JP2014527426A - Seal container and method of using the seal container - Google Patents

Abstract

A container is provided, the container comprising: (a) a cover comprising at least one elastomer layer; and (b) a food ingredient contained in the container, which is a liquid food ingredient or a solid food ingredient, The solid food component comprises a food component configured to produce a fluid food product upon contact with the liquid, and the cover is provided by at least one liquid transfer device for injecting or extracting the liquid food component or fluid food product Further, when the at least one liquid transfer device is removed from the container, the cover is configured to leak any liquid, liquid food ingredient, fluid food, or combinations thereof. Again, a container that is configured to reseal the cover itself. A container comprising a plunger and a spring is also provided. A method of using the container is provided.

Description

  The present disclosure relates to a sealed container containing a liquid food ingredient or a solid food ingredient for making a fluid food product when fluid is injected into the container. The present disclosure also relates to a sealed container with a cover for preventing leakage of liquid food ingredients or liquid food upon removal of the liquid transfer device.

  Seals containing ingredients for preparing food, such as ground roasted coffee, tea, instant coffee, a mixture of ground and instant coffee, chocolate-based products, or any other dehydrated edible material Containers are known. In some cases, the sealed container includes a saucer having a bottom, a side wall, a circular edge having a larger diameter than the bottom, and a cover welded to the outer periphery of the edge of the saucer. Is made of a flexible material having low permeability to oxygen, and the flexible material is selected from the group consisting of aluminum, aluminum / plastic composite, aluminum / plastic / paper composite, single layer or multilayer plastic It has been done. These sealed containers are generally used in a form that is perforated in the cover.

  The contents of some sealed containers are extracted in the following manner. A container is inserted into the container holder and into the extraction cage. The extraction cage has needles that drill into the top and bottom of the container. A fluid, typically water, is injected through the top needle and the food product flows out through a perforation in the bottom of the container. At the end of this type of extraction, the container can be removed from the extraction system in order to place the next container in the extraction system. When the container is removed, a perforation, or hole, is present at the bottom of the pan, which leaks residual liquid food and solid food ingredients. This leakage causes problems because it fouls a portion of the extraction machine. Alternatively, a needle or some other liquid transfer device may pierce the capsule cover, and when liquid is injected into the container, the pressure increases, breaking the rupture disk, Extraction of food ingredients and / or fluid food is possible.

  In order to overcome the leakage problems associated with the sealed containers discussed above, a sealed container has a pan at the bottom level that retains solid food ingredients when the container is opened or ruptured. Means are provided to ensure In these types of sealed containers, the means for ensuring the retention of the solid food component is selected from the group consisting of fabrics, valves, and foams, which means can be placed at the bottom of the cartridge or adhesive. Bonded or sealed.

  The present disclosure provides a sealed container in which the contents of the container can still be controllably released while being pierced into the cover.

  In some embodiments, a container disclosed herein comprises (a) a cover comprising at least one elastomer layer, and (b) a food ingredient contained in the container, the liquid food ingredient or solid food The solid food component further comprises a food component configured to produce a fluid food product upon contact with the liquid, and the cover is at least for injecting or extracting the liquid food component or the fluid food product Configured to be pierced by one liquid transfer device, and when the at least one liquid transfer device is removed from the container, the cover reseals the cover itself, or the liquid, It is configured to reduce or prevent any leakage of liquid food ingredients, fluid foods, or combinations thereof. The container disclosed herein is further (c) a barrier attached to the container adjacent to the food ingredient, substantially impervious to the food ingredient to retain the food ingredient in the container. A barrier that is sexual. In some embodiments, the barrier comprises at least one elastomer layer. In some embodiments, the elastomeric layer comprises a material selected from at least one of silicone rubber, synthetic rubber, fluoropolymer rubber, olefinic elastomer, acrylic elastomer, polyester elastomer, polyurethane elastomer, and combinations thereof. Including.

  It may be desirable to reinforce the elastomeric layer with a hardened layer, as the liquid transfer device will need to pierce the cover within the predetermined travel distance of the liquid transfer device. Such a layer may be biaxially oriented polyethylene or polypropylene or a cast film. Moreover, a nonwoven fabric, a net | network, or metal foil may be used for a hardened layer.

  The barriers disclosed herein can be configured to be pierced by a liquid transfer device. In some embodiments, the barrier is configured to be pierced to extract fluid food.

  The container disclosed herein may have a transparent cover or a non-transparent cover. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover further comprises an oxygen barrier. The cover disclosed herein can be operably attached to the container using sonic welding. In some embodiments, the cover disclosed herein is operably attached to the container using heat sealing. In some embodiments, the cover is attached to the container with an adhesive. In some embodiments, the cover is mechanically attached to the container.

  The cover disclosed herein may have a thickness that is less than 500 mm in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the cover includes a resilient foam. The cover disclosed herein removes at least one of a fluid, fluid food, and / or food component from the at least one liquid transfer device when the at least one liquid transfer device is removed from the container through the cover. Can be used to remove. In some embodiments, when the at least one liquid transfer device is inserted through the cover, the cover forms a seal around the outer wall of the at least one liquid transfer device.

  In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a container, wherein the container is (a) a food ingredient contained in the container, which is a liquid food ingredient or a solid food ingredient, and further wherein the solid food ingredient is A food component configured to produce a fluid food upon contact with the liquid; (b) a spring operably coupled to the first surface of the plunger; and a food component in contact with the second surface of the plunger. A plunger movably secured within the container between, and (c) at least one liquid transfer device configured to pierce a portion of the container containing the food component, the spring comprising the plunger And the inner surface of the portion of the container that does not come into contact with the food component.

  In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of using a container according to any one of the preceding claims to prepare a fluid food or liquid food ingredient.

  In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of using a container according to any one of the preceding claims to dispense a fluid food or liquid food ingredient.

  The above summary of the present disclosure is not intended to describe each embodiment of the present invention. The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are also set forth in the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and from the claims.

2 is a front cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a container disclosed herein having a first liquid transfer device. FIG. FIG. 3 is a front cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a container disclosed herein having first and second liquid transfer devices. FIG. 3 is a front cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a container disclosed herein having first and second liquid transfer devices. FIG. 3 is a front cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the container disclosed herein having a first liquid transfer device and a deformable cover. FIG. 3 is a front cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the container disclosed herein having a first liquid transfer device and a deformable cover. 2 is a front cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the container disclosed herein having a first liquid transfer device, a spring and a plunger. FIG. 2 is a front cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the container disclosed herein having a first liquid transfer device, a spring and a plunger. FIG. 2 is a front cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the container disclosed herein having a first liquid transfer device, a spring and a plunger. FIG. FIG. 6 is a front cross-sectional view of various application embodiments of the container disclosed in FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 6 is a front cross-sectional view of various application embodiments of the container disclosed in FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 6 is a front cross-sectional view of various application embodiments of the container disclosed in FIGS. 4 and 5. 9 is a front cross-sectional view of various application embodiments of the container disclosed in FIGS. 9 is a front cross-sectional view of various application embodiments of the container disclosed in FIGS. 9 is a front cross-sectional view of various application embodiments of the container disclosed in FIGS.

  The container 10 disclosed herein may have any shape, such as a cone, square, or rectangle. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the container 10 disclosed herein has a side wall 17 that has a frustoconical shape, a bottom 19, and a cover 13. The side wall 17 generally comprises any material that is impermeable to air and water. For example, a polymer film material, an aluminum sheet material, or the like may be used as the cover. The container may be made from any suitable material, including plastic materials (cast, injection molded, extruded, etc.). Optionally, any type of food coating may be used on the side wall surface that contacts the food component 14 contained therein.

  The cover 13 can be selected and configured in various forms depending on the application of the container 10. For example, in some embodiments, the cover may have a specific thickness to control the amount of force required to puncture the cover. In some embodiments, the cover 13 may be of a certain thickness to control the amount of fluid force required to deform the shape of the cover 13 to some desired size. In some embodiments, the cover 13 is 175 micrometers, whether it is 500 micrometers or less, 400 micrometers or less, 300 micrometers or less, or 200 micrometers or less. Or less, 150 micrometers or less, 124 micrometers or less, or even 100 micrometers or less. Also, the outer surface of the cover 13 may contain some printed information and / or paintings. The printed information may be, for example, an instruction or a corporate brand. Similarly, the painting may be a painting of a method of making a drinking liquid or a corporate brand.

  In some embodiments, the cover 13 comprises at least one elastomer layer. An elastomeric material useful in the present disclosure is any material that is capable of at least moderate elastic deformation. The elastomeric material useful in the present disclosure is selected so that any perforations in cover 13 seal around any device used to produce such perforations.

  The elastomeric material useful in the present disclosure is also selected so that any perforations in the cover 13 are resealed upon removal of any device used to produce such perforations. Elastomeric materials useful herein include silicone rubber, synthetic rubber, fluoropolymer rubber, and the like. Other elastomeric materials include natural or synthetic rubber copolymers that are elastomers, such as those known to those skilled in the art as AB or ABA block copolymers. Other elastomeric materials that may be useful in some cases include, for example, styrene / isoprene / styrene (SIS) block copolymers, elastic polyurethanes, ethylene copolymers such as ethylene vinyl acetate, ethylene / propylene / diene terpolymers. Examples include elastomeric ethylene / propylene monomer copolymer elastomers and polyester elastomers. One exemplary elastomer is a synthetic rubber sold under the trademark “KRATON” by Kraton Performance Polymers Inc. of Houston, Texas. These materials provide many of the properties of natural rubber, such as flexibility and sealability, but in addition, have higher heat and chemical resistance. The chemical properties of these synthetic rubbers can be based on styrene block copolymers consisting of polystyrene blocks and rubber blocks. The rubber block usually comprises polybutadiene, polyisoprene or their hydrogenated equivalents. Usually these synthetic rubber polymers are blended with other materials such as polyolefins, polystyrene, tackifying resins or paraffinic oils in order to optimize their properties. Also, end block modifiers may be added to improve the thermal properties of these elastomers.

  The present disclosure also includes other types of elastomers such as gel elastomers, acrylic elastomers, polyester elastomers and polyurethane elastomers. Examples of these materials and / or trade names include tackified SIS, n-butyl acrylate-methyl methacrylate copolymer, thermoplastic polyester elastomer (E.I. Dupont de Nemours & Co., Wilmington, Del.). Commercially available under the trademark “HYTREL” from EI du Pont de Nemours and Company) and “IROGRAN” from Huntsman Corporation of Woodlands, Texas And commercially available thermoplastic urethanes. Without being bound by theory, gel elastomers may exhibit a faster flow rate after drilling, thus improving the rate at which the perforations can be sealed. It is also within the scope of the present disclosure to expose the elastomer or resulting cover (13) to an electron beam. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that electron beam treatment can further improve the crosslink density of the elastomer. Further, the elastomer layer may be natural rubber, and the natural rubber may or may not include a cross-linked portion.

  Combinations of either of these types or specific elastomers with each other or with non-elastomers for modification are also contemplated. It is within the scope of the present invention to incorporate conventional fillers, plasticizers, stiffening aids, dyes, pigments, processing additives and the like into the elastomer layer. In some embodiments, the cover 13 further includes an oxygen barrier such as, for example, aluminum vapor deposition coating, polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH).

  In some embodiments, the elastomeric layer also includes a single tackifier or combination of tackifiers. While not wishing to be bound by theory, tackifiers can increase the fluidity of the elastomeric material in the elastomeric layer and provide resealability of the perforations. Examples of typical tackifiers include those commercially available under the trademark designation “ESCOREX 2203” from ExxonMobil Chemical Company of Houston, Texas. An example of a commercially available tackifier is commercially available from ExxonMobil Chemical Company under the trademark designation “ESCOREZ”.

  In some embodiments, the cover 13 is transparent. In some embodiments, the cover 13 is not transparent, such as having a specific color or pattern therein.

  In some embodiments, the cover 13 includes the same material as the sidewall 17. The bottom 19 can be made of the same material as the side wall 17 or cover 13 depending on the application for which the container 10 is made. The cover 13 and / or the bottom 19 is attached to the side wall 17 integrally or operably. Examples of operably attaching include heat sealing, sonic welding, attaching with an adhesive, mechanical attaching, and the like. In terms of attaching with an adhesive, the adhesive may be a pressure sensitive adhesive, a curable hot melt adhesive, a thermoplastic resin adhesive, a crosslinked polymer, and the like. With respect to mechanical attachment, the cover 13 can be attached to the side wall 17 using a clamp sealing or ring sealing mechanism, thereby sealing the outer edge of the container 10 and covering at the outer edge of the container 10. 13 can form a pressure seal similar to using a gasket below the clamp ring.

  A food component 14 is contained in a portion of the container 10 while a volume 15 for receiving liquid is provided. The food component 14 may be a liquid, a solid, or a mixture thereof. A liquid transfer device 12 may be inserted into the cover 13 to move the liquid into and / or out of the container 10. The liquid transfer device 12 may be any device capable of delivering liquid, such as a device having a needle-like configuration, a tube, a pipe, or the like. In some embodiments, the liquid transfer device 12 has a sharpened end that pierces the cover 13 to facilitate drilling of the cover 13. In some embodiments, the cover 13 is scored, indented, or mechanically modified to receive the liquid transfer device 12.

  In some embodiments, the container 10 may be pierced at multiple locations by multiple liquid transfer devices. For example, in FIG. 2, the second liquid transfer device 16 is shown drilling in the bottom 19 of the container 10. As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the liquid transfer devices 12, 16 may facilitate the flow of liquid into and out of the container 10. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to provide a filter material 18 between the food ingredient 14 and the bottom 19. Filter material 18 includes any type of woven or non-woven or open cell foam filter material, including paper, metal, composite, and the like. In some embodiments, the filter material 18 may be a barrier that includes a material similar to the material selected for the cover 13. For example, the barrier may comprise at least one elastomeric layer similar to that disclosed in connection with the cover 13.

  In some embodiments, the container may be drilled at approximately the same location by multiple liquid transfer devices. For example, FIG. 3 shows that the second liquid transfer device 16 and the third liquid transfer device 20 are both perforated in the bottom 19 of the container 10. As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, depending on the application in which the container 10 is used, multiple liquid transfer devices may be used to pierce the container 10 at multiple locations.

  In some embodiments, the cover 13 is elastomerically deformable to provide mechanical drainage of liquid food ingredients or liquid food provided within the container 10. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the liquid outside can be injected into the container via at least one liquid transfer device (such as the second liquid transfer device 16 as shown). As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, multiple liquid transfer devices can be used to pierce the container 10 at multiple locations on the container 10. Liquid infusion may occur during packaging of liquid food ingredients and / or during preparation of liquid food. In some embodiments, the container 10 has a food component 14 that can optionally be separated from a volume 15 that receives a liquid or liquid food component utilizing any type of separation layer. In some embodiments, separation of the food component 14 from the volume 15 is provided by using an upper filter 21. Optionally, a filter material 18 can be used between the food ingredient 14 and the bottom 19. The top filter 19 and filter material 18 include any type of woven or non-woven or open cell foam filter material, including paper, metal, composite, and the like.

  6-8 illustrate various positions of another embodiment of the container 10 disclosed herein having a side wall 17, a cover 13, and a bottom 19, the side wall 17, the cover 13, and the bottom 19. May include the same material or different materials. 6-8, the container 10 has a spring 24 that is operably connected to a plunger 26 that contacts or is adjacent to the food component 14. The spring 24 can be stretched or contracted depending on the volume of the food component, liquid and / or fluid food component in the container 10. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7, the spring 24 may be in a retracted position when liquid is injected through the at least one liquid transfer device 16. The spring 24 can maintain this contracted position while a certain amount of pressure is exerted on the liquid. The spring 24 and plunger 26 can then provide mechanical force by re-extension of the spring, as shown in FIG. 8, so that liquid food ingredients, liquid and / or fluid food are dispensed from the container 10. Optionally, filter material 18 may be used between food ingredient 14 and bottom 19. As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, multiple liquid transfer devices can be used to pierce the container 10 at multiple locations on the container 10. Liquid infusion may occur during packaging of liquid food ingredients and / or during preparation of liquid food.

  In some embodiments, the container 10 may be operably coupled to a liquid supply 32, such as that shown in FIGS. In the exemplary embodiment, liquid supply 32 provides liquid to directional control valve 34 that is useful for entering liquid into container 10 via at least one liquid transfer device 16. The control valve 34 can also be useful to prevent liquid from flowing into the container 10. The control valve 34 may also be useful for draining liquid, liquid food and / or fluid food ingredients from the container 10 via the discharge 36. For example, in FIG. 9, the container 10 has a side wall 17, a bottom portion 19, and a cover 13. The cover 13 includes at least one elastomer layer so that the cover 13 can be elastically deformed. The container 10 also contains a food ingredient 14. The container 10 may also optionally have a filter material 18 between the food ingredient 14 and the bottom 19. As shown in FIG. 9, the directional control valve 34 is in the “closed” position, ie, no liquid can flow from the liquid supply 32 to the container 10 via the at least one liquid transfer device 16.

  FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment in which the directional control valve 34 is in the “fill” position and allows liquid to flow from the liquid supply 32 to the container 10 via at least one liquid transfer device 16. The cover 13 is deformed when the volume of the liquid in the container 10 increases.

  FIG. 11 shows that the directional control valve 34 is in the “discharge” position and allows liquid to flow out of the container 10 through the discharge portion 36 via at least one liquid transfer device 16, while additional liquid is discharged from the liquid supply portion 32 into the container. 10 shows an embodiment for preventing the flow into the air flow. The embodiment according to FIG. 11 is one that mechanically discharges at least some of the liquid food component or fluid food contained in the container 10 when the cover 13 recovers its original shape. As shown in FIGS. 9-11, liquid may be injected into the container via at least one liquid transfer device (such as second liquid transfer device 16 as shown). As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, multiple liquid transfer devices can be used to pierce the container 10 at multiple locations on the container 10. Liquid infusion may occur during packaging of liquid food ingredients and / or during preparation of liquid food.

  In some embodiments, the container 10 may be operably coupled to a liquid supply 32 such as that shown in FIGS. In the exemplary embodiment, liquid supply 32 provides liquid to directional control valve 34 that is useful for entering liquid into container 10 via at least one liquid transfer device 16. The control valve 34 can also be useful to prevent liquid from flowing into the container 10. The control valve 34 can also be useful for allowing liquids, liquid foods and / or fluid food components to flow out of the container 10 via the discharge 36. In FIG. 12, the container 10 has a spring 24 operably coupled to a plunger 26 that contacts or is adjacent to the food ingredient 14. The container 10 may also optionally have a filter material 18 between the food ingredient 14 and the bottom 19. As shown in FIG. 9, the directional control valve 34 is in the “closed” position, ie, no liquid can flow from the liquid supply 32 to the container 10 via the at least one liquid transfer device 16. Plunger 26 is still in a neutral state and spring 24 is still maintained in the extended position.

  FIG. 13 shows an embodiment in which the directional control valve 34 is in the “fill” position and allows liquid to flow from the liquid supply 32 to the container 10 via at least one liquid transfer device 16. As the liquid flows into the container 10, the plunger 26 is biased toward the cover 13 and moves the spring 24 to the retracted position.

  FIG. 14 shows that the directional control valve 34 is in the “discharge” position and allows liquid to flow out of the container 10 through the discharge portion 36 via the at least one liquid transfer device 16 while additional liquid is discharged from the liquid supply portion 32 into the container. 10 shows an embodiment for preventing the flow into the air flow. The embodiment according to FIG. 11 mechanically ejects at least some of the liquid food component or fluid food contained in the container 10 when the spring 24 moves to the extended position and the plunger 26 restores its original neutral position. Is. As shown in FIGS. 12-14, liquid may be injected into the container via at least one liquid transfer device (such as second liquid transfer device 16 as shown). As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, multiple liquid transfer devices can be used to pierce the container 10 at multiple locations on the container 10. Liquid infusion may occur during packaging of liquid food ingredients and / or during preparation of liquid food.

  The food ingredient may be any desirable edible ingredient. Some examples include ground roasted coffee, tea, instant coffee, a mixture of ground coffee and instant coffee, a chocolate based product, a powdered milk based product, or any other dehydrated edible material And are known. Food ingredients can also be liquids containing water, fruit juices, vegetable juices or flavored liquids, including beverages, carbonated drinks (including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic types) It may be. In some embodiments, the liquid in contact with the food ingredient can range in temperature from about 0 ° C. to about 100 ° C., typically from about 50 ° C. to about 90 ° C. Even if the liquid injected into the container is water (including deionized water, tap water, distilled water, carbonated water, etc.), milk (milk fat, whole milk, 2% milk, 1% milk, Or non-fat milk etc.) or any other suitable liquid.

  The cover 13 disclosed in the present specification may include each layer in addition to the elastomer layer. For example, a non-elastomeric layer may be included above or below the elastomeric layer. Alternatively, the elastomer layer may be sandwiched between two other non-elastomeric polymer layers. In such a construction, the desired degree of puncture resistance and the ability to seal and reseal can be influenced by adjusting the properties of the film. Examples of plastic materials include thermoplastic resins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polymethyl methacrylate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide, ethylene vinyl alcohol, and combinations thereof. Examples of thermosetting resins include bisphenol A epoxy diglycidyl ester resins, bisphenol A dicyanate esters, orthophthalic unsaturated polyesters, bisphenol A vinyl esters, and the like. Examples of cover structures having three layers are polypropylene, synthetic rubber elastomer and polyethylene. Alternatively, a structure may have three layers of polyolefin, synthetic rubber elastomer, and polyester. In some embodiments, a three-layer structure has a polyolefin, a synthetic rubber elastomer, and an adhesive film layer. The adhesive layer may also join the cover to the container. Optionally, the synthetic rubber elastomer in these examples may be replaced with a silicone elastomer. Each of these three layers ranges in thickness from 20 micrometers to 500 micrometers. It is within the scope of the present invention to apply a barrier coating to be deposited over the entire surface.

  Multilayer films useful in the present disclosure can be formed by any conventional technique such as coating, lamination, coextrusion, stepwise extruding, cast film, blown film, and the like. Examples of coextrusion processes can be found in US Pat. Nos. 3,557,265 and 3,479,425. Each layer is typically coextruded through a dedicated feedblock or a dedicated die that contacts the various materials during film formation. Alternate layers of elastomeric and non-elastomeric films may be utilized. Films useful in the present disclosure may have different film combinations in any range from 3 to 100 layers, such as 3 to 10 layers. In some embodiments, the multilayer film comprises two polyolefin layers with an elastomeric film layer in between. In addition, the elastomeric film layer and the non-elastomeric film layer may have the same thickness or different thicknesses. The cover can be manufactured continuously and then converted into a final desired cover of the desired shape and dimensions. This conversion can be accomplished utilizing any conventional method including punching, rotary punching, laser cutting, water jet cutting, and the like. Processing conditions are optimized to achieve the desired polymer properties. These processing conditions include cooling and / or quenching temperatures.

  While not wishing to be bound by any theory, in order to reseal, the elastomer must flow freely after drilling. If the elastomeric material in the elastomeric layer is held too tightly or constrained within the film structure, the elastomeric material cannot flow effectively and thus the speed of resealing may be reduced in some embodiments. Is too late to be effective. There are numerous ways to formulate the cover disclosed herein to improve this reseal property.

  In some embodiments, the porous material may be placed on top or bottom of the elastomeric layer. Examples of typical porous materials include scrims, lattices, screens, foam substrates, nonwovens, patterned substrates, and the like. The degree of porosity of the porous material can be optimized depending on the cover. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the elastomeric material in the elastomeric layer can flow through the porous material to provide reseal of the perforations. Similarly, the porous material provides a spacer in the cover or acts as a spacer in the cover.

  In some embodiments, resealing can be accomplished by imparting porosity to the cover itself. This can be accomplished by various techniques such as foaming techniques or injecting gas into any of the layers in the cover during processing. In some embodiments, during processing, the elastomeric layer is added to have porosity or voids between the elastomeric layer itself and the layers above or below it. For example, during extrusion, the elastomer layer is applied unevenly to the top lid, creating bubbles or voids.

  In some embodiments, foamable materials can be used, such as foamable microspheres. Effervescent microspheres include those commercially available under the trademark “EXPANCEL” from Eka Chemicals Inc. of Duluth, Ga. An exemplary cover made using expandable microspheres has a multilayer film structure with two or more layers, in which one or more layers are additive / filled. And the additive / filler may be a swelling agent such as foamable microspheres. The multilayer film can be adhered to the top surface of the cover by using a pressure sensitive adhesive, and the pressure sensitive adhesive is coated on one of the two outer layers of the multilayer film. In some embodiments, the multilayer film is a multilayer film patch that covers only a portion of the top (region) of the capsule cover disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the multilayer film is laminated to the previously disclosed cover film, which covers the entire top (area) of the capsule cover disclosed herein.

  In some embodiments, an intermediate layer is present between the elastomeric layer and the upper and / or lower layers to allow the elastomeric material to flow. This intermediate layer is selected such that there is a weak or low adhesion between the elastomeric layer and the intermediate layer. After being pierced into the cover, the low adhesion between the elastomeric layer and the intermediate layer allows the elastomeric layer to be separated from the intermediate layer, so that the elastomeric material in the elastomeric layer is resealed. Therefore, it becomes possible to flow through the perforations. For example, an elastomeric layer of polypropylene skin having a styrene block copolymer core (styrene-ethylene / butylene-styrene called “SEBS”) may be useful as an intermediate layer in this disclosure for an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) film. And can be formulated to have low adhesion.

  In some embodiments, the cover disclosed herein has a combination of a mesh layer and an elastomer layer, the elastomer layer having a tackifier. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the mesh layer provides a space that allows the tackified elastomeric material within the elastomer layer to flow and reseal the perforations.

  In some embodiments, the cover disclosed herein has a combination of elastomeric layers that are affixed with an adhesive that softens at the temperature of the injected liquid. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the elastomeric material is loosened and thus can shrink around the liquid transfer device to re-seal the perforations.

  Various modifications and alterations of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention.

Claims (20)

(A) a cover comprising at least one elastomer layer;
(B) a food component contained in the container, wherein the food component is a liquid food component or a solid food component, and the solid food component is configured to produce a fluid food when in contact with the liquid; With ingredients,
The cover is configured to be pierced by at least one liquid transfer device for injecting or extracting the liquid food component or the fluid food, and further, the at least one liquid transfer device is the container When removed from the container, the cover is configured to reseal the cover itself against leakage of any of the liquid, liquid food ingredients, fluid food, or combinations thereof.   (C) further comprising a barrier attached to the container adjacent to the food ingredient and substantially impermeable to the food ingredient to retain the food ingredient within the container. The container according to 1.   The container of claim 2, wherein the barrier comprises at least one elastomer layer.   The said elastomer layer contains a material selected from at least one of silicone rubber, synthetic rubber, fluoropolymer rubber, olefin-based elastomer, and combinations thereof. container.   The container according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the barrier is configured to be pierced by the liquid transfer device.   5. A container according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the barrier is configured to be pierced to extract the fluid food.   The container according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cover is transparent.   The container according to claim 1, wherein the cover is not transparent.   The container according to claim 1, wherein the cover further comprises an oxygen barrier.   The container according to claim 1, wherein the cover is operably attached to the container using sonic welding.   The container according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the cover is operably attached to the container using heat sealing.   The container according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the cover is attached to the container with an adhesive.   The container according to claim 1, wherein the cover is mechanically attached to the container.   14. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover has a thickness that is less than 500 mm.   15. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover further comprises a resilient foam.   The cover removes at least one of a fluid, fluid food, and food ingredients from the at least one liquid transfer device when the at least one liquid transfer device is removed from the container through the cover. Item 15. The container according to any one of Items 1 to 15.   17. A container according to any preceding claim, wherein the cover forms a seal around an outer wall of the at least one liquid transfer device when the at least one liquid transfer device is inserted through the cover. (A) a food ingredient contained in the container, which is a liquid food ingredient or a solid food ingredient, and the solid food ingredient is configured to produce a fluid food when in contact with the liquid; Ingredients,
(B) a plunger operably coupled to the first surface of the plunger and a plunger movably secured within the container between the food component in contact with the second surface of the plunger;
(C) comprising at least one liquid transfer device configured to pierce a portion of the container in which the food ingredient is contained;
The spring is a container that is biased between the first surface of the plunger and an inner surface of a portion of the container that does not contact the food component.   19. A method of using a container according to any one of claims 1 to 18 to prepare the fluid food or the liquid food ingredient.   20. A method of using a container according to any one of claims 1 to 19 to dispense the fluid food or the liquid food ingredient.

Images