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CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to: U.S. Ser. No. 09/803,505 filed on Mar. 9, 2001 entitled: Opposing Spring Resilient Tension Suspension System.
[0002] U.S. Ser. No. 10/033,016 filed on Oct. 26, 2001 entitled: Opposing Spring Rebound Tension Suspension System.
[0003] U.S. Ser. No. 10/100,313 filed on Mar. 16, 2002 entitled: Method and Apparatus for Rebound Control.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0004] Not Applicable
REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX”
[0005] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0006] 1. Field Of The Invention
[0007] The present invention relates to and, in particular, to improvements in the methods and apparatus for using a rebound spring carried on a shock absorber that is intended to utilize the unsprung weight of the wheel/axle system during rebound. More particularly, it is to resist rollover, sway, yaw and other chassis motion.
[0008] 2. Description Of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98
[0009] In the past ten years the numbers of sport utility vehicles “SUV” and pickup trucks have increased dramatically to the point where those vehicles are more popular than the millions of passenger cars on the road. The SUV and trucks inherently have a higher center of gravity (CG) than normal passenger cars due to the need for higher ground clearance for bad weather travel (snow and ice), off-road use and/or for pickup truck payloads. Vehicles with a higher CG have a greater propensity to sway or even rollover during abrupt lane changes and evasive steering maneuvers than the lower normal passenger cars. One important arrangement of all these vehicles is the method of suspension used. Except for the use of hydraulic shock absorber damping resistance to rebound, all vehicle chassis and body loads are supported on the vehicle axles with various types of suspensions that have springs that resist primarily load and jounce of each wheel axle. No existing suspensions using coil springs, load leaf springs, air springs, torsion bars or rubber blocks suspensions have any other provision for rebound control of the forces due to inertia or gravity type negative suspension loads. Particularly, those rebound forces occurring at the inside wheel during hard cornering or if a wheel drops into a pothole. Typically, changes in suspension loads while driving straight along a road are caused generally by reactions to bumps, potholes, and roughness encountered by the vehicle wheels during their interaction with the road surface. Thus the suspension springs and associated shock absorbers quell the harshness and movements being transmitted to the body/chassis. The sway or side to side rolling motions that vehicles experience due to cornering forces, also cause vehicle springs to be loaded or unloaded, depending which way the vehicle is rolling during cornering. Many vehicles have an anti- sway/roll bar installed to help the vehicle body resist the rolling actions. These devices help the vehicle partially resist roll but only as it relates to the body lean, because they are fixed to the sprung mass and leaning with the body. Thus, they can actually reduce the load on the unloaded side of the vehicle. They use the body as a structure to support the torsion bar of the anti sway system transferring wheel jounce motion across to the opposite side. The disclosure herein will obviate the need for anti-sway bars, saving the cost of providing and installing them. Shock absorbers only dampen the bouncing movement of the vehicle wheels and suspension caused by the reaction to road surface, cornering and braking. Thus, the rate of sway may be affected only to a minor degree. A floating aluminum piston is placed between the fluid moving piston and the end of the shock body. The floating piston has nitrogen gas behind it that is at a preset pressure. This piston is used in racing shocks and other lift type shocks to do two things, first to pressurize the fluid at all times and second to raise the vehicle ride height. It is not practical to fill the entire shock body with fluid on both sides of the fluid piston. This ensures that as the fluid moving piston moves away from the end of the cavity as it would during extension or “rebound” travel, it does not permit a vacuum to form behind the fluid piston and sucking against the shock travel. It maintains a pressure front against the fluid to ensure that it is induced to pass the fluid piston during jounce travel. The fluid piston has holes in it to allow the fluid to pass by it and flexible shims on both sides of the fluid piston are adjusted in strength to set the resistance to flow through the piston during normal movement. Stiffer shims result in higher resistance to the fluid being compressed against them. All this and the use of nitrogen pressure against the piston are typical of existing shock absorber design. The basic tubular shock absorber is well known to skilled artisans, and is a commodity and is disclosed in numerous patents. The typical shock absorber is designed to dampen motion and with coil over springs adjust the ride height and/or spring stiffness.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 2,160,541 has a paired spring suspension connected in series to only support load and jounce with the added spring coupled in line with the main spring for increasing the effective spring constant at the extremes of suspension travel. The techniques disclosed in the various embodiments of ′541 are in the nature of an overload spring that engages and changes the spring constant at the extremes of wheel travel. There is no spring in ′541 connected to specifically resist rebound forces due to diverging motion of the sprung weight to unsprung weight. The disclosure of ′541 specifically states that the higher spring constant results in less flex (on page 2 column 1 at lines 6 to 8 ), “. . . which opposes any tendency of the vehicle to overturn laterally when negotiating a curve.” In each embodiment of ′541 the springs act in unison to control primarily load and jounce and there is no teaching of a particular connection to directly apply rebound reaction of unsprung weight to one of the springs. The graph in ′541 showing wheel travel verses spring forces verifies these conclusions. U.S. Pat. No. 5,263,695 discloses a refinement of the ′541 teaching that includes a shock absorber for damping motion and an elastic block to ameliorate the transition between first and second springs for carrying the load. In addition to many disclosures in ′695 of prior paired spring configurations there is a specific explanation in column 5 , lines 1 through 5 as follows:
[0011] “The suspension according to the invention produces a comfort level which is higher the more the transition from one stiffness to the other takes place progressively (see the patents cited in the state of the art).” The state of the art referred to includes prior patents of the same inventor and the acknowledgements of those prior patents clearly identifies the teachings as merely two springs of different stiffness in series. Even in FIG. 7 of ′695 the springs are concentrically mounted but act in series, see column 4 , lines 8 through 12 . At best the structures for multiple springs shown in these patents have differing spring rates to give an allegedly more comfortable ride but do not specifically disclose rebound control.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 3,830,517 is a motorcycle rear wheel spring suspension wherein a top spring is longer and absorbs upward road shock and a bottom spring absorbs the rider's weight. Nothing is disclosed about resisting rebound with either the top or bottom spring and no attachment of the springs is shown or described that would operate to control rebound of the sprung weight.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 3,049,359 has a pair of coaxial coil springs designed to maintain ride height by automatic screw adjustment of the smaller and lighter inner tension coil spring. No disclosure of rebound control of sprung weight is made and the inner tension coil spring loadings are varied only in so far as the ride height is less or more than required as such the size and strength of the inner tension spring would be insufficient to transfer the unsprung weight to the chassis and resist rebound. Moreover the working travel of both springs appears to be the same; thus, no rebound control is possible. No existing suspension system suspends the chassis and/or body between opposing springs to counter load and jounce and reaction and rebound along different portions of the axle and wheel travel. An opposing spring suspension as disclosed herein can have little effect on the ride stiffness, but stabilizes cornering and evasive maneuvering sway by utilizing the unsprung weight of the axle system thus helping the vehicle to resist roll while maintaining the general ride quality.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 3,297,312 has a combination shock absorber and spring for automobile suspensions. Close examination reveals that a main rod connects between a top cap and a nut to bottom tube. It appears that the rod will bottom out against the tube end when the springs are compressed because rod 52 is of set length and incompressible. The four springs stacked, as a unit, abut each other to act as one continuous variable rate spring. Specifically, the upper two springs have a disc that separates them that shifts up and down with the movement of the springs. The disc has valve holes in it to permit the movement of fluid to each side of the disc to act as a shock absorber. This appears to have minimal effect or use.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 5,183,285 has a suspension of a stiffness that is greater between the operating load position and the suspended wheels position than between the operating load position and the collapsed position. It is a suspension and a suspension process that uses a greater stiffness in the region of “rebound” than in the region of “bump” with means for smoothing the stiffness from the passage of one region to the other, and means for varying the reference position for “operating load” as a function of the number of persons and the load in the vehicle. A suspension wherein the stiffness is greater in the region between the position “operating load” and a position “suspended wheels” than in the range between the position “operating load” and a position “collapsed suspension” up to shock abutment. The suspension has stiffness greater in the region of “rebound” than in the region of “bump”; if these are graphically represented, a change of thickness represented by a break in the slope appears. FIGS. 13, 14 and 16 in U.S. Pat. No. 5,183,285 have a rebound spring around a shock positioned by a jack for varying the reference position for “operating load” as a function of the number of persons and the load in the vehicle. The jack varies the preload position so there is no gap between rebound and bump.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,441 has a load leaf spring suspension system with an elongated stabilizing spring mounted there above the axle. The added spring communicates roll resistance to the vehicle axle at its top center section. Force is concurrently applied at the ends of the stabilizing spring to the leaf spring of the vehicle by shackles. Adjustment of the device is achieved by use of a plurality of mounting apertures for the shackles located at varying distances from the center of the stabilizing spring thereby allowing for adjustment by the user for desired performance characteristics. Further force adjustment is achieved with one or a combination of an optional axle spacer located at the center section of the stabilizing spring to communicate with the axle. This stabilizer system does not employ opposing spring technology. An influence is delivered on the vehicle center of gravity by opposing spring. The center of gravity of the unsprung mass relative to the center of gravity of the sprung mass is affected during the cornering maneuvers. Without a tension or opposing spring to “tether” the sprung mass to the unsprung mass the unsprung mass does not initially help resist the movement upwards of the sprung mass. This resistance is best appreciated in a vehicle with very heavy unsprung mass relative to a lighter sprung mass during cornering versus a vehicle with light unsprung mass relative to a heavy sprung mass. The former is recognized as undesirable and the latter is greatly preferred and sought after in design of vehicles. Often the physical limits of the vehicle components determine the practical boundaries of the sprung weight to unsprung weight ratio. The disclosure herein has an approach to ameliorate the dynamics of that relationship.
[0017] U.S. Pat. 6,017,044 has as it's main thrust regulation of spring rebound and bound. Vertical downward jacking-force characteristics of the front suspension is set to be stronger relatively with respect to vertical downward jacking-force characteristics of the rear suspension during cornering. This is achieved by two means. The first is the use of a very strong bump rubber 25 in FIG. 3 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,017,044 that comes into play at the extreme end of the front jounce travel. This bump rubber is not needed in our disclosure. Second, a short “spring” item in FIG. 4 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,017,044 is intended to help control “jack up” of the rear suspension occurring near the extreme end of the roll. The working distance traveled is very short.
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 6,220,406 discloses a damper for reducing sway. It discloses background on various types of shock absorbers used in connection with motor vehicle suspension systems to absorb unwanted vibrations that occur during various driving conditions. To dampen the unwanted vibrations, shock absorbers are generally connected between the sprung portion (i.e., the vehicle body) and the unsprung portion (i.e., the suspension) of the vehicle. A piston assembly is located within the working chamber of the shock absorber and is connected to the body of the motor vehicle through a piston rod. Generally, the piston assembly includes a primary valve arranged to limit the flow of damping fluid within the working chamber when the shock absorber is compressed or extended. As such, the shock absorber is able to generate a damping force to smooth or dampen the vibrations transmitted from the suspension to the vehicle body. Typically, these vibrations occur from forces generated in a vertical direction between the vehicle body and the driving surface.
[0019] The greater the degree to which the flow of damping fluid within the working chamber is restricted across the piston assembly, the greater the damping forces that are generated by the shock absorber. It is also possible to implement a primary valve arrangement that produces one magnitude of damping on the compression stroke, and a second magnitude of damping on the rebound stroke. These different damping rates are typically constant as varying the sizes of the compression and rebound bypass orifices produces them. While these shock absorbers produce ride comfort levels ranging from “soft” to “firm,” few, if any, of the known shock absorbers produce varying degrees of damping in a passive manner. The shock absorber systems in use are capable of producing varying degrees of damping force; typically achieve this through the use of active control systems. These systems generally react to the vertically generated forces placed upon the vehicle suspension.
[0020] Accordingly, in ′406 a shock absorber that includes a primary damping mechanism for counteracting the vertical forces placed upon the vehicle, and a secondary damping mechanism which is capable of providing varying damping in response to horizontal and lateral forces that are placed upon the vehicle suspension. Secondary and variable damping is provided in proportion to the lateral force encountered by a passive control or valves arranged to implement a passive anti-roll system for enhancing the control to the vehicle provided by the vehicle suspension. While such a passive damping system also eliminates the need for complicated and expensive controls to actively provide the varying degrees of damping, it is not easily adapted to the large variety of vehicles and their suspensions.
[0021] The problem of the lateral forces placed upon the vehicle suspension is they are generated during high-speed cornering. As the suspension and tires counteract these lateral forces, a rolling action on the vehicle body is produced. When these rolling forces exceed the limit for the vehicle, a rollover condition may be created wherein the vehicle is literally flipped over on its side. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a shock absorber that provides increased resistance in response to these lateral and horizontal forces for counteracting or at least minimizing these rolling forces and the lift associated therewith.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0022] In the disclosed device and method, a rebound spring is placed to resist the lengthening of the shock absorber from a position that starts one inch into jounce travel from normal ride height to the full rebound suspension travel position. This rebound spring is opposing and resisting the forces that are generated when the suspension is unloading as for example during comering. Namely the forces caused by the vehicle suspension spring trying to return to its free position and the centrifugal forces naturally resulting during cornering.
[0023] Using an additional coil spring mounted about the shock absorber to resist the rebound motion of the sprung weight applied by movement thereof away from the design height reduces chassis roll. The shock absorber thus reduces the initiation of rebound travel between the sprung and unsprung weights as the vehicle becomes lighter due to dynamic forces inducing roll or lift of the chassis and vehicle body.
[0024] The transitory effects of body roll during cornering flex the load springs on the side of the vehicle following the outside of the turn due to increased transfer weight to that side. Meanwhile the springs on the side of the vehicle, following the inside of the turn, unload extending toward their free position using the axle as a location for inducing lift of the sprung weight on that side resulting in increased body roll. Roll or sway during sudden cornering or evasive maneuvers rotates the vehicle and its center of gravity “CG” around the Roll Center axis.
[0025] The Roll Center axis is a function of the particular, vehicle's suspension geometry. Roll or sway is increased if the vehicle center of gravity is raised as in a SUV, four-wheel drive vehicle or truck. A sudden turn opposite the direction of vehicle travel can cause momentum to continue the sway of the vehicle forcing its center of gravity to move laterally past its maximum upright position, and so the vehicle continues on rolling and overturns.
[0026] The solution, as disclosed herein, may include an added rebound spring mounted coaxial about the shock absorber tube to act primarily to resist rebound of the suspension from the design height position and thereby apply resistive force to the chassis via the shock absorber to reduce lift. The coil rebound spring can also be added to a strut type suspension for exactly the same purpose. It is an advantage of the present invention that it can be easily and inexpensively added as an after market supplement to either the front or rear of an existing vehicle suspension with tubular shock absorbers. It is a further advantage of the present invention that the coil rebound spring has very little influence on ride height and/or ride stiffness.
[0027] The coil rebound spring works from one inch of jounce travel all the way to full rebound travel of the shock absorber. It works to prevent the onset of roll from the design height, rather than limiting the roll to a certain amount after it has rolled a certain amount. Limiting the roll from the design height position serves to reduce the momentum or inertial weight gain that occurs at the initiation of roll and continues after roll has begun. In other words, we seek to eliminate as much roll as possible from the outset. Rebound control overlaps the jounce control; therefore the disclosed system is truly bi-linear, a preferred embodiment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0028] FIG. 1 is a side view in cross section of a shock absorber having a coil rebound spring thereabout.
[0029] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle rounding a comer with roll depicted about its longitudinal axis A-A.
[0030] FIG. 3 is a side view in cross section of a typical combined shock absorber and strut type suspension unit, having a load spring but with the addition of the disclosed coil rebound spring thereabout.
[0031] FIG. 4 is a graph showing the travel relative to the jounce and rebound loads of the combined shock absorber and strut depicted in FIG. 3 .
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] FIG. 1 shows a cross section view of a vehicle rebound control shock absorber 10 with a special suspension coil rebound spring 11 arrangement. It is to be used to replace a standard shock absorber installation independent of the vehicle spring system, as is commonly found in both vehicles with leaf type and coil type suspension spring systems. Commonly a shock absorber connects the sprung mass to the un-sprung mass and is used only to dampen unsprung mass oscillations induced by bumpy roads and sometimes with helper load springs for preloaded height and jounce improvement. The sprung mass is carried on vehicle chassis and body and herein after will be referred to structurally as chassis 16 . The unsprung weight is that which is not supported by the vehicle suspension spring system, i.e. axles 15 , wheels, tires, brake assemblies and suspension components that hang downwardly if the body is lifted. Typically, the passenger vehicle has four wheels with associated suspension with two at the front and two at the rear. The disclosure herein is to cover any number of axle 15 and wheel combinations so long as there is roll to be restrained. FIG. 1 shows a coil spring mounted about a rebound control shock absorber 10 for exerting force to resist upper rebound control shock absorber 10 movement from the normal design height or preloaded ride position of chassis 16 . When both ends of the rebound control shock absorber 10 are pulled apart, as experienced by chassis 16 when it lifts during rebound of the axle 15 . It is called coil rebound spring 11 because it is intended to counter the lifting action of the vehicle suspension during roll due to cornering maneuvers. When a vehicle corners, its chassis 16 rolls about its longitudinal axis A-A in FIG. 2 relative to axles 15 . Load carrying coil springs 14 on the outside of chassis 16 become compressed as they assume jounce and the coil load springs 14 located on the inside of the turning chassis 16 during cornering become extended while experiencing rebound see FIG. 2 . Coil load springs 14 on the unloading inside side of the cornering vehicle are trying to return to their free state as they extend. Thus coil load springs 14 as they extend exert a lifting force to chassis 16 which is exacerbating the roll angle of the body mass. The lifting force is exactly what is not desired and is resisted by the coil rebound springs 11 herein disclosed. The whole purpose of using coil rebound springs 11 is to reduce chassis 16 roll at initiation of and during cornering because rebound movement at any axle 15 will likewise be resisted.
[0033] FIG. 3 shows another rebound control shock absorber 10 having coil rebound spring 11 thereabout, but with the addition of a compression type suspension coil load spring 14 . The additional compression coil load spring 14 carries the sprung weight and is intended to replace or supplement chassis 16 existing original equipment manufacturer suspension load spring 14 , if any. If load spring 14 is carried on the rebound control shock absorber 10 and no separate load spring 14 is used the vehicle suspension would be fully self-contained. Thus the rebound control shock absorber 10 with an integral coil load spring 14 as per FIG. 3 would be able to serve as a replacement assembly providing that the vehicle mounting points for such an assembly is sufficient to respond and carry the loadings expected. Typically, strut mountings that are prevalent on modern cars and trucks are adequate for operation with the assembly shown in FIG. 3 . It is important to note that coil rebound spring 11 seeks to control the sprung weight and the coil load spring 14 if original equipment manufacturer and/or on the rebound control shock absorber 10 as in FIG. 3 supports the sprung weight.
[0034] A rebound control shock absorber 10 for placement between axle 15 and chassis 16 is shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 . The rebound control shock absorber 10 is for additionally controlling the vehicle dynamics with increasing resistance under motion between a preloaded vehicle ride height position to a fully extended position of rebound control shock absorber 10 during rebound movement of chassis 16 away from axle 15 along an axis B-B through the rebound control shock absorber 10 . It is rebound control shock absorber 10 that applies the unsprung weight of the wheels, brake and axle 15 to chassis 16 through coil rebound spring 11 . The goal is not to lift the axle, wheel and its tire from the ground, if possible, during cornering but to apply the unsprung weight of those components at the lifting side of chassis 16 to resist roll of the chassis and body.
[0035] An axle mount 17 on axle 15 is provided to connect to rebound control shock absorber 10 . A chassis attachment 18 on chassis 16 of the vehicle connects to the depending rebound control shock absorber 10 so that it may operate along axis B-B between axle mount 17 and chassis attachment 18 . An elongated rod 19 has opposite ends 20 and 21 carried and aligned along the axis B-B. End 20 connects to chassis attachment 18 in FIGS. 1 or 3 . While rebound control shock absorber 10 is shown with elongated rod 19 and end 20 at the top in FIGS. 1 and 3 , skilled artisans will understand that it can be inverted so that elongated rod 19 connects to axle mount 17 . A fluid displacement piston 22 is located on end 21 . If rebound control shock absorber 10 is inverted (not shown) then attention to how coil rebound spring 11 carries the unsprung weight must be addressed; again this is within the skill of artisans. Fluid displacement piston 22 is carried on the elongated rod 19 opposite its connection end 20 . Likewise a tube 23 is aligned along the axis B-B and connects to the axle mount 17 when the end 20 is connected to the chassis attachment 18 ; alternatively, the tube 23 connects to chassis attachment 18 when the end 20 is connected to the axle mount 17 .
[0036] Tube 23 has inside and outside cylindrical surfaces 24 and 25 . Inside cylindrical surface 24 is sized diametrically for surrounding the fluid displacement piston 22 for sliding sealing circumferential engagement there between with reciprocation along the axis B-B. A chamber 26 is defined by the inside cylindrical surface 24 and chamber 26 carries damping fluid (not shown) about fluid displacement piston 22 for controlled resistance to sliding reciprocal movement of the fluid displacement piston 22 within tube 23 against the inside cylindrical surface 24 and along the axis B-B.
[0037] Coil rebound spring 11 is carried about outside cylindrical surface 25 of tube 23 coaxial thereto and for expansion and contraction along the axis B-B as in FIGS. 1 and 3 . Coil rebound spring 11 is mounted to restrain expansion along the axis B-B of the rebound control shock absorber 10 between axle 15 and chassis 16 of the vehicle. Restraint is from at least the preloaded vehicle ride height position to the coil rebound spring 11 fully extended position during rebound motion of the axle 15 away from the chassis 16 as in FIG. 2 .
[0038] Tube 23 is elongated along the axis B-B with a top 27 and a bottom 28 separated from each other. A flanged retainer 29 affixes about the outside cylindrical surface 25 of tube 23 . Flanged retainer 29 is located between the top 27 and bottom 28 for applying axial rebound loads to tube 23 from rebound spring 11 during motion along axis B-B of the axle 15 away from chassis 16 . A tube cap 30 mounts in the top 27 and extends from tube 23 to a seat 31 overhanging tube cap radially from the outside cylindrical surface 25 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 .
[0039] A bore 32 positioned in and passing through tube cap 30 is coaxial with axis B-B and bore 32 allows elongated rod 19 to pass there through and reciprocate therein. Tube cap 30 connects axially to tube top 27 to capture coil rebound spring 11 between flanged retainer 29 and seat 31 . The coil rebound spring is thereby supported for coaxially circumscribing tube 23 between top 27 and bottom 28 thereof. Rebound is resisted during expansion of rebound control shock absorber 10 from its preloaded height to full extension along the axis B-B with motion of axle 15 away from chassis 16 . A cylindrical housing 33 in FIGS. 1 and 3 is affixed to the end 20 connected to either chassis 16 or axle 15 depending on the orientation of rebound control shock absorber 10 . Cylindrical housing 33 extends from its affixed connection along the axis B-B to engage flanged retainer 29 . Cylindrical housing 33 has a circular cross section sized diametrically for surrounding coil rebound spring 11 with a clearance there between. In FIG. 3 the cylindrical housing 33 is shown with external threads. A fastener 34 on tube cap 30 adjacent seat 31 is shaped to retain coil rebound spring 11 to seat 31 during movement of coil rebound spring 11 along the axis B-B with motion of axle 15 away from chassis 16 . The coil rebound spring 11 is preloaded by the flanged retainer when the coil rebound spring is captured between flanged retainer 29 and seat 31 . During expansion of the rebound control shock absorber 10 from its preloaded position, the coil rebound spring resists expansion under motion of axle 15 away from chassis 16 .
[0040] Coil load spring 14 mounts co-axially about cylindrical housing 33 for carrying chassis 16 of the vehicle from the preloaded ride height position to a full jounce position compressing the coil load spring 14 as shown graphically in FIG. 2 . An upper collar 35 about cylindrical housing 33 is near connection end 20 and a lower collar 36 at tube bottom 28 capture coil load spring 14 so rebound spring 11 substantially resists expansion after coil load spring 14 substantially resists compression during rebound and jounce, respectively. The term, “after” is used in the preceding sentence because rebound spring 11 and coil load spring 14 operate independently to control (resist) different loads.
[0041] A method for rebound control by rebound control shock absorber 10 placed between axle 15 and chassis 16 of a vehicle is operable at least between a preloaded vehicle ride height position to a fully extended position during rebound movement of axle 15 away from chassis 16 along axis B-B. The method of rebound control has the steps of mounting rebound control shock absorber 10 to axle mount 17 , and attaching rebound control shock absorber 10 to chassis attachment 18 along axis B-B there between. Another step connects elongated rod 19 having opposite ends 20 and 21 so end 20 connects to either axle mount 17 or chassis attachment 18 . Locating piston 22 at the opposite end and connecting tube 23 to axle mount 17 if the elongated rod 19 is connected to chassis attachment 18 or connecting tube 23 to chassis attachment 18 if the elongated rod 19 is connected to the axle mount 17 are steps. The step of sizing tube 23 with a cross section to surround piston 22 for sliding sealing circumferential engagement within tube 23 due to motion of axle 15 away from chassis 16 is performed. Carrying damping fluid about piston 22 in chamber 26 defined by tube 23 is a step. The steps of controlling resistance to sliding reciprocal movement of piston 22 in tube 23 with the damping fluid, and carrying rebound spring 11 about tube 23 for restraining expansion of the rebound control shock absorber 10 . Restraining is between axle 15 and chassis 16 of the vehicle from the preloaded vehicle ride height position to the fully extend position along the axis B-B during rebound movement of axle 15 away from chassis 16 are followed.
[0042] The step of supporting rebound spring 11 coaxially circumscribing tube 23 so that rebound is resisted during expansion of rebound control shock absorber 10 from its preloaded height to full extension along the axis B-B with motion of axle 15 away from chassis 16 is done. The step of supporting load spring 14 relative to rebound spring 11 coaxial to one another and along the axis B-B with a clearance there between occurs. During expansion of rebound control shock absorber 10 from its preloaded vehicle height to full extension along the axis B-B there is motion of axle 15 away from chassis 16 load spring 14 and the rebound spring 11 operate substantially independent of one another to resist jounce and rebound, respectively. The method for rebound control by rebound control shock absorber 10 with the step of supporting rebound spring 11 and load spring 14 at the preloaded vehicle height so that the working force application travel there between is overlapping. Thus, about one inch of travel overlap during movement of the rebound spring 11 along the axis B-B with motion of axle 15 away from chassis 16 from the preloaded vehicle height is thus preformed. FIG. 4 shows in graphic form the resultant of overlap for rebound spring 11 and the load spring 14 combined. In the graph of FIG. 4 the load paths at a rate of 320 pound per inch compression jounce spring and a rate of 160 pounds per inch rebound counter spring are shown. The affect on the rebound travel spring of the suspension if engaged at one inch of jounce is no curve at the transition point.
[0043] The step of having the ratio of the spring constants of coil rebound spring 11 to the spring constant of load spring 14 be less than one. So that during expansion of rebound control shock absorber 10 from its preloaded position coil rebound spring 11 happens to resist expansion under motion of axle 15 away from chassis 16 to a lesser extent than load spring 14 resists jounce. The step of coil rebound spring 11 applying force to resist rebound of the axle 15 occurs.
[0044] The method for rebound control by rebound control shock absorber 10 has the step of locating coil rebound spring 11 to substantially resist expansion of rebound control shock absorber 10 . The step of co-axially positioning coil load spring 14 to substantially resist compression of rebound control shock absorber 10 during rebound and jounce is performed independently.
[0045] While the examples illustrating rebound control shock absorber 10 and rebound spring 11 are disclosed and described, skilled artisans will appreciate that many variations for the addition of rebound spring 11 will be possible. The specific examples should not be considered limiting and the particular arrangements shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are merely for depiction of but some examples of form. In that regard, in the claims that follow the orientation of rebound control shock absorber 10 is either up or down and angled mounting thereof is also within the scope of the claims. | A stabilizing apparatus and method that replaces the existing shock absorber of a road vehicle that works to resist the initiation of body roll during comering. It seeks to counter act the forces being generated by the vehicle suspension springs that exacerbate the rollover propensity of vehicles during certain steering maneuvers. | 1 |
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/730,396, entitled BALER UNLOADING RAMP RETURN MECHANISM filed Nov. 27, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of Invention
[0003] This invention relates to the field of round balers and, more particularly, to a passive, spring-loaded bale discharge ramp for such machines.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Passive unloading ramps for guiding bales to the ground as they leave the baling chamber have been known and used for many years on round balers. Such ramps are spring-biased to a raised, standby position during normal baling operations but are forced down into a lowered, deployed position by the weight of the bale as it discharges from the baling chamber. The spring returns the ramp to its raised position once the bale rolls off the ramp.
[0006] Conventional designs utilize exposed compression or extension springs as the return mechanism for the ramp. However, such arrangements are highly susceptible to the accumulation of crop residue and dirt that fill up and clog the springs. Additionally, the pivots for the ramps are typically metal on metal and can be noisy or bind up. Lubrication added to the pivots has a tendency to attract and retain even more dirt and residue, which causes the pivots to bind up, work hard, and wear prematurely. Furthermore, assembly of the spring and pivot mechanism can be difficult.
OVERVIEW OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention provides a combination pivot and internal spring assembly for the ramp wherein the spring is housed protectively inside the pivot mechanism. Thus, the spring components are not exposed to the deleterious effects of the elements and do not collect trash and dirt. Furthermore, the spring components are so positioned that they help seal off and close opposite, otherwise open ends of a tubular member of the pivot to resist the ingress of harmful trash and dirt, as well as moisture, into the interior of the pivot. Moreover, the spring components support the rotatable part of the pivot in such a manner that no bearings are needed and there is no metal-to-metal contact of any kind within the pivot. In one preferred embodiment of the invention resilient rubber-like or elastomeric spring pads within the tubular outer member of the pivot assembly are compressed when the outer member is rotated relative to a stationary inner member as a discharging bale swings the ramp down to the ground, thereby torsionally loading the pivot assembly to effect automatic return of the ramp to its raised position once the bale rolls off the ramp.
[0008] In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a round baler having a mobile chassis, a bale-forming chamber supported on the chassis and including a tailgate that can be raised for discharging a bale from the chamber and a bale discharge ramp. A combination pivot and spring assembly attaches the ramp to the chassis below the chamber for movement of the ramp from a raised, standby position to a lowered, unloading position for guiding a bale down to the ground as the bale leaves the chamber. The combination pivot and spring assembly includes an internal spring for yieldably maintaining the ramp in its raised position until a bale exiting the chamber engages the ramp and overcomes the force of the spring to swing the ramp down to its lowered position. In one embodiment, the combination pivot and spring assembly further include a stationary member fixed to the chassis and a rotatable member fixed to the ramp for rotational movement relative to the stationary member when the ramp moves between the raised and lowered positions, and the spring is operatively disposed between the members.
[0009] These and other features and advantages of this invention are described in, or are apparent from, the following detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the systems and methods according to this invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The above mentioned and other features of this invention will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a left side elevational view of a round baler incorporating a spring-loaded, passive unloading ramp in accordance with the principles of the present invention, the ramp being shown in the raised position;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a left side elevational view similar to FIG. 1 but showing the tailgate raised and the ramp forced down to its lowered position by a discharging bale;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a left, rear isometric view of the baler with the tailgate closed and the ramp in the raised position corresponding to FIG. 1 ;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a left, rear isometric view of the baler with the tailgate raised and the ramp in the lowered position corresponding to FIG. 2 ;
[0015] FIG. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary, left rear isometric view of the ramp in the raised position with parts broken away to review details of construction;
[0016] FIG. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary, right, rear, bottom isometric view of the ramp in the raised position;
[0017] FIG. 7 is an enlarged, left rear isometric view of the ramp and its associated pivot assembly;
[0018] FIG. 8 is an enlarged, left, front, bottom isometric view of the ramp and its associated pivot assembly;
[0019] FIG. 9 is an enlarged, fragmentary top plan view of the left end of the ramp and associated pivot assembly with parts broken away to reveal details of construction;
[0020] FIG. 10 is an enlarged, fragmentary cross-sectional view through the ramp and associated pivot assembly illustrating the condition of things when the ramp is in its raised position;
[0021] FIG. 11 is a view of the ramp and associated pivot assembly similar to FIG. 10 but showing the condition of things when the ramp is in the lowered position; and
[0022] FIG. 12 is an exploded, left front isometric view of the ramp and associated pivot assembly.
[0023] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0024] The invention will now be described in the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, wherein preferred embodiments are described in detail to enable practice of the invention. Although the invention is described with reference to these specific preferred embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to these preferred embodiments. But to the contrary, the invention includes numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents as will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description.
[0025] A round baler 10 has a wheeled mobile chassis 12 that supports a baling chamber 14 for forming a round bale from crop materials picked up from a field as the baler is towed across the field. At the completion of a bale-forming cycle, a tailgate 16 that comprises the rear half of baling chamber 14 is raised to allow a finished bale 17 to roll out of the chamber by gravity and onto the ground. A passive, spring-loaded unloading ramp 18 is provided to guide bale 17 to the ground as it discharges from chamber 14 . During baling operations, ramp 18 is disposed in a raised position as shown, for example, in FIGS. 1 and 3 , but as bale 17 engages ramp 18 during discharge, the weight of the discharging bale forces ramp 18 down to a lowered position as shown, for example, in FIGS. 2 and 4 in which the rear end of ramp 18 engages the ground. After the bale has rolled off ramp 18 , the ramp automatically returns by spring force to its raised position, and tailgate 16 is reclosed by the operator.
[0026] In accordance with the present invention, ramp 18 is attached to chassis 12 below baling chamber 14 by a combination pivot and spring assembly 20 wherein spring components of the assembly are internally disposed. Ramp 18 may be constructed in a number of different ways without departing from the principles of the present invention, but in the particular embodiment disclosed herein it comprises three fore-and-aft extending, laterally spaced apart and transversely U-shaped, inverted channels 22 that are interconnected across their rear ends by a common transverse pipe 24 . At their front ends channels 22 are interconnected by a common, inverted L-shaped beam 26 having a vertical rear leg 28 and a horizontal top leg 30 . Three pairs of generally C-shaped, upright mounting lugs 32 project forwardly from vertical leg 28 beneath horizontal leg 30 for use in attaching ramp 18 to combination pivot and spring assembly 20 as hereinafter described.
[0027] Combination pivot and spring assembly 20 includes a hollow outer pivot member, preferably in the form of an elongated tube 36 , that rotates with ramp 18 during movement of the ramp between its raised and lowered positions. In the particular illustrated embodiment, tube 36 has a four-sided, rectangular cross-sectional configuration, although it will be appreciated that tube 36 may have a lesser or greater number of sides and need not necessarily be polygonal in cross-section. Tube 36 extends parallel to beam 26 and is complementally received within the forwardly facing mouths of mounting lugs 32 , while a pair of U-bolts 38 fixedly secure tube 36 and beam 26 together. Opposite ends of tube 36 project slightly outwardly beyond the outermost mounting lugs 32 as shown, for example, in FIGS. 7 , 8 and 9 .
[0028] Combination pivot and spring assembly 20 further includes a stationary inner pivot member, preferably in the form of a pair of axially aligned, longitudinally spaced apart, rectangular stub shafts 42 that project into opposite ends of outer tube 36 . Like tube 36 , stub shafts 42 may each have fewer or greater than four sides and need not necessarily be polygonal in cross-section, although it is advantageous in any event for the sake of simplicity for stub shafts 42 to match the polygonal cross-sectional configuration of outer tube 36 . Outer tube 36 has a somewhat larger cross-sectional configuration than stub shafts 42 and, in the illustrated embodiment, is rotatively offset by approximately 45 from stub shafts 42 when ramp 18 is in its raised position as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 10 . Consequently, when ramp 18 is in its raised position, a number of generally triangular-shaped voids 44 ( FIG. 10 are presented at the internal corners of tube 36 between flat internal surfaces 45 of tube 36 and opposing flat external surfaces 47 of stub shafts 42 (see also FIG. 12 .
[0029] An internal spring is provided within tube 36 to interact with tube 36 and stub shafts 42 to form another part of combination pivot and spring assembly 20 . Such internal spring preferably comprises a plurality of resilient, rubber, rubber-like, or elastomeric spring pads or “cords” 46 that occupy the voids 44 . Preferably, the pads 46 are each generally triangular in cross-sectional configuration to match the triangular shape of voids 44 , although other cross-sectional shapes may also be acceptable. As will be seen, the closer the pads 46 match the shape of the voids 44 , the more completely stub shafts 42 and pads 46 will serve to plug and close the otherwise open ends of tube 36 . As illustrated in FIG. 9 , pads 46 have outermost ends 46 a that are substantially flush with the corresponding end edges 36 a of tube 36 at its opposite ends.
[0030] Combination pivot and spring assembly 20 additionally includes a pair of fore-and-aft mounting arms 48 fixed to and projecting forwardly from the outer ends of stub shafts 42 . Mounting arms 48 are spaced a short distance outwardly from the opposite end edges 36 a (see FIG. 9 so as to avoid metal-to-metal contact between arms 48 and tube 36 as ramp 18 pivots about the common longitudinal axis of stub shafts 42 and tube 36 during movement between its raised and lowered positions. Mounting arms 48 are, in turn, rigidly attached by bolts 50 ( FIGS. 5 , 6 to a corresponding pair of generally U-shaped brackets 52 that are affixed by welding or the like to a fixed, transverse axle tube 54 forming part of chassis 12 .
[0031] It should be apparent from the foregoing description that ramp 18 and outer tube 36 pivot about stub shafts 42 during movement between the raised and lowered positions as stub shafts 42 remain stationary. Spring pads 46 , operating against flat surfaces 45 and 47 of tube 36 and stub shafts 42 respectively, yieldably bias ramp 18 toward its raised position and maintain it in such position throughout baling operations. However, when a bale ejects from chamber 14 and engages ramp 18 , the weight of the bale causes ramp 18 and outer tube 34 to rotate downwardly about stub shafts 42 ( FIG. 11 , causing flat surfaces 45 of tube 36 to move in such a direction relative to flat surfaces 47 of stub shafts 42 that spring pads 46 are rolled and significantly compressed. The spring rate of pads 46 is such that they cannot prevent the bale from pushing ramp 18 all the way down to the ground, but once the bale has reached the ground and rolled away from the ramp, the pads 46 overcome the weight of the ramp alone and return it to the raised position as they seek to restore themselves to their less stressed condition.
[0032] Having the spring components for ramp 18 housed internally within the pivot structure for the ramp provides several important benefits. For one thing, it provides a simple, clean and uncluttered design for the ramp. For another, it protects the spring components from the harmful effects of the elements and keeps them free of dirt and residue to avoid the problem of trash accumulation on prior exposed compaction and extension springs. In this respect, having pads 46 essentially flush with the end edges 36 a of tube 36 , rather than recessed deeply within tube 36 , helps keep materials and moisture from entering into tube 36 in significant amounts. Depending upon the cross-sectional shape selected for pads 46 , the cross-section of tube 36 at end edges 36 a may essentially completely close that region. Moreover, even though there are no bearings or lubricant as part of the pivot mechanism, there is still no harmful metal-to-metal contact of the component parts. The pads 46 effectively serve not only as return spring mechanism for the ramp, but also as a means of physically isolating the outer tube 36 from stub shafts 42 while allowing the pivoting action to take place.
[0033] One suitable commercially available product for use as the combination pivot and spring assembly 20 is a “Torflex” rubber torsion suspension axle product obtainable from Dexter Axle Company of Elkhart, Ind. Another suitable commercially available product may be obtained from Axis Products, Inc. of Elkhart, Ind. as part of their torsion spring product line.
[0034] In selecting the spring rate for the pads 46 that make up part of assembly 20 , a number of factors are considered. The primary consideration is that the spring must be strong enough to support the weight of the ramp and minimize bouncing of the ramp while the baler travels over a rough field, yet not be so strong that the bale cannot deflect the ramp down to the ground when leaving the baler. If the spring is too strong, the bale will not be allowed to leave the baler. While in many crops this is not a problem because the bales have significant mass, in some crops such as wheat straw, the bales are not as heavy. Thus, the spring rate is selected to be such that the spring is strong enough to hold the ramp in the raised position with a minimal amount of bouncing, but not much stronger than that.
[0035] The foregoing has broadly outlined some of the more pertinent aspects and features of the present invention. These should be construed to be merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features and applications of the invention. Other beneficial results can be obtained by applying the disclosed information in a different manner or by modifying the disclosed embodiments. Accordingly, other aspects and a more comprehensive understanding of the invention may be obtained by referring to the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. | A round baler having a mobile chassis, a bale-forming chamber supported on the chassis and including a tailgate that can be raised for discharging a bale from the chamber and a bale discharge ramp. A combination pivot and spring assembly attaches the ramp to the chassis below the chamber for movement of the ramp from a raised, standby position to a lowered, unloading position for guiding a bale down to the ground as the bale leaves the chamber. The combination pivot and spring assembly includes an internal spring for yieldably maintaining the ramp in its raised position until a bale exiting the chamber engages the ramp and overcomes the force of the spring to swing the ramp down to its lowered position. | 0 |
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is the National Phase entry of PCT/EP2006/011602, filed Dec. 4, 2006, which claims priority to German patent application number DE 102006010663.6, filed Mar. 8, 2006, each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to processes for the production of phytosterol-containing compositions, preferably powders, and to the compositions produced by such processes and to preparations, more especially foods, containing these formulations.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The literature offers numerous formulation options for enabling poorly soluble phytosterols and phytostanols, which are known to lower cholesterol, to be incorporated in food preparations, cosmetic or pharmaceutical products. Besides leading to poor dispersibility, the unfavorable solubility behavior of the substances reduces their bioavailability and adversely affects the stability of the food preparations.
[0004] Numerous patent applications describe how the availability of sterols can be improved by reducing the particle sizes, mainly by micronization. Thus, DE 102 53 111 A1 describes powder-form phytosterol formulations with a mean particle size of 0.01 to 100 μm which can readily be redispersed in water. Hydrophilic auxiliaries are preferably used as protective colloids. Organic solvents are used in the production of the powders to the detriment of ecology and compatibility.
[0005] Another process for the production of a sterol dispersion, in which the sterols have a particle size distribution of 0.1 to 30 μm, is described in International patent application WO 03/105611 A2. As in this process, the micronization of the sterol particles is often not sufficient on its own to facilitate uniform incorporation. Although the bioavailability of the finely dispersed particles can be increased by enlarging the surface area, the wettability of the micronized particles is so poor that they readily aggregate and generally float on water-containing surfaces. In many cases, the ground sterol can only be dispersed in a beverage by special methods which involve intensive mixing. However, corresponding mixers are not normally available to the end user, the food manufacturer.
[0006] Accordingly, many manufacturers combine the micronization of the sterols with the additional use of emulsifiers. One example of this is represented by the preparations claimed in European patent EP 0897671 B1 which contain sterols and sterol esters with a particle size of at most 15 μm in the form of a mixture with selected emulsifiers, the ratio by weight of emulsifier to sterol in the aqueous phase being less than 1:2.
[0007] International patent application WO 03/086468 A1 describes powder-form sterol ester formulations having a low protein content and containing mono- and diglycerides as emulsifiers. Even though these formulations are distinguished by good compatibility and have already been known for some time as food emulsifiers, efforts are being made to reduce the quantity of emulsifiers or even to avoid them altogether because emulsifiers can also influence the bioavailability of other substances present in the foods or can adversely affect the stability of the formulations.
[0008] Many other methods for improving solubility and dispersibility, such as formulation as emulsions, microemulsions, dispersions, suspensions or complexing with cyclodextrins or bile salts, are mentioned in International patent application WO 99163841 A1, including formulation in the form of preparations. PEG, PVP, copolymers, cellulose ethers and esters are proposed as carriers. The direct use of food bases as carriers for powder-form sterols in the form of a premix is also known, see EP 1 003 388 B1. The choice of proteins as carriers for unesterified sterols and stanols is disclosed in WO 01/37681.
[0009] The processing of unesterified sterols and stanols, which are far more hydrophobic than their esterified derivatives, imposes particularly stringent demands on the production process. One possible process for the production of sterol-containing microparticles is described in European patent EP 1148793 B1. It is based on high-energy homogenization. However, a powder subsequently produced on the basis of water-containing suspension media shows unsatisfactory homogeneity and is difficult to redisperse.
[0010] One object of certain aspects of the present invention is to provide compositions free from one or more of the disadvantages mentioned at the beginning, and/or which would enable unesterified sterols and/or stanols to be more easily and uniformly dispersed in foods, and/or which would provide the foods with favorable sensory and organoleptic properties.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0011] The present invention relates in preferred embodiments to processes for the production of coated sterol-containing powders in which
a) a carbohydrate and/or a protein and/or a protein-containing auxiliary is dissolved and/or dispersed in water and/or in a water-containing suspension medium, b) sterol and/or stanol particles are added to the resulting solution/dispersion, c) the suspension thus form is homogenized, preferably by circulation through a slot homogenizer or a colloid mill, d) at least part of the homogenizate is removed from the circuit, preferably continuously, and e) is introduced, preferably by being directly delivered, to a spray dryer and spray-dried.
[0017] It is possible according to preferred processes according to the invention to produce powders even containing free unesterified sterols and stanols which enable the lipophilic active components to be more readily further processed in foods, more especially beverages. The preferred powders exhibit little tendency to agglomerate and, hence, have good flow properties. The preferred powders are distinguished by good homogeneity and, by virtue of their improved wettability, can be in many cases, further processed without major investment in equipment. In addition, the preferred powders can be uniformly distributed very quickly in the final formulation. The preferred coating greatly improves the organoleptic properties and the sensory impression. The coated powder does not stick to teeth or oral mucous membranes, so that the unpleasant sterol taste, which leads to serious losses of taste in foods containing the active components, is substantially suppressed in preferred embodiments.
[0018] In accordance with preferred aspects, coating the present powder compositions with hydrophilic auxiliaries, such as carbohydrates, proteins or protein-containing additives, not only improves solubilization properties and dispersion properties, the powders surprisingly also show increased storage stability in relation to ground sterols which have a strong tendency to agglomerate.
[0019] When it comes to the processing of unesterified sterols and stanols in the aqueous medium, the preferred processes reduce, and preferably eliminate, the need to use highly surface-active emulsifiers, such as lecithins, monoglycerides, diglycerides, polysorbates, sodium stearyl lactylate, glycerol monostearate, lactic acid esters and polyglycerol esters. The minimal emulsifier properties of the auxiliaries that impart hydrophilicity, more particularly the proteins, caseinates and protein-rich auxiliaries, are in many embodiments sufficient to enhance the homogeneity of the powder produced and to improve redispersibility and processability. The absence of other emulsifiers simplifies further processing by reducing possible incompatibilities with other food ingredients and reduces the occurrence of incompatibilities at the end user. The need for highly active emulsifiers, such as lecithins, monoglycerides, diglycerides, polysorbates, sodium stearyl lactylate, glycerol monostearate, lactic acid esters and polyglycerol esters, can be greatly reduces in many embodiments by use of the preferred continuous homogenization and direct removal and delivery of the homogenized suspension to the spray dryer. Such preferred processes according to the invention enable powders having a very high sterol content and the favorable properties described above to be produced without any need whatever to use organic solvents. The coated sterol formulations preferably contain at least about 50% by weight, more preferably at least about 55% by weight and most preferably at least about 65% by weight sterols, including sterol derivatives, such as stanols, based on the weight of the powder.
[0020] The sterol-containing formulations produced by the present processes may readily be incorporated in foods, more particularly in milk, milk beverages, whey and yogurt beverages, margarine, fruit juices, fruit juice mixtures, fruit juice beverages, vegetable beverages, still and sparkling beverages, soya milk beverages and protein-rich liquid food substitute beverages and fermented milk preparations, yogurt, drinking yogurt, or cheese preparations, cereals and nutrition bars, and also in cosmetic or pharmaceutical preparations.
[0021] In the first step of the preferred production process, in which a carbohydrate and/or a protein and/or a protein-containing auxiliary is dissolved or dispersed in water or a water-containing suspension medium, the hydrophilic auxiliaries serving as subsequent coating materials are dissolved or dispersed. To this end, the water or the water-containing suspension medium is preferably heated to a temperature of about 50° C. to about 80° C., and more preferably to a temperature of about 65 to about 75° C. In this first step, the other auxiliaries are also preferably added as required to the aqueous phase or to the water-containing suspension medium.
[0022] In a preferred embodiment, glucose and casein or caseinates are used as auxiliaries. It has proved to be particularly effective in certain embodimentsto use casein (acid casein) which is only converted into sodium caseinate after dispersion in heated water by the addition of sodium hydroxide to a pH of about 6.5 to about 7.5 in the dispersion medium. Surprisingly, the process with this in situ formation of sodium caseinate results in a better dispersible end formulation by comparison with a process in which sodium caseinate is directly added.
[0023] In another preferred embodiment, glucose and milk powder are used as auxiliaries. It has proved to be particularly effective to use skim milk powder because this auxiliary is the best at masking the typical unpleasant sterol taste and formulations containing skim milk powder have improved sensory properties in relation to other auxiliaries.
[0024] Instead of and/or in addition to pure water, it is also possible to use water-containing suspension media which form the basis of the sterol-containing food to be subsequently produced. Thus, beverages such as, for example, milk, milk beverages, whey and yogurt beverages, fruit juices, fruit juice mixtures, fruit juice beverages, vegetable beverages, soya milk beverages and protein-rich liquid food substitute beverages and fermented milk preparations, but preferably fruit and vegetable beverages, may be directly used as the suspension medium in step a). The sterol-containing powder obtained after spray drying may then readily be redispersed with water to give a sterol-containing beverage ready for drinking.
[0025] This solution or dispersion of the hydrophilic auxiliaries is preferably heated to about 75° C. to about 95° C. and preferably to about 80° C. to about 85° C., and sterol and/or stanol particles are preferably added to the system with stirring. It has proved to be particularly effective to use ground sterols and/or stanols having a small particle size with a D 90% of at most about 50 μm (as measured with a Beckman Coulter LS 320 laser diffractometer, expressed as volume distribution). The measurement is conducted in a suspension containing 10% Lamegin ZE 609 (Citrem®) in the process. The addition of larger particles in turn leads to end formulations with larger particle sizes which reduce bioavailability and are therefore undesirable in many embodiments. Sterols and/or stanols having a particle size distribution with a D 90% of at most about 30 μm are preferably used.
[0026] The suspension thus formed is then homogenized by circulation through a slot homogenizer or a colloid mill. The Fryma mill used is based on the rotor-stator principle. The homogenization of the sterol-containing suspension merely leads to size reduction of the agglomerates, the sterol particles themselves undergoing no further size reduction during the treatment. Where skim milk powder is used as the auxiliary to impart hydrophilicity, homogenization with the colloid mill is sufficient to guarantee uniform distribution of the sterol particles before introduction into the spray drying tower.
[0027] At least a portion of the homogenizate is preferably continuously removed from the volume stream and delivered to the spray drying tower. Without the addition of highly surface-active emulsifiers, it is difficult to maintain the strongly lipophilic unesterified sterol and stanol particles with sufficient homogeneity in the suspension medium. The suspension thus homogenized generally does not have good physical stability. Accordingly, it is highly preferred for at least a portion, and in certain embodiments only a portion, of the suspension homogenized in the slot homogenizer to be directly and continuously removed and delivered to the spray drying tower.
[0028] The actual coating of the particles preferably takes place through the immediate spray drying in the spray drying tower. Because the particles are spray dried from a water-containing medium, the hydrophilic auxiliaries remain on the surface of the lipophilic sterol particles after evaporation of the water and form a hydrophilic coating which significantly improves the properties of the powder formed. Besides their lipophilic properties, generally the ground sterol particles used in the process have uneven surfaces which easily become entangled with one another. The hydrophilic coating preferably provides substantially round particles which have much better flow properties and hence better processability.
[0029] By virtue of the evaporation coldness of the water during spray drying, the suspended sterol or stanol particles do not melt, even at high feed air temperatures. The particles thus comprise a core which contains the original sterol or stanol particle and a coating of the hydrophilic auxiliaries.
[0030] It is expected and understood that those skilled in the art will be able to readily adapt the spray drying conditions to the particular formulation by routine variations. In the preferred embodiment of the process, in which glucose and casein or caseinate are used as hydrophilic auxiliaries in a quantity of from about 40% to about 80% by weight sterols and/or stanols, from about 3% to about 30% by weight glucose and from about 10% to about 30% by weight casein and/or caseinate, based on the formulation as a whole, good results have been obtained with a feed air temperature of from about 170° C. to about 190° C., a waste air temperature of 90±15° C. and an atomizer speed of from about 20,000 to about 30,000 r.p.m.
[0000] Sterol and/or Stanol
[0031] Sterols obtained from plants and vegetable raw materials—so-called phytosterols and phytostanols—are used in the present invention. Known examples are ergosterol, brassica sterol, campesterol, avenasterol, desmosterol, clionasterol, stigmasterol, poriferasterol, chalinosterol, sitosterol and mixtures thereof. Of these, β-sitosterol and campesterol are preferably used. Hydrogenated saturated forms of the sterols, known as stanols, are also included among the compounds used. Again, β-sitostanol and campestanol are preferred. Vegetable raw material sources include inter alia seeds and oils of soybeans, canola, palm kernels, corn, coconut, rape, sugar cane, sunflower, olive, cotton, soya, peanut or products from the production of tall oil.
[0032] The preparations according to the invention contain from about 10% to about 90% by weight, preferably from about 30% to about 70% by weight and, in a particularly preferred embodiment, from about 35% to about 65% by weight sterols and/or stanols, based on the powder-form coated preparations.
[0033] The present invention also relates in certain aspects to food preparations containing sterol/stanol formulations with the composition mentioned above. They are preferably used in beverages and milk products which then contain from about 0.1% to about 50% by weight and preferably from about 1% to about 20% by weight of the powder-form coated preparations, based on the total weight of the food.
[0000] Protein-Containing Auxiliaries and/or Proteins
[0034] The protein-containing auxiliaries preferably used are milk powders, such as commercially available whole milk and skim milk powders, which have been obtained from corresponding types of milk by drying. They may be used in the form of mixtures with other proteins or as sole carrier. If other proteins are added or if proteins instead of milk powder are used as the carrier, these proteins are understood to be isolated proteins which are obtained from natural animal and vegetable sources and which are added in the production of the powder-form preparations. Possible sources of proteins are plants, such as wheat, soya, lupins, corn or sources of animal origin, such as eggs or milk.
[0035] Milk powders or milk-derived proteins, such as casein and casein salts, sodium and/or calcium caseinates are preferably used. Skim milk powder and/or casein and caseinates are particularly preferred for the purposes of the invention because, on the one hand, they have emulsifying properties without, at the same time, showing the disadvantages mentioned at the beginning of the food emulsifiers otherwise normally used specifically for the production of beverages and milk products, more particularly fermentation products, such as yogurt.
[0036] The preparations according to the invention preferably contain from about 5% to about 90% by weight, preferably from about 5% to about 70% by weight, more preferably from about 10% to about 40% by weight and most preferably from about 12% to about 35% by weight milk powder and/or proteins, preferably in the form of skim milk powder or casein and/or sodium caseinate and/or calcium caseinate, based on the coated powder-form preparation.
Carbohydrates
[0037] The compounds used as carbohydrates preferably all contain food-compatible sugars selected from the group consisting of glucose, sucrose, fructose, trehalose, maltose, maltodextrin, cyclodextrin, invert sugar, palatinose and lactose. Glucose in the form of glucose syrup is preferably used as the carbohydrate. With the dispersibility and stability of the preparation in mind, it has proved to be particularly effective to use from about 0% to about 40% by weight, preferably from about 10% to about 35% by weight and, in a particularly preferred embodiment, from about 15% to about 30% by weight carbohydrates, based on the weight of powder-form sterol/stanol formulation.
Other Auxiliaries
[0038] The preparations according to preferred aspects of the invention contain antioxidants, preservatives and flow promoters as further auxiliaries. Examples of possible antioxidants or preservatives are tocopherols, lecithins, ascorbic acid, parabens, butyl hydroxytoluene or anisole, sorbic acid or benzoic acid and salts thereof. Tocopherols are preferably used as antioxidants. Silicon dioxide may be used as a flow regulator and promoter.
Powder-Form Coated Sterol Preparations
[0039] From their production, the preferred powder-form coated sterol formulations have a lipophilic core of sterols and/or stanols, optionally with other lipophilic auxiliaries, which is covered with a coating of hydrophilic auxiliaries. They preferably comprise
a) from about 10% to about 97% by weight unesterified sterols and/or stanols, b) from about 3% to about 70% by weight sodium and/or calcium caseinate and/or milk powder, c) from about 0% to about 40% by weight carbohydrates,
preferably
a) from about 10% to about 90% by weight unesterified sterols and/or stanols, b) from about 5% to about 70% by weight sodium and/or calcium caseinate and/or milk powder, c) from about 0% to about 40% by weight carbohydrates
and
(a) from about 30% to about 70% by weight unesterified sterols and/or stanols, (b) from about 10% to about 40% by weight sodium and/or calcium caseinate and/or milk powder, (c) from about 10% to about 35% by weight glucose,
[0049] In particularly preferred embodiments, the compositions comprise
(a) from about 35% to about 65% by weight unesterified sterols and/or stanols, (b) from about 12% to about 35% by weight sodium and/or calcium caseinate, (c) from about 10% to about 35% by weight glucose,
and, more especially,
(a) from about 50% to about 65% by weight unesterified sterols and/or stanols, (b) from about 12% to about 35% by weight sodium and/or calcium caseinate and/or skim milk powder, (c) from about 15% to about 30% by weight glucose,
or
(a) from about 65% to about 75% by weight unesterified sterols and/or stanols, (b) from about 25% to about 35% by weight skim milk powder,
or
(a) from about 90% to about 97% by weight unesterified sterols and/or stanols, (b) from about 3% to about 10% by weight skim milk powder
based on the total weight of the powder, provided that they are substantially free from highly surface-active emulsifiers selected from the group consisting of lecithins, monoglycerides, diglycerides, polysorbates, sodium stearyl lactylate, glycerol monostearate, lactic acid esters and polyglycerol esters.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
[0060] 129.2 g casein (from Meggle, Nährcasein 30/60 mesh) were added to 1160 g cold water and heated to ca. 72° C. During this heating phase, the pH was adjusted to 7.0 by addition of NaOH. 132.5 g glucose syrup were then added, followed by heating to 80-85° C. The ground sterol (250 g Vegapure® FTE) having a particle size distribution with a D 90% of at most 30 μm (laser diffractometry, Beckman Coulter LS 320) was then added in portions. The suspension was passed through a Fryma mill (from Fryma Rheinfelden, type MZ 80 R, slot width: 240 μm) and then homogenized by circulation through an APV homogenizer (220/30 bar). Ca. 30% of the product stream was then fed continuously from the circuit to a spray dryer (APV Anhydro, type 3 S) and spray dried. The remaining suspension was kept circulating and gradually fed to the spray drying tower.
Spray Drying Conditions:
[0000]
inlet air temperature: 180±5° C.
outlet air temperature: 90±5° C.
atomizer speed: 24,000 r.p.m.
[0064] The particle size distribution of the powder was then measured by laser diffractometry (Beckman Coulter LS 320): D 50% 5 μm, D 90% 29 μm.
Example 2
[0065] 150 g skim milk powder (spray-dried skim milk powder, ADPI grade, supplier: Almil Bad Homburg) were added to water (1280 g) and heated to ca. 80° C. The ground sterol (350 g Vegapure FTE) was then added in portions. The suspension was repeatedly circulated through a Fryma mill (slot width: 240 μm). Ca. 30% of the product stream was then fed continuously from the circuit to a spray dryer (APV Anhydro, type 3 S) and spray dried. The remaining suspension was kept circulating and gradually fed to the spray drying tower.
Spray Drying Conditions:
[0000]
inlet air temperature: 185±5° C.
outlet air temperature: 90±5° C.
atomizer speed: 24,000 r.p.m.
Example 3
[0069] 15 g skim milk powder (spray-dried skim milk powder, ADPI grade, supplier: Almil Bad Homburg) were added to water (1000 g) and heated to ca. 80° C. The ground sterol (485 g Vegapure FTE) was then added in portions. The suspension was repeatedly circulated through a Fryma mill (slot width: 240 μm). Ca. 30% of the product stream was then fed continuously from the circuit to a spray dryer (APV Anhydro, type 3 S) and spray dried. The remaining suspension was kept circulating and gradually fed to the spray drying tower.
Spray Drying Conditions:
[0000]
inlet air temperature: 185±5° C.
outlet air temperature: 90±5° C.
atomizer speed: 24,000 r.p.m.
Dispersion Test
[0073] The powders thus obtained were dispersed in milk and water in comparison with ground sterols comparable in their particle size distribution. To this end, ca. 250 ml of the liquid to be tested were poured into a glass beaker and stirred (ca. 100 r.p.m.). 2.5 g of the powders respectively containing 50% by weight and 70% by weight sterol were added to the stirred liquid and evaluated for dispersion behavior.
[0074] The encapsulated sterol could be very uniformly dispersed in cold water (15° C.) and hot water (60° C.) and in milk (18° C.) whereas the untreated sterol was poorly dispersed and, owing to the hydrophobic surface, remained on the liquid surface. Even a preparation containing only 3% milk powder could be dispersed far more uniformly than the pure sterol powder.
[0075] Sensory evaluation showed that the encapsulated sterols tasted neutral in water and did not stick to the gums or mouth whereas the untreated powder stuck to the oral mucous membrane and, besides a typical negative sterol taste, left behind an unpleasant sensory impression. Whereas the casein-containing powder could be dispersed somewhat better than the powder containing skim milk, the latter showed improved taste properties in relation to the casein-containing powder. | The invention relates to a method for producing coated sterol powder, wherein a) a carbohydrate and/or a protein and/or a protein-containing auxiliary agent is dissolved or dispersed in water or in an aqueous suspension medium, b) said sterol and/or stanol particles are added to the solution/dispersion, c) the thus obtained solution is homogenised in a homogeniser or a colloid mill in the circuit, d) one part of the homogenate is extracted in a continuous manner from the circuit and directly e) introduced into a dry-spraying system by pulverisation and spraying. The coated sterol-containing particles produced according to said method are incorporated into food based due to their good wettability and without using complex equipment, and display, in particular, good organoleptic and sensory properties in drinks. | 0 |
This is a Rule 60 Divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 222,524, filed Jun. 19, 1988, now abandoned which is a Rule 60 Continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 832,461, filed Feb. 21, 1986, now abandoned which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. Ser. No. 688,236, filed Jan. 2, 1985, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,607,076, issued Aug. 19, 1986, which is based on Pm 82-CL-119.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Poly(sodium acrylamidomethyl propane sulfonate) P(NaAMPS), hydrolyzed polyacrylamide, and poly(vinylpyrrolidone) and copolymers thereof are water soluble polymers that have been previously disclosed in the literature and have found application in the viscosification of aqueous solutions which is achieved through a combination of high molecular weight and chain expansion due to repulsion of pendant ionic groups along the polymer chain or H-bonding. These polymers are salt-sensitive, thereby limiting their application in highly saline systems.
The betaines are a special class of zwitterions. These materials are self neutralized and contain no counterions. Moreover, the positive and negative charges are separated by alkyl groups.
Carboxymethacrylate betaine monomers (I) and polymers (II) are well-known and disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,777,872 (Jan. 15, 1957), U.S. Pat. No. 2,834,758 (May 13, 1958) and U.S. Pat. No. 2,846,417 (Aug. 5, 1958). ##STR2##
Carboxyvinylpyridine betaine monomers and homopolymers (III) have also been reported [H. Ladenheim and H. Morawetz, J. Poly. Sci. 26, 251 (1957)]. ##STR3##
Sulfovinylpyridine betaine monomers and homopolymers (IV) are known [R. Hart and D. Timmerman, J. Poly. Sci. 28, 118 (1958)] and Ger. Auglegeschrift 1,207,630 and Galin, et al., Polymers 25, 121,254 (1984). ##STR4##
The butylsulfobetaine of poly(2-vinylpyridine) is soluble in water, but the butylsulfobetaine of poly(4-vinylypyridine) is not. Both betaines are soluble in salt solution.
Methacrylate based sulfobetaine monomers and homopolymers (V) are described by Galin Polymer 25, 121,254 (1984) and Ger. Auslegeshrift 1,207,630. ##STR5##
More recently, reports of vinylimidazolium sulfobetaine homopolymers (VI) have appeared [J. C. Salamone, et al Polymer 18, 1058 (1977); Polymer 19, 1157 (1978)]. ##STR6##
These homopolymers are insoluble in water, but soluble in certain salt solutions. In contrast to normal polyelectrolytes, the reduced viscosity of the soluble imidazolium sulfobetaine polymers increase with increasing salt concentration.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to unique and novel betaine copolymers which are copolymers of N-vinyl pyrolidone and ester-, amide- and vinyl pyridine-based betaine monomers. Such polymers contain both positive and negative charges and are represented by the following structures: ##STR7## wherein x is about 99 to about 1 mole percent and y is about 1 to about 99 mole percent. R 1 is methyl or hydrogen, R 2 is alkyl group of 1-5 carbons and R 3 is an alkyl group from 3-4 carbons, R 4 is an alkyl group of 1-5 carbon atoms.
Thus, the structures are different from conventional polyelectrolytes, which contain either positive or negative charges. In addition, unlike conventional polyelectrolytes, the aqueous viscosities of the instant materials are unaffected or may actually increase in the presence of salts like sodium chloride.
The present invention is distinguished from the carboxymethacrylate betaine homopolymers and copolyers (U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,777,872, 2,834,758, 2,846,417) because sulfonate vs. carboxylate anions and low vs. high charge densities are used. Furthermore, carboxylate anions are limited by their known susceptibility to precipitation by polyvalent cations (e.g. Ca ++ ); the latter species are often found in geological formations [F. J. Glaris in "Water Soluble Resins " 2nd Ed, R. L. Davidson and M. Sittig, Eds. Rheinhold, N.Y., p. 168]. Sulfonate anions are not so limited.
The present invention is distinguished from the previous sulfobetaine work because it involves NVP copolymers rather than homopolymers. These NVP-betaine copolymers show superior viscosities in salt compared with conventional NVP-ionic copolymers.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method for increasing the viscosity of an aqueous solution which comprises the step of dissolving about 0.1 to about 5.0 wt. % of a water soluble NVP-betaine copolymer in the aqueous solution, wherein the aqueous solution is selected from the group consisting of water, a brine solution, an acid solution or a base solution, and the concentration of the salt, acid or brine in the aqueous solution is about 0.01 to about 20.0 wt. %
The viscosity agents for aqueous and saline solutions of the present invention are betaine copolymers formed by a homogeneous, free radical, copolymerization, wherein the water soluble copolymers are characterized by the formulae: ##STR8## wherein x is about 99 to about 1 mole percent, more preferably about 80 to about 20 mole percent, and most preferably about 70 to about 30 mole percent, y is about 1 to about 99 mole percent, more preferably about 20 to about 80 mole percent, and most preferably about 30 to about 70 mole percent. R 1 is methyl or hydrogen, R 2 is an alkyl group of 1-5 carbon atoms, R 3 is an alkyl group of 3-4 carbon atoms, and R 4 is an alkyl group of 1-5 carbon atoms.
The viscosities of aqueous solutions of these betaine copolymers were measured by means of a Contraves™ low shear viscometer model LS30 using a No. 1 cup and No. 1 bob. Temperatures were controlled to +1° C., and measurements were made at a rotational speed that gave a shear rate of 1.28 s -1 .
The homogeneous copolymerization process of the instant invention comprises the steps of forming a mixture of N-vinylpyridine and betaine monomer under a nitrogen atmosphere; adding deoxygenated water to said mixture to form a reaction solution; heating said reaction solution to at least 50° C.; adding a free radical initiator to said reaction solution to initiate the copolymerization of the acrylamide monomer and the betaine monomer; polymerizing the monomers at a sufficient temperature and for a sufficient time to form the water soluble copolymer of N-vinyl pyrrolidone and betaine monomer; and recovering the water soluble copolymer from the reaction solution.
Suitable free radical initiators for the instant free radical-copolymerization process are potassium persulfate; sodium thiosulfate, potassium persulfate mixture; benzoyl peroxide, and other common free radical initiators. The concentration of the free radical initiator is about 0.02 to about 0.50 grams per 100 grams of total monomer.
Polymerization of the N-vinyl pyrrolidone monomer and M-3(3-sulfopropyl)-N-methacryal-oxyethyl-N,N-dimethyl-ammoniabetaine monomer is effective at a temperature of about 25° to about 90° C., more preferably at about 30° to about 65° C., and most preferably at about 45° to about 55° C. for a period of about 1 to about 48 hours, more preferably at about 2 to about 36, and most preferably at about 4 to about 24. A suitable method for recovery of the formed copolymer from the reaction solution comprises precipitation by means of acetone.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The following examples illustrate the present invention without, however, limiting the same hereto.
EXAMPLE 1
Copolymers of NVP and Ester-Based Betaine (SPE)
A 2,000 ml resin flask was set up with a condenser, a thermometer, a stirring rod with feed and N 2 inlet and outlet. The reaction flask was flushed in N 2 over night.
Acrylamide used in this experiment was recyrstallized from acetone. SPE, N-(3-sulfopropyl)-N-methacroyloxyethyl-N,N-dimethyl ammonium betaine, was supplied by Howard Hall International. AIBN, the initiator, was recrystallized from methanol. Water was boiled under N 2 and cooled under N 2 .
______________________________________.sub.M/I 1/2 = 1590/10 mole % Poly (NVP-Co-SPE)______________________________________ ##STR9## ##STR10##23.45 g 65 g .0833 g AIBN 470 g H.sub.2 O 18 hours______________________________________
Both monomers were mixed in water inside the reaction flask. The monomers mixture was clear. The mixture was heated to 60° C. and AIBN (0.0833 g ) was added as solid in the reaction mixture.
The polymerization was continued for 18 hours and the final product was precipitated in acetone. Elemental analysis of the product was 2.28% S, 5.94% C, 8.35% H, 9.48% N.
Similar experiments were run at a ratio of 10/90 and 5050 NVP/SPE.
EXAMPLE 2
Salt Sensitivity of NVP-Ester Based Copolymers
Fifteen weight percent was dissolved in the following salt solutions:
______________________________________ % NaCl η CPS______________________________________90/10 NVP/SPE1.5% 0 3.131.5% 2 4.201.5% 5 4.711.5% 10 5.521.5% 20 6.5010/90 NVP/SPE1.5% 0 Cloudy1.5% 2 3.711.5% 5 4.691.5% 10 6.191.5% 20 9.1650/50 NVP/SPE1.5% 0 Cloudy1.5% 2 3.961.5% 5 5.381.5% 10 6.701.5% 20 9.34______________________________________
In contrast, the viscosity of a copolymer NVP with a simple ionic monomer (NaAMPS)® declined in salt.
______________________________________50/50 NVP/NaAmps % NaCl η CPS______________________________________1.5% 0 6.51.5% 2 2.21.5% 5 2.11.5% 10 2.21.5% 20 2.3______________________________________
This Example shows the superior salt response of the instant copolymer with conventional ionic copolymers of NVP.
EXAMPLE 3
Copolymers of NVP and Amide Based Betaines (SPP)
NVP/SPP copolymers were prepared in 150 ml H 2 O at 16.7% total solids level, at a M/I 1/2 =15.0 at 60° C. with AIDN as initiator. The NVP/SPP ratio was varied from 0/80 to 80/20. Product compositions were determined by elemental analysis. SPP is N-(3 sulfopropyl)-N-methacramidopropyl-N-N-dimethylammonium betaine, available from Howard Hall Company.
EXAMPLE 4
Copolymer of NVP and Vinyl Pyridine-Based Betaine (SPV)
A NVP/SPV copolymer was prepared in 150 ml of H 2 O at 16.7% total solids, at a M/I 1/2 =15.0 at 60° C. with AIBN as the initiator. SPV is a sulfopropyl betaine of 2-vinyl pyridine, available from Howard Hall Company. The NVP/SPV ratio was 50/50. The polymerization reached 15% conversion in 6 hours. | A water soluble copolymer having the structure: ##STR1## wherein X is about 1 to about 99 mole percent and y is about 99 to about 1 mole percent. | 2 |
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a folding apparatus and more particularly, relates to a quarter folder for signatures.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The folding of paper signatures or like objects is known in the art. Generally, such folders operate at a relatively slow throughput compared to the speed of the press from which the signatures come. In view of this limitation, either the press speed is slowed down to meet that of the folding apparatus or alternatively, a plurality of the folder machines for a single press is required.
Presses conventionally include folding units which bring out multiple sheet single folded assemblies in an overlapped running shingle. The assemblies are called signatures and their folded edges are called spines. The signatures in a running shingle usually move with the spines as the leading edge and with each signature set back slightly from the one which precedes it so that it travels in a shingled relationship. The single folded signature is often called a half folded signature and it often is desirable to fold the same to become a quarter folded signature. By cutting the original spine edge, a quarter folded signature may be turned into a booklet where each page is one-quarter of the original sheet of paper.
Generally, the quarter folding is done on an individual signature. This operation presents an inherent limitation on the speed at which it can be done since each sheet must be individually handled and then quarter-folded.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a folder for signatures which can operate at a high through-put.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a mobile inline quarter folder which is able to keep up with the printing speed of a relatively fast web press.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a folder comprising an input conveyor for receiving a shingled stream of signatures, means for aligning the shingled stream of signatures, means for folding the shingled stream of signatures to form a folded stream of shingled signatures, means for singulating the folded stream of shingled signatures into individual folded signatures, means for re-shingling the individual folded shingled signatures into a stream.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for folding signatures, the method comprising the steps of providing a line of shingled signatures, aligning the shingled signatures, folding the shingled signatures, singulating the folded shingled signatures and re-shingling the singulated signatures to form shingled folded signatures.
The apparatus of the present invention includes a number of different stations which operate together to provide an inline folder which can operate at high speeds. As utilized herein, the word signatures is used to designate any paper which is to be folded. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention is used as a quarter folder—i.e. it takes an already folded signature and further folds the same. However, it will be understood that the present invention can also be used for performing a half folded signature. The description of the preferred embodiment will generally relate to the quarter folder configuration.
The first station preferably includes a crusher roller which is designed to reinforce the original half fold on the signature as well as to eliminate any air pockets to ensure proper handling of the signature throughout the apparatus. The crusher roller is preferably provided with a quick release for security purposes.
The first station in a preferred embodiment also comes with a drop down air-actuated conveyor which works when a make-ready switch is turned off. In the off position, copies entering the machine are immediately diverted downwards under the machine where they may be placed into a scrap bin or alternatively, fall onto a separate conveyor which carries the product away from the machine. When the pressman is ready to commence the quarter folding operation, the make-ready switch is turned on and copies are immediately allowed to proceed to the subsequent stations. Incorporated with the drop down conveyor are sensors to detect signatures which are sufficiently out of line so as to pose a problem for further processing. When such signatures are detected, the conveyor will immediately drop down.
The second station comprises an aligning station wherein there is provided a high-speed belt jogger which will accurately position the copies entering therein. The jogger includes a slightly elastic belt which is entrained about rollers. At least some of the rollers are of a non-circular configuration so as to provide a vibratory action to the stream of shingled signatures.
In preferred embodiments, a tensioning arrangement is provided for the belting forming the jogger to ensure that the belt as it passes over the non-circular roller is not slipping and provides constant vibration. Furthermore, the rollers for the belt preferably are provided with a double crown arrangement to prevent the belts from derailing.
A third station comprises a section for pinning the signatures and forming the pre-folding configuration. Wings of the paper entering the third section are guided to prevent subsequent problems with the handling of the signatures. In this section, the signatures are formed and folded into the desired configuration and each copy is scored to ensure a clean final fold.
The fourth station is operative to finish the fold which forms the new spine of the signatures. In this regard, spring steel is used immediately after the creasing wheel to ensure a satisfactory fold. The bottom section of the folder is open so that the signature can now move without any friction on the sides which would otherwise create an uneven quarter folded copy.
In the fifth station, the copies are turned through 90° so that they are in a desirable horizontal position for the subsequent operations. The arrangement is such that the subsequent high-speed section does not prematurely pull the copies out ahead of time.
The sixth station is a singulating station which individually separates a stream of signatures in preparation for the re-shingling operation.
The seventh station is a re-shingling operation and provides a catching and braking system which re-shingles each copy to be the same distance apart as when the signatures first entered the apparatus. Preferably, the section also has a drop down conveyor of the type discussed with respect to the first station.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Having thus generally described the invention, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings illustrating embodiments thereof, in which:
FIG. 1 is a top plan view illustrating the sequence of operation for the transformation of a half fold signature into a quarter fold signature;
FIG. 2 is a side elevational view thereof;
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the apparatus;
FIGS. 3A and 3B are top plan views of the front and rear portions of FIG. 3 ;
FIGS. 4A and 4B are side elevational views thereof;
FIG. 5 is a top plan view of one of the belts in a jogger section of the apparatus;
FIG. 6 is a view taken along the lines 6 - 6 of FIG. 5 ;
FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the former section of the apparatus;
FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along the lines 8 - 8 of the FIG. 7 ;
FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view taken along the lines 9 - 9 of FIG. 7 ;
FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view taken along the lines 10 - 10 of FIG. 7 ;
FIG. 11 is an expanded top plan view of the turning of the quarter folded signatures through 90 degrees; and,
FIG. 12 is a side elevational view thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to the drawings in greater detail and by reference characters thereto, there is illustrated in FIG. 3A the first portion of a quarter folder apparatus which is generally designated by reference numeral 10 .
Quarter folder apparatus 10 is designed to receive a plurality of half fold signatures 12 coming from any suitable source of the same, including a printing press. Half fold signatures 12 are delivered to a conveyor section generally designated by reference numeral 14 and which conveyor section 14 includes a first roll 16 , a second roll 18 , and a third roll 20 . A plurality of drive belts 22 are entrained about first rolls 16 and 18 , with other drive belts 24 being entrained about second roll 18 and third roll 20 . Mounted above first roll 16 is a crusher roll 26 which is designed to reinforce the crease forming the spine of half fold signatures 12 . As may be seen in FIG. 4A , a pneumatic cylinder 28 is mounted to a frame post 32 and to a bracket 30 on which third roll 20 is journalled. Thus, the conveyor can be moved from a normal operational position to a drop down position (as shown in dotted lines) wherein any signatures there are discharged into a container 34 situated therebelow.
The subsequent section of apparatus 10 is a jogger section and to which reference will now be had. The jogger includes a plurality of rolls 46 about which belts 48 are entrained. The aligning of the signatures is accomplished by having a pair of end rolls 38 about which a jogger belt 44 is entrained. As will be seen in FIGS. 5 and 6 , there is also provided a plurality of hexagonal rolls 40 to impart a vibratory action to jogger belt 44 . There are also a plurality of pressure rolls 42 which are designed to maintain pressure on jogger belt 44 such that a good vibratory action is achieved without any slippage of the belt 44 . The jogger belts converge in a downstream direction.
Subsequently, the half folded signatures pass to a forming and folding section. In this section, there are provided a pair of lower end rolls 52 , 54 about which a small diameter belt 58 is entrained. Between lower end rolls 52 , 54 there are also provided a plurality of support rolls 56 .
There is also provided a pair of top end rolls 60 and 62 along with a plurality of top support rolls 64 which are pressure adjustable. A relatively narrow top belt 66 is entrained about the rolls.
At the entrance to the forming and folding section, there are provided a pair of guide bars 68 and 70 ( FIG. 9 ), one being situated on each side of the apparatus. Each of the guide bars is designed to gently guide the ends of the half folded signatures with the guiding surface being convex in configuration as may be seen in FIG. 9 .
Situated further downstream are a second pair of guiding members 72 , 73 . A pair of spring steel members 74 , 76 are arranged to finalize the fold in the signatures. Immediately preceding spring steel members 74 , 76 is a creasing roll 78 designed to impart a sharp crease in the signatures. At the next section, there are provided a pair of belt mounting assemblies 80 , 80 ′. A belt 88 is entrained a roll in belt mounting assembly 80 thereabout as well as a roll 82 at the other end thereof. Mounted intermediate the rolls is a guide roller 84 . As may be seen in FIG. 3 , a pneumatic cylinder 86 is provided for moving belt mounting assembly 80 is provided.
As shown be seen in FIG. 3 , belts 88 , 88 ′ are twisted such that they take the signatures from a vertical direction to 90° to a horizontal direction. During all this time, the belts maintain a secure grip on the spine of the signatures.
Following the folding operation, the signatures are fed to a singulating mechanism which comprises an upper conveyor 92 and a lower conveyor 102 . Upper conveyor 92 comprises a pair of end rolls 94 about which belts 100 are entrained. Mounted centrally between end rolls 94 , 96 is a pressure roll 98 .
Lower conveyor 102 includes end rolls 104 , 106 about which belts 108 are entrained.
The above arrangement is such that as signatures are fed, a nip is created between belts 100 , 108 by means of pressure roll 98 . This section is running at a substantially higher speed than the previous section and a single signature is withdrawn from the shingled stream. In this regard, the spacing is such that the next signature is securely retained by the preceding section.
The re-shingling section comprises an upper conveyor 110 which includes a pair of end rolls 112 , 114 and adjustable pressure rolls 116 , 118 with belts 126 entrained thereabout. A lower conveyor 120 comprises a pair of end rolls 122 , 124 having belts 128 entrained thereabout. As may be seen from FIG. 4B , there is also provided a pneumatic cylinder 130 mounted on bracket 132 of the frame and a bracket 134 of lower conveyor 120 . Thus, the conveyor can be dropped down or lowered to deposit undesired product in container 136 .
As the signatures are travelling at an extremely high rate of speed as they exit the singulating section, the geometry of the upper conveyor 110 and lower conveyor 120 is important. As may be seen, lower conveyor 120 has a slight upward angle while there is a convergence between belts 122 , 124 to guide the singulated shingles. Preferably, the lower conveyor is at an angle of between 4° and 6° with respect to the horizontal.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the operation of the machine on the signatures is illustrated. As designated by reference numeral 12 , originally the signatures enter as half fold signatures and typically slightly misaligned. The signatures then go through the crusher roll and the jogger section as illustrated in reference numeral 202 where they are aligned and flattened. As shown by reference numeral 204 , as they exit the aligned or jogging section, they are in a proper shingled position. Subsequently, as indicated by reference numeral 206 , the signatures have their wings guided downwardly until, as they pass through the end of the forming section, they are as shown by reference numeral 208 with a final folding being indicated by arrows 210 .
As indicated by reference numeral 212 , the shingles are then rotated through 90° to lie flat as indicated by reference numeral 214 where they pass to be singulated as indicated by reference numeral 216 .
It will be understood that the above described embodiment is for purposes of illustration only and that changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. | A quarter folder comprising an input conveyer for receiving a shingled stream of half folded signatures, an aligning section for aligning the signatures, a folding section for folding the shingled stream to thereby form a quarter folded shingled stream, a singulating section to separate the shingled signatures into individual folded signatures and a re-shingling section. The quarter folder of the present invention can operate at a high speed and receive copies directly from a press. | 1 |
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of pending International Patent Application PCT/FR2010/000726 filed on Nov. 2, 2010 which designates the United States and claims priority from French Patent Application 0905366 filed on Nov. 6, 2009, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a push-button for a system for dispensing a product under pressure, as well as such a dispensing system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In a particular application, the dispensing system is intended to be provided on bottles used in perfumery, in cosmetics or for pharmaceutical treatments. Indeed, this type of bottle contains a product which is returned by a dispensing system comprising a device for sampling under pressure of said product, said system being actuated by a push-button in order to allow for the spraying of the product. In particular, the system for sampling comprises a pump or a valve with manual actuation by the intermediary of the push-button.
[0004] Such push-buttons are conventionally carried out in two portions: an actuator body and a spray nozzle for the product which are associated together to form a vortex unit comprising a vortex chamber provided with a dispensing orifice as well as with at least one supply channel of said chamber.
[0005] In particular, the supply channels exit tangentially in the vortex chamber which is cylindrical of revolution in order to rotate the product very rapidly, the dispensing orifice having a reduced diameter in relation to that of said chamber so that the product in rotation escapes through said orifice with a speed that is sufficient to be broken up into droplets forming the aerosol.
[0006] However, as this breaking up takes place in an uncontrolled manner, the aerosol is constituted of droplets of highly varied size. For example, for a pump or a valve supplying a push-button with a flow of alcohol under a pressure of 5 bars, and an outlet orifice of 0.3 mm, the aerosol is commonly constituted of droplets of a diameter between 5 μm and 300 μm.
[0007] However, the large droplets are heavier than the smallest ones and follow a different dispensing trajectory, which can cause indelible stains in the case of perfumes. Also, the small droplets are the lightest and can be inhaled, which may be the objective sought in the case of medications, but which can be an undesirable effect in the case of toxic products. Furthermore, in the case of medications which must be dispensed according to a precise dosage, the location of application, for example inside the respiratory system, depends on the size of the droplets, and the high disparity of sizes misrepresents the treatment.
[0008] Moreover, the size of the droplets coming from a vortex chamber depends in part on the force and on the speed with which the user actuates the pump by pressing on the push-button with his finger, as the induced pressure depends on this.
[0009] Furthermore, in particular due to the effects of the centrifugal force at the outlet of the vortex chamber, the aerosol has a tendency to be hollow with a substantially tapered shell which is constituted of most of the droplets although there are few inside the cone. In particular, this distribution of droplets can be detrimental for dermal applications.
[0010] It is known moreover, in particular from document FR-2 915 470, a push-button comprising a dispensing chamber which is provided with channels each converging towards an outlet orifice, said converging channels being arranged in order to allow for the impaction of the streams of product dispensed by said orifices. As such, during the impaction of the streams dispensed at high speed, an aerosol is formed without having recourse to a vortex chamber.
[0011] However, to produce such an aerosol by satisfactorily controlling the calibration and the spatial distribution of the droplets, it is necessary to form identical streams and of which the convergence is perfect, which is very difficult to carry out industrially at the interface between the actuator body and the nozzle mounted in said body. This results in that the streams can cross without impacting one another or in impacting one another only partially, which degrades the calibration and the spatial distribution of the droplets formed.
[0012] Moreover, the supply of the converging conduits or of the vortex chamber according to prior art does not allow for a breaking up of the dose of product to be dispensed, i.e. to return only a portion of the dose provided by the pump. Indeed, the travel of the pressing of the push-button is carried out too quickly, in particular by a magnitude of 0.2 seconds for 120 μl, to be able to be interrupted by the user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The invention aims to resolve the problems of prior art by proposing in particular a push-button making it possible to dispense an aerosol formed of droplets having an improved calibration and spatial distribution, and this by increasing the duration of the production of said aerosol.
[0014] To this effect, and according to a first aspect, the invention proposes a push-button for a system for dispensing a product under pressure, said push-button comprising a body having a mounting well on a feed tube for the product under pressure and a housing in communication with said well, said housing being provided with an anvil around which a spray nozzle is mounted in such a way as to form a dispensing path for the product between said housing and a vortex unit comprising a vortex chamber provided with a dispensing orifice as well as least one supply channel of said chamber, said vortex chamber being delimited by a lateral surface having a tapered geometry in relation to which the supply channel or channels extend in a transversal plane, said lateral surface converging from an upstream end wherein tangentially exits the downstream end of the supply channel or channels towards a downstream opening for supplying the dispensing orifice, said dispensing orifice has an outlet dimension which is equal to the internal dimension of said downstream opening.
[0015] According to a second aspect, the invention proposes a dispensing system for a product under pressure, comprising a system for sampling provided with a feed tube for the product under pressure whereon the well of a push-button is mounted to allow for the spraying of the product.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] Other objectives and advantages of the invention shall appear in the following description, provided in reference to the annexed figures wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a partial longitudinal section view of a bottle provided with a dispensing system according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a partial longitudinal section view of the push-button of FIG. 1 ; and
[0019] FIG. 3 are views of the nozzle of the push-button according to the FIG. 2 , respectively as a cutaway view ( FIG. 3 a ) and of the internal portion ( FIG. 3 b ).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] In relation with the figures, a push-button for a dispensing system for a product in particular liquid under pressure is described hereinbelow, said product able to be of any nature, in particular used in perfumery, in cosmetics or for pharmaceutical treatments.
[0021] The push-button comprises a body 1 having an annular skirt 2 which surrounds a well 3 for the mounting of the push-button on a feed tube 4 of the product under pressure. Moreover, the push-button comprises an upper zone 5 allowing the user to exert a finger press on said push-button in order to be able to displace it axially. In the embodiment shown, the push-button is provided with a trim 6 for aspect that surrounds the body 1 and whereon is formed the upper zone 5 for pressing.
[0022] In relation with FIG. 1 , the dispensing system comprises a system for sampling 6 provided with a feed tube 4 of the product under pressure which is inserted in a sealed manner in the well 3 . In a known manner, the dispensing system further comprises means for mounting 7 on a bottle 8 containing the product and means for sampling 9 the product inside of said bottle which are arranged to supply the feed tube 4 with product under pressure.
[0023] The system for sampling 6 can include a pump with manual actuation or, in the case where the product is conditioned under pressure in the bottle 8 , a valve with manual actuation. As such, during a manual displacement of the push-button, the pump or the valve is actuated to supply the feed tube 4 with product under pressure.
[0024] The body 1 also has an annular housing 10 which is in communication with the well 3 . In the embodiment shown, the housing 10 has an axis perpendicular to that of the mounting well 3 in order to make possible a lateral spraying of the product relatively to the body 1 of the push-button. In an alternative not shown, the housing 10 can be collinear to the well 3 , in particular for a push-button forming a nasal spray tip.
[0025] The housing 10 is provided with an anvil 11 around which a spray nozzle 12 is mounted in such a way as to form a dispensing path for the product under pressure between said housing and a vortex unit. To do this, the anvil 11 extends from the bottom of the housing 10 by leaving a communication channel 13 between the well 3 and said housing.
[0026] In the embodiment shown, the nozzle 12 has a cylindrical lateral wall 14 of revolution which is closed towards the front by a proximal wall 15 . The association of the nozzle 12 in the housing 10 is carried out by press fitting of the external face of the lateral wall 14 , the rear edge of said external face being furthermore provided with a radial protrusion 16 for anchoring the nozzle 12 in said housing.
[0027] Furthermore, a print of the vortex unit is formed in a hollow in the proximal wall 15 and the anvil 11 has a planar distal wall 17 whereon the proximal wall 15 of the nozzle 12 is pressing against in order to delimit the vortex unit between them. In an alternative not shown, a print of the vortex unit can be formed directly on a wall of the housing 10 , in particular for a nasal spray tip. In another alternative not shown, the distal wall 17 can have a convexity turned towards the interior of the vortex unit.
[0028] Advantageously, the nozzle 12 and the body 1 are carried out by moulding, in particular from a different thermoplastic material. Furthermore, the material forming the nozzle 12 has a rigidity which is higher than the rigidity of the material forming the body 1 . As such, the substantial stiffness of the nozzle 12 makes it possible to prevent it from deforming when it is mounted in the housing 10 in such a way as to guarantee the geometry of the vortex unit. Furthermore, the less substantial stiffness of the body 1 allows for an improved seal between the well 3 for mounting and the feed tube 4 .
[0029] In the example embodiment, the body 1 is made of polyolefin and the nozzle 12 is made of cycloolefin copolymer (COC), poly(oxymethylene) or poly(butylene terephthalate).
[0030] In the embodiment shown, the dispensing path has successively in communication from upstream to downstream:
an upstream annular conduit 30 in communication with the channel 13 , said annual conduit being formed between the rear portion of the internal face of the lateral wall 14 of the nozzle 12 and the portion of the external face of the lateral wall of the anvil 11 which is arranged across from it;
four axial conduits 18 formed between four spacers 19 which extend over the internal face of the lateral wall 14 of the nozzle 12 , said spacers having a free wall 20 which is press-fit on the external face of the lateral wall of the anvil 11 ; a downstream annular conduit 21 formed between the proximal wall 15 of the nozzle 12 and the distal wall 17 of the anvil 11 .
[0034] On the downstream side, the dispensing path supplies with product under pressure the vortex unit which comprises a vortex chamber 22 provided with a dispensing orifice 23 as well as with at least one supply channel 24 of said chamber. More precisely, in the embodiment shown, the supply channels 24 communicate with the downstream annular conduit 21 . In particular, this embodiment makes it possible to limit the length of the supply channels 24 in order to reduce the induced head losses.
[0035] The vortex chamber 22 is delimited by a lateral surface 25 having a tapered geometry which extends along a dispensing axis D, the dispensing channels 24 extending in a transversal plane in relation to said dispensing axis. In the description, the terms of positioning in space are defined in relation to the dispensing axis.
[0036] In the embodiment shown, the tapered geometry is of revolution around the dispensing axis D, an internal dimension of said geometry thus corresponding to a diameter. In an alternative not shown, the tapered geometry can be of polygonal section, an internal dimension of said geometry thus corresponding to a diameter of the shell inscribed in said geometry.
[0037] The lateral surface 25 converges from an upstream end 26 wherein exits tangentially the downstream end of the supply channels 24 towards a downstream opening 27 for supplying the dispensing orifice 23 . Furthermore, the dispensing orifice 23 has an outlet dimension which is equal to the internal dimension of the downstream opening 27 . Advantageously, the angle of convergence of the lateral surface 25 can be between 30° and 50°, in particular of a magnitude of 45°. Moreover, in the embodiment shown, the upstream end 26 has a cylindrical geometry of revolution wherein the downstream end of the supply channels 24 exits tangentially.
[0038] As such, during the dispensing of the product under pressure, the tangential supply of the vortex chamber 22 makes it possible to put the product into rotation in the upstream end 26 of said chamber, the product is then thrust and pushed in rotation along the lateral surface 25 of said chamber by forming a pool of product of which the speed of rotation increases and which converges towards the downstream opening 27 , then said converging pool can escape through the dispensing orifice 23 without being deformed in such a way as to be able to be impacted to form the aerosol.
[0039] This embodiment therefore makes it possible to combine the advantages of the use of a vortex chamber 22 with that of the impaction of the product, without having the disadvantages therein, in particular relatively to the dispersion of sizes of droplets and to the risks of non-impaction of the product. The impaction of the swirling pool makes possible in particular the carrying out of an aerosol formed from a uniform spatial distribution of droplets in suspension in the air, the size of said droplets being small and uniform. In particular, the aerosol can then have the appearance of a plume of smoke with droplet sizes between 10 μm and 60 μm with an average of 35 μm for an alcoholic product, and this regardless of the pressing force that the user exerts on the push-button.
[0040] In the embodiment shown, the vortex unit has two supply channels 24 of the vortex chamber 22 , said channels being arranged symmetrically in relation to the dispensing axis D.
[0041] Moreover, to tangentially supply the vortex chamber 22 by causing the product to turn along its lateral surface 25 , each channel 24 has a U-shaped section which is delimited between an exterior wall 28 and an interior wall 29 . The exterior wall 28 is tangent to the upstream end 26 and the interior wall 29 is offset from it by a distance less than 30% of the internal dimension of the upstream end 26 in such a way as to avoid an impaction of the product in said upstream end.
[0042] In the embodiment shown, the interior wall 29 is parallel to the exterior wall 28 . In an alternative not shown, the interior wall 29 has an angle of convergence with the exterior wall 28 in the upstream-downstream direction, the offset between said walls then being measured on the section of exiting of the channels 24 in the upstream end 26 .
[0043] Alternatively, more than two supply channels 24 can be provided, in particular three channels 24 arranged symmetrically in relation to the dispensing axis D, or a single channel 24 can be provided to tangentially supply the vortex chamber 22 .
[0044] Moreover, the downstream end of the supply channel 24 or all of the downstream ends of each of the supply channels 24 forms a supply section of the vortex chamber 22 . In order to increase the duration of dispensing of a dose of product on the actuating stroke of the push-button, it can be provided that this supply section be low relatively to the interior surface of the upstream end 26 . In particular, the surface of the supply section can be less than 10% of the interior surface of the upstream end 26 .
[0045] Preferentially, the surface of the supply section can be between 0.01 mm 2 and 0.03 mm 2 . In an example embodiment, the internal dimension of the upstream end 26 is 0.6 mm, or an interior surface of 0.28 mm 2 , and each channel 24 has a width and a depth of 0.1 mm, or a surface of 0.02 mm 2 for the supply section. Alternatively, the channels 24 can have a width of 70 μm and a depth of 130 μm.
[0046] Furthermore, the fact of the passing of the product in a reduced supply section, the duration of dispensing is increased. For example, for a dose of 120 μl the duration of dispensing can be between 0.5 and 2 seconds in such a way as to allow the possibility for the user to interrupt the dispensing of the aerosol during actuation.
[0047] In the embodiment shown, the downstream opening 27 of the vortex chamber is surmounted by a dispensing orifice 23 having a cylindrical geometry of revolution around the dispensing axis D, the internal dimension of said orifice being equal to the internal dimension of the downstream opening 27 .
[0048] Advantageously, the axial dimension of the dispensing orifice 23 is low in relation to its internal dimension, in such a way as to not disturb the convergence of the swirling pool. In particular, the axial dimension of the dispensing orifice 23 can be less than 50% of its internal dimension.
[0049] In an alternative not shown, the downstream opening 27 of the vortex chamber 22 can form a dispensing orifice 23 .
[0050] The creating of the aerosol is particularly satisfactory when the internal dimension of the downstream opening 27 is low relatively to the internal dimension of the upstream end 26 , in such a way that the impaction of the pool is carried out as close as possible to the dispensing orifice 23 . In particular, the internal dimension of the downstream opening 27 can be less than 50% of the internal dimension of the upstream end 26 , more precisely by being between 20% and 40% of said internal dimension.
[0051] Preferentially, the axial dimension of the vortex chamber 22 is relatively substantial, in particular of a magnitude of or greater than the internal dimension of the upstream end 26 , in such a way as to allow for the establishment of the swirling pool along the lateral surface 25 of said vortex chamber and to confer a progressive convergence. In particular, the axial dimension of the vortex chamber 22 is at least equal to 80% of the internal dimension of the upstream end 26 , more precisely being between 90% and 200% of said internal dimension.
[0052] According to a particular embodiment in relation with a product of which the dispensing pressure is between 5 and 7 bars, the internal dimension of the upstream end 26 is 0.6 mm, the internal dimension of the downstream end 27 is less than or equal to 0.24 mm by being in particular between 0.15 mm and 0.24 mm, the axial dimension of the vortex chamber 22 is at least equal to 0.55 mm, the axial dimension of the dispensing orifice 23 is less than 0.10 mm. | A pushbutton for a system for dispensing a pressurized substance, the pushbutton including a body having a housing provided with an anvil around which a spray nozzle is mounted so as to form a substance dispensing path between the housing and a swirl array including a swirl chamber provided with a dispensing port as well as at least one supply duct for the chamber, the swirl chamber being defined by a side surface having a frusto-conical shape relative to which the supply duct(s) extend(s) in a transverse plane, the side surface tapering from an upstream end into which the downstream end of the supply duct(s) tangentially extends, to a downstream supply opening of the dispensing port, the dispensing port having an outlet size that is equal to the internal size of the downstream opening. | 1 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to sports training devices and, more particularly, to a device for exercising, strengthening and developing the lower leg muscles.
Heretofore, a fairly wide variety of specialized exercising equipment have been proposed for exercising particular muscle groups used in a particular sport. Such equipment, for example, has been developed for sports such as golf, baseball and football. Development of specific muscles or muscle groups is particularly helpful in increasing proficiency and avoiding injury.
Skiing, in particular, is a sport which requires development of specific muscle groups to increase proficiency and prevent injury. Downhill and cross-country skiing are sports which continue to grow in popularity. Downhill or Alpine skiers are exposed to and suffer sprains and breaks of the ankle, breaks of the lower leg bones, that is the fibula and tibia, and torn ligaments or cartilage at the knee and ankle joints. These types of injuries typically occur when the mechanical safety bindings holding the boot to the ski fail to operate properly. These bindings typically include a lateral or side-to-side toe release and vertical heel release. The settings are variable to accommodate the weight of the skier as well as the proficiency level of the skier. The bindings may be improperly adjusted or may operate improperly due to dirt and/or ice which can collect thereon and increase the load on the leg prior to release.
It is, therefore, important for the skier to develop strong muscles of the lower leg to reduce the chance of and occurrence of injury. Further, the muscles of the lower leg are primarily used to initiate turns for both the recreational and competition skier. A competition skier, especially when competing in the slalom, may execute frequent step turns which require rotation of the ski about a vertical axis. The lower leg muscles are primarily used to accomplish such rotation. The muscles used to accomplish these turns are the same which are used to resist the forces involved in a lateral ski boot/binding release.
Heretofore, exercising equipment has not been developed to strengthen the lower leg muscles and, therefore, to assist in preventing injury to skiers and to increase proficiency. Presently available exercising devices are primarily directed for use by invalids or for physical therapy. Examples of such devices may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 2,645,482, entitled FOOT ACTUATED EXERCISING DEVICE, and issued on July 14, 1953 to Magida, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,022,071, entitled FOOT ACTUATED EXERCISING DEVICE and issued on Feb. 20, 1962 to Malone, et al. These devices are not capable of subjecting the lower leg muscles to the stresses or the loads necessary to properly develop them and strengthen them for skiing.
A need, therefore, exists for an exercising apparatus capable of developing and strengthening the lower leg muscles by subjecting them to the same stresses and loads encountered while skiing. Such a device would greatly assist in the prevention of injury to skiers as well as increase their proficiency by increasing quickness and ski control.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a lower leg muscle exercising apparatus is provided which accommodates the needs of the recreational and competition skier, and whereby the shortcomings of presently available leg exercising devices are substantially overcome. Essentially, the device includes a foot retaining means and a base. Provision is made for supporting the foot retaining means on the base for multi-axis movement to thereby accommodate flextion and extension of the ankle as well as rotation of the lower leg. Provision is made for applying a force opposing movement of the foot retaining means and which constantly biases the foot retaining means to an initial position.
In narrower aspects of the invention, the force exerted on the foot retaining means in resisting movement thereof increases with motion of the foot retaining means. The apparatus permits both dynamic and isometric exercising of the lower leg muscles and simulates the loads imposed in resisting boot/binding release and during normal skiing motions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lower leg muscle developing apparatus in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a front, elevational view thereof;
FIG. 3 is a right, elevational view thereof; and
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
A preferred embodiment of the apparatus in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1 and generally designated 10. Apparatus 10 includes a generally rectangular, horizontally positioned base 12 and a foot retaining means or foot holder 14 supported on base 12 by a joint structure 16 in a normally vertical orientaton with respect to the base. Extending generally vertically from or perpendicular to an upper surface 18 of base 12 is a post 20. A bracket or spring attachment rod 22 extends outwardly from a face 24 of post 20 adjacent the top end 26 thereof.
Foot retaining or holding means 14 is a generally box-like structure including a bottom wall 30, opposed, parallel, spaced sides 32, 34, and an end wall or heel abutting portion 36. Holder 14 is open at the end opposite end wall 36. Extending between sidewalls 32, 34, adjacent the open end of the holder is a toe retainer or restrainer rod or bar 38. As illustrated in FIG. 1, holder 14 is dimensioned to receive the foot 40 of the user. The heel 42 of the user will abut wall 36 and the foot is retained by contact with bar 38. The holder is constructed to permit movement thereof by flexion, extension and rotation of the ankle and lower leg about multiple axes.
Joint means 16 supports the holder 14 on base 18 for movement about a vertical or pitch axis, generally designated 50 in FIG. 2, and about a lateral or yaw axis, generally designated 52 in FIG. 3. The joint permits simultaneous movement about both axes to permit compound rotational movement of the holder.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, joint 16 includes a first hinge 60 and a second hinge 62. Hinge 60 includes a first hinge plate 64 secured to base 12, a second hinge plate 66 and a hinge pin 68 which defines the pivot axis 52. Hinge 62 similarly includes a first hinge plate 70 which is welded or otherwise suitably secured to hinge plate 66 of hinge 60. Hinge 62 further includes a second hinge plate 72 connected to plate 70 by a pivot or hinge pin 76. Plate 72 is secured by suitable fasteners 78 to outer surface 80 of bottom wall 36.
A yaw or lateral spring 82 extends between rod 22 and an attachment in the form of an eye bolt 84 secured to wall 30 of holder 14 adjacent the top thereof. Spring 82 is preferably a coil spring having one end 85 extending through an aperture 86 formed in post bracket 22. The opposite end 87 of the spring extends through the eye of attachment 84. Spring 82 provides a restoring force which increases upon lateral or yawing movement of the holder, as seen in FIG. 2, for example. The force exerted on a holder by the spring resists movement serving to exercise and develop the lower leg muscles. Another spring 90 extends between an aperture 92 formed in the second plate 66 of hinge 60 and a bracket 94 secured to wall 30. This is best seen in FIG. 3. Spring 90 provides an increasing force or resistance to movement of the foot holder 14 in a vertical plane about pitch axis 50. Spring 90 also is preferably a coil spring.
The resistance to movement exerted on the box by the springs 82, 90 exercises the lower leg muscle as the foot is moved about the multi-axis joint 16. The force which the foot must oppose is easily and readily changed merely by substitution of springs having greater or lower spring rates. The springs 82, 90 bias the foot holder 14 to an initial or at rest position, which is illustrated in FIG. 1. The restoring force increases in a generally linear fashion as a function of distance of movement of the holder 14 from the initial position.
In use, the apparatus 10 will be placed on the floor or any suitable level surface. The box or foot holder 14 is held in a generally vertical or perpendicular orientation by the springs 82, 90 and by the hinge means or joint 16. The user assumes a seated position in front of the holder 14 and inserts his foot into the holder as shown in FIG. 1. The lower leg muscles are exercised and developed by flexion and extension of the foot and by rotation of the lower leg. Compound motion is obtained by the multi-axis joint 16. Movement of the holder 14 by the user creates a dynamic load on the ankle and leg muscles. The holder can be rotated as far as possible by the user and then held in the rotated position for a suitable period of time, five to ten seconds, for example. When holding the box, a static load is placed on the muscles and the benefits of isometric exercise are obtained.
The apparatus, by permitting lateral or side-to-side movement of the foot and vertical movement about the pitch axis, simulates the forces exerted on the leg during ski boot/binding release or when the ski is rotated during turning. Lateral movement and vertical movement can be performed independently or done together in a compound motion. Some ski bindings permit simultaneous toe and heel release. Also, some bindings allow side-to-side motion of both the toe and heel. The present invention is capable of simulating the loads of all of these bindings.
An alternative embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 4 and generally designated 10'. Embodiment 10' similarly includes a base 112 having an upper surface 114. Secured to the base 112 is a lower, generally cylindrical, cup-shaped spring retainer 116. Spring retainer 116 includes a base or bottom wall 118 and a peripheral skirt 120. Supported above retainer 116 is the foot holder or foot retaining means 14. In embodiment 10', foot retaining means 14 is secured by suitable fasteners 122 extending through end wall 36 and to an upper spring retainer 126. Upper spring retainer is superimposed on lower spring retainer 116. Positioned between the spring retainers and supporting foot holer 14 is a joint structure 128. Joint structure 128 includes a rod-like lower member 130 having an elongated, generally cylindrical rod-like portion 132 which is secured at a lower end 134 to the lower spring retainer 116 and hence the base 112. An upper end 136 of member 130 defines a concave, socket-like member 138. Joint 128 further includes another rod-like member 140 having an elongated portion 142 secured at its upper end to the upper spring retainer 126. A lower end 144 of member 140 defines a ball element 146 having a spherical bearing surface 148. Ball element 146 is snapped within socket portion 136 and held thereby. Joint 128 permits multi-axis movement of foot holder 14 in a semihemispherical plane. Resistance to movement is accomplished by a coil spring 150, schematically shown in FIG. 4. Coil spring 150 is preferably in compression and is held between upper retainer 126 and lower retainer 116 by joint 128. Spring 150 is dimensioned so as to be held in place by the peripheral skirt 120 of retainer 116 and peripheral skirt 120 of upper retainer 126. The longitudinal axis of member 130 is coincident with the longitudinal axis of spring 150.
The operation of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 is essentially the same as that of the FIG. 1 embodiment. The user places his or her foot within the foot holder 14 which is secured to the upper retainer 126. The foot may now be moved in almost any direction with the heel pivoting or rotating approximately about the ball and socket joint 128. The foot may be moved in a lateral or side-to-side motion in a vertical plane or in any one of a number of circular motions. Resistance, dynamic and static loading of the leg muscles are accomplished by the compression spring 150.
A device in accordance with either of the preferred embodiments of the present invention allows the lower leg muscles to be stressed, exercised and developed in the same manner that they are stressed during a ski boot/binding release or attempted release. The muscles are exercised as they would during during normal skiing. The invention permits development to achieve increased proficiency and quick and controlled foot-ski rotation.
Although developed primarily to assist a skier in increasing lower leg strength, the device in accordance with the present invention could be used by any athlete involved in an activity requiring lower leg strength. The present invention, therefore, provides for the exercise and strengthening of the lower leg in both dynamic and static modes and is useful in preventing injury and increasing proficiency in a variety of athletic endeavors.
In view of the foregoing description, those of ordinary skill in the art will undoubtedly envision various modifications which would not depart from the inventive concepts disclosed herein. For example, instead of a single compression, coil spring 150 in the FIG. 4 embodiment, a plurality of smaller diameter springs could be arranged in a circular array and compressed between the upper and lower spring retainers. Further, it is believed that a joint other than the ball and socket joint or the double hinge joint structure illustrated could be used. The primary consideration is that multi-axis or compound movement of the foot holder be provided. Therefore, it is expressly intended that the above description should be considered as that of the preferred embodiment. The true spirit and scope of the present invention may be determined by reference to the appended claims. | An apparatus for developing the lower leg muscles used while skiing includes a base and a foot holder. A joint interconnects the foot holder with the base and permits multi-axis, compound motion of the holder. A flexible force applying member engages the foot holder substantially at the terminal free end of the foot holder opposite the heel receiving portion to bias the holder to the initial position which is generally vertical with respect to the base and to oppose movement of the holder from an initial position. | 0 |
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 12/576,035 filed on Oct. 8, 2009, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 12/120,765 filed on May 15, 2008, which claims the priority of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/942,122 filed on Jun. 5, 2007.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to nutritional supplements. More particularly, the invention relates to compositions and methods for supplementing the diet for improving health and preventing disease.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Chronically elevated blood levels of cholesterol lead to cardiovascular disease as the cholesterol finds its way into the walls of blood vessels and damages them. This ultimately results in symptoms of chronic arterial insufficiency such as angina and claudication on the one hand, and acute vascular insufficiency, such as heart attack and stroke on the other.
[0004] Over $120 billion dollars is spent on direct and indirect costs associated with cardiovascular disease annually in the United States alone. Cardiovascular disease incidence increases with serum LDL cholesterol in a log linear fashion and more importantly declines with treatment-induced reduction of serum LDL cholesterol.
[0005] Conventional therapy for elevated blood cholesterol levels takes the form of four classes of FDA approved medications: statins, bioresins, fibrates, and niacin.
[0006] Of these, statins are the most widely used with greater than $20 billion in annual sales; however, all the classes, including statins, have side effects and at higher doses, that are necessary to achieve targets, result in side effects that limit their utility. This is especially so of niacin and statins.
[0007] Recently, it has been appreciated that in attempting to lower cholesterol, two or more drugs with different mechanisms of action can lower toxicity and produce synergy in the cholesterol lowering effect. Vytorin, a recently introduced combination of Zetia and Simvastatin, has been shown to decrease cholesterol absorption and synthesis and reduce cholesterol better than the sum of the expected reduction of either drug alone. This is explained by a phenomenon I refer to as “escape homeostasis.” When one pathway to cholesterol elevation is blocked, an alternative pathway is often enhanced by the body, so that the overall cholesterol levels are maintained. There is, thus, a built-in or automatic drug resistance that can only be overcome with multiple active agents working simultaneous at different sites. It is noteworthy that evidence exists that even homeopathic, previously felt sub-therapeutic amounts of biologically active cholesterol lowering compounds can exert powerful efficacy with minimal side effects when combined with other agents that work by alternative pathways.
SUMMARY
[0008] The invention is based on the development of a cholesterol lowering nutritional supplement that utilizes multiple mechanisms and sites of action to reduce cholesterol and also has ingredients that reduce toxicity, increase the rate of metabolism both on a general and a cellular level and, finally stimulate compliance by causing a sense of mild euphoria and well-being, as well as enhancing metabolism.
[0009] Accordingly, in one aspect, the invention features a nutritional supplement that includes at least two active ingredients selected from among the following: niacin, a phytosterol component, red yeast rice, coenzyme Q10, L-carnitine, and ascorbic acid.
[0010] In another aspect, the invention can feature the nutritional supplement further including water, juice, or juice concentrate.
[0011] In another aspect, the invention can feature the nutritional supplement prepared as a baked good, a concentrate, or a powder.
[0012] In another aspect, the invention can feature each serving of the nutritional supplement including about 5 to 100 mg of niacin.
[0013] In another aspect, the invention can feature each serving of the nutritional supplement including about 400 to 3,000 mg of the phytosterol component.
[0014] In another aspect, the invention can feature each serving of the nutritional supplement including about 300 to 3,000 mg of red yeast rice.
[0015] In another aspect, the invention can feature each serving of the nutritional supplement including about 50 to 250 mg of L-carnitine.
[0016] In another aspect, the invention can feature each serving of the nutritional supplement including about 300 to 1,200 mg of ascorbic acid.
[0017] In another aspect, the invention can feature each serving of the nutritional supplement including about 10 to 200 mg of coenzyme Q10.
[0018] In another aspect, the invention can feature each serving of the nutritional supplement including less than about 50 mg of niacin.
[0019] In another aspect, the invention can feature the phytosterol component including at least one phytosterol ester.
[0020] In another aspect, the invention can feature the nutritional supplement including at least three active ingredients selected from among the following: niacin, a phytosterol component, red yeast rice, coenzyme Q10, L-carnitine, and ascorbic acid.
[0021] In another aspect, the invention can feature the nutritional supplement including at least four active ingredients selected from among the following: niacin, a phytosterol component, red yeast rice, coenzyme Q10, L-carnitine, and ascorbic acid.
[0022] In another aspect, the invention can feature the nutritional supplement including at least five active ingredients selected from among the following: niacin, a phytosterol component, red yeast rice, coenzyme Q10, L-carnitine, and ascorbic acid.
[0023] In another aspect, the invention can feature the nutritional supplement including niacin, a phytosterol component, red yeast rice, coenzyme Q10, L-carnitine, and ascorbic acid.
[0024] In another aspect, the invention features the nutritional supplement including malto dextrin.
[0025] In another aspect, the invention can feature the nutritional supplement including two daily servings. Each serving can include as ingredients water or juice, about 5 to 50 mg of niacin, about 500 to 1,500 mg of at least one phytosterol ester, about 300 to 1,500 mg of red yeast rice, about 10 to 200 mg of coenzyme Q10, about 50 to 250 mg of L-carnitine, and about 300 to 1,200 mg of ascorbic acid.
[0026] In another aspect, the invention can feature two servings of the nutritional supplement being packaged in a container.
[0027] The invention also features a method that includes the step of administering to a subject for at least 7 days a nutritional supplement comprising at least two active ingredients selected from among the following: niacin, a phytosterol component, red yeast rice, coenzyme Q10, L-carnitine, and ascorbic acid.
[0028] In another aspect, the method can also feature the step of administering the nutritional supplement to the subject twice daily.
[0029] In another aspect, the method can also feature the step of preparing the nutritional supplement in a form selected from among a baked good, a concentrate, or a powder.
[0030] Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. All publications, patent applications, patents and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In the case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions will control.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] The invention provides an aqueous composition of ingredients and dietary supplements to yield a cholesterol lowering drink. The composition is typically contained within a two-serving container such as a can or bottle and includes water and a combination of at least two of niacin, a phytosterol component, red yeast rice, coenzyme Q10, L-carnitine, and ascorbic acid in amount effective to reduce serum cholesterol levels in a subject who drinks the composition on a regular basis (e.g., once a day, twice a day, every two days, or every three days).
[0032] The active ingredients are preferably included at a concentration effective to reduce a subject's serum cholesterol by at least 10% (e.g., at least 20, 30, 40, or 50%) when included in combination with each other and administered to the subject on a regular basis (e.g., twice a day or once a day for at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, or 24 weeks). In an exemplary embodiment, the composition can be administered twice daily to the subject in the form of and as part of a beverage, e.g., as a nutritional drink.
[0033] Niacin lowers cholesterol by inhibiting lipoprotein formation or release in the liver. Phytosterols lower cholesterol by competing for absorption in the intestines. Red Yeast Rice is a dietary supplement and coloring agent that has been used in Chinese food and medicines for centuries. It decreases synthesis and absorption of cholesterol, produces red coloration which stimulates appetite, compliance, and metabolism. On a cellular level, L-carnitine and coenzyme Q10 enhance transport of fatty acids to the mitochondria and enhance the burning of fatty acids respectively. L-carnitine can also cause a mild sense of euphoria, a beneficial effect that may result in greater compliances with the preparation containing it. Ascorbic acid changes the constitution of bile to decrease cholesterol absorption and inhibit the HMG-CoA reductase pathway, the rate-limiting step in cholesterol biosynthesis.
[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, the phytosterol component can include one or more phytosterol esters.
[0035] In one embodiment, the beverage can include 6.9 g of a composition in a 8-ounce container. The beverage can be packaged in a bottle or other container that contains two servings, e.g., two 4-ounce servings in an 8-ounce container. The composition can include the following ingredients in each 4-ounce serving: about 12.5 mg of niacin (niacinamide), about 500 mg of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), about 150 mg of L-carnitine (L-carnitine-L-tartrate), about 25 mg of coenzyme Q10, about 660 mg of phytosterol esters, and q.s. maltodextrin. Servings of the beverage can be consumed twice daily, for example, one serving in the morning and one serving at night.
[0036] In another embodiment, the beverage can include 8.2 g of a composition in an 8-ounce container. The beverage can be packaged in a bottle or other container that contains two servings, e.g., two 4-ounce servings in an 8-ounce container. The composition can include the following ingredients in each 4-ounce serving: about 600 mg of red yeast rice powder, about 12.5 mg of niacin (niacinamide), about 500 mg of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), about 150 mg of L-carnitine (L-carnitine-L-tartrate), about 25 mg of coenzyme Q10, about 660 mg of phytosterol esters, and q.s. maltodextrin. Servings of the beverage can be consumed twice daily, for example, one serving in the morning and one serving at night.
[0037] Although 4-ounce servings and 8-ounce containers are described herein, the serving size and container size can be different as long as the amounts of each ingredient remain consistent. For example, each serving can be 3.5, 4.5, 5, 6, 7, 7.5, 8.5, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, or 16 ounces.
[0038] Each serving of the composition can include niacin in the amounts of about 4.5, 5, 6, 6.1, 6.5, 6.6, 6.9, 7, 7.5, 8, 9, 9.9, 10, 10.1, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 11.9, 12, 12.1, 12.5, 12.6, 12.9, 13, 15, 19, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 75, 80, 90, 99, 100, 101, or 110 mg or more. In exemplary embodiments, each serving of the composition can contain less than about 50 mg of niacin. In one exemplary embodiment, each serving of the composition can contain about 12.5 mg of niacin.
[0039] Each serving of the composition can include phytosterol esters in the amounts of about 300, 400, 500, 550, 600, 625, 640, 649, 651, 660, 675, 700, 800, 900, 1,000, 1,250, 1,320, 1,500, 1,800, 1,900, 1,950, 1,999, 2,000, 2,001, 2,050, or 2,100 mg or more. In exemplary embodiments, each serving of the composition can contain about 660 mg of phytosterol esters.
[0040] Each serving of the composition can include coenzyme Q in the amounts of about 8, 9, 10, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22.5, 24, 24.5, 24.9, 25, 25.1, 25.5, 26, 27, 27.5, 28, 29, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 75, 90, 100, 150, 200, 250, or 300 mg or more. In exemplary embodiments, each serving of the composition can contain about 25 mg of coenzyme Q.
[0041] Each serving of the composition can include L-carnitine in the amounts of about 90, 95, 100, 110, 115, 125, 135, 140, 145, 149, 149.1, 149.9, 150, 150.1, 150.5, 151, 153, 155, 160, 170, 175, 180, 190, 200, 250, 300, 400, or 500 mg or more. In exemplary embodiments, each serving of the composition can contain about 75-150 mg of L-carnitine. In one exemplary embodiment, each serving of the composition can contain about 150 mg of L-carnitine.
[0042] Each serving of the composition can include ascorbic acid in the amounts of about 50, 100, 200, 250, 300, 400, 450, 475, 490, 499, 499.1, 500, 500.1, 500.5, 501, 510, 520, 535, 550, 600, 625, 640, 649, 651, 660, 675, 700, 800, 900, 1,000, 1,500, or 2,000 mg or more. In exemplary embodiments, each serving of the composition can contain about 500 mg of ascorbic acid.
[0043] Each serving of the composition can include red yeast rice in the amounts of about 300, 400, 500, 550, 575, 590, 595, 599, 599.1, 599.9, 600, 600.1, 600.5, 601, 610, 620, 625, 640, 650, 660, 675, 700, 800, 900, 1,000, 1,250, 1,500, 1,800, 1,900, 1,950, 1,999, 2,000, 2,001, 2,050, 2,100, or 2,400 mg or more. In exemplary embodiments, each serving of the composition can contain about 600 mg of red yeast rice.
[0044] The composition can also feature maltodextrin making up the remainder of any 6.9 g, 8.2 g, or other amount of the composition premixture before the addition of water to create the beverage. The beverage may also contain artificial or natural flavorings and colorings.
EXAMPLE 1
[0045] A beverage for administration twice daily to a human subject can include two servings stored in a container such as, for example, a bottle. Each serving of the beverage can include water (100-500 ml) and 6.9 g of the composition. The composition can include as ingredients phytosterol esters (about 660 mg), niacin (less than about 50 mg), coenzyme Q10 (about 25 mg), ascorbic acid (about 500 mg), L-carnitine (about 75-150 mg), and maltodextrin (q.s.).
EXAMPLE 2
[0046] A beverage for administration twice daily can include two servings stored in a container such as, for example, a bottle or can. Each serving of the beverage can include water (about 100 to 500 ml) and 8.2 g of the composition. As ingredients, the composition can feature phytosterol esters (about 660 mg), niacin (less than about 50 mg), red yeast rice (about 600 mg), coenzyme Q10 (about 25 mg), ascorbic acid (about 500 mg), L-carnitine (about 75-150 mg), and maltodextrin (q.s.).
[0047] In an exemplary method of the invention, the composition can be administered to a human subject at least twice daily in the form of a beverage or nutritional drink. The two daily doses of the beverage can be contained within a single container such as, for example, a bottle or can. In another embodiment, each serving of the beverage can be packaged in a separate bottle or container. The beverage can be administered twice daily for at least 7 days. The beverage can include water and at least two active ingredients selected from among the following: niacin, a phytosterol component, red yeast rice, coenzyme Q10, L-carnitine, and ascorbic acid.
[0048] In another method of the invention, the composition may be administered at an interval different than twice daily, e.g., once, three times, or four times daily.
[0049] In still another method of the invention, the composition can be administered to a human subject to reduce the subject's blood cholesterol levels.
[0050] The invention can also include a nutritional supplement that can be created as a powder that can be added to food items, as a baked good (e.g., as cookies and brownies), and as a concentrate. The concentrate can be added to water or another ingestible liquid to create a nutritional beverage. Thus, the nutritional supplement can be provided in an ingestible form that can lower cholesterol in human subjects. The nutritional supplement is typically contained within a two-serving container such as a package, box, carton, wrapper, bottle or can. Where the nutritional supplement is prepared in the form of a concentrate that can be added to and mixed with a beverage, a bottle or can be used for packaging the concentrate. The nutritional supplement can include a combination of at least two of niacin, a phytosterol component, red yeast rice, coenzyme Q10, L-carnitine, and ascorbic acid in amounts effective to reduce serum cholesterol levels in a subject who ingest the composition on a regular basis (e.g., once a day, twice a day, every two days, or every three days). The nutritional supplement can also include water.
[0051] As with the nutritional beverage, the active ingredients of the nutritional supplement are preferably included at a concentration effective to reduce a subject's serum cholesterol by at least 10% (e.g., at least 20, 30, 40, or 50%) when included in combination with each other and administered to the subject on a regular basis (e.g., twice a day or once a day for at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, or 24 weeks). In an exemplary embodiment, the composition can be administered twice daily to the subject in the form of and as part of a powder that can be added to food items, incorporated into a baked good (e.g., as a snack bar, a cookie or a brownie), or as a concentrate mixed with water or another beverage.
[0052] In an exemplary embodiment, the phytosterol component can include one or more phyto sterol esters.
[0053] In one embodiment, the nutritional supplement can include 6.9 g of a composition in an 8-ounce container. The nutritional supplement can be packaged in a container that contains two servings, e.g., two 4-ounce servings in an 8-ounce container. The composition of this embodiment of the nutritional supplement can include the following ingredients in each 4-ounce serving: about 12.5 mg of niacin (niacinamide), about 500 mg of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), about 150 mg of L-carnitine (L-carnitine-L-tartrate), about 25 mg of coenzyme Q10, about 660 mg of phytosterol esters, and q.s. maltodextrin. Servings of the nutritional supplement can be consumed twice daily, for example, one serving in the morning and one serving at night.
[0054] In another embodiment, the nutritional supplement can include 8.2 g of a composition in an 8-ounce container. The beverage can be packaged in a bottle or other container that contains two servings, e.g., two 4-ounce servings in an 8-ounce container. The composition of this embodiment of the nutritional supplement can include the following ingredients in each 4-ounce serving: about 600 mg of red yeast rice powder, about 12.5 mg of niacin (niacinamide), about 500 mg of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), about 150 mg of L-carnitine (L-carnitine-L-tartrate), about 25 mg of coenzyme Q10, about 660 mg of phytosterol esters, and q.s. maltodextrin. Servings of the nutritional supplement can be consumed twice daily, for example, one serving in the morning and one serving at night.
[0055] Although 4-ounce servings and 8-ounce containers are described herein, the serving size and container size can be different as long as the amounts of each ingredient remain consistent. For example, each serving can be 3.5, 4.5, 5, 6, 7, 7.5, 8.5, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, or 16 ounces.
[0056] Each serving of the nutritional supplement can include niacin in the amounts of about 4.5, 5, 6, 6.1, 6.5, 6.6, 6.9, 7, 7.5, 8, 9, 9.9, 10, 10.1, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 11.9, 12, 12.1, 12.5, 12.6, 12.9, 13, 15, 19, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 75, 80, 90, 99, 100, 101, or 110 mg or more. In exemplary embodiments, each serving of the nutritional supplement can contain less than about 50 mg of niacin. In one exemplary embodiment, each serving of the nutritional supplement can contain about 12.5 mg of niacin.
[0057] Each serving of the nutritional supplement can include phytosterol esters in the amounts of about 300, 400, 500, 550, 600, 625, 640, 649, 651, 660, 675, 700, 800, 900, 1,000, 1,250, 1,320, 1,500, 1,800, 1,900, 1,950, 1,999, 2,000, 2,001, 2,050, or 2,100 mg or more. In exemplary embodiments, each serving of the nutritional supplement can contain about 660 mg of phytosterol esters.
[0058] Each serving of the nutritional supplement can include coenzyme Q in the amounts of about 8, 9, 10, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22.5, 24, 24.5, 24.9, 25, 25.1, 25.5, 26, 27, 27.5, 28, 29, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 75, 90, 100, 150, 200, 250, or 300 mg or more. In exemplary embodiments, each serving of the nutritional supplement can contain about 25 mg of coenzyme Q.
[0059] Each serving of the nutritional supplement can include L-carnitine in the amounts of about 90, 95, 100, 110, 115, 125, 135, 140, 145, 149, 149.1, 149.9, 150, 150.1, 150.5, 151, 153, 155, 160, 170, 175, 180, 190, 200, 250, 300, 400, or 500 mg or more. In exemplary embodiments, each serving of the nutritional supplement can contain about 75-150 mg of L-carnitine. In one exemplary embodiment, each serving of the nutritional supplement can contain about 150 mg of L-carnitine.
[0060] Each serving of the nutritional supplement can include ascorbic acid in the amounts of about 50, 100, 200, 250, 300, 400, 450, 475, 490, 499, 499.1, 500, 500.1, 500.5, 501, 510, 520, 535, 550, 600, 625, 640, 649, 651, 660, 675, 700, 800, 900, 1,000, 1,500, or 2,000 mg or more. In exemplary embodiments, each serving of the nutritional supplement can contain about 500 mg of ascorbic acid.
[0061] Each serving of the nutritional supplement can include red yeast rice in the amounts of about 300, 400, 500, 550, 575, 590, 595, 599, 599.1, 599.9, 600, 600.1, 600.5, 601, 610, 620, 625, 640, 650, 660, 675, 700, 800, 900, 1,000, 1,250, 1,500, 1,800, 1,900, 1,950, 1,999, 2,000, 2,001, 2,050, 2,100, or 2,400 mg or more. In exemplary embodiments, each serving of the nutritional supplement can contain about 600 mg of red yeast rice.
[0062] The nutritional supplement can also feature maltodextrin making up the remainder of any 6.9 g, 8.2 g, or other amount of the nutritional supplement premixture before the addition of water or other food ingredients. The nutritional supplement may also contain artificial or natural flavorings and colorings.
[0063] The invention can also include a method in which the composition can be administered to a human subject at least twice daily in the form of a nutritional supplement. The nutritional supplement can be created as a solid such as, for example, a powder that can be added to food items or as a baked good (e.g., as cookies and brownies). The method can also include the nutritional supplement being a concentrate that can be added to water or another ingestible liquid to create a nutritional beverage. The two daily doses of the nutritional supplement can be contained within a single container such as, for example, a package, box, carton, wrapper, bottle or can. In another embodiment, each serving of the nutritional supplement can be packaged in a separate bottle or container. The nutritional supplement can be administered twice daily for at least 7 days. The nutritional supplement can include at least two active ingredients selected from among the following: niacin, a phytosterol component, red yeast rice, coenzyme Q10, L-carnitine, and ascorbic acid.
[0064] In another method of the invention, the nutritional supplement composition may be administered at an interval different than twice daily, e.g., once, three times, or four times daily. For example, the nutritional supplement can be ingested by the human subject in the form of a cookie, brownie, or snack bar. In another example, the nutritional supplement can be provided in the form of a powder, which can be mixed in or sprinkled onto other food items and ingested by the human subject. In still another example, the nutritional supplement can be provided in the form of a concentrate that can be mixed with a beverage selected by the human subject and then imbibed by the human subject.
[0065] In still another method of the invention, the composition can be administered to a human subject in the nutritional supplement to reduce the subject's blood cholesterol levels.
OTHER EMBODIMENTS
[0066] It is to be understood that while the invention has been described in conjunction with the detailed description thereof, the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the following claims. | A nutritional supplement specifically designed to lower cholesterol that addresses multiple mechanisms including hepatic synthesis and release, intestinal absorption of cholesterol, while, at the same time, including ingredients that mitigate the side effects of the constituents and increase their efficacy by affecting emotional factors that influence compliance such as a sense of well-being and euphoria on the one hand, or an increased overall metabolism and desire for the product stemming from its coloration on the other hand. The nutritional supplement can be prepared as a powder that can be added to a food item by a human subject, a concentrate that can be mixed with water or another beverage, or incorporated into a baked good for ingestion by the human subject. | 0 |
"FIELD OF THE INVENTION \n [0001] This invention relates generally to a pair of pants in w(...TRUNCATED) | "A pair of pants is modified to mimic a pair of fashionably patched pants except that the “patches(...TRUNCATED) | 0 |
"CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS \n [0001] Not Applicable. \n STATEMENT R(...TRUNCATED) | "A combination suction retraction instrument for surgery is disclosed. The suction retraction instru(...TRUNCATED) | 0 |
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