CONTAINER INCLUDING A CAPSULE FOR DISPENSING CONTENTS INTO THE CONTAINER

Abstract

A container is disclosed comprising a body for storing a substance, the body including an opening and a capsule disposed within the opening for dispensing contents into the body.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application number 62/011,576, filed Jun. 13, 2014, entitled “Capsule for Dispensing Contents into a Container,” which is incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a container including a capsule for dispensing contents into the container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Plastic containers are used for storing a variety of substances. These containers are typically filled with a single substance. In a consumer products environment for example, the substance may be a beverage such as water, sodas, energy drinks, etc. Alternatively, the substance may be a cleaning solution or powder such as Lysol, Fantastic or Comet, a detergent such as Era or any other substance. While these containers adequately contain their contents as intended, it would be advantageous to provide improvements to these containers to enhance their use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A container including one or more capsules for dispensing contents into the container is disclosed.

In accordance with embodiment of this disclosure, a container is disclosed. The container comprises a body for storing a substance. The body includes a first opening; and a first capsule disposed within the first opening for dispensing contents into the body.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the disclosure, a container is disclosed. The container comprises a body for storing a substance. The body includes a capsule disposed within the opening for dispensing contents into the body.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of this disclosure, a system is disclosed comprising a container having a body for storing a substance. The body includes one or more openings, one or more capsules disposed within the one or more openings for dispensing contents into the body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an example container including capsules for dispensing contents into the container.

FIG. 2A depicts a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 1 taken along lines 2A-2A wherein the capsules for dispensing contents are shown in a closed configuration.

FIG. 2B depicts a cross-sectional view the container of FIG. 1 taken along line 2B-2B.

FIG. 3 depicts a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3 wherein the capsules for dispensing contents are shown in an open configuration.

FIG. 4 depicts a bottom perspective view of the molded plate of FIG. 1 incorporating the capsules for dispensing contents in a closed configuration.

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of an example strip of capsules for dispensing contents.

FIGS. 6A-6J depict bottom views of various capsules for dispensing contents in a closed configuration.

FIG. 7 depicts another example container including a capsule for dispensing contents into the container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to the drawing figures.

FIG. 1 depicts example container 100 that includes capsules 102, 104 and 106 (device) for dispensing contents into container 100. In particular, container 100 is used for storing a variety of substances. The substances are actually stored within body 108 of container 100. In this example, body 108 of container 100 is a consumer beverage bottle constructed of a substantially rigid plastic filled with a beverage (as the substance). However, those skilled in the art know that body 108 of container 100 may be configured in any shape or form for desired applications and may be filled with any desired substance such as detergent, cleaning material and even medicament (to name a few).

In this example, container 100 includes plate 110 wherein capsules 102, 104, 106 are incorporated. Specifically, capsules 102, 104,106 are molded, i.e., embedded within plate 110 as shown. Once capsules 102, 104 and 106 are molded to plate 110, plate 110 is molded within an opening in body 108 of the container 100 (beverage bottle) during the manufacturing process. Alternatively, these capsules may be molded directly to openings in body 108 without plate 110. The manufacturing process is described in more detail below. In this example, body 108, capsules 102, 104, 106 and plate 110 are made of plastic, but those skilled in the art know that one or more of these components may be made of any materials (same or different) to achieve desired results.

FIG. 2A depicts a cross sectional view of the container of FIG. 1 taken along lines 2A-2A wherein capsules 102, 104, 106 for dispensing contents are shown in a closed configuration. In particular, FIG. 2A depicts a cross-sectional view of capsules 102, 104, 106 in a sealed configuration wherein each capsule is filled with contents. In this example, capsules 102, 104, 106 are each constructed of two membranes, both together define an ampule of desired contents. Specifically, capsules 102, 104 and 106 comprise flexible membranes 102a, 104a, 106a and breakable members 102b, 104b, 106b, respectfully. Flexible membranes 102a, 104a, 106a and breakable membranes 102b, 104b, 106b, respectively are sealed as known to those skilled in the art, during manufacturing to create capsules 102, 104, 106 storing desired contents. However, the flexible membranes and breakable membranes may be configured as one integral material for storing contents.

Flexible 102a, 104a, 106a and breakable membranes 102b, 104b, 106b may be constructed of the same material that forms the body 108 of container 100 (e.g., plastic) or any other material known to those skilled in the art to achieve desired results. Regardless of the material used, breakable membranes 102b, 104b, 106b are preferably constructed of a thickness less than the thickness of the flexible membranes 102a, 104a, 106a to assist or enable rupture (tearing) as described in more detail below. However, those skilled in the art know that breakable membranes may be constructed of any thickness to achieve desire results.

In this example, flexible membranes 102a, 104a, 106a are shaped as a concave or dome configuration while breakable membranes 102b, 104b, 106b are shaped in a generally planar configuration. However, those skilled in the art know that these membranes may be sized in other shapes to achieve desired results. For example, breakable membranes may be shaped similar to the flexible membranes (e.g., concave or dome configuration).

Breakable membranes 102b, 104b, and 106b each include one or more indentations 102c, 104c, 106c (also known as a grooves, recesses or tear lines) that are constructed as weakened points or lines throughout the membrane surface. Each indentation can be a continuous trench (channel) or interrupted or dashed series of trenches (i.e., perforations) along the same axis of an indentation. Examples of these indentations are discussed in more detail below. When a user exerts pressure on one or more flexible membrane 102a, 104a, and 106a, significant pressure is created within one or more capsules 102, 104 and 106. This internal pressure causes breakable membranes 102b, 104b, and 106b to tear or rupture along these indentations 102c, 104c, 106c, thereby releasing the contents within capsules 102, 104 and 106 into body 108 of container 100 to mix with the substance therein.

FIG. 2B depicts a cross sectional view the container of FIG. 1 taken along lines 2B-2B. In particular, FIG. 2B depicts a section of breakable membrane 106b wherein indentation 106c is shown. In detail, indentations 106c define three continuous trenches or channels extending through a section of breakable membrane 106b. This channel functions as a weak point within breakable membrane 106b. In the example depicted in FIGS. 1, 2A and 3, each capsule 102, 104, 106 has three indentations that define three triangular sections or regions as shown. Initial tearing occurs at the center of the breakable membrane where the indentations convene. Tearing continues along the indentations up to the edge of each breakable membrane. Note that indentations 102c differ from indentations 104c and 106c in that indentations 102c represents three series of trenches, respectively (as opposed to a continuous trench) as shown best in FIG. 4. In alternative embodiments with varying number and indentation shapes as described below, tearing may occur off center or at other points along a breakable membrane.

FIG. 3 depicts a cross sectional view of container 100 of FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3 wherein the capsules 102, 104, 106 for dispensing contents are shown in an open configuration. In particular, a user has exerted pressure on one or more of flexible membranes 102a, 1024a, 106a of capsules 102, 104, 106, respectively, thereby generating sufficient pressure within respective capsules 1-2, 104, 106 to tear respective breakable membranes 102b, 104b, 106b and release the contents into container 100. The action may be conducted on each capsule individually or all at the same time. That is, the user may select and release contents such as additives to container 100 as desired to enhance the beverage within container 100.

FIG. 4 depicts a bottom view of molded plate 110 of FIG. 1 incorporating capsules 102, 104, 106 for dispensing contents in a closed configuration. In particular, indentations 102c, 104c and 106c are clearly shown.

In the example in FIGS. 1-4, body 108 of container 100 incorporates three capsules, but those skilled in the art know that any number of capsules may be used to achieve desired results. The capsules may contain liquid, gel or powders such as sweetener, flavoring, coloring, thickener, drug, dietary, nutritional supplement, vitamin (to name a few). In the event container 100 is a detergent bottle, then capsules may include softeners or other chemicals for washing as known to those skilled in the art.

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of an example strip (section) of container 500 wherein capsules 502, 504, 506, 508 for dispensing contents are shown. In this example, four capsules are incorporated within container 500. Each capsule includes three indentations.

FIGS. 6A-6J depict bottom views of various capsules for dispensing contents in a closed configuration. In particular, FIGS. 6A-6J depict various breakable membrane configurations with one or more indentations. As with embodiments described above, each indentation can be a continuous trench (channel) or interrupted or dashed series of trenches along the same axis of an indentation.

In FIG. 6A, breakable membrane 600 includes four indentations that define four sections. These indentations will tear under pressure (typically at a point where such indentations convene). In FIG. 6B, breakable membrane 602 includes for three indentations that define three sections as described above. In FIG. 6C, breakable membrane 604 includes five indentations that define five sections that will tear under pressure (typically at a point where such indentations convene). In FIG. 6D, breakable membrane 606 includes one indentation that defines an egg shape section that will tear under pressure. In FIG. 6E, breakable membrane 608 includes one indentation that defines an adhesive bandage (e.g., a Band-Aid) shape. In FIG. 6F, breakable membrane 610 includes one indentation that defines a narrow oval shape section that will tear under pressure. In FIG. 6G, breakable membrane 612 includes one indentation that defines two semicircular sections of breakable membrane 612. In FIG. 6H, breakable membrane 614 includes two indentations that defines a triangular shape within membrane 614. In FIG. 6I, breakable membrane 616 includes one indentation that defines a ring shape section and a circular shape section within membrane 616. The ring shape section will tear under pressure. In FIG. 6J, breakable membrane 618 is similar to that shown in FIG. 6I, but the circular section is smaller in diameter. The examples in FIGS. 6D, 6E, 6F 6H, 6I, and 6J may be suitable for a container (body) storing detergents or other non-consumables.

The capsules disclosed herein may be created as part of the container manufacturing process by several different methods. In the first method, a container is created with a rectangular opening for receiving a complimentary shaped rectangular strip with capsules molded within the strip. The strip is then molded directly into rectangular opening during the process.

In a second method, the breakable membrane is created as part of the container itself, the flexible membrane is molded directly over and to breakable membrane while filling volume defined by the membranes.

In yet a third method of manufacture, the container is constructed with an opening and then the flexible membrane is then molded over the opening. Next, the volume defined by the concave shaped flexible membrane is filled with content (e.g., material) and the breakable membrane is molded to the container over the flexible membrane filled with content.

FIG. 7 depicts another example container 700 including a capsule 702 for dispensing contents into container 700. In this example, container 700 is a bag constructed of a flexible non-porous material such as soft plastic filled with fluid. The fluid may be medical fluid for an IV bag, beverage for space travel or military applications or other fluid known to those skilled in the art. The walls of container 700 define its body 104. These walls are designed to be of any thickness dictated by a desired application.

Container 700 may be filled with other fluids (e.g., beverages) as known to those skilled in the art. As indicated, capsule will have contents within it similar to those described above (could be fluid or solid contents) with respect to FIGS. 1-5. Specifically, capsule 702 is formed integrally with container 700. However, those skilled in the art know that capsule 702 may be embedded or infused directly into a wall of container 700 or into a matrix that is embedded or infused into a wall of container 700. The embodiment of capsule 702 is the same as shown and described for FIGS. 1-4, but those skilled in the art know that any capsule configuration or any number of capsules may be used (including the embodiments of the capsules disclosed above).

In operation, container 702 is filled with fluid, which creates pressure along the walls of container 700. If a user squeezes container 700 while exerting pressure on flexible membrane 702a of capsule 702 itself, pressure within container 700 creates a pressure against the inside wall of container 700 and against breakable membrane 702b of capsule 702. With sufficient pressure on flexible membrane 702a, breakable membrane 702b will break, i.e., tear along indentations 702c within the breakable membrane. The contents within capsule 702 will thereby dispense into container 700 and immediately mix with the substance within container 700 due to the pressure on the fluid within container 700. In one embodiment of container 700, it is produced in three layers, one of which has a perforation for capsule 702. However, those skilled in the art know that container 700 may be constructed of any number of layers or may be constructed of injection molding whereby the inner and out layers of the walls of container 700 create a capsule with contents.

In the examples described hereinabove for FIGS. 1-7, the container and/or capsule may be constructed of one or more layers of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high density polyethylene (HDPE) and similar plastics as known to those skilled in the art.

The capsules disclosed hereinabove are constructed to improve today's containers by enabling users to customize ingredients by easily selecting and dispending one or more contents such as additives into the container. The user of the capsule reduces the variation of bottle shapes and economizes on display space, shipping and storage.

It is to be understood that the disclosure teaches examples of the illustrative embodiments and that many variations of the invention can easily be devised by those skilled in the art after reading this disclosure and that the scope of the present invention is to be determined by the claims below.

Claims

1. A container comprising:

a body for storing a substance, the body including a first opening; and

a first capsule disposed within the first opening for dispensing contents into the body.

2. The container of claim 1 wherein the first capsule includes a flexible membrane and a breakable membrane.

3. The container of claim 2 wherein the breakable membrane includes an indentation that is constructed to tear as a result of pressure within the first capsule, thereby releasing the contents within the first capsule into the body.

4. The container of claim 2 wherein the indentation is a continuous trench or a series of trenches along an axis of the indentation.

5. The container of claim 2 wherein the breakable membrane includes a plurality of indentations that are constructed to tear as a result of pressure within the first capsule, thereby releasing the contents within the capsule into the body.

6. The container of claim 1 wherein the container is substantially rigid.

7. The container of claim 1 wherein the container is flexible.

8. The container of claim 1 wherein the body includes a second opening.

9. The container of claim 8 further comprising a second capsule disposed in the second opening for dispensing contents into the body.

10. The container of claim 9 wherein the contents within the first capsule and the contents of the second capsule are the same.

11. The container of claim 9 wherein the contents within the first capsule and the contents of the second capsule are different.

12. A container comprising:

a body for storing a substance, the body including a capsule disposed within the opening for dispensing contents into the body.

13. The container of claim 12 wherein the capsule includes a flexible membrane and a breakable membrane.

14. The container of claim 13 wherein the breakable membrane includes an at least one indentation that is constructed to tear as a result of pressure within the capsule, thereby releasing the contents within the capsule into the body.

15. The container of claim 12 wherein the container is substantially rigid.

16. The container of claim 12 wherein the container is flexible.

17. A system comprising:

a container having a body for storing a substance, the body including one or more openings;

one or more capsules disposed within the one or more openings for dispensing contents into the body.

18. The system of claim 17 wherein the one or more capsules each includes a breakable membrane with an indentation constructed to tear as a result of pressure within the one or more capsules, the indentation defining a circular, egg, ring, oval or triangle shaped section on the breakable membrane.

19. The system of claim 17 wherein the one or more capsules each includes a breakable membrane with a plurality of indentations constructed to tear along the indentation as a result of pressure within the one or more capsules, the indentations defining a plurality of sections on the breakable membrane.

20. The system of claim 19 wherein the plurality of indentations convene at a point on the breakable membrane.

21. The system of claim 20 wherein the point is at the center of the breakable membrane.