US20120193249A1 - Container closure with additive reservoir - Google Patents
Container closure with additive reservoir Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20120193249A1 US20120193249A1 US13/442,665 US201213442665A US2012193249A1 US 20120193249 A1 US20120193249 A1 US 20120193249A1 US 201213442665 A US201213442665 A US 201213442665A US 2012193249 A1 US2012193249 A1 US 2012193249A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- additive
- plunger
- closure
- chamber
- liquid
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
- B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
- B65D47/20—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge
- B65D47/24—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with poppet valves or lift valves, i.e. valves opening or closing a passageway by a relative motion substantially perpendicular to the plane of the seat
- B65D47/241—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with poppet valves or lift valves, i.e. valves opening or closing a passageway by a relative motion substantially perpendicular to the plane of the seat the valve being opened or closed by actuating a cap-like element
- B65D47/243—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with poppet valves or lift valves, i.e. valves opening or closing a passageway by a relative motion substantially perpendicular to the plane of the seat the valve being opened or closed by actuating a cap-like element moving linearly, i.e. without rotational motion
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
- B65D51/24—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
- B65D51/28—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials
- B65D51/2807—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container
- B65D51/2814—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container the additional article or materials being released by piercing, cutting or tearing an element enclosing it
- B65D51/2821—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container the additional article or materials being released by piercing, cutting or tearing an element enclosing it said element being a blister, a capsule or like sealed container
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
- B65D51/24—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
- B65D51/28—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials
- B65D51/2807—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container
- B65D51/2814—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container the additional article or materials being released by piercing, cutting or tearing an element enclosing it
- B65D51/2828—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container the additional article or materials being released by piercing, cutting or tearing an element enclosing it said element being a film or a foil
- B65D51/2835—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container the additional article or materials being released by piercing, cutting or tearing an element enclosing it said element being a film or a foil ruptured by a sharp element, e.g. a cutter or a piercer
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
- Package Specialized In Special Use (AREA)
Abstract
A closure with an additive reservoir is mounted on a container for a consumable liquid such as a beverage liquid or health drink. The closure has four components; a base, which includes the additive reservoir; a spout mounted on the base; a plunger positioned in the additive reservoir, and a tamper proof, dust resistant outer cap. Upon advancing the plunger, an additive in the reservoir is released into the consumable liquid upon the additive or plunger rupturing a membrane barrier. Upon moving the spout from a first position on the base to a second position on the base, a passageway through the base is opened so that the consumable liquid can flow to the consumer without having to remove the closure. Preferably, the additive chamber is mounted in a support column of the base with the passageway for the consumable liquid disposed between the additive chamber and the support column.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/025,345, filed Feb. 4, 2008.
- The present invention is directed to a container closure with an additive reservoir. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a container closure with an additive reservoir wherein the closure is used to close a container containing a liquid, such as but not limited to, a consumable liquid, and wherein the reservoir is opened to the container prior to using or consuming the liquid to allow the additive to mix with and enhance the consumable liquid.
- In order to enhance the experience or benefit of drinking a consumable liquid, an additive or additives may be added to the consumable liquid. As is disclosed in Applicants' U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,705,490 and 6,705,491, additives may be dispensed from a reservoir in the closure of a consumable liquid container. In these two patents, after an additive from a reservoir in a closure is mixed with a consumable liquid, the consumable liquid is dispensed from the consumable liquid container directly through the closure. Thus there is no need to remove the closure from the container in order to consume the consumable liquid.
- Examples of additives which can enhance appeal and value of a consumable liquid are various colorants. Many consumable liquids are clear but would be more marketable if in various colors, which for example are indicative of various flavors. Other examples of additives which can be added to consumable liquids are vitamins and other health related substances. Additives which enhance visuals, taste, flavor and other properties of a consumable liquid may also be dispensed from the reservoir in the closure.
- A closure with an additive reservoir for use with a container for liquids is comprised of a base including a reservoir for attachment to the container; a plunger that cooperates with the reservoir to release the additive into the liquid, and a spout mounted on the base and moveable to a position allowing the liquid mixed with the additive to be dispensed through the closure without removing the closure from the container. Where the additive is a liquid, pressure by the plunger on the liquid is sufficient to open a barrier retaining the liquid in the reservoir.
- In a further aspect of the closure, a tamper-proof, dust resistant cap encloses the spout and plunger, the cap being removable before the consumer consumes the liquid. The cap is preferably rigid and hard.
- In a further aspect of the closure, the closure comprises a base member including the reservoir in the form of an additive chamber for containing the additive and a passageway for allowing a liquid in the additive container to flow from the additive container to a consumer. The closure further comprises a plunger in the additive chamber for causing the additive in the chamber to flow out of the chamber and into the liquid upon the plunger being depressed. A spout is movably disposed on the base around the additive chamber and around the passageway. The spout has a sealing relationship with the passageway when in a first position and a non-sealing relationship with the passageway when in a second position, whereby upon activating the plunger to release the additive into the liquid by moving the plunger from a first to a second position, the liquid, together with the additive, can flow through the container opening to the consumer.
- In a further aspect of the closure, the base has a collar portion for attachment to the container and a support column for mounting the plunger on the base for movement between the first and second positions.
- In a further aspect of the closure, the additive chamber is positioned in the support column of the base with a passageway between the additive chamber and the support column for dispensing the liquid.
- In a further aspect of the closure, a stop arrangement is disposed between the plunger in the chamber to block the plunger from sliding out of the chamber both before and after the plunger is depressed.
- In a further aspect of the closure, the base, additive chamber, plunger and spout are concentric.
- In a further aspect of the closure, the additive is in the form of granules, powder, gel and/or a liquid.
- In a further aspect of the closure where the additive is a particulate solid, such as a powder, a projection extends from the plunger and dislodges or ruptures the barrier prior to the plunger advancing to push the particulate solid from the additive chamber.
- In a further aspect of the closure, the additive is a solid configured to transmit sufficient force from the plunger to the barrier to open the barrier by direct engagement by the additive.
- In a further aspect of the closure, the height of the plunger is substantially less than the length of the additive chamber to minimize the initial height of the closure prior to advancing the plunger.
- In a further aspect of the closure an effervescent material is dispensed into the additive to help propel the additive from the additive chamber.
- In a further aspect of the closure, the plunger is advanced by depressing the plunger.
- In a further aspect of the closure, the plunger is advanced by rotation of the plunger.
- In a further aspect of the invention the additive chamber projects above the base to a height substantially the same as the height of the spout.
- In still a further object of the invention, the closure is in combination with the container.
- Various other features and attendant advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a closure containing an additive and being mounted on a container containing a liquid; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view similar toFIG. 1 , but illustrating a plunger mounted in the closure and being depressed to release the additive into the liquid; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view similar toFIGS. 1 and 2 but showing the plunger depressed; -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view similar toFIGS. 1-3 but showing a spout mounted around a column on the base and lifted to open the closure so that the contents thereof can be dispensed to a consumer; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view similar toFIGS. 1-4 but showing liquid from the container being dispensed through the closure; -
FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the closure showing the three parts comprising the closure, as well as an additive in the form a rupturable capsule; -
FIG. 7 . is an elevation of the closure parts ofFIG. 6 assembled; -
FIG. 8 . is a view similar toFIG. 7 , but showing the plunger depressed and additive in the capsule being released from the additive chamber and showing a spout in a first position, preventing liquid in the container to which the closure is attached from passing through the closure; -
FIG. 9 is a view similar toFIG. 8 showing the spout moved to a second position allowing liquid to pass through the closure from the container on which the closure is connected; -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a plunger used with the second embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the invention wherein a sealing barrier is shown used with an additive capsule; -
FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the operation of the plunger and sealing barrier, and -
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the invention prior to releasing the capsule into the liquid; -
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the invention showing the capsule falling toward a consumable liquid; -
FIG. 17 is a perspective elevation of a sixth embodiment of the invention showing the enclosure containing the additive wherein the additive is in the form of an unencapsulated liquid; -
FIG. 18 is a view similar toFIG. 17 , but showing the plunger being pressed to eject a liquid additive stored in the reservoir into a consumable liquid in a bottle attached to the closure; -
FIG. 19 is a view similar toFIGS. 17 and 18 , but showing the plunger completely pressed down; -
FIG. 20 is a view showing the embodiment ofFIGS. 17-19 with a spout opened to enable the beverage or liquid therein to drain from a container to the consumer; -
FIG. 21 is a view of an arrangement for securing the additive in the additive chamber using a membrane or foil wherein the additive chamber has an opening of a constant diameter; -
FIG. 22 is a view showing the arrangement ofFIG. 21 after the membrane or foil has been ruptured showing the additive draining from the additive chamber through the rupture in the foil; -
FIG. 23 is a bottom view of another arrangement for sealing the additive chamber; -
FIG. 24 is a side elevation of the bottom portion of the additive chamber ofFIG. 23 ; -
FIG. 25 is a side elevation of the chamber after the additive has been dispensed therefrom; -
FIG. 26 is a view of still another arrangement for the additive chamber wherein a slotted plug is used to retain the additive in the additive chamber; -
FIG. 27 is a view showing the arrangement ofFIG. 26 but with the plug displaced downwardly upon advancing the plunger ofFIGS. 17-20 so that the additive exits through slots in the plug; -
FIG. 28 is a seventh embodiment of the invention showing a plunger of decreased length and a reservoir of increased length; -
FIG. 29 is a view similar toFIG. 28 but showing the protective hard cap removed and the plunger pressed to eject liquid from the reservoir of the cap; -
FIG. 30 is an eighth embodiment of the invention wherein a gas assist is used to empty the additive chamber upon pressing the plunger, the plunger being shown in its initial position; -
FIG. 31 is a view similar toFIG. 30 but showing the plunger depressed to open the barrier and to release the gas assist; -
FIGS. 32-35 illustrate a ninth embodiment of the invention having figures corresponding toFIGS. 17-20 but showing a plunger with a cruciform cross section; -
FIGS. 36 and 37 illustrate a tenth embodiment of the invention having figures corresponding toFIGS. 17 and 19 but showing a solid rather than a liquid being dispensed; -
FIGS. 38 and 39 illustrate an eleventh embodiment of the invention and correspond toFIGS. 36 and 37 but show a projection extending from the plunger, and -
FIG. 40 is an elevation showing a twelfth embodiment of the invention wherein a plunger advances into an additive chamber upon rotation of the plunger. - Referring now to
FIG. 1 , there is shown aclosure 10, configured in accordance with the principles of the present invention and mounted on acontainer 11 containing a consumable liquid. The consumable liquid may be, but is not limited to, a beverage, a component of a health aide or a medicinal agent. Theclosure 10 is comprised of abase 12, aspout 14 and aplunger 16 with the base 12 containing an additive and being mounted on thecontainer 11 by acollar 18. Thecollar 18 may be in the form of a threaded collar that threads with the neck in 19 of thecontainer 11. In order to protect theclosure 10 from unauthorized access to theplunger 16, aplastic cap 20 is disposed over the plunger and the plunger is secured to the base 12 with a plastic band. Thecap 20 prevents theplunger 16 from being easily depressed by people who are not purchasers. - Referring now to
FIGS. 2 and 3 , theplastic cap 20 is removed from theclosure 10 so thatplunger 16 and thespout 14 are able to move with respect to the base 12 in order to allow an additive in the base 12 to be released into thecontainer 11. Consequently, the consumable liquid 25 in thecontainer 11 mixes with the additive. As is evident fromFIG. 2 , this is accomplished by pressing theplunger 16 with a finger, such as a forefinger or thumb to move the plunger toward thecontainer 11 and into thebase 12 of theclosure 10, as is shown inFIG. 3 . - As is further seen in
FIG. 3 , thespout 14 has abottom end 30 in engagement or close proximity with thetop surface 32 of theclosure 10. Atop surface 34 of the spout is substantially flush with atop flange 36 on the now depressedplunger 16. As will be explained hereinafter, theclosure 10 is still closed preventing dispensing of theconsumable liquid 25 although the additive has been released into the consumable liquid by depressing theplunger 16. - Referring to now to
FIGS. 4 and 5 , thespout 14 has been moved from a first position to a second position on acolumn 29 that projects from thebase 12, wherein the bottom 30 of the spout is displaced from thetop surface 32 of the base 12 instead of being in abutment or close proximity therewith. As will be explained hereinafter, this opens apassageway 40 between theplunger 16 and thespout 14 to allow the consumable liquid 25 in thecontainer 11, now mixed with the additive from thebase 12, to flow through the passageway and out the container when the container is tilted, as is seen inFIG. 5 . - The
plunger 16 and spout 14 are positioned in proximity to one another so that in moving from the first position ofFIG. 3 to the second position ofFIG. 4 , theplunger 16 may be pushed down or depressed by the thumb of the customer while thespout 14 is gripped between the index and forefinger and pulled away from thetop surface 32 of the base 12 to open thepassageway 40. When thecontainer 11 is held in the other hand of the consumer the container is easily tilted to drain the liquid 25, now mixed with an additive, into the mouth, cup or glass of the consumer. - Referring now to
FIG. 6 , where theclosure 10 is shown exploded, it is seen that the closure is comprised of three parts that are readily assembled by a machine. Machine assembly is facilitated when an additive 50 is contained within acapsule 52 having a wall 53 that is rupturable upon depressing theplunger 16. Thecapsule 52 preferably is made of a fragile gelatin material and preferably has an impermeable coating, such as a hydrophobic coating, which is crushable to release the additive 50. Preferably, thebase 12, thecollar 14 and theplunger 16 are concentric and made from a plastic material. -
FIGS. 7 , 8 and 9 show the components ofFIG. 6 assembled with thecapsule 52 within thebase 12. Thecollar 18 of thebase 12 is preferably threaded for coupling with a threadedneck 19 of thecontainer 11. Other arrangements such as adhesion or crimping may be utilized to accomplish a coupling between thecollar 18 and thecontainer 11, or the base 12 may even be integral with thecontainer 11. Thesupport column 29 projects upwardly from thetop service 32 of the base 12 to support thespout 14. Around of thesupport column 29 there are twoshoulders gap 64. Acircular rib 66, projecting inwardly from the inner surface 68 of thespout 14, is received in thegap 64 to retain thespout 14 on thesupport column 29. When thespout 14 is in the first position shown inFIGS. 7 and 8 (andFIGS. 1 and 2 ), thespout 14 is down and in abutment with the annularupper surface 32 of thebase 12. When thespout 14 is in the second position shown inFIG. 9 (andFIGS. 4 and 5 ), the innerannular rib 66 on the spout is in engagement with the outerannular shoulder 62 on thesupport column 29. - The
support column 29 also supports acylindrical reservoir 70 that has theplunger 16 slidably received therein. Thereservoir 70 defines anadditive chamber 71 that contains thecapsule 52 and thereservoir 70 is connected to thesupport column 29 by anannular bridge 72. As is seen inFIG. 8 , thefloor 74 of thereservoir 70 has at least oneconical blade 76 in the form of a punch that punctures or ruptures thecapsule 52 to release the additive 50 therefrom into thechamber 72 when theplunger 16 presses against the capsule. Thefloor 74 has at least oneopening 78 through which the released additive 50 drains into the liquid 25. The at least oneopening 78 can be a central opening, or any opening allowing the additive 50 to flow into theconsumable liquid 25. Theopening 78 could also be in the form ofperipheral slots 78 disposed in thefloor 74 or disposed between the floor and the inner surface of the wall of thecylindrical reservoir 70. - By having projection the
additive chamber 71 above thetop surface 32 of the base 12 limited to or slightly less than the height of thespout 14 when thespout 14 is in the first or closed portion, the height of theclosure 10 is minimized. - The
annular bridge 72 hasslots 84 that communicate with anannular channel 86 that opens to aspace 88 defined by thecollar wall 18 to form theaforementioned passageway 40. Consequently, liquid 25 from thecontainer 11 can flow through thepassageway 40 as long as thepassageway 40 is not blocked as inFIG. 8 where the topannular flange 34 of thespout 14 coversoutlets 90 of theslots 84. Upon shifting thespout 14 from its first position inFIG. 8 to its second position inFIG. 9 where theannular flange 34 on the spout clears the top edge 92 of thesupport column 29, thepassageway 40 becomes unblocked by theannular flange 34, allowing liquid to flow past thesupport column 29 and thus through theclosure 10 to the consumer. - In the second embodiment of the invention shown in
FIGS. 10 and 11 , the bottom of thereservoir 70′ is covered byfoil 100 and the additive 50′ is in the form of a powder, pills or liquid. Theplunger 16′ has aprojection 102 thereon which punctures or ruptures thefoil 100 to allow the additive 50 to drain or fall into the liquid 25 when the plunger is depressed. - Referring now to the third embodiment of the invention shown in
FIGS. 12 and 13 , if the wall 53 of thecapsule 52 is not hydrophobic and is permeable by theconsumable liquid 25, it is necessary to use a barrier such as thebarrier 100″ between thecapsule 52 and theconsumable liquid 25. In the embodiment shown, thebarrier 100″ is adhered by heat sealing it very strongly to thefloor 74″ at oneperipheral location 104 beneath the floor and heat sealing it less strongly along the remainder of its periphery atlocation 106 beneath the floor. Theplunger 16″ has a dependingblade 102″ which is arcuate and passes anarcuate slot 110 in thefloor 74″ of thereservoir 70″ to engage and dislarge thebarrier 100″ along theperiphery 106. Thereafter, thecapsule 52 is crushed by theplunger 16″ against thepunches 76, releasing the additive 50 to flow through theopenings 78 through thefloor 74″. Thebarrier 100″ is preferably a metal foil although it can also be made of plastic film. The strong adhesion atlocation 104 provides a hinge that allows thebarrier 100″ to remain attached to thereservoir 70″ and not fall into the container. Theplunger 16″ is prevented from rotating by alongitudinal rib 114 on the inner wall of thereservoir 70″, which rib engages a longitudinal groove (not shown) in the plunger. - Referring to
FIG. 14 , a fourth embodiment of the invention, a breakable barrier such as a foil ormembrane 120 is heat sealed or otherwise adhered in thecavity 71 in spaced relation to thefloor 74. Pressure from theplunger 16 applied through thecapsule 52 breaks the foil or membrane 122 allowing the capsule to pass through the foil or membrane and be crushed against punches orblades 76 on thefloor 74. - Referring now to
FIGS. 15 and 16 , in a fifth embodiment of the invention, thecapsule 52 has a rapidlydissolvable shell 130 of consumable material which rapidly disintegrates and dissolves upon immersion in theconsumable liquid 25 releasing the additive 50. Thecapsule 52 is initially rigid enough to apply sufficient pressure to a heat sealed foil ormembrane 132 to pivot the foil or membrane aside so as to let the capsule pass into the consumable liquid 25 in thecontainer 11. - In another configuration of the capsule shown in
FIGS. 15 and 16 , thecapsule 52′ is a readily dissolvable solid body or pellet which disintegrates upon dropping into the liquid 25 in the container 11 (seeFIGS. 1-5 ). The solid body orpellet 52′ need not necessarily have thedissolvable shell 130 and can be made of material, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,289,794 issued Sep. 115, 1981, that effervesces upon dropping into the liquid 25. - In all embodiments of the invention, the
plunger 16 is prevented from being accidentally dislarged from thereservoir 70 by at least onecircular rib 110 on the plunger that registers with first and secondcircular grooves 112 and 114 in the wall of thereservoir 70. Thecircular rib 110 is near the bottom of theplunger 16 while the first circular groove 112 is near the top of thereservoir 70 to releasably hold theplunger 16 in the projected position ofFIGS. 1 , 2, 5, 7 and 11. Preferably therib 110 has a flat top surface. The secondcircular groove 114 is near the bottom of thereservoir 70 and registers with thecircular rib 110 on theplunger 16 and serves as a stop to hold the plunger retracted in the reservoir while theconsumable liquid 25 is being poured or drunk. While onecircular rib 110 and twocircular grooves 112 and 114 are shown. There may be more ribs and grooves. The ribs and grooves may also be reversed so that the rib or ribs are placed on thereservoir 30 and the grooves on theplunger 16. - Referring now to the sixth embodiment of the invention set forth in
FIG. 17-27 , anadditive chamber 200 contains aliquid additive 202 sealed behind anopenable barrier 204 at abottom end 206 of the chamber. Thetop end 208 of the chamber is closed by aplunger 210 that abuts theliquid additive 202 with apressure face 212. The plunger projects from thetop end 208 of thechamber 200 by a height h. In order to minimize tampering by non-authorized persons, such as people who are not purchasers, ahard cap 216 overlies theplunger 210 and is seated against an internally threadedbase 218 which is integral and preferably unitary with theadditive chamber 200. Thehard cap 216 may snap on to thetop surface 220 of thebase 218 and be held by anarcuate detent 222 so that the customer must apply effort to dislodge thecap 216 by for example twisting or flexing thecap 216. Thehard cap 216 is optionally further secured by a frangible orbreakable sealing band 224. Generally, thecap 216 is retained on the base 218 in the same manner as hard caps are retained on “sports bottles” while thebase 218 is retained on the container by asafety ring 225 that remains on the neck of the container when thecollar portion 219 of the internally threadedbase 218 is unscrewed from the container. - As is seen in
FIG. 21 , thehard cap 216 is removed by the customer before theplunger 210 is activated by being pressed. This is accomplished by breaking theseal 224 and usually twisting or popping the hard cap from thesurface 220 of thebase 218. Thetop surface 230 of theplunger 210 is then pressed as is shown inFIG. 18 so that thepressure face 212 of the plunger applies sufficient pressure to theadditive liquid 202 to breach thebarrier 204. -
FIG. 18 shows one approach to breaching thebarrier 204. Thebarrier 204 is a flap which is breached by pressure on the liquid 202 that causes the barrier to detach from theopening 203 of thechamber 202 along afirst portion 230 of the periphery of thebarrier 204 while remaining secured to theopening 203 along a second peripheral portion 332. Theadditive liquid 202 continues to flow into the liquid 25 of the attachedcontainer 11 after the barrier is breached. As is seen inFIG. 19 , once theplunger 210 is pressed all the way down so that thetop end 230 of the plunger engages with thetop end 208 of thechamber 200, the liquid 202 is completely pushed out and emptied from the chamber by thepressure face 212 of theplunger 210. This can be insured by the plunger having a length sufficient to push thepressure face 212 to thebottom end 206 of thechamber 200. - As is seen in
FIG. 20 , which is similar toFIG. 5 , after thespout 214 is pulled in the direction of arrow 215, the liquid 25 in thecontainer 11, that is now mixed with theliquid additive 202, is drained from the container by tilting the container so that the liquid 25 bypasses theadditive chamber 200 and flows out through thespout 214. - Referring now to
FIGS. 21-27 where thebarrier 204 has several configurations, the selected configuration opens upon advancing theplunger 210 as is seen inFIGS. 17-20 . The first configuration is that shown inFIGS. 17-20 wherein theopen end 206 is merely the cylindrical end of theadditive chamber 200 with thebarrier 204 heat sealed or otherwise adhered or bonded to theopen end 206 of the additive chamber. In the embodiment ofFIG. 17-20 , the thickness of the wall of thechamber 200 is constant at thelower end 206, but the adherence is weaker at one portion of the heat welded joint between thebarrier 204 and theend 206, than at another portion, so that thebarrier 204 operates as the flap as shown inFIGS. 18-20 where the flap is hinged atperipheral portion 232 and dislodged alongperipheral portion 230. -
FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate another embodiment of thebarrier 204 when thebarrier 204 is adhered in the same way as thebarrier 204 ofFIGS. 17-20 in that it is heat sealed to theend 206 of theadditive chamber 200, however as is seen inFIG. 25 pressure applied by theplunger 210 causes thebarrier 204 to rupture at its weakest point, which occurs at the central portion of thebarrier 230 that is inboard of theperiphery 232 of the barrier. Normally, the weakest point ofbarrier 204 occurs substantially at its center so that once the barrier is breached, the tear or tears propagate out toward theperiphery 232 of the barrier allowing theliquid additive 202 to pour through the breach into thecontainer 11 where it mixes with the beverage orother liquid 25. - Referring now to
FIGS. 23-25 , in order to facilitate abarrier 204 functioning as a flap as opposed to rupturing in the suspended portion, thelower end 206 of the chamber 2000 has anarcuate flange 236 that extends partially around the circumference of theopening 203 so as to provide an increased bonding area when thebarrier 204 is heat sealed to theadditive chamber 200. Consequently, as seen inFIG. 25 , thebarrier 204 detaches more readily from thenarrow portion 238 of theflange 236 or from thebottom end 206 ofadditive chamber 200, rather than from the wide portion of theflange 236 since there is less surface area of the barrier to bond with. Accordingly, thebarrier 204 stays attached to thearcuate flange 236 over the flange's wider portion while the heat seal at thenarrower portion 238 ruptures due to fluid pressure. - While heat sealing is the preferred method of attachment for the
barrier 204, other methods such as adhesion with adhesives may be used inFIGS. 21-25 . - Referring now to
FIGS. 26 and 27 thebarrier 204 is in the form of a ventedplug 240. The vented plug seats with a sealing relation against theinner periphery 237 of aflange 238 at theopening 203 defined by thebottom end 206 of theadditive container 200. Theplug 240 hasarms 242 withshoulders 243, thearms 242 being separated byslots 244. Upon applying pressure to the liquid 202 in theadditive chamber 200, theplug 240 moves from the position ofFIG. 26 down to the position ofFIG. 27 , the downward motion of theplug 240 being arrested by theshoulders 243 on thearms 242. This retains theplug 240 in place and allows the liquid 202 in thecontainer 200 to exit through theslots 244 between the arms as theplunger 210 advances downwardly as shown inFIGS. 18 and 19 . As theadditive liquid 202 exits from theslots 244 between thearms 242, it flows into the liquid 25 to form the beverage or other consumable liquid being dispensed inFIG. 20 . Optionally, the vented plug has an overlying membrane or foil 204 which is breached by pressure from theplug 240 on the membrane or foil. - In each case the barrier of
FIGS. 21-27 , although ruptured or breached, does not enter thebeverage 25 due to peripheral adherence with the additive chamber opening. - Referring now to
FIGS. 28 and 29 , where a seventh embodiment of the invention is shown theplunger 310 has a second configuration wherein its length is substantially reduced so that the plunger extends only a distance h′ from thetop end 208 of thechamber 200 which is less than the height of theplunger 210 ofFIG. 17 . A comparison ofFIG. 28 withFIG. 17 shows that theplunger 310 has a lower profile than theplunger 210 so that thefree end 330 of the plunger does not extend initially as far above thetop end 208 of thechamber 200 as theplunger 210 ofFIG. 17 . Consequently, thehard cap 316 has a height substantially less than thehard cap 216 ofFIG. 17 . This gives the height of thecontainer 12 having the liquid 25 therein a height which can be similar to the height of containers with sports caps already on the market. Theadditive chamber 300 has notches orribs 317 on the interior wall thereof for keeping theplunger 310 within the additive chamber, both before and after the plunger is pressed. - As is seen in
FIG. 29 , when thecap 316 is removed and theplunger 310 is pressed downwardly by pushing on thesurface 330, pressure from the face of theplunger 312 is transmitted to thebarrier 304 so as to open the barrier in the same manner that thebarrier 204 is opened inFIGS. 18-27 . Thebarrier 304 can have the same configuration as any of the barriers shown inFIGS. 17-27 or the configuration of any other barriers capable of responding to pressure. Since liquids, such as the liquid 202, is for all practical purposes incompressible, the length of theplungers barriers FIG. 17-20 , physical contact withliquid 202 by thepressure face 212 ensures that the liquid is substantially removed by thepressure face 212 since thepressure face 212 travels all the way to thebottom end 206 of theadditive chamber 200. In the seventh embodiment ofFIGS. 28 and 29 , the short distance h′ that theplunger 310 travels is sufficient to both open thebarrier 304 and sufficient to cause substantial evacuation of thechamber 300 due to travel of thepressure face 312 into thechamber 300. - Referring now to
FIGS. 30 and 31 where an eighth embodiment of the invention is shown, if there is resistance in the liquid 202 that prevents rapid and complete draining of theadditive chamber 300, a gaseous propellant such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen or air is released into the propellant upon pressing theplunger 310. This can be accomplished by releasing into the liquid additive 202 agas generating pellet 340 such as a “pop rock” disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,289,794 issued Sep. 15, 1981. As is seen inFIG. 30 , upon the pop rock dropping into theadditive liquid 202, encapsulating material surrounding carbon dioxide bubbles in the pellet orpellets 340 dissolves and releases carbon dioxide which rises to or remains adjacent to thetop surface 350 of theadditive liquid 202 and propels the liquid past thebarrier 304 and out of the open end 303 of theadditive chamber 300. The carbondioxide releasing pellet 340 may be disposed above a relative weakwalled barrier 352 between theadditive liquid 202 and theface 312 of thepiston 310 or in a suggested embodiment of the invention, the carbon dioxide releasing pellet orpellets 340 are contained in a pouch orpouches 354 having a relatively light wall (seeFIG. 31 ). Continued pressure on theplunger 310 opens thebarrier 304 and ruptures thepouch 354, releasing carbon dioxide from the pellet orpellets 340. Carbon dioxide gas then accumulates adjacent thetop surface 356 ofadditive liquid 202 and assists in propelling the additive liquid from theadditive chamber 300. - While carbon dioxide may be a preferable gas, the gasified particles or
pellets 340 may utilize other gases such as nitrogen or air. Gas generation may occur also utilizing different substances such as sodium bicarbonate, which will release carbon dioxide when dropped into theadditive liquid 202 as long as the additive liquid is acidic. - Referring now to
FIGS. 32-35 where a ninth embodiment of the invention is shown, theplunger 410 has a different configuration in which the plunger is cruciform in cross-section. Theplunger configuration 410 has fourribs 412, three of which are seen in the drawings and one of which is obscured in the drawings. The fourribs 412support disks disk 420 is adjacent the top of theplunger 410 and extends radially beyond theribs 412 to engage thetop end 408 of theadditive container 400 when the plunger is pressed down inFIGS. 34 and 35 , while thebottom disk 424 provides apressure surface 425 that exerts pressure on the liquid 202. Theintermediate disk 422 engages arib 426 on theinner wall 428 of theadditive chamber 402 to prevent theplunger 410 from being withdrawn from thechamber 400. At thelower end 406 of the chamber 400 aflange 430, similar to theflange 236 inFIGS. 23-25 , retains thebarrier 204. As is seen inFIGS. 33-35 , upon removing thecap 416 and pressing theplunger 410, the liquid 202 is dispensed into the consumable liquid 25 to form the beverage which is a mixture of theconsumable liquid 25 and theliquid additive 202. Upon lifting thespout 430 and inverting thecontainer 11 theconsumable liquid 25 and additive are delivered to the consumer. - Thus far the inventors have illustrated and discussed different configurations for the additive chambers and the cooperating plungers. It is pointed out that the
closure cap 10, additive chambers and plungers, as well as the barriers can have any size, shape or configuration which is consistent with rational operation of the disclosed device. For example, the closure can have a width that will cooperate with the width of the container, and the additive chamber can have a length so that it projects below the collar that retains the closure on the bottle. Moreover the cross-section of elements of the closure, while preferably circular, may be polygonal such as being rectangular, triangular, square or hexagonal, etc. In addition, the additive chamber may have a diameter which changes and which can be for example oval or oblong. The additive chamber can be of any reasonably volume, for example, one to sixty CCs. - Thus far, configurations have been disclosed in
FIGS. 17-37 in which a liquid additive has been dispensed. In the tenth embodiment shown inFIGS. 36 and 37 , the additive 502 being dispensed is in solid form. InFIGS. 36 and 37 the configuration of theclosure 10 is substantially similar to that ofFIGS. 17-20 , however the additive 502 that is in the form of a solid material is configured as pellets or particles which have surfaces that provide for sufficient slippage so that the pellets or particles do not bind and are capable of transmitting force down through theadditive chamber 500 so as to open thebarrier 504 which may have a configuration similar to the foil ormembranes 204 shown inFIGS. 21-27 . Pellets orparticles 502 capable of transmitting force upon pressing theplunger 510 generally have a slippery or lubricating surface so that the particles or pellets can slip past one another and apply pressure against thebarrier 504 so as to exert sufficient force to open the barrier. - Referring now to the eleventh embodiment shown in
FIGS. 38 and 39 , where a solid additive in the form of apowder 602 is contained in anadditive chamber 600 by abarrier 604, aplunger extension 606 preferably in the form of an arcuate blade extends from thepressure face 608 of aplunger 610. Theplunger extension 606 has abottom end 612, which engages the barrier 609 so that upon pressing on theplunger 610, direct mechanical force is applied by thebottom end 612 of the arcuate blade to the barrier. Preferably, aspace 614 is provided between the top surface of thesolid additive 602 so that theplunger 610 can push downwardly without being obstructed by the solid additive for a distance sufficient to allow thebarrier 604 to be pushed open along one portion of the periphery as is seen inFIG. 39 . The barrier is preferably a foil or membrane configured as shown inFIGS. 21-25 . While theplunger extension 606 is shown as an arcuate blade inFIGS. 38 and 39 , the extension may also have other configurations such as a projection extending down from the center of theplunger 610 for rupturing thebarrier 604 in an area, such as the central area of the barrier. - While the plungers illustrated thus far are pushed in order to dislodge the additive from the additive chamber 700, the twelfth embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 40 utilizes aplunger 710 that is rotated to advance toward thebarrier 704 to apply increased pressure against and thus open the barrier. To facilitate rotation and advancement of theplunger 710, the plunger has ahelix 720 on theouter surface 722 thereof which meshes with ahelix 724 on theinner surface 726 of the additive chamber 700. Rotation of theplunger 710 in the direction ofarrow 730 advances the plunger downwardly in the direction ofarrow 732 to apply pressure to the liquid inside of the additive chamber 700, which pressure ruptures or otherwise breaches thebarrier 704. Thebarrier 704, for example, can have one of the various configurations shown inFIGS. 21-27 . - In each of the embodiments of the invention the length of the additive chamber may be longer than the length of the collar portion of the base. This allows a heat sealed membrane or foil barrier to be applied conveniently to the additive chamber. For example, in
FIGS. 17-20 theadditive chamber 200 may extend below thecollar 219, as is the case in the embodiment ofFIGS. 28-31 . - From the foregoing description, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention, and without departing form the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications of the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions.
Claims (31)
1. (canceled)
2. The closure of claim 27 wherein the additive is a liquid.
3. The closure of claim 2 wherein the liquid is unencapsulated within the additive chamber and the liquid directly engages the barrier.
4. The closure of claim 2 wherein the liquid is within a gel cap and the gel cap directly engages the barrier.
5. The closure of claim 27 wherein the additive is a solid in the form of pellets, granules, powder or tablets.
6. (canceled)
7. (canceled)
8. The closure of claim 27 wherein the additive chamber is mounted within the support column with the passageway disposed between the additive chamber and the support column.
9. The closure of claim 8 wherein a stop is disposed between the plunger and the additive chamber to prevent the plunger from sliding out of the additive chamber.
10. The closure of claim 8 wherein the base, additive chamber, plunger and spout are concentric.
11. The closure of claim 10 wherein the additive is retained in the additive chamber by a membrane or foil sealing the additive chamber off with respect to the consumable liquid within the container, the membrane or foil being ruptured or dislodged upon pressing the plunger which increases pressure within the additive chamber and against the additive to cause the additive to rupture the membrane barrier.
12. The closure of claim 11 wherein the additive is in the form of a pellet, pellets, granules, powder, pills, gel and/or a liquid.
13. The closure of claim 12 wherein the additive is a colorant, flavorant or health product.
14. The closure of claim 27 further including a tamper proof and dust resistant cap fitting over the plunger and spout to protect the plunger from unauthorized activation.
15. The closure of claim 27 wherein the plunger is slidably mounted in the additive chamber whereby pushing the plunger advances the plunger toward the barrier.
16. The closure of claim 27 wherein the plunger has a first helix that cooperates with a second helix in the additive chamber, wherein rotating the plunger advances the plunger toward the barrier.
17. The closure of claim 27 wherein the base, plunger and spout are concentric.
18. The closure of claim 27 in which the plunger has a length substantially the same as the length of the additive chamber, wherein the plunger extends substantially to the barrier when pressed to remove all of the additive from the additive chamber by direct engagement with the plunger.
19. The closure of claim 27 in which the plunger has a length substantially less than the additive chamber wherein depressing the plunger is sufficient to breach the barrier allowing the additive to drain from the additive chamber.
20. The closure of claim 19 wherein the additive chamber includes a effervescing material which mixes with the additive liquid upon advancing the plunger to release a gas that helps propel the liquid from the additive chamber.
21. The closure of claim 27 wherein the additive chamber includes an effervescing material which mixes with the liquid upon depressing the plunger.
22. The closure of claim 27 wherein the additive chamber includes a vitamin or vitamins, minerals, proteins or supplements.
23. The closure of claim 27 wherein the additive chamber is disposed within a column which extends above a top surface of the base to define therebetween the passageway which allows the liquid to flow from the container to the consumer, the spout having a selected height above the top surface of the base when in the first position and the additive chamber having a height above the top surface at least proximating the height of the spout.
24. The closure of claim 23 in combination with the container.
25. The closure of claim 27 in combination with the container.
26. The closure of claim 27 wherein the pressure surface of the plunger and direct contact between the additive and barrier provides the sole pressure link between the plunger and the barrier.
27. A closure for closing an opening of a container wherein the container is configured to contain a consumable liquid and the closure is configured to contain an additive, the closure having a first end which connects to the container and a second end through which the consumable liquid and additive are dispensed, the closure comprising:
a base including a reservoir defining an additive chamber and a support column; the support column being spaced laterally from, integral with and surrounding the reservoir and additive chamber; a passageway having an outlet arrangement at the second end of the closure for allowing the consumable liquid in the container to flow past the reservoir and through the outlet arrangement to a consumer, and the additive chamber having a chamber opening allowing the additive to exit therefrom into the consumable liquid, the chamber opening being closed by a barrier;
a plunger mounted in the additive chamber for movement with respect to the additive chamber and the support column, the plunger closing one end of the additive chamber and having a pressure surface for causing the additive to pressurize and open the barrier upon advancing the plunger toward the barrier, wherein the additive flows out of the additive chamber opening and into the consumable liquid;
a spout movably mounted on the support column and positioned around the plunger and the passageway, the spout having a sealed relationship with the outlet arrangement of the passageway when in a first position and an unsealed relationship with the passageway when in a second position, wherein upon moving the spout from the first to the second position and tilting the container, the consumable liquid together with the additive flows through the outlet arrangement to the consumer without having to remove the closure from the container.
28. The closure of claim 27 wherein the outlet arrangement comprises a plurality of openings between ribs supporting the reservoir on the support column.
29. The closure of claim 27 wherein the chamber has a selected length and the plunger has an insertion length selected with respect to the length of the chamber wherein the plunger remains out of direct contact with the barrier prior to the additive being pressurized to open the barrier.
30. The closure of claim 27 wherein the reservoir and support column have selected heights and wherein the base has a collar portion for attachment to the container, the collar portion having a selected height which when combined with the selected height of the support column does not exceed the selected height of the reservoir.
31. The closure of claim 27 wherein the passageway is disposed between and extending around the support column and reservoir.
Priority Applications (1)
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US13/442,665 US20120193249A1 (en) | 2008-02-04 | 2012-04-09 | Container closure with additive reservoir |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
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US12/025,345 US20090194533A1 (en) | 2008-02-04 | 2008-02-04 | Closure with additive reservoir |
US12/341,266 US8152017B2 (en) | 2008-02-04 | 2008-12-22 | Container closure with additive reservoir |
US13/442,665 US20120193249A1 (en) | 2008-02-04 | 2012-04-09 | Container closure with additive reservoir |
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US12/341,266 Continuation US8152017B2 (en) | 2008-02-04 | 2008-12-22 | Container closure with additive reservoir |
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US13/442,665 Abandoned US20120193249A1 (en) | 2008-02-04 | 2012-04-09 | Container closure with additive reservoir |
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US12/341,266 Active 2028-03-28 US8152017B2 (en) | 2008-02-04 | 2008-12-22 | Container closure with additive reservoir |
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US7249690B2 (en) * | 2004-12-24 | 2007-07-31 | Erie County Plastics Corporation | Independent off-bottle dispensing closure |
US20090127155A1 (en) * | 2007-11-16 | 2009-05-21 | Nottoli Mark A | Packaging for unitary dosage items |
-
2008
- 2008-02-04 US US12/025,345 patent/US20090194533A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2008-10-30 WO PCT/US2008/081806 patent/WO2009099470A1/en active Application Filing
- 2008-12-22 US US12/341,266 patent/US8152017B2/en active Active
-
2012
- 2012-04-09 US US13/442,665 patent/US20120193249A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110278185A1 (en) * | 2008-11-12 | 2011-11-17 | Louis Aguadisch | Device for preserving and releasing a product contained in a reservoir having a rupturable wall |
US8584839B2 (en) * | 2008-11-12 | 2013-11-19 | Ste De Thermoformage Et D'injection Des Plastics | Device for preserving and releasing a product contained in a reservoir having a rupturable wall |
US9604765B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2017-03-28 | Ahhmigo, Llc | Locking cap device and methods |
US9114920B1 (en) * | 2014-08-13 | 2015-08-25 | Ron Edelman | Beverage container lid with integral snack and beverage enhancing features |
WO2017065695A1 (en) | 2015-10-13 | 2017-04-20 | ŠIFRAR, Boštjan | Cover with container for multiple sealing of plastic bottles, glass bottles and other vessels |
US11046488B2 (en) * | 2015-12-31 | 2021-06-29 | Teamplast B.V. | Container with multi depressible cap press top |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2009099470A1 (en) | 2009-08-13 |
US8152017B2 (en) | 2012-04-10 |
US20090194533A1 (en) | 2009-08-06 |
US20090236303A1 (en) | 2009-09-24 |
WO2009099470A4 (en) | 2009-10-15 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |