SUPPLEMENT COMPARTMENT FOR BEVERAGE CONTAINER

Abstract

A dispensing cap for a container with a top opening, and a method of dispensing a supplement into a container are disclosed. The dispensing cap may include a chamber and a plunger disposed therein. A floor of the chamber may have a weakness in a predetermined location. The dispensing cap may be mated with the top opening of the container, and the plunger may be used to pierce the floor, forming an opening at the weakness. The supplement may pass through the opening into the container.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), to U.S. provisional patent application 60/941,122, filed on May 31, 2007, the contents of the entirety of which are incorporated by this reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to supplement containing and dispensing systems. It is particularly directed to a dispensing cap having a compartment that may be associated with a liquid container, and that is to contain supplements for ingestion with water or other beverage.

BACKGROUND

Conventional beverage container and dispenser systems associated with compartments may be used with beverage supplements, such as a flavoring, an electrolyte, a vitamin, and a nutritional, mineral or medicinal additive. Dispenser systems are useful, particularly for ingredients that have a shortened shelf-life when mixed with a liquid. The dry or powdered ingredient may be stored in a compartment, and dispensed into the beverage immediately prior to consumption.

Conventional dispenser systems may include different features. For example, a two-piece sealed capsule that is inserted into a liquid bearing container wall or neck of a bottle is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,886,686 to Anderson. A cylindrical body includes a sealed bottom integrally formed with the cylinder through a weakened wall area which defines the perimeter of the bottom of the body. A plunger tube is integrally formed with the bottom of the sealed body, and may be activated by manually depressing the top of the capsule, and ripping away the bottom of the cylindrical body, thus dispensing the material contained therein.

The Anderson plunger tube may be difficult to manufacture, particularly in forming the integral tube and cylinder floor. In addition, because the capsule is inserted into the neck of the bottle, the system may not be used successfully with a full container of liquid.

Another cap for a container, wherein two components of a drink may be stored separately, is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,230,884 to Coory. The cap includes a collar secured to the container and a two-part top. With the top in the open position, a basket between the top and the liquid holds the powdered component of the drink. The top is closed to release the seal between the liquid and the powder, the drink is shaken, and the top is reopened for consumption of the beverage. The cap disclosed in Coory requires an additional cover, releasable secured over the cap, to prevent the top from being closed accidentally and releasing the seal prematurely.

A need exists for a supplement containing and dispensing system that is configured to temporarily associate a supplement with a beverage container. A system that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture, and usable with a number of different conventional beverage containers is particularly desirable.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Described herein is a dispensing cap for a container with a top opening, the dispensing cap comprising: a body having a wall with an inside facing surface and a floor at least partially defining a chamber, the floor having at least one weakness therein; a plunger disposed within the chamber and having distal edges in contact with the inside facing surface of the wall of the chamber; and a mounting structure separated from the chamber by the chamber floor, and configured to engage with the top opening of the container. The plunger may comprise a piston and a cover, and the inside facing surface of the wall of the chamber may include channels configured to engage with the distal edges of the plunger. The cover of the plunger may include a central, substantially circular protrusion for engaging with the piston, and the cover of the plunger may be removable from the chamber.

The weakness of the floor may comprise at least two intersecting lines of weakness, and the plunger may include a piston having four orthogonally disposed walls. The piston may be disposed within the chamber such that the walls of the plunger are offset from the at least two intersecting lines of weakness.

The mounting structure may be configured to be disposed within the top opening of the container, or may be configured to engage threadedly with the top opening of the container.

The chamber may include an inwardly protruding stop, which may be annular, and configured to engage with the plunger.

Another embodiment of a dispensing cap for a container with a top opening comprises a body configured to engage with the top opening of the container and having a wall with an inside facing surface and a floor at least partially defining a chamber, the floor having at least two intersecting lines of weakness therein; and a plunger disposed within the chamber.

The plunger may comprise a cover and a piston having four orthogonally disposed walls, and the inside facing surface of the wall of the chamber may include channels configured to engage with distal edges of the walls of the piston. The piston may be disposed within the chamber such that the walls of the plunger are offset from the at least two intersecting lines of weakness.

The chamber may include an inwardly protruding stop that is annular, and is configured to engage with the plunger.

Also disclosed herein is a dispensing system, comprising: a container with a top opening, a dispensing cap mounted on the container, the dispensing cap comprising: a body having a wall with an inside facing surface and a floor at least partially defining a chamber, the floor having at least one weakness therein; a plunger disposed within the chamber and having distal edges in contact with the inside facing surface of the wall of the chamber; and a mounting structure separated from the chamber by the chamber floor and configured to engage with the top opening of the container; and a supplement disposed within the chamber of the dispensing cap. The inside facing walls of the chamber may include channels configured to engage with the distal edges of the plunger.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a one embodiment of a dispensing cap including features of the invention;

FIG. 1B depicts the dispensing cap of FIG. 1 associated with a beverage container;

FIG. 2 is a cut-away view of the dispensing cap of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the chamber of the dispensing cap of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3B is a close-up view of an annular stop of the dispensing cap of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3C is a close-up view of another annular stop of the dispensing cap of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the piston of the plunger of the dispensing cap of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the cover of the plunger of the dispensing cap of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of a dispensing cap including features of the invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates another view of the dispensing cap of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a dispensing cap including features of the invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of still another embodiment of a dispensing cap of the invention;

FIG. 10 depicts the dispensing cap of FIG. 9 with the plunger in the depressed position; and

FIG. 11 depicts a cross-sectional view of the dispensing cap of FIG. 9.

MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

FIG. 1A depicts an exemplary embodiment of a dispensing cap including aspects of the invention. As illustrated, the dispensing cap 10 includes a body 20 with a mounting structure 30, and a plunger 70. As shown in FIG. 1B, the body 20 has a storage compartment 24 therein. The storage compartment 24 enables temporary storage of a supplement 50 for use in conjunction with a beverage 60 in a beverage container 65. The supplement 50 may be in any form such as, for example, a granule or powder, a tablet or pill, or a paste, liquid or syrup. The supplement 50 may be applied to the beverage 60 as an additive prior to the beverage being imbibed. The supplement 50 may comprise one or more of, for example, a flavoring, an electrolyte, a vitamin, and a nutritional, mineral or medicinal additive.

The dispensing cap 10 may be matingly engaged with the beverage container 65. The mounting structure 30 may be received by an opening 67 of the beverage container 65. The mounting structure 30 may be a cylindrical channel sized and shaped to fit within the opening of a conventional beverage container. The supplement 50 may pass through the channel 33 of the mounting structure 30 into the beverage 60. The diameter of the mounting structure 30 may be smaller than the diameter of the body 20, enabling the mounting structure to fit within the opening of the beverage container 65, with the body 20 positioned outside of the beverage container 65.

Turning to FIG. 2, a cut-away perspective view of the dispensing cap 10, the body 20 may be substantially cylindrical, and include a wall 23 having an inside facing surface 27 and an outside facing surface 28. The inside facing surface 27 may partially define the storage compartment 24. The body 20 may include an intermediate floor 25 connecting the wall 23 and the mounting structure 30. The intermediate floor 25 may be funnel-shaped to enable the supplement 50 to enter the mounting structure 30 with the aid of gravity. Support walls 40 may extend radially from the intermediate floor 25 to provide a flat support surface 45 when the dispensing cap 10 is placed on a beverage container. The flat support surface 45 may seat against a rim 62 of the beverage container 65 (FIG. 1B). The dispensing cap 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes four support walls 40, however a dispensing cap including any number of support walls is within the scope of the invention. A dispensing cap including a body wall having an outside facing surface extending to the edge of the flat support surface is also within the scope of the invention.

A dispensing cap having no support walls is also within the scope of the invention. In use, a dispensing cap having no support walls may be matingly engaged with the beverage container 65. The mounting structure 30 may be received within the opening 67 of the beverage container 65, and the outside facing surface of the funnel-shaped intermediate floor 25 may provide an annular seal with the rim 62 of the beverage container 65. The funnel-shaped intermediate floor 25 may be desirable with a beverage container having an opening with a relatively small cross-sectional area, with respect to the cross-sectional area of the storage compartment. Dispensing caps configured for use with beverage containers having relatively large openings, and an opening with a cross-sectional area substantially similar to the cross-sectional area of the storage compartment, may not include a funnel-shaped intermediate floor, as described hereinbelow with respect to FIGS. 6 through 11.

Returning to FIG. 2, the plunger 70 may comprise a cover 75 and a piston 80 positioned within the storage compartment. The supplement 50 may be sealed within the storage compartment 24, between the inside facing surface 27 of the body 20, the plunger cover 75, the intermediate floor 25 and a floor 35 of the storage compartment 24. The piston 80 may comprise four orthogonally disposed walls 82. Each wall 82 may taper toward a central point 84 near the floor 35 of the storage compartment 24. Each wall 82 has a distal edge 81 in contact with the inside facing surface 27. The taper of the walls 82 may be configured to work with the funnel-shaped intermediate wall 25 of the body 20.

FIG. 3A depicts the body 20 without the plunger 70, so the storage compartment 24 may be viewed. The body 20 includes an opening 21 at the top for receiving the plunger 70. The opening 21 may be substantially round.

The inside facing surface 27 of the body 20 includes a longitudinal channel 22 for guiding the plunger 70. A first indexing stop 90 may be annular, and inwardly protruding. The first indexing stop 90 may be configured to engage with the plunger cover 75. During assembly of the dispensing cap 10, the first indexing stop 90 may provide a positive reinforcement that the plunger cover 75 is in the proper position, and does not need to be pushed further into the body 20. The first indexing stop may also provide a safety, requiring more force to depress the plunger 70. In use, the plunger 70 is manually depressed to break the floor 35 and dispense the supplement 50. It may be desirable to retain the plunger in the depressed position, for example, so the plunger 70 holds the floor 35 open, enabling fluid communication between the inside of the beverage container 65 and the storage compartment 24. The first indexing stop 90 may engage with the top surface of the plunger cover 75, and prevent the plunger 70 from backing out of the body 20. The user may shake the beverage container 65 and dispensing cap 10, and the beverage may wash the supplement out of the storage compartment 24. The first indexing stop 90, shown in more detail in FIG. 3B, may include an engagement surface 92 which extends radially inwardly from the inside facing surface 27 of the body 20. The engagement surface 92 may engage with the plunger 70, and prevent the plunger from departing from the depressed position. An upper surface 94 of the inwardly protruding stop may taper outward, from the inside facing surface 27 to the inside perimeter of the engagement surface 92. Thus, the plunger 70 may move past the first indexing stop 90 to the depressed position, but may not return to the original position.

Another embodiment of a first indexing stop 90′ is shown in FIG. 3C. The first indexing stop 90′ may comprise an annular recess 91′ on the inside wall 27′ of the body, to mate with an annular protrusion 93′ of the plunger 70. It is also within the scope of the invention for the first indexing stop 90, 90′ either in the form of a protrusion or a recess 91′ in the inside wall 27, 27′ to not be annular, or extend all the way around the inside wall 27, 27′, but to be independently positioned on the inside wall 27, 27′. A plurality of indexing stops, each circumferentially disposed at different locations about the inside wall, is also within the scope of the invention. In addition, a plurality of indexing stops, positioned at different depths, are also within the scope of the invention. A plurality of stops, positioned at different depths, may enable multiple predetermined set points for the plunger 70. A second indexing stop may also prevent the plunger from traveling too far within the body 20.

The inside facing surface 27 of the body 20 may include longitudinal channels 22 for guiding the distal edges 82 of the piston 80, as shown in FIG. 3A. In use, force may be applied by a user to the cover 75 of the plunger 70, forcing the piston 80 to engage with and slide along the channels 22 toward the floor 35 of the storage compartment 24. The floor 35 of the storage compartment 24 may include a weakness, such that under the force of the plunger 70, the piston 80 may pierce the floor 35. The floor 35 may open along the weakness, enabling the supplement to exit the storage compartment 24 via the mounting structure 30 to mix with the beverage. The weakness may comprise a scored or reduced thickness region of the floor 35, as further described hereinbelow with respect to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6.

The piston 80 is depicted in FIG. 4. The piston 80 includes four orthogonally disposed walls 82, however a piston 80 comprising a single planar body, as well as a piston comprising two, three, or more than four walls is also within the scope of the invention. The walls 82 may include the distal edges 81 configured to engage with the channels 22 of the storage compartment 24. The walls 82 may taper at one end thereof to a point 84. The point 84 is positioned at one end of the piston at the intersection of the walls 82.

The piston 80 and the cover 75 of the plunger 70 may comprise discrete components as shown, however it is within the scope of the invention for the plunger 70 to comprise a unitary body. The cover 75 may provide a surface for a user to engage and depress the plunger, and may also retain a supplement within the chamber.

FIG. 5 depicts the cover 75 of the plunger 70. The cover 75 may comprise a disc-shaped body 76 sized to fit within the inside facing surface 27 of the body 20. The cover 75, the inside facing surface 27, the intermediate floor 25, and the floor 25 define the storage compartment 24. An annular rim 77 may extend from the perimeter of the disc-shaped body 76. Optionally, the cover 75 may include a central protrusion 78 for engaging with the piston 80.

The body 20 and the plunger 70 may be formed of a polymer, for example polypropylene, polyvinyl or polyethylene. The body 20 and the plunger 70 may be formed, for example, by a molding process such as injection molding, transfer molding, or compression molding. Subsequent to forming the body 20, the piston 80 may be positioned within the body 20, and the storage compartment 24 may be partially filled with the supplement 50. The cover 75 of the plunger 70 may then be positioned within body 20.

FIGS. 6 and 7 depict a second exemplary embodiment of a dispensing cap 100 including aspects of the invention. As illustrated, the dispensing cap 100 includes a body 120 having a storage compartment 124 therein and a mounting structure 130, and a plunger 170. The storage compartment 124 enables temporary storage of a supplement 50 for use in conjunction with a beverage 60. The supplement 50 may be in any form such as, for example, a granule or powder, a tablet or pill, or a paste, liquid or syrup. The supplement 50 may be applied to the beverage 60 as an additive prior to the beverage being imbibed, such as with flavors, sweeteners or electrolytes. The plunger 170 may include a plunger cover 175 and a piston 180.

The mounting structure 130 of the body 120 may be configured to matingly engage with another container, for example a beverage bottle. The mounting structure 130 may include interior threads 134 on an inside surface thereof, for matingly engaging with a beverage container having exterior threads. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8, the mounting structure 230 may have an inside surface which is substantially smooth, and be configured to rest over, or snap onto a container.

The body 120 of the dispensing cap 100 includes a wall 123. The inside facing surface 127 of the wall, a floor 135 of the body 120, and the plunger cover 175 may define a storage compartment 124. The floor 135 may include a weakness 26, pierceable by the plunger 170.

The weakness 26 may comprise two troughs in the material of the floor 135, arranged in a cross-shape, or “+” shape. The trough depth may be sufficient to enable to floor 135 to rupture at the weakness 26, yet provide a fluid tight seal prior to the rupturing. Alternatively, the weakness 26 may comprise scoring along the desired breaking points. The weakness 26 may be offset from the “+” shape of the piston 80. The piston 80 may contact the floor 35 at the point of intersection of the “+” and in locations between the weakness 26, and push the floor toward the channel, severing the floor 35 along the weakness 26.

Channels 122 on the inside facing surface 127 of the body wall 123 may be configured to engage with the distal edges of the piston 180. The channels 122 do not extend the entire length of the body 120, rather, the channels extend from the proximal edge of the mounting structure 130 to the bottom of the distal edges of the piston 180. It is also within the scope of the invention for the channels 122 to extend to the opening of the body 120, as shown in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3A. The channels 122 may enable the piston to remain in the desired alignment with respect to the weakness 26 of the floor 135. The piston 180 may be aligned such that the four walls of the piston 180 are offset from the four arms of the cross-shaped weakness 26.

The first indexing stop 190 on the inside facing surface of the body wall 123 may be configured to engage with the plunger cover 175. A second indexing stop 195 on the inside facing surface of the body wall 123 may be configured to engage with an upper surface of the piston 180 when the piston 180 is depressed. The indexing stop 190 may prevent the piston 180 from returning to the position shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The indexing stop 190 may be configured as a protruding structure, as shown in FIG. 3B, or a recessed structure, as shown in FIG. 3C. Alternatively, or in addition, the second indexing stop may be configured to engage with the plunger cover 175, preventing the plunger cover 175 from traveling too far within the body 120 of the dispensing cap 170.

FIGS. 8 through 11 depict another exemplary embodiment of a dispensing cap 200 including aspects of the invention. As illustrated, the dispensing cap 200 includes a body 220 having a storage compartment 224 therein and a mounting structure 230, and a plunger 270. The storage compartment 224 enables temporary storage of a supplement 50 for use in conjunction with a beverage 60. The plunger 270 may include a plunger cover 275 and a piston 280.

The mounting structure 230 may have an inside facing surface 232 which may be substantially smooth. The distal perimeter of the mounting structure 230 may include annular engagement structures 234. The engagement structures 234 may be configured to mate with the rim of a beverage container, for example to “snap-on” to a beverage container.

The wall 223 of the body 220 may increase in thickness at an annular transition location 295. The increase in thickness of the wall 223 reduces the inside diameter of the body 220. With the plunger 270 in a depressed position, as shown in FIG. 10, the plunger cover 275 may be prevented from traveling farther down the body 220 by reduction in inside diameter. Alternatively, a second indexing stop 295 may prevent the plunger cover 275 from traveling father down the body 220. A first indexing stop 290 is also depicted in FIG. 10.

In use, the original cap of the beverage container 65 may be removed, and the dispensing cap 10, 100, 200 may be matingly engaged with the beverage container 65. A user may press on the plunger cover 75, 175, 275, in turn depressing the piston 80, 180, 280. The piston 80, 180, 280 may break the floor 35, 135 of the storage compartment 24, 124, 224, enabling the supplement 50 to mix with the beverage 60. The piston 80, 180, 280 may remain depressed, holding the floor 35, 135 open to allow the supplement to completely mix with the beverage 60.

Although the foregoing description contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but merely as providing illustrations of some embodiments of the invention. Similarly, other embodiments of the invention are contemplated and may be devised that do not depart from the spirit or scope of the invention. Features from different embodiments may be employed in combination. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated and limited only by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the foregoing description. All additions, deletions, and modifications to the invention, as disclosed herein, which fall within the meaning and scope of the claims, are to be embraced thereby.

Claims

1. A dispensing cap for a container with a top opening, the dispensing cap comprising:

a body with a wall having an inside facing surface and a floor at least partially defining a chamber, the floor having at least one weakness therein;

a plunger disposed within the chamber and having distal edges in contact with the inside facing surface of the chamber; and

a mounting structure separated from the chamber by the chamber floor and configured to engage with the top opening of the container.

2. The dispensing cap of claim 1, wherein the plunger comprises a piston and a cover.

3. The dispensing cap of claim 2, wherein the inside facing surface of the wall of the chamber includes channels configured to engage with the distal edges of the plunger.

4. The dispensing cap of claim 2, wherein the cover of the plunger includes a central, substantially circular protrusion for engaging with the piston.

5. The dispensing cap of claim 2, wherein the cover of the plunger is removable from the chamber.

6. The dispensing cap of claim 1, wherein the weakness of the floor comprises at least two intersecting lines of weakness.

7. The dispensing cap of claim 6, wherein the plunger includes a piston having four orthogonally disposed walls.

8. The dispensing cap of claim 7, wherein the piston is disposed within the chamber such that the walls of the plunger are offset from the at least two intersecting lines of weakness.

9. The dispensing cap of claim 1, wherein the mounting structure is configured to be disposed within the top opening of the container.

10. The dispensing cap of claim 1, wherein the mounting structure is configured to threadedly engage with the top opening of the container.

11. The dispensing cap of claim 1, wherein the chamber includes an inwardly protruding stop.

12. The dispensing cap of claim 10, wherein the inwardly protruding stop is annular, and is configured to engage with the plunger.

13. A dispensing cap for a container with a top opening, the dispensing cap comprising:

a body configured to engage with the top opening of the container and having a wall with an inside facing surface and a floor at least partially defining a chamber, the floor having at least two intersecting lines of weakness therein; and

a plunger disposed within the chamber.

14. The dispensing cap of claim 13, wherein the plunger comprises a cover and a piston having four orthogonally disposed walls.

15. The dispensing cap of claim 14, wherein the inside facing surface of the wall of the chamber includes channels configured to engage with distal edges of the walls of the piston.

16. The dispensing cap of claim 14, wherein the piston is disposed within the chamber such that the walls of the plunger are offset from the at least two intersecting lines of weakness.

17. The dispensing cap of claim 13, wherein the chamber includes an inwardly protruding stop.

18. The dispensing cap of claim 17, wherein the inwardly protruding stop is annular, and is configured to engage with the plunger.

19. A dispensing system, comprising:

a container with a top opening;

a dispensing cap mounted on the container, the dispensing cap comprising:

a body having a wall with an inside facing surface and a floor at least partially defining a chamber, the floor having at least one weakness therein;

a plunger disposed within the chamber and having distal edges in contact with the inside facing surface of the wall of the chamber; and

a mounting structure separated from the chamber by the chamber floor and configured to engage with the top opening of the container; and

a supplement disposed within the chamber of the dispensing cap.

20. The dispensing system of claim 19, wherein the inside facing surface of the wall of the chamber includes channels configured to engage with the distal edges of the plunger.