US20050103801A1

US20050103801A1 - Multi-chamber container with device for discharge of a substance

Info

Publication number: US20050103801A1
Application number: US10/947,061
Authority: US
Inventors: Bernhard Felten; Holger Pries
Original assignee: Beiersdorf AG
Current assignee: Beiersdorf AG
Priority date: 2002-03-21
Filing date: 2004-09-21
Publication date: 2005-05-19

Abstract

The invention is a container having at least two product chambers connected to form a common multi-chamber container system. Each of the product chambers includes at least one product discharge opening and the product discharge openings open into a common outlet channel. At least one of the product chambers includes at least one discharge valve device provided in the area of the product discharge opening that permits the discharge of a substance located in the product chamber but prevents return flow of the discharged substance into the product chamber. The discharge valve device also permits the admission of air into the product chamber.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation application of PCT/EP02/03151, filed Mar. 21, 2002, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a container with at least two product chambers, in which the product chambers are connected in such a way that they form a common multi-chamber container system, and in which each of the product chambers has an opening for discharge of the product.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many liquid and cream-like cosmetic products, but also food products, medical, domestic, chemical and technical products, are supplied in flexible bottles made of plastic (or in similar containers such as plastic tubes, canisters or the like). These are usually provided with a closure, preferably made of plastic. For product removal, the container is inclined, and, specifically in the case of somewhat more viscous products, the container is compressed in order for the product to be discharged. One example is shampoo, which, by virtue of the container being subjected to pressure, is forced out of a relatively small opening, and the container is provided with a so-called hinged lid. When sufficient shampoo has been discharged, the pressure is reduced and the container attempts to go back to its original shape. The action of air being sucked in compensates for the absent volume which has been discharged. It is also the case here that residues of the product which are located in the region of the removal opening are also drawn back into the bottle. In the example of shampoo, these product residues are usually contaminated with spray water, as a result of its being used at a wash basin or in the shower. It is also possible, however, for the residues of shampoo around the pouring opening to be wiped off by hand, and then for sweat, skin residues and other substances on the skin to be sucked in as well.
In the medical sector, there are nasal sprays which are sold in flexible bottles. In the case of this application, it is possible for virus-containing nasal secretions to make their way into the bottle. When using body-care lotions or a suntan milk or oil, it is likewise possible, in addition to air, for other substances (sand, sea water, washing substances) to be sucked back into the container once the product has been removed.
One particular application is the simultaneous use of massage heads for applying a shower product and massaging the skin. There is a greater possibility here of substances becoming detached from the skin during massage and being sucked into the opening of the massage head. In the food sector, there is the problem of contamination of container contents, for example, when mayonnaise is added to salads or sandwiches or when mustard is added to sausages. The substances which are sucked back may often contain bacteria, viruses or fungi. It is thus possible, in particular, for bacteria and fungi to multiply in the contents and thus render the latter unappetizing, inedible or, in extreme cases, even toxic.
A corresponding problem affects in particular the discharge devices of multi-chamber containers. In many of these systems, the substances to be discharged from different product chambers are mixed together during discharge. Such packages can be used, for example, for two-component adhesives, and for combinations of washing and body-care substances or the like. The purpose of these packages is to keep the two or more components separate during storage, but to dispense them together at the time of use.
As a result of suction or air readmission, particularly with flexible bottles and similar containers, it is possible, in the systems available on the market, that some of the mixture of the two or more components is drawn back into the individual chambers of the multi-chamber container. This can lead to clouding, soiling or contamination, or, for example in the case of the two-component adhesive, to undesired reactions in one or more of the chambers. The product may in this way be rendered unusable. In the example of washing and body-care substances, the storage life of individual components may be adversely affected, for example that of the body-care substance through incorporation of surfactants from the wash substance.
The solution to the above problem which has been realized most frequently for products up until now, usually also because it is most cost-effective, is the use of preserving and stabilizing substances (benzoic acid, formaldehyde formers, nitrates, nitrites, antioxidants, ascorbic acid, etc).
Further attempts are being made to develop technical or structural means of avoiding the contamination of container contents. For example, the use of closures with relatively small openings and favorable geometry in combination with these substances usually ensures that the effects of the above-described problem are kept within reasonable limits. A favorable geometry means that the closure is configured such that contact with the skin or other contaminated surfaces is made difficult.
It is likewise possible to design the container such that no air is drawn in, these designs being referred to as airless systems. Airless systems usually have a pump and a container with variable volume, for example a drawing plunger or inner bag (discharged by way of compressed air). These systems are also suitable for multi-chamber systems. The increased outlay usually gives rise to very much higher costs than a flexible plastic bottle. Moreover, removal of residues from these systems is usually very poor.
Systems with pumps deliver the substance from the bottle by way of a vertical tube. Volume compensation takes place by way of air which passes into the bottle via a separate channel. The channel is usually provided such that it is only open when the pump is actuated. This means that this channel is closed (usually by the pump plunger itself) in the rest state of the pump, and this provides a further safeguard against contamination by foreign substances.
Pumping systems are slightly more advantageous than airless systems, but are still more expensive than straightforward bottles with a closure. The outlay for filling purposes is also higher.
EP 875 460 B1 discloses a multi-chamber container whose closure involves two separate discharge openings. This largely avoids the mixed substances being sucked back in. However, a disadvantage of this system too is that unclean water can be drawn back in and contaminate the contents.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is to make available a multi-chamber container which is suitable for sensitive substances and ensures that the substances in the chambers are not contaminated by the content of the other chambers.
Claim 1 therefore concerns a container with at least two product chambers, in which the product chambers are connected in such a way that they form a common multi-chamber container system, and in which each of the product chambers has at least one product discharge opening. For at least one of the product chambers, at least one valve device provided in the area of the product discharge opening permits the discharge of a substance located in the product chamber (valve device for product discharge), but prevents return flow of the discharged substance or of parts thereof into the product chamber, and where readmission of air into the product chamber is also permitted, and the product discharge openings of the individual product chambers open out in a common outlet channel.
For the container according to the invention, it is highly advantageous if two or all product chambers are provided, in the area of the product discharge openings, with valve devices as described above.
For the container according to the invention, it is also of great advantage if, for readmission of air, at least one air readmission opening is provided which can be opened and closed by an air readmission valve device.
In a first very advantageous embodiment of the container according to the invention, at least one of the valve devices has a first valve which seals the product discharge opening for the substance as long as a pressure difference between the interior of the chamber and the exterior of the container is smaller than a first predetermined limit value and which opens the product discharge opening for the substance when the pressure difference between the interior of the chamber and the exterior of the container is greater than the first predetermined limit value, and a second valve which opens a second opening (air admission opening) for readmission of air as long as a pressure difference between the interior of the chamber and the exterior of the container is smaller than a second predetermined limit value and which seals the second opening for readmission of air when the pressure difference between the interior of the chamber and the exterior of the container is greater than the second predetermined limit value.
To avoid misunderstanding, the pressure difference between the interior of the container and the exterior of the container is defined as the internal pressure of the container minus the external pressure of the container in the correct mathematical values, that is to say ones provided with algebraic signs. Giving the mathematical values provided with algebraic signs likewise applies to the way in which the first and the second predetermined limit values are given.
The first valve is thus advantageously closed as long as a positive pressure in the interior of the container, in relation to the exterior of the container, is smaller than a first predetermined limit value, and it is open when the positive pressure is greater than the first predetermined limit value. Correspondingly, the second valve is open in the case of a negative pressure in the interior of the container in relation to the exterior of the container, and it is advantageously closed when this negative pressure is not present. To obtain a negative pressure in the interior of the container, the second predetermined limit value is therefore lower than zero.
In a highly advantageous first embodiment of the container according to the invention, the air readmission opening is located in the first valve and/or the second valve is integrated in the first valve.
In a further development of the first embodiment, two separate paths are provided for the discharge of the substance and for the readmission of air. It is also highly advantageous for the container to be configured such that a plunger valve is used as the first valve. It is also of advantage if the second valve is a disk valve.
A second very advantageous embodiment of the container according to the invention is characterized in that at least one of the valves is made of a flexible material and is designed in the form of a lip which is able to place itself across an opening in order to seal the latter. This valve configuration is advantageous both for the discharge valve device and also for the air readmission valve device and, depending on the manner of production and field of application, can be chosen independently of one another as valve device. This embodiment can advantageously be configured such that, in at least one of the chambers, the product discharge opening leads through at least one of the walls of the chamber and, likewise, the air readmission opening is provided through at least one of the walls of the chamber.
In a refinement of one of the embodiments, the first valve (discharge valve) has a closure part which is of substantially conical design and in particular has three webs which connect the closure to the surrounding container and are made of a material that can resume its shape. In an alternative variant, the first valve (discharge valve) is in the form of a sealing washer made of a flexible material. In a further development of the invention, several air readmission openings are provided in order to optimize the readmission of air.
In a configuration of the container according to the invention which is highly advantageous in the inventive sense, the second valve (air readmission valve) is designed as a sleeve-like lip running round the inner wall of the area of the chamber having the second openings and it is able to place itself across all the second openings in order to seal these off. It is furthermore very advantageous to provide a mixing element in the area of the outlet channel.
Multi-chamber containers of this kind are eminently suitable for free-flowing substances of all types, in particular for easily perishable substances or for those which have to satisfy strict hygiene demands. A few examples of such application areas, without this being claimed as a complete list, are as follows:

- Toothbrushes with integrated dispensing opening
- Cleaning brushes with an integrated supply container
- Grinding and polishing applicators in the corresponding container for auxiliary agents
- Shower-gel applicators, in particular also with a massage head,
- Mascara brushes,
- Applicators for shoe creams or other cleaning and treating/preserving substances, in particular those with a brush or a sponge on the container for cleaning clothing,
- Roll-on deodorants,
- Applicators for nail polish or correction fluid,
- Applicators for adhesives,
- Applicators for paints, protective coatings, rust removers, caustic lyes, etc., and
- Washing and body-care substances (shampoo, shower gel, sun milk, body lotion, etc.).

Since contamination of the contents is by and large ruled out, the proportion of preserving and stabilizing substances can be greatly reduced.
With suitable adjustment of the recipes and of the design of mixing element, container body and closure, it is also possible to mix aqueous and oily liquids with one another or to mix liquid and gas (foam formation, gel formation). The configuration of the container according to the invention in the discharge area rules out the possibility of the mixture being sucked back into the product chambers.
As a result, the container is suitable in particular for use for substances which are incompatible with one another and in which, otherwise, the addition of stabilizing components (emulsifiers, antioxidants and the like) would be necessary. It is further possible, with one container, to make available simultaneously two substances which together enter into a desired reaction during application, for example both components of a two-component adhesive.
Further advantageous possible uses of the container according to the invention concern the storage of substances which, when mixed together, generate heat or cold (for example for the therapeutic sector), and those which form a foam or, by reacting with one another, release substances which are readily volatile and/or nonresistant to oxygen or moisture.
The container is also suitable in the area of hair colorings which are likewise available as two-component systems on the market. Here, an additional advantage is that of the metered discharge, which is often not possible with previous systems.
A further application of the valve system according to the invention is in the food sector, for example for jams, honey, ketchup and mayonnaise, mustard, sauces and similar food products.
By integrating the air readmission valve in the discharge valve system, it is possible to ensure a high degree of accuracy and precision in the injection-molding operation normally used for producing such articles. The quality of the product is improved. The valve system can also advantageously be made in one piece, by which means the number of production steps can be reduced, the cost of production can be lowered, and the accuracy of fit and the functionality can be improved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

The invention will be explained below in more detail with reference to a number of drawings, although the choice of the embodiments illustrated should not be regarded as restricting the invention unnecessarily. In the drawings:
FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a container according to the invention;
FIG. 2 shows discharge of product in the first embodiment;
FIG. 3 shows readmission of air in the first embodiment;
FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of a container according to the invention;
FIG. 5 shows discharge of product in the second embodiment;
FIG. 6 shows readmission of air in the second embodiment;
FIG. 7 shows a detailed view in the area of the valve systems of the second embodiment;
FIG. 8 shows a third embodiment of a container according to the invention;
FIG. 9 shows a mixing element to be arranged in the area of the outlet channel of a container according to the invention; exploded view; and
FIG. 10 shows a mixing element to be arranged in the area of the outlet channel of a container according to the invention; top view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An illustrative embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 1. The figure shows a two-chamber container comprising of a container body 1 forming the two product chambers 21 and 22, a container insert 2, and a container attachment part 3. The illustrated multi-part configuration of the container is advantageous for production and is indicated here only by way of example. One-part container configurations, and multi-part container configurations of different structures, are also advantageous in the context of the invention. The container can additionally be closed by a lid 4.
The discharge of product from the product chambers can in each case be controlled with valve devices 5. For pressure compensation between the interior of the container and the exterior of the container, a valve device 6 is provided for readmission of air (air readmission valve device).
The valve device 5 for discharge of product is used to seal the product discharge opening A1 and, in the embodiment shown, forms a unit with the air readmission valve device 6 of the container. The valve device 5 comprises a plunger valve with a plunger A2 which is designed to move up and down in the plunger channel formed by a cylinder A3, and of a disk valve A4 integrated in the plunger A2. A spring A5, in the illustrated embodiment a helical spring, has the effect that the plunger A2 bears on a stop A6 when no external pressure is applied to the container body 1 or the respective chamber 21 or 22, that is to say when the pressure difference between the interior of the chamber and the exterior of the container is smaller than a first predetermined limit value. In this state, the plunger valve for the discharge of a substance from the interior of the plunger is closed, and the product discharge opening A1 located in the cylinder A3 is closed.
When the value drops below a second predetermined limit value between the interior of the chamber and the exterior of the container, which is identical to the first limit value or different, and in particular can be smaller, the disk valve A4 is opened and an air admission opening A7 in the plunger A2 allows air to pass through. This is the case in particular when the pressure in the interior of the chamber is lower than the pressure of the exterior of the container.
If the pressure of the interior of the chamber is increased, for example by squeezing the body 1 of the container, the plunger A2 in the cylinder A3 is moved against the spring A5 until the product discharge opening A1 laterally in the wall of the cylinder A3 is freed (compare also FIG. 2). The product can then pass through this product discharge opening A1 into the product outlet channel 7. Instead of a single product discharge opening A1, several openings can also be provided in the wall of the cylinder A3 in order to increase the amount discharged.
In the product outlet channel 7, the substances from the individual chambers 21 and 22 are mixed with one another and discharged together. The mixing can be optimized with the aid of a mixing element integrated in the product outlet channel 7; in the simplest case, as is shown in the figure, the products, in the absence of such a mixing element, are discharged to the outside without further homogenization and as a single strand of product.
The lid 4 is preferably designed as a hinged lid. It is secured movably on the attachment part 3 of the container body 1 via a hinge element 8. The product outlet channel 7 can be opened by lifting the lid 4, so that a sealing plug 9 is withdrawn from the product outlet channel 7.
When the pressure difference between the interior of the chamber and the exterior of the container drops below the first limit value, the plunger A2 moves back, assisted by the restoring force of the spring AS, and once again closes the product discharge opening A1 (compare FIG. 3).
When the pressure difference between the interior of the chamber and the exterior of the container drops further below the second limit value, particularly such that a negative pressure arises in the container, the plunger A2 runs against the stop A6, and the disk valve A4 in the bottom of the plunger A2 comes into operation, allowing air to pass through the air admission opening A7 into the chamber. The system is configured in such a way that normally no product can pass into the air admission channel formed by the cylinder A3. The valve devices 5 and 6 are configured such that they allow passage only in one direction, and specifically only under the stated pressure conditions.
If structural measures are taken to optimize the air admission path with regard to contamination, such contamination can occur only with great difficulty. The path of the inflowing air on readmission runs, in this example, under supports 10 and through the catch elements 11 and 12 which are used to secure the attachment part 3 on the container body 1 (in this example locking hook and snap-in hook). This path allows air to pass through small gaps (not shown). For securing the attachment part 3 on the container body 1, the prior art affords other advantageous possibilities (threads, bands, crimps, etc.).
The container insert 2 containing the product outlet channel 7 is held from the container body 1 by the supports 10 and is sealed off from this by a sealing lip 13. For the formation of this seal, various designs are possible (barrel, cone, lamella, cylinder). The insertion of a sealing ring or washer is advantageous.
FIG. 2 shows the discharge process via the valve system of the container according to the invention in the event of an increase in the pressure in the interior of the product chambers 21, 22. The plunger A2 is displaced upward and compresses the spring A5. The disk valve A4 is closed. The outlet path indicated by the bold arrow extends through the product discharge opening A1.
In FIG. 3, the path of the inflowing air in the air readmission process is indicated by a bold arrow. The air passes through passages in the area of the catch elements 11 and 12, then through passages in the area of the supports 10, and, with the disk valve A4 open, flows through the air admission opening A7 into the interior of the corresponding product chamber 21, 22.
The disk valve A4 can advantageously be designed in such a way that, after pressure compensation is achieved between the interior of the chamber and the exterior of the container, it closes again. Additional penetration of contaminating material is then avoided. Likewise, the loss of readily volatile substances such as alcohol, perfume, essential oils, etc., is reduced. This applies also for the other embodiments with a corresponding configuration in which the readmission of air is closed in the rest state.
A further embodiment of a multi-chamber container according to the invention is shown by way of example in FIG. 4. The valve devices 5 for product discharge and for readmission of air 6 are here in the form of lips (for example in the form of sleeves, sleeve portions, tabs) which are made of a flexible material and are arranged in such a way that they can position themselves in front of the corresponding openings B1, B3 and close these when pressed against them, similar to the function of closure valves.
The general form of the container is similar to that of the embodiment described above:
A multi-chamber container, here for example with two product chambers 21, 22, comprises of a container body 1 which forms the two product chambers 21, 22. Each of the chambers 21, 22 is provided with valve devices 5 for product discharge and valve devices 6 for readmission of air, in the embodiment shown here in the form of two separate valve systems. The container body 1 can be designed in one piece or in several pieces as in the other embodiments, so that the valve systems, as in the illustrated embodiment, can be arranged in a container insert 2 which is fitted detachably or permanently in the container body 1. The container can be closed by means of a lid 4, for example a hinged lid.
In the embodiment shown here, each product chamber 21, 22 ends in an additional forward chamber B21, B22. The product discharge openings B1 at least of one of the product chambers 21 lead from the forward chamber B21 and open into the outlet channel 7, from which the product can be dispensed from the container. In the area of the product outlet channel 7, a mixing element can additionally be provided for homogenizing the product mixture (not shown in FIG. 4).
In this embodiment, the product discharge device comprises of a product discharge opening B1 and the valve device 5 for product discharge, the latter being formed principally by a lip-like discharge valve B2 for closing the product discharge opening B1. The air admission opening B3 is closed by a similar, lip-shaped air admission valve B4.
If the pressure in the container is increased, for example by external pressure applied to the container body, the situation shown in FIG. 5 arises: substance passes from the product chamber 21 into the forward chamber B21. The discharge valve B2 is opened by the outward flowing product, said product can pass through the product discharge opening B1 into the product outlet channel 7 and from here, mixed with the product from other product chambers, it can be discharged from the container. The broken arrow indicates the path of the outward flowing product.
At the same time the air admission valve B4 is closed. By means of the pressure increasing in the forward chamber B21 (air pressure, or pressure generated by the incoming substance), the lip of the air admission valve B4 is pressed onto the air admission opening B3. The lip of the air admission valve B4 is preferably designed in the lower area with a thin wall, so that the pressing action is greatest here. By this means, the air readmission valve device 6 for the substance located in the container closes tight, the air admission openings B3 are thus closed. Discharge of substance is thus not possible.
If the pressure in the interior of the container reduces further, the valve device 5 for product discharge closes, the lip of the discharge valve B2 coming into position across the product discharge opening B1, so that no residual substance can flow back from the product outlet channel 7 into the forward chamber B21. The hinged lid 4 can advantageously be configured in such a way that, in the closed state, it closes the product outlet channel 7 (here by the sealing plug 9) and thus seals off the container to prevent discharge of product.
The readmission of air for achieving a pressure compensation between the interior of the container and the exterior of the container is effected in each case via the air admission opening B3 and is illustrated in FIG. 6. The air admission opening B3 can be closed and opened by the air admission valve B4. This lip-shaped air admission valve B4 likewise functions in the sense of a flap which can lie across the air admission opening B3 in order to close it.
When the pressure difference between the internal pressure of the container and the external pressure is smaller than a predetermined limit value, in particular with a negative pressure in the interior of the container in relation to the exterior of the container, the air readmission valve device 6 is opened (lack of contact pressure) and allows air to pass through the air admission openings B3 and downward from the flexible lip of the air admission valve B4 into the forward chamber B21 and into the product chamber 21. In FIG. 6, the path of the incoming air, with the air readmission valve device 6 open (lip of the air admission valve B4), is shown by a broken arrow for the embodiment of the invention shown here.
For the above embodiment of the container according to the invention, FIG. 7 shows the valve systems in a perspective representation and in the form of an exploded view. The cross section through the container insert 2 is shown. This part forms the forward chambers B21 and B22 and also the lower area of the product outlet channel 7. Substance can be transported through product discharge openings B1 in the wall between the forward chambers B21, B22 and the product outlet channel 7.
The valve lips of the discharge valve B2 for closing the product discharge opening B1 are secured in a part B10 which, in the area of the product outlet channel 7, can for example be pushed, glued or clipped onto the container insert 2, but can also be connected integrally thereto, for example through production in a two-component injection-molding operation. The part B10 has an opening B11 which ensures that substance can pass through the product outlet channel 7.
The valve lips of the discharge valve B2 can be configured in the form of a peripheral sleeve or a peripheral cone. As is shown in FIG. 7, however, the form of sleeve portions or cone portions is advantageous, because these can open and close the product discharge openings B1 of the individual forward chambers B21, B22 independently of one another. If there are more than two product chambers and, correspondingly, more than two forward chambers, the presence of at least one lip per product chamber and per product discharge opening B1 is preferred.
Readmission of air takes place via the air admission opening B3, which can likewise be closed by a lip-like air admission valve B4. Here too, several air admission openings B3 and several air admission valves B4 can be arranged to improve the entry of air. These air admission valves B4 too are advantageously configured as sleeve portions or cone portions. The lips belonging to the air admission valves B4 can advantageously be arranged in front of the air admission openings B3 via a part B12 which is designed like the part B10 but has no opening.
FIG. 8 shows a two-chamber bottle which has two different product discharge devices, namely a plunger valve system of the type described above for one of the product chambers 21, and a system of two disk valves (C1, C2) for the other product chamber 22. The valve system of the product chamber 21 corresponds to the one already shown in FIGS. 1 through 3.
The valve system of the product chamber 22 is designed as follows. One of the two disk valves (C1) opens into the product outlet channel 7 and introduces product into the latter when the pressure in the product chamber 22 is increased, the second disk valve (C2) being closed. For readmission of air, that is to say in cases where the external pressure is greater than that in the product chamber 22, the second valve (C2) connected the other way opens, while the discharge valve (C1) is closed, so that no residues of product can flow back into the product chamber 22.
FIGS. 9 and 10 show an example of a mixing element which, in the various embodiments of the container according to the invention, can be integrated in each case in the product outlet channel 7. FIG. 9 shows an exploded view, FIG. 10 a top view of the mixing device. The mixing device shown is provided for a two-chamber container.
Product is discharged from each chamber and into the mixing device through openings 101, 102 (from the underside of the mixing device as shown in FIG. 9), in which case the openings 101, 102 each open into a spiral-shaped product channel 103, 104. The upper cover of the mixing device is provided with further openings 105, 106 allowing the product to leave the product channels 103, 104. The diameters of the upper openings 105, 106 increase toward the center of the product chamber, so that the product channels 103, 104 are completely filled; the product comes out preferably in the area of the center of the mixing device (large outlet openings).
Mixing is effected by the spiral-shaped arrangement of the product channels 103, 104.
In multi-chamber bottles, the various valve systems can in principle be combined in any way with one another. The question of which valve system is chosen for the individual product chamber depends, inter alia, on the viscosity and sensitivity of the respective product and on the respective process for producing the container or parts thereof.

Claims

1. A container, comprising

at least two product chambers, said product chambers connected to form a common multi-chamber container system;

at least one product discharge opening provided in each of the product chambers, said product discharge openings communicating with a common outlet channel; and

at least one discharge valve device provided in at least one of the product chambers in the area of a product discharge opening, said at least one discharge valve permitting the discharge of a substance located in an adjacent product chamber but preventing return flow of the discharged substance into the adjacent product chamber and said at least one discharge valve further permitting the admission of air into the adjacent product chamber.

2. The container as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least two of said product chambers include a discharge valve device.

3. The container as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one air admission opening that can be opened and closed by an air readmission valve device.

4. The container as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

said at least one discharge valve device has a first valve that seals the product discharge opening for the substance as long as a pressure difference between the interior of the chamber and the exterior of the container is smaller than a first predetermined limit value and that opens the product discharge opening for the substance when the pressure difference between the interior of the chamber and the exterior of the container is greater than the first predetermined limit value, and

the air admission valve device has a second valve that opens the air admission opening for admission of air as long as a pressure difference between the interior of the chamber and the exterior of the container is smaller than a second predetermined limit value and that seals the air admission opening for admission of air when the pressure difference between the interior of the chamber and the exterior of the container is greater than the second predetermined limit value.

5. The container as claimed in claim 4, wherein the air admission opening is located in the first valve, and the second valve is integrated in the first valve.

6. The container as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first valve is a plunger valve.

7. The container as claimed in claim 5, wherein the second valve is a disk valve.

8. The container as claimed in claim 4, wherein said first valve comprises a flexible material in the form of a lip, said lip capable of being placed across said discharge opening to sealably close said discharge opening.

9. The container as claimed in claim 4, wherein said second valve comprises a flexible material in the form of a lip, said lip capable of being placed across said air admission opening to sealably close said air admission opening.

10. The container as claimed in claim 9, comprising a plurality of air admission openings.

11. The container as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a mixing element in the area of the outlet channel.

12. A multi-chamber container comprising at least two product chambers having a common outlet channel and a mixing element disposed in said common outlet channel, said product chambers each including:

at least one discharge opening for the discharge of a substance from the product chamber into said outlet channel, wherein each of said at least one discharge openings includes a discharge valve device, said discharge valve device movable from a closed position to an open position in response to an increase in pressure in the product chamber above a first predetermined limit, and from an open position to a closed position in response to a decrease in pressure in the product chamber below the first predetermined limit; and

at least one air admission opening for the admission of air into the product chamber, wherein each of said at least one air readmission openings has an associated air admission valve device movable from a closed position to an open position in response to the pressure in the product chamber decreasing below a second predetermined level, and from an open position to a closed position in response to the pressure in the product chamber being equal to or greater than the second predetermined level.

13. A multi-chamber container according to claim 12, wherein said air admission valve is integrally disposed in said discharge valve.

14. A multi-chamber container according to claim 13, wherein said discharge valve comprises a plunger valve.

15. A multi-chamber container according to claim 13, wherein said air admission valve comprises a disk valve.

16. A multi-chamber container according to claim 12, wherein said at least one discharge valve comprises a flexible material in the form of a lip, said lip capable of being placed across said discharge opening to sealably close said discharge opening.

17. A multi-chamber container according to claim 12, wherein said at least one air admission valve comprises a flexible material in the form of a lip, said lip capable of being placed across said at least one air admission opening to sealably close said air admission opening.

18. A multi-chamber container according to claim 12, wherein said mixing element comprises a lower cover, an upper cover, and a spiral-shaped channel disposed therebetween, said lower cover having at least one opening associated with each product chamber through which the substance passes into said spiral shaped channel, said upper cover comprising one or more openings through which the substance exits said spiral-shaped channel.

19. A multi-chamber container according to claim 12, further comprising a hinged lid having a sealing plug for sealably closing said outlet channel.