Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for providing coated receptacles.

Background of Invention

[0002] A variety of techniques have been developed for applying a coating on the interior surface of containers. The coatings are often designed to prevent degradation of the container interior by the contents which are in contact with the interior surface, for example, water, moisture, or steam. A number of these techniques have been developed for food and beverage applications. For example, many cups, plates and containers are coated by dipping, roll coating, spraying, spreading with a doctor blade, laminating, or slot-die coating.

[0003] A disadvantage of these coatings is that they may require additional steps for selective coating, for example, it may not be desirable to coat surfaces required for sealing with an adhesive or heat.

[0004] It would be desirable to provide an apparatus and method for providing coated receptacles which ameliorates or at least alleviates one or more of the above problems or to provide an alternative.

[0005] It would also be desirable to provide an apparatus and method that ameliorates or overcomes one or more disadvantages or inconvenience of known coatings.

[0006] The present invention generally relates to the above-described prior art in that it involves the provision of containers which have the interior surface lined with a coating to overcome interaction of the container interior surface with contents in contact with the surface.

[0007] A reference herein to a patent document or other matter which is given as prior art is not to be taken as an admission or a suggestion that the document or matter was known or that the information it contains was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of any of the claims. Summary of Invention

[0008] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of coating at least one interior surface of a receptacle, comprising the steps of: supplying media to the interior of the receptacle, the media including at least one of a first amount of media supplied via at least one flow path; and withdrawing media from the interior of the receptacle, the media including at least one of a second amount of media withdrawn via the at least one flow path, wherein withdrawing the at least one second amount of media yields a remaining portion of the media supplied to the interior of the receptacle as a coating on the at least one interior surface the receptacle.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, the media comprises a liquid or fluent material.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the first amount of media is greater than the second amount of media.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the first amount of media is supplied via a plurality of flow paths. Advantageously, by providing a plurality of flow paths arranged in a common plane, the amount of media supplied to a corresponding plurality of receptacles is only limited by size constraints.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the second amount of media is withdrawn via a plurality of flow paths.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the at least one flow path includes at least one nozzle.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the step of sensing a level related to the first amount of media and inhibiting supply of the media to the interior of the receptacle based on the level. Advantageously, sensing the level of media may prevent undesirable overfill on any surfaces used to adhere a laminar layer for closing and holding contents of the receptacle.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the level is a predetermined fill-height of the receptacle.

[0016] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for coating at least one interior surface of a receptacle, comprising: at least one flow path configured to supply media to the interior of the receptacle, the media including at least one of a first amount of media; and the at least one flow path configured to withdraw media from the interior of the receptacle, the media including at least one of a second amount of media; wherein withdrawing the at least one second amount of media yields a remaining portion of the media supplied to the interior of the receptacle as a coating on the at least one interior surface the receptacle.

[0017] In one or more embodiments the media comprises a liquid or fluent material.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the first amount of media is greater than the second amount of media.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the first amount of media is supplied via a plurality of flow paths.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the second amount of media is withdrawn via a plurality of flow paths.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the at least one flow path includes at least one nozzle.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the step of sensing a level related to the first amount of media and inhibiting supply of the media to the interior of the receptacle based on the level.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the level is a predetermined fill-height of the receptacle.

[0024] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a receptacle with a coating on at least one interior surface produced by the method as described above.

[0025] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of coating at least one interior surface of a receptacle, comprising the steps of: supplying an amount of liquid or fluent material to the interior of the receptacle, the amount of liquid or fluent material including at least one of a first volume of liquid supplied via at least one flow path; and withdrawing an amount of liquid or fluent material from the interior of the receptacle, the amount of liquid or fluent material including at least one of a second volume of liquid or fluent material withdrawn via the at least one flow path, wherein withdrawing the at least one second volume of liquid or fluent material yields a remaining portion of the liquid or fluent material supplied to the interior of the receptacle as a coating on the at least one interior surface the receptacle.

[0026] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for coating at least one interior surface of a receptacle, comprising: at least one flow path configured to supply an amount of liquid or fluent material to the interior of the receptacle, the amount of liquid or fluent material including at least one of a first volume of liquid or fluent material; and the at least one flow path configured to withdraw an amount of liquid or fluent material from the interior of the receptacle, the amount of liquid or fluent material including at least one of a second volume of liquid or fluent material; wherein withdrawing the at least one second volume of liquid or fluent material yields a remaining portion of the liquid or fluent material supplied to the interior of the receptacle as a coating on the at least one interior surface the receptacle.

[0027] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for filling a receptacle, comprising: supplying media to the interior of the receptacle, the media including at least one of a first amount of media supplied via at least one flow path; and withdrawing the media from the interior of the receptacle, the media including at least one of a second amount of media withdrawn via the at least one flow path, wherein withdrawing the at least one second amount of media yields a remaining portion of the media supplied to the interior of the receptacle.

[0028] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for filling a receptacle, comprising: at least one flow path configured to supply media to the interior of the receptacle, the media including at least one of a first amount of media; and the at least one flow path configured to withdraw the media from the interior of the receptacle, the media including at least one of a second amount of media, wherein withdrawing the at least one second amount of media yields a remaining portion of the media supplied to the interior of the receptacle. Brief Description of Drawings

[0029] The invention will now be described in further detail by reference to the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that the particularity of the drawings does not supersede the generality of the preceding description of the invention.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for coating at least one interior surface of a receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating possible operation of the apparatus shown in FIG.1 ;

[0032] FIG. 3a, 3b and 3c are flow path designs in side and cross-section views according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 4a is a side view of a flow path design according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] FIG. 4b is an angled side view of the flow path shown in FIG. 4a; and

[0035] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for coating at least one interior surface of a receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

[0036] Some embodiments are directed to a container for a food, beverage and medicament that may require a coating on an interior surface of the container, and it will be convenient to describe the invention in relation to that exemplary, but nonlimiting, application. However, it will be appreciated that some embodiments may also relate to dispensing machines capable of dispensing small and accurate amounts of materials, for example, concentrated liquids or powders.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus 100 for coating at least one interior surface 1 18 of a receptacle 108 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Apparatus 100 includes a flow path 114 configured to supply and withdraw media 106 to and from interior 1 16 of the receptacle 108. In the embodiment shown, the flow path 114 includes a nozzle 102 for supplying media 106 to the interior 1 16 of the receptacle 108 and a nozzle 104 for withdrawing media 106 from the interior 1 16 of the receptacle 108. The media 106 may include a liquid of fluent material, for example, a wax, a beeswax, polymer and/or inert filler, alone or in combination.

[0038] The interior 1 16 of the receptacle 108 is a substantially hollow shape defined by interior surfaces 1 18, with reference to the specific shape shown, a slightly tapered body 124, with a lower base 120. However, other suitable shapes (e.g., hollow, square, cylindrical, etc.) are also encompassed by the present disclosure. On upper base 122, and more precisely on edge 1 10, it may be convenient to join, either through welding, gluing or the like, a laminar layer for closing and holding contents of the receptacle 108. Accordingly, there may be advantages in not coating the upper base 122 with media 106. For example, media 106 may inhibit the cure of certain glues.

[0039] A first amount of media 106 is supplied via nozzle 102 to the interior 1 16 of the receptacle 108, and those skilled in the art will recognize suitable nozzle designs for providing the stated functions, for example, a nozzle with a tapered portion used to form the opening at a dispensing end. In one or more embodiments, the nozzle 102 is lowered into the interior 1 16 of the receptacle 108 towards the lower base 120 and the first amount of media 106 is supplied until a particular level of the media 106 is reached within the interior 1 16 of the receptacle 108. In one or more embodiments, the nozzle is configured to rise away from the lower base in response to a rise in the level of the media 106 therewith. It should also be appreciated that the receptacle 108 itself may be moved laterally from beneath the nozzle e.g., on a platform. Advantageously, this may avoid splashes or possible fluid deviations towards the upper base 122 that could otherwise occur. Such splashes may soil the interior mechanics of any systems the apparatus 100 forms part of.

[0040] In the embodiment shown, the level of the media 106 is determined by sensor 1 12, the sensor 1 12 employs a conventional measurement method for level observation, for example, by means of a laser or ultrasonic system measuring the distance from the top of the receptacle 108 to the media 106 level detecting the light or ultrasound wave reflecting on the media 106 level. However, it will also be appreciated that the supply nozzle 102 may include a volumetric displacement that allows the media 106 to be delivered into the receptacle 108 with the supply nozzle 102 remaining at the bottom of the receptacle 108 without causing overflow of the receptacle 108. For example, a volumetric flow controller may define flow rates based on temperature and pressure readings of the media flowing through the supply nozzle 102. Additionally or alternatively, the media 106 may be supplied to the receptacle 108 for a predetermined amount of time.

[0041] After the particular level of the media 106 is reached within the interior 1 16 of the receptacle 108 a second amount of media 106 is withdrawn via nozzle 104 from the interior 1 16 of the receptacle 108. In one or more embodiments, the nozzle is configured to lower towards the lower base in response to a fall in the level of the media 106 therewith. It should also be appreciated that the receptacle 108 itself may be moved laterally from beneath the nozzle. Advantageously, this leaves a coating on interior surfaces 1 18 comprising the media 106. Examples of coatings are not limited by this disclosure, and may be any type of coating, particularly coatings that are used for food products. Specific examples of coatings may include beeswax (as described above), microcrystalline wax, rosin, and natural plant-based oils or the like. As also described above, lowering the nozzle 104 may avoid splashes or possible fluid deviations towards the upper base 122 that could otherwise occur. In one or more embodiments, the nozzle 104 may provide constant suction to ensure overfill is prevented. In this particular form of the invention, it will be appreciated that when providing constant suction, the nozzle 104 may be withdrawing air until it is in fluid communication with the media. Advantageously, the level of media can be dictated by the height of the nozzle 104 thus preventing overfilling.

[0042] Following is a description of the operation of apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, with reference to the flow chart in FIG. 2. The flow chart of FIG. 2 steps through a process of coating at least one interior surface of a receptacle as executed by apparatus 100. It is assumed for the present example that any tanks, pumps and the like are ready for supplying and withdrawing media 106. For example, withdrawal of media 106 may be achieved via a vacuum pump or positive displacement pumping system and supply of media 106 may be achieved via positive pressure (pressuring dispensing tank or vessel) or pumping fluid at atmospheric pressure via a positive displacement pump. It is contemplated that various check valves may also be employed to enable the supply of media from a tank, for example, to a nozzle 104 and limit the flow from the nozzles 104 axial passage towards the tank. These particular configurations will be discussed in greater detail with reference to FIG. 5. [0043] In FIG. 2, the process begins at step 200 when the receptacle is present beneath the supply nozzle 102. At step 202 the nozzle 102 may be lowered into the interior 1 16 of the receptacle 108 towards the lower base 120. At step 204 a first amount of media 106 is supplied until a particular level of the media 106 is reached within the interior 1 16 of the receptacle 108. The level of the media 106 is assessed at step 206. If the level of media is not reached the process loops back to step 204. It is noted that different receptacles may have different fill levels. It will also be appreciated by reference to FIG. 1 that the nozzle may rise away from the lower base 120 in response to a rise in the level of the media 106 in the receptacle 108.

[0044] At step 208 the withdraw nozzle 104 is lowered into the interior 116 of the receptacle 108 towards the lower base 120. At step 210 a second amount of media 106 is withdrawn from the interior 1 16 of the receptacle 108. The amount of the media 106 withdrawn is assessed at step 212. If the amount of media is not reached the process loops back to step 210. It will also be appreciated by reference to FIG. 1 that the nozzle may lower towards the lower base 120 in response to a fall in the level of the media 106 in the receptacle 108. Once the second amount of media 106 is withdrawn, a remaining portion of the media 106 supplied forms a coating on the interior surface the receptacle 108. The process then ends at step 214.

[0045] As described above with reference to FIG. 2, the level of media 106 may be assessed directly e.g., by sensing a physical level or by virtue of the position of the nozzle 104 that can additionally or alternatively prevent overfilling by providing constant suction.

[0046] It will be appreciated from the above disclosure that apparatus 100 may be configured to operate on a conveyor that moves in both forward and reverse directions. Additionally, the apparatus 100 may be provided with any number of flow paths 1 14 arranged in a common plane to supply a plurality of containers or the like, and those skilled in the art will recognise suitable designs for providing the stated functions and that said designs are only limited by size constraints.

[0047] FIG. 3a, 3b and 3c are flow path 300 designs in side and cross-section views according to an embodiment of the present invention. Each flow path 300 has two nozzles 302 and 304. Each nozzle includes a hollow portion to form a fluid conduit. FIG. 3a is similar to the flow path 1 14 described with reference FIG. 1 in that it includes two nozzles 302 and 304 in parallel. In one or more embodiments, nozzle 302 is configured to supply media to the receptacle and nozzle 304 is configured to withdraw media from the receptacle. There may also be advantages in nozzles 302 and 304 being hollow and frustoconicular-shaped, with the cross sectional area of the outer nozzle gradually decreasing from top to bottom, resulting in a fluid entry orifice at the top and a smaller fluid exit orifice at the bottom, which communicate with the hollow interior of the outer nozzle to form a fluid passageway.

[0048] FIG. 3b includes an outer nozzle 304 and an inner nozzle 302 in concentric alignment. The nozzles 302 and 304 are separated from and spaced apart from each other to form two fluid passageways. This configuration provides several advantages in terms of size.

[0049] FIG. 3c includes two semicircular (in cross-section) nozzles 302 and 304. The nozzles 302 and 304 are separated from each other to form two fluid passageways.

[0050] FIG. 4a shows a flow path 400 design in side view according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment shown, the flow path has a single nozzle 402. The nozzle 402 includes a hollow portion 406 to form a fluid conduit. The nozzle 402 may be configured to either supply media to the receptacle and/or withdraw media from the receptacle. The bottom 404 of the nozzle 402 gradually tapers, to a tip 408. The tip 408 includes two concentric channels 410 that cross through the hollow portion 406. Although the depicted embodiments illustrate two channels having curved, e.g., semicircular cross-sectional shapes, it will be recognized that other cross- sectional shapes are contemplated, such as V-shaped, rectangular, or other geometric cross-sectional shape. Furthermore, it is also contemplated that concentric channels may also be employed. Advantageously, this arrangement allows for the nozzle 402 to still supply or withdraw media when the tip 408 is touching the bottom of the receptacle.

[0051] In the embodiment shown, the top 412 of the flow path 400 is shown as a push-in fitting that may be secured with a collet.

[0052] FIG. 4b shows an angled side view of the flow path 400 shown in FIG. 4a such that the bottom 404 of the flow path 400 is exposed, like numbers referring to like elements. [0053] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus 500 for coating at least one interior surface 1 18 of a receptacle 108 according to an embodiment of the present invention, like numbers referring to like elements. Apparatus 500 includes a flow path 1 14 configured to supply and withdraw media 106 to and from interior 116 of the receptacle 108. In the embodiment shown, the flow path 114 includes a nozzle 102 for supplying media 106 to the interior 1 16 of the receptacle 108 and a nozzle 104 for withdrawing media 106 from the interior 1 16 of the receptacle 108. As described with reference to FIG. 1 , the media 106 may include a liquid of fluent material, for example, a wax, a beeswax, polymer and/or inert filler, alone or in combination.

[0054] In the embodiment show, the receptacle 108 is enclosed by an enclosure 502. A contacting portion of surface 504 of the enclosure 502 presses on the receptacle 108 to create a substantially closed volume such that the enclosure 502 may be pressurised to effect a vacuum through nozzle 102. The enclosure 502 is shaped and sized to allow a nozzle 102 to supply media 104 to the interior 1 16 of the receptacle 108 and those skilled in the art will recognize suitable enclosure designs for providing the stated functions, for example, a cylindrical chamber with a seal adapted to form a substantially gas-tight fit with a portion of the receptacle 108, but other shapes, such as that of an ellipse, a square, a rectangle, and other polygonal shapes with straight interior surface walls, or a combination of shapes formed by straight and curved wall can also be used.

[0055] The contacting portion 504 of the enclosure 502 may include a seal-forming portion. Since it is in direct contact with the receptacle 108, the shape and configuration of the seal-forming portion may vary. Seals are typically constructed of a silicone material, but contacting portions 504 including foam are possible (for example, a skinned or unskinned polyurethane foam). The use of a gasket-type cushion including a pair of side stabilizing portions is also envisaged.

[0056] In one or more embodiments, the contacting portion 504 of the enclosure 502 does not employ a separate seal-forming portion. Here, the contacting portion 504 can act directly on the receptacle 108. This form of the invention is particularly suitable for receptacles 108 made of fibre or other similar packaging materials and as such are considered soft as compared to the enclosure 502, which may be made from an alloy or tool steel. There may also be geometry included at this interface (for those skilled in the art) of the enclosure 502 that enhances this seal, a sharp edge for example that bites into the softer container to in-act and enhance the efficacy of the seal. Advantageously, in this embodiment the enclosure 502 in effect acts directly on the softer receptacle 108 (or container) under a force and forms a virtual gasket seal interface. The enclosure 502, and in particular, the contacting portion 504 of the enclosure 502 may be shaped to enhance the above seal, a sharp edge, for example, that bites into a softer material to enhance the efficiency of the seal.

[0057] A first amount of media 106 is supplied via nozzle 102 to the interior 1 16 of the receptacle 108. In the embodiment shown, the media 106 is supplied via the vacuum effect created by the enclosure 502. The vacuum effect may be created by raising the enclosure 502 above atmospheric pressure (for example 0.75 bar). Any pressure above atmospheric will force a vacuum effect in the extraction nozzle 104 so long as the nozzle is maintained at atmospheric pressure.

[0058] Advantageously, the enclosure 502 may also help avoid splashes or possible fluid deviations towards the upper base 122 that could otherwise occur. Such splashes may soil the interior mechanics of any systems the apparatus 500 forms part of.

[0059] In the embodiment shown, the level of the media 106 is determined by sensor 1 12, the sensor 1 12 employs a conventional measurement method for level observation, for example, by means of a laser or ultrasonic system measuring the distance from the top of the receptacle 108 to the media 106 level detecting the light or ultrasound wave reflecting on the media 106 level. However, it will also be appreciated that the supply nozzle 102 may include a volumetric displacement that allows the media 106 to be delivered into the receptacle 108 with the supply nozzle 102 remaining at the bottom of the receptacle 108 without causing overflow of the receptacle 108. For example, a volumetric flow controller may define flow rates based on temperature and pressure readings of the media flowing through the supply nozzle 102. Additionally or alternatively, the media 106 may be supplied to the receptacle 108 for a predetermined amount of time. Additionally or alternatively, since the enclosure 502 is pressurised, the relationship between pressure and volume may be exploited to determine a fill level. [0060] After the particular level of the media 106 is reached within the interior 1 16 of the receptacle 108 a second amount of media 106 is withdrawn via nozzle 104 from the interior 1 16 of the receptacle 108. Advantageously, this leaves a coating on interior surfaces 118 comprising the media 106. In one or more embodiments, the nozzle 104 may provide constant suction to ensure overfill is prevented. In this particular form of the invention, it will be appreciated that when providing constant suction, the nozzle 104 may be withdrawing air until it is in fluid communication with the media. Advantageously, the level of media can be dictated by the height of the nozzle 104 thus preventing overfilling.

[0061] Where the terms "comprise", "comprises", "comprised" or "comprising" are used in this specification (including the claims) they are to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components, but not precluding the presence of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or group thereof.

[0062] While the invention has been described in conjunction with a limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many alternative, modifications and variations in light of the foregoing description are possible. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternative, modifications and variations as may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as disclosed.

[0063] The present application may be used as a basis or priority in respect of one or more future applications and the claims of any such future application may be directed to any one feature or combination of features that are described in the present application. Any such future application may include one or more of the following claims, which are given by way of example and are non-limiting in regard to what may be claimed in any future application.