Dispensing and mixing device

A dispensing and mixing device designed to be fixed on an opening of a receiving container and adapted to receive an autonomous container having an opening closed by a closure film and containing an additive product to be dispensed into the interior space of the receiving container which contains a different product, is described. The device has a holding element adapted to receive and retain the autonomous container in the region of its opening, and an assembly element designed to be fixed on the opening of the receiving container and to receive said holding element by screwing.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to a dispensing and mixing device adapted for attachment to an opening of a container containing a first product (typically a liquid) and for dispensing and then mixing an add-on product contained in another container (such as a pod-type capsule or other containers), which is stand-alone and manufactured and filled distinctly with another product such as a liquid or powder.

BACKGROUND

Such dispensing devices are already known.

For example, document EP 2 239 205 describes a pre-dosing cap-like device comprising a reservoir intended to be attached to a bottle and having a back that can be perforated, as well as a puncturing element for puncturing the back of the reservoir and releasing the concentrate into the bottle by pressing on the device.

Since the add-on product is contained in the device itself, the system is for single use and cannot be easily adapted for making a device with a stand-alone container.

Disposable and sealed pod-type capsules are well known in the prior art, especially when used in the preparation of certain beverages, such as coffee, and are perforated with holes on both their back and their sealed opening permit pressurized hot water to be injected through the capsule, which is used like a filter without dispersing the contents, in order to brew the contents using an automatic electric machine.

The present disclosure applies to such disposable and sealed pod-type capsules and any other sealed container used to dose and store products, generally in a sealed manner, and intended to be opened for the purposes of dispensing their contents into another container and using said contents for making beverages or preparations by mechanically and manually associating different products or product mixtures.

The present disclosure specifically relates to the modalities for opening seals by permitting the mechanical opening of a seal applied by heat sealing to the opening of a container to release its contents without direct manual contact with the seal and the thus protected opening, while in general, a sealed or heat-sealed adhesive is manually removed from the container by pulling on its side tab or perforated and manually torn with a knife to release the contents of the container, and thus being in direct manual contact with the opening of the container serving as passage for its contents.

In particular, document EP 1 819 603 describes a closure device with a dispensing capsule adapted to be screwed onto the threaded neck of a bottle and comprising an attachment element intended to be screwed onto the neck and a cap adapted to be screwed onto the attachment element. The cap, which is double-walled, internally forms a chamber adapted for receiving a sealed capsule, which is blocked by the combination of a snap-fit on the inner wall of the cap and a bearing against an arrangement at the top of the cap, permitting the capsule to be released by pressure after use. The attachment element includes a cutting element extending toward the capsule and adapted for cutting the seal, as well as a retaining element to prevent the seal from dropping into the bottle after being cut.

However, this dispensing device has the disadvantage of being difficult to manufacture and assemble. Furthermore, the central configuration of the cutting device and the retaining element hinders the communication between the inside of the capsule and the inside of the bottle after opening, which can impede a satisfactory flow of products for complete mixing. In addition, the dispensing device hinders the pouring of the liquid once mixed, so it is preferable to remove it completely before dispensing. Finally, the retention of the capsule in the cap requires a very specific and precise geometric relationship between the capsule and the cap.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure aims at providing a dispensing and mixing device that has at least one of the following advantages:being reusable, with or without a cover,being simple to manufacture and use,allowing, after the mechanical opening of the sealing film, an instant and easy mixing together, without the interposition of obstacles, of the contents of a stand-alone pod-type capsule or pot or bottle or other container, with the preferably liquid contents of another bottle-type receiving container,allowing to directly pour the fluid once mixed, without being completely disassembled, so that the mixed products can be used or drunk, usually immediately.

To this end, the present disclosure provides a mixing and dispensing device adapted for attachment to an opening of a receiving container, and intended to receive a stand-alone container having an opening sealed with a sealing film and containing an add-on product to be dispensed into the interior of the receiving container containing another product F, the device comprising:a receiving element adapted to receive and retain the stand-alone container at its opening,a connecting element adapted for attachment to the opening of the receiving container and for receiving said receiving element by screwing, whereas said connecting element having a generally smooth and unobstructed passage part adapted for engagement into a homologous part of said receiving element, said passage part forming a spout and incorporating a member for opening the sealing film of the stand-alone receiving container by providing opposing resistance to the sealing film in a peripheral region thereof so as to tear and laterally clear said sealing film during the screwing of the receiving container onto the connecting element, the assembled connecting element and receiving element forming an interior volume that constitutes a generally sealed and generally smooth and unobstructed passage between the interior of the receiving container and the interior of the stand-alone container after clearing the sealing film.

The present disclosure also provides the following optional features, taken in all technically compatible combinations:the receiving element comprises a re-entrant flange capable of receiving and supporting an edge of the opening of the stand-alone container, whereas the sealing film is attached to said edge, said re-entrant flange delimiting an open space in the central region of the receiving element;the device further comprises a cover adapted to be engaged on the receiving element to participate in retaining the stand-alone container;with a stand-alone container whose edge around its opening forms a flat projecting edge, the cover includes an edge region capable of cooperating with said re-entrant flange of the receiving element to trap with pressure therebetween the flat projecting edge of the stand-alone container;the cover is engaged on the receiving element by screwing, said edge region is formed by the free edge of the opening of a threaded cylindrical region of the cover;said free edge of the opening of the cover has latching claws;the cover is hinged on the receiving element, and comprises means for retaining the cover on the receiving element in a closed position;the stand-alone container comprises, adjacent to its opening a screw thread for the screwing thereof on a receiving part of the receiving element;the passage part is connected to a peripheral part of the connecting element by a linking part;said linking part is formed by a continuous circumferential rib;the opening member comprises a tooth formed on the passage part of the connecting element;the edge of the passage part which is turned towards the receiving element is bevelled;the opening member is formed in the apical region of the bevel;the opening member is positioned in a projecting manner relative to the upper edge of the peripheral part of the connecting element;said passage part is adapted for engagement in the receiving element so that the opening member gradually projects into a space of the receiving element receiving the stand-alone container during the screwing of the receiving element onto the connecting element;said passage part forms two sealing skirts, one is adapted to cooperate with a neck of the container and the other is adapted to cooperate with another skirt formed on the receiving element;the passage part of the connecting element has a generally cylindrical shape with a diameter slightly smaller than that of the interior space defined by the receiving element;the passage part of the connecting element has a generally cylindrical shape and a diameter close to that of the opening, which is generally circular, of the stand-alone container, in order to tear the sealing film adjacent to the edge of the circular opening during movement of said stand-alone container when the receiving element is screwed onto the connecting element;the device comprises means for limiting the screwing of the receiving element onto the connecting element so as to control the flight of the tearing movement of the sealing film by the opening member and prevent the total detachment of said sealing film; andthe stand-alone container has a secondary protection element covering the sealing film in a manner separable therefrom.

The present disclosure further provides a connecting element adapted for attachment to the opening of a receiving container in order to form a device as defined above, the element comprising:a screw thread for receiving a stand-alone container provided with a sealing film, either directly or via a receiving element for such a stand-alone container,a generally cylindrical, smooth, unobstructed and spout-forming passage part incorporating an element for opening the sealing film of the stand-alone container, the passage part is further adapted for sealingly pressing inside a neck of said receiving container.

Optionally, the connecting element includes/comprises two different screw threads for attachment by screwing to two different types of threaded necks of receiving containers.

According to a third aspect, there is provided an applicator device, comprising a connecting element having:a portion for receiving an application material,a screw thread for receiving a stand-alone container provided with a sealing film, either directly or via a receiving element for such a stand-alone container, and with or without a retaining cover,a generally cylindrical, smooth, unobstructed passage part incorporating an element for opening the sealing film of the stand-alone container, the passage part being in communication with said application material receiving portion.

According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a stand-alone pod-type/capsule type container in particular for preparing beverages or preparations or mixtures, and in particular intended to be attached to the receiving element of a device as defined above, comprising a back, a sidewall ending as an opening closed by a sealing film, the container being provided at said side wall with a screw thread for its screwing attachment.

Optional features of the container, taken in any technically compatible combinations, are as follows:the screw thread is external or internal.the screw thread is provided adjacent to an opening of the container.the container further comprises a removable cover for the protection of the sealing film.the cover is temporarily attached to the container by screwing onto said screw thread.

Finally, there is provided a container, in particular a pod-type/capsule-type container, comprising an envelope sealed by a sealing film attached peripherally to a flat edge surrounding an opening of the container, the container further comprising a removable protective cover engaged by friction or form-fit connection around said flat edge.

Whatever the container as defined above, it is optionally provided with a secondary protective film covering the sealing film in a manner separable therefrom.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will first be observed that identical or similar elements or parts will be denoted as far as practically possible by the same reference signs from one Figure to another.

Referring first toFIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B, a dispensing device1with a cover according to the present disclosure is suitable for attachment to an opening2of a receiving container3. It may, for example, be screwed onto the neck2of a bottle3, such as a water bottle, as illustrated in the figures. However, this example is not exhaustive since the dimensions and the attaching means of device1can be adapted to other types of receiving containers, including vials, jars, canisters and cans, for example, by screwing, latching, etc.

In this first embodiment, the device1is adapted to receive a container50which is stand-alone, i.e. manufactured separately and independently from device1and container3.

The stand-alone container50is separately pre-filled with an add-on product P to be dispensed and mixed with the contents of the receiving container3, such as a liquid or other fluid F, a powder or a mixture of these. It may, for example, be in the form of a capsule or a pod, and it is suitable for dosing, preserving and storing the add-on product(s) P separately and independently from device1.

The stand-alone container50has a hollow space delimited by a back52, a peripheral side wall54and a generally circular opening55opposite the back, which opening is surrounded by a flat peripheral edge56, projecting radially outwardly, on the surface of which is peripherally attached, preferably by sealing, heat-sealing, etc. the closing film or seal58preferably made of an aluminum foil, a composite material or any other compatible materials. This sealing film may be protected by a removable protective member such as a detachable protection film covering film58, a screw or snap-fit cap, a label or film made of a shrinkable material, and the materials for this element can be various (metal, plastic, paper or composite film, metallic or plastic cover, etc.). This protective member can also receive product or advertisement information, typically by printing.

The peripheral side wall has here a generally frustoconical shape, the opening55has a larger diameter than the back diameter52.

However, this embodiment is not limiting, and other forms of capsule-type or other stand-alone containers50of varying and different sizes and volumes may be used with the dispensing device1.

The stand-alone container may be made from plastic, a metal foil such as aluminum, cardboard, glass or else from a composite composition associating multiple materials by injection, thermoforming, injection/blow molding, etc. Biomaterials may also be used for all or part of the stand-alone container.

The dispensing device1for receiving such a capsule50has a main direction extending along a longitudinal axis X and comprises:a connecting element10,a receiving element20for capsule50,a hollow closing cover30(we will see later that this is optional) adapted to be adjusted on element20, to form jointly therewith a receiving chamber24for capsule50.

The connecting element10also has a passage part40that forms a spout one the one hand and that has an opening member42for puncturing, tearing and clearing the seal58of capsule50on the other hand.

The elements of the device may be made of plastic, e.g., by injection, each being integral.

The connecting element10can be attached to the neck2of bottle3, in this case by an outer ring11whose lower region is threaded (at12a) on its inner face12in a manner complementary to the threading2aof neck2. The upper region on the outer face14of ring11is threaded (at14a) to participate in the engagement of receiving element20onto connecting element10.

The passage part40of the connecting element10here is formed as a generally smooth and slightly frustoconical inner ring40connected to the outer ring11by a radial rib19extending at an intermediate height between the two rings. This ring40one the one hand forms a spout at its bevelled upper edge13, which projects beyond the upper edge18of ring11, and one the other hand contains a tool or member42for puncturing, tearing and clearing the seal58of capsule50.

More specifically, the upper bevelled edge13of ring40is provided with a tooth42projecting upwards from the uppermost edge of said edge, as illustrated inFIG. 1A. As will be seen hereinafter, by means of its vertical wall43, this tooth can peripherally cut said seal58and clear it outwardly during the screwing of the element20onto element10. This tooth is indeed off-center relative to axis X, and the diameter of the ring40that bears it is preferably close to the diameter of the circular opening55of capsule50.

It should be noted here that the parts40aand40bof the inner ring40respectively located below and above rib19both form thin sealing skirts intended to respectively cooperate with neck2and with a skirt25of the receiving element20as will be seen in more detail later. The outer surfaces of said skirts40a,40bare slightly tapered, narrowing towards their free end.

The rib19that joins connecting element10to the passage part40is continuous over its entire circumference and provides a sealing between the lower part and the upper part of the space located between the outer ring11and the inner ring40so as to participate in the sealing of the device.

In another embodiment, the cooperation between ring40and neck2(in the lower part) and between ring40and skirt25(in the upper part) can be performed sealingly (for example, by fitting the slightly tapered shapes into each other), and in this case, the rib19does not necessarily need to provide a sealing effect, in which case it may be discontinuous.

Alternatively, specific sealing means can be provided (e.g., integrated lip seals, added elastomeric rings) between ring40and neck2and/or between ring40and skirt25to provide this sealing.

The connecting element10further comprises at the base of outer ring11a skirt15that may be of cylindrical shape with circular or non-circular cross section, and have reliefs16to facilitate the handling of the connecting element10and its screwing onto the neck2of bottle3.

Here, the skirt15is wider than ring11so as to define at their transition a generally radial shoulder17.

It should be noted that the passage element40of the dispensing and mixing device1, which permits the puncturing, tearing and folding of the capsule seal58by means of its opening member42and acts as an anti-drip spout, is in no way limited to the embodiment described herein of a mixing device comprising a receiving element and a cover, and can be adapted to any other dispensing device or cap or closing capsule.

The passage element40with its opening member42can be used to open the sealing films and seals of containers associated with other dispensing devices or caps or capsules for closing and opening a container, by adapting the connecting device with the passage element40so that its bevel carrying the opening member42is located either at the bottom, at the receiving container side, or at the top, at the stand-alone container side, or both at the bottom and at the top.

In the latter case, the device of the present disclosure can open and clear a seal both on the receiving container3and on the stand-alone container by means of two bevels and their respective teeth located at opposite ends of the passage element40. It is clear that in such case, the configurations of the respective opening members can be different and adapted to the type and material of the seal or other closure film and to the type of container.

The receiving element20is of a general ring shape and is adapted to be screwingly engaged onto the thread14aof ring11of connecting element10. For this purpose, it comprises a base21with an internal thread21awhich is complementary to screw thread14a. The base21extends upwardly into a receiving part22with a slightly wider outer diameter and provided with an internal thread22a.

A re-entrant flange23extends on the inner side at the transition between base21and part22.

The inner diameter of receiving part22is slightly larger than the overall diameter of the flat projecting edge56of capsule to allow said capsule to be positioned with said flat projecting edge56and the seal58pressed against re-entrant flange23and with a centering of the capsule circular opening55relative to the vertical longitudinal axis X. Preferably, the size of the surface of the re-entrant flange23is close to that of the flat projecting edge56of the capsule so as to support said capsule without encumbering its opening55.

The flange23extends inwardly into a continuous, descending and generally cylindrical skirt25of axis X, intended to cooperate with the upper skirt40bof ring40of element10as will be seen hereinafter. Furthermore, the inner edge26defined at the transition between flange23and skirt25is dimensioned so as to be coaxially aligned with the circular opening55of capsule50when the latter is positioned in element20, so as to form a free passage for the distribution and circulation of the products between the opened capsule50and bottle3through the ring40of connecting element10when ring40is inserted into the empty space of base21and that of receiving part22at the flange23during the screwing of element20onto element10.

Moreover, ring40and base21and the complementary threads21aand14aare dimensioned so that the beveled edge13of ring40crosses the space defined inside flange23and protrudes beyond it to reach the seal58of capsule50and open it at the circular opening55during the screwing of element20onto element10, as will be seen hereinafter.

In this first embodiment, the device further comprises a closure element30forming a hollow removable cover defining with parts22and23of element20the receiving chamber24for the capsule, but having the main function of retaining capsule50, axially and against rotation relative to receiving element20, by blocking it against flange23.

The cover30has here the general shape of a truncated hemisphere, and includes a single side wall32and a back33, defining, together with receiving part22of receiving element20, the receiving chamber24whose base is formed by flange23. The cover30provides access to chamber24and enables the capsule50to be replaced after use.

The cover30and the receiving chamber24, which are cylindrical with a circular cross-section in the illustrated embodiments, may have other shapes, such as a square or rectangular shape, etc. to accommodate a stand-alone container50of other shapes, such as a generally square or rectangular shape, etc.

The shape and size of the stand-alone container50are free and may be different from the shape and size of cover30and of receiving chamber24, but this container must of course have height and/or width and volume dimensions that are smaller than those of receiving chamber24to permit to be received.

The side wall32, here a single wall, has a cylindrical lower portion31provided with an external thread31acapable of cooperating with thread22aof element20. The lower free edge opening34of this part further has latching claws35capable of engaging the surface opposing the seal of the flat edge56of capsule50, thus contributing to blocking against rotation.

Alternatively, the cover30could also comprise pressing means extending vertically from the cover back33, acting during screwing onto the upper part of the capsule body located at the side of the back52, to apply its flat edge56against flange23while achieving the blocking against rotation.

According to another variant, a cover with a double wall may be provided, with an outer wall carrying a thread (internal or external) for screwing onto receiving element20, and an inner wall adapted to retain the stand-alone container50, while the free edge of this inner wall may or may not be equipped with gripping claws.

The external surface of wall32may be grooved (in36) or otherwise arranged so as to facilitate its handling and screwing.

Preferably, all screwing actions are performed in the same direction so as to avoid the risk that a given screwing-on action induces the screwing-off of another of the screw arrangements.

The device is used by first placing a new capsule50in chamber24and by screwing the element30onto the element20. At the end of this screwing-on, the claws35are gradually latched into the relatively malleable material of the flat edge56of capsule50and press said flat edge56against re-entrant flange23, thereby allowing the capsule to be blocked against rotation and translation relative to element20.

Further, the connecting element10is in turn engaged by screwing onto the neck of bottle3. During this operation, the lower skirt40aof ring40of the element10gradually engages in a sealing relation with the inner surface of neck2.

Optionally, the general sealing can be enhanced by the pressure contacts between the top of neck2and rib19as well as at the I flat edge56of capsule, compressed between the lower edge of cover part31and flange23.

Then, the assembly formed by elements20and30is screwed onto the connecting element10placed on bottle3. During this screwing-on, ring40protrudes beyond flange23to engage the seal58and the skirt25of element20presses continuously against the outside of upper spout-forming skirt40bof the ring40of element10, here again in a sealing relationship.

This sealing is also ensured by the cooperation of the screw threads31a,22aand21a,14awhen they come into abutment on flange23and shoulder19.

Furthermore, the threads14aand21aof ring1and base21are dimensioned so that when a capsule50is placed in the receiving part22against the flange23of receiving element20and the latter is screwed onto connecting element10, the capsule50is moved vertically downwardly while rotating, together with flange23, towards connecting element10and against opening member42to allow their mutual engagement.

During this movement, the shape of tooth42enables seal58to be punctured and torn and folded. For this purpose, the vertical wall43of tooth42is adapted to clear the circular opening55of capsule50by folding the cut portion of seal58and also to clear the passage formed by ring40, thus allowing the product contained in capsule50to be distributed and mixed with that in container3without the product being obstructed by seal58.

More specifically, the vertical wall43of tooth42resists the pressure of seal58to tear and laterally fold seal58along an arc of a circle centered on axis X, until element20comes into abutment against connecting element10.

It should be noted here that the screwing of element20onto element10should preferably be limited so that tooth42does not fully tear away the seal58, which would then be capable of partially obstructing the communications passage between the interior of capsule50and the interior of bottle3, or even fall to the bottom of the bottle. This limitation of the screwing-on action can be provided mainly through the flight and size of the thread14aof ring11and the flight and size of the thread21aof base21, as well as the height of the skirt25and the dimensioning of the abutment-forming shoulder19and23, so as to obtain the degree of rotation permitting the seal58to be cut without having it completely detached from capsule50, either by the abutment of the top of ring11against the underside of flange23, or by the abutment of the base of element20against the shoulder17of element10.

The lower part of flange23also serves as an abutment during the screwing of the internal thread21aof base21onto the external thread14aof ring11, thereby limiting the rotation of the opening member42of ring40relative to element20in order to cut the seal58sufficiently to open capsule50and allow access to its contents, but, as mentioned, without completely cutting it so that it remains attached to capsule50without risking to fall into receiving container3.

Preferably, the angular flight of tooth42relative to the seal in its seal-tearing movement extends over an angle of approximately 180 to 340°.

It can be observed that at the end of these operations, a generally cylindrical, generally smooth and generally sealed and unobstructed interior passage space has been formed between the inside of capsule50and the inside of bottle3, which ensures an excellent distribution of the dose contained in capsule3towards bottle3and vice versa.

In use, the dispensing and mixing device1of the present disclosure may be implemented according to the following process:

a) inserting a new capsule50in the receiving part22of receiving chamber24of element20, by positioning the outer edge56provided with seal58against flange23,

b) closing element20with the removable hollow cover30, by screwing or snap-fitting, so as to close chamber24and lock the capsule50in a sealed manner against flange23,

d) screwing the assembly of element20closed by the cover30onto connecting element10up to the abutment.

The cover58is then cut by the opening member42of ring40, but remains attached to capsule50, and the product P contained therein falls by gravity into bottle3. In order to recover all of product P and thoroughly mix it with the contents of bottle3, the bottle3provided with the dispensing and mixing device should merely be flipped or shaken several times so as to fill capsule50with the fluid F contained in bottle3.

After distribution and mixing, the mixture contained in bottle3can be used after removing by unscrewing the assembly made of parts10,20and30containing capsule50. Alternatively, if only parts20and30are removed, part40still present in the vicinity of the neck of bottle3can act as anti-drip spout.

According to an alternative embodiment, the cover30can be engaged with element20by other means than screwing, and particularly by snap-fitting, whereas the cover can be distinct from element20or formed integrally therewith (e.g., connected thereto by a film hinge).

According to another embodiment, and now referring toFIGS. 3 and 4, the dispensing device1may be designed to be used without the use of a cover30, the receiving element20is adapted to receive, instead of a capsule held in a pressing relation by a cover on its projecting flat edge in flat contact with a flange, another form of stand-alone container, in this case provided with a screw thread, such as another bottle with a screw neck (FIG. 3) or a screwable pod-type capsule (FIG. 4) that, here again, has an opening initially closed by a seal (not shown inFIG. 3), or more generally, any stand-alone sealed container with a complementary screw thread compatible with the one provided on element20.

The base21of element20, including flange23and skirt25, are here identical to those described with reference to the first embodiment.

However, with reference toFIG. 3, the upper receiving part, denoted122, of the element20, is here adapted to receive by screwing the screw neck102, sealed and provided with a thread102a, of a bottle103, and to this end comprises a complementary internal thread122a. The surface of the free edge57of the neck opening that carries the seal58may then, at the end of the screwing process, come to bear in a generally sealed manner against re-entrant flange23.

Once this operation is achieved, the device generally behaves identically to what has been described previously when the assembly formed by bottle103and receiving element20is screwed onto the connecting element10(identical to that described above) previously screwed onto bottle3.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 4, the stand-alone container105may be provided with a thread104on the outer side wall54, near the circular opening55whose free edge surface57can be receive the seal58.

The upper receiving element122of element20is then adapted to receive by screwing the sealed and screwthreaded pod-type capsule105as described above and comprises to this end a complementary internal thread122a.

By this connection means, the stand-alone container105may be screwed directly onto the dispensing and mixing device1, the screw thread104and the surface of the free edge of opening57, constituting the termination of side wall54, then ensuring, once screwing-on is complete, the sealing by pressure bearing against flange23.

Once this operation is achieved, the device generally behaves identically to the one described above.

It should be noted that in the embodiments ofFIGS. 3 and 4, the threads of all the elements are involved in the sealing of the upper part of the dispensing and mixing device1at the reception part122and the flange23.

It should be further noted that, according to these embodiments, the upper part of the dispensing and mixing device1is open. As the receiving chamber24and the cover30do not exist any longer, it is therefore capable of receiving any type of sealed stand-alone container50equipped with a suitable threading complementary to that of receiving element20. In this case, the upper receiving part122, open, can advantageously receive a film or protection cover attached to its free edge, especially to protect flange23and the other parts from contamination during the handling and storage of the device.

According to another, non-illustrated variant, it may be provided that the thread is arranged on a downward extension of the stand-alone container, whereas the sealing film is attached in a location set back from said extension, either on a re-entrant flange arranged on the stand-alone container, or on the free edge of an inner wall of the container, extending along its outer wall. In this case in particular, the thread of the stand-alone container may be external or internal.

FIGS. 12 to 16show different variants of a stand-alone container that can participate in the present disclosure.

First,FIG. 12illustrates an alternative embodiment of the stand-alone container105with threaded base ofFIG. 4, wherein a cover70has a central part71and an axial peripheral flange72threaded internally at72afor temporary screwing engagement onto the thread104of container105.

This embodiment is interesting in that it allows protecting the container105and its seal58during transport and handling, avoiding an accidental puncturing of seal58. It is applicable when the product contained in the container has a pharmacological or chemical specificity requiring a higher degree of protection, and/or when it is desired to avoid contamination of the seal58by the external environment, etc.

FIG. 13illustrates an alternative embodiment of the container50(non-threaded version) made in the same spirit, where the container is of the conventional type with a flat projecting edge56on which the seal58is attached. The cover70has in this case a central part71and a peripheral axial flange72that can engage said edge56in a retaining manner.

Advantageously, this flange has internally, throughout its length, a groove72bthat can receive the outer region of the projecting flat edge56to achieve good retention of the cover. The cover is, in this case, made of a material (preferably synthetic) sufficiently flexible to be removed.

FIG. 14in turn illustrates an embodiment in which the stand-alone container, denoted60, is made in an identical or similar way to the cover30of the embodiment ofFIGS. 1A, 1B and 2A, 2B. It is understood that this embodiment, which essentially consists in replacing the capsule50with the envelope of a part that was previously a cover, allows to provide a larger volume for the product to be mixed.

The container60includes a generally cylindrical lower part61which is externally threaded in61anear its free edge67surrounding its opening, a side wall62and a back wall63, all defining an interior space64. Arrangements can also be provided to facilitate gripping and rotation, such as a corrugated or grooved upper region66. Like for the container50of the previous embodiments, the container60is closed by a seal68that can be torn by the opening member42in the same manner as described above.

This seal is attached in this case by adhesion, in a conventional manner, to the generally flat free edge67.

If necessary, the geometry (in particular the diameter) of the passage part40carrying element42can be adjusted, since the opening of the container60is slightly larger than the one of the previously described container50.

FIG. 15illustrates an alternative embodiment ofFIG. 14in which the container60is closed by a double seal or another double film, namely the aforementioned closing seal68and, above this, a protective seal69provided with a lateral tab69aallowing to remove it manually prior to using the container with the device of the present disclosure. This improvement prevents contamination by external agents of the seal68which will come into contact with the final product when operating the device. It should be noted that this double sealing can also be applied to a threadless pod-type capsule50, or to a threaded capsule105, and more generally to any stand-alone container suitable for use with the device of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16in turn shows another variation wherein the container60, generally identical to that ofFIG. 14, is completed with a protective cover70basically identical to the cover70ofFIG. 12, once again so as to avoid contaminating the seal before use.

Other means allowing to protect the seal58or68and possibly other parts of the stand-alone container50,60,103or105may be implemented, in addition to or in replacement of the solutions described above, including the use of a removable protection film covering the film58, a snap-fit cover, a label or a film in shrinkable material, the materials for this protection element being various (e.g., metal foil, plastic, paper or composite, metallic or plastic cover) and adapted to needs.

The container ofFIGS. 14-16, by virtue of its larger capacity, may be particularly suitable for applications such as the preparation of baby bottles for babies, whereas the container60contains a dose of powdered infant formula suitable for a given quantity of water previously poured into the final container3(a baby bottle) and brought to the proper temperature.

After implementing the device of the present disclosure, the device of the present disclosure merely needs to be unscrewed and replaced with a nipple.

Referring now toFIGS. 17A and 17B, a connecting element10according to a variant embodiment of the present disclosure is designed for adaptation to different types of receiving containers3. To this end, the outer ring11comprises a first internal screw thread12acomplementary to a first type of receiving container threading, and an expansion11′ of said outer ring, having a larger diameter than ring11and located opposite the external thread14ain the axial direction, comprises a second internal screw thread12bcomplementary to a second type of receiving contained threading.

In such manner, one same connecting element can be used with different types of receiving container. In an improvement (not shown), more than two threading type could be provided.

For the rest, the connecting element11preferably has a structure identical or similar to the one shown inFIGS. 1-4.

FIG. 18shows a variant of the stand-alone container60provided with an external threading as shown inFIG. 14, with a however a larger capacity by having a side wall62expanded compared to the cross-section of the threaded region. This allows increasing the volume capacity of the stand-alone container, for applications such as baby milk powders or other nutrition products where the standard dose has a significant volume.

Such stand-alone container60is preferably made by injection blow molding or extrusion-soufflage/extrusion blow molding.

FIG. 19shows another variant of the threaded stand-alone container. In this variant, the outer screw thread61aof the container shown inFIGS. 14 and 18is replaced by an inner screw thread61b, and the sealing film68is located in a recessed position upwardly relative to the open end (bottom end inFIG. 19) of the container60.

More particularly, the container60comprises at an intermediate height a re-entrant flange161from the inner edge of which extends downwardly a generally cylindrical skirt162having a bottom annular free edge on which the seal68is attached.

Such stand-alone container60is adapted to cooperate directly with a connecting element such as the one shown inFIG. 1-4 or 17A-17B, in which case the receiving element20is omitted, the device of the present disclosure comprising in this case only two parts, i.e. the connecting element10and a disposable stand-alone container, thus limiting the number of parts and facilitating the overall handling of the device.

Now referring toFIG. 20, a variant embodiment of the present disclosure is described, where the receiving container3of the previous embodiments is replaced with an applicator for directly applying the contents of a stand-alone container to a surface.

To this end, the device comprises a connecting element10′ including, in replacement of the screw thread12aand/or12bfor screwing onto a bottle or the like, an applicator part110comprising a generally flat surface110aand a peripheral flange110bextending downwardly in the Figure.

An application material120such as a foam, a cloth, a sponge, brush, etc., or any combination thereof, is secured to the applicator part e.g. by an adhesive, by a peripheral rim (not shown) which can be snap-fit to part110and which is for instance connected thereto by a film hinge, etc.

The connecting element comprises in its upper region the same arrangements as in the previous embodiments, i.e. mainly an outer face14of the (smooth) ring11threaded at14a, and the passage part40with its tooth arrangement. The passage part40communicates with the application material120via an opening110cprovided in the central region of part110, where ring11is defined.

The applicator device further comprises a receiving element20and a cover30adapted to receive a disposable stand-alone container50, e.g. as previously described.

The device can be used, by placing a new stand-alone container in a locked position in the cavity defined by elements20and30, and by then screwing such assembly onto element10′, whereby the sealing film58of container50is torn and cleared by the tooth42is the same manner as previously described.

The liquid content of container50can then circulate through the passage part40to the applicator material120which is saturated by said liquid.

The device can then be applied to a surface to apply the liquid thereto in a regular manner by means of the applicator material.

The applicator can cooperate with a stand-alone container in any of the matters described above in relation with bottles.

In particular, the applicator can be used with a device without a cover30, i.e. with a threaded stand-alone container provided with a screw thread e.g. as previously described in relation withFIGS. 14 to 16 and 18,19.

Alternatively, the applicator may comprise in its central region an arrangement similar to the neck2of bottle3, with a screw thread for screwingly attaching applicator to a connecting element10like inFIGS. 1-4.

This embodiment has a very large variety of applications, and in particular cosmetics, skin medication, surface cleaning, surface treatment, painting or varnishing, etc.

The present disclosure has many potential applications and advantages, as explained below.

Firstly, in the embodiments including a receiving container3, thanks to the sealing achieved between the two containers, and to a direct, unobstructed path between their internal spaces after the mechanical opening of the seal, it is possible to use a device according to the present disclosure to prepare dosages requiring high precision, e.g. when diluting a medication in a solvent. A capsule50would contain, for example the medication to be mixed and the bottle3would contain water or any solvent that may serve as a medium for ingestion.

It is also possible to use the device of the present disclosure for mixing hazardous chemicals with great safety, without risk of contact or inhalation during the mechanical opening of the seal and the mixing of the products.

It is also possible to use the device of the present disclosure to associate and mix one or more dry (typically in powder or granular form), semi-liquid or liquid concentrated products contained in the stand-alone container50,60,103or105, such as detergents, syrups or alcohols, with a liquid contained in the receiving container3, such as water, to obtain with the present disclosure a dilution of the concentrated products.

Generally speaking, the device of the present disclosure provides a secure and hygienic way to open the seals of sealed containers without direct manual contact and allowing to prepare the mixtures without the risk of direct contact with the products contained in the stand-alone container50,60,103,105and receiving container3.

It is further possible to successively deliver the doses of several capsules50of a same product P or different products P1, then P2, then P3, etc. into one same bottle3by replacing the used capsule with a new capsule.

To this end, element20should merely be unscrewed from element10, either totally or partially, to sufficiently release tooth42and return it well below flange23, then the cover30should be unscrewed to remove the used capsule and replace it with a new capsule, then the cover30should be screwed again, and then the element20should be screwed again onto the element10up to the screwing abutment, to tear and laterally clear the seal58of the new capsule and deliver the product(s) P.

In a similar manner, in the applicator embodiment, two or more doses of a product (or different products) can be successively applied to a surface via the application material120.

In the event that the dispensing device is used without a cover and with threaded pod-type capsules105or other threaded stand-alone containers such as60, the element20should merely be unscrewed from element10, either totally or partially, to sufficiently release tooth42and return it well below flange23, then the used threaded container should be unscrewed to remove it and replace it with a new threaded container and screw it onto element20, and element20should be screwed again onto the element10up to the screwing abutment to tear and laterally clear the seal of the new threaded container and deliver the product(s) P.

The dispensing and mixing device1permits the immediate use or consumption of products, said products are dosed, preserved and stored in stand-alone containers hermetically closed with a seal, which allows the products to keep their intrinsic properties and their active ingredients intact without degradation until the moment of use with the dispensing and mixing device for opening the seal and performing a single or multiple mixture only at the moment of use and thus allow, by virtue of the present disclosure, an immediate and instantaneous use according to the needs of the moment.

It should further be noted that the present disclosure can be used with a wide variety of containers. Thus, while embodiments in which the stand-alone container is a flat-edged capsule or a threaded capsule, or a threaded neck bottle have been described above, one could for example use a capsule or other container incorporating around its periphery a screw thread, snap-fit means, etc.

Of course, many variations and modifications may be made to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

In particular, one will be able to adapt the shape and dimensions of the different elements as a function of different requirements (container or capsule types, seal types and their thicknesses and materials, etc.).

The device is designed to be reusable and provide a single mixture or multiple mixtures, but the dispensing and mixing device may also be made and used as a disposable, single-use and pre-assembled device with a stand-alone container and a receiving container, in which case it may include one or more detachable tamper-proof rings; in particular, an external detachable tamper-proof ring (not shown) may be incorporated between the bottom of base21of element20and the shoulder17of element10, another detachable tamper-proof ring (not shown) may be placed between the upper outer edge of receiving part22and the lower, threaded outer edge of cover30or of the stand-alone container103or05, and another detachable tamper-proof ring (not shown) may also be placed between the base of skirt15of element10and the neck2of receiving container3.

Another way to ensure a tamper-proof safety prior to single use or first use is to employ a shrinkable and detachable plastic film sleeve positioned on the whole pre-assembled device.

This dispensing and mixing device can be employed for using and/or consuming various products: nutritional supplements, drugs, in particular extemporaneous medical preparations, cosmetics, food products such as baby formula, sterilized preparations, lyophilized products, cleaning products, chemicals, and more generally any natural or synthetic products.

Furthermore, the present description extends to any original combination of features, and in particular:the general combination of a disposable sealed pod-type capsule including a threaded attachment mechanism and of a receiving element with an complementary screw thread; this receiving element may be either of the type described above or integrated into an automatic beverage preparation or product mixture machine using the contents of the capsule, such as a coffee machine, a beverage preparation machine or a mixing machine;the puncturing and peripheral tearing of the seal of a container during the screwing together of two elements, one carrying the container and the other carrying a puncturing and tearing element;the general combination of a spout function and a seal-tearing function when bringing together by screwing an element which on the one side forms a spout and on the other side includes an opening member42, and another element carrying the sealed container, where this combination may be either of the type described above or integrated into an automatic beverage preparation or product mixing machine.