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Apparatus and method for generating pressures for a disposable container

  • US 4,923,095 A
  • Filed: 11/03/1988
  • Issued: 05/08/1990
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/06/1987
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A self-generating pressure applying means which is inserted into a container means having material contained therein so as to apply a pressure on the material so that it may be readily dispensed from the container means comprising:

  • an expandable pouch means for applying pressure to material in a container comprising at least two relatively flat sheets of a gas and liquid impermeable material in superposed relationship and having a length and a width with said length having a greater linear extent than said width;

    said expandable pouch means having a plurality of linearly extending edge portions;

    permanent sealing means for joining said superposed flat sheets along said edge portions so as to form an enclosed space therebetween;

    compartment forming means between said superposed flat sheets for forming at least three compartments in said expandable pouch means;

    said compartment forming means comprising lengthwise extending strips, having end portions joining said sealed edge portions, of a semi-permanent peelable sealing means for securing together superposed portions of said superposed flat sheets so that all of said compartments are completely closed;

    said semi-permanent peelable sealing means permitting separation of said superposed portions of said superposed flat sheets in response to pressure applied thereto;

    gas pressure generating means in one of said compartments to increase the gas pressure in said one compartment so that, as portions of the material are dispensed from said container, portions of said superposed flat sheets forming said one compartment are forced apart to apply pressure to said semi-permanent peelable sealing means between said one compartment and a first next adjacent compartment so that said one compartment and said first next adjacent compartment are joined together to form a combined compartment;

    at least a second next adjacent compartment;

    gas pressure generating means in said first next adjacent compartment cooperating with said gas pressure generating means in said one compartment to continue the generation of gas pressure to force apart the portions of said superposed sheets forming said combined compartment as said material is dispensed from said container means to apply pressure to separate said semi-permanent peelable sealing means between said combined compartment and said at least a second next adjacent compartment so that said combined compartment and said at least a second next adjacent compartment are joined together to form a larger combined compartment;

    said gas pressure generating means in said one compartment comprising first and second reactive components of a chemical gas generating system;

    said gas pressure generating means in all of the other compartments comprises said first of said two reactive components;

    said expandable pouch means being located within a container having a gas pressure generating beverage container therein;

    said first reactive component of said two component chemical gas generating system in said one compartment comprises a liquid;

    wherein said gas pressure generating means in said one compartment comprises;

    at least said first reactive component being confined within an enclosure having rupturable means so that said enclosure may be ruptured allowing said first reactive component to react with said second reactive component to commence generating a gas;

    said enclosure comprising a rigid container having at least one open end located in said first compartment;

    a flexible membrane covering said open end and in sealed engagement therewith so as to contain a quantity of said first reactive component in said container;

    membrane rupturing means in said container and located next to said open end so as to pierce said flexible membrane when said flexible membrane is forced into said container by pressure forces generated within said container so as to release said liquid first component into said first compartment.

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