NL1023778C2 - Packaging system for separately storing at least two flowable components that, when used, must flow out of the packaging system together. - Google Patents

Abstract

A packaging system (V) for separately storing at least two flowable components which in use are to flow jointly from the packaging system, wherein the packaging system comprises at least two product chambers (A, B) closable with respect to each other and an outlet opening (1), wherein the packaging system can assume at least one storage condition and one mixing condition, wherein, in the storage condition, each product chamber is closed with respect to the other product chamber and wherein, in the mixing condition, at least one of the product chambers is provided with a fluid connection with at least one of the other product chambers.

Description

5 Title: Packaging system for separately storing at least two flowable components that, when used, must flow jointly through the packaging system

The invention relates to a packaging system for separately storing at least two flowable components which, when used, must flow out of the packaging system together, wherein the packaging system comprises at least two product chambers that can be closed with respect to each other and an outlet opening.

Such a packaging system is known per se and is applied to components that may not come into contact with each other before use and that must in fact come into contact with each other during use. The flowable components may, for example, each comprise a gas or each comprise a liquid. It is also possible that a number of the flowable components comprise a gas and a number of the flowable components comprise a liquid. For example, it is possible that in use in one of the at least two product chambers a first component of a two-component glue is included and in one of the other at least two product chambers a second component of the two-component glue is included. When using the glue, the two components must at least slightly mix with each other for the purpose of obtaining the glue effect. The known packaging system has an outlet opening in which or relative to which the two components can come into contact with each other at a downstream position. A drawback of this known packaging system is that the mixing of the two components can take place during or after jointly flowing out of the package. This means that the mixing is not well controllable and therefore does not have to be complete. After all, when 1 0 L · j 'i / o

2 I

the first component flows slightly away from the second component, the I

mixing can hardly take place to a sufficient extent. I

The invention has for its object to provide a packaging system I

to address this problem. I

This object of the invention has been achieved with a packaging system I

according to the invention characterized in that the packaging system I

can assume at least one storage state and a mixing state, wherein I

in the storage state each product chamber is sealed with respect to each I

another product chamber and wherein in the mixing state at least one of I

10 product chambers is provided with a fluid connection with at least one I

of the other product chambers. By the state I in the mixing state

bringing the packaging system, the components contained in the I

product chambers are located between which the fluid connection is then I

come into contact with each other and possibly at least somewhat I

15 mix before the components collectively from the packaging system I

flow. I

A special embodiment of a packaging system I

according to the invention, characterized in that the fluid connection is I

at least extends from at least one product chamber of a first type I

20 through at least one product chamber of a second type up to the I

outlet opening, wherein the product chamber of the first type and the I

product chamber of the second type each a product chamber of the at least I

two product chambers. This implies that there is no need for I

a separate chamber in which the in contact with each other in the mixing state I

25 actually bring components into contact with each other and I

possibly mix. This makes it possible for the I

compact packaging system. In addition, the I

mix at least two flowable components well because I

a component from the product chamber of the first type, already mixed with I

30 a component in the product chamber of the second type the I

1023778 I

3 fluid connection will follow when flowing out of the packaging system through the outlet opening.

It is thus possible for the packaging system to be provided with at least one partition wall located between the product chamber of the first type and the product chamber of the second type, which partition wall is provided with an openable closing member for establishing the fluid communication. This makes it possible to control the establishment of the fluid connection by applying a pressure in the first product chamber with the closing member opening.

To that end, the packaging system can further be provided with drive means for applying in the first of the at least two product chambers a first predetermined pressure which is high enough to open the closure.

The drive means may be provided with a release means 15 for releasing the gas from the pressure chamber for the purpose of building up at least the first predetermined pressure in the product chamber of the first type. This offers the advantage that the first predetermined pressure can be applied at a desired moment, for instance just before the use of the at least two components, by releasing the propellant gas. With this it can be arranged that a component in the product chamber of the first type comes into contact with a component in the product chamber of the second type.

In particular, it holds that the drive means are also adapted to apply a second predetermined pressure in the product chamber of the first type that is high enough to provide a flowable component of a first type of fluid present in the product chamber of the first type. product chamber of the first kind. Upon reaching the second predetermined pressure, the mixing of the component of the first type with the component of the second type will take place actively.

1023778 I 4

The outlet opening will preferably be closable in the storage condition

I are. This offers the advantage that the outlet opening is in a wall of the I

The product chamber of the second type can be arranged. I

It is also possible that the outlet opening is in the mixing state I

I 5 is lockable. This offers the advantage that a user mixing as much as I

I may allow it to take place before the components collectively from I

the packaging system must flow. I

In the embodiment which is at least substantially ready for use

I carried out will be a flowable I in the product chamber of the first type

Component of a first type is included and in the product chamber of the I

In the second type a flowable component of a second type is included. I

I It may apply that the volume of the product chamber of the I

The second type is at least equal to the volume of the product chamber of I

I the first type in the storage state. This embodiment can be very I

Are suitable when both the first and the second component have a gas

I. I

It is also possible that the volume of the product chamber of the I

The second type is at least equal to the volume of the product chamber of I

the first type in the storage state plus the volume of the flowable I

Component of the second type in the storage state. This embodiment I

I can also be very suitable when, for example, the first component I

I easily mixes with the second component such as, for example, a gas and I

I a vapor. I

For another embodiment, the volume of the I

The product chamber of the second type is at least equal to the volume of I

I the product chamber of the first type in the storage condition plus the volume I

of the flowable component of the second type in the storage state plus I

I an extra volume. This embodiment may be suitable when I

For example, mixing the first component with the second component I

It takes place better in a space that is slightly larger than the volume of the first component and the volume of the second component together.

In other words, this embodiment is particularly suitable for liquid-like components.

It may also apply that the product chamber of the first type and the product chamber of the second type are fixedly connected to each other. The system can then, for example, be designed as a can or bottle.

However, as an alternative, it is also possible that the product chamber of the first type and the product chamber of the second type are releasably connected to each other. This means that the at least two product chambers can be manufactured, stored, sold and purchased separately. Moreover, this leaves a freedom of choice for the combination of at least two components that must be stored in the system and must be mixed with each other during use. This may be useful, for example, when one of the at least two flowable components comprises a freely definable color component.

Such color components may be applicable, for example, to paint sprays or cosmetic products.

Furthermore, the drive means can be releasably connected to at least the product chamber of the first type. In that case, it is also possible that the drive means can be sold separately and separately from the packaging system and possibly even be of multiple use.

In a special embodiment, it holds that the packaging system is provided with at least two product chambers of the first type, which in the mixing condition are each provided with a fluid communication with at least one product chamber of the second type.

In this embodiment, it is possible for each of the at least two product chambers of the first type to include a component that differs from the component included in one of the other of the at least two product chambers of the first type. In this case it is possible 1023778_

6 I

for example, three mutually different components separately in the I

to store the packaging system and to keep it in the mixing state with each other I

to blend. It is also possible that the at least two product chambers of the I

the first type have mutually different volumes, which has the advantage I

5 provides that it is possible to get a lot of volume from a first component of I

for example, to store three components in the packaging system and I

for example, little volume of a second three I component

components. I

The invention will now be explained with reference to an I

10 drawing. Herein shows: I

Figure. 1 is a schematic section of a first I

embodiment of a packaging system according to the invention. I

Figure 2 is a schematic section of a second I

embodiment of a packaging system according to the invention. I

The same parts in the drawing are provided with the same I

reference characters. I

FIG. 1 shows a packaging system V for separate storage I

of at least two flowable components that when used together from I

the packaging system V must flow. The packaging system V I

20 comprises at least two product chambers A, I that can be closed with respect to each other

B. Product chamber B in this example is a product chamber of the first type I

and product chamber A is in this example a product chamber of the second I.

kind. In this example, the packaging system is furthermore provided with an I

outlet opening 1. There is a partition wall I between the two product chambers A, B

25 4. This partition wall 4 is provided with an openable I

closing member 3 for establishing a fluid connection I

between the product chamber of the first type B and the product chamber of the I

second type A. The packaging system is furthermore provided with I

drive means 6 for arranging an I in the product chamber B

The first predetermined pressure is high enough to cause the closing member 3 in the I

77 «I

7 to open partition wall 4, i.e. to bring it into an open state. The drive means 6 are provided with a pressure chamber C for storing propellant gas with the aid of which at least the first predetermined pressure can be built up. The drive means 6 are furthermore provided with a release means 9 for releasing the gas from the pressure chamber C for the purpose of building up at least the first predetermined pressure in the product chamber of the first type B. An example of such a release means is described in applicant's application NL 1021544, which is not yet pre-published, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The packaging system can assume at least a storage state and a mixing state. In the storage state, each product chamber A, B is sealed off from any other product chamber A, B. In the mixing state, at least one of the product chambers A, B is provided with a fluid communication with one of the other product chambers A, B.

The schematic in FIG. The packaging system shown in 1 is in the storage condition. To come from the storage state to the mixing state, the openable closing member 3 must be brought into an opening position. For this purpose, in the embodiment shown, the release means 9 is pulled in the direction of the arrow P. As a result, a fluid connection (not shown) is created between the pressure chamber C and a drive position 7. The propellant gas, which is included in the pressure chamber C under relatively high pressure, will flow to the drive position 7 through the fluid connection (not shown). From this driving position, optionally with a device shown in FIG. 1 pressure regulator (not shown), the first predetermined pressure can be applied to the product chamber B. A suitable device for reaching at least the first predetermined pressure with the aid of a propellant gas contained in a pressure chamber is described in the applicant's non-prepublished application NL 30 1021544, which is herein incorporated by reference.

I 8 I

I taken on. An I is used in such a device

Reference pressure on the basis of which the fluid connection between the I

The pressure chamber C and the drive position 7 are controlled. If the pressure in the I

I product chamber of the first type B is lower than the reference pressure, which I

I will be the case in a preferred embodiment in the storage state, I

Through this difference in pressure, a passage of the I, not shown in detail

pressure chamber C to the drive position released. Based on the I

I reference pressure kaff, for example, with the help of a plunger and in one I

In this way, the passage is released in a volume of gas trapped. I

However, it is also possible that instead of a trapped gas, a spring or I

I becomes another compressible device or compressible medium

I used. I

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 shows the first I

I predetermined pressure applied by means of the propellant disk 5 I

To move in the direction of arrow D. Disk 5 is closely connected to the I

I interior walls 11 of product chamber B. As a result of the displacement of I

disk 5 in the direction of arrow D, the volume of product chamber B I

and the pressure in the product chamber B increases as a result. I

The closing member 3 will thus be pressed out of the partition wall 4 in I

In the direction of arrow O. This creates a fluid connection between I

I product chamber A and product chamber B. The packaging system is I

I thus in the mixing state. The fluid connection extends from I

Product chamber B through product chamber A up to the outlet opening 1. I

Instead of a disk 5, it may also be a bag or an I

Bellows that are filled by the propellant gas when the propellant gas from the I

pressure chamber C is released. By filling the bellows or bag with I

propellant gas, the pressure in the product chamber of the first type is increased to I

at least the first predetermined pressure with the closing member 3 in the I

opened state, or even to at least the second predetermined I

30 determined pressure through which the component of the first type passes through the I

9 I

removing the closing member opening I formed in the partition wall 4

flows to the product chamber of the second type. It is also possible that I

the product chamber of the first type is formed by a bag or a bellows I

in which the component of the first type is included. The pressure is in the I

Product chamber of the first type raised by an on an outside of I

I the pressure of the propellant gas exerted by the bag or bellows. Such variants are I

I described in the non-prepublished application NL 1022456 of I

I Applicant, which is incorporated herein by reference. I

I As already stated, it is possible to use the I

Drive means 6 a second predetermined pressure in the product chamber B I

I to apply. This second predetermined pressure is high enough to hold the in I

Use of the flowable component of an I included in product chamber B.

I first type to be driven out of product chamber B. For this purpose, the disk 5 becomes I

I influence of the propellant gas and with the aid of the drive means further I

I moved in the direction of arrow D. I

In use, in product chamber A, a flowable component of I

I are included in the first type and a flowable I in product chamber B.

I component of a second type are included. In the mixing state I

I can use these two flowable components of the first type and of the I

The second type come into contact with each other and mix with each other.

Preferably, it holds that the volume of the second of the at least two product chambers, product chamber A, is at least equal to the volume of the first of the at least two product chambers, product chamber B, in the storage condition. However, it is also possible that the volume of the second of the at least two product chambers, product chamber A, is at least equal to the volume of the first of the at least two product chambers, product chamber B, in the storage condition plus the volume of the flowable I components of the second type. Furthermore, it is possible that the volume of the second of the at least two product chambers, product chamber A, I 30 is at least equal to the volume of the first of the at least two product chambers, product chamber B, in the storage condition plus the volume of the flowable component of the second type plus an additional volume.

The outlet opening 1 can be closed in the storage condition. However, it is also possible that the outlet opening 1 can be closed in the mixing condition. In the drawn embodiment, the product chamber A and the product chamber B are fixedly connected to each other. However, it is not inconceivable that the system has a two-part design. Each part can herein comprise at least one of the two product chambers.

In FIG. 2, a second embodiment of an H-10 packaging system according to the invention is shown. In this example, the packaging system V is provided with at least two product chambers of the first type B which in the mixing state are each provided with a fluid communication with at least one product chamber of the second type A.

The disc 5 is provided with two plungers 10 which, when displaced 15 of the disc 5 in the direction of arrow D, each increase the pressure in one of the product chambers B. The manner in which the disc 5 is displaced in the direction of arrow D by means of a propellant gas can be analogous to the way in which this takes place in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 illustrative embodiment.

Upon reaching a first predetermined pressure in each product chamber B, the closing members 3 in the partition wall 4 will be moved in the direction of arrow O, whereby a fluid connection between each product chamber B and the product chamber A is established. When moving the disc 5 further in the direction of arrow D from each]

Product chamber B and component included therein to product chamber A

I flows. In this case, of course, mixing of a component included in the storage condition in product chamber A occurs with components included in the storage condition in product chambers B.

With this embodiment shown, it is even possible that the partition wall 4 is also displaceable in the direction of arrow O. Preferably, in this case it applies that the displacement of the partition wall 4 only takes place after the plungers 10 each against one to the product chamber B facing the side of the partition wall or at least having arrived near it. A consequence of the displacement of the partition wall 4 in the direction of arrow O is that the components mixed together in product chamber A will now be driven out of the outlet opening 1 under pressure.

For a good seal between the walls along which the plungers schmvëh ~ erTdé "plühjërs themselves can be fitted O-rings 12 in the plunger edge. Such O-rings 12 can also be arranged in an edge of the disc 5 and optionally in the edge of the partition wall 4.

With the help of the ones shown in Figs. 2, it is possible to have more than 2 components mixed together. The size of the product chambers A and B can be adjusted such that the ratios in which the components are to mix with each other will be achieved. It is also possible, for example, for the two product chambers B to have mutually different volume contents.

It is of course also possible that the partition wall 4, as shown in Figs. 1, is movable in the direction of arrow O after a component has flowed into product chamber A from product chamber B under the influence of the pressure exerted by means of disk 5 on product chamber B and has mixed with the storage state in product chamber A component.

It is also not excluded that a plurality of product chambers A are included in the packaging system. For example, a partition wall 4a can be provided in the packaging system, such as with the aid of the broken line in FIG. 2 is indicated. In this case, the partition wall 4 should be movable in the direction of arrow O. The partition wall 4a may also be movable in the direction of the outlet opening 1. Such a partition wall 4a would also be arranged

I 12 I

I can be in the position shown in FIG. 1 embodiment of the I

I packaging system according to the invention. I

The first predetermined pressure in a product chamber where it is in I

Closing member 3, 3a disposed in the partition wall in an opened I

5 condition is mainly dependent on the extent to which the I

The closing member is clamped in the partition wall. To achieve an I

I difference between the pressure required for being in the open state

I moving the closing member 3 and moving it in the direction of arrow O I

I of the partition wall 4, or 4a, the closing member 3, 3a can also withstand an I

Outer edge of a side of the I facing the outlet opening 1

I partition wall 4, 4a are provided. In the storage state, the I

I closing member by pressure applied in product chamber A in an I

I must be kept closed. Upon reaching I in product chamber B

If the pressure is higher than the pressure in product chamber A, the closing member I

Be brought into the open state. Upon reaching a lot I

I higher pressure, a movable separation of 4.4a will occur in the direction of I

Move the O arrow. I

Also in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the I

Drive means 6 are provided with one or two bellows with which each of the I

Product spaces B under the influence of the propellant gas with the aid of the I

I driving means is reduced to increase the pressure in I

I product spaces B. Instead of a bellows, an I

I used inflatable balloon. As stated earlier, it is I

I also possible that the product chambers B themselves are essentially through a bag or bellows I

Be formed. I

It is furthermore possible that the partition wall 4 itself has an I

I forms a closable closing member 3. In this case the partition wall is 4 l

I, for example, made of paper or plastic that can tear open. I

The packaging system can be constructed such that the I

Product chamber of the first type and the product chamber of the second type

I a λ O 07 7 Ö I

13 are releasably connected to each other. However, it is possible that the product chamber of the first type and the product chamber of the second type are releasably connected to each other. Furthermore, it is possible for the drive means to be releasably connected to at least the product chamber of the first type. Only mechanically driven drive means are also possible. The drive means can be designed in many ways.

Such embodiments were each also considered to belong to the invention.

10 * 0 23 '? 7 8

Claims (10)

A packaging system for separately storing at least II two flowable components which, when used, must flow together from the II packaging system, wherein the packaging system II comprises at least two product chambers that can be closed with respect to each other and an II outlet opening, characterized in that the packaging system - II can assume at least one storage condition and a mixing condition, wherein II in the storage condition each product chamber is sealed with respect to each other product chamber and wherein in the mixing condition at least one of II product chambers is provided with a fluid communication with at least one II of the other product chambers. Packaging system according to claim 2, characterized in that the fluid communication extends at least from at least one product chamber of a first type through at least one product chamber of a second type up to the outlet opening, the product chamber of the first type II and the product chamber of the second type are each a product chamber II of the at least two product chambers. A packaging system according to claim 2, characterized in that the packaging system is provided with at least one partition wall which is located II between the product chamber of the first type and the product chamber of the second type II, which partition wall is provided with an II releasable closure member for establishing the II fluid connection. Packaging system according to claim 3, characterized in that the packaging system is provided with drive means for applying in the product chamber of the first type a first predetermined pressure high enough to close the closing member in an opened state to bring. I i Π * * '} Q'7 a I Packaging system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive means are provided with a pressure chamber for storing propellant gas with the aid of which at least the first predetermined pressure can be built up. 5. Packaging system as claimed in claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the drive means are provided with a release means for releasing the gas from the pressure chamber for the purpose of building up at least the first predetermined pressure in the product chamber of the first type . 10. A packaging system according to any one of the preceding claims 2-6, characterized in that the drive means are also adapted to apply in the product chamber of the first type a second predetermined pressure that is high enough to accommodate a pressure in the product chamber of the first type of flowable component of a first type to be driven out of the product chamber of the first type. Packaging system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet opening can be closed in the storage condition. Packaging system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet opening can be closed in the mixing state. Packaging system according to one of the preceding claims 2-9, characterized in that a flowable component of a first type is included in the product chamber of the first type and a flowable component of a second type is included in the product chamber of the second type . A packaging system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the volume of the product chamber of the second type is at least equal to the volume of the product chamber of the first type in the storage condition. 12. Packaging system as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that the volume of the product chamber of the second type is at least equal to the volume of the product chamber of the first type in the storage condition 1 023 I 16 II plus the volume of the flowable component of the second type in the II storage state. I Packaging system according to claim 12, characterized in that the II volume of the product chamber of the second type is at least equal to II the volume of the product chamber of the first type in the storage condition II plus the volume of the flowable component of the second type type in the II storage condition plus an extra volume. A packaging system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the product chamber of the first type and the product chamber of the second type are fixedly connected to each other Packaging system according to any one of claims 1-13, characterized in that the product chamber of the first type and the product chamber of the second type are detachably connected to each other. Packaging system as claimed in any of the claims 4-15, characterized in that the drive means are releasably connected to at least the product chamber of the first type. A packaging system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the packaging system is provided with at least two product chambers of the first type, each of which in the mixing condition is provided with a fluid communication with at least one product chamber of the second II type. I I 25 I