WO2025152146A1

WO2025152146A1 - Dispensing container and method for producing the same

Info

Publication number: WO2025152146A1
Application number: PCT/CN2024/073241
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jinseok Kim; Xuehua MO
Original assignee: LOreal SA
Current assignee: LOreal SA
Priority date: 2024-01-19
Filing date: 2024-01-19
Publication date: 2025-07-24
Anticipated expiration: 2026-07-19
Also published as: FR3158504B3; FR3158504A3

Abstract

The present application relates to a double-chamber dispensing container (1000,1000') for dispensing two compositions in the mixed state. Said container (1000,1000') comprises: a substantially tubular container body (1,110), made of an elastically deformable material, having a bottom end which is closed, and an end having an opening (13), wherein the container body (1,110) defines a chamber; a cap (2,120) for enclosing the opening (13) of the container body (1,110); a partition unit (3) disposed inside the container body (1,110), between the bottom end and the end having an opening (13), wherein the partition unit (3) closes the substantially tubular container body (1,110) along a peripheral edge thereof so as to separate the chamber into a first compartment (14) far from the bottom end and a second compartment (15) near the bottom end, and the container (1000,1000') is configured to be filled from the opening (13) of the container body (1,110) and is filled from the bottom end with two different compositions, wherein the cap (2,120) or the container body (1,110) includes slots (23,113) for being clamped during filling.

Description

DISPENSING CONTAINER AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING THE SAME

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to a double-chamber dispensing container for dispensing two compositions in the mixed state and a method for producing the same.

BACKGROUND

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

In the manufacture and filling of closure and container packages, the containers and closures typically are shipped separately to a product packager, perhaps by different suppliers. The containers are filled with product by the packager in an automated or manual filling operation, and the closures are then applied to the containers, again either automatically or manually, to complete the package. The closures alternatively may be applied to the containers when the containers and closures are supplied to the packager. This alternative reduces inventory at the packager, but requires the extra step of removing the closure prior to filling the container, followed by re-application of the closure after filling.

There appears another question when the closure and container are firstly assembled and then the assembly are transported for filling operation. Usually, the opening of the closure is rather small, because it should be small enough for consumer using without wasting too much product. However, if the opening is too small, the filling operation is difficult, because the filling nozzle is usually larger than the dispensing opening. In this case, usually, the closure is detached from the container, and the filling operation is rather complicated.

It may be appreciated that there continues to be a need for a double-chamber dispensing container for dispensing two compositions in the mixed state and a method for producing the same, in which the product would be filled in an easy and fast way, and preferably a cap and a container body are assembled in advance and the assembly is filled with product in an easy and fast way without removing the cap, and in this respect, the present invention substantially fulfills this need, and handling costs at the packager are greatly reduced.

SUMMARY

An object of the present invention is to provide a double-chamber dispensing container for dispensing two compositions in the mixed state and a method for producing the same, in which a cap and a container body are assembled in advance and the assembly is filled with product in an easy and fast way without removing the cap, and handling costs at the packager are greatly reduced.

According to one advantageous embodiment, the invention relates to a double-chamber dispensing container for dispensing two compositions in the mixed state, said container comprising:

a substantially tubular container body, made of an elastically deformable material, having a bottom end which is closed, and an end having an opening, wherein the container body defines a chamber;

a cap for enclosing the opening of the container body;

a partition unit disposed inside the container body, between the bottom end and the end having an opening, wherein the partition unit closes the substantially tubular container body along a peripheral edge thereof so as to separate the chamber into a first compartment far from the bottom end and a second compartment near the bottom end, and the container is configured to be filled from the opening of the container body and is filled from the bottom end with two different compositions, wherein the cap or the container body includes slots for being clamped during filling.

In one aspect of the cap according to the present application, wherein said cap comprises:

a main body to be mounted onto the container, wherein the main body includes a filling opening aligned with a mouth opening defined by the finish; and

a cover connected to the main body by an integrally molded hinge to pivot between an open position in which said cover is spaced from said main body and a closed position in which said cover is closed on said main body;

wherein the slots are arranged on the left and right side of the outer surface of the main body.

In another aspect of the cap according to the present application, wherein said cap further comprises:

a fitment to be inserted in the filling opening of the main body, wherein the fitment includes a dispensing opening which is aligned with the filling opening but has a smaller diameter than that of the filling opening;

wherein the fitment is configured to be removably engaged with the cover before filling the dispensing container with content, and the fitment is permanently held in the main body as soon as it is inserted into the filling opening of the main body after the content is filled.

In another aspect of the cap according to the present application, wherein the cover comprises a plug for blocking the dispensing opening in the closed position.

In another aspect of the cap according to the present application, wherein the fitment includes a flange on the top, and the cover includes a collar to abut against the flange in the closed position.

In another aspect of the cap according to the present application, wherein the main body includes one or more circumferential recesses on the inner peripheral surface thereof, and wherein fitment includes a skirt for inserting in the filling opening of the main body, and one or more circumferential beads extends radially outwardly from an outer peripheral surface of the skirt to be engaged with the one or more circumferential recesses.

In another aspect of the cap according to the present application, wherein the fitment is in plug sealing engagement with the plug of the cover when in the closed position.

In another aspect of the cap according to the present application, wherein the fitment includes a circumferential protrusion which defines the smallest diameter of the dispensing opening, and the plug includes a circumferential bead near the free end of the plug for the plug sealing engagement with the circumferential protrusion.

In another aspect of the cap according to the present application, wherein the main body includes a stepped portion surrounding the filling opening near the top surface of the main body, and the flange is configured to be seated onto the stepped portion so that the top surface of the fitment is flush with the top surface of the main body after the insertion.

In another aspect of the cap according to the present application, wherein the fitment includes a circumferential boss which axially extends from the top surface of the flange.

In another aspect of the cap according to the present application, wherein the fitment is made of resiliently deformable material, preferably thermoplastic elastomers.

In another aspect of the cap according to the present application, wherein said cap is a screw cap, and wherein the slots are a pair of parallel guiding slots on the neck of the container body.

In another aspect of the cap according to the present application, wherein said cap comprises a cap body including a dispensing opening and a plug to be plugged into the dispensing opening.

In another aspect of the cap according to the present application, wherein the container body includes a flange above the parallel guiding slots, and when said cap is tightened onto the container body, the cap will abut against the flange.

According to another advantageous embodiment, the invention relates to a method for producing a double-chamber dispensing container for dispensing two compositions in the mixed state, including:

providing a substantially tubular container body, wherein the container body is provided with a partition unit including a partition ring and a partition plate, wherein the partition ring and the partition plate are formed as one piece, wherein the partition unit hermetically separates the tubular container body into a first compartment far from a bottom end and a second compartment near the bottom end;

filling the first compartment with a first composition;

sealing the first compartment by closing a cap onto the opening of the container body;

filling the second compartment with a second composition; and

sealing the bottom end, so as to form a transverse seal to seal the second compartment;

wherein the container body or the cap is clamped during the filling.

Thanks to the double-chamber dispensing container for dispensing two compositions in the mixed state and a method for producing the same according to the present application, the product would be filled in an easy and fast way, and preferably a cap and a container body are assembled in advance and the assembly is filled with product in an easy and fast way without removing the cap, handling costs at the packager are greatly reduced.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a double-chamber dispensing container for dispensing two compositions in the mixed state according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the cap is in a closed state.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the double-chamber dispensing container according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein a first compartment and a second compartment are imaginary, just for easy understanding the relationships for the elements of the container, wherein the cap is in a closed state.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the double-chamber dispensing container according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the cap is in a closed state.

FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of a cap of the double-chamber dispensing container according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the cap is in an open state, and a fitment is shown separate from the cap.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a cap of the double-chamber dispensing container according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the cap is in an open state.

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the cap of the double-chamber dispensing container as shown in fig. 5 according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the cap is in an open state.

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view for filling a content into the double-chamber dispensing container according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view for filling a content into the double-chamber dispensing container according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows a schematic view of a process for producing a double-chamber dispensing container for dispensing two compositions in the mixed state according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows an exploded view of the double-chamber dispensing container according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows a schematic view of a process for producing a double-chamber dispensing container for dispensing two compositions in the mixed state according to the another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses.

The following detailed description of the present invention refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific embodiments in which the present invention may be implemented. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to implement the present invention. It should be understood that various embodiments of the present invention are different from each other, but need not be mutually exclusive.

With respect to the terms used in the present invention, general terms that are currently and widely used are selected in consideration of functions of the present invention. However, the meanings of the terms may be changed according to intention of those skilled in the art, a judicial precedent, emergence of a new technology, and the like. In addition, in certain cases, a term may be selected at discretion of the applicant. In such cases, the meaning of the term will be described in detail at the corresponding part in the description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the entire descriptions provided herein without being simply limited to the names of terms.

In the present disclosure, when some part “includes” some elements, unless explicitly described to the contrary, it means that other elements may be further included but not excluded.

Hereinafter, a double-chamber dispensing container for dispensing two compositions in the mixed state according to one or more embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11.

Figures 1 to 3 illustrate a double-chamber dispensing container 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention in exploded views and a cross-sectional view respectively.

As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the double-chamber dispensing container 1000 comprises a substantially tubular container body 1. In one example, the tubular container body 1 is made of an elastically deformable material, for example high-density polyethylene or polypropylene. In one embodiment, the tubular container body 1 is transparent or translucent, so that the user can easily view the content therein. In the embodiment of the present invention, the tubular container body 1 includes a bottom end which is closed, and an end having a mouth opening 13, wherein the container body defines a chamber. In one embodiment as shown in fig. 2, the tubular container body 1 includes a finish 11 on one end, and the finish 11 defines a mouth opening 13.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the double-chamber dispensing container 1000 further comprises a cap 2 for enclosing the mouth opening 13 of the container body 1. The cap 2 is secured onto the finish 11. In order to apply an activating pressure or force to open the cap 2, the cap 2 may comprise, on its outer surface, a recess 24 for a finger to apply force to the cap 2. Moreover, in order to facilitate hold of the container 1000 by a user or during manufacturing or filling, preferably two slots 23 are arranged on the left and right side of the outer surface of the cap 2, which will be discussed below.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the double-chamber dispensing container 1000 further comprises a partition unit 3. The partition unit 3 is disposed inside the container body 1, so as to hermetically divide the chamber of the tubular container body 1 into two chambers, i.e., a first compartment 14 far from the bottom end and a second compartment 15 near the bottom end. The first compartment 14 and second compartment 15 in fig. 2 are imaginary, just for easy understanding the position relationships for the elements in the container 1000. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first compartment 14 is configured to contain a first composition, and the second compartment 15 is configured to contain a second composition.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the partition unit 3 is disposed inside the tubular container body 1 of the container 1000, closing the tubular container body 1 hermetically along its peripheral edge. In this way, before activation of the partition unit 3 by the user, the two compositions cannot come into contact with each other, and are effectively stored in hermetic manner. This makes it possible to store in the same container 1000 for a long period of time two compositions in the separated state which are relatively unstable when they come into contact with one another. In one example, the first composition includes a colorant, and the second composition includes a developer.

Preferably, the partition unit 3 is substantially in the form of a disc, for example circular or elliptic, but this shape may, of course, vary as a function of the circumferential shape of the container body 1. In one embodiment of the present invention, the partition unit 3 includes a partition ring 31 and a partition plate 32. In one embodiment, the partition ring 31 and the partition plate 32 are formed as one piece by bi-injection or overmolding or are mechanically assembled by force, and the partition plate 32 is configured to be separated from the partition ring 31 under the effect of a transverse activating pressure or force onto the container body 1.

FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of a cap 2 of the double-chamber dispensing container 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the cap 2 is in an open state, and a fitment 26 is shown separate from the cap 2. FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a cap 2 of the double-chamber dispensing container 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the cap 2 is in an open state. FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the cap 2 of the double-chamber dispensing container 1000 as shown in fig. 5 according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the cap 2 is in an open state.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the cap 2 is a flip cap, and it includes a main body 21 and a cover 22. In one example, the cover 22 is articulated relative to the main body 21 by means of a hinge 25, especially a film hinge, as shown in fig. 6. In this way, the cap 2 can be easily open or closed by means of pivoting the cover 22 with respect to the main body 21. In one example, the main body 21 and the cover 22 constitute a monobloc assembly in a single piece.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the cap 2 further includes a fitment 26. In one example, the fitment 26 is made of resiliently deformable material, preferably thermoplastic elastomers. As shown in fig. 3, in a normal closed state for the dispensing container 1000, the fitment 26 is hermetically disposed between the main body 21 and the cover 22, thereby hermetically closing the mouth opening 13 of the tubular container body 1. In this way, the content within the tubular container body 1 is prevented to flow out.

As shown in figs. 4-6, the main body 21 includes a filling opening 214 at the center thereof. In one example, around the filling opening 214, the main body 21 includes a first annular wall 211 extending downward from the top surface 210 of the main body 21. In one example, the first annular wall 211 extends about half height of the main body 21. A bottom stop 212 extends radially inwardly from the bottom end of the first annular wall 211 and terminates to a second annular wall 213. The second annular wall 213 extends axially upwardly from the bottom stop 212, and it extends about half height of the first annular wall 211. In this way, the first annular wall 211, the bottom stop 212 and the second annular wall 213 enclose an annular groove 216 for receiving the fitment 26, which will be discussed below. In one example, the first annular wall 211 includes one or more circumferential recesses 215 on the inner peripheral surface thereof.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the fitment 26 includes a skirt 263 for inserting into the annular groove 216 of the main body 21. On the outer peripheral surface of the skirt 263, there is formed one or more circumferential beads 264 which extends radially outwardly from the outer peripheral surface of the skirt 263. In one example, the number of the circumferential beads 264 is the same as that of the circumferential recesses 215, so that each circumferential bead 264 of the fitment 26 is configured to be engaged into each corresponding circumferential recess 215 of the main body 21.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the fitment 26 includes a flange 262 extending from the top end of the skirt 263. The main body 21 includes a stepped portion 217 surrounding the filling opening 214 near the top surface 210 of the main body 21. When the fitment 26 is assembled to the main body 21, the flange 262 seats onto the stepped portion 217, so that the top surface of the fitment 26 is substantially flush with the top surface 210 of the main body 21. The stepped portion 217 and the flange 262 also prevent the fitment 26 from being further forced into the mouth opening 13 of the container body 1.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the fitment 26 includes a circumferential boss 261 which axially extends from the top surface of the flange 262. When dispensing, the circumferential boss 261 will prevent from the content in the tubular container body 1 flowing onto the top surface 210 of the main body 21.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the fitment 26 includes a dispensing opening 265 passing through the center thereof. In one example, the dispensing opening 265 is in the form of a sand timer. In other words, the fitment 26 further reduces the diameter of the opening which is dispensing the content in the tubular container body 1, compared to the diameter of the filling opening 214. In one example, the fitment 26 includes a circumferential protrusion 266 which defines the smallest diameter of the dispensing opening 265.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the cover 22 includes a plug 221 which closes the dispensing opening 265 when the cover 22 is in the closed position illustrated in Figs. 1-3. In one example, the plug 221 includes a circumferential bead 222 near the free end of the plug 221. The circumferential bead 222 is used for engaging with the circumferential protrusion 266. In another example, the plug 221 is in interference fit with the dispensing opening 265, so that the plug 221 can sufficiently seal the dispensing opening 265. In one embodiment of the present invention, the plug 221 is hollow so as to increase the elasticity, and so that the plug 221 can easily deform to be plugged out from the dispensing opening 265 when opening the cover 22.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the cover 22 includes a collar 223 extending coaxially with the plug 221. The collar 223 is configured to abut with the top surface of the fitment 26 when the cover 22 is in a closed position. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cover 22 further includes many strengthening ribs 224 arranged on the inner and/or outer peripheral surfaces of the collar 223, for supporting the insertion of the fitment 26 into the main body 21, as will be explained below.

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view for filling a content into the double-chamber dispensing container 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 shows a perspective view for filling a content into the double-chamber dispensing container 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

In order to perform a filling process, the cap 2 is firstly tightened onto the finish 11 of the tubular container body 1, wherein the cover 22 is in an open state with respect to the main body 21. At this stage, the fitment 26 is attached to the cover 22, as shown in figs. 7-8. The fitment 26 is attached to the cover 22 by inserting the plug 221 into the dispensing opening 265 of the fitment 26, preferably by the engagement of the circumferential bead 222 of the cover 22 with the circumferential protrusion 266 of the fitment 26. In other words, the cap 2 and tubular container body 1 are provided as an assembly or package to a product packager, the assembly or package transported for filling with product or content through the filling opening in the cover 22.

Then, with the fitment 26 being attached to the cover 22, as shown in fig. 8, the assembly or package of the cap 2 and tubular container body 1 are secured in position by a pair of holding jigs 50 clamping onto the slots 23 on the outer surface of the cap 2. In the next, a filling nozzle 51 will fill the tubular container body 1 with the product or content. In doing so, a nozzle head 52 will pass through the filling opening 214 which has a larger diameter than that of the dispensing opening 265, as shown in fig. 7. At this stage, the fitment 26 keeps being attached to the cover 22, and the cover 22 stays in the open position.

After the tubular container body 1 is filled with the product or content in predetermined quantity, the filling is complete. Then the filling nozzle 51 is withdrawn, and the assembly or package of the cap 2 and tubular container body 1 are still secured in position by a pair of holding jigs 50, and then the cap is forced to pivot to the closed position as shown in figs. 1-3. During this time, the fitment 26 will be pressed to be inserted into the main body 21 by pivoting the cover 22 with respect to the main body 21 from the open position to the closed position, and the collar 223 as well as the strengthening ribs 224 will press onto the flange 262 of the fitment 26 and the circumferential bead 264 of the fitment 26 is forced to be slipped into each corresponding circumferential recess 215 of the main body 21. Thus, the cover 22 is now in a closed position with respect to the main body 21, and the fitment 26 will stay or is permanently held in the main body 21 from this time whether the cover 22 is opened or closed again, because the force needed for disengaging the fitment 26 from the main body 21 is larger than the force needed for disengaging the fitment 26 from the cover. In other words, the frictional force between the circumferential bead 264 of the fitment 26 and the circumferential recess 215 of the main body 21 is larger or much larger than the frictional force between the circumferential bead 222 of the cover 22 and the circumferential protrusion 266 of the fitment 26, and thus the fitment 26 is permanently held in the main body 21 after it is inserted into the main body 21 for the first time.

In other words, the cap 2 and tubular container body 1 are provided as an assembly or package to a product packager, and the assembly or package is filled with product or content through the large filling opening in the cover 22. Thus, without removing the cap 2 from the tubular container body 1, the assembly is filled with product in an easy and fast way, because the filling nozzle having a larger diameter can pass through the relative large filling opening, not a rather small dispensing opening. The cover 22 is then closed over the tubular container body 1 to complete the filled package.

In one embodiment of the present application, a pair of holding jigs 50 will clamp onto the slots 23 on the outer surface of the cap 2 so as to hold the tubular container body 1. In this way, during filling of the container 1000, there will be no or little pressure or damage to the partition unit area. During this time, a filling nozzle 51 will fill the first compartment 14 with the first composition, such as colorant. In one embodiment of the present application, after the first compartment 14 is filled with the first composition, the holding jigs 50 keep clamping onto the slots 23, and the cover 22 with be closed onto the main body 21 so as to seal the mouth opening 13 and thus seal the first compartment 14. Thereafter, the tubular container body 1 will be put in a reversed position so that the second compartment 15 is on the top and the first compartment 14 which has been filled with the first composition is now at the bottom. In a similar way, the second compartment 15 will be filled with the second composition, such as the developer. After the second compartment 15 is filled with the second composition, the second compartment 15 will be closed and sealed by a transverse seal 12, as schematically shown in fig. 2. In this way, the tubular container body 1 is sealed in both the first compartment 14 and the second compartment 15.

FIG. 9 shows a schematic view of a process for producing a double-chamber dispensing container 1000 for dispensing two compositions in the mixed state according to one embodiment of the present invention. First of all, the tubular container body 1 is a hollow cylinder on the bottom end as shown in FIG. 9a. The partition unit 3 is inserted into the tubular container body 1 from the open bottom end. As shown in fig. 6, a jig is used for supporting the partition unit 3 and the tubular container body 1 in position, and then the partition unit 3 is welded to the tubular container body 1, so that the tubular container body 1 is divided into the first compartment near the finish 11 and the second compartment near the bottom end. Then, a pair of holding jigs 50 will clamp onto the slots 23 on the outer surface of the cap 2 so as to hold the tubular container body 1. In this way, during filling of the container 1000, there will be no or little pressure or damage to the partition unit area. During this time, a filling nozzle 51 will fill the first compartment 14 with the first composition, such as colorant, as schematically shown in FIG. 9b.

After the first compartment 14 is filled with the first composition, the holding jigs 50 keep clamping onto the slots 23, and the cover 22 with be closed onto the main body 21 so as to seal the opening 13 and thus seal the first compartment 14, as schematically shown in FIG. 9c. Thereafter, the tubular container body 1 will be put in a reversed position so that the second compartment 15 is on the top and the first compartment 14 which has been filled with the first composition is now at the bottom, as shown in FIG. 9c. In a similar way, the second compartment 15 will be filled with the second composition, such as the developer, by means of another filling nozzle 53, as schematically shown in FIG. 9d. After the second compartment 15 is filled with the second composition, the second compartment 15 will be closed and sealed by a transverse seal 12, as schematically shown in FIG. 9e. In this way, the tubular container body 1 is sealed in both the first compartment 14 and the second compartment 15.

In one embodiment of the present invention, an indicator 16 is formed on an outer surface of the substantially tubular container body 1, for assisting a user to apply the transverse activating pressure or force thereon, as schematically shown in FIG. 9e. The indicator 16 may be one or more lines on a circumference of the tubular container body 1 in a position near where the partition unit 3 is situated. In one example, the indicator 16 may be a relief on a circumference of the tubular container body 1. The indicator 16 may provide the user with a visual or tactile sensation.

When in use, the user may first press or squeeze the tubular container body 1, preferably with the help of the indicator 16, so as to squeeze the partition unit 3 to separate the partition plate 32 from the partition ring 31. After the partition plate 32 is separated from the partition ring 31, the compositions in the first compartment 14 and the second compartment 15 can go through the partition unit 3. Then the user can shake the container 1000 so as to evenly mix the first composition and second composition. After the first composition and second composition are sufficiently mixed, the user can squeeze the tubular container body 1 in a normal way, and then the mixed compositions are extruded for use.

FIG. 10 shows an exploded view of the double-chamber dispensing container 1000’ according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the container 1000’ includes a screw type cap 120. In one example, the cap 120 includes a cap body 121 for capping the container body, and there is a plug 124 for sealing the cap 120. In one example, the cap body 121 includes a dispensing opening on the top for dispensing the contents when in use. In one example, the cap body 121 includes a collar 122 for receiving the plug 124 by a snap fit for example. In one example, the plug 124 includes a circumferential bead 123. The circumferential bead 123 is used for plugging into the collar 122 so as to seal the dispensing container 1000’.

In one example, the double-chamber dispensing container 1000’ comprises a substantially tubular container body 110. In this embodiment, the double-chamber dispensing container 1000’ is clamped onto the container body 110, not on the outer surface of the cap as shown in figs. 1-9. In this embodiment, the container body 110 includes an external thread 111 on the neck thereof. In one embodiment, the container body 110 includes an annular planar flange 112 under the external thread 111 in a plane normal to a vertical axis of the container body 110. This flange 112 is adapted to secure the cap 120 to the container body 110 via the cap 120 terminating to the flange 112. In one example, below the flange 112, there are provided a pair ofparallel guiding slots 113, wherein the parallel guiding slots 113 are to be held by a pair of holding jigs 150, and thus the guiding slots 113 can also be referred to as holding slots to be held during the filling of the container body 110.

FIG. 11 shows a schematic view of a process for producing a double-chamber dispensing container 1000’ for dispensing two compositions in the mixed state according to the another embodiment of the present invention. The process in fig. 11 is basically the same as that in fig. 9, and the description for the embodiment in fig. 11 will mainly focus on the difference than that of the embodiment in fig. 9. As shown in fig. 11a, a pair ofholding jigs 150 will clamp onto the guiding slots 113 of the container body 110 so as to hold the tubular container body 1 in position. In this way, during filling of the container 1000’, there will be no or little pressure or damage to the partition unit area. During this time, a filling nozzle 151 will fill the first compartment with the first composition, such as colorant. In one embodiment of the present application, after the first compartment is filled with the first composition, the holding jigs 150 keep clamping onto the guiding slots 113, and the cap 120 will be closed onto the container body 110 so as to seal the container body 110 and thus seal the first compartment, as shown in fig. 11b.

Thereafter, the tubular container body 110 together with the cap 120 will be put in a reversed position so that the second compartment is on the top and the first compartment which has been filled with the first composition is now at the bottom. In a similar way, the second compartment will be filled with the second composition via the filling nozzle 153, such as the developer. After the second compartment is filled with the second composition, the second compartment will be closed and sealed by a transverse seal. In this way, the tubular container body 110 is sealed in both the first compartment and the second compartment.

It should be understood that, although the present application mainly relates to a double-chamber dispensing container, the container could be an ordinary container having only one chamber, and the cap in the present application is suitable for various kinds of container bodies, especially for those container bodies which are too soft to be clamped without deformation and which are not easy for filling process due to a too small filling or dispensing opening.

Aspects of the present disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the illustrated embodiments; those skilled in the art will recognize, however, that many modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the precise construction and compositions disclosed herein; any and all modifications, changes, and variations apparent from the foregoing descriptions are within the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the present concepts expressly include any and all combinations and sub combinations of the preceding elements and features.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS
1           substantially tubular container body
2           cap
3           partition unit
11          finish
12          transverse seal
13          opening
14          first compartment
15          second compartment
16          indicator
21          main body
22          cover
23          slot
24          recess
25          hinge
26          fitment
31          partition ring
32          partition plate
50          holding jig
51          filling nozzle
52          nozzle head
53          filling nozzle
110         container body
111         external thread
112         flange
113         guiding slot
120         cap
121         cap body
122         collar
123         circumferential bead
124         plug
150         holding jig
151         filling nozzle
153         filling nozzle
210         top surface
211         first annular wall
212         bottom stop
213         second annular wall
214         filling opening
215         circumferential recess
216         annular groove
217         stepped portion
221         plug
222         circumferential bead
223         collar
224         strengthening rib
261         circumferential boss
262         flange
263         skirt
264         circumferential bead
265         dispensing opening
266         circumferential protrusion
1000        double-chamber dispensing container
1000'       double-chamber dispensing container

Claims

A double-chamber dispensing container for dispensing two compositions in the mixed state, said container comprising:

a substantially tubular container body, made of an elastically deformable material, having a bottom end which is closed, and an end having an opening, wherein the container body defines a chamber;

a cap for enclosing the opening of the container body;

a partition unit disposed inside the container body, between the bottom end and the end having an opening, wherein the partition unit closes the substantially tubular container body along a peripheral edge thereof so as to separate the chamber into a first compartment far from the bottom end and a second compartment near the bottom end, and the container is configured to be filled from the opening of the container body and is filled from the bottom end with two different compositions, wherein the cap or the container body includes slots for being clamped during filling.
The double-chamber dispensing container according to claim 1, wherein said cap comprises:

a main body to be mounted onto the container, wherein the main body includes a filling opening aligned with a mouth opening defined by the finish; and

a cover connected to the main body by an integrally molded hinge to pivot between an open position in which said cover is spaced from said main body and a closed position in which said cover is closed on said main body;

wherein the slots are arranged on the left and right side of the outer surface of the main body.
The double-chamber dispensing container according to claim 2, wherein said cap further comprises:

a fitment to be inserted in the filling opening of the main body, wherein the fitment includes a dispensing opening which is aligned with the filling opening but has a smaller diameter than that of the filling opening;

wherein the fitment is configured to be removably engaged with the cover before filling the dispensing container with content, and the fitment is permanently held in the main body as soon as it is inserted into the filling opening of the main body after the content is filled.
The double-chamber dispensing container according to claim 3, wherein the cover comprises a plug for blocking the dispensing opening in the closed position.
The double-chamber dispensing container according to claim 3, wherein the fitment includes a flange on the top, and the cover includes a collar to abut against the flange in the closed position.
The double-chamber dispensing container according to claim 5, wherein the main body includes one or more circumferential recesses on the inner peripheral surface thereof, and wherein fitment includes a skirt for inserting in the filling opening of the main body, and one or more circumferential beads extends radially outwardly from an outer peripheral surface of the skirt to be engaged with the one or more circumferential recesses.
The double-chamber dispensing container according to claim 4, wherein the fitment is in plug sealing engagement with the plug of the cover when in the closed position.
The double-chamber dispensing container according to claim 7, wherein the fitment includes a circumferential protrusion which defines the smallest diameter of the dispensing opening, and the plug includes a circumferential bead near the free end of the plug for the plug sealing engagement with the circumferential protrusion.
The double-chamber dispensing container according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the main body includes a stepped portion surrounding the filling opening near the top surface of the main body, and the flange is configured to be seated onto the stepped portion so that the top surface of the fitment is flush with the top surface of the main body after the insertion.
The double-chamber dispensing container according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the fitment includes a circumferential boss which axially extends from the top surface of the flange.
The double-chamber dispensing container according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the fitment is made of resiliently deformable material, preferably thermoplastic elastomers.
The double-chamber dispensing container according to claim 1, wherein said cap is a screw cap, and wherein the slots are a pair of parallel guiding slots on the neck of the container body.
The double-chamber dispensing container according to claim 12, wherein said cap comprises a cap body including a dispensing opening and a plug to be plugged into the dispensing opening.
The double-chamber dispensing container according to claim 13, wherein the container body includes a flange above the parallel guiding slots, and when said cap is tightened onto the container body, the cap will abut against the flange.
A method for producing a double-chamber dispensing container for dispensing two compositions in the mixed state, including:

providing a substantially tubular container body, wherein the container body is provided with a partition unit including a partition ring and a partition plate, wherein the partition ring and the partition plate are formed as one piece, wherein the partition unit hermetically separates the tubular container body into a first compartment far from a bottom end and a second compartment near the bottom end;

filling the first compartment with a first composition;

sealing the first compartment by closing a cap onto the opening of the container body;

filling the second compartment with a second composition; and

sealing the bottom end, so as to form a transverse seal to seal the second compartment;

wherein the container body or the cap is clamped during the filling.