US20140263448A1

US20140263448A1 - Dispensing container

Info

Publication number: US20140263448A1
Application number: US14/348,775
Authority: US
Inventors: Tim Erskine-Smith
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-09-29
Filing date: 2011-09-29
Publication date: 2014-09-18
Also published as: WO2012040788A1; GB201407479D0

Abstract

A multi-chamber container (60) includes a first chamber (2) having a side wall (3) terminating at a first chamber upper end (5). A first chamber opening (6) is disposed in the first chamber upper end (5). The first chamber side wall (3) is formed from an inner circumference portion (62) and an outer circumference portion (63). The multi-chamber container (60) includes a second chamber (10) having a side wall (11) terminating at a second chamber side wall upper end (13) which has a second chamber opening (14). A hinge (61) is disposed intermediate each chamber inner and outer side wall interface portion (66). The chambers (2) and (10) are moveable about the hinge (61) between a first position where the inner circumference side wall portions (62) and (64) are spaced apart, and a second position where the inner circumference side wall portions (62) and (64) of the chambers are adjacent.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to dispensing separate composition and, in particular, to a dispensing container that can substantially simultaneously dispense two or more separated composition that are combined after dispensing.
The invention has been developed for use with stabilised chlorine dioxide based mouth rinses and will be described hereinafter with a reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use and it applicable to dispensing two or more compositions that are to be kept separate until being dispensed, or that can be dispensed independently of the other compositions without cross contamination there between.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Oral rinses or mouthwashes are intended to kill bacteria in the oral cavity and their use has been widely known. The oral cavity is simply exposed to the mouth rinse and which is then expelled. The oral cavity may further be rinsed with water. The aim of use of oral rinses is often to treat bad breath and promote better oral hygiene. Conditions such as halitosis are known to be treated at least in part by the use of oral rinses.
The most widely used mouth rinses are ethyl alcohol based and can contain 20% or more of the alcohol. Additionally other ingredients such as flavours, mouth feel elements and water are added. However, recent published studies indicate that alcohol based mouthwashes may increase a user's risk of developing cancer and it has been implicated as a possible cause or exacerbater of Xerostemia. An alternative to alcohol based mouth rinses involves the use of stabilised chlorine dioxide compositions.
Generally, stabilised chlorine dioxide is an aqueous solution comprising sodium chlorite and stabilising agents to prevent or retard the degradation of the sodium chloride to molecular chlorine dioxide. Many examples of such oral compositions are known, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,689,215 (Ratcliff). Stabilised chlorine dioxide compositions can be formed from either liquid or powdered sodium chlorite (NaClO₂) which are each available in various concentrations. For the present mouth rinse purposes, liquid sodium chlorite will be referred to.
Furthermore, throughout the specification, the terms chlorine dioxide and stabilised chlorine dioxide denote a sodium chlorite solution having a sodium chlorite concentration that is sufficient to release chlorine dioxide in some concentration measured in parts per million (ppm) or a solution which has been generated to contain chlorine dioxide and which has been stabilised by sodium hydroxide, tri-sodium phosphate or any other material commonly used or known by those skilled in the art, or any other solution which contains chorine dioxide, chlorous acid or sodium chlorite irrespective of the manufacturing method.
It is well known that stabilised chlorine dioxide solutions more rapidly produces chlorine dioxide when activated by a strong acid such as a mineral acid rather than by activation by a weaker acid, for example, at a pH of about 6 which is typically found in the oral cavity. That is, exposure to a strong acid will much more rapidly produce chlorine dioxide and much more of it from the pre-cursor material which is generally sodium chlorite.
Sodium chlorite when exposed to an acidic environment releases molecular chlorine dioxide which kills or inhibits the growth of bacteria in the oral cavity which cause malodour (halitosis) and periodontal diseases. Unfortunately, since stabilised chlorine dioxide undergoes strong oxidation reactions it is difficult to stabilise the chlorine dioxide for a period sufficient for use in oral compositions. The chemical nature of the stabilised chlorine dioxide in practice means that other agents such as flavours or other additives are degraded undesirably when packaged for use. However, consumers desire this product and manufacturers have used it with less than optimal flavours and mouth feel agents to try to increase shelf life, or to sacrifice stability for an improved flavour and mouth feel.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,582,682 (Noville, Inc.) attempts to address this problem and teaches of an oral care composition containing stabilised chlorine dioxide and flavours and which uses ethoxylated hydrogenated castor oil to encapsulate the flavour agents and protect them from degradation by the stabilised chlorine dioxide. Unfortunately, the use of the ethoxylated hydrogenated castor oil does not sufficiently protect the flavour agents in a composition containing stabilised chlorine dioxide. Whilst the solution of the Noville, Inc. patent provides protection to the flavouring agents, the duration of protection against the stabilised chlorine dioxide is significantly less than would be desired for the retail dispensing and storage such oral compositions. Furthermore, products based on the use of flavours which are blended with emulsifiers such as polysorbate have had little success in providing adequate shelf life.
The difficulty in providing stable chlorine dioxide solutions which contain flavours or sweeteners or mouth feel agents is foreshadowed by Ratcliff where it was noted that in order to make the mouth rinse more palatable, flavours and mouth feel agents such as xylitol for example were essential. However, once the stabilised chlorine dioxide solution begins to destabilise, an unstoppable form of chain reaction occurs degrading the sodium chlorite solution and releasing chlorine dioxide. Even though significant research has been conducted, there appears to be no solution that will provide long-term stability for one or two years or more for a flavoured and/or sweetened product, which can be an essential requirement for a commercially acceptable product. Yet further, heat and light act to degrade the stabilised chlorine dioxide solution not making finding a stable composition any easier.

GENESIS OF THE INVENTION

The genesis of the invention is a desire to provide a dispensing container that can substantially simultaneously dispense two or more separated compositions that are combined after dispensing or that can dispense one composition independently of the others without cross contamination therebetween, or to provide a useful alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a composition dispensing container comprising:

- a first chamber having a side wall extending upwardly from a base and terminating at a first chamber upper end having a first chamber opening, the first chamber side wall formed from an outer circumference portion and an inner circumference portion;
- a second chamber having a side wall extending upwardly from a base and terminating at a second chamber upper end having a second chamber opening, the second chamber side wall formed from an outer circumference portion and an inner circumference portion; and
- a hinge mounted to respective adjacent chamber side walls such that the chambers are moveable about the hinge from a first position wherein the inner circumference side wall portions of the chambers are spaced apart and a second position wherein the inner chamber side wall portions of the chambers are adjacent and the outer circumference portions of each chambers side wall form a composition dispensing container outer side wall.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a composition dispensing container comprising:

- a first composition chamber having at least one side wall extending upwardly from a base and terminating at a first chamber upper end having a first chamber opening, the first chamber side wall formed from an outer circumference portion and an inner circumference portion;
- a second composition chamber having at least one side wall extending upwardly from a base and terminating at an upper end having a second chamber opening, the second chamber side wall formed from an outer circumference portion and an inner circumference portion wherein the second chamber is configured for containing a second composition to be mixed with the first composition when dispensed;
  - the dispensing container being configured such that the first and second chambers are disposed adjacent to each other and are retained together by a retaining means disposed about the container or about the chamber openings.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a composition dispensing container comprising:

- a chamber having at least one side wall extending upwardly from a base and terminating at a chamber upper end, the chamber including a separating membrane extending from the base to or adjacent to the chamber upper end, each side of the membrane defining first and second chambers for containing a first and second compositions respectively wherein the composition are to be mixed when dispensed, the chamber upper end including a first chamber opening and a second chamber opening;
- the dispensing container being configured such that the first and second chambers are sealed by a cap disposed about the first and second chamber openings, the cap including first and second spaced apart apertures each allowing independent access therethrough to each of the first and second chambers through each chamber opening

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a composition dispensing container comprising:

- a first chamber having at least one side wall extending from a base and terminating at a first chamber upper end having a first chamber opening, the first chamber for containing a first composition;
- a second chamber having at least one side wall extending from a base and terminating at an upper end having a second chamber opening, the second chamber for containing a second composition to be mixed with the first composition prior to use by a user;
  - the dispensing container configured such that the first or second chamber is disposed within the second or first chamber respectively wherein the first and second chamber openings provide independent access therethrough to each chamber through each chamber opening

It can therefore be seen that there is advantageously provided a dispensing container which advantageously only mixes the compositions at the time of dispensing for use. This will significantly increase shelf life of chlorine dioxide mouth rinses whilst allowing desired flavours and mouth feel additives and other ingredients to be included as desired without sacrificing any palatability or efficacy for longer shelf life. It will be appreciated that as the material degrades it has less chlorine dioxide available and may become less effective. It is also noted that this method of packaging has the significant additional advantage of allowing the control of the activation of the stabilised chlorine dioxide by the variation of the pH and buffering within the materials disposed within the chambers. Yet further, there is also advantageously provided a multiple composition dispensing container that can keep two or more materials separate until they are required to be dispensed. Also provided is a container having two or more chambers where the containers are intricately formed and hingedly attached to allow any shaped container to be formed. The chambers being hingedly attached allows all chambers to be formed simultaneously at manufacture and the hinge provides the correct fixed alignment between the two chambers which allows the container to be easily filled and assembled. Furthermore, there is an added advantage that preferred embodiments not using any lug and recesses retaining means and forming a circular container can advantageously be packed with a higher packing fraction than would be the case with a single circular container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an elevated right hand side perspective view of a composition dispensing container according to a first preferred embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a right hand side view of the dispensing container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded side view of the dispensing container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an exploded rear perspective view of the dispensing container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an elevated rear perspective view of an exploded dispensing container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an underside perspective view of an unthreaded locking collar of the dispensing container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an underside perspective view of a sealing cap of the dispensing container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is an exploded right hand side elevated perspective view of part of a composition dispensing container according to a second preferred embodiment;

FIG. 9 is an underside perspective view of one outer cap cover of the dispensing container of FIG. 9;

FIG. 10 is a side view of a lower end of a composition dispensing container according to a third preferred embodiment; and

FIG. 11 is a schematic cut away side view of a mushroom/button cap for use with the dispensing container of FIG. 1 or FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a schematic cut away side view of a composition dispensing container according to another preferred embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a schematic cut away side view of the dispensing container of FIG. 12 with a hand pump device;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a composition dispensing container according to another preferred embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an upper part of a composition dispensing container according to another preferred embodiment;

FIGS. 16A & B show various views of a composition dispensing container according to another preferred embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a schematic partial cut away side view of a composition dispensing container according to another preferred embodiment;

FIGS. 18 to 24 show various views of a composition dispensing container according to another preferred embodiment;

FIG. 25 is a schematic inverted plan view of part of the container of FIG. 18;

FIG. 26 is a plan view of part of the container of FIG. 18 with an alternative hinge;

FIG. 27 is a plan view of part of the container of FIG. 18 with another alternative hinge;

FIGS. 28A to 28C are schematic plan views of alternative configurations of the container of FIG. 18;

FIG. 29 is a schematic front view of alternative preferred embodiments of the container of FIG. 18;

FIG. 30 is a schematic perspective view of the container of FIG. 33B;

FIG. 31 is a cut away side view of a container according to another preferred embodiment;

FIGS. 32 to 37 show various views of a composition dispensing container according to another preferred embodiment; and

FIGS. 38 to 43 show top views of variations of the shape of the chambers of the dispensing container of FIG. 37.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be appreciated that throughout the description of the preferred embodiments, like reference numerals have been used to denote like components. Referring to FIGS. 1 to 9, there is shown various views of a stabilised chlorine dioxide composition dispensing container 1 according to the first preferred embodiment. In this embodiment the container 1 is configured to dispense a stabilized chlorine dioxide composition and additives in liquid form.
The dispensing container 1 includes a first chamber 2 having a side wall 3 extending upwardly from a base 4. The side wall terminates at a first chamber upper end 5. A first chamber opening 6 is provided on the first chamber upper end 5. The first chamber is substantially semi-circular in cross-section as best seen in FIG. 5. A flat section 7 of the side wall 3 includes a pair of spaced apart engagement tabs 8 and a pair of spaced apart engagement recesses 9 which may have retentive elements in their design.
The dispensing container 1 further includes a second chamber 10 having a side wall 11 extending upwardly from a base 12. The base 12 terminates at a second chamber upper end 13. A second chamber opening 14 is disposed on the upper end 13.
The second chamber 10 includes a flat side wall section 15 and the side wall 11 is substantially semi-circular in cross-section. A pair of spaced apart engagement tabs 16 and a pair of recesses 17 are disposed on the flat side wall section 15. The first chamber 2 and second chamber 10 are moved adjacent each other so that the flat surfaces 7 and 15 are adjacent or contiguous. Engagement tabs 8 and 16 engage with respective recesses 9 and 17 on the adjoining chamber to prevent at least movement of the chambers in a direction substantially parallel to side wall faces 7 and 15. Engagement tabs may also provide some retention by any conventional means or method to restrict movement of the chambers away from each other in a direction substantially perpendicular to side wall faces 7 and 15.
It will be appreciated of course that the engagement tabs 8 and 16 can engage with recesses 9 and 17 in a relatively strong mechanical fit to prevent separation of the chambers 2 and 10 away from each other. The chamber 2 is configured for receiving a stabilised chlorine dioxide composition, for example, such as that disclosed by Ratcliff referred to above. The other chamber 10 includes flavours, mouth feel agents and/or any other preferred ingredients such as an analgesic to be dispensed substantially simultaneously with the chlorine dioxide in the first chamber 2 and mixed therewith.
A sealing cap 20 (best shown in FIG. 7) includes a pair of spaced apart sealing flanges 21 configured to be received in each chamber opening 6 and 14. The sealing flanges 21 are substantially the same shape on an outside portion as the shape of the inside portion of the chamber openings 6 and 10. It will be appreciated that in embodiments of the invention not illustrated, the sealing flanges 21 can be different shaped and the chamber opening 6 and 10 have correspondingly different shapes. This is referred to further below.
The sealing cap 20 includes a sealed upper face 22. The upper face 22 has a pair of stems 23 extending upwardly there from where the stems 23 are substantially parallel to each other. The stems extend to a predetermined height above the seal upper face 22 and include apertures 24 extending through the stems 23 and upper face 22.
Although not clearly shown, the stems 23 have retentive elements disposed about the outside thereof such as external snap beads (circumferentially disposed protrusions) which also has matching retentive elements disposed on the inside of the outer cap 40 to provide stop points as desired for the closed and open positions. It will be appreciated that, for example, other snap beads or stop points can be disposed between beads corresponding to the open and closed positions to provide control over the flow rate.
A spacing of a predetermined distance 25 is provided intermediate the two sealing flanges 21 to accommodate the thickness of the flat wall sections 7 and 15. Further, the sealing flanges 21 extend a predetermined depth below the upper face 22.
It will be appreciated that once the sealing cap 20 is engaged with the chamber opening 6 and 14, contents in the chambers 2 and 10 can flow out respective apertures 24 in the stems 23 independently of the other. The outlets 24 of the stems 23 can be partly obscured or constricted at an upper end of the stems 23. This is not clearly shown in the drawings.
A locking collar 30 is disposed over the sealing cap 20. The locking collar 30 snap locks or otherwise lockingly engages with a chamber opening engagement means 32 which engages with a corresponding grooves 33 circumferentially disposed within the locking collar 30. The chamber opening engagement means 32 are semi-circular circumferentially disposed projections extending about each opening 6 and 14 but not extending about the opening 6 and 14 on the side wall flat sections 7 and 15. Once the locking collar 30 is engaged about the chamber openings 6 and 14, the sealing cap 20 is retained in engagement with the openings 6 and 14. An aperture 34, best shown in FIG. 7, is disposed in a top end of the locking collar 30 so that the stems 23 of the sealing cap 20 project therethrough or are able to be accessed therethrough.
In an alternative embodiment (not illustrated), a threaded sealing collar 30 may be disposed over the sealing cap 20 and engage into threaded semi-circular surfaces of chamber openings 6 & 14. The threaded collar may seal but engage the sealing cap 20 such that the sealing collar 30 and sealing cap 20 may be easily removed to allow for re-use, re-filling or substitution of another chamber. When the sealing collar 30 is engaged about the chamber openings 6 and 14, the sealing cap 20 is retained in engagement with the openings 6 and 14. The aperture 34 is disposed in a top end of the sealing collar 30 so that the stems 23 of the sealing cap 20 project therethrough or are able to be accessed therethrough.
The dispensing container 1 further includes an outer cap cover 40 configured to be retained by the snap beads on the stems 23 and by the matching retentive elements (correspondingly shaped grooves) within the outer cover cap 40. The outer cap cover is moveable between a first position in which it is moved away from the locking collar 30 and a closed second position in which the outer cap cover 40 is moved towards or abuts with the top end 35 of the locking collar 30. First and second positions have retentive beads (not illustrated) to hold the cap 40 in the respective position. It will be appreciated the outer cap 40 may have more than two positions and may have several positions to provide, for example, for an increase or regulation in flow through the aperture 41 by reducing or increasing the interference between the outlets 41 and 24.
The outer cap cover 40 includes a pair of outlets 41 which each include an aperture. When the outer cap cover 40 is engaged with the stems 23 and moved toward or in the second position closely adjacent or abutting the top end 35 of the locking collar 30, the outlets 41 sit over the apertures 24 of the stems 23 of the sealing cap 20. This prevents contents from either chamber flowing through respective chamber outlets 6 and 14 and respective stems 23 of the sealing cap 20 and out the apertures of the outlets 41. When the outer cap cover 40 is moved away from the top end 35 of the locking collar 30, the outlets 41 unblock or open the apertures 24 of the stems 23 of the sealing cap 20 thereby allowing material in each chamber to flow out respective stems 23 and outlets 41. That is, the outer cap cover can be moved to substantially open or seal both stems 23 substantially simultaneously and the outer cap cover 40 can be positionally controlled by stop beads on the stem 23 and by matching retentive elements within the outer cover cap 40.
Referring to the second preferred embodiment of the stabilising chlorine dioxide dispensing container 1 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, this embodiment is similar to the first preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 7 except that a pair of outer cap covers 40 are provided. Each cap cover is substantially semi-circular and is mountable on a stem 23 so that an outlet 41 and each cap cover section 40 is movable toward or away from the upper end 35 of the locking collar 30 to individually seal or unblock each outlet 24 of the stems 23 for respective first and second chamber openings 6 and 14. That is, each outer cap cover can be moved to substantially open or seal a stem 23 and respective chambers 2 and 10 individually, or simultaneously, and is positionally controlled by stop beads on the stem 23 and by the matching retentive elements within the outer cover cap 40.
Referring now to FIG. 10, there is shown a schematic side view of a lower end of a stabilised chlorine dioxide composition dispensing container 1 according to another preferred embodiment. This shows the lower end of the first and second chambers 2 and 10. The lower end of the chambers 2 and 10 have a threaded portion 51 (not shown in FIG. 10) to receive a solid base plate member by threaded engagement. Alternatively, the base 50 may be clipped to the lower end of the chambers 2 and 10. In this way, the base plate 50 rigidly retains the lower end of each chamber 2 and 10 together. It will be appreciated, however, that the base plate 50 can be removed or substituted.
It was noted above that the sealing flanges 21 of the sealing cap 20 can be differently shaped and alternatively may be differently sized to each other. The sealing flanges 21 must correspond to an inside shape of the chamber openings 6 and 14 when being used to provide the seal with the inside of the chamber openings 6 and 14. If the sealing flange is designed to seal with the external surfaces of the openings 6 and 14, then the sealing flange must conform to the shape of the external surfaces of the openings 6 and 14. The sealing flange may also include an external portion which provides the same effect as the locking collar 30 so that the sealing flange and locking collar are integrated and perform both functions in one piece and one application in the assembly process.
If different shaped or different sized openings 6 and 14 are used, corresponding sealing flanges 21 on the sealing cap 20 must also be employed. This provides one mechanism to allow for the differential flow of materials from the two chambers 2 and 10 and requires the sealing cap be put on in one orientation. It will also be appreciated that the apertures 24 of the stems 23 can be differentially sized or otherwise sized to choose a desired flow rate of a preferred composition. Likewise, the outlets 41 on the outer cap cover(s) may also be differentially sized to ensure a predetermined flow rate from materials in each of the chambers 2 and 10.
It will be appreciated that in some preferred embodiments of the invention the sealing flanges 21 are not necessary to retain the chambers 2 and 10 together. In such cases, a sealing wad, gasket, wedge seal or “mini sealing cap elements” could be used to seal the bottles and provide separation of the contents.
For example, it would be most desirable for users to move the outer cap cover 40 away from the top end 35 of the locking collar 30 when dispensing contents in the chambers 2 and 10 to dispense equal amounts from each chamber so that contents in one chamber do not exhaust before contents in another chamber. Of course, it would be appreciated that this can be desired under some circumstances in which case the locking collar 30 can be removed and the sealing cap 20 removed to allow replacement of one of the chambers 2 or 10.
Although not illustrated, it will be appreciated that the stabilised chlorine dioxide composition dispensing container 1 can have two chambers 2 and 10 which are not each half a circle in cross-section. For example, one chamber may be a 90° segment or wedge of a circle in cross-section and the other chamber being 270° so that the two chambers still abut and the cross-sectional shape of the dispensing container 1 is substantially cylindrical and likewise with the chamber openings which would form 270° and 90° of a circle respectively abutted together and the sealing flanges 21 of the sealing cap 20 correspond to these shapes.
It will be appreciated also that any preferred external cross-sectional shape can be provided for both the dispensing container 1 and the chamber openings 6 and 14. For example, the chambers and respective openings may be square or formed from parts of a square so that when the containers are brought together and retained, the container forms a square or rectangular shape and the openings form a square or rectangular shape and the sealing cap flanges correspond to this and the locking collar 30 engages about that square cross-section in a snap lock, or other, engagement. The above is not limited to any particular shape, such as round, square, rectangular or polygonal but can be applied to any shape. Further, the flat sidewall surfaces 7 and 15 can be complimentarily or otherwise curved if desired. This can, for example, also provide different sized chambers whilst keeping each chamber with the outer appearance of being the same size.
It will be further appreciated that two, three, four or more chambers may be provided. If three or four chambers are provided, for example, the chambers could each be 120° segments of a circle in cross-section or 90° segments of a circle in cross-section respectively. However, this need not be the case. For the three chambers, for example, one chamber may be 140° one chamber may be 100° and the other chamber may be 120°. Yet further, it will be appreciated that sealing flanges 21 and stems 23 of sealing cap 20, together with outer cap cover 40 are shaped such that the flanges 21 correspond to the shape of the chamber openings 6 & 14 and any additional chamber openings as required in case of three or more chambers in other preferred embodiments. This is likewise the case with the underside of cap outlets 41 where the stems 23 engage together with outer cap covers 40 must correspond to the shape required and mate with stems 23 and the sealing cap 20.
In an alternative embodiment, the sealing flanges 21 and stems 23 of sealing cap 20, together with the outer cap cover 40 are required to correspond to the shape of the chamber openings 6 & 14 and any additional chamber openings in embodiments with 3 or more chambers.
It will also be appreciated that in the first two preferred embodiments described above, the stabilised chlorine dioxide composition in one chamber and the additives and flavourings in the second chamber are intended to exhaust at about the same time and so either the additives or the stabilised chlorine dioxide composition can be diluted if desired or even strengthened to achieve this result.
In an alternative embodiment to the dispensing container 1 of the first two preferred embodiments, a label is disposed about the chamber sidewalls 3 and 11 to remove the need for the base cap 50 and allow the chambers 2 and 10 to be retained by the label. This is particularly advantageous for embodiments where the chambers are not intended to be refilled as a label should serve to retain the chambers for a sufficient period of time.
The dispensing container 1 of the first two preferred embodiments may also include a heat shrink sleeve which covers the bottle and closure, with the exception of the inner portion of the base, to remove the need for the base cap 50 and allow the chambers 2 and 10 to be retained by the shrink sleeve. This is particularly advantageous for embodiments where the chambers are not intended to be refilled as the heat shrink sleeve should serve to retain the chambers for a sufficient period of time.
So far as heat adversely effects stabilised chlorine dioxide compositions, it is also preferred that a foil and/or foam layer perhaps a few millimetres or less thick are disposed under the heat shrink sleeve on the outside of the chambers 2 and 10. This will retard or delay heat transfer to the contents of the chambers thereby potentially prolonging the stability of the stabilised chlorine dioxide composition as well as any volatile additives in other chambers. The heat shrink seal is preferably a block out material which may also act as a label and which covers the bottle and closure, with the exception of the inner portion of the base. This label has a pre-defined tear line which allows the portion covering the closure to be removed and thereby provides a tamper evident seal and the exclusion of light affecting the contents until the product is used. However, any preferred type of label can be used as desired provided it retains the chambers 2 and 10 adjacent when a base cap (FIG. 10) is not used.
The block out heat shrink sleeve also advantageously serves to restrict ingress of light into the chambers further improving the stability of the stabilised chlorine dioxide composition. A window in the shrink sleeve can be provided to obtain a visual indication of the levels of material in the chambers. It will be appreciated that typically black or very dark coloured plastics are used to stop the progress of light, however, this may not be desirable for oral rinses as it is often known that toxic and otherwise poisonous substances are stored in black or darkly coloured plastic containers. Typically, a white plastic is used for these purposes and it is not entirely opaque. The block out shrink sleeve will further assist in preventing light ingress in the use of such containers.
Although not illustrated, it will be appreciated that each stem 23 or outlets 41 may include a one way valve to restrict flow of material back down the stems and into their respective chambers. Each chamber preferably includes an air relief or pressure equalisation valve which may or may not be associated with the sealing cap arrangement. Furthermore, it will appreciated that outlets 41 may be shaped such that part of, or a coupling element such as a male or female luer lock, a hose barb or luer slip or any other coupling element is formed. FIGS. 12 & 13 are schematic side views of examples of such. Such coupling elements may have non-return valves (if the stems 23 do not include one way valves) to allow material in the chambers to travel through the outer cap cover outlets 41 so as to then be delivered as individual components and/or combined for dispensing through a single outlet as a mixture of the additives and stabilised chlorine dioxide composition.
In this latter case, the outer cap cover 40 is replaced with a luer lock arrangement and one or more mushroom or button cap head dispensing elements. Non-return or one way valves can be placed externally to the outer cap cover outlets 41 at any stage of a delivery system prior to the separated materials being mixed. A non-return valve can be disposed internally between the bottom of stems 23 or suction tubes extending to or some distance towards the base (not illustrated) mounted in sealing cap 20 and the outer cap cover 40. One or more couplings can be used to pass materials from the stems 23, for example, through the outlets 41 to a single outlet 43 as shown schematically in FIG. 13. The single outlet 43 may take the form of a hose, pipe or vessel, any of which can then be fitted with/to a hand or powered spray/pump for delivery of activated solution to a required site. One example is that of a battery or mains powered irrigator for use in cleaning teeth and gums similar in function to a Braun/Oral B Waterpik™. It will of course be appreciated that a pump or spray mechanism is not essential and that hand pressure on the bottle 1 could also be used to drive the materials through to the desired location.
To facilitate the use of devices such as pumps and powered sprays, the sealing cap can be modified to incorporate or allow for the fitment of tubes which extend from the sealing cap to the lower part/bottom of the bottle so that the contents are drawn from the bottom of the bottle (FIG. 12).
Although not illustrated, it will be appreciated that each tube or stem 23 or outlets 41 may include a one way valve to restrict flow of material back down the tubes or stems and into their respective chambers in a hand pump arrangement. Each chamber preferably includes an air relief or pressure equalisation valve which may or may not be associated with the sealing cap and pump arrangement. Furthermore, it will appreciated that the sealing cap 20, stems 23 and outlets 41 may be shaped such that they or any part thereof may form part of a hand pump assembly and allow for the fitment of suction tubes/pipes which extend from the sealing flange 21 and sealing cap 20 to the bottom of the bottle chambers. A dual chamber hand pump will draw equal or unequal amounts, as desired, from the respective chambers below and maintain separation of the materials through to the exit apertures.
In one preferred embodiment, the dispensing apertures are so aligned that the material is mixed as, and after, it leaves the dispensing apertures as preferred. The hand pumps can be joined such that independent operation in not possible and the pump has a means to actuate both pumps simultaneously. In alternative embodiments, the hand pumps can be separately actuated.
It will be appreciated that the dispensing container of the preferred embodiments described above can advantageously be modified to allow a mixing chamber disposed within or associated with the cap. In this way, the compositions in two or more chamber can be dispensed through each chamber opening and converge of a mixing chamber. Intermediate the chamber openings and the mixing chamber the compositions follow segregated paths and a one-way valve is disposed in each path to prevent back flow and cross-contamination of the compositions. The mixture can then be dispensed via a single aperture, for example, allowing mixture at the time of dispensing.
FIG. 11 is a schematic side view of a mushroom or button cap dispensing head formed from two sections each being semi-circular where each section engages with a stem 23. Although not illustrated, the use of a needle valve type arrangement with a mushroom head to control flow and rate of flow from the chamber. In such an arrangement, it will be appreciated that the two parts of the mushroom head can be locked together to allow simultaneous access to each chamber 2 and 10.
It will further be appreciated that if three or more chambers are used with the stabilised chlorine dioxide composition dispensing container 1, one of the containers will hold a stabilised chlorine dioxide composition, the other of the containers will retain additives such as mouth feel agents, viscosity modifiers, humectants, flavours, sweeteners, analgesics, drugs, medicines, formulated medical devices, anti-inflammatories, preservatives, alcohol, acids, alkalis, colouring agents, buffers, abrasives, surfactants and water and the third chamber may hold an acidic or volatile flavour, for example. In this way, the stability of the additives and flavourings can be further enhanced. The fourth chamber in such an embodiment may contain a tooth remineralisation or desensitisation material or an analgesic, for example.
In the case of remineralisation or desensitisation materials being added to a second or other chamber, one of the chamber contents must have sufficient acidity to reduce the pH of the mixed solution to a pH of less than 7.2, and preferably less than pH 6.7, more preferably less than 6.5 and most preferably less than 6.0. It has been shown that tooth remineralisation occurs in acidic environments. The amount of acid, buffers and the pH has a direct effect on the sodium chlorite and controls the amount of chlorine dioxide released by the acidification of the sodium chlorite solution. Therefore it can be appreciated that to obtain a mixed product that can provide remineralisation of the dentition and have a sodium chlorite concentration that is sufficient to release chlorine dioxide in some concentration measured in parts per million (ppm), the pH of the solution and the amount of sodium chlorite must be balanced to provide sufficient remineralisation whilst not providing too much chlorine dioxide which has negative health consequences in high concentrations.
It will further be appreciated that if one or more chambers are used with the stabilised chlorine dioxide composition dispensing container 1, one of the containers will hold a stabilised chlorine dioxide composition, the other of the containers will retain additives such as mouth feel agents, viscosity modifiers, humectants, flavours, sweeteners, analgesics, drugs, medicines, formulated medical devices (for example, a dental remineralisation composition), anti-inflammatories, preservatives, alcohol, acids, alkalis, colouring agents buffers, abrasives, surfactants and water. This will allow for a desirable combination of materials to be mixed together at the time of use while providing adequate shelf life for the product. One of the chamber contents must have sufficient acidity to reduce the pH of the mixed solution to a pH of less than 7.0, and preferably less than pH 6.7 and most preferably less than 6.5. In this way, activation can be guaranteed, and in the main part controlled, no matter what the pH of the oral cavity may be without interfering with the stability of the chlorine dioxide.
Most commercially available chlorine dioxide mouth rinses have concentrations of sodium chlorite that are in excess of 1,000 ppm which is sufficient to release 600 approx PPM of chlorine dioxide if fully activated with a strong acid. This is a far higher concentration that is needed to provide the antimicrobial effect that is needed to promote fresh breath and general oral health. These commercially available products rely on the oral cavity having sufficient acidity to activate a small percentage of the sodium chlorite and provide a ‘therapeutic or cosmetic” level of chlorine dioxide. As the amount of chlorine dioxide generated depends on the oral pH at the time of use, excessive amounts of chlorine dioxide may be produced on occasion, for example after a drink of an acidic beverage such as orange juice. However, the oral cavity may have or may not have a slightly acidic pH and this can depend on a number of factors, such as oral hygiene, saliva flow and pH, diet etc. If the oral pH is acidic then the small amount of acid that is available will react with the sodium chlorite to release chlorine dioxide and chlorus acid. It is the low levels of acid in the oral cavity that are used to activate the sodium chlorite in most commercial products. If the oral pH is neutral or alkali, then there will be no activation of the sodium chlorite and no resulting effect such as a significant microbial reduction or a significant reduction in halitosis.
Many users of mouth rinse products use a toothpaste prior to using a mouth rinse. Most known toothpastes have a pH greater than 8 and provide some buffering due to the product formulation which may include a calcium based abrasive. It will be appreciated that the release of chlorine dioxide will not occur in that environment and the product will be rendered ineffective.
It can be seen that the composition dispensing container of the preferred embodiments provides a useful alternative which activates at a pre-determined pH and releases a prescribed amount of chlorine dioxide, or at least some functionally minimal amount, to overcome the failings of the existing commercially available products. Simultaneously the container can allow additional benefits to the user in the product formulation, such as a flavour and a sweetener such as Xylitol while offering a commercially acceptable shelf life to manufacturers and retailers.
It will also be appreciated that a second or other chamber can be used to contain and dispense a substance to ensure activation of the stabilised chlorine dioxide if the pH in the oral cavity is not low enough. For example, malic acid or any GRAS acid can serve the purpose. Malic acid would also serve to promote saliva flow and provide a palatable “tartness”.
Many flavours are acidic and are stable with sweeteners in an acidic environment sufficient to activate the stabilised chlorine dioxide. By varying the acidity in the chambers and therefore the externally mixed material, a range of desired concentrations of chlorine dioxide in parts per million (ppm) of chlorine dioxide can be prescribed for a range of applications, such as treatment of periodontal disease, halitosis, antiseptic use, for example, as desired. In the preferred embodiments, the desired amount of chlorine dioxide is in the range of 1 to 20 ppm, however, this may be any desired range from 0.1 ppm to 100 ppm or more, depending on the application. It is noted that “available” ClO₂is 60% of the sodium chlorite content.
Referring now to a further preferred embodiment (not illustrated), the chambers 2 and 10 of the dispensing container of FIGS. 1 to 7 can be substituted by a single container having a membrane or wall disposed within the container to form a pair of chambers. Multiple membranes may be contemplated to form more than two chambers.
In yet a further preferred embodiment, the chambers 2 and 10 are replaced by pair of concentrically nested tubes. The sealing cap 20 is modified to have a pair of spaced apart circular flanges with the inner flange sealing an inner or first of the concentric chambers and the second flange sealing an outer or second of the concentric containers. A pair of spaced apart apertures are disposed through the sealing cap 20 where one aperture accesses the inner tube and the other the outer tube. Such an embodiment can also be used for creams and lotions where one chamber includes a stabilised chlorine dioxide composition and the other chamber contains the other ingredients. Of course, multiple tubes may be concentrically disposed to provide a chamber with multiple separate ingredients. The tubes may be rigid or flexible to allow lotions or the like to be squeezed or pumped out.
Concentric tubes for dispensing toothpastes are known. However, these are of no use because toothpastes are relatively viscous and stabilised chlorine dioxide compositions for mouth rinses are typically relatively watery by comparison and these tubes are susceptible to cross-contamination, even with viscous materials.
Common manufacturing methods for such toothpaste tube filling involve the tubes to be filled having the tube neck facing down and the open tube end facing up to receive the filler head. It is the open tube end which is generally heat sealed, folded and crimped or otherwise sealed after filling. However, this does not provide separation of the materials in the chambers until and during use to avoid cross contamination.
One preferred embodiment shown schematically in side view in FIG. 14 has a tube having a central membrane which forms two chambers within the tube. The membrane extends to the neck of the tube at which point it is thicker and can be used to provide a seal between the two chambers and the snap on closure which has two raised openings each being aligned to one chamber. The snap on closure has a hinged lid with closures designed to mate with the raised openings and provide an effective seal whilst preventing cross contamination. This is likewise the case where a separate hand pump and pump head is employed.
Another preferred embodiment has concentrically nested tubes where the inner tube neck is shaped such that it is locked into position by welds or barbs so as to resist the force generated during the inserting of a sealing cap—if used. This is shown schematically in FIG. 15.
Another preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 16 & 16A has the inner tube opening being less than 50% of the area of the outer tube opening. The inner tube neck, which has a lip formed thereon to provide resistance to the inner tube being pushed into the outer tube while being sealed, can pass through the outer tube opening and then be located by the insertion of the sealing cap and closure. The sealing cap has sealing flanges as shown. The sealing flange for the outer chamber is longer than that for the inner and moves the inner tube neck into the correct position during insertion. It has a rebated section to allow for the inner tube lip or it can have a gasket or wedge seal to provide the required seal.
In another preferred embodiment modified from FIGS. 16 & 16A but with a bead about the semicircular part of the neck and a corresponding groove within the inside of the neck of the outer tube to act as a keyway into which the inner tube is located when the sealing flange and cap is inserted.
In another preferred embodiment also modified from FIGS. 16 & 16A there are two identical inner tubes which are inserted into an outer tube which has the retaining groove within its inside face thus snapping into position. The inner tubes may have shaped necks such that the outer tube has continuity to the sealing flanges and cap and creates a third chamber.
In another preferred embodiment, the inner tube has as its neck a circular ring with snap bead designed to fit into the outer tube neck with matching groove and thereby firmly position the inner tube. This allows the sealing flange to be minimised yet be effective in sealing the inner and outer tubes.
Another preferred embodiment, shown schematically in FIG. 17, has a rigid or semi-rigid tube similar to a toothpaste dispenser with a pump head thereon. The cylinder has a double pump head with two openings which can be closed by the action of the pump, or it could have a lid, cap or other cover as desired. The cylinder or tube has at its neck an external thread or snap bead which interfaces with the closure. This is designed to accept a pair of “inner tubes” with ‘D’ shaped necks into which a closure with sealing flanges and separated access to the pumps is combined. The pumps are driven by a common actuator so that equal amounts can be expressed. Differing amounts can be obtained by varying the pump capacities, for example.
It will be appreciated that all closures can have a divider between the openings to form a physical barrier to cross contamination (for example, FIG. 16A) or the closure may have vertically separated openings (for example, FIG. 16B).
Turning now to FIGS. 18 to 24, there are shown various views of multi-chamber container according to another preferred embodiment. Like reference numerals are again used to denote like components where convenient. In this embodiment, the multi-chamber container 60 includes a first chamber 2 having a side wall 3 extending upwardly from a base 4. The side wall 3 terminates at a first chamber upper end 5. A first chamber opening 6 is disposed in the first chamber upper end 5. The first chamber side wall 3 is formed from an inner circumference portion 62 and an outer circumference portion 63.
The multi-chamber container 60 includes a second chamber 10 having a side wall 11 extending upwardly from a base 12. The side wall 11 terminates at a second chamber side wall upper end 13 which has a second chamber opening 14. The second chamber side wall 11 is formed from an inner circumference portion 64 and an outer circumference portion 65.
A hinge 61 is disposed intermediate each chamber inner and outer side wall interface portion 66 and extends substantially along the length of each side wall. The hinge 61 is integrally formed with the chambers 2 and 10 in this preferred embodiment. The chambers 2 and 10 are moveable about the hinge 61 between a first position (shown in FIG. 18) where the inner circumference side wall portions 62 and 64 are spaced apart, and a second position (similar in top view to FIG. 1 without the cap) where the inner circumference side wall portions 62 and 64 of the chambers are adjacent. When the chambers are moved into the second position, the chamber outer circumference side wall portions 63 and 65 form a multi-chamber container outer side wall.
In this preferred embodiment, engagement tabs 16 extend away from the first chamber in a circumference side wall portion 62 and the second chamber inner circumference side wall portion 64 includes corresponding recesses 17. The tabs 16 and recesses 17 act to retain the chambers together with the hinge 61 in the second position. Any preferred capping mechanism can be provided such as that disclosed in FIG. 1 when used with a chlorine dioxide mouth wash composition (for example).
Further, the chamber openings 6 and 14 are each formed from an inner circumference opening portion 67 and 69 and an opening outer circumference portion 68 and 70. The inner circumference opening portions are moved adjacent when the chambers have been moved into the second position and the outer circumference opening portions 68 and 70 form an opening which can receive a cap or having snap lock beads or a screw thread or crimping as desired. It will be appreciated that the base 50 can be used in the container embodiment of FIG. 18, as can any preferred label types which may hold the chambers together in the second position.
The multi-chamber container 60 is preferably formed in one piece from a plastics moulding process. The hinge 61 shown in FIGS. 18 and 27 is a flap or strip that is integrally formed with the chambers by being an extension of the external curved chamber side walls. This provides a relatively smooth exterior surface when the chambers 2 and 10 are moved into the second position. The width of the hinge 61 between the two chambers is dependent on a radius of each chamber, the starting position of the point Y and where on or near the chamber inner or outer side wall interface portion 66 the hinge is attached to each chamber side wall 3 and 11.
If three, four or more chambers are provided in the multi-chamber container, not illustrated, this will also effect the width of the hinge depending on the arc length which will be 180° for two chambers, 120° for three chambers and 90° for four chambers, for example. The start position denoted W in FIG. 27 is at the centre of a chamber and in the case of two chambers as shown, the arc length of the hinge will be equal to twice the arc length from Y to Z.
FIG. 25 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the hinge 61 by using a thin wall section extending a predetermined length down the chambers. The width of the hinge 61 is sufficient to allow a 180° fold to move the chambers 2 and 10 into the second position and to provide a minimal fold line on the exterior surface of the container 60 when the chambers are moved into the second position.
FIG. 26 shows an alternative embodiment of the hinge 61 in which a crease is provided substantially along the length thereof. The inward facing crease allows the chambers to be folded about the hinge and moved into the second position and can be used to match the appearance on the opposite side of the container 60. That is, the bottle edge radius can be matched at the hinge and at the opposite point where the chamber side walls 3 and 11 meet. This is shown schematically in top view in FIG. 31.
FIGS. 28A to 28C show top schematic views of the multi-chamber container 60. FIG. 28A shows that retention means disposed about the chamber inner and outer side wall interface portions of each chamber 2 and 10 can include retention means in the form of a projection 72 disposed on one chamber and a recess 73 disposed on the other. When the chambers are moved into the second position, the projection 72 and recess 73 engage to retain the chambers 2 and 10 in the second position. FIG. 28B schematically shows two preferred engagement arrangements between projection 72 and recess 73. It is noted that an adhesive can be used on one or more surfaces to retain the chambers in the second position whether the projection 72 and recess 73 are used.
FIG. 29 shows schematic front view of a multi-chamber container 60 according to two different preferred embodiments to that shown in FIG. 18. These embodiments illustrate that the hinge 61 does not need to extend the full length of the chamber side walls 3 and 11, nor does it need to extend parallel thereto.
FIG. 30 is a schematic perspective view of multi-chamber container 60 of FIG. 29 with the first chamber 2 and second chamber 10 moved into the second position with the retention means 72 and 73 retaining the chambers in the second position. A sealing cap 20 can also be used to retain the chamber openings 6 and 14 as well as seal them if desired. Further, it will be appreciated that any preferred heat shrink sleeve arrangement can be used and a base cap 50 can also be employed if desired.
It will be understood that hinge 61 need not be integrally formed with the chambers 2 and 10 and can be affixed to each chamber if desired. Such a hinge may be formed from a tape or other sheet material that is adhered or affixed to the chambers 2 and 10 allowing rotation of the chambers about the hinge. It will also be appreciated that the hinge 61 does not need to extend along the entire length of the side walls 3 and 11 of the chambers 2 and 10.
Although not illustrated, in an alternative embodiment, a snap on closure can be used to provide a seal about the bottle chamber openings and engages with the chamber opening 6 and 14 The contents in the chambers 2 and 10 can flow out respective apertures 24 in the stems 23 independently of the other. The outlets 24 of the stems 23 can be partly obscured or constricted at an upper end of the stems 23. An outer cap cover 40 configured to be retained by the snap beads on the stems 23 and by the matching retentive elements (correspondingly shaped grooves) within the outer cover cap 40. The outer cap cover 40 is moveable between a first position in which it is moved away from the closure and allows chamber contents to flow and a closed second position in which the outer cap cover 40 is moved towards the top end of the closure to be adjacent or contiguous therewith. First and second positions have retentive beads to hold the cap 40 in either of the two position. It will be appreciated the outer cap 40 may have more than two positions and may have several positions to provide, for example, for an increase or regulation in flow through the aperture 41 by reducing or increasing the interference between the outlets 41 and 24.
The outer cap cover 40 includes a pair of outlets 41 which each include an aperture. When the outer cap cover 40 is engaged with the stems 23 and moved toward or into the second position closely adjacent or abutting the top end of the closure, the outlets 41 sit over the apertures 24 of the stems 23 of the sealing cap 20. This prevents contents from either chamber flowing through respective chamber outlets 6 and 14 and respective stems 23 of the sealing cap 20 and out the apertures of the outlets 41. When the outer cap cover 40 is moved away from the top end of the closure toward the first position, the outlets 41 unblock or open the apertures 24 of the stems 23 of the sealing cap 20 thereby allowing material in each chamber to flow out respective stems 23 and outlets 41. That is, the outer cap cover can be moved to substantially open or seal both stems 23 simultaneously and the outer cap cover 40 can be positionally controlled by stop beads on the stem 23 and by matching retentive elements within the outer cover cap 40.
A closure is used to seal the chamber openings 6 and 14, whist providing retention of the chambers together. The retentive elements engage about the chamber openings such that the closure and outer cap 40 may be removed to allow for re-use, re-filling or substitution of another chamber. When the closure is engaged about the chamber openings 6 and 14, the closure is retained in engagement with the openings 6 and 14 and also with the bottle chambers 2 and 10.
Turning now to FIG. 31 there is shown a schematic cut away side view of a dual chamber container 76 according to another preferred embodiment. In this embodiment, a first chamber 2 is provided having a base 4 and side wall 3 upwardly extending therefrom to the first chamber upper end 5. A first chamber opening 6 is disposed in the chamber upper end 5. A second chamber 10 is substantially fully disposed within the first chamber 2. The second chamber 10 includes a side wall 11 extending from a base that terminates at an upper end 13. A second chamber opening 14 is disposed in the upper end 13. A keyed engagement is provided by keying means 77 between the base 4 of the first chamber and the base 12 of the second chamber so as to retain the second chamber within the first chamber. As can be seen from FIG. 36, sufficient room is provided between the second chamber opening 14 and the first chamber opening 6 to allow material to be dispensed therein. A cap 20 similar to that shown in FIG. 1 is used to seal the container 76 as well as retain the chamber openings 6 and 14.
In FIGS. 32 to 37 there is shown another preferred embodiment of a dispensing container 60 similar to that shown in FIGS. 18 to 24. Here, the first and second chamber side walls 62 & 64 are not flat but are curved to form a wave or ‘Ying-Yang’ style when view from above or below.
The curved chamber side walls 62 & 64 can advantageously address a problem that chamber 7 and 15, or 62 and 64, resist squeezing the container thereby making it more difficult to force any material out of the chambers. This is because the orientation of the apertures causes the container to be used in a way that the apertures 23 are parallel to the users mouth, in order to keep the mouth closed as much as possible and the lips sealing thereabout. As such, having the apertures 23 disposed perpendicular to the line formed by the mating bottle side walls thereby resists attempts to squeeze the contents out by hand. With container having the straight chamber side walls 7 & 15 or to a lesser extend curved side walls 62 & 64, the chambers are being squeezed in compression which requires relatively significant effort.
To remedy this problem, offset apertures 23 were developed which effectively locate the apertures on a line that is essentially parallel to the walls 7, 15, 62 and 64. In this arrangement, there is no resistance to squeezing the container because those side walls are not being compressed. Furthermore, the ying-yang style shape simplifies the manufacturing of the containers and the curved shape of the walls 7, 15, 62 and 64 resists distortion during the manufacturing process.
Additionally, an elliptical or ovate cap can be used which provided a narrower profile, in terms of perpendicular distance/height from the users line of mouth, and make it easier to use, best shown in FIG. 32. Yet further, a “FIG. 8” or 2 circular caps can be provided that allow the individual chambers to be accessed by pulling the cap up by hand or with the users teeth. A softer plastic can be applied to the underside or any part of the caps by a second moulding process to improve user comfort and to reduce the risk of chipping users teeth.
A cavity 80 is disposed in the chambers adjacent the chamber interface portions 66 to allow clearance for the hinge 61 when the chambers are moved. This has the benefit of also allowing any preferred shaped hinge to be provided.
In the above described preferred embodiments, the dispensing container advantageously only allows mixing of the composition at the time of dispensing for use. This will significantly increase shelf life of chlorine dioxide mouth rinses whilst allowing desired flavours and mouth feel additives and other ingredients to be included as desired without sacrificing any palatability or efficacy for longer shelf life. It will be appreciated that as the material degrades it has less chlorine dioxide available and may become less effective. It is also noted that this method of packaging has the significant additional advantage of allowing the control of the activation of the stabilised chlorine dioxide by the variation of the pH and buffering within the materials disposed within the chambers. However, the dispensing container can also be used with compositions that are or are not intended to be used simultaneously where separately operable flow can be provided.
The preferred embodiments further provide a dispensing container having two or more chambers where the chambers are integrally formed and hingedly attached to allow any shaped container to be formed. The chambers being hingedly attached allows all chambers to be formed simultaneously at manufacture. Furthermore, there is an added advantage that preferred embodiments not using any lug and recess retaining means and forming a circular container can advantageously be packed with a higher packing fraction when the chambers are moved apart than would be the case with a single circular container when the chambers are moved together.
The foregoing describes preferred embodiments of the present invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art, can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention.
The term “comprising” (and its grammatical variations) as used herein is used in the inclusive sense of “including” or “having” and not in the exclusive sense of “consisting only of”.

Claims

1. A composition dispensing container comprising:

a first chamber having a side wall extending upwardly from a base and terminating at a first chamber upper end having a first chamber opening, the first chamber side wall formed from an outer circumference portion and an inner circumference portion;

a second chamber having a side wall extending upwardly from a base and terminating at a second chamber upper end having a second chamber opening, the second chamber side wall formed from an outer circumference portion and an inner circumference portion; and

a hinge mounted to respective adjacent chamber side walls such that the chambers are moveable about the hinge from a first position wherein the inner circumference side wall portions of the chambers are spaced apart and a second position wherein the inner chamber side wall portions of the chambers are adjacent and the outer circumference portions of each chambers side wall form a composition dispensing container outer side wall.

2. A composition dispensing container according to claim 1 wherein the hinge is integrally formed with the first and second chamber side wall.

3. A composition dispensing container according to claim 1 including a plurality of spaced apart hinges.

4. A composition dispensing container according to claim 1 wherein each chamber opening is formed by inner and outer circumferential portions such that when the adjacent chambers are moved into the second position the chamber opening inner portions are adjacent and the outer circumferential portions substantially form a circle.

5. A composition dispensing container according to claim 1 wherein the inner circumference portion of each chamber side wall includes at least one projection extending outwardly therefrom and at least one depression extending inwardly, the projections configured to be received in a depression disposed in the inner circumference portion of the other chamber and the depression to receive a projection extending from the inner circumference portion of the other chamber such that engaged projections and depressions retain the inner circumference portions of the chamber side wall adjacent.

6. A composition dispensing container according to claim 1 comprising:

a third chamber having a side wall extending upwardly from a base and terminating at a third chamber upper end having a third chamber opening, the third chamber side wall formed from an outer circumference portion and an inner circumference portion;

a second hinge is mounted to the side wall of at least one of the first two chambers wherein the chambers are movable from a first position wherein the inner circumference side wall portions of the three chambers are spaced apart and a second position wherein the inner circumference portions of the three chamber side walls are adjacent and the outside wall portions of each chamber side wall form the multi-chamber container outer side wall.

7. A composition dispensing container claim 1 comprising n-chambers each having a side wall extending upwardly from a base and terminating at an nth chamber upper end having an nth chamber opening, each chamber side wall being formed from an outer circumference portion and an inner circumference portion, the n-chambers being spaced apart and hingedly connected to one or two adjacent chamber sidewalls such that the chambers are moveable about the hinges from a first position wherein the inner circumference portions of the chamber side walls are spaced apart and a second position wherein the side wall inner circumference portions of adjacent chambers are moved adjacent and the outer side wall portions of each chamber form the dispensing container outer side wall.

8. A composition dispensing container according to claim 7 wherein each of the chamber openings are formed by an inner and outer circumference portion and when each hinge is in the second position the inner circumference portions of each chamber opening are disposed adjacent and the outer circumference portions form a multi-chamber container outlet.

9. A composition dispensing container according to claim 1 further comprising:

a cap configured to seal each chamber opening and including spaced apart apertures each allowing independent access therethrough to a respective chamber opening.

10. A composition dispensing container comprising:

a first composition chamber having at least one side wall extending upwardly from a base and terminating at a first chamber upper end having a first chamber opening, the first chamber side wall formed from an outer circumference portion and an inner circumference portion;

a second composition chamber having at least one side wall extending upwardly from a base and terminating at an upper end having a second chamber opening, the second chamber side wall formed from an outer circumference portion and an inner circumference portion wherein the second chamber is configured for containing a second composition to be mixed with the first composition when dispensed;

the dispensing container being configured such that the first and second chambers are disposed adjacent to each other and are retained together by a retaining means disposed about the container or about the chamber openings.

11. A composition dispensing container according to claim 10 wherein the retaining means is selected from the group consisting of: a cap disposed about the chamber openings wherein said cap is configured to seal each chamber opening and including first and second spaced apart exit apertures each allowing independent access therethrough to each chamber through each chamber opening; and/or glue disposed intermediate the chambers; and/or a base cap disposed about the chamber bases; and/or a label disposed about the chambers; and/or one or more laser welds between the chambers; and/or interengageable lugs and recesses disposed on opposing chamber side walls such that the lugs and recesses engage when the chambers are disposed adjacent each other.

12. A composition dispensing container according to claim 11 wherein the cap exit apertures each include a stem configured to extend a predetermined distance way from an upper surface of the cap, and preferably the stem of each cap aperture extends a predetermined height above a top of the cap.

13. A composition dispensing container according to claim 12 further comprising part of a mushroom/button cap head disposed on each stem, the cap heads movable along the stem between a closed position and an open position in which material in each chamber can flow through respective stems and out through the cap head; or a single mushroom/button cap head formed from segments where each segment is configured to be disposed about a chamber stem such that the cap head segments when disposed about the stems is substantially circular and the cap head segments are movable between a closed position and an open position allowing access to contents of each chamber.

14. A composition dispensing container according to claim 12 including a cap outer cover configured to be disposed partly or fully over an upper end of the outside of the cap, the cap outer cover being engaged with the cap head(s) such that movement of the cap outer cover substantially simultaneously opens and closes the cap heads.

15. A composition dispensing container according to claim 10 including a lure lock fitting and having non-return valves allowing material in the chambers to travel through the spaced apart cap apertures and then being combined for dispensing through a single outlet as a mixture of the additives and the stabilised chlorine dioxide composition.

16. A composition dispensing container according to claim 11 includes thermal insulation disposed intermediate the label and the chambers, and preferably includes a foil layer disposed intermediate the insulation and the label, or disposed intermediate the chambers and the insulation.

17. A composition dispensing container according to claim 1 wherein:

a. each chamber is semi-circular in cross-section and each chamber opening is semi-circular in cross-section such that the inner circumference portions of each chamber form a flat face and are disposed adjacent and facing each other such that an outer circumference of each chamber opening is substantially circular and an outer circumference of the openings is substantially circular when the chambers are moved adjacent each other; or

b. each chamber is rectangular in cross-section and each chamber opening is rectangular in cross-section such that the inner circumference portions each form a flat face when each chamber is disposed adjacent and facing each other such that an outer circumference of the chambers is substantially rectangular and an outer circumference of the openings is substantially rectangular; when the chambers are moved adjacent each other.

18. A composition dispensing container according to claim 12 wherein each stem includes a one way valve to restrict flow of material into respective chambers, and preferably each chamber includes an air relief or pressure equalisation valve, the valve being spaced apart from the cap apertures.

19. A composition dispensing container according to claim 1 including three chambers each having a cross-section of substantially one third of a circle wherein the third chamber is configured to contain and dispense a third composition.

20. (canceled)

21. A composition dispensing container comprising:

a first chamber having at least one side wall extending from a base and terminating at a first chamber upper end having a first chamber opening, the first chamber for containing a first composition;

a second chamber having at least one side wall extending from a base and terminating at an upper end having a second chamber opening, the second chamber for containing a second composition to be mixed with the first composition prior to use by a user;

the dispensing container configured such that the first or second chamber is disposed within the second or first chamber respectively wherein the first and second chamber openings provide independent access therethrough to each chamber through each chamber opening.

22. A composition dispensing container according to claim 21 including a sealing cap configured to seal each chamber, the sealing cap having a pair of openings, each sealing cap opening providing access to respective chambers.

23. A composition dispensing container according to claim 21 wherein the first and second chamber openings are configured to be retained together by means of a sealing cap disposed about each chamber opening, the cap including a pair of spaced apart apertures each allowing access to a respective chamber.

24. A composition dispensing container according to claim 1 wherein an outer portion of the second chamber base is configured for keyed engagement with an inner surface of the base of the first chamber.

25. A composition dispensing container according to claim 1 wherein the first chamber is configured to contain stabilised chlorine dioxide and the second chamber to contain one or more additive materials to be mixed with the stabilised chlorine dioxide when dispensed.

26. A composition dispensing container according to claim 1 wherein the chamber openings are recessed into or project from the inner circumference portion of the chamber side walls.