U.S. patent application number 14/335143 was filed with the patent office on 2015-01-22 for free flow ingredient cap device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Igor BESIC, Dror FOLD. Invention is credited to Igor BESIC, Dror FOLD.
Application Number | 20150021214 14/335143 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52342696 |
Filed Date | 2015-01-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150021214 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BESIC; Igor ; et
al. |
January 22, 2015 |
Free Flow Ingredient Cap Device
Abstract
Aspects described herein provide cap devices for dispensing a
composition, the cap devices having chambers, shells, cutting
elements, piercers, optional dust covers, and films. Exemplary
basket piercers are provided for partially removing a film from the
bottom of the chamber permitting a free flow of a composition from
the cap device. Methods of using the cap devices are also
provided.
Inventors: |
BESIC; Igor; (Novi Sad,
RS) ; FOLD; Dror; (Glen Cove, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BESIC; Igor
FOLD; Dror |
Novi Sad
Glen Cove |
NY |
RS
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52342696 |
Appl. No.: |
14/335143 |
Filed: |
July 18, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61856267 |
Jul 19, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/222 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 51/2835
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/222 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/08 20060101
B65D025/08 |
Claims
1. A cap device comprising: a chamber for containing a composition,
the chamber comprising one or more side walls, a top wall, a center
cavity, a bottom opening, and a film adapted to cover at least part
of the bottom opening; and a shell for associating the cap device
with a container, the shell comprising a shell base and a shell
basket, the shell basket comprising one or more side walls, and a
basket piercer disposed adjacent to the one or more side walls of
the shell basket wherein the basket piercer partially removes the
film from the bottom opening when the chamber is actuated into the
shell.
2. The cap device of claim 1, wherein the basket piercer comprises
a cutting element having one or more edges.
3. The cap device of claim 2, wherein the shell basket has at least
one side wall having a top portion, a middle portion, and a bottom
portion.
4. The cap device of claim 3, wherein the basket piercer is
disposed on the top portion.
5. The cap device of claim 4, wherein the top portion slopes
downward toward the middle portion.
6. The cap device of claim 1, wherein the shell basket comprises a
first wall and a second wall, the shell further comprising a shell
side cavity between a first wall of the shell basket and a second
wall of the shell basket.
7. The cap device of claim 6, wherein after the film is cut by the
basket piercer, a first portion of the film remains attached to the
bottom opening of the chamber and a second portion of the film is
substantially disposed into the shell side cavity.
8. The cap device of claim 1, wherein the film is substantially
removed from the center cavity of the chamber.
9. The cap device of claim 7, wherein the film is circular and at
least about 320 to about 340 degrees of the film is pierced or cut
by the basket piercer.
10. The cap device of claim 1, wherein the composition is selected
from the group consisting of camu, camu berry, manoic root, acerola
berry, amla berry, beet, buckwheet berry sprouts, blueberry,
raspberry, cranberry, cherry, rose hips, lemon, lemon peel, black
pepper, algae, spirulina, klamath, chlorella, dunaliella, kelp,
wakame, kombu, bladderwrack, dulse, laver, millet sprouts, quinoa
sprouts, broccoli sprouts, apple, green papaya, enzymes, amylase,
cellulase, lipase, protease, mushrooms, reishi, shiitake, maitake,
agraricus, cordyceps, astragalus root, eleuthero root, lycium
berry, angelica sinensis root, schizandara berry, bai-zhu
atractylodes rhizome, fo-ti root, paeonia lactiflor root, rehmannia
root, codonopsis root, licorice root, jujube fruit, jojoba berry,
poria, ginger, ginger rhizome, tangerine peel, polygala root,
ligusticum wallichii rhizome, wheat grass, barley grass, oat grass,
alfalfa grass, spinach leaf, parsley leaf, kale leaf, collard leaf,
nettle leaf, red clover flower, skullcap flower, skullcap leaf,
burdock root, ginkgo leaf, yellow dock root, dandelion leaf,
rosemary leaf, clove bud, sage leaf, natural vitamin E sunflower,
and chia seed.
11. A method of adding a composition to a container with the cap
device of claim 1, comprising: actuating the chamber wherein at
least a portion of the chamber engages with and resides in the
shell and the film engages with the cutting element; partially
removing the film with the basket piercer wherein the film is
substantially removed from the center cavity of the chamber and the
composition is added to the container.
12. A method of dispensing a composition into a material,
comprising: providing a chamber containing a composition, the
chamber comprising one or more side walls, a top wall, a center
cavity, a bottom opening, and a film adapted to cover at least part
of the bottom opening; providing a shell, the shell comprising a
shell base and a shell basket, the shell basket comprising one or
more side walls, and a basket piercer disposed on one or more of
the one or more side walls; providing a container comprising a
material which is capable of mixing with the composition;
associating the chamber with the shell such that the chamber is in
communication with the shell; associating the shell with the
container such that the shell is in communication with the
container; and actuating the chamber into the shell wherein the
basket piercer partially removes the film from the bottom opening
wherein the composition is dispensed into the container.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the basket piercer comprises a
cutting element having one or more edges.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the shell basket has at least
one side wall having a top portion, a middle portion, and a bottom
portion.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the basket piercer is disposed
on the top portion.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the top portion slopes downward
toward the middle portion.
17. The method of claim 12, wherein the shell further comprises a
shell side cavity between a first wall and a second wall of the
shell basket and wherein after the film is cut by the basket
piercer, the film is substantially disposed into the shell side
cavity.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the film is substantially
removed from the center cavity of the chamber.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein the film is circular and at
least about 320 to about 340 degrees of the film is pierced or cut
by the basket piercer.
20. The method of claim 12, further comprising agitating the
container wherein the material enters the chamber and contacts the
composition.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the material is selected from
the group consisting of water, juice, soda, seltzer, non-caloric
flavored beverages, alcoholic beverages, caffeinated beverages,
brewed beverages, milk and milk products, almond milk, tea, coffee,
soap, lotion, makeup, and shampoo.
22. The method of claim 20, wherein at least about 99% of the
composition is removed from the chamber.
23. The cap device of claim 1, wherein the shell basket comprises a
first wall and a second wall, a shell side cavity is disposed
between the first wall and the second wall, the first wall has a
top portion, a middle portion, and a bottom portion, the top
portion of the first wall slopes toward the middle portion of the
first wall, and a basket piercer is disposed on the first wall.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/856,267, filed Jul. 19, 2013 and is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as if restated in
full.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Conventional liquid beverages are distributed in disposable
containers with all of the ingredients of the beverage pre-mixed
with the liquid beverage inside the container. The liquid is either
pasteurized or contains preservatives to prevent degradation of
ingredients that are suspended or dissolved in the liquid. Any
additional ingredients that are not be pre-mixed with the liquid
prior to distribution but that are designed to be added to the
liquid before consumption are conventionally kept separate from the
liquid in a second container. Keeping additional ingredients
separate from the liquid in a second container is inconvenient for
the consumer, who must then add the additional ingredients from the
second container into the container holding the liquid. Also, the
consumer must accurately measure and combine the ingredients,
because variations in the ratio of additional ingredients to liquid
may alter the properties (e.g., taste, viscosity, organoleptic
properties, etc.) of the final beverage.
[0003] Disposable containers typically include a cap designed to
provide a leak-resistant seal over the opening of the container
containing the liquid, for example, over mouth of a bottle. A cap
that could contain additional ingredients separate from the liquid
while allowing the user to add the additional ingredients to the
liquid and still provide a leak-resistant seal would be
desirable.
[0004] Cap devices for dispensing ingredients are typically
associated with a container containing a liquid (e.g., water, tea,
juice, etc.) with the bottom opening of the cap device associated
with the top opening of the container. The ingredients may be
retained in the cap device by the presence of a film (e.g., foil,
plastic, mesh, etc.) over the bottom opening of the cap device.
Previous cap devices have cutting or piercing elements (e.g., metal
or plastic edges) to puncture or cut the film to allow the
ingredients to be dispensed into the liquid. However, the cutting
or piercing elements and structures used to place the cutting or
piercing elements in position to cut or pierce the film (e.g.,
piercer arms) impede the flow of ingredients out of the cap device
and into the container. After cutting or piercing the film with
these cap devices, consumers typically agitate or shake the
container to mix the ingredients with the liquid. Agitation of the
container may aid in removal of ingredients from the cap device.
However, the cutting elements and associated structures still may
retain un-dissolved ingredients and particulate matter. These
ingredients are not dissolved in the liquid, reducing the
concentration of ingredients in the liquid and the quality of the
product. In addition, retention of ingredients in the cap may lead
to premature spoilage if the beverage is not completely consumed
directly after dispensing the ingredients into the container. It
would be advantageous to have an ingredient-dispensing cap device
for facilitating the free flow of ingredients into an associated
container.
SUMMARY
[0005] Cap devices are provided for facilitating free flow of
ingredients into a container. In this manner, substantially all of
the fresh ingredients in the cap device can be mixed with a liquid
or other material just prior to consumption maximizing the
stability, taste, and activity of the ingredients.
[0006] Aspects described herein provide cap devices adapted for
containers (e.g., disposable containers). In one aspect, the cap
devices provide a shell adapted to be associated with a container
and a chamber containing a composition and adapted to associate
with the shell. In another aspect, the chamber has a film which
prevents the composition from being released until desired. In this
aspect, when the chamber is actuated and moved into the shell
(e.g., with a downward force), the film is pierced or cut by a
cutting element in the shell and the composition is released into
the container.
[0007] In one aspect, the cap devices have a chamber for containing
a composition. In this aspect, the chamber comprises one or more
side walls, a top wall, a center cavity, a bottom opening, and a
film adapted to cover at least part of the bottom opening. In
another aspect the cap device also provides a shell for associating
the cap device with a container. The exemplary shell comprises a
shell base and a shell basket, the shell basket having one or more
side walls, and a basket piercer disposed on one or more of the one
or more side walls. In this aspect, the basket piercer partially
removes the film from the bottom opening when the chamber is
actuated into the shell. In a further aspect, the chamber can be
actuated into the shell in a direction substantially perpendicular
to the shell.
[0008] In another aspect, the shell basket has at least one side
wall having a top portion, a middle portion, and a bottom portion.
A basket piercer can be disposed on the top portion. In yet another
aspect, the basket piercer can be disposed on the top portion and
the middle portion. The basket piercer comprises, for example, a
cutting element for cutting or piercing a film. In another aspect,
the top portion slopes downward toward the middle portion of the
side wall. In yet another aspect, the shell further comprises a
shell side cavity between the shell basket and the first side wall
of the basket piercer. After the chamber is actuated into the
shell, the film is cut or pierced by the basket piercer and the
film is substantially disposed into the shell side cavity. In this
aspect, a portion of the film may still be attached to the bottom
opening after the film is cut or pierces by the cutting element.
However, substantially all of the film is removed from the bottom
opening and the center cavity of the chamber is substantially free
of obstruction from the film. In yet another aspect, the film is
circular and at least about 320 to about 340 degrees of the film is
pierced or cut by the basket piercer.
[0009] In one aspect, the shell basket has a first wall and a
second wall, and a shell side cavity is disposed between the first
wall and the second wall. In this aspect, the first wall has a top
portion, a middle portion, and a bottom portion, and the top
portion of the first wall slopes toward the middle portion of the
first wall. In another aspect, a basket piercer is disposed on the
top portion of the first wall.
[0010] Any suitable ingredient, ingredients, or combination of
ingredients can be included in the composition. The composition can
comprise a single ingredient or any suitable number of ingredients.
In addition to edible and nutritional ingredients (e.g., vitamin
supplements, natural products and extracts, enzymes, etc.),
non-edible ingredients (e.g., perfumes, topical preparations) can
be included in the composition and added to a material such as
soap, lotion, makeup, and shampoo.
[0011] Further aspects provide methods of adding a composition to a
container with the cap devices described herein. In this aspect, a
chamber containing a composition is adapted to engage with and
reside in the shell. When the chamber is actuated into the shell,
the film engages with the cutting element disposed on the basket
piercer. The film is partially removed from the bottom opening of
the chamber and substantially removed from the center cavity and
the composition is dispensed into the container.
[0012] In yet another aspect, methods of dispensing a composition
into a material are provided. In this aspect, the method provides a
chamber containing a composition, a shell, and a container. The
chamber can comprise one or more side walls, a top wall, a center
cavity, a bottom opening, and a film adapted to cover at least part
of the bottom opening. The top wall of the chamber can be
removable, form a door, or have an access port for drinking or for
the addition of ingredients.
[0013] The shell can comprise a shell base and a shell basket. The
shell basket can comprise one or more side walls and a basket
piercer disposed adjacent to the one or more side walls. In one
aspect, the basket piercer is axially disposed in the shell
basket.
[0014] In this aspect, the chamber is in communication with the
shell and the shell is in communication with the container. The
chamber can be actuated into the shell in a direction substantially
perpendicular to the shell wherein the basket piercer partially
removes the film from the bottom opening and the composition is
dispensed into the container.
[0015] In another aspect, the shell basket has at least one side
wall having a top portion, a middle portion, and a bottom portion.
In yet another aspect, the cutting element is disposed on the top
portion. In another aspect, the basket piercer is cylindrical and
the cutting element is disposed on one side of the top portion. The
top portion can gradually slope downward toward the middle portion
of the basket.
[0016] In another aspect, the shell further comprises a shell side
cavity between the shell basket and the basket piercer. In this
aspect, after the film is cut by the basket piercer, the film is
substantially disposed into the shell side cavity.
[0017] In another aspect, the film is substantially removed from
the center cavity of the chamber. The film can be circular and at
least about 320 to about 340 degrees of the film is pierced or cut
by the basket piercer when the chamber is actuated into the
shell.
[0018] In another aspect, after the composition is dispensed into
the liquid or other material in the container, the container can be
agitated which distributes the material in the chamber to remove
residual composition. In this aspect, the film has been
substantially removed from the bottom opening and the center cavity
of the shell and chamber are unobstructed by structures. In this
aspect, at least about 99% of the composition is removed from the
chamber.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary cap device having a
dust cover, chamber, shell, shell basket, and basket piercer;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a side view of the exemplary assembled cap device
of FIG. 1 before opening;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a side view of an exemplary shell, shell basket,
and basket piercer;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a side view of an exemplary shell, shell basket,
and basket piercer 90 degrees from the perspective of the exemplary
shell of FIG. 3;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the cap device dust
cover, chamber, shell, shell basket, and basket piercer;
[0024] FIGS. 6A and 6B are bottom and side views respectively of
the initial stage of actuating a chamber with a film containing a
composition into a shell comprising a basket piercer for partially
removing the film;
[0025] FIGS. 7A and 7B are bottom and side views respectively of a
further stage of actuating a chamber with a film containing a
composition being actuated into a shell comprising a basket piercer
for partially removing the film; and
[0026] FIGS. 8A and 8B are bottom and side views respectively of
the last stage of actuating a chamber with a film containing a
composition being actuated into a shell comprising a basket piercer
for partially removing the film.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] Conventional ingredient dispensing cap devices use a cutting
element to cut the film covering the portion of the cap containing
the ingredients. By using the cutting element, ingredients can be
mixed just prior to consumption or use in order to maximize
freshness and potency of the ingredients. However, the ingredients
are often not fully dissolved in or transported to the liquid or
other material in the container. For example, the ingredients may
include larger particles or may not readily dissolve in the
material in the container. Often residual ingredients are left
behind in the cap because they were not adequately dissolved or
dispersed in the liquid or other material or because structures
present in the cap limit the flow of liquid or other material into
and out of the cap or retain particles. Consumers may become
frustrated with agitating the container too vigorously or for too
long in order to fully mix the ingredients prior to
consumption.
[0028] Free flow ingredient dispensing cap devices are provided
that remove the cutting element from the center cavity. In some
aspects, the cap devices remove substantially all of the film from
the center cavity of the cap device while a portion of the film
remains attached. In these aspects, the film is moved out of the
center cavity so it does not impede the flow of ingredients or
liquid or other material or fall into the container. These aspects
increase the flow of liquid or other material into the cap device
by, for example, removing structures from the center cavity.
Removing structures from the center cavity also frees additional
volume in the cap in order to include a larger volume of
ingredients.
[0029] A cap dispensing device can contain a chamber for housing a
required amount of additional ingredients. The chamber can have any
required volume, for example, about 5 mL to about 20 mL, about 10
mL to about 15 mL, or about 13 mL; for solids with a density of
about 0.8 g/mL, this equates to a solid capacity of about 4 g to
about 16 g, or about 8 g to about 12 g, or about 10 g. The chamber
need not contain any particular type of ingredient. In one aspect,
an ingredient can be added to the chamber to prevent or avoid
caking of the composition (e.g., rice powder, silicon dioxide,
glidant etc.). When an ingredient is present in the chamber, the
ingredient typically takes up about 95% or less, or about 80% or
less, or about 75% or less, or about 70% or less, or about 65% or
less, or about 50% or less of the total available volume of the
chamber. For example and without limitation, about 2 grams of solid
can be contained in an exemplary chamber sized such that the about
2 grams of solid takes up about 60% of the total available volume
of the chamber.
[0030] The chamber can include one or more side walls and one or
more top walls attached to the one or more side walls. The chamber
can also include an opening opposite the one or more top walls. The
top wall of the chamber can be removable, form a door, or have an
access port for drinking or for the addition of ingredients. In
another aspect, the chamber can have at least two openings. At
least part of any opening can be covered by a film, which can be
any type of film known in the art. For example, the film can
include at least one of a plastic film, a metal film, a foil film,
a paper film, and a film containing a combination of the foregoing
(e.g., a metalized plastic film). The film can be, for example, a
bi-axially oriented film of polypropylene or metalized
polypropylene. The film can provide a barrier to at least one of
moisture and oxygen. The film can be made of a material that does
not increase the actuation force (i.e., the force required to
depress the chamber into the shell), for example, a material
designed such that only a trivial amount of force is required to
pierce and break the film when the film engages a cutting element.
The film can cover a part of an opening, or it can cover an entire
opening.
[0031] Aspects described herein provide a chamber for containing a
composition. In one aspect, the chamber comprises one or more side
walls, a top wall, a center cavity, a bottom opening, and a film
adapted to cover at least part of the bottom opening. The chamber
can contain a composition with one or more ingredients.
[0032] The ingredients can be edible or non-edible. In one aspect,
the composition is selected from the group consisting of camu, camu
berry, manoic root, acerola berry, amla berry, beet, buckwheet
berry sprouts, blueberry, raspberry, cranberry, cherry, rose hips,
lemon, lemon peel, black pepper, algae, spirulina, klamath,
chlorella, dunaliella, kelp, wakame, kombu, bladderwrack, dulse,
laver, millet sprouts, quinoa sprouts, broccoli sprouts, apple,
green papaya, enzymes, amylase, cellulase, lipase, protease,
mushrooms, reishi, shiitake, maitake, agraricus, cordyceps,
astragalus root, eleuthero root, lycium berry, angelica sinensis
root, schizandara berry, bai-zhu atractylodes rhizome, fo-ti root,
paeonia lactiflor root, rehmannia root, codonopsis root, licorice
root, jujube fruit, jojoba berry, poria, ginger, ginger rhizome,
tangerine peel, polygala root, ligusticum wallichii rhizome, wheat
grass, barley grass, oat grass, alfalfa grass, spinach leaf,
parsley leaf, kale leaf, collard leaf, nettle leaf, red clover
flower, skullcap flower, skullcap leaf, burdock root, ginkgo leaf,
yellow dock root, dandelion leaf, rosemary leaf, clove bud, sage
leaf, natural vitamin E sunflower, and chia seed.
[0033] Non-edible ingredients (e.g., aloe, vitamins, topical
preparations, perfumes, lotions, cleansers, conditioners, etc.) can
be dispensed in, for example, shampoos or liquid soap
preparations.
[0034] Aspects provide a shell for associating the cap device with
a container and adapted to axially receive a chamber. In one
aspect, the shell includes a shell base and a shell basket. In this
aspect, the shell basket includes one or more side walls and a
basket piercer disposed adjacent to the one or more side walls. In
another aspect, the shell, shell base, shell basket, and basket
piercer are cylindrical with the shell base axially disposed in the
shell, the shell basket axially disposed in the shell base, and the
basket piercer axially disposed in the shell basket. In another
aspect, the shell basket has two or more walls, and a shell side
cavity (e.g., space, depression, etc.) between two of the walls of
the shell basket. Threading elements can be provided in addition to
or in lieu of the shell base for associating the cap device with a
container.
[0035] In another aspect, a cutting element is disposed on the top
portion of a side wall of the basket piercer. The cutting element
can be of any suitable shape (e.g., triangular, square,
rectangular, diamond etc.) and be made of any suitable materials
(e.g., plastic, metal, paper etc.). The cutting element can be
integrated into the basket piercer (e.g., form a part of the top
portion of the basket piercer) or be a separate element associated
with or attached to the basket piercer. In another aspect, the
entire top portion of the basket piercer can be a cutting edge or
comprise a series of cutting edges.
[0036] In yet another aspect, the top portion of side wall of the
basket piercer slopes downward toward the middle portion of the
side wall. The slope can be of any suitable grade (steep, moderate,
or gradual). In one aspect, the angle of inclination to the
horizontal for the grade is from about 5 degrees to about 45
degrees. In another aspect, the grade is curved. In yet another
aspect, the cutting element can be disposed at the apex of the top
portion of the side wall or the entire top portion or a part of the
top portion of the basket piercer can be a cutting element.
[0037] In one aspect, when the chamber is actuated or pushed
downward into the shell in a direction that is substantially
perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the shell, the film
engages the cutting element disposed on the top portion of a side
wall of the basket piercer. In this aspect, as the chamber is
actuated downward, the film is gradually pierced or cut and removed
from the bottom portion of the chamber in a substantially circular
pattern following the contour of the downward slope of the top
portion of the basket piercer. In this aspect, substantially all of
the film is removed with the exception of a small portion that
remains attached to the outer perimeter of the bottom opening of
the chamber. In another aspect, about 320 to 340 degrees of the
film is removed from the outer perimeter of the bottom opening of
the chamber.
[0038] In another aspect, as the film is removed, it is
substantially moved into the shell side cavity (i.e., the space
between two walls of the shell basket). Without being bound by
theory, it is believed that the downward slope of the top portion
of the basket piercer causes the film to move outward and into the
shell side cavity. For example, as the chamber is pressed down, the
cutting element of the basket piercer pushes up against the foil
until the foil is taught, whereupon it cuts the foil. The initial
upward force pushes the foil upward. As the chamber descends into
the cavity between the basket piercer and the shell basket, the
foil, still attached in part to the chamber, is pulled down into
the shell side cavity.
[0039] Advantageously, the film is removed from the center cavity
of the chamber and the shell. In this aspect, since a small portion
of the film remains attached to the bottom portion of the chamber,
the risk of the film falling into the container is eliminated or
greatly reduced. Previous cap devices cut or puncture the film in
the center, moving pieces of the film radially outward from the
point where the cutting element engages the film. Although these
portions of the film may remain attached to the bottom portion of
the chamber and not fall into the container, their presence in the
center cavity of the chamber impedes the flow of material into the
chamber. In addition, undissolved ingredients may be retained on
these portions of the film.
[0040] In one aspect, the material is selected from the group
consisting of water, juice, soda, seltzer, non-caloric flavored
beverages, alcoholic beverages, caffeinated beverages, brewed
beverages, milk and milk products, almond milk, tea, and
coffee.
[0041] Methods for adding a composition to a container are
provided. In one aspect, the exemplary chambers, shells, and
containers described herein are configured to retain and deliver
ingredients or a composition retained in, for example, the chamber
to the container upon actuation or movement of the chamber into the
shell. The chamber can contain ingredients or a composition that is
retained in the chamber by a film disposed on the perimeter of the
bottom opening of the chamber.
[0042] When the chamber is actuated into the shell, for example, by
downward pressure on the top portion of the chamber, the film
engages with the cutting element on the basket piercer and is
partially removed from the bottom portion of the chamber. In one
aspect, the film is also removed from the center cavity of the
chamber such that the chamber, shell, and container are in open
communication through a center cavity. The ingredients or
composition are dispensed from the chamber into the container.
[0043] After the ingredients are dispensed into the container, the
consumer can shake or agitate the container in any suitable manner
(e.g., rotate the container side to side, move the container up and
down) in order to mix the ingredients with the material. After
agitation of the container, the material can enter the chamber,
contact and mix with the composition, and dissolve or dilute the
ingredients.
[0044] The container is adapted to receive the shell using any
suitable structures (e.g., threads, beads, adhesive etc.). The
container can be made of any suitable material (e.g., plastic,
metal, or paper) and any suitable configuration (e.g., bottle,
boxes, cup, etc.). In one aspect, the container comprises a
material which is capable of mixing with the composition (e.g.,
water, juice, soda, seltzer, non-caloric flavored beverages,
alcoholic beverages, caffeinated beverages, brewed beverages, milk
and milk products, almond milk, tea, coffee, soap, lotion, makeup,
and shampoo).
[0045] The film can be made of any suitable porous or non-porous
biodegradable or non-biodegradable covering (e.g., plastic, foil,
fabric, fiber etc.). In one aspect, the chamber, shell, shell
basket, and shell basket piercer are cylindrical. In another
aspect, chamber, shell, shell basket, and shell basket piercer are
of any suitable shape (e.g., square, triangular, and
rectangular).
[0046] In one aspect, the basket piercer comprises a cutting
element having one or more edges. The cutting element can be of any
suitable shape (e.g., triangular, square, rectangular, diamond
etc.) and be made of any suitable materials (e.g., plastic, metal,
paper etc.). The cutting element can be integrated into the basket
piercer (e.g., form a part of the top portion of the basket
piercer) or be a separate element associated with or attached to
the basket piercer.
[0047] In certain aspects, the foil is removed from the center
cavity of the chamber and is retained in the shell side cavity
rather than remaining in the center cavity of the chamber or shell,
the material has free flow access to the entire chamber. In
addition, while substantially the entire film is removed and moved
to the shell side cavity, a small portion remains attached to the
outer perimeter of the bottom opening of the chamber. These
features have several implications. In one aspect, the flow rate of
the liquid or other material is increased by about 300% compared to
cap devices with conventional cutting elements and other structures
that remain in the center cavity of the chamber or the shell. In
another aspect, the increased flow washes out residual or
undissolved ingredients in the chamber maximizing the concentration
of the ingredients in the container. In yet another aspect,
removing structures from the center cavity of the chamber permits
addition of a larger volume of ingredients to the chamber.
[0048] In one aspect, the capacity of the cap device is at least
about 85% fill. In contrast, conventional cap devices are limiting
to 20-60% fill depending on the density and hydroscopic nature of
the ingredients. In another aspect, the fill capacity of the cap
devices described herein are at least about 5-6 grams of a
hygroscopic powder (e.g., "green powder" (including, but not
limited to, cucumber, algae, bladderwack, chlorella, sprouts,
mushrooms), sugar, honey). In yet another aspect, the fill capacity
for hygroscopic ingredients (e.g., chia seeds) is at least 8.5-9
grams.
[0049] In other aspects, removal of structures from the center
cavity of the shell facilitates molding of the cap device reducing
costs. In yet another aspect, additional features such as a plug
seal can be more readily applied or added due to, for example,
reduced complexity in molding the shell.
EXAMPLES
[0050] Non-limiting examples are now provided with reference to the
figures, where like numbers represent like elements.
[0051] With reference to FIG. 1, an exemplary cap device 400 is
shown with an optional dust cover 100, chamber 200, and shell 300.
Chamber 200 has a top portion 202 and a bottom opening 204 which
can be covered by film 205 (not shown). Shell 300 has shell chimney
302, shell base 304, shell basket 305, basket piercer 306, cutting
element 308, and shell side cavity 310. Cutting element 308 is
disposed on the top portion of a side wall of basket piercer 306.
Shell side cavity 310 is adjacent to shell basket 305 and basket
piercer 306.
[0052] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary assembled cap device 400 prior to
actuation. In FIG. 2, dust cover 100 is attached to the base of cap
shell 300. In use, a consumer can twist the dust cover and access
the chamber 200.
[0053] FIG. 3 shows a longitudinal-section of an exemplary shell
300. Shell side cavity 310 is disposed between shell basket first
wall 307 and shell basket second wall 303 of shell basket 306.
Basket piercer 313, including basket piercer top portion 311,
basket piercer middle portion 312, and basket piercer bottom
portion 309 are disposed on the shell basket first wall 307. Basket
piercer top portion 311 is shown with a curved downward slope from
cutting element 308 toward basket piercer Middle Portion 312. In
this example, basket piercer top portion 311 and basket piercer
middle portion 312 form cutting element 308.
[0054] FIG. 4 shows an alternate longitudinal-section of an
exemplary shell 300. Basket piercer top portion 311 is shown with a
gradual slope from cutting element 308 toward basket piercer middle
portion 312.
[0055] FIG. 5 shows a cut-away view of unassembled cap device 400
prior to actuation.
[0056] FIGS. 6-8 illustrate cutting the film with cutting element
308 and basket piercer 313 as chamber 200 is actuated into shell
300. FIG. 6A shows a bottom view of shell 300, cutting element 308,
basket piercer 313, shell side cavity 310, and film 205 just after
beginning the actuation of chamber 200 into shell 300. FIG. 6B
shows a side view of the cap device of FIG. 6A with chamber 200,
top portion 202, bottom portion 204, film 205, shell 300, shell
chimney 302, basket piercer 313, cutting element 308, and shell
side cavity 310. Cutting element 308 is shown at the initial stage
of piercing film 205.
[0057] FIGS. 7A (bottom view) and 7B (side view) further depict
film 205 being partially cut by cutting element 308 as chamber 200
is actuated into shell 300. FIGS. 8A (bottom view) and 8B (side
view) show substantially all of film 205 removed from the bottom
opening (not shown) and folded into shell side cavity 310. A
portion of film 205 remains attached to bottom opening 204 (not
shown). In this example, film 205 is substantially removed from the
center cavity of the chamber 200 and shell 300 which results in
dispensing the ingredients in chamber 200 into the container with
minimal structures present to retain the ingredients or impede the
flow of liquid or material into chamber 200 in order remove
residual ingredients from chamber 200. In addition, film 205
remains at least partially attached to bottom opening 204 and is
not dispensed into the container.
[0058] The container with the actuated cap device 400 can be
agitated, for example by shaking, to ensure that at least 50%, at
least 75%, at least 85%, at least 95%, essentially all, or all of
the contents of the chamber 200 are added to the container. Shell
300 can then be removed from the opening in the container and the
contents of the container, which includes at least part of the
composition formerly within the chamber 200 and the liquid or other
material originally in the container can be consumed or used.
[0059] Any type of ingredient, including one or more of a solid,
liquid, and a gaseous ingredient, may be contained within the
chamber 200 or any of chamber or shell described herein. As one
example, raw ingredients, such as those which have not been exposed
to a temperature of more than 117.degree. F. and thus contain
active natural enzymes which can be killed by exposure to such
temperatures, can be included. Phytonutrients, such as bioactive
compounds from fruits and vegetables can also be included. Freeze
dried (lyophilized) fruit, vegetable, plant, or animal materials
can be included. Organic materials, such as materials derived from
plants grown without the use of one or more of pesticides,
herbicides, synthetic fertilizers, genetic modification, and
harmful chemicals can be included. Exemplary components of a
composition to be contained within the chamber 200 include beets,
camu camu berry, manoic root (manihot utilissima), acerola berry,
amla berry, buckwheet berry sprouts, blueberry, raspberry,
cranberry, cherry, rose hips, lemon peel, black pepper, algae (e.g.
spirulina, klamath, chlorella, dunaliella, kelp, wakame, kombu,
bladderwrack, dulse, and laver), millet sprouts, quinoa sprouts,
broccoli sprouts, apple, green papaya, enzymes (e.g. amylase,
cellulase, lipase, protease), mushrooms (e.g., reishi, shiitake,
maitake, agraricus, cordyceps), astragalus root, eleuthero root,
lycium (goji) berry, angelica sinensis root, schizandara berry,
bai-zhu atractylodes rhizome, fo-ti root, paeonia lactiflor root,
rehmannia root, codonopsis root, licorice (anise) root, jujube
fruit, jojoba berry, poria, ginger, lemon, ginger rhizome,
tangerine peel, polygala root, ligusticum wallichii rhizome, wheat
grass, barley grass, oat grass, alfalfa grass, spinach leaf,
parsley leaf, kale leaf, collard leaf, nettle leaf, red clover
flower, skullcap flower, skullcap leaf, burdock root, ginkgo leaf,
yellow dock root, dandelion leaf, rosemary leaf, clove bud, sage
leaf, natural vitamin E (e.g., from sunflower), chia seed, extracts
of any of the foregoing, lyophilized forms of any of the foregoing,
and combinations of any of the foregoing.
[0060] Note that while the cap device 400, other cap devices
described herein, and associated methods have been described
primarily with respect to beverage products, they can also be used
with compositions that are designed to be added to containers with
other liquids or other materials. For example, the cap device 400
could contain the solid components of cement or plaster in the
chamber 200 (or any of the exemplary chambers or shells described
herein) for addition to a liquid or other material within the
container. The chamber 200 (or any of the exemplary chambers or
shells described herein) could also contain a component of an
adhesive, such as an epoxy, for addition to a second component of
the adhesive within a container. Compositions (e.g., fragrances,
herbs, vitamins, lotions) for addition to cosmetics or consumer
products (e.g., shampoo, cosmetics, mouthwash, etc.) can also be
used with the cap devices described herein.
[0061] Further, not every element described herein is required. For
example, the dust cover may be omitted if it is not desired for a
particular end-use of a cap device. In addition, features of
particular exemplary chambers, shells, piercers, and threads can be
utilized in any aspect described herein. Indeed, a person of skill
in the art will find numerous additional uses of and variations to
the cap devices and methods described herein, which the inventors
intend to be limited only by the claims.
* * * * *