GB2536460A

GB2536460A - Multiple compartment container

Info

Publication number: GB2536460A
Application number: GB1504531.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Frans Broekaert Willem
Original assignee: B-TEK bvba
Current assignee: B-TEK bvba
Priority date: 2015-03-18
Filing date: 2015-03-18
Publication date: 2016-09-21
Also published as: GB201504531D0

Abstract

Two concave container parts 5, 6 have a membrane 8 between, contacting both. A string 12 connected to the membrane passes out of the container through a passageway between a guide 17 on one part and a seal 19 which inhibits fluid communication into or out of the container on the other part. The membrane has at least two lines of weakness 40 measuring at least 40% of the length of the membrane; the lines are parallel to and at opposite sides of the line between the membranes centre and a point where the string connects to the membrane. At least one tab 36 is provided on the membrane, ideally folded on its edge outside the lines of weakness. There may be a string blocking means in habiting access to the strings free end or preventing it applying a force to the membrane. The string may form an acute angle with the membrane. Ideally the sealing structure is sloped and flexible to contact the guide on the opposing container at an acute angle. There may be an opening with a lid opposite the membrane on one of the container parts.

Description

MULTIPLE COMPARTMENT CONTAINER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a container suitable for the separate packaging and storage of at least two contents which need to be combined in the preparation of a ready-to-use product, such as a ready-to-eat food product. The container of the present invention is further designed to facilitate the combining of said contents at the moment the preparation of the ready-to-use product is desired.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Upon serving, many food products comprise a liquid or colloidal liquid phase wherein solid particulate matter is mixed or suspended. In the preparation of such foods, the particulate solids are added to the liquid or colloidal liquid phase shortly before or at the moment of serving. In many cases it is impossible to maintain the desired organoleptic and texture properties of these foods when the solid and fluid component are mixed prior to prolonged storage. For instance, when breakfast cereals are combined with milk a substantial period of time before serving, their texture and mouthfeel become unpleasant. In consequence, the respective components of such foods are typically separately packaged and distributed and it is left to the consumer to combine them as part of the preparation of a meal. On the other hand, there is a growing demand for tasteful, convenient food products suitable for on-the-go consumption. From the above it is clear that for certain food products this requires dedicated packaging, allowing the separate storage and distribution of two components of a food product in a single package until the moment of consumption. This led to a continued interest of the food and packaging industry in the design and manufacture of disposable containers that provide for the separate storage of two or more components of a food product, while allowing an easy mixing of these components just prior to the consumption of the food.

The present invention focuses on two-compartment containers suitable for the separate storage of two contents, of which one consists preferably of particulate solids, and the other one consists preferably of a liquid or colloidal liquid product. Said particulate solids can be for instance, but not limited to, ready-to-eat-cereals. Said liquid or colloidal liquid product can be either be fluid and flow readily, or be highly viscous and/or have a gel structure such that it does not flow readily. A non-limitative example of such liquid or colloidal liquid component that does not flow due to high viscosity and/or a gel structure is set yoghurt, which needs to be consumed using a spoon rather than by drinking.

US5676244, FR2831140, US7147888, FR2670750, US6042858, FR2864522, GB2448817, KR100864782, US6089375, US2006/191805, W02008153965, US2011/0272379, W0199818689, GB2493839, JP2000007055, and W02014173933 disclose containers, which are divided in at least two compartments by a divider that can be ruptured or removed by pulling a pulling structure, where after the respective contents of said compartments can be mixed. The manufacture, assembly and filling of the containers disclosed in FR2831140, US7147888, FR2670750, US6042858, FR2864522, GB2448817, KR100864782, US6089375, US2006/191805, W02008153965 and US2011/0272379 requires sealing techniques and/or mounting techniques that are not customary to the food and beverage packaging industry, thus leading to a high cost and complexity of production. In the case of US6042858 and FR2864522, mounting of the divider is complicated by the fact that an elongated pull tab of said divider has to be held at a position whereby it extends over the top edge of the container during the mounting of said divider on the interior surface of the side walls of the container, where after a discrete fastener or clip, that is not customary to the food and beverage packaging industry, has to be mounted onto the container to hold the elongated pull tab in the desired position. During the mounting of the divider on the interior surface of the side walls of the containers of U56089375, US2006/191805, W02008153965 and US2011/0272379, the elongated pull tab of said divider has to be passed through a narrow aperture in the circumferential wall (US6089375, W02008153965 and US2011/0272379) or in the top closure means (US2006/191805), which is a complicated and delicate operation. In the case of W020081539650, pulling out the divider requires substantial force, as all membrane edges need to be detached simultaneously. Therefore the membrane can only loosely be held in position with a seal, which provides insufficient closure for contents that are at risk to be spoiled through contamination by microorganisms or through contact with oxygen or aqueous vapour. In the case of US7147888, the mounting is complicated by the fact that a bladder with a special sealing assembly has to be positioned such that it pends through an aperture in the divider.

Moreover, the compressible side walls of the containers disclosed in US7147888, enabling the transfer of the liquid content out of one of the two compartments by manual compression of this compartment, are also not customary to the food and beverage packaging industry. In the case of US5676244, only tiny holes are created upon pulling a pulling structure, which is not suited for applications wherein one of the two compartments comprises particulate solid material and the other a non-flowable liquid.

In the case of W02014173933 and W0199818689, and JP2000007055 the opening of the divider that is created upon pulling the pulling structure has an area that is typically maximally about 50% of the area of the divider in its state before disengagement, while the remainder of the interface between the two compartments remains covered with the divider that is folded double over its midline perpendicular to the direction of pulling. Therefore, the contents of the lower compartment are not readily accessible for evacuation of the contents using utensils such as a spoon. Moreover, the divider can only be fully removed after dislodging the top compartment from the bottom compartment, yet, as part of the contents remains entrapped between the double folded divider, there is a serious risk of spilling of these contents. In the case of the container described in JP2000007055, the two compartments are held together with a shrink sleeve, which requires complex handling from the user to open the container. Moreover, gas exchange between the inside of the container and the environment can occur through the slits in the shrink sleeve, and through the edges of the shrink sleeve, resulting in rapid deterioration of the contents of the container.

In the case of GB2493839, only a narrow opening is created upon pulling the pulling structure, which hampers evacuation of the contents from the container. In addition, this container has a slit allowing passage of the pulling structure, through which considerable gas exchange between the inside of the container and the environment can occur, resulting in rapid deterioration of the contents of the container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a container suitable for the packaging and storage in separate compartments of at least two products, which need to be combined to prepare a ready-to-use product, such as a ready-to-eat food product. When the preparation of the ready-to-use product is desired, the container of the present invention allows to easily combine the contents of said compartments. The present invention provides a container suitable for the separate storage of two contents, of which one consists preferably of particulate solids, and the other one consists preferably of a liquid or colloidal liquid product. Said particulate solids can be for instance, but not limited to, ready-to-eat-cereals. Said liquid or colloidal liquid product can be either be fluid and flow readily, or be highly viscous and/or have a gel structure such that it does not flow readily. A non-limitative example of such liquid or colloidal liquid component that does not flow due to high viscosity and/or a gel structure is set yoghurt, which needs to be consumed using a spoon rather than by drinking.

Moreover, in case the container is used to package and store components of a ready-to-eat food product that are at risk to deteriorate over time through contact with the environment, it is preferred that the design of the container allows for adequate isolation of the contents of the container from one another and from the environment. Further, in order to reduce production costs of the ready-to-use product, it is preferred that the different members of the container are stackable, and can be easily mounted by equipment and techniques that are customary to the packaging and filling industry.

More particularly, the present invention provides a container, comprising an upper compartment for keeping a first content, and a lower compartment for keeping a second content, whereby said lower compartment is connected to said upper compartment. The enclosure of said container is provided by a discrete upper member mounted on a discrete lower member, wherein each of said mounted discrete members provides a part of the circumferential section of the enclosure, while the mounted upper discrete member provides the top section of the enclosure and the mounted lower discrete member provides the bottom section of the enclosure. The container further comprises an intercompartment membrane of which the peripheral borders can engage the interior side of the circumferential section of the enclosure of the container along a segment referred to as the circumferential rim, whereby said intercompartment membrane separates the first and lower compartment. The container further comprises a string that is at one end connected to a segment of the intercompartment membrane, said segment being referred to as the membrane-string connection segment. Said membrane-string connection segment is preferably situated at a peripheral edge of the intercompartment membrane. The segment of the circumferential rim that is closest to the membrane-string connection segment in the assembled membrane-engaged state of the container is referred to as the rim-string connection segment. Part of said string preferably passes through a string passageway in the circumferential section of the enclosure, such that the other string end, referred to as the loose string end, is located either outside the enclosure of the container or within the cavity provided by the string passageway. Said string passageway is formed upon mounting of the discrete upper member on the discrete lower member such that said upper member provides the upper surface of said string passageway and said lower member provides the lower surface of said string passageway. The string passageway is preferably located in the transverse dimension on about the opposite side, more preferably on the opposite side, relative to the rim-string connection segment. By pulling the loose string end away from the string passageway, the string can be moved between a first position wherein the intercompartment membrane fully engages, through its peripheral border, the circumferential rim, and a second position wherein the intercompartment membrane is partially ruptured or disengaged so as to create an opening in the intercompartment membrane, such that the first content of said upper compartment is transferred into the interior space provided by the lower compartment and is hence added to the second content of said lower compartment. Such rupture or at least partial disengagement of the intercompartment membrane can result from, for instance but not limited to, the detachment of part of the intercompartment membrane from the circumferential rim and/or from the tearing of the intercompartment membrane along frangible fracture lines or tearing lines. After said rupture or at least partial disengagement of the intercompartment membrane by pulling the loose string end away from the string passageway, the discrete upper member can be removed and the combined first and second content contained in the lower compartment of the container can then be evacuated through said opening created in the intercompartment membrane. Preferably, the intercompartment membrane has, in addition to said string, one or more auxiliary pull tabs allowing to remove sections of the intercompartment membrane that are still engaged to the circumferential rim, so as to increase the opening in the intercompartment membrane allowing more convenient evacuation of the combined first and second content contained in the lower compartment of the container. After said rupture or at least partial disengagement of the intercompartment membrane and after removal of said discrete upper member, evacuation of said combined first and second content can be done using utensils, such as for instance using a spoon. Alternatively, after said rupture or at least partial disengagement of the intercompartment membrane and after removal of said discrete upper member, evacuation of said combined first and second content can be done by tilting the discrete lower member, such as for instance when drinking from the top of the discrete lower member.

The container of the present invention preferably comprises a string blocking means that, unless moved, partially removed or removed, substantially prevents the transfer of a pulling force exerted on the loose string end to the membrane-string connection segment. Alternatively, said string blocking means substantially prevents access to the loose string end, unless said string blocking means is moved, partially removed or removed. Such string blocking means may also serve to visually detect tampering of the container.

The container of the present invention preferably comprises a string guidance means that is statically connected to or is an integral part of the circumferential section of the enclosure of the container, wherein said string guidance means makes contact with the string through a zone referred to as the string contact zone. The surface of the string contact zone is preferably convex at the side that is in contact with the string. The string guidance means is provided by either the upper or lower surface of the string passageway, or is provided by a structure positioned internally relative to the string passageway. In case the string guidance means is positioned internally relative to the string passageway, it is preferably positioned, in the transverse dimension, at about the same side, more preferably at the same side, of the container as the string passageway. When pulling the loose string end away from the string passageway, the string guidance means functionally acts as a pulley to guide the movement of the membrane-string connection segment such that the membrane-string connection segment is moved along the plane of the intercompartment membrane in the direction towards the centroid of the string passageway.

It is preferred that the container according to this invention further comprises a sealing structure for minimizing the risk or preventing the leakage from or entering of fluids into the container through the string passageway, wherein said sealing structure allows for said movement of the string through said string passageway. Preferably, said sealing structure is a flexible structure. Preferably, said sealing structure is a flexible structure that can flex outwardly when an outward pointing force is applied to it.

Further embodiments of the present invention are described in claims 1 to 27.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1: Panel A: Schematic representation of the side view of the longitudinal cross-section through the string passageway (23) of the container, in its assembled membrane-engaged state, whereby the string (12) and the string passageway (23) are located above the plane of the intercompartment membrane (8). The upper member is indicated in light grey, the lower member in dark grey. Panel B: Schematic representation of the top view of the transverse cross-section through plane a-a of the container shown in Panel A. Figure 2: Panel A: Schematic representation of the longitudinal cross-sectional side view of the container, in its assembled membrane-engaged state, comprising an upper member (71) and lower member (72), whereby the intercompartment membrane (8) engages the lower member (72), whereby the part of the string (12) within the interior space of the container is located above the plane of the intercompartment membrane (8), whereby the string guidance means (17) is part of the lower member (72), and whereby the string (12) overlies the string guidance means (17). The upper member (71) is indicated in light grey, the lower member (72) in dark grey. Panel B: Schematic representation of the top view of the transverse cross-section through plane a-a of the container shown in Panel A. Figure 3: Schematic representation of the longitudinal cross-sectional side view of the container, in its assembled membrane-engaged state, comprising an upper member (71) and lower member (72), whereby the intercompartment membrane (8) engages the lower member (72), whereby the part of the string (12) within the interior space of the container is located above the plane of the intercompartment membrane (8), whereby the string guidance means (17) is part of the upper member (71), and whereby the string (12) underlies the string guidance means (17). The upper member (71) is indicated in light grey, the lower member (72) in dark grey.

Figure 4: Schematic representation of the longitudinal cross-sectional side view of the container, in its assembled membrane-engaged state, comprising an upper member (71) and lower member (72) and comprising two intercompartment membranes (8), whereby one of the two intercompartment membranes (8) engages the upper member (71) and the other engages the lower member (72), whereby the string guidance means (17) is part of the lower member (72), and whereby the strings (12) overlie the string guidance means (17). The upper member (71) is indicated in light grey, the lower member (72) in dark grey.

Figure 5: Schematic representation of an intercompartment membrane (8) with different geometries, which constitutes an integral part with a string (12) in the form of an elongated pull tab, whereby the intercompartment membrane (8) comprises a single frangible fracture line (21) and an auxiliary pull tab (36). Panels A, F: top view of the intercompartment membrane before folding of the string (12) and the auxiliary pull tab (36). Panels B, G: top view of the intercompartment membrane after folding over the string (12) at the membrane-string connection segment (14) and after folding over of the auxiliary pull tab (36). Panels C, H: top view of the lower member (72) after adhering the intercompartment membrane to the circumferential rim (11). Panels D, J: top view of the lower member (72) after pulling the loose string end (13) to rupture the intercompartment membrane (8) through tearing of the frangible fracture line (21) in order to create an opening (20) in the intercompartment membrane (8). The dash-dotted arrow indicates the movement of the loose string end (13) during rupture of the intercompartment membrane (8). Panels E, K: top view of the lower member (72) after pulling the auxiliary pull tab (36) to disengage the remaining sections (37) of the intercompartment membrane that are still engaged to the circumferential rim (11) after said rupture of the intercompartment membrane (8).

Figure 6: Schematic representation of an intercompartment membrane (8) with different geometries, which constitutes an integral part with a string (12) in the form of an elongated pull tab, whereby the intercompartment membrane (8) comprises two frangible fracture lines (21) and two auxiliary pull tabs (36). Panels A, F: top view of the intercompartment membrane before folding of the string (12) and the auxiliary pull tabs (36). Panels B, G: top view of the intercompartment membrane after folding over the string (12) at the membrane-string connection segment (14) and after folding over of the auxiliary pull tabs (36). Panels C, H: top view of the lower member (72) after adhering the intercompartment membrane to the circumferential rim (11). Panels D, J: top view of the lower member (72) after pulling the loose string end (13) to rupture the intercompartment membrane (8) through tearing of the frangible fracture line (21) in order to create an opening (20) in the intercompartment membrane (8). The dash-dotted arrow indicates the movement of the loose string end (13) during rupture of the intercompartment membrane (8). Panels E, K: top view of the lower member (72) after pulling the auxiliary pull tabs (36) to disengage the remaining sections (37) of the intercompartment membrane that are still engaged to the circumferential rim (11) after said rupture of the intercompartment membrane (8).

Figure 7: Detailed side view of the longitudinal cross-section through the string passageway (23) at the junction between the bottom end of the upper member (71) and the upper end of the lower member (72), with different configurations of the string guidance means (17) and sealing structure (19). Parts of the upper member (71) are indicated in light grey, parts of the lower member (72) are indicated in dark grey.

Figure 8: Detailed side view of the longitudinal cross-section through the string passageway (23) at the junction between the bottom end of the upper member (71) and the upper end of the lower member (72), before (panel A) and during (panel B) the exertion of a pulling force with a longitudinal vectorial component on the loose string end (13). The dash-dotted arrow indicates the longitudinal vectorial component of the movement of the loose string end (13) during rupture or partial disengagement of the intercompartment membrane (8). Parts of the upper member (71) are indicated in light grey, parts of the lower member (72) are indicated in dark grey.

Figure 9: Perspective views (panels A and B) and longitudinal cross-sectional side views (panels C and D) of the upper member (panels A and C) and lower member (panels B and D) of the container according to a particular embodiment of the invention.

Figure 10: Perspective views (panels A and B) and side views of the longitudinal cross-section through the string passageway (panels C and D) of the container assembled from the members shown in Figure 9, and wherein the loose string end (13) is situated outside of the container, and wherein the string can only be pulled after partially removing the string blocking means (30). The configuration of the intercompartment membrane (8) is as shown in Figure 5, but can also be for instance as in Figure 6. Views are shown before (panels A and C) and after (panels B and D) partial detachment of the string blocking means (30). Parts of the container that are not relevant for the illustrative purpose of this figure are omitted for sake of clarity and compactness of the drawing.

Figure 11: Perspective views (panels A and B) and side views of the longitudinal cross-section through the string passageway (panels C and D) of the container assembled from the members shown in Figure 9, and wherein the loose string end (13) is situated within the cavity provided by the string passageway (23), and wherein the loose string end (13) is only accessible after partially removing the string blocking means (30). The configuration of the intercompartment membrane (8) is as shown in Figure 5, but can also be for instance as in Figure 6. Views are shown before (panels A and C) and after (panels B and D) partial detachment of the string blocking means (30). Parts of the container that are not relevant for the illustrative purpose of this figure are omitted for sake of clarity and compactness of the drawing.

Figure 12: Schematic perspective view of the members of the container during assembly and filling. Panel A: the lower member (72) is pulled out of a stack of lower members. Panel B: the lower compartment (3) within the lower member (72) is filled with a second content. Panel C: the intercompartment membrane (8) with folded string (12) and auxiliary pull tab (36), is taken from a stack of pre-folded intercompartment membranes and is positioned on the circumferential rim (11) of the lower member (72), while the loose string end (13) extends outwards from the top circumferential edge of the lower member (72). Panel D: the intercompartment membrane (8) engages the circumferential rim (11) by using sealing means, such as induction welding. Panel E: the upper member (71) without top lid is pulled out of a stack of upper members and mounted on the filled and sealed lower member (72) (Panel F). Panel G: the upper compartment (2) is filled with a first content. Panel H: the top lid (64) is taken from a stack of top lids and is fitted at the top of the upper member (71) to close the closable opening (60).

Figure 13: Schematic perspective view of the members of the container during assembly and filling.

Panel A: the lower member (72) is pulled out of a stack of lower members. Panel B: the lower compartment (3) within the lower member (72) is filled with a second content. Panel C: the intercompartment membrane (8) with the non-folded string (12) and pull tab (36) is taken from a stack of intercompartment membranes, is positioned on the circumferential rim (11) of the lower member (72), and engages the circumferential rim (11) by using sealing means, such as induction welding. Panel D: the string (12) is folded over the membrane-string connection segment (14) such that the loose string end (13) extends outwards from the top circumferential edge of the lower member (72) and the pull tab (36) is folded such that it overlays the intercompartment membrane (8). Panel E: the upper member (71) without top lid is pulled out of a stack of upper members and mounted on the filled and sealed lower member (72) (Panel F). Panel G: the upper compartment (2) is filled with a first content. Panel H: the top lid (64) is taken from a stack of top lids and is fitted at the top of the upper member (71) to close the closable opening (60).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention will now be explained in greater detail with reference to the appended drawings.

In general and with reference to Figure 1, the present invention relates to a container, comprising an upper compartment (2) for keeping a first content, and a lower compartment (3) for keeping a second content, whereby said lower compartment (3) is connected to said upper compartment (2).

The enclosure of said container is provided by a discrete upper member (71) mounted on a discrete lower member (72), wherein each of said mounted discrete members provides a part of the circumferential section (4) of the enclosure, while the mounted upper discrete member (71) provides the top section of the enclosure and the mounted lower discrete member (72) provides the bottom section (7) of the enclosure. The container further comprises an intercompartment membrane (8) of which the peripheral borders engage the interior side of the circumferential section (4) of the enclosure of the container along a segment referred to as the circumferential rim (11), whereby said intercompartment membrane (8) separates the first (2) and lower compartment (3). The container further comprises a string (12) that is at one end connected to a segment of the intercompartment membrane, said segment being referred to as the membrane-string connection segment (14). Said membrane-string connection segment (14) is preferably situated at a peripheral edge of the intercompartment membrane (8). Said membrane-string connection segment (14) is preferably situated eccentrically with respect to the centroid (f) of the intercompartment membrane (8). The segment of the circumferential rim (11) that is closest to the membrane-string connection segment (14) in the assembled membrane-engaged state of the container is referred to as the rim-string connection segment (15). Part of said string (12) preferably passes through at least the inner gateway of a string passageway (23) in the circumferential section (4) of the enclosure. Said string passageway (23) is formed upon mounting of the discrete upper member (71) on the discrete lower member (72) such that said upper member (71) provides the upper surface of said string passageway and said lower member (72) provides the lower surface of said string passageway. The string passageway (23) is preferably located in the transverse dimension on about the opposite side, preferably on the opposite side, relative to the rim-string connection segment (15). Part of said string (12) preferably passes through the inner gateway of a string passageway (23) in the circumferential section (4) of the enclosure, such that the other end of the string, referred to as the loose string end (13), is positioned within the cavity provided by said string passageway (23) that is separated from the outer environment by a partially or fully removable string blocking means (30), wherein said string blocking means (30) can be moved, partially removed or removed to allow access to the loose string end (13), as illustrated in Figures 1 and 11. Alternatively, part of said string (12) preferably passes through both the inner gateway and the outer gateway of the string passageway (23), such that the loose string end (13) is positioned on the outer side of said circumferential section (4) of the enclosure of the container, as illustrated in Figures 2, 3, 4 and 10. By pulling the loose string end (13) away from the string passageway (23), the string (12) can be moved between a first position wherein the intercompartment membrane (8) fully engages, through its peripheral border, the circumferential rim (11), and a second position wherein the intercompartment membrane is partially ruptured or disengaged so as to create an opening (20) in the intercompartment membrane (8), such that the first content of said upper compartment (2) can be transferred into the interior space provided by the lower compartment (3) and thus added to the second content in said lower compartment (3). Such rupture or at least partial disengagement of the intercompartment membrane (8) can result from, for instance but not limited to, the detachment of part of the intercompartment membrane (8) from the circumferential rim (11) or from the tearing of the intercompartment membrane (8) along frangible fracture lines or tearing lines (21) located internally in the intercompartment membrane (8), or a combination thereof. After said rupture or at least partial disengagement of the intercompartment membrane (8) by pulling the loose string end (13) away from the string passageway (23), the discrete upper member (71) can be removed and the combined first and second content contained in the lower compartment (3) of the container can then be evacuated through said opening (20) created in the intercompartment membrane (8).

Preferably, the intercompartment membrane (8) has, in addition to said string (12), one or more auxiliary pull tabs (36) allowing to remove the remaining sections (37) of the intercompartment membrane that are still engaged to the circumferential rim (11) after said rupture or at least partial disengagement of the intercompartment membrane (8) by pulling the loose string end (13) away from the string passageway (23), so as to increase the opening (20) in the intercompartment membrane, thus allowing more convenient evacuation of the combined first and second content contained in the lower compartment of the container. After said rupture or at least partial disengagement of the intercompartment membrane (8) and after removal of said discrete upper member (71), evacuation of said combined first and second content from the lower compartment (3) can be done using utensils, such as for instance using a spoon. Alternatively, after said rupture or at least partial disengagement of the intercompartment membrane (8) and after removal of said discrete upper member (71), evacuation of said combined first and second content can be done by tilting the discrete lower member (72), such as for instance when drinking from the top of the discrete lower member.

The container of the present invention preferably comprises an intercompartment membrane (8) comprising frangible fracture lines or tearing lines (21), a string (12), of which the loose string end (13) can be accessed without dislodging the discrete upper member (71) from the discrete lower member (72) and, in addition to said string (12), one or more auxiliary pull tabs (36) which can be can be accessed after dislodging the discrete upper member (71) from the discrete lower member (72).

The container of the present invention preferably comprises a string blocking means (30) that, unless moved, partially removed or removed, either substantially prevents the transfer of a pulling force exerted on the loose string end (13) to the membrane-string connection segment (14), or substantially prevents access to the loose string end (13), or combinations thereof. Such string blocking means (30) may also serve to visually detect tampering of the container.

The container of the present invention preferably comprises a string guidance means (17) that is statically connected to or is an integral part of the circumferential section (4) of the enclosure of the container, wherein said string guidance means (17) makes contact with the string (12) through a zone referred to as the string contact zone. The surface of the string contact zone is preferably convex at the side that is in contact with the string. The string guidance means (17) is provided by either the upper or lower surface of the string passageway (23), or is provided by a structure positioned internally relative to the string passageway (23). In case the string guidance means (17) is positioned internally relative to the string passageway, it is preferably positioned, in the transverse dimension, at about the same side, more preferably at the same side, of the container as the string passageway (23). When pulling the loose string end (13) away from the string passageway (23), the string guidance means (17) functionally acts as a pulley to guide the movement of the membrane-string connection segment (14) such that the membrane-string connection segment (14) is moved along the plane of the intercompartment membrane (8) in the direction towards the centroid (c) of the string passageway (23).

It is preferred that the container according to this invention further comprises a sealing structure (19) for minimizing the risk or preventing the leakage from or entering of fluids into the container through the string passageway (23), wherein said sealing structure (19) allows for said movement of the string (12) through said string passageway (23). Preferably, said sealing structure (19) is a flexible structure. Preferably, said sealing structure (19) is a flexible structure that can flex outwardly when an outward pointing force is applied to it.

More particularly and with reference to Figures 2 to 4, the present invention provides a container comprising an upper compartment (2) for keeping a first content and a lower compartment (3) for keeping a second content, and comprising an intercompartment membrane (8) that separates the compartments from one another, and wherein the enclosure of said container comprises two discrete members, the upper member (71) and the lower member (72), which can be mounted on each other. Either or both of said members can optionally comprise one or more closure means for closing one or more of said closable openings. Preferably, the upper member (71) comprises the top section (9) of the enclosure of the container, and preferably the lower member (72) comprises the bottom section (7) of the enclosure of the container. Optionally, said top enclosure (9) of the upper member (71) comprises a closable opening (60), that can be closed with any closure means known to the skilled artisan, such as for instance but not limited to a lid, sealing membrane, or screw cap. Preferably, said upper member (71) comprises, next to the top enclosure (9), an upper-compartment circumferential wall (5), and an opening at its bottom end. Preferably, said lower member (72) comprises an opening at its top end, a lower-compartment circumferential wall (6), and the bottom section (7) of the enclosure of the container at its bottom end. The upper member (71) and lower member (72) are connected, preferably statically connected, to each other through a mounting connection (18) located at the junction between the upper member (71) and the lower member (72).

Said mounting connection (18) can be any type of mounting connection known to the skilled artisan, such as but not limited to, an engaging threaded screw connection or an engaging snap-on connection. Said mounting connection (18) preferably can be dislodged by the user after mounting. The peripheral border of said intercompartment membrane (8) preferably engages a circumferential rim (11) located at either the lower-compartment circumferential wall (6) of the lower member (72) or at the upper-compartment circumferential wall (5) of the upper member (71). The container further comprises a string (12) that is at one end connected to a segment of the intercompartment membrane, said segment being referred to as the membrane-string connection segment (14). Said membrane-string connection segment (14) is preferably situated at a peripheral edge of the intercompartment membrane (8). Said membrane-string connection segment (14) is preferably situated eccentrically with respect to the centroid (f) of the intercompartment membrane (8). The segment of the circumferential rim (11) that is closest to the membrane-string connection segment (14) in the assembled membrane-engaged state of the container is referred to as the rim-string connection segment (15). Part of said string (12) preferably passes through a string passageway (23) in the circumferential section (4) of the container enclosure, such that the loose string end (13) is either positioned on the outer side of said string passageway (23) or is confined within the cavity provided by said string passageway (23). Said string passageway (23) is preferably situated at the junction between the upper member (71) and the lower member (72), and is formed upon mounting of the discrete upper member (71) on the discrete lower member (72). Preferably, the upper member (71) provides the upper surface of said string passageway (23) and said lower member (72) provides the lower surface of said string passageway (23). The string passageway (23) is preferably located in the transverse dimension at about the opposite side, preferably at the opposite side, relative to the rim-string connection segment (15). By pulling the loose string end (13) away from the string passageway (23) the string (12) can be moved between a first position wherein the intercompartment membrane (8) fully engages, through its peripheral border, the circumferential rim (11), and a second position wherein the intercompartment membrane (8) is ruptured and/or partially disengaged from the circumferential rim (11), so as to create an opening (20) in the intercompartment membrane (8), such that the first content of said upper compartment (2) can be transferred into the interior space provided by the lower compartment (3) and thus added to the second content in said lower compartment (3). Preferably, the lower member (72) comprises the string guidance means (17) when the string (12) overlies said string guidance means, or alternatively the upper member (71) comprises the string guidance means (17) when the string (12) underlies said string guidance means. In the non-assembled state of the container, the upper members (71) are preferably stackable on each other such that the major part of one member is contained within the interior side of the neighbouring member. Preferably, such stacking of the upper members (71) is such that the nesting height is less than 2 cm, preferably less than 1.5 cm, more preferably less than 1 cm. In the non-assembled state of the container the lower members (72) are preferably stackable on each other such that the major part of one member is contained within the interior side of the neighbouring member. Preferably, such stacking of the lower members (72) is such that the nesting height is less than 2 cm, preferably less than 1.5 cm, more preferably less than 1 cm.

In the container variant of Figure 2, the intercompartment membrane (8) engages the circumferential rim (11) at the top end of the lower member (72). The part of the string (12) within the interior space of the container is located above the plane of the intercompartment membrane (8). The string (12) overlies the string guidance means (17), and said string guidance means (17) is part of the lower member (72), and the sealing structure (19) is part of the upper member (71). The user of the container is incited to pull the loose string end (13) with a force that comprises preferably a downward vectorial component.

The container variant of Figure 3 has the same configuration as that of Figure 2, except that the string (12) underlies the string guidance means (17), that said string guidance means (17) is part of the upper member (71), that the sealing structure (19) is part of the lower member (71), and that the user of the container is incited to pull the loose string end (13) with a force that comprises preferably an upward vectorial component.

During assembly and filling of the container variant of Figures 2 and 3, a sequence of events can be, in a non-limitative example: the lower member (72) is filled with the appropriate content through its opening at its top end; the intercompartment membrane (8) with a string (12) folded over the intercompartment membrane is adhered or connected to the circumferential rim (11) of the lower member (72), such that the loose string end (13) extends outwards of the outer top edge of the lower member (72) at the side on the container opposite in the transverse dimension relative to that of the membrane-string connection segment (14), and preferably said position at which the string (12) extends from the lower member (72) corresponds with the position of the part of the string passageway (23) provided by said lower member (72); the upper member (71) is mounted on the lower member (72) via the mounting connection (18); the upper member (71) is filled with the appropriate content through the closable opening (60) at its top; the closable opening (60) at the top of the upper member (71) is closed with an appropriate closure means.

In case the container variants of Figures 2 and 3 have no closable opening (60) at the top of the upper member (71), another sequence of events can be, in a non-limitative example: the lower member (72) is filled with the appropriate content through its opening at its top end; the intercompartment membrane (8) with a string (12) folded over the intercompartment membrane is adhered or connected to the circumferential rim (11) of the lower member (72), such that the loose string end (13) extends outwards of the outer top edge of the lower member (72) at the side on the container opposite in the transverse dimension relative to that of the membrane-string connection segment (14), and preferably said position at which the string (12) extends from the lower member (72) corresponds with the position of the part of the string passageway (23) provided by said lower member (72); the upper member (71) is held upside down with its top enclosure (9) facing down; the upper member (71) is filled with the appropriate content through the opening at its bottom end; the filled lower member (72) is turned upside down with the intercompartment membrane (8) facing down and mounted via the mounting connection (18) on the filled upper member (71); the container is flipped to its normal upright position with the bottom enclosure (7) of the lower member (72) facing down.

The container variant of Figure 4 has two intercompartment membranes, each of which is connected to a string. The upper intercompartment membrane (8) engages the circumferential rim (11) of the upper member (71), while the lower intercompartment membrane (8) engages the circumferential rim (11) of the lower member (72). The parts of both strings (12) within the interior space of the container are located in between the plane of the upper intercompartment membrane and the plane of the lower intercompartment membrane, and both strings (12) overlie the string guidance means (17), which is part of the lower member (72). The user of the container is incited to pull the loose string ends (13) of both strings with a force that comprises preferably a downward vectorial component.

During assembly and filling of the container variant of Figure 4, a sequence of events can be, in a non-limitative example: the upper member (71) (either without closable opening or with a closed colable opening) is flipped upside down with its top enclosure (9) facing down; the upper member (71) is filled with the appropriate content through its opening at its bottom end; the intercompartment membrane (8) with a string (12) folded over the intercompartment membrane is adhered or connected to the circumferential rim (11) of the upper member (71), such that the loose string end (13) extends outwards of the outer bottom edge of the upper member (71) at the side opposite in the transverse dimension to that of the membrane-string connection segment (14), and preferably said position at which the string (12) extends from the upper member (71) corresponds with the position of the part of the of the string passageway (23) provided by said upper member (71); the lower member (72) is filled with the appropriate content through its opening at its top end; the intercompartment membrane (8) with a string (12) folded over the intercompartment membrane is adhered or connected to the circumferential rim (11) of the lower member (72), such that the loose string end (13) extends outwards of the outer top edge of the lower member (72) at the side opposite in the transverse dimension to that of the membrane-string connection segment (14), and preferably said position at which the string (12) extends from the lower member (72) corresponds with the position of the part of the of the string passageway (23) provided by said lower member (72); the filled and closed upper member (71) is flipped in its normal upright position and mounted on the lower member (72) via the mounting connection (18) such that the loose string ends (13) of both strings (12) are located at the same side in the transverse dimension.

Throughout the description, the container according to any of the embodiments of the present invention can be said to be either in the non-assembled state or in the assembled state, and in the latter state it can be either said to be in the assembled membrane-engaged state or in the assembled membrane-disengaged state. In its non-assembled state the different members of the container are manufactured, but not yet fully mounted to form one unit. In its assembled membrane-engaged state, the different members of the container are operationally mounted, and the intercompartment membrane(s) fully engage through their peripheral borders the circumferential enclosure, and said intercompartment membranes thereby provide separation of the contents of the two compartments. The assembled membrane-disengaged state of the container is obtained from the assembled membrane-engaged state of the container after moving the string (2), for instance by pulling the loose string end (13) away from the string passageway (23), such that the intercompartment membrane (8) is ruptured and/or partially disengaged from the circumferential enclosure. In both the assembled membrane-disengaged state and assembled membrane-engaged state, any string blocking means (30) or other tamper evident means, such as a tear strips or tear tabs, can be either intact or removed, and the closable openings allowing evacuation of the contents of the compartments can be either in the open or closed state. Unless otherwise stated, the explanations in the context of the present invention refer to the container in the assembled membrane-engaged state.

The members of the container, in particular those that provide the enclosure of the container according to any of the embodiments of the present invention, can be made from any of various types of plastic polymeric materials, such as for instance but not limited to, thermoplastic polymers or copolymers, thermoplastic elastomers, or thermosetting polymers or copolymers. Most preferred are thermoplastic polymers or copolymers including, but not limited to, polymethylmethacrylate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, polybenzimidazole, polytetrafluoroethylene, polylactate, or polyhydroxyalkanoate, or blends, combinations or copolymers thereof. Examples of thermosetting polymers include, but are not limited to, polyurethanes, vulcanized polyisoprene (vulcanized rubber), vulcanized styrenebutadiene, epoxy resins, polyimides, or polycyanurates, or blends, combinations or copolymers thereof. The members can be made in such plastic materials by any of various techniques, including but not limited to, extrusion blow moulding, injection blow moulding, stretch blow moulding, injection moulding, or thermoforming. Preferably, the members are made in such plastic materials by injection moulding, preferably using moulds with a minimum of moving parts such as slides. Preferably, in order to minimize the use of plastic material and to minimize complexity and costs during assembly, said container consists of not more than two members made in plastic material, which can be mounted on each other to provide the circumferential, bottom and top sections of the enclosure of the container, and, besides such two members, said container can consist of one or more closure means for closing the closable openings (60), one or more intercompartment membranes (8), and one or more strings (12). Preferably, in order to minimize the use of plastic material, said container has, over at least a substantial longitudinal distance, only one circumferential wall in the transverse cross sections through the circumferential enclosure of the upper compartment. Preferably, in order to minimize the use of plastic material, said container has, over at least a substantial longitudinal distance, only one circumferential wall in the transverse cross sections through the circumferential enclosure of the lower compartment.

The intercompartment membranes of the container generally have a thickness between 0.01 and 1.0 mm, more typically between 0.02 and 0.1 mm, and can be made for instance, but not limited to, from a film-forming polymer, a plastic polymer, a metal such as aluminium, or combinations thereof. Such combinations can include for instance but not limited to, a plastic coated aluminium sealing membrane, a lacquer coated aluminium sealing membrane, or an aluminium sealing membrane laminated with a plastic film. Preferably, the intercompartment membranes of the container are impervious for the contents of either compartment of the container. The intercompartment membranes can be connected to the circumferential rim or any other part of the circumferential section of the container enclosure by any of different methods including, but not limited to, via the use of adhesives or via heat conduction welding, induction welding, ultrasonic welding, or laser welding, in such way that the connection can be disrupted by the tear force transmitted during the movement of the string (12), resulting in the detachment of the intercompartment membrane from the circumferential rim or any other part of the circumferential section of the container enclosure.

Preferably, the intercompartment membrane (8) has a set of frangible fracture lines (21), comprising for instance a single frangible fracture line (21) (Figure 5) or two frangible fracture lines (21) (Figure 6), wherein said frangible fracture lines (21) can be ruptured by the tear force transmitted during the movement of the string (12). Such frangible fracture lines can be located internally in the intercompartment membrane (8) along at least one or more segments of its peripheral edges, whereby at least the membrane-string connection segment (14) does not have such frangible fracture line (Figures 5 and 6).

Preferably, the set of frangible fracture lines (21) located on the intercompartment membrane (8) comprises two frangible fracture line segments (40) that run about parallel to the line going through the midpoint (g) of the membrane-string connection segment (14) and the centroid (f) of the intercompartment membrane (8) (Figures 5 and 6). Preferably, said two frangible fracture line segments (40) run about parallel to the line going through the midpoint (g) of the membrane-string connection segment (14) and the centroid (f) of the intercompartment membrane (8) over a distance corresponding to more than 40%, preferably more than 50%, such as more than 60%, of the length of the intercompartment membrane (8) measured in the orientation parallel to the line going through the midpoint (g) of the membrane-string connection segment (14) and the centroid (f) of the intercompartment membrane (8). Preferably, the major part of the frangible fracture lines (21) consists of frangible fracture line segments (40) that run about parallel to the line going through the midpoint (g) of the membrane-string connection segment (14) and the centroid (f) of the intercompartment membrane (8). Preferably, the sum of the path lengths of said frangible fracture line segments (40) that run about parallel to the line going through the midpoint (g) of the membrane-string connection segment (14) and the centroid (f) of the intercompartment membrane (8) is more than 40%, preferably more than 50%, such as more than 60%, of the sum of the path lengths of the set of frangible fracture lines (21). Preferably, said two frangible fracture line segments (40) are positioned on either side relative to the line going through the midpoint (g) of the membrane-string connection segment (14) and the centroid (f) of the intercompartment membrane (8). Preferably, said two frangible fracture line segments (40) are about symmetrically positioned on either side relative to the line going through the midpoint (g) of the membrane-string connection segment (14) and the centroid (f) of the intercompartment membrane (8). Preferably, the largest distance between the frangible fracture line segments (40) is more than 40%, such as more than 50%, or more than 60%, of the width of the intercompartment membrane (8) measured in the orientation perpendicular to the line going through the midpoint (g) of the membrane-string connection segment (14) and the centroid (f) of the intercompartment membrane (8).

With reference to Figure 5, the intercompartment membrane (8) can comprise one frangible fracture line (21). The endpoints of said single fracture line are preferably located along the peripheral edge of the intercompartment membrane (8) at the side of the membrane-string connection segment (14) but outside the membrane-string connection segment (14), most preferably symmetrically positioned on either side relative to the line going through the midpoint (g) of the membrane-string connection segment (14) and the centroid (f) of the intercompartment membrane (8). Preferably, the single frangible fracture line (21) comprises two frangible fracture line segments (40) that run about parallel to the line going through the midpoint (g) of the membrane-string connection segment (14) and the centroid (f) of the intercompartment membrane (8). The single fracture line (21) preferably comprises a further connecting segment (43) that connects said two frangible fracture line segments (40). Said connecting segment (43) preferably has a trajectory with a symmetry axis corresponding to the line going through the midpoint (g) of the membrane-string connection segment (14) and the centroid (f) of the intercompartment membrane (8) and of which the point that is closest to the centroid (c) of the string passageway (23) lies on that symmetry axis. Said connecting segment (43) preferably has a trajectory with a symmetry axis corresponding to the line going through the midpoint (g) of the membrane-string connection segment (14) and points towards the centroid (c) of the string passageway (23). Upon pulling the loose string end (13) away from the string passageway (23), the string (12) together with the part of the intercompartment membrane (8) internal to the single frangible fracture line (21) can be pulled out of the container, as illustrated in Figures 5D and Si.

With reference to Figure 6, the intercompartment membrane (8) can comprise two frangible fracture lines, wherein each of these frangible fracture lines extends from a point along the peripheral edge of the intercompartment membrane (8) at the side of the membrane-string connection segment (14) but outside the membrane-string connection segment (14), and wherein each of these two frangible fracture lines extends towards the peripheral edge of the intercompartment membrane (8) at the side of the string passageway (23), and wherein each of these two frangible fracture lines extends till a point at or adjacent to the peripheral edge of the intercompartment membrane (8) at the side of the string passageway (23). The major part of each of the frangible fracture lines (21) corresponds to a frangible fracture line segment (40) that runs substantially parallel to the line going through the midpoint (g) of the membrane-string connection segment (14) and the centroid (f) of the intercompartment membrane (8). Since the frangible fracture lines (21) extend from a point along the peripheral edge of the intercompartment membrane (8) at the side of the membrane-string connection segment (14) till a point at or adjacent to the peripheral edge of the intercompartment membrane (8) at the side of the string passageway (23), the string (12) together with the part of the intercompartment membrane (8) encompassed between the two frangible fracture lines (21) can be pulled out of the container, as illustrated in Figures 6D and 6J.

With reference to Figures 5 and 6, the intercompartment membrane (8) can comprise notches (29) located along the peripheral edge of the intercompartment membrane (8) at the side of the membrane-string connection segment (14) but outside the membrane-string connection segment (14). Preferably, the intercompartment membrane (8) comprises two of said notches (29) that are located about symmetrically on either side relative to the line going through the midpoint (g) of the membrane-string connection segment (14) and the centroid (f) of the intercompartment membrane (8). Preferably, the notches point in the direction of the string passageway (23) and have a bisecting line that runs substantially parallel to the line going through the midpoint (g) of the membrane-string connection segment (14) and the centroid (f) of the intercompartment membrane (8). Preferably, said frangible fracture lines (21) extend from said notches (29). Preferably, the plane that goes through the centroid of a notch (29) and that is perpendicular to the line going through the midpoint (g) of the membrane-string connection segment (14) and the centroid (f) of the intercompartment membrane (8) is closer to the longitudinal axis of the container than the plane that goes through the he midpoint (b) of the rim-string connection segment (15) and that is perpendicular to the line going through the midpoint (g) of the membrane-string connection segment (14) and the centroid (f) of the intercompartment membrane (8).

The frangible fracture lines (21) can be pre-formed frangible fracture lines, formed for instance by treating the membrane with a scoring tool, a creasing tool, or a laser beam, or by another technique known to the skilled artisan. Alternatively, the frangible fracture lines (21) can be tearing lines that are formed during tearing with a tear force. Such tearing lines can be obtained, for instance, through the use of a membrane of which at least one of the film layers is composed of polymers that are essentially oriented in one direction. Such molecularly mono-oriented films are tearable in a straight line in a direction parallel to the line of orientation of the polymers, without substantial deviation from this orientation. Preferably, the intercompartment membrane (8) consists of a membrane comprising a molecularly mono-oriented film layer such that the orientation of the polymers of such mono-oriented film is substantially parallel to the line going through the midpoint (g) of the membrane-string connection segment (14) and the centroid (f) of the intercompartment membrane (8). Preferably, the notch (29) in the edge of the intercompartment membrane (8) has a bisecting line that is substantially parallel to the line going through the midpoint (g) of the membrane-string connection segment (14) and the centroid (f) of the intercompartment membrane (8). Upon pulling the loose string end (13) away from the string passageway (23), the intercompartment membrane (8) will rupture along tearing lines that extend inward from the notches (29). Preferably, the tearing lines run substantially parallel to the line going through the midpoint (g) of the membrane-string connection segment (14) and the centroid (f) of the intercompartment membrane (8).

In the embodiments depicted in Figures 5 and 6, the shape, dimensions and position of the frangible fracture lines (21) can be configured such that the opening (20) in the intercompartment membrane (8) provided upon pulling the loose string end (13) away from the string passageway (23), has an area that is more than 50% of the area of the intercompartment membrane (8) in its state before membrane rupture or disengagement. In particular it is preferred that the largest distance between the two frangible fracture lines (21) is more than 40%, preferably more than 50%, such as more than 60% of the width of the intercompartment membrane (8) measured in the orientation perpendicular to the line going through the midpoint (g) of the membrane-string connection segment (14) and the centroid (f) of the intercompartment membrane (8). Such opening that is more than 50% of the area of the intercompartment membrane (8) allows the first content of said upper compartment (2) to be transferred into the interior space provided by the lower compartment (3), and a gentle swirling movement is all that is needed to ensure that substantially all of the first content of said upper compartment (2) is transferred into the interior space provided by the lower compartment (3).

Upon removal of the upper discrete member (71) after pulling the loose string end (13) away from the string passageway (23), the user can access the combined first and second content through the opening (20) in the intercompartment membrane (8) created by the rupture and/or disengagement of the intercompartment membrane (8). Preferably, the sections of the intercompartment membrane that are still engaged to the circumferential rim after rupture and/or disengagement of the intercompartment membrane after pulling the loose string end (13) away from the string passageway (23), i.e. the remaining sections (37) of the intercompartment membrane, have one or more auxiliary pull tabs (36) allowing part or all of the non-disengaged membrane sections (37) to be removed by pulling these auxiliary pull tabs (36) such that the non-disengaged membrane sections (37) are disengaged from the circumferential rim (11) (Figures 5 and 6). In this way, the opening (20) in the intercompartment membrane is further enlarged, allowing more convenient mixing and/or evacuation of the combined first and second content contained in the lower compartment (3) of the container.

The intercompartment membrane (8) can optionally be provided, using for instance injection moulding, as either an integral part of a monolithically manufactured discrete upper member (71), or as an integral part of a monolithically manufactured discrete lower member (72). In this case the intercompartment membrane (8) preferably has frangible fracture lines that can be ruptured by the tear force transmitted during the movement of the string (12), whereby at least the membrane-string connection segment (14) does not have such frangible fracture line. The configuration of the frangible fracture lines can be, for instance but not limited to, as depicted in Figures 5 or 6. The part of the intercompartment membrane internal to the frangible fracture lines is preferably sufficiently flexible as to allow that, after moving the string, said membrane can be folded during said movement of the string.

The string can be either a discrete member made out of a fiber, intertwined fibers, or a film-forming polymer, and said string can be attached or connected as such to the intercompartment membrane (8), or, alternatively, it can be provided as an integral part of a membrane body encompassing both the intercompartment membrane (8) and the string (12). In the latter case, said membrane body is cut or punched in a form whereby the string (12) forms an elongated pull tab, preferably connected to the peripheral edge of the intercompartment membrane. Said membrane body is then folded, either before or during the assembly of the container, at the zone corresponding to the membrane-string connection segment (14), and the string part is folded over the intercompartment membrane such that the loose string end (13) is positioned on the diametrically opposite side relative to the membrane-string connection segment (14) (Figures 5 and 6). Preferably, the intercompartment membrane (8) comprises one or more auxiliary pull tabs (36) that preferably extend from the peripheral edge of the intercompartment membrane (8). Preferably said auxiliary pull tabs (36) extend from the peripheral edge of the intercompartment membrane (8) at positions that are external relative to the section of the intercompartment membrane enclosed by the frangible fracture lines (21). Said auxiliary pull tabs (36) are folded, either before or during the assembly of the container, over the segment by which it is connected to the peripheral edge of the intercompartment membrane (8), wherein said folding is towards the intercompartment membrane (8) and wherein the angle between the plane encompassing the folded auxiliary pull tab (36) and the plane encompassing the intercompartment membrane (8) is preferably between 0 and 90°, such as between 0 and 45°.Preferably said folding of and auxiliary pull tab (36) is such that the end of said auxiliary pull tab (36) is internal relative to the most external circumference of the circumferential rim (11) (Figures 5 and 6). The intercompartment membrane (8), the string (12) and the auxiliary pull tabs (36) can be provided as integral parts of a membrane body that is cut or punched in a form whereby the string (12) forms an elongated pull tab, preferably connected to the peripheral edge of the intercompartment membrane at the membrane-string connection segment (14), and the auxiliary pull tabs (36) form short pull tab, preferably connected to the peripheral edge of the intercompartment membrane within the remaining section (37) of the intercompartment membane (Figures 5 and 6).

With reference to Figure 1, it is preferred that, in the assembled membrane-engaged state of the container, the angle a between the longitudinal plane going through the centroid (c) of the string passageway (23) and the longitudinal centroidal axis (e) of the container, and the longitudinal plane going through the midpoint (g) of the membrane-string connection segment (14) and the longitudinal centroidal axis (e) of the container is between 100° and 180°, preferably between 135° and 180°, more preferably between 160° and 180°, most preferably about 180°. Most preferably, in the assembled membrane-engaged state of the container, the string passageway (23) is positioned on the circumferential section (4) of the container enclosure at, in the transverse dimension, about the opposite side, preferably at the opposite side, relative to the membrane-string connection segment (14). Most preferably, the string passageway (23) is positioned on the circumferential section (4) of the container enclosure at about the opposite side, preferably at the opposite side, in the transverse dimension relative to the rim-string connection segment (15). The string passageway (23) is preferably positioned above the plane of the intercompartment membrane (8), as depicted for instance in Figure 1. The configuration of the string passageway (23), string (12) and intercompartment membrane (8) can be such that i) either only the string (12) can be pulled or otherwise passed through the string passageway (23), ii) only part of the string (12) can be pulled or otherwise passed through the string passageway (23), iii) only the string (12) and part of the intercompartment membrane (8) can be pulled or otherwise passed through the string passageway (23), or iv) that both the string (12) and the intercompartment membrane (8) can be pulled or otherwise passed through the string passageway (23).

It is further preferred that said intercompartment membrane (8) is about perpendicular to the longitudinal centroidal axis of the container, or alternatively the intercompartment membrane (8) may be inclined whereby the lowest point is preferably the midpoint (b) of the rim-string connection segment (15) or the midpoint (g) of the membrane-string connection segment (14) at its position before membrane rupture.

The container of the present invention preferably contains a string guidance means (17) that is statically connected to or is an integral part of the circumferential section (4) of the container enclosure, whereby said string guidance means (17) makes contact with the string (12) through a zone referred to as the string contact zone. Preferably, the surface of said string contact zone is convex at the side that is in contact with the string. Preferably, the highest point of said string contact zone of the string guidance means (17) is positioned above or at the same height as the lowest point of the string passageway (23) when the string (12) overlies said string guidance means (17) (Figure 2). Preferably, the lowest point of said string contact zone is positioned below or at the same height as the highest point of the string passageway (23) when the string (12) underlies said string guidance means (17) (Figure 3). The string guidance means (17) is preferentially positioned substantially perpendicular in the transverse dimension to the longitudinal plane passing through the longitudinal axis of the container and the centroid (c) of the string passageway (23). When pulling the loose string end (13) away from the string passageway (23), the string guidance means (17) functionally acts as a pulley to guide the movement of the membrane-string connection segment (14) such that the membrane-string connection segment (14) is moved along the plane of the intercompartment membrane in the direction towards the centroid (d) of the string contact zone.

The container preferably has a visual indication, such as an icon, a label, an indicium, or a textual instruction, to instruct the user, wishing to rupture and/or disengage the intercompartment membrane (8), to pull the string by the loose string end (13) in the direction following the outward convex curvature of the string guidance means (17) substantially along a longitudinal plane passing through the longitudinal axis of the container and the centroid (c) of the string passageway (23).

When the container has a string (12) that overlies the string guidance means (17), then said container preferably has an indication, such as an icon or a textual instruction, to instruct the user, wishing to rupture and/or partially disengage the intercompartment membrane (8), to pull the string by the loose string end (13) with a force that comprises a downward longitudinal vectorial component. When the container has a string (12) that underlies the string guidance means (17), then said container preferably has an indication, such as an icon or a textual instruction, to instruct the user, wishing to rupture and/or partially disengage the intercompartment membrane (8), to pull the string by the loose string end (13) with a force that comprises an upward longitudinal vectorial component.

With reference to Figure 1, it is further preferred that, in the assembled membrane-engaged state of the container, the angle p in the longitudinal dimension between the plane of the intercompartment membrane (8) and the line going through the centroid (d) of the string contact zone of the string guidance means (17) and through the midpoint (g) of the membrane-string connection segment (14) is between 0° and 30°, preferably between 0° and 15°, most preferably between 0° and 10°, such as between 0° and 5°. Preferably, the angle 13 in the longitudinal dimension between the plane of the intercompartment membrane and the line going through the centroid (d) of the string contact zone of the string guidance means (17) and through the midpoint (b) of the rim-string connection segment (15) is between 0° and 30°, preferably between 0° and 15°, most preferably between 0° and 10°, such as between 0° and 5°. Limiting the angle p ensures that the force applied to the string (12) when pulling the string by the loose string end (13) is transmitted maximally on the membrane-string connection segment (14) along the plane of the intercompartment membrane, thus facilitating membrane rupture or membrane disengagement.

The circumferential rim (11) represents a segment on the circumferential section (4) of the enclosure, and the peripheral border of the intercompartment membrane (8) can engage said circumferential rim (11). The circumferential rim (11) can have a rim-like structure, preferably a horizontal rim or about horizontal rim, on which the intercompartment membrane (8) can be deposited and adhered or connected. The circumferential rim (11) can also have a different configuration, in as far this configuration allows engagement with the peripheral border of the intercompartment membrane (8).

It is preferred that the container according to any of the embodiments of the present invention further comprises a sealing structure (19) for minimizing the risk or preventing the leakage from or entering of fluids into the container through the string passageway (23), wherein said sealing structure (19) allows for the movement of said string (12) through the string passageway (23) upon pulling the loose string end (13) away from the string passageway (23). Preferably, said sealing structure (19) provides a liquid tight seal, more preferably it provides a liquid tight and gas tight seal. It is further preferred that the sealing structure (19) exerts said sealing function in either or both the assembled membrane-engaged state and the assembled membrane-disengaged state of the container. It is even more preferred that the sealing structure (19) exerts said sealing function during the movement of the string (12). Preferably, said sealing structure (19) is a flexible structure.

Examples of configurations of the sealing structure (19) in conjunction with the string guidance means (17) in the string passageway (23) are shown in Figure 7. In Figure 7, only examples of configurations of the container are shown wherein the string (12) overlies the string guidance means (17) and overlies the intercompartment membrane inside the container. In the configurations wherein the string (12) overlies the string guidance means (17) it is particularly preferred that the sealing structure (19), preferably the bottom edge of the sealing structure, touches or presses against a part of the string guidance means that is horizontal or, more preferably, slopes downwards in the outward direction, such that the string is clamped between the sealing structure (19) and said part of the string guidance means (17). In such configurations wherein the string (12) overlies the string guidance means it is particularly preferred that the sealing structure (19) and string guidance means (17) touch each other at an angle, preferably an acute angle, such that the vertex of that angle is the lowest and outermost point on the bisector of that angle. In such configurations wherein the string (12) overlies the string guidance means it is particularly preferred that the sealing structure (19) and string guidance means (17) touch each other at an angle, preferably an acute angle, such that the angle points outwards and downwards. In such configurations wherein the string (12) overlies the string guidance means (17) it is particularly preferred that the sealing structure (19) is part of the upper member (71) and that the string guidance means (17) is part of the lower member (72). It is also particularly preferred that the sealing structure (19) and the string guidance means (17) are designed such that the longitudinal vectorial component of the pulling force exerted on the loose string end (13) also causes the string guidance means (19) to slightly bend such that the clamp on the string caused by the sealing structure (19) and the string guidance means (17) is at least partially relieved during said pulling (Figure 8). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that configurations of the container wherein the string (12) underlies the string guidance means can be designed, such as shown for instance in the container of Figure 3. In such configurations wherein the string (12) underlies the string guidance means (17) it is particularly preferred that the sealing structure (19), preferably the top of the sealing structure, touches or presses against a part of the string guidance means that is horizontal or, more preferably, slopes upwards in the outward direction, such that the string is clamped between the sealing structure (19) and said part of the string guidance means. In such configurations wherein the string (12) underlies the string guidance means (17) it is particularly preferred that the sealing structure (19) and string guidance means (17) touch each other at an angle, preferably an acute angle, such that the vertex of that angle is the highest and outermost point on the bisector of that angle. In such configurations wherein the string (12) overlies the string guidance means it is particularly preferred that the sealing structure (19) and string guidance means (17) touch each other at an angle, preferably an acute angle, such that the angle points outwards and upwards. In such configurations wherein the string (12) underlies the string guidance means (17) it is particularly preferred that the sealing structure (19) is part of the lower member (72) and that the string guidance means (17) is part of the upper member (71). The sealing structure (19) is preferably part of the lower member (72) when the string guidance means (17) is part of the upper member (71), and the sealing structure (19) is preferably part of the upper member (71) when the string guidance means (17) is part of the lower member (72).

In order to prevent the transfer of an inadvertent pulling force exerted on the loose string end (13) to the membrane-string connection segment (14), which would lead to inadvertent rupture or disengagement of the intercompartment membrane (8), it is preferred that in any of the embodiments of the container of the present invention said container comprises a movable or removable string blocking means (30). Unless moved, partially removed or removed, said string blocking means substantially prevents the transfer of a pulling force exerted on the loose string end (13) to the membrane-string connection segment (14) and/or substantially prevents access to the loose string end (13). Preferably, this string blocking means (30) is mounted on the outer surface of the container within the vicinity of the string passageway (23) and said string blocking means (30) is preferably removable, partially removable or movable. The string blocking means (30) may also serve to visually detect tampering of the container. Said string blocking means can be, for instance but not limited to, in the form of a tear tab (30) with pull tab (32), as shown for instance in Figures 10 and 11, or in the form of a tear strip with pull tab. Such tear strip or tear tab can be attached by a weakening line or frangible fracture line (35) to either the circumferential upper-compartment wall (5) or to the circumferential lower-compartment wall (6), and is mounted such that, unless moved, partially removed or removed, it either prevents the transfer of a pulling force exerted on the loose string end (13) to the membrane-string connection segment (14) (for instance illustrated in Figure 10) and/or substantially prevents access to the loose string end (13) in the assembled membrane-engaged state of the container (for instance illustrated in Figure 11). As illustrated in Figures 10 and 11, the configuration of the string blocking means (30) in the form of a tear tab, the distance in the transverse dimension between both ends of the tear tab determines the width of the string (12) or the part of the intercompartment membrane (8) that can pass through the string passageway (23). Alternatively, the loose string end (13) may be adhered to the outer wall of the circumferential section (4) of the enclosure, either through a peelable adhesive applied to the inner side of the loose string end (13), or through a peelable sticker overlaying the loose string end (13).

The upper compartment (2) can optionally comprise one or more closable openings (60) within its enclosure. When present, such closable opening is preferably located at the top of the upper compartment. Said closable opening located at the top of the upper compartment may facilitate the filling of the upper compartment (2). Such closable opening (60) of the upper compartment (2) can preferably be closed in a leak-proof way by any appropriate closure means known to the skilled artisan, such as for instance but not limited to, a lid, a screw cap, a tap, an impervious peelable sealing membrane, or combinations thereof.

The lower compartment (3) can also optionally comprise one or more closable openings (60) within its enclosure, allowing the filling of the lower compartment (3). Such closable openings (60) of the lower compartment (3) can preferably be closed with any appropriate closure means known to the skilled artisan, such as for instance but not limited to, a lid, a screw cap, a tap, an impervious peelable sealing membrane, or combinations thereof.

The containers of the present invention can have different shapes and sizes, and it is understood that the schematic representations in the Figures only serve to illustrate the principle of the containers according to the present invention, not to illustrate their shapes and sizes, which need to be adapted according to the particular nature and quantity of the contents of their compartments and the fields of application. The shape of the transverse cross section of the circumferential rim (11) has no particular restriction, except that it is preferred that the longitudinal plane, passing through the midpoint (b) of the rim-string connection segment (15) and the centroid (f) of the intercompartment membrane (8) in its state before membrane rupture, acts as a symmetry plane for said transverse cross section. It is preferred that the shapes of the transverse cross-sections and longitudinal cross sections of the circumferential walls of the upper and lower compartment are designed such that filling, mixing and evacuation of the contents of the container compartments is not hampered. It is preferred that the shapes of the transverse cross-sections of the circumferential rim has a substantially straight edge at the side of the string passageway. It is preferred that the shapes of the transverse cross-sections of the circumferential section (4) of the enclosure has a substantially straight edge at the side of the string passageway, at least within a segment of said circumferential section (4) of the enclosure where it engages the intercompartment membrane (8). Moreover, it is preferred that the bottom transverse wall of the lower compartment has a size and shape allowing the container to stand upright in the longitudinal dimension.

The invention resides not in any one of these features per se, but rather in the particular combination of all of them herein disclosed and claimed and it is distinguished from the prior art in this particular combination of all of its structures for the function specified. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention.

Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

The containers of the present invention can be used to package and store a first content in the upper compartment (2) and a second content in the lower compartment (3), whereby the first and second content need to be combined to prepare a ready-to-use product, such as a ready-to-eat food product. Preferably, one of said first and second content is a liquid or hydrocolloid liquid product, such as a liquid or hydrocolloid liquid food product, while the other of said first and second content is either a liquid or hydrocolloid liquid or a solid product, such as a powdered solid product or a particulate solid product. Suitable liquid or hydrocolloid liquid products can be selected from, for instance but not limited to, non-fermented or fermented dairy drinks (such as for instance yoghurt, milk, kefir), non-fermented or fermented milk replacement products (such as soy, oat or rice milk), soups, fruit juices, coffee, tea, alcoholic drinks, or soft drinks, or mixes thereof. Suitable particulate solid products can be selected from, for instance but not limited to, cereals or pseudo-cereals, granulated cereals, extruded cereals, cereal or pseudo-cereal flour based products, vegetables, chopped vegetables, fruits, fruit parts, nuts, chocolate particles, candies meat, or chopped meat or mixes thereof. Preferably, said particulate solid product is a cereal or a ready-to-eat cereal, optionally mixed with other particulate solid products such as fruits, fruit particles, nuts, nut particles, chocolate particles and mixes thereof. When a ready-to-eat cereal is selected as one of said first or second content it is preferred that the other of said first or second content is a liquid or hydrocolloid liquid product selected from non-fermented or fermented dairy-type liquid products or non-fermented or fermented milk replacement products.

In another object the present invention provides a method for mounting the container, which comprises the steps of (not necessarily in that order): engaging the intercompartment membrane (8) onto the inner side of the circumferential enclosure provided by the discrete lower member (72), - folding the string (12) at the membrane-string connection segment (14) such that part of the string (12) is overlaid on part of the lower member (72) at a position that is destined to provide the lower surface of the string passageway (23), - folding the auxiliary pull tabs (36) at the segment by which they are connected to the intercompartment membrane (8) such that the auxiliary pull tabs can be confined within the upper compartment (2), - mounting the upper member (71) and lower member (72) onto each other such that part of the string (12) is enclosed between the upper and lower surfaces of the string passageway (23).

In the context of the present invention, the longitudinal dimension means the dimension parallel to the vertical centroidal axis of the container while said container is being held in its upright position, typically when its bottom is positioned on a horizontal surface. When the container is held in its upright position, typically when its bottom is positioned on a horizontal surface, the longitudinal dimension typically coincides with the vertical dimension and the longitudinal centroidal axis of the container coincides with the vertical centroidal axis of the container.

In the context of the present invention, the transverse dimension means the dimension perpendicular to the vertical centroidal axis of the container while said container is being held in its upright position, typically when its bottom is positioned on a horizontal surface. When the container is held in its upright position, typically when its bottom is positioned on a horizontal surface, the transverse dimension typically corresponds to the horizontal dimension.

In the context of the present invention, above, upper, higher and highest refer to a relative position of an object of the container with respect to a comparative object of the container, when the container is positioned in its normal upright position.

In the context of the present invention, below, lower and lowest refer to a relative position of an object of the container with respect to a comparative object of the container, when the container is positioned in its normal upright position.

In the context of the present invention, top refers to a relative highest position of an object of the container when the container is positioned in its normal upright position.

In the context of the present invention, bottom refers to a relative lowest position of an object of the container when the container is positioned in its normal upright position.

In the context of the present invention, a first object is said to overlie a second object when the bottom side of the first object touches the top side of the second object.

In the context of the present invention, a first object is said to underlie a second object when the top side of the first object touches the bottom side of the second object.

In the context of the present invention, internal and inner refer to a relative position of an object of the container that is closer to the longitudinal centroidal axis than the comparative object of the container. In the context of the present invention, innermost refers to a relative position of an object of the container that is the closest to the longitudinal centroidal axis of a series of comparative objects of the container.

In the context of the present invention, external and outer refers to a relative position of an object of the container that is further from the longitudinal centroidal axis than the comparative object of the container. In the context of the present invention, outermost refers to a relative position of an object of the container that is the furthest from the longitudinal centroidal axis of a series of comparative objects of the container.

In the context of the present invention, downward refers to the direction from upper to lower, when the container is positioned in its upright position. In the context of the present invention, upward refers to the direction from lower to upper, when the container is positioned in its upright position.

In the context of the present invention, two parts or members are said to be "statically connected" when upon manipulation or movement of one of the parts or members of the container in its assembled state, the other part or member moves in substantially the same direction, preferably in the same direction, and at substantially the same speed, preferably at the same speed.

The invention is further illustrated by way of the illustrative embodiments described below. Example 1: A particular embodiment of the container according to the present invention is presented in Figures 9 and 10. The container of this embodiment is an elaboration of the embodiment schematically represented in Figure 2. The container according to this illustrative embodiment comprises an upper (2) and lower compartment (3) separated by an intercompartment membrane (8) and is obtained by assembling two individual discrete members, referred to as the upper (71) and lower discrete member (72). Preferably, the upper (71) and lower member (72) are made in a plastic material, for instance using injection moulding or thermoforming. The upper members (71) in the non-assembled state of the container are stackable on each other with a limited nesting height, and likewise the lower members (72) in the non-assembled state of the container are stackable on each other with a limited nesting height.

The lower member (72) has a cup shape and comprises the bottom enclosure (7) of the container, the lower-compartment circumferential wall (6), with a circumferential rim (11) around a central opening at the top end. From the most external edge of the circumferential rim (11) extends upwards a circumferential collar (22), from which at its top edge extends outwards the string guidance means (17). The string guidance means (17) has a convex curvature relative to the space above it. The string guidance means (17) comprises an annulus that slopes downwards in the outward direction. From the most external edge of the string guidance means (17) extends downwards a lower-member circumferential skirt (24), which comprises at its outer side a circumferential internal barb (25).

The upper member (71) is a cylindroid structure comprising a closable opening (60) at its top end, which can be closed by a closure means provided by a lid (64) to form the top enclosure (9). The upper member (71) further comprises a lower-compartment circumferential wall (5), and a central opening at its bottom end. At its bottom end, the lower-compartment circumferential wall (5) forms an outward extending cornice (27). From the most external edge of the cornice (27) extends downwards an upper-member circumferential skirt (28), which comprises at its inner side a circumferential external barb (26) that can engage the circumferential internal barb (25) of the lower member (72) to form a snap-on mounting connection (18). The sealing structure (19) is in the form of a skirt-like circumferential wall that extends downwards from the cornice (27) at a position that is internal relative to the upper-member circumferential skirt (28). The upper member (71) further comprises a string blocking means (30) in the form of a tear tab with a pull tab (32) and which is part of the upper-member circumferential skirt (28), to which it is attached through a frangible fracture line (35) at its top side and at the longitudinal side immediately external to the pull tab (32). The string blocking means (30) comprises at its inner side a circumferential external barb (26) that can engage the circumferential internal barb (25) of the lower member (72). The string blocking means (30) can be partially detached from the remainder of the upper member (71) by tearing the pull tab (32), whereby the string blocking means (30) preferably remains attached through a hinge region (33).

The container comprises an impervious intercompartment membrane (8), of which the peripheral edges have about the same shape and dimension as the external edges of the circumferential rim (11) of the lower member (72). The intercompartment membrane (8) and the string (12) are provided as a single integral part by cutting or punching a membrane body in the form of the intercompartment membrane (8) with an elongated pull tab. Said elongated pull tab can be folded along the segment corresponding to the membrane-string connection segment (14), whereby said elongated pull tab folded over the intercompartment membrane (8) provides said string (12) such that the loose string end (13) extends from the intercompartment membrane (8) at the side diametrically opposed to the membrane-string connection segment (14), as depicted in Figure 5B.

The intercompartment membrane (8) further comprises two notches (29) located at the peripheral edge of the intercompartment membrane (8) at either side of the membrane-string connection segment (14). The intercompartment membrane (8) furthermore has a single frangible fracture line (21), wherein said frangible fracture line (21) extends from the first notch (29) to the second notch along a trajectory comprising two frangible fracture line segments (40) that run about parallel to the line going through the midpoint (g) of the membrane-string connection segment (14) and the centroid (f) of the intercompartment membrane (8), and comprising a further connecting segment (43) that connects said two frangible fracture line segments (40). The intercompartment membrane (8) further comprises an auxiliary pull tab (36) connected to the peripheral edge of the intercompartment membrane (8) at a position that is external relative to the section of the intercompartment membrane enclosed by the frangible fracture line (21). The auxiliary pull tab can be folded over the segment by which it is connected to the intercompartment membrane (8) either before or during assembly of the container.

When the string blocking means (30) is partially detached, the external barbs on the inner side of the string blocking means (30) disengage from the circumferential internal barbs (25) on the outer side of the lower-member circumferential skirt (24), such that a zone is created through which the string (12) and the part of the intercompartment membrane (8) internal to the frangible fracture line (21) can pass upon exerting a tear force at the loose string end (13) away from the string passageway (23).

The assembly of said upper (71) and lower member (72) into the final compartmentalized container presented in Figure 10 typically involves the concomitant packaging of the contents to be contained in the respective compartments of the container. A possible procedure for assembling the container and packaging said contents may be as follows, and is also illustrated in Figures 12 and 13. A cup-shaped lower member (72) is taken from a nested stack of lower members (Figures 12 A and 13 A), filled with a second content (Figures 12 B and 13 B), whereby the content level is maintained below the circumferential rim (11). An intercompartment membrane (8), with pre-folded string (12) and pre-folded auxiliary pull tab (36), is taken from a stack of intercompartment membranes and is positioned on the circumferential rim (11) of the lower member (72), whereby the loose string end (13) extends outwards from the top circumferential edge of the lower member (72) at the side opposite in the transverse dimension relative to the rim-string connection segment (15) (Figure 12 C), followed by adhering the intercompartment membrane (8) to the circumferential rim (11), for instance by induction welding, thus enclosing the second content in the lower compartment (3) of the container (Figure 12 D). Alternatively, an intercompartment membrane (8), with a non-folded string (12) and non-folded auxiliary pull tab (36), is taken from a stack of planar intercompartment membranes and is positioned on the circumferential rim (11) of the lower member (72), followed by adhering the intercompartment membrane (8) to the circumferential rim (11), for instance by induction welding, thus enclosing the second content in the lower compartment (3) of the container (Figure 13 C), whereafter the string (12) is folded at the membrane-string connection segment (14) such that the loose string end (13) extends outwards from the top circumferential edge of the lower member (72) at the side opposite in the transverse dimension relative to the rim-string connection segment (15) (Figure 13 D), and whereafter the auxiliary pull tab (36) is folded over the peripheral segment of the intercompartment membrane (8) to which it is connected.

Thereafter, an upper member (71) without lid (64) is taken from a nested stack of upper members without lids (Figures 12 E and 13 E) and mounted on the lower member (72) by means of the engaging circumferential barbs ((26), (25)) on the inner side of the upper-member circumferential skirt (28) of the upper member (71) and on the outer side of the lower-member circumferential skirt (24) of the lower member (72), respectively. Once engaged, said engaging circumferential barbs ((26), (25)) form a snap-on type of mounting connection (18) (Figures 12 F and 13 F). After mounting the upper member (71) on the lower member (72) through the snap-on mounting connection (18), the bottom edge of the sealing structure (19) presses against the upper surface of the sloping annulus of the string guidance means (17), thus providing a liquid tight and gas tight seal of the upper compartment. After mounting the upper member (71) on the lower member (72), the segment of the string (12) overlying the string guidance means (17) is clamped between the bottom edge of the sealing structure (19) and the upper surface of the sloping annulus of the string guidance means (17).

Another segment of the string (12) is clamped between the external barbs (26) on the inner side of the string blocking means (30) and the circumferential internal barbs (25) on the outer side of the lower-member circumferential skirt (24). The string blocking means (30) further serves as a tamper-evident, which, if detached, partially detached or damaged, indicates that the string (12) may have been moved to the extent that the intercompartment membrane (8) may have become ruptured and/or disengaged from the circumferential rim (11). The string passageway (23) is enclosed by the lower surface of the upper-member cornice (27), the upper surface of the sloping annulus of the string guidance means (17), the inner surface of the upper-member circumferential skirt (28), the outer surface of the sealing structure (19), and the outer surface of the lower-member circumferential skirt (24), within a segment in the transverse dimension wherein the string (12) extends out of the container (Figure 21 C). The assembly of the upper (71) and lower member (72) provides an upper compartment (2), being enclosed by the upper surface of the intercompartment membrane (8), the inner surface of the circumferential collar (12) of the lower member (72), the inner surface of the sealing structure (19), and the inner surface of the upper-compartment circumferential wall (5) of the upper member (71). This upper compartment (2) of the container can be filled with a first content through the closable opening (60) (Figures 12 G and 13 G). After filling the upper compartment (2), the closable opening (60) is closed with a lid (64), thereby fully enclosing the first content in the upper compartment (2) (Figures 12 H and 13 H).

Prior to utilization of the contents contained in the container according to the present embodiment of the invention, the user should partially detach the string blocking means (30) by pulling the pull tab (32) outward. When the string blocking means is partially detached, the external barbs on the inner side of the string blocking means (30) disengage from the circumferential internal barbs (25) on the outer side of the lower-member circumferential skirt (24), thus releasing the clamp around the string (12). After partially detaching the string blocking means (30), the string (12) can be moved by pulling the loose string end (13) downwards, resulting in rupture or partial disengagement of the intercompartment membrane (8) and thus allowing the first content of the upper compartment (2) to fall into the interior space provided by the lower compartment (3). Optionally, the string (12) together with the part of the intercompartment membrane (8) internal to the frangible fracture line (21) can be pulled out of the container. Optionally, the first and second contents can be mixed by gently shaking or swirling the container. Thereafter, the user should dislodge the upper member (71) from the lower member (72), which is facilitated by the fact that detachment of the string blocking means (30) has already resulted in disengagement of the external barbs on the inner side of the string blocking means (30) from the circumferential internal barbs (25) on the outer side of the lower-member circumferential skirt (24). Thereafter, the user should pull the auxiliary pull tab (36) to remove the remaining sections of the intercompartment membrane that are still engaged to the circumferential rim (11) after rupture of the intercompartment membrane (8). The central opening at the top of the lower member (72) is then completely open and accessible to mix the first and second contents, for instance using a spoon, and/or to evacuate the first and second contents from the lower compartment (3), for instance using a spoon or by drinking.

Example 2:

Another particular embodiment of the container according to the present invention is presented in Figures 9 and 11. The container of this embodiment is an elaboration of the embodiment schematically represented in Figure 2, and a variant of the container presented in Figure 10. The container presented in Figure 11 is identical to the container presented in Figure 10, except that the part of the string (12) that enters the string passageway (23) up till the loose string end (13) is located within the string passageway (23). Hence, unlike in the container presented in Figure 10, the loose string end (13) of the container presented in Figure 11 does not extend from the outer side of the circumferential section (4) of the enclosure of the container. Therefore, the string (12) does not pass through the mounting connection (18) that connects the upper member (71) and lower member (72) by means of the engaging circumferential barbs ((26), (25)) on the inner side of the upper-member circumferential skirt (28) of the upper member (71) and on the outer side of the lower-member circumferential skirt (24) of the lower member (72), respectively. A more liquid and gas tight connection between the upper member (71) and lower member (72) and a better shielding of the upper compartment (2) from gas exchange with the environment is thus ensured.

The assembly of said upper (71) and lower member (72) into the final compartmentalized container presented in Figure 11 is identical to the assembly described for the container presented in Figure 10, except that upon adhering the intercompartment membrane (8) to the circumferential rim (11) of the lower member (72) the loose string end (13) does not extend below the circumferential internal barbs (25) on the outer side of the lower-member circumferential skirt (24), such that upon mounting of the upper member (71) on the lower member (72) the loose string end (13) is fully confined in the string passageway (23) and does not extend from the engaging circumferential barbs ((26), (25)).

Prior to utilization of the contents contained in the container according to the present embodiment of the invention, the user should partially detach the string blocking means (30) by pulling the pull tab (32) outward. When the string blocking means is partially detached, the user should access the loose string end (13) and pull the loose string end (13) downwards, resulting in rupture of the intercompartment membrane (8), thus allowing the first content of the upper compartment (2) to fall into the interior space provided by the lower compartment (3). Optionally, the string (12) together with the part of the intercompartment membrane (8) internal to the single frangible fracture line (21) can be pulled out of the container. Optionally, the first and second contents can be mixed by gently shaking or swirling the container. Thereafter, the user should dislodge the upper member (71) from the lower member (72), which is facilitated by the fact that detachment of the string blocking means (30) has already resulted in disengagement of the external barbs on the inner side of the string blocking means (30) from the circumferential internal barbs (25) on the outer side of the lower-member circumferential skirt (24). Thereafter, the user should pull the auxiliary pull tab (36) to remove the remaining sections of the intercompartment membrane that are still engaged to the circumferential rim (11) after rupture of the intercompartment membrane (8). The central opening at the top of the lower member (72) is then completely open and accessible to mix the first and second contents, for instance using a spoon, and/or to evacuate the first and second contents from the lower compartment (3), for instance using a spoon or by drinking.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A container for keeping contents in separate compartments before use, said container comprising: - an enclosure provided by a discrete upper member (71) mounted on a discrete lower member (72), wherein each of said mounted discrete members (71, 72) provides a part of the circumferential section (4) of the enclosure, while the mounted discrete upper member (71) provides the top section of the enclosure and the mounted discrete lower member (72) provides the bottom section (7) of the enclosure, - an intercompartment membrane (8) that engages the inner side of said circumferential section (4) of the enclosure, thus separating the enclosure of the container into an upper compartment (2) for keeping a first content, and a lower compartment (3) for keeping a second content, - a string (12) that is at one end connected to the membrane-string connection segment (14) of said intercompartment membrane (8), - a string passageway (23) through the circumferential section (4) of the enclosure, through which passes part of the string (12) such that the other string end, referred to as the loose string end (13), is located either outside the enclosure of the container or within the cavity provided by the string passageway (23), wherein said string passageway (23) is formed upon mounting of the discrete upper member (71) on the discrete lower member (72) such that said upper member (71) provides the upper surface of said string passageway (23) and said lower member (72) provides the lower surface of said string passageway (23), and wherein said string passageway (23) is positioned on the circumferential section of the enclosure (4) at substantially the opposite side of the container, in the transverse dimension, relative to the position of said membrane-string connection segment (14) before membrane disengagement.said container being characterized in that it further comprises: - a set comprising one, two or more frangible fracture lines (21) located on the intercompartment membrane (8) wherein said set of frangible fracture lines comprises two frangible fracture line segments (40) that run about parallel to the line going through the midpoint (g) of the membrane-string connection segment (14) and the centroid (f) of the intercompartment membrane (8) over a distance corresponding to more than 40% of the length of the intercompartment membrane (8) measured in the orientation parallel to the line going through the midpoint (g) of the membrane-string connection segment (14) and the centroid (f) of the intercompartment membrane (8), and wherein said frangible fracture line segments (40) are positioned on either side relative to the line going through the midpoint (g) of the membrane-string connection segment (14) and the centroid (f) of the intercompartment membrane (8), - one or more auxiliary pull tabs (36) wherein each of said auxiliary pull tabs (36) is connected to the intercompartment membrane (8), - a string guidance means (17) that makes contact with the string (12) within a zone referred to as the string contact zone, wherein said string guidance means (17) is an integral part of the upper circumferential edge of the lower member (72) in case the string (12) overlies said string guidance means, or wherein said string guidance means (17) is an integral part of the lower circumferential edge of the upper member (71) in case the string (12) underlies said string guidance means, - a sealing structure (19) for minimizing the risk of leakage of liquids from the container and/or for minimizing the exchange of gases between the inside and the outside of the container through the string passageway (23), wherein said sealing structure touches the string guidance means (17) such that part of the string is clamped between said sealing structure and said string guidance means (17), and wherein said sealing structure (19) is an integral part of the upper member (71) in case said string guidance means (17) is an integral part of the lower member (72), or wherein said sealing structure (19) is an integral part of the lower member (72) in case said string guidance means (17) is an integral part of the upper member (71), wherein said loose string end (13) can be pulled away from the string passageway (23) as to cause the movement of the membrane-string connection segment (14), such movement being allowed by said sealing structure (19), such that the intercompartment membrane (8) at least partially ruptures along the frangible fracture lines (21) and such that the string (12) together with the connected section of the intercompartment membrane (8) that is internal relative to the frangible fracture lines (21) are separated from the remaining sections (37) of the intercompartment membrane that are still engaged to the circumferential rim (11), and wherein, upon pulling said loose string end (13) away from the string passageway (23), the string and the connected section of the intercompartment membrane (8) that is internal relative to the frangible fracture lines (21) can be pulled out of the container through the string passageway (23), and wherein after said pulling out of the string and the connected section of the intercompartment membrane (8) that is internal relative to the frangible fracture lines (21), the first content of the upper compartment (2) can be transferred into the lower compartment (3) and thus added to the second content of lower compartment (3), and wherein after said pulling out of the string and the connected section of the intercompartment membrane (8) that is internal relative to the frangible fracture lines (21), the discrete upper member (71) can be dislodged from the discrete lower member (72) and the remaining sections (37) of the intercompartment membrane can be removed by pulling the auxiliary pull tabs (36), so as to provide access to the combined first and second contents contained in the lower compartment (3).
2. The container according to claim 1 wherein said membrane-string connection segment (14) is situated at a peripheral edge of the intercompartment membrane (8).
3. The container according to any of the claims 1 or 2 wherein each of said auxiliary pull tabs (36) is connected to the peripheral edge of the intercompartment membrane (8) within the remaining sections (37) of the intercompartment membrane (8).
4. The container according to any of the claims 1 to 3 wherein the intercompartment membrane engages a circumferential rim (11) at the inner side of said circumferential enclosure (4) and wherein said membrane-string connection segment (14) of the membrane engages a segment of said rim, referred to as the rim-string connection segment (15).
5. The container according to any of the claims 1 to 4 wherein said intercompartment membrane (8), string (12) and auxiliary pull tabs (36) are provided as integral parts by cutting or punching a membrane body in the form of the intercompartment membrane (8) with an elongated pull tab to provide for said string (12), and with short pull tabs to provide for said auxiliary pull tabs (36).
6. The container according to claim 5 wherein said elongated pull tab is folded along the segment of the peripheral edge of the intercompartment membrane (8) corresponding to the membrane-string connection segment (14), and wherein said elongated pull tab folded over the intercompartment membrane (8) provides said string (12) such that the loose string end (13) extends from the intercompartment membrane (8) at the side diametrically opposed to the membrane-string connection segment (14).
7. The container according to any of the claims 5 to 6 wherein each of the auxiliary pull tabs (36) is folded over a segment by which it is connected to the peripheral edge of the intercompartment membrane (8), wherein said folding is towards the intercompartment membrane (8) and wherein the angle between the plane encompassing the folded auxiliary pull tab (36) and the plane encompassing the intercompartment membrane (8) is between 0 and 90°.
8. The container according to any of the claims 1 to 7 wherein the container is designed such that pulling the loose string end (13) away from the string passageway (23) causes the membrane-string connection segment (14) to move in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the intercompartment membrane (8) causing the ruptured part of the intercompartment membrane to fold over or under the still engaged part of the intercompartment membrane.
9. The container according to any of the claims 1 to 8 wherein said container comprises a removable string blocking means (30) for preventing the inadvertent disengagement of the intercompartment membrane (8) from the circumferential enclosure (4) of the container, wherein said string blocking means (30) either prevents the transfer of a pulling force exerted on the loose string end (13) to the membrane-string connection segment (14) of the membrane, or prevents the access to the loose string end (13), or a combination thereof.
10. The container according to any of the claims 1 to 9 wherein said string guidance means (17) either forms the upper or lower surface of the string passageway (23) or is positioned internally relative to the string passageway and at substantially the same side of the container, in the transverse dimension, as the string passageway (23).
11. The container according to any of the claims 1 to 10 wherein the angle 1 in the longitudinal dimension between the plane of the intercompartment membrane (8) and the line going through the centroid (d) of the string contact zone of the string guidance means (17) and through the midpoint (g) of the membrane-string connection segment (14) at its position before membrane disengagement is between 0° and 30°.
12. The container according to claim 11 wherein said angler; is between 0° and 10°.
13. The container according to any of the claims 1 to 12 wherein said string guidance means (17) makes contact with the string (12) through a string contact zone of which the surface is convex at the side that is in contact with the string.
14. The container according to any of the claims 1 to 13 wherein said sealing structure (19) is a flexible structure that can flex outwardly when an outward pointing force is applied to it.
15. The container according to any of the claims 1 to 14 wherein, in case the string (12) overlies the string guidance means, the sealing structure (19) and string guidance means (17) touch each other at an acute angle, such that the vertex of that angle is the lowest and outermost point on the bisector of that angle, or wherein, in case the string (12) underlies the string guidance means, the sealing structure (19) and string guidance means (17) touch each other at an acute angle, such that the vertex of that angle is the highest and outermost point on the bisector of that angle.
16. The container according to any of the claims 1 to 15 wherein, in case the string (12) overlies the string guidance means, the bottom edge of the sealing structure (19) presses against a part of the string guidance means (17) that slopes downwards in the outward direction, such that part of the string is clamped between said bottom edge of the sealing structure and said downward sloping part of the string guidance means (17), or wherein, in case the string (12) underlies the string guidance means, the top edge of the sealing structure (19) presses against a part of the string guidance means (17) that slopes upwards in the outward direction, such that part of the string is clamped between said top edge of the sealing structure and said upward sloping part of the string guidance means (17).
17. The container according to any of the claims 1 to 16 wherein said intercompartment membrane (8) is mounted substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal centroidal axis of the container.
18. The container according to any of the claims 1 to 17 wherein said discrete upper member (71) and discrete lower member (72) are statically connected to each other.
19. A container according to any of the claims 1 to 18 wherein either of both of said discrete upper member (71) and discrete lower member (72) are produced by injection moulding.
20. A container according to any of the claims 1 to 19 wherein either or both of said discrete upper member (71) and discrete lower member (72) are stackable on members of the same kind, such that the major part of one member is contained within the interior side of the neighbouring member, and such that the nesting height is at most 1 cm.
21. The container according any of the claims 1 to 20 wherein the discrete upper member (71) has a closable opening (60) situated at its top.
22. The container according to any of the claims 1 to 21 wherein said two frangible fracture line segments (40) are about symmetrically positioned on either side relative to the line going through the midpoint (g) of the membrane-string connection segment (14) and the centroid (f) of the intercompartment membrane (8).
23. The container according to any of the claims 1 to 22 wherein the largest distance between the frangible fracture line segments (40) is more than 40% of the width of the intercompartment membrane (8) measured in the orientation perpendicular to the line going through the midpoint (g) of the membrane-string connection segment (14) and the centroid (f) of the intercompartment membrane (8).
24. The container according to any of the claims 1 to 23 wherein said frangible fracture lines (21) extend from two points located along the peripheral edge of the intercompartment membrane (8) at the side of the membrane-string connection segment (14) but outside the membrane-string connection segment (14).
25. The container according to any of the claims 1 to 24 wherein said frangible fracture lines (21) extend from notches (29) along the peripheral edge of the intercompartment membrane (8).
26. The container according to claim 25 wherein said frangible fracture lines (21) extend from two notches (29) located along the peripheral edge of the intercompartment membrane (8) at the side of the membrane-string connection segment (14) but outside the membrane-string connection segment (14), and wherein said notches (29) are located about symmetrically on either side relative to the line going through the midpoint (g) of the membrane-string connection segment (14) and the centroid (f) of the intercompartment membrane (8).
27. A method for mounting the container according to any of the claims 1 to 26, which comprises the steps of: - engaging the intercompartment membrane (8) onto the inner side of the circumferential enclosure provided by the discrete lower member (72), - folding the string (12) at the membrane-string connection segment (14) such that part of the string (12) is overlaid on part of the lower member (72) at a position that is destined to provide the lower surface of the string passageway (23), folding each of the auxiliary pull tabs (36) at the segment by which it is connected to the intercompartment membrane (8) such that the auxiliary pull tab can be confined within the upper compartment (2), - mounting the upper member (71) and lower member (72) onto each other such that part of the string (12) is enclosed between the upper and lower surfaces of the string passageway (23).