CN111433128A

CN111433128A - Expandable container

Info

Publication number: CN111433128A
Application number: CN201880078072.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 奥斯卡·索伊; 斯科特·德马雷斯特; 埃文格利阿·阿瓦尼蒂杜
Original assignee: Colgate Palmolive Co
Current assignee: Colgate Palmolive Co
Priority date: 2017-12-19
Filing date: 2018-12-13
Publication date: 2020-07-17
Also published as: AU2018388871A1; WO2019125901A3; US20190185210A1; WO2019125901A2; EP3728055A2; MX2020006146A

Abstract

A container system (100) includes a body having a first end (104) and a second end (106). The first end has an opening formed therethrough. The body defines a plurality of ribs (110) between the first end and the second end, the plurality of ribs (110) configured to actuate between a compressed state and an expanded state to change a volume inside the body. A dissolvable concentrating material (110) is disposed within the body. When a predetermined amount of water is introduced into the body after the plurality of ribs are actuated to the expanded state, the dissolvable concentrate material dissolves in the water to produce a mixture having a predetermined concentration.

Description

Expandable container

Background

Currently, containers are manufactured in a variety of sizes (e.g., volumes) to accommodate the needs of the user. For example, a single type of product, such as a cleaning solution, may be provided in a small container (e.g., 33 ounces), a medium container (e.g., 47 ounces), a large container (e.g., 56 ounces), and a very large container (e.g., 67 ounces). These containers may be filled with the mixture after manufacture, and the containers may be shipped, shelved, and sold with the mixture therein. As will be appreciated, containers having liquid mixtures therein can be heavy and cumbersome, such as when shipped via e-commerce. In addition, containers of this size may occupy a large volume during shipment and/or when placed on a shelf. It would therefore be desirable to have a container that is variable in size and configured to receive the liquid mixture at any desired time (e.g., after shipment and/or placement on a shelf).

Disclosure of Invention

A container system is disclosed. The container system includes a body having a first end and a second end. The first end has an opening formed therethrough. The body defines a plurality of ribs between the first end and the second end, the plurality of ribs configured to actuate between a compressed state and an expanded state to change a volume inside the body. A dissolvable concentrate material is disposed within the body. When a predetermined amount of water is introduced into the body after the plurality of ribs are actuated to the expanded state, the dissolvable concentrate material dissolves in the water to produce a mixture having a predetermined concentration.

Optionally, the plurality of ribs forms about 10% to about 50% of the body height when the plurality of ribs are in the compressed state, and the plurality of ribs forms about 50% to about 90% of the body height when the plurality of ribs are in the expanded state.

Optionally, the body comprises a neck that is recessed such that an upper end of the neck does not extend beyond the first end of the body.

Optionally, the soluble concentrate material is encapsulated in a water soluble material.

Alternatively, the soluble concentrate material is in powder form or is a gel.

In another embodiment, a container system includes a first body having a first end and a second end. The first end has a first opening formed therethrough. The first body defines a plurality of ribs between the first end and the second end, the plurality of ribs configured to actuate between a compressed state and an expanded state to change a first volume inside the first body. The container system also includes a second body having a second volume and configured to be coupled to or integral with the first body. The second body has a concentrate material disposed therein. Upon introduction of a predetermined amount of water and a predetermined amount of concentrate material into the first volume after actuation of the plurality of ribs to the expanded state, the concentrate material dissolves in the water to produce a mixture having a predetermined concentration.

Optionally, the additional predetermined amount of water and the additional predetermined amount of the concentrate material are configured to be introduced into the first volume to refill the mixture.

Optionally, the first body includes a neck having a first opening formed therethrough. The second body includes a packet having a tab with a second opening formed therethrough. The neck extends through the second opening to couple the first body and the second body together.

Optionally, the outer surface of the first body comprises a first engagement feature and the outer surface of the second body comprises a second engagement feature configured to engage with the first engagement feature to couple the first body and the second body together.

Optionally, the first engagement feature is positioned on a side of the first body and above the plurality of ribs. The second body includes a second opening formed therethrough. The second opening in the second body allows the concentrated material to pour from the second body into the first opening in the first body after the first and second engagement features are disengaged from each other.

Optionally, the first body is integral with the second body and the transfer path extends from the second body into the first body.

Optionally, the second body is positioned on one side of the first body and over the plurality of ribs.

Optionally, a valve or frangible seal in the transfer path allows flow from the second body into the first body, but prevents flow from the first body into the second body.

Optionally, the concentrated material flows through the transfer path and into the first body in response to a user squeezing the second body.

Optionally, the second body includes at least one actuating member configured to be squeezed to cause the concentrated material to flow through the transfer path and into the first body.

Optionally, the container system further comprises a set of instructions for using the container system. A set of instructions instructs a user to actuate one or more of a plurality of ribs defined by the first body from a compressed state into an expanded state to increase a first volume inside the first body, introduce a predetermined amount of concentrate material into the first body, and introduce a predetermined amount of water into the first body after the one or more ribs are actuated into the expanded state.

Optionally, a predetermined amount of the concentrated material is disposed in or is part of a capsule or sachet positioned inside the first body prior to the one or more ribs being actuated into the expanded state.

Optionally, the set of instructions instructs the user to introduce a predetermined amount of concentrate into the first body after the one or more ribs are actuated to the expanded state.

Optionally, the set of instructions instructs the user to remove the cap from the neck of the first body and, after the cap is removed from the neck, remove the second body from the neck. Introducing the predetermined amount of the concentrated material into the first body includes transferring the predetermined amount of the concentrated material from the second body to the first body after the second body is removed from the neck.

Optionally, the set of instructions instructs the user to detach the second ontology from the first ontology. Introducing the predetermined amount of the concentrated material into the first body includes transferring the predetermined amount of the concentrated material from the second body to the first body after the second body is separated from the first body.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Drawings

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

fig. 1 depicts a perspective view of an example of a container in a compressed state, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 2 depicts a perspective view of an example of the container shown in fig. 1 in an expanded state, with water and concentrate material introduced into the container, according to one embodiment.

Fig. 3 depicts a perspective view of an example of the container shown in fig. 1 in a compressed state, with a second container having a concentrate material disposed therein coupled to the first container, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 4 depicts a perspective view of an example of the container shown in fig. 3 in an expanded state with water and concentrate material introduced into the container, according to one embodiment.

Fig. 5 depicts a perspective view of an example of a first container in a compressed state, wherein a second container having a concentrate material disposed therein may be coupled to the first container, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 6 depicts a perspective view of an example of the first container of fig. 5 in an expanded state with water and concentrate material introduced into the first container, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 7 depicts a perspective view of an example of a container having a first volume portion and a second volume portion, according to one embodiment.

Fig. 8 depicts a cross-sectional side view of the example of the container of fig. 7 with the first volume portion expanded and the concentrated material transferred from the second volume portion into the first volume portion, according to one embodiment.

Fig. 9 depicts a perspective view of an example of a container having a first volume portion and a second volume portion, according to one embodiment.

Fig. 10 depicts a side view of the example of the container of fig. 9 with the first volume portion expanded and the concentrated material transferred from the second volume portion into the first volume portion, according to one embodiment.

Detailed Description

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

Ranges are used throughout as a shorthand way of describing each and every value that is within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range. In addition, all references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In the event that a definition in this disclosure conflicts with a definition in a cited reference, the present disclosure controls.

The various embodiments and examples of the containers described herein may occupy a reduced volume (e.g., during manufacturing, shipping, shelving, sale, and/or storage) when compared to conventional containers that are not compressible and/or expandable. Further, the containers described herein have a reduced weight (e.g., during shipping and/or storage) when compared to conventional containers because the containers described herein can be shipped and/or stored without any solvent/carrier liquid (e.g., water) therein. Rather, the solvent/carrier liquid and/or the concentrate material can be introduced into the container at a desired time to form a mixture or solution in the container.

Fig. 1 depicts a perspective view of an example of a container 100 in a compressed state, according to an embodiment. The container 100 may include a body 102 made of plastic, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), any other flexible bottle resin, and the like. The body 102 may be produced or manufactured by a blow molding process, Injection Stretch Blow Molding (ISBM), Extrusion Blow Molding (EBM), and the like.

The body 102 may have an upper end 104 and a lower end 106. The upper end 104 may have a spout or neck 107 with an opening formed therethrough that may be sealed by a removable cap 108. The cover 108 may be or include threaded, snap-fit, flip-open, push-pull, etc. As shown, neck 107 and/or cap 108 may be recessed within upper end 104 such that the upper end of neck 107, and/or cap 108, does not extend past upper end 104 of body 102. The lower end 106 may be or include a flat base. The body 102 may define a plurality of ribs 110 (also referred to as bellows) between the upper end 104 and the lower end 106. As shown, each rib 110 may include an upper portion and a lower portion. As shown in fig. 1, the upper and lower portions may be oriented at a first angle relative to each other when the respective rib 110 is in a first (e.g., compressed) state. The first angle may be about 1 ° to about 30 °, about 2 ° to about 20 °, or about 3 ° to about 10 °.

Fig. 2 depicts a see-through perspective view of an example of the container 100 in an expanded state, according to an embodiment. One or more of the ribs 110 may expand or otherwise reconfigure to increase the height of the container 100 and increase the volume inside the container 100. The ribs 110 may be manually expanded or otherwise reconfigured (e.g., by a user pulling the upper and lower ends 104, 106 in opposite directions). As shown, when the respective rib 110 is in a second (e.g., expanded) state, the upper and lower portions of the rib 110 may be oriented at a second angle relative to one another. The second angle may be about 20 ° to about 160 °, about 40 ° to about 140 °, or about 60 ° to about 120 °. In another embodiment, the second angle may be 180 ° (i.e., straight, perpendicular). The ribs 110 may form about 10% to about 50% or about 20% to about 40% of the height of the container 100 when the ribs 110 are in a compressed state, and the ribs 110 may form about 50% to about 90% or about 60% to about 80% of the height of the container 100 when the ribs 110 are in an expanded state.

A dissolvable member or enclosure (e.g., a capsule or pouch) 140 may be introduced into the container 100 or attached within the container. In one example, the dissolvable member 140 can be or include a water soluble material, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) or another dissolvable material having a concentrated material mixed with or encapsulated therein. When the concentrated material is encapsulated within PVA (or other soluble material), the concentrated material may be in powder form, liquid form, or gel form. The concentrated material can be or include a cleaning solution (e.g., a laundry detergent, a dishwashing detergent, a floor cleaner, a surface cleaner, a hand sanitizer, a body wash, etc.), a fabric softener, a fabric conditioner, a dentifrice, a hair care product, a mouthwash, a skin cream, a deodorant composition, an antiperspirant composition, a beverage, and the like.

In one embodiment, the dissolvable member 140 may be introduced or attached to the interior of the container 100 prior to expansion of the ribs 110. For example, the dissolvable member 140 may be attached to the inside of the container 100 (e.g., using a water-soluble adhesive) after the container 100 is manufactured and before the container 100 is shipped (e.g., to a store) or sold (e.g., from a store to a user). In another embodiment, the dissolvable member 140 may be introduced into the container 100 after the ribs 110 expand. For example, a user may expand the ribs 110 and then place or otherwise introduce the dissolvable member 140 into the container 100.

A predetermined amount of water may also be poured, fluidized, or otherwise introduced into the container 100 through the opening in the neck 107 before, simultaneously with, or after the dissolvable member 140 is introduced into the container 100 and before or after the ribs 110 expand. For example, after the ribs 110 expand, a predetermined amount of water may reach the indicator 142. In at least one embodiment, as described above, the weight of water introduced into the container 100 may cause the ribs 110 to expand, rather than manually expanding or otherwise reconfiguring the ribs 110. In such an embodiment, a person may suspend the container 100 by holding the upper end 104 only when water is introduced, such that the weight of the water pushes down to the lower end 106 and bottom of the container 100. In yet another embodiment, the neck 107 may be coupled to or in intimate contact with a water source (e.g., a sink) such that the water hydraulically expands the ribs 110. In yet another embodiment, the dissolvable member 140 may generate gas upon contact with water, and the gas may cause the ribs 110 to expand after the cap 108 is re-coupled to the neck 107 to seal the interior volume.

The dissolvable member 140 can be dissolved in water, and the concentrate material and water can be mixed in the container 100 (e.g., by shaking the first container 100) to form a mixture or solution having a predetermined concentration. The predetermined concentration may be, for example, about 1 part concentrate to about 10 parts water or about 1 part concentrate to about 15 parts water. The predetermined concentration may have the active ingredient present in an amount of about 1% to about 5% or about 2% to about 3%. After the mixture is used, additional dissolvable members 140 may be introduced into the container 100 and more water may be added to form another mixture. In this way, the container 100 may be reused for refilling.

The amount of concentrate material in the dissolvable member 140 may correspond to (e.g., be proportional to) the volume inside the container 100 after the ribs 110 expand. For example, after the container 100 is expanded, a predetermined amount of water may be introduced into the container 100 until the container 100 is full or the liquid level reaches a predetermined marker 142. At this point, the ratio of concentrate material to water in the container 100 may be a predetermined/designed ratio to cause the mixture to have a desired concentration such that the mixture has desired (e.g., cleaning) characteristics.

Fig. 3 depicts a perspective view of an example of a container (now referred to as a first container) 100 in a compressed state, wherein a second container 150 having a concentrate material disposed therein is coupled to the first container 100, according to one embodiment. The second container 150 is also shown in phantom after being separated and removed from the first container 100 (e.g., in preparation for placing its contents into the first container 100). The second container 150 may be or include a bag, pouch, or the like. As shown, the second container 150 may have a flap or tab having an opening 152 formed therethrough that is configured to be positioned around the neck 107 and/or the lid 108 of the first container 100 to couple the second container 150 to the first container 100. The diameter of the opening 152 may be larger than the diameter of the neck 107, but smaller than the diameter of the cap 108, such that when the cap 108 is in place as shown, the second container 150 is secured around the neck 107 by the tabs, and such that the second container 150 is easily removed from the neck 107 when the cap 108 is removed. In another embodiment, the second container 150 may be adhered to the exterior of the first container 100. In another embodiment, the second container 150 may be positioned at least partially within a recess formed in the exterior of the first container 100. The second container 150 may have a concentrate material disposed therein. The concentrate material may be in the form of a powder, liquid, paste, gel, foam, emulsion, or the like.

Fig. 4 depicts a perspective view of an example of the first container 100 in an expanded state, wherein water and concentrate materials are introduced into the first container 100, according to one embodiment. As described above, one or more of the ribs 110 may expand or otherwise reconfigure to increase the volume inside the first container 100. The cap 108 may be removed prior to expanding the ribs 110 to allow air to flow through the opening in the neck 107 as the volume of the first container 100 increases. After the cap 108 is removed, the second container 150 may be removed from the neck 107 and opened (e.g., by tearing or cutting, etc.). The concentrate material in the second container 150 may be introduced into the first container 100 through the opening in the neck 107 of the first container 100 before or after the ribs 110 expand. It is also possible to introduce a predetermined amount of water into the first container 100 through an opening in the neck 107 of the first container 100 before, simultaneously with or after the introduction of the concentrate material into the first container 100. For example, after the ribs 110 expand, a predetermined amount of water may reach the indicator 142. The concentrate material and water may be mixed in the first container 100 (e.g., by shaking the first container 100) to form a mixture or solution having a predetermined concentration. The predetermined concentration may be the same as described above.

The expanded volume of the container 100 may accurately correspond (e.g., be proportional) to the amount of concentrated material in the second container 105 such that the mixture or solution has the appropriate concentration to produce the particular desired characteristic (e.g., desired cleaning characteristic) of the mixture or solution. In other words, after the container 100 is expanded, the concentrate material and water may be added until the container 100 is full or the liquid level reaches the predetermined indicia 142. At this point, the ratio of concentrate material to water in the container 100 may be a predetermined/designed ratio to cause the mixture to have a desired concentration such that the mixture has desired characteristics.

Fig. 5 depicts a perspective view of another example of a first container 500 in a compressed state, in which a second container 550 is configured to be removably coupled to the first container 100, according to an embodiment. As previously described, the second container may contain a concentrate material. The first container 500 may be similar to the first container 100; however, the first container 500 may include an external recess or void 520. In the illustrated embodiment, the recess or void 520 is positioned on a side of the neck 107 and/or above the rib 510. Other embodiments may have different arrangements. The first container 500 may include a first engagement feature 524 on an exterior thereof that at least partially defines the exterior recess or void 520. In the example shown in fig. 5, the first engagement feature 524 is a triangular tab.

The second container 550 may include a body 552 sized and shaped to be positioned in the recess or void 520. The second container 550 may include a second engagement feature 554 configured to engage or mate with the first engagement feature 524. In the example shown in fig. 5, the second engagement feature 554 is a triangular groove that mates with the triangular tongue 524. In various examples of implementations, the first engagement feature 524 and the second engagement feature 554 may be or include a snap engagement, a dovetail engagement, a rail and rail, an undercut, an adhesive, and/or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the second container 550 may be disengaged from the first container 500 by moving or sliding the second container 550 upward (i.e., away from the lower end 106 of the first container 500). The second container 550 may have a concentrate material disposed therein. The body 552 of the second container 550 may have a neck 557 with an opening formed therethrough, which may be sealed by a removable cap 558.

Fig. 6 depicts a perspective view of an example of the first container 500 of fig. 5 in an expanded state, where water and concentrate material are introduced into the first container 500, according to an embodiment. As described above, one or more of the ribs 510 may expand or otherwise reconfigure to increase the volume inside the first container 500, as described above. Before or after the ribs 510 expand, the second engagement feature 554 on the second container 550 may be disengaged from the first engagement feature 524 on the first container 500 (e.g., by moving or sliding the second container 550 upward).

The concentrate material in the second container 550 may be introduced into the first container 500 through the opening in the neck 107 of the first container 500 before or after the ribs 510 expand. A predetermined amount of water may also be introduced into the first container 500 through an opening in the neck 107 of the first container 500 before, simultaneously with, or after the introduction of the concentrate material into the first container 500. For example, after the ribs 510 expand, a predetermined amount of water may reach the indicator 542. The concentrate material and water may be mixed in the first container 500 (e.g., by shaking the first container 500) to form a mixture or solution having a predetermined concentration. The predetermined concentration may be the same as described above.

The expanded volume of the first container 500 and the volume of the second container 550 may correspond exactly (e.g., be proportional) to each other. For example, after the first container 500 is expanded, a predetermined amount of water and a predetermined amount of concentrate material from the second container 550 may be introduced into the first container 500 until the first container 500 is full or the liquid level reaches a predetermined marker 542. At this time, the ratio of the concentrate material to water in the first container 500 may be a predetermined/designed ratio to cause the mixture to have a desired concentration such that the mixture has desired characteristics. If the predetermined portion is, for example, 1/4 of the concentrated material in the second container 550, a predetermined number (e.g., 4) batches of the mixture may be formed in the first container 500.

Fig. 7 depicts a perspective view of an example of another container 700 having a first volume portion 703 and a second volume portion 753, in accordance with an embodiment. The container 700 may be similar to the first container 100; however, the container 700 may include a first body portion 702 defining a first volume portion 703 and a second body portion 752 defining a second volume portion 753. The first body portion 702 and the second body portion 752 can be coupled to or integral with one another such that fluid can pass from the second volume portion 753 into the first volume portion 703. As shown in this example, the second body portion 752 may be positioned on a side of the first neck 707 and/or above the rib 710.

The first body portion 702 may have a first neck 707 having an opening formed therethrough that may be sealed by a first removable cap 708. Fluid (e.g., water) may be introduced into the first volume portion 703 through an opening in the first neck portion 707. Similarly, the second body portion 752 can have a second neck portion 757 having an opening formed therethrough that can be sealed by a second removable cap 758. For example, when manufacturing the container 700, the concentrate material may be introduced into the second volume portion 753 through an opening in the second neck portion 757.

Fig. 8 depicts a cross-sectional side view of an example of a container 700 according to an embodiment, where the first body portion 702 is in an expanded state and the concentrated material is transferred from the second volume portion 753 into the first volume portion 703. The concentrated material may be transferred from the second volume portion 753 to the first volume portion 703 via a transfer path 760, e.g., for the concentrated material in fluid form. In some embodiments, as illustrated, the transfer path 760 can extend upward from a lower portion of the second volume portion 753 and into the first volume portion 703. In use, a user can squeeze or compress the second body portion 752 to reduce the volume of the second volume portion 753, causing at least a portion of the concentrated material to flow through the transfer path 760 and into the first volume portion 703. As shown in this example, the second body portion 752 may be squeezed or compressed toward the transfer path 760. In at least one embodiment, a valve or frangible seal 762 can be positioned within the transfer path to prevent flow in the opposite direction (e.g., from the first volume portion 703 to the second volume portion 753). A predetermined amount of water may also be introduced into the first volume 703 through an opening in the first neck 707 of the first body portion 702 before, simultaneously with, or after the concentrated material is introduced into the first volume 703. For example, after the ribs 710 expand, a predetermined amount of water may reach the indicator 742. The concentrate material and water may be mixed together in the first volume portion 703 to form a mixture or solution having a predetermined concentration. The predetermined concentration may be the same as described above.

The expanded first volume portion 703 and the second volume portion 753 can correspond exactly (e.g., be proportional) to each other. For example, after the first volume portion 703 is expanded, a predetermined amount of water and a predetermined amount of concentrate material from the second volume portion 753 can be introduced into the first volume portion 703 until the first volume portion 703 is full or the liquid level reaches the predetermined marker 742. At this point, the ratio of the concentrate material to water in the first volume portion 703 may be a predetermined/designed ratio to cause the mixture to have a desired concentration such that the mixture has desired characteristics. If the predetermined portion is, for example, 1/4 of the concentrated material in the second volume portion 753, a predetermined number (e.g., 4) batches of the mixture may be formed in the first volume portion 703.

Fig. 9 depicts a perspective view of an example of another container 900 having a first volume portion 903 and a second volume portion 953, according to an embodiment. The container 900 may be similar to the first container 700, including a transfer path that functions similarly to the transfer path 760; however, the second body portion 952 of the container 900 defining the second volume portion 953 may include one or more actuating members (two shown: 954A, 954B) configured to be squeezed or compressed to cause the concentrated material to flow into the first volume portion 903.

Fig. 10 depicts a perspective view of an example of a container 900 according to an embodiment, wherein the first body portion 902 is in an expanded state and wherein concentrated material is transferred from the second volume portion 953 into the first volume portion 903. The concentrated material may be transferred from the second volume portion 953 to the first volume portion 903 through a nozzle or orifice or other transfer path (not shown) between the first volume portion 903 and the second volume portion 953. For example, a user may squeeze or compress the actuation members 954A, 954B to decrease the second volume portion 953, causing at least a portion of the concentrated material to flow through the nozzle or orifice and into the first volume portion 903. As shown, a user may squeeze or compress the actuation members 954A, 954B toward each other. In at least one embodiment, a valve (not shown) can be positioned within the nozzle or orifice to prevent flow in the opposite direction (e.g., from the first volume portion 903 into the second volume portion 953). A predetermined amount of water may also be introduced into the first volume portion 903 through an opening in the first body portion 902 before, simultaneously with, or after the concentrated material is introduced into the first volume portion 903. For example, after the ribs 910 expand, a predetermined amount of water may reach the indicator 942. The concentrate material and water can be mixed together in the first volume portion 903 to form a mixture or solution having a predetermined concentration. The predetermined concentration may be the same as described above.

The expanded first volume portion 903 and the second volume portion 953 may correspond exactly (e.g., be proportional) to each other. For example, after the first volume portion 903 is expanded, a predetermined amount of water and a predetermined amount of concentrate material from the second volume portion 953 can be introduced into the first volume portion 903 until the first volume portion 903 is full or the liquid level reaches the predetermined marker 942. At this point, the ratio of the concentrate material to water in the first volume portion 903 can be a predetermined/designed ratio to cause the mixture to have a desired concentration such that the mixture has desired characteristics. If the predetermined portion is, for example, 1/4 of concentrated material in the second volume portion 953, a predetermined number (e.g., 4) batches of the mixture can be formed in the first volume portion 903.

The containers (e.g., container systems) described above may be packaged and sold with a set of instructions for using the container systems. The instructions may instruct the user to actuate one or more of the plurality of

ribs

110, 510, 710, 910 defined by the first body/

container

100, 500, 700, 900 into the expanded state to increase the first volume inside the first body/

container

100, 500, 700, 900. The instructions may also instruct the user to introduce a predetermined amount of concentrate material into the first body/

container

100, 500, 700, 900. The instructions may also instruct the user to introduce a predetermined amount of water into the first body/

container

100, 500, 700, 900 after actuating one or more of the

ribs

110, 510, 710, 910 into the expanded state.

The instructions may also instruct the user to introduce a predetermined amount of concentrate material inside the first body/

container

100, 500, 700, 900 after the one or

more ribs

110, 510, 710, 910 are actuated to the expanded state.

The instructions may also instruct the user to remove the cap 108, 508, 708 from the

neck

107, 507, 707 in the first body/

container

100, 500, 700, 900 and to remove the second body/

container

150, 550, 750, 950 from the

neck

107, 507, 707 after removing the cap 108, 508, 708 from the

neck

107, 507, 707. Introducing the predetermined amount of the concentrated material into the first body/

container

100, 500, 700, 900 may include transferring the predetermined amount of the concentrated material from the second body/

container

150, 550, 750, 950 to the first body/

container

100, 500, 700, 900 after removing the second body/

container

150, 550, 750, 950 from the

neck

107, 507, 707.

The instructions may also instruct the user to separate the second body/

container

150, 550, 750, 950 from the first body/

container

100, 500, 700, 900. Introducing the predetermined amount of the concentrated material into the first body/

container

150, 550, 750, 950 to the first body/

container

100, 500, 700, 900 after separating the second body/

container

150, 550, 750, 950 from the first body/

container

100, 500, 700, 900.

Introducing the predetermined amount of the concentrated material into the first body/

container

100, 500, 700, 900 can include squeezing the second body/

container

150, 550, 750, 950 to reduce the second volume, thereby causing the predetermined amount of the concentrated material to flow through the transfer path 760 and into the first body/

container

100, 500, 700, 900.

Claims

1. A container system, comprising:

a body having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end has an opening formed therethrough, and wherein the body defines a plurality of ribs between the first end and the second end configured to actuate between a compressed state and an expanded state to change a volume inside the body; and

a dissolvable concentrating material disposed within the body;

wherein when a predetermined amount of water is introduced into the body after the plurality of ribs are actuated into the expanded state, the dissolvable concentrate material dissolves in the water to produce a mixture having a predetermined concentration.

2. The container system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of ribs form about 10% to about 50% of the body height when the plurality of ribs are in the compressed state, and form about 50% to about 90% of the body height when the plurality of ribs are in the expanded state.

3. The container system according to claim 1, wherein the body includes a neck that is recessed such that an upper end of the neck does not extend beyond the first end of the body.

4. The container system according to claim 1, further comprising a water soluble material having the soluble concentrate material encapsulated therein.

5. The container system according to claim 4, wherein the dissolvable concentrate material is in powder form or is a gel.

6. A container system, comprising:

a first body having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end has a first opening formed therethrough, and wherein the first body defines a plurality of ribs between the first end and the second end configured to actuate between a compressed state and an expanded state to change a first volume inside the first body; and

a second body having a second volume and configured to be coupled to or integral with the first body, the second body having a concentrate material disposed therein;

wherein when a predetermined amount of water and a predetermined amount of the concentrate material are introduced into the first volume after the plurality of ribs are actuated to the expanded state, the concentrate material dissolves in the water to produce a mixture having a predetermined concentration.

7. The container system of claim 6, wherein an additional predetermined amount of water and an additional predetermined amount of the concentrate material are configured to be introduced into the first volume to refill the mixture.

8. The container system according to claim 6, wherein:

the first body includes a neck having the first opening formed therethrough;

the second body comprises a packet having a tab with a second opening formed therethrough; and is

The neck extends through the second opening to couple the first body and the second body together.

9. The container system according to claim 6, wherein:

an outer surface of the first body includes a first engagement feature; and is

An outer surface of the second body includes a second engagement feature configured to engage with the first engagement feature to couple the first body and the second body together.

10. The container system according to claim 9, wherein:

the first engagement feature is positioned on a side of the first body and above the plurality of ribs;

the second body includes a second opening formed through the second body; and is

Wherein the second opening in the second body allows the concentrated material to pour from the second body into the first opening in the first body after the first and second engagement features are disengaged from each other.

11. The container system of claim 6, wherein the first body is integral with the second body, and wherein a transfer path extends from the second body into the first body.

12. The container system of claim 11, wherein the second body is positioned on a side of the first body and above the plurality of ribs.

13. The container system according to claim 11, further comprising a valve or frangible seal in the transfer path that allows flow from the second body into the first body but prevents flow from the first body into the second body.

14. The container system according to claim 11, wherein the concentrate material flows through the delivery path and into the first body in response to a user squeezing the second body.

15. The container system according to claim 14, wherein the second body includes at least one actuating member configured to be squeezed to cause the concentrated material to flow through the transfer path and into the first body.

16. The container system of claim 6, further comprising a set of instructions for using the container system, the set of instructions instructing a user to:

actuating one or more of the plurality of ribs defined by the first body from the compressed state into the expanded state to increase the first volume inside the first body;

introducing the predetermined amount of the concentrated material into the first body; and

introducing the predetermined amount of water into the first body after one or more of the ribs are actuated into the expanded state.

17. The container system according to claim 16, wherein the predetermined amount of concentrated material is disposed in or is part of a capsule or pouch positioned inside the first body prior to actuation of the one or more ribs into the expanded state.

18. The container system according to claim 16, wherein the set of instructions instructs the user to introduce the predetermined amount of concentrate into the first body after the one or more ribs are actuated to the expanded state.

19. The container system of claim 16, wherein the set of instructions instructs the user to:

removing a cap from a neck of the first body; and

removing the second body from the neck after the cap is removed from the neck, wherein introducing the predetermined amount of concentrated material into the first body comprises transferring the predetermined amount of concentrated material from the second body into the first body after the second body is removed from the neck.

20. The container system according to claim 16, wherein the set of instructions instructs the user to separate the second body from the first body, wherein introducing the predetermined amount of concentrated material into the first body comprises transferring the predetermined amount of concentrated material from the second body into the first body after the second body is separated from the first body.