U.S. patent application number 10/484863 was filed with the patent office on 2004-12-02 for container with outlet.
Invention is credited to McGill, Shane Robert.
Application Number | 20040238576 10/484863 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 9919018 |
Filed Date | 2004-12-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040238576 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McGill, Shane Robert |
December 2, 2004 |
Container with outlet
Abstract
A container is arranged to be particlularly suite to food
products which are discharged from the container by extrusion
through an outlet (14). The outlet shapes the product as it is
extruded and is made up of moveable portions (25) whose extent of
movement is limited by limiting means (28, 29) so that the portions
(25) still lie across the path of product extruding through the
opening (14).
Inventors: |
McGill, Shane Robert; (West
Malling, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JOHN S. PRATT, ESQ
KILPATRICK STOCKTON, LLP
1100 PEACHTREE STREET
ATLANTA
GA
30309
US
|
Family ID: |
9919018 |
Appl. No.: |
10/484863 |
Filed: |
July 23, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
July 22, 2002 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB02/03340 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/495 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 47/2018 20130101;
B65D 83/0005 20130101; A23G 9/285 20130101; B65D 85/78
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/495 |
International
Class: |
B65D 005/72 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 23, 2001 |
GB |
0117928.2 |
Claims
1. A container having an outlet and being arranged so that the
internal volume of the container is reduced to extrude product
through the outlet, the outlet being arranged to shape the produce
as it is discharged through the outlet, the outlet being defined by
portions of the container being moveable under pressure of product
in the container to be displaced outwardly of the container to
define an opening between said displaced portions, the extent of
movement of said portions being limited by movement limiting means
associated with displaced portions.
2. A container according to claim 1 wherein the displaced portions
are formed as segments of a circle.
3. A container according to claim 2 wherein successive segments are
interconnected prior to displacement by interconnection means which
is frangible when pressure of product in the container is applied
to said portions.
4. A container according to claim 1 wherein there are between three
and six of said displaceable portions whereby product issuing
through the opening is shaped through a generally star-shaped
cross-section.
5. A container according to claim 1 wherein the displaceable
portions are separated from one another whereby radial lines of
weakness extending from a central position of the outlet.
6. A container according to claim 1 wherein the outlet is formed in
a region of the container which is concavely shaped so that as the
internal pressure in the container is increased, the concave is
deformed outwardly.
7. A container according to claim 1 wherein said displaceable
portions carry projecting means which during displacement are
arranged to engage with means adjacent said portions whereby to
limit the movement of said displaced portions.
8. A container according to claim 7 wherein said limiting means lie
generally radially in relation to the central part of the outlet
and each displaceable portion has an outwardly directed part which
engages with an upstanding abutment adjacent the outlet when fully
displaced.
9. A container according to claim 8 wherein the inter-engaging
surfaces on the projecting means and the abutments are inclined to
one another before displacement to achieve the desired displacement
before inter-engagement of said surfaces.
10. A container according to claim 6 wherein the outlet is of
elongate shape having displaceable portions in two groups, the
portions in one group extending along one side of the opening and
the portions in the other group extending along the other side of
the opening.
11. A container according to claim 10 wherein the outlet is on
generally rectangular shape, the portions extending along each of
the longer sides of the rectangle.
12. A container according to claim 10 wherein the displaceable
portions are integral with the container and move out of the plane
of the outlet by a hinging movement about one side.
13. A container according to claim 12 wherein the portions are each
hinged to the container about a hinge line.
14. A container according to claim 12 wherein the positions are
adjacent to but separate from adjacent portions.
Description
[0001] This invention relates to containers, particularly for food
product, the containers each having an outlet and being arranged so
that the internal volume thereof is reduced to extrude product
through the outlet.
[0002] There has been proposed in PCT patent specifications
WO96/01224 and WO94/13154 containers from which food product,
particularly ice cream, is extruded through an outlet whose
cross-section is less than the cross-section of the container. In
these earlier containers the internal volume of the container is
reduced by deforming the container. However, there are other ways
of reducing the internal volume, for example by the use of a piston
in the container. The containers have had an outlet through which
product is discharged and the outlet shapes the product during
discharge to enhance the product's appearance.
[0003] To improve the usefulness of the container, there should be
straightforward means for opening the outlet whilst providing
sufficient security to prevent product from becoming inadvertently
discharged.
[0004] According to the invention, there is provided a container
which has an outlet and is arranged so that the internal volume of
the container is reduced to extrude product through the outlet, the
outlet being arranged to shape the product as it is discharged
through the outlet, the outlet being defined by portions of the
container moveable under pressure of product in the container to be
displaced outwardly of the container to define an opening between
said displaced portions, the extent of movement of said displaced
portion being limited by movement limiting means associated with
the displaced portions.
[0005] Preferably, the displaced portions are generally formed as
segments of a circle. Between successive segments there may be
interconnecting means which is frangible when the pressure of
product in the container is applied to said portions. Conveniently,
there are between three and six segments whereby to shape the
product to a star-shaped cross-section. The portions may be
separated by radial lines of weakness extending from a central
position of the outlet.
[0006] The outlet may be formed in a region of the container which
is concavely shaped so that, as the internal pressure in the
container is increased, the concave shape is deformed outwardly
assisting in causing the displaced portions to separate from one
another.
[0007] In one arrangement, the displaced portions carry projecting
means which, following displacement, are arranged to engage with
means adjacent said portions whereby to limit the movement of said
displaced portions, and control the cross-sectional shape of the
extruded product.
[0008] Further features of the invention will appear from the
following description of an embodiment of the invention given by
way of example only and with reference to the drawings, in
which:
[0009] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a two-part container
suitable for use with the invention, shown separated,
[0010] FIG. 2 shows an underside view, in perspective, of the
container of FIG. 1, illustrating the outlet,
[0011] FIG. 3 shows a plan view of the outlet of the container of
FIG. 2, when closed,
[0012] FIG. 4 shows a plan view corresponding to FIG. 3 with the
outlet open,
[0013] FIG. 5 shows a cross-section on the line A-A in FIG. 4 with
the outlet open,
[0014] FIG. 6 is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 5, with the
outlet closed,
[0015] FIG. 7 is a cross-section of an alternative form of outlet
in the closed position,
[0016] FIG. 8 is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 7 with the
outlet open,
[0017] FIG. 9 is a further alternative form of outlet in the closed
position,
[0018] FIG. 10 is a cross-section of the outlet of FIG. 9 in an
open position,
[0019] FIG. 11 is a plan view of an alteration form of outlet in a
closed position and
[0020] FIG. 12 is a cross-section on line 12-12 in FIG. 11,
[0021] FIG. 13 is a view corresponding to FIG. 11 in an open
position and FIG. 14 is a cross-section along the line 14-14 in
FIG. 13, and
[0022] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the base of the container
of FIGS. 3-6.
[0023] Referring to the drawings, there is shown a container which
is intended to be used in dispensing apparatus of the kind
described in PCT patent specifications WO96/01224 and WO94/13154.
In using the container, it is filled with product at a location
remote from the dispensing apparatus and is frozen, transported to
the apparatus and then dispensed into receptacles by extrusion.
[0024] The illustrated container comprises a base portion 11 and a
lid or closure 12. The base 11 is of circular section and has a
hemispherical lower part 13 in which is formed an outlet 14 located
centrally of the base 11 although, if required, more than one
outlet 14 may be provided in the base 11. There is provided a
shoulder 15 midway up the base 11, and an outwardly tapering
portion 16 terminating at the upper end of the base 11 in a lip 17
defining an inlet 18 into which the product is charged into the
base 11. After filling, the closure 12 is located over the lip 17
to make sealing engagement with the base 12. Centrally of the
closure 12 is formed a domed portion 20 which extends upwardly and
has a flattened region 21 in the central area. In use the food
container is discharged by extrusion of product from the outlet 14
by a plunger (not shown) engaging the domed portion 20 and causing
it to deform downwards towards the inner surface of the portion 13
of the base 11. The deforming action reduces the internal volume of
the container putting the product therein under pressure and
causing the product to be discharged through the outlet 14, in
known manner.
[0025] The outlet 14 is arranged to be shaped such that product
being extruded through the outlet takes up an external shape which
is the shape of the outlet 14.
[0026] Referring now particularly to FIGS. 3-6, the outlet 14 of
one embodiment is shown in more detail. In this arrangement, the
outlet is defined by five segments 25 which are hinged about their
wider end at 25A and which, when the container is ready for use,
are coplanar with the underside of the portion 13 of the container
base 11. The individual segments 25 are formed with radial lines of
weakness 26 between successive segments extending radially from a
central point 27. The arrangement is such that upon pressure being
applied to product within the container, the segments separate from
one another along the lines of weakness 26 and are able to pivot
about the hinge lines 25A thereby opening up a central opening 30
as seen in FIG. 4. The hinge lines 25A are formed to provide a
predefined hinge in the moulding process, for example by locally
reducing the thickness.
[0027] It will be appreciated that the size and shape of the
opening 30 is dependent upon the extent which the segments 25 have
moved about their associated hinges 25A. In order to predetermine
such extent of movement, each of the segments 25 is formed with a
protrusion or stop member 28. A complimentary protrusion or stop
member 29 is located integrally formed with the base member 13 so
as to be in alignment and co-operatively arranged with the stop
member 28. The stop members 28 and 29 have co-operating abutment
surfaces 28A and 29A so that as the segments 25 are moved about
their hinges 25A during dispensing, the abutment surfaces 28A and
29A come into contact with one another and limit further movement
of the segments 25 about their hinges 25A. The stop members 28 and
29 are arranged to be of a size to limit the segment to move a
predetermined amount according to the shape of the opening 30 which
is required.
[0028] As illustrated, the opening 30 is of a shape to provide a
five-pointed star shape but it will be appreciated that if fewer or
more than five segments are provided the shape will change, but it
is still preferred that the opening 30 is of star-shape. The stop
members 28 and 29 are arranged to ensure that the segments 25 move
about their associated hinges, a limited extent to provide an
opening 30 of the desired shape. It will be appreciated that if the
segments 25 were permitted to move to a position at, say, a right
angle to the base, the shape of the opening would become that of a
pentagon and the product being extruded through the opening 30
would no longer provide a star-shaped cross-section. Customers for
ice cream products generally prefer the extruded ice cream to have
a star-shaped cross-section. The illustrated arrangement ensures
that this is achieved with an outlet arrangement which opens under
the pressure of product being discharged.
[0029] Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, there is shown an
alternative outlet arrangement. In this case, a similar arrangement
to that of the preceding embodiment is provided except that the
segments 25 when closed extend to present a concave surface to the
outside of the container. A similar arrangement of stop members 28
and 29 is provided for each segment 25 but in the present
embodiment the initial movement of the segments 25 in the outwards
direction ensures that the lines of weakness 26 are frangible and
are separated from one another during the initial stage of
discharge. The segments move towards an outwardly convex shape
during such movement.
[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10 there is shown a further
arrangement similar to that of FIGS. 7 and 8 except that in this
case each of the segments 25A is provided with a stop member 31
which is of such a size and shape that when the segments have moved
downwards a predetermined amount, a portion 31A of the segment
comes into contact with the underside of the container base 13 to
define the extent of movement of the segment.
[0031] It should be noted that in the drawings the stop members 28,
29 and 31 are shown on one of the segments 25 only, for
illustration purposes.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 11-14, there is shown an outlet in a
container which is of generally elongate rectangular shape and is
intended to have product extruded to it to form a shape which is a
zig-zag shape as defined in the shaded area 45 in FIG. 13.
[0033] The area within the rectangle of the outlet is, when the
outlet is closed, as in FIGS. 11 and 12, occupied by pivotable
segments 23 each of generally triangular shape and hinged at 46
along the side opposite to apex 47 to be pivotable about the line
46 between the closed position of FIGS. 11 and 12 and the open
position of FIGS. 13 and 14.
[0034] The segments 25 along their side edges 48 are frangibly
connected to adjacent segments 25 whereby the frangible connections
are broken when pressure within the container exceeds a
predetermined amount to permit the segments 25 to pivot out along
the hinged lines 46.
[0035] Alternatively, the segments 25 are in sealing contact with
the side edges 48 of adjacent segments, but not connected thereto
so that internal pressure of product towards the segments to pivot
causes the pivoting movement of the segments.
[0036] The frangible connections can be by providing a line of
weakness along the side edges 48, perforations, a line of thinner
material, or the material may be cut through along such lines.
[0037] Each of the segments is provided on its outer surface with a
stop member 28 which may be in the form of a narrow protrusion
shaped over its outer edge 49 to engage with an abutment 29 which
is formed to extend around the outlet 14 either on a support for
the container during operation and extrusion, or on the container
base itself.
[0038] The abutment 29 is shown as presenting a surface 50
extending at a right-angle to the base of the container to be
engaged by the edge surface 49 of each segment whereby to limit the
pivotal movement of each segment and to leave the segments in the
positions shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, thereby providing the outlet
shape 45 as described.
[0039] It will be appreciated that other means may be provided for
controlling the movement of the segments 25 about their associated
hinges 25A. For example, the segments 25 may have a different
thickness over their radially inner and the outer portions, so as
to be more flexible over the radially inner portion. This enables
the segments 25 to flex to provide an opening of a similar shape to
the opening 40 in FIG. 4. In this arrangement, the hinge 25A may be
omitted.
[0040] The illustrated arrangement normally avoids the need to
apply a peelable closure over the outlet 14 which can have safety
problems particularly when dispensing from containers in a self
vending arrangement. Moreover, product should not be able to pass
through the container along the lines of weakness 26 during filling
the container, transportation and storage of the container. The
segments 25 may be separated from one another along said radial
lines before internal pressure is applied without the risk of
leakage since the product within the container is frozen and the
segments are in contact with each other and thereby provide a
seal.
[0041] In use of the container described, it is placed in the
apparatus. Internal pressure is applied to the product within the
container so that the segments are separated from one another along
the lines of weakness 26, the segments move downwards about their
hinge line 25A and product is discharged to be shaped according to
the shape of the opening 30.
[0042] The container may be used to deliver more than one portion
of product. Thus after delivery of one portion the outlet-segements
are closed up to seal or close the outlet due to the resilience of
the hinge connection.
* * * * *