[0001] The present invention relates to a double-compartment container for the separate
containment of liquid chemical products capable of reacting with each other.
[0002] In particular, the container of the present invention comprises a bottle consisting
of two separate compartments, joined externally to each other, which define in their
interior separate housings for liquids. The container of the present invention also
comprises closing devices of the two compartments and for the distribution of the
liquids contained therein.
[0003] It is known that some products for personal or household cleaning consist of two
or more components, or compounds, formulations or mixtures which, in order to obtain
the best possible result, are reacted with each other only at the moment of use.
[0004] It can be easily understood that, for reasons of comfort and efficacy, it is particularly
convenient for the different components to be preserved in a single packaging which
is capable of keeping them separate at least until the moment of distribution.
[0005] There are various types of containers of this type, but all of them have limitations
in some way or another, which make their production or use non-optimum. Multi-compartment
containers are known, for example, consisting of a bottle divided into two independent
compartments joined by means of a connecting rib which develops in an axial direction
for the whole height of the bottle. Each compartment has a separate outlet mouth with
independent closing means (for example a screw stopper for each mouth). The containers
produced according to this technology have the disadvantage of becoming deformed during
their use, as a result of a torsion of the two compartments of which the bottle is
formed around the axial connecting rib. This disadvantage makes the seal of these
containers less stable.
[0006] German patent DE1657199 proposes the production of double-compartment containers with a connecting rib of
the same type as those described above, but with the difference that the outlet mouths
are conformed so as to produce the two parts of a single neck which can be closed
with a common screw stopper. In spite of this expedient, once opened, these containers
can also have deformations which make their use non-optimum. Furthermore, the possibility
of torsion to which the two compartments are exposed, also when closed, in addition
to the use of a single closing stopper for both compartments, do not ensure the perfect
separation of the liquids contained therein.
[0007] International patent application
WO 03/029103 proposes a solution to this drawback by equipping this type of container with at
least a second connecting rib between the two compartments, with a substantially transversal
development with respect to the axial rib. The aim of this second connecting rib is
to prevent torsion of the two compartments around the axial connecting rib. This type
of solution however makes the production process of these containers more complex.
[0008] Various solutions exist also with respect to the closing and distribution mode of
known multicompartment containers. Independent closing stoppers can be produced, when
the outlet mouths of the compartments are on separate necks, or common closing stoppers,
when the outlet mouths form a single neck (as in
German patent DE1657199). It is also possible to use a single closing device for outlet mouths of separate
necks, in this case the closing device also forming a connection between the separate
necks. According to this type of solution, the closing device is pushed onto the mouths
so as to be joined to them with geometrical coupling.
[0009] The various solutions proposed respond to different closing and product distribution
criteria. If, on the one hand, an independent closure for each single compartment
is more effective to prevent the undesired mixing of the components housed separately,
on the other, a common distribution of the various components ensures a better mixing
at the moment of application, optimizing the reaction yield of the components.
[0010] European patent
EP875460, for example, describes a multicompartment container in which the different compartments
into which the bottle is divided are joined externally by means of connection ribs
with an axial development and in which a connection is applied by means of a clip-on
hook onto the single neck consisting of the outlet mouths of the two or more compartments
forming the bottle, which joins the distribution spouts of the various liquids contained
therein. The connection proposed according to this patent, however, consists of a
series of pieces which make it difficult to produce. In addition to this, patent
EP875460 does not solve the problem of the closure and consequently the separation of the
liquids housed in the different compartments.
[0011] According to European patent
EP861200, a double-compartment container is proposed, in which the closure is effected by
means of a connection which is clip-inserted onto the outlet mouths of the two compartments
and forms a single neck in which the outlet mouths can alternatively be kept separate
or joined and on which a stopper hinged to a side is applied, which, in the embodiment
in which the outlet mouths are kept separate, closes the two mouths separately.
[0012] The container described in European patent
EP861200 consists of two flexible tubular housings, connected along a substantially flat common
side. The two compartments forming the container are consequently not subjected to
reciprocal torsion and expedients are therefore not required for giving the container
greater rigidity. Furthermore, the reciprocal proximity of the two outlet mouths only
ensures separation between the contents of the two compartments if the production
precision of the pieces is sufficiently high.
[0013] An objective of the present invention is to provide a double-compartment container
which contemporaneously solves the various problems of the known multi-compartment
containers.
[0014] In particular, an objective of the present invention is to provide a single-piece
container with two compartments, capable of guaranteeing a perfect separation between
the various components contained in the compartments by means of a single stopper,
produced in a single piece, which separately closes the outlet mouths of the two compartments.
[0015] An objective of the invention is also to provide a double-compartment container whose
reciprocal position is maintained sufficiently rigid as to allow the container to
be conveniently held and handled.
[0016] A further objective of the present invention is to provide a double-compartment container
in which the distribution is effected so as to favour an optimum mixing of the two
liquid components contained at the moment of use.
[0017] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a double-compartment container
which is simple and functional, with limited production costs, as it consists of only
two pieces, i.e. the double-compartment bottle and the distributor, which can be easily
coupled with each other, thanks to the expedients for facilitating the centering at
the moment of assembly.
[0018] These objectives according to the present invention are achieved by producing a double-compartment
container as specified in claim 1.
[0019] Further characteristics of the double-compartment container of the present invention
are indicated in the dependent claims.
[0020] The characteristics and advantages of a double-compartment container according to
the present invention will appear more evident from the following illustrative and
non-limiting description, referring to the enclosed schematic drawings in which:
- figure 1 shows a front view of the bottle of the double-compartment container according
to the present invention;
- figure 2 shows a view from above of the bottle of figure 1,
- figure 3 shows a side view of the bottle of figure 1,
- figure 3A shows an enlargement of the detail A of figure 3,
- figure 4 shows a front view of the distributor of the double-compartment container
according to the present invention,
- figure 5 shows a side view of the distributor of figure 4,
- figure 6 shows a sectional view of the distributor of figure 5, along the section
plane A-A, according to a first embodiment,
- figure 7 shows a view from above of the distributor of figure 4,
- figure 8 shows a sectional view of the distributor of figure 7, along the section
plane C-C, according to a first embodiment,
- figure 8A shows an enlargement of the detail B of figure 8,
- figure 9 shows a view from below of the distributor of figure 4, according to a first
embodiment,
- figure 10 shows a sectional view of the distributor of figure 9, along the section
plane C-C,
- figure 11 shows a sectional view of the distributor of figure 5, along the section
plane A-A, according to a second embodiment,
- figure 12 shows a view from below of the distributor of figure 4, according to a second
embodiment,
- figure 12A shows an enlargement of the detail C of figure 12,
- figure 13 shows a sectional view of the distributor of figure 12, along the section
plane D-D.
[0021] With preliminary reference to figures 1-3, these show the bottle 1 of a double-compartment
container according to the present invention, said bottle comprising two separate
compartments 2, for the housing of fluid products, externally joined to each other
by means of a connection rib 3 with an axial development. Each compartment 2 terminates
above with a narrowing which forms a neck 4, at whose end there is an outlet mouth
5. The two necks 4 of the compartments 2 are therefore separate from each other. Figure
3A shows in detail the portion of the neck 4 of a compartment 2 of the bottle 1, and
illustrates how there are reliefs 6 on the neck 4, which are gradually connected above
with the surface of the neck 4, whereas below they form a step 7.
[0022] With reference to figures 4-13, these show two embodiments of the second piece which
forms the double-compartment container according to the present invention, i.e. the
distributor 8. The distributor 8 consists of a mantle 9, whose base 10 reproduces
the form of the bottle 1 onto which the distributor is to be applied. The section
of the mantle 9 narrows as it moves away from the base 10, as far as a shelf 11, tilted
and surrounded by a raised edge 12, from which there are two upward distribution spouts
13. A stopper 14 is hinged to the mantle 9 on the upper side of the shelf 11.
[0023] With reference in particular to figures 6, 8 and 10, these show the form of the distributor
8 in its inner part in the mantle 9, according to a first embodiment. In particular,
two cylindrical ducts 15 are illustrated, one for each distribution spout 13. The
cylindrical ducts 15 are produced so as to geometrically correspond to the outlet
mouths 5 of the compartments 2 of the bottle 1. In particular, the cylindrical ducts
15 are each defined by a double cylindrical wall, respectively indicated as internal
cylindrical walls 15', which are suitable for being inserted inside the outlet mouths
5 of the compartments 2 of the bottle 1, and outer cylindrical walls 15", whose size
allows them to externally envelop the outlet mouths 5 themselves. With reference to
figure 8A, the terminal portion of the outer cylindrical walls 15" is internally equipped
with reliefs 16, which form a step 17 above. The coupling between the bottle 1 and
the distributor 8 is ensured by means of a clip-on hook between the reliefs 6 of the
necks 4 and the reliefs 16 of the outer cylindrical walls 15" of the cylindrical ducts
15.
[0024] Furthermore, according to the embodiment shown in figures 6, 8, 9 and 10, between
the two cylindrical ducts 15 there is a fork 18, which forms a further engaging element
between the bottle 1 and the distributor 8 and which has the function of stabilizing
their coupling. The fork 18 is equipped with two prongs 22, between which there is
a housing 23 for the upper portion of the rib 3 which joins the two compartments 2
of the bottle 1. The fork 18 has a double function, on the one hand favouring the
centering of the distributor 8 on the bottle 1, on the other forming by means of the
prongs 22 an encumbrance which, positioned between the two compartments 2 of the bottle
1, on two opposite sides of the rib 3, defines a stiffening of the overall structure
of the container.
[0025] Alternatively, according to the embodiment shown in figures 11, 12, 12A and 13, the
function of stabilizing the coupling between the bottle 1 and the distributor 8 is
left to two forcing plates 24 which comprise a forcing tubular portion 25 joined to
the mantle 9, along its whole height, with a connection wall 26.
[0026] The forcing plates 24 extend from opposite sides of the mantle 9 towards the inside
of the distributor 8, for the forced insertion on both sides between the two compartments
2 of the bottle 1.
[0027] The maximum width of the forcing plates 24 is, in fact, such as to allow an insertion
with interference between the two compartments 2 of the bottle 1.
[0028] With reference in particular to figures 6 and 11, these show how the spouts 13 each
consist of an oblique cone 19, equipped with a small outlet passage 20, situated on
the vertex of the cone 19. In particular, the inclination of the axis of the oblique
cones 19 of the two spouts 13 is such that the ideal extension of said axes, beyond
the vertex of the cones 19 themselves, converge in one point. The function of the
inclination of the axis of the cones 19 is to confer a moving component to the two
jets of liquid leaving the spouts 13, which allows the two jets to converge forming
a single jet, thus favouring the mixing of the two liquid components of the product.
[0029] Figure 11 also shows, in correspondence with each spout 13, in such as position that
it does hinder the outlet passage 20, the presence of a cylindrical housing 27, whose
upper side is defined by a portion of the wall of the cone 19. Said cylindrical housings
27 are envisaged when one or both of the compartments 2 of the container must be equipped
with mono-directional air return valves (not shown). These valves are necessary when
the products contained use up oxygen. As a result of this consumption, in fact, a
depression is generated in the corresponding compartment 2, which is compensated,
through the mono-directional valve, by the passage of air coming from the outside
environment.
[0030] With reference to figures 7 and 10, these also show how on the inner curve of the
stopper 14 there are two cylindrical reliefs 21, geometrically corresponding to the
two outlet passages 20 of the spouts 13. The form and dimensions of the reliefs 21
are such that they are inserted with a slight interference inside the passages 20,
closing them hermetically.
[0031] Finally, with particular reference to figures 5 and 10, these show how the surface
of the outer curve of the stopper 14 is folded back and at least the portion of the
surface of the stopper 14 closest to the hinging point with the mantle 9, i.e. the
highest portion of the double-compartment container of the present invention, when
in a closed position, can form a shelf, parallel to the resting base of the container.
This shelf can form a sufficiently wide resting surface for preventing an excessive
concentration of the loads applied on the container or by the container. The upper
wall of a packaging box of a series of double-compartment containers according to
the present invention will, for example, be less subject to tearing phenomena due
to overloads positioned on top of it.
[0032] It is therefore evident how the double-compartment container, object of the present
invention, has the advantage of being produced in two pieces alone, bottle and distributor,
which creates less difficulty for the assembly, also thanks to elements which facilitate
the reciprocal centering of the two pieces, and above all a reduction in the interconnection
points and consequently in any possible leakage. Furthermore, the double-compartment
container of the present invention ensures a sufficient rigidity of the reciprocal
position of the two compartments, with the advantage of allowing it to be conveniently
held and handled. The separate closing of the two distribution spouts, moreover, allows
an optimum seal and a perfect separation of the liquid components contained in the
different compartments. Finally, the particular form of the distribution spouts facilitates
the optimum application of the product, allowing an effective mixing of the two liquid
components at the moment of use.
[0033] The double-compartment container thus conceived can undergo numerous modifications
and variations, all included in the invention; furthermore, all the details can be
substituted by technically equivalent elements. In practice, the materials used, as
also the dimensions, can vary according to technical demands.
1. A double-compartment container, consisting of a bottle (1) and a distributor (8),
said bottle (1) being divided into two separate compartments (2), externally joined
to each other by means of a connecting rib (3) with an axial development and equipped
with separate necks (4), at whose ends there are outlet mouths (5), said distributor
(8) being produced in a single piece and comprising two ducts (15) which geometrically
correspond to said outlet mouths (5) of said bottle (1), so that the wall of said
ducts (15) envelops or is enveloped with interference by the wall of said mouths (5),
and communicate with two distribution spouts (13), which terminate with two outlet
passages (20), said ducts being laterally surrounded by a mantle (9) and above by
a stopper (14) for the closing of said distribution spouts (13), hinged on one side
to the upper portion of said mantle (9) and on whose inner curve, there are two reliefs
(21), geometrically corresponding to said two outlet passages (20) of the distribution
spouts (13), which are inserted inside the passages (20), closing them hermetically.
2. The double-compartment container according to claim 1, characterized in that said necks (4) of said bottle (1) have reliefs (6), and the terminal portion of said
ducts (15) of said distributor (8) is equipped with corresponding reliefs (16), said
reliefs (6) of the necks (4) and said reliefs (16) of said ducts (15) being clip-hooked
and ensuring the coupling between said bottle (1) and said distributor (8) .
3. The double-compartment container according to claim 1, characterized in that said ducts (15) of said distributor (8) are defined by a double cylindrical wall,
an internal cylindrical wall (15'), suitable for being inserted inside the corresponding
outlet mouth (5) of the compartment (2), and an outer cylindrical wall (15"), suitable
for externally enveloping said outlet mouth (5), respectively.
4. The double-compartment container according to claim 1, characterized in that said distributor (8) comprises forcing plates (24), which extend from the inner opposite
sides of the mantle (9) towards the inside of said distributor (8), the maximum width
of said forcing plates (24) being such as to allow an insertion with interference
between said two compartments (2) of the bottle (1), on two opposite sides of said
rib (3).
5. The double-compartment container according to claim 4, characterized in that said forcing plates (24) comprise a tubular forcing portion (25) joined to said mantle
(9) with a connection wall (26).
6. The double-compartment container according to claim 4, characterized in that said forcing plates (24) extend for substantially the whole height of said mantle
(9).
7. The double-compartment container according to claim 1, characterized in that said distributor (8) comprises a fork (18), situated between said two ducts (15)
and equipped with two prongs (22), which define a housing (23) for the upper portion
of said connection rib (3), the thickness of each of said prongs (22) being such as
to guarantee contemporaneous contact with the outer surface of both compartments (2)
of the bottle.
8. The double-compartment container according to claim 1, characterized in that said distribution spouts (13) each consist of an oblique cone (19), protruding with
respect to a shelf (11) situated above said mantle (9), the axes of said cones (19)
converging in a point above the respective vertexes.
9. The double-compartment container according to claim 8, characterized in that said shelf (11) is surrounded by a raised anti-drip edge (12).
10. The double-compartment container according to claim 1, characterized in that said distributor (8) comprises at least one cylindrical housing (27), connected with
a mouth (5) of the bottle (1), suitable for the housing of a mono-directional air
return valve.
11. The double-compartment container according to claim 1, characterized in that the highest portion of the outer curve of said stopper (14) is parallel to the resting
base of the container.