CA2507302A1

CA2507302A1 - Disposable fluid container

Info

Publication number: CA2507302A1
Application number: CA002507302A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Luc Marcel Lafond
Original assignee: LL LAFOND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES INC.
Current assignee: LL LAFOND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES Inc
Priority date: 2005-05-13
Filing date: 2005-05-13
Publication date: 2006-11-13
Also published as: EP1904379A1; EP1904379A4; US20090200303A1; WO2006119636A1

Abstract

A disposable container for an edible fluid defines a top edge and a bottom edge. The container includes a side wall extending between the bottom edge and the top edge. The fluid is stored in a chamber of the container. A layer of flexible film defines a channel extending between the bottom edge and the top edge. The channel is positioned next to the side wall. The layer of flexible film may be fixed to the side wall. The layer of flexible film may be made from a sheet defining the side wall. A disposable container may be provided with an optional mouthpiece. The mouthpiece moves between 3 positions. In the first position, the mouthpiece is closed and has not been opened. When the mouthpiece moves to the second position, the user gains access to the contents of the container. The mouthpiece may be moved to a third position, in which the mouthpiece is closed, but it is apparent that the container has been opened.

Description

DISPOSABLE FLUID CONTAINER
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to disposable fluid containers including leak-proof bags made from flexible film, beverage container boxes lined with leak proof film, containers made with metalized films and other containers for edible fluids. Containers for edible fluids include containers for drinks, edible pastes, condiments, sauces, toppings and the like. These disposable containers also include single serving size items which may be consumed as single drink servings. Other disposable containers may be sized to provide multiple servings. In some instances, the containers may be resealed by the user for later use.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many conventional containers for beverages and other dispensable fluid products are made from rigid thermoplastics or from flexible films. Those conventional containers are either substantially rigid, preformed bottles and boxes or bag-like pouches with flexible walls. Conventional containers designed for beverages and other dispensable food items are often provided with various features to allow a user to drink or dispense the fluid contents from the container. However, those dispensing features are prone to various inefficiencies and inherent problems. For example, conventional beverage containers are often provided with small, pre-wrapped drinking tubes or straws in removable, sealed pouches secured to the containers. A user may tear open the sealed pouch, remove the straw and puncture the container with a sharpened end of the straw and insert the straw to drink the fluid contents. However, there are various problems inherent with these designs.
For example, the pre-wrapped drinking tubes often become separated from their corresponding containers and the user is left without a straw. The user must either find a replacement straw (which may be particularly inconvenient) or the user may be forced to tear open the container to drink directly from the container.
There are also other disadvantages associated with conventional container designs which are based on using pre-wrapped, sharpened drinking straws. The drinking straws and the wrappings may become separated from the containers, and thereby add to unsightly litter.
Small children also risk injury from misusing sharp straws or from choking on tear away pieces of the plastic wrappings.
Many other conventional containers are made from rigid materials with preformed spouts sealed with twist caps. A user is then expected to twist open the cap and drink from the neck of the preformed spout, hold the cap and then reapply the cap in order to reseal the container and its partially emptied contents. Often the caps are dropped or soiled by handling when they are separated from the containers. If a straw was inserted into the container, the user may need to remove the straw before reapplying the cap.
When using conventional containers, straws or other drinking tubes are provided so that the user may drink from the container while maintaining the container in a generally vertical orientation. However, while drinking from the container, the user must be careful to avoid misalignment of the interior portion of the drinking tube from the liquid contents of the container. If the interior portion of the drinking tube is moved, or inserted to an insufficient depth, the user may not be able to extract the remaining fluid contents of the container. In addition, a drinking tube which has been used to pierce the seal of the container may experience some leakage of the fluid between the pierced seal and the drinking tube, when the container is tipped away from the desired vertical orientation.
Many conventional containers, such as rigid box-type containers, plastic bottles, and the like, are not provided with a drinking tube. Rather, a user is expected to remove a seal and/or cap and to drink from the container by elevating the bottom of the bottle so that fluid will flow through the neck of the bottle, and out of a spout, as the user drinks from that container. If a user wishes to maintain the container in a vertical position, below the user's face, the user must use other means, such as a drinking tube, to withdraw liquid from the container.
There are many other disadvantages associated with conventional container designs. It is desirable to provide spouts and containers which overcome one or more of the foregoing disadvantages, or other disadvantages inherent in those earlier designs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect, a disposable container for an edible fluid is provided. The container defines a top edge and a bottom edge. The container includes a side wall which extends between the top edge and the bottom edge. The container also includes a chamber for storing the fluid up to a defined level. The defined level is positioned between the top edge and the bottom edge of the container. The container also includes a channel for fluid communication between the bottom edge and an opening adjacent to top edge. The channel is defined by a layer of a flexible film which extends vertically. The channel is positioned adjacent the side wall.
The exterior of the container may be rigid or flexible. For example, rigid box type containers are typically lined with leak proof flexible liners. Similarly, the container may be made from a combination of flexible and rigid materials. The channel may be positioned adjacent any side wall of the container. The channel extends vertically adjacent that side wall so that the channel will enable fluid communication between the bottom of the container and the location adjacent to the top edge of the container. A seal may be provided to close the opening. The seal may be removable or destructible. In addition, an optional cover may be provided to protect an area surrounding the opening so that the user contact surface may be kept clean during shipping and handling.
In another embodiment, the layer of flexible film forming the channel may be secured to the side wall. Also, the layer of flexible film may be made from a sheet which itself defines the side wall. The channel defined by the layer of flexible film may be located either inside or outside of the chamber. In some embodiments, the opening may be located at or near the top edge. In some embodiments, an optional mouthpiece is provided for selective fluid communication with the contents of the container.
In another aspect, the mouthpiece may operate between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the mouthpiece is unused and closed against fluid communication with the chamber. In the second position, the mouthpiece is open for fluid communication with the chamber. In the second position, the user may drink or dispense fluid from the interior of the container. The mouthpiece may also be designed to operate between the first position, the second position and an optional third position. In the third position, the mouthpiece is closed against fluid communication with the chamber.
However, when the mouthpiece is in the third position, the user is alerted that the container has been opened. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to prevent the mouthpiece from returning to the first position.
In another embodiment, the invention includes a mouthpiece for use in a disposable container designed for use with edible fluids. The container defines a chamber to contain the edible fluid. The mouthpiece operates from a first positron in which the mouthpiece is unused and closed against fluid communication with the chamber. The mouthpiece moves from the first position toward the second position in which the mouthpiece is open for fluid communication with the chamber. The mouthpiece is also capable of moving to a third position in which the mouthpiece is closed against fluid communication with the chamber.
When the mouthpiece is in the third position, the user is warned that the mouthpiece has been opened and moved from the first position. In some embodiments, it will be desirable to prevent the mouthpiece from returning to the first position after initial use. The mouthpiece may be designed to destroy a seal which prevents fluid communication between the chamber and the exterior of the container. The seal may be destroyed by the mouthpiece when the mouthpiece moves from the first position to the second position. The mouthpiece may contain a movable projection which pierces the seal when the mouthpiece is moved from the first position to the second position. If desired, the mouthpiece may be biased for one way movement from the first position to the second position.
Where desirable, the container may be adapted so that it is reusable. For example, the container may be resealable. In addition, where desirable, the container may be adapted so that it may be refilled with the same edible fluid or another edible fluid, as desired by the user.
Specific embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following drawings which are appended to the application. The drawings are briefly described below.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is an elevational view, in perspective, of one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a partial sectional view, in perspective, of the bottom of the container shown in Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a bottom view of a channel of the container shown in Figures 1 and 2.
Figure 4 is a side view of the channel of Figure 3.
Figure 5 is a bottom view, in perspective, of the channel shown in Figures 3 and 4.
Figure 6 is a partial sectional view, in perspective, of the bottom of another container of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a bottom view of a further embodiment of a channel of the container shown in Figure 6.
Figure 8 is a side view of the channel of Figure 7.
Figure 9 is a bottom view, in perspective, of the channel shown in Figures 7 and 8.
Figure 10 is another embodiment of a container of the present invention, showing the mouthpiece in a first, unused position.
Figure 11 is a front view of the embodiment of Figure 10, shown in a second position in which the mouthpiece is opened.
Figure 12 is a front view of the container shown in Figures 10 and 11 in which the mouthpiece is shown in a closed, but used, position.
Figure 13 is a front view, in perspective, of the embodiment shown in Figure 10.
Figure 14 is a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 13.

Figure 15 is an enlarged partial side view of the mouthpiece of the container shown in Figure 14.
Figure 16 is a side view, in perspective of the container shown in Figure 11.
Figure 17 is a side view of the container shown in Figure 16.

5 Figure 18 is an enlarged partial side view of the mouthpiece of the container shown in Figures 16 and 17.
Figure 19 is a side view, in perspective, of the container shown in Figure 12.
Figure 20 is a side view of the container shown in Figure 19.
Figure 21 is an enlarged partial side view of the mouthpiece of the container shown in Figures 19 and 20.
Figure 22 is a side view of the spout component of the mouthpiece shown in Figures 10 to 21.
Figure 23 is a side view of the base component of the mouthpiece shown in Figures 10 to 21.
Figure 24 is a bottom view of the spout component shown in Figure 22.
Figure 25 is a bottom view of the base component shown in Figure 23.
Figure 26 is a bottom view, in perspective, of the spout component shown in Figures 22 and 24.
Figure 27 is a bottom view, in perspective, of the base component shown in Figures 23 and 25.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
With reference to Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, a first embodiment of a disposable fluid container 1 is shown. In this embodiment, the container 1 is a bag-like structure made of relatively thin, flexible film. In this embodiment, thin thermoplastic material is used. In some embodiments, the flexible film may be reinforced with one or more layers of laminated film. In other instances, rigid outer walls may enclose an inner liner made from thin flexible film. The container 1 defines a chamber 2 for containing a dispensable edible fluid, including by a way of example, a beverage, edible paste, condiment, sauce, a topping and the like. The stored fluid defines a top fluid level 4 adjacent top edge 3 of the container 1. In this embodiment, a channel 11 is defined by a narrow strip of flexible film 9 extending vertically along side wall 7 of the container 1. The channel 11 extends vertically between bottom edge 5 of container 1 and top edge 3. The narrow strip of flexible film 9 together with the inside surface of side wall 7 define the channel 11 for fluid communication between the fluid entrance 30, near bottom edge 5, extending vertically to an outwardly facing opening 13 adjacent edge 3 and above fluid level 4. (In certain embodiments, it will not be necessary to have the opening 13 above fluid level 4.) In this embodiment, the opening 13 may be sealed with a removable cover, for example, a removable patch to prevent access to the contents of the container. The cover (not shown) may be of sufficient dimension and shape to cover a sufficient surface area surrounding opening 13 to provide a clean user contact surface after the cover is removed for access to opening 13.
In this embodiment, the narrow flexible film strip 9 defines channel 11 in which the diameter 15 of opening 13 is greater than the width 17 of channel 11. Opening 13 is generally round.
It will be understood by a person skilled in the art that a wide variety of shapes and configurations are possible for the channel 11, entrance 30 and opening 13.
The examples described in the figures are merely illustrative of the wide variety of other possible variations which fall within the scope of the invention. For example, the channel 11 in this embodiment is shown as a relatively straight channel of relatively uniform width 17 extending along its entire length between opening 13 and fluid entrance 30.
Other embodiments of the invention may utilize channels of convoluted configuration and orientation. For example, a channel may be convoluted, for example a serpentine shape extending from a point adjacent the bottom edge 5 of container 1 up to an opening adjacent top edge 3. Similarly, the channel may be located at or near an edge of any of the side walls of the container shown in Figure 1. Preferably, the channel is located on a relatively large front wall T to facilitate easy access by the user to the opening 13.
Disposable container 1 is initially sealed with a cover (not shown) overlying opening 13.
(An example of a sample cover 14 is shown in Figure 10.) The user will remove the cover to gain access to opening 13, and ultimately, the fluid contents of the container. The user will be able to express or drink fluid from the contents of the container.
Enclosed dome 19 prevents entry of any trapped air within the head space of the chamber 2 (between fluid level 4 and upper edge 3) into the channel 11 when the container is upright.
The generally circular area of side wall 7 which overlays opening 13 provides an initial seal against access to the fluid contents of the container 1. In those instances where a removable cover is not provided, the overlying portion of side wall 7 represents a seal 21 which may be pierced, removed or destroyed in some other manner to gain access to the fluid contents. In those instances where a beverage is contained within container 1, seal 21 is broken, the user will bring his/her mouth to opening 13, allowing the user to draw fluid from the bottom of the container, through fluid entrance 30, vertically upwardly through channel 11 and out through opening 13.
Figure 2 shows the narrow strip of flexible film 9 secured against front wall 7 of the container 1. Figure 2 is a sectional, interior view of the container in which the bottom wall of the container has been removed for added visibility.
Figures 6 to 9 show a second embodiment of the flexible walled, bag-like container 1'. In this embodiment, the narrow strip of flexible film 9' defines a vertical channel 11' extending between fluid entrance 30' and modified opening 13' adjacent upper edge 3 of the container 1'. In this embodiment, the opening 13' faces outwardly against a corresponding overlying portion of side wall 7'. Opening 13' does not have access to the head space within enclosed chamber of the container other than via fluid communication through fluid entrance 30'. Opening 13' is closed against direct communication to the head space by a generally flat enclosure 19' made of flexible film or other suitable material.
The user may gain access to the fluid contents of container 1' by breaking a corresponding seal 21' defined by a portion of side wall 7 overlying outwardly facing opening 13'.
(It will be understood by persons skilled in the art that certain embodiments will be filled and sealed during manufacture so that there is no head space or virtually no head space between the fluid level and top edge. If the container is made of sufficiently flexible material, the container may be designed to progressively collapse as more fluid is withdrawn, to reduce the volume of the container. The container may also be designed so that it will not expand after the user ceases to apply force to the container or the contents.) Figures 10 to 12 inclusive illustrate a second embodiment of a bag-like fluid container 10.
In this embodiment, the container is shown with a generally trapezoidal profile. Mouthpiece 12 may be moved between three positions represented by a first position A, a second position B and a third position C. Container 10 defines a bottom edge 20 and a top edge 18. In this embodiment, optional mouthpiece 12 is provided with an overlying protective cover 14 to seal the mouthpiece against dirt. In other instances, the protective cover may also act as a seal, and to discourage accidental displacement of mouthpiece 12 from position A to position B. Mouthpiece 12 defines a user contact surface 16. In the case of drinking containers, user contact surface 16 generally corresponds to the portion of the mouthpiece 12 which the user may take into his/her mouth when drinking from the container.
In Figure 10, mouthpiece 12 is shown in position A which corresponds to a closed and unused position. That is, position A indicates to a potential user that the container has not been previously opened. Furthermore, the mouthpiece is closed to prevent access to the fluid contents of the container. In position B, the mouthpiece is open for fluid communication with the contents of the container. Movement from position A to position B
may also correspond to destruction of an interior seal (see for example Figure 18) to allow access to the fluid contents. In some instances, the mouthpiece 12 may be provided with features to prevent mouthpiece 12 from returning to position A. Mouthpiece 12 may be further displaced from position B to position C to re-close the container, to prevent access to the fluid contents. In position C, the position of the spout 12 indicates to the user that the container has been previously opened. This embodiment provides one example of the many different types and configurations of mouthpieces which may be used to achieve similar results.
Figures 13, 14 and 15 illustrate the container 10 as shown in Figure 10, in which the mouthpiece is shown in the first position A. First position A corresponds to a position in which the mouthpiece is closed and also indicating that the mouthpiece has not been previously opened. In this embodiment, mouthpiece 12 comprises two major components, a spout 38 which connects with and rotates relative to a base member 28. In position A, spout 38 is spaced apart from base rim 29, forming a gap G. Base 28 is securely affixed to first wall 22 of the container 10. Mouthpiece 12 is positioned between bottom edge 20 and top edge 18. More specifically, in this example, mouthpiece 12 is positioned adjacent upper edge 18. Base 28 is securely attached to first wall 22 of the container 10. By way of example, an adhesive may be used to secure base rim 29 to wall 22. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the mouthpiece may be secured to the container in other ways.
When mouthpiece 12 is in position A, spout 38 is pointed inwardly toward the body of the container. In that position, cutter 40 is positioned outwardly from the thin film defining first wall 22. Seal 24 remains intact over opening 23 to prevent outward flow through channel 26. Fluid within the chamber 2 of the container 10 is in fluid communication with the channel 26 via fluid entrance 30. However, when the mouthpiece 12 is in position A, opening 13 is sealed and there is no fluid communication between the chamber of the container 10 and the exterior of mouthpiece 12. In this embodiment, base 28 has a hollow core 32 which is capable of fluid communication with a first conduit segment 34. However, in position A, first conduit segment 34 is not aligned with second conduit segment 36.
Consequently, fluid communication is not possible between the base and spout.
Figures 16, 17 and 18 illustrate mouthpiece 12 when it is open for fluid communication in position B. Spout 38 points outwardly to position B. In this embodiment, spout 38 extends above upper edge 18 of the container for convenience. With reference to Figures 17 and 18, by rotational movement of spout 38 from position A to position B, spout 38 has advanced toward, and into contact with, base rim 29. During advancement of spout 38 toward base plate 29, cutter 40 has pierced former seal 24, creating a destroyed seal 24'.
At the same time, fluid communication has been established with the interior of the container, namely, chamber 2, partially enclosed dome 19, through the opening established through broken seal 24' and into hollow core 32 of base 28. Bottom face 39 of spout 38 is in contact with the adjacent surface of base rim 29, thus closing the gap G
which formerly existed between the spout and base. The hollow core 32 of base 28 is in fluid communication with first conduit segment 34. First conduit segment 34 is aligned for fluid communication with second conduit segment 36, thereby providing for fluid communication between the contents of the container, the mouthpiece, and the exterior thereof.
By way of example, an internal threaded arrangement may be provided between base 28 and spout 38. By rotating spout 38 from position A to position B, spout 38 advances toward base 28 and into destructive contact with seal 24. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other arrangements may be provided to selectively destroy a seal provided between the chamber and the exterior thereof.
With reference to Figures 19, 20 and 21, spout 38 is shown in position C such that mouthpiece 12 does not provide fluid communication between the contents of the container and the exterior thereof. Specifically, in this position, first conduit segment 34 is no longer aligned with section conduit segment 36. Accordingly, in position C, mouthpiece 12 is sealed against fluid communication between the contents of the container and the outside thereof.
Figures 22 to 27 illustrate the disassembled components of one example of the mouthpiece described herein. With regard to base 28, a neck 52 extends outwardly from base rim 29. Neck 52 defines a sleeve with a hollow core 32 which communicates with first conduit segment 34. In this specific embodiment, the neck 52 is also provided with first stop 56 and second stop 58. When assembled for attachment to a container, neck 52 is partially inserted into receiving slot 42 defined within the base of spout 38.
During initial assembly, of this particular embodiment, base rim 29 and bottom face 39 of spout 38 are spaced apart by a defined gap G. When in position A, the spout 38 may be advanced toward position B. As spout 38 advances toward position B, bottom face 39 approaches base rim 29, while cutter 40 advances into, and ultimately pierces, seal 24 as shown in Figures 17 and 18. As spout 38 reaches position B, catch 54 advances past first stop 56 to prevent retreating movement of spout 38 from position B toward position A.
In effect spout 38 is thereby limited to movement in this embodiment between position B
and position C. Upon rotation of spout 38 from position B to position C, catch 54 engages against second stop 58. When spout 38 is in position C, first conduit segment 34 and second conduit segment 36 are mis-aligned and thereby closed against fluid communication.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many other types and designs of optional mouthpieces may be used. In other instances, it may be desirable to forego use of 5 the optional mouthpiece.
The embodiments described in this application are merely illustrative and are not intended to be limited to the specific features or elements as described herein.
Further and other modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art, thus making it possible to practice other embodiments, all of which are within the scope and spirit of the 10 present invention as set out in the appended claims.

Claims

1.~A disposable container for an edible fluid, the container defining a top edge and a bottom edge, the container comprising:

A side wall extending between the top edge and the bottom edge;

A chamber for storing the fluid up to a defined level between the top edge and the bottom edge;

A channel for fluid communication between the bottom edge and an opening adjacent the top edge; and The channel being defined by a layer of flexible film extending vertically adjacent the side wall.

2. ~The container claimed in claim 1, wherein the layer of flexible film is secured to the side wall.

3. ~The container claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the layer of flexible film is made from a sheet defining the side wall.

4. ~The container claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein this channel is located within the chamber.

5. ~The container claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the opening is located at the top edge.

6. ~The container claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the opening is sealed~
with a destructible seal.

7. ~The container claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a mouthpiece for selective fluid communication with the chamber.

8. ~The container claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the mouthpiece operates between: a first position in which the mouthpiece is unused sand closed against fluid communication with the chamber; and a second position in which the mouthpiece is open for fluid communication with the chamber.

9. ~The container claimed in claim 8 in which the mouthpiece operates between:
the first position; the second position; and a third position in which the mouthpiece is closed against fluid communication with the chamber, indicating that the mouthpiece has moved from the first position.

10. ~The container claimed in claim 8 or 9 in which the mouthpiece operates between the third position and the second position, and the mouthpiece is prevented from returning to the first position.

11. ~The container claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10 in which the seal is destroyed when the mouthpiece moves from the first position to the second position.

12. ~The container claimed in any one of claims 8 to 11 comprising a movable projection for piercing the seal when the mouthpiece moves from the first position to the second position.

13. ~The container claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12 comprising a removable protective cover located outwardly of the opening, and the cover being positioned over a user contact surface surrounding the opening.

14. ~The container claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the opening is generally round, having a diameter greater than a width defined by the channel.

15. ~The container claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14 is reusable.

16. ~The container claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 is refillable.

17. ~A mouthpiece for use in a disposable container, the container defining a chamber to contain an edible fluid, the mouthpiece operating between:
a first position in which the mouthpiece is unused and closed against fluid communication with the chamber;
a second position in which the mouthpiece is open for fluid communication with the chamber; and a third position in which the mouthpiece is closed against fluid communication with the chamber, indicating that the mouthpiece has been moved from the first position.

18. ~The mouthpiece claimed in claim 17 operating between the third position and the second position, and the mouthpiece is inhibited against returning to the first position.

19. ~The mouthpiece claimed in claim 17 or 18, wherein the mouthpiece moves from the first position to the second position and destroys a seal preventing fluid communication with the chamber.

20. ~The mouthpiece claimed in claim 19 comprising a movable projection for piercing the seal when the mouthpiece moves from the first position to the second position.

21. ~The mouthpiece claimed in any one of claims 17 to 20 biased for one way movement from the first position to the second position.