Reservoir containing a flexible pouch and equipped with compartmentalization means

Abstract

A reservoir consisting of a package in which a flexible pouch is placed, the pouch having a perimeter (13) to divide it into two parts (14, 15). A compartmentalization zone is provided in which the pouch can be folded over itself, separating the first part from the second part and forming a first compartment. Furthermore, the reservoir is equipped with compartmentalization means (241) located outside the pouch, which are movable between an active position in which they support the compartmentalization zone in the folded state (131) and prevent it from leaving this folded state, and an inactive position in which they do not support the compartmentalization zone in the folded state, so that the compartmentalization zone can enter an unfolded state in which the first part (14) and the second part (15) of the pouch are in contact. Figure for the abstract: Figure 4

Description

Title of the invention: Reservoir containing a flexible pouch and equipped with compartmentalization means. Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a reservoir made • a soft pocket equipped • of an inner face, • a filling opening, • a tube for introducing liquid into the bag and / or extracting a solution from the bag, and • at least one initial perimeter separating the flexible pouch into a first part and a second part, with the filling opening located outside the first part, and • an outer package in which the bag can be placed, and which is open on one side to provide access to the filling opening and means of access to the tubing. The invention is particularly well suited to solid concentrate tanks for dialysis. The invention also relates to a method for compartmentalizing a pocket of a reservoir according to the invention. Previous technique

[0002] To perform dialysis, it is necessary to use a solution containing various components in very precise quantities. In order to avoid having to weigh the different components at the dialysis center, it is advantageous for several of these components to be supplied as a ready-to-use mixture. Thus, it is common to use solid concentrates contained in flexible bags, which are dissolved shortly before dialysis by repeatedly introducing a dissolving liquid into the bag until the concentrate is completely dissolved.

[0003] However, some of the components of the dialysis solution tend to react with each other, both in solution and in the solid state, which reduces the stability of the mixture.

[0004] To remedy this problem, it has been suggested that the problematic components be stored separately and added individually to the solution. This method therefore requires two or more different reservoirs. Reference may be made, for example, to application WO 2018 / 091585 A1, which uses a reservoir of the type described in the preamble for a ready-to-use electrolyte mixture and a separate source for the acid.

[0005] Another solution involves compartmentalizing the bag using welds to separate the ingredients into different compartments. These welds are designed to break under pressure when the bag is filled with the dissolving fluid. This allows all the components necessary for preparing the dialysis solution to be contained in a single reservoir while keeping them separate until the time of dissolving. Reference may be made, for example, to application WO 2011 / 073274 A1. However, creating welds in bags that are already partially filled presents difficulties, particularly due to the presence of dust.

[0006] The objective of the invention is to remedy these drawbacks. Description of the invention

[0007] This objective is achieved with a reservoir according to the preamble in which • the first perimeter constitutes a compartmentalization zone in which the pocket can be folded over itself at the level of said first perimeter to bring the compartmentalization zone into a folded state that separates the first part from the second part, so that a first compartment is formed at the level of the first part, and in which • the tank is equipped • compartmentalization means located outside the pocket, and which are mobile between • an active position in which they support the compartmentalization area in the folded state and prevent it from leaving this folded state, and • an inactive position in which they do not support the compartmentalization area in the folded state so that said compartmentalization area can leave the folded state and enter an unfolded state in which the first part and the second part of the pocket are in contact.

[0008] In its unfolded state, the compartmentalization zone has no opening other than that formed by the first perimeter. It may, if necessary, be equipped with access means such as tubing, but these are normally closed and are only opened when the solution is introduced. Folding the compartmentalization zone thus creates a separate compartment in the first part. With this invention, it is possible to create a reservoir whose bladder is compartmentalized and whose compartmentalization can be eliminated by moving the compartmentalization means from the active position to the inactive position. It is intended The second part of the bag is filled with a second product, and then the filling opening is sealed. Thus, when the filling opening has been sealed and the compartmentalization means are in the active position, the bag is divided into a first compartment and a second compartment, the two compartments being separated from each other by the compartmentalization zone in its folded state, supported by the compartmentalization means. Folding the compartmentalization zone in its folded state can be done manually or with the aid of a folding device. In some embodiments, the compartmentalization means are supported by the product contained in the first reservoir, against which they rest. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the compartmentalization means are designed to transition from the active to the inactive position automatically during dissolution, i.e., without manual intervention.This may be the case in particular for compartmentalization methods supported by the product contained in the first compartment, and which see this support disappear following the removal, through successive dissolutions, of the product contained in the first compartment.

[0009] It is preferable for the tubing to be located in the first part of the bag. However, it could also be located in the second part with the filling opening. If the bag is to be divided into more than two compartments, it may have at least a third part, generally separated from the first by the second, and equipped with the filling opening. The tubing can then be located, as needed, in any of the three parts. Ideally, when ready for filling, the first section of the bag should be positioned below the second section, and if necessary, the third section above the second. This solution allows the compartmentalization system to be supported by the product contained in the compartment below.

[0010] In the folded state of the compartmentalization zone, most, if not all, points on the inner face of the compartmentalization zone are contiguous with another point on said compartmentalization zone facing it, without any continuity of material between the two opposing points. Unlike prior art tanks, and in particular that of WO 2011 / 073274 A1, the two segments of the pouch that are opposite each other at the level of the compartmentalization zone in the folded state are not joined by welding or gluing, but are simply brought together in very close contact. As the invention is intended primarily for solid products, it is not necessary for the separation between the first compartment and the second part of the pouch to be completely watertight.If the pocket is neatly folded along its first perimeter so that sections of the compartmentalized area touch, there is practically no gap in the folded compartmentalized area. For example, two opposite sides of the perimeter can be brought towards the center until... They should be touching. By bringing the sides together, two folds are formed on each side. These folds are then flattened so that their inner faces meet. There are no gaps through which a product from the second part of the pouch could enter the first compartment. If the folding is not perfect and there are one or more unintentional creases, it is possible that one or more gaps may remain between the panels of the compartmentalized area when folded. However, these gaps are so narrow and sometimes so winding that the product from the second compartment cannot pass into the first compartment. Even assuming that a tiny amount of the product from the second part of the pouch were to enter the first compartment through these gaps, it would only mix with a negligible portion of the first product.Furthermore, this local mixture would be virtually impossible to combine with the rest of the product, as it is a solid. The overall stability of the product would not be compromised by this negligible amount of product from the other compartment.

[0011] Preferably, the compartmentalization means comprise two elongated elements which, in the active position, are placed on either side of the compartmentalization zone in the folded state. The elongated elements are preferably at least as long as the compartmentalization zone in the folded state.

[0012] A simple way to support the compartmentalization area in the folded state is to design the compartmentalization means so that in the active position, they pinch the compartmentalization area in the folded state.

[0013] In a first embodiment, the compartmentalization means consist of two cylinders, and the packaging is provided with retaining means for holding the cylinders in the active position. It is preferable to design the reservoir so that, in the active position, or at least when transitioning to the compartmentalized state, the two cylinders extend horizontally across the packaging. The packaging may be provided with at least one first pair of openings for inserting and / or removing the cylinders. The first pair of openings may serve as retaining means for one end of the cylinders. The packaging may be provided with a second pair of openings to serve as retaining means for a second end of the cylinders. To facilitate their removal and / or to render them inactive, it is preferable that, in the active position, the cylinders protrude from the openings.

[0014] In a second embodiment, the reservoir is provided with two compartmentalization flaps, each having an edge, and which, when in the active position, i. pinch the compartmentalization area in the folded state between their edges, or ii. support the compartmentalization area in the folded state between the edge of one of the compartment flaps and the face of the other compartment flap opposite the first part of the pocket, or iii. Support the compartmentalization zone in the folded state between the face of one of the compartmentalization flaps facing the first part of the bag and the face of the other compartmentalization flap opposite the first part. At least one of the flaps (variants (ii) and (iii)), or both flaps (variant (i)), can be sized so that, in the active position, they rest on the product contained in the first compartment, and are thus supported in the active position. The wall of the lower part of the bag is therefore interposed between the product contained in the first reservoir and the underside of the flap or its edge. As mentioned previously, this has the advantage that this support disappears when the product contained in the first compartment is withdrawn during successive dissolutions.Since the flap(s) are no longer supported by the product in the first compartment, they tilt downwards under the weight of the product in the second compartment and move apart, removing the support for the compartmentalization area when folded. The compartmentalization system thus automatically switches from the active to the inactive position, without any intervention from personnel.

[0015] In a first embodiment of the second embodiment, the reservoir is provided with an insert sized to be placed in the packaging around the first part of the pouch, and which is provided with compartment flaps. This insert is inserted into the packaging, surrounding the first part of the pouch, and then its compartment flaps are folded into the active position to support the compartment area in the folded state.

[0016] In a second and third embodiment, the compartment flaps are placed at the end of the packaging providing access to the filling opening of the bag. The flaps constitute at least part of the means of accessing the filling opening. In particular, they may be located at the top of the packaging, preferably opposite the means of accessing the tubing.

[0017] In the first and second variants, the compartment flaps are preferably sized so that, in the active position, they lie in the same plane and their edges pinch the compartment area when folded. Support flaps may be provided to support the compartment flaps in the active position on the side of the first compartment. In this case, the compartment flaps rest on the product of the first compartment, with the interposition not only of the wall of the first part of the pocket, but also of the support flaps. In an alternative embodiment, the compartment flaps are dimensioned so that in the active position they are parallel to each other and partially overlap so that they support the compartmentalization area when folded in the overlapping zone. Support flaps may also be provided.

[0018] In the second variant, when the flaps are in the same plane and pinch between their edges the compartmentalization area in the folded state, or when the flaps are parallel and partially overlap, supporting the compartmentalization area in the folded state in the overlap area, it is possible to equip the reservoir with a cap to cover the second part of the pocket located outside the packaging.

[0019] In the third variant, the compartment flaps can be sized so that, in the active position, they are inclined relative to each other and pinch the compartment area in the folded state between their edges, preferably located inside the packaging, or between the edge of one of the compartment flaps and the face of the other compartment flap opposite the first part. In this variant, a V-shaped space is formed above the compartment flaps. This space can be used to house the second part of the pouch, which constitutes the second compartment after filling and sealing of the filling opening.

[0020] A simple solution for implementing the invention is to make the packaging from cardboard. The pouch may be made of polymer, in particular PE (polyethylene), PA (polyamide), PP (polypropylene), or polyester, either in a single layer or a multilayer form. The packaging may be fitted with closure flaps to seal the packaging on the side of the filling opening.

[0021] The invention also relates to a method for compartmentalizing a pouch of a reservoir of the invention. According to the invention, the method comprises the steps of • place the pouch in the packaging; • pour a first product into the first part of the bag through the filling opening; • Fold the pouch over itself at the first perimeter, creating a compartmentalized area when folded that separates the first part from the second part, forming a first compartment containing the first product; and • place the compartmentation devices in the active position.

[0022] The process may also include at least one of the following steps: • after putting the compartmentation means into active position, pour a second product into the second part of the bag through the filling opening; • sealing the filling opening after filling the second part of the bag; • fitting a cap to cover the second part of the bag that protrudes from the packaging; closing the packaging on the side of the opening giving access to the filling opening of the bag by folding down the closing flaps. Brief description of the drawings

[0023] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the figures which show: 1st embodiment with compartmentation by cylinders: [Fig.l]: 1st embodiment with cylinders; 2nd embodiment with compartmentation by flaps of the packaging: [Fig.2]: first variant with a cardboard insert with compartmentation flaps; [Fig.3]: 2nd variant with a 2nd compartment located outside the main packaging and cap; [Fig.4]: 3rd variant with a 2nd compartment housed between compartmentation flaps and closure flaps; [Fig.5]: Schematic representation of the compartmentalization of the pocket by the cylinders, (a) by pinching, (b) by rolling; [Fig.6]: Schematic representation of the compartmentation of the pouch by pinching between the edges of the compartmentation flaps, (a) with insert, (b) with the second compartment located outside the packaging and protected by a cap and (c) with pinching in the lowered position; [Fig. 7]: Schematic representation of compartmentalization by pinching between the edge of one flap and the opposite flap, (a) with very little overlap of the flaps, (b) with significant overlap of the flaps, and (c) without overlap of the flaps. Detailed description

[0024] The invention relates to a reservoir for solid products, in particular a large-volume reservoir and / or one containing a solid concentrate for dialysis solutions. Several embodiments are shown below.

[0025] The reservoir (1) comprises a flexible pouch (10) contained within an outer packaging (20). To better understand the various filling stages, the packaging is partially represented by dashed lines in Figures 1 to 4, although it at least partially covers the other elements. In Figures 1 and 2, the various filling stages are shown without the outer packaging (top figures) to clearly illustrate the operation of the compartmentalization means, and with the outer packaging shown in dashed lines as in reality (bottom figures).

[0026] Compartmentalization means allow the pouch to be compartmentalized without the separation zone between two adjacent compartments being created by bonding the pouch material to itself, that is to say, in particular, without welding or gluing. Separation between two adjacent compartments is achieved by bringing the inner face of the pocket into intimate contact with itself.

[0027] The bag (10) is made of a flexible material compatible with the product to be stored and with the dissolving liquid that will be used during dissolving. By way of example, the bag may be made of polymer, in particular PE (polyethylene), PA (polyamide), PP (polypropylene) or polyester, either in single-layer or multi-layer form. The pocket is essentially shaped like a sleeve, closed at one end and open at the other by a filling opening (11). It has an inner and an outer face. The pocket is divided into a first part (14) and a second part (15) separated by a first perimeter (13). The cross-section of the main part of the pocket may be constant along the entire length of the sleeve, or have one part narrower than the other. The filling opening (11) may have the same cross-section as the sleeve, or have a narrower section. A tube (12) may be provided for introducing the dissolving liquid into the bag and extracting the resulting solution. The tube (12) opens into the bag preferably opposite the filling opening (11). It is preferably provided at its free end opposite the bag with a fitting (121) for connecting the reservoir to a dissolving system, such as that described, for example, in application WO 2018 / 091585 AL. The tube (12) may be provided with sealing means to keep it closed before connection to the dissolving system.

[0028] The first perimeter constitutes a compartmentalization zone in which the pocket can be folded over itself to bring the compartmentalization zone into a folded state (131) that separates the first part (14) of the pocket from the second part (15) of the pocket, forming a first compartment (141). The term "folded" should be understood to mean both a flat fold, possibly with the formation of well-defined creases, and a pressing or crumpling.

[0029] The packaging (20) is preferably a cardboard packaging. It may consist of a belt (21), generally of rectangular or square cross-section, and a base (22). The packaging has an access opening that allows access to the filling opening of the pouch. This access opening can be closed after the reservoir, or at least the first compartment (141), has been filled. This opening constitutes, at least in part, a means of accessing the filling opening. Depending on the embodiment, the belt may be provided on the opening side with a first pair of opposing flaps (24), and optionally with a second pair of opposing flaps (25), arranged alternately with the first flaps (24). According to the embodiments, these flaps also constitute part of the means of access to the filling opening of the pocket. The base (22) of the examples shown here is funnel-shaped to facilitate solution withdrawal. A tubing passage (221) is provided for the passage of the bag's tubing (12). In this embodiment, the base is an added piece that is surrounded by the band (21). A tubing passage (211) may also be provided in the belt to allow the end of the tubing (12) opposite the pouch and the connector (121) to exit, or to provide access to it. This tubing passage (211) may be made in the main panel of the pouch, as in [Fig. 2], or be in a recess. These tubing passages (221, 211) constitute means of access to the tubing. The packaging can be placed on a pallet for handling, including a half-Euro pallet. The dimensions of the base (22) and the band (21), as well as those of the sleeve-shaped part of the pouch, can be adjusted to the dimensions of the pallet to allow for compact storage of the tanks (1).

[0030] In the embodiments presented here, the compartmentalization means comprise two complementary elongated elements (30, 24, 41) that can be moved between an active position and an inactive position. The two elongated elements cooperate in such a way that, in the active position, most, or even all, of the points on the inner face of the compartmentalization zone in the folded state are contiguous with another point on the compartmentalization zone. By contiguous, it is understood that the two points are either in direct contact or are so close to each other that only very fine gaps remain between the two compartments in the folded area of ​​the compartmentalization zone. The gaps are so fine and / or so sinuous that they either cannot allow the product to pass from one compartment to the other, or allow only a minute quantity of product to pass through, which does not compromise the overall stability of the contaminated product.

[0031] The perimeter (13) intended to be pinched by the compartmentalizing means can be located in a plane perpendicular to the extension direction (D) of the sleeve forming the pocket, as schematically represented in the figures by a dashed line. However, in practice, the perimeter may deviate from this ideal position depending on how the pocket is filled and folded. First method of implementation using cylinders

[0032] In the first embodiment, the compartmentalization means comprise two cylinders (30) placed on either side of the pocket (10). In the embodiment shown in [Fig. 1], the cylinders are placed horizontally and extend at least across the entire width of the belt (21). Two pairs of openings (212) are Holes are made in the belt for the passage of the cylinders (30). The holes of a pair are preferably placed symmetrically with respect to the median plane of the belt. The holes serve to hold the cylinders (30) in place during storage. A pair of holes (212) could be replaced by retaining means located in the belt (21) to retain the first end of each cylinder, the other end being retained by one of the holes (212).

[0033] The pouch (10) is first placed in the packaging (20) with its tubing (12) positioned so that it can be accessed from the outside. In the embodiments presented here, the tubing is passed through the tubing passage (221) in the base (22) and through the tubing passage (211) in the belt.

[0034] The first product is introduced into the bag through the filling opening (11). It is preferable to provide a device for compacting the first product in the first part (14) of the bag, for example by vibration.

[0035] When the desired quantity of the first product has been poured into the first part (14) of the pouch, the pouch (12) is folded along a first perimeter (13) constituting the compartmentalization zone, forming as flat a fold as possible where almost every point on the inner face of the compartmentalization zone is in contact with another point on the opposite side of the compartmentalization zone. Unintentional folds in which some points of the compartmentalization zone are adjacent, but not in contact, with other points, leaving a gap that could contribute to forming a narrow space, should be avoided as much as possible. The cylinders (30) are then inserted into the carton, firmly clamping the folded compartmentalization zone.To achieve this, each cylinder is passed by its first end through an orifice (212) of the first pair of orifices, and then pushed along an edge of the compartmentalization zone in its folded state until its first end emerges through the first orifice (212) of the second pair of orifices, or is inserted into its retaining means. When both cylinders are inserted, the lower first compartment (141) is created. It is preferable that at least one end of the cylinders protrude slightly outward from the belt to facilitate their removal during dissolving.

[0036] It is then possible to fill the second product into the second part (15) of the pouch. Due to the support of the folded compartment area (131) by the two cylinders (30), the second product cannot unfold the compartment area and enter the first compartment. When the desired quantity of the second product has been poured into the second part (15) of the pouch, the filling opening (11) is sealed, forming the second compartment (151). The pair or pairs of flaps (24, 25) are folded down and the package is closed.

[0037] It is possible to provide several sets of holes (212) placed at different heights to allow for compartments (141, 151) of different volumes. The holes can be pre-cut to avoid weakening the belt with too many holes. It is also possible to place some sets of holes on the faces corresponding to the first flaps (24) and others on the faces corresponding to the second flaps (25). When the mixture in the reservoir needs to be dissolved, the tubing (12) is connected to the dissolving unit via its fitting (121). The cylinders are removed. It is advantageous for at least one end of the cylinder to protrude from the packaging to facilitate grasping and removal. This avoids having to open the packaging. Without the cylinders, the folded compartment zone is no longer supported. It can begin to unfold under the weight of the product in the second compartment (151). The dissolving liquid is introduced into the bag through the tubing (12), causing the bag to inflate and fully unfold, so that the compartment zone is no longer folded and the second product falls into the lower part (14) of the bag. Part of the mixture dissolves.The solution is withdrawn and the operation is repeated until the mixture in the bag is exhausted. In the embodiment shown here, the folded compartment zone extends in a vertical plane and is supported between two cylinders (30), each bearing against the outer face of the pouch (see schematic figure 5a). In another embodiment shown schematically in figure 5b, the pouch rolls up over the upper face of the first roller and then under the lower face of the second roller. The two rollers are preferably positioned in the same horizontal plane. However, this may not be the case, or they may even be placed one on top of the other. In this variant, it is not necessary for the rollers to pinch the pouch together: the single S-shaped deviation is sufficient to ensure compartmentation and to bring virtually every point on the inner face of the folded compartment zone into contact with another point on said compartment zone.The presence of unintentional folds presents fewer drawbacks than in the first variant, because in the case of narrow gaps, the product from the upper compartment could indeed slide down the second roller, but it could not slide back up around the first roller and then fall into the lower compartment. The risk of micro-mixing is practically eliminated in this variant. In this embodiment, it is possible to omit the openings and / or retaining devices. The need for restraints can be eliminated if the bag is wrapped around the cylinders, or if, when filling with the second product, care is taken to ensure that the product occupies the entire space. the space between the cylinders and the fully unfolded pocket. In this case, the product in the second compartment presses against the faces of the cylinders opposite the compartmentalization area and holds them in the active position. Second method of implementation using flaps

[0038] In the second embodiment, the compartmentalization means consist of two opposing compartmentalization flaps (24, 41). The pocket (10) is pinched between the facing edges (241, 411) of the two compartmentalization flaps, as shown schematically in the three variants of [Fig. 6], or between the edge (241, 411) of one of the flaps resting on the opposite flap (24, 41), as shown schematically in the three variants of [Fig. 7].

[0039] In the three variants of [Fig.6], the two compartment flaps rest on the product contained in the first compartment with the wall of the first part of the pocket interposed. In the first and second variants of [Fig. 7], at least one of the flaps (the one with the lowest edge) rests against the product in the first compartment. The second flap also rests against the product in the first compartment, either indirectly by resting against the first flap, or directly with the portion that does not overlap the other flap. In the third variant of [Fig. 7], generally only one of the flaps rests against the product. The support can be made with only the edge of the flap, as for example in the third variants of figures 6 and 7, or with part or all of the face of the flap directed towards the first compartment.

[0040] 1st variant: Cardboard insert

[0041] In a first embodiment shown in [Fig. 2], an insert (40), preferably made of cardboard, is placed in the belt (21), around the pocket (10). This insert is, for example, made of a skirt (43) whose external dimensions correspond approximately to the internal dimensions of the belt (21) of the packaging to allow for easy insertion without creating unnecessary dead space. In the example shown here, the skirt has a rectangular or square cross-section, so that it has four faces. This skirt (43) is provided with two compartment flaps (41) arranged on two opposite faces of the skirt. Each compartment flap (41) has an edge (411) on the side opposite the face to which it is attached. Each compartment flap has a length (1) measured between the face of the skirt to which it is attached and its edge (411).In this example, the length (1) of the flaps (41) is chosen such that when the flaps are placed in the same plane, here horizontally, they pinch the compartment area in the folded state. This length corresponds to the length. A minimum length of 1 meter is required for the device to function. In practice, the length of the compartment flaps is approximately half the distance between the two opposite sides of the skirt bearing these compartment flaps, and the edges may, if necessary, be very slightly compressed by pinching the compartment area when folded. When the insert is placed at the top of the first part (14) of the pocket with its compartment flaps (41) positioned in the same horizontal plane, at least partially resting on the compressed product that holds them in this horizontal position, the minimum length of 1 meter is sufficient to ensure proper support of the compartment area when folded, as schematically represented in Figure 6a.

[0042] To support this horizontal position of the compartment flaps (41), support flaps (42) can be provided on the other faces of the skirt. These support flaps (42) are provided with a notch (421) enabling them to bypass the end of the compartment area when folded (131). If necessary, the notch extends to the corresponding face of the skirt so that the support flap is effectively divided into two sub-flaps.

[0043] During reservoir filling, the pouch (10) is placed in the outer packaging (20) as described previously. The first product is introduced into the first part (14) of the pouch via the filling opening (11). The product is preferably compacted using appropriate means. Once the first product has been filled, the insert (40) is inserted around the pouch (10) so that its compartment flaps can be aligned horizontally, preferably by pressing against the compacted product. The pouch (12) is then folded along a first perimeter (13) constituting the compartment zone. Every effort should be made to create flat folds where virtually every point on the inner face of the compartment zone is in contact with another point on the opposite side of the compartment zone. Here too, the formation of unintentional creases should be avoided as much as possible.The support flaps (42), if present, are first folded down, then the compartment flaps (41) are folded down in turn, pinching the compartment area in the folded state (131). The first compartment (141) is thus formed. The second part (15) of the pocket is located in an upper part of the belt (21), above the insert (40).

[0044] The second product is poured into the second part of the pouch (15), and then the filling opening is sealed. The second compartment (151) is thus formed. The pair or pairs of flaps (24, 25) of the packaging belt are folded down and the packaging is closed.

[0045] The advantage of the insert lies in the fact that it can be used regardless of the volume of the first compartment. The insert will be located more or less high in the belt of The packaging is designed according to the volume of the first product. The same packaging therefore allows for virtually an infinite number of volume combinations for the first and second compartments, the limit being imposed by the total volume of the packaging. This variant allows for a very high degree of flexibility.

[0046] To solubilize the mixture, the bag is connected to a dissolving system, and the dissolving liquid is introduced into the bag. The pressure exerted by the incoming liquid lifts the support flaps (42) and the compartment flaps (41). The edges of the compartment flaps no longer support the folded compartment zone, which can then unfold. The second product falls into the lower part of the bag. Part of the mixture is dissolved. The solution is withdrawn, and the operation is repeated until the mixture is exhausted. If, contrary to expectations, the support flaps (42) and compartment flaps (41) do not lift under the pressure of the incoming liquid, they give way under the weight of the second product as the quantity of the first product decreases with each dissolution cycle. In both cases, the compartment zone disappears.

[0047] Second variant: Second external compartment

[0048] In the second embodiment shown in [Fig. 3], the first compartment is placed in the belt (21) of the outer packaging, while the second compartment (151) is located above the belt (21). Here, the first pair of flaps (24) of the belt (21) acts as compartment flaps. The second pair of flaps (25), when present, serves as support flaps. The support flaps also have a notch (251) enabling them to bypass the end of the compartment area when folded (131). If necessary, the notch extends to the corresponding face of the skirt so that the support flap is effectively divided into two sub-flaps. The compartment and support flaps function in the same way as those of the insert (40) of the first embodiment. The description given therein therefore applies to this second embodiment.Here too, the minimum length (1m) of the compartment flaps (24) is chosen so that, when aligned horizontally, their edges (241) pinch the compartment area when folded. As in the first variant, in practice, a length approximately equal to half the distance separating the two faces of the belt bearing the compartment flaps (24) will be chosen.

[0049] For filling the reservoir, the pouch is placed in the outer packaging as already indicated and the first product is poured into the first part (14) of the pouch. When the desired quantity of first product is reached, the pouch is neatly folded at a first perimeter (13) forming the area of compartmentalization, while avoiding the formation of unintentional folds. The support flaps (25), if present, are folded down first, then the compartment flaps (24) which pinch the folded compartment area with their edges (241), thus forming the first compartment (141). The second product is poured into the second part (15) of the pouch that extends above the outer packaging (20). When the desired quantity of the second product is reached, the filling opening (11) is sealed, forming the second compartment (151). It is understood that in this variant of the embodiment, the opening of the packaging is closed at the same time as the compartmentalization means (i.e. the compartmentalization flaps) are placed in the active position.

[0050] To protect the second compartment, it may be useful to place a cover (50), for example made of cardboard, on top of it. The cover may consist of a base (51) and a side edge (52). The height of the side edge is preferably at least equal to the height of the second compartment. The cover preferably has a cross-section substantially identical to that of the belt (21) of the package so that it can rest against it. It may also be slightly wider to allow it to be slipped over the top of the package so that the side edge (52) of the cover covers the top of the belt (21).

[0051] The advantage of this second variant lies in the very large volume of the first compartment (141).

[0052] During the dissolution of the mixture, the pressure of the dissolving liquid entering the bag causes the support flaps (25) and compartment flaps (24) to lift. If the cap has not been removed, it may also be lifted, especially if the height of the lateral edge (52) is less than the length (1) of the compartment and support flaps (24, 25). Here too, if the pressure was insufficient to lift the flaps to remove the compartment zone, the weight of the second product will exert sufficient pressure on the compartment flaps (24), which in turn will press on the support flaps (25), which themselves will no longer be supported by the first product, which will have been partially removed by dissolution.The support flaps (25) can be dimensioned so that, taken alone, i.e. without the support of the first product, they are not sufficient to support the compartment flaps (24) subjected to the weight of the second product.

[0053] Third variant: Compartmentalization within the packaging using its flaps

[0054] In this third variant, the pinching of the compartmentalization area in the folded state is achieved with the edges (241) of the belt's compartmentalization flaps, which are longer than the minimum length (1 m) mentioned above. Consequently, The pinching occurs outside the horizontal plane passing through the top of the belt. The pinching could occur outside the belt, i.e., above the horizontal plane passing through the top of the belt, but this would mean that the second compartment would again be outside the packaging. It is more advantageous to make the pinching inside the belt, as shown in [Fig. 4] and more schematically in Figure 6c. The length (1) of the compartment flaps is between the minimum length (1 m) and the distance separating the two faces bearing the compartment flaps. In the active position, the compartment flaps (24) together with the belt faces that do not bear these flaps (24) form a free space that can be used to house the second compartment (151). The available volume depends on the length of the compartment flaps (24), and therefore on their inclination in the active position.The longer they are, the more inclined they will be, and the greater the available volume will be.

[0055] To fill the reservoir, the pouch must first be placed in the outer packaging as previously described. The first product is poured into the first section (14) of the pouch and packed down. The pouch is folded, avoiding unwanted creases as much as possible, and then the divider flaps (24) are folded down to pinch the pouch with their edge at the folded divider area (131). The divider flaps (24) are prevented from pivoting beyond the active position by the first product against which they rest. The first compartment (141) is thus formed. The second product is then poured into the second section (15) of the pouch, which is located in the space between the upper faces of the two divider flaps (24). The pouch is then sealed, forming the second compartment.The two other flaps (25) of the belt are then folded down over the second compartment and the package is closed. These two other flaps (25) serve as closing flaps. Corner protectors, for example made of cardboard, can be provided to cover the upper edges of the belt to which the compartment flaps (24) are attached, thus preventing access to the space housing the second compartment (151). It is possible that the second compartment could extend beyond the waistband, as in the second variant. In this case, a cover and, if necessary, corner protectors could be provided to protect this part extending beyond the waistband.

[0056] During the dissolution of the first product and the aspiration of the resulting solution, the compartment flaps (24) are no longer supported by the first product, the quantity of which decreases slightly with each cycle. The compartment flaps (24) are pushed apart by the weight of the second product, which falls into the lower part of the bag and can in turn be dissolved.

[0057] Instead of a pinch between the edges of the two facing compartment flaps (24, 41) as schematically shown in [Fig. 6], the compartment flaps (24, 41) can be overlapped, or the edge of one compartment flap (24, 41) can be pinched against the other. For this, the flaps are longer than in the versions mentioned previously. These possibilities are schematically shown in Figures 7a and 7b on the one hand and 7c on the other, as an example of the second variant. It goes without saying that these modifications could be applied to the other two variants. These compartmentation methods allow for several possible volumes for the first compartment with the same packaging.

[0058] It would be possible, particularly in the first embodiment ([Fig.1]) and in the first variant of the second embodiment ([Fig.2]), to provide at least a third compartment by providing second means of compartmentation, and in particular a second set of cylinders (30) or a second insert (40), acting on a second perimeter of the pocket.

[0059] When there are support flaps (42), the compartment flaps (41) indirectly bear on the product contained in the first compartment via the support flaps and the wall of the first part of the pocket. With the support flaps, it may be possible to forgo the support of the compartment flaps against the product contained in the first compartment.

[0060] In an embodiment not shown, the compartmentalization means include a strap that constricts the pouch at its first perimeter. In the first embodiment with cylinders, the retention means for holding the cylinders in the active position can also be designed in the form of a strap. In this case, the cylinders no longer need to protrude from the packaging. In both cases, means can be provided for opening the strap remotely, particularly from outside the packaging, or from a point located between the packaging and the pouch.

[0061] The base of the tank can have the dimensions of half a Euro pallet, i.e., 600 x 800 mm. However, other dimensions are possible, for example, in the range of 300–900 x 400–1000 mm. The height of the tank depends on the desired filling level. Generally, it is between 500 and 1000 mm. The weight also depends on the filling level. In the case of a ready-to-use dialysis mixture, the weight can be around 270 kg and the volume 400 L. The volume of the first compartment (141) is preferably greater than the volume of the second compartment (151) located above the first. In particular, the volume of the first compartment may represent at least 66% of the total volume, or even at least 80% of the total volume. The pocket can have a thickness between 150 and 400 microns, for example 200 microns.

[0062] The reservoir of the invention is particularly suitable for ready-to-use dialysis mixtures. The first compartment can contain a mixture of electrolyte (for example, sodium, magnesium, calcium, and potassium salts) and glucose or an acid (for example, sodium diacetate or citric acid). The second compartment contains an acid if glucose is present in the first compartment, or glucose if the first compartment contains acid. If the reservoir has three compartments, it is possible to place glucose in the second compartment and acid in the third, or vice versa. List of reference signs

[0063] 10 Soft pocket ...11... Filling opening 12. Tubing ........121....Connection ...13... .First perimeter ........131... .Compartmentalization zone .... 14....Lower part of the pocket ........141... 1st compartment (lower) .... 15... .Upper part of the pocket ........151... .2nd compartment (upper) 20....Outer packaging ...21....Belt ........211... .Passage for the tubing ........212.. ..Holes for the passage of the pinch cylinders 22....Background ........221... .Passage for the tubing ... .24... .First pair of flaps ... .25... .Second pair of flaps ........251.... Notch 30.. .Pinch cylinders 40....Insert ... .41... .First pair of flaps ... .42... .Second pair of flaps ........421.... Notch ....43.... Skirt 50....Headpiece 51....Background 52... Side edges D.. ..Pocket extension direction 1......Flap length 1m... Minimum flap length

Claims

1. Demands Reservoir made • a flexible pocket (10) equipped • of an inner face, • a filling opening (11), • a tube (12) for introducing liquid into the bag and / or extracting a solution from the bag, and • of at least a first perimeter (13) separating the flexible bag into a first part (14) and a second part (15), the filling opening being located outside the first part, and • an outer package (20) in which the bag can be placed and which is provided with means of access to the filling opening and means of access to the tubing, characterized in that • the first perimeter constitutes a compartmentalization zone in which the pocket can be folded over itself at the level of the first perimeter (13) to bring the compartmentalization zone into a folded state (131) which separates the first part (14) from the second part (15) by forming a first compartment (141), and in that • the tank is equipped • compartmentalization means (30, 41, 411, 24, 241) located outside the pocket, and which are mobile between • an active position in which they support the compartmentalization zone in the folded state (131) and prevent it from leaving this folded state, and • an inactive position in which they do not support the compartmentalization zone in the folded state so that the compartmentalization zone can leave the folded state and enter an unfolded state in which the first part (14) and the second part (15) of the pockets are in contact.

2. Reservoir according to claim 1, characterized in that the tubing (12) is located in the first part (14) and the filling opening (11) is located outside the first part (14).

3. Tank according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the folded state (131) of the compartmentalization zone, almost all or all points of the inner face of the compartmentalization zone are contiguous to another point of said compartmentalization zone facing it, without continuity of material between the two facing points.

4. Tank according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the compartmentalization means comprise two long elements (30, 24, 241, 41, 411) which in active position are placed on either side of the compartmentalization zone in the folded state (131), the long elements preferably being at least as long as said compartmentalization zone in the folded state.

5. Reservoir according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the active position, the compartmentalization means (30, 24, 241, 41, 411) pinch the compartmentalization area in the folded state (131).

6. A reservoir according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the reservoir is provided with two compartment flaps (24, 41), each having an edge (241, 411), and which, when in the active position, • pinch the compartment area in the folded state (131) between their edges (241, 411), or • support the compartment area in the folded state (131) between the edge (241, 411) of one of the compartment flaps and the face of the other flap (24, 41) opposite the first part (14) of the pocket, or • support the compartment area in the folded state (131) between the face of one of the compartment flaps (24, 41) facing the first part (14) of the pocket and the face of the other flap (24, 41) opposite the first part (14).

7. Tank according to claim 6, characterized in that at least one of the flaps is dimensioned to, in active position, be in contact with the product contained in the first compartment.

8. Reservoir according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that it is provided with an insert (40) sized to be placed in the packaging (20) around the first part (14) of the pouch (10), and which is provided with the compartmentation flaps (41).

9. Reservoir according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the compartment flaps (24) are placed at one end of the packaging (20) and constitute at least part of the means of access to the filling opening (11) of the pouch.

10. Tank according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the compartment flaps (24, 41) are dimensioned so that in active position they are placed in the same plane and pinch with their edges (241, 411) the compartment area in the folded state (131), support flaps (25) preferably being provided to support on the side of the first compartment (141) the compartment flaps (24) in active position.

11. Reservoir according to claim 9 or claim 10 associated with claim 9, characterized in that the reservoir is provided with a cap (50) to cover the second part (15) of the pouch located outside the packaging (20).

12. Tank according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the compartment flaps (24, 41) are dimensioned so that in active position they are inclined relative to each other, and pinch the compartment area in the folded state (131) between their edges (241, 411) placed inside the packaging, or between the edge (241, 411) of one of the compartment flaps and the face of the other compartment flap opposite the first part (14).

13. Tank according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the packaging (20) is provided with closing flaps (25) to close the packaging on the side of the filling opening (11).

14. A method for compartmentalizing a reservoir pocket according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the steps of place the bag (10) in the packaging (20); • pour a first product into the first part (14) of the bag through the filling opening (11); • fold the bag on itself at the first perimeter (13) forming a compartment zone in the folded state (131) which separates the first part (14) from the second part (15) forming a first compartment (141) containing the first product; and • place the compartment means (30, 24, 241, 41, 411) in the active position.

15. A method according to the preceding claim, characterized by at least one of the following steps: • after placing the compartmentalizing means (30, 41, 411, 24, 241) in active position, pouring a second product into the second part (15) of the bag through the filling opening (11); • sealing the filling opening (11) after filling the second part (15) of the bag; • fitting a cap (50) to cover the second part (15) of the bag that protrudes from the packaging; • closing the packaging on the side of the filling opening (11) of the bag by folding down the closing flaps (25).

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