CONTAINER FOR AN AQUEOUS COMPOSITION

A container for storing an aqueous composition for a domestic animal is provided herein. The container includes a shell having base and a wall extending distally from the base to a lip. The shell defines a chamber between the base and the lip. The container further includes a lid. The lid is configured to cooperate with the lip for removably coupling the lid and the shell. The container further includes an aqueous composition disposed within the chamber. The shell and the lid exhibit a water vapor transmission rate of less than 100,000 g/m2/24 hours in accordance with ASTM D6701-16.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates a container for an aqueous composition. The present disclosure also relates to methods of forming the container, methods of utilizing the container, and uses of the container.

BACKGROUND

Pet bowls are typically placed on the floor in proximity of stored bulk pet food and a water source. Traditionally a pet bowl, especially a water bowl, never leaves its location in the household, a kennel or another setting. It is common that even though a food bowl may be taken from a domestic animal, a water bowl is left out all day in the same location, as water is vital to an animal's health.

The utility of a water bowl is limited however by its nearness to a water source because it generally does not have an ability to retain liquid without spilling while being transported. Typically 4 oz. or 8 oz. of water is placed in a conventional pet bowl, that is, one that has a shallow concave bowl approximately 2″ deep with a 4.5″ aperture for an animal to drink from, spills easily. The relation between the volume of water stored in a bowl, the shallow walls of the bowl, and movement of the water while the bowl is in transport creates a wave that will inevitably overcome the rim of the bowl.

This limitation comes at a disadvantage because the trend for domestic animals accompanying their owners or guardians while traveling is increasing. Domestic animals are more visible joining their owners at work, hotel stays, flying, road trips, shopping, outdoor dining, and indoor and or outdoor events. Further, domestic animals are increasingly used by police and military forces in environments where potable water may not be available. Bringing food and water, especially water, along on these outings insures the health and safety of the domestic animals.

For many owners, bringing along their domestic animal's daily water bowl poses the aforementioned limitations. Therefore, many owners resort to impromptu methods of providing water to their domestic animals during travel. Human plastic food containers with sealable lids, or recycle other human containers previously meant to hold solid products such as margarine, cottage cheese and other foods relying on shallow containers with roughly 4.5″ apertures, may be utilized. Some lids, but not all, used with these containers are not watertight and the friction required to open the lid pops-open causing a splashing effect; spilling and wasting water when opened. Another drawback to these methods is that some animals are finicky and may not drink from a bowl that it is not their own.

If no container is available to transport water, owners have to buy previously filled water bottles and then search for a receptacle large enough for a domestic animal's to consume from. In situations where there is no container, the owner has no option but to pour the water straight from the bottle's neck with the hopes that the domestic animal can get the water it needs. This results in wasting water, and is ineffectual when indoors, especially inside a car. Another solution is cupping ones hand for use as a dish. This is unsanitary, not convenient, and does hold water for any meaningful length of time.

Moreover, many of the aforementioned conventional options for providing water rely on containers or bowls that must either be (1) kept, cleaned, and re-used or (2) disposed of which will likely result as a long-term accumulation of plastic in bodies of water or landfills. While re-use of conventional containers or bowls can minimize long-term accumulation of plastic in bodies of water or landfills, it may not be convenient to carry and clean the used conventional container or bowl (e.g. travel or police and military operations).

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an improved container and methods relating to the same Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the subsequent summary and detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the foregoing technical field and background.

BRIEF SUMMARY

A container for storing an aqueous composition for a domestic animal is provided herein. The container includes a shell having base and a wall extending distally from the base to a lip. The shell defines a chamber between the base and the lip. The container further includes a lid. The lid is configured to cooperate with the lip for removably coupling the lid and the shell. The container further includes an aqueous composition disposed within the chamber. The shell and the lid exhibit a water vapor transmission rate of less than 100,000 g/m2/24 hours in accordance with ASTM D6701-16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A container for storing an aqueous composition for a domestic animal, a method of forming the container, a method of utilizing the container, and a use of the container, are disclosed herein. The container is described immediately below, followed by a description of the method of forming the container, the method of utilizing the container, and the use of the container. However, the container of the present invention is not limited to a particular method of forming, method of utilizing, or use.

FIGS. 1-9illustrate a non-limiting embodiment of the container10for a domestic animal. The container10includes an aqueous composition and may be suitable for storing and providing the aqueous composition to a variety of domestic animals, or pets, such as cats, dogs, and livestock. The container10may be adapted to prevent unintentional release of the aqueous composition outside of the container10. Further, the container10may be adapted to prevent contamination or tampering of the aqueous composition disposed therein. The container10is generally shaped and sized to enable a domestic animal, such as a dog or cat, to consume the aqueous composition from the container10. Additionally, the container10may be adapted to minimize exposure of a variety of elements that have a potential to cause harm to the domestic animal, such as sharp edges that may lacerate the domestic animal. In certain embodiments, the container10is intended for single-use such that the container may not be intended to be re-filled, washed, or otherwise re-used following consumption of the aqueous composition.

In various embodiments, the container10may be provided to a domestic animal that is malnourished or nutritionally deficient due to disease, environmental contamination, age, or combinations thereof. As will be described below, the container10has been configured to be stabilized to allow for a domestic animal to feed from the container10without flipping over the container10. This may be suitable for both healthy and nutritionally deficient domestic animals.

With continued reference toFIGS. 1-9, the container10includes a shell12. The shell12may have a frustoconical configuration. However, it is to be appreciated that the shell12may have any configuration known in the art that is suitable for providing an aqueous composition to domestic animals. The shell12may include a biodegradable material. The term “biodegradable,” as utilized herein, means a material that substantially completely decomposes over a period of less than 10 years, alternatively less than 5 years, or alternatively less than 3 year, to primarily carbon dioxide, water, or biomass, in the presence of a favorable environment for decomposition. Non-limiting examples of suitable biodegradable materials are known in the art, including polyanhydrides and aliphatic polyesters, such as polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, polycarbonates, polyfumarates caprolactone, cellulose acetates, and combinations thereof.

In certain embodiments, the biodegradable material of the shell12includes a polymeric material, a lignocellulosic material, or a combination thereof. In one exemplary embodiments, the biodegradable material of the shell12includes the polymeric material and the polymeric material may formed from polylactic acid. In another exemplary embodiment, the biodegradable material of the shell12includes the lignocellulosic material and the lignocellulosic material may formed from wheat straw, bamboo, husks, sugar cane, bulrush, or combinations thereof.

The shell12is adapted to store the aqueous composition therein for a prolonged period of time. The shell12exhibits a water vapor transmission rate of less than 100,000, alternatively less than 50,000, or alternatively less than 10,000, alternatively less than 1,000, alternatively less than 100, or alternatively less than 10, g/m2/24 hours, in accordance with ASTM D6701-16.

With continued reference toFIGS. 1-9, the shell12has a base14and a wall16extending distally from the base14to a lip18. A shelf34may extend laterally relative to the base14between the base14and the lip18. The lip18may define a shell flange44extending parallel to the shelf34(seeFIG. 9). The base14may have an interior base surface20and an interior wall surface22. The interior base surface20and the interior wall surface22may be adapted to minimize exposure of a variety of elements that have a potential to cause harm to the domestic animal, such as sharp edges that may lacerate the domestic animal. The base14, the wall16, and the lip18may be integrally formed as a single, unitary, one-piece assembly.

The shell12defines a chamber24between the base14and the lip18. The chamber24may have a depth from the lip18to the base14in an amount of from 0.001 to 10 meters, alternatively from 0.01 to 1 meters, or alternatively from 0.01 to 0.2 meters. The chamber24may have a diameter extending from a first point of the lip18to a second point of the lip18opposite the first point of the lip18in an amount of from 0.001 to 10 meters, alternatively from 0.01 to 1 meters, or alternatively from 0.01 to 0.5 meters.

The container10further includes a lid26configured to cooperate with the lip18for removably coupling the lid26and the shell12. The lid26may be formed of a biodegradable material, such as the biodegradable material described above for the shell12. The lid26and the shell12are adapted to cooperate to prevent unintentional release of the aqueous composition outside of the container10. In some embodiments, the lid26deforms about lip18to bias the lid26against the lip18to prevent unintentional release of the aqueous composition outside of the container10. The lid26has a surface36extending along the lid26. In various embodiments, the lid26includes a lid flange38extending parallel to the surface36(seeFIG. 4). The lid flange38may cooperate with the lip18to prevent unintentional release of the aqueous composition outside of the container10. The lid26may define a slot42adjacent the lid flange38(seeFIG. 4). The slot42is configured to receive the lip26such that the lid flange38can engage the shell flange44of the lip26. In various embodiments, this cooperation between the shell flange44and the lid flange38provides a suitable seal between the shell12and the lid26to prevent release of the aqueous composition out the chamber24into the environment. This can provide reusability of the aqueous composition in the container10.

The lid26includes an extension40extending laterally relative to the surface36. The extension40is configured to receive the base14for stabilizing the shell12during use by the domestic animal. In other embodiments, the lid26and the lip18are threaded and each cooperate with each other to prevent unintentional release of the aqueous composition outside of the container10. In various embodiments, the lid26and the lip18cooperate to form a lock and key mechanism to prevent unintentional release of the aqueous composition outside of the container10.

The container10may further include a sealing layer28(not shown) disposed between the shell12and the lid26. In certain embodiments, the sealing layer28may be disposed on the shelf34for sealing the chamber24from the environment. The sealing layer28may be formed of a biodegradable material, such as the biodegradable material described above for the shell12. The sealing layer28may be adapted to prevent contamination or tampering of the aqueous composition disposed within the container10. In certain embodiments, the lip18may extend transverse and outwardly relative to the wall16to an outer edge30(not shown) for forming a surface to which the sealing layer28may be adhered to. The sealing layer28may be adhered to the lip18using any adhesive known in the art for preventing contamination or tampering by a sealing layer.

In an exemplary embodiment, the lid26is first removed from the shell12. Next, the sealing layer28is removed from the shell12. Then, the extension40of the lid26receives the base14of the shell12to stabilize the shell12. Next, the domestic animal feeds from the chamber24to consume the aqueous composition. Then, the lid26is removed from the base14and coupled to the lip18of the shell12to seal any aqueous composition remaining in the chamber24. The container10may be stored, for example in a bag, until the next feeding without any unintentional release of the aqueous composition outside of the container10.

The container10may further included a shrink band32(not shown) disposed on the lid26and the shell12and adapted to couple the lid26to the shell12. The shrink band32may be formed of a biodegradable material, such as the biodegradable material described above for the shell12. The shrink band32may be adapted to prevent contamination or tampering of the aqueous composition disposed within the container10by preventing removal of the lid26from the shell12.

As introduced above, the aqueous composition is disposed within the chamber24. The container10may include the aqueous composition in the chamber24in an amount of from about 1 to about 100,000 mL, alternatively from about 1 to about 1000 mL, alternatively from about 50 to about 500 mL, or alternatively from about 100 to about 300 mL.

In various embodiments, the aqueous composition may include water derived from an underground formation of the earth, such a spring water. However, it is to be appreciated that the aqueous composition may include water from any source, such as distilled water.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous composition includes an active component. The active component can be used to treat nutritional deficiencies. Non-limiting examples of nutritional deficiencies can include a depressed immune system, environmental contamination, birth defects, heart disease, cancer, eye diseases, nightblindness, osteoporosis, low hormone levels, hypertension, and combinations thereof. Nutritional agents may provide a nutritional benefit. Non-limiting examples of nutritional benefits can include disease prevention, lowering cholesterol, increased energy and alertness, reducing the effects of aging, restoring digestive balance, and treating nutritional deficiency symptoms and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of nutritional deficiency symptoms can include fatigue, muscle weakness, irritability, fur loss, unintentional weight loss, unintentional weight gain, decreased mental ability, stress, bone fractures, decreased eyesight, decreased rate of wound healing, hyperactivity, dermatitis, cardiac arrhythmias, depression, and combinations thereof.

The active component may include a nutraceutical compound, a pharmaceutical compound, or a combination thereof. The nutraceutical compound may include a vitamin, a mineral, an electrolyte, an herbal compound, an amino acid compound, a fatty acid, an enzyme, a probiotic, cannabidiol compound, or combinations thereof. The aqueous composition may include the active component in an amount from about 0.1 g to about 1000 g, alternatively from about 1 g to about 100 g, alternatively from about 1 g to about 75 g, alternatively from about 5 g to about 50 g, per 237 mL (8 ounces) of the aqueous composition.

In various embodiments, the container10includes 16 ounces of the aqueous composition and may include the active component in an amount from about 1 g to about 100 g, alternatively from about 1 g to about 75 g, alternatively from about 5 g to about 15 g. In some embodiments, the container10includes 32 ounces of the aqueous composition and may include the active component in an amount from about 1 g to about 100 g, alternatively from about 1 g to about 75 g, alternatively from about 10 g to about 25 g. In other embodiments, the container10includes 64 ounces of the aqueous composition and may include the active component in an amount from about 1 g to about 100 g, alternatively from about 1 g to about 75 g, alternatively from about 20 g to about 50 g.

The vitamin may include a vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin D, or combinations thereof. However, it is to be appreciated that the vitamin may include any other vitamin known in the art for safe consumption by a domestic animal. The aqueous composition may include the vitamin in an amount from about 0.5 mcg to about 25 mg, alternatively from about 1 mcg to about 25 mg, alternatively from about 5 mcg to about 25 mg, alternatively from about 5 mcg to about 20 mg, alternatively from about 5 mcg to about 15 mg, or alternatively from about 8 mcg to about 15 mg, per mL of the aqueous composition.

The mineral may include calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, chloride, potassium, sulfur, trace minerals, or combinations thereof. However, it is to be appreciated that the mineral may include any other mineral known in the art for safe consumption by a domestic animal. The aqueous composition may include the mineral in an amount from about 0.5 mg to about 25 mg, alternatively from about 1 mg to about 25 mg, alternatively from about 5 mg to about 25 mg, alternatively from about 5 mg to about 20 mg, alternatively from about 5 mg to about 15 mg, or alternatively from about 8 mg to about 15 mg, per mL of the aqueous composition.

The electrolyte may include sodium chloride, potassium chloride, chlorine, magnesium chloride, or combinations thereof, and any of the minerals described above, including zinc, iron, calcium, iodine, copper, magnesium, potassium, chromium, selenium, or combinations thereof. However, it is to be appreciated that the electrolyte may include any other electrolyte known in the art for safe consumption by a domestic animal. The aqueous composition may include the electrolyte in an amount from about 0.5 mg to about 25 mg, alternatively from about 1 mg to about 25 mg, alternatively from about 5 mg to about 25 mg, alternatively from about 5 mg to about 20 mg, alternatively from about 5 mg to about 15 mg, or alternatively from about 8 mg to about 15 mg, per mL of the aqueous composition.

The herbal compound may include aloe vera, calendula flowers, ginger, goldenseal, milk thistle, valerian, chamomile, California poppy, or combinations thereof. However, it is to be appreciated that the herbal compound may include any other herbal compound known in the art for safe consumption by a domestic animal. The aqueous composition may include the herbal compound in an amount from about 0.5 mg to about 25 mg, alternatively from about 1 mg to about 25 mg, alternatively from about 5 mg to about 25 mg, alternatively from about 5 mg to about 20 mg, alternatively from about 5 mg to about 15 mg, or alternatively from about 8 mg to about 15 mg, per mL of the aqueous composition.

The amino acid compound may include an amino acid, a derivative thereof, an intermediate thereof, a prodrug thereof, or combinations thereof. However, it is to be appreciated that the amino acid compound may include any other amino acid compound known in the art for safe consumption by a domestic animal. The aqueous composition may include the amino acid compound in an amount from about 0.5 mg to about 25 mg, alternatively from about 1 mg to about 25 mg, alternatively from about 5 mg to about 25 mg, alternatively from about 5 mg to about 20 mg, alternatively from about 5 mg to about 15 mg, or alternatively from about 8 mg to about 15 mg, per mL of the aqueous composition.

The fatty acid may include an omega-3 fatty acid, such as derived from fish oil. However, it is to be appreciated that the fatty acid may include any other fatty acid known in the art for safe consumption by a domestic animal. The aqueous composition may include the fatty acid in an amount from about 0.5 mg to about 25 mg, alternatively from about 1 mg to about 25 mg, alternatively from about 5 mg to about 25 mg, alternatively from about 5 mg to about 20 mg, alternatively from about 5 mg to about 15 mg, or alternatively from about 8 mg to about 15 mg, per mL of the aqueous composition.

The enzyme may include bromelain, coenzyme Q10, or a combination thereof. However, it is to be appreciated that the enzyme may include any other enzyme known in the art for safe consumption by a domestic animal. The aqueous composition may include the enzyme in an amount from about 0.5 mg to about 25 mg, alternatively from about 1 mg to about 25 mg, alternatively from about 5 mg to about 25 mg, alternatively from about 5 mg to about 20 mg, alternatively from about 5 mg to about 15 mg, or alternatively from about 8 mg to about 15 mg, per mL of the aqueous composition.

The probiotic may includeEnterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium animalis, or combinations thereof. However, it is to be appreciated that the probiotic may include any other probiotic known in the art for safe consumption by a domestic animal. The aqueous composition may include the probiotic in an amount from about 0.5 mg to about 25 mg, alternatively from about 1 mg to about 25 mg, alternatively from about 5 mg to about 25 mg, alternatively from about 5 mg to about 20 mg, alternatively from about 5 mg to about 15 mg, or alternatively from about 8 mg to about 15 mg, per mL of the aqueous composition.

The cannabidiol compound may include a cannabidiol (CBD), derivative, intermediate, or prodrug thereof. In an embodiment, the cannabidiol (CBD) may be a plant-extract, a synthetic compound, or a semi-synthetic compound. Non-limiting examples of suitable cannabidiols (CBD), cannabidiol derivatives, intermediates, or prodrugs include, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabinol (CBN), cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), cannabinoid (CBG), cannabichromenic acid (CBCA), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabidivarin acid (CBDVA), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabigerovarin acid (CBGVA), or combinations thereof. However, it is to be appreciated that the cannabidiol compound may include any other cannabidiol compound known in the art for safe consumption by a domestic animal. The aqueous composition may include the cannabidiol compound in an amount from about 0.5 mg to about 25 mg, alternatively from about 1 mg to about 25 mg, alternatively from about 5 mg to about 25 mg, alternatively from about 5 mg to about 20 mg, alternatively from about 5 mg to about 15 mg, or alternatively from about 8 mg to about 15 mg, per mL of the aqueous composition.

In various embodiments, the aqueous composition includes an additive component. The additive components may include a flavoring agent, a coloring agent, an emulsifier, a preservative, or combinations thereof. The additive components may be included in the aqueous composition in any effective amount known in the art for addditive compounds.

In various embodiments, the flavoring agents may be utilized to provide the aqueous composition with a variety of flavors. Non-limiting examples, include apple, banana, blueberry, cantaloupe, cranberry, cucumber, mango, orange, peach, pear, pineapple, raspberry, strawberry, watermelon, carrot, celery, kiwi, watermelon-kiwi, apple-banana, or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the domestic animal has an affinity for watermelon-kiwi, apple-banana, or a combination thereof.

As introduced above, a method for forming the container is also provided herein. The method includes providing the shell12and the lid26. The method further includes disposing the aqueous composition in the chamber24of the shell12. The method may further include disposing the sealing layer28over the chamber and coupling the sealing layer to the lip18. The method further includes coupling the lid26to the shell12to form the container10. The method may further include disposing the shrink band on the lid26and the shell12to couple the lid26to the shell12.

As also introduced above, a method of utilizing the container10is provided herein. The method includes providing the container10. The method may further include removing the shrink band from at least one of the lid26and the shell12. The method may further include removing the lid26from the shell12. The method may further include removing the sealing layer28from the shell12. The method may further include locating the shell12proximate the domestic animal.

A method of providing an aqueous composition to a domestic animal is also provided herein. The method includes providing the container10. The method further includes separating the lid26and the shell12from each other. The method further includes disposing the base14within the extension40of lid26. The method further includes feeding the aqueous composition to the domestic animal. The method further includes coupling the lid26and the lip of the shell12to store the aqueous composition.

A method for treating, ameliorating, or preventing nutritional deficiency or malnutrition in a domestic animal is also provided herein. The method includes providing a domestic animal that is malnourished. The method further includes providing the container10. The method further includes separating the lid26and the shell12from each other. The method further includes disposing the base14within the extension40of lid26. The method further includes feeding the aqueous composition to the domestic animal. The method further includes coupling the lid26and the lip of the shell12to store the aqueous composition.

The aqueous composition for use in a method of treating, ameliorating, or preventing nutritional deficiency or malnutrition in a domestic animal is also provided. The method includes providing a domestic animal that is nutritionally deficient. The method further includes providing the container10. The method further includes separating the lid26and the shell12from each other. The method further includes disposing the base14within the extension40of lid26. The method further includes feeding the aqueous composition to the domestic animal. The method further includes coupling the lid26and the lip of the shell12to store the aqueous composition. Further, as introduced above, a use of the container10is provided herein. The container10may be used for providing the aqueous composition to a domestic animal for consumption. In certain embodiments, the container10may be used for providing the aqueous composition to a dog for consumption. In other embodiments, the container10may be used for providing the aqueous composition to a cat for consumption. In various embodiments, the container10may be used for providing the aqueous composition to livestock for consumption.

Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to these specific embodiments. While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description of the disclosure, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment of the invention. It being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

While the present invention is not limited to a particular end application, use or industry, domestic animals often rely on humans to provide aqueous compositions for consumption. The container is biodegradable and may be discarded after consumption of the aqueous composition disposed therein. The container may also be useful for transporting the aqueous composition while preventing unintentional release of the aqueous composition outside of the container.

The following examples, illustrating the compositions, methods, and uses, of this disclosure, are intended to illustrate and not to limit the invention.

EXAMPLES

Example 1—Prophetic Aqueous Compositions

Exemplary prophetic aqueous compositions (“Comp.”) as contemplated herein are provided in Table 1 below. Non-limiting examples of the ingredients are described herein.

Example 2—Exemplary Aqueous Compositions

Exemplary aqueous compositions (“Comp.”) as contemplated herein are provided in Table 2 below. Non-limiting examples of the ingredients are described herein.

Electrolytes include sodium chloride, potassium chloride, chlorine, and magnesium chloride, which are commercially available.

Macrominerals include calcium and phosphorus, which are commercially available.

It is to be understood that the appended claims are not limited to express and particular compounds, compositions, or methods described in the detailed description, which may vary between particular embodiments which fall within the scope of the appended claims. With respect to any Markush groups relied upon herein for describing particular features or aspects of various embodiments, different, special, and/or unexpected results may be obtained from each member of the respective Markush group independent from all other Markush members. Each member of a Markush group may be relied upon individually and or in combination and provides adequate support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims.

The present invention has been described herein in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. The present invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described within the scope of the appended claims. The subject matter of all combinations of independent and dependent claims, both single and multiple dependent, is herein expressly contemplated.