Patent Application
20060286319
The invention generally relates to labels. For example, labels that reduce heat transfer to contents of beverage bottles are described.
A beverage bottle is often used for containing a beverage such as beer. Such a beverage bottle is typically kept in a refrigerator or a cooler prior to consumption, since many consumers prefer to drink cold beer. However, after the beverage bottle is removed from the refrigerator or the cooler, beer that is contained within the beverage bottle undesirably begins to warm.
Heat transfer can occur from an outside environment to contents of a beverage bottle via different modes. Typically, a primary mode of heat transfer is by conduction. In particular, if an object at a higher temperature is in contact with the beverage bottle, heat can be conducted from the object to the beverage bottle. Thus, for example, when a consumer holds the beverage bottle, heat can be conducted from the consumer's hand to the beverage bottle, thus undesirably warming beer that is contained within the beverage bottle. Other modes of heat transfer can also play a role in warming the contents of the beverage bottle. For example, convection from air surrounding the beverage bottle as well as radiation from sunlight or another light source can further accelerate warming of the contents of the beverage bottle.
It is against this background that a need arose to develop the labels for beverage bottles described herein.
In one aspect, the invention relates to a beverage container. In one embodiment, the beverage container includes a beverage bottle and a label adjacent to the beverage bottle and including a set of microcapsules that contain a phase change material. The phase change material has a latent heat of at least 40 J/g and a transition temperature in the range of 0° C. to 40° C. The phase change material provides thermal regulation based on at least one of absorption and release of the latent heat at the transition temperature.
In another embodiment, the beverage container includes a body portion having an outer surface and defining an internal compartment to contain a beverage. The beverage container also includes a label adjacent to the outer surface of the body portion and including a substrate and a coating covering at least a portion of the substrate. The coating includes a binder and a set of microcapsules dispersed in the binder, and the set of microcapsules contain a phase change material having a latent heat in the range of 40 J/g to 400 J/g and a transition temperature in the range of 0° C. to 100° C.
In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of providing thermal regulation. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a beverage bottle to contain a beverage. The method also includes providing a label including a set of microcapsules that contain a phase change material. The phase change material has a latent heat of at least 40 J/g and a transition temperature in the range of 0° C. to 37° C. The method further includes coupling the label to the beverage bottle, such that the phase change material reduces warming of the beverage based on at least one of absorption and release of the latent heat at the transition temperature.
Other aspects and embodiments of the invention are also contemplated. For example, other aspects of the invention relate to a label for a beverage bottle, a method of forming such a label, and a method of forming a beverage container that includes such a label. The foregoing summary and the following detailed description are not meant to restrict the invention to any particular embodiment but are merely meant to describe some embodiments of the invention.
For a better understanding of the nature and objects of some embodiments of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Embodiments of the invention relate to labels for beverage bottles. Labels in accordance with various embodiments of the invention can provide thermal regulation by reducing heat transfer between an outside environment and contents of beverage bottles. In particular, the labels can include phase change materials, so that the labels have the ability to absorb or release heat to reduce or eliminate heat transfer. In such manner, the contents of the beverage bottles can be maintained at a desired temperature or within a desired range of temperatures for a prolonged period of time. In conjunction with providing thermal regulation, the labels can provide other desired functionality, such as serving as a display element to convey information related to the beverage bottles.
The following definitions apply to some of the elements described with respect to some embodiments of the invention. These definitions may likewise be expanded upon herein.
As used herein, the singular terms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a phase change material can include multiple phase change materials unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
As used herein, the term “set” refers to a collection of one or more elements. Thus, for example, a set of microcapsules can include a single microcapsule or multiple microcapsules. Elements of a set can also be referred to as members of the set. Elements of a set can be the same or different. In some instances, elements of a set can share one or more common characteristics.
As used herein, the term “adjacent” refers to being near or adjoining. Objects that are adjacent can be spaced apart from one another or can be in actual or direct contact with one another. In some instances, objects that are adjacent can be coupled to one another or can be formed integrally with one another.
As used herein, the terms “integral” and “integrally” refer to a non-discrete portion of an object. Thus, for example, a beverage bottle including a neck portion and a body portion that is formed integrally with the neck portion can refer to an implementation of the beverage bottle in which the neck portion and the body portion are formed as a monolithic unit. An integrally formed portion of an object can differ from one that is coupled to the object, since the integrally formed portion of the object typically does not form an interface with a remaining portion of the object.
As used herein, the term “size” refers to a largest dimension of an object. Thus, for example, a size of a spheroid can refer to a major axis of the spheroid. As another example, a size of a sphere can refer to a diameter of the sphere.
As used herein, the term “latent heat” refers to an amount of heat absorbed or released by a substance (or a mixture of substances) as it undergoes a transition between two states. Thus, for example, a latent heat can refer to an amount of heat that is absorbed or released as a substance (or a mixture of substances) undergoes a transition between a liquid state and a solid state, a liquid state and a gaseous state, a solid state and a gaseous state, or two solid states.
As used herein, the term “transition temperature” refers to a temperature at which a substance (or a mixture of substances) undergoes a transition between two states. Thus, for example, a transition temperature can refer to a temperature at which a substance (or a mixture of substances) undergoes a transition between a liquid state and a solid state, a liquid state and a gaseous state, a solid state and a gaseous state, or two solid states.
As used herein, the term “phase change material” refers to a substance (or a mixture of substances) that has the capability of absorbing or releasing heat to reduce or eliminate heat transfer at or within a temperature stabilizing range. A temperature stabilizing range can include a specific transition temperature or a range of transition temperatures. In some instances, a phase change material can be capable of inhibiting heat transfer during a period of time when the phase change material is absorbing or releasing heat, typically as the phase change material undergoes a transition between two states. This action is typically transient and will occur until a latent heat of the phase change material is absorbed or released during a heating or cooling process. Heat can be stored or removed from a phase change material, and the phase change material typically can be effectively recharged by a source of heat or cold. For certain implementations, a phase change material can be a solid/solid phase change material. A solid/solid phase change material is a type of phase change material that typically undergoes a transition between two solid states, such as via a crystalline or mesocrystalline phase transformation, and hence typically does not become a liquid during use. For certain implementations, a phase change material can be a mixture of two or more substances. By selecting two or more different substances and forming a mixture, a temperature stabilizing range can be adjusted for any desired application. The resulting mixture can exhibit two or more different transition temperatures or a single modified transition temperature when incorporated in a label described herein.
Examples of phase change materials include a variety of organic and inorganic substances, such as hydrocarbons (e.g., straight chain alkanes or paraffinic hydrocarbons, branched-chain alkanes, unsaturated hydrocarbons, halogenated hydrocarbons, and alicyclic hydrocarbons), hydrated salts (e.g., calcium chloride hexahydrate, calcium bromide hexahydrate, magnesium nitrate hexahydrate, lithium nitrate trihydrate, potassium fluoride tetrahydrate, ammonium alum, magnesium chloride hexahydrate, sodium carbonate decahydrate, disodium phosphate dodecahydrate, sodium sulfate decahydrate, and sodium acetate trihydrate), waxes, oils, water, fatty acids, fatty acid esters, dibasic acids, dibasic esters, 1-halides, primary alcohols, aromatic compounds, clathrates, semi-clathrates, gas clathrates, anhydrides (e.g., stearic anhydride), ethylene carbonate, polyhydric alcohols (e.g., 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediol, 2-hydroxymethyl-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, ethylene glycol, pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol, pentaglycerine, tetramethylol ethane, neopentyl glycol, tetramethylol propane, 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, monoaminopentaerythritol, diaminopentaerythritol, and tris(hydroxymethyl)acetic acid), metals, and mixtures thereof.
As used herein, the term “polymer” refers to a substance (or a mixture of substances) that includes a set of macromolecules. Macromolecules included in a polymer can be the same or can differ from one another in some fashion. A macromolecule can have any of a variety of skeletal structures, and can include one or more types of monomer units. In particular, a macromolecule can have a skeletal structure that is linear or non-linear. Examples of non-linear skeletal structures include branched skeletal structures, such those that are star branched, comb branched, or dendritic branched, and network skeletal structures. A macromolecule included in a homopolymer typically includes one type of monomer unit, while a macromolecule included in a copolymer typically includes two or more types of monomer units. Examples of copolymers include statistical copolymers, random copolymers, alternating copolymers, periodic copolymers, block copolymers, radial copolymers, and graft copolymers. In some instances, a reactivity and a functionality of a polymer can be altered by addition of a functional group such as an amine, an amide, a carboxyl, a hydroxyl, an ester, an ether, an epoxide, an anhydride, an isocyanate, a silane, a ketone, an aldehyde, or an unsaturated group. Also, a polymer can be capable of cross-linking, entanglement, or hydrogen bonding in order to increase its mechanical strength or its resistance to degradation under ambient or processing conditions.
Examples of polymers include polyamides, polyamines, polyimides, polyacrylics (e.g., polyacrylamide, polyacrylonitrile, and esters of methacrylic acid and acrylic acid), polycarbonates (e.g., polybisphenol A carbonate and polypropylene carbonate), polydienes (e.g., polybutadiene, polyisoprene, and polynorbornene), polyepoxides, polyesters (e.g., polycaprolactone, polyethylene adipate, polybutylene adipate, polypropylene succinate, polyesters based on terephthalic acid, and polyesters based on phthalic acid), polyethers (e.g., polyethylene glycol or polyethylene oxide, polybutylene glycol, polypropylene oxide, polyoxymethylene or paraformaldehyde, polytetramethylene ether or polytetrahydrofuran, and polyepichlorohydrin), polyfluorocarbons, formaldehyde polymers (e.g., urea-formaldehyde, melamine-formaldehyde, and phenol formaldehyde), natural polymers (e.g., cellulosics, chitosans, lignins, and waxes), polyolefins (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene, polybutene, and polyoctene), polyphenylenes, silicon containing polymers (e.g., polydimethyl siloxane and polycarbomethyl silane), polyurethanes, polyvinyls (e.g., polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl alcohol, esters and ethers of polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, polystyrene, polymethylstyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl pryrrolidone, polymethyl vinyl ether, polyethyl vinyl ether, and polyvinyl methyl ketone), polyacetals, polyarylates, alkyd based polymers (e.g., polymers based on glyceride oil), copolymers (e.g., polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate and polyethylene-co-acrylic acid), and mixtures thereof.
Attention first turns to
In the illustrated embodiment, the beverage bottle 102 is implemented to contain a beverage 106, which can be, for example, an alcoholic beverage such as beer. As can be appreciated, beer is a type of alcoholic beverage that is produced from fermentation of grains, such as malted barley, and is typically flavored with hops. Examples of beer include lager, ale, porter, and stout. Referring to
As illustrated in
In the illustrated embodiment, the label 104 is formed so as to include a phase change material, which serves to absorb or release heat to reduce or eliminate heat transfer across the label 104. Thus, for example, as a consumer holds the beverage container 100 during use, the phase change material can absorb heat that would otherwise be conducted from the consumer's hand to the beverage 106. In such manner, the beverage 106 can be maintained at a relatively low temperature or a relatively low range of temperatures for a prolonged period of time. Advantageously, the use of the phase change material allows the label 104 to provide thermal regulation on an “as-needed” basis. In particular, since the consumer may intermittently hold the beverage container 100, the phase change material can absorb heat primarily during those periods of time when the consumer is actually holding the beverage container 100. The phase change material can then release heat back to the outside environment during those periods of time when the consumer is not actually holding the beverage container 100.
The use of specific materials and other specific implementation features can further enhance thermal regulating characteristics of the label 104. For example, as further described below, a transition temperature, a loading level, and positioning of the phase change material can contribute to the thermal regulating characteristics of the label 104. As another example, dimensions of the label 104 can be selected so as to provide sufficient coverage of the outer surface 118 of the beverage bottle 102. Referring to
The foregoing provides a general overview of an embodiment of the invention. Attention next turns to
In the illustrated embodiment, the first layer 202 is implemented as a film or a sheet, and is formed of any suitable material, such as a fibrous material or a polymer. Thus, for example, the first layer 202 can be formed of a paper, a polyester, a polyolefin such as polyethylene or polypropylene, or a polyvinyl. The selection of a material forming the first layer 202 can be dependent upon other considerations, such as its ability to facilitate formation of the second layer 204, its ability to reduce or eliminate heat transfer, its flexibility, its film-forming or sheet-forming ability, its resistance to degradation under ambient or processing conditions, and its mechanical strength. As illustrated in
As illustrated in
In the illustrated embodiment, the second layer 204 is formed of a binder 210 and a set of microcapsules 212 that are dispersed in the binder 210. The binder 210 can be any suitable material that serves as a matrix within which the microcapsules 212 are dispersed, and that couples the microcapsules 212 to the first layer 202. The binder 210 can provide other desired functionality, such as offering a degree of protection to the microcapsules 212 against ambient or processing conditions or against abrasion or wear during use. For example, the binder 210 can be a polymer or an ink medium used in certain printing techniques. The selection of the binder 210 can be dependent upon other considerations, such as based on its affinity for the microcapsules 212, its ability to reduce or eliminate heat transfer, its flexibility, its coating-forming ability, its resistance to degradation under ambient or processing conditions, and its mechanical strength. Thus, for example, the binder 210 can be selected based on its affinity for the microcapsules 212 so as to facilitate dispersion of the microcapsules 212 within the binder 210. Such affinity can be dependent upon, for example, similarity in polarities, hydrophobic characteristics, or hydrophilic characteristics of the binder 210 and a material forming the microcapsules 212. For example, the binder 210 can be selected to be the same as or similar to a material forming the microcapsules 212. Advantageously, such affinity can facilitate incorporation of a higher loading level as well as a more uniform distribution of the microcapsules 212 within the second layer 204. In addition, a smaller amount of the binder 210 can be required to incorporate a desired loading level of the microcapsules 212, thus allowing for a reduced thickness of the second layer 204 and improved flexibility of the label 200.
Referring to
The selection of the phase change material can be dependent upon a latent heat and a transition temperature of the phase change material. A latent heat of the phase change material typically correlates with its ability to reduce or eliminate heat transfer. In some instances, the phase change material can have a latent heat that is at least about 40 J/g, such as at least about 50 J/g, at least about 60 J/g, at least about 70 J/g, at least about 80 J/g, at least about 90 J/g, or at least about 100 J/g. Thus, for example, the phase change material can have a latent heat ranging from about 40 J/g to about 400 J/g, such as from about 60 J/g to about 400 J/g, from about 80 J/g to about 400 J/g, or from about 100 J/g to about 400 J/g. A transition temperature of the phase change material typically correlates with a desired temperature or a desired range of temperatures that can be maintained by the phase change material. In some instances, the phase change material can have a transition temperature ranging from about 0° C. to about 100° C., such as from about 0° C. to about 50° C., from about 0° C. to about 40° C., or from about 0° C. to about 37° C. For maintaining a beverage at relatively low temperatures for a prolonged period of time, it has been discovered that a transition temperature that is within a specific range below normal skin temperature can be particularly desirable. In particular, a transition temperature desirably ranges from about 25° C. to about 35° C., such as from about 27° C. to about 29° C. The selection of the phase change material can be dependent upon other considerations, such as its reactivity or lack of reactivity with a material forming the microcapsules 212 and its resistance to degradation under ambient or processing conditions.
For certain implementations, the phase change material can include a paraffinic hydrocarbon having n carbon atoms, namely a Cn paraffinic hydrocarbon with n being a positive integer. Table 1 provides a list of C14-C20 paraffinic hydrocarbons that can be used as the phase change material. As can be appreciated, the number of carbon atoms of a paraffinic hydrocarbon typically correlates with its melting point. For example, n-Eicosane, which includes 20 straight chain carbon atoms per molecule, has a melting point of 36.8° C. By comparison, n-Tetradecane, which includes 14 straight chain carbon atoms per molecule, has a melting point of 5.9° C.
Depending upon specific characteristics desired for the label 200, the second layer 204 can cover from about 1 to about 100 percent of the top surface 206 of the first layer 202. Thus, for example, the second layer 204 can cover from about 20 to about 100 percent, from about 50 to about 100 percent, or from about 80 to about 100 percent of the top surface 206. When thermal regulating characteristics of the label 200 are a controlling consideration, the second layer 204 can cover a larger percentage of the top surface 206. On the other hand, when other characteristics of the label 200 are a controlling consideration, the second layer 204 can cover a smaller percentage of the top surface 206. Alternatively, or in conjunction, when balancing thermal regulating and other characteristics of the label 200, it can be desirable to adjust a thickness of the second layer 204 or a loading level of the microcapsules 212 within the second layer 204.
For certain implementations, the second layer 204 can have a loading level of the microcapsules 212 ranging from about 1 to about 100 percent by dry weight of the microcapsules 212. Thus, for example, the second layer 204 can have a loading level ranging from about 20 to about 80 percent, from about 20 to about 50 percent, or from about 25 to about 35 percent by dry weight of the microcapsules 212. When thermal regulating characteristics of the label 200 are a controlling consideration, the second layer 204 can have a higher loading level of the microcapsules 212. On the other hand, when other characteristics of the label 200 are a controlling consideration, the second layer 204 can have a lower loading level of the microcapsules 212. Alternatively, or in conjunction, when balancing thermal regulating and other characteristics of the label 200, it can be desirable to adjust a thickness of the second layer 204 or a percentage of the top surface 206 that is covered by the second layer 204. It is also contemplated that the second layer 204 can be formed so as to include an additional set of microcapsules (not illustrated in
In some instances, the second layer 204 can be formed so as to provide substantially uniform characteristics across the top surface 206 of the first layer 202. Thus, as illustrated in
During formation of the label 200, an aqueous or non-aqueous blend can be formed by mixing the binder 210 with the microcapsules 212, which can be provided in a dry, powdered form. In some instances, a set of additives can be added when forming the blend. For example, a surfactant can be added to decrease interfacial surface tension and to promote wetting of the microcapsules 212, or a dispersant can be added to promote uniform dispersion or incorporation of a higher loading level of the microcapsules 212. As another example, a thickener can be added to adjust a viscosity of the blend, or an anti-foam agent can be added to remove any trapped air bubbles that are formed during mixing. Once formed, the blend can be applied to or deposited on the top surface 206 of the first layer 202 using any suitable coating or printing technique. Thus, for example, the blend can be applied using roll coating, such as direct gravure coating, reverse gravure coating, differential offset gravure coating, or reverse roll coating; screen coating; spray coating, such as air atomized spraying, airless atomized spraying, or electrostatic spraying; extrusion coating; or transfer coating. After the blend is applied to the top surface 206, the blend can be cured, dried, cross-linked, reacted, or solidified to form the second layer 204.
Once formed, the label 200 can be coupled to a beverage bottle using any suitable fastening mechanism, such as using a pressure-sensitive adhesive. In particular, the label 200 can be positioned so that the second layer 204 is adjacent to an outer surface of the beverage bottle. Such positioning is desirable so as to offer a degree of protection to the microcapsules 212 against ambient or processing conditions or against abrasion or wear during use. However, it is contemplated that the label 200 can be positioned so that the second layer 204 is exposed to an outside environment.
The following example describes specific features of an embodiment of the invention to illustrate and provide a description for those of ordinary skill in the art. The example should not be construed as limiting the invention, as the example merely provides specific methodology useful in understanding and practicing one embodiment of the invention.
Five different labels for glass bottles were provided. Two of these labels, namely label A and label B, were formed so as to include microcapsules containing a phase change material. In particular, label A was formed with a coating that included about 50% by dry weight of the microcapsules, while label B was formed with a coating that included about 30% by dry weight of the microcapsules. The remaining three labels, namely label C, label D, and label E, lacked the microcapsules and served as control labels. In particular, label C was a plain, 360° wrap label, label D was a plain, pressure-sensitive label, and label E was a standard, non-360° wrap label. These labels were coupled to respective glass bottles, and the glass bottles were then filled with substantially equal amounts of water.
Temperature measurements of contents of the glass bottles were made in accordance with a test protocol, which involved intermittently holding the glass bottles to simulate conditions during use. In particular, the test protocol involved alternating a “hands-on” period of about 10 seconds and a “hands-off” period of about 20 seconds for a total duration of up to about 30 minutes. Referring to
One of ordinary skill in the art requires no additional explanation in developing the labels described herein but may nevertheless find some helpful guidance regarding formation of microcapsules by examining the following references: Tsuei et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,589,194, entitled “Method of Encapsulation and Microcapsules Produced Thereby;” Tsuei, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,953, entitled “Microcapsules and Methods for Making Same;” Hatfield, U.S. Pat. No. 4,708,812, entitled “Encapsulation of Phase Change Materials;” and Chen et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,505,953, entitled “Method for Preparing Encapsulated Phase Change Materials;” the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties.
While the invention has been described with reference to the specific embodiments thereof, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation, material, composition of matter, method, operation or operations, to the objective, spirit and scope of the invention. All such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the claims appended hereto. In particular, while the methods disclosed herein may have been described with reference to particular operations performed in a particular order, it will be understood that these operations may be combined, sub-divided, or re-ordered to form an equivalent method without departing from the teachings of the invention. Accordingly, unless specifically indicated herein, the order and grouping of the operations is not a limitation of the invention.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/692,747, filed on Jun. 21, 2005, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60692747 | Jun 2005 | US |
