EP3655339B1 - Container having a plurality of chambers - Google Patents

Description

field of invention

The present invention relates to containers for receiving and storing a number of different fluid and/or granular media with a number of chambers, which are also referred to below as sub-containers.

State of the art

It is generally known that bottles or cans are particularly suitable for storing or transporting liquids in them. Such liquids can be very diverse, such as drinks, shampoos, hair setting lotions, cleaning agents or the like.

Such containers with several chambers or partial containers are already known. For example, German utility model G 85 26 243 U1 describes a bottle consisting of two half-bottles, each of which has a bottle outlet and which are placed flush on top of one another with a flat bottle wall running in the longitudinal direction of the bottle. This is intended to solve the problem of designing a bottle of the type mentioned which, although it has a large volume, is easy to store in refrigerators or anywhere else and the contents of which do not taste stale after repeated opening.

Also the German patent application DE 44 39 869 A1 relates to a multi-piece bottle. The task to be solved is to provide a storage option for various substances that is handy and easy to transport and can also be easily manufactured. The invention there is based on a bottle for holding liquids and proposes that several identical individual bottles with a uniform cross section can be joined together to form a unit using connecting means. These connecting means are designed in such a way that the individual bottles can be individually detached from the unit and reattached, which means that they can also be used individually.

Also the German patent application DE 100 54 587 A1 presents a device which is used to hold liquids and has at least two interior spaces which are separate from one another and can be closed off from one another. In this case, the interior spaces extend side by side in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the interior space, at least along a significant part of their extent. Due to the arrangement of the inner spaces there next to one another, the mutually facing boundary surfaces of the inner spaces run directly next to one another and lead to mutual support of the partial containers.

The German patent application DE 42 19 598 A1 presents a two-chamber bottle with a plastic cap. This consists of two individual chambers, each of which has a flat wall that rests against one another and can be positively connected to one another with connecting means. The two chambers are definitively attached to one another by means of a special shared plastic fastener, which can be used to close the two chambers. A special associated closure is also described in more detail in this published application. This has a film hinge that can be designed as a snap hinge and in the European patent specification EP 0 147 423 B1 is described in more detail. In addition, the in DE 42 19 598 A1 presented plastic closure can be secured with a guarantee band. This is a band that is molded onto a lower part via several webs that serve as predetermined breaking points. The guarantee band serves as a guarantee of integrity and is particularly important when a bottle is used for food purposes.

Another way to build a two-chamber bottle is in DE 196 44 007 A1 described. A drinking or baby bottle is divided into two chambers with the help of a dividing wall, so that two different liquids can be filled into the chambers. The dividing wall represents a wall that can be assigned to both chambers. The two chambers therefore only partially have their own wall.

In the aforementioned documents, the chambers touch along an axis or surface that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container. In WO 2011/116442 A1 discloses a two-chamber container in which the contact between the two chambers or partial containers runs along a plane that is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the container.

Another form of contact surface is in WO 2012/117121 A1 described. The device is also a two-chamber container, but the chambers touch along a wave-shaped contact surface.

The same applies to the container system in the U.S. 2008/202966 A1 and is described according to the preamble of claim 1. The containers of the system have a cross-section with protuberances and recesses. The protuberances and recesses are shaped in such a way that the containers can be plugged into one another and in this way connected directly to one another, resulting in a multi-chamber container. In addition, the containers can also be connected to one another with the aid of web-shaped connecting means.

In addition to waveforms, the contact surface can also run along a spiral or helix. A multi-part bottle with such a contact surface is, for example, in US 6,325,229 B1 been disclosed.

In addition to aesthetic features, the shape of the contact surface can also fulfill technical tasks. The interlocking of the sub-containers that are in WO 2011/157851 A1 are described, ensures, for example, the mechanical stability of the connection. In this way, several sub-containers can be joined together and transported in a stable arrangement.

The multi-chamber containers known from the prior art all have several chambers, which are either directly adjacent to one another over a large area and are also connected to one another and/or are connected via fragile web-like connecting means. This requires a complex manufacturing process, with the individual chambers sometimes having to be joined together afterwards. In addition, the individual chambers in many of the known containers are in close thermal contact with one another.

Task

• Lebensmittel, wie insbesondere Getränke,
• Kosmetika, wie insbesondere Shampoos und Haarfestiger,
• Pharmazeutika,
• chemische Substanzen
  und/oder
• sonstige Stoffe, die flüssig, pulverförmig oder dergleichen sind,

geeignet ist sowie kompakt und stabil ist und einfach hergestellt werden kann. Außerdem sollen die einzelnen Teilbehälter des erfindungsgemäßen Behälters weitestgehend voneinander thermisch isoliert sein.It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a container with several sub-containers - also referred to as chambers - present the for

• food, such as beverages in particular,
• Cosmetics, such as in particular shampoos and hair setting lotions,
• pharmaceuticals,
• chemical substances
  and or
• other substances that are liquid, powdery or similar,

is suitable as well as being compact and stable and easy to manufacture. In addition, the individual sub-containers of the container according to the invention should be thermally insulated from one another as far as possible.

Solution

This object is solved by the subject matter of independent claim 1. Advantageous developments of the subject matter of the independent claims are characterized in the dependent claims. The wording of all claims is hereby made part of the content of this description by reference.

The use of the singular is not intended to exclude the plural, which also applies in reverse, unless otherwise disclosed.

The container according to the invention can be made of different materials, such as plastic and/or metal. This also means that connections made of different materials are possible, such as one made of plastic and a steel material. The selection depends on the desired application and in particular on the desired mechanical stress. When made of plastic, the invention also has the advantage that it can be manufactured in one piece, such as by injection moulding, extrusion and/or blow molding. The space that is available between the individual part containers can be used for arranging the injection molding tool. Depending on the material used, other methods, such as casting methods and/or the use of a 3D printer, can also be used for production.

The container according to the invention serves to receive and store a number of different fluid and/or granular media. For this purpose, it has at least two sub-containers, each with its own walls. A first partial container can accommodate a first medium and a second partial container can accommodate a second medium. The container is designed in such a way that the first medium in the first sub-container can be stored separately from the second medium in the second sub-container. The sub-containers are connected to one another by a connecting means, the connecting means being fixed to the walls of the sub-containers and separating the walls of the individual sub-containers from one another in such a way that the distance between the outer surfaces of the walls is no less than 0.2 mm. The connecting means is designed as a central element that runs from the bottom of the fuselage to its neck and has the shape of a cylindrical tube that has a cavity inside and the outer wall of which is connected to the individual sub-containers.

The container according to the invention has a body which has at least two sub-containers. The hull has a lower area, which is also referred to as the floor, and an upper area in which there are openings for the sub-containers. This upper area can also have the shape of a bottle neck. The area in between is also referred to as the middle area. The fuselage has an axis running centrally within the fuselage from its upper portion to its lower portion, referred to herein as the longitudinal axis.

• der Längsachse des Rumpfes,
• mindestens einer weiteren Achse, die im Wesentlichen parallel zu dieser Längsachse verläuft, und/oder
• einer Spirale, die um die Längsachse und/oder um eine der weiteren Achsen verläuft.

The sub-containers each have their own wall and preferably each have their own opening and are shaped and arranged in such a way that they extend along a predetermined course with the help of the central element, which extends at least in sections along the longitudinal axis (L) and/or along at least one of the other axes , are connected to each other. This predetermined course corresponds

• the longitudinal axis of the trunk,
• at least one further axis, which runs essentially parallel to this longitudinal axis, and/or
• a spiral running around the longitudinal axis and/or around one of the other axes.

This connection can be present over the entire length of the fuselage or the length of adjacent sub-containers, which can also be designed in a spiral shape, or only at certain points, ie at individual points along the specified course. Outside of these connections, the walls of the individual container parts have a predetermined distance from one another, so that they are largely separated from one another by air gaps.

On the one hand, the advantages of the air gaps mentioned must be taken into account, such as thermal insulation and the possibility of introducing production equipment there. On the other hand, greater stability is achieved by directly connecting adjacent sub-containers. In view of these aspects and taking into account the material used, it has proven that at least one of the air gaps has a total length over the entire height of the fuselage or along adjacent sub-containers, the value of which is at least 50% - and preferably at least 80% or 90% - of the fuselage height corresponds. Total length here means the sum of the partial lengths of the air gap over the corresponding sections along the fuselage. In this case, all air gaps can have the same overall length. But it is also possible that at least one of them has a different overall length than the other air gaps.

The sub-containers can be the same size. However, it is also possible for at least one of them to have a different size--and thus a different capacity--to the other sub-containers. The air gaps can also be of different sizes, for example to enable different thermal insulations between adjacent sub-containers.

At least one of the sub-containers can have more than one chamber, which can also be referred to as a sub-sub-container. Each of these sub-containers preferably has its own opening. There is preferably no air gap between sub-part containers of the same part container. Substances that are in such sub-containers are on the one hand separated from one another and can also be removed separately; however, they are thermally less insulated from one another than substances that are in different sub-containers. The use of such sub-containers enables a compact design.

It is possible that at least some of the sub-containers are shaped in such a way that the central element is subsequently attached to it by means of a form-fitting connection. A connection with a groove into which a corresponding bulge is introduced has proven particularly effective for this purpose. This has the particular advantage that sub-container subsequently with each other connected or used individually. This solution is therefore also referred to as a modular or hybrid concept.

It is also possible to manufacture the central element, which can consist of plastic and/or metal, for example, separately and then to introduce this into the manufacturing process for the partial containers. As soon as the material of the sub-containers, such as plastic and/or metal, solidifies, the sub-containers connect to the introduced central element. The introduced central element and the associated sub-containers are preferably made of the same material. For a stable connection between the central element and the associated sub-containers, other methods can also be used in addition or instead, such as welding, gluing and/or other suitable methods.

The central element can have at least one arm which protrudes into the space between two adjacent sub-containers.

• eines Gewindes mit zugehörigem Gegengewinde
• eines Klemmmechanismus

und/oder dergleichen.Usually, several or all of the sub-containers have their own opening. In principle, these openings can be closed individually, for example by means of glued-on foils or suitable sealing plugs. Such a closure will usually also be present before a filled container is used for the first time. However, in order to be able to easily open and close the container according to the invention after the first use, an associated closure is provided which can be mounted on the upper part of the body, for example by means of

• a thread with an associated mating thread
• a clamping mechanism

and/or the like.

This closure preferably has a large number of flaps which are associated with openings in the individual part containers. This means that by opening such a flap, the opening of the associated sub-container is released, so that a substance (such as a liquid) can be removed from it or filled in there. The flaps are hinged for easy handling. This can be realized in various ways, such as by means of a film hinge, a folding hinge, or a suitable rotatable bearing.

A rotatable bearing is usually designed such that a first bearing part is attached to the flap and a second bearing part is attached to the closure and/or to the body of the container. The first bearing part consists, for example, of two arms, on each of which a pin is arranged. The second bearing part is the matching counterpart to the first bearing part a rotatable storage allows, such as matching openings for said pins. For a space-saving realization of such a flap bearing, it is proposed according to the invention that one of these bearing parts is located inside the closure and/or the container. For this purpose, the first bearing part must also be adapted accordingly, for example by suitably shaping the arms that hold the pins. This design enables an almost flat surface on the top of the container or closure.

In a further embodiment it is also provided that unauthorized opening of the flaps is prevented or at least indicated. For this purpose, predetermined breaking points are provided between the flaps and the rest of the closure, which break when the flaps are opened for the first time. Such predetermined breaking points can be made possible, for example, by means of a guarantee band, as shown in FIG DE 42 19 598 A1 known. It is also possible to use suitable latching elements with predetermined breaking points, which latch when the flaps are closed and can then only be opened again via the predetermined breaking points.

Fig. 1

eine Seitenansicht eines bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiels

Fig. 2

eine Querschnittsdarstellung entlang der Linie A-A (Fig. 1)

Fig. 3

eine Querschnittsdarstellung entlang der Linie B-B (Fig. 1)

Fig. 4

eine Ausführungsform des Zentralelements

Fig. 5

eine weitere Querschnittsdarstellung für das Zentralelement entlang der Linie A-A (Fig. 1)

Fig. 6

eine Querschnittsdarstellung für zwei Teilbehälter

Fig. 7

eine Draufsicht auf den Verschluss

Fig. 8

eine Querschnittsdarstellung für einen Doppelpack

Fig. 9

einen Behälter mit Deckel, der sich in einer Vertiefung befindet.

Further details and advantages of the present invention are explained below on the basis of preferred exemplary embodiments with associated figures. show:

1

a side view of a preferred embodiment

2

a cross-sectional view along the line AA ( 1 )

3

a cross-sectional view along the line BB ( 1 )

4

an embodiment of the central element

figure 5

another cross-sectional representation for the central element along the line AA ( 1 )

6

a cross-sectional view for two sub-containers

7

a top view of the clasp

8

a cross-sectional view for a twin pack

9

a container with a lid placed in a recess.

• einen Rumpf 10 mit einer Höhe H, der hier drei Teilbehälter 12 aufweist (s.a. Fig. 2), wovon in Fig. 1 nur zwei erkennbar sind, sowie
• einen Verschluss 20 der im montierten Zustand im oberen Bereich des Rumpfes 10 auf dessen Hals 11 angeordnet ist und die drei Teilbehälter 12 verschließt.

1 shows a side view of a preferred embodiment of the container according to the invention. This includes

• a fuselage 10 with a height H, which here has three sub-containers 12 (see also 2 ), of which in 1 only two are recognizable as well
• a closure 20 which is arranged in the assembled state in the upper area of the fuselage 10 on its neck 11 and closes the three partial containers 12 .

In the 1 Sub-containers 12 shown are connected to a central element 16 which extends essentially along the longitudinal axis L of the body 10 and which will be discussed in more detail further below.

2 shows a cross-sectional representation along the line AA ( 1 ), which is located in the central area of the body 10 - ie between the area of the neck 11 and the container bottom. It can be seen in particular that in the preferred embodiment the body 10 has a circular base and the sub-containers 12 are connected to the central element 16 and extend outwardly therefrom. The cross sections of the sub-containers 12 each represent a circular sector with a sector angle α, these being the same size here for all sub-containers. There is an air gap 18 between adjacent sub-containers 12. The air gaps 18 shown here are of the same size and their cross section also represents a sector of a circle, each having a sector angle β. Due to the circular geometry and the equal angles in each case, it follows: $$\mathrm{a}+\mathrm{\beta }=120\mathrm{Degree}.$$

In this embodiment, each of the angles α = 100 degrees and each of the angles β = 20 degrees. However, it should be noted that the present invention is in no way limited to these angle values. This also means that the individual sub-containers 12 can be of unequal size and thus the angle α can be of different sizes for the individual sub-containers 12 .

3 shows a cross-sectional view for the neck 11 along the line BB ( 1 ). It can be seen that each of the partial containers 12 also has a cross section in the neck 11 which has the shape of a sector of a circle and has the sector angle α. Since the diameter of the neck 11 is smaller than in the lower part of the trunk 10, the respective sections of the sub-containers are designated here with 12a. In this exemplary embodiment, the air gaps are also present within the neck 11 and are denoted here by 18a because of their smaller extent. In the preferred embodiment gem. Figures 1 and 2 the air gaps 18, 18a run continuously with the same sector angle β from the bottom of the body 10 to the upper end of the neck 11, so that the partial containers 12, 12a are only connected to one another via the central element 16. A high level of thermal insulation between the individual partial containers 12 can thus be made possible. This has the particular advantage that liquids of different temperatures can be filled into the individual sub-containers 12 and the corresponding temperature differences over a longer period of time can be maintained. It is also possible to use the air gaps 18, 18a for the placement of tools, such as injection molding tools, during the manufacturing process. For the reasons mentioned, it has proven useful to provide the following range of values for the angle β:
β = 5 - 50 degrees, with the range between 15 and 25 degrees being particularly preferred.

It should be noted here that, given the circular geometry, the following applies to sub-containers 12 of the same size: α+β=120 degrees; as already mentioned above.

It goes without saying that the individual sub-containers 12 do not have to be of the same size. For example, it is possible that one of them is larger or smaller than the other two. It is still possible that all three are different sizes. This also applies accordingly to the associated angles α. In addition, the air gaps 18, 18a and thus the angle β can be of different sizes. It is of course also possible that more or fewer than three of the sub-containers 12 are provided. In such cases, of course, there are other relationships for the angles mentioned, which are generally known to the person skilled in the art and which do not need to be discussed in more detail here.

4 shows the central element 16 in a cross-sectional view. Since this runs continuously in the preferred exemplary embodiment from the bottom of the fuselage 10 to its neck 11, this representation corresponds to an enlargement of the associated representations from FIGS 2 and 3 . It can be seen in particular that the central element 16 is in the form of a cylindrical tube which has a hollow space on the inside and the outer wall of which is connected to the individual sub-containers 12 .

In figure 5 shows an alternative cross-sectional representation along the line AA ( 1 ). The further alternative for the central element, which is designated here as 16', is essential here. It can be seen here that the central element 16 ′ has further arms 17 which protrude into the air gaps 18 and thus enable a mechanically more stable connection between the central element 16 ′ and the individual part containers 12 .

6 shows a further alternative for the design of the hull 10 in a cross-sectional representation, this representation relating in particular to its central area. The main difference compared to the previously described embodiments is that here there are only two of the partial containers (designated here with 112), which are designed in such a way that they are connected to one another by means of a central element 116 and the associated air gaps 118 each have a cross section with two have parallel long sides. This means that the cross-section of the air gap does not represent a sector of a circle here. On the one hand, such a two-chamber design is easier to produce than a container with three or more chambers. In addition, such an embodiment is particularly suitable for beverage cans, which are usually made of metal, such as sheet metal, aluminum or the like, often using deep drawing or stamping without a welding process. For the sake of completeness, it should be mentioned that a container with two partial containers 12 or 112 can also be designed in such a way that one or both of the air gaps 18 or 118 has the cross section of a circular sector. This enables a striking aesthetic design.

In the previously described exemplary embodiments of the container or body 10 according to the invention, a central element 16 or 116 is provided in each case, which is firmly connected to the associated sub-containers as part of the manufacturing process. However, the container of the present invention is by no means limited thereto. This is because other designs are also possible, in which case several of the partial containers 12, 112 can only realize a common body 10 by subsequently joining them together. This is discussed in more detail below.

• Noppen 30, die bei Aufstecken des Verschlusses 20 in den Luftspalten 18 verklemmen (s. Fig. 7),
• ein Gewinde mit zugehörigem Gegengewinde am Hals 11 (in den Fig. nicht dargestellt),
• und/oder dergleichen.

the inside 1 The closure 20 shown consists essentially of a cover 22, from the outside of which a wall 24 protrudes in a collar-like manner downwards. The closure 20 has internal means by which it can be fixed to the body 10, in particular to the neck 11 thereof. Such means are, for example

• Nobs 30, which jam in the air gaps 18 when the closure 20 is attached (see Fig. 7 ),
• a thread with an associated mating thread on the neck 11 (not shown in the figures),
• and/or the like.

• Einem Zentralteil 26, das in das Innere des Verschlusses 20 ragt und dort im montierten Zustand in die Öffnung des Zentralelements 16 eingeführt ist, um den Verschluss 20 auf dem Hals 11 zu zentrieren.
• Drei Stege 28, die in das Innere des Verschlusses 20 und dort im montierten Zustand über die Luftspalte 18 ragen.
• Drei Noppen 30, die ebenfalls in das Innere des Verschlusses 20 und dort im montierten Zustand in die Luftspalte 18 ragen, um den Verschluss 20 zu fixieren.
• Drei Klappen 32, die derart gestaltet und angeordnet sind, dass sie im montierten Zustand des Verschlusses 20 jeweils oberhalb eines der Teilbehälter 12 angeordnet sind. Die Klappen 32 sind mit ihrer Innenseite 34, also der in Richtung Zentralteil 26 zeigenden Seite, gelenkig mit dem Deckel 22 verbunden, so dass sie entsprechend nach oben geschwenkt werden können. Ein geeignetes und bevorzugtes Gelenk dafür ist beispielsweise ein Filmscharnier bzw. ein Schnappscharnier, wie in DE 42 19 598 A1 beschrieben. Weiterhin ist es auch möglich, Klappenlager zu verwenden, bei dem Stifte in zugehörigen Öffnungen drehbar gelagert sind. Dabei ist es besonders vorteilhaft, wenn diese Lager sich innerhalb des Verschlusses 20 befinden. Dadurch wird ermöglicht, dass der Deckel 22 eine nahezu plane Oberfläche ohne störende mechanische Teile aufweist.
• Drei Garantiebänder 36, die an den Außenseiten der Klappen 32 angeordnet sind und beispielsweise in DE 42 19 598 A1 näher beschrieben sind.

7 represents the top of the closure 20 and thus the lid 22 for a container according to the Figures 1 - 3 as a symbolic top view. The cover 22 essentially consists of a circular disc with the following elements:

• A central part 26, which protrudes into the interior of the closure 20 and is inserted there into the opening of the central element 16 in the assembled state in order to center the closure 20 on the neck 11.
• Three webs 28, which protrude into the interior of the closure 20 and there in the assembled state over the air gaps 18.
• Three nubs 30, which also protrude into the interior of the closure 20 and there, in the assembled state, into the air gaps 18 in order to fix the closure 20 in place.
• Three flaps 32 which are designed and arranged in such a way that they are each arranged above one of the partial containers 12 when the closure 20 is in the assembled state. The flaps 32 are connected with their inner side 34, i.e. in the direction of the central part 26 showing side, hinged to the cover 22 so that they can be pivoted upwards accordingly. A suitable and preferred joint for this is, for example, a film hinge or a snap hinge, as in DE 42 19 598 A1 described. Furthermore, it is also possible to use flap bearings in which pins are rotatably mounted in associated openings. It is particularly advantageous if these bearings are located within the closure 20. This makes it possible for the cover 22 to have an almost planar surface without any interfering mechanical parts.
• Three guarantee bands 36, which are arranged on the outside of the flaps 32 and, for example, in DE 42 19 598 A1 are described in more detail.

• Die Anzahl der Teilbehälter (12; 112) kann auch erhöht werden, wenn mehrere Rümpfe 10 miteinander verbunden werden. Ein entsprechendes Beispiel dafür ist in Fig. 8 in Form eines "Doppelpacks" gezeigt. Die beiden dort dargestellten Rümpfe 10, 10' weisen je zwei Teilbehälter 112 auf und sind über ein Verbindungselement 300 miteinander verbunden.
• Die Teilbehälter 12 können derart gestaltet sein, dass der Rumpf 10 auch im oberen Bereich einen Durchmesser aufweist, der gleich oder ähnlich ist, wie in seiner Mitte und/oder in seinem unteren Bereich. Damit entfällt also der Hals 11. Der zugehörige Verschluss 20 muss dann entsprechend gestaltet werden.
• Jeder der Teilbehälter 12 kann einen eigenen Verschluss für seine Öffnung aufweisen.
• Der erfindungsgemäße Behälter kann als Getränkedose mit mehreren Teilbehältern gestaltet sein.
• Die Größe des erfindungsgemäßen Behälters kann sehr unterschiedlich sein und auch große Behälter für industrielle Zwecke umfassen. Da diese sperrig und im befüllten Zustand auch schwer sein können, ist bei einer Weiterbildung vorgesehen, den Boden des Behälters mit Transportschlitzen zu versehen, so dass Zinken eines Gabelstaplers oder dergleichen dort für den Transport eingeführt werden können.
• Der Verschluss 20 erlaubt ebenfalls vielfältige Variationen und Abwandlungen. Dabei ist es beispielsweise möglich, dass zusätzlich oder statt der Garantiebänder 36 an den Außenseiten der Klappen 32 Rastelemente vorgesehen sind mit zugehörigem Gegenstück an dem Deckel 20 und/oder an der Wandung 24. Wichtig dabei ist, dass
  • die Verbindung zwischen Rastelement und Gegenstück nahezu unlösbar ist und dass
  • das Rastelement und/oder das Gegenstück eine Sollbruchstelle aufweist, die beschädigt wird, wenn ein Nutzer die zugehörige Klappe 32 öffnet.

Bevorzugte Rastelemente arbeiten nach dem Prinzip der Schnappverbindung, wie beispielsweise ein Schnapphaken, der unlösbar mit einem passenden Gegenstück verbunden ist.

• Der Hals 211 kann derart gestaltet sein, dass er oberhalb der Teilbehälter 12 eine Vertiefung bildet (s. Fig. 9). In diese ist ein Verschluss eingesetzt (hier mit 220 bezeichnet), der mittels geeigneter Mittel dort gehalten wird, wie durch ein Gewinde, eine Rastverbindung mit Nuten oder dergleichen.
• Zumindest einzelne der Teilbehälter 12 können derart gestaltet sein, dass sie mehr als eine Kammer aufweisen, die auch als Unter-Teilbehälter bezeichnet werden können. Jeder dieser Unter-Teilbehälter weist eine eigene Öffnung auf, die bei entsprechender Gestaltung des zugehörigen Verschlusses separat zugänglich gemacht werden können.
• Zumindest einzelne der Teilbehälter 12, 112 können zumindest abschnittsweise, eine Spiralform aufweisen, also schnecken- bzw. spiralförmig verlaufen. Das heißt, dass diese sich um die Längsachse L und/oder um eine weitere Achse, die im Wesentlichen parallel zu der Längsachse L verläuft, winden. Dabei kann eine solche Spiralform über die gesamte Höhe H des Rumpfes 10, also von den Öffnungen bis zum Boden, unterhalb des Halses 11 und/oder an anderen Abschnitten des Rumpfes 10 vorgesehen sein.

The exemplary embodiments described are only examples. Many variations and modifications of the described designs are possible, such as:

• The number of sub-containers (12; 112) can also be increased if several hulls 10 are connected to one another. A corresponding example is in 8 shown in the form of a "double pack". The two hulls 10, 10' shown there each have two sub-containers 112 and are connected to one another via a connecting element 300.
• The partial containers 12 can be designed in such a way that the body 10 also has a diameter in the upper area which is the same as or similar to that in its middle and/or in its lower area. This eliminates the neck 11. The associated closure 20 must then be designed accordingly.
• Each of the sub-containers 12 can have its own closure for its opening.
• The container according to the invention can be designed as a beverage can with several sub-containers.
• The size of the container according to the invention can vary greatly and also include large containers for industrial purposes. Since these can be bulky and heavy when full, a development provides for the bottom of the container to be provided with transport slots so that the tines of a forklift truck or the like can be inserted there for transport.
• The closure 20 also allows many variations and modifications. It is possible, for example, that in addition to or instead of the guarantee bands 36, latching elements are provided on the outside of the flaps 32 with an associated counterpart on the cover 20 and/or on the wall 24. It is important that
  • the connection between the locking element and the counterpart is almost impossible to detach and that
  • the latching element and/or the counterpart has a predetermined breaking point which is damaged when a user opens the associated flap 32.

Preferred latching elements work on the principle of the snap connection, such as a snap hook, which is permanently connected to a matching counterpart.

• The neck 211 can be designed in such a way that it forms a depression above the partial containers 12 (see Fig. 9 ). A closure is inserted into this (designated here with 220), which is held there by suitable means, such as by a thread, a snap-in connection with grooves or the like.
• At least some of the sub-containers 12 can be designed in such a way that they have more than one chamber, which can also be referred to as sub-sub-containers. Each of these sub-containers has its own opening, which can be made accessible separately if the associated closure is designed appropriately.
• At least some of the sub-containers 12, 112 can have a spiral shape, at least in sections, ie run in the shape of a snail or spiral. This means that they wind around the longitudinal axis L and/or around another axis that runs essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis L. Such a spiral shape can be provided over the entire height H of the body 10, ie from the openings to the floor, below the neck 11 and/or on other sections of the body 10.

glossary container

A container is an object that has at least one cavity. In particular, it serves the purpose of separating its content from its environment.

fluid medium

A fluid medium is a gas or a liquid.

Granular medium

A granular medium consists of many small, solid particles such as grains or spheres. Examples of granular media are granular materials such as sand, pulverulent materials such as powder or, in large quantities, loose material such as rubble, gravel or boulders.

Reference sign

10

hull

11.211

Neck

12, 112

part container

12a

Part container in the area of 11

16, 116

central elements

17

Arms of 16`

18, 118

air gap

20, 220

closure

22

Lid

24

wall

26

central part

28

webs

30

nubs

32

Succeed

34

Inside pages of 32

36

guarantee bands

300

fastener

H

height of the hull

L

longitudinal axis

α, β

angle

cited literature cited patent literature

• DE 44 39 869 A1
• DE 100 54 587 A1
• DE 42 19 598 A1
• DE 196 44 007 A1
• WO 2011/116 442 A1
• WO 2012/117121 A1
• US 6,325,229 B1
• WO 2011/157851 A1
• U.S. 2008/202966 A1

cited utility model literature

DE 85 26 243 U1

Claims (12)

1. Container for receiving and storing a plurality of different fluid and/or granular media;

   1.1 wherein the container has a body (10) with at least two partial containers (12; 112) each with its own walls;

   1.2 wherein a first partial container can receive a first medium and a second partial container can receive a second medium; and

   1.3 the container is configured in such a way that the first medium in the first partial container can be stored separately from the second medium in the second partial container;

   1.4 wherein the partial containers (12; 112) are connected to each other by a connecting means (16; 16'; 116);

   1.4.1 wherein the connecting means (16; 16'; 116) is fixed to the walls of the partial containers (12; 112);

   1.4.2 wherein the connecting means (16; 16'; 116) separates the walls of the individual partial containers (12; 112) from one another;

   1.4.3 wherein the distance between the outer surfaces of the walls does not fall below a value of 0.2 mm;

   characterised in
   1.4.4 that the connecting means (16; 16'; 116) is a central element (16; 16'; 116) which extends from the bottom of the body (10) to the neck (11) thereof and is in the form of a cylindrical tube which has a cavity in the interior and the outer wall of which is connected to the individual partial containers (12; 112).
2. Container according to the preceding claim,
   characterised in
   that at least one of the partial containers (12; 112) has a spiral shape at least in sections.
3. Container according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in
   that at least one of the partial containers (12; 112) has a different size than the other partial containers (12; 112).
4. Container according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in
   that at least one of the partial containers (12; 112) has at least two chambers.
5. Container according to the preceding claim,
   characterised in
   that at least one of the partial containers (12; 112) with at least two chambers has openings for each of the chambers.
6. Container according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in
   that the connection between the central element (16; 16'; 116) and at least one of the partial containers (12, 112) is realised by a groove on one of the two parts and a protrusion on the other of the two parts, the protrusion being designed in such a way that it can be inserted into the groove to produce a form-fitting connection.
7. Container according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in
   that the central element (16') has at least one arm (17) which extends into the space between two adjacent partial containers (12; 112).
8. Container according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in
   that

   8.1 a closure (20) is provided which is mounted in the upper region of the body (10), and in that

   8.2 several or all of the partial containers (12; 112) have their own opening which, when the closure (20) is mounted and closed, are closed off from the openings of the other partial containers (12; 112) and/or from the outside world.
9. Container according to the previous claim,
   characterised in
   that the closure (20) has at least one flap (32) which, when the closure (20) is fitted, is assigned to one of the openings of the partial containers (12; 112) and releases the latter to the outside world when the flap (32) is opened.
10. Container according to the previous claim,
    characterised in
    that the at least one flap (32) is mounted in an articulated manner.
11. Container according to the previous claim,
    characterised in
    that a flap bearing is provided for the articulated mounting of the at least one flap (32), the flap bearing having a first bearing part which is rotatably mounted in a second bearing part, the second bearing part being located in the interior of the closure (20) and/or of the body (10).
12. Container according to any one of claims 9 to 11,
    characterised in
    that the at least one flap (32) is secured against unauthorised opening by predetermined breaking points (36).

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