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WO2017029669A1 - Capsules stériles de formule pour bébé à mécanisme d'ouverture intégré et procédés d'utilisation - Google Patents

Capsules stériles de formule pour bébé à mécanisme d'ouverture intégré et procédés d'utilisation Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017029669A1
WO2017029669A1 PCT/IL2016/050901 IL2016050901W WO2017029669A1 WO 2017029669 A1 WO2017029669 A1 WO 2017029669A1 IL 2016050901 W IL2016050901 W IL 2016050901W WO 2017029669 A1 WO2017029669 A1 WO 2017029669A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
capsule
opening
cap
self
baby
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IL2016/050901
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Eldad Maziel
Original Assignee
Capsulbar Technologies Sys 2014 Ltd
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
Application filed by Capsulbar Technologies Sys 2014 Ltd filed Critical Capsulbar Technologies Sys 2014 Ltd
Publication of WO2017029669A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017029669A1/fr

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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
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/32—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging two or more different materials which must be maintained separate prior to use in admixture
    • B65D81/3205—Separate rigid or semi-rigid containers joined to each other at their external surfaces
    • B65D81/3211—Separate rigid or semi-rigid containers joined to each other at their external surfaces coaxially and provided with means facilitating admixture
    • 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
    • B65D51/2828—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 said element being a film or a foil

Definitions

  • the present invention is related to the field of capsule packaging; more specifically, to disposable sterile capsules containing a powdered baby formula; and more particularly to disposable sterile capsules with an integral opening mechanism.
  • powdered infant formulas are available in powder form, concentrated liquid form, or ready to feed liquid form. Powdered infant formulas are the most popular form, primarily due to their cost and nutritional quality.
  • One of the disadvantages associated with powdered infant formulae is the inconvenience of preparation: The powdered formula must be carefully measured into a sterilized drinking vessel containing defined amount of water which were pre -boiled and cooled, to reconstitute the formula; the drinking vessel is then sealed and shaken to ensure the powder has been dissolved. To avoid any bacterial growth, the formula should be consumed immediately after reconstitution. After the first use, the remaining, unused powdered formula has a very short shelf life- usually of about a month, and must be discarded if not used.
  • powdered infant formulae is considered a safe and nutritionally eligible substitute for mother's milk in the situations described above.
  • many parents sometimes inadvertently fail to prepare the formula properly and hence expose the infant to risks of infection or other risks.
  • the water may not be boiled prior to use in which case, any pathogens in the water are fed to the infant.
  • batches of the infant formula may be prepared and then stored until needed.
  • open powdered formula container might be used after the recommended period, which again raises the risk of pathogen growth within the container of said powdered formula.
  • US 8,460,732 provides a convenient method and system of preparing a single serving of nutritional composition comprising introducing water into a sealed disposable capsule containing a unit dose of the composition and an operative opening contained within the capsule to permit draining of the resulting liquid directly from the capsule into a receiving vessel.
  • mixing an infant powder formula with water in a capsule has several drawbacks, such as lump formation, possible bacteria growth and others.
  • the present invention provides a self-opening capsule 100 comprising: (a) an external body 102; (b) a top cover/lid/cap 101; (c) a bottom closure 13; and (d) an integral opening mechanism 110 located within said external body 102 or externally thereto, comprising: (i) a closure opener 105; and (ii) connecting means 103 connecting said top cover/lid/cap 101 with said closure opener 105.
  • the present invention further provides a method for preparing a baby food formulation using the self-opening capsules of the invention, said method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a self-opening capsule according to the invention comprising (baby-)food powder/liquid; (b) placing said capsule over a container and manually pressing the top cover thereof to release its content into said container; or placing said capsule inside a designated device designed to hold said capsule and pressing the top cover thereof to release its content into a container; (c) adding water to said container, optionally before step (b); and (d) mixing the baby-food powder and water to prepare said baby food formulation.
  • FIGs. 1A-1D schematically show one possible configuration of a capsule having an integral opening mechanism according to the invention.
  • FIGs. 2A-2E schematically show another possible configuration of a capsule having an integral opening mechanism.
  • Fig. 2A is a front view
  • Fig. 2B is a perspective view
  • Fig. 2C is a top view
  • Figs. 2D and 2E are perspective views including the internal opening mechanism in a closed and open position, respectively.
  • FIG. 3 schematically shows an exploded view of a disposable sterile capsule according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • FIGs. 4A-4C schematically show another possible configuration of a capsule having an integral opening mechanism.
  • FIGs. 5A-5C schematically show another possible configuration of a disposable sterile capsule having a concentric water conduit.
  • Fig. 5B is a cut-off view; and
  • Fig. 5C is a cutoff view when the capsule's cap is pushed in.
  • FIGs. 6A-6C schematically show one possible configuration of a reusable capsule.
  • Fig. 6A is an exploded view
  • Fig. 6B is a cut-off view of a closed capsule
  • Fig. 6C is a cutoff view when the capsule's cap is pushed in.
  • FIGs. 7A-7C schematically show a disposable sterile baby food capsule which can be filled by the user prior to use.
  • Fig. 7A is a side view;
  • Fig. 7B is a front view;
  • Fig. 7C is a cutoff view showing the internal opening mechanism.
  • Figs. 8A-8B schematically show a sterile baby food capsule with a side groove (8A) according to one embodiment of the invention, and illustrate placing the same onto a bottle (8B) with an external water conduit.
  • Fig. 9 schematically shows the main components of a disposable sterile double- walled capsule according to another embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 10 schematically shows a disposable sterile capsule with encoded information on a protruding edge section.
  • FIG. 11 schematically shows a portable dispenser containing a sealed capsule.
  • Fig. 12 schematically depicts a method for opening a capsule having an integral opening mechanism manually.
  • the present invention provides capsules, both disposable and reusable, and methods of using same for preparing a single serving of a nutritional composition, such as a baby food formulation.
  • the capsules of the invention are constructed as sealed capsules containing a unit dose of the (baby) food composition, optionally in concentrated form, to which pre -boiled water at a desired temperature are added in order to prepare the final food formulation.
  • the present invention provides a self-opening capsule 100 comprising: (a) an external body 102; (b) a top cover/lid/cap 101; (c) a bottom closure 13; and (d) an integral opening mechanism 110 located either within said external body 102 or externally thereto, said integral opening mechanism 110 comprises: (i) a closure opener 105 for opening/cutting/ breaking/penetrating said bottom closure 13 to thereby allow the content of the capsule to pour out; and (ii) connecting means 103 connecting said top cover/lid/cap 101 with said closure opener 105, such that when said cover 101 is pushed in, either manually or mechanically by the aid of a dedicated device, said opener 105 is pushed against said bottom closure 13 and opens it.
  • said self-opening capsule 100 of the invention is disposable. Accordingly, said capsule 100 may arrived filled and sealed from the manufacturer (see e.g. Figs. 1-4), or may arrive empty for filling by the end user according to user's desire and need (see e.g. Fig. 7).
  • the opening of said bottom closure 13 by said closure opener 105 can be carried out by any suitable way and according to the material said bottom closure 13 is made of.
  • the closure opener 105 may be a knife or blade (Figs. 1, 2 and 5) which cuts through said bottom closure 13, which is optionally made of aluminum foil, plastic or parchment paper, etc.
  • the closure opener 105 may be blunt and simply push said bottom closure 13 until it rupture or pushed to an open position (Fig. 4).
  • said integral opening mechanism 110 is designed such that the bottom closure 13 is not completely released from the capsule / external body 102, but rather remains attached thereto such that it does not fall into the container in which the food formulation is being prepared (see e.g. Fig. ID).
  • said self-opening capsule 100 of the invention is reusable (see e.g. Fig. 6). Accordingly, said capsule 100 may arrived empty for filling by the end user according to desire and need.
  • said bottom closure 13 is either connected to or is an integral part of said external body 102, and is designed such that after being opened for use (i.e. to release the capsule's content), it can be re-closed (preferably after sterilization) as a preparation for the next refill.
  • said bottom closure 13 is part of said integral opening mechanism 110 and replaces said closure opener 105 (see Fig. 6), such that when said connecting means 103 is pushed in, its lower section, which serves as the bottom closure 13 is pushed out thereby allowing the content of the capsule to exit (Fig. 6C).
  • said external body 102 of the capsule 100 of the invention has a bottom/lower section which is narrower than its upper section.
  • the capsule 100 may have a conic shape.
  • the capsule 100 comprises a lower part having a substantially concave shape and an upper part having a substantially convex shape.
  • said top cover/lid/cap 101 constitutes an integral part of said external body 102.
  • said top cover/lid/cap 101 is an "add-on" that is attached to the external body 102 before or after the capsule has been filled, thereby hermetically sealing the capsule 100.
  • said bottom closure 13 constitutes an integral part of said external body 102.
  • said bottom closure 13 is an "add-on" that is attached to the external body 102 before or after the capsule has been filled, thereby hermetically sealing the capsule 100.
  • the self-opening capsule 100 of the invention is designed to enable the passage of an external water conduit 12 for the addition of water into the container in which the food formulation is made, while the capsule 100 is placed/positioned on said container's opening (see e.g. Fig. 8A).
  • the self-opening capsule 100 of the invention further comprises an integral water conduit 12 enabling the addition of water into the container in which the food formulation is made, while the capsule 100 is placed/positioned on said container's opening.
  • said water conduit 12 may be a part of said external body 102, e.g. a space between two layers of the external body (see e.g. Fig. 9).
  • said water conduit 12 is located within said integral opening mechanism 110, e.g. as a passage within said connecting means 103 extending from the lid 101 to the closure opener 105 (see e.g. Fig. 5B).
  • the present invention further provides a method for preparing a baby food formulation using the self-opening capsules 100 of the invention, said method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a self-opening capsule according to the invention comprising (baby) food powder; (b) placing said capsule over a container, such as a baby bottle, and manually pressing the top cover thereof to release its content into said container; or placing said capsule inside a designated device designed to hold said capsule 100 and press its top cover to release its content into a container; (c) adding water to said container, optionally before step (b); and (d) mixing the (baby-)food powder and water to prepare said (baby) food formulation.
  • step (b) of the method according to the invention comprises pressing onto the upper part of the capsule 100 such that the entire body of the capsule collapses/squeezed to thereby push said integral opening mechanism against 110 said bottom closure 13.
  • the addition of water into said container is carried out via a dedicated water conduit 12, which is either a part of said capsule 100 or an integral part of said designated device holding said capsule.
  • the step of water addition into said container is carried out before the addition of the content of said capsule 100 (i.e. before step (b)).
  • the water is added simultaneously with the pouring of the capsule content into said container.
  • the capsule 100 of the invention may be configured to suit a chosen capsule dispenser such as to enable opening of the capsule 100 in such a way as to allow pouring the capsule's content from the capsule 100 into the receiving vessel/container, by activating the integral opening mechanism 110 within said capsule 100.
  • the capsule 100 of the invention is made in any manner and using any materials suitable to produce the desired configuration and properties.
  • the capsule 100 may be made of aluminum or other plastic material and thermoformed or injection molded. It may have a single or multi-layer construction.
  • the material of the capsule may be made of an air tight material. If not, in order to protect the contents of the capsule from the environment, other precautions may be made, e.g. by provision of an external seal or by packing under vacuum or in an inert atmosphere in a can or an aluminum pouch or bag.
  • the external size and configuration of the capsule 100 will be selected with reference to the configuration of such a dispenser.
  • the amount of space taken up in the capsule 100 by the concentrated composition will be governed by a balance between environmental and economic considerations (capsule should not be too large having regard to the volume occupied by its contents) and safety considerations (possibility of contamination of means for introduction of water by contents of capsule if capsule is completely filled).
  • a range of capsules may be provided containing different quantities of composition, for example to suit the requirements of different age groups in the case of infant formula.
  • a ready to drink nutritional composition may also be prepared according to the method of the present invention using more than one capsule 100 to prepare a single serving. This permits the introduction of a degree of flexibility in the compositions that may be prepared. For example, a range of capsules containing different supplements may be manufactured and consumers may be provided with instructions as to how to combine these to prepare a personalized composition suited to the particular needs of the recipient. Alternatively, the capsule 100 may be a reusable capsule enabling the user to refill each capsule according to one's need and desire.
  • Figs. 1A-1D schematically show a first possible embodiment of a capsule 100 having a first possible embodiment of an integral opening mechanism 110.
  • the capsule 100 can be opened either manually by a user or by a machine or a bottle via the integral opening mechanism 110 as further depicted below.
  • the capsule 100 has a concaved body shape designed to concentrate the extracted material from the capsule 100 into the receiving vessel (e.g. baby bottle) into which the material is extracted after the capsule 100 is opened.
  • the concaved capsule shape is also useful to fit the capsule 100 into different sized apertures of bottles or machines when bottles or machines are used to extract the capsule's content.
  • the capsule 100 of the invention is configured such that it fits vessels with different apertures.
  • the cap 101 may be welded onto the capsule's external body 102.
  • the cap 101 may by constructed to be click-fastened to the capsule's external body 102, thereby enabling even the end user to fill the capsule as desired and then close it before use.
  • the integral opening mechanism 110 includes a cap 101 which is welded to the capsule body 102 by projection ring 108. Accordingly, the capsule body 102 may include a corresponding projection ring, to allow the capsule 100 and the integral opening mechanism 110 to be manufactured by two separate molds which are later welded or attached to each other. Connecting means 103, such as rods, are attached to a closure opener 105 (e.g. circular cutter as shown in Fig. 1), which cuts the bottom closure 13 at the bottom of the capsule 100. [0045] As seen in Fig. IB, a protrusion 106 at the circular closure opener 105 ensures that the bottom closure 13 will remain hanging attached to said capsule 100 after it is opened by said integral opening mechanism 110 as depicted in Fig. ID.
  • a closure opener 105 e.g. circular cutter as shown in Fig. 1
  • the integral opening mechanism 110 can be manually activated by applying pressure over said cap 101 by the user's hand.
  • the user can apply pressure over said cap 101 by pressing it, e.g., with his fingers or with his palm.
  • the pressure which is applied onto said cap 101 is transmitted to said closure opener 105 via connecting means 103, such that the closure opener 105 presses against the bottom closure 13 thus cutting it open. After the bottom closure 13 is cut, the content of the capsule 100 falls through its bottom into the receiving vessel.
  • the pressure which is used to open the bottom closure 13 can be selectively designed by few factors, one of which is the materials and the thickness from which the bottom closure 13, the closure opener 105 and the capsule cap/lid 101 are made of.
  • the closure opener 105 can be made of plastic or from thinner sharper metal.
  • the capsule 100 can be made of plastics having different elasticity.
  • Another factor can be the shape of the closure opener 105 itself, for instance the opener 105 can have teeth at a nonlinear design 107 to pierce the bottom closure 13 gradually.
  • the design of the closure opener 105 is dependent on the bottom closure 13 being used, as well as the content of the capsule.
  • the closure opener 105 may be made in the form of blades (e.g. Fig. 2A) made of metal or sharp plastic; when the content of the capsule is a liquid, the closure opener 105 may be made in the form of a pointed blade (e.g. Figs. 2A) to break open the middle of said closure; when the content of the capsule is a powder, the closure opener 105 may be made in the form of a round blade (e.g. Figs.
  • the closure opener 105 may be made in the form of a rigid pushing unit that pushes said bottom closure 13 into an open position; etc.
  • a reinforcement ring is attached to the inner surface of the cap 101 to evenly transmit the pressure applied over the outer surface of the cap 101 through said connecting means 103 to the opener 105.
  • the circular opener 105 shown in Fig. 1 cuts the bottom closure 13 in a circle shape leaving an edge attached to the capsule's body (Fig. ID). It should be noted that a circular cut is useful especially when the material inside the capsule is of granular nature, since the relatively large cut allows the granular content of the capsule to fall through the opening provided by the cut while minimizing he amount of material remaining adhered to the inner walls of the capsule 100 or to the internal opening mechanism 110.
  • such a cut allows for effective extraction of the content inside the capsule by utilizing gravitational force eliminating the need to build pressure by external source as often used by machines building water pressure to extract contents from capsules, or air pressure. Due to the elasticity of capsules cap 101, after the pressure over the cap 101 is stopped, the capsule's cap 101 may pop back into place, thereby slightly shacking the capsule 100 causing any remainings of the capsule content to be extracted from the capsule, as well as retrieving the opener 105 back into the capsules body, to avoid unnecessary exposure of the opener 105 to the user or to others.
  • FIGs. 2A-2C schematically show a second integral opening mechanism 110 which includes a cap 101 that is welded to a capsule body by projection ring 108.
  • the integral opening mechanism 110 can be manufactured by a separate mold which is welded or attached to a capsule 100.
  • the integral opening mechanism 110 can be implemented in a capsule 100 mutatis mutandis to the implementation of integral opening mechanism 110 or to other capsules further depicted.
  • the closure opener 105 is constructed of trilateral blades which are attached directly to the capsule's cap 101 and thus constitute also the connecting means.
  • the integral opening mechanism 110 can be manually activated by applying pressure over the cap 101 by the user's hand.
  • the user can apply pressure over the cap 101 by pressing it with his fingers or with his palm or by using a designated machine.
  • the pressure which is applied over the cap 101 presses the trilateral blades 103 against a foil as the bottom closure 13 thus piercing the foil.
  • the content of the capsule 100 can then fall/poured or drop through the pierced foil.
  • Said trilateral blades 105 coincide to a sharp tooth which gradually pierces the foil 13, thereby allowing an easy piercing of the foil 13.
  • the integral opening mechanism 110 is especially useful for capsules containing liquid material. This is since the liquid material flows or drops through the pierced foil by gravitational force as the pierced foil remains hanging on the edges of the bottom of the capsule.
  • trilateral blades 105 which coincide to a tooth, other sharp designs of various kinds of blades, teeth, other sharp shapes or any combinations thereof, can also be utilized to pierce the bottom closure 13.
  • FIG. 2D and 2E schematically show another possible embodiment of a capsule 100 having a collapsible structure with an integral opening mechanism 110.
  • Fig. 2D shows a perspective view including the internal opening mechanism of capsule in a closed position: the capsule 100 has a collapsible external body 102, where sufficient pressure applied on top of the capsule 100 will cause the capsule's body 102 to collapse as shown in Fig. 2E.
  • the blades 105 press against a bottom closure foil 13 attached to the bottom of the capsule.
  • the foil 13 is pierced by said blades 105 and the content of the capsule is extracted through the pierced foil 13.
  • the collapsed capsule pops back into place, thereby slightly shacking the capsule 100 and causing any remaining content to be released and extracted from the capsule 100, while retrieving the blades 105 back into the capsules body 102 to avoid unnecessary exposure of the blades to the user or to others.
  • FIG. 3 schematically shows another configuration of a disposable sterile capsule according to yet another embodiment of the invention.
  • the connecting means 103 is shaped similarly to the external body 102, and the closure opener 105 is a round blade, which once pressure is applied onto the cap/lid 101, designed to cut open the bottom closure 13 while leaving it attached to the external body 102. After the pressure is removed from the cap 101, the connecting means 103 slides back up into the external body 102.
  • a rigid disk 101' attached to the upper section of said connecting means 103 said cap/lid 101 along with said rigid disk 101' are pressed/pushed in and thereby the bottom closure 13 is pushed down against the bottom closure 13 and opens it.
  • FIGs. 4A-4C schematically show another possible embodiment of a capsule 100 having yet another possible integral opening mechanism 110.
  • Fig. 4A shows a front view of a capsule 100 with an integral opening mechanism that is external to the capsule 100: as pressure is applied on top of the capsule 100 against the opening mechanism 110, circular ring 303 of the capsule's body slides down with respect to peripheral ring 304 as cutter 301 cuts the bottom closure foil 13 and enters corresponding cutters groove 306.
  • the bottom closure foil 13 remains hanging on a portion of circular ring 303 as shown in Figure 4C.
  • Figs. 5A-5C depict another embodiment of a disposable sterile (baby) food capsule 100 of the invention.
  • the capsule 100 comprises a lower part 102' having a substantially concave shape and an upper part 102" having a substantially convex shape.
  • the lower part 102' has a width that allows it to snugly fit into the bottle opening, while the upper part 102" has a width that prevents its entering into the bottle opening.
  • the capsule 100 also comprises a convex cap 101.
  • the cap 101 is used to activate the integral opening mechanism inside the capsule to release the powdered/liquid food from the bottom of capsule 100. Pushing the cap 101 inwards and changing its shape to a concave one, causes a connecting means 103 to press knives as the closure opening 105, located inside the capsule 100, against the bottom closure foil 13 and to cut said bottom closure to thereby release the powdered/liquid (baby) food from within the capsule 100 and into a receiving vessel, such as a bottle or a baby bottle.
  • a receiving vessel such as a bottle or a baby bottle.
  • the capsule 100 further comprises a water conduit 12 located concentrically in the middle of the capsule 100; said water conduit 12 stretches from the cap 101 to the lower end of the capsule and it may be secured by connectors 103' to the inner lower part of the capsule 100 or the closure opening 105.
  • the conduit 12 is adapted to receive water from a water dispenser, through a capsule cap opening 120, and deliver it directly to the bottle without mixing it with the content (e.g. baby powder) of the capsule 100.
  • Figs. 6A-6C illustrate a multi-use capsule according to one embodiment of the invention:
  • the external body 102 and the cap 101 are configured essentially the same as previously described.
  • the internal opening mechanism also constitutes the bottom closure: as shown in Fig. 6B, before pressure is applied onto the capsule 100, i.e. when it is closed, the closure opener 105 is actually blocking the bottom of the capsule and acts as the bottom closure.
  • the closure opener 105 is pushed out (Fig. 6C) by the connecting means 103, thus opening the capsule and enabling its content to exit.
  • the cap 101 returns to its place and pulls the internal opening mechanism back with it, thereby returning the closure opener 105 into place to re-close the capsule.
  • the capsule 100 is ready for refiling before the next use. Said refiling is carried out, e.g., by opening the cap 101 and filling the desired amount and type of (baby) food formula, followed by closing the cap 101. If desired, the user may first sterilize the empty capsule prior to its refiling.
  • Figs. 7A-7C illustrate yet another disposable capsule according to one embodiment of the invention, which can be filled by the end user.
  • the external body 102, the cap 101, the bottom closure 13, and the internal opener mechanism 110 are configured essentially the same as previously described.
  • the capsule 100 is provided empty for the user to fill- either the food formulation producer or the end user at home.
  • the user may insert the capsule 100, via the opened cap 101, any desired amount and type of food formula, such as a measured amount of baby food powder, and subsequently hermetically, and optionally irreversibly, close the cap 101 to thereby obtain the ready-to-use capsule 100.
  • Fig. 8B illustrates a baby feeding bottle 300 and a (disposable) sterile baby food capsule 100 according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the capsule 100 comprises a groove 204 located at the side of the capsule 100.
  • the groove 204 stretches from the top to the bottom of the capsule 100 and has a shape that is adapted to contain a water conduit 12.
  • Fig. 8A illustrates that the capsule 100 comprises a lower part 102' having a substantially concave shape and an upper part 102" having a substantially convex shape.
  • the lower part 102' has a width that allows it to snugly fit into the bottle opening, while the upper part 102" has a width that prevents its entering into the bottle opening.
  • the capsule 100 also comprises a convex cap 101, which is used to activate the integral opening mechanism inside the capsule 100 to release the powdered/liquid food from the bottom of capsule 100 as detailed herein.
  • the powdered/liquid baby food is released from the capsule 100 when a force exerted over the cap 101 pushes the cap 101 inwards. Said pushing the cap 101 inwards causes a dedicated knife or other closure opener 105, located inside the capsule 100, to cut the bottom closure 13 (e.g. a foil) of the capsule to thereby release the powdered/ liquid baby food into the baby bottle by a gravity assisted falling.
  • a dedicated knife or other closure opener 105 located inside the capsule 100, to cut the bottom closure 13 (e.g. a foil) of the capsule to thereby release the powdered/ liquid baby food into the baby bottle by a gravity assisted falling.
  • Fig. 9 depicts yet another embodiment of a disposable sterile baby food capsule 100 of the invention.
  • the capsule 100 has a double walled structure and the space between the walls of the capsule is used as a water conduit 12, which is adapted to receive water from a water dispenser and to deliver it directly to the baby bottle without mixing it with the baby powder inside the capsule 100.
  • the water passing through said water conduit 12 do not contact the content of the capsule or the opened bottom closure 13.
  • the capsule 100 comprises a lower part 102' having a substantially concave shape and an upper part 102" having a substantially a convex shape.
  • the lower part 102' has a width that allows it to snugly fit into the bottle opening, while the upper part 102" has a width that prevents its entering into the bottle opening.
  • the capsule 100 further comprises a convex cap 101, which is used to activate the integral opening mechanism 110 inside the capsule to release the powdered/liquid food from the bottom of the capsule. Pushing the cap 101 inwards changes it to a concave cap, and causes a dedicated knife, acting as the closure opener 105, to penetrate the bottom closure foil 13 and to release the content of the capsule into a (baby) bottle.
  • a convex cap 101 which is used to activate the integral opening mechanism 110 inside the capsule to release the powdered/liquid food from the bottom of the capsule. Pushing the cap 101 inwards changes it to a concave cap, and causes a dedicated knife, acting as the closure opener 105, to penetrate the bottom closure foil 13 and to release the content of the capsule into a (baby) bottle.
  • a disposable sterile baby food capsule 100 comprises encoded information 505 located on an edge 506, optionally protruding from the top surface of the capsule 100.
  • the encoded information 505 pertains to the preparation of the food formula, such as baby food powder composition, its weight, nutritional values, the water volume needed for formula preparation, manufacturer's name, production batch, etc.
  • the encoded information 505 may be optically encoded as perforations on the edge 506 surface.
  • the encoded information 505 may be encoded and read by an RF, magnetic, or any other suitable technology. It should be stressed that the encoded information 505 may be encoded in any suitable way, such as by RF, color index, barcode, QR code, etc.
  • Fig. 11 illustrates an exemplary portable dispenser 600 that may be used for discharging (baby) food powder/liquid from a (baby) food capsule 100 of the present invention.
  • the portable dispenser 600 comprises a piston 605 that pushes a convex capsule cap 101 inwards, thus causing a dedicated closure opener 105, such as a knife, located inside the capsule 100, to penetrate the bottom closure 13 (e.g. a foil) and to release the capsule's content (e.g. a powdered baby food) into a vessel, such as a baby bottle.
  • the food powder/liquid is then mixed with water inside the vessel, wherein said water is supplied separately from a water container 604 of said dispenser 600, through an electrically controlled water passage lock 601 via a water conduit 12.
  • the integral opening mechanisms described above can be manually activated by applying pressure over the capsule's cap 101 by the user's hand.
  • the user can apply pressure over the capsule's cap 101 by pressing the cap with his fingers or with his palm.
  • the capsules 100 described herein are suitable to be opened both manually or by a dedicated dispensing machine, thereby enabling the user to choose whether to take capsules "on the go" to be used outdoors with or without a dedicated dispensing machine.
  • the capsule 100 of the invention with its integral opening mechanism may be ergonomically designed to be opened manually.
  • a capsule 100 may comprise protrusions and/or grooves for assisting holding the capsule.
  • the capsule 100 may contain food additives, sports nutrition, spices, juice, syrup, protein shake, etc., and the content of the capsules can be extracted into any vessel, such as glass, shakers, pots, baby bottles or any other adequate vessel.
  • Fig. 12 schematically depicts a manual method for opening a capsule having an integral opening mechanism: a user first takes a capsule and holds it in his palm, e.g. in between the index and the middle finger 80. Then, the user holds/places the capsule over a vessel into which the capsule's content should be extracted 81. Now the user opens the capsule by pressing its cap, e.g. with the thumb of the hand of which the capsule is held 82. Finally, the user waits until the content of the capsule drops down by gravity 83. The user may slightly shake the capsule to ensure that almost all the content of the capsule is extracted. In cases were the capsule is disposable, the user can dispose of the capsule, in such cases the capsule may be made by disposable materials or biodegradable materials. Alternatively, the capsule can be refiled and/or reused by the user, in such cases the capsule can be made by materials capable of being dish washed and/or sterilized.
  • the capsules with the opening mechanisms and methods shown in the figures provide sterile extraction of the capsules content into a vessel.
  • a capsule can be taken both "on-the-go" to be opened when pressed against baby bottles for example, or capsules can be taken to be opened single handed over any vessel of choice.
  • the capsules are designed to work manually and on the go, these capsules can also be inserted into dedicated capsule dispensing machines and the pressure applied over the capsule's cap can be applied by, e.g. an actuator within said machine, which may also provide the needed water.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Making Beverages (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne le domaine d'un emballage de capsule ayant un mécanisme d'ouverture intégré contenant une formule en poudre ou liquide, telle qu'une formule alimentaire pour bébés. La présente invention concerne une capsule à ouverture automatique comprenant : (a) un corps externe ; (b) un couvercle/opercule/bouchon supérieur ; (c) un élément de fermeture inférieur ; et (d) un mécanisme d'ouverture intégré situé à l'intérieur dudit corps externe ou à l'extérieur de ce dernier. Le liquide n'est pas ajouté au contenu de la capsule mais plutôt directement à un récipient.
PCT/IL2016/050901 2015-08-17 2016-08-17 Capsules stériles de formule pour bébé à mécanisme d'ouverture intégré et procédés d'utilisation WO2017029669A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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US201562205876P 2015-08-17 2015-08-17
US62/205,876 2015-08-17

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WO2017029669A1 true WO2017029669A1 (fr) 2017-02-23

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Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6443307B1 (en) * 2000-01-25 2002-09-03 Michael D. Burridge Medication dispenser with an internal ejector
US20050238708A1 (en) * 2004-04-23 2005-10-27 Andrew Jones Sealed capsule including an integrated puncturing mechanism
US20060225575A1 (en) * 2003-08-25 2006-10-12 Jean-Paul Denisart Method and device for preparation of a drink from capsules containing a substance
JP2009006184A (ja) * 2003-01-24 2009-01-15 Kraft Foods Research & Development Inc 飲料を調製するための機械
US20110110180A1 (en) * 2009-11-12 2011-05-12 Douglas Snider Apparatus and method for preparing a liquid mixture
US20120258210A1 (en) * 2009-06-17 2012-10-11 Sara Lee/De B.V. System, capsule and method for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage
CN106136887A (zh) * 2015-04-23 2016-11-23 广东美的生活电器制造有限公司 饮料机系统

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6443307B1 (en) * 2000-01-25 2002-09-03 Michael D. Burridge Medication dispenser with an internal ejector
JP2009006184A (ja) * 2003-01-24 2009-01-15 Kraft Foods Research & Development Inc 飲料を調製するための機械
US20060225575A1 (en) * 2003-08-25 2006-10-12 Jean-Paul Denisart Method and device for preparation of a drink from capsules containing a substance
US20050238708A1 (en) * 2004-04-23 2005-10-27 Andrew Jones Sealed capsule including an integrated puncturing mechanism
US20120258210A1 (en) * 2009-06-17 2012-10-11 Sara Lee/De B.V. System, capsule and method for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage
US20110110180A1 (en) * 2009-11-12 2011-05-12 Douglas Snider Apparatus and method for preparing a liquid mixture
CN106136887A (zh) * 2015-04-23 2016-11-23 广东美的生活电器制造有限公司 饮料机系统

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