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WO2007101348A1 - Appareil de stockage et de liberation selective d'additifs - Google Patents

Appareil de stockage et de liberation selective d'additifs Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2007101348A1
WO2007101348A1 PCT/CA2007/000383 CA2007000383W WO2007101348A1 WO 2007101348 A1 WO2007101348 A1 WO 2007101348A1 CA 2007000383 W CA2007000383 W CA 2007000383W WO 2007101348 A1 WO2007101348 A1 WO 2007101348A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
panel
reservoir
base portion
actuator
collapsible
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/CA2007/000383
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Martyn L. R. Mitchell
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to CA2644803A priority Critical patent/CA2644803C/fr
Priority to US12/282,098 priority patent/US20090120815A1/en
Publication of WO2007101348A1 publication Critical patent/WO2007101348A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D51/24—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
    • B65D51/28—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials
    • B65D51/2807—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container
    • B65D51/2814—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container the additional article or materials being released by piercing, cutting or tearing an element enclosing it
    • B65D51/2821—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container the additional article or materials being released by piercing, cutting or tearing an element enclosing it said element being a blister, a capsule or like sealed container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/32—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging two or more different materials which must be maintained separate prior to use in admixture
    • B65D81/3205—Separate rigid or semi-rigid containers joined to each other at their external surfaces

Definitions

  • This invention relates to an apparatus for storing and selectively releasing additives, particularly for use with containers such as, for example, but not limited to, beverage containers.
  • beverage flavoring agents and drink mixes are commercially available in, for example, powdered and/or concentrated forms. Such agents/mixes can be transported, stored, and sold separately from a solvent fluid such as water or coffee. This is economical for the manufacturers, distributors and retailers in that the steps of having to measure and mix the drink mix or flavor agent with water (or another liquid), packaging the pre-mixed beverage in a fluid-tight container, shipping the pre-mixed beverage, and possibly storing the pre-mixed beverage in a refrigerated case are eliminated prior to purchase by a consumer. [0005] There is however a penalty of inconvenience that is thrust upon the consumers of such mixes and flavoring agents.
  • mixes provided in a powdered and/or concentrated form can be difficult to handle and transport, requiring separate packaging that is often over-sized for display on a shelf in a typical grocery outlet. Additionally, a consumer must have a suitable container for storing and mixing the ingredients at the desired time. Accordingly, consumers often prefer pre-mixed beverages.
  • an apparatus for storing and selectively releasing additives to a beverage container such as, for example, but not limited to, a bottle or carton.
  • the apparatus comprises a body defining at least one reservoir, the body further having at least one panel displaceable from a sealed position to a ruptured position so as to provide at least one access opening to the reservoir, and at least one actuator adapted to engage the panel, to displace the panel from the sealed position to the ruptured position.
  • the panel is a breakaway panel.
  • the apparatus further comprises a cam element provided on the breakaway panel, and the actuator engages the cam element to displace the breakaway panel.
  • the reservoir is collapsible.
  • the cam element extends into the reservoir.
  • the at least one actuator is arranged to crush the collapsible body of the at least one reservoir.
  • the at least one actuator has a lobe element for engaging the cam element.
  • the breakaway panel is defined by lines of weakness around the perimeter of the breakaway panel.
  • the apparatus is integrated into a cap for a bottle, wherein the cap comprises: a base portion that includes a cylindrical sidewall with internal threads for threading onto the opening of the bottle, a number of spaced-apart upwardly extending wall segments provided as extensions to the cylindrical sidewall, and a generally planar seal panel extends over the circular opening defined by the cylindrical sidewall to abut the upper lip of the bottle opening when assembled thereon; and a reservoir portion having a generally annular frame sized to be sealed against the upper peripheral surface of the seal panel of the base portion, and a number of collapsible reservoirs for storing respective additives, wherein each of the collapsible reservoirs extends radially inwardly from the frame and is disposed over a respective one of the breakaway panels.
  • the reservoir portion further comprises a number of actuators in the form of lever-shaped elements extending upright from the frame, and wherein the actuators are arranged to fit in the gaps between the upwardly extending wall segments and are connected to the frame by a lower hinge line.
  • the apparatus is integrated into a sleeve for a vessel, wherein the sleeve comprises the at least one reservoir defined by a collapsible body and a breakaway panel, wherein the breakaway panel is defined by lines of weakness and includes a cam element extending into the reservoir; and the at least one actuator arranged to crush the collapsible body of the at least one reservoir, the at least one actuator having a lobe element for engaging the cam element of the breakaway panel.
  • the apparatus for storing and selectively releasing additives to a beverage container comprises a body defining at least one reservoir, the reservoir having an access opening, a breakaway panel sealingly fastened over the access opening of the reservoir, and at least one actuator adapted to exert a force on the breakaway panel sufficient to separate the breakaway panel from the access opening of the reservoir.
  • the reservoir can be collapsible.
  • the at least one actuator can be arranged to crush the collapsible body of the at least one reservoir.
  • the at least one actuator can have a lobe element adapted to crush the collapsible body.
  • the force to cause the breakaway panel to separate from the access opening can be, but not limited to, air pressure caused by the actuator crushing the collapsible body of the at least one reservoir.
  • the breakaway panel can be, for example, but not limited to, a sealing film. Further, the breakaway panel can be sealingly fastened over the access opening by, for example, but not limited to, induction heat sealing, laser welding, or a suitable adhesive.
  • kits of parts comprising: a base portion including at least one breakaway panel, wherein the breakaway panel includes a cam element; a reservoir portion including at least one reservoir, wherein the reservoir has an open end that is sized to create a seal around a corresponding breakaway panel on the base portion; and at least one actuator connectable to one of the base portion or the reservoir portion, the at least one reservoir have a lobe element for engaging the cam element of the breakaway panel.
  • kits of parts comprising: an apparatus for storing and selectively releasing additives, the apparatus including at least one body defining at least one reservoir, the body further having at least one breakaway panel displaceable from a sealed position to a ruptured position to provide at least one access opening to the reservoir, and at least one actuator adapted to engage the breakaway panel to displace the breakaway panel from the sealed position to the ruptured position; and at least one vessel, the vessel adapted to receive the apparatus for storing and selectively releasing additives.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic drawing of a bottle in combination with a bottle-cap, in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, for storing and selectively releasing additives;
  • Figure 2A is a perspective view of the bottle-cap, in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention, shown in Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 2B is a perspective view of a base portion of the bottle- cap shown in Figure 2A;
  • Figure 2C is a perspective view of a reservoir portion of the bottle-cap shown in Figure 2A;
  • Figure 3A is a first cross-sectional view of a portion of the bottle- cap shown in Figure 1 taken along line E-E;
  • Figure 3B is a second cross-sectional view of a portion of the bottle-cap shown in Figure 1 taken along line E-E;
  • Figure 4A is an exploded view of a container in combination with an apparatus for storing and selectively releasing additives (into the container) in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 4B is an assembled view corresponding to Figure 4A;
  • Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective drawing of the apparatus for storing and selectively releasing additives shown in Figures 4A and 4B;
  • Figure 6 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 7 is an exploded view of the base portion and reservoir portion of the third embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 6;
  • Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines 8-8 of
  • Figure 9 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the invention showing the actuators in one position
  • Figure 10 is a further perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the invention taken from below;
  • Figure 12 is a further perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the invention taken from below;
  • Figure 13 is a first cross-sectional view taken along lines F-F of
  • Figure 14 is a second cross-sectional view taken along line F-F of Figure 10;
  • Figure 15 is an elevational view of a fifth embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line G-G of
  • Figure 17 is an enlarged cross-section of portion A taken from
  • Figure 18 is an exploded perspective view of the fifth embodiment of the invention. DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS
  • an apparatus for storing and selectively releasing additives can be incorporated into another portion of a vessel/container, such as for example, but not limited to, a sleeve that is fitted around a sidewall of a specific vessel, or built into a sidewall of the vessel itself.
  • FIG. 1 shown is a simplified schematic drawing of a bottle 12 in combination with a cap 10 for the bottle 12.
  • the cap 10 is provided for storing and selectively releasing additives into the bottle 12.
  • the cap 10 includes: a base portion 14 that is illustrated independently in Figure 2B; and, a reservoir portion 16 that is illustrated independently in Figure 2C.
  • the base portion 14 is adapted to securely fit over the opening of the bottle 12, thereby sealing the bottle 12.
  • the base portion 14 includes a cylindrical sidewall 20 with internal threads 22b (see Figure 3A) for threading onto the corresponding threads 22a of the opening of the bottle 12. It can be appreciated, however, that the invention is not to be limited to threaded engagement between the cap and the bottle, but this arrangement is shown for purposes of illustrating applicant's teachings. Other forms of securing the cap and the bottle are contemplated by this invention, for example, but not limited to, a snap fit.
  • the base portion 14 also includes a generally planar seal panel
  • the base portion 14 also has a number of optional spaced-apart upwardly extending wall segments 32, extending from the planar seal panel 24.
  • the wall segments 32 are provided as extensions to the cylindrical sidewall 20. Additionally and/or alternatively, in other embodiments the wall segments 32 may not be provided as contiguous extensions to the cylindrical sidewall 20. In some embodiments the optional spaced-apart upwardly extending wall segments 32 are not included at all.
  • the seal panel 24 has a plurality of breakaway panels 26 defined by lines of weakness 28 provided in the top surface 24a of the seal panel 24. Additionally and/or alternatively, the lines of weakness 28 can be provided on the bottom surface 24b of the seal panel 24. In some embodiments, the lines of weakness 28 do not include perforations that extend through the seal panel 24, since perforations may lead to leakage and/or spoilage of the additives therein.
  • Each breakaway panel 26 has an upwardly protruding cam element 30 to facilitate rupturing of the breakaway panels 26 as described in greater detail below.
  • the reservoir portion 16 is provided to store additives that can be released into the bottle 12.
  • the reservoir portion has a generally annular frame 40 sized to be sealed against the upper peripheral surface of the seal panel 24 of the base portion 14.
  • the reservoir portion 16 is sealed to the base portion 14 by, for example, but not limited to, ultrasonic welding.
  • Ultrasonic welding works best when each of the components to be welded together is made from similar amorphous polymers that have little or no crystalline structure.
  • preferable amorphous polymers include ABS 1 Acrylic, Polycarbonate and PVC.
  • the embodiments of the invention are not intended to be limited to these polymers, however, and other polymers such as, for example, polyethelene, polypropylene, polyester and NylonTM, which are semi-crystalline, are also contemplated.
  • the reservoir portion 16 and base portion 14 may be of integral construction.
  • a reservoir 42 can be provided with a separate and sealable opening for introducing additives into the reservoir.
  • the reservoir 42 may be preformed with the additive therein.
  • the reservoir portion 16 includes a number of collapsible reservoirs 42 for storing respective additives 44.
  • each reservoir 42 extends radially inwardly from the frame 40 and is disposed over a respective one of the breakaway panels 26.
  • the reservoir portion 16 also includes a number of actuators 46 in the form of lever-shaped elements extending upright from the frame 40 and connected to the frame 40 by a lower hinge line 48.
  • the actuators 46 are arranged to fit between the upwardly spaced-apart extending wall segments 32 of the base portion 14.
  • the actuators have lobe elements 49 in the form of radially inwardly directed webs for engaging the cams 30 of the breakaway panels 26.
  • the actuators 46 may instead be included on the base portion 14.
  • each actuator 46 may be connected by a hinge line to the seal panel 24.
  • the base portion 14 and reservoir portion 16 create a number of distinct reservoir chambers.
  • the number of distinct reservoir chambers is six.
  • Figures 2A-2C are provided to show only a very specific example of an embodiment in accordance with aspects of the invention and is not intended to limit the number of reservoirs covered by the scope of the claims. In general, those skilled in the art will appreciate that any number of distinct reservoir(s) can be included.
  • the reservoir(s) are distinct from one another the contents of one reservoir are unable to mix with the contents of another reservoir, until a user intentionally selects the two additives to be added to the bottle 12 in a process that is described below with reference to Figures 3A and 3B, whereupon the additives mix, in some embodiments, within bottle 12. It can be appreciated that for some embodiments, the additives can be selected to, at least initially, layer within the bottle 12.
  • the actuators 46 are moveable from a retracted or upright position (shown in Figure 3A) to an advanced position (shown in Figure 3B), by pivoting about the lower hinge line 48.
  • a selected actuator 46 is moved from the retracted position to the advanced position by pushing on the actuator 46 so that it pivots about the hinge line 48.
  • the reservoir portion 16 may be provided with only one collapsible reservoir, and similarly the base portion 14 may be provided with only one breakaway panel. Moreover, the number of breakaway panels and collapsible reservoirs does not have to be the same. In some embodiments, the number of collapsible reservoirs may outnumber the number of breakaway panels and vice versa. Accordingly, it should be understood that the illustrations provided herein only show possible example embodiments in accordance with aspects of the invention.
  • an apparatus for storing and selectively releasing additives 50 is provided in the form of a sleeve that conforms to a portion of the vessel 60.
  • the apparatus for storing and selectively releasing additives 50 will simply be referred to as the sleeve 50.
  • the sleeve 50 includes breakaway panels 66 defined by lines of weakness 68 similar as described above with reference to some embodiments, as shown in Figures 3A and 3B. Each breakaway panel 66 includes a cam 67 and is arranged to fit over a corresponding opening 61 in the vessel 60.
  • the sleeve 50 also includes a number of actuators 56 in the form of lever-shaped elements extending upright. The actuators 56 are arranged to fit in co-operative movement with the breakaway panels 66 and are connected to the sleeve 50 by a lower hinge line 58.
  • the actuators 56 have lobe elements 59 in the form of radially inwardly directed webs for engaging the cams 67 of the breakaway panels 66.
  • each breakaway panel is 66 is covered by a respective collapsible reservoir 52, which can be, for example, but not limited to, sealed to the sleeve 50 by ultrasonic welding, to create a sealed chamber for storing additives.
  • the collapsible reservoirs 52 as described above, are provided to store additives until a selected actuator 56 is used to crush a respective collapsible reservoir 52 and engage a respective cam 67, thereby rupturing the lines of weakness 68 around a respective breakaway panel 66.
  • the actuators 56 are displaced from a retracted or upright position (similar to that shown in Figure 3A) to an advanced position (similar to that shown in Figure 3B), by pivoting about the lower hinge line 58.
  • a selected actuator 56 is moved from the retracted position to the advanced position by pushing on the actuator 56 so that it pivots about the hinge line 58.
  • the respective collapsible reservoir 52 collapses and is deformed; and, the lobe 59 exerts a force against the cam 67, forcing the breakaway panel 66 downwards and rupturing the lines of weakness 68 surrounding the breakaway panel 66.
  • the additive inside the collapsible reservoir 52 is then free to pass into the vessel 60 through the opening 61.
  • the apparatus 110 for storing and selectively releasing additives is provided on a sidewall 104 of a carton 112, such as, for example, but not limited to, a milk carton.
  • Apparatus 110 can be provided on, for example, sidewall 104 that forms one of the sloped upper sidewalls of a typical beverage carton. It can be appreciated, however, that the apparatus for releasing and storing additives into the contents of the carton can be provided on any sidewall of the carton that allows access to the contents of the carton.
  • apparatus 110 has a base portion 114 adapted to be built into the sidewall of the carton, typically by, for example, but not limited to, ultrasonic fusing, induction heat sealing, or laser welding.
  • the base portion of 114 includes a generally planar seal panel 124 that typically extends over an opening into the carton 112 through which the additives can be selectively released into the contents of the carton.
  • the base portion 114 has a number of optional spaced apart upwardly extending wall segments 132, or partial wall segments 133 extending from the upper surface 124a of the planar seal panel 124.
  • wall segments 132 and partial wall segments 133 are arranged in a line, with the partial wall segments 133 provided at each end of the line.
  • the optional spaced apart upwardly extending wall segments 132 are not included at all.
  • the seal panel 124 has a plurality of breakaway panels 126 defined by lines of weakness 128 provided in the top surface 124a of the seal panel 124. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the lines of weakness 128 can be provided on the bottom surface 124b of the seal panel 124. In some embodiments, the lines of weakness 128 do not include perforations that extend through the seal panel 124, since perforations may lead to leakage and/or spoilage of the additive therein. Each breakaway panel 126 has an upwardly protruding cam element 130 to facilitate rupturing of the breakaway panels 126, similar to the invention as described in relation Figures 1 to 3B above.
  • the reservoir portion 116 is provided to store additives that can be released into the carton 112.
  • the reservoir portion is sealed to the base portion 114 by, for example, but not limited to, ultrasonic welding, fusing the two portions together using a laser, or forming the reservoir portion and base portion of integral construction, similar to the embodiments described above.
  • the reservoir portion 116 includes a number of collapsible reservoirs 142 for storing respective additives 144. In some embodiments, each reservoir 142 is disposed over any respective one of the breakaway panels 126.
  • the reservoir portion 116 can also include a number of actuators 146 in the form of lever shaped elements extending generally upwardly from a frame 140 of reservoir portion 116 and connected to the frame 140 by a lower hinge line 148, similar to that described for the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 3B.
  • the actuators 146 are moved from a retracted or upright position, shown in Figures 6 and 7 to an advance position, by pivoting about the lower hinge line 148.
  • the actuators 146 are arranged to fit between adjacent upwardly spaced-apart extending wall segments 132 and partial wall segments 133 of the base portion 114.
  • the actuators have lobe elements 149 (see Figure 8) in the form of radially inwardly directed webs for engaging the cams 130 of the breakaway panels 126. Additionally and/or alternatively, the actuators 146 may instead be included on the base portion 114. For example, a hinge line to the surface 124 may connect each actuator 146.
  • the base portion 114 and reservoir portion 116 create a number of distinct reservoirs 142.
  • a selected actuator 146 is moved from the retracted position 150 to the advanced position 151 (shown in dotted lines in Figure 8) by pushing on the actuator 146 so that it pivots about the hinge line 148.
  • the actuator 146 moves from the retracted position to the advanced position the respective collapsible reservoir 142 collapses and is deformed.
  • the lobe 149 exerts a force against the cam 130, forcing the breakaway panel 126 downwards and rupturing the lines of weakness 128 surrounding the breakaway panel 126 to thereby displace the panel 126 in the direction of the applied force, thereby breaking the seal panel 124 and creating a access opening between the reservoir 142 and the contents of the carton 112.
  • the additive is then free to pass through the access opening in the seal panel 124 to the contents of the carton 112.
  • the base portion 214 of apparatus 210 is adapted to securely fit over the opening of a bottle (not illustrated), to thereby seal the contents in the bottle.
  • the base portion 214 includes a cylindrical sidewall 220 having internal threads 222a (see Figure 13) similar to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 3B. This would allow the cap 210 to be threaded unto the opening of a bottle (not illustrated) as described above.
  • other forms of securing the cap and the bottle are contemplated by this invention, for example, but not limited to, a snap fit.
  • the base portion 214 also has a number of optional spaced apart extending wall segments 232, similar to that described above in relation to Figures 1 to 3B.
  • a breakaway panel 226, which, for some embodiments, is in the form of a sealing film, such as, for example, but not limited to, a lamination of aluminum bonded to a plastic film, such as, for example, polystyrene.
  • the breakaway panel 226 can be provided with slits or perforations 228 to allow individual segments 229 of the breakaway panel 226 to separate from one another and from sealing engagement with the base portion 214, as will hereinafter be described.
  • the reservoir portion 216 is provided of integral construction with the base portion 214. It can be appreciated, however, that the reservoir portion 216 and the base portion 214 can be of separate construction and fused together as described above.
  • the reservoir portion 216 can include a number of collapsible reservoirs 242, similar to the reservoirs described above. It can be appreciated that the breakaway panel 226 is to be received within base portion 214 to seal off the access opening 227 of each reservoir (access opening 227 is best seen in Figure 14). In particular, a respective segment 229 of the breakaway panel 226 seals each access opening 227 of each reservoir.
  • Breakaway panel 226 is sealingly fastened or bonded to the underside of reservoir portion 216 by, for example, but not limited to, induction heat sealing, laser welding, or by a suitable adhesive.
  • a suitable adhesive is an EVA wax-type pressure sensitive adhesive. It can be appreciated, however, that there are many commercially available adhesives that can be used.
  • the bond is to be strong enough so that the breakaway panel 226 seals the access opening 27 of the reservoir portion 216, however, upon application of a force, the strength of the bond is overcome and the panel breakaway 226 (or at least a segment 229 thereof) separates from the reservoir portion 216.
  • the reservoir portion 216 can also include a number of actuators 246 in the form of lever shaped elements extending upright from the sidewalls 220 of base portion 214 and connected to the base portion by a hinge line 248.
  • the actuators 246 are arranged to fit between the upwardly spaced apart extending walls segments 232 of the base portion 214.
  • the actuators 246 can also have lobe elements 249 in the form of radially angularly directed webs for engaging the collapsible reservoirs 242.
  • a selected actuator 246 is moved from the retracted upright position shown, for example, in Figure 13 to the advanced position shown, for example, in Figure 14 by pivoting about the lower hinge line 248.
  • the respective collapsible reservoir 242 collapses and is deformed. This increases the pressure within the collapsible reservoir which in turn exerts a force against the respective segment 229 of the breakaway panel 226 forcing the segment 229 of the breakaway panel 226 downward until the force is greater than the strength of the suitable bond, thereby causing the segment 229 of the breakaway panel 226 to separate from its sealing engagement with the base portion 216.
  • the segment 229 separates from the adjacent segments of the breakaway panel 226 along the slits or perforations 228 provided to thereby allow the segment 229 to be displaced about one edge 250, as shown, for example, in Figure 14.
  • the additive 244 is then free to pass through the access opening 227 and to the contents of the container.
  • apparatus 305 comprises a cap assembly 310 for container 312.
  • cap assembly 310 includes a housing 350 adapted to receive a reservoir portion 316 therein, and, for some embodiments, as illustrated, a base portion 314 adapted to fit over an open end 307 of the housing 350.
  • reservoir portion 316 can include or incorporate base portion 314 as a part thereof.
  • housing 350, reservoir portion 316, and base portion 314 form the cap assembly 310 which can then be secured to the container 312.
  • cap assembly 310 is adapted to securely fit over the opening 309 of the container 312, thereby sealing the contents of the container within the container 312.
  • the base portion 314 can be adapted to snap-fit on the rim 311 of the container 312 sealing to the rim 311 of the container 312.
  • Other forms of securing the cap assembly 310 to the container 312 are also contemplated, such as, for example, a threaded fit between base portion 314 and the container 312.
  • Base portion 314 of apparatus 310 is adapted to provide at least one breakaway panel 326 defined by lines of weakness 328 provided in the top surface 324a of the base portion 314. Additionally and/or alternatively, the lines of weakness 328 can be provided on the bottom surface of the base portion 314. Each breakaway panel 326 has an upwardly protruding cam element 330 to facilitate rupturing of the breakaway panels 326 as previously described with respect to other embodiments and as will be described in greater detail below. [0081]
  • the reservoir portion 316 is provided to store additives that can be selectively released into the container 312. In some embodiments, the reservoir portion 316 has a generally annular frame 340 sized to be sealed against the top surface 324a of the base portion 314.
  • the reservoir portion 316 is sealed to the base portion 314 by, for example, but not limited to, ultrasonic welding.
  • Ultrasonic welding is one possible example when each of the components to be welded together is made from similar amorphous polymers that have little or no crystalline structure.
  • preferable amorphous polymers include ABS, Acrylic, Polycarbonate and PVC.
  • the invention is not intended to be limited to these polymers, however, and other polymers such as, for example, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester and NylonTM, which are semi-crystalline, are also contemplated.
  • the reservoir portion 316 and base portion 314 may be of integral construction.
  • the reservoir portion 316 includes a number of collapsible reservoirs 342 for storing respective additives 344 (see Figure 16).
  • each reservoir 342 extends radially inwardly from the frame 340 and is configured so that when assembled with the base portion 314 each reservoir 342 is disposed over a respective breakaway panel 326.
  • Housing 350 of the cap assembly 310 has, in some embodiments, a generally frustoconical sidewall 352 having disposed therein a number of actuators 346 in the form of lever-shaped elements.
  • the actuators 346 are connected to the sidewall 352 of the housing 350 at a lower hinge line 348.
  • the actuators 346 breakaway from the sidewall 352 through lines of weakness 354 provided in the sidewall 352 that generally follow the perimeter of the actuator 346.
  • the actuators 346 typically remain coupled to the sidewall 352 of the housing 350 at the lower hinge line 348.
  • the lines of weakness can be defined on either the inner or outer surface of the sidewall 352.
  • the actuators 346 have lobe elements
  • the base portion 314 and reservoir portion 316 create a number of distinct reservoirs so that the contents of one reservoir are unable to mix with the contents of another reservoir.
  • the additive 344 is then free to pass from the reservoir 342 through the access opening to the container 312. Typically, as reservoir 342 collapses and deforms the outer wall of the reservoir 342 does not rupture. This ensures that the additive passes from the reservoir 342 to the container 312.
  • the cap assembly 310 can snap off or otherwise be removed from the container 312 leaving the contents of the container 312 accessible through the opening 309.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)

Abstract

Les désirs des consommateurs et ceux des fabricants de boissons ne sont pas toujours les mêmes. D'une part, il peut être plus économique pour les fabricants de fournir des aromatisants et des mélanges pour boissons sous la forme de poudres et/ou de concentrés. D'autre part, les consommateurs se sont habitués à acheter des produits de type boisson prête à boire ne nécessitant aucun mélange supplémentaire avant leur consommation. Des aspects de la présente invention concernent un appareil de stockage et de libération sélective d'additifs dans des liquides tels que, par exemple, de l'eau et du café. Selon certains modes de réalisation de l'invention, l'appareil de stockage et de libération sélective d'additifs est incorporé dans un bouchon de bouteille. Selon d'autres modes de réalisation, l'appareil de stockage et de libération sélective d'additifs est incorporé dans une autre partie d'un récipient/contenant tel que, par exemple, un manchon placé autour d'une paroi latérale d'un récipient spécifique.
PCT/CA2007/000383 2006-03-08 2007-03-08 Appareil de stockage et de liberation selective d'additifs Ceased WO2007101348A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA2644803A CA2644803C (fr) 2006-03-08 2007-03-08 Appareil de stockage et de liberation selective d'additifs
US12/282,098 US20090120815A1 (en) 2006-03-08 2007-03-08 Additive storage and selective release apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US78007806P 2006-03-08 2006-03-08
US60/780,078 2006-03-08
US80354906P 2006-05-31 2006-05-31
US60/803,549 2006-05-31
US86919106P 2006-12-08 2006-12-08
US60/869,191 2006-12-08

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WO2007101348A1 true WO2007101348A1 (fr) 2007-09-13

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PCT/CA2007/000383 Ceased WO2007101348A1 (fr) 2006-03-08 2007-03-08 Appareil de stockage et de liberation selective d'additifs

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Country Link
US (1) US20090120815A1 (fr)
CA (1) CA2644803C (fr)
WO (1) WO2007101348A1 (fr)

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CA2644803C (fr) 2017-08-01
US20090120815A1 (en) 2009-05-14

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