U.S. patent application number 11/449102 was filed with the patent office on 2006-10-12 for container for inhibiting microbial growth in liquid nutrients.
Invention is credited to Joseph F. Bringley, Yannick J. F. Lerat, David L. Patton, John M. Pochan, Richard W. Wien.
Application Number | 20060225807 11/449102 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34965633 |
Filed Date | 2006-10-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060225807 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Patton; David L. ; et
al. |
October 12, 2006 |
Container for inhibiting microbial growth in liquid nutrients
Abstract
A fluid container and method for inhibiting the growth of
microbes in liquid nutrient in a container, the container having an
interior surface having a metal-ion sequestering agent for removing
a designated metal ion from the liquid nutrient for inhibiting
growth of microbes in the liquid nutrient.
Inventors: |
Patton; David L.; (Webster,
NY) ; Bringley; Joseph F.; (Rochester, NY) ;
Wien; Richard W.; (Pittsford, NY) ; Pochan; John
M.; (Penfield, NY) ; Lerat; Yannick J. F.;
(Mellecey, FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Pamela R. Crocker;Patent Legal Staff
Eastman Kodak Company
343 State Street
Rochester
NY
14650-2201
US
|
Family ID: |
34965633 |
Appl. No.: |
11/449102 |
Filed: |
June 8, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10823446 |
Apr 13, 2004 |
|
|
|
11449102 |
Jun 8, 2006 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
141/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A23V 2002/00 20130101;
B29B 2911/14113 20130101; Y10T 428/25 20150115; C02F 1/004
20130101; Y10T 428/1352 20150115; A23V 2002/00 20130101; B29B
2911/1414 20130101; A23V 2200/25 20130101; B29B 2911/14053
20130101; A23L 5/273 20160801; B29B 2911/14066 20130101; B29B
2911/1408 20130101; B29B 2911/14093 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
141/001 |
International
Class: |
B65B 1/04 20060101
B65B001/04 |
Claims
1. A method for bottling a liquid having a pH equal to or greater
than about 2.5, comprising the steps of: a. providing a container
having a sequestering agent provided on at least a portion of said
internal surface for inhibiting growth of microbes; b. filling said
container with a liquid having a PH equal to or greater than about
2.5; and c. sealing said container with said liquid contained
therein.
2. A method according to claim 1 wherein said container comprises a
bottle and cap assembly.
3. A method according to claim 1 wherein sequestering agent in
provided on the interior surface of said bottle.
4. A method according to claim 2 wherein sequestering agent in
provided on the interior surface of said cap.
5. A method according to claim 1 wherein sequestering agent in
provided as an insert.
6. A method according to claim 1 wherein said bottle is made of a
material that includes said sequestering agent.
7. A method according to claim 1 wherein said liquid is a beverage
that is consumed by individuals.
8. A method according to claim 1 wherein said pH is equal to or
greater than about 4.0.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a divisional application of pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/823,446 filed Apr. 13, 2004.
[0002] Reference is made to commonly assigned pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/823,453 filed Apr. 13, 2004 entitled
ARTICLE FOR INHIBITING MICROBIAL GROWTH by Joseph F. Bringley et
al.; pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/823,443 filed Apr.
13, 2004 entitled USE OF DERIVATIZED NANOPARTICLES TO MINIMIZE
GROWTH OF MICRO-ORGANISMS IN HOT FILLED DRINKS by Richard W. Wien
et al.; pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/822,945 filed
Apr. 13, 2004 entitled ARTICLE FOR INHIBITING MICROBIAL GROWTH IN
PHYSIOLOGICAL FLUIDS by Joseph F. Bringley et al.; pending U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/822,940 filed Apr. 13, 2004 entitled
DERIVATIZED NANOPARTICLES COMPRISING METAL-ION SEQUESTRAINT by
Joseph F. Bringley; pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/822,929 filed Apr. 13, 2004 entitled COMPOSITION OF MATTER
COMPRISING POLYMER AND DERIVATIZED NANOPARTICLES by Joseph F.
Bringley et al.; and pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/822,939 filed Apr. 13, 2004 entitled COMPOSITION COMPRISING
INTERCALATED METAL-ION SEQUESTRANTS by Joseph F. Bringley et al.,
the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to a fluid container having a
metal-ion sequestering agent for removing a designated metal ion
from a liquid nutrient for inhibiting growth of microbes in the
liquid nutrient.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] It has been recognized that small concentrations of metal
ions play an important role in biological processes. For example,
Mn, Fe, Ca, Zn, Cu and Al are essential bio-metals, and are
required for most, if not all, living systems. Metal ions play a
crucial role in oxygen transport in living systems, and regulate
the function of genes and replication in many cellular systems.
Calcium is an important structural element in the life of bacteria
regulating enzyme activity. Mn, Cu and Fe are involved in
metabolism and enzymatic processes. At high concentrations, metals
may become toxic to living systems and the organism may experience
disease or illness if the level cannot be controlled. As a result,
the availability, and concentrations, of metal ions in biological
environments is a major factor in determining the abundance,
growth-rate and health of plant, animal and micro-organism
populations.
[0005] It has also been recognized that iron is an essential
biological element, and that all living organisms require iron for
survival and replication. Although, the occurrence and
concentration of iron is relatively high on the earth's surface,
the availability of "free" iron is severely limited by the extreme
insolubility of iron in aqueous environments. As a result, many
organisms have developed complex methods of procuring "free" iron
for survival and replication.
[0006] Articles, such as food and beverage containers are needed
that are able to improve food quality, to increase shelf-life, to
protect from microbial contamination, and to do so in a manner that
is safe for the user of such items and that is environmentally
clean while providing for the general safety and health of the
public. Materials and methods are needed to prepare articles having
antimicrobial properties that are less, or not, susceptible to
microbial resistance. Methods are needed that are able to target
and remove specific, biologically important, metal ions while
leaving intact the concentrations of beneficial metal ions.
[0007] During the process of filling containers with certain
beverages and foods air borne pathogens enter the containers after
the flash pasteurization or pasteurization part of the process.
These pathogens such as yeast, spores, bacteria, etc. will grow in
the nutrient rich beverage or food ruining the taste or even
causing hazardous microbiological contamination. While some
beverages are packaged by aseptic means or by utilizing
preservatives, many other beverages, for example fruit juices, teas
and isotonic drinks are "hot-filled". "Hot-filling" involves the
filling of a container with a liquid beverage having some elevated
temperature (typically, at about 180-200.degree. F.). The container
is capped and allowed to cool, producing a partial vacuum therein.
The process of hot filling of beverages and foods is used to kill
the pathogens, which enter the container during the filling of the
beverage or food containers. Hot filling requires containers be
made of certain materials or constructed in a certain fashion such
as thicker walls to withstand the hot filling process. The energy
required for hot filling adds to the cost of the filling process.
Temperatures required for hot filling have a detrimental effect on
the flavor of the beverage. Other methods of filling such as
aseptic filling require large capital expenditures and maintaining
class 5 clean room conditions.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,854,303 discloses a polymeric material
incorporating a polyvalent cation chelating agent in an amount
effective to inhibit the growth of a protozoan on the surface of
contact lenses and in other eye care products.
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention is directed to the problem of the
growth of micro-organism in liquids provided in containers that
adversely affects food quality, shelf-life, to protect from
microbial contamination, and to do so in a manner that is safe for
the user of such.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a method for bottling a liquid having a pH equal
to or greater than about 2.5, including the steps of providing a
container having a sequestering agent provided on at least a
portion of the internal surface for inhibiting growth of microbes,
filling the container with a liquid having a PH equal to or greater
than about 2.5, and sealing the container with the liquid contained
therein.
[0011] This and other aspects, objects, features and advantages of
the present invention will be more clearly understood and
appreciated from a review of the following detailed description of
the preferred embodiments and appended claims and by reference to
the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] In the detailed description of the preferred embodiments of
the invention presented below, reference is made to the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross section of a fluid container made
in accordance with the prior art;
[0014] FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial cross sectional view of a
portion of the container of FIG. 1 illustrating a "free" iron ion
sequestering agent;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 illustrating a container
made in accordance with the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates a bottle with a bottle cap also made in
accordance with the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a schematic top plan view of the bottle and cap of
FIG. 4;
[0018] FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial cross sectional view of the
bottle and cap taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a projecting member extending
from a modified cap of FIG. 5 also made in accordance with the
present invention;
[0020] FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the projecting
member of FIG. 7 as taken along line 8-8;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the
present invention illustrating one method for applying a coating to
the interior surface of a bottle made in accordance with the
present invention;
[0022] FIG. 10 is an enlarged partial cross sectional view of a
portion of the bottle of FIG. 9 illustrating the sprayed coating of
the ion sequestering agent;
[0023] FIG. 11 is a schematic view of another fluid container made
accordance with the present invention such as a juice box;
[0024] FIG. 12 is an enlarged partial cross sectional view of the
juice box taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 11;
[0025] FIG. 13 is a schematic view of yet another fluid container
such as a stand up pouch made in accordance with the present
invention;
[0026] FIG. 14 is an enlarged partial cross sectional view of the
stand up pouch taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 13;
[0027] FIG. 15 is a schematic view of still another embodiment of a
fluid container such as a bag also made in accordance with the
present invention;
[0028] FIG. 16 is an enlarged partial cross sectional view of a
portion of the bag of FIG. 15 as indicated by circle 16;
[0029] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a web that can be used
in the manufacture of a box, pouch or bag showing a coating
assembly for coating a hydrophilic layer containing a metal-ion
sequestering agent;
[0030] FIG. 18 is a schematic view of yet another fluid container,
such as a can, made in accordance with the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 19 is a cross sectional view of FIG. 18 as taken along
line 19-19;
[0032] FIG. 20 is a cross sectional view of a filter assembly made
in accordance with the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 21 is a cross sectional view of a fluid bed ion
exchange assembly made in accordance with the present invention;
and
[0034] FIG. 22 is an enlarged partial view of a portion of the
fluid bed ion exchange assembly of FIG. 21 as identified by circle
22 illustrating a metal-ion sequestering agent.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0035] The growth of microbes in an article such as a fluid
container containing a liquid nutrient comprising a liquid nutrient
can be inhibited by placing metal-ion sequestering agents, as
described in pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/822,940,
and pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/822,929 capable of
removing a designated metal ion for example, Mn, Fe, Ca, Zn, Cu and
Al from said liquid nutrients, in contact with the nutrient.
Intimate contact is achieved by incorporating the metal-ion
sequestering agent as an integral part of the support structure of
the article. For example, one can control the concentration of
"free" iron in the liquid nutrient held by the article by placing
an iron sequestering agent in the walls of the container, which in
turn controls the growth rates, and abundance of micro-organisms.
The article, such as a container, may be used for holding a food or
beverage.
[0036] Metal-ion sequestering agents may be incorporated into
articles by placing the metal-ion sequestering agents on the
surface of the article, or by putting the metal-ion sequestering
agents within the materials used to form the article. In all
instances, the metal-ion sequestering agents must be capable of
contacting the food or beverage held by the container.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a cross-sectional
view of a typical prior art container. In the embodiment
illustrated, the container comprises a bottle 5 holding a liquid
nutrient 10, for example an isotonic liquid. Drinks such as
Gatorade.TM. or PowerAde.TM. are examples of isotonic
drinks/liquids. The container 5 may be made of one or more layers
of a plastic polymer using various molding processes known by those
skilled in the art. Examples of polymers used in the manufacture of
bottles are PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PP (polypropylene),
LDPE (low density polyethylene) and HDPE (high density
polyethylene). FIG. 2 illustrates a plastic bottle 5 formed using
two different polymeric layers 15 and 20. However it is to be
understood that the container 5 may comprise any desired number of
layers.
[0038] A fluid container made in accordance with the present
invention is especially useful for containing a liquid nutrient
having a pH equal to or greater than about 2.5. The container is
designed to have an interior surface having a metal-ion
sequestering agent for removing a designated metal ion from a
liquid nutrient for inhibiting growth of microbes in said liquid
nutrient. It is preferred that the metal-ion sequestrant is
immobilized within the materials forming the container or is
immobilized within a polymeric layer directly in contact with the
beverage or liquid nutrient. It is further preferred that the
metal-ion sequestering agent is immobilized on the surface(s) of
said container. This is important because metal-ion sequestrants
that are not immobilized may diffuse through the material or
polymeric layers of the container and dissolve into the contents of
the beverage. Metal ions complexed by dissolved sequestrants will
not be sequestered within the surfaces of the container but may be
available for use by micro-organisms.
[0039] It is preferred that the sequestering agent is immobilized
on the surface(s) of said container and has a high-affinity for
biologically important metal ions such as Mn, Zn, Cu and Fe. It is
further preferred that the immobilized sequestering agent has a
high-selectivity for biologically important metal ions such as Mn,
Zn, Cu and Fe. It is preferred that said sequestering agent has a
high-selectively for certain metal ions but a low-affinity for at
least one other ion. It is further preferred that said certain
metal ions comprises Mn, Zn, Cu and Fe and said other at least one
ion comprises calcium. This is preferred because some metal ions
such as calcium, sodium and potassium may be beneficial to the
taste and quality of the food, and are usually very highly abundant
in foodstuffs and in liquid extrudates of foodstuffs. It is
preferred that said metal-ion sequestering agent is immobilized on
the surface(s) of said container and has a stability constant
greater than 10.sup.10 with iron (III), more preferably greater
than 10.sup.20 with iron (III), and most preferably greater than
10.sup.30 with iron (III). This is preferred because iron is an
essential nutrient for virtually all micro-organisms, and
sequestration of iron may most beneficially limit the growth of
micro-organisms.
[0040] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the invention
provides a fluid container wherein said metal-ion sequestering
agent comprises derivatized nanoparticles comprising inorganic
nanoparticles having an attached metal-ion sequestrant, wherein
said inorganic nanoparticles have an average particle size of less
than 200 nm and the derivatized nanoparticles have a stability
constant greater than 10.sup.10 with iron (III). It is preferred
that the inorganic nanoparticles have an average particle size of
less than 100 nm. It is preferred that said metal-ion sequestrant
is attached to the nanoparticle by reacting the nanoparticle with a
silicon alkoxide intermediate of the sequestrant having the general
formula: Si(OR).sub.4-xR'.sub.x; wherein x is an integer from 1 to
3; R is an alkyl group; and R' is an organic group containing an
alpha amino carboxylate, a hydroxamate, or a catechol. Derivatized
nanoparticles useful for practice of the invention are described in
detail in pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/822,940.
[0041] In a preferred embodiment the metal-ion sequestering agent
is immobilized in a polymeric layer, and the polymeric layer
contacts the fluid contained therein. The metal-ion sequestrant may
be formed integrally within the materials comprising the bottle or
may be contained within a polymeric layer directly in contact with
the beverage or liquid nutrient. It is preferred that the polymer
is permeable to water. It is preferred that the metal-ion
sequestering agent comprises are 0.1 to 50.0% by weight of the
polymer. Polymers useful for practice of the invention are
described in detail in pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/823,453.
[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the metal-ion sequestering agent
comprises an alpha amino carboxylate, a hydroxamate, or a catechol
functional group. Metal-ion sequestrants suitable for practice of
the invention include ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA),
ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt,
diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA),
Hydroxylpropylenediaminetetraacetic acid (DPTA), nitrilotriacetic
acid, triethylenetetraaminehexaacetic acid,
N,N-bis(o-hydroxybenzyl) ethylenediamine-N,N diacteic acid, and
ethylenebis-N,N'-(2-o-hydroxyphenyl)glycine, acetohydroxamic acid,
and desferroxamine B (the iron chelating drug desferal), catechol,
disulfocatechol, dimethyl-2,3-dihydroxybenzamide, mesitylene
catecholamide (MECAM) and derivatives thereof,
1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene-3,6-sulfonic acid, and
2,3-dihydroxynaphthalene-6-sulfonic acid, and siderophores
molecules naturally synthesized by micro-organisms which have a
very high affinity for Fe. Metal-ion sequestering agents suitable
for use in the invention are described at length in pending U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/822,940.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 3, there is illustrated an embodiment of a
fluid container 5 made in accordance with the present invention.
The container 5, which in the embodiment illustrated is a bottle,
is made of a material that comprises a barrier layer 22; an outer
polymeric layer 20 and an inner polymeric layer 40 between said
barrier layer 22 and outer polymeric layer 20. The inner polymeric
layer 22 contains a metal-ion sequestrant 35. The barrier layer 22
preferably does not contain the metal-ion sequestrant 35. The outer
layer 20 may provide several functions including improving the
physical strength and toughness of the article and resistance to
scratching, marring, cracking, etc. However, the primary purpose of
the barrier layer 22 is to provide a barrier through which
micro-organisms 25 present in the contained fluid cannot pass. It
is important to limit, or eliminate, in certain applications, the
direct contact of micro-organisms 25 with the metal-ion sequestrant
35 or the layer containing the metal-ion sequestrant 35, since many
micro-organisms 25, under conditions of iron deficiency, may
bio-synthesize molecules which are strong chelators for iron, and
other metals. These bio-synthetic molecules are called
"siderophores" and their primary purpose it to procure iron for the
micro-organisms 25. Thus, if the micro-organism 25 are allowed to
directly contact the metal-ion sequestrant 35, they may find a rich
source of iron there, and begin to colonize directly at these
surfaces. The siderophores produced by the micro-organisms may
compete with the metal-ion sequestrant for the iron (or other
bio-essential metal) at their surfaces. However the energy required
for the organisms to adapt their metabolism to synthesize these
siderophores will impact significantly their growth rate. Thus, one
object of the invention is to lower growth rate of organisms in the
contained liquid. Since the barrier layer 22 of the invention does
not contain the metal-ion sequestrant 35, and because
micro-organisms are large, the micro-organisms may not pass or
diffuse through the barrier layer 22. The barrier layer 22 thus
prevents contact of the micro-organisms with the polymeric layer 40
containing the metal-ion sequestrant 35 of the invention. It is
preferred that the barrier layer 22 is permeable to water. It is
preferred that the barrier layer 22 has a thickness "x" in the
range of 0.1 microns to 10.0 microns. It is preferred that microbes
are unable to penetrate, to diffuse or pass through the barrier
layer 22. Sequestrant 35 with a sequestered metal ion is indicated
by numeral 35'.
[0044] Still referring again to FIG. 3, the enlarged sectioned view
of the fluid container 5 shown in 3, illustrates a bottler having
barrier layer 22, which is in direct contact with the liquid
nutrient 10, an inner polymeric layer 40 and an outer polymeric
layer 20. However, the bottle of FIG. 2 comprises an inner
polymeric layer 15 that does not contain any metal-ion sequestering
agents. In the prior art bottle illustrated in FIG. 2, the
micro-organisms 25 are free to gather the "free" iron ions 30. In
the example shown in FIG. 3, the inner polymer 40 contains an
immobilized metal-ion sequestering agent 35 such as EDTA. In order
for the metal-ion sequestering agent 35 to work properly, the inner
polymer 40 containing the metal-ion sequestering agent 35 must be
permeable to aqueous media. Preferred polymers for layers 22 and 40
of the invention are polyvinyl alcohol, cellophane, water-based
polyurethanes, polyester, nylon, high nitrile resins,
polyethylene-polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, polystyrene, ethyl
cellulose, cellulose acetate, cellulose nitrate, aqueous latexes,
polyacrylic acid, polystyrene sulfonate, polyamide,
polymethacrylate, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene,
polyethylene, polypropylene or polyacrylonitrile, A water permeable
polymer permits water to move freely through the polymer 40
allowing the "free" iron ion 30 to reach and be captured by the
agent 35. An additional barrier 22 may be used to prevent the
micro-organism 25 from reaching the inner polymer material 40
containing the metal-ion sequestering agent 35. Like the inner
polymer material 40, the barrier layer 22 must be made of a water
permeable polymer as previously described. The micro-organism 25 is
too large to pass through the barrier 22 or the polymer 40 so it
cannot reach the sequestered iron ion 30 now held by the metal-ion
sequestering agent 35. By using the metal-ion sequestering agents
35 to significantly reduce the amount of "free" iron ions 30 in the
liquid nutrient 10, the growth of the micro-organism 25 is
eliminated or severely reduced.
[0045] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 the metal-ion
sequestering agent 35 is contained in the bottle cap 50 instead on
the inside surface of the bottle 5. An inner portion 45 of the cap
50, which is in intimate contact with the liquid nutrient 10 is
made of a hydrophilic polymer 55 containing the metal-ion
sequestering agent 35 such as EDTA as described above. In some
situations, the bottle may need to be placed in the inverted
position in order for the sequestrant to become in contact with the
contained nutrient. The cap 50 may also have the barrier layer 22
to further prevent the micro-organisms 25 from reaching the
sequestered "free" iron 30. In another embodiment (not shown) the
cap sealing material could be an open cell foamed structure whose
cell walls are coated with the sequestering material.
[0046] In still another embodiment, the sequestering agent 35 may
be in a hydrophilic polymeric insert 52 that is placed in the
bottle 5 as illustrated in FIG. 4. The insert 52 may be instead of
or in addition to the sequestrant in the cap 50 or interior of the
bottle. The insert 52 is placed in the bottle 5 but unfolds making
it too large to exit the bottle 5. In another version, the insert
52 is molded into the bottom of the bottle 5.
[0047] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, there is illustrated another
modified embodiment of a container made in accordance with the
present invention, like parts indicating like parts and operation
as previously described. In this embodiment the metal-ion
sequestering agent 35 is contained in a projecting member 60 that
extends from cap 50 into the bottle 5 so that it will be in
intimate contact with the liquid nutrient 10. In the embodiment,
the projecting member is in the configuration of a straw that can
later be used to drink the liquid content in the bottle. Like the
hydrophilic polymer material lining of the inside of the bottle 5
and bottle cap 50, the extension 60 or straw is made of a
hydrophilic polymer 65 containing the metal-ion sequestering agents
35 such as EDTA as described in FIG. 3. When the bottle 5 is filled
with the liquid nutrient 10 such as an isotonic, and is capped, the
straw 60 protrudes from the cap 50 into the solution 10 allowing
the "free" iron ions 35 to be sequestered from the liquid nutrient
liquid nutrient 10. The straw 60 may also have the barrier layer 22
to further prevent the micro-organisms 25 from reaching the
sequestered "free" iron ions 30. The outer layer 20 may also be
made of a material similar to barrier layer 22 so that "free" iron
ions 30 can reach the sequestrant 35 from the outside of the straw
60.
[0048] In the example shown the extension is a straw, but the
extension can be of any shape just as long as it extends into the
food or beverage establishing intimate contact.
[0049] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, there is illustrated another
embodiment of a bottle 5 made in accordance with the present
invention. In this embodiment, the metal-ion sequestering agent 35
is applied to the inside surface 80 of the bottle 5 by spraying a
metal-ion sequestering agent 35, for example EDTA, on to the inside
surface of the bottle, through a supply tube 85 using a spherical
shaped nozzle assembly 90. The nozzle assembly 90 is moved up and
down in the direction of the arrow 95 while the metal-ion
sequestering agent 35 is sprayed as indicated by the arrows 100.
The method of applying coatings to glass, metal or plastic
containers is well known to those skilled in the art. FIG. 10
illustrates an enlarged partial cross sectional view of the portion
of the bottle of FIG. 9 where the spray coating 105 of the ion
sequestering agent 35 has been applied. As previously discussed in
FIG. 3, like numerals indicate like parts and operations. It is of
course understood that the inner layer containing the sequestrant
may be applied or formed on the inside surface of the container in
any appropriate manner. The bottle 5 in this embodiment may be made
of any appropriate plastic or glass material.
[0050] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, there is illustrated yet
another modified container 110 made in accordance with the present
invention. In particular the container comprises juice/drink box
110 for containing a liquid beverage. The box 110 is made of a
sheet material that comprises inner layer 115, a middle layer 120
made of a hydrophobic polymer material, and an outer layer 125. The
inner layer 115 is in direct contact with the liquid nutrient 10
and is made of a hydrophilic polymer containing the metal-ion
sequestering agent 35 such as EDTA as described above in FIG. 3. As
previously discussed in FIG. 3, like numerals indicate like parts
and operations. The outer layer 125 may comprise a foil wrap.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, there is illustrated yet
another modified embodiment of a container 130 made in accordance
with the present invention. In the embodiment, the container
comprises a stand up pouch 130. The pouch 130 comprises an inner
layer 135 made of a hydrophilic polymer material, and an outer
layer 140. The outer layer 140 may be made of a polymer such as
Mylar.TM. with a metalized coating 145. The inner layer 135 is in
direct contact with the liquid nutrient 10 and is made of a
hydrophilic polymer containing the metal-ion sequestering agent 35
such as EDTA as described above in FIG. 3. The stand up pouch 130
may also have the barrier layer 22 not shown to further prevent the
micro-organisms 25 from reaching the sequestered "free" iron 30. As
previously discussed in FIG. 3, like numerals indicate like parts
and operations.
[0052] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, there is illustrated still
another modified container made in accordance with the present
invention. In this embodiment the container comprises a bag 150.
The bag 150, which is intended to hold an aqueous material,
comprises an inner layer 155 made of a hydrophobic polymer
material, and an outer layer 160. The outer layer 140 may be made
of a polymer such as polyethylene terephthalate. The inner layer
155 is in direct contact with the aqueous material 155 and is made
of a hydrophilic polymer containing the metal-ion sequestering
agent 35 such as EDTA as described above in FIG. 3. The bag 150 may
also have the barrier layer 22 not shown to further prevent the
micro-organisms 25 from reaching the sequestered "free" iron 30. As
previously discussed in FIG. 3, like numerals indicate like parts
and operations.
[0053] The juice box 110, the pouch 130 and the bag 150 may be
constructed from a base web 170 as illustrated in FIG. 17. After
the base web 170 is formed, the hydrophilic layer 175 is applied
via a coating assembly 180 comprised of a reservoir 185, an
applicator 190 and a drive mechanism not shown to form the
hydrophilic inner layer 175 containing the metal-ion sequestering
agent 35 as described above in FIG. 3. Other methods of forming and
of making webs and applying a coating such as coextrusion maybe
used. It is of course understood that any suitable technique or
process may be used for applying a coating on supporting web as
long as the coating has the appropriate sequestrant.
[0054] Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19 there is illustrated and
modified container 220 made in accordance with the present
invention. In this embodiment, the container 220 comprises a can.
The can 200 is made of a metal material such as aluminum or steel,
and has a top and a bottom, which may or may not be made as
separate piece. The can 200 may also have a lining 205, which is in
direct contact with the aqueous material 155 and intended to
prevent corrosion of the metal by the contents of the can. The
construction of metal cans is well known by one skilled in the art.
The lining 205 may include a hydrophilic polymer containing the
metal-ion sequestering agent 35 or have a hydrophilic polymer strip
210 containing metal-ion sequestering agent 35 made as part of
lining 205 of the can 200. The strip 210 may have a width "w" of
between 1 millimeter and 30 millimeters and be spaced at intervals
around the inside circumference of the can 200 and a depth "d" of
-1.0 to 10 micrometers. In still another embodiment, the
sequestering agent 35 may be in a hydrophilic polymeric insert 52.
The insert 52 is placed in the can 200 but unfolds making it too
large to exit the can 200. The insert 52 may be simply placed on
the bottom of the container or if desired secured to the interior
surface of the container in some fashion. The metal-ion
sequestering agent performs as previously described above in FIG.
3.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 20, there is illustrated a cross-sectional
view of a filter assembly 220 comprising an inlet port 225, an
outlet port 230, and a filter 235. The filter 235 contains an
immobilized metal-ion sequestering agent as previously described.
As the solution flows through the filter assembly 220 in the
direction indicated by the arrows 240, and through the filter 235
the metal ions in the solution are sequestered and removed by the
metal-ion sequestering agent 245.
[0056] Referring to FIG. 21, there is illustrated a cross sectional
view of a fluid bed ion exchange assembly 250 comprising a holding
tank 255, an inlet port 260, an outlet port 265, and a fluid bed
270 containing a metal-ion sequestering material 275 made in
accordance with the present invention. The solution 280 flows into
the fluid bed ion exchange assembly 250 via inlet port 260 as
indicated by arrow 285 through the metal-ion sequestering material
275 in fluid bed 270 as indicated by arrows 290 and out the outlet
port as indicated by arrow 295.
[0057] FIG. 22 is an enlarged partial view of a portion of the
fluid bed 270 containing a metal-ion sequestering material 275. An
example of the metal-ion sequestering material 275 comprises a core
material 300 and a shell material 305 made of the metal-ion
sequestering agent 35 as described in pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/822,940. As previously described above in
FIG. 21, the solution 280 containing "free" metal ions 310 flows
through the fluid bed 270 as indicated by the arrows 315. As the
solution 280 flows through the fluid bed 270 the shell material 305
made of the metal-ion sequestering agent 35 gathers the metal ions
320 removing them from the solution, which then flow out through
the outlet port 265.
[0058] While in many of the embodiments illustrated, a barrier
layer is not discussed, it is to be understood that a barrier layer
22 may be provided in any of the embodiments for preventing the
microbes (micro-organism) from contacting the sequestrant.
[0059] The invention has been described in detail with particular
reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be
understood that variations and modifications can be effected within
the spirit and scope of the invention.
PARTS LIST
[0060] 5 fluid container/bottle [0061] 10 liquid nutrient [0062] 15
inner polymeric layer [0063] 20 outer polymeric layer [0064] 22
barrier layer [0065] 25 micro-organism [0066] 30 "free" iron ion
[0067] 35 metal-ion sequestering agents [0068] 35' metal-ion
sequestering agent with a sequestered metal ion [0069] 40
hydrophilic polymer [0070] 45 inner portion [0071] 50 bottle cap
[0072] 52 insert [0073] 55 hydrophilic polymer [0074] 60 extension
(straw) [0075] 65 hydrophilic polymer [0076] 80 inside surface
[0077] 85 supply tube [0078] 90 spherical shaped nozzle assembly
[0079] 95 arrow [0080] 100 arrow [0081] 105 spray coating [0082]
110 juice box [0083] 115 inner layer [0084] 120 middle layer [0085]
125 outer layer [0086] 130 pouch [0087] 135 inner layer [0088] 140
outer layer [0089] 145 coating [0090] 150 bag [0091] 155 aqueous
material [0092] 160 inner layer [0093] 165 outer layer [0094] 170
base web [0095] 175 hydrophilic layer [0096] 180 coating assembly
[0097] 185 reservoir [0098] 190 applicator [0099] 200 can [0100]
205 lining [0101] 210 strip [0102] 220 filter assembly [0103] 225
inlet port [0104] 230 outlet port [0105] 235 filter [0106] 240
arrow [0107] 250 fluid bed ion exchange assembly [0108] 255 holding
tank [0109] 260 inlet port [0110] 265 outlet port [0111] 270 fluid
bed [0112] 275 sequestering material [0113] 280 solution [0114] 285
arrow [0115] 290 arrow [0116] 295 arrow [0117] 300 core material
[0118] 305 shell material [0119] 310 "free" metal ions [0120] 315
arrows [0121] 320 gathered metal ions
* * * * *