Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02297729 2000-O1-25
MAI 9601 PCT July 21, 1998
Metering container for bodycare compositions
The present invention relates to a container for
bodycare compositions comprising active substances,
especially for sun protection compositions, toothpastes
or lotion.
A host of different bodycare compositions for medical
or cosmetic effects are known, consisting of a base
composition and one or more special active substances.
Examples are sun protection compositions, which
comprise, for example, a cream as base composition and
various light-absorbing and/or light-reflecting active
substances.
Since the active substances are responsible for the
actual therapeutic or cosmetic effect, it is important
that they be applied in the optimum concentration for
the intended aim. For this purpose, the known bodycare
c:o;~pc~sitions are generally prepared at the factory in
defined concentration gradings of the act.ive substance
arid are offered on the market in that form. For
example, there are sun protection compositions having
different sun protection factors, which must be chosen
in acccrdance with the sensitivity of the skin type and
the extent of insolation. Such fixed grading of the
concentrations of the active substances has the
disadvantage that the corresponding bodycare
compositions do not make it possible to react flexibly
to differing requirements. Taking the example of the
sun protection composition, the user is forced to stock
a number of containers with different sun protection
factors.
A means of determining the correct concentration of the
sun protection composition is described, for example,
by the utility model DE 295 13070. This describes a
dosimeter for ultraviolet radiation which measures and
integrates the level of UV radiation and calculates -
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as a function, for example, of input values for skin
type and protection factor of the sun protection
composition - the time which the user can spend in the
sun without danger. Even given use of a (complicated)
instrument of this kind, the disadvantage is manifested
in that the sun protection compositions are offered
only with fixed levels for the protection
factors/active substance concentrations.
DE 295 12 627 U1 discloses a mixing device which is
intended in particular for the as-required mixing of
the components of a sun protection composition. The
sunscreen itself, and a diluent, are stored in two
separate chambers. They can be brought together in
defined proportions in an adjacent mixing chamber, from
which they can be conveyed to the outside by way of a
pump atomizer. The required mixing ratio is determined
by the user by way of a tanning scale which is mounted
on the device and which he or she compares with his or
i0 her own t.an.
A disadvantage of said mixing device is that the
required mixing of the components in the mixing chamber
leads to inadequate homogeneity unless the components
concerned are highly mobile. Low viscosity is also
required so that the composition can be taken out via
the spraying device. However, this greatly restricts
the spectrum of components which can be used, and the
~.~se of concentrates which have a long life and which
save on volume is virtually impossible.
Furthermore, DE 295 11 932 Ul discloses an adjustable
metering dispenser for sun protection compositions,
etc., in which two substances are stored separately and
can be withdrawn in an adj ustable proportion by way of
a single joint pump or two separate pumps. The mixing
of the components takes place directly during
withdrawal, i.e., on the way to the outlet of the
device.
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A disadvantage here is that this mixing is insufficient
and results ultimately in regions with different sun
protection on the skin, which can lead to instances of
local sunburn. Furthermore, simultaneous mixing and
conveying requires the substances to be sufficiently
fluid, since otherwise the resistance would be too high
for manual operation of the withdrawal pump.
A device for the mixing of reaction components as are
required, for example; for a two-part adhesive is
described by DE 37 38 960. Provided is a stirrer which
is driven by an electrical motor and which mixes the
components with one another after they have been
expressed from their storage cartridges. Both r_he
storage cartridges themselves and the connecting lines
which extend from them are designed as disposable
elements. Accordingly, there is no need to clean the
devi;:e after it has been used, and increasing blockage
?G of the lines does no harm since they are completely
repia;..ed. In contrast, this is highly disadvantageous
if it were desired to use the device for bodycare
compositions instead of reaction components. In that
case, indeed, an unnecessarily large volume of waste
would be produced. Meanwhile, the complete replacement
of the disposable elements cannot be omitted, since
otherwise residues not removed completely from the
mixing area would age, block the lines and spoil the
following mixtures.
3G
It is an object of the present invention to provide
containers which are intended for at least one bodycare
composition comprising at least one active substance
and from which the bodycare composition can be
withdrawn with an active substance concentration which
is appropriate to requirements and can be varied and
adjusted within a wide application range. The intention
is that the container should offer the possibility of
improved utilization of material and extension of the
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use-by dates, and should in particular ensure the
homogeneous mixing of the components even when those
components are substances of relatively high viscosity.
A further intention is to avoid or minimize the
contamination of the container with residues of
mixture.
This object is achieved in accordance with the
invention by means of a container which is intended for
said bodycare compositions and comprises a base
composition area for the accommodation of a base
substance of the bodycare composition and, separately
therefrom, at least one active substance area for
accommodating an active substance, and in which the
base composition area and the active substance area or
areas are connected to a mixing area into which base
substance and active substance concentrate can be
introduced in a metered manner for the purpose of
commixing.
In accordance with the invention, said mixing area
comprises stirring elements by means of which base
substance and active substances can be intermixed to
give a homogeneous mixture. In particular, this is
possible even when one or both substances have a
relatively high viscosity, such that left to themselves
they would not undergo sufficient mixing. The
homogeneity of the mixed product ensures that the
effect desired is actually obtained, which in the case
of sun protection compositions, for example, is
absolutely necessary for protecting the skin.
Furthermore, it becomes possible to use concentrates of
relatively high viscosity, thereby reducing the
necessary dimensions of the device and reducing the
amounts of waste.
Furthermore, in accordance with the invention,
conveying means for actively transporting the mixed
material are arranged upstream of the dispensing outlet
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of the container. This also ensures that the container
can be used for (highly) viscous media. In addition,
the active conveying means ensure that after each
mixing operation the mixing area is actually emptied
fully. In other words, no residues remain in the mixing
area that might spoil as a result of aging and/or might
impair the subsequent mixture.
Minimizing the dimensions of the mixing area to the
volume which is absolutely necessary also contributes
to ensuring that as few residues as possible of the
mixed material remain in the container.
The mixing area and the conveying zone toward the
outlet preferably operate at underpressure relative to
the storage areas for the substances to be mixed. The
supplying of the components, on the other hand, can
take place at overpressure.
With the device of the invention, the base substance
and active substances are not mixed together at the
factory and then offered at a fixed level of
concentration, in the normal manner; instead, they are
first of all stored separately from one another in the
respective areas. Because the two areas for base
composition and active substance concentrate are
connected to a mixing area, it is possible to transfer
a desired and accurately meterable amount of the
respective substances into the mixing area and only
then, in said mixing area, to prepare the homogeneous,
finished bodycare composition by means of thorough
commixing. It is therefore possible in particular to
adjust the concentration of active substance to the
particular requirements in an ideally adapted manner. A
further advantage of the device of the invention is
that any adverse interactions between base substance
and active substances can be excluded since both are
held separately until shortly before use. For example,
it could be that these substances react with one
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another and so contribute to mutual disintegration.
Furthermore, the shelf life of the bodycare composition
is usually always limited by the shelf life of the
constituent with the shortest life. If, however, base
substance and active substances are held separately
from one another, then if one of the two substances
suffers spoilage it can be replaced and the other
component can be used further without change. The
device of the invention therefore has the further
advantage of prolonging the shelf life of products and
of producing smaller amounts of waste.
The principle of the as-required mixing of individual
components can be extended ad infinitum. For this
purpose, in an independent embodiment of the invention
(which can, however, be combined with the device of the
invention described above), the container comprises
further separate stores and mixing areas for
subcomponents of the base composition substances and/or
of the active substances. For example, in a first
mixing chamber the base substance can be prepared from
oil and water. In this case, the consistency/viscosity
of the base substance can be varied from milk to cream
as desired. The exit of this first mixing chamber opens
into the second mixing chamber, where the above-
described mixing with the active substances) takes
place. The active substances can in turn have been
mixed together from subcomponents. For example, UV
stabilizers, fragrances, decorative cosmetics, etc.,
can be mixed together to give an active substance
combination. The components in this case can be
introduced from different areas and/or cartridges
(replaceable or refillable units). It is thereby
possible to provide a base substance which is free from
emulsifiers and/or preservatives. Of course, the mixing
process described above can in principle be carried out
ad infinitum in an arbitrary number of stages.
CA 02297729 2000-O1-25
The conveying means for actively transporting the mixed
material are suitably realized in principle by all
known devices such as, for example, gear pumps, wing
pumps or reciprocating pumps, the desire being of
course for appropriate compactness and light weight. In
principle, it is possible to configure the mixing
chamber as an integrated constituent of the conveying
means; for example, as the chamber of a reciprocating
pump. A particularly preferred conveying means is a
screw which rotates about the longitudinal axis and in
doing so conveys the mixed material along this axis.
The conveying means and/or the stirring elements are
preferably driven by way of electrical energy. It is
particularly advantageous to cause the driving of the
conveying means and of the stirring elements to be
performed by the same element: an electric motor, for
example. Such means enable the individual substances to
be metered with particular precision; for example
~ by controlling the motor speeds,
~ and/or by controlling the outlet cross section of at
least one adjustable release nozzle
~ and/or by transferring the base composition, and one
or more active substances, into the mixing chamber in
a pulsed manner.
Stirring elements used can be known means such as
screws or paddles, for example. In order to avoid
sealing problems it is also possible for the stirring
element arranged in the mixing area to be driven solely
via a magnetic coupling by way of a rotating magnetic
field. It is especially preferred if the electrical
energy required for this purpose is taken from an
accumulator, batteries or solar cells. Energy supplies
of this kind, independent of the mains, are especially
advantageous when the container holding the bodycare
CA 02297729 2000-O1-25
_ g _
composition is to be used outdoors. This is commonly
the case with sun protection compositions, for example.
In the case of such compositions, moreover, the use of
solar cells is particularly appropriate since sun
protection compositions per se are required and
employed only in the event of high insolation. Of
course, any other electrical equipment which may also
be present in the device can also be supplied in this
way.
Furthermore, the container can be simplified by
providing one or possibly more stirrer-conveyors
arranged in series which simultaneously fulfill the
function of conveying means and/or stirring element. It
is also possible, moreover, for the respective
directions of movement (rotation) of stirrer-conveyors
arranged in series to be different. A stirrer-conveyor
of this kind can be embodied, for example, by an
appropriate screw which brings about mixing at the same
time as it conveys . In this case, the beginning of the
screw (a tube lying closely against the turns of the
screw) will preferably protrude into the mixing area,
so that mixing with return flow of the mixing
components, primarily, takes place in said area.
Deliberate conveying begins only when the mixed
material passes into the subsequent, middle sections of
the screw.
The stirrer-conveyor can also have the form of a
turbine, which provides simultaneously for mixing and
conveying as a result of the attitude of its turbine
blades. In this case it is particularly preferred if
the angle of attitude of the blades can be changed for
the principal functions of mixing and conveying; in
other words, mixing takes place exclusively or
primarily at a flat angle (up to 0°) whereas material
is primarily conveyed at a steep angle. This also makes
it possible to influence the duration of mixing to
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great effect and to adapt it to the respective
components.
The mixing area may also have an inlet for air or
cleaning products. It can be sensible to let in air in
order to ensure complete emptying of the mixing area.
Indeed, when the supply of the components to be mixed
is ended, the continued pump removal of mixed material
can result in an underpressure or vacuum in the mixing
area. Consequently, the mixing area will at some point
no longer continue to empty, and, undesirably, residues
of the mixed material will be left there. This can be
prevented if air is able to flow in through the
abovementioned inlet. In that case the mixing area can
be emptied completely, since the volume removed by
pumping is replaced by air.
Likewi se, the said inlet can of course be used for the
introduction of cleaning products, if it is intended
that the container be cleaned. Finally, it is also
possible in exceptional cases to supply a further
active substance to the mixing operation by way of this
entrance.
In another embodiment of the invention, the mixing area
and also the supply lines and the corresponding valves
can be temperature-conditionable (cooling or heating)
(in the case where the device is built up ad infinitum
with a plurality of mixing areas, this applies to all
mixing areas/supply lines). Heating makes it possible,
for example, to influence the viscosity of the mixing
components, and the mixed material for withdrawal is
pleasantly preheated for the user. In addition,
temperature conditioning is necessary for the
preparation of a base lotion in order that the desired
physicochemical reaction of the separately supplied
media is accelerated or, respectively, takes place at
all.
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The base composition area and the active substance area
may have an indicator for the filling level. This is
preferably connected at the same time to a filling-
level monitor, which automatically shuts down the
mixing and conveying operation after one area has been
completely emptied. This rules out the devices
continuing to run in a useless and under some
circumstances harmful manner.
The bodycare composition having the final active
substance concentration, prepared in the mixing area,
is withdrawn from that area preferably by way of a
closable dispensing outlet. In this context it is
particularly preferred for the composition to be
dispensed in portions. This allows even more accurate
metering of the bodycare composition at the time of
use.
Furthermore, it is sensible in the context of the
invention to provide a specific control for the
coordination of supply from the storage containers,
stirring elements and conveying elements. Accordingly,
in particular, the supply of mixing components should
be interrupted and the corresponding valves closed
while the stirring operation still goes on. In
addition, the conveying elements should be in operation
for at least as long as the stirring elements (and
preferably for some time afterward) so as to ensure
complete emptying of the mixing area.
Furthermore, with the device of the invention it is
possible to carry out continuous preparation of the
mixed product. For this purpose, mixing is set in
operation by means of a START function before being
ended using the STOP function. At their most simple,
START and STOP merely denote the switching on and
switching off, respectively, of all active mixing and
conveying means. It is preferred, however, for special
start-up and finish steps to be carried out: for
CA 02297729 2000-O1-25
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example, the abovementioned continued running of the
conveyors.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the base
composition area and/or the active substance area are
connected separably to the container. This can be
realized, for example, by way of a standardized thread,
by way of bayonet fixtures, by way of clamping devices
or the like. One advantage of this is that the
container as a whole can be disassembled so as to allow
greater ease of cleaning. This maintenance-friendly
disassemblability of the device may include in
particular the mixing area with the stirring elements
and also the dispensing outlet with the corresponding
conveying means and nozzles. This facilitates the use
of the device more than once. In particular, however,
it is also possible for the reparably connected areas
to represent storage containers which can be obtained
commercially as and when required and/or which are
refilled in a reusable system. In this case it is
particularly preferable if the separably connected
areas are configured as replaceable and/or refillable
cartridges which have a ram in order to expel the
contents of the cartridge (comparable to a syringe).
This facilitates the transfer of the base composition
substance and/or of the active substance concentrate
into the mixing area. Another option for this consists
in configuring the corresponding areas as flexible
containers from which the contents can be expressed and
transferred into the mixing area by squeezing.
An independent embodiment of the invention relates to a
container specifically for the preparation of a sun
protection composition adapted to requirements. The
container possesses a mixing unit for preparing a
mixture of at least one base substance and at least one
active substance. For the mixing unit, a variety of
configurations are suitable, and can be taken, for
example, from the prior art. Particularly suitable,
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however, is a container having a mixing unit, as has
been described above as part of the present invention.
The container for the sun protection composition has a
calculating unit for determining the current sun
protection factor, which monitors the correct
composition of the sun protection formulation. By this
means there is automatic conversion of the sun
protection factor, calculated on the basis of
measurements and/or inputs, into a composition of the
sun protection formulation. The user no longer has to
pay attention to the correct performance of the mixing
operation and to the maintenance of the composition,
thereby firstly making it easier for him or her to use
the device and secondly also contributing considerably
to security against errors.
In the text below, the container of the invention for
the preparation of a sun protection composition adapted
to requirements is described, without restricting its
generality, in relation to a container with mixing unit
as set out above.
In one particularly preferred embodiment the device of
the invention comprises a measuring and/or receiving
unit in connection with a programmed or programmable
arithmetic-logic unit with storage function, along with
software and a control unit.
The measuring unit comprises a dosimeter which is
sensitive to ultraviolet radiation and which in
particular is suitable for filling with sun protection
composition and measures the prevailing UV radiation.
A more precise value is offered, however, by the
internationally known UV index, provided its location-
related value is available at the respective site at
which the device is used. The possibility exists to
CA 02297729 2000-O1-25
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input this value manually as part of a list of set
questions.
A further preferred embodiment consists in assigning
the device of the invention a receiving unit with which
signals relating to the respective weather data can be
picked up directly. In accordance with the invention,
modern digital systems are not the only ones suitable
for the device. It is likewise possible to employ
conventional, analog instruments.
Th~~ corresponding UV index or a comparable value can be
broadcast, for example, by a local radio station by
means of radiofrequency - similar to the pulse
transmitted by the atomic clock - which can be received
accordingly by the device of the invention.
In a zurther variant of the device, said device can
a~so :be assigned a barometer. Ether measuring
instruments such as, for example, an (external)
thermometer and/or a hygrometer can also be included,
to enable further environmental and weather data to be
captured.
In addition to the environmental data, user data can
also be measured, in order to match the composition of
the bodycare formulation to said user in an optimum
manner. Examples of this, in the case of the
preparation of a day and/or night cream or an anti-
wrinkle cream (lotion, milk, etc.), are the measurement
of the skin fat content (by a sebumeter), the skin
humidity (by a corneometer) and/or the skin pH (by a
skin pH meter). A suitable measurement for the
preparation of a sun protection composition would be,
preferably, that of the melanin content of the skin.
The device of the invention can in particular be
equipped with a preprogrammed menu-controlled set-
question function. The data required for the
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calculating operation that is to be carried out can be
entered there. A film keyboard, for example, is
suitable for this purpose. In addition, multiple
assignment of the available keyboard is sensible for
reasons of space, and is defined by labeling and/or by
corresponding allocation of the installed software.
On the one hand, user-related data are entered, e.g.,
name, age, skin type corresponding to dermatological
classification, known skin incompatibilities,
allergies, and degree of existing tanning. On the other
hand, locality-related data are input, e.g., date,
time, received or manually entered UV index and/or - if
the latter is unavailable - corresponding auxiliary
values such as, for example, dosimeter value, location
(or longitude and latitude), altitude, barometer
readings, ~tc.
Also required are further details relating, for
example, to the respective concentration of the base
compositions and active substance compositions that are
used, from the corresponding areas, and also times
related to the beginning, duration and prospective end
of the spell of sunbathing and also relating to
particular activities (bathing, sport, etc., for
example) during that spell.
It is self-evident that a large proportion o.f these
data are constants and are recognized accordingly and
stored by the program and/or computer. For each use
only the particular changes necessary are questioned,
or recognized and/or received.
It is also possible for the device of the invention to
include an interface (wired or wireless, e.g.,
infrared) through which externally captured and
recorded values/data, and also program updates, can be
transmitted. The basic programming required for this
CA 02297729 2000-O1-25
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purpose can be undertaken, for example, directly at the
point of purchase - at the drugstore, for example.
On the basis of the data present, the arithmetic-logic
unit calculates the optimum sun protection factor (SPF)
to be applied. In addition, it is also pcssible to
enter an individual SPF directly.
In order that the desired medium for release can be
prepared, it is necessary for at least the
concentrations of the base composition area and of the
active substance area or areas, and also the mixing
formula or mixing ratio, to be known. Thereafter, the
required metering or required composition of active
substances and base substance is determined by means of
the stored mixing formula.
The control unit takes over the preparation of the
medium for dispensation. The control unit is also
responsible for the central monitoring and execution of
metering, filling, mixing and emptying of the mixing
area, and for coordinating the switching on and off of
the corresponding stirring and/or conveying means.
Especially if the bodycare composition is to be used
outdoors, as is the case, for example, with sun
protection compositions, the external dimensions of the
container of the invention must be kept small so that
it still fits easily into a bag or into hand luggage.
In this case, the external dimensions should not exceed
typically 20 x 20 x 10 cm.
The container of the invention is preferably filled
with a skin-compatible base substance, present in the
form of an oil, emulsion, cream, jelly, milk, gel,
aqueous-alcoholic solution, aqueous solution, ointment
or lotion. Here again, as in general, it is also
possible for the base substance already to include a
certain basic level of the active substance or
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substances. In this case, additional metering and
mixing with further active substances will be necessary
only if required, i.e., if a higher concentration of
active substance is needed.
A container of the type described can be filled in
particular with an active substance, sunscreens used
being preferably benzophenone derivatives,
hydroxynaphthoquinones, phenylbenzoxazoles and phenyl-
benzimidazoles, digalloyl trioleate, aminobenzoic
esters, salicylic esters, alicyclic dienones, cinnamic
esters, benzalazine, aromatic urea derivatives,
sulfonamides, coumarin derivatives, phenylglyoxylic
acid derivatives, and also mink, avocado, almond,
sesame, groundnut, olive, safflower or coconut oils.
Examples of chemical substances which can be used as
sunscreens are, for example, 3-(4'-trimethyl-
ammonium)benzylidenebornan-2-one methyl sulfate, 3,3,5-
trimethylcyclohexyl salicylate, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-
benzophenone, 2-phenylbenzimidazole-5-sulfonic acid and
its salts, 3,3'-(1,4-phenylenedi-methine)bis(7,
7-dimethyl-2-oxobicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-1-methanesulfonic
acid) and its salts, 1-(4-tert-butylphenyl)propane-1,
3-dione, 3-(4'-sulfo)benzylidene-bornan-2-one, polyeth-
oxyethyl 4-bis(polyethoxy)-aminobenzoate, 2-ethylhexyl
4-dimethylaminobenzoate, 2-ethylhexyl salicylate,
isoamyl 4-methoxycinnamate,2-ethylhexyl 4-methoxy-
cinnamate, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone-5-sulfonic
acid and its sodium salt, 3-(4'-methyl)benz-
ylidenebornan-2-one, 3-benz-ylidenebornan-2-one, 4-iso-
propylbenzyl salicylate, 2,4,6-trianiline-p-(carbo-2'-
ethylhexyl-1'-oxy)-1,3,5-triazine, 3-imidazol-4-yl-
acrylic acid and its ethyl ester, and N-[2(and 4)-2-
oxoborn-3-ylidene-methyl)benzyl]acrylamide polymer.
Preference is also given, for example, to physical
sunscreens in the form of micropigments based on
titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.
CA 02297729 2000-O1-25
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In both the base composition area and the active
substance area it is also possible for further
components to be present which are commonly present in
sun protection compositions and cosmetics. These
include, for example, emulsifiers, solvents,
preservatives, colorants, oil components, antioxidants
and free-radical scavengers, complexing agents,
fragrances, and so on.
here again it is of course possible, as in general, for
different active substances to be stored in possibly
different active substance areas and to be added and
mixed in individual portions.
In particular, it is also conceivable within the scope
of the invention that commercially customary sun
protection composition containers can be used as the
base composition area and active substance area. All
th2t is required for this purpose is to remove the
screw cap from such a sun protection composition
container and to screw the container into a
corresponding port in the container of the invention.
In that case it would be possible to insert into the
container of the invention a sun protection composition
having a low sun protection factor and a sun protection
composition having a very high sun protection factor,
so that any desired intermediate values of the sun
protection factor can be established by mixing said
3C compositions.
The container of the invention finds its preferred
application in the storage of sun protection
compositions whose protection factor can be adjusted in
accordance with requirements by mixing.
In the text below, the invention is elucidated by way
of example with the aid of the figure.
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The container 1 of the invention consists essentially
of the active substance area 2, the base composition
area 3, and the mixing area 4. Active substance area 2
and base composition area 3 are separate from one
another and are each in communication with the mixing
area 4. In the system shown in the figure, the two said
areas are designed as cartridges . By way of example it
is shown that on the cartridge for the base composition
3 there is a ram 8 for expressing the contents of the
cartridge. A similar ram is lacking in the case of the
active substance area 2, since in principle it is also
possible for the contents of the cartridge to be drawn
out actively by suction.
In the connection between the storage cartridges 2 and
3 and the mixing area 4 there are preferably valves 10,
which prevent substances flowing back from the mixing
area L1 into one of the cartridges. In order to
facilitate metering, it is also possible for each of
the storage cartridges 2 and 3 to carry a scale from
which it can be read off, for example, how many
milliliters of the contents have been expressed.
L~ithin the mixing area 4, the amounts of the base
composition and of the active substance concentrate
introduced into the area 4 are commixed to give a
homogeneous substance. In the case of the device shown
in the figure, this takes place with the aid of a
stirrer 6, which is driven by the motor 7. The
electrical energy of the system derives in this case
preferably from solar cells, which can be mounted on
the exterior of the container 1.
The ready-mixed sun protection composition can be
withdrawn from the mixing area 4 by way of the
dispenser outlet 5. For this purpose, it is conveyed by
the screw 12 from the mixing area 4 to the outlet. In
the example shown, the screw 12 is likewise driven by
the motor 7. However, it is possible to switch on
CA 02297729 2000-O1-25
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stirrer 6 and screw 12 at different times, especially
in accordance with the sequence "stirrer -> stirrer and
screw -> screw".
So that the mixing area 4 can be emptied completely
after the valves 10 have been closed, it is necessary
to replace the volume of liquid pumped from said area
4. This can be done, for example, by means of the inlet
11 on the mixing area 4, a valve ensuring that nothing
can escape to the outside through this inlet.
It is further envisaged to mount a dosimeter 9 on the
container, which measures the prevailing UV insolation
and indicates as a function of the measurement the sun
protection factor to be established and/or the mixing
ratio of base substance and.active substances that must
he chosen.
In accordance with the invention, the dosimeter can be
~ controlled by means of a program. This program
comprises the essential factors for determining the sun
protection factor, and the application of the mixture.
The information which may be available to the program
includes specifically:
1. Type of sun protection composition
2. The level of the sun protection factor is given by
the following data:
a) user's own sensitivity to the sun
b) degree of existing tanning
c) skin type
d) strength and/or intensity of insolation
e) location, altitude, season, time of day
f) ozone content
g) air purity
h) duration of use
CA 02297729 2000-O1-25
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3. Time of use (15 to 20 minutes before going into
the sun)
4. Frequency of use (approximately every one to four
hours)
5. Perspiration
6. Water contact (rinseoff when in the pool)
