Patent Application
20250171222
Historically, the packaging of beverages has a progression from traditional glass bottles to cans and plastic bottles, each serving particular purposes. The emergence of single-serving beverage containers represents a departure from bulk packaging. However, consumer preferences for portability and the desire to minimize waste associated with larger packaging formats may be in conflict with consumer preference for relatively large beverage volume.
In the domain of single-serving beverage containers, diverse structural designs have been developed to accommodate various types of beverages, including carbonated drinks, juices, coffees, and water. Innovations have also been made for solid beverage precursors (e.g., coffee grounds, tea leaves, flavored powders, and so forth) that balance stability, ease of handling, and compatibility with automated dispensing systems. However, there is a lack of single-serving containers for concentrated liquid beverages. Moreover, there is a lack of single-serving containers for concentrated liquid beverages that are readily compatible with automated dispensing systems and manual dispensing.
Single serving beverage containers such as aluminum cans, glass or aluminum bottles, coated paper (e.g., juice boxes) may address traditional consumer demand for beverages. However, many of these traditional beverage containers may be inconvenient options in some situations. For example, single serving solid beverage precursors such as prepackaged single portion ground coffee beans or tea leaves have been adopted by many consumers at least in part due to comparatively small packaging footprint, the ease of storage, and simplicity of beverage preparation. Adoption of single portion packages of flavored powders have similar advantages.
However, many of these traditional options for single serving beverages continue to have drawbacks for some use cases and for some consumers. For example, many of the single serving solid beverage precursors require the use of an automated dispensing system. Others may have unappealing mouth feel for some consumers. Accordingly, the embodiments described herein relate to a single-severing beverage container for concentrated aseptically sealed liquid. Sterilization of the sealed liquid may be facilitated by any suitable means. For example, ultra-high-temperature sterilization, pasteurization, addition of preservatives, and so forth. In one embodiment, a container includes a polymer body having a top rim, a circumferential sidewall having an inner sidewall surface and an outer sidewall surface, and a circular base having an inner base surface and an outer base surface, and a multilayer lid affixed to the top rim, where the multilayered lid is affixed via a single use thermal seal.
This summary is provided to enlighten and not limit the scope of methods and systems provided hereafter in complete detail.
Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, and wherein:
Material selection plays a crucial role in the design of single-serving beverage containers. Traditional materials like polystyrene, aluminum, and paper have been augmented with bio-based and eco-friendly alternatives to address concerns related to environmental sustainability. Patented advancements in materials technology focus on optimizing barrier properties, extending shelf life, and minimizing the ecological footprint of the containers.
The present invention is generally directed to a sealed polymer container for a beverage suitable for human consumption. The polymer may be polypropylene or polyethylene terephthalate in some aspects. The containers described herein may be made in any suitable way. For example, a container can be made via injection or vacuum molding. The vacuum molding may include, a controlled heating process, rendering the polymer material malleable for shaping. The malleable polymer material may be positioned within the vacuum molding apparatus, ready for the subsequent molding phases. A vacuum may be applied beneath the molds, causing the material to conform precisely to the contours of the mold cavities. This phase ensures the creation of containers with uniform wall thickness and feature detailing. Following the vacuum forming phase, a controlled cooling process may be initiated. Once the polymer has solidified, the vacuum may be released, and the molded containers can be released from the molds.
The molded container can be, at least partially, filled with an aseptic liquid and sealed. In general, the aseptic liquid is more concentrated than what is intended for human consumption. Said another way, the sealed polymer container temporarily holds a concentrated aseptic liquid. When desired, the sealed container can be opened (e.g., the seal may be peeled off or the container may be punctured). The concentrated aseptic liquid can then be diluted with a suitable diluent (e.g., water) to an intended or desired volume. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention are also directed to formulations for aseptic liquids suitable for storage within a sealed polymer container. These formulations may provide several advantages over traditional concentrated beverages, including, but not limited to: desirable mouthfeel and sweetness at the volume intended for consumption; resisting crystallization while concentrated; and relative long-term shelf stability.
As used herein, the term degree Brix (° Bx) is used consistent with its common meaning in reference to a measure of the dissolved solids in a liquid. One degree Brix equals 1 gram of dissolved solids in 100 grams of solution.
As used herein, sucrose equivalence (SE) is used to describe the sugar content in a liquid solution. It represents the percentage of sucrose (sugar) or the percentage of non-sucrose sweetener (e.g., sucralose, erythritol, and so forth) equivalent to sucrose by weight in the mix and is measured in degree Brix. Non-sucrose sweeteners are measured via sucrose equivalence measurements by comparing their sweetness intensity to that of a sucrose solution. For illustrative example, if a sweetener is twice as sweet as sucrose, it has a sweetness equivalence of 2. To calculate the sucrose equivalence of non-sucrose sweeteners in degrees Brix; first, identify the sweetness intensity of the non-sucrose sweetener relative to sucrose. For example, the sweetness equivalence of several non-sucrose sweeteners listed below was be determined by comparing the sweetness intensity of each sweetener to that of a sucrose solution using the sensory magnitude estimation method:
The second step to calculate the sucrose equivalence of non-sucrose sweeteners in degrees Brix is to calculate the concentration of the non-sucrose sweetener that matches the sweetness of a given sucrose solution. Again as an illustrative example, if a sweetener (e.g., Aspartame) has a sweetness equivalency of 200 times sucrose, 0.05 grams of the sweetener in 100 grams of solution achieves the same sweetness as 10 grams of sucrose in 100 grams of solution.
The third step to calculate the sucrose equivalence of non-sucrose sweeteners in degrees Brix is to convert the mass of sucrose equivalent to sweetness of the mass of the non-sucrose sweetener. Continuing the illustrative example, 0.05 grams of the sweetener (e.g., Aspartame) in 100 grams of solution would be equivalent to 10° Bx SE (degree Brix sucrose equivalence). Notably, this calculation can create situations where the degree Brix (° Bx) of a solution may be less than the degree Brix sucrose equivalence (° Bx SE) of the same solution. For example, and not limitation, a 100 grams of a liquid with an 18.2° Bx SE can be formulated with 18.2 g sucrose. The liquid could also be formulated with 14.1 g and about 0.00683 grams (g) sucralose, which has a sweetness equivalent of about 4.1° Bx SE.
The term “unsweetened” refers to a concentrated beverage with an SE of 0° Bx SE. The term “sweetened” refers to a concentrated beverage with an SE of greater than 0° Bx SE.
As used herein, the unit of centripoise (cP) is a unit of dynamic viscosity in the centimetre-gram-second (CGS) system of units. One centipoise is equal to one hundredth of a poise (P) or one millipascal-second (mPa·s) in the International System of Units (SI). For example, the viscosity of water at 20° C. is approximately 1 cP. The viscosity described herein was determined using a Brookfield Engineering Digital Viscometer model DV-PLUS using a #61, #62, or #63 spindle at 100 rpm for a minimum of 30 seconds at 21° C.±0.1° C.
Turning to
The container 100 includes a top rim 102, sidewall 104, and base 106. The top rim 102 includes an inner top rim edge 108 and an outer top rim edge 110. As depicted in
The outer top rim edge 110 may include an arc portion and a flange portion (e.g., top rim flange 114). In some embodiments, the arc portion of outer top rim edge 110 may have a diameter in an inclusive range of 49 millimeters to 55 millimeters. In at least one embodiment, the arc portion of outer top rim edge 110 has a diameter of about 51 millimeters. Notably, the width of the polymer material forming top rim 102 and between inner top rim edge 108 and outer top rim edge 110 is at least 3 millimeters. In a preferred embodiment, the width of the polymer material between inner top rim edge 108 and the arc portion of outer top rim edge 110 is about 4 millimeters.
The top rim flange 114 generally provides a location for manipulation of a portion of the lid (e.g., multilayer lid) that is not affixed to container 100, which is discussed in more detail in relation to
In some embodiments top rim flange 114 includes a circular protrusion 112. Generally, circular protrusion 112 provides a point of contact with the removable lid (e.g., multilayer lid 202 discussed in relation to
The sidewall 104 includes an inner sidewall surface 126 and outer sidewall surface 128 and extends circumferentially from the inner top rim edge 108 to the base 106. In some embodiments, sidewall 104 is not perpendicular to top rim 102. Said differently, sidewall 104 may be formed with a draw in the inclusive range of between 1 degrees and 4 degrees. In at least one embodiment, the draw is about 2.93 degrees. Said yet another way, the outer angle of sidewall 104 (i.e., the angle between the outer sidewall surface 128 and the plane of top rim 102) is in the range of 91 degrees and 94 degrees. Said yet another way, inner the angle of the sidewall (i.e., the angle between the inner base surface 130 and the plane of top rim 102) is in the range of 86 degrees and 89 degrees. Sidewall 104 may extend for a depth 142 in an inclusive range of between 40 millimeters and 50 millimeters. In at least one embodiment, the depth 142 is about 44 millimeters.
Additionally, in some embodiments sidewall 104 may include one or more features. The features may be configured to enhance structural rigidity. The enhanced structural rigidity may facilitate crush or deformation resistance during puncture of base 106. The features may continuously repeat, periodically repeat, or be mirrored about a plane of symmetry. For example, the features may include curvilinear protrusions. The curvilinear protrusions may extend from top rim 102 to base 106. For another example, the features may include one or more ribs that extend circumferentially around sidewall 104.
The base 106 includes an inner base surface 130 and outer base surface 132. Additionally, in some embodiments base 106 may include one or more features. The features may be configured to enhance structural rigidity. The enhanced structural rigidity may facilitate crush or deformation resistance during puncture of base 106. The features may continuously repeat, periodically repeat, or be mirrored about a plane of symmetry. For example, base 106 may include an outer diameters 138 and an inner diameter 140. In some embodiments, the outer diameter 138 is in the inclusive range of between 37 millimeters and 40 millimeters. In at least one embodiment, the outer diameter 138 is about 38.5 millimeters. In some embodiments, the inner diameter 140 is in the inclusive range of between 30 millimeters and 38 millimeters. In at least one embodiment, the inner diameter 140 is about 31.5 millimeters. The features may include a downwardly extending ridge between the inner diameter and the outer diameter. Additionally, or alternatively the base 106 may include an upwardly extending ridge between the inner diameter and the outer diameter.
Turning to
The bottom layer if multilayer lid 202 is affixed to one or more portions of container 100. In particular, the bottom layer of multilayer lid 202 can be thermally sealed during manufacture and processing to portions of container 100 to form sealed concentrated beverage container 200. Said differently, a seal may be formed between multilayer lid 202 and container 100 by thermally induced bonding between the adjacent surfaces of multilayer lid 202 and container 100 (e.g., the regions of thermal seal 204 and thermal seal 206). Thermal seal 204 and thermal seal 206 may be formed by between container 100 and multilayer lid 202 via the application of a predetermined temperature at a predetermined pressure.
The predetermined pressure is generally applied, in combination with the predetermined temperature, to facilitate bonding between multilayer lid 202 and container 100. The bond facilitates maintenance of aseptic conditions within the cavity formed by inner top rim edge 108, inner sidewall surface 126, inner base surface 130, and the bottom layer of multilayer lid 202. However, unlike some traditional sealed containers which are designed to be punctured, the sealed concentrated beverage container 200 is configured to be destructible by intentional manual manipulation of the multilayer lid 202. Said differently, a human can access the aseptic liquid 208 stored within sealed concentrated beverage container 200 by removing (e.g., pealing) the multilayer lid 202 from container 100. To facilitate this, the predetermined temperature is generally above the initial melt temperature of the polymer layer adjacent to container 100. For example, the predetermined temperature can be between 160° C. and 210° C. In a preferred embodiment, the predetermined temperature is between 185° C. and 195° C. The predetermined pressure is between 3 bar (i.e., 300,000 Pascal) and 5 bar (i.e., 500,000 Pascal). The seal (e.g., thermal seal 204 and thermal seal 206) is formed such that an intentionally applied force in the range of about 3 lbF (i.e., about 13.3447 newton) to about 6 lbF (i.e., about 26.6893 newton) may break the seal. The predetermined temperature and pressure may be applied using any suitable process.
In some embodiments of sealed concentrated beverage container 200, the seal is configured to be destructible by intentional manual manipulation of the multilayer lid 202. Said differently, a human can access the aseptic liquid 208 stored within sealed concentrated beverage container 200 by removing the multilayer lid 202 from container 100. As mentioned above, some features of container 100 facilitate easier manual manipulation than traditional polymer beverage contains. For example, circular protrusion 112 may inhibit the formation of the thermal seal in portions of top rim flange 114 while not inhibiting the formation of thermal seal 204. Advantageously, inhibiting formation of the thermal seal for a portion of the multilayer lid 202 provides comparatively uninhibited access to that portion of multilayer lid 202. This may enhance the accessibility of the aseptic liquid 208.
Aseptic liquid 208 can included, but is not limited to, relatively concentrated liquid forms of coffee, tea, latte (e.g., milk and coffee, or milk and tea), cocoa, a functional beverage containing a plurality of electrolytes (e.g., “sports” or “hydration” drink), or a functional beverage containing at least one non-caffeine stimulant (e.g., “energy” drink). Said differently, aseptic liquid 208 may include, amongst other things, solids extracted by brewing coffee (e.g., fruit acids, caffeine, lipids, melanoidins, carbohydrates, and plant fiber), solids extracted by brewing tea, mixtures of one or more electrolytes (e.g., sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, calcium, phosphate), flavoring, one or more sweeteners (e.g., glucose, fructose, sucrose, acesulfame K, aspartame, erythritol, saccharin, sorbitol, steviol glycosides, sucralose, xylitol, mannitol, cyclamic acid and its Na and Ca salts, Isomalt, thaumatin, or neohesperidine DC), mixtures of one or more vitamins (e.g., niacin, thiamin, pyridoxine, cobalamin), cocoa powder, mixtures of one or more proteins, or any combination thereof.
Continuing with particular focus on aseptic liquid 208, aseptic liquid 208 is generally sealed within container 200 in a concentrated state relative to the composition ultimately intended for human consumption. For example, the volume of aseptic liquid 208 can be in an inclusive range of 30 mL (e.g., about 1 fluid ounce) to 50 mL (e.g., about 1.7 fluid ounces) and may be intended to be consumed by a human after dilution to a total volume in an inclusive range of about 200 mL (e.g., about 7 fluid ounces) to about 415 ml (e.g., about 14 fluid ounces). However, as will be understood in view of the descriptions provided herein, not every formulation of a beverage can be concentrated into 30 mL to 50 mL while 1) maintaining a desirable mouthfeel and sweetness at the volume intended for consumption, 2) resisting crystallization while concentrated, and 3) relative long-term shelf stability. For example, two general classes of aseptic liquid 208 can be sealed within container 200: unsweetened and sweetened.
The unsweetened aseptic liquid 208 includes, but is not limited to, liquid forms of concentrated coffee. To maintain a desirable mouthfeel at the volume intended for consumption the unsweetened aseptic liquid 208 coffee has a degree Brix in the range of about 8 and 12° Bx. The SE for unsweetened aseptic liquid 208 coffee is 0° Bx SE. Said differently, in at least one embodiment, sealed concentrated beverage container 200 includes 30 mL to 50 mL of an unsweetened coffee derived aseptic liquid 208 with a degree Brix in the range of about 8 and 12° Bx. In such an embodiment, the solids contributing to the degree Brix may include solids extracted by brewing coffee (e.g., fruit acids, caffeine, lipids, melanoidins, carbohydrates, and plant fiber).
Additionally, the unsweetened aseptic liquid 208 includes, but is not limited to, liquid forms of concentrated tea. To maintain a desirable mouthfeel at the volume intended for consumption the unsweetened aseptic liquid 208 tea has a degree Brix in the range of about 2 and 3° Bx. Said differently, in at least one embodiment, sealed concentrated beverage container 200 includes 30 mL to 50 mL of an unsweetened tea derived aseptic liquid 208 with a degree Brix in the range of about 2 and 3° Bx. In such an embodiment, the solids contributing to the degree Brix may include solids extracted by brewing tea leaves (e.g., catechins, caffeine, carbohydrates, and plant fiber).
Some embodiments of a sweetened aseptic liquid 208 include, but is not limited to, liquid forms of concentrated tea. To maintain a desirable mouthfeel and sweetness at the volume intended for consumption while resisting solid crystallization while concentrated the sweetened aseptic liquid 208 tea has a degree Brix in the range of about 10 and 18° Bx with a SE in the range of about 11 and 17° Bx SE. Said differently, in at least one embodiment, sealed concentrated beverage container 200 includes 30 mL to 50 mL of a sweetened tea derived aseptic liquid 208 with Brix in the range of about 10 and 18° Bx and with a SE in the range of about 11 and 17° Bx SE. The SE may be derived from sucrose, one or more non-sucrose sweeteners (e.g., glucose, fructose, acesulfame K, aspartame, erythritol, saccharin, sorbitol, steviol glycosides, sucralose, xylitol, Mannitol, Cyclamic acid and its Na and Ca salts, Isomalt, thaumatin, Neohesperidine DC, allulose, dextrose, high fructose corn syrup), or any combination thereof.
Additionally, some embodiments of a sweetened aseptic liquid 208 include, but is not limited to, liquid forms of concentrated coffee or coffee derivatives (e.g., a latte). To maintain a desirable mouthfeel and sweetness at the volume intended for consumption while resisting solid crystallization while concentrated the sweetened aseptic liquid 208 coffee or coffee derivatives has a degree Brix in the range of about 10 and 46° Bx with a SE in the range of about 11 and 19° Bx SE. Said differently, in at least one embodiment, sealed concentrated beverage container 200 includes 30 mL to 50 mL of a sweetened tea derived aseptic liquid 208 with Brix in the range of about 10 and 46° Bx and with a SE in the range of about 11 and 19° Bx SE. The SE may be derived from sucrose, one or more non-sucrose sweeteners, or any combination thereof. The concentrated coffee or coffee derivatives with a Brix in the range of about 10 and 46° Bx with a SE in the range of about 11 and 19° Bx SE may have a viscosity less than or equal to 30 centipoise (cP) at 21° C. Thus concentrated coffee or coffee derivatives remains manually pourable at traditional room temperature.
Additionally, some embodiments of a sweetened aseptic liquid 208 include, but is not limited to, liquid forms of a concentrated functional beverage containing a plurality of electrolytes. To maintain a desirable mouthfeel and sweetness at the volume intended for consumption while resisting solid crystallization while concentrated functional aseptic liquid 208 has a degree Brix in the range of about 3 and 6° Bx with a SE in the range of about 28 and 32° Bx SE. Said differently, in at least one embodiment, sealed concentrated beverage container 200 includes 30 mL to 50 mL of a concentrated functional aseptic liquid 208 containing a plurality of electrolytes with Brix in the range of about 3 and 6° Bx and with a SE in the range of about 28 and 32° Bx SE. The concentrated functional beverage with a Brix in the range of about 3 and 6° Bx and with a SE in the range of about 28 and 32° Bx SE may have a viscosity of less than or equal to 10 centipoise (cP) at 21° C. Thus the concentrated functional beverage remains manually pourable at traditional room temperature. In at least one embodiment, the concentrated functional aseptic liquid 208 containing a plurality of electrolytes does not include sucrose. The SE in such an embodiment is derived from one or more non-sucrose sweeteners (e.g., glucose, fructose, acesulfame K, aspartame, erythritol, saccharin, sorbitol, steviol glycosides, sucralose, xylitol, Mannitol, Cyclamic acid and its Na and Ca salts, Isomalt, thaumatin, Neohesperidine DC).
Additionally, some embodiments of a sweetened aseptic liquid 208 include, but is not limited to, liquid forms of a concentrated functional beverage containing at least one non-caffeine stimulant. To maintain a desirable mouthfeel and sweetness at the volume intended for consumption while resisting solid crystallization while concentrated, the functional aseptic liquid 208 containing at least one non-caffeine stimulant (e.g., niacin, thiamin, pyridoxine, cobalamin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, ginseng, yohimbine, taurine, guarana, Rhodiola rosea, maca root, ashwagandha, L-theanine, alpha GPC, cordyceps, glucuronolactone, carnitine, choline, or any similar non-caffeine stimulant) has a degree Brix in the range of about 54 and 57° Bx with a SE in the range of about 31 and 33° Bx SE. Said differently, in at least one embodiment, sealed concentrated beverage container 200 includes 30 mL to 50 mL of a concentrated functional aseptic liquid 208 containing at least one non-caffeine stimulant with Brix in the range of about 54 and 57° Bx and with a SE in the range of about 31 and 33° Bx SE. The concentrated functional beverage with a Brix in the range of about 54 and 57° Bx with a SE in the range of about 31 and 33° Bx SE may have a viscosity of less than or equal to 25 centipoise (cP) at 21 C. Thus the concentrated functional beverage remains manually pourable at traditional room temperature. In at least one embodiment, the concentrated functional aseptic liquid 208 containing at least one non-caffeine stimulant derives less than 50% of the SE from sucrose.
Terms of relative orientation (e.g., top or bottom) and position (e.g., above, below, or downward) are used throughout the description. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, these terms are used consistent with a traditional frame of reference with the base of a container at the bottom.
As used herein the term “about” is used to account for variations in manufacturing tolerances. Accordingly, about means plus or minus 5% of the stated value in the relevant unit of measure.
From the foregoing, it will be seen that aspects herein are well adapted to attain all the ends and objects hereinabove set forth together with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the structure. It will be understood that certain features and sub-combinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. Since many possible aspects may be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
The subject matter of the technology described herein is described with specificity to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies.
As used herein and in connection with the statements listed hereinafter, the terminology “any of clauses” or similar variations of said terminology is intended to be interpreted such that features of clauses may be combined in any combination. For an illustrative example, a clause 4 may indicate the method/apparatus of any of clauses 1 through 3, which is intended to be interpreted such that features of clause 1 and clause 4 may be combined, elements of clause 2 and clause 4 may be combined, elements of clause 3 and 4 may be combined, elements of clauses 1, 2, and 4 may be combined, elements of clauses 2, 3, and 4 may be combined, elements of clauses 1, 2, 3, and 4 may be combined, and/or other variations. Further, the terminology “any of clauses” or similar variations of said terminology is intended to include “any one of clauses” or other variations of such terminology, as indicated by some of the examples provided above.
Clause 1. A container for storing concentrated beverages comprising: a polymer body having a top rim, a circumferential sidewall having an inner sidewall surface and an outer sidewall surface, and a circular base having an inner base surface and an outer base surface; and a multilayer lid affixed to the top rim, wherein the multilayered lid is affixed via a single use thermal seal.
Clause 2. The container for storing concentrated beverages of clause 1, wherein the polymer includes polypropylene or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
Clause 3. The container for storing concentrated beverages of either of clauses 1 or 2, wherein the multilayer lid includes a first layer proximate the top rim that comprises an amorphous thermoplastic polyester.
Clause 4. The container for storing concentrated beverages of clause 3, wherein the amorphous thermoplastic polyester is an L-PET.
Clause 5. The container for storing concentrated beverages of clause 3, wherein the multilayer lid includes a metalized second layer proximate the amorphous thermoplastic polyester.
Clause 6. The container for storing concentrated beverages of any of clauses 1 through 5, wherein the top rim comprises a flange.
Clause 7. The container for storing concentrated beverages of clause 6, wherein the flange extends from the top rim in a shared plane.
Clause 8. The container for storing concentrated beverages of any of clauses 6 through clause 7, wherein a median passes perpendicularly through a center of the container, wherein the top rim includes a third point on a first side of the median and a fourth point on a second side of the median, and wherein the top rim extends tangentially from the third point toward the median and tangentially from the fourth point of toward the median to form the flange.
Clause 9. The container for storing concentrated beverages of any of clauses 6 through clause 8, wherein the flange includes a circular protrusion extending from the shared plane away from the base.
Clause 10. The container for storing concentrated beverages of any of clauses 6 through clause 9, wherein the flange includes an arc connecting the tangentially extending portions.
Clause 11. The container for storing concentrated beverages of any of clauses 1 through clause 10, wherein the top rim has an inner edge and an outer edge, and the sidewall extends from the inner edge of the top rim to the base.
Clause 12. The container for storing concentrated beverages of clause 11, wherein the inner edge of the top rim has a diameter of about 43 millimeters.
Clause 13. The container for storing concentrated beverages of any of clauses 11 through 12, wherein the outer edge of the top rim has a diameter perpendicular to the median of about 51 millimeters.
Clause 14. The container for storing concentrated beverages of any of clauses 8 through 13, wherein the median has a diameter of about 58.2 millimeters.
Clause 15. The container for storing concentrated beverages of any of clauses 1 through 14, wherein the base includes an inner diameter and an outer diameter.
Clause 16. The container for storing concentrated beverages of clause 15, wherein the base includes a downwardly extending ridge between the inner diameter and the outer diameter.
Clause 17. The container for storing concentrated beverages of clause 15 or clause 16, wherein the base includes an upwardly extending ridge between the inner diameter and the outer diameter.
Clause 18. The container for storing concentrated beverages of any one of clauses 15 to 17, wherein the inner diameter is about 31.5 millimeters, and the outer diameter is about 38.5 millimeters.
Clause 19. The container for storing concentrated beverages of any of clauses 1 through 18, wherein the sidewall has an inner surface and an exterior surface.
Clause 20. The container for storing concentrated beverages of clause 19, wherein the outer sidewall surface is not perpendicular to the top rim or the base.
Clause 21. The container for storing concentrated beverages of any of clauses 1 through 20, wherein the outer sidewall surface extends at an angle from the top rim, and the angle is in the range of 87 degrees and 89 degrees.
Clause 22. The container for storing concentrated beverages of clause 21, wherein the angle is about 87 degrees.
Clause 23. The container for storing concentrated beverages of clause 21, wherein the angle is 87.07 degrees.
Clause 24. The container for storing concentrated beverages of any of clauses 1 through 23, wherein the sidewall includes a plurality of features.
Clause 25. The container for storing concentrated beverages of clause 24, wherein the features include at least one ridge that extends from the top rim to the base.
Clause 26. The container for storing concentrated beverages of any of clauses 1 through 25, wherein the container has a depth in the range of 40 to 50 millimeters.
Clause 27. The container for storing concentrated beverages of clause 26, wherein the depth is about 44 millimeters.
Clause 28. The container for storing concentrated beverages of any one of clauses 1 to 27, further comprising an aseptic liquid enclosed within the container by the inner base surface, the inner sidewall surface and the multilayer lid.
Clause 29. The container for storing concentrated beverages of clause 28, wherein the aseptic liquid includes at least one of glucose, fructose, sucrose, acesulfame K, aspartame, erythritol, saccharin, sorbitol, steviol glycosides, sucralose, xylitol, Mannitol, Cyclamic acid and its Na and Ca salts, Isomalt, thaumatin, or Neohesperidine DC.
Clause 30. The container for storing concentrated beverages of clause 28, wherein the aseptic liquid includes caffeine.
Clause 31. The container for storing concentrated beverages of any of clauses 28 through 30, wherein the container includes a volume of the aseptic liquid in a range of about 30 ml to 50 ml.
Clause 32. The container for storing concentrated beverages of clause 31, wherein the container includes about 45 ml of the aseptic liquid.
This application, entitled “Aseptic Concentrated Liquid Beverage Container,” claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/603,607, entitled Aseptic Concentrated Liquid Beverage Container” filed on Nov. 28, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63603607 | Nov 2023 | US |
