WO2014077841A1

WO2014077841A1 - Multi-chamber container

Info

Publication number: WO2014077841A1
Application number: PCT/US2012/065747
Authority: WO
Inventors: Matthew Lee KOLB
Original assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
Priority date: 2012-11-19
Filing date: 2012-11-19
Publication date: 2014-05-22
Also published as: US20150321797A1; AR093540A1; TW201425145A

Abstract

Provided is a multi-chamber container for dispensing flowable substances, comprising: a base face lying in a plane; first and second storage chambers for storing respective first and second flowable substances; and a receptacle having a first cavity, a second cavity, a divider separating the first cavity from the second cavity, and a rim surrounding the first and second cavities and the divider, a first portion of the rim being further from the plane in a direction orthogonal to the plane than a second portion of the rim, and the divider extending from the first portion of the rim to another portion of the rim; wherein the first cavity has a first aperture in fluid communication with the first storage chamber, the second cavity has a second aperture in fluid communication with the second storage chamber, and each of the first and second cavities has an opening via which the first and second flowable substances are respectively dispensable from the container.

Description

MULTI-CHAMBER CONTAINER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION jOOOlj The present invention relates to a multi-chamber container. The multiple chambers of the container may store respective flowafole substances, for example, respective oral care products such as mouthwashes or respective components of a mouthwash.

BACKGROU ND OF THE INVENTION

(ΘΘ02} A multi-chamber container is a container having more than one chamber for storing respecti ve substances out of contact with one another. It may be desirable to kee the respective substances out of contact with one another during storage of the respective substances, for example if the substances might react or deteriorate over lime should they he allow to mix.

[0003] Over the years, efforts have been made to improve the design of multi- chamber containers to try to prevent, during dispensing of two substances from respective chambers of the container,, a first of the substances from a first of the chambers flowing into a second of the chambers holding a second of the substances causing inadvertent mixing of the substances. For example, it is known to provide a two-compartment container with, two discharge openings, each leading to a respective one of the compartments, and. rib members between the discharge openings to hinder a substance from the first compartment flowing into the second, compartment during dispensing of the substances.

[0004] However, when using such a known container, a user may tilt the container in such a way that one of the substances flows over or around the rib members so that the substances become mixed on or in the container during a dispensing routine. Therefore, despite these efforis, a need stili exists for multi-chamber container with a structure that better prevents, during dispensing of two substances from respective chambers of the container, a first of the substances stored in a first of the chambers becoming mixed with a second of the substances while in or on. the container, or flowing into a. second of the chambers storm ¾ the second of the substances.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

1ΘΘ05) A first aspect of the present invention provides a multi-chamber container for dispensing fiowable substances, comprising: a base face lying in a plane; first and second storage chambers for storing respective first and second fiowable substances; and a. receptacle having a first cavit '_/ a second, c vity, a divider separating the first cavitv from the second, cavity, and a rim surrouncline the first and second cavities and the divider, a first portion of the rim being further from the plane in a direction orthogonal to the plane than a second portion of the rim, and the divider extending from the first portion, of the rim to another portion of the rim; wherein the first cavity has a. first aperture in fluid communication with the first storage chamber, the second, cavity has a second aperture in. fluid, communication with the second storage chamber, and each of the first and second cavities has a opening via which the first and second fiowable substances are respectively dispensable from the container. |0 06] Preferably, the second portion of the rim is the other portion of the rim.

j000? Preferably, the first portion of the rim is a portion of the rim that is furthest from the plane. The first portio of the rim may he the, i.e. the only., portion of the rim that is furthest from the plane,

|(MM)8{ The portions of the rim between which the divider extends may be different distances from, the plane in the direction orthogonal to the plane. Alternatively, the portions of the rim between which the divider extends may be equal distances from the plane in the direction orthogonal to the plane.

[ΘΘ09] Optionally, the receptacle is symmetrical about the divider. Optionally, the container is symmetrical about the divider.

[ΘΘ1.0) Optionally, when viewed, in the direction orthogonal to the plane, the receptacle has a maj r axis parallel to the divider. Preferably, whe viewed in the direction orthogonal to the plane, the receptacle is elliptical [0011] The first cavity may have a volume equal to a volume of the second cavity. Alternatively, the first cavity may have a volume that differs from a volume of the second cavity.

[ΘΘ1.2) Optionally, the receptacle is non-rotationally symmetrical Optionally, the container is non-rotationally symmetrical.

[0013] Optionally, at least a portion of the rim is parallel to the pi arte. The first portion of the rim may be parallel to the plane. The other portion of the rim may be parallel to the plane,

[0014] Optionally, the first portion of the rim has first and second ends and the other portion of the rim has third and fourth ends, the first end. of the first portion of the rim is joined to the third end of the other portion of the rim by a third portion of the rim that follows a transition curve (or easement curve), and the second end of the first portion of the rim is joined to the fourth end. of the other portion of the rim by a fourth portion of the rim that follows a transition curve {or easement curve),

[0015] Optionally, when viewed in a direction parallel to the plane, the divider has a side profile that matches a side profile of the rim when viewed in the direction parallel to the plane.

[t)i)16| Preferably, the divider meets an inner edge of the first portion of the rim at a part of the first portion of the rim, and a notch is formed in an outer edge of the part of the first portion of the rim,

[ΘΘ1?| Optionally, the container has a first vent fluidly connecting an exterior of the container with the first storage chamber in parallel to the first aperture. Optionally, the container also has a second vent fluidly connecting the exterior of the container with the second storage chamber in parallel t the second aperture.

[0018] Optionally, the first cavity has a first vent in fluid communication with the first storage chamber in parallel to the first aperture. Optionally, the second cavity has a second vent in fluid communication with the second storage chamber in parallel to the second, aperture.

[ΘΘ19) The first and second storage chambers may be defined by respective non- unitary first and second vessels. Such first and second vessels ma ^'be made from, a flexible, preferably resilient, material, or may be made from a hard, preferably rigid, materia!. Such first and second vessels may be squeezable b a user to cause the first and second flowable substances to flow into the respective first and second cavities. The receptacle may be non-unitary with the first and second vessels and attached to the first and second vessels.

(0020) The first and second storage chambers may be respective chambers in a unitary vessel. Such a unitary vessel may be made from a flexible, preferably resilie t material, or may be made from: a hard, preferably rigid, material Such a unitary vessel may be squeezable by a user to cause the first and second flowable substances to flow into the respective first and second cavities. The receptacle may be non-unitary with the unitary vessel and attached to the unitary vessel.

(002 ij Preferably, the first and second storage chambers are disposed between the receptacle and the base face. More preferably, the first and second storage chambers are disposed i parallel between the receptacle and the base face.

(0022] Optionally, the container is elongate with a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis may extend through the base face and through the receptacle. Preferably, the longitudinal axis is orthogonal to the plane. The first portion of the rim may be farther from the longitudinal axis of the container than the other portion of the rim. The container may have an hourglass shape.

|0023] The first aperture ma be in fluid communicatio with the first storage chamber via a first compartment. Similarly, the second aperture may be in fluid communication with the second storage chamber via a second compartment. The first and second compartment may be defined by the receptacle,

10024] The first and second flowable substances may be respective oral care products, such as mouthwash. Alternatively, the first and second flowable substances may be .respective parts of an oral care product, such as mouthwash, that is created when the first and second flowable substances are mixed.. Accordingly, preferably, the container is a container for dispensing one or more oral care products. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 is a first perspective view of a multi-chamber container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

(00261 Figure 2 is a second perspective view of the multi-chamber container according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027} The following ^'description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended t limit the invention, its application, or uses. The description of illustrative embodiments according to principles of the present invention, is intended to be read in connection with, the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of embodiments of the inventio disclosed herein, an reference to direction or orientation is merel intended for convenience of description and is not intended, in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as "lower,;" "upper;^"' "horizontal," "vertical/' "above/' "below," "up/' "down," "top" and "bottom" as well as derivative thereof (e.g., ''horizontally," "downwardly," "upwardly/^' etc.) should he construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as show in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation, unless explicitly indicated, as such. Terms such as "attached;" "affixed;" "connected/" "coupled," "interconnected/' and similar refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid, attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. Moreover, the features and benefits of the invention are illustrated by reference to the preferred embodiments. Accordingly, the invention expressly should not be limited to such preferred embodiments illustrating some possible non-limiting combination of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features. [ΘΘ28| A -multi-chamber container for dispensing flowable substances and according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will, be described, with reference to Figures 1. and 2.

[ΘΘ29] The container 1 comprises first and second storage chambers 1.1.3, .123 each for storing a .flowable substance, or each storing a flowable substance, such as a liquid or a paste. The flowable substances may each be an oral care product, such as a mouthwash. Alternatively, the flowable substances may be two parts of an oral care product, such as a mouthwash, that is created when the flowable substances are mixed .

(ΘΘ30) The first and second storage chambers 1.13, 1 3 are defined by respective first and second vessels 11.0, 120 that have respective orifices (not shown) at a first small, end , 21 thereof. Each of the first and second vessels 110, 120 has a second small end ^"112, ^"3.22 at an. end opposite to the first small end 111, 1,21. thereof. Together, the second small ends 1.1.2, 1.22 form a base end 125 of the con tainer 1, The base end 1.25 of the container 1 has a base face 126 lying in a first plane PL

[0031] Each of the first and second vessels 110, 120 is elongate between its first and. second small ends 1.1.1, 11.2, 121, 122, The first and second vessels 110, 120 are made from a hard, preferably rigid, material. However, in a variation to this embodiment, the first and. second vessels 110, 120 may be .made from, a flexible, preferably resilient, material, whereby each of the first and second vessels 110, 120 is squeezable by a user to cause the first and second flowable substances to flow out from the respective first and second storage chambers 113, 123 through the respective orifices, and through respective first and second apertures 131, 132 into respective first and second cavities 137, 138 of a receptacle 130, as discussed below.

[0032] The first and second vessels 1.1.0, 120 are non-unitary. That is, the first and second vessels 110, 120 are not integrally formed together, but instead are separate components that are connected together during assembly of the container 1. In a variatio to the illustrated embodiment, the first and second storage chambers 1.13, 123 may he defined as respective chambers in a single, unitary vessel Such a single, unitary vessel may be made from a hard, preferably rigid, material, or from a flexible, preferably resilient, material, whereby the single, unitary vessel is squeezable by a user to cause the first and second flowab!e substances to flow o from the respective first and second storage chambers 1.13, 1.23 through the respective orifices and through the respective first and second apertures .131, 132 into the respective first and second ca vities 137, 138 of the receptacle 1.30.

(0033) The container 1 further comprises a third vessel, or receptacle ^"130, that is non- unitary with the first and second vessels 110, 120. The receptacle 1.30 is attached to the first and second vessels 110, 120 during assembly of the container 1. More specifically, during assembly of the multi-chamber container 1, the first and second vessels 110, 120 are brought into contact with each other, their respective first small ends 111, 121 and orifices are inserted into a receiving hole (not shown) formed in a first side of the receptacle 130, and then the respective first small ends 1^*1^*1, 1.21 of the first and second vessels 110, 120 are fixed to the receptacle 130, such as by adherence using adhesive or by sonic welding the receptacle 130 to the first and second vessels 110, 1.20, Accordingly, in the assembled container 1, the first and second storage chambers 113, 123 are disposed in parallel between the base face 126 a d the receptacle 130, in the variation in which the first and second storage chambers 113, 123 are respective chambers in a single, unitary vessel, the receptacle 130 may be non-unitary with the single, unitary vessel, and may be attached to the single, unitary vessel during assembly of the container 1.

{0034^*1 Overall, the container 1 is elongate with a longitudinal axis A-A that: extends through the base face 126 and through the receptacle 130. In this embodiment, the longitudinal axis A-A is orthogonal to the first plane PI and, thus, orthogonal to the base face 1.26, Further, the container 1 has an hourglass shape, which enables a user to take a firm hold of the container 1 during transport and use. In this embodiment, the hourglass shape is achieved by the first and second vessels 1.1.0, 1.20 together defining a waist 127 of the container 1, which waist 1.27 has a smaller lateral cross sectional are tha each of the base end 125 and the receptacle 130.

{ΘΘ35] The receptacle 130 has the first and second cavities 1.37, 1.38 mentioned above, and a divider 139 separating the first cavity 137 from the second cavity 138. The first cavity 37 has the first aperture 131, which is in fluid communication with the first storage chamber .1,1.3 via a first compartment (not shown) located at least partially within the receptacle 130. A short tube extends from the first cavity 37 into the first compartment, and the first compartment has n orifice in .fluid communication with the first storage chamber 113. Correspondingly, the second cavity 1.38 has the second aperture 132, which is in fluid communication with the second storage chamber 123 via a second compartment (not shown) located at least partially within the receptacle 130. A short tube extends from the second cavit 138 into the second compartme , and me second compartment has an orifice in fluid communication with the second storage chamber 123.

(ΘΘ36) The first cavity 137 also has a first vent 133, which is in fluid communication with, the first storage chamber 1.1.3 in parallel to the first aperture 131. The second, cavit 138 also has a second vent 134, which, is in fluid communication, with the second storage chamber 123 in parallel to the second aperture 32. The vents 133, 134 permit air to flow-^" into the first and second storage chambers 3, 123 from the exterior of the container 1 during dispensing of the first and second flowable substances from the first and second storage chambers 113, 123 to the exterior of the container 1 via the first and second apertures 131, 1.32. These air flows enable the first and second flowable substances to be dispensed as respective steady flows, preferably with substantially constant and/or equai flow rates, through the first and second apertures 131, 132, since air flow though the apertures 131, 132 and. a vacuum condition in each of the first and second storage chambers 113, 23 can be avoided . That is, the vents 133, 1.34 allow air to replenish the first and second storage chambers 113, 1.23 so that the combined volume of air and flowable substance in each of the first and second storage chambers 1.1.3, 123 remains substantially constant. This eliminates or minimizes "clogging" of the first and second flowable substances as they are dispensed through the apertures 131, 32.

[ΘΘ37] The flow rate of the first and second flowable substances through the respective apertures 1.31 , 1.32 is dependent on. the respective cross-sectional areas of the vents 133, 134. The greater the cross-sectional area of the first vent 1.33, the greater the flow rate of the first flowable substance through the first aperture 1.31. Correspondingly, the greater the cross-sectional area of the second vent 134, the greater the flow rate of the second fiowable substance through the second aperture 132.

I the ^"illustrated exemplary embodiment, the first and second vents 1.33, 134 are formed in walls of the receptacle 130 that define the respective first and second cavities 1.37, 138. Accordingly, the first and second vents 133, 1.34 fluid ty connect the first and second cavities 137, .1.38 with the respective first and second storage chambers 113, 123.

(ΘΘ38] in a variation to this embodiment, the first and second vents 133, 134 a be formed in other parts of the receptacle 130 outside of the first and second cavities 137, 1.38, or may be formed in wails of the vessels 110, 20 (or vessel) defining the first and second storage chambers 113, 23, In any event, when, provided, the first vent 133 fluid.lv connects an exterior of the container 1 with the first storage chamber 113 i parallel to the first aperture 131, and the second vent 134 fluidly connects the exterior of the container 1. with the second storage chamber 1.23 in parallel to the second, aperture 132. In some embodiments, the vents 1.33, 1.34 may be omitted.The first cavity 1.37 has an opening 137a via which the first cavity 1.37 is in fluid, communication with the exterior of the container 1, and via which the first fiowable substance is dispensable from the container 1. Correspondingly, the second cavity 138 has an opening 38a via which the second cavity 138 is in fluid communication with the exterior of the container 1, and via which the second fiowable substance is dispensable from, the container 1.

|0039 The first and second compartments help to provide equal delivery of the first and second fiowable substances during dispensing thereof, even whe user incorrectly orientates the container 1 during pouring. When the user tips the container 1. to dispense the first and second fiowable substances, the first and second fiowable substances flow from the first and second storage chambers 113, 123 into the respective first and second compartments. The first and. second fiowable substances then flow from the first and second, compartments through, the respective first and second apertures .1.31, 32 i o the respective cavities .1.37, 138. Even if the user does not tilt the containe 1 about an axis thai is exactly perpendicular to the divider 139 as intended (see the discussion below describing intended dispensing ^•routines), the first and second compartments take into account the user error by providing steady flows of the first and second flowable substances from, the respective first and second compartments through the respective first and second apertures 131, 132.

[ΘΘ40| In some embodiments, respective fluid passageways (not shown) in the shape of a funnel may be included. These respective fluid passageways may communicate the first and second vessels HQ, 120 with the respective first and second apertures 131, 132, with the narrow ends of the respective fluid passageways located around the respective first and second apertures 131, 132, and the larger ends of the respective fluid passageways located around the respective first and second vessels 1 0, 20, The inclusion, of the larger ends of the respective fl id passageway around the respective first and second vessels 110, 20 helps to reduce ''user error" in mis-orienting the container 1 during its usage. Indeed, by including the larger ends of the respective fluid passageway around the respective first and second, vessels Ί10, 1.20, the user error is corrected by palling flows of the first and second flowable substances from a larger area, and in some cases, the entire top surface of the bottle, rather than. from, just the cross-sectional area of the respective iirst and second apertures 131, 132,

J0041| The receptacle 130 further has an ou er ed e, lip or rim 135 that surrounds the first and second cavities 137, 138 and the divider 139. A first portion 135a of the rim 135 is further from the first plane Pi in a direction orthogonal to the first plane PI than a second portion 135ci of the rim 135. in other words, the first portion 135a of the rim is a first distance Dl from the first plane PI in a direction orthogonal to the first plane PI, and the second portio 135d of the rim 135 is a second distance D2 from, the first plane PI. i a direction orthogonal to the first plane PI, wherein the first distance Dl is greater tha the second distance D2.

[ΘΘ42] in this embodiment, the first portion 1.35a of the rim 135 is parallel to the first plane PI. The first portion 135a of the rim Ί35 lies in a second plane P2 that is parallel to the first plane PI. ^'The second plane P2 is the first distance Dl from the first plane P in a direction, orthogonal, to the first plane PL Also, the second portion 135d of the .rim 135 is parallel to the first plane PI. The second portion 135d of the rim 135 lies in a third plane P3 that is parallel to the first plane PI.. The third plane P3 is the second distance D2 from the first plane P in a direction orthogonal to the first plane PI . in variations to the illustrated embodiment, the second plane P2 and/ or the third, plane P3 may be non-parallel to the first plane PI, and/or the second plane P2 may be non-parallel to the third plane P3.

ΓΘΘ43) The first portion 135a of the rim 135 has a first end 135b and a second end 135c and the second portion 135d of the rim 135 has a third end 135e and a fourth end 135f. The first end 135b of the first portion 135a of the rim 135 is joined to the third end 135e of the second portion 135d of the rim 5 by a third portion 135g of the rim. 135 that follows a transitio curve. The second end 135c of the first portion 135a of the rim 135 is joined to the fourth end. 135f of the second portion 135d of the rim 1.35 by a fourth portion 135h of the rim 135 that follows a transition curve.

[ΘΘ44) As best shown in Figure 1 , the divider 139 extends from the first portion 135a of the rim 135 to the second portion. 135d of the rim 135 between the first and second, cavities 137, 138, so as to separate and define, or delineate, the first and second cavities 137, 138. When viewed in a direction parallel to the first plane PI, the divider 139 has a side profile that matches a side profile of the rim 135 when viewed in the direction parallel to the first plane PI. The divider 139 meets an inner edge of the first portion 135a of the rim 135 at a part 1 Sx of the first portion. 135a of the rim 135, and a notch 136 is formed in an outer edge of the part 13Sx of the first portion 135a of the rim 135. The purpose of the notch 136 will be made apparent below, in other embodiments, the notch 136 may be omitted.

[ΘΘ45] The receptacle 130 is symmetrical abou t the divide 139, and the f irst cavity 137 has a volume equal to a volume of the second cavity 138. Moreover, when viewed in a direction orthogonal to the first plane PI, the receptacle 130 has a major axis parallel to the divider 139, indeed, the divider 139 lies on the major axis of the receptacle 130. Still further, when viewed in. the direction orthogonal to the first plane PI, the receptacle 130 is elliptical. However, the receptacle 130, indeed the container 1, is not rotationaily symmetrical, since the first portion 135a of the rim 135 is further from the longitudinal axis A-.A of the container than the second portion 135d of the rim.135. |ΘΘ46] In variations to the illustrated embodiment when viewed in the direction orthogonal to the first plane PI, the receptacle 130 may be any of circular, polygonal, triangular, rectangular, square, diamond-shaped, hexagonal, or octagonal, or may have an irregular shape formed by curve(s) and/ or straight line(s).

(0047) While in the illustrated embodiment the first portion ^"135a of the rim .135 lies in th second plane P2 and extends a distance away from the major axis of the receptacle 130 to both sides of the major axis, so that the first portion 135a of the rim 135 can be considered planar, in a variation, to the illustrated embodiment a portion of the rim 135 is curved and tangential to the second plane P2, so that only an small first section or point of the rim 135 lies in the second plane P2. However, even in such, a variation, the first small section or point of the rim ^"1.35 is considered, the first portion 1.35a of the rim 135 and is the first distance Dl from the first plane PI.

(ΘΘ48) Similarly, while in the illustrated embodiment the second portion 135d of the rim 135 lies in the third plane P3 and extends a distance away from the major axis of the receptacle 130 to both sides of the major axis, so that the second portion 1 5d of the rim 135 can be considered planar, i a variation to the illustrated embodiment a portion of the rim 135 is curved and tangential to the third plane P3, so that only an small second section or point of the rim 135 lies in the third plane P3. However, even in such a variation, the second small sectio or point of the rim 135 is considered the second portion 135ct of the rim 135 and is the second distance D2 from, the first plane PI.

j0049 in the illustrated embodiment the portions 135a, 135d of the rim 135 between which the divider 139 extends are located at different distances from, the first plane PI in a direction orthogonal to the first plane PL, However, in variations to the illustrated embodiment, the portions of the rim 135 between which the divider 139 extends are located at equal distances from the first plane PI in a direction orthogonal, to the first plane PI . That is, the divider 1.39 may extend between (a) the first portion 135a of the rim 135 that lies in. the second plane P2, and (b) another portion of the rim 135 that lies in the second plane P2. In such variations, the first portion 1.35a of the rim ^"135 still would be further from the first plane PI. plane in a direction, orthogonal to the first plane PI than some other, second portion of the rim 135. Preferably the first portion 135a of the rim 135 is a portion of the rim 35 that is furthest from the first plane PI. Most preferably, the first portion.135a of the rim 135 is the,, i.e. the only, portion of the rim 135 that is furthest from the first plane PI, so that no other portion(s) of the rim 135 are at the same distance from the first plane PI in the direction orthogonal to the first plane F! as the first portion. 135a of the rim 135.

(0050} The high, first portion 135a of the rim 135 appears to a user as a spout, and so acts as a guide indicating to the user a recommended direction in which to tilt the container 1 to dispense the first and second flowable substances from the container 1, without causing mixing of the first and second flowable substances in the container 1 ,

[0051] When a user wishes to dispense the first and second flowable substances from the container 1 directly into their mouth, they hold the container 1. about its waist 127, intuitively bring the first portion. 135a of the rim 135 of the receptacle 130 to their lips,, tilt the container 1 about an axis that is perpendicular to the divider 139, and pour the separate first and second flowable substances into their mouth through the first and second openings 137a, 138a of the respective first and second cavities 137, 138. During the pouring, the first and second flowable substances are kept separate in the receptacle 130 by the divider 139, so that the first and second, flowable substances are allowed to mix only after having left the receptacle 130 at the first portion 135a of the rim 135.

|0052 Alternatively, when a user wishes to dispense the first and second flowable substances from, the container 1 into a separate cup or glass (not shown), they hold the container 1 about its waist 127, tilt the container about an axis that is perpendicular to the divider 1.39 so as to lower the first portion 135a of the rim .135 of the receptacle 130 towards the cup or glass, and pour the separate first and second flowable substances through the first and second openings 137a, 138a of the respective first and second cavities 137, 138. Again, during the pouring, the first and second flowable substances are kept separate in the receptacle 130 by the divider 139. However, the notch 136 causes the separate flows of the first and second flowable substances to intertwine to form, a double-helix after they have left the rim 1.35, which encourages mixing of the flows of the first and second fiowable substances as they fall towards the cup or glass.

[ΘΘ53] in embodiments in which the first and second storage chambers 113, 123 are defined by first and second vessels 110, 120, or a single, unitary vessel, made from a flexible_., preferably resilient, material, the user may squeeze the vessels) to reduce the vol mes of the respective first and second storage chambers 113, 123, in order to encourage flow of the first and second fiowable substances from the respective first and second storage chambers 113, 123 into the respective first and second cavities 137, 138 of the receptacle 130,

[ΘΘ54] Since the first and second fiowable substances are kept separate from each other when in the container 1. and upstream of the first portion 35a of the rim 135 when dispensing, it is prevented, or the risk is minimized, that any of the first fiowable substance is allowed to flow into the second cavit 138 or towards the second storage chamber 123 via the second aperture 144, and that an of the second fiowable substance is allowed to flow into the first cavity 137 or towards the first storage chamber 1.1.3 via the first apertur 1.43.

[0055] While the invention has been described with respect to specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appredafe that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above described systems and techniques. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Thus, the scope of the inven tion should be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

Claims:

1. A muM hatnfoer container for dispensing fio vab!e substances,, omprising: a base f ace lying in a plane;

first and second storage chambers for storing respective first and second flowabie substances; and

a receptacle having a first cavity, a second cavity, a divider separating the first- cavity from the second cavity, and a rim surrounding the first and second cavities and the divider, a first portion of the rim being further from the piane in a direction orthogonal to the plane than a second, portion of the rim, and the divider extending from the first portion of the .rim to another portion, of the rim;

wherein the first cavity has a first aperture in fluid communication with the first storage chamber, the second cavity has a second, aperture i fluid communication with the second storage chamber, and each of the first and second, cavities has an opening via which the first and second fiowable substances are respectively dispensable from the container.

2. The container of claim 1„ wherein the second portion of the rim is the other portion of the rim.

3. The container of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first portion of the rim is a portion of the rim that is furthest from the piane.

4. The container of claim. 1 or claim 2, wherein the first portion of the rim is the portion of the rim that is furthest from the plane.

5. The container of any preceding claim, wherein the portions of the rim between which the divider extends are located at different distances from the plane in the direction orthogonal to the plane.

6. The container of an one of claims 1 to 4,, wherein, the portions of the rim between which the divider extends are located at equal distances from the plane in the direction orthogonal to the plane.

7. The container of any preceding claim, wherein the receptacle is symmetrical about the divider.

8. The container of any preceding claim wherein, when viewed in the direction orthogonal to the plane, the receptacle has a major axis parallel to the divider.

9. The container of claim.8, wherein, when viewed, in the direction orthogonal to the plane, the receptacle is elliptical.

10. The container of any preceding claim, wherein the first cavity has a volume equal to a volume of the second cavity.

11. The container of any preceding claim, wherein the receptacle is non- rotafionally symmetrical.

12. The container of any preceding claim, wherein at least a portion of the rim is parallel to the plane.

13. The container of claim 12, wherein the first portion of the rim is parallel to the plane.

14. The container of claim .12 or claim 13, wherein the other portion of the rim is parallel to the plane.

.1.5. The container of any preceding eiaitn,, wherein the first portion of the rim has first and second ends and the other portion of the rim has third and fourth ends, wherein the first end of the first portion of the rim is joined, to the third end of the other portion of the rim by a third portion of the rim that follows a transition, curve, and wherein the second end of the first portion of the rim. is joined to the fourth end of th other portion of the rim. by a fourth portion of the rim. that follows a transition curve.

.

16. The container of any preceding claim wherein, when viewed in a direction parailei to the plane, the divider has a side profile that matches a side profile of the rim when viewed in. the direction parailei to the plane.

17. The container of any preceding claim, wherein the divider meets an. inner edge of the first portion of the rim at a part of the first portion of the rim, and. wherein notch is formed in an outer edge of the part of the first portion of the rim.

18. The container of any preceding claim, having a first vent fluidly connecting an exterior of the container with the first storage chamber in parailei to the first aperture, and a second vent fluidly connecting the exterior of the container with the second storage chamber in parallel to the second aperture,

19. The container of any preceding claim,, wherein the first cavity has a first vent in fluid communication with the first storage chamber in parallel to the first aperture, and the second cavity has a second vent in fluid communication with the second storage chamber in parallel to the second aperture,

20. The container of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second storage chambers are defined b respective non-unitary first and second vessels.

21. The container of claim 20, wherein the first and second vessels are made from a flexible, preferably resilient, material, or made from a hard, preferably rigid, material.

22. The container of claim 20 or claim. 21, wherein the first and second vessels are squeezable by a user to cause the first and second flowab!e substances to flow into the respective first and second cavities,

23. The container of any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the receptacle is non- unitary with the first and second vessels and is attached to the first and second vessels.

24. The container of any one of claims 1 to 1 , wherein the first and second storage chambers are respective chambers in. a unitary vessel.

25. The container of claim 24, wherein, the unitary vessel is made from a flexible, preferably resilient, material, or .made from a hard, preferably rigid, material.

26. The container of claim. 24 or claim 25, wherein the unitary vessel is squeezable by a user to cause the first and. second f lowabie substances to flow into the respective first and second cavities.

27. The container of any one of ciaims 24 to 26, wherein the receptacle is non- unitar with the unitary vessel and is attached to the unitary vessel.

28. The container of any preceding claim_., wherein the first and second storage chambers are disposed between the. receptacle and. the base face.

29. The container of claim 28, wherein the first and second storage chambers are disposed in parallel between the receptacle and the base face.

30. The container of any preceding claim, wherein the container is elongate with a longitudinal, axis.

31. The container of claim 30,, wherein the longitudinal axis extends through the base face and through the receptacle.

32. The container of claim 30 or claim 31,. wherein the Longitudinal axis is orthogonal to the plane.

33. The container of any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein the first portion of the rim is further from the longitudinal axis of the container than the other portion of the rim.

34. The container of any preceding claim, wherein the container has an hourglass shape.

35. The container of any preceding claim, wherein the first aperture is in fluid, communication with the first storage chamber via. a first compartment and the second aperture is in fluid communication with the second storage chamber via a second compartment.

36. The container of claim 35, wherein the first and second compartments are defined by the receptacle.