Packaging system for at least one product preparation component, method for transferring at least one product preparation component and method for mixing a multi-component product preparation

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a packaging system according to claim 1, a method for transferring at least one product preparation component from a first container into a second container according to claim 7 and a method for mixing a multi-component product preparation according to claim 8.

[0002] Such packaging systems have often been used to specifically mix flowable product preparation components that are initially stored separately. They are primarily used for two- or multi-component product preparations in which the individual preparation components are incompatible with each other due to their chemical composition or are highly chemically reactive and therefore should only be mixed shortly before actual use. Such multi-component product preparations and application forms are generally known from the cosmetics, medical, food, and detergent and cleaning sectors, among others.

[0003] For example, German utility model DE 29721872 U1 describes an arrangement for coupling two containers with the aim of potentially mixing fluids initially stored separately in the containers. The coupling arrangement described therein serves, among other things, for mixing individual components of hair dyes. The individual components are incompatible with one another and must therefore be stored separately in separate containers until actual use. The individual components are then mixed to form the ready-to-use hair dye immediately before use. For this purpose, the coupling arrangement has two coupling elements, each of which allows the connection of a corresponding container. The coupling elements each form a flow passage that is in fluid communication with the interior of the respective container. Furthermore, the two flow passages within the coupling arrangement are aligned with one another.In addition, the coupling arrangement has a control element which is arranged in one of the flow passages and can be moved between a first and second position. Depending on the respective position of the control element, the flow passages can be open or closed. In this respect, flow through the flow passages and thus the entire coupling arrangement is enabled or prevented depending on the position of the control element. The flow passages are usually closed in the initial state of the coupling arrangement. To improve the sealing function, an additional plug is provided which closes a flow passage in the initial state of the coupling arrangement. During use, the plug is removed under the influence of the movable control element, so that the flow passages are released for flow.

[0004] WO 2007 / 111667 A2 describes another system with two containers for the separate storage of two container contents. The different container contents can be mixed immediately before use using a coupling device connecting both containers. For this purpose, the coupling device has a valve arrangement that can be moved between a closed and an open position. In the open valve position, a flow passage is released in the coupling device, forming a fluid connection between the two containers. Thus, mixing of the two container contents is permitted when the valve is open.

[0005] While the packaging systems described above generally allow for the separate storage of different substances and their mixing immediately prior to actual use, they are functionally inadequate when it comes to the isolated storage and efficient handling of the individual product preparation components. This is especially true when, for example, highly chemically reactive or potentially hazardous substances are stored using a generic packaging system. Therefore, the aforementioned packaging systems are only suitable for handling very specific chemical substances.

[0006] Based on this, the object of the invention is to provide a closed packaging system for at least one product preparation component that enables the safe storage and handling of product preparation components containing as many and as diverse chemical substances as possible. In particular, the packaging system according to the invention is intended to enable the safe and user-friendly handling of highly chemically reactive or health-hazardous substances.

[0007] This object is achieved by a packaging system for at least one product preparation component according to patent claim 1. The entire packaging system essentially comprises a first container for holding a first product preparation component, a second container for optionally holding at least one further product preparation component, and a multifunctional closure device. This closure device is capable, among other things, of sealing an opening of the first container tightly against the environment by means of a closure element in its initial state. In this way, especially chemically reactive substances and substances hazardous to health can be safely stored in the first container.Due to the tight closure of the first container, neither substance components from the first container can escape into the environment, nor can environmental conditions, such as humidity or atmospheric oxygen, negatively influence the substance components inside the first container due to chemical reactions. Furthermore, the closure device additionally has a coupling device for releasably coupling the second container to the closure device and thereby creating a fluid connection between the first container and the second container. Rather, the closure device is designed such that a fluid connection between the first and second containers, or in other words, an opening of the first container, can only be achieved when the closure device is fully coupled to the second container by means of the coupling device.In this way, any undesired release of the product preparation component from the first container into the environment is effectively prevented. In fact, the product preparation component can only be released from the first container into the second container after coupling has taken place. The closure element and the coupling device, originally separate components, are permanently joined together to form the closure device. This makes it particularly easy to initially manufacture the closure element and the coupling device independently of one another using a suitable method, for example by injection molding, and also makes it advantageous to handle the closure element and coupling device as a common structural unit in the joined state, i.e. as a closure device. The closure element and coupling device can be joined together, for example, by means of a bouncing process or a comparable joining step.In this case, the closure element and coupling device are pressed axially together under the action of force relative to an axis of the closure device and are essentially permanently locked together. The permanent connection between the closure element and coupling device means that, once joined, the two parts cannot be separated without causing damage.

[0008] The closure element further comprises a cap for closing the first container, which cap is connected to the fastening sleeve of the closure element via a predetermined breaking point in the initial state of the closure device. The cap is generally designed so that it can close or open the opening for dispensing the container contents from the first container. In the closed container state, the cap rests against the first container in such a way that the opening is completely covered and thus tightly sealed. To open the first container, the cap must be detached from it at least sufficiently far. To do this, the cap is separated from the fastening sleeve, which is permanently connected to the first container, starting from the initial state of the closure device in order to reach an application state at the predetermined breaking point. After separation, the cap can be moved relative to the fastening sleeve or to the first container.Relative movement then also allows the cap to be detached from the first container, thus exposing the container opening. The connection of the cap to the fastening sleeve via a predetermined breaking point thus forms a type of tamper-evident seal, which advantageously signals the unused initial state of the first container with the closure device.

[0009] For the purposes of the present invention, the terms "product preparation" or "product preparation components" generally refer to flowable and / or pourable substances. This includes all liquid, gel-like, pasty, or similarly highly viscous substances that generally exhibit corresponding flow properties, as well as all powdery, particulate, granular, or similarly solid-like substances that generally exhibit corresponding flow or pour properties. In this context, a "product preparation" or a "product preparation component" can be composed of either a single chemical substance or a mixture of substances.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention, the closure element, and thus the entire closure device, is permanently connected to the first container by means of a fastening sleeve, preventing its destruction. "Permanently" in this context means that the closure element, or rather the fastening sleeve, cannot be removed from the first container without being destroyed. The permanent connection between the fastening sleeve and the first container is preferably achieved by a locking mechanism or a combined screw / locking mechanism. Particularly advantageous from a joining technology perspective, the fastening sleeve can be crimped to the first container. Permanently connected to the first container in this way, the closure device ensures extremely reliable and tight storage of the product preparation component within the first container.This prevents a consumer from opening the first container and also prevents the product preparation component from accidentally escaping from the first container into the environment. Likewise, the product preparation component stored in the first container is reliably protected from undesirable environmental influences, such as humidity and / or atmospheric oxygen, thanks to the tight container closure. Therefore, such a packaging system also allows, among other things, the storage and handling of highly chemically reactive and potentially hazardous substances in the first container.

[0011] A "container" within the meaning of the present invention refers to containers of various shapes, which have in common that the container interior is surrounded by a container wall that encloses it and has an opening for dispensing the container contents. The container opening, in turn, can be opened or closed by a suitable closure element. Such containers can therefore take on various designs. However, containers in the form of bottles, bags, canisters, jars, tubes, or similar designs appear particularly suitable. With regard to the container material, depending on the application-specific contents, materials should be specifically selected that, due to their physical properties, ensure a sufficient barrier effect against the environment, especially against atmospheric oxygen and moisture, to protect the container contents.In addition, the container material must be designed to be sufficiently inert with regard to its chemical-physical reactivity with the container contents.

[0012] With regard to the material selection of the closure device, the same general conditions apply as for the container. This means that the closure device should preferably be designed in such a way that it also has a sufficient barrier effect, especially against atmospheric oxygen and moisture, and is also chemically inert to the container contents.

[0013] An embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention with a corresponding closure device is achieved in that the cap is arranged so as to be axially displaceable relative to the coupling device with respect to an axis of the closure device and so as to be secured against rotation about the axis. In this case, the axis essentially runs centrally through the essentially cylindrical or sleeve-shaped basic structure of the closure device. The corresponding arrangement of the cap with respect to the closure device naturally only applies to a limited extent to the initial state of the closure device, where the cap is preferably connected to the fastening sleeve via the predetermined breaking point in a materially bonded manner. This means that in the initial state, the cap is fixedly connected to the fastening sleeve of the closure device, so that it is neither axially nor rotationally movable relative to it. Furthermore, the cap in the application state, i.e.after separation from the fastening sleeve, in detail arranged axially and preferably limitedly rotationally movable relative to the fastening sleeve. In relation to the coupling device, the cap is continuous, i.e. both in the initial and in the used state of the closure device, it is axially movable but rotationally secured. As a result of this specific arrangement, a very special interaction arises between the fastening sleeve, the cap and the coupling device when the two containers are coupled, which interaction arises from the relative movement of the individual components. In detail, the cap follows the rotational movement of the coupling device due to the rotationally secured arrangement of the coupling device. This also means that the cap can be separated from the fastening sleeve at the predetermined breaking point when in use, i.e. when rotating relative to the fastening sleeve.Even after the cap has been separated from the fastening sleeve, the cap follows the rotational movement, whereby the cap is then axially movable both relative to the fastening sleeve and relative to the coupling device.

[0014] One embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention is achieved by providing the coupling device with a thread for screwing it to the second container. Thus, during the coupling process, the coupling device is screwed to the second container through the interaction of corresponding threaded sections on the coupling device and the second container. This allows for a particularly user-friendly coupling of the two containers.

[0015] An advantageous variant of the packaging system provides that the fastening sleeve and the coupling device each have at least one corresponding rotation stop element, which permits the relative rotation of the fastening sleeve and the coupling device about the axis of the closure device only until the corresponding rotation stop elements abut one another. The corresponding rotation stop elements on the fastening sleeve and the coupling device fundamentally limit the relative rotation between the fastening sleeve and the coupling device to a rotation range of almost 360°, i.e., almost one revolution. The respective rotation elements are preferably designed as ribs, shoulders, projections, or other comparable rotationally effective stop elements.Overall, the corresponding rotation stop elements serve, on the one hand, to enable the basic torque transmission between the fastening sleeve and the coupling device in the application, namely when two corresponding rotation stop elements are in contact. On the other hand, the fastening sleeve and the coupling device can be rotated relative to each other to a limited extent. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to design the rotation stop elements between the fastening sleeve and the coupling device as locking elements, which allow relative rotation between the fastening sleeve and the coupling device in one direction of rotation, but prevent it in the opposite direction. Such locking elements can, for example, be designed as sawtooth-like profiles, which, in their mutual interaction, are comparable to the operating principle of a tool ratchet or a bicycle freewheel.In principle, such arrangements only allow torque transmission in one direction of rotation.

[0016] According to a further developed embodiment of the packaging system, either the fastening sleeve or the coupling device has at least two rotation stop elements, which interact with the at least one corresponding rotation stop of the coupling device or the fastening sleeve in such a way that an initial and an end stop are formed for the relative rotation between the fastening sleeve and the coupling device about the axis of the closure device. Continuing the variant with only one rotation stop element on the fastening sleeve and the coupling device, the relative rotation between the two components is limited to a precisely defined rotation range by arranging two rotation stop elements on at least the fastening sleeve or the coupling device.The two rotation stop elements, in interaction with the at least one corresponding rotation stop element on the exact other component, form an initial and an end stop for the relative rotation between the fastening sleeve and the coupling device. In this way, the value range for the relative rotation between the fastening sleeve and the coupling device can be precisely set to angles of rotation of less than 360°. These limited angle of rotation ranges ultimately also determine the possible maximum extent of rotation of the cap relative to the first container. In this respect, these limited angles of rotation also indirectly determine the maximum opening dimension of the cap or the complete detachment of the cap from the first container. This means that at the end stop of the corresponding rotation stop elements, i.e. when the upper limit of the angle of rotation is reached, the cap is also completely detached from the first container.Thus, by appropriately defining the upper limit of the rotation angle, the handling of the packaging system during container coupling can be simplified, since only a limited relative rotation between the individual components of the packaging system is necessary to fully couple the containers and create the fluid connection between them.

[0017] A useful embodiment of the packaging system provides that the cap is connected to the first container via a thread which has a direction of rotation opposite to the thread of the coupling device. This design offers the major application advantage that during the coupling of the two containers by screwing the coupling device to the second container, a constant direction of rotation can be maintained in order to ultimately establish the fluid connection between the first and second containers. For example, a right-hand thread is provided between the coupling device and the second container, while a left-hand thread is formed between the cap and the first container. During the coupling process, it is thus possible to screw the first container with the closure device to the second container in a clockwise direction, i.e. right-handed, via the coupling device.In this case, the first container, together with the closure device, is rotated clockwise, i.e., to the right, relative to the second container. Continuing this relative clockwise rotation of the first and second containers not only completes the coupling, but simultaneously separates the cap from the fastening sleeve via the predetermined breaking point, and the cap is released from the first container due to the opposing thread. Thus, the opposing threads between the coupling device and the second container, as well as between the cap and the first container, ensure both the reliable coupling of the containers and the establishment of the fluid connection between the first and second containers upon opening the first container in a very simple and user-friendly manner.

[0018] A preferred embodiment of the packaging system is characterized in that the cap thread has a high thread pitch, allowing the cap to be completely released from the first container upon relative rotation of a maximum of one revolution. This ensures that only a limited relative rotation is required to completely release the cap from the first container and thus create the fluid connection between the two containers. Ideally, this limited relative rotation between the two containers ranges from less than one full revolution, i.e., a maximum of 360°.

[0019] In principle, the fluid connection between the two coupled containers allows the reliable and loss-free transfer of the product preparation component held in the first container from the first to the second container, namely via the corresponding opening in the first container and with the cap loosened. At least in the case of flowable and / or pourable product preparation components, as described above, the transfer is generally due to gravity and thus automatic, with the first container being held on top. Alternatively or additionally, the transfer of the product preparation component can also be effected by means of external force applied to a deformable first container. This applies, for example, to a bag- or tube-like first container in which the product preparation component can be squeezed out of the first container for transfer into the second container.

[0020] An alternative embodiment of the packaging system provides that a further product preparation component is held in the second container in order to mix the first product preparation component with the at least one further product preparation component after the second container has been coupled to the first container by means of the closure device. For this purpose, the two product preparation components, which were initially held separately in the two containers, are first brought together during the coupling of the containers with the formation of the fluid connection, in order to then subsequently mix them to form a multi-component product preparation. The actual mixing is brought about by rapid movement of the two coupled containers. For this purpose, the user shakes, swivels, rotates or similarly moves the two coupled containers.In principle, such multi-component product preparation mixtures, consisting of individual product preparation components that are initially chemically incompatible with one another, are not uncommon. Examples of such multi-component product preparation mixtures include cosmetic application products, such as multi-component hair coloring products. The advantage of this packaging system lies in its basic structure, which is sealed from the environment. This means that even highly chemically reactive substances or substances that are hazardous to health as individual product preparation components can be safely handled using this packaging system. Finally, a transfer of a first product preparation component from the first container, if necessary, is possible.for subsequent mixing with another product preparation component, only after coupling with an associated second container and proper opening of the first container. Any unwanted leakage of the first product preparation component from the first container into the environment is effectively prevented by this multifunctional closure device.

[0021] According to another useful embodiment of the packaging system, the closure device can be coupled to the second container in a liquid-tight manner. The closure device is then coupled to the second container by means of the coupling device in such a tight manner that unwanted leakage of one or more flowable and / or pourable product preparation components into the environment is reliably prevented. This creates a sealed packaging system that reliably ensures that the user does not come into contact with any of the handled product preparation components.

[0022] A more advanced variant of the packaging system is achieved by the closure device having at least one sealing element to ensure a liquid-tight connection to the first and / or second container. Such sealing elements can essentially take on almost any geometric shape and primarily act as a seal in the axial and / or radial direction. In particular, the sealing elements can be designed as a sealing ring, sealing lip, or similar.

[0023] Furthermore, the invention is defined by a method for transferring at least one product preparation component from a first container into a second container according to claim 7 and by a method for transferring at least one product preparation component from a first container into a second container according to claim 8.

[0024] A first method alternative serves to securely transfer at least one product preparation component from a first container into a second container, wherein a packaging system as described above is used. According to this method, the packaging system comprises a first container for holding at least one first product preparation component, wherein an opening of the first container is tightly closed from the environment by means of a closure element of the closure device that is firmly connected to the first container. In detail, the closure element for this purpose comprises a cap that, in the initial state of the closure device, is connected to a fastening sleeve of the closure element via a predetermined breaking point. Once closed in this way, the first container cannot be opened manually by the user.Furthermore, the closure device has a coupling device for coupling the second container to the closure device and, fundamentally, for creating a fluid connection between the first container and the second container. The closure element and the coupling device are initially separate components and are joined together to form the closure device in a non-detachable manner. In this context, non-detachable means that the two components cannot be separated from one another without damage after the joining process. Furthermore, the coupling device is axially displaceable relative to the closure device with respect to an axis of the closure device and is arranged so as to be non-rotatable with respect to the latter with regard to rotation about the axis. In addition, the coupling device has a thread for screwing it to the second container.For such a packaging system, the following process sequence has proven useful for safely transferring the product preparation component from the first container to the second container without unwanted leakage into the environment. First, the first container is attached to the second container using the closure device, specifically by engaging corresponding threads on the coupling device and the second container. Subsequently, the closure device is screwed onto the second container using the coupling device until a coupling end position is reached between the coupling device and the second container. The coupling end position describes a state in which the coupling device is completely screwed onto the second container using the thread.Furthermore, the coupling device can no longer be screwed onto the second container and thus forms a stationary structural unit with the second container, at least temporarily. This means that not only the closure device itself but also the first container, which is permanently connected to it, is coupled to the second container. The relative rotation between the first container or the closure device and the second container, which was already used to screw on the closure device, is then continued. This means that the first container, together with the closure element, is further rotated relative to the second container while maintaining the unscrewing direction of the coupling device. In the process, the cap, which is initially connected to the fastening sleeve via the predetermined breaking point and is also arranged so as to prevent rotation 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 the predetermined breaking point due to the fact that, as the relative rotation between the two coupled containers continues, the fastening sleeve follows the movement of the first container, while the coupling device with the cap follows the movement of the second container. After the cap is separated from the fastening sleeve, the relative rotation between the first container or the fastening sleeve and the second container with the coupling device continues while maintaining the direction of rotation. The now separated cap is connected to the first container by means of a thread which rotates in the opposite direction to the thread of the coupling device. Thus, as the relative rotation continues and as a result of the counter-rotating cap thread, the cap is simultaneously unscrewed from the first container.For example, the thread between the coupling device and the second container is clockwise, while the thread between the cap and the first container is anti-clockwise. Of course, the opposite direction of rotation of the two threads is also conceivable, although the crucial point is that the two threads must be oriented in opposite directions to each other. The continued relative rotation now loosens the cap from the first container until it is completely detached from the container. In this completely released state, the corresponding threaded sections of the cap and the first container are no longer engaged, so that the cap moves axially into the second container. This usually happens due to gravity, since the first container is usually arranged on top when coupled.Completely loosening the cap now creates a fluid connection between the first and second containers due to the immediate release of the opening in the first container. Once the fluid connection between the two containers has been established, the transfer of at least one product preparation component from the first to the second container can then take place. Such a transfer of the product preparation component preferably occurs due to gravity, with the first container being arranged on top in coupled containers. In addition, the product transfer can be assisted by external force acting on the first container, especially in the case of a flexibly designed first container. This preferably applies to tube- or bag-shaped first containers.

[0025] In principle, the procedure described above is suitable for handling virtually all conceivable product preparation components. However, due to the closed functionality of the packaging system, with the option of product transfer only after the two associated containers have been properly coupled, it is particularly advantageous in connection with highly chemically reactive or potentially hazardous substances. Furthermore, the procedure described above is extremely universally applicable in a wide variety of fields of application. Purely by way of example, the advantageous use of the transfer method according to the invention includes, among other things, any type of substance addition, refilling processes from refill containers, additive addition, and similar substance transfer processes.

[0026] A second method alternative not only serves to safely transfer at least one product preparation component from a first container into a second container, but also to subsequently mix the first product preparation component with a further product preparation component held in the second container to form a multi-component product preparation. A packaging system as described above is also used here. The packaging system comprises a first container for holding at least one first product preparation component, wherein an opening of the first container is tightly sealed from the environment by means of a closure element of the closure device that is firmly connected to the first container. Specifically, the closure element comprises a cap that, in the initial state of the closure device, is connected to a fastening sleeve of the closure element via a predetermined breaking point.Once closed in this way, the first container cannot be opened manually by the user. In addition, the packaging system comprises a second container for holding at least one further product preparation component. Furthermore, the closure device has a coupling device for coupling the second container to the closure device and, in principle, for creating a fluid connection between the first container and the second container. The closure element and the coupling device are initially separate components and are joined together to form the closure device in a non-detachable manner. In this context, non-detachable means that the two components cannot be separated from one another without damage after the joining process. Furthermore, the coupling device is axially displaceable relative to the closure device with respect to an axis of the closure device and is arranged so as to be non-rotatable with respect to the closure device with regard to rotation about the axis.The coupling device also has a thread for screwing it to the second container. For such a packaging system, the following process sequence has proven useful in order to safely transfer the product preparation component from the first container to the second container without unwanted escape into the environment and to mix it with the additional product preparation component there to form a multi-component product preparation. First, the first container is attached to the second container using the closure device by engaging corresponding threads on the coupling device and the second container. The closure device is then screwed onto the second container using the coupling device until a coupling end position is reached between the coupling device and the second container.The coupling end position describes a state in which the coupling device is completely screwed onto the second container by means of the thread. Furthermore, the coupling device can no longer be screwed onto the second container and thus forms a stationary structural unit with the second container, at least temporarily. This means that not only the closure device itself but also the first container, which is permanently connected to it, is coupled to the second container. The relative rotation between the first container or the closure device and the second container, which was already used to screw on the closure device, is then continued. This means that the first container, together with the closure element, is rotated further relative to the second container while maintaining the unscrewing direction of the coupling device.The cap, which is initially connected to the fastening sleeve via the predetermined breaking point and is otherwise arranged in a rotationally secure manner relative to the coupling device, is separated from the closure element or the fastening sleeve at the predetermined breaking point. The separation of the cap at the predetermined breaking point occurs due to the fact that, during continued relative rotation between the two coupled containers, the fastening sleeve follows the movement of the first container, while the coupling device 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 with the coupling device continues while maintaining the direction of rotation.The now separated cap is connected to the first container by means of a thread which rotates in the opposite direction to the thread of the coupling device. As the relative rotation continues and as a result of the counter-rotating cap thread, the cap is simultaneously unscrewed from the first container. For example, the thread between the coupling device and the second container is clockwise, while the thread between the cap and the first container is anti-clockwise. Of course, the opposite direction of rotation of the two threads is also conceivable, although it is crucial that the two threads are oriented in opposite directions to one another. The continued relative rotation now unscrews the cap from the first container until it is completely detached from the container.In this completely released state, the corresponding threaded sections of the cap and the first container are no longer engaged, so that the cap moves axially into the second container. This usually occurs due to gravity, since the first container is usually arranged on top when coupled. Completely releasing the cap now creates a fluid connection between the first and second containers because the opening of the first container is immediately exposed. Once the fluid connection between the two containers has been established, the transfer of at least one product preparation component from the first to the second container can then take place. Such a transfer of the product preparation component is preferably due to gravity, with the first container being arranged on top when the containers are coupled.Additionally, product transfer, especially with a flexibly designed first container, can be assisted by applying external force to the first container. This preferably applies to tube- or bag-shaped first containers. After the first product preparation component has been transferred into the second container, the multiple product preparation components can then be mixed in the second container to form a multi-component product preparation. Mixing preferably takes place with appropriate movement of the two coupled containers, for example by shaking, pivoting, rotating, or similar movements. In particular, the mixing process of the multiple product preparation components is carried out with a continuous fluid connection between the two containers.This not only ensures a fairly homogeneous mixing of the various product preparation components, but also ensures complete blending of the product preparation components to create a multi-component product preparation. This ensures that the stored quantities of the individual product preparation components are actually fully incorporated into the multi-component product preparation mixture. At the same time, it guarantees that by blending the complete product preparation component quantities, a defined and therefore often intended mixing ratio between the individual product preparation components is maintained.

[0027] Furthermore, the specific design of the closed packaging system also ensures particularly safe handling of the individual product preparation components, which may be critical for the user, within the framework of this second process alternative. In principle, the mixing process described above is suitable for handling a large number of different product preparation components that are to be further processed into a mixture. Such a mixing process is particularly useful for individual product preparation components that are highly chemically reactive with one another or with environmental parameters and which must be kept separate from one another until the actual use. Examples of such applications include multi-component cosmetic products, such as hair coloring products. Even considered individually,Due to the closed design of the packaging system, hazardous substances can be handled advantageously and safely using the mixing process. Furthermore, the mixing process described above is extremely versatile and can be used in a wide variety of applications.

[0028] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the two aforementioned process alternatives, at least the process steps for coupling the two containers can be carried out reversibly. The two containers can then be uncoupled again by reversing the relative rotation direction used to couple the two containers, in the reverse order of the corresponding individual process steps described above. In principle, reversing the relative rotation direction between the two coupled containers that are in fluid communication leads to the coupling device becoming loose from the second container until the coupling device can be completely detached from the second container again. Such a reversible process opens up the possibility of repeating the coupling and uncoupling process as often as desired using the packaging system according to the invention.After decoupling, the second container containing the product preparation mixture can be continued to be handled as required. The creation of the fluid connection between the containers is irreversible due to the complete detachment of the cap from the first container. This guarantees complete use of the entire quantities of product preparation components from both containers 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, such a reversible sequence of the aforementioned process steps for container coupling is possible both in a transfer process and in a mixing process.

[0029] A further useful embodiment of the two aforementioned method variants results from the fact that the relative rotation between the fastening sleeve and the coupling device about the axis of the closure device is limited to a rotation range of less than 360° by providing corresponding rotation stop elements on the fastening sleeve and the coupling device, which only permit relative rotation between an initial and an end stop position of the corresponding rotation stop elements. As already described, the two rotation stop elements, in interaction with the at least one corresponding rotation stop element on the exact other component, form an initial and an end stop for the relative rotation between the fastening sleeve and the coupling device. In this way, the value range for the relative rotation between the fastening sleeve and the coupling device can be precisely adjusted to a rotation angle of less than 360°.These limited rotation angle ranges ultimately determine the maximum possible extent of rotation of the cap relative to the first container. In this respect, these limited rotation angles also indirectly determine the maximum opening dimension of the cap, or the complete release of the cap from the first container. This means that when the corresponding rotation stop elements reach their end stop—i.e., when the upper limit of the rotation angle is reached—the cap is completely released from the first container. Specifically, the thread between the cap and the first container is not only designed to rotate in the opposite direction to the thread between the coupling device and the second container, but the thread pitch is also significantly higher than that of the thread between the coupling device and the second container.Due to the high thread pitch between the cap and the first container, the cap travels sufficient axial travel, despite the limited relative rotation, to quickly detach the cap from the first container and expose the container opening, even with limited rotational movement. The optimized design of the thread pitch ultimately results in sufficient axial opening and closing movement, within the initial and final stops of the relative rotation between the closure element and the coupling device.

[0030] Further features of the invention are explained below with reference to the embodiment shown in the figures.

[0031] It shows: Fig. 1An embodiment of the individual components of the packaging system in perspective view; Fig. 2the closure device according to Fig. 1 in two perspective views; Fig. 3 the closure device according to Fig. 1in two different operating states with two sectional views; Fig. 4 the packaging system according to Fig. 1 in three different operating states with three sectional views.

[0032] The Figures 1-4 The exemplary embodiment shown illustrates a packaging system 1 with a first container 10 for holding a first product preparation component (not shown here) and a second container 20 for optionally holding at least one further, second product preparation component (also not shown here). The packaging system 1 shown serves for the controlled and safe transfer of the first product preparation component from the first container 10 into the second container 20. If the second container 20 also contains a further, second product preparation component, the two product preparation components can also advantageously be mixed to form a multi-component product preparation.

[0033] In addition to the two containers 10, 20, the packaging system 1 also comprises a multifunctional closure device 3, which, on the one hand, seals the first container 10 in its initial state, tightly sealing it from the environment by means of a closure element 40. For reliable closure of the first container 10, the closure element 40 firstly comprises a fastening sleeve 41, which, in the operational state, is permanently and non-destructively connected to the first container 10. For this purpose, the fastening sleeve 41 is preferably latched to the first container 10 or combined with a screw and latch connection. In any case, the fastening sleeve 41, which is permanently connected to the first container 10, is axially and rotationally fixed to the first container 10 with respect to an axis 4 of the closure device 3.In addition to the fastening sleeve 41, the closure element 40 has a substantially pot-shaped cap 45, which, when in use, tightly closes an opening 11 in the first container 10. For this purpose, the cap 45 has a bottom wall 47 with an annular sealing plug 48, which is capable of precisely closing the opening 11 of the first container 10. This reliably prevents unwanted leakage of the first product preparation component from the first container 10 into the environment.

[0034] On the other hand, the closure device 3 also has a coupling device 30 for coupling the second container 20 to the closure device 3, and thus indirectly to the first container 10, and for creating a fluid connection between the first container 10 and the second container 20 with the interposition of the closure device 3. The coupling device 30 has an annular base structure with a thread 31, which is intended for engagement with a corresponding thread 21 on the second container 20. Furthermore, the coupling device 30 also has an inner sleeve 32, which can interact with the cap 45 in a form-fitting manner.

[0035] In principle, the two components, closure element 40 and coupling device 30, of the closure device 3 are initially designed as separate components, which has the advantage that they can be easily manufactured independently of one another, for example by injection molding. In the application case, the closure element 40 and the coupling device 30 are non-destructively and permanently joined together to form the closure device 3. This is preferably done by a bounce connection, in which the closure element 40 and the coupling device 30 are axially locked together. After locking, the closure element 40 and the coupling device 30, as is particularly evident in the Figures 2-4recognizable, are permanently joined together to form the closure device 3 assembly, so that the closure device 3 can subsequently be handled very easily. At the same time, the closure element 40 and the coupling device 30 are joined together within the closure device 3 in such a way that a limited relative rotation of the closure element 40 and the coupling device 30 about the axis 4 is fundamentally possible. For this purpose, corresponding rotation stop elements 33, 43 are provided on the closure element 40 and on the coupling device 30, which, when interacting accordingly, limit the relative rotation between the closure element 40 and the coupling device 30 in the application to a rotation angle range of less than 360°. This corresponds to a rotation range of less than one full revolution.The rotation stop elements 33, 43 are preferably designed as radial ribs or projections, but can also take on any other suitable geometric configuration. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, a plurality of rotation stop elements 33, 43 can be arranged distributed over the circumference of the closure element 40 and / or the coupling device 30. This advantageously allows the angle of rotation range for the relative rotation between the closure element 40 and the coupling device 30 to be further limited. The desired degree of permitted relative rotation between the closure element 40 and the coupling device 30 can therefore be precisely adjusted via the position of the rotation stop elements 33, 43 distributed around the circumference.Above all, the interaction of several rotation stop elements 33, 43 distributed around the circumference allows the defined establishment of start and end stop positions between the closure element 40 and the coupling device 30. This means that the defined relative rotation between the closure element 40 and the coupling device 30 is limited to a specified, limited rotation angle range between the start and end rotation stops. As an alternative to the limitation of the relative rotation illustrated in the exemplary embodiment, a relative rotation between the closure element 40 and the coupling device 30 can also be permitted in only one direction of rotation. For this purpose, the rotation stop elements between the closure element 40 and the coupling device 30 are designed as suitable locking elements that allow a relative rotation between the closure element 40 and the coupling device 30 in one direction of rotation, but prevent it in the opposite direction.Such locking elements can, for example, be designed as sawtooth-like profiles, whose interaction is comparable to the operating principle of a ratchet or a bicycle freewheel. In principle, such arrangements only allow torque transmission in one direction of rotation.

[0036] As already mentioned, the closure device 3 is in the initial state of the packaging system 1 permanently attached to the first container 10 filled with the first product preparation component. Furthermore, in this initial state, as Figure 2As can be seen, the closure element 40 and the coupling device 30 are arranged relative to one another such that the cap 45 extends in a form-fitting manner into the inner sleeve 32 of the coupling device 30. For this purpose, radially projecting webs 50 are formed on the peripheral wall 49 of the cap 45, which interact in a form-fitting manner with associated recesses 35 in the inner sleeve 32. As a result, the cap 45 is fixed to the coupling device 30 in a rotation-proof manner with respect to a rotation about the closure device axis 4, so that the cap 45 follows each rotation of the coupling device 30 about the axis 4.

[0037] Furthermore, the cap 45 has a substantially pot-shaped basic structure, namely with a bottom wall 47, which in the initial state covers the opening 11 of the first container 10, and a peripheral wall 49 running around the axis 4. Several radially projecting webs 50, three in the present embodiment, are formed on the outside of the peripheral wall 49. Furthermore, in the initial state, the cap 45 is firmly bonded 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 webs distributed over the cap circumference, each of which runs between the fastening sleeve 41 and the cap peripheral wall 49. Of course, other, alternatively suitable designs of the predetermined breaking point are also conceivable within the meaning of the invention.

[0038] To improve the sealing effect, the closure device 3 preferably comprises at least one sealing element 34, 48, 53, 54, which is effective within the closure device 3 itself or between the closure device and the first and / or second container 10, 20. In the Fig. 1-4 In the illustrated embodiment of the closure device 3, a plurality of sealing elements 34, 48, 53, 54 are provided, which are preferably designed as sealing lips, sealing rings, annular sealing plugs, or the like. These sealing elements 34, 48, 53, 54, in particular, jointly prevent, on the one hand, the undesired escape of a product preparation component from one of the containers 10, 20 into the environment and, on the other hand, form a barrier to prevent environmental influences, such as atmospheric oxygen and air humidity, from having a negative effect on the product preparation components.

[0039] In general, such a substantially closed packaging system 1 can be used in a particularly versatile manner for storing and handling a wide variety of product preparation components or other chemical substances. In particular, the packaging system 1 allows the user to handle the contained product preparation components completely without contact with the container contents. Essentially, the packaging system 1 allows both the user-friendly transfer of a first product preparation component from the first container 10 into a second container 20 and the optional subsequent mixing of the first product preparation component with a second product preparation component already originally contained in the second container 20.In the following, the two essential handling alternatives of the packaging system 1 are explained in more detail, even if the illustrated embodiment of a packaging system 1 is preferably designed for mixing a multi-component product preparation.

[0040] The process of container coupling for handling the first product preparation component held at least in the first container 10 is primarily based on the Figures 3-4 To couple the two containers 10, 20, the first container 10 with the closure device 3 permanently attached to it is placed in an overhead position on the second container 20. This can be seen, at least in principle, from Figure 4, left-hand illustration. In this initial state, the cap 45 is completely screwed onto the first container 10 via the mutual threaded connection 12, 46, so that the opening 11 of the first container 10 is tightly closed by means of the annular sealing plug 48. At the same time, the corresponding threads 21, 31 on the second container 20 and on the coupling device 30 are placed against one another. The first container 10, together with the closure device 3, is then rotated clockwise relative to the second container 20. In the process, the coupling device 30 is screwed onto the corresponding thread 21 on the second container 20 via its thread 31, which is right-handed in the exemplary embodiment.At this stage, no relative rotation occurs between the closure element 40 and the coupling device 30, since relative rotation in this direction is prevented by the corresponding interaction of rotation stop elements 33, 43. The relative rotation between the first container 10 or the closure device 3 and the second container 20 continues until a coupling end position is reached, which is indicated by . Fig. 4, left-hand illustration. The coupling device 30 is then completely screwed onto the second container 20, so that further unscrewing of the coupling device 30 in a clockwise direction is no longer possible and the coupling device 30 forms a stationary structural unit with the second container 20, at least in this stage. In this way, the coupling device 30 follows the further movement of the second container 20 in this end coupling position as the container coupling continues. After reaching the end coupling position, in which the two containers 10, 20 are basically coupled to one another but there is still no fluid connection between the containers 1, 20, the relative rotation in a clockwise direction between the first container 10 or the closure device 3 and the second container 20, which rotation was already used to screw on the closure device 3, is continued. I.e.The first container 10, together with the closure element 40, is further rotated relative to the second container 20 while maintaining the clockwise unscrewing direction of the coupling device 30. During this continued rotational movement, the cap 45, which is initially connected to the fastening sleeve 41 via the predetermined breaking point 52 and which is in turn arranged in a rotationally secure manner relative to the coupling device 30, is separated from the closure element 40 or the fastening sleeve 41 at the predetermined breaking point 52. The separation of the cap 45 at the predetermined breaking point 52 occurs due to the fact that, during continued relative rotation between the two coupled containers 10, 20, the fastening sleeve 41 follows the rotational movement of the first container 10, while the coupling device 30 with the cap 45 follows the rotational movement of the second container 20. This leads to the breaking of the predetermined breaking point 52 upon exceeding a defined torque threshold.In this context, it should be noted that the torque required to break the predetermined breaking point 52 is always greater than the torque required to screw the coupling device 30 onto the second container 20. Only in this way can the desired sequence of the individual process steps be maintained when coupling the two containers 10, 20.

[0041] 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 continues while maintaining the previous direction of rotation. The now separated cap 45 is connected by means of a thread 46 to a corresponding thread 12 on the first container 10, wherein the corresponding threads 12, 46 on the first container 10 and the cap 45 have an opposite direction of rotation to the corresponding threads 21, 31 on the second container 20 and the coupling device 30. Thus, the cap 45 is simultaneously unscrewed from the first container 10 as the relative rotation between the two containers 10, 20 continues, as well as due to the opposite direction of the cap thread, see Fig. 4, middle illustration. For example, the corresponding threads 21, 31 on the second container 20 and on the coupling device 30 are clockwise, while the corresponding threads 12, 46 on the first container 10 and the cap 45 are counterclockwise. Of course, the opposite direction of rotation of the respective threads 21, 31, 12, 46 is also conceivable, whereby it is crucial that the corresponding thread pairs 21, 31, 12, 46 must be oriented in opposite directions to one another. As a result of the continued relative rotation, the cap 45 is now rotated at least far enough away from the first container 10 that the corresponding threads 12, 46 on the cap 45 and on the first container 10 are no longer engaged and the cap 45 is consequently completely released from the first container 10.At the same time, by completely loosening the cap 45, the opening 11 in the first container 10 is also released, so that a fluid connection is created between the first container 10 and the second container 20. The cap 45 is no longer held by the first container 10 and usually moves into the second container 20 due to gravity. This state with established fluid connection between the containers 10, 20 is primarily achieved by the . Fig4, right-hand figure illustrates this. After establishing the fluid connection between the two containers 10, 20, the transfer of at least one product preparation component from the first container 10 to the second container 20 can then take place. Such a transfer of the flowable and / or pourable product preparation component (not shown here) preferably takes place due to gravity, with the first container 10 being arranged on top in coupled containers. In addition, the product transfer can be assisted by external force acting on the first container 10, especially in the case of a flexibly designed first container 10. This preferably applies to tube- or bag-shaped first containers 10.

[0042] The above-described procedure for handling the packaging system 1 according to the invention also reveals its decisive advantage. 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 ensured under all circumstances. Thus, manual removal of the contents from the first container 10 alone is not possible due to the non-destructively and permanently attached closure device 3. Rather, in the initial state of the first container 10, the cap 45, as shown in Fig. 2As can be seen, the cap 45 is protected from external manual access by its form-fitting embedding in the inner sleeve 32 of the coupling device 30. Consequently, the cap 45 cannot be detached from the first container 10 without interaction of the closure device 3 with the associated second container 20. Due to the interaction described above, the cap 45 can only be detached from the opening 11 of the first container 10 if it is coupled with the associated second container 20. Thus, a fluid connection of the first container 10 is limited exclusively to the matching second container 20. An undesired fluid connection of the first container 10 to the environment is excluded by the specific design of the packaging system. Thus, the packaging system 1 is not only advantageously tamper-proof, but also ensures the transfer of the product preparation components only within the closed packaging system 1.This can also prevent unwanted spillage of substances during transfer from one container to another. Ultimately, the closed packaging system 1 prevents any contact of the user with the contained product preparation components in any application state.

[0043] The above-described process for coupling the two containers 10, 20 and for creating a fluid connection between the containers 10, 20 by opening the cap 45 cannot be used solely for transferring a first product preparation component from the first container 10 to the second container 20. Alternatively, it is conceivable to use the above-described packaging system for mixing a multi-component product preparation. For this purpose, a first product preparation component is initially held in the first container 10, while at least one further product preparation component is held in the second container 20. In the initial state, the second container 20 is preferably sealed from the environment with a removable closure (not shown here).If the two containers 10, 20 are now coupled together according to the procedure explained above and the corresponding fluid connection is created, the first product preparation component can generally be combined with the other product preparation component 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 together within the coupled and fluidly connected containers 10, 20. For this purpose, the entire packaging system 1 with the coupled containers 10, 20 is preferably shaken, swiveled, or similarly moved in order to mix the two product preparation components into a multi-component product preparation that is as homogeneous as possible using the movement dynamics.Ideally, the fluid connection between the containers 10, 20 is maintained during the mixing process, which on the one hand increases the available mixing space and on the other hand ensures that both product preparation components are used in their full quantity to produce the product preparation mixture.

[0044] In the application state of the packaging system 1 with coupled containers 10, 20 and established fluid connection between the containers, as described with Fig. 4, right-hand figure, it is also apparent that the cap 45 is completely detached from the first container 10. The cap 45 is therefore no longer connected to the first container 10 and has now moved into the second container 20. The two containers 10, 20 can then be uncoupled again by reversing the first relative rotation direction, which is used to couple the two containers 10, 20, in the reverse order of the corresponding individual method steps already described above. Basically, a reversal of the relative rotation direction between the two coupled and fluid-connected containers 10, 20 leads to the coupling device 30 becoming loose from the second container 20, until the coupling device 30 can be completely detached from the second container 20 again.Such a reversible procedure opens up the possibility of repeating the coupling and decoupling process using the packaging system 1 according to the invention as often as desired or, after decoupling, of continuing to handle the second container 20 with the product preparation mixture as required for the application. The creation of the fluid connection between the containers as a result of the complete detachment of the cap 45 from the first container 10 is irreversible. This guarantees complete use of the entire quantities of product preparation components from the two containers 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, such a reversible sequence of the aforementioned method steps for container coupling is possible both in a transfer method and in a mixing method.

[0045] In principle, the procedure described above is suitable for handling almost all conceivable flowable and / or pourable product preparation components within the meaning of the invention. However, due to the closed functionality of the packaging system 1, with the possibility of product transfer only after the two associated containers 10, 20 have been properly coupled, a particularly advantageous use results in connection with substances that are highly chemically reactive or, if considered individually, potentially hazardous to health. Furthermore, the procedure described above can be used extremely universally in a wide variety of fields of application. Purely by way of example, the advantageous use of the transfer method according to the invention, among other things, for any type of substance addition, for refilling processes from refill containers, for additive addition, and for comparable substance transfer processes.

[0046] Furthermore, the specific design of the closed packaging system 1 also ensures particularly safe handling of the individual product preparation components, which may be critical for the user, when a multi-component product preparation mixture is produced. In principle, the mixing process described above is suitable for handling a large number of different product preparation components that are to be further processed into a mixture. Such a mixing process is particularly useful for individual product preparation components that are highly chemically reactive with one another and must be kept separate from one another until the actual use. Examples of such application forms include multi-component cosmetic products, such as hair coloring products. Even when considered individually,Due to the closed design of the packaging system, hazardous substances can be handled advantageously and safely using the mixing process. Furthermore, the mixing process described above is extremely versatile and can be used in a wide variety of applications. Reference symbol

[0047] 1 Packaging system 3 Closure device 4 Axis 10 First container 11 Opening 12 Thread 20 Second container 21 Thread 30 Coupling device 31 Thread 32 Inner sleeve 33 Rotation stop element 34 Sealing element 35 Recess 40 Closure element 41 Fastening sleeve 43 Rotation stop element 45 Cap 46 Thread 47 Bottom wall 48 Sealing plug 49 Peripheral wall 50 Web 52 Predetermined breaking point 53 Sealing element 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 optionally storing at least one further product preparation component, and a closure device (3) which sealingly closes an opening (11) of the first container (10) with respect to the surroundings by means of a closure element (40) and has a coupling apparatus (30) in order to couple the second container (20) to the closure device (3) and in order to establish a fluidic connection between the first container (10) and the second container (20), wherein - the closure element (40) and the coupling apparatus (30) are non-detachably joined together as separate components by latching in order to form the closure device (3), - the closure element (40), with the exception of when it has been destroyed, is non-detachably connected to the first container (10) by means of a fastening sleeve (41) by latching or combined screwing / latching, - the closure element (40) comprises a cap (45) which closes the opening (11) of the first container (10) in the initial state of the closure device (3) characterized in that: - the coupling apparatus (30) has a thread (31) for screwing to the second container (20), - the cap (45) is connected to a fastening sleeve (41) of the closure element (40) via a predetermined breaking point (52) and is axially movable relative to the coupling apparatus (30) with respect to an axis (4) of the closure device (3) and is arranged so as to be secured against rotation about the axis (4), so that the cap (45) follows each rotation of the coupling apparatus (30) about the axis (4), and wherein the cap (45) is connected to the first container (10) via a thread (46) which has a direction of rotation counter to the thread (31) of the coupling apparatus (30).

2. The packaging system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening sleeve (41) and the coupling apparatus (30) each have at least one mutually corresponding rotation stop element (33, 43) which allows the relative rotation of the fastening sleeve (41) and the coupling apparatus (30) about the axis (4) of the closure device (3) only until the corresponding rotation stop elements (33, 43) abut one another.

3. The packaging system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cap thread (46) has a high thread pitch in order to fully detach the cap (45) from the first container (10) by at most one rotation when said cap is rotated relative to said first container.

4. The packaging system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a further product preparation component is stored in the second container (20) in order to mix the first product preparation component with the at least one further 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 the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure device (3) can be liquid-tightly coupled to the second container (20).

6. The packaging system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure device (3) has at least one sealing element (34, 48, 53, 54) in order to ensure a liquid-tight connection to the first container (10) and / or 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, characterized by the following method steps: a. attaching the first container (10) to the second container (20) by means of the closure device (3) by corresponding threads (21, 31) on the coupling apparatus (30) and on the second container (20) being brought into engagement, b. screwing the closure device (3) onto the second container (20) by means of the coupling apparatus (30) as far as a coupling end position between the coupling apparatus (30) and the second container (20), c. continuing the relative rotation between the first container (10) or the closure element (40) and the second container (20), wherein the cap (45), which is arranged so as to be non-rotatable relative to the coupling apparatus (30), is separated from the closure element (40) at the 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), wherein the separated cap (45) is connected to the first container (10) by means of a thread (46) which has a direction of rotation counter to the thread (31) of the coupling apparatus (30), and the cap (45) is thus unscrewed from the first container (10), e. forming a fluid connection between the first container (10) and second container (20) by the cap (45) which is detached from the first container (10) moving into the second container (20) and the opening (11) in the first container (10) being opened, f. transferring the product preparation component from the first container (10) into the second container (20).

8. A method for mixing a multi-component product preparation using a packaging system (1) according to claim 1, comprising a first container (10) for storing a first product preparation component and a second container (20) for storing at least one further product preparation component, characterized by the following method steps: a. attaching the first container (10) to the second container (20) by means of the closure device (3) by corresponding threads (21, 31) on the coupling apparatus (30) and on the second container (20) being brought into engagement, b. screwing the closure device (3) onto the second container (20) by means of the coupling apparatus (30) as far as a coupling end position between the coupling apparatus (30) and the second container (20), c. continuing the relative rotation between the first container (10) or the closure element (40) and the second container (20), wherein the cap (45), which is arranged so as to be non-rotatable relative to the coupling apparatus (30), is separated from the closure element (3) at the 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), wherein the separated cap (45) is connected to the first container (10) by means of a thread (46) which has a direction of rotation counter to the thread (31) of the coupling apparatus (30), and the cap (45) is thus unscrewed from the first container (10), e. forming a fluid connection between the first container (10) and second container (20) by the cap (45) which is detached from the first container (10) moving 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) into the second container (20), g. mixing the two product preparation components in the first container (10) and / or second container (20).

9. The method according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the method steps a.-b. for coupling the two containers (10, 20) can be carried out reversibly such that the two containers (10, 20) can be uncoupled again in the same way when the relative direction of rotation is reversed according to method steps b.-a.

10. The method according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the relative rotation between the fastening sleeve (41) and the coupling apparatus (30) about the axis (4) of the closure device (3) is limited to a rotation range of less than 360° by mutually corresponding rotation stop elements (33, 43) being provided on the fastening sleeve (41) and the coupling apparatus (30), which elements allow a relative rotation only between a start- and an end stop position of the corresponding rotation stop elements (33, 43).