HK1262569A1 - Flexible container for concentrated product - Google Patents

Description

Flexible container for concentrated products

Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for containing a concentrated product and a method for reconstituting a concentrated product. In particular, the present invention relates to flexible containers having filter elements for storing and reconstituting concentrated consumer products.

Background

Surfactant concentrates are well known in the art. Such concentrates are economically shipped to formulators who dilute the concentration with water or add the concentrate to a cleaning composition for use as a component of a shampoo, cleaner, lotion, dishwashing or laundry detergent, or the like. The food concentrate may also be dehydrated, shipped to the final destination, and then rehydrated prior to final use.

One recurring problem is that in certain areas, such as developing countries or wilderness, water sources tend to become contaminated. In these cases, the contaminated water needs to be pre-treated or filtered to purify the water prior to reconstitution of the consumable product or food product.

It is therefore desirable to transport the concentrated product to its final destination and then start reconstituting the product from the water at the final destination (including in some cases contaminated water) for consumer use.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one aspect, the present invention provides a flexible container containing a concentrate, the container comprising: a flexible body containing a concentrate, a spout, a filter element disposed in the spout, the filter element including a filter and an attachment element configured to attach to a water source.

According to another aspect, there is provided a method of reconstituting a concentrated product, the method comprising: providing a flexible container of the claimed invention; attaching a water source to the attachment element of the flexible container; and directing water from the water source through the filter element and into the flexible container to reconstitute the concentrate.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a front view of a flexible package according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a side view of the flexible package embodiment of figure 1.

Fig. 3a is a side cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a spout, and which is attached to the flexible package embodiment of fig. 1.

Fig. 3b is a side cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a spout, and which is attached to the flexible package embodiment of fig. 1.

Fig. 3c is a side cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a spout, and which is attached to the flexible package embodiment of fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the water filter element of the flexible package embodiment of fig. 1.

FIG. 5 is a top cross-sectional view of a segment of the water filter element of FIG. 4 taken in the plane 5-5;

fig. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the water filter element shown in fig. 4 prior to attachment to the flexible package embodiment of fig. 1.

Fig. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the water filter element shown in fig. 4 after attachment to the flexible wrapper embodiment of fig. 1.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a flexible package according to the present invention coupled to a water source prior to filling.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a flexible package according to the present invention coupled to a water source after filling.

Fig. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a removable water filter element prior to attachment to the flexible package embodiment of fig. 1.

Fig. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a removable water filter element after attachment to the flexible package embodiment of fig. 1.

Fig. 12 is a schematic view of the removable water filter element of fig. 10 coupled to a water source after removal from a flexible package embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 13 is a front view of a flexible package according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 14 is a side view of the flexible package embodiment of figure 13.

Figure 15 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of a flexible package according to the present invention coupled to a water source prior to filling.

Figure 16 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of a flexible package according to the present invention coupled to a water source after filling.

Detailed Description

As used herein, the term "concentrate" refers to a concentrated material to which water or other diluent may be added to reconstitute the concentrate into a desired material. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, examples of certain concentrates include concentrated forms of fluid consumer product formulations that can be reconstituted into consumer products intended for consumer use via the addition of water.

As used herein, the term "consumer product" refers to a commodity or other item of ordinary or everyday use that is typically purchased by an individual or family for private consumption. A representative, non-limiting list of product categories includes personal care products, including products for: infant care including lotions, soaps, shampoos, and conditioners; skin care including body washes, facial cleansers, hand washes, moisturizers, conditioners, astringents, exfoliant products, microdermabrasion and skin replacement products, skin rejuvenation products, anti-aging products, masks, and anti-uv products; beauty care, such as cosmetics and colognes; female care; hair care (human or animal) including bleaches, colorants and dyes, shampoos, conditioners (including rinse-off and leave-on), and styling aids; oral care, including toothpaste, tooth powder, tooth gel, mouthwash, mouth rinse, gum care, denture adhesive, and tooth whitening; personal cleansing, including hand soaps and shower gels. Other product categories include household products, including products for: dish care, including hand dishwashing detergents or light duty dishwashing detergents and machine dishwashing detergents; fabric care, including fabric treatment and conditioning (including softening); laundry care including detergents, bleaches, conditioners, softeners, antistatic products and liquid fresheners; floor and surface cleaning and/or treatment products, wood floor cleaners, antibacterial floor and surface cleaners, air fresheners and vehicle washing products; and health products, including over-the-counter products, such as respiratory and cough/cold products, analgesics, oral and topical analgesics, gastrointestinal therapeutic products, RX pharmaceuticals, and pet health and nutrition. Food, beverage and snack products are also included.

The present invention relates to containers for concentrates and methods of use thereof that may be advantageously used to reconstitute such concentrates from a variety of water sources, including contaminated water sources. According to certain embodiments, the present invention relates to a flexible container for a concentrate, the flexible container comprising: a flexible body containing a concentrate, a spout, a filter element disposed in the spout, the filter element including a filter and an attachment element configured to attach to a water source.

The container of the present invention may be in any form suitable for containing a concentrate and allowing the fluid to be added thereto to reconstitute the concentrate within a flexible body. Examples of suitable containers having a flexible body include pouches, bottles, and the like.

As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, the sachet used in the present invention may be any suitable spouted sachet. Generally, a pouch is a multi-layer laminate having a printable outer layer and an inner layer having barrier properties. Examples of suitable types of spouted pouches include formed bags, stand-up bags, retort bags, box bags, slider bags, zipper bags, and the like. Sachets are available from manufacturers such as Glenroy, inc. (Menomonee Falls, WI) or ProAmpac (Cincinnati, OH).

In certain preferred embodiments, the container of the present invention is a disposable or multi-functional pouch, also known in the art as a pouch. The pouches may also be in the form of formed pouches, stand-up pouches, retort pouches, box pouches, slider pouches, and zipper pouches.

The flexible body of the container may be made of any of a variety of suitable materials. In certain embodiments, the flexible body will be formed from a polymer or plastic used in consumer product packaging. These include, but are not limited to, Polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and combinations thereof. In the case of retort pouches or pouches, the inner layer may be formed from a thin metal foil. In some embodiments, the flexible body will be formed by co-extruding the inner and outer layers.

In some embodiments, the polymer or plastic used to form the flexible body may be made of a biodegradable or soluble polymer. Biodegradable polymers are polymers that decompose after their intended purpose to produce natural by-products such as gas (CO)₂、N₂) Water, biomass and inorganic salts. Biodegradable polymers are both naturally occurring and synthetically prepared and consist primarily of ester, amide and ether functional groups. Biodegradable polymers that can be used include, but are not limited to: polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), such as poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), Polyhydroxyvalerate (PHV) and Polyhydroxyhexanoate (PHH); polylactic acid (PLA); polybutylene succinate (PBS), Polycaprolactone (PCL) and Polyanhydride (PAH). Soluble polymers that can be used include, but are not limited to: polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH); a majority of starch derivatives; cellulose esters, such as cellulose acetate and nitrocellulose and its derivatives (celluloid).

The container of the present invention may comprise any suitable spout through which a fluid, substance or product may be introduced into or removed from the interior of the container. The spout may be attached to the flexible body of the container by a variety of known methods, many of which will be described later. Suitable nozzles for use in the present invention may be made of any suitable material. Examples of such materials include polymers or plastics used in consumer product packaging. These include, but are not limited to, High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), Polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In some embodiments, the lance may be formed of a metal, or a biodegradable or soluble polymer as described above.

For any given embodiment, at least one spout of the present invention is sized such that a water filter element of the present invention is disposed therein and attached thereto. In some embodiments, the water filter element will be permanently attached to the spout. The water filter element may be permanently attached to the spout using methods such as ultrasonic welding, thermal fusion, or permanent adhesives. In other embodiments, the water filter element will be removably attached to the spout. Any suitable connection element for removably connecting the water filter element to the port may be used. For example, the port and water filter element may include connection elements such as threads, snap-fit connection elements, resistive fit elements, and the like.

The water filter element of the present invention may comprise any suitable filter. Filters suitable for use in the present invention include filters capable of filtering out a variety of hygiene-related contaminants, such as organic contaminants or infectious microorganisms present in a water source. Infectious microorganisms present in water sources include bacteria such as shigella, escherichia coli, vibrio and salmonella, and protozoa such as entamoeba, giardia and cryptosporidium.

Applicants have identified a variety of filter materials that can be used. Reverse Osmosis (RO) or Nanofiltration (NF) membranes may be used, but these membranes require high upstream pressures to drive water through them. In certain embodiments where it is desirable to use a filter that does not require significant pressure to drive water through the filter, a filter comprising nanofiltration media (NFM) such as boehmite (alumina hydroxide) fiber nanoparticles may be used. In other embodiments, nanofibers on a microglass fiber support may be used as a filter medium. Filters comprising carbon nanotubes may also be used in other embodiments.

In certain particularly preferred embodiments, it is preferred that the filter can allow a user to fill the container of the present invention using only gravity flow or manual squeezing of a squeezable water source (e.g., a water bottle) for a reasonable amount of time. In some embodiments, the container fill time is about ten minutes or less, or about five minutes or less, or about three minutes or less, or about one minute or less.

Applicants have found that using a boehmite filter from Ahlstrom Corporation (Helsinki, Finland) and a 15cm head pressure (about 150Pa) in a two liter water PET bottle, 0.75ml/(min cm) can be obtained²) The flow rate of (c). It has also been found that by squeezing a two liter bottle, about 20ml/(min cm) can be obtained²) The flow rate of (c). At this flow rate, and has a length of about 5cm²The nozzle area of (a) can fill a 100ml container in about one minute. According to certain embodiments, the filter of the present invention has a grip strength of about 5ml/(min cm) when water is squeezed from a two-liter PET water bottle through the filter using about 30 kilograms of force²) Or greater, including, about 10ml/(min cm)²) Or greater, about 15ml/(min cm)²) Or greater, or about 20ml/(min cm)²) Or larger. According to certain embodiments, the filter of the present invention has a grip strength of about 5ml/(min cm) when water is squeezed from a two-liter PET water bottle through the filter using about 40 kilograms of force²) Or greater, including about 10ml/(min cm)²) Or greater, about 15ml/(min cm)²) Or greater, or about 20ml/(min cm)²) Or larger. According to certain embodiments, the filter of the present invention has a grip strength of about 5ml/(min cm) when water is squeezed from a two-liter PET water bottle through the filter using about 50 kilograms of force²) Or greater, including about 10ml/(min cm)²) Or greater, about 15ml/(min cm)²) Or greater, or about 20ml/(min cm)²) Or larger. According to certain embodiments, the filter of the present invention has a grip strength of about 5ml/(min cm) when water is squeezed from a two-liter PET water bottle through the filter using about 60 kilograms of force²) Or greater, including about 10ml/(min cm)²) Or greater, about 15ml/(min cm)²) Or greater, or about 20ml/(min cm)²) Or larger.

The water filter element of the present invention may include any suitable attachment element for connecting to a water source. Suitable attachment elements may include threads, snap-fit connection elements, resistance-fit elements, and the like. In certain preferred embodiments, the attachment element includes threads sized to mate with and engage threads of the water hose and/or water bottle to connect thereto. In certain preferred embodiments, the attachment element of the removable water filter comprises a female attachment element and the connection element on the water source is a corresponding male connection element. For example, in a preferred embodiment in which the water source is a hand-held bottle containing water, threads typically present around the neck of the hand-held bottle may be threaded into the female attachment element of the water filter element to engage the threads therein and connect the bottle to the water filter element.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the term "hand-held bottle" refers to any of a variety of commercially available bottles that can be held in the hand and generally used as a source of potable water (or other fluid). The hand-held bottle can have any suitable size, including, for example, a bottle sized about two liters or less, including about one liter or less, about 500 milliliters or less, about 250 milliliters or less. Preferably, the hand-held bottle is made of a flexible material and is squeezable by hand to assist in expelling the fluid contained therein. Examples of certain hand-held bottles include commercially available plastic twelve-ounce, twenty-ounce, one-liter, two-liter (or other commercially available dimensions worldwide) bottles of water, soda, or other fluids intended for drinking, or other similarly sized bottles that have been emptied of other products and then filled with water for use in the present invention.

In certain embodiments, the concentrate in the container of the present invention may be substantially free of preservatives. Examples of preservatives include, but are not limited to, parabens, quaternary ammonium materials, phenoxyethanol, benzoates, DMDM hydantoin, and the like. As used herein, "substantially free of preservatives" refers to less than 0.5% preservatives by weight of the product, including, for example, less than 0.1%, less than 0.05%, less than 0.01% preservatives by weight of the product, or in certain embodiments, the product is free of preservatives.

Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the present invention provides a method of reconstituting a concentrated product, the method comprising providing a flexible container containing a concentrate, attaching a water source to an attachment element of the flexible container, and forcing water through a filter element of the container and into the container to reconstitute the concentrate therein.

Any of the suitable elements described above may be used in the process of the invention. In certain embodiments, the water source is capable of being held and squeezed in the hand, and the step of forcing water through the filter element comprises squeezing the water source by hand to force water through the filter element.

In certain embodiments, the method comprises forcing a predetermined and/or desired amount of water into the container to reconstitute the concentrate. Such predetermined/desired amount may be sufficient water to fill the flexible container, or may be an amount indicated by a visual indicator (e.g., fill line, etc.) or other indicator in or on the container. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate the use of a visible fill indicator (such as a fill line or other indicator) to indicate to the user when sufficient water has been added to the flexible container to reconstitute the concentrate. In certain embodiments, the recombinant concentrate prepared according to the present invention can be stored prior to use and/or when designed for multiple uses, and the product can be stored between uses.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the product obtained from the reconstituted concentrate may be used by dispensing the product back through a spout for introducing water into the concentrate. Such dispensing may be done with a filter in place or removed. In certain embodiments, the filter is removed. In these embodiments, the product may be dispensed by removing the filter element from the spout and dispensing the reconstituted product. In embodiments where the flexible container comprises more than one spout, the resulting product may be dispensed back through the spout for introducing water, or alternatively through a second spout configured to allow the reconstituted product to be dispensed therethrough.

In certain embodiments, after reconstitution of the product, the removable filter may be removed from the spout, yet the removable filter remains attached to the water source. In this manner, water from the water source may be forced through the removed filter element to provide filtered and/or potable water outside the flexible container for drinking or other purposes. In other embodiments, after reconstitution of the product, the removable filter element may be removed from the spout and water source, optionally cleaned, and then attached to the same or a different water source. In this manner, water from the water source may be forced through the removed filter element to provide filtered and/or potable water outside the flexible container for drinking or other purposes.

Further examples of certain embodiments of the apparatus and methods of the present invention will now be described in a non-limiting manner with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figures 1 and 2 show a flexible package according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 is a front view of a package 10 including a flexible container or pouch 20 having a proximal end 22 and a distal end 24. Spout 30 is located on proximal end 22 of flexible container 20. A water filter element 60 is disposed in the spout 30. The flexible container 20 is partially filled with a concentrated consumer product 40. Consumer product 40 may be in the form of a concentrated liquid, a loose or compressed powder, a tablet, or a combination of these forms. Fig. 2 is a side view of the flexible package 10 showing a narrowed section of the flexible container 20 between the proximal end 22 and the distal end 24.

The package of the present invention may comprise any suitable spout through which a fluid, substance or consumable product may be introduced into or removed from the interior of the container. Fig. 3a is a side cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a spout 30a, and which is attached to a flexible container 20. The figure shows a lance 30a having a lance opening 32a and having inner and outer lance walls 34a and 36a, respectively. The figure also shows a flexible container 20 having a container opening 25 and having an outer volume wall 26 and an inner container wall 28, respectively. Nozzle 30a is attached to outer wall 26 of flexible container 20 and inner wall 34a surrounds container opening 25 such that fluid or other substance can flow into container 20 through spout opening 32a and out of container 20 through container opening 25. In a second embodiment, as shown in fig. 3b, a spout 30b may be attached to the inner wall 28 of the flexible container 20 and extend through the container 20 and exit the container 20 through the container opening 25. In this embodiment, an inner wall 34b of spout 30b defines a spout opening 32b through which a substance can flow into and out of flexible container 20. In a third embodiment, as shown in fig. 3c, spout 30c may include a first spout portion 37c attached to inner wall 28 of flexible container 20. A locking ring 38c is attached to the outer wall 26 of the spout 30c to hold the spout 30c in place. Here, the inner wall 34c of the spout 30c defines a spout opening 32c through which the substance can flow into and out of the flexible container 20.

Fig. 4 and 5 show a first embodiment of a water filter element 60. Fig. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of filter element 60 including outer surface 62 and inner surface 66. The inner surface 66 has an attachment member 68, which is shown as a thread. The filter element 60 has a filter opening 72. The walls of the water filter element 60 define an open volume 74 in which a filter 80 is disposed. Contaminated water will enter the water filter element 60 through the open volume 74, pass through the filter 80, and exit the water filter element 60 through the filter port 76 in the form of clean water.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 4 and 5, the filter 80 is held in place by a filter support 82. Other embodiments of supports for filter 80 include spacers or "O" rings and the like.

Fig. 5 is a top cross-sectional view of a segment of the removable water filter element of fig. 4 taken along the plane 5-5. The figure shows filter support 82 and filter port 76. In the illustrated embodiment, a single filter port 76 is shown having a circular cross-section. In other embodiments, there may be multiple filter ports 76, and they may have multiple other cross-sectional shapes, such as oval, square, rectangular, and the like. In the embodiment shown in fig. 5, a plurality of filter supports 82 having a rectangular cross-sectional shape are shown. In other embodiments, the filter support 82 may have many other cross-sectional shapes, such as circular, oval, square, and the like.

Although not shown, a closure device for filter element 60 may be employed prior to use of package 10. In some embodiments, the cap may engage with the filter element 60 by means of threads, a snap fit, or a resistance fit. In other embodiments, a plug that fits into the inner surface 66 of the filter element 60 and connects to the filter element 68 through the attachment member 60 may be used. In other embodiments, a foil or plastic film may be used to seal the filter element 60 prior to use of the package 10.

A water filter element 60 is disposed in the spout 30 and attached to the spout 30. Fig. 6 and 7 illustrate one embodiment of the steps for attaching the water filter element 60 to the spout 30 a. Fig. 6 is a side sectional view of the water filter element 60 and spout 30a prior to attachment thereof. The figure shows a water filter element 60, the water filter element 60 being sized to fit into the spout 30a such that an outer surface 62 of the water filter element 60 contacts the inner spout wall 34 a. Fig. 7 is a side sectional view of the water filter element 60 and spout 30a after attachment thereof. In one embodiment, the resistive fit may prevent the water filter element 60 from separating from the spout 30 a. In other embodiments, an adhesive may be applied to either or both of the outer surface 62 of the water filter element 60 and the inner spout wall 34a to keep the components from separating. In some embodiments, water filter element 60 will be permanently attached to spout 30 a. Water filter element 60 may be permanently attached to spout 30a using methods such as ultrasonic welding, thermal fusion, or permanent adhesives. In other embodiments, the water filter element 60 may be removably attached to the spout 30 a. The snap fit and threaded attachment members may allow water filter element 60 to be removably attached to spout 30 a.

Fig. 8 and 9 illustrate one embodiment of a method of using the flexible package 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8 is a schematic view of the package 10 coupled to a removable water source 90 prior to filling. In this embodiment, the water source is a bottle 90 containing contaminated water 95 having a proximal end 92 and a distal end 94. A neck 96 is located on the distal end 94 of the bottle 90 and has threads 98 as a means of attachment to the flexible package 10. In this embodiment, threads 98 of bottle 90 and threads 68 on inner surface 66 of filter element 60 are sized such that threads 98 of bottle 90 engage threads 68 of filter element 60. The plastic water bottle has a standard thread profile and the threads 68 of the filter element 60 can be designed to fit the standard thread profile.

In other embodiments, the neck 96 of the bottle 90 may engage the filter element 60 by means of a snap fit or a resistance fit.

In other embodiments, the water source 90 may be in the form of a conduit, such as a pipe or hose through which the contaminated water 95 is pumped. The tube or hose may have threads sized to engage threads 68 located on an inner surface 66 of the filter element 60. In other embodiments, the tube or hose may engage the filter element 60 by means of a snap fit or a resistance fit.

In fig. 8, the flexible container 20 with the concentrated consumer product 40 is shown in a flat configuration. Fig. 9 is a schematic view of the package 10 coupled to a water source 90 after filling. The flexible container 20 with the reconstituted consumer product 42 is shown in an expanded configuration.

In one embodiment of a method of using the flexible package 10 according to the present invention, the flexible package 10 containing the concentrated consumer product 40 is first coupled to a contaminated water source. The contaminated water source is then pressurized to force the contaminated water through the filter element 60 and into the flexible container 20. In the embodiment shown in fig. 8 and 9, wherein the water source 90 is a bottle 90, pressure may be applied to the bottle 90 by squeezing the bottle 90. In embodiments using tubing or hose, upstream pressure may be applied to the tubing or hose to force the contaminated water through the filter element 60 and into the flexible container 20.

The amount of contaminated water that passes through the filter element 60 and into the flexible container 20 will depend on the amount of water required to dilute the concentrated consumable product 40 to properly reconstitute the consumable product 42. There are a number of ways to determine the amount of water required to dilute the concentrated consumable product 40 to properly reconstitute the consumable product 42. For example, using indicia marked on the flexible container 20 is one method. As shown in fig. 9, the expanded configuration flexible container 20 is another indicia that sufficient water has been added to the flexible container 20 to convert the concentrated consumer product 40 into a properly reconstituted consumer product 42.

Once sufficient water has passed through the filter element 60 and into the flexible container 20, the flexible package 10 is disconnected from the contaminated water source. The properly reconstituted consumer product 42 is now ready for use. To use the consumable product 42, the user removes the water filter element 60 from the spout 30 and dispenses the consumable product 42 through the spout 30. The water filter element 60 may be removed from the spout 30 in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, a user may punch through the water filter element 60 using a punch tool. If the water filter element 60 is removably attached to the spout 30, the user may easily remove the filter element 60 from the spout 30 and dispense the consumable product 42 through the spout 30.

Once the consumer product 42 is fully dispensed from the package 10, the package 10 may be discarded. If the elements of the package 10 are made of biodegradable or soluble polymers, disposal of the package 10 will not cause trash accumulation problems in many areas of the world.

In embodiments using removable water filter elements, the filter elements may have the ability to be reused. In these embodiments, the water filter element may be removed from the first flexible container/spout package and disposed in the second package. In these embodiments, a kit may be sold that contains a single reusable water filter element and multiple packages including flexible containers/spouts. In these embodiments, a single filter may be used with up to two, or four, or six, or twelve, or twenty-four or more packages, including flexible container/spout configurations. In some embodiments, the individual flexible container/spout configurations may each be a disposable pouch.

In some embodiments, the removable water filter element may find secondary use in areas where water sources are often contaminated, such as developing countries or wilderness areas. A removable water filter element may be attached to the hand-held bottle, filled with contaminated water and used to filter out the contaminants to prepare potable water. Fig. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a removable water filter element 160 prior to assembly with spout 130 of a flexible package embodiment of the present invention.

The figure shows a removable water filter element 160 including an outer surface 162 and an inner surface 166. The outer surface 162 has a first attachment member 164, shown here as threads, and a second attachment member 165, also shown as threads. The inner surface 166 has a third attachment member 168, also shown as threads. The walls of the removable water filter element 160 define an open volume 174 in which a filter 180 is disposed. In this embodiment, the filter 180 is held in place by a filter support 182. Contaminated water will enter the water filter element 160 through the open volume 174, pass through the filter 180, and exit the water filter element 160 in the form of clean water through the filter port 176.

In this embodiment, the cap 150 is designed to act as a closure for the filter element 160. The cap 150 has an attachment means 154, shown in this embodiment as threads 154, located on an inner surface 152 of the cap 150. In this embodiment, the threads 164 on the outer surface 162 of the filter element 160 and the threads 154 on the cap 150 are sized such that the threads 154 on the cap 150 engage the threads 164 of the filter element 160. Fig. 11 shows the top cap 150 attached to the removable water filter element 160. In other embodiments, the cap 150 may engage the water filter element 160 by means of a snap fit or a resistive fit.

Figure 10 shows yet another embodiment of the spout. The figure shows a nozzle 130 having a nozzle opening 132 and having inner and outer nozzle walls 134 and 136, respectively. The inner nozzle wall 134 has an attachment member in the form of threads 137. The figure also shows a flexible container 20 having a container opening 25 and having an outer volume wall 26 and an inner container wall 28, respectively. Nozzle 130 is attached to outer wall 26 of flexible container 20, and inner wall 134 surrounds container opening 25 such that fluid or other substance can flow into container 20 through spout opening 132 and out of container 20 through container opening 25.

Fig. 11 shows a removable water filter element 160 disposed in spout 130 of flexible container 120, with threads 137 on spout 130 engaged with threads 165 of water filter element 160. Removable water filter element 160 is now removably attached to spout 130. In other embodiments, a snap fit or a resistive fit may be used to couple the water filter element 160 to the spout 130 of the flexible container 20.

As previously mentioned, the flexible container may now be filled with contaminated water to dilute the concentrated consumer product. As shown in fig. 8 and 9, the source of water is a bottle 90 containing contaminated water 95 having a proximal end 92 and a distal end 94. A neck 96 is located on the distal end 94 of the bottle 90 and has threads 98 as a means of attachment to the flexible package 10. In this embodiment, threads 98 of vial 90 and threads 168 on inner surface 166 of filter element 160 are sized such that threads 198 of vial 190 engage threads 168 of filter element 160. In other embodiments, the neck 96 of the bottle 90 may engage the filter element 160 by means of a snap fit or a resistive fit.

In this embodiment of the method of using the flexible package 10 according to the present invention, the flexible package 10 containing the concentrated consumer product 40 is first coupled to a contaminated water source. The contaminated water source is then pressurized to force the contaminated water through the filter element 160 and into the flexible container 20. As with the embodiment shown in fig. 5 and 6, contaminated water 95 may be passed through the filter element 160 and into the flexible container 20 by squeezing the bottle 90, applying pressure to the bottle 90.

In this embodiment, once sufficient water passes through the removable filter element 160 and into the flexible container 20, the flexible package 10 is disconnected from the contaminated water source, however the filter element 160 remains coupled to the contaminated water source. This is accomplished when the threads 165 disengage from mating threads located on the internal port 30 of the flexible package 10. The filter element 160 now remains coupled to the jar 90 via the engagement of the threads 98 of the jar 90 with the threads 168 of the filter element 160.

Fig. 12 is a schematic view of the water filter element 160 of fig. 10 coupled to the water bottle 90 after removal from the flexible package 10. At this point, the user is now able to filter the contaminated water 95 in the bottle 90 by using the removable water filter element 160 to obtain clean water for drinking, washing, or other uses.

Although not shown, a cap having mating threads may engage threads 165 on removable water filter element 160 to seal water bottle 90 between uses.

Figures 13 and 14 show a flexible package according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 13 is a front view of a package 200 that includes a flexible container or pouch 220 having a proximal end 222 and a distal end 224 and a first panel 226 and a second panel 228. First spout 230 is positioned on first side 226 of flexible container 220. The second spout 330 is located on the proximal end 222 of the flexible container 220. Although the first spout 230 is located on the first face 226 of the flexible container 220, it may be located on the second face 228 of the flexible container 220. Further, it should be understood that while this embodiment shows two spouts, there may be more than two spouts located on either of the proximal end 222 and distal end 224, and the first face 226 and second face 228, of the flexible container 220.

The water filter element 60 is disposed in the first spout 230 and the top cap 350 is shown disposed on the second spout 330. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the water filter element 60 may be disposed in the second spout 330, whereas the cap 350 may be disposed on the first spout 230. Additionally, in some embodiments, the cap or caps may not be present.

The flexible container 220 is partially filled with a concentrated consumer product 240. As previously mentioned, the consumer product 240 may be in the form of a concentrated liquid, a loose or compressed powder, a tablet, or a combination of these forms. Fig. 14 is a side view of the flexible package 200 showing a narrowed section of the flexible container 220 between the proximal end 222 and the distal end 224. Although shown as relatively flat in fig. 13 and 14, the flexible container 220 may be in a folded configuration to save storage space.

Fig. 14 and 15 illustrate one embodiment of a method of using a flexible package 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 14 is a schematic view of a package 200 coupled to a removable water source 90 prior to filling. The water source is a bottle 90 containing contaminated water 95 having a proximal end 92 and a distal end 94. A neck 96 is located on the distal end 94 of the bottle 90 and has threads 98 as a means of attachment to the flexible package 10. In this embodiment, the threads 98 of the jar 90 and the threads 68 (see fig. 6 and 7) on the inner surface 66 of the filter element 60 are sized such that the threads 98 of the jar 90 engage the threads 68 of the filter element 60. The plastic water bottle has a standard thread profile and the threads 68 of the filter element 60 can be designed to fit the standard thread profile.

In other embodiments, the neck 96 of the bottle 90 may engage the filter element 60 by means of a snap fit or a resistance fit.

In other embodiments, the water source 90 may be in the form of a conduit, such as a pipe or hose through which the contaminated water 95 is pumped. The tube or hose may have threads sized to engage threads 68 located on an inner surface 66 of the filter element 60. In other embodiments, the tube or hose may engage the filter element 60 by means of a snap fit or a resistance fit.

In fig. 14, the flexible container 220 with the concentrated consumer product 240 is shown in a flat configuration. Fig. 15 is a schematic view of the package 200 coupled to the water source 90 after filling. The flexible container 220 with the reconstituted consumer product 242 is shown in an expanded configuration.

In one embodiment of using the flexible package 200 according to the present invention, the flexible package 200 containing the concentrated consumer product 240 is first coupled to a contaminated water source. The contaminated water source is then pressurized to force the contaminated water through the filter element 60 and into the flexible container 220. In the embodiment shown in fig. 14 and 15, wherein the water source 90 is a bottle 90, pressure may be applied to the bottle 90 by squeezing the bottle 90. In embodiments using tubing or hoses, upstream pressure may be applied to the tubing or hose to force the contaminated water through the filter element 60 and into the flexible container 220.

The amount of contaminated water that passes through the filter element 60 and into the flexible container 220 will depend on the amount of water required to dilute the concentrated consumer product 240 to properly reconstitute the consumer product 242. There are a number of ways to determine the amount of water required to dilute the concentrated consumable product 240 to properly reconstitute the consumable product 242. For example, using indicia marked on the flexible container 220 is one method. As shown in fig. 15, the expanded configuration flexible container 220 is another indicia that sufficient water has been added to the flexible container 220 to convert the concentrated consumer product 240 into a properly reconstituted consumer product 242.

Once sufficient water has passed through the filter element 60 and into the flexible container 220, the flexible package 200 is disconnected from the contaminated water source by disengaging the neck 96 of the bottle 90 from the first spout 230. The properly reconstituted consumer product 242 is now ready for use.

Generally, the second spout 330 is configured to allow the reconstituted consumer product 242 to be dispensed therethrough. In some embodiments, the second spout 330 is designed such that the water source 90 cannot be connected to the second spout 330. This is done to prevent a user from connecting contaminated water to the package 200 without passing the water through the water filter element 260 of the first spout 230. In some embodiments, this may be done by designing the second nozzle 330 to have a non-circular cross-section. Non-circular cross-sections include, but are not limited to, oval, square, diamond, or hexagonal. The second spout 330 may also be of a tapered configuration, such as a frustoconical shape, to prevent a user from connecting contaminated water to the package 200.

To use the reconstituted consumer product 242, the user removes the cap 350 from the second spout 330 and dispenses the reconstituted consumer product 242 through the second spout 330. In embodiments where a top cap is not used, the user may puncture the second nozzle 330 using a punch tool.

Once the reconstituted consumer product 242 is fully dispensed from the package 200, the package 200 may be discarded. If the elements of the package 200 are made of biodegradable or soluble polymers, disposal of the package 200 will not cause trash accumulation problems in many areas of the world.

Claims (13)

1. A method of reconstituting a concentrated product, the method comprising:

(a) providing a flexible container containing a concentrate, the container comprising: a flexible body containing the concentrate, a spout, a filter element disposed in the spout, the filter element comprising a filter and an attachment element configured to attach to a water source;

(b) attaching a water source to the attachment element of the flexible container; and

(c) forcing water through the filter element of the container and into the container to form a reconstituted concentrate;

wherein the filter element remains attached to the water source when the filter element is removed from the spout;

wherein the concentrate is a concentrate of a consumer product selected from one of a lotion, soap, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, facial cleanser, moisturizer, astringent, exfoliating product, microcrystalline scrub and skin change product, skin rejuvenation product, anti-aging product, and anti-uv product.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the flexible container is in the form of a pouch.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the water source is a hand-held water bottle and the forcing step comprises squeezing the water bottle by hand to push water through the filter element and into the flexible container to reconstitute the concentrate.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the flexible container is filled in a time period of about five minutes or less.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the container includes a visual fill indicator and the forcing step includes forcing sufficient water through the filter element such that the visual fill indicator indicates that the container is full.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of removing the filter element from the spout to dispense the reconstituted concentrate through the spout.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the flexible container includes a second spout, and the method further comprises the step of dispensing the reconstituted concentrate through the second spout.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the concentrate is preservative-free.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the forcing step comprises forcing at about 10ml/(min cm)²) Or greater, to force water through the filter.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the forcing step comprises forcing at about 20ml/(min cm)²) Or greater, to force water through the filter.

11. The method of claim 6, further comprising the step of forcing water from the water source through a filter element removed from the spout to produce filtered water outside the flexible container.

12. The method of claim 6, wherein the removed filter element is removed from the spout and the water source, optionally cleaned, and then attached to the same or a different water source.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein water is forced therethrough to produce filtered water after the removed filter element is attached to the same or different water source.