Device for storing a fluid or gel-like product, in particular a cosmetic product

The invention concerns a device for storing a fluid or gel-like product, in particular a cosmetic product, comprising a storage means for the product and a mixing device which is freely movable in the storage means.

Devices of the above-indicated kind are known. These involve for example what are referred to as DIP systems in which the product is removed from the storage means by means of an applicator device.

As numerous relevant products have a tendency to separate out into the individual constituents of their mixture, the arrangement has the above-mentioned mixing device. Usually this involves a ball. When the device is shaken the ball moves through the product stored in the storage means, whereby a homogenising effect is produced.

Conventional storage devices have to be shaken for a comparatively long time until satisfactory homogenisation of the product occurs.

The object of the invention is to develop the device of the kind set forth in the opening part of this specification in such a way that the shaking time required for satisfactory homogenisation of the product is reduced.

According to the invention the specified object is attained in that the mixing device is elongate. In other words, there is provided a mixing device, the longitudinal dimensions of which are greater than the transverse dimensions thereof.

Preferably the quotient of the longitudinal dimension to the maximum transverse dimension is at least 1.3:1, further preferably 2:1 and still further preferably 3:1.

In that respect the invention is based on the surprisingly simple realisation that the use of a body which is not of a spherically symmetrical configuration as the mixing device leads to a better result upon shaking. In particular the required shaking time is shortened, with a given desired degree of homogenisation. Conversely, a given shaking time with an elongate mixing device leads to better homogenisation than with a ball.

Preferably in accordance with the invention the storage means has a bottom, wherein the greatest extent of the bottom surface is less than the length of the mixing device. That prevents the mixing device resting on the bottom when the overall storage device is placed on the bottom. That simplifies initially shaking the mixing device out of a possible bottom deposit of the stored product because the mixing device does not dip so deeply into the bottom deposit of product.

Alternatively or additionally thereto it can be provided that the storage means has a bottom with a concave inside surface. That design configuration also serves to prevent the mixing device from resting on the bottom, which would make it more difficult to shake it out of a possible bottom deposit.

Preferably according to the invention the storage means has a bottom in the form of a separate component. That has advantages in manufacture, for example when mixing devices are used, whose greatest (transverse) extent is greater than the internal width of the opening of the storage means.

In accordance with a particularly preferred configuration of the invention there is provided an applicator device which in its rest position projects into the storage means, wherein in the rest position the spacing of the applicator device from a bottom of the storage means is less than the length of the mixing device. That prevents the mixing device from striking against the applicator device in the shaking movement, from the side of the bottom, which, particularly when a pointed applicator device is used, could lead to the tip of the applicator device being adversely affected or even destroyed.

In a further preferred feature there is provided an applicator device which in its rest position projects into the storage means, wherein in the rest position the spacing of the applicator device from a wall of the storage means is greater than the maximum transverse dimension of the mixing device. That prevents the mixing device from becoming jammed between the applicator device on the one hand and the wall of the storage means on the other hand.

In accordance with the invention the mixing device can be of any desired configuration. Preferably it is round, ellipsoidal or polygonal, in particular hexagonal, rectangular, square or triangular in cross-section, or it is in the shape of an oval, parallelepipedic or polygonal column.

In a further preferred feature the mixing device is cylindrical, conical or frustoconical or pyramidal or frustopyramidal.

In a further preferred feature according to the invention the mixing device can have at least one axial and/or radial opening. Such openings promote swirling movement and turbulence in the product upon being shaken and thus homogenisation thereof.

In accordance with a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that at least one end face of the mixing device is convex. That prevents it from being ‘sucked fast’ for example to the bottom of the storage means. The term convex is used in this connection to denote not just a cupola shape. Rather, the end portion in question can also be chamfered or pointed.

In accordance with the invention the mixing device can be of a one-part or multi-part configuration.

So that it does not float on the product, it is further preferred in accordance with the invention if the density of the mixing device is greater than that of the product, in particular being greater than 2 kg/dm³. A density which is different from that of the product is also required for producing a relative mixing movement by shaking.

In accordance with a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention the center of gravity of the mixing device is disposed eccentrically with respect to its longitudinal extent. That feature contributes to preventing the mixing device resting horizontally on the bottom. Rather it behaves like a ‘stand-up doll’ insofar as it assumes a position in which the (eccentric) center of gravity is in particular near the bottom.

Preferably in accordance with the invention it is provided that that part of the mixing device, that comes into contact with the product, that is to say in particular the outer skin, does not chemically react with or dissolve in the product.