WO2014173933A1

WO2014173933A1 - Multiple compartment container

Info

Publication number: WO2014173933A1
Application number: PCT/EP2014/058203
Authority: WO
Inventors: Willem Frans Broekaert; Olivier LESCROART; Charles Claes
Original assignee: B TEK bvba; B-TEK bvba
Current assignee: B TEK bvba; B-TEK bvba
Priority date: 2013-04-23
Filing date: 2014-04-23
Publication date: 2014-10-30
Anticipated expiration: 2015-10-23
Also published as: GB201307339D0

Abstract

The present invention relates to a container suitable for the separate packaging and storage of at least two components, which need to be combined in the preparation of a ready-to-use product, such as a ready-to-eat food product. The container of the present invention is further designed to facilitate the mixing of said components at the moment the preparation of the ready-to-use product is desired.

Description

MULTIPLE COMPARTMENT CONTAINER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Upon serving, many food products comprise a liquid or colloidal liquid phase wherein solid particulate matter is mixed or suspended. In the preparation of such foods, the particulate solids are added to the liquid or colloidal liquid phase shortly before or at the moment of serving. In many cases it is impossible to maintain the desired organoleptic and texture properties of these foods when the solid and fluid component are mixed prior to prolonged storage. For instance, when breakfast cereals are combined with milk a substantial period of time before serving, their texture and mouthfeel become unpleasant. In consequence, the respective components of such foods are typically separately packaged and distributed and it is left to the consumer to combine them as part of the preparation of a meal. On the other hand, there is a growing demand for tasteful, convenient food products suitable for on-the-go consumption. From the above it is clear that for certain food products this requires dedicated packaging, allowing the separate storage and distribution of two components of a food product in a single package until the moment of consumption. This led to a continued interest of the food and packaging industry in the design and manufacture of containers that provide for the separate storage of two or more components of a food product, while allowing an easy mixing of these components just prior to the consumption of the food. When these containers are used in an on-the-go context, it is an additional advantage that such containers are conceived to permit the consumption of the food while holding the container with a single hand and with a minimal risk of spilling, even when the consumer performs other activities such as walking, running, travelling, cycling, or driving.

Furthermore, containers designed for on-the-go consumption are preferably disposable. Moreover, the implementation of the industrial production of such containers requires that their manufacture relies as much as possible on procedures and components that are standard in the food, beverage and packaging industries, thus lowering the cost and complexity of production. US5676244, FR2831140, US7147888, FR2670750, US6042858, FR2864522, GB2448817, KR100864782, US6089375, US2006/191805, and US2011/0272379 disclose containers, which are divided in at least two compartments by a divider that can be ruptured or removed by pulling a pulling structure, where after the respective contents of said compartments can be mixed. In the case of FR2831140, FR2670750, and GB2448817, the divider that separates the contents of the two compartments has to be pulled out of the container, increasing the risk of spilling. For US5676244, US7147888, and US2006/191805, mixing of the contents occurs only in one of both compartments, which requires that the volume of this compartment is sufficiently large for containing the combined contents of both compartments, thus disadvantageously increasing the total volume of the container. Moreover, the combined content cannot be mixed by simple shaking of the containers of US5676244 and US7147888, as such mixing would result in the regurgitation of part of the combined contents into one of said compartments, which is not suitable for evacuating the combined contents from the container. The containers disclosed in FR2831140, FR2670750, US6042858, FR2864522, and KR100864782, have the disadvantage that the container has to be opened before the divider can be removed, and therefore mixing of the combined contents by shaking is not possible without reclosing the container. Furthermore, the manufacture, assembly and filling of the containers disclosed in FR2831140, US7147888, FR2670750, US6042858, FR2864522, GB2448817, KR100864782, US6089375, US2006/191805, and US2011/0272379 requires sealing techniques and/or mounting techniques that are not customary to the food and beverage packaging industry. In the case of US6042858 and FR2864522, mounting of the divider is complicated by the fact that an elongated pull tab of said divider has to be held at a position whereby it extends over the top edge of the container during the mounting of said divider on the interior surface of the side walls of the container, where after a discrete fastener or clip, that is not customary to the food and beverage packaging industry, has to be mounted onto the container to hold the elongated pull tab in the desired position. During the mounting of the divider on the interior surface of the side walls of the containers of US6089375, US2006/191805, and US2011/0272379, the elongated pull tab of said divider has to be passed through a narrow aperture in the circumferential wall (US6089375, and US2011/0272379) or in the top closure means (US2006/191805), which is a complicated and delicate operation. In the case of US7147888, the mounting is complicated by the fact that a bladder with a special sealing assembly has to be positioned such that it pends through an aperture in the divider. Moreover, the compressible side walls of the containers disclosed in US7147888, enabling the transfer of the liquid content out of one of the two compartments by manual compression of this compartment, are also not customary to the food and beverage packaging industry. US7063229 and US6264068 describe two-compartment containers, wherein one compartment contains a dry particulate material and the other a liquid, and wherein each compartment has a closable opening at the top of the container. Through these openings a consumer can either pour simultaneously (in the case of US7063229) or separately (in the case of US6264068) the respective contents of said compartments out of the container. In consequence, the contents of the compartments cannot be mixed within the container but either in a separate container or in the mouth of the consumer.

WO200053507, US7740134, US7055685 US7850072, and WO2010057452 describe multicompartment containers whereby the separation between the compartments can be partially ruptured by a rupturing means. Disadvantageously, however, the rupturing means is conceived such that, after its actuation, the very own structure of the rupturing means or components thereof hampers the flow of contents from one compartment to the other. Therefore, containers according to WO200053507, US7740134, US7055685 US7850072, and WO2010057452 are not suitable for mixing and consuming single handed a mixture of the contents of the two compartments, in particular in case one of the two compartments comprises particulate solid material. In addition, for these containers there is an inherent risk of inadvertent rupture of the intercompartment membrane through the piercing means, by exerting inadvertently pressure on the top of the containers, such as during transport of the containers.

US5514394, EP1710169, and DE29907740 describe two-compartment containers separated by an intercompartment membrane that can be ruptured by exerting pressure on the top compartment of the container. For these containers there is an inherent risk of undesired rupture of the intercompartment membrane as a result of an inadvertent pressure on the top compartment of the containers, such as during transport of the containers. Moreover, any pressure on the blister may result in the crushing or otherwise damaging of its content.

US6105760 discloses a two-compartment container comprising a cap with a piercing means mounted above a blister, which provides a first compartment, whereby said blister is fixed to a piercable membrane above the lower compartment of said container. Disadvantageously, the cap of US6105760 situated above the blister has two circumferential walls going from top to bottom of the upper compartment, which requires a significant amount of plastic material, in particular when the dimensions of the upper compartment are considerably larger than those of a traditional bottle cap.

WO2003050033, WO200108996, US7337921, WO2011030173 and US2008/0314775 describe a two- compartment bottle, which allows single-handed on-the-go consumption of its contents. Said bottle comprises an upper compartment and a lower compartment, said compartments being separated by an intercompartment membrane, which can be partially pierced by a piercing means upon movement of a part of the upper compartment. Disadvantageously, in the case of WO2003050033, WO200108996, and US7337921, the upper compartment comprises either two (in the case of WO200108996 and US7337921) or three (in the case of WO2003050033) circumferential walls going from top to bottom of the upper compartment, which requires a significant amount of plastic material, in particular when the dimensions of the upper compartment are considerably larger than those of a traditional bottle cap. Moreover, for the containers according to either WO2003050033, WO200108996, US7337921, WO2011030173 or US2008/0314775, at least 3 discrete members, excluding the cap and intercompartment membrane, have to be mounted in order to constitute the container. Such high number of discrete members disadvantageously increases the cost of production and assembly of the container, in particular when the discrete members cannot be stacked on one another with a limited nesting height. In addition, for these containers there is an inherent risk of inadvertent rupture of the intercompartment membrane through the piercing means, by exerting inadvertently pressure on the top of the containers, such as during transport of the containers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a container suitable for the packaging and storage in separate compartments of at least two products, which need to be combined to prepare a ready-to-use product, such as a ready-to-eat food product. When the preparation of the ready-to-use product is desired, the container of the present invention allows to easily combine the contents of said compartments and to evacuate the combined products from the container through a closable opening without dislodging any one of the compartments from one another. In case the container is used to package and store components of a ready-to-eat food product, it is preferred that the design of the container allows for the practical consumption of the prepared ready-to-eat food directly from the container, preferably without the use of separate utensils such as spoons.

More particularly, the present invention provides a container, comprising a first compartment for keeping a first content, and a second compartment for keeping a second content, whereby said second compartment is connected to said first compartment. The enclosure of said container is provided by a discrete upper member mounted on a discrete lower member, wherein each of said mounted discrete members provides a part of the circumferential section of the enclosure, while the mounted upper discrete member provides the top section of the enclosure and the mounted lower discrete member provides the bottom section of the enclosure. Either or both of said mounted discrete members comprise one or more closure means for the closing of one or more closable openings within said enclosure. The container further comprises an intercompartment membrane of which the peripheral borders can engage the interior side of the circumferential section of the enclosure of the container along a segment referred to as the circumferential rim, whereby said intercompartment membrane separates the first and second compartment. The container further comprises a string that is at one end connected to a segment of the intercompartment membrane, said segment being referred to as the membrane-string connection segment. Said membrane-string connection segment is preferably situated at a peripheral edge of the intercompartment membrane. Furthermore, said membrane-string connection segment can engage a segment of the circumferential rim, this rim segment being referred to as the rim-string connection segment. Part of said string preferably passes through a string passageway in the circumferential section of the enclosure, such that the other end of the string, referred to as the loose string end, is positioned on the outer side of said circumferential section of the enclosure of the container. Said string passageway is formed upon mounting of the discrete upper member on the discrete lower member such that said upper member provides the upper surface of said string passageway and said lower member provides the lower surface of said string passageway. The string passageway is preferably located in the transverse dimension on about the opposite side, more preferably on the opposite side, relative to the rim-string connection segment. By pulling the loose string end away from the string passageway, the string can be moved between a first position wherein the intercompartment membrane fully engages, through its peripheral border, the circumferential rim, and a second position wherein the intercompartment membrane is partially disengaged from the circumferential rim such that the first content of said first compartment can be mixed with the second content of said second compartment within the interior space provided by the combined compartments. Such disengagement of the intercompartment membrane from the circumferential rim can result from, for instance but not limited to, the detachment of part of the intercompartment membrane from the circumferential rim or from the tearing of the intercompartment membrane along frangible fracture lines located internally along at least a segment of the peripheral border of said intercompartment membrane. Preferably, the container is designed such that after said at least partial disengagement of the intercompartment membrane from the circumferential rim, said first and second content can be mixed within the interior space provided by the combined first and second compartments by for instance shaking of the container. It is an advantage of the container of the present invention that the combining and mixing of said first and second contents requires no additional operations following the disengagement of at least part of the intercompartment membrane by pulling the loose string end away from the string passageway. Preferably, the container is designed such that, upon partial disengagement of the intercompartment membrane from the circumferential rim caused by pulling the loose string end away from the string passageway, substantially all of the combined first and second content can be evacuated without the of use any utensils by pouring it through an opened closable opening. Preferably the design of the container is such that, after pulling the loose string end away from the string passageway to move the string such that the intercompartment membrane is at least partially disengaged, a user wishing to evacuate the combined content of the container through said closable opening, is incited to tilt the container such that the partially disengaged intercompartment membrane only minimally interferes with the flow of said combined content. This can for instance be achieved through the design of said container inciting the user, when evacuating the combined content of the container through said closable opening, to tilt the container such that the midpoint of the rim-string connection segment is situated below the horizontal plane going through the centroid of the intercompartment membrane in its state before membrane disengagement. Thereto the design of said container incites the user, when evacuating the combined content of the container through said closable opening, to tilt the container such that the midpoint of the membrane-string connection segment at its position before membrane disengagement is situated below the horizontal plane going through the centroid of the intercompartment membrane in its state before membrane disengagement.

The container of the present invention preferably comprises a string blocking means that, unless moved or removed, either substantially prevents the transfer of a pulling force exerted on the loose string end to the membrane-string connection segment or substantially prevents access to the loose string end. Such string blocking means may also serve to visually detect tampering of the container.

The container of the present invention preferably comprises a string guidance means that is statically connected to or is an integral part of the circumferential section of the enclosure of the container, wherein said string guidance means makes contact with the string through a zone referred to as the string contact zone. The surface of the string contact zone is preferably convex at the side that is in contact with the string. The string guidance means is provided by either the upper or lower surface of the string passageway, or is provided by a structure positioned internally relative to the string passageway. In case the string guidance means is positioned internally relative to the string passageway, it is preferably positioned, in the transverse dimension, at about the same side, more preferably at the same side, of the container as the string passageway. When pulling the loose string end away from the string passageway, the string guidance means functionally acts as a pulley to guide the movement of the membrane-string connection segment such that the membrane-string connection segment is moved along the plane of the intercompartment membrane in the direction towards the centroid of the string passageway. It is preferred that the container according to this invention further comprises a sealing structure for minimizing the risk or preventing the leakage from or entering of fluids into the container through the string passageway, wherein said sealing structure allows for said movement of the string through said string passageway. Preferably, said sealing structure is a flexible structure. Preferably, said sealing structure is a flexible structure that can flex outwardly when an outward pointing force is applied to it.

Further embodiments of the present invention are described in claims 1 to 38. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1: Panel A: Schematic representation of the side view of the longitudinal cross-section through the string passageway (23) of the container, in its assembled membrane-engaged state, whereby the string (12) and the string passageway (23) are located above the plane of the intercompartment membrane (8). The upper member is indicated in light grey, the lower member in dark grey. Panel B: Schematic representation of the top view of the transverse cross-section through plane a-a of the container shown in Panel A.

Figure 2: Panel A: Schematic representation of the side view of the longitudinal cross-section through the string passageway (23) of the container, in its assembled membrane-engaged state, whereby the string (12) and the string passageway (23) are located below the plane of the intercompartment membrane (8). The upper member is indicated in light grey, the lower member in dark grey. Panel B: Schematic representation of the top view of the transverse cross-section through plane a-a of the container shown in Panel A.

Figure 3: Schematic representation of the longitudinal cross-sectional side view of the container, in its assembled membrane-engaged state, comprising an upper member (71) and lower member (72), whereby the intercompartment membrane (8) engages the lower member (72), whereby the part of the string (12) within the interior space of the container is located above the plane of the intercompartment membrane (8), whereby the string guidance means (17) is part of the lower member (72), and whereby the string (12) overlies the string guidance means (17). The upper member (71) is indicated in light grey, the lower member (72) in dark grey.

Figure 4: Schematic representation of the longitudinal cross-sectional side view of the container, in its assembled membrane-engaged state, comprising an upper member (71) and lower member (72), whereby the intercompartment membrane (8) engages the lower member (72), whereby the part of the string (12) within the interior space of the container is located above the plane of the intercompartment membrane (8), whereby the string guidance means (17) is part of the upper member (71), and whereby the string (12) underlies the string guidance means (17). The upper member (71) is indicated in light grey, the lower member (72) in dark grey.

Figure 5: Panel A: Schematic representation of the longitudinal cross-sectional side view of the container, in its assembled membrane-engaged state, comprising an upper member (71) and lower member (72), whereby the intercompartment membrane (8) engages the upper member (71), whereby the part of the string (12) within the interior space of the container is located below the plane of the intercompartment membrane (8), whereby the string guidance means (17) is part of the lower member (72), and whereby the string (12) overlies the string guidance means (17). Panel B: Schematic representation of the longitudinal cross-sectional side view of the container, in its assembled membrane-engaged state, comprising an upper member (71) and lower member (72), whereby the intercompartment membrane (8) engages the upper member (71), whereby the part of the string (12) within the interior space of the container is located below the plane of the intercompartment membrane (8), whereby the string guidance means (17) is part of the upper member (71), and whereby the string (12) underlies the string guidance means (17). The upper member (71) is indicated in light grey, the lower member (72) in dark grey. The dash-dotted arrow indicates the longitudinal vectorial component of the movement of the loose string end (13) during partial disengagement of the intercompartment membrane (8). re 6: Schematic representation of the longitudinal cross-sectional side view of the container, in its assembled membrane-engaged state, comprising an upper member (71) and lower member (72) and comprising two intercompartment membranes (8), whereby one of the two intercompartment membranes (8) engages the upper member (71) and the other engages the lower member (72), whereby the string guidance means (17) is part of the lower member (72), and whereby the strings (12) overlie the string guidance means (17). The upper member (71) is indicated in light grey, the lower member (72) in dark grey. re 7: Schematic representation of intercompartment membranes (8) with different geometries, which constitute an integral part with a string (12) in the form of an elongated pull tab. Panels

A, E, I: top view of the intercompartment membrane before folding of the string (12). Panels

B, F, J: top view of the intercompartment membrane after folding over the string (12) at the membrane-string connection segment (14). Panels C, G, K: top view of the intercompartment membrane after adhering it to the circumferential rim (11) of the lower member (72). Panels D, H, L: top view of the intercompartment membrane after adhering it to the circumferential rim (11) of the lower member (72) and after moving the loose string end (13) to partially disengage the peripheral borders of the intercompartment membrane (8) from the circumferential rim (11). The dash-dotted arrow indicates the movement of the loose string end (13) during partial disengagement of the intercompartment membrane (8). re 8: Schematic representation of an intercompartment membrane (8) which constitutes an integral part with a string (12) in the form of an elongated pull tab, whereby the intercompartment membrane (8) comprises frangible fracture lines (21). Panel A: top view of the intercompartment membrane before folding of the string (12). Panel B: top view of the intercompartment membrane after folding over the string (12) at the membrane-string connection segment (14). Panel C: top view of the intercompartment membrane after adhering it to the circumferential rim (11) of the lower member (72). Panel D: top view of the intercompartment membrane after adhering it to the circumferential rim (11) of the lower member (72) and after moving the loose string end (13) to partially disengage the peripheral borders of the intercompartment membrane (8) from the circumferential rim (11) through tearing of the frangible fracture lines (21). The dash-dotted arrow indicates the movement of the loose string end (13) during partial disengagement of the intercompartment membrane (8).

Figure 9: Detailed side view of the longitudinal cross-section through the string passageway (23) at the junction between the bottom end of the upper member (71) and the upper end of the lower member (72), with different configurations of the string guidance means (17) and sealing structure (19). Parts of the upper member (71) are indicated in light grey, parts of the lower member (72) are indicated in dark grey.

Figure 10: Detailed side view of the longitudinal cross-section through the string passageway (23) at the junction between the bottom end of the upper member (71) and the upper end of the lower member (72), before (panel A) and during (panel B) the exertion of a pulling force with a longitudinal vectorial component on the loose string end (13). The dash-dotted arrow indicates the longitudinal vectorial component of the movement of the loose string end (13) during partial disengagement of the intercompartment membrane (8). Parts of the upper member (71) are indicated in light grey, parts of the lower member (72) are indicated in dark grey.

Figure 11: Perspective view (panel A) and top view (panel B) of a container whereby the neck region of the upper compartment has an eccentric position with respect to the centroid (f) of the intercompartment membrane (8) in its state before membrane disengagement. Parts of the container that are not relevant for the illustrative purpose of this figure are omitted for sake of clarity and compactness of the drawing.

Figure 12: Perspective view (panel A) and top view (panel B) of a container whereby the centroid (j) of the closable opening (60) of the upper compartment has an eccentric position with respect to the centroid (f) of the intercompartment membrane (8) in its state before membrane disengagement, through a partial cover (61) at the top side of the neck region of the upper compartment. Parts of the container that are not relevant for the illustrative purpose of this figure are omitted for sake of clarity and compactness of the drawing.

Figure 13: Perspective view (panel A) and top view (panel B) of a container whereby a peelable sealing membrane (63) with pull tab (65) forms the closure means for the closable opening (60). Parts of the container that are not relevant for the illustrative purpose of this figure are omitted for sake of clarity and compactness of the drawing.

Figure 14: Perspective view (panel A) and top view (panel B) of a container whereby a closable lid (64) with a pull tab (65) and a hinge (66) forms the closure means for the closable opening (60). Parts of the container that are not relevant for the illustrative purpose of this figure are omitted for sake of clarity and compactness of the drawing.

Figure 15: Perspective view (panel A) and top view (panel B) of a container with an instruction (67) to indicate the appropriate side for drinking from the closable opening (60). Parts of the container that are not relevant for the illustrative purpose of this figure are omitted for sake of clarity and compactness of the drawing.

Figure 16: Perspective view (panel A) and top view (panel B) of a container with a structure (68) to disincentivize the consumer to drink from the non-appropriate side of the closable opening (60). Parts of the container that are not relevant for the illustrative purpose of this figure are omitted for sake of clarity and compactness of the drawing. re 17: Perspective views (panels A and B) and longitudinal cross-sectional side views (panels C and D) of the upper member (panels A and C) and lower member (panels B and D) of the container according to a particular embodiment of the invention. re 18: Perspective views (panels A and B) and side views of the longitudinal cross-section through the string passageway (panels C and D) of the container assembled from the members shown in Figure 17. Views are shown before (panels A and C) and after (panels B and D) partial detachment of the string blocking means (30). The double waved line marks interruption of the representation of the circumferential walls for the sake of compactness of the drawing. Parts of the container that are not relevant for the illustrative purpose of this figure are omitted for sake of clarity and compactness of the drawing. re 19: Schematic perspective view of the members of the container during assembly and filling. Panel A: the lower member (72) is pulled out of a stack of lower members. Panel B: the lower compartment (3) within the lower member (72) is filled with a second content. Panel C: the intercompartment membrane (8) with the string (12) folded over the membrane-string connection segment (14), is taken from a stack of pre-folded intercompartment membranes and is positioned on the circumferential rim (11) of the lower member (72), while the loose string end (13) extends outwards from the top circumferential edge of the lower member (72). Panel D: the intercompartment membrane (8) engages the circumferential rim (11) by using sealing means, such as induction welding. Panel E: the upper member (71) is pulled out of a stack of upper members and mounted on the filled and sealed lower member (72) (Panel F). Panel G: the upper compartment (2) is filled with a first content. Panel H: the peelable sealing membrane (63) is taken from a stack of peelable sealing membranes and is sealed onto the closable opening (60) at the top of the upper member (71). re 20: Schematic perspective view of the members of the container during assembly and filling. Panel A: the lower member (72) is pulled out of a stack of lower members. Panel B: the lower compartment (3) within the lower member (72) is filled with a second content. Panel C: the intercompartment membrane (8) with the non-folded string (12) is taken from a stack of intercompartment membranes, is positioned on the circumferential rim (11) of the lower member (72), and engages the circumferential rim (11) by using sealing means, such as induction welding. Panel D: the string (12) folded over the membrane-string connection segment (14) such that the loose string end (13) extends outwards from the top circumferential edge of the lower member (72). Panel E: the upper member (71) is pulled out of a stack of upper members by the filled and sealed lower member, whereby the upper member (71) is mounted on the lower member (72) (Panel F). Panel G: the upper compartment (2) is filled with a first content. Panel H: the peelable sealing membrane (63) is taken from a stack of peelable sealing membrane and is sealed onto the closable opening (60) at the top of the upper member (71). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention will now be explained in greater detail with reference to the appended drawings.

In general and with reference to Figures 1 and 2, the present invention relates to a container, comprising a first compartment (2) for keeping a first content, and a second compartment (3) for keeping a second content, whereby said second compartment (3) is connected to said first compartment (2). The enclosure of said container is provided by a discrete upper member mounted on a discrete lower member, wherein each of said mounted discrete members provides a part of the circumferential section (4) of the enclosure, while the mounted upper discrete member provides the top section of the enclosure and the mounted lower discrete member provides the bottom section (7) of the enclosure. Either or both of said mounted discrete members comprise one or more closure means for the closing of one or more closable openings (60) within said enclosure. The container further comprises an intercompartment membrane (8) of which the peripheral borders engage the interior side of the circumferential section (4) of the enclosure of the container along a segment referred to as the circumferential rim (11), whereby said intercompartment membrane (8) separates the first (2) and second compartment (3). The container further comprises a string (12) that is at one end connected to a segment of the intercompartment membrane, said segment being referred to as the membrane-string connection segment (14). Said membrane-string connection segment (14) is preferably situated at a peripheral edge of the intercompartment membrane (8). Furthermore, said membrane-string connection segment (14) engages a segment of the circumferential rim (11), this rim segment being referred to as the rim-string connection segment (15). Part of said string (12) preferably passes through a string passageway (23) in the circumferential section (4) of the enclosure, such that the other end of the string, referred to as the loose string end (13), is positioned on the outer side of said circumferential section (4) of the enclosure of the container. Said string passageway (23) is formed upon mounting of the discrete upper member on the discrete lower member such that said upper member provides the upper surface of said string passageway and said lower member provides the lower surface of said string passageway. The string passageway (23) is preferably located in the transverse dimension on about the opposite side, preferably on the opposite side, relative to the rim-string connection segment (15). By pulling the loose string end (13) away from the string passageway (23), the string (12) can be moved between a first position wherein the intercompartment membrane (8) fully engages, through its peripheral border, the circumferential rim (11), and a second position wherein the intercompartment membrane (8) is partially disengaged from the circumferential rim (11) such that the first content of said first compartment (2) can be mixed with the second content of said second compartment (3) within the interior space provided by the combined compartments ((2) and (3)). Such disengagement of the intercompartment membrane (8) from the circumferential rim (11) can result from, for instance but not limited to, the detachment of part of the intercompartment membrane (8) from the circumferential rim (11) or from the tearing of the intercompartment membrane (12) along frangible fracture lines (21) located internally along at least a segment of the peripheral edges of said intercompartment membrane. Preferably, the container is designed such that after said at least partial disengagement of the intercompartment membrane (8) from the circumferential rim (11), said first and second content can be mixed within the interior space provided by the combined first and second compartments ((2) and (3)) by for instance shaking of the container. It is an advantage of the container of the present invention that the combining and mixing of said first and second contents requires no additional operations following the disengagement of at least part of the intercompartment membrane (8) by pulling the loose string end (13) away from the string passageway (23) and following the shaking. Preferably, the container is designed such that, upon partial disengagement of the intercompartment membrane (8) from the circumferential rim (11) caused by pulling the loose string end (13) away from the string passageway (23), substantially all of the combined first and second content can be evacuated without the of use any utensils by pouring it through an opened closable opening (60). Preferably the design of the container is such that, after pulling the loose string end (13) away from the string passageway (23) to move the string (12) such that the intercompartment membrane (8) is at least partially disengaged, a user wishing to evacuate the combined content of the container through said closable opening, is incited to tilt the container such that the partially disengaged intercompartment membrane only minimally interferes with the flow of said combined content. This can for instance be achieved through the design of said container inciting the user, when evacuating the combined content of the container through said closable opening, to tilt the container such that the midpoint (b) of the rim-string connection segment (15) is situated below the horizontal plane going through the centroid (f) of the intercompartment membrane (8) in its state before membrane disengagement. Thereto the design of said container incites the user, when evacuating the combined content of the container through said closable opening, to tilt the container such that the midpoint (g) of the membrane-string connection segment (14) at its position before membrane disengagement is situated below the horizontal plane going through the centroid (f) of the intercompartment membrane (8) in its state before membrane disengagement.

The container of the present invention preferably comprises a string blocking means (30) that, unless moved or removed, either substantially prevents the transfer of a pulling force exerted on the loose string end (13) to the membrane-string connection segment (14) or substantially prevents access to the loose string end (13). Such string blocking means (30) may also serve to visually detect tampering of the container.

The container of the present invention preferably comprises a string guidance means (17) that is statically connected to or is an integral part of the circumferential section (4) of the enclosure of the container, wherein said string guidance means (17) makes contact with the string (12) through a zone referred to as the string contact zone. The surface of the string contact zone is preferably convex at the side that is in contact with the string. The string guidance means (17) is provided by either the upper or lower surface of the string passageway (23), or is provided by a structure positioned internally relative to the string passageway (23). In case the string guidance means (17) is positioned internally relative to the string passageway, it is preferably positioned, in the transverse dimension, at about the same side, more preferably at the same side, of the container as the string passageway (23). When pulling the loose string end (13) away from the string passageway (23), the string guidance means (17) functionally acts as a pulley to guide the movement of the membrane-string connection segment (14) such that the membrane-string connection segment (14) is moved along the plane of the intercompartment membrane (8) in the direction towards the centroid (c) of the string passageway (23).

It is preferred that the container according to this invention further comprises a sealing structure (19) for minimizing the risk or preventing the leakage from or entering of fluids into the container through the string passageway (23), wherein said sealing structure (19) allows for said movement of the string (12) through said string passageway (23). Preferably, said sealing structure (19) is a flexible structure. Preferably, said sealing structure (19) is a flexible structure that can flex outwardly when an outward pointing force is applied to it.

More particularly and with reference to Figures 3 to 6, the present invention provides a container comprising an upper compartment (2) for keeping a first content and a lower compartment (3) for keeping a second content, and comprising an intercompartment membrane (8) that separates the compartments from one another, and wherein the enclosure of said container comprises two discrete members, the upper member (71) and the lower member (72), which can be mounted on each other. Either or both of said members comprises one or more closure means for closing one or more of said closable openings. Preferably, the upper member (71) comprises the top section of the enclosure of the container, and preferably the lower member (72) comprises the bottom section (7) of the enclosure of the container. Preferably, said top enclosure of the upper member (71) comprises a closable opening (60). Preferably, said upper member (71) comprises a closable opening (60) at its top end, an upper-compartment circumferential wall (5), and an opening at its bottom end. Preferably, said lower member (72) comprises an opening at its top end, a lower-compartment circumferential wall (6), and the bottom section (7) of the enclosure of the container at its bottom end. The upper member (71) and lower member (72) are connected, preferably statically connected, to each other through a mounting connection (18) located at the junction between the upper member (71) and the lower member (72). Said mounting connection (18) can be any type of mounting connection known to the skilled artisan, such as but not limited to, an engaging threaded screw connection or an engaging snap-on connection, and said mounting connection (18) preferably encompasses means that prevent the user from dislodging the mounting connection (18) after mounting. The peripheral border of said intercompartment membrane (8) engages a circumferential rim (11) located at either the lower-compartment circumferential wall (6) of the lower member (72) or at the upper-compartment circumferential wall (5) of the upper member (71). The container further comprises a string (12) that is at one end connected to a segment at the peripheral edge of the intercompartment membrane (8), said segment being referred to as the membrane-string connection segment (14), which in turn engages a segment of the circumferential rim (11), this rim segment being referred to as the rim-string connection segment (15). Part of said string (12) preferably passes through a string passageway (23) in the circumferential section (4) of the container enclosure, such that the loose string end (13) is positioned on the outer side of said circumferential section (4) of the container enclosure. Said string passageway (23) is preferably situated at the junction between the upper member (71) and the lower member (72), and is formed upon mounting of the discrete upper member (71) on the discrete lower member (72). Preferably, the upper member (71) provides the upper surface of said string passageway (23) and said lower member (72) provides the lower surface of said string passageway (23). The string passageway (23) is preferably located in the transverse dimension at about the opposite side, preferably at the opposite side, relative to the rim-string connection segment (15). By pulling the loose string end (13) away from the string passageway (23) the string (12) can be moved between a first position wherein the intercompartment membrane (8) fully engages, through its peripheral border, the circumferential rim (11), and a second position wherein the intercompartment membrane (8) is partially disengaged from the circumferential rim (11), such that the first content of said first compartment (2) can be mixed with the second content of said second compartment (3) within the interior space provided by the combined compartments ((2) and (3)). Preferably, the lower member (72) comprises the string guidance means (17) when the string (12) overlies said string guidance means, or alternatively the upper member (71) comprises the string guidance means (17) when the string (12) underlies said string guidance means. In the non-assembled state of the container the upper members (71) are preferably stackable on each other such that the major part of one member is contained within the interior side of the neighbouring member, and such that the nesting height is less than 2 cm, preferably less than 1.5 cm, more preferably less than 1 cm. In the non-assembled state of the container the lower members (72) are preferably stackable on each other such that the major part of one member is contained within the interior side of the neighbouring member and such that the nesting height is less than 2 cm, preferably less than 1.5 cm, more preferably less than 1 cm.

In the container variant of Figure 3, the intercompartment membrane (8) engages the circumferential rim (11) at the top end of the lower member (72). The part of the string (12) within the interior space of the container is located above the plane of the intercompartment membrane (8). The string (12) overlies the string guidance means (17), and said string guidance means (17) is part of the lower member (72), and the sealing structure (19) is part of the upper member (71). The user of the container is incited to pull the loose string end (13) with a force that comprises preferably a downward vectorial component.

The container variant of Figure 4 has the same configuration as that of Figure 3, except that the string (12) underlies the string guidance means (17),that said string guidance means (17) is part of the upper member (71), that the sealing structure (19) is part of the lower member (71), and that the user of the container is incited to pull the loose string end (13) with a force that comprises preferably an upward vectorial component.

During assembly and filling of the container variant of Figures 3 and 4, a sequence of events can be, in a non-limitative example: the lower member (72) is filled with the appropriate content through its opening at its top end; the intercompartment membrane (8) with a string (12) folded over the intercompartment membrane is adhered or connected to the circumferential rim (11) of the lower member (72), such that the loose string end (13) extends outwards of the outer top edge of the lower member (72) at the side on the container opposite in the transverse dimension relative to that of the membrane-string connection segment (14), and preferably said position at which the string (12) extends from the lower member (72) corresponds with the position of the part of the string passageway (23) provided by said lower member (72); the upper member (71) is mounted on the lower member (72) via the mounting connection (18); the upper member (71) is filled with the appropriate content through the closable opening (60) at its top; the closable opening (60) at the top of the upper member (71) is closed with an appropriate closure means.

In the container variants of Figure 5, the intercompartment membrane (8) engages the circumferential rim (11) of the upper member (71). The part of the string (12) within the interior space of the container is located below the plane of the intercompartment membrane (8). The string (12) either overlies the string guidance means (17) that is part of the lower member (72), in which case the user of the container is incited to pull the loose string end (13) with a force that comprises preferably a downward vectorial component (Figure 5A), or the string (12) underlies the string guidance means (17) that is part of the upper member (71), and in this case the user of the container is incited to pull the loose string end (13) with a force that comprises preferably an upward vectorial component (Figure 5B).

During assembly and filling of the container variants of Figure 5, a sequence of events can be, in a non-limitative example: the closable opening (60) at the top end of the upper member (71) is closed with an appropriate closure means; the upper member (71) is flipped upside down; the upper member (71) is filled with the appropriate content through its opening at its bottom end; the intercompartment membrane (8) with a string (12) folded over the intercompartment membrane is adhered or connected to the circumferential rim (11) of the upper member (71), such that the loose string end (13) extends outwards of the outer bottom edge of the upper member (71) at the side opposite in the transverse dimension to that of the membrane-string connection segment (14), and preferably said position at which the string (12) extends from the upper member (71) corresponds with the position of the part of the of the string passageway (23) provided by said upper member (71); the lower member (72) is filled with the appropriate content through its opening at its top end; the filled and closed upper member (71) is flipped in its normal upright position and mounted on the lower member (72) via the mounting connection (18).

The container variant of Figure 6 has two intercompartment membranes, each of which is connected to a string. The upper intercompartment membrane (8) engages the circumferential rim (11) of the upper member (71), while the lower intercompartment membrane (8) engages the circumferential rim (11) of the lower member (72). The parts of both strings (12) within the interior space of the container are located in between the plane of the upper intercompartment membrane and the plane of the lower intercompartment membrane, and both strings (12) overlie the string guidance means (17), which is part of the lower member (72). The user of the container is incited to pull the loose string ends (13) of both strings with a force that comprises preferably a downward vectorial component.

During assembly and filling of the container variant of Figure 6, a sequence of events can be, in a non-limitative example: the closable opening (60) at the top end of the upper member (71) is closed with an appropriate closure means; the upper member (71) is flipped upside down; the upper member (71) is filled with the appropriate content through its opening at its bottom end; the intercompartment membrane (8) with a string (12) folded over the intercompartment membrane is adhered or connected to the circumferential rim (11) of the upper member (71), such that the loose string end (13) extends outwards of the outer bottom edge of the upper member (71) at the side opposite in the transverse dimension to that of the membrane-string connection segment (14), and preferably said position at which the string (12) extends from the upper member (71) corresponds with the position of the part of the of the string passageway (23) provided by said upper member

(71) ; the lower member (72) is filled with the appropriate content through its opening at its top end; the intercompartment membrane (8) with a string (12) folded over the intercompartment membrane is adhered or connected to the circumferential rim (11) of the lower member (72), such that the loose string end (13) extends outwards of the outer top edge of the lower member (72) at the side opposite in the transverse dimension to that of the membrane-string connection segment (14), and preferably said position at which the string (12) extends from the lower member (72) corresponds with the position of the part of the of the string passageway (23) provided by said lower member

(72) ; the filled and closed upper member (71) is flipped in its normal upright position and mounted on the lower member (72) via the mounting connection (18) such that the loose string ends (13) of both strings (12) are located at the same side in the transverse dimension.

Throughout the description, the container according to any of the embodiments of the present invention can be said to be either in the non-assembled state or in the assembled state, and in the latter state it can be either said to be in the assembled membrane-engaged state or in the assembled membrane-disengaged state. In its non-assembled state the different members of the container are manufactured, but not yet fully mounted to form one unit. In its assembled membrane-engaged state, the different members of the container are operationally mounted, and the intercompartment membrane(s) fully engage through their peripheral borders the circumferential rim(s), and said intercompartment membranes thereby provide separation of the contents of the two compartments. The assembled membrane-disengaged state of the container is obtained from the assembled membrane-engaged state of the container after moving the string (2), for instance by pulling the loose string end (13) away from the string passageway (23), such that the intercompartment membrane (8) is partially disengaged from the circumferential rim (11). In both the assembled membrane-disengaged state and assembled membrane-engaged state, any string blocking means (30) or other tamper evident means, such as a tear strips or tear tabs, can be either intact or removed and the closable openings allowing evacuation of the contents of the compartments can be either in the open or closed state. Unless otherwise stated, the explanations in the context of the present invention refer to the container in the assembled membrane-engaged state. The members of the container, in particular those that provide the enclosure of the container according to any of the embodiments of the present invention, can be made from any of various types of plastic materials. Most preferred are thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers including, but not limited to, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polylactate, or polyhydroxyalkanoate. The members can be made in such plastic materials by any of various techniques, including but not limited to, extrusion blow moulding, injection blow moulding, stretch blow moulding or injection moulding. Preferably, in order to minimize the use of plastic material and to minimize complexity and costs during assembly, said container consists of not more than two members made in plastic material, which can be mounted on each other to provide the circumferential, bottom and top sections of the enclosure of the container, and, besides such two members, said container consists of one or more closure means for closing the closable openings (60), one or more intercompartment membranes (8), and one or more strings (12). Preferably, in order to minimize the use of plastic material, said container has, over at least a substantial longitudinal distance, only one circumferential wall in the transverse cross sections through the circumferential enclosure of the upper compartment. Preferably, in order to minimize the use of plastic material, said container has, over at least a substantial longitudinal distance, only one circumferential wall in the transverse cross sections through the circumferential enclosure of the lower compartment.

The intercompartment membranes of the container generally have a thickness between 0.01 and 1.0 mm, more typically between 0.02 and 0.1 mm, and can be made for instance, but not limited to, from a film-forming polymer, a plastic polymer, a metal such as aluminium, or combinations thereof, such as a plastic coated aluminium sealing membrane, a lacquer coated aluminium sealing membrane, or an aluminium sealing membrane laminated with a plastic film. Preferably, the intercompartment membranes of the container are impervious for the contents of either compartment of the container. The intercompartment membranes can be connected to the circumferential rim or any other part of the circumferential section of the container enclosure by any of different methods including, but not limited to, via the use of adhesives or via heat conduction welding, induction welding, ultrasonic welding, or laser welding, in such way that the connection can be reversed by the tear force transmitted during the movement of the string (12) (Figure 7). Alternatively, the intercompartment membrane (8) can have a frangible fracture line (21) located internally along at least one or more segments of its peripheral edges, such that the frangible fracture line (21) can be ruptured by the tear force transmitted during the movement of the string (12), whereby at least the membrane-string connection segment (14) does not have such frangible fracture line (Figure 8). The intercompartment membrane (8) can optionally be provided, using for instance injection moulding, as either an integral part of a monolithically manufactured discrete upper member (71), or as an integral part of a monolithically manufactured discrete lower member (72). In this case the intercompartment membrane (8) preferably has a frangible fracture line located internally along at least one or more segments of its peripheral edges, such that the frangible fracture line can be ruptured by the tear force transmitted during the movement of the string (12), whereby at least the membrane-string connection segment (14) does not have such frangible fracture line. The part of the intercompartment membrane internal to the frangible fracture line is sufficiently flexible as to allow that, after moving the string, said membrane can be folded during said movement of the string.

The string can be either a discrete member made out of a fiber, intertwined fibers, or a film-forming polymer, and said string can be attached or connected as such to the intercompartment membrane (8), or, alternatively, it can be provided as an integral part of a membrane body encompassing both the intercompartment membrane (8) and the string (12). In the latter case, said membrane body is cut or punched in a form whereby the string forms an elongated pull tab linked to the intercompartment membrane. Said membrane body is then folded, either before or during the assembly of the container, at the zone corresponding to the membrane-string connection segment (14), and the string part is folded over the intercompartement membrane such that the loose string end (13) is positioned on the diametrically opposite side relative to the membrane-string connection segment (14) (Figures 7 and 8).

With reference to Figures 1 and 2, it is preferred that, in the assembled membrane-engaged state of the container, the angle a between the longitudinal plane going through the centroid (c) of the string passageway (23) and the longitudinal centroidal axis (e) of the container, and the longitudinal plane going through the midpoint (g) of the membrane-string connection segment (14) and the longitudinal centroidal axis (e) of the container is between 100° and 180°, preferably between 135° and 180°, more preferably between 160° and 180°, most preferably about 180°. Most preferably, in the assembled membrane-engaged state of the container, the string passageway (23) is positioned on the circumferential section (4) of the container enclosure at, in the transverse dimension, about the opposite side, preferably at the opposite side, relative to the membrane-string connection segment (14). Most preferably, the string passageway (23) is positioned on the circumferential section (4) of the container enclosure at about the opposite side, preferably at the opposite side, in the transverse dimension relative to the rim-string connection segment (15). The string passageway (23) can be positioned either above the plane of the intercompartment membrane (8), as depicted for instance in Figure 1, or can be positioned below the plane of the intercompartment membrane (8), as depicted for instance in Figure 2. The configuration of the string passageway (23), string (12) and intercompartment membrane (8) can be such that i) either only the string (12) can be pulled or otherwise passed through the string passageway (23), ii) only part of the string (12) can be pulled or otherwise passed through the string passageway (23), iii) only the string (12) and part of the intercompartment membrane (8) can be pulled or otherwise passed through the string passageway (23), or iv) that both the string (12) and the intercompartment membrane (8) can be pulled or otherwise passed through the string passageway (23).

It is further preferred that said intercompartment membrane (8) is about perpendicular to the longitudinal centroidal axis of the container, or alternatively the intercompartment membrane (8) may be inclined whereby the lowest point is preferably the midpoint (b) of the rim-string connection segment (15) or the midpoint (g) of the membrane-string connection segment (14) at its position before membrane disengagement.

The container of the present invention preferably contains a string guidance means (17) that is statically connected to or is an integral part of the circumferential section (4) of the container enclosure, whereby said string guidance means (17) makes contact with the string (12) through a zone referred to as the string contact zone. Preferably, the surface of said string contact zone is convex at the side that is in contact with the string. Preferably, the highest point of said string contact zone of the string guidance means (17) is positioned above or at the same height as the lowest point of the string passageway (23) when the string (12) overlies said string guidance means (17), or the lowest point of said string contact zone is positioned below or at the same height as the highest point of the string passageway (23) when the string (12) underlies said string guidance means (17). The string guidance means (17) is preferentially positioned substantially perpendicular in the transverse dimension to the longitudinal plane passing through the midpoint (b) of the rim-string connection segment (15) and the centroid (c) of the string passageway (23). When pulling the loose string end (13) away from the string passageway (23), the string guidance means (17) functionally acts as a pulley to guide the movement of the membrane-string connection segment (14) such that the membrane-string connection segment (14) is moved along the plane of the intercompartment membrane in the direction towards the centroid (d) of the string contact zone.

The container preferably has an indication, such as an icon or a textual instruction, to instruct the user, wishing to partially disengage the intercompartment membrane (8), to pull the string by the loose string end (13) in the direction following the outward convex curvature of the string guidance means (17) substantially along a longitudinal plane passing through the midpoint (b) of the rim-string connection segment (15) and the centroid (c) of the string passageway (23). When the container has a string (12) that overlies the string guidance means (17), then said container preferably has an indication, such as an icon or a textual instruction, to instruct the user, wishing to partially disengage the intercompartment membrane (8), to pull the string by the loose string end (13) with a force that comprises a downward longitudinal vectorial component. When the container has a string (12) that underlies the string guidance means (17), then said container preferably has an indication, such as an icon or a textual instruction, to instruct the user, wishing to partially disengage the intercompartment membrane (8), to pull the string by the loose string end (13) with a force that comprises an upward longitudinal vectorial component.

With reference to Figures 1 and 2, it is further preferred that, in the assembled membrane-engaged state of the container, the angle β in the longitudinal dimension between the plane of the intercompartment membrane (8) and the line going through the centroid (d) of the string contact zone of the string guidance means (17) and through the midpoint (g) of the membrane-string connection segment (14) is between 0° and 30°, preferably between 0° and 15°, most preferably between 0° and 10°, such as between 0° and 5°. Preferably, the angle β in the longitudinal dimension between the plane of the intercompartment membrane and the line going through the centroid (d) of the string contact zone of the string guidance means (17) and through the midpoint (b) of the rim- string connection segment (15) is between 0° and 30°, preferably between 0° and 15°, most preferably between 0° and 10°, such as between 0° and 5°. Limiting the angle β ensures that the force applied to the string (12) when pulling the string by the loose string end (13) is transmitted maximally on the membrane-string connection segment (14) along the plane of the intercompartment membrane, thus facilitating membrane disengagement.

The circumferential rim (11) represents a segment on the circumferential section (4) of the enclosure, and the peripheral border of the intercompartment membrane (8) can engage said circumferential rim (11). The circumferential rim (11) can have a rim-like structure, preferably a horizontal rim or about horizontal rim, on which the intercompartment membrane (8) can be deposited and adhered or connected. The circumferential rim (11) can also have a different configuration, in as far this configuration allows engagement with the peripheral border of the intercompartment membrane (8). It is preferred that the container according to any of the embodiments of the present invention further comprises a sealing structure (19) for minimizing the risk or preventing the leakage from or entering of fluids into the container through the string passageway (23), wherein said sealing structure (19) allows for the movement of said string (12) through the string passageway (23) upon pulling the loose string end (13) away from the string passageway (23). Preferably, said sealing structure (19) provides a liquid tight seal, more preferably it provides a liquid tight and gas tight seal. It is further preferred that the sealing structure (19) exerts said sealing function in either or both the assembled membrane-engaged state and the assembled membrane-disengaged state of the container. It is even more preferred that the sealing structure (19) exerts said sealing function during the movement of the string (12). Preferably, said sealing structure (19) is a flexible structure.

Examples of configurations of the sealing structure (19) in conjunction with the string guidance means (17) in the string passageway (23) are shown in Figure 9. In Figure 9, only examples of configurations of the container are shown wherein the string (12) overlies the string guidance means (17) and overlies the intercompartment membrane inside the container. In the configurations wherein the string (12) overlies the string guidance means it is particularly preferred that the sealing structure (19), preferably the bottom edge of the sealing structure, touches or presses against a part of the string guidance means that is horizontal or, more preferably, slopes downwards in the outward direction, such that the string is clamped between the sealing structure (19) and said part of the string guidance means. In such configurations wherein the string (12) overlies the string guidance means it is particularly preferred that the sealing structure (19) is part of the upper member (71) and that the string guidance means (17) is part of the lower member (72). It is also particularly preferred that the sealing structure (19) and the string guidance means (17) are designed such that the longitudinal vectorial component of the pulling force exerted on the loose string end (13) also causes the string guidance means (19) to slightly bend such that the clamp on the string caused by the sealing structure (19) and the string guidance means (17) is relieved during said pulling (Figure 10). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that configurations of the container wherein the string (12) underlies the string guidance means can be designed, such as shown for instance in the container of Figure 4. In such configurations wherein the string (12) underlies the string guidance means it is particularly preferred that the sealing structure (19), preferably the top part of the sealing structure, touches or presses against a part of the string guidance means that is horizontal or, more preferably, slopes upwards in the outward direction, such that the string is clamped between the sealing structure (19) and said part of the string guidance means. In such configurations wherein the string (12) underlies the string guidance means it is particularly preferred that the sealing structure (19) is part of the lower member (72) and that the string guidance means (17) is part of the upper member (71). The sealing structure (19) is preferably part of the lower member (72) when the string guidance means (17) is part of the upper member (71), and the sealing structure (19) is preferably part of the upper member (71) when the string guidance means (17) is part of the lower member (72).

In order to prevent the transfer of an inadvertent pulling force exerted on the loose string end (13) to the membrane-string connection segment (14), which would lead to inadvertent disengagement of the intercompartment membrane (8), it is preferred that in any of the embodiments of the container of the present invention said container comprises a moveable or removable string blocking means (30). Unless moved or removed, said string blocking means either substantially prevents the transfer of a pulling force exerted on the loose string end (13) to the membrane-string connection segment (14) or substantially prevents access to the loose string end (13). Preferably, this string blocking means (30) is mounted on the outer surface of the container within the vicinity of the string passageway (23) and said string blocking means (30) is preferably removable or moveable. The string blocking means (30) may also serve to visually detect tampering of the container. Said string blocking means can be, for instance but not limited to, in the form of a tear tab (30) with pull tab (32), as shown for instance in Figure 17, or in the form of a tear strip with pull tab. Such tear strip or tear tab can be attached by a weakening line or frangible fracture line (35) to either the circumferential upper-compartment wall (5) or to the circumferential lower-compartment wall (6), and is mounted such that, unless moved or removed, it either prevents the transfer of a pulling force exerted on the loose string end (13) to the membrane-string connection segment (14) or substantially prevents access to the loose string end (13) in the assembled membrane-engaged state of the container.

The container according to the present invention comprises at least one closable opening (60) within its enclosure, preferably located at the top of the upper compartment. Said closable opening located at the top of the upper compartment allows the filling of the upper compartment (2) and/or the evacuation of the contents of the upper compartment (2), and/or the evacuation of the mixed contents of the upper compartment (2) and lower compartment (3) after disengagement or partial disengagement of the intercompartment membrane (8). This closable opening (60) of the upper compartment (2) can preferably be closed in a leak-proof way by any appropriate closure means known to the skilled artisan, such as for instance but not limited to, a lid, a screw cap, a tap, an impervious peelable sealing membrane that can be removed with a pull tab, or combinations thereof. Such closure means can be equipped with a tamper detection means, such as but not limited to, a tamper detection band.

The lower compartment (3) can also comprise one or more closable openings (60) within its enclosure, allowing the filling of the lower compartment (3) and/or evacuation of the contents of the lower compartment, and/or the evacuation of the mixed contents of the upper compartment and lower compartment after disengagement or partial disengagement of the intercompartment membrane (8). Such closable openings (60) of the lower compartment (3) can preferably be closed with any appropriate closure means known to the skilled artisan, such as for instance but not limited to, a lid, a screw cap, a tap, an impervious peelable sealing membrane that can be removed with a pull tab, or combinations thereof. Such closure means can be equipped with a tamper detection means, such as but not limited to, a tamper detection band.

Preferably the design of the container is such that, after moving the string (12) such that the intercompartment membrane (8) is partially disengaged, a user wishing to evacuate the combined content of the container through an opened closable opening (60), is incited to tilt the container such that the partially disengaged intercompartment membrane only minimally interferes with the flow of said combined content. Therefore, it is preferred that in any embodiment of the container of the present invention that comprises a closable opening (60) in the upper compartment (2), said container is designed such that, in the assembled membrane-disengaged state of the container, the user is incited to tilt the container such that the midpoint (b) of the rim-string connection segment (15) is moved downward during said tilting movement relative to the centroid (f) of the intercompartment membrane (8) in its state before membrane disengagement. Therefore, it is preferred that in any embodiment of the container of the present invention that comprises a closable opening (60) in the upper compartment (2), said container is designed such that, in the assembled membrane-disengaged state of the container, the user is incited to tilt the container such that the midpoint (b) of the rim-string connection segment (15) is situated below the horizontal plane through the centroid (f) of the intercompartment membrane (8) in its state before membrane disengagement, in order to minimize the interference of the membrane with the flow of said content. Preferably, this is achieved by designing the container such that the centroid (j) of the closable opening (60) in the upper compartment (2) is eccentric in the transverse dimension with respect to the centroid (f) of the intercompartment membrane (8). With reference to Figures 11 and 12, it is further preferred that the design of the container is such that the centroid (j) of the closable opening (60) in the upper compartment (2) is, in the transverse dimension, closer to the midpoint (b) of the rim-string connection segment (15) than the centroid (f) of the intercompartment membrane (8). More particularly, with reference to Figures 11 and 12, in case the container has an eccentric positioning of the closable opening (60) of the upper compartment with respect to the transverse cross-section of the circumferential rim (11), it is preferred that the angle (γ) between the longitudinal plane going through the centroid (f) of the intercompartment membrane (8) and the centroid (j) of the upper-compartment closable opening (60) and the longitudinal plane going through the centroid (f) of the intercompartment membrane (8) and the midpoint (b) of the rim- string connection segment (15) is between 0° and 80°, preferably between 0° and 45°, more preferably between 0° and 20°, most preferably about 0°. In case the container has an eccentric positioning of the closable opening (60) of the upper compartment with respect to the transverse cross-section of the circumferential rim (11), it is preferred that the most external point of the upper- compartment closable opening (60) is positioned in the transverse dimension at about the same side, preferably at the same side, of the container as the midpoint (b) of the rim-string connection segment (15). An eccentric positioning of the closable opening (60) of the upper compartment with respect to the transverse cross-section of the circumferential rim (11) can be obtained through a neck region of the upper compartment which is eccentrically positioned with respect to the transverse cross-section of the circumferential rim (11), as in Figure 11. Alternatively, an eccentric positioning of the closable opening (60) of the upper compartment with respect to the transverse cross-section of the circumferential rim (11) can be obtained by a partial cover (61) of the top side of the neck region of the upper compartment, as in Figure 12.

Alternatively or in addition to said eccentric positioning of the closable opening (60) of the upper compartment (2), the incitement of the user towards tilting the container in its assembled membrane-disengaged state such that the midpoint (b) of the rim-string connection segment (15) is situated below the horizontal plane through the centroid (f) of the intercompartment membrane (8) in its state before membrane disengagement, is achieved by the selection and design of the closure means for closing the closable opening (60) of the upper compartment (2). With reference to Figures 13 and 14 this can be achieved by using as closure means for instance a peelable sealing membrane (63) or a closable lid (64) with a pull tab (65) and/or a hinge (66). With reference to Figure 13, it is preferred that said pull tab (65) is positioned in the transverse dimension at about the same side, preferably at the same side, of the container as the midpoint (b) of the rim-string connection segment (15) or as the midpoint (g) of the membrane-string connection segment (14) at its position before membrane disengagement. With reference to Figure 13, it is preferred that the angle (cp) between the longitudinal plane going through the centroid (j) of the closable opening (60) and the midpoint (b) of the rim-string connection segment (15) and the longitudinal plane going through the centroid (j) of the closable opening (60) and the most external point (n) of the pull tab (65) of the peelable sealing membrane (63) or closable lid (64) is between 0° and 80°, preferably between 0° and 45°, more preferably between 0° and 20°, most preferably about 0°. In case said peelable sealing membrane (63) or closable lid (64) comprises a hinge (65), it is preferred that said hinge (65) is positioned in the transverse dimension on the container at about the opposite side of the container, preferably at the opposite side, relative to the midpoint (b) of the rim-string connection segment (15) or relative to the midpoint (g) of the membrane-string connection segment (14) at its position before membrane disengagement. With reference to Figure 14, it is preferred that the angle (Θ) between the longitudinal plane going through the centroid (j) of the closable opening (60) and the midpoint (b) of the rim-string connection segment (15) and the longitudinal plane going through the centroid (j) of the closable opening (60) and the midpoint (p) of the hinge (66) of the peelable sealing membrane (63) or closable lid (64) is between 180° and 100°, preferably between 180° and 135°, more preferably between 180° and 160°, most preferably about 180°.

Alternatively or in addition to said eccentric positioning of the closable opening (60) of the upper compartment (2), the incitement of the user towards tilting the container in its assembled membrane-disengaged state such that the midpoint (b) of the rim-string connection segment (15) is situated below the horizontal plane through the centroid (f) of the intercompartment membrane (8) in its state before membrane disengagement, is achieved by the appropriate positioning of an icon and/or a textual instruction (67) on the upper-compartment circumferential wall (6) below the closable opening, whereby said such icon and/or textual instruction indicates the recommended side for tilting the container and/or the recommended side along which the combined contents of the container are to be evacuated. With reference to Figure 15, it is preferred that the centroid (q) of said icon and/or a textual instruction (67) is positioned in the transverse dimension at about the same side, preferably at the same side, of the container as the midpoint (b) of the rim-string connection segment (15) or as the midpoint (g) of the membrane-string connection segment (14) at its position before membrane disengagement. With reference to Figure 15, it is preferred that the angle (τ) between the longitudinal plane going through the centroid (j) of the closable opening (60) and the midpoint (b) of the rim-string connection segment (15) and the longitudinal plane going through the centroid (j) of the closable opening (60) and the centroid (q) of said icon and/or a textual instruction (67) is between 0° and 80°, preferably between 0° and 45°, more preferably between 0° and 20°, most preferably about 0°.

Alternatively or in addition to said eccentric positioning of the closable opening (60) of the upper compartment (2), the incitement of the user towards tilting the container in its assembled membrane-disengaged state such that the midpoint (b) of the rim-string connection segment (15) is situated below the horizontal plane through the centroid (f) of the intercompartment membrane (8) in its state before membrane disengagement, is achieved by the appropriate positioning of a hindering structure (68) on the upper-compartment circumferential wall (6) below or around the closable opening (60), whereby said such hindering structure provides a disincentive to place the mouth of the user opposite to the recommended side for tilting the container and/or opposite to the recommended side along which the combined contents of the container are to be evacuated. With reference to Figure 16, it is preferred that the centroid (r) of said hindering structure (68) is positioned in the transverse dimension at about the opposite side of the container, preferably at the opposite side, relative to the midpoint (b) of the rim-string connection segment (15) or relative to the midpoint (g) of the membrane-string connection segment (14) at its position before membrane disengagement. With reference to Figure 16, it is preferred that the angle (π) between the longitudinal plane going through the centroid (j) of the closable opening (60) and the midpoint (b) of the rim-string connection segment (15) and the longitudinal plane going through the centroid (j) of the closable opening (60) and the centroid (r) of said hindering structure (68) is between 180° and 100°, preferably between 180° and 135°, more preferably between 180° and 160°, most preferably about 180°.

The containers of the present invention can have different shapes and sizes, and it is understood that the schematic representations in the Figures only serve to illustrate the principle of the containers according to the present invention, not to illustrate their shapes and sizes, which need to be adapted according to the particular nature and quantity of the contents of their compartments and the fields of application. The shape of the transverse cross section of the circumferential rim (11) has no particular restriction, except that it is preferred that the longitudinal plane, passing through the midpoint (b) of the rim-string connection segment (15) and the centroid (f) of the intercompartment membrane (8) in its state before membrane disengagement, acts as a symmetry plane for said transverse cross section. It is preferred that the shapes of the transverse cross-sections and longitudinal cross sections of the circumferential walls of the upper and lower compartment are designed such that filling, mixing and evacuation of the contents of the container compartments is not hampered. Moreover, it is preferred that the bottom transverse wall of the lower compartment has a size and shape allowing the container to stand upright in the longitudinal dimension.

The invention resides not in any one of these features per se, but rather in the particular combination of all of them herein disclosed and claimed and it is distinguished from the prior art in this particular combination of all of its structures for the function specified. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

The containers of the present invention can be used to package and store a first content in the upper compartment (2) and a second content in the lower compartment (3), whereby the first and second content need to be combined to prepare a ready-to-use product, such as a ready-to-eat food product. Preferably, one of said first and second content is a liquid or hydrocolloid liquid product, such as a liquid or hydrocolloid liquid food product, while the other of said first and second content is either a liquid or hydrocolloid liquid or a solid product, such as a powdered solid product or a particulate solid product. Suitable liquid or hydrocolloid liquid products can be selected from, for instance but not limited to, dairy drinks, such as yoghurt, milk replacement products, such as soy, oat or rice milk, soups, fruit juices, coffee, tea, alcoholic drinks, or soft drinks, or mixes thereof. Suitable particulate solid products can be selected from, for instance but not limited to, cereals or pseudo- cereals, granulated cereals, extruded cereals, cereal or pseudo-cereal flour based products, vegetables, chopped vegetables, fruits, fruit parts, nuts, chocolate particles, candies meat, or chopped meat or mixes thereof. Preferably, said particulate solid product is a cereal or a ready-to-eat cereal, optionally mixed with other particulate solid products such as fruits, fruit particles, nuts, nut particles, chocolate particles and mixes thereof. When a ready-to-eat cereal is selected as one of said first or second content it is preferred that the other of said first or second content is a liquid or hydrocolloid liquid product selected from dairy-type liquid products or milk replacement products. It is further preferred that the first and second content, when combined and mixed, form a flowable mass that can be evacuated by pouring.

In another object the present invention provides a method for mounting the container, which comprises the steps of: i) engaging an intercompartment membrane (8), to which a string (12) is connected at the membrane-string connection segment (14) of said intercompartment membrane (8), onto the inner side of the circumferential enclosure provided by the upper member (71), preferably onto the circumferential rim (11) along the inner side of said circumferential enclosure of the upper member (71), such that the loose string end (13) extends outwardly from the outer bottom edge of the circumferential enclosure of the upper member (71) at the position corresponding to the upper surface of the string passageway (23) provided by said upper member, preferably at the side opposite in the transverse dimension to that of the membrane-string connection segment (14); and ii) after engaging said intercompartment membrane (8) onto said upper member, mounting of said upper member onto the lower member (72) such that part of the string (12) is enclosed between the upper surface of the string passageway (23) provided by said upper member and the lower surface of the string passageway (23) provided by said lower member.

In another object the present invention provides a method for mounting the container, which comprises the steps of: i) engaging an intercompartment membrane (8), to which a string (12) is connected at the membrane-string connection segment (14) of said intercompartment membrane (8), onto the inner side of the circumferential enclosure provided by the lower member (72), preferably onto the circumferential rim (11) along the inner side of said circumferential enclosure of the lower member (72), such that the loose string end (13) extends outwardly from the outer top edge of the circumferential enclosure of the lower member (72) at the position corresponding to the lower surface of the string passageway (23) provided by said lower member, preferably at the side opposite in the transverse dimension to that of the membrane-string connection segment (14); and ii) after engaging said intercompartment membrane (8) onto said lower member (72), mounting of the upper member (71) mounted onto the lower member such that part of the string (12) is enclosed between the upper surface of the string passageway (23) provided by said upper member and the lower surface of the string passageway (23) provided by said lower member.

In another object the present invention provides a method for mounting and filling the container, which comprises the steps of: i) taking the upper member (71), preferably from a stack of upper members;

ii) in case the closable opening (60) of the upper member (71) is not yet closed, closing the closable opening (60) with an appropriate closure means;

iii) filling the upper member (71) with an appropriate content through its opening at its bottom end, preferably while the upper member is held in a position opposite to its normal upright position ;

iv) engaging the intercompartment membrane (8), to which the string (12) is connected at the membrane-string connection segment (14) of said intercompartment membrane (8), onto the inner side of the circumferential enclosure provided by the upper member (71), preferably onto the circumferential rim (11) along the inner side of said circumferential enclosure of the upper member (71), such that the loose string end (13) extends outwardly from the outer bottom edge of the circumferential enclosure of the upper member (71) at the position corresponding to the upper surface of the string passageway (23) provided by said upper member, preferably at the side opposite in the transverse dimension to that of the membrane-string connection segment (14);

v) taking the lower member (72), preferably from a stack of lower members;

vi) filling the lower member (72) with the appropriate content through its opening at its top end, preferably while the lower member is held in its normal upright position; and vii) mounting the filled and closed upper member (71) onto the lower member (72) via the mounting connection (18), such that part of the string (12) is enclosed between the upper surface of the string passageway (23) provided by said upper member and the lower surface of the string passageway (23) provided by said lower member.

another object the present invention provides a method for mounting and filling the container, ich comprises the steps of: i) taking the lower member (72), preferably from a stack of lower members;

ii) filling the lower member (72) with the appropriate content through its opening at its top end;

iii) engaging the intercompartment membrane (8), to which a string (12) is connected at the membrane-string connection segment (14) of said intercompartment membrane (8), onto the inner side of the circumferential enclosure provided by the lower member (72), preferably onto the circumferential rim (11) along the inner side of said circumferential enclosure of the lower member (72), such that the loose string end (13) extends outwardly from the outer top edge of the circumferential enclosure of the lower member (72) at the position corresponding to the lower surface of the string passageway (23) provided by said lower member, preferably at the side opposite in the transverse dimension to that of the membrane-string connection segment (14);

iv) taking the upper member (71), preferably from a stack of upper members;

v) mounting the upper member (71) onto the lower member (72) via the mounting connection (18), such that part of the string (12) is enclosed between the upper surface of the string passageway (23) provided by said upper member and the lower surface of the string passageway (23) provided by said lower member;

vi) filling the upper member (71) with the appropriate content through its closable opening (60); and

vii) closing the closable opening (60) of the upper member (71) with an appropriate closure means. In the context of the present invention, the longitudinal dimension means the dimension parallel to the vertical centroidal axis of the container while said container is being held in its upright position, typically when its bottom is positioned on a horizontal surface. When the container is held in its upright position, typically when its bottom is positioned on a horizontal surface, the longitudinal dimension coincides with the vertical dimension and the longitudinal centroidal axis of the container coincides with the vertical centroidal axis of the container.

In the context of the present invention, the transverse dimension means the dimension perpendicular to the vertical centroidal axis of the container while said container is being held in its upright position, typically when its bottom is positioned on a horizontal surface. When the container is held in its upright position, typically when its bottom is positioned on a horizontal surface, the transverse dimension corresponds to the horizontal dimension.

In the context of the present invention, above, upper, higher and highest refer to a relative position of an object of the container with respect to a comparative object of the container, when the container is positioned in its normal upright position.

In the context of the present invention, below, lower and lowest refer to a relative position of an object of the container with respect to a comparative object of the container, when the container is positioned in its normal upright position.

In the context of the present invention, top refers to a relative highest position of an object of the container when the container is positioned in its normal upright position.

In the context of the present invention, bottom refers to a relative lowest position of an object of the container when the container is positioned in its normal upright position.

In the context of the present invention, a first object is said to overlie a second object when the bottom side of the first object touches the top side of the second object.

In the context of the present invention, a first object is said to underlie a second object when the top side of the first object touches the bottom side of the second object.

In the context of the present invention, internal and inner refer to a relative position of an object of the container that is closer to the longitudinal centroidal axis than the comparative object of the container. In the context of the present invention, external and outer refers to a relative position of an object of the container that is further from the longitudinal centroidal axis than the comparative object of the container.

In the context of the present invention, downward refers to the direction from upper to lower, when the container is positioned in its upright position. In the context of the present invention, upward refers to the direction from lower to upper, when the container is positioned in its upright position.

In the context of the present invention, two parts or members are said to be "statically connected" when upon manipulation or movement of one of the parts or members of the container in its assembled state, the other part or member moves in substantially the same direction, preferably in the same direction, and at substantially the same speed, preferably at the same speed.

The invention is further illustrated by way of the illustrative embodiments described below.

Example 1:

A particular embodiment of the container according to the present invention is presented in Figures 17 and 18. The container of this embodiment is an elaboration of the embodiment schematically represented in Figure 3. The container according to this illustrative embodiment comprises an upper (2) and lower compartment (3) separated by an intercompartment membrane (8) and is obtained by assembling two individual discrete members, referred to as the upper (71) and lower discrete member (72). Preferably, the upper (71) and lower member (72) are made in a plastic material using injection moulding. The upper members (71) in the non-assembled state of the container are stackable on each other with a limited nesting height, and likewise the lower members (72) in the non-assembled state of the container are stackable on each other with a limited nesting height.

The lower member (72) has a cup shape and comprises the bottom enclosure (7) of the container, the lower-compartment circumferential wall (6), with a circumferential rim (11) around a central opening at the top part. From the most external edge of the circumferential rim (11) extends upwards a circumferential collar (22), from which at its top edge extends outwards the string guidance means (17). The string guidance means (17) has a convex curvature relative to the space above it. The string guidance means (17) comprises an annulus that slopes downwards in the outward direction. From the most external edge of the string guidance means (17) extends downwards a lower-member circumferential skirt (24), which comprises at its outer side a circumferential internal barb (25). The upper member (71) is a cylindroid structure comprising a closable opening (60) at its top end, a lower-compartment circumferential wall (5), and a central opening at its bottom end. At its bottom end, the lower-compartment circumferential wall (5) forms an outward extending cornice (27). From the most external edge of the cornice (27) extends downwards an upper-member circumferential skirt (28), which comprises at its inner side a circumferential external barb (26) that can engage the circumferential internal barb (25) of the lower member (72) to form a snap-on mounting connection (18). The sealing structure (19) is in the form of a skirt-like circumferential wall that extends downwards from the cornice (27) at a position that is internal relative to the upper-member circumferential skirt (28). The neck region of the upper member (71) has an asymmetric shape to provide for an eccentric positioning in the transverse dimension of the centroid of the closable opening (60) with respect to the centroid of the central opening at the bottom of the upper member. The upper member (71) further comprises a string blocking means (30) in the form of a tear tab with a pull tab (32) and which is part of the upper-member circumferential skirt (28), to which it is attached through a frangible fracture line (35) at its top side and at the longitudinal side immediately external to the pull tab (32). The string blocking means (30) comprises at its inner side a circumferential external barb (26) that can engage the circumferential internal barb (25) of the lower member (72). The string blocking means (30) can be partially detached from the remainder of the upper member (71) by tearing the pull tab (32), whereby the string blocking means (30) preferably remains attached through a hinge region (33).

The container comprises a closure means provided by an impervious peelable sealing membrane (63) with a pull tab (65) allowing to close the closable opening (60) at the top of the upper member (71).

The container comprises an impervious intercompartment membrane (8), of which the peripheral edges have about the same shape and dimension as the external edges of the circumferential rim (11) of the lower member (72). The intercompartment membrane (8) and the string (12) are provided as a single integral part by cutting or punching a membrane body in the form of the intercompartment membrane (8) with an elongated pull tab. Said elongated pull tab can be folded along the segment corresponding to the membrane-string connection segment (14), whereby said elongated pull tab folded over the intercompartment membrane (8) provides said string (12) such that the loose string end (13) extends from the intercompartement membrane (8) at the side diametrically opposed to the membrane-string connection segment (14), as depicted in Figure 7B.

The assembly of said upper (71) and lower member (72) into the final compartmentalized container typically involves the concomitant packaging of the contents to be contained in the respective compartments of the container. A possible procedure for assembling the container and packaging said contents may be as follows, and is also illustrated in Figures 19 and 20. A cup-shaped lower member (72) is taken from a nested stack of lower members (Figures 19 A and 20 A), filled with a second content (Figures 19 B and 20 B), whereby the content level is maintained below the circumferential rim (11). An intercompartment membrane (8), with the string (12) pre-folded at the membrane-string connection segment (14), is taken from a stack of intercompartment membranes and is positioned on the circumferential rim (11) of the lower member (72), whereby the loose string end (13) extends outwards from the top circumferential edge of the lower member (72) at the side opposite in the transverse dimension relative to the rim-string connection segment (15) (Figure 19 C), followed by adhering the intercompartment membrane (8) to the circumferential rim (11), for instance by induction welding, thus enclosing the second content in the lower compartment (3) of the container (Figure 19 D). Alternatively, an intercompartment membrane (8), with a non-folded string (12), is taken from a stack of intercompartment membranes and is positioned on the circumferential rim (11) of the lower member (72), followed by adhering the intercompartment membrane (8) to the circumferential rim (11), for instance by induction welding, thus enclosing the second content in the lower compartment (3) of the container (Figure 20 C), whereafter the string (12) is folded at the membrane-string connection segment (14) such that the loose string end (13) extends outwards from the top circumferential edge of the lower member (72) at the side opposite in the transverse dimension relative to the rim-string connection segment (15) (Figure 20 D).

Thereafter, an upper member (71) is taken from a nested stack of upper members (Figures 19 E and 20 E) and mounted on the lower member (72) by means of the engaging circumferential barbs ((26), (25)) on the inner side of the upper-member circumferential skirt (28) of the upper member (71) and on the outer side of the lower-member circumferential skirt (24) of the lower member (72), respectively. Once engaged, said engaging circumferential barbs ((26), (25)) form a snap-on type of mounting connection (18) (Figures 19 F and 20 F). After mounting the upper member (71) on the lower member (72) through the snap-on mounting connection (18), the bottom edge of the sealing structure (19) presses against the upper surface of the sloping annulus of the string guidance means (17), thus providing a liquid tight and gas tight seal of the upper compartment. After mounting the upper member (71) on the lower member (72), the segment of the string (12) overlying the string guidance means (17) is clamped between the bottom edge of the sealing structure (19) and the upper surface of the sloping annulus of the string guidance means (17). Another segment of the string (12) is clamped between the external barbs on the inner side of the string blocking means (30) and the circumferential internal barbs (25) on the outer side of the lower-member circumferential skirt (24). The string blocking means (30) further serves as a tamper-evident, which, if detached, partially detached or damaged, indicates that the string (12) may have been moved to the extent that the intercompartment membrane (8) may have become disengaged from the circumferential rim (11). The string passageway (23) is enclosed by the lower surface of the upper-member cornice (27), the upper surface of the sloping annulus of the string guidance means (17), the inner surface of the upper-member circumferential skirt (28), the outer surface of the sealing structure (19), and the outer surface of the lower-member circumferential skirt (24), within a segment in the transverse dimension wherein the string (12) extends out of the container (Figure 18 C). The assembly of the upper (71) and lower member (72) provides an upper compartment (2), being enclosed by the upper surface of the intercompartment membrane (8), the inner surface of the circumferential collar (22) of the lower member (72), inner surface of the sealing structure (19), and the inner surface of the upper-compartment circumferential wall (5) of the upper member (71). This upper compartment (2) of the container can be filled with a first content through the closable opening (60) (Figures 19 G and 20 G). After filling the upper compartment (2), the closable opening (60) is closed with a peelable sealing membrane (63), thereby fully enclosing the first content in the upper compartment (2) (Figures 19 H and 20 H). The peelable sealing membrane (63) is positioned such that the pull tab (65) is positioned in the transverse dimension at about the same side, preferably at the same side, of the container as the midpoint of the rim-string connection segment (15), or as the midpoint of the membrane-string connection segment (14) in the assembled membrane-engaged state of the container.

Prior to utilization of the mixed contents contained in the container according to the present embodiment of the invention, the user should partially detach the string blocking means (30) by pulling the pull tab (32) outward. When the string blocking means is partially detached, the external barbs on the inner side of the string blocking means (30) disengage from the circumferential internal barbs (25) on the outer side of the lower-member circumferential skirt (24), thus releasing the clamp around the string (12). After partially detaching the string blocking means (30), the string (12) can be moved by pulling the loose string end (13) downwards, resulting in partial disengagement of the intercompartment membrane (8), thus allowing the mixing of the first and second content contained in the container in its assembled membrane-disengaged state. Optionally, the user may shake the container to further mix the first and second content. Thereafter, the user can remove the peelable sealing membrane (63) from the closable opening (60), through which the mixed contents can be evacuated from the combined interior space of the upper and lower compartments ((2) and (3)) of the container.

Claims

1. A container for keeping contents in separate compartments before use, said container comprising: an enclosure provided by a discrete upper member (71) mounted on a discrete lower member (72), wherein each of said mounted discrete members (71, 72) provides a part of the circumferential section (4) of the enclosure, while the mounted upper discrete member (71) provides the top section of the enclosure and the mounted lower discrete member (72) provides the bottom section (7) of the enclosure, and wherein either or both of said mounted discrete members (71, 72) comprises one or more closure means for closing one or more closable openings (60) within said enclosure, an intercompartment membrane (8) that engages the inner side of said circumferential section (4) of the enclosure, thus separating the enclosure of the container into an upper compartment (2) for keeping a first content, and a lower compartment (3) for keeping a second content, a string (12) that is at one end connected to the membrane-string connection segment (14) of said intercompartment membrane (8), a string passageway (23) through the circumferential section (4) of the enclosure, through which passes part of the string (12) such that the other string end, referred to as the loose string end (13), is located outside the enclosure of the container, and wherein said string passageway (23) is formed upon mounting of the discrete upper member (71) on the discrete lower member (72) such that said upper member (71) provides the upper surface of said string passageway (23) and said lower member (72) provides the lower surface of said string passageway (23), and wherein said loose string end (13) can be pulled away from the string passageway (23) as to cause the movement of the membrane-string connection segment (14) such that the intercompartment membrane (8) at least partially disengages from the inner side of the circumferential section (4) of the enclosure of the container, and wherein after said at least partial disengagement of the intercompartment membrane (8), the contents of the upper compartment (2) and the lower compartment (3) can be mixed within the interior space provided by the combined compartments and can be evacuated through said closable opening (60) without having to dislodge the upper member (71) from the lower member (72).

2. The container according to claim 1 wherein said membrane-string connection segment (14) is situated at a peripheral edge of the intercompartment membrane (8).

3. The container according to claim 2 wherein the string passageway (23) is positioned on the circumferential section of the enclosure (4) at substantially the opposite side of the container, in the transverse dimension, relative to the position of said membrane-string connection segment (14) before membrane disengagement.

4. The container according to any of the claims 2 or 3 wherein the intercompartment membrane engages a circumferential rim (11) at the inner side of said circumferential enclosure (4) and wherein said membrane-string connection segment (14) of the membrane engages a segment of said rim, referred to as the rim-string connection segment (15).

5. The container according to any of the claims 1 to 4 wherein said intercompartment membrane (8) and string (12) are provided as an integral part by cutting or punching a membrane body in the form of the intercompartment membrane (8) with an elongated pull tab, wherein said elongated pull tab is folded along the segment corresponding to the membrane-string connection segment (14), and wherein said elongated pull tab folded over the intercompartment membrane (8) provides said string (12) such that the loose string end (13) extends from the intercompartement membrane (8) at the side diametrically opposed to the membrane-string connection segment (14).

6. The container according to any of the claims 1 to 5 wherein the container is designed such that pulling the loose string end (13) away from the string passageway (23) causes the membrane-string connection segment (14) to move in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the intercompartment membrane (8) causing the disengaged part of the intercompartment membrane to fold over or under the still engaged part of the intercompartment membrane.

7. The container according to any of the claims 1 to 6 wherein said container comprises a removable string blocking means (30) for preventing the inadvertent disengagement of the intercompartment membrane (8) from the circumferential enclosure (4) of the container, wherein said string blocking means (30) either prevents the transfer of a pulling force exerted on the loose string end (13) to the membrane-string connection segment (14) of the membrane or prevents the access to the loose string end (13).

8. The container according to any of the claims 1 to 7 comprising a string guidance means (17) that is an integral part of the circumferential enclosure (4), wherein said string guidance means (17) makes contact with the string (12) within a zone referred to as the string contact zone, and wherein said string guidance means (17) either forms the upper or lower surface of the string passageway (23) or is positioned internally relative to the string passageway and at substantially the same side of the container, in the transverse dimension, as the string passageway (23).

9. The container according to claim 8 wherein said string guidance means (17) is an integral part of the upper circumferential edge of the lower member (72) in case the string (12) overlies said string guidance means, or wherein said string guidance means (17) is an integral part of the lower circumferential edge of the upper member (71) in case the string (12) underlies said string guidance means.

10. The container according to any of the claims 8 to 9 wherein, in case the string (12) overlies the string guidance means, the bottom edge of the sealing structure (19) presses against a part of the string guidance means (17) that slopes downwards in the outward direction, such that part of the string is clamped between said bottom edge of the sealing structure and said downward sloping part of the string guidance means (17), or wherein, in case the string (12) underlies the string guidance means, the top edge of the sealing structure (19) presses against a part of the string guidance means (17) that slopes upwards in the outward direction, such that part of the string is clamped between said top edge of the sealing structure and said upward sloping part of the string guidance means (17).

11. The container according to any of the claims 8 to 10 wherein the angle β in the longitudinal dimension between the plane of the intercompartment membrane (8) and the line going through the centroid (d) of the string contact zone of the string guidance means (17) and through the midpoint (g) of the membrane-string connection segment (14) at its position before membrane disengagement is between 0° and 30°.

12. The container according to claim 11 wherein said angle β is between 0° and 10°.

13. The container according to any of the claims 8 to 12 wherein said string guidance means (17) makes contact with the string (12) through a string contact zone of which the surface is convex at the side that is in contact with the string.

14. The container according to any of the claims 1 to 13 wherein the container comprises a sealing structure (19) for minimizing the risk of leakage of liquids from the container and/or for minimizing the exchange of gases between the inside and the outside of the container through the string passageway (23), and wherein said sealing structure (19) allows for said movement of the string (12) upon pulling the loose string end (13) away from the string passageway (23).

15. The container according to claim 14 wherein said sealing structure (19) is a flexible structure that can flex outwardly when an outward pointing force is applied to it.

16. The container according to any of the claims 8 to 13 wherein the container comprises a sealing structure (19) for minimizing the risk of leakage of liquids from the container and/or for minimizing the exchange of gases between the inside and the outside of the container through the string passageway (23), and wherein said sealing structure (19) is an integral part of the upper member (71) in case said string guidance means (17) is an integral part of the lower member (72), or wherein said sealing structure (19) is an integral part of the lower member (72) in case said string guidance means (17) is an integral part of the upper member (71).

17. The container according to any of the claims 1 to 16 wherein said intercompartment membrane (8) is mounted substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal centroidal axis of the container.

18. The container according to any of the claims 1 to 17 wherein said discrete upper member (71) and discrete lower member (72) are statically connected to each other.

19. A container according to any of the claims 1 to 18 wherein said discrete upper member (71) and discrete lower member (72) are produced by injection moulding.

20. A container according to any of the claims 1 to 19 wherein said discrete upper member (71) and discrete lower member (72) are stackable on members of the same kind, such that the major part of one member is contained within the interior side of the neighbouring member, and such that the nesting height is at most 1 cm.

21. The container according any of the claims 1 to 20 wherein the closable opening (60) is situated at the top of the upper compartment (2).

22. The container according to any of the claims 1 to 21, whereby the design or position of the closable opening (60) incites the user, when evacuating the combined contents from the container in its assembled membrane-disengaged state, to tilt the container in a position wherein the interference of the partially disengaged membrane with the flow of said contents is reduced.

23. The container according to any of the claims 21 to 22, whereby the design or position of the closable opening (60) incites the user, when evacuating the combined contents from the container in its assembled membrane-disengaged state, to tilt the container such that the midpoint (g) of the membrane-string connection segment (14) at its position before membrane disengagement is situated below the horizontal plane through the centroid (f) of the intercompartment membrane (8) in its state before membrane disengagement.

24. The container according to any of the claims 21 to 23, whereby the most external point of the closable opening (60) is situated in the transverse dimension at about the same side of the container as the midpoint (g) of the membrane-string connection segment (14) at its position before membrane disengagement.

25. The container according to any of the claims 21 to 24, wherein the closure means of the closable opening (60) comprises a pull tab (65) that is situated in the transverse dimension at about the same side of the container as the midpoint (g) of the membrane-string connection segment (14) at its position before membrane disengagement.

26. The container according to any of the claims 21 to 25, wherein the closure means of the closable opening (60) comprises a hinge (66) that is situated in the transverse dimension on the container at about the opposite side relative to the midpoint (g) of the membrane-string connection segment (14) at its position before membrane disengagement.

27. The container according to any of the claims 21 to 26, wherein an icon or textual instruction for inciting the user, when evacuating the combined contents from the container in its assembled membrane-disengaged state, to tilt the container at the appropriate side, is present on the circumferential wall of the upper compartment below the closable opening (60) at about the same side in the transverse dimension as the midpoint (g) of the membrane-string connection segment (14) at its position before membrane disengagement.

28. A method for mounting the container according to any of the claims 1 to 27, which comprises engaging the intercompartment membrane (8) onto the inner side of the circumferential enclosure provided by the upper or lower member, wherein in case the intercompartment membrane (8) is engaged onto the inner side of the circumferential enclosure provided by the upper member (71), the loose string end (13) extends outwardly from the circumferential enclosure of the upper member (71) at the position corresponding to the upper surface of the string passageway (23) provided by said upper member, or wherein in case the intercompartment membrane (8) is engaged onto the inner side of the circumferential enclosure provided by the lower member (72), the loose string end (13) extends outwardly from the circumferential enclosure of the lower member (72) at the position corresponding to the lower surface of the string passageway (23) provided by said lower member, and

wherein, after engaging said intercompartment membrane (8), the upper and lower member are mounted onto each other such that part of the string (12) is enclosed between the upper and lower surfaces of the string passageway (23).

29. A method for mounting and filling the container according to any of the claims 1 to 27, which comprises the steps of: taking the lower member (72), preferably from a stack of lower members, filling the lower member (72) with the appropriate content through its opening at its top end, engaging the intercompartment membrane (8), to which the string (12) is connected at the membrane-string connection segment (14) of said intercompartment membrane (8), onto the inner side of the circumferential enclosure provided by the lower member (72), preferably onto the circumferential rim (11) along the inner side of the circumferential enclosure of the lower member, whereby the loose string end (13) extends outwardly from the outer top edge of the circumferential enclosure of the lower member (72) at the position corresponding to the lower surface of the string passageway (23) provided by said lower member, preferably at the side opposite in the transverse dimension to that of the membrane-string connection segment (14), taking the upper member (71), preferably from a stack of upper members, mounting the upper member (71) onto the lower member (72) via the mounting connection (18), such that part of the string (12) is enclosed between the upper surface of the string passageway (23) provided by said upper member and the lower surface of the string passageway (23) provided by said lower member, filling the upper member (71) with the appropriate content through its closable opening (60), and closing the closable opening (60) of the upper member (71) with an appropriate closure means.

30. A method for mounting and filling the container according to any of the claims 1 to 27, which comprises the steps of: taking the upper member (71), preferably from a stack of upper members, in case the closable opening (60) of the upper member (71) is not yet closed, closing the closable opening (60) with an appropriate closure means, filling the upper member (71) with the appropriate content through its opening at its bottom end, preferably while the upper member is held in a position opposite to its normal upright position, engaging the intercompartment membrane (8), to which the string (12) is connected at the membrane-string connection segment (14) of said intercompartment membrane (8), onto the inner side of the circumferential enclosure provided by the upper member (71), preferably onto the circumferential rim (11) along the inner side of the circumferential enclosure of the upper member, whereby the loose string end (13) extends outwardly from the outer bottom edge of the circumferential enclosure of the upper member (71) at the position corresponding to the upper surface of the string passageway (23) provided by said upper member, preferably at the side opposite in the transverse dimension to that of the membrane-string connection segment (14), taking the lower member (72), preferably from a stack of lower members, filling the lower member (72) with the appropriate content through its opening at its top end, preferably while the lower member is held in its normal upright position, and mounting the filled and closed upper member (71) onto the lower member (72) via the mounting connection (18), such that part of the string (12) is enclosed between the upper surface of the string passageway (23) provided by said upper member and the lower surface of the string passageway (23) provided by said lower member.