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(11) | EP 1 529 741 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | Container, with additional reservoir and method for packaging a substance |
(57) The invention pertains to a container (1), in particular for food such as dairy products.
The container according to the invention comprises:
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[0001] The present invention relates to a container according to the preamble of claim 1, and to a method for packaging a substance in such a container according to the preamble of claim 15.
[0002] US 2,824,010 discloses a flavour-containing milk container top. The known container top comprises a second reservoir holding a flavouring substance, which can be added to the milk in the first reservoir of the container the top is attached to. US 2,824,010 discloses in a specific embodiment a rigid, vertical plate secured to the top seal of a so-called gable-top container, which is made from a folded blank and has slanting top walls. The plate comprises a second reservoir in the shape of a hollow ball of elastic material filled with a flavouring substance. A passage extends from the second reservoir through the top seal in order to provide fluid communication between the second reservoir and the contents of the first reservoir of the container. By squeezing the second reservoir, the flavouring substance is dispensed via the passage into the contents of the first reservoir of the container.
[0003] This known container top has several disadvantages. First of all, it has been found that within the known concept, it is hard to obtain a leak-tight container, as the passage between the second reservoir and the first reservoir passes through the top seal of the gable-top container.
[0004] Also, as the passage connecting the second reservoir to the first reservoir is very narrow, only liquids or fine powders can pass through it. The known concept prevents the passage to be wide for reasons of leak-tightness, in particular the leak-tightness of the top seal of the container.
[0005] As the plate and the second reservoir are on top of the first reservoir of the container, the container is susceptible to damage or undesired release of the contents of the second reservoir into the first reservoir during handling, transport and storage.
[0006] Moreover, gable-top containers are designed to be opened by folding one side of each of the slanting top walls outwardly, and then pulling the area between the outwardly folded wall parts outward, thus forming a spout. In this opening procedure, a part of the top seal of the container is broken. Gable-top containers are widely used for packaging dairy products such as milk or yoghurt, so consumers are used to opening such containers this way.
[0007] The known second reservoir on the gable-top container interferes with the standard opening procedure for gable-top containers, as the plate with the second reservoir prevents the top seal of the container from being broken. So, the consumer who wants to open the container will first have to remove the plate with the second reservoir. This usually leads to damage of the top area of the gable-top container, which is likely to damage the top seal and makes it hard to fold out the spout.
[0008] It is the object of the invention to provide a container of the type according to the preamble of claim 1, in particular for food such as dairy products, allowing a second substance to be added to a first substance before the container is opened to release its contents, which container is less susceptible to leakage as compared to known containers of this kind.
[0009] Preferably, the container is less susceptible to damage or undesired release of the second substance during handling, transport and storage than known containers. Preferably, the container can also be handled, transported and stored along with other containers of the same type that have no second reservoir. Preferably the container can also be opened in a way consumers are used to without interference from the presence of a second reservoir.
[0011] In the container according to the invention, the second reservoir is attached to a flat panel of the first reservoir, such as a wall, top or bottom. By attaching the second reservoir to a flat panel of the first reservoir instead of in or to a seal or seam such as in the known container, it is much easier to obtain a liquid-tight container, because the process of attaching a second reservoir to a flat panel can be efficiently realised in a mass production environment with a high degree of reliability.
[0012] The second reservoir can have a variety of shapes, such as cubical, dome-shaped, pyramidal, or it can be shaped in the form of a (company) logo.
[0013] The second substance can have various forms, such as a liquid, a powder, a granulate or a tablet. The second substance can for example comprise flavourings, aromatic substances, vitamins, calcium, bacteria, chocolate chips, and/or cereals. By mixing the second substance with the first substance just before consumption, the second substance does not deteriorate under the influence of the first substance. For instance, when vitamins are added to a dairy product, the vitamin content tends to diminish during the shelf life of the dairy product. Therefore, in regular container, an excess of vitamins is added to the dairy product at production, in order to guarantee a certain percentage of vitamins at the end of the shelf life. When using the container according to the invention, this is not necessary. Also, separation of the mixture into a first phase mainly consisting of the first substance and a second phase mainly consisting of the second substance is avoided. Furthermore, it allows the customer to choose whether to add the second substance or not.
[0014] In the container according to the invention, a seal is present to provide a barrier between the first substance and a second substance. This seal will generally be located between the first reservoir and the second reservoir. Preferably, the seal comprises a film made of plastic coated aluminium or a plastic film. As an alternative, it is envisaged that the weakened area of the flat panel serves as a barrier.
[0015] Preferably, the seal is a planar element. More preferably, the seal lies essentially in the plane of the flat panel the second container is attached to.
[0016] When the barrier between the first substance and the second substance is eliminated, for instance by puncturing, breaking, tearing or physically removing the seal, a passage between the respective reservoirs is created so that the first reservoir and the second reservoir come into fluid communication with each other.
[0017] Preferably, the area of the cross section of the passage is at least 0.3 times the area of the cross-section of the second reservoir at the side facing the passage. More preferable, the area of the cross section of the passage is about the same size as the area of the cross-section of the second reservoir at the side facing the passage. This way, the second substance can be discharged easily into the first substance. Also, a second substance comprising relatively large particles such as chocolate chips or muesli can be discharged into the first substance. Also, in the case that the second substance is a powder, it is avoided by this measure that the passage gets clogged up.
[0018] Preferably, the second reservoir is positioned on the first reservoir in such a way that the second reservoir does not interfere with the opening procedure of the first reservoir. Preferably, the arrangement is such that the normal opening procedure that the customers are used to for the specific type of container that is used as a first reservoir can be used in the normal way.
[0019] For example, when the container is a gable-top container, the container preferably comprises a foldable spout for discharging the contents of the first reservoir. The spout is adapted to be folded from at least a part of each of the two slanting walls forming the top of the container. In that case, the second reservoir is spaced from each part of the slanting walls that is adapted to at least partly form the spout, and away from the top seal of the container. This way, the gable-top container can be opened in the way consumers are used to. As an alternative, a screw cap or a plastic spout can be used for opening the container.
[0020] Preferably, the container according to the invention is provided with a shielding device for preventing the second substance to be dispensed into the first substance too early, that is: before the customer chooses to release the second substance into the first substance. The shielding device has an active and an inactive mode. In the active mode, it prevents the second substance to be dispensed into the first substance. Preferably, the shielding device in its active mode prevents access to the second reservoir.
[0021] When the container is handled, transported and stored, the shielding device is in its active mode. When a customer wants to release the second substance into the first substance, he brings the shielding device into its inactive mode. In the inactive mode of the shielding device, the barrier between the first substance and the second substance can be eliminated, such as by breaking, tearing, puncturing or physically removing the seal.
[0023] Preferably, the shielding device is a cap, made of relatively rigid material and being arranged to fully or partially cover the second reservoir when the cap is in its active mode. The cap is brought in its inactive mode for example by twisting or pulling it off the second reservoir, or by pivoting the cap away from the second reservoir.
[0024] In order to release the second substance into the first substance, the barrier between the first substance and the second substance has to be eliminated. Eliminating the barrier can be accomplished in different ways.
[0025] Preferably, the seal that forms the barrier is adapted to be broken by applying a pressure on it, preferably by pressing on a deformable part of the outer surface of the second reservoir, just like when opening a blister-type package. In order to facilitate the breaking of the seal, the seal can be locally scored or otherwise weakened.
[0026] It is envisaged that the container comprises additional release means, which facilitate the elimination of the barrier. Such release means can be adapted to penetrate the seal, such as a release means in the form of a pin that is pushed through the seal. Alternatively, the release means are adapted to increase the pressure inside the second reservoir.
[0027] During handling, transport and storage of containers for food such as dairy products, in general for each container generally an individual, substantially brick-shaped handling space is provided. The height of this individual handling space is defined by the distance between the top and the bottom of the first reservoir, and the width and depth of the handling space by the maximum dimensions of the cross section of the body of the first reservoir. The handling space may extend a few millimetres beyond the dimensions of the first reservoir, but this is not necessary.
[0028] If a container is not entirely brick-shaped, such as when it has for example one or more slanting walls, the handling space of the container is not fully taken up by the first reservoir, leaving open a remaining space. Something projecting from the first reservoir into this remaining space of the handling space is generally more protected, such as by adjacent containers or by walls of the area in which the containers are transported or stored, than something that projects outside of the handling area of the first reservoir.
[0029] In a possible embodiment, the second reservoir is arranged on a wall of the first container adjacent to such a remaining space, such that the container according to the invention is less susceptible to damage of undesired release of the second substance into the first substance than known containers. This effect is enhanced when the part of a second reservoir that projects from the first reservoir is adapted in shape and size to stay within the remaining area completely.
[0030] In that case, the container according to the invention takes up the same handling space as a container of the same type that lacks a second reservoir. This way, as an additional advantage, equipment that is used in for example handing, transport and storage of the containers does not need to be adapted for handling containers according to the invention.
[0031] Also, the space a container according to the invention takes up during storage remains substantially the same in comparison to a container without a second reservoir, so that containers with a second reservoir can be handled, transported and stored along with containers of the same size having no second reservoir.
[0032] It is envisaged that the container according to the invention is a gable-top container, but also other types of containers, such as the type described in International Patent Application PCT/NL03/00258 or generally brick-shaped containers, are possible.
[0033] In a further embodiment, the container according to the invention can have more than one second reservoir. Each second reservoir has a respective barrier which after elimination provides fluid communication between the respective second reservoir and the first reservoir.
[0034] The substance in the two or more of the second reservoirs can be different from each other. This way, different types of substances can be added to the first substance (for example: chocolate chips and vitamins). Also, the customer is offered a choice which substance to add to the first substance (for example: chocolate chips or vitamins).
[0035] In contrast, two or more second reservoirs can contain the same second substance. This way, a larger total amount of the second substance can be added to the first substance and the customer is offered a choice in the amount of second substance to add.
[0036] It is envisaged that the container is provided with a mixing promotion device. This mixing promotion device can be a plate provided with holes or a spatial structure inside the first reservoir.
[0037] As an alternative for the container comprising a first reservoir and a second reservoir, the second reservoir can be distributed separately from a container comprising a first reservoir. In that case, the container is provided with a connector for connecting a second reservoir with a content of choice to the first reservoir. The connection is preferably established in a liquid-tight way, for example by using an O-ring. This way, the container can be shaken to mix the first substance and the second substance without spilling.
[0038] Arranging the connector on a wall of the first reservoir on a flat panel has the same advantages as arranging the second reservoir on such a flat panel in the previously discussed embodiment.
[0039] In the alternative embodiment in which the second reservoir is sold separately from the container, there is more freedom of design of the second reservoir.
[0040] The invention also relates to a method for packaging a first substance in accordance with claim 15.
[0041] It is envisaged that the second reservoir is attached to the first reservoir by means of heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing, high frequency sealing or gluing. If one of these techniques is chosen, it is advantageous if the panel of the first reservoir to which the second reservoir is sealed is made of plastic coated cardboard, and that the part of the second reservoir that is adapted to be attached to the first reservoir is made of a compatible sealable plastic material, such as polyethylene. Preferably, the material of the second reservoir is transparent.
[0042] It is envisaged that a method similar to the attachment of screw caps onto or into a carton is used for attaching second reservoirs to sleeves.
[0043] It is envisaged that the interface of the second reservoir, by which the second reservoir is to be attached to the sleeve, is positioned either on the outside or on the inside of the sleeve. Preferably, the interface attaching the second reservoir to the first reservoir is arranged on the inside of the first reservoir, with the second reservoir projecting through the hole in the blank. This is advantageous because it gives a better appearance to the container. Moreover, any increase in pressure inside the first reservoir, for example due to a light squeezing of the container when it is picked up, results in an extra closing force on the seal, thus ensuring better leak tightness.
[0044] It is however also envisaged that the interface of the second reservoir can be arranged on the outside of the first reservoir.
[0045] Preferably, the first reservoir is made by folding a blank of laminated cardboard. Preferably, the blank is provided with a aperture over which a seal which will be applied to form the barrier between the first and the second substance. This allows easy manufacturing of the first reservoir and allows the use of machines already in use for making containers without a second reservoir. When the seal is applied, it may or may not already have the second reservoir attached to it.
[0046] Preferably, the first substance is a liquid dairy product such as milk or yoghurt. It is advantageous that the first substance has a low viscosity, since this facilitates mixing the second substance with the first substance. The mixing can for example be achieved by shaking the container when the second substance has been released into the first substance.
[0047] The container and the method according to the invention will be illustrated below in conjunction with the drawing, in which nonlimiting embodiments of the container according to the invention are shown.
[0048] The drawing shows in:
fig. 1 an embodiment of a container according to the invention, fig. 2 a section of the embodiment of a container according to fig.1 in filled condition,
fig. 3a,b an embodiment of a container according to the invention, provided with a shielding device,
fig. 4a,b known types of containers for food products such as dairy, and their handling space,
fig. 5 containers according to the invention, along with known gable-top containers stored on shelves,
fig. 6 an alternative embodiment of a container according to the invention,
fig. 7 an other alternative embodiment of a container according to the invention,
fig. 8 an alternative embodiment of the second reservoir according to the invention,
fig. 9 a schematic representation of the method for packaging a substance according to the invention.
[0049] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a container according to the invention. Container 1 comprises a first reservoir 11, a second reservoir 12 and a seal 13. The container 1 is of the gable-top type.
[0050] Second reservoir 12 is arranged on one of the slanting top walls 16, which slanting wall 16 is a flat panel of the first reservoir 11.
[0051] Dashed lines 14 indicate the parts 15 of the top walls 16 that are adapted to be folded outwardly in order to form a spout for releasing any contents of the first container. Fig. 1 shows that the second reservoir 12 is located away from the wall parts 15, so the second reservoir 12 does not interfere with the normal opening procedure of a gable-top container.
[0052] Fig. 2 shows the first reservoir 11 filled with a first substance 21. The first substance is preferably a dairy product with low viscosity, such as milk or drinking yoghurt. The second reservoir 12 is filled with a second substance 22, such as a flavouring or vitamins.
[0053] The second reservoir 12 is provided with an interface 17. The second reservoir 12 is attached to the first reservoir 11 by means of interface 17. In the embodiment of fig. 2, the interface 17 is attached to flat panel 16 from the inside of first reservoir 11. It is however also possible to attach the interface 17 to the outside of flat panel 16.
[0054] Fig. 3a,b show an embodiment of the container 1 according to the invention, in which a shielding device 20 is arranged over the second reservoir 12. The shielding device 20 is in this embodiment made of a hard plastic, and it can be pivoted around hinge 25.
[0055] In the situation according to fig. 3a, the shielding device 20 is in its active position. It covers the second reservoir 12, so the second reservoir cannot be subjected to a pushing force that could break the seal 13 by accident.
[0056] In the situation according to fig. 3b, the shielding device 20 is pivoted to an upright position around hinge 25, in which upright position it no longer shields the second reservoir 12. So, now the shielding device does no longer protect the second reservoir 12. Pushing on the second reservoir 12 will cause the seal 13 to break, thus eliminating the barrier between the first substance and the second substance. Thus, a passage 18 between the second reservoir 12 and the first reservoir 11 is established, and the second substance 22 is released into the first substance.
[0057] As the container itself it not open yet, the container can be shaken to mix the first substance 21 and the second substance 22 without spilling.
[0058] In an advantageous embodiment, the second reservoir is dimensioned in such a way that it is fully located within in handling space of container 1. The handling space is indicated in fig. 4a,b for known types of containers by dashed lines 3. The part of the handling space outside the container 1 is defined as the remaining space 2.
[0059] Fig. 5 shows containers 1 according to the advantageous embodiment in which the second reservoir is dimensioned in such a way that it is fully located within in handling space of container 1. In fig. 5, such containers are, along with known gable-top containers 50 (without a second reservoir) stored on shelves 55. As can be seen in fig. 5, second reservoirs 12 are protected by adjacent containers. Also, fig. 5 clearly shows that containers 1 according to this embodiment can be stored along with known containers 50 without additional provisions.
[0060] Fig. 6 shows an other alternative embodiment of a container 1 according to the invention. In the embodiment of fig. 6, the container 1 is provided with release means 26. By pushing on the top 27 of the second reservoir 12, the release means 27, in this case a sharp pin, punctures the seal 13, thus facilitating the elimination of the barrier between the first substance and the second substance. Instead of a sharp pin, the release means 26 may comprise means for increasing the pressure inside the second reservoir. Also, solely or in addition to the presence of release means of any kind, the seal 13 may be locally weakened such as by scoring lines to facilitate the elimination of the barrier between the first substance and the second substance.
[0061] Fig. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the container according to the invention. In this alternative embodiment, a second reservoir 112 can be bought separately from a container 101, so that the customer can choose his favourite second substance. In that case, the container 101 is provided with a connector 140 for connecting a second reservoir 112 with a content of choice to the first reservoir 111. The connection is preferably established in a liquid-tight way, for example by using an O-ring. Seal 113 closes the container 101 when no second reservoir 112 is connected to the container 101.
[0062] Arranging the connector on a flat panel 116 of the first reservoir 111 adjacent to the remaining space has the same advantages as arranging the second reservoir on such a flat panel in the previously discussed embodiments.
[0063] In the embodiment of fig. 7, the second reservoir intended for comprises connection means 130 for connecting the second container 112 to connector 140 of the container 101. It also comprises a first seal 131, for closing the second reservoir 112. Furthermore, the second reservoir 112 comprises third sealing means 132 being adapted to establish a liquid-tight seal between the connector 140 of container 101 in co-operation with second sealing means 142 provided on said connector 140.
[0064] It is envisaged that technical measures of the different embodiments shown are combined to embodiments not explicitly shown in the drawing.
[0065] Fig. 8 shows an alternative embodiment of the second reservoir. In the embodiment of fig. 8, the second reservoir 200 comprises an interface 201 which is adapted be connected to the first reservoir 210. In this interface 201, a spout 202 is present, so that the spout 202 is integral with the second reservoir 200.
[0066] Fig. 9 shows schematically the method for packaging a first substance according to the invention.
[0067] First, a blank 530 is supplied. The blank 530 is made of cardboard and comprises scoring lines 531 that facilitate folding, and an aperture 532.
[0068] Then, the blank 530 is folded to form a sleeve 534. The sleeve 534 is sealed in its longitudinal direction. Then, the sleeve 534 is provided with a bottom 533. In this example, the bottom 533 is provided by folding parts of the sleeve 534, but is it also envisaged that a separate bottom is supplied to the filling line and sealed to the sleeve 534. The folding of the blank can take place outside the filling line. In that case, folded blanks are supplied to the filling line. It is also possible that the folding of the blank takes place in the filling line. Also, the bottom can be provided in or out of the filling line.
[0069] At 503, at least one second reservoir 540 per sleeve is supplied to the filling line. The second reservoir 540 comprises a body 541 filled with a second substance, a seal 542 for closing the second reservoir, and an interface 543 for attaching the second reservoir 540 to the sleeve 535.
[0070] The second reservoir 540 is positioned relative to the sleeve 535 in such a way that the seal 542 of the second reservoir 540 is arranged to at least partly cover aperture 532 in blank 530. The interface 543 of the second reservoir 540 is positioned either on the inside or on the outside of the sleeve 535, connecting the second reservoir 540 to the sleeve 535.
[0071] At 504, the inside of the sleeve 535, with the second reservoir 540 attached to it, is disinfected.
[0072] At 505, a first substance is supplied to the filling line 520. The sleeve 535 is filled with the first substance.
1. Container, in particular for food such as dairy products, comprising:
a flat panel of the first reservoir is provided with an aperture or a weakened area facilitating the formation of an aperture, and in that the second reservoir is attached to said flat panel of the first reservoir, covering said aperture or weakened area.
- a liquid-tight first reservoir for containing a liquid first substance, which first reservoir is at least partly made out of coated cardboard, and which first reservoir is delimited by reservoir walls including at least one flat panel,
- at least one second reservoir for containing a second substance, the second reservoir being attached to the first reservoir and having a smaller volume than the first reservoir,
- at least one seal, each seal being associated with a respective second reservoir, each seal being adapted to provide a barrier between the first reservoir and a second reservoir, which barrier can be eliminated to release the second substance into the first reservoir,
- opening means for dispensing the contents of the container,
characterised in that,a flat panel of the first reservoir is provided with an aperture or a weakened area facilitating the formation of an aperture, and in that the second reservoir is attached to said flat panel of the first reservoir, covering said aperture or weakened area.
2. Container according to any of the preceding claims,
characterised in that,
the second reservoir is spaced from the opening means in such a way that the second reservoir does not interfere with the opening of the container.
characterised in that,
the second reservoir is spaced from the opening means in such a way that the second reservoir does not interfere with the opening of the container.
3. Container according to any of the preceding claims,
characterised in that,
the container further comprises a shielding device that has an active and an inactive mode, the shielding device in its active mode being adapted to prevent the second substance from being dispensed into the first substance,
and in that preferably a tamper-evident device is associated with the shielding device.
characterised in that,
the container further comprises a shielding device that has an active and an inactive mode, the shielding device in its active mode being adapted to prevent the second substance from being dispensed into the first substance,
and in that preferably a tamper-evident device is associated with the shielding device.
4. Container according to any of the preceding claims,
characterised in that,
the seal is adapted to close a passage between the first reservoir and the respective second reservoir,
and in that the area of the cross-section of the passage is at least 0.3 times the area of the cross-section of the second reservoir at the side facing the passage.
characterised in that,
the seal is adapted to close a passage between the first reservoir and the respective second reservoir,
and in that the area of the cross-section of the passage is at least 0.3 times the area of the cross-section of the second reservoir at the side facing the passage.
5. Container according to any of the preceding claims,
characterised in that,
the container comprises release means that are adapted to facilitate the elimination the barrier between the first substance and the second substance.
characterised in that,
the container comprises release means that are adapted to facilitate the elimination the barrier between the first substance and the second substance.
6. Container according to any of the preceding claims,
characterised in that,
the first reservoir comprises a spout for dispensing the contents of the container, the second reservoir being spaced from the spout.
characterised in that,
the first reservoir comprises a spout for dispensing the contents of the container, the second reservoir being spaced from the spout.
7. Container according to claim 6,
characterised in that,
the spout is a foldable spout e.g. a gable top spout, which spout is formed by a part of the first reservoir walls.
characterised in that,
the spout is a foldable spout e.g. a gable top spout, which spout is formed by a part of the first reservoir walls.
8. Container according to claim 6,
characterised in that,
the spout is integral with the second reservoir.
characterised in that,
the spout is integral with the second reservoir.
9. Container according to any of the preceding claims,
characterised in that,
the first reservoir is essentially formed from a folded blank of coated cardboard.
characterised in that,
the first reservoir is essentially formed from a folded blank of coated cardboard.
10. Container according to any of the preceding claims,
characterised in that,
the coating of the first reservoir comprises a plastic layer, and in that the second reservoir comprises a plastic interface for connecting the second reservoir to the first reservoir, and in that the second reservoir is connected to the first reservoir by a weld between the interface and said plastic layer of the coating of the first reservoir.
characterised in that,
the coating of the first reservoir comprises a plastic layer, and in that the second reservoir comprises a plastic interface for connecting the second reservoir to the first reservoir, and in that the second reservoir is connected to the first reservoir by a weld between the interface and said plastic layer of the coating of the first reservoir.
11. Container according to any of the preceding claims,
characterised in that,
the container has a handling space that is defined by the main dimensions of the first reservoir, which handling space comprises a first space that is taken up by the first reservoir, and a remaining space outside the first space,
and in that the second reservoir is arranged on a wall of the first reservoir which wall is adjacent to the remaining space.
characterised in that,
the container has a handling space that is defined by the main dimensions of the first reservoir, which handling space comprises a first space that is taken up by the first reservoir, and a remaining space outside the first space,
and in that the second reservoir is arranged on a wall of the first reservoir which wall is adjacent to the remaining space.
12. Combination of a container, in particular for food such as dairy products, and at
least one second reservoir,
the container comprising a liquid-tight first reservoir for containing a liquid first substance, which first reservoir is at least partly made out of coated cardboard, and which first reservoir is delimited by reservoir walls including at least one flat panel,
the second reservoir being adapted for containing a second substance, the second reservoir having a smaller volume than the first reservoir,
the combination comprising opening means for dispensing the contents of the container,
characterised in that,
a flat panel of the first reservoir is provided with an aperture or a weakened area facilitating the formation of an aperture, and in that a first connector member is attached to said flat panel of the first reservoir, covering said aperture or weakened area, a seal associated with said aperture is provided, said seal being adapted to provide a barrier between the first reservoir and the atmosphere,
and in that the second reservoir is provided with a second connector member, and a seal being adapted to provide a barrier between the second reservoir and the atmosphere,
the first connector member and the second connector member being connectable to provide a liquid-tight passage between the first reservoir and the second reservoir upon suitable elimination of the seals.
the container comprising a liquid-tight first reservoir for containing a liquid first substance, which first reservoir is at least partly made out of coated cardboard, and which first reservoir is delimited by reservoir walls including at least one flat panel,
the second reservoir being adapted for containing a second substance, the second reservoir having a smaller volume than the first reservoir,
the combination comprising opening means for dispensing the contents of the container,
characterised in that,
a flat panel of the first reservoir is provided with an aperture or a weakened area facilitating the formation of an aperture, and in that a first connector member is attached to said flat panel of the first reservoir, covering said aperture or weakened area, a seal associated with said aperture is provided, said seal being adapted to provide a barrier between the first reservoir and the atmosphere,
and in that the second reservoir is provided with a second connector member, and a seal being adapted to provide a barrier between the second reservoir and the atmosphere,
the first connector member and the second connector member being connectable to provide a liquid-tight passage between the first reservoir and the second reservoir upon suitable elimination of the seals.
13. Container, in particular for food such as dairy products, intended for use in an assembly
according to claim 12.
14. Second reservoir intended for use in an assembly according to claim 12.
15. Method for packaging a first substance according to any of the preceding claims, which
method comprises the following steps:
- folding a blank, which comprises at least one aperture, to form a sleeve, and sealing the sleeve in its longitudinal direction,
- providing the sleeve with a bottom,
- supplying at least one second reservoir, each second reservoir comprising a body filled with a second substance, a seal for closing the second reservoir, and an interface for attaching the second reservoir to the sleeve,
- positioning a second reservoir relative to the sleeve, in such a way that the seal of the second reservoir is arranged to at least partly cover an aperture in the blank, the interface of the second reservoir being positioned either on the inside or on the outside of the sleeve,
- connecting a second reservoir to the sleeve
- filling the sleeve with the first substance,
- closing the sleeve such that a closed first reservoir is obtained.
16. Method according to claim 15,
characterised in that,
the first substance is a liquid dairy product, such as milk or yoghurt drink.
characterised in that,
the first substance is a liquid dairy product, such as milk or yoghurt drink.
17. Method according to claim 15 or 16,
characterised in that,
the second substance is a liquid, a powder, a granulate or a tablet.
characterised in that,
the second substance is a liquid, a powder, a granulate or a tablet.
18. Method according to any of the claims 15-17,
characterised in that,
more than one second reservoir is connected to the first reservoir, one or more second reservoirs containing a second substance different from the second substance in the other second reservoirs.
characterised in that,
more than one second reservoir is connected to the first reservoir, one or more second reservoirs containing a second substance different from the second substance in the other second reservoirs.
19. Container according to any of the preceding claims wherein the first reservoir is
filled with a non-carbonated beverage and the second reservoir is filled with a liquid
or a solid e.g. a powder.
20. Container according to any of the preceding claims wherein the first reservoir is
filled with a liquid dairy product.
21. Container according to any of the preceding claims,
characterised in that
the container comprises a mixing promotion device.
characterised in that
the container comprises a mixing promotion device.