Container

Abstract

A container with a varying capacity is provided. The container has one or more pleats, allowing transformation of the container into varying physical states.

Description

[0001] This patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/287,457 filed Nov. 4, 2002.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to containers. More particularly, the present invention relates to containers having variable capacity.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] The use of containers to store substances for ejection under pressure is known. Such systems, referred to as “aerosols,” typically include three components: (1) a product to be dispensed, (2) a propellant, and (3) a pressurized container. The container is typically cylindrical and is capable of withstanding moderate pressures. In operation, a push button or other actuator opens a valve, allowing the product to be expelled from an opening or nozzle. The propellant, which is typically a gas under ambient conditions, is expelled from the container with the dispensed product.

[0006] An alternative conventional design allows for separation of the propellant from the contents. Such containers have an inner sack filled with contents and mounted within an outer container. The contents of the inner sack are under pressure from the propellant that is stored in the outer container and surrounding the inner sack. This “double chamber” device suffers from the drawback of limiting the volume of the inner sack as a result of the volume of the outer container, as well as the opening through which it must be inserted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a container with flexibility.

[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide such a container that is adapted for use as an inner chamber in a double chamber aerosol container.

[0009] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such a container that has variable capacity.

[0010] It is still another object of the present invention to provide such a container that provides a desired volume while maintaining a height restriction.

[0011] The above objects and advantages of the present invention are achieved by a container for storing contents under pressure adapted for insertion into a rigid outer housing having a narrowed opening. The container has a body having an open end, a closed end, and an inner surface. The body is selectively transformable amongst at least a first physical state having a first volume, a second physical state having a second volume and a third physical state having a third volume. The first volume is greater than the second volume and the third volume is greater than the first volume. The body can be transformed into the second physical state by a substantially longitudinal force upon the body. The body can be transformed into the third physical state by a substantially outwardly radial force upon the inner surface. The body can be cylindrical. The body can be made from a flexible material.

[0012] The present invention also includes a container having a body having an open end, a closed end, an inner surface, and an outer surface. The outer surface has at least one pleat along at least a portion of the body. The body is selectively transformable amongst at least a first physical state having a first volume, a second physical state having a second volume and a third physical state having a third volume. The first volume is greater than the second volume and the third volume is greater than the first volume. The body can be cylindrical. The body can be made from a flexible material. The container can have a plurality of pleats. The plurality of pleats can be about 10 to about 12 pleats. The plurality of pleats can be longitudinally positioned along the body. The plurality of pleats can each have a first end and a second end, with the first end being tapered toward the open end and the second end being tapered toward the closed end. The plurality of pleats can be diametrically opposed from each other along the body. The plurality of pleats can be equidistantly spaced apart along the body. The closed end can be tapered. The open end can have a downwardly curved rim.

[0013] The present invention further includes a variable capacity container system or assembly for storing contents under pressure. The container system has a rigid outer housing having a narrowed opening and a container for storing contents under pressure adapted for insertion into the rigid outer housing through the narrowed opening. The container has a body with an open end, a closed end, and an inner surface. The body has an outer surface with at least one pleat along at least a portion of the body, and the body can be selectively transformed amongst at least a first physical state having a first volume, a second physical state having a second volume and a third physical state having a third volume. The first volume is greater than the second volume and the third volume is greater than the first volume. The body can be cylindrical. The body can be made from a flexible material. The container can have a plurality of pleats. The plurality of pleats can be about 10 to about 12 pleats. The plurality of pleats can be longitudinally positioned along the body. The plurality of pleats can each have a first end and a second end, with the first end being tapered toward the open end and the second end being tapered toward the closed end. The plurality of pleats can be diametrically opposed from each other along the body. The plurality of pleats can be equidistantly spaced apart along the body. The closed end can be tapered. The open end can have a downwardly curved rim.

[0014] Other and further objects, advantages and features of the present invention will be understood by reference to the following.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the container of the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 2 is a top view of the container of FIG. 1;

[0017] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the container of FIG. 1;

[0018] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 1 taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1;

[0019] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of portion A of the container of FIG. 1;

[0020] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a container assembly of the present invention with the container of FIG. 1 housed in an outer housing after filling of the container;

[0021] FIG. 7a is a schematic view of the container of FIG. 1 showing a first physical state;

[0022] FIG. 7b is a schematic view of the container of FIG. 1 showing a second physical state;

[0023] FIG. 7c is a schematic view of the container of FIG. 1 showing a third physical state;

[0024] FIG. 8a is a bottom view of the container of FIG. 7a showing the first physical state;

[0025] FIG. 8b is a bottom view of the container of FIG. 8b showing the second physical state;

[0026] FIG. 8c is a bottom view of the container of FIG. 8c showing the third physical state; and

[0027] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the container assembly with the container of FIG. 1 and an applicator.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Referring to the drawings and, in particular, FIGS. 1 through 6, there is shown a preferred embodiment of the container assembly and the container of the present invention generally represented by reference numerals 1 and 400, respectively. Container assembly 1 has a valve system or assembly 100, a first container or chamber 400, a second container or chamber 500 and an outer housing or aerosol canister 600.

[0029] Container 400 has a top 410, a body 430 and a bottom 440. Preferably, bottom 440 is a tapered end of container 400. Container 400 is preferably substantially cylindrical in shape.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 6, housing 600 is adapted to receive container 400. Housing 600 has a housing rim 675. The tapered shape of bottom 440 of container 400 facilitates insertion of container 400 into rigid outer housing 600 through housing rim 675.

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 5, top 410 has a neck 415 and a rim 417 that defines an opening 420. Opening 420 can have any geometric shape, however, it is preferred that the shape be oval, hexagonal, octagonal or circular. Most preferably, opening 420 is circular in shape.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 6, opening 420 preferably has a diameter slightly less than the diameter of housing rim 675 of outer housing 600 since container 400 will be inserted through the housing rim into the outer housing. However, alternative shapes and sizes may also be used for housing rim 675, opening 420, container 400 and housing 600 for other purposes, including to facilitate housing of container 400 in housing 600 or to facilitate insertion of a substance into container 400 through opening 420.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 6, rim 417 extends outwardly from the upper edge of neck 415. Preferably, rim 417 has a downwardly curved shape. The curved shape facilitates sealing engagement between rim 417 and housing rim 675, shown in more detail in FIG. 6. Neck 415 extends downwardly terminating at body 430.

[0034] Body 430 has a plurality of pleats 435. Each pleat 435 extends along container 400. Preferably, each pleat 435 extends along container 400 parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container. Each pleat 435 commences at the bottom of neck 415 and terminates at the bottom of bottom 440. Each pleat 435 has a first end 437 and a second end 438. First end 437 is located at the top of pleat 435 and tapers off towards the bottom of neck 415. Second end 438 is located at the bottom of pleat 435 and tapers off towards the bottom of bottom 440. Preferably, body 430 has about 4 to about 20 pleats 435. More preferably, body 430 has about 10 to about 12 pleats 435. Pairs of pleats 435 are preferably diametrically opposed. More preferably, pleats 435 are equidistantly spaced apart from each other.

[0035] Container 400 is made from a non-rigid material that provides a barrier to prevent contamination of the substance contained therein. Preferably, container 400 is made from a polymer, e.g., an olefin, nylon, ethylene, polyethylene perephthalate (“PET”) or any combination thereof. Most preferably, container 400 is made from PET or an olefin. The molding process should provide for container 400 with thin walls to facilitate flexing of the pleats.

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 7a through 8c, container 400 is shown in three physical states, i.e., state 1 (FIGS. 7a and 8a), state 2 (FIGS. 7b and 8b), and state 3 (FIGS. 7c and 8c), absent housing 600 and second container 500 of FIG. 6. State 1 is the shape of container 400 as it is molded. In this embodiment, container 400 is preferably made from a polymer. The pleated shape of container 400 is capable of holding a greater volume of substance than a container of the same length having a cylindrical shape that would fit through housing rim 675 of outer housing 600 of FIG. 6.

[0037] State 2 is the shape of container 400 necessary for insertion through housing rim 675 into outer housing 600 of FIG. 6. Applying a force to container 400 that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container, allows it to transform from state 1 to state 2 as a result of the pleated design and its material. Container 400 in state 2 has a greater length than container 400 in state 1 due to the application of the longitudinal force on the container. As shown clearly in the bottom views of container 400 in FIGS. 8a and 8b, each side of pleat 435 moves inwardly, substantially toward the center longitudinal axis of container 400 when the container transforms from state 1 to state 2. Thus, the volume or capacity of container 400 is reduced. The narrowing of container 400 in state 2, as well as the tapered shape of bottom 440, facilitates insertion through housing rim 675 into outer housing 600. Once housed within outer housing 600, container 400 reverts back to state 1 due to the resiliency of the material.

[0038] State 3 is the shape of container 400 after it has been filled with the substance it will store. The expanding of container 400 is a result of the volume of the substance inserted through opening 420 and the material of container 400. Shown clearly in the bottom views of container 400 in FIGS. 8a and 8c, each side of pleat 435 moves outwardly, substantially away from the center longitudinal axis of container 400 when the container transforms from state 1 to state 3. Thus, the volume or capacity of container 400 is enlarged.

[0039] As a result of its non-rigid material, as well as the pleated design, container 400 is capable of varying its volume between states 1, 2 and 3. Preferably, the design and flexibility of container 400 also allows it to collapse under pressure and nearly completely evacuate its contents.

[0040] Each side of pleat 435 has a depth to maximize the varying capacity of container 400. The preferred embodiment allows container 400 to fit through housing rim 675 with a limited capacity while in state 2 and to expand in the container with an enlarged capacity while in state 3. This maximization of the capacity of container 400 allows the container to maximize the volume of substance held in the container while not requiring an enlarged housing rim 675 through which the container must be inserted. This is especially useful in hair dye applications where a consumer requires a certain amount of product and it is beneficial to limit the size and weight of container 400 in which the product is held, to enhance aesthetic appeal.

[0041] In this embodiment, and by way of example, container 400 can be used in conjunction with a pressurized container system to eject hair dye products as shown in FIG. 6. Container 400 is partially filled with a first substance, i.e., a developer composition (“developer”) through opening 420. A second inner container 500 that will be filled with a second substance, i.e., hair dye composition (“dye”), is inserted through opening 420 and into container 400. Container 400 and second container 500 are sealingly engaged with housing rim 675.

[0042] An example of container assembly 1 is disclosed in the co-pending and commonly owned U.S. Application entitled “Pressurized Container” which has been filed evenly herewith (Attorney Docket No. G-00281), and the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0043] As described above, the material chosen for container 400 should be non-rigid, while providing a barrier for its contents, as well as being able to withstand external pressures of about 30 psi. Due to the variable capacity design, the present invention is capable of easily being inserted through housing rim 675 and provides a larger volume than a conventional container with a diameter limited by the diameter of the housing rim.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 6, a valve system 100 is crimped on housing rim 675 after first and second containers 400, 500 have been inserted through the housing rim. Thus, housing 600 has three separately sealed first, second and third volumes 650, 450 and 550, respectively. Valve system 100 allows one-way flow from second volume 450 (container 400) and two-way flow with third volume 550 (second container 500). Valve system 100 allows second container 500 to be filled after insertion into container 400. However, alternative embodiments can include one-way flow from container 400 and two-way flow with second container 500.

[0045] An example of valve system or assembly 100 is disclosed in the co-pending and commonly owned U.S. Application entitled “Valve” which has been filed contemporaneously herewith (Attorney Docket No. G-00287), and the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0046] By way of example, the present invention when used for hair dye products would require filling first volume 650 with a propellant, second volume 450 with the developer and third volume 550 with the dye. The pressure applied from the propellant in first volume 650 onto container 400 increases the pressure in second volume 450 due to the flexible material from which container 400 is made. This increased pressure in second volume 450 results in an external pressure on second container 500 which increases the pressure in third volume 550 due to the flexible material from which second container 500 is made. When valve system 100 is actuated, the increased pressure in second and third volumes 450, 550 cause the substance in container 400, i.e., the developer, and the substance in second container 500, i.e., the dye, to travel through the valve system, mix and then dispense into the atmosphere.

[0047] As the developer in second volume 450 is ejected, the second volume 450 is reduced as a result of the flexible material that forms container 400 and the pressure placed upon container 400 by the propellant contained in first volume 650 of housing 600. Once all of the developer is ejected from second volume 450, container 400 preferably collapses. Likewise, as the substance, i.e., the dye, in third volume 550 is ejected, third volume 550 is reduced as a result of the flexible material forming second container 500 and the pressure placed upon second container 500 by the propellant contained in first volume 650 of housing 600.

[0048] Although in this embodiment, the propellant is in outer most volume 650, i.e., housing 600, creating an inward pressure upon container 400 and second container 500, the propellant can be in middle volume 450, i.e., container 400, or inner most volume 550, i.e., second container 500, to create pressure in the other volumes.

[0049] Thus, the present invention allows use of a container with a varying capacity. Flexible bags can undergo volume increases based upon the pressure exerted upon the walls of the flexible bags by the liquid being held. The present invention has three fixed states of defined interior volumes as a result of the pleated design, the material from which the container is made and forces applied to container 400. Container 400 provides the benefit of allowing insertion into housing 600 having a narrowed neck without having to reduce the diameter, and thus the volume, of container 400.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 9, an applicator of the present invention is shown and generally represented by reference numeral 900. Applicator 900 has a base 920, an applicator channel 950 and applicator members 970.

[0051] Applicator 900 is attached to container assembly 1 at base 920. Preferably applicator 900 is removably attached to container assembly 1 . Applicator 900 is secured to valve system 100 such that movement of the applicator causes actuation of the valve system. Applicator channel 950 is in fluid communication with valve system 100 to provide for flow out of the valve system into the applicator channel. Applicator members 970 are tine-like structures that form a comb for application of the dispensed product. While applicator 900 is a comb-like device that is in fluid communication with valve system 100, alternative applicator devices can also be used with container assembly 1 and valve system 100 that allow for application of the product after the different substances have been mixed and ejected.

[0052] The present invention having been thus described with particular reference to the preferred forms thereof, it will be obvious that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A container for storing contents under pressure adapted for insertion into a rigid outer housing having a narrowed opening, the container comprising:

a body having an open end, a closed end, and an inner surface, said body being selectively transformable amongst at least a first physical state having a first volume, a second physical state having a second volume and a third physical state having a third volume, said first volume being greater than said second volume and said third volume being greater than said first volume.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein said body is transformed into said second physical state by a substantially longitudinal force upon said body.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein said body is transformed into said third physical state by a substantially outwardly radial force upon said inner surface.

4. The container of claim 1, wherein said body is cylindrical.

5. The container of claim 1, wherein said body is made from a flexible material.

6. A container for storing contents under pressure adapted for insertion into a rigid outer housing having a narrowed opening, the container comprising:

a body having an open end, a closed end, and an inner surface, said body having an outer surface with at least one pleat along at least a portion of said body, said body being selectively transformable amongst at least a first physical state having a first volume, a second physical state having a second volume and a third physical state having a third volume, said first volume being greater than said second volume and said third volume being greater than said first volume.

7. The container of claim 6, wherein said body is cylindrical.

8. The container of claim 6, wherein said body is made from a flexible material.

9. The container of claim 6, wherein said at least one pleat is a plurality of pleats.

10. The container of claim 9, wherein said plurality of pleats is about 10 to about 12 pleats.

11. The container of claim 10, wherein said plurality of pleats are longitudinally positioned along said body.

12. The container of claim 11, wherein said plurality of pleats each have a first end and a second end, said first end being tapered toward said open end and said second end being tapered toward said closed end.

13. The container of claim 10, wherein said plurality of pleats are diametrically opposed from each other along said body.

14. The container of claim 13, wherein said plurality of pleats are equidistantly spaced apart along said body.

15. The container of claim 6, wherein said closed end is tapered.

16. The container of claim 6, wherein said open end comprises a downwardly curved rim.

17. A variable capacity container system for storing contents under pressure, comprising:

a rigid outer housing having a narrowed opening; and

a container for storing contents under pressure adapted for insertion into said rigid outer housing through said narrowed opening, said container having a body with an open end, a closed end, and an inner surface, said body having an outer surface with at least one pleat along at least a portion of said body, wherein said body can be selectively transformed amongst at least a first physical state having a first volume, a second physical state having a second volume and a third physical state having a third volume, said first volume being greater than said second volume and said third volume being greater than said first volume.

18. The container of claim 17, wherein said body is cylindrical.

19. The container of claim 17, wherein said body is made from a flexible material.

20. The container of claim 17, wherein said at least one pleat is a plurality of pleats.

21. The container of claim 20, wherein said plurality of pleats is about 10 to about 12 pleats.

22. The container of claim 21, wherein said plurality of pleats are longitudinally positioned along said body.

23. The container of claim 22, wherein said plurality of pleats each have a first end and a second end, said first end being tapered toward said open end and said second end being tapered toward said closed end.

24. The container of claim 20, wherein said plurality of pleats are diametrically opposed from each other along said body.

25. The container of claim 24, wherein said plurality of pleats are equidistantly spaced apart along said body.

26. The container of claim 17, wherein said closed end is tapered.

27. The container of claim 17, wherein said open end comprises a downwardly curved rim.