GB2418196A - Collapsible fluid containers, particularly disposable babies' bottles - Google Patents

Abstract

A collapsible container for fluids consists of a flexible bag or pouch hermetically attached to a cover 7. The container may be provided flat packed, pre-sterilised and hermetically packaged 10 and may be a single use, disposable, container useful for drinking bottles for young children and babies. The cover may initially sealed by a closure openable and closable by rotation (Figure 1A) or a peelable seal (Figure 1C) or include a non-return valve (Figure 1B). A mouthpiece such as a teat may be attached to the cover. The bag or pouch may be transparent and may contain pre-measured ingredient such as milk powder.

Description

24181 96

COLLAPSIBLE FLUID CONTAINERS

The present invention relates to fluid receptacles which may be used to retain fluids particularly drinks containers and especially drinks containers that are disposable.

The invention is particularly concerned with bottles for babies and small children and more particularly with disposable baby bottles.

The present invention provides a fluid container which can be flat packed when empty, can be provided pre-sterilised, can be readily filled and which is disposable after use. In particular the invention provides a baby bottle having these desirable properties. Drinking vessels for babies and young children are typically rigid vessels provided with a removable lid to enable the vessel to be filled and cleaned and often provided with a teat to enable drinking. These vessels tend to be for multi use and may require sterilization before each use. The vessels also take up considerable space when empty and not in.....

use. Furthermore they cannot be sterilised easily in an environment out of the home.

The present invention therefore provides a flat packed evacuated and/or folded container A. comprising a flexible bag or pouch hermetically attached to a sealed cover and furthered.

provided on the cover with an opening to enable filling of the container sealed by a non- return valve. In a preferred embodiment the container is provided with an outlet valve such as the reversal of the non-return valve seal, such as is illustrated in Figure 1C, and/or a fluid delivery tube through which material can be expelled from the container such as through the drinking of the contents, as is illustrated in Figure 1 D. In a further embodiment the container is sterilised prior to flat packing and in a yet further embodiment the container, preferably sterilised, may be enclosed in a hermetically sealed bag or envelope to reduce the risk of contamination prior to use.

A preferred container of the present invention consists of a flexible bag or pouch and a separate cover lid and a band or clip which enables the bag or pouch to be hermetically attached to the rim of the lid. The rim of the lid may be provided with a groove into which the band will fit and hold the mouth of the bag or pouch as a tight fit in the rim of the lid. In this way the bag or pouch and the lid may be made of different materials according to the function they are required to perform. In addition, or alternatively the bag or pouch may have been sealed to the rim of the lid by welding without the requirement of the band or clip.

The flexible bag or pouch may be of any size according to the use to which the container is to be put. For example where the container is to be used as a drinking bottle for young children or babies the volume of the bag or pouch when in its inflated form is at least 1 ml, preferably between 50 and 300ml dependent upon the age. It is preferred, particularly with babies that the exact capacity of the bag is in relationship with the amount of the feed required. For other uses and situations the capacity may vary. The bag or pouch may be provided with an indicator for the volume of the contents. The bag or pouch may be made of any flexible material which should be chosen according to the use to which the container is to be put and the conditions to which it is to be subjected. It is preferred that the bag or pouch be made of a thermoplastic material such as a polymer film for example of polyolefnes such as polyethylene or polypropylene or polyester such as polyethylene terephthalate or polybutylene terephthalate. The film may be laminar and may be provided with surface coatings if required for the use to which the container is to be put. It is preferable that the bag or pouch is transparent and that the contents can be seen. It is also preferred that the bag or pouch can withstand temperatures up to 1 00 C and may be provided with a temperature indicator.

The circumference of the bag or pouch at its open-end must be such that it can be fitted around the perimeter of the cover and can be held tightly to the perimeter of the cover by means of a band/clip and/or seal such as a weld.

The cover may also be of any suitable material according to the use to which the container is to be put. The cover should however be sufficiently rigid to provide strength and integrity to the container when it contains the particular liquid for which it is designed.

It is preferred that the cover be of a thermoplastic material and is preferably prepared by injection moulding. In particular we have found that polypropylene, ethylene/propylene copolymer rubbers or polyamides are particularly useful materials from which the cover can be made. Where the cover is made by injection moulding the non-return valve may be Integrally moulded with the cover.

Accordingly, prior to use, the container may be assembled, the bag or pouch evacuated and/or folded so that the container lies flat to provide a compact space saving, ready for use container. When the container is to be used as a drinking vessel particularly for young children and babies it may be sterilised prior to flat packing. In a further embodiment and as part of the vacuum packaging aspect of this invention the assembled container may be vacuum packed in for example a thermoplastic film such as a polyethylene or a polypropylene film In order to preserve the sterility of the container.

The ready for use containers may therefore be supplied in a flat packed space saving mode and they may be pre-sterilised and with their sterility protected.

In use the container may be removed from the packaging and the desired contents introduced into the container through the non-return valve. The container with its contents may then be transported during, for example, travel such as for picnics and the like. Once the contents have been consumed the container may be disposed of preferably for recycle.

The containers of the present invention therefore have the following benefits particularly when used as drinking containers for children and babies. Use of the pre-sterilised container replaces the current laborious sterilising process and the associated apparatus that is required. The containers are small and compact and space saving. The filled containers can be subjected to microwave heating, warming by water, or they can be deep frozen, for storing expressed milk as one example. In a particular embodiment theism.

container can be made of a material that will change colour when the contents reach a desired temperature. The tactile soft feeling of the flexible bag or pouch containing a drinkable liquid can provide enjoyment to the drinker, particularly a young child Additionally, the valve holder can be shaped to allow the user to hold this part as well.

In a further embodiment of the invention ingredients such as powder, syrup, paste, cordial, dried food, liquid and/or granules particularly powdered milk or drink flavourings can be provided within the container prior to flat packing so that it may be necessary to add only water to obtain the desired drink.

The walls of the vessel should be flexible and inelastic. Flexibility means that the material at its thickness of use is able to completely recover its original shape and form from compression, concertina, flat pack, fanfold, stack, bend or twist. This comprehensive flexibility simultaneously maintains the integrity of the contents. Inelasticity ensures that the receptacle cannot be expanded beyond its desired volume.

The container is conveniently made by mass production methods. Conveniently the receptacle is made in several pieces, the bag or pouch itself, the non-return valve, the non-return valve holder, optionally a tamperproof clip and a fluid delivery tube. The bag or pouch is preferably extruded and sealed at one end by a welding technique and is provided with an opening into which the valve holder and non return valve can be attached and sealed. The valve holder may be injection moulded as can the valve from materials such as medical grade polypropylene. A vacuum can be created within the receptacle, the receptacle is then sterilised and vacuum packed to avoid contamination prior to use. The valve in one form can be made from any suitable material, it should be flexible and recover rapidly. Elastomers may be suitable or it may be made from synthetic rubber. Alternatively in another form the non-return valve may be made from the same or similar material as the non-return valve holder. In a further embodiment when the valve may be such that when it is attached, it may be rotated to provide an opening to the inside of the bag or a seal as shown in Figure 1A or as shown in Figure 1C upon removal.

Additionally the non-return valve may come in the form of a thin film seal or similar material as the non-return valve holder which can be removed or pierced. This is particularly useful if the container is pre- filled prior to use as shown in Figure 1 C. In Figure 1D, the non-return valve has been removed, as shown in Figure 1C, to provide an opening to the inside of the bag. To replace the non-return valve function, the fluid delivery tube can provide a seal to the contents of the bag or an opening by rotating/removing the lid.

We prefer that the side walls or bag of the bag or pouch are either extruded and seamless or thin film, we also prefer that they have a thickness of from 25,um to 150,um, more preferably 40 Bum to 110,um most preferably of approximately 100,um. These wall thicknesses ensure the collapsible, resurrectible and flexible nature of the bag or pouch.

We have also found that at this thickness the walls are strong enough, are non-elastic on inflation.

The valve holder is preferably non-flexible and when assembling the container, the non return valve can be inserted into the valve holder which, in turn, is inserted into the extruded or thin film material pouch or bag allowing the non-elastc nature of the material to mould around the shape of the valve holder providing an air tight seal which may be secured by a band or clip, or a weld. Alternatively, the non-return valve can be attached creating a seal after this process. To prevent the receptacle being tampered with, to allow grip and splash prevention, to allow increased pressures into the receptacle and to hide the open end of the bag or pouch a tamperproof clip, which may be a circular band, may be applied surrounding the edge of the valve holder. The size of the tamperproof clip is preferably less than the diameter of the valve holder providing tension when in place.

Alternatively, the tamperproof clip functions can be an integral part of the valve holder itself, see Figure 3B.

We prefer the valve-holder to be rigid because the tamperproof clip, when used, can apply pressure around the top of the receptacle when attached and it is desirable that the top does not flex under the tension. Additionally, the use of a rigid valve-holder allows the shape of the side walls to retain its shape uniformally. We prefer cylindrical shape at certain points, but, oval and/or tapered are equally desirable. It also allows the receptacle when pulled from the base in its collapsed state to receive the fluid emission and maintain a consistent volume. The valve holder is preferably shaped so that a fluid delivery tube, such as a mouthpiece can be readily attached to the top of the bag or pouch. Typically, as one example, a silicon feet for babies may be appropriate.

If a preferred container of the present invention is not already prefilled with liquid, preparation of the drink can be achieved in the manner as illustrated in the flow diagram which is Figure 4A. Upon rotation of the lid which contains a collapsed mouth piece (which in this example is a silicon feet), it may be removed from the valve holder. The non-return valve may be removed, for instance, the ring pull (which in addition to the seal has been preventing the silicon teat from engaging with the valve holder). The bag orate.

pouch may then be filled to the desired or pre-measured level with chosen liquid which may include other pre-mxed contents. Typically, by way of example, for feeding a baby the bag would have a measured amount of milk powder inside with boiled water to be added as the liquid. After filling the lid with mouthpiece would be replaced into the valve holder, upon rotation of the lid the mouthpiece will be secured to the valve holder due to the flexible nature of the mouthpiece material moulding around the more rigid material shape of the valve holder. A seal will be created once the mouthpiece is in the correct position which can be indicated to the user by an audible click. Additionally, the lid creates a seal in this position. The fluid delivery tube/lid mechanism now acts as the non return valve still in the sealed position, the contents may then be shaken, stirred, mixed and/or simply left in desired conditions until consumption of contents is required, see Figure 4B. When consumption is required the lid seal may be reversed by rotation and upon removal of the lid the mouthpiece resurrects itself to the shape ready for use. After use, a seal may be re-established by positioning the lid over the mouthpiece and rotating the lid whilst applying downward pressure. This enables the container to be used at a later date preventing contamination and/or release of contents. In this embodiment of the invention, there is no need to touch the mouthpiece by hand therefore preserving sterility.

Additionally, the mouthpiece once secured into position forms a seal which Is non reversible and strong enough to prevent leakage. If the container comes pre-filled with liquid, in this embodiment, removal of the non-return valve is still required and the mouthpiece can be secured as described. If the contents of the container need to be warmed or cooled the shape of the valve holder can allow the filled bag or pouch to be immersed in water without the water touching the mouthpiece or lid as illustrated in Figure 4B again preserving the sterility of the mouthpiece and contents. It is preferable when changing the temperature of the contents of the container to have the non-return valve in the sealed position.

In another embodiment of the present invention, if the non return valve itself cannot create an opening to the inside of the container then the mouthpiece/fluid delivery tube needs to be able to reverse the non return valve function. This may be accomplished either by puncturing the seal in Figure 1C, if the seal has not already been removed; or by creating an opening through protrusion by rotation or applying a downward pressure on the attached mouthpiece forcing the flexible non return valve back as shown in Figure 1 B. .... . ::.

It is preferred that no resins or adhesives are used in the assembly or manufacture of the container ensuring that the integrity of the contents of the container is maintained. A..

vacuum can be created within the container, then sterilised and vacuum packed to avoiders.

contamination prior to use.

The fluid containers may be used or purchased empty or they may be used or purchased with substances/fluids inside. Either way, use or purchase maybe individual, multiples of the same or combinations of different arrangements of fluid containers and/or attachments.

The fluid containers provide a flexible combination of flat-packed, sterile, inexpensive, versatile, pre-measured form of packaging that can be used in single or multiple systems or procedures that improves and maintains efficiency, quality and the integrity of the contents anywhere and at anytime. The receptacles when filled are also resistant to breakage upon impact.

The present invention is illustrated by reference to the accompanying drawings in which Figures 1A, 1B and 1C show various types of non-return valves and Figure 1D shows a typical mouthpiece and lid configuration and interaction. Figures 2A and 2B show a flat packed packaged container according to the present invention and Figures 3A and 3B show the container of Figures 2A and 2B in inflated form containing a liquid (including mouthpiece and lid in Figures 2B and 3B). Figures 4A and 4B show how the container in 2B and 3B can be used. Figure 4B also illustrates how the shape of the valve holder can sit or hook onto water holders. Figures 5A and 5B are exploded views showing the components of the container and their method of assembly (including mouthpiece and lid in Figure 5B).

Figure 1A shows how a non-return valve (1) may be provided on the lid (2) that may be rotated to provide an opening. Similarly Figure 1B shows how an opening may be provided by means of a valve (3) that can be rotated and depressed. Figure 1 C shows a particular opening (4) such as a ring pull (5).

Figure 1D shows how a mouthpiece (such as a saline teat) (5) can be contained with a cap and the opening can be provided and the mouthpiece delivered and secured to the top of the bag (6) by rotation of the cap.

Figures 2A and 2B shows the valve holder (cover) of the container (7) with a non-return valve (8), the bag or pouch is not visible in Figure 2A since it is collapsed below the valve holder. However Figure 2A shows the circumferential band and/or weld (9) which...

attaches the bag or pouch to the valve holder (7) and in Figure 2B the bag or pouch (5) isn't., welded to the valve holder (1).

In Figure 2A the container is showed protected by the impervious bag (10) which may also contain the fluid delivery tube (11) and in Figure 2B the fluid delivery tube (11) is collapsed and temporarily secured within the lid (12).

Figures 3A and 3B shows the flexible bag or pouch (12) inflated and attached to the valve holder. The welded end of the pouch or bag may be of any shape but the illustration in Figure 3A shows that a hole has been punched through the material to allow the container to be hung. Alternatively or in addition the flap can provide an extra place to grip.

Figures 4A and 4B shows how the container of Figure 2B can be removed from the Impervious bag (10) and filled and warmed and can be laid to rest without touching or otherwise contaminating the mouthpiece.

Figure 5A and 5B are exploded versions of the containers of Figure 3A and 3B.

Figure 6 illustrates how the container maybe shaped for toddlers Figure 7 illustrates a method of warming the container from a flat packed resurrectable baby bottle warmer. In this design the sidewalls of the warmer are collapsible but once erected and filled the baby bottle/contaner can rest from the top of the warmer to heartworm the contents.

The collapsible fluid container, as one example of many, can be used to ease the preparation and consumption of drunks such as coffee or tea for users who are traveling.

Once purchased over the counter or from vending machines the flat packed fluid container can optionally hold mixtures of pre-measured types of coffees, milks and sugars which can have hot or boiling water added by pouring manually or injecting from a machine. With the non-return valve sealing the contents the container may be shaken or stirred to mix.

Any form of fluid delivery tube may be used. The mouthpiece may provide permanent access to the contents (coffee) inside or with a simple twist or downward pressure the non-return valve can be reversed to release the contents. Due to the design of the non-,....

return valve as illustrated in Figures 1A, 1B and 1C the liquid will only be expelled upon demand. Spillage will not be an issue and due to the flexible nature of the side walls, the container can fit into many spaces by molding its shape to fit. .'.

In instances that require extreme heat resistance such as boiling water, the tamperproof band's properties and/ or valve holder shape can be used to prevent burning or injury to.

the usemn a manner similar to that of an insulating sleeve used for paper cups. .2 I'm A further example of the collapsible fluid containers use is for the transport, storage and consumption of medicines to be taken orally. The container is also capable of storing oils, paints and the like. Using the correct fluid delivery tube such as a brush attachment or sponge, for example, the user can apply pressure by squeezing the flexible pouch or bag with the filled contents which can be applied to the desired surface. The volumetric flow can be controlled by the amount of pressure on the bag and the size of the opening created by the non- return valve, see Figures 1A, 1B and 1C. Additionally, using the appropriate fluid delivery tube, liquid can fill the flat packed container and either be disposed of or taken away for sampling, for example urine samples for analysis.

Claims (30)

1. A flat packed evacuated and/or folded container comprising a flexible bag or pouch hermetically attached to a sealed cover and further provided with an opening to enable filling and a non-return valve to enable sealing of the container.

2. A container according to Claim 1 in which the non return valve's seal may be reversed to allow material to be expelled from or introduced into the container by one or more of the following techniques: i) the non return valve mechanism itself ii) a fluid delivery tube piercing or displacing the non return valve or iii) removal of the non return valve

3. A container according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 which is sterilised prior to flat packing.

15: ,:.

4. A container according to any of the preceding Claims enclosed in hermetically.

sealed packaging.

5. A container according to any of the preceding Claims consisting of a flexible bag Orson. . pouch and a separate cover lid and a band which enables the bag or pouch to be hermetically attached to the rim of the lid. -.

6. A container according to any of Claims 1 to 5 consisting of a flexible bag or pouch and a separate cover lid that are welded together.

7. A container according to any of the preceding Claims in which the volume of the container when in its inflated form is between 50 and 300ml.

8. A container according to any of Claims 1 to 6 in which the volume of the container when in its inflated form is at least 1 ml.

9. A container according to any of the preceding Claims In which the bag or pouch is made of a thermoplastic material such as a polymer film for example of polyolefins such as polyethylene or polypropylene or polyester such as polyethylene terephtha late or polybutylene tere phtha late.

10. A container according to any of the preceding Claims in which the bag or pouch is transparent.

11. A container according to any of the preceding Claims in which the bag or pouch is such that the contents are visible.

12. A container according to any of the preceding Claims in which the bag or pouch is provided with pre-marked volume indicators.

13. A container according to any of the preceding Claims in which the side walls of the bag or pouch are either extruded and seamless or thin film.

14. A container according to any of the preceding Claims in which the side walls of the bag or pouch have a thickness of from 25 Sum to 150 Sum.

15. A container according to any of the preceding Claims in which the position of the cover lid defines the desired volume. .....

:.

16. A container according to any of the preceding Claims which can withstand temperatures up to 100 C.

17. A container according to any of the preceding Claims in which the cover is...

sufficiently rigid to provide strength and integrity to the container when it contains..

the particular liquid for which it is designed.

18. A container according to Claim 17 in which the cover is made of polypropylene, ethylene/propylene copolymers rubbers or polyamides.

19. A container according to any of the preceding Claims in which a fluid delivery tube can be attached

20. A container according to any of the preceding Claims in which the fluid delivery tube is a mouthpiece.

21. A container according to any of the preceding Claims containing premeasured ingredients inside.

22. A container according to Claim 21 in which the pre-measured ingredients comprise powder, syrup, paste, cordial, dried food, liquid and/or granules.

23. A container according to Claim 21 or Claim 22 in which the premeasured ingredients is milk powder.

24. A container according to Claim 1 or Claim 22 in which the premeasured ingredient is liquid, oil or paint.

25. A container according to Claim 24 in which the liquid is sterilised water.

26. A container according to any of the preceding Claims provided with a temperature indicator.

27. A container according to any of the preceding Claims containing medicines to be : .-:- taken orally.

28. The use of a container according to any of the preceding Claims for the preparation and consumption of liquids/ fluids.

29. The use of a container according to any of Claims 1 to 25 in the disposal of...

Iiquids/fluids.

... :

30. The use of a container according to Claims 1 to 27 for the capture of liquid samples and/or transportation.