U.S. patent application number 11/067034 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-31 for pressure point food container, storage, and mixing system.
Invention is credited to Roger Sramek, Philip Torbet, Marc Vogel.
Application Number | 20060191805 11/067034 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36931062 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060191805 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Vogel; Marc ; et
al. |
August 31, 2006 |
Pressure point food container, storage, and mixing system
Abstract
Closure systems for food containers, and methods for mixing
foods in portable containers is disclosed, using new apparatus for
closing portable containers to store and transport foods, and new
processes for mixing those foods prior to final or on-site
dispensing and use, in which the food mixing takes place within the
container, generally prior to its opening, as chambers or
compartments within a container are opened to other chambers or
compartments within the same container by transmission of pressure
or tension from the exterior of the container, to one or more
points, lines, or channels in one or more walls of chambers within
the container, thereby opening one or more channels between such
chambers through which food, fluids, or materials may travel.
Inventors: |
Vogel; Marc; (San Francisco,
CA) ; Torbet; Philip; (San Rafael, CA) ;
Sramek; Roger; (Tiburon, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Thomas W. Cook;Thomas Cook Intellectual Property Attorneys
3030 Bridgeway, Suite 425-430
P.O. Box 1989
Sausalito
CA
94965
US
|
Family ID: |
36931062 |
Appl. No.: |
11/067034 |
Filed: |
February 26, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/222 ;
206/219 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 51/2864 20130101;
B65D 51/2878 20130101; B65D 25/087 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/222 ;
206/219 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/08 20060101
B65D025/08 |
Claims
1. A container for storing materials comprising: a first outer
compartment having a flexible wall; a second inner compartment
having a substantially semi-rigid wall; the second inner
compartment residing within the first outer compartment; the second
inner compartment having a channel formed in the second inner
container wall; means for sealing the channel formed in the second
inner container wall; and means for opening the channel in the
second inner container wall by opening the channel sealing
means.
2. The container of claim 1, further comprising means for opening
the flexible wall of the first outer container.
3. A container for storing materials comprising: a first wall
having an opening; a second wall forming an open compartment having
a volume; the first wall adapted to fit tightly over the open
compartment of the second wall, thereby creating a hermetically
sealed space between the first wall and the second wall; a closure
residing between the first wall and the second wall, the closure
having a channel, the channel having a mouth; the first wall
adapted to fit tightly over the closure, thereby creating a
hermetically sealed space between the first wall and the closure
upon sealing the mouth of the channel; a first seal, adapted to
seal the mouth of the channel, the first seal positioned over the
mouth of the channel to thereby seal the channel; means for
transmitting tension to the first seal to break it away from the
mouth of the channel, the means for transmitting tension to the
first seal extending from the first seal, through the space between
the first wall and the closure, and through the opening in the
first wall, and to the exterior of the container; and a second
seal, residing over the opening in the first wall, the second seal
adapted to fit snugly around the means for transmitting tension to
the first seal, the second seal closing the opening in the first
wall.
4. The container of claim 3, in which the second seal is firmly
attached to the means for transmitting tension to the first seal,
with frangible connection between the second seal and the first
wall.
5. A lid for sealing a container comprising: a substantially flat
lid body having an opening therethrough, the lid body having a lip
at its edge for engaging a container wall; a pouch having at least
one lobe formed from a thin sheet of material, the lobe having an
interior and at least one frangible line in the thin sheet; means
for pulling the pouch through the opening in the lid body, thereby
increasing pressure within the interior of the pouch; and the means
for pulling the pouch extends through the opening in the lid body,
and is attached to the lobe along a line substantially distal from
the frangible line in the thin sheet of the lobe.
6. The lid of claim 5, in which the pouch has two lobes, each lobe
having an interior and at least one frangible line in the thin
sheet of material, each lobe being attached to the means for
pulling the pouch.
7. The lid of claim 5, in which the opening in the lid body is near
the center of the lid body.
8. The lid of claim 5, in which the opening in the lid body is near
one side of the lid body.
9. The lid of claim 5, in which the opening in the lid body is a
narrow slit, and the means for pulling the pouch is a strip formed
to fit within the slit.
10. The lid of claim 5, in which the pouch is removably affixed to
the underside of the lid body, such that the pouch may break away
from the underside of the body of the lid when tension is applied
to the means for pulling the pouch.
11. A container for mixing materials comprising: a dispensing
chamber having sides and roof, and an opening at one end; the
dispensing chamber having a plunger consisting of a shaft, the
shaft extending axially from the interior of the roof of the
dispensing chamber, through its interior, and toward its opening;
the plunger shaft having a stopper near the end of the shaft; a
connecting chamber having on one side a boss extending therefrom,
and on the other side an opening; the boss of the connecting
chamber having an opening in its distal end; the boss of the
connecting chamber having walls formed to closely engage with the
opening of the dispensing chamber; and the opening of the
dispensing chamber residing over the end of the boss of the
connecting chamber, the shaft of the dispensing chamber plunger
extending through the opening of the boss of the connecting
chamber.
12. The container of claim 11, in which the connecting chamber has
a plurality of bosses, and a plurality of dispensing chambers
engaged therewith.
13. The container of claim 11, further comprising means for
removably affixing the connecting chamber to a vessel.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to closure systems for food
containers, and methods for mixing foods in portable containers.
More particularly, the present invention relates to a new apparatus
and process for closing portable containers, for storing and
transporting foods, and mixing those foods prior to final or
on-site dispensing and use. The food mixing, like the storage and
transport, takes place within the container, generally prior to its
opening, as chambers within the container are opened to other
chambers within the same container. The food mixing operation may
utilize a variety of apparatus, but in each apparatus a user, from
the exterior of the container, transmits pressure or tension to one
or more points, lines, or channels in one or more walls of chambers
within the container. The user thereby opens one or more channels
between such chambers through which food, fluids, or other
materials may travel. In some apparatus, chambers may be created
from flexible or frangible material such that, with the application
of further pressure or tension, a user may forcefully eject the
contents of a chamber or chambers, and even meter and mix foods
held within the container. The present invention may be extended to
uses outside the food industries to store, transport, and mix
drugs, paints, chemicals, and other materials prior to final
dispensing and use.
BACKGROUND ART OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Mixing of food in portable containers is not new. Processed
foods, having relatively long shelf life when kept separate from
other foods, have a greatly reduced shelf life when they are mixed
with water or other fluids, or combined with fresh foods which have
not been so treated. Consumers of food products may be called upon,
or find it desirable, to store or transport their food, or eat it
at a location remote from its preparation. Thus, from before the
time the "picnic" was invented, people have wished to carry
different kinds of foods separated from one another, and join or
mix them at a location away from their point of origin. Examples of
this reduction of shelf life include (i) powdered foods, for which
shelf life is reduced when combined with water or other fluids to
"reconstitute" them, (ii) concentrates, for which shelf life is
reduced when combined with water or other fluids to dilute them,
and (iii) pasturized foods, for which shelf life is reduced when
combined with other foods which have not been so treated.
[0003] As a result, a variety of methods and apparatus have been
developed to assist the storage and transport of foods separate
from one another, and later mixing or dispensing of such foods
prior to consumption. These apparatus include simple cups with
tops, to more elaborate multi-chamber devices. These earlier
inventions are generally directed to the mixture of two foods
having different consistencies from separate containers in which
the foods reside and are transported, and to the mixture of two
foods in a special-purpose mixing container which is not used to
transport the foods themselves. In some cases, containers designed
to store or transport food and, at the same time, hold a tool
useful for consuming the food within the container might be adapted
to hold two kinds of foods for later mixing, or mixing after
transporting. Current technology provides for hermetically sealing
foods, for insulating them during storage or transport, for mixing
them in chambers within containers by opening one chamber to the
other after the container has been opened first, for mixing by
rupturing frangible diaphrams or membranes between chambers, and by
opening plugged channels between threaded chambers by "unscrewing"
the chambers one from the next.
[0004] In attempting to provide containers for transporting foods
(including beverages) and mixing foods at a place and time
convenient to the consumer of such foods, others have devised
various apparatus. Such apparatus within the prior art include:
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,387,809 to Botzler, which discloses a
multi-compartment stirrer device, with exterior tear-away or
perforated sealable tabs affixed atop each compartment emptying
slot, for food dispensing foods or additives to a beverage.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,480,926 to Lattery, which discloses a
powdered food product mixing device, having a motor and rotatable
shafts extending into the interior of the container, for mixing
powdered food product with liquid.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,328 to Baron et al., which discloses an
apparatus adapted to fit between a tubular container of a baby
bottle and a nipple end cap, for storing a quantity of food
material, with a release mechanism threadably coupled to an upper
end of a baby bottle, for mixing such food material with the
contents of the baby bottle.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,079,405 to Justo, which discloses an
apparatus for housing and producing a final liquid comestible
product (liquid baby formula) upon combination of initial (unmixed)
liquid comestibles (powdered baby formula and water) residing in
upper and lower chambers within the apparatus.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 6,596,328 B1 to Bezek et al., which discloses
a consumables container with multi-functional cap.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 6,652,134 B2 to Lloyd, which discloses a
portable beverage delivery system for preparing and delivering a
multi-component beverage in which separate chambers house first and
second beverage elements, which elements are mixed by rupture of a
frangible wall between the chambers.
[0011] In the arena of baby bottles for holding formula
particularly, a wide variety of portable containers have been
developed for mixing formula with water to produce ready to eat
formula.
[0012] While the inventions disclosed in these prior patents
fulfill their respective objectives, these prior patents do not
describe or suggest combination of foods prior to opening the
container by application of pressure or tension which is
transmitted to the container interior to one or more points, lines,
or channels in one or-more walls of chambers within the container,
thereby opening one or more channels between such chambers through
which food, liquids, gels, or solids may travel. No apparatus in
the prior art has been designed to store and/or transport a number
of foods in separate chambers within a single container and, with
the application of that pressure or tension, easily combine food in
liquid form (or food suspended in liquid) with solid foods, and so
allow mixing of such foods prior to opening the (storing and
transporting) container. No apparatus in the prior art has been
designed to allow easy combination of foods in a portable container
before opening the container merely by the application of tension,
generally by pulling a tab or ring. No apparatus in the prior art
has been designed to combine two or more foods in liquid form,
separated during transit, to solid foods or liquid foods, in equal
amounts, or in amounts controlled by the size of the chambers in
which the foods reside, or in amounts the user may control as she
controls the amount of pressure or tension exerted to the exterior
of the container. No apparatus in the prior art has been designed
which allows a user to forcefully eject one or more foods into one
or more other foods in a sealed container, or allows a user to
agitate foods in a sealed container once foods are combined, to
fully mix such foods according to the wishes of the user, all prior
to opening the container, thereby limiting or eliminating loss of
food from the container (and consequent mess) as is the case of
mixing in an open container. And, finally, no method in the prior
art has been devised which accomplishes any of these desirable
results in a single, portable, container, with or without multiple
chambers. The present invention, on the other hand, accomplishes
all of these functions, in a portable container in which the user
may store and transport separated materials, and in which the user
has control of the mixing or despensing of foods or other materials
within the container prior to opening.
[0013] By utilizing the features of various embodiments of the
present invention, and other features set forth below, one can
accomplish all these tasks, thereby allowing foods to be (1)
prepared for consumption separatly from other foods or liquids
which accelerate degradation of the foods when they are combined,
(2) packaged in a single, portable (and often sterile) container,
(3) sealed in the container, (4) transported to a location and at a
time convenient or desirable to the user, (5) combined or dispensed
in a sealed container to allow easy mixing, or mixing in measured
or desirable amounts, all without losing foods to the environment
outside the container and then, finally, (6) accessed after opening
the container, so that a user may consume the now mixed foods (or
other materials) in a freshly-mixed condition.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] In its simplest form, the present invention comprises
apparatus in the form of a portable container for mixing solid
foods, or solid foods and fluids, or solid foods with foods
suspended in liquids, without first opening the container. The
mixing is accomplished by means of an opening feature which, when
manipulated from the exterior of the container prior to opening,
transmits pressure or tension to one or more points, lines, or
channels in one or more walls of separate chambers within the
container. Upon such manipulation, the user thereby opens one or
more channels between such chambers, through which food, or food
and liquid, may travel, thereby mixing the contents of such
separate chambers. The points, areas, lines, or channels, as with
the remainder of the container of the present invention, are formed
at the time of manufacture of the container, prior to assembly of
the foods which are to be contained, or stored, or transported, or
consumed, and prior to the filling and sealing of the compartments
of the container.
[0015] A first preferred embodiment of this invention comprises a
container for storing and transporting foods, the container having
at least two, but perhaps more, separate first and second
compartments. The compartments are separated from one another by a
common wall, or by the separate walls of each compartment, and each
compartment is closed and sealed, either individually or with a
common closure (the apparatus opening feature, or "Closure").
Before closure, the interior of each compartment, and its contents
may be sterilized. After closure and sealing with the Closure, the
interior of each compartment of the container is, by use of the
Closure, hermetically sealed away from the environment outside the
container, and hermetically sealed away from the interior of each
other compartment.
[0016] Each compartment may have a single volume, or one or more of
the compartments may have individual volumes within separate
chambers open to the remainder of the compartments. Each
compartment may be filled with a combination of food and inert gas,
such as nitrogen, to retard spoilage and decomposition. A first
compartment (or at least one compartment) of the first preferred
embodiment, resides on top of, above, or over, the second
compartment (or other compartments), and there is in such
embodiment a pre-formed channel between the first compartment and
other compartments near the lowest point of the first compartment
(the "Channel").
[0017] Different foods are placed within separate compartments of
the container in the first embodiment, and sealed within each
compartment, for subsequent storage and transport. The foods within
the container, in this embodiment, primarily include at least one
liquid (with or without food additives) in the first compartment,
and at least one solid food in the second or other compartments.
The opening of the Channel between the first compartment and other
compartments therefore allows a liquid (or a liquid with food
additive) to travel through the Channel, thereby allowing such
liquid, in response to the urging of gravity, to fall into the
other compartments containing the solid food.
[0018] Prior to the opening of the first compartment (or
compartments) to other compartments in the first embodiment of the
present invention, generally at the time the container is
manufactured, the Channel is closed by a first frangible or
pealable seal (the "First Seal"). The First Seal is situated over
or within the mouth of the Channel during manufacture of the
container, and is designed to be broken away from such position
during the food mixing operation, thereby opening the Channel
between the previously closed and sealed compartments.
[0019] Means for opening the first compartment to the other
compartments is supplied in the first embodiment, generally by way
of a tab or ring outside the sealed container, connected to the
First Seal by a tape, wire, string, lever, or other means for
transmitting tension from the tab or ring to the First Seal (the
"Tension Means"). The Tension Means generally is formed to pass
through the first compartment, thereby providing tension in the
proper direction to separate the First Seal from the Channel
(however, the Tension Means may also pass between compartments, so
that it does not pass through any individual compartment).
[0020] As the Tension Means generally passes through the first
compartment in the first embodiment, a second seal (the "Second
Seal") is situated around the Tension Means as it passes out of the
first compartment, either through a second wall of that compartment
or through some other portion of the Closure. The end of the
Tension Means may be formed into a tab or ring, or the Tension
Means may be firmly attached to a tab or ring, or other device by
which the user may pull on the Tension Means. The Tension Means is
also firmly attached at its other end to the First Seal. The Second
Seal may be firmly attached to the Tension Means, with a frangible
connection to the wall of the compartment (or to another part of
the Closure). Alternatively, the Second Seal may be firmly attached
to the wall or Closure, and simply close snugly around the Tension
Means, so that the Tension Means may slip through the Second Seal
as the user pulls on the Tension Means tab or ring.
[0021] In operation of the first preferred embodiment, then, the
user pulls on the Tension Means tab or ring, and the tension so
created by the user is transmitted by the Tension Means to the
First Seal, thereby applying force to that seal to break it away
from its position over or in the mouth of the Channel, thereby
further allowing liquid to flow by gravity from the first
compartment to the other compartments. As the Tension Means moves
in response to the tension created by the user, the Second Seal
also breaks away from the wall of the first compartment (or another
portion of the Closure), or the Tension Means moves through the
Second Seal if the Second Seal is designed to allow such movement.
As a result, at least one fluid (with or without food additives)
contained within the first compartment flows out of the first
compartment, and into at least one other compartment, thereby
combining the fluid of the first compartment with the solid already
residing in at least one other compartment of the container. After
a desired amount of fluid flows from the first compartment to
another compartment, the user may then open the container, or first
shake the container and then open it, or open it and manually mix
the contents of the container, and thereafter consume (or otherwise
use) the mixed foods.
[0022] In a second embodiment of the present invention, the foods
primarily include at least one liquid, but oftentimes two liquids
(again, with or without additives) sealed in a compartment,
generally formed as a flexible pouch (the "Pouch") situated within
a main compartment of a container (the "Main Compartment"). The
Pouch may have one or more separate parts (or "Lobes"), and in one
preferred embodiment has at least two Lobes (a "First Lobe" and a
"Second Lobe"), and the Main Compartment may have within it two or
more chambers. The food or foods within the Main Compartment of the
second embodiment may be liquid or solid depending on the use
desired, and the Main Compartment is closed and sealed at the time
of food preparation with a closure (the "Lid") which seals the food
intended for the Main Compartment, the First Lobe (with its first
liquid) and the Second Lobe (with its second liquid) all within the
Main Compartment.
[0023] After closure and sealing with the Lid, the interior of the
Main Compartment of the container of the second embodiment is, by
use of the Lid, hermetically sealed away from the environment
outside the container, and the interior and its contents may be
maintained in sterile condition if required). After closure, the
first fluid is also hermetically sealed within the First Lobe of
the Pouch, away from the interior of each other compartment (i.e.,
the interior of the Main Compartment and the interior of the Second
Lobe of the Pouch), and the second liquid is hermetically sealed
within the Second Lobe, again away for the interior of each other
compartment. As with other embodiments of the present invention,
each compartment may be filled with a combination of food (or fluid
with additive) and inert gas, such as nitrogen, to retard spoilage
and decomposition. The First and Second Lobes of the Pouch of the
second embodiment reside on top of, above, or over, the contents of
the Main Compartment (or compartments). The Lobes of the Pouch are
generally formed from a flexible polyvinyl material, approximately
two millimeters (2 mil) in thickness (although the thickness may
vary).
[0024] The Lobes of the Pouch are formed with a frangible area or
line, which area or line is designed to rupture when the Lobes are
manipulated, thereby causing a rise in pressure in the fluid within
the Lobes. The rise in pressure necessary to cause such rupture is
predetermined, and designed to be incorporated into the second
embodiment upon manufacture, but in all cases the frangible area or
line will rupture before any other part of the Lobes of the Pouch
rupture. The frangible area or line may be located at the periphery
of the Lobes, or it may be located anywhere else in the flexible
material forming the Lobes found to be desirable for spreading the
contents of the lobes over or into the contents of the Main
Compartment. In one version of the second preferred embodiment,
each Lobe of the Pouch is formed from two polyfilm sheets, the
Lobes being sealed around their perimeters by application of heat
after being filled with their fluid and other contents, and
attached to a pull-tab.
[0025] Different foods are placed within each compartment of the
container of the second embodiment, and sealed within each
compartment, for subsequent storage and transport. The foods within
the container, in this embodiment, primarily include at least one
liquid (with or without food additives) in the Lobe or Lobes of the
Pouch, and at least one either solid or liquid food, or a
combination of both solid and liquid foods, in the Main
Compartment. Each Lobe may contain the same or dissimilar liquids.
For example, Edible oil may be placed in one Lobe, and vinegar may
be placed in the other Lobe, thereby producing a salad dressing for
lettuce residing in the Main Compartment. The opening of the Pouch
at the frangible portions of its Lobes therefore allows a liquid
(or a liquid with food additive) to travel through the opening
created by pressure at the frangible portion, thereby allowing such
liquid, in response to the pressure so applied, to fall into the
Main Compartment containing the other foods. Thus, using again the
example of a salad with dressing, mixed greens or vegetables in the
Main Compartment may be dressed immediately prior to use as a mixed
salad, after storage or transport by the user. The user may thereby
preserve the fresh character of the newly-dressed greens or
vegetables, and the salad may therefore be consumed even after
considerable time, or after traveling considerable distance,
without any discernable wilting and prior to any decomposition of
its ingredients.
[0026] Prior to the breaking of the frangible portion (or portions)
of the Pouch, and consequent release of liquids from its Lobes to
the Main Compartment, the Pouch is situated near the underside of
the Lid (when the container is oriented Lid-side up) in one version
of the second embodiment, and preferably secured to the Lid by
releaseable adhesive. This placement and fastening allows the Lobes
to peel off the Lid when tension is applied by a user. The securing
of the Lobes of the Pouch of the Lid also allows the "nesting" or
stacking of Lids prior to filling the Main Compartment, as nested
Lids may be efficiently stored to save space prior to use.
[0027] The Lid is further provided with an opening, generally in
the shape of a line, but in some embodiments in the shape of a
break, slot, or hole (the Opening) through which may pass a means
for manipulating the Pouch to create pressure within its Lobes. The
Opening may be as simple as a slit or hole, formed in the Lid,
through which a portion of the Pouch may pass, or the opening may
in addition have a seal situated within or around it to keep
liquids within the Main Compartment. The seal, when used, is also
situated around the Pouch as its extends through the Lid (during
operation of the invention immediately prior to consumption of the
contents of the container).
[0028] Means for applying tension to the Pouch through the Opening
in the Lid is supplied, generally by way of a tab or ring outside
the sealed container, connected to the Lobes of the Pouch by a
paper or plastic tape (the "Tension Means"). The Tension Means
generally passes through the Opening in the Lid, thereby allowing a
user to exert tension on the Lobes of the Pouch. The end of the
Tension Means may be formed into a tab or ring, or the Tension
Means may be firmly attached to a tab or ring, or other device by
which the user may pull on the Tension Means. By pulling on the
Tension Means, therefore, a user may thereby release fluids from
the Lobes through the frangible areas (when broken open as
explained below). A seal in or around the Opening, if employed,
also then surrounds the Tension Means, and may be firmly attached
to the Tension Means, with a frangible connection to the Lid, so
that the seal separates from the Lid and moves with the Tension
Means during operation as set forth below. Alternatively, the seal
may be firmly attached to the Lid in or near the Opening, and
simply close tightly around the Tension Means, so that the Tension
Means may slip through the seal as the user pulls on the tab or
ring.
[0029] The Tension Means is formed to pass through the Opening near
the center of Lid in one version of the second embodiment of the
present invention, thereby providing tension in the proper
direction to create pressure within the Lobes of the Pouch as the
Lobes are pulled through the Opening. At the same time, the tension
transmitted by the Tension Means to the Pouch separates the Lobes
from the underside of the Lid, and pulls the Lobes toward the
center of the Lid. Of course, the Tension Means may, in the
alternative, also pass through a line at one side of the Lid, with
the result that the contents of a single Lobe will be forcefully
ejected from the frangible portion of that Lobe as the frangible
portion is pulled across the entire contents of the Main
Compartment.
[0030] In operation, the user pulls on the tab or ring of the Lid,
and the tension so created by the user is transmitted by the
Tension Means to the Pouch, thereby applying force to its Lobes
residing near the underside of the Lid, and preferably secured to
the Lid by releasable adhesive. When such force is applied to the
Lobes, they are urged toward the Opening in the Lid, and so the
Lobes peel off of, or away from, the Lid, the releaseable adhesive
securing the Lobes to the Lid giving way so the Lobes may separate
from the Lid. By continued application of tension through the
Tension Means, the user pulls the frangible portions of the Pouch
toward the Opening, and the portions of the Lobes initially
residing nearer the center of the Lid are pulled toward, and then
partially through the Opening. As the Lobes are pulled through the
Opening, the Lobes are also squeezed as they enter the Opening,
thereby decreasing the volume within the Lobes of the Pouch. As
liquids are largely incompressible, the decreasing volume increases
pressure within the Lobes, while also stretching the material from
which the Lobes are constructed, and particularly stretching the
material at the frangible portions of the Lobes. Accordingly, by
continued application of tension, the frangible portions of the
Lobes break open at the predetermined break point pressure, thereby
allowing fluids to exit the Lobes of the Pouch, and liquids within
the Lobes begin to be released to the Main Compartment.
[0031] By continued application of tension, the user pulls
additional material of the Pouch to and through the Opening in the
Lid, thereby maintaining some pressure within its Lobes (less than
the break point pressure), which pressure when maintained
forcefully ejects the contents of the Lobes from the now-open
frangible areas at the end of each Lobe distal from the Opening. As
the user pulls additional material of the Pouch to and through the
Opening in the Lid, the openings created at the frangible portions
of the Lobes are also moved across the contents of the Main
Compartment, as the frangible portions of the Lobes residing
initially near the exterior wall of the Main Compartment are, in
one version of the second embodiment, pulled toward the Opening at
the center of the Lid (and in other versions of the second
embodiment pulled from one side of the Main Compartment to the
Opening near the other side of the Main Compartment.
[0032] In a third embodiment of the present invention, a container
for storing, transporting, and mixing liquid foods or other fluids
has at least two, but in most preferred embodiments more, separate
compartments. In one version of the third preferred embodiment, a
first, second, and third separate chambers, each have open lower
ends, walls closing their upper ends, and at least three walls
between their upper and lower ends. These three chambers may be
termed hereafter the "Dispensing Chambers," and the walls at their
upper ends may be termed the "Roof" of each Dispensing Chamber.
[0033] The Dispensing Chambers of one version of the third
embodiment are, at the time of manufacture, situated as one or more
caps over "bosses" extending from a fourth chamber, each of which
boss has vertical walls, and an opening at their lower ends to a
fourth chamber (the "Connecting Chamber"). The Connecting Chamber
also has an open end, and means for fastening to other containers
in or on that open end, generally by way of threads formed in a
circular wall of the open end of the Connecting Chamber. The bosses
of the Connecting Chamber are each also closed by a wall at their
upper, or distal, end, except for passages which extends through
those walls. At their lower, or proximal, end, the bosses are, as
noted above, open to the Connecting Chamber, which is in turn open
at its other (generally lower) side. The passages through the walls
at the upper end of the bosses may be of any shape, and in a range
of sizes, however in most preferred embodiments the passages are
circular in shape and, in area, about one tenth the area of the
wall through in which they are formed.
[0034] The Connecting Chamber has three bosses in one version of
the third preferred embodiment, each of which boss has three walls,
two of which walls are substantially flat, with the third wall
substantially circular. Each such boss of the Connecting Chamber is
formed to fit within the open end of each of the three Dispensing
Chambers, and the three Dispensing Chambers are fitted over the
Connecting Chamber during manufacture in most versions of the third
preferred embodiment. The open ends of each of the three Dispensing
Chambers are thereby closed during manufacture as the three bosses
of the Connecting Chamber are fitted within the open ends of the
three Dispensing Chambers. As a result of this manufacture, each of
the three Dispensing Chambers is closed, thereby creating three
compartments closed to the movement of liquids from their interior
to the environment. The walls of the Dispensing Chambers in one
version of the third embodiment may each slide around the walls of
the three bosses of the Connecting Chamber to allow the interior of
the walls of the Dispensing Chambers to slide along the exterior
walls of the bosses of the Connecting Chamber. Thus, the volume
within the three Dispensing Chambers may increase or decrease in
volume.
[0035] Each of the walls of each Dispensing Chamber are designed to
slide against one another in most versions of the third preferred
embodiment, and are formed to fit closely together. Thus, two of
three walls of each of three Dispensing Chamber may be formed
substantially flat, with a common angle of 120 degrees between
them, the third wall of each of the three Dispensing Chambers being
generally circular in shape. The vertical walls of the bosses are
generally of the same shape as the Dispensing Chambers, but
slightly smaller, so that the Dispensing Chambers may fit over and
slide snugly against the corresponding wall of the bosses. The
three open ends of the three Dispensing Chambers in such preferred
embodiment fit over, and are formed to receive, the three bosses of
the Connecting Chamber as the three bosses fit within the three
open ends of the three Dispensing Chambers. As the shape of each
boss is substantially the shape of each other boss and, as noted
above, each Dispensing Chamber is fitted one to the next, the three
Dispensing Chambers fit together along their flat walls when the
container is assembled. In such a configuration, the remaining
(three) walls of the three Dispensing Chambers, i.e., the curved
walls facing away from the center of the three Dispensing Chambers,
create a generally circular shape around their exterior. Between
each Dispensing Chamber and each boss may reside a seal, capable of
preventing liquids from moving between the vertical walls of the
bosses and the corresponding vertical walls of the Dispensing
Chambers. In use, each of the three Dispensing Chambers acts
largely independently from each other Dispensing Chamber, but each
Dispensing Chamber is guided by the walls of the corresponding boss
of the Connecting Chamber to which it is fitted.
[0036] Each of the three Dispensing Chambers are further lifted at
the time of manufacture with a plunger, with a shaft, extending
from the Roofs of the Dispensing Chambers axially through the
Dispensing Chambers, to the walls at the closed upper ends of each
the bosses of the Connecting Chamber, and through the passages
formed in the closed upper ends of the bosses. While the plungers
are not wide enough to close the passages throughout most of their
length, the plungers are fitted at their ends with widened portions
which act as stoppers when inserted into the passages in the closed
ends of each of the bosses of the Connecting Chamber. Each of the
three Dispensing Chambers may be further fitted at the time of
manufacture with springs extending from the Roofs of the Dispensing
Chambers to the closed end of each boss of the Connecting Chamber,
or to stops situated within the volumes of the Dispensing
Chambers.
[0037] At the time of manufacture, each of the stoppers of each of
the plungers are inserted through the passages at the upper end of
the bosses after each Dispensing Chamber is filled with a liquid.
As the Dispensing Chambers may be spring loaded by the springs
within them (or have other means to raise them as against the
bosses, such as an "overrideable" locking feature), the Dispensing
Chambers are raised until the stoppers at the end of each plunger
fits up and into the passages in the tops of the bosses of the
Connecting Chamber. The shafts of the plungers, with stoppers on
their ends, are then maintained in the raised position by the
springs (or other raising means) within the Dispensing Chambers,
with a different liquid in each Dispensing Chamber. In such
position, the stoppers at the ends of the plungers form
liquid-tight seals with the passages in the tops of bosses of the
Connecting Chamber, the stoppers acting to prevent fluids within
the Dispensing Chambers from flowing through the passages and into
the Connecting Chamber below.
[0038] The fluids within each Dispensing Chamber may be different
one to the next, or they may be the same fluid but held in set,
measured amounts (so that a user may mix such measured amounts in a
dosage regimen, for instance). Where the fluids are different, they
may consist of flavorings or syrups, or any other fluid containing
food or non-food substance where controlled dosages of different
fluids are desirable.
[0039] In use, a user wishing to dispense a metered amount of fluid
into the Connecting Chamber of one version of the third embodiment,
or wishing to dispense a particular fluid from the assortment of
fluids residing in the Dispensing Chambers, applies force to the
exterior of the Roof of the Dispensing Chamber holding the desired
fluid. Such force acts to depress the appropriate Dispensing
Chamber a desired distance to override the locking feature of the
selected Dispensing Chamber, or works against and overcomes the
spring loading of that chamber. Depressing such Dispensing Chamber
thereby moves the shaft of the plunger of that Dispensing Chamber
through the passage of the corresponding boss upon which such
Dispensing Chamber resides, and so moves the corresponding stopper
away from such passage, thereby opening such passage to the
movement of fluid from the Dispensing Chamber to the boss below. At
the same time, the volume of the activated Dispensing Chamber is
reduced, thereby forcing the selected fluid through the passage in
the upper end of the boss, and into the Connecting Chamber below.
The actuated Dispensing Chamber may then be pulled back to
re-engage the locking feature (or allowed to return to its original
position by action of its spring), returning the shaft and stopper
of the plunger to its original position, thereby sealing the
passage through which the fluid passed from the actuated Dispensing
Chamber into the Connecting Chamber. A container to which the
Connecting Chamber is affixed may then be shaken to mix the fluid
just delivered, another Dispensing Chamber activated in the same
fashion to provide a different fluid to the Connecting Chamber (and
affixed container), and so multiple fluids can be metered singly or
together to achieve the desired mixture of fluids in a single
container.
[0040] In yet a fourth very simple preferred embodiment, this
invention again comprises a container for storing and transporting
foods, the container having at least two separate compartments. The
compartments are separated from one another by the wall of the
first compartment, as the first compartment (the inner compartment)
resides within the second compartment (the outer compartment).
Before closure, the interior of each compartment and its contents
may be sterilized. Each compartment is closed and sealed
individually. Thus, after closure and sealing, the interior of each
compartment of the container is hermetically sealed away from the
environment outside the container, and hermetically sealed away
from the interior of each other compartment.
[0041] The inner compartment of the fourth preferred embodiment may
have a single volume, or individual volumes within separate
chambers. Each compartment of the container may be filled with a
combination of food and inert gas, such as nitrogen, to retard
spoilage and decomposition. The inner compartment resides within
the outer compartment, and there is in the inner compartment of
such embodiment a pre-formed channel between the inner compartment
and outer compartment, formed in the wall of the inner compartment
(the "Channel"). The wall of the inner compartment is generally
rigid or semi-rigid in character, so that a sealing device may be
used to seal the Channel, while the wall of the outer compartment
is generally flexible enough that a user may and manipulate the
sealing device of the inner container through the wall of the outer
container. Of course, the container may include multiple inner
compartments in other embodiments, each of such inner compartments
containing a different food or combination of fluids and foods.
[0042] Different foods are placed within separate compartments of
the container in the fourth embodiment, and sealed within each
compartment, for subsequent storage and transport. The foods within
the container, in this embodiment, primarily include at least one
liquid (with or without food additives) in the inner compartment,
and at least one solid food in the outer. The opening of the
Channel between the inner compartment and the outer compartment
therefore allows a liquid (or a liquid with food additive) to
travel through the Channel, thereby allowing such liquid to travel
into the outer compartment containing the solid food.
[0043] Prior to the opening of the inner compartment (or
compartments) to outer compartment in the fourth embodiment of the
present invention, generally at the time the container is
manufactured, the Channel is closed by a first frangible or
pealable seal (the "First Seal"). The First Seal is situated over
or within the mouth of the Channel during manufacture of the
container, and is designed to be broken away from such position
during the food mixing operation, thereby opening the Channel
between the previously closed and sealed compartments. Means for
opening the inner compartment to the other compartments is supplied
in the fourth embodiment, generally by way of a tab or lever
outside the inner sealed container. Means for opening the outer
compartment, to supply access to the contents of the outer
compartment, is also supplied, generally by way of a plastic
zipper. However, the flexible outer compartment may also be
accessed by merely tearing the outer compartment open by hand.
[0044] In operation of the fourth preferred embodiment, then, the
user moves the tab or lever residing on the inner compartment,
thereby applying force to the seal of the inner compartment,
thereby breaking it away from its position over or in the mouth of
the Channel. The user's access to the tab or lever is through the
flexible outer wall of the outer compartment, rather than directly.
By moving the seal, the user allows fluids to flow from the inner
compartment to the outer compartment. After a desired amount of
fluid flows from the inner compartment to outer compartment, the
user may then open the outer compartment of the container, or first
shake the container and then open it, or open it and manually mix
the contents of the container, and thereafter consume (or otherwise
use) the mixed foods.
[0045] The more important features of the invention have thus been
outlined, rather broadly, so that the detailed description thereof
that follows may be better understood, and in order that the
present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.
Additional features of specific embodiments of the invention will
be described below. However, before explaining preferred
embodiments of the invention in detail, it may be noted briefly
that the present invention substantially departs from pre-existing
apparatus and methods of the prior art, and in so doing provides
the user with the highly desirable ability to store, transport,
mix, and dispense foods and fluids at a location distant from their
preparation, and at a time later than their preparation, using a
variety of specific apparatus and methods. Each such apparatus and
method set forth above is an example of the invention as a whole.
However, the present invention is best considered as all aparatii
and methods which allow a user to reach these goals by means of the
application of pressure or tension from the exterior of such
aparatii, prior to opening such aparatii to the exterior
environment, which pressure or tension is transmitted to the
interior of the apparatus.
[0046] Thus, other apparatus which is not specifically addressed in
this disclosure may fall within the claims of this patent. As but
one example of such other apparatus, a container may be provided
for holding foods, within which container a plastic tube may be
deployed so that it is situated over or within the food. The tube
in such embodiment would contain another food, such as salad
dressing, and extend through an aperture in the cover of the
container or, in the best mode, have attached to it a pull tab or
ring, or other gripping means by which a user could apply tension
to the end of the plastic tube. Upon applying such tension, some of
the plastic tube, or all of it, could be pulled up and through the
cover aperture. The aperture would be of a dimension somewhat
smaller than the exterior of the tube so that, when a portion of
the tube is pulled through the aperture, pressure is increased
within the tube. Such pressure would force the contents of the tube
out the end of the tube, which end may be opening if the tube is of
small cross-sectional dimension, or closed if the tube is of large
dimension. In the case of a closed end to the plastic tube, the end
may be closed with plastic having a thickness less than that of the
rest of the tube, or a fold in the end of the tube, or other
closure means which will allow the tube to open when pressure is
increased within the tube. The container or its cover may
additionally have an opening wider than the aperture, by which one
who fills the container may insert the tube into the container, and
move the tube or pull tab, or connecting member between the tube
and pull tab or ring, so that the tube is optimally positioned
within the container for filling and subsequent use.
[0047] With the ability to open chambers within the apparatus as a
whole prior to using, the user may mix solid and liquid foods, or
fluid to fluid, and mix these things more efficiently and cleanly,
and often with greater control over the mixing process. Such
delayed mixing results in the desirable ability to keep materials
fresher and more usable to a time and location chosen by a user,
where earlier mixing of such materials may reduce freshness or
usability.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0048] A principal object of the present invention is to provide a
variety of containers by which a user may store at least two
separate materials separately within such containers, store such
materials within such containers if desirable, and mix such
materials within such containers.
[0049] A further principal object of the present invention is to
provide a variety of containers for mixing foods prior to opening
the containers, thereby reducing waste and mess.
[0050] A further principal object of the present invention is to
provide a variety of containers by which materials which degrade
when mixed may be stored and transported separately, and then mixed
at a later time or at a remote location, to thereby keep such
materials in undegraded condition.
[0051] A further principal object of the present invention is to
provide a variety of containers by which foods may be stored and
transported separately, and then mixed at a later time or at a
remote location, to thereby keep such foods fresh.
[0052] A further principal object of the present invention is to
provide mechanisms for opening separate compartments within
containers to other compartments within those containers, prior to
opening such containers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0053] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate four
embodiments of the present invention, and such drawings, together
with the description set forth herein, serve to explain the
principles of the invention.
[0054] FIG. 1 is a cross-section drawing of one preferred container
of the present invention, which shows two compartments, a channel
between such compartments, and a closure for such channel
consisting of a tension means attached to a tab or ring on one end,
and attached to a seal at its other end. FIG. 1 also shows a second
seal which keeps materials within the container during storage or
transport, but allows movement of the tension means during mixing
of the contents of the compartments.
[0055] FIG. 2 is a cross-section drawing of the container shown in
FIG. 1 in which a user is applying force to the tension means to
thereby break the first seal, and so open the channel between
compartments within the container.
[0056] FIG. 3 top down view drawing of a lid with a pull tab,
consistent with a second preferred embodiment of the present
invention, wherein the lid may be affixed to a variety of
containers of standard size or configuration.
[0057] FIG. 4 is a cross section drawing of the lid of FIG. 3
showing the pull tab appearing in FIG. 3 and, on the other or under
side of the lid, a pouch consisting of two lobes, within which two
or more materials may be placed and stored before mixing.
[0058] FIG. 5 is a top down view of the lid of FIG. 3 showing the
underside of the lid, and the pouch consisting of two lobes, within
which two or more materials may be placed and stored before
mixing.
[0059] FIG. 6 is a side view of the pouch, with two lobes, which
may be attached to the lid of FIG. 3, along with the tension means
appearing in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.
[0060] FIG. 7 is a side view of the lid appearing in FIG. 3, in
which the pouch appearing in FIG. 4 has been squeezed as it is
drawn by the tension means appearing in FIG. 6 through the opening
through which the tension means extends upon manufacture.
[0061] FIG. 8 is a top down view drawing of a measuring and
dispensing apparatus, consistent with a third preferred embodiment
of the present invention, wherein there separate caps, situated
over bosses are arranged in close proximity to one another, and
bear labels which indicate the contents in each of the caps.
[0062] FIG. 9 is a mixed side view, with cross section cutout,
drawing of the measuring and dispensing apparatus of FIG. 8,
showing the exterior of one cap arranged over its corresponding
boss on the right and, on the left, showing the interior of a
second dispensing chamber under the cap, a connecting chamber below
the dispensing chamber, a passage between the dispensing chamber
and the connecting chamber, and a stopper at the end of the shaft
of a plunger affixed axially in the dispensing chamber and
extending through the passage.
[0063] FIG. 10 is a side view drawing of the present invention,
wherein an inner compartment is enclosed within an outer
compartment, and a channel with closure is provided in the wall of
the inner compartment for the flow of fluids from the inner
compartment to the outer compartment when a user operates a closure
over such channel.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
First Preferred Embodiment
[0064] Referring initially to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of the
present invention is shown in cross section. In FIG. 1 a container
1 for storing and transporting foods is shown with a closure 2 is
situated across top of container 1. With closure 2 in place over
top of container 1, separate first compartment 3 and second
compartment 4 are created in container 1. Separate first
compartment 3 may be created by compartment wall 3a and closure 2
or, in the alternative, separate first compartment 3 may be created
by wall 3a and a second wall 3b (not shown) residing under closure
2. Separate second compartment 4 may be created by container wall
4a and backside of wall 3a of separate first compartment 3.
Separate first compartment 3 and separate second compartment 4 are
closed and sealed, generally after the interior of each compartment
is sterilized, and each compartment is filled with a substance,
generally separately contained foods in combination with inert gas,
such as nitrogen, to retard spoilage and decomposition.
[0065] Between first compartment 3 and second compartment 4 of FIG.
1, a pre-formed channel 5 is formed, generally near the lowest
point of first compartment 3. Channel 5 is closed by a first
frangible or pealable first seal 6, situated over or within the
mouth of channel 5 during manufacture of container 1. First seal 6
is designed to be broken away from its position over mouth of
channel 5 during the food mixing operation, thereby opening channel
5 between previously closed and sealed first compartment 3 and
second compartment 4. The opening of channel 5 between first
compartment 3 and second compartment 4 allows a fluid (or a fluid
with food additive) to travel through channel 5, thereby allowing
the contents of first compartment 3 to fall into second compartment
4 in response to the urging of gravity.
[0066] Means for opening first compartment 3 to second compartment
4 appears in FIG. 2 in the form of a tab or ring 10, having a hole
11 removably affixed to the upper side of closure 2. Tab 10 is
connected to first seal 6 by a tape 12 transmitting tension from
tab 10 to first seal 6. Tape 12 is formed to pass through first
compartment 3, thereby providing tension in the proper direction to
separate first seal 6 from channel 5. A second seal 13 is situated
around tape 12 as it passes out of an opening 14 in closure 2 from
first compartment 3. Second seal 13 may be firmly attached to tape
12, with a frangible connection to wall 3b of first compartment 3
(or to closure 2 where first compartment 3 is created by wall 3a
and closure 2). Alternatively, second seal 13 may be firmly
attached to wall 3b or closure 2, and simply close snugly around
tape 12, so that tape 12 may slip through second seal 13 as the
user pulls on tape 12 using tab 10. The interior of each
compartment may be sterilized and filled with food or other
materials, and such food or other materials may be sterilized prior
to such filling. After closure and sealing with closure 2, the
interior of each compartment of container 1 is, by use of the
closure, hermetically sealed away from the environment outside the
container, and hermetically sealed away from the interior of each
other compartment.
[0067] Referring now to FIG. 2, a second cross section of the first
preferred embodiment of FIG. 1 is shown as it is operated by a
user. FIG. 2 shows all components of container 1 of FIG. 1, and in
addition shows how a user may, in operation of the first preferred
embodiment, pull on tab 10 using hole 11, thereby breaking tab 10
away from closure 2 with the application of tension to tape 12. The
tension so created by the user is transmitted by tape 12 to first
seal 6, thereby applying force to first seal 6 to break it away
from its position over the mouth of channel 5, thereby further
allowing fluid to flow by gravity from first compartment 3 to
second compartment 4. As tape 12 moves in response to the tension
created by the user, second seal 13 also breaks away from wall 3b
of first compartment 3 (or away from closure 2 when closure 2 is
used to close first compartment 3), or tape 12 moves through second
seal 13 if second seal is designed to allow such movement. As a
result, at least one fluid (with or without food additives)
contained within first compartment 3 flows out of first compartment
3, and into second compartment 4, thereby combining the fluid of
first compartment 3 with the solid already residing second
compartment 4 of container 1.
Second Preferred Embodiment
[0068] Referring now to FIG. 3, a second embodiment of the present
invention is shown in a top down view drawing. In FIG. 3, lid 21 of
the second embodiment also shows a pull tab 22, with a hole or ring
23 extending through an opening a-a near the center of lid 21. Lid
21 may be affixed to a variety of containers of standard size or
configuration (not shown), and cover the main compartment of such
containers (also not shown).
[0069] FIG. 4 shows lid 21 of FIG. 3 in cross section, with
flexible pouch 24 affixed to the underside of lid 21. Pouch 24 in
FIG. 4 has a first lobe 24a and a second lobe 24b, and each of
these lobes are attached to pull tab 22 near the center of lid 21.
In FIG. 4, pull tab 22 has been moved to a vertical position
extending from opening a-a near the center of lid 21, having been
previously deployed from its storage position against the top of
lid 21. Lid 21 is otherwise of standard configuration, having a lip
27 which may be engaged with the edge of the substantially vertical
wall of a generally circular container (not shown). Foods or other
fluids may be placed in pouch 24, which is then sealed to contain
the contents so placed. When lid 21 is then placed over the main
compartment of a container of standard size or configuration (not
shown), pouch 24 is situated under lid 21, and within the main
compartment of such container (also not shown).
[0070] FIG. 5 shows the underside of lid 21 of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4,
and flexible pouch 24 removably affixed to the underside of lid 21,
with pouch 24 in this case having lobes 24a and 24b. Lobes 24a and
24b, residing on top of, above, or over, the contents of a main
compartment (or compartments) of a standard container (not shown),
are generally formed from a flexible polyvinyl material,
approximately two millimeters (2 mil) in thickness. After closure
and sealing with lid 21, the interior of the main compartment of
the container (not shown) over which the lid is placed is
hermetically sealed away from the environment outside the
container, and the interior and its contents may be maintained in
sterile condition if required. After closure, a first fluid is also
hermetically sealed within lobe 24a of pouch 24, and a second fluid
is hermetically sealed within lobe 24b. As with other embodiments
of the present invention, each compartment may be filled with a
combination of food (or fluid with additive) and inert gas, such as
nitrogen, to retard spoilage and decomposition.
[0071] In FIG. 5, lobes 24a and 24b of pouch 24 are each formed
with a frangible area or line 30a and 30b, which areas or lines are
designed to rupture when lobes 24a and 24b are manipulated.
Frangible areas or lines 30a and 30b will rupture before any other
part of lobes 24a and 24b of pouch 24 ruptures. Frangible areas or
lines 30a and 30b may be located at the periphery of lobes 24a and
24b, or they may be located anywhere else in the flexible material
forming lobes 24a and 24b found to be desirable for spreading the
contents of lobes 24a and 24b over or into the contents of the main
compartment (not shown) below lid 21. In FIG. 5, each of lobes 24a
and 24b of pouch 24 is formed from two polyfilm sheets, and each
are sealed around their perimeters by application of heat after
being filled with their fluid and other contents, and attached to
pull-tab 22.
[0072] FIG. 6 shows flexible pouch 24 in cross section as seen in
FIG. 4, but separately from lid 21, with first lobe 24a and second
lobe 24b, and each of these lobes attached to pull tab 22. During
manufacture, lobes 24a and 24b of pouch 24 are filled fluids, and
thereby expanded, and flexible pouch 24 is then affixed to the
underside of lid 21 near its center of lid 21. Pull tab 22 is
inserted through opening a-a, and then pressed against the top of
lid 21 for storage or transport.
[0073] FIG. 7 shows lid 21 of FIG. 3 in cross section as in FIG. 4.
In FIG. 7, however, the user has manipulated flexible pouch 24 by
pulling on pull tab 22, thereby removing pouch 24 from the
underside of lid 21, lobes 24a and 24b, which are attached to pull
tab 22, have been drawn toward and partially through opening a-a.
Lobe 24a and 24b of pouch 24 have each been subjected to pressure
as much of each lobe was drawn toward and through opening a-a, and
such pressure has resulted in rupture of frangible areas or lines
30a and 30b. As frangible areas or lines 30a and 30b are located at
the periphery of lobes 24a and 24b in FIG. 7, the fluid contents of
each lobe has been ejected from the distal ends of lobes 24a and
24b as each lobe was drawn to and partially through opening a-a,
thereby spreading the contents of lobes 24a and 24b over or into
the contents of the main compartment (not shown) below.
Third Preferred Embodiment
[0074] Referring now to FIG. 8, a third embodiment of the present
invention is shown in a top down view drawing. In FIG. 8, cap 31 is
comprised of three separate compartments 32a, 32b, and 32c (also
termed herein "dispensing chambers"). The dispensing chambers are
bounded at their upper ends by end walls or roofs 33a, 33b, and 33c
(as shown in FIG. 9), and each chamber 32a, 32b, and 32c has
additional walls between their roofs and their open ends (not shown
in FIG. 8). Each chamber 32a, 32b, and 32c is situated as one or
more caps over "bosses" (not shown) extending from a fourth
connecting chamber 36.
[0075] Turning to FIG. 9, the third embodiment of the present
invention shown in FIG. 8 is shown side view, with one half of the
embodiment shown in cross section. FIG. 9 shows two of the three
separate dispensing chambers 32a, 32b, and 32c found in FIG. 8, and
chamber roofs 33a, 33b, and 33c. In addition, FIG. 9 shows
additional chamber walls 34a, 34b, and 34c, each of which walls
engage with the corresponding walls of bosses 40a and 40b extending
from connecting chamber 36. Connecting chamber 36 has an open end
38, and means for fastening connecting chamber 36 at its open end
38 to other vessels in or on that open end. Such means generally
consists of threads formed in the generally cylindrical interior
wall of the open end 38 of connecting chamber 36.
[0076] In FIG. 9, bosses 40a and 40b of connecting chamber 36 are
also closed by walls 37 at the upper, or distal, end of each boss,
except for passages 41 which extends through each of walls 37.
Passages 41 through walls 37 at the upper end of bosses 40a and 40b
may be of any shape. Each boss 40a and 40b of connecting chamber 36
is formed to fit within the open end of each dispensing chamber
32a, 32b, and 32c. Each dispensing chamber 32a, 32b, and 32c is
thereby closed, thereby creating three compartments closed to the
movement of liquids from their interior to the environment. As the
interior of walls 34a, 34b, and 34c of dispensing chambers 32a,
32b, and 32c may slide along the exterior walls of bosses 40a and
40b of connecting chamber 36, the volume within dispensing chambers
32a, 32b, and 32c may increase or decrease. In use, dispensing
chambers 32a, 32b, and 32c act largely independently from each
other, but each dispensing chamber is guided by the walls of the
corresponding boss of the connecting chamber to which it is
fitted.
[0077] Each dispensing chamber 32a, 32b, and 32c is fitted at the
time of manufacture with plunger, with a shaft 42, extending from
roofs 33a, 33b, and 33c of dispensing chambers 32a, 32b, and 32c
axially through the dispensing chambers, to walls 37 at the closed
upper ends of each boss 40a and 40b of connecting chamber 36, and
through passages 41 formed in the walls 37 at the closed upper ends
of bosses 40a and 40b. While the plungers are not wide enough to
close passages 41 throughout most of the length of shafts 42, the
plungers are fitted at their ends with widened portions 43 which
act as stoppers when inserted into passages 41. When dispensing
chambers 32a, 32b, and 32c are in raised position, stoppers 43 at
the ends of shafts 42 form liquid-tight seals with passages 41.
Fourth Preferred Embodiment
[0078] Referring now to FIG. 10, a fourth embodiment of the present
invention is shown. In FIG. 10, a container 51 for storing and
transporting foods is shown, the container having at least an inner
compartment 52 and an outer compartment 53. Inner compartment 52 is
separated from outer compartment 53 by wall 54 of inner compartment
52, as inner compartment 52 resides within outer compartment 53.
Inner compartment 52 and outer compartment 53 are each closed and
sealed. Thus, after closure and sealing, the interior of each
compartment of container 51 is hermetically sealed away from the
environment outside the container, and hermetically sealed away
from the interior of each other compartment. Inner compartment 52
resides within outer compartment 53, and a pre-formed channel 55,
formed in wall 54 of inner compartment 52, runs between inner
compartment 52 and outer compartment 53. Wall 54 of inner
compartment 52 is generally rigid or semi-rigid in character, so
that a sealing device 58 may be used to seal channel 55. Wall 60 of
outer compartment is generally flexible enough that a user may
manipulate sealing device 58 of inner container 52 through wall 60
of outer compartment 53. Channel 55 may be additionally closed by a
first frangible or pealable seal (not shown) between wall 54 of
inner compartment 52 and sealing device 58. Means for opening 61
inner compartment 52 to outer compartment 53 may be supplied,
generally by way of tab or lever 61. Means for opening outer
compartment 53 (not shown), to supply access to the contents of the
outer compartment, may also be supplied.
[0079] In operation of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 10, a user
moves tab or lever 61 affixed over channel 55, thereby opening
channel 55 between inner compartment 52 and outer compartment 53.
The user's access to tab or lever 61 is through the flexible outer
wall 60 of outer compartment 53, rather than directly. The opening
of channel 55 thereafter allows the transfer of fluids from inner
compartment 52 to outer compartment 53, a process which may be
facilitated if the user squeezes inner compartment 52.
* * * * *