MANUFACTURE

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

[0001] The subject matter of the instant invention is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/903,260, filed September 20, 2019, and entitled “CARTRIDGE FOR DISPENSING PRODUCTS AND METHODS FOR THEIR MANUFACTURE”; the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention is directed to the field of containers suitable for packaging, storing and dispensing products that are suitable for at least one of human contact and consumption.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Products that contain a variety of ingredients must be formulated to be stable for the entire shelf life of the product. In cases where different ingredients are not miscible, expensive processing methods must be employed to alter ingredients and make them stable once combined. This not only increases the cost of the end product; it can also alter the quality and taste of the combined ingredients. There is a need in the art for a device that can combine ingredients immediately prior to at least one of consumption or human contact.

[0004] Various devices use a combination of pressure and liquid or gas flow to combine ingredients while a user is dispensing a product. These devices typically require multiple inputs such as electricity, batteries, water, flavor pods/packets, and pressurized gas cartridges, among other things. The process of collecting all the items required to use such devices can be irksome for consumers and requires a permanent arrangement that is not easy to transport and use. There is a need in the art for a device that consumers can use to quickly produce their own consumable products anywhere. By consumable products, it is meant to refer to beverages, food additives, respirable compositions, among other products suitable for at least one of human consumption or contact.

[0005] Many flavors and other food ingredients suffer from degradation due to oxidation when exposed to atmospheric air (e.g., during storage). To limit the degree of oxidation, foods and beverages are often enclosed in a sealed package. The shortcoming of this solution is that many foods and beverages must be consumed within a short timeframe of opening the sealed package. This is particularly problematic for packages containing multiple servings of high value product. There is a need in the art for a food and beverage packaging solution that does not suffer from these shortcomings.

[0006] In addition, various pharmaceuticals, drugs, other medicaments, and precursors thereof are not readily miscible with water which makes it difficult, if not impossible, to mix these ingredients into a palatable beverage or store for extended periods of time. In addition, certain ingredients must be protected from oxygen and UV light or they will degrade.

[0007] United States Patent Numbers US5,980,959 and US9,828,170B2 and United States Publication Numbers US20190185231A1 and US20100012532A1 describe conventional systems that employ sealed packages for dispensing fluids; the disclosure of the foregoing are hereby incorporated by reference. However, these systems employ a complicated release apparatus that is relatively large and can be difficult to manufacture.

[0008] There is a need in the art for an easy-to-use device that can combine ingredients at the time of consumption to overcome these shortcomings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] This invention solves problems associated with conventional devices by providing a pressurized cartridge housing at least one of a pressurized gas, pressurized liquid, at least one active ingredient, flavor additive or enhancer, dye, anti-fungal, diluent or solvent, among other compounds and compositions suitable for at least one of human consumption and contact. By “active ingredient” it is meant to refer to at least one of botanical extracts, pharmaceuticals, drugs, other medicaments, nutrients, animal extracts, microbial extracts, precursors thereof, among others.

[0010] One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a composition comprising at least one active ingredient and at least one of a pressurized gas, pressurized liquid, flavor additive, dye, anti-fungal, and diluent, wherein the composition is suitable for at least one of human consumption and contact.

[0011] One embodiment of the invention relates to any combination of the foregoing embodiments wherein the pressurized gas or pressurized liquid comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide and nitrogen.

[0012] Another embodiment of the invention relates to any combination of the foregoing embodiments wherein a container comprising a composition comprising at least one active ingredient and at least one of a pressurized gas, pressurized liquid, flavor additive, dye, anti fungal, and diluent, wherein the composition is suitable for at least one of human consumption and contact.

[0013] One embodiment of the invention relates to any combination of the foregoing embodiments wherein the container complies with 49 CFR 173.304 (2016) as well as 49 CFR 173.301 (2002); the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0014] One embodiment of the invention relates to any combination of the foregoing embodiments wherein at least one of the active ingredient and at least one of a flavor additive, dye, anti-fungal, and diluent are contained within the housing.

[0015] A further embodiment of the invention relates to combining at least one active ingredient (e.g., an oil such as cannabidiol oil, or caffeine powder) and liquid (e.g., water, alcohol containing fluid, juice, tea, caffeine, nicotine among other consumable liquids) at the time of consumption to create a mixture.

[0016] A further embodiment of the invention relates to combining at least one degassed active ingredient (e.g., an oil such as cannabidiol oil, or caffeine powder) and degassed liquid (e.g., water, alcohol containing fluid, juice, tea, caffeine, nicotine among other consumable liquids) at the time of consumption to create an emulsion (e.g., a stable oil in water emulsion). The term “stable” is intended to mean that the ingredient is emulsified within a liquid phase.

[0017] Another embodiment of the invention relates to the inventive container or cartridge comprising internal ribs that extend from a base of the cartridge a portion of the distance toward the cap.

[0018] A further embodiment of the invention relates to the inventive container or cartridge wherein the flexible member engages a distal end of the internal ribs.

[0019] One embodiment of the invention comprises at least one protrusion is defined on an exterior surface of the cartridge adjacent a base.

[0020] A further embodiment of the invention comprises a protrusion that extends at least partially about the perimeter of the cartridge.

[0021] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a method for filling or refilling a container having a cap wherein the container comprises a valve member having a seal member located between the valve member and the cap member and a flexible member that biases the valve member into a closed position; the method comprises, applying a force to the valve that is sufficient to move the valve member relative to the cap and towards an interior of the container thereby moving the valve from a closed to an open position, introducing a composition into the interior of the container through an opening defined in the interior end of the valve member; and, releasing the force thereby moving the valve member from the open to the closed position.

[0022] A further embodiment of the invention relates to a method for dispensing a composition from a container having a cap wherein the container comprises a valve member having a seal member located between the valve member and the cap and a flexible member that biases the valve into a closed position, the method comprises, applying a force to the valve member that is sufficient to move the valve relative to the cap and towards the interior of the container thereby moving the valve member from a closed to an open position, releasing the composition from the interior of the container through an opening defined in the interior end of the valve member; wherein the composition is under pressure and moving the valve member to the open position releases the pressure thereby dispensing the composition.

[0023] The various embodiments of the invention can be used alone or in combinations with each other along with other features disclosed herein and within the scope of the appended claims.

[0024] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] FIG. 1 is an upper perspective of the inventive cartridge with flavor additive and extract inside.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a front view of the cartridge with a flavor/extract cartridge contained inside. [0027] FIG. 3 is a cross section of the cartridge of FIG. 2 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

[0028] FIG. 4 is an enlarged, partial cross section of the cartridge taken from region 4 of FIG. 3. [0029] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the cartridge taken from FIG 3.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a side view of the cartridge of FIG 1. [0031] Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to represent the same parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] This invention provides a means for packaging ingredients in a cartridge that contains a pressurized gas or liquid phase, or a combination of phases. This invention also provides a means for manufacturing the cartridge and dispensing the contents of the cartridge. This invention is useful in that it provides a means for preserving ingredients in a cartridge with the ability to dispense and combine the contents with other solids, liquids, and gasses without an external power source. The cartridge can be used to combine preserved ingredients with other ingredients at the time of dispense, which can extend the shelf life for many products. The cartridge can be made to comply with the filling requirements of 49 CFR 173.304 (2016) as well as the shipment requirements of 49 CFR 173.301 (2002) such as disclosed in Publication Number WO 2018/125803; the disclosure of which are hereby incorporated by reference

[0033] In one embodiment of the invention, the composition within the cartridge comprises a flavoring that is stored in the cartridge with a gas at high pressure. The flavoring would be preserved under the blanket of the gas (i.e., a gas that is not reactive with the flavoring) since no oxygen is present to oxidize the flavors. While any suitable flavoring can be employed, examples of flavoring comprise at least one member selected from the group consisting of ginger, fern, cloudberry, dandelion, elderflower, marshmallow, and coffee. The pressurized gas could also be under pressure relative to the surrounding environment and then be used to push the flavoring out of the cartridge when needed. As another example, cannabis extracts such as CBD oils could be put in a cartridge with liquified gas. As further examples, caffeine or nicotine, both natural occurring or synthetic, could be put in a cartridge with high pressure gas or liquified gas, as appropriate. When used in an apparatus, the pressurized gas could be used to encourage mixing of the cartridge contents and a liquid by allowing the gas cartridge contents to expand in a turbulent manner through the liquid. By gas it is meant to refer to nitrogen, carbon dioxide, among other non-oxidizing gas suitable for human consumption. By high pressure it is meant about 100 to about 1000 psi, about 250 to about 750 psi, or any pressure suitable for mixing and dispensing the contents of the bottle. By non-oxidizing it is meant that the cartridge contains less than about 1 volume percent oxygen, less than about 0.5 volume percent, greater than about 0 to about 0.2 volume percent or other oxidizing gases or compounds or compositions. In a particular embodiment, about 3 grams of hemp extract is placed into a cartridge containing 2 ml C02 at 100 psi. The amount of active ingredient (e.g., hemp including cannabidiol (CBD) oil, cannabis, or other botanical or medicament) can range from about 1 mg to about 20 mg, about 20 mg to about 40 mg and in some cases about 40 mg to about 200 mg. The amount of liquid C02 can range from about 1 gram to about 8 grams, about 8 grams to about 12 grams and in some cases about 12 grams to about 90 grams. If a flavor is added, the amount of flavor can range from about 1 mg to about 1 gram, about 1 gram to about 50 grams and in some cases about 50 grams to about 200 grams. The cartridge could be used to add an active ingredient to 1 liter of beverage liquid using the inventive apparatus. The inventive apparatus could then be used to dispense an active ingredient (e.g., hemp) infused beverage.

[0034] The invention also provides a means for storing liquids and/or solids in a pressurized gas cartridge that can be released and suspended in a gaseous environment. For example, a gas cartridge could be pressurized with compressed gas or liquid (including air or air mixture) and an active ingredient (e.g., volatile oils). The cartridge could be used in an apparatus that slowly releases the active ingredient by misting or vaporizing into the environment around it. This would enable a portable device that does not require any inputs other than the cartridge itself.

[0035] The invention also provides a means for storing a degassed ingredient (e.g., active ingredient containing liquids and/or solids) in a pressurized gas cartridge that can be injected into a degassed liquid (e.g., an aqueous fluid) within a container. By storing degassed ingredients in the cartridge and degassed liquid in a separate container and combining at the time of consumption, one can achieve homogenous mixing of typically immiscible ingredients (e.g., oil and water). In one example, degassed oil and degassed water are combined causing a homogenous mixture of 100 micron oil droplets in water for more than 3 hours. Prior to instant invention, such a combination can only be achieved with such stability by using surfactant which negatively affect the flavor and bioavailability of the solution. Degassing can be achieved by using any suitable equipment and methods including, sonication, pressure reduction/vacuum, among conventional degassing technologies.

[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 1-2, FIGS. 1-2 illustrate an embodiment of the invention wherein a cartridge (1) contains a liquified or pressurized gas (2) and a composition (3) comprising at least one active ingredient. The compositions (3) are made to be mixed and preserved in the liquified gas (2). The composition (3) can also be made to be preserved under a blanket gas (2). In one embodiment, the composition (3) can be degassed prior to being added to the cartridge

(I), and the remaining volume in the cartridge (1) can be filled to keep the compositions (3) degassed. A dye or any form of colorant can be used in the contents of the cartridge as a form of verification that the product is not counterfeit or otherwise altered. It is to be understood that the gas (2) can be in any phase. The cartridge (1) can be made to maximize ergonomics and convenience for transportation and storage.

[0037] Referring now to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 illustrates a cross section and detailed views of the cartridge (1) of FIGS. 1-2. As shown in FIG. 3, cartridge (1) (FIG. 1) includes a container (4) having a cap member or cap (5) which is affixed and hermetically sealed to keep the contents within cartridge (1) (FIG. 1). In one embodiment, cap (5) is a housing. A convenient shape such as a cylinder having a rectangular oval cross section that is suitable for high pressure contents is created by adding at least two structural internal ribs (11) within container (4). The internal ribs

(II) are permanently affixed to different portions of an interior wall (12) of the container (4), or are an aspect of a unitary container structure that includes the ribs (11). The cross section of container (4) and the corresponding mating perimeter of cap (5) can have any suitable configuration so long as cap (5) can be sealed to container (4). In general, a longitudinal axis (14) (FIG. 5) of the container (4) will be greater than a length (15) (FIG. 5) of the opening of container (4) for receiving the cap (5). The cap (5) and container (4) can be fabricated from any suitable material including, for example, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, and/or polyoxymethylene.

[0038] Referring now to FIG. 4 that is taken from region 3 of FIG. 3, FIG. 4 illustrates a valve mechanism that can be used to release the contents of the cartridge (1). A seal member (6) such as an O-ring is positioned around valve member (7) and compression fit between the valve member (7) and the cap (5) when valve member (7) and seal member (6) is installed in container (4). Seal member (6) can be fabricated from any suitable material including, for example, an elastomeric polymer. At least a portion of valve member (7), such as a central portion (15) is movable relative to the cap (5) in a direction (16) towards the interior of container (4) when valve member (7) is in an open position. The valve member (7) can be made to include a spring member (8) that will bias valve member (7) into a closed position (i.e., mover central portion (15) in a direction opposite direction (16) and, if desired, spring member (8) permits refilling the cartridge by re-establishing a fluid tight seal between the valve member (7), seal member (6) and the cap (5). Valve member (7) and spring member (8) can comprise separate components or a unitary structure. Spring member (8) can have any suitable configuration such as a steel strip, wire, among other configurations that enable the spring member to flex and in turn cause valve member (7) to sealingly engage an opening (17) (FIG. 5) formed in cap member (5), establishing a fluid tight seal therebetween. The spring member (8) is mounted or received within container

(4) by retainer (18) such as slot(s), clip(s), among other suitable arrangements.

[0039] In one embodiment of the invention, the spring member (8) includes protuberances (19) that engage a distal portion (20) of the internal ribs (11) located within container (4). The spring member (8) is flexible relative to the distal portion (20).

[0040] In one aspect of the invention, spring member (8) is created by a flexure feature included in the valve member (7). As shown in FIG. 4, in response to an external rigid member (21) being sufficiently directed in direction (16) into the bottom of a blind hole (22) and into contact with central portion (15) of valve member (7), central portion (15) of valve member (7) is urged away from cap (5), at least temporarily breaking the fluid tight seal between valve member (7) and cap

(5), causing the flavor and extracts (3) as well as the gas (2) to flow from the interior of container (4) through a passage (23) formed or defined in the interior end of the valve member (7) and out of the cartridge (1) by exiting a blind orifice (22) defined on an exterior end of valve member (7) as a result of passage (23) and blind orifice (22) being in fluid communication therebetween. The passage (23) and blind orifice (22) of the valve member (7) can have any suitable configuration and be made to create a high velocity stream of flavor and extracts favorable for mixing into an external volume of liquid. [0041] Referring now to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 illustrates an assembly method for the cartridge (1). First, a unitary structure comprising the valve member (7) and spring member 8 is placed into the container (4) such that the retainer(s) (18) of spring member (8) engages the distal ends (FIG. 4) of ribs (11). Next the seal member (6) is placed on the valve member (7). Finally, the cap (5) is placed over and slidably engages the valve member (7) and is permanently attached to the container (4) by any connection means including ultrasonic welding, adhesive, hot plate weld, laser weld, or any other suitable connection means.

[0042] Referring now to FIG. 6, FIG. 6 illustrates a protrusion (9) extending outwardly from the exterior surface of the cartridge (1). The protrusion (9) may be continuous or discontinuous and at least partially extends along at least a portion of the periphery or perimeter of the cartridge (1). The protrusion (9) can be utilized by an external device in such a way to reposition, constrain or otherwise manipulate the position of the cartridge (1).

[0043] The invention further provides a means for manufacturing a gas cartridge containing gas, flavor, active ingredient (e.g., botanical extract), and/or any other ingredients. First, a container, for example, as illustrated in FIG.FIGS. 1 and 2, is formed by plastic injection molding. Next, a cap is formed by plastic injection molding. A valve member can also be formed by plastic injection molding. A seal member is made by an injection process such as liquid silicone rubber injection. Next, the valve member is inserted into the cap with the seal member. The container is then filled with a pre-mixed solution of liquid gas, a composition comprising at least one active ingredient, flavor, extracts, and/or other ingredients. As one example, a cartridge approximately 26 x 26 x 6 mm could be filled with 4 grams of liquid nitrogen, flavors, and active ingredient (e.g., cannabis extracts). The cap is then affixed to the container by any suitable method. A flexure feature can be manufactured into the valve member such that the flexure feature is compressed when the cap is attached, thereby compressing the seal and creating a hermetic seal within the cartridge. As one example of a connection means for the cap, the cap could be ultrasonically welded to the container member providing an instant structural hermetic seal. The cartridge can be decorated by either adding a pattern to the injection mold, adding a stick, or painting the cartridge, among other things. [0044] Embodiments of the present disclosure, for example, in comparison to concepts failing to include one or more of the features disclosed herein,

[0045] While the invention has been described with reference to one or more embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. In addition, all numerical values identified in the detailed description shall be interpreted as though the precise and approximate values are both expressly identified.