U.S. patent application number 10/358701 was filed with the patent office on 2004-05-06 for container.
Invention is credited to Albaum, Gary.
Application Number | 20040084477 10/358701 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46298969 |
Filed Date | 2004-05-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040084477 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Albaum, Gary |
May 6, 2004 |
Container
Abstract
A container with a varying capacity is provided. The container
has one or more pleats, allowing transformation of the container
into varying physical states.
Inventors: |
Albaum, Gary; (Croton,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DIVISION
WINTON HILL TECHNICAL CENTER - BOX 161
6110 CENTER HILL AVENUE
CINCINNATI
OH
45224
US
|
Family ID: |
46298969 |
Appl. No.: |
10/358701 |
Filed: |
February 5, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10358701 |
Feb 5, 2003 |
|
|
|
10287457 |
Nov 4, 2002 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/95 ; 222/105;
222/402.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 83/285 20130101;
B65D 83/62 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/095 ;
222/402.1; 222/105 |
International
Class: |
B65D 083/14 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A container for storing contents under pressure adapted for
insertion into a rigid outer housing having a narrowed opening, the
container comprising: a body having an open end, a closed end, and
an inner surface, said body being selectively transformable amongst
at least a first physical state having a first volume, a second
physical state having a second volume and a third physical state
having a third volume, said first volume being greater than said
second volume and said third volume being greater than said first
volume.
2. The container of claim 1, wherein said body is transformed into
said second physical state by a substantially longitudinal force
upon said body.
3. The container of claim 1, wherein said body is transformed into
said third physical state by a substantially outwardly radial force
upon said inner surface.
4. The container of claim 1, wherein said body is cylindrical.
5. The container of claim 1, wherein said body is made from a
flexible material.
6. A container for storing contents under pressure adapted for
insertion into a rigid outer housing having a narrowed opening, the
container comprising: a body having an open end, a closed end, and
an inner surface, said body having an outer surface with at least
one pleat along at least a portion of said body, said body being
selectively transformable amongst at least a first physical state
having a first volume, a second physical state having a second
volume and a third physical state having a third volume, said first
volume being greater than said second volume and said third volume
being greater than said first volume.
7. The container of claim 6, wherein said body is cylindrical.
8. The container of claim 6, wherein said body is made from a
flexible material.
9. The container of claim 6, wherein said at least one pleat is a
plurality of pleats.
10. The container of claim 9, wherein said plurality of pleats is
about 10 to about 12 pleats.
11. The container of claim 10, wherein said plurality of pleats are
longitudinally positioned along said body.
12. The container of claim 11, wherein said plurality of pleats
each have a first end and a second end, said first end being
tapered toward said open end and said second end being tapered
toward said closed end.
13. The container of claim 10, wherein said plurality of pleats are
diametrically opposed from each other along said body.
14. The container of claim 13, wherein said plurality of pleats are
equidistantly spaced apart along said body.
15. The container of claim 6, wherein said closed end is
tapered.
16. The container of claim 6, wherein said open end comprises a
downwardly curved rim.
17. A variable capacity container system for storing contents under
pressure, comprising: a rigid outer housing having a narrowed
opening; and a container for storing contents under pressure
adapted for insertion into said rigid outer housing through said
narrowed opening, said container having a body with an open end, a
closed end, and an inner surface, said body having an outer surface
with at least one pleat along at least a portion of said body,
wherein said body can be selectively transformed amongst at least a
first physical state having a first volume, a second physical state
having a second volume and a third physical state having a third
volume, said first volume being greater than said second volume and
said third volume being greater than said first volume.
18. The container of claim 17, wherein said body is
cylindrical.
19. The container of claim 17, wherein said body is made from a
flexible material.
20. The container of claim 17, wherein said at least one pleat is a
plurality of pleats.
21. The container of claim 20, wherein said plurality of pleats is
about 10 to about 12 pleats.
22. The container of claim 21, wherein said plurality of pleats are
longitudinally positioned along said body.
23. The container of claim 22, wherein said plurality of pleats
each have a first end and a second end, said first end being
tapered toward said open end and said second end being tapered
toward said closed end.
24. The container of claim 20, wherein said plurality of pleats are
diametrically opposed from each other along said body.
25. The container of claim 24, wherein said plurality of pleats are
equidistantly spaced apart along said body.
26. The container of claim 17, wherein said closed end is
tapered.
27. The container of claim 17, wherein said open end comprises a
downwardly curved rim.
Description
[0001] This patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/287,457 filed Nov. 4, 2002.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to containers. More
particularly, the present invention relates to containers having
variable capacity.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] The use of containers to store substances for ejection under
pressure is known. Such systems, referred to as "aerosols,"
typically include three components: (1) a product to be dispensed,
(2) a propellant, and (3) a pressurized container. The container is
typically cylindrical and is capable of withstanding moderate
pressures. In operation, a push button or other actuator opens a
valve, allowing the product to be expelled from an opening or
nozzle. The propellant, which is typically a gas under ambient
conditions, is expelled from the container with the dispensed
product.
[0006] An alternative conventional design allows for separation of
the propellant from the contents. Such containers have an inner
sack filled with contents and mounted within an outer container.
The contents of the inner sack are under pressure from the
propellant that is stored in the outer container and surrounding
the inner sack. This "double chamber" device suffers from the
drawback of limiting the volume of the inner sack as a result of
the volume of the outer container, as well as the opening through
which it must be inserted.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
container with flexibility.
[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide
such a container that is adapted for use as an inner chamber in a
double chamber aerosol container.
[0009] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
such a container that has variable capacity.
[0010] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide such a container that provides a desired volume while
maintaining a height restriction.
[0011] The above objects and advantages of the present invention
are achieved by a container for storing contents under pressure
adapted for insertion into a rigid outer housing having a narrowed
opening. The container has a body having an open end, a closed end,
and an inner surface. The body is selectively transformable amongst
at least a first physical state having a first volume, a second
physical state having a second volume and a third physical state
having a third volume. The first volume is greater than the second
volume and the third volume is greater than the first volume. The
body can be transformed into the second physical state by a
substantially longitudinal force upon the body. The body can be
transformed into the third physical state by a substantially
outwardly radial force upon the inner surface. The body can be
cylindrical. The body can be made from a flexible material.
[0012] The present invention also includes a container having a
body having an open end, a closed end, an inner surface, and an
outer surface. The outer surface has at least one pleat along at
least a portion of the body. The body is selectively transformable
amongst at least a first physical state having a first volume, a
second physical state having a second volume and a third physical
state having a third volume. The first volume is greater than the
second volume and the third volume is greater than the first
volume. The body can be cylindrical. The body can be made from a
flexible material. The container can have a plurality of pleats.
The plurality of pleats can be about 10 to about 12 pleats. The
plurality of pleats can be longitudinally positioned along the
body. The plurality of pleats can each have a first end and a
second end, with the first end being tapered toward the open end
and the second end being tapered toward the closed end. The
plurality of pleats can be diametrically opposed from each other
along the body. The plurality of pleats can be equidistantly spaced
apart along the body. The closed end can be tapered. The open end
can have a downwardly curved rim.
[0013] The present invention further includes a variable capacity
container system or assembly for storing contents under pressure.
The container system has a rigid outer housing having a narrowed
opening and a container for storing contents under pressure adapted
for insertion into the rigid outer housing through the narrowed
opening. The container has a body with an open end, a closed end,
and an inner surface. The body has an outer surface with at least
one pleat along at least a portion of the body, and the body can be
selectively transformed amongst at least a first physical state
having a first volume, a second physical state having a second
volume and a third physical state having a third volume. The first
volume is greater than the second volume and the third volume is
greater than the first volume. The body can be cylindrical. The
body can be made from a flexible material. The container can have a
plurality of pleats. The plurality of pleats can be about 10 to
about 12 pleats. The plurality of pleats can be longitudinally
positioned along the body. The plurality of pleats can each have a
first end and a second end, with the first end being tapered toward
the open end and the second end being tapered toward the closed
end. The plurality of pleats can be diametrically opposed from each
other along the body. The plurality of pleats can be equidistantly
spaced apart along the body. The closed end can be tapered. The
open end can have a downwardly curved rim.
[0014] Other and further objects, advantages and features of the
present invention will be understood by reference to the
following.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the container of the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a top view of the container of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the container of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 1
taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of portion A of the
container of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a container
assembly of the present invention with the container of FIG. 1
housed in an outer housing after filling of the container;
[0021] FIG. 7a is a schematic view of the container of FIG. 1
showing a first physical state;
[0022] FIG. 7b is a schematic view of the container of FIG. 1
showing a second physical state;
[0023] FIG. 7c is a schematic view of the container of FIG. 1
showing a third physical state;
[0024] FIG. 8a is a bottom view of the container of FIG. 7a showing
the first physical state;
[0025] FIG. 8b is a bottom view of the container of FIG. 8b showing
the second physical state;
[0026] FIG. 8c is a bottom view of the container of FIG. 8c showing
the third physical state; and
[0027] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the container assembly with
the container of FIG. 1 and an applicator.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] Referring to the drawings and, in particular, FIGS. 1
through 6, there is shown a preferred embodiment of the container
assembly and the container of the present invention generally
represented by reference numerals 1 and 400, respectively.
Container assembly 1 has a valve system or assembly 100, a first
container or chamber 400, a second container or chamber 500 and an
outer housing or aerosol canister 600.
[0029] Container 400 has a top 410, a body 430 and a bottom 440.
Preferably, bottom 440 is a tapered end of container 400. Container
400 is preferably substantially cylindrical in shape.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 6, housing 600 is adapted to receive
container 400. Housing 600 has a housing rim 675. The tapered shape
of bottom 440 of container 400 facilitates insertion of container
400 into rigid outer housing 600 through housing rim 675.
[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 5, top 410 has a neck 415 and a
rim 417 that defines an opening 420. Opening 420 can have any
geometric shape, however, it is preferred that the shape be oval,
hexagonal, octagonal or circular. Most preferably, opening 420 is
circular in shape.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 6, opening 420 preferably has a diameter
slightly less than the diameter of housing rim 675 of outer housing
600 since container 400 will be inserted through the housing rim
into the outer housing. However, alternative shapes and sizes may
also be used for housing rim 675, opening 420, container 400 and
housing 600 for other purposes, including to facilitate housing of
container 400 in housing 600 or to facilitate insertion of a
substance into container 400 through opening 420.
[0033] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 6, rim 417 extends outwardly
from the upper edge of neck 415. Preferably, rim 417 has a
downwardly curved shape. The curved shape facilitates sealing
engagement between rim 417 and housing rim 675, shown in more
detail in FIG. 6. Neck 415 extends downwardly terminating at body
430.
[0034] Body 430 has a plurality of pleats 435. Each pleat 435
extends along container 400. Preferably, each pleat 435 extends
along container 400 parallel to the longitudinal axis of the
container. Each pleat 435 commences at the bottom of neck 415 and
terminates at the bottom of bottom 440. Each pleat 435 has a first
end 437 and a second end 438. First end 437 is located at the top
of pleat 435 and tapers off towards the bottom of neck 415. Second
end 438 is located at the bottom of pleat 435 and tapers off
towards the bottom of bottom 440. Preferably, body 430 has about 4
to about 20 pleats 435. More preferably, body 430 has about 10 to
about 12 pleats 435. Pairs of pleats 435 are preferably
diametrically opposed. More preferably, pleats 435 are
equidistantly spaced apart from each other.
[0035] Container 400 is made from a non-rigid material that
provides a barrier to prevent contamination of the substance
contained therein. Preferably, container 400 is made from a
polymer, e.g., an olefin, nylon, ethylene, polyethylene
perephthalate ("PET") or any combination thereof. Most preferably,
container 400 is made from PET or an olefin. The molding process
should provide for container 400 with thin walls to facilitate
flexing of the pleats.
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 7a through 8c, container 400 is shown in
three physical states, i.e., state 1 (FIGS. 7a and 8a), state 2
(FIGS. 7b and 8b), and state 3 (FIGS. 7c and 8c), absent housing
600 and second container 500 of FIG. 6. State 1 is the shape of
container 400 as it is molded. In this embodiment, container 400 is
preferably made from a polymer. The pleated shape of container 400
is capable of holding a greater volume of substance than a
container of the same length having a cylindrical shape that would
fit through housing rim 675 of outer housing 600 of FIG. 6.
[0037] State 2 is the shape of container 400 necessary for
insertion through housing rim 675 into outer housing 600 of FIG. 6.
Applying a force to container 400 that is substantially parallel to
the longitudinal axis of the container, allows it to transform from
state 1 to state 2 as a result of the pleated design and its
material. Container 400 in state 2 has a greater length than
container 400 in state 1 due to the application of the longitudinal
force on the container. As shown clearly in the bottom views of
container 400 in FIGS. 8a and 8b, each side of pleat 435 moves
inwardly, substantially toward the center longitudinal axis of
container 400 when the container transforms from state 1 to state
2. Thus, the volume or capacity of container 400 is reduced. The
narrowing of container 400 in state 2, as well as the tapered shape
of bottom 440, facilitates insertion through housing rim 675 into
outer housing 600. Once housed within outer housing 600, container
400 reverts back to state 1 due to the resiliency of the
material.
[0038] State 3 is the shape of container 400 after it has been
filled with the substance it will store. The expanding of container
400 is a result of the volume of the substance inserted through
opening 420 and the material of container 400. Shown clearly in the
bottom views of container 400 in FIGS. 8a and 8c, each side of
pleat 435 moves outwardly, substantially away from the center
longitudinal axis of container 400 when the container transforms
from state 1 to state 3. Thus, the volume or capacity of container
400 is enlarged.
[0039] As a result of its non-rigid material, as well as the
pleated design, container 400 is capable of varying its volume
between states 1, 2 and 3. Preferably, the design and flexibility
of container 400 also allows it to collapse under pressure and
nearly completely evacuate its contents.
[0040] Each side of pleat 435 has a depth to maximize the varying
capacity of container 400. The preferred embodiment allows
container 400 to fit through housing rim 675 with a limited
capacity while in state 2 and to expand in the container with an
enlarged capacity while in state 3. This maximization of the
capacity of container 400 allows the container to maximize the
volume of substance held in the container while not requiring an
enlarged housing rim 675 through which the container must be
inserted. This is especially useful in hair dye applications where
a consumer requires a certain amount of product and it is
beneficial to limit the size and weight of container 400 in which
the product is held, to enhance aesthetic appeal.
[0041] In this embodiment, and by way of example, container 400 can
be used in conjunction with a pressurized container system to eject
hair dye products as shown in FIG. 6. Container 400 is partially
filled with a first substance, i.e., a developer composition
("developer") through opening 420. A second inner container 500
that will be filled with a second substance, i.e., hair dye
composition ("dye"), is inserted through opening 420 and into
container 400. Container 400 and second container 500 are sealingly
engaged with housing rim 675.
[0042] An example of container assembly 1 is disclosed in the
co-pending and commonly owned U.S. Application entitled
"Pressurized Container" which has been filed evenly herewith
(Attorney Docket No. G-00281), and the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
[0043] As described above, the material chosen for container 400
should be non-rigid, while providing a barrier for its contents, as
well as being able to withstand external pressures of about 30 psi.
Due to the variable capacity design, the present invention is
capable of easily being inserted through housing rim 675 and
provides a larger volume than a conventional container with a
diameter limited by the diameter of the housing rim.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 6, a valve system 100 is crimped on
housing rim 675 after first and second containers 400, 500 have
been inserted through the housing rim. Thus, housing 600 has three
separately sealed first, second and third volumes 650, 450 and 550,
respectively. Valve system 100 allows one-way flow from second
volume 450 (container 400) and two-way flow with third volume 550
(second container 500). Valve system 100 allows second container
500 to be filled after insertion into container 400. However,
alternative embodiments can include one-way flow from container 400
and two-way flow with second container 500.
[0045] An example of valve system or assembly 100 is disclosed in
the co-pending and commonly owned U.S. Application entitled "Valve"
which has been filed contemporaneously herewith (Attorney Docket
No. G-00287), and the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
[0046] By way of example, the present invention when used for hair
dye products would require filling first volume 650 with a
propellant, second volume 450 with the developer and third volume
550 with the dye. The pressure applied from the propellant in first
volume 650 onto container 400 increases the pressure in second
volume 450 due to the flexible material from which container 400 is
made. This increased pressure in second volume 450 results in an
external pressure on second container 500 which increases the
pressure in third volume 550 due to the flexible material from
which second container 500 is made. When valve system 100 is
actuated, the increased pressure in second and third volumes 450,
550 cause the substance in container 400, i.e., the developer, and
the substance in second container 500, i.e., the dye, to travel
through the valve system, mix and then dispense into the
atmosphere.
[0047] As the developer in second volume 450 is ejected, the second
volume 450 is reduced as a result of the flexible material that
forms container 400 and the pressure placed upon container 400 by
the propellant contained in first volume 650 of housing 600. Once
all of the developer is ejected from second volume 450, container
400 preferably collapses. Likewise, as the substance, i.e., the
dye, in third volume 550 is ejected, third volume 550 is reduced as
a result of the flexible material forming second container 500 and
the pressure placed upon second container 500 by the propellant
contained in first volume 650 of housing 600.
[0048] Although in this embodiment, the propellant is in outer most
volume 650, i.e., housing 600, creating an inward pressure upon
container 400 and second container 500, the propellant can be in
middle volume 450, i.e., container 400, or inner most volume 550,
i.e., second container 500, to create pressure in the other
volumes.
[0049] Thus, the present invention allows use of a container with a
varying capacity. Flexible bags can undergo volume increases based
upon the pressure exerted upon the walls of the flexible bags by
the liquid being held. The present invention has three fixed states
of defined interior volumes as a result of the pleated design, the
material from which the container is made and forces applied to
container 400. Container 400 provides the benefit of allowing
insertion into housing 600 having a narrowed neck without having to
reduce the diameter, and thus the volume, of container 400.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 9, an applicator of the present invention
is shown and generally represented by reference numeral 900.
Applicator 900 has a base 920, an applicator channel 950 and
applicator members 970.
[0051] Applicator 900 is attached to container assembly 1 at base
920. Preferably applicator 900 is removably attached to container
assembly 1 . Applicator 900 is secured to valve system 100 such
that movement of the applicator causes actuation of the valve
system. Applicator channel 950 is in fluid communication with valve
system 100 to provide for flow out of the valve system into the
applicator channel. Applicator members 970 are tine-like structures
that form a comb for application of the dispensed product. While
applicator 900 is a comb-like device that is in fluid communication
with valve system 100, alternative applicator devices can also be
used with container assembly 1 and valve system 100 that allow for
application of the product after the different substances have been
mixed and ejected.
[0052] The present invention having been thus described with
particular reference to the preferred forms thereof, it will be
obvious that various changes and modifications may be made therein
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention as defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *