Pod or capsule for concentrated fluid

Abstract

A pod or capsule is provided that includes a cylindrical sidewall extending from a closed end wall to a rim; and a sealing component. The cylindrical sidewall, closed end wall, and the sealing component define a storage cavity configured for storing concentrated fluid. In some embodiments, the concentrated fluid is acidic or basic. Some embodiments provide methods for fabricating a pod or capsule containing concentrated fluid.

Description

POD OR CAPSULE FOR CONCENTRATED FLUIDCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 63 / 551,615, filed February 9, 2024, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] Various embodiments relate to the field of providing concentrated fluid for use with containers that are reusable, for example.

[0003] In various scenarios, a concentrated fluid may be used with a reusable container. For example, a concentrated fluid may be provided to a reusable container for dilution and use as a diluted fluid. However, due to the concentrated nature of concentrated fluids, the storage and provision of concentrated fluid may present technical challenges that are not present for the storage and provision of diluted fluids. Various embodiments disclosed herein provide technical solutions to such technical problems.SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0004] In various embodiments, a pod or capsule configured to contain concentrated fluid is provided. For example, the pod or capsule may define a storage cavity configured to contain concentrated fluid. In various embodiments, the concentrated fluid is acidic or basic. An interior surface of the pod or capsule may be coated with a coating configured to prevent acidic or basic concentrated fluid from interacting with the material of the pod or capsule. In some embodiments, the pod or capsule is configured to have a sealing portion thereof (e.g., a lid or top of the pod or capsule) pierced and / or penetrated such that the concentrated fluid may be provided to a dispenser or other container. For example, the dispenser or other container may be configured to mix the concentrated fluid with a diluting fluid to provide a composite fluid.

[0005] According to one aspect, a pod or capsule is provided. In an example embodiment, the pod or capsule includes a cylindrical sidewall extending from a closed end wall to a rim; and a sealing component. The cylindrical sidewall and the sealing component define a storage cavity configured for storing concentrated fluid.

[0006] In an example embodiment, the cylindrical sidewall, the closed end wall, and / or the sealing component are chemically resistant so as to withstand concentrated fluids having a pH in a range of 3 to 13.

[0007] In an example embodiment, a respective storage cavity facing surface of at least one of the cylindrical sidewall, the closed end wall, and / or the sealing component have been coated within a coating configured to withstand concentrated fluids having a pH in a range of 3 to 13.

[0008] In an example embodiment, the sealing component is sealed via crimping about the rim or heat sealing to the rim and / or seat.

[0009] In an example embodiment, the sealing component comprises a sheet metal material.

[0010] In an example embodiment, the sealing component comprises scoring, wherein the scoring is configured to enable piercing of the sealing component at a location corresponding to the scoring.

[0011] In an example embodiment, the sealing component is pierceable such as metal foil, plastic film, or coated paper material.

[0012] In an example embodiment, the cylindrical sidewall and the closed end wall are formed via a drawing process.

[0013] In an example embodiment, the cylindrical sidewall is joined to the closed end wall via a double seaming process.

[0014] In an example embodiment, the concentrated fluid is configured for mixing with a diluting fluid to form a composite fluid that is one of a cleaning solution, a potable beverage, a cleaner configured for cleaning humans or other animals, or a medicated fluid.

[0015] According to another aspect, a method for manufacturing a pod or capsule is provided. In an example embodiment, the method includes, forming a cup portion by forming a closed end wall and cylindrical sidewall the extends from a perimeter of the closed end wall, wherein the cylindrical sidewall and the closed end wall at least partially define a storage cavity; filling the storage cavity with concentrated fluid; and securing a sealing component to the cup portion such that the concentrated fluid is sealed within the storage cavity.

[0016] In an example embodiment, the method further includes applying a coating to at least one of a storage cavity facing surface of the closed end wall, a storage cavity facing surface of the cylindrical sidewall, or a storage cavity facing surface of the sealing component, wherein the coating is configured to withstand concentrated fluids having a pH in a range of 3 to 13.

[0017] In an example embodiment, the coating is applied to each of the storage cavity facing surface of the closed end wall, the storage cavity facing surface of the cylindrical sidewall, and the storage cavity facing surface of the sealing component.

[0018] In an example embodiment, the closed end wall and the cylindrical sidewall are formed using a drawing process.

[0019] In an example embodiment, the sealing component is crimped or heat sealed to a rim of a neck portion of the pod or capsule.

[0020] In an example embodiment, the neck portion is formed integrally with the cylindrical sidewall.

[0021] In an example embodiment, securing the sealing component to the cup portion comprises joining the neck portion to the cylindrical sidewall.

[0022] In an example embodiment, the neck portion is joined to the cylindrical sidewall using a double seaming process.

[0023] In an example embodiment, the method further includes scoring the sealing component to enable piercing of the sealing component at a location corresponding to the scoring.

[0024] In an example embodiment, the sealing component is scored one of prior to securing the sealing component to the cup portion or after securing the sealing component to the cup portion.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a pod or capsule, in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a pod or capsule, in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the pod or capsule of the example embodiment shown in FIG. 2.

[0028] FIG. 4 provides a flowchart illustrating various processes, procedures, operations, and / or the like performed to fabricate a pod or capsule, in accordance with an example embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, this invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. The term “or” (also denoted “ / ”) is used herein in both the alternative and conjunctive sense, unless otherwise indicated. The terms “illustrative” and “exemplary” are used to be examples with no indication of quality level. The terms “generally” and “approximately” refer to within engineering and / ormanufacturing limits and / or within user measurement capabilities, unless otherwise indicated. Like number refer to like elements throughout.

[0030] Various embodiments provide a pod or capsule for storing and / or providing a concentrated fluid and methods of manufacturing such pods or capsules. In some embodiments, the concentrated fluid is configured to be mixed with a diluting fluid to form a composite fluid. In various embodiments, the composite fluid is one of a cleaning solution, a potable beverage, a cleaner configured for cleaning humans or other animals, or a medicated fluid. Some nonlimiting examples of cleaning solutions include glass cleaning solution, bath cleaning solution, general purpose kitchen cleaning solution, metal cleaning solution, dish soap, laundry stain remover, scent neutralizing solution, air freshener, laundry detergent, cleaning powders, and / or the like. Some non-limiting examples of potable beverages include flavored beverages, beverages including electrolytes, alcoholic beverages, and / or the like. Some non-limiting examples of cleaners configured for cleaning humans or other animals include hand soap, bath soap or body wash, shampoo, conditioner, face wash, and / or the like. Some non-limiting examples of medicated fluid include anti-bacterial spray, anti-fungal spray, sunscreen, bug repellent, pesticide (e.g., flea and tick spray, etc.), and / or the like.

[0031] For example, in various embodiments, the concentrated fluids or the composite fluids may be beverages, beauty aids, personal care solutions, and / or cleaning solutions.

[0032] In various embodiments, the concentrated fluid includes the active component(s) and / or ingredient(s) of the cleaning solution, cleaner configured for cleaning humans or other animals, or medicated fluid and the diluting fluid is a solvent or other fluid that can be mixed with the active component(s) and / or ingredient(s) to provide a composite fluid having an appropriate concentration of the active component(s) and / or ingredient(s). For example, the diluting fluid may be (tap) water, ionized water, deionized water, distilled water, rubbing alcohol, and / or the like. In various embodiments, the concentrated fluid includes flavoring, electrolytes, a measured amount of an alcoholic beverage, and / or the like and the diluting fluid is a potable fluid configured to be mixed with the concentrated fluid to provide a potable beverage. For example, the diluting fluid may be potable water, juice, tea, coffee, and / or other potable beverage.

[0033] For example, the pod or capsule may be configured to be inserted into a dispenser or container such that the composite fluid is formed within the dispenser or container via mixing of the concentrated fluid with a diluting fluid. For example, the dispenser or container may be similar to those disclosed by U.S. Application No. 18 / 535,240, filed December 11, 2023; U.S. Application No. 18 / 481,354, filed October 5, 2023; U.S. Patent No. 11,638,503, issued May 2,2023; U.S. Application No. 17 / 813,697, filed July 20, 2022; U.S. Patent No. 11,359,952, issued June 14, 2022; U.S. Patent No. 10,925,458, issued February 23, 2021; U.S. Patent No. 10,766,045, issued September 8, 2020; U.S. Patent No. 10,682,658, issued June 16, 2020; and / or U.S. Patent No. 9,987,645, issued June 5, 2018, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0034] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a pod or capsule 100 without the sealing componentl30. FIG. 2 provides a side view of a pod or capsule 100 and FIG. 3 provides a cross-sectional view of the pod or capsule 100 shown in FIG. 2 taken along the line AA.

[0035] In various embodiments, the pod or capsule 100 comprises a cylindrical sidewall 112 that extends from a closed end wall 114 to a rim 124. In an example embodiment, the closed end wall 114 is substantially planar. In an example embodiment, the rim 124 is flared.

[0036] In various embodiments, the cylindrical sidewall 112 and the closed end wall 114 are integrally formed via a drawing process. For example, the cylindrical sidewall 112 may be formed to extend from the closed end wall 114 to the rim 124, the cup portion 110 (e.g., the storage cavity 116 extending from the closed end wall 114 to the neck portion 120 and / or the seat rim 128) may then be filled with the concentrated fluid, and then the sealing component 130 may be sealed to the neck portion 120 to seal the concentrated fluid within the storage cavity 116 until the sealing componentl30 is pierced to release the concentrated fluid. For example, the sealing componentl30 may be secured to the pod or capsule 100 (e.g., the neck portion 120 thereof) via a mechanical crimping of the sealing componentl30 about the rim 124. In another example, the sealing componentl30 may be secured to the pod or capsule 100 (e.g., the neck portion 120 thereof) via heat sealing of the sealing componentl30 to the rim 124 and / or seat 126.

[0037] In various embodiments, the sealing componentl30 is a single piece of material. For example, the sealing componentl30 may comprise metal (e.g., sheet metal such as a sheet of aluminum, plated steel, tin-free steel, stainless steel, bronze, brass, copper, tin, and / or the like. In some embodiments, the sealing componentl30 is scored to allow or enable penetration of the sealing portion. For example, when the sealing componentl30 is formed from a sheet of metal and / or the like, the scoring may enable penetration or piercing of the sealing componentl30 in a controlled manner. In various embodiments, the sealing componentl30 seals directly onto the rim 124.

[0038] In some embodiments, the sealing componentl30 comprises a rim portion and a foil portion. The rim portion is configured to be sealed to the seat 126 and / or crimped about the rim 124. For example, the rim portion may be annular in shape and have a central opening therein.The foil portion extends across the central portion so as to fill in or cover the central opening. In various embodiments, the foil may be a metal foil. In some embodiments, the foil portion may have a coating applied thereto. For example, a coating may be applied to a surface of the foil that faces the storage cavity 116. The coating may be configured to protect the foil portion against the concentrate fluid (e.g., an acidity or basicness of the concentrated fluid) and / or to add structural integrity to the foil portion. For example, the coating may be a polymeric coating configured to cause the foil portion to be more difficult to pierce or tear unintentionally.

[0039] In an example embodiment, the cup portion 110 of the pod or capsule 100 and the neck portion 120 of the pod or capsule are made separately and (possibly after filling the cup portion 110 with the concentrated fluid and sealing the sealing componentl30 to the neck portion 120) the cup portion 110 and the neck portion are joined to one another using a double seaming process or other appropriate joining process.

[0040] In various embodiments the cylindrical sidewall 112 and / or the closed end wall 114 comprise one or more of aluminum, plated steel, tin-free steel, stainless steel, bronze, brass, copper, tin, or some other material that can be drawn.

[0041] In various embodiments, the interior surface and / or storage cavity facing surface 118 of the cylindrical sidewall 112, closed end wall 114, and / or sealing component 130 is configured to withstand (e.g., not interact with, be corroded by, and / or the like) concentrated fluids having pH values in a range of 3 to 13. In an example embodiment, the interior surface and / or storage cavity facing surface 118 of the cylindrical sidewall 112, closed end wall 114, and / or sealing component 130 is coated with coating configured to withstand (e.g., not interact with, be corroded by, and / or the like) concentrated fluids having pH values in a range of 3 to 13. For example, in various embodiments, the coating may be a Polyolefin laminate, Polyurethane coating, Polyester Resin, Vinyl Resin, Acrylic Resin, Epoxy Resin, Lacquer, Phenolic coating, Fluoropolymer coating, and / or other coating as appropriate for the concentrated fluid. For example, the coating may be a polyurethane, polypropylene, polyethylene, or other coating that prevents the concentrated fluid that is filled into the pod or capsule 100 from interacting with the material of the cylindrical sidewall 112 and / or closed end wall 114 directly.

[0042] In various embodiments, the sealing componentl30 is a pierceable lid sealed to the rim 124 and / or seat 126 of the pod. In various embodiments, the sealing componentl30 is crimped about the rim 124 such that the sealing componentl30 comprises a crimped or seal portion 132. In an example embodiment, the sealing componentl30 is heat seamed to the rim 124 and / orseat 126 of the pod or capsule 100. In an example embodiment, a portion of the sealing componentl30 rests against seat 126 of the neck portion 120 of the pod or capsule 100.

[0043] In various embodiments, the sealing component 130 may comprise a metal foil like aluminum, a plastic film, a coated paper material, or the like. In some embodiments, the sealing component 130 comprises a metal sheet material that is scored to enable the sealing component 130 to be punctured and / or penetrated. In various embodiments, the lid material is chemically resistant either inherently or protected with a chemically resistant layer. For example, the surface of the sealing component 130 facing the storage cavity 116 is configured to withstand (e.g., not interact with, be corroded by, and / or the like) concentrated fluids having pH values in a range of 3 to 13.

[0044] In various embodiments, the concentrated fluid may be configured to be diluted with a diluting fluid (e.g., water or another solvent) to form a composite fluid. In some embodiments, the concentrated fluid is configured for use as is without dilution and / or without mixing with a diluting fluid.

[0045] In various embodiments, the concentrated fluid may have a pH ranging from 3 to 13. In various embodiments, the viscosity of the concentrated fluid may be up to 1000 cps.

[0046] In various embodiments, the sealing componentl30 is a pierceable film that may be pierced such that the concentrated fluid within the pod or capsule 100 can be released with gravity or pumped out.

[0047] While the pod or capsule 100 is described as having a cylindrical sidewall, the crosssection of the sidewall in a plane perpendicular to the line AA shown in FIG. 2 may be circular, elliptical, rectangular, polygonal, irregular, and / or another 2D shape, as appropriate for the application.

[0048] One example method of manufacturing a pod or capsule 100 includes drawing a pod material to form the cylindrical sidewall 112 and the closed end wall 114 such that the cylindrical sidewall 112 extends from the closed end wall 114. In an example embodiment, the drawing process also forms the neck portion 120 (e.g., including the rim 124). A coating may be applied to the interior and / or storage cavity facing surface 118 of the cylindrical sidewall 112 and / or the closed end wall 114. The storage cavity 116 defined at least in part by the cylindrical sidewall 112 and the closed end wall 114 is filled with concentrated fluid. The sealing component 130 is secured to the neck portion 120 via mechanical crimping or heat sealing.

[0049] Another example method of manufacturing a pod or capsule 100 includes drawing a pod material to form at least a portion of the cylindrical sidewall 112 (e.g., the cup portion 110part of the cylindrical sidewall 112) and the closed end wall 114. A coating may be applied to the interior and / or storage cavity facing surface 118 of the cylindrical sidewall 112 and / or the closed end wall 114. A separate process is used to form the neck portion 120. A sealing component is secured to the neck portion 120. For example, the sealing component 130 may be crimped to rim 124 or heat sealed to the rim 124 and / or seat 126. The cup portion 110 (e.g., the storage cavity 116 defined at least in part by the cylindrical sidewall 112 and the closed end wall) is filled with the concentrated fluid. The neck portion 120 is then joined to the cup portion 110 via double seaming or another joining process.

[0050] Figure 4 provides a flowchart illustrating processes, procedures, operations, and / or the like that may be used to manufacture a pod, in accordance with example embodiments. Starting at step 402, the closed end wall 114 and cylindrical sidewall 112 of the pod or capsule are formed. In some embodiments, the cylindrical sidewall 112 and the closed end wall 114 are formed by drawing a pod material. In an example embodiment, the drawing process also forms the neck portion 120 (e.g., including the rim 124). For example, the cup portion 110 of the pod or capsule is formed. In certain embodiments, the neck portion 120 is formed at a later step.

[0051] At step 404, a coating is applied to the interior and / or storage cavity facing surface 118 of the cylindrical sidewall 112 and / or the closed end wall 114. In certain embodiments, the coating is configured to withstand concentrated fluids having a pH in a range of 3 to 13.

[0052] At step 406, in an example embodiment where the neck portion 120 has not already been formed, the neck portion is formed. In such embodiments, forming the neck portion 120 may include forming the sealing componentl30. For example, the sealing componentl30 may be formed as part of the neck portion 120.

[0053] A step 408, the pod or capsule is filled with concentrated fluid. For example, concentrated by be poured or injected into the storage cavity 116.

[0054] At step 410, the sealing component 130 is secured to the cup portion 110 such that the concentrated fluid is sealed within the pod or capsule 100. For example, the sealing component 130 may be crimped to rim 124 or heat sealed to the rim 124 and / or seat 126. In some embodiments, the sealing component is formed in conjunction with the neck portion 120 and the neck portion is then joined to the cup portion 110 via double seaming or another joining process to secure the sealing component 130 to the cup portion 110.

[0055] Pod or capsule 100

[0056] Cup portion 110

[0057] Cylindrical sidewall 112

[0058] Closed end wall 114

[0059] Storage cavity 116

[0060] Interior / storage cavity facing surface 118

[0061] Neck portion 120

[0062] Indent 122

[0063] Pod / capsule rim 124

[0064] Seat 126

[0065] Seat rim 128

[0066] Sealing component 130

[0067] Crimp or seal portion 132

[0068] Hppod height 20-60 mm, in various embodiments; e.g., ~ 40 mm

[0069] Dppod diameter 10-50 mm, in various embodiments; e.g., ~30 mm

[0070] t sidewall thickness 0.1-1 mm, in various embodiments; e.g., -0.25 mm

[0071] Hnneck height 1-10 mm, in various embodiments; e.g., 4.5 mm

[0072] Dnneck diameter 10-40 mm, in various embodiments; e.g., -20 mm

[0073] Do opening diameter 10-50 mm, in various embodiments; e.g., -30 mm

[0074] Hccrimp height 1-5 mm, in various embodiments; e.g., -2.5 mm

[0075] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

CLAIMSThat which is claimed:

1. A pod or capsule comprising: a cylindrical sidewall extending from a closed end wall to a rim; and a sealing component, wherein the cylindrical sidewall and the sealing component define a storage cavity configured for storing concentrated fluid.

2. The pod or capsule of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical sidewall, the closed end wall, and / or the sealing component are chemically resistant so as to withstand concentrated fluids having a pH in a range of 3 to 13.

3. The pod or capsule of claim 1, wherein a respective storage cavity facing surface of at least one of the cylindrical sidewall, the closed end wall, and / or the sealing component have been coated within a coating configured to withstand concentrated fluids having a pH in a range of 3 to 13.

4. The pod or capsule of claim 1, wherein the sealing component is sealed via crimping about the rim or heat sealing to the rim and / or seat.

5. The pod or capsule of claim 1, wherein the sealing component comprises a sheet metal material.

6. The pod or capsule of claim 5, wherein the sealing component comprises scoring, wherein the scoring is configured to enable piercing of the sealing component at a location corresponding to the scoring.

7. The pod or capsule of claim 1, wherein the sealing component is pierceable such as metal foil, plastic film, or coated paper material.

8. The pod or capsule of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical sidewall and the closed end wall are formed via a drawing process.

9. The pod or capsule of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical sidewall is joined to the closed end wall via a double seaming process.

10. The pod or capsule of claim 1, wherein the concentrated fluid is configured for mixing with a diluting fluid to form a composite fluid that is one of a cleaning solution, a potable beverage, a cleaner configured for cleaning humans or other animals, or a medicated fluid.

11. A method for manufacturing a pod or capsule, the method comprising: forming a cup portion by forming a closed end wall and cylindrical sidewall the extends from a perimeter of the closed end wall, wherein the cylindrical sidewall and the closed end wall at least partially define a storage cavity; filling the storage cavity with concentrated fluid; and securing a sealing component to the cup portion such that the concentrated fluid is sealed within the storage cavity.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising applying a coating to at least one of a storage cavity facing surface of the closed end wall, a storage cavity facing surface of the cylindrical sidewall, or a storage cavity facing surface of the sealing component, wherein the coating is configured to withstand concentrated fluids having a pH in a range of 3 to 13.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the coating is applied to each of the storage cavity facing surface of the closed end wall, the storage cavity facing surface of the cylindrical sidewall, and the storage cavity facing surface of the sealing component.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the closed end wall and the cylindrical sidewall are formed using a drawing process.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the sealing component is crimped or heat sealed to a rim of a neck portion of the pod or capsule.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the neck portion is formed integrally with the cylindrical sidewall.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein securing the sealing component to the cup portion comprises joining the neck portion to the cylindrical sidewall.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the neck portion is joined to the cylindrical sidewall using a double seaming process.

19. The method of claim 11, further comprising scoring the sealing component to enable piercing of the sealing component at a location corresponding to the scoring.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the sealing component is scored one of prior to securing the sealing component to the cup portion or after securing the sealing component to the cup portion.

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