US20070196402A1

US20070196402A1 - Method of preparing a cosmetic composition, and an assembly and a refill for implementing such a method

Info

Publication number: US20070196402A1
Application number: US11/698,177
Authority: US
Inventors: Roland de la Mettrie; Jean-Francois Grollier; Jean Cotteret
Original assignee: LOreal SA
Current assignee: LOreal SA
Priority date: 2006-01-27
Filing date: 2007-01-26
Publication date: 2007-08-23

Abstract

A method of preparing a cosmetic composition includes selecting at least one enclosure from a plurality of enclosures containing different substances, and causing a fluid to flow through the enclosure(s). The enclosures may be disposed on a common extractor apparatus and/or form part of a common refill. The fluid passing through the enclosure is collected and constitutes all or part of a cosmetic composition.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This non provisional application claims the benefit of French Application No. 06 50303 filed on Jan. 27, 2006 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/773,311 filed on Feb. 15, 2006, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to cosmetic compositions, and more particularly to those obtained by causing a fluid to flow in contact with a substance having at least one compound that can be extracted by the fluid.
The following European patent applications: EP 1 563 827-A2, EP 1 566 164-A1, EP 1 563 885-A1, EP 1 559 400-A1, EP 1 559 398-A1, EP 1 563 826-A1, EP 1 559 414-A1, EP 1 563 826-A1, EP 1 559 401-A1, EP 1 559 392-A1, EP 1 559 396-A1, and EP 1 556 163-A1, all disclose methods of preparing a cosmetic composition by percolating a fluid.
Application WO 00/56629 discloses a cartridge for an apparatus for extraction by percolation.

SUMMARY

There exists a need to improve methods of preparing cosmetic compositions.
There also exists a need to prepare personalized cosmetic compositions in a manner that is reliable and relatively simple, and to facilitate the packaging and use of substances involved in preparing such compositions.
Embodiments of the invention seeks to satisfy these needs in full or in part. Thus, in one of its aspects, the invention may provide a method of preparing a cosmetic composition, the method comprising: a) selecting at least one enclosure from a plurality of enclosures containing different substances, the enclosures being disposed on a common extractor apparatus and/or forming part of a common refill; and b) causing a fluid to flow through the selected enclosure(s) so as to collect at least one solution constituting all or part of the cosmetic composition.
The enclosure may be a compartment.
Embodiments of the invention may facilitate preparing a personalized cosmetic composition, since the extractor apparatus can be relatively simple to manufacture.
Embodiments of the invention may also make it easier to package and store substances used for preparing the composition, by making it possible to use substances that are not liquids.
Embodiments of the invention also may make it possible to have available within a common enclosure compounds in powder form that are unsuitable for being stored over a long period when in solution, in particular when mixed together.
Finally, embodiments of the invention may make it easier to use substances of natural origin, in particular plant extracts or minerals.
The flow of fluid through the selected enclosure(s) may be by percolation.
The term “percolation” designates passing a fluid through a medium that is permeable to the fluid, the medium being in powder form, for example. The medium may be dissolved entirely by the passage of the fluid, where appropriate. The medium need not be a foodstuff.
The fluid, which is sometimes also known as a percolate, may comprise a liquid and/or a gas, e.g. water. Other solvents can be used, e.g. a solution in alcohol or in oil.
The quantity of substance contained in an enclosure may be relatively small, e.g. corresponding to a single use. The quantity of substance may be less than or equal to 25 cubic centimeters (cm³), or 10 cm³, or 7.5 cm³, or indeed 5 cm³, for example.
Once extraction has been performed by the fluid, the enclosure can be disposed of, e.g. by being recycled.
The enclosures disposed on the extractor apparatus may optionally belong to a single refill.
A plurality of enclosures may be selected, thus making it possible to make a mixture, for example. In a variant, only a single enclosure need be selected.
The fluid may flow simultaneously or otherwise through the various enclosures of a plurality of enclosures.
The fluid may be injected into the plurality of enclosures with the help of a plurality of injectors, which may be associated respectively with different enclosures of the plurality of enclosures. The use of a plurality of injectors can reduce the risk of an enclosure becoming contaminated by a substance coming from another enclosure. Where appropriate, the injector(s) may be subjected, between the fluid injection steps, to cleaning, e.g. by means of a flow of fluid in and/or over the injector. The injector may also be removable in order to make it easier to clean.
At least one of the enclosures may include an agent for coloring keratinous materials, e.g. the skin, mucous membranes, hair, and other keratinous fibers such as the eyelashes and the eyebrows. Different enclosures in a single refill may contain different coloring agents, or the same coloring agents but at different concentrations.
The same refill may include coloring agents that enable a plurality of shades of a given color to be obtained.
The coloring agent(s) may be for performing dyeing directly, or by means of oxidation, optionally for bleaching purposes. For example, it may constitute tone on tone coloring.
The coloring agent(s) may be direct dyes or oxidation dyes.
Prior to selecting at least one enclosure, at least one item of data may be acquired that is associated with the person to be treated with the cosmetic composition, and the enclosure(s) may be selected on the basis of said at least one item of data.
The data may comprise a color, e.g. that of the skin or the hair of the person to be treated with the composition.
By way of example, the enclosure(s) may be selected to reproduce a tint of the skin or of the hair, and it is also possible for selection to be for the purpose of reproducing a color selected by a user from a color chart or a hair color-chart or corresponding to a commercial reference, for example.
The substances contained in the enclosures may be in powder form.
Where appropriate, a single enclosure may contain at least two compounds in powder form. These two compounds may be mixed, optionally uniformly, within the enclosure. By way of example, the compounds may be placed in the enclosure in successive layers.
The temperature of the fluid injected into the enclosure may be greater than 8020 C., thus encouraging certain compounds to dissolve, the fluid possibly being in the form of both vapor and liquid phases, thus facilitating extraction.
The injection pressure is preferably greater than or equal to 1 bar (10⁵Pa), or greater than or equal to 3 bars, or more preferably greater than or equal to 10 bars, e.g. being as high as 10 bars to 50 bars.
The solution(s) coming from the extraction may be collected in a receptacle, e.g. in a bowl.
The receptacle may optionally be provided with a closure member, in particular for stirring purposes, or to enable the consumer to take the composition for use away from the premises on which it was prepared.
The receptacle may optionally contain at least one compound for mixing with the solution(s) obtained by the extraction, in particular a cosmetically-acceptable medium, e.g. a base or a dye oxidizer.
Each of the enclosures may be defined at least in part by a first wall suitable for having an injector of the extractor apparatus pass therethrough, e.g. by being perforated.
Each of the enclosures may also be defined at least in part by a second wall suitable for opening under the effect of the pressure at which the fluid is injected into the enclosure, e.g. by the second wall being deformed against at least one portion in relief that is suitable for causing it to open. By way of example, the second wall is deformed against a grid arranged so that deformation is accompanied by the enclosure opening, while also serving to enable the second wall to retain substantially all of the substance that has not been dissolved by the fluid flowing through the enclosure.
By way of example, the first and second walls comprise at least one layer of material that is suitable for being torn and/or perforated relatively easily, e.g. a layer comprising a metal, e.g. aluminum, of thickness less than or equal to 0.1 millimeters (mm), for example.
In another of its aspects, the invention also may provide an assembly enabling a cosmetic composition to be prepared, the assembly comprising: a plurality of enclosures containing different substances; and an extractor apparatus arranged in such a manner as to enable at least one enclosure to be selected from the plurality of enclosures in order to inject a fluid therein and collect at least one solution by the fluid flowing through the enclosure(s).
The apparatus may comprise an injector system and a support system for supporting the enclosures, and at least one of the injector system and the support system may be arranged in such a manner as to make it possible to select the enclosure(s) in which the fluid is to be injected.
The enclosures may be fitted on the extractor apparatus or they may belong thereto.
The enclosures may optionally belong to a single refill. The refill may comprise a cartridge containing a plurality of enclosures. The refill may also comprise a plurality of capsules that are secured to one another, at least during use, defining respective different enclosures.
The support system may be arranged to enable the enclosures to be moved relative to the injector system.
This movement may be performed manually or it may be motor-driven, it may be in rotation, or in translation, or in some other manner, e.g. in such a manner as to cause at least one injector to penetrate into a selected enclosure. During such movement, the injector may follow a trajectory and take during the trajectory a position in which the injector is in register with at least one other enclosure, for example.
The extractor apparatus may also include a plurality of injectors, and optionally that can avoid any need for such movement.
Selection may also be performed by enabling the user to position the refill in the extractor apparatus in such a manner that injection takes place in one or more selected enclosures.
Where appropriate, the user may select only one enclosure at a time, perform injection, and reposition the refill in the extractor apparatus so as to select another enclosure, in the event that the composition is to be prepared from substances coming from a plurality of enclosures.
As mentioned above, the extractor apparatus may include a heater system to raise the temperature of the fluid to greater than 80° C. prior to injection.
When the enclosures include coloring agents, the extractor apparatus may include a selector system arranged firstly to enable a user to select one tint from a plurality of tints, and secondly to confirm injection of the fluid so as to collect a cosmetic composition of tint that corresponds to the selected tint.
In another of its aspects, the invention also may provide an extractor apparatus enabling a fluid to flow, and in particular to percolate, through at least one enclosure in order to prepare a cosmetic composition, the apparatus comprising: an injector system; and a support system for supporting a plurality of enclosures; the extractor apparatus being arranged in such a manner as to enable one or more enclosures to be selected through which injection is to take place.
The apparatus may include a system for collecting solutions that come from fluid flowing through the enclosures, the system being arranged to mix the solutions.
By way of example, the collector system may comprise a receptacle placed under the enclosures and/or channels enabling the flow of liquid to be guided after it has passed through the enclosures.
The apparatus may comprise a plurality of injectors.
In another of its aspects, the invention also may provide a refill comprising: a plurality of enclosures; and a plurality of different substances respectively contained in the various enclosures, and each including at least one compound capable of being extracted by percolating a fluid through the corresponding enclosure. As mentioned above, the fluid may be water.
The plurality of enclosures may be contained in a cartridge.
At least two enclosures may be separated by a partition inside the refill.
The enclosures may be distributed angularly about an axis of the refill, or they may be in alignment, or they may be disposed circularly, or in some other way.
The refill may comprise a body made at least in part by molding a thermoplastic material, or by stamping and/or folding or thermoforming a material in sheet form.
The plurality of enclosures may also be defined by a plurality of distinct capsules that are connected to one another.
The capsules may be carried by a support element, which support element may be annular or elongate in shape, for example.
The capsules may be placed in rows, or otherwise.
Each enclosure may be associated with at least one sealing gasket arranged to co-operate with at least one injector. By way of example, the sealing gasket may be a membrane of an elastically deformable material that is arranged to allow the injector to pass therethrough.
Each enclosure may be substantially airtight.
The refill may include keying means so as to enable it to be placed on the extractor apparatus in a predefined orientation.
As mentioned above, at least one of the substances contained in the enclosures may comprise a coloring agent for coloring keratinous materials. Specifically, the plurality of substances may comprise a plurality of coloring agents of different colors for coloring keratinous materials, so as to make it possible to prepare a cosmetic composition having a personalized tint, for example.
Where appropriate, the compounds contained in the various enclosures may all be different.
The substances contained in the enclosures are advantageously in powder form, or in a variant in the form of a gel, a paste, or a liquid.
Amongst the substances that may be contained in the various enclosures secured to the extractor apparatus, e.g. belonging to a common refill, the following combinations are possible, amongst others:
a first substance comprising a first coloring agent contained in a first enclosure, and a second substance comprising a second coloring agent, different from the first, and contained in a second enclosure;
a first substance comprising a first cosmetically or dermatologically active agent contained in a first enclosure, and a second substance comprising a second cosmetically or dermatologically active agent, different from the first, and contained in a second enclosure; and
a first substance comprising a first plant or mineral extract contained in a first enclosure, and a second substance comprising a second plant or mineral extract, different from the first, and contained in a second enclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various details of the present invention may be better understood on reading the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments, and on examining the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of an example of a refill;
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the FIG. 1 refill;
FIG. 3 is a plan view taken along III-III of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a view analogous to FIG. 3 showing a variant embodiment;
FIG. 5 is a view analogous to FIG. 2 showing a variant embodiment;
FIG. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view showing an example of an extractor apparatus suitable for being used in preparing a cosmetic composition;
FIG. 7 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the refill in place in an apparatus;
FIG. 8 is a simplified diagrammatic view of a feed circuit for the extractor apparatus of FIG. 6;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another example of a refill;
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along X-X of FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a plan view of another example of a refill;
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along XII-XII of FIG. 11;
FIG. 13 is a plan view of another example of a refill;
FIG. 14 is an elevation view of another example of the extractor apparatus;
FIG. 15 is a simplified diagrammatic view of another feed circuit of an extractor apparatus; and
FIGS. 16 to 18 are diagrammatic fragmentary views of ways in which the various injectors of an extractor apparatus can be positioned relative to the enclosures of a refill.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 to 3 show a refill 1 constituting an embodiment of the invention, presented in the form of a cartridge. The word “refill” is used because a user could refill (replenish) the user's supply of the substance P by purchasing one or more refills 1 when desired (for example, when the user's supply of substance P is depleted). The refills 1 are not themselves necessarily refilled with substance P (that is, they are not necessarily re-used), although in embodiments they could be refilled with substance P.
The refill 1 contains two substances P₁and P₂respectively contained in separate manner in two enclosures 2 and 3 defined by the refill.
In the example shown, the enclosures 2 and 3 are formed by two compartments of a tubular body 4 that are separated by a single partition 5. By way of example, the partition is made by being molded as a single piece together with the body 4.
In the example shown, the body 4 is made with a flange 8 at one end, and by way of example it is generally circularly-cylindrical about an axis X.
The flange 8 may be provided with keying means 10, e.g. in the form of a recessed or projecting portion in relief, e.g. a notch.
Alternatively, if the body 4 is made without keying means 10, it could be made to be of a shape that is not circularly symmetrical, so as to allow it to be positioned in the associated extractor apparatus in one way only.
The body 4 is closed on top by a first wall 12, and at the bottom by a second wall 13.
By way of example, the walls 12 and 13 are constituted by film which is heat sealed to the body 4 and the partition 5 in such a manner as to close the enclosures 2 and 3 in airtight manner. By way of example, the film may include at least one layer of metal, in particular of aluminum.
The volume of each of the enclosures 2 and 3 is preferably less than or equal to 20 cm³or 10 cm³, e.g. lying in the range 1 cm³to 5 cm³.
Naturally, various modifications could be made to the shape of the refill 1 without going beyond the ambit of the present invention.
The number of enclosures contained in the refill 1 may be other than two, in particular, for example it could lie in the range two to ten, e.g. being four as shown in FIG. 4.
FIG. 4 shows that the refill 1 may have at least one second partition 15 co-operating with the partition 5 to define four enclosures, thus making it possible to contain two additional substances P₃and P₄separately from the substances P₁and P₂.
Where appropriate, the refill 1 may have a first wall 12 which is made at least in part integrally with the body 4, e.g. by molding.
By way of example, the first wall 12 may then be pierced by openings 21 associated respectively with the different enclosures, as shown in FIG. 5.
The openings 21 may be closed in such a manner as to enable the injectors of the associated extractor apparatus to enter therethrough.
By way of example, closing may be performed by means of diaphragms 18 heat sealed to the inside face 20 of the first wall 12.
In a variant, the diaphragms 18 are secured to the outside on the first wall 12 or they are injected thereover, e.g. using an elastomer material.
The diaphragms 18 may also be made integrally with the first wall 12 and out of the same material, by giving the first wall 12 reduced thickness locally, or by making zones of weakness. While injection is taking place, the diaphragms 18 may be arranged to be perforated or to become detached, at least in part, from the first wall 12.
In order to use the refill 1 of FIG. 1, the user may place it on a support system 30 of an extractor apparatus 31 that also includes an injector system 40, as shown in FIG. 6.
In the example shown, the extractor apparatus 31 includes a gap 32 under the support system 30 for receiving a receptacle R suitable for collecting a solution coming from percolation of a fluid through the enclosure selected by the user.
In the example shown in FIG. 7, the support system 30 includes a grid 36 provided with portions in relief 37 against which the second wall 13 can be pressed under the pressure of the fluid injected into the selected enclosure.
The second wall 13 is arranged to be perforated by the portions in relief 37 of the grid, thereby enabling the injected fluid to flow through the channels 38 in the grid 36 towards the receptacle R.
The second wall 13 may advantageously be opened in such a manner as substantially to retain inside the enclosure in question any particles of the substance that have not dissolved.
The receptacle may be wide enough to collect the solutions flowing from the various enclosures, given their positions. Where appropriate, a system for collecting the solutions may be provided to convey them into the receptacle when the enclosures are not situated vertically thereover.
As further shown in FIG. 7, the injector system 40 includes at least one injector 41 capable of passing through the first wall 12 and of penetrating into the selected enclosure.
In order to enable the user to select the enclosure into which the fluid is injected, the extractor apparatus 31 may include a selector system, e.g. comprising a control knob 39 which the user can actuate in order to turn the refill 1 about it axis X so as to position it with an angular orientation that enables the injector 41 to penetrate into the enclosure in which percolation is to be performed.
The extractor apparatus 31 may include sealing means (not shown) making it possible, where necessary, to guarantee that the injector 41 penetrates in leaktight manner into the selected enclosure.
By way of example, these sealing means may comprise at least one sealing gasket that bears against the outside of the refill, at least during injection.
As shown diagrammatically in FIG. 8, the extractor apparatus 31 may include an extractor fluid feed circuit having: at least one tank 45 for containing the liquid L that is to be injected; a pump 46; and a heater member 47 serving to raise the liquid L to the desired temperature, and where appropriate, to generate steam. This can contribute to generating the desired injection pressure.
In the example described, the fluid injection pressure is, for example, at least 3 bars and preferably at least 10 bars, and the injection temperature is at least 80° C., for example.
In particular, the temperature of the fluid may be sufficient for the fluid to present both liquid and gaseous phases while it is being injected into the selected enclosure.
The tank 45 of the extractor apparatus may be filled manually or automatically, being connected to a water pipe, e.g. via a solenoid valve.
Where appropriate, the tank 45 may be removable so as to make it easier to fill manually.
The heater member 47 may comprise an electrical resistor element.
The extractor apparatus 31 may also include one or more check valves and/or solenoid valves (not shown), together with one or more sensors for sensing level, weight, pressure, and/or temperature, together with a control system for the various electrical, electromechanical, and sensor members.
By way of example, a level sensor can be useful for detecting when it is necessary to refill the tank 45 or to enable the receptacle R to be filled with a predefined total quantity of composition.
A weight sensor may be useful for determining the quantity of composition that has been delivered to the receptacle R, for example.
Where appropriate, the person skilled in the art can easily refer to the extractor apparatuses used for preparing beverages of the “espresso” type, and the feed circuits thereof can be reproduced, at least in part.
By way of example, such apparatuses are disclosed in the following publications: AT 168,405, U.S. Pat. No. 2,688,911, DE 3,243,870, IT 1,265,636, and WO 2004/006,740-A2.
By way of example, the refill 1 contains a plurality of agents for coloring keratinous materials, in different colors.
The user can select the enclosure containing the substance corresponding to the desired color.
When the refill 1 is in the extractor apparatus 31, the injector 41 is brought into the selected enclosure, and it is possible to inject the fluid.
During injection, the second wall 13 opens under the effect of the pressure that exists within the enclosure and because of the portions in relief of the grid 36.
The quantity of liquid L that is taken from the tank 46 and injected into the refill 1 may be predetermined or it may be controlled by the user, e.g. as a function of the quantity of composition that is to be prepared and/or as a function of the degree of dilution of the compound(s) extracted from the refill 1 by percolation.
If necessary, the user can perform several injections in succession and can collect the solutions that result from percolation in a single receptacle, in order to mix them.
For example, the user may select at least two enclosures enabling a particular color shade or coloring agent to be obtained by mixing the extraction solutions.
The refill 1 may be in a form other than that of a cartridge, and for example as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, it may have enclosures defined by capsules 50 carried by a support element 51, e.g. in the form of a plate.
By way of example, the capsules 50 may have a first wall that is formed by stamping or thermoforming a sheet material, e.g. aluminum or a laminate including aluminum. As stamped or thermoformed, this wall may define the support element 51 around the capsules 50.
The capsules 50 may be closed by a second wall 53, e.g. constituted by a film that is heat sealed on the support element 51.
The support element 51 may include keying means 56, e.g. in the form of a notch.
Where appropriate, the support element 5 land the capsules 50 may be made separately.
For example, the support element 51 can be made in the form of a plate with holes, and the capsules can be secured in the holes, e.g. as a function of the substances that it is desired to associate within a single refill.
The capsules may be fastened in the holes of the support element in optionally releasable manner. Where appropriate, releasable fastening can enable the user to replace used capsules with new capsules. By way of example the releasable fastening may be performed by friction and/or by snap-fastening.
In the example of FIGS. 9 and 10, the capsules 50 are disposed in rows.
In the variant of FIGS. 11 and 12, the support element 51 is annular in shape, and in the example of FIG. 13, it is in the form of a strip.
In order to use the refill of FIG. 13, the user can place it, for example, in an extractor apparatus between a support system 30 and an injector system 40, as shown in FIG. 14.
The user positions the support element 51 in the extractor apparatus as a function of the enclosure into which it is desired to inject fluid. Only the capsule corresponding to said enclosure is perforated by the injector 41.
Where appropriate, and as shown in FIG. 15, the extractor apparatus may have a plurality of injectors 41, and the feed circuit may have a plurality of flow-control members 60, each associated with a respective injector and controlled in common by a control system 61 in such a manner that only the selected injector(s) 41 is/are fed by the fluid for injection.
The quantity of fluid percolating in the selected enclosure(s) may be predefined, or, for example, selected as a function of the concentration desired for the or each compound extracted by percolation.
By way of example, the flow-control members 60 may be proportional solenoid valves enabling the flow through each injector to be adjusted in a manner other than by on/off adjustment alone. For example, the control members 60 may be piezoelectric.
By adjusting the different flow rates several shades can be obtained, for example.
By way of example, the injectors 41 are arranged in such a manner that all of them penetrate into the enclosures associated with the refill, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, with fluid being injected into only the selected enclosure(s) by controlling the flow.
In a variant, the injector system is arranged in such a manner that the injectors 41 and/or the enclosures can be moved relative to one another so that only the injector(s) 41 that is/are being fed penetrate(s) into the corresponding enclosure(s). By way of example, the pressure of the injection fluid can contribute to moving injector while it is being fed, so as to cause it to penetrate into the enclosure.
FIG. 15 also shows the possibility of the feed circuit exchanging data with a computer system 100, e.g. comprising at least one microcomputer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a terminal connected to a network, or a mobile telephone, or even that is integrated in the extractor apparatus.
By way of example, the computer system 100 may be associated with a data acquisition system, e.g. comprising a camera 101 or any other device for analyzing keratinous materials, e.g. for analyzing the color of the skin or of the hair.
The computer system 100 may also be associated with a color chart or with a hair color chart 102 or with some other evaluation tool, e.g. a questionnaire.
The computer system 100 may be arranged in such a manner as to enable a user to select at least one characteristic of the cosmetic composition that is to be prepared by means of the extractor apparatus and the enclosures containing the various substances. By way of example, this characteristic may be color.
The computer system 100 may be used to enable the user to select a desired tint, and the computer system 100 may be arranged to send data to the control system 61 enabling it to control the injection of fluid into enclosures that have been predefined in such a manner as to obtain a composition having the desired properties.
As a function of the substances contained in the enclosures, the user may also select a characteristic for the composition in addition to color, for example a fragrance, a consistency, one or more active ingredients, a duration for its activity, a dilution, or a characteristic enabling the composition to be adapted to a particular type of skin or hair, amongst others.
Where appropriate, the extractor apparatus may include an output 110 enabling the liquid L to be dispensed into the receptacle R without passing through the enclosures, e.g. for the purpose of diluting the solution(s) obtained by percolation into the receptacle so as to obtain a predefined volume of composition. The output 110 may be fed by means of a solenoid valve 63 or any other means for controlling the quantity of fluid that is dispensed, such as a pump, for example.
The solenoid valve 63 is controlled by the control system 61, e.g. so as to have a total volume or weight of composition in the receptacle that corresponds to a predefined value, as a function of the quantities already dispensed after injection into the selected enclosure(s).
In the variant shown in FIG. 18, the enclosures are defined by independent capsules 80, and the extractor apparatus has a plurality of injectors respectively associated with the various capsules. The support system of the extractor apparatus includes a variety of housings for receiving the capsules, for example.
Injection may be performed into a selected capsule by causing the injector to penetrate into the corresponding enclosure, e.g. by moving the injector and/or the capsule, where this movement may be caused, the example, by the user acting on at least one of the injector system and the support system. This movement may also be the result of drive from a pneumatic or a hydraulic motor, e.g. with assistance from the pressure of the fluid.
The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown.
In particular, the refill may be given further shapes other than those shown, the example in the form of a small tray, a sachet, etc. Capsules or sachets containing different substances may be contained in a single package.
The enclosures may be filled at the time of manufacture. In a variant, the enclosures may be filled as a function of requests made by a consumer, for example.
Different compartments in a single refill may be made separately and then assembled together.
During manufacture, the enclosures may also be in a deployed configuration, and this configuration can be modified during manufacture and/or in use.
Fluid may flow in a selected enclosure either vertically or otherwise.
In the examples shown, injection into a selected enclosure takes place via a single injector, however in a variant injection may take place via a plurality of injectors, in order to improve putting the fluid into contact with the substance contained in the enclosure.
Although the present invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
The term “comprising a” should be understood as being synonymous with “comprising at least one”, unless specified to the contrary.

Claims

1. A method of preparing a cosmetic composition, comprising:

selecting at least one enclosure from a plurality of enclosures containing different substances, the at least one enclosure being disposed on a common extractor apparatus and/or forming part of a common package; and

causing a fluid to flow through the selected at least one enclosure so as to collect at least one solution constituting all or part of the cosmetic composition.

2. A method according to claim 1, the enclosures of the plurality of enclosures belonging to a common package.

3. A method according to claim 1, the enclosures of the plurality of enclosures not belonging to a common package.

4. A method according to claim 1, only one enclosure being selected.

5. A method according to claim 1, a multiplicity of enclosures being selected.

6. A method according to claim 5, in which the fluid flows non-simultaneously in the various enclosures of the multiplicity of enclosures.

7. A method according to claim 5, in which the fluid flows simultaneously through the various enclosures of the multiplicity of enclosures.

8. A method according to claim 5, in which the fluid is injected into the multiplicity of enclosures with the help of a plurality of injectors.

9. A method according to claim 8, in which the fluid is injected into the multiplicity of enclosures with the help of injectors associated respectively with the various enclosures of the multiplicity of enclosures.

10. A method according to claim 1, in which prior to selecting at least one enclosure, at least one item of data is acquired that is associated with a person to be treated with the composition, and in which the selection is performed at least on the basis of said item of data.

11. A method according to claim 10, in which the item of data comprises a color.

12. A method according to claim 1, at least one of the enclosures containing a coloring agent for coloring keratinous material.

13. A method according to claim 1, the fluid including water.

14. A method according to claim 13, the fluid being water.

15. A method according to claim 1, the temperature of the fluid being greater than 80° C.

16. A method according to claim 1, the pressure of the fluid being greater than or equal to 1 bar.

17. A method according to claim 16, the pressure being greater than or equal to 3 bars.

18. A method according to claim 16, the pressure being greater than or equal to 10 bars.

19. A method according to claim 1; the injected fluid being in the form of both vapor and liquid phases.

20. A method according to claim 1, the at least one solution obtained from the extraction being collected in a receptacle.

21. A method according to claim 20, the receptacle containing at least one compound for mixing with the solution coming from the extraction.

22. A method according to claim 1, in which the enclosures are defined at least in part by a first wall configured for being pierced by an injector, and by a second wall configured for opening under the effect of the of the pressure of fluid being injected into the enclosure.

23. An assembly enabling a cosmetic composition to be prepared, the assembly comprising:

a plurality of enclosures containing different substances; and

an extractor apparatus configured for allowing selection of at least one enclosure and configured for injecting at least one fluid therein and collecting a solution by the at least one fluid flowing through the enclosure.

24. An assembly according to claim 23, the extractor apparatus comprising an injector system and an enclosure support system, at least one of the injector system and the support system being configured for allowing selection of the at least one enclosure into which the at least one fluid is to be injected.

25. An assembly according to claim 23, the enclosures belonging to a common refill.

26. An assembly according to claim 25, the refill including a cartridge containing the plurality of enclosures.

27. An assembly according to claim 25, the refill including a plurality of capsules secured to one another and respectively defining different enclosures.

28. An assembly according to claim 24, support system being configured for allowing the enclosures to move relative to the injector system.

29. An assembly according to claim 23, the apparatus including a heater system to raise the temperature of the fluid to greater than 80° C. prior to injection.

30. An assembly according to claim 23, the apparatus being arranged to raise the injected fluid to a pressure greater than or equal to 1 bar.

31. An assembly according to claim 30, wherein the pressure is greater than or equal to 3 bars.

32. An assembly according to claim 30, wherein the pressure is greater than or equal to 10 bars.

33. An assembly according to claim 23, the extractor apparatus including a selector system configured for allowing a user to select one tint amongst a plurality of tints, and configured to control the injection of the fluid so as to collect a cosmetic composition of tint that corresponds to the selected tint.

34. An assembly according to claim 33, the support system including at least one portion in relief enabling the refill the open while fluid is being injected under pressure.

35. An extractor apparatus enabling a fluid to flow through at least one enclosure in order to prepare a cosmetic composition, the apparatus comprising:

an injector system; and

a support system for supporting a plurality of enclosures;

the extractor apparatus arranged in such a manner so as to enable one or more enclosures to be selected through which injection is to take place.

36. An apparatus according to claim 35, including a plurality of injectors.

37. An apparatus according to claim 35, the injected fluid being under a pressure of at least 3 bars and at a temperature greater than 80° C.

38. An apparatus according to claim 37, the injected fluid being in the form of both vapor and liquid phases.

39. An apparatus according to claim 35, the fluid being water.

40. A package comprising:

a plurality of enclosures; and

a plurality of different substances respectively contained in the various enclosures, and each including at least one compound capable of being extracted by percolating a fluid through the corresponding enclosure.

41. A package according to claim 40, the plurality of enclosures being contained in a common cartridge.

42. A package according to claim 41, at least two enclosures being separated by a partition inside the cartridge.

43. A package according to claim 40, the enclosures being angularly distributed around an axis of the package.

44. A package according to claim 40, comprising a body made at least in part by molding a thermoplastic material.

45. A package according to claim 40, the plurality of enclosures being defined by a plurality of distinct capsules that are secured to one another.

46. A package according to claim 45, the capsules being carried by a support element.

47. A package according to claim 46, the support element being annular in form.

48. A package according to claim 46, the support element being elongate in form.

49. A package according to claim 46, the capsules being disposed in rows.

50. A package according to claim 46, the support element being made integrally together with at least a portion of the capsules.

51. A package according to claim 40, each enclosure including a sealing gasket arranged to co-operate with at least one injector.

52. A package according to claim 40, each enclosure being substantially airtight.

53. A package according to claim 40, the refill including keying means.

54. A package according to claim 40, at least one of the substances contained in the enclosures including a coloring agent for keratinous materials.

55. A package according to claim 40, the plurality of substances including a plurality of coloring agents of different colors for keratinous materials.

56. A package according to claim 40, the substances contained in the enclosures being in powder form.

57. A package according to claim 40, the enclosures being defined at least in part by a wall arranged to open under the effect of the pressure of the fluid injected into the associated extractor apparatus.

58. A package according to claim 40, each enclosure having a volume in the range of about 1 cm³to about 20 cm³.