Portable mixing container
View Patent ↗A capped retail dispenser package encloses and retains a mixing container into which a product mixture is filled using an automated manufacturing system in an individualized manner, such that each individual product container may be charged with a customized or unique formulation different than a previous or subsequent container passing through the system. Mixing is not done prior to filling, but with a mixer received in a slidable bottom portion that functions as a piston. The rod terminates at its upper end with a mixing plate. Movement of the rod through the central opening provides mixing of the product through a reciprocating motion, and preferably with a simultaneous rotation. Movement of the upper mixing plate within the mixing container provides mixing of the container's contents by forcing fluid flow through one or more mixing apertures formed about a flange of the mixing plate.
1. A process for blending a product mixture within a retail dispenser packaging, the process comprising the following steps:
a) installing a mixing insert concentrically within an outer housing, said mixing insert having a mixer operationally retained within a mixing chamber and the outer housing forming the retail dispenser packaging;
b) installing the mixer into the mixing chamber, wherein the mixer forms a mixing plate terminating at an uppermost portion of a rod extending downward from the mixing plate and through a movable piston forming a seal at a lower portion of the mixing chamber;
c) filling of the mixing chamber through an opening formed therein with components of the product, wherein said components are selected from a group consisting of: a base; additives; vitamins; excipients; perfumes; and colorants;
d) moving the piston within the mixing chamber upwards in a manner that all air is expelled from the mixing chamber;
e) sealing the mixing chamber;
f) moving the rod and terminating mixing plate in a manner that moves upwards and downwards with a simultaneous rotation, thus allowing mixing; and
g) once mixing is completed, pushing the mixer rod inwards, so that it does not protrude through the bottom of the outer housing.
2. The process according to claim 1 , wherein the mixer, during upwards and downwards movement, simultaneously rotates in the same direction.
3. A process for blending a product mixture comprising in-situ mixing of flowable components with a mixing container, wherein said mixing container comprises a mixing chamber confined within an outer housing forming a retail dispenser packaging, said mixing container further retaining a mixer forming a perforated mixing plate at an upper end of a rod, wherein said in-situ mixing of flowable contents further comprises:
a) sealing the rod at a lower position in the mixer;
b) filling the mixing chamber with the flowable components through an opening formed therein with the flowable components;
c) sealing the opening;
d) moving a piston within the mixing chamber upwards in a manner that all air is expelled from the mixing chamber; and
e) moving the mixer within the mixing chamber with a reciprocating motion simultaneously with a rotational motion.
4. The process of claim 3 , wherein moving the mixer within the mixing chamber with reciprocating motion has a speed of at least 0.2 meters per second.
5. The process of claim 3 , further comprising:
f) once mixing is completed, moving the mixer so that it does not protrude through the outer housing.
6. The process of claim 4 , further comprising:
f) once mixing is completed, moving the mixer so that it does not protrude through the outer housing.
7. The process of claim 3 , wherein the flowable components are selected from a group consisting of: a base; additives; vitamins; excipients; perfumes; and colorants.
8. process of claim 4 , wherein the flowable components are selected from a group consisting of: a base; additives; vitamins; excipients; perfumes; and colorants.
9. The process of claim 5 , wherein the flowable components are selected from a group consisting of: a base; additives; vitamins; excipients; perfumes; and colorants.
10. The process of claim 6 , wherein the flowable components are selected from a group consisting of: a base; additives; vitamins; excipients; perfumes; and colorants.
11. The process of claim 3 , wherein the filling the mixing chamber is accomplished by filling ingredients of the flowable components within the mixing chamber sequentially or independently.
12. The process of claim 4 , wherein the filling the mixing chamber is accomplished by filling ingredients of the flowable components within the mixing chamber sequentially or independently.
13. The process of claim 5 , wherein the filling the mixing chamber is accomplished by filling ingredients of the flowable components within the mixing chamber sequentially or independently.
14. The process of claim 6 , wherein the filling the mixing chamber is accomplished by filling ingredients of the flowable components within the mixing chamber sequentially or independently.
15. The process of claim 7 , wherein the filling the mixing chamber is accomplished by filling ingredients of the flowable components within the mixing chamber sequentially or independently.
16. The process of claim 8 , wherein the filling the mixing chamber is accomplished by filling ingredients of the flowable components within the mixing chamber sequentially or independently.
17. The process of claim 9 , wherein the filling the mixing chamber is accomplished by filling ingredients of the flowable components within the mixing chamber sequentially or independently.