U.S. patent application number 13/746636 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-24 for multi-chamber container for storing and mixing liquids.
The applicant listed for this patent is Brian G. Larson. Invention is credited to Brian G. Larson.
Application Number | 20140202895 13/746636 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51206888 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140202895 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Larson; Brian G. |
July 24, 2014 |
MULTI-CHAMBER CONTAINER FOR STORING AND MIXING LIQUIDS
Abstract
The present disclosure is drawn to a multi-chamber container and
related methods for storing and mixing liquids and associated
methods of use. The multi-chamber container includes a first
chamber configured to contain a first liquid composition. The
multi-chamber container also includes a second chamber configured
to contain a second liquid composition. The multi-chamber container
further includes a membrane separating the first liquid composition
and the second liquid composition. The membrane is puncturable to
facilitate contact of the first liquid composition and the second
liquid composition. Additionally, the multi-chamber container
includes a plunger operable to puncture the membrane. The plunger
can be configured to move through an opening of the first chamber
opposite the membrane to facilitate puncture of the membrane.
Inventors: |
Larson; Brian G.; (Alpine,
UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Larson; Brian G. |
Alpine |
UT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51206888 |
Appl. No.: |
13/746636 |
Filed: |
January 22, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/222 ;
222/83 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2205/00 20130101;
B65D 25/08 20130101; B65D 51/2835 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/222 ;
222/83 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/08 20060101
B65D025/08 |
Claims
1. A multi-chamber container for storing and mixing liquids,
comprising: a first chamber configured to contain a first liquid
composition; a second chamber configured to contain a second liquid
composition; a membrane separating the first chamber and the second
chamber, wherein the membrane is puncturable to facilitate contact
of the first liquid composition and the second liquid composition;
and a plunger operable to puncture the membrane, wherein the
plunger is configured to move through an opening of the first
chamber opposite the membrane to facilitate puncture of the
membrane.
2. The multi-chamber container of claim 1, wherein the first
chamber comprises a second opening configured to drain the first
liquid composition from the first chamber and the membrane covers
the second opening.
3. The multi-chamber container of claim 1, wherein the first
chamber and the second chamber are configured to facilitate mixing
of the first liquid composition and the second liquid composition
in at least one of the first chamber and the second chamber.
4. The multi-chamber container of claim 3, wherein the first
chamber is disposed above the second chamber.
5. The multi-chamber container of claim 3, further comprising a cap
for the second chamber, wherein the cap comprises the first
chamber.
6. The multi-chamber container of claim 3, further comprising: a
third chamber configured to receive a mixture of the first liquid
composition and the second liquid composition; and a second
membrane operable with the first chamber or second chamber to
separate at least one of the first liquid composition and the
second liquid composition from the third chamber, wherein the
second membrane is puncturable to facilitate entry of the mixture
of the first liquid composition and the second liquid composition
into the third chamber.
7. The multi-chamber container of claim 6, further comprising a
towelette disposed in the third chamber to absorb the mixture of
the first liquid composition and the second liquid composition.
8. The multi-chamber container of claim 7, wherein the plunger is
associated with the third chamber and operable to puncture the
second membrane.
9. The multi-chamber container of claim 7, further comprising a
second plunger associated with the second chamber and operable to
puncture the second membrane.
10. The multi-chamber container of claim 1, wherein the plunger is
associated with the first chamber.
11. The multi-chamber container of claim 10, wherein the plunger is
at least partially disposed in the opening of the first
chamber.
12. The multi-chamber container of claim 10, further comprising a
cover movably disposed over the plunger to alternately prevent
accidental puncturing of the membrane and to facilitate access for
operation of the plunger.
13. The multi-chamber container of claim 10, further comprising a
lock to secure the plunger and prevent retraction upon puncturing
the membrane.
14. The multi-chamber container of claim 1, further comprising a
vent operable with the first chamber to facilitate venting of the
first chamber.
15. The multi-chamber container of claim 14, wherein the vent
comprises a one-way vent to facilitate venting of a gas from the
first chamber.
16. The multi-chamber container of claim 1, further comprising: a
third chamber configured to contain a third liquid composition; and
a second membrane separating the second liquid composition and the
third liquid composition, wherein the second membrane is
puncturable to facilitate contact of the first liquid composition,
the second liquid composition, and the third liquid
composition.
17. The multi-chamber container of claim 1, wherein the first
liquid composition includes an alcohol.
18. The multi-chamber container of claim 1, wherein the first
liquid composition includes a transition metal.
19. The multi-chamber container of claim 18, wherein the transition
metal includes colloidal silver.
20. The multi-chamber container of claim 1, wherein the second
liquid composition includes a peroxygen.
21. The multi-chamber container of claim 20, wherein the peroxygen
includes a peroxide.
22. The multi-chamber container of claim 20, wherein the peroxygen
includes a peracid.
23. A cap for a container for storing and mixing liquids,
comprising: a coupling portion for coupling a cap to a container; a
chamber configured to contain a liquid composition, the chamber
having an opening configured to drain the liquid composition from
the chamber; a membrane covering the opening of the chamber,
wherein the membrane is puncturable to facilitate passage of the
liquid composition through the opening; and a plunger associated
with the chamber and operable to puncture the membrane.
24. The cap of claim 23, further comprising a cover movably
disposed over the plunger to alternately prevent accidental
puncturing of the membrane and to facilitate access for operation
of the plunger.
25. The cap of claim 23, further comprising a lock to secure the
plunger and prevent retraction upon puncturing the membrane.
26. The cap of claim 23, further comprising a vent operable with
the chamber to facilitate venting of the chamber.
27. A multi-chamber container for storing and mixing liquids,
comprising: a first chamber configured to contain a first liquid
composition; a second chamber configured to contain a second liquid
composition; a membrane separating the first chamber and the second
chamber, wherein the membrane is puncturable to facilitate contact
of the first liquid composition and the second liquid composition;
a plunger operable to puncture the membrane; a third chamber
configured to receive a mixture of the first liquid composition and
the second liquid composition; and a towelette disposed in the
third chamber to absorb the mixture of the first liquid composition
and the second liquid composition.
28. The multi-chamber container of claim 27, further comprising a
second membrane operable with the second chamber to separate at
least one of the first liquid composition and the second liquid
composition from the third chamber, wherein the second membrane is
puncturable or removable to facilitate entry of the mixture of the
first liquid composition and the second liquid composition into the
third chamber.
29. The multi-chamber container of claim 27, wherein the first
chamber and the second chamber are configured to facilitate mixing
of the first liquid composition and the second liquid composition
in at least one of the first chamber and the second chamber.
30. The multi-chamber container of claim 27, wherein the plunger is
associated with the first chamber.
31. The multi-chamber container of claim 30, wherein the plunger is
at least partially disposed in an opening of the first chamber
opposite the membrane.
32. The multi-chamber container of claim 27, further comprising a
lock to secure the plunger and prevent retraction upon puncturing
the membrane.
33. The multi-chamber container of claim 27, further comprising a
vent operable with the first chamber to facilitate venting of the
first chamber.
34. The multi-chamber container of claim 27, wherein the vent
comprises a one-way vent to facilitate venting of a gas from the
first chamber.
35. The multi-chamber container of claim 27, wherein the first
liquid composition includes an alcohol.
36. The multi-chamber container of claim 27, wherein the first
liquid composition includes a transition metal.
37. The multi-chamber container of claim 36, wherein the transition
metal includes colloidal silver.
38. The multi-chamber container of claim 27, wherein the second
liquid composition includes a peroxygen.
39. The multi-chamber container of claim 38, wherein the peroxygen
includes a peroxide.
40. The multi-chamber container of claim 38, wherein the peroxygen
includes a peracid.
41. A method for facilitating storing and mixing liquids,
comprising: obtaining a multi-chamber container including a first
chamber configured to contain a first liquid composition, a second
chamber configured to contain a second liquid composition, and a
membrane operable to separate the first liquid composition and the
second liquid composition; and facilitating puncturing of the
membrane with a plunger to cause contact of the first liquid
composition and the second liquid composition.
42. The method of claim 41, wherein the multi-chamber container
comprises a cap for the second chamber and the cap includes the
first chamber.
43. The method of claim 41, further comprising facilitating
absorption of a mixture of the first liquid composition and the
second liquid composition by a towelette.
44. The method of claim 41, wherein the first liquid composition
includes an alcohol.
45. The method of claim 41, wherein the first liquid composition
includes a transition metal.
46. The method of claim 45, wherein the transition metal is
colloidal silver.
47. The method of claim 41, wherein the second liquid composition
includes a peracid.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Many compositions are made of two or more components which
are not mixed together until shortly before use of the
compositions. For example, some disinfectant or cleaning
compositions include two or more components. In many such cases, at
least one of the components can have a reduced chemical stability
when diluted or some other reduced shelf-life once combined into
the final compositions. Therefore, it can be beneficial to package
some compositions as separate components in multi-component systems
which can be combined shortly before use. Typically, individual
components in a multi-component system are packaged at higher
concentration, and then are manually combined in a final combined
composition. Unfortunately, for some compositions, increased
concentrations of certain components can render the component
hazardous, thereby requiring increased costs associated with
packaging, shipping, and handling of the hazardous component.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0002] FIGS. 1A and 1B are cross-sectional schematic views of a
multi-chamber container for storing and mixing liquids, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0003] FIGS. 2A and 2B are cross-sectional schematic views of a cap
for a container for storing and mixing liquids, in accordance with
an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0004] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a
multi-chamber container for storing and mixing liquids including
the cap of FIGS. 2A and 2B, in accordance with a further embodiment
of the present disclosure.
[0005] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a
multi-chamber container for storing and mixing liquids, in
accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0006] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a
multi-chamber container for storing and mixing liquids, in
accordance with yet another embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0007] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a
multi-chamber container for storing and mixing liquids, in
accordance with still another embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0008] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a
multi-chamber container for storing and mixing liquids, in
accordance with an additional embodiment of the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0009] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments, and
specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will
nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the
invention is thereby intended. Alterations and further
modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and
additional applications of the principles of the inventions as
illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the
relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be
considered within the scope of the invention. It is also to be
understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose
of describing particular embodiments only. The terms are not
intended to be limiting unless specified as such.
[0010] It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the
appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include
plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
[0011] The term "multi-part" when referring to a container or
system of the present disclosure is not limited to containers or
systems having only two or three parts. For example, a system can
have any number of liquids present in a single system.
[0012] The term "colloidal transition metals" refers to colloidal
particles of elemental transitional metals or the alloys of such
elemental transition metals. Colloidal transition metals are
distinct from salts and oxides of transition metals. Accordingly,
compounds such as silver oxide, silver nitrate, silver chloride,
silver bromide, silver iodide, and the like are not colloidal
transition metals.
[0013] In describing embodiments of the present invention,
reference will be made to "first" or "second" as they relate to
chambers, compartments, or liquid compositions, etc. It is noted
that these are merely relative terms, and a chamber or composition
described or shown as a "first" chamber or composition could just
as easily be referred to a "second" chamber or composition, and
such description is implicitly included herein.
[0014] Discussion of liquids or fluids herein does not require that
each component be completely liquid. For example, a liquid or fluid
can be a solution or even a suspension. Thus, a colloidal
metal-containing liquid or fluid is considered to be a liquid or
fluid as defined herein.
[0015] Concentrations, dimensions, amounts, and other numerical
data may be presented herein in a range format. It is to be
understood that such range format is used merely for convenience
and brevity and should be interpreted flexibly to include not only
the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range,
but also to include all the individual numerical values or
sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value
and sub-range is explicitly recited. For example, a weight ratio
range of about 1 wt % to about 20 wt % should be interpreted to
include not only the explicitly recited limits of about 1 wt % and
about 20 wt %, but also to include individual weights such as 2 wt
%, 11 wt %, 14 wt %, and sub-ranges such as 10 wt % to 20 wt %, 5
wt % to 15 wt %, etc.
[0016] In accordance with these definitions and embodiments of the
present disclosure, a discussion of the various systems and methods
is provided including details associated therewith. This being
said, it should be noted that various embodiments will be discussed
as they relate to the systems and methods. Regardless of the
context of the specific details as they are discussed for any one
of these embodiments, it is understood that such discussion relates
to all other embodiments as well.
[0017] The present disclosure is drawn to a multi-chamber container
for storing and mixing liquids. The container can include a first
chamber configured to contain a first liquid composition. The
container can also include a second chamber configured to contain a
second liquid composition. A membrane can separate the first
chamber and the second chamber. The membrane can be puncturable to
facilitate contact of the first liquid composition and the second
liquid composition. The container can further include a plunger
operable to puncture the membrane. The plunger can be configured to
move through an opening of the first chamber opposite the membrane
to facilitate puncture of the membrane.
[0018] In one aspect, the disclosure provides a cap for a container
for storing and mixing liquids. The cap can include a coupling
portion for coupling the cap to a container. The cap can also
include a chamber configured to contain a liquid composition. The
chamber can have an opening configured to drain the liquid
composition from the chamber. A membrane can cover the opening of
the chamber. The membrane can be puncturable to facilitate passage
of the liquid composition through the opening. The cap can further
include a plunger associated with the chamber and operable to
puncture the membrane.
[0019] In another aspect, the disclosure provides a multi-chamber
container for storing and mixing liquids. The container can include
a first chamber configured to contain a first liquid composition.
The container can also include a second chamber configured to
contain a second liquid composition. A membrane can separate the
first chamber and the second chamber. The membrane can be
puncturable to facilitate contact of the first liquid composition
and the second liquid composition. The container can further
include a plunger operable to puncture the membrane. The container
can also include a third chamber configured to receive a mixture of
the first liquid composition and the second liquid composition. In
addition, the container can include a towelette disposed in the
third chamber to absorb the mixture of the first liquid composition
and the second liquid composition.
[0020] In yet another aspect, the disclosure provides a method for
facilitating storing and mixing liquids. The method includes
obtaining a multi-chamber container having a first chamber
configured to contain a first liquid composition, a second chamber
configured to contain a second liquid composition, and a membrane
operable to separate the first liquid composition and the second
liquid composition. The method further includes facilitating
puncturing of the membrane with a plunger to facilitate contact of
the first liquid composition and the second liquid composition.
[0021] FIGS. 1A and 1B show a cross-sectional schematic view of one
embodiment of a multi-chamber container 100 for storing and mixing
liquids, in accordance with the present disclosure. The
multi-chamber container can include a first chamber 110 configured
to contain a first liquid composition 111 and a second chamber 120
configured to contain a second liquid composition 121. In one
aspect, the first chamber can be smaller relative to the second
chamber, although this need not be the case as the chambers can be
of any size or configuration relative to one another. For example,
the first chamber can be configured to contain a relatively small
volume of a chemical concentrate and the second chamber can be
configured to contain a relatively large volume of a diluent, such
as water. A membrane 130 can separate the first liquid composition
and the second liquid composition. For example, an opening 112 can
be configured to fluidly couple the first chamber and the second
chamber and the membrane can cover or block the opening, preventing
contact or mixing of the first and second liquid compositions.
Accordingly, the membrane can be puncturable to facilitate contact
of the first liquid composition and the second liquid composition.
The first chamber and/or the second chamber can be configured to
facilitate mixing of the first liquid composition and the second
liquid composition in one or both of the chambers. In one aspect,
the first liquid composition can pour or drain from the first
chamber and mix with the second liquid composition in the second
chamber. Such draining from the first chamber can occur naturally
under the influence of gravity alone following puncture of the
membrane when the first chamber is disposed above the second
chamber.
[0022] A plunger 140 can be operable to puncture the membrane 130.
The plunger can include a piercing feature 141, such as one or more
sharp points or protrusions, to facilitate puncturing of the
membrane. In one aspect, the piercing feature can comprise a single
or a plurality of pointed or sharp protrusions or it can take any
other shape or size so long as it is effective in ripping, tearing,
penetrating, puncturing, rupturing, or otherwise breaking the
membrane. The plunger can also include a recess 142 or even a
channel (not shown) to facilitate passage of fluid around a shaft
143 the plunger when the plunger shaft is extending through the
punctured membrane, as shown in FIG. 1B. In one aspect, the plunger
can be associated with the first chamber 110, such that the plunger
is operable to puncture one or more membranes associated with the
first chamber. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the
plunger can be supported about the first chamber by an extension
member 113 and, in this case initially, external to the first
chamber.
[0023] A membrane 131 can cover or block an opening 114 of the
first chamber opposite the membrane 130. The opening 114 can be
configured to allow passage or movement of the plunger 140 through
the opening 114 upon puncturing the membrane 131 to facilitate
puncture of the membrane 130. Because the plunger can be configured
to move through the opening 114, the first chamber 110 can be
sufficiently rigid to resist substantial deformation of the first
chamber as the plunger punctures the membrane 130. A seal 150, such
as an O-ring, can seal around the plunger shaft to minimize or
prevent fluid leakage around the shaft once the membrane 131 is
punctured. Thus, the extension member and the seal can be
configured to contain fluid within the first chamber upon
puncturing the membrane 131. Additionally, the plunger can include
a user interface 144, such as a push tab, to provide a
user-friendly contact point with the plunger from outside the first
chamber. In one aspect, the user interface can also function to
limit the travel or distance the plunger can extend into the first
and/or second chambers.
[0024] The multi-chamber container 100 can also include a lock 160
to secure the plunger 140 and prevent retraction of the plunger
upon puncturing the membrane 130. For example, the lock can include
one or more pivoting hooks 161a, 161b configured to engage one or
more recesses 162a, 162b. In one aspect, the pivoting hooks can be
biased to engage the recesses, such that the hooks slide against
the plunger shaft 143 as the plunger shaft moves into the first
chamber 110 and automatically engage the recesses at the end of the
plunger travel.
[0025] In addition, the multi-chamber container 100 can include a
vent 170 operable with the first chamber 110 to facilitate venting
of the first chamber. In one aspect, the vent can comprise a
one-way valve to facilitate the escape of gas from the first
chamber without allowing for the escape of liquid from the first
chamber. In another aspect, the vent can be configured to
facilitate draining of the first chamber when the membrane 130 is
punctured. Although only one vent is illustrated associated with
the first chamber, it should be recognized that any number or type
of vent may be used in any combination with any chamber of a
multi-chamber container.
[0026] The multi-chamber containers, or components thereof, and
associated methods of the present invention can be used with any
multi-part liquid composition or system. The containers are
particularly advantageous for multi-part compositions which have
limited or shortened stabilities, shelf-lives, or functional time
periods once combined. As such, in one aspect of the present
disclosure, puncturing a membrane to facilitate contact of the
first liquid composition and the second liquid composition can be
performed shortly before dispensing the mixed liquids from the
second chamber, such as from an opening (not shown). An example of
a multi-part system which can be used herein is a multi-part
disinfectant composition which, in its final form, can include a
composition with an amount of a transition metal, e.g. a colloidal
or ionic transition metal, and a peroxygen, e.g., peracids and/or
peroxides. The composition could also include other ingredients
such as alcohols or other organic co-solvents, or even dispersed
particles, such as colloidal metals. Thus, the peroxygen can be
separated from the transition metal until mixing, in one
embodiment, or any other two ingredients can remain separate until
the mixture is formed, as would be appreciated by one skilled in
the art.
[0027] In one specific example, the above described disinfectant
system can be effectively used to provide disinfection of a wide
variety of surfaces. However, when a peracid is used, the peracid
component of the composition can have a limited shelf-life,
particularly at concentrations that are relatively low. As such,
the present disclosure provides an effective means for safely
packaging, handling, shipping, storing, and ultimately mixing such
a composition in a two-component format (at an initial higher
concentration) until shortly before use. For example, the above
described disinfectant composition could be packaged into a
multi-chamber container of the present disclosure such that an
aqueous vehicle, including a transition metal (ionic or colloidal)
component and/or alcohol or possibly other organic components are
placed in the larger second chamber of the container, while a
concentrated, and thereby more stable, peracid liquid is placed in
the smaller first chamber. By maintaining a somewhat elevated
concentration of peracid in the liquid of the first chamber, the
peracid has an enhanced stability, and therefore a longer
shelf-life. Further, the present disclosure provides for a safe
means for packaging such individually separated compositions.
Typically, solutions having elevated peracid concentrations are
viewed as being hazardous, and therefore, difficult to ship and
sell to the public. The multi-chamber containers of the present
disclosure would allow for the peracid liquid to be packaged within
the first chamber and enclosed within the container for safety.
Such a configuration makes the system more safely shipped and
stored because any leak from the first chamber would be retained
within the container and, if the membrane separating the chambers
is broken, safely dispersed and neutralized into the second liquid
present in the second chamber. Specific details of one specific
type of composition which can be used in the systems of the present
inventions are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,473,675, which is
incorporated herein by reference.
[0028] The configuration of the membrane 130 and plunger 140 can be
particularly advantageous when the liquid present in the first
chamber 110 is a dangerous or hazardous liquid. For example, if the
liquid in the first chamber is a concentrated acid, the user does
not need to be exposed to the concentrated acid in order to
facilitate the mixing of the acid with the liquid in the second
chamber 120. The fluid within the first chamber is only exposed to
an external environment when the membrane separating the first and
second chambers is punctured inside the multi-chamber container
100.
[0029] With reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, shown is a
cross-sectional schematic view of one embodiment of a cap 201 for a
container for storing and mixing liquids, in accordance with the
present disclosure. Similar to the concepts and features disclosed
above with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the cap can include a
chamber 210 configured to contain a liquid composition 211. The
chamber can have an opening 212 configured to drain the liquid
composition from the chamber. A membrane 230 can cover the opening
of the chamber and the membrane can be puncturable (shown in FIG.
2B) to facilitate passage of the liquid composition through the
opening. A plunger 240 can be associated with the chamber and
operable to puncture the membrane. In this case, the plunger 240
is, initially, at least partially disposed in the chamber (shown in
FIG. 2A). In particular, the plunger is disposed in an opening 214
of the first chamber opposite the membrane. The plunger is
configured to move through the opening to facilitate puncture of
the membrane. This configuration, when compared to the initial
plunger configuration illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, facilitates a
shorter range of travel for the plunger needed to puncture and
penetrate the membrane, because the sharp tip 241 of the plunger
can be located in the chamber near the membrane prior to movement
of the plunger toward the membrane.
[0030] The cap 201 can also include a seal 250 configured to seal a
shaft 243 of the plunger to prevent or minimize fluid from escaping
the chamber around the shaft in the opening 214. FIGS. 2A and 2B
also illustrate a recess 242 that extends around a circumference of
the shaft to facilitate passage of fluid around the shaft when the
shaft is extending through the punctured membrane. A lock 260 can
secure the plunger and prevent retraction of the plunger upon
puncturing the membrane. In this case, the lock can include a hook
261 or catch configured to resiliently deflect upon contacting the
interface feature 244 of the plunger as the plunger shaft moves
through the chamber 210. The hook can resiliently move back to
secure the top of the interface feature when the plunger has moved
through its range of travel. In addition, a vent 270 can be
operable with the chamber 210 to facilitate venting of the
chamber.
[0031] Furthermore, the cap 201 can include a cover 280 movably
disposed over the plunger 240 to alternately prevent accidental
puncturing of the membrane 230 and to facilitate access for
operation of the plunger. The cover can be pivotally mounted with a
hinge 281 and can include a tab 282 to facilitate lifting or moving
the cover by a user. The cover can be of a rigid construction
sufficient to prevent an external force from moving the plunger
when the cover is in place over the plunger. Although a domed
configuration is shown, it should be recognized that any suitable
cover configuration may be implemented. In one aspect, the cover
can be removable and discarded following locking of the plunger, as
the lock will secure the plunger and remove any additional need for
the cover.
[0032] With continued reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the cap 201 can
also include a coupling portion 271 for coupling the cap to a
container 202, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The container can include
a chamber 220 configured to contain a liquid composition 221. The
container can also include an opening for the chamber 220, and the
cap can be configured to cover the opening of the chamber 220.
Thus, together, the cap 201 and the container 202 can form a
multi-chamber container 200 for storing and mixing liquids. In one
aspect, the chamber 210 of the cap 201 can be smaller relative to
the chamber of the container 202, such that the cap chamber can be
disposed, at least partially, within the container chamber.
[0033] The coupling portion 271 can comprise any mechanism known in
the art for coupling a cap to a container, including but not
limited to threads, clamps, interference fittings, detents, etc.
The cap can therefore be screwed or threaded onto the container, or
pushed or pressed onto the container. Other connection mechanisms
can also be used to operably connect the cap and the container. For
example, in one embodiment, the opening of the container can have a
plurality of external tabs which, when paired with corresponding
slots in the cap, form a locking mechanism, thereby operably
connecting the cap and the container. Other methods of operably
connecting the cap and the container can also be used. The cap can
also include a seal 251, such as an O-ring, to prevent or minimize
leakage of fluid out of the container through the coupling
interface of the cap and the container, such as around or through
coupling features.
[0034] When the cap 201 is operably coupled to the container 202 to
form the multi-chamber container 200, the configuration can
facilitate contacting of the liquids contained in the respective
chambers. For example, the plunger 240 can penetrate, puncture,
rupture, or otherwise break the membrane 230 to facilitate draining
of the fluid 211 from the chamber 210 into the fluid 221 in the
chamber 220, as shown in FIG. 2B. After mixing the fluids, the cap
can be removed and the composition can be dispensed in any suitable
manner, such as by pouring, spraying, etc. The container 202 can
include a handle 272 to enable the user to more easily manipulate
the container.
[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of a multi-chamber
container 300 for storing and mixing liquids, in accordance with
the present disclosure. Similar to other embodiments described
herein, the multi-chamber container 300 can include a first chamber
310 configured to contain a first liquid composition 311, a second
chamber 320 configured to contain a second liquid composition 321,
a puncturable membrane 330 separating the first liquid composition
and the second liquid composition, and a plunger 340 operable to
puncture the membrane. In addition, the multi-chamber container 300
can include a third chamber 390 configured to receive a mixture of
the first liquid composition and the second liquid composition. A
second puncturable membrane 332 can be operable with the second
chamber to separate the first liquid composition and/or the second
liquid composition from the third chamber. A second plunger 394 can
be associated with the second chamber and operable to puncture the
second membrane. Because the plungers are located at the bottom end
of the multi-chamber container, a lip 372 or other extension
structure may be incorporated to prevent the container from resting
on the plungers, which could cause the plungers to penetrate the
membranes accidentally and/or prematurely.
[0036] In practice, a mixture of the first liquid composition 311
and the second liquid composition 321 can be formed by puncturing
the first membrane 330 with the plunger 340 and mixing the contents
of the chambers. Following this, the second membrane 332 can be
punctured, such as with plunger 394, to facilitate entry of the
mixture into the third chamber 390. These steps can take place when
the multi-chamber container 300 is upside down to facilitate
emptying of fluid into the second and third chambers. The third
chamber can be of any suitable configuration to receive the mixture
of the first liquid composition and the second liquid composition.
In one optional aspect, the third chamber can be configured to
house an absorbent cleaning item, such as a roll of towelettes 391,
disposed in the third chamber to absorb or wick the mixture of the
first liquid composition and the second liquid composition. Once
the mixture has been absorbed, the towelettes can be used in the
usual manner by retrieving an end 392 of a towelette from an
opening 393 in the third chamber, shown covered by a removable
cover 395 in the figure. Thus, the towelettes can be initially
wetted with the mixture at a time just prior to use. This can
minimize evaporation and drying of the towelettes as well as
maintain effectiveness of any chemicals absorbed by the towelettes,
such as by reducing the time for oxidation and degradation of the
chemicals prior to use of the towelettes.
[0037] As with other embodiments, the plungers 340, 394 can be
locked with locks 360, 396, respectively, upon penetrating the
membranes. Also, one or more vents 370 can be used in conjunction
with the first chamber 310 and/or the second chamber 320.
[0038] FIG. 5 illustrates yet another embodiment of a multi-chamber
container 400 for storing and mixing liquids, in accordance with
the present disclosure. The multi-chamber container 400 is similar
to the multi-chamber container 300 discussed above with reference
to FIG. 4 in that the multi-chamber container 400 includes a first
chamber 410 configured to contain a first liquid composition 411, a
second chamber 420 configured to contain a second liquid
composition 421, a puncturable membrane 430 separating the first
liquid composition and the second liquid composition, and a third
chamber 490 configured to receive a mixture of the first liquid
composition and the second liquid composition. In this case, a
second puncturable membrane 431 is operable with the first chamber
to separate the first liquid composition and/or the second liquid
composition from the third chamber. Furthermore, the multi-chamber
container 400 is operable with only a single plunger 440 associated
with the third chamber that can puncture both the membranes 430,
431, in this case, from a top end of the container.
[0039] In practice, the second membrane 431 can be punctured with
the plunger 440 to gain access to the first membrane 430 through
the first chamber 410. The first membrane can then be punctured
with the plunger to facilitate entry of the first liquid
composition 411 into the second chamber 320, where it can be mixed
with the second liquid composition 321. The plunger can be removed
and discarded and a cover (not shown) can be placed over an opening
493 in the third chamber 490. Following this, the multi-chamber
container 400 can be inverted to drain or pour the mixture into the
third chamber via the opening 414. The first chamber can include a
tapered or angle wall 415 to facilitate draining of fluid from the
first chamber. An absorbent cleaning item, such as a roll of
towelettes 491 disposed in the third chamber, can absorb the
mixture of the first liquid composition and the second liquid
composition. It is noted that the plunger would typically be
positioned down a center region of the roll of towelettes, even
though the FIG. does not show this feature. Once the mixture has
been absorbed, the towelettes can be used in the usual manner by
retrieving an end 492 of a towelette from an opening 493 in the
third chamber. When the container is upright, the tapered wall 415
can help maintain the mixture in the third chamber by providing an
effective barrier to access of the opening 414 into the first
chamber 410. Optionally, or in addition, a guide tube 416 can be
disposed about the opening 414 to help align the plunger with the
opening to facilitate puncturing the membrane 431. The guide tube
can also provide an effective barrier for the mixture to prevent
draining of the mixture from the third chamber into the second
chamber. Although the first chamber is shown as being above the
second chamber is this embodiment, it should be recognized that the
second chamber can be disposed above the first chamber.
[0040] FIG. 6 illustrates still another embodiment of a
multi-chamber container 500 for storing and mixing liquids, in
accordance with the present disclosure. The multi-chamber container
500 is similar to the multi-chamber containers discussed above with
reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, in that the multi-chamber container 500
includes a first chamber 510 configured to contain a first liquid
composition 511, a second chamber 520 configured to contain a
second liquid composition 521, a puncturable membrane 530
separating the first liquid composition and the second liquid
composition, and a third chamber 590 configured to receive a
mixture of the first liquid composition and the second liquid
composition. In this case, a plunger 540 for puncturing the
membrane is associated with the first chamber and disposed inside
the third chamber. The plunger is accessible from a top end of the
container after removing a lid 574 from a canister 575.
[0041] With the lid 574 removed, an absorbent cleaning item, such
as a roll of towelettes 591, can be removed to permit access to the
plunger 540 in order to puncture the membrane 530 and facilitate
entry of the first liquid composition 511 into the second chamber
520, where it can be mixed with the second liquid composition 521.
A second membrane 534, operable with an opening 514 of the second
chamber, can separate the mixture of the first liquid composition
and the second liquid composition from the third chamber 590. The
second membrane can be punctured or removed, such as with pull tab
576, to facilitate entry of the mixture into the third chamber. The
towelettes can be returned to the third chamber and the lid can be
secured over the canister 575. The multi-chamber container 500 can
be inverted to drain or pour the mixture into the third chamber via
the opening 514. In one aspect, the location of the opening 514 can
be configured to facilitate draining of the mixture onto an
absorbent main body portion of the roll of towelettes, as opposed
to down a center of the roll, where no absorbent material resides.
Once the mixture has been absorbed by the towelettes, the
multi-chamber container can be returned to an upright position and
the towelettes can be used in the usual manner by retrieving an end
592 of a towelette from an opening 593 in the third chamber, which
may be covered by a removable cover 595.
[0042] In one aspect, the multi-chamber container 500 can be
refillable and reusable. For example, when the towelettes have been
consumed, a removable cartridge 577, that includes the first
chamber 510, the second chamber 520, and the plunger 540, can be
removed from the canister 575, disposed of, and replaced with a new
replacement cartridge and a new roll of towelettes can placed in
the third chamber 590. In a particular aspect, the cartridge can be
coupled to the canister, such as with a threaded interface,
interference fit, detent, or any other suitable coupling feature or
technique. Although a removable cartridge is shown, it should be
recognized that the first and second chambers can be integral with
the canister or otherwise non-replaceable.
[0043] FIG. 7 illustrates an additional embodiment of a
multi-chamber container 600 for storing and mixing liquids, in
accordance with the present disclosure. As with other embodiments
disclosed herein, the multi-chamber container can include a first
chamber 610 configured to contain a first liquid composition 611, a
second chamber 620 configured to contain a second liquid
composition 621, a first puncturable membrane 630 separating the
first liquid composition and the second liquid composition, a third
chamber 690 configured to receive a mixture of the first liquid
composition and the second liquid composition, and a plunger 640
operable to puncture the first membrane. In this case, the third
chamber also includes a third liquid composition 697 and a second
puncturable membrane 633 separating the second liquid composition
and the third liquid composition. The second membrane can be
punctured by the plunger to facilitate contact of the first liquid
composition, the second liquid composition, and the third liquid
composition, such that the third composition can mix with the
mixture of the first and second liquid compositions. It should be
recognized that any number of chambers and liquid compositions can
be included in a multi-chamber container in accordance with the
present disclosure. Moreover, it should be recognized that the
plunger configurations and associated chambers can be combined in
any arrangement or embodiment disclosed herein.
[0044] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
a method for facilitating storing and mixing liquids is disclosed.
The method can comprise obtaining a multi-chamber container having
a first chamber configured to contain a first liquid composition, a
second chamber configured to contain a second liquid composition,
and a membrane operable to separate the first liquid composition
and the second liquid composition. Additionally, the method can
comprise facilitating puncturing of the membrane with a plunger to
facilitate contact of the first liquid composition and the second
liquid composition. In one aspect, the method can further comprise
facilitating absorption of a mixture of the first liquid
composition and the second liquid composition by a towelette. In
another aspect, the multi-chamber container can comprise a cap for
the second chamber and the cap includes the first chamber. It is
noted that no specific order is required in this method, though
generally in one embodiment, these method steps can be carried out
sequentially.
[0045] It is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention
disclosed are not limited to the particular structures, process
steps, or materials disclosed herein, but are extended to
equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those ordinarily
skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understood that
terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.
[0046] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment"
or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is
included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,
appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an
embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not
necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
[0047] As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements,
compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a
common list for convenience. However, these lists should be
construed as though each member of the list is individually
identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual
member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of
any other member of the same list solely based on their
presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary.
In addition, various embodiments and example of the present
invention may be referred to herein along with alternatives for the
various components thereof. It is understood that such embodiments,
examples, and alternatives are not to be construed as de facto
equivalents of one another, but are to be considered as separate
and autonomous representations of the present invention.
[0048] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or
characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or
more embodiments. In the description, numerous specific details are
provided, such as examples of lengths, widths, shapes, etc., to
provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention.
One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the
invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific
details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In
other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations
are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of
the invention.
[0049] While the foregoing examples are illustrative of the
principles of the present invention in one or more particular
applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art that numerous modifications in form, usage and details of
implementation can be made without the exercise of inventive
faculty, and without departing from the principles and concepts of
the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention
be limited, except as by the claims set forth below.
* * * * *