Packaging system for at least one component for the preparation of a product and corresponding method for processing the component for the preparation of a product

Abstract

The present application relates to a packaging system (1) for at least one product preparation component, comprising a first container (10) for storing a first product preparation component, a second container (20) for optionally storing at least one additional product preparation component, and a closure device (3), wherein the closure device seals an opening (11) in the first container (10) relative to the environment by means of a closure element (40), and the closure device has a coupling device (30) in order to couple the second container (20) to the closure device (3) and establish a fluid connection between the first container (10) and the second container (20). The present application additionally relates to a corresponding method for handling at least one product preparation component. The object of the present invention is to ensure a reliable packaging system (1), which primarily allows user-friendly handling of the contained product preparation components. This is achieved in that the closure element (40) and the coupling device (30) are combined together in a non-releasable manner as separate parts, thereby forming the closure element (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to a packaging system for at least one product preparation component, comprising a first container for storing a first product preparation component, a second container for optionally storing at least one additional product preparation component, and a closure device, wherein the closure device closes an opening in the first container relative to the environment by means of a closure element and has a coupling device, thereby coupling the second container to the closure device and in order to establish a fluid connection between the first container and the second container. The present application additionally relates to a corresponding method for processing the contained product preparation components. Such packaging systems have been often used for the targeted mixing of flowable product preparation components that were initially stored separately, and are mainly used when using two or more components to prepare products, in which the individual preparation components are incompatible with each other or are highly reactive chemically due to their chemical composition, and should only be mixed just before the actual application (or application). Such multi-component product preparation and application formation are basically known from the fields of cosmetics, medicine, food, and cleaning and detergents, etc. Background Art

[0002] For example, German utility model DE29721872U1 describes a facility for coupling two containers, the purpose of which is the possible mixing of fluids initially stored separately in each container. The coupling facility described therein is, for example, used to mix the various components of a hair dye, which are incompatible with each other and therefore must be stored separately in separate containers until they are actually used. The various components are mixed to form a spare hair dye just before use. For this purpose, the coupling facility has two coupling elements, each of which allows the corresponding container to be attached. Each coupling element forms a flow channel that is fluidly connected to each container. In addition, two flow channels are aligned with each other in the coupling facility. In addition, the coupling facility has a control element, which is movably arranged between a first position and a second position in one of the channels. Depending on the position of the control element, each flow channel can be opened or closed. Depending on the position of the control element, each flow channel is flowed through and thus the entire coupling facility is made available or disabled. Each flow channel is usually closed in the initial state of the coupling facility. In order to improve the sealing function, an additional plug is provided, which closes the flow channel in the initial state of the coupling facility. During use, the plug is removed under the effect of a movable control element, so that each flow channel is opened to be flowed through.

[0003] Patent publication WO 2007 / 111667 A2 describes another system comprising two containers for storing two container contents separately, in which the different container contents can be mixed just before use by means of a coupling device connecting the two containers. For this purpose, the coupling device has a valve structure that can be moved between a closed position and an open position. In the open valve position, a flow channel forming a fluid connection between the two containers is opened in the coupling device. Thus, when the valve is in the open position, the two container contents can be mixed.

[0004] Although the packaging systems described above allow for the separate storage of different substances and their mixing just before the actual application, these different substances are not suitable for isolated storage in terms of function as known, and efficient handling of the individual product preparation components is of concern. This is of particular concern, for example, when substances that are chemically highly reactive or that may pose a health hazard are stored with the aid of conventional packaging systems. In this respect, the aforementioned packaging systems are only suitable for handling only very specific chemical substances. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the present application is therefore to provide a closed packaging system for at least one product preparation component, which allows for the reliable storage and handling of product preparation components of as many and as different chemical substances as possible. In particular, a reliable and user-friendly handling of chemically highly reactive substances or substances that are hazardous to health should be possible with the aid of the packaging system according to the present application.

[0006] This purpose is achieved by a packaging system for at least one product preparation component. Accordingly, the whole packaging system generally comprises a first container for storing a first product preparation component, a second container for optionally storing at least one additional product preparation component, and a multifunctional closure device. The closure device is, for example, suitable for sealing the opening in the first container relative to the environment by means of a closure element in its initial state. In this way, first, reactive chemicals and substances harmful to health can be, for example, safely stored in the first container. By sealing the first container, the material composition from the first container cannot enter the environment, and environmental conditions such as air moisture or atmospheric oxygen cannot negatively affect the material composition in the first container due to chemical reactions. The closure device additionally has a coupling device, so that the second container is detachably coupled to the closure device and a fluid connection is established between the first container and the second container. In fact, the closure device is designed to be a fluid connection between the first container and the second container or in other words, the opening in the first container can only be realized when the closure device is fully coupled to the second container by means of a coupling device. Like this, the product preparation component is efficiently prevented from being distributed to the environment from the first container undesirably. In fact, the product preparation component can be distributed from the first container only after the first container has been coupled to the second container. In this case, the closure element and the coupling device are combined together in a non-detachable manner as the initially separated parts, thereby forming a closure device. In this way, the closure element and the coupling device can be manufactured in a suitable manner independently of each other particularly easily, such as manufactured by the mode of injection molding, and when in an assembled state, i.e. as a closure device, are advantageously processed as a shared structural unit. The closure element and the coupling device can be combined together, such as by means of a compression process or comparable combining steps to achieve. In this case, the closure element and the coupling device are pressed together axially with respect to the axis of the closure device under the effect of an external force, and are locked together in a substantially non-detachable manner. In this article, the non-detachable connection between the closure element and the coupling device means that the two parts can no longer be disassembled from each other if not destroyed after assembly.

[0007] In addition, the closure element comprises a cap for closing the first container, which is connected to the fastening sleeve of the closure element via a predetermined breaking point in the initial state of the closure device. In principle, the cap is designed to close or open the opening so that the container contents are distributed from the first container. In the closed container state, the cap abuts the first container so that the opening is completely covered and thus sealed. In order to open the first container, the cap must be released from the container at least to a sufficient extent. For this purpose, from the initial state of the closure device, the cap is separated from the fastening sleeve (the fastening sleeve is non-detachably connected to the first container) to achieve an application state at a predetermined breaking point. After separation, the cap can be moved relative to the fastening sleeve or relative to the first container. Relative movement then allows the cap to be released from the first container to open the container opening. The connection of the cap and the fastening sleeve via a predetermined breaking point thus forms a type of tamper-proof seal, which advantageously sends a signal of the unused initial state of the first container of the closure device.

[0008] In principle, within the meaning of the present invention, the term "product preparation" or "product preparation component" is understood to mean a flowable and / or pourable substance. This includes all liquids, gels, slurries or similar high-viscosity substances (which generally have corresponding flow properties) and all powders, granules, particulates or comparable solid substances (which generally have corresponding flow or filling properties. In this context, a "product preparation" or "product preparation component" can each consist of individual chemical substances as well as mixtures of substances.

[0009] According to the advantageous embodiment of the packaging system, the closure element and therefore the whole closure device are non-detachably connected to the first container by means of a fastening sleeve except when it has been destroyed. In this article, "non-detachable" means that the closure element and therefore the fastening sleeve just cannot be disassembled from the first container if it is not destroyed. The non-detachable connection between the fastening sleeve and the first container is preferably produced by latch or combined screwing / latch. In the field of combined technology, the fastening sleeve can be pressed against the first container in a particularly advantageous manner. In such a way, it is non-detachably connected to the first container, and the closure device stores the product preparation component in the first container in an extremely reliable and sealed manner. Therefore, the consumer cannot open the first container, and the product preparation component cannot accidentally leak into the environment from the first container. Equally, because the sealed container encapsulation, the product preparation component stored in the first container is reliably protected from undesirable environmental influences such as air moisture and / or atmospheric oxygen. Therefore, this packaging system also allows for example chemically highly reactive and potentially health-damaging material storage and processing in the first container.

[0010] In the meaning of the present application, "container" is understood to mean a wide variety of containers of various shapes, which have a common characteristic in that the interior of the container is surrounded by a container wall, which closes the container and has an opening for dispensing the container contents. The container opening can in turn be opened or closed by a suitable closure element. Such containers can therefore take different forms. However, containers in the form of bottles, bags, cans, pots, barrels or similar shapes are obviously particularly suitable. Regarding the material of the container, depending on the content of the special application, the material should be particularly selected, due to the physical properties of the material, the material initially ensures a suitable barrier effect against the environment, particularly against atmospheric oxygen and moisture, thereby protecting the container contents. In addition, the container material must be designed to be sufficiently inert about its chemical-physical reactivity with the container contents.

[0011] With regard to the closure and the choice of material therefor, similar general conditions apply to the container, i.e. with regard to the material, the closure should preferably be designed such that the closure also has a suitable barrier effect, in particular against atmospheric oxygen and moisture, and is also chemically inert towards the container contents.

[0012] The useful design of the packaging system including the corresponding closure device is realized in that the cap is axially movable relative to the axis of the coupling device about the closure device, and is arranged in a non-rotatable manner relative to the rotation around the axis. Here, the axis extends substantially centrally through the roughly cylindrical or tubular main structure of the closure device. The cap is certainly applicable to the initial state of the closure device to a certain extent relative to the corresponding arrangement structure of the closure device, wherein the cap is preferably integrally connected to the fastening sleeve via a breaking point, that is, in the initial state, the cap is fixedly connected to the fastening sleeve of the closure device, so that the cap cannot be moved axially or in a rotational direction relative to the sleeve. In addition, in the application state, that is, after the fastening sleeve is separated, the cap is more particularly axially arranged and preferably rotatably arranged relative to the fastening sleeve in a limited manner. Although the cap is arranged so that it can be continuously axially displaced relative to the coupling device (i.e., in the initial state of the closure device and in its application state in both), the cap cannot be rotated relative to the coupling device. As a result of this special arrangement structure, there is a very special interaction between the fastening sleeve, the cap and the coupling device in the process of coupling two containers, which is attributed to the movement of each component relative to each other. More specifically, due to this non-rotatable arrangement, the cap follows the rotational movement of the coupling device. As a result, the cap can also be separated from the clamping sleeve at a predetermined breaking point in the case of application (i.e. when rotating relative to the clamping sleeve). Even after the cap has been separated from the clamping sleeve, the cap follows the rotational movement and is then axially movable simultaneously relative to the clamping sleeve and relative to the coupling device.

[0013] Another embodiment of the packaging system is that the coupling device has a thread for screwing on the second container. In this way, during the coupling process, the coupling device is screwed onto the second container by means of the interaction of the coupling device and the corresponding screwing part on the second container. This allows a particularly user-friendly coupling of two containers.

[0014] In the advantageous modification of packaging system, fastening sleeve and coupling device each have at least one mutually corresponding rotation stop element, and it allows fastening sleeve and coupling device to rotate relative to each other around the axis of closure device only to the extent that corresponding rotation stop elements abut each other. The mutually corresponding rotation stop elements on the fastening sleeve and coupling device basically limit the relative rotation between fastening sleeve and coupling device to almost 360 ° of rotation range, i.e., almost one circle of rotation. Each rotation element is preferably designed as a rib, shoulder, protrusion or other comparable rotation stop element. In a word, in the case of application, particularly when two corresponding rotation stop elements abut each other, mutually corresponding rotation stop elements are used to allow the basic transmission of torque between fastening sleeve and coupling device. Fastening sleeve and coupling device can rotate relative to each other with limited degree. Alternatively, it can also be thought that the rotation stop element between fastening sleeve and coupling device is designed as a locking element, and the locking element allows the relative rotation between fastening sleeve and coupling device along a rotation direction but prevents the opposite direction. Such locking elements can be designed, for example, as sawtooth profiles which interact with each other similarly to the operating principle of a tool ratchet or a bicycle freewheel.In principle, an arrangement of this type allows torque transmission only in one rotational direction.

[0015] According to the embodiment of the further development of packaging system, fastening sleeve or coupling utensil have at least two rotation stop elements, and described element interacts with at least one rotation stop of coupling utensil or fastening sleeve, thereby forms start and end stop for the relative rotation around the axis of closure device between fastening sleeve and coupling utensil.Continue to have the modification of only one rotation stop element on fastening sleeve and coupling utensil, the relative rotation between two parts is limited to the rotation range of accurate definition, and this is realized by arranging two rotation stop elements on at least fastening sleeve or coupling utensil.These two rotation stop elements of interaction with at least one corresponding rotation stop element on other parts exactly form the start stop and end stop for the relative rotation between fastening sleeve and coupling utensil.Like this, the value range for the relative rotation between fastening sleeve and coupling utensil can be accurately set at the rotation angle less than 360 °.These restricted rotation angle ranges finally also determine the maximum possible rotation amount of cap relative to the first container. In this aspect, the maximum opening size of the cap or the complete removal of the cap from the first container is indirectly determined via the limited rotation angle, i.e., at the end stop of the corresponding rotation stop element, and when the upper limit of the rotation angle is reached, the cap is also completely removed from the first container. Thus, handling the packaging system during the container coupling process can be achieved by appropriately setting the upper limit of the rotation angle, because only a limited relative rotation between the individual components of the packaging system is necessary for fully coupling the device and establishing a fluid connection between them.

[0016] In a useful embodiment of the packaging system, the cap is connected to the first container via a thread, and the thread has a first rotation direction opposite to the thread of the coupling device. This embodiment provides a huge application advantage in that, in the process of coupling two containers by screwing the coupling device onto the second container, a constant rotation direction is maintained so as to finally produce a fluid connection between the first and second containers. For example, a right-rotating thread is provided between the coupling device and the second container, and a left-rotating thread is formed between the cap and the first container. Thus, in the process of coupling, the first container including the closure device can be screwed onto the second container via the coupling device in a clockwise direction (i.e., rotating to the right). In this case, the first container is rotated relative to the second container along the clockwise direction (i.e., rotating to the right) with the closure device. If this relative rotation of the first and second containers is continued along the clockwise direction, not only the coupling is completed but also the cap is simultaneously disassembled from the first container due to the opposing rotating threads. The opposing rotating threads between the coupling device and the second container and between the cap and the first container result both in a secure coupling of the containers and in a secure establishment of a fluid connection between the first and second container, since the first container is opened in a very simple and also user-friendly manner.

[0017] A preferred modification of the packaging system is characterized in that the cap thread has a high pitch, so that when the cap is rotated relative to the first container, the cap is completely detached from the first container by a maximum of one rotation. In this way, it is ensured that only a limited relative rotation is required in order to completely detach the cap from the first container and thus establish a fluid connection between the two containers. Ideally, the limited relative rotation between the two containers is within a range of less than one full rotation, i.e. a maximum of 360°.

[0018] In principle, the fluid connection between the two coupled containers allows the product preparation components stored in the first container to be transferred reliably and without loss from the first container to the second container via the corresponding opening in the first container, and this is when the cap is disassembled. At least in the case of flowable and / or corresponding pourable product preparation components, as described above, they are generally transferred due to gravity and are therefore automatically transferred by the first container being kept above. As an alternative or in addition, the transfer of the product preparation components can also be achieved by means of an external force acting on a deformable first container. For example, this can be applicable to a bag or a cylindrical first container, in which the product preparation components can be squeezed out from the first container and thus transferred to the second container.

[0019] In an alternative embodiment of the packaging system, additional product preparation components are stored in the second container, so that after the second container has been coupled to the first container by means of a closure device, the first product preparation component will be mixed with at least one additional product preparation component. For this purpose, the two product preparation components that were originally stored separately in the two containers are initially brought together in the process of coupling the containers by forming a fluid connection, so that they are subsequently mixed into a multi-component product preparation. The actual mixture is achieved by quickly moving the two coupled containers. For this purpose, the two coupled containers are vibrated, rotated, rotated, etc. by the user. In principle, it is not uncommon to include such multi-component product preparation mixtures of each product preparation component that is initially chemically incompatible with each other. The example of such multi-component product preparation mixtures is a cosmetic application product, for example a multi-component hair dye product. The advantage of the packaging system of the present application is that its main structure is sealed relative to the environment, for example by means of the packaging system of the present application, and chemically highly reactive substances or substances that are harmful to health can also be safely processed into each product preparation component. Finally, the first product preparation component can be transferred from the first container, optionally only for the first container to be coupled with the corresponding second container and subsequently mixed with the additional product preparation component after the first container is opened as desired. Undesired leakage of the first product preparation component from the first container into the environment is effectively avoided by means of the multifunctional closure device of the present application.

[0020] According to a further useful embodiment of the packaging system, the closure device can be coupled to the second container in a liquid-tight manner. According to this, the closure device is tightly coupled to the second container by means of the coupling device, thereby reliably avoiding undesired leakage of one or more flowable and / or fillable product preparation components into the environment. In this respect, a closed packaging system is achieved, which reliably ensures that the user does not come into contact with one of the product preparation components being handled.

[0021] In a further development of the packaging system, the closure device has at least one sealing element, thereby ensuring a liquid-tight connection with the first container and / or the second container. Sealing elements of this type can basically adopt almost any geometric configuration and mainly have a sealing effect in the axial and / or radial direction. In particular, the sealing element can be designed as a sealing ring, a sealing lip, etc.

[0022] In addition, protection is sought for two alternative process instructions for processing at least one product preparation component using the above-mentioned packaging system.

[0023] The first alternative method is to be used to safely transfer at least one product preparation component from the first container to the second container, and the packaging system as described above is adopted. Accordingly, the packaging system includes a first container for storing at least one product preparation component, and the opening in the first container is sealed relative to the environment by means of a closure element of a closure device, and the closure element is rigidly connected to the first container. For this purpose, the closure element includes a cap, which is connected to the fastening sleeve of the closure element via a predetermined breaking point in the initial state of the closure device. The first container that is closed like this cannot be opened manually by the user. In addition, the closure device has a coupling device, so that the second container is coupled to the closure device, and a fluid connection between the first container and the second container can be basically established. In this case, the closure element and the coupling device are combined together in a non-detachable manner as the initially separated parts, thereby forming a closure device. In this article, "non-detachable" means that the two parts cannot be separated from each other again if they are not destroyed after the combination process. In addition, the coupling device is axially movable relative to the closure device about the axis of the closure device, and is arranged in a non-rotatable manner relative to the rotation around the axis. In addition, the coupling device has a thread so as to be screwed onto the second container. For this packaging system, the following method sequence proves to be suitable for transferring the product preparation component from the first container to the second container, and will not leak into the environment undesirably.First, the first container is attached to the second container by means of a closure device, and this is particularly achieved by being engaged by the corresponding screw thread on the coupling utensil and the second container. The closure device is then screwed onto the second container by means of a coupling utensil, and the degree of screwing is particularly reached until the coupling end position between the coupling utensil and the second container. The coupling end position describes a state, in which the coupling utensil is fully screwed onto the second container by means of a screw thread. In addition, the coupling utensil cannot be further screwed onto the second container, and therefore at least temporarily forms a fixed structural unit with the second container. This means that not only the closure device itself but also the first container (which is non-detachably connected to the device) is coupled to the second container. The relative rotation between the first container or the closure device and the second container (which has been prepared for screwing on the closure element) is then continued, and that the first container is further rotated relative to the second container together with the closure element, while maintaining the release direction of the coupling device. In this case, the cap, which is initially connected to the clamping sleeve via a predetermined breaking point and is non-rotatably arranged relative to the coupling device, is separated from the closure element or the clamping sleeve at the predetermined breaking point. The cap is separated at the predetermined breaking point due to the fact that during the continued relative rotation between the two coupled containers, the clamping sleeve follows the movement of the first container, while the coupling device together with the cap follows the movement of the second container.After the cap has been separated from the fastening sleeve, the relative rotation between the first container or the fastening sleeve and the second container is continued due to the coupling device, while maintaining the direction of rotation. The cap now separated is connected to the first container by means of a thread, and the thread has a rotation direction opposite or opposite to the thread of the coupling device. Thus, when the relative rotation is continued and due to the cap thread of the opposite rotation, the cap is simultaneously released from the first container. For example, the thread between the coupling device and the second container is designed to rotate to the right, and the thread between the cap and the first container is designed to rotate to the left. Of course, the opposite rotation directions of the two threads are also conceivable, and the key is that the two threads must be oriented in opposite directions to each other. Due to the continued relative rotation, the cap is now released from the first container until the cap is completely disassembled from the container. In this completely disassembled state, the corresponding threaded portion of the cap and the first container is no longer engaged, and therefore the cap moves axially into the second container. This is generally achieved due to gravity, because the first container is generally arranged above in the coupled state. Complete removal of the cap now results in a fluid connection between the first and second container, due to the immediate opening of the opening of the first container. After the fluid connection between the two containers has been established, a transfer of at least one exhibit product component from the first container to the second container can then also be achieved. The product preparation component is preferably transferred due to gravity, with the first container being arranged on top when the containers are coupled. In addition, the product transfer, in particular in the case of a flexibly designed first container, can be supported by an external force acting on the first container. This preferably applies to a cylindrical or bag-shaped first container.

[0024] In principle, the process described above is suitable for processing almost all conceivable product preparation components. However, particularly advantageous applications arise in connection with substances which are chemically highly reactive or which may also be harmful to health, due to the closed operating mode of the packaging system, which has the possibility of transferring the product only after the correct coupling of the two corresponding containers. In addition, the process described above can be used extremely generally in a wide variety of application areas. Just by way of example, advantageous applications of the transfer method according to the invention can again be mentioned, for example, for any type of substance addition, for refilling processes of self-refilling containers, for the addition of additives, and for similar substance transfer procedures.

[0025] The second alternative method is not only used for safely transferring at least one product preparation component from the first container to the second container, but also for subsequently mixing the first product preparation component with the additional product preparation component stored in the second container, thereby forming a multi-component product preparation. The packaging system as described above is also used here. Accordingly, the packaging system includes a first container for storing at least one first product preparation component, and the opening in the first container is sealed relative to the environment by means of a closure element that is firmly connected to the first container of the closure device. For this purpose, the closure element includes a cap, which is connected to the fastening sleeve of the closure element via a predetermined breaking point in the initial state of the closure device. The first container that is closed in such a way cannot be opened manually by the user. In addition, the packaging system includes a second container for storing at least one additional product preparation component. In addition, the closure device has a coupling device, so that the second container is coupled to the closure device and a fluid connection between the first container and the second container can be basically established. In this case, the closure element and the coupling device are combined together in an undetachable manner as the initially separated parts, thereby forming a closure device. In this article, "undetachable" means that the two parts cannot be separated from each other if they are not destroyed after the combination process. In addition, the coupling device is axially movable relative to the closure device about the axis of the closure device, and is arranged in a non-rotatable manner about the rotation around the axis. In addition, the coupling device has a thread for being screwed onto the second container. For this packaging system, the following method steps prove to be suitable for transferring the product preparation component from the first container to the second container safely without the undesired leakage to the environment, and suitable for mixing the product preparation with additional product preparation components to form multi-component preparation. First, the first container is attached to the second container by means of the closure device, and is particularly realized by the corresponding threads on the coupling device and the second container. The closure device is then screwed onto the second container by means of the coupling device, and the degree of screwing is particularly reached until the coupling end position between the coupling device and the second container. The coupling end position describes such a state, in which the coupling device is completely screwed onto the second container by means of a thread. In addition, the coupling device cannot be screwed onto the second container any further, and therefore at least temporarily forms a fixed structural unit with the second container. This means that not only the closure device itself but also the first container (which is non-detachably connected to the device) is coupled to the second container. The relative rotation between the first container or closure device and the second container (which has been used for screwing on the closure device) is then continued, i.e. the first container together with the closure device is further rotated relative to the second container while maintaining the loosening direction of the coupling device. In this case, the cap, which is initially connected to the fastening sleeve via a predetermined breaking point and is non-rotatably arranged relative to the coupling device, is separated from the closure element or the fastening sleeve at the predetermined breaking point.The cap is separated at a predetermined breaking point due to the fact that in the process of the continued relative rotation between the two coupled containers, the fastening sleeve follows the movement of the first container, while the coupling device follows the movement of the second container together with the cap. After the cap has been separated from the fastening sleeve, the relative rotation between the first container or the fastening sleeve and the second container is continued due to the coupling device, while maintaining the direction of rotation. The cap now separated is connected to the first container by means of a thread, and the thread has a rotation direction opposite or opposite to the thread of the coupling device. Thus, when the relative rotation is continued and because of the cap thread of the opposite rotation, the cap is loosened from the first container at the same time. For example, the thread between the coupling device and the second container is designed to rotate to the right, and the thread between the cap and the first container is designed to rotate to the left. Of course, the reverse rotation direction of the two threads is also conceivable, and the key is that the two threads must be oriented in opposite directions to each other. Due to the continued relative rotation, the cap is now loosened from the first container until it is completely disassembled from the container. In this completely disassembled state, the corresponding threaded portion of the cap and the first container is no longer engaged, and the cap is therefore moved axially into the second container. This is generally achieved due to gravity, because the first container is usually arranged above in the coupled state. The cap is now completely disassembled to cause the fluid connection between the first and second containers, which is due to the immediate opening of the opening in the first container. After the fluid connection between the two containers has been set, the transfer of at least one product preparation component from the first container to the second container can also be completed. The product preparation component is preferably transferred due to gravity, and when the container is coupled, the first container is arranged above. In addition, the product transfer, especially in the case of the first container of flexible design, can be supported by acting on the first container. This is particularly suitable for the first container of cylindrical or bag shape. After the first product preparation component has been transferred to the second container, a plurality of product preparation components can then be mixed in the second container, thereby forming a multi-component product preparation. Mixing is preferably achieved by the suitable movement of two coupled containers, for example, by means of vibration, rotation, rotation or similar movement. In particular, the mixing process of a plurality of product preparation components is realized under the condition of continuous fluid connection between the two containers. This not only produces a very homogenous mixture of the different product preparation components, but also ensures that the product preparation components are completely mixed to form a multi-component product preparation. This ensures that the stored amount of the individual product preparation components flows virtually completely into the multi-component product preparation mixture. In this respect, it is simultaneously ensured that by mixing the complete amounts of the product preparation components, a defined and therefore often desired mixing ratio between the individual product preparation components is also maintained.

[0026] In addition, in the description of the second alternative method, the special design of the closed packaging system also ensures a particularly safe handling of the individual product preparation components that are critical to the user. In principle, the above-mentioned mixing process is suitable for handling a large number of different product preparation components (which must be further processed into a mixture). First of all, this mixing method is suitable for such individual product preparation components, which are highly reactive chemically to each other or highly reactive chemically to environmental parameters and must be kept separately from each other before they are actually used. Multi-component cosmetics such as hair dye products can be mentioned as examples of such application forms. Even substances that are harmful to health when considered individually can also be handled advantageously and safely with the help of mixing methods, due to the closed design of the packaging system. In addition, the mixing method as described above can be extremely widely used in a wide range of different fields of application.

[0027] According to the particularly advantageous modification of the two above-mentioned method alternatives, at least the method step for coupling two containers can be realized in reverse. Accordingly, when the relative rotation direction used to couple the two containers is reversed, the two containers can be decoupled again in a similar manner according to the reversed order of the corresponding individual method steps as described above. In principle, the reversal of the relative rotation direction between the two coupled and fluidly connected containers causes the coupling device to be loosened from the second container until the coupling device can be completely disassembled from the second container. This reversed process opens the possibility of repeating the coupling and decoupling process as often desired by means of the packaging system according to the present invention or continuing to process the second container (which has the product preparation mixture in an application-related manner) after decoupling. Establishing a fluid connection between the containers is not reversible due to the complete disassembly of the cap from the first container. This ensures that all of the product preparation components from the complete amount of the two containers are used to produce the product preparation mixture. Last but not least, this ensures the limited mixing ratio between the individual product preparation components in the product preparation mixture. In any case, this reversed order of the method arrangements described for container coupling is feasible in both the transfer method as well as the mixing method.

[0028] The further useful design of the above-mentioned two alternative methods causes the relative rotation around the axis of the closure device between the fastening sleeve and the coupling device to be limited to a rotation range less than 360 °, which is realized by mutually corresponding rotation stop elements being arranged on the fastening sleeve and the coupling device, and the element allows only relative rotation between the start and end stop positions of the corresponding rotation stop elements. As already described, two rotation stop elements interacting with at least one corresponding rotation stop element on the exact other part form the start stop and the end stop for the relative rotation between the fastening sleeve and the coupling device. Like this, the value range for the relative rotation between the fastening sleeve and the coupling device can be accurately set to a rotation angle less than 360 °. These limited rotation angle ranges finally also determine the maximum feasible rotation amount of the cap relative to the first container. In this respect, the maximum opening size of the cap or the complete disassembly of the cap from the first container is indirectly determined via this limited rotation angle, i.e. at the end stop of the corresponding rotation stop element, when the upper limit of the rotation angle is reached, the cap is also completely disassembled from the first container. In more detail, the threaded connection between the cap and the first container is not only designed to be opposite to the thread between the coupling device and the second container in terms of its rotation direction, but also the pitch is selected to be significantly higher than the thread between the coupling device and the second container. Due to the high pitch of the thread between the cap and the first container, the cap achieves sufficient axial travel (despite the limited relative rotation), so that the cap can be quickly removed from the first container even with limited rotational movement and the container opening can be opened. The optimized design of the pitch thus ultimately results in sufficient axial opening or closing movement, especially in the start or end stop of the relative rotation between the closure element and the coupling device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Other features of the present invention will also be explained below with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 An embodiment of the various components of the packaging system is shown in a perspective view;

[0031] Figure 2 Two stereograms are shown according to Figure 1 Closure device;

[0032] Figure 3 The two sectional views show the Figure 1 Closure devices in different operating states;

[0033] Figure 4 The three sectional views show the Figure 1 A packaging system in three different operating states. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] like Figures 1 to 4 The illustrated embodiment shows a packaging system 1 comprising a first container 10 for storing a first product preparation component (not shown here) and a second container 20 for optionally storing at least one additional second product preparation component (also not shown here). The illustrated packaging system 1 is used to safely transfer a first product preparation component from the first container 10 to the second container 20 in a controlled manner. If an additional second product preparation component is present in the second container 20, the two product preparation components can also advantageously be mixed to form a multi-component product preparation.

[0035] In addition to the two containers 10, 20, the packaging system 1 also includes a multifunctional closure device 3, which seals the first container 10 relative to the environment in the initial state by means of a closure element 40. For the reliable closure of the first container 10, the closure element 40 initially includes a fastening sleeve 41, which is indestructibly and non-detachably connected to the first container 10 in the standby state. For this purpose, the fastening sleeve 41 is preferably latched to or screwed and latched to the first container 10. In any case, the fastening sleeve 41, which is non-detachably connected to the first container 10, is fixed to the first container 10 in an axially and rotationally fixed manner relative to the axis 4 of the closure device 3. In addition to the fastening sleeve 41, the closure element 40 has a substantially basin-shaped cap 45, which seals the opening 11 in the first container 10 in the standby state. For this purpose, the cap 45 has a bottom wall 47, which has an annular sealing plug 48, which can accurately close the opening 11 in the first container 10. This reliably prevents the first product preparation components from unintentionally escaping from the first container 10 into the environment.

[0036] The closure device 3 also has a coupling device 30, so as to couple the second container 20 to the closure device 3, and thus indirectly to the first container 10, and to establish a fluid connection between the first container 10 and the second container 20 by means of the intervention of the closure device 3. For this purpose, the coupling device 30 has an annular main structure with a thread 31, which will be used to engage with the corresponding thread 21 on the second container 20. In addition, the coupling device 30 also has an inner sleeve 32, which can interact with the cap 45 in an interlocking manner.

[0037] In principle, the two components of the closure device 3, the closure element 40 and the coupling device 30, are initially designed as separate components, which has the advantage that they can be easily manufactured independently of one another, for example by means of injection molding. In the case of application, the closure element 40 and the coupling device 30 are indestructibly and non-detachably joined together to form the closure device 3. This is preferably achieved by means of a press connection, in which the closure element 40 and the coupling device 30 are axially latched to one another. After latching, the closure element 40 and the coupling device 30 (as can also be particularly in Figures 2 to 44) are non-detachably combined together, thereby forming a closure device 3, so that the closure device 3 can be handled very easily subsequently. At the same time, the closure element 40 and the coupling device 30 are combined together in the closure device 3, so that the limited relative rotation of the closure element 40 and the coupling device 30 about the axis 4 can be basically achieved. For this purpose, mutually corresponding rotation stop elements 33, 43 are arranged on the closure element 40 and on the coupling device 30, and the rotation angle range between the closure element 40 and the coupling device 30 is limited to a rotation angle range of less than 360 ° in the case of application when the corresponding interaction occurs. This corresponds to a rotation range less than a complete rotation. In this case, the rotation stop elements 33, 43 are preferably designed as radial ribs or protrusions, but can also have any other suitable geometric design. According to a specific preferred embodiment, a plurality of rotation stop elements 33, 43 can be distributed on the circumference / periphery of the closure element 40 and / or the coupling device 30. Therefore, the rotation angle range for the relative rotation between the closure element 40 and the coupling device 30 can be further limited. The desired amount of the relative rotation allowed between the closure element 40 and the coupling device 30 can therefore be set in a very targeted manner via the positions of the multiple rotation stop elements 33, 43 distributed around the circumference / periphery. First, the interaction of the multiple rotation stop elements 33, 43 distributed around the circumference / periphery allows the defined fixing of the start and end stop positions between the closure element 40 and the coupling device 30, that is, the defined relative rotation between the closure element 40 and the coupling device 30 is limited to a predetermined, defined rotation angle range between the rotation start and the rotation end stop. As an alternative to the limitation of the relative rotation as shown in the embodiment, the relative rotation between the closure element 40 and the coupling device 30 in only one rotation direction is also allowed. For this purpose, the rotation stop element between the closure element 40 and the coupling device 30 is designed as a suitable locking element, which allows a relative rotation between the closure element 40 and the coupling device 30 in one rotational direction but prevents a rotation in the opposite direction. Such locking elements can be designed, for example, as sawtooth-shaped profiles, which in their interaction are comparable to the operating principle of a tool ratchet or a bicycle freewheel. In principle, this type of construction allows torque transmission in only one rotational direction.

[0038] As mentioned above, in the initial state of the packaging system 1, the closure device 3 is non-detachably fastened to the first container 10 filled with the first product preparation components. Figure 2As shown, the closure element 40 and the coupling device 30 are arranged relative to each other in such a way that the cap 45 extends in an interlocking manner into the inner sleeve 32 of the coupling device 30. For this purpose, radially projecting projections 50 are formed on the circumferential wall 49 of the cap 45, which interact in an interlocking manner with corresponding recesses 35 of the inner sleeve 32. Thus, with respect to rotations about the closure element axis 4, the cap 45 is non-rotatably fixed on the coupling device 30, so that the cap 45 follows every rotation of the coupling device 30 about the axis 4.

[0039] Furthermore, the cap 45 has a generally basin-shaped main structure, in particular a bottom wall 47 and a circumferential wall 49, which in the initial state covers the opening 11 of the first container 10 and extends around the axis 4. A plurality of (three in the present embodiment) radially extending projections 50 are integrally formed on the outer side of the circumferential wall 49. Furthermore, in the initial state, the cap 45 is integrally joined to the fastening sleeve 41 via a predetermined breaking point 52. In the present embodiment, the predetermined breaking point 52 comprises a plurality of point-shaped connecting projections, which are distributed on the circumference / periphery of the cap and each extend between the fastening sleeve 41 and the circumferential wall 49 of the cap. Of course, other alternative suitable designs of the predetermined breaking point are also conceivable within the meaning of the present application.

[0040] In order to improve the sealing effect, the closure device 3 preferably comprises at least one sealing element 34, 48, 53, 54, which acts within the closure device 3 itself or between the closure device and the first and / or second container 10, 20. Figures 1 to 4 In the embodiment of the closure device 3 shown, a plurality of sealing elements 34, 48, 53, 54 are provided, which are preferably designed as sealing ribs, sealing rings, annular sealing plugs, etc. These sealing elements 34, 48, 53, 54 in particular in combination prevent undesired leakage of product preparation components from one of the containers 10, 20 into the environment and form a barrier for preventing ambient influences such as atmospheric oxygen and moisture from having a negative effect on the product preparation components.

[0041] In principle, such a substantially closed packaging system 1 can be used to store and handle a wide variety of product preparation components or other chemical substances in a particularly flexible manner. In particular, the packaging system 1 allows the user to handle the individual product preparation components contained therein in a completely contact-free manner with respect to the container contents. Basically, the packaging system 1 allows both a user-friendly transfer of a first product preparation component from a first container 10 to a second container 20 and optionally a subsequent mixing of the first product preparation component with a second additional product preparation component initially contained in the second container 20. These two basic handling alternatives of the packaging system 1 are explained in more detail below, even though the illustrated embodiment of the packaging system 1 is preferably designed for mixing a multi-component product preparation.

[0042] Main reference Figures 3 to 4 The process of coupling containers in order to process at least a first product preparation component stored in a first container 10 is shown. In order to couple the two containers 10, 20, the first container 10 having the closure device 3 non-detachably fastened thereto is first positioned on top of the second container 20. This can be at least substantially derived from Figure 4 . In this initial state, the cap 45 is completely screwed onto the first container 10 via the mutually screwed threads 12, 46, so that the opening 11 of the first container 10 is sealed by means of the annular sealing plug 48. At the same time, the mutually corresponding threads 21, 31 on the second container 20 and on the coupling device 30 are attached to each other. The first container 10 is then rotated together with the closure device 3 in a clockwise direction relative to the second container 20. In this case, the coupling device 30 is screwed onto the corresponding thread 21 on the second container 20 via its thread 31 being rotated to the right in the embodiment. In this stage, there is no relative rotation between the closure member 40 and the coupling device 30, because the relative rotation along this rotation direction is prevented by the corresponding interaction of the corresponding rotation stop elements 33, 43. The relative rotation between the first container 10 or the closure device 3 and the second container 20 is continued until, as shown in FIG. Figure 4The coupling end position shown in the left side view of the coupling device 30 is reached. The coupling device 30 is then completely screwed onto the second container 20, so that the coupling device 30 can no longer be rotated in the clockwise direction and the coupling device 30 forms a fixed structural unit with the second container 20 at least at this stage. In the coupling end position, the coupling device 30 thus follows the further movement of the second container 20 during the continuation of the container coupling. After reaching the coupling end position (in which the two containers 10, 20 are essentially coupled to each other, but in which there is no fluid connection between the containers 1, 20), the relative rotation that has been used to unscrew the closure device 3 is continued in the clockwise direction between the first container 10 or the closure device 3 and the second container 20, i.e. the first container 10 is further rotated relative to the second container 20 together with the closure element 40, while maintaining the rightward release direction of the coupling device 30. During this continued rotational movement, the cap 45, which is initially connected to the clamping sleeve 41 via a predetermined breaking point 52 and is arranged non-rotatably relative to the coupling device 30, separates from the closure element 40 or the clamping sleeve 41 at the predetermined breaking point 52. The cap 45 separates at the predetermined breaking point 52 due to the fact that during the continued relative rotation between the two coupled containers 10, 20, the clamping sleeve 41 follows the rotational movement of the first container 10, while the coupling device 30, together with the cap 45, follows the rotational movement of the second container 20. After exceeding a predetermined torque threshold, this leads to the breaking of the predetermined breaking point 52. In this context, it should be clear that the torque required to break the predetermined breaking point 52 is in any case greater than the torque required to screw the coupling device 30 onto the second container 20. This is the only way to maintain the desired order of the individual method steps when coupling the two containers 10, 20.

[0043] After the cap 45 has been separated from the fastening sleeve 41, the relative rotation between the first container 10 with the fastening sleeve 41 and the second container 20 with the coupling device 30 is continued while maintaining the previous rotation direction. The now separated cap 45 is connected to the corresponding thread 12 on the first container 10 by means of the thread 46, and the corresponding threads 12, 46 on the first container 10 and the cap 45 have a rotation direction opposite to the corresponding threads 21, 31 on the second container 20 or the coupling device 30. Therefore, when the relative rotation between the two containers 10, 20 is continued and because of the opposite rotation of the cap threads (see Figure 4), the cap 45 is simultaneously unscrewed from the first container 10. For example, the mutually corresponding threads 21, 31 on the second container 20 and the coupling device 30 are designed to rotate to the right, while the corresponding threads 12, 46 on the first container 10 and the cap 45 are designed to rotate to the left. Of course, the reversed rotation direction of each thread 21, 31, 12, 46 is also conceivable, and the key is that the thread pairs 21, 31, 12, 46 that are mutually associated with each other must be oriented in opposite directions to each other. Due to the continued relative rotation, the cap 45 is now at least sufficiently unscrewed from the first container 10, so that the corresponding threads 12, 46 on the cap 45 and the first container 10 are no longer engaged and the cap 45 is therefore completely disassembled from the first container 10. At the same time, by completely disassembling the cap 45, the opening 11 in the first container 10 is also opened, thereby establishing a fluid connection between the first container 10 and the second container 20. The cap 45 is no longer held by the first container 10 and is usually moved into the second container 20 due to gravity. This state of establishing a fluid connection between the containers 10, 20 is first determined by Figure 4 . After the fluid connection between the containers 10, 20 has been established, a transfer of at least one product preparation component from the first container 10 to the second container 20 can then also be achieved. The flowable and / or fillable product preparation component (not shown here) is preferably transferred by gravity in this case, the first container 10 being arranged on top when the containers are coupled. In addition, the product transfer (especially in the case of a flexibly designed first container 10) can be supported by external forces acting on the first container 10. This preferably applies to a cylindrical or bag-shaped first container 10.

[0044] The above-described process for handling the packaging system 1 according to the present application also reveals decisive advantages. Due to the closed structure of the packaging system 1 with respect to the environment, safe handling of the product preparation components contained in the containers 10, 20 can be guaranteed in all cases. Due to the indestructibly non-detachably fastened closure device 3, it is no longer possible to carry out a separate manual removal of the contents from the first container 10. In fact, in the initial state of the first container 10, the cap 45 is as shown in FIG. Figure 2The cap 45 is shown as being contained and is free from manual access from the outside, which is achieved by means of its interlocking embedding in the inner sleeve 32 of the coupling device 30. Therefore, if there is no interaction between the closure device 3 and the corresponding second container 20, the cap 45 cannot be disassembled from the first container 10. The cap 45 is only disassembled from the opening 11 of the first container 10 when the corresponding second container 20 is coupled due to the above-mentioned interaction. The fluid connection of the first container 10 is therefore uniquely limited to the second container 20 that matches it. The undesirable connection of the first container 10 with the environment is excluded by the special design of the packaging system. The packaging system 1 is therefore not only advantageously tamper-proof, but also realizes the transfer of the product preparation components only in the closed packaging system. Like this, for example, the undesirable overflow of the material in the transfer process from one container to another container is avoided. Finally, the closed packaging system 1 prevents any contact of the user with the product preparation components contained therein in each application state.

[0045] The process for coupling two containers 10, 20 and for establishing a fluid connection between the containers 10, 20 by opening the cap 45 cannot be used alone to transfer the first product preparation component from the first container 10 to the second container 20. Alternatively, it is conceivable to also use the packaging system as described above to mix a multi-component product preparation. For this purpose, the first product preparation component is initially stored in the first container 10, and at least one additional product preparation component is stored in the second container 20. In the initial state, the second container 20 is preferably closed relative to the environment by means of a removable encapsulation (not shown here). If the two containers 10, 20 are now coupled to each other according to the process as described above and the corresponding fluid connection is established, the first and additional product preparation components can be brought together in the second container 20. The first product preparation component is transferred from the first container 10 to the second container 20 as described. The two product preparation components can then be mixed with each other in the coupled and fluidly connected containers 10, 20. For this purpose, the entire packaging system 1 including the coupled containers 10, 20 is preferably vibrated, rotated or similarly moved, so that the two product preparation components are mixed into a multi-component product preparation, which is as homogenized as possible by the dynamic movement. Ideally, the fluid connection between the containers 10, 20 is maintained during the mixing process, which increases the available mixing space and ensures that the two product preparation components are used in their full amounts to produce the product preparation mixture.

[0046] When the packaging system 1 is used in a manner in which the containers 10, 20 are coupled and a fluid connection is established between the containers, such as Figure 4As shown in the right side view in FIG. 4 , it can also be seen that the cap 45 is completely disassembled from the first container 10. The cap 45 is therefore no longer coupled to the first container 10 and is simultaneously moved into the second container 20. Accordingly, when the first relative rotation used to couple the two containers 10, 20 is reversed / inverted, the two containers 10, 20 can be uncoupled again in a similar manner in the reversed order of the individual method steps as described above. In principle, the reversal of the relative rotation direction between the two coupled and fluidically connected containers 10, 20 leads to the coupling device 30 being unscrewed from the second container 20 until the coupling device 30 can be completely disassembled from the second container 20. This reversal / inversion process opens the possibility of repeating the coupling and uncoupling process as usually desired by means of the packaging system 1 according to the invention, or opens the possibility of continuing to handle the second container 20 with the product preparation mixture in an application-related manner after uncoupling. The establishment of a fluid connection between the containers is irreversible due to the complete disassembly of the cap 45 from the first container 10. This ensures complete use of all amounts of the product preparation components from both containers in order to produce the product preparation mixture. Last but not least, this ensures a defined mixing ratio between the individual product preparation components within the product preparation mixture. In any case, the mentioned inversion of the order of the method steps for the container coupling is feasible both in the transfer method and in the mixing method.

[0047] In principle, within the meaning of the invention, the process described above is suitable for processing almost all conceivable flowable and / or pourable product preparation components. However, due to the closed operating mode of the packaging system 1 (with the possibility of transferring the product only after the correct coupling of the two corresponding containers 10, 20), particularly advantageous applications arise in connection with chemically highly reactive substances, which can be harmful to health when considered alone. In addition, the process as described above can be used extremely generally in a wide variety of application areas. Just by way of example, the advantageous use of the transfer method according to the invention can be involved here, for example for any type of substance addition, in order to realize a refilling process of a self-refilling container, thereby for the addition of additives and for similar substance transfer processes.

[0048] In addition, the special design of the closed packaging system 1 also ensures the particularly safe handling of the individual product preparation components, wherein the individual product preparation components are critical for the user in the production situation of multi-component product preparation mixtures. In principle, the above-mentioned mixing process is suitable for handling a wide variety of different product preparation components, which must be further processed into mixtures. First, this mixing method is useful for each product preparation component that is highly reactive to each other in chemical terms and must be stored separately from each other until they are used. Multi-component cosmetics such as hair dyes can be mentioned as examples of such application forms. Even substances that may be harmful to health when considered individually can be advantageously and safely handled by means of a mixing method, because of the closed design of the packaging system. In addition, the above-mentioned mixing method can be extremely commonly used in a wide variety of different fields of application.

[0049] Reference numerals list

[0050] 1. Packaging system

[0051] 3 Closure device

[0052] 4 axis

[0053] 10 First Container

[0054] 11 Opening

[0055] 12 threads

[0056] 20 Second container

[0057] 21 threads

[0058] 30 Coupling Appliances

[0059] 31 threads

[0060] 32 inner sleeve

[0061] 33 Rotation stop element

[0062] 34 Sealing element

[0063] 35 recess

[0064] 40 closure element

[0065] 41 Fastening sleeve

[0066] 43 Rotation stop element

[0067] 45 Cap

[0068] 46 thread

[0069] 47 bottom wall

[0070] 48 Sealing plug

[0071] 49 Circumferential wall

[0072] 50 protrusion

[0073] 52Predetermined breakpoint

[0074] 53 Sealing element

[0075] 54 Sealing element

Claims

1. A packaging system (1) for at least one product preparation component, comprising a first container (10) for storing a first product preparation component, a second container (20) for storing at least one additional product preparation component, and a closure device (3), the closure device sealing an opening (11) in the first container (10) relative to the environment by means of a closure element (40), and the closure device having a coupling device (30) for coupling the second container (20) to the closure device (3) and for establishing a fluid connection between the first container (10) and the second container (20), characterized in that The closure element (40) and the coupling device (30) are joined together in an undetachable manner as a single component to form the closure device (3), the closure element (40) being undetachably connected to the first container (10) by means of a tightening sleeve (41) unless it has been broken, the coupling device (30) having a thread (31) for screwing onto the second container (20), the closure element (40) comprising a cap (45) which closes the opening (10) in the first container (10). 1) and is connected to the clamping sleeve (41) of the closure element (40) via a predetermined breaking point (52) in the initial state of the closure device (3), the cap (45) is axially displaceable relative to the coupling device (30) about the axis (4) of the closure device (3) and is arranged non-rotatably relative to the rotation about the axis (4), and the cap (45) is connected to the first container (10) via a thread, the thread having a rotation direction opposite to the thread (31) of the coupling device (30).

2. The packaging system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The clamping sleeve (41) and the coupling device (30) each have at least one corresponding rotation stop element (33, 43), which allows the clamping sleeve (41) and the coupling device (30) to rotate relative to each other around the axis (4) of the closure device (3) only until the corresponding rotation stop elements (33, 43) abut against each other.

3. The packaging system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The threads of the cap (45) have a high pitch, so that the cap (45) can be completely removed from the first container (10) by at most one rotation when the cap is rotated relative to the first container.

4. The packaging system (1) according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that An additional product preparation component is stored in the second container (20) so that the first product preparation component will be mixed with the at least one additional product preparation component after the second container (20) has been coupled to the first container (10) by means of the closure device (3).

5. The packaging system (1) according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that The closure device (3) can be coupled to the second container (20) in a liquid-tight manner.

6. The packaging system (1) according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that The closure device (3) has at least one sealing element in order to ensure a fluid-tight connection to the first container (10) and / or the second container (20).

7. A method for transferring at least one product preparation component from a first container (10) into a second container (20) using a packaging system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The following method steps: a. attaching the first container (10) to the second container (20) by means of the closure device (3) by engaging corresponding threads on the coupling device (30) and on the second container (20); b. screwing the closure device (3) onto the second container (20) by means of a coupling device (30) until the coupling between the coupling device (30) and the second container (20) reaches a termination position; c. continuing the relative rotation between the first container (10) or the closure element (40) and the second container (20), the cap (45) arranged non-rotatably relative to the coupling device (30) being separated from the closure element (40) at a predetermined breaking point (52); d. further continuing the relative rotation between the first container (10) or the closure element (40) and the second container (20), the detached cap (45) is connected to the first container (10) by means of a thread having a rotation direction opposite to the thread of the coupling device (30), and the cap (45) is thereby unscrewed from the first container (10); e. forming a fluid connection between the first container (10) and the second container (20) by moving the cap (45) removed from the first container (10) into the second container (20) and the opening (11) in the first container (10) being opened; f. Transferring product preparation components from the first container (10) to the second container (20).

8. A method for mixing a multi-component product preparation using a packaging system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, the packaging system comprising a first container (10) for storing a first product preparation component and a second container (20) for storing at least one additional product preparation component, characterized in that The following method steps: a. attaching the first container (10) to the second container (20) by means of the closure device (3) by engaging corresponding threads on the coupling device (30) and on the second container (20); b. screwing the closure device (3) onto the second container (20) by means of a coupling device (30) until the coupling between the coupling device (30) and the second container (20) reaches a termination position; c. continuing the relative rotation between the first container (10) or the closure element (40) and the second container (20), the cap (45) arranged non-rotatably relative to the coupling device (30) being separated from the closure element (40) at a predetermined breaking point (52); d. further continuing the relative rotation between the first container (10) or the closure element (40) and the second container (20), the detached cap (45) is connected to the first container (10) by means of a thread having a rotation direction opposite to the thread of the coupling device (30), and the cap (45) is thereby unscrewed from the first container (10); e. forming a fluid connection between the first container (10) and the second container (20) by moving the cap (45) removed from the first container (10) into the second container (20) and the opening (11) in the first container (10) being opened; f. transferring the first product preparation component from the first container (10) to the second container (20); g. Mixing the two products in the first container (10) and / or the second container (20) to prepare the components.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that Method steps a. to b. for coupling the two containers can be carried out in reverse, so that the two containers can be uncoupled again in the same way when the relative rotational direction is reversed according to method steps b. to a.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 8, characterized in that By arranging corresponding rotation stop elements (33, 43) on the fastening sleeve (41) and the coupling device (30), the relative rotation between the fastening sleeve (41) and the coupling device (30) around the axis (4) of the closing device (3) is limited to a rotation range of less than 360°, and the rotation stop elements only allow relative rotation between the start and end stop positions of the corresponding rotation stop elements (33, 43).

Images