Beverage mix dispensing closure

Abstract

A beverage cap for dispensing flavoring material into a liquid container includes a top element adapted and constructed to hold a predetermined quantity of flavoring material. A center element is connected to the top element. A valve mechanism is provided to be actuated to selectively dispense flavoring into the container. A base element is connected to the center element and to an opening of the container. The valve mechanism is actuated by rotation of the center element with respect to the base element.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

None.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The original concept of concentrated drink mixes is credited to Edwin Perkins, the inventor of Kool-Aid®. Mr. Perkins had some success marketing a liquid concentrate called Fruit Smack, but shipping the bottles of syrup was costly and breakage was a problem. This prompted Perkins in 1927 to develop a method of removing the liquid from Fruit Smack so the remaining powder could be re-packaged in envelopes and consumers would only have to add water to enjoy the drink at home. Perkins designed and printed envelopes with a new name, “Kool Ade”, thereby spawning an entire industry.

Today, in addition to Kool-Aid and its competitors, a wide variety of beverages are marketed as dry concentrates. These range from teas and soft beverages to energy drinks and sports supplements. Some of these mixes are marketed as single-serve portions to be mixed with standard 500 ml bottles of water. These individual portions allow the consumer to carry his beverage of choice on his person without necessarily carrying the weight of a liquid. A consumer procures a standard 500 ml bottle of water, removes the top, opens the package of beverage mix and empties it into the water, replaces the cap, and shakes the bottle to dissolve the powder into the water.

It has also been proposed to provide beverage mix in a closure member or other container attachment. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,219,796 to Anderson discloses a two piece sealed capsule that is inserted into a liquid bearing container including but not limited to the neck of a bottle, said capsule being a container or receptacle for sealably containing a liquid and/or dry material and a dispenser for releasing the material when desired into the container. The top of the capsule is depressed manually forcing two or more blade like prongs against the bottom of the capsule ripping a portion away, dispensing the material. The present invention allows the use of materials that would discolor, degrade or interact with other substances when added to the contents of the bottle, to remain stable and/or inactive until the time of use.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,175,049 to Kastenschmidt discloses a combination container and container cap including a container cap having a deformable cover on which a plurality of levers are operatively connected. The levers move from a first position to a second position, wherein the levers move downward and radially outward to puncture a membrane thereby allowing the substance in the container cap to mix with a liquid in a cavity of a container.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,705,491 to Lizerbram shows a closure element for a beverage container in the form of a sports cap, other closer, or initially closed straw, providing a chamber for containing colorants in the form of liquids, gels, granules, powders, tablets or other solid bodies. Closures such as valves, rupturable membranes, hinged doors, clamps or undersized holes provide closer structure for initially keeping the chambers closed with respect to the colorant so that colorant does not flow into the beverage until released to do so by the customer. Upon opening ends of the chambers, colorants flow into beverages in the containers, which containers are made of see-through/clear or partially see-through materials. In a preferred embodiment, the colorant is a material enclosed in at least one capsule which flows through openings in the chamber within the closure element when the capsule is ruptured or perforated. Coloration of the beverage is voluntarily initiated by the consumer, and the thus colored beverages are then consumed by passage through the closure element. In one embodiment of the invention, the colorant is a medicinal agent which can be colored or may be clear. The medicinal agent is released into liquid, which may be water, for ingestion by a patient.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,571,994 to Adams teaches a closure for a container having a foil or membrane sealed opening. The closure includes a cap, a spout and a stem. The stem includes a downwardly extending piercing structure adapted for piercing the foil or membrane of the container upon rotation of the spout relative to the cap. The cap includes a cap top, a cap skirt depending from the cap top, an open sleeve and a stem guide. The open sleeve has an inwardly extending thread adapted to detachably engage the container. The open sleeve extends upwardly from the cap top. The stem guide extends along an internal surface of the sleeve. The spout rotatably engages the sleeve and includes a spout top having a central aperture, an outer spout skirt and an inner skirt. The outer skirt depends from the spout top radially outward of the sleeve and rotatably engages the sleeve. The inner spout skirt depends from the spout top radially within the sleeve. The stem includes a substantially cylindrical body positioned radially within the inner spout skirt, a plug for selectively sealing the central aperture, an outwardly extending spout-engaging thread, and an outwardly extending cap-engaging member. The spout engaging member engages the inner spout skirt and is adapted for helical motion with respect to the inner spout skirt. The cap-engaging member engages the stem guide and is adapted for axial motion with respect to the sleeve. Preferably, the stem guide includes a substantially vertically extending groove and the cap-engaging member includes a tab received in the groove.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,372,270 to Denny deals with various methods and apparatus for making or brewing personal quantities of beverages using bottled water, either in a conventional or specially formed bottle. One embodiment includes a cap assembly having an outer attachment portion and a plunger portion fitting within the attachment portion. The two portions define a chamber therein containing a drink mix, one or more tea bags, etc. A seal is provided to prevent mixing of the drink mix and water within the bottle until desired. When the plunger is pushed downwardly, it drives the drink mix through the seal, bursting the seal and deploying the drink mix or tea bags into the water within the bottle. In another embodiment, the bottle and drink mix are packaged together, with the bottle including a pocket formed in the side thereof and the drink mix secured in the pocket by a label extending thereacross. Yet another embodiment includes a conventional bottle, with the label having a pocket formed therein. The label may have fan fold or accordion fold sides, for forming an open pocket after opening for insertion of a spent tea bag or the like therein for disposal. The labels preferably include weakening lines and a pull tab for opening the pocket to access the drink mix or tea bags for insertion into the bottle. Still another embodiment comprises tea bags or drink mix packets which are specially shaped and configured for ease of insertion into the relatively narrow neck of a bottle of water.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,230,884 to Coory involves a cap for a container where a drink, made of two components, can be stored or carried with the components stored separately. The components are mixed prior to the consumption of the drink. The cap includes a collar secured to the container and a top which is in two parts. The top is moveable between an open and a closed position. When the top is initially in the open position, a basket between the top and the liquid initially holds the material, which can be a powder or tablet. The top is initially closed to release the seal between the liquid and the material, the drink is shaken, and the top reopened for a passageway from the liquid to the exterior of the cap. A cover is releasably secured over the cap.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,148,996 to Morini shows a package for keeping products separate until use comprises a container provided with an upper mouth inside which a capsule (3) is inserted; the capsule having a bottom which is destined at the moment of use of the package to be broken by a cutting element. A cap covers the capsule and the cutting element, and is screwed on a sleeve solidly constrained to the capsule. When a security strip is removed the cap can be screwed, placing a pressure on the cutting element which causes the capsule to be ruptured and a product contained therein to mix with a product contained in the container.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,059,443 to Casey is directed to a method and apparatus for separately storing a first substance and a second substance, and mixing the substances at the time of usage of a product comprising a mixture of the first substance and the second substance. A mixing container includes a main body that stores a first substance, the main body having a lip defining an upper opening. A storage repository stores a second substance. A removable seal is placed upon the top of the storage repository, preventing the exit of the second substance from the storage repository. When a user desires to mix the first and second substance, he removes the seal and secures a cap to the top of the mixing container. The cap, when secured to the top of the main body and covering the upper opening, provides a void above the lip of the mixing container for mixing of the two substances. When the user agitates the mixing container, the first and second substances are mixed together.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,927,549 to Wood deals with a dispensing structure for a container which has an opening to the container interior. The structure includes a body for extending around the container opening and a membrane for occluding the container opening. A cover is disposed over the membrane and is sealingly engaged with the body to accommodate axial sliding movement from an outer position to an inwardly displaced position. The cover defines a dispensing orifice and defines an edge for severing at least part of the membrane as the cover is moved from the outer position to the inwardly displaced position. An additive material may be initially stored in the dispensing structure above the membrane and can be combined with the product in the container after the membrane has been severed. A self-sealing, pressure-openable, slit-type valve may be mounted in the cover at the dispensing orifice to control flow through the orifice.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,631,521 to Atkins shows a mixing container which may be secured to the mouth of a receptacle.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 20020157971 to Carlson deals with a cap for use with a container includes a ring member having an opening and a capsule provided on the ring member. The capsule extends through the opening. A plunger is provided on an interior wall of the capsule. The capsule contains a substance, such as a water-dispersible liquid. The container having a main chamber and a mouth stores and serves a beverage. The main chamber is filled with a single strength beverage, and the capsule is filled with a water-dispersible liquid. The liquid may be a flavor such as, for example, citrus, cranberry, passion fruit, or carambola. The capsule is placed in the mouth of the container contiguous the main chamber, with the capsule being openable to inject the water-dispersible liquid into the single strength beverage in the main chamber in response to manual manipulation of the capsule.

Although the arrangements described in these patents provide certain advantages, they present certain deficiencies as well. For example, many known devices require expensive and unwieldy valve mechanisms. Further, many of these devices are simply impractical for application to a wide variety of containers. It can thus be seen that the need exists for a simple, efficient, and easily manufactured beverage cap for dispensing flavoring material into a liquid container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A beverage cap for dispensing flavoring material into a liquid container includes a top element adapted and constructed to hold a predetermined quantity of flavoring material. A center element is connected to the top element. A valve mechanism is provided to be actuated to selectively dispense flavoring into the container. A base element is connected to the center element and to an opening of the container. The valve mechanism is actuated by rotation of the center element with respect to the base element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a beverage cap in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a sectional view taken generally along lines II-II of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A illustrates a sectional view taken generally along lines III-III of FIG. 1, and shows a valve mechanism in an open position.

FIG. 3B illustrates a sectional view taken generally along lines III-III of FIG. 1, and shows a valve mechanism in a closed position.

FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a beverage cap a valve mechanism in an open position, corresponding to FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a beverage cap a valve mechanism in a closed position, corresponding to FIG. 3B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. Without departing from the generality of the invention disclosed herein and without limiting the scope of the invention, the discussion that follows, will refer to the invention as depicted in the drawings. An embodiment of a beverage cap 10 in accordance with the principles of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The beverage cap 10 is secured to a standard beverage container C having a screw-threaded neck portion leading to the opening of the container. The beverage cap 10 includes a top element 12, a center element 14, and a base element 16. The top element 12, center element 14, and base element 16 can be fabricated from any suitable material. It is contemplated that fabricating the elements from plastic, for example a thermoplastic material, will provide particular advantage.

The top element 16 defines a chamber 18 for containing a predetermined quantity of soluble material 20. The soluble material 20 can be provided as a dry or powdered mix or a liquid concentrate, or any desired concentrate to be mixed with a potable beverage such as water, milk, or juice. The soluble material 20 can be provided any substance capable of being dissolved or mixed with a liquid for consumption. Examples of such substances include, but are not limited to, flavorings such as drink mix or chocolate milk concentrate, vitamin or energy supplements, and medicaments. The top element 16 also includes a spout portion 22, adapted for pouring or drinking as desired.

The center element 14 is secured to the top element 12. In the illustrated example, the center element is connected to the top element via a snap-fit connection, with annular ridges interfitting with corresponding annular grooves. The snap-fit connection prevents rotation of the top element 12 with respect to the center element 14.

The base element 16 is rotatably secured to the center element 14. The base element 16 includes a sealing lip 24 adapted and constructed to contact the rim of the opening of the container C. The sealing lip is sufficiently rigid to withstand tightening of the cap 10 onto the container C within normal limits, and to add to the structural rigidity of the cap 10. The base element 16 is selectively secured to the neck of the container C by means of a screw thread interface 26 that interacts with screw threads 28 on the neck of the container C. A plurality of ribs 29 provide a gripping surface and further contribute to cap rigidity.

As shown in detail in FIGS. 3A and 3B, a valve mechanism 30 is provided to permit a user to selectively soluble material 20 into the container C. The valve mechanism 30 is provided as a rotatable shutter valve, and includes a plurality of horizontally-oriented radial vanes 32, 34, 36 formed in the center element 14. A plurality of horizontally-oriented radial vanes 38, 40, 42 are formed in the base element 16 at a location adjacent to the radial vanes 32, 34, 36 of the center element 14. A center pin 44 is provided on the center element 14, and extends through a central aperture 46 on the base element 16. The center pin 44 acts as a center of rotation for the shutter valve, and is located on the axis of rotation of the center element 14.

Rotation of the center element 14 with respect to the base element 16 varies the alignment of the vanes 32, 34, 36 of the center element with respect to the radial vanes 38, 40, 42 of the base element 16. As shown in FIG. 3B, the center element is rotated to place the valve mechanism 30 in a closed position, in which the vanes 32, 34, 36 of the center element are misaligned with the radial vanes 38, 40, 42 of the base element 16 and the soluble material 20 remains in the chamber 18. As shown in FIG. 3A, the center element is rotated to place the valve mechanism 30 in an open position, in which the vanes 32, 34, 36 of the center element are aligned with the radial vanes 38, 40, 42 of the base element 16 and the soluble material 20 flows into the container C. The user can then shake the container C as necessary or desirable to ensure mixing of the soluble material 20 with the contents of the container C, and the resultant mixed liquid can be consumed as usual.

In order to facilitate accurate rotation of the canter element 14 for desired valve actuation, the cap 10 can be provided with a pawl and indent arrangement 48. The pawl and indent arrangement 48 as illustrated includes a pawl 50 extending from the center element 14. A pair of indents 52, 54 are provided in the base element 16 at circumferential locations corresponding to rotational positions of the center element 14 that place the vale element in its open and closed positions, respectively. When the pawl 50 is engaged in the indent 52, the valve mechanism 30 is in its open position, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 4A. When the pawl 50 is engaged in the indent 54, the valve mechanism 30 is in its closed position, as shown in FIGS. 3B and 4B. An indicator mechanism including a pointer 56 and external indicia 58 are provided to give a visual indication of the position of the valve mechanism 30.

While this invention has been described in connection with the best mode presently contemplated by the inventor for carrying out her invention, the preferred embodiments described and shown are for purposes of illustration only, and are not to be construed as constituting any limitations of the invention. Modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art, and all modifications that do not depart from the spirit of the invention are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The invention resides not in any one of these features per se, but rather in the particular combinations of some or all of them herein disclosed and claimed and it is distinguished from the prior art in these particular combinations of some or all of its structures for the functions specified.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, including variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification, that would be deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A beverage cap for dispensing flavoring material into a liquid container, the cap comprising the following:

a top element adapted and constructed to hold a predetermined quantity of flavoring material;

a center element connected to the top element

a valve mechanism adapted and constructed to be actuated to selectively dispense flavoring into the container; and

a base element connected to the center element and to an opening of the container;

whereby the valve mechanism is actuated by rotation of the center element with respect to the base element.

2. A beverage cap in accordance with claim 1, wherein the center element is non-rotatably secured to the top element.

3. A beverage cap in accordance with claim 2, wherein center element is snap-fit to the top element.

4. A beverage cap in accordance with claim 1, wherein the valve mechanism comprises a shutter valve including the following:

a plurality of horizontally-oriented radial vanes formed in the center element;

a plurality of horizontally-oriented radial vanes formed in the base element at a location adjacent to the radial vanes of the base element;

whereby the rotation of the center element with respect to the base element varies the alignment of the vanes formed in the center element with respect to the radial vanes of the base element to actuate the valve mechanism.

5. A beverage cap in accordance with claim 4, wherein the shutter valve of the valve mechanism further comprises a center pin.

6. A beverage cap in accordance with claim 5, wherein the center pin is located at an axis of rotation of the center element.

7. A beverage cap in accordance with claim 1, wherein the shutter valve of the valve mechanism further comprises a center pin.

8. A beverage cap in accordance with claim 7, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a pawl and indent arrangement.

9. A beverage cap in accordance with claim 1, wherein the base element further comprises a sealing lip adapted and constructed to contact the opening of the container.

10. A beverage cap in accordance with claim 1, wherein the base element further comprises a screw-threaded container interface.

11. A beverage cap in accordance with claim 1, wherein the valve mechanism further comprise an indicator mechanism adapted and constructed to provide a visible indication of the open or closed condition of the valve mechanism.

12. A beverage cap in accordance with claim 1, wherein the top element, the center element, the base element, and the valve mechanism are fabricated from a plastic material.