WO2004031051A1 - Systeme de contenant de tubes - Google Patents

Systeme de contenant de tubes Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2004031051A1
WO2004031051A1 PCT/GB2003/004120 GB0304120W WO2004031051A1 WO 2004031051 A1 WO2004031051 A1 WO 2004031051A1 GB 0304120 W GB0304120 W GB 0304120W WO 2004031051 A1 WO2004031051 A1 WO 2004031051A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
nozzle
storage means
component
nozzle means
tube
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2003/004120
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Konrad Henry Parlour
Original Assignee
Sealants International Limited
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
Priority claimed from GB0222894A external-priority patent/GB0222894D0/en
Application filed by Sealants International Limited filed Critical Sealants International Limited
Priority to AU2003269182A priority Critical patent/AU2003269182A1/en
Publication of WO2004031051A1 publication Critical patent/WO2004031051A1/fr

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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
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/32—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging two or more different materials which must be maintained separate prior to use in admixture
    • B65D81/3205—Separate rigid or semi-rigid containers joined to each other at their external surfaces
    • B65D81/3211—Separate rigid or semi-rigid containers joined to each other at their external surfaces coaxially and provided with means facilitating admixture

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a container system in which each component of a multiple component system may be stored separately and in which the components may be mixed prior to use. More particularly, but not exclusively, it relates to a container system allowing safe dispensing and mixing of two components, of which at least one is potentially hazardous, or is a sensitive or sterile component.
  • the components can be supplied in separate containers, for example in plastics or metal tubes with a screw-capped nozzle, optionally with a perforatable seal across the nozzle. Each component can then be dispensed from its respective tube into a mixing vessel or on to a mixing surface, and the components can then be blended together.
  • a risk of spillage particularly with components of low viscosity. This may be difficult to clear up, can easily lead to incorrect proportions of the components being dispensed and reacted together, and may even constitute a health and safety hazard.
  • a liquid concentrate may require accurate dilution with a specific diluent before use.
  • a solid component may need to be dissolved in a specific solvent before use - one example is a granular pharmaceutical preparation needing to be dissolved in a set amount of sterile aqueous electrolyte before oral or intravenous administration to a patient.
  • Other systems comprise particulate solids which are mixed into liquid components before use, such as reinforcing glass fibres being mixed into a liquid resin composition. In each case, there are potential problems associated with dispensing and mixing these components accurately and safely in the open.
  • multiple component system will therefore be used herein to cover all such systems, whether reactive or not, which involve the combination of two or more separately stored components to produce a composition for use.
  • a container system which allows the separate storage of two or more components of such a system until use is required, whereupon it allows the components to be mixed safely, tidily, rapidly and accurately.
  • moisture or air sensitive or volatile components it would be beneficial if they could be mixed with minimal or no contact with the open air.
  • a container system for the storage and mixing of a multiple component system comprising first storage means provided with first nozzle means and second storage means provided with second nozzle means having sealing means extending thereacross, wherein said first and second nozzle means are of differing dimensions, a larger of said nozzle means being adapted to receive a smaller of said nozzle means into an interior thereof, and the first nozzle means is provided with means to perforate the sealing means of the second nozzle means.
  • each said storage means comprises a flexible hollow tube provided with respective nozzle means at a first end thereof and closed at a second end remote from the first.
  • Each said nozzle means may be generally cylindrical, and the smaller said nozzle means may be receivable substantially coaxially within the larger said nozzle means.
  • the smaller said nozzle means may be provided on an external surface thereof with a screw thread, and the interior of the larger said nozzle means may be correspondingly threaded to receive the smaller said nozzle means engagingly therein.
  • the perforating means comprises a body having passage means therethrough and extending into an interior of the first nozzle means from an inner end thereof.
  • a solid perforating means may co-operate with passage means adjacent thereto.
  • the solid perforating means may comprise a plurality of radially extending elements defining said passage means therebetween.
  • the solid perforating means may comprise an elongate body extending generally axially of the first nozzle means.
  • the second storage means may comprise material, such as a metal, impervious to moisture and/or air.
  • the first storage means is preferably of greater internal volume than the second storage means, optionally at least twice the internal volume.
  • Each nozzle means may be provided on an external surface thereof with means to receive a protective cap or closure therefor, such as a screw thread or detent means, to receive a screw cap closure or press-cap closure, respectively.
  • One said storage means may be provided with dispensing means, separate from its respective nozzle means and so adapted that a mixed contents of the container system may selectively be delivered therethrough.
  • the dispensing means may comprise applicator means, adapted for the application of said mixed contents to a preselected substrate.
  • the dispensing means may be adapted to be connected to a preselected additional delivery system, for example an intravenous drip.
  • Material can thus be dispensed from the container system without separating the storage means one from the other.
  • the first nozzle means is larger than the second nozzle means, and is adapted to receive the second nozzle means into its interior.
  • the perforating means of the first nozzle means may then extend substantially concentrically within the interior thereof.
  • the second nozzle means is larger than the first nozzle means, and is adapted to receive the first nozzle means into its interior.
  • the perforating means of the first nozzle means may then extend substantially axially outwardly from an outer end thereof.
  • the first storage means may comprise a nozzle portion mountable thereto, the nozzle portion comprising said first nozzle means and said perforating means.
  • said nozzle portion is formed separately from a remainder of the first storage
  • the first storage means may be provided with a hollow connecting element to which the nozzle portion is mountable, an interior of which connects an interior of the first storage means to an interior of the first nozzle means of the nozzle portion.
  • the first storage means may be provided with vent means selectably operable to release air displaced from an interior thereof by material entering through the first nozzle means.
  • the container system may comprise a third storage means substantially identical to the second storage means.
  • a container system as described in the first aspect above, with the first storage means containing a first preselected quantity of a first component of the multiple component system and the second storage means containing a second preselected quantity of a second component of said system.
  • said preselected quantities of each component are in substantially optimum proportions for their subsequent reaction or mixing together.
  • the first storage means is capable of containing both of the first preselected quantity of the first component and the second preselected quantity of the second component.
  • the first storage means may thus initially contain the first preselected quantity of the first component and a free volume at least as great as the volume of the second storage means.
  • the first and second components of the multiple component system may each comprise a liquid, optionally a free-flowing liquid.
  • At least one component may comprise a particulate solid material.
  • At least the second component may comprises a moisture and/or air sensitive reagent or a material required to be kept sterile.
  • the second component may comprise a hazardous reagent, such as a harmful, irritant or flammable reagent.
  • the container system may comprise a third storage means substantially identical to the second storage means and containing a third preselected quantity of a third component of the multiple component system.
  • a storage means adapted for use in a container system as described in either the first or second aspect above, comprising hollow tube means provided at a first end with first nozzle means and closed at a second end remote from the first, the first nozzle means being provided with perforating means.
  • the storage means contains a preselected quantity of a component of a multiple- component system, optionally of a two-component system such as a two-component reactive system.
  • said preselected quantity may fill less than half of the internal volume of the storage means.
  • the storage means may be provided with dispensing means, separate from the nozzle means and optionally extending through the closed second end, so adapted that a contents of the storage means may selectively be dispensed therethrough.
  • the nozzle means may be generally cylindrical with the perforating means extending substantially coaxially therewithin or extending substantially axially therefrom.
  • the hollow tube means may be substantially flexible.
  • said first nozzle means is threaded on an internal surface thereof and said perforating means extends into an interior of the first nozzle means from an inner end thereof.
  • the first nozzle means may thus be adapted to receive engagingly a second nozzle means of a second storage means, said second nozzle means being provided on an external surface with a corresponding thread.
  • the perforating means may comprise passage means extending therethrough to connect the interior of the nozzle means to an interior of the storage means.
  • the nozzle means may be provided adjacent the perforating means with passage means connecting the interior thereof to an interior of the storage means, the perforating means optionally comprising a plurality of radially extending elements defining said passage means therebetween.
  • said first nozzle means is threaded on an external surface thereof and is provided adjacent its outer end with perforating means extending outwardly therefrom.
  • the first nozzle means may thus be adapted to be received engagingly by a second nozzle means of a second storage means, said second nozzle means being provided on an internal surface with a corresponding thread.
  • the perforating means may comprise passage means extending therethrough and leading to an interior of the first nozzle means.
  • the first nozzle means may be provided adjacent the perforating means with passage means leading to an interior thereof, the perforating means optionally comprising a plurality of radially extending elements defining said passage means therebetween.
  • a method for storing and mixing a multiple component system comprising the steps of providing a container system as described in either the first or second aspect above and containing a first component of the system in a first storage means having a first nozzle means and a second component of the system in a second storage means having a second nozzle means, inserting a smaller of said first and second nozzle means into an interior of a larger of said nozzle means so that a perforating means of the first nozzle means breaches a sealing means of the second nozzle means, transferring the second component from the second storage means through each nozzle means to the first storage means, mixing the first component and the second component within the first storage means and dispensing the mixed first and second components for use.
  • the method may comprise the step of detaching the second storage means from the first storage means, before dispensing the mixed first and second components through the first nozzle means of the first storage means.
  • the first storage means may be provided with dispensing means separate from the first nozzle means and the mixed first and second components may then be dispensed therethrough.
  • the method preferably comprises the steps of inserting the smaller said nozzle means into the larger said nozzle means by engaging an external thread of the smaller said nozzle means with an internal thread of the larger said nozzle means and rotating one storage means relative to the other to advance the smaller said nozzle means into the larger.
  • the method may comprise the steps of providing a third storage means substantially identical to the second, having a third nozzle means and containing a third component of the system, inserting a smaller of the first and third said nozzle means into a larger of the first and third said nozzle means so that the perforating means of the first nozzle means breaches a sealing means of the third nozzle means, transferring the third component from the third storage means to the first storage means, and mixing the third component with the first and second components within the first storage means.
  • the method may comprise the step of shaking the container system to promote mixing of the components within the first storage means.
  • the method may comprise the step of kneading the first storage means to promote mixing of the components therein.
  • the method may comprise the step of forcing air from the first storage means prior to connection with the second or optionally the third storage means.
  • the method may comprise the step of crushing the second and/or third storage means, optionally irreversibly, to drive substantially an entirety of the second and/or third component, respectively, into the first storage means.
  • the method may comprise the steps of compressing the first storage means to displace air therefrom under pressure into the second or third storage means and then releasing the first storage means to allow said compressed air to drive at least a portion of the second or third component, respectively, into the first storage means.
  • Said compression and release steps may be performed alternately until substantially an entirety of the second or third component, respectively, has been driven into the first storage means.
  • the compression and release steps are preferably performed with the second or third storage means, respectively, held generally above the first storage means.
  • the method may also comprise the step of holding the first storage means generally above the second or third storage means and compressing the first storage means to drive material therein into the second or third storage means, respectively.
  • Said material may comprise the first component or a mixture of components, for example to wash out residential second or third components, respectively from the second or third storage means.
  • a method of storing and mixing a multiple-component system comprising the steps of providing a container system as described in either the first or second aspect above and also comprising third storage means substantially identical to the second, in which a first storage means is empty, a second storage means comprises a first component of the system and a third storage means contains a second component of the system, inserting a smaller of the first and second nozzle means of the first and second storage means, respectively, into a larger of said first and second nozzle means so that a perforating means of the first nozzle means breaches a sealing means of the second nozzle means, transferring said first component from the second storage means to the first storage means, detaching the second storage means from the first, inserting a smaller of the first and third nozzle means of the first and third storage means, respectively, into a larger of said first and third nozzle means so that the perforating means of the first nozzle means breaches a sealing means of the third nozzle means, transferring the second component from the
  • Figure 1 is a cross-section of a container tube embodying the present invention and a conventional container tube usable therewith, each complete with contents;
  • Figure 2 is a cross-section of an alternative container tube embodying the present invention and a conventional container tube usable therewith, each complete with contents;
  • Figure 3 is a cross-section of another container tube embodying the present invention and a conventional container tube usable therewith, each complete with contents;
  • Figure 4 is an axial view of a nozzle of the container tube of Figure 1;
  • Figure 5 is an axial view of a nozzle of the container tube of Figure 2;
  • Figure 6 is an axial view of a nozzle of the container tube of Figure 3;
  • Figure 7 is a cross-section of a further container tube embodying the present invention and a sealed container tube adapted for use therewith, each complete with contents; and
  • Figure 8 is a cross-section of a two-part container tube embodying the present invention and a conventional container tube usable therewith, complete with contents.
  • a first container tube 1 comprises a body of flexible material, preferably plastics material, having a generally cylindrical first nozzle 2 at a first end 3 and being sealed at a second end 4 remote from the first end 3.
  • the first nozzle 2 has an external thread 5 to receive a screw cap (not shown) to seal the first tube 1 for storage.
  • a second, conventional, container tube 6 comprises a body of flexible material, e.g. of plastics material or of metal foil such as tin, lead or aluminium foil. At a first end 7, it has a generally cylindrical second nozzle 8 with an external thread 9. An integral thin seal 10 extends across the second nozzle 8. The second tube 6 is sealed or crimped sealingly closed at a second end 11 thereof, remote from the first end 7. The second nozzle 8 is provided with a screw cap (not shown) as added protection during storage.
  • the first nozzle 2 has an internal diameter equivalent to an external diameter of the second nozzle 8, and is provided with an internal thread 12 engageable with the external thread 9 of the second nozzle 8.
  • the second nozzle 8 may thus be screwed into an open end of the first nozzle 2.
  • An inner end of the first nozzle 2 is substantially closed, and a penetrator rod 13 extends therefrom, concentrically with the first nozzle 2, towards the open end.
  • a passage 14 extends through the penetrator rod 13, connecting the first nozzle 2 to an interior 15 of the first tube 1
  • the tip of the penetrator rod 13 extends obliquely to a longitudinal axis of the rod 13, rather than orthogonally thereto and substantially parallelly to the seal 10, as shown.
  • the tip thus comprises an acute leading edge which first contacts and breaches the seal 10.
  • the first and second tubes 1, 6 each contain one liquid component of a two-component reactive system.
  • the two-component system is a silicone-based encapsulant.
  • a first component 17 is held in the first tube 1, and a second component 18, comprising a possibly moisture-sensitive curing/cross-linking agent, is held in the sealed second tube 6.
  • the first tube 1 is dimensioned to hold a required volume of the first component 17, with a remaining free volume of its interior 15 being equivalent to or preferably greater than the volume of the second component 18 held in the second tube 6.
  • the protective caps are removed from the second nozzle 8 and the first nozzle 2.
  • the first tube 1 is then squeezed to remove air from the interior 15 thereof.
  • the second nozzle 8 is screwed into the open end of the first nozzle 2, and the penetrator rod 13 breaches the seal 10 across the second nozzle 8.
  • the second tube 6 may then be squeezed to urge the second component 18 out through the second nozzle 8 and the passage 14 into the interior 15 of the first tube 1. (In many cases, the second component 18 will be sufficiently fluid to flow into the first tube 1 under gravity and/or be drawn in by the vacuum created by squeezing the first tube 1).
  • the first and second components 17, 18 are then free to mix in the interior 15 of the first tube 1.
  • the conjoined tubes 1, 6 can be shaken if required.
  • a mixing body can be provided within the first tube 1 to encourage mixing on shaking, although it is preferable to use a mixing body that has a shape that is unlikely to block or occlude the passage 14 of the first nozzle 2. It may be necessary to knead the first tube 1 in order to ensure mixing of more viscous components.
  • the components 17, 18 being mixed in the first tube 1 could be transferred through the passage 14 to the second tube 6 and back, to encourage thorough mixing.
  • the second tube could be removed at this stage and the cap screwed back onto the first tube.
  • the container system allows the two components to be held separately, while rendering it straightforward to bring them together for mixing. Mixing the components within the conjoined containers has the advantage, for example over mixing in a separate pot, that there is minimal risk of spillage. Many two-component systems have at least one component that is irritant, harmful or otherwise potentially unsafe until it has been mixed. The container system minimises the chance of a user coming into contact with such materials in their unmixed form. The container system also makes it straightforward to provide accurately proportioned quantities of each component in order to give a known volume of sealant/encapsulant with an optimised composition.
  • the container system described is particularly useful where one component is air or moisture sensitive.
  • air or moisture sensitive Conventionally, such a material can be stored in a tube with an integral seal of the type shown for prolonged periods.
  • the seal is perforated and the material is dispensed for mixing, it is open to attack from oxygen or moisture in the air. In most cases, such a brief exposure would not be a significant problem, but in critical applications, such as aerospace, or for particularly sensitive materials, mixing in an open atmosphere could be undesirable.
  • the seal is not perforated until the tubes are already sealingly connected. The air or moisture sensitive material thus only comes into contact with a minimal residual volume of air that has not been squeezed out of the first tube 1 before the second tube 6 was connected thereto.
  • the container system described hence makes it possible to use two-component systems in more demanding applications and/or employ such systems containing more reactive or sensitive components than has hitherto been possible.
  • the invention has been described in terms of a container for a two-component encapsulant or sealant, it may be applicable to a range of other systems.
  • hair care products are frequently supplied as two components, such as a hair colorant and a bleaching agent, which may only be mixed immediately before use.
  • Two-component adhesive formulations, such as two-pack epoxy adhesives could also conveniently be supplied and mixed in such a container.
  • One or more further components could be mixed in with the first and second components 17, 18 in such a container system.
  • a colouring agent for a sealant could be supplied in a further tube, sealed or unsealed, which would be screwed into the first nozzle 2 of the first tube 1 either before or after the second tube 6 is inserted thereinto and the second component 18 transferred to the first tube 1.
  • the colouring agent would then be transferred to the first tube 1 through the passage 14, again with minimal risk of spillage.
  • first tube 1 is provided with a perforator rod 13 having a connecting passage 14 extending therethrough, it is also possible to use a first nozzle 2 in which passages or apertures are provided adjacent to a perforator.
  • Figures 2 and 3 show examples of such first tubes 1.
  • the first tube 1 of Figure 2 has a first nozzle 2 provided with an external thread 5 and an internal thread 12, which is engageable with an external thread 9 of a second nozzle 8 of a second, conventional, container tube 6.
  • the first nozzle 2 is provided with an arrowhead penetrator 19 mounted to an inner end thereof and extending towards its outer end.
  • the arrowhead penetrator 19 comprises four generally triangular blades 20 each extending radially between an axis and an inner wall of the first nozzle 2. As shown in Figure 5, the four blades 20 are disposed in a cruciform arrangement, defining four passages 21 therebetween, which connect an interior of the first nozzle 2 to an interior 15 of the first tube
  • the arrowhead penetrator 19 first perforates the seal 10 across the second nozzle 8 and then opens up a substantial breach therein as the second nozzle 8 continues to rotate and move into the first nozzle 2.
  • the second component 18 of the two-component system held in the tubes 1, 6 can then flow through the breach in the seal 10 and the passages 21, past the blades 20 of the penetrator 19, into an interior 15 of the first tube 1.
  • the first tube 1 of Figure 3 also has a first nozzle 2, provided with an external thread 5 and an internal thread 12, which is engageable with an external thread 9 of a second nozzle 8 of a second, conventional container tube 6.
  • the first nozzle 2 is provided with a spike penetrator 22 mounted to an inner end thereof and extending towards its outer end.
  • the spike penetrator 22 comprises an elongate perforator 23 extending axially within the first nozzle 2 and connected to an inner wall thereof by three radially extending supports 24.
  • the three supports 24 are equiangularly disposed and define three passages 21 therebetween, which connect an interior of the first nozzle 2 to an interior 15 of the first tube 1.
  • the supports 24 are generally triangular, being shaped similarly to the blades 20 of Figures 2 and 5.
  • the perforator 23 penetrates the seal 10 across the second nozzle 8, and then the supports 24 open up a substantial breach therein, as described for the blades 20 of the arrowhead penetrator 19.
  • the second component 18 of the two-component system can then flow through the breach in the seal 10 and the passages 21, past the supports 24 into an interior 15 of the first tube 1.
  • the tubes 1, 6 of Figures 2 and 3 are otherwise used exactly as described for the tubes 1, 6 of Figure 1.
  • the advantage of the arrowhead penetrator 19 or the spike penetrator 22 is that a breach can be opened up in the seal 10 across much of its width, and that passages 21 of similar dimensions comiect the first nozzle 2 to the interior 15 of the first tube 1. This is of particular benefit when used with viscous second components 18 which might otherwise be difficult to transfer to the first tube 1.
  • the arrowhead penetrator 19 is shown with four blades 20, and the spike penetrator 22 is shown with three radial supports 24, variants with different numbers of blades 20 or supports 24 respectively are envisaged.
  • Figure 7 shows a slightly different arrangement, in which the first tube 1 is provided with an alternative first nozzle 25 and the second tube 6 is provided with an alternative second nozzle 26.
  • the alternative first nozzle 25 has an external thread 5, but no internal thread.
  • An arrowhead penetrator 19 is mounted adjacent an outer end of the alternative first nozzle 25 and extends outwardly therefrom.
  • a protective cap (not shown) shaped to enclose the penetrator 19 can be screwed onto the external thread.
  • the alternative second nozzle 26 has an internal thread
  • the alternative second nozzle 26 may instead be provided with an external thread to receive a screw-on protective cap if desired. In either case, the alternative second nozzle 26 has an integral seal 10 extending across an inner end thereof.
  • the alternative first nozzle 25 has an external diameter equivalent to an internal diameter of the alternative second nozzle 26, and its external thread 5 is engageable with the internal thread 27 thereof.
  • the alternative first nozzle 25 may thus be screwed into an open end of the alternative second nozzle 26.
  • the second compartment 18 held in the second tube 6 is thus released to flow through the passages defined by the blades of the arrowhead perforator 19 into an interior of the alternative first nozzle 25 and thence into an interior 15 of the first tube 1 for mixing.
  • the tubes 1, 6 of Figure 7 are used exactly as described for the tubes 1, 6 of Figures 1, 2 and 3.
  • This alternative arrangement has the benefit of simplifying the structure of the first tube 1, although it requires a second tube 6 of non-standard form. It has the benefit that the recessed seal 10 of the alternative second nozzle 26 is almost impossible to breach accidentally, which may be advantageous for particularly reactive and/or hazardous second components 18.
  • the second tube 6 is a conventional container tube having a second nozzle 8 with an external thread 9 and a seal 10 as described above in respect of Figures 1, 2 and 3.
  • the first tube 1 is of a different form to those described above, having a two-piece construction which requires assembly before use but may be easier to mould from plastics material.
  • the first end 3 of the first tube 1 is provided with a cylindrical nozzle 29 with a circumferential detent ring 30 extending around its external surface.
  • a nozzle cap 31 is mounted to the first end 3 of the first tube 1 by means of a mounting collar 32 which fits around the external surface of the cylindrical nozzle 29, engaging with the detent ring 30.
  • the nozzle cap 31 is provided with a first nozzle 2 having an external thread 5 and an internal thread 12 engageable with the external thread 9 of the second nozzle 8, as described above.
  • the first nozzle 2 is provided with an arrowhead penetrator 19, but a spike penetrator 22 or a hollow penetrator rod 13 may be used.
  • a hollow penetrator rod 13 may be provided with an oblique tip.
  • the nozzle cap 31 is faired into the first end 3 of the first tube 1 for added security of mounting and for aesthetic reasons.
  • the first nozzle 2 of the nozzle cap 31 is substantially exactly aligned with the cylindrical nozzle 29, and the nozzles 2, 29 act as a single nozzle.
  • a protective cap can be screwed on to the external thread 5.
  • the first tube 1 and second tube 6 are connected without the air having first been expressed from the first tube 1.
  • the first tube 1 is held below the second tube 6, and is manually compressed. Air is thus displaced under pressure into the second tube 6.
  • the first tube 1 is released, and the pressure of the air forced into the second tube 6 urges a portion of the second component 18 into the first tube 1, where it may mix with the first component 17.
  • the first tube 1 is repeatedly compressed and released until the second component 18 is substantially completely transferred thereto.
  • the first tube 1 is held above the second tube 6 and then compressed. This urges material into the second tube 6.
  • air from the second tube 6 will be transferred to the first 1.
  • This procedure could be used to transfer the mixed components 17, 18 to and fro between the tubes 1, 6 to improve mixing. It could also be used to "back wash" the second tube 6 to extract residual second component 18 therefrom (this would be particularly useful where the exact proportions of the components are critical, or where residual unmixed second component 18 in a discarded second tube 6 might be hazardous).
  • the first tubes 1 described above can also be used as mixing chambers for two or more reactive components which must each be kept in a sealed container prior to mixing.
  • the first tube 1 is initially empty, while the second tube 6 contains a first reactive component.
  • a third tube, substantially identical to the second tube 6, contains a second reactive component.
  • the first tube 1 is selected to have a volume greater than or equal to the volumes of the two reactive components.
  • the first tube 1 is squeezed to expel a substantial proportion of the air therefrom, and the second nozzle 8 of the second tube 6 is screwed into the first nozzle 2 of the first tube 1, as described, perforating the seal 10 thereacross.
  • the first reactive component is then transferred from the second tube 6, through the conjoined nozzles 2, 8 into an interior 15 of the first tube 1.
  • the second tube 6 is then unscrewed and discarded.
  • the first tube 1 is squeezed again to expel a remainder of the air therefrom, and the nozzle of the third tube is screwed into the first nozzle 2, perforating its seal, and allowing the transfer of the second reactive component therefrom into the first tube 1.
  • the first and second reactive components are then free to mix within the first tube 1.
  • the third tube is removed from the first nozzle 2 of the first tube 1, and the contents of the first tube 1 are dispensed for use.
  • the air may be left in the first tube 1 , which is then "pumped", as described above, to transfer the first and second reactive components into the first tube 1 from the second 6 and third tubes, respectively.
  • two components each requiring storage in separate sealed containers, can be mixed in a further container without risk of spillage.
  • the sealed containers are only opened as they are connected to the further container, minimising the contact between their contents and the environment.
  • first tube 1 provided with a nozzle cap 31, shown in Figure 8, this can be achieved by providing an eccentric first orifice in the first end 3 of the first tube 1, and a second orifice in the nozzle cap 31.
  • the nozzle cap 31 can be manually rotated relative to the first tube 1, the nozzle 29 acting as an axle. In one rotational orientation, the first and second orifices are aligned, and a vent is formed, allowing air to escape from an interior 15 of the first tube 1 as material enters through the nozzle 29. In other rotational orientations, the first and second orifices are not connected, and no air can pass therethrough. Thus, a vent can selectably be opened for transfer of materials, but sealed for storage and for mixing.
  • the invention has been described above in terms of two or more liquid components, it may also be used for particulate solids.
  • a granular first component 17 could be stored as the first tube 1, and a liquid second component 18 could be transferred from the second tube 6 to mix therewith.
  • the second tube 6 could hold a second component 18 in the form of granules, powder, fibres, etc, which is sufficiently fiowable to be "pumped" into the first tube 1, as described above.
  • the particulate second component 18 could be transferred to the first tube 1, to mix with a liquid first component 17 therein,
  • glass fibres used to reinforce resin compositions, can irritate the skin and eyes and can be harmful to the lungs if inhaled.
  • a charge of glass fibres, stored in a sealed second tube 6, could be added to a charge of liquid resin held in a first tube 1, without risk of their being released into the open.
  • a sealed second tube 6 could also be used to store a dose of pharmaceutical material, in powder or granular form, which is moisture sensitive during storage and/or must be stored under sterile conditions.
  • a measured quantity of an electrolyte solution is stored in the first tube 1. If the pharmaceutical material is free-flowing, it can be "pumped" into the first tube 1, to dissolve in the electrolyte. Alternatively, as an initial step, a portion of the electrolyte can be "pumped” into the second tube 6 to dissolve the pharmaceutical, and the resulting concentrated solution can then be “pumped” back to the first tube 1 to mix with a remainder of the electrolyte and give the desired concentration. This solution of the pharmaceutical is then ready for immediate oral or intravenous administration.
  • the first tube 1 may be provided with a fitting for connection directly to a standard intravenous drip tube. Since the closed end 4 of the plastics first tube 1 is conveniently formable by heat-sealing, it should be straightforward to incorporate such a fitting into the end 4 of the tube 1 during manufacture.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
  • Package Specialized In Special Use (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système de contenant permettant le stockage et le mélange d'une composition multicomposants. Ledit système comprend un premier tube (1) de stockage et un tube (6) de stockage fermé. Le premier tube (1) présente une buse (2) dotée d'un filetage (12) interne, dans lequel une buse (8) filetée à l'extérieur du second tube (6) est insérée. Un perforateur (13, 19, 23), situé à l'intérieur de la buse (2) du premier tube (1), perce un joint d'étanchéité (10), à travers la buse (8) du second tube (6), lors de son insertion. Chaque tube (1, 6) contient un composant (17, 18) de la composition multicomposants, lesquels peuvent être transférés vers un seul tube (1) et mélangés en totalité à l'intérieur du système de contenant. Ledit système est utilisé en particulier pour des systèmes réactifs multicomposants, tels que des agents d'étanchéité et des adhésifs à deux composants. Il est également utilisé pour d'autres compositions présentant plusieurs composants, ainsi que dans les opérations de mélange de solutions stériles et dans les opérations de mélange de solides particulaires avec des liquides.
PCT/GB2003/004120 2002-10-03 2003-09-25 Systeme de contenant de tubes WO2004031051A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2003269182A AU2003269182A1 (en) 2002-10-03 2003-09-25 Tube container system

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0222894A GB0222894D0 (en) 2002-10-03 2002-10-03 Tube container system
GB0222894.8 2002-10-03
GB0227155.9 2002-11-21
GB0227155A GB0227155D0 (en) 2002-10-03 2002-11-21 Tube container system

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2004031051A1 true WO2004031051A1 (fr) 2004-04-15

Family

ID=29404302

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2003/004120 WO2004031051A1 (fr) 2002-10-03 2003-09-25 Systeme de contenant de tubes

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2003269182A1 (fr)
GB (1) GB2394711A (fr)
WO (1) WO2004031051A1 (fr)

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2011088432A1 (fr) * 2010-01-18 2011-07-21 Yeakley Rourke M Système de délivrance de mélange à chambres multiples
WO2014154718A1 (fr) * 2013-03-26 2014-10-02 Obrist Closures Switzerland Gmbh Améliorations apportées ou associées à la distribution
EP2851056A1 (fr) * 2013-09-20 2015-03-25 YEAKLEY, Rourke M. Distributeur de médicaments
WO2016102816A1 (fr) * 2014-12-24 2016-06-30 Laboratoires M&L Systeme de fabrication d'un produit cosmetique et methode de fabrication d'un produit cosmetique a partir d'un tel systeme de fabrication
WO2018234715A1 (fr) * 2017-06-23 2018-12-27 Laboratoires M&L Couple de capsules assemblees ensemble et comprenant respectivement deux phases differentes a melanger
FR3096671A1 (fr) * 2019-06-03 2020-12-04 Shiseido International France Recharge de produit fluide
US20230051301A1 (en) * 2021-08-13 2023-02-16 Robert K. Hughes, Jr. Fiber enhanced epoxy and delivery system
US11998103B2 (en) 2018-12-21 2024-06-04 Seb S.A. Manufacturing apparatus, mixing machine and/or receiving device for the manufacture of a composition from a mixture of formulations

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
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ITBZ20050023A1 (it) * 2005-05-25 2006-11-26 Maria Rosa Nadalini Dispositivo istantaneamente riscaldabile.

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US3404811A (en) * 1966-12-02 1968-10-08 Cernei Jose Container for maintaining in separate condition liquids which are to be mixed together and which may be manipulated to commingle such liquids
FR2427960A1 (fr) * 1978-06-06 1980-01-04 Dehais Claude Manchon pour etablir une communication temporaire entre deux recipients
FR2532280A1 (fr) * 1982-08-24 1984-03-02 Mercier Jean Conditionnement pour conservation separee de fluides incompatibles entre eux, et permettant leur melange au moment de l'emploi
US4614437A (en) * 1984-11-02 1986-09-30 Dougherty Brothers Company Mixing container and adapter
US5209565A (en) * 1991-12-20 1993-05-11 L'oreal Assembly adapted for the mixing of two different products stored separately
US6065641A (en) * 1997-07-16 2000-05-23 Laboratorios Inibsa, S.A. Cartridge containing two liquids
US20020066679A1 (en) * 2000-12-01 2002-06-06 Brett Moscovitz System, devices and methods for storing and mixing substances

Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2011088432A1 (fr) * 2010-01-18 2011-07-21 Yeakley Rourke M Système de délivrance de mélange à chambres multiples
WO2014154718A1 (fr) * 2013-03-26 2014-10-02 Obrist Closures Switzerland Gmbh Améliorations apportées ou associées à la distribution
GB2526969A (en) * 2013-03-26 2015-12-09 Obrist Closures Switzerland Improvements in or relating to dispensing
EP2851056A1 (fr) * 2013-09-20 2015-03-25 YEAKLEY, Rourke M. Distributeur de médicaments
WO2016102816A1 (fr) * 2014-12-24 2016-06-30 Laboratoires M&L Systeme de fabrication d'un produit cosmetique et methode de fabrication d'un produit cosmetique a partir d'un tel systeme de fabrication
FR3031092A1 (fr) * 2014-12-24 2016-07-01 Laboratoires M&L Systeme de fabrication d'un produit cosmetique et methode de fabrication d'un produit cosmetique a partir d'un tel systeme de fabrication
WO2018234715A1 (fr) * 2017-06-23 2018-12-27 Laboratoires M&L Couple de capsules assemblees ensemble et comprenant respectivement deux phases differentes a melanger
FR3067915A1 (fr) * 2017-06-23 2018-12-28 Laboratoires M&L Couple de capsules assemblees ensemble et comprenant respectivement deux phases differentes a melanger
CN109106041A (zh) * 2017-06-23 2019-01-01 M&L实验室 一对装配在一起并且分别包含两个待混合的不同相的胶囊
US11445796B2 (en) 2017-06-23 2022-09-20 Laboratoires M&L Pair of capsules assembled together and respectively comprising two different phases to be mixed
US11998103B2 (en) 2018-12-21 2024-06-04 Seb S.A. Manufacturing apparatus, mixing machine and/or receiving device for the manufacture of a composition from a mixture of formulations
FR3096671A1 (fr) * 2019-06-03 2020-12-04 Shiseido International France Recharge de produit fluide
WO2020245533A1 (fr) * 2019-06-03 2020-12-10 Shiseido International France Recharge de produit fluide et procédé correspondant
US20230051301A1 (en) * 2021-08-13 2023-02-16 Robert K. Hughes, Jr. Fiber enhanced epoxy and delivery system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2394711A (en) 2004-05-05
AU2003269182A1 (en) 2004-04-23
GB0322476D0 (en) 2003-10-29

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