EP1289857A1

EP1289857A1 - Multi-component mixing

Info

Publication number: EP1289857A1
Application number: EP01934658A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Alan Mark Crawley
Original assignee: Amcad Holdings Ltd
Current assignee: Amcad Holdings Ltd
Priority date: 2000-05-03
Filing date: 2001-05-03
Publication date: 2003-03-12
Also published as: WO2001083319A1; US20030150748A1; EP1289857A4; TW534887B; JP2003531778A; AR029254A1; MXPA02010861A; AU2001260819A1; CN1449349A; BR0110574A

Abstract

A packaging system or a closure (1) or base (3) for a packaging system which provides for a positive displacement (or 'pumping') of at least some of each of one or more components out of their separate and hermetically sealed chambers, using a twisting motion of the respective chambers, to combine them into a single main chamber (2) or separate container.

Description

MULTI-COMPONENT MIXING

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a package for mixing two or more components of flowable material together.

BACKGROUND

There are many multi-component mixing systems available in the marketplace today. The majority of these systems allow the User to mix small portions of two or more components as desired for immediate use, while keeping the balance of each component separate for use at a later time. Such systems are not relevant to this present application.

The systems that are relevant to the present invention relate to the small number of multi-component systems currently available that require full combination of two or more components prior to mixing and dispensing. All of these systems have the components stored in separate chambers and/or completely separate containers prior to mixing. The combining and mixing is achieved by, but not limited to, one or more of the following:

• All components are poured (or squeezed, if one or more of the chambers or containers are tubes) from their respective containers into a separate and larger additional container ready for mixing.

• The second and any additional components are poured (or squeezed) from their respective containers into a larger container ready for mixing, where the larger container already contains one of the components. • All components are stored separately in chambers in a single larger container, where all chambers have interconnecting* plugs or valves. When the plugs or valves are dislodged or activated, the second and any subsequent components flow or pour from their respective chambers into the first and larger chamber ready for mixing. The larger chamber may or may not contain one of the components. • Any combination of the above.

U.S. Patent Number 5,277,303 shows a package of this type where the components are stored in two separate bottles. A smaller bottle threadingly engages in the underside of a second and larger bottle, and by engaging the thread and rotating the two bottles, a plug in the underside of the upper larger bottle is dislodged. The two threadingly engaged bottles can then be inverted and the product from the smaller bottle can flow or pour down into the larger bottle.

This is a passive combination system, as the user must wait for the product from the smaller bottle to flow or pour into the larger bottle. This system fully combines both products at one time.

U.S. Patent Number 5,909,753 shows a different variant of a package of this type where the components are stored in two separate bottles. In this package, the second component is stored in a separate bottle that is threadingly engaged into the upper closure section of the first bottle.

This is again a passive combination system as the user must wait for the component of the second bottle to flow or pour down into the first bottle, then remove the second bottle prior to dispensing. This system fully combines both products at one time.

U.S. Patent Number 5,692,644 shows a package of this type where components are stored in two separate chambers in the one bottle. The two chambers are separated by a moveable wall, and by rotating the top of the bottle with respect to the bottom of the bottle, a thread engagement between the two bottle sections causes the dislodgement of the removable wall and the positive displacement of one component into the second component. While this system positively displaces one component in to the second, the overall internal volume of the two rotating bottle sections reduces significantly due to the movement of their thread engagement, and this causes the internal pressure of the bottle to increase. This application does not disclose the potential of partially dosing the one component into the second component.

U.S Patent Number 5,967,309 shows a package of this type where the component is stored in a closure and container combination. In this package, a rotating interlock is combined with an internal groove (thread) and a press tab (key way). By rotating the top of the closure, the tab causes an internal sleeve to move such as to open up release windows allowing the component in the closure to contact with the component in the container.

While this system effectively has two outer rotating parts (the top of the closure and the main container) and the overall volume of the container remains substantially constant, the chamber created by the thread/keyway increases in volume rather than decreases in volume. Thus no positive displacement occurs, hence this is a passive combination system.

U.S. Patent Number 4,785,931 shows a package of this type where more than one component is stored in separate chambers. To mix one or more components, a foil membrane is ruptured allowing the component in the chamber to drop down into the main container.

The method of rupture in this system is by simple finger pressure, rather than through the operation of an in-built mechanism.

U.S. Patent Number 6,076,570 shows a package of this type where the component to be displaced is stored in a closure. Rotating the closure allows the user to open or close a valve allowing the component stored in the closure to flow or pour under either gravity or pressure (if in gaseous form) into the main container. This method uses rotation to open or close a valve, so is in effect a passive displacement system. No pumping or positive displacement action occurs as a result of any mechanism as part of the rotation. The only effect of positive displacement occurs as a result of any pressurised component in the closure.

U.S. Patent Numbers 5,029,71 8 and 5,038,951 show a package of this type where the component to be displaced is stored in a closure. In this closure, a removable sealing cover shields a reservoir that can be pushed down to rupture a breakable bottom and release a component down into the main container.

While this system discusses a "sealing cap", this method does not discuss a hermetic seal into the reservoir, rather the cap seal is more a dust cover and protects the reservoir from accidental operation. Once the cap seal has been removed, no seal is provided down in to the component reservoir.

For each of the currently available systems, once the components have been combined into the larger chamber or container, mixing is typically effected by either shaking, shaking with a heavy foreign object in the flowable material to aid mixing, stirring with an external object or mechanism, or any combination thereof.

The object of the present invention is to overcome some of the disadvantages with current packaging systems and provide a useful alternative choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided a packaging system which provides for a positive displacement (or "pumping") of at least some of each of one or more components out of their separate and hermetically sealed chambers, combining them into a single main chamber or separate container. A further aspect of this invention is that the package can provide a swirling and/or eddy current action during the positive displacement of the component(s) out of the chamber(s) so assisting homogenous mixing.

The present invention effects the positive displacement combination by creating a container that:

• can be constructed out of at least three parts,

• where the completely assembled container creates one or more hermetically sealed internal chambers and/or sub-chambers, and

• where the volume of at least one of the internal chambers can be decreased by rotating two outer interlocked parts with respect to each other.

The container can be an assembly of the type in which one or more of the following features are included:

• a first part of the container is interlocked with a second part of the container in such a way as to allow the two parts to rotate with respect to each other while not substantially changing the internal volume enclosed within the two rotating parts,

• a third part is keyed to the first part and threadingly engaged with the second part, creating one or more internal and hermetically sealed chambers,

• alternatively, a third part is keyed to the first part and threadingly engaged with the second part, creating one or more internal chambers that house separate and fully hermetically sealed sub-chambers,

• two or more components are kept totally separate from each other prior to mixing in the hermetically sealed chambers and/or sub-chambers,

• combination of the components is achieved mechanistically by a positive displacement, or "pumping", action, effected by rotating the first part with respect to the second part, causing the third part to move due to the keyway/thread so as to reduce the volume of one internal chamber, • this positively displaces the component or components out of the chamber as the volume reduces,

• if a second chamber is present, the volume of this second chamber increases directly in proportion to the reduction in volume in the first chamber so that the overall internal volume of the assembly remains substantially constant,

• if sub-chambers are present, the reduction in volume of the chamber exposes the sub-chambers enclosed, which can then be manually operated by the user, or the mechanism can automatically cause the sub-chambers to operate,

• combination can be either the total combination of the two or more components at once, or the dosing of one or more components into the first component as required, and where, due to the rotating action, a mixing/stirring action may also be generated to aid homogenous mixing.

Preferably the first and second parts are outer parts of the contained and the third part is an inner part. It is envisaged that other configurations are possible and will be recognised as such by those skilled in the art.

The one or more adjustable volume chambers can be created by the use of a keyway and a thread and optionally an interlock. The two parts that rotate with respect to each other typically form part, or all, of the exterior of the container, and they can be interlocked together such that they are inseparable (unless the interlock is specifically designed to allow unlocking at the discretion of the user). At no time during rotation of the two interlocked parts does the internal volume enclosed by the two parts either substantially increase or decrease.

The third part typically forms part of the internals of the container and can be threaded to the first rotating part and keyed to the second rotating part. The third part may or may not have hermetic sealing surfaces between itself and either/and/or the two rotating parts. If the third part is not hermetically sealed to either of the interlocked and rotating parts, then the chamber created between the third part and either/and/or the two interlocked rotating parts enclose one or more hermetically sealed sub-chambers.

The assembly of these three parts creates a "mechanistic-style" container where the rotating of the two interlocked parts causes the third part to move in a linear fashion with respect to the part it is keyed to, driven by the part it is threaded to.

The relative motion of the third part relative to the part to which it is keyed is effected by a combination of a thread form on the surface of the third part and one or more male thread form flanges or lugs moulded on to a mating surface of the other part so that during assembly, the third part is first inserted and as the third part is pushed into the other part, the one or more free-standing male thread form flanges or lugs flex backwards as the thread form on the third part moves past them and when the third part has been fully inserted the one or more male thread form flanges or lugs are fully engaged at or near the lowest part of the thread form in which position a shoulder section of the other part acts so that the flanges or lugs can no longer flex to thereby create a functional thread form between the third part and the other part.

This linear movement of the third part creates an internal adjustable volume chamber so enabling a component or components in the chamber to be positively displaced, or "pumped", out of the chamber as the volume decreases. This positive displacement can be:

• directly out of the container (such as out of a cap format of this package into a separate bottle), or • into another chamber of the same container, where the second chamber volume is increasing in direct proportion to the reducing volume chamber, such that the overall volume of the container does not substantially change at any time. As a result of there being at least two parts that rotate with respect to each other, as a further aspect of the present invention, integral stirring devices (such as paddle blades) can be mounted on to one or more of the rotating surfaces. During rotation, the stirring devices generate a swirling and/or eddy current action to assist in the homogeneous mixing of the two or more components as they combine.

All of the components can be enclosed in the chamber of reducing volume, or if two chambers are present, the second and any subsequent components may be enclosed in the chamber of reducing volume while the first component may be enclosed directly in the main chamber of the container.

For applications where it is required to keep the two or more components separate from each other prior to combination, this can be achieved by any number of methods, including but not limited to:

• All of the components being enclosed in separate thin-walled receptacles and placed inside the hermetically sealed chamber of reducing volume or hermetically sealed sub-chambers. • One or more of the components being enclosed in separate thin-walled receptacles inside the hermetically sealed chamber of reducing volume or hermetically sealed sub-chambers, with the first component enclosed directly inside the main section of the container.

• One component enclosed directly inside the hermetically sealed chamber of reducing volume or hermetically sealed sub-chambers, and the first component enclosed directly inside the main section of the container.

• One or more of the components enclosed in separate thin-walled receptacles and placed inside the hermetically sealed chamber of reducing volume or hermetically sealed sub-chambers, one component enclosed directly inside the hermetically sealed chamber of reducing volume or hermetically sealed sub- chambers on the outside of the thin-walled receptacle(s) and the first component enclosed directly inside the main section of the container. • Any combination of the above.

Where thin-walled receptacles are used, as the two interlocked parts of the container are rotated with respect to each other, the linearly moving third part causes the volume of the chamber to decrease, resulting in the thin-walled receptacle being squashed, so increasing it's internal pressure, leading to its rupture.

For the hermetically sealed reducing volume chamber or sub-chambers, the component(s) inside the chamber can be dispensed out of the container, or where there are two chambers, into the larger chamber, by any number of methods. Such methods include, but by no means are limited to:

• by the dislodging of a plug, caused by a build-up in pressure in the chamber or sub-chamber as the volume is reduced,

• by the dislodging of a plug by internal or external mechanical means,

• by the rupturing of a membrane, caused by a build-up in pressure in the chamber or sub-chamber as the volume is reduced,

• by the rupturing of a membrane by internal or external mechanical means, • by the linearly moving piece effectively being a plug in itself, such that as it starts to move due to the rotational action, it's movement causes an "unplugging" effect and allows component(s) to be positively displaced out of the chamber or sub-chamber as its internal volume is reduced,

• through a one-way valve, or • through a small constriction.

Whichever the configuration, continued rotation of the two interlocked parts ultimately reduces the volume of the internal chamber to zero allowing the full displacement of all the flowable material(s) out of the chamber, or the full exposure or activation of the sub-chambers. The rupture point(s) of the thin-walled receptacle(s) and/or membrane section(s) can be in one or more places, including but not limited to:

• a physical stress fracture of the wall surface, • along a weld or joint line,

• along a physical cut or tear,

• a tear or fracture along a surface weakness designed or engineered into the wall for this expressed purpose,

• via an integrated closure in the wall surface, • any combination of the above.

The rupturing of the thin-walled receptacle(s) and/or membrane section(s) can be by one or more methods, including but not limited to:

• an external object inserted down into the container, • a physical object integrated in to the container design.

The physical object integrated into the design can be, but by no means is limited to:

• a column or up-stand, • shaped at the end to aid rupture, for example pointed,

• solid or of hollow construction,

• designed to rupture such that the membrane rents open causing a permanent opening,

• designed to rupture such that the membrane continues to seal around the physical object, thereby forming a one-way valve.

The thin-walled membrane can have or be, but is by no means limited to:

• of continuous thickness,

• a thinner section at the rupture point, • designed to have thin and thick sections to control the rupture such that the rent membrane remains attached rather than is rent off completely, • a constriction moulded, punched or cut into its surface to generate a one-way or self sealing valve configuration,

• one or more slits moulded, punched or cut into its surface to generate a oneway or self-sealing valve. • of another shape or attachment that generates a one-way of self-sealing valve configuration.

The thin-walled receptacle(s) and/or membrane section(s) can be constructed from any flexible or rigid material that has suitable barrier properties to contain the component prior to combining and that can be readily torn, cut or ruptured. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, cardboard, plastic, metal foils (for example aluminium), rubbers, plastic/rubber blends and any laminate combination thereof.

The thin-walled receptacle(s) can be a pouch or sachet-style format.

The thin-walled receptacle(s) can be a very thin-walled blow moulded bottle.

The thin-walled receptacle(s) can be a very thin-walled injection moulded bottle.

The thin-walled receptacle(s) can be any formed, fabricated or moulded box, pocket, envelope, bag, or container, with a wall section thin enough to be readily ruptured for combination and mixing but strong enough and of high enough barrier properties to ensure the enclosed flowable material is kept fully separate prior to combination and mixing.

The one or more thin-walled receptacles can be either separate from each other or attached together, or a combination thereof.

The thin-walled receptacle(s) can be either rigid or flexible. The thin-walled receptacle(s) and/ membrane section(s) can have one or more integral closures with the purpose of being a filling point and/or exit flow path(s) of the flowable material. Such a filling or exit flow path can be of a one-way valve nature or a constriction.

The thin-walled receptacle(s) and/or membrane section(s) can have one or more weak points engineered into the wall surface, joint or weld line with the specific intent of forming the failure point(s) upon rupture.

Filling of the main chamber of the container can typically be achieved on a bottle filling line, filling of the thin-walled receptacle(s) can typically be achieved on a sachet or pouch filling machine, and direct filling of the internal chamber of reducing volume can typically be achieve through:

• a valve or closure in the base,

• through the main container aperture and a plug or cover inserted, or

• filled prior to final assembly of the container.

The container can have the linear moving part providing positive displacement combination without having integral stirring devices for generation of homogenous mixing.

The container can have a linear moving part that does not provide positive displacement combination however it does have integral stirring devices to generate homogenous mixing.

The container can be any form of box, bottle, jar, flask, jug, decanter, cap, closure, syringe, phial, cruet, glass, canteen or carton with any form of threaded or non-threaded closure.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a packaging system closure or base incorporating means which provides for a positive displacement of at least some of each of one or more components out of their separate and hermetically sealed chambers, combining them into a single main chamber to which a bottle or container is in use attached.

In the another aspect of the invention the packaging system closure or base can be an assembly of the type in which one or more of the following are included: a first part of the assembly is interlocked with a second part of the assembly in such a way as to allow the two parts to rotate with respect to each other while not substantially changing the internal volume enclosed within the two rotating parts, a third inner part is keyed to the first part and threadingly engaged with the second part, creating one or more internal and hermetically sealed chambers, alternatively, a third part is keyed to the first part and threadingly engaged with the second part, creating one or more internal chambers that house separate and fully hermetically sealed sub-chambers, two or more components are kept totally separate from each other prior to mixing in the hermetically sealed chambers and/or sub-chambers, combination of the components is achieved mechanistically by a positive displacement, or "pumping", action, effected by rotating the first part with respect to the second part, causing the first part to move due to the keyway/thread so as to reduce the volume of one internal chamber, this positively displaces the component or components out of the chamber as the volume reduces, if a second chamber is present, the volume of this second chamber increases directly in proportion to the reduction in volume in the first chamber so that the overall internal volume of the assembly remains substantially constant, if sub-chambers are present, the reduction in volume of the chamber exposes the sub-chambers enclosed, which can then be manually operated by the user, or the mechanism can automatically cause the sub-chambers to operate, combination can be either the total combination of the two or more components at once, or the dosing of one or more components into the first component as required, and where, due to the rotating action, a mixing/stirring action may also be generated to aid homogenous mixing when the assembly is fitted to a bottle or container.

Further aspects of the invention which should be considered in all its novel aspects will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Examples of the invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure One shows a three-dimensional cross section of an exploded view of a container with two hermetically sealed chambers, according to one possible embodiment of the present invention; Figure Two shows the three-dimensional cross section of the container shown in

Figure One fully assembled prior to combining and mixing;

Figure Three shows the three-dimensional cross section of the container shown in

Figures One and Two, part way through combining and mixing;

Figure Four shows the three-dimensional cross section of the container shown in Figures One to Three at the completion of combining and mixing;

Figure Five shows a three-dimensional cross-section exploded view of another container according to a possible embodiment of the present invention;

Figure Six shows the three-dimensional cross section of the container shown in

Figure Five fully assembled; Figure Seven shows a three-dimensional cut-away section of part of the container and diffuser shown in figures Five and Six; Figure Eight shows a three-dimensional cut-away section similar to that of Figure

Seven showing a second possible embodiment of the present invention;

Figure Nine shows a three-dimensional cut-away section similar to that of Figures

Seven and Eight and showing a third possible embodiment of the present invention;

Figure Ten shows a three-dimensional cut-away section similar to that of Figures

Seven to Nine and showing a fourth possible embodiment of the present invention;

Figure Eleven shows a three-dimensional cut-away section of a closure format with one hermetically sealed chamber that combines all of the components at once, according to a fifth possible embodiment of the present invention;

Figure Twelve shows a three-dimensional cut-away section of Figure Eleven in full dispense position;

Figure Thirteen shows a three-dimensional cut-away section of a closure format with one hermetically sealed chamber that allows dosing of the components, according a sixth possible embodiment of the present invention;

Figure Fourteen shows a three-dimensional cut-away section of a closure format with a single chamber that encloses hermetically sealed sub-chambers that allows dosing of the individual components in each sub-chamber, according to a seventh possible embodiment of the present invention;

Figure Fifteen shows a three-dimensional cut-away section of Figure Fourteen in partial dispense mode; and

Figure Sixteen shows a three-dimensional cut-away section of a closure format with a rupturable membrane, according to the seventh possible embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the description the examples of the invention have been described in one orientation and it is to be appreciated that when inverted or in an orientation other than upright as shown in the drawings references to up and down or top and bottom, for example, will be reversed and this will be easily recognised by a person skilled in the art. A first example of the invention, of a two-chamber container in the form of a bottle, is shown in Figures One to Four. This embodiment of the invention is shown, in exploded view, in Figure One.

Referring to Figure One, the container is formed from cap 1 , main container body 2 (first outer rotating and interlocked part), rotatable base 3 (second outer rotating and interlocked part) and a diffuser 4 (third inner part keyed to the base 3 and threaded to main body 2). This particular embodiment has integral stirring devices 5 and diffuser holes 6.

The base 3 is attached to the bottom of the main body 2 in such a way as to effect a hermetic seal between the main body 2 and base 3, while not restricting the ability of the base 3 to rotate with respect to the main body 2. Rotation of the base 3 is also assisted by it being of large enough diameter to be able to get a good hand-purchase hold, as well as also ensuring the generation of a good torque when it is turned by hand.

Referring to Figure Two, the diffuser 4 and the base 3 create an adjustable volume chamber 7 where one or more flowable material components can be placed. The diffuser 4 can slide down into a recess 8 in the base 3. The base 3 and the diffuser 4 are interlocked with respect to each other via a sliding keyway 9. When the main body 2, base 3 and diffuser 4 are initially assembled, the diffuser plate 4 abuts against a shoulder 10 on the inside surface of the main body 2. This allows the base 3 and diffuser plate 4 to fully engage along with the keyway 9 on initial assembly without any chance of them separating. This initial configuration results in the adjustable volume chamber 7 being of maximum size.

While this first example discusses there being a hermetic seal between the base 3 and the main body 2 to effect the seal of the container, a seal may instead be introduce between the top edge of the diffuser 4 and the main body 2 at 10, in the form of a lip seal, "O" ring seal or any other suitable seal design. Equally, a similar seal may be introduced at the bottom edge of the diffuser 4 and the base 3 at 22. In this embodiment the upper and lower chambers are each hermetically and individually sealed rather than the overall container being hermetically sealed as a single unit.

Referring to Figure Three, when, due to the rotation of the interlocked main body 2 and the base 3, the diffuser 4 slides down into the recess 8 of the base 3, the size of the adjustable volume chamber 7a is reduced.

Referring to Figure Four, when the diffuser 4 has fully slid down into the recess 8 of the base 3, the size of the adjustable volume chamber 7b is reduced to zero.

Thus, moving the diffuser 4 with respect to the base 3 changes the size of the adjustable volume chamber 7 from its maximum size (adjustable volume chamber 7) down to zero (adjustable volume chamber 7b in Figure Four), so creating a pressure that positively displaces the flowable material(s) out of the adjustable volume chamber 7 until all flowable material has been positively displaced into the main body of the container.

A second example of the invention, of a two-chamber container in the form of a bottle, is shown in Figures Five and Six. Similar parts of this example to those in the first example are referenced by the same numerals.

Referring to Figure Five, the relative motion of the diffuser 4 with respect to the base 3 is effected by a combination of a thread form 1 1 on the outside surface of the diffuser 4, one or more male thread form flanges or lugs 12 moulded on to the inside of the main body 2, and a thin shoulder section 13 on the base 3.

During assembly, the diffuser 4 is first inserted into the main body 2. As the diffuser 4 is pushed into the main body 2, the one or more free-standing male thread form flanges or lugs 1 2 are able to flex backwards as the thread form 1 1 on the diffuser 4 moves past them. When the diffuser 4 has been fully inserted up against the shoulder 10, it is fully in position and the one or more male thread form flanges or lugs 1 2 are fully engaged at or near the lowest part of the thread form 1 1 .

If thin-walled receptacles are being used, these can now be placed into the adjustable volume chamber 7.

Finally the base 3 can be inserted.

Referring to Figure Six, once the base 3 has been snap fitted into place:

• the base 3 sits hard up against the bottom of the main body 2, as shown at 14;

• an interlocking feature between the base 3 and main body 2 engages, at 1 5, to keep the complete container assembly integral; • the diffuser 4 has overlapped down and has engaged into the recess 8 in the base 3;

• the keyway 9 between the base 3 and diffuser 4 has engaged, at 1 6, to key the base 3 and diffuser 4 together; and

• the thin shoulder section 1 3 has engaged up and behind the flexible male thread form flanges or lugs 1 2, at 1 7.

Again referring to Figure Six, the location of the thin shoulder section 13 behind the one or more male thread form flanges or lugs 1 2, at 1 7, is such that the one or more male thread form flanges or lugs 1 2 can no longer flex backwards. Thus a fully functional thread has been created by flanges or lugs 1 2 between the main body 2 and the diffuser 4.

As the base 3 is now rotated with respect to the main body 2, the keyway 9 constrains the diffuser 4 to rotate with the base 3. As the diffuser 4 rotates, the one or more male thread form flanges or lugs 1 2 which can no longer flex backwards must of necessity follow the thread form 1 1 on the outside surface of the diffuser 4. Thus the diffuser 4 must move down with respect to the base 3 as the base 3 is rotated. When the base 3 is rotated, this moves the keyed diffuser 4 in a downwards spiraling direction towards the base 3, so reducing the size of the adjustable volume chamber 7 (to adjustable volume chamber 7a finally to adjustable volume chamber 7b).

While the volume of the adjustable volume chamber 7 reduces during rotation of the main body 2 with respect to the base 3, the overall volume of the container enclosed in the main body 2 and the base 3 does not substantially increase or decrease.

Referring to Figure Seven, this shows a cut away section AA (indicated in Figure Six) of the main body 2', the shoulder 10, and the diffuser 4' with diffuser holes 6. With this configuration, typically one or more components would be enclosed in thin-walled receptacles in the adjustable volume chamber 7, with one flowable material component to be mixed enclosed directly in the main body 2.

Alternatively, if a seal such as a lip seal or "O" Ring is used at 10 between the main body 2 and the diffuser 4, then a component could be enclosed directly inside the adjustable volume chamber 7.

Referring to Figure Eight, this shows a cut away section AA of the main body 2', the shoulder 10, and the diffuser plate 4' with an integral thin-walled membrane 18. In this configuration, typically one flowable material component would be enclosed directly in the adjustable volume chamber 7, and one flowable material component enclosed directly in the main body 2. A seal can be introduced at 10 to hermetically seal the adjustable volume chamber 7 between the main body 2 and the diffuser 4.

Referring to Figure Nine, this shows a cut away section AA of the main body 2', the shoulder 10, and the diffuser plate 4' with a solid and thicker top plate 1 9 on the diffuser 4. With this configuration, the top plate 19 seals on to an extended shoulder 10a on the main body 2, so fully sealing the chamber above the diffuser 4 from the adjustable volume chamber 7 below. As soon as the diffuser 4 starts to move downwards, the seal between the shoulder 10a and the top plate 1 9 is released and the flowable material is positively displaced up through the vents 20 in the diffuser 4. A seal can be introduced at 10a to hermetically seal between the main body 2 and the diffuser 4.

For this configuration, typically one flowable material component would be enclosed directly in the adjustable volume chamber 7, and one flowable material component enclosed directly in the main body 2.

Referring to Figure Ten, this shows a cut away section AA of the main body 2', the shoulder 10, and the diffuser 4' with a solid and thicker top plate 1 9 which also has an integral closure 21 . In this configuration, the integral closure 21 can be used as a filling entry point, and/or as a flowable material exit point, and/or as an engineered rupture point if located instead on a thin-walled receptacle and/or thin-walled membrane. The integral closure 21 may also be a one-way valve or a constriction.

The integral closure 21 may also be located on the base 3 to provide an alternative entry filling point directly into the adjustable volume chamber 7.

Whatever the configuration of the diffuser 4, all through its spiraling and rotating motion the integral stirring devices 5 also rotate and, as the flowable material is displaced up past the stirring devices 5, a swirling and/or mixing eddy current action can be generated to aid homogenous mixing.

It is further possible to design the thread form 1 1 to have different pitch angles at different parts of the rotation process, for example a fine thread to maximise hydraulic pressure during the rupture phase, a course thread to maximise relative movement and spiral swirling action between the base 3 and the diffuser 4 during the combination phase, and virtually zero thread to minimise relative movement between the base 3 and the diffuser 4 during the last rotation allowing the user to twist the base 3 (and hence diffuser 4 and integral stirring devices 5) backwards and forwards to generate further swirling and mixing eddy currents prior to dispensing.

The diffuser holes 6 can be any shape desired, including but not limited to round, oval, square, rectangular, or any more complex combination thereof.

While in these examples the diffuser 4 is threaded to the main body 2 and keyed to the base 3, the opposite configuration of the diffuser 4 being threaded to the base 3 and keyed to the main body 2 is also possible.

The closure on this container can be any format from threaded to snap-fit, from simple disposable to complex combinations to aid the combination of additional components or for enhanced dispensing such as tear or break-away apertures etc. The closure may be stand-alone or part of the larger packaging or dispensing system.

The hermetic seals for the container and/or the chambers can be at any number of locations, including as described between the main body 2 and the base 3, between the main body 2 and the diffuser 4, between the base 3 and the diffuser 4, or any other possible combination or embodiment.

A third example of the invention, of a single chamber container in the form of a closure, is shown in Figures Eleven and Twelve.

Referring to Figure Eleven, the closure is formed with a chamber cover 23, a dispensing ring 24 and a main cap 25 (the main cap 25 is shown as two sub- parts but can also be a single part). '

The chamber cover 23 is interlocked to the dispensing ring 24 at 26, such that the two parts can freely rotate while remaining inseparable, unless an unlocking design is desired. These two parts form the outer parts of the closure that can rotate with respect to each other while the internal volume enclosed by the two parts neither substantially increases or decreases. The dispensing ring 24 is threadingly engaged 27 to the main cap 25. The chamber cover 23 is keyed at 28 to the main cap 25 by the engagement of a cruciform on the chamber cover 23 with a castellation on the main cap 25.

Referring to Figure 1 2, the chamber cover 23 is hermetically sealed at 29 between the chamber cover 23 and the main cap 25. The chamber opening is a removable cover 30. While this embodiment shows a plug by example, this opening could also be a rupturable seal or foil, or any other form of removable cover.

The closure can be attached to any bottle or container via a standard thread 31 .

Given that the chamber cover 23 is keyed to the main cap 25, turning of the chamber cover 23 directly results in the main cap 25 being turned, and hence this closure can be readily screwed and unscrewed on to a bottle or container.

When the dispensing ring 24 is turned however, the interlock 26 allows the dispensing ring to rotate freely with respect to the chamber cover 23, but it must follow its thread engagement 27 with the main cap 25. As shown in Figure Twelve, this has the result of moving the chamber cover 23 and interlocked dispensing ring 24 downwards with respect to the main cap 25, which opens or ruptures the removable cover 30 allowing the component in the chamber to flow or pour out. The rotation of the dispensing ring reduces the volume of the chamber cavity 32 and thus the component is positively displaced out of the chamber cavity 32.

A fourth example of the invention, of a single chamber container in the form of a closure, is shown in Figure Thirteen. Similar parts of this example to those in the third example are referenced by the same numerals.

Referring to Figure Thirteen, this example differs from the third example only in that it has a one-way or self-sealing valve 33 rather than a removable cover 30. By rotating the dispensing ring 24, the downwards movement of the chamber cover 23 reduces the volume of the chamber cavity 32 increasing the pressure in the chamber cavity 32, and thus dosing the component out of the chamber cavity 32 as required. As the dispensing ring 24 is turned, either single drops or a steady stream of the component in the chamber cavity 32 can be dispensed.

The one-way or self sealing valve 33 can be any known one-way valve format from a mechanistic valve to a simple flap that seals off an orifice in one direction, or any combination of orifice, slit or slits, flap or profiled shape that effects a one- way or self sealing valve configuration.

A fifth example of the invention, of a multi-chambered container in the form of a closure, is shown in Figures Fourteen and Fifteen. Similar parts of this example to those in the third and fourth examples are referenced by the same numerals.

Referring to Figure Fourteen, the mechanism of this embodiment operates similarly to examples three and four, in that there is a chamber cover 23 that is interlocked at 26 to a dispensing ring 24, with a main cap 25 threadingly engaged at 27 to the dispensing ring 24 and keyed at 28 to the chamber cover 23.

On rotating the dispensing ring 24, the chamber cover 23 moves downward with respect to the main cap 25 reducing the volume of the chamber cavity 32.

In this example of the invention, the chamber cavity 32 encloses a number of sub- chambers 34. Each sub-chamber is individually hermetically sealed at 35. Prior to rotation of the dispensing ring 24 when the chamber cover 23 is in its highest position, the sub-chambers 34 engage on to the top 36 of the chamber cover 23 so that no degree of downwards pressure on the sub-chambers will cause any dispensing of component to occur.

Referring to Figure Fifteen, once the dispensing ring 24 has been rotated and the sub-chambers 34 exposed, downward pressure on the sub-chambers 34 will cause the component in each sub-chamber to be dispensed. Dispensing occurs through the bottom of the sub-chamber 37, and can be a one-way valve or self sealing valve, a plug that is dislodged or a membrane that is pierced or ruptured. The membrane may be pierced or ruptured by the actual component being pushed against the membrane or by a physical part of the sub-chamber directly contacting the membrane. The physical part of the sub-chamber required to rupture the membrane may be shaped appropriately to facilitate such rupturing.

The component in each sub-chamber can be dispensed in one operation or dispensed in a dosing action. Each sub-chamber can be operated individually by the User, or an additional mechanism can cause each sub-chamber to move downwards in conjunction with the chamber cover 23 as the dispensing ring 24 is rotated.

One sub-chamber has been shown in a dispensed position 38.

Referring to Figure Sixteen, a membrane 39 is shown with a protrubance 40 of the chamber cover 23 ready to pierce the membrane. The protrubance can be square, round, hollow or solid, or any other shape, and can have a flat end or any shape conducive to aiding rupture. For a hollow protrubance 40, a component may or may not be stored inside the hollow protrubance. The membrane can be either rent open so that a permanent office is generated, or the membrane may remain in contact with the membrane creating a one-way or self sealing valve configuration. The protrubance 40 can be located anywhere inside the chamber and can be either an integral moulded part or a separate part inserted during assembly. More than one protrubance 40 may be used.

It will thus be seen that the present invention provides a container wherein two or more components are kept separate prior to combination, the components are then positively displaced into a single chamber, or separate container, to facilitate combination while at the same time a swirling action and/or eddy current may be generated to facilitate homogenous mixing. The thread between the one external rotating part and the internal part can as per described or any other know mechanical equivalent.

The keyway between the one external rotating part and the internal part can be as per described or any other known mechanical equivalent.

A cover to protect the container from dust may be used, either on or over the container or it's closure. Anti-tamper systems may be used on the closure.

Any element of the bottle examples not included in the closure examples may be applied to the closure examples. Any element of the closure examples not included in the bottle examples may be applied to the bottle examples.

Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

Although this invention has been described by way of example and with reference to possible embodiments thereof, it is to be appreciated that improvements and/or modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope or spirit of the attached claims.

Claims

1 . A packaging system which provides for a positive displacement of at least some of each of one or more components out of their separate and hermetically sealed chambers, combining them into a single main chamber or a separate container to which the packaging system is attached.

2. A packaging system as claimed in claim 1 which provides a swirling and/or eddy current action during the positive displacement of the component(s) out of the chamber(s) so assisting homogenous mixing.

3. A packaging system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the positive displacement combination is created in a container that is constructed out of at least three parts and where the completely assembled container creates one or more hermetically sealed internal chambers and/or sub-chambers, and where the volume of at least one of the internal chambers can be decreased by rotating two outer interlocked parts with respect to each other.

4. A packaging system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and wherein the container is an assembly of the type in which one or more of the following are included: a first part of the container is interlocked with a second part of the container in such a way as to allow the two parts to rotate with respect to each other while not substantially changing the internal volume enclosed within the two rotating parts, a third inner part is keyed to the first part and threadingly engaged with the second part, creating one or more internal and hermetically sealed chambers, alternatively, a third part is keyed to the first part and threadingly engaged with the second part, creating one or more internal chambers that house separate and fully hermetically sealed sub-chambers, two or more components are kept totally separate from each other prior to mixing in the hermetically sealed chambers and/or sub-chambers, combination of the components is achieved mechanistically by a positive displacement, or "pumping", action, effected by rotating the first part with respect to the second part, causing the first part to move due to the keyway/thread so as to reduce the volume of one internal chamber, this positively displaces the component or components out of the chamber as the volume reduces, if a second chamber is present, the volume of this second chamber increases directly in proportion to the reduction in volume in the first chamber so that the overall internal volume of the assembly remains substantially constant, if sub-chambers are present, the reduction in volume of the chamber exposes the sub-chambers enclosed, which can then be manually operated by the user, or the mechanism can automatically cause the sub-chambers to operate, combination can be either the total combination of the two or more components at once, or the dosing of one or more components into the first component as required, and where, due to the rotating action, a mixing/stirring action may also be generated to aid homogenous mixing.

5. A packaging system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the first and second parts are outer parts of the container and the third part is an inner part.

6. A packaging system as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5 wherein the one or more adjustable volume chambers is created by the use of a keyway and a thread and optionally an interlock.

7. A packaging system as claimed in claim 6 wherein the two parts that rotate with respect to each other typically form part, or all, of the exterior of the container, and they are interlocked together such that they are inseparable and at no time during rotation of the two interlocked parts does the internal volume enclosed by the two parts either substantially increase or decrease.

8. A packaging system as claimed in claim 6 wherein the interlock is specifically designed to allow unlocking at the discretion of a user.

. A packaging system as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 7 wherein the third part typically forms part of the internals of the container and is threaded to one rotating part and keyed to the second rotating part.

1 0. A packaging system as claimed in claim 9 wherein the third part may or may not have hermetic sealing surfaces between itself and either/and/or the two exterior rotating parts.

1 1 . A packaging system as claimed in claim 9 wherein the third part is not hermetically sealed to either of the interlocked and rotating parts, and the chamber created between the third part and either/and/or the two interlocked rotating parts enclose one or more hermetically sealed sub-chambers.

1 2. A packaging system as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 1 1 wherein the assembly of the three parts creates a container where the rotating of the two interlocked parts causes the third part to move in a linear fashion with respect to the part it is keyed to, driven by the part it is threaded to.

1 3. A packaging system as claimed in claim 1 2 wherein the linear movement of the third part creates an internal adjustable volume chamber so enabling a component or components in the chamber to be positively displaced, or "pumped", out of the chamber as the volume decreases.

14. A packaging system as claimed in claim 1 3 wherein the positive displacement is: directly out of the container, or into another chamber of the same container, where the second chamber volume is increased in direct proportion to the reducing volume chamber, such that the overall volume of the container does not substantially change at any time.

1 5. A packaging system as claimed in claim 14 wherein the positive displacement is out of a cap of into a separate bottle.

1 6. A packaging system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the at least two parts that rotate with respect to each other allow integral stirring devices to be mounted on to one or more of the rotating surfaces so that during rotation, the stirring devices generate a swirling and/or eddy current action to assist in the homogeneous mixing of the two or more components as they combine.

1 7. A packaging system as claimed in claim 1 6 wherein all of the components are enclosed in the chamber of reducing volume, or if two chambers are present, the second and any subsequent components are enclosed in the chamber of reducing volume while the first component is enclosed directly in the main chamber of the container.

18. A packaging system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the two or more components are kept separate from each other prior to combination.

1 9. A packaging system as claimed in claim 18 wherein the components are kept separate by one of the following methods, including but not limited to:all of the components being enclosed in separate thin-walled receptacles and placed inside the hermetically sealed chamber of reducing volume or hermetically sealed sub-chambers; one or more of the components being enclosed in separate thin-walled receptacles inside the hermetically sealed chamber of reducing volume or hermetically sealed sub-chambers, with the first component enclosed directly inside the main section of the container; one component enclosed directly inside the hermetically sealed chamber of reducing volume or hermetically sealed sub-chambers, and the first component enclosed directly inside the main section of the container; one or more of the components enclosed in separate thin-walled receptacles and placed inside the hermetically sealed chamber of reducing volume or hermetically sealed sub- chambers, one component enclosed directly inside the hermetically sealed chamber of reducing volume or hermetically sealed sub-chambers on the outside of the thin-walled receptacle(s) and the first component enclosed directly inside the main section of the container; or any combination of the above.

20. A packaging system as claimed in claim 19 in which the-receptacles are thin- walled and as the two external and interlocked parts of the container are rotated with respect to each other, the linearly moving third part causes the volume of the chamber to decrease, resulting in the thin-walled receptacle being squashed, so increasing it's internal pressure, leading to its rupture.

21 . A packaging system as claimed in claim 20 with a hermetically sealed reducing volume chamber or sub-chambers, the component(s) inside the chamber can be dispensed out of the container, or where there are two chambers, into the larger chamber.

22. A packaging system as claimed in claim 21 wherein the components are dispensed by one of the following methods: by the dislodging of a plug, caused by a build-up in pressure in the chamber or sub-chamber as the volume is reduced, by the dislodging of a plug by internal or external mechanical means, by the rupturing of a membrane, caused by a build-up in pressure in the chamber or sub-chamber as the volume is reduced, by the rupturing of a membrane by internal or external mechanical means, by the linearly moving piece effectively being a plug in itself, such that as it starts to move due to the rotational action, it's movement causes an "unplugging" effect and allows component(s) to be positively displaced out of the chamber or sub-chamber as its internal volume is reduced, through a one-way valve, or through a small constriction.

23. A packaging system as claimed in claim 22 wherein continued rotation of the two external parts ultimately reduces the volume of the internal chamber to zero allowing the full displacement of all the component material(s) out of the chamber, or the full exposure or activation of the sub-chambers.

24. A packaging system as claimed in any one of claims 1 9 to 23 wherein the rupture point(s) of the thin-walled receptacle(s) and/or membrane section(s) can be in one or more places, including but not limited to: a physical stress fracture of the wall surface, along a weld or joint line, along a physical cut or tear, a tear or fracture along a surface weakness designed or engineered into the wall for this expressed purpose, via an integrated closure in the wall surface, or by any combination of the above.

25. A packaging system as claimed in any one of claims 1 9 to 23 wherein the rupturing of the thin-walled receptacle(s) and/or membrane section(s) can by one or more methods, including but not limited to: an external object inserted down into the container, or a physical object integrated in to the container design.

26. A packaging system as claimed in claim 25 wherein the physical object integrated into the design can be, but by no means is limited to: a column or up-stand, shaped at the end to aid rupture, for example pointed, solid or of hollow construction, designed to rupture such that the membrane rents open causing a permanent opening, designed to rupture such that the membrane continues to seal around the physical object, thereby forming a one-way valve.

27. A packaging system as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 26 wherein the thin-walled membrane can have or be, but is by no means limited to: of continuous thickness, a thinner section at the rupture point, designed to have thin and thick sections to control the rupture such that the rent membrane remains attached rather than is rent off completely, a constriction moulded, punched or cut into its surface to generate a one-way or self sealing valve configuration, one or more slits moulded, punched or cut into its surface to generate a one-way or self-sealing valve, of another shape or attachment that generates a one-way of self-sealing valve configuration.

28. A packaging system as claimed in any one of claims 1 9 to 27 wherein the thin-walled receptacle(s) and/or membrane section(s) is constructed from any flexible or rigid material that has suitable barrier properties to contain the component prior to combining and that can be readily torn, cut or ruptured.

29. A packaging system as claimed in claim 28 wherein the flexible or rigid materials include, but are not limited to, cardboard, plastic, metal foils (for example aluminium), rubbers, plastic/rubber blends and any laminate combination thereof.

30. A packaging system as claimed in claim 29 wherein the thin-walled receptacle(s) can be a pouch or sachet-style format.

31 . A packaging system as claimed in claim 29 wherein the thin-walled receptacle(s) is a very thin-walled blow moulded bottle.

32. A packaging system as claimed in claim 29 wherein the thin-walled receptacle(s) is a very thin-walled injection moulded bottle.

33. A packaging system as claimed in any one of claims 1 9 to 32 wherein the thin-walled receptacle(s) is any formed, fabricated or moulded box, pocket, envelope, bag, container, with a wall section thin enough to be readily ruptured for combination and mixing but strong enough and of high enough barrier properties to ensure the enclosed flowable material is kept fully separate prior to combination and mixing.

34. A packaging system as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 33 wherein the one or more thin-walled receptacles can be either separate from each other or attached together, or a combination thereof.

35. A packaging system as claimed in any one of claims 1 9 to 34 wherein the thin-walled receptacle(s) and/ membrane section(s) have one or more integral closures with the purpose of being a filling point and/or exit flow path(s) of a flowable component material.

36. A packaging system as claimed in claim 35 wherein the filling or exit flow path can be of a one-way valve nature or a constriction.

37. A packaging system as claimed in any one of claims 1 9 to 36 wherein the thin-walled receptacle(s) and/or membrane section(s) can have one or more weak points engineered into the wall surface, joint or weld line with the specific intent of forming the failure point(s) upon rupture.

38. A packaging system as claimed in any one of the claims 1 9 to 37 wherein the filling of the main chamber of the container is typically be achieved on a bottle filling line, filling of the thin-walled receptacle(s) can typically be achieved on a sachet or pouch filling machine, and direct filling of the internal chamber of reducing volume can typically be achieve through: a valve or closure in the base, through the main container aperture and a plug or cover inserted, or filled prior to final assembly of the container.

39. A packaging system as claimed in claim 38 wherein the container has a linear moving part providing positive displacement combination without having integral stirring devices for generation of homogenous mixing.

40. A packaging system as claimed in claim 38 wherein the container has a linear moving part that does not provide positive displacement combination however it does have integral stirring devices to generate homogenous mixing.

41 .A packaging system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the container is any form of box, bottle, jar, flask, jug, decanter, cap, closure, syringe, phial, cruet, glass, canteen or carton with any form of threaded or non-threaded closure.

42. A packaging system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the relative motion of the third part relative to the part to which it is keyed is effected by a combination of a thread form on the surface of the third part and one or more male thread form flanges or lugs moulded on to a mating surface of the other part so that during assembly, the third part is first inserted and as the third part is pushed into the other part, the one or more free-standing male thread form flanges or lugs flex backwards as the thread form on the third part moves past them and when the third part has been fully inserted the one or more male thread form flanges or lugs are fully engaged at or near the lowest part of the thread form in which position a shoulder section of the other part acts so that the flanges or lugs can no longer flex to thereby create a functional thread form between the third part and the other part.

43. A packaging system as claimed in claim 1 and substantially as herein described with reference to any one the examples and as shown in the drawings.

44. A packaging system closure or base incorporating means which provides for a positive displacement of at least some of each of one or more components out of their separate and hermetically sealed chambers, combining them into a single main chamber to which a bottle or container is in use attached.

45. A packaging system closure or base as claimed in claim 44 and wherein the closure or base is an assembly of the type in which one or more of the following are included: a first part of the assembly is interlocked with a second part of the assembly in such a way as to allow the two parts to rotate with respect to each other while not substantially changing the internal volume enclosed within the two rotating parts, a third inner part is keyed to the first part and threadingly engaged with the second part, creating one or more internal and hermetically sealed chambers, alternatively, a third part is keyed to the first part and threadingly engaged with the second part, creating one or more internal chambers that house separate and fully hermetically sealed sub-chambers, two or more components are kept totally separate from each other prior to mixing in the hermetically sealed chambers and/or sub-chambers, combination of the components is achieved mechanistically by a positive displacement, or "pumping", action, effected by rotating the first part with respect to the second part, causing the first part to move due to the keyway/thread so as to reduce the volume of one internal chamber, this positively displaces the component or components out of the chamber as the volume reduces, if a second chamber is present, the volume of this second chamber increases directly in proportion to the reduction in volume in the first chamber so that the overall internal volume of the assembly remains substantially constant, if sub-chambers are present, the reduction in volume of the chamber exposes the sub-chambers enclosed, which can then be manually operated by the user, or the mechanism can automatically cause the sub-chambers to operate, combination can be either the total combination of the two or more components at once, or the dosing of one or more components into the first component as required, and where, due to the rotating action, a mixing/stirring action may also be generated to aid homogenous mixing when the assembly is fitted to a bottle or container.