FOR THEIR MANUFACTURE

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of application no 62/847,019, filed on may 13, 2019. The disclosure of application no. 62/847,019 is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0002] The subject matter of the instant invention is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/847,023, filed May 13, 2019, and entitled“BEVERAGE DISPENSING APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR PREPARING BEVERAGES”; the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention is directed to the field of containers suitable for packaging, storing and dispensing products that are suitable for human contact and consumption.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] 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 consumption or human contact.

[0005] 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 human consumption or contact.

[0006] 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.

[0007] Various devices such as humidifiers and vaporizers use a combination of heat, pressure and/or gas flow to suspend solid and/or liquid particles in a gas environment. These devices typically require multiple inputs such as electricity, batteries, water, ingredient cartridges, and pressurized gas cartridges, among other things. The addition of heat to release volatiles can create combustion or decomposition biproducts that are undesirable, if not hazardous, for human consumption. 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 can suspend solid and liquid particles in an environment that does not suffer from these shortcomings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] This invention solves problems associated with conventional devices by providing a pressurized cartridge housing comprising at least one of a pressurized gas, pressurized liquid, botanical extract, flavor additive or enhancer, dye, anti-fungal, diluent or solvent, among other compounds and compositions suitable for human consumption or contact. [0009] One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a composition comprising a botanical extract and at least one of a pressurized gas, pressurized liquid, flavor additive, dye, anti-fungal, and diluent, wherein the composition is suitable for human consumption and contact.

[0010] 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.

[0011] Another embodiment of the invention relates to any combination of the foregoing embodiments wherein a container comprising a composition comprising a botanical extract and at least one of a pressurized gas, pressurized liquid, flavor additive, dye, anti-fungal, and diluent, wherein the composition is suitable for human consumption and contact.

[0012] 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).

[0013] One embodiment of the invention relates to any combination of the foregoing embodiments wherein the container further comprises a housing affixed to an end of the container for dispensing the composition.

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

[0015] Another embodiment of the invention relates to any combination of the foregoing embodiments that employs a housing which contains a package containing at least one of a botanical and at least one of flavor additives, dye, anti-fungal, and diluent, wherein the housing defines an opening which permits a pressurized source of fluid to contact and extract at least a portion of the contents of the package.

[0016] One embodiment of the invention relates to any combination of the foregoing embodiments wherein the botanical comprises Cannabidiol (CBD).

[0017] One embodiment of the invention relates to any combination of the foregoing embodiments wherein the botanical comprises Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

[0018] One embodiment of the invention relates to any combination of the foregoing embodiments wherein the botanical comprises caffeine.

[0019] One embodiment of the invention relates to any combination of the foregoing embodiments wherein the botanical comprises nicotine.

[0020] A further embodiment of the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a container comprising forming the container from a stamped disk, introducing the composition into the container, sealing the container and affixing a housing.

[0021] 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.

[0022] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of various embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, certain principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] FIG. 1 is a front perspective of the inventive cartridge with flavor additive and extract inside.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a front perspective of the cartridge with a flavor/extract cartridge connected inline.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a cross section of the cartridge of FIG. 2 that illustrates one housing or system for dispensing or releasing the contents of the cartridge.

[0026] FIG. 4 is an enlarged, partial cross-section of the housing affixed to the cartridge of FIG. 3.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a further enlarged partial cross-section of the housing affixed to the cartridge of FIG. 3.

[0028] Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to represent the same parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] This invention provides a means for packaging ingredients in a cartridge that contains a pressurized gas or liquid phases, or 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); the disclosure of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0030] In one embodiment of the invention, a botanical comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of THC, CBD, caffeine and nicotine.

[0031] In one embodiment of the invention, flavoring is stored in the cartridge with a gas at high pressure. The flavoring would be preserved under the blanket of the gas 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 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. 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% oxygen, less than about 0.5 volume %, greater than about 0 to about 0.2 vol% or other oxidizing gases or compounds or compositions. In a particular embodiment, about 0.06 grams of hemp extract is placed into a cartridge containing 7 grams of liquid CO2. The amount of botanical extract (e.g., hemp including cannabidiol (CBD) oil, cannabis, caffeine, nicotine, or other botanical) can range from about 1 mg to about 20mg, about 20mg to about 40mg and in some cases about 40 to about 200mg. The amount of liquid CO2 can range from about 1 g to about 8g, about 8g to about 12g and in some cases about 12g to about 90g. If a flavor is added, the amount of flavor can range from about 1 mg to about 1 g, about 1 g to about 50g and in some cases about 50g to about 200g. The cartridge could be used to add hemp extract to 1 liter of beverage liquid using the inventive apparatus. The inventive apparatus could then be used to dispense a hemp infused beverage.

[0032] The invention further provides a means for adding a separate flavor cartridge in-line with a gas cartridge. As one example, a user could use an off-the-shelf gas cartridge, add an inventive flavor cartridge in between the gas cartridge and beverage liquid such that the gas flows out of the gas cartridge, mixes with the contents of the flavor cartridge, then disperses into the liquid. In this way, flavors and extracts that are not feasible to put inside the gas cartridge or a long shelf life beverage can be isolated until a user is ready to make a beverage.

[0033] The invention further provides a means for manufacturing a gas cartridge containing gas, flavor, extract, and/or any other ingredients. First, a metal (steel, for example) sheet is stamped into a disk. Next, the stamped disk is deep drawn into a cylinder through progressive dies. Next, the top is heated with an induction heater and a neck is formed. The cartridge is then filled with a pre-mixed solution of liquid gas, flavor, extracts, and/or other ingredients. As one example, a cartridge approximately 82.5 x 18.6 mm could be filled with 8 grams of liquid carbon dioxide, flavors, and cannabis extracts. Next, a cap is affixed to the top of the cartridge to seal the cartridge and keep the gas inside. As one example, a stamped steel cap is resistance welded to the top. The stamped steel part can be made with a thin section intended to be punctured before use. Finally, the cartridge can be coated for an appealing aesthetic and text per 49 CFR 173.301 (2002). One method is plating the metal and screen-printing text. Another method is painting the entire cartridge with text per 49 CFR 173.301 (2002).

[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) and volatile oils. The cartridge could be used in an apparatus that slowly releases the volatile oils 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 further provides a means for providing carbonation to a liquid as a result of dispensing or releasing the contents of the cartridge into a liquid. In particular, the invention can be used for carbonating a liquid when the cartridge is connected to an apparatus for dispensing the contents of the cartridge into a liquid located within the apparatus.

[0036] Referring now to Figure 1 , Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of the invention wherein a cartridge (1 ) contains a liquified or pressurized gas (2) and flavors and extracts (3). The flavors and extracts (3) are made to be mixed and preserved in the liquified gas (2). 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.

[0037] Referring now to Figures 3-5, Figures 3-5 illustrate a cross section and detailed views of Figure 2. The gas in any phase (7) is contained in the cartridge and sealed by the puncturable closure (1 1 ). The closure has a thin section (1 1 ) that can be punctured by a pointed member (8) when force is applied to the cartridge. The pod (5) contains the flavor and/or extract concentrate (6). By pod it is meant any capsule, holder, package, among other suitable artifice that retains its contents until the contents are contacted and at least partially extracted by a pressurized fluid (for example, pressurized gaseous or liquid carbon dioxide). The flavor and/or extract concentrate (6) is contained in the pod (5) by two puncturable foils (9 and 12). A pointed member in the bottle apparatus could be used to puncture foil (12) and provide a fluid path into the bottle. The pressure in cartridge (1 ) then causes the foil seal (9) in pod (5) to rupture. The gas (7) in any phase in cartridge (1 ) can now flow through the punctured foil seal (9) and through the pod (5) forcing the flavor and/or extracts into the bottle. Members 6, 8, 9, 10, 1 1 and 12 are located in a housing that is disposed about a sealed opening of container 4.

[0038] By utilizing a small orifice between foil (12) and the bottle, the non-soluble flavor and/or extracts could be force into nano-droplets that are miscible with water.

[0039] While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, 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 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 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.