Multi-chamber container

Details Multi-chamber container Multi-chamber container

2000-11-15

2001-11-27

Luong, Shian (Department: 3728)

Special receptacle or package

For mixing

Means to manipulate without rupture

C215SDIG008

Reexamination Certificate

active

06321908

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a multi-chamber container in which individual product components can be kept ready in separate containers and in a state where they are isolated from one another and can be intermixed for the purpose of use and can be discharged in their mixed state.
DE-A-37 22 371 discloses a double-chamber container system in which two separate containers are provided for the consumer, each of the containers containing a component of a mixed product. The two containers are assembled for mixing the individual components, each of the containers being provided for this purpose with a communication opening that is closed by a cover of its own. Before the two containers are assembled, the consumer must first remove the cover of the lower container. This lower container is then screwed onto the other container, with the cover of the upper container being simultaneously opened and the product components being subsequently mixable. Apart from the fact that the handling of the known two-component container is troublesome because of the opening and closing operations to be performed by the consumer, there is also the risk that the consumer inadvertently unscrews the container that is now containing the mixed product, which leads to an uncontrolled escape of the mixed product.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to simplify the general handling of a multi-chamber container and to increase handling safety.
This object is achieved by a multi-chamber container comprising at least one first container for receiving a first product component and a second container for receiving a second product component. The two containers are rotationally coupled with one another and are each provided with a communication opening for the mutual exchange of products. Furthermore, there is provided a closing device for simultaneously closing the two communication openings. The closing device comprises an engaging device for introducing the rotational movement of one container into the closing device. Furthermore, the closing device comprises guide devices, which are coupled to the other container directly or indirectly. They are coupled such that upon a rotational movement of the closing device the device is moved into a position releasing both communication openings. This multi-chamber container is made available to the consumer in its already fully mounted state, so that the consumer need no longer assemble the individual containers. The containers need just be rotated relative to one another for mixing the components, with the communication openings of the containers that are rotated relative to one another being opened at the same time.
This makes handling much easier for the supply containers in which individual product components have to be stored separately until use. Moreover, a uniform outer appearance is achieved with the already assembled multi-chamber container, whereby user acceptance is also improved.
The solution of the invention is not limited to multi-chamber containers having two separate containers, but may cover any desired number of containers coupled in a corresponding manner according to the described concept of the invention.
In a preferred embodiment, the closing device comprises a first sealing section for closing the one communication opening and a second sealing section for closing the second communication opening. The two sealing sections are integrally coupled with one another by a tapered connecting section. As a result, an air cushion is formed in the area between the communication openings, the air cushion counteracting a diffusion exchange of the product components past the closing device. Hence, any premature reaction of the product components with one another can be avoided in a reliable manner, resulting in long durability for the product components in their separated state.
In a further advantageous embodiment, an intermediate member, which is coupled with the one container for rotation therewith and is rotatable relative to the other container, is arranged in the communication portion between the communication openings. To this end, the one container and the intermediate member have provided thereon coupling elements which ensure engagement in the rotational direction, but permit axial displacement relative to one another. The coupling elements are preferably designed as a toothing. It is thereby possible to assemble the two containers through simple axial attachment without the need for a relative rotational movement between the containers, which would be more troublesome under manufacturing aspects.
According to a further development of the invention, engaging elements are provided on the intermediate member and on the one container for the mutual axial definition of the position. Preferably, the engaging elements are designed in the manner of ramps, said ramps being inclined to promote a first sliding movement of the engaging elements one on top of the other and to prevent a re-withdrawal movement. It is thereby possible in an advantageous manner with respect to manufacture to achieve an axial locking between the two containers at the end of the attaching operation, which locking, in addition, can no longer be undone by the consumer. Any undesired separation and thus an uncontrolled release of the mixed product is thereby prevented in a reliable manner.
According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the intermediate member is provided on its end facing the other container with a surrounding sealing lip, which sealingly rests on an inner wall of a communication portion. Since the seal is directly arranged on the product, one obtains a substantially smooth inner chamber which, in contrast to a rough inner chamber, helps to exploit the mixed product in an improved manner when the container is being emptied. Moreover, an undesired escape of mixed product between the intermediate member and the corresponding container is efficiently prevented.
Further advantageous developments of the invention are described below and in the dependent claims.


REFERENCES:
patent: 5277303 (1994-01-01), Goyet et al.
patent: 5647481 (1997-07-01), Hundertmark et al.
patent: 6135275 (2000-10-01), Kelders et al.
patent: 44 36 863 C1 (1996-01-01), None
patent: 196 35 833 A1 (1998-03-01), None
patent: 297 21 872 U1 (1998-03-01), None
patent: 2 687 640-A1 (1993-08-01), None

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