Straw-in-straw degassing units and their containers

Abstract

STRAW-IN-STRAW DEGASING UNITS AND THEIR CONTAINERS A straw-in-straw degassing unit (444) for degassing liquid formulas and compositions, as well as dispensing bags and containers including the degassing unit. A straw-in-straw degassing unit (444) consists of an outer tube (412) and includes a first outer tube opening (418) at a first outer tube location (412) and a second outer tube opening (420) at a second outer tube location (412). An inner tube (422) is slidably inserted inside an inner section of the outer tube (412), and includes a first inner tube opening (428) and a floating element (430) coupled to the inner tube (422).The inner (422) and outer (412) tubes interact in a sliding manner, according to changes in the gravitational orientation of the degassing unit, for the conditional alignment of openings between them and the degassing of liquid formulas and compositions; in this way, a liquid can be expelled from a container without substantial expulsion of any gas from it. See Figure 2 for the abbreviated version.

Description

Title of the invention: Straw-in-straw degassing units and their containers SUMMARY

[0001] Aspects of this disclosure relate to straw-in-straw degassing unit formulation bags.

[0002] In one aspect, the disclosure proposes a straw-in-straw degassing unit comprising an outlet nozzle; an external tube, the external tube comprising a first side and a second side, in which the first side of the external tube is coupled to the outlet nozzle, placing an interior of the external tube in fluidic communication with an outlet of the outlet nozzle, the external tube further comprising: a first external tube opening defined along a wall of the external tube at a first external tube location near the first side of the external tube, and a second external tube opening defined along the wall of the external tube at a second external tube location near the second side of the external tube;an inner tube fitted inside an inner part of the outer tube and wherein an outer part of the inner tube is configured to slidably contact the inner part of the outer tube, the inner tube comprising a first side and a second side, the inner tube further comprising a first opening of the inner tube defined along a wall of the inner tube; and a floating element coupled to the second side of the inner tube and disposed outside the second side of the outer tube, wherein a diameter of the floating element is greater than an inner diameter of the outer tube.

[0003] In one aspect, the disclosure proposes a formulation pouch comprising: a formulation pack defining a formulation chamber; and a straw-in-straw degassing unit, wherein the straw-in-straw degassing unit is disposed inside the formulation chamber, and wherein the outlet nozzle is disposed on a first side of the formulation pack.

[0004] In some embodiments, the formulation pouch includes a non-gaseous formulation disposed inside the formulation chamber. The non-gaseous formulation comprises a formulation density, and the floating element comprises a floating element density. In some embodiments, a quantity of the floating element density is less than a quantity of the formulation density. In some embodiments, the floating element comprises an encapsulated air pocket.

[0005] In embodiments, when the first inner tube opening aligns with the second outer tube opening, a first inlet channel is defined, allowing a flow of non-gaseous formulation from the chamber of The formulation flows through the second external tube opening, the first internal tube opening, and the inside of the internal tube, and outwards through the outlet nozzle. In some embodiments, where the first internal tube opening is not aligned with the second external tube opening, a second inlet channel is formed through the first external tube opening, allowing the non-gaseous formulation to flow from the formulation chamber, through the first external tube opening and the inside of the external tube, and outwards through the outlet nozzle.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first inner tube opening comprises a plurality of first micro-bores of the inner tube formed around a circumference of the inner tube. In some embodiments, the first outer tube opening comprises a plurality of first micro-bores of the outer tube formed substantially around a circumference of the outer tube at the first outer tube location. In some embodiments, the second outer tube opening comprises a plurality of second micro-bores of the outer tube formed substantially around a circumference of the outer tube at the second outer tube location. In some embodiments, the second side of the inner tube defines an opening that is in fluidic communication with the formulation chamber.In some embodiments, the outer tube further comprises a third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, or tenth outer tube opening. In some embodiments, the inner tube further comprises a second, third, fourth, or fifth inner tube opening.

[0007] In some embodiments, the formulation pouch further comprises a porous cage configured to encapsulate the outer tube and the floating module without coming into contact with the outer tube or the floating module. The porous cage may come into contact with a second side of the formulation package.

[0008] The purpose of this summary is to present, in a simplified form, a selection of concepts that are described in greater detail below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Description of drawings

[0009] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a delivery system wording, according to aspects of this disclosure;

[0010] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a rear perspective view of a formulation cartridge, according to aspects of this disclosure;

[0011] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] represents an exploded perspective view of the formulation cartridge of [Fig.3], according to aspects of this disclosure;

[0012] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] represents a perspective view of a formulation pocket, according to aspects of this disclosure;

[0013] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] represents an internal side view of the formulation pocket of [Fig.4], according to aspects of this disclosure;

[0014] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] represents an internal side view of the formulation pocket of [Fig.4] in a vertical orientation and an inverted orientation, according to aspects of this disclosure;

[0015] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] represents a straw-in-straw degassing unit, according to aspects of this disclosure;

[0016] [Fig. 8] [Fig. 8] represents a lower perspective view of a straw-in-straw degassing unit, according to aspects of this disclosure; and

[0017] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] represents a valve assembly for a straw-in-straw degassing unit, according to aspects of this disclosure.

[0018] [Tables 1] 100 formulation delivery system 102 formulation product line 104 formulation delivery device 106 formulation 108 formulation cartridge 200 formulation cartridge 202 handle part 203 first half 204 second half 206 liquid reservoir 208 outlet nozzles 210 front body part 212 refill unit 214 pack sleeve 216 coupling tab 218 additional opening 220 valve frame 222 first formulation pouch 224 second formulation pouch 226 pack containing a formulation 230 shell 400 formulation pouch 402 formulation pack 404 outlet nozzle 406 formulation chamber 408 first side of the formulation pack.410 second side of formulation package 412 outer tube 414 first side of outer tube 416 second side of outer tube 418 first opening of outer tube 420 second opening of outer tube 422 inner tube 424 first side of inner tube 426 second side of inner tube 428 first opening of inner tube 430 floating element 432 non-gaseous formulation 434 gaseous fluid 436 first inlet channel 438 second inlet channel 440 porous cage 442 opening of second side of inner tube 444 straw-in-straw degassing unit 446 first refill valve 448 second refill valve.

[0019] The foregoing aspects and many associated advantages of the present invention will be more easily understood as they are better understood with reference to the detailed description that follows, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Detailed description

[0020] The detailed description below, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings on which the same numbers refer to the same elements, is intended to describe various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and should not be construed as representing the only possible embodiments. The embodiments described in this disclosure are provided solely by way of example or illustration and should not necessarily be interpreted as preferred or advantageous compared to other embodiments. The illustrative examples provided here are not intended to be exhaustive nor to limit the subject matter claimed to the specific forms disclosed.

[0021] This disclosure relates, in general, to a straw-in-straw degassing unit and its containers. Liquid containers come in various forms, including bottles, cans, drums, pouches, and the like. Like other fluid containers, fluid pouches are convenient means of transporting fluids through commercial supply chains and of storing fluids for use in devices, such as formulation pouches used in the cosmetics industry, ink packs used in the printing industry, liquid food additives used in the food processing and production industry, and the like. A manufacturer can fill a fluid pouch with a desired fluid, and such a pouch can then be distributed to an end user.Once the end user receives the fluid pouch, it can be installed in a device to access the fluids inside. When the end user has used the contents of the fluid pouch, the pouch can be discarded or returned to the manufacturer or a remanufacturer for refilling. One advantage of this arrangement is that the end user can reuse a device component multiple times, treating the fluids inside as a consumable element of a larger system.

[0022] Since fluid containers, such as fluid pouches, are hermetically sealed against the external environment during transport, they can prevent messy spills or the loss of a deliverable fluid. Furthermore, such an airtight seal against the environment can prevent fluid degradation, such as that which can occur due to oxidation with atmospheric oxygen, or evaporation or loss of volatile fluids over time.

[0023] While many fluids can be protected for use by the end user in such a sealed configuration, many fluids undergo outgassing or decomposition reactions over time, even in the absence of contact with an external environment. In such cases, these undesirable side reactions can lead to the accumulation of gas inside the fluid container, thus requiring the user to first purge the excess gas from the fluid container before the liquid fluid can be accessed. This can cause frustration for the user, who must engage in a lengthy preparation process before the fluid container can actually be used, and can complicate the use of fluid containers when coupled to particular devices. such as peristaltic pumps, which do not function properly when exposed to mixtures of gas and liquid.

[0024] Consequently, there is a need for improved devices that allow for the rapid, easy, and clean purging of fluid containers containing liquids undergoing degassing. The present disclosure addresses these needs and other long-unmet needs in art.

[0025] In one aspect, the present disclosure proposes a straw-in-straw degassing unit formulation pouch, such as that contained in a formulation delivery system 100 with a formulation cartridge 200 (shown in [Fig. 1] to [Fig. 3]). The formulation delivery system 100 is an example of a formulation delivery system described in detail in US Patent Application Publication No. 18 / 060 258 A1, published May 30, 2024. However, it should be understood that the straw-in-straw degassing unit of the present disclosure can be used for any fluid container system, such as a system useful in the industries identified above.

[0026] If we look first at [Fig. 1], an embodiment of a formulation 100 delivery system is shown. [Fig. 1] illustrates a representative formulation 100 delivery system for housing the straw-in-straw degassing unit, such as a straw-in-straw degassing unit disposed in a fluid pouch, in accordance with this disclosure. However, it should be understood that the formulation 100 delivery system is only one example of an apparatus with which a straw-in-straw degassing unit can be used and is therefore a non-limiting example of the use of the straw-in-straw degassing unit.

[0027] The formulation delivery system 100 includes a formulation product line 102, a formulation delivery device 104, and an optional formulation 106, which together enable a personalized user experience. The formulation product line 102 includes different formulation cartridges 108, where different formulation cartridges 108 can be stored in the same type of (common) cartridge, which is configured for use with the formulation delivery device 104.

[0028] In representative embodiments, the formulation product line 102 includes a hair dye formulation and a scalp treatment formulation. In some embodiments, the formulation product line 102 comprises at least two, three, four, five, six, seven, or eight of the following different formulations, which can be stored in the same type of formulation cartridge 108: a permanent hair dye and developer; a semi-permanent hair dye and developer; a shampoo; a conditioner; a hair growth treatment, such as minoxidil; a protein treatment hair; a hair treatment to repair disulfide bonds or a liquid scalp treatment. In some embodiments, the formulation 102 product line includes any of the above combinations, in addition to an optional cleaning cartridge of the same type as the formulation 108 cartridge.

[0029] The formulation cartridge 108 has an elongated shape and dimensions configured to allow its insertion into a handle of the formulation dispensing device 104, in particular into a cartridge cavity in the handle. In embodiments of a formulation dispensing system 100, the elongated outer casing has a different construction between the formulation cartridge 108 containing a formulation and the cleaning cartridge, but with a common shape and dimensions. For example, in some embodiments, the formulation cartridge 108 containing a formulation has the construction of the partially recyclable embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 2] and [Fig. 3], while the cleaning cartridge has a similar shape and dimensions, but different materials and components.

[0030] Another feature of the formulation cartridge type 108 is a plurality of liquid outlet nozzles, which are sized and positioned at a distal (forward) end of the formulation cartridge 108 in a configuration that fluidically connects to a corresponding plurality of liquid inlets (e.g., first formulation inlets). In some embodiments, the liquid outlet nozzles are valves of formulation containers (e.g., pouches or packets) arranged in the formulation cartridge 108.

[0031] A representative type of formulation cartridge 108, which is configured to be inserted into the formulation delivery device 104 and to store a first formulation and a second formulation, is described below in [Fig.2] and [Fig.3].

[0032] The cleaning cartridge, which is of the common formulation cartridge type 108 (i.e., has common external dimensions and a plurality of liquid outlet nozzles), allows a user to clean the formulation dispensing device 104 by running a cleaning routine that introduces a cleaning liquid (e.g., water) from the cleaning cartridge through the fluid lines of the formulation dispensing device 104, thereby removing residual formulation from the formulation dispensing device 104. Advantageously, the cleaning cartridge and the cleaning routine allow a significant portion of the formulation dispensing device 104 to be reused for different formulations, thereby reducing waste and costs.

[0033] The cleaning cartridge includes a refillable cleaning fluid reservoir located inside the external housing, which is fluidically connected to the plurality of outlet nozzles. Thus, a user can fill the cleaning fluid tank with a cleaning fluid such as water, run a number of cleaning routines on the formulation delivery device 104 and refill the cleaning fluid tank.

[0034] Figures 2 and 3 represent a formulation cartridge 200 representative of a type of formulation cartridge that is compatible with any of the formulation delivery systems, formulation delivery devices, and formulation product lines described herein. However, the formulation delivery systems, formulation delivery devices, and formulation product lines described herein are not required to use the durable formulation cartridge 200 shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0035] The Formulation Cartridge 200 is a sustainable embodiment specifically designed to reduce waste and environmental impact, while offering a user-friendly experience. To this end, the Formulation Cartridge 200 includes two main components: a handle portion 202 and a disposable formulation cartridge refill unit 212 (hereinafter simply referred to as the "refill unit 212") configured to slide reversibly into the handle portion 202. Historically, known cartridges were designed to be entirely discarded after the formulation they contained was exhausted, resulting in significant waste and higher consumption costs.

[0036] Unlike known cartridges, the Formulation Cartridge 200 is constructed so that the handle portion 202 can be reused indefinitely and the refill unit 212 can be easily replaced once the stored formulation is exhausted. Furthermore, the refill unit 212 can be configured to be disassembled into smaller components, some of which can be recycled in other embodiments and others disposed of. Thus, the Formulation Cartridge 200 uses an innovative structure to reduce waste and improve the user experience.

[0037] The handle portion 202 is designed, dimensioned, and manufactured to be repeatedly inserted into the cartridge cavity of the formulation delivery device. Therefore, the handle portion 202 is made of ABS plastic or a similar rigid polymer or other material and includes a hollow handle portion 202 configured to receive the refill unit 212.

[0038] The refill unit 212 generally includes a refill pack comprising a shell 230 containing at least one formulation container (for example, a pack, a pouch, or another container), for example, a first formulation pouch 222 and a second formulation pouch 224, and a valve frame 220 coupled to the refill pack, for example, a front body part 210. In modes of In this embodiment, at least one formulation container is a liquid reservoir 206. The first formulation pouch 222 and the second formulation pouch 224 contain a first formulation and a second formulation, respectively. The refill unit 212 may optionally include a packet sleeve 214. In some embodiments, the at least one formulation container is an example of a formulation pouch 400 comprising a formulation packet 402 and an outlet nozzle 404, as shown in [Fig. 4].

[0039] The first formulation pouch 222 and the second formulation pouch 224 may have a volume of approximately 40 ml to approximately 70 ml, approximately 50 ml to approximately 60 ml, approximately 40 ml to approximately 65 ml, approximately 40 ml to approximately 60 ml, approximately 40 ml to approximately 55 ml, approximately 40 ml to approximately 50 ml, approximately 45 ml to approximately 70 ml, approximately 50 ml to approximately 70 ml, approximately 55 ml to approximately 70 ml, approximately 60 ml to approximately 70 ml, or approximately 55 ml. In some embodiments, the first formulation pouch 222 and the second formulation pouch 224 have different volumes. In some embodiments, the refill unit 212 stores only one formulation container.

[0040] The first and second formulations can be independently selected from any of the formulations described herein, for example, a permanent hair dye; a semi-permanent hair dye; a developer; a conditioner; a hair growth treatment, such as minoxidil; a protein hair treatment; a disulfide bond repairing hair treatment; a liquid hair treatment; a liquid scalp treatment, or the like. In some embodiments, the first and second formulations are different. For example, in some embodiments, the first formulation is a hair dye and the second formulation is a developer. In other embodiments, the first and second formulations are identical (for example, a conditioner or a scalp treatment formulation).

[0041] As illustrated in [Fig. 3], the formulation pouches 222, 224 include a package 226 containing a formulation and a valve-forming means comprising outlet nozzles 208 enabling selective fluidic coupling of the refill unit to a dispensing nozzle unit of a formulation delivery device when the formulation cartridge 200 is received in the portable formulation dispensing device. A representative valve-forming means includes a valve through which the formulation exits the package 226 containing the formulation. Representative formulation containers are described in International Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 067336A2, published April 4, 2019, and US Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0196021A1, published July 1, 2021.

[0042] The shell 230 has an elongated shape designed to fit into the reusable handle portion 202. The shell 230 surrounds and protects the first formulation bag 222 and the second formulation bag 224 and engages with the valve frame 220 (described below). Thus, the shell 230 acts as a protective container for the formulation bags 222 and 224 during handling before loading into the formulation dispensing device.

[0043] In some embodiments, the casing 230 has a total length between 150 mm and 250 mm (for example, 175 mm to 225 mm, 185 mm to 215 mm, 195 mm to 205 mm, or 200 mm) and a maximum cross-sectional dimension of 25 mm to 50 mm (for example, 30 mm to 45 mm, 35 mm to 40 mm, or 36 mm). The casing 230 has a rear body portion and a slender front body portion 210, for example, a neck portion, extending away from the body portion. The body portion and the slender front body portion 210 are generally aligned in a common longitudinal direction to allow assembly with the reusable handle portion 202 and to allow insertion into the cartridge cavity of the formulation delivery device.In some embodiments, the shell 230 is constructed at least partially from a recyclable or recycled material, for example, a paper material such as injection-molded paper or die-cut textured paper (e.g., cardboard). In the illustrated embodiment, the shell 230 is formed from a single piece of injection-molded paper material. In embodiments where the shell is formed from paper, the paper has a weight between 8 and 12 points (e.g., 8.5 points, 9.0 points, 9.5 points, 10.0 points, 10.5 points, 11.0 points, or 11.5 points) to provide sufficient rigidity without introducing an excess of disposable material.

[0044] The rear body portion of the shell 230 has a larger cross-sectional area than the front body portion 210 when viewed in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the formulation cartridge 200. A bump or bulge provides the larger cross-sectional area of ​​the rear body portion relative to the slender front body portion 210. Advantageously, the bump or bulge allows the use of larger-volume formulation pouches 222, 224. Furthermore, the bump or bulge forms a stop that bears against a corresponding inner face of the handle portion 202 and maintains the longitudinal position of the shell 230 during use.

[0045] The slender front body portion 210 of the shell 230 is dimensioned to fit into the handle portion 202 and to project into the cartridge cavity of the formulation delivery device during use. The front body portion 210 is coupled to the valve frame 220. To facilitate secure connection and alignment with the valve frame 220, the front body portion 210 includes a frame coupling means. valve, for example at least one coupling tab 216 configured to selectively engage with the valve frame 220. In the illustrated embodiment, the front body portion 210 includes a single coupling tab 216 extending away from one of its ends. The coupling tab 216 includes an engagement element, for example a notch or a raised protrusion, shaped and dimensioned to engage with a complementary opening 218 in the valve frame 220.

[0046] The shell 230 can have many different configurations. For example, if we look at [Fig. 3], the illustrated shell 230 is a double-shell configuration formed by at least two partial shells (in this embodiment, the first half 203 and the second half 204) coupled in an articulated manner. In other embodiments, the shell 230 includes a different number of partial shells, for example, three or four partial shells that come together to enclose the formulation pouches 222, 224. In still other embodiments, the shell 230 comprises a single piece forming an open-ended tube into which the formulation pouches 222, 224 can be inserted. The alignment of the first half 203 and the second half 204 allows the front body portion 210 to be correctly attached to the valve frame 220.

[0047] Although the illustrated hull 230 is made of injection-molded paper material, this construction is representative and not limiting. In some embodiments, the hull 230 is formed from a single piece of die-cut paper, which is folded to create a three-dimensional structure from which the rear body section and the slender front body section 210 extend. In some of these embodiments, this folded construction creates a polygonal cross-section in the rear body section and a polygonal cross-section in the front body section 210 (for example, octagonal and hexagonal cross-sections, respectively). To facilitate assembly, some of these embodiments of the hull 230 include one or more grooves or guide lines that ensure correct folding.Some embodiments have a triangular, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal shape in cross-section, or another polygonal shape in cross-section.

[0048] An optional package sleeve 214 slides on the front body part 210 and offers several important advantages. First, it provides additional structure to the charging unit 212 by sliding on the front body part 210 and reinforcing it. Consequently, in some embodiments, the package sleeve 214 has a greater thickness or weight than the material that forms the shell 230; although this is not necessary. In some embodiments, the package sleeve 214 is also made of a recyclable material, which may be the same material as the shell 230. Second, in some embodiments, the sleeve Package 214 couples to the valve frame 220. For example, the illustrated package sleeve 214 includes a plurality of coupling recesses configured to couple reversibly to the couplings of the valve frame 220. Third, the package sleeve 214 facilitates the disassembly of the charging unit 212.

[0049] The valve frame 220 provides a rigid structure that aligns the outlet nozzles 208 for proper fluid connection with the fluid lines of the formulation delivery device. Therefore, the valve frame 220 is formed from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), or another rigid polymer or material. In some embodiments, the valve frame 220 is formed from the same material as the shell 230.

[0050] Thus, the shell 230, the formulation bags 222, 226, the valve frame 220 and the optional package sleeve 214 form the refill unit 212. During use, the refill unit 212 can be reversibly coupled to the handle part 202, for example by fixing means such as coupling tabs on the shell 230 or by friction fitting between the refill unit 212 and the handle part 202.

[0051] In [Fig.5] and [Fig.6], an inner part of the formulation pouch 400 includes a formulation packet 402, a formulation chamber 406, an outer tube 412, an inner tube 422 and a floating element 430.

[0052] The formulation package 402 comprises a plurality of package walls that define the formulation chamber 406. The formulation chamber 406 is thus configured to receive and store a fluid formulation, such as any of the formulations described above. In some embodiments, the formulation in the formulation chamber 406 is a non-gaseous formulation 432, a gaseous fluid 434, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the non-gaseous formulation 432 undergoes outgassing while sealed inside the formulation chamber 406, generating a gaseous fluid 434. Without being constrained by theory, when the formulation includes a developer, such as any of the developer formulations described in more detail above with respect to [Fig. 1], the developer may contain chemical compositions that oxidize during transport and storage.Such compositions will produce outgassing until the vapor pressure of the gaseous fluid 434 is equivalent to the equilibrium vapor pressure of the non-gaseous formulation 432. Therefore, the formulation pouch 400 can be a flexible formulation pouch 400 made from a flexible material, thus allowing the formulation pouch 400 to adjust its shape to conform to any device to which it may be coupled despite changes in the gaseous and non-gaseous volumes it contains.

[0053] In some embodiments, the outlet nozzle 404 is formed in a first side of the formulation pack 408, as shown in [Fig. 5]. Although the outlet nozzle 404 can be arranged along an edge of the formulation pack 402, it should be understood that the outlet nozzle 404 can be arranged at any position on the formulation pack 402, such as along an upper side, as shown in [Fig. 7] and [Fig. 9]. The outlet nozzle 404 thus includes an external nozzle side and an internal nozzle side, where the external nozzle side is substantially external to the formulation pack 402, and where the internal nozzle side is substantially internal to the formulation pack 402 and is therefore in fluidic contact with the formulation chamber 406.

[0054] If we look at [Fig. 9], the outlet nozzle 404 can also be one of a plurality of nozzles in fluidic communication with the formulation chamber 406 of the formulation pouch 400. For example, the plurality of nozzles can also include a first refill valve 446 and a second refill valve 448. In some embodiments, the first refill valve 446 includes a one-way valve configured to allow an inflow of non-gaseous formulation into the formulation chamber 406. In some embodiments, the second refill valve 448 includes a one-way valve configured to allow an outflow of gaseous fluid from the formulation chamber 406. Therefore, in some embodiments, the formulation pouch 400 can be refilled and reused without opening the formulation pouch 400.

[0055] The outer tube 412 is disposed inside the formulation chamber 406 and comprises a first end of the outer tube 414 and a second end of the outer tube 416. In some embodiments, the outer tube 412 is a substantially cylindrical tube having a length, an internal diameter, and an external diameter, wherein the tube is open on both the first end of the outer tube 414 and the second end of the outer tube 416. Although the outer tube 412 shown in [Fig. 5] is substantially cylindrical, it should be understood that the outer tube 412 can define any suitable shape, such as a triangular prismatic tube, a rectangular prismatic tube, a hexagonal prismatic tube, or the like. The first end of the outer tube 414 is coupled to the inner end of the outlet nozzle 404.Thus, the opening of the 414 is configured to substantially surround a portion of the passage on the inner nozzle side of the outlet nozzle 404, which places an interior of the outer tube in fluidic communication with an outlet nozzle side of the outlet nozzle 404.

[0056] The outer tube 412 further includes a first outer tube opening 418 and a second outer tube opening 420 defined through a wall of the outer tube 412, thus creating a flow path for a fluid to flow from the outside of the outer tube 412 to the inside of the outer tube 412. In modes In realization, the first external tube opening 418 is positioned at a first external tube location near the first side of the external tube 414, while the second external tube opening 420 is positioned at a second external tube location near the second side of the external tube 416.

[0057] In some embodiments, the first external tube opening 418 and the second external tube opening 420 both consist of a single bore; however, it should be understood that the first external tube opening 418 and the second external tube opening 420 may include any number of bores, in particular two or more bores, such as a plurality of micro-bores. Such a plurality of micro-bores may be substantially located along one side of the external tube 412 or, in some embodiments, the plurality of micro-bores may be arranged substantially around a circumference of the external tube 412.Furthermore, the first external tube opening 418 and the second external tube opening 420 may both include the same number of bores, or may include a different number of bores, such as when the first external tube opening 418 includes a plurality of micro-bores and when the second external tube opening 420 includes a single bore.

[0058] In embodiments, the outer tube 412 includes an additional number of openings, such as a third outer tube opening, a fourth outer tube opening, a fifth outer tube opening, a sixth outer tube opening, a seventh outer tube opening, an eighth outer tube opening, a ninth outer tube opening, a tenth outer tube opening, or more.

[0059] In some embodiments, the inner tube 422 is configured to be fitted within a portion of the interior of the outer tube 412. Consequently, an outer diameter of the inner tube 422 is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer tube 412. The inner tube 422 includes a first side of the inner tube 424 and a second side of the inner tube 426. In some embodiments, the inner tube 422 is a substantially cylindrical tube having a length, an inner diameter, and an outer diameter, in which the tube is open on both the first side of the inner tube 424 and the second side of the inner tube 426. Thus, the second side of the inner tube 426 is in fluidic communication with the formulation chamber 406.

[0060] Although the inner tube 422 shown in [Fig. 5] is substantially cylindrical, it should be understood that the inner tube 422 can define any suitable shape, such as a triangular prismatic tube, a rectangular prismatic tube, a hexagonal prismatic tube, or the like. In some embodiments, the shape of the inner tube 422 is substantially the same as the shape of the outer tube 412. In some In embodiments, the inner tube 422 has a different shape from that of the outer tube 412.

[0061] In embodiments, an exterior of the inner tube 422 is configured to enter into sliding contact with the interior of the outer tube 412. The internal friction of this sliding contact allows the inner tube 422 to move relative to the outer tube 412 coupled to the outlet nozzle 404, while preventing fluid flow from circulating between the outer wall of the inner tube 422 and the inner wall of the outer tube 412, thus allowing better control of the fluid passages available in the formulation package 402.

[0062] The inner tube 422 further includes a first inner tube opening 428 defined through a wall of the inner tube 422, which creates a flow path for a fluid to flow from the outside of the inner tube 422 to the inside of the inner tube 422. Since the inner tube 422 is in sliding contact with the outer tube 412, the first inner tube opening 428 can thus be configured for an open position when the first inner tube opening 428 aligns with either the first outer tube opening 418 or the second outer tube opening 420. The first inner tube opening 428 can also be configured for a closed position when the first inner tube opening 428 is not aligned with the first outer tube opening 418 or the second outer tube opening 420. The open and closed configurations will be described in more detail below with reference to [Fig. 6].In embodiments, the first inner tube opening 428 is positioned at a first inner tube location configured to be aligned with the second outer tube opening 420 when the first side of the inner tube 424 is at the same level as the point of contact between the first side of the outer tube 414 and the outlet nozzle 404.

[0063] In some embodiments, the first opening of the inner tube 428 consists of a single bore; however, it should be understood that the first opening of the inner tube 428 may include any number of bores, in particular two or more bores, such as a plurality of micro-bores. Such a plurality of micro-bores may be substantially located along one side of the inner tube 422 or, in some embodiments, the plurality of micro-bores may be arranged substantially around a circumference of the inner tube 422.

[0064] Furthermore, the first inner tube opening 428 and the first and second outer tube openings 418, 420 may include the same number of bores, or may include a different number of bores, such as: where the first outer tube opening 418 includes a single bore, the second outer tube opening 420 includes a plurality of micro-bores, and where the first inner tube opening 428 includes a single bore; where the first outer tube opening 418 includes a where the first inner tube opening 428 includes a plurality of microbores, the second outer tube opening 420 includes a single bore, and the first inner tube opening 428 includes a single bore; where the first outer tube opening 418 includes a plurality of microbores, the second outer tube opening 420 includes a plurality of microbores, and the first inner tube opening 428 includes a single bore; where the first outer tube opening 418 includes a single bore, the second outer tube opening 420 includes a plurality of microbores, and the first inner tube opening 428 includes a plurality of microbores; where the first outer tube opening 418 includes a plurality of microbores, the second outer tube opening 420 includes a single bore, and the first inner tube opening 428 includes a plurality of microbores;where the first external tube opening 418 includes a single bore, the second external tube opening 420 includes a single bore, and where the first internal tube opening 428 includes a plurality of microbores. ;

[0065] In embodiments, the inner tube 422 further comprises an additional number of openings, such as a second inner tube opening, a third inner tube opening, a fourth inner tube opening, a fifth inner tube opening, or more.

[0066] In some embodiments, the floating element 430 is coupled to the second side of the inner tube 426. The diameter of the floating element 430 is greater than an inner diameter of the outer tube 412, which prevents the floating element 430 from fitting inside the outer tube 412. Thus, in some embodiments, the floating element 430 is disposed outside the second side of the outer tube 416 and configured to come into contact with a base on the second side of the outer tube 416.The floating element 430 can be coupled to the second end of the inner tube 426 by any suitable means, such as: adhering the floating element 430 to a base on the second end of the inner tube 426 with an adhesive compound; wrapping the floating element 430 substantially around the circumference of the inner tube 422 at the second end of the inner tube 426 so as to leave the base of the second end of the inner tube 426 unblocked as an opening on the second end of the inner tube 442; forming the floating element 430 and the inner tube 422 from a single material, such as would be produced by injection molding; and the like. The floating element 430 can be made from any suitable material that is stable when stored in contact with a non-gaseous formulation 432 stored in the formulation pouch 400.For example, the polymer material may be a porous polymer material, or the polymer material may be doped with metallic inclusions, such as a stainless steel inclusion, or similar. The 430 floating element may be a substantially non-polymer material. such as stainless steel, aluminum, or similar materials. In some embodiments, the floating element 430 includes a sealed air pocket.

[0067] In some embodiments, the floating element 430 comprises a floating element density. In some embodiments, when the formulation chamber 406 is filled with a non-gaseous formulation 432, the floating element density is less than a certain value of the density of the non-gaseous formulation 432. In some embodiments, the floating element density is greater than the certain value of the density of the non-gaseous formulation 432. In some embodiments, the floating element 430 comprises a polymer material whose density is configured to be greater than or less than the certain value of the density of the non-gaseous formulation 432. In some embodiments, the floating element density is greater than a certain value of the density of the gaseous fluid 434.

[0068] In [Fig. 6], the formulation 400 pouch is shown in both configurations vertical (left) and inverted configuration (right). It should be understood that the formulation bag 400 can be used in any configuration, and that these two configurations are shown only to illustrate embodiments of the operation of the straw-in-straw degassing unit 444. In the illustrated embodiment, the density of the floating element 430 is lower than the density of the non-gaseous formulation 432 and higher than the density of the gaseous fluid 434.

[0069] In the illustrated vertical configuration, the density of the floating element 430 is lower than the density of the non-gaseous formulation 432. Consequently, the floating element 430 rises relative to the non-gaseous formulation 432, pushing the inner tube 422 upwards to make contact with the base of the outlet nozzle 404. A first inlet channel 436 is formed when the first opening of the inner tube 428 and the second opening of the outer tube 420 align, creating a fluidic communication between the formulation chamber 406 and the outlet nozzle 404 and allowing the formulation to flow. The first side of the inner tube 424 substantially blocks the flow through the first opening of the outer tube 418. The gaseous fluid 434, having a density lower than the density of the non-gaseous formulation 432, also rises to the top of the formulation pocket 400 and is thus excluded from any flow through the first inlet channel 436.

[0070] In the inverted configuration shown, the floating element 430 rises again relative to the non-gaseous formulation 432, pulling the 422 upwards and away from the outlet nozzle 404. The floating element 430 rests at the interface of the non-gaseous formulation 432 and the gaseous fluid 434. A second inlet channel 438 is formed when the first side of the inner tube 424 slides upwards relative to the first opening of the outer tube 418, thus opening the fluidic communication between the formulation chamber 406 and the outlet nozzle 404. Simultaneously, the first opening of the inner tube 428 moves upward relative to the outer tube 412, such that the first opening of the inner tube 428 is not aligned with the second opening of the outer tube 420. The gaseous fluid 434 rises to the top of the 400. Consequently, the flow is substantially blocked through the second opening of the outer tube 420, which ensures that the gaseous fluid 434 is excluded from the flow path to 404.

[0071] Although the above examples refer to "vertical," "inverted," "up," "down," and other terms of relative position, it should be understood that the motion of the floating element 430 and the inner tube 422 relative to the outer tube 412 can be affected in any orientation by gravity and is not limited to the configurations shown in [Fig. 6]. In some embodiments, the motion of the floating element 430 and the inner tube 422 relative to the outer tube 412 can be affected in any orientation by centrifugal forces.

[0072] If we now look at [Fig. 7] and [Fig. 8], a porous cage 440 can be arranged to substantially surround the straw-in-straw degassing unit 444. In some embodiments, the porous cage 440 is coupled to the outlet nozzle 404 and extends along the entire length of the straw-in-straw degassing unit 444 and comes into contact with a second side of the formulation bag 410. In other embodiments, the porous cage 440 extends along the entire length of the formulation chamber 406. Without being constrained by theory, the porous cage 440 provides a rigid protective layer around the outer tube 412 and the floating element 430, which prevents either the outer tube 412 or the floating element 430 from coming into contact with the wall of the formulation bag 400. For this purpose, the porous cage 440 allows the straw-in-straw degassing unit 444 to operate independently of the material and flexibility of the formulation bag 400.The porosity of the porous cage 440 can be adapted to allow a greater or lesser flow of the non-gaseous formulation 432 from the part of the formulation chamber 406 that is outside the porous cage 440 to the part of the formulation chamber 406 that is inside the porous cage 440.

[0073] The detailed description presented above in relation to the accompanying drawings, where similar numbers refer to similar features, is intended to be a description of various embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to represent the only embodiments. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is offered as a representative example or illustration and should not be construed as being preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The representative examples offered herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Similarly, All the steps described herein may be interchangeable with other steps, or combinations of steps, to achieve the same or substantially similar results. In general, the embodiments disclosed herein are not exhaustive, and the inventors anticipate that other embodiments within the scope of this disclosure may include structures and features derived from more than one specific embodiment shown in the figures and described in the patent memorandum. That is, this disclosure includes embodiments that combine features from different embodiments.

[0074] In the preceding description, specific details are presented to allow for a thorough understanding of examples of embodiments of this disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be implemented without incorporating all the specific details. In some cases, well-known process steps have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure various aspects of this disclosure. Furthermore, it should be understood that the embodiments of this disclosure can employ any combination of features described herein.

[0075] In the claims and for the purposes of this disclosure, the terms "a", "an", "the", "the", "the" and similar refer to the singular and plural forms of the object or element referred to.

[0076] This application may include references to directions, such as "vertical", "horizontal", "front", "back", "left", "right", "above" and "below", etc. These references, and other similar references in this application, are intended to help describe and understand the particular embodiment (such as when the embodiment is positioned for use) and are not intended to limit this disclosure to those directions or locations.

[0077] This application may also refer to quantities and numbers. Unless specifically stated, these quantities and numbers are not to be considered restrictive, but rather as examples of the possible quantities or numbers associated with this application. Similarly, in this respect, this application may use the term "plurality" to refer to a quantity or number. In this context, the term "plurality" is understood to mean any number greater than one, for example, two, three, four, five, etc. The terms "about," "approximately," etc., mean to within 5% of the stated value. The term "based on" means "based at least partially on."

[0078] The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of operation of this disclosure have been described in the preceding description. However, aspects of this disclosure that are intended to be protected should not be interpreted as being limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Furthermore, the embodiments described herein should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. It should be understood that variations and changes may be made by others, and equivalents may be used, without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes, and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of this disclosure, as claimed. NON-EXHAUSTIVE METHODS

[0079] Although the general features of the disclosure are described and illustrated, and the specific features of the disclosure are presented in the claims, the following non-limiting embodiments relate to features, and combinations of features, that are explicitly contemplated as forming part of the disclosure. The following non-limiting embodiments contain elements that are modular and can be combined with each other in any number, order, or combination to form a new non-limiting embodiment, which can itself be further combined with other non-limiting embodiments.

[0080] Embodiment 1. A straw-in-straw degassing unit comprising: an outlet nozzle; an external tube, the external tube comprising a first side and a second side, in which the first side of the external tube is coupled to the outlet nozzle, which places an interior of the external tube in fluidic communication with an outlet of the outlet nozzle, the external tube further comprising: a first external tube opening defined along a wall of the external tube at a first external tube location near the first side of the external tube, and a second external tube opening defined along the wall of the external tube at a second external tube location near the second side of the external tube;an inner tube fitted inside an inner part of the outer tube and wherein an outer part of the inner tube is configured to slidably contact the inner part of the outer tube, the inner tube comprising a first side and a second side, the inner tube further comprising a first opening of the inner tube defined along a wall of the inner tube; and a floating element coupled to the second side of the inner tube and disposed outside the second side of the outer tube, wherein a diameter of the floating element is greater than an inner diameter of the outer tube.

[0081] Embodiment 2. A formulation bag, comprising: a formulation pack defining a formulation chamber; and the straw-in-straw degassing unit according to embodiment 1, in which the straw-in-straw degassing unit is disposed inside the formulation chamber, and in which the outlet nozzle is disposed on a first side of the formulation pack.

[0082] Embodiment 3. The straw-in-straw degassing unit formulation bag according to embodiment 2 or any other embodiment, further comprising a non-gaseous formulation disposed inside the formulation chamber.

[0083] Embodiment 4. The straw-in-straw degassing unit formulation bag according to embodiments 2 and 3 or any other embodiment, wherein the non-gaseous formulation comprises a formulation density, wherein the floating element comprises a floating element density, and wherein a magnitude of the floating element density is less than a magnitude of the formulation density.

[0084] Embodiment 5. The straw-in-straw degassing unit formulation bag according to embodiments 2 to 4 or any other embodiment, in which the floating element comprises an encapsulated air pocket.

[0085] Embodiment 6. The straw-in-straw degassing unit formulation bag according to embodiments 2 to 5 or any other embodiment, wherein, when the first inner tube opening aligns with the second outer tube opening, a first inlet channel is defined, which allows a flow of non-gaseous formulation from the formulation chamber, through the second outer tube opening, the first inner tube opening and an interior of the inner tube, and outwards through the outlet nozzle.

[0086] Embodiment 7. The straw-in-straw degassing unit formulation bag according to embodiments 2 to 6 or any other embodiment, wherein, when the first inner tube opening is not aligned with the second outer tube opening, a second inlet channel is formed through the first outer tube opening, which allows a flow of non-gaseous formulation from the formulation chamber, through the first outer tube opening and an inside of the outer tube, and outwards through the outlet nozzle.

[0087] Embodiment 8. The straw-in-straw degassing unit formulation bag according to embodiments 2 to 7 or any other embodiment, wherein the first inner tube opening comprises a plurality of first micro-bores of the inner tube formed around a circumference of the inner tube.

[0088] Embodiment 9. The straw-in-straw degassing unit formulation bag according to embodiments 2 to 8 or any other embodiment, wherein the first outer tube opening comprises a plurality of first micro-bores of outer tube formed substantially around a circumference of the outer tube at the first outer tube location.

[0089] Embodiment 10. The straw-in-straw degassing unit formulation bag according to embodiments 2 to 9 or any other embodiment, wherein the second external tube opening comprises a plurality of seconds micro-bores of outer tube formed substantially around a circumference of the outer tube at the second outer tube location.

[0090] Embodiment 11. The straw-in-straw degassing unit formulation bag according to embodiments 2 to 10 or any other embodiment, in which the second side of the inner tube defines an opening which is in fluidic communication with the formulation chamber.

[0091] Embodiment 12. The straw-in-straw degassing unit formulation bag according to embodiments 2 to 11 or any other embodiment, in which the outer tube further comprises a third outer tube opening, a fourth outer tube opening, a fifth outer tube opening, a sixth outer tube opening, a seventh outer tube opening, an eighth outer tube opening, a ninth outer tube opening or a tenth outer tube opening.

[0092] Embodiment 13. The straw-in-straw degassing unit formulation bag according to embodiments 2 to 12 or any other embodiment, in which the inner tube further comprises a second inner tube opening, a third inner tube opening, a fourth inner tube opening or a fifth inner tube opening.

[0093] Embodiment 14. The straw-in-straw degassing unit formulation bag according to embodiments 2 to 13 or any other embodiment, further comprising a porous cage configured to encapsulate the outer tube and the floating module without coming into contact with the outer tube or the floating module.

[0094] Embodiment 15. The straw-in-straw degassing unit formulation bag according to embodiments 2 to 14 or any other embodiment, wherein the porous cage comes into contact with a second side of the formulation package.

[0095] Although illustrative embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood that various changes can be made to them without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

Demands

1. Straw-in-straw degassing unit (444), comprising: an outlet nozzle (404); an external tube (412) comprising a first side (414) and a second side (416), wherein the first side of the external tube (414) is coupled to the outlet nozzle (404), placing an interior of the external tube (412) in fluidic communication with an outlet of the outlet nozzle (404), the external tube (412) further comprising: a first external tube opening (418) defined along a wall of the external tube (412) at a first external tube location (412) near the first side of the external tube (414), and a second external tube opening (420) defined along the wall of the external tube (412) at a second external tube location (412) near the second side of the external tube (416);an inner tube (422) fitted inside an inner part of the outer tube (412) and in which an outer part of the inner tube (422) is configured to slidably contact the inner part of the outer tube (412), the inner tube (422) comprising a first side (424) and a second side (426), the inner tube (422) further comprising a first inner tube opening (428) defined along a wall of the inner tube (422); and a floating element (430) coupled to the second side of the inner tube (426) and disposed outside the second side of the outer tube (416), in which a diameter of the floating element (430) is greater than an inner diameter of the outer tube (412).

2. Formulation pouch (400), comprising: a formulation pack (226) defining a formulation chamber (406); and a straw-in-straw degassing unit (444) according to claim 1, wherein the straw-in-straw degassing unit (444) is disposed inside the formulation chamber (406), and wherein the outlet nozzle (404) is disposed on a first side of the formulation pack (226).

3. Formulation pouch (400) according to claim 2, further comprising a non-gaseous formulation (432) disposed inside the formulation chamber (406); and wherein the non-gaseous formulation (432) comprises a formulation density, in which the floating element (430) comprises a floating element density, and in which a quantity of the floating element density is less than a quantity of the formulation density.

4. Formulation pocket (400) according to claim 2, wherein, when the first inner tube opening (428) aligns with the second outer tube opening (420), a first inlet channel (436) is defined, which permits flow of non-gaseous formulation (432) from the formulation chamber (406), through the second outer tube opening (420), the first inner tube opening (428) and an interior of the inner tube (422), and outward through the outlet nozzle (404).

5. Formulation pocket (400) according to claim 2, wherein, when the first inner tube opening (428) is not aligned with the second outer tube opening (420), a second inlet channel (438) is formed through the first outer tube opening (418), which permits flow of non-gaseous formulation (432) from the formulation chamber (406), through the first outer tube opening (418) and an interior of the outer tube (412), and outwards through the outlet nozzle (404).

6. Formulation pocket (400) according to claim 2, wherein the first inner tube opening (428) comprises a plurality of first inner tube micro-bores formed around a circumference of the inner tube (422).

7. Formulation pocket (400) according to claim 2, wherein the first outer tube opening (418) comprises a plurality of first outer tube microbores formed substantially around a circumference of the outer tube (412) at the first outer tube location (412).

8. Formulation pocket (400) according to claim 2, wherein the second outer tube opening (420) comprises a plurality of second outer tube microbores (412) formed substantially around a circumference of the outer tube (412) at the second outer tube location (412).

9. Formulation pouch (400) according to claim 2, wherein the outer tube (412) further comprises a third outer tube opening, a fourth outer tube opening, a fifth outer tube opening, a sixth outer tube opening, a seventh outer tube opening, an eighth opening

10. external tube, a ninth external tube opening or a tenth external tube opening. Formulation pouch (400) according to claim 2, further comprising a porous cage (440) configured to encapsulate the outer tube (412) and the floating module without coming into contact with the outer tube (412) or the floating module.

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