RESERVATION OF COPYRIGHTS

[0001] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material, which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] Embodiments of the invention generally relate to a liquid encapsulation apparatus for encapsulating different types of liquid and a method for manufacturing the same.

BACKGROUND

[0003] A liquid encapsulation apparatus and method are needed to enable users to easily carry and access the liquid inside the liquid encapsulation apparatus. Further, for various reasons (including rules imposed by the Transportation Security Administration), liquid over a preset volume cannot be carried onboard an aircraft. Accordingly, liquid encapsulation apparatus of a particular size and configuration advantageously reduce the hassle associated with carrying a plurality of bottles and the frustration of not being able to almost instantaneously access and apply the liquid.

SUMMARY

[0004] In one aspect, one or more embodiments of the present invention relate to a method for manufacturing a liquid encapsulation apparatus comprising: deforming waterproof film to create a plurality of chambers therein; filling each of the plurality of chambers with liquid; sealing the plurality of chambers

l with a protective layer to create a plurality of capsules; cutting the plurality of capsules into a predetermined grouping; and forming the liquid encapsulation apparatus by placing the predetermined grouping with a substrate in which the substrate is in contact with the predetermined grouping.

[0005] In one aspect, one or more embodiments of the present invention relate to a liquid encapsulation apparatus comprising: a substrate; and a capsule comprising: a chamber housing liquid, and a protective layer that seals the chamber to prevent the liquid from escaping the chamber, wherein the substrate is in contact with the capsule.

[0006] In one aspect, one or more embodiments of the present invention relate to a method for using a liquid encapsulation apparatus to remove nail polish comprising: breaking a first chamber of the liquid encapsulation apparatus such that nail polish escapes from the first chamber and spills onto a substrate, the substrate is in contact with the first chamber at a first local substrate area; applying the first local substrate area of the wet substrate to a first nail; breaking a second chamber of the liquid encapsulation apparatus such that nail polish escapes from the second chamber and spills onto the substrate, the substrate is in contact with the second chamber at a second local substrate area; and applying the second local substrate area of the wet substrate to a second nail.

[0007] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 shows a flowchart for manufacturing a liquid encapsulation apparatus.

[0009] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of chambers filled with liquid.

[0010] FIG. 3 shows a top-down view of chambers made using molds. [0011] FIG. 4 shows a capsule comprising a chamber filled with liquid and gas and a protective layer.

[0012] FIG. 5 shows a liquid encapsulation apparatus.

[0013] FIG. 6 shows a group of chambers.

[0014] . 7 shows a group of chambers placed inside a substrate.

[0015] FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of FIG. 7.

[0016] FIG. 9 shows a glove-like pouch for use with a capsule.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of one or more embodiments of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description.

[0018] Throughout the application, ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) may be used as an adjective for an element (i.e. , any noun in the application). The use of ordinal numbers is not to imply or create a particular ordering of the elements nor to limit any element to being only a single element unless expressly disclosed, such as by the use of the terms "before," "after," "single," and other such terminology. Rather, the use of ordinal numbers is to distinguish between the elements. By way of an example, a first element is distinct from a second element, and the first element may encompass more than one element and succeed (or precede) the second element in an ordering of elements.

[0019] It is to be understood that the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a capsule" includes reference to one or more of such capsules. Further, it is to be understood that "or," as used throughout this application, is an inclusive or, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0020] Terms like "approximately," "substantially," etc., mean that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to those of skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide.

[0021] Inventors disclose a novel liquid encapsulation apparatus for encapsulating different types of liquids for subsequent use and a method for manufacturing the same. For the purposes of this application, the liquid encapsulation apparatus comprises a substrate, a capsule, and liquid stored in the housing. For the purposes of this application, a capsule comprises a chamber, liquid or gas filled in the chamber, and a protective layer for sealing the chamber filled with the liquid. For the purposes of this application, "a predetermined grouping" comprises one or more capsules. The liquid encapsulation apparatus allows for easy storage and transportation of cosmetics, disinfectants, solvents, cleaners, etc. A user can gain access to the same liquid by simply applying pressure to and breaking the capsule enclosed by the substrate. In so doing, the liquid housed in the capsule spills onto the substrate and can be appropriately applied.

[0022] Specific embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. Like elements in the various figures are denoted by like reference numerals for consistency. Like elements may not be labeled in all figures for the sake of simplicity.

[0023] FIG. 1 shows a flowchart for manufacturing a liquid encapsulation apparatus. While the flowchart is presented and described sequentially, one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that some or all of the steps may be executed in different orders, may be combined or omitted, and some or all of the steps may be executed in parallel.

[0024] In Step 101, raw material (e.g., polyethylene film) is fed into a thermo- sealer. The raw material is waterproof and capable of retaining the chemical or physical properties of the liquid to be filled with the raw material.

[0025] In Step 103, using molds, the raw material is punctured without breaking or piercing to create a plurality of chambers therein. The molds may be of any shape, form, or dimension so long as the appropriate volume is created to house the liquid. In one or more embodiments, the shape of the chamber may be, for example, hemispherical, cubical, etc. In one or more embodiments, if the shape of the chamber is spherical or hemispherical, the diameter may be between 5 mm and 30 mm and the height may be between 5 mm and 30 mm. Based on the above -range, for example, the chamber may have a volume of between 0.065 ml and 15 ml.

[0026] In Step 105, each of the plurality of chambers is filled with liquid. The type of liquid filled is not limited and may be, for example, nail polish remover, iodine, water, cosmetics, disinfectants, solvents, cleaners, etc. The amount of liquid to be filled in the chamber is dependent on the volume of the chamber. Furthermore, some volume of the chamber may be filled with air or inert gas. The particular proportion of liquid to air in the chamber varies and may be 0% gas volume to 100% liquid volume, 10% gas volume to 90% liquid volume, 20% gas volume to 80% liquid volume, 30% gas volume to 70% liquid volume, 40% gas volume to 60% liquid volume, 50% gas volume to 50% liquid volume, 60% gas volume to 40% liquid volume, 70% gas volume to 30% liquid volume, 80% gas volume to 20% liquid volume, 90% gas volume to 10% liquid volume, 100% gas volume to 0% liquid volume, or any range in between. In the case of 100% gas volume to 0% liquid volume, the liquid encapsulation apparatus may be filled with specialized gas— capsules filled with helium, pure oxygen, etc. [0027] In Step 107, a protective layer is interfaced with the raw material and the chambers such that each of the plurality of chambers is sealed. The protective layer may be made of any waterproof material, including aluminum foil, so long as the protective layer is able to prevent the liquid housed in the chamber from escaping. The raw material and the material of the protective layer preserve the chemical and physical properties of the liquid.

[0028] In Step 109, the plurality of chambers are cut into predetermined groupings. The particular method for arranging the grouping is not limited. In one or more embodiments, a grouping may comprise of one or more capsules. In embodiments where there are a plurality of capsules in a single grouping, the shape/arrangement of the plurality is not limited.

[0029] In Step 1 11 , each of the cut groups is placed inside a substrate (e.g. , gauze). The substrate can be woven or non-woven fabric. A woven fabric may be weaved in any manner (e.g. , taffeta weave, twill weave, satin weave, or knitting). The material of the substrate is not limited and may be, for example, cotton, rayon, linen, polyester, or a combination thereof. The substrate may wrap around the capsule in any shape and form. The substrate may comprise of a plurality of layers.

[0030] In Step 1 13, each capsule is wrapped or packed into portable packets as a liquid encapsulation apparatus. The portable packet may be made of polyethylene. Alternatively, a plurality of liquid encapsulation apparatuses may be placed and sealed into a jar or other portable containers.

[0031] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of chambers (20 la- 20 If) filled with liquid (203). Chambers are separated from each other via the original, non- deformed raw material (205). As shown, the chambers (201a-201f) each also comprise a volume of gas (209). As stated above, in one or more embodiments, the amounts of the liquid (203) and gas (209) may vary. Furthermore, the liquid (203) from the chambers (20 la- 20 If) is sealed with a protective layer (207). [0032] FIG. 3 shows a top-down view of chambers (301) made using molds.

[0033] FIG. 4 shows a capsule (401) comprising a chamber (403) filled with gas (405) and liquid (407) and a protective layer (409).

[0034] FIG. 5 shows a liquid encapsulation apparatus (501) comprising a substrate (e.g. , gauze) (503) and a capsule (505) placed inside the substrate. A user can gain access to the liquid (507) by applying pressure to the capsule (505) and breaking the same. The liquid (507) inside the chamber then spills onto the surrounding substrate (503) and can be readily applied. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, in one or more embodiments, the substrate may be made of other materials. The particular material used may depend on the type of liquid (507) contained in the capsule (505). Also, in one or more embodiments, the shape of the substrate (503) may vary from the spherical shape shown, e.g. , the substrate may be any desirable shape including square, rectangular, elliptical, etc. Also, in one or more embodiments, the substrate (503) may not fully enclose the capsule, e.g. , the substrate may be formed as a pocket into which the capsule is disposed.

[0035] FIG. 6 shows a group of chambers (601). The specific number of chambers in one grouping is not limited. In one or more embodiments, a group of 1 to 50 chambers may be convenient to users. However, in one or more embodiments, fabrication of 50 or more chambers per group is also possible.

[0036] FIG. 7 shows a group of chambers (701) placed inside a substrate (703).

As discussed above, in one or more embodiments, the substrate (703) may take other shapes and may completely enclose the group of chambers or not.

[0037] FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of FIG. 7. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the chambers (801a-801c) can be wrapped in a plurality of layers (803a, 803b) of substrate (803) to prevent oversaturation of the substrate (803). Accordingly, a user is able to break only one chamber (801a) and wet only a local region (803c) of the substrate (803). For example, in embodiments in which the chambers are filled with nail polish, the user is able to break a first chamber, so as to wet the region of the substrate near the first chamber for application of the same to one nail. Then, the user may break a second chamber so as to wet the region of the substrate near the second chamber for application of the same to another nail, and so forth.

[0038] Referring still to FIG. 8, the particular number of substrate layers (803a,

803b) is not limited. Depending on the type of liquid, the number of layers of substrate may vary. In one or more embodiments, additional layers may be added to prevent over saturation when the chamber breaks.

[0039] As discussed above, the substrate may take various forms. Referring to

FIG. 9, in one or more embodiments, the substrate (903) may be formed as a glove-like structure (905) having a pocket (907) into which a capsule (901) may be disposed via opening (909). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a user can apply pressure to the capsule (901) inserted into the pocket (907) with a hand inserted into the glove-like structure (905) via opening (911). The capsule insertion direction and hand insertion direction are shown in the FIG. 9. By doing so, the liquid inside the capsule (901) is released and will saturate the substrate (903). For example, in embodiments in which the capsule is filled with a cleaner, the user can release the cleaner onto the substrate prior to performing washing.

[0040] In one or more embodiments, the cleaner may be a soap for use by a nurse to clean a bed-ridden patient. In one or more embodiments, the cleaner may be a protectant/polish for use on furniture. In one or more embodiments, the glove-like structure (905) may be made of a material other than that of the pocket (907), e.g., such that the liquid from the capsule (901) saturates the material of the pocket (907), but cannot saturate the material of the glove-like structure (905).

[0041] In one or more embodiments, the glove-like structure (905) may have multiple pockets (907), e.g., including one or more pockets (907) on each face of the glove-like structure (905) capable of having capsules inserted therein. In one or more embodiments, the substrate may be comprised of overlaid layers gauze pads. The glove-like structure (905) may be formed by gluing three of the four sides of two overlaid gauze pads. Likewise, pockets (907) may be formed by gluing three of the four sides of a gauze pad overlaid onto one of the gauze pads making up the glove-like structure (905).

[0042] Alternatively, the pockets (907) may be formed by cutting or other appropriate methods. In embodiments where the glove-like structure (905) and pockets (907) are made of different materials, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the materials of the glove-like structure (905) and pockets (907) may be mated in any appropriate fashion, e.g., stitching, binding, adhering, etc.

[0043] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, in one or more embodiments, the glove-like structure and pockets may take various shapes and sizes without departing from the spirit of the invention. In one or more embodiments, although the chambers may look alike in the figures, it may be the case that individual chambers vary in shape, size, and form even if they belong to a single group. Each chamber may be independent with respect to another in terms of volume, shape, dimension, color, etc.

[0044] In one or more embodiments, although the specification describes the substrate as being made from woven or non-woven fabric, it may be the case that the substrate and the capsule are entirely made of non-fabric material or edible components, or combinations thereof. In one or more embodiments, although the specification describes the capsule as being implanted or inserted in the substrate, it may be the case that the capsule and the substrate are packaged separately. In one or more embodiments, the capsule may be used alone without any substrate or together with a substrate alternative, e.g., cloth, towel, or the like.

[0045] While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments can be devised which do not depart from the scope of the invention as disclosed herein. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the attached claims.