Container and dispenser for viscous materials

Abstract

A container for two or more viscous materials is provided that contains a reservoir, one or more mixing tube(s) and frame or shield, with one or more apertures arranged within the mixing tube. The container can include a frame and a first and second polymeric film joined to a first and, respectively second surface of the frame by one or more adhesive or seal seams.

Claims

1. A container comprising a reservoir and one or more mixing tubes, wherein reservoir contains two or more viscous materials and the at least one mixing tube comprises a sleeve consisting of one or more films made of polymeric materials, wherein container comprises a frame with m apertures arranged within the at least one mixing tube or the at least one mixing tube contains a shield with m apertures and m is in the range from 1 to 160.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein container (1) comprises a frame and a first and second polymeric film joined to a first and, respectively second surface of frame each by one or more adhesive or seal seams.

3. The container of claim 2, wherein each the first and second polymeric film have an elongation at break of 10% to 700%.

4. The container according to claim 1, wherein frame and/or shield have a thickness of 0.3 to 3 mm.

5. The container according to claim 1, wherein frame and/or shield are made from a polymeric film having an elastic modulus of 1500 to 4500 N.Math.mm.sup.2.

6. The container according to claim 1, wherein reservoir comprises two or more chambers and each chamber contains a viscous material.

7. The container according to claim 1, wherein each of the viscous materials is encased in a breakable sleeve or tube.

8. The container of claim 7, wherein a burst pressure of the breakable sleeve or tube is 1.0 bar.

9. The container according to claim 1, wherein frame comprises 4 to 160 apertures.

10. The container according to claim 1, wherein frame comprises one aperture.

11. The container according to claim 1, wherein one, two or more of the viscous materials independently consist of 80 to 100 weight-% of silicone and 0 to 20 weight-% additives, based on the total weight of the respective material.

12. A dispenser for a container according to claim 1, wherein the dispenser comprises one or more static mixers configured to accommodate at least one mixing tube of container, the at least one static mixer comprising a first mixer part with a first channel and a second mixer part with a second channel, the first and second mixer part shaped in such manner, that the mixing tube and a therein contained shield are form-fit mateable to the first and second mixer part and the first and second channel are meander-shaped.

13. The dispenser of claim 12, wherein the first and second channel have courses of opposite phase.

14. The dispenser of claim 12, wherein the first and second mixer part with a thereto form-fit mated mixing tube and shield bound a fluid-conducting mixing chamber.

15. The dispenser according to claim 12, wherein the first and second mixer part with a thereto form-fit mated mixing tube and shield bound n mixing cells with 2n80 wherein each mixing cell comprises a first and second inlet and a first and second outlet and, the outlets of the j-th mixing cell with 1jn1 are connected to the inlets of the (j+1)-th mixing cell and within each mixing cell conduits from each the first and second inlet and to each the first and second outlet and have about the same length and shape.

Description

[0235] Hereinafter the invention is further elucidated with the aid of figures showing:

[0236] FIG. 1 a container with a reservoir for two viscous materials and a mixing tube with a therein contained shield;

[0237] FIG. 2 a container with a one-piece frame;

[0238] FIG. 3 a plan cutaway view of a container with retainer chambers;

[0239] FIG. 4 a frame of a container comprising a multitude of apertures for a mixing tube;

[0240] FIG. 5 a frame of a container with one aperture for a mixing tube;

[0241] FIG. 6 a perspective partial view of a container with retainer chambers;

[0242] FIG. 7 a cross section of a container comprising a frame;

[0243] FIG. 8 a perspective view of a static mixer with essentially straight mixing path;

[0244] FIG. 9 a perspective view of a static mixer with essentially arc-shaped mixing path;

[0245] FIG. 10 a perspective view of a static mixer with sleeve films of a mixing tube;

[0246] FIG. 11 a static mixer with rounded edges;

[0247] FIG. 12 a perspective view of fluid-conducting mixing chambers of diversely shaped mixers;

[0248] FIG. 13 a perspective close-up view of a mixing cell.

[0249] FIG. 1 depicts a plan cut-away view of an inventive container 1 with a mixing tube 2, an outlet 11 and a reservoir 4. Mixing tube 2 provides a conduit from reservoir 4 to outlet 11. A shield 3 with a plurality of apertures 3 is arranged inside of mixing tube 2. Reservoir 4 contains two viscous materials 5 and 6. Container 1 comprises a sleeve comprised of one or two films 13, 14 of polymeric materials. In an expedient embodiment of container 1 the sleeve has a circumferential adhesive or seal seam 10. Adhesive or seal seam 10 bounds the sleeve and imparts increased stiffness to container 1. Reservoir 4 is partitioned into two regions, respectively chambers by a further adhesive or seal seam 9 with each of materials 5 and 6 contained in a separate chamber. In an advantageous embodiment of the inventive container 1 each of the chambers containing one of materials 5 and 6 is sealed by a breakable adhesive or seal seam 7 and 8. Each of breakable adhesive or seal seams 7 and 8 is arranged between one of the chambers containing one of the materials 5, 6 and mixing tube 2.

[0250] In an alternative embodiment of container 1 each of materials 5 and 6 is encased in a separate breakable sleevenot shown in FIG. 1. In this alternative embodiment of container 1 the adhesive or seal seam 9 and the breakable adhesive or seal seams 7 and 8 are not required and omissible.

[0251] Expediently, outlet 11 is sealed with a breakable adhesive or seal seam 11, which shields an inner volume of container 1 from the ambient atmosphere.

[0252] For mixing and dispensing of materials 5 and 6 container 1 is inserted in a dispenser and mechanical pressure is exerted on reservoir 4. When a certain pressure threshold is exceeded the breakable sleeves encasing each of materials 5 and 6 or alternatively adhesive or seal seams 7 and 8 burst and materials 5 and 6 flow through mixing tube 2 toward outlet 11.

[0253] The dispenser comprises a mixer (see FIG. 7 to 10) configured to accommodate mixing tube 2 and a therein contained shield 3 such that the mixer and the thereto form-fit mated mixing tube 2 and shield 3 bound a fluid-conducting mixing chamber. The pressurized materials 5, 6 squeeze the sleeve of mixing tube 2 against an inner wall of the mixing chamber. The inner wall of the mixing chamber is shaped in such manner that its contour in conjunction with the apertures 3 of shield 3 bound a fluid conduit with multiple redirections ensuring intensive mixing of materials 5 and 6.

[0254] FIG. 2 shows a further expedient embodiment of inventive container 1 with a stabilizing frame 12. The further reference signs of FIG. 2 have the same meaning as explained above in the context of FIG. 1. Preferably frame 12 consist of a sheet of polymeric material with a thickness of 0.3 to 3 mm.

[0255] In an advantageous embodiment frame 12 and shield 3 are configured as a one-piece entity and are preferably prepared, e.g. punched from one piece of a sheet-like material.

[0256] FIG. 3 shows an advantageous embodiment of the inventive container 1 with an outlet 11 sealed with a closure 11 configured as breakable adhesive or seal seam and two retainer chambers 11. The further reference signs of FIG. 3 have the same meaning as explained above in the context of FIGS. 1 and 2. An aperture of each retainer chamber 11 is situated between the closure 11 of outlet 11 and mixing tube 2. Each retainer chamber 11 serves as receptacle for an initial volume part of inadequately mixed materials 5, 6. In order to dispense a mixture of materials 5, 6 container 1 is inserted in a dispenser and pressure exerted on reservoir 4, such that breakable adhesive or seal seams 7, 8 or alternatively breakable encasings of materials 5, 6 burst and materials 5, 6 flow through a mixing chamber bound by the dispenser and thereto form-fit mated mixing tube 2 and shield 3 (see FIG. 9). Thereby, a first, respectively initial volume part of materials 5, 6 may be inadequately mixed. Upon streaming through the mixing chamber, respectively mixing tube 2 materials 5, 6 flow toward outlet 11, are retained by closure 11 and redirected into retainer chambers 11. Once retainer chambers 11 are filled the pressure in the volume region between mixing tube 2 and closure 11 rises continuously until it exceeds the burst pressure of closure 11. When its burst pressure is exceeded closure 11 opens and the mixture of materials 5, 6 exit through outlet 11. Preferably, retainer chambers 11 are situated peripherally relative to the volume region between mixing tube 2 and outlet 11.

[0257] Particularly, a surface normal vector of an aperture bound by each retainer chamber 11 is directed in such manner that an angle between a straight line extending from the mixing to chamber, respectively mixing tube 2 to outlet 11 and the surface normal vector is in the range from 60 to 120 degree. This configuration of retainer chambers 11 ensures that the therein contained material is not washed out by freshly supplied material flowing out from the mixing chamber, respectively mixing tube 2.

[0258] FIG. 4 shows a frame 12 for the inventive container with a contiguous adhesive or seal seam 10 with an opening for an outlet 12, a multitude of apertures 3 for mixing and a first and second aperture 5A and 6A for accommodation of a first and, respectively second viscous material. A major portion of the perimeter of aperture 5A and 6A is enclosed by adhesive or seal seam 10. Seam 10 also extends alongside the multitude of apertures 3 and coincides with the boundaries of the mixing tube. Seam 10 is patterned in such manner, that the mixing is arranged between apertures 5A and 6A.

[0259] As depicted in FIG. 4 frame 12 may comprise additional apertures for two retainer chambers and a closing and opening valve. Expediently, part of the perimeter of apertures 5A and 6A may be shaped sawtooth-like in order to facilitate breakage of sleeves or tubes encasing the first and second viscous material.

[0260] FIG. 5 shows a frame 12 for the inventive container with a contiguous adhesive or seal seam 10 with an opening for an outlet 12, one aperture 3A for mixing and a first and second aperture 5A and 6A for accommodation of a first and, respectively second viscous material. The remaining reference signs of FIG. 5 designate the same features and have the same meaning as afore-expounded in conjunction with FIG. 4.

[0261] FIG. 6 depicts a schematic partial exploded view of the container of FIG. 3 comprising a one-piece frame 12 and outlet 11. The sleeve of the container comprises a first (upper) film 13 and a second (lower) film 14 that are joined to a first and, respectively second, mutually opposite surface of frame 12 through adhesive or seal seams. Frame 12 in conjunction with films 13 and 14 bounds a mixing chamber, respectively mixing tube 2 and two retainer chambers 11. The two retainer chambers 11 are situated sideways of mixing tube 2 and each comprise an aperture arranged between mixing tube 2 and outlet 11.

[0262] FIG. 7 depicts a cross section of container 1 presented in FIGS. 2 and 3 along a transverse cut referenced by X, X. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 the sleeve of container 1 is comprised of two films 13 and 14 joined to a first and, respectively second, mutually opposite surface of frame 12 through adhesive or seal seams. In another expedient embodiment the sleeve of container 1 consists of a one-piece film folded around frame 12.

[0263] FIG. 8 shows a first and second perspective view of a mixer of the inventive dispenser with therein inserted and, respectively sideways arranged shield 3. The mixer comprises a first mixer part 15A with channel 16A and a second mixer part 15B with channel 16B. First and second mixer part 15A and 15B are shaped in such manner that they are form-fit mateable with shield 3 and the sleevenot shown in FIG. 8of the mixing tube of the inventive container.

[0264] Each of channels 16A and 16B is meander-like shaped and when arranged in facing juxtaposition has opposite phase course with a plurality of mutually congruent sections. In the present invention the term congruent section designates a design, respectively shape of channels 16A and 16B which ensures that in opposite juxtaposition of the first and second mixer part 15A and 15B the apertures of channel 16A and 16B partially overlap. Preferably, channel 16A and 16B have the same contour, respectively the same shape such that when arranged in facing juxtaposition their course has opposite phase and their apertures are partially congruent at a plurality of intersection points. Further, channels 16A and 16B are shaped in such manner that their congruent sections are also congruent to apertures 3 of shield 3 and the first and second mixer part 15A and 15B in conjunction with the form-fit mated shield 3 and the sleevenot shown in FIG. 8of a mixing tube of the inventive container bound a fluid-conducting mixing chamber.

[0265] Channels 16A and 16B shown in FIG. 8 each comprise 10 meander cells. In the present invention the term meander cell designates one repeat unit, respectively one undulation of channels 16A and 16B. The meander cells of channels 16A and 16B can have varying shapes. Preferably, the meander cells of channel 16A and independently of channel 16B have the same shape such that the shape of each of channels 16A and 16B is partially periodic.

[0266] FIG. 9 depicts an alternative embodiment of the inventive shield 3 and first and second mixer part 15A and 15B with channels 16A and, respectively 16B that are shaped in such manner that mixer parts 15A and 15B in conjunction with the form-fit mated shield 3 (and mixing tube 2) bound a fluid-conducting mixing chamber having an arc-shaped central axis.

[0267] FIG. 10 shows a perspective exploded view of mixer parts 15A and 15B with interposed sections of films 13, 14 constituting the sleeve of the inventive container and shield 3 arranged between films 13 and 14.

[0268] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of shield 3 and mixer parts 15A and 15B, wherein edges which contact the sleeve film of the mixing tube of the inventive container and/or the viscous materials are rounded or chamfered.

[0269] FIG. 12 shows perspective views of fluid-conducting mixing chambers 20, 21 and 22 bound by the first and second inventive mixer part and form-fit mated shield (and mixing tube). Depending on the design of the first and second mixer part and the shield the fluid-conducting mixing chambers 20, 21 and 22 have rectangular, rounded or cylindrical shape and comprise one or more sections each comprised of two mixing cells and optionally one additional mixing cell, such that the total number of mixing cells is even or uneven.

[0270] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a section 23 of a mixing chamber bound by the inventive mixer parts and the thereto form-fit mated mixing tube and shield of the inventive container. Section 23 comprises a first and second inlet 23A and 23B as well as a first and second outlet 23C and 23D. Section 23 is comprised of two consecutive mixing cells 24 and 25. Mixing cell 24 has two inlets 24A and 24B that are identical to inlets 23A and, respectively 23B. Mixing cell 24 further comprises two outlets 24E and 24F, wherein the length and shape of the fluid duct from inlet 24A to each outlet 24E and 24F is similar and preferably the same. Likewise the length and shape of each fluid duct from inlet 24B to each of outlets 24E and 24F is similar and preferably the same. Due to the similarity or indistinguishability of the fluid ducts a material stream entering through each of inlets 24A or 24B splits into two streams of practically equivalent volume flowing towards each of outlets 24E and 24F. Thereby, before each of outlets 24E and 24F a partial fluid stream from inlet 24A is united with a partial fluid stream from inlet 24B.

[0271] Outlets 24E and 24F communicate with inlets 25E and 25F of subsequent mixing cell 25. Mixing cell 25 further comprises two outlets 25C and 25D that are identical to outlets 23C and, respectively 23D, wherein the length and shape of fluid ducts from inlet 25E to each of outlets 25C and 25D is similar and preferably the same. Likewise the length and shape of fluid ducts from inlet 25F to each of outlets 25C and 25D is similar and preferably identical. Due to the similarity or indistinguishability of the fluid ducts a material stream entering through each of inlets 25E or 25F splits into two streams of practically equivalent volume flowing towards each of outlets 25C and 25D. Thereby, before each of outlets 25C and 25D a partial fluid stream from inlet 25E is united with a partial fluid stream from inlet 25F.

[0272] In FIG. 13 stream arrows 100 illustrate material streams. Likewise the schematic depiction of material flow paths as cylindrical manifolds 26 and 27 is intended to aid visual perception.

[0273] Based on the splitting of each a first and second inflowing material stream into two partial streams and subsequent merging of a partial stream from the first inflowing material stream with a partial stream from the second inflowing material stream intensive mixing of two viscous materials can be achieved within a limited number of sequentially arranged and connected mixing cells 24, 25.

[0274] The above described mixing method does not rely on an even split of the inflowing material streams. Intensive mixing can also be achieved with a split at a volumetric ratio of e.g. 60:40. Neither is it required that the mixing cells of the fluid-conducting mixing chamber have the same shape or dimensions.

REFERENCE SIGNS

[0275] 1 . . . container [0276] 2 . . . mixing tube [0277] 3 . . . shield [0278] 3 . . . apertures for mixing [0279] 3A . . . single aperture for mixing [0280] 4 . . . reservoir [0281] 5 . . . viscous material [0282] 5A . . . aperture for viscous material [0283] 6 . . . viscous material [0284] 6A . . . aperture for viscous material [0285] 7 . . . breakable adhesive or seal seam [0286] 8 . . . breakable adhesive or seal seam [0287] 9 . . . adhesive or seal seam [0288] 10 . . . adhesive or seal seam [0289] 11 . . . outlet [0290] 11 . . . breakable adhesive or seal seam [0291] 11 . . . retainer chamber [0292] 12 . . . frame [0293] 13 . . . sleeve film [0294] 14 . . . sleeve film [0295] 15A . . . mixer part [0296] 15B . . . mixer part [0297] 16A . . . channel [0298] 16B . . . channel [0299] 20 . . . fluid-conducting mixing chamber [0300] 21 . . . fluid-conducting mixing chamber [0301] 22 . . . fluid-conducting mixing chamber [0302] 23 . . . section of fluid-conducting mixing chamber [0303] 23A . . . inlet of section 23 [0304] 23B . . . inlet of section 23 [0305] 23C . . . outlet of section 23 [0306] 23D . . . outlet of section 23 [0307] 24 . . . mixing cell [0308] 24A . . . inlet of mixing cell 24 [0309] 24B . . . inlet of mixing cell 24 [0310] 24E . . . outlet of mixing cell 24 [0311] 24F . . . outlet of mixing cell 24 [0312] 25 . . . mixing cell [0313] 25E . . . inlet of mixing cell 25 [0314] 25F . . . inlet of mixing cell 25 [0315] 25C . . . outlet of mixing cell 25 [0316] 25D . . . outlet of mixing cell 25 [0317] 26 . . . fluid duct in mixing cell 24 [0318] 27 . . . fluid duct in mixing cell 25 [0319] 100 . . . stream arrow