Abstract:
A content cartridge is disclosed having a base with a sterile chamber and a content chamber, where the sterile chamber has a sterile chamber opening and the content chamber has a content chamber opening. A cover is sealed to the base, covering the content chamber opening and the sterile chamber opening. A first frangible seal is provided between the cover and the base extending from the content chamber. A second frangible seal is provided between the cover and the base extending between the sterile chamber and the content chamber. When the sterile chamber is pressured with a pressurizing fluid, the pressure in the sterile chamber will increase. When the predetermined pressure is exceeded in the sterile chamber, the second frangible seal opens forming a fluid path between the sterile chamber and the content chamber. In this manner, the pressurized fluid can flow from the sterile chamber. When the predetermined pressure is exceeded in the content chamber, the first frangible seal opens forming a fluid outlet path from content chamber.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/816,396 for Content Cartridge, filed on Apr. 26, 2013, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates to the field of content cartridges, and more particularly to a content cartridge having a sterile portion to prevent cross contamination in a content dispensing machine. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Content cartridges for use in beverage forming machines are known, and may include a beverage content, such as ground coffee beans, tea leaves, etc. In use, a beverage forming machine introduces a fluid into the cartridge to interact with the beverage content. A piercing needle of the machine can be used to pierce a surface of the cartridge permitting liquid to enter the cartridge and mix with the beverage content. A second piercing needle can also be used to pierce a surface of the cartridge forming an outlet, permitting the mixed liquid/content to exit the cartridge. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present disclosure provides a content cartridge having a base defining a content chamber, where a cover sealed to the base covers the content chamber. A first frangible seal is provided between the cover and the base extending from the content chamber. The first frangible seal is configured to open when a predetermined pressure is exceeded in the content chamber, such that a fluid outlet path is formed from the content chamber. 
         [0005]    The content cartridge can further include a separate sterile chamber positioned adjacent to the content chamber, wherein the cover covers the sterile chamber. A second frangible seal is provided between the cover and the base extending between the sterile chamber and the content chamber. The second frangible seal is configured to open when a predetermined pressure is exceeded in the sterile chamber forming a fluid path between the sterile chamber and the content chamber. 
         [0006]    In an exemplary use, when the sterile chamber is pressured with a pressurizing fluid, the pressure in the sterile chamber will increase. When a predetermined pressure is exceeded in the sterile chamber, the second frangible seal opens forming a fluid path between the sterile chamber and the content chamber. In this manner, the pressurized fluid can flow from the sterile chamber into the content chamber. 
         [0007]    The pressurized fluid enters the content chamber, mixing with the contents of the content chamber, as well as increasing the pressure in the content chamber. When a predetermined pressure is exceeded in the content chamber, the first frangible seal opens forming a fluid outlet path from content chamber. In this manner, the content/pressurized fluid mixture can flow out from the content cartridge. 
         [0008]    The content cartridge can be utilized in a content dispensing apparatus. The content dispensing apparatus includes at least a housing having a first portion defining a cartridge holder and a second portion moveable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position access is provided to the cartridge holder, allowing for a content cartridge to be inserted or removed from the cartridge holder. 
         [0009]    In the closed position, the second portion covers the cartridge holder, and includes a fluid inlet extending through second portion and having a penetrating end. The penetrating end of the fluid inlet pierces the cover over the sterile chamber, providing a fluid path into the sterile chamber. A fluid pump is provided in fluid communication with the fluid inlet, allowing for the pumping of pressurized fluid into the sterile chamber. 
         [0010]    The content in the content cartridge can be a liquid or powder beverage concentrate, a liquid or powder food concentrate, a pharmaceutical, chemical, or other liquid, gaseous, or powered content. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    A more complete understanding of the present invention, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  depicts a content cartridge of the present disclosure; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  depicts a content cartridge of the present disclosure without an impermeable, pierceable, cover; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  depicts a top view of the content cartridge of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  depicts a side view of the content cartridge of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  depicts a back view of the content cartridge of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  depicts a front view of the content cartridge of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  depicts a side sectional view of the content cartridge of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  depicts a side view of the cartridge installed in a portion of a content dispensing machine which pierces a portion of the impermeable, pierceable, cover of the content cartridge; 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  depicts another embodiment of a content cartridge of the present disclosure; 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  depicts a top view of the content cartridge of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  depicts an isometric view of a fitment for use on the content cartridge of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  depicts a front view of the fitment of  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  depicts a side sectional view of the fitment of  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  depicts a second side sectional view of the fitment of  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  depicts a side view of another embodiment of a content cartridge of the present disclosure; 
           [0027]      FIG. 16  depicts a top view of the content cartridge of  FIG. 15  without an impermeable, pierceable, cover; 
           [0028]      FIG. 17  depicts a side view of another embodiment of a content cartridge of the present disclosure; and 
           [0029]      FIG. 18  depicts a top view of the content cartridge of  FIG. 17  without an impermeable, pierceable, cover. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0030]    Referring now to the drawing figures in which like reference designators refer to like elements, there is shown in  FIG. 1-6  an exemplary content cartridge  10  of the present disclosure. The content cartridge  10  includes an impermeable base  12  having a predetermined shape, including a content chamber  14  and a sterile chamber  16 . Each of the content chamber  14  and sterile chamber  16  have openings  18  and  20  surround by a rim, lip, or flange  24  extending radially outwardly. A first end  25  of the flange  24  includes a pouring lip  26 . The flange  24  further includes an intermediate portion  28 , separating the content chamber  14  from the sterile chamber  16 . 
         [0031]    The base  12  can be made of a combination of polystyrene, ethylene vinyl alcohol and polyethylene. 
         [0032]    An impermeable, pierceable, cover  30  is positioned over the openings  18  and  20  of the content chamber  14  and a sterile chamber  16 , sealingly engaging the flange  24  about the content chamber  14  and the sterile chamber  16 , forming a content cartridge  10  having completely separated impermeable content chamber  14  and a sterile chamber  16 . The cover  30  can also be extended radially about the flange  24 , engaging the pouring lip  26  and intermediate portions  28  of the flange  24 . 
         [0033]    The cover  30  can be sealed to the flange  24  using known sealing techniques, including, but not limited to, adhesives, embossing, heating scaling, and sonic welding. The sealing of the cover  30  to the flange  24  can include a frangible seal  32  extending from the content chamber  14  along the pouring lip  26 , and a frangible seal  34 , on the intermediate portion  28 , extending between the content chamber  14  and sterile chamber  16 . 
         [0034]    Referring also to  FIG. 8 , frangible seal  34  is configured to open, separating the cover  30  from the flange  24  along the intermediate space  28 , upon a pressurization of the sterile chamber  1 , and when the pressure in the sterile chamber  16  exceeds a predetermined level. In this manner, a fluid path  36  is created between the sterile chamber  16  and the content chamber  14 . 
         [0035]    Frangible seal  32  is configured to open, separating the cover  30  from the flange  24  along the pouring lip  26 , upon a pressurization of the content chamber  14  and when the pressure in the content chamber  14  exceeds a predetermined level. In this manner, a fluid output path  38  is created from the content chamber  14  along the pouring lip  26 . 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , the content chamber can include a content  40  to be dispensed from the content cartridge  10 . The content  40  can be a liquid or powder beverage concentrate, a liquid or powder food concentrate, a pharmaceutical, chemical, or other liquid, gaseous, or powered content. 
         [0037]    Referring again to  FIG. 8 , the content cartridge  10  is well adapted for use in a content dispensing machine where it will be positioned in a content hold  42 . The content holder  42  can include a first part  44  for supporting the base  12  of the content cartridge  10  and a second part  46  to engage the cover  30  of the content cartridge  10 . The second part  46  includes a penetrator or needle  50  which penetrates a portion  52  of the cover  30  over the sterile chamber  16  to provide pressurized fluid  54  through the needle  50  in the sterile chamber  16 . 
         [0038]    The pressurized fluid  54  pressurizes the sterile chamber  16 . When the pressure in the sterile chamber  16  exceeds a predetermined level the frangible seal  34  opens, separating the cover  30  from the flange  24  along the intermediate space  28 . In this manner, a fluid path  36  is created between the sterile chamber  16  and the content chamber  14 , allowing the pressurized fluid  54  to enter the content chamber  14 . 
         [0039]    The pressurized fluid  54  then pressurizes the content chamber  14 . When the pressure in the content chamber  14  exceeds a predetermined level frangible seal  32  opens, separating the cover  30  from the flange  24  along the pouring lip  26 . In this manner, a fluid output path  38  is created from the content chamber  14  along the pouring lip  26 , allowing for the dispensing of the content  40  from the content chamber  14  through the fluid output path  38 . 
         [0040]    In an exemplary use, the content  40  is a beverage concentrate. The content cartridge  10  positioned the content holder  42 , with the first part  44  supporting the base  12  of the content cartridge  10  and the second part  46  engaging cover  30  of the content cartridge  10 . The needle  50  of the second part  46  penetrates the portion  52  of the cover  30  over the sterile chamber  16  to provide pressurized fluid  54 , such as water, through the needle  50  in the sterile chamber  16 . 
         [0041]    The pressurized fluid  54  pressurizes the sterile chamber  16 . When the pressure in the sterile chamber  16  exceeds a predetermined level, frangible seal  34  opens, separating the cover  30  from the flange  24  along the intermediate space  28 . In this manner, a fluid path  36  is created between the sterile chamber  16  and the content chamber  14 , allowing the pressurized fluid  54  to enter the content chamber  14 , mixing with the beverage concentrate  40 . 
         [0042]    The pressurized fluid  54  then pressurizes the content chamber  14 . When the pressure in the content chamber  14  exceeds a predetermined level, frangible seal  32  opens, separating the cover  30  from the flange  24  along the pouring lip  26 . In this manner, a fluid output path  38  is created from the content chamber  14  along the pouring lip  26 , allowing the fluid  54  beverage concentrate mixture  40  to be dispensed from the content chamber  14  through the fluid output path  38  into a cup or other container. 
         [0043]    In another embodiment, the content cartridge  10  can include a fitment attached to the impermeable, pierceable, cover  30 . The fitment includes a mechanism for piercing the cover  30 , thus negating the need for the content dispensing apparatus to pierce that cove  30 . Alternatively, the fitment can include a valve assembly, which when opened provides a fluid path into the content cartridge  10 . In this manner, no element of the content dispensing apparatus comes into contact with the contents of the content cartridge  10 , thus substantially preventing cross contamination by the content dispensing apparatus. 
         [0044]    Referring to  FIGS. 9-10 , the fitment  60  is attached to the cover  30 , positioned over the sterile chamber  16  of the content cartridge. The fitment  60  can be attached to the cover  30  with a mechanical or chemical means, or be integrated into the cover  30 . 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIGS. 11-13 , the fitment  60  includes a body portion  62  having upper and lower surfaces  64 ,  66 . A center  68  of the body portion  62  includes a moveable depressive member  70 . The depressive member  70  has an upper engagement surface  72  surrounding a longitudinal fluid inlet  74 . A distal end  76  of the fluid inlet  74  includes a piercing member  78 . A gasket  80  is positioned about the fluid inlet  74 , adjacent to an underside surface  82  of the depressive member  70 . 
         [0046]    Referring to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , in use the fitment  60  is attached to cover  30 , where the lower surface  64  of the fitment  60  is attached to the cover  30  with an adhesive or mechanical means. To dispense the contents, the content cartridge  10  is positioned in the content holder  42  of the dispensing apparatus, with the first part  44  supporting the base  12  of the content cartridge  10  and the second part  46  engaging cover  30  of the content cartridge  10 . A fluid dispensing portion  84  of the content dispensing apparatus is moved into contacted with the upper engagement surface  72  of the depressive member  70 , such that a fluid path is created between the fluid dispensing portion  84  and the fluid inlet  74 . A gasket  86 , positioned about the fluid dispensing portion  84  forms a fluid tight seal between the fluid dispensing portion  84  and the upper engagement surface  72  of the depressive member  70 . 
         [0047]    To penetrate the cover  30 , the fluid dispensing portion  84  imparts a depressive force onto the upper engagement surface  72  of the depressive member  70 , forcing the depressive member  70  into, through, the body portion  62  of the fitment  60 . The piercing member  78  at the distal end  76  of the fluid inlet  74  pierces the cover  30 , creating a fluid path into the sterile chamber  16 . The depressive member  70  is pushed until the gasket  80  on the underside surface  82  of the depressive member  70 , about the about fluid inlet  74 , is depressed against the cover  30  forming a fluid tight seal between the cover  30  and the fluid inlet  74 . Once completed, the pressurized fluid  54  can be introduced into the sterile chamber  16 . 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIGS. 15-16 , another exemplary content cartridge  90  of the present disclosure is provided. The content cartridge  90  includes an impermeable base  92  having a predetermined shape, including a content chamber  94  and a secondary chamber  96 , where a channel  98  fluidly connects the contend chamber  94  to the secondary chamber  96 . Each of the content chamber  94  and second chamber  96  have openings  100  and  102  surround by a rim, lip, or flange  104  extending radially outwardly. A first end  106  of the flange  104  includes a pouring lip  108 . 
         [0049]    An impermeable, pierceable, cover  110  is positioned over the content chamber  94 , secondary chamber  96 , and the channel  98 , sealingly engaging the flange  104  about the content chamber  94 , secondary chamber  96 , and the channel  98 . The cover  110  can also be extended radially about the flange  104 , engaging the pouring lip  108 . 
         [0050]    The cover  110  can be sealed to the flange  104  using known sealing techniques, including, but not limited to, adhesives, embossing, heating sealing, and sonic welding. The sealing of the cover  110  to the flange  104  can include a frangible seal  112  extending from the content chamber  94  along the pouring lip  108 . 
         [0051]    The frangible seal  112  is configured to open, separating the cover  110  from the flange  104  along the pouring lip  108  upon a pressurization of the content chamber  94 , when the pressure in the content chamber  94  exceeds a predetermined level. In this manner, a fluid output path is created from the content chamber  94  along the pouring lip  108 . 
         [0052]    The fitment  60  is attached to the cover  110 , positioned over the secondary chamber  96  of the content cartridge  92 . The fitment  60  can be attached to the cover  110  with a mechanical or chemical means, or be integrated into the cover  110 . The fitment  60  operates as described above. 
         [0053]    Referring to  FIGS. 17-18 , another exemplary content cartridge  120  of the present disclosure is provided. The content cartridge  120  includes an impermeable base  122  having a predetermined shape, including a content chamber  124  having openings  126  surround by a rim, lip, or flange  128  extending radially outwardly. A first end  130  of the flange  128  includes a pouring lip  132 . 
         [0054]    An impermeable, pierceable, cover  134  is positioned over the content chamber  124 , sealingly engaging the flange  128  about the content chamber  124 . The cover  134  can also be extended radially about the flange  128 , engaging the pouring lip  132 . 
         [0055]    The cover  134  can be sealed to the flange  128  using known sealing techniques, including, but not limited to, adhesives, embossing, heating sealing, and sonic welding. The sealing of the cover  134  to the flange  128  can include a frangible seal  136  extending from the content chamber  124  along the pouring lip  132 . 
         [0056]    The frangible seal  136  is configured to open, separating the cover  134  from the flange  128  along the pouring lip  132  upon a pressurization of the content chamber  124 , when the pressure in the content chamber  124  exceeds a predetermined level. In this manner, a fluid output path is created from the content chamber  124  along the pouring lip  132 . 
         [0057]    The fitment  60  is attached to the cover  134 , positioned over the content chamber  124  of the content cartridge  120 . The fitment  60  can be attached to the cover  134  with a mechanical or chemical means, or be integrated into the cover  134 . The fitment  60  operates as described above. 
         [0058]    All references cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
         [0059]    It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, which is limited only by the following claims.