NUTRITIVE SUBSTANCE DELIVERY CONTAINER

• US 20100089860A1
• Filed: 10/14/2008
• Published: 04/15/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 10/14/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Mead Johnson Nutrition Company (Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC)
• Original Assignee: Mead Johnson & Company (Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC)
• Inventors: Rangavajla, Nagendra, Anthony, Joshua C., McCallister, Patrick E., Grelewicz, Rick, Wiggins, Robin P.
• Granted Patent: US 8,801,688 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 215/47
• CPC Class Codes: A23V 2200/32 having an effect on the health of the digestive tract
• CPC Class Codes: A23V 2200/3204 Probiotics, living bacteria to be ingested for action in the digestive tract
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2217/00 Details of mixing containers or closures
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2217/02 Whereby the mixture can be used several times, e.g. containers which can be resealed after mixing
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2251/0025 of the 47-type
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2251/0093 Membrane
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 23/04 Means for mixing or for promoting flow of contents hydro-dynamic means for influencing the flow of liquids F15D
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 51/225 and further comprising a device first inhibiting displacement of the outer closure B65D51/223 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 51/28 with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials B65D51/247 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 51/2807 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
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 81/32 for packaging two or more different materials which must be maintained separate prior to use in admixture containers with removable or destructible partitions B65D25/08 ; closures combined with auxiliary containers B65D51/28; in aerosol containers B65D83/682; amalgam capsules A61C5/66; containers for pharmaceutical purposes A61J1/20, A61M5/19; medical syringes A61M3/005, resin cartridges for grouting anchoring-bolts in mines E21D20/026
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 83/685 with one product being located in a chamber within, or forming part of, the dispensing head, e.g. for admixture during dispensing

Abstract

The invention comprises a novel apparatus for delivering a nutritive substance comprising a container body having a base at one end thereof, an upper portion adapted for removable receipt of a closure, the upper portion defining an opening therein, and a chamber defined by the container body, the chamber being in fluid communication with the upper portion opening. A seal is bonded across the upper portion opening of the container and is adapted to provide an airtight seal across the opening. A closure is removably coupled to the container upper portion. A nutritive substance is coated onto an element selected from the group consisting of an inner surface of the container upper portion, the closure, an insert positioned above the seal, and combinations thereof. The seal prevents contact between the nutritive substance and the contents of the container until the seal is removed or pierced.

Claims

1. An apparatus for delivering a nutritive substance comprising:

a. a container body having

(i) a base at one end thereof,

(ii) an upper portion adapted for removable receipt of a closure, said upper portion defining an opening therein, and

(iii) a chamber defined by said container body, said chamber being in fluid communication with said upper portion opening,

b. a seal bonded across said upper portion opening and adapted to provide an airtight seal across said opening;

c. a closure removably coupled to said upper portion; and

d. a nutritive substance coated onto an element selected from the group consisting of an inner surface of said container upper portion, said closure, an insert positioned above said seal, and combinations thereof, wherein said seal prevents contact between said nutritive substance and the contents of said container until said seal is removed or pierced.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, said closure further comprising an annular cap having a vertical side wall and a top surface coupled to said side wall, wherein said top surface is adapted to allow the contents of said container to pass therethrough and said nutritive substance is coated on a surface intermediate seal and said top surface.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said nutritive substance is coated on an insert that is press-fitted into said annular cap.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said nutritive substance is coated directly on said annular cap vertical side wall.

5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said nutritive substance is coated on said container upper potion inner circumference.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, said seal further comprising a tab coupled to said seal, wherein said tab assists a user in removing said seal from said container.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, said seal further comprising;

a. a circular seal base removably coupled to an inside wall defined by said container upper portion; and

b. a ring connected to said circular seal base by a tab.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein when said ring is pulled away from said container upper portion, said circular seal base breaks away from said upper portion inside wall, thereby allowing the contents of said container to contact said nutritive substance.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said nutritive substance comprises a probiotic.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the probiotic is coated onto said element as an oil-based suspension of probiotic powder.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the probiotic is coated onto said element as a wax-based suspension of probiotic powder.

12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the probiotic comprises Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG.

13. An apparatus for delivering a nutritive substance comprising:

a. a container body having

(i) a base at one end thereof,

(ii) an upper portion adapted for removable receipt of a closure, said upper portion defining an opening therein, and

(iii) a chamber defined by said container body, said chamber being in fluid communication with said upper portion opening,

b. a seal bonded across said upper portion opening and adapted to provide an airtight seal across said opening;

c. a closure removably coupled to said upper portion, said closure comprising an annular cap having a vertical side wall and a top surface coupled to said side wall, wherein said top surface is adapted to allow the contents of said container to pass therethrough; and

d. a nutritive substance coated onto an insert positioned intermediate said seal and said top surface, wherein said seal prevents contact between said nutritive substance and the contents of said container until said seal is removed or pierced.

14. A method for making a delivery apparatus, said method comprising the steps of:

a. providing a container body having

(i) a base at one end thereof,

(ii) an upper portion at the other end of said body, wherein said upper portion is adapted for removable receipt of a closure, said upper portion defining an opening therein,

(iii) a chamber defined by said container body, said chamber being in fluid communication with said body upper portion opening, and

(iv) a closure adapted to be removably received on said upper portion;

b. filling said container with a product;

c. sterilizing the product-filled container;

d. sealing said container upper portion with a seal;

e. coating a nutritive substance onto an element selected from the group consisting of an inner surface of said container upper portion, said closure, an insert positioned above said seal, and combinations thereof, and

f. placing said closure on said body upper portion.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein said nutritive substance comprises a probiotic.