EP2592018A1 - Container for multi-component compositions - Google Patents

Abstract

The package has a container (1) comprising a wall (2), another wall (3) lying opposite to the former wall and a closure (4) i.e. snap connection, where the closure divides the container into chambers (5, 6) in a leakproof manner. The closure has a locking piece (7) i.e. retaining element, that is arranged on the former wall. A closure counter part (8) i.e. plug-in element, is arranged on the latter wall, where a part of a spattle (9) forms the locking piece or the counter part. The locking piece has a semicircular cross-section, where an end area of the spattle forms a spring of the closure. An independent claim is also included for a method for application of compositions under usage of a package.

Description

Technical area

The invention is in the field of packaging of multicomponent compositions.

State of the art

In general, tubular bag packaging is used with advantage wherever it is necessary to pack liquid to pasty substances in small quantities. The removal is typically carried out after a targeted destruction of the outer skin of the tubular bag packaging. The mixing of the separately packaged components typically occurs either by combining the components outside the package, for example by blending with a spatula, or by blending the components within the package, for example by opening a closure in the package and then kneading the now interconnected components.

In particular, if the multicomponent composition has to be processed quickly, for example because of a short pot life or high time pressure, a homogeneous mixture of the components must be achieved quickly.

Furthermore, there are often, especially when used outdoors, no, only makeshift or only rudimentary (rod, etc) aids for mixing the components available.

Further, often a significant portion of the contents in the package will remain due to the foregoing methods.

This often leads to insufficient and / or inhomogeneous mixing, and in particular to a short time for mixing the multicomponent composition, and thus to poor quality multicomponent composition and high material loss.

Presentation of the invention

It is therefore the object to provide apparatuses and methods for mixing / applying substances in multi-component packages, which do not have the aforementioned disadvantages.

This object is achieved by the packaging and the method for applying a multi-component composition according to the independent claims.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

Short description of the drawing

In the following, embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. The same elements are provided in the various figures with the same reference numerals.

Fig.1

Längsquerschnitt durch eine erfindungsgemässe Verpackung

Fig. 2a/2b

Seitliche Ansicht eines Spatels

Fig. 3

Seitlicher Querschnitt durch einen Verschluss

Fig. 4

Weiterer Längsquerschnitt durch eine erfindungsgemässe Verpackung

Fig. 5

Mischen der Inhalte der ersten und der zweiten Kammer unter Zuhilfenahme des Spatels

Show it:

Fig.1

Longitudinal cross section through a packaging according to the invention

Fig. 2a / 2b

Side view of a spatula

Fig. 3

Lateral cross section through a closure

Fig. 4

Further longitudinal cross-section through a packaging according to the invention

Fig. 5

Mixing the contents of the first and second chambers with the aid of the spatula

Only the elements essential for the immediate understanding of the invention are shown.

Way to carry out the invention

In the FIG. 1 a package for separate storage and subsequent mixing of several components is shown, comprising a container 1, which is formed from a first wall 2 and an opposite second wall 3. A shutter 4 shares the Container leak-tight in a first chamber 5 and a second chamber 6 within the container. The closure 4 is formed from a closure piece 7, which is arranged on the first wall 2, and a closure counterpart 8, which is arranged on the opposite second wall 3, wherein a part of a spatula 9 forms the closure piece 7 or the closure counterpart 8.

The closure 4 is preferably a snap connection or a pressure connection, in particular a snap connection with interlocking counterparts, preferably a snap connection with an interlocking plug element (male element) and an interlocking receiving element (female element). The interlocking male element may have a semicircular cross-section. The interlocking receiving member may have two inwardly curved members which form a receptacle or channel into which the interengaging male member can snap-engage. This is for example in FIG. 3 shown.

The closure 4 is in particular preferably a snap-fit connection with interlocking counterparts, wherein the closure piece 7 is an interlocking receiving element and the closure counterpart 8 is an interlocking plug-in element.

The closure 4 may further be a plug connection, in particular a tongue and groove connection, wherein the closure piece 7 is the groove and the closure counterpart 8 is the spring.

The shutter 4 leaks the container into a first chamber 5 and a second chamber 6 within the container. The term "leak-tight" is understood in the present document that the closure in the closed state does not allow exchange between the components located in the two chambers.

The closure piece 7 is preferably an interlocking receiving element with a substantially semicircular cross section and the closure counterpart 8 is an interlocking plug element with a substantially semicircular cross section.

It is also advantageous if a part of the spatula 9 forms the closure counterpart 8. However, it is also possible that a part of the spatula 9 forms the closure piece 7.

A part of a spatula 9 forms the closure piece 7 or the closure counterpart 8, as for example in the FIGS. 2a . 2 B and 3 is shown. This is to the advantage of advantage, because as a slim arrangement of the packaging possible, which is advantageous in confined spaces. So, as in FIG. 4 shown, the two chambers 5/6 are arranged one above the other, with the spatula 9 comes to lie in between.

A further advantage is a reduction of the waste, since the spatula forms part of the closure 4. Furthermore, this reduces the risk of losing the spatula.

The spatula preferably has rounded corners, thereby reducing the risk of injury / damage to the packaging, particularly the walls 2/3.

The spatula is preferably made of a plastic, in particular of a plastic with low adhesion to multi-component adhesives. This offers the advantage that an application of multi-component adhesives with the aid of the spatula is simplified. It is also preferred if the spatula is produced by injection molding, as this causes the production costs are particularly low in large quantities.

Preferably, the spatula 9 is made of a thermoplastic material selected from the group consisting of high density polyethylene (HDPE), medium density polyethylene (MDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP ), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Polyamides (PA), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), chlorosulfonated polyethylene and thermoplastic polyolefins (TPO).

The container 1 is formed of a first wall 2 and an opposite second wall 3. Typically, the first wall 2 and the opposing second wall 3 are walls of flexible material. The term "flexible material" in the present document means a material which in particular allows a mixing of the contents with the aid of the spatula and the application of the mixed contents with the aid of the spatula, as described below. It is also advantageous if the material of the walls is a material which allows mixing of the contents by kneading by hand.

Preferably, the walls 2/3 comprise a material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, low density polyethylene (LDPE) and polyamides (PA).

The thickness of the walls 2/3 is preferably 50-300 microns, especially 100-150 microns.

Preferably, the walls 2/3 have a tensile strength (average) according to DIN EN IS0527-1 to 3 of longitudinal ≥40, transverse ≥40, in particular longitudinal ≥50, transverse ≥50, and / or an elongation at break (mean) according to DIN EN ISO527-1 to 3 of longitudinal ≥50, transverse ≥50, in particular longitudinal ≥60, transverse ≥60.

The container preferably has a contact surface 17 which surrounds the container in a frame-shaped manner and is formed by a composite of the first wall 2 and an opposing second wall 3, the composite preferably being welded and / or adhesively bonded and / or crimped on the two walls is formed. This is inexpensive and produces little waste.

The container has a first chamber 5 and a second chamber 6. The container may also have further chambers, which are formed by other closures leak-tight within the container.

Preferably, there is a component A 14 in the first chamber 5 and a component B 15 in the second chamber 6, component A 14 and component B 15 being able to react chemically with one another.

Preferably, component B is a compound which reacts chemically with component A , in particular for the polymerization of component A , for example by initiation or acceleration, and can lead to the final curing of component A. By "polymerization" in this document is meant any kind of conversion of low molecular weight compounds (monomers, oligomers, prepolymers) into high molecular weight compounds (polymers, macromolecules, polymers) and includes polyaddition and polycondensation.

Preferably, the component A 14 and / or the component B (15) is a pasty substance. Preferably, the pasty substance has a viscosity according to DIN 53019 measured at 25 ° C of 1 - 1000 Pa.s, in particular 5 - 100 Pa.s, in particular 10 to 50 Pa.s, on.

Preferably, components A 14 and B 15 are components of adhesive compositions and / or sealant compositions.

Component A is preferably an adhesive and component B is a curing accelerator.

The ratio of the volume of component B to the volume of component A is preferably 1: 1 to 1:10, in particular 1: 2 to 1: 5, preferably 1: 2 to 1: 3.

Preferably, the container 1 has a closable outlet 16, which is connected to the first chamber 5 or the second chamber 6, as shown for example in FIG FIG. 1 is apparent.

Preferably, the outlet 16 is made of a plastic, in particular of a plastic with low adhesion to multi-component adhesives. As a result, a targeted opening of the container can be achieved and an exact application of the content is simplified.

Preferably, the closable outlet 16 is an outlet with a screw cap.

1. a) Öffnen des Verschlusses 4 und damit Verbinden der Inhalte der ersten Kammer 5 und der zweiten Kammer 6 innerhalb des Behälters,
2. b) Mischen der Inhalte der ersten Kammer 5 und der zweiten Kammer 6 unter Zuhilfenahme jenes Teils des Spatels 9, welcher das Verschlussstück 7 oder das Verschlussgegenstück 8 bildet, ohne dass der Behälter geöffnet wird,
3. c) Applikation des vermischten Inhalts der ersten Kammer 5 und der zweiten Kammer 6 unter Zuhilfenahme des Spatels 9.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for applying a multi-component composition using a package as described above, comprising the steps:

1. a) opening the closure 4 and thus connecting the contents of the first chamber 5 and the second chamber 6 within the container,
2. b) mixing the contents of the first chamber 5 and the second chamber 6 with the aid of that part of the spatula 9 which forms the closure piece 7 or the closure counterpart 8 without the container being opened,
3. c) Application of the mixed contents of the first chamber 5 and the second chamber 6 with the aid of the spatula 9.

Preferably, the mixing in step b) results in substantially homogeneous mixing of the contents of the first and second chambers.

Preferably, in step b), the contents of the first chamber 5 and the contents of the second chamber 6 are moved longitudinally from one end of the container into the other end of the container. The movement is carried out with the aid of the part of the spatula 9, which forms the closure piece 7 or the closure counterpart 8, by pressing the first wall 2 on the opposite second wall 3 while moving in the longitudinal direction of the container. This is in FIG. 5 shown.

Preferably, the movement of the contents of the first chamber 5 and the contents of the second chamber 6 longitudinally from one end of the container to the other end of the container is performed 4 - 8 times, this is conducive to a homogeneous mixing of the components.

Homogeneous mixing of the components is particularly beneficial if, after moving the contents of the first chamber 5 and the contents of the second chamber 6 in the longitudinal direction of one end of the Container in the other end of the container of the part of the container, which is substantially free of contents of the first chamber 5 and contents of the second chamber 6 is rolled up, and thereafter the part of the container, which is substantially the contents of the first chamber 5 and contents contains the second chamber 6, is kneaded by hand. A particularly homogeneous mixing is achieved when the longitudinal movement from one end of the container to the other end of the container has been carried out 4-8 times.

A homogeneous mixing of the components is beneficial if the spatula 9 has no curvature over its entire transverse direction. As a result, after removal of the shutter 4, the spatula can be used particularly well for mixing the contents of the first chamber 5 and the second chamber 6, without the container being opened / damaged. By pressing the spatula of the first wall 2 on the opposite second wall 3 with simultaneous movement in the longitudinal direction of the container mentioned contents are mixed, especially with multiple movement in the longitudinal direction of the container. Such a shape of the spatula allows a high flexibility in the movement of the spatula in the longitudinal direction of the container while pressing the container against a substrate.

Further, it is advantageous if the spatula 9 has a head region 10, an end region 11 and an intermediate neck region 12, and the end region 11 forms the closure piece 7 or the closure counterpart 8. This is for example in FIG. 2a or 2 B seen. The head region 10 may preferably be used for application of the mixed contents of the first chamber 5 and the second chamber 6, in particular if the head region 10, as in FIG FIG. 2a shown, a plurality of, arranged at regular intervals in the lateral direction depressions 13. The depressions can be, for example, semicircular, rectangular, trapezoidal or triangular in shape, this allows a uniform application in caterpillar form.

However, it may also be advantageous for uniform application when the head region 10 is in relation to the lateral cross section is wedge-shaped, as in FIG. 2b is apparent. This is advantageous in particular for the filling of cavities.

Preferably, the neck portion 12 of the spatula 9 has a thickness of 1-5 mm.

Such a spatula is advantageous, inter alia, because, as part of the closure system, it can separate the two chambers from each other and thus is always available, and in particular can not be lost. Further, because of its shape, it can be used for mixing and dispensing the contents of the compartments, and it can be used for processing / application of the mixed multicomponent composition, for example spreading or molding. A conventional spatula, in particular with a cylindrical handle, typically has sharp and / or pointed surfaces which may be suitable for processing / application of the mixed multicomponent composition, but would damage the container during mixing, especially when pressed and moved forward on the container.

It may also be advantageous if the mixing state of the contents of the container can be determined before opening the container, for example, characterized in that the container, in particular a wall 2/3, at least partially, consists of transparent material.

The steps a) -c) take place in the following chronological order. Between step b) and c), the container is opened. The opening typically takes place by slicing or tearing open. If the container has an outlet 16, it is preferably opened and the mixed composition is applied through it.

Of course, the container is typically opened at the point where the mixed composition is after mixing.

Example (A)

In a comparative experiment were in three containers in a first chamber, a polyurethane-based adhesive and in a second

Chamber containing a curing accelerator, the shutter opened by the tongue and groove connection was opened and removed. The containers consist of two walls of a layer structure of polyamide / LDPE / aluminum / LDPE (total thickness of a wall about 120 microns), which are interconnected by a sealed seam.

The first container was kneaded intensively by hand for one minute, after which the container was cut laterally with a knife and the contents pressed by hand in the form of a bead from the opening in the container onto a paper.

The second and third containers had a spatula whose end portion forms the spring of the closure.

In the second container, the contents of the first and second chambers were pushed from the left end portion of the bag to the right end portion of the bag, respectively backward, within 6 seconds while pressing with the end portion of the spatula. In this case, the end portion of the spatula was guided over the entire width of the container in the longitudinal direction, so that substantially no content remained in the area over which the spatula was guided. Thereafter, the container was cut laterally with a knife and the contents pressed by hand in the form of a bead from the opening in the container on a paper.

In the third container, the contents of the first and second chambers were pushed from the left end portion of the bag to the right end portion of the bag, respectively backward, 6 times while pressing with the end portion of the spatula, for 40 seconds. In this case, the end portion of the spatula was guided over the entire width of the container in the longitudinal direction, so that substantially no content remained in the area over which the spatula was guided. Subsequently, the flattened (and thus substantially deflated) part of the bag was rolled up within 5 seconds and then the end portion of the bag, which essentially contains the contents of the two chambers, was kneaded by hand for 10 seconds. Thereafter, the container was cut laterally with a knife and the contents are pressed by hand in the form of a bead from the opening in the container onto a paper.

The three methods described above were each performed at least 3 times. In the first method (first container), two-thirds of the tests found a poor mixing, one-third a moderate mixing, and in particular the poor mixing of the eye was detectable due to different coloring of the components and differences in the consistency of the composition pressed onto the paper.

In the second and third methods (second and third containers), good, homogeneous mixing was observed in all experiments, and the composition pressed on the paper was uniform in color and consistency. Further, it was found by weighing that the amount of the composition remaining in the package was 50% higher in the first method than in the second and third methods. By using the end portion of the spatula to push the composition from the package onto the paper, the amount of composition remaining in the package could be further significantly reduced.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments shown and described.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

container

2

First wall

3

Second wall

4

shutter

5

First chamber

6

Second Chamber

7

closing piece

8th

Closure counterpart

9

spatula

10

head area

11

end

12

neck

13

deepening

14

Component A

15

Component B

16

Lockable outlet

17

Container frame-shaped contact surface

Claims (14)

A package for separate storage and subsequent mixing of a plurality of components comprising a container (1) formed of a first wall (2) and an opposing second wall (3), a closure (4) which places the container in a first chamber (5) and a second chamber (6) leaking inside the container, the closure (4) being made of a closure piece (7) disposed on the first wall (2) and a closure counterpart (8) lying on the opposite second wall (8). 3), wherein a part of a spatula (9) forms the closure piece (7) or the closure counterpart (8). A package according to claim 1, characterized in that the closure (4) is a snap-fit connection with interlocking counterparts, the closure piece (7) being an interlocking receiving element and the closure counterpart (8) being one inside the other cross-plug element acts. Packaging according to claim 2, characterized in that it is the closure piece (7) is an interlocking receiving element having a substantially semicircular cross-section and the closure counterpart (8) is an interlocking male element having a substantially semicircular cross-section. Packaging according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that a part of a spatula (9) forms the closure counterpart (8). Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spatula (9) is made of one of a thermoplastic which is selected from the group consisting of high density polyethylene (HDPE), medium density polyethylene (MDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) , Polyamides (PA), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), chlorosulfonated polyethylene and thermoplastic polyolefins (TPO). Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spatula (9) has no curvature over its entire transverse direction. Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the first chamber (5) is a component A (14) and in the second chamber (6) is a component B (15), wherein component A (14) and component B (15) can chemically react with each other. Packaging according to claim 7, characterized in that the component A (14) and / or the component B (15) is a pasty substance. Packaging according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that components A (14) and B (15) are components of adhesive compositions and / or sealant compositions. Packaging according to claim 7 to 9, characterized in that the ratio of the volume of component B (15) to the volume of component A (14) 1: 1-1: 10, in particular 1: 2-1: 5, preferably 1: 2 - 1: 3, is. A method for applying a multi-component composition using a package according to any one of claims 1-10 comprising the steps: a) opening the closure (4) and thus connecting the contents of the first chamber (5) and the second chamber (6) within the container, b) mixing the contents of the first chamber (5) and the second chamber (6) with the aid of that part of the spatula (9) which forms the closure piece (7) or the closure counterpart (8) without the container being opened, c) application of the mixed contents of the first chamber (5) and the second chamber (6) with the aid of the spatula (9). A method according to claim 11, characterized in that in step b) the contents of the first chamber (5) and the contents of the second chamber (6) are moved longitudinally from one end of the container to the other end of the container, said moving under With the aid of the part of the spatula (9) forming the closure piece (7) or the closure counterpart (8), by pressing the first wall (2) on the opposite second wall (3) while moving in the longitudinal direction of the container. A method according to claim 12, characterized in that the movement of the contents of the first chamber (5) as well as the contents of the second chamber (6) in the longitudinal direction from one end of the container into the other end of the container 4-8 times. A method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that after moving the contents of the first chamber (5) and the contents of the second chamber (6) longitudinally from one end of the container into the other end of the container, the part of the container is substantially free of contents of the first chamber (5) and contents of the second chamber (6), is rolled up and then the part of the Container containing substantially the contents of the first chamber (5) and contents of the second chamber (6) is kneaded by hand.

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