Abstract:
A handheld reusable multi-compartmental mixing and dispensing container for storing fluids separately therein before mixing. The proportions of the substances in a mixture are externally adjustable. The desired concentration is determined by test components attached to the container that sense various environmental and user-specific factors. The amount of the adjustable substance to be added to a mixture is controlled by an adjustment wheel on the container. A single control button allows a user to choose what fluid substances are to be mixed and dispensed. A pressurized gas propellant in a replaceable canister moves the fluid around and out of the container.

Description:
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&#39;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 Mersch 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&#39;s skin color into account. 
     Therefore, although there are various mixing bottles and test strips on the market, none of these products provide repeated consistent 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, a built-in UV graded test strip will detect UV light and quantify it into a number. This number can be correlated with a strip that takes into account skin color, a natural defense against UV rays, adjusting the number provided by the UV graded strip. The user can then determine the UV protection for their skin and adjust the substance dispensed from the container by the adjustment wheel. A separate multi-function push button controls the amount and flow of the substance dispensed. 
     Expulsion of a final mixture is accomplished by retractable nozzles. The pushbutton, based on direction of operation, allows the user to select cream, spray, or alternate applications. 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 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 rear view of the outside of the container of  FIG. 1  illustrating a replaceable friction plate that fits in a surrounding silicone ring; 
         FIG. 3  is an illustration of the separate internal compartments within the container of  FIG. 1 , showing threaded openings for the slotted fill-in caps for each internal compartment; 
         FIG. 4  is a partial cross-section of the container showing the major internal components that regulate the flow of propellant and substance; 
         FIG. 5  is a base view of the container showing a threaded wheel in the base that enables access to and replacement of, a pressure cartridge; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a graded multilayered UV light sensitive strip with its light sensitive symbols surrounded by non-light reactive reflecting paint; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross section of the graded multi-layered UV light sensitive 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 container of  FIG. 1 , showing a replaceable silicone hand grip pad; 
         FIG. 11  is a view of the right side of the container of  FIG. 1  showing a pushbutton and the self-retractable nozzles; 
         FIG. 12  is a cross section of the container of  FIG. 1  showing the major internal components of the container; 
         FIG. 13  is a top view of the container of  FIG. 1  showing self-retractable pressure nozzles and an adjustment wheel used to regulate the outflow of substance; 
         FIG. 14  is a partial cross-section of the container of  FIG. 1 , showing the internal components and movement of propellant, substance, and mixture throughout the components of the container when the lower part of the pushbutton is depressed; 
         FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C and 15D  illustrate the function of the pushbutton, nozzles, rubber bearings and rubberized piston in the container of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 15A  shows the pushbutton in neutral position resulting in no propellant flow; 
         FIG. 15B  shows the bottom part of the pushbutton depressed; 
         FIG. 15C  shows the top part of the pushbutton depressed; 
         FIG. 15D  shows the self-retracting pressure nozzles opening a pressurized substance is delivered by the pipe; 
         FIG. 16A  is a partial cross section that shows the adjusting valve assembly; 
         FIG. 16B  shows the adjusting valve in a slightly open position; 
         FIG. 17  is a block diagram representation of the propellant and substance flow through major components of the container based on the position of the pushbutton and 
         FIG. 18  is an exploded view of the main internal components that channel pressurized propellant individual substances, and the resulting mixture throughout the containers until released. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     A preferred embodiment of the container of the invention that is used to dispense sunscreen lotion or spray, is shown in  FIG. 1 . A clicking adjuster wheel  20  on top of the container  19  (shown in detail in  FIG. 13 ) allows a user to select the proportion of substance, such as UV light protectant, for example, that is mixed in with one of the other two substances in the container. The clicking adjuster wheel  20  provides precise control of the amount of substance added to a mixture, as will be explained hereafter. In the case of UV light protectant, a sun protective factor (SPF) adjustor arrow  21  points to an adjustor wheel symbol  79  that correlates with the SPF of the substance being dispensed. The SPF arrow  21  also correlates with the number of clicks that the user perceives when moving the wheel from a neutral position. The upper frictionless ring  22  separates the clicking adjustor wheel  20  from the container  19 , allowing smooth movement during user adjustment. 
     The container  19  houses three major components,  27 ,  28  and  29 , shown in  FIG. 3  which have openings  24 ,  25 ,  26 , for fill caps. The container  19  is preferably made of aluminum/zirconium. But other moldable equally durable materials such as polymers may be used for example. Three threaded openings in the container pass through the container to the openings ( FIG. 3 ) in their respective compartments  27 ,  28  and  29  ( FIG. 3 ) and are secured by slotted fill caps  24 ,  25  and  26  ( FIG. 1 ). Each cap features a coin-width slot in its surface for easy opening. Substances are added to the internal compartments  27 ,  28 ,  29  ( FIG. 3 ) after removing the slotted fill caps from threaded openings  24 ,  25 ,  26  ( FIG. 1 ). The contents, composition and nature of the various compartments can be adjusted, according to user and manufacturer preferences. In a preferred embodiment, the internal compartments  27 ,  28 ,  29  may be filled with various substances. UV light protectant may be in one compartment one,  27 . A cream based emollient may be in a second compartment  29 . Fluid for spraying may be in a third compartment  28 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , several environmentally sensitive components are built into the container. In a preferred embodiment, a centrally located temperature and moisture-sensitive logo  35  alerts the user when the container  19  has been exposed to environmental changes such as temperature, for example, that could prevent optimum function. Test components are located to one side of the temperature and moisture logo  35 , and can be adjusted to manufacturer&#39;s and user&#39;s specifications. In the case of the container  19  being used for UV product, a graded multilayered UV light-sensitive strip  36  is located on one side of the logo  35 . This graded multilayer UV light-sensitive strip  36  is shown in more detail in  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , the base layer  37  of the graded multilayered UV light sensitive strip  36  is a non-thermoconductive light-reflective layer, that besides providing some thermal insulation to the container  19  contents, is combined with adhesive on the underside, that allows the strip  36  to be securely attached to the external surface of the container  19 . The next layer  38 ,  40  is a non-light-reactive reflective paint. The operational part of the strip is partially contained in the next layer, which contains light sensitive symbols  76  ( FIG. 1 ) made of paint  39 . The next layer  41  is a graded UV light variable filter as found in UV shielded glass windows, films, and other applications, for example. Although  FIG. 7  only shows one grade of graded UV light variable filter  41 , the filter  41  has consecutive grades  42  adjacent to each other forming a strip. When exposed to light, as the light intensity increases and more UV can propagate through a particular grade of the filter  41 , the light reactive reflecting paint  39  under that filter  41  will react by contrasting with the non-light reactive paint  38 , creating a light sensitive symbol  76 . In summary, when the amount of UV light goes beyond the filter capabilities of the graded UV light variable filter  41 , light is able to reach the light reflective paint  39  and change its color and its contrast by using the non-reflecting paint  38  in the same layer. A light sensitive symbol  76 , is displayed which correlates with the adjustor wheel symbol  79  to the number of clicks of the upper wheel needed to dispense the correct amount of SPF. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , as well as  FIG. 7 , a sliding graded multilayered UV light sensitive strip cover  42  is used to block the light from activating the light reflective paint  39  so that the light reflective paint  39  is kept safe from damage, thereby increasing shelf life. If desired, the user can self-test the UV protection cream being dispensed by applying a small amount directly to the light sensitive strip  36 . This tells the user whether the sunscreen being dispensed is sufficient protection for the particular day, time, skin color and location. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1, 8 and 9 , multilayer skin color matching sticker system  43  is located directly adjacent to the graded multilayered light sensitive strip  36 . Layers  45  may be removed to allow a user to match their own skin color with a matching color spot on the strip. Each numbered skin color sticker thereafter becomes progressively darker. The skin color stickers  43  have numbers thereon. They are attached to the container  19  by means of an adhesive layer  46 . A user locates where the graded multilayered light sensitive strip  36  changes color causing the respective light sensitive symbol  76  to become visible. The light sensitive symbol  76  is matched to the number located adjacent to this symbol on the skin color sticker system  43 . The number  78  on the skin color sticker will correspond to a number on the adjuster wheel  20  which when set to this number, causes the container  19  to dispense the correct level of UV protective cream based emollient, or spray, for that user&#39;s skin color. 
     The rear of the container continues with the goal of being ergonomic ( FIG. 2 ). It includes a replaceable friction plate  47 . The replaceable friction plate  47  is surrounded by a silicone ring  48  that will ensure that the container does not easily move when placed on a surface. This also makes it easier to replace the reflective plate. To provide holding comfort, a replaceable silicone hand grip pad  49  ( FIG. 10 ) gives the user a steady grip on the container when discharging its contents. 
       FIG. 12  shows an overview of the internal components of the container  19  and their relationship to each other. A clicking adjuster wheel  20  at the top of the container  19  is paired with adjustor shaft  54  to a threaded conically-shaped flow-regulating valve  55 . The top of the container and the clicking adjustor wheel  20  is shown in  FIG. 13 .  FIG. 14  provides a cross-sectional view of the placement of the internal components with container  19 . The function of the clicking adjuster wheel  20  will be discussed more fully hereinafter. 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , at the bottom of the container  19 , the pressure cartridge  30  fits between internal compartment two  28  and internal compartment three  29 . The pressure cartridge  30  is held in place at the bottom of the container by a threaded wheel base  32 , and at the top by a threaded receiving end  31  for the pressure cartridge  30 . This is more clearly seen in  FIG. 14 . As the pressure cartridge  30  is threaded into the threaded receiving end  30 , it is pushed and locks into the high pressure propellant pipe  57 . The threaded wheel base  32  is separated from the container  19  by a lower frictionless ring  33  that makes removal and attachment of the threaded wheel base  32  easier. 
     When the pushbutton  50  is in neutral position, propellant is only present in the high pressure propellant pipe  57 . Propellant flow is restricted by a ball bearing one-way pressure valve  58  ( FIG. 14 ). A rubberized piston  59  pushes the ball bearing valve down into a closed position, simultaneously blocking the orifice leading to the high pressure propellant pipe  57 , preventing propellant flow. Pushing on the button  50  moves rubberized piston  59  allowing the propellant to flow through the device  19  ( FIG. 12 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , the pushbutton  50  that is located on the side of container  19  controls the flow of the mixture to be dispensed, and whether the substance from internal compartment one  27  is mixed with that from internal compartment two  28  or internal compartment three  29 . An axle  61  goes through the pushbutton  50  allowing it to pivot. A main shaft  62  connects the top of the pushbutton  50  to rubberized piston  59  and two rubber bearings  77 . When the top of the pushbutton  50  is depressed, the main shaft  62  and the rubberized piston  59  and rubber bearings  77  are pushed. If the bottom part of the pushbutton  50  is depressed, the rubberized piston  59  and rubber bearings are pulled. This push/pull action determines the direction and amount of propellant that flows through the lower one way check valves  66  and threaded conically-shaped flow-regulating valve  55 . The propellant will then enter internal compartment one  27  and either internal compartment two  28  or internal compartment three  29 , pushing the substance in those containers into their respective intake pipes, right hand intake pipe  63  or left hand intake pipe  64  ( FIG. 14 ). The push button  50  returns to the neutral position upon release due to the action of springs  65 . 
     A rubberized piston  59  and rubber bearings  77 , shown in  FIG. 4  and in more detail in  FIG. 16A  are an important element of the container  19 . The rubberized piston  59  and rubber bearings  77  are housed within a chamber containing multiple valves, a threaded conically-shaped flow regulating valve  55  on top and two one-way check valves  66  at the bottom for controlling the direction of flow. 
     The upper threaded conically-shaped flow regulating valve  55  allows propellant to enter internal compartment one  27 . The lower left one way check valve  66  allows propellant to enter internal compartment two  28 . The lower right one way check valve  66  allows the propellant to enter internal compartment three  29 . As explained above, the ball bearing one way pressure valve  58  is between the two lower one way check valves  66 . While the pushbutton  50  is in a neutral position, the ball bearing one way pressure valve  58  blocks flow of propellant because it is depressed by the rubberized piston  59 . 
     If a user wants to dispense a mixture from internal compartments one  27  and internal compartments two  28 , the bottom part of the pushbutton is depressed so the main shaft  62  and rubber bearings  77  are pulled, moving the rubberized piston  59  and rubber bearings  77  to the right, allowing air to flow through the ball bearing one way pressure valve  58 , so that propellant is allowed to flow, as shown in  FIG. 15B  and blocking the one way check valve  66  between internal compartment one  27  and the right hand formed mixing compartment  71 . The propellant travels down into internal compartment two  28  via a one way check valve  66 , displacing its contents into the left hand formed mixing compartment  68 . At the same time, the propellant also moves through the threaded conically-shaped flow-regulating valve  55  and displaces substance from internal compartment one  27  through the unblocked one way check valve  66  into the left hand formed mixing compartment  68 . The displaced substance from internal compartment one  27  correlates to the amount of propellant allowed to enter internal compartment one  27  by the threaded conically-shaped flow-regulating valve  55 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , a specified amount of substance is moved into the left hand formed mixing compartment  68 . The resultant mixture moves to the left hand mixing pipe  70  that has a spiral insert  82  to help further mix the substances before they are extruded via the self-retractable pressure nozzles  53 . 
     If a user wants to dispense a mixture from internal compartments one  27  and internal compartment three  29 , the top part of the pushbutton is depressed so the main shaft  62  and rubber bearings  77  are pushed, moving the piston  59  and rubber bearings  77  to the left, allowing air to flow through the ball so that propellant is allowed to flow, as shown in  FIG. 15C . The one way check valve  66  between internal compartment one  27  and the left hand mixing compartment  68  is blocked. The propellant travels down into internal compartment three  29  by way of right side one way check valve  66 , displacing its contents into the right-side mixing compartment  71 . Simultaneously propellant travels upwards through the threaded flow regulating conical valve  55  and enters internal compartment one is blocked  27  at the fixed flow rate. This continuously displaces a fixed amount of substance, such as a UV-protective agent. A detailed illustration of the structure of rubberized piston  59  and rubber bearings  77  are shown in  FIG. 16A . A detailed illustration of the threaded conical flow regulatory valve  55  is shown in  FIG. 16B . 
     After the mixture of the two substances moves through the pipes  69  the mixture is ejected via one of two self-retracting pressure nozzles  53  ( FIG. 11 ) located near the top of the container  19 . As the mixture enters the dispensing area, it moves through a spring-loaded aperture-containing plate  72  ( FIG. 15D, 18 ). The mixture causes pressure to build up on the inside of a cone  73 , which is attached to the spring-loaded aperture containing plate  72  by shaft  74 . This results in the cone  73  moving forward, allowing the pressurized mixture to be expelled, until the pressure is equalized. When there is no pressure on the spring-loaded aperture containing plate  72 , the spring causes the cone  73  to go back to its initial position and the cone  73  seals off. A detailed view of the various valves and components of the self-retracting pressure nozzle  375  is shown in  FIG. 18 . Please note that there are seals 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 pressure cartridge  30  dispenses propellant under control of a threaded conically-shaped flow regulating valve  55 . A rubberized piston valve  59  controls the path of travel of the propellant throughout the device. 
     The rubberized piston  59  and rubber bearings  77  are controlled by moving the main shaft  62  left or right. Pushing the shaft  62  causes the pressurized propellant to flow through the threaded conically-shaped flow regulating valve  55  to internal compartment one  27  and through a one-way check valve  66  to internal compartment two  28 . One way check valve  66  between compartment one  27  and compartment three  29  may contain a UV protectant. Internal compartment two  20  may contain a spray fluid for mixing with the UV protectant. 
     The UV protectant from internal compartment one  27  is moved out of compartment one  27  in a predetermined amount as determined by the user by adjusting the clicking adjustor wheel  20  on the container. The spray fluid from internal compartment  28  is moved out through a one way check valve  66  into a right hand grooved mixing compartment  77 . The mixture moves out of the right hand formed mixing compartment  71  through the right hand mixing pipe where it is mixed to a self-retracting pressure nozzle  53  where it is flow regulated and expelled in a UV spray. 
     If the main shaft  62  of the rubberized piston  59  is pulled, the piston and rubber bearings move to the right. This causes pressurized propellant to flow through the threaded conically-shaped flow regulator valve  55  to internal compartment one  27  and through a one way check valve  66  to internal compartment three  29 . The one way check valve  66  between internal compartment one  27  and internal compartment two  28  is blocked. Internal compartment one  27  contains the UV protectant. Internal compartment three may contain a cream based emollient for mixing with the UV protectant. 
     The UV protectant from internal compartment one  27  is moved out of the compartment in a predetermined amount, as determined by the user, by adjusting the clicking adjustor wheel  20 . The cream based emollient from internal compartment three  29  is moved out of the compartment three, through a one-way check valve  66 , into the left hand formed compartment  68 . The mixture moves out of the left hand formed mixing compartment  68  through the left hand mixing pipe  70  where it is mixed and continues to a self-retracting pressure nozzle  53  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.