CONTAINER HAVING A PLURALITY OF CHAMBERS

Abstract

The invention relates to a container with multiple chambers or partial containers, which are connected along an axis that corresponds to a longitudinal axis or parallels to the longitudinal axis or along a spiral form at least in sections. A central element, which can be manufactured together with the partial containers, has proven itself for such a connection. Outside such connection, the partial containers are separated as far as possible by air gaps.

The container according to the invention facilitates the simultaneous storage and transport of different substances, in particular liquids, whereby the substances are thermally insulated well from each other.

Claims

1. Container for receiving and storing a plurality of different fluid and/or granular media; wherein the container comprises a body (10) and at least two partial containers (12; 112; 212; 312) each having its own walls; wherein a first partial container can receive a first medium and a second partial container can receive a second medium, and the container is designed in such a way that the first medium in the first partial container can be stored separately from the second medium in the second partial container; the partial containers (12; 112; 212; 312) being connected to one another by at least one connecting means (16; 116); the at least one connecting means (16; 116) being fixed to the walls of the partial containers (12; 112; 212; 312); the at least one connecting means (16; 116) separating the walls of the individual partial containers (12; 112; 212; 312) from each other; where the distance between the outer surfaces of the walls is not less than 0.2 mm; wherein at least one of the connecting means (16; 116) is a central element (16; 116) extending from the bottom of the body (10) to the neck (11) thereof and having the shape of a cylindrical tube which has a cavity inside and the outer wall of which is connected to the individual partial containers (12; 112; 212; 312); wherein a closure (20; 320) is provided that is mounted on the upper part of the body (10); and wherein several or all of the partial containers (12; 112; 212; 312) have their own opening, which, with the closure (20) mounted and closed, are sealed from the openings of the other partial containers (12; 112; 212; 312) and/or from the outside world; wherein the closure (20; 320) has at least one flap (32; 332) which, when the closure (20; 320) is mounted, is associated with one of the openings of the partial containers (12; 112; 212; 312) and uncovers said opening with respect to the outside world when the flap (32; 332) is open.

2. Container having a body (10) of height (H) and at least two self-contained partial containers (12; 112; 212; 312), wherein the partial containers (12; 112; 212; 312) are connected along the longitudinal axis (L) of the body (10) or along at least one other axis substantially parallel to this longitudinal axis (L) or along a spiral running about the longitudinal axis (L) or one of the other axes at least in sections with one another by means of a central element (16; 116), which extends at least in sections along the longitudinal axis (L) and/or at least one of the other axes, and, apart from such connection, are separated from each other by an air gap (18; 118; 318), where the air gap (18; 118; 318) along adjacent partial containers (12; 112; 212; 312) has a total length whose value corresponds to at least 50% of the height (H); and the central element (16; 116) extends from the bottom of the body (10) to the neck (11) thereof and having the shape of a cylindrical tube which has a cavity inside and the outer wall of which is connected to the individual partial containers (12; 112; 212; 312); wherein a closure (20; 320) is provided that is mounted on the upper part of the body (10); and wherein several or all of the partial containers (12; 112; 212; 312) have their own opening, which, with the closure (20) mounted and closed, are sealed from the openings of the other partial containers (12; 112; 212; 312) and/or from the outside world; wherein the closure (20; 320) has at least one flap (32; 332) which, when the closure (20; 320) is mounted, is associated with one of the openings of the partial containers (12; 112; 212; 312) and uncovers said opening with respect to the outside world when the flap (32; 332) is open.

3. Container according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the partial containers (12; 112; 212; 312) has a spiral shape at least in sections.

4. Container according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the partial containers (12; 112; 212; 312) has a different size than the other partial containers (12; 112; 212; 312).

5. Container according to claim 2, wherein it comprises more than two partial containers (12; 112; 212; 312) and the air gap (18; 118; 318) between a first pair of adjacent partial containers (12; 112; 212; 312) is different from the one between a second pair of adjacent partial containers (12; 112; 212; 312).

6. Container according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the partial containers (12; 112; 212; 312) has at least two chambers.

7. Container according to claim 6, wherein at least one of the partial containers (12; 112; 212; 312) with at least two chambers has openings for each of the chambers.

8. Container according to claim 2, wherein the connection between the central element (216) and at least one of the partial containers (212) is realized by a groove (214) on one of the two parts (212 and/or 216) and a bulge (219) on the other of the two parts (216 and/or 212), the bulge (219) being designed such that it can be inserted into the groove (214) to form a positive connection.

9. Container according to claim 2, wherein the central element (16; 116; 216) has a cross-section at least in sections which is circular, ring-shaped, star-shaped, polygonal, helical or propeller-shaped.

10. Container according to claim 2 wherein the central element (16; 116; 216) has a first cross-section with a first shape in a first section of the body (10) and a cross-section with a second shape in a second section of the body (10).

11. Container according to claim 2 wherein the central element (16) has at least one arm (17) which protrudes into one of the air gaps (18; 118) between two adjacent partial containers (12; 112; 212; 312).

12. (canceled)

13. (canceled)

14. Container according to claim 1, wherein the at least one flap (32; 332) is borne hinged.

15. Container according to claim 1, wherein a flap bearing is provided for the hinged bearing of the at least one flap (32; 332), which has a first bearing part that is mounted rotatably on a second bearing part, the second bearing part being located inside the closure (20; 320) and/or the body (10).

16. Container according to claim 1, wherein the at least one flap (32; 332) is secured against unauthorized opening by predetermined breaking points (36).

17. Container according to claim 1, wherein the connection between the at least one connecting means and at least one of the partial containers (212) is realized by a groove (214) on one of the two parts (212 or 216) and a bulge (219) on the other of the two parts (216 or 212), the bulge (219) being designed in such a way that it can be inserted into the groove (214) establishing a positive connection with the latter.

18. Container according to claim 1, wherein the at least one connecting means has, at least in sections, a cross-section which is circular, annular, star-shaped, polygonal, spiral or propeller-shaped.

19. Container according to claim 1, wherein the at least one connecting means has a first cross-section with a first shape in a first portion of the body (10) and a cross-section with a second shape in a second portion of the body (10).

20. Container according to claim 1, wherein the at least one connecting means has at least one arm (17) which projects into the space between two adjacent partial containers (12; 112; 212; 312).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] Further details and advantages of this invention are explained below using preferred design examples and associated illustrations. Thereby show:

[0045] FIG. 1 a side view of a preferred embodiment

[0046] FIG. 2 a cross-sectional view along line A-A (FIG. 1)

[0047] FIG. 3 a cross-sectional view along line B-B (FIG. 1)

[0048] FIG. 4-6 different embodiments of the central element

[0049] FIG. 7 another cross-sectional view for the central element along line A-A (FIG. 1)

[0050] FIG. 8 a cross-sectional view for two partial containers

[0051] FIG. 9 a cross-sectional view with a separate central element

[0052] FIG. 10 separate central element (from FIG. 9)

[0053] FIG. 11 partial container without central element (from FIG. 9)

[0054] FIG. 12 a top view of the closure

[0055] FIG. 13 a cross-sectional view for a double pack

[0056] FIG. 14 a container with a cover that is located in a recess

[0057] FIG. 15 a container with three partial containers and air gaps that run in parallel

[0058] FIG. 16 a closure for the container according to FIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0059] FIG. 1 shows a side view of a preferred embodiment of the container according to the invention. This includes

[0060] a body 10 with a height H that, in this example, comprises three partial containers 12 (see also FIG. 2), of which only two are recognizable in FIG. 1, and

[0061] a closure 20 which, when assembled, is located in the upper part of the body 10 on its neck 11 and closes the three partial containers 12.

[0062] The partial containers 12 shown in FIG. 1 are connected to a central element 16, which extends essentially along the longitudinal axis L of the body 10 and which is described in more detail below.

[0063] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view along line A-A (FIG. 1), which is located in the central area of the body 10i.e. between the area of the neck 11 and the bottom of the container. This shows in particular that, in a preferred embodiment, the body 10 has a circular base and the partial containers 12 are connected to the central element 16 and extend outwards from it. The cross-sections of the partial containers 12 represent circular sectors with a sector angle that is the same for all partial containers. The air gaps 18 shown here are also of equal size and their cross-sections also represent circular sectors, each with a sector angle . Based on the circular geometry and the use of the same angles for each of the aforementioned elements it follows that:

[0064] +=120 degrees.

[0065] In this embodiment, each angle is equal to 100 degrees and each angle equal to 20 degrees. It should be noted, however, that the present invention is by no means limited to these angular values. This also means that the individual partial containers 12 can have an unequal size and thus the angles can be different for the individual partial containers 12.

[0066] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view for neck 11 along line B-B (FIG. 1). It can be seen that each of the partial containers 12 has a cross-section in the neck 11, which also has the form of a circular sector with sector angle . Since the diameter of the neck 11 is smaller than in the lower part of the body 10, the respective sections of the partial containers are labeled here by 12a. In this embodiment, the air gaps are also present inside the neck 11. Similar to the partial containers 12a, they are also labeled by 18a due to their smaller extent. In the preferred embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 2, the air gaps 18, 18a run continuously from the bottom of the body 10 to the upper end of the neck 11 with the same sector angle , so that the partial containers 12, 12a are connected to each other only via the central element 16. This enables a high level of thermal insulation between the individual partial containers 12. It provides the particular advantage that liquids of different temperatures can be filled into the individual partial containers 12 and the corresponding temperature differences can be maintained over a longer period of time. It is also possible to use the air gaps 18, 18a during the manufacturing process for the placement of tools, such as injection molding tools. For the above-mentioned reasons, it has proven to be useful to provide the following range of values for the angle

[0067] =5-50 degrees, whereby the range between 15 and 25 degrees is particularly preferred.

[0068] It should be noted that, due to the circular geometry, the following applies to equally sized partial containers 12: +=120 degrees; as already mentioned above.

[0069] It goes without saying that the individual partial containers 12 do not have to be of the same size. For example, it is possible that one of them is larger or smaller than the other two. It is also possible that all three are of different sizes. This also applies to the corresponding angles . In addition, the air gaps 18, 18a and thus the angles can also vary in size. It is of course also possible that more or less than three of the partial containers 12 are provided. In such cases, of course, there are other relations for the angles mentioned, which are generally known to the expert and which need not be explained here in more detail.

[0070] FIG. 4 shows the central element 16 in cross-sectional view. As it runs from the bottom of the body 10 to the neck of the body 11 in the preferred embodiment, this view corresponds to an enlargement of the corresponding illustrations from FIGS. 2 and 3. Here, however, it can be seen more clearly that the central element 16 has the form of a cylindrical tube, which has a cavity on the inside and whose outer wall is connected to the individual partial containers 12.

[0071] FIGS. 5 and 6 show alternatives for a suitable central element 16 in cross-sectional views.

[0072] In FIG. 5, the cross-section of the central element 16 has a star-like shape in which each arm extends to one of the partial containers 12. However, it is also possible that at least one of the partial containers 12 is connected to more than one arm of the central element 16. The embodiment according to FIG. 5 provides very good thermal insulation between the individual partial containers 12, while the embodiment according to FIG. 6 provides a better connection between the central element 16 and the individual partial containers 12 and thus better mechanical stability.

[0073] FIG. 7 shows an alternative cross-sectional view along line A-A (FIG. 1). It shows an alternative for the central element, which is referred to as 16 in the following. It can be seen that the central element 16 has further arms 17 which protrude into the air gap 18 and thus enable a mechanically more stable connection between the central element 16 and the individual partial containers 12.

[0074] FIG. 8 shows a further alternative for the design of the body 10 in cross-sectional view, whereby this representation refers to the central area in particular. The main difference compared to the embodiments described above is that, here, only two partial containers are used (labeled by 112), which are designed in such a way that they are connected to each other by means of a central element 116 and the associated air gaps 118 have a cross-section with two parallel longitudinal sides. This means that the cross-sections of the air gaps 118 do not represent circular sectors.

[0075] Such a two-chamber design is easier to produce than a container with three or more chambers. Furthermore, the design is particularly suitable for beverage cans which are usually made of metal, such as sheet, aluminum or the like, where deep drawing or punching is often used without a welding process. For the sake of completeness, a container with two partial containers 12 and/or 112 can also be designed in such a way that one or both of the air gaps 18 and/or 118 have the cross-section of a circular sector, facilitating a prominent aesthetic appearance.

[0076] In the embodiments of the container according to the invention or body 10 described so far, a central element 16 and/or 116 is provided in each case, which is firmly connected to the associated partial containers during the production process. However, the container in accordance with the invention is by no means limited to this. Further designs are possible, whereby several of the partial containers 12 and/or 112 form a common body 10 only after being assembled together. This will be discussed in more detail below.

[0077] FIGS. 9-11 describe such a modular design. These figures show the central area of a body 10 in cross-sectional view with two partial containers 212 and a central element 216. The main difference as compared to the embodiments described above is that, after completion of the production process of the individual partial containers 212, the partial containers are not firmly connected to each other or via the central element 216. Instead, it is possible to connect the partial containers 212 by means of the central element 216 after their manufacture and, if necessary, also after filling them. It is also possible to separate the partial containers 212 again, provided that the connection between the partial containers 212 and the central element 216 is designed accordingly.

[0078] To this end, the central element 216 is designed in such a way that a middle part 217 is present, which has a bulge 219 at each of its ends. In addition, each of the partial containers 212 has a groove 214 which is designed and arranged such that one of the bulges 219 can be inserted there so that the two partial containers 212 can be interlocked by means of the central element 216. Such an insertion of the bulges 219 can be done for example by

[0079] Sliding in from below, i.e. from the bottom of the body 10,

[0080] Sliding in from above, i.e. from the neck 11 of the body 10

[0081] and/or by

[0082] lateral engagement of the bulges 219 in the grooves 214, which is facilitated by the elasticity of the material used and by a suitable design of the two elements 214, 219.

[0083] Preferably, at least one of the bulges 219 has a latching element (not shown in the figures) which, together with an associated counterpart located at a suitable location of the associated groove 214, allows it to be fixed against displacement between the central element 216 and the corresponding partial container 212. Depending on the design of the latching elements, this fixation can be

[0084] Easily released by applying a force, as with a spring that engages in a trough, or

[0085] Permanent, as with a lock that works according to the snap-fit principle.

[0086] The partial containers 212 can also be used individually, i.e. without a connection to one of the other partial containers 212 by means which close the opening of the corresponding partial container 212 even without using the closure 20. Such means can be, for example, a foil that is welded or glued on after filling. A sealing plug is also conceivable that can be inserted into the correspondingly designed opening of the partial container 212, for example by means of a screw connection with an internal thread and/or an external thread at the openings of the partial container 212, a crimp connection and/or the like. It is also possible that at least some of the partial containers 212 have more than one opening.

[0087] It should be noted that the illustrations shown in FIGS. 9-11 are only schematic and for reasons of clarity were described with respect to the body 10 consisting of two partial containers 212. It goes without saying that with the appropriate design of the central element and the partial containers, the principle described can also be implemented with three or more partial containers. Corresponding solutions are obvious for the expert on the basis of the above explanations and are thus not described in more detail. It is also possible that the central element 216 has a different cross-section in the area of the neck 11, for example along line B-B (see FIG. 1) than in the central area of the container. It is conceivable that the central element 216 has a cross-section in the area of the neck 11 that has already been described in previous embodiments, in particular the ones shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7, and 9. With these designs, it is possible that the container with the detachable partial containers 212 (according to FIGS. 9-11) has the same cross section in the area of the neck 11for example along the line B-B (FIG. 1)as the embodiments described above. This has the advantage that the same closures 20 can be used, regardless of whether the partial containers are detachable or not.

[0088] Another way of connecting several of the partial containers 12, 112 is to connect them directly, i.e. without forming a special central cement. Such connections are preferably established during the production process such as, for example, during an injection molding process by accumulation of material. Preference is given to point-wise connections whose number along the vertical axis of the body 10 depends on its height. Two to four such connections are preferably.

[0089] The closure 20 shown in FIG. 1 consists essentially of a cover 22, from the outside of which a collar-shaped wall 24 projects downwards. The closure 20 has means in its interior by which it can be attached to the body 10, in particular to its neck 11. Such means are for example

[0090] Nubs 30, which get stuck in the air gaps 18 when the closure 20 is attached (see FIG. 12),

[0091] A thread with corresponding mating thread on the neck 11 (not shown in the Fig.),

[0092] And/or the like.

[0093] FIG. 12 shows the top side of the closure 20 and thus of the cover 22 for a container according to FIGS. 1-3 as a schematic top view. The cover 22 essentially consists of a circular disc with the following elements:

[0094] A central part 26, which projects into the interior of the closure 20 and is inserted into the opening of the central element 16 when assembled in order to center the closure 20 on the neck 11.

[0095] Three webs 28, which protrude into the interior of the closure 20 and, in the assembled state, over the air gap 18 therein.

[0096] Three nubs 30, which also protrude into the inside of the closure 20 and, in the assembled state, into the air gap 18 therein to fix the closure 20.

[0097] Three flaps 32, which are designed and arranged in such a way that each of them is arranged above one of the partial containers 12 in the mounted condition of the closure 20. The flaps 32 are hinged to their inner side 34, i.e. the side facing the central part 26, so that they can be swiveled upwards accordingly. A suitable and preferred joint for this is, for example, an integral hinge or a snap hinge, as described in DE 42 19 598 A1. Furthermore, it is also possible to use flap bearings, in which pins are rotatably mounted in corresponding openings. It is particularly advantageous if these bearings are inside the closure 20. This enables the cover 22 to have an almost flat surface without any disturbing mechanical parts.

[0098] Three warranty bands 36, which are arranged on the outside of the flaps 32 and are described in more detail, for example, in DE 42 19 598 A1.

[0099] The embodiments described so far are only examples. Various variations and modifications of the described embodiments are possible, such as for example:

[0100] The number of partial containers (12; 112; 212) can also be increased if several bodies 10 are connected to each other. A corresponding example is shown in FIG. 13 in the form of a double pack. The two bodies 10, 10 shown there have two partial containers 112 each and are connected to one another via a connecting element 300.

[0101] The cross-section of the central element 16, 116 can have a variety of shapes. In addition to the shapes already described, polygonal shapes are also possible, i.e. shapes that are triangular, square, etc. Such shapes can be used to increase the rigidity of the container. [0102] The central element 16, 116 is not arranged continuously along the longitudinal axis of the body 10, but only in sections. This also means that several such sections of the central element 16, 116 can be present. It is also possible that a first section has a first shape (as shown for example in FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7, 9) and at least one further section has a different shape. [0103] The partial containers 12 may be designed such that the upper part of the body 10 also has a diameter equal to or similar to the one of its middle and/or lower part. In that case, the corresponding closure 20 needs to be designed accordingly. [0104] Each of the partial containers 12 can have its own closure for its opening. [0105] The container according to the invention can be designed as a beverage can with several partial containers. [0106] The size of the container according to the invention can be very different and also include large containers for industrial purposes. Since these can be bulky and heavy in their filled state, it is planned to provide the bottom of the container with transport slots so that tines of a forklift or the like can be inserted there for transport. [0107] The closure 20 also allows many variations and modifications. For example, it is possible that, in addition to or instead of the warranty bands 36, 32, latching elements are provided on the outer sides of the flaps with the corresponding counterpart on the cover 20 and/or on the wall 24. To this end, it is important that [0108] The connection between latching element and counterpart is virtually inseparable and that [0109] The latching element and/or the counterpart has a predetermined breaking point which is damaged when a user opens the associated flap 32. [0110] Preferred latching elements work according to the snap connection principle, such as a snap hook, which is inseparably connected to a suitable counterpart. [0111] The neck 211 can be designed in such a way that it forms a recess above the partial container 12 (see FIG. 14). A closure (here labeled by 220) is inserted into it that is held there by suitable means such as, for example, a thread, a snap-in connection with grooves or the like. [0112] FIG. 15 shows schematically a further embodiment in cross-sectional view of the middle area, i.e. approximately at the level of line A-A (FIG. 1). It comprises three partial containers 312, 312, 312 (also labeled jointly by 312) that are arranged and designed in such a way that the associated air gaps 318, 318 (also labeled jointly by 318) run essentially parallel. The adjacent partial containers 312 and 312 are connected by a connection 316 and the adjacent partial containers 312 and 312 are connected by a connection 316. Each of the connections 316, 316 (also labeled jointly by 316) extends along an axis that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L. Both connections 316 can be designed in a variety of ways, as already described in connection with the previous embodiments, i.e. in particular that they can be established by a central element, by an accumulation of material and/or the like. They can be the same or different from one another. [0113] FIG. 16 shows a schematic top view of a closure 320 which is suitable for the container according to FIG. 15. The closure 320 has three flaps 332, 332, 332, which can be swiveled around associated joints 340, 340 and/or 340, respectively, and, thus, uncover the opening of the associated partial container 312. [0114] At least some of the partial containers 12, 212, 312 can be designed such that they comprise more than one chamber, which may also be called a sub-container. Each of these sub-containers has its own opening, which can be made separately accessible if the corresponding closure is appropriately designed. In principle, any suitable central element can be used for such a design. If it has a star-shaped cross section (similar to FIG. 5), an embodiment is preferred where at least one arm leads to each of the lower sub-containers. [0115] At least some of the partial containers 12, 112, 212, 312 can have a spiral shape at least in sections, i.e. they can be helical or spiral-shaped. This means that they wind around the longitudinal axis L and/or around another axis which is essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis L. Such a spiral shape may be provided over the entire height H of the body 10, i.e. from the openings to the bottom, below the neck 11 and/or at other sections of the body 10.

[0116] The course of the associated partial container connections can be designed in various ways, such as in particular:

[0117] Along the longitudinal axis L or an axis substantially parallel thereto, where a large number of sectional connections between the partial containers are preferred.

[0118] and/or

[0119] Spirally along the spiral forming the partial containers.

[0120] The type of partial container connections can be diverse, i.e. in particular by means of a suitable central element, by means of suitable material accumulations and/or the like.

[0121] It is also possible that, for the spiral-shaped embodiments, there is an air gap over the entire length of adjacent partial containers or only as far as possible. Such a design of the partial containers causes turbulence of the substancessuch as liquids, etc.during pouring. This ensures good mixing, both within the respective partial container and in the area of the openings.

[0122] It is also possible that only one of the partial containers has a spiral shape, at least in sections. It can be wound around further partial containers. A suitable connection of this spiral-shaped partial container exists at least to one of the other partial containers that it encompasses. Suitable manufacturing processes must be used for such designs, employing, for example, a 3-D printer.

GLOSSARY

[0123] Container

[0124] A container is an object that has at least one chamber. Its main purpose is to separate its content from its environment. [0125] Fluid medium

[0126] A fluid medium is a gas or a liquid. [0127] Granular medium

[0128] A granular medium consists of many small, solid particles such as grains or balls. Examples of granular media are grainy materials such as sand, pulverulent materials such as powder or, in large quantities, loose materials such as rubble, gravel or boulders.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0129] 10 Body [0130] 11, 211 Neck [0131] 12, 112, 212, 312 Partial container [0132] 12a Partial container in the vicinity of 11 [0133] 16, 116, 216 Central element [0134] 17 Arms of 16 [0135] 18, 118, 318 Air gaps [0136] 20, 220, 320 Closure [0137] 22 Cover [0138] 24 Wall [0139] 26 Central part [0140] 28 Webs [0141] 30 Nubs [0142] 32, 332 Flaps [0143] 34 Inner side of 34 [0144] 36 Guarantee band [0145] 214 Grooves [0146] 217 Middle part of 216 [0147] 219 Bulges of 216 [0148] 300 Connecting element [0149] 316 Connections [0150] 340 Joints [0151] H Height of the body [0152] L Longitudinal axis [0153] , Angles

CITED PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

Patent Documents

[0154] DE 44 39 869 A1

[0155] DE 100 54 587 A1

[0156] DE 42 19 598 A1

[0157] DE 196 44 007 A1

[0158] WO 2011/116 442 A1

[0159] WO 2012/117 121 A1

[0160] U.S. Pat. No. 6,325,229 B1

[0161] WO 2011/157 851 A1

Utility Model Documents

[0162] DE 85 26 243 U1