WO2020187557A1

WO2020187557A1 - Packaging system for at least one product preparation component, and corresponding method for handling the product preparation component

Info

Publication number: WO2020187557A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/055523
Authority: WO
Inventors: Antoine LOMBARD
Original assignee: Henkel Ag & Co. Kgaa
Priority date: 2019-03-21
Filing date: 2020-03-03
Publication date: 2020-09-24
Also published as: DE102019203858A1; JP2022526123A; US20220002067A1; EP3941843A1; CN113950452A

Abstract

The invention relates to a packaging system (1) for at least one product preparation component, comprising a first container (10) for storing a first product preparation component, a second container (20) for optionally storing at least one other product preparation component, and a closure device (3) which seals off an opening (11) of the first container (10) from the surroundings by means of a closure element (40) and has a coupling device (30) in order to couple the second container (20) to the closure device (3) and in order to establish a fluidic connection between the first container (10) and the second container (20). The invention additionally relates to a corresponding method for handling at least one product preparation component. The aim of the invention is to ensure a reliable packaging system (1) which primarily allows a user-friendly handling of the contained product preparation components. This is achieved in that the closure element (40) and the coupling device (30) are joined together as separate components in a non-releasable manner in order to form the closure device (3).

Description

Packaging system for at least one product preparation component and the associated method for handling the product preparation component

The invention relates to a packaging system for at least one product preparation component with a first container for holding a first product preparation component, with a second container for optionally holding at least one further one

Product preparation component and with a closure device which by means of a closure element closes an opening of the first container tightly against the environment and has a coupling device to couple the second container to the closure device and to create a fluid connection between the first container and the second container. In addition, the invention relates to an associated method for handling this product preparation component. Such packaging systems are often used for the targeted mixing of initially separately stored flowable ones

Product preparation components and are mainly used when using two or more component product preparations in which the individual

Preparation components are incompatible with one another due to their chemical composition or are chemically highly reactive and should therefore only be mixed shortly before the actual application. Such multi-component product preparations and application forms are known in principle, inter alia, from the cosmetic, medical, food, and detergent and cleaning agent sectors.

For example, the German utility model DE 29721872 U1 describes an arrangement for coupling two containers with the aim of possible mixing of fluids initially stored separately in the containers. The coupling arrangement described there is used, among other things, to mix individual components of hair dyes, with the

Individual components are incompatible with one another and therefore have to be stored separately in separate containers until they are actually used. The mixing of the individual components to form the ready-to-use hair dye takes place immediately before use. For this purpose, the coupling arrangement has two coupling elements, each of the

Allow connection of an associated container. The coupling elements each form a flow passage which is in fluid connection with the respective container interior. In addition, the two flow passages are aligned with one another within the coupling arrangement. In addition, the coupling arrangement has a control element which is arranged displaceably between a first and a second position in one of the flow passages. Depending on the respective position of the control element, the flow passages can be open or closed. In this respect, depending on the position of the

Control element a flow through the flow passages and thus the entire

Coupling arrangement enabled or prevented. The flow passages are usually closed in the initial state of the coupling arrangement. This is to improve the Sealing function an additional plug is provided, which closes a flow passage in the initial state of the coupling arrangement. During use, the stopper is removed under the action of the sliding control element, so that the

Flow passages are released for flow through.

From WO 2007/1 1 1667 A2 there is another system with two containers for separate

Storage of two container contents described in which the different container contents can be mixed immediately before use by means of a coupling device connecting the two containers. For this purpose, the coupling device has a valve arrangement which can be moved between a closed and an open position. In the open valve position, a flow passage is released in the coupling device which forms a fluid connection between the two containers. This allows the two container contents to be mixed when the valve is in the open position.

The packaging systems described above basically allow a separate one

Storage of different substances and their mixing immediately before the actual application are, however, functionally inadequate in terms of the separate storage and efficient handling of the individual product preparation components. This is especially true when, for example, chemically highly reactive or possibly health-endangering substances are stored by means of a generic packaging system. In this respect, the aforementioned packaging systems are only suitable for handling only very specific chemical substances.

Based on this, the object of the invention is to provide a closed

Specify packaging system for at least one product preparation component, which enables the safe storage and handling of product preparation components as many and different chemical substances as possible. In particular, the safe and user-friendly handling of chemically highly reactive or health-endangering substances should be permitted by means of the packaging system according to the invention.

The problem is solved by a packaging system for at least one

Product preparation component according to claim 1. Thereafter, the entire packaging system essentially comprises a first container for holding a first one

Product preparation component, a second container for optionally holding at least one further product preparation component and a multifunctional closure device. This closure device is on the one hand able to close an opening of the first container tightly against the environment by means of a closure element. In this way, above all, chemical reactive substances and substances that are hazardous to health can be safely stored in the first container. Due to the tight closure of the first container, neither substance constituents can get into the environment from the first container, nor can ambient conditions, for example air humidity or Oxygen in the air that negatively affects the substance components inside the first container due to a chemical reaction. On the other hand, the closure device additionally has a coupling device in order to releasably couple the second container to the closure device and thereby to create a fluid connection between the first container and the second container. Rather, the closure device is designed in such a way that a fluid connection between the first and second container, or in other words an opening in the first container, can only be achieved when the closure device is completely coupled to the second container by means of the coupling device. In this way, undesired release of the product preparation component from the first container into the environment is effectively prevented. In fact, the

Product preparation component can only be carried out from the first container after coupling into the second container. In this case, the closure element and the coupling device, as originally separate components, are non-detachably joined together to form the closure device. In this way, the closure element and the coupling device can on the one hand be manufactured particularly easily, initially independently of one another, in a suitable way, for example by means of injection molding, and on the other hand in the assembled state, i.e. H. handle as a locking device, advantageously as a common structural unit. The joining of the closure element and the coupling device can take place, for example, by means of a bouncing process or a comparable joining step. Here are closure element and

Coupling device is axially compressed under the action of force with respect to an axis of the closure device and locked together in an essentially non-detachable manner. The permanent connection between the closure element and the coupling device means in this

The fact that the two parts, once put together, cannot be separated from one another without being destroyed.

Basically, in the context of the present invention, the terms

“Product preparation” or “product preparation components” understood to mean flowable and / or pourable substances. This includes both all liquid, gel-like, pasty or comparable highly viscous substances, which usually have corresponding flow properties, as well as all powder, particulate, granular or comparable solid-like substances, which usually have corresponding flow or pouring properties. In this context, a “product preparation” or a “product preparation component” can each be composed of both a single chemical substance and a mixture of substances.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the packaging system, the closure element, and thus the entire closure device, is inextricably connected to the first container by means of a fastening sleeve, with the possibility of its destruction can be released from the first container again. The non-detachable connection between the fastening sleeve and the first container is preferably made by a latching or a combined one Screwing / locking done. In terms of joining technology, the

Fastening sleeve to be bounced with the first container. In such a manner, inextricably linked to the first container, the closure device provides an extremely reliable and tight storage of the product preparation component within the first container. This precludes both that a consumer can open the first container and that the product preparation component can unintentionally escape from the first container into the environment. Likewise, the product preparation component held in the first container is reliably protected from undesired environmental influences, such as air humidity and / or atmospheric oxygen, as a result of the tight container closure. In this respect, such a packaging system also allows, among other things, the storage and handling of chemically highly reactive and possibly health-endangering substances in the first container.

In the context of the present invention, a “container” is used to mean receptacles

Understand the most varied shapes, which have in common that the interior of the container is surrounded by a container wall surrounding it, which has an opening for dispensing the container contents. The container opening can in turn by a suitable

Closure element can be released or closed. Such containers can therefore take on different forms. However, containers in the form of bottles, bags, canisters, crucibles, tubes or similar shapes appear particularly suitable.

With regard to the container material, depending on the application-specific content, those materials should be specifically selected which, due to their physical properties, initially ensure an adequate barrier effect against the environment, especially against atmospheric oxygen and moisture, to protect the container contents. In addition, the container material is sufficiently inert in terms of its chemical-physical reactivity with the

To lay out the contents of the container. Glass, suitable plastics, such as PP or PTFE, or materials with comparable properties have proven to be suitable container materials that best meet the requirements mentioned.

With regard to the closure device, with regard to the choice of material, similar framework conditions apply as for the container. I.e. With regard to the material, the closure device is preferably to be designed in such a way that the closure device also has an adequate barrier effect, especially against atmospheric oxygen and moisture, and is also chemically inert to the container contents. Glass, suitable plastics, such as PP or PTFE, or materials with comparable properties have proven to be suitable closure materials that best meet the stated requirements.

To further improve the packaging system, it is provided that the closure element comprises a cap for closing the first container, which in the initial state of the

Closure device via a predetermined breaking point with the fastening sleeve of the

Closure element is connected. The cap is basically designed in such a way that it or also closes the opening for dispensing the container contents from the first container can share. In the closed container state, the cap rests on the first container in such a way that the opening is completely covered and thus closed. To open the first container, the cap must be at least partially detached from it. For this purpose, starting from the initial state of the closure device, the cap is used to achieve a

Application state at the predetermined breaking point from the fastening sleeve, which is permanently connected to the first container, separated. After the separation, the cap can be moved relative to the fastening sleeve or to the first container. Relative movement enables the cap to be released from the first container to release the container opening. The connection of the cap to the fastening sleeve via a predetermined breaking point thus forms a type of tamper-evident closure, which advantageously signals the unused initial state of the first container with the closure device.

A sensible design of the packaging system with a corresponding closure device is achieved in that the cap is arranged so that it can be axially displaced relative to the coupling device with respect to an axis of the closure device and is secured against rotation about the axis with respect to rotation. The axis runs centrally through the im

Essentially cylindrical or sleeve-shaped basic structure of the closure device. The corresponding arrangement of the cap in relation to the closure device applies

Of course, only to a limited extent for the initial state of the closure device, where the cap is preferably firmly connected to the fastening sleeve via the predetermined breaking point. I.e. In the initial state, the cap is fixedly connected to the fastening sleeve of the closure device, so that it can neither be moved axially nor rotationally relative to the latter. In addition, the cap is in the in-use condition; H. after separation from the fastening sleeve, in detail arranged axially and limited rotationally movable relative to the fastening sleeve. Compared to the coupling device, the cap is continuous, i. H. both in the initial state and in the use state of the closure device, although axially displaceable but non-rotatably arranged. As a result of this specific arrangement, there is a very special interaction between the fastening sleeve, the cap and the coupling device in the course of the coupling of the two containers, which results from the relative movement of the individual components with one another. In detail, the cap follows the rotational movement of the coupling device due to the non-rotatable arrangement. This means that the cap in the

Use case, d. H. be separated from the fastening sleeve at the predetermined breaking point during rotation relative to the fastening sleeve. Even after the cap has been separated from the fastening sleeve, the cap follows the rotational movement, the cap then being movable axially both with respect to the fastening sleeve and with respect to the coupling device.

Another embodiment of the packaging system results from the fact that the

Coupling device has a thread for screwing to the second container. In this way, the coupling device is screwed to the coupling device and the second container with the coupling device and the second container in the course of the coupling through the interaction of corresponding threaded sections. This allows a particularly user-friendly coupling of the two containers. An advantageous variant of the packaging system provides that the fastening sleeve and the coupling device each have at least one corresponding one

Have a rotation stop element which allows the relative rotation of the fastening sleeve and the coupling device about the axis of the closure device only until the corresponding rotation stop elements are in contact with one another. The mutually corresponding rotation stop elements on the fastening sleeve and the coupling device basically limit the relative rotation between the fastening sleeve and the coupling device to a rotation range of almost 360 °, i.e. H. almost one turn. The respective rotational elements are preferably designed as ribs, shoulders, projections or other comparable rotationally effective stop elements. Overall, the mutually corresponding rotation stop elements serve on the one hand, in the application, namely when two corresponding rotation stop elements are in contact, the basic

To enable torque transmission between the fastening sleeve and the coupling device. On the other hand, the fastening sleeve and the coupling device can be rotated relative to one another to a limited extent.

According to a further developed embodiment of the packaging system, either the fastening sleeve or the coupling device has at least two rotation stop elements which are connected to the at least one corresponding rotation stop

Coupling device or the fastening sleeve cooperate in such a way that a start and an end stop for the relative rotation between fastening sleeve and coupling device around the axis of the closure device is formed. Continuing the variant with only one rotation stop element on the fastening sleeve and the coupling device, the relative rotation between the two components is limited to an exactly defined range of rotation by arranging two rotation stop elements on at least the fastening sleeve or the coupling device. The two rotation stop elements interact with the at least one corresponding rotation stop element on exactly the other component and form an initial stop and an end stop for the relative rotation between the fastening sleeve and the coupling device. In this way, the range of values for the relative rotation between the fastening sleeve and the coupling device can be set precisely to an angle of rotation of less than 360 °. Angle of rotation between the start and end stop of approximately 0-180 °, particularly preferably 0-90 °, have proven to be preferred value ranges. These limited rotation angle ranges ultimately also determine the maximum possible amount of rotation of the cap with respect to the first container. In this respect, the maximum opening dimension of the cap or the maximum release position of the cap with respect to the first container is also determined indirectly via this limited angle of rotation. I.e. at the end stop of the corresponding rotation stop elements, i.e. when the upper limit of the angle of rotation is reached, the maximum release position of the cap on the first container is also reached. Thus, by appropriately setting the upper limit of the angle of rotation, it can be reliably set that the cap does not move completely away from the solves the first container, but is always in thread engagement with the first container in every application state of the packaging system.

A sensible embodiment of the packaging system provides that the cap is connected to the first container via a thread which has a direction of rotation opposite to the thread of the coupling device. This configuration offers the great application advantage that in the course of coupling the two containers by screwing the coupling device on the second container, a constant direction of rotation can be maintained in order to ultimately establish the fluid connection between the first and second container.

For example, a clockwise thread is provided between the coupling device and the second container, while a counterclockwise thread is formed between the cap and the first container. It is thus possible in the course of coupling the first container to the closure device via the coupling device in a clockwise direction, i. H. clockwise to screw to the second container. To this extent, in this case, the first container together with the closure device is turned clockwise, i. H. clockwise, opposite to the second container. If this relative rotation of the first and second container is continued in a clockwise direction, not only is the coupling completed, but the cap is also separated from the fastening sleeve via the predetermined breaking point and the cap is detached from the first container due to the opposing thread. The opposing threads between the coupling device and the second container as well as the cap and the first container effect both the reliable coupling of the container and the setting of the fluid connection between the first and second container as a result of the opening of the first container in a very simple and at the same time user-friendly way.

According to a preferred variant of the packaging system, the cap has an essentially pot-like basic structure with a bottom wall and one on the same

subsequent cylindrical peripheral wall. In this case, at least one opening is provided in the circumferential wall of the cap, via which the fluid connection between the containers coupled to one another is ultimately realized when the cap is sufficiently loosened. Ideally, several openings are provided in the cap circumferential wall, which at best are evenly distributed over the circumference of the circumferential wall. The at least one window-like opening in the

Cap circumferential wall enables the fluid connection to be adjusted even when the cap is only partially detached from the first container. For this purpose, the opening in the cap peripheral wall is preferably positioned in the immediate vicinity of the cap base. In detail, the relative clockwise rotation between the first container or the fastening sleeve and the second container or the coupling device including the anti-twist cap leads to the cap loosening from the first container. If the cap is loosened sufficiently but not completely detached from the first container, then the opening in the cap circumferential wall is released so that the fluid connection between the first and second container is established. In this state the cap is partially detached from the container, but is still connected to the first container via the opposing thread. Is particularly useful In this context, the value range of the relative rotation between the fastening sleeve and the coupling device is set via the mutually corresponding rotation stop elements in such a way that the cap can only be unscrewed from the first container until the opening in the cap circumferential wall is released. The start and end stops of the relative rotation between the fastening sleeve and the coupling device, which are set via the position of the rotation stop elements, thus prevent the cap from being completely unscrewed from the first container. Rather, the start and end stops ensure a permanent one

Threaded connection between the cap and the first container regardless of the state of use of the entire packaging system and the opening state of the first container.

In principle, the fluid connection between the two coupled containers allows the reliable and loss-free transfer of the containers held in the first container

Product preparation component from the first into the second container via the corresponding openings in the first container and in the cap. At least in the case of flowable and / or correspondingly pourable product preparation components, as described above, the transfer generally takes place as a result of gravity and therefore automatically, in that the first container is held on top. Alternatively or additionally, the transfer of the

Product preparation component can also be effected by means of an external force acting on a deformable first container. This applies, for example, to a bag or tube-like first container in which the product preparation component can be squeezed out of the first container for transfer to the second container.

An alternative embodiment of the packaging system provides that a further product preparation component is kept in the second container so that, after the second container is coupled to the first container by means of the closure device, the first

Product preparation component with the at least one further

To mix product preparation component. For this purpose, the two product preparation components initially held separately from one another in the two containers are first brought together in the course of the coupling of the containers with the formation of the fluid connection, in order then to subsequently mix them into a multi-component product preparation. The actual mixture is brought about by quickly moving the two coupled containers. For this purpose, the two coupled containers are shaken, swiveled, rotated or the like by the user. In principle, such multi-component product preparation mixtures, consisting of individual product preparation components that are initially chemically incompatible with one another, are not uncommon. Exemplary for such

Multi-component product preparation mixtures may be mentioned here as cosmetic application products, such as multi-component hair coloring products. The advantage of the present

The packaging system consists in its being closed off from the environment

Basic structure. I.e. By means of the present packaging system, chemically highly reactive or as individual product preparation components can also be used

hazardous substances are handled safely. Finally, a transfer can a first product preparation component from the first container, possibly for subsequent mixing with a further product preparation component, only if the coupling has been carried out with an associated second container and the first container is opened as intended. An undesired escape of the first product preparation component from the first container into the environment is prevented by means of the present multifunctional

Closure device effectively avoided.

According to a further useful embodiment of the packaging system is

Closure device can be coupled to the second container in a liquid-tight manner. After that is the

Closing device coupled so tightly to the second container by means of the coupling device that an undesired escape of one or more flowable and / or pourable product preparation components into the environment is reliably avoided. In this respect, a closed packaging system is achieved which reliably ensures that the user does not come into contact with one of the product preparation components being handled.

A variant of the packaging system that has been further developed in comparison results from the fact that the closure device has at least one sealing element in order to ensure a liquid-tight connection to the first and / or second container. Sealing elements of this type can basically assume almost any geometric configuration and primarily have a sealing effect in the axial and / or radial direction. In particular, the sealing elements can be designed as a sealing ring, sealing lip or the like.

In addition, protection is sought for two alternative procedural instructions for handling at least one product preparation component using a packaging system described above.

A first alternative method is used for the secure transfer of at least one

Product preparation component proceeding from a first container into a second container, a packaging system as described above being used. The packaging system then comprises a first container for holding at least a first one

Product preparation component, an opening of the first container being tightly closed with respect to the environment by means of a closure element of the closure device that is firmly connected to the first container. To this end, the closure element comprises a cap which, in the initial state of the closure device, is connected to a fastening sleeve of the closure element via a predetermined breaking point. The first container, closed in this way, cannot be opened manually by the user. Furthermore, the closure device has a coupling device in order to couple the second container to the closure device and in principle to be able to create a fluid connection between the first container and the second container. In this case, the closure element and the coupling device, as initially separate components, are non-detachably joined together to form the closure device. In this context, insoluble means that the two components do not move after the joining process can be separated from each other again without destruction. Furthermore, the coupling device is axially displaceable with respect to an axis of the closure device relative to the closure device and is arranged such that it cannot rotate relative to the axis with respect to rotation about the axis. In addition, the coupling device has a thread for screwing to the second container. For such a packaging system, the following process sequence proves to be sensible in order to transfer the product preparation component from the first container safely into the second container without undesired escape into the environment. First of all, the first container is attached to the second container by means of the closure device, specifically by engaging corresponding threads on the coupling device and on the second container. The closure device is then screwed onto the second container by means of the coupling device, specifically until a coupling end position between

Coupling device and second container. The coupling end position describes a state in which the coupling device is completely screwed onto the second container by means of the thread. In addition, the coupling device cannot be screwed any further onto the second container and thus at least temporarily forms a stationary structural unit with the second container. Thus not only the closure device itself but also the first container, which is inextricably connected to it, is coupled to the second container. The relative rotation between the first container or the closing device and the second container, which is already used for screwing on the closure device, is then continued. I.e. the first container is rotated further relative to the second container together with the closure element while maintaining the untwisting direction of the coupling device. In this case, the cap, which is initially connected to the fastening sleeve via the predetermined breaking point and which on the other hand is arranged in a rotationally secure manner relative to the coupling device, is separated from the closure element or the fastening sleeve at the predetermined breaking point. The separation of the cap at the predetermined breaking point takes place due to the fact that with continued relative rotation between the two coupled containers, the fastening sleeve follows the movement of the first container, while the coupling device with the cap follows the movement of the second container. After separating the cap from the fastening sleeve, the

Relative rotation between the first container or the fastening sleeve and the second container continues with the coupling device while maintaining the direction of rotation. The now separated cap is connected to the first container by means of a thread, which has a direction of rotation opposite to the thread of the coupling device. Thus, when the relative rotation continues and as a result of the counter-rotating

At the same time unscrewed the cap thread from the first container. For example, the thread between the coupling device and the second container is designed to be clockwise, while the thread between the cap and the first container is designed to be counterclockwise. It goes without saying that the opposite direction of rotation of the two threads is also conceivable, it being crucial that the two threads must be oriented in opposite directions to one another. As a result of the continued relative rotation, the cap is now loosened at least so far from the first container that at least one opening in a peripheral wall of the pot-like cap is exposed becomes. Because of its overlap with the opening of the first container, this cap opening effects a fluid connection between the first and the second container. After the fluid connection between the two containers has been set, the at least one product preparation component can then also be transferred from the first to the second container. Such a transfer of the product preparation component is preferably carried out as a result of gravity, the first container being arranged on top when the containers are coupled. In addition, the product transfer, especially with a flexibly designed first container, can be carried out through external

Force acting on the first container are supported. This preferably applies to tube-shaped or bag-shaped first containers.

In principle, the procedure described above is suitable for handling almost all conceivable product preparation components. However, due to the closed functionality of the packaging system with the possibility of product transfer only after the two associated containers have been properly coupled, a particularly advantageous use in connection with chemically highly reactive or possibly also

substances hazardous to health. In addition, the procedure described above can be used extremely universally in a wide variety of fields of application. Purely by way of example, the advantageous use of the transfer method according to the invention is u. a. for any type of substance addition, for refilling processes from refill containers, for the addition of additives and for comparable substance transfer processes.

A second alternative method serves not only to safely transfer at least one product preparation component from a first container to a second container, but also to subsequently mix the first product preparation component with another product preparation component held in the second container to form a multi-component product preparation. Here, too, comes one described above

Packaging system used. According to this, the packaging system comprises a first container for holding at least one first product preparation component, an opening of the first container being tightly closed from the environment by means of a closure element of the closure device firmly connected to the first container. To this end, the closure element comprises a cap which, in the initial state of the closure device, is connected to a fastening sleeve of the closure element via a predetermined breaking point. The first container, closed in this way, cannot be opened manually by the user. In addition, the packaging system comprises a second container for holding at least one additional container

Product preparation component. Furthermore, the closure device has a

Coupling device to couple the second container to the closure device and to be able to create a fluid connection between the first container and the second container. In this case, the closure element and the coupling device, as initially separate components, are non-detachably joined together to form the closure device. In this context, inseparable means that the two components cannot be separated from one another without being destroyed after the joining process. Furthermore, the coupling device is related axially displaceable on an axis of the closure device relative to the closure device and arranged so as to be non-rotatable with respect to a rotation about the axis. In addition, the coupling device has a thread for screwing to the second container. For such a packaging system, the following process sequence proves to be useful in order to safely transfer the product preparation component from the first container into the second container and with the other container there without undesired escape into the environment

To mix product preparation component into a multi-component product preparation. First of all, the first container is attached to the second container by means of the closure device, specifically by engaging corresponding threads on the coupling device and on the second container. The closure device is then screwed onto the second container by means of the coupling device until a coupling end position is reached between the coupling device and the second container. The coupling end position describes a state in which the coupling device is completely screwed onto the second container by means of the thread. In addition, the

Do not screw the coupling device further onto the second container and thus at least temporarily forms a stationary structural unit with the second container. That’s not the only thing

Closure device itself but at the same time also the first container, which is inextricably connected to it, is coupled to the second container. After that, it becomes the

Unscrewing the closure device used relative rotation between the first container or the closure device and the second container continued. I.e. the first container together with the closure element is retained in the untwisting direction

Coupling device rotated further relative to the second container. In this case, the cap, which is initially connected to the fastening sleeve via the predetermined breaking point and which, on the other hand, is non-rotatably arranged relative to the coupling device, is removed from the predetermined breaking point

Closure element or the fastening sleeve separated. The separation of the cap at the predetermined breaking point takes place due to the fact that with continued relative rotation between the two coupled containers, the fastening sleeve follows the movement of the first container, while the coupling device with the cap follows the movement of the second container. After separating the cap from the fastening sleeve, the relative rotation between the first container or the fastening sleeve and the second container with the

Coupling device continued while maintaining the direction of rotation. The now separated cap is connected to the first container by means of a thread, which has a direction of rotation opposite to the thread of the coupling device. Thus, when the relative rotation continues and as a result of the counter-rotating

At the same time unscrewed the cap thread from the first container. For example, the thread between the coupling device and the second container is designed to be clockwise, while the thread between the cap and the first container is designed to be counterclockwise. It goes without saying that the opposite direction of rotation of the two threads is also conceivable, it being crucial that the two threads must be oriented in opposite directions to one another. As a result of the continued relative rotation, the cap is now at least that far from the first container unscrewed that at least one opening is released in a peripheral wall of the pot-like cap. Because of its overlap with the opening of the first container, this cap opening effects a fluid connection between the first and the second container. After the fluid connection between the two containers has been set, the at least one product preparation component can then also be transferred from the first to the second container. Such a transfer of the product preparation component is preferably carried out as a result of gravity, the first container being arranged on top when the containers are coupled. In addition, the product transfer, especially with a flexibly designed first container, can be carried out through external

Force acting on the first container are supported. This preferably applies to tube-shaped or bag-shaped first containers. After the first product preparation component has been transferred into the second container, the multiple product preparation components can then be mixed in the second container to form a multi-component product preparation. Mixing is preferably carried out with a correspondingly suitable movement of the two coupled containers, for example by means of shaking, pivoting, rotating or comparable movements. In particular, the mixing process of the multiple product preparation components is carried out with a continuous fluid connection between the two containers. This not only brings about a very homogeneous mixing of the different product preparation components, but also ensures complete mixing of the product preparation components for the multi-component product preparation. This ensures that the reserved quantities of the individual product preparation components actually flow completely into the multi-component product preparation mixture. In this respect, it is also guaranteed that through

Mixing the complete product preparation component quantities creates a defined and therefore often intended mixing ratio between the individual components

Product preparation components is observed.

Furthermore, the specific design of the closed packaging system also ensures particularly safe handling of the individual product preparation components, which may not be uncritical for the user, within the scope of this second alternative method. In principle, the above-described mixing process is suitable for handling a large number of different product preparation components that have to be further processed into a mixture. Above all, such a mixing process makes sense with one another or with one another

Ambient parameters chemically highly reactive individual product preparation components, which must be kept separate from one another until the actual application. Multi-component cosmetic products, such as hair coloring products, may be mentioned as an example of such application forms. Even individually considered substances that may be hazardous to health can be advantageously and safely handled by means of the mixing process due to the closed design of the packaging system. In addition, the above is

Mixing processes can be used universally in a wide variety of fields of application.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the two aforementioned method alternatives, the method steps for coupling and releasing the cap from the first container are also included simultaneous creation of the fluid connection between the first and second container reversibly feasible. Thereafter, when the relative direction of rotation, which is used to couple the two containers, is reversed, the two containers can be decoupled again in an analogous manner in the reverse order of the corresponding individual method steps already described above. In principle, a reversal of the relative direction of rotation between the two coupled and fluidically connected containers initially results in the cap being tightened on the first container. At the same time, the axial movement of the cap with respect to the first container closes the at least one opening in the cap circumferential wall, whereby the fluid connection between the two containers is canceled and the first container is immediately closed again. When the cap is completely tightened on the first container, the coupling device is then loosened from the second container while continuing the reverse relative rotation, namely until the coupling device can be completely detached from the second container again. Such a reversible procedure opens up the possibility of the coupling process, the fluid connection process, the transfer of a product preparation component and possibly the mixing of several product preparation components by means of the

to repeat the packaging system according to the invention as often as desired.

Furthermore, with appropriately finely divided control of the opening and closing process of the cap, the amount of transferred product preparation component can be influenced in a targeted manner, so that basically a type of dosing system for the first

Product preparation component results. This can be advantageously extended

Derive fields of application for such a packaging system. For example, it is conceivable to dispense only a certain amount of the product preparation component from the first container into the second container during each coupling process. In this way, depending on the application, a dosage of defined delivery quantities is also possible

Product preparation component from the first container conceivable. In any case, such a reversible sequence of the process steps mentioned is possible both with a transfer process and with a mixing process.

Another useful embodiment of the two mentioned method variants results from the fact that the relative rotation between the fastening sleeve and the coupling device around the axis of the closure device is limited to a range of rotation of less than 360 ° by providing corresponding rotation stop elements on the fastening sleeve and the coupling device, which allow relative rotation only between a start and an end stop position of the corresponding rotation stop elements. As already described, the two rotation stop elements interact with the at least one corresponding rotation stop element on exactly the other component and form a start and an end stop for the relative rotation between the fastening sleeve and

Coupling device. In this way, the range of values for the relative rotation between the fastening sleeve and the coupling device can be set precisely to an angle of rotation of less than 360 °. Rotation angles between the start and end stop have proven to be preferred value ranges from about 0-180 °, particularly preferably from 0-90 °, proved. These limited rotation angle ranges ultimately also determine the maximum possible amount of rotation of the cap with respect to the first container. In this respect, the maximum opening dimension of the cap or the maximum release position of the cap with respect to the first container is also determined indirectly via this limited angle of rotation. I.e. at the end stop of the corresponding rotation stop elements, i.e. when the upper limit of the angle of rotation is reached, the maximum release position of the cap on the first container is also reached. Thus, by suitably setting the upper limit of the angle of rotation, it can be reliably set that the cap does not detach completely from the first container, but is always in threaded engagement with the first container in every application state of the packaging system. In order to ensure that the cap is opened sufficiently wide within the rotational angle ranges limited by the rotation stop elements, not least in order to also establish a sufficient fluid connection, the thread between the cap and the first container must also be designed accordingly. In detail, the thread is not only designed in the opposite direction to the thread between the coupling device and the second container with regard to its direction of rotation, but the thread pitch is also chosen to be significantly higher than that of the thread between the coupling device and the second container. Due to the high thread pitch of the thread between the cap and the first container, the cap makes sufficient axial travel despite the limited relative rotation in order to sufficiently expose the radially directed openings in the cap circumferential wall. The optimized design of the thread pitch thus ultimately results in a sufficient axial opening or opening.

Closing movement within the start or end stop of the relative rotation between the closure element and the coupling device.

Further features of the invention are also explained below using the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures.

It shows:

Fig. 1 An embodiment of the individual components of the packaging system in

perspective view;

FIG. 2 the closure device according to FIG. 1 in two perspective views; FIG.

3 shows the closure device according to FIG. 1 in two different operating states with two sectional views;

4 shows the packaging system according to FIG. 1 in two different operating states with two sectional views.

The embodiment shown in Figures 1-4 illustrates a packaging system 1 with a first container 10 for holding a first, not shown here Product preparation component and a second container 20 for optionally holding at least one further, also not shown here, second product preparation component. The packaging system 1 shown serves for the controlled and safe transfer of the first product preparation component from the first container 10 to the second container 20. If there is a further, second product preparation component in the second container 20, the two product preparation components can also advantageously be combined into one

multi-component product preparation are mixed.

In addition to the two containers 10, 20, the packaging system 1 also includes a multifunctional closure device 3 which, on the one hand, closes the first container 10 tightly against the environment in the initial state by means of a closure element 40. For the

For reliable closure of the first container 10, the closure element 40 initially comprises a fastening sleeve 41 which, in the operational state, is non-detachably connected to the first container 10 in a non-destructive manner. For this purpose, the fastening sleeve 41 is preferably locked to the first container 10 or, in combination, screwed and locked. In any case, the fastening sleeve 41, which is permanently connected to the first container 10, is fixed axially and rotationally fixed on the first container 10 in relation to an axis 4 of the closure device 3. In addition to the fastening sleeve 41, the closure element 40 has an essentially pot-shaped cap 45 which, in the operational state, tightly closes an opening 11 in the first container 10. For this purpose, the cap 45 has a bottom wall 47 with an annular sealing plug 48, which is able to close the opening 11 of the first container 10 with an accurate fit. This reliably prevents the first product preparation component from escaping from the first container into the surroundings.

On the other hand, the closure device 3 also has a coupling device 30 to couple the second container 20 to the closure device 3, and thus indirectly to the first container 10, as well as a fluid connection between the first container 10 and the second container 20 with the interposition of the closure device 3 to accomplish. The

For this purpose, the coupling device 30 has an annular basic structure with a thread 31 which is intended for engagement with a corresponding thread 21 on the second container 20. In addition, the coupling device 30 also has an inner sleeve 32 which can interact positively with the cap 45.

Basically, the two components, closure element 40 and coupling device 30, of closure device 3 are initially designed as separate components, which has the advantage that they can be easily manufactured independently of one another, for example by means of injection molding. In the application, the closure element 40 and the coupling device 30 are non-destructively and non-detachably joined together to form the closure device 3. This is preferably done by a bounce connection in which the closure element 40 and the coupling device 30 are axially locked to one another. After the latching, the closure element 40 and the coupling device 30, as can be seen especially in FIGS. 2-4, cannot be released Assembly unit locking device 3 assembled so that the locking device 3 can be handled very easily in the sequence. At the same time, the closure element 40 and the coupling device 30 are joined together within the closure device 3 in such a way that a limited relative rotation of the closure element 40 and the coupling device 30 about the axis 4 is basically possible. For this purpose, corresponding rotation stop elements 33, 43 are provided on the closure element 40 and on the coupling device 30, which, with appropriate interaction, limit the relative rotation between the closure element 40 and the coupling device 30 to a rotation angle range of less than 360 ° in the application. This corresponds to a rotation range of less than a full turn. In this case, the rotation stop elements 33, 43 are preferably designed as radial ribs or projections, but can also take any other suitable geometric design. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, as in the embodiment shown (see FIG. 2), a plurality of rotation stop elements 33, 43 are arranged distributed over the circumference of the closure element 40 and / or the coupling device 30. This will make the

Angle of rotation range for the relative rotation between closure element 40 and

Coupling device 30 is further limited, for example to angle of rotation ranges of up to 180 °, particularly preferably of up to 90 °. About the position of the distributed on the circumference

Rotation stop elements 33, 43 can therefore be set in a very targeted manner to the desired degree of permissible relative rotation between the closure element 40 and the coupling device 30. Above all, the interaction of several arranged around the circumference allows

Rotation stop elements 33, 43 the defined definition of the start and

End stop positions between closure element 40 and coupling device 30. D. h. the defined relative rotation between the closure element 40 and the coupling device 30 is limited to a fixed, limited angle of rotation range between the start of rotation and

Rotation end stop limited.

As already mentioned, in the initial state of the packaging system 1, the closure device 3 is non-detachably attached to the first container 10 filled with the first product preparation component. Furthermore, in this initial state, as can be seen from FIG

Closure element 40 and the coupling device 30 are arranged with respect to one another in such a way that the cap 45 extends into the inner sleeve 32 of the coupling device 30 in a form-fitting manner. As a result, the cap 45 is fixed on the coupling device 30 so that it cannot rotate with respect to a rotation about the closure device axis 4, so that the cap 45 of each rotation

Coupling device 30 about axis 4 follows.

Furthermore, the cap 45 has an essentially pot-shaped basic structure with a bottom wall 47, which in the initial state covers the opening 11 of the first container 10, and a circumferential wall 49 surrounding the axis 4. In the circumferential wall 49 there are several, in the present exemplary embodiment three , radially oriented openings 51 are provided, so that the bottom wall 48 is in a materially bonded connection with the peripheral wall 49 via three webs 50. Furthermore, the cap 45 is in the initial state via a predetermined breaking point 52 cohesively to the Fastening sleeve 41 connected. In the present exemplary embodiment, the predetermined breaking point 52 comprises a plurality of point-shaped connecting webs which are distributed over the cap circumference and each run between the fastening sleeve 41 and the cap circumferential wall 49. Of course, other, alternatively suitable designs of the predetermined breaking point are also conceivable within the meaning of the invention.

To improve the sealing effect, the closure device 3 preferably comprises at least one sealing element 34, 48, 53, 54, which is effective within the closure device 3 itself or between the closure device and the first and / or second container 10, 20. In the exemplary embodiment of the closure device 3 shown in FIGS. 1-4, several sealing elements 34, 48, 53, 54 are provided, which are preferably designed as sealing lips, sealing rings, annular sealing plugs or the like. These sealing elements 34, 48, 53, 54 in particular jointly prevent, on the one hand, the undesired escape of a

Product preparation component from one of the containers 10, 20 into the environment and on the other hand form a barrier in order to prevent environmental influences, such as

Atmospheric oxygen and humidity, have a negative effect on the product preparation components.

In general, such an essentially closed packaging system 1 can be particularly versatile for holding and handling a wide variety of items

Product preparation components or other chemical substances are used. In particular, the packaging system 1 allows for the user in terms of

Container contents completely contact-free handling of the contained

Product preparation components. Essentially, the packaging system 1 allows both the user-friendly transfer of a first product preparation component from the first container 10 to a second container 20 and the optionally subsequent mixing of the first product preparation component with a second further product preparation component originally contained in the second container 20. In the following, the two essential handling alternatives of the packaging system 1 are explained in more detail, even if the illustrated embodiment of a packaging system 1 is preferably designed for the mixing of a multi-component product preparation.

The process of container coupling for handling the first product preparation component held at least in the first container 10 is primarily illustrated with reference to FIGS. 3-4. To couple the two containers 10, 20, first of all the first container 10 with the closure device 3 permanently attached to it is placed in the overhead position on the second container 20. This can be seen at least in principle from FIG. 4, left figure. In this initial state, the cap 45 is completely screwed onto the first container 10 via the mutual threaded connection 12, 46, so that the opening 11 of the first container 10 is tightly closed by means of the annular sealing plug 48. At the same time, the mutually corresponding threads 21, 31 on the second container 20 and on the

Coupling device 30 attached to one another. The first container 10 rotated together with the closure device 3 in a clockwise direction relative to the second container 20. In this case, the coupling device 30 is screwed onto the corresponding thread 21 on the second container 20 via its clockwise thread 31 in the exemplary embodiment. In this stage, there is also no relative rotation between the closure element 40 and the coupling device 30, since a relative rotation in this direction of rotation is prevented by corresponding interaction of corresponding rotation stop elements 33, 43. The relative rotation between the first container 10 or the closure device 3 and the second container 20 is continued until a coupling end position is reached, which is illustrated by FIG. 4, left-hand illustration. The coupling device 30 is then completely screwed onto the second container 20 so that it is no longer possible to turn the coupling device 30 clockwise and the coupling device 30 forms a stationary structural unit with the second container 20, at least at this stage. So follows the

Coupling device 30 in this coupling end position in the course of the continuation of the

Container coupling of the further movement of the second container 20. After reaching the

Coupling end position, in which the two containers 10, 20 are fundamentally coupled to one another, but there is still no fluid connection between the containers 1, 20, the relative clockwise rotation between the first container 10 and the closing device 3 and, which is already used to unscrew the closure device 3 the second container 20 continued. I.e. The first container 10 is rotated further relative to the second container 20 together with the closure element 40 while maintaining the clockwise untwisting direction of the coupling device 30. In the course of this continued rotary movement, the cap 45, which is initially connected to the fastening sleeve 41 via the predetermined breaking point 52 and which in turn is arranged in a rotationally secure manner relative to the coupling device 30, is separated from the closure element 40 or the fastening sleeve 41 at the predetermined breaking point 52. The severing of the cap 45 at the predetermined breaking point 52 takes place here due to the fact that with continued

Relative rotation between the two coupled containers 10, 20, the fastening sleeve 41 follows the rotary movement of the first container 10, while the coupling device 30 with the cap 45 follows the rotary movement of the second container 20. If a defined torque threshold is exceeded, this leads to breaking of the predetermined breaking point 52. In this context, it should be noted that the torque required to break the predetermined breaking point 52 is always greater than the torque required to screw the coupling device 30 onto the second container 20. This is the only way to maintain the desired sequence of the individual process steps when coupling the two containers 10, 20.

After separating the cap 45 from the fastening sleeve 41, the relative rotation between the first container 10 with the fastening sleeve 41 and the second container 20 with the

Coupling device 30 continued while maintaining the previous direction of rotation. The now separated cap 45 is connected to a corresponding thread 12 on the first container 10 by means of a thread 46, the corresponding threads 12, 46 on the first container 10 and the cap 45 being opposite to the corresponding threads 21, 31 on the second container 20 or the coupling device 30 have an opposite direction of rotation. Thus, the cap 45 is simultaneously unscrewed from the first container 10 when the relative rotation between the two containers 10, 20 and as a result of the counter-rotating cap thread continues. For example, mutually associated threads 21, 31 on the second container 20 and on the coupling device 30 are designed to be clockwise, while the associated threads 12, 46 on the first container 10 and the cap 45 are designed to be counterclockwise. It goes without saying that the opposite direction of rotation of the respective threads 21, 31, 12, 46 is also conceivable, it being crucial that the thread pairs 21, 31, 12, 46 associated with one another must be oriented in opposite directions to one another. As a result of the continued relative rotation, the cap 45 is now unscrewed at least so far from the first container 10 that at least one opening 51 in a peripheral wall 49 of the pot-like cap 45 is exposed. Preferably, several openings 51 are distributed over the circumference of the circumferential wall; In the present embodiment, three openings 51 are formed in the cap peripheral wall 49. Due to their overlap with the opening 11 of the first container 10, these cap openings 51 cause a

Fluid connection between the first 10 and the second container 20. This state with the fluid connection set up between the containers 10, 20 is illustrated above all by FIGS. 3-4, each right-hand illustration. After the fluid connection between the two containers 10, 20 has been set, the transfer of the at least one

Product preparation component take place from the first 10 into the second container 20. Such a transfer of the flowable and / or pourable product preparation component (not shown here) preferably takes place as a result of gravity, the first container 10 being arranged on top when the containers are coupled. In addition, the product transfer, especially in the case of a flexibly designed first container 10, can be supported by the action of external forces on the first container 10. This preferably applies to first containers 10 which are designed in the shape of a tube or bag.

From the procedure described above for handling the according to the invention

Packaging system 1 also shows its decisive advantage. Due to the closed structure of the packaging system 1 in relation to the environment, safe handling of the containers contained in the containers 10, 20 is possible under all circumstances

Product preparation components are guaranteed. Manual removal of the contents from the first container 10 alone is possible because of the non-destructive, non-detachable fastening

Locking device 3 not possible. Rather, in the initial state of the first container 10, the cap 45, as can be seen in FIG. 2, is protected from manual access from the outside by its form-fitting embedding in the inner sleeve 32 of the coupling device 30. Consequently, the cap 45 cannot be detached from the first container 10 without interaction of the closure device 3 with the associated second container 20. A detachment of the cap 45 from the opening 11 of the first container 10 can only take place in the case of a coupling with the associated second container 20 due to the interaction described above. So that's a

Fluid connection of the first container 10 exclusively to the matching second container 20 limited. An undesired fluid connection between the first container 10 and the environment is precluded by the specific design of the packaging system. So that's that

Packaging system 1 is not only advantageously tamper-proof, but also effects the transfer of the product preparation components only within the closed packaging system 1. In this way, for example, undesirable spillage of substances during the transfer from one container to another can be avoided. Ultimately, the closed packaging system 1 prevents any contact between the user and the product preparation components contained therein in every state of use.

The procedure described above for coupling the two containers 10, 20 and for creating a fluid connection between the containers 10, 20 by opening the cap 45 cannot be used solely to transfer a first product preparation component from the first container 10 to the second container 20. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the above

The packaging system can also be used for mixing a multi-component product preparation. For this purpose, a first product preparation component is initially stored in the first container 10, while at least one further component is held in the second container 20

Product preparation component is held. In the initial state, the second container 20 is preferably closed off from the environment with a removable closure, not shown here. If the two containers 10, 20 are now coupled to one another according to the procedure explained above and the corresponding fluid connection is established, the first and the further product preparation component can generally be brought together in the second container 20. The first is transferred

Product preparation component from the first 10 into the second container 20 as described. The two product preparation components can then be mixed with one another within the coupled and fluidically connected containers 10, 20. For this purpose, the entire packaging system 1 with the coupled container 10, 20 is preferably shaken, pivoted or similarly moved in order to move the two by the dynamic of movement

Product preparation components to a multi-component as homogeneous as possible

Mix product preparation. Ideally, the remains during the mixing process

Fluid connection between the containers 10, 20 obtained, which on the one hand increases the available mixing space and on the other hand ensures that both

Product preparation components with their complete amount for the production of the

Product preparation mixture can be used.

In the application state of the packaging system 1 with coupled containers 10, 20 as well as the fluid connection established between the containers, as illustrated in FIGS. 3-4, right-hand illustration, it can also be seen that the cap 45 is not completely detached from the first container 10 . The cap 45 is only loosened to the extent that the cap openings 51 are released radially in order to set the fluid connection between the containers 10, 20. In this cap position, the cap thread 46 is still in engagement with the corresponding thread 12 on the first container 10. This cap position is preferably above that already mentioned rotation stop elements 33, 43 on the coupling device 30 and the

Closure element 40 deliberately set. The basic interaction between the start and stop elements 33, 43 defined by the rotation stop elements

End stop positions for the relative rotation and the associated opening and closing position of the cap 45 have already been mentioned above. In particular, define the corresponding

Rotation stop elements 33, 43 as a result of their interaction an end stop for the relative rotation between the coupling device 30 and the closure element 40 Containers 10, 20. Above all, this end stop with cap 45 correspondingly only partially detached from the first container offers the advantage that all essential method steps for coupling the containers 10, 20 and for creating the fluid connection between the containers 10, 20 can be reversible. Thereafter, when the first relative direction of rotation, which is used to couple the two containers 10, 20, is reversed, the two containers 10, 20 can be decoupled again in an analogous manner in the reverse order of the individual method steps already described above. In principle, a reversal of the relative direction of rotation between the two coupled and fluidically connected containers 10, 20 initially results in the cap 45 being tightened on the first container 10. At the same time, the axial movement of the cap 45 relative to the first container 10 causes the openings 51 in the Cap peripheral wall 49 closed, whereby the fluid connection between the two containers 10, 20 is canceled and the first container 10 is immediately closed again. In this context, care must be taken that by appropriately designing the respective thread parameters between cap 45 and first container 10 as well as coupling device 30 and second container 20, the torque required to tighten the cap 45 is set smaller than the torque required to

Unscrewing the coupling device 30. With the cap 45 fully tightened on the first container 10, the reverse relative rotation is continued

Coupling device 30 loosened from the second container 20 until the

The coupling device 30 can be completely released from the second container 20 again. Such a reversible procedure opens up the possibility of the coupling process, the fluid connection process, the transfer of a product preparation component and possibly the mixing of several

Repeat product preparation components as often as desired by means of the packaging system 1 according to the invention. Furthermore, with appropriately fine-grained control of the opening and closing process of the cap 45, the amount of transferred product preparation component can be influenced in a targeted manner so that the packaging system basically results in a type of metering system for the first product preparation component. This advantageously results in expanded fields of application for such a packaging system 1. For example, it is conceivable to use only a certain amount of the

To dispense the product preparation component from the first container 10 into the second container 20. In this way, depending on the application, defined delivery quantities can also be used the product preparation component can be dosed from the first container. In any case, such a reversible sequence of the process steps mentioned is both in one

Transfer process as well as a mixed process possible.

In principle, the procedure described above is suitable for handling almost all conceivable flowable and / or pourable product preparation components in the sense of the invention. However, due to the closed functionality of the packaging system 1 with the possibility of product transfer only after the two associated containers 10, 20 have been properly coupled, a particularly advantageous use in connection with chemically highly reactive or possibly also individually considered hazardous to health results

Substances. In addition, the procedure described above can be used extremely universally in a wide variety of fields of application. Purely by way of example, the advantageous use of the transfer method according to the invention is u. a. with any kind of

Substance addition, for refilling processes from refill containers, for adding additives and for comparable substance transfer processes.

Furthermore, the specific design of the closed packaging system 1 also ensures particularly safe handling of the individual items, which may not be uncritical for the user, even in the event that a multi-component product preparation mixture is produced

Product preparation components. In principle, the above-described mixing process is suitable for handling a large number of different product preparation components that have to be further processed into a mixture. Above all, such a mixing process makes sense for individual product preparation components that are chemically highly reactive with one another and that have to be kept separate from one another until they are actually used. An example of such application forms are multi-component cosmetic products such as

Hair coloring products, called. Even individually considered substances that may be hazardous to health can be advantageously and safely handled by means of the mixing process due to the closed design of the packaging system. In addition, the above is

Reference number

I packaging system

3 locking device

4 axis

10 first container

I I opening

12 threads

20 second container

21 thread

30 coupling device

31 thread

32 inner sleeve

33 rotation stop element

34 sealing element

40 closure element

41 mounting sleeve

43 Rotation stop element

45 cap

46 thread

47 bottom wall

48 sealing plugs

49 perimeter wall

50 bridge

51 opening

52 predetermined breaking point

53 sealing element

54 sealing element

Claims

Patent claims:

1 . Packaging system (1) for at least one product preparation component with a first container (10) for holding a first product preparation component, with a second container (20) for optionally holding at least one further

Product preparation component and with a closure device (3) which by means of a closure element (40) closes an opening (1 1) of the first container (10) tightly against the environment and has a coupling device (30) to connect the second container (20) to the To couple the closure device (3) and to create a fluid connection between the first container (10) and the second container (20), characterized in that the closure element (40) and the coupling device (30) as separate components cannot be detached from one another to the closure device (3 ) are joined together.

2. Packaging system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the

Closing element (40) is undetachably connected to the first container (10) by means of a fastening sleeve (41), excluding its destruction.

3. Packaging system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

characterized in that the closure element (40) comprises a cap (45) which is in

The initial state of the closure device (3) is connected to the fastening sleeve (41) of the closure element (40) via a predetermined breaking point (52).

4. Packaging system (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the cap (45) is axially displaceable with respect to an axis (4) of the closure device (3) relative to the coupling device (30) and with respect to rotation about the axis ( 4) is arranged to prevent rotation.

5. Packaging system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

characterized in that the coupling device (30) has a thread (31) for screwing to the second container (20).

6. Packaging system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

characterized in that the fastening sleeve (41) and the coupling device (30) each have at least one mutually corresponding rotation stop element (33, 43), which the relative rotation of the fastening sleeve (41) and

The coupling device (30) around the axis (4) of the closure device (3) only allows the corresponding rotation stop elements (33, 43) to rest against one another.

7. Packaging system (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that either the fastening sleeve (41) or the coupling device (30) at least two Rotation stop elements (43, 33) which interact with the at least one corresponding rotation stop element (33, 43) of the coupling device (30) or the fastening sleeve (41) in such a way that an initial and a

End stop for the relative rotation between the fastening sleeve (41) and

Coupling device (30) is formed around the axis (4) of the closure device (3).

8. Packaging system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

characterized in that the cap (45) is connected to the first container (10) via a thread (46) which has a direction of rotation opposite to the thread (31) of the coupling device (30).

9. Packaging system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

characterized in that the cap (45) has a pot-like basic structure, with at least one opening (51) being provided in the peripheral wall (49) of the cap (45).

10. Packaging system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

characterized in that in the second container (20) another

The product preparation component is kept in reserve, after the second container (20) has been coupled to the first container (10) by means of the closure device (3)

Product preparation component with the at least one further

To mix product preparation component.

1 1. Packaging system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

characterized in that the closure device (3) can be coupled to the second container (20) in a liquid-tight manner.

12. Packaging system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

characterized in that the closure device (3) has at least one sealing element (34, 48, 53, 54) in order to ensure a liquid-tight connection to the first (10) and / or second container (20).

13. A method for transferring at least one product preparation component from a first container (10) into a second container (20) using a packaging system (3) according to claims 4-5, characterized by the following method steps: a. Attachment of the first container (10) to the second container (20) by means of the closure device (3) by bringing corresponding threads (31, 21) on the coupling device (30) and on the second container (20) into engagement,

b. Screwing the closure device (3) to the second container (20) by means of the coupling device (30) up to the coupling end position between the coupling device (30) and the second container (20),

c. Continuation of the relative rotation between the first container (10) or the Closure element (40) and the second container (20), the relative to the

Coupling device (30) rotatably arranged cap (45) is separated from the closure element (40) at the predetermined breaking point (52),

d. further continuation of the relative rotation between the first container 0 and the

Closure element (40) and the second container (20), the separate cap (45) being connected to the first container (10) by means of a thread (46) which rotates in the opposite direction to the thread (31) of the coupling device (30) has, and thus the cap (45) is unscrewed from the first container (10),

e formation of a fluid connection between the first (10) and second container (20) via at least one exposed opening (51) in a peripheral wall (49) of the pot-like, at least partially loosened cap (45),

f. Transfer of the product preparation component from the first (10) to the second container (20).

14. A method for mixing a multi-component product preparation using a packaging system (1) according to claims 4-5 with a first container (10) for holding a first product preparation component and with a second container (20) for holding at least one further product preparation component,

characterized by the following process steps:

a. Attachment of the first container (10) to the second container (20) by means of the closure device (3) by bringing corresponding threads (31, 21) on the coupling device (30) and on the second container (20) into engagement,

c. Continuation of the relative rotation between the first container (10) or the

Closure element (40) and the second container (20), the relative to the

Coupling device (30) rotatably arranged cap (45) at the predetermined breaking point (52) is separated from the closure element (40),

d. further continuation of the relative rotation between the first container (10) or the

e. Formation of a fluid connection between the first (10) and the second container (20) via at least one exposed opening (51) in a peripheral wall (49) of the pot-like, at least partially loosened cap (45),

f. Transfer of the first product preparation component from the first (10) to the second container (20), G. Mixing the two product preparation components in the first (10) and / or second container (20).

15. The method according to any one of claims 13, 14, characterized in that the

Process steps a.-e. for coupling the two containers (10, 20) can be carried out reversibly, so that the two containers (10, 20) when the relative direction of rotation is reversed according to method steps e.-a. can be decoupled again analogously.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13-15, characterized in that the

Relative rotation between the fastening sleeve (41) and the coupling device (30) around the axis (4) of the closure device (3) is limited to a rotation range of less than 360 ° by having mutually corresponding rotation stop elements (43, 33) on the

Fastening sleeve (41) and the coupling device (30) are provided, which allow a relative rotation only between a start and an end stop position of the

Allow corresponding rotation stop elements (43, 33).