Disposable deformable capsule containing cosmetics

Abstract

The invention relates to a disposable deformable capsule, comprising: a bag (11, 41) containing cosmetics, the periphery (16, 46) of which is formed by two sheets (2 and 3, 5 and 6) pressed together and fixed to each other; a channel (20, 50) connecting the bag (11, 41) to the outside of the capsule (1, 4); a frangible wall (13, 43) separating the bag (11, 41) from the channel (20, 50) and having the shape of an inwardly directed angular groove (13, 43), the frangible wall (13, 43) The rupture of the wall (13, 43) is caused by the pressure exerted on the bag (11, 41) through the two sheets (2 and 3, 5 and 6) at the inwardly directed angular grooves (13, 43), so that the bag (11, 41) is connected to the channel (20, 50), allowing the cosmetic product to flow from the bag (11, 41) to the channel (20, 50), and the connector (14, 44) has sufficient rigidity to ensure a sealed connection between the capsules (1, 4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of disposable deformable capsules containing cosmetic products, in particular cosmetic products intended to be added to cosmetic mixtures in order to produce a cosmetic product that can be used by the user. Background Art

[0002] According to a first prior art, such as that proposed in European patent EP2038189, there is a known system for preparing personalized cosmetics by means of pre-metered pods containing different base products, which are opened and their contents mixed with water in a machine.

[0003] The opening of the pods cannot be calibrated for a rather limited force and therefore cannot be fully controlled in the event of reduced force, and the subsequent pouring is not guided by the channel at the outlet of the pods, but this is not a disadvantage in patent EP2038189 since their contents are dispersed in a mixing chamber where the water is also mixed with the cosmetic product coming from the container.

[0004] According to a second prior art, such as that described in US Patent 4,759,472 or Patent Application FR2673916 or Patent Application WO2017 / 204257, a capsule is known comprising a cosmetic bag closed by a frangible wall having inwardly directed angular recesses which, when opened, allow the cosmetic to leave the bag and even the capsule, which can then be used directly without participating in the preparation of the mixture.

[0005] However, even though the opening of the capsule has been more finely calibrated for the situation of reduced force, once the frangible wall is broken, in other words opened, the cosmetic product will flow out of the capsule in a poorly controlled or even completely uncontrolled manner. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a deformable capsule which at least partially overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0007] More specifically, an object of the present invention is to provide a deformable capsule that can well control the opening of the capsule when the force applied to the deformable capsule exceeds a given opening threshold, and properly guide the contents of the deformable capsule to flow out after the deformable capsule is opened.

[0008] In fact, the present inventors have discovered a dual problem encountered with disposable, deformable capsules having frangible walls. On the one hand, poor control of the opening during capsule opening can result in unintentional tearing, causing the contents to eject from the bag in an uncontrolled direction and intensity, or in the occasional absence of a tear, thereby preventing the capsule from opening and the contents from exiting the bag. On the other hand, once the contents have exited the bag, their outward path is also uncontrolled, resulting in the contents ejecting from the capsule spontaneously and unguided.

[0009] The present invention aims to at least partially solve this dual problem. On the one hand, the presence of a concave angular shape (also known as an inwardly directed angular groove) in the breakable wall and the separation of the two sheets forming the breakable wall by peeling allow for better control of the opening during the capsule opening. On the other hand, once the contents have emerged from the bag, their outward path is better controlled thanks to the presence of a guide channel forming a narrower cross-sectional area and a connector at the end of the guide channel, wherein the channel enables the two capsules to be connected to each other in order to mix their contents together to form the final ready-to-use cosmetic product. This mixture is also better homogenized by the movement of the mixture between the respective bags of the two capsules through the narrower cross-sectional area between the two bags, including the two connectors. This movement is advantageously carried out one or more times, alternating in one direction and then in the other, preferably in a machine that alternately presses one and then the other of the two deformable capsules.

[0010] Thus, when two deformable capsules are connected together, the contents of one of them can first flow into the other capsule, and then the mixture can flow from one capsule to the other for better homogenization, while remaining inside the pair of capsules and not leaving the mixing chamber, which would contaminate the mixer. This pair of interconnected capsules can be used in a machine for manufacturing cosmetics, such as those described in patent application FR 1 755 749, incorporated herein by reference.

[0011] Patent application FR1755749 describes a system for producing personalized cosmetics from pre-dosed packaging units (also known as pods). The mixing of the contents of these pre-dosed packaging units is done automatically by a machine, and the end consumer of the personalized cosmetics only needs to introduce the pre-dosed packaging unit into the machine and collect the ready-to-use personalized cosmetics. The mixing is done inside a pair of interconnected capsules, without contact with the rest of the mixing machine, thus preventing soiling.

[0012] The specific internal structure of the disposable deformable capsules of patent application FR 1 755 749 can be further improved in order to better control the opening of these deformable capsules so that they open whenever they are needed and so that they do not accidentally open during an impact.

[0013] To this end, the present invention proposes a disposable deformable capsule, which includes: a bag containing cosmetics, the periphery of which is formed by two thin sheets pressed against and fixed to each other; a channel, which connects the bag to the outside of the capsule and forms a narrower cross-sectional area relative to the bag; a frangible wall, which separates the bag from the channel and has the shape of an inwardly directed angular groove within the shape of other protrusions on the periphery of the bag, wherein the rupture of the frangible wall caused by the pressure applied to the bag is achieved by the two thin sheets pressed against and fixed to each other peeling off at the inwardly directed angular groove, the rupture of the frangible wall allowing the bag to communicate with the channel, allowing the cosmetics to flow from the bag to the channel; a male or female connector, a female or male connector for connecting to another capsule, having sufficient rigidity to ensure a sealed connection between the capsules once the connectors are connected to each other, the male or female connector being located at one end of the channel, which is opposite to the other end of the channel located next to the bag, or at the channel opening, the channel opening being different from the end of the channel located next to the bag, the male or female connector opening to the outside of the capsule.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention includes one or more of the following features, which may be used alone or in any combination.

[0015] Preferably, the channel is a guide channel which forms a narrowing of a constant or almost constant cross-sectional area within plus or minus 20%, preferably within plus or minus 10%, relative to the bag over all or part of its length, the length of this narrowing of a constant or almost constant cross-sectional area being at least 3 times its maximum width, preferably at least 7 times its maximum width, the maximum width of this narrowing of a constant or almost constant cross-sectional area being at least 4 times smaller than the maximum width of the bag, preferably at least 8 times smaller than the maximum width of the bag.

[0016] The shape and size of the guide channel allow for better control of the circulation of the mixture between the pockets of the capsule and better homogeneity of the mixture as it is guided into and through the guide channel. This circulation advantageously occurs one or more times in one direction and then in the other direction.

[0017] Preferably, the periphery of the bag is formed from two sheets welded to each other.

[0018] Thus, the presence of a weld between the two sheets allows the contents of the capsule bag to remain well isolated from the external environment, for a longer period of time and in a safer manner, reducing or even preventing leaks and accidental tears.

[0019] Preferably, the disposable deformable capsule further comprises two welds: a first weld extending around the bag while closing a majority of the channel; and a second weld extending around the bag without closing a majority of the channel, the second weld being at least partially, preferably completely, arranged inside the first weld, the second weld being more fragile than the first weld, the inwardly directed angular groove being established only by the second weld and not by the first weld.

[0020] Thus, when opening the capsule, during the opening of the frangible wall, the direction of the contents of the bag to the outside of the bag is better controlled and towards the guiding channel, where the contents then flow to another connected capsule.

[0021] Preferably, the second weld is more brittle than the first weld, the pressure threshold that will open the second weld being between 20% and 50%, preferably between 30% and 40%, of the pressure threshold that causes the first weld to rupture.

[0022] Thus, when the capsule is opened, during the opening of the frangible wall, the direction of the flow of the bag contents to the outside of the bag is even better controlled and better directed towards the guide channel so that the contents then flow towards another capsule already connected to it. In this way, it is very easy to calibrate the pressure that almost opens the second weld seam while hardly tearing the first weld seam.

[0023] Preferably, the second weld is formed only by fusing the two outermost layers of the two sheets, when the rupture of the frangible wall occurs by peeling off the two sheets welded to each other at the inwardly directed angular recesses.

[0024] Thus, peeling is more easily achieved, further reducing the risk of accidental tearing which could result in the contents of the bag not being fully ejected from the capsule through the passage, thereby causing partial loss of these contents, and improving the neatness and cleanliness of the opening of the frangible wall.

[0025] The specific configuration of the weld seam produced between the faces of the bag given below is particularly suitable.

[0026] Preferably, the weld has a welding temperature of between 160° C. and 200° C., advantageously between 170° C. and 190° C., and / or a welding pressure of between 2 bar and 6 bar, advantageously between 3 bar and 5 bar, and / or a welding time of between 0.5 and 3 seconds, advantageously between 1 and 2 seconds. If two different welds are present, this is the weaker or more brittle weld.

[0027] Preferably, the shape of the pocket of the capsule is circular in its mid-plane perpendicular to its thickness direction.

[0028] The circular shape thus ensures a better concentration of the force for opening the capsule towards the inwardly directed angular recesses, thereby enabling a better controlled opening of the capsule due to a balanced distribution of the force over the circumference of the circular shape.

[0029] Preferably, the bag is flat, one of its two faces being flat and the other of its two faces being at least partially convex and flexible so as to allow the contents of the bag to be expelled by mechanical pressure.

[0030] This improves the ease of use of the capsules. On the one hand, the flat side of the bag allows for simple and uniform heating when two capsules are positioned facing each other, even preferably with a single heating element of simple construction, advantageously of constant thickness. On the other hand, the convex, flexible side of the bag provides a simple way to completely expel the contents of the bag through simple mechanical pressure, even preferably with two mechanical members, such as pistons, positioned facing each other. When the two capsules are positioned facing each other, each mechanical member is responsible for exerting pressure on one capsule to empty its contents toward the other capsule, and vice versa.

[0031] Preferably, the convex shape further comprises a concave portion into which the inwardly directed angular recess enters.

[0032] Thus, when opening the capsule, during opening of the frangible wall, the direction of the contents of the bag to the outside of the bag is better controlled and towards the guiding channel so that the contents are then towards another capsule already connected to it.

[0033] The specific configurations of the bag faces given below are particularly suitable.

[0034] Preferably, the convex surface is a thermoformed film, more preferably a monolayer, even more preferably a polyolefin, advantageously having a thickness between 100 μm and 300 μm, more advantageously a thickness between 150 μm and 250 μm.

[0035] The thickness of the convex surface is, for example, 200 μm.

[0036] Preferably, the flat face is a flat and flexible film, more preferably multilayered, even more preferably formed from a stack of PET / aluminium / PP, advantageously having a thickness between 50 μm and 250 μm, more advantageously between 100 μm and 200 μm.

[0037] The thickness of the flat surface is, for example, 150 μm.

[0038] The thickness of the flat surface is preferably smaller than the thickness of the convex surface.

[0039] Preferably, the pouch contains a predetermined amount of only one of the two phases, the mixture of which forms a ready-to-use cosmetic product.

[0040] Thus, until the moment of use by mixing the two phases, each phase contained in one of the two capsules can be kept completely isolated from the other phase contained in the other capsule, thus allowing a total or almost total absence of preservatives in the composition of the phases, each of these phases being natural, in other words, without preservatives or with almost no preservatives.

[0041] The specific configurations of the bag faces given below are particularly suitable.

[0042] Preferably, the depth of the inwardly directed angular groove is greater than half the width of the angular groove and less than the width of the angular groove.

[0043] Thus, a good compromise is achieved between controlling the opening of the frangible wall and the minimum threshold required to open the frangible wall, reducing or even eliminating the risk of accidental opening of the frangible wall.

[0044] Preferably, in a first embodiment, the width of the frangible wall of the inwardly directed angular groove is constant along the entire length of the frangible wall of the inwardly directed angular groove, for some material of the sheets pressed against each other to fix each other more firmly, resulting in a frangible weld that is inherently slightly stronger.

[0045] Thus, the manufacture of the inward-pointing angular groove is simplified and the reproducibility of its performance is better guaranteed, the other characteristics of the frangible wall of the inward-pointing angular groove or of the appropriate weld (thickness, width and depth, as well as shape) being sufficient to ensure that the frangible wall or the appropriate weld begins to open at the appropriate position of the inward-pointing angular groove relative to the most forward part of its arms, without the need to include additional complexity, such as the refinement of the width of the frangible wall, the appropriate position of the weld, which connects the inward-pointing angular groove to the periphery of the capsule at the most forward part relative to its arms. Thus, we obtain a clean and complete opening of the entire inward-pointing angular groove, including when this opening is caused by the application of a calibrated force, such as the pressure of a mechanical piston on a deformable capsule, in which case, due to the variable width of the frangible wall of the inward-pointing angular groove, it is possible to open only partially and vary from one opening to the next.

[0046] Preferably, in a second embodiment, some other material of the sheets pressed against each other is less firmly fixed to each other, resulting in the fragile weld being inherently slightly less strong, so that the width of the fragile wall of the inwardly directed angular groove is greater at the forwardmost part of the inner corner recess than at the arms of the inwardly directed angular groove.

[0047] Thus, the reproduction of the properties of this inward-pointing angular groove is better guaranteed, and the variable width of the frangible wall of the inward-pointing angular groove decreases from the frontmost part towards the arm, helping to better ensure that the frangible wall, or the weld seam in place, begins to open at the appropriate position of the frontmost part of the inward-pointing angular groove. Thus, even in this case, it is possible to obtain a clean and complete opening of the entire inward-pointing angular groove, including when opening by applying a calibrated force, for example, the pressure of a mechanical piston on the deformable capsule.

[0048] Preferably, the frangible walls of the inwardly directed angular recesses have a width of between 1 mm and 2.5 mm, preferably between 1.5 mm and 2 mm.

[0049] Preferably, the inwardly directed angular groove has a pointed shape with a point facing inwards, preferably a V-shape, more preferably a V-shape with an acute angle at the point.

[0050] Therefore, if this point is narrower, the opening pressure exerted on the deformable capsule is localized more at the tips of the inwardly directed angular recesses.

[0051] Preferably, the frangible wall is dimensioned in its thickness, width, length and shape such that it opens when a force of between 10 N and 45 N, preferably between 15 N and 40 N (N = Newton) is exerted on the bag.

[0052] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention given by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] Figure 1 Schematically shown is a top view of an example of a deformable capsule with a female connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 2 Schematically showing a perspective view of an example of a deformable capsule with a female connector according to an embodiment of the present invention, the deformable capsule having Figure 1 Shown in.

[0055] Figure 3 Schematically shows a side view of an example of a deformable capsule with a female connector according to an embodiment of the present invention in a first direction A, wherein the deformable capsule has been Figure 1 Shown in.

[0056] Figure 4 Schematically shows a side view of an example of a deformable capsule with a male connector according to an embodiment of the present invention in a second direction C, the deformable capsule having Figure 1 Shown in.

[0057] Figure 5 Schematically shown is a top view of an example of a deformable capsule with a male connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 6 Schematically showing a perspective view of an example of a deformable capsule with a male connector according to an embodiment of the present invention, the deformable capsule having Figure 5 Shown in.

[0059] Figure 7 Schematically shows a side view of an example of a deformable capsule with a male connector according to an embodiment of the present invention in a first direction A, the deformable capsule having Figure 5 Shown in.

[0060] Figure 8 Schematically shows a side view of an example of a deformable capsule with a male connector according to an embodiment of the present invention in a second direction C, the deformable capsule having Figure 5 Shown in.

[0061] Figure 9 A more detailed bottom view of an example of a deformable capsule with a female connector according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0062] Figure 10 A more precise side view of an example of a deformable capsule with a female connector according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in a first direction D, the deformable capsule having been Figure 9 Shown in.

[0063] Figure 11 A more detailed bottom view of an example of a deformable capsule with a male connector according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0064] Figure 12 Schematically shows a side view of an example of a deformable capsule with a male connector according to an embodiment of the present invention in a first direction A, the deformable capsule having Figure 11 Shown in. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] Figure 1 Schematically shown is a top view of an example of a deformable capsule with a female connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 2 Schematically showing a perspective view of an example of a deformable capsule with a female connector according to an embodiment of the present invention, the deformable capsule having Figure 1 Shown in.

[0067] Figure 3Schematically shows a side view of an example of a deformable capsule with a female connector according to an embodiment of the present invention in a first direction A, wherein the deformable capsule has been Figure 1 Shown in.

[0068] Figure 4 Schematically shows a side view of an example of a deformable capsule with a male connector according to an embodiment of the present invention in a second direction C, the deformable capsule having Figure 1 Shown in.

[0069] The deformable capsule 1 comprises a pocket 11 extended by a channel 20 which itself is extended by a female connector 14 extending orthogonally to a central plane 10 of the capsule 1 which is substantially substantially flat.

[0070] The capsule 1 is formed by the superposition of two sheets 2 and 3 pressed against each other, connected to each other, preferably welded to each other along a weld seam area. These two sheets 2 and 3 clamp between them the base 18 of the female connector 14, or more precisely the female connector end piece 14, for obtaining Figures 5 to 8 The interlocking parts of the male connector 44 of another capsule 4 are shown in FIG. Sheet 2 is a thermoformed shell, while sheet 3 is a flat film that covers the thermoformed shell in plane 10 so as to close it.

[0071] The capsule 1 comprises a bag 11 filled with a cosmetic product intended to be used with Figures 5 to 8 The capsule 1 shown here contains another cosmetic product in another bag 41 of another capsule 4. Once homogenized, the mixture of these two cosmetic products produces a final, ready-to-use cosmetic product for the user, such as a facial cream. One of the cosmetic products to be mixed is a base, such as a fat phase, while the other is a complex of active ingredients, such as a liquid phase. The capsule 1 depicted here contains a base and has a larger capacity than the capsule 4 containing the complex of active ingredients. The volume of the bag 11 is, for example, approximately 1 ml and can be expanded to 1.2 ml or even slightly larger through elastic deformation.

[0072] Channel 20 consists of three sections: two sections extending from bag 11 to female connector 14, one of which is an inner section 21. A central section 22 opens on one side into the inlet of female connector 14 and on the other into a third section, outer section 23, leading directly to the exterior of capsule 1, from which the mixture, once homogenized, is discharged. The outlet of outer section 23 remains closed during the reciprocating motion of the mixture between capsules 1 and 4: it does not open until homogenization of the mixture is complete. During homogenization, when pressure is applied to bag 11 of capsule 1, its contents are emptied, first into inner section 21 of channel 20 and then into central section 22 of channel 20. The outlet of outer section 23 of channel 20 remains closed, either by a seal or by a mechanical member clamping the capsules 1 and 4 together, before entering female connector 14 to move toward male connector 44 of the other capsule 4. After homogenization of the mixture, when pressure is exerted simultaneously on the bag 11 of capsule 1 and on the bag 41 of capsule 4, once the outlet of the external part 23 of the channel 20 is opened, either by opening its seal or by unclipping the mechanism, the contents of the bag 11 are emptied, first into the internal part 21 of the channel 20 and then into the central part 22 of the channel 20, before entering the female connector 14 to move towards the male connector 44 of the other capsule 4.

[0073] The assembly of bag 11 and channel 20 is surrounded by an external weld 12 which first extends around substantially the entire periphery 16 of bag 11 and then closes channel 20 and base 18 of female connector 14 .

[0074] The bag 11 is also surrounded by an internal weld 15 that extends around the entire periphery 16 of the bag 11, first following the external weld 12 and then closing this periphery 16 by an inwardly directed angular groove 13 that forms a concave angle in this convex surface and in the substantially circular periphery 16 of the bag 11, this inwardly directed angular groove 13 having a concave V-shape and spaced apart from the external weld 12. This internal weld 15 does not completely close the passage 20. This inwardly directed angular groove 13 faces the concave surface 17 of the bag 11, allowing it to penetrate deeper inwards and towards the center of the bag 11.

[0075] Thus, the inwardly directed angular groove 13 has a concave surface within the otherwise convex perimeter 16 of the pocket 11. The inwardly directed angular groove 13 has a concave V-shape, but could also have a more U-shaped, rounded tip. The inwardly directed angular groove 13 has an acute angle aa at its tip, a depth p between the tip and the line connecting the ends of its arms, and a width l from the end of one arm to the end of the other. The depth p is advantageously between half and the full width l.

[0076] When pressure is applied to the central portion of the bag 11, for example using a machine piston that moves perpendicular to the Figure 1 plane, and in Figure 3 A force is applied vertically upwards in the plane of the V, in particular at the V-shaped tip of the inwardly pointing angular groove 13, whereupon the two sheets 2 and 3 move apart at this tip of the V and continue to move apart along the arms of the V until they reach the ends of these arms at the outer weld 12.

[0077] Only the inwardly directed angular groove 13 of the internal weld 15 forms a frangible wall that, when ruptured, releases the contents of the pouch 11, which then empties into the passage 20 in the direction of the female connector 14. Advantageously, the constant width lpf of the internal weld 15 along the inwardly directed angular groove 13 allows for a cleaner and more defined opening of the frangible wall 13, essentially the frangible weld 13. The rupture of the frangible wall 13 of this frangible weld 13 occurs slowly by peeling off the sheets 2 and 3, which are welded only by their outermost layers, facing each other. These sheets 2 and 3 are thus separated from each other without tearing or opening to the outside of the capsule 1. Peeling off allows the two sheets, connected only by their outermost layers, to separate and move away from each other without tearing or opening to the outside. The cosmetic product pressed against the frangible wall 13 is displaced by the peeling off of the two sheets and, before reaching the capsule 4, proceeds through the passage 20 while remaining confined within the capsule 1.

[0078] Figure 5 Schematically shown is a top view of an example of a deformable capsule with a male connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Figure 6 Schematically showing a perspective view of an example of a deformable capsule with a male connector according to an embodiment of the present invention, the deformable capsule having Figure 5 Shown in.

[0080] Figure 7 Schematically shows a side view of an example of a deformable capsule with a male connector according to an embodiment of the present invention in a first direction A, the deformable capsule having Figure 5 Shown in.

[0081] Figure 8 Schematically shows a side view of an example of a deformable capsule with a male connector according to an embodiment of the present invention in a second direction C, the deformable capsule having Figure 5 Shown in.

[0082] The deformable capsule 4 comprises a pocket 41 extended by a channel 50 which itself is extended by a male connector 44 extending orthogonally to the central plane 40 of the capsule 4 which is substantially substantially flat.

[0083] The capsule 4 is formed by the superposition of two sheets 5 and 6 pressed against each other, connected to each other, preferably welded to each other along a weld seam area. These two sheets 5 and 6 clamp between them the base 48 of the male connector 44, or more precisely the male connector end piece 44, for being suitable for Figure 1 and 4 The female connector 14 of another capsule 1 is shown in FIG. Sheet 5 is a thermoformed shell, while sheet 6 is a flat film that covers the thermoformed shell in plane 40 in order to close it.

[0084] The capsule 4 comprises a bag 41 filled with a cosmetic product intended to be used with Figure 1 and 4 The capsule 1 shown in FIG. 1 is mixed with another cosmetic product from another bag 11 of another capsule 1. Once homogenized, the mixture of the two cosmetic products produces a final, ready-to-use cosmetic product for the user, such as a facial cream. This homogenization occurs through one or more movements of the mixture of the two cosmetic products, initially contained in bags 11 and 41 of capsules 1 and 4, respectively, through passages 20 and 50 and the female and male connectors 14 and 44. The assembly formed by these passages 20 and 50, the female and male connectors 14 and 44, creates a narrower cross-sectional area relative to that of bags 11 and 41, thereby shearing the mixture and promoting better and faster homogenization. One of the cosmetic products to be mixed is a base, such as a fat phase, while the other is a complex of active ingredients, such as a liquid phase. The capsule 4 described here contains the complex of active ingredients and has a smaller volume than the capsule 1 containing the base. The volume of bag 41 is, for example, approximately 0.5 ml and can be expanded to 0.7 ml or even slightly larger through elastic deformation.

[0085] Channel 50 comprises two parts, from bag 41 to male connector 44: first, an inner part 51, then a central part 52 opening into the inlet of male connector 44. The outlet of outer part 23 of channel 20 of the other capsule 1 remains closed during the reciprocating movement of the mixture between capsules 1 and 4: it does not open until the homogenization of the mixture is complete. During the homogenization of the mixture, when pressure is exerted on bag 41 of capsule 4, its contents are emptied, first into inner part 51 of channel 50, then into central part 52 of channel 50, before passing through the opening of central part 52 into male connector 44 to move towards female connector 14 of the other capsule 1. The outlet of outer part 23 of channel 20 of capsule 1 remains closed, either by sealing or by mechanical means introduced by clamping a pair of capsules 1 and 4. After homogenization of the mixture, when pressure is simultaneously exerted on the bag 11 of capsule 1 and on the bag 41 of capsule 4, once the outlet of the outer portion 23 of the channel 20 of capsule 1 is opened, either by opening its seal or by unpinching the mechanism, the contents of the bag 41 are emptied, first into the inner portion 51 and then into the central portion 52 of the channel 50, before entering the male connector 44 to move towards the female connector 14 of the other capsule 1.

[0086] The assembly of bag 41 and channel 50 is surrounded by an external weld 42 which first extends around substantially the entire periphery 46 of bag 41 and then closes channel 50 and base 48 of male connector 44 .

[0087] The bag 41 is also surrounded by an internal weld 45 that extends around the entire periphery 46 of the bag 41, first following the external weld 42 and then closing this periphery 46 by an inwardly directed angular groove 43 that forms a concave angle in this convex surface and in the substantially circular periphery 46 of the bag 41, this inwardly directed angular groove 43 having a concave V-shape and spaced apart from the external weld 42. This internal weld 45 does not completely close the passage 50. This inwardly directed angular groove 43 faces the concave surface 47 of the bag 41, allowing it to penetrate deeper inwards and towards the center of the bag 41.

[0088] Thus, the inwardly directed angular groove 43 has a concave surface at the perimeter 46 of the raised pocket 41. The inwardly directed angular groove 43 has a concave V-shape, but could also have a more U-shaped, rounded tip. The inwardly directed angular groove 43 has an acute angle aa at its tip, a depth p between the tip and the line connecting the ends of its arms, and a width l from the end of one arm to the end of the other arm. The depth p is advantageously between half and all of the width l.

[0089] When pressure is applied to the central portion of the bag 41, for example using a machine piston whose stroke is perpendicular to the Figure 5plane and in Figure 7 Vertically upwards in the plane of the V, the force is applied in particular at the inwardly directed angular groove 43 at the tip of the V, and then at the outer weld 42 the two sheets 5 and 6 separate at the tip of the V and continue to separate along the arms of the V until the ends of these arms.

[0090] Only the inwardly directed angular grooves 43 of the internal weld 45 form a frangible wall that, when broken, releases the contents of the bag 41, which then pours into the channel 50 in the direction of the male connector 44. Advantageously, the constant width lpf of the internal weld 45 along the inwardly directed angular grooves 43 allows for a cleaner and more distinct opening of the frangible wall 43, and indeed of the frangible weld 43. This frangible wall 43 is gently broken, and the frangible weld 43 is ruptured, by peeling off the sheets 5 and 6, which are welded only by their outermost layers facing each other, thus separating the two sheets 5 and 6 from each other without being torn or opened to the outside of the capsule 4. The cosmetic product that presses against the frangible wall 43 is separated from the two sheets by the peeling and advances through the channel 50 while remaining confined inside the capsule 4 before entering the capsule 1.

[0091] Figure 9 、 10 The various values ​​of the dimensions (width, length, height, diameter) given in the plan views of Figures 1, 11 and 12 provide detailed examples of the construction of capsules 1 and 4. All these values ​​are given in mm. Figures 9 to 12 All are to scale and all use the same proportions.

[0092] The mixer is capable of combining two dosages, each consisting of two flexible, deformable capsules 1 and 4, each containing a cosmetic fluid and having a male connector 44 and a female connector 14, preferably made of plastic. The two capsules 1 and 4 are connected together so that they alternately receive a mixture of the two cosmetic fluids until a homogeneous mixture, such as an emulsion, is formed. In effect, the two capsules 1 and 4 connected in this manner form a mixer that is sealed from the outside until the outer portion 23 of the channel 20 is opened to discharge the final cosmetic product for the user.

[0093] Capsules 1 and 4 are placed in a mechanical mixer and the mixing of the initial contents of their respective pockets 11 and 41 will be carried out by means of two movable pistons which actuate in an alternating manner and thus press alternately on each capsule 1 and 4, forcing the mixture to transfer from pocket 11 of capsule 1 to pocket 41 of capsule 4 and vice versa.

[0094] The flexible and deformable properties of capsules 1 and 4 make it easy to collapse one of capsules 1 and 4 to almost zero volume by a piston, while simultaneously causing the other capsule 1 and 4 to expand by releasing the opposing piston, so as to absorb the entire volume of both capsules 1 and 4 into the capsule opposite the collapsed capsule. This alternating action between capsules 1 and 4 is repeated cyclically.

[0095] The fluid of the cosmetic contained in the bags 11 and 41 of the capsules 1 and 4 is advantageously heated to a temperature of approximately 85° C. The films 2 and 3 as well as the films 5 and 6 are also chosen to be able to withstand this temperature increase and the pressure exerted by the piston of the mixer without affecting the homogenization time. These capsules 1 and 4 are disposable.

[0096] Figures 9 to 12 All dimensions are expressed in millimeters (mm).

[0097] Figure 9 A more detailed bottom view showing an example of a deformable capsule with a female connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] The structure of the thermoformed shell of the bag 11 is formed in a multi-layered and concentric manner. The inner portion 21 of the channel 20 clearly penetrates the V-shape formed by the inwardly directed angular grooves 13. The inwardly directed angular grooves 13 penetrate the recess 17 of the bag 11. The channel 20 maintains a constant width and cross-section along its three parts: along its inner portion 21, along its central portion 22, and along its outer portion 23.

[0099] These inwardly directed angular grooves 13 and 43 of the weak welds, whether V-shaped or arc-shaped, enable better control of the opening of the weak welds 15 and 45 and lowering of the opening threshold of these weak welds 15 and 45, which is particularly beneficial when the small size of the piston in the machine for mixing the contents of the bags 11 and 41 of the capsules 1 and 4 can only provide limited pressure.

[0100] In these inwardly directed angular grooves 13 and 43, when the bags 11 and 41 are subjected to vertical pressure, the fluid support area of ​​the bags 11 and 41 is closer to the center of the force applied by the vertical pressure, which has the following two advantages: the threshold required to "break" the weak weld 15 or 45 is lower, and there is better control over the opening of the weak weld 15 or 45 because the force from the pressure is applied there first.

[0101] Fine-tuning control of the opening of the weak weld 15 or 45 at its inward-pointing angular groove 13 or 43 is achieved by changing the parameters of the inward-pointing angular groove 13 or 43, in particular the groove depth p and the length of the circumference of the inward-pointing angular groove 13 or 43 (for fine-tuning the difference between the minimum force and the maximum force for opening the weak weld 15 or 45 at the inward-pointing angular groove 13 or 43), the fine-tuning of the offset weld thickness, in other words, the average value around which the previous offset is located, the weld thickness corresponding to the outermost layer of the thin sheets 2 and 3 (or 5 and 6) welded together, which thickness is between 5 and 15 μm, advantageously about 10 μm, and the shape of the inward-pointing angular groove 13 or 43 (not as important as the above-mentioned dimensions).

[0102] The internal weld or weak weld 15 or 45 has a thin weld perimeter that is limited to extending around the bag 11 or 41 rather than around the entire capsule 1 or 4. Because the weak weld 15 or 45 has a reduced perimeter and a simpler form (a circle does not form 8), the opening of the weak weld 15 or 45 can be better controlled because the pressure is applied to a more limited area, which better distributes the force.

[0103] Figure 10 Indicates the first direction D shown in FIG Figure 9 A more precise side view of an example of a deformable capsule with a female connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. The two indicated volumes are 1.2 ml and 1 ml (ml = milliliter), corresponding to the capacity of the deformable capsule, corresponding to the maximum capacity and the effective filling volume of the deformable capsule, respectively.

[0104] The axis of the female connector 14 is orthogonal to the mid-plane 10 of the capsule 1. The female connector 14 is completely hollow; therefore, the cosmetic product can pass completely through it.

[0105] Opening the weak weld 15 or 45 by peeling off the two films 2 and 3 (or 5 and 6) pressed against each other and only by fusing a very thin outer layer, rather than by a conventional split pre-cut, allows the opening of the fragile weld 15 or 45 to be well controlled and clean, avoiding accidental tears or small particles, which is even more attractive when the number of multiple reciprocating movements between the capsules 1 and 4 of the mixture that needs to be homogenized increases.

[0106] The extension of the channel 20 or 50 towards the bag 11 or 41 causes the end of the inner portion 21 or 51 of the channel 20 or 50 to "enter" the inwardly directed angular groove 13 or 43 of the weak weld 15 or 45 instead of stopping well before, resulting in a reduction of the buffer zone located between the bag 11 or 41 and the channel 20 or 50, thereby allowing better fluidity of movement between the bags 11 and 41 through the entire channel (including the channels 20 and 50 and the connectors 14 and 44), and in particular an almost direct passage from the bag 11 or 41 to the channel 20 or 50, thus without hardly any "dead zone" where the mixture might otherwise remain slightly stagnant, in fact further improving the emulsion quality of the cosmetic mixture that requires homogenization by backwashing.

[0107] Replicating the V-shaped inwardly directed angular groove 13 or 43 by the recess 17 or 47 of the bag 11 or 41, instead of having a perfectly round bag 11 or 41, allows the shape of the bag 11 or 41 to follow very closely the contour of the inwardly directed angular groove 13 or 43 of the weak weld 15 or 45, thereby further improving the "peelability" effect (peelability = more or less peelable) during the opening of the frangible wall 13 or 43.

[0108] Figure 11 A more detailed bottom view showing an example of a deformable capsule with a male connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0109] The structure of the thermoformed shell of the bag 41 is formed in a multi-stage manner. The inner portion 51 of the channel 50 clearly penetrates the V-shape formed by the inwardly directed angular grooves 43. The inwardly directed angular grooves 43 pass through the recess 47 of the bag 41. The channel 50 maintains a constant width and cross-section along its two parts: along its inner portion 51 and along its central portion 52, respectively.

[0110] Capsule 4 is similar to capsule 1 .

[0111] Figure 12 Schematically shows the first direction A shown in FIG. Figure 11 A more detailed side view of an example of a deformable capsule with a male connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. The two indicated volumes are 0.7 ml and 0.5 ml, corresponding to the capacity of the deformable capsule, corresponding to the maximum capacity and the effective filling volume of the deformable capsule, respectively.

[0112] The axis of male connector 44 is orthogonal to midplane 40 of capsule 4. Male connector 44 is completely hollow; therefore, cosmetics can pass completely through it. When male connector 44 fully penetrates the interior of female connector 14, the mixture of cosmetics originally contained in pouches 11 and 41 of capsules 1 and 4, now connected together, will be able to circulate between pouches 11 and 41, each time passing through the hollow interior of male connector 44, which is located within the hollow interior of female connector 14.

[0113] Capsule 4 is similar to capsule 1 .

[0114] The mixer operates via two capsules 1 and 4, connected by an automated mechanism that drives pistons positioned above them. The mechanism first opens frangible welds 13 and 43, releasing the contents initially contained in bags 11 and 41, then pushes these contents into the other capsule, and finally, alternately mixes the contents from one capsule 1 and 4 into the other, and vice versa. The force required to open frangible welds 13 and 43 is controlled, enabling them to be opened reliably and with considerable precision and repeatability. Complementarily, these frangible welds 13 and 43 are designed to withstand a minimum safety pressure before use in the mixer. These frangible welds 13 and 43 are sealed to protect their contents from contamination or unintended opening, which could occur due to unexpected pressure during capsule manufacturing, transportation, or handling during placement in the mixer.

[0115] about Figures 1 to 8 The shape and size parameters of the proposed capsules 1 and 4, especially Figures 9 to 12 In the example shown, it is possible to control the minimum and maximum opening pressures within a relatively limited range with reliable repeatability during the manufacture of each of these capsules 1 and 4, while ensuring compatibility of this range with the capacity of the mixer. The mixer intended for the general public is therefore relatively light, so as to be able to open these fragile welds 13 and 43 by simply actuating its piston during its first movement.

[0116] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples and embodiments described and shown, but numerous variants are available to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A disposable deformable capsule comprising: Bag(11,41): Contains cosmetics, The periphery (16, 46) of the bag (11, 41) is formed by two sheets (2 and 3, 5 and 6) pressed together and fixed to each other, Channel (20, 50): The bag (11, 41) is connected to the outside of the capsule (1, 4) to form a narrower cross-sectional area relative to the bag (1, 4), a frangible wall (13, 43): separating the bag (11, 41) from the channel (20, 50), The shape of the inwardly directed angular recesses (13, 43) is present within the shape of the other protrusions of the periphery (16, 46) of the bag (11, 41), The frangible wall (13, 43) ruptures, is caused by the pressure exerted on the bag (11, 41), The two sheets (2 and 3, 5 and 6) pressed together and fixed to each other are peeled off at the inwardly directed angular grooves (13, 43), so that the bag (11, 41) is connected to the channel (20, 50), and the cosmetics flow from the bag (11, 41) to the channel (20, 50), Connector (14, 44): is a male connector (44) or a female connector (14) for connecting to a female connector (14) or a male connector (44) of another capsule (1, 4), Once the connectors (14, 44) are connected to each other, they have sufficient rigidity to ensure a sealed connection between the capsules (1, 4). Located at one end (52) of the channel (50), the one end (52) is opposite to the other end (51) of the channel (50) located next to the bag (41), or located at the opening (22) of the channel (20), the opening (22) is different from the one end (21) of the channel (20) located next to the bag (11), and opens to the outside of the capsule (1).

2. The disposable deformable capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that: The channel (20, 50) is a guide channel: A narrowing of the bag (11, 41) to form a constant or nearly constant cross-sectional area within plus or minus 20% over all or part of its length, or within plus or minus 10%, The length of this narrowing of the constant or nearly constant cross-sectional area is at least 3 times its maximum width, or at least 7 times its maximum width, The maximum width of this narrowing of constant or nearly constant cross-sectional area is at least 4 times smaller than the maximum width of the bag (11, 41), or at least 8 times smaller than the maximum width of the bag (11, 41).

3. The disposable deformable capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that: The periphery (16, 46) of the bag (11, 41) is formed by two sheets (2 and 3, 5 and 6) welded to each other.

4. The disposable deformable capsule according to claim 3, characterized in that: The capsule comprises: Two welds (12 and 15, 42 and 45): a first weld (12, 42) extending around the bag (11, 41) while closing off a substantial portion of the passage (20, 50), a second weld (15, 45) extending around the bag (11, 41) without surrounding a substantial portion of the passageway (20, 50), The second weld seam (15, 45) is at least partially arranged in the first weld seam (12, 42), or the second weld seam (15, 45) is completely arranged in the first weld seam (12, 42), The second weld (15, 45) is more fragile than the first weld (12, 42), and the inwardly directed angular groove (13, 43) is established only by the second weld (15, 45) and not by the first weld (12, 42).

5. The disposable deformable capsule according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second weld (15, 45) is more brittle than the first weld (12, 42), and the pressure threshold for opening the second weld (15, 45) is between 20% and 50% of the pressure threshold causing the first weld (12, 42) to rupture, or between 30% and 40%.

6. The disposable deformable capsule according to claim 3, characterized in that: When the frangible wall (13, 43) is broken by peeling the two sheets (2 and 3, 5 and 6) welded to each other at the inwardly directed angular groove, the weld (15, 45) is formed by fusing only the two outermost layers of the two sheets (2 and 3, 5 and 6).

7. The disposable deformable capsule according to claim 3, characterized in that: The weld (15, 45) has: The soldering temperature is between 160°C and 200°C, or between 170°C and 190°C. and / or welding pressure between 2 bar and 6 bar, or between 3 bar and 5 bar, And / or the welding time is between 0.5 seconds and 3 seconds, or between 1 second and 2 seconds.

8. The disposable deformable capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The shape of the pocket (11, 41) of the capsule (1, 4) is circular in its mid-plane (10) perpendicular to its thickness direction.

9. The disposable deformable capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The bag (11, 41) is flat, One of its two faces (3, 6) is flat. The other of its two faces (2, 5) is at least partially convex and flexible, so as to allow the contents of the bag (11, 41) to be expelled by mechanical pressure.

10. The disposable deformable capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The convex shape (2, 5) also comprises a concave portion (17, 47) into which the inwardly directed angular recess (13, 43) enters.

11. The disposable deformable capsule according to claim 9, characterized in that: The convex surface (2, 5) is a thermoformed film, or a single-layer thermoformed film, or a single-layer polyolefin thermoformed film, and / or its thickness is between 100 μm and 300 μm, or its thickness is between 150 μm and 250 μm.

12. The disposable deformable capsule according to claim 9, characterized in that: The flat surface (3, 6) is a flat and flexible film, or a multi-layer flat and flexible film, or a multi-layer flat and flexible film formed by a stack of PET / aluminum / PP, and / or its thickness is between 50μm and 250μm, or its thickness is between 100μm and 200μm.

13. The disposable deformable capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The bag (11, 41) contains a predetermined amount of only one of the two phases, the resulting mixture being a ready-to-use cosmetic product.

14. The disposable deformable capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The depth (p) of the inwardly directed angular groove (13, 43) is greater than half the width (l) of the angular groove (13, 43) and less than the width (l) of the angular groove (13, 43).

15. The disposable deformable capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The width (lpf) of the frangible wall of the inwardly directed angular groove (13, 43) is constant along the entire length of the frangible wall of the inwardly directed angular groove (13, 43).

16. The disposable deformable capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The width (lpf) of the frangible wall of the inwardly directed angular groove (13, 43) is greater at the frontmost portion of the inwardly directed angular groove (13, 43) than at the arms of the inwardly directed angular groove (13, 43).

17. The disposable deformable capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The width (lpf) of the frangible wall of the inwardly directed angular groove (13, 43) is between 1 mm and 2.5 mm, or between 1.5 mm and 2 mm.

18. The disposable deformable capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The inwardly directed angular groove (13, 43) has a pointed shape with a point facing inward, or a V-shape with a point facing inward, or a V-shape with an acute angle (aa) at the tip and a point facing inward.

19. The disposable deformable capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The frangible wall (13, 43) is dimensioned in thickness, width, length and shape so that it opens when a force between 10N and 45N, or between 15N and 40N, is applied to the bag (11, 41).

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