Method of mixing a liquid in a container

• US 9,999,864 B2
• Filed: 08/18/2012
• Issued: 06/19/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 08/18/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: International Flavors & Fragrances Incorporated
• Original Assignee: The Additive Advantage LLC (International Flavors & Fragrances Incorporated)
• Inventors: Celeste, Salvatore Albert
• Primary Examiner(s): Griffin, Walter D.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Howell, Marc C
• Application Number:
  US13/589,094
• Publication Number:
  US 20130176812A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,131 Days
• Field of Search: 426 78, 366101
• CPC Class Codes: A23L 2/40 Effervescence-generating compositions
• CPC Class Codes: A23L 2/52 Adding ingredients adding preservatives A23L2/44
• CPC Class Codes: A23L 2/56 Flavouring or bittering agents sweeteners A23L2/60
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 33/403 for mixing liquids B01F33/402, B01F33/405, B01F33/406 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 33/5011 portable during use, e.g. hand-held

Abstract

Presently, there exists a need for a method of mixing (stirring) the ingredients of a liquid preparation within a container without the introduction of any device or manual implement to agitate the contents mechanically. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method a convenient, economical and effective method of mixing utilizing a chemical reaction to facilitate liquid motion in a container without the use of a stirring implement or external mechanical intervention.

Claims

1. A vessel or container comprising:

(a) one or more compounds affixed by a binder to an inside surface of the vessel or container; and

(b) one or more microcapsules affixed by the binder to the inside surface of the vessel or container;

wherein the one or more compounds are incorporated into the binder;

wherein the one or more compounds are capable of causing a reaction-induced disturbance in a liquid upon introduction of the liquid into the vessel or container for the purpose of mixing the contents therein;

wherein the binder comprises an amphiphilic polymer;

wherein the binder envelops the one or more compounds; and

wherein the binder maintains the one or more compounds in an anhydrous state prior to the introduction of the liquid into the vessel or container.

2. The vessel or container of claim 1 wherein the one or more compounds affixed thereto when hydrated create an effervescent reaction sufficient to cause a mixing action in a liquid as the resultant release of CO₂ gas bubbles pass through the liquid to the surface.

3. The vessel or container of claim 1 wherein the reaction-induced disturbance is initiated by the introduction of a liquid into the container causing the dissolution of the binder and the exposure of said compounds thus allowing them to react.

4. The vessel or container of claim 1 wherein the amphiphilic polymer comprises a vinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate copolymer.

5. The vessel or container of claim 1 wherein said compounds comprise an acid.

6. The vessel or container of claim 1 wherein said compounds comprise a carbonate-containing compound.

7. The vessel or container of claim 6 wherein the carbonate-containing compound has been heat-treated to cause a micron layer of inactive material on the surface of the carbonate to inhibit premature reaction when in intimate contact with an acid prior to hydration.

8. The vessel or container of claim 1 wherein the binder is comprised substantially of the amphiphilic polymer.

9. The vessel or container of claim 1 wherein the amphiphilic polymer comprises Hydroxypropyl cellulose.

10. The vessel or container of claim 1, wherein the reaction of the one or more compounds with the liquid causes the reaction-induced disturbance in the liquid.