US20190185210A1

US20190185210A1 - Expandable Container

Info

Publication number: US20190185210A1
Application number: US15/846,807
Authority: US
Inventors: Scott Demarest; Evangelia Arvanitidou; Oscar XOY
Original assignee: Colgate Palmolive Co
Current assignee: Colgate Palmolive Co
Priority date: 2017-12-19
Filing date: 2017-12-19
Publication date: 2019-06-20
Also published as: WO2019125901A2; EP3728055A2; WO2019125901A3; CN111433128A; AU2018388871A1; MX2020006146A

Abstract

A container system includes a body having a first end and a second end. The first end has an opening formed therethrough. The body defines a plurality of ribs between the first end and the second end that are configured to actuate between a compressed state and an expanded state to vary a volume inside the body. A dissolvable concentrated material is disposed within the body. When a predetermined amount of water is introduced into the body after the plurality of ribs are actuated into the expanded state, the dissolvable concentrated material dissolves in the water to produce a mixture having a predetermined concentration.

Description

BACKGROUND

Currently, containers are manufactured in a variety of sizes (e.g., volumes) to accommodate user needs. For example, a single type of product, such as a cleaning solution, may be offered in a small container (e.g., 33 ounces), a medium container (e.g., 47 ounces), a large container (e.g., 56 ounces), and an extra-large container (e.g., 67 ounces). These containers may be filled with a mixture after manufacturing, and the container may be shipped, shelved, and sold with the mixture therein. As will be appreciated, containers with a liquid mixture therein may be heavy and burdensome, for example, when shipped via E-commerce. In addition, containers of this size may occupy a large volume during shipping and/or while shelved. It would therefore be desirable to have a container that is variable in size and configured to receive a liquid mixture at any desired time (e.g., after shipping and/or shelving).

BRIEF SUMMARY

A container system is disclosed. The container system includes a body having a first end and a second end. The first end has an opening formed therethrough. The body defines a plurality of ribs between the first end and the second end that are configured to actuate between a compressed state and an expanded state to vary a volume inside the body. A dissolvable concentrated material is disposed within the body. When a predetermined amount of water is introduced into the body after the plurality of ribs are actuated into the expanded state, the dissolvable concentrated material dissolves in the water to produce a mixture having a predetermined concentration.
Optionally, the plurality of ribs form from about 10% to about 50% of a height of the body when the plurality of ribs are in the compressed state, and the plurality of ribs form from about 50% to about 90% of the height of the body when the plurality of ribs are in the expanded state.
Optionally, the body includes a neck that is recessed such that an upper end of the neck does not extend beyond the first end of the body.
Optionally, the dissolvable concentrated material is encapsulated in a water-soluble material.
Optionally, the dissolvable concentrated material is in powder form or gel.
In another embodiment, the container system includes a first body having a first end and a second end. The first end has a first opening formed therethrough. The first body defines a plurality of ribs between the first end and the second end that are configured to actuate between a compressed state and an expanded state to vary a first volume inside the first body. The container system also includes a second body that has a second volume and that is configured to be coupled to the first body, or is integral with the first body. The second body has a concentrated material disposed therein. When a predetermined amount of water and a predetermined amount of the concentrated material are introduced into the first volume after the plurality of ribs are actuated into the expanded state, the concentrated material dissolves in the water to produce a mixture having a predetermined concentration.
Optionally, an additional predetermined amount of water and an additional predetermined amount of the concentrated material are configured to be introduced into the first volume to refill the mixture.
Optionally, the first body includes a neck having the first opening formed therethrough. The second body includes a packet having a tab with a second opening formed therethrough. The neck extends through the second opening to couple the first body and the second body together.
Optionally, an exterior surface of the first body includes a first engagement feature, and an exterior surface of the second body includes a second engagement feature that is configured to engage with the first engagement feature to couple the first body and the second body together.
Optionally, the first engagement feature is positioned on one side of the first body and above the plurality of ribs. The second body includes a second opening formed therethrough. The second opening in the second body allows the concentrated material to be poured from the second body into the first opening in the first body after the first and second engagement features disengage from one another.
Optionally, the first body is integral with the second body, and a transfer path extends from the second body into the first body.
Optionally, the second body is positioned on one side of the first body and above the plurality of ribs.
Optionally, a valve or frangible seal in the transfer path allows flow from the second body into the first body but prevents flow from the first body into the second body.
Optionally, the concentrated material flows through the transfer path and into the first body in response to a user squeezing the second body.
Optionally, the second body includes at least one actuation member that is configured to be squeezed to cause the concentrated material to flow through the transfer path and into the first body.
Optionally, the container system also includes a set of instructions for using the container system. The set of instructions instructs a user to actuate one or more of the plurality of ribs defined by the first body from the compressed state into the expanded state to increase the first volume inside the first body, to introduce the predetermined amount of the concentrated material into the first body, and to introduce the predetermined amount of water into the first body after the one or more of the ribs is actuated into the expanded state.
Optionally, the predetermined amount of the concentrated material is disposed in or part of a capsule or pouch that is positioned inside the first body before the one or more ribs are actuated into the expanded state.
Optionally, the set of instructions instructs the user to introduce the predetermined amount of the concentrated material into the first body after the one or more ribs are actuated into the expanded state.
Optionally, the set of instructions instructs the user to remove a cap from a neck of the first body, and to remove the second body from the neck after the cap is removed from the neck. Introducing the predetermined amount of the concentrated material into the first body includes transferring the predetermined amount of concentrated material from the second body to the first body after the second body is removed from the neck.
Optionally, the set of instructions instructs the user to decouple the second body from the first body. Introducing the predetermined amount of the concentrated material into the first body includes transferring the predetermined amount of the concentrated material from the second body to the first body after the second body is decoupled from the first body.
Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawing, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an example of a container in a compressed state, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of an example of the container shown in FIG. 1 in an expanded state with water and a concentrated material being introduced into the container, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of an example of the container shown in FIG. 1 in the compressed state with a second container having a concentrated material disposed therein coupled to the first container, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of an example of the container shown in FIG. 3 in the expanded state with water and the concentrated material being introduced into the container, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of an example of a first container in a compressed state with a second container having a concentrated material disposed therein, which can be coupled to the first container, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of an example of the first container shown in FIG. 5 in an expanded state with water and the concentrated material being introduced into the first container, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of an example of a container having a first volume portion and a second volume portion, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 depicts a cutaway side view of an example of the container shown in FIG. 7 with the first volume portion expanded and with a concentrated material being transferred from the second volume portion into the first volume portion, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of an example of a container having a first volume portion and a second volume portion, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 depicts a side view of an example of the container shown in FIG. 9 with the first volume portion expanded and with a concentrated material being transferred from the second volume portion into the first volume portion, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.
As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each and every value that is within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range. In addition, all references cited herein are hereby incorporated by referenced in their entireties. In the event of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and that of a cited reference, the present disclosure controls.
Various embodiments and examples of the containers described herein may occupy a reduced volume (e.g., during manufacturing, shipping, shelving, selling, and/or storage) when compared to conventional containers that cannot be compressed and/or expanded. In addition, the containers described herein have a reduced weight (e.g., during shipping and/or storage) when compared to conventional containers because the containers described herein may be shipped and/or stored without any solvent/carrier liquid (e.g., water) therein. Rather, the solvent/carrier liquid and/or the concentrated material may be introduced into the containers at a desired time to form a mixture or solution in the containers.
FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an example of a container 100 in a compressed state, according to an embodiment. The container 100 may include a body 102 made from plastic, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), any other flex bottle resin, or the like. The body 102 may be produced or manufactured via a blow-molding process, injection stretch blow molding (ISBM), extrusion blow molding (EBM), or the like.
The body 102 may have an upper end 104 and a lower end 106. The upper end 104 may have a spout or neck 107 with an opening formed therethrough that may be sealed by a removable cap 108. The cap 108 may be or include a screw-on, a snap-on, a flip-top, a push and pull, or the like. As shown, the neck 107 and/or the cap 108 may be recessed within the upper end 104 such than an upper end of the neck 107 and/or the cap 108 does not extend past the upper end 104 of the body 102. The lower end 106 may be or include a flat base. The body 102 may define a plurality of ribs 110 (also referred to as bellows) between the upper and lower ends 104, 106. As shown, each rib 110 may include an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper and lower portions may be oriented at a first angle with respect to one another when the respective rib 110 is in a first (e.g., compressed) state, as shown in FIG. 1. The first angle may be from about 1° to about 30°, about 2° to about 20°, or about 3° to about 10°.
FIG. 2 depicts a see-through perspective view of an example of the container 100 in an expanded state, according to an embodiment. One or more of the ribs 110 may be expanded or otherwise reconfigured to increase the height of the container 100 and to increase the volume inside the container 100. The rib(s) 110 may be expanded or otherwise reconfigured manually, (e.g., by a user pulling the upper and lower ends 104, 106 in opposing directions). As shown, the upper and lower portions of the ribs 110 may be oriented at a second angle with respect to one another when the respective rib 110 is in a second (e.g., expanded) state. The second angle may be from about 20° to about 160°, about 40° to about 140°, or about 60° to about 120°. In another embodiment, the second angle may be 180° (i.e., straight, vertical). The ribs 110 may form from about 10% to about 50% or from about 20% to about 40% of the height of the container 100 when the ribs 110 are in the compressed state, and the ribs 110 may form from about 50% to about 90% or about 60% to about 80% of the height of the container 100 when the ribs 110 are in the expanded state.
A dissolvable component or enclosure (e.g., a capsule or pouch) 140, may be introduced into or attached inside of the container 100. In one example, the dissolvable component 140 may be or include a water-soluble material such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) or another soluble material having a concentrated material mixed therewith or encapsulated therein. When the concentrated material is encapsulated within the PVA (or other soluble material), the concentrated material may be in powder form, liquid form, or gel form. The concentrated material may be or include a cleaning solution (e.g., a laundry detergent, a dish washing detergent, a floor cleaner, a surface cleaner, a hand soap, a body wash, etc.), a fabric softener, a fabric conditioner, a dentifrice, a hair care product, a mouthwash, a skin cream, a deodorant composition, an antiperspirant composition, a drink, or the like.
In one embodiment, the dissolvable component 140 may be introduced into or attached inside of the container 100 before the ribs 110 are expanded. For example, the dissolvable component 140 may be attached to an inside floor of the container 100 (e.g., using a water-soluble adhesive) after the container 100 is manufactured and before the container 100 is shipped (e.g., to a store) or sold (e.g., from the store to a user). In another embodiment, the dissolvable component 140 may be introduced into the container 100 after the ribs 110 are expanded. For example, the user may expand the ribs 110 and then place or otherwise introduce the dissolvable component 140 into the container 100.
A predetermined amount of water may also be poured, streamed, or otherwise introduced into the container 100 through the opening in the neck 107 before, simultaneously with, or after the dissolvable component 140 is introduced into the container 100 and before or after the ribs 110 are expanded. For example, the predetermined amount of water may be up to an indicator 142 after the ribs 110 are expanded. In at least one embodiment, rather than expanding or otherwise reconfiguring the ribs 110 manually, as described above, the weight of the water being introduced into the container 100 may cause the ribs 110 to expand. In such embodiments, a person may suspend the container 100 by holding the upper end 104 only while the water is introduced, such that the weight of the water pushes down on the lower end 106 and bottom of the container 100. In yet another embodiment, the neck 107 may be coupled to or in close contact with the water source (e.g., a sink) such that the water hydraulically expands the ribs 110. In yet another embodiment, the dissolvable component 140 may generate a gas when in contact with the water, and after the cap 108 is re-coupled to the neck 107 to seal the internal volume, the gas may cause the ribs 110 to expand.
The dissolvable component 140 may dissolve in the water, and the concentrated material and the water may mix together in the container 100 (e.g., by shaking the first container 100) to form a mixture or solution having a predetermined concentration. The predetermined concentration may be, for example, from about 1 part concentrated material to about 10 parts water or about 1 part concentrated material to about 15 parts water. The predetermined concentration may have the active ingredient present in an amount from about 1% to about 5% or from about 2% to about 3%. After the mixture is used, an additional dissolvable component 140 may be introduced into the container 100 and more water may be added to create another mixture. In this way, the container 100 may be used over and over to make refills.
The amount of concentrated material in the dissolvable component 140 may correspond to (e.g., be proportional to) the volume inside the container 100 after the ribs 110 are expanded. For example, after the container 100 is expanded, the predetermined amount of water may be introduced into the container 100 until the container 100 is full or the liquid level reaches a predetermined marker 142. At this point, the ratio of concentrated material to water in the container 100 may be a predetermined/designed ratio to cause the mixture to have a desired concentration such that the mixture has desired (e.g., cleaning) properties.
FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of an example of the container (now referred to as a first container) 100 in the compressed state with a second container 150 having the concentrated material disposed therein coupled to the first container 100, according to an embodiment. The second container 150 is also shown in dashed lines after being de-coupled and removed from the first container 100, e.g., in preparation for putting its contents into the first container 100. The second container 150 may be or include a packet, a pouch, a sachet, or the like. As shown, the second container 150 may have a flap or tab that has an opening 152 formed therethrough that is configured to be positioned around the neck 107 and/or the cap 108 of the first container 100 to couple the second container 150 to the first container 100. A diameter of the opening 152 may be larger than a diameter of the neck 107 but smaller than a diameter of the cap 108, such that the second container 150 is secured in place around the neck 107 by the tab when the cap 108 is in place as shown, and such that the second container 150 is easily removed from the neck 107 when the cap 108 is removed. In another embodiment, the second container 150 may be adhered to an exterior of the first container 100. In another embodiment, the second container 150 may, be positioned at least partially within a recess formed in an exterior of the first container 100. The second container 150 may have the concentrated material disposed therein. The concentrated material may be in the form of a powder, a liquid, a paste, a gel, a foam, an emulsion, or the like.
FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of an example of the first container 100 in the expanded state with water and the concentrated material being introduced into the first container 100, according to an embodiment. One or more of the ribs 110 may be expanded or otherwise reconfigured to increase the volume inside the first container 100, as described above. The cap 108 may be removed prior to expanding the ribs 110 to allow air to flow in through the opening in the neck 107 as the volume of the first container 100 increases. After the cap 108 is removed, the second container 150 may be removed from the neck 107 and opened (e.g., by tearing or cutting or the like). The concentrated material in the second container 150 may be introduced into the first container 100 through the opening in the neck 107 of the first container 100 before or after the ribs 110 are expanded. A predetermined amount of water may also be introduced into the first container 100 through the opening in the neck 107 of the first container 100 before, simultaneously with, or after the concentrated material is introduced into the first container 100. For example, the predetermined amount of water may be up to the indicator 142 after the ribs 110 are expanded. The concentrated material and the water may mix together in the first container 100 (e.g., by shaking the first container 100) to form a mixture or solution having a predetermined concentration. The predetermined concentration may be the same as described above.
The expanded volume of the container 100 may precisely correspond (e.g., be proportional to) the amount of concentrated material in the second container 105 such that the mixture or solution has the proper concentration to produce specific desired properties of the mixture or solution (e.g., desired cleaning properties). In other words, after the container 100 is expanded, the concentrated material and the water may be added until the container 100 is full or the liquid level reaches the predetermined marker 142. At this point, the ratio of concentrated material to water in the container 100 may be a predetermined/designed ratio to cause the mixture to have the desired concentration such that the mixture has the desired properties.
FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of an example of another first container 500 in the compressed state with a second container 550 configured to be removably coupled to the first container 100, according to an embodiment. The second container may contain a concentrated material, as described previously. The first container 500 may be similar to the first container 100; however, the first container 500 may include an external recess or void 520. In the embodiment shown, the recess or void 520 is positioned on one side of the neck 107 and/or above the ribs 510. Other embodiments may have different arrangements. The first container 500 may include a first engagement feature 524 on an exterior thereof that at least partially, defines the external recess or void 520. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the first engagement feature 524 is a triangular tongue.
The second container 550 may include a body 552 that is sized and shaped to be positioned in the recess or void 520. The second container 550 may include a second engagement feature 554 that is configured to engage or mate with the first engagement feature 524. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the second engagement feature 554 is a triangular groove that mates with the triangular tongue 524. In various examples of implementations, the first and second engagement features 524, 554 may be or include a snap-on engagement, a dovetail engagement, track and rail, undercut, adhesive, or the like. In the embodiment shown, the second container 550 may be disengaged with the first container 500 by moving or sliding the second container 550 upward (i.e., away from the lower end 106 of the first container 500. The second container 550 may have the concentrated material disposed therein. The body 552 of the second container 550 may have a neck 557 with an opening formed therethrough that may be sealed by a removable cap 558.
FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of an example of the first container 500 shown in FIG. 5 in the expanded state with water and the concentrated material being introduced into the first container 500, according to an embodiment. As described above, one or more of the ribs 510 may be expanded or otherwise reconfigured to increase to the volume inside the first container 500, as described above. Before or after the ribs 510 are expanded, the second engagement feature 554 on the second container 550 may be disengaged from the first engagement feature 524 on the first container 500 (e.g., by moving or sliding the second container 550 upward).
The concentrated material in the second container 550 may be introduced into the first container 500 through the opening in the neck 107 of the first container 500 before or after the ribs 510 are expanded. A predetermined amount of water may also be introduced into the first container 500 through the opening in the neck 107 of the first container 500 before, simultaneously with, or after the concentrated material is introduced into the first container 500. For example, the predetermined amount of water may be up to an indicator 542 after the ribs 510 are expanded. The concentrated material and the water may mix together in the first container 500 (e.g., by shaking the first container 500) to form a mixture or solution having a predetermined concentration. The predetermined concentration may be the same as described above.
The expanded volume of the first container 500 and the volume of the second container 550 may precisely correspond (e.g., be proportional to) one another. For example, after the first container 500 is expanded, the predetermined amount of water and the predetermined amount of the concentrated material from the second container 550 may be introduced into the first container 500 until the first container 500 is fill or the liquid level reaches a predetermined marker 542. At this point, the ratio of concentrated material to water in the first container 500 may be a predetermined/designed ratio to cause the mixture to have the desired concentration such that the mixture has the desired properties. If the predetermined portion is, for example, ¼ of the concentrated material in the second container 550, a predetermined number of batches (e.g., 4) of the mixture may be formed in the first container 500.
FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of an example of another container 700 having a first volume portion 703 and a second volume portion 753, according to an embodiment. The container 700 may be similar to the first container 100; however, the container 700 may include a first body portion 702 defining the first volume portion 703 and a second body portion 752 defining the second volume portion 753. The first and second body portions 702, 752 may be coupled to or integral with one another such that a fluid can pass from the second volume portion 753 into the first volume portion 703. As shown in this example, the second body portion 752 may be positioned on one side of the first neck 707 and/or above the ribs 710.
The first body portion 702 may have a first neck 707 with an opening formed therethrough that may be sealed by a first removable cap 708. Fluid, (e.g., water) may be introduced into the first volume portion 703 through the opening in the first neck 707. Similarly, the second body portion 752 may have a second neck 757 with an opening formed therethrough that may be sealed by a second removable cap 758. The concentrated material may be introduced into the second volume portion 753 through the opening in the second neck 757, for example, when the container 700 is manufactured.
FIG. 8 depicts a cutaway side view of an example of the container 700 with the first body portion 702 in the expanded state and with the concentrated material being transferred from the second volume portion 753 into the first volume portion 703, according to an embodiment. The concentrated material may be transferred from the second volume portion 753 to the first volume portion 703 via a transfer path 760, e.g., for a concentrated material that is in the form of a fluid. In some implementations, as shown, the transfer path 760 may extend from a lower portion of the second volume portion 753 upward and into the first volume portion 703. In use, a user may squeeze or compress the second body portion 752 to reduce the volume of the second volume portion 753, thereby causing at least a portion of the concentrated material to flow through the transfer path 760 and into the first volume portion 703. As shown in this example, the second body portion 752 may be squeezed or compressed inward toward the transfer path 760. In at least one embodiment, a valve or frangible seal 762 may be positioned within the transfer path to prevent flow in the opposing direction (e.g., from the first volume portion 703 into the second volume portion 753). A predetermined amount of water may also be introduced into the first volume portion 703 through the opening in the first neck 707 of the first body, portion 702 before, simultaneously with, or after the concentrated material is introduced into the first volume portion 703. For example, the predetermined amount of water may be up to an indicator 742 after the ribs 710 are expanded. The concentrated material and the water may mix together in the first volume portion 703 to form a mixture or solution having a predetermined concentration. The predetermined concentration may be the same as described above.
The expanded first volume portion 703 and the second volume portion 753 may precisely, correspond (e.g., be proportional to) one another. For example, after the first volume portion 703 is expanded, the predetermined amount of water and the predetermined amount of the concentrated material from the second volume portion 753 may be introduced into the first volume portion 703 until the first volume portion 703 is full or the liquid level reaches a predetermined marker 742. At this point, the ratio of concentrated material to water in the first volume portion 703 may be a predetermined/designed ratio to cause the mixture to have the desired concentration such that the mixture has the desired properties. If the predetermined portion is, for example, ¼ of the concentrated material in the second volume portion 753, a predetermined number of batches (e.g., 4) of the mixture may be formed in the first volume portion 703.
FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of an example of another container 900 having a first volume portion 903 and a second volume portion 953, according to an embodiment. The container 900 may be similar to the first container 700, including the transfer path, which functions similarly to the transfer path 760; however, a second body portion 952 of the container 900 defining a second volume portion 953 may include one or more actuation members (two are shown: 954A, 954B) that are configured to be squeezed or compressed to cause the concentrated material to flow into the first volume portion 903.
FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of an example of the container 900 with a first body, portion 902 in the expanded state and with a concentrated material being transferred from the second volume portion 953 into the first volume portion 903, according to an embodiment. The concentrated material may be transferred from the second volume portion 953 to the first volume portion 903 through a nozzle or orifice or other transfer path (not shown) between the first and second volume portions 903, 953. For example, a user may squeeze or compress the actuation members 954A, 954B to reduce the second volume portion 953, thereby causing at least a portion of the concentrated material to flow through the nozzle or orifice and into the first volume portion 903. As shown, a user may squeeze or compress the actuation members 954A, 954B toward one another. In at least one embodiment, a valve (not shown) may be positioned within the nozzle or orifice to prevent flow in the opposing direction (e.g., from the first volume portion 903 into the second volume portion 953). A predetermined amount of water may also be introduced into the first volume portion 903 through an opening in the first body portion 902 before, simultaneously with, or after the concentrated material is introduced into the first volume portion 903. For example, the predetermined amount of water may be up to an indicator 942 after the ribs 910 are expanded. The concentrated material and the water may mix together in the first volume portion 903 to form a mixture or solution having a predetermined concentration. The predetermined concentration may be the same as described above.
The expanded first volume portion 903 and the second volume portion 953 may precisely correspond (e.g., be proportional to) one another. For example, after the first volume portion 903 is expanded, the predetermined amount of water and the predetermined amount of the concentrated material from the second volume portion 953 may be introduced into the first volume portion 903 until the first volume portion 903 is full or the liquid level reaches a predetermined marker 942. At this point, the ratio of concentrated material to water in the first volume portion 903 may be a predetermined/designed ratio to cause the mixture to have the desired concentration such that the mixture has the desired properties. If the predetermined portion is, for example, ¼ of the concentrated material in the second volume portion 953, a predetermined number of batches (e.g., 4) of the mixture may be formed in the first volume portion 903.
The containers described above (e.g., a container system) may be packaged and sold with a set of instructions for using the container system. The instructions may instruct a user to actuate one or more of the plurality of ribs 110, 510, 710, 910 defined by the first body/ container 100, 500, 700, 900 from the compressed state into the expanded state to increase the first volume inside the first body/ container 100, 500, 700, 900. The instructions may also instruct the user to introduce the predetermined amount of the concentrated material into the first body/ container 100, 500, 700, 900. The instructions may also instruct the user to introduce the predetermined amount of water into the first body/ container 100, 500, 700, 900 after the one or more of the ribs 110, 510, 710, 910 is actuated into the expanded state.
The instructions may also instruct the user to introduce the predetermined amount of the concentrated material inside the first body/ container 100, 500, 700, 900 after the one or more ribs 110, 510, 710, 910 are actuated into the expanded state.
The instructions may also instruct the user to remove a cap 108, 508, 708 from a neck 107, 507, 707 of the first body/ container 100, 500, 700, 900, and remove the second body/ container 150, 550, 750, 950 from the neck 107, 507, 707 after the cap 108, 508, 708 is removed from the neck 107, 507, 707. Introducing the predetermined amount of the concentrated material into the first body/ container 100, 500, 700, 900 may include transferring the predetermined amount of concentrated material from the second body/ container 150, 550, 750, 950 to the first body/ container 100, 500, 700, 900 after the second body/ container 150, 550, 750, 950 is removed from the neck 107, 507, 707.
The instructions may also instruct the user to decouple the second body/ container 150, 550, 750, 950 from the first body/ container 100, 500, 700, 900. Introducing the predetermined amount of the concentrated material into the first body/ container 100, 500, 700, 900 may include transferring the predetermined amount of the concentrated material from the second body/ container 150, 550, 750, 950 to the first body/ container 100, 500, 700, 900 after the second body/ container 150, 550, 750, 950 is decoupled from the first body/ container 100, 500, 700, 900.
Introducing the predetermined amount of concentrated material into the first body/ container 100, 500, 700, 900 may include squeezing the second body/ container 150, 550, 750, 950 to reduce the second volume, thereby causing the predetermined amount of the concentrated material to flow through a transfer path 760 and into the first body/ container 100, 500, 700, 900.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A container system, comprising:

a body having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end has an opening formed therethrough, and wherein the body defines a plurality of ribs between the first end and the second end that are configured to actuate between a compressed state and an expanded state to vary a volume inside the body; and

a dissolvable concentrated material disposed within the body;

wherein, when a predetermined amount of water is introduced into the body after the plurality of ribs are actuated into the expanded state, the dissolvable concentrated material dissolves in the water to produce a mixture having a predetermined concentration.

2. The container system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of ribs form from about 10% to about 50% of a height of the body when the plurality of ribs are in the compressed state, and the plurality of ribs form from about 50% to about 90% of the height of the body when the plurality of ribs are in the expanded state.

3. The container system of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a neck that is recessed such that an upper end of the neck does not extend beyond the first end of the body.

4. The container system of claim 1, further comprising a water-soluble material having the dissolvable concentrated material encapsulated therein.

5. The container system of claim 4, wherein the dissolvable concentrated material is in powder form or gel.

6. A container system, comprising:

a first body having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end has a first opening formed therethrough, and wherein the first body defines a plurality of ribs between the first end and the second end that are configured to actuate between a compressed state and an expanded state to vary a first volume inside the first body; and

a second body that has a second volume and that is configured to be coupled to the first body, or is integral with the first body, the second body having a concentrated material disposed therein;

wherein, when a predetermined amount of water and a predetermined amount of the concentrated material are introduced into the first volume after the plurality of ribs are actuated into the expanded state, the concentrated material dissolves in the water to produce a mixture having a predetermined concentration.

7. The container system of claim 6, wherein an additional predetermined amount of water and an additional predetermined amount of the concentrated material are configured to be introduced into the first volume to refill the mixture.

8. The container system of claim 6, wherein:

the first body comprises a neck having the first opening formed therethrough;

the second body comprises a packet having a tab with a second opening formed therethrough; and

the neck extends through the second opening to couple the first body and the second body together.

9. The container system of claim 6, wherein:

an exterior surface of the first body comprises a first engagement feature; and

an exterior surface of the second body comprises a second engagement feature that is configured to engage with the first engagement feature to couple the first body and the second body together.

10. The container system of claim 9, wherein:

the first engagement feature is positioned on one side of the first body and above the plurality of ribs;

the second body comprises a second opening formed therethrough; and

wherein the second opening in the second body allows the concentrated material to be poured from the second body into the first opening in the first body after the first and second engagement features disengage from one another.

11. The container system of claim 6, wherein the first body is integral with the second body, and wherein a transfer path extends from the second body into the first body.

12. The container system of claim 11, wherein the second body is positioned on one side of the first body and above the plurality of ribs.

13. The container system of claim 11, further comprising a valve or frangible seal in the transfer path that allows flow from the second body into the first body but prevents flow from the first body into the second body.

14. The container system of claim 11, wherein the concentrated material flows through the transfer path and into the first body in response to a user squeezing the second body.

15. The container system of claim 14, wherein the second body comprises at least one actuation member that is configured to be squeezed to cause the concentrated material to flow through the transfer path and into the first body.

16. The container system of claim 6, further comprising a set of instructions for using the container system, the set of instructions instructing a user to:

actuate one or more of the plurality of ribs defined by the first body from the compressed state into the expanded state to increase the first volume inside the first body;

introduce the predetermined amount of the concentrated material into the first body; and

introduce the predetermined amount of water into the first body after the one or more of the ribs is actuated into the expanded state.

17. The container system of claim 16, wherein the predetermined amount of the concentrated material is disposed in or part of a capsule or pouch that is positioned inside the first body before the one or more ribs are actuated into the expanded state.

18. The container system of claim 16, wherein the set of instructions instructs the user to introduce the predetermined amount of the concentrated material into the first body after the one or more ribs are actuated into the expanded state.

19. The container system of claim 16, wherein the set of instructions instructs the user to:

remove a cap from a neck of the first body; and

remove the second body from the neck after the cap is removed from the neck, wherein introducing the predetermined amount of the concentrated material into the first body comprises transferring the predetermined amount of concentrated material from the second body to the first body after the second body is removed from the neck.

20. The container system of claim 16, wherein the set of instructions instructs the user to decouple the second body from the first body, wherein introducing the predetermined amount of the concentrated material into the first body comprises transferring the predetermined amount of the concentrated material from the second body to the first body after the second body is decoupled from the first body.