Patent Application
20240175602
The present invention relates generally to a container and system allowing for the heating of fluids outside of a conventional laboratory environment and, more specifically, a mass-produced bottle with a detachable cap and sidewalls designed to increase internal volume (in comparison to comparable, conventional bottles) with a shape that is conducive to attaching a heating element and to promoting fast and evenly distributed heating of the fluid in the bottle by that heating element.
Medical and chemical laboratories require heating fluids prior to testing or reacting those fluids. Normally, electrical or gas-flame heating elements can be employed by relying on a container with a flat bottom being placed atop a warming plate. Glassware, such as Erlenmeyer flasks and open beakers, are particularly well-suited insofar as both present large flat bottoms, thereby providing stability and a large heat transfer surface area. To the extent more even heating is desired, a mechanized or magnetized stir bar can be inserted through an open end of the container to mix the fluid as it is heated.
When tests and/or reactions must be conducted outside the confines of a standard laboratory setting, portable test kits that do not rely on electricity and/or gas-flame heating are needed. Often, these kits must also be light-weight and cost effective kit, meaning comparatively heavy batteries and/or heating apparatus are not favored, and single use heating pouches (driven by exothermic chemical reactions) may be viable options. Similarly, in place of heavy glass or metallic containers, portable kits need to rely on light-weight, disposable, and/or inexpensive polymeric vessels that are chemically inert and heat tolerant, such as those made from polypropylene and/or polyethylene.
Particularly when blow-molded molded, polymeric containers often tend rounded edges and circular or extremely curved shapes (i.e., front, back, and left and right sides). Irrespective of the reasons why these features are included, these features tend to make the container volumetrically inefficient. Nevertheless, these bottles are often found in test kits owing to their low cost and seemingly ubiquitous nature.
In view of the foregoing, there is a need for a specially designed polymeric bottle for use in portable test kits and other instances where a mobile and disposable heating source is supplied. Specifically, the container should be shaped in a manner that allows for a heating element to be coupled securely, quickly, and in a manner that still allows for efficient heat transfer. The resulting system finds utility in the heating of reagents prior to or as part of chemical analyses, assays, or other procedures that cannot be conducted in a laboratory environment.
A sample bottle has employs opposing, comparatively flat (or slightly bowed) facings that allow for a pouch-style heating element to be held along the major surfaces thereof. Complimentary and symmetric sidewalls are coupled with pronounced, “sharper” corners in comparison to conventional containers. A threaded neck is positioned atop the container to allow for the use of a removable cap.
The sidewalls impart an hour-glass or “pinched waist” shape when viewed from the front and back facings. The sidewalls will terminate in rounded corners at the top and bottom of each of the front and back facings where the radius of curvature for each is substantially the same, with the value falling between one quarter and one half the inner diameter of the opening in the container neck. The narrow midsection constituting the pinched waist has a transverse length that is between 60 to 80% of the maximum width in the bulging sections immediately above and below the pinched waist. Notably, the radius of curvature at the pinched waist will be similar (+/−10%) to the curvature radius imparted at each of the eight corners previously noted.
Further, the front and back facings that connect these sidewalls will have a slightly bowed or curving profile when seen in the top view. That is, the radius of curvature is significantly larger than the radius along the inner diameter of the opening at the neck. In some aspects, the radius of curvature for the front and back facings will be identical to one another and at least two to four times longer, preferably between nine to ten times longer, and up to twenty times longer as the corresponding curvature radius of that opening. While flat front and back facings are viable, such facings are difficult to obtain via the preferred molding processes noted herein. Further, it will be understood the thickness of the walls throughout the container will be less than one tenth the inner diameter of the opening and more preferably between one twentieth and one tenth thereof, with the further understanding that thinned walls are preferred to reduce costs and to facilitate heat transfer through the polymeric material.
The foregoing dimensions and comparative relationships produce a container having a distinctive and volumetrically efficient shape. Further, the pinched waist allows for attachment of one or more flat or pouch-like heating element(s) having a complimentary shape, i.e., an hour-glass or pinched waist profile conforming to the dimensions and/or shape of the front/back facing. In another aspect, the flat/pouch element(s) can be rectangular with a height that is less than or equal to the axial height of the main container chamber and a width that is less than or equal to the curved surface length between the most narrow point of the bottle (i.e., at the pinched waist). An optional elastic band, belt, string, or other coupling means conforms to the circumferential length of the pinched waist to allow for the heating element(s) to be coupled to the container so as to maintain and maximize heating (after the elements are activated). However, the attachment mechanism preferably still allows for some communication or flow of fluid between the top and bottom portions of the element so as to allow or full and complete reactions to occur (i.e., the inner diameter of attachment mechanism is larger than the circumferential surface length at the pinched waist but smaller than the maximum circumferential surface length above and below the pinched waist).
Taken together, the resulting bottle and heating element(s) provide for a low-cost system in which fluid can be deposited and heated, all for the purposes noted herein, while the pinched waist container itself is more volumetrically efficient and better suited to the purpose of heating the fluid contained in it (when heat is applied from the front and/or back facings). Because the heating elements are held on one or both sides of the container, the surface area for heating is maximized, without the difficulties (in terms of sizing the heating elements, as well as providing for a means by which those elements remain attached and in good contact with the outer surface of the container) that might be encountered if a container was a circular cylinder.
Further reference should be made to the appended information, including any and all claims, drawings, and description, which disclose certain aspects of the invention. While specific embodiments are identified, it will be understood that elements from one described aspect may be combined with those from a separately identified aspect. In the same manner, a person of ordinary skill will have the requisite understanding of common processes, components, and methods, and this description is intended to encompass and disclose such common aspects even if they are not expressly identified herein.
Operation and further understanding of all the various aspects of this invention may be better understood by reference to the drawings, in which:
The following description and any reference to the drawings and claims are merely exemplary, and nothing should limit alternatives and modifications that may be possible while adhering to the spirit and scope of the invention. Also, the drawings form part of this specification, and any written information in the drawings should be treated as part of this disclosure. In the same manner, the relative positioning and relationship of the components as shown in these drawings, as well as their function, shape, dimensions, and appearance, may all further inform certain aspects of the invention as if fully rewritten herein.
As used herein, the words “example” and “exemplary” mean an instance, or illustration. The words “example” or “exemplary” do not indicate a key or preferred aspect or embodiment. The word “or” is intended to be inclusive rather an exclusive, unless context suggests otherwise. As an example, the phrase “A employs B or C,” includes any inclusive permutation (e.g., A employs B; A employs C; or A employs both B and C). As another matter, the articles “a” and “an” are generally intended to mean “one or more” unless context suggest otherwise.
The invention described herein comprises a container with a removable and resealable cap, connected by threads, snap-fittings, a living hinge, a tether, or other similar engagement mechanisms, with the cap potentially having tamper evidence and/or child resistant features. The shape of the container can conform to a heating element in two significant regards: 1) the front and back facings are smooth so as to maintain regular contact along a large surface area, and 2) the flat and angled sidewalls receive an attachment implement (e.g., an elastic band) while substantially eliminating most curvature, resulting in a sharper corner that is more volumetrically efficient. By coupling the heating element along most of the entire vertical facing, heating of the fluid occurs along a larger surface area represented by the front and/or back curved surfaces of the bottle (as compared to hot plates where heat transfer is necessarily limited to the comparatively smaller area of the container bottom). Also, by heating in a vertical plane, thermal energy can be distributed in a more efficient manner, insofar as the heat gradients and the action of gravity may induce natural mixing patterns without reliance on mechanical stirring.
With reference to
The container 10 includes four major axial facings (front 20a, back 20b, and sidewalls 30a, 30b) along with a substantially flat bottom 13 and a top 11 configured to accommodate the aforementioned, protruding neck 12. When bisected along centerline transverse (or lengthwise) plane A-A, front and back facings 20a, 20b have identical, mirror-image three-dimensional shapes. When bisected along centerline axial (or widthwise) plane B-B, the sidewalls also have identical, mirror-image three-dimensional shapes. Notably, planes A-A and B-B will intersect along the central axis defining the height of the container and around which the container 10 can be rotated.
Facings 20 connected to side walls 30 (also identically formed) by way of transitional connectors 24. Connectors 24a are discrete curved wall sections that transition from the facings 20a, 20b to the sidewalls 30a, 30b. Similarly, connectors 24b span the facings 20 to the top 11 and connectors 24c serve a similar purpose with the bottom 13. Each of the curved connectors 24a, 24b, 24c connects to the major facings (front 20a and back 20b) to the sidewall facings 30a, 30b, top 11, or bottom 13 (respectively speaking).
Similarly, eight separate radiused corners or edges 27 are provided. The radius of curvature CCR of corners 27 will be approximately the same as the radius of curvature WCR at the pinched waist, which in each case is smaller than the radius along the inner diameter T of the container neck 12. In preferred aspects the curvature radii of corners 27 and waist 25 will be at least one quarter to one half of the diameter T, with specific and most preferred values shown in Table 1 below. Conversely, radii CCR and WCR will be significantly less than the curvature radii FCR of the front/back facings, typically by about an order of magnitude or more. As noted above, these comparatively small radii 27 enable better volumetric utilization of the container 10 while still residing within the ability to blow mold the container itself.
The sidewalls 30a, 30b should be comparatively flat, particularly in view of the bowed facings 20a, 20b (with reference to the top and bottom plan views), although the flattened section of sidewall will cover a surface and transverse width (i.e., the vertical run of the sidewalls as shown in
In some aspects, the sidewalls 30 could be slightly curved, so long as the shape of the front and back facings are exactly identical. In this manner, the side walls will still possess a smooth flat appearance along all horizontal planes from top to bottom.
The facings 20a and 20b should be smooth and capable of allowing a flexible heating element to conform easily thereto, without wrinkles or separation (as might be caused by a circular cylinder). As such, the surface and transverse lengths of the facings 20a, 20b provide significantly larger surface area for heating, making the container 10 ideal for combination with heating elements 40. Pinched waist 25 further facilitates positioning of the connection implement to hold the heating elements 40 securely in place.
The container 10 can be sterilized and packaged in a manner to preserve their integrity. However, moisture is not as significant of a concern, so there may not be a need to rely on the foil/moisture-proof packaging.
The container 10 may be formed as an integral element by way of a single step molding. High density polyethylene is particularly amenable to such manufacturing, and it exhibits appropriate chemical compatibility, heat transfer, and thermal tolerance to withstand the uses contemplated herein, although low density polyethylene may also be useful for its higher resilience. The cap/closure can be formed in the same manner and from the same or similarly moldable materials.
With reference to
In either instance, the pouch 40 encloses a plurality (i.e., at least two) compartments separated by a frangible element/seal. When the frangible seal is positioned at or near the pinched waist, the shape of the upper chamber coupled with the force of gravity funnels the reactants in the lower chamber to insure complete and efficient mixing and use (conversely, the flexible and resilient nature of the panels 41 and/or sidewalls 42 will allow a user to mix, knead, or otherwise “work” the contents of the compartments into a mixing zone. When broken, the frangible seal allows the components of each compartment to mix.
These compartments are filled with separate reactants specifically selected and sized to drive an exothermic (heating) or endothermic (cooling) reaction. Examples of common combinations include aqueous and/or saturated solutions including salts of acetates, chlorides, or sulfates (for heating) and ammonium salts (for cooling). The exterior of the pouch will be a durable yet flexible material, such as foil, polymer, or combination, while the inner seal is effectively a frangible dam or barrier that is designed to break when the pouch is flexed.
The panels of the pouch may be heated sealed at their edges while the reactants are positioned in between in order to create heating element 40. Alternatively, one or both sets of reactants may be pre-packaged in their own, individual frangible pouches or containers that are captured between the panels during the sealing process, as this arrangement eliminates the need for a separate frangible dam/seal inside the pouch. One or two sidewalls could be provided as part of the pouch, although this would increase the number of components and sealing/manufacturing steps.
The band or attachment mechanism 50 holds the element 40 to the container 10. Band 50 can be made from an elastic material, such as rubber or resilient woven fabrics, that is selected temporarily expand to fit over the bottle and heating elements. The resilient nature of the band 50 causes the element 40 conform to the bottle surfaces while remaining positioned proximate the pinched waist. In other aspects, the band 50 could be a cord, thread, or zip tie, all of which are capable of being tied or attached to constrict the heating element and container in the same manner as as an elastic band.
Turning to
It will also be understood that the pinched waists 25, 45 enable elastic bands to be used with ease, meaning a user can comfortably and easily position the heating element(s) 40 and slip the band 50 around the container 10 and the element 40 so that the band naturally seats at the waist 25 without significant effort. Equally important, the waist 25 insures the combination remains in place and maintains good contact along the entire surface area of facing 20a and/or 20b (relative to panel 41). In contrast, conventional containers lacking the angled waist shown and contemplated herein may lead to the container 10 “slipping out” or to difficulties in establishing and maintaining good contact. Thus, it will be understood that the constricted (i.e., minimum) inner diameter of the mechanism or band 50 will be slightly larger than circumference of/at the pinched waist 25; however, the mechanism/band 50 will be sufficiently elastic to over the maximum circumference of the bottle above and/or below the waist 25 (or the mechanism 50 will be capable of being positioned as a single element at the waist 25 and then coupled or tied to itself).
With regard to the latter, the pinched waist 25, facings 20a, 20b, sidewalls 30a, 30b, top 11, and bottom 13 create an effectively octahedral container with eight discrete major surfaces (front, back, two on each side above and below the waist, the top and the bottom, although these may be connected at their various intersections by rounded shoulders and/or curving transitions). Further, the specific and nearly matching radii of curvature at the two pinched waist sites and the eight corners allow for volumetric efficiency, while the much larger radius of curvature (if present) for the major front and back facings still allows for blow molding and providing a surface to which the heating elements can easily conform. In total, these features enable a unique and novel structure that is ideal for use in heating fluids in a container that may be mass produced, disposable, optionally sterilized, and cost effective.
As contemplated herein, the radius of curvature is denoted as the radius of a circle that substantially conforms to the curve/curvature in question. Thus, with reference to
Although the present embodiments have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to just the embodiments disclosed, and numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions are also contemplated. The exemplary embodiment has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, but further modifications and alterations encompass the preceding detailed description. These modifications and alterations also fall within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.
This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/428,218 filed on Nov. 28, 2022, which is incorporated by reference herein.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63428218 | Nov 2022 | US |
