CA2317184A1 - Storing and mixing container - Google Patents

Storing and mixing container Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2317184A1
CA2317184A1 CA 2317184 CA2317184A CA2317184A1 CA 2317184 A1 CA2317184 A1 CA 2317184A1 CA 2317184 CA2317184 CA 2317184 CA 2317184 A CA2317184 A CA 2317184A CA 2317184 A1 CA2317184 A1 CA 2317184A1
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
container
seal
compartment
interior
mixing
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
CA 2317184
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Linda Grace Stunell
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to CA 2317184 priority Critical patent/CA2317184A1/en
Publication of CA2317184A1 publication Critical patent/CA2317184A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D35/00Pliable tubular containers adapted to be permanently or temporarily deformed to expel contents, e.g. collapsible tubes for toothpaste or other plastic or semi-liquid material; Holders therefor
    • B65D35/22Pliable tubular containers adapted to be permanently or temporarily deformed to expel contents, e.g. collapsible tubes for toothpaste or other plastic or semi-liquid material; Holders therefor with two or more compartments
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/32Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging two or more different materials which must be maintained separate prior to use in admixture

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
  • Package Specialized In Special Use (AREA)

Abstract

A bendable tubular container for storing and mixing two compositions which must be kept separate until being mixed together at or near the time of use. The container comprising flexible tubular walls, a cap at one end through which the contents of the container are emptied defined as the top portion, and a permanent pinch seal at the other end, defined as the bottom portion. The interior temporary seal separates the top portion and the bottom portion into two compartments. The interior temporary seal is situated on an opposite plane to the permanent pinch seal, thereby maximizing the volume capacity of each compartment. The container is bent along the crease of the interior temporary seal whereby the two compartments are positioned adjacent to one another and fastened together by a temporary contact seal.

Two compositions can be deposited into the two separate compartments and later mixed together by unbending and squeezing the container thereby causing the interior temporary seal to break open and the contents of the two compartments to be mixed together. The contents can be mixed together more uniformly by shaking the container.

Description

STORING AND MIXING CONTAINER
Technical Field This invention relates to containers for substances and more particularly s to containers for storing two substances which must be stored separately but should be mixed shortly before use.
Background There are many compositions in industries such as the cosmetic, i o pharmaceutical, chemical and beverage industries that require two substances to be stored separately but should be mixed shortly before use. As an example, the cosmetic industry manufactures and packages hair colour in one container and developer lotion in a second container. The consumer must follow a 5 step procedure by 1 ) removing the lid from the partly filled developer container; 2) removing the lid from the hair colour is container; 3) depositing the hair colour into the partly filled developer contaixier; 4) replacing the cap onto the developer container; and 5) shaking and mixing the contents together in the developer container.
The current method, as described above, involves the use of two separate containers, one for storing each substance. To mix the substances typically requires a o pouring, depositing or injecting the first substance in the first container into the second substance in the second container. This requires the second container to have sufficient extra space to make room for the first substance. Alternatively, the contents of the first and second containers are poured, deposited or injected into a third container. This requires the additional expense and space of such third container.
z s There are known containers for separately storing substances to be mixed before use. They tend to be expensive to manufacture, to be complex, involve more than one step in order to separate and mix the fluids, or be prone to accidental mixing.
Some examples of such containers follow.
A two compartment container is disclosed in Canadian Patent No.
1,302,356 to Amos. The Amos container includes two compartments sealed by foil.
Rotation of a intermediate part between the compartments cuts the foil on both compartments, causing the fluids contained therein to mix.
U.S. Patent No. 3,548,562 to Schwartzman discloses a method of s producing a mixing package employing two separate containers. The Schwartzman package includes first and second containers positioned vertically and separated by a frangible seal. By pushing downwardly on the second container, pointed ends pierce the seal and allow the fluids to mix.
Another example of a known double container with mixing means is io disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,696,919 to Miles. The Miles container comprises an inner container positioned within an outer container. The mouth of the inner container can be released from the stopper by applying compression to the double container. One disadvantage to this device is the potential for accidental mixing by inadvertent compression of the double container.
is Other examples of devices for storing fluids separately and mixing the fluids before use are found in U.S. Patent No. 5,360,144 to Slade; U.S. Patent No.
5,380,087 to Haber et al.; U.S. Patent No. 5,240,322 to Haber et al. and U.S.
Patent No.
4,073,406 to Goncalves.
a o Summary of Invention A storing and mixing container according to the invention has application to many industries, including the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, beverage, chemical and industrial supplies industries. Such industries all presently manufacture substances which must be stored in two separate containers until being mixed together at as or near the time of use. The container according to the invention replaces the use of two separate containers with a single unit container that 1 ) stores the substances and allows for their mixing; 2) saves on packaging, materials, labour and shipping costs;
3) reduces the number of procedural steps required in mixing; and 4) offers cost effective, convenient, and easy to use apparatus and methods for the customer.

For example in the process described above for mixing hair colour and developer a container according to the invention offers the user an expedient and convenient "squeeze and shake" container that reduces the 5 step procedure to a 2 step procedure. The consumer unbends and squeezes the container causing the temporary s seal to open and the ingredients to automatically mix together. The ingredients can be mixed more uniformly by shaking or squeezing the container.. The container according to the invention, besides the simplified and expedient squeeze and shake mixing method, also reduces material, labour and shipping costs.
The pharmaceutical industry manufactures compositions in liquid and io powder form that must be stored separately until being mixed together at the time of dispensing. Powder antibiotics are stored in one container, distilled water is stored in a second container and, at the time of dispensing, the ingredients are mixed together to produce a liquid oral antibiotic. The shelf life of liquid oral antibiotics (which must be refrigerated following activation) is 14 days. A container according to the invention is separately stores pre-measured powder antibiotics and distilled water in one double container unit. By "unbending" and "squeezing" the container, the antibiotics can be activated and the 14 day shelf life predetermined. The invention reduces materials and dispensing costs and is convenient for travellers.
In the health food industry, powder vitamins and herbs, powder protein 2 o and powder or yogurt bacterial culture are packaged and stored separately and mixed with juices, soy milk, or other drinkable liquids at the time of consumption, thus eliminating the need for preservatives. A container according to the invention packages nutrition-rich protein, vitamin and yogurt beverages in a single "squeeze and shake"
double container that preserves optimum nutritional value by separating the ingredients 2 5 until the time of consumption.
In the chemical industry, two part chemicals and catalysts are manufactured, contained and stored by the industrial suppliers in separate containers until they are mixed together at the time of use. A container according to the invention packages pre-measured chemicals and chemical catalysts in a single unit double container that stores and can be used to mix the compositions at the time of use.
In all of the above examples, time, labour, material and shipping costs can be saved by reducing the number of steps in the mixing process and the amount of materials to separate and later mix the two substances together.
s Brief Descrip~on of drawing Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a bent container incorporating the invention Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an unbent container according to the invention Fig. 3 is a perspective view thereof; showing the permanent pinch seal Fig. 4 is a perspective side view thereof;
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the unbent container showing the interior temporary seal and the two compartments Fig. 6 is a perspective side view thereof;
Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a standard cap for use in a container 15 according to the invention Fig. 8 is a perspective view of an applicator cap for use in a container according to the invention Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a push-pull cap for use in a container according to the invention 2o Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a bent container according to the invention showing the temporary contact seal Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a bent container according to the invention showing a loop compartment fastener Fig. 12 is a perspective view of an unbent container wherein the interior temporary seal is open A container embodying the invention, as best seen in Fig. 1, is a bent container 1 with an applicator cap 13 closure at one end, a permanent pinch seal 8 at the opposite end and two compartments 10 and 11, respectively separated by an interior temporary seal 7. The container is bent at or near the crease of the interior temporary seal 7 and the compartments 10 and 11 are positioned and held adjacent to one another by a temporary contact seal 9, although a loop compartment fastener 12 as illustrated in figure 11 is equally as effective.
The storing and mixing container, as best seen in figure 2, comprises a cylindrical container 1 with openings 4 and 6, respectively at each end.
As best seen in figures 1 and I2, opening 4 is closed by a cap 13 and opening is closed by a straight permanent pinch seal 8, although an arc shaped permanent pinch seal or crimped seal as shown in fig. 11 is equally as effective.
As best seen in the figures 5 and 6, the interior temporary seal 7 separates the container I into upper and lower compartments 10 and 11 and deforms the shape of the container.
As best seen in figures 5 and 6, the interior temporary seal 7 is at a right angle to the permanent pinch seal 8.
As best seen in figures 1 and 10, the container I is bent at or near the crease of of the interior temporary seal 7. A temporary contact seal 9 fastens the compartments 10 and 11 in a side by side position, although a loop compartment holder 12 as in fig. 11 is equally as effective.

As best seen in figure 12, the bent container 1 can be unbent by removing the loop compartment fastener 12 or breaking the temporary contact seal 9.
Squeezing the unbent container 1 causes the interior temporary seal to break open and the contents of the two compartments 10 and 11 to interact. Preferably the user will shake the container 1 to facilitate the mixing of the contents.
Some examples of use of the invention include:
1. Cosmetic Industry io Hair colour and developer are typically packaged in two separate containers.
The user must open both containers, pour or squeeze the hair colour into the developer container and shake the contents at the time of use. The use of a container according to the invention offers the user an expedient "squeeze and shake" single unit product. The invention offers the manufacturer a simple, inexpensive one unit container that saves on i s materials, labour and shipping costs.
2. Beverages Powder vitamins and herbs, powder protein and yogurt or powder acidophilus and bifidus bacterial culture are ingredients that are packaged and stored separately but can be mixed with juices, soy milk, or other drinkable liquids at the time of z o consumption. A container according to the invention offers the consumer nutrition-rich beverages in a single "squeeze and shake" container that preserves nutritional integrity by separating the ingredients until consumption.
3. Medical/Pharmaceutical Pharmaceutical preparations in liquid and powder form are frequently stored z5 separately until being mixed together at the time of dispensing. A
container according to the invention offers pre-measured storage of pharmaceutical preparations that must be kept separate until being mixed together at the time of dispensing.
4. Chemical - A container according to the invention allows storing and mixing of pre-measured chemicals and chemical catalysts.

As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the light of the foregoing disclosure, many alterations and modifications are possible in the practice of this invention without departing from the spirit or scope thereof. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is to be construed in accordance with the substance defined by the s following claims.

Container For Storing and Mixing 1 = container 2 = container neck 3 = container top rim 4 = container mouth opening = container base rim 6 = container base opening 7 = interior temporary seal 8 = permanent pinch seal 9 = temporary contact seal = compartment I
11 = compartment 2 12 = loop compartment fastener 13 = applicator cap I4 = nozzle

Claims (10)

1. A container for storing and mixing comprising:
a semi-rigid, tubular container an interior temporary seal a permanent crimp or pinch seal a temporary contact seal a cap wherein said container has a first opening at the upper end and a second opening at the lower end; said cap positionable to close said first opening and said permanent pinch seal positionable to close said second opening.
2. A container for storing and mixing comprising:
a cylindrical container separated into an upper compartment and a lower compartment by an interior temporary seal;
wherein said interior temporary seal is situated between said cap and said permanent pinch seal.
3. A container for storing and mixing comprising:
a cylindrical container separated into an upper compartment and a lower compartment by an interior temporary seal;
wherein said interior temporary seal is situated on an opposite plane above said temporary pinch seal.
4. A container for storing and mixing comprising:
a cylindrical container separated into an upper compartment and a lower compartment by an interior temporary seal;
wherein said interior temporary seal of claim 1, 2 and 3 is operable by squeezing said container and applying pressure to said seal.
5. The container of claim 1 wherein said container is bent along or near the crease of said interior temporary seal.
6. The container of claim 1 wherein said container is bent parallel to said interior temporary seal.
7. A container for storing and mixing comprising:
a tubular container bent at or near said interior temporary seal comprising a left compartment and a right compartment separated by said interior temporary seal.
8. The container of claim 7 comprising a breakable temporary contact seal posidonable between said left compartment and said right compartment to hold said compartments adjacent to one another.
9. The container of claim 7 comprising a removable loop compartment fastener extending from said right compartment and positionble on said left compartment to hold said compartments adjacent to one another.
10. The container of claim 7 further comprising a cap on said left compartment.
CA 2317184 2000-08-11 2000-08-11 Storing and mixing container Abandoned CA2317184A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA 2317184 CA2317184A1 (en) 2000-08-11 2000-08-11 Storing and mixing container

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA 2317184 CA2317184A1 (en) 2000-08-11 2000-08-11 Storing and mixing container

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2317184A1 true CA2317184A1 (en) 2002-02-11

Family

ID=4166991

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA 2317184 Abandoned CA2317184A1 (en) 2000-08-11 2000-08-11 Storing and mixing container

Country Status (1)

Country Link
CA (1) CA2317184A1 (en)

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