Method and device for pressurizing containers

Abstract

Devices and a method for releasing gas in a container after closing and sealing to pressurize and/or prevent or counteract buckling thereof, and or provide structural rigidity and strength thereto and or release components. The method introduces a reactive agent into the container after filling and before sealing. The reactive agent is controlled to react to provide a gas and optionally components, which a) provides a positive pressure to prevent or counteract buckling and provide structural rigidity to the container, and b) and or changes the state or characteristics of the headspace and or contents of the closed container. The devices include a closure, a cap and a container. The reactive agent is brought to chemical reaction by moistening, heating, catalyst and the like. The closure includes the reactive agent and is disposed in the container. The external trigger is a device that emits energy that provides heat to the reactive agent to stimulate the chemical reaction.

1 . A cap comprising:
 a rim that is styled for fitting on a container neck;   a surface connected to said rim; and   an insert disposed on said surface, said insert comprising a reaction chamber and at least one reactive agent that is triggerable to a chemical reaction in said reaction chamber to produce a gas.   
     
     
         2 . The cap of  claim 1 , wherein said insert further comprises a pull tab that is bonded to said surface and that when pulled removes said insert from said surface. 
     
     
         3 . The cap of  claim 1 , wherein said product is liquid, wherein said liquid is initially hot, and wherein said compartment buckles as said liquid cools, and wherein said gas counteracts said buckling. 
     
     
         4 . The cap of  claim 1 , further comprising components that are released with said gas into said compartment. 
     
     
         5 . The cap of  claim 4 , wherein said components are disposed in said reaction chamber with said reactive agent. 
     
     
         6 . The cap of  claim 4 , wherein said components are selected from the group consisting of: water, vitamins, minerals, flavor components, preservatives, oxygen scavengers, salts, electrolytes, sterilants, medicines, nutrients, organoleptics, colorants and any combination thereof. 
     
     
         7 . The cap of  claim 1 , wherein said insert includes a plurality of layers, wherein said reaction chamber is disposed between at least first and second ones of said layers. 
     
     
         8 . The cap of  claim 7 , wherein said first layer includes one or more weakened areas that rupture as said gas pressurizes said reaction chamber to allow said gas to escape into said compartment. 
     
     
         9 . The cap of  claim 7 , wherein one of said plurality of layers includes a heating element that when activated by an external energy source provides heat to trigger said chemical reaction. 
     
     
         10 . The cap of  claim 9 , wherein said heating element is one of said first and second layers. 
     
     
         11 . The cap of  claim 9 , wherein said heating element is an inductor that conducts electricity when subjected to an electromagnetic field. 
     
     
         12 . The cap of  claim 7 , wherein one of said layers is a semi-permeable membrane that allows said gas to escape to said compartment. 
     
     
         13 . The cap of  claim 7 , wherein one of said plurality of layers is a closure seal with a pull tab that is disposed between said surface and said reaction chamber. 
     
     
         14 . The cap of  claim 13 , further comprising a secondary seal disposed between said surface and said closure seal. 
     
     
         15 . The cap of  claim 7 , wherein said plurality of layers further comprises a third layer that is a closure seal and a fourth layer that is an insulator disposed between said third layer and said second layer, and wherein said first and second layers are each an inductor.