Mixing and dispensing apparatus

ES 2 364 461 T3

DESCRIPTION

Mixing and dispensing apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to an apparatus for storing and dispensing a composition. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus that separately stores two substances, mixes the two substances when ready for use, and dispenses the mixed substances.

Background of Related Art

A plurality of containers have been developed which separately store two substances and which allow the two substances to be mixed with each other before being dispensed. One technique for mixing the substances is shown, for example, in US Patent No. 6,305,576 to Leoncavallo, No. 6,152,296 to Shih, and No. 6,073,803 to Sturm et al. These patents generally store the substances in separate containers and then break or puncture one of the containers to allow the substance stored in it to mix with the substance stored in the other container.

However, these containers cannot be reused as one of the containers is perforated. Also, a sharp accessory is required to pierce one of the containers, which can be dangerous for the user. Containers also require careful placement, can be difficult to fill, and cumbersome to mix and dispense substances.

Document FR2707601 discloses a container that is sealed by a closure in the form of a disk connected by means that guarantee its sliding on one side within the collar of the container and on the other side within a skirt formed in the upper sealing part of the cap screwed on collar; the lid is unscrewed, the closure stopping in a position in which it opens the passage of a fluid between the container and the lid and between the lid and the exterior; the container comprises deformable walls rigidly assembled by the lids and formed in one piece with any known container which makes it possible, without separating the two containers, to open the passage between the two containers and to expel under pressure the fluid contained in the container into the container.

Document US3856138 discloses a container divided into compartments for storing, mixing and dispensing a plurality of incompatible liquids that must be separated before use, a container that includes in combination: an inner and an outer cylindrical side wall component, a lower shutter and a closing cap means with a sealing element.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, an object of the invention is to provide a mixing and dispensing apparatus. Another object of the invention is to provide a mixing and dispensing apparatus that is easy to manufacture and use. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a mixing and dispensing apparatus that does not have sharp accessories or that requires piercing a container.

The mixing and dispensing apparatus is essentially a small bottle that is placed inside a larger bottle. The small bottle contains a concentrated solution and the larger bottle contains water. The small bottle features a nozzle that is off-center, a handle base that is an integral part of the bottle, and a breather to maintain zero atmospheric pressure internally. The small bottle is upside down and positioned inside the neck of the large bottle. The small bottle is then rotated so that the neck of the nozzle is positioned between two arms of a release mechanism that is an integral part of the large bottle. The combined bottles are then shipped to the consumer and the contents of the bottles remain separate.

Once the consumer is ready to use the contents of the bottles, the cap of the large bottle is opened. The small bottle is pulled up using the grip base or a ring pull, causing the release mechanism to engage the lip of the spout, thereby opening the spout and releasing the contents of the small bottle into the bottle. big. The small bottle vent releases any internal pressure from the small bottle and breaks any vapor pockets, so the contents can easily come out of the small bottle. The user shakes the bottle to combine the materials and can then pour the contents through the space between the small bottle and the neck of the large bottle. Alternatively, the contents can be poured through a discharge port located on the side of the larger bottle.

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These and other objects of the invention, as well as many of the specific advantages thereof, will become more apparent with reference to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figure 1 shows the mixing and dispensing system according to the preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a side view of the lower part of the small container that has a base handle.

Figure 3 is a top view of the small container handle base.

Figure 4 shows the small container having a rotatable cap according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5 shows the small container of Figure 4 with a lid.

Figure 6 shows the large container with a wide mouth.

Figure 7 shows the mixing and dispensing system for a spray bottle according to another preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 8 shows a release mechanism used with the mixing and dispensing system of Figure 7.

Figure 9 shows the mixing and dispensing system for a large container according to another preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 10 shows the small bottle.

Figure 11 shows a ring pull device used with the small bottle.

Figure 12 shows the large bottle according to another preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 13 shows another preferred embodiment of the invention having a separate discharge port.

Figure 14 is a partial side elevation view, partially sectioned, showing another embodiment of the mixing and dispensing container stored in a first and a second seal layer.

Figures 15 (a) and 15 (b) are cross-sectional views taken along line 2-2 of Figure 14 showing an opening formed at the junction of the large container and the small container used in the preferred embodiment. of the invention.

Figure 16 is a side elevation view of the small container of Figure 14.

Figure 17 is a plan view of a ring pull device used with the small container of Figure 14.

Figure 18 is a fragmentary side elevation view, partially sectioned, showing a rubber cap installed on the small container of Figure 14.

Figures 19 (a) to 19 (c) are partial side elevation views, partially sectioned, showing the sequence of steps for releasing the contents of the small container into the large container.

Figure 20 is a perspective view showing the mixing and dispensing container of Figure 14 placed in a carton having a liner.

Figure 21 is a perspective view showing the carton of Figure 20 closed and subjected to radiation in a plurality of directions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Specific terminology will be used to describe a preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings for clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms

ES 2 364 461 T3 selected, and each specific term is to be understood to include all technical equivalents that function in a similar manner to achieve a similar purpose.

Referring to the drawings, Fig. 1 shows the mixing and dispensing apparatus 10 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. The apparatus 10 has two main elements: a first large container 20 and a second small container 40. Both the large container 20 and the small container 40 are preferably round plastic bottles and are dimensioned so that the small container 40 can be placed inside the container. large container 20.

The large bottle 20 has a body section 22, a neck 24, and an opening 26 at the top of the large bottle 20. The large bottle 20 is used to store a first substance, preferably water, as well as the small bottle 40. The neck 24 houses the second bottle 40, and the opening 26 allows to receive and dispense the contents of the large bottle 20. According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the large bottle 20 has a height of approximately 36.83 cm (14.5 inches), a diameter of approximately 18.7352 cm (7.375 inches), and can hold 4.73176 liters (5 quarts). gallon) of liquid approximately. The neck 24 of the large bottle 20 has a diameter of approximately 70 mm.

A ramp or release mechanism 30 is located on the neck 24 of the large bottle 20. The release mechanism 30 is preferably integral with the neck 24 of the large bottle 20, but it can also be a separate element that is coupled to the neck 24 of the bottle 20. The release mechanism 30 has a bifurcated end with two prongs or arms 32. The release mechanism 30 is plastic and extends inward almost to the center of the neck 24. The release mechanism 30 may be angled downward to provide additional support against dragging the small bottle 40. As shown, one end of the release mechanism 30 is integrally molded with the bottle, and the arms 32 they terminate near the center of the neck 24 of the large bottle 20. The release mechanism 30 supports the entire weight of the small bottle 40, preferably up to about 250 grams.

The small bottle 40 also has a body section 41 and a neck 42. In addition, the small bottle 40 has a spout 43 and an integral base handle 48. The small bottle 40 contains a second substance, preferably a concentrated liquid solution. The nozzle 43 has a nozzle cap (or cover) 44 having an upper section, a tapered neck 46, and a shoulder 45 formed therebetween. The nozzle 43 is preferably opened and closed by pushing and pulling respectively the nozzle cap 44. When the nozzle cap 44 is pulled out, the nozzle 43 is opened and the contents of the small bottle 40 can be released. When the nozzle cap 44 is pushed inward, the nozzle 43 closes and the contents of the small bottle 40 are sealed in the bottle 40. The shoulder 45 extends around the entire nozzle cap 44.

Neck 42 and nozzle 43 of small bottle 40 are offset from body section 41. Consequently, small bottle 40 can be positioned within neck 24 of large bottle 20 along the side of neck 24 at opposed to release mechanism 30, such that nozzle cap 44 is located outside of barbs 32. The base handle 48 allows the user to grasp the small bottle 40 and rotate the small bottle 40 when it is located within the large bottle 20.

Figs. 2 and 3 show the bottom of the small bottle 40 in greater detail. The bottom of the small bottle 40 is sunk inward to form a sunken section 51. The base handle 48 protrudes upward from the sunken section 51. However, the base handle 48 does not extend beyond the bottom. of the small bottle 40 so that the user can easily access it and can rotate the small bottle 40.

When the small bottle 40 is rotated, the neck portion 46 of the nozzle cap 44 of the small bottle 40 moves to a position between the prongs 32 of the release mechanism 30, as shown in Fig. 1 The base handle 48 is used to position the small bottle 40 within the large bottle 20 and to pull the small bottle 40 upward when positioned on the prongs 32 of the release mechanism 30. When the small bottle 40 is pulled outward, the prongs 32 grasp the shoulder 45 of the nozzle cap 44, in turn pulling the nozzle cap 44 outward to open the nozzle 43.

The small bottle 40 preferably has a diameter of about 6.35 cm (2.5 inches) and a height of about 11.43 cm (4.5 inches), and can hold about 0.2368 liters (8 ounces) of liquid. . A vent is provided to keep the atmospheric pressure at zero within the small bottle 40. The large bottle 20 and the small bottle 40 are preferably made of plastic, such as polyethylene. The nozzle cap 44 is preferably a vent cap with a preservation liner. The preservation liner allows air to escape from the bottle preventing any liquid from escaping.

During handling, the large bottle 20 is filled with the first substance through the opening 26. The bottle

ES 2 364 461 T3 small 40 is filled with the second substance by unscrewing the nozzle 43 on the neck 42 of the small bottle 40. Then, the nozzle 43 is reassembled on the small bottle 40 and is tightened to close the nozzle 43. Then , the small bottle 40 is turned upside down and positioned within the neck 24 of the large bottle 20, so that the nozzle 43 is outside the arms 32 of the release mechanism 30. The base handle 48 of the small bottle 40 is then used to rotate the small bottle 40 so that the spout cap 44 is positioned between the two arms 32 of the release mechanism 30. A cap is placed over the large bottle 20 and the combined bottles 20, 40 are issued to a consumer. The contents of the bottles 20, 40 remain separated until ready for use by the consumer.

Once the consumer is ready to use the contents of the bottles 20, 40, the lid of the large bottle 20 is opened. The small bottle 40 is pulled upward using the base handle 48. As the small bottle 40 upward, nozzle cap 44 is forced open by arms 32 of fixed release mechanism 30 against shoulder 45 of nozzle cap 44. The force causes the release mechanism 30 to open the nozzle 43 of the small bottle 40, thereby releasing the contents of the small bottle 40 into the large bottle 20.

The aeration cap 44 of the small bottle 40 releases any internal pressure from the small bottle 40 and breaks any vapor pockets, whereby the nozzle 43 is easily opened and the contents can easily flow out of the small bottle 40 into the the large bottle 20. The user can replace the cap on the large bottle 20 and shake the bottle 20 for further mixing of the materials. The contents can then be poured from the large bottle 20 through the space between the small bottle 40 and the neck 24 of the large bottle 20.

Referring to Figs. 4-6, alternative embodiments of the invention are shown. In Fig. 4, a rotatable cap 52 is located on the bottom of the small bottle 40, as an alternative means to assist the user in rotating the small bottle 40 so that the neck 42 of the bottle 40 is positioned between the arms 32 of release mechanism 30. Rotating cap 52 can also be used to pull bottle 40 up to open spout cap 44. Small bottle 40 has a tapered bottom section 53 that is threaded. The rotatable cap 52 can be screwed onto the threaded lower section 53 during manufacture.

Figs. 5 and 6 show an alternative configuration of the small bottle 40, in which the bottom of the bottle 40 protrudes outwards so that the cap 54 can be easily accessed by the user. The cap 54 preferably has ribs to along the outer edge of cap 54 so that the user can easily grasp cap 54 and twist and pull bottle 40.

As shown in Fig. 6, the first bottle 20 may have a wide-mouth opening 26 that expands outward as it moves up from the neck 24 of the bottle 20. The wide-mouth facilitates the placement of the small bottle 40 in the neck 24 of the large bottle 20, as well as the dispensing of the first and second mixed substances. The wide mouth also makes it easier for the user to grasp the cap 54 and / or the sides of the small bottle 40. The cap 54 can be opened slightly to allow air to enter and facilitate the release of the contents of the small bottle 40 into the large bottle 20.

The present invention is made of plastic, so it can be recycled. Apparatus 10 does not require the use of any sharp material, and small container 40 does not need to be pierced to release its contents into large container 20. Furthermore, apparatus 10 does not require any items to be broken or removed. Accordingly, the apparatus 10 can be reused simply by refilling the first and second containers 20, 40.

Another preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in Fig. 7, where the large bottle 70 is a spray bottle. In this case, the large bottle 70 has a housing part 72 integrally molded to the body of the bottle 70. The housing part 72 is generally shaped as a circular container with a tapered lower section 74 leading inward. of the big bottle 70. A small bottle 80 is housed in the large bottle 70, as in the apparatus 10 of Fig. 1. The housing part 72 has an aeration cap that allows access to the housing part 72.

A release mechanism 82 is located within the housing portion 72 to engage the small bottle nozzle 80. The release mechanism 82 preferably extends through the housing portion 72 and is supported by the bottom section. decreasing 74 of the housing portion 72. The release mechanism 82 is integrally molded with the housing portion 72 of the large bottle 70. Preferably, only the base 84 of the release mechanism 84 (Fig. 8) is molded with the large bottle 70.

As shown in greater detail in Fig. 8, the release mechanism 82 is a U-shaped element having a base 84 and two arms 86. Unlike the embodiment of Fig. 1, in which the small bottle 40 is rotated to engage the arms 32 of the release mechanism 30, the small bottle 80 of the

ES 2 364 461 T3 present embodiment simply snaps between the arms 86 of the release mechanism 82. Thus, the arms 86 of the release mechanism 82 are flexible enough to separate and allow the nozzle of the small bottle 80 to be pushed between the arms 86 and return to its original position after placing the bottle. At the same time, the arms 86 are stiff enough that the nozzle does not come off between the arms 86 when the user pulls the small bottle 80 upward. It should be noted that any suitable alternative to the arms can be used, such as providing an opening in the release mechanism.

Referring now to Fig. 9, another preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. In this case, the large bottle 90 has an internal passage 92 formed by an opening 94 in the large bottle. The passage 92 forms a handle for the large bottle 90. A release mechanism 98 is integrally molded with the large bottle 90, and preferably only the base of the release mechanism 98 is integrally molded. The release mechanism 98 extends from one end of the handle 92 at the end of the opening 94. The large bottle 90 has an integral housing portion 95 that houses the small bottle 96. The small bottle 96 has a vent 97 with a stopper. . The breather 97 can release air and the stopper can be removed to allow the liquid to flow more easily from the small bottle 96. Release mechanism 98 is similar to release mechanism 80 shown in Fig. 8.

In the embodiment of Fig. 7, the large bottle 70 can hold between about 0.2368 and 0.9472 liters (between 8 and 32 ounces) of fluid, and the small bottle 80 can hold between 0.0148 and 0.0592. liters (between 0.5 and 2 ounces) of fluid approximately. In FIG. 9, the small bottle 96 holds up to about 32 ounces of liquid, and the large bottle 90 holds up to about four gallons (15.16 liters) of fluid.

Fig. 10 shows the small bottle 80, 96 used in the embodiments of Figs. 7 and 9, respectively. Similar to bottle 54 shown in Fig. 5, small bottle 80, 96 has a collar 101 that protrudes outwardly from the bottom surface of the bottle. A vent or opening 103 is located at the bottom of the bottle. A cap having an aeration liner is placed on the collar to allow the bottle to expel gas without allowing liquid to escape. As shown in each of Figs. 7, 9 and 10, the neck of the small bottle is off-center. This is due to the confined space and the positioning of the housing portion 72, 95. However, it should be noted that the housing portion 72, 95 can be placed in any suitable position, and the neck of the small bottle 80, 96 can be centered.

Referring to FIG. 11, a handle 100 is provided for use with the small bottle of FIG. 10. The handle 100 has two rings 102, 104 connected by a central section 106. The larger ring 104 is positioned around the collar 101 and the cap is then placed on the bottle. The central section 106 has a plug or plug 108 which may be made of rubber or any other suitable material. After the larger ring 104 has been placed around the collar 101, the cap 108 fits into the opening 103 of the bottle.

After placing the cap on the collar 101, the handle 100 is bent at the center section 106 so that the smaller ring 102 is positioned on top of the cap where it can be grasped by a user. The smaller ring 102 is a finger grip that the user can pull to drag the small bottle, which pushes against the rim of the cap, thereby opening the spout of the small bottle. The pulling action also pulls the cap 108 out of the opening 103 of the small bottle to allow liquid to be more easily dispensed from the small bottle into the large bottle.

Referring now to Fig. 12, another preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. As shown, the neck of a large bottle has two sunken V-shaped depressions 110, 112 that form a narrow passage 114 therebetween. The small bottle (not shown) can be placed on the neck of the large bottle, and the nozzle of the small bottle snapped into step 114. The nozzle of the small bottle can then be opened by pulling the small bottle so that the lower surface of the depressions 110, 112 co-operate with the shoulder of the nozzle to open the nozzle. Consequently, this embodiment eliminates the need for a separate release mechanism. Channels 110, 112 also form an inner top surface that supports the bottle.

According to the preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 12, the depressions 110, 112 are channels that extend the entire width of the neck of the bottle. Consequently, the channel depressions create an internal passage 114 that extends from one side of the bottle to the other. However, the depressions 110, 112 need not extend the full width of the bottle, but instead may have a flattened conical shape, as if created by pushing a tapered flat pencil into the bottle, so that the pitch 114 is formed by two ridges inside the bottle. Alternatively, depression 110 may extend the entire circumference of the bottle, such that passage 114 forms a circle substantially in the center of the bottle.

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Fig. 13 shows another preferred embodiment of the invention. A large bottle is shown having a wide mouth, and a discharge port 120 is provided on one side of the bottle. The discharge port 120 can be used with any of the other embodiments, such as that shown in Fig. 9. The user can fill and dispense the contents of the large bottle through the discharge port 120, so that the small bottle does not obstructs the flow of content.

Figs. 14 to 18 show another embodiment of the invention. The apparatus 200 of Figure 14 has two main elements: a first large container 220 and a second small container 240. Both the large container 220 and the small container 240 are preferably round plastic bottles and are dimensioned so that the small container 240 can be placed within a chamber of the large container 220. The small container has a normally closed nozzle or orifice 246 at one end thereof to discharge the contents of the small container into the large container according to the method of the invention. Large container 220 has a ribbed neck 224 and an opening 223 in the top of the neck adapted to be closed by a removable cap 221, such as a screw cap. The large container 220 is provided with a reservoir 225 that is used to store a first substance, for example, a diluent. Neck 224 forms a chamber that houses second container 240, and opening 223 allows small container 240 to be inserted into and positioned within neck 224. Reservoir 225 of large container 220 stores a predetermined amount of diluent, preferably about 1 gallon (3.79 liters) of sterile water, which is used in the method of the invention.

As shown, the neck 224 of the large container 220 has an annular depression 226 that forms a plate or platform 238 through which a narrow passage 230 passes to provide an opening into the container reservoir 225 from the chamber. of the neck 224. The small container 240 is positioned in the neck 224 of the large container 220 through the opening 223, and the nozzle 246 of the small container is located in the passage 230. The spout 246 of the small container 240 can then be opened by pulling up on the neck 224 and the small container so that the bottom surface of the platform 238 engages a portion of the spout, bringing the spout to its open position. The top surface of the platform 238 supports the small container 240 in the neck chamber 224. Flexible foam can also be placed in the chamber around the small container 240 to stabilize it within the neck 224, especially during transport.

Referring to Figs. 15 (a) and 15 (b), the manner in which the small container 240 is coupled to the internal passage 230 of the large container 220 is shown. As mentioned above, the annular depression 226 preferably forms an internal passage 230 in the platform 238. The passage 230 has a generic keyhole shape with a wide portion 232, a narrow portion 236 and an intermediate portion 234 between them. As shown in Fig. 14, the nozzle 246 is offset from the body 241 of the small container 240. Accordingly, the small container 240 can be positioned within the neck 224 of the large container 220 with the container 240 oriented so that the nozzle 246 is aligned with the portion. width 232 from step 230.

When inserted into neck chamber 224, small container 240 descends such that nozzle 246 passes into wide portion 232 of passage 230. At that point, small container 240 is not rigidly attached to large container 220 The small container 240 is then rotated one quarter of a circumference, at which point the nozzle 246 of the small container enters the central portion 234 of passage 230. The widened middle portion 234 acts as a transition zone to provide the small container 240 with a certain degree of stability within the passage 230 so that the small container does not fall into the neck of the large container 220. The small container 240 can then be straightened or straightened. Flexible foam pieces may optionally be inserted around the small container to further stabilize the small container within the neck 224 of the large container 220.

The small container 240 is then rotated another quarter of a circumference so that the neck portion 248 of the nozzle cap 247 of the small container 240 is moved to a fixed position in the narrow portion 236 of passage 230, where it is essentially blocked. When the small container 240 is pulled axially outward, the bottom surface of the platform 238 grabs the shoulder 249 of the nozzle cap 247, in turn pulling the nozzle cap outward to open the nozzle 246 and allow the substance to of the small container 240 is dispensed into the reservoir 225 of the large container 220. It should be noted that passage 230 may be of any suitable size and shape, such as a circular shape, and may function by a friction fit with the nozzle, although passage 230 is preferably shaped to engage the nozzle without allowing the nozzle to bind. completely pull out of the large container.

The large container 220 has a discharge port 222 which is preferably located on one side thereof. Therefore, the contents of the large container 220 can be dispensed through the discharge port 220 without obstruction.

Fig. 16 shows the small container 240. The small container 240 has an opening with a tapered collar 242 that protrudes outwardly from the bottom surface of the small container. A

ES 2 364 461 T3 lid or lid 243 closes a vent or opening that is also located on the bottom surface of the container. Cap 243 may optionally be a cap that can expel gas from corrosive or volatile liquids (such as peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide), without allowing the liquid to escape. As described above, the neck of the small container 240 is off-center to facilitate placement of the nozzle 246 within the internal passage 230. However, it should be understood that the neck can be of any suitable size and can also be centered. that is, aligned with the axis of the small container.

The nozzle arrangement 246 of the small container 240 is also shown in FIG. 16. The nozzle 246 has a generally frusto-conical nozzle cap 247, a cylindrical neck 248, and an annular shoulder 249 formed therebetween. The nozzle 246 is preferably opened and closed by pulling and pushing, respectively, the nozzle cap 247. Therefore, when the nozzle cap 247 is pulled axially outward, that is, away from the small container, the nozzle 246 opens and, with the container in the position shown in Fig. 14, the contents of the small container 240 is dispensed into large container 220. When the nozzle cap 247 is pushed inward, that is, toward the small container, the nozzle 246 closes and the contents of the small container 240 are sealed in the container 240.

Referring to Fig. 17, a handle 100, which is made of polypropylene or polyester, is intended for use with the small container 240. The handle 100 has two rings 102, 104 of different diameter connected by a central section 106. The larger ring 104 is placed around the tapered collar 242, and the lid 243 is then placed over the collar to close the container. The center section 106 has an opening 108 that is positioned over the vent 244 of the small container 240.

A cap 245, which may be made of rubber or any suitable material, is placed over and closes the vent 244, as best shown in Fig. 18. After placing the large ring 104 around the collar 242, the Opening 108 is positioned over the vent 244 of the container. The rubber cap 245 is then placed over the vent 244 to prevent the composition from escaping from the small container. Then, the handle 100 is bent at the center section 106, so that the small ring 102 is positioned on top of the cover 243 (Fig. 14). The handle 100 is positioned on the lid 245 such that the lid 245 will remain with the handle within the large container 220 when the user pulls it. The small ring 102 is a finger grip that can be grasped and pulled by a user.

Referring to Figs. 19 (a) to 19 (c), the operation of the handle 100 is illustrated as follows. As shown in Fig. 19 (a), the lid 221 is removed from the large container 220, and the small ring 102 is free relative to the large container. In Fig. 19 (b), the user pulls the small ring 102 upward away from the large container. The outside of the neck 224 is ribbed to facilitate the user to grasp the container 220 and pull the handle 100. The pulling action causes the rubber cap 245 to separate from the breather 244 of the small container. The rubber cap 245 is trapped between the handle and the cap 243, so that the cap 245 does not fall into the sterile environment. The pulling action also causes the large ring 104 to push up against the lip of the lid 243 attached to the collar 242, so that the entire small container 40 is pulled upward. The shoulder 249 of the nozzle 246 engages the bottom surface of the platform 238, thereby bringing the nozzle of the small container into its open position.

As shown in Fig. 19 (c), the spout opens and the contents of the small container are dispensed into the reservoir of the large container. The vent 244 opens thereby allowing air to enter the small container and allowing the concentrated composition to be more easily dispensed from the small container to the large container. Since the nozzle cannot pass through the narrow portion 236 of the passage 230, the small container remains within the neck 224 of the large container. The small ring 102 is then folded down and the lid 221 is repositioned over the opening 223 of the large container, the small container 240 and the vent lid remaining inside.

During handling, the diluent and chemical composition are tested separately to ensure that the correct formulations have been received. The composition and diluent are filtered with a 0.2 micron filter to remove particulates and a particulate test is performed. The composition and diluent are then measured to ensure that the proper dissolution is obtained when they are finally mixed together.

The large container and the small container are filled in two different operations so that there is no accidental mixing of the chemical agents. Sterile water is filtered at 0.2 microns into reservoir 225 of the large container. A concentrated chemical composition, such as a sanitizer, is filtered at 0.2 microns into the small container. Upon completion of filling the small container with the second substance through the collar opening 242, and with the handle 100 and the breather cap 245 in place, the opening is closed with the lid 243. The small container is then closed. placed within neck 224 on top of the large container and nozzle 246 engages passage 230 as shown in Fig. 15 (b). The top of the large container is then closed with lid 221 and the product is labeled, bagged, and stored in an optionally lined cardboard box.

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The large container 220 is filled with the first substance, the diluent, either through the hole 222 or the top opening 223. If the top opening 223 is used, the large container 220 is filled before the small container 240 is filled. place on neck 224 described above. The contents of the containers 220, 240 thus remain separate until the mixing and dispensing apparatus 220 is ready for use by the consumer.

During handling, the large container and the small container are filled. A first substance is introduced into the reservoir 225 of the large container through the discharge port 222 or through the top of the large container. A second substance is introduced into the small container through the opening in the collar 242. Then, and with the handle 100 and the breather cap 245 in place, the opening is closed with the cap 243. The small container is then placed within the neck 224 on top of the large container and the nozzle 246 is coupled to the passage 230. The upper portion of the large container is then closed with the lid 221.

The large container 220 is filled with the first substance, water, either through the hole 222 or the top opening 223. If the top opening 223 is used, the large container 220 is filled before the small container 240 is placed. on the neck 224 described above. The contents of the containers 220, 240 thus remain separate until the mixing and dispensing apparatus 220 is ready for use by the consumer.

At this point, the user can utilize the contents of the containers 220, 240 as follows. The lid 221 of the large container 221 is removed and the small container 240 is pulled upward using the ring 102 of the handle 100. As the small container 240 is pulled upward, the spout cap 247 is brought to the open position and rubber cap 245 exits vent 244 and remains with handle 100. Therefore, the contents of the small container 240 are released into the large container 220. The user then places the lid 221 back on the large container 220 and shakes the container 220 to further mix the contents of the two containers. Contents mixed in this way can then be poured from large container 220 through hole 222.

As also shown in FIG. 14, apparatus 200 is stored in a first seal layer 12 and heat sealed to form a single layer sealed wrap. The single layer sealed wrap may then be inserted into a second seal layer 14 and heat sealed to form a second layer sealed wrap. The first and second sealing layers 12, 14 are a polyethylene composition. Referring to Fig. 20, the double layer sealed wrap can then be inserted into a carton 50 having a plastic liner 52. The plastic liner 52 is tied closed or the like to form a third sealing layer. Finally, the cardboard box is closed and prepared for shipment.

The carton is then ready to irradiate, which is shown in Fig. 21. Gamma radiation is used as it has a high penetration capacity that allows relatively dense products or compositions to be easily processed. Sterilization doses are generally in the range of 25 to 50 kGy (kilogray). To ensure proper dosing, radiation is measured by dosimeters that measure the amount of radiation striking the carton. The irradiation sterilizes the entire package, including the first, second, and third sealing layers, the air contained within each layer, as well as the entire apparatus 10, the chemical composition of the small container, and the diluent of the large container.

In this way, when received at the operational site, the closed cartons can be opened and the liner 52, with the doubly packed chemical containers 10 contained therein, can be pulled into a loading area before entering a clean area. , with the carton 50 being discarded. The chemical containers 10 are held within the closed third sealing layer or liner 52 until they are removed and subsequently moved to a clean operating location. The liner is used in the preferred embodiment to prevent particles in the carton from contaminating the outermost seal layer 14. Depending on the particular application, it is not necessary to use the carton liner 52, for example, when the sterility of the exterior of the seal layer 14 is not a concern.

Once transported to a clean area or other operating location, the third seal layer can be removed and the container 10, within the first and second seal layer wrappers 12, 14, can be placed on a shelf for later use. When sealed container wrappers are placed on shelves for use in clean areas, sterile gloves are generally used, although these, as well as the atmosphere in clean areas, present various particles, such as microbes or bacteria, causing the container 10 would remain on the shelf for a short time if only the first layer 12 enveloped the container 10. However, with the first and second layers 12 and 14, the second layer sealed container wrap, now with a somewhat lower degree of sterilization, can be stored on the shelf for an indefinite period of time before using the contents of the container. 10.

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Once the contents of container 10 are to be used, the second seal layer 14 can be separated from the second layer sealed container wrap by allowing the first layer 12 to surround and wrap the container 10 in a sterile manner. The contents of container 10 can then be used with the assurance that they have been maintained in a sterile state.

At this point, the user can use the contents of the containers 220, 240, which are sterilized in the following manner. The lid 221 of the large container 220 is removed and the small container 240 is pulled up using the ring 102 of the handle 100. As the small container 240 is pulled upward, the spout cap 247 is brought to the open position and rubber cap 245 exits vent 244 and remains with handle 100. Therefore, the contents of the small container 240 are released into the large container 220. The user then places the lid 221 back on the large container 220 and shakes the container 220 to further mix the contents of the two containers. Contents mixed in this way can then be poured from large container 220 through hole 222.

Chemical compositions can also be processed aseptically when introduced into the apparatus.

10. The chemical composition can be sterilized by filtration and the apparatus 10 sterilized by radiation. The composition can then be placed in the containers in a clean environment, then stored in successive sterilized sealing layers that are hermetically sealed, and stored in a cardboard box having a liner.

All components in the aseptic filling operation are pre-sterilized via gamma radiation and transferred to the clean aseptic filling environment (typically class 100), in place of the composition, which is sterilized by filtration. In such an area, all personnel are fully equipped with previously sterilized overalls, helmets, boots, masks and protective goggles. The clean area is monitored for particles and microbes. However, aseptic processing is generally more complicated and labor intensive and therefore more suitable for compositions that are not suitable for sterilization by irradiation, such as peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide.

Therefore, in both final irradiation and aseptic processing, the mix occurs just before actual use, so the mix is ​​fresh and efficient. The mixing is carried out under sterile conditions inside the sterile container, so that the resulting mixture is sterile. In addition, the contents are measured when they are introduced into the apparatus. Therefore, the user does not have to perform any chemical composition or diluent measurements in the clean area and can be sure of meeting the proposed requirements.

Any suitable configuration of apparatus 10 can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. However, the apparatus 200 of Figs. 14 to 19 is advantageous in that it does not require the use of any sharp instruments to open the small container 240 and does not require breaking or separating any element to release the contents of the small container 240 within the large container 220. This avoids the possibility of any foreign particles contaminating the mix.