EP2280883A1

EP2280883A1 - Device for containing and dosed delivering of at least one fluid

Info

Publication number: EP2280883A1
Application number: EP09739028A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jan Hendricus Witte
Original assignee: Medner Holding BV
Current assignee: NPK DESIGN BV
Priority date: 2008-04-29
Filing date: 2009-04-28
Publication date: 2011-02-09
Also published as: NL2001675C2; WO2009134129A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for containing and dosed delivering of at least one fluid. The device comprises for this purpose a container with at least one compartment for the fluid to be delivered and at least one controllable dosing device connected to a compartment for delivering a dosage of fluid from said compartment after operation of the dosing device, wherein the at least one dosing device is provided with setting means displaceable by operation, and the at least one dosing device is adapted to deliver a variable dosage of fluid subject to the position of the setting means.

Description

Device for containing and dosed delivering of at least one fluid

The present invention relates to a device for containing and dosed delivering of at least one fluid, comprising a container with at least one compartment for the fluid to be delivered and at least one controllable dosing device connected to a compartment for delivering a dosage of fluid from said compartment after operation of the dosing device.

Such devices are generally known in the form of so-called spray cans for delivering an aerosol, and bottles or cans which are provided with a pump mechanism for delivering and dosing cleaning agents or eau de toilette.

The same quantity of substance is always delivered here when the drive mechanism is operated. This is particularly the case in devices provided with a pump mechanism, but also, assuming that the time for which the drive mechanism is pressed is always the same, for containers which deliver the substance on the basis of a propellant.

There is however a need for such a device wherein more options are provided for the purpose of dosing the quantity of substance to be delivered, for instance in order to prevent wastage, but also when the dosing device is used to administer medicines.

For this purpose the present invention provides such a device wherein the at least one dosing device is provided with setting means displaceable by operation, and the at least one dosing device is adapted to deliver a variable dosage of fluid subject to the position of the setting means.

Using the setting means it is thus possible to precisely determine the dosage, wherein the user has the advantage that the dosage does not have to be determined manually during delivery of the fluid.

According to a first preferred embodiment, the device comprises a drive element for driving the movable parts of the valves, a movement-limiting element forming part of the setting means and movable by operation from an inactive position to an active position, and an operating element which forms part of the setting means, is coupled to the movement-limiting element, can be operated from outside the device and which is movable in only a single direction relative to the fixed parts of the device.

This measure provides for easy operation of the operating element by the user so that he/she can easily change the dosage. A single direction is understood to mean a rotation or a linear movement. It is also attractive when the movement of the setting element extends transversely of that of the drive element. This does after all prevent the position of the setting element being changed due to the use of the drive element, whereby this position could be adjusted.

It is thus possible to determine the extent of the length or stroke to which the valve is pressed in. In the case of a pump valve, wherein the quantity of discharged product is substantially proportional to the stroke volume of the pump mechanism accommodated in the valve, this provides a good, almost linear dosage. In the case of a valve wherein a propellant results in discharge of the product, the flow rate of the valve is usually at least approximately proportional to the degree of pressing, so that the same effect is here also obtained. This embodiment also provides the option of allowing the operating element to rotate, for instance transversely of the direction of movement of valves, this greatly simplifying the construction.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the container is provided with a propellant and the dosing device is provided with at least one normally closed valve which is connected to a dispensing opening and from which the flow rate of the fluid dispensed when the valve is opened depends on the extent to which a movable part of the valve is pressed in, and the setting means are adapted to limit, subject to their position, the length to which the movable part of the valve is pressed in. This embodiment implements the measures according to the invention in a container provided with a propellant for delivering the product for dosing. It is also pointed out that in the case of such a container the dosing generally depends not only on the extent to which the movable part of the valve is pressed in but also on the period of time for which the movable part is pressed in and on the pressure of the propellant prevailing in the container; it is therefore attractive when the dosing device is provided with means which ensure that, when the movable part is pressed in, the quantity of dispensed fluid always depends solely on the stroke length of the movable part of the valve. According to an alternative embodiment, the dosing device is provided with a valve which is connected to a dispensing opening and provided with a movable part and which is adapted, during movement of the movable part from its closed position counter to a spring force, to generate a pressure in the compartment connected to the valve and to connect the compartment to the dispensing opening of the valve, the quantity of fluid dispensed by the valve depends on the length of the movement of the movable part of the valve, and the setting means are adapted to limit, subject to their position, the length of the movable part of the valve. This embodiment implements the measures according to the invention in a container provided with a pump mechanism.

The measures according to the invention can in principle be applied in a single container which is adapted to dose a single substance. For such a situation a structurally simple embodiment provides the measure that the one movement-limiting element is adapted to be moved by operation transversely of the direction of movement of the valve to a position between the drive element and a stop connected to a fixed part of the dosing device. There is also the possibility of not allowing the movement-limiting element to co-displace with the movable part of the valve and, assuming a relevant configuration, that it can thus be operated directly without the intervention of a separate operating element. The movement-limiting element can here be embodied integrally with the operating element, this resulting in a cost-saving.

In many situations it will be desirable to dose more than one product. Means can here be provided, for instance in the dosing device, for mixing the dosed products. This of course entails the container having to be adapted to hold at least two products and a valve being present for each of the products. The movement-limiting element according to the foregoing embodiment cannot then be applied because the stroke of the two valves is then limited synchronously. According to a preferred embodiment which avoids this limitation, the movable part of the valve is provided with a carrier element, and the one movement-limiting element is adapted to be moved by operation to a position between the drive element and the carrier edge.

In embodiments wherein the movement-limiting element is directly controllable as well as in embodiments where use is made of a separate operating element, an indication which indicates the position of the movement-limiting element can otherwise be arranged on the controllable element; selection of the desired dosage by the user is hereby facilitated.

In the above stated embodiment the movement-limiting element co-displaces with the drive element so that it cannot be operated directly by means of a non-co-displacing element. In order to nevertheless create an operating capability, a preferred embodiment provides the measure that the movement-limiting element is coupled to the movable part of the valve for the purpose of movement in the direction of the valve, and that the movement-limiting element is coupled to an operating element for the purpose of movement transversely of the direction of movement of the valves. It is noted here that it is however possible to connect an operating element to the movable drive element for the purpose of performing the operating function.

It is however also possible for the movement-limiting element to be non-movable in the direction of movement of the valve. The movement-limiting element can hereby be operated directly by the user.

According to a preferred embodiment, the movement-limiting element comprises a part with two surfaces placed at a distance from each other in the direction of movement of the valve for the purpose of determining the displacement of the movable part of the at least one valve during operation of the drive element. This preferred embodiment results in a 'digital' selection option for delivery of the fluid situated in the compartment connected to the relevant valve. A dosing device can be applied with a single such valve, although the advantages of this form only become manifest when such a valve is used in combination with at least one other valve. This other valve can be formed by a valve with a fixed setting which always dispenses a fixed dosage when the drive element is operated. The user can then choose whether or not he/she adds the fluid from the controllable valve to the fluid that is always delivered and that is in any case dosed via a fixed valve. It is likewise possible for the other valve to be also provided with such a 'digital' selection option. A dosing device is then created with which the user is provided with a selection option. A plurality of valves provided with such 'digital' setting options can of course be combined, also with the gradually adjustable valves and valves with a fixed setting. In order to deliver a precise dosage of a product such as a medicine, it is important that the user can accurately determine the dosage. It is then attractive to use a discrete setting, so that a small deviation of the operating element does not result in a variation in the desired dosage. This is achieved when the movement-limiting element comprises a finite number of parts, each with surfaces placed at a different distance from each other in the direction of movement of the valve, for the purpose of determining the displacement of the movable part of the at least one valve during operation of the drive element.

Such accuracy is not desired in all situations and it is possible to suffice with a gradual adjustment. In such a situation it is attractive that the movement-limiting element comprises at least a part with two surfaces placed at gradually changing distance from each other in the direction of movement of the valve for the purpose of determining the displacement of the movable part of the at least one valve during operation of the drive element.

Devices according to the invention usually have an at least partially cylindrical structure. It is therefore attractive that the movement-limiting element is placed rotatably in the dosing device, since it can fit into this structure. The one or one of the valves is usually placed centrally in the device, and it is attractive to place the rotatable movement-limiting element rotatably around the central valve.

When the stroke-limiting element is connected for movement to the drive element, it is attractive that the movement-limiting element is rotatable only in a position separately of the stop connected to the fixed part of the dosing device. This prevents the position of the movement-limiting element being changed when the movement of the drive element is performed, which would result in an undefined movement, and therefore in a non- defined dosage.

Yet another preferred embodiment provides the measure than the movement-limiting element is provided with at least one arcuate slot through which the at least one valve at least partially extends, and that at least one of the edges of the slot is provided with surfaces for determining the displacement of the movable part of the at least one valve during operation of the drive element. In combination with the rotation of the movement-limiting element, this results in a structurally attractive embodiment.

Because it may occur according to the invention that there is no contact between the movable part of the valve and the drive element during part of the movement of the drive element, it is possible that the drive element is not urged folly back to its original position. In order to nevertheless bring this about, an embodiment provides the measure that the drive element is coupled to a resilient element for urging the drive element to the rest position.

Yet another preferred embodiment provides the measure that the container is accommodated in a carrier for movement in the direction of movement of the movable part of the valve, and that the movement-limiting element is coupled to the container for the purpose of limiting the movement of the container in the active position of the movement-limiting element. This measure makes use of another configuration for limiting the movement length of the movable part of the valve. The movement-limiting element is here adapted to limit the movement of the container or of a part coupled there to. When the operating element is pressed, it will, after possibly passing through a dead space, press the movable part of the valve downward, as well as the container itself. There is no discharge of fluid here. Only when the movement of the container is stopped does the valve move relative to the container and is there discharge of fluid. A good dosing capability is thus hereby achieved. A further advantage of this embodiment is that, when the operating element is released and the container moves back, the valve reaches its original rest position again relatively quickly. This embodiment hereby differs from the above-mentioned embodiments in which it is not possible to preclude the valve not reaching its rest position and wherein there possibly remains fluid in the valve which disrupts dosing during a subsequent use with a different dosage. This is particularly important in embodiments having a shared outlet channel, whereby there is therefore the possibility of the different fluids mixing.

According to a preferred embodiment, the dosing device is provided with a first and at least a second valve, and the movement-limiting element is adapted to limit only the movement length of the at least second valve. This configuration makes the device suitable for use in situations where a substance strongly defining the properties of the mixture is added to a basic material, such as a sun protection agent with an adjustable protection factor. The valve with a fixed setting is here connected to a compartment filled with a basic cream, and the adjustable valve is connected to compartment filled with a constituent, such as titanium dioxide, which strongly defines the protection factor. The proportion of titanium dioxide, and thereby the protection factor of the cream leaving the device, can be determined by the setting of the adjustable valve. This variable additive can also be applied in other situations, such as in the case of a valve which can only be adjusted between an active and an inactive position. This provides the user with the option of choosing whether or not to add an additive to a fluid that is always dispensed.

Another preferred embodiment provides the measure that the dosing device is provided with a first and a second valve and that the movement-limiting element is adapted to limit the movement length of both valves. The mutual ratio of substances fed via both valves can hereby be regulated, not only by decreasing or increasing a part of one of the substances but also by increasing or decreasing the other substance, whereby a greater relative variation can nevertheless be obtained in the case of valves with a limited ratio of the maximum flow rate and the minimum flow rate. An application of this configuration is for instance in hair colouring means. A colouring means for a light, blonde hair colour can here be placed in one of the compartments and a colouring means for a red hair colour can for instance be placed in the other compartment. The colour of the hair colouring means can thus be changed between blonde and red. This embodiment can also be applied in the case of movement-limiting elements which are only adapted to limit the stroke of the movable parts of the valves fully or not at all. The user can here make a choice between the two fluids.

A further development of this configuration provides the measure that the movement- limiting element is adapted to influence the movement length of both valves in opposing sense when operated. A shampoo can for instance be formulated here which can be used with dry hair and with greasy hair. Situated in the respective compartments is a shampoo for dry hair and for greasy hair, wherein the ratio of the two shampoos can be determined as desired. These two latter embodiments can be implemented structurally in that the movement- limiting element is provided with at least one arcuate slot through which the at least two valves at least partially extend, and that at least one of the edges of each of the slots is provided with surfaces for determining the displacement of the movable part of the at least one valve during operation of the drive element. There are otherwise two controllable valves here. These can be operated independently of each other, wherein use can preferably be made of two different operating elements and movement-limiting elements, for instance placed one above the other, although it is likewise possible for a single operating element and movement-limiting element to be applied which influences both valves.

A comparable configuration is obtained when the dosing device is provided with a first, a second and a third valve and when the movement-limiting element is adapted to simultaneously limit the movement length of the second and the third valve in opposing sense. This configuration differs in that the function of the first and the second valve in the foregoing embodiment is taken over by the second and third valve, and that a first valve is added. A basic constituent can for instance be supplied via this first valve with a constant flow rate which is also connected to a compartment. The compartment is particularly adapted here to hold at least three different products, for instance in that the container is provided with at least three mutually separated compartments. This embodiment can also be applied with movement-limiting elements which either leave wholly clear or wholly block the stroke of the valves, but also with such elements which enable an intermediate position.

Yet another embodiment provides the measure that the dosing device is provided with at least four valves, and that the movement-limiting element is adapted to limit the movement length of at least three valves. The dosage of at least three of the four constituents can hereby be set and modified.

There is usually a need for independent dosage of diverse components. For such a situation a further embodiment provides the measure that the dosing device is provided with at least two valves and with at least two movement-limiting elements which can be adjusted independently of each other and which are each adapted to limit the movement of at least one of the valves. A greater measure of freedom is hereby created for setting the dosages, for instance for the purpose of composing a vitamin preparation, wherein subject to the requirement of the user different vitamin-containing additives can be added to basic constituents.

This configuration is implemented structurally in that the dosing device comprises two independently rotatable movement-limiting elements which are placed concentrically and which are each adapted to limit the movement of one of the valves, and which are each provided with at least one first arcuate slot through which the first valve at least partially extends, and are each provided with a second arcuate slot through which the second valve at least partially extends, that at least one of the edges of the first slot is provided with surfaces for limiting the displacement of the movable part of the first valve during operation of the drive element, and that at least one of the edges of the second slot is provided with surfaces for limiting the displacement of the movable part of the second valve during operation of the drive element. When valves and movement- limiting elements are applied in this configuration which are suitable for fully blocking or closing the valves, particularly when a large number of valves are present a selection option can be provided between the fluids present in the compartments connected to the associated valves. When a single movement-limiting element is applied, it can be adapted to open only a single valve. The operating elements are also preferably provided in this embodiment with indicators which indicate the position of the individual movement-limiting elements.

According to yet another preferred embodiment, the operating element is provided with indicator means for indicating the position of the movement-limiting elements, this increasing convenience of use. It will be apparent that these indicator means can also extend over the other parts of the dosing device for the purpose of providing a reference.

Such indicator means can be particularly adapted to indicate the nature of the relevant fluid, but can likewise be adapted, possibly in combination, to indicate the dosage.

For determined applications, in particular of medicines, such as agents for combatting a congested nose, it may be attractive to initially administer an active substance, such as xylometazolin, after which a menthol-containing fluid can be administered. For such applications it is attractive that the indicator means are adapted to indicate a sequence of successive dosage settings. It is also proposed here to change the dosage of a fluid through time. The indicator means are then adapted to indicate the day on or the time at which the fluid must be used, wherein the movement-limiting elements are adapted for corresponding setting of the dosage of the fluid. Only a limited number of possibilities and configurations of the present invention are elucidated in the foregoing; the invention can be applied more generally in dosing devices provided with a single valve, the stroke length of which can be blocked, limited in stepwise manner or limited gradually.

When the dosing device is provided with two valves, both of these can be coupled to a separate movement-limiting element in accordance with any of the three above stated options. It is likewise possible for both to be coupled to the same movement-limiting element, whereby the limitation to both valves can be set together. It is however also possible that the movement limitation applies only to a first valve, and the second valve has a fixed stroke. In a dosing device with a round configuration a central valve with a fixed stroke can be applied, and the valve with a stroke which can be limited can be placed off-centre so that it is movable through an annular movement-limiting element.

When a greater number of valves are applied, it is attractive that they are ordered in an annular configuration on the dosing device so that they can be coupled by one or more movement-limiting elements. Numerous configuration are also possible here, i.e. with a single movement-limiting element coupled to each of the valves, or a movement- limiting element for each of the valves. The stroke length of the valves can here also each be blocked, limited in stepwise manner or gradually limited either dependently or independently of each other.

According to another preferred embodiment, the compartments are each provided with a container which is manufactured from substantially flexible material and are placed together in a rigid container, and the rigid container is adapted to contain a propellant. This embodiment is applicable in above-mentioned embodiments where use is made of a propellant. This creates the problem of a combination of different compartments, each of which must be provided with an active substance and with a propellant. The measure according to the present configuration simplifies this problem by making use of a single container for the propellant and compartments which are arranged therein and in each of which a different active substance can be placed, each of which can be delivered via a valve.

Yet another preferred embodiment comprises the measure that each of the valves is coupled to an outlet channel, and that the outlet channels are connected to a shared outflow opening. This embodiment is particularly suitable for mixing fluids from different containers.

It is however desirable for many applications that the fluids from the different containers are not mixed but separated, and in particular are administered successively. For such a situation another preferred embodiment provides the measure that each of the valves is coupled to an outlet channel, and that the outlet channels are each connected to a separate outflow opening.

The different fluids are usually administered in different ways. It is therefore attractive that the outlet openings are adapted in mutually differing manner.

According to a specific embodiment, one of the outlet openings is adapted to dose a mouth spray, and another outlet opening is adapted to dose a nose spray.

The present invention will be further elucidated on the basis of the non-limitative exemplary embodiments shown in the following figures. Herein:

figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a device according to the invention which comprises one valve; figure 2 is a perspective bottom view of the movement-limiting element in figure 1; figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment which comprises two valves; figures 4a and 4b are perspective views of the movement-limiting element shown in figure 3; figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in figure 3 which is provided with two valves; figures 6a and 6b are perspective views of the movement-limiting element shown in figure 5; figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment which is provided with two valves; figures 8a and 8b are perspective views of the movement-limiting element shown in figure 7; figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment with three valves; figure 10 shows a perspective view of a device according to the invention provided with a time indication; figure I l is a perspective view of a device according to the invention provided with a fluid indication; figure 12 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment; and figure 13 shows a cross-sectional view corresponding to figure 12, wherein an alternative dosing head is applied.

Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a device I for containing and dosed delivering of one fluid. This device 1 comprises a container 10 which is preferably manufactured from aluminium and which is provided with a compartment 11 containing a medium 12 and on which is placed a sealing element 20 embodied as cap and preferably manufactured from plastic. Sealing element 20 comprises a plate 19 attached to container 10 by means of clamping means. Sealing element 20 also comprises stops 21 extending away from plate 19, resilient tongues 22 and a centrally arranged shaft 23 provided with an opening.

Shaft 23 is provided with blocking members 24,25 placed in peripheral direction and at a distance from each other in longitudinal direction, and protrusions 26 lying closer to plate 19 and extending in radial direction. Placed above sealing element 20 is a movement-limiting element 30 which is movable in vertical direction relative to shaft 23 but whose movement in horizontal direction is limited by the shaft to rotation round shaft 23. Movement-limiting element 30 further comprises protrusions 31 extending in radial direction and a first surface 32 extending in horizontal direction and second surfaces 33 placed at different distances from first surface 32, and protrusions 34 extending in the direction of the shaft. It is however also possible to apply only a single protrusion which can be moved into a position blocking the stroke of the movable part of the valve. Other configurations are not precluded.

Also placed above the movement-limiting element is a drive element 40 which is movable in vertical direction relative to shaft 23 and which is provided with blocking members 41, an outlet 42 and an outlet opening 43. Drive element 40 also comprises a first surface 44 and a second surface 45 placed at a distance from first surface 44. Sealing element 20, movement-limiting element 30 and drive element 40 are positioned to relative to each other such that tongues 22 urge the surface 32 of movement-limiting element 30 against first surface 44 of drive element 40. Drive element 40 is here limited in respect of an upward directed displacement through the action of blocking members 41 of drive element 40 against blocking members 25 of sealing element 20.

Placed around movement-limiting element 30 is an operating element 50 which is provided with grooves 51 extending in radial direction for receiving protrusions 31 of movement-limiting element 30. Movement-limiting element 30 is only rotatable about shaft 23 in the position shown in figure 1. Protrusions 34 of movement-limiting element 30 are then not blocked for rotation by protrusions 26 of sealing element 20.

The device further comprises a valve 60 of hollow form extending from compartment 11 through the opening of shaft 23 and into outlet 42 of sealing element 40. Valve 60 comprises a part 61 connected rigidly to sealing element 20 and a part 62 which is movable relative to this part 61 and which is provided with a carrier edge 63. Carrier edge 63 of movable part 62 of valve 60 is urged to the second surface 45 of drive element 40 by a resilient element, which is not shown in the drawings but which is generally known in the field of valves of this type.

The operation of device 1 will now be further elucidated. By rotating operating element 50 around shaft 23 in the position shown in figure 1 the second surface 33 desired by the user is placed into a position above stops 21 of sealing element 20 by the movement-limiting element 30 under the influence of the action of the protrusions 31 of movement-limiting element 30 extending in grooves 51 of operating element 50. The various second surfaces 33 have mutually differing distances to both stops 21. This distance determines the displacement of movable part 62 of valve 60 to stops 21 when drive element 40 is urged in the direction toward container 10.

By moving drive element 40 in the direction of container 10 once movement-limiting element 30 has been rotated into the correct position, movement-limiting element 30 and the movable part 62 of valve 60 will co-displace in that the first surface 32 of movement-limiting element 30 lies against first surface 44 of drive element 40, and carrier edge 63 of valve 60 lies against second surface 45 of drive element 40. Movable part 62 of valve 60 hereby displaces in the direction toward container 10. The displacement of movable part 62 of valve 60 is blocked as soon as the second surfaces 33 of movement-limiting element 30 placed above stops 21 lie against these stops 21.

A desired dosage of fluid 12 will now flow through opened valve 60 to outlet channel 42 and outlet opening 43. By once again releasing drive element 40 after the desired quantity of fluid 12 has flowed out of outlet opening 43, the resilient tongues 22 will urge movement-limiting element 30, and thereby also drive element 40, back to the position as shown in figure 1. Movable part 62 of valve 60 is herein urged upward by a resilient element (not shown), whereby valve 60 is reciosed and fluid 12 cannot flow out of compartment 11 of container 10 through valve 60.

Figure 2 shows a perspective bottom view of movement-limiting element 30 which takes an annular form. Movement-limiting element 30 comprises a first surface 32 extending in horizontal direction and second surfaces 33 placed at different distances from first surface 32. Movement-limiting element 30 further comprises radially extending protrusions 31 and protrusions 34 extending in the direction of the shaft. Shaft 23 of figure 1 can be received in opening 35 of movement-limiting element 30.

Figure 3 shows an embodiment in accordance with device 1 as shown in figure 1 which is however adapted for containing, selecting and dosed delivering of two fluids. The embodiment shown here therefore differs from the embodiment shown in figure 1 in that device 1 is provided with two valves 60 extending into different compartments 11 of container 10. Different fluids 12 and 13 are situated in the mutually separated compartments 11. Device 1 is further provided with a sealing element 20, a drive element 40 and an operating element 50 as according to figure 1. Device 1 also comprises a movement-limiting element 130 which differs from movement-limiting element 30 as shown in figure 1. A movement-limiting element can here also be applied which is adapted to block the movement of the valves.

Figures 4a and 4b show views of movement-limiting element 130 of figure 3. As in the embodiment shown in figure 2, movement-limiting element 130 comprises a first surface 132 extending in horizontal direction and second surfaces 133 placed at different distance from first surface 132. Movement-limiting element 130 further comprises radially extending protrusions 131 and protrusions 34 extending in the direction toward the shaft. Shaft 23 of figure 3 can be received in opening 135 of movement-limiting element 130. In contrast to the movement-limiting element shown in figure 2, second surfaces 133 of the movement-limiting element 130 shown here do not extend as far as opening 135, whereby a narrow opening 136 and a wide opening 137 are created as shown in figure 4a.

The device 1 shown here operates as follows: when operating element 50 is rotated, movement-limiting element 30 also rotates. When the wide opening 137 is now placed above a valve 60, movement- limiting element 30 will not cause co-displacement of this valve 60 since there are no second surfaces 133 which can lie against carrier edge 63 and therefore do not urge movable part 62 of this valve 60 in the direction of the container. In the situation shown in figure 3 the left-hand valve extending into fluid 12 will thus not move when movement-limiting element 30 is urged in the direction toward container 10 under the influence of drive element 40. A second surface 133 extends above the other valve 60 extending into fluid 13, which second surface 133 is positioned such that it can lie against carrier edge 63 of movable part 62 of this valve 60, whereby during urging of drive element 40 in the direction of container 10 this second surface 33 will urge movable part 62 of valve 60 over a desired distance in the direction toward holder 10. A desired quantity of medium 13 will hereby flow through valve 60 to outlet channel 42 and outlet opening 43.

By once again releasing drive element 40 after the desired quantity of medium 13 has flowed out of outlet opening 43, the resilient tongues 22 will urge movement-limiting element 30, and therefore also drive element 40, back to the position shown in figure 3. Movable part 62 of valve 60 is here urged upward by a resilient element (not shown), whereby valve 60 is reclosed and medium 13 cannot flow out of compartment 11 of container 10 through valve 60.

Figure 5 shows an embodiment corresponding to device 1 as shown in figure 3, although this differs from the embodiment shown in figure 3 in that second surfaces 233 of movement-limiting element 230 are placed at a fixed distance from second surfaces 232, as also shown in figures 6a and 6b. Although movement-limiting element 230 can hereby be rotated such that a desired valve 60 is driven, the dosage thereof cannot be set.

Figures 6a and 6b are views of movement-limiting element 230 as shown in figure 5. As in figures 4a and 4b, movement-limiting element 230 comprises a first surface 232 extending in horizontal direction and second surfaces 233 placed at equal distances from first surface 232. Movement-limiting element 230 further comprises radially extending protrusions 231 and protrusions 234 extending in the direction of the shaft. Shaft 23 of figure 3 can be received in the slot-like opening 235 of movement-limiting element 230, as also shown in figure 6.

Device 1 as shown in figures 5 and 6 operates as follows: when operating element 50 is rotated, movement-limiting element 230 also rotates. When the wide opening 237 is now placed above a valve 60, movement-limiting element 230 will not cause this valve 60 to co-displace since there are no second surfaces 33 which can lie against carrier edge 63 and do not therefore urge movable part 62 of this valve 60 in the direction of the container. In the situation shown in figure 5 the left-hand valve extending into medium 12 will not therefore move when movement-limiting element 30 is urged in the direction of container 10 under the influence of drive element 40. Above the other valve 60 extending into fluid 13 a second surface 233 extends to a position just above carrier edge 63 of movable part 62 of this valve 60. During urging of drive element 40 in the direction of container 10 this second surface 33 will urge movable part 62 of valve 60 toward container 10, wherein the displacement will be bounded because movement- limiting element 230 will lie against sealing element 20. A desired quantity of fluid 13 will hereby flow through valve 60 to outlet channel 42 and outlet opening 43. By once again releasing drive element 40 once the desired quantity of medium 13 has flowed out of discharge opening 43, the resilient tongues 22 will urge movement-limiting element 230, and thereby also drive element 40, back to the position shown in figure 5. Movable part 62 of valve 60 is here urged upward by a resilient element (not shown), whereby valve 60 is reclosed and medium 12 cannot flow out of compartment 11 of container 10 through valve 60.

Figure 7 shows an embodiment in accordance with device 1 as shown in figure 1, which differs however from the embodiment shown in figure 1 in that device 1 is provided with two valves 60, corresponding to valves 60 as shown in figure 1, which extend into different compartments 11 of container 10. Different fluids 12 and 13 are situated in the mutually separated compartments 11. Device 1 is further provided with a sealing element 20, a drive element 40 and an operating element 50 as according to figure L Device 1 also comprises a movement-limiting element 330 which differs from movement-limiting device 30 as shown in figure.1 , as also shown in figures 8a and 8b.

Figures 8a and 8b show views of movement-limiting element 330 of figure 7. Similarly to figure 2, movement-limiting element 330 comprises a first surface 332 extending in horizontal direction and second surfaces 333 placed at mutually differing distances from first surface 332. Second surfaces 333 differ in respect of movement-limiting element 330 as shown in figure 2 in that the second surfaces 333 are interrupted between opening 335 and an edge 338 enclosing movement-limiting element 330. This creates a narrowed opening 336, wherein second surfaces 333 are positioned such that they can lie against carrier edge 63 of movable part 62 of the valve 60 extending into fluid 12.

Movement-limiting element 330 further comprises radially extending protrusions 331 and protrusions 334 extending toward the shaft. Protrusions 334 and the second surfaces 333 placed around slot-like opening 335 are connected to the edge 338 enclosing movement-limiting element 330 by means of a bridge 339.

The device 1 shown here operates as follows: when operating element 50 is rotated, movement-limiting element 330 also rotates. The user can hereby place the desired second surfaces 333 above carrier edge 63 of movable part 62 of valve 60 extending into fluid 12. In the situation shown in figure 7 the movable part 62 of valve 60 extending into fluid 12 will thereby move through a desired distance when movement- limiting element 230 is urged toward container 10 under the influence of drive element 40. Situated above the other valve 60 extending into fluid 13 is the second surface 45 of drive element 40 which lies against carrier edge 63 of movable part 62 of this valve. By now urging drive element 40 toward container 10 the valve 60 extending into fluid 13 will urge a quantity of fluid 13 to outlet channel 42 and outlet opening 43, this quantity depending on the displacement of drive element 40 toward container 10. The valve 60 extending into fluid 12 will also urge a quantity of fluid 12 to outlet channel 42 and outlet opening 43, this quantity depending on the distance between second surface 333 of movement-limiting element 330 and carrier edge 63 of movable part 62 of this valve 60 and on the displacement of drive element 40 in the direction of container 10. The user can in this way cause device 1 to deliver a desired dosage of both medium 12 and medium 13.

Figure 9 shows an embodiment as according to device 1 shown in figure 3 which differs relative to the embodiment shown in figure 3 in that device 1 comprises, in addition to the two valves 60 shown in figure 3 which here extend into fluid 12 and fluid 14, a third valve 60 extending into fluid 13. Carrier edge 63 of movable part 62 of this third valve lies against second surface 45 of drive element 40. The other two valves 60 are situated on either side of valve 60 extending into fluid 13. Device 1 further comprises a movement-limiting element 130 as according to the device shown in figure 3. The device 1 shown here operates as follows: when operating element 50 is rotated, movement-limiting element 130 also rotates. When the wide slot-like opening 137 is placed above valve 60 extending into fluid 12, movement-limiting element 130 will not cause this valve 60 to co-displace since there are no second surfaces 133 which can lie against carrier edge 63 and therefore do not urge movable part 62 of this valve 60 in the direction of the container. In the situation shown in figure 3 the valve extending into fluid 12 will not move when movement-limiting element 130 is urged toward container 10 under the influence of drive element 40. Above the valve 60 extending into fluid 14 a second surface 133 does however extend to a position above the distance desired by the user to carrier edge 63 of movable part 62 of this valve 60. During urging of drive element 40 in the direction of container 10 this second surface 133 will urge movable part 62 of valve 60 extending into fluid 13 toward holder 10, wherein the displacement will be bounded because second surfaces 33 of movement-limiting element 130 will lie against sealing element 20. A quantity of fluid 13 will hereby flow through valve 60 extending into this fluid 13 to outlet channel 42 and outlet opening 43, this quantity depending on the displacement of drive element 40. Valve 60 extending into fluid 14 will also urge a quantity of fluid 14 in the direction of outlet channel 42 and outlet opening 43, this quantity depending on the distance between second surface 33 of movement-limiting element 130 and carrier edge 63 of movable part 62 of this valve 60 and on the displacement of drive element 40 toward container 10. The user can in this way cause a desired dosage of fluid 12 to be delivered as well as a quantity of fluid 14 related to this quantity. By once again releasing drive element 40 after the desired quantity of medium 13 has flowed out of outlet opening 43, resilient tongues 22 will urge movement-limiting element 130, and thereby also drive element 40, back into the position as shown in figure 3. Movable parts 62 of valves 60 are herein urged upward by a resilient element (not shown), whereby valves 60 are reclosed and fluids 13,14 cannot flow out of compartment 11 of container 10 through valves 60. Figure 10 shows a container 1 according to the invention which has a substantially cylindrical form and is provided with a press-in drive element 40. Arranged in container 1 is a rotatable ring 80 which functions as operating element for the movement-limiting elements of the valves accommodated in the container. By rotating this ring the position of the movement-limiting elements is changed so that the stroke of the one valve or of multiple valves is limited. The rotatable ring is provided with a marking 81 in the form of a line. Likewise arranged on the part of the housing connecting to ring 80 is a series of indicator marks 82 for the purpose of indicating the position of the ring. In the present case this series of indicator marks is formed by a series of lines with numbers indicating the sequence of the relevant positions. A dosage of a medicine varying per day is for instance administered here, while an additional medicine is for instance administered from the fourth day.

Figure 11 also shows a similar container 80 provided with three rotatable rings 83, 84, 85, each provided with an indicator mark 86, 87 and 88. These rotatable rings are rotatable independently of each other and each coupled to a movement-limiting element of a separate valve so that each of the rings functions as operating element of one of the valves. The present case has gradually adjustable valves. This will be apparent from the indicator marks 89 on the part of the housing of the device adjacent to rings 83, 84, 85. When one of the indicator marks 86, 87 or 88 is placed between indicator marks 89 by rotating one of the rings 83, 84 or 85, the movement-limiting element coupled to the relevant ring is moved to a position in which the stroke length of the relevant valve is limited to the extent indicated by the height of the relevant part of the indicator mark. Although only a graphic indication is shown here, it can be combined with an alphanumeric indication, or an alphanumeric indication alone can be applied. It will be apparent that these different types of indicator can be applied in all relevant embodiments of the invention.

Finally, figure 12 shows an embodiment wherein the device is provided with two substantially cylindrical containers 410. These containers are placed together in a carrier 470, this such that the containers can move in their axial direction. Arranged on the likewise substantially cylindrical carrier 470 is a carrier ring 421 with which containers 410 are movably enclosed. A movement-limiting element 430 is arranged rotatably about a shaft end 423 formed on carrier ring 421. An operating element in the form of an operating ring 433 is further placed rotatably around shaft end 423.

On their top side the containers 410 are closed by pump valves 460. Placed on top of pump valves 460 is a drive element 440 which is connected to the underlying parts such that it can perform a movement in the direction of movement of the valves. Containers 410 are coupled to carriers 411 which extend through openings arranged in carrier ring 421 into the vicinity of movement-limiting element 430. By rotating the movement- limiting element 430 surfaces of this movement-limiting element can be brought into the path of carriers 411 co-displacing with containers 410, whereby stroke limitation can be obtained. Drive element 440 is also provided with a spout 441. Two channels, each extending from a pump valve 460, extend through drive element 440. They come together, and the combined channel extends as far as spout 441 and ends at the end of the spout.

When the dosing device according to this embodiment is used, operating ring 433 is rotated into the desired position corresponding to a desired dosage, whereby movement- limiting element 430 is rotated into a corresponding position. Drive element 440 is then pressed in and pump valves 460 are thereby pressed downward, together with containers 412. No fluid is as yet released during this operation. As this movement is continued, one of the containers will be stopped because the carrier 411 coupled to the relevant container 412 comes into contact with a surface of movement-limiting element 430, and the movement of carrier 411 and container 412 is stopped. This results in active operation of the associated pump valve 460, and fluid is forced out. This movement is continued until drive element 440 is stopped. Upon release, all components perform the movement again in reverse direction.

This embodiment is provided with two containers; it will be apparent that other numbers of containers can be applied.

Figure 13 also shows a dosing device which largely corresponds to the embodiment shown in figure 12, with the difference that the head is provided with two outlet channels 471 , 472 respectively which are each connected to one of the valves 460. Both channels 471 , 472 extend through drive element 440. Channel 471 leads to an atomizer 481 which is adapted to atomize a nose spray, and the other channel 472 leads to an atomizer 482 adapted to atomize a mouth spray. The atomizers are accommodated here at a mutual angle of 90°, although it will be apparent that the atomizers can also be placed at other angles or parallel to each other. It is noted here that this embodiment is particularly applicable with setting means adapted for mutually exclusive operation of the valves, thus preventing the valves being activated simultaneously and both fluids being mixed.

Embodiments applied in different embodiments discussed above can be combined with each other.

Claims

1. Device for containing and dosed delivering of at least one fluid, comprising:

- a container with at least one compartment for the fluid to be delivered; and - at least one controllable dosing device connected to a compartment for delivering a dosage of fluid from said compartment after operation of the dosing device, characterized in that the at least one dosing device is provided with setting means displaceable by operation, and that the at least one dosing device is adapted to deliver a variable dosage of fluid subject to the position of the setting means.

2. Device as claimed in claim 1 , characterized by:

- a drive element for driving the movable parts of the valves;

- a movement-limiting element forming part of the setting means and movable by operation from an inactive position to an active position; and - an operating element which forms part of the setting means, is coupled to the movement-limiting element, can be operated from outside the device and which is movable in only a single direction relative to the fixed parts of the device.

3. Device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the container is provided with a propellant and that the dosing device is provided with at least one normally closed valve which is connected to a dispensing opening and from which the flow rate of the fluid dispensed when the valve is opened depends on the extent to which a movable part of the valve is pressed in, and that the setting means are adapted to limit, subject to their position, the length to which the movable part of the valve is pressed in.

4. Device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that

- the dosing device is provided with a valve which is connected to a dispensing opening and provided with a movable part, and which is adapted during movement of the movable part from its closed position counter to a spring force to generate a pressure in the compartment connected to the valve and to connect the compartment to the dispensing opening of the valve,

- the quantity of fluid dispensed by the valve depends on the length of the movement of the movable part of the valve; and - the setting means are adapted to limit, subject to their position, the length of the movable part of the valve.

5. Device as claimed in claim 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that the at least one movement-limiting element is adapted to be moved by operation transversely of the direction of movement of the movable part of the valve, and that in the active position at least a part of the movement-limiting element is situated between the drive element and a stop connected to a fixed part of the dosing device.

6. Device as claimed in claim 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that the movable part of the valve is provided with a carrier element, that the at least one movement-limiting element is adapted to be moved by operation transversely of the direction of movement of the movable part of the valve, and that in the active position at least a part of the movement-limiting element is situated between the drive element and the carrier element.

7. Device as claimed in claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the movement-limiting element is coupled to the movable part of the valve for the purpose of movement in the direction of the valve, and that the movement-limiting element is coupled to the operating element for the purpose of movement transversely of the direction of movement of the movable parts of the valves.

8. Device as claimed in claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the movement-limiting element is non-movable in the direction of movement of the valve.

9. Device as claimed in claim 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that the container is accommodated in a carrier for movement in the direction of movement of the movable part of the valve, and that the movement-limiting element is coupled to the container for the purpose of limiting the movement of the container in the active position of the movement-limiting element.

10. Device as claimed in any of the claims 2-9, characterized in that the movement-limiting element comprises at least a part with two surfaces placed at a distance from each other in the direction of movement of the valve for the purpose of blocking the displacement of the movable part of the at least one valve during operation of the drive element.

11. Device as claimed in any of the claims 2-9, characterized in that the movement-limiting element comprises at least a part with a finite number of parts, each with surfaces placed at a different distance from each other in the direction of movement of the valve, for the purpose of limiting the displacement of the movable part of the at least one valve during operation of the drive element.

12. Device as claimed in any of the claims 2-9, characterized in that the movement-limiting element comprises at least a part with two surfaces placed at gradually changing distance from each other in the direction of movement of the valve for the purpose of limiting the displacement of the movable part of the at least one valve during operation of the drive element.

13. Device as claimed in any of the claims 2-12, characterized in that the movement-limiting element is placed rotatably in the dosing device.

14. Device as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that the movement-limiting element is rotatable only in a position separately of the stop connected to the fixed part of the dosing device.

15. Device as claimed in claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the movement- limiting element is provided with at least one arcuate slot through which the at least one valve extends, and that at least one of the edges of the slot is provided with surfaces for limiting the displacement of the movable part of the at least one valve during operation of the drive element.

16. Device as claimed in any of the claims 2-15, characterized in that the drive element is coupled to a resilient element for urging the drive element to the rest position.

17. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the dosing device is provided with a first and at least a second valve, and that the movement-limiting element is adapted to limit only the movement length of the at least second valve.

18. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the dosing device is provided with at least a first and a second valve and that the movement-limiting element is adapted to limit the movement length of both valves.

19. Device as claimed in claim 18, characterized in that each of the valves is connected to a separate container, the containers are accommodated together in a carrier and the containers are movable in the direction of movement of the valves.

20. Device as claimed in claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the movement- limiting element is adapted to limit the movement length of both valves in opposing sense when the operating element is operated.

21. Device as claimed in claim 18, 19 or 20, characterized in that the movement- limiting element is provided with at least one arcuate slot through which the at least two valves at least partially extend, and that at least one of the edges of each of the slots is provided with surfaces for determining the displacement of the movable part of the at least one valve during operation of the drive element.

22. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the dosing device is provided with a first, a second and a third valve and that the movement-limiting element is adapted to simultaneously limit the movement length of the second and the third valve in opposing sense.

23. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the dosing device is provided with at least four valves, and that the movement-limiting element is adapted to limit the movement length of at least three valves.

24. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the dosing device is provided with at least two valves and with at least two movement- limiting elements which can be adjusted independently of each other and which are each adapted to limit the movement of at least one of the valves.

25. Device as claimed in claim 24, characterized in that the dosing device comprises at least two independently rotatable movement-limiting elements which are placed concentrically and which are each adapted to limit the movement of one of the valves, and which are each provided with at least one first arcuate slot through which the first valve at least partially extends, and are each provided with a second arcuate slot through which the second valve at least partially extends, that at least one of the edges of the first slot is provided with surfaces for limiting the displacement of the movable part of the first valve during operation of the drive element, and that at least one of the edges of the second slot is provided with surfaces for limiting the displacement of the movable part of the second valve during operation of the drive element.

26. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the operating element is provided with indicator means for indicating the position of the movement-limiting means.

27. Device as claimed in claim 26, characterized in that the indicator means are adapted to indicate a sequence of successive dosage settings.

28. Device as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that the compartments are each provided with a container which is manufactured from substantially flexible material and are placed together in a rigid container, wherein the rigid container is adapted to contain a propellant.

29. Device as claimed in any of the claims 17-28, characterized in that each of the valves is coupled to an outlet channel, and that the outlet channels are connected to a shared outflow opening.

30. Device as claimed in any of the claims 17-28, characterized in that each of the valves is coupled to an outlet channel, and that the outlet channels are each connected to a separate outflow opening.

31. Device as claimed in claim 30, characterized in that the outlet openings are adapted in mutually differing manner.

32. Device as claimed in claim 31 , characterized in that one of the outlet openings is adapted to dose a mouth spray, and another outlet opening is adapted to dose a nose spray.