U.S. patent application number 14/190431 was filed with the patent office on 2015-08-27 for aerosol package with fermentation propulsion.
The applicant listed for this patent is ELC Management LLC. Invention is credited to Herve F. Bouix, Francis Corbellini.
Application Number | 20150239647 14/190431 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53881518 |
Filed Date | 2015-08-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150239647 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bouix; Herve F. ; et
al. |
August 27, 2015 |
Aerosol Package With Fermentation Propulsion
Abstract
A container system for a cosmetic product has a hollow pressure
containment vessel defining a chamber that encloses a sealed,
collapsible, air-less pouch container containing product to be
dispensed. A fermentation propulsion system is provided between the
inner wall of the chamber and the air-less pouch container. The
fermentation propulsion system comprises a quantity of yeast able
to generate fermentation gas within the chamber, a quantity of
sugar for the yeast to consume to fuel the fermentation process,
and yeast extract to boost fermentation activity. The fermentation
gas serves as propellant for dispensing the product by applying
pressure to the pouch container. A valve is secured in the opening
of the vessel such that the chamber is hermetically sealed, and so
that product can be selectively dispensed from the vessel.
Inventors: |
Bouix; Herve F.; (New York,
NY) ; Corbellini; Francis; (Thiais, FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ELC Management LLC |
Melville |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53881518 |
Appl. No.: |
14/190431 |
Filed: |
February 26, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/635 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 83/625 20130101;
B65B 31/10 20130101; B65D 83/425 20130101; B65D 83/75 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 83/14 20060101
B65D083/14 |
Claims
1. A container system for a cosmetic product comprising: a pressure
containment vessel having a hollow body defining a chamber, the
vessel having a first end with an opening into the chamber and a
closed second end; a container having a flexible wall defining a
compressible reservoir for containing the product, the container
having an outlet in fluid communication with the reservoir, the
container positioned in the chamber with the outlet in or adjacent
the opening; a valve comprising an actuator and a housing, the
actuator having a dispensing port, an inlet port and a duct
connecting the dispensing port and the inlet port in fluid
communication, the valve housing secured in the opening of the
vessel such that the chamber is hermetically sealed, the valve
housing secured to the container such that the inlet port is in
fluid communication with the outlet of the container, the actuator
selectively operable to dispense the product from the reservoir
through the dispensing port; and a fermentation-based propulsion
system in the chamber between the container and the vessel, the
propulsion system comprising a quantity of microorganisms able to
bring about fermentation to generate gas within the chamber which
serves as propellant to pressurize the chamber, and a quantity of
food for the microorganisms to consume to generate the gas in a
volume sufficient to pressurize the chamber; wherein the volume of
gas generated in the chamber exerts pressure on the flexible wall
sufficient to dispense product when the valve is actuated.
2. The container system of claim 1 wherein the container has a
first compressed configuration during assembly of the system and a
second expanded configuration after filling of the product.
3. The container system of claim 1 further comprising a neck
fitment structure securing the valve in the opening of the
vessel.
4. The container system of claim 1 wherein the container is a
flexible pouch.
5. The container system of claim 1 wherein the microorganisms
comprise a yeast and the quantity of food comprises a sugar.
6. The container system of claim 5 further comprising an activity
booster added to the fermentation-based propulsion system.
7. The container system of claim 6 wherein the booster comprises a
yeast extract.
8. The container system of claim 7 wherein the yeast extract
comprises at least one of vitamins, amino acids, phosphates and
ammonium sulfate.
9. The container system of claim 1 further comprising a valve
actuator button secured to the valve actuator with a venturi in
fluid communication with the dispensing port.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol package with an
environmentally friendly fermentation propulsion system. In
particular, the present invention is directed to an aerosol package
with a fermentation propulsion system wherein the product being
dispensed is isolated from the fermentation propulsion system by
being enclosed in an air-less pouch.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
[0002] U.S. Pat. No. 4,017,602 to Cazorla et al. discloses a
process for preparing products for use in aerosol form wherein the
composition to be dispensed is inoculated with micro-organisms able
to bring about fermentation with the giving off within the
container of carbon dioxide gas which serves as propellant.
Disadvantages of the system disclosed are that the microorganisms
that inoculate the compound are dispensed along with the compound,
and the system may also dispense any unpleasant odor that may be a
by-product of the fermentation process.
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 5,009,340 to Morane discloses a packing
container containing product to be dispensed, and a fermentation
propulsion system contained in a sealed flexible pocket 8 or sealed
resilient envelope 212 that is placed in the product. The packet or
envelope expands as fermentation gasses are produced and product is
dispensed from the container. A disadvantage of the disclosed
system is that during the process of filling product into the
container and placing the pocket/envelope in the container, the
product may be exposed to air. The exposure to air may result in
degradation of the product prior to it being dispensed.
[0004] Accordingly, there is a need for a fermentation propulsion
aerosol that better isolates the dispensed product from the
propulsion system and air contamination during filling.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a package
with a fermentation propulsion system wherein the product to be
dispensed is isolated from the fermentation propulsion system by
being enclosed in a sealed, collapsible, air-less pouch.
[0006] The present invention is a container system for a cosmetic
product. A pressure containment vessel having a hollow body defines
a chamber that encloses a sealed, collapsible, air-less pouch
container containing product to be dispensed. Between the inner
wall of the chamber and the air-less pouch container, a
fermentation propulsion system is provided. The fermentation
propulsion system comprises a quantity of microorganisms able to
bring about fermentation to generate gas within the chamber, and a
quantity of food for the microorganisms to generate the gas. The
quantity of food is provided to generate gas in a volume sufficient
to pressurize the chamber. The gas serves as propellant. A valve is
secured in the opening of the vessel such that the chamber is
hermetically sealed, and so that product can be selectively
dispensed from the vessel.
[0007] In greater detail, the invention is a container including a
pressure containment vessel having a hollow body defining a
chamber. The hollow body has a first end with an opening into the
chamber and a closed second end. Positioned in the hollow body is a
container with a flexible wall defining a compressible reservoir
for containing the product. The container has an outlet in fluid
communication with the reservoir. The outlet is in or adjacent the
opening of the hollow body. A valve is secured in the opening of
the vessel such that the chamber is hermetically sealed. The valve
housing is secured to the container such that the inlet port is in
fluid communication with the outlet of the container. The valve
selectively operable to dispense the product from the reservoir
through the dispensing port. A fermentation-based propulsion system
is positioned in the chamber between the container and the vessel.
The propulsion system comprises a quantity of microorganisms and a
quantity of food for the microorganisms. The consumption of the
food by the microorganisms brings about fermentation to generate
gas within the chamber which serves as propellant to pressurize the
chamber. The quantity of microorganisms and quantity of food are
selected to generate the gas in a volume sufficient to pressurize
the chamber for dispensing the product. The volume of gas generated
in the chamber exerts pressure on the flexible wall sufficient to
dispense product when the valve is actuated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a sectional view of the container system of the
present invention in a filled state with the valve depressed for
dispensing product P;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a partial exploded view of the container system
prior to assembly;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the container system prior to
filling; and
[0011] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the container system during
filling.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of
the container system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0013] Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, a container system for a
cosmetic product is shown generally at reference number 2. The
container system 2 includes a pressure containment vessel 4 having
a hollow body defining a chamber 6. The vessel 4 has a first end 8
with an opening 10 into the chamber 6 and a closed second end 12.
Provided inside the vessel 4 is a pouch-type container 14 having a
flexible wall 15 defining a compressible reservoir 16 for
containing a product P. The container 14 has an outlet 18 in fluid
communication with the reservoir 16. The container 14 is positioned
in the chamber 6 with the outlet 18 in or adjacent the opening
10.
[0014] A valve 20 comprising a valve actuator 21 and a housing 22
is secured in the outlet 18 of container 14 in fluid communication
with the reservoir 16. Valve actuator 21 has a dispensing port 24
outside of the reservoir 16 and an inlet port 26 in fluid
communication with reservoir 16. As illustrated, the inlet port 26
is inside reservoir 16, but alternative arrangements could be made.
For example, the inlet port 26 of valve 20 could be connected to
the reservoir 16 by way of a dip tube or other similar fluid
passage (not shown). The chamber 6 is hermetically sealed by
securing either a perimeter of the outlet 18 of the container 14 to
the first end 8 of the vessel (illustrated in FIG. 5), or, as
illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, by securing the container 14 to the inlet
port 26 of the valve housing 22 and hermetically securing the valve
housing 22 to the opening 10 of the first end 8 of the vessel. The
container 14 is hermetically secured to the valve 20 or the vessel
4 by any well known means, such as, for example, gluing, welding,
crimping, press fitting, over-molding, etc. In this way, the valve
housing 22 and container 14 are hermetically secured to the vessel
4 such that the inlet port 26 is in fluid communication with the
outlet 18 of the container 14. The valve actuator 21 is selectively
operable to dispense product P from the reservoir 16 through the
dispensing port 26.
[0015] As illustrated in FIG. 1, to dispense product P from a
filled and pressurized container system 2, valve actuator 21 is
depressed against resistance provided by, for example, a valve
spring 23 positioned between opposing shoulders of valve actuator
21 and housing 22. Depressing the valve actuator opens valve inlet
port 26, which is in fluid communication with valve dispensing port
24 by way of valve duct 25. Opening the valve inlet port 26 permits
product P to flow in the direction of arrow 33 from the
compressible reservoir 16 into inlet port 26, up through duct 25
and out through dispensing port 24. An actuator button 27 with a
nozzle 29 may be provided to direct the product P laterally from
the container system 2 where it is readily accessible to the
consumer. The nozzle 29 may be provided with a venturi 31 or other
structure to facilitate creation of a fine, mist-like spray
pattern.
[0016] To pressurize the container system 2, a fermentation-based
propulsion system 34 is provided in the chamber 6 between the
pouch-type container 14 and the pressure containment vessel 4. The
propulsion system 34 comprises a quantity of microorganisms 28 able
to bring about fermentation to generate gas within the chamber and
a quantity of food 30 for the microorganisms. The propulsion system
34 is inserted in the chamber 6 prior to insertion of the container
14 into the vessel 4 (i.e., into the chamber 6). After the
container 14 is inserted in the vessel 4 and chamber 6 is
hermetically sealed relative to the ambient atmosphere outside the
vessel 4, the propulsion system 34 begins to generate gas via
fermentation within the sealed chamber 6. The microorganisms (e.g.,
yeast) convert the food (e.g., sugar) into CO2 and alcohol. The gas
generated via fermentation serves to pressurize the chamber 6 by
building in quantity while the volume is constrained by the vessel
4 and the container 14 filled with product P. The quantity of
microorganisms 28 and quantity of food 30 are each selected to
generate via fermentation the gas in a volume sufficient to
pressurize the chamber 6 to the degree desired without exceeding
the pressure limit of the pressure containment vessel 4. The volume
of gas generated in the chamber 6 exerts pressure on the flexible
wall 15 of the pouch-type container 14 sufficient to dispense
product P when the valve 20 is actuated (for example, by depressing
valve actuator button 27 as indicated by downwardly directed arrows
32 in FIG. 1). Accordingly, the gas generated via fermentation
serves as the propellant for product P.
[0017] The microorganisms 28 able to bring about fermentation are
preferably yeast in a quantity of a few ml. The food 30 for the
microorganisms 28 is preferably a sugar, also provided in a
quantity of a few ml. The gas yielded by the fermentation is carbon
dioxide (CO2) gas. The amount of CO2 gas generated by the yeast is
determined by the amount of sugar added to the system. To yield
higher gas production and correspondingly higher gas pressure
within the chamber 6, proportionally more sugar is added to the
system. The more sugar that is added, the more gas will be produced
by the yeast to yield a higher pressure within chamber 6. The final
pressure achieved is thus determined by the amount of food (sugar)
provided to the microorganisms (yeast) in the system.
[0018] The propulsion system 34 may further include an activity
booster in the form of a yeast extract added to the
fermentation-based propulsion system. A suitable yeast extract is,
for example, sold under the tradename Springer.RTM. available from
Bio-Springer, a subsidiary of the Lesaffre Group (Societe
Industrielle Lesaffre (S.I.L.)), Marcq-en-Baroeul, France. The
yeast extract may include one or more of vitamins, amino acids,
phosphates and ammonium sulfate. The yeast extract enhances the
reproduction and growth of the yeast and accelerates the activity
of the yeast in generating fermentation gasses. The yeast extract
is added to the propulsion system at a rate of approximately 5
grams per liter of yeast and sugar.
[0019] For illustrative purposes, in FIG. 2 the quantity of
microorganisms 28 and quantity of food 30 are shown being added to
the chamber 6 from a microorganism supply tube 36 and a food supply
tube 38, respectively. Each quantity is supplied into funnel 40,
which directs the mixed microorganisms and food into chamber 6.
However, the microorganisms 28 and food 30 may be provided to
chamber 6 by other means, either separately or, for example, in a
chilled pre-mixed state, as long as the fermentation process is not
substantially underway prior to sealing of the chamber 6. Either or
both the microorganisms 28 and food 30 may be provided in dry,
powder form, or as a liquid or slurry. If the microorganisms and
food are provided in dry or powder form, a quantity of liquid such
as, for example, water, may be added to the propulsion system at
any stage prior to the sealing of chamber 6.
[0020] The fermentation-based propulsion system 34 with yeast
extract added begins to activate shortly after mixing in the
chamber 6. Pressure begins to build inside the chamber 6
approximately 3-4 hours after the chamber 6 is sealed. Final
pressure is reached approximately 36 to 48 hours after the chamber
6 is sealed. The fermentation process works best at a temperature
of approximately 34 degrees C. The final pressure in chamber 6 is
attained when the yeast has consumed all of the sugar supplied to
the system. The yeast survives for approximately 6-7 months in the
system. If additional sugar is added to the system while the yeast
survives, additional gas and corresponding additional pressure can
be generated.
[0021] Because the fermentation-based propulsion system is
biologically safe and relatively slow to activate, the
manufacturing, assembly and filling lines for the container system
2, including the filling of product P and the insertion of the
fermentation-based propulsion components, do not require
pressurized filling equipment (e.g., high pressure propellant
supply tanks and lines), pressurized containment rooms, or the
related safety equipment and structures (e.g., explosion proof
walls and windows). The manufacturing assembly and filling lines
for the container system 2 may be operated in ambient atmospheric
conditions with minimal safety equipment and structures. The
fermentation-based propulsion system is relatively slow to
activate, so assembly and sealing of the chamber 6 need not be
rushed. The relative speed of activation may be controlled to some
degree by lowering or raising the temperature, or by managing the
quantity of liquid. Unlike a typical aerosol, the product P is
isolated from the propulsion system 34 and protected by being
contained in the pouch-type container 14.
[0022] The product P can be filled into container 14 prior to, at,
or subsequent to the assembly of container 14 into the chamber 6 to
form the container system 2. For example, product P may be filled
in container 14 prior to assembly of the container system 2, and
therefore may be filled at a remote location from the assembly
point of container system 2. This approach provides greater
separation of product P from the propulsion system components,
further assuring that no cross-contamination occurs.
[0023] Alternatively, in the case where the opening 10 in the
pressure containment vessel 4 is too small to accommodate a
pre-filled container 14, the pouch-type container 14 may have a
first compressed configuration 42 during assembly of the system
(illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3) and a second expanded configuration
44 after filling of the product (illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4). In
the first compressed configuration 42, the pouch-type container 14
is, for example, flattened and curled slightly to facilitate
insertion through opening 10 of vessel 4 during assembly of the
system 2. As illustrated in FIGS. 2-4, the container 14 in the
first compressed configuration 42 may be pre-assembled with valve
20, i.e., valve 20 may be hermetically secured in outlet 18 of
container 14 prior to insertion of the container 14 into the
chamber 6 of vessel 4. The container 14 in the first compressed
configuration 42 pre-assembled with valve 20 may then be inserted
into the chamber 6 of vessel 4. After the container 14 is inserted
in vessel 4, valve actuator 21 is depressed in the direction of
arrows 46, and product P may be injected into container 14 through
dispensing port 24 and inlet port 26 as illustrated by arrows 48
and 50, respectively. Injection of the product P into container 14
causes container 14 to expand to the second expanded configuration
44. Product P is preferably injected into container 14 after
container 14 has been positioned in the chamber 6 but prior to
hermetic sealing of chamber 6. By injecting product P prior to
sealing chamber 6, excess air in chamber 6 is expelled prior to
sealing. Alternatively, product P may be injected under pressure
into container 14 after chamber 6 is hermetically sealed, thus
building pressure in chamber 6 of the vessel 4 that can later be
used to expel product from container 14 when the valve actuator 21
is depressed. In any case, the valve housing 22 of valve 20 may be
hermetically secured in the opening 10 of the pressure containment
vessel 4 to hermetically seal chamber 6 containing the pouch-type
container 14 and the fermentation-based propulsion system 34.
[0024] The valve 20 of the container system 2 may include a neck
fitment structure 52 for securing the valve housing 22 in the
opening 10 of the vessel 4. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the neck
fitment structure 52 may be integrally formed with the valve
housing 22. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the neck
fitment structure 52 may comprise a separate part in the form of a
collar or bushing structure 54 that connects the valve housing 22
to the opening 10 in the vessel 4. The collar or bushing 54 can be
hermetically secured to the housing 22 by any well known means,
such as, for example, gluing, welding, crimping, press fitting,
threading, etc. Similarly, the fitment structure, whether integral
with the housing 22 or a separate collar or bushing, may be
hermetically sealed to the opening 10 of the vessel by any well
known means, such as, for example, gluing, welding, crimping, press
fitting, threading, etc.
[0025] The container system 2 may be refillable with product. For
example, after all of product P has been dispensed from the
pouch-type container 14, the valve 20 with a pouch-type container
14 attached may be selectively removable from the vessel 4. For
example, the neck fitment structure 52 may be provided with threads
or a bayonet structure that can be received in corresponding
structure in the opening 10 in the vessel 4. A new valve 20 with a
new pouch-type container 14 attached and filled with product P may
be inserted and secured in the vessel 4. Alternatively, the
original pouch-type container 14 can remain in the vessel 4 and be
refilled with product P through the valve 20, i.e., by a process
similar to that disclosed above for initially filling the
container.
[0026] Similarly, the valve 20 may be selectively removable from
the vessel 4 so that the propulsion system 34 can be recharged by
providing a fresh supply of yeast and/or sugar.
[0027] As a working example, a container system 2 is provided with
a pressure containment vessel 4 with a chamber 6 having a volume of
262 ml. A container 14 is provided in the chamber 6 of vessel 4.
The container 14 has a reservoir 16 with a maximum volume of 150 ml
when in the second expanded configuration 44. Product P is provided
in the reservoir 16. The product P is provided in a quantity of 150
ml to completely fill the reservoir 16 in the expanded
configuration 44. A fermentation-based propulsion system is also
provided in chamber 6. The fermentation-based propulsion system
comprises 1.25 grams of dry yeast, 11 grams of glucose water liquid
mixture (prepared in a ratio of 250 gr of sugar per 1 liter of
water) and 1.3 grams of yeast extract. If it is necessary to make
the propulsion system more liquid, additional water may be added to
the sugar and yeast. The foregoing quantities of yeast and sugar in
the chamber volume stated above is expected to produce gas
sufficient to pressurize the system to 6.5 bar at ambient external
temperatures. The pressure achieved could obviously be effected by
external ambient temperature extremes.
[0028] The advantages of the present invention include that a
fermentation-based propulsion system is environmentally friendly.
All of the propulsion system components are safe, biologically
sourced, renewable and bio-friendly. Because the components of the
propulsion system are plant based, and plants typically absorb CO2
to make sugar, there is no net increase of CO2 to the atmosphere.
Also, the time to charge the system with pressure may be relatively
slow. For example, the microorganisms (yeast) and food (sugar) in
the absence of a booster will take approximately 5-6 hours to begin
generating gas sufficient to charge the system. This slow charge
rate allows for relaxed assembly of the components of the system at
ambient pressure with no specialized pressure containment equipment
or manufacturing spaces. This is in stark contrast to current
propellants that may be flammable and/or used under high pressure,
thus creating additional safety hazards and threat of injury to
workers due to inadvertent burns, explosions or high pressure
releases during manufacture. In addition, current propellants are
known pollutants. The yeast and sugar of the present invention do
not require any exceptional safety precautions or handling
procedures, and are readily disposed of without difficult or
expensive recycling processes. The propulsion system can be
substituted for any current propulsion system (e.g., butane,
di-methyl ether, CFC, etc.).
[0029] Because the system is a pouch system that isolates the
product P from the propellant system 34 and does not rely on a dip
tube, the consumer can dispense from the system with the system
held at any angle, including upside down (in contrast to
traditional systems that must be held upright to dispense product).
An additional advantage of a sealed pouch-type system of the
present invention is that if the reservoir 16 is sterilized prior
to loading it with product P, it may be possible to reduce or
eliminate preservatives in the product.
[0030] The products that can be dispensed from the system include
sun spray, lotion, shaving gel or cream, liquid products or thick
products. The system can be further used for toothpaste, food
products (e.g., sauce, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, whip cream,
cheese, etc.). The container system is airless, thus avoiding any
potential contamination issues.
[0031] It is understood that various modifications and changes in
the specific form and construction of the various parts can be made
without departing from the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *