The present invention provides causing a plurality of filling chambers to be opened and mixing agents inside the filling chambers using user's general operation between taking out a packed multi-chamber container and mounting the container on a device. The user's general operation includes operations for taking out a packed multi-chamber container and removing the package, for unfolding the multi-chamber container typically folded in two, for mounting i.e. hanging the unfolded multi-chamber container on the device, and the like.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a multi-chamber container, and more particularly, to a multi-chamber container which accommodates two or more kinds of liquids and the like such as agents, adhesives or the like to enable the agents to be mixed.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, in the case of mixing two or more agents, in order to prevent the agents from deteriorating with time due to interaction, the agents have been mixed and adjusted immediately before administration in medical fields. However, such mixing of agents immediately before administration has defects such as contamination with microorganisms and/or intrusion of a foreign substance, incorrect mixing, inability to be administered promptly and the like. Therefore, such a multi-chamber container is currently being developed and is provided with dividing means such as a seal which can be peeled off by application of pressure, and that each of a plurality of chambers partitioned by the dividing means is filled with a respective unmixed agent. In this multi-chamber container, the dividing means is released immediately before administration to mix the agents.

As a method of releasing the dividing means to mix agents in such a multi-chamber container, there are a method of pressing a filling chamber by hand or the like to decrease the volume of the chamber, and thereby releasing the dividing means by pressure of the agent inside the chamber to mix the agents. There is also a method of providing an injection plug extending from a filling chamber to another filling chamber through the dividing means, and opening the injection plug to mix the agents, and the like.

In such mixing methods, an opening operation (pressing or opening of the plug) is necessary independently of the mounting operation in mounting the container to a predetermined device to administer. A problem arises in that it is possible to administer agents without performing the opening operation. Further, there is a type of container such that it is difficult to confirm that the dividing means is released and the agents are mixed, and it is often difficult to find that the opening operation is not performed.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-chamber container that eliminates the possibility of forgetting to mix agents prior to administration.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The present invention is directed in one aspect to opening a plurality of filling chambers to mix agents inside the filling chambers, between taking out a packed container and mounting the container to a device.

A multi-chamber container of the present invention is a multi-chamber container that accommodates a plurality of agents, and has a plurality of filling chambers to fill agents, a communication portion is provided in at least one of the filling chambers to cause the filling chambers to be communicated with one another, and an opening preventing portion closes the communication portion in a carrying mode of the multi-chamber container, where the filling chambers are opened via the communication portion by user's operation in the carrying mode of the multi-chamber container to a use mode of the multi-chamber container.

Herein, as the user's general operation, i.e. as user's operations during a period from the carrying mode of the multi-chamber container to the use mode of the multi-chamber container, for example, there are an operation for taking out a packed multi-chamber container and removing the package, an operation for unfolding the multi-chamber container typically folded in two, and mounting the unfolded multi-chamber container on the device, i.e. hanging the container on the device. Accordingly, the present invention is directed to an aspect of opening a plurality of filling chambers using the operation for removing the package, another aspect of opening a plurality of filling chambers using the operation for unfolding a multi-chamber container folded in two, and still another aspect of opening a plurality of filling chambers using the operation for hanging the multi-chamber container in the device.

In other words, the multi-chamber container could be folded-in-two, the filling chambers opened in therebetween via the communication portion by expanding the multi-chamber container, and another aspect where in use, the multi-chamber container is hung so that the filling chambers open under their own weight as a result of hanging the multi-chamber container. In these cases, as opening preventing portions, there is a seal to peel off the communication portion, a folded tube having elasticity to recover by expanding, a clip to drop by expanding, a seal to peel off the communication portion by hanging, a clip to drop by hanging, a clogging member to be detached by hanging and the like.

Further, is an embodiment of the multi-chamber container of the present invention is a multi-chamber container that accommodates a plurality of agents, and has a plurality of filling chambers to fill agents, a communication portion that is provided in at least one of the filling chambers to cause the filling chambers to be communicated with one another, an opening preventing portion that closes the communication portion in a carrying mode of the multi-chamber container, and an opening portion that opens between the filling chambers via the communication portion by user's operation in the carrying mode of the multi-chamber container to a use mode of the multi-chamber container.

In such a configuration a plurality of filling chambers is opened using the user's general operation to mix agents inside the chambers, the multi-chamber container cannot be used unless the agents are mixed. Accordingly, the agents are always mixed when the user uses the multi-chamber container, and it is thereby possible to reliably prevent the occurrence of forgetting to mix the agents.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Embodiments of the present invention will specifically be described below with reference to accompanying drawings.

First, Embodiments 1 to 12 described below explain an aspect where filling chambers are opened in therebetween by the operation for unfolding a multi-chamber container folded in two. In this aspect, a seal, tube, clip or the like is used as an opening preventing member, and a roller or the like is used as an opening member. Accordingly, before unfolding the multi-chamber container folded in two, filling chambers are not communicated with one another by the opening preventing member, and when the multi-chamber container is unfolded, due to the operation for unfolding the container, by the opening preventing member being detached, or by the opening member, the filling chambers are communicated with one another to be an open state. The Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.

Embodiments 1 to 5 describe the case where the opening preventing member is a seal, the seal peels off by the operation for unfolding a multi-chamber container when the container is unfolded, and filling chambers are thereby communicated with each other to be an open state.

FIG. 1shows a plan view and a cross-sectional view to explain the seal for use in the multi-chamber container according to Embodiment 1 of the invention. InFIG. 1, a hole1ais formed in the center of a container1. A seal2is bonded to the container1to cover the hole1a. Between the container1and seal2are provided easy seal regions3where the seal2is adhered by adhesion to the extent such that the seal2can be easily peeled off. The seal2has sufficient resistance to pressure applied from above (the arrow A) as shown inFIG. 1(a). In other words, the pressure from above is dispersed over the entire container1and the seal2does not peel off. Further, as shown inFIG. 1(b), the seal2has the property of easily peeling off by the force from the lateral direction (the arrow B). By using such a seal as the opening preventing member, it is possible to cause the filling chambers to be opened in therebetween by the operation for unfolding the multi-chamber container.

FIG. 2shows a plan view and a side view showing the multi-chamber container using such a seal. The multi-chamber container1folded in two (right side of the sheet) is opened (left side of the sheet) as shown inFIG. 2(a), whereby the seal2peels off and the filling chambers1cand1dare opened and communicated. In other words, as shown inFIG. 2(b), by opening an end portion1bin the direction of the arrow C, the seal2bonded between the filling chambers1cand1dis peeled off, the hole1aclosed by the seal2is opened, and an agent filled in the filling chamber1cis mixed with another agent filled in the filling chamber1d.

The multi-chamber container is generally transported with the container folded in two, and therefore, when using the container, the operation for unfolding the container as described above is always carried out. Accordingly, as described above, without performing the specific opening operation, only by unfolding the multi-chamber container, the seal peels off, the filling chambers are opened in therebetween, and therefore, when the user uses the container, the agents inside the respective filling chambers are mixed with reliability. As a result, it is possible to reliably avoid a situation that a user forgets to mix the agents. Further, only the action for unfolding the container is performed for the opening, and therefore, any foreign substances do not enter inside the filling chambers.

In this Embodiment, a form as shown inFIG. 3(a) may be provided that an inner filling chamber5is inserted into an outer filling chamber4, and that a hole penetrating both the chambers is closed by the seal, another form as shown inFIG. 3(b) may be provided that a plurality of inner filling chambers5ato5cis inserted into an outer filling chamber4, and that holes penetrating the outer filling chamber4and respective inner chambers5ato5care closed by the seals, and still another form as shown inFIG. 3(c) may be provided that an upper filling chamber7is coupled to a lower filling chamber6, and a hold penetrating both the chambers is closed by the seal. In addition, the number of filling chambers, and the arrangement form of the filling chambers are not limited particularly.

FIG. 4is a view showing a multi-chamber container folded in two according to Embodiment 2 of the invention. This multi-chamber container10is comprised of an outer container body12with a plug11as shown inFIG. 5, and an inner container body15provided with filling chambers13and14filled with unmixed agents as shown inFIG. 6.

The outer container body12is prepared by forming a transparent film sheet with flexibility into the shape of a tube, and fusing opened opposite end portions16, and is thereby formed in the shape of a substantially rectangular bag. By folding the container along an interfold portion12aof the outer container body12, the multi-chamber container10as shown inFIG. 4is obtained. The outer container body12has an indication label17, bonded onto its outer surface, describing “opened” indicating the peeling of the seal described later.

The plug11is welded while being sandwiched by the film sheet of the outer container body12, and attached to the upper end in the center of the outer container body12. The plug11seals the inside of the outer container body12until a hollow needle is inserted therein in administering the agents.

The inner container body15is prepared by facing two transparent film sheets with flexibility opposite to each other and fusing the outer edge portion and center portion, and is thereby formed in the shape of a substantially rectangular bag. Two filling chambers13and14of the inner container body15are filled with different kinds of unmixed agents. In addition, substances filled in the filling chambers13and14are not limited to agents, and for example, adhesives and the like other than agents may be filled. In the inner container body15, holes18are provided in the upper center of the filling chambers13and14to pass through the filled unmixed agents. The holes18are closed by seals19. The seals19are configured to be able to peel off in synchronization with the operation for expanding the outer container body12.

In the multi-chamber container10with the above-mentioned configuration, when the outer container body12is folded in two, as shown inFIG. 7, unmixed agents are completely sealed inside the filling chambers13and14by the seals19closing the holes18of the inner container body15. When a user grasps the plug11and/or around the end portion15of the outer container body12and expands the outer container body12, as shown inFIG. 8, the seals19closing the holes18peel off, and the outer container body12and filling chambers13and14of the inner container body15are communicated with one another through the holes18. Then, a hook hole16aprovided in the outer container body12is put through a hook of a drip rack, the multi-chamber container10is thereby hung in the drip rack, a hollow needle is inserted into the plug11, and the mixed agents are administered to a patient.

Further, since the form of the multi-chamber container10is different between before and after the peeling of the seals19, the user is capable of recognizing that the seals19are not peeled off by the form of the appearance when the outer container body12is folded in two. Moreover, the indication label17is first faced outward by expanding the outer container body12, and therefore, by checking the indication label17, it is possible to recognize that the seals19have peeled off.

Also in this Embodiment, without performing the specific opening operation, only by unfolding the multi-chamber container, the seals peel off, the filling chambers are opened in therebetween, and therefore, the agents in the respective filling chambers are mixed with reliability when the user uses the container.

FIG. 9is a view showing a multi-chamber container according to Embodiment 3 of the invention. InFIGS. 9 to 12, the same portions as inFIGS. 4 to 8are assigned the same reference numerals as inFIGS. 4 to 8to omit specific descriptions thereof.

As in the multi-chamber container10according to Embodiment 2, the multi-chamber container10according to this Embodiment is comprised of the outer container body12with the plug11attached thereto and the inner container body15provided with the filling chambers13,14formed by dividing the inside. As shown inFIG. 10, to the outer container body12is attached a shape retaining member20in the interfold portion.

The shape retaining member20has a base portion20afixed to the inside of the outer container body12, and a front end portion20btoward which the base portion20ais rounded and to which is bonded the label17describing “opened” indicating the peeling of the seals19. As shownFIG. 11, the shape retaining member20has a cross section in the shape of a substantially hook. As shown inFIG. 10, the label17is bonded to the outer surface of the front end portion20b, and can be visually identified when the multi-chamber container10is expanded. As shown inFIG. 12, the outer container body12is folded with the label17of the front end portion20bof the shape retaining member20faced toward the filling chambers13,14of the inner container body15. At this point, the seals19provided on the outside of the front end portion20bclose the holes18of the inner container body15.

In the multi-chamber container10with the above-mentioned configuration, when the outer container body12is folded in two, as shown inFIG. 11, unmixed agents are completely sealed inside the filling chambers13,14by the seals19closing the holes18of the inner container body15. When a user grasps the plug11and/or around the end portion16of the outer container body12and expands the outer container body12, as shown inFIG. 12, the base portion20afixed to the outer container body12is expanded, the seals19closing the holes18are thereby peeled off, and the outer container body12and filling chambers13,14of the inner container body15are communicated with one another through the holes18.

Also in this Embodiment, without performing the specific opening operation, only by unfolding the multi-chamber container, the seals peel off, the filling chambers are opened in therebetween, and therefore, the agents in the respective filling chambers are mixed with reliability when the user uses the container.

FIG. 13is a view showing a multi-chamber container according to Embodiment 4 of the invention. InFIGS. 13 to 17, the same portions as inFIGS. 4 to 8are assigned the same reference numerals as inFIGS. 4 to 8to omit specific descriptions thereof.

As in the multi-chamber container10according to Embodiment 2, the multi-chamber container10according to this Embodiment is comprised of the outer container body12with the plug11attached thereto and the inner container body15provided with the filling chambers13,14formed by dividing the inside. As shown inFIG. 14, to the outer container body12is attached a shape retaining member20in the interfold portion.

The shape retaining member20has the base portion20ato which is bonded the label17describing “opened” indicating the peeling of the seals19, and the front end portion20btoward with the base portion20ais rounded and which has claw portions20c. As shownFIG. 16, the shape retaining member20has a cross section in the shape of a substantially hook. As shown inFIG. 14, the label17is bonded to the outer surface of the base portion20a, and can be visually identified when the multi-chamber container10is expanded.

As shown inFIG. 15, in the inner container body15, the holes18are respectively provided in the upper center of the filling chambers13,14to eject filled unmixed agents. As shown inFIG. 16, the holes18are closed by the seals19when the outer container body12is folded with the label17of the base portion20aof the shape retaining member20faced toward the filling chambers13,14of the inner container body15.

In the multi-chamber container10with the above-mentioned configuration, when the outer container body12is folded in two, as shown inFIG. 16, unmixed agents are completely sealed inside the filling chambers13,14by the seals19closing the holes18of the inner container body15. When a user grasps the plug11and/or around the end portion16of the outer container body12and expands the outer container body12, as shown inFIG. 17, the base portion20afixed to the outer container body12is expanded, the seals19closing the holes18are thereby peeled off, and the outer container body12and filling chambers13,14of the inner container body15are communicated with one another through the holes18.

Also in this Embodiment, without performing the specific opening operation, only by unfolding the multi-chamber container, the seals are peeled off, the filling chambers are opened in therebetween, and therefore, the agents in the respective filling chambers are mixed with reliability when the user uses the container.

FIG. 18is a view showing a multi-chamber container according to Embodiment 5 of the invention. As in the multi-chamber container10according to Embodiments 2 to 4, the multi-chamber container10′ according to this Embodiment is comprised of a container body12′ with a plug11′ attached thereto. The container body12′ has two divided filling chambers,13′ and14′. As shown inFIG. 19, onto the surface of the container body12′ is bonded a substantially rectangular label17′ describing “opened” indicating the peeling of seals19described later. As shown inFIG. 20, the holes18are respectively provided in the upper center of the filling chambers13′,14′ on the side opposite to the label17of the container body12′.

The multi-chamber container10′ as shown inFIG. 19is valley-folded along the line21, i.e. the filling chambers13′,14′ are made opposite to the label17, and the container10′ is further mountain-folded along the line22, whereby as shown inFIG. 21, the holes18′ are closed by the seals19′. In other words, the multi-chamber container10′ is folded in three such that a label portion23is folded into a region of the filling chambers of the container body12′ and that the front end portion24is further folded from the label portion23.

In the multi-chamber container10′ with the above-mentioned configuration, when the outer container body12′ is folded in three, as shown inFIG. 21, unmixed agents are completely sealed inside the filling chambers13′,14′ by the seals19′ closing the holes18′ of the container body12′. When a user grasps the plug11′ and/or around an end portion16′ of the container body12′ and expands the container body12′, as shown inFIG. 22, the front portion24separates from the label portion23, and the label portion23separates from the filling-chamber region. The seals19′ closing the holes18′ are thereby peeled off, and the filling chambers13′,14′ of the container body12′ are communicated with one another through the holes18′.

Also in this Embodiment, without performing the specific opening operation, only by unfolding the multi-chamber container, the seals are peeled off, the filling chambers are opened in therebetween, and therefore, the agents inside the respective filling chambers are mixed with reliability when the user uses the container.

Embodiments 6 and 7 describe the case where an opening member is a roller, and when a multi-chamber container is unfolded, filling chambers are pressed by the operation for unfolding the container, and thereby communicated with each other to be an open state.

FIG. 23is a perspective view showing an opening device of a multi-chamber container according to Embodiment 6 of the invention. The opening device is comprised of a pinching device30comprised of two rod-shaped members,31and32, a holding device40comprised of two rod-shaped members,41and42, and a pair of coupling devices50, each comprised of a coupled rectangular first plate member51and second plate member52, for fixing respective opposite ends of two rod-shaped members31,32of the pinching device30and two rod-shaped members41,42of the holding device40.

The first plate member51is provided with an ellipse-shaped first screw hole53formed on one end side, an ellipse-shaped second screw hole54formed on the other end side slightly spaced from the center, and an ellipse-shaped third screw hole55formed on the other end side. As in the first plate member51, the second plate member52is provided with an ellipse-shaped first screw hole53′ formed on one end side, an ellipse-shaped second screw hole54′ formed on the other end side slightly spaced from the center, and an ellipse-shaped third screw hole55′ formed on the other end side. The first plate member51and second plate member52overlap each other at a predetermined angle with part of the first screw hole53and first screw hole53′ matching each other. The first plate member51and second plate member53are coupled to each other by screwing a screw61inserted into the first screw holes53and53′ from the first plate member side51into a screw portion of a nut63with washers62on the head and opposite sides of the screw61.

One rod-shaped member31of the pinching device30is provided at opposite ends with hexagonal cylindrical screw cramp portions33each having a screw portion screwed with the screw. The one rod-shaped member31of the pinching device30is fixed to the first plate members51by screwing screws64inserted into the second screw holes54of a pair of the first plate members51into screw portions of screw cramp portions33at opposite ends with washers65on the head and opposite sides of the screws64. The other rod-shaped member32of the pinching device30is provided at opposite ends with hexagonal cylindrical screw cramp portions34each having a screw portion screwed with the screw. The other rod-shaped member32of the pinching device30is fixed to the first plate members51by screwing screws66inserted into the third screw holes55of a pair of the first plate members51into screw portions of screw cramp portions34at opposite ends with washers67on the head and opposite sides of the screws66. As shown inFIGS. 26 and 27, in the pinching device30, an end portion on a first filling chamber74side of a multi-chamber container70folded in two is inserted into between two rod-shaped members31,32, and is pinched by two rod-shaped members31,32each contacting a wall portion of the first filling chamber74.

One rod-shaped member41of the holding device40is provided at opposite ends with hexagonal cylindrical screw cramp portions43each having a screw portion screwed with the screw. The one rod-shaped member41of the holding device40is fixed to the second plate members52by screwing screws64′ inserted into the second screw holes54′ of the second plate members52into screw portions of screw cramp portions43at opposite ends with washers65′ on the head and opposite sides of the screws64′. The other rod-shaped member42of the holding device40is provided at opposite ends with hexagonal cylindrical screw cramp portions44each having a screw portion screwed with the screw. The other rod-shaped member42of the holding device40is fixed to the second plate members52by screwing screws66′ inserted into the third screw holes55′ of the second plate members52into screw portions of screw cramp portions44at opposite ends with washers67′ on the head and opposite sides of the screws66′. In the holding device40, an end portion on a plug80side of the multi-chamber container70folded in two is inserted into between two rod-shaped members41,42, and a second filling chamber75is held by two rod-shaped members41,42each contacting a wall portion of the second filling chamber75.

As shown inFIG. 25, two rod-shaped members31,32of the pinching device30form a predetermined distance t1smaller than a thickness T1of the first filling chamber74. Two rod-shaped members41,42of the holding device40are fixed to the second plate members52while being spaced a distance t2wider than the distance t1between two rod-shaped members31,32of the pinching device30fixed to the first plate members51, and thus form the predetermined distance t2smaller than a thickness T2of the second filling chamber75.

Two rod-shaped members31,32of the pinching device30are provided with roller portions35,36between screw cramp portions33or34, while two rod-shaped members41,42of the holding device40are provided with roller portions45,46between screw cramp portions43or44, respectively. In addition, the roller portions aid the second filling chamber75of the multi-chamber container70to move outward by tensile force, and therefore, the roller portions35,36may not be provided in two rod-shaped members31,32of the pinching device30which does not need to move the first filling chamber74outward even by pulling the multi-chamber container70to omit the number of parts. In this case, two rod-shaped members31,32of the pinching device30may be integrally secured to the multi-chamber container70, and preferably, are secured to a seal portion72formed on an ejection tube82side of a plug80or at an end portion on the opposite side. Further, the roller portions45,46do not need to necessarily be provided in two rod-shaped members41,42of the holding device40which are capable of moving the second filling chamber75outward while pressing the wall portion of the second filling chamber75, by pressing the end portion on the second filling chamber75side, even without having the roller portions45,46provided between the screw cramp portions43or44.

As shown inFIG. 24, the multi-chamber container70is provided with a container body71and the ejection plug80attached to an opening of the container body71. The multi-chamber container70is formed by heating and fusing peripheries of two opposite transparent film sheets with an ejection tube82held between inner walls of the sheets. In the multi-chamber container70, an inner surface of one wall portion and an inner surface of the other opposite wall portion are, for example, bonded with mixed resin pieces, or the inner surfaces with mixed resin pieces held therebetween are heated and fused, and a seal portion73is thereby formed in the lateral direction close to the center of the container body71. The seal portion73divides the inside of the container body71into the first and second filling chambers74,75, and is configured in strength that enables the portion73to peel off by pressing the wall portions of the first and second filling chambers74,75. A peripheral strong seal portion72is configured in strength that does not enable the portion72to peel off even by pressing the wall portions of the first and second filling chambers74,75. The plug80is in the shape of a tube, and comprised of an ejection outlet81and the ejection tube82, and on the upper portion of the ejection outlet81is bonded a rectangular film sheet83describing a caution to urge to peel off the seal portion73.

The action will be described below in using the opening device of the multi-chamber container configured as described above. In the opening device, the end portion on the first filling chamber74side is inserted into between two rod-shaped members31,32of the pinching device30and thereby pinched therebetween, while the end portion on the second filling chamber75side is inserted into between two rod-shaped members41,42of the holding device40and thereby held therebetween. Accordingly, the multi-chamber container70is kept folded in two until the seal portion73peels off, and it is thereby possible to confirm that the seal portion73is not peeled off from the form of the appearance.

In peeling off the seal portion73of the multi-chamber container70to use, a user grasps appropriate portions at opposite ends of the container body71, and pulls the opposite ends outward as shown by the arrow ofFIG. 27. By this means, as shown inFIG. 28, without the first filling chamber74moves outward, the second filling chamber75moves outward while rotating the roller portions45,46of two rod-shaped members41,42of the holding device40. Two rod-shaped members41,42of the holding member40press the wall portions of the second filling chamber75moving outward, and thereby generate the pressure inside the container body71. The seal portion73is thereby peeled off and unmixed agents are mixed.

Also in this Embodiment, without performing the specific opening operation, only by unfolding the multi-chamber container, the seal peels off, the filling chambers are opened in therebetween, and therefore, the agents inside the respective filling chambers are mixed with reliability when the user uses the container.

In addition, in the coupling device50as shown inFIG. 23, two rectangular plate members51,52are coupled at a predetermined angle, and the major axis in the second screw hole54and third screw hole55of the first plate member51is configured to form a predetermined angle with the major axis in the second screw hole54′ and third screw hole55′ of the second plate member52. Further, as shown inFIG. 29(a), four screw holes may be arranged at similar intervals in a single plate member. Furthermore, the major axis in the second screw hole54and third screw hole55of the first plate member51and the major axis in the second screw hole54′ and third screw hole55′ of the second plate member52do not need to be configured at a predetermined angle, and may be configured in parallel in the vertical direction as shown inFIG. 29(b), or configured in a lateral line as shown inFIG. 29(c).

FIG. 30shows an opening device of a multi-chamber container according to Embodiment 7 of the invention. The opening device is comprised of a pinching device comprised of two rod-shaped members,31and32, a holding device40comprised of two rod-shaped members,41and42, and a pair of coupling devices50each comprised of end members56and56′ and a flexible member57that couples the end members56and56′.

The end members56of the coupling devices50are integrally formed with the two rod-shaped members31,32of the pinching device30, and fix respective opposite ends of two rod-shaped members31,32. The end members56′ of the coupling devices50are integrally formed with the two rod-shaped members41,42of the holding device40, and fix respective opposite ends of two rod-shaped members41,42. Each of the end members56,56′ of the coupling device50is provided with two fasteners58with the disk-shaped upper portion and two fastener securing holes59into which the fasteners58are inserted. The flexible member57is formed in the shape of a band, and provided at opposite ends with two fastener insertion holes60into which are inserted the fasteners58of the end members56,56′. The flexible member57is configured in dimensions such that the upper portion is shorter than the lower portion. By thus configuring the dimensions such that the upper portion of the flexible member57is shorter than the lower portion, the end members56,56′ are coupled at a predetermined angle. However, the dimension of the upper portion of the flexible member57may be made the same as the length of the lower portion to configure and couple the end members56,56′ in parallel in the vertical direction, or in a lateral line.

In the pinching device30, an end portion on the first filling chamber74side of the multi-chamber container70folded in two is inserted into between two rod-shaped members31,32, and is pinched by two rod-shaped members31,32each contacting a wall portion of the first filling chamber74.

In the holding device40, an end portion on the second filling chamber75side of the multi-chamber container70folded in two is inserted into between two rod-shaped members41,42, and is held by two rod-shaped members41,42each contacting a wall portion of the second filling chamber75. In addition, a plug passing hole curving larger than outer dimensions of the plug80may be formed in the center portion of one of two rod-shaped members of the pinching device30or holding device40to facilitate passage of the plug80.

As in Embodiment 6, two rod-shaped members31,32of the pinching device30form a predetermined distance smaller than the thickness of the first filling chamber74. Two rod-shaped members41,42of the holding device40are fixed to the end member56′ while being spaced a distance wider than the distance between two rod-shaped members31,32of the pinching device30, and thus form a predetermined distance smaller than the thickness of the second filling chamber75.

Also in the opening device according to Embodiment 7, as in Embodiment 6, when the filling chambers74,75of the multi-chamber container70are respectively held by two rod-shaped members31,32of the pinching device30and two rod-shaped members41,42of the holding device40, the container70is kept folded in two until the seal portion73peels off. Further, when a user grasps opposite ends of the multi-chamber container70and pulls respectively outward, without the first filling chamber74of the multi-chamber container70moves outward, the second filling chamber75of the multi-chamber container70moves outward. Two rod-shaped members41,42of the holding member40press both wall portions of the second filling chamber75moving outward, and thereby generate the pressure inside the container body71. The seal portion73is thereby peeled off and unmixed agents are mixed.

Also in this Embodiment, without performing the specific opening operation, only by unfolding the multi-chamber container, the seal peels off, the filling chambers are opened in therebetween, and therefore, the agents inside the respective filling chambers are mixed with reliability when the user uses the container.

Embodiments 8 and 9 describe the case where an opening preventing member is a folded tube, the tube is released by the operation for unfolding a multi-chamber container when the container is unfolded, and filling chambers are thereby communicated with each other to be an open state.

FIG. 31is a view to explain the tube for use in this Embodiment. As shown inFIG. 31(a), the tube90is provided in the almost center and attached to cause filling chambers91and92to be communicated. After filling the filling chambers91,92with agents and the like, the multi-chamber container is folded in two in the tube portion and covered with a protection material93. The tube thereby functions as the opening preventing member. In addition, available as the tube90are flexible tubes and the like such as silicon tubes, Teflon (Registered Trademark) tubes and the like.

FIG. 32shows a multi-chamber container101according to Embodiment 8 of the invention. As shown inFIGS. 32 to 34, the multi-chamber container101is comprised of a container body102comprised of two opposite transparent film sheets and an ejection plug120attached to an opening of the container body102.

As shown inFIG. 34, the multi-chamber container101is provided with a seal portion103formed on the periphery of the container body102. The seal portion103is formed by heating and fusing the inner surfaces on the peripheries of the two film sheets constituting the container body102with the ejection tube121of the plug120held therebetween. The plug120is in the shape of a tube, and comprised of the ejection tube121and an ejection outlet122sealed by a rubber stopper until a hollow needle is inserted.

As shown inFIGS. 33 and 34, the multi-chamber container101is provided with a seal portion104formed in the lateral direction near the center of the container body102. The seal portion104is formed by heating and fusing inner surfaces near the center of the two film sheets constituting the container body102with the flexible tube106held therebetween, and thereby divides the inside of the container body102into a first and second filling chambers106and107. As shown inFIG. 34, the lower portion of the filling chamber106is inclined downward toward a flow inlet of the flexible tube105from the seal portion104side at opposite ends. The flexible tube105may be cut such that the opposite ends are perpendicular to the axis direction, and preferably, as shown inFIGS. 35(a) to (c), is cut in a slanting direction to facilitate the holding by a clip member110described later.

As shown inFIGS. 34 and 35(a), the multi-chamber container101has a fold line109to fold the container body102in two with the inside of the flexible tube105clogged. The fold line109is formed in the lateral direction of the container body102in which the seal portion104is formed.

As shown inFIGS. 32,33and35(a), the multi-chamber container101has the clip member110that is a retaining member to maintain the folded state of the container body102. The clip member110is attached to the outer surface of the container body102around which the flexible tube105is fused, with the container body102folded, and pinches the container body102and flexible tube105.

In the multi-chamber container101with the above-mentioned configuration, as shown inFIG. 35(c), since the container body102is kept folded and the flexible tube105is clogged with reliability by the clip member110, it does not happen that the container body102expands spontaneously, and that the first and second filling chambers106,107are communicated with each other via the flexible tube105. By this means, a user is capable of recognizing that the operation for mixing unmixed agents is not performed from the form of the appearance of the multi-chamber container101. Further, the unmixed agents can be stored inside the first and second filling chambers106,107until the multi-chamber container101is used.

In performing the operation for mixing the agents, a user removes the clip member110as shown inFIG. 35(b), and expands the container body102as shown inFIG. 35(c). The flexible tube105thereby restores to the shape of a tube by elasticity, the first and second filling chambers106,107are communicated with each other via the flexible tube105, and unmixed agents filled in the first and second filling chambers106,107are mixed. At this point, as shown inFIG. 34, since the lower portion of the first filling chamber106is formed to incline downward toward the flexible tube105from the seal portion104side at opposite ends, the unmixed agent filled in the first filling chamber106is easy to flow into the flexible tube105provided in the seal portion104.

In addition, as shown inFIGS. 36 and 37, one of pinching portions of the clip member110may be formed integrally with the bottom of an outer container112(secondary container) that stores the multi-chamber container101, or secured by screw in the bottom of the outer container112(secondary container) to be integrated. In the case where one of pinching portions of the clip110is thus integrated with the bottom of the outer container112(secondary container), the pinching portions of the clip member110are preferably configured in pinching force such that the container body102and flexible tube105can be released when the multi-chamber container101is pulled out to the ejection'outlet side of the outer container112(secondary container). By this means, the user does not need to grasp the clip member110provided in the outer container112(secondary container) to release, and is only required to take out the multi-chamber container101of the outer container112(secondary container) and expand the container body102.

Also in this Embodiment, without performing the specific opening operation, only by unfolding the multi-chamber container, the folded tube recovers, the filling chambers are opened in therebetween, and the agents inside the filling chambers are reliably mixed when the user uses the container.

FIG. 38shows a multi-chamber container101according to Embodiment 9 of the invention. As in Embodiment 8, the multi-chamber container101is comprised of the container body101with the seal portions103,104formed therein, and the ejection plug120attached to the opening of the container body102.

As in Embodiment 8, the fold line109is formed in the seal portion104. The container body102is folded in two along the fold line109with the inside of flexible tube105provided in the seal portion104clogged.

As shown inFIGS. 38 and 39, the multi-chamber container101is provided with a two-sided tape110′ that maintains the folded state of the container body102. As shown inFIG. 38, the two-sided tape110′ is bonded to opposite outer surfaces of wall portions of the first and second filling chambers106,107folded in the fold line109.

Also in the multi-chamber container101according to Embodiment 9, with the multi-chamber container101hung on a hook of a stand (not shown) through which a hang hole111is passed, when a user peels off the adhesion surface of the two-sided tape110′ bonded to one of the first and second filling chambers106,107, the container body102expands spontaneously by the weight of an unmixed agent filled in the second filling chamber107. The flexible tube105thereby restores to the shape of a tube by elasticity, the first and second filling chambers106,107are communicated with each other via the flexible tube105, and unmixed agents filled in the first and second filling chambers106,107are mixed.

In addition, in Embodiments 8 and 9, in the multi-chamber container101, the first and second filling chambers106,107are formed by dividing the inside of the container body102into two portions by the seal portion104, but the inside of the container body102may be divided into three or more portions by the seal portion104to form three or more filling chambers. For example, as shown inFIG. 40, the seal portion104is formed in T-shape by heating and fusing opposite inner surfaces of two film sheets constituting the container body102to divide the filling chamber into three chambers. In this case, not-mixed agents can be mixed when each of the first and second filling chambers106,107communicates with a third filling chamber108, and therefore, flexible tubes105are respectively provided in the seal portion104positioned between the first filling chamber106and third filling chamber108, and between the second filling chamber107and third filling chamber108.

Further, in Embodiments 8 and 9, in the multi-chamber container101, a plurality of flexible tubes105to cause the first and second filling chambers106,107to be communicated may be provided in the seal portion104, and for example, as shown inFIG. 41, two flexible tubes105are provided in the seal portion104to facilitate the mixing of unmixed agents.

Also in this Embodiment, without performing the specific opening operation, only by unfolding the multi-chamber container, the folded tube recovers, the filling chambers are opened in therebetween, and therefore, the agents inside the respective filling chambers are reliably mixed when the user uses the container.

In addition, above-mentioned Embodiments 8 and 9 describe the type such that the tube is embedded in the filling chamber, but in the present invention, such a configuration may be provided that an elastic material is coated from the outside of the filling chamber in which a tube is not embedded, or an elastic member, for example, a tube cut in half is attached. According to such a configuration, the processing is made easy, resulting in cost down, and further, it is possible to maintain the inside of the filling chamber clean.

Embodiments 10 to 12 describe the case where an opening preventing member is a folded clip, the clip is detached by the operation for unfolding a multi-chamber container when the container is unfolded, and filling chambers are thereby communicated with each other to be an open state.

FIG. 42is a view showing a dividing unit including the clip that is the opening preventing member according to Embodiment 10 of the invention. The unit201is comprised of dividing means202and a straddling plate107formed of rigid material.

The dividing means202is comprised of a clip203and a rod-shape aid206. The clip203is formed of rigid material with elasticity, and pinches the rod-shaped aid206in contact with one wall portion222of a container body221from the other wall portion223to clog the inside of the container body221of a multi-chamber container220. The clip203has a cross section in the shape of a substantially circle with part of the circle lacked, and is comprised of a pinch portion204and pinch space205formed inside the pinch portion204. The clip203may be formed of metal such as iron having the elasticity, but in consideration of safety, is preferably formed of elastic plastic material.

The aid206is formed of synthesized resin of substantially circular cross section. As shown inFIG. 43, the aid206is pinched by the pinch portion204of the clip203while being brought into contact with one wall portion222of the container body221of the multi-chamber container220described later. The aid206may be secured integrally to one wall portion222of the container body221by adhesive or the like.

The straddling plate207is formed by curving the rigid material formed in the shape of a long band. As shown inFIG. 43, the straddling plate207is pinched by the pinch portion204of the clip203while being brought into contact with the other wall portion223on the side opposite to one wall portion222with which the aid206is in contact. The straddling plate207may be formed of metal such as iron being hard, but in consideration of safety, is preferably formed of plastic material.

As shown inFIG. 45, the multi-chamber container220is provided with a seal portion224formed on the periphery of the container body221. The seal portion224is formed by heating and fusing inner surfaces on the peripheries of two film sheets constituting the container body221with an ejection tube231of a plug230held therebetween. The plug230is in the shape of a tube, and comprised of the ejection tube231and an ejection outlet232sealed by a rubber stopper until a hollow needle is inserted. The multi-chamber container220is provided with seal portions225spaced a predetermined distance from the center to the right and left, and a communication portion226formed between the seal portions225. The seal portions225are formed by heating and fusing inner surfaces of the two film sheets, constituting the container body221, spaced the predetermined distance from the center to the right and left. The opening width of the communication portion226is configured to be narrower than the width of the straddling plate207.

When the inside of the container body221is divided using the unit201with the above-mentioned configuration, first, the aid206is brought into contact with one wall portion222of the container body221along the seal portions225and communication portion226. Next, in the contact position of the aid206, the container body221is folded in two such that one wall portion222is inside. Then, the straddling plate207is brought into contact with the other wall portion223such that the curving portion208of the straddling plate207is positioned in the communication portion226. In the position where the aid206and the curving portion208of the straddling plate207contact the container, the container body221of the multi-chamber container220is inserted into the pinch space205of the clip203, and thereby pinched by the pinch portion204of the clip203.

After attaching the unit201to the multi-chamber container220and dividing the inside of the container body221, unmixed agents are respectively filled from the ejection outlet232of the plug230and from a filling inlet227formed at an end portion on the side opposite to the plug230. Then, the ejection outlet232is sealed by a rubber stopper material, and the filling inlet227is fused and sealed to seal each unmixed agent.

When the unit201is attached to the multi-chamber container220, as shown inFIG. 46(a), the communication portion226of the multi-chamber container220which the aid206and the curving portion208of the straddling plate207contact is pinched by the clip203and thus clogged, while in a portion where the straddling plate207does not contact, the inside of the container body221is clogged by the seal portions225, and it is thereby possible to partition the inside of the container body221of the multi-chamber container220into two portions to completely divide. Further, the unit201is capable of keeping the multi-chamber container220folded in two by the straddling plate207, and the multi-chamber container220can be identified, from the appearance, as being not allowed to administer agents even when hung on a hook.

In removing the unit201from the multi-chamber container220, by grasping near opposite ends of the straddling plate207and extending the straddling plate207outward as shown inFIG. 46(b), the pinch portion204of the clip203is broadened to release the pinching of the clip with ease. The partition by the unit201is thereby released, and as shown inFIG. 46(c), it is possible to expand the container body221of the multi-chamber container220and mix unmixed agents.

In addition, as shown inFIG. 47, the straddling plate207may be provided at one end with an insertion hole209to insert the plug230of the multi-chamber container220, and further at the other end with a fastening portion210that holds an end portion of the container body221on the side opposite to the plug230. The straddling plate207is thereby capable of keeping the container body221of the multi-chamber container220folded in two in a certain position.

Also in this Embodiment, without performing the specific opening operation, only by unfolding the multi-chamber container, the clip is detached, the filling chambers are opened in therebetween, and therefore, the agents inside the respective filling chambers are reliably mixed when the user uses the container.

FIG. 48is a view showing a dividing unit according to Embodiment 11 of the invention attached to a multi-chamber container. The unit201is comprised of the dividing means202configured as in Embodiment 10 and a straddling device207′ formed of flexible material such as a cloth or the like.

As shown inFIG. 48, the straddling device207′ is formed in the shape of a ring. As shown inFIG. 49, the straddling device207′ has a rupture portion211to release the container body221of the multi-chamber container220folded in two.

In partitioning the container body221of the multi-chamber container220using the dividing unit201with the above-mentioned configuration, first, with the aid206brought into contact with one wall portion222of the container body221along the seal portions225and communication portion226, the container body221is folded in two such that one wall portion22is inside. Then, the straddling device207′ is wound around the other wall portion223of the container body221such that the straddling device207′ is positioned in the communication portion226, and that the rupture portion211is positioned on the side opposite to the communication portion226. Then, in the position where the aid206contacts the container, the container body221of the multi-chamber container220is inserted into the pinch space205of the clip203, and thereby pinched by the pinch portion204of the clip203. Subsequently, in the same method as in Embodiment 10, each unmixed agent is filled inside the container body221of the multi-chamber container220partitioned by the unit201.

In the dividing unit201according to Embodiment 11, as in Embodiment 10, the communication portion226of the multi-chamber container220which the aid206and the straddling device207′ contact is pinched by the clip203and thus clogged, while in a portion where the straddling device207′ does not contact, the inside of the container body221is clogged by the seal portions225, and it is thereby possible to partition the inside of the container body221of the multi-chamber container220into two portions to completely divide. Further, as shown inFIGS. 48 and 49, since the rupture portion211of the straddling device207′ is not broken, the unit201is capable of keeping the multi-chamber container220folded in two, and the multi-chamber container220can be identified, from the appearance, as being not allowed to administer agents even when hung on a hook.

In removing the unit201from the multi-chamber container220, by grasping separate portions formed by rupturing the rupture portion211to extend outward, the pinch portion204of the clip203is broadened, and the clip203can be released. The partition by the unit201is thereby released, and it is possible to expand the container body221of the multi-chamber container220and mix unmixed agents. In addition, the clip203may be released by rupturing the clip203, and in this case, to facilitate the rupture of the clip203, a notch for rupture is preferably provided in the center portion of the clip203.

Also in this Embodiment, without performing the specific opening operation, only by unfolding the multi-chamber container, the clip is detached, the filling chambers are opened in therebetween, and therefore, the agents inside the respective filling chambers are reliably mixed when the user uses the container.

FIG. 50is a view showing a dividing unit according to Embodiment 12 of the invention. The unit201is comprised of the dividing means202and straddling plates207aand207bformed of a pair of hard rigid materials.

The unit202includes the clip203and aid206. The clip203further has curving portions204aand204bextending outward provided in the pinch portion204of the clip203of Embodiments 10 and 11.

The aid206is formed of the hard rigid material. As shown inFIG. 50, the aid206is comprised of half-cut rod-shaped members213aand213bcoupled to each other to be able to be folded in a thin portion212. The aid206is pinched by the pinch portion204of the clip203while closing the half-cut rod-shaped members213a,213bin contact with one wall portion222of the container body221.

The pair of straddling plates207a,207bare each comprised of long-band-shaped hard rigid material, and formed integrally with opposite ends of the aid206. The aid and pair of straddling plates207a,207bmay be formed of metal such as iron being hard, but in consideration of safety, are preferably formed of plastic materials.

In partitioning the container body221of the multi-chamber container220using the dividing unit201with the above-mentioned configuration, first, the pair of half-cut rod-shaped members213a,213bof the aid206are brought into contact with one wall portion222along the seal portions225and communication portion226, and then, the pair of straddling plates207a,207bare fixed to the multi-chamber container220with two-sided tapes or the like bonded to the other ends of the pair of straddling plates207a,207b. Next, in the position where the thin portion212of the aid206is disposed, the container body221is folded in two such that one wall portion22is inside. Then, in the position where the half-cut rod-shaped members213a,213bof the aid206contact the container, the container body221of the multi-chamber container220is inserted into the pinch space205of the clip203, and thereby pinched by the pinch portion204of the clip203. This state is as shown inFIG. 56(a). Then, as shown inFIG. 56(b), agents are filled inside the container body221. Subsequently, as shown inFIG. 56(c), the multi-chamber container is sterilized and checked, and then, as shown inFIG. 56(d), the straddling plates207a,207bare adhered to wall portions222of the container body221. In this way, each unmixed agent is filled into the container body221of the multi-chamber container220partitioned by the unit201.

In the dividing unit201according to Embodiment 12, as in Embodiment 10, the communication portion226of the multi-chamber container220which the half-cut rod-shaped members213a,213bof the aid206contact is pinched by the clip203and thus clogged, while the inside of the container body221is clogged by the seal portions225, and it is thereby possible to partition the inside of the container body221of the multi-chamber container220into two portions to completely divide.

In removing the unit201from the multi-chamber container220, by grasping near the other ends of the pair of straddling plates207a,207b, and as shown inFIG. 53(b), extending the straddling plates207a,207boutward, the pinch portion204of the clip203is broadened, and the clip203can be released. The partition by the unit201is thereby released, and it is possible to expand the container body221of the multi-chamber container220and mix unmixed agents, as shown inFIG. 53(c).

In addition, as shown inFIG. 54, a caution sheet214may be bonded to the pinch portion204of the clip203. If the caution sheet214is bonded, even when the multi-chamber container220is hung on a hook, a user is capable of recognizing that the inside of the container body221is not opened. Further, the half-cut rod-shaped members213a,213bconstituting the aid206may be comprised of a pair of plate portions215a,215bwhich are formed of hard rigid material, coupled at one ends to be openable/closable in the thin portion212, and formed at the other ends integrally with the straddling plates207a,207b, and a pair of elastic pieces216a,216bwhich are formed of elastic material such as rubber, and respectively secured integrally to the pair of plate portions215a,215b. Using the elastic pieces216a,216bof the half-cut rod-shaped members213a,213b, as shown inFIG. 55, with the half-cut rod-shaped members213a,213bheld and pinched near the opposite ends of the pinch portion204of the clip203, the inside of the container body221can be clogged.

Also in this Embodiment, without performing the specific opening operation, only by unfolding the multi-chamber container, the clip is detached, the filling chambers are opened in therebetween, and therefore, the agents inside the respective filling chambers are reliably mixed when the user uses the container.

Herein, as a method of fixing the straddling plates207a,207bto the wall portions222of the container body220, there are methods of providing two-sided tapes241between the straddling plates207a,207band the wall portions222as shown inFIG. 57(a), of aligning the straddling plates207a,207balong the container body220and fixing the straddling plates207a,207band the wall portions222by one-sided tapes242as shown inFIG. 57(b), of aligning the straddling plates207a,207balong the container body220and fixing from above the straddling plates207a,207bby one-sided adhesive plates243as shown inFIG. 57(c), and the like.

Further, as another method of fixing the straddling plates207a,207bto the wall portions222of the multi-chamber container220, as shown inFIGS. 58(a) to58(c), the length of each of the straddling plates207a,207bis set to be longer than the width of the container body220, and each portion207cextending from the container body220is bent to pinch the seal portion244. At this point, bending of the straddling plates207a,207bis performed by bending processing while heating. The heating is only performed on the bending portions of the straddling plates207a,207b, and the effect of the heating is reduced on the container body220. Furthermore, as shown inFIGS. 59(a) and59(b), the straddling plates207a,207bmay be fixed to the seal portion244of the container body220by sealing.

Moreover, as shown inFIG. 60(a), elastic members245each with a predetermined thickness are attached to the outside of the straddling, plates207a,207b, and as shown inFIG. 60(b), the clip203is attached to pinch the elastic members245in attaching the dividing unit to the container body220. By providing such a configuration, it is possible to enhance the sealing property between the filling chambers.

The present invention is not limited to the dividing units as described in above-mentioned Embodiments 10 to 12, and allows use of dividing units with other configurations. For example, as shown inFIG. 61(a), the dividing unit may be comprised of a pair of clips246,247of substantially J-shaped cross section. Each of the clips246,247has such a shape that the front end is curved, and the curvature of the curved portion of the outer clip247is set to be slightly larger than the curvature of the inner clip246. Accordingly, the clip247can be covered and engaged over the clip246. The inner clip246is adhered to the wall portion222of the container body220, and the outer clip247is mounted onto the inner clip246with the container body220folded in two. By this means, the filling chambers of the container body220are divided. In this state, by unfolding the container body220in the direction of the arrows as shown inFIG. 61(a), the outer clip247is detached as shown inFIG. 61(b), the filling chambers are communicated with each other, and the agents are mixed.

Embodiments 13 to 18 described below explain an aspect for opening a plurality of filling chambers using the operation for hanging a multi-chamber container in a device.

FIGS. 62 and 63are views showing a multi-chamber container according to Embodiment 13 of the invention. The multi-chamber container301has a container body302. As shown inFIG. 64, the container body302has a bag member321. The bag member321has a seal portion322formed on its periphery. The seal portion322is formed by heating and fusing inner surfaces on the peripheries of two rectangular film sheets with an ejection tube326aof a plug326described later pinched therebetween, and configured in strength such that the seal portion cannot peel off even by pressing the bag member321by hand or the like. The container body302is provided with seal portions323spaced a predetermined distance from the center to the right and left, and an opening324formed between the seal portions323. The seal portions323are formed by heating and fusing inner surfaces of the bag member321spaced the predetermined distance from the center to the right and left, and configured in strength such that the seal portions cannot peel off even by pressing the bag member321by hand or the like. The opening width of the opening324is configured to be narrower than the width of the clip304and rod-shaped member303described later. The bag member321has a hanging hole325formed at its upper end. The container body302has the plug326attached to the opening of the bag member321. The plug326is in the shape of a tube, and comprised of an ejection tube326aand an ejection outlet326bsealed with a rubber stopper until a hollow needle is inserted therein.

The multi-chamber container301has the clip304. The clip member304is comprised of a hang plate341and a pinch portion343as shown inFIG. 65. The hang plate341is configured in rectangle-shape, and has a hang hole342formed in the center at the upper end. The clip304is secured to the one wall portion321aside of the bag member321by heating and fusing the upper end of the hang plate341and the other end of the bag member321with a hole342of the hang plate341and a hole325of the bag member321mutually matched. The lower end of the hang plate341is coupled integrally to the pinch portion343. The pinch portion343is formed in the shape of a substantially inverse V in lateral cross section, and pinch space344is formed inside the pinch portion343. The pinch portion343is coupled integrally to the lower end of the hang plate341with the front end faced toward the plug326side, and is positioned above the seal portions323and opening324of the bag member321. The pinch portion343pinches the bag member321folded with the other wall portion321bfaced inside in the seal portions323and opening324from one wall portion321a, clogs the inside of the bag member321, and partitions the inside of the bag member321to a first and second filling chambers327aand327b. The pinch portion343has the pinch force configured to be able to be released by the weight of the container body302with unmixed agents filled inside the bag member321. The clip304is formed of rigid material having elastic force such as plastic, and may be formed of metal such as iron having the elastic force. In consideration of safety, the clip304is preferably formed of elastic plastic material.

In the multi-chamber container301with the above-mentioned configuration, in dividing the inside of the bag member321to the first and second filling chambers327aand327b, the bag member321is folded with the other wall portion321bfaced inside in the seal portions323and opening324, inserted into the pinch space344of the pinch portion343from the bending portion of the bag member321, and pinched by the pinch portion343of the clip304.

After dividing the inside of the bag member321into the first and second filling chambers327a,327bby the pinch portion343of the clip304, unmixed agents are respectively filled from the ejection outlet326bof the plug326and from a filling inlet328formed at the other end portion of the bag member321. Then, the ejection outlet326bis sealed by a rubber stopper material, and the filling inlet328is fused and sealed to seal each unmixed agent.

Then, as shown inFIG. 66(a), when the multi-chamber container301according to Embodiment 13 of the invention is hung with the hang hole325passed through a hook, since the pinch force of the pinch portion343is configured to be able to be released by the weight of the container body302with the unmixed agents filled inside the bag member321, the clogged portion of the bag member321pinched by the clip304moves downward to be out of the clip304as shown inFIG. 66(b). By this means, the partition inside the bag member321by the clip304is released, and as shown inFIG. 66(c), the unmixed agents filled inside the bag member321are spontaneously mixed.

Also in this Embodiment, without performing the specific opening operation, only by hanging the multi-chamber container, due to the weight of the container body, the filling chambers are opened in therebetween, and therefore, the agents inside the respective filling chambers are mixed with reliability when the user uses the container.

FIGS. 67 and 69are views showing a multi-chamber container301according to Embodiment 14 of the invention. The multi-chamber container301has a container body302. The container body302is the same as the container body302of Embodiment 13 except that the bag member321does not have a hang hole, and therefore, the same reference numerals are assigned to corresponding portions to omit descriptions thereof.

The multi-chamber container301has a clip304and rod-shaped member303. As shown inFIG. 70, the clip304is comprised of a hang plate341and a pinch portion343. The clip member304is secured on the one wall portion321aside of the bag member321by heating and fusing the outside of the pinch portion343and the other end of the bag member321, or the like. As shown inFIG. 70, the clip304is comprised of the hang plate341and pinch portion343. The hang plate341is configured in rectangle-shape, and has a hang hole342formed in the upper center. The lower end of the hang plate341is coupled integrally to the pinch portion343. The pinch portion343is formed in the shape of a substantially C in lateral cross section, and pinch space344is formed inside the pinch portion343. The pinch portion343is coupled integrally to the lower end of the hang plate341with the front end faced toward the plug326side, and is positioned above seal portions323and opening324of the bag member321with which the rod-shaped member303described later comes into contact. The pinch portion343pinches the rod-shaped member303in contact with the other side wall portion321bof the bag member321from one wall portion321a, clogs the inside of the bag member321, and partitions the inside of the bag member321to the first and second filling chambers327aand327b. The pinch portion343has the pinch force that is configured to be able to be released by the weight of the container body302with unmixed agents filled inside the bag member321. The clip304is formed of rigid material having elastic force such as plastic, and may be formed of metal such as iron having the elastic force. In consideration of safety, the clip304is preferably formed of elastic plastic material.

The rod-shaped member303is formed of synthesized resin of circular lateral cross section. As shown inFIGS. 67 and 68, the rod-shaped member303is pinched by the pinch portion343of the clip304while being brought into contact with the other wall portion321bof the bag member321of the container body302. The rod-shaped member303may be secured integrally to the other wall portion321bof the bag member321of the container body302by adhesive or the like.

In the multi-chamber container301with the above-mentioned configuration, in dividing the inside of the bag member321of the container body302, with the rod-shaped member303in contact with the other wall portion321bof the bag member321along the seal portions323and opening324, the bag member321is inserted into the pinch space344of the pinch portion343and pinched by the clip304. Subsequently, in the same method as in Embodiment 13, each unmixed agent is filled into the bag member321.

Then, as shown inFIG. 71(a), when the multi-chamber container301according to Embodiment 14 of the invention is hung with a hang hole342passed through a hook, since the pinch force of the pinch portion343is configured to be able to be released by the weight of the container body302with unmixed agents filled inside the bag member321, the rod-shaped portion303expands the pinch portion343while moving downward, and is detached from the clip304as shown inFIG. 71(b). By this means, the partition inside the bag member321by the clip304and rod-shaped member303is released, and as shown inFIG. 71(c), the unmixed agents filled inside the bag member321are spontaneously mixed.

Also in this Embodiment, without performing the specific opening operation, only by hanging the multi-chamber container, due to the weight of the container body, the filling chambers are opened in therebetween, and therefore, the agents inside the respective filling chambers are mixed with reliability when the user uses the container.

This Embodiment describes an aspect where a second container is packed inside a first container, a seal is adhered to an opening of the second container and peels off by the weight of the container, and an agent in the second container is mixed with another agent in the first container.FIG. 72is a view to explain the aspect of this Embodiment. As shown inFIG. 72(a), an upper chamber346that is the second container is packed inside a lower chamber345that is the first container. As shown inFIG. 72(b), an opening of the upper chamber346is sealed by one end portion of a band347. The band347is fixed at the other end to the bottom of the lower chamber345. In such a multi-chamber container, the lower chamber345extends by its weight, as shown inFIG. 72(c), the band347is pulled by the lower chamber345, the seal peels off, and the agent in the upper chamber346is mixed with the agent in the lower chamber345.

FIGS. 73 and 74are views showing the multi-chamber container according to Embodiment 15 of the invention. The multi-chamber container301has a first container305and a second container306secured to the inside of the first container305.

The first container305has a bag member351. The bag member351has a plug-side seal portion352and hang-side seal portion353formed respectively at opposite lower and upper ends. The plug-side seal portion352and hang-side seal portion353are formed by heating and fusing the inner surface at lower and upper opposite ends of a tube-shaped film sheet with an ejection tube356aof a plug356and one end of a clogging device307described later held between the inner surface, and configured in strength such that the seal portions do not peel off even by pressing the bag member351by hand or the like. The bag member351has a bellows portion354formed from near the center to the plug-side seal portion352to be extendable. The first container305has a hang hole355formed in the center of the hang-side seal portion353. The first container305further has the plug356attached to the opening of the bag member351. The plug356is in the shape of a tube, and comprised of an ejection tube356aand an ejection outlet356bsealed by a rubber stopper until a hollow needle is inserted.

The second container306is secured to the inner surface of the bag member351close to the hang-side seal portion353of the first container305. The second container306has a seal portion361. The seal portion361is formed by heating and fusing inner surfaces on the peripheries of two rectangular film sheets. The second container306has an opening362communicated with the inside of the first container305.

The multi-chamber container301has a clogging device307. The clogging device307is configured in band-shape with a flexible film sheet or the like, and formed in the shape of a substantially inverse J. The clogging device307is heated and fused with its one, end held between the inner surface of the film sheet constituting the plug-side seal portion352, thereby secured at one end to the lower end of the first container305, further secured at the other end to the periphery of the opening362of the second container306by the seal portion308, and maintains the bellows portion354of the first container305shrunk. The seal portion308is formed by bonding the other end of the clogging device307and the periphery of the opening362of the second container206with mixed resin pieces, for example, or by heating and fusing them with mixed resin pieces held therebetween. The seal portion308is configured to be able to peel off by the weight of the first container305with an unmixed agent filled inside the bag member321. The clogging member307clogs the opening362of the second container306.

As shown inFIG. 75(a), when the multi-chamber container301according to Embodiment 15 of the invention is hung with the hang hole355passed through a hook, since the weight of the first container305is applied in the direction of the plug356, as shown inFIG. 75(b), the clogging device307moves downward in synchronization with extension of the bellow portion354, and the seal portion308spontaneously peels off. By this means, the first container305is communicated with the inside of the second container306via the opening362, and unmixed agents filled in the respective chambers are spontaneously mixed.

Also in this Embodiment, without performing the specific opening operation, only by hanging the multi-chamber container, due to the weight of the container body, the filling chambers are opened in therebetween, and therefore, the agents inside the respective filling chambers are mixed with reliability when the user uses the container.

FIGS. 76 and 77are views showing a multi-chamber container according to Embodiment 16 of the invention. The multi-chamber container301has a first container305and a second container306secured to the inside of the first container305. In addition, the first container305is the same as the first container305according to Embodiment 15, and the same reference numerals are assigned to corresponding portions to omit descriptions thereof. Further, the second container306is the same as the second container306of Embodiment 15 except that the size of the container306and the size of the opening362are configured to be smaller than those in the second container306of Embodiment 15, and the same reference numerals are assigned to corresponding portions to omit descriptions thereof.

The multi-chamber container301has a clogging device307. The clogging device307is comprised of a rod member371and a sealing portion373. The rod member371is comprised of rigid material such as plastic, and secured to the lower end of the first container305with its one end held between the inner surface of the film sheet constituting the plug-side seal portion352. The rod member371has an engagement portion372formed at the other end. The rod member371is coupled integrally to the sealing portion373with the engagement portion372engaged in the outer circumference surface of the sealing portion373described later. The sealing portion373is formed of rigid material such as plastic, and formed in the shape of a cylinder with the bottom. The sealing portion373has a flange portion373aformed at the end portion on the outer circumference surface on the side opposite to the bottom. The sealing portion373is attached by heating and fusing the flange portion373aand the inner surface around the opening362of the second container306, and thus clogs the opening362. The sealing portion373has a weak portion308′ formed on the outer circumference surface. The weak portion308′ is configured to be able to rupture by the weight of the first container305with an unmixed agent filled inside the bag member351.

As shown inFIG. 78(a), when the multi-chamber container301according to Embodiment 16 of the invention is hung with the hang hole355passed through a hook, since the weight of the first container305is applied in the direction of the plug356, as shown inFIG. 78(b), the clogging device307moves downward in synchronization with extension of the bellow portion354, and the weak portion308′ ruptures. By this means, the clogging device307is detached, the first container305is communicated with the inside of the second container306via the opening362, and unmixed agents filled in the respective chambers are spontaneously mixed.

Also in this Embodiment, without performing the specific opening operation, only by hanging the multi-chamber container, due to the weight of the container body, the filling chambers are opened in therebetween, and therefore, the agents inside the respective filling chambers are mixed with reliability when the user uses the container.

FIGS. 79 and 80are views showing a multi-chamber container301according to Embodiment 17 of the invention. The multi-chamber container301has a container body305′. In addition, the container body305′ is substantially the same as the first container305according to Embodiment 15 except that the second container is not secured to its inside, and the same reference numerals are assigned to corresponding portions to omit descriptions thereof.

The multi-chamber container301has a partition portion309. The partition portion309is configured of rigid material such as plastic, and comprised of a bottom plate391and outer wall392. The partition portion309is secured to the inner surface of the bag member351by heating and fusing the outer wall392along the inner surface in the center of the bag member351. The partition portion309has an opening393formed in the bottom plate391.

The multi-chamber container301has a clogging device307′. The clogging device307′ is configured in band-shape with a flexible film sheet or the like, and formed in the shape of a substantially inverse L. The clogging device307′ has a concave portion374formed on one end side. The clogging device307′ is secured at one end to the lower end of the bag member351by heating and fusing one end held between the inner surface of the film sheet constituting the plug-side seal portion352with the ejection tube356aof the plug356positioned in the concave portion374, further secured at the other end to the periphery of the opening393of the partition portion309by the seal portion308, and maintains the bellows portion354of the bag member351shrunk. The clogging device307′ clogs the opening393of the partition portion309. The seal portion308is formed by bonding the other end of the clogging device307′ and the periphery of the opening393of the partition portion309with mixed resin pieces, for example, or by heating and fusing them with mixed resin pieces held therebetween. The seal portion308is configured to be able to peel off by the weight of the bag member351filled with unmixed agents.

The multi-chamber container301has a first and second filling chambers357aand357bobtained by dividing the inside of the bag member351by the partition portion309and clogging device307′. As shown inFIG. 81(a), when the multi-chamber container301according to Embodiment 17 of the invention is hung with the hang hole355passed through a hook, since the weight of the multi-chamber container301is applied in the direction of the plug356, as shown inFIG. 81(b), the clogging device307′ moves downward in synchronization with extension of the bellow portion354, and the seal portion308spontaneously peels off. By this means, the first and second filling chambers357a,357binside the bag member351are communicated with each other via the opening393of the partition portion309, and the unmixed agents filled inside the bag member351are spontaneously mixed.

Also in this Embodiment, without performing the specific opening operation, only by hanging the multi-chamber container, due to the weight of the container body, the filling chambers are opened in therebetween, and therefore, the agents inside the respective filling chambers are mixed with reliability when the user uses the container.

FIG. 82is a view showing a multi-chamber container301according to Embodiment 18 of the invention. The multi-chamber container301has a container body305′. The container body305′ has a bag member335. The bag member351has seal portions309′ spaced a predetermined distance from the center to the right and left, and an opening399formed between the seal portions309′. The seal portions309′ are formed by heating and fusing inner surfaces of the bag member321spaced the predetermined distance from the center to the right and left, and configured in strength such that the seal portion cannot peel off even by pressing by hand or the like. The container body305′ is substantially the same as the first container305according to Embodiment 15 except the above-mentioned respect and the second container306not being secured inside, and the same reference numerals are assigned to corresponding portions to omit descriptions thereof.

The multi-chamber container301has a clogging device307′. The clogging device307′ is secured at one end to the lower end of the bag member351by heating and fusing one end held between the inner surface of the film sheet constituting the plug-side seal portion352with the ejection tube356aof the plug356positioned in the concave portion374, further secured at the other end to the opposite inner surface in the center of the bag member351by the seal portion308, and maintains the bellows portion354of the bag member351shrunk. The clogging device307′ clogs the opening393of the bag member351. The seal portion308is formed by bonding opposite inner surfaces of the opening393of the bag member351with the clogging device307′ inserted into the opening393of the bag member351with mixed resin pieces, for example, or by heating and fusing them with mixed resin pieces held therebetween. The seal portion308is configured to be able to peel off by the weight of the container body305′ with unmixed agents filled inside the bag member351.

The multi-chamber container301has the first and second filling chambers357aand357bobtained by dividing the inside of the bag member351by the clogging device307′ and seal portion309′.

When the multi-chamber container301according to Embodiment 18 of the invention is hung with the hang hole355passed through a hook, since the weight of the multi-chamber container301is applied in the direction of the plug356, as shown inFIG. 83, the clogging device307′ moves downward in synchronization with extension of the bellow portion354, and the seal portion308spontaneously peels off. By this means, the first and second filling chambers357a,357binside the bag member351are communicated with each other via the opening393, and the unmixed agents filled in the first and second filling chambers357a,357bare spontaneously mixed.

Also in this Embodiment, without performing the specific opening operation, only by hanging the multi-chamber container, due to the weight of the container body, the filling chambers are opened in therebetween, and therefore, the agents inside the respective filling chambers are mixed with reliability when the user uses the container.

Embodiments 19 and 20 describe an aspect that a plurality of filling chambers is opened using the operation for removing a package of a multi-chamber container.

FIGS. 84 and 85are views showing a storage member according to Embodiment 19 in which a multi-chamber container is stored. The storage member401is comprised of a storage member body402and dividing means403.

The storage member body402is comprised of a sealing portion421and multi-chamber container storage portion442. The sealing portion421is formed by heating and fusing the inner surface on the periphery in the shape of a substantially inverse U with one rectangular film sheet folded in two. The multi-chamber container storage portion422is formed inside the sealing portion in the shape of a substantially inverse U, and stores the multi-chamber container404folded in two with one wall portion442of the container body441being inward. The sealing portion421has a notch portion423to cut the upper portion of the storage member body402. The notch portion423is formed in one sealing portion421bon the side positioned under an upper sealing portion421a.

As shown inFIG. 86, the dividing means403includes a clip403and a rod-shape member434. The clip431is formed of rigid material with elasticity, pinches the rod-shaped member434described below in contact with one wall portion442of the multi-chamber container404from the outside of the bottom of the storage member body402to clog the inside of the container body441of the multi-chamber container404, and divides the inside of the container body441into a first and second filling chambers444and445. The clip431has a lateral cross section formed in the shape of a substantially C, and is comprised of a pinch portion432and pinch space433formed inside the pinch portion432. The clip432may be formed of metal such as iron having elastic force, but in consideration of safety, is preferably formed of elastic plastic material.

The rod-shaped member434is configured of synthesized resin with the lateral cross section formed in the shape of a circle. As shown inFIGS. 84 and 85, the rod-shaped member434is pinched by the pinch portion432of the clip431while being brought into contact with one wall portion442of the container body441of the multi-chamber container404described later. The rod-shaped member434may be secured integrally to one wall portion442of the multi-chamber container404by adhesive or the like.

As shown inFIG. 87, the multi-chamber container404is provided with a seal portion446formed on the periphery of the container body441. The seal portion446is formed by heating and fusing the inner surfaces on the peripheries of two film sheets constituting the container body441with an ejection tube451of a plug405held therebetween. The plug450is in the shape of a tube, and comprised of the ejection tube451and an ejection outlet452sealed by a rubber stopper until a hollow needle is inserted.

When the multi-chamber container404is stored using the storage member401with the above-mentioned configuration, first, the rod-shaped member432is brought into contact with one wall portion422of the multi-chamber container404along the lateral direction in the center of the container body441of the multi-chamber container404. Next, in the contact position of the rod-shaped member434, the container body441is folded in two such that one wall portion442is inside. Then, a rectangular film sheet constituting the storage member body402is brought into contact with the other wall portion443of the multi-chamber container404such that the center portion of the film sheet agrees with the folded position of the container body441. In the position where the rod-shaped member434contacts the container, the container body441of the multi-chamber container404is inserted into the pinch space433of the clip431, and thus pinched by the pinch portion432of the clip431, and the inside of the container body441is thereby divided into a first and second filling chambers444and445.

After attaching the dividing means403to the multi-chamber container404and dividing the inside of the container body441, an unmixed agent is filled from the ejection outlet452of the plug405into the first filling chamber444, and another unmixed agent is filled from a filling inlet447formed at an end portion on the side opposite to the plug405into the second filling chamber445. Then, the ejection outlet451is sealed by a rubber stopper material, and the filling inlet447is fused and sealed to seal each unmixed agent. Next, by heating and fusing the periphery of the single rectangular film sheet constituting the storage member body402, the multi-chamber container404is sealed in the multi-chamber container storage portion422of the storage member body402.

When the multi-chamber container404is stored in the storage member401, as shown inFIG. 88(a), the inside of the container body441which the rod-shaped member434contacts is pinched by the clip431and thus clogged, and it is thereby possible to partition the inside of the container body441of the multi-chamber container404into two portions to completely divide. Further, the storage member401is capable of keeping the multi-chamber container404folded in two by the storage member body402, and the multi-chamber container404can be identified, from the appearance, as being not allowed to administer agents, without hanging the container404on a hook.

In removing the storage member401from the multi-chamber container404, a user cuts the upper portion of the storage member body402using the notch423to open the multi-chamber container storage portion422. Then, the user grasps the container body441of the multi-chamber container404by one hand inserted into the multi-chamber container storage portion422, while grasping one of the sealing portions421band421con the side of the storage member body402by the other hand, pulls the multi-chamber container404out, thereby releasing the pinching of the clip431to drop as shown inFIG. 88(b), and is capable of removing the multi-chamber container404from the storage member body402. Since the partition by the dividing means403is released, as shown inFIG. 88(c), by expanding the container body441of the multi-chamber container404, it is possible to mix unmixed agents. In addition, after peeling off the fused portions of the sealing portions421band421con the side of the storage member body402and expanding the storage member body402, the user may grasp the container body441of the multi-chamber container404by one hand, while grasping opposite ends of the film sheet of the expanded storage member body402by the other hand, and pull in opposite directions to release the pinching of the clip431.

Also in this Embodiment, without performing the specific opening operation, the clip is detached by removing the multi-chamber container from the storage member, the filling chambers are opened in therebetween, and therefore, the agents inside the respective filling chambers are reliably mixed when the user uses the container.

FIGS. 89 and 90are views showing a storage member according to Embodiment 20 in which a multi-chamber container is stored. The storage member401is comprised of a storage member body402and dividing means403.

As in Embodiment 19, the storage member body402is comprised of a sealing portion421and multi-chamber container storage portion442by heating and fusing the periphery of a single film sheet.

As in Embodiment 19, the dividing means403includes a clip403and a rod-shape member434. The clip431is formed integrally with the storage member body402by heating and fusing the outside of the bottom of the pinch portion432and the inner surface of the storage member body402. As in Embodiment 19, the clip431is formed of rigid material having elastic force, pinches the rod-shaped member434described later in contact with one wall portion442of the multi-chamber container404from the other wall portion443to clog the inside of the container body441of the multi-chamber container404, and divides the inside of the container body441into a first and second filling chambers444and445.

As in Embodiment 19, the rod-shaped member434is configured of synthesized resin with the lateral cross section formed in the shape of a circle. As shown inFIGS. 89 and 90, the rod-shaped member434is pinched by the pinch portion432of the clip431while being brought into contact with one wall portion442of the multi-chamber container404.

When the multi-chamber container404is stored using the storage member401with the above-mentioned configuration, first, the clip431is formed integrally into a film sheet by heating and fusing the outside of the bottom of the clip431and the inner surface near the center of a single rectangular film sheet constituting the storage member body402. Then, the rod-shaped member432is brought into contact with one wall portion422of the multi-chamber container404along the lateral direction in the center of the container body441. Next, in the contact position of the rod-shaped member434, the container body441is folded in two such that one wall portion442is inside. Then, the container body441of the multi-chamber container404is inserted into the pinch space433of the clip431formed integrally with the single film sheet, and thus pinched by the pinch portion432of the clip431, and the inside of the container body441is thereby divided into a first and second filling chambers444and445. Then, in the same method as in Embodiment 19, unmixed agents are filled inside the container body441of the multi-chamber container404partitioned by the dividing means403, and by heating and fusing the periphery of the single rectangular film sheet constituting the storage member body402, the multi-chamber container404is sealed in the multi-chamber container storage portion422of the storage member body402.

As in Embodiment 19, when the multi-chamber container404is stored in the storage member401according to Embodiment 20, the inside of the container body441which the rod-shaped member434contacts is pinched by the clip431and thus clogged, and it is thereby possible to partition the inside of the container body441of the multi-chamber container404into two portions to completely divide. Further, the storage member401is capable of keeping the multi-chamber container404folded in two by the storage member body402, and the multi-chamber container404can be identified, from the appearance, as being not allowed to administer agents without hanging the container404on a hook.

In removing the storage member401from the multi-chamber container404, a user cuts the upper portion of the storage member body402using the notch423to open the multi-chamber container storage portion422. Then, the user grasps the container body441of the multi-chamber container404by one hand inserted into the multi-chamber container storage portion422, while grasping one of the sealing portions421band421con the side of the storage member body402by the other hand, pulls the multi-chamber container404out, thereby releasing the pinching of the clip431, and is capable of removing the multi-chamber container404from the storage member body402. The container body441of the multi-chamber container404thereby expands, the partition by the dividing means403is released, and the unmixed agents can be mixed.

Also in this Embodiment, without performing the specific opening operation, the clip is detached by removing the multi-chamber container from the storage member, the filling chambers are opened in therebetween, and therefore, the agents inside the respective filling chambers are reliably mixed when the user uses the container.

In this Embodiment, the upper filling chamber445filled with liquid may be combined with the lower filling chamber444filled with liquid as shown inFIG. 91(a), a plurality of upper filling chambers445ato445ceach filled with liquid may be combined with the lower filling chamber filled with liquid as shown inFIG. 91(b), or the upper filling chamber filled with liquid may be combined with the lower filling chamber filled with powder as shown inFIG. 91(c). In addition, these combinations are not limited to the foregoing, and are capable of being modified in various manners.

Embodiments 21 and 22 described below explain an aspect for cautioning the opening between filling chambers.

FIG. 92is a view showing a multi-chamber container according to Embodiment 21 of the invention. As shown inFIG. 96, the multi-chamber container501has a container body502, and an ejection plug510attached to an opening of the container body502.

The container body502is comprised of two transparent film sheets and has a seal portion503. The seal portion503is formed by heating and fusing peripheries of the films with an ejection tube512of the plug510held between inner surfaces of the two transparent film sheets opposite to each other. The seal portion503is configured in strength such that the portion cannot peel off by pressing the outer surfaces of first and second filling chambers505,506described later.

The container body502has a seal portion504and the first and second filling chambers505,506□ The seal portion504is formed in the lateral direction near the center of the container body502, by bonding one inner surface and the other opposite inner surface, for example, with mixed resin pieces, or heating and fusing the inner surfaces with mixed resin pieces held therebetween. The seal portion504divides the inside of the container body502into the first and second filling chambers505,506, and is configured in strength that enables the portion504to peel off by pressing the outer surfaces of the first and second filling chambers505,506.

The plug510is in the shape of a tube, and comprised of an ejection outlet511sealed with a rubber stopper and an ejection tube512.

The multi-chamber container501has an information checking seal520. As shown inFIG. 96, the information checking seal520is configured in rectangle-shape, and adhered to the outer surface of one filling chamber505with an adhesive coated on the entire backside. The information checking seal520has an indication portion provided in the upper portion on the surface, and a fill-in form522provided under the indication portion521. As shown inFIG. 96, the indication portion521describes white letters of “opened”, in green background, indicating that the seal portion504has peeled off. As shown inFIG. 96, the fill-in form522is provided with a “signature of person who mixed” box, “mixing year and date” box, and “mixing time” box to fill in information on mixing of agents by the peeling of the seal portion504and the like, and a “patient's name” box.

The multi-chamber container501is further provided with a caution seal530that is a cautioning member to check the opening between the filling chambers. As shown inFIGS. 92 to 94, the caution seal530is configured in the shape of a rectangle larger than the information checking seal520, and adhered to the outer surface of one filling chamber505and plug510with an adhesive coated on opposite upper and lower ends of the backside, while covering the information checking seal520and the upper portion of the plug510. On the surface of the caution seal530are described letters of “not opened” indicating that the seal portion504is not peeled off, and caution describing that the seal should be peeled off after the seal portion504peels off, with white letters in red background. In addition, the caution seal530may be adhered with relatively weak adhesion on an over seal provided in the plug510, or may be directly adhered on the plug510instead of the over seal.

When the multi-chamber container501of the invention is hung on a hook or placed on a slope with the caution seal503adhered, a user is capable of recognizing with ease that a hollow needle should not be inserted into the rubber stopper of the plug510, and that the user should perform the operation for peeling off the seal portion504, by the caution seal530covering the ejection outlet511of the plug510, and the letters of “not opened” and caution descried on the seal. The user is thus prevented from inserting a hollow needle into the rubber stopper of the plug510to administer the unmixed agent to a patient.

When a user peels off the seal portion504by pressing the outer surface of one of the first and second filling chambers505,506by hand or the like, the user peels off the caution seal530as shown inFIG. 95including the check of the peeling of the peel portion504, and exposes the information checking seal520describing the letters of “opened”. Further, to check again that the seal portion504has peeled off, the user fills required items on mixing of the agents in the fill-in form522.

Even if a user neglects to peel off the seal portion504and erroneously peels off the caution seal530, since the items to fill in the fill-in form522of the information checking seal520are required items for mixing of agents and the like, the user can easily recognize that the operation for peeling off the seal portion is not performed, and is prevented from inserting a hollow needle into the rubber stopper of the plug510to administer the unmixed agent to a patient.

In this Embodiment, the step is provided to peel off the caution seal530after mixing the agents and fill the opening information in the fill-in form522. Subsequently, the multi-chamber container is hung and the over seal is peeled off. Therefore, by the step of peeling off the caution seal and filling in the opening information, and the step of hanging the container and peeling off the over seal, the user is capable of checking the opening, and therefore, reliably confirming the opening.

FIG. 97is a view showing a multi-chamber container501according to Embodiment 22 of the invention. As shown inFIG. 97, the multi-chamber container501has a container body502, and an ejection plug510attached to an opening of the container body502.

The container body502is comprised of two transparent film sheets and has a seal portion503. The seal portion503is formed by heating and fusing peripheries of the films with an ejection tube512of the plug510held between inner surfaces of the two transparent film sheets opposite to each other. The seal portion503is configured in strength such that the portion cannot peel off by pressing the outer surfaces of first and second filling chambers505,506described later.

The container body502has a seal portion504and the first and second filling chambers505,506. The seal portion504is formed in the lateral direction near the center of the container body502, by bonding one inner surface and the other opposite inner surface, for example, with mixed resin pieces, or heating and fusing the inner surfaces with mixed resin pieces held therebetween. The seal portion504divides the inside of the container body502into the first and second filling chambers505,506, and is configured in strength that enables the portion504to peel off by pressing the outer surface of one of the first and second filling chambers505,506.

The plug510is in the shape of a tube, and comprised of an ejection outlet511sealed with a rubber stopper and an ejection tube512.

The multi-chamber container501has a caution bend540that is attached to the container body502near the seal portion504and that is a caution member to check the opening between the filling chambers. As shown inFIG. 98, the caution band540is comprised of a base portion541and a weak portion542that couples the base portion541.

The base portion541is comprised of long band-shaped thick paper, and bent and formed in the shape of a substantially U. Side surfaces of the front portion and rear portion of the base portion541are formed at a predetermined angle. The opposite ends of the base portion541are coupled to each other via the weak portion542described later. The base portion541comes into contact with the chamber along the end portion on the seal portion504side of the first filling chamber505. On the surface of the base portion541are described letters of “not opened” indicating that the seal portion504is not peeled off, and caution describing that the caution belt drops spontaneously after the seal portion504peels off, with white letters in red background.

The weak portion542is formed of trapezoidal thin paper. The weak portion542couples the opposite ends of the base portion541using an adhesive member such as glue, tape and the like. Thus, the caution band540is attached to near the seal portion504that is a communication portion, and configured to drop by the opening. Further, the caution band540may be comprised of a clip to integrate the caution band540and the clip, so that the weak portion542is broken to drop.

When the multi-chamber container501of this Embodiment is hung on a hook or placed on a slope with the caution band540attached, a user is capable of recognizing with ease that a hollow needle should not be inserted into the rubber stopper of the plug510, and that the user should perform the operation for peeling off the seal portion504, by the caution band540and the letters of “not opened” described on the band. The user is thus prevented from inserting a hollow needle into the rubber stopper of the plug510while hanging the container on a hook or placing the container on a slope to administer the unmixed agent to a patient.

As shown inFIG. 99(a), when a user peels off the seal portion504by pressing the outer surface of one of the first and second filling chambers505,506by hand or the like, as shown inFIG. 99(b), the weak portion542ruptures by expansion of the container body502due to the peeling of the seal portion504. Then, when the user lifts the multi-chamber container501, the base portion541expands outward, the caution band540drops spontaneously, and therefore, the user is capable of recognizing that the seal portion504has peeled off from the appearance of the multi-chamber container501, and using the container501by hanging on a hook or placing on a slope.

In addition, the side surfaces of the front portion and rear portion of the base portion541do not need to have a predetermined angle as in the caution band540shown inFIG. 97, and may be formed in parallel as shown inFIGS. 100(a) and100(b). Further, the letters of “not opened” and caution do not need to be described on the surface of the base portion as in the caution band540shown inFIG. 97. As shown inFIG. 100(b), a caution sheet543with such letters and caution may be adhered to one of the base portion541to constitute the caution band540. Furthermore, the base portion541does not need to be formed in the shape of a substantially U shape, and as shown inFIG. 100(c), a pair of base portions541aand541bmay be configured with thin paper formed in plate-shape such that opposite right and left ends are coupled by weak portions542aand542bcomprised of two sheets of thin paper.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned Embodiments 1 to 22, and is capable of being carried into practice with various modifications thereof. For example, the materials, dimensions, shapes and the like in the above-mentioned Embodiments are examples, and are not limited to the foregoing. Further, the above-mentioned Embodiments 1 to 22 are capable of being carried into practice in a combination thereof as appropriate. Furthermore, it would be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is capable of being carried into practice with various modifications thereof without departing from the scope of the present invention.