Container connectors

Abstract

There is disclosed a connector system for connecting a plurality of containers together, for example drinks containers. The container system includes first and second-type connectors. Each of the connectors includes a ring defining an interior space, a platform extending from the ring into the interior space, an upstanding blade carried by the platform, and a membrane extending adjacent, over or across the interior space. Each connector may further includes one or more connection members to permit a positive mechanical connection of the first connector to the second connector such that the connection causes the blade of one connector to pierce the membrane of the other connector, and to permit subsequent relative rotation of the connectors.

1 . A connector for a container, comprising:
 a ring or ring-like member which defines an interior space;   a platform extending from the ring member into a part of the interior space; and   a blade carried by, and upstanding from, the platform;   wherein the connector further comprises one or more connection members to permit a positive mechanical connection of the connector with another connector and subsequent relative rotation with the other connector.   
     
     
         2 . The connector according to  claim 1 , wherein the platform tapers inwardly from the ring member substantially towards a position at or near the centre of the interior space and wherein the blade carried by the platform extends from a position between the ring member and a position short of the centre of the interior space. 
     
     
         3 . The connector according to  claim 2 , wherein the blade carried by the platform is located substantially along the centre of the platform. 
     
     
         4 . The connector according to  claim 2 , wherein the platform is substantially planar and wedge-shaped. 
     
     
         5 . The connector according to  claim 1 , further comprising one or more guide members for permitting the connection with another connector only in a predetermined relative orientation. 
     
     
         6 . The connector according to  claim 1 , further comprising a membrane covering the interior space around the platform. 
     
     
         7 . The connector according to  claim 6 , wherein the membrane is watertight. 
     
     
         8 . The connector according to  claim 1 , wherein the platform is frangible or similarly removable from the ring member. 
     
     
         9 . The connector according to  claim 8 , wherein the platform is removable through a region of weakness provided at or near a junction of the platform to the ring member. 
     
     
         10 . The connector according to  claim 1 , attached to a drinks container. 
     
     
         11 . A connector system for connecting a plurality of containers together, the container system comprising first and second connectors, wherein each of the first and second connectors comprises:
 a ring or ring-like member defining an interior space;   a platform extending from the ring into the interior space;   an upstanding blade carried by the platform;   a membrane extending adjacent, over or across the interior space;   wherein each of the first and second connectors further comprises one or more connection members to permit a positive mechanical connection of the first connector to the second connector such that said connection causes the blade of one connector to pierce the membrane of the other connector, and to permit subsequent relative rotation of the connectors.   
     
     
         12 . The connector system of  claim 11 , wherein the blade is an elongate member extending from a position at or near the perimeter of the ring towards the centre of the interior space. 
     
     
         13 . The connector system of  claim 10 , wherein the first and second connectors make the positive mechanical connection only at a predetermined relative orientation of the connectors, whereby, at such orientation, the platforms of each connector do not interfere when the connectors are connected. 
     
     
         14 . A method of combining first and second substances contained in respective containers, the containers comprising respective first and second connectors, each of which comprises:
 a ring or ring-like member defining an interior space;   a platform extending from the ring into the interior space;   an upstanding blade carried by the platform;   a membrane extending adjacent, over or across the interior space;   wherein each of the first and second connectors further comprises one or more connection members to permit a positive mechanical connection of the first connector to the second connector such that said connection causes the blade of one connector to pierce the membrane of the other connector, and to permit subsequent relative rotation of the connectors;   
       wherein the method comprises:
 locating the first container and first connector against the second connector of the second container, 
 applying mechanical force on one or both connectors against one another to achieve a near simultaneous piercing of respective membranes, and 
 then applying a rotational force to cause tearing and gathering of the membranes in generally opposite orientations. 
 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising removing one of said platforms from a container, said platform being connected to the ring member with a region of weakness. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising removing one of said platforms by peeling one of said membranes in the general direction of the platform. 
     
     
         17 . A container comprising at least one connector according to  claim 1 .