MIXING CONTAINER AND SPRAY CONTAINER INCLUDING MIXING CONTAINER

Abstract

A mixing container includes a body having an upper opening and containing a dissolving agent, at least one receiving chamber protruding outward from an inner peripheral surface of the body, having a hollow defined in the protrusion where a press-through pack (PTP) sheet is fittable from inside the body, and formed from a flexible material, a support including a plate and a releasing hole that communicates with an inlet of the hollow in the receiving chamber when the plate is installed on the inner peripheral surface of the body and allows a substance stored in the PTP sheet to be released into the body, and holds an edge of the PTP sheet between the inner peripheral surface of the body and the plate, and a holding structure that holds the support on the inner peripheral surface of the body.

Claims

1. A mixing container, comprising: a body having an upper opening and configured to contain a dissolving agent; at least one receiving chamber protruding outward from an inner peripheral surface of the body, and having a hollow in which a press-through pack (PTP) sheet is fittable from inside the body, the at least one receiving chamber comprising a flexible material; a support including a plate and a releasing hole configured to communicate with an inlet of the hollow when the plate is installed on the inner peripheral surface of the body and allow a substance stored in the PTP sheet to be released into the body, the support being configured to hold an edge of the PTP sheet between the inner peripheral surface of the body and the plate; and a holding structure configured to hold the support on the inner peripheral surface of the body, wherein the holding structure includes a fitting structure for the body and the support.

2. The mixing container according to claim 1, wherein the body further includes a plurality of the receiving chambers that are arranged in series circumferentially around a middle part of the body, and the support is annular and further includes the releasing hole corresponding to the inlet of each of the receiving chambers and a reinforcement supporting the annular support-(9) across a hollow of the support.

3. The mixing container according to claim 2, wherein the body includes a first part having the receiving chambers, second parts other than the first part, and first connection sections into which the first part and the second parts are screwed together.

4. The mixing container according to claim 1, further comprising: a lid attached to the opening of the body and having a first thread on an outer peripheral surface of a vertically lower end portion of the lid, wherein the body further includes a fitting recess at the opening of the body and finable on a vertically upper end of the support, a fitting receiving portion on the inner peripheral surface of the body and configured to receive a lower end of the support, and a second thread on the inner peripheral surface of the body and adjacent to the opening, the support further includes a third thread configured to circumferentially connect with the second thread when the support is fitted on the fitting recess of the body, and a flexible portion adjacent to an insertion portion of the lower end of the support to be received in the fitting receiving portion and allowing the support to be tilted toward a center of the body, and the holding structure further includes a second connection section in which the first thread and the second and third threads are screwed together.

5. The mixing container according to claim 1, wherein the body further comprises a light transmissive material allowing an uppermost level of the dissolving agent to be visually observed from outside, and is graduated to indicate an amount of the contained dissolving agent.

6. The mixing container according to claim 1, wherein the receiving chamber includes at least one protrusion extending from an inner surface defining the hollow in a direction of pressing the receiving chamber.

7. A spray container, comprising: the mixing container according to claim 1; and a spray nozzle directly or indirectly installed in the mixing container.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0090] FIG. 1 is a side view of a mixing container and a spray container including the mixing container according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] FIG. 2A is an exploded side view of the mixing container according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a support to be installed in the mixing container.

[0092] FIG. 3A is a cutaway side view of a first part of the mixing container according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3B is a cutaway side view of the first part with the support installed on the first part.

[0093] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a press-through package (PTP) sheet for the mixing container according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the PTP sheet in another form, FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of the PTP sheet for the mixing container according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view of the PTP sheet in another form, and FIG. 4E is a perspective view of the PTP sheet in use for the mixing container according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] FIG. 5A is a partial cross-sectional view of the mixing container according to the first embodiment of the present invention with the PTP sheet and the support installed on the mixing container, and FIG. 5B is a partial cross-sectional view of the mixing container according to the first embodiment of the present invention, showing a stored substance being released from the PTP sheet into a body.

[0095] FIG. 6 is a cutaway side view of a mixing container and a spray container including the mixing container according to a second embodiment of the present invention with a body partially cut away.

[0096] FIG. 7A is a partial perspective view of the mixing container according to the second embodiment of the present invention with a support separated from the body including a receiving chamber, and FIG. 7B is a partial perspective view of the mixing container according to the second embodiment of the present invention with the support installed in the body including the receiving chamber.

[0097] FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C are partial cross-sectional views of the mixing container according to the second embodiment of the present invention, describing the procedure for installing a PTP sheet into the receiving chamber.

[0098] FIG. 9 is a cutaway side view of a mixing container and a spray container including the mixing container according to a modification of the second embodiment of the present invention with a body partially cut away.

[0099] FIG. 10A is a partial cross-sectional view of a mixing container according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10B is an enlarged partial perspective view of a receiving chamber in the mixing container.

[0100] FIG. 11A is a partial cross-sectional view of the mixing container according to the third embodiment of the present invention with a PTP sheet and a support installed on the mixing container, and FIG. 11B is a partial cross-sectional view of the mixing container according to the third embodiment of the present invention, showing a stored substance being released from the PTP sheet into a body.

[0101] FIG. 12 is an enlarged partial perspective view of a receiving chamber according to a second modification of the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view of a PTP sheet according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13B is an exploded view of the PTP sheet.

[0103] FIG. 14A is a partial cross-sectional view of the mixing container according to the first embodiment of the present invention with the PTP sheet and a support according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention installed on the mixing container, and FIG. 14B is a partial cross-sectional view of the mixing container, showing a stored substance being released from the PTP sheet into a body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0104] A mixing container and a spray container including the mixing container according to embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 14B.

First Embodiment

[0105] A mixing container and a spray container including the mixing container according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described first with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5B.

[0106] FIG. 1 is a side view of the mixing container and the spray container including the mixing container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A is an exploded side view of the mixing container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a support to be installed in the mixing container. FIG. 3A is a cutaway side view of a first part of the mixing container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3B is a cutaway side view of the first part with the support installed on the first part.

[0107] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 2B, a mixing container 2A according to the first embodiment of the present invention mainly includes a body 5 having an upper opening 5c to contain a dissolving agent (not shown), receiving chambers 7 on the peripheral surface of the body 5, a support 9 (refer to FIG. 2B) detachably installed within the body 5 in alignment with the receiving chambers 7, and a holding structure 8 (refer to FIGS. 2A and 2B) for detachably holding the support 9 within the body 5 in an area adjacent to the receiving chambers 7.

[0108] The holding structure 8 may include protrusions 5d from the inner peripheral surface of the body 5 toward the area for the installation of the support 9 as shown in FIG. 2A, and notches 9b (refer to FIG. 2B) cut in the support 9 partially conforming to the outer shape of the protrusion 5d.

[0109] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2A, and 3A, each receiving chamber 7 of the mixing container 2A according to the first embodiment is formed from a flexible material and protrudes outward from the inner peripheral surface of the body 5. The protrusion has a hollow 7b in which an individual storage portion 12a (storage pack 13) on a press-through pack (PTP) sheet (refer to a PTP sheet 12 in FIG. 4 described later) can be fitted from inside the body 5.

[0110] Although FIGS. 1, 2A, and 3A illustrate multiple receiving chambers 7 on the peripheral surface of the body 5, the mixing container 2A according to the first embodiment may include at least one receiving chamber 7 on the peripheral surface of the body 5.

[0111] The support 9 in the mixing container 2A according to the first embodiment includes a plate 9a for holding the edge of the PTP sheet (refer to the PTP sheet 12 in FIG. 4 described later) between the plate 9a and the inner peripheral surface of the body 5, and releasing holes 10 extending through the plate 9a. When the support 9 is installed within the body 5, each releasing hole 10 communicates with an inlet 7a of the corresponding receiving chamber 7 and allows the substance stored in the PTP sheet described later to be released into the body 5.

[0112] The mixing container 2A according to the first embodiment has a set of receiving chambers 7 arranged annularly around the peripheral surface of the body 5. Thus, for the mixing container 2A according to the first embodiment, the plate 9a of the support 9 has an annular shape conforming to the set of receiving chambers 7.

[0113] Although not shown, the mixing container 2A according to the first embodiment may have a set of receiving chambers 7 arranged simply on a part of the circumference of the body 5. In this case, the support 9 may also be arranged simply on an area corresponding to the area of the receiving chambers 7. However, the structure uses another mechanism to reliably hold the plate 9a on the inner peripheral surface of the body 5 although the plate 9a may has any shape other than an annular shape.

[0114] The mixing container 2A according to the first embodiment also has a fitting structure including the protrusions 5d (refer to FIG. 2A) on the body 5 and the notches 9b (refer to FIG. 2B) on the support 9 described above, as an example of the holding structure 8 for holding the support 9 within the body 5 in alignment with the receiving chambers 7.

[0115] In the mixing container 2A according to the first embodiment, the support 9 may be installed within the body 5 with the protrusions 5d on the body 5 fitted in the notches 9b on the plate 9a of the support 9. This allows the inlets 7a of the receiving chambers 7 to communicate with the releasing holes 10 in the support 9, as shown in FIG. 3B.

[0116] For molding, synthetic resins are particularly appropriate to the materials for the body 5, the receiving chambers 7, and the support 9 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The materials for the body 5, the receiving chambers 7, and the support 9 may be determined as appropriate based on the physical and chemical properties of the dissolving agent to be contained in the body 5 and the substance to be stored in the PTP sheet (described later).

[0117] The body 5 and the receiving chambers 7 are to be formed from different materials. For example, the different materials may be molded into a single piece or separate pieces to be bonded together.

[0118] The PTP sheet for the mixing container 2A according to the first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4E.

[0119] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the PTP sheet for the mixing container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the PTP sheet in another form. FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of the PTP sheet for the mixing container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view of the PTP sheet in another form. FIG. 4E is a perspective view of the PTP sheet in use for the mixing container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The components that are also shown in FIGS. 1 to 3B are given the same reference numerals, and will not be described repeatedly.

[0120] As shown in FIGS. 4A, 4C, and 4D, the PTP sheet 12 has hollow storage packs 13 molded in a synthetic resin sheet, each of which stores a powder or liquid substance 15a or a solid substance 15b. The opening of the storage pack 13 is then covered with a film 14 to seal the stored substance 15a or 15b in the storage pack 13.

[0121] The mixing container 2A according to the present embodiment is a container for mixing a dissolving target substance (stored substance 15a or stored substance 15b) and a dissolving agent in the body 5. The container is not used for a dissolving target substance (stored substance 15a or stored substance 15b) insoluble in a dissolving agent or for a combination of a dissolving target substance and a dissolving agent that do not mix with each other.

[0122] Each storage pack 13 on the PTP sheet 12 forms an individual storage portion 12a. When the storage pack 13 is compressed from outside, the pressure inside the storage pack 13 increases to break the film 14, releasing the stored substance 15a or the stored substance 15b from the storage pack 13.

[0123] As shown in FIG. 4B, the PTP sheet 12 may have a separation line 12c between storage portions 12a for separating storage portions 12a into individual pieces. The use of individual pieces 12d separated from the PTP sheet 12 will be described later in a second embodiment.

[0124] In use, in the mixing container 2A according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the strip of the PTP sheet 12 shown in FIG. 4A is rolled into a ring with the opposite longitudinal ends connected to each other (refer to FIG. 4E).

[0125] In use, in the mixing container 2A according to the first embodiment, the hollows 7b of the individual receiving chambers 7 arranged on the middle part of the body 5 receive the individual storage portions 12a of the PTP sheet 12 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4E.

[0126] In the mixing container 2A according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the PTP sheet 12 shown in FIG. 4A to 4E is open to release the stored substance 15a or the stored substance 15b into the body 5. This procedure will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2A to 5B.

[0127] FIG. 5A is a partial cross-sectional view of the mixing container according to the first embodiment of the present invention with the PTP sheet and the support installed on the mixing container. FIG. 5B is a partial cross-sectional view of the mixing container according to the first embodiment of the present invention, showing the stored substance being released from the PTP sheet into the body. The components that are also shown in FIGS. 1 to 4E are given the same reference numerals, and will not be described repeatedly.

[0128] The procedure for installing the PTP sheet 12 in the mixing container 2A according to the first embodiment will be described first.

[0129] First, the storage portions 12a of the PTP sheet 12 shown in FIG. 4A are each fitted (not shown) in the corresponding hollow 7b of the receiving chamber 7 arranged on the body 5 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. The PTP sheet 12 with its storage portions 12a fitted in the corresponding hollows 7b of the body 5 has the annular outer shape shown in FIG. 4E.

[0130] The storage portions 12a of the PTP sheet 12 may be fitted not in all the receiving chambers 7 of the body 5, but in some receiving chambers 7. In this case, the PTP sheet 12 fitted in the set of the receiving chambers 7 does not have the annular outer shape shown in FIG. 4E.

[0131] Then, within the body 5, the support 9 shown in FIG. 2B is installed adjacent to the film 14 on the PTP sheet 12 fitted in the receiving chambers 7. In this installation, the protrusions 5d on the body 5 may be fitted in the notches 9b on the support 9 (refer back to FIG. 3B). This fitting allows the inlets 7a of the receiving chambers 7 to communicate with the releasing holes 10 in the support 9. FIG. 5A shows the state in which the PTP sheet 12 and the support 9 have been installed in the body 5.

[0132] As shown in FIG. 5A, in which the PTP sheet 12 is fitted in the receiving chambers 7 of the body 5, and the support 9 is further installed, the edge 12b of the PTP sheet 12 (refer back to FIG. 4A) are firmly held between the inner peripheral surface of the body 5 and the plate 9a of the support 9. In this state, the film 14 to be broken by the compression of the storage portions 12a of the PTP sheet 12 is adjacent to each releasing hole 10 in the support 9.

[0133] Then, as shown in FIG. 5A, when an external force P is applied from outside the body 5 to compress the receiving chamber 7, the storage pack 13 of the PTP sheet 12 is compressed within the receiving chamber 7 as shown in FIG. 5B. The resultant increase in the pressure within the storage pack 13 breaks the film 14, releasing the stored substance 15a from the PTP sheet 12 into the body 5 through the releasing hole 10 in the support 9.

[0134] This allows the dissolving agent (not shown) contained in the body 5 to mix with the stored substance 15a (or stored substance 15b) in the PTP sheet 12.

[0135] In this case, the individual storage portions 12a of the PTP sheet 12 hold the stored substance 15a (or stored substance 15b) of the same volume or weight, and the volume or weight of the dissolving agent contained in the body 5 may be adjusted in an intended manner to easily prepare a mixture with a specified concentration or percentage of the stored substance 15a (or stored substance 15b) to the dissolving agent.

[0136] In other cases in which the body 5 contains a fixed volume or weight of dissolving agent (not shown), the number of storage packs 13 to be open in the body 5 may also be changed in an intended manner to adjust the concentration or percentage of the stored substance 15a (or stored substance 15b) to the dissolving agent.

[0137] In the mixing container 2A according to the first embodiment of the present invention described above, a dissolving target substance (stored substance 15a or stored substance 15b) and a dissolving agent are mixed to prepare a mixture with a specified concentration or percentage. Simply changing the number of compressions of the receiving chambers 7 varies the concentration or percentage of the dissolving target substance (the stored substance 15a or the stored substance 15b). Thus, in preparing mixtures with different concentrations or percentages for each use, this structure eliminates an operation of measuring the stored substance 15a or the stored substance 15b and is thus particularly convenient.

[0138] In the mixing container 2A according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the stored substance 15a or the stored substance 15b in the PTP sheet 12 is directly fed into the body 5. Thus, the stored substance 15a or the stored substance 15b will not be accidentally spilled, unlike when the stored substance 15a (or stored substance 15b) is measured outside the body 5 and then poured into the body 5.

[0139] The mixing container 2A according to the first embodiment thus allows a mixture of a dissolving target substance (stored substance 15a or stored substance 15b) and a dissolving agent to be prepared quickly, accurately, and reliably.

[0140] Thus, in an example in which multiple liquid detergents with different dilution ratios are used for different purposes, the mixing container 2A according to the first embodiment allows the liquid detergents with various concentrations to be prepared easily with the mixing container 2A alone.

[0141] The mixing container 2A according to the first embodiment thus improves the convenience of the above mixture such as a detergent.

[0142] The support 9 for the mixing container 2A according to the first embodiment may include a reinforcement 11 (optional) across the hollow of the annular plate 9a as shown in FIG. 2B.

[0143] The reinforcement 11 included in the support 9 according to the first embodiment can appropriately prevent the plate 9a from deforming or being detached from the inner peripheral surface of the body 5 when a receiving chamber 7 is compressed from outside the body 5.

[0144] Although FIG. 2B illustrates a cross-shaped reinforcement 11 across the hollow of the short cylindrical (annular) plate 9a, the reinforcement 11 may be I-shaped or radial.

[0145] The reinforcement 11 may also be used as a handle for attaching and detaching the support 9 to and from the inner peripheral surface of the body 5. Thus, the support 9 according to the first embodiment with the reinforcement 11 can be handled more easily than the support 9 with no reinforcement 11.

[0146] The plate 9a may be rigid enough to be resistant to deformation when a receiving chamber 7 is compressed from outside the body 5. In this case, the reinforcement 11 may be eliminated.

[0147] The mixing container 2A according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a spray nozzle 3a (optional) at the opening 5c of the body 5 as appropriate with a lid 4a as shown in FIG. 1.

[0148] The spray nozzle 3a allows the mixing container 2A according to the first embodiment to be used as a spray container 1A. More specifically, the mixing container 2A according to the first embodiment with the spray nozzle 3a can be used to directly spray a mixture prepared from the stored substance 15a or the stored substance 15b and a dissolving agent within the mixing container 2A.

[0149] The spray container 1A according to the first embodiment facilitates the handling of the mixture of the dissolving target substance (stored substance 15a or stored substance 15b) and the dissolving agent and also improves the convenience of the mixture.

[0150] The body 5 of the mixing container 2A according to the first embodiment of the present invention may also include a first part 5a (optional) having the multiple receiving chambers 7, second parts 5b.sub.1 and 5b.sub.2 (optional) other than the first part 5a, and connection sections 6a and 6b (optional) into which these parts are detachably screwed together as shown in FIGS. 1 to 2B.

[0151] Although FIGS. 1 to 2B illustrate the body 5 separated crosswise into three parts, the first part 5a and the second part 5b.sub.2 may be integrated without the connection section 6b.

[0152] In the body 5 of the mixing container 2A according to the first embodiment, the separable structure may allow an opening 19 other than the opening 5c to be located near the annularly arranged receiving chambers 7. The opening 19 of the body 5 allows the PTP sheet 12 to be easily attached to or detached from the receiving chambers 7, and the support 9 is also easily attached to or detached from the receiving chambers 7.

[0153] The body 5 of the mixing container 2A according to the first embodiment including such parts allows the PTP sheet 12 to be easily and smoothly attached to and detached from the receiving chambers 7, irrespective of the opening 5c with a far smaller diameter than the middle part of the body 5.

[0154] In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the spray nozzle 3a can be easily installed at the opening 5c of the body 5 directly or indirectly, for example, with the lid 4a. In this case, the mixing container 2A according to the first embodiment may also be used as the spray container 1A. Thus, the structure improves the versatility and convenience of the mixing container 2A according to the first embodiment.

[0155] In the mixing container 2A according to the first embodiment and the spray container 1A including the mixing container 2A as shown in FIGS. 1 to 2B, the separable body 5 allows the inside of the individual parts (the first part 5a, and the second parts 5b.sub.1 and 5b.sub.2) of the body 5 to be washed easily and reliably.

[0156] This body 5, which is maintained in hygienic conditions, also keeps the hygienic conditions of a mixture prepared within the body 5.

[0157] Thus, the separable body 5 according to the first embodiment provides a spray container also serving as a mixing container that enables easy maintenance of hygienic conditions.

[0158] Although FIGS. 1 to 5B illustrate a single row of the receiving chambers 7 arranged circumferentially around the middle part of the body 5, multiple rows of receiving chambers 7 (not shown, optional) may be arranged circumferentially around the middle part of the body 5. In this case, the number of rows of the releasing holes 10 in the support 9 is to be changed depending on the number of rows of the receiving chambers 7.

[0159] For multiple rows of receiving chambers 7 arranged circumferentially around the middle part of the body 5, multiple strips of the PTP sheet 12 including a single row of the storage portions 12a as shown in FIG. 4A may be arranged, or a strip of PTP sheet (not shown) including multiple rows of storage portions 12a may be additionally prepared.

[0160] The above mixing container 2A according to the first embodiment reduces the frequency of replacement of the PTP sheet 12 in the body 5.

[0161] This further improves the convenience of the mixing container 2A and the spray container 1A according to the first embodiment.

Second Embodiment

[0162] A mixing container and a spray container including the mixing container according to a second embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9.

[0163] FIG. 6 is a cutaway side view of the mixing container and the spray container including the mixing container according to the second embodiment of the present invention with a body partially cut away. FIG. 7A is a partial perspective view of the mixing container according to the second embodiment of the present invention with a support separated from the body including a receiving chamber. FIG. 7B is a partial perspective view of the mixing container according to the second embodiment of the present invention with the support installed in the body including the receiving chamber. The components that are also shown in FIGS. 1 to 5B are given the same reference numerals, and will not be described repeatedly. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the body with a piece of a PTP sheet in the receiving chamber, whereas FIGS. 7A and 7B show the body with no PTP sheet in the receiving chamber.

[0164] The mixing container 2A according to the first embodiment, which has the multiple receiving chambers 7 arranged around the middle part of the body 5, may be appropriate for the body 5 that is relatively large. In contrast, the mixing container according to the second embodiment has a structure appropriate for a relatively small body, and the mixing container is appropriate to carry.

[0165] As shown in FIGS. 6 to 7B, a mixing container 2B according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a body 16 (corresponding to the body 5 according to the first embodiment) having an upper opening 16a to contain a dissolving agent (not shown), a receiving chamber 7 integral with the peripheral surface of the body 16, and a support 17 (corresponding to the support 9 according to the first embodiment) including a plate 17g detachably installed within the body 16 in an area adjacent to the receiving chamber 7.

[0166] Although FIGS. 6 to 7B illustrate a single receiving chamber 7 in the peripheral surface of the body 16, the body 16 may include multiple receiving chambers 7 as shown in FIG. 9.

[0167] The mixing container 2B according to the second embodiment also includes a lid 4b attached to the opening 16a of the body 16 and having a first thread 18a on the outer surface of its vertically lower end portion 18.

[0168] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7A, the body 16 of the mixing container 2B according to the second embodiment also includes a fitting recess 16b at the opening 16a of the body 16 and fitted on the vertically upper end of the support 17, a fitting receiving portion 16d on the inner peripheral surface of the body 16 and receiving the support 17 at its lower end 17c, and a second thread 16e on the inner peripheral surface of the body 16 and adjacent to the opening 16a.

[0169] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7A, the support 17 for the mixing container 2B according to the second embodiment additionally includes a third thread 17d and a flexible portion 17f. When the support 17 is fitted with its tab 17a in the fitting recess 16b on the body 16, the third thread 17d circumferentially connects with the second thread 16e at the opening 16a of the body 16 to serve as an integrated thread. The flexible portion 17f is adjacent to the insertion portion of the lower end 17c of the support 17 to be received in the fitting receiving portion 16d of the body 16 and allows the support 17 to be tilted toward the center of the body 16.

[0170] As shown in FIG. 7B, in the mixing container 2B according to the second embodiment described above, the lower end 17c of the support 17 is fitted and fixed in the fitting receiving portion 16d of the body 16, and the tab 17a of the support 17 is fitted in the fitting recess 16b on the body 16 (refer to FIG. 7B). In this state, the lower end portion 18 of the lid 4b (refer to FIG. 6) is screwed into the opening 16a of the body 16. In this manner, the support 17 can be held at an intended position on the inner peripheral surface of the body 16 as shown in FIG. 6.

[0171] Thus, the mixing container 2B according to the second embodiment has a holding structure 8 for detachably holding the support 17 within the body 16 in an area adjacent to the receiving chamber 7. The holding structure 8 includes a fitting structure including the lower end 17c of the support 17 and the fitting receiving portion 16d of the body 16, a fitting structure including the tab 17a of the support 17 and the fitting recess 16b on the body 16, and a connection section 20 (second connection section, refer to FIG. 6) including the continuous thread of the second thread 16e and the third thread 17d and the first thread 18a on the lid 4b.

[0172] As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7B, when the support 17 is held on the inner peripheral surface of the body 16 in the mixing container 2B according to the second embodiment, an inlet 7a of the receiving chamber 7 in the body 16 communicates with a releasing hole 10 in the support 17 in the same manner as in the mixing container 2A according to the first embodiment.

[0173] The procedure for installing a PTP sheet 12 into the mixing container 2B according to the second embodiment will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 8A to 8C.

[0174] FIGS. 8A to 8C are partial cross-sectional views of the mixing container according to the second embodiment of the present invention, describing the procedure for installing the PTP sheet into the receiving chamber. The components that are also shown in FIGS. 1 to FIG. 7B are given the same reference numerals, and will not be described repeatedly.

[0175] As shown in FIGS. 6 to 7B, for the mixing container 2B according to the second embodiment having the single receiving chamber 7 in the middle part of the body 16, a piece 12d may be separated from the PTP sheet 12 shown in FIG. 4B and used. The piece 12d shown in FIG. 4B may be replaced with each of the pieces obtained by separating the PTP sheet 12 shown in FIG. 4A.

[0176] To install the piece 12d of the PTP sheet 12 shown in FIG. 4B into the mixing container 2B according to the second embodiment, the piece 12d of the PTP sheet 12 is prepared first and, as shown in FIG. 8A, the lid 4b (and the lower end portion 18 integral with the lid 4b) is removed from the mixing container 2B according to the second embodiment.

[0177] Then, with the lower end 17c of the support 17 fitted in the fitting receiving portion 16d of the body 16, the tab 17a of the support 17 is tilted toward the center of the body 16 (in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 8B). During tilting, the flexible portion 17f adjacent to the lower end 17c of the support 17 functions as hinges to tilt the support 17 (refer to FIG. 8B).

[0178] In this state, the inlet 7a of the receiving chamber 7 is open as shown in FIG. 8B. The piece 12d of the PTP sheet 12 is fitted in the inlet 7a, and then the support 17 tilted toward the center of the body 16 is returned to the initial position. In other words, the tab 17a of the support 17 is reversed in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 7B.

[0179] In this procedure, as shown in FIG. 8C, the piece 12d of the PTP sheet 12 is placed between the receiving chamber 7 and the support 17, and the inlet 7a of the receiving chamber 7 communicates with the releasing hole 10 in the support 17, as viewed in the cross section of the body 16. In this state, the film 14 on the PTP sheet 12 is exposed through the releasing hole 10 in the support 17.

[0180] Then, the connection section 20 of the lid 4b is screwed into the opening 16a of the body 16. This fastening causes the support 17 to firmly fix the piece 12d of the PTP sheet 12 as shown in FIG. 8C, enabling the release of the stored substance 15a (or stored substance 15b) from the storage pack 13.

[0181] For the mixing container 2B according to the second embodiment described above, the procedure for releasing the stored substance 15a (or stored substance 15b) from the PTP sheet 12 into the body 16 is the same as for the mixing container 2A according to the first embodiment already described with reference to FIG. 5, and will not be described in detail repeatedly.

[0182] For the mixing container 2B according to the second embodiment, the tab 17a of the support 17 is tilted toward the center of the body 16 with respect to the flexible portion 17f. In a first case, the entire support 17 may be formed from a flexible material. In a second case, the flexible portion 17f of the support 17 may be formed from a flexible material with the other parts formed from a sufficiently stiff material.

[0183] In the first case, while the flexible portion 17f has moderate flexibility, the support 17 is to have stiffness sufficiently resistant to deformation when the receiving chamber 7 is compressed to release the stored substance 15a (or stored substance 15b) from the PTP sheet 12.

[0184] In the second case, the flexible portion 17f may be thinner than the other parts of the support 17 to be more flexible.

[0185] In addition, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the support 17 for the mixing container 2B according to the second embodiment is curved in its horizontal section (refer to FIGS. 7A and 7B). To conform to the curve, the flexible portion 17f of the support 17 in the second case is to be vertically longer. This flexible portion 17f allows the support 17 to be tilted smoothly irrespective of the curved horizontal section of the support 17.

[0186] In some embodiments, the part of the body 16 that receives the support 17 (the part of the body 16 in contact with the support 17) may be flattened, and thus the support 17 installed on this part may also be flattened (not shown). However, the part of the support 17 at the opening 16a of the body 16 is to have a shape conforming to the opening 16a. This shape allows the support 17 to be smoothly tilted irrespective of the vertical length of the flexible portion 17f of the support 17.

[0187] As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8C, the body 16 in the mixing container 2B according to the second embodiment may have at least one fitting groove 16c (optional) on its inner peripheral surface in contact with the support 17. The support 17 may have a fitting ridge 17b (optional) fitted in the fitting groove 16c.

[0188] In this case, the fitting recess 16b on the body 16 and the tab 17a of the support 17 form the fitting structure, as well as the fitting groove 16c and the fitting ridge 17b form a fitting structure. Such fitting structures allow the support 17 to be installed at the intended position on the inner peripheral surface of the body 16 with higher accuracy.

[0189] For the support 17 that is entirely formed from a flexible material, the fitting structure including the fitting groove 16c and the fitting ridge 17b may also function as a gasket. When the lid 4b is screwed into the opening 16a of the body 16 containing liquid, the fitting structure appropriately prevents the dissolving agent from leaking through the contact between the body 16 and the support 17.

[0190] When the body 16 is carried while containing a mixture of the dissolving agent and the stored substance 15a or the stored substance 15b from the PTP sheet 12, this structure conveniently seals the mixture in a watertight manner.

[0191] As shown in FIG. 6, the mixing container 2B according to the second embodiment may also include a spray nozzle 3b (optional) on the lid 4b.

[0192] The spray nozzle 3b allows the mixing container 2B according to the second embodiment to be used as a spray container 1B, further improving the convenience and versatility of the mixing container 2B.

[0193] A modification of the mixing container 2B according to the second embodiment of the present invention and the spray container 1B including the mixing container 2B will now be described with reference to FIG. 9.

[0194] FIG. 9 is a cutaway side view of a mixing container and a spray container including the mixing container according to the modification of the second embodiment of the present invention with a body partially cut away. The components that are also shown in FIGS. 1 to 8C are given the same reference numerals, and will not be described repeatedly.

[0195] Although FIGS. 6 to 8C illustrate a single receiving chamber 7 in the middle part of the body 16, the body 16 may include a few receiving chambers 7 on its middle part as shown in FIG. 9. A mixing container 2B and a spray container 1B according to the modification of the second embodiment may include a strip of PTP sheet 12 as shown in FIG. 4A replacing the pieces 12d of the PTP sheet 12 shown in FIG. 4B.

[0196] The above mixing container 2A and the spray container 1A according to the first embodiment include the multiple receiving chambers 7 arranged circumferentially around the middle part of the body 5. In contrast, the mixing container 2B and the spray container 1B shown in FIG. 9 according to the modification of the second embodiment have a PTP sheet 12 installed in parallel with the central axis of the body 16.

[0197] Compared with the mixing container 2B and the spray container 1B shown in FIGS. 6 to 8C according to the second embodiment, the mixing container 2B and the spray container 1B shown in FIG. 9 according to the modification of the second embodiment reduces the frequency of replacement of the PTP sheet 12 from the receiving chamber 7 and allows a larger amount of mixture to be prepared at a time with a high concentration or percentage of a dissolving target substance (stored substance 15a or stored substance 15b).

[0198] The effects of the mixing containers 2A to 2B according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention will now be described.

[0199] In the mixing containers 2A to 2B according to the first and second embodiments, the use of the PTP sheet 12 eliminates an operation of measuring a dissolving target substance (e.g., stored substance 15a or stored substance 15b) when the dissolving target substance is mixed with a dissolving agent to prepare a mixture with a specified concentration. This greatly facilitates the preparation of different mixtures with various concentrations.

[0200] The mixing containers 2A to 2B according to the first and second embodiments further eliminate an operation of measuring a dissolving target substance (stored substance 15a) and a dissolving agent (not shown) outside the body 5 or 16 and pouring them into the body 5 or 16, unlike cases without the PTP sheet 12. This prevents mismeasurement and spill of a dissolving target substance (stored substance 15a) and a dissolving agent being mixed, thus appropriately avoiding an unspecified concentration or percentage of the dissolving target substance (stored substance 15a) in the mixture.

[0201] Thus, the mixing containers 2A to 2B according to the first and second embodiments allow the user to easily prepare a mixture having an accurate concentration or percentage without taking particular attention, thus improving the convenience of the prepared mixture.

[0202] For the mixing container 2A or 2B according to the embodiments with the body 5 or 16 containing a fixed volume of dissolving agent, the number of storage portions 12a to be open by compressing the receiving chambers 7 may be simply changed in an intended manner to vary the concentration or percentage of the stored substance 15a or the stored substance 15b in the mixture.

[0203] For the mixing container 2B, which has the single storage portion 12a of the PTP sheet 12 installed in the body 16, the volume or weight of the dissolving agent contained in the body 16 may be mainly changed to adjust the concentration or percentage of the stored substance 15a or the stored substance 15b in the mixture.

[0204] However, the body 16 in the mixing container 2B according to the second embodiment may have a smaller volume than in the above mixing container 2A according to the first embodiment, additionally providing high portability to the mixing container.

[0205] In some embodiments, the body 5 or 16 of the mixing containers 2A to 2B according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention may also be formed from a light transmissive material (optional) that allows the uppermost level of the dissolving agent to be visually observed from outside. Additionally, the body 5 or 16 may be graduated (optional) to indicate the amount of the contained dissolving agent.

[0206] In this case, a specified amount of dissolving agent may not be measured outside the body 5 or 16 before poured into the body 5 or 16.

[0207] These mixing containers 2A to 2B according to the first and second embodiments allow a mixture to be prepared still more easily than the body 5 or 16 that is not graduated.

[0208] In the mixing containers 2A to 2B according to the first and second embodiments, the receiving chambers 7 on the body 5 or 16 and the storage packs 13 of the PTP sheet 12 may also be formed from light transmissive materials (optional).

[0209] This enables visual determination from outside the body 5 or 16 as to whether each storage pack 13 still contains the stored substance 15a or the stored substance 15b.

[0210] This structure eliminates the trouble of searching for a receiving chamber 7 containing an unopen storage pack 13 in using the mixing containers 2A to 2B according to the first and second embodiments, further allowing a mixture to be prepared more easily.

[0211] In addition, the mixing containers 2A to 2B according to the first and second embodiments allow the body 5 or 16 to be reused by simply replacing the PTP sheet 12 installed in the body 5 or 16.

[0212] Thus, the mixing containers 2A to 2B according to the first and second embodiments also allow a mixture with an accurate concentration or percentage to be prepared easily and economically.

[0213] Each storage portion 12a of the PTP sheet 12 for the mixing containers 2A to 2B according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention may have substantially the same shape and size as the hollow 7b of each receiving chamber 7 in the body 5.

[0214] For a storage portion 12a of the PTP sheet 12 excessively smaller than the hollow 7b of the receiving chamber 7, when the receiving chamber 7 is compressed from outside the body 5 or 16, the pressing force may be insufficiently transferred to the storage pack 13, failing to open the storage pack 13.

[0215] Although the receiving chamber 7 for the mixing containers 2A to 2B according to the first and second embodiments is circular in a plan view, the receiving chamber 7 may be noncircular. For a noncircular receiving chamber 7, the storage portion 12a of the PTP sheet 12 received in the hollow 7b of the receiving chamber 7 is to substantially correspond to the receiving chamber 7 in shape and size.

[0216] For a receiving chamber 7 having a part acute in a plan view, when the storage pack 13 of the PTP sheet 12 is open, the stored substance 15a may remain in the storage pack 13 as unintended.

[0217] The receiving chamber 7 may be smooth in a plan view, and optimally be circular.

Third Embodiment

[0218] A mixing container according to a third embodiment will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 10A to 12.

[0219] The mixing container according to the third embodiment is a modification of the mixing containers 2A to 2B according to the first and second embodiments, with an improved receiving chamber 7.

[0220] A receiving chamber according to a first modification will be described first with reference to FIGS. 10A to 11B.

[0221] FIG. 10A is a partial cross-sectional view of the mixing container according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10B is an enlarged partial perspective view of the receiving chamber in the mixing container. FIG. 11A is a partial cross-sectional view of the mixing container according to the third embodiment of the present invention with a PTP sheet and a support installed on the mixing container. FIG. 11B is a partial cross-sectional view of the mixing container, showing a stored substance being released from the PTP sheet into a body. The components that are also shown in FIGS. 1 to 9 are given the same reference numerals, and will not be described repeatedly.

[0222] As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, a receiving chamber 70a according to the first modification includes at least one protrusion 7c.sub.1 extending from the inner surface defining the hollow 7b in the direction of pressing the receiving chamber 70a with a finger (refer to arrow P in FIG. 11 described later).

[0223] The protrusion 7c.sub.1 in the hollow 7b of the receiving chamber 70a may be cylindrical as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B or columnar (not shown).

[0224] The procedure for releasing the stored substance 15 from the PTP sheet 12 into the body 5 in a mixing container 2C according to the third embodiment is substantially the same as the procedure in the spray container 1A according to the above first embodiment. The stored substance 15 in the PTP sheet 12 may be powder or liquid. In the third embodiment and a fourth embodiment described later, the stored substances will be collectively referred to as the stored substance 15.

[0225] More specifically, the storage portion 12a (storage pack 13) of the PTP sheet 12 is first placed in the hollow 7b through the inlet 7a of the receiving chamber 70a, and the support 9 is installed adjacent to the film 14 on the PTP sheet 12. This completes the installation of the PTP sheet 12 in the body 5 (refer to FIG. 11A).

[0226] Then, the receiving chamber 70a in the state shown in FIG. 11A may be pushed toward the hollow of the body 5 to compress the receiving chamber 70a from outside. In other words, the receiving chamber 70a containing the PTP sheet 12 may be pushed in the direction of arrow P in FIG. 11A.

[0227] This action causes the protrusion 7c.sub.1 in the hollow 7b of the receiving chamber 70a to compress the storage pack 13, breaking the film 14. The stored substance 15 in the storage pack 13 is released into the hollow of the body 5 (refer to FIG. 11B).

[0228] The receiving chamber 7 for the above spray containers 1A to 1B according to the first and second embodiments does not include the protrusion 7c.sub.1, and the height difference of the receiving chamber 7 from the outer peripheral surface of the body 5 is smaller than the height difference of the receiving chamber 70a according to the third embodiment. Thus, to reliably compress the storage pack 13 received in the hollow 7b in the above spray containers 1A to 1B according to the first and second embodiments, the receiving chamber 7 is to be pushed hard inward from the body 5. Such a hard push is achieved by enough finger strength.

[0229] When a person with low finger strength pushes the receiving chamber 7 in the above spray containers 1A to 1B according to the first and second embodiments, an insufficient push on the receiving chamber 7 may fail to compress the storage pack 13 or only slightly deform the storage pack 13, leaving the stored substance 15 partially within the storage pack 13.

[0230] In contrast, in the mixing container 2C according to the third embodiment, the receiving chamber 70a, which has the protrusion 7c.sub.1 in the hollow 7b, can be higher than the receiving chamber 7 from the outer peripheral surface of the body 5 by the height H of the protrusion 7c.sub.1 (refer to FIG. 10A). In the mixing container 2C according to the third embodiment, a press on the receiving chamber 70a can displace the receiving chamber 70a more than in the above spray containers 1A to 1B according to the first and second embodiments.

[0231] In addition, in the mixing container 2C according to the third embodiment, when the receiving chamber 70a, which has the protrusion 7c.sub.1 in its hollow 7b, is pushed inward from outside the body 5 (refer to arrow P in FIGS. 11A and 11B), the protrusion 7c.sub.1 can indirectly compress the storage pack 13 of the PTP sheet 12. More specifically, to compress the storage pack 13, the mixing container 2C according to the third embodiment allows the storage pack 13 to be pushed toward the center of the body 5 harder than for the receiving chamber 70a that has no protrusion 7c.sub.1.

[0232] With the receiving chamber 70a according to the first modification, the stored substance 15 contained in the PTP sheet 12 can be released into the body 5 more reliably than in the spray containers 1A to 1B according to the first and second embodiments.

[0233] The mixing container 2C according to the third embodiment allows even a person with low finger strength to easily and reliably release the stored substance 15 from the PTP sheet 12 into the body 5. Thus, the mixing container 2C according to the third embodiment has further improved convenience.

[0234] To reliably place the storage pack 13 of the PTP sheet 12 into the hollow 7b of the receiving chamber 70a according to the first modification, the value obtained by subtracting the height H of the protrusion 7c.sub.1 from the depth D of the hollow 7b in FIG. 10A (D-H) is to be equal to or greater than the height difference I of the storage pack 13 of the PTP sheet 12 (refer back to FIG. 4C).

[0235] When the storage pack 13 of the PTP sheet 12 is placed in the hollow 7b of the receiving chamber 70a according to the first modification, the tip of the protrusion 7c.sub.1 may be spaced from the storage pack 13, although the gap may be minimized. As the gap widens between the tip of the protrusion 7c.sub.1 and the storage pack 13, the tip of the protrusion 7c.sub.1 becomes less likely to come into contact with the storage pack 13 when the receiving chamber 70a is pushed into the hollow of the body 5. Consequently, the protrusion 7c.sub.1 may fail to appropriately compress the storage pack 13.

[0236] A receiving chamber according to a second modification of the third embodiment will now be described with reference to FIG. 12.

[0237] FIG. 12 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the receiving chamber according to the second modification of the third embodiment of the present invention. The components that are also shown in FIGS. 1 to 11B are given the same reference numerals, and will not be described repeatedly.

[0238] Although FIGS. 10A to 11B illustrate a single hollow protrusion 7c.sub.1 included in the hollow 7b of the receiving chamber 70a according to the first modification, the receiving chamber 70a may include two or more protrusions.

[0239] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, a receiving chamber 70b according to the second modification of the third embodiment may include two or more columnar protrusions 7c.sub.2 in its hollow 7b. In this case, when the receiving chamber 70b is pushed inward from outside the body 5, the tips of the protrusions 7c.sub.2 press the storage pack 13 of the PTP sheet 12 while expanding radially (not shown).

[0240] The tips of the protrusions 7c.sub.2 can press a larger area of the protruded surface of the storage pack 13 of the PTP sheet 12. The press efficiently forces the stored substance 15 at the rim of the storage pack 13 into the hollow of the body 5.

[0241] The mixing containers 2C and 2C according to the third embodiment, although not shown, may be used as a spray container with a spray nozzle installed directly or indirectly on the body 5.

Fourth Embodiment

[0242] Finally, a PTP sheet according to a fourth embodiment will now be described with reference to FIGS. 13A to 14B.

[0243] FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view of the PTP sheet according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13B is an exploded view of the PTP sheet. FIG. 14A is a partial cross-sectional view of the mixing container according to the first embodiment of the present invention with the PTP sheet and a support according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention installed on the mixing container. FIG. 14B is a partial cross-sectional view of the mixing container, showing a stored substance being released from the PTP sheet into a body. The components that are also shown FIGS. 1 to 12 are given the same reference numerals, and will not be repeatedly.

[0244] A PTP sheet 22 according to the fourth embodiment is used for the mixing containers 2A to 2C according to the first to third embodiments. More specifically, the PTP sheet 22 according to the fourth embodiment is an improvement on the PTP sheet 12 shown in FIGS. 4A to 4E and used in the mixing containers 2A to 2C according to the first to third embodiments.

[0245] More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the PTP sheet 22 according to the fourth embodiment includes a storage pack 13 having a recessed cross section, formed from a synthetic resin deformable by a finger operation, and having an integrated edge 12b on its rim, as a flange, an inner pack 21 having a recessed cross section, formed from a synthetic resin undeformable by a finger operation, and contained in the storage pack 13, a powder or liquid substance 15 stored in the inner pack 21, and a film 14 that seals the opening of the storage pack 13 containing the stored substance 15 and the inner pack 21.

[0246] The use of the PTP sheet 22 according to the fourth embodiment will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 14A and 14B.

[0247] The PTP sheet 22 according to the fourth embodiment may be used in the same manner as the known PTP sheet 12 shown in FIGS. 4A to 4E. The use of the PTP sheet 22 according to the fourth embodiment in the spray container 1A according to the first embodiment will now be described as an example.

[0248] To release the stored substance 15 from the PTP sheet 22 according to the fourth embodiment into the hollow of the body 5 in the spray container 1A according to the first embodiment, the storage pack 13 of the PTP sheet 22 is placed in the hollow 7b of the receiving chamber 7, and the support 9 is installed adjacent to the film 14 of the PTP sheet 22 as shown in FIG. 14A. This completes the installation of the PTP sheet 22 in the body 5 (refer to FIG. 14A).

[0249] Then, the receiving chamber 7 in the state shown in FIG. 14A may be pushed toward the hollow of the body 5 to compress the receiving chamber 7 from outside. In other words, the receiving chamber 7 containing the PTP sheet 22 may be pushed in the direction of arrow P in FIG. 14A.

[0250] This action forces the inner pack 21 contained in the storage pack 13 into the hollow of the body 5, causing the inner pack 21 to burst the film 14 with its opening 21a from inside. As shown in FIG. 14B, this releases the stored substance 15 into the hollow of the body 5 together with the inner pack 21.

[0251] The inner pack 21 released into the body 5 can be easily separated from the dissolving agent and the stored substance 15, and may thus mix with the dissolving agent and the stored substance 15 without trouble in the body 5.

[0252] Although FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate the use of the PTP sheet 22 according to the fourth embodiment in the mixing container 2A according to the first embodiment, the PTP sheet 22 may also be used appropriately in the mixing containers 2B to 2C according to the other embodiments of the present invention.

[0253] The PTP sheet 22 according to the fourth embodiment described above, which includes the inner pack 21, allows the stored substance 15 in the storage pack 13 to be released into the body 5 without remains, unlike the PTP sheet 12 shown in FIGS. 4A to 4E.

[0254] This allows a mixture of the stored substance 15 and the dissolving agent with a specified concentration to be prepared in the body 5 with higher concentration accuracy.

[0255] Thus, the PTP sheet 22 according to the fourth embodiment improves the convenience of the mixing containers 2A to 2C according to the first to third embodiments.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0256] As described above, the aspects of the present invention provide a reusable mixing container that allows powder, liquid, or solid substances stored separately in a body to be released into the body by an external operation, a spray container including the mixing container, and a PTP sheet for the mixing container and the spray container. These are usable in technical fields including daily necessities, medical supplies, or tools for research.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

[0257] 1A spray container

[0258] 1B spray container

[0259] 2A mixing container

[0260] 2B mixing container

[0261] 2B mixing container

[0262] 2C mixing container

[0263] 2C mixing container

[0264] 3a spray nozzle

[0265] 3b spray nozzle

[0266] 4a lid

[0267] 4b lid

[0268] 5 body

[0269] 5a first part

[0270] 5b.sub.1 second part

[0271] 5b.sub.2 second part

[0272] 5c opening

[0273] 5d protrusion (fitting portion)

[0274] 6a connection section (first connection section)

[0275] 6b connection section (first connection section)

[0276] 7 receiving chamber

[0277] 70a receiving chamber

[0278] 70b receiving chamber

[0279] 7a inlet

[0280] 7b hollow

[0281] 7c.sub.1 protrusion

[0282] 7c.sub.2 protrusion

[0283] 8 holding structure

[0284] 9 support

[0285] 9a plate

[0286] 9b notch (fitting portion)

[0287] 10 releasing hole

[0288] 11 reinforcement

[0289] 12 PTP sheet

[0290] 12a storage portion

[0291] 12b edge

[0292] 12c separation line

[0293] 12d piece

[0294] 13 storage pack

[0295] 14 film

[0296] 15 stored substance

[0297] 15a powder or liquid (stored substance)

[0298] 15b molded substance (stored substance)

[0299] 16 body

[0300] 16a opening

[0301] 16b fitting recess

[0302] 16c fitting groove

[0303] 16d fitting receiving portion

[0304] 16e second thread

[0305] 17 support

[0306] 17a tab

[0307] 17b fitting ridge

[0308] 17c lower end

[0309] 17d third thread

[0310] 17e receiving chamber edge

[0311] 17f flexible portion

[0312] 17g plate

[0313] 18 lower end portion

[0314] 18a first thread

[0315] 19 opening

[0316] 20 connection section (second connection section)

[0317] 21 inner pack

[0318] 21a opening

[0319] 22 PTP sheet