Patent Grant
9637301
Technical Field
The present invention relates to storing a viscous product and a propellant in a container and using the propellant (e.g., pressurized gas) to dispense the product from a dispenser located at the bottom of the container.
Background
Viscous products (e.g., syrups, foods, beverages, purees, sauces, dips, frosting, whipped cream, soft cheese, and oil) are desirable to many consumers. Additionally, foamed products can be especially desirable due to their texture (e.g., light mouthfeel), their ability to provide a greater volume of product with fewer calories, and their ability to provide a more satisfying consumption experience. For example, a typical foamed product can comprise about 30% to about 75% gas by volume, which can reduce calories by 75% compared to the same volume of a non-foamed product.
However, many of the advantages of a foamed product are lost if the foam is lost. Thus, the inventors have sought to provide a better storage and delivery system for foamed products that helps to preserve the foam. As the inventors conducted their work, they realized that certain containers were not feasible for storing foamed products. For example, the inventors determined that storing foamed product in a typical jar (e.g., mason jar) is thermodynamically unstable. When using a typical jar, it is practically impossible to maintain a desired amount of gas in the foamed product for its intended shelf life and for a period of time during which the product is intended to be consumed. For example, the loss of foam can be especially acute after a consumer opens a jar.
Because foam in a jar is thermodynamically unstable, it is desirable to store foamed products using a different storage device. One example is an aerosol container in which a pressurized gas is stored with a liquid product. When the liquid product is dispensed its pressure drop across a dispenser valve causes the dissolved gas in the product to come out of solution and form a foam, resulting in a foamed product.
Aerosol containers are advantageous because they can be used to maintain satisfactory levels of dissolved gas (e.g., aeration) over a shelf life and a subsequent period of consumption. Accordingly, product can be dispensed from an aerosol container to form a foamed product.
However, providing a foamed product using aerosol technology can be problematic. The technology typically involves a beverage component, liquid food component, or solid food component (e.g., whipped cream, syrup, sauce, batter, or dip) and a pressurized gas propellant (e.g. air, nitrous oxide and/or carbon dioxide) in the same container. The container is stored sitting on its bottom end, which comprises a base. Meanwhile, the top end, which has a valve for dispensing product, is pointed up. In this condition, some of the gas phase propellant will naturally rise to the top of the container to form a pressurized, gaseous head space. When the container is later turned upside-down to dispense product, some of the propellant in the headspace can be trapped near the valve by the viscous, liquid/solid product phase. Then, when the valve is actuated, propellant from the head space exits without any product. As a result, product can be stranded in the container without sufficient propellant to ever be dispensed.
Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a method and apparatus for storing and dispensing foamed products that helps to prevent or avoid dispensing propellant from the head space before the product phase has been dispensed. It would also be advantageous if the method and apparatus prevented or avoided stranding product in an aerosol container. For example, it would be beneficial if the invention could maintain a product between a head space and a dispenser of the aerosol container.
It would also be advantageous if the method and apparatus facilitated the storage, delivery, cooking, and serving of a more convenient food product. For example, it would be desirable if the invention helped enable consumers to avoid messy preparations of a product (e.g., preparing pancake batter) by giving consumers access to foamed versions of the product. As another example, it would be beneficial if the invention made it easier to deliver a single pancake or cupcake serving for cooking without wasting ingredients that are not easily subdivided, such as eggs or liquid-ingredient packets. It would also be beneficial if the invention facilitated delivering a single serving of a product without having to calculate the necessary proportion of ingredients from a recipe intended to produce more servings.
Additionally, it would be useful if the invention could help reduce the formulation cost of a product by facilitating the storage and delivery of a foamed version of the product. For example, it would be advantageous if the foamed version of the product reduced the cost per volume of the product in a way that still satisfied consumers. It would also be advantageous if the foamed product enabled consumers to choose more expensive ingredients, higher quality ingredients, healthier ingredients, or less processed ingredients, while paying the same or less for a given volume of product.
As another benefit, it would be useful if some embodiments of the invention could be used with existing containers of product and propellant that consumers have already purchased. For example, it could be beneficial if the invention comprised a base could be used with common aerosol container shapes, or if the base could be used with specifically shaped containers that a particular manufacturer has already produced.
It would also be useful if some embodiments of the invention comprised a base with a proprietary fitting so that the dispenser could not be used easily with differently branded products. For example, this could help prevent brand-related confusion among consumers due to the base from one manufacturer being used with products and/or containers from another manufacturer.
Similarly, it would be advantageous if the invention provided a lid to keep the dispenser clean. For example, it would be beneficial if the lid could be used to separate a dispenser from a supporting surface upon which the base rests. It would also be beneficial if the lid could prevent tainting of the product, contamination of the dispenser, dripping of the product onto the supporting surface and/or leakage of the product onto the supporting surface (e.g., a display shelf, refrigerator shelf, or countertop). It would also be advantageous if the invention had a safety feature to prevent the dispenser from being actuated if the lid were in place.
Additionally, it would be advantageous if the invention provided a more ergonomic and sanitary option for dispensing product. For example, the tilt valves that are typically used with aerosol containers are actuated directly by a user's finger. As a result, a user's finger can become tired or strained by repeated or lengthy use, and if a user has not sanitized the finger, bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens on the finger can be left behind on the dispenser and/or be mixed into product when it is dispensed. Accordingly, it would also be advantageous if the invention provided an actuator (e.g., trigger) and a base configured to facilitate easier dispensing and dosing of a product. Likewise, it would be advantageous if the base comprised a material that were sufficiently flexible and resilient to serve as an actuator. It would also be advantageous if the base and actuator could be integral, for example, if the entire base were manufactured in a single mold using an injection molding process.
As another advantage, it would be useful if the invention comprised a base that could be made from a material that is sufficiently durable to be used successively with multiple containers. It would also be useful if the base were made from a material that is sufficiently environmentally friendly (e.g., biodegradable) and/or sufficiently inexpensive that the base would be practical even if it were only used once.
Furthermore, it would be advantageous if the invention included an opening, transparent portion, and/or translucent portion in the base to facilitate viewing a target of the dispensed product and to facilitate clean-up after dispensing the product.
Likewise, it would be beneficial if one embodiment of the invention conserved packaging material and reduced production costs while providing a base of that is large enough to provide a stable support surface for a container. For example, it would be advantageous if the invention provided a base that was sufficiently large to maintain a container in a desired storage configuration. However, it would also be advantageous if the base were smaller at the top and then got larger toward the bottom so that the amount of material used could be reduced relative to a more uniformly shaped base.
In a first aspect, the presently disclosed invention provides a method for storing and dispensing a viscous product. The product and a propellant are stored in a container on a base, and the propellant forms a head space. The method comprises storing the container in a storage configuration on the base, removing a lid from the base to expose a dispenser, and dispensing the product. Furthermore, in the storage configuration, the container rests on the base, the base rests on a surface, and the product and the propellant in the head space tend to move toward positions wherein the propellant in the head space is at a higher elevation than the product and the product is at a higher elevation than an inlet to the dispenser.
In a second aspect, the presently disclosed invention provides a method for storing and dispensing a viscous product. The product and a propellant are stored in a container on a base, and the propellant forms a head space. The method comprises storing the container in a storage configuration on the base, dispensing the product, and viewing an interior of the base through a window in a sidewall of the base. The window provides a line of sight from a point outside the base to the interior of the base. Furthermore, in the storage configuration, the container rests on the base, the base rests on a surface, and the product and the propellant in the head space tend to move toward positions wherein the propellant in the head space is at a higher elevation than the product and the product is at a higher elevation than an inlet to a dispenser.
In a third aspect, the presently disclosed invention provides a base for a container of a viscous product and a propellant. The propellant forms a head space. When the base and the container are in a storage configuration, the propellant in the head space and the product tend to move toward positions wherein the propellant in the head space is at a higher elevation than the product and the product is at a higher elevation than an inlet to a dispenser. The base comprises a first portion of the base, a second portion of the base, a sidewall between a first end of the base and an integral second end of the base, and an interior of the base. The first portion of the base comprises a first end of the base, and the first end of the base comprises a first opening of the base. The second portion of the base comprises an integral second end of the base, the integral second end of the base is opposite the first end of the base, and the integral second end of the base comprises a second opening of the base. The sidewall comprises an interior surface of the sidewall, and the sidewall comprises a window positioned to provide a line of sight from a point outside the base to the interior of the base. The interior of the base comprises the interior surface of the sidewall and any point between two points on the interior surface of the sidewall.
In a fourth aspect, the presently disclosed invention provides a base for a container of a viscous product and a propellant. The propellant forms a head space. When the base and the container are in a storage configuration, the propellant in the head space and the product tend to move toward positions wherein the propellant in the head space is at a higher elevation than the product and the product is at a higher elevation than an inlet to a dispenser. The base comprises a first portion of the base, a second portion of the base, a sidewall between a first end of the base and an integral second end of the base, and an interior of the base. The first portion of the base comprises a first end of the base, and the first end of the base comprises a first opening of the base. The second portion of the base comprises an integral second end of the base and a lid. The integral second end of the base is opposite the first end of the base, and the integral second end of the base comprises a second opening of the base. The sidewall comprises an interior surface of the sidewall. The interior of the base comprises the interior surface of the sidewall and any point between two points on the interior surface of the sidewall.
The presently disclosed invention encompasses many different variations and embodiments, which provide various advantages, respectively. To help illustrate the advantages provided by the invention, several examples are listed below.
For example, the invention provides a method and apparatus for storing and dispensing foamed products and helps to prevent or avoid dispensing propellant from the headspace before the product phase has been dispensed. The method and apparatus also prevents or avoids stranding product in an aerosol container, for example, by maintaining the product between a head space and a dispenser of the aerosol container.
The invention also provides a method and apparatus that facilitates the storage, delivery, cooking, and serving of a more convenient food product. For example, the invention helps enable consumers to avoid messy preparations of a product (e.g., preparing pancake batter) by giving consumers access to foamed versions of the product. As another example, the invention makes it easier to deliver a single pancake or cupcake serving for cooking without wasting ingredients that are not easily subdivided, such as eggs or liquid-ingredient packets. The invention also facilitate delivering a single serving of a product without having to calculate the necessary proportion of ingredients from a recipe intended to produce more servings.
Additionally, the invention helps reduce the formulation cost of a product by facilitating the storage and delivery of a foamed version of the product. For example, the foamed version reduces the cost per volume of the product while still satisfying consumers. The foamed product also enables consumers to choose more expensive ingredients, higher quality ingredients, healthier ingredients, or less processed ingredients, while paying the same or less for a given volume of product.
As another benefit, the invention can be used with existing containers of product and propellant that consumers have already purchased. For example, the invention comprises a base that can be used with common aerosol container shapes. As another example, the invention comprises a base that can be used with specifically shaped containers that a particular manufacturer has already produced.
The invention also provides for a base with a proprietary fitting so that the dispenser cannot be used easily with differently branded products. For example, this helps prevent brand-related confusion among consumers due to the base from one manufacturer being used with products and/or containers from another manufacturer.
As another benefit, the invention provides for a lid to keep the dispenser clean. For example, the lid can be used to separate a dispenser from a supporting surface upon which the base rests. The lid can also prevent tainting of the product, contamination of the dispenser, dripping of the product onto the supporting surface and/or leakage of the product onto the supporting surface (e.g., a display shelf, refrigerator shelf, or countertop). The invention also provides for a safety feature to prevent the dispenser from being actuated if the lid is in place.
Additionally, the invention provides a more ergonomic and sanitary option for dispensing product. For example, the tilt valves that are typically used with aerosol containers are actuated directly by a user's finger. As a result, a user's finger can become tired or strained by repeated or lengthy used, and if a user has not sanitized the finger, bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens on the finger can be left behind on the dispenser and/or be mixed into product when it is dispensed. Accordingly, the invention advantageously provides an actuator (e.g., trigger) and a base configured to facilitate easier dispensing and dosing of a product. As another advantage, the invention provides for a base comprising a material that is sufficiently flexible and resilient to serve as an actuator. Furthermore, the invention provides for an actuator that is integral with a base. For example, the entire base, including the actuator, can be manufactured in a single mold using an injection molding process.
As another advantage, the invention provides for a base that can be made from a material that is sufficiently durable to be used successively with multiple containers. The base can also be made from a material that is sufficiently environmentally friendly (e.g., biodegradable) and/or sufficiently inexpensive for the base to be practical even if it is only used once.
Furthermore, the invention provides for a base comprising an opening, transparent portion, and/or translucent portion to facilitate viewing a target of the dispensed product and to facilitate clean-up after dispensing the product.
As another benefit, the invention the invention provides for conserving packaging material and reducing production costs while providing a base that is large enough to provide a stable support surface for a container. For example, the invention provides a base that is sufficiently large to maintain a container in a desired storage configuration. Advantageously, the invention also provides for a base that is smaller at the top and gets larger toward the bottom to reduce the amount of material used in comparison to a more uniformly shaped base.
The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Generally speaking, aerosol technology involves a container 102 (e.g., can) that stores a propellant (e.g., a pressurized gas in a head space 106) and a product 108 (e.g., liquid phase, solid phase, or mixed liquid solid phase) under pressure (e.g., around 150 psig). For example, in some embodiments, about 10% by mass of the propellant is dissolved in the product 108 as a dissolved gas (e.g., an aerating gas). As the product 108 and dissolved gas pass a valve 110, the dissolved gas comes out of solution and forms bubbles as the dissolved gas expands to a lower pressure. This, in turn, can provide a foamed product 108a, for example, as shown in
While inside the container, some of the propellant is dissolved in the product phase, but about 90% by mass of the propellant is undissolved and remains in a head space 106 (e.g., gas phase separate from the product phase.) Since the undissolved propellant is less dense than the product 108, when the container 102 is sitting on a first portion 112 of the container 102, the propellant rises to a second portion of a container 102 that is opposite the first portion.
For many containers, when the container is sitting on its bottom (e.g., first portion 112 for the container 102 in
Because foamed products tend to be viscous, unintentionally dispensing propellant from the head space 106 and stranding the product 108 in the container 102 is a fairly common problem with foamed products. However, various embodiments of the present invention can be used to address this and other problems.
An embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to
Similarly, the container 102 comprises a first portion 112 (e.g., top portion when the container 102 is in a storage configuration as shown in
The container 102 is configured to dispense product 108 when an inlet 132 to the dispenser 116 is at a lower elevation than the product 108, and the product 108 is at a lower elevation than the propellant in the head space 106.
Various changes to the shape of a uniform container can help to increase the angle of tilt 126 at which the container 102 is in a dispensing configuration, even when the nozzle 122 is pointed above horizontal 128. For example, relative to a more uniformly shaped container with a nozzle 122 pointed above horizontal 128, if the container 102 has a wide first portion 112 and narrow second portion 114, the height of the product level 130 above the inlet 132 to the dispenser 116 can be increased for a given angle of tilt 126. Alternatively, relative to a more uniformly shaped container, the container 102 comprising a wide first portion 112 and narrow second portion 114 can enable a greater angle of tilt 126 while maintaining the container 126 in a dispensing configuration where the height of the product level 130 remains above the inlet 132 to the dispenser 116.
With reference to
Second, in a container storing step 204, the container 102 is stored in a storage configuration relative to the base 104.
Third, in a lid 136 removing step 206, a lid 136 (e.g., the lid 136 shown in
In some embodiments, a safety mechanism is disengaged when the lid 136 is removed. For example, the lid 136 can comprise a safety mechanism 138 that prevents a product dispenser 116 from being actuated. Accordingly, in some embodiments, removing the lid 136 disengages the safety mechanism 138. As an example of a safety mechanism 138, the lid 136 can comprise a safety sheath 138 that covers the nozzle 122 of a tilt valve 110 and prevents the nozzle 122 from being laterally displaced and thereby dispensing the contents of the container 102. When the lid 136 is removed, the safety sheath 138 is disengaged (e.g., it is positioned so that it no longer prevents the nozzle 122 from being tilted or laterally displaced). Accordingly, the dispenser 116 can be actuated and the contents (e.g., product 108 and/or propellant) of the container 102 can be dispensed. In some embodiments, a safety mechanism 138 can be used with a tamper-evident or anti-tamper seal.
Fourth, in an actuating step 210 illustrated in
Fifth, in a dispensing step 212 illustrated in
Sixth, in a viewing step 214, an interior 146 of the base 104 is viewed through a window 152 in the base 104 (e.g., as shown in
Seventh, in a cleaning step 216, an interior 146 of the base 104 is cleaned. In one embodiment, the cleaning step comprises cleaning (e.g., manually) an interior 146 of the base 104 through an opening (e.g., opening 152 in
In one embodiment, for example, as shown in
Eighth, in a lid 136 applying step 218 as illustrated in
Ninth, in a storing step 220, the container 102 is stored on the base 104 in a storage configuration, for example, as illustrated in
With reference to
In some embodiments, when the base 104 is a multi-use base 104, the base 104 comprises a durable, flexible, inexpensive material (e.g., PE, PP, PVC, ABS, PS, PET, Nylon, PMMA, blends thereof, or another polymeric material) that is suitable for reuse of the subsequent container 102. The same materials that are used for a multi-use base can be used for a single-use base. Although, constructing the base from an inexpensive material can be especially useful when the base 104 is a single-use base 104. Additionally, when the base 104 is a single-use base, it can comprise a material that is less durable than the material used for the multi-use base 104. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the multi-use base is thicker or sturdier than the single-use base, as the multi-use base must withstand more wear and tear.
Although the invention is described herein with respect to specific method steps in a specific order, in some embodiments steps are added or omitted and the order of the steps is modified. For example, the viewing step 214 and the cleaning step 216 can be omitted. As another example, in some embodiments, the dispensing step 212 and viewing step 214 occur simultaneously.
One embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to
As shown in
Turning to the illustration shown in
In one embodiment, the first opening 164 and the second opening 166 are positioned to provide unobstructed path for dispensing the product 108. For example, the first opening 164 and the second opening 166 can be located at the top and bottom of the base 104, respectively. The first opening 164 can also be positioned and configured to mate with the container 102 (e.g., the second portion 114 of the container).
In one embodiment, a first portion 118 (e.g., top portion) of the base 104 is adjacent to the container 102 and a second portion 120 (e.g., bottom portion) of the base 104 extends past the dispensing tip (e.g., nozzle 122) of a dispenser 116 on the container 102. Fixing such a base 104 to the container 102 can be useful, for example, to maintain the container 102 in a desired storage configuration (e.g., with the tip or dispenser nozzle 122 pointing down). However, in some embodiments, the dispenser tip does not provide a stable surface for maintaining the container 102 in the desired storage configuration. Accordingly, it can be useful to fix a base 104 to the container, and thereby provide the container 102 with more stability and enable the base 104 to be stored in the desired storage configuration.
In order to provide the base 104 and/or a container 102 with more stability, it can be useful if the second portion 120 (e.g., bottom portion) of the base 104 is wider than the first portion 118 (e.g., top portion) of the base 104. For example, a dimension 168 (e.g., circumference, diameter, length, or width, as applicable) of the bottom end of the base 104 is larger than a maximum dimension 170 of the top portion of the base 104. This can be useful when the first portion 112 (e.g., top portion) of the container 102 is wider than the second portion 114 (e.g., bottom portion) of the container 102.
In one embodiment, the second portion 120 of the base 104 comprises a dimension 168 (e.g., circumference, diameter, length, or width, as applicable) that is at least as large as a maximum corresponding dimension 172 (e.g., circumference, diameter length, or width, as applicable) of the container 102.
In one embodiment, the second portion 120 of the base 104 comprises a dimension 168 (e.g., circumference, diameter length, or width, as applicable) that is at least 80% of the size for a maximum corresponding dimension (e.g., circumference, diameter length, or width, as applicable) of the container 102.
In some embodiments, the base 104 is integral to a container 102. However, in other embodiments, the base 104 is removably or permanently fixed to the container 102. For example, the first portion 118 of the base 104 can be removably fixed to the second portion 114 of the container 102. In one embodiment, the first portion 118 of the base 104 receives the second portion 114 of the container 102 through the first opening 164 of the base 104. For example, the first portion 118 of the base 104 can be sized to encompass, wrap around, and/or fit snugly against the second portion 114 of the container 102.
Additionally, as illustrated, for example, in
In one embodiment, the base 104 is friction fitted to the container 102. For example, a container 102 can comprise a container indentation 806 along the circumference of the container and a container lip 808 along the circumference of the container and adjacent to the container indentation. As illustrated, for example, in
Although, the base 104 can be removably or permanently fixed to the container in other ways as well. For example, rather than having the container protrude into a portion of the base, the base could protrude into a portion of the container, and the position and orientation of the indentation and lips can be modified appropriately. Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the base 104 comprises a base flange 804 for supporting a second portion 114 (e.g., second end 810) of the container 102 and preventing the second portion of the container from extending too far past a first end 173 (e.g., top end) of the base. For example, the base flange 804 can be used to stop the second portion 114 of the container (e.g., second end 810) in a position relative to the base 104 such that the dispenser 116 (e.g., nozzle 122) of the container does not extend past a second end 174 (e.g., bottom end) of the base.
Additionally, as illustrated, for example, in
In one embodiment, the lid 136 is friction fitted to the base 104. For example, an interior wall 816 of the base 104 can comprise a base indentation 818 along the circumference of the base and a second base lip 820 along the circumference of the base and adjacent to the base indentation. As illustrated, for example, in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
Furthermore, as illustrated in
Although the container 102 and the lid 136 have been illustrated as being fixed to the base 104 using a specific configuration of components (e.g., lips and indentations), other structures and configurations can also be used to fix the container and/or lid to the base.
With reference to
In some embodiments, as shown in
The usefulness of a continuous or substantially continuous bottom end 174 can be seen by comparison to a base 104 comprising a substantial discontinuity 178 in the bottom end 174 as illustrated in
An example is illustrated in
Turning again to
As illustrated in
A window 152 can be especially useful, for example, when the base 104 is attached to the container 102 so that the first opening 164 in the first portion 118 (e.g., top portion) of the base 104 is unavailable for viewing or lighting the interior 146 of the base 104, and/or when a user is cleaning the interior 146 of the base 104 through the second opening 166 in the second portion 120 (e.g., bottom portion) of the base 104. As another example, a window 152 can be useful when a user is manually cleaning the interior 146 of the base 104 through an opening (e.g., a window 152, the first opening 164, and/or the second opening 166). For example, a hand or other object can block the opening, obstruct the path of light through the opening, and block the user's line of sight through the opening. A hand or object can also block the user's line of sight to the interior 146 of the base 104. Furthermore, if a user were to place a light-emitting device (e.g., flash light) between the user and the base 104, so that light can reach the interior 146 of the base 104, the light-emitting device could block the user's line of sight to the interior 146 of the base 104. In all of these circumstances, it can be advantageous for a base 104 to comprise at least one window 152 and even more advantageous for a base 104 to comprise at least two windows 152 through which to view and/or shine light on the interior 146 of the base 104.
In addition to a window 152 (or in place of a window 152), the base 104 can also comprise a transparent material positioned to provide a line of sight from the exterior 144 of the base 104 to the interior 146 of the base 104 while the base 104 is joined to the container 102. In one embodiment, the base 104 comprises a light-passing portion of the base (e.g., window 152). The light-passing portion of the base can comprise an opening, transparent material or translucent material and can be positioned to provide a path for light to pass from the exterior 144 of the base 104 to the interior 146 of the base 104 while the base 104 is joined to the container 102. Using a transparent material can be useful, for example, when using a window 152 would be useful. Although, since windows 152 can comprise openings, in some embodiments, windows can have an added benefit of providing an opening through which the interior 146 of the base can be cleaned.
With reference to
In one embodiment, when the lever 196 is moved toward the dispenser 116, it moves the extension 142 into contact with the dispenser 116 (e.g., the nozzle 122 of a tilt valve 110) and the contact actuates the dispenser 116, which enables the contents (e.g., the product 108 and/or propellant) of the container 102 to be dispensed (e.g., by opening the tilt valve 110).
In some embodiments, moving the actuator 140 (e.g., by pushing the actuator 140) from a disengaged configuration (see, e.g.,
In some embodiments, the actuator 140 is under tension and the tension results in a force that tends to move the actuator 140 away from the dispenser 116 until a mechanical stop 198 engages. For example, in one embodiment, the actuator 140 comprises a lever 196 made from a flexible material and the flexible material is placed under tension. In some embodiments, the actuator is made from the same material as other parts of the base. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the entire base, including the actuator, is made from the same material.
As illustrated in
As shown in
In some embodiments, when the actuator 140 is in the engaged configuration, a tension in the lever 196 of the actuator 140 provides a force to move the actuator 140 back to the disengaged configuration of the actuator 140. Although the invention has been described using a tension in the actuator 140 and a mechanical stop 198 to maintain the actuator 140 in a disengaged configuration, other devices can also be used for the same purpose. For example, a spring can be used to provide a force to move the actuator 140 and a different type of mechanical stop 198 can be used.
Additionally in some embodiments, the lever 196 of the actuator 140 comprises a pad 161, for example, as shown in
Although a base 104 according to the invention can be made from various materials and using various processes, certain materials and manufacturing processes can be advantageous. For example, in one embodiment, the base 104 is made using an injection molding process. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the base 104 comprises, consists of, or consists essentially of a polymer (e.g., PE, PP, PVC, ABS, PS, PET, Nylon, PMMA, or blends thereof and/or metal (e.g., aluminum, tin, or steel.
Although the term head space can mean a volume of gas at the top of a container over a solid or liquid also stored in the container, as used herein, the term head space also refers generally to an undissolved gaseous phase in a container that will tend to move to the top of the container, even if, for example, as a result of a disturbance, the gaseous phase is not presently at the top of the container.
The following clauses are offered as further description of the disclosed invention:
1. A base for a container of a viscous product and a propellant; wherein the propellant forms a head space; wherein the container comprises a first portion and a second portion opposite the first portion of the container; wherein the second portion of the container comprises a dispenser; wherein, when the base and the container are in a storage configuration, the second portion of the container is adjacent to the base, the container rests on the base, the base rests on a surface, and the product and the propellant in the head space tend to move toward positions wherein the propellant in the head space is at a higher elevation than the product and the product is at a higher elevation than an inlet to the dispenser; said base comprising:
a first portion of the base, wherein the first portion of the base comprises a first end of the base;
a second portion of the base, wherein the second portion of the base comprises an integral second end of the base, and wherein the integral second end of the base is opposite the first end of the base;
a sidewall between the first end of the base and the integral second end of the base, wherein the sidewall comprises an interior surface of the sidewall; and
an interior of the base, wherein the interior of the base comprises the interior surface of the sidewall and any point between two points on the interior surface of the sidewall;
wherein the first end of the base comprises a first opening of the base;
wherein the integral second end of the base comprises a second opening of the base; and
wherein the sidewall comprises a window positioned to provide a line of sight from a point outside the base to the interior of the base.
2. The base of clause 1 or 16, further comprising:
a transparent material positioned to provide a line of sight from a point outside the base to the interior of the base while the base is joined to the container.
3. The base of clause 1 or 16, further comprising:
a translucent material positioned to provide a path for light to pass from a point outside the base to the interior of the base while the base is joined to the container.
4. The base of clause 1 or 16, further comprising:
a removable lid.
5. The base of clause 1 or 16, wherein the lid comprises a safety mechanism to prevent actuation of the dispenser while the lid is engaged with the base and the dispenser.
6. The base of clause 1 or 16, wherein the second portion of the base comprises the removable lid.
7. The base of clause 1 or 16, further comprising: an actuator for the dispenser.
8. The base of clause 1 or 16, further comprising:
a tamper-evident lid.
9. The base of clause 1 or 16, wherein the base is integral to the container.
10. The base of clause 1 or 16, wherein the base is removably fixed to the container.
11. The base of clause 1 or 16, wherein the second portion of the base is wider than the first portion of the base.
12. The base of clause 1 or 16, wherein the first portion of the base is removably fixed to the second portion of the container.
13. The base of clause 1 or 16, wherein the first portion of the base receives the second portion of the container through the first opening of the base.
14. The base of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the base comprises a lip.
15. The base of clause 1 or 16, wherein the integral second end of the base has a substantially continuous cross-section.
16. A base for a container of a viscous product and a propellant; wherein the propellant forms a head space; wherein the container comprises a first portion and a second portion opposite the first portion of the container; wherein the second portion of the container comprises a dispenser; wherein, when the base and the container are in a storage configuration, the second portion of the container is adjacent to the base, the container rests on the base, the base rests on a surface, and the product and the propellant in the head space tend to move toward positions wherein the propellant in the head space is at a higher elevation than the product and the product is at a higher elevation than an inlet to the dispenser; said base comprising:
a first portion of the base, wherein the first portion of the base comprises a first end of the base;
a second portion of the base, wherein the second portion of the base comprises an integral second end of the base, and wherein the integral second end of the base is opposite the first end of the base;
a sidewall between the first end and the integral second end, wherein the sidewall comprises an interior surface of the sidewall; and
an interior of the base, wherein the interior of the base comprises the interior surface of the sidewall and any point between two points on the interior surface of the sidewall;
wherein the first end of the base comprises a first opening of the base;
wherein the integral second end of the base comprises a second opening of the base; and
wherein the second portion of the base comprises a lid.
17. A method for storing and dispensing a viscous product; wherein the product and a propellant are stored in a container on a base; wherein the propellant forms a head space; wherein the container comprises a first portion and a second portion opposite the first portion of the container; wherein the second portion of the container comprises a dispenser; wherein the container is configured to dispense the product when the propellant in the head space is at a higher elevation than the product and the product is at a higher elevation than an inlet to the dispenser; wherein the base comprises a first portion and a second portion opposite the first portion of the base; wherein the first portion of the base comprises a first end of the base; wherein the second portion of the base comprises an integral second end of the base; and wherein the integral second end of the base is opposite the first end of the base; said method comprising:
storing the container in a storage configuration on the base; wherein the container rests on the base, the base rests on a surface, and the product and the propellant in the head space tend to move toward positions wherein the propellant in the head space is at a higher elevation than the product and the product is at a higher elevation than the inlet to the dispenser;
removing a lid from the base to expose the dispenser; and
dispensing the product.
18. The method of clause 17 or 31, further comprising:
moving a tamper evident seal into a configuration that indicates the container has been opened.
19. The method of clause 17 or 31, further comprising:
disengaging a safety mechanism.
20. The method of clause 17 or 31, further comprising:
pressing an actuator on the base to actuate the dispenser.
21. The method of clause 17 or 31, further comprising:
cleaning an interior of the base.
22. The method of clause 17 or 31, further comprising:
cleaning an interior of the base through an opening in a sidewall of the base.
23. The method of clause 17 or 31, further comprising:
cleaning an interior of the base through an opening in the second portion of the base.
24. The method of clause 17 or 31, further comprising:
lighting an interior of the base through a light-passing portion of the base, wherein the light-passing portion of the base is selected from the group consisting of an opening, a transparent portion, and a translucent portion.
25. The method of clause 17 or 31, further comprising:
applying a lid to the base.
26. The method of clause 17 or 31, further comprising:
engaging a safety mechanism on the base to prevent actuation of the dispenser.
27. The method of clause 17 or 31, further comprising:
positioning the base on a surface.
28. The method of clause 17 or 31, further comprising:
fixing the base to the container.
29. The method of clause 17 or 31, further comprising:
removing the base from the container.
30. The method of clause 17 or 31, further comprising:
removing the base from the container and fixing the base to another container.
31. A method for storing and dispensing a viscous product; wherein the product and a propellant are stored in a container on a base; wherein the propellant forms a headspace; wherein the container comprises a first portion and a second portion opposite the first portion of the container; wherein the second portion of the container comprises a dispenser; wherein the container is configured to dispense the product when the propellant in the head space is at a higher elevation than the product and the product is at a higher elevation than an inlet to the dispenser; wherein the base comprises a first portion and a second portion opposite the first portion of the base; wherein the first portion of the base comprises a first end of the base; wherein the second portion of the base comprises an integral second end of the base; and wherein the integral second end of the base is opposite the first end of the base; said method comprising:
storing the container in a storage configuration on the base, wherein the container rests on the base, the base rests on a surface, and the product and the propellant in the head space tend to move toward positions wherein the propellant in the head space is at a higher elevation than the product and the product is at a higher elevation than the inlet to the dispenser;
dispensing the product; and
viewing an interior of the base through a window in a sidewall of the base, wherein the window provides a line of sight from a point outside the base to the interior of the base.
While this invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3306252 | Knight | Feb 1967 | A |
| 3756514 | Brown | Sep 1973 | A |
| 3946911 | Morane | Mar 1976 | A |
| 5702036 | Ferrara, Jr. | Dec 1997 | A |
| 6113008 | Arsenault | Sep 2000 | A |
| 6491187 | Walters | Dec 2002 | B2 |
| 8496014 | Bown | Jul 2013 | B2 |
| 8733599 | Hornland | May 2014 | B2 |
| 20090140011 | Olson | Jun 2009 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20160304270 A1 | Oct 2016 | US |
