U.S. patent application number 10/947061 was filed with the patent office on 2005-05-19 for multi-chamber container with device for discharge of a substance.
This patent application is currently assigned to Beiersdorf AG. Invention is credited to Felten, Bernhard, Pries, Holger.
Application Number | 20050103801 10/947061 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34574943 |
Filed Date | 2005-05-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050103801 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Felten, Bernhard ; et
al. |
May 19, 2005 |
Multi-chamber container with device for discharge of a
substance
Abstract
The invention is a container having at least two product
chambers connected to form a common multi-chamber container system.
Each of the product chambers includes at least one product
discharge opening and the product discharge openings open into a
common outlet channel. At least one of the product chambers
includes at least one discharge valve device provided in the area
of the product discharge opening that permits the discharge of a
substance located in the product chamber but prevents return flow
of the discharged substance into the product chamber. The discharge
valve device also permits the admission of air into the product
chamber.
Inventors: |
Felten, Bernhard;
(Pinneberg, DE) ; Pries, Holger; (Leer,
DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ALSTON & BIRD LLP
BANK OF AMERICA PLAZA
101 SOUTH TRYON STREET, SUITE 4000
CHARLOTTE
NC
28280-4000
US
|
Assignee: |
Beiersdorf AG
|
Family ID: |
34574943 |
Appl. No.: |
10/947061 |
Filed: |
September 21, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10947061 |
Sep 21, 2004 |
|
|
|
PCT/EP02/03151 |
Mar 21, 2002 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/94 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 47/2093 20130101;
B65D 81/3283 20130101; B65D 47/2018 20130101; B65D 47/32
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/094 |
International
Class: |
B65D 035/22; B65D
037/00 |
Claims
1. A container, comprising at least two product chambers, said
product chambers connected to form a common multi-chamber container
system; at least one product discharge opening provided in each of
the product chambers, said product discharge openings communicating
with a common outlet channel; and at least one discharge valve
device provided in at least one of the product chambers in the area
of a product discharge opening, said at least one discharge valve
permitting the discharge of a substance located in an adjacent
product chamber but preventing return flow of the discharged
substance into the adjacent product chamber and said at least one
discharge valve further permitting the admission of air into the
adjacent product chamber.
2. The container as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least two of
said product chambers include a discharge valve device.
3. The container as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least
one air admission opening that can be opened and closed by an air
readmission valve device.
4. The container as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said at least one
discharge valve device has a first valve that seals the product
discharge opening for the substance as long as a pressure
difference between the interior of the chamber and the exterior of
the container is smaller than a first predetermined limit value and
that opens the product discharge opening for the substance when the
pressure difference between the interior of the chamber and the
exterior of the container is greater than the first predetermined
limit value, and the air admission valve device has a second valve
that opens the air admission opening for admission of air as long
as a pressure difference between the interior of the chamber and
the exterior of the container is smaller than a second
predetermined limit value and that seals the air admission opening
for admission of air when the pressure difference between the
interior of the chamber and the exterior of the container is
greater than the second predetermined limit value.
5. The container as claimed in claim 4, wherein the air admission
opening is located in the first valve, and the second valve is
integrated in the first valve.
6. The container as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first valve is
a plunger valve.
7. The container as claimed in claim 5, wherein the second valve is
a disk valve.
8. The container as claimed in claim 4, wherein said first valve
comprises a flexible material in the form of a lip, said lip
capable of being placed across said discharge opening to sealably
close said discharge opening.
9. The container as claimed in claim 4, wherein said second valve
comprises a flexible material in the form of a lip, said lip
capable of being placed across said air admission opening to
sealably close said air admission opening.
10. The container as claimed in claim 9, comprising a plurality of
air admission openings.
11. The container as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a
mixing element in the area of the outlet channel.
12. A multi-chamber container comprising at least two product
chambers having a common outlet channel and a mixing element
disposed in said common outlet channel, said product chambers each
including: at least one discharge opening for the discharge of a
substance from the product chamber into said outlet channel,
wherein each of said at least one discharge openings includes a
discharge valve device, said discharge valve device movable from a
closed position to an open position in response to an increase in
pressure in the product chamber above a first predetermined limit,
and from an open position to a closed position in response to a
decrease in pressure in the product chamber below the first
predetermined limit; and at least one air admission opening for the
admission of air into the product chamber, wherein each of said at
least one air readmission openings has an associated air admission
valve device movable from a closed position to an open position in
response to the pressure in the product chamber decreasing below a
second predetermined level, and from an open position to a closed
position in response to the pressure in the product chamber being
equal to or greater than the second predetermined level.
13. A multi-chamber container according to claim 12, wherein said
air admission valve is integrally disposed in said discharge
valve.
14. A multi-chamber container according to claim 13, wherein said
discharge valve comprises a plunger valve.
15. A multi-chamber container according to claim 13, wherein said
air admission valve comprises a disk valve.
16. A multi-chamber container according to claim 12, wherein said
at least one discharge valve comprises a flexible material in the
form of a lip, said lip capable of being placed across said
discharge opening to sealably close said discharge opening.
17. A multi-chamber container according to claim 12, wherein said
at least one air admission valve comprises a flexible material in
the form of a lip, said lip capable of being placed across said at
least one air admission opening to sealably close said air
admission opening.
18. A multi-chamber container according to claim 12, wherein said
mixing element comprises a lower cover, an upper cover, and a
spiral-shaped channel disposed therebetween, said lower cover
having at least one opening associated with each product chamber
through which the substance passes into said spiral shaped channel,
said upper cover comprising one or more openings through which the
substance exits said spiral-shaped channel.
19. A multi-chamber container according to claim 12, further
comprising a hinged lid having a sealing plug for sealably closing
said outlet channel.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation application of PCT/EP02/03151, filed
Mar. 21, 2002, which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a container with at least two
product chambers, in which the product chambers are connected in
such a way that they form a common multi-chamber container system,
and in which each of the product chambers has an opening for
discharge of the product.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Many liquid and cream-like cosmetic products, but also food
products, medical, domestic, chemical and technical products, are
supplied in flexible bottles made of plastic (or in similar
containers such as plastic tubes, canisters or the like). These are
usually provided with a closure, preferably made of plastic. For
product removal, the container is inclined, and, specifically in
the case of somewhat more viscous products, the container is
compressed in order for the product to be discharged. One example
is shampoo, which, by virtue of the container being subjected to
pressure, is forced out of a relatively small opening, and the
container is provided with a so-called hinged lid. When sufficient
shampoo has been discharged, the pressure is reduced and the
container attempts to go back to its original shape. The action of
air being sucked in compensates for the absent volume which has
been discharged. It is also the case here that residues of the
product which are located in the region of the removal opening are
also drawn back into the bottle. In the example of shampoo, these
product residues are usually contaminated with spray water, as a
result of its being used at a wash basin or in the shower. It is
also possible, however, for the residues of shampoo around the
pouring opening to be wiped off by hand, and then for sweat, skin
residues and other substances on the skin to be sucked in as
well.
[0004] In the medical sector, there are nasal sprays which are sold
in flexible bottles. In the case of this application, it is
possible for virus-containing nasal secretions to make their way
into the bottle. When using body-care lotions or a suntan milk or
oil, it is likewise possible, in addition to air, for other
substances (sand, sea water, washing substances) to be sucked back
into the container once the product has been removed.
[0005] One particular application is the simultaneous use of
massage heads for applying a shower product and massaging the skin.
There is a greater possibility here of substances becoming detached
from the skin during massage and being sucked into the opening of
the massage head. In the food sector, there is the problem of
contamination of container contents, for example, when mayonnaise
is added to salads or sandwiches or when mustard is added to
sausages. The substances which are sucked back may often contain
bacteria, viruses or fungi. It is thus possible, in particular, for
bacteria and fungi to multiply in the contents and thus render the
latter unappetizing, inedible or, in extreme cases, even toxic.
[0006] A corresponding problem affects in particular the discharge
devices of multi-chamber containers. In many of these systems, the
substances to be discharged from different product chambers are
mixed together during discharge. Such packages can be used, for
example, for two-component adhesives, and for combinations of
washing and body-care substances or the like. The purpose of these
packages is to keep the two or more components separate during
storage, but to dispense them together at the time of use.
[0007] As a result of suction or air readmission, particularly with
flexible bottles and similar containers, it is possible, in the
systems available on the market, that some of the mixture of the
two or more components is drawn back into the individual chambers
of the multi-chamber container. This can lead to clouding, soiling
or contamination, or, for example in the case of the two-component
adhesive, to undesired reactions in one or more of the chambers.
The product may in this way be rendered unusable. In the example of
washing and body-care substances, the storage life of individual
components may be adversely affected, for example that of the
body-care substance through incorporation of surfactants from the
wash substance.
[0008] The solution to the above problem which has been realized
most frequently for products up until now, usually also because it
is most cost-effective, is the use of preserving and stabilizing
substances (benzoic acid, formaldehyde formers, nitrates, nitrites,
antioxidants, ascorbic acid, etc).
[0009] Further attempts are being made to develop technical or
structural means of avoiding the contamination of container
contents. For example, the use of closures with relatively small
openings and favorable geometry in combination with these
substances usually ensures that the effects of the above-described
problem are kept within reasonable limits. A favorable geometry
means that the closure is configured such that contact with the
skin or other contaminated surfaces is made difficult.
[0010] It is likewise possible to design the container such that no
air is drawn in, these designs being referred to as airless
systems. Airless systems usually have a pump and a container with
variable volume, for example a drawing plunger or inner bag
(discharged by way of compressed air). These systems are also
suitable for multi-chamber systems. The increased outlay usually
gives rise to very much higher costs than a flexible plastic
bottle. Moreover, removal of residues from these systems is usually
very poor.
[0011] Systems with pumps deliver the substance from the bottle by
way of a vertical tube. Volume compensation takes place by way of
air which passes into the bottle via a separate channel. The
channel is usually provided such that it is only open when the pump
is actuated. This means that this channel is closed (usually by the
pump plunger itself) in the rest state of the pump, and this
provides a further safeguard against contamination by foreign
substances.
[0012] Pumping systems are slightly more advantageous than airless
systems, but are still more expensive than straightforward bottles
with a closure. The outlay for filling purposes is also higher.
[0013] EP 875 460 B1 discloses a multi-chamber container whose
closure involves two separate discharge openings. This largely
avoids the mixed substances being sucked back in. However, a
disadvantage of this system too is that unclean water can be drawn
back in and contaminate the contents.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The object of the invention is to make available a
multi-chamber container which is suitable for sensitive substances
and ensures that the substances in the chambers are not
contaminated by the content of the other chambers.
[0015] Claim 1 therefore concerns a container with at least two
product chambers, in which the product chambers are connected in
such a way that they form a common multi-chamber container system,
and in which each of the product chambers has at least one product
discharge opening. For at least one of the product chambers, at
least one valve device provided in the area of the product
discharge opening permits the discharge of a substance located in
the product chamber (valve device for product discharge), but
prevents return flow of the discharged substance or of parts
thereof into the product chamber, and where readmission of air into
the product chamber is also permitted, and the product discharge
openings of the individual product chambers open out in a common
outlet channel.
[0016] For the container according to the invention, it is highly
advantageous if two or all product chambers are provided, in the
area of the product discharge openings, with valve devices as
described above.
[0017] For the container according to the invention, it is also of
great advantage if, for readmission of air, at least one air
readmission opening is provided which can be opened and closed by
an air readmission valve device.
[0018] In a first very advantageous embodiment of the container
according to the invention, at least one of the valve devices has a
first valve which seals the product discharge opening for the
substance as long as a pressure difference between the interior of
the chamber and the exterior of the container is smaller than a
first predetermined limit value and which opens the product
discharge opening for the substance when the pressure difference
between the interior of the chamber and the exterior of the
container is greater than the first predetermined limit value, and
a second valve which opens a second opening (air admission opening)
for readmission of air as long as a pressure difference between the
interior of the chamber and the exterior of the container is
smaller than a second predetermined limit value and which seals the
second opening for readmission of air when the pressure difference
between the interior of the chamber and the exterior of the
container is greater than the second predetermined limit value.
[0019] To avoid misunderstanding, the pressure difference between
the interior of the container and the exterior of the container is
defined as the internal pressure of the container minus the
external pressure of the container in the correct mathematical
values, that is to say ones provided with algebraic signs. Giving
the mathematical values provided with algebraic signs likewise
applies to the way in which the first and the second predetermined
limit values are given.
[0020] The first valve is thus advantageously closed as long as a
positive pressure in the interior of the container, in relation to
the exterior of the container, is smaller than a first
predetermined limit value, and it is open when the positive
pressure is greater than the first predetermined limit value.
Correspondingly, the second valve is open in the case of a negative
pressure in the interior of the container in relation to the
exterior of the container, and it is advantageously closed when
this negative pressure is not present. To obtain a negative
pressure in the interior of the container, the second predetermined
limit value is therefore lower than zero.
[0021] In a highly advantageous first embodiment of the container
according to the invention, the air readmission opening is located
in the first valve and/or the second valve is integrated in the
first valve.
[0022] In a further development of the first embodiment, two
separate paths are provided for the discharge of the substance and
for the readmission of air. It is also highly advantageous for the
container to be configured such that a plunger valve is used as the
first valve. It is also of advantage if the second valve is a disk
valve.
[0023] A second very advantageous embodiment of the container
according to the invention is characterized in that at least one of
the valves is made of a flexible material and is designed in the
form of a lip which is able to place itself across an opening in
order to seal the latter. This valve configuration is advantageous
both for the discharge valve device and also for the air
readmission valve device and, depending on the manner of production
and field of application, can be chosen independently of one
another as valve device. This embodiment can advantageously be
configured such that, in at least one of the chambers, the product
discharge opening leads through at least one of the walls of the
chamber and, likewise, the air readmission opening is provided
through at least one of the walls of the chamber.
[0024] In a refinement of one of the embodiments, the first valve
(discharge valve) has a closure part which is of substantially
conical design and in particular has three webs which connect the
closure to the surrounding container and are made of a material
that can resume its shape. In an alternative variant, the first
valve (discharge valve) is in the form of a sealing washer made of
a flexible material. In a further development of the invention,
several air readmission openings are provided in order to optimize
the readmission of air.
[0025] In a configuration of the container according to the
invention which is highly advantageous in the inventive sense, the
second valve (air readmission valve) is designed as a sleeve-like
lip running round the inner wall of the area of the chamber having
the second openings and it is able to place itself across all the
second openings in order to seal these off. It is furthermore very
advantageous to provide a mixing element in the area of the outlet
channel.
[0026] Multi-chamber containers of this kind are eminently suitable
for free-flowing substances of all types, in particular for easily
perishable substances or for those which have to satisfy strict
hygiene demands. A few examples of such application areas, without
this being claimed as a complete list, are as follows:
[0027] Toothbrushes with integrated dispensing opening
[0028] Cleaning brushes with an integrated supply container
[0029] Grinding and polishing applicators in the corresponding
container for auxiliary agents
[0030] Shower-gel applicators, in particular also with a massage
head,
[0031] Mascara brushes,
[0032] Applicators for shoe creams or other cleaning and
treating/preserving substances, in particular those with a brush or
a sponge on the container for cleaning clothing,
[0033] Roll-on deodorants,
[0034] Applicators for nail polish or correction fluid,
[0035] Applicators for adhesives,
[0036] Applicators for paints, protective coatings, rust removers,
caustic lyes, etc., and
[0037] Washing and body-care substances (shampoo, shower gel, sun
milk, body lotion, etc.).
[0038] Since contamination of the contents is by and large ruled
out, the proportion of preserving and stabilizing substances can be
greatly reduced.
[0039] With suitable adjustment of the recipes and of the design of
mixing element, container body and closure, it is also possible to
mix aqueous and oily liquids with one another or to mix liquid and
gas (foam formation, gel formation). The configuration of the
container according to the invention in the discharge area rules
out the possibility of the mixture being sucked back into the
product chambers.
[0040] As a result, the container is suitable in particular for use
for substances which are incompatible with one another and in
which, otherwise, the addition of stabilizing components
(emulsifiers, antioxidants and the like) would be necessary. It is
further possible, with one container, to make available
simultaneously two substances which together enter into a desired
reaction during application, for example both components of a
two-component adhesive.
[0041] Further advantageous possible uses of the container
according to the invention concern the storage of substances which,
when mixed together, generate heat or cold (for example for the
therapeutic sector), and those which form a foam or, by reacting
with one another, release substances which are readily volatile
and/or nonresistant to oxygen or moisture.
[0042] The container is also suitable in the area of hair colorings
which are likewise available as two-component systems on the
market. Here, an additional advantage is that of the metered
discharge, which is often not possible with previous systems.
[0043] A further application of the valve system according to the
invention is in the food sector, for example for jams, honey,
ketchup and mayonnaise, mustard, sauces and similar food
products.
[0044] By integrating the air readmission valve in the discharge
valve system, it is possible to ensure a high degree of accuracy
and precision in the injection-molding operation normally used for
producing such articles. The quality of the product is improved.
The valve system can also advantageously be made in one piece, by
which means the number of production steps can be reduced, the cost
of production can be lowered, and the accuracy of fit and the
functionality can be improved.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0045] The invention will be explained below in more detail with
reference to a number of drawings, although the choice of the
embodiments illustrated should not be regarded as restricting the
invention unnecessarily. In the drawings:
[0046] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a container according to
the invention;
[0047] FIG. 2 shows discharge of product in the first
embodiment;
[0048] FIG. 3 shows readmission of air in the first embodiment;
[0049] FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of a container according to
the invention;
[0050] FIG. 5 shows discharge of product in the second
embodiment;
[0051] FIG. 6 shows readmission of air in the second
embodiment;
[0052] FIG. 7 shows a detailed view in the area of the valve
systems of the second embodiment;
[0053] FIG. 8 shows a third embodiment of a container according to
the invention;
[0054] FIG. 9 shows a mixing element to be arranged in the area of
the outlet channel of a container according to the invention;
exploded view; and
[0055] FIG. 10 shows a mixing element to be arranged in the area of
the outlet channel of a container according to the invention; top
view.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0056] An illustrative embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG.
1. The figure shows a two-chamber container comprising of a
container body 1 forming the two product chambers 21 and 22, a
container insert 2, and a container attachment part 3. The
illustrated multi-part configuration of the container is
advantageous for production and is indicated here only by way of
example. One-part container configurations, and multi-part
container configurations of different structures, are also
advantageous in the context of the invention. The container can
additionally be closed by a lid 4.
[0057] The discharge of product from the product chambers can in
each case be controlled with valve devices 5. For pressure
compensation between the interior of the container and the exterior
of the container, a valve device 6 is provided for readmission of
air (air readmission valve device).
[0058] The valve device 5 for discharge of product is used to seal
the product discharge opening A1 and, in the embodiment shown,
forms a unit with the air readmission valve device 6 of the
container. The valve device 5 comprises a plunger valve with a
plunger A2 which is designed to move up and down in the plunger
channel formed by a cylinder A3, and of a disk valve A4 integrated
in the plunger A2. A spring A5, in the illustrated embodiment a
helical spring, has the effect that the plunger A2 bears on a stop
A6 when no external pressure is applied to the container body 1 or
the respective chamber 21 or 22, that is to say when the pressure
difference between the interior of the chamber and the exterior of
the container is smaller than a first predetermined limit value. In
this state, the plunger valve for the discharge of a substance from
the interior of the plunger is closed, and the product discharge
opening A1 located in the cylinder A3 is closed.
[0059] When the value drops below a second predetermined limit
value between the interior of the chamber and the exterior of the
container, which is identical to the first limit value or
different, and in particular can be smaller, the disk valve A4 is
opened and an air admission opening A7 in the plunger A2 allows air
to pass through. This is the case in particular when the pressure
in the interior of the chamber is lower than the pressure of the
exterior of the container.
[0060] If the pressure of the interior of the chamber is increased,
for example by squeezing the body 1 of the container, the plunger
A2 in the cylinder A3 is moved against the spring A5 until the
product discharge opening A1 laterally in the wall of the cylinder
A3 is freed (compare also FIG. 2). The product can then pass
through this product discharge opening A1 into the product outlet
channel 7. Instead of a single product discharge opening A1,
several openings can also be provided in the wall of the cylinder
A3 in order to increase the amount discharged.
[0061] In the product outlet channel 7, the substances from the
individual chambers 21 and 22 are mixed with one another and
discharged together. The mixing can be optimized with the aid of a
mixing element integrated in the product outlet channel 7; in the
simplest case, as is shown in the figure, the products, in the
absence of such a mixing element, are discharged to the outside
without further homogenization and as a single strand of
product.
[0062] The lid 4 is preferably designed as a hinged lid. It is
secured movably on the attachment part 3 of the container body 1
via a hinge element 8. The product outlet channel 7 can be opened
by lifting the lid 4, so that a sealing plug 9 is withdrawn from
the product outlet channel 7.
[0063] When the pressure difference between the interior of the
chamber and the exterior of the container drops below the first
limit value, the plunger A2 moves back, assisted by the restoring
force of the spring AS, and once again closes the product discharge
opening A1 (compare FIG. 3).
[0064] When the pressure difference between the interior of the
chamber and the exterior of the container drops further below the
second limit value, particularly such that a negative pressure
arises in the container, the plunger A2 runs against the stop A6,
and the disk valve A4 in the bottom of the plunger A2 comes into
operation, allowing air to pass through the air admission opening
A7 into the chamber. The system is configured in such a way that
normally no product can pass into the air admission channel formed
by the cylinder A3. The valve devices 5 and 6 are configured such
that they allow passage only in one direction, and specifically
only under the stated pressure conditions.
[0065] If structural measures are taken to optimize the air
admission path with regard to contamination, such contamination can
occur only with great difficulty. The path of the inflowing air on
readmission runs, in this example, under supports 10 and through
the catch elements 11 and 12 which are used to secure the
attachment part 3 on the container body 1 (in this example locking
hook and snap-in hook). This path allows air to pass through small
gaps (not shown). For securing the attachment part 3 on the
container body 1, the prior art affords other advantageous
possibilities (threads, bands, crimps, etc.).
[0066] The container insert 2 containing the product outlet channel
7 is held from the container body 1 by the supports 10 and is
sealed off from this by a sealing lip 13. For the formation of this
seal, various designs are possible (barrel, cone, lamella,
cylinder). The insertion of a sealing ring or washer is
advantageous.
[0067] FIG. 2 shows the discharge process via the valve system of
the container according to the invention in the event of an
increase in the pressure in the interior of the product chambers
21, 22. The plunger A2 is displaced upward and compresses the
spring A5. The disk valve A4 is closed. The outlet path indicated
by the bold arrow extends through the product discharge opening
A1.
[0068] In FIG. 3, the path of the inflowing air in the air
readmission process is indicated by a bold arrow. The air passes
through passages in the area of the catch elements 11 and 12, then
through passages in the area of the supports 10, and, with the disk
valve A4 open, flows through the air admission opening A7 into the
interior of the corresponding product chamber 21, 22.
[0069] The disk valve A4 can advantageously be designed in such a
way that, after pressure compensation is achieved between the
interior of the chamber and the exterior of the container, it
closes again. Additional penetration of contaminating material is
then avoided. Likewise, the loss of readily volatile substances
such as alcohol, perfume, essential oils, etc., is reduced. This
applies also for the other embodiments with a corresponding
configuration in which the readmission of air is closed in the rest
state.
[0070] A further embodiment of a multi-chamber container according
to the invention is shown by way of example in FIG. 4. The valve
devices 5 for product discharge and for readmission of air 6 are
here in the form of lips (for example in the form of sleeves,
sleeve portions, tabs) which are made of a flexible material and
are arranged in such a way that they can position themselves in
front of the corresponding openings B1, B3 and close these when
pressed against them, similar to the function of closure
valves.
[0071] The general form of the container is similar to that of the
embodiment described above:
[0072] A multi-chamber container, here for example with two product
chambers 21, 22, comprises of a container body 1 which forms the
two product chambers 21, 22. Each of the chambers 21, 22 is
provided with valve devices 5 for product discharge and valve
devices 6 for readmission of air, in the embodiment shown here in
the form of two separate valve systems. The container body 1 can be
designed in one piece or in several pieces as in the other
embodiments, so that the valve systems, as in the illustrated
embodiment, can be arranged in a container insert 2 which is fitted
detachably or permanently in the container body 1. The container
can be closed by means of a lid 4, for example a hinged lid.
[0073] In the embodiment shown here, each product chamber 21, 22
ends in an additional forward chamber B21, B22. The product
discharge openings B1 at least of one of the product chambers 21
lead from the forward chamber B21 and open into the outlet channel
7, from which the product can be dispensed from the container. In
the area of the product outlet channel 7, a mixing element can
additionally be provided for homogenizing the product mixture (not
shown in FIG. 4).
[0074] In this embodiment, the product discharge device comprises
of a product discharge opening B1 and the valve device 5 for
product discharge, the latter being formed principally by a
lip-like discharge valve B2 for closing the product discharge
opening B1. The air admission opening B3 is closed by a similar,
lip-shaped air admission valve B4.
[0075] If the pressure in the container is increased, for example
by external pressure applied to the container body, the situation
shown in FIG. 5 arises: substance passes from the product chamber
21 into the forward chamber B21. The discharge valve B2 is opened
by the outward flowing product, said product can pass through the
product discharge opening B1 into the product outlet channel 7 and
from here, mixed with the product from other product chambers, it
can be discharged from the container. The broken arrow indicates
the path of the outward flowing product.
[0076] At the same time the air admission valve B4 is closed. By
means of the pressure increasing in the forward chamber B21 (air
pressure, or pressure generated by the incoming substance), the lip
of the air admission valve B4 is pressed onto the air admission
opening B3. The lip of the air admission valve B4 is preferably
designed in the lower area with a thin wall, so that the pressing
action is greatest here. By this means, the air readmission valve
device 6 for the substance located in the container closes tight,
the air admission openings B3 are thus closed. Discharge of
substance is thus not possible.
[0077] If the pressure in the interior of the container reduces
further, the valve device 5 for product discharge closes, the lip
of the discharge valve B2 coming into position across the product
discharge opening B1, so that no residual substance can flow back
from the product outlet channel 7 into the forward chamber B21. The
hinged lid 4 can advantageously be configured in such a way that,
in the closed state, it closes the product outlet channel 7 (here
by the sealing plug 9) and thus seals off the container to prevent
discharge of product.
[0078] The readmission of air for achieving a pressure compensation
between the interior of the container and the exterior of the
container is effected in each case via the air admission opening B3
and is illustrated in FIG. 6. The air admission opening B3 can be
closed and opened by the air admission valve B4. This lip-shaped
air admission valve B4 likewise functions in the sense of a flap
which can lie across the air admission opening B3 in order to close
it.
[0079] When the pressure difference between the internal pressure
of the container and the external pressure is smaller than a
predetermined limit value, in particular with a negative pressure
in the interior of the container in relation to the exterior of the
container, the air readmission valve device 6 is opened (lack of
contact pressure) and allows air to pass through the air admission
openings B3 and downward from the flexible lip of the air admission
valve B4 into the forward chamber B21 and into the product chamber
21. In FIG. 6, the path of the incoming air, with the air
readmission valve device 6 open (lip of the air admission valve
B4), is shown by a broken arrow for the embodiment of the invention
shown here.
[0080] For the above embodiment of the container according to the
invention, FIG. 7 shows the valve systems in a perspective
representation and in the form of an exploded view. The cross
section through the container insert 2 is shown. This part forms
the forward chambers B21 and B22 and also the lower area of the
product outlet channel 7. Substance can be transported through
product discharge openings B1 in the wall between the forward
chambers B21, B22 and the product outlet channel 7.
[0081] The valve lips of the discharge valve B2 for closing the
product discharge opening B1 are secured in a part B10 which, in
the area of the product outlet channel 7, can for example be
pushed, glued or clipped onto the container insert 2, but can also
be connected integrally thereto, for example through production in
a two-component injection-molding operation. The part B10 has an
opening B11 which ensures that substance can pass through the
product outlet channel 7.
[0082] The valve lips of the discharge valve B2 can be configured
in the form of a peripheral sleeve or a peripheral cone. As is
shown in FIG. 7, however, the form of sleeve portions or cone
portions is advantageous, because these can open and close the
product discharge openings B1 of the individual forward chambers
B21, B22 independently of one another. If there are more than two
product chambers and, correspondingly, more than two forward
chambers, the presence of at least one lip per product chamber and
per product discharge opening B1 is preferred.
[0083] Readmission of air takes place via the air admission opening
B3, which can likewise be closed by a lip-like air admission valve
B4. Here too, several air admission openings B3 and several air
admission valves B4 can be arranged to improve the entry of air.
These air admission valves B4 too are advantageously configured as
sleeve portions or cone portions. The lips belonging to the air
admission valves B4 can advantageously be arranged in front of the
air admission openings B3 via a part B12 which is designed like the
part B10 but has no opening.
[0084] FIG. 8 shows a two-chamber bottle which has two different
product discharge devices, namely a plunger valve system of the
type described above for one of the product chambers 21, and a
system of two disk valves (C1, C2) for the other product chamber
22. The valve system of the product chamber 21 corresponds to the
one already shown in FIGS. 1 through 3.
[0085] The valve system of the product chamber 22 is designed as
follows. One of the two disk valves (C1) opens into the product
outlet channel 7 and introduces product into the latter when the
pressure in the product chamber 22 is increased, the second disk
valve (C2) being closed. For readmission of air, that is to say in
cases where the external pressure is greater than that in the
product chamber 22, the second valve (C2) connected the other way
opens, while the discharge valve (C1) is closed, so that no
residues of product can flow back into the product chamber 22.
[0086] FIGS. 9 and 10 show an example of a mixing element which, in
the various embodiments of the container according to the
invention, can be integrated in each case in the product outlet
channel 7. FIG. 9 shows an exploded view, FIG. 10 a top view of the
mixing device. The mixing device shown is provided for a
two-chamber container.
[0087] Product is discharged from each chamber and into the mixing
device through openings 101, 102 (from the underside of the mixing
device as shown in FIG. 9), in which case the openings 101, 102
each open into a spiral-shaped product channel 103, 104. The upper
cover of the mixing device is provided with further openings 105,
106 allowing the product to leave the product channels 103, 104.
The diameters of the upper openings 105, 106 increase toward the
center of the product chamber, so that the product channels 103,
104 are completely filled; the product comes out preferably in the
area of the center of the mixing device (large outlet
openings).
[0088] Mixing is effected by the spiral-shaped arrangement of the
product channels 103, 104.
[0089] In multi-chamber bottles, the various valve systems can in
principle be combined in any way with one another. The question of
which valve system is chosen for the individual product chamber
depends, inter alia, on the viscosity and sensitivity of the
respective product and on the respective process for producing the
container or parts thereof.
* * * * *