EP1392576B1 - Bouchon distributeur de boisson - Google Patents

Bouchon distributeur de boisson Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1392576B1
EP1392576B1 EP02725681A EP02725681A EP1392576B1 EP 1392576 B1 EP1392576 B1 EP 1392576B1 EP 02725681 A EP02725681 A EP 02725681A EP 02725681 A EP02725681 A EP 02725681A EP 1392576 B1 EP1392576 B1 EP 1392576B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
capsule
water
cap according
beverage
dispersible 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.)
Withdrawn - After Issue
Application number
EP02725681A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1392576A2 (fr
Inventor
Stephen G. Carlson
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Coca Cola Co
Original Assignee
Coca Cola Co
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US09/842,410 external-priority patent/US20020157970A1/en
Application filed by Coca Cola Co filed Critical Coca Cola Co
Publication of EP1392576A2 publication Critical patent/EP1392576A2/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1392576B1 publication Critical patent/EP1392576B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Withdrawn - After Issue legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a cap for a beverage container. More particularly, the present invention relates to a dispensing cap that facilitates injection of a substance, including one or more of a flavoring extract, a coloring, a vitamin, and a micronutrient, for example, into a beverage matrix within a container.
  • a substance including one or more of a flavoring extract, a coloring, a vitamin, and a micronutrient, for example, into a beverage matrix within a container.
  • flavor systems developed for moderate to high acid containing single strength citrus beverages stored at ambient temperatures deteriorate relatively quickly, i.e., they have a limited shelf-life. While the invention is primarily used with glass containers, certain plastic and mental containers also may be used, so long as they can withstand pasteurization temperatures (180°F).
  • PET, aluminum, and steel are examples of plastic and metal containers.
  • Orange juice, grapefruit juice, lemonade, and limeade are examples of moderate to high acid containing beverages.
  • Other moderate to high acid beverages may include cranberry, passion fruit, and carambola.
  • beverage additives may cause a degradation in flavor of the beverage if the beverage is stored at ambient temperatures for a prolonged period of time.
  • a beverage producer may market a product in a particular manner, for example, with a particular color or texture. Consequently, it may be desirable to package a beverage container such that a beverage additive is kept separate from a beverage matrix until a time of consumption. Further, it may be desirable to package the beverage additive separate from the beverage matrix to afford a consumer the decision whether to combine the additive with the matrix.
  • shelf-life can be broadly defined as the length of time between initial packaging of a product and the point at which consumers notice a decrease in product quality.
  • shelf-life of a product is determined by the least stable aspect of that product or its package.
  • the least stable aspect is extended contact of the favoring extract with acids contained within a beverage matrix.
  • b-pinene a terpene found in citrus oils, is altered during storage by its contact with beverage containing citric acid, through the process of acid catalyzed hydrolysis, into one or more undesirable compounds.
  • the most organoleptically fresh and fruit-characterizing flavored beverages include the extracts made from essential citrus oils and other water-dispersible liquid flavors such as cranberry, passion fruit, and carambola. These citrus and other flavors are manufactured in a manner so as to be completely dispersible in single strength, non-flavored beverages. While the water-dispersible liquid citrus flavors are fresh in both aroma and flavor, they tend to be the least stable flavor systems for use in moderate to high acid single strength citrus fruit juices or citrus fruit drinks. The stability of water-dispersible liquid citrus flavor can, when used to flavor high acid beverage matrixes, be measured in days as opposed to weeks or months for the more stable citrus beverage flavor systems.
  • Conventional caps and other conventional container closures sometimes include a reservoir for maintaining one component separate from a second component contained within a container.
  • the reservoir is typically formed in the cap or closure.
  • Such conventional caps and closures may include an opener for causing the reservoir to open so that the components can be combined.
  • this technology heretofore has not been used to improve the shelf life of citrus beverages.
  • GB 1211168A discloses a bottle closure member including a receptacle for as substance which is to be delivered when desired into the bottle.
  • a screw cap clamps the receptacle and a sealing ring against the bottle top and the receptacle comprises a rupturable wall and a transparent deformable wall which projects through an aperture in the cap. If the receptacle contains a tablet, pressure on the wall causes the tablet to rupture the wall; if the receptacle holds a powder or liquid a cylinder is provided to transmit thrust to rupture the wall.
  • US 3548562A discloses a method of producing a mixing package comprising a pair of containers held together by threaded locking collar with a frangible, seal disposed therebetween.
  • One of the containers is flexible and carries a pair of seal puncturing rods so that on depression thereof the different substances in the two containers can be allowed to mix and thereafter be dispensed.
  • a cap for use with a container comprises: a ring member having a top wall and a peripheral side wall, the top wall extending substantially radially inward from the side wall so as to define an opening; a capsule provided on the ring member and extending through the opening; a plunger; and a substance contained within the capsule, characterised in that: the capsule has a top section extending substantially planar with an uppermost portion of the top wall of the ring member and a bottom section connected to the top wall of the ring member, and in that the plunger is provided on an interior surface of the top section of the capsule.
  • the capsule includes a scored rupture point at its bottom apex.
  • the substance for example, a liquid substance, rests above this point and interfaces with the capsule headspace above.
  • the capsule headspace, bound between the substance and the capsule top wall, contains nitrogen at a pressure greater than that existing in the beverage headspace located directly below the capsule bottom wall and rupture point.
  • a method of storing a beverage includes filling a container to a predetermined level with a flavored or unflavored single strength beverage and filling a capsule with a predetermined amount of a water-dispersible substance.
  • the water-dispersible substance will be ejected from the capsule and through the ruptured orifice, by capsule nitrogen pressure, into communication with the single strength beverage below.
  • Another method of storing a beverage includes filling a container to a predetermined level with a single strength beverage and filling a capsule with a predetermined amount of a water-dispersible substance such as a liquid flavoring, for example, citrus, cranberry, passion fruit, carambola, or such flavor.
  • the capsule can be opened into fluid communication with the container.
  • the method also includes flushing and maintaining the capsule headspace with nitrogen at a pressure greater than that of the beverage container headspace.
  • the beverage container headspace is normally under less than atmospheric pressure, i. e., a slight partial vacuum. Accordingly, in such a beverage container where the headspace is maintained at a slight partial vacuum and where the capsule headspace is at, or very slightly above atmospheric pressure, water-dispersible liquid injection into the single strength beverage is enhanced.
  • the pressure of the nitrogen in the headspace assists ejection of the water-dispersible liquid through the rupture point at the bottom apex of the capsule.
  • one manner for mixing the two components is through shaking, rather than through a forceful propulsion of the liquid into the beverage that results in turbulent mixing.
  • the turbulent mixing could be brought about by an appreciably higher capsule headspace pressure.
  • the capsule since one mode of mixing is through a lower pressure (i. e., at or slightly above atmospheric pressure) injection followed by manual shaking, the capsule may be provided with a plunger to at least assist with opening the capsule.
  • a method of improving shelf-life of packaged beverages includes providing a container for storing and serving the beverage where the container has a main chamber and a mouth.
  • the method also includes filling the main chamber with a single strength beverage, for example, a non- flavored single strength beverage, and filling a capsule with a water- dispersible liquid, for example, a flavor.
  • the method includes placing the capsule in the mouth of the container contiguous the main chamber, with the capsule being openable to inject the water-dispersible liquid into the single strength beverage in the main chamber in response to manual manipulation of the capsule.
  • a container for beverages that enhances the shelf-life thereof includes a main chamber fillable with a single strength beverage, for example, a non-flavored single strength beverage, and a capsule in a mouth of the container contiguous the main chamber fillable with a water-dispersible liquid, for example, a citrus flavor.
  • the container also includes an actuation device for propelling water- dispersible liquid from the capsule into the single strength beverage with sufficient force to cause turbulent mixing.
  • a water-dispersible liquid for example a flavor
  • a water-dispersible liquid may be isolated from the non-flavored single strength beverage during the storage period, i. e., from the time of manufacture to consumption.
  • the stability of the flavor system quality would not be adversely affected during the storage period, as would a non-isolated flavor system.
  • one manner for mixing the two components is through shaking, rather than through a forceful propulsion of the extract into the matrix that results in turbulent mixing.
  • a low pressure i. e., at or slightly above atmospheric pressure
  • turbulent mixing could be brought about by an appreciably higher capsule headspace pressure.
  • the turbulently-mixed water- dispersible liquid and single strength beverage may be further mixed by shaking the container.
  • the capsule containing the water-dispersible liquid is oriented within the container such that its contents can be injected into the single strength beverage easily and safely from outside of the glass container. Once the liquid and beverage are mixed and the container opened, the beverage may be consumed in the same manner as would any other juice or non-juice containing beverage.
  • Figure 1 is a side, cross-sectional view of a dispensing cap according to one preferred embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 2 is a side, cross-sectional view of a beverage container including the dispensing cap shown in Figure 1 , and
  • Figure 3 is a top view of the dispensing cap shown in Figure 1 .
  • FIG. 1 The exemplary embodiment of the dispensing cap of the present invention is shown in Figure 1 and is designated generally by reference numeral 10.
  • a cap 10 for use with a container 20 includes a closure ring 30 and a capsule 40.
  • the closure ring 30 sealingly closes the container 20 from ambient air.
  • the closure ring 30 may include a curved bottom end 32 for securing the closure ring 30 with threads or partial threads (not shown) on the container 20.
  • the closure ring 30 may include threads or partial threads complementary to the threads or partial threads on the container 20.
  • the closure ring 30 includes a recessed portion 34 and an opening 36.
  • the recessed portion 34 is preferably of a depth such that a top wall 42 of the capsule 40 is substantially flush with the non-recessed portion 38 of the closure ring 30.
  • the recessed portion 34 may be more or less recessed, if desired.
  • the opening 36 may be substantially centered on the closure ring 30 as shown in Figure 3 , or it may be radially shifted.
  • the capsule 40 is preferably provided in the recessed portion 34 of the closure ring 30.
  • the capsule 40 includes two sections, the top wall 42 and a nozzle-shaped section 44.
  • the two sections 42, 44 are sealed together to form the capsule 40.
  • the sections 42, 44 may be heat sealed, sonically sealed, adhesively sealed, or the like.
  • the top wall 42 and nozzle-shaped section 44 may be formed by molding, extrusion, or the like.
  • the capsule 40 contains a water-dispersible substance 46 and a headspace 48.
  • the capsule 40 may contain, for example, a flavor such as citrus, cranberry, passion fruit, as well as other delicate flavors. Additionally or alternatively, the capsule may contain, for example, one or more of a color, a vitamin, a micronutrient.
  • the color may comprise a Food, Drug & Cosmetics (FDC) color, for example, yellow #5, yellow #6, blue #1, red #40, and the like, or any and all combinations of FDC colors.
  • the headspace 48 preferably contains inert nitrogen gas since it affords protection from quality degradation of a water-dispersible liquid. Other gases such as oxygen cause degradation in the quality of a water-dispersible liquid. For example, oxygen may cause degradation in the flavor quality of a water-dispersible liquid flavor.
  • an inner surface 48 of the top wall 42 of the capsule 40 includes a plunger 50.
  • the plunger 50 can assist opening of the capsule 40 into fluid communication with the container 20.
  • the plunger 50 preferably includes a tapered end 52.
  • the end 52 may be more or less tapered than that shown in Figure 1 .
  • the plunger 50 could have a squared end, a rounded end, or the like instead of a tapered end.
  • the capsule preferably includes a scored region at its bottom apex 54.
  • the scored region 54 facilitates opening of the capsule 40 into fluid communication with the container 20.
  • the capsule does not require a scored region to be openable.
  • a container with a cap can be used to store a beverage.
  • the container is filled to a predetermined level with a first, a component of a beverage.
  • the first component may be any or non-flavored single strength diluent, such as, for example, water, carbonated water, fruit or vegetable juice-containing beverages.
  • the first component may be a flavored beverage such as, for example, COCA-COLA, SPRITE, DIET COKE, tea, juice, or the like.
  • the cap 10 includes a capsule 40, which may be formed from a plurality of sections that can be sealed together.
  • the capsule 40 is filled with a predetermined amount of a water-dispersible substance 46.
  • the water-dispersible substance 46 may comprise a liquid flavor derived from an essential oil of citrus origin, for example, orange, grapefruit, or lemon.
  • the capsule 40 may be filled with cranberry, passion fruit, carambola, or other delicate water-dispersible flavorings.
  • the water-dispersible substance 46 may comprise a color, a vitamin, or a micronutrient.
  • the water-dispersible substance may comprise a solid substance such as, for example, a dissolvable powder or granular substance.
  • the capsule 40 also includes a headspace 48. In one embodiment, the capsule headspace, prior to sealing, is flushed and pressurized with nitrogen at a pressure only slightly greater than atmospheric pressure.
  • the container is sealed for storage by the cap, including the capsule.
  • the water-dispersible substance 46 remains isolated from the first component, the single strength beverage. This arrangement is preferably maintained until just before consumption of the beverage.
  • that person applies a force to the capsule top such that the scored region at the bottom apex of capsule ruptures and propels the water-dispersible substance into the first component, the single strength beverage.
  • the capsule may be provided with a plunger on its inner surface to assist with rupturing the capsule.
  • the capsule may include a scored region to facilitate rupturing.
  • One manner for mixing the water-dispersible substance and the single strength beverage is through a low pressure (i.e., at or slightly above atmospheric pressure) injection followed by shaking.
  • a low pressure i.e., at or slightly above atmospheric pressure
  • a forceful propulsion of a liquid into the matrix may result in turbulent mixing.
  • the turbulent mixing could be brought about by an appreciably higher capsule headspace pressure.
  • the turbulent mixing may be followed by shaking.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Non-Alcoholic Beverages (AREA)
  • Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)
  • Packging For Living Organisms, Food Or Medicinal Products That Are Sensitive To Environmental Conditiond (AREA)

Claims (10)

  1. Bouchon destiné à être utilisé avec un récipient, comprenant :
    un élément annulaire (30) comportant une paroi supérieure et une paroi latérale périphérique, la paroi supérieure s'étendant sensiblement radialement vers l'intérieur de la paroi latérale de manière à définir une ouverture (36) ;
    une capsule (40) prévue sur l'élément annulaire (30) et s'étendant à travers l'ouverture (36) ;
    un piston (50) ; et
    une substance contenue dans la capsule (40) ;
    caractérisé en ce que :
    la capsule (40) comporte une section supérieure (42) s'étendant sensiblement dans le même plan qu'une partie supérieure de la paroi supérieure de l'élément annulaire (30) et une section inférieure (44) reliée à la paroi supérieure de l'élément annulaire (30), et en ce que le piston (50) est prévu sur une surface intérieure de la section supérieure (42) de la capsule (40).
  2. Bouchon selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la section inférieure (42) de la capsule (40) contient un liquide dispersable dans l'eau et un espace de tête contenant de l'azote à la pression atmosphérique.
  3. Bouchon selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la section inférieure (42) de la capsule (40) contient un liquide dispersable dans l'eau et un espace de tête de gaz inerte à une pression légèrement au-dessus de la pression atmosphérique.
  4. Bouchon selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la section inférieure (42) de la capsule (40) contient un liquide dispersable dans l'eau et un espace de tête de gaz inerte à une pression très supérieure à la pression atmosphérique.
  5. Bouchon selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, dans lequel le piston (50) est configuré pour rompre la capsule (40) lors de l'application d'une force à la capsule (40).
  6. Bouchon selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, dans lequel la section inférieure (42) de la capsule (40) est une extrémité de buse comportant un point de rupture sécable (54).
  7. Bouchon selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la capsule (40) contient un liquide dispersable dans l'eau et un espace de tête contenant un gaz inerte.
  8. Bouchon selon la revendication 7, dans lequel le liquide dispersable dans l'eau comprend au moins l'un d'un arôme, d'une couleur, d'une vitamine, et d'un micronutriment.
  9. Bouchon selon la revendication 7, dans lequel le liquide dispersable dans l'eau comprend un arôme, l'arôme comprenant au moins l'un de l'orange, du pamplemousse, du citron, de la canneberge, du fruit de la passion, et de la carambole.
  10. Bouchon selon la revendication 7, dans lequel le liquide dispersable dans l'eau comprend une huile essentielle de citron.
EP02725681A 2001-04-26 2002-04-25 Bouchon distributeur de boisson Withdrawn - After Issue EP1392576B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US102926 1987-09-30
US842410 1997-04-23
US09/842,410 US20020157970A1 (en) 2001-04-26 2001-04-26 Beverage flavor dispensing cap
US10/102,926 US7017735B2 (en) 2001-04-26 2002-03-22 Dispensing cap with capsule for container
PCT/US2002/011852 WO2002087988A2 (fr) 2001-04-26 2002-04-25 Bouchon distributeur de boisson

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1392576A2 EP1392576A2 (fr) 2004-03-03
EP1392576B1 true EP1392576B1 (fr) 2008-11-26

Family

ID=26799888

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP02725681A Withdrawn - After Issue EP1392576B1 (fr) 2001-04-26 2002-04-25 Bouchon distributeur de boisson

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1392576B1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2002087988A2 (fr)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ITMI20051297A1 (it) * 2005-07-08 2007-01-09 Liteco Srl Tappo dosatore a tenuta ermetica per liquidi
GB2450909A (en) * 2007-07-11 2009-01-14 Diageo Great Britain Ltd Container for a Slush Beverage
US8443970B2 (en) * 2010-01-19 2013-05-21 Karma Culture, Llc Dispensing capsule
EP3644757A1 (fr) * 2017-06-26 2020-05-06 Firmenich SA Compositions aromatisantes

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3347410A (en) * 1966-08-31 1967-10-17 Schwartzman Gilbert Mixing assemblies for applicators
FR1591549A (fr) * 1967-11-17 1970-04-27
US3548562A (en) * 1968-06-24 1970-12-22 Gilbert Schwartzman Method of producing a mixing package employing two separate containers
FR2290366A1 (fr) * 1974-11-08 1976-06-04 Contrapac Flacon pour le conditionnement de deux produits a melanger a l'interieur ulterieurement
FR2291115A2 (fr) * 1974-11-15 1976-06-11 Oreal Recipient permettant le melange d'au moins un produit additif et d'au moins un produit de base separes au stockage
US4785931A (en) * 1987-09-24 1988-11-22 Letica Corporation Molded plastic closure having integral stacking support ribs and rupturable mix compartments
DE4400083C2 (de) * 1994-01-04 1997-07-03 Asta Medica Ag Verpackung für kleine vordosierte Mengen eines fein verteilten Feststoffs
IL124609A0 (en) * 1998-05-22 1998-12-06 Mlis Projects Ltd Method and container for providing cocktails
EP1042187B1 (fr) * 1998-10-26 2005-01-05 Pill & Sip Limited Emballage pour comprimes
US6152296A (en) * 1998-11-06 2000-11-28 Shih; Kuang-Sheng Additive holder for a pet bottle

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1392576A2 (fr) 2004-03-03
WO2002087988A2 (fr) 2002-11-07
WO2002087988A3 (fr) 2003-04-10

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