be made integral with the dispensing valve, in particular by bonding, welding, snap-fastening or crimping.

i) le premier compartiment est délimité par les premier et second récipients ;

ii) le second compartiment est délimité par le second récipient ;

iii) la valve à ouverture unidirectionnelle s'ouvre en direction du second compartiment ; et

iv) la surface libre du premier produit est à distance non nulle de la valve à ouverture unidirectionnelle.

advantageously,

i) the first compartment is delimited by the first and second containers;

ii) the second compartment is delimited by the second container;

iii) the unidirectional opening valve opens in the direction of the second compartment; and

iv) the free surface of the first product is at a non-zero distance from the unidirectional opening valve.

Advantageously also, the first compartment surrounds the second container over at least part of its height.

a) disposer un premier produit à l'intérieur d'un premier compartiment et un second produit, de manière isolée du premier, à l'intérieur d'un second compartiment, lesdits premier et second compartiments étant délimités par un premier récipient et par un second récipient disposé à l'intérieur du premier, le dispositif étant équipé d'une valve de distribution comportant un orifice ou passage de sortie apte, en réponse à une commande d'actionnement, à être mis en communication sélective avec le premier et/ou le second produit, sans que ces derniers ne puissent être mis en contact l'un avec l'autre à l'intérieur de l'un ou l'autre desdits premier et second compartiments;

b) pressuriser lesdits premier et second compartiments, via l'un d'entre eux, ces derniers étant séparés par une valve à ouverture unidirectionnelle.

According to another aspect of the invention, a process is carried out for packaging two products separately, for distribution as a mixture or separately, said process consisting in:

a) placing a first product inside a first compartment and a second product, isolated from the first, inside a second compartment, said first and second compartments being delimited by a first container and by a second container disposed inside the first, the device being equipped with a dispensing valve comprising an outlet orifice suitable for outlet, in response to an actuation command, to be placed in selective communication with the first and / or the second product, without the latter being able to be brought into contact with one another inside one or the other of said first and second compartments;

b) pressurizing said first and second compartments, via one of them, the latter being separated by a one-way opening valve.

Preferably, the outlet passage is put in communication so simultaneous or almost simultaneous with the first and second products so as to cause its distribution in mixed form. In this configuration, one of the two products can be a dye and the second produces an oxidant, mixture being a hair coloring product.

Alternatively, the exit passage is put in communication with the first product (respectively with the second) then, after distribution of all or part of the first product (respectively of the second), is put in communication with the second product (respectively with the first). In this configuration, one of the products can be a perm reducer, the other being a fixer, the perm reducer to be distributed before the fixer.

• la figure 1 représente une vue d'ensemble d'un dispositif selon l'invention ;
• la figure 2 représente une vue en coupe d'un dispositif selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• les figures 3A-3E illustrent les principales étapes de montage et de remplissage du dispositif de la figure 2 ;
• les figures 4A-4B illustrent, à l'utilisation, le fonctionnement du dispositif de la figure 2 ;
• les figures 5 et 6A-6B sont relatives à un second mode de réalisation du dispositif selon l'invention ;
• les figures 7 et 8A-8C sont relatives à un troisième mode de réalisation du dispositif selon l'invention ; et
• les figures 9 et 10A-10C sont relatives à un quatrième mode de réalisation du dispositif selon l'invention.

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:

• Figure 1 shows an overview of a device according to the invention;
• Figure 2 shows a sectional view of a device according to a first embodiment of the invention;
• Figures 3A-3E illustrate the main stages of mounting and filling the device of Figure 2;
• Figures 4A-4B illustrate, in use, the operation of the device of Figure 2;
• Figures 5 and 6A-6B relate to a second embodiment of the device according to the invention;
• Figures 7 and 8A-8C relate to a third embodiment of the device according to the invention; and
• Figures 9 and 10A-10C relate to a fourth embodiment of the device according to the invention.

The device 1 shown as a whole in Figure 1 comprises a container cylindrical 2, in particular of aluminum, and surmounted by a head 50 for actuation of a valve (which will be described in detail later) and for the distribution of a composition, in particular a capillary composition, through an orifice dispenser 51. A removable cap 59 covers the dispensing head 50.

In the first embodiment which will be described specifically in reference to FIGS. 2, 3A-3E, and 4A-4B, the device 1 of axis X, comprises a aluminum outer container 2. On an open edge of the container 2 is crimped a valve 5.

The valve 5 comprises a valve body 6, one end of which is closed by a seal 7 crossed by an axial orifice 8. Inside the valve body 6 is disposed a nozzle 10 comprising a piston 11 which, in the closed position (FIG. 2), isolates sealing the upper part 12 of the valve body, of the part lower 13 of the valve body. The nozzle 10 is constrained to the position of closing by means of a spring 18, one end of which rests on the piston 11, and the other end rests on the bottom of the valve body 6.

The nozzle 10 comprises a valve stem 19, integral with the piston 11, and one of which tubular part emerges outside the valve body 6. The valve stem 19 is crossed axially by a channel 20 defining an outlet passage of the valve, and one end of which opens radially via a lateral orifice 21 which, in rest position of the valve 5, is opposite the seal 7.

On the valve stem 19, the dispensing head 50 is force-fitted. The head distribution 50 includes a bearing surface 52. The distribution head 50 is crossed by a channel 53 in communication with the channel 20 of the valve stem 19, and one end of which opens onto the dispensing orifice 51. The orifice of distribution 51 can be formed in a nozzle, in particular of the channel type eddy.

In this closed position of the valve, an annular bead 14 formed by the piston 11 is opposite an orifice 15 passing through a side wall 16 of the body valve, and opening on the one hand into the outer container, and on the other hand into the valve body 6. In this way, the valve body 6 is isolated from the container outside.

Also in this rest position, the annular bead 14 is above from the upper end of one or more grooves 17, extending axially over the internal surface of the side wall 16 of the valve body. In this way, the upper part 12 of the valve body is isolated from lower part 13. The upper end of (or grooves) 17 is arranged slightly in below the orifice 15. The difference in level between the upper end of the or grooves 17 and the orifice 15 corresponds to approximately half the height axial of the annular bead 14.

The valve body 6, at its end opposite the seal 7 has an open bottom in its center, and connected, on the side opposite the valve body 6 to an axial chimney 22. The axial chimney is open at its two ends and has on its outer surface a bead 23 capable of cooperating by snap-fastening with a groove 33 formed on the inner surface of the neck of an inner container 30. The container 30 is of axial height substantially less than the axial height of the outer container 2 so that the bottom 31 of the container 30 is spaced from the bottom 24 of the outer container 2. The inner container 30 is of outer section smaller than the internal section of the outer container 2. Thus, the outer container 2 and the inner container 30 define a first compartment 40 formed, on a part of its height, around the second container 30, and a second compartment 41 defined inside the second container 30.

The first compartment 40, according to this embodiment, contains an oxidant (for example, a solution based on hydrogen peroxide). The second compartment 41 contains a dye.

The bottom 31 of the container 30 is pierced with an orifice in which a valve is mounted 32 opening unidirectionally towards the inside of the container 30 when the pressure outside the container 30 is greater than the internal pressure of the container 30. The valve 32 is made in particular of silicone or any other material compatible with the products contained in compartments 40 and 41.

The bottom 24 of the container 2 is pierced with an orifice in which an element is mounted closure, in particular in the form of a rubber stopper 25, and intended to be crossed by a hollow needle so as to pressurize the compartments 40 and 41. After pressurization, when the needle is removed from the cap 25, the latter 25 automatically reseals under the elastic restoring force exerted by the material of the plug 25.

The assembly and filling of the device described in Figure 2 are illustrated in reference to Figures 3A-3E.

In FIG. 3A, the first product is introduced inside the container 2, through from its open end.

In FIG. 3B, the second product is introduced inside the internal container 30 at across its open end.

In FIG. 3C, the container 30 is mounted on the lower end of the valve body 6 by engaging the bead 23 and the groove 33 of the container 30.

In FIG. 3D, the valve 5 fitted with the internal container 30 is expanded on the open edge of the outer container 2. In this mounted position, note that the level of product in compartment 40 is far from the bottom 31 of the inner container 30.

In FIG. 3E, the liquefied gas, in particular butane, is introduced into the compartment 40 via the hollow needle 100 introduced into the stopper rubber 25. Preferably, to avoid any bubbling phenomenon, the end needle 100 is disposed above the surface of the product in the compartment 40.

During this pressurization step, under the effect of the overpressure prevailing in compartment 40, compared to the pressure inside the compartment 41, the valve 32 opens towards the inside of the container 30 to let gas pass propellant, until the pressure equilibrium. Once balance is reached, the valve closes. This pressure balancing mechanism occurs every once the pressure inside compartment 41 drops below the compartment pressure 40.

The operation of the device which has just been described is explained with reference to Figures 4A and 4B.

In FIG. 4A, the valve 5 is closed. The orifice 21 of the valve 5 is arranged in look of the gasket 7 of the valve 5. The annular bead 14 is facing the orifice 15 passing through the side wall 16 of the valve body 6, thus isolating the compartment 40 of the valve body 6. The annular bead 14, placed above the upper end of the groove 17 isolates the lower part 13 from the body of valve (and therefore compartment 41) of the upper part 12.

In FIG. 4B, after having turned the container upside down, the user bears axially on the bearing surface 52. In so doing, the orifice 21 is no longer in look at the seal 7. As a result, the outlet passage 20 is in communication with the upper part 12 of the valve body 6. Similarly, the annular bead 14 is not more facing the orifice 15 passing through the wall 16 of the valve body 6, ensuring thus the communication between the product contained in compartment 40 and the outlet passage 20 via orifice 21. Similarly, the annular bead 14 is now facing a portion of the groove 17, thus ensuring a communication between the product contained in compartment 41 and the part upper 12 of the valve body 6. In this upper part the two products mix and rise, via the orifice 21, in the outlet passage 20 of the rod valve 19, then in the channel 53 of the dispensing head 50. The mixture is then distributed in the form of a spray, a foam, a gel, or a cream through the dispensing orifice 51.

When the pressure on the bearing surface 52 ceases, the device returns to the configuration of FIG. 4A.

The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6A-6B differs from the mode of previous embodiment in that the inner container 30 is equipped with a tube plunger 35, one free end of which is substantially in the vicinity of the bottom of the container 30. The other end of the dip tube 35 is in communication with the axial chimney 22 of the valve body 6.

Similarly, the outer container 2 is associated with a dip tube 26, one of which end is located near the bottom of container 2. The other end of the tube plunger is in communication with the orifice 15 formed in the side wall of the valve body.

The mounting and filling of the device according to this embodiment is identical to the previous embodiment.

As for operation, as is clear from FIGS. 6A-6B, everything is pass as for the previous embodiment with the difference that the system is used upside down and not upside down as in the previous achievement.

• la portion du piston 11 destinée à faire étanchéité est constituée d'un joint torique 27 qui peut être rapporté sur le piston 11, ou obtenu par bi-injection ou surmoulage.
• selon ce mode de réalisation, le récipient intérieur comporte un tube plongeur 35 dont une extrémité est située au voisinage du fond du second récipient 30. L'autre extrémité du tube plongeur 35 est en communication avec la portion inférieure 13 du corps de valve 6. Le compartiment 40 formé à l'extérieur du récipient 30 ne comporte pas de tube plongeur.

The embodiment which will now be discussed with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8A-8C differs from the previous embodiments mainly in that:

• the portion of the piston 11 intended to seal consists of an O-ring 27 which can be attached to the piston 11, or obtained by bi-injection or overmolding.
• according to this embodiment, the inner container comprises a dip tube 35, one end of which is located in the vicinity of the bottom of the second container 30. The other end of the dip tube 35 is in communication with the lower portion 13 of the valve body 6. The compartment 40 formed outside the container 30 does not have a dip tube.

For the rest, everything is substantially identical to the embodiments precedents.

The device is assembled and filled according to a chronology similar to that described with reference to Figures 3A-3E. According to this mode of embodiment, the product contained in the inner container 30 is acid-based lactic or thioglycolic (permanent reducer). The product contained in the compartment 40 is based on hydrogen peroxide or bromate (fixative).

The device is shown ready for use in FIG. 8A, the valve 5 being in closed position. The orifice 21 of the valve 5 is disposed opposite the seal 7 of the valve 5. The O-ring 27 is opposite the orifice 15 passing through the side wall 16 of the valve body 6, thus isolating the compartment 40 from the valve body 6. The O-ring 27, arranged above the upper end of the groove 17 insulates the lower part 13 of the valve body (and therefore the compartment 41) of the part upper 12.

In FIG. 8B, while maintaining the device in its head-up position, the user bears axially on the bearing surface 52. In so doing, the orifice 21 is no longer in look of the seal 7. The outlet passage 20 is in communication with the part upper 12 of the valve body 6. Similarly, the O-ring 27 is no longer in view of the orifice 15 passing through the wall 16 of the valve body 6, thus ensuring the communication between compartment 40 and outlet passage 20 via orifice 21. In addition, the O-ring 27 is opposite an upper portion of the groove 17, thus ensuring communication between the lower part 13 of the body of valve 6 (supplied with product via the dip tube 35) and the upper part 12 of the valve body 6. The perm reducer (mixed with propellant located in the upper part of compartment 40) exits the valve via the passage of outlet 20, and then goes back up into channel 53 of the dispensing head 50. The perm reducer is then distributed through the dispensing orifice 51.

When the pressure on the bearing surface 52 ceases, the device returns to the configuration of FIG. 8A.

In a second step, the user returns the device 1 to the head position in bottom (Figure 8C). It presses axially on the bearing surface 52. The orifice 21 is not more opposite the seal 7. The outlet passage 20 is in communication with the upper part 12 of the valve body 6. Similarly, the O-ring 27 is no longer opposite the orifice 15 passing through the wall 16 of the valve body 6, thus ensuring the communication between the product contained in compartment 40 (fixer) and the outlet passage 20. In this position, the O-ring 27 is opposite a upper portion of the groove 17, thus ensuring communication between the lower part 13 of the valve body 6 (supplied with propellant gas via the tube plunger 35) and the upper part 12 of the valve body 6. The fixator (mixed possibly propellant from compartment 41) leaves the valve via orifice 21 and outlet passage 20. It then rises in channel 53 dispenser head 50. The fixative is then dispensed through the orifice distribution 51.

When the pressure on the bearing surface 52 ceases, the device returns to the configuration of FIG. 8A.

• en position de fermeture, le piston 11 est en engagement avec la surface interne du joint 7 du corps de valve 6 via une couronne annulaire 28, renforçant ainsi l'étanchéité à la fermeture.
• selon ce mode de réalisation, le récipient intérieur 30 ne comporte pas de tube plongeur. Le récipient extérieur 2 est associé à un tube plongeur 26 dont une extrémité se situe au voisinage du fond 24 du récipient 2. L'autre extrémité du tube plongeur 26 est en communication avec l'orifice 15 ménagé dans la paroi latérale 16 du corps de valve 6.
• la portion du piston 11 destinée à faire étanchéité est constituée d'une lèvre annulaire 29 formée par une pièce rapportée ou surmoulée sur la partie inférieure du gicleur.

The embodiment which will now be discussed with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10A-10C differs from the previous embodiment mainly in that:

• in the closed position, the piston 11 is in engagement with the internal surface of the seal 7 of the valve body 6 via an annular ring 28, thus strengthening the seal upon closing.
• according to this embodiment, the inner container 30 does not have a dip tube. The outer container 2 is associated with a dip tube 26, one end of which is located near the bottom 24 of the container 2. The other end of the dip tube 26 is in communication with the orifice 15 formed in the side wall 16 of the body of the valve 6.
• the portion of the piston 11 intended to seal consists of an annular lip 29 formed by an insert or molded on the lower part of the nozzle.

The device is assembled and filled according to a chronology similar to that described with reference to Figures 3A-3E. According to this mode of embodiment, the product contained in the outer container 2 is acid-based thioglycolic (perm reducer). The product contained in the container interior 30 is based on hydrogen peroxide (fixer).

During use, everything goes as in the previous embodiment at with the exception that in the first phase (Figure 10B), the product distributed is the product contained in compartment 40 (mixed with gas contained in compartment 41. In the second phase (FIG. 10C) the product dispensed is the product contained in compartment 41 (mixed with gas contained in compartment 40).

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 spirit of the invention as claimed below.

Claims (25)

Device (1) comprising a first container (2) and a second container, (30) disposed inside the first, said first and second containers defining a first compartment (40) containing a first product under pressure, and a second compartment (41) containing, isolated from the first, a second pressurized product, the device (1) comprising a dispensing valve (5) having a suitable outlet passage (20), in response to a command actuation, to be put in selective communication with the first and / or the second product, without the latter being able to be brought into contact with one the other inside one or the other of said first and second compartments, one unidirectional opening valve (32) being disposed between the two compartments. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the unidirectional opening valve (32) is provided on the second container (30). Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that the unidirectional opening valve (32) opens towards the inside of the second compartment (41). Device (1) according to claim 3 characterized in that the first container (2) comprises an orifice equipped with closing means (25), in particular in the form of an elastomer plug, for the pressurization of the first compartment (40) and of the second compartment (41) via said one-way opening valve (32). Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 characterized in that the unidirectional opening valve (32) comprises a valve made of elastically deformable material, in particular of thermoplastic or crosslinked elastomer. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 characterized in that the distribution valve (5) is arranged so as to allow the simultaneous or almost simultaneous communication of the outlet passage (20) with the first and second compartments (40, 41). Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distribution valve (5) is connected to a first dip tube (26), one free end of which is disposed substantially at the bottom of the first container (2). Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distribution valve (5) is connected to a second dip tube (35), one free end of which is disposed substantially at the bottom of the second container (30). Device (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the valve (5) comprises an opening / closing element (10) capable, in response to an actuation command, of passing from a first position in which the outlet passage (20) is sealed from the first and second compartments (40, 41), in a second position in which the outlet passage (20) is, simultaneously or successively, brought into operation communication with said first and second compartments (40, 41). Device (1) according to claim 9 characterized in that the opening / closing element (10) comprises a piston (11) capable of sliding axially inside a valve body (6), said piston ( 11) separating a first axial portion (12) of the valve body from a second (13) which, in the first position of the opening / closing element (10), are sealed from one another . Device (1) according to claim 10 characterized in that the piston (11) is integral with a valve stem (19) of which a part emerges outside the valve body, said valve stem being traversed by said outlet passage (20). Device (1) according to claim 10 or 11 characterized in that in the first position of the opening / closing element (10), a sealing element (14, 27, 29) of the piston (11), in particular a lip or a seal which seals at least one orifice (15) passing through a side wall (16) of the valve body (6) and opening into the first compartment (40), said sealing element further ensuring the sealing between said first and second axial portions (12, 13) of the valve body (6). Device (1) according to claim 12 characterized in that in the second position of the opening / closing element (10), said orifice (15) passing through the side wall (16) is released so as to ensure communication between the first axial portion (12) of the valve body and the first compartment (40), the second axial portion (13) of the valve body, in communication with the second compartment (41), being in communication with the first axial portion ( 12) of the valve body (6). Device (1) according to claim 13 characterized in that the communication between the first and second axial portions (12, 13) of the valve body (6), when the opening / closing element (10) is in the second position, is ensured via at least one axial groove (17) formed in an internal wall of the valve body (6), and opposite which is located said sealing element (14, 27, 29) when the element d opening / closing (10) is in the second position. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuation command is applied via a diffusion member (50) coupled to the distribution valve (5), and comprising at least one orifice (51 ) for the distribution, separate or mixed, of said first and second products. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first container (2) and the second container (30) are made of metal, in particular tinplate or aluminum, or of thermoplastic material, in particular chloride polyvinyl (PVC), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) or a mixture of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) / Polyethylene Napthalate (PEN). Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dispensing valve (5) is mounted on the first container (2), in particular by crimping or swaging. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second container (30) is made integral with the dispensing valve (5), in particular by bonding, welding, snap-fastening or crimping. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that : i) the first compartment (40) is delimited by the first (2) and second (30) containers; ii) the second compartment (41) is delimited by the second container (30); iii) the unidirectional opening valve (32) opens in the direction of the second compartment (41); and iv) the free surface of the first product is at a non-zero distance from the unidirectional opening valve (32). Device according to claim 19 characterized in that the first compartment (40) surrounds the second container (30) over at least part of its height. Method for packaging two products separately, for distribution in a mixture or separately, said method consisting in: a) placing a first product inside a first compartment (40) and a second product, isolated from the first, inside a second compartment (41), said first and second compartments being delimited by a first container (2) and by a second container (30) disposed inside the first, the device being equipped with a distribution valve (5) comprising an outlet passage (20) suitable, in response to a command actuation, to be put in selective communication with the first and / or the second product, without the latter being able to be brought into contact with one another inside one or the other of said first and second compartments; b) pressurizing said first and second compartments (40, 41) via one of them, the latter being separated by a unidirectional opening valve (32). A method according to claim 21 characterized in that the outlet passage (20) is placed in communication simultaneously or almost simultaneously with the first and second products so as to distribute them in a mixed manner. A method according to claim 22 characterized in that the first product is a dye and the second product an oxidant, the mixture being a hair coloring product. A method according to claim 21 characterized in that the outlet passage (20) is placed in communication with the first product (respectively with the second) and then, after distribution of all or part of the first product (respectively of the second), is put in communication with the second product (respectively with the first). A method according to claim 24 characterized in that one of the products is a perm reducer, the other being a fixer, the perm reducer being to be dispensed before the fixer.

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