HK40071707B - Container system for mixing and dispensing - Google Patents

Description

Container systems for mixing and dispensing

Technical Field

This invention pertains to the field of consumer product packaging, such as packaging used in the cosmetics and personal care industries. More specifically, this invention relates to packaging capable of keeping multiple ingredients and/or compositions separate until they are mixed at the time of use.

Background Technology

In the cosmetics and personal care industry, packaging capable of keeping multiple ingredients and/or compositions separate is known. These include systems with individual compartments for different ingredients and/or compositions, where a first compartment must be punctured to release its ingredients into a second compartment. For example, US 8,087,842 discloses a multi-compartment wipe applicator package comprising a container holding a first formulation, a wipe initially sealed at both ends, and a barbed tool. A quantity of secondary ingredients is contained within the sealed wipe, which will mix with the first formulation in the container. The barbed tool is capable of puncturing the top seal and then misaligning the bottom seal to allow the secondary ingredients to fall into and mix with the first formulation. In this case, a much smaller secondary compartment is stored inside a much larger primary compartment. This limits the size of the secondary compartment and restricts the shape and size applied to the primary compartment. Furthermore, once the barbed tool has been used to break both seals, it has no further use. Additionally, the appearance of the primary compartment may be adversely affected by the need to house the secondary compartment within it.

Summary of the Invention

Purpose of the invention

A dual-container system is provided that can prevent the mixing of multiple ingredients and/or compositions before use.

A container system is provided, comprising separate primary and secondary containers that can be linked together for the purpose of mixing ingredients and subsequently separated.

A system for mixing and dispensing two products includes two containers. The first container is sealed with a breakable seal. The second container is sealed with a reusable cap. In use, the containers can be connected in a manner that forms a channel from one container to the other, allowing the components in each container to mix. When the containers are separated, the first container is empty, and the second container holds the mixed components. The second container may be fitted with a reusable cap to seal the mixed components from the surrounding environment.

Attached Figure Description

Figures 1A and 1B depict a first container with a first custom closure for containing a first product.

Figures 2A and 2B depict a second container with a second custom closure for containing a second product.

Figures 3A and 3B depict the interaction between the first container closure and the second container closure to mix the first and second products.

Figure 4 illustrates one embodiment of a single-dose packaged kit intended for weekly supply.

Detailed Implementation

The container system according to the invention for mixing and dispensing two products comprises a first container (1) cooperating with a first closure (2) and a second container (11) cooperating with a second closure (12). In the figures, the containers are shown as cylindrical and substantially identical, but the invention is not limited by the shapes of the first and second containers. Both products should be flowable before and after mixing. Either product can be a readily flowable liquid or a flowable particulate solid (e.g., powder). No degree of miscibility is required between the products; however, it is preferred if one product is at least partially soluble in the other, and even more preferred if the two products can be completely miscible by simple shaking.

First container (1) and first closure (2)

Referring to Figures 1A and 1B, the first container (1) includes a closed bottom (1a) and an open top (1b). Between the closed bottom and the open top of the first container is a first reservoir (1c) capable of containing a certain amount of the first product (P1). The open top of the first container includes an opening (1d) allowing access to the first reservoir and a sealing surface (1e) surrounding the opening (1d). The open top of the first container may be formed as a neck portion (1f) on which a closure may be mounted. The neck portion defines a channel (1g) between the opening (1d) and the first reservoir (1c).

A first closure (2) is designed to be mounted on top of a first container (1) to seal the opening (1d) of the first container. The first closure has an open bottom (2a) and an open top (2b). A means for removably securing the first closure to the first container is provided. For example, a thread (1h) may be provided near the top (1b) of the first container (e.g., on the neck portion (1f)), which will engage with the thread (2h) of the first closure. The thread of the first closure (2) is located on the inner surface (2f) of the lower portion of the first closure. Above this lower portion of the first closure is a sealing surface (2e). When the first closure is mounted to the first container, the sealing surface (2e) of the first closure presses against the sealing surface (1e) of the first container. The first closure extends a distance above the sealing surface (2e), thereby defining a channel (2g) that completely passes through the first closure between the open bottom (2a) and the open top (2b). However, when the first closure is installed on the first container (1), the channel (2g) merges with the channel (1g) of the neck (1f) of the first container.

To seal the opening (1d) of the first container (1) and protect the first product (P1) in the first reservoir (1c), one or more rupture membranes are provided between the sealing surface (1e) of the first container (1) and the sealing surface (2e) of the first closure (2). For example, the rupture membrane (1m) may be glued, welded, in-mold molded, or otherwise securely attached to the sealing surface (1e) of the first container. Alternatively, the rupture membrane (2m) may be glued, welded, in-mold molded, or otherwise securely attached to the sealing surface (2e) of the first closure. Alternatively, both the first container and the first closure may be provided with rupture membranes (1m and 2m). Suitable membranes may be made of plastic, foil, paper, or combinations thereof. To protect the first product (P1), the membranes (multiple membranes) should limit the level of gas and water vapor transport in either direction so as not to adversely affect the stability and function of the product.

In the channel (2g) of the first closure (2), at a height above the sealing surface (2e), a sealing ring, such as an O-ring (2i), is fixed. The O-ring can be fixed in place by friction, adhesive, welding, or other means. Optionally, as shown, a groove (2j) can be provided on the inner surface of the first closure. The O-ring is received in the groove, but a portion of the O-ring protrudes into the channel (2g) of the first closure. Optionally, the open top (2b) of the first closure (2) is formed with a flat surface (2k). The purpose of these features will be explained below.

Second container (11) and second closure (12)

Referring to Figures 2A and 2B, the second container (11) includes a closed bottom (11a) and an open top (11b). Between the closed bottom and the open top of the second container is a second reservoir (11c) capable of containing a certain amount of the second product (P2). The open top of the second container includes an opening (11d) leading to the second reservoir and a sealing surface (11e) surrounding the opening (11d). The open top of the second container may be formed as a neck portion (11f) on which a closure can be mounted. The neck portion defines a channel (11g) between the opening (11d) and the second reservoir (11c).

The second closure (12) is designed to be removably secured to the top of the second container (11). The second closure has an open bottom (12a) and an open top (12b). A means for securing the second closure to the second container is provided. For example, a thread (11h) may be provided near the top (11b) of the second container (e.g., on the neck portion (11f)), which will engage with the thread (12h) of the second closure. The thread of the second closure is located on the inner surface (12f) of the lower portion of the second closure. Above this lower portion of the second closure is a sealing surface (12e). When the second closure is installed into the second container, the sealing surface (12e) of the second closure presses against the sealing surface (11e) of the second container. The open top (12b) of the second closure is formed as an extension port (12i) extending a distance above the sealing surface (12e). The base of the port may be provided with a flat surface (12k). The channel (12g) passes completely through the second closure between the open top and open bottom. However, when the second closure is mounted on the second container (11), the channel (12g) merges with the channel (11g) of the neck (111) of the second container.

To protect the second product (P2) in the second reservoir (11c), a cap (13) is provided. This cap is designed to seal the open top (12b) of the second closure (12). For example, the cap may have the same cross-sectional shape (e.g., circular) as the nozzle (12i), and its dimensions may be adapted for an interference fit on the nozzle. Alternatively, the nozzle and cap may have mating features such as threads, bayonet fittings, or other snap-fit fittings.

System usage

Referring to Figures 3A and 3B, as the cap (13) is removed from the opening (12i) of the second closure 12, the opening can be inserted into the open top (2b) of the first closure (2). This should be achieved by inverting the first container (1) and allowing the opening to enter the open top (2b) of the first closure. As the opening of the second closure is inserted into the open top of the first closure, the opening presses against one or more rupture membranes (1m and/or 2m), puncturing the membrane and establishing flow communication between the first reservoir (1c) and the second reservoir (1c). To facilitate membrane puncture, the opening may be formed with a leading edge (12m). The size of the opening is adapted to interfere with the O-ring (2i) of the first closure. The position of the O-ring close to the open top (2b) of the first closure (2) means that a seal is formed around the opening before the membrane is punctured. As a result, the system avoids unintentional leakage around the puncture site, especially if the user hesitates when completing the puncture or insertion. This arrangement also prevents leakage when the connected containers are held in a horizontal or angled position. Once one or more membranes are punctured, the nozzle can be further inserted into the second closure until the flat surface (12k) of the second closure presses against the flat surface (2k) of the first closure.

At this point, the contents of the first container (1) can fall into or drain into the second container (11). Due to the effective seal between the O-ring (2i) and the nozzle (12i), the connected containers can be shaken to mix the first product (P1) and the second product (P2) without worrying about any spillage. The contact of the flat surfaces (2k) and (12k) increases the stability of the connected configuration. Optionally, these flat surfaces may be provided with means for temporarily locking the two surfaces together. The fastening means may include keyway or bayonet fittings. This option will further reduce movement between the first and second closures during contents transfer and shaking.

Once all the first product (P1) has been transferred to the second container (11), the container can be separated, preferably in an upright position, as shown in Figure 3B. As the nozzle (12i) is pulled out through the O-ring (2i), the O-ring wipes the nozzle clean. At this point, the cap (13) can be placed back onto the clean nozzle (12i) to allow for further shaking and/or storage without any mess. Alternatively, the mixed product is ready to be dispensed from the second storage container (12c) through the nozzle (12i).

The first and second containers (1, 11) do not need to be the same size and can be provided in unlimited quantities. However, the second container does need to be large enough to hold both quantities of product (P1, P2), preferably with some headroom to allow for efficient mixing. Under this constraint, the typical volume of the first and second containers (1c, 11c) can range from about 15 ml to about 500 ml.

Although the first and second containers can be provided in an unlimited number of capacities, the simplicity of this design makes the container system described herein ideally suited for use as single-dose packaging, particularly for kits providing multiple single-dose container systems where two or more products or ingredients should be kept separate prior to use. A single dose, by definition, refers to a single dose consisting of a combined quantity of flowable product (P1) and a quantity of flowable product (P2) sufficient to exactly meet the intended use, after which the container system should be discarded. For example, as described herein, a kit may comprise one or more plastic trays containing the same number of first containers (1) and second containers (11).

Furthermore, the pallet can be packaged in an outer box for retail distribution. Figure 4 illustrates one embodiment of a kit (14) of a single-dose container system intended for weekly supply. The kit comprises a single pallet (14a) holding seven first containers (1) and seven second containers (11). The pallet is packaged in an outer box (14b). In this case, the intended use is once daily for one week. However, the number of first and second containers can be any desired number. A weekly supply of 7 containers once daily, a monthly supply of 30 containers once daily, and a weekly supply of 14 containers twice daily are non-limiting examples.

Claims (11)

1. A container system for mixing and dispensing two flowable products, comprising: A first container (1), the first container (1) comprising: A first storage unit (1c) capable of containing a certain amount of a first flowable product (P1); An open top (1b) includes an opening (1d) that allows access to the first storage unit (1c); A sealing surface (1e) surrounding the orifice (1d); and A ruptureable membrane (1m) is attached to the sealing surface (1e) to seal the orifice (1d); A first closure (2), which is removably secured to the first container (1), the first closure (2) having: Open top (2b); and A sealing surface (2e) is located inside the first closure (2). When the first closure (2) is installed on the first container (1), the sealing surface (2e) of the first closure presses against the sealing surface (1e) of the first container; The second container (11) includes: The second storage unit (11c) is capable of containing a certain amount of the second flowable product (P2); An open top (11b) includes an opening (11d) that allows access to the second reservoir (11c); A sealing surface (11e) surrounding the orifice (11d); and A second closure (12), which is removably secured to the second container (11), has the following characteristics: An open top (12b) is formed as an extension port (12i); and A sealing surface (12e) is located inside the second closure (12). Such that when the second closure (12) is installed into the second container (11), the sealing surface (12e) of the second closure presses against the sealing surface (11e) of the second container; and The nozzle (12i) can be inserted into the open top (2b) of the first closure (2) such that the nozzle will pierce the fragile membrane (1m) to establish flow communication between the first reservoir (1c) and the second reservoir (11c); The first closure (2) further includes a sealing ring (2i), which is fixed in a groove (2j) inside the first closure above the height of the sealing surface (2e), and wherein the size of the opening (12i) of the second closure (12) is adapted to interfere with the sealing ring (2i) so that when the opening is inserted into the open top (2b) of the first closure (2), the sealing ring forms a seal around the opening. 2. The container system according to claim 1, wherein the open top (2b) of the first closure (2) is formed with a flat surface (2k), and the base of the nozzle (12i) is provided with a flat surface (12k) such that the nozzle can be inserted into the first closure until the flat surface of the second closure presses against the flat surface of the first closure. 3. The container system according to claim 1, wherein the port (12i) is formed with a leading edge (12m) to facilitate piercing the membrane (1m). 4. The container system of claim 1 further includes a cap (13) capable of sealing the open top (12b) of the second closure (12). 5. The container system of claim 1, wherein one of the two flowable products is at least partially soluble in the other. 6. The container system of claim 5, wherein the two flowable products can be completely miscible by simple shaking. 7. The container system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the two flowable products is a particulate solid. 8. The container system according to claim 1, wherein the second container (12) is capable of holding a certain amount of the first flowable product (P1) and a certain amount of the second flowable product (P2). 9. The container system of claim 1, wherein a certain amount of the first flowable product (P1) and a certain amount of the second flowable product (P2) are combined to be sufficient for exactly one dose. 10. A kit comprising a plurality of container systems according to claim 9. 11. The kit of claim 10, wherein the number of container systems is at least seven.