EP3941851B1 - Système d'emballage et procédé pour préparations de produit à plusieurs composants - Google Patents

Système d'emballage et procédé pour préparations de produit à plusieurs composants Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3941851B1
EP3941851B1 EP20711066.9A EP20711066A EP3941851B1 EP 3941851 B1 EP3941851 B1 EP 3941851B1 EP 20711066 A EP20711066 A EP 20711066A EP 3941851 B1 EP3941851 B1 EP 3941851B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
container
closure element
closure
packaging system
closure cap
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP20711066.9A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP3941851A1 (fr
Inventor
Antoine LOMBARD
Philippe BLANK
Angelo DORI
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Henkel AG and Co KGaA
Original Assignee
Henkel AG and Co KGaA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Henkel AG and Co KGaA filed Critical Henkel AG and Co KGaA
Publication of EP3941851A1 publication Critical patent/EP3941851A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3941851B1 publication Critical patent/EP3941851B1/fr
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/32—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging two or more different materials which must be maintained separate prior to use in admixture
    • B65D81/3205—Separate rigid or semi-rigid containers joined to each other at their external surfaces
    • B65D81/3211—Separate rigid or semi-rigid containers joined to each other at their external surfaces coaxially and provided with means facilitating admixture
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D51/24—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
    • B65D51/28—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials
    • B65D51/2807—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container
    • B65D51/2814—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container the additional article or materials being released by piercing, cutting or tearing an element enclosing it

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a packaging system for a multi-component product preparation with a first container for holding a first product preparation component, with a second container for holding at least one second product preparation component and with a closure element which both seals the first container tightly from the environment and also has a coupling device. to couple the second container to the closure member and to provide fluid communication between the first container and the second container.
  • packaging systems are usually used for the targeted mixing of fluids that are initially stored separately and are mainly used when using two- or multi-component product preparations in which the individual preparation components are not compatible with each other due to their chemical composition or only shortly before actual use are to be mixed.
  • product preparations are known, inter alia, from the cosmetic, medical, food and detergent and cleaning agent sectors.
  • the German utility model describes DE 29721872 U1 for example, an arrangement for coupling two containers with the aim of possible mixing of fluids initially stored separately in the containers.
  • the coupling arrangement described there is used, among other things, for mixing individual components of hair dyes, the individual components being incompatible with one another and therefore having to be stored separately from one another in separate containers until they are actually used. The individual components are then mixed to form the ready-to-use hair dye immediately before use.
  • the coupling arrangement has two coupling elements, each of which enables the connection of an associated container.
  • the coupling elements each form a flow passage which is in fluid connection with the respective interior of the container.
  • the two flow passages within the clutch assembly are aligned with one another.
  • the clutch arrangement has a control element which is arranged in one of the flow passages so that it can be displaced between a first and second position.
  • the flow passages can be open or closed.
  • the flow passages are usually closed in the initial state of the clutch arrangement.
  • an additional plug is provided, which closes a flow passage in the initial state of the clutch arrangement. During use, the stopper is removed under the action of the displaceable control element, so that the flow passages are released for flow.
  • the coupling device has a valve arrangement which can be moved between a closed and an open position. In the open valve position, a flow passage is released in the coupling device, which forms a fluid connection between the two containers. Thus, when the valve is in the open position, mixing of the two contents of the container is permitted.
  • the object of the invention is to specify an adapter-like device for coupling two containers to enable the mixing of fluids stored separately therein, which allows simple and safe operation with a simple overall design and in particular excludes operating errors as far as possible. Furthermore, a safe method for mixing a multi-component product preparation using such a packaging system is to be specified.
  • fluids in the sense of the invention is understood to mean all flowable and pourable substances, i. H. not only liquid or correspondingly viscous substances but also solid bulk goods, such as powder or granules.
  • a packaging system for a multi-component product preparation which has a first container for holding a first product preparation component, a second container for holding at least one second product preparation component and a closure element.
  • the closure element seals the first container tightly from the environment and has a coupling device in order to couple the second container to the closure element and to create a fluid connection between the first container and the second container.
  • the closure element comprises a closure cap which can be separated from the closure element along a predetermined breaking point in order to release the fluid connection between the first container and the second container.
  • the closure cap is in a direction of rotation about an axis L des Closure element blocked and slidably coupled to the second container in a direction parallel to the axis L.
  • the advantage of the packaging system is that it is particularly safe to handle and is therefore also suitable for storing and mixing hazardous chemicals.
  • This is achieved in particular in that the first container is initially tightly closed by means of the closure cap. Only when the first container is connected to the second container via the coupling device of the closure cap can the closure cap be separated by breaking the predetermined breaking point. The fluid held in the first container is therefore only released when it can flow into the second container. Since the closure cap is initially tightly connected to the closure element, accidental release of fluid from the first container is largely ruled out.
  • the predetermined breaking point is designed, for example, as an area of the closure element with a particularly small wall thickness.
  • closure element is non-releasably connected to the first container, for example latched to the first container, with the exclusion of its destruction. It is then not possible to separate the closure element from the first container, for example by twisting it off, and thereby accidentally release fluid. The probability of operating errors is thus greatly reduced.
  • the closure element and the second container have mutually corresponding threaded portions in order to couple the second container to the closure element by screwing. This represents an advantageous possibility of securely and tightly connecting the second container to the closure element and thus ultimately to the first container.
  • the coupling device is designed as a collar with an internal thread, which can be slipped over an edge of an opening of the second container when the first container is being coupled to the second container, the internal thread interacting with an external thread of the second container in order to connect the coupling device with connect to the second container.
  • This embodiment has the advantage, among other things, that a thread on the edge of the second container, which is also used for a closure element of the second container to be removed before mixing, can be used for the connection to the closure element.
  • the second container can therefore be of particularly simple design.
  • the closure element and the second container have mutually corresponding coupling elements which allow a relative rotation of the closure element and the second container in a value range of less than 180°.
  • closure element can be designed in a particularly simple manner and can be produced particularly easily in an injection molding process.
  • the coupling elements on the closure element can be designed as projections that engage in depressions on the container, the dimensions of the depressions being wider than the projections such that the closure element can be rotated through a certain angle of 180° with respect to the second container.
  • the ability to twist is used to separate the closure cap from the closure element at the predetermined breaking point. Since the closure cap can be secured to the second container in a blocked manner in a direction of rotation about an axis L of the closure element, twisting the closure element relative to the second container can result in the closure cap being separated. A rotation of a few degrees may be sufficient for this. In order to ensure good handling, a relative rotation by, for example, 10° to less than 180°, in particular by 30° to 90°, can be advantageous.
  • the blocking of the closure cap against rotation about the axis L can be achieved, for example, in that the closure cap has at least one projection which, during the coupling to the second container, interacts with at least one corresponding depression or recess on the second container in such a way that a Rotation of the cap is blocked relative to the second container.
  • the closure cap has at least one projection which, during the coupling to the second container, interacts with at least one corresponding depression or recess on the second container in such a way that a Rotation of the cap is blocked relative to the second container.
  • several such projections and depressions can also be provided, which are distributed over the circumference of the container or the closure cap.
  • the sealing cap has a large number of locking teeth in its edge region, which engage in depressions on the second container.
  • the closure cap is covered from the environment by means of a cover element in such a way that manual access to the closure cap from the outside is prevented.
  • the cover element can be designed as a sleeve-shaped section of the closure element, which surrounds the closure cap radially and protrudes axially.
  • Such a cover element has the advantage that the closure cap cannot be removed manually. This represents a special safeguard that is advantageous when an aggressive substance is kept in the second container.
  • the sleeve-shaped section can correspond to the collar mentioned above and have a thread which corresponds to a thread on the second container.
  • an edge area of the sleeve-shaped section is designed as a tamper-evident ring that breaks into several sections when the closure element is placed on the second container in such a way that the closure cap is separated from the closure element along its predetermined breaking point.
  • a tamper-evident ring that breaks into several sections when the closure element is placed on the second container in such a way that the closure cap is separated from the closure element along its predetermined breaking point.
  • the closure element can be coupled to the second container in a liquid-tight manner.
  • it has in particular at least one seal in order to ensure a liquid-tight connection to the first and/or second container.
  • This embodiment has the advantage that the unintentional escape of liquid before, during or after the mixing of the fluids is prevented.
  • a method for mixing a multi-component product preparation using a packaging system with a first container for holding a first product preparation component, with a second container for holding at least one second product preparation component and with a closure element which seals the first container tightly opposite the Closes the environment and has a coupling device in order to couple the second container to the closure element and to create a fluid connection between the first container and the second container, the closure element comprising a closure cap which can be separated from the closure element along a predetermined breaking point.
  • the method includes attaching the first container to the second container by means of the closure element, in that both corresponding threaded sections on the closure element and on the second container are attached to one another for screwing and the closure cap is coupled to the second container in a blocked manner in a direction of rotation about an axis L of the closure element becomes.
  • the method also includes screwing the closure element to the second container via the corresponding threaded sections and separating the closure cap blocked in the direction of rotation from the closure element at the predetermined breaking point
  • the method also includes the further screwing of the closure element on the second container while at the same time sliding the separated closure cap into the interior of the container and mixing the two product components in the first and/or second container using the open fluid connection between the two containers.
  • the procedure is particularly easy to carry out even without practice. In particular, it is largely impossible for a user of the packaging system to come into contact with components of the product preparation when carrying out the method.
  • Another aspect of the invention relates to an alternative method for mixing a multi-component product preparation using a packaging system with a first container for holding a first product preparation component, with a second container for holding at least one second product preparation component and with a closure element which seals the first container tightly opposite the Closes the environment and has a coupling device in order to couple the second container to the closure element and to create a fluid connection between the first container and the second container, the closure element comprising a closure cap which can be separated from the closure element along a predetermined breaking point, the method includes attaching the first container to the second container by means of the closure element, in that both corresponding coupling elements on the closure element and on the second container, which allow relative rotation of the closure element and second container in a value range of less than 180°, and the closure cap are brought into engagement locked in a direction of rotation about an axis L of the closure member is coupled to the second container.
  • the method also includes rotating the closure element relative to the second container via the corresponding coupling elements about the axis L, separating the closure cap, which is blocked in the direction of rotation, from the closure element at the predetermined breaking point.
  • the method also includes an axial relative movement between the closure element and the second container in order to push the separated closure cap into an interior space of the second container and the mixing of the two product components in the first and/or second container using the open fluid connection between the two containers.
  • FIG 1 shows a first container 2, which is designed as a glass bottle in the illustrated embodiment and represents part of a packaging system. Alternatively, it could also be made of plastic, for example.
  • the packaging system which is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures, serves to accommodate a multi-component product preparation, with individual components being kept separate before the product is used.
  • the packaging system has the in figure 1 shown first container 2, in which at least a first component of the product preparation is held.
  • the first container 2 has a body 3 and a neck 30 opening into an opening 4 of the container 2 . In the area of the neck 30 there is also a thread 5 designed as an external thread and a locking ring 23 which is designed as a peripheral projection on the neck 30 .
  • FIGs 2a and 2b show a sectional view and a perspective view of a second container 6, together with the first container 2 according to FIG figure 1 and a closure element described in the following figures represents a packaging system.
  • the second container 6 serves to store at least one further component of the product preparation and also to mix the components from the first container 2 and the second container 6 and to store the ready-to-use product.
  • the second container 6 also has a body 7 and a neck 31 opening into an opening 8 .
  • the second container 6 is typically also made of plastic or glass.
  • the packaging system can be, for example, the packaging of a hair dye that is mixed from at least two components immediately before use.
  • a thread 9 designed as an external thread.
  • a ratchet ring 10 made up of a large number of receptacles for ratchet teeth.
  • the second container 6 has a larger volume than the first container 2.
  • FIGS. 3a to 3f show different views of a closure element 11, which initially serves to close the first container 2 and then to connect the first container 2 to the second container 6.
  • Figure 3a shows a side view of the closure element 11.
  • This has a first opening 12 on one side and a second opening 13 on the opposite side.
  • the first opening 12 is intended to be connected to the opening 4 of the first container 2 .
  • the second opening 13 is intended to be connected to the opening 8 of the second container 6 .
  • the closure element 11 has a wall 14 which has the shape of a cylinder jacket.
  • the closure element 11 has a longitudinal axis L, which can coincide with the longitudinal axes of the containers 2, 6 in the embodiment shown.
  • the edge area around the second opening 13 is designed as a tamper-proof ring 25, the function of which will be explained in more detail later.
  • Figure 3b shows a view of the closure element 11 from a perspective directed into the first opening 12 .
  • a thread 15 designed as an internal thread and a circumferential locking channel 22 .
  • the thread 15 is designed as a thread that corresponds to the thread 5 of the first container 2 .
  • the latching channel 22 is provided for receiving the latching ring 23 of the first container 2 .
  • the closure element 11 comprises a closure cap 17 which closes a flow path from the first opening 12 to the second opening 13 .
  • the edge of the closure cap 17 is designed as a ratchet ring 16 with a large number of ratchet teeth.
  • the ratchet teeth are provided on the inside of the second container 6 to engage in the ratchet ring 10 .
  • closure cap 17 is connected to the rest of the closure element 11 via a predetermined breaking point 18, which is designed as a circumferential area with a thin material thickness.
  • the wall 14 of the closure element 11 is designed as a collar 19 which surrounds a second wall 32 coaxially.
  • the thread 15 is arranged on the inside of the second wall 32 .
  • a gap 24 is formed between the first wall 14 and the second wall 32 .
  • a seal 21 is formed in this intermediate space 24 as a circumferential sealing lip, which is intended to seal the second container 6 against the environment in a fluid-tight manner during use.
  • FIG 4 shows various views of the closure system 1 with the first container 2, the second container 6 and the closure element 11, which connects the first container to the second container 6.
  • the closure element 11 is connected to the first container 2 via the threads 5 , 15 and via the latching connection made up of the latching groove 22 and the latching ring 23 . Due to the design of the snap-in connection, which is described in detail in figure 5 is shown, once the closure element 11 has been put on, it can only be removed again from the first container 2 by force and, if necessary, by destroying the closure element 11 .
  • the closure element 11 seals the first container 2 tightly against the environment.
  • the first container 2 closed with the closure element 11 can therefore also be suitable for longer storage of a first component of a product preparation.
  • the first container 2, which is non-detachably closed with the closure element 11 can be handled safely and is therefore also suitable for storing hazardous substances.
  • a closure for mixing a ready-to-use product preparation, a closure, not shown in the figures, is removed from the second container 6, in particular it is originally connected to the second container 6 via the thread 9 and is unscrewed from it before preparation. Then the first container 2 closed with the closure element 11 is placed upside down on the second container 6 and the closure element 11 is connected to the second container 6 .
  • the closure element 11 is connected to the second container 6 by means of the thread 20 which interacts with the thread 9 of the second container 6 .
  • the closure element 11 connected to the first container 2 is thus screwed onto the second container 6 .
  • the packaging system 1 is shown in a first position, namely immediately after the placement of the first container 2 with the closure cap 11 on the second container 6 and thus at the beginning of the screwing process.
  • the threads 9 and 20 are not yet meshing at this point in time.
  • the collar 19 of the closure element 11 already protrudes over the neck 31 of the second container 6.
  • it already grips the ratchet 16 in the ratchet 10 and thus fixes the cap 17 against rotation on the second container 6.
  • the tamper-evident ring 25 projects down to an inclined flank 26 of the neck 31 of the second container 6 .
  • the flank 26, which has a slope directed outwards, is used to destroy the tamper-proof ring 25 when the two containers 2, 6 are connected, as will be described below.
  • the tamper evident ring 25 is still intact.
  • the figures 6 and 7 show the packaging system 1 in a second position, which differs from that in figure 4 and 5 shown differs in that the closure element 11 has already been screwed to the second container 6 .
  • the threads 9, 20 now mesh and the neck 31 of the second container 6 protrudes further into the intermediate space 24 than in the first position according to FIG figure 5 .
  • the tamper evident ring 25 has already been partially destroyed by contact with the flank 26 .
  • FIGS figures 6 and 7 shown second position differs in that the closure element 11 was screwed a little further onto the second container 6.
  • FIGS figures 6 and 7 shown second position differs in that the closure element 11 was screwed a little further onto the second container 6.
  • FIGS figures 6 and 7 shown second position differs in that the closure element 11 was screwed a little further onto the second container 6.
  • FIGS figures 6 and 7 shown second position differs in that the closure element 11 was screwed a little further onto the second container 6.
  • FIGS figures 6 and 7 shown second position differs in that the closure element 11 was screwed a little further onto the second container 6.
  • the tamper-evident ring 25 has also been further destroyed by contact with the inclined flank 26 and thus now indicates an opening of the fluid connection between the first container 2 and the second container 6 .
  • the fluids stored in the first container 2 and the second container 6 can now be mixed with one another using the fluid connection created by the separation of the closure cap 17 .
  • the emptied first container 2 with the closure element 11 seated thereon can then be unscrewed from the second container 6 and disposed of.
  • the finished product preparation is now available for further use in the second container 6 .
  • an applicator can be placed on the second container 6 for further use; in particular, it can be screwed onto the second container 6 using the thread 9 .
  • figure 10 shows a first container 2 of a second embodiment of a packaging system.
  • the first container 2 according to the second embodiment like that in figure 1 shown has a body 3 and a neck 30 which opens into an opening 4 of the container 2.
  • a thread 5 designed as an external thread
  • a locking ring 23 which is designed as a peripheral projection on the neck 30 .
  • FIG 11 shows two different, mutually perpendicular sectional views of a second container 6 according to the second embodiment, together with the first container 2 according to FIG figure 10 and a closure element described in the following figures represents a packaging system.
  • the second container 6 also has a body 7 and a neck 31 opening into an opening 8 .
  • a thread 9 designed as an external thread.
  • the second container 6 has opposite projections on the inside of its neck 31 which, together with projections on the closure element, as explained below, represent corresponding coupling elements that allow a relative rotation of the closure element and the second container 6 in a value range of less than 180°.
  • FIGS. 13a to 13f show different views of a closure element 11 according to the second embodiment, which initially serves to close the first container 2 and then to connect the first container 2 to the second container 6.
  • Figure 13a shows a side view of the closure element 11. This has a first opening 12 on one side and a second opening 13 on the opposite side.
  • the first opening 12 is intended to be connected to the opening 4 of the first container 2 .
  • the second opening 13 is intended to be connected to the opening 8 of the second container 6 .
  • the closure element 11 has a wall 14 which has the shape of a cylinder jacket.
  • the closure element 11 has a closure cap 17 connected to the rest of the closure element 11 via a circumferential predetermined breaking point 18 .
  • closure element has opposite projections 28 both in the region of the closure cap 17 and below it in the region of the wall 14 , which interact with the recesses 27 of the second container 6 .
  • Figure 13b shows a view of the closure element 11 from a perspective directed into the first opening 12 .
  • a thread 15 designed as an internal thread and a circumferential locking channel 22 .
  • the thread 15 is designed as a thread that corresponds to the thread 5 of the first container 2 .
  • the latching channel 22 is provided for receiving the latching ring 23 of the first container 2 .
  • closure element 11 looking into the second opening 13 is shown.
  • the closure element 11 comprises a closure cap 17 which closes a flow path from the first opening 12 to the second opening 13 .
  • the projections 28 on the closure cap 17 are arranged rotated by a few degrees in relation to the projections 28 on the wall 14 .
  • An identical projection 28 is located exactly opposite each projection 28, so that two opposite projections 28 are arranged on the closure cap 17 as well as on the wall 14.
  • the packaging system 1 is shown in a first position, directly before the first container 2 with the closure cap 11 is placed on the second container 6. As in FIG figure 15 As can be seen, the closure element 11 has not yet been inserted into the neck 31 of the second container 6 .
  • the figure 16 1 shows the packaging system 1 in a second position, in which the neck 30 of the first container 2 provided with the closure element 11 has been inserted into the neck 31 of the second container 6 in order to connect the containers 2, 6 to one another.
  • the first container 2 and the second container 6 are rotated relative to one another in such a way that the projections 28 on the closure cap 17 protrude into the recesses 27 on the neck 31 of the second container 6 .
  • the recesses 27 have a kind of L-shape, which allows the projections 28 on the closure cap 17 to penetrate into the second container 6 up to the lower end of the neck 31 .
  • the projections 28 on the closure cap 17 are in the figure 14 with 33 designated lower portion of the recesses 27 to lie.
  • this lower area 33 has approximately the same dimensions as the projections 28 on the closure cap 17, the closure cap 17 is secured against rotation on the second container 6 in this second position. Since an upper portion 34 of the recesses 27 has a larger angular extent, the rest of the closure element 11 is in an angular range relative to the second container 6, which results from the angular extent of the upper portion 34 relative to the dimensions of the projections 28 on the wall 14 results.
  • figure 17 shows the closure element 11 in several views in an intact state, wherein it can be seen that the projections 28 on the closure cap 17 are arranged rotated relative to the projections 28 on the wall 14. Furthermore, in figure 17 recognizable that the closure cap 17 is separated from the rest of the closure element 11 by a circumferential predetermined breaking point 18 .
  • the figure 18 shows the packaging system 1 in a third position, in which the closure cap 17 has been separated by rotating the first container 2, which is provided with the closure element 11, relative to the second container 6.
  • the first container 2 with the closure element 11 was rotated as far relative to the second container 6 as the freedom of movement of the projections 28 on the wall 14 in the upper region 34 of the recesses 27 allows. Since the closure cap 10 was secured against rotation on the second container 6, it could not rotate, and the closure cap 17 was separated by breaking at the predetermined breaking point 18.
  • closure element 11 is now in a state in which the closure cap 17 has been separated from the rest of the closure element 11 and in which the projections 28 also lie one above the other in a line.
  • figure 20 shows the packaging system 1 in a fourth position, in which the first container 2 provided with the closure element 11 has been pressed so far into the second container 6 that the severed closure cap 17 falls into the second container 6.
  • the product preparation components can then be mixed using the fluid connection that has now been established between the containers 2, 6.

Landscapes

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

Claims (14)

  1. Système d'emballage (1) pour une préparation de produit à plusieurs composants, présentant
    - un premier récipient (2) permettant de contenir un premier composant de préparation de produit,
    - un second récipient (6) permettant de contenir au moins un second composant de préparation de produit et
    - un élément de fermeture (11) qui ferme le premier récipient (2) de manière étanche à l'environnement et présente un dispositif de couplage afin de coupler le second récipient (6) à l'élément de fermeture (11) et d'établir une liaison fluidique entre le premier récipient (2) et le second récipient (6),
    dans lequel l'élément de fermeture (11) comprend un capuchon de fermeture (17),
    dans lequel le capuchon de fermeture peut être couplé au second récipient (6) de manière à être bloqué dans un sens de rotation autour d'un axe (L) de l'élément de fermeture et de manière à pouvoir être déplacé dans une direction parallèle à l'axe (L), caractérisé en ce que le capuchon de fermeture (17) peut être séparé de l'élément de fermeture (11) le long d'un point de rupture cible (18) afin de libérer la liaison fluidique entre le premier récipient (2) et le second récipient (6).
  2. Système d'emballage (1) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'élément de fermeture (11) est relié de manière inamovible au premier récipient (2), à l'exclusion de sa destruction.
  3. Système d'emballage (1) selon la revendication 2, dans lequel l'élément de fermeture (11) est encliqueté de manière inamovible avec le premier récipient (2).
  4. Système d'emballage (1) selon l'une des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'élément de fermeture (11) et le second récipient (6) présentent des sections filetées correspondantes (9, 20) afin de coupler le second récipient (6) à l'élément de fermeture (11) par vissage.
  5. Système d'emballage (1) selon la revendication 4, dans lequel le dispositif de couplage est conçu en tant que collerette (19) comportant un filetage intérieur (20), laquelle, lors du couplage du premier récipient (2) au second récipient (6), peut être rabattue sur un bord d'une ouverture (8) du second récipient (6), le filetage intérieur (20) coopérant avec un filetage extérieur (9) du second récipient (6) afin de relier le dispositif de couplage au second récipient (6).
  6. Système d'emballage (1) selon l'une des revendications 1 à 3, dans lequel l'élément de fermeture (11) et le second récipient (6) présentent des éléments de couplage correspondants (27, 28), lesquels permettent une rotation relative de l'élément de fermeture (11) et du second récipient (6) dans une plage de valeurs inférieure à 180°.
  7. Système d'emballage (1) selon l'une des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le capuchon de fermeture (17) présente au moins une saillie (16, 28) qui, lors du couplage au second récipient (6), coopère avec au moins une cavité correspondante (10, 27) sur le second récipient (6), de sorte qu'une rotation du capuchon de fermeture (17) par rapport au second récipient (6) est bloquée.
  8. Système d'emballage (1) selon l'une des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le capuchon de fermeture (17) est caché par rapport à l'environnement au moyen d'un élément de recouvrement (19), de sorte qu'un accès manuel au capuchon de fermeture (1) depuis l'extérieur est empêché.
  9. Système d'emballage (1) selon la revendication 8, dans lequel l'élément de recouvrement (19) est conçu en tant que section en forme de manchon de l'élément de fermeture (11) qui entoure radialement le capuchon de fermeture (17) et fait saillie axialement.
  10. Système d'emballage (1) selon la revendication 9, dans lequel une section de bord de la section en forme de manchon est conçue en tant que bague d'inviolabilité (25) qui se brise en plusieurs sections lorsque l'élément de fermeture (11) est placé sur le second récipient (6), de sorte que le capuchon de fermeture (17) est séparé de l'élément de fermeture (11) le long de son point de rupture cible (18).
  11. Système d'emballage (1) selon l'une des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'élément de fermeture (11) peut être couplé de manière étanche aux liquides au second récipient (6).
  12. Système d'emballage (1) selon l'une des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'élément de fermeture (11) présente au moins un joint (21) pour assurer une liaison étanche aux liquides avec le premier (2) et/ou le second récipient (6).
  13. Procédé permettant de mélanger une préparation de produit à plusieurs composants à l'aide d'un système d'emballage (1) comportant un premier récipient (2) permettant de contenir un premier composant de préparation de produit, comportant un second récipient (6) permettant de contenir au moins un second composant de préparation de produit et comportant un élément de fermeture (11) qui ferme le premier récipient (2) de manière étanche à l'environnement et présente un dispositif de couplage afin de coupler le second récipient (6) à l'élément de fermeture (11) et d'établir une liaison fluidique entre le premier récipient (2) et le second récipient (6), l'élément de fermeture (11) comprenant un capuchon de fermeture (17) qui peut être séparé de l'élément de fermeture (11) le long d'un point de rupture cible (18), le procédé présentant :
    - la fixation du premier récipient (2) au second récipient (6) au moyen de l'élément de fermeture (11) par le fait que des sections filetées correspondantes (9, 20) sur l'élément de fermeture (11) et sur le second récipient (6) sont fixées l'une à l'autre pour le vissage et que le capuchon de fermeture (17) est couplé au second récipient (6) de manière à être bloqué dans un sens de rotation autour d'un axe (L) de l'élément de fermeture (11),
    - le vissage de l'élément de fermeture (11) sur le second récipient (6) par l'intermédiaire des sections filetées correspondantes (9, 20) et la séparation du capuchon de fermeture (17) bloqué dans le sens de rotation de l'élément de fermeture (11) au niveau du point de rupture cible (18),
    - le vissage supplémentaire de l'élément de fermeture (11) sur le second récipient (6) en déplaçant simultanément le capuchon de fermeture (17) séparé dans l'espace intérieur du second récipient (6),
    - le mélange des deux composants de produit dans le premier (2) et/ou le second récipient (6) en utilisant la liaison fluidique ouverte entre les deux récipients (2, 6).
  14. Procédé permettant de mélanger une préparation de produit à plusieurs composants à l'aide d'un système d'emballage (1) comportant un premier récipient (2) permettant de contenir un premier composant de préparation de produit, comportant un second récipient (6) permettant de contenir au moins un second composant de préparation de produit et comportant un élément de fermeture (11) qui ferme le premier récipient (2) de manière étanche à l'environnement et présente un dispositif de couplage afin de coupler le second récipient (6) à l'élément de fermeture (11) et d'établir une liaison fluidique entre le premier récipient (2) et le second récipient (6), l'élément de fermeture (11) comprenant un capuchon de fermeture (17) qui peut être séparé de l'élément de fermeture (11) le long d'un point de rupture cible (18), le procédé présentant :
    - la fixation du premier récipient (2) au second récipient (6) au moyen de l'élément de fermeture (11) par le fait que des éléments de couplage correspondants (27, 28) sur l'élément de fermeture (11) et sur le second récipient (6), lesquels permettent une rotation relative de l'élément de fermeture (11) et du second récipient (6) dans une plage de valeurs inférieure à 180°, sont amenés en prise, et que le capuchon de fermeture (17) est couplé au second récipient (6) de manière à être bloqué dans un sens de rotation autour d'un axe (L) de l'élément de fermeture,
    - la rotation relative de l'élément de fermeture (11) par rapport au second récipient autour de l'axe (L) par l'intermédiaire des éléments de couplage correspondants (27, 28) en séparant le capuchon de fermeture (17) bloqué dans le sens de rotation de l'élément de fermeture (11) au niveau du point de rupture cible (18),
    - le capuchon de fermeture (17) séparé est enfoncé dans un espace intérieur du second récipient (6) par un mouvement relatif axial entre l'élément de fermeture (11) et le second récipient (6),
    - le mélange des deux composants de produit dans le premier (2) et/ou le second récipient (6) en utilisant la liaison fluidique ouverte entre les deux récipients (2, 6).
EP20711066.9A 2019-03-21 2020-03-03 Système d'emballage et procédé pour préparations de produit à plusieurs composants Active EP3941851B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102019203855.7A DE102019203855A1 (de) 2019-03-21 2019-03-21 Verpackungssystem für mehrkomponentige Produktzubereitungen
PCT/EP2020/055524 WO2020187558A1 (fr) 2019-03-21 2020-03-03 Système d'emballage et procédé pour préparations de produit à plusieurs composants

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3941851A1 EP3941851A1 (fr) 2022-01-26
EP3941851B1 true EP3941851B1 (fr) 2023-05-03

Family

ID=69810791

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP20711066.9A Active EP3941851B1 (fr) 2019-03-21 2020-03-03 Système d'emballage et procédé pour préparations de produit à plusieurs composants

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US20220002065A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP3941851B1 (fr)
DE (1) DE102019203855A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2020187558A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20200369454A1 (en) * 2017-12-08 2020-11-26 Unipharma, Llc Container and method for reconstitution of substances
CN114026028A (zh) * 2019-05-27 2022-02-08 Rpc布兰姆拉格股份有限公司 用于容器的封闭装置

Family Cites Families (18)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4121540A1 (de) * 1991-06-28 1993-01-07 Finke Robert Gmbh Flaschenverschlusskappe fuer zwei-komponenten-packungen
ES1028707U (es) * 1993-09-03 1995-03-01 Novembal Sa Tapon de rosca con anillo de inviolabilidad.
DE19635833C2 (de) * 1996-09-04 1998-08-06 Henkel Kgaa Zwei-Komponenten-Behälter
AU7026998A (en) * 1997-05-15 1998-12-08 R + D Injector Ag Dual-component container system
DE29721872U1 (de) * 1997-12-10 1998-01-29 Georg Menshen GmbH & Co KG, 57413 Finnentrop Anordnung zum Verkuppeln von zwei Behältern zur Ermöglichung einer Vermischung getrennt darin bevorrateter Fluide
FR2810639B1 (fr) * 2000-06-21 2002-09-06 Oreal Ensemble pour le melange extemporane de deux produits
US7308915B2 (en) * 2005-04-21 2007-12-18 Jpro Dairy International, Inc. Packaging system for storing and mixing separate ingredient components
US20070221513A1 (en) * 2006-03-23 2007-09-27 Keith Taylor-Sharp Dual containers having mechanism for mixing and separating contents of containers
US7607460B2 (en) * 2006-06-12 2009-10-27 Jpro Dairy International, Inc. Coupling assembly
KR20090014699A (ko) * 2007-08-07 2009-02-11 조영국 첨가물 첨가 가능한 용기마개
US8226126B2 (en) * 2009-08-24 2012-07-24 Jpro Dairy International, Inc. Bottle mixing assembly
DE102011079810B4 (de) * 2011-07-26 2013-04-04 Pari Pharma Gmbh Einwegampulle zum Einsetzen in einen Aerosolerzeuger
US10065785B2 (en) * 2015-04-21 2018-09-04 Mihail Genchev Dual compartment mixing fluid bottle
US10369078B2 (en) * 2016-05-02 2019-08-06 Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Dual-chamber pack for pharmaceutical compositions
US10640275B2 (en) * 2017-06-12 2020-05-05 Bio-Techne Corportion Dual chamber storage device
ES2928337T3 (es) * 2017-12-01 2022-11-17 Oreal Dispositivo para envasar dos productos por separado
CN113874120B (zh) * 2019-05-24 2023-04-04 联合利华知识产权控股有限公司 用于浓缩再填充囊的囊和塞子
EP3766579A1 (fr) * 2019-07-19 2021-01-20 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Récipient pour échantillons biologiques

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE102019203855A1 (de) 2020-09-24
WO2020187558A1 (fr) 2020-09-24
US20220002065A1 (en) 2022-01-06
EP3941851A1 (fr) 2022-01-26

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
DE69303434T2 (de) Behälter für pharmazeutische Produkte aus zwei gesonderten Komponenten, mit Mitteln zu deren Mischung und dosierter Ausgabe
EP0364527B1 (fr) Recipient a deux cavites
EP1979265B1 (fr) Module de raccordement pour raccorder un contenant de départ et un contenant cible
EP0298357A2 (fr) Récipient à deux compartiments
EP2340212A1 (fr) Fermeture à visser sur un récipient
DE69909618T2 (de) Mehrkammerbehälter
EP3941851B1 (fr) Système d'emballage et procédé pour préparations de produit à plusieurs composants
EP2307281A1 (fr) Emballage tubulaire
EP3941850B1 (fr) Système d'emballage et procédé associé pour manipuler un composant de préparation de produit
WO2020187557A1 (fr) Système d'emballage pour au moins un composant de préparation de produit et procédé associé pour manipuler le composant de préparation de produit
WO2020187559A1 (fr) Système d'emballage pour au moins un composant de préparation de produit et procédé associé pour manipuler le composant de préparation de produit
DE102019112259B3 (de) Schraubverschluss aus Kunststoff für Flaschen
DE202005004595U1 (de) Verschluß für Gefäße
EP3652083B1 (fr) Fermeture de récipient dotée d'une capsule standard
EP0060983B1 (fr) Récipient avec fermeture de sécurité
EP2674373B1 (fr) Dispositif de type adaptateur pour le couplage de deux récipients
EP1700790B1 (fr) Tube pour substances pâteuses ou similaires
EP3438014B1 (fr) Système de fermeture de récipient pour un récipient à utiliser lors de la lyophilisation ainsi que procédé de fermeture d'un récipient pour un procédé de lyophilisation
DE102006034083B3 (de) Ventilvorrichtung
EP4247724A1 (fr) Bouchon de fermeture et col de récipient pour empêcher une bande d'inviolabilité de se détacher
EP3774581A1 (fr) Système d'application à étanchéité améliorée
AT406145B (de) Verschluss für behälter
DE7211942U (de) Behälter mit SicherheitsVerschluß
WO2010124675A1 (fr) Emballage de tube

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: UNKNOWN

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE

PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20210415

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

DAV Request for validation of the european patent (deleted)
DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20221123

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 502020003173

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1564427

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20230515

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: GERMAN

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230530

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG9D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20230503

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230503

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230904

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230803

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230503

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230503

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230503

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230503

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230503

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230503

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230903

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230503

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230804

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230503

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230503

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230503

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230503

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230503

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230503

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230503

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230503

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 502020003173

Country of ref document: DE

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20240206

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R084

Ref document number: 502020003173

Country of ref document: DE

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20240320

Year of fee payment: 5

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20240321

Year of fee payment: 5

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230503

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230503

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230503

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20240328

Year of fee payment: 5