Abstract:
A dispensing device is provided that includes at least two separate reservoirs therein and a dispenser for mixing and delivering a substantially equal metered dose of fluid material from the reservoirs with each dispensing operation. In one example, the present invention relates to a dispenser for mixing and delivering hair colorant that allows the user to dispense a metered dose of the hair colorant components in a manner that measures and mixes those components with each dispensing operation. An optional applicator may be provided for even distribution of the dispensed hair colorant material.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is related to and claims priority from earlier filed U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/891,312 filed Feb. 23, 2007. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to product packaging and/or containers that include integrated dispensing devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a multiple reservoir fluid container that allows the user to introduce a metered amount of fluid from each of the reservoirs into a mixing chamber that serves to mix and apply the fluid material. 
     Various types of fluid material and media are employed for different purposes throughout commerce and industry. For example, there are various products in the areas of personal care, home care, air care, transportation care and food industries that require a fluid material to be dispensed in some manner from a source of such material. Further, when this material is sold in commerce, it must be contained and stored in some type of container while awaiting use. Ultimately, when that product is used, it must be dispensed from its storage container to the desired location for use. 
     In the prior art, there are many different types of dispensers that are employed for the delivery of a stored fluid material to their desired location for use. For example, a storage container having a flexible body with a nozzle tip extending therefrom is commonly provided for such a purpose. An example of such use can be seen in the context of a ketchup dispenser, where a user squeezes the container body to urge the fluid material (ketchup) out from container body and through the nozzle tip to accurately deposit the fluid material at the desired location. In such an application, the amount of fluid that is ultimately delivered is determined by the how much the user actually squeezes the container body. While this method has provided marginally acceptable results, this method also typically yields an erratic fluid volume since more or less fluid material may be delivered on each successive squeeze of the container body. Also, the container must be held upright to avoid leakage because no valves are employed in the fluid nozzle tip. 
     In another example of a prior art dispensing device, a flexible container is provided that holds a volume of fluid material to be delivered. In an attempt to overcome the leakage issue noted above, a single one-way check valve is provided at the exit port of the flexible container. When the flexible body is squeezed, the material is urged out under pressure through the valve. The difficulty here is that the valve over time becomes partially clogged thereby requiring that the user apply additional pressure to cause the valve to open. As a result, once the valve opens, the additional pressure causes more fluid material to be deposited than the user typically would have desired. 
     In addition to the above noted need for simply dispensing a volume of fluid material onto an available surface, there has also been a desire to help in applying them as they are dispensed, such as to a surface. In the prior art, to meet this need, the squeezable container bodies have been equipped with some type of applicator head. For example, in the personal care industry, body wash devices commonly include some type of squeezable container body and an applicator material, such as fabric or foam, applied to an outer surface thereof. In this arrangement, when the fluid material is dispensed to the exterior of the container body, it enters the applicator material and the applicator assists in spreading the fluid as desired. The use of such applicators thereby facilitates the spreading of the fluid within the applicator resulting in better and more even distribution thereof. Applicators are particularly useful for even distribution in fluids employed in the personal care industry, such as for shoe polish, hair colorant, conditioners, the like to ensure a quality even and smooth coat. 
     Still further, while an applicator enhances the application of dispensed fluid materials, there is a particular need for an effective device that can dispense a two component fluid material, such as for example, hair colorant. Hair colorant typically has two components, including a color and a dye, which need to be precisely mixed for good and consistent coloring results. Previously, a stylist carefully measured and dispensed the two components into a container where they were mixed and then applied to the customer&#39;s hair using a brush. There is a need for a device that can mix these two components and deliver them to a person&#39;s hair. While in the prior art, the concept of dual chambered product storage containers is not novel, the user typically had little control over the amount or rate at which the material in the two chambers was combined. In other words, in the prior art it is typically an all or nothing proposition when mixing the contents of the two chambers. In other words, the previously available prior art devices are incapable of delivering a substantially equal dose of fluid with each operation because they simply open up the container body and permit the combination of the two fluids that were previously maintained separately in the two chambers. In this context, such a lack of control is highly undesirable when a user is attempting to controllably mix products like hair colorants. 
     In view of the foregoing, there is need for a device that eliminates prior art dual chambered containers that suffer from various disadvantages detailed above that make them difficult and awkward to use. Further, because these prior art dispensers often provide a user with unexpected results, there is a need for a dual reservoir fluid container that includes a selective metering mechanism that is easy to operate. There is a further need for a dual fluid dispenser that operates in connection with at least two fluid reservoirs that is capable of delivering a metered amount of each of the fluids with each dispensing operation in order to produce predictable flow and a better control of the fluid material application. Many of these needs are met by commonly owned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/074,817, filed on Mar. 8, 2005 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/951,351, filed on Dec. 6, 2007, which are incorporated herein by reference. This application sets forth a device for dispensing accessory liquids from at least two reservoirs in a metered fashion into a mixing chamber that then dispenses the mixed fluids to an applicator. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In this regard, the present invention preserves the advantages of prior art metering dispensing devices and dual reservoir fluid containers. In addition, the present invention provides new advantages not found in currently available devices and overcomes many disadvantages of such currently available devices. 
     The present invention is generally directed to a novel and unique fluid container that has at least two separate reservoirs therein and a dispenser for mixing and delivering a substantially equal metered dose of fluid material from the reservoirs with each dispensing operation. In one example, the present invention relates to a dispenser for mixing and delivering hair colorant that allows the user to dispense a metered dose of the hair colorant components in a manner that measures and mixes those components with each dispensing operation. Further, in another embodiment, the invention includes an optional applicator that is provided for even distribution of the dispensed hair colorant material. Still further, it should be appreciated that wile hair colorant is employed as an example herein, other fluids can be dispensed using the present invention, such as conditioner. 
     Generally, as will be described in detail below, the hair colorant dispenser of the present invention includes two bladders that respectively contain the two components of the hair colorant mixture. Preferably, each bladder includes a one-way valve that exits to a mixing chamber. The two buttons on the top of the device press into the bladders to urge the materials from their respective chambers into the mixing chamber. From the mixing chamber, the mixed materials exit from the comb-like applicator head, which may be made of foam, for delivery onto the user&#39;s hair. Preferably, the delivery of the two components is in parallel to a single mixing chamber. Alternatively, the first chamber, with the first component therein, can exit into the second chamber, with the second component therein, in a series flow arrangement where the exit of the second chamber includes the mixed materials for delivery directly to the user&#39;s hair. 
     The metering mechanism employed within the present invention is substantially similar to that found in the above noted U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 11/074,817 and 11/951,351. The accessory reservoir is formed to include an interior fluid storage region therein. A metering housing, having a preferably flexible construction, is disposed in fluid communication with the fluid storage region and a first one-way valve is disposed between the container and the flexible metering housing. When the flexible metering housing is depressed and released a vacuum action generates a one-way flow from the interior fluid storage region of the container that serves to fill the predetermined volume of the chamber within the metering housing. A second valve, in fluid communication with the metering housing output port, permits one-way fluid flow from the metering chamber to the mixing chamber when the metering housing is depressed again. Each time the metering housing is depressed a substantially equal volume of fluid is dispensed from the reservoirs, while upon release, the metering housing is refilled by drawing fluid from the fluid storage bladders. 
     In view of the foregoing, a new and unique dispenser for a hair colorant is provided. The new dispenser facilitates the delivery of hair colorant by neatly mixing the components of the hair colorant mixture within the dispenser for controlled delivery of the mixture. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a fluid dispensing device that can transfer and mix a substantially equal volume of fluid additive from at least two fluid storage reservoirs with each dispensing operation. These together with other objects of the invention, along with various features of novelty that characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings which illustrate the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a dual reservoir dispensing device of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross sectional view of the dispensing device of the present invention taken along line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram depicting a parallel arrangement of the dispenser of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram depicting a series arrangement of the dispenser of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  are a perspective view of an alternate embodiment dual reservoir dispensing device of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment dispensing pump of the invention; 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view of a second alternate embodiment dual reservoir dispensing device of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 8  is a cross sectional view of the dispensing device of  FIG. 7  taken along line  8 - 8 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Now referring to the drawings, a first embodiment of the dispensing device of the present invention is shown and generally illustrated at  10  in  FIG. 1 . As can be seen, the dispensing device  10  of the present invention has a main body  12  that is generally shown to include a first fluid reservoir  21  containing a first fluid  22 , a second fluid reservoir  23  containing a second fluid  24 . A first metered dosing pump  26  is provided in fluid communication with the first fluid reservoir  21  and is operable to transfer a portion of the first fluid  22  from the first fluid reservoir  21  to a mixing chamber  14 . A second metered dosing pump  27  is provided in fluid communication with the second fluid reservoir  23  and is also operable to transfer a portion of the second fluid  24  from the second fluid reservoir  23  to the mixing chamber  14 . In the mixing chamber  14 , the first and second fluids  22 ,  24  are mixed and then dispensed from an exit aperture  16  for delivery to the user. The device  10  may also optionally include an applicator  18  in the form of a comb as depicted, a foam applicator or any other style applicator as is suitable for the application at hand. In the context of the present invention, this arrangement is suitable for use in connection with any application that requires two different fluids be stored separately prior to their use by the consumer, as in the case for example of, two-part epoxy adhesives, hair colorant systems or hair conditioning systems. While specific examples have been provided herein, they are meant for illustration and are not intended to be limiting on the scope of the present invention. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the main body  12  can be seen to enclose the first and second fluid reservoirs  21 ,  23 . The first fluid reservoir  21  has an outer wall that forms an interior cavity that serves as the first fluid reservoir  21  and contains a first fluid  22  therein. Similarly, the second fluid reservoir  23  also has an outer wall that forms an interior cavity that serves as the second fluid reservoir  23  and contains a second fluid  24  therein. A first metered dosing pump  26  is positioned in the first fluid reservoir  21  and is in fluid communication with the first fluid  22  contained therein. A second metered dosing pump  27  is positioned in the second fluid reservoir  23  and is in fluid communication with the second fluid  24  contained therein. The respective outputs  28  of the first and second fluid pumps  26 ,  27  in this embodiment are arranged in parallel to simultaneously deposit the first and second fluids  22 ,  24  into the mixing chamber  14 . 
       FIG. 2  in particular depicts a cross-sectional view through the first and second metering pumps  26 ,  27  along the line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1  and is shown to illustrate the internal construction of the metering pumps  26 ,  27  used in connection with the fluid dispenser  10  of the present invention. The first and second metering pumps  26 ,  27  are constructed identically and therefore the matching features will be called out with matching reference numerals. As was stated above, the first and second fluid reservoirs  21 ,  23  are provided to include first and second fluid storage regions that each contains a volume of first and second fluid material  22 ,  24  respectively therein. The outer walls of the first and second fluid reservoirs  21 ,  23  are preferably made of a flexible material, such as plastic or nylon. Thus, as the first and second fluid material  22 ,  24  is evacuated from within the first and second fluid reservoirs  21 ,  23 , they will collapse gradually for a compact structure. 
     Metering housings are provided at the first and second metering pumps  26 ,  27 . The metering housings include an intake one-way valve  30 , such as a check valve, to pull fluid  22 ,  24  from the fluid storage regions into a metering chamber  32  of a predetermined size. Any type of valve can be used to suit the given application. The intake valve  30  is positioned in a base plate  34  of the metering housing. Thus, fluid  22 ,  24  can only flow in one way from the fluid storage regions  21 ,  23  into the metering chamber  32 . The metering chamber  32  is defined by a flexible membrane  36  in the form of a button or bulb that is accessible and manipulateable on the exterior surface of the outer housing  12  of the device  10 . The button  36  is preferably clear to provide an indicator to the consumer when the metered dosage of fluid material  22 ,  24  is ready for delivery. Further, it is preferred that the two metering pumps  26 ,  27  are positioned adjacent one another so that the user can press both metering pumps  26 ,  27  simultaneously. 
     An output valve  40  is provided in fluid communication with the metering chamber  32  of the metering housing. Thus, the fluid residing in the metering chamber  32  can only exit through the output valve  40  into the mixing chamber  14  that serves to direct the exit of the fluids  22 ,  24 . In this particular case to the interior of the mixing chamber  14 . 
     In accordance with the present invention, each press of the flexible membrane  36  causes a metered amount of first and second fluid  22 ,  24  to be forced into the mixing chamber  14 . It should be appreciated that the button/membrane  36  can be placed anywhere on the device  10 , as needed. Still referring to  FIG. 2 , the operation of the metered dosing pumps  26 ,  27  are further explained. The button  36  of the metering housing is depressed to initiate a vacuum operation. More specifically, when the button  36  is further released, first and second fluid  22 ,  24  is pulled from the first and second fluid reservoirs  21 ,  23  into the metering chamber  32  which is configured to be of a certain known volume. The act of releasing the button  36  fills the metering chamber  32  to substantial capacity. Thus, a metered amount of fluid material  22 ,  24  is contained within the metering chamber  32  in preparation for delivery. The size of the metering chamber  32  can be selected according to the type of fluid material  22 ,  24  to be dispensed, the application therefor and the desired dosage volume. The volumes may be matched or different as required by the particular application at hand. A further depression of the button  36  urges the measured volume of fluid  22 ,  24  within the metering chamber  32  to exit out through the mixing chamber  14  of the metering housing. This known amount of fluid material  22 ,  24  is then routed into the mixing chamber  14 . This allows in most cases for the first and second fluids  22 ,  24  to be mixed before dispensing. In the case of a hair colorant system for example, dye and the colorant are deposited directly into the mixing chamber  14  and thoroughly mixed before dispensing preferably into an applicator  18 . The mixed fluids are then ready for application to a user&#39;s hair via the applicator  18 . 
     It can also be seen in  FIG. 2  that a number of standoff legs  50  emanate downwardly from the base plate  34  of the metering housing. These legs  50  prevent the base plate  34  from completely bottoming out against the fluid reservoir  21 ,  23  wall thereby blocking flow of fluid material  22 ,  24  into the intake valve  30 . The standoff legs  50  are particularly useful when the volume of fluid material  22 ,  24  left in the fluid reservoir  21 ,  23  is running low and the fluid reservoir  21 ,  23  is becoming relative flat in configuration. In this situation, there is a possibility that the aforesaid bottoming out may occur. However, the use of the standoff legs  50  prevents this from occurring. It should also be appreciated that while standoff legs  50  are shown, other spring biased or spring like structures may be used to accomplish the same function and should be considered interchangeable with the standoff legs  50 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , two possible configurations are shown for the arrangement of the first and second metering pumps  26 ,  27  and the mixing chamber  14 . In  FIG. 3 , the first and second metering pumps  26 ,  27  are shown as being arranged in parallel relation. The outputs  28  on the first and second metering pumps  26 ,  27  deposit the first and second fluids  22 ,  24  directly into the mixing chamber  14  simultaneously where they are mixed and subsequently dispensed.  FIG. 4  depicts a series relationship between the first and second metering pumps  26 ,  27  wherein the first fluid  22  is deposited into the second metering pump  27  via outlet  28   a  and then mixed with a volume of second fluid  24  before dispensing via outlet  28   b . In this arrangement, the volume of the second metering pump  27  will likely be larger than the volume of the first metering pump  26  so that there is room in the metering chamber of the second metering pump  27  into which to draw a volume of second fluid  24  after the first fluid  22  has been deposited therein. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b , an alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown wherein a device  100  is provided that includes a first fluid reservoir  121  and a second fluid reservoir  123  that are formed within a single pouch having a dividing wall  125  positioned therebetween. The dividing wall  125  is sufficient to maintain the first and second fluids  122 ,  124  in separate first and second storage reservoirs  121 ,  123  until sufficient pressure is applied to the pouch rupturing the dividing wall  125 , as seen at  FIG. 5   b , allowing the first and second fluids  122 ,  124  to mix such that the pouch serves as the mixing chamber  114  for the entire volume of first and second fluids  122 ,  124  contained therein. Then a single metered dosing pump  126  is provided for dispensing the mixed first and second fluids  122 ,  124 . In all respects, the metered dosing pump  126  operates as described above. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 6 , details are shown of an alternate metering pump  300  that includes the improved valving of the present invention that prevents inadvertent or accidental dispensing of fluid  22 ,  24  even when pressure is placed on the pump  300  or fluid reservoirs  21 ,  23 . In this embodiment of the pump  300  of the present invention, the base plate  410 , through which the flow through aperture  412  passes, is preferably slightly convex, although it may be flat, if desired. Resting above the aperture  412  and within the cavity  405  of the dome is a flapper valve  408  of preferably thin film construction. It is possible that this flapper valve  408  be configured of a normally open condition but also may be configured to lie flat when at rest. As long as the plate  410  with the aperture remains convex, the flapper valve  408  does not seal against the aperture  412  such that any inadvertent contact with the flexible dome pump housing  404  does not result in the dispensing of the product. Instead, since the flapper valve  408  is open, liquid product residing inside the cavity  405  of the flexible pump housing  404  will tend to simply flow back through the inlet aperture  412  to the reservoir within the storage container itself, as indicated by the arrow, rather than flow undesirably out through the exit valve to outside of the pump  300 . In use, if a person has the fluid dispenser in their pocket or purse and pressure is accidentally or unintentionally placed on the flexible housing  404  of the pump  300 , liquid will not flow outside the dispenser thereby preventing a mess from being made due to unintentionally dispensed product. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates intentional dispensing of fluid  22 ,  24 . When it is desired to actually dispense the liquid product  22 ,  24 , the user&#39;s thumb  430  can depress the flexible dome  404  and the user&#39;s index finger  432  can invert the base plate  410  from convex to concave, by application of force against the stand-off legs  424 , such that flexible dome  404 , with the assistance of the stand-off legs  422  under the flexible dome, securely seals and provides a positive lock of the flapper valve  408  over and about the aperture  412  thereby closing the liquid flow passage back into the reservoir  434  of the second fluid reservoir  320 . It is also possible that the base plate  410  is concave and then is inverted to a convex configuration. Other fingers of the user may be used to carry out this operation. Thus, the only path for the liquid  302  contained within the cavity  405  of dome  404  is to exit through the one-way outlet valve  436  for intended dispensing of the product, as indicated by the arrows. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , a second alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown wherein a device  200  is provided that includes a first fluid reservoir  221  and a second fluid reservoir  223  that are formed using two outer walls  225 ,  227  bonded to a dividing wall  228  positioned therebetween. A pair of metered dosing pumps  226   a  and  226   b  can be seen to be arranged in a back-to-back fashion. These metered dosing pumps  226   a  and  226   b  are in clued communication with the first and second fluid reservoirs  221 ,  223  respectively and are provided for dispensing the first and second fluids  222 ,  224 . The metered dosing pumps  226   a ,  226   b  dispense into a mixing chamber  229  and then dispense the mixture of first and second fluids  222 ,  224 . In all respects, the metered dosing pumps  226   a ,  226   b  operate as described above. 
     In summary, this invention offers many advantages over the prior art by allowing the user flexibility in maintaining two fluid materials as separate components until just prior to use and application. 
     It would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to the illustrated embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention. All such modifications and changes are intended to be covered by the appended claims.