Patent Publication Number: US-9409694-B2

Title: Multi-chamber container

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a U.S. national stage application under 35 U.S.C. §371 of PCT Application No. PCT/US2012/65744, filed Nov. 19, 2012, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a multi-chamber container. The multiple chambers of the container may store respective flowable substances, for example, respective oral care products such as mouthwashes or respective components of a mouthwash. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A multi-chamber container is a container having more than one chamber for storing respective substances out of contact with one another. It may be desirable to keep the respective substances out of contact with one another during storage of the respective substances, for example if the substances might react or deteriorate over time should they be allow to mix. 
     Over the years, efforts have been made to improve the design of multi-chamber containers to try to prevent, during dispensing of two substances from respective chambers of the container, a first of the substances from a first of the chambers flowing into a second of the chambers holding a second of the substances causing inadvertent mixing of the substances. For example, it is known to provide a two-compartment container with two discharge openings, each leading to a respective one of the compartments, and rib members between the discharge openings to hinder a substance from the first compartment flowing into the second compartment during dispensing of the substances. 
     However, when using such a known container, a user may tilt the container in such a way that one of the substances flows over or around the rib members so that the substances become mixed on or in the container during a dispensing routine. Therefore, despite these efforts, a need still exists for multi-chamber container with a structure that better prevents, during dispensing of two substances from respective chambers of the container, a first of the substances stored in a first of the chambers flowing into a second of the chambers storing a second of the substances. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A first aspect of the present invention provides a multi-chamber container for dispensing flowable substances, comprising: a body having: a first storage chamber for storing a first flowable substance, a second storage chamber for storing a second flowable substance, a vessel defining a first outlet zone having a first outlet, a second outlet zone having a second outlet, and a separator between the first outlet zone and the second outlet zone, wherein the vessel is movable relative to the first and second storage chambers between a first position and a second position, a first inlet that fluidly connects the first storage chamber with the first outlet zone, a second inlet that fluidly connects the second storage chamber with the second outlet zone, a first member movable between: an inactive state, at which the first member seals the first inlet to isolate the first storage chamber from the first outlet zone, and at which the first outlet is open so that the first outlet zone is in fluid communication with a downstream side of the first outlet, and an active state, at which the first member seals the first outlet to isolate the first outlet zone from the downstream side of the first outlet, and at which the first inlet is open so that the first storage chamber is in fluid communication with the first outlet zone, and a second member movable between: an inactive state, at which the second member seals the second inlet to isolate the second storage chamber from the second outlet zone; and at which the second outlet is open so that the second outlet zone is in fluid communication with a downstream side of the second outlet, and an active state, at which the second member seals the second outlet to isolate the second outlet zone from the downstream side of the second outlet, and at which the second inlet is open so that the second storage chamber is in fluid communication with the second outlet zone, wherein movement of the vessel between the first position and the second position causes the first and second members to move between their respective inactive and active states; and a closure movable relative to the body between a closed position, at which the closure isolates the first and second outlets from an exterior of the container, and an open position, at which the first and second outlets are in fluid communication with the exterior of the container. 
     Preferably, movement of the vessel from the first position to the second position causes the first and second members to move from the inactive state to the active state. 
     Optionally, the first member is movable to a semi-active state, at which the first member seals the first inlet to isolate the first storage chamber from the first outlet zone, and at which the first member seals the first outlet to isolate the first outlet zone from the downstream side of the first outlet. 
     Optionally, the second member is movable to a semi-active state, at which the second member seals the second inlet to isolate the second storage chamber from the second outlet zone, and at which the second member seals the second outlet to isolate the second outlet zone from the downstream side of the second outlet. 
     Optionally, movement of the vessel between the first position and the second position causes the first and second members to move between the inactive and active states via the semi-active state. 
     Preferably, movement of the vessel from the first position to the second position causes the first and second members to move from the inactive state to the active state via the semi-active state. 
     The vessel may be resiliently connected to the vessel or vessels defining the first and second storage chambers. The container may comprise a biasing device for biasing the vessel to the first position. 
     Preferably, the first and second members are biased to the inactive state. 
     Optionally, the first and second inlets comprise respective first and second tubes, which first and second tubes are immovable relative to the first and second storage chambers. Optionally, the first tube is disposed in an orifice of the first storage chamber, and the second tube is disposed in an orifice of the second storage chamber. 
     Optionally, the body comprises a frame connected to the first and second tubes and immovable relative to the first and second storage chambers. Optionally, the vessel at least partially surrounds the frame. Optionally, the vessel at least partially surrounds the first and second inlets. 
     Optionally, the frame has features that cooperate with features of the vessel to guide the movement of the vessel relative to the first and second storage chambers. The vessel may be movable linearly relative to the first and second storage chambers between the first position and the second position. 
     Preferably, the first member is disposed in the first inlet and the second member is disposed in the second inlet. 
     Optionally, the first and second members are movable between the inactive state and the semi-active state without moving relative to the first and second storage chambers. 
     Optionally, movement of the first and second members between the inactive state and the semi-active state comprises movement of the first and second members relative to the vessel. 
     Optionally, the first and second members are movable between the semi-active state and the active state without moving relative to the vessel. 
     Optionally, movement of the first and second members between the semi-active state and the active state comprises movement of the first and second members relative to the first and second storage chambers. 
     Preferably, when the first and second members are in the inactive state, the first and second members are out of contact with the vessel. Preferably, movement of the vessel from the first position to the second position causes the vessel to come into contact with the first and second members. Optionally, the vessel is movable relative to the first and second members to cause the first and second members to move between the inactive state and the semi-active state, and the vessel is movable together with the first and second members relative to the first and second storage chambers to cause the first and second members to move between the semi-active state and the active state. 
     Preferably, the separator isolates the first outlet zone from the second outlet zone at least when the vessel is at the second position. 
     Optionally, the movement of the vessel between the first position and the second position causes movement of the closure relative to the first and second storage chambers. Preferably, the closure is mounted on the vessel. 
     Preferably, when the closure is at the closed position, the closure is spaced from the first and second outlets. 
     Optionally, the first and second storage chambers are defined by respective non-unitary first and second vessels, and the first and second outlet zones are defined by an apparatus that is non-unitary with the first and second vessels and is connected to the first and second vessels. 
     Preferably, the body has an end face and the first and second storage chambers are disposed in parallel between the vessel and the end face. 
     Optionally, when the closure is at the open position, the closure is detached from the body. Alternatively, when the closure is at the open position, the closure is attached to the body, such as via a hinge. 
     Preferably, the closure comprises a mixing chamber and, when the closure is at the closed position, the first and second outlets are in fluid communication with the mixing chamber of the closure. Alternatively, the closure comprises a first cavity, a second cavity, and a divider isolating the first cavity from the second cavity. In such an alternative, preferably, when the closure is at the closed position, the first outlet is in fluid communication with the first cavity of the closure and the second outlet is in fluid communication with the second cavity of the closure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded view of components of a multi-chamber container according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing the components of  FIG. 2  assembled to form the multi-chamber container according to the first embodiment of the present invention, shown with the vessel of the container at its first position and the closure at its closed position; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the multi-chamber container of  FIG. 2 , shown with the vessel of the container at its first position, the first and second members at the inactive state, and the closure at its closed position; and 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the multi-chamber container of  FIG. 3 , shown with the vessel of the container at its second position, the first and second members at the active state, and the closure at its closed position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The following description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. The description of illustrative embodiments according to principles of the present invention is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well, as derivative thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation, unless explicitly indicated, as such. Terms such as “attached,” “affixed,” “connected,” “coupled,” “interconnected,” and similar refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. Moreover, the features and benefits of the invention are illustrated by reference to the preferred embodiments. Accordingly, the invention expressly should not be limited to such preferred embodiments illustrating some possible non-limiting combination of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features. 
     A multi-chamber container for dispensing flowable substances and according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 4 . 
     The container  1  of the first embodiment comprises a body  100  and a closure  200 . The body  100  comprises first and second storage chambers  113 ,  123  each for storing a flowable substance, or each storing a flowable substance, such as a liquid or a paste. The storage chambers  113 ,  123  keep the flowable substances separate from each other, so there is no mixing of the flowable substances in the body  100  of the container  1 . The flowable substances may each be an oral care product, such as a mouthwash. Alternatively, the flowable substances may be two parts of an oral care product, such as a mouthwash, that is created when the flowable substances are mixed. 
     The first and second storage chambers  113 ,  123  are defined by respective first and second vessels  110 ,  120  of the body  100 , which first and second vessels  110 ,  120  have respective orifices  114 ,  124  at a first small end  111 ,  121  thereof. Each of the first and second vessels  110 ,  120  has a second small end  112 ,  122  at an end opposite to the first small end  111 ,  121  thereof. Together, the second small ends  112 ,  122  form a first longitudinal end  125  of the container  1 . The first longitudinal end  125  of the container  1  has a planar end face  126 , upon which the container  1  may stand on a surface when stored. 
     Each of the first and second vessels  110 ,  120  is elongate between its first and second small ends  111 ,  112 ,  121 ,  122 . The first and second vessels  110 ,  120  are made from a hard, preferably rigid, material. However, in a variation to this embodiment, the first and second vessels  110 ,  120  are made from a flexible, preferably resilient, material. The first and second vessels  110 ,  120  are non-unitary. That is, the first and second vessels  110 ,  120  are not integrally formed together, but instead are separate components that are connected together during assembly of the container  1 . In a variation to the illustrated embodiment, the first and second storage chambers  113 ,  123  may be respective chambers in a single, unitary vessel. Such a single, unitary vessel may be made from a hard, preferably rigid, material, or from a flexible, preferably resilient, material. 
     The body  100  of the container  1  further comprises an apparatus, or third vessel,  180  that is non-unitary with the first and second vessels  110 ,  120 . The third vessel  180  is connected to the first and second vessels  110 ,  120  during assembly of the container  1 . The third vessel  180  is resiliently connected to the first and second vessels  110 ,  120  via a spring or other biasing device (not shown). 
     The third vessel  180  defines a first outlet zone  183  having a first outlet  181 , a second outlet zone  185  having a second outlet  182 , and a separator  187  between the first outlet zone  183  and the second outlet zone  185 . The third vessel  180  is movable relative to the first and second storage chambers  113 ,  123  between a first position and a second position. At least when the third vessel  180  is at the second position, the separator  187  isolates the first outlet zone  183  from the second outlet zone  185 . In some embodiments, the separator  187  isolates the first outlet zone  183  from the second outlet zone  185  at all times. The biasing device (not shown) biases the third vessel  180  to its first position. 
     The body  100  of the container  1  further comprises first and second inlets that respectively fluidly connect the first and second storage chambers  113 ,  123  with the first and second outlet zones  183 ,  185 . In this embodiment, the first and second inlets comprise respective first and second tubes  130 ,  140  disposed in the respective orifices  114 ,  124  of the first and second storage chambers  113 ,  123  (or of the first and second vessels  110 ,  120 ). The tubes  130 ,  140  are immovable relative to the first and second storage chambers  113 ,  123 , and may be adhered to the first and second vessels  110 ,  120 , press-fit into the respective orifices  114 ,  124 , or otherwise fixed in the respective orifices  114 ,  124 . Each of the tubes  130 ,  140  has an axially-extending internal cavity with open axial ends  132 ,  134 ,  142 ,  144  and one or more radially-extending holes  136 ,  146  in their circumferential sides, the purpose of which will be discussed below. 
     The body  100  also comprises a first member  150  movably disposed in and extending axially through the internal cavity of the first tube  130  and a second member  160  movably disposed in and extending axially through the internal cavity of the second tube  140 . The first member  150  comprises a first rod having a first end  154  movably located in a first axial end hole  134  of the first tube  130 , a second end (comprising a plug)  151  projecting through a second axial end hole  132  of the first tube  130 , and a radially-extending stopper  152  approximately midway between the first and second ends  154 ,  151 . Similarly, the second member  160  comprises a second rod having a first end  164  movably located in a first axial end hole  144  of the second tube  140 , a second end (comprising a plug)  161  projecting through a second axial end hole  142  of the second tube  140 , and a radially-extending stopper  162  approximately midway between the first and second ends  164 ,  161 . The first and second members  150 ,  160 , including their respective stoppers  152 ,  162 , have a maximum diameter or width that is less than the internal diameter or width of the internal cavities of the respective first and second tubes  130 ,  140 . However, the respective stoppers  152 ,  162 , have a maximum diameter or width that is greater than the diameter or width of the respective first axial end holes  134 ,  144  of the first and second tubes  130 ,  140 . Optionally, the first and second members  150 ,  160  seal the respective first axial end holes  134 ,  144  of the first and second tubes  130 ,  140 , even during movement of the first and second members  150 ,  160  within the respective first axial end holes  134 ,  144 . While not shown, in some embodiments, there may be helical springs, or other suitable elements, disposed between the interior of the first and second tubes  130 ,  140  and coupled to the first ends  154 ,  164  of the first and second members  150 ,  160 . The helical springs may push against the respective stoppers  152 ,  162  to ensure the user operable movement of the first and second vessels  110 ,  120  between the first and second positions. 
     The body  100  further comprises a frame  170  substantially in the form of a collar. The frame  170  is fixed to both the first small ends  111 ,  121  of the first and second vessels  110 ,  120  and is connected to the first and second tubes  130 ,  140  in such a manner as to trap the first and second tubes  130 ,  140  between itself and the first and second vessels  110 ,  120 . The frame  170  is immovable relative to the first and second storage chambers  113 ,  123 . In addition to the first and second tubes  130 ,  140 , the first and second inlets also comprise respective first and second through-holes  171 ,  172  formed in the frame  170 . When the container  1  is assembled, the first through-hole  171  is axially aligned with the internal cavity of the first tube  130  and the second through-hole  172  is axially aligned with the internal cavity of the second tube  140 . The through-holes  171 ,  172  have an infernal diameter or width less than that of each of the internal cavities of the first and second tubes  130 ,  140 . The through-holes  171 ,  172  are scalable by the respective stoppers  152 ,  162 , as is discussed in more detail below. 
     The third vessel  180  at least partially surrounds the frame  170 , the first and second tubes  130 ,  140 , and the first and second members  150 ,  160 . Moreover, the spring or other biasing device (not shown) referred to above is connected between the third vessel  180  and the frame  170 . Moreover, the frame  170  has features  176  (in this embodiment in the form of a pair of projections, although only one in shown in  FIG. 1 ) that cooperate with features  186  (in this embodiment in the form of a pair of longitudinally-extending grooves, although only one in shown in  FIG. 1 ) of the third vessel  180  to guide the movement of the third vessel  180  relative to the first and second storage chambers  113 ,  123 . Due to the cooperation between the features  176  of the frame  170  and of the third vessel  180 , the third vessel  180  is movable linearly in a longitudinal direction of the container  1  relative to the first and second storage chambers  113 ,  123  between the first position and the second position. 
     As mentioned above, the container  1  also comprises a closure  200 . The closure  200  is a cup that is movable relative to the body  100  between a closed position, at which the closure  200  isolates the first and second outlets  181 ,  182  from an exterior of the container  1 , and an open position, at which the first and second outlets  181 ,  182  are in fluid communication with the exterior of the container  1 . When the closure  200  is at the open position, the closure  200  is detached from the body  100 . However, when the closure  200  is at the closed position, the closure  200  is mounted on the third vessel  180  with a rim  208  of the closure  200  mating with an edge  188  of the third vessel  180 . When mounted on the third vessel  180  at the closed position, the closure  200  is spaced from the first and second outlets  181 ,  182 . The closure  200  includes a planar face  206 , upon which the container  1  may stand on a surface, particularly during a dispensing operation. 
     In this embodiment, the closure  200  comprises a mixing chamber  204  and, when the closure  200  is at the closed position, the first and second outlets  181 ,  182  are in fluid communication with the mixing chamber  204  of the closure  200  so that any substances flowing through the first and second outlets  181 ,  182  into the mixing chamber  204  are permitted to mix in the mixing chamber  204 . The closure-side of the first and second outlets  181 ,  182  is considered the downstream side of the first and second outlets  181 ,  182  herein. That is, the mixing chamber  204  is downstream of the first and second outlets  181 ,  182 . 
     In a variation to this embodiment, the closure  200  comprises a first cavity, a second cavity, and a divider isolating the first cavity from the second cavity and, when the closure is at the closed position, the first outlet is in fluid communication with the first cavity of the closure and the second outlet is in fluid communication with the second cavity of the closure, so that the first and second cavities of the closure are downstream of the respective first and second outlets  181 ,  182 . Accordingly, in such a variation, the divider prevents mixing in the closure  200  of any substances flowing through the first and second outlets  181 ,  182  into the first and second cavities of the closure  200 . 
     During assembly of the multi-chamber container  1 , the first and second tubes  130 ,  140  are inserted into the respective first and second orifices  114 ,  124 , the first and second members  150 ,  160  are inserted into the internal cavities of the respective first and second tubes  130 ,  140 , the first and second vessels  110 ,  120  are brought into contact with each other, and their respective first small ends  111 ,  121  and orifices  114 ,  124  are inserted into a receiving hole  174  formed in a first side of the frame  170 . The respective first small ends  111 ,  121  of the first and second vessels  110 ,  120  are then fixed to the frame  170 , such as by adherence using adhesive or by sonic welding the frame  170  to the first and second vessels  110 ,  120 . The third vessel  180  then is resiliently connected to the frame  170  by the biasing device (not shown), and the closure  200  is mounted to the third vessel  180 . Accordingly, in the assembled container  1 , the first and second storage chambers  113 ,  123  are disposed in parallel between the end face  126  and each of the frame  170 , the third vessel  180  and the closure  200 . 
     In the variation in which the first and second storage chambers  113 ,  123  are respective chambers in a single, unitary vessel, each of the frame  170  and the third vessel  180  and may be non-unitary with the single, unitary vessel, and may be connected to the single, unitary vessel during assembly of the container  1 . 
     Overall, the container  1  is elongate with a longitudinal axis A-A that extends through the end face  126  and through each of the frame  170 , third vessel  180 , and closure  200 . The end  125  and the closure  200  are disposed at, and define, respective first and second longitudinal ends of the container  1 , when the closure  200  is at the closed position. In this embodiment, the longitudinal axis A-A is orthogonal to the end face  126 . Further, the container  1  has an hourglass shape, which enables a user to take a firm hold of the container  1  during transport and use. In this embodiment, the hourglass shape is achieved by the first and second vessels  110 ,  120  together defining a waist  127  of the body  100  of the container  1 , which waist  127  has a smaller lateral cross sectional area than each of the end  125  and the third vessel  180 . 
     As discussed above, the first and second members  150 ,  160  are movably disposed in the first and second tubes  130 ,  140 . The first and second members  150 ,  160  are movable to seal and open the first and second inlets and the first and second outlets  181 ,  182 . 
     More specifically, the first member  150  is movable between (a) an inactive state or position (see  FIG. 3 ), at which the stopper  152  of the first member  150  seals the first through-hole  171  of the first inlet to isolate the first storage chamber  113  from the first outlet zone  183 , and at which the first outlet  181  is open so that the first outlet zone  183  is in fluid communication with a downstream side (in the mixing chamber  204  of the closure  200 ) of the first outlet  181 , and (b) an active state or position (see  FIG. 4 ), at which the plug  151  of the first member  150  seals the first outlet  181  to isolate the first outlet zone  183  from the downstream side of the first outlet  181 , and at which the first inlet is open so that the first storage chamber  113  is in fluid communication with the first outlet zone  183 . Similarly, the second member  160  is movable between (a) an inactive state or position (see  FIG. 3 ), at which the stopper  162  of the second member  160  seals the second through-hole  172  of the second inlet to isolate the second storage chamber  123  from the second outlet zone  185 , and at which the second outlet  182  is open so that the second outlet zone  185  is in fluid communication with a downstream side (in the mixing chamber  204  of the closure  200 ) of the second outlet  182 , and (b) an active state or position (see  FIG. 4 ), at which the plug  161  of the second member  160  seals the second outlet  182  to isolate the second outlet zone  185  from the downstream side of the second outlet  182 , and at which the first inlet is open so that the second storage chamber  123  is in fluid communication with the second outlet zone  185 . The first and second members  150 ,  160  are biased to their respective inactive states by a, or respective, resilient apparatuses (not shown) of the container  1 . When the first and second members  150 ,  160  are in their respective inactive states, the internal cavities of the first and second tubes  130 ,  140 , on the opposite side of the respective stoppers  152 ,  162  to the first and second through-holes  171 ,  172 , are in fluid communication with the respective storage chambers  113 ,  123  via the radially-extending holes  136 ,  146  in the circumferential sides of the tubes  130 ,  140 . 
     Moreover, in this embodiment, the first member  150  is movable to a semi-active state or position, at which the stopper  152  of the first member  150  seals the first inlet to isolate the first storage chamber  113  from the first outlet zone  183 , and at which the plug  151  of the first member  150  seals the first outlet  181  to isolate the first outlet zone  183  from the downstream side of the first outlet  181 . Similarly, the second member  160  is movable to a semi-active state or position, at which the stopper  162  of the second member  160  seals the second inlet to isolate the second storage chamber  123  from the second outlet zone  185 , and at which the plug  161  of the second member  160  seals the second outlet  182  to isolate the second outlet zone  185  from the downstream side of the second outlet  182 . 
     The first and second members  150 ,  160  are movable between their respective inactive and active states or positions via their respective semi-active states or positions. More specifically, movement of the third vessel  180 , relative to the first and second storage chambers  113 ,  123  and against the biasing force of the biasing device (not shown), between the first position and the second position causes the first and second members  150 ,  160  to move between their respective inactive and active states or positions via their respective semi-active states or positions. When the third vessel  180  is at the first position, the first and second members  150 ,  160  are at their respective inactive positions and, when the third vessel  180  is at the second position, the first and second members  150 ,  160  are at their respective active positions. Movement of the third vessel  180 , relative to the first and second storage chambers  113 ,  123  and against the biasing force of the biasing device (not shown), from the first position to the second position causes the first and second members  150 ,  160  to move from their respective inactive states to their respective active states via their respective semi-active states. Since the closure  200  is mounted on the third vessel  180 , movement of the third vessel  180  between the first position and the second position causes movement of the closure  200  relative to the first and second storage chambers  113 ,  123 . 
     When the first and second members  150 ,  160  are in their respective inactive states, the first and second members  150 ,  160  are out of contact with the third vessel  180 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . However, movement of the third vessel  180  from the first position to the second position causes the third vessel  180  to come into contact with the first and second members  150 ,  160 . The third vessel  180  is movable relative to the first and second members  150 ,  160  to cause the first and second members  150 ,  160  to move between their respective inactive states and their respective semi-active states. More specifically, this movement causes the plugs  151 ,  161  of the first and second members  150 ,  160  to contact the third vessel  180  around the first and second outlets  181 ,  182  in order to seal the first and second outlets  181 ,  182 . Accordingly, movement of the first and second members  150 ,  160  between their respective inactive states and their respective semi-active states comprises movement of the first and second members  150 ,  160  relative to the third vessel  180 . However, the first and second members  150 ,  160  move between their respective inactive states and their respective semi-active states without moving relative to the first and second storage chambers  113 ,  123 . 
     The third vessel  180  also is movable together with the first and second members  150 ,  160  relative to the first and second storage chambers  113 ,  123  to cause the first and second members  150 , 160  to move between their respective semi-active states and their respective active states. More specifically, this movement causes the stoppers  152 ,  162  of the first and second members  150 ,  160  to unseal the first and second through-holes  171 ,  172  to unseal the first and second inlets. As the first and second members  150 ,  160  are moved from their respective semi-active states to their respective active states, the first ends  154 ,  164  of the first and second members  150 ,  160  move through the first axial end holes  134 ,  144  of the first and second tubes  130 ,  140  into the first and second storage chambers  113 ,  123 . 
     The first and second members  150 ,  160  thus are movable between their respective semi-active states and their respective active states without moving relative to the third vessel  180 , but movement of the first and second members  150 ,  160  between their respective semi-active states and their respective active states comprises movement of the first and second members  150 ,  160  relative to the first and second storage chambers  113 ,  123 . 
     It is possible to dispense the first and second flowable substances from the container  1  with the closure  200  at the open position. However, when a user wishes to dispense the first and second flowable substances from the container  1 , preferably they ensure that the closure  200  is mounted to the third vessel  180  in its closed position and that the container  1  is disposed with the closure  200  lowermost. For example, the container  1  may be stood on a surface via its planar face  206 . In any event, the container  1  should be held with the third vessel  180  below the first and second storage chambers  113 ,  123 . The first and second members  150 ,  160  are biased to their respective inactive states and the third vessel  180  is biased to its first position so, prior to the dispensing taking place, the container  1  is in the state shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  with the first and second inlets sealed by the stoppers  152 ,  162  of the first and second members  150 ,  160 , which are in their inactive states. 
     The user then applies a force to the body  100  with a component in the direction of the longitudinal axis A-A from the first longitudinal end  125  towards the third vessel  180 . For example, the user may press down on the planar end face  126 . This causes the storage chambers  113 ,  123 , the frame  170  and the first and second members  150 ,  160  to move towards the third vessel  180  against the biasing force of the biasing device (not shown), which in turn causes the plugs  151 ,  161  of the first and second members  150 ,  160  to come into contact with the third vessel  180  and seal the first and second outlets  181 ,  182 . The stoppers  152 ,  162  continue to seal the first and second inlets. The first and second members  150 ,  160  are thus in their semi-active states. 
     By the user continuing the application of the force, or by applying a greater force in the same direction, the storage chambers  113 ,  123  and the frame  170  continue to move towards the third vessel  180  until the third vessel  180  reaches the second position relative to the storage chambers  113 ,  123 . However, since the first and second members  150 ,  160  are in contact with the third vessel  180 , the first and second members  150 ,  160  do not move further relative to the third vessel  180 . Rather, the storage chambers  113 ,  123  and the frame  170  move relative to the first and second members  150 ,  160 , against the biasing force of the resilient apparatus(es) (not shown), which in turn causes the stoppers  152 ,  162  of the first and second members  150 ,  160  to unseal the first and second through-holes  171 ,  172 , i.e. to unseal or open the first and second inlets. The plugs  151 ,  161  continue to seal the first and second outlets  181 ,  182 . The first and second members  150 ,  160  are thus in their active states, as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     With the first and second members  150 ,  160  in their respective active states, the first and second flowable substances in the respective storage chambers  113 ,  123  are free to flow into the respective first and second outlet zones  183 ,  185  via the first and second inlets. However, since the first and second outlets  181 ,  182  are sealed, only respective predetermined volumes (corresponding to the respective volumes of the first and second outlet zones  183 ,  185  when the third vessel  180  is at its second position) of the first and second flowable substances are containable in the first and second outlet zones  183 ,  185 . In this embodiment, the predetermined volumes are equal to each other. That is, the respective volumes of the first and second outlet zones  183 ,  185  when the third vessel  180  is at its second position may be equal to each other. In other embodiments, the predetermined volumes are unequal to each other and the respective volumes of the first and second outlet zones  183 ,  185  when the third vessel  180  is at its second position are unequal to each other. 
     When these predetermined volumes of the first and second flowable substances are present in the first and second outlet zones  183 ,  185 , the user may reduce or remove the applied force. Under the biasing forces of the biasing device and the biasing apparatus(es), the third vessel  180  moves from its second position to its original first position, and the first and second members  150 ,  160  move from their respective active positions to their respective inactive positions. During these movements, the stoppers  152 ,  162  seal the first and second inlets prior to the plugs  151 ,  161  unsealing the first and second outlets  181 ,  182 , when the first and second members  150 ,  160  reach their respective semi-active positions. Therefore, with the first and second members  150 ,  160  in their respective semi-active positions, the predetermined volumes of the first and second flowable substances are isolated from each other (by the separator  127 ), from the storage chambers  113 ,  123  (by the stoppers  152 ,  162 ) and from the mixing chamber  204  (by the plugs  151 ,  161 ). 
     As the third vessel  180  reaches its first position and the first and second members  150 ,  160  reach their respective inactive positions, the plugs  151 ,  161  unseal the first and second outlets  181 ,  182 . This permits the predetermined volumes of the first and second flowable substances to flow through the respective first and second outlets  181 ,  182  into the mixing chamber  204  of the closure  200 , where they are then able to mix. 
     The user then carefully removes the closure  200  from the third vessel  180 , brings the rim  208  of the closure  200  to their lips, and pours the mixed first and second flowable substances into their mouth. 
     Since the first and second flowable substances are kept isolated from each other in the body  100 , mixing of the first and second flowable substances in the body  100  is prevented and contamination of the first inlet, first storage chamber  113  and first outlet zone  183  with the second flowable substance is avoided. Similarly, contamination of the second inlet, second storage chamber  123  and second outlet zone  185  with the first flowable substance is avoided. 
     In the variation to the described embodiment in which the closure  200  comprises a first cavity, a second cavity, and a divider isolating the first cavity from the second cavity, mixing of the first and second flowable substances in the whole container  1  is preventable. The user could bring the rim  208  of the closure  200  to their lips and pour the unmixed first and second flowable substances into their mouth as separate flows. 
     While the invention has been described with respect to specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above described systems and techniques. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims.