Patent ID: 11873155
Assignee: COMPAGNIE GERVAIS DANONE
Field: Handling (Mechanical engineering)
Classification: CPC B | IPC B

Claim 0:
1. An interface connection device that delimits an internal passage, the interface connection device comprising:
a connector of annular shape configured to connect a first container body and a second container body, the connector comprising
a first end female part configured to receive a corresponding male part that is formed as a first coupler of the first container body and is bearing a first membrane sealing a first compartment delimited in the first container body, the first end female part forming a first outer open face of the connector,
a second end female part configured to receive a corresponding male part that is formed as a second coupler of the second container body and is bearing a second membrane sealing a second compartment delimited in the second container body, the second end female part forming a second outer open face of the connector,
a first opener comprising a first contact end or edge that is facing outwardly in a first direction and provided to selectively displace all or part of the first membrane toward the first direction, and
a second opener comprising a second contact end or edge that is facing outwardly in a second direction away from the first direction, and provided for selectively displacing all or part of the second membrane toward the second direction;

wherein the connector is a double opener connector,
wherein at least one of the first and second end female parts provides a first insertion position and a second insertion position for the corresponding male part, the interface connection device comprising at least one retaining element interfering with displacement from the first insertion position to the second insertion position so that the first insertion position is typically a predetermined position,
wherein the interface connection device is configured to permit passing from the first insertion position to the second insertion position upon one or more of an actuation action and an unlocking action exerted to allow the first and second membranes to be respectively displaced by the first and second openers, so that the first and second compartments are open toward the connector and the internal passage thus selectively allowing communication between the first compartment and the second compartment,
wherein the first end female part is formed as a first ring part and the second end female part formed as a second ring part, an annular sealing contact, preventing any leak of liquid outside from the internal passage, being created between respective inner faces of the first ring part and the second ring part and the corresponding male part, when passing from the first insertion position to the second insertion position,
wherein an annular sealing contact, preventing any leak of liquid outside from the internal passage, is already created between respective inner faces of the first ring part and the second ring part and the corresponding male part, in the first insertion position before passing from the first insertion position to the second insertion position,
wherein the interface connection device has two opposite axial ends provided in two distinct pieces, the two opposite axial ends being spaced to define a maximal height of the interface connection device, in a first configuration, while in a second configuration the two opposite axial ends are spaced to define a lower height of the interface connection device as compared to the maximal height, and
wherein the two opposite axial ends are each irremovably secured to a respective fastening and guiding part provided in the connector, in order to surround an external tubular wall of the connector both in the first configuration and in the second configuration.