US20130075287A1

US20130075287A1 - Container having two or more compartments

Info

Publication number: US20130075287A1
Application number: US13/701,525
Authority: US
Inventors: Tal Sharon; Igal Sharon
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-06-03
Filing date: 2011-06-05
Publication date: 2013-03-28
Also published as: WO2011151834A2; EP2576370A2; WO2011151834A3

Abstract

A two-compartment container for separately storing two components, mixing the components and dispensing a formulation formed by mixing the two components, the container including (a) a housing having an opening at each of its top and bottom ends and a sealing wall located between the top and bottom ends which divides the housing into two separate compartments; (b) at least one connecting member extending between the sealing wall and an inner wall of the housing defining at least one opening for flow communication between the connecting member and the housing; (c) a substantially hollow displaceable member having a sealable sleeve, the displaceable member being disposed in the housing.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to two compartment containers and in particular to a two-compartment container, each compartment holding a separate component to be mixed with one another by the end user prior to use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A variety of formulations for human use, such as various nutritive formulas, including baby formula, dietetic powders and a variety of drugs, are known to have a limited shelf life, which is the result of the active ingredient in the formula losing its activity due to accelerated oxidation and/or hydrolysis once this active ingredient is mixed with a liquid. The formulation can also be more susceptible to micro-organism contamination. This disadvantage of prepared formulations creates the need to keep the ingredients separate and prepare the formulation just prior to use.
Containers having separate compartments for storing two components which are mixed together prior to use are known. A major problem with these known designs is the seal of the internal partition, which may not completely separate the two ingredients, so that liquid leaks or liquid fumes may cross the partition and cause partial mixture a long time before use. There is, therefore, a need for two-compartment containers with robust, durable and reliable separation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is provided, according to the invention, a two-compartment container for separately storing two components, mixing the components and dispensing a formulation formed by mixing the two components, the container including (a) a housing having an opening at each of its top and bottom ends and a sealing wall located between the top and bottom ends which divides the housing into two separate compartments; (b) at least one connecting member extending between the sealing wall and an inner wall of the housing defining at least one opening for flow communication between the connecting member and the housing; (c) a substantially hollow displaceable member having a sealable sleeve, the displaceable member being disposed in the housing; (d) wherein the displaceable member is axially displaceable between a first position where the sealing sleeve sealingly engages the sealing wall forming a seal which divides the housing and the displaceable member into two separate fluid-tight compartments, and a second position where the sleeve and the sealing wall are disengaged, providing flow communication between the compartments.
According to one embodiment, the displaceable member further includes a frangible seal for sealing a component inside a compartment defined by the displaceable member, the frangible seal being coupled to the sealing wall for breaking by the sealing wall during displacement of the displaceable member.
According to another embodiment, a wall of the displaceable member includes a chamfered edge serving as cutting blade for cutting a portion of the sealing wall.
There is also provided according to the invention, a two-compartment container for separately storing two components, mixing the components and dispensing a formulation formed by mixing the two components, the container including: (a) a housing having an opening at each of its top and bottom ends and a U-shaped extension extending inwardly from a wall of the housing; wherein an innermost wall of the U-shaped extension is chamfered to define a cutting blade; (b) a substantially hollow displaceable member having a sealing wall at its bottom end which divides the container into two separate compartments, the displaceable member being disposed in the housing; (c) wherein the displaceable member is axially displaceable between a first position where the sealing wall sealingly engages the housing forming a seal which divides the housing and the displaceable member into two separate fluid-tight compartments, and a second position where the cutting blade cuts the sealing wall, thereby providing flow communication between the compartments.
There is further provided, according to the invention, a two-compartment container for separately storing two components, mixing the components and dispensing a formulation formed by mixing the two components, the container including: (a) a housing having an opening at each of its top and bottom ends and an annular flange dividing the housing into two compartments; (b) a displaceable member disposed in the housing, the displaceable member including a shaft supporting a disk-like sealing wall having an upstanding flange complementary to and adapted to sealingly engage flange in housing; (c) wherein the displaceable member is axially displaceable between a first position where the sealing wall flange seals against the flange of the housing forming a seal which divides the housing and the displaceable member into two separate fluid-tight compartments, and a second position where the shaft of the displaceable member is pushed into the housing, causing disengagement of the sealing wall flange and the housing flange, thereby permitting flow communication between the two compartments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a is a schematic sectional view of a two-compartment container in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, in a sealing orientation;

FIG. 1 b is a sectional view of a displaceable member in the two-compartment container of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 1 c is a sectional view of a displaceable member in the two-compartment container of FIG. 1 a including a frangible seal;

FIG. 1 d is a schematic sectional view of the two-compartment container of FIG. 1 a, in a non-sealing flow communication orientation;

FIG. 1 e is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the two-compartment container and the frangible seal of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 1 f is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the two-compartment container and displaceable member of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 1 g is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the two-compartment container and displaceable member of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 1 h is an enlarged sectional view of portion of the frangible seal of FIG. 1 d

FIG. 2 a is a schematic sectional view of a two-compartment container in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, in a sealing orientation;

FIG. 2 b is a sectional view of a displaceable member in the two-compartment container of FIG. 2 a;

FIG. 2 c is a schematic sectional view of the two-compartment container of FIG. 2 a, in a non-sealing flow communication orientation;

FIG. 2 d is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the two-compartment container and the displaceable member of FIG. 2 a;

FIG. 2 e is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the two-compartment container and the displaceable member of FIG. 2 a;

FIG. 2 f is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the two-compartment container and the displaceable member of FIG. 2 a;

FIG. 3 a is a schematic sectional view of a two-compartment container in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, in a sealing orientation;

FIG. 3 b is a sectional view of a displaceable member in the two-compartment container of FIG. 3 a;

FIG. 3 c is a schematic sectional view of the two-compartment container of FIG. 3 a, in a non-sealing flow communication orientation;

FIG. 4 a is a schematic sectional view of a two-compartment container in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, in a sealing orientation;

FIG. 4 b is a schematic sectional view of the two-compartment container of FIG. 4 a, in a non-sealing flow communication orientation;

FIG. 4 c is a sectional view of a displaceable member in the two-compartment container of FIG. 4 a sealed at one end;

FIG. 4 d is a sectional view of a displaceable member in the two-compartment container of FIG. 4 a with a closure member;

FIG. 4 e is a schematic sectional view of the two-compartment container of FIG. 4 a, in a sealing orientation;

FIG. 4 f is a schematic sectional view of the two-compartment container of FIG. 4 a, in a non-sealing flow communication orientation;

FIG. 4 g is a sectional view of a displaceable member in the two-compartment container of FIG. 4 a sealed at one end;

FIG. 4 h is a schematic sectional view of the two-compartment container of FIG. 4 a, in a sealing orientation;

FIG. 4 i is a schematic sectional view of the two-compartment container of FIG. 4 a, in a non-sealing flow communication orientation;

FIG. 4 j is a sectional view of a displaceable member in the two-compartment container of FIG. 4 a unsealed at both ends;

FIG. 5 a is a schematic sectional view of a two-compartment container in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, in a sealing orientation;

FIG. 5 b is a schematic sectional view of the two-compartment container of FIG. 5 a, in a non-sealing flow communication orientation;

FIG. 5 c is a sectional view of a displaceable member in the two-compartment container of FIG. 5 a with a closure member;

FIG. 5 d is a sectional view of a displaceable member in the two-compartment container of FIG. 5 a sealed at one end;

FIG. 6 a is a schematic sectional view of a two-compartment container in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, in a sealing orientation;

FIG. 6 b is a schematic sectional view of the two-compartment container of FIG. 6 a, in a non-sealing flow communication orientation;

FIG. 7 a is a schematic sectional view of a two-compartment container in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, in a sealing orientation;

FIG. 7 b is a schematic sectional view of the two-compartment container of FIG. 7 a, in a non-sealing flow communication orientation;

FIG. 8 a is a schematic sectional view of a two-compartment container in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, in a sealing orientation;

FIG. 8 b is a schematic sectional view of the two-compartment container of FIG. 8 a, in a non-sealing flow communication orientation;

FIG. 9 a is a schematic sectional view of a two-compartment container in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, in a sealing orientation;

FIG. 9 b is a schematic sectional view of the two-compartment container of FIG. 9 a, in a non-sealing flow communication orientation;

FIG. 10 a is a schematic sectional view of a two-compartment container in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, in a sealing orientation;

FIG. 10 b is a schematic sectional view of the two-compartment container of FIG. 10 a, in a non-sealing flow communication orientation;

FIG. 11 a is a schematic sectional view of a two-compartment container in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, in a sealing orientation;

FIG. 11 b is a schematic sectional view of the two-compartment container of FIG. 11 a, in a non-sealing flow communication orientation;

FIG. 12 is a schematic sectional view of a two-compartment container in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, in a sealing orientation;

FIG. 13 a is a schematic sectional view of a two-compartment container in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, in a sealing orientation;

FIG. 13 b is a schematic sectional view of the two-compartment container of FIG. 13 a, in a non-sealing flow communication orientation;

FIG. 14 a is a schematic sectional view of a two-compartment container in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, in a sealing orientation;

FIG. 14 b is a schematic sectional view of the two-compartment container of FIG. 14 a, in a non-sealing flow communication orientation;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a novel two-compartment container for storing components of a mixture until ready for mixing, just prior to use, providing, during the mixing state, an increased contact between the components in the different compartments for more rapid and thorough mixing. This is accomplished by providing a housing having a sealing wall coupled to side walls of the housing and surrounded by a plurality of wall openings, and a substantially hollow displaceable member adapted for sealable insertion into the housing and for selective sealing by the sealing wall to form a first compartment in the housing and a second compartment in the displaceable member.
The below described embodiments relate to containers of the present invention, for example, baby feeding bottles, having two compartments, one containing a powdered material, such as baby formula, and the other containing a fluid, for example water. The following description is provided to illustrate various specific configurations and examples and the invention should not be regarded as being limited to these embodiments. The features of the invention may also be used for different uses, e.g. two or more compartment containers for medicinal formulations, dietary powders to be reconstituted with a liquid, alcoholic beverages to form cocktails with other ingredients, wherein one compartment contains one component and the other compartment contains another different component to be mixed to form a formulation.
While the container of the present invention is generally described as holding a dry powder component and a liquid component, the two components may be both liquids, both fluids, one may be a liquid (or a fluid) and the other may be a dry formulation or both may be dry formulas. In describing the invention the substances stored in the container have been described using the terms, “components”, “constituents”, “materials”, “substances” and the like, interchangeably.
A two-compartment container 10 for dispensing a liquid in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 1 a, 1 b, 1 c, 1 d, 1 e, 1 f and 1 g. The two-compartment container 10 has a general cylindrical housing 12, as seen in FIGS. 1 a and 1 d, with a top opening 13, a bottom opening 14 and a sealing wall 16 mounted therebetween. Top opening 13 may be adapted to receive a closure element, a dispensing element or any other suitable cover member (not shown). The sealing wall 16 in part defines and divides the housing 12 into what will become a first compartment 18 beneath the sealing wall and a second compartment 20 above the sealing wall. The sealing wall 16 depends from and is connected to the inner wall of the housing 12 by means of one or more downwardly projecting stems 22 which form a connecting wall portion. In this embodiment, three radially directed stems 22 connect sealing wall 16 to the housing 12. In the case of a single stem, it will typically be central, and in the case of a plurality of stems, they will typically be disposed in the periphery. In another example, the sealing wall and the inner wall of the housing may be connected by a peripheral wall formed with openings. In a further example, the connection between the sealing wall and the housing wall is by means of radial wall sections.
The container holds a hollow displaceable member generally designated 30 and shown in cross section in FIGS. 1 b and 1 c. Displaceable member 30 includes a displaceable sleeve 32 disposed in housing 12. Sleeve 32 is adapted for sealable insertion into the housing and includes a sealable aperture 34 adapted for selective sealing by the sealing wall to form compartment 18 in the displaceable member 30. Sealable aperture 34 may include a frangible seal 17 as seen in 1 c for sealing a component inside compartment 18. Sleeve 32 is provided with external threading 31 at its periphery for screw-engagement with matching internal threading 35 in stems 22. Alternatively, internal threading 35 may be formed in an annular flange 21 integrally formed with the inner wall of housing 12 which supports stems 22 projecting upwardly from annular flange 21. Preferably, stems 22 are formed as an integral part of housing 12. In this embodiment, three radially directed stems 22 connect sealing wall 16 to the housing 12.
The displaceable member 30 may be sealed at its bottom end 36 (opposite sealable aperture 34) or may further include a fillable and sealable aperture through which materials can be added to the displaceable member and the contents of the container can be dispensed. Connecting stems 22 are arranged so as to provided openings 38 in flow communication with aperture 34 in a non-sealing orientation of the container to form a passageway or conduit from compartment 20 in housing 12 to compartment 18 in displaceable member 30, so that materials can flow and mix between the interior of housing and the interior of displaceable member.
FIG. 1 a illustrates the two-compartment container 10 in a sealing orientation, wherein there is no flow communication between the interior of housing 12 and the displaceable member 30. Displaceable member 30 can be filled with a component to be mixed with a component in housing 12. Displaceable member 30 is then sealingly mounted in housing 12, such that screw threads 31 on the displaceable member rotatably engage screw threads 35 on the stems or alternatively on the annular flange. As further illustrated in FIG. 1 a, displaceable sleeve 32 sealingly engages sealing wall 16, in order to seal displaceable member 30 and keep the two-compartment container 10 in a sealing orientation. Preferably, this seal is by snap-fit of flanges 39 about sealing wall 16. Alternatively, as is illustrated more clearly in FIG. 1 e frangible seal 17 is disposed in aperture 34 and flanges 39 are fitted about sealing wall 16.
When it is desired to combine the two components, generally just prior to dispensing, displaceable sleeve 32 in displaceable member 30 is displaced away from sealing wall 16, as shown in FIG. 1 d, to provide a flow communication between the interior of housing 12 and compartment 18 through wall openings 38, thus permitting the mixing of the component in displaceable member 30 with the component in housing 12. The sealing wall is surrounded by a plurality of openings 38 permitting profuse contact between a component in compartment 20 and a component in compartment 18, during the state of mixing in the multi-compartment container system. Preferably, wall openings 38 extend substantially from sealing wall 16, so as to provide a large contact surface for mixing between the two components as soon as the sleeve disengages from the sealing wall. It will be appreciated that displaceable member 30 can be moved relative to sealing wall 16 by rotation, pushing and pulling, or in any other fashion. According to a preferred embodiment, when displaceable member 30 is displaced away from sealing wall 16, frangible seal 17 is dissevered from displaceable sleeve 32, allowing flow communication through wall openings 38. According to this embodiment frangible seal 17 remains coupled to sealing wall 16. To prevent leaks from bottom opening 14 of housing 12 in the non-sealing flow communication orientation and during the displacing of the displaceable member 30 to that orientation, the displaceable member further includes an annular seal 37 sealingly engaging inner wall of housing 12, as better illustrated in enlarged FIG. 1 f. Additionally, bottom opening 14 of housing includes an annular sealing rim 41 sealingly engaging the outer wall of displaceable member 30, as better illustrated in enlarged FIG. 1 g. Both seal 37 and sealing rim 41 sealing engage the housing and the displaceable member walls, respectively, thus preventing liquid present in the lower portion of housing 12 during the non-sealing flow communication orientation from leaking through bottom opening 14. It will be appreciated that either seal 37 or sealing rim 41 is sufficient to prevent leaking.
A two-compartment container 40 for dispensing a liquid in accordance with another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 2 a, 2 b, 2 c, 2 d, 2 e and 2 f. In this embodiment, container 40 includes a housing 42 which is substantially cylindrical and includes a top end opening 44 and a sealing wall 46 coupled by an annular flange 48 at the lower portion of housing 42. Alternatively, annular flange may consist of a plurality of side wall portions. Annular flange 48 is coupled to and supports sealing wall 46 by one or more connecting wall portions 47. A plurality of side wall openings 49 are defined between connecting wall portions 47. An annular depending skirt 50 extends downwardly from housing 42, and is provided with internal screw threads 52.
A substantially hollow displaceable member 54 is provided with external screw threads 55 for mounting displaceable member 54 in housing 42, by threadably engaging complementary threads 52 on the internal surface of housing 42. The displaceable member 54 includes a sealable top end opening 56 and may include a bottom end sealable opening 58 or a bottom seal. Displaceable member 54 is adapted and configured for sealing engagement of its top end opening 56 with sealing wall 46 in housing 42, as well as for sealing displacement through housing 42. The displaceable member 54 has an annular user manipulable portion 57 for axially displacing the displaceable member 54 between the sealed position and the unsealed position and vice versa.
Side wall openings 49 (seen in FIG. 2 c) are blocked when displaceable member 54 is in the sealed orientation of FIG. 2 a and are exposed as soon as top end opening 56 disengages from sealing wall 46. As illustrated in FIG. 2 a, top end opening 56 sealingly engages sealing wall 46 so as to provide a bottom seal to housing 42, thus forming a compartment in container 40. It will be appreciated that the sealing engagement of the top end opening 56 of displaceable member 54 and sealing wall 46 seals the bottom portion of container 40 irrespective of whether side wall openings 49 are sealed by displaceable member 54. FIG. 2 d better illustrates the sealing engagement between sealing wall 46 and top end opening 56 in the sealed orientation of FIG. 2 a. Sealing wall 46 may include an annular peripheral seal 59 sealing engaging top opening 56 as shown in FIG. 2 d. FIG. 2 e better illustrates the sealing engagement between annular flange 48 and displaceable member 54 in the sealed orientation of FIG. 2 a. Annular flange 48 may include an annular seal protrusion 53 sealingly engaging a matching annular depression 51 in displaceable member 54.
Another embodiment of the two-compartment container of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 3 a, 3 b and 3 c. The two-compartment container 60 has a generally cylindrical housing 62, as seen in FIGS. 3 a and 3 c, with a top opening 63, a bottom opening 64 and a sealing wall 66 mounted therebetween. Top opening 63 may be adapted to receive a closure element, a dispensing element or any other suitable cover member (not shown) and includes external screw threads 65. The sealing wall 66 in part defines and divides the housing 62 into what will become a first compartment 68 above the sealing wall and a depending skirt 70 beneath the sealing wall. The sealing wall 66 is supported by one or more connecting wall portions 72 (seen in FIG. 3 c) connected to an annular flange 71 which, in turn, is connected to the inner wall of housing 62. It will be appreciated that wall portions 72 may be connected directly to the inner wall of housing 62 or integrally formed therewith. In this embodiment, three radially directed wall portions 72 disposed about the periphery connect sealing wall 66 to flange 71. Depending skirt 70 extends downwardly from housing 62, and is provided with internal screw threads 74.
The container holds a hollow displaceable member generally designated 80 and shown in cross section in FIG. 3 b. Displaceable member 80 includes a tapered sleeve 82 disposed in housing 62. Sleeve 82 is adapted for sealable insertion into the housing and includes a sealable aperture 84 adapted for selective sealing by the sealing wall to form a compartment 86 in the displaceable member 80. Sealable aperture 84 may include a frangible seal (not shown) for sealing a component inside displaceable member 80 until ready for mixing. Displaceable member 80 is provided with external threading 81 at its periphery for screw-engagement with internal threading 74 in depending skirt 70, and with an annular sealing ring 85 for sealing engagement with the inner wall of housing 62. Connecting wall portions 72 are provided with or arranged with openings 83 communicating with aperture 84 so that a passageway or conduit through displaceable member 80 is formed so that materials can be passed between compartment 68 in housing 62 and compartment 86 in displaceable member 80.
The displaceable member 80 also has an annular user manipulable portion 88 for axially displacing the displaceable member 80 between the sealed position and the unsealed position and vice versa. Manipulable portion 88, in this embodiment, also includes internal screw threads 89 to permit displaceable member 80 to be coupled to another two-compartment container or a conventional container or to permit screw coupling of a closure member.
As can be seen in FIG. 3 c, just prior to use, the components in compartments 68 and 86 are mixed. The displaceable member 80 is axially displaced within housing 60 from a sealed position to an unsealed position. In its unsealed position, as shown in FIG. 3 c, the displaceable member 80 is axially displaced away from sealing wall 66, thus providing flow communication passages through side wall openings 83 and aperture 84 allowing a component in compartment 68 to mix with a component in compartment 86 (the internal space of the displaceable member 80.) This flow communication allows mixing of the two components in the container 60 to form a mixture which is ready for dispensing.
It will be appreciated that the axial displacement of displaceable member 80 can be achieved by rotating manipulable portion 88, when the displaceable member and the housing are threadably engaged, or by pulling manipulable portion 88 when the portion of engagement of the displaceable sleeve and the housing are not threaded and they are frictionally engaged. Alternatively, displaceable member 80 can be axially displaced between the sealed position and the unsealed position and from the unsealed position back to the sealed position, in any other suitable manner, e.g., by turning clockwise or counter clockwise, or pulling or pushing manipulable portion 88. As stated above, side wall openings 83 provide spaces that allow compartment 68 to communicate with the internal environment of displaceable member 80 when the displaceable sleeve 82 is in the unsealed position.
Another embodiment of the two-compartment container of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 4 d, 4 e, 4 f, 4 g, 4 h and 4 i. In this embodiment, container 90 includes a housing 92 which is substantially cylindrical and includes a top end opening 94, a bottom end opening 95, and a sealing wall 96 supported by at least one supporting arm 98 which is coupled to an annular flange 112. The annular flange in turn is coupled to the inner wall of housing 92, or alternatively is integrally formed therewith. It will be appreciate that sealing wall 96, supporting arms 98 and flange 112 may all be integrally formed with each other and the inner wall of housing 92. An annular depending skirt 100 extends downwardly from housing 92, and is provided with an internal annular sealing element 102.
A substantially hollow displaceable member 104 is provided with a displaceable sleeve 106 having external screw threads 108 for sealingly mounting displaceable member 104 in housing 92, by threadably engaging complementary threads 110 on flange 112. The displaceable member 104 includes a sealable top end opening 114 and may include a bottom end sealable opening 116 or a bottom seal 124. Displaceable member 104 is adapted and configured for sealing engagement of its top end opening 114 with sealing wall 96 in housing 92, as well as for sealing displacement through housing 92 so as to prevent leaks through open bottom end 95 of housing 92. For that purpose, displaceable member further includes an external annular sealing element 120 for sealing engagement with the inner wall of housing 92. It will be appreciated that sealing member 102 also provides for sealing displacement of displaceable member 104 through housing 92, by sealing engaging the external wall of the displaceable member. The displaceable member 104 also has an annular user manipulable portion 118 for axially displacing the displaceable member 104 between the sealed position and the unsealed position and vice versa.
As illustrated in FIG. 4 c, top end opening 114 of displaceable member 104 may be sealed by a closure element 122 so as to provide a top seal to the displaceable member, thus forming a first compartment 126 in the displaceable member 104. Closure element 122 may be adapted for snap-fit sealing coupling to opening 114 as shown in FIG. 4 d or alternatively, it may be formed as a frangible integral portion of displaceable sleeve 106. Closure member 122 may be further adapted for snap-fit sealing coupling to sealing wall 96 in the sealed orientation as illustrated in FIG. 4 a, thus sealingly engaging sealing wall 96. When bottom opening 116 is sealed (as in FIG. 4 c), displaceable member 104 seals housing 92, thus forming a second compartment 128 in housing 92.
Supporting arms 98 are arranged so as to provide openings 130 which communicate with opening 114 in the non-sealing orientation so that a passageway or conduit is formed through displaceable member 104 and openings 130 to permit materials to pass between compartment 128 in housing 92 and compartment 126 in displaceable member 104.
As can be seen in FIG. 4 b, just prior to use, the components in compartments 126 and 128 are mixed. When displaceable member 104 is axially displaced within housing 92 from a sealed position to a non-sealed position, closure member 122 is disengaged from displaceable sleeve 106, or dissevered therefrom if closure member is formed as a frangible integral portion of displaceable sleeve 106, thus allowing flow communication between compartment 126 and compartment 128 through opening 114 and wall openings 130. This flow communication allows mixing of the two components in the container 90 to form a mixture which is ready for dispensing. According to this embodiment closure member 122 remains coupled to sealing wall 96.
Referring to FIGS. 4 e, 4 f, 4 g and 4 j, there is shown container 90 as described above, wherein opening 114 of displaceable member is adapted for direct sealing engagement with sealing wall 96 as shown in FIG. 4 e. No closure member is used to seal opening 114 thus compartment 126 is formed only when displaceable member 104 is sealing mounted in housing 92 in the sealed orientation.
Referring to FIGS. 4 h and 4 i, there is shown container 90 as described above, wherein lower portion 132 of displaceable member 104 has external screw threads 134 for mounting displaceable member 104 in housing 92, by threadably engaging complementary threads 136 inside skirt 100. To provide for sealing displacement of displaceable member 104 through housing 92 so as to prevent leaks through open bottom end 95 of housing 92, flange 112 is provided with an annular semi-circular seal 138 adapted for sealing engagement with displaceable sleeve 106.
Referring to FIGS. 5 a to 5 d, this embodiment is substantially similar to that of FIGS. 4 a to 4 d and has the same reference numerals, except that sealing wall 96′ has a through-going bore from the top surface to the bottom, so as to enable a user to release the closure member 122, which remains coupled to the sealing wall 96′ when the displaceable member 104 is manipulated to the open orientation.
In FIGS. 6 a to 8 b, there is shown a two compartment container 200, having a displaceable member 202. Displaceable member 202 is coupled to and supports a sealing wall 204 by one or more connecting wall portions 206 defining between them a plurality of openings 208 for flow communication. As shown in FIG. 6 a, the displaceable member 202 is sealingly disposed in a housing 210. In the sealed orientation, sealing wall 204 seals the top opening 212 of the housing, dividing the container into two compartments, one defined by the displaceable 202 member and the other by the housing 210. In FIG. 6 b, displaceable member has moved to the open orientation, wherein the displaceable member has been displaced relative to the housing, whereby the sealing wall 204 is displaced inside the housing 210, providing flow communication through openings 208 between the two compartments. A supporting collar 214 is provided supporting the displaceable member, and also serves as a manipulable portion for manipulating the displaceable member.
FIG. 7 a is substantially the same as FIG. 6 a, but the container includes a safety tab 216 disposed between the collar 214 and the external wall of the housing, thereby preventing inadvertent displacement of the displaceable member. In FIG. 7 b, tab 216 has been removed, permitting displacement of the displaceable member and flow communication between the compartments.
FIG. 8 a is substantially the same as FIG. 6 a, but a collar 214′ is an integral part of housing 210. A tab 216′, in this embodiment, is frangibly coupled to the top end of collar 214′. In FIG. 8 b, tab 216′ has been removed in order to permit the displaceable member to move to the open orientation.
FIGS. 9 a, 9 b, 10 a and 10 b show a container 300′ according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. Container 300 has a housing 302 with a sealing wall 303 and a displaceable member 304 which may be open or closed at the top 306 (FIGS. 9 a and 10 a, respectively) and an open bottom 308. Displaceable member 304 has a circumferential blade 310 which may be formed by chamfering the bottom end of the wall of displaceable member 304. Preferably, the chamfered bottom is slanted at an angle relative to the horizontal. When the displaceable member 304 is displaced, as shown in FIGS. 9 b and 10 b, blade 310 cuts one side of the sealing wall 303, which folds into the housing 302 as the displaceable member 304 is displaced.
FIGS. 11 a and 11 b show a container 300′ according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, substantially similar to FIGS. 10 a and 10 b, and have the same reference numerals. Container 300′ includes a tear tab 320 (seen in FIG. 11 a) around a protrusion 322 extending from the displaceable member 304 to prevent inadvertent displacement of the displaceable member 304. When tear tab 320 is removed, the displaceable member is displaced until protrusion 322 engages the top of the side wall of housing 302, as seen in FIG. 11 b.
FIG. 12 shows a container 300″ according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. Container 300″ is substantially similar to FIG. 11 a but further includes a sealing protrusion 330 extending from the inside wall of the housing 302′ designed to sealingly engage the displaceable member 304 during operation.
FIGS. 13 a and 13 b show a container 400 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, an annular U-shaped extension 412 is provided extending inwardly from the wall of the housing 410. The innermost wall of U-shaped extension 414 is chamfered to define a cutting blade 414. A displaceable member 416 is slideably disposed in the housing and includes a sealing wall 418. When the displaceable member is moved inside the housing, the sealing wall abuts the blade 414, cutting the sealing wall 418, which folds into the displaceable member when the sealing wall is cut. It will be appreciated that the cutting blade 414 can be slanted.
FIGS. 14 a and 14 b show a container 500 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, container 500 includes a housing 502 including an annular flange 504 dividing the housing into two compartments. A displaceable member 510 is disposed in housing 502. Displaceable member 510 includes a shaft 512 supporting a disk-like sealing wall 514 having an upstanding flange 516 complementary to and adapted to sealingly engage flange 504 in housing 502. In the sealed position, shown in FIG. 14 a, the sealing wall flange 516 seals against the flange 504 of housing 502. To move to the flow communication position, shown in FIG. 14 b, shaft 512 of the displaceable member is pushed into the housing, causing disengagement of flanges 516 and 504, thereby permitting flow communication between the two compartments.
While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated that many variations, modifications and other applications of the invention may be made. Rather, the invention is limited solely by the claims which follow.

Claims

1. A two-compartment container for separately storing two components, mixing the components and dispensing a formulation formed by mixing the two components, the container comprising:

(a) a housing having an opening at each of its top and bottom ends and a sealing wall located between the top and bottom ends which divides the housing into two separate compartments;

(b) at least one connecting member extending between said sealing wall and an inner wall of the housing defining at least one opening for flow communication between the connecting member and the housing;

(c) a substantially hollow displaceable member having a sealable sleeve, said displaceable member being disposed in said housing;

(d) wherein the displaceable member is axially displaceable between a first position where said sealing sleeve sealingly engages said sealing wall forming a seal which divides the housing and the displaceable member into two separate fluid-tight compartments, and a second position where the sleeve and said sealing wall are disengaged, providing flow communication between said compartments.

2. The two-compartment container according to claim 1, wherein said displaceable member further comprises a manipulable portion adapted and configured to be controlled by a user to move the displaceable member, manipulable portion and sealing wall within said housing.

3. The two-compartment container according to claim 1, wherein said displaceable member further includes a frangible seal for sealing a component inside a compartment defined by said displaceable member, said frangible seal being coupled to the sealing wall for breaking by the sealing wall during displacement of the displaceable member.

4. The two-compartment container according to claim 1, wherein a wall of said displaceable member includes a chamfered edge serving as cutting blade for cutting a portion of said sealing wall.

5. A two-compartment container for separately storing two components, mixing the components and dispensing a formulation formed by mixing the two components, the container comprising:

(a) a housing having an opening at each of its top and bottom ends and a U-shaped extension extending inwardly from a wall of the housing; wherein an innermost wall of said U-shaped extension is chamfered to define a cutting blade;

(b) a substantially hollow displaceable member having a sealing wall at its bottom end which divides the container into two separate compartments, said displaceable member being disposed in said housing;

(c) wherein the displaceable member is axially displaceable between a first position where said sealing wall sealingly engages said housing forming a seal which divides the housing and the displaceable member into two separate fluid-tight compartments, and a second position where the cutting blade cuts the sealing wall, thereby providing flow communication between said compartments.

6. A two-compartment container for separately storing two components, mixing the components and dispensing a formulation formed by mixing the two components, the container comprising:

(a) a housing having an opening at each of its top and bottom ends and an annular flange dividing the housing into two compartments

(b) a displaceable member disposed in housing, said displaceable member including a shaft supporting a disk-like sealing wall having an upstanding flange complementary to and adapted to sealingly engage flange in housing; (c) wherein the displaceable member is axially displaceable between a first position where said the sealing wall flange seals against the flange of said housing forming a seal which divides the housing and the displaceable member into two separate fluid-tight compartments, and a second position where the shaft of the displaceable member is pushed into the housing, causing disengagement of the sealing wall flange and the housing flange, thereby permitting flow communication between the two compartments.

7. The two-compartment container according to claim 2, wherein said displaceable member further includes a frangible seal for sealing a component inside a compartment defined by said displaceable member, said frangible seal being coupled to the sealing wall for breaking by the sealing wall during displacement of the displaceable member.

8. The two-compartment container according to claim 2, wherein a wall of said displaceable member includes a chamfered edge serving as cutting blade for cutting a portion of said sealing wall.

9. The two-compartment container according to claim 3, wherein a wall of said displaceable member includes a chamfered edge serving as cutting blade for cutting a portion of said sealing wall.