JP2019514795A - Changes in the mouth of carbonated beverages - Google Patents

Abstract

  An apparatus and method is provided for a spout that defines an opening into the interior of the container and is configured to substantially reduce foaming of the contents when the container is opened. The mouth comprises a cylindrical body having a peripheral edge at the opposite end of which the first edge and the second edge are arranged. The first edge defines a first opening and is configured to receive a container cap. The second edge defines a second opening and is configured to receive the neck of the container. The first opening and the second opening are in fluid communication. The outer peripheral thread is configured to rotatably engage the thread of the container cap. The at least one notch is disposed at the first edge and comprises a cross-sectional shape appropriately formed to reduce foaming of the contents during loosening of the container cap.

Description

  This application claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part of US patent application Ser. No. 15 / 134,264, filed Apr. 20, 2016, filed Nov. 13, 2014. "Carbonated Soft Drink Finish Modification" filed on Nov. 11, 2015 claiming the benefit of and priority to US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 079,431 entitled "Carbonated Soft Drink Finish Modification" Claims the benefit of US patent application Ser. No. 14 / 938,596. The entire contents of each of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.

  The field of the invention relates generally to plastic containers. In particular, the field of the invention relates to an apparatus and method for reducing the frothing generated in carbonated beverage containers.

  Plastic containers have been used in the beverage packaging for decades for glass or metal containers. The most common plastic used to make beverage containers is polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Containers made of PET are transparent and thin-walled, and their contents can maintain their shape by resisting the forces exerted on the walls of the container. Furthermore, PET resins are affordable and easy to process. PET bottles are generally manufactured by a process that involves blow molding of a plastic preform formed by injection molding of a PET resin.

  A disadvantage of plastic containers is that in containers containing carbonated content, the contents may bubble to the consumer when the container is first opened. In some cases, the contents of the container may foam so much that it spills over consumer clothes or nearby furniture. Another disadvantage of plastic containers is that the carbon dioxide content in the container must be limited to accommodate the foaming properties of the carbonated liquid. Effectively limiting the carbon dioxide content shortens the life of the carbonate content flavor profile. Therefore, there is a need for an apparatus and method for reducing the foaming properties of a bottled carbonated content so that the flavor profile of the bottled carbonated content can be extended by increasing the carbon dioxide content. is there.

  An apparatus and method is provided for a spout that defines an opening into the interior of the container and is configured to substantially reduce foaming of the contents when the container is opened. The mouth comprises a cylindrical body with a peripheral edge at the opposite end of which the first edge and the second edge are arranged. The first edge defines a first opening and is configured to receive a container cap. In general, the first edge is configured to receive the seal of the container cap. The second edge defines a second opening and is configured to receive the neck of the container. The first opening and the second opening are in fluid communication. One or more threads on the outside of the rim are configured to rotatably engage one or more threads on the container cap. At least one notch is disposed at a first edge of the peripheral edge of the first opening and has a cross-sectional shape appropriately shaped to substantially reduce frothing of the contents. In one embodiment, the first edge comprises two notches located on either side of the first opening, the cross-sectional shape of each of the notches being such that the container cap has been loosened from the mouth Sometimes it comprises a semi-circle configured to substantially reduce foaming of the contents.

  In an exemplary embodiment, a mouth configured to define an opening into the interior of the container and configured to substantially reduce foaming of the contents when the container is opened defines the opening and the container A cylindrical body comprising a first edge adapted to receive a cap and a second edge adapted to receive a neck of a container, with a peripheral edge arranged at opposite ends, The opening is in fluid communication with the interior, the cylindrical body and one or more threads on the outside of the peripheral portion for rotatably engaging one or more threads of the container cap A configured thread and at least one notch disposed in the first edge, the at least one having a cross-sectional shape appropriately shaped to substantially reduce foaming of the contents And a notch.

  In another exemplary embodiment, the first edge is configured to couple with the seal of the container cap such that the pressurized content is maintained inside the container. In another exemplary embodiment, the seal comprises a plug seal disposed inside the container cap and securely engages the first edge to maintain the pressurized content inside the container. Configured to In another exemplary embodiment, the seal comprises a liner seal disposed between the container cap and the first edge to maintain the pressurized content inside the container.

  In another exemplary embodiment, the at least one notch comprises two notches located on either side of the mouth. In another exemplary embodiment, the cross-sectional shape is a shape of any one of semicircular, square, and triangular. In another exemplary embodiment, the cross-sectional shape is configured to generate an audible sound as the pressurized gas exits the at least one notch while loosening the container cap.

  A container configured to substantially reduce frothing of the contents when the container is opened comprises a base extending upwardly toward the side wall of the container, and a shoulder connected between the side wall and the bell A diameter of the bell decreases as it extends upwards towards the neck of the container, a shoulder and a mouth connected to the neck and adapted to receive the container cap, the container being A mouth configured to define an opening into the interior, and at least one notch disposed at the top of the mouth and configured to substantially reduce foaming of the contents when the container is opened And a unit.

  In another exemplary embodiment, the top of the mouth is further configured to receive the seal of the container cap. In another exemplary embodiment, the seal comprises a plug seal disposed within the interior of the container cap and configured to securely engage the spout to maintain the pressurized content therein. Be done. In another exemplary embodiment, the seal comprises a liner seal disposed between the container cap and the spout for maintaining pressurized content therein.

  In another exemplary embodiment, the top of the mouth comprises two notches located on either side of the opening into the container interior. In another exemplary embodiment, the at least one notch has a cross-sectional shape that is appropriately formed to substantially reduce foaming of the contents. In another exemplary embodiment, the cross-sectional shape is a shape of any one of semicircular, square, and triangular. In another exemplary embodiment, the cross-sectional shape is configured to generate an audible sound when the container cap is twisted.

  In another exemplary embodiment, a method for causing the container to substantially reduce frothing of contents when the container is opened comprises: extending the base upwardly to the side wall of the container; Connecting the shoulder with the head; extending the bell from the shoulder to the container neck such that the diameter of the bell decreases as the bell extends to the container neck; Connecting the mouth to the neck to define an opening into the interior, configuring the mouth to receive the container cap, and substantially frothing the contents when the container is opened. Forming at least one notch in the top of the mouth to reduce.

  In another exemplary embodiment, the step of configuring the spout further includes the step of forming a cylinder with a rim disposed between the first end and the second end, One end is configured to receive the container cap and the second end is configured to couple with the neck. In another exemplary embodiment, the step of configuring the spout further includes the step of forming one or more threads on the outside of the peripheral portion, the threads being one or more threads of the container cap It is configured to rotatably engage the mountain. In another exemplary embodiment, the step of forming the at least one notch comprises the cross-sectional shape of the at least one notch including the shape of any one of a square, a semicircle, and a triangle. Including steps. In another exemplary embodiment, forming the at least one notch is at least one to generate an audible sound as the pressurized gas exits the at least one notch while loosening the container cap. Configuring the cross-sectional shape of the two notches.

  The drawings illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a container suitable for storing pressurized carbonated content according to the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a carbonated beverage (CSD) spout in accordance with the present disclosure; FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a CSD port with a container cap attached in accordance with the present disclosure; FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a CSD container cap according to the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a hot fill container cap according to the present disclosure. 7 is a table showing observational data acquired during experimental testing of various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a container cap comprising a liner seal coupled to a container according to the present disclosure. FIG. 6C is a top perspective view of the container and liner seal of FIG. 6A without the container cap in accordance with the present disclosure; FIG. 6B is an exploded top perspective view of the container cap, liner seal, and container shown in FIG. 6A according to this embodiment.

  While the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. The present invention is not limited to the particular forms disclosed, but rather, it is intended to include all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

  In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the invention disclosed herein may be practiced without these specific details. In some cases, a specific number reference may be made, such as a "first notch". However, the specific number reference should not be interpreted as a literal order, and should be interpreted as being different from the "first notch" than the "second notch". Accordingly, the specific details set forth are merely exemplary. The specific details may be changed in various forms, which are considered to be within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The term "coupled" is defined as meaning directly connected to a component or indirectly connected to a component via another component. Further, as used herein, the terms "about", "approximately", or "substantially" in any numerical value or range of numerical values are such that some or all of the components are described herein. It shows appropriate dimensional tolerances that allow it to function for its intended purpose.

  In general, the present disclosure describes an apparatus and method for a spout configured to define an opening into the interior of the container and to substantially reduce foaming of the contents when the container is opened. The mouth portion comprises a cylindrical body including a peripheral edge having a first edge and a second edge disposed at opposite ends. The first edge defines an opening and is configured to receive a container cap. In general, the first edge is configured to receive the seal of the container cap. The second edge is configured to receive the neck of the container such that the opening is in fluid communication with the interior of the container. One or more threads on the outside of the rim are configured to rotatably engage one or more threads on the container cap. The at least one notch is disposed at a first edge of the perimeter of the first opening and has a cross-sectional shape appropriately shaped to substantially reduce foaming of the contents. In one embodiment, the first edge comprises two notches located on either side of the mouth, the cross-sectional shape of each of the notches being substantially to reduce foaming of the contents Includes a configured semi-circle.

  FIG. 1 shows a bottom perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a container 100 according to the present disclosure. The container 100 comprises a base 104 which extends upwards to the grip 108. Although not limited, other configurations of the base 104 may be incorporated into the container 100, but preferably the base 104 is petal shaped. The gripping portion 108 is a position for gripping the container and includes a generally smooth cylindrical portion of the container 100 suitable for applying a label. In some embodiments, the grips 108 generally comprise one or more sidewall ribs that may vary in depth and may be swirled or angularly shaped around the grips 108. An additional configuration of the gripping portion 108 is disclosed in US patent application Ser. No. 14 / 157,400 entitled “Plastic Container with Strapped Base” filed on Jan. 16, 2014.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the grip 108 transitions to a shoulder 124 that connects to the bell 128. Although the bell-shaped portion 128 shown in FIG. 1 is smooth and not generally decorated, in other embodiments, the bell-shaped portion may feature, by way of non-limiting example, a plurality of scallope-like designs May be included. The bell 128 is connected to a neck 136 which connects to a carbonated beverage (CSD) mouth 140. As shown in FIG. 1, bell-shaped portion 128 generally has a decreasing diameter as bell-shaped portion 128 extends upwardly from shoulder 124 to neck 136 and CSD port 140. The CSD port 140 is adaptable to receive a closure for sealing the contents within the container 100, such as the container cap 164 or the bottle cap, as a non-limiting example. The CSD port 140 generally defines an opening into the interior of the container 100 for containing a beverage or other content.

  FIG. 2 shows a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a CSD port 140 configured to substantially reduce foaming of the contents, particularly the carbonated contents, when the container 100 is unsealed. The CSD mouth 140 comprises a cylindrical body 148 that includes a peripheral edge having a first edge 152 and a second edge 156 disposed at opposite ends. The first edge 152 defines an opening 160 and is configured to receive the plug seal 168 within the container cap 164 as disclosed herein. The second edge 156 is adapted to receive the neck 136 of the container 100, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, so that the opening 160 is in fluid communication with the interior of the container 100 when the CSD port 140 is attached. Configured

  The exterior of the cylindrical body 148 comprises one or more threads 172 configured to rotatably engage one or more threads 176 of the container cap 164. A plurality of gaps 174 are disposed on the threads and uniformly positioned around the cylindrical body 148. Preferably, the gaps 174 of adjacent threads 172 are vertically aligned to form a channel 178 extending longitudinally along the CSD port 140. The channel 178 advantageously acts to relieve the pressure in the container 100 when the container cap 164 is loosened. As will be appreciated, the channels 178 provide a direct path for the gas to escape from the interior of the vessel 100 rather than being forced to flow around the mouth between adjacent threads 172.

  The engagement of thread 172 of CSD port 140 with thread 176 of container cap 164 is best seen in FIG. However, it should be noted that the bottle cap does not have to be limited to the container cap 164, so that bottle caps other than the cap 164 can be coupled to the CSD port 140 without limitation. As such, FIG. 4A shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a CSD container cap 180 that may be used to seal the pressurized contents within the container 100. As shown in FIG. The CSD container cap 180 includes a number of threads 176 suitable for rotatably engaging the threads 172 of the CSD port 140. A gap 174 disposed on the thread 176 serves to vent the pressurized gas that escapes the container 100 when the cap 180 is loosened. When the container cap 180 is tightened, the plug seal 188 in the cap enters the opening 160 and is in a pressing relationship with the first edge 152. Further, FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a hot fill container cap 184. The container cap 184 is substantially similar to the CSD container cap 180 except that it comprises a plug seal 192 higher than the plug seal 188. Thus, the plug seal 192 penetrates deeper into the opening 160 than the plug seal 188 while the hot-filled container cap 184 is tightened to the CSD port 140. It will be appreciated that the first edge 152 is configured to securely receive the plug seals 188, 192 within the opening 160 to retain the contents within the container 100 without leakage.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the first edge 152 comprises two notches 196 located on either side of the opening 160. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the notches 196 are aligned with the two channels 178, but in other embodiments the notches 196 can be positioned anywhere around the opening 160 as desired . Each of the two notches 196 has a cross-sectional shape appropriately shaped to substantially reduce foaming of the contents when the container cap 164 is loosened relative to the CSD port 140. In the illustrated embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the notch 196 is semicircular. However, in other embodiments, one or both of the notches 196 may have a cross-sectional shape other than semicircular, such as, but not limited to, circular, oval, oval, rectangular, square, triangular, V-shaped The wedge-shaped cross-sectional shape may have any other cross-sectional shape that may be found to advantageously reduce frothing of the contents when the container cap 164 is removed from the container 100.

  In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the notch 196 is specially configured to generate an audible sound or sound as the pressurized gas exits the container 100 through the notch 196 when the container cap 164 is loosened. It can be designed. Furthermore, although the CSD port 140 is specifically described herein in connection with the container cap 164, the CSD port 140 is not limited to being coupled only with the container cap 164, but rather, the container 100 Optional container cap (including but not limited to CSD container cap 180 and hot-filled container cap 184) suitably configured to engage CSD port 140 so that the contents are sealed within It should be understood that CSD may be combined with CSD port 140 without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

  As shown in FIG. 3, when the container cap 164 is firmly engaged with the CSD port 140, the plug seal 168 and the first edge 152 ensure that the pressurized contents do not leak from the container. Work together. Generally, the seal 188 is withdrawn from the first edge 152 when the container cap 164 is loosened by twisting to release the engagement between the threads 172 and 176. If the two notches 196 are not present, pulling the plug seal 168 from the first edge 152 causes the pressure in the container 100 to drop sharply to atmospheric pressure. Such pressure drop may cause the contents within the container 100 to bubble and push the contents between the plug seal 168 and the first edge 152 and out of the container 100. However, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, when the plug seal 168 is withdrawn from the CSD port 140, the seal disengages from the two notches 196 before being withdrawn from the remainder of the first edge 152, As a result, the pressure release that occurs in the container 100 is gradual. As will be appreciated, by more slowly releasing the pressure in the container 100, the likelihood that the contents will foam and be pushed out of the container is substantially reduced. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that slowly reducing the internal pressure in the container 100 allows for the additional use of carbon dioxide content in the container, thereby extending the life of the flavor profile of the contents. You will understand further.

  As noted above, the cross-sectional shape of the notch 196 need not be limited to the shape shown in FIG. 2, rather various other cross-sectional shapes may be used for the notch 196. Furthermore, the number and location of the notches 196 on the first edge 152 need not be limited to the number and location shown in FIG. Thus, in some embodiments, the first edge 152 may comprise more than two notches 196. In other embodiments, the first edge 152 may comprise one suitably configured notch 196. In some embodiments, the plurality of notches 196 may be uniformly distributed around the first edge 152. In some embodiments, a plurality of notches 196 may be positioned around the first edge 152 with a spacing between non-uniform notches. Thus, FIG. 5 is a table 200 showing the results observed in experimental tests performed in connection with the application of various embodiments of the present disclosure.

  In some embodiments, instead of notches 196, holes of appropriate size and shape may be implemented. It is envisioned that the hole may be positioned directly below the first edge 152 so that when the container cap 164 is securely engaged with the CSD port 140, the hole is completely covered by the plug seal 168. Further, it is envisioned that the shape of the holes may be appropriately designed to emit an audible sound when the container cap 164 is removed from the CSD port 140 and the pressure is released from the interior of the container 100. In some embodiments, the shape of each hole is made to resemble a flute or reed that vibrates when the container cap 164 is removed from the container 100, thereby releasing the pressure in the container Sound may be amplified.

  6A-6C are perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of a container cap 204 and liner seal 208 coupled with a CSD port 212 according to the present disclosure. As best shown in the exploded view of FIG. 6C, a liner seal 208 is disposed between the container cap 204 and the CSD port 212. When the container cap 204 is firmly engaged with the CSD port 212, the liner seal 208 acts like a gasket that prevents pressurized content from leaking out of the container 100. The CSD port 212 is substantially identical to the CSD port 140 except that the CSD port 212 is provided with one or more threads 172 specifically configured to engage with the threads in the container cap 204. In the same way.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, the liner seal 208 may be attached to the first edge 152 using any of a variety of suitable adhesives, or the liner seal 208 may be attached to the container cap 204. It may be of the type adhered to the inside. As will be appreciated, the liner seal 208 preferably has a thickness suitable to close and seal the notch 196 so that pressurized contents do not leak from the container 100. Thus, when the container cap 204 is loosened relative to the CSD port 212, the liner seal 208 loosens within the notch 196 prior to loosening from the first edge 152. As disclosed herein, the carbonated content is bubbled out of the container 100 by venting the pressurized gas through the notch 196 prior to opening the entire first edge 152. The tendency is substantially reduced. Combining the liner seal 208 with the CSD port 212 allows the use of relatively high carbon dioxide content in the container to prolong the life of the flavor profile of the contents.

  While the invention has been described with respect to particular variations and illustrative figures, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the variations or figures being described. Furthermore, if the methods and steps described above indicate particular events occurring in a particular order, the order of the particular steps may be changed by those skilled in the art, and such changes may be according to variations of the present invention. Will recognize. In addition, certain steps may be performed simultaneously in parallel processes, if possible, or sequentially as described above. To the extent there are variations of the present invention which are within the spirit of the present disclosure or which are equivalent to the present invention as seen in the claims, this patent is intended to include those variations as well. . Accordingly, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not to be limited by the specific embodiments described herein, but only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (20)

A mouth defined to define an opening into the interior of the container and configured to substantially reduce foaming of the contents when the container is opened,
A first edge configured to define an opening and configured to receive a container cap, and a second edge configured to receive a container neck include peripheral edges disposed at opposite ends A cylindrical body, the opening being in fluid communication with the interior, and one or more threads outside the periphery, rotatable with one or more threads of the container cap A thread configured to engage the
At least one notch disposed in the first edge, the at least one notch having a cross-sectional shape appropriately formed to substantially reduce foaming of the contents; Mouth.   The spout of claim 1, wherein the first edge is configured to mate with the seal of the container cap such that the pressurized content is maintained therein.   The seal according to claim 2, wherein the seal comprises a plug seal disposed inside the container cap and configured to firmly engage the first edge to maintain the pressurized content therein. Mouth of description.   A spout according to claim 2, wherein the seal comprises a liner seal disposed between the container cap and the first edge so as to maintain the pressurized content therein.   The mouth according to claim 1, wherein the at least one notch comprises two notches located on both sides of the mouth.   The mouth according to claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional shape is one of semicircular, square and triangular.   The spout of claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional shape is designed to generate an audible sound as the pressurized gas exits the at least one notch while loosening the container cap. A container configured to substantially reduce foaming of contents when the container is opened,
A base extending upwardly toward the side wall of the container;
A shoulder connected between the side wall and the bell, the diameter of the bell decreasing as it extends upwards towards the neck of the container;
A port connected to the neck and configured to receive the container cap, the port defining an opening into the interior of the container;
A container disposed at the top of the mouth and comprising at least one notch configured to substantially reduce frothing of the contents when the container is opened.   9. The container of claim 8, wherein the top of the mouth is further configured to receive the seal of the container cap.   10. The container of claim 9, wherein the seal comprises a plug seal disposed inside the container cap and configured to securely engage the spout to maintain the pressurized content therein. .   10. The container of claim 9, wherein the seal comprises a liner seal disposed between the container cap and the mouth to maintain pressurized content therein.   9. A container according to claim 8, wherein the top of the mouth comprises two notches located on either side of the opening into the container interior.   9. The container of claim 8, wherein the at least one notch has a cross-sectional shape appropriately configured to substantially reduce foaming of the contents.   The container according to claim 13, wherein the cross-sectional shape is any one of semicircular, square and triangular.   14. A container according to claim 13, wherein the cross-sectional shape is designed to generate an audible sound when the container cap is twisted. A method of causing a container to substantially reduce foaming of contents when the container is opened,
Extending the base upwards to the side wall of the container;
Connecting a shoulder between the side wall and the bell;
Extending the bell from the shoulder to the neck such that the diameter decreases as the bell extends to the neck of the container;
Connecting the mouth to the neck such that the mouth defines an opening to the interior of the container;
Configuring the spout to receive the container cap;
Forming at least one notch at the top of the mouth to substantially reduce foaming of the contents when the container is opened.   Configuring the spout further includes forming a cylinder with a rim disposed between the first end and the second end and configured to receive the container cap, 17. The method of claim 16, wherein one end is configured to receive a container cap and a second end is configured to couple to a neck.   The step of configuring the spout further includes the step of forming one or more threads on the outside of the peripheral portion, the threads being rotatably engaged with one or more threads of the container cap The method of claim 17, wherein the method is configured to:   17. The method of claim 16, wherein forming the at least one notch comprises configuring a cross-sectional shape of the at least one notch including a shape of any one of a square, a semicircle, and a triangle. the method of.   The step of forming the at least one notch configures the cross-sectional shape of the at least one notch so as to generate an audible sound as the pressurized gas exits the at least one notch while loosening the container cap The method of claim 16 including the step of

Images