BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a hand-held reusable multi-compartmental mixing and dispensing container that permits a user to customize a mixture of fluids to be dispensed.
2. Description of Related Art
As science and medicine have added to our knowledge base, our understanding of the human body and effects of various environmental factors on it has advanced. We are adept at manufacturing and using various substances to enhance our appearance, protect us from the environment, improve our health, for example. The market is flooded with cosmetics and pharmaceutics.
Currently most of these compounds come premixed, or, at most, in containers that allow one time mixing and dispensing in preset proportions. But, the human body and the environment are both dynamic. As a result, the cosmetic or pharmaceutical mixture being dispensed is rarely, if ever, specifically tailored to the individual and her environment.
For example, sunscreens are produced with a specific preset amount of UV protective factors (SPF), emollients, and fragrances. As a consumer uses the product, the contents of the sunscreen being dispensed cannot be adjusted to take into account the changes in her skin color, the time of day, the weather, her individual preferences, or even whether it is more convenient to use a spray or a cream. Similarly, hair dyes are provided in a limited number of colors. A user is left to figure out what shade would work best with her hair color and type. It is not possible to do a match with any degree of accuracy. The containers used are not amenable to midstream changes in the relative proportions of the ingredients. The containers are not capable of dispensing a test sample. Dispensing of medicinal creams and lotions also presents a problem. Although dermatologists, and other physicians who treat skin conditions, most commonly prescribe the use of steroids, anti-fungal agents, antibiotic creams and emollients, there are no containers available that allow a patient to mix the cream and lotion at will, and dispense the mixture as a unit.
As a result, a user does not experience the full benefits of a product simply because the mixture has not been tailored to meet their individual needs. They end up buying and using multiple products, which will be less effective. This has a negative impact on both the consumer and the environment. Plastic containers are a large contributor to landfill waste. Moreover, disposal of containers with product may be toxic.
With regard to medicinal applications there is a significant risk that patients who must juggle multiple medications or creams that neglect one or more of the necessary components of their treatment plan. About 50-75% of patients are noncompliant with regard to their prescriptions. Only 20% of diabetics adhere to their insulin administration regime faithfully. This is very expensive in terms of human health and the economy. In fact, it has been estimated that noncompliance with healthcare regimes “accounts for up to $100 billion in healthcare and productivity costs.
A dispensing and mixing container that takes into account the uniqueness of the each user, as well as the real-time environmental factors, providing personalized cosmetics, dermatologic creams, or administration of medications is needed. The current state of the art does not provide such a device.
With regard to dispensing containers, there are various types available:
U.S. Pat. No. 4,893,729 by Iggulden, Streck describes a bottle designed to dispense various mixtures of lotion and UV protective agents. The dispenser uses bores, does not have a self-retractable tip, is not powered by a pressurized gas canister, and does not give the user guidance as to the right amount of sunscreen agent or other compound that should be added. It cannot be personalized.
EP 1350739, US 2009/0152300, U.S. Pat. No. 5,638,992, and WO 2002/022467 all describe containers that mix two fluids. In EP 1,350,739, separation is maintained by a breakable seal. In US 2009/015230, it is not. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,638,992, the inner pressurized container bursts causing mixing. In WO 2002/022467, the compounds remain separate until dispensed and are not mixed. In none of these examples, is the user able to select the proportions of the compounds that will form a part of a final mixture. Mixing is done on a one-time basis. The amounts dispensed are not user-determined by test amounts. These prior art examples do not allow the product to be personalized.
With regard to UV detection and measuring, various products have been devised.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,589,398 by Krause et al. describes UV Fastcheck strips. Test strips that use a photoactive chromogenic substance to detect sunburn-causing UV radiation. These test strips do not take into account a user's skin color, are for one-time use only, are not paired with a sunscreen mixer and dispenser, and do not allow the user to choose between spray or cream. Furthermore, exposure to light causes the UV Fastcheck strips to lose their function.
US 2008/0259315 by Pikowski utilizes titanium dioxide and resazurin to create an irreversible change upon UV exposure. This will allow a user to determine when they have been exposed to excess UV radiation. It will not advise a user, in advance, about the sunscreen protection necessary. It will not tell a user whether a sunscreen is effective.
A UV Sun Strength Warning band operates via photochromic dyes. The band does not take a user's skin color into account.
Therefore, although there are various mixing bottles and test strips on the market, none of these products allow repeated mixing and dispensing of varying proportions and amounts of the contained substances. None allow the substance to be altered by the user each time a mixture is dispensed, informed by measurements resulting from the use of test components that sense the environment and the user, and are fixed to the surface of the container.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A multi-compartment container capable of mixing adjustable proportions of one substance with one or more other substances, and selectively dispensing varying amounts of the mixture via a user-selected system is provided. The desired proportions of substances within a mixture are determined according to input received from test components or other interfaces that sense various environmental and user-specific factors.
The container holds various substances in separate compartments without allowing them to mix, preventing chemical interaction and extending shelf life. The compartments are refillable, making it possible to give the user a range of choices for what they would like to mix. For example, in the case of sunscreen, the user could have a choice between the type of UV filtering agent, the fragrance, the emollient content, whether the mixture is dispensed as spray or cream. In the case of a dermatologic treatment agent, the user could choose the amount of emollient needed and, based on input from a treating physician, whether it is mixed with a steroid or, for example, an anti-fungal. In the case of medication for diabetes, a patient could be administered an individually tailored mixture of fast and slow-acting insulin mixed with diluent or another substance, based on factors such as their blood sugar and the time of day.
The user can choose the proportion of each substance that will be mixed. This choice is guided by a system of environmentally and user-sensitive test components. For example, in the case of sunscreen, test strips will be able to sense the ambient UV radiation. The user can then correlate this with a strip that displays their particular skin color, their natural defenses against UV radiation, and select the amount of tanning they would like to achieve. The result will yield a number that will guide them in adjusting the mixture. A separate multi-function button controls the amount and type of substance dispensed. In the case of a dermatologic treatment, the detecting strips would measure skin pH, an indicator of the presence of, or vulnerability to, infection, and factors such as dermal moisture and temperature. In the case of diabetes treatment, the detecting strips would measure blood sugar and be adjusted to the time of day.
Expulsion of a selected mixture is accomplished by retractable nozzles, allowing the user to select cream, spray, or an alternate method of application. Nozzles are designed to prevent spillage, or the buildup of debris. A pressurized gas system that uses a replaceable cartridge moves the mixture. Because there are no electronic components or batteries, the container of the present invention is both lightweight and environmentally friendly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The exact nature of this invention, as well as the objects and advantages thereof, will become readily apparent from consideration of the following specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the figures thereof and wherein:
FIG. 1 is a front view of the outside housing of a preferred embodiment of the container according to the invention, showing a temperature sensitive logo and environmentally and user sensitive test components;
FIG. 2 is a back view of the outside housing of FIG. 1 illustrating the replaceable anti-friction plate that fits in a surrounding silicone ring;
FIG. 3 is an illustration of the separate compartments within the housing of FIG. 1, showing threaded openings for the fill caps for each enclosure;
FIG. 4 is a partial cross-section of the container showing the major internal components that regulate the flow of gas and substances;
FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the housing of FIG. 4 showing a threaded wheel that enables access to and replacement of, a pressure cartridge;
FIG. 6 illustrates a graded multilayered UV sensitive strip with its light sensitive symbols surrounded by non-light sensitive paint;
FIG. 7 is a cross section of the UV sensitive graded strip of FIG. 5, showing its multilayer composition;
FIG. 8 is a front view of a multilayer skin color match sticker system used in the preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a cross-section of the multilayer skin color match sticker system of FIG. 8 showing the individual layers;
FIG. 10 is a view of the left side of the housing of FIG. 1, showing an ergonomic replaceable silicone hand grip area;
FIG. 11 is a view of the right side of the housing of FIG. 1 showing a main push button and the self-retractable nozzles;
FIG. 12 is a cross section of the container of the container of FIG. 1 showing the major internal components of a container for UV IQ;
FIG. 13 is a top view of FIG. 1 showing self-retractable nozzles and an adjustment wheel used to control the outflow of substance;
FIG. 14 is a partial cross-section of FIG. 1, showing the position of internal components and gas, substance, and mixture movement when the lower part of the main button is depressed;
FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C, and 15D illustrate the function of a push button, nozzles, and main piston in the container of FIG. 1.
FIG. 15A shows the button in neutral position when there is no gas flow;
FIG. 15B shows the bottom part of the button depressed;
FIG. 15C shows the top part of the button depressed;
FIG. 15D shows the self-retracting nozzles;
FIG. 16A is a partial section that shows the main valve system;
FIG. 16B shows the valve in a slightly open position;
FIG. 17 is a block diagram representation of the gas and substance flow when the push button is engaged; and
FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the pipe system and components for movement of gas, individual substances, and the resulting mixture.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
A preferred embodiment of the container of the invention, that is used to dispense sunscreen lotion, is shown in FIG. 1. A clicking adjuster wheel 20 on top of the container allows a user to select the proportion of substance, such as UV protectant, that will be mixed in with one of the other two substances in the container. The adjuster wheel 20 is connected via a shaft to an adjustable pressure-regulating valve, allowing precise control of the amount of substance added to a mixture, as will be explained hereafter. In the case of UV protectant, an arrow 21 points to a symbol that correlates with the SPF being dispensed. The arrow is located directly adjacent to the adjuster wheel. The SPF symbol also correlates with the number of clicks that the user has executed from a neutral position. The wheel 20 is separated from the main housing by a ring 22 of reduced friction material, allowing smooth dialing of the wheel 22.
A reusable housing is preferably made of aluminum/zirconium, but other moldable equally durable materials such as plastics may be used. The housing contains multiple compartments. The housing is preferably covered with gorilla glass 23. Three openings in the housing secured by fill caps allow substances to be inserted into the container. The substances are added after removing a screw cap that covers an access port to the container. There are three screw caps, one for each compartment in the container, at the top left of the container screw cap 24, at the bottom left screw cap 25, and at the bottom right of the container, screw cap 26. Each cap features a coin-width slot in its surface for easy opening. It has threads that allow it to screw into the housing. The openings allow refilling of the respective compartments illustrated in detail in FIG. 3. Compartment 27, may contain the UV protectant. Compartment 28, may contain a cream. Compartment 29, may contain a liquid for spraying. The contents, composition and nature of the various compartments can be adjusted, according to user and manufacturer preferences.
As shown in FIG. 4, a CO2 gas canister or pressurized cartridge 30, supplies the force required. The cartridge 30 screws into the internal main pressure pipe at a receiving nozzle 31 located at the neck of the cartridge 30. The cartridge is held in place at the base of the container. The cartridge 30 can be replaced by removing a threaded wheel 32 that is preferably screwed into the base of the container. A reduced friction ring 33 located between the cartridge housing and the wheel makes it easier to remove and replace the wheel 32. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the threaded wheel 32 has double arrows 34, allowing the user to quickly ascertain the open/close direction.
Referring again to FIG. 1, an important part of this container-dispenser is located on the front of the container. Several environmentally and user sensitive components are used. A centrally located temperature and moisture-sensitive painted logo 35 alerts the user when the container has been exposed to temperatures that are too high for optimum function. Test components are preferably located to one side of the logo, and can be adjusted to the manufacturer's and user's specifications. In the case of the container for UV product, a UV-sensitive graded strip 36 is located to one side of the logo 35. This UV-sensitive strip is shown in more detail in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7.
Referring to FIG. 7, the innermost or base layer 37 of the strip is a non-thermoconductive light-reflective layer, providing some thermal insulation to the container contents, with adhesive on the underside, attaching the strip to the external housing of the container. The next layer 38, is a non light-sensitive reflective paint. The operational part of the strip is partially contained in the next layer, which contains symbols made of UV sensitive paint 39 surrounded by UV insensitive paint 40. The next layer 41 is a UV variable graded filter as found in UV shielded glass windows, films, and glasses. Although FIG. 7 only shows one grade of UV filter, the actual strip will have consecutive grades adjacent to each other. When exposed to light, as the light intensity increases and more UV can pass through a particular grade of filter, the light-sensitive paint under that filter will change color. By contrasting with the non-light sensitive same color paint, the user gets a visual representation of the amount of UV light to which they are being exposed. That is, when the UV light reaches the limit whereby it is detected, the UV sensitive paint changes color and, by its contrast with the UV insensitive paint, the symbol, which correlates to the number of clicks of the upper wheel needed to dispense the correct amount of SPF, becomes visible.
Referring again to FIG. 1, as well as FIG. 7, a sliding strip cover 42 is used to reset the light-sensitive strip by blocking light exposure so that the light sensitive paint returns to its normal color allowing the UV detector to be re-used multiple times. If desired, the user can self-test the UV protection cream being dispensed by applying a small amount to the strip 36. This tells the user whether the sunscreen being dispensed is sufficient for the day, time and location.
As shown in FIGS. 1, 8 and 9, a skin color matching sticker 43 is located directly adjacent to the UV-detection strip 36. It may be removed to allow a user to match their own skin color with the color spots on the strip. As shown in FIG. 9, peel-off stickies 44 start with a fair skin color. Each stickie 45 thereafter becomes progressively darker. The stickies 43 are located next to the UV detection strip 36. The stickies 43 have numbers along their length. They are attached to the container by means of adhesive 46. A user locates where the UV-sensitive paint changes color causing the respective symbol to become visible. The user matches that number symbol to the number located adjacent to this region on the skin color strip 43. This number on the skin color strip will correspond to the number of clicks of the adjuster wheel 20 necessary for the container to dispense the correct strength of UV protective cream or spray for that skin color. If the user desires increased protection, she can go up a click. If a suntan is desired, she may go down a click, decreasing the UV protection.
The back of the container continues with the goal of being user-friendly (FIG. 2). It includes a low friction reflective plate 47, so that the container can double as a mirror. The reflective plate is surrounded by a silicone ring 48 that will ensure that the container does not move when placed on a surface. This also makes it easier to replace the reflective plate. To provide holding comfort, a silicone pad 49 (FIG. 10) gives the user a steady grip on the container when discharging its contents.
A double function push button, 50/51 (FIGS. 1, 11) on the right side of the container, allows a user to decide whether they prefer the contents of number 1 compartment 27 to be mixed with that of number 2 compartment 28 or number 3 compartment 29 (cream or spray in our embodiment). Pushing on the top part 50 of the button causes movement of an internal piston system 52 (FIG. 4), and discharge of a mixture from compartments 1 and 3. Pushing on the bottom part 51 of the button discharges a mixture from compartments 1 and 2. Self-retractable nozzles 53, which close completely to prevent leakage and dirt build-up, are directly above the button. The function of the button and nozzles will be more fully described hereinafter.
FIG. 12 is an overview of the internal components of the container and their relationship to each other. An adjuster wheel 20 at the top of the container is attached by a shaft 54 to a threaded conically-shaped flow-regulating valve 55. The top of the container and the adjustor wheel 20 is shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 14 provides a cross-sectional view of the placement of the internal valve components. The function of the adjuster wheel will be discussed more fully hereinafter.
Referring to FIG. 12, at the bottom of the container, the gas cartridge or pressure vessel 30 fits into a housing 56 between containers 28 and 29. The gas cartridge is held in place at the bottom of the container by a threaded base 32, and at the top by a threaded receiving end 31 for the cartridge 30. This is more clearly seen in FIG. 14. As the cartridge 30 is threaded into the receiving end 30, it is pushed and locks into the main pressure pipe 57.
When the push button 50/51 is in neutral position, gas is only present in the main pressure pipe 57. Gas flow is restricted by a ball bearing type high pressure valve 58 (FIG. 14). A rubber or rubber-like piston 59 pushes the ball bearing valve down into a closed position, simultaneously blocking the orifice leading to the main pressure pipe, preventing gas flow. Pushing on the button 50/51 moves piston 50 allowing the gas to flow through the device (FIG. 12).
Referring to FIG. 12, the multifunction main push button 50/51 that controls the flow of the mixture to be dispensed, and whether the substance from number 1 compartment 27 is mixed with that from number 2 compartment 28 or number 3 compartment 39, is located on the side of the container and housed in the main casing 23 in a space 60. An axle 61 in space 60 goes through the control button 50/51 allowing it to pivot. A shaft 62 connects the top of the button 50/51 to pressure control valve or rubber piston 59. When the top 50 of the control button is depressed, the shaft 62 and the piston 59 are pushed. If the bottom part 51 of the control button is depressed, the piston 59 is pulled. This push/pull differential determines the direction and amount of gas flow through the flow channels of the container determining whether substance is drawn up into number 2 compartment 28 intake pipe 63 or number 3 compartment 29 intake pipe 64. The button returns to the neutral position upon release as a result of the action of springs 65. Details of this system are more clearly shown in FIGS. 15A-15D and will be more fully discussed hereinafter.
A rubber, rubberized, or silicone piston system 52, as shown in FIG. 4 and in more detail in FIG. 16A is an important element of the container. The piston 59 is housed within a cylindrical chamber containing multiple apertures, two at the top 66a, 66b and two at the bottom 67a, 67b. The upper apertures 66a and 66b allow gas to enter number 1 compartment 27, as shown in FIG. 12. The lower left aperture allows gas to enter number 2 compartment 28 and the lower right aperture 67b allows gas to enter number 3 compartment 29. As explained above, the main aperture with ball bearing valve 50 is between the lower two apertures. While the control button 50/51 is in a neutral position, the ball valve blocks the flow of gas because it is depressed by the piston 59.
Referring to the overview in FIG. 12, and the views of the internal components in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, the dispensing container of the invention operates as follows. When the user wants to dispense a mixture, she will first adjust the adjuster wheel 20 to the desired number of turns or clicks as determined by the previously applied color or symbol matching. This causes the threaded conical valve 55 to move up or down, changing the gap between the valves seating surface and the valve, thereby opening or closing the aperture. This regulates the amount of gas allowed to flow into number 1 compartment 27. She may then choose whether to dispense cream or spray. If cream, the bottom 51 of the button is depressed, causing the shaft 62 to be pulled, as shown in detail in FIG. 15B. This causes the rubber piston 59 to move to the right and the ball bearing valve 58 to displace upwards, and open. The gas from cylinder 30 moves into the left side of the piston chamber and via the lower left aperture 67a into number 2 compartment 28. This displaces the substance in compartment 2 causing it to move up the left intake pipe 63 and to the left mixing compartment 68, as also shown in FIGS. 12 and 14.
At the same time, the gas also moves through the upper left aperture via the one way user adjustable threaded conical flow regulator valve 55 and displaces substance from number 1 compartment 27. The displaced substance from compartment 1 correlates to the amount of gas allowed to enter compartment 1 by the conical valve 55. As shown in FIG. 14, a specified amount of substance 1 is moved into the left mixing chamber 68. The resultant mixture moves to a pipe 69 that has a spiral insert to help further mix the substances before they are extruded via the self-retractable nozzles 70.
If a user wants to dispense a mixture from compartments 1 and 3, the top part 50 of the control button is depressed so the spring-loaded shaft 62 is pushed, moving the piston 59 to the left, opening the right-hand side apertures so that gas is allowed to flow, as shown in FIG. 15C. The gas travels down into number 3 compartment 29, displacing its contents into the right-side mixing compartment 71. Simultaneously gas travels upwards through the user adjusted threaded regulating conical valve 55 and enters number 1 compartment 27 at the fixed flow rate. This continuously displaces a fixed amount of substance, such as a UV-protective agent, for example, into the right side mixing chamber 71. The mixture is mixed and extruded by the retractable nozzle. A user can continuously control the rate and type of substance to be dispensed while at the same time precisely maintaining the proportion of cream or liquid to UV-protectant. A detailed illustration of the structure of piston 59 is shown in FIG. 16A. A detailed illustration of the conical valve 55 is shown in FIG. 16B.
After the mixture of the two substances moves through the spiral containing pipe, the mixture is ejected via one of two self-retracting nozzles located near the top, flush with the outer housing of the container, as shown in FIG. 15D and FIG. 18. As the mixture enters the dispensing area, it moves through a spring-loaded aperture-containing plate 72. The mixture causes pressure to build up on the inside of a cone 73, which is attached to the plate by a shaft 74. This results in the cone moving forward allowing the pressurized mixture to be expelled, until the pressure is equalized. When there is no pressure on the plate 72, the spring causes the cone to go back to its initial position and the cone 73 seals off. A detailed view of the various valves and components of the retracting nozzle is shown in FIG. 18. Please note that there are seals 75 located between all moving components and pressurized areas to prevent leakage.
FIG. 17 illustrates the various operations possible with the dispensing container of the present invention, as the result of the organization of the key components.
A gas cartridge 80 dispenses gas under control of an adjustable valve 83. A piston valve 85 controls the path of travel of the gas in the dispensing cartridge.
The piston valve is controlled by moving it left or right by an actuator shaft. Pushing the shaft 87 causes the pressurized gas to flow through adjustable regulator valve 91 to number 1 chamber 93 and through a one-way valve 103 to number 2 chamber 105. Chamber 1 may contain a UV protectant. Chamber 2 may contain a spray fluid for mixing with the UV protectant.
The UV protectant from chamber 1 is moved out of the chamber in a predetermined amount 95 by the user by adjusting the bearing valve. The spray fluid from chamber 2 is moved out of the chamber 107 through a check valve 97 into a right hand merging chamber 99. The mixture moves out of the right hand mixing chamber through a pipe containing a spiral spring 101 to a retractable nozzle 127, where it is expelled in a UV spray.
If the shaft of the piston is pulled 89, the piston moves to the right. This causes pressurized gas to flow through adjustable regulator valve 109 to number 1 chamber 111 and through a one way check valve 121 to number 3 chamber 123. Chamber 1 contains the UV protectant. Chamber 3 may contain a cream for mixing with the UV protectant.
The UV protectant from chamber 1 is moved out of the chamber in a predetermined amount 113, as determined by the user, by adjusting the bearing valve. The cream from chamber 3 is moved out of the chamber 125, through a check valve 115, into a left hand mixing chamber 117. The mixture moves out of the left hand mixing chamber 117 through a pipe cooling a spiral spring 119 to a retractable nozzle 127 where it is expelled as a UV cream.
The foregoing description of a preferred embodiment of the invention was presented for illustration and description. It was not intended to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Those skilled in the art will understand how to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and various modifications as are best suited to the use contemplated. The scope of the invention should not be limited by the specification, but defined by the following claims.
Patent Application
20150158654
