Compostable Single-use Beverage Container And Associated Mechanism For Sealing The Container
The present invention relates to a novel beverage container and a mechanism for securing a cap to the container within an automated kiosk. The container comprises a compostable shell, beverage bag, and other components. The beverage bag is sealed to a closure shoulder using a mechanical sealing ring, optionally without the use of using heat, glue or ultrasonic energy. The cap is secured to the closure shoulder by the mechanism within the kiosk.
Claim CLM-00001. 1. A beverage container, comprising:
an outer shell comprising a locking tab; a beverage bag within the outer shell, the beverage bag comprising a top opening; a mechanical sealing ring comprising a first portion located within the beverage bag and a second portion protruding outside of the top opening of the beverage bag, the second portion comprising a first locking ring; a vertically-oriented closure shoulder comprising a second locking ring and a protrusion comprising a horizontally-extending surface, wherein the second locking ring is engaged with the first locking ring to clamp between them a portion of the beverage bag surrounding the top opening of the beverage bag and the locking tab is engaged approximately perpendicularly with the horizontally-extending surface of the protrusion to prevent the closure shoulder from being removed from the outer shell; and a cap secured to the closure shoulder.
Claim CLM-00007. 7. A method of assembling a beverage container, comprising:
placing a mechanical sealing ring in a bag through a first opening in the bottom of the bag; moving a portion of the mechanical sealing ring through a second opening in the top of the bag; engaging a first locking ring on the mechanical sealing ring with a second locking ring in a closure shoulder, the mechanical sealing ring and the closure shoulder clamping between them a portion of the bag around the second opening; sealing the first opening in the bottom of the bag; securing a cap to the closure shoulder; and placing an outer shell around the bag.
