Multipack

Abstract

A multi-compartment container, characterized in that it comprises a base (2) and at least two concave modules (1) movable with respect to the base (2), each having an opening (11) facing a different face (21) of the base (2), and wherein each module (1) is movable by guides (22) in the base (2) between a closed position where the opening (11) of the module (1) is fully facing the face (21) and an open position where the opening (11) protrudes from one side of the base (2).

Description

Multipack TECHNICAL SECTOR The present invention relates to a multi-pack container for individual products, such as candies or other similar products. It allows for the dispensing of products individually and is simple to manufacture. STATE OF THE ART In packaging technology, for example for candies, chewing gum, and similar products, the use of sliding containers is common. Tic-Tac brand dragees (a registered trademark) are the most well-known example. This type of container is complicated to manufacture, as it has parts that must fit together and requires precise measurements. Other solutions, such as PEZ dispensers (a registered trademark), are even more complex. However, packaging for two or more products is scarce. One example is JP2015107833A, which, like Tic Tac, is complex. No packaging that is easy to manufacture and handle and capable of holding products in two or more containers or modules is known. USD952474 is also interesting, showing a design for another multi-compartment package, in this case with several compartments. This package design requires considerable handling to extract the desired product. The applicant is unaware of any packaging similar to the invention. BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION The invention consists of a multi-compartment container according to the claims. Its novel features are listed in the characterizing portion of the independent claim. The multi-compartment container comprises a base and at least two concave modules that are movable relative to the base. Each module has an opening facing a different, usually flat, face of the base. Each module is movable along guides in the base between a closed position, where the module's opening is fully facing the corresponding face, and an open position, where the opening protrudes from one side of the base. Generally, all modules protrude from the same side of the base, with their openings oriented differently toward the corresponding face. In this way, the container is manufactured in a few pieces, which are generally repeated to assemble the container. Thus, the modules are usually identical, and, as will be seen, some base designs are also made of identical elements or parts. The pieces can be manufactured in plastic, for example, injection-molded plastic, with the modules preferably made of transparent or translucent materials. The packaging allows for direct opening of each module, so the user can easily select the product. Furthermore, some designs reduce the risk of accidental opening or unintentional product spillage. In one embodiment, the guides are engaged on a shoulder at the edge of the opening and have a slight narrowing at their beginning. This means that a small amount of effort is required to begin moving the module to the open position. In a preferred embodiment, each face has a protrusion near the side through which the module protrudes in the open position. In one embodiment, the base is formed by two or more detachable parts. For example, each part may comprise two faces joined by a central section (generally perpendicular to both faces and parallel to each other). A groove is provided in this central section, the width of which is similar to the thickness of the central section in the groove area. To facilitate moving a module relative to the base, the base may include a thumb rest. This area may be larger, preferably concave or textured to improve grip. Other specific achievements are listed in the remainder of the report. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The following figures are included for a better understanding of the invention. Figure 1: Perspective view of an example of an embodiment of the invention. Figure 2: Cross-section of the previous example. Figure 3: exploded view of a module and the base. Figure 4: Perspective view of a second example of realization. Figure 5: Partial exploded view of the second example. Figure 6: Perspective view of a third example. MODES OF REALIZING THE INVENTION The following section briefly describes one way of carrying out the invention, as an illustrative and non-limiting example thereof. The example shown has two concave modules (1) movable with respect to a base (2). The base (2) comprises two flat faces (21) with guides (22) that allow the modules (1) to slide between a closed position, in which an opening (11) of the module (1) is fully facing the corresponding face (21) and an open position in which the opening (11) protrudes from one side of the base (2). It can be seen that the modules (1) are independent of each other, so they can be opened independently. Furthermore, in figures 1-5 the modules (1) are represented as identical, but each one can have a different size or shape (figure 6). The guides (22) shown in figure 2 engage with a shoulder (12) on the edge of the opening (11) of the module (1). A small, imperceptible narrowing in the guide (22) can act as a brake so that the user has to force the movement of the corresponding module (1) and an accidental opening does not occur. As shown in Figure 3, each flat face (21) may have a raised lip (23) near the side where the module (1) protrudes, to retain the products inside the corresponding module (1) until the user shakes the container. The lip (23) remains close to the wall of the module (1) in the closed position, preventing any product from being placed inside. Upon opening, the products pile up against the lip (23) until the container is shaken or the module (1) finishes pushing them into the newly created opening. The base (2) of the represented embodiment has two faces (21), but it should be considered that a solution with more faces (21) is also possible, although it is preferable not to exceed four, so as not to require a very bulky base (2). The most efficient solution uses a thin base (2) with two opposite faces (21), each for a module (1). The base (2) may have a handle at the end where the modules (1) do not protrude to facilitate their retention when the corresponding module (1) is moved. It is preferable that the modules (1) protrude, in the open position, on the same side of the base (2) to prevent accidental opening of the wrong modules (1) when attempting to open a specific module (1). Otherwise, pushing one module (1) to one side risks pushing another module (1) in the opposite direction, causing it to open accidentally. Figures 4 and 5 show a solution in which the base (2) is formed by two parts (24), each with two faces (21) for connecting two modules (1). The two parts (24) shown are joined by grooves (25) in a central section (26) between the two faces (21). In this solution, the grooves (25) of both parts (24) face each other and can be inserted into one part (24) of the other. To achieve this, the thickness of the central section (26) in this area has the same dimension as the width of the groove (25), with a small tolerance to allow for mutual movement. If, in addition, the length of the groove (25) is half the width of the central section (26), the two parts (24) can be identical, simplifying manufacturing. This solution can be applied with bases (2) of three or more parts, by appropriately modifying the edges of the corresponding groove (25). Thus, if there are three parts (24), the edges of the groove (25) will be equilateral triangles. Figure 6 shows a new embodiment in which the modules (1) are shaped like half a heart, so that the entire container is heart-shaped. In this case, a push button (27) is located on one side of the base, facilitating relative pressure between the base (2) and the corresponding module (1). This push button (27) can also be used to display information about the contents. In use, the user rests their thumb on this push button (27) for better grip on the container.

Claims

1. A multi-compartment container, characterized in that it comprises a base (2) and at least two concave modules (1) movable with respect to the base (2), each having an opening (11) facing a different face (21) of the base (2), and wherein each module (1) is movable by guides (22) in the base (2) between a closed position where the opening (11) of the module (1) is fully facing the face (21) and an open position where the opening (11) protrudes from one side of the base (2).

2. A multi-compartment container according to claim 1, characterized in that the modules (1) are identical.

3. A multi-compartment container according to claim 1, characterized in that the guides (22) are engaged with a shoulder (12) on the edge of the opening (11) and have a small narrowing at their beginning.

4. Multiple container, according to claim 1, characterized in that each face (21) has a raised section (23) near its side. 5.A multi-compartment container according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises two modules (1).

6. A multi-compartment container according to claim 1, characterized in that the base (2) is formed by two or more detachable parts (24).

7. A multi-compartment container according to claim 6, characterized in that each part (24) comprises two faces (21) joined by a central section (26), in which a groove (25) is provided, the width of which is similar to the thickness of the central section (26) in the area of ​​the groove (25).

8. A multi-compartment container according to claim 1, characterized in that the base (2) comprises a push button (27) for supporting the user's thumb.