Pressure point materials storage, mixing, and delivery system

Abstract

Closure systems for food containers, and methods for mixing foods in portable containers is disclosed, using new apparatus for closing portable containers to store and transport foods, and new processes for mixing those foods prior to final or on-site dispensing and use, in which the food mixing takes place within the container, generally prior to its opening, as chambers or compartments within a container are opened to other chambers or compartments within the same container by transmission of pressure or tension from the exterior of the container, to one or more points, lines, or channels in one or more walls of chambers within the container, thereby opening one or more channels between such chambers through which food, fluids, or materials may travel.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/067,034, from which applicant claims priority.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to closure systems for food containers, and methods for mixing foods in portable containers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a new apparatus and process for closing portable containers, for storing and transporting foods, and mixing those foods prior to final or on-site dispensing and use. The food mixing, like the storage and transport, takes place within the container, generally prior to its opening, as chambers within the container are opened to other chambers within the same container. The food mixing operation may utilize a variety of apparatus, but in each apparatus a user, from the exterior of the container, transmits pressure or tension to one or more points, lines, or channels in one or more walls of chambers within the container. The user thereby opens one or more channels between such chambers through which food, fluids, or other materials may travel. In some apparatus, chambers may be created from flexible or frangible material such that, with the application of further pressure or tension, a user may forcefully eject the contents of a chamber or chambers, and even meter and mix foods held within the container. The present invention may be extended to uses outside the food industries to store, transport, and mix drugs, paints, chemicals, and other materials prior to final dispensing and use.

BACKGROUND ART OF THE INVENTION

Mixing of food in portable containers is not new. Processed foods, having relatively long shelf life when kept separate from other foods, have a greatly reduced shelf life when they are mixed with water or other fluids, or combined with fresh foods which have not been so treated. Consumers of food products may be called upon, or find it desirable, to store or transport their food, or eat it at a location remote from its preparation. Thus, from before the time the “picnic” was invented, people have wished to carry different kinds of foods separated from one another, and join or mix them at a location away from their point of origin. Examples of this reduction of shelf life include (i) powdered foods, for which shelf life is reduced when combined with water or other fluids to “reconstitute” them, (ii) concentrates, for which shelf life is reduced when combined with water or other fluids to dilute them, and (iii) pasturized foods, for which shelf life is reduced when combined with other foods which have not been so treated.

As a result, a variety of methods and apparatus have been developed to assist the storage and transport of foods separate from one another, and later mixing or dispensing of such foods prior to consumption. These apparatus include simple cups with tops, to more elaborate multi-chamber devices. These earlier inventions are generally directed to the mixture of two foods having different consistencies from separate containers in which the foods reside and are transported, and to the mixture of two foods in a special-purpose mixing container which is not used to transport the foods themselves. In some cases, containers designed to store or transport food and, at the same time, hold a tool useful for consuming the food within the container might be adapted to hold two kinds of foods for later mixing, or mixing after transporting. Current technology provides for hermetically sealing foods, for insulating them during storage or transport, for mixing them in chambers within containers by opening one chamber to the other after the container has been opened first, for mixing by rupturing frangible diaphragms or membranes between chambers, and by opening plugged channels between threaded chambers by “unscrewing” the chambers one from the next.

In attempting to provide containers for transporting foods (including beverages) and mixing foods at a place and time convenient to the consumer of such foods, others have devised various apparatus. Such apparatus within the prior art include:

U.S. Pat. No. 4,387,809 to Botzler, which discloses a multi-compartment stirrer device, with exterior tear-away or perforated sealable tabs affixed atop each compartment emptying slot, for food dispensing foods or additives to a beverage.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,480,926 to Lattery, which discloses a powdered food product mixing device, having a motor and rotatable shafts extending into the interior of the container, for mixing powdered food product with liquid.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,328 to Baron et al., which discloses an apparatus adapted to fit between a tubular container of a baby bottle and a nipple end cap, for storing a quantity of food material, with a release mechanism threadably coupled to an upper end of a baby bottle, for mixing such food material with the contents of the baby bottle.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,079,405 to Justo, which discloses an apparatus for housing and producing a final liquid comestible product (liquid baby formula) upon combination of initial (unmixed) liquid comestibles (powdered baby formula and water) residing in upper and lower chambers within the apparatus.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,596,328 B1 to Bezek et al., which discloses a consumables container with multi-functional cap.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,652,134 B2 to Lloyd, which discloses a portable beverage delivery system for preparing and delivering a multi-component beverage in which separate chambers house first and second beverage elements, which elements are mixed by rupture of a frangible wall between the chambers.

In the arena of baby bottles for holding formula particularly, a wide variety of portable containers have been developed for mixing formula with water to produce ready to eat formula.

While the inventions disclosed in these prior patents fulfill their respective objectives, these prior patents do not describe or suggest combination of foods prior to opening the container by application of pressure or tension which is transmitted to the container interior to one or more points, lines, or channels in one or more walls of chambers within the container, thereby opening one or more channels between such chambers through which food, liquids, gels, or solids may travel. No apparatus in the prior art has been designed to store and/or transport a number of foods in separate chambers within a single container and, with the application of that pressure or tension, easily combine food in liquid form (or food suspended in liquid) with solid foods, and so allow mixing of such foods prior to opening the (storing and transporting) container. No apparatus in the prior art has been designed to allow easy combination of foods in a portable container before opening the container merely by the application of tension, generally by pulling a tab or ring. No apparatus in the prior art has been designed to combine two or more foods in liquid form, separated during transit, to solid foods or liquid foods, in equal amounts, or in amounts controlled by the size of the chambers in which the foods reside, or in amounts the user may control as she controls the amount of pressure or tension exerted to the exterior of the container. No apparatus in the prior art has been designed which allows a user to forcefully eject one or more foods into one or more other foods in a sealed container, or allows a user to agitate foods in a sealed container once foods are combined, to fully mix such foods according to the wishes of the user, all prior to opening the container, thereby limiting or eliminating loss of food from the container (and consequent mess) as is the case of mixing in an open container. No apparatus in the prior art has been designed which allows delivery of drugs or other materials, by positioning such drugs and materials at the most desirable location within a human or animal, and injecting such drugs and materials from the containers within which they are held, and even mixing drugs and such materials at such desired locations. And, finally, no method in the prior art has been devised which accomplishes any of these desirable results in a single, portable, container, with or without multiple chambers. The present invention, on the other hand, accomplishes all of these functions, in a portable container in which the user may store and transport separated materials, and in which the user has control of the mixing or dispensing of foods or other materials within the container prior to opening.

By utilizing the features of various embodiments of the present invention, and other features set forth below, one can accomplish all these tasks, thereby allowing foods to be (1) prepared for consumption separately from other foods or liquids which accelerate degradation of the foods when they are combined, (2) packaged in a single, portable (and often sterile) container, (3) sealed in the container, (4) transported to a location and at a time convenient or desirable to the user, (5) combined or dispensed in a sealed container to allow easy mixing, or mixing in measured or desirable amounts, all without losing foods to the environment outside the container and then, finally, (6) accessed after opening the container, so that a user may consume the now mixed foods (or other materials) in a freshly-mixed condition.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Summary of the Invention

In its simplest form, the present invention comprises apparatus in the form of a portable container for mixing solid foods, or solid foods and fluids, or solid foods with foods suspended in liquids, without first opening the container. The mixing is accomplished by means of an opening feature which, when manipulated from the exterior of the container prior to opening, transmits pressure or tension to one or more points, lines, or channels in one or more walls of separate chambers within the container. The chambers may be termed “compartments” in this patent, and such chambers or compartments may take a variety of forms, ranging from chambers defined by additional walls formed within the walls of a container, to chambers defined by tubes or pouches, or other vessels which may be positioned within a container. Upon manipulation of the opening feature, the user thereby directly opens one or more channels between chambers within the container, or the user pulls an end of the tubes or pouches through a narrowed opening in a member formed of rigid material, thereby creating a channel between compartments by rupturing the tubes or pouches. Once a channel is formed by these means, food, or food and liquid, or other materials, may travel through the channel or channels, thereby mixing the contents of such separate chambers. The channels (if the compartments are defined by separate walls within the container) and the points, areas, or lines where channels will be formed upon rupture of a vessel within the container (if the compartments are defined by tubes, pouches, or other vessels within the container) are formed at the time of manufacture of the container, prior to assembly within the container of the foods or other materials which are to be contained, or stored, or transported, or consumed, and prior to the filling and sealing of the compartments of the container.

A first preferred embodiment of this invention comprises a container for storing and transporting foods, the container having at least two, but perhaps more, separate first and second compartments. The compartments are separated from one another by a common wall, or by the separate walls of each compartment, and each compartment is closed and sealed, either individually or with a common closure (the apparatus opening feature, or “Closure”). Before closure, the interior of each compartment, and its contents may be sterilized. After closure and sealing with the Closure, the interior of each compartment of the container is, by use of the Closure, hermetically sealed away from the environment outside the container, and hermetically sealed away from the interior of each other compartment.

Each compartment may have a single volume, or one or more of the compartments may have individual volumes within separate chambers open to the remainder of the compartments. Each compartment may be filled with a combination of food and inert gas, such as nitrogen, to retard spoilage and decomposition. A first compartment (or at least one compartment) of the first preferred embodiment, resides on top of, above, or over, the second compartment (or other compartments), and there is in such embodiment a pre-formed channel between the first compartment and other compartments near the lowest point of the first compartment (the “Channel”).

Different foods are placed within separate compartments of the container in the first embodiment, and sealed within each compartment, for subsequent storage and transport. The foods within the container, in this embodiment, primarily include at least one liquid (with or without food additives) in the first compartment, and at least one solid food in the second or other compartments. The opening of the Channel between the first compartment and other compartments therefore allows a liquid (or a liquid with food additive) to travel through the Channel, thereby allowing such liquid, in response to the urging of gravity, to fall into the other compartments containing the solid food.

Prior to the opening of the first compartment (or compartments) to other compartments in the first embodiment of the present invention, generally at the time the container is manufactured, the Channel is closed by a first frangible or pealable seal (the “First Seal”). The First Seal is situated over or within the mouth of the Channel during manufacture of the container, and is designed to be broken away from such position during the food mixing operation, if needed, thereby opening the Channel between the previously closed and sealed compartments.

Means for opening the first compartment to the other compartments is supplied in the first embodiment, generally by way of a tab or ring outside the sealed container, connected to the First Seal by a tape, wire, string, lever, or other means for transmitting tension from the tab or ring to the First Seal (the “Tension Means”). The Tension Means generally is formed to pass through the first compartment, thereby providing tension in the proper direction to separate the First Seal from the Channel (however, the Tension Means may also pass between compartments, so that it does not pass through any individual compartment).

As the Tension Means generally passes through the first compartment in the first embodiment, a second seal (the “Second Seal”) is situated around the Tension Means as it passes out of the first compartment, either through a second wall of that compartment or through some other portion of the Closure. The end of the Tension Means may be formed into a tab or ring, or the Tension Means may be firmly attached to a tab or ring, or other device by which the user may pull on the Tension Means. The Tension Means is also firmly attached at its other end to the First Seal. The Second Seal may be firmly attached to the Tension Means, with a frangible connection to the wall of the compartment (or to another part of the Closure). Alternatively, the Second Seal may be firmly attached to the wall or Closure, and simply close snugly around the Tension Means, so that the Tension Means may slip through the Second Seal as the user pulls on the Tension Means tab or ring.

In operation of the first preferred embodiment, then, the user pulls on the Tension Means tab or ring, and the tension so created by the user is transmitted by the Tension Means to the First Seal, thereby applying force to that seal to break it away from its position over or in the mouth of the Channel, thereby further allowing liquid to flow by gravity from the first compartment to the other compartments. As the Tension Means moves in response to the tension created by the user, the Second Seal also breaks away from the wall of the first compartment (or another portion of the Closure), or the Tension Means moves through the Second Seal if the Second Seal is designed to allow such movement. As a result, at least one fluid (with or without food additives) contained within the first compartment flows out of the first compartment, and into at least one other compartment, thereby combining the fluid of the first compartment with the solid already residing in at least one other compartment of the container. After a desired amount of fluid flows from the first compartment to another compartment, the user may then open the container, or first shake the container and then open it, or open it and manually mix the contents of the container, and thereafter consume (or otherwise use) the mixed foods.

In a second embodiment of the present invention, the foods primarily include at least one liquid, but oftentimes two liquids (again, with or without additives) sealed in a compartment, generally formed as a flexible pouch (the “Pouch”) situated within a main compartment of a container (the “Main Compartment”). The Pouch may have one or more separate parts (or “Lobes”), and in one preferred embodiment has at least two Lobes (a “First Lobe” and a “Second Lobe”), and the Main Compartment may have within it two or more chambers. The food or foods within the Main Compartment of the second embodiment may be liquid or solid depending on the use desired, and the Main Compartment is closed and sealed at the time of food preparation with a closure (the “Lid”) which seals the food intended for the Main Compartment, the First Lobe (with its first liquid) and the Second Lobe (with its second liquid) all within the Main Compartment.

After closure and sealing with the Lid, the interior of the Main Compartment of the container of the second embodiment is, by use of the Lid, hermetically sealed away from the environment outside the container, and the interior and its contents may be maintained in sterile condition if required. After closure, the first fluid is also hermetically sealed within the First Lobe of the Pouch, away from the interior of each other compartment (i.e., the interior of the Main Compartment and the interior of the Second Lobe of the Pouch), and the second liquid is hermetically sealed within the Second Lobe, again away for the interior of each other compartment. As with other embodiments of the present invention, each compartment may be filled with a combination of food (or fluid with additive) and inert gas, such as nitrogen, to retard spoilage and decomposition. The First and Second Lobes of the Pouch of the second embodiment reside on top of, above, or over, the contents of the Main Compartment (or compartments). The Lobes of the Pouch are generally formed from a flexible polyvinyl material, approximately two millimeters (2 mil) in thickness (although the thickness may vary).

The Lobes of the Pouch are formed with a frangible area or line, which area or line is designed to rupture when the Lobes are manipulated, thereby causing a rise in pressure in the fluid within the Lobes. The rise in pressure necessary to cause such rupture is predetermined, and designed to be incorporated into the second embodiment upon manufacture, but in all cases the frangible area or line will rupture before any other part of the Lobes of the Pouch rupture. The frangible area or line may be located at the periphery of the Lobes, or it may be located anywhere else in the flexible material forming the Lobes found to be desirable for spreading the contents of the lobes over or into the contents of the Main Compartment. In one version of the second preferred embodiment, each Lobe of the Pouch is formed from two polyfilm sheets, the Lobes being sealed around their perimeters by application of heat after being filled with their fluid and other contents, and attached to a pull-tab.

Different foods are placed within each compartment of the container of the second embodiment, and sealed within each compartment, for subsequent storage and transport. The foods within the container, in this embodiment, primarily include at least one liquid (with or without food additives) in the Lobe or Lobes of the Pouch, and at least one either solid or liquid food, or a combination of both solid and liquid foods, in the Main Compartment. Each Lobe may contain the same or dissimilar liquids. For example, Edible oil may be placed in one Lobe, and vinegar may be placed in the other Lobe, thereby producing a salad dressing for lettuce residing in the Main Compartment. The opening of the Pouch at the frangible portions of its Lobes therefore allows a liquid (or a liquid with food additive) to travel through the opening created by pressure at the frangible portion, thereby allowing such liquid, in response to the pressure so applied, to fall into the Main Compartment containing the other foods. Thus, using again the example of a salad with dressing, mixed greens or vegetables in the Main Compartment may be dressed immediately prior to use as a mixed salad, after storage or transport by the user. The user may thereby preserve the fresh character of the newly-dressed greens or vegetables, and the salad may therefore be consumed even after considerable time, or after traveling considerable distance, without any discernable wilting and prior to any decomposition of its ingredients.

Prior to the breaking of the frangible portion (or portions) of the Pouch, and consequent release of liquids from its Lobes to the Main Compartment, the Pouch is situated near the underside of the Lid (when the container is oriented Lid-side up) in one version of the second embodiment, and preferably secured to the Lid by releaseable adhesive. This placement and fastening allows the Lobes to peel off the Lid when tension is applied by a user. The securing of the Lobes of the Pouch of the Lid also allows the “nesting” or stacking of Lids prior to filling the Main Compartment, as nested Lids may be efficiently stored to save space prior to use.

The Lid is further provided with an opening, generally in the shape of a line, but in some embodiments in the shape of a break, slot, or hole (the Opening) through which may pass a means for manipulating the Pouch to create pressure within its Lobes. The Opening may be as simple as a slit or hole, formed in the Lid, through which a portion of the Pouch may pass, or the opening may in addition have a seal situated within or around it to keep liquids within the Main Compartment. The seal, when used, is also situated around the Pouch as its extends through the Lid (during operation of the invention immediately prior to consumption of the contents of the container).

Means for applying tension to the Pouch through the Opening in the Lid is supplied, generally by way of a tab or ring outside the sealed container, connected to the Lobes of the Pouch by a paper or plastic tape (the “Tension Means”). The Tension Means generally passes through the Opening in the Lid, thereby allowing a user to exert tension on the Lobes of the Pouch, by pulling of the Pouch, filled with food mass or gases, through the opening, from the exterior of the container utilizing the Tension Means. The end of the Tension Means may be formed into a tab or ring, or the Tension Means may be firmly attached to a tab or ring, or other device by which the user may pull on the Tension Means. By pulling on the Tension Means, therefore, a user may thereby create hydraulic pressure within the Lobes of the Pouch, and to release fluids from the Lobes through the frangible areas (when broken open as explained below) as a result of the hydraulic effect. A seal in or around the Opening, if employed, also then surrounds the Tension Means, and may be firmly attached to the Tension Means, with a frangible connection to the Lid, so that the seal separates from the Lid and moves with the Tension Means during operation as set forth below. Alternatively, the seal may be firmly attached to the Lid in or near the Opening, and simply close tightly around the Tension Means, so that the Tension Means may slip through the seal as the user pulls on the tab or ring.

The Tension Means is formed to pass through the Opening near the center of Lid in one version of the second embodiment of the present invention, thereby providing tension in the proper direction to create pressure within the Lobes of the Pouch as the Lobes are pulled through the Opening. At the same time, the tension transmitted by the Tension Means to the Pouch separates the Lobes from the underside of the Lid, and pulls the Lobes toward the center of the Lid. Of course, the Tension Means may, in the alternative, also pass through a line at one side of the Lid, with the result that the contents of a single Lobe will be forcefully ejected from the frangible portion of that Lobe as the frangible portion is pulled across the entire contents of the Main Compartment.

In operation, the user pulls on the tab or ring of the Lid, and the tension so created by the user is transmitted by the Tension Means to the Pouch, thereby applying force to its Lobes residing near the underside of the Lid, and preferably secured to the Lid by releaseable adhesive. When such force is applied to the Lobes, they are urged toward the Opening in the Lid, and so the Lobes peel off of, or away from, the Lid, the releaseable adhesive securing the Lobes to the Lid giving way so the Lobes may separate from the Lid. By continued application of tension through the Tension Means, the user pulls the frangible portions of the Pouch toward the Opening, and the portions of the Lobes initially residing nearer the center of the Lid are pulled toward, and then partially through the Opening. As the Lobes are pulled through the Opening, the Lobes are also squeezed as they enter the Opening, thereby decreasing the volume within the Lobes of the Pouch. As liquids are largely incompressible, the decreasing volume increases pressure within the Lobes, while also stretching the material from which the Lobes are constructed, and particularly stretching the material at the frangible portions of the Lobes. Accordingly, by continued application of tension, the frangible portions of the Lobes break open at the predetermined break point pressure, thereby allowing fluids to exit the Lobes of the Pouch, and liquids within the Lobes begin to be released to the Main Compartment.

By continued application of tension, the user pulls additional material of the Pouch to and through the Opening in the Lid, thereby maintaining some pressure within its Lobes (less than the break point pressure), which pressure when maintained forcefully ejects the contents of the Lobes from the now-open frangible areas at the end of each Lobe distal from the Opening. As the user pulls additional material of the Pouch to and through the Opening in the Lid, the openings created at the frangible portions of the Lobes are also moved across the contents of the Main Compartment, as the frangible portions of the Lobes residing initially near the exterior wall of the Main Compartment are, in one version of the second embodiment, pulled toward the Opening at the center of the Lid (and in other versions of the second embodiment pulled from one side of the Main Compartment to the Opening near (he other side of the Main Compartment).

In a third preferred embodiment of the present invention, this invention again comprises a largely vertical mixing container for storing an transporting foods, the container having a top or cover. A plastic tube, pouch, or other compartment, may be inserted through the top of the container, through a whole or slot (the “Aperture”), and extended into the interior of the container, and deployed within the compartment so that it is situated over or within other foods. The tube in such embodiment would contain another food, such as salad dressing, and extend through the Aperture, however tube may also be moved through a slot in the cover from its position in the Aperture to approximately the center of cover to optimally deploy the tube and its contents within container. At its deployed location (the “Pinch Point”), such a slot provides a restriction, through which the tube may be drawn as a user applies tension to that portion of the tube which may extend outside the container. In the best mode, the tube has attached to it a pull tab or ring, or other gripping means by which a user may apply tension to the end of the plastic tube. The tab or ring generally will reside outside the container so a user may easily grasp it, and the tab or ring may be flexible or jointed, so that it may be folded adjacent the top of the cover, or rigid. A rigid tab or ring may still be folded against the top of the cover, as the tap or ring is held in place partially by the flexible tube or some flexible means for attaching to the tube.

The tube is composed of any material which, while flexible, does not stretch materially, but may rupture upon increase of pressure within the tube.

A number of plastic materials commonly in use meet such requirements. Such pressure may also force rupture of the tube if a portion of the closed tube, generally at its end, comprises plastic having a thickness less than that of the rest of the tube (i.e., it may have a frangible point, line, or section), or unfolding in the end of a folded tube when pressure is increased within the tube. In this way, the tube may be designed to rupture at a predetermined location by thinning of the tube material or by scoring or by other means.

Upon applying tension to the end of the plastic tube near or extending through the cover, some of the tube, or all of it, may be pulled up and through the cover Pinch Point, or any similar portion formed anywhere else in the container. The Pinch Point is of a dimension smaller than the exterior of the tube when the tube is filled so that, when a portion of the tube is pulled through the Pinch Point, the volume in the tube is decreased. As the volume within the tube is decreased, the (non-compressible) fluid within the tube creates or increases pressure within the tube, and the tube then ruptures.

As a user continues to apply tension to the end of the tube, or to the tab or ring to which the tube is attached, continued pressure necessarily forces the contents of the tube out of the tube. Thus, the contents will exit the end of the tube away from the tab or rings if the end of the tube is a simple opening in a tube having small cross-sectional dimension. The contents may instead exit the tube at a point intended by the manufacturer at the frangible point, line, or section formed in the tube by prior design. The container or its cover may additionally have an opening wider than the Aperture, by which one who fills the container may insert the tube into the container, and move the tube or pull tab, or connecting member between the tube and pull tab or ring, so that the tube is optimally positioned within the container for filling and subsequent use.

In one particularly useful variation on the third preferred embodiment of the present invention, two or more tubes or pouches are situated within the vertical mixing container, preferably each with its own pull tab or ring. In such additional pouches, additional materials may be stored for use, and eventually mixed with the materials in the first tube, or mixed only with the materials in the container, if any, residing outside the first tube, or mixed with both. One example of such an arrangement is a “baby bottle,” used to feed formula to infants. In such an arrangement, water may be stored in a second compartment (a pouch) within the bottle, and occupy most of its volume, while the tube or other first compartment holds formula or powdered milk. Upon use, a parent may pull the tab on the compartment containing the water, and pull the tab on the compartment containing the formula, thereby releasing each of these materials into the interior of the container. Upon shaking the bottle to mix its contents, and perhaps heating the contents, the mixed formula is now ready for consumption by an infant using a nipple attached to, and creating a channel through, the top or cover.

In a fourth very simple embodiment of the present invention, this invention again comprises a container for storing and transporting foods, the container having at least two separate compartments. The compartments are separated from one another by the wall of the first compartment, as the first compartment (the inner compartment) resides within the second compartment (the outer compartment). Before closure, the interior of each compartment and its contents may be sterilized. Each compartment is closed and sealed individually. Thus, after closure and sealing, the interior of each compartment of the container is hermetically sealed away from the environment outside the container, and hermetically sealed away from the interior of each other compartment.

The inner compartment of the fourth preferred embodiment may have a single volume, or individual volumes within separate chambers. Each compartment of the container may be filled with a combination of food and inert gas, such as nitrogen, to retard spoilage and decomposition. The inner compartment resides within the outer compartment, and there is in the inner compartment of such embodiment a pre-formed channel between the inner compartment and outer compartment, formed in the wall of the inner compartment (the “Channel”). The wall of the inner compartment is generally rigid or semi-rigid in character, so that a sealing device may be used to seal the Channel, while the wall of the outer compartment is generally flexible enough that a user may manipulate the sealing device of the inner container through the wall of the outer container. Of course, the container may include multiple inner compartments in other embodiments, each of such inner compartments containing a different food or combination of fluids and foods.

Different foods are placed within separate compartments of the container in the fourth embodiment, and sealed within each compartment, for subsequent storage and transport. The foods within the container, in this embodiment, primarily include at least one liquid (with or without food additives) in the inner compartment, and at least one solid food in the outer. The opening of the Channel between the inner compartment and the outer compartment therefore allows a liquid (or a liquid with food additive) to travel through the Channel, thereby allowing such liquid to travel into the outer compartment containing the solid food.

Prior to the opening of the inner compartment (or compartments) to outer compartment in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, generally at the time the container is manufactured, the Channel is closed by a first frangible or pealable seal (the “First Seal”). The First Seal is situated over or within the mouth of the Channel during manufacture of the container, and is designed to be broken away from such position during the food mixing operation, thereby opening the Channel between the previously closed and sealed compartments. Means for opening the inner compartment to the other compartments is supplied in the fourth embodiment, generally by way of a tab or lever outside the inner sealed container. Means for opening the outer compartment, to supply access to the contents of the outer compartment, is also supplied, generally by way of a plastic zipper. However, the flexible outer compartment may also be accessed by merely tearing the outer compartment open by hand.

In operation of the fourth preferred embodiment, then, the user moves the tab or lever residing on the inner compartment, thereby applying force to the seal of the inner compartment, thereby breaking it away from its position over or in the mouth of the Channel. The user's access to the tab or lever is through the flexible outer wall of the outer compartment, rather than directly. By moving the seal, the user allows fluids to flow from the inner compartment to the outer compartment. After a desired amount of fluid flows from the inner compartment to outer compartment, the user may then open the outer compartment of the container, or first shake the container and then open it, or open it and manually mix the contents of the container, and thereafter consume (or otherwise use) the mixed foods.

In a fifth embodiment of the present invention, this invention comprises a medical apparatus for delivery of a drug or other materials to specific, and generally difficult to reach, locations within the body of a patient. The medical apparatus utilizes the pinch point concept of the present invention in a tube of appropriate length and diameter, one end of which may be, and is designed to be, inserted into an artery or vein. At the end of the tube which is to be inserted in to a vein, and generally immediately within the distal tip of such end, a pouch having a diameter smaller than the end of the tube may be placed. Proximate to such pouch, the tube in one version of the fifth preferred embodiment is modified, or additional material is added to the interior of the tube, so that the diameter of the tube is reduced, or a restriction is otherwise created on its interior. With such modification or restriction, the pouch, when filled, cannot pass proximally up the tube without first rupturing and spilling its contents into the distal end of the tube.

To the pouch is attached a steel wire, nylon cord, or other tension means, the length of which is approximately that of the tube. The length of the tension means is extended into and through the tube, so that it is attached to the pouch at one end, and extends from the tube at its other end. At the other end of the tube, away from the pouch, a pull tab or ring, or other means, is affixed to the tension means, so that a user may actuate the tab, thereby pulling the pouch toward and into the restriction adjacent the pouch, as the tension means transmits tension from the tab to the pouch. As the pouch is pulled into the restriction at the end of the tube, the pouch decreases in diameter thereby putting pressure on the contents of the pouch, and eventually rupturing the pouch. The rupture may occur at or along a frangible point or section designed into the pouch, generally at its end away from the tension means. The rupture may also occur at other points in the side of the pouch as a consequence of the pouch being punctured by one or more sharp projections affixed to the interior surface of the tube or to a surface of the restriction. Upon rupture of the pouch, a drug or other materials may be released from the pouch. As the distal end of the tube is open, while the restriction in the tube is narrower than the distal end, the drug or other materials will migrate in the fluid of the blood of a patient, and find its way to the location intended for treatment.

In use, the tube of the present invention is inserted into a patient, generally into a vein or artery, and extended through such vein or artery until it is at or adjacent the location intended for treatment. An operator then pulls the tab or ring, or other means for applying tension to the tension means, the pouch is pulled toward and into the restriction in the distal end of the tube thereby increasing the pressure within the fluids within the tube, the pouch ruptures in response to such increase in pressure (or by action of the sharp projections within the end of the tube), and the drug or other treatment materials are released to the blood stream at or immediately adjacent the treatment area.

The effectiveness of the medical device of the present invention may be enhanced in some instances by providing a positive fluid pressure in the tube, and additional width or diameter in the channel or space through the restriction. Such positive fluid pressure will act to move additional fluid in the tube (such as Ringer's solution) through the restriction and out the distal end of the tube, thus carrying the drug or other treatment material residing in the end of the tube out into the blood stream. The effectiveness of the medical device of the present invention also may be enhanced in some instances by providing two or more pouches, as a variety of materials may thereby be carried to the location intended for treatment in a single procedure, and in some cases two or more materials may be mixed at the location. As with other embodiments of the present invention, the pouch of the medical device is, before closing the drug within, and its contents, may be sterilized. After closure and sealing, the interior of the pouch is hermetically sealed away from the environment outside the tube.

The more important features of the invention have thus been outlined, rather broadly, so that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. Additional features of specific embodiments of the invention will be described below. However, before explaining preferred embodiments of the invention in detail, it may be noted briefly that the present invention substantially departs from pre-existing apparatus and methods of the prior art, and in so doing provides the user with the highly desirable ability to store, transport, mix, and dispense foods and fluids at a location distant from their preparation, and at a time later than their preparation, using a variety of specific apparatus and methods. Each such apparatus and method set forth above is an example of the invention as a whole. However, the present invention is best considered as all aparatii and methods which allow a user to reach these goals by means of the application of pressure or tension from the exterior of such aparatii, prior to opening such aparatii to the exterior environment, which pressure or tension is transmitted to the interior of the apparatus to create pressure. In most preferred embodiments, the pressure is created as one or more pouches are drawn to, and at least partially into or through a narrowing “pinch point,” slot, or channel, whereupon frangible portions of the pouch rupture. Ruptured pouches release fluids which then mix with other materials, or are otherwise released at desirable locations.

The general principle embodied in this broad statement of operation may be appreciated when separately considering the construction and operation of tubes or pouches within a pinch point as disclosed in this invention, then by considering how the tube or pouch may be positioned in, and operate, in rigid and flexible containers. Examples of the present invention which illuminate the broad concept embodied in the invention include:

• • 1. Mere tubes or pouches extending through, and residing partially through, slots or pinch points in rigid material. The rigid material may be part of a top or cover to be placed over the opening of a rigid container, or incorporated into the wall of a flexible container, in a fluid tight fashion. One end of such tubes or pouches may be collapsed or gathered after the tube is situated within the pinch point, and the end of the tube extending from the container generally joined with a means to pull the tube or pouch through the pinch point. In operation, the the tube or pouch in such a simple arrangement initially resides almost entirely below the rigid material, with tube end and ring extending little above the pinch point, however the but or pouch is drawn through the pinch point in the rigid material as a user employs the pull means too apply tension to the end of the tube. In this process, the volume of tube is reduced, pressure is increased within the tube, the tube eventually ruptures, and its contents are dispelled.
  • 2. Mere tubes or pouches positioned in, and operating in, in flexible containers, formed from flexible plastic or other flexible material, in which first and second tubes extend into container after manufacture, and extend out from the container through a pinch point formed in rigid material. In operation, a user may deploy the contents of one or both tubes into the container using the process of the invention disclosed herein, merely by pulling on one or both pull rings attached to the exterior end of the tubes.
  • 3. Mere tubes or pouches positioned in, and operating in, in rigid containers, and in tops for such rigid containers, in which and end of a tube extends through a pinch point formed in, or attached to, a top or closure which may be formed in sizes to fit over the openings of containers of standard size.
  • 4. Mere tubes or pouches positioned in, and operating in, rigid materials having pinch points, positioned in the wall or walls of flexible containers, which containers have exit chutes or shafts for allowing water or other materials within container to escape. One example of such an arrangement may be found in medical “unit” bags used to supply fluids or blood or medicine to patients.
  • 5. Tube and pouch assemblies comprising content dispensing tubes extending through, and residing partially through, slots or pinch points in rigid material, and container tubes which, in its initial position is collapsed, but in such position is affix to the container tube, and encases it, and to the rigid material to form a fluid tight arrangement around the container tube. In operation, the container tube or pouch initially resides almost entirely below the rigid material, with tube end and ring extending little above the pinch point, however the tube or pouch is drawn through the pinch point in the rigid material as a user employs the pull means too apply tension to the end of the tube. In this process, the volume of tube is reduced, pressure is increased within the tube, the tube eventually ruptures, and its contents are dispelled. Meanwhile, the container tube is extended as the end of the container tube attached to the dispensing tube is drawn away from the rigid material, and the end of the container tube attached to the rigid material is held in place. As the container tube is affixed to the dispensing tube and to the rigid material by fluid-tight means, fluids are limited to and retained within the container tube.

With the ability to open chambers within a container as a whole prior to using, the user may mix solid and liquid foods, or fluid to fluid, and mix these things more efficiently and cleanly, and often with greater control over the mixing process. Such delayed mixing results in the desirable ability to keep materials fresher and more usable to a time and location chosen by a user, where earlier mixing of such materials may reduce freshness or usability.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

A principal object of the present invention is to provide a variety of containers by which a user may store at least two separate materials separately within such containers, store such materials within such containers if desirable, and mix such materials within such containers.

A further principal object of the present invention is to provide a variety of containers for mixing foods prior to opening the containers, thereby reducing waste and mess.

A further principal object of the present invention is to provide a variety of containers by which materials which degrade when mixed may be stored and transported separately, and then mixed at a later time or at a remote location, to thereby keep such materials in undegraded condition.

A further principal object of the present invention is to provide a variety of containers by which foods may be stored and transported separately, and then mixed at a later time or at a remote location, to thereby keep such foods fresh.

A further principal object of the present invention is to provide mechanisms for opening separate compartments within containers to other compartments within those containers, prior to opening such containers.

A further principal object of the present invention is to provide a medical device for delivering drugs or other treatment directly to a location to be treated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate four embodiments of the present invention, and such drawings, together with the description set forth herein, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a cross-section drawing of one preferred container of the present invention, which shows two compartments, a channel between such compartments, and a closure for such channel consisting of a tension means attached to a tab or ring on one end, and attached to a seal at its other end. FIG. 1 also shows a second seal which keeps materials within the container during storage or transport, but allows movement of the tension means during mixing of the contents of the compartments.

FIG. 2 is a cross-section drawing of the container shown in FIG. 1 in which a user is applying force to the tension means thereby breaking the first seal, opening the channel between compartments within the container.

FIG. 3 top down view drawing of a lid with a pull tab, consistent with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the lid may be affixed to a variety of containers of standard size or configuration.

FIG. 4 is a cross section drawing of the lid of FIG. 3 showing the pull tab appearing in FIG. 3 and, on the other or under side of the lid, a pouch consisting of two lobes, within which two or more materials may be placed and stored before mixing.

FIG. 5 is a top down view of the lid of FIG. 3 showing the underside of the lid, and the pouch consisting of two lobes, within which two or more materials may be placed and stored before mixing.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the pouch, with two lobes, which may be attached to the lid of FIG. 3, along with the tension means appearing in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the lid appearing in FIG. 3, in which the pouch appearing in FIG. 4 has been squeezed as it is drawn by the tension means appearing in FIG. 6 through the opening through which the tension means extends upon manufacture.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view drawing of a vertical mixing container consistent with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein a tube or other compartment containing fluids has been inserted through the top of the container, first to position the pull tab where it may be pulled through the pressure points, and extended into the interior of the container, and a pull tab resides on the top, outside the container, for applying pressure to the contents of the interior tube or compartment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view drawing of the vertical mixing container of FIG. 8, in which the vertical container has been fitted with two interior compartments, one for water and the other for powdered milk, and a nipple, in an arrangement suitable for a baby bottle.

FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view drawing of the present invention, wherein an inner compartment is enclosed within an outer compartment, and a channel with closure is provided in the wall of the inner compartment for the flow of fluids from the inner compartment to the outer compartment when a user operates a closure over such channel.

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of a medical device utilizing the pinch point concept of the present invention, in which a tube has been inserted into an artery or vein, and a drug my be released from a pouch residing in the end of the tube by pulling on a tension means at the other end of the tube (thereby pulling the pouch toward and into a slot or channel in the tube to create pressure within the pouch).

FIG. 12 is a perspective view drawing of the present invention, wherein a tube or pouch extends through a slot or pinch point in rigid material, which material may be part of a top or cover to be placed over the opening of a rigid container, or incorporated into the wall of a flexible container, in a fluid tight fashion.

FIG. 13 is the same tube, pinch point, and pull ring appearing in FIG. 12, but FIG. 13 shows this arrangement from an angle of rotation of about 90 degrees.

FIG. 14 through FIG. 17 is a series of figures in which the tube of FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 is again seen from an angle of rotation of about 90 degrees, in which the operation of the present invention may be seen as a user draws the tube through the pinch point using the pull ring, thereby breaking the tube and dispelling its contents.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the present invention when deployed in (a portion of) a container having flexible walls, in which the present invention is deployed utilizing two tubes such as those shown in FIG. 12, with two corresponding pinch points such as those shown in FIG. 12, and two corresponding pull rings such as those shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the present invention employed in the top of a rigid container, and then, in FIG. 20 as that top is situated to close the opening of such container.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the present invention incorporated into a flexible container (shown in cross section), wherein the flexible container is similar to a medical “unit” bag used to supply fluids to patients, and wherein exit chutes may allow the materials residing within container to escape after the mixing of one or more additives to such materials.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view drawing of the present invention, wherein a dispenser tube extends through a slot or pinch point in rigid material, similar to the arrangement shown in FIG. 12, in which a second container tube is sealed on a rigid mounting member, and sealed around the tube, each in a fluid tight fashion, whereby the contents of the dispenser tube or pouch may be dispelled as a user pulls the dispenser tube through the pinch point using a pull ring.

FIG. 23 is the same tube, pinch point, and pull ring appearing in FIG. 22, but FIG. 23 shows this arrangement from an angle of rotation of about 90 degrees.

FIG. 24 through FIG. 27 is a series of figures in which the dispenser tube of FIG. 22 and FIG. 23 is again seen from an angle of rotation of about 90 degrees, in which the operation of the present invention may be seen as a user draws the tube through the pinch point using the pull ring, thereby breaking the tube and expelling its contents, while the container tube sealed to the dispenser tube and the rigid base material insures all fluids remain within a container to which the rigid material is attached.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

First Preferred Embodiment

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of the present invention is shown in cross section. In FIG. 1 a container 1 for storing and transporting foods is shown with a closure 2 is situated across top of container 1. With closure 2 in place over top of container 1, separate first compartment 3 and second compartment 4 are created in container 1. Separate first compartment 3 may be created by compartment wall 3a and closure 2 or, in the alternative, separate first compartment 3 may be created by wall 3a and a second wall 3b (not shown) residing under closure 2. Separate second compartment 4 may be created by container wall 4a and backside of wall 3a of separate first compartment 3. Separate first compartment 3 and separate second compartment 4 are closed and sealed, generally after the interior of each compartment is sterilized, and each compartment is filled with a substance, generally separately contained foods in combination with inert gas, such as nitrogen, to retard spoilage.

Between first compartment 3 and second compartment 4 of FIG. 1, a pre-formed channel 5 is formed, generally near the lowest point of first compartment 3. Channel 5 is closed by a first frangible or pealable first seal 6, situated over or within the mouth of channel 5 during manufacture of container 1. First seal 6 is designed to be broken away from its position over mouth of channel 5 during the food mixing operation, thereby opening channel 5 between previously closed and sealed first compartment 3 and second compartment 4. The opening of channel 5 between first compartment 3 and second compartment 4 allows a fluid (or a fluid with food additive) to travel through channel 5, thereby allowing the contents of first compartment 3 to fall into second compartment 4 in response to the urging of gravity.

Means for opening first compartment 3 to second compartment 4 appears in FIG. 2 in the form of a tab or ring 10, having a hole 11 removably affixed to the upper side of closure 2. Tab 10 is connected to first seal 6 by a tape 12 transmitting tension from tab 10 to first seal 6. Tape 12 is formed to pass through first compartment 3, thereby providing tension in the proper direction to separate first seal 6 from channel 5. A second seal 13 is situated around tape 12 as it passes out of an opening 14 in closure 2 from first compartment 3. Second seal 13 may be firmly attached to tape 12, with a frangible connection to wall 3b of first compartment 3 (or to closure 2 where first compartment 3 is created by wall 3a and closure 2). Alternatively, second seal 13 may be firmly attached to wall 3b or closure 2, and simply close snugly around tape 12, so that tape 12 may slip through second seal 13 as the user pulls on tape 12 using tab 10. The interior of each compartment may be sterilized and filled with food or other materials, and such food or other materials may be sterilized prior to such filling. After closure and sealing with closure 2, the interior of each compartment of container 1 is, by use of the closure, hermetically sealed away from the environment outside the container, and hermetically sealed away from the interior of each other compartment.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a second cross section of the first preferred embodiment of FIG. 1 is shown as it is operated by a user. FIG. 2 shows all components of container 1 of FIG. 1, and in addition shows how a user may, in operation of the first preferred embodiment, pull on tab 10 using hole 11, thereby breaking tab 10 away from closure 2 with the application of tension to tape 12. The tension so created by the user is transmitted by tape 12 to first seal 6, thereby applying force to first seal 6 to break it away from its position over the mouth of channel 5, thereby further allowing fluid to flow by gravity from first compartment 3 to second compartment 4. As tape 12 moves in response to the tension created by the user, second seal 13 also breaks away from wall 3b of first compartment 3 (or away from closure 2 when closure 2 is used to close first compartment 3), or tape 12 moves through second seal 13 if second seal is designed to allow such movement. As a result, at least one fluid (with or without food additives) contained within first compartment 3 flows out of first compartment 3, and into second compartment 4, thereby combining the fluid of first compartment 3 with the solid already residing second compartment 4 of container 1.

Second Preferred Embodiment

Referring now to FIG. 3, a second embodiment of the present invention is shown in a top down view drawing. In FIG. 3, lid 21 of the second embodiment also shows a pull tab 22, with a hole or ring 23 extending through an opening a-a near the center of lid 21. Lid 21 may be affixed to a variety of containers of standard size or configuration (not shown), and cover the main compartment of such containers (also not shown).

FIG. 4 shows lid 21 of FIG. 3 in cross section, with flexible pouch 24 affixed to the underside of lid 21. Pouch 24 in FIG. 4 has a first lobe 24a and a second lobe 24b, and each of these lobes are attached to pull tab 22 near the center of lid 21. In FIG. 4, pull tab 22 has been moved to a vertical position extending from opening a-a near the center of lid 21, having been previously deployed from its storage position against the top of lid 21. Lid 21 is otherwise of standard configuration, having a lip 27 which may be engaged with the edge of the substantially vertical wall of a generally circular container (not shown). Foods or other fluids may be placed in pouch 24, which is then sealed to contain the contents so placed. When lid 21 is then placed over the main compartment of a container of standard size or configuration (not shown), pouch 24 is situated under lid 21, and within the main compartment of such container (also not shown).

FIG. 5 shows the underside of lid 21 of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, and flexible pouch 24 removably affixed to the underside of lid 21, with pouch 24 in this case having lobes 24a and 24b. Lobes 24a and 24b, residing on top of, above, or over, the contents of a main compartment (or compartments) of a standard container (not shown), are generally formed from a flexible polyvinyl material, approximately two millimeters (2 mil) in thickness. After closure and sealing with lid 21, the interior of the main compartment of the container (not shown) over which the lid is placed is hermetically sealed away from the environment outside the container, and the interior and its contents may be maintained in sterile condition if required. After closure, a first fluid is also hermetically sealed within lobe 24a of pouch 24, and a second fluid is hermetically sealed within lobe 24b. As with other embodiments of the present invention, each compartment may be filled with a combination of food (or fluid with additive) and inert gas, such as nitrogen, to retard spoilage and decomposition.

In FIG. 5, lobes 24a and 24b of pouch 24 are each formed with a frangible area or line 30a and 30b, which areas or lines are designed to rupture when lobes 24a and 24b are manipulated. Frangible areas or lines 30a and 30b will rupture before any other part of lobes 24a and 24b of pouch 24 ruptures. Frangible areas or lines 30a and 30b may be located at the periphery of lobes 24a and 24b, or they may be located anywhere else in the flexible material forming lobes 24a and 24b found to be desirable for spreading the contents of lobes 24a and 24b over or into the contents of the main compartment (not shown) below lid 21. In FIG. 5, each of lobes 24a and 24b of pouch 24 is formed from two polyfilm sheets, and each are sealed around their perimeters by application of heat after being filled with their fluid and other contents, and attached to pull-tab 22.

FIG. 6 shows flexible pouch 24 in cross section as seen in FIG. 4, but separately from lid 21, with first lobe 24a and second lobe 24b, and each of these lobes attached to pull tab 22. During manufacture, lobes 24a and 24b of pouch 24 are filled fluids, and thereby expanded, and flexible pouch 24 is then affixed to the underside of lid 21 near its center of lid 21. Pull tab 22 is inserted through opening a-a, and then pressed against the top of lid 21 for storage or transport.

FIG. 7 shows lid 21 of FIG. 3 in cross section as in FIG. 4. In FIG. 7, however, the user has manipulated flexible pouch 24 by pulling on pull tab 22, thereby removing pouch 24 from the underside of lid 21, lobes 24a and 24b, which are attached to pull tab 22, have been drawn toward and partially through opening a-a. Lobe 24a and 24b of pouch 24 have each been subjected to pressure as much of each lobe was drawn toward, and/or over a sharp point or points molded into the lid (not shown) to assist the rupture process, and through opening a-a, and such pressure has resulted in rupture of frangible areas or lines 30a and 30b. As frangible areas or lines 30a and 30b are located at the periphery of lobes 24a and 24b in FIG. 7, the fluid contents of each lobe has been ejected from the distal ends of lobes 24a and 24b as each lobe was drawn to and partially through opening a-a, thereby spreading the contents of lobes 24a and 24b over or into the contents of the main compartment (not shown) below.

Third Preferred Embodiment

Referring now to FIG. 8, a third embodiment of the present invention is shown in perspective view. In FIG. 8, cover 31 closes a largely vertical mixing container 32 for storing an transporting foods. Plastic tube 33 containing salad dressing is inserted through cover 31, or from under the cover, of container 32, through aperture 34, and extended into interior 35 of container 32. Tube 33 in this embodiment is moved through slot 35 from aperture 34 to approximately the center of cover 31 to optimally deploy tube 33 within container 32 so that tube 33 is situated over or within other foods (not shown). At its deployed location, slot 35 provides a restriction through which tube 33 may be drawn. Pull ring is attached to tube 33, so that a user may apply tension to the end of plastic tube 33. Upon applying such tension, some of plastic tube 33, or all of it, may be pulled up and through slot 35 in cover 31. In other embodiments some of plastic tube 33 may be pulled up and through aperture 34, which in such embodiments is of a dimension somewhat smaller than the exterior of tube 33. Whether pulled through aperture 34 or through slot 35, pressure is increased within 33 tube, and such pressure forces the contents of tube 33 out its end, or out a hole or tear created as tube 33 ruptures from the increased pressure within.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view drawing of the vertical mixing container of FIG. 8, in which the vertical container has been fitted with two interior compartments, in an arrangement suitable for a baby bottle. In FIG. 9, water is stored in pouch 41 of bottle 40, and pouch 41 occupies most of the volume of bottle 40, as pouch 41 contains water intended to create fluid formula when mixed with the dry formula or powdered milk contents of tube 42. Upon use, a user may pull first tab 43 on tube 42 containing the powdered formula, and also pull second tab 44 on pouch 41 containing water, thereby releasing each of these materials into the interior of container 40. Upon shaking container 40 to mix its contents, and perhaps heating the contents, the mixed formula is now ready for consumption by an infant using nipple 45, which may be attached to cover 46, nipple 45 creating a channel through, cover 46.

Fourth Preferred Embodiment

Referring now to FIG. 10, a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown. In FIG. 10, a container 51 for storing and transporting foods is shown, the container having at least an inner compartment 52 and an outer compartment 53. Inner compartment 52 is separated from outer compartment 53 by wall 54 of inner compartment 52, as inner compartment 52 resides within outer compartment 53. Inner compartment 52 and outer compartment 53 are each closed and sealed. Thus, after closure and sealing, the interior of each compartment of container 51 is hermetically sealed away from the environment outside the container, and hermetically sealed away from the interior of each other compartment.

Inner compartment 52 resides within outer compartment 53, and a pre-formed channel 55, formed in wall 54 of inner compartment 52, runs between inner compartment 52 and outer compartment 53. Wall 54 of inner compartment 52 is generally rigid or semi-rigid in character, so that a sealing device 58 may be used to seal channel 55. Wall 60 of outer compartment is generally flexible enough that a user may manipulate sealing device 58 of inner container 52 through wall 60 of outer compartment 53. Channel 55 may be additionally closed by a first frangible or pealable seal (not shown) between wall 54 of inner compartment 52 and sealing device 58. Means for opening 61 inner compartment 52 to outer compartment 53 may be supplied, generally by way of tab or lever 61. Means for opening outer compartment 53 (not shown), to supply access to the contents of the outer compartment, may also be supplied.

In operation of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 10, a user moves tab or lever 61 affixed over channel 55, thereby opening channel 55 between inner compartment 52 and outer compartment 53. The user's access to tab or lever 61 is through the flexible outer wall 60 of outer compartment 53, rather than directly. The opening of channel 55 thereafter allows the transfer of fluids from inner compartment 52 to outer compartment 53, a process which may be facilitated if the user squeezes inner compartment 52.

Fifth Preferred Embodiment

Referring now to FIG. 11, a fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown. In FIG. 11, a medical apparatus for delivery of a drug or other materials to specific, and generally difficult to reach, locations within the body of a patient, is shown. FIG. 11 also shows a representation of an artery or vein, into which the medical apparatus has been inserted, and a representation of a blockage in that artery or vein.

In FIG. 11, tube 70 of appropriate length and diameter has distal end 71, which is designed for insertion into artery 72. At distal end 71, and immediately within opening 73 of distal end 71, pouch 74 resides. Pouch 74 has a diameter when filled smaller than the diameter of opening 73 of distal end 71. Proximate to such pouch, tube 70 is modified, or additional material is added to its interior, so that the diameter of the tube is reduced, or restriction 75 is otherwise created on the interior of tube 70. With such modification or restriction, pouch 74, when filled, cannot pass through restriction 75 and up tube 70 without first rupturing and spilling contents 76 into distal end 71 of tube 70.

To pouch 74 in FIG. 11 is attached steel wire, the length of which is approximately that of the length of entire tube 70 (not all shown), so that wire 77 is attached to pouch 74 at one end of wire 77, and extends out from the end of tube 70 at its other end (also not shown). At the end of tube 70 away from pouch 74, ring 78 is affixed to wire 77, so that one may actuate tab 78. Upon such actuation, pouch 74 is pulled toward and into restriction 75 adjacent pouch 74, as wire 77 transmits tension from tab 78 to pouch 74.

As pouch 74 is pulled into restriction 75, pouch 74 decreases in diameter, thereby putting pressure on the contents 76 of pouch 74, and eventually rupturing it. The rupture may occur at or along a frangible point or section (not shown) designed into the pouch, or the rupture may occur at other points in the side of pouch 74 as it is punctured by one or more sharp projections 79 affixed to the interior surface of tube 70, or to a surface of restriction 75. Upon rupture of pouch 74, contents 76 (generally a drug) are released from pouch 74. As distal end 73 of tube 70 is open, contents 76 also migrates out of tube 70 and into the fluid of the blood of a patient, to find its way to the location intended for treatment 80.

The more important features of the invention have thus been outlined, rather broadly, so that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. Additional features of specific embodiments of the invention will be described below. However, before explaining preferred embodiments of the invention in detail, it may be noted briefly that the present invention substantially departs from pre-existing apparatus and methods of the prior art, and in so doing provides the user with the highly desirable ability to store, transport, mix, and dispense foods and fluids at a location distant from their preparation, and at a time later than their preparation, using a variety of specific apparatus and methods. Each such apparatus and method set forth above is an example of the invention as a whole. However, the present invention is best considered as all aparatii and methods which allow a user to reach these goals by means of the application of pressure or tension from the exterior of such aparatii, prior to opening such aparatii to the exterior environment, which pressure or tension is transmitted to the interior of the apparatus to create pressure. In most preferred embodiments, the pressure is created as one or more pouches are drawn to, and at least partially into or through a narrowing “pinch point,” slot, or channel, whereupon frangible portions of the pouch rupture. Ruptured pouches release fluids which then mix with other materials, or are otherwise released at desirable locations. The general principle embodied in this broad statement of operation may be appreciated when separately considering the construction and operation of the tube or pouch within a pinch point as disclosed in this invention, then by considering how the tube or pouch may be positioned in, and operate, in rigid and flexible containers.

Turning first to the pouch or tube, FIG. 12 shows a tube or pouch of the present invention 90 extending through, and residing partially through slot or pinch point 91 in rigid material 92. Rigid material 92 may be part of a top or cover to be placed over the opening of a rigid container (not shown), or rigid material 92 may be incorporated into the wall of a flexible container (not shown) in a fluid tight fashion. One end 93 of tube 90, has been collapsed or gathered after tube 90 is situated withing pinch point 91, and then end 93 of tube 90 is, generally joined with pull ring 94. Pull ring 94 forms hole 95, through which a user may insert a finger or other pulling device (not shown) to apply tension. FIG. 13 shows the same tube, pinch point, and pull ring appearing in FIG. 12, but shows this arrangement from an angle of rotation of about 90 degrees. From such angle, the gathering of end 93 of tube 90 as end 93 extends through pinch point 91 in material 92 may be easily seen. Ring 94 is from this angle viewed edge on, so its hole 95 for insertion of a user's finger is not apparent.

In FIG. 14 through FIG. 17, the operation of the tube or pouch by a user may be seen. In this series of figures, the tube or pouch in again seen from an angle of rotation of about 90 degrees. In such operation, tube 90 initially resides almost entirely below rigid material 92, with tube end 91 and ring 94 extending little above pinch point 91. However, as the user employs ring 94 to apply tension to end 93 in FIG. 15, and as ring 94 is connect to end 93 of tube 90, tube 90 has begun to be drawn through pinch point 93 in rigid material 92. In this process, the volume of tube 90 is reduced, so that pressure is increased within tube 90. FIG. 16 shows the operation of tube 90 within pinch point 91 continued, and the beginning of the release of contents 95 from within tube 90, as tube 90 ruptures. Tube 90 generally will rupture at frangible point, line, or region 96 of tube 90, as one may achieve customized mixing, or optimal mixing of contents 95 with materials residing outside tube 90 by planning a weakened, narrowed, or thinned frangible point, line, or region. FIG. 17 shows the operation of tube 90 within pinch point 91 at yet a later stage as user applies tension to ring 94, and contents 95 are mainly release from tube 90 as tube 90 is drawn by end 93 through pinch point 91 in material 92.

Turning next to how the tube or pouch of the present in invention may be positioned in, and operate, in flexible containers (such as the fourth preferred embodiment herein), FIG. 18 shows a part of a flexible container 100, consisting of wall 101 and wall 102, which form a volume therein, and line for opening 103 container 100 so materials (not shown) which have been mixed within container 100 may be removed after mixing. As noted herein, container 100 in this instance is formed from flexible plastic, or other flexible material. Opening 103 may be as simple as a thinning of walls 101 and/or 102 of container 100, or opening may be “zipped” shut after opening in a variety of ways known in the art. In FIG. 18, first tube 105 extending into container 100 after manufacture, and end 106 of tube 105 extends out from container 100 through pinch point 107 formed in rigid material 108. Ring 109 is attached to end 106. Similarly, FIG. 18 shows second tube 110 extending into container 100 after manufacture, and end 111 of tube 110 extending out from container 100 through pinch point 112 formed in rigid material 113, and ring 114 is attached to end 111. In operation, a user may deploy the contents (not shown) of tube 105 into container 100, or the contents (not shown) of tube 110 into container 100, or the contents of both tube 105 and tube 110 into container 100, using the process shown in the series of FIG. 14 through FIG. 17, merely by pulling on ring 109 or ring 114, or both ring 109 and ring 114. The contents of tube 105 and tube 110 may thereby be mixed within container 100, or one of such contents, or both, may be mixed with materials already residing within the larger volume of container 100.

FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 show the present invention when employed in a rigid container (such as the third preferred embodiment herein). In FIG. 19, end 116 of tube 115 extends through pinch point 117 formed in rigid material 118. Rigid material 118 is in this case embedded in top or closure 119, which may be formed in sizes to fit over the openings of containers of standard size (not shown), or rigid top or closure 119 can be made convex to sit on the sides of the lid, with ring 120 set in a higher position, so tube 115, with a mass of contents to be mixed, is not touching the product into which it is going to be mixed. Ring 120 is attached to end 116. Similarly, FIG. 20 shows end 122 of tube 121 extending through pinch point 123 formed in rigid material 124. Rigid material 124 is in this case also embedded in top or closure 125, which in this case is mated to outer container 127, so that a user may have all that is necessary to store and/or transport materials (not shown). In operation, a user may deploy the contents (not shown) of tube 115 into a container of suitable size (not shown), or the contents (not shown) of tube 121 into container 127, using the process shown in the series of FIG. 14 through FIG. 17, merely by pulling on ring 120 or ring 126. The contents of tube 115 may thereby be mixed with materials within a suitable container (not shown), and the contents (not shown) of tube 121 may thereby be mixed within container 127 with materials already residing within the larger volume of container 127.

FIG. 21 shows an entire flexible container 130, consisting of outer wall 131 and interior volume 132, within which water or other materials (not shown) may reside. Exit chutes or shafts 133 may be formed in part of outer wall 131, or formed separately at attached to outer wall 131, for allowing the materials within container 130 to escape. One example of such arrangement may be found in medical “unit” bags used to supply fluids or blood or medicine to patients. When formed into such medical bags, the materials which have been mixed within container 130 of the present invention may flow freely through chutes 133 unless or until such flow is prevented by the operation of valve or clip 134. As noted herein, container 130 in this instance is formed from flexible plastic, or other flexible material. In FIG. 21, tube 135 extends into container 130 after manufacture, and end 136 of tube 135 extends out from container 130 through pinch point 137 formed in rigid material 138. Ring 139 is attached to end 136. In operation, a user may deploy the contents (not shown) of tube 135 into container 130 using the process shown in the series of FIG. 14 through FIG. 17, merely by pulling on ring 139. The contents of tube 135 may thereby be mixed within container 130 with materials already residing within the larger volume of container 130. Thereafter, materials which have been mixed within container 130 may flow freely through chutes 133 unless or until such flow is prevented by the operation of valve or clip 134, just as in the case of a standard medical bag.

FIG. 22 shows a tube assembly 150. The tube assembly 150 includes a content dispensing tube 90 extending predominantly on a first side of a rigid mounting member 141. Tube 90 connects through to the other second side of mounting member 141 and securely attaches to a ring 94 or other grip for pulling tube 90 from the first side member 141 to the second side. The tube assembly 150 includes a container tube 140 that is collapsed on the second side of member 141 and juxtaposed tube 90. The tube 140 securely attaches to ring 94 and is positioned over and encases one end of tube 90 whereby tube 90 is sealed within tube 140 on the second side of mounting member 141 by the attachment to ring 90. The container tube 140 is also attached to member 141, for example, by gluing, heating or otherwise affixing with a tight seal. The seal of tube 140 to member 141 is located, for example, on the surface of the second side of mounting member 141 around the bottom 143 of tube 140. Mounting member 141 is used to attach tube assembly 150 to a rigid or flexible container, such as the containers 100, 127 and 130 shown in FIG. 18, FIG. 20 and FIG. 21. Member 141 of FIG. 22 is similar to the material 92 of FIG. 12 through FIG. 17. Although not seen in FIG. 22, member 141 includes a region or material like material 92 of FIG. 12 having a slot 91 (not shown in FIG. 22, see FIG. 28). In FIG. 22, when the ring 94 is pulled and displaced relative to member 141, the dispensing tube 90 is squeezed as it moves from the first side to the second side of member 141. At the same time that tube 90 is squeezed and moves from the first side to the second side of member 141, the container tube 140 expands to hold tube 90. FIG. 23 shows the assembly 150 of FIG. 22 at an angle of rotation of about 90 degrees. Ring 94 is from this angle is viewed edge on.

In the figure series FIG. 24 through FIG. 28, the operation of drawing the dispenser tube 90 and the container tube 141 is shown from the same 90 degree angle as FIG. 23. In such operation, tube 90 initially resides almost entirely on the first side of rigid member 141 and container tube 140 remains collapsed on the second side of member 141. In the series FIG. 24 through FIG. 28, the tube 90 is being pinched into a squeezed portion 93 to release the contents 95 in the same manner as shown and described in connection with FIG. 14 through FIG. 17. The portion of tube 90 as squeezed to flat portion 93 cannot be seen in FIG. 24 through FIG. 27 since it is hidden from view and contained internally within container tube 140. In FIG. 28, container tube 140 is partially cut away to reveal portion 92 of member 141 having a slot 91 that has squeezed tube 90 (not viewable in FIG. 28) entirely into the squeezed portion 93. When thus squeezed, essentially all of the contents 95 has been expelled.

Claims

1. A mixing assembly comprising:

a content dispensing frangible chamber member, formed to hold contents therewithin;

a pressure point member formed of rigid material, the pressure point member having a narrow passage formed therethrough;

the content dispensing frangible chamber member extends through the narrow passage of the pressure point member;

a container having an opening and a volume therewithin, the container having a wall, and the pressure point member is affixed to the wall of the container in fluid-tight fashion;

a first portion of the content dispensing frangible chamber member extends into the container, and a second portion of the content dispensing frangible chamber member extends outside the container, when the pressure point member is affixed to the wall of the container in fluid-tight fashion; and

a tension means, attached to the portion of the frangible chamber member extending outside the container;

whereby the first portion of the frangible chamber member is ruptured when the frangible chamber member is pulled through the narrow passage of the pressure point member using the tension means, and the contents within the frangible chamber member are released.

2. The mixing assembly of claim 1, in which the wall of the container may be placed over, and removed from, the opening of the container.

3. The mixing assembly of claim 1, further comprising a water-tight container tube, a first end of the container tube is attached in fluid-tight fashion to the pressure point member, a second end of the container tube is attached in fluid-tight fashion to the second portion of the content dispensing frangible chamber member.

4. The mixing assembly of claim 3, in which the wall of the container may be placed over, and removed from, the opening of the container.

5. A mixing assembly comprising:

a plurality of content dispensing frangible chamber members, formed to hold contents therewithin;

a plurality of pressure point members formed of rigid material, the pressure point members having narrow passages formed therethrough;

the content dispensing frangible chamber members extend through the narrow passages of the pressure point members;

a container having an opening and a volume therewithin, the container having a wall, and the pressure point members are affixed to the wall of the container in fluid-tight fashion;

a first portion of the content dispensing frangible chamber members extend into the container, and a second portion of the content dispensing frangible chamber members extend outside the container, when the pressure point members are affixed to the wall of the container in fluid-tight fashion; and

a plurality of tension means, attached to the portions of the frangible chamber members extending outside the container;

whereby the first portions of the frangible chamber members are ruptured when the frangible chamber members are pulled through the narrow passages of the pressure point members using the tension means, and the contents within the frangible chamber members are released.

6. The mixing assembly of claim 5, in which the wall of the container may be placed over, and removed from, the opening of the container.

7. The mixing assembly of claim 5, further comprising a plurality of water-tight container tubes, a first ends of the container tubes are attached in fluid-tight fashion to the respective pressure point members, a second end of the container tubes are attached in fluid-tight fashion to the second portions of the respective content dispensing frangible chamber members.

8. The mixing assembly of claim 7, in which the wall of the container may be placed over, and removed from, the opening of the container.

9. A container for storing materials comprising:

a first outer compartment having a flexible wall;

a second inner compartment having a substantially semi-rigid wall;

the second inner compartment residing within the first outer compartment;

the second inner compartment having a channel formed in the second inner container wall;

means for sealing the channel formed in the second inner container wall; and

means for opening the channel in the second inner container wall by opening the channel sealing means.

10. The container of claim 9, further comprising means for opening the flexible wall of the first outer container.

11. A container for storing materials comprising:

a first wall having an opening;

a second wall forming an open compartment having a volume;

the first wall adapted to fit tightly over the open compartment of the second wall, thereby creating a sealed space between the first wall and the second wall;

a closure residing between the first wall and the second wall, the closure having a channel, the channel having a mouth;

the first wall adapted to fit tightly over the closure, thereby creating a sealed space between the first wall and the closure upon sealing the mouth of the channel;

a first seal, adapted to seal the mouth of the channel, the first seal positioned over the mouth of the channel to thereby seal the channel;

means for transmitting tension to the first seal to break it away from the mouth of the channel, the means for transmitting tension to the first seal extending from the first seal, through the space between the first wall and the closure, and through the opening in the first wall, and to the exterior of the container; and

a second seal, residing over the opening in the first wall, the second seal adapted to fit snugly around the means for transmitting tension to the first seal, the second seal closing the opening in the first wall.

12. The container of claim 11, in which the second seal is firmly attached to the means for transmitting tension to the first seal, with frangible connection between the second seal and the first wall.

13. A lid for sealing a container comprising:

a substantially flat lid body having an opening therethrough, the lid body having a lip at its edge for engaging a container wall;

a pouch having at least one lobe formed from a thin sheet of material, the lobe having an interior and at least one frangible line in the thin sheet of material;

means for pulling the pouch through the opening in the lid body, thereby increasing pressure within the interior of the pouch; and

the means for pulling the pouch extends through the opening in the lid body, and is attached to the lobe along a line substantially distal from the frangible line in the thin sheet of the lobe.

14. The lid of claim 13, in which the pouch has two lobes, each lobe having an interior and at least one frangible line in the thin sheet of material, each lobe being attached to the means for pulling the pouch.

15. The lid of claim 13, in which the opening in the lid body is near the center of the lid body.

16. The lid of claim 13, in which the opening in the lid body is near one side of the lid body.

17. The lid of claim 13, in which the opening in the lid body is a narrow slit, and the means for pulling the pouch is a strip formed to fit within the slit.

18. The lid of claim 13, in which the pouch is removably affixed to the underside of the lid body, such that the pouch may break away from the underside of the body of the lid when tension is applied to the means for pulling the pouch.

19. A mixing bottle comprising:

a container having a wall, a volume therewithin, and an opening;

the container having a substantially rigid lid, the top having a narrow passage formed therethrough;

a content dispensing frangible chamber member, formed to hold contents therewithin;

the content dispensing frangible chamber member extends through the narrow passage in the lid;

a first portion of the content dispensing frangible chamber member extends from the lid into the container, and a second portion of the content dispensing frangible chamber member extends outside the container from the lid, when the pressure lid is placed over the opening of the container; and

a tension means, attached to the portion of the frangible chamber member extending outside the container;

whereby the first portion of the frangible chamber member is ruptured when the frangible chamber member is pulled through the narrow passage of the lid using the tension means, and the contents within the frangible chamber member are released.

20. A medical device comprising:

a tube having a wall, a first opening at a first end, a second opening at a second end, and a volume therewithin;

the tube has a substantially rigid restriction near the first end of the tube, the restriction has a narrow passage formed therethrough;

a content dispensing frangible chamber member, formed to hold contents therewithin;

the content dispensing frangible chamber member extends through the narrow passage in the restriction;

a first portion of the content dispensing frangible chamber member extends from the restriction into the first end of the tube, and a second portion of the content dispensing frangible chamber member extends toward the second end of the tube from the restriction; and

a tension means, attached to the portion of the frangible chamber member extending toward the second end of the tube;

whereby the first portion of the frangible chamber member is ruptured when the frangible chamber member is pulled through the narrow passage of the restriction using the tension means, and the contents within the frangible chamber member are released.

21. A dispensing assembly for dispensing contents comprising:

a pressure point member formed of rigid material and having a opening forming a narrow passage through the rigid material;

a frangible tube having a first part extending through the opening and squeezed by the narrow passage and having a second part forming a volume for holding the contents; and

a grip attached to the first part of the frangible tube for pulling the second part of the frangible tube through the narrow passage to cause the second part to break and release the contents.

22. The dispensing assembly of claim 21 further comprising:

a container tube attached to the grip and to the pressure point member to form a sealed volume for containing the frangible tube pulled through the narrow passage.

23. A mixing assembly comprising:

a pressure point member formed of rigid material and having a opening forming a narrow passage through the rigid material;

a frangible tube having a first part extending through the opening and squeezed by the narrow passage and having a second part forming a tube volume for holding the contents;

a grip attached to the first part of the frangible tube for pulling the second part of the frangible tube through the narrow passage to cause the second part to break and release the contents; and

a mixing container having walls forming a container volume where the pressure point member is attached to one of said walls and extends the second part of the frangible tube and the tube volume into the container volume whereby the contents of the frangible tube are released into the mixing container.