WO1999061339A1 - Contenant a compartiments multiples - Google Patents

Contenant a compartiments multiples Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1999061339A1
WO1999061339A1 PCT/IL1999/000270 IL9900270W WO9961339A1 WO 1999061339 A1 WO1999061339 A1 WO 1999061339A1 IL 9900270 W IL9900270 W IL 9900270W WO 9961339 A1 WO9961339 A1 WO 9961339A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
housing
ofthe
container
opening
displaceable member
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IL1999/000270
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Michael Inbar
Igal Sharon
Original Assignee
M.L.I.S. Projects Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by M.L.I.S. Projects Ltd. filed Critical M.L.I.S. Projects Ltd.
Priority to AU39529/99A priority Critical patent/AU3952999A/en
Publication of WO1999061339A1 publication Critical patent/WO1999061339A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D51/24—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
    • B65D51/28—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials
    • B65D51/2807—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container
    • B65D51/2814—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container the additional article or materials being released by piercing, cutting or tearing an element enclosing it
    • B65D51/2821—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container the additional article or materials being released by piercing, cutting or tearing an element enclosing it said element being a blister, a capsule or like sealed container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D25/02—Internal fittings
    • B65D25/04—Partitions
    • B65D25/08—Partitions with provisions for removing or destroying, e.g. to facilitate mixing of contents
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D75/28—Articles or materials wholly enclosed in composite wrappers, i.e. wrappers formed by associating or interconnecting two or more sheets or blanks
    • B65D75/30—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding
    • B65D75/32—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents
    • B65D75/325—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents one sheet being recessed, and the other being a flat not- rigid sheet, e.g. puncturable or peelable foil
    • B65D75/326—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents one sheet being recessed, and the other being a flat not- rigid sheet, e.g. puncturable or peelable foil and forming one compartment
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2575/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D2575/28—Articles or materials wholly enclosed in composite wrappers, i.e. wrappers formed by association or interconnecting two or more sheets or blanks
    • B65D2575/30—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding
    • B65D2575/32—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents
    • B65D2575/3209—Details
    • B65D2575/3218—Details with special means for gaining access to the contents
    • B65D2575/3254—Integral means for assisting piercing or tearing

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method for providing individuals with a multi-compartment container in a ready-to-use form which can be used to make a mixed formulation including more specifically a liquid formulation.
  • the container has multiple compautments which separate and independently store different ingredients, components or constituents of a desired mixed formulation which is formed by mixing the ingredients of the container together.
  • the present invention further provides a method and container for mixing different ingredients to form the mixed formulation and in some embodiments of additionally dispensing the mixed formulation.
  • Liquid formulations are dispersions, suspensions, mixtures or solutions generally formed by at least one liquid ingredient and some additional ingredients which may be solids, liquids or gases.
  • One such liquid formulation is a cocktail beverage (or in short "cocktails") which is a drink prepared from at least two major Uquid ingredients and some minor ingredients (quantity-wise), typically dry or liquid spices.
  • the Uquid ingredients typically include an alcohol component such as vodka, gin, whiskey, rum, etc., and an additional alcoholic component or non-alcoholic component such as orange juice, tomato juice, carbonated beverage, etc.
  • the minor ingredients depending on the cocktail type, are for example, salt, pepper, hot-pepper sauce, lemon, lime, sugar, etc.
  • Other Uquid formulations include baby feeding formula, dietetic formulas and a variety of drug and medicines such as, for example, antibiotics.
  • the different ingredients ofthe Uquid formulation have to be mixed with one another only immediately prior to use so that the quaUty ofthe Uquid formulation does not deteriorate.
  • the quaUty ofthe Uquid formulation does not deteriorate.
  • an early mixing ofthe vodka and the tomato juice wiU reduce the quaUty ofthe cocktail; similarly, the flavor of the various spices and flavoring agents will diminish with time if they are mixed into the cocktail too early.
  • U.S. Patents 4,785,931 and 5,529,179 disclose a dispensing Ud having a pluraUty of compartments containing flavoring agents for mixing with a Uquid contained in a container in which they are fitted. These compartments are opened by finger pressure to release their contents into the Uquid.
  • Containers having two or more compartments, each storing a different component of a Uquid formulation, both for human consumption and other uses, are disclosed in the following U.S. Patents: 3,314,563, 3,458,076, 3,856,138, 4,410,085, 4,779,722, 4,823,946, 5,277,303, 5,353,961, 5,447,226, 5,564,600, 5,613,623 and 5,692,644.
  • the present invention has as its object to provide a method and system for providing an individual with a mixed formulation including a Uquid formulation.
  • the present invention provides a multicompartment container for separately storing at least two different substances, for mixing the different substances prior to use within the container and for dispensing the mixed formulation from the container.
  • the container includes a housing having at least one side waU, a top end opening and a bottom end opening preferably, but not necessarily, opposite the top end opening.
  • a displaceable member is fitted in and seals the bottom end opening and moves between a first closed position wherein the container has at least a top compartment and a separate and independent bottom compartment and a second open position wherein the top and bottom compartments intercommunicate.
  • the displaceable member may include a bottom wall portion having an opening, a partition wall and at least one support member extending between the bottom waU portion and the partition waU.
  • the partition wall is adapted and configured to cooperate with an abutment in the housing to seal the at least two separate and independent top and bottom compartments one from the other.
  • a stopper may be provided to seal the opening in the bottom wall portion.
  • An activating member preferably exterior of the housing is configured and adapted to controUably move the displaceable member. The stopper may be attached or combined with the activating member to reduce the number of parts and ease manufacturabiUty.
  • a Ud is provided to seal the top end opening ofthe container.
  • the container is provided with an enclosure cooperating with the top end ofthe housing, the enclosure configured and adapted to aUow release of at least a third substance into the top compartment ofthe container.
  • the housing further may comprise at least one dividing wall to further subdivide either the top or bottom compartment into at least two or more separate and independent compartments.
  • the container has a thin-waUed housing which is more flexible than a stiffer activating member which acts to reduce and prevent the housing from warping, distorting or deforming during movement ofthe displaceable member.
  • the displaceable member is provided with a peripheral skirt which forms a seal between the housing side waUs and the displaceable member, the peripheral skirt being provided with one or a multiple of projections which contact the housing side walls and assist in forming the seal.
  • the peripheral skirt or portion ofthe displaceable member in contact with the housing side walls, and the housing itself are made of materials, such as, for example, polypropylene, and adapted and configured such that an air-tight and Uquid-tight seal is maintained while the displaceable member is in its first closed position and which permits air to enter the container as the displaceable member is moved to its second open position so as to reduce the pressure difference between the interior and exterior ofthe container during its use.
  • a different aspect ofthe invention involves a method for providing individuals with means for preparing a mixed formulation which consists of at least two ingredients which are mixed together prior to consumption, the method comprising the steps of (a) providing a housing having at least one side wall, a top opening and a bottom opening preferably, but not necessarily, opposite the top opening, the side waU having an abutment, (b) providing a displaceable member into the bottom opening ofthe housing, the displaceable member comprising a bottom waU portion having an opening, a peripheral skirt connected to the bottom waU portion adapted and configured to form a seal between the housing and the peripheral skirt, a partition wall, and at least one support member extending between the bottom wall portion and the partition wall, the partition waU adapted and configured to form a seal with the abutment, the displaceable member adapted and configured to be axially moveable by an external activating member between a first closed position to form at least one top compartment and at least one separate and independent bottom compartment and a second open position wherein the top and bottom compartment
  • Further aspects ofthe method may include the step of rotating the housing to introduce the second substance through the top opening ofthe housing and thereafter providing a Ud to seal the top opening.
  • Other aspects ofthe method may include providing the Ud on the housing, then introducing the second substance into the housing from the bottom end and thereafter moving the displaceable member to the first closed position.
  • StiU further aspects ofthe method may include introducing the second substance prior to the displaceable member being provided into the housing bottom opening. The method also may include moving the displaceable member to the second open position such that the first and second substances are mixed and removing the Ud which seals the top opening.
  • the method may further include any one ofthe foUowing steps: preparing the lid with an enclosure which cooperates with the top compartment and is adapted and configured to release a third substance into the top compartment; providing the top compartment ofthe housing with at least one enclosure containing at least a third substance, the enclosure being adapted and configured to permit controUable release ofthe at least third substance into the top compartment; and releasing the contents ofthe at least one enclosure into the container.
  • the method may further include providing the housing with a dividing waU to further subdivide the top or bottom compartments into at least two or more separate and independent compartments when the displaceable member is in the first closed position and the respective top and bottom housing openings are sealed.
  • the method in another aspect provides a method for providing an individual with a Uquid formulation consisting of at least two Uquid ingredients and at least one flavoring agent which are mixed together prior to consumption comprising the steps of:
  • the method further may provide: (d) impairing the integrity of the seal between the compartments and providing finger pressure to each to said enclosures to release their contents into the container, whereby said liquid formulation is being formed;
  • the present invention provides a container for use in preparing a liquid formulation consisting of at least two Uquid ingredients and flavoring agents, the container comprising at least two compartments, one for each of said at least two Uquid ingredients, sealable from one another by a seal, the integrity of which can be controllably impaired by a user to aUow mixing of said at least two Uquid components with one another; and a Ud having a pluraUty of enclosures formed therein, one for each ofthe flavoring agents, the enclosure being operable to allow release of their contents into the container.
  • the Ud is integraUy formed on the container or tightly fitted thereto and defines therein a dispensing opening to allow dispensing of the Uquid formulation .
  • the Ud is removable, to be removed by the user after forming the Uquid formulation.
  • Uquid ingredient should be understood as encompassing the Uquid constituents ofthe container.
  • these wiU typicaUy include an alcohol component which may be wine, a spirit such as whiskey, vodka, gin, etc.; and an additional alcohoUc component or a non-alcoholic component which may be juice, e.g. orange juice, tomato juice, etc., as well as any other soft drink used for preparing cocktails.
  • the cocktail may alternatively consist of entirely non-alcohoUc components.
  • the term "liquid ingredienf should be understood as encompassing both a pure component, namely a Uquid obtained from a single source, e.g.
  • orange juice, vodka, etc. as weU as a mixture of two or more Uquids which may be stored with one another, e.g. a fruit cocktail (a mixture of two or more juices), a mixture of two different spirits, etc.
  • the individual flavoring agents may comprise a pure agent, e.g. salt, sugar, pepper, etc. or the flavoring agent may by itself be a mixture of flavorants such as a hot pepper sauce, a mixture of spices, etc.
  • the invention wiU now be illustrated, in a non-Uiniting manner, by describing some specific embodiments, while making occasional reference to the annexed drawings.
  • Figures 1A-1D show a longitudinal cross-section through a container of an embodiment ofthe invention wherein Figure 1 A shows the container prior to use as provided to the consumer, Figure IB shows the container after mixing the Uquid ingredients, Figure IC shows the container during dispensing ofthe flavoring agents into the mixture, and Figure ID shows the container in consumption.
  • Figure 2A-2C show another embodiment of a container in a longitudinal cross-section, wherein Figure 2A shows the container as provided to the consumer prior to use, Figure 2B shows the container after mixing the two Uquid ingredients, and Figure 2C shows the container during dispensing ofthe flavoring agents.
  • Figure 3 is a top view ofthe container of Figures 2A-2C.
  • Figures 4A and 4B show a longitudinal cross-section through a container according to a further embodiment ofthe invention in the stages corresponding to those of Figures 2A and 2C, respectively.
  • Figure 5 is a top view ofthe container in the position seen in Figure 4A.
  • Figure 6A is a cross-section through lines A-A in Figure 4A
  • Figure 6B is a cross-section through lines B-B in Figure 4B.
  • Figures 7A and 7B show a longitudinal cross-section of a container in accordance with another embodiment ofthe invention wherein Figure 7 A shows the container in the manner it is being provided to the consumer, and Figure 7B shows the container after mixing ofthe liquid ingredients and during dispensing ofthe flavoring agents.
  • Figure 8 is a top view ofthe container in the state shown in Figure 7A.
  • Figures 9A-9F show steps of filling a container ofthe embodiment of Figures 1A-1D.
  • Figure 10 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a container according to another embodiment ofthe present invention
  • Figure 10A is a cross-section ofthe displaceable member
  • Figure 1 OB is a cross-section ofthe annular skirt ofthe displaceable member
  • Figure 11 shows another embodiment of a container in longitudinal cross- section
  • Figure 11 A is a cross-section ofthe container of Figure 11 taken along line A- A.
  • Figure 12 shows another embodiment of a container in longitudinal cross- section
  • Figure 12A is a cross-section ofthe container of Figure 12 taken along line A- A.
  • Figure 13 shows another embodiment of a container in longitudinal cross- section, and Figure 13A is a cross-section ofthe container of Figure 13 taken along line B- B.
  • Figures 1 A-1D showing a container 20 having a container body or housing 22 having a top opening 26 and an opposite bottom opening 28 and a Ud 24 sealingly engaged at top opening 26 ofthe container.
  • the sealing engagement ofthe Ud 24 to the body 22 may be by means of screw-fitting, by snap engagement, etc.
  • Formed at a mid portion ofthe container is an annular radiaUy inwardly extending abutment 30 defining an annular sealing seat 32 and a circular opening 31.
  • an axially displaceable member 36 which has a pluraUty of support ribs 38 supporting a partition wall 40 having at its top an annular projection 42 which is snugly and sealingly received within seat 32 to form a fluid-tight seal.
  • a pluraUty of support ribs 38 supporting a partition wall 40 having at its top an annular projection 42 which is snugly and sealingly received within seat 32 to form a fluid-tight seal.
  • a Uquid formulation such as, for example, a cocktail.
  • One of these ingredients may for example be an alcohol ingredient, e.g. a spirit, wine, etc., and the other may be a juice, a carbonated drink, etc.
  • Member 36 has a bottom waU segment 50, in this case annularly shaped, having an opening 35 (in this example centrally located) which is used for introducing a Uquid ingredient into compartment 48 as wiU hereinafter be explained with reference to Figure 9.
  • a closure 52 fits in and seals opening 35.
  • Bottom wall segment 50 and closure 52 combine to form the bottom waU of container 10.
  • Member 36 has an upwardly projecting annular skirt 60 tightly engaging the inner face ofthe side waUs 23 of container body 22 to ensure a fluid-tight seal between the displaceable member and the side walls of the housing 12. Openings 37 are provided between support ribs 38 to allow components introduced into the opening 35 of displaceable member 36 to communicate with the interior ofthe container housing 22.
  • Member 36 cooperates with an actuating ring 54 formed with two radial knobs 56 projecting through a heUcal path 34 defined in the side waU 23 ofthe container and fastening aperture 39 formed in annular skirt 60.
  • rotation of ring 54 causes axial displacement of member 36 to the state seen in Figure IB.
  • the displacement in Figure IB disengages annular projection 42 from seat 32 thus allowing the two Uquid ingredients to mix with one another.
  • Stopper 23 may be attached to actuating ring 54 to reduce the number of parts and to prevent misplacement of stopper 23.
  • each of these enclosures has bellow- type waUs 74 and has a piercing member 76 at its top. At the bottom, each ofthe enclosures
  • FIG. 80 Another embodiment of a container 80 can be seen in Figures 2A-2C and Figure 3.
  • the arrangement for storage and mixing ofthe different Uquid ingredients in container 80 is essentiaUy the same as that of container 20 in Figures 1A-1D and the description wiU thus not be repeated again herein.
  • Container 80 and container 20 resides in the arrangement at the top ofthe container.
  • Container 80 has a spout 82 sealed by a removable cap 84.
  • Container 80 comprises on a top wall three flavorants enclosures 86, 88 and 90 (of which two are seen in Figures 2A-2C and all three seen in Figure 3).
  • Enclosures 86, 88 and 90 are defined by a resiUent wall 92 having an opening at the bottom sealed by a slotted resiUent member 94.
  • member 94 deforms to allow widening ofthe slot to define a dispensing opening 98, whereupon the flavoring agents are dispensed into the container's interior ( Figure 2C).
  • the manner of preparation ofthe cocktail may foUow the sequence described above, and after formation ofthe cocktail, cap 84 may be removed to aUow dispensing ofthe cocktail.
  • FIG. 30 Still another embodiment of a container can be seen in Figures 4A-6B.
  • container 100 of this embodiment is formed with a spout 102 with a sealing cap 104, the spout however being formed at the
  • each capsule 107 Fitted on top of upper wall 106 are capsules 107 defining enclosures 108 which contain flavoring agents. Each capsule 107 is r tatably fitted to upper wall 106 at 110. Each capsule is provided with a manipulating projection 112 to allow the user to rotate them about their axis. Defined within waU 106, are openings 116 which are normally sealed by a bottom wall ofthe capsule 107. As represented in Figure 6 A, each capsule has an opening 120 which in the state shown in Figures 4A and 6A,
  • Container 140 has a central spout 142 sealed by a cap 144 and carries four flavoring agent enclosures 146 each being defined by a casing member 148 having an upper elevational shape of a section of an annulus.
  • Each casing 148 has a lateral opening 150 which in the storage stage ( Figure 7A) bears against the inner face 152 ofthe container's upper wall portion, whereby the enclosure 146 is
  • Each of members 148 is hinged along its bottom inner portion 158 and by applying finger pressure on top of members 148, the members rotate into the container to aUow release ofthe contents ofthe enclosures into the container's interior.
  • the enclosure has been associated with and dispenses its contents into the top portion or compartment ofthe container.
  • Figure 10 shows an exploded cross-sectional view of a container 20 substantially similar to the container 20 of Figure 1 A.
  • Housing 22 is constructed by assembling main tank 15 (having neck portion 25 and inwardly projecting annular engagement member 33) with top member 16 by ultrasonic welding so that main tank 15
  • Bottle or container 20 is generally a
  • tubular body 22 with an opening 28 at the bottom end 18 of the container and a second opening 26 at an opposite top end with constricted neck portion 25 intermediate the top and bottom ends.
  • bottle or container 20 in Figure 10 has been formed with a constricted neck portion, the housing may also be formed without a constriction as iUustrated in the embodiment of Figure 1.
  • Figure 10 also shows displaceable member 36 with manipulable actuating ring member 54.
  • Displaceable member 36 is inserted within the bottom end 18 of housing 22 and actuating member 54 is fitted over the bottom end ofthe housing 22 and positioned so that pins 56 are insertable through heUcal groove 34 formed in the housing 22 and are snap-fitted through apertures 39 in displaceable member 36 to attach the actuating member
  • the Ud seals the opening 26 in a manner so that the seal withstands the container being subject to higher or lower pressures than the internal container pressure such as may occur during air transport for example.
  • the stopper 52 preferably should form a seal with the displaceable member 36 in a manner so
  • the seal between the displaceable member 36 and housing preferably should likewise be able to withstand the container being subject to pressures which may be higher or lower than the internal container pressure.
  • the lid for the top opening may be threaded and screw-engaged with the top ofthe housing, stepper 52 may likewise be formed with threads which cooperate with corresponding threads formed in the displaceable member and the annular skirt may be provided with a ring of soft material (O-ring), aU as illustrated in Figure 11.
  • O-ring soft material
  • the container is for a single or multiples use(s).
  • annular projection 42 on partition wall 40 and groove 32 (on annular engagement member 33) can be designed to form a one-use seal or a reformable seal (i.e., resealable).
  • a reformable seal i.e., resealable
  • the 10 32 may be configured and adapted for a single use such as by, for example, ultrasonically welding the two together wherein the welded joint puUs apart upon movement ofthe displaceable member 36.
  • the annular projection 42 and groove 32 also may be configured and adapted to be resealable, i.e., the seal can be broken and reformed by movement ofthe displaceable member.
  • the abutment could form a square opening and could be used with a rectangular partition waU.
  • Annular skirt 60 shown in Figures 10A and 10B should maintain the Uquid- tight seal with the housing side wall as the displaceable member 36 rotates or moves and the partition wall 40 is moved from a position where the annular projection 42 and groove 32
  • the container has two separate compartments to a position where the annular projection 42 and groove 32 separate and the two compartments communicate with one another.
  • the annular skirt 60 may have a taper so that it is the widest at the end 61 which is disconnected from the bottom
  • end 61 may contain a projection 62 or multiple projections 62, 63, 64 and 65 which contact the inner side waU(s) ofthe housing 22 to form a seal.
  • Projections 62, 63, 64 and 65 may be relatively small and further may be provided with sharp edges as iUustrated in Figure 10B or blunt rounded
  • the annular skirt may be formed with a soft sealing material as illustrated and described with reference to Figure 11.
  • the housing ofthe container it is advantageous from a cost perspective to make the housing ofthe container as thin as possible in order to use less material.
  • the container should not collapse by the difference in internal and external container pressures or stresses introduced during activation ofthe displaceable member or the container's use.
  • a thin, flexible plastic material for the container housing because the raw material is generally inexpensive to purchase and process so that the housing would be inexpensive to make, Ught-weight and generaUy unbreakable.
  • many plastics are inexpensive to make, Ught-weight and generaUy unbreakable.
  • the container may be susceptible to warping distorting or deforming during activation ofthe displaceable member which can cause the
  • the housing can be made thinner than it could otherwise be if the activating member 54 is made more rigid than the housing 22.
  • the housing body 22 is made of softer more flexible polypropylene while the activating ring is made from a stiffer polypropylene.
  • the displaceable member may be made of material which is stiffer than the 0 housing but is generally not stiffer than the activating ring although it may have a stiffness ofthe same magnitude.
  • Other materials such as ABS may also be used for activating member 54.
  • polypropylene activating ring member 54 having an approximately 1600 MPa FME, the container body 22 being thinner and made of a more flexible material (approximate FME of 900 MPA) is prevented from warping against the displaceable member 36.
  • Displaceable member 36 having an end waU 50 with a sealable filling aperture
  • a partition wall 40 dependent from end wall 50 by stems 38 is fitted at the bottom end of housing 22.
  • Activating ring member 54 is turned thus rotating displaceable —ember 36 which as a result of pins 56 in helical groove 34 causes axial displacement of partition wall 40 with respect to seat 32 so that partition wall 40 forms a fluid-tight seal with seat 32.
  • the container 10 is turned upright and with the partition wall forming a fluid-tight seal, a first component 101, e.g., water, is introduced through aperture 35 which is then sealed by stopper 38.
  • the container is then rotated so that opening 86 is facing upwardly.
  • a second component 104 e.g., a powdered formula, is introduced through opening 26 which is then sealed by closure assembly 24 which may be resealable.
  • the displaceable member 36 is rotated such that partition wall 40 disengages seat 32 to aUow mixing of components 101 and 104 to yield Uquid formulation 110.
  • the container may be rotated and turned upside down. After mixing and homogenization, the mixed Uquid formulation may be dispensed through opening 26.
  • the internal volume ofthe bottom compartment 48 increases. This growth in volume during activation can cause a vacuum which can have detrimental effects. The vacuum can make it more difficult to activate the displaceable member (and in extreme cases may prevent the displaceable member from lowering altogether) or can distort and warp the container housing 22 causing leaks.
  • An illustrative example is container housing 22 approximately 1- 2mm thick manufactured from polypropylene having an FME of approximately 900-1600 while the annular skirt 60 is approximately l-2mm thick manufactured of a relatively flexible material having an FME of approximately 1400-2000 MPa using test method ASTM-D-790M.
  • Two different polypropylenes of different rigidity have been successful. More particularly, polypropylene having an FME of approximately 1600 MPa for the annular skirt 60 and polypropylene having an FME of approximately 900 MPa for the housing body have been used. This flexibility allows the skirt to give slightly curing
  • An alternative way of allowing the pressure to equaUze during activation of the displaceable member is to provide fine grooves or scratches in the inner surface ofthe housing body at the locations the displaceable member contacts as it moves between the closed and open positions. These scratches would aUow air to influx into the container while preventing the Uquid components or Uquid formulation from escaping. Preferably the displaceable member would not contact the housing side where the scratches are located when the displaceable member is at the fuUy open, or closed position.
  • FIG. 11 shows a container 300, the housing 310 which is substantially similar to the housing in Figure 10 except that upper compartment 346 has been subdivided into sub-compartments 370, 372, 373 and 374 by dividing waU 380.
  • Dividing wall 380 extends from the top end ofthe housing to the annular seat 332.
  • Ud 324 cooperates with threads 315 in the top end 318 of housing 300 in order to cover and seal the top opening 326 ofthe housing.
  • the Ud 324 may have a pilfer-proof or child safety feature.
  • the Ud 324 further may be provided with a soft material 322 on its inner surface to provide a seal against the dividing wall 380.
  • Dividing wall 380 may be arranged in any manner to provide the desired subdivision of upper compartment 346 and can be symmetrical or asymmetrical.
  • Partition waU 340 of displaceable member 336 is coated with a soft sealing material 341, which may or may not be the same as the soft material 322 on the inner surface ofthe Ud 324, which provides a seal against dividing walls 380 when the displaceable member 336 is moved into its sealing position.
  • annular skirt 360 may be the same as annular skirt 60 of Figure 10 or in the case of multi-use containers or where the seal between the annular skirt and container is to withstand changing pressures, annular skirt 360 may be stronger and further may be provided with a soft ring 361 (shown in Figure 11) of material such as siUcon, rubber or other synthetic rubber so that it endures multiple sterilizing and reuse.
  • the openings 339 in the displaceable member 336 are threaded as are the pins 356 which connect the activating ring member 354 to the displaceable member 336. In this manner, the displaceable member can be easily dismantled by unscrewing pins 356.
  • the closure member 352 may be formed with threads 351 which cooperate with threads 337 formed in the opening 335 ofthe displaceable member 336.
  • Figure 12 shows a container 400 substantially the same as Figure 11 except that the displaceable member 436 is held in the required position by a different mechanism.
  • the bottom portion ofthe housing contains internal threads 405 integral with the inner face ofthe housing wall which cooperate with threads 455 formed on the outer surface of a circumferential skirt 450. Movement of the displaceable member 436 is controUed by turning the outer skirt 450 ofthe displaceable member 436.
  • the displaceable mechanism may be removed from the container, but in order to prevent inadvertent removal of the displaceable member, threads 405 on the inner surface of the container housing may not extend aU the way to the end ofthe housing thus requiring additional effort to remove the displaceable member 336 by placing additional pressure on the skirt 450.
  • Figure 13 shows a container 500 similar to Figure 11 but with the bottom compartment 548 divided into sub-compartments 582 and 584.
  • Bottom compartment 548 is provided with displaceable member 536 which has a dividing waU 580 which is connected to the partition waU 540 and extends to and is connected with the bottom waU segment 550.
  • the dividing waU 580 is configured so that when the partition waU 540 meets with the seat 532 and forms a seal between the top compartment 546 and bottom compartments 548, the dividing waU 580 wiU meet at a right angle with the inner side waUs ofthe bottom portion ofthe housing to form a seal.
  • Dividing wall 580 or the side walls ofthe housing may be provided with a sealing material or gasket to assist in forming a Uquid and air tight seal between sub-compartments 582 and 584.
  • the displaceable member 536 may have an annular skirt 560, pins 556 and activating ring member 554 as in Figures 10, 11 or 12.
  • Stopper 552 is provided to cover the opening 535 in the displaceable member 536. The stopper seals the opening and forms a Uquid and fluid tight seal with dividing waU 580 so that the ingredients in the two sub-compartments 582, 584 do not mix until the seal between partition waU 540 and annular seal 532 is broken.
  • the present invention may be used to advantage for a wide range of implementations of two-compartment containers. Possible implementations include, but are not limited to, food, beverage and pharmaceutical appUcations, and may contain ingredients in a Uquid, soUd or gas state. It further should be appreciated that in some embodiments the invention also may be particularly directed toward single use or pre-packaged two or more compartment containers which are easily and inexpensively constructed and filled so as to be disposable. The container also may feature accessories specific to a given appUcation for dispensing ofthe final mixture. Possibilities include, but are not limited to, feeding devices designed for infants or geriatrics and measuring cups or other devices for dispensing measured units for medicines and the like.
  • the containers ofthe present invention may be filled under a wide range of controlled conditions suited to a wide range of applications.
  • the entire assembly process may be performed under sterile conditions and may use sterilized components and ingredients.
  • any one ofthe compartments may be partially evacuated.
  • an inert gas such as Nitrogen may be introduced either above or below atmospheric pressure to minimize oxidation ofthe contents during storage.
  • Other special environmental conditions such as controlled humidity also may be employed.
  • the two-compartment container may be made entirely of non-metalUc materials to allow direct heating ofthe contents in a microwave oven.
  • the two-compartment container may be made entirely of materials to aUow heating ofthe contents by placing the container in boiling or heated Uquid such as water.
  • materials may be used in the construction ofthe different embodiments ofthe invention including plastics such as, for example, polypropylene as described above.
  • the feeding nipple and portions ofthe partition wall and seat may be made of siUcon rubber.
  • the materials ofthe container meet regulatory standards such as provided by the FDA and other regulatory authorities.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Composite Materials (AREA)
  • Package Specialized In Special Use (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un contenant à compartiments multiples destiné au stockage séparé d'au moins deux substances différentes, à leur mélange avant utilisation et à la distribution du mélange. Le contenant comprend un logement (22) possédant au moins une paroi latérale, une ouverture d'extrémité supérieure (26) et une ouverture d'extrémité inférieure (28), les parois latérales présentant une butée (30). Un élément déplaçable (36) est adapté dans l'ouverture d'extrémité inférieure en faisant office de joint. La paroi de séparation (40) est adaptée et configurée à coopérer avec la butée de façon à former un joint entre deux au moins des compartiments inférieur et supérieur indépendants. Le contenant comprend une enceinte (70), associée à l'extrémité supérieure du logement, configurée et adaptée afin de permettre la libération d'au moins une troisième substance dans le compartiment supérieur du contenant. Le logement peut comprendre, en outre, au moins une paroi de séparation (380) destinée à subdiviser le compartiment inférieur ou supérieur en au moins deux ou plusieurs compartiments séparés et indépendants. Le contenant présente un logement à paroi mince, plus flexible qu'un élément d'activation déplaçable plus ferme dont le comportement, lors de son mouvement de déplacement, permet de réduire et d'éviter la déformation, la distorsion et le gauchissement dudit logement.
PCT/IL1999/000270 1998-05-22 1999-05-20 Contenant a compartiments multiples WO1999061339A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU39529/99A AU3952999A (en) 1998-05-22 1999-05-20 Multi-compartment container

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IL12460998A IL124609A0 (en) 1998-05-22 1998-05-22 Method and container for providing cocktails
IL124609 1998-05-22

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1999061339A1 true WO1999061339A1 (fr) 1999-12-02

Family

ID=11071540

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IL1999/000270 WO1999061339A1 (fr) 1998-05-22 1999-05-20 Contenant a compartiments multiples

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU3952999A (fr)
IL (1) IL124609A0 (fr)
WO (1) WO1999061339A1 (fr)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2002087988A2 (fr) * 2001-04-26 2002-11-07 The Coca-Cola Company Bouchon distributeur de boisson
EP1876901A2 (fr) * 2005-04-29 2008-01-16 Ipifini, Inc. Conteneurs de liquides programmables
WO2008110767A3 (fr) * 2007-03-09 2008-11-20 Mixicap Ltd Dispositif de distribution
ITMI20100503A1 (it) * 2010-03-26 2011-09-27 Alberto Romano Dispositivo miscelatore, particolarmente di soluzioni liquide.
WO2012072934A1 (fr) * 2010-11-30 2012-06-07 Philippe Perovitch Dispositif de conditionnement, de conservation et de preparation extemporanee de plusieurs principes actifs.

Citations (16)

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US3314563A (en) 1963-11-14 1967-04-18 Owens Illinois Inc Plural-compartment container
US3458076A (en) 1968-06-26 1969-07-29 Owens Illinois Inc Two-compartment package
US3856138A (en) 1973-05-31 1974-12-24 Shionogi & Co Compartmentalized container
US4410085A (en) 1982-05-03 1983-10-18 Manufacture Lyonnaise De Bouchage Drinking goblet enabling two doses of constituents to be mixed just before consumption
US4779722A (en) 1987-08-28 1988-10-25 Hall John E Material mixing container
US4785931A (en) 1987-09-24 1988-11-22 Letica Corporation Molded plastic closure having integral stacking support ribs and rupturable mix compartments
US4823946A (en) 1987-07-07 1989-04-25 Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft Auf Aktien Two-compartment container
US5035320A (en) * 1990-05-07 1991-07-30 Clifford Plone Dispenser system with elongated selectively activatable dispensing pusher
US5277303A (en) 1991-08-16 1994-01-11 L'oreal Two bottle packaging allowing separate storage and mixing for use of two products, particularly liquids
US5353961A (en) 1993-01-15 1994-10-11 Reseal International Limited Partnership Dual chamber dispenser
US5447226A (en) 1992-06-09 1995-09-05 Societe De Conseils Et D'eutdes Des Emballages (S.C.E.E.) Dual compartment container with means for mixing and dispensing a product
US5529179A (en) 1995-06-26 1996-06-25 Hanson; Claudia J. Dispensing lid for beverage container
US5564600A (en) 1992-08-20 1996-10-15 L'oreal Multiple compartment dispenser for storing and blending the contents
US5613623A (en) 1994-08-09 1997-03-25 Wella Aktiengesellschaft Two-chamber container
US5692644A (en) 1994-07-25 1997-12-02 L'oreal Container for storing at least two products, mixing these products, and dispensing the mixture thus obtained
WO1998029317A1 (fr) * 1996-12-26 1998-07-09 M.L.I.S. Projects Ltd. Recipient ayant deux compartiments ou davantage

Patent Citations (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3314563A (en) 1963-11-14 1967-04-18 Owens Illinois Inc Plural-compartment container
US3458076A (en) 1968-06-26 1969-07-29 Owens Illinois Inc Two-compartment package
US3856138A (en) 1973-05-31 1974-12-24 Shionogi & Co Compartmentalized container
US4410085A (en) 1982-05-03 1983-10-18 Manufacture Lyonnaise De Bouchage Drinking goblet enabling two doses of constituents to be mixed just before consumption
US4823946A (en) 1987-07-07 1989-04-25 Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft Auf Aktien Two-compartment container
US4779722A (en) 1987-08-28 1988-10-25 Hall John E Material mixing container
US4785931A (en) 1987-09-24 1988-11-22 Letica Corporation Molded plastic closure having integral stacking support ribs and rupturable mix compartments
US5035320A (en) * 1990-05-07 1991-07-30 Clifford Plone Dispenser system with elongated selectively activatable dispensing pusher
US5277303A (en) 1991-08-16 1994-01-11 L'oreal Two bottle packaging allowing separate storage and mixing for use of two products, particularly liquids
US5447226A (en) 1992-06-09 1995-09-05 Societe De Conseils Et D'eutdes Des Emballages (S.C.E.E.) Dual compartment container with means for mixing and dispensing a product
US5564600A (en) 1992-08-20 1996-10-15 L'oreal Multiple compartment dispenser for storing and blending the contents
US5353961A (en) 1993-01-15 1994-10-11 Reseal International Limited Partnership Dual chamber dispenser
US5692644A (en) 1994-07-25 1997-12-02 L'oreal Container for storing at least two products, mixing these products, and dispensing the mixture thus obtained
US5613623A (en) 1994-08-09 1997-03-25 Wella Aktiengesellschaft Two-chamber container
US5529179A (en) 1995-06-26 1996-06-25 Hanson; Claudia J. Dispensing lid for beverage container
WO1998029317A1 (fr) * 1996-12-26 1998-07-09 M.L.I.S. Projects Ltd. Recipient ayant deux compartiments ou davantage

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2002087988A2 (fr) * 2001-04-26 2002-11-07 The Coca-Cola Company Bouchon distributeur de boisson
WO2002087988A3 (fr) * 2001-04-26 2003-04-10 Coca Cola Co Bouchon distributeur de boisson
EP1876901A2 (fr) * 2005-04-29 2008-01-16 Ipifini, Inc. Conteneurs de liquides programmables
EP1876901A4 (fr) * 2005-04-29 2009-04-29 Ipifini Inc Conteneurs de liquides programmables
US20120298532A1 (en) * 2005-04-29 2012-11-29 Ipifini, Inc. Programmable liquid containers
WO2008110767A3 (fr) * 2007-03-09 2008-11-20 Mixicap Ltd Dispositif de distribution
ITMI20100503A1 (it) * 2010-03-26 2011-09-27 Alberto Romano Dispositivo miscelatore, particolarmente di soluzioni liquide.
WO2012072934A1 (fr) * 2010-11-30 2012-06-07 Philippe Perovitch Dispositif de conditionnement, de conservation et de preparation extemporanee de plusieurs principes actifs.
US9394090B2 (en) 2010-11-30 2016-07-19 Philippe Perovitch Device for packaging, storing, and extemporaneously preparing a plurality of active principles
US9918901B2 (en) 2010-11-30 2018-03-20 Philippe Perovitch Device for packaging, storing, and extemporaneously preparing a plurality of active principles

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU3952999A (en) 1999-12-13
IL124609A0 (en) 1998-12-06

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