Container and dispenser for viscous materials

Abstract

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

Claims

1. A container comprising a reservoir and a mixing tube, the mixing tube comprises a sleeve consisting of one or more films made of polymeric materials, wherein said container comprises a stabilizing frame with m apertures arranged within the mixing tube or the mixing tube contains a shield with m apertures and m is in the range from 1 to 160, and wherein said reservoir comprises a first viscous material is encased within a first breakable encasing and a second viscous material encased within a second breakable encasing, with said first breakable encasing disposed within a first chamber and said second breakable encasing disposed within a second chamber, said breakable encasings having a burst pressure of 1.0 bar and the mixing tube is arranged between the first and second chamber.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. The container according to claim 1, wherein the container comprises at least one outlet equipped with a closure configured as a breakable adhesive or a seal seam.

10. A container comprising a reservoir comprising first and second coterminous chambers having a length, and one mixing tube comprising a shield, wherein the reservoir contains first and second viscous materials; the container comprises a sleeve consisting of a first and second film made of polymeric materials, the container comprises a stabilizing frame, the first and second polymeric film are joined to a first and, respectively second surface of the stabilizing frame each by one adhesive or seal seam, the mixing tube comprises the sleeve formed of the first and second polymeric film joined by one or more straight adhesive or seal seams, the shield comprises m apertures arranged within the mixing tube with m in the range from 4 to 160, the stabilizing frame is made from a polymeric film having a thickness of 0.3 to 3 mm, and the first viscous material is encased within a first breakable tube and the second viscous material is encased within a second breakable tube, said breakable tubes having a burst pressure of 1.0 bar, said first breakable tube disposed within the first chamber and said second breakable tube disposed within the second chamber, and the mixing tube is arranged between and down the length of the first and second chamber.

11. The container according to claim 1, wherein the reservoir comprises a first and second chamber for a first and, respectively second viscous materials, said first and second chambers coterminous with each other and defining a length and the mixing tube is arranged between and down the length of the first and second chamber, and said mixing tube has a single inlet.

12. The container according to claim 1, wherein the container comprises m apertures arranged within the mixing tube with m apertures and m is in the range from 4 to 160, and said mixing tube has been form-fit into a shape consisting of a periodic, undulating shape; and wherein each of said viscous materials is encased in a breakable tube with a burst pressure of 1.0 bar.

13. The container according to claim 12, wherein the mixing tube has been form-fit to the stabilizing frame and defines at least two mixing cells, each mixing cell comprising a first and second inlet and a first and second outlet.

14. A container as claimed in claim 1 comprising a reservoir and a mixing tube, wherein the reservoir contains two or more viscous materials, and the mixing tube comprises a sleeve consisting of two or more films made of polymeric materials joined by one adhesive or seal seam; wherein the mixing tube contains a shield with m apertures and m is in the range of from 4 to 160, the mixing tube and shield therein have been formed into meandering channels, and the meandering channels are U-shaped channels in facing juxtaposition of opposite phase course with a plurality of mutually congruent sections.

15. The container according to claim 13, wherein each of the viscous materials is encased in a breakable tube consisting of a film made from one or more polymeric materials and wherein each of a first and second end of the breakable tube is closed by a polymer or a metal clip.

16. The container according to claim 15, wherein the breakable tube has a burst pressure of 1 bar.

17. The container according to claim 14, wherein the viscous materials independently consist of 80 to 100 weight-% of silicone and 0 to 20 weight-% additives, based on the total weight of the respective material.

18. The container according to claim 14, wherein the sleeve of the mixing tube is made from a polymeric film having an elongation at break in the range from 10% to 700%.

19. The container according to claim 14, wherein the container sleeve in its entirety is made from a polymeric film having an elongation at break in the range from 10% to 700%.

20. The container according to claim 14, wherein, the reservoir comprises a first and second chamber for a first and, respectively second viscous material and the mixing tube is arranged between the first and second chamber, and the mixing tube has a single inlet.

21. A container as claimed in claim 1 disposed within a dispenser for the container, wherein the container comprises a reservoir and one mixing tube, the reservoir contains two viscous materials; the mixing tube comprises a sleeve comprised of two films of polymeric materials joined by one adhesive or seal seam; the mixing tube contains a shield with m apertures with 4m160; the dispenser comprises one static mixer configured to accommodate the mixing tube of the container, the static mixer comprising a first mixer part with a first chamber and a second mixer part with a second channel, the first and second mixer part shaped in such manner that the mixing tube and a therein contained shield are form-fit mateable to the first and second mixer part and the first and second channel are meander-shaped.

22. A container according to claim 21, wherein the mixing tube contains a shield with m apertures and the mixing tube and shield therein have been formed into meandering channels.

23. A container according to claim 22, wherein the meandering channels are U-shaped channels in facing juxtaposition of opposite phase course with a plurality of mutually congruent sections.

Description

(1) Hereinafter the invention is further elucidated with the aid of figures showing:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

(2) FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a an exemplary container with a reservoir for two viscous materials;

(3) FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of an exemplary container with a one-piece frame;

(4) FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a plan cutaway view of an exemplary container with retainer chambers;

(5) FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a frame of an exemplary container comprising a multitude of apertures for a mixing tube;

(6) FIG. 5 is a schematic representation ofa frame of an exemplary container with one aperture for a mixing tube;

(7) FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a perspective partial view of an exemplary container with retainer chambers;

(8) FIG. 7 is a schematic representation ofa cross section of an exemplary container comprising a frame;

(9) FIG. 8 is a schematic representation ofa perspective view of an exemplary static mixer with essentially straight mixing path;

(10) FIG. 9 is a schematic representation ofa perspective view of an exemplary static mixer with essentially arc-shaped mixing path;

(11) FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of a perspective view of an exemplary static mixer with sleeve films of a mixing tube;

(12) FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of an exemplary static mixer with rounded edges;

(13) FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of a perspective view of exemplary fluid-conducting mixing chambers of diversely shaped mixers; and

(14) FIG. 13 is a schematic representation ofa perspective close-up view of an exemplary mixing cell.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ADVANTAGEOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

REFERENCE SIGNS

(41) 1 . . . container 2 . . . mixing tube 3 . . . shield 3 . . . apertures for mixing 3A . . . single aperture for mixing 4 . . . reservoir 5 . . . viscous material 5A . . . aperture for viscous material 6 . . . viscous material 6A . . . aperture for viscous material 7 . . . breakable adhesive or seal seam 8 . . . breakable adhesive or seal seam 9 . . . adhesive or seal seam 10 . . . adhesive or seal seam 11 . . . outlet 11 . . . breakable adhesive or seal seam 11 . . . retainer chamber 12 . . . frame 13 . . . sleeve film 14 . . . sleeve film 15A . . . mixer part 15B . . . mixer part 16A . . . channel 16B . . . channel 20 . . . fluid-conducting mixing chamber 21 . . . fluid-conducting mixing chamber 22 . . . fluid-conducting mixing chamber 23 . . . section of fluid-conducting mixing chamber 23A . . . inlet of section 23 23B . . . inlet of section 23 23C . . . outlet of section 23 23D . . . outlet of section 23 24 . . . mixing cell 24A . . . inlet of mixing cell 24 24B . . . inlet of mixing cell 24 24E . . . outlet of mixing cell 24 24F . . . outlet of mixing cell 24 25 . . . mixing cell 25E . . . inlet of mixing cell 25 25F . . . inlet of mixing cell 25 25C . . . outlet of mixing cell 25 25D . . . outlet of mixing cell 25 26 . . . fluid duct in mixing cell 24 27 . . . fluid duct in mixing cell 25 100 . . . stream arrow