Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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POST-MIX BEVERAGE SYSTEM
[001] This continuation in part application claims priority to Non-
Provisional Application,
U.S. Serial No. 12/982,374, filed December 30, 2010, which claims priority to
Non-
Provisional Application, U.S. Serial No. 12/550,101, filed August 28, 2009,
which
claims priority to Provisional Application, U.S. Serial No. 61/093,090, filed
August
29, 2008, and Provisional Application, U.S. Serial No. 61/146,156, filed
January 21,
2009, which are all incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[002] The present invention relates generally to beverage dispensers and
more particularly
to post-mix beverage systems.
BACKGROUND
[003] It is known that beverages are marketed, delivered and sold in a
variety of different
types of containers. The type of container utilized may depend on several
factors,
including, for example, the consumer for which the beverage is being marketed
towards, the distribution channel(s), and/or the quantity of beverage being
sold. In
this regard, beverages marketed towards consumers are often distributed in
plastic
bottles. Unfortunately, however, a large portion the plastic bottles are
disposed of
as waste. While recycling efforts have increased, the bottles are purchased
and
consumed in areas where recycling is not available or feasible. Furthermore,
plastic
lids used for sealing the bottles are generally not recyclable and end up as
waste, or
worse yet, as litter throughout the environment. Additionally, these wasteful
plastic
bottles are also marketed and sold as "multi-packs" in which further
packaging,
such as shrink-wrap and/or cardboard must be utilized to contain individual
bottles
together as a multi-pack. Thus, such prior art delivery mechanisms generate a
vast
quantity of unwanted and unneeded waste.
[004] In addition to having an adverse environmental impact, most prior art
containers use
valuable space, both in the retail environment and at the end-users' location,
such as
their homes. Past systems, known as "post-mix" systems, attempted to alleviate
some of these drawbacks by selling concentrated beverage syrups designed to be
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diluted with a liquid, such as water. While known post-mix systems reduce
waste
associated with other delivery mechanisms, such as plastic bottles, these
systems
require large, expensive systems that are too complicated and cumbersome for
use
by consumers other than retail establishments that sell large quantities of
beverages.
Even for such establishments, the knowledge and costs required to maintain
these
conventional post-mix systems is inconvenient. Furthermore, past systems are
known to require calibration on a regular basis to ensure that the correct
amount of
syrup is properly combined with the liquid. In this regard, any miscalibration
or
failure of the machine is often only discovered after several customers
complain
about the taste of the beverage and further time is required to check and fix
the ratio
of syrup to liquid.
SUMMARY
[005] The following presents a general summary of aspects of the invention
in order to
provide a basic understanding of at least some of its aspects. This summary is
not
intended as an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to
identify
key or critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the
invention.
The following summary merely presents some concepts of the invention in a
general
form as a prelude to the more detailed description below.
[006] Aspects of this invention relate to beverage dispensing system that
comprises a
container, an attachment mechanism located within the container, and a
cartridge
adapted to engage the attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism may
comprise an engagement assembly, a piercing portion, and a valve. The
cartridge
comprises a pod and a cap. The pod includes a chamber, an opening, and a cover
located over the opening, wherein the cap is attached to the top of the
chamber.
Additionally, when the cartridge is engaged with the attachment mechanism, the
engagement assembly holds the cartridge within the attachment mechanism, the
piercing portion pierces through the cap and the cover, and the valve extends
into
the container.
[007] Additional aspects of this invention relate to the cap including a
foil retainer,
wherein when the cartridge engages the engagement assembly, the piercing
portion
pushes against the foil retainer, thereby piercing the cover with the foil
retainer.
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Additionally, the foil retainer may hold the cover over without allowing the
cover to
close over the opening of the cartridge.
[008] Additional aspects of this invention relate to the cartridge and pod
being generally a
circular-shaped vessel. Additionally, the cartridge may hold one or more
beverage
ingredients, wherein the beverage ingredients may be selected from the list
comprising: syrup, paste, powder, or granules.
[009] Additional aspects of this invention relate to a method for producing
a beverage
using a beverage dispensing system. The method comprises the steps of: (a)
inserting a cartridge into a container, the cartridge comprising a pod and a
cap,
wherein the pod includes a chamber, an opening and a cover located over the
opening; (b) rotating or positioning the cartridge into an attachment
mechanism
located within the container, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises an
engagement assembly, a piercing portion, and a valve; (c) applying pressure on
the
cartridge thereby releasing the valve into the container and piercing the
cover with
the piercing portion; (d) mixing the contents of the container; and (e)
releasing the
cartridge from the container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] A more complete understanding of the present invention and certain
advantages
thereof may be acquired by referring to the following description in
consideration
with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate like
features, and wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a beverage dispensing system
in accordance
with the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 1A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the beverage dispensing
system from
FIG. 1 in accordance with the present invention;
[0013] FIGS. 2A1 and 2A2 illustrate a close-up view a portion of the beverage
dispensing
system from FIG. 1 in accordance with the present invention;
[0014] FIGS. 2B1 and 2B2 illustrate another close-up view a portion of the
beverage
dispensing system from FIG. 1 in accordance with the present invention;
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[0015] FIGS. 3-3D illustrate an exemplary cartridge for the beverage
dispensing system
from FIG. 1 in accordance with the present invention;
[0016] FIGS. 4A-4F illustrate perspective views the operation of the beverage
dispensing
system from FIG. 1 in accordance with the present invention;
[0017] FIGS. 5A-8B illustrate various examples of a container for a beverage
dispensing
system in accordance with the present invention;
[0018] FIGS. 9A-13B illustrate various examples of an attachment mechanism for
a
beverage dispensing system in accordance with the present invention;
[0019] FIGS. 14A-14C illustrate an example half-pod cartridge in accordance
with the
present invention;
[0020] FIGS. 15-17 illustrate various examples of an alternative beverage
system in
accordance with the present invention;
[0021] FIGS. 18-23 illustrate various examples of beverage systems that may be
used in
numerous configurations in accordance with the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 24 illustrates an alternative example of a beverage system in
accordance with
the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 25 illustrates an example needle to be used with the beverage
system in FIGS.
15 through 17 in accordance with the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 26 illustrates example powder boosters to be used with any of the
beverage
systems in accordance with the present invention;
[0025] FIGS. 27A-27C illustrate an example cartridge and container to be used
with any of
the beverage systems in accordance with the present invention;
[0026] FIGS. 28A and 28B illustrate an example digital communication system
for the
beverage system in accordance with the present invention;
[0027] FIGS. 29A-30 illustrate various additional examples of beverage systems
that may
be used in numerous configurations in accordance with the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 31 illustrates various beverage containers in accordance with the
present
invention;
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[0029] FIG. 32A illustrates a perspective view of a beverage dispensing system
in
accordance with the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 32B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the beverage dispensing
system from
FIG. 32A in accordance with the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 33 illustrate an exemplary cartridge for the beverage dispensing
system from
FIG. 32A in accordance with the present invention; and
[0032] FIGS. 34A-34F illustrate perspective views the operation of the
beverage dispensing
system from FIG. 32A in accordance with the present invention; and
[0033] FIGS. 35A-35D illustrate another exemplary cartridge for the beverage
dispensing
system in accordance with the present invention.
[0034] The reader is advised that the attached drawings are not necessarily
drawn to scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] In the following description of various examples of the invention,
reference is made
to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown
by way of illustration various example structures, systems, and steps in which
aspects of the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other
specific
arrangements of parts, structures, example devices, systems, and steps may be
utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without
departing
from the scope of the present invention. Also, while the terms "top,"
"bottom,"
"front," "back," "side," and the like may be used in this specification to
describe
various example features and elements of the invention, these terms are used
herein
as a matter of convenience, e.g., based on the example orientations shown in
the
figures. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a
specific
three dimensional orientation of structures in order to fall within the scope
of this
invention.
[0036] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a beverage dispensing system 100 in
accordance
with the present invention. The beverage dispensing system 100 includes a
container 110, an attachment mechanism 120 and a cartridge 150. The container
110 may hold a mixing solution or liquid, such as water, to be mixed with the
contents of the cartridge 150. Other mixing solutions or liquids may include
milk,
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juices, or tea. The mixing solution or liquid may be cold, warm, or hot in
temperature. Additionally, the mixing solution may contain ice, slush, or be
and
ice/water mixture. The attachment mechanism 120 is generally located within
the
container 110. The cartridge 150 generally engages with the attachment
mechanism
120 to open the cartridge 150 to be dispensed into the container 110, thereby
combining the contents of the cartridge 150 with the liquid within the
container 110
to create a drinkable beverage.
[0037] The container 110, as illustrated in FIG. 1, may be generally in the
shape of a bottle.
The container 110 may be a variety of other shapes, without departing from
this
invention. The container 110 may include a cap 112. The cap 112 may seal an
opening at the top of the container 110 where a user can drink from the
container
110. Additionally, the container 110 may include a base or bezel 114. The
cartridge 150 may be inserted through the base or bezel 114 to engage the
cartridge
150 with the attachment mechanism 120. As illustrated in FIG. 1, this base or
bezel
114 is located at the bottom of the container 110. The base or bezel 114 may
be
located at different areas of the container 110 as discussed below without
departing
from this invention. Additionally, the cartridge 150 may be inserted through
the cap
112 of the container 110 to engage the cartridge 150 with the attachment
mechanism 120. Furthermore, without departing from the invention, the cap 112
may comprise the cartridge 150, such that when the cap 112 is screwed onto the
container 110, the cartridge 150 engages the attachment mechanism 120 and
releases the contents of the cartridge 150 as described further below.
[0038] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 31, the container 110 may not only be a
variety of
other shapes, but the container 110 may also be a variety of other colors and
color
configurations. Additionally, the container 110 may include a variety of
different
skin 111 coverings around the container 110. The skins 111 for the containers
110
may vary in design, color, texture, thickness, material, size, and shape
without
departing from the invention. By using different skins 111 for the containers
110,
the containers can be personally customizable. Other examples for skins 111
may
include brand names, college names or mascots, professional sport teams,
favorite
sayings, personal pictures, etc. Additionally, the color and style of the top
or cap of
the container may differ without departing from the invention.
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[0039] The attachment mechanism 120, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 1A,
comprises an
engagement assembly 122, a piercing portion 124, and a valve assembly 126. The
engagement assembly 122 may generally receive the cartridge 150 within the
attachment mechanism 120. The piercing portion 124 may generally pierce the
cartridge 150, thereby releasing the contents of the cartridge 150 into the
container
110. The valve assembly 126 may generally open upon engagement of the
cartridge
150 with the attachment mechanism 120 thereby allowing the mixing of the
contents of the container 110 with the contents of the cartridge 150.
[0040] The engagement assembly 122 may include a locking mechanism 128 to
engage and
hold the cartridge 150 in the container 110. The locking mechanism 128 may
include a rib 130 which matches with and engages the cartridge 150. The
locking
mechanism 128 may also include a spring (not shown in FIG. 1A), such that when
the cartridge 150 is inserted into the engagement assembly 122, the spring
provides
a biasing force to the cartridge 150 to more easily engage the rib 130.
Additionally,
the locking mechanism 128 may include a cam or a lever 134 such that when the
cartridge 150 is snapped into a locked position, the piercing portion 124 and
valve
assembly 126 are engaged as will be explained below. The spring may also bias
against the cartridge 150 as the cartridge 150 is snapped into the locked
position.
[0041] Additionally, the engagement assembly 122 may include a releasing
mechanism 136
wherein the releasing mechanism 136 releases the locking mechanism 128 to
release the cartridge 150. The releasing mechanism 136 may be in the form of a
rotating bezel, wherein the user can release the cartridge 150 by rotating the
bezel
(as shown in FIG. 4F). The rotation of the bezel may eject the cartridge 150
and
return the attachment mechanism 120 to the starting position. Additionally,
the
releasing mechanism 136 may be in the form of a release button or a release
lever,
wherein the user may press the release button or slide the release lever to
release the
cartridge 150. Other means to release the cartridge 150 may be used with the
engagement assembly 122 without departing from this invention.
[0042] The engagement assembly 122 may also include a cartridge sealing
portion 138.
The cartridge sealing portion 138 seals the area around the top of the
cartridge 150
to the engagement assembly 122 when the cartridge 150 is snapped into a locked
position. The cartridge sealing portion 138 ensures that the liquid or
solution is
contained within the cartridge 150 during the mixing process. The cartridge
sealing
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portion 138 may include a gasket, o-ring, or grommet or other sealing
structures in
accordance with this invention. The cartridge sealing portion 138 may be made
of
rubber, plastic, or metal or other materials in accordance with this
invention.
[0043] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the piercing portion 124 of the attachment
mechanism 120
may include an opening structure 140. The piercing portion 124 may be
cooperatively engaged to the cam or lever 134 such that when the cartridge 150
is
pressed into the engagement assembly 122, the cartridge 150 is pressed against
the
piercing portion 124, and the piercing portion 124 slides into the opening 158
of the
pod 152. The opening structure 140 may be sharp enough to pierce the cover 160
of
the cartridge 150, thereby breaking the cover 160 on the pod 152, and allowing
the
contents of the cartridge 150 to mix with the contents of the container 110.
[0044] In another example in accordance with this invention, in cooperation
with a foil
retainer 166 as explained below, the opening structure 140 may be shaped such
that
it corresponds specifically with the flaps or retaining portions 170 on the
foil
retainer 166. In this example, when the cartridge 150 is pressed against the
piercing
portion 124, the opening structure 140 puts pressure against the foil retainer
166,
specifically the flaps or retaining portions 170 on the foil retainer 166. The
pressure
from the opening structure 140 causes the flaps 170 to break open, and fold
into the
cover 160 (if present), thereby piercing the cover 160 on the pod 152, and
allowing
the contents of the cartridge 150 to mix with the contents of the container
110. It is
important to note that the specific arrangement and configuration of the
opening
structure 140 must match the flaps 170 on the foil retainer 166 for the
opening
structure 140 to adequately pressure and break the foil retainer 166. If the
opening
structure 140 and flaps 170 on the foil retainer 166 do not match, it is
possible that
the cover 160 will not be broken when the cartridge 150 is pressed into the
locked
position. In other embodiments without departing from the invention, the flaps
170
on the foil retainer 166 do not need to match the opening structure 140. For
example, there may be opening structures 140 which do not match the flaps 170,
however the cover 160 is still broken when the cartridge 150 is pressed into
the
locked position.
[0045] The piercing portion 124 may also include an internal sealing portion
142. The
internal sealing portion 142 seals the area around opening structure 140 when
the
cartridge 150 is snapped into a locked position. The internal sealing portion
142
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ensures that the liquid or solution is contained within the cartridge 150
during the
mixing process.
[0046] The valve assembly 126, as illustrated in FIG. 1A, may generally open
upon
engagement of the cartridge 150 with the attachment mechanism 120 thereby
allowing the mixing of the contents of the container 110 with the contents of
the
cartridge 150. The valve assembly 126 may include a valve 144 and an elevator
146. The valve 144 may be cooperatively engaged with the elevator 146 and with
the cam or lever 134 of the engagement assembly 122, such that when the
cartridge
150 is snapped into the locked position and engages the cam or lever 134 of
the
engagement assembly 122, the valve 144 is moved from a closed position to an
open position. Generally, as pressure is applied to the cartridge 150 and the
cartridge 150 is snapped into the locked position, the elevator 146 moves and
thereby engages the valve 144 and moves the valve 144 to the open position.
[0047] In one example in accordance with this invention, as illustrated in
FIG. 2A, the
valve assembly 126 may be in the form of a door-type valve 144A. The valve
144A, as illustrated in FIG. 2A may be hinged at one side, such that as
pressure is
applied to the cartridge 150A and thereby to the elevator 146A and the spring
132A,
the valve 144A swings to the open position and into the container 110.
Additionally, as the cartridge 150A is pushed, the opening structure 140A
moves
into the cartridge 150A. As the valve 144A swings to the open position into
the
container 110, the contents of the cartridge 150A and the contents of the
container
110 can then mix.
[0048] In another example in accordance with this invention, as illustrated in
FIG. 2B, the
valve assembly 126 may be in the form of a plunger-type valve 144B. The valve
144B, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, may slide into the container 110 as one piece
as
pressure is applied to the cartridge 150B and thereby to the elevator 146B and
to the
spring 132B. When the elevator 146B is pushed against the valve 144B, the
valve
144B moves from the closed position to the open position and into the
container
110. Additionally, as the cartridge 150B is pushed, the opening structure 140B
moves into the cartridge 150B. As the valve 144B slides to the open position,
the
contents of the cartridge 150B and the contents of the container 110 can then
mix.
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[0049] The valve assembly 126 may also include a valve sealing portion 148.
The valve
sealing portion 148 seals the area between the valve 144 and the container 110
when
the cartridge 150 is not snapped into the locked position. Prior to the
engagement of
the cartridge 150 in the engagement assembly 122, the container 110 may
contain a
liquid and the valve sealing portion 148 ensures that the liquid or solution
is
contained within the container 110 when there is no cartridge 150 and the
valve 144
is in the closed position. The valve sealing portion 148 may include a gasket,
o-
ring, or grommet or other sealing structures in accordance with this
invention. The
valve sealing portion 148 may be made of rubber, plastic, or metal or other
materials in accordance with this invention.
[0050] The cartridge 150, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 3A, may comprise a pod
152 and a
cap 154. The cartridge 150 is adapted to engage the attachment mechanism 120
at
the engagement assembly 122. The cartridge 150 may hold one ore more beverage
ingredients, wherein the beverage ingredients may be selected from the list
comprising: syrup, paste, powder, granules, or other compositions.
Additionally,
the cartridge 150 may hold other ingredients or flavors, such as nutrients or
vitamins, in accordance with this invention.
[0051] In another embodiment in accordance with this invention, the cartridge
150 may
include different liquid flavors/ingredients. The liquid flavors/ingredients
may be
created by condensed liquids that pack the essence of a beverage with the full
power
of healthy ingredients and nutrients. The liquid flavors/ingredients may
include a
fruit and/or flavor base such as: plum, blueberry, mango, cherry, grape, kiwi,
strawberry, lemon, lime, passion fruit, apple, melon, tangerine, raspberry,
orange,
pomegranate, pineapple, coconut, grapefruit, acai, watermelon, peach, or any
combination thereof. Additionally, the liquid flavors/ingredients may include
a
functional ingredient that includes herbs and spices or vegetables such as:
mint,
black tea, green tea, red tea, white tea, celery, chamomile, hibiscus,
lavender, carrot,
cucumber, yerba mate, coca extract, ginger, chlorophyll, aloe, cinnamon,
ginseng,
or any combination thereof Additionally, the liquid flavors/ingredients may
include a functional ingredient that includes minerals, vitamins, and other
functional
ingredients such as: calcium, sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, magnesium,
caffeine,
fiber, protein, taurine, ribose, omega 3, or any combination thereof
Additionally,
without departing from the invention, the liquid flavors/ingredients may
include any
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combination of fruit or flavor base, functional ingredients with herbs and
spices or
vegetables, or functional ingredients with minerals and/or vitamins.
[0052] The pod 152 is generally a vessel capable of holding a syrup, paste,
powder,
granules or other compositions. The pod 152 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 3A is a
circular-shaped structure that includes a chamber 156, an opening 158, and a
cover
160. The cover 160 may be located over the opening 158 of the pod 152. An
engaging portion 162 may be located near the opening 158, wherein the engaging
portion 162 may be a snap structure that engages the cap 154. Additionally,
the
engaging portion 162 on the pod 152 may include threads that may engage
threaded
structures on the cap 154.
[0053] As illustrated in FIGS. 3C and 3D, the cover 160 may be a foil seal
located over the
opening 158 of the pod 152. The cover 160 may be attached to the edges of the
opening 158 of the pod 152. The cover 160 may be made of a variety of
different
materials in accordance with this invention, such as: aluminum and sealing
coatings
or laminated with sealing polymers like polyethylene, metalized bioriented
polypropylene and sealing coatings or laminated with sealing polymers like
polyethylene, or metalized polyester and sealing coatings or laminated with
sealing
polymers like polyethylene.
[0054] In an additional example in accordance with this invention, the pod 152
may include
a locking portion 164. The locking portion 164 may be engaged with the
engagement assembly 122 of the attachment mechanism 120 to snap the cartridge
150 into the attachment mechanism 120.
[0055] As illustrated in FIG. 3C, the cap 154 may be attached to the top of
the chamber
156. The cap 154 may be a snap-on type cap, wherein the cap 154 may snap onto
the top of the chamber 156. The cap 154 may also attach to the top of the
chamber
156 by screwing onto the top of the chamber 156. The cap 154 may be made of a
variety of different materials without departing from this invention, such as:
polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyethylene or polypropylene closures with
internal liners containing oxygen scavengers like: components of HyguardTM,
CeloxTM, etc.
[0056] In an additional example in accordance with this invention, the cap 154
may include
a foil retainer 166. The foil retainer 166 may be in the shape of a disc
located in the
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center of the cap 154. The foil retainer 166 may be sealed on one side, such
as
sealed to the cap 154, or sealed to a top rim of the pod 152. Additionally,
the foil
retainer 166 may be sealed on both sides, sealed to both the cap 154 and to
the top
rim of the pod 152. The foil retainer 166 may include cut-out portions 168,
thereby
creating flaps or retaining portions 170 on the foil retainer 166 that may
break-away
with pressure. These flaps 170 are designed to cooperate specifically with the
opening structure 140 as described above. When the opening structure 140 is
pressed against the flaps 170 and the flaps 170 are pressed open, the flaps
170 may
pierce the cover 160 and fold into the pod 152, thereby holding the pierced
and cut
portions of the cover 160 open so that the contents of the cartridge 150 can
mix
freely with the contents of the container 110. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the
cut-out
portion 168 may be in the shape of a cross, thereby creating four triangular
flaps
170. In other examples in accordance with this invention, the foil retainers
166A-
166H may include cut-out portions 168 and flaps 170 in the shapes as
illustrated in
FIG. 3B. Additional shapes may be used for the cut-out portions 168 and flaps
170
without departing from this invention. When the foil retainer 166 is used with
the
cap 154, the cover 160 may be used or it may not be used. The foil retainer
166
may be made of a variety of different materials without departing from this
invention, such as: polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyethylene or
polypropylene
closures with internal liners containing oxygen scavengers like: components of
HyguardTM, CeloxTM, or any other material which is flexible enough to break
when
pressure is applied from the opening structure 140, and hard enough to cut or
pierce
the cover 160 and remain in place, thereby keeping the cover 160 open. As
shown
in FIGS. 3C and 3D, the cartridge 150 may include no cover 160 with a cap 154
or
the cartridge 150 may include a cover 160 with no cap 154.
[0057] In an additional example in accordance with this invention, the cap 154
may include
a locating portion 172. The locating portion 172, as illustrated on FIG. 3A,
engages
with the engagement assembly 122 to properly position the cartridge 150 within
the
attachment mechanism 120.
[0058] The pod 152 may be made of various materials without departing from
this
invention. For example, the pod 152 may be made of polyethylene terephthalate
(PET). Additionally, the pod 152 may be made of PET in combination (by mixing
and/or by using multi-layer structures) with passive barrier materials and/or
oxygen
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scavengers like: plasma-applied coatings of SiOx or amorphous carbon,
polyamides, polyglycolic acid, AmosorbTM, DiamondClearTM, or components of
HyguardTM. Additionally, the pod 152 may be made of polyethylene or
polypropylene in combination (by mixing and/or by using multilayer structures)
with passive barrier materials and/or oxygen scavengers like: polyamides,
ethylene
vinyl alcohol. Additionally, the pod 152 may be made of aluminum. Other
materials may be used for the pod 152 in accordance with this invention, such
that
the material alone or in combination with a barrier system protects some
beverages
or other products that are oxygen sensitive and to avoid excessive loss of
water.
[0059] FIGS. 4A through 4F illustrate the operation of the beverage dispensing
system
according to examples of this invention. The preparation of the beverage
dispensing system 100 as described above is shown in FIGS. 4A-4F. As shown in
FIG. 4A, the cartridge 150 is inserted into the attachment mechanism 120 as
located
in the base of the container 110. The cartridge 150 may be inserted with the
cap
towards the attachment mechanism 120.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 4B, the cartridge 150 may be rotated to make sure the
cartridge
150 is located in the proper location. The locating portion 172 located on the
cap,
engages with the engagement assembly 122 to properly position the cartridge
150
within the attachment mechanism 120. Additionally, the cartridge sealing
portion
138 seals the area around the top of the cartridge 150 to the engagement
assembly
122 when the cartridge 150 is inserted into the attachment mechanism 120. The
cartridge sealing portion 138 ensures that the liquid or solution is contained
within
the cartridge 150 during the mixing process.
[0061] As shown in FIG. 4C, the cartridge 150 may be pressed into the
attachment
mechanism 120, thereby engaging the engagement assembly 122 and pressing the
cartridge 150 into the locked position. As the cartridge 150 is engaged with
the
engagement assembly 122, the opening structure 140 of the piercing portion 124
pierces the opening and the cover 160 on the pod 152, thereby releasing the
contents
of the cartridge 150 into the container 110. Additionally, as the cartridge
150 is
engaged with the engagement assembly 122, the valve assembly 126 is engaged
and
the valve sealing portion 148 is released from the container 110. The valve
144
opens into the container 110. As the opening 158 and cover 160 are pierced and
the
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valve 144 opens, the contents of the container 110 and the contents of the
cartridge
150 are now able to be mixed together.
[0062] As shown in FIG. 4D, the container 110 may be rotated or shaken to mix
the
contents of the container 110 and the contents of the cartridge 150. This
shaking
movement causes the contents to mix together, thereby creating a desired
beverage.
As shown in FIG. 4E, the beverage is now ready to be consumed.
[0063] Once the beverage is consumed by the user, the cartridge 150 can be
released from
the attachment mechanism 120 by using the releasing mechanism 136. As shown in
FIG. 4F, the releasing mechanism 136 is a rotating bezel, which ejects the
cartridge
150 and returns the attachment mechanism 120 to the starting position. The
releasing mechanism 136 may also be in the form of a release button or a
release
lever as explained above. Additionally, without departing from the invention,
the
cartridge 150 may be released from the attachment mechanism 120 prior the
beverage being consumed by the user.
[0064] Prior to mixing the contents of the container and the contents of the
cartridge, the
user may pour a powder booster or additional ingredients via a packet 151.
Examples of the packet 151 are illustrated in FIG. 26. The packet may include
any
of the following powder boosts or ingredients: electrolytes, energy, calm,
protein,
fiber, vitamins, antioxidants, sweeteners, or any combination thereof.
Additional
configurations of the packet 151 or other containers to hold the powder boosts
may
be utilized without departing from the invention.
[0065] In accordance with this invention, a beverage apparatus or machine may
perform the
same operation as the container 110 as described above (apparatus not shown).
The
beverage apparatus may include an attachment mechanism 120 similar to as
described above, wherein the cartridge 150 may be inserted into the attachment
mechanism 120. Additionally, a glass or cup may be placed under or within the
beverage apparatus to hold the desired beverage.
[0066] After the cartridge 150 is inserted into the attachment mechanism 120
of the
beverage apparatus, the cartridge 150 may then be pressed into the attachment
mechanism 120, thereby pressing the cartridge 150 into the locked position. As
the
cartridge 150 engages the attachment mechanism, the opening structure 140
pierces
the cover 160 on the cartridge 150, thereby releasing the contents of the
cartridge
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150 into the container 110. As the cover 160 is pierced, a metered amount of
water
or other liquid from a first source may flush through the cartridge 150.
Additionally, a metered amount of water or other liquid from a second source
may
be flushed directly into the glass. These first and second flushes help to
ensure the
contents of the cartridge 150 are completely emptied into the glass and that
the
contents of the cartridge 150 and the water or other liquid are completely
mixed as
required.
[0067] Additionally, the beverage apparatus may have a mechanical means to
rotate or
shake the glass to assist with mixing the contents of the container 110 and
the
contents of the cartridge 150. This shaking movement may cause the contents to
mix together, thereby creating the desired beverage. Once the beverage is
consumed by the user, the cartridge 150 can be removed from the beverage
apparatus.
[0068] FIGS. 5A-8B illustrate additional container configuration according to
examples of
this invention.
[0069] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a beverage dispensing system 500 with a
cartridge 550
located at the top of the container 510. FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate an example
according to this invention similar to that described above in conjunction
with
FIGS. 1 through 4F (the same or similar reference numbers are used in FIGS. 5A
and 5B as those used in FIGS. 1 through 4F to denote the same or similar
parts). In
another example in accordance with this invention, as shown in FIG. 5A, the
beverage dispensing system 500 is generally comprised of a container 510, an
attachment mechanism 520, and a cartridge 550. The container 510 may hold a
mixing solution or liquid, such as water, to be mixed with the contents of the
cartridge 550. The cartridge 550 generally engages with the attachment
mechanism
520 to open the cartridge 550 to be dispensed into the container 510, thereby
combining the contents of the cartridge 550 with the liquid within the
container 510
to create a drinkable beverage.
[0070] In this example configuration, the attachment mechanism 520 is located
at the top of
the container 510, such that the cartridge 550 is inserted into the attachment
mechanism 520 at the top of the container 510. Additionally, the container 510
may
include an area located around the cartridge 550, such that when the cartridge
550 is
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attached to the container 510, the user can drink from the container 510. The
container 510 may include an open area around the cartridge 550 for drinking.
Additionally, a release mechanism may be located on a side of the container
510.
The release mechanism may be in the form of a release button or a release
lever,
wherein the user may press the release button or slide the release lever to
release the
cartridge. The attachment mechanism 520 and the cartridge 550 may be any of
the
configurations as described in this application without departing from the
invention.
[0071] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a beverage dispensing system 600 with a
cartridge 650
located at the top of the container 610 at an angle. FIGS. 6A and 6B
illustrate an
example according to this invention similar to that described above in
conjunction
with FIGS. 1 through 4F (the same or similar reference numbers are used in
FIGS.
6A and 6B as those used in FIGS. 1 through 4F to denote the same or similar
parts).
In another example in accordance with this invention, as shown in FIGS. 6A and
6B, the beverage dispensing system 600 is generally comprised of a container
610,
an attachment mechanism 620, and a cartridge 650. The container 610 may hold a
mixing solution or liquid, such as water, to be mixed with the contents of the
cartridge 650. The cartridge 650 generally engages with the attachment
mechanism
620 to open the cartridge 650 to be dispensed into the container 610, thereby
combining the contents of the cartridge 650 with the liquid within the
container 610
to create a drinkable beverage.
[0072] In this example configuration, the attachment mechanism 620 is located
at the top of
the container 610 at an angle, such that the cartridge 650 is inserted into
the
attachment mechanism 620 at the top angle of the container 610. Additionally,
the
container 610 may include a drinking spout 616 located adjacent to the
cartridge
650, such that when the cartridge 650 is attached to the container 610, the
user can
drink from the container 610 out of the drinking spout 616. Additionally, a
release
mechanism 636 may be located on a side of the container 610. The release
mechanism 636 may be in the form of a release button or a release lever,
wherein
the user may press the release button or slide the release lever to release
the
cartridge 650. The attachment mechanism 620 and the cartridge 650 may be any
of
the configurations as described in this application without departing from the
invention.
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[0073] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a beverage dispensing system 700 with a
container 710
with a hinge 717 and a cartridge 750 located in middle of the container 710.
FIGS.
7A and 7B illustrate an example according to this invention similar to that
described
above in conjunction with FIGS. 1 through 4F (the same or similar reference
numbers are used in FIGS. 7A and 7B as those used in FIGS. 1 through 4F to
denote the same or similar parts). In another example in accordance with this
invention, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the beverage dispensing system 700 is
generally comprised of a container 710, an attachment mechanism 720, and a
cartridge 750. The container 710 may hold a mixing solution or liquid, such as
water, to be mixed with the contents of the cartridge. The cartridge generally
engages with the attachment mechanism to open the cartridge 750 to be
dispensed
into the container 710, thereby combining the contents of the cartridge 750
with the
liquid within the container 710 to create a drinkable beverage.
[0074] In this example configuration, the container 710 may have a hinged
portion 717,
such as a top portion 718 of the container 710, wherein the top portion 718
swings
to an open position, as illustrated in FIG. 7B. When the top portion 718 is in
the
open position, the cartridge 750 can be inserted into the attachment mechanism
720.
The attachment mechanism 720 may be located in the middle area of the
container
710, such that the cartridge 750 is inserted into the attachment mechanism 720
when
the top portion 718 is in the open position. After the cartridge 750 is
inserted, the
top portion 718 may swing back to a closed position, as illustrated in FIG.
7A.
When the top portion 718 is in the closed position, the beverage may be mixed
and
the user may drink from the container 710. Additionally, the container 710 may
include a drinking spout 716 located at the top of the container 710.
Additionally, a
release mechanism may be located on a side of the container 710. The release
mechanism may be in the form of a release button or a release lever, wherein
the
user may press the release button or slide the release lever to release the
cartridge
750. The attachment mechanism 720 and the cartridge 750 may be any of the
configurations as described in this application without departing from the
invention.
[0075] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a beverage dispensing system 800 with a
container 810
with a hinge 817 and a cartridge 850 located in the hinged portion 818 of the
container 810. FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate an example according to this
invention
similar to that described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1 through 4F (the
same or
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similar reference numbers are used in FIGS. 8A and 8B as those used in FIGS. 1
through 4F to denote the same or similar parts). In another example in
accordance
with this invention, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the beverage dispensing
system
800 is generally comprised of a container 810, an attachment mechanism 820,
and a
cartridge 850. The container 810 may hold a mixing solution or liquid, such as
water, to be mixed with the contents of the cartridge 850. The cartridge 850
generally engages with the attachment mechanism 820 to open the cartridge 850
to
be dispensed into the container 810, thereby combining the contents of the
cartridge
850 with the liquid within the container 810 to create a drinkable beverage.
[0076] In this example configuration, the container 810 may have a hinged
portion 817,
such as a lid 818 on the container 810, wherein the lid 818 swings to an open
position, as illustrated in FIG. 8B. The lid 818 may include the attachment
mechanism 820 located at the top of the container 810. The cartridge 850 may
be
inserted into the attachment mechanism 820 when the lid 818 is in the open
position. After the cartridge 850 is inserted, the lid 818 may swing back to a
closed
position, as illustrated in FIG. 8A. When the lid 818 is in the closed
position, the
beverage may be mixed and the user may drink from the container 810.
Additionally, the container 810 may include a drinking area located at the top
of the
container 810 around the cartridge 850. Additionally, a user may drink from
the
container 810 when the lid 818 is in the open position. A release mechanism
may
be located on a top side of the container 810. The release mechanism may be in
the
form of a release button or a release lever, wherein the user may press the
release
button or slide the release lever to release the cartridge 850. The attachment
mechanism 820 and the cartridge 850 may be any of the configurations as
described
in this application without departing from the invention.
[0077] Additional container configurations may be utilized without departing
from this
invention. Containers such as: multi-serve containers which may hold multiple
cartridges or bigger cartridges; containers to hold liquid food, such as soup;
containers which can used as a glass by removing the upper portion which
contains
the attachment mechanism; containers for use in a car or in a sports
environment
which may have a sports closure, such as a push/pull drinking spout;
containers for
use in airline flights such that the cartridges and water are used to supply
drinks to
the passengers; containers which may contain medicated drinks such as an
aspirin or
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prescription drugs; containers which may fit within a refrigerator that has a
tap
dispenser and a top that contains the attachment mechanism; containers that
may be
hand-held; and containers which are much larger that may be located on a
counter
or shelf, either in a store environment or in a home, to name a few. Again,
the
teachings and principles of the invention may be applied to any container
configuration without departing from the invention.
[0078] FIGS. 9A through 13B illustrate additional attachment mechanism
configurations
according to examples of this invention.
[0079] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate an attachment mechanism 920 with a paddle-
type valve
assembly 926. FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate an example according to this
invention
similar to that described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1 through 4F (the
same or
similar reference numbers are used in FIGS. 9A and 9B as those used in FIGS. 1
through 4F to denote the same or similar parts). In another example in
accordance
with this invention, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the attachment mechanism 920
is
generally comprised of an engagement assembly 922, a piercing portion 924, and
a
valve assembly 926. The engagement assembly 922 may generally receive the
cartridge 950 within the attachment mechanism 920. The piercing portion 924
may
generally pierce the cartridge 950, thereby releasing the contents of the
cartridge
950 into the container 910. The valve assembly 926 may generally open upon
engagement of the cartridge 950 with the attachment mechanism 920 thereby
allowing the mixing of the contents of the container 910 with the contents of
the
cartridge 950.
[0080] In this example configuration, the attachment mechanism 920 requires a
two-part
action to attach the cartridge 950 and open the cartridge 950. First, as shown
in
FIG. 9A, the cartridge 950 is attached to the engagement assembly 922, wherein
the
engagement assembly 922 includes a latching structure 928 and a spring 932 to
hold
the cartridge 950 in a locked position. Once the cartridge 950 is in a locked
position, as shown in FIG. 9B, the engagement assembly 922 may be twisted. As
the engagement assembly 922 is twisted, the twisting action causes a cam 945
within the valve assembly 926 to rotate a valve 944 in the valve assembly 926
upward into the opening of the cartridge 950, thereby piercing the cover 960.
With
the valve 944 rotating upward, the valve 944 may also, simultaneously, open
the
container 910 to the cartridge 950 so that the contents of the container 910
and the
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contents of the cartridge 950 can mix. The container 910 and cartridges 950
may be
any of the configurations as described in this application without departing
from the
invention.
[0081] As illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B, in a similar configuration to the
paddle-type
valve assembly 1026 as described above, the attachment mechanism 1020 may be
rotated to uncover a hole or a plurality of holes 1021, 1023 if more than one
cartridge is used. As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, two cartridges 1050A, 1050B
are attached to the attachment mechanism 1020 with two holes 1021, 1023
located
in the attachment mechanism 1020. The rotation of the attachment mechanism
1020 may enable the mixing of the contents of the container 1010 with the
contents
of the pod or pods 1050A, 1050B. The attachment mechanism 1020, the container
1010, and the cartridges 1050A, 1050B may be any of the configurations as
described in this application without departing from the invention.
[0082] FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate an attachment mechanism with a piston-type
attachment mechanism 1120. FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate an example according
to this invention similar to that described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1
through
4F (the same or similar reference numbers are used in FIGS. 11A and 11B as
those
used in FIGS. 1 through 4F to denote the same or similar parts). In another
example
in accordance with this invention, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the
attachment
mechanism 1120 is generally comprised of an engagement assembly, a crushing
portion, and a valve assembly. The engagement assembly may generally receive
the
cartridge 1150 within the attachment mechanism. The crushing portion may
generally open the cartridge 1150, thereby releasing the contents of the
cartridge
1150 into the container. The valve assembly may generally open upon engagement
of the cartridge 1150 with the attachment mechanism 1120 thereby allowing the
mixing of the contents of the container with the contents of the cartridge
1150.
[0083] In this example configuration, the engagement assembly may include a
piston 1122.
The attachment mechanism may also include a base 1124 wherein the crushing
portion and the valve assembly may be contained. A cartridge 1150 is placed
within an opening 1129 in the piston 1122, wherein the opening 1129 is located
on
the side of the piston 1122. The piston 1122 may then be pushed such that the
cartridge 1150 is crushed or squeezed against the base 1124. As the piston
1122 is
moved against the base 1124, a valve 1126 opens to the container, thereby
allowing
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the contents of the container and the contents of the cartridge to mix.
Additionally,
as the piston 1122 is moved against the base 1124, the cartridge 1150 is
crushed or
squeezed, thereby causing the cover 1160 to open and discharge the contents of
the
cartridge 1150 into the container. The container and the cartridge 1150 may be
any
of the configurations as described in this application without departing from
the
invention.
[0084] FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate an attachment mechanism with a rotating
cam type
attachment mechanism 1220. FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate an example according
to this invention similar to that described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1
through
4F (the same or similar reference numbers are used in FIGS. 12A and 12B as
those
used in FIGS. 1 through 4F to denote the same or similar parts). In another
example
in accordance with this invention, as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the
attachment
mechanism 1220 is generally comprised of an engagement assembly, a crushing
portion, and a valve assembly. The engagement assembly may generally receive
the
cartridge 1250 within the attachment mechanism. The crushing portion may
generally open the cartridge, thereby releasing the contents of the cartridge
1250
into the container. The valve assembly may generally open upon engagement of
the
cartridge 1250 with the attachment mechanism 1220 thereby allowing the mixing
of
the contents of the container with the contents of the cartridge 1250.
[0085] In this example configuration, the engagement assembly may include a
cam
assembly 1222 and a base 1224. The cam assembly 1222 may also include two
cams 1229. The cartridge 1250 may be inserted in between the two cams 1229
through the top of the attachment mechanism 1220. The two cams 1229 may be
attached to the cam assembly 1222, such that as the base 1224 and cam assembly
1222 is rotated, the cams 1229 press inward. As the cams 1229 press inward the
cams 1229 crush or squeeze the cartridge 1250 within the cams 1229, thereby
causing the cover of the cartridge 1250 to open and discharge the contents of
the
cartridge 1250 into the container. The container and the cartridge 1250 may be
any
of the configurations as described in this application without departing from
the
invention.
[0086] FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate an attachment mechanism with a plunger-
type
attachment mechanism 1320. FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate an example according
to this invention similar to that described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1
through
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4F (the same or similar reference numbers are used in FIGS. 13A and 13B as
those
used in FIGS. 1 through 4F to denote the same or similar parts). In another
example
in accordance with this invention, as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the
attachment
mechanism 1320 is generally comprised of an engagement assembly, a crushing
portion, and a valve assembly. The engagement assembly may generally receive
the
cartridge 1350 within the attachment mechanism. The crushing portion may
generally open the cartridge 1350, thereby releasing the contents of the
cartridge
1350 into the container. The valve assembly may generally open upon engagement
of the cartridge 1350 with the attachment mechanism thereby allowing the
mixing
of the contents of the container with the contents of the cartridge 1350.
[0087] In this example configuration, the engagement assembly may include a
plunger
1322. The attachment mechanism 1320 may also include a base 1324 wherein the
crushing portion and the valve assembly may be contained. A cartridge 1350 is
placed in the top of the base 1324. The plunger 1322 may then be pushed such
that
the cartridge 1350 is crushed or squeezed between the plunger 1322 and the
base
1324 of the attachment mechanism 1320. As the plunger 1322 is moved against
the
base 1324 of the attachment mechanism 1320, a valve 1326 may open to the
container, thereby allowing the contents of the container and the contents of
the
cartridge 1350 to mix. As the plunger 1322 is moved against the base 1324 of
the
attachment mechanism 1320, the cartridge 1350 is crushed or squeezed, thereby
causing the cover to open and discharge the contents of the cartridge 1350
into the
container. Additionally, the plunger 1322 may contain a piercing needle (not
shown) wherein the piercing needle pierces the cartridge 1350 as the plunger
1322
is pushed into the base 1324 of the attachment mechanism 1320. The container
and
the cartridge 1350 may be any of the configurations as described in this
application
without departing from the invention.
[0088] Additional attachment mechanisms may be utilized without departing from
this
invention. Attachment mechanism such as: threaded connections between the
container and the attachment mechanism instead of the snap feature as
described
above; quarter-turn connections between the container and the attachment
mechanism instead of the snap feature as described above; a hand-tool 240
similar
to a nut-cracker which holds a cartridge and can pierce and open the cartridge
by
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use of the hand-tool 240 and thus pouring the contents of the cartridge into a
glass
242 (as shown in FIG. 24).
[0089] FIGS. 14A through 14C illustrate additional cartridge configurations
according to
examples of this invention. As illustrated in FIGS. 14A through 14C, in
another
example cartridge configuration, the cartridge 1450 may be comprised of
multiple
pods. As illustrated in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the cartridge may comprise two half
pods 1450A, 1450B, wherein each of the half pods 1450A, 1450B can be combined
to make one singular pod 1450. The contents of each pod 1450A, 1450B may then
be mixed with water or other liquid to form the desired beverage. Each half
pod
1450A, 1450B may contain syrup, paste, powder, granules or other compositions
that when mixed with water or other liquids will result in a beverage. In an
alternative aspect of the invention, the half pod 1450A, 1450B may contain an
energy boost, nutrients, or vitamin supplement that can be added to the
beverage.
The two half pods 1450A, 1450B may be inserted into an attachment mechanism
1420 located at the bottom of a container 1410 as shown in FIG. 14C.
Alternatively, the cartridge 1450 may include three or more pods.
[0090] In another example cartridge configuration, the beverage dispensing
system may
include multiple attachment mechanisms, piercing portions, and valve
assemblies,
such that multiple cartridges may be inserted for a single container or
beverage
dispensing system. The contents of each cartridge may then be mixed with water
or
other liquids to form the desired beverage. Each cartridge may contain syrup,
paste,
powder, granules or other compositions that when mixed with water or other
liquids
will result in a beverage. In an alternative aspect of the invention, one or
more of
the cartridges may contain an energy boost or vitamin supplement that can be
added
to the beverage. Additionally, one or more of the cartridges may be a
different size,
such as smaller or larger, than the other cartridges.
[0091] In another example cartridge configuration, the cartridge may be
comprised of
multiple chambers each containing the same or different beverage-making
component. Multiple chambers may be beneficial when there are unstable
ingredients that must remain separate as part of the beverage. The contents of
each
chamber may then be mixed with water or other liquids to form the desired
beverage. Each chamber may contain syrup, paste, powder, granules or other
compositions that when mixed with water or other liquids will result in a
beverage.
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In an alternative aspect of the invention, one of the chambers may contain an
energy
boost or vitamin supplement that can be added to the beverage.
[0092] In another example in accordance with this invention, a beverage
dispensing system
is directed at a single-serve beverage dispensing system. The beverage
dispensing
system is directed to overcome the drawbacks and problems with existing
beverage
dispensing or delivery systems. A single-serve beverage dispensing system is
disclosed in FIGS. 15-18C. As illustrated by FIGS. 15-18C, the single-serve
beverage dispensing system dispenses a metered amount of water or other liquid
through a syrup-containing cartridge having the proper amount of syrup to
create a
single-serve beverage, for example, a soft drink. As illustrated by FIGS. 15-
17, the
beverage dispensing system of the invention permits a consumer in a retail
environment or at home to create a single-serve beverage by selecting a
cartridge
containing the desired beverage ingredients and placing the cartridge into the
beverage dispensing system. The consumer then presses a button which activates
the beverage mixing operation of the system. Once activated, a needle
operatively
connected to a water or other liquid supply will drop down and puncture the
cartridge through the top and bottom of the cartridge. For a predetermined
period of
time, the needle will remain in and partially extending through the cartridge.
While
the needle is positioned in the cartridge, water or other liquids are directed
to the
needle and allowed to pass through an opening in the end of the needle and
through
a plurality of apertures positioned around the periphery of the needle. The
water or
other liquids passing through the plurality of apertures will enter the
cartridge and
mix with the syrup contained in the cartridge. Once mixed, the beverage will
pass
through the punctured opening created in the bottom of the cartridge and drop
into a
cup positioned beneath the cartridge. Water or other liquids will additionally
flow
out through the opening in the end of the needle to further create the proper
consistency and flavor of the beverage. After the beverage has been dispensed
into
the cup, the consumer may remove the cup and enjoy the beverage. The used
cartridge may then be discarded.
[0093] More specifically, and referring to FIGS. 15-17, in an exemplary
embodiment, the
beverage system 1508 includes a dispenser housing 1510 that includes openings
1512 and 1514 formed in the housing. Opening 1512 is sized and shaped to
receive
a beverage cup 1513 for receiving and containing the created beverage
dispensed
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from the beverage system. Opening 1514 is sized and shaped to receive a
cartridge
1516 that contains syrup, which is mixed with water or other liquids to make
the
beverage. The opening 1514 and cartridge 1516 define a mating configuration in
that the cartridge 1516 is shaped to match the shape of the opening 1514, and
vice
versa. With this configuration, only cartridges having a shape that matches
the
shape of the opening 1514 can be inserted into the opening 1514, thereby
preventing
undesirable or non-matching cartridges or containers from being used with the
beverage system. The beverage system further includes a button or switch 1520
that
a consumer presses to activate the beverage system.
[0094] Positioned within the housing 1510 is a water (or other liquid) supply
system that
includes a water supply line 1521 operatively connected at one end to a water
source, and at an opposing end to a needle 1523. The water (or other liquid)
source
may be either carbonated or non-carbonated water, or may be any other suitable
liquid that can be mixed with the syrup contained within the cartridge. As
illustrated in FIG. 25, the needle 1523 defines a pointed or sharp open end
1525 that
as explained above is used to puncture the cartridge 1516. The needle 1523
further
defines an elongated tube-like body 1527 that further defines a plurality of
apertures
1529 positioned around the periphery of the tube body 1527 of the needle 1523.
Once positioned within the cartridge 1516, the apertures 1529 permit water or
other
liquids traveling through the tube body 1527 to pass into the cartridge 1516
to mix
with syrup contained with the cartridge 1516. As should be understood, the
needle
1523 may define numerous other configurations that permit the puncturing of
the
cartridge 1516 and passing of water or other liquids into the cartridge 1516.
[0095] The cartridge 1516 may define a single chamber, or may define multiple
chambers
each containing the same or different beverage-making component. The contents
of
each chamber may then be mixed with water or other liquid to form the desired
beverage. Each chamber may contain syrup, paste, powder, granules or other
compositions that when mixed with water or other liquids will result in a
beverage.
In an alternative aspect of the invention, the cartridge may contain an energy
boost
or vitamin supplement that can be added to the beverage.
[0096] As illustrated in FIG. 16, the cartridge may define a dome-shaped
configuration
made of a plastic material. The dome shape creates the one or more chambers
within the cartridge. Aluminum foil 1524 or a similar sealing material may be
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positioned across the cartridge to seal the contents within the cartridge. The
aluminum foil may include product information or other indicia printed
thereon, or
may contain instructions as to how to use the cartridge and/or beverage
system.
The use of aluminum foil and plastic with the cartridge permits the needle to
easily
penetrate and puncture the foil and plastic. It should be understood that
numerous
other shapes and configurations of the cartridge are possible and that the
depicted
dome shape is merely exemplary of the numerous alternative configurations.
[0097] Referring to FIGS. 18A through 18C, the beverage system 1508 may also
include a
housing 1528 containing numerous cartridges each containing a different
beverage
flavor or ingredient giving the consumer numerous choices for a beverage,
unlike
the limited options with existing beverage systems. In one embodiment, the
cartridges may be positioned in an array with the product information relating
to the
cartridge readily visible to the consumer, the array creating an aesthetically
pleasing
consumer impression. The housing may contain various eye-catching colors and
advertisements to attract the attention of the consumers. The beverage system
1508
may also include a cup-holding housing 1530 that contains numerous stacked
cups
1513 that are also readily accessible to a consumer. The housing 1530 may
include
one or more cup-holding openings 1534 to accommodate multiple sized cups. The
beverage housings 1510, 1528 and 1530 are all modular to provide flexibility
in
placing the beverage system within a retail store environment to enhance the
visibility of the system, and are sufficiently lightweight and compact to
permit each
to sit on top of a counter within the store, or at any other desired location
within the
store.
[0098] Referring to FIGS. 19A-23, the beverage system may be packaged in
numerous
configurations. FIG. 19A depicts a beverage system 1540A that may be used at
home where a cartridge may be placed within the opening 1542A and upon
pressing
the dispensing button 1544A, water or other liquids stored within water
housing
1546A mixes with the contents of the cartridge, similar to the manner
described
above, to make the desired beverage. FIG. 19B illustrates a similar beverage
system
1540B that may be used at home, a small bar, and/or a restaurant where a
cartridge
or pod 1548B may be placed on the top of the system 1540B. Upon pressing a
dispensing button 1544B, water or other liquids stored within or connected to
the
housing 1546B mixes with the contents of the cartridge 1550 or pod, similar to
the
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manner described above to make the desired beverage. FIG. 20 depicts yet
another
beverage system 1550 that operates in the same manner as described herein but
utilizes large water containers 1552, similar to those used in drinking
coolers. Still
other packaging options are possible with the invention.
[0099] Referring to FIGS. 21-23, the beverage system 1560 may be configured
with a
refrigerator 1562. The beverage system 1560 may be mounted in or to the
refrigerator, or attached as a stand-alone unit to the refrigerator. If the
beverage
system 1560 is mounted in or to the refrigerator, the system 1560 may be
accessible
from the exterior of the refrigerator (FIGS. 21 and 23) or may be accessible
from
the interior of the refrigerator (FIG. 22). As illustrated in FIG. 22, the
beverage
system may be mounted within a compartment located within the refrigerator. As
illustrated in FIG. 23, the beverage systems may be incorporated with the
ice/water
dispensing system of the refrigerator. With each of these alternative
embodiments,
the beverage system 1560 may be attached to the drinking water supply of the
refrigerator. If the beverage system 1560 is attached to the refrigerator as a
stand-
alone unit, it may be connected to the drinking water supply of the
refrigerator. As
with the other embodiments described herein, the cartridge 1570 may be placed
within an opening 1564 and upon pressing the dispensing button, water from
refrigerator 1562 mixes with the contents of the cartridge, similar to the
manner
described above, to make the desired beverage, which will then be dispensed
into a
cup 1574.
[00100] Referring to FIGS. 27A-27C, in accordance with this invention, the
cartridges or
pods 150 as described above may contain a unique identifier. The unique
identifier
may consist of a bar code 153A, serial characters 153B, RFID tag, near-field
communication device, or a device or system similar wherein a user could
enter,
scan, or read to track the beverage characteristics of the cartridge 150 they
just
consumed. The beverage characteristics may then be tracked and captured for
the
user. The beverage characteristics that may be tracked could include: flavor,
nutritional content (such as calories, carbohydrates, water intake, sodium),
functional ingredients, favorite beverages, plastic bottles "saved", location
or time
of day consumed, carbon footprint account, or other information such as the
delivery of specific medicines. Additionally, instead of the user entering the
unique
identifier, the user could capture the unique identifier via a camera 159. An
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example bar code identifier 153A on a cartridge 150 is illustrated in FIG.
27A. An
example serial character identifier 153B on the cartridge 150 is illustrated
in FIG.
27B. The information linked to the bar code 153A and/or serial character 153B
could then be uploaded to a personal website 190 linked to the beverage system
and
the user.
[00101] Additionally, in accordance with this invention, as illustrated in
FIG. 27C, a
container 110 may capture the information linked to the unique identifier 153
on the
cartridge 150 described above. The container 110 may include a capture device
155
that reads the unique identifier 153. Specifically, the capture device 155 may
consist of a memory chip to store the information from the bar code 153A or
serial
characters 153B on the individual cartridges 150. Alternatively, the capture
device
155 may include a scanning device to scan the bar code 153A or serial
characters
153B on the individual cartridges 150. The capture device 155 may also include
an
RFID tag reader or a near-field communication device. The memory chip or
scanning device may then store the information for future upload. The upload
from
the container or memory chip may be done through a wireless means, such as a
wireless network. This information could then be uploaded to a personal
website
190 linked to the beverage system and the user. The capture device 155 may be
included within the container 110, the cap 112, the attachment mechanism 120,
the
engagement assembly 122, or any other portion of the container 110 without
departing from this invention.
[00102] For example, a user may select a given flavor or beverage cartridge
150 and connect
the cartridge 150 to the container 110 as described above in any of the
various
embodiments of the cartridge and container. When the cartridge 150 is locked
into
the container 110, the capture device 155 on the container 110 may scan or
read the
bar code 153A or the serial character 153B on the cartridge 150. Additionally,
without departing from this invention, the cartridge 150 may be positioned
within
the container 110 such that the bar code 153A, the serial character 153B, or
RFID
tag is located in the correct location for scanning and reading by the capture
device
155 on the container 110. After the capture device 155 scans or reads the bar
code
153A or serial character 153B, the unique information 157 linked to the
selected
flavor or cartridge 150 may be maintained within the container memory chip.
When
the user wants to download the information 157, the user may "connect" the
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container 110 to a computing device 180. The user may connect the container
110
via a wired connection or a wireless connection, such as wireless network,
cellular
network, wi-fl, Bluetooth, or any other similar wireless-type connection. The
container 110 may connect to any computing device 180 that may include, but is
not
limited to, a cell phone 181, a laptop computer 182, a desktop computer 184, a
smart phone 183, etc. Once the container 110 is connected to the computing
device
180, the user may then download that unique information 157 (such as flavor,
nutritional content, or functional ingredients, etc.) that was stored from the
selected
beverage cartridge 150. The user may also download any other sets of unique
information 157 saved in the memory chip of the container 110 from previous
uses
and previously used beverage cartridges 150. This information 157 may then be
uploaded to a personal website 190 linked to the beverage system and the user.
[00103] Furthermore, in accordance with this invention, the information 157
uploaded from
the unique identifiers 153 on the individual beverage cartridges 150 may be
used
with online applications. These online applications may be included on such
devices or locations such as on smart phones, cell phones, personal websites,
company websites, beverage system websites, gaming or social networks, etc.
The
use of such information 157 may be used with an online application for such
functions such as tracking water consumed throughout the day, tracking
nutrients
and/or nutraceuticals consumed, tracking the amount of PET equivalent saved
with
using the beverage system instead of other drinking methods, tracking of
medicine
consumption that could be shared with a third party (such as a doctor),
updating
loyalty programs with points or reward prizes, providing the information
sharing
with friends or similar people through gaming or social networks, tracking
time of
day, or tracking geolocation of consumption.
Furthermore, additional types of
uses that the information could have on an online environment may include
games
and virtual pets for kids as rewards are granted for drinking healthy beverage
options, or applications for carbon footprint tracking, or nutrient
consumption for
seniors, etc.
[00104] FIGS. 28A and 28B illustrate a beverage system in operation that
communicates and
transfers the information 157 as described above. FIG. 28A illustrates steps 1
through 3, while FIG. 28B illustrates steps 3 through 5, with step 3 being
repeated
for illustrative purposes only. As illustrated in FIG. 28A, in step 1, a
cartridge 150
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includes a unique identifier in the form of a bar code 153A. The cartridge 150
is
configured to fit or be connected to a container 110. In step 2, the user
inserts the
cartridge 150 into the container 110 and the user may then mix and consume the
beverage. Following step 2, the user may then track the information from the
beverage and the user may do this in one of at least three different ways as
illustrated in step 3 in FIG. 28A. First, the user may manually enter the bar
code
identifier 153A (or serial character identifier 153B, or RFID tag) into a
system as
was described above. Second, the user may capture the bar code identifier 153A
(or
serial character identifier 153B or RFID tag) with a camera 159 as was
described
above. Third, a capture device 155 with the container 110 may scan the bar
code
identifier 153A or read the bar code identifier 153A. The capture device 155
may
read the information 157 from the bar code identifier 153A and/or the
cartridge 150.
[00105] As illustrated in FIG. 28B, following step 3, in step 4, the
information 157 from the
bar code identifier 153A and/or the cartridge 150 is then transmitted or
transferred
to a computing device 180 or network device. The information 157 may be
transmitted over a wired connection. Additionally, as was discussed above,
this
information 157 may be transmitted wirelessly via any means known and used in
the art to transfer information, such as a wireless network, cellular network,
Wi-Fi,
Bluetooth, or any other similar wireless-type connection. The computing device
180 may include, but is not limited to, a cell phone 181, a laptop computer
182, a
personal data assistant (PDA)/smart phone 183, a desktop computer 184, or the
intern& 185, etc. In step 5, the computing device 180 may consolidate or store
this
information 157 to be uploaded to a personal website 190 linked to the
beverage
system and the user, a beverage system website 191 linked to the user with
user
preferences, or a social network site 192 linked to the beverage system and
the user.
Online applications may be available on the computing device 180, the personal
website 190, the beverage system website 191, and/or the social networking
website
192. As discussed above, the online applications may include such functions as
tracking water consumed throughout the day, tracking nutrients and/or
nutraceuticals consumed, tracking the amount of PET equivalent saved with
using
the beverage system instead of other drinking methods, tracking of medicine
consumption that could be shared with a third party (such as a doctor),
updating
loyalty programs with points or reward prizes, providing the information
sharing
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with friends or similar people, tracking time of day, or tracking geolocation
of
consumption. Furthermore, additional types of uses that the
information could
have on an online environment may include games and virtual pets for kids as
rewards are granted for drinking healthy beverage options, or applications for
carbon footprint tracking, or nutrient consumption for seniors, etc.
Additionally, the
online applications may include tracking favorite beverages, consumption
competitions, collecting or providing information for consumer and/or
marketing
research, or users recommending other beverages or flavors that other users
might
like.
[00106] FIGS. 29A-30 illustrate various additional examples of beverage
systems in
accordance with the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 29A-29C, a beverage
system 1600 may be configured to be used with a container, such as a tumbler
style
glass 1610. FIGS. 29A-29C illustrate an example according to this invention
similar to that described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1 through 4F (the
same or
similar reference numbers are used in FIGS. 29A-29C as those used in FIGS. 1
through 4F to denote the same or similar parts). The beverage system 1600
illustrated in FIGS. 29A-29C includes an attachment mechanism 1620. The
attachment mechanism 1620 may comprise an engagement assembly 1622 and a
piercing portion 1624. The engagement assembly 1622 may generally receive the
cartridge 1650 within the attachment mechanism 1620. The piercing portion 1624
may generally pierce the cartridge 1650, thereby releasing the contents of the
cartridge 1650 into the glass 1610 and allowing the mixing of the contents of
the
glass 1610 with the contents of the cartridge 1650. The glass 1610 and the
cartridge
1650 may be any of the configurations as described in this application without
departing from the invention.
[00107] As illustrated in FIG. 29A, a user may place the attachment mechanism
1620 on top
of the glass 1610. The attachment mechanism 1620 may be sized to fit on top of
multiple sized glasses 1610 or containers. As further illustrated in FIG. 29B,
the
user may then place the cartridge onto the attachment mechanism 1620, wherein
the
cartridge 1650 is engaged by the engagement assembly 1622 of the attachment
mechanism 1620. The user may then press or place a force against the cartridge
1650, thereby pressing the cartridge 1650 against the piercing portion 1624.
The
piercing portion 1624 pierces the cartridge 1650, thereby releasing the
contents of
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the cartridge 1650 into the glass 1650. As finally illustrated in FIG. 29C,
the user
may then shake the glass 1610 to mix the contents of the glass 1610 and the
contents of the cartridge 1650.
[00108] FIG. 30 depicts a beverage system 1700 that may be configured to
dispense and
make smoothies and/or frozen beverages. Similar to the description above for
FIGS. 18-23, a cartridge 1750 may be placed into the beverage system 1740.
While
the cartridge 1750 is placed into the front of the beverage system 1700
illustrated in
FIG. 30, the cartridge 1750 may be placed at any location within the beverage
system 1700 without departing from this invention. Upon pressing a dispensing
button 1744 on the front of the beverage system 1700, a frozen mixer may be
dispensed. The frozen mixer may take the form of ice, slush, or ice/water
mixture,
etc. The frozen mixer, which may be stored and/or formed within the housing
1746,
may mix with the contents of the cartridge 1750, similar to the manner
described
above, to make the desired smoothie or frozen drink.
[00109] FIG. 32A illustrates an example of a beverage dispensing system 3100
in
accordance with the present disclosure. The beverage dispensing system 3100
includes a container 3110, an attachment mechanism 3120, and a cartridge 3150.
The container 3110 may hold a mixing solution or liquid, such as water, to be
mixed
with the contents of the cartridge 3150. Other mixing solutions or liquids may
include milk, juices, or tea. The mixing solution or liquid may be cold, warm,
or
hot in temperature. Additionally, the mixing solution may contain ice, slush,
or an
ice/water mixture. The attachment mechanism 3120 is generally located within
the
container 3110. The cartridge 3150 generally engages with the attachment
mechanism 3120 to open the cartridge 3150 to be dispensed into the container
3110,
thereby combining the contents of the cartridge 3150 with the liquid within
the
container 3110 to create a drinkable beverage.
[00110] The container 3110, as illustrated in FIG. 32A, may be generally in
the shape of a
bottle. The container 3110 may be a variety of other shapes, without departing
from
this invention. The container 3110 may include a cap 3112. The cap 3112 may
seal
an opening at the top of the container 3110 where a user can drink from the
container 3110. Additionally, the container 3110 may include a base or bezel
3114.
The cartridge 3150 may be inserted through the base or bezel 3114 to engage
the
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cartridge 3150 with the attachment mechanism 3120. As illustrated in FIG. 32A,
this base or bezel 3114 is located at the bottom of the container 3110.
[00111] The attachment mechanism 3120, as illustrated in FIGS. 32A and 32B,
comprises an
engagement assembly 3122, a piercing portion 3124, and a valve assembly 3126.
The engagement assembly 3122 may generally receive the cartridge 3150 within
the
attachment mechanism 3120. The piercing portion 3124 may generally pierce the
cartridge 3150, thereby releasing the contents of the cartridge 3150 into the
container 3110. The valve assembly 3126 may generally open upon engagement of
the cartridge 3150 with the attachment mechanism 3120 thereby allowing the
mixing of the contents of the container 3110 with the contents of the
cartridge 3150.
[00112] The engagement assembly 3122 may include a locking mechanism 3128 to
engage
and hold the cartridge 3150 in the container 3110. The locking mechanism 3128
may include a rib 3130 which matches with and engages the cartridge 3150. The
locking mechanism 3128 may also include a main spring 3131 located around the
elevator. The main spring 3131 may be in the form of a torsion spring or any
other
spring structure capable of providing a biasing force. The main spring 3131
may
provide a biasing force to the cartridge 3150 to more easily engage the rib
3130
when the cartridge 3150 is inserted into the engagement assembly 3122. The
main
spring 3131 may also eject the cartridge 3150 and reset the attachment
mechanism
3120. Additionally, the locking mechanism 3128 may include a cam or a lever
3134 such that when the cartridge 3150 is snapped into a locked position, the
piercing portion 3124 and valve assembly 3126 are engaged as will be explained
below. The main spring 3131 may also bias against the cartridge 3150 as the
cartridge 3150 is snapped into the locked position.
[00113] Additionally, the engagement assembly 3122 may include a release ring
3136
wherein the release ring 3136 releases the locking mechanism 3128 to release
the
cartridge 3150 from the container 3110. The release ring 3136 may be in the
form
of a rotating bezel, wherein the user can release the cartridge 3150 by
rotating the
bezel (as shown in FIG. 4F). Rotating the release ring 3136 may eject the
cartridge
3150 and return the attachment mechanism 3120 to the starting position.
Rotating
the release ring 3136 may also release the main spring 3131 thereby providing
a
biasing force against the cartridge 3150 to eject the cartridge 3150 and
resetting the
attachment mechanism 3120. Additionally, a release ring spring 3137 may be
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located around the elevator 3146 (as will be defined below). The release ring
spring
3137 may be in the form of a torsion spring or any other spring structure
capable of
providing a biasing force. The release ring spring 3137 may reset the release
ring
3136 after the release ring is rotated and the cartridge 3150 is ejected.
[00114] The engagement assembly 3122 may also include a cartridge sealing
portion 3138.
The cartridge sealing portion 3138 seals the area around the top of the
cartridge
3150 to the engagement assembly 3122 when the cartridge 3150 is snapped into a
locked position. The cartridge sealing portion 3138 ensures that the liquid or
solution is contained within the cartridge 3150 during the mixing process. The
cartridge sealing portion 3138 maintains a seal between the cartridge 3150 and
the
container 3110 during the piercing and during container 3110 use. The
cartridge
sealing portion 3138 may include a gasket, 0-ring, or grommet or other sealing
structures in accordance with this invention. The cartridge sealing portion
3138
may be made of rubber, plastic, or metal or other materials in accordance with
this
invention.
[00115] As illustrated in FIG. 32A and 32B, the piercing portion 3124 of the
attachment
mechanism 3120 may include an opening structure 3140. The piercing portion
3124 may be cooperatively engaged to the cam or lever 3134 such that when the
cartridge 3150 is pressed into the engagement assembly 3122, the cartridge
3150 is
pressed against the piercing portion 3124, and the piercing portion 3124
slides into
an opening 3158 of the pod 3152. The opening structure 3140 may be shaped such
that it corresponds specifically with the flaps or retaining portions 3170 on
a foil
retainer 3166. When the cartridge 3150 is pressed against the piercing portion
3124, the opening structure 3140 puts pressure against the foil retainer 3166,
specifically the flaps or retaining portions 3170 on the foil retainer 3166.
The
pressure from the opening structure 3140 causes the flaps 3170 to break open,
and
fold into the cover 3160, thereby piercing the cover 3160 on the pod 3152, and
allowing the contents of the cartridge 3150 to mix with the contents of the
container
3110. It is preferable, but not required, for the shape of the opening
structure 3140
to match the shape of the flaps 3170 on the foil retainer 3166 for the opening
structure 3140 to adequately pressure and break the foil retainer 3166.
[00116] The valve assembly 3126, as illustrated in FIG. 32B, may generally
open upon
engagement of the cartridge 3150 with the attachment mechanism 3120 thereby
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allowing the mixing of the contents of the container 3110 with the contents of
the
cartridge 3150. The valve assembly 3126 may include a valve 3144 and an
elevator
3146. The valve 3144 may be cooperatively engaged with the elevator 3146 and
with the cam or lever 3134 of the engagement assembly 3122, such that when the
cartridge 3150 is snapped into the locked position and engages the cam or
lever
3134 of the engagement assembly 3122, the valve 3144 is moved from a closed
position to an open position. Generally, as pressure is applied to the
cartridge 3150
and the cartridge 3150 is snapped into the locked position, the elevator 3146
moves
and thereby engages the valve 3144 and moves the valve 3144 to the open
position.
[00117] The valve assembly 3126 may also include an elevator seal 3142. The
elevator seal
3142 seals the area around opening structure 3140 when the cartridge 3150 is
snapped into a locked position. The elevator seal 3142 may prevent liquid from
escaping into the attachment mechanism 3120 when the piercing porting 3124 and
the elevator 3146 is raised. The elevator seal 3142 ensures that the liquid or
solution is contained within the cartridge 3150 during the mixing process. The
elevator seal 3142 may include a gasket, 0-ring, or grommet or other sealing
structures in accordance with this invention. The elevator seal 3142 may be
made
of rubber, plastic, or metal or other materials in accordance with this
invention.
[00118] The valve assembly 3126 may also include a main chamber seal 3148. The
main
chamber seal 3147 may seal off the main container 3110 and prevent liquid from
leaking prior to the cartridge 3150 being engaged. The main chamber seal 3148
seals the area between the valve 3144 and the container 3110 when the
cartridge
3150 is not snapped into the locked position. Prior to the engagement of the
cartridge 3150 in the engagement assembly 3122, the container 3110 may contain
a
liquid and the main chamber seal 3148 ensures that the liquid or solution is
contained within the container 3110 when there is no cartridge 3150 and the
valve
3144 is in the closed position. The main chamber seal 3148 may include a
gasket,
0-ring, or grommet or other sealing structures in accordance with this
invention.
The main chamber seal 3148 may be made of rubber, plastic, or metal or other
materials in accordance with this invention.
[00119] The cartridge 3150, as illustrated in FIGS. 33A and 33B, may comprise
a pod 3152
and a cap 3154. The cartridge 3150 is adapted to engage the attachment
mechanism
3120 at the engagement assembly 3122. The cartridge 3150 may hold one or more
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beverage ingredients, wherein the beverage ingredients may be selected from
the list
comprising: syrup, paste, powder, granules, or other compositions.
Additionally,
the cartridge 3150 may hold other ingredients or flavors, such as nutrients or
vitamins, in accordance with this invention.
[00120] The pod 3152 is generally a vessel capable of holding a syrup, paste,
powder,
granules or other compositions. The pod 3152 as shown in FIGS. 33A and 33B is
a
circular-shaped structure that includes a chamber 3156, an opening 3158, and a
cover 3160. The cover 3160 may be located over the opening 3158 of the pod
3152.
An engaging portion 3162 may be located near the opening 3158, wherein the
engaging portion 3162 may be a snap structure that engages the cap 3154.
Additionally, the engaging portion 3162 on the pod 3152 may include threads
that
may engage threaded structures on the cap 3154.
[00121] The cover 3160 may be a foil seal located over the opening 3158 of the
pod 3152.
The cover 3160 may be attached to the edges of the opening 3158 of the pod
3152.
The cover 3160 may be made of a variety of different materials in accordance
with
this invention, such as: aluminum and sealing coatings or laminated with
sealing
polymers like polyethylene, metalized bioriented polypropylene and sealing
coatings or laminated with sealing polymers like polyethylene, or metalized
polyester and sealing coatings or laminated with sealing polymers like
polyethylene.
[00122] In an additional example in accordance with this invention, the pod
3152 may
include a locking portion 3164. The locking portion 164 may be engaged with
the
engagement assembly 3122 of the attachment mechanism 3120 to assist with
snapping the cartridge 3150 into the attachment mechanism 3120.
[00123] The cap 3154 may be attached to the top of the chamber 3156. The cap
3154 may
be a snap-on type cap, wherein the cap 3154 may snap onto the top of the
chamber
3156. The cap 3154 may also attach to the top of the chamber 3156 by screwing
onto the top of the chamber 3156. The cap 3154 may be made of a variety of
different materials without departing from this invention, such as:
polyethylene,
polypropylene, or polyethylene or polypropylene closures with internal liners
containing oxygen scavengers like: components of HyguardTm, CeloxTM, etc.
[00124] The cap 3154 may include a foil retainer 3166. The foil retainer 3166
may be in the
shape of a disc located in the center of the cap 3154. The foil retainer 3166
may
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include cut-out portions 3168, thereby creating flaps or retaining portions
3170 on
the foil retainer 3166 that may break-away with pressure. These flaps 3170 are
designed to cooperate specifically with the opening structure 3140 as
described
above. When the opening structure 3140 is pressed against the flaps 3170 and
the
flaps 3170 are pressed open, the flaps 3170 may pierce the cover 3160 and fold
into
the pod 3152, thereby holding the pierced and cut portions of the cover 3160
open
so that the contents of the cartridge 3150 can mix freely with the contents of
the
container 3110. As illustrated in FIGS. 33A and 33B, the cut-out portion 3168
may
be in the shape of a cross, thereby creating four triangular flaps 3170. The
foil
retainer 3166 may be made of a variety of different materials without
departing
from this invention, such as: polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyethylene or
polypropylene closures with internal liners containing oxygen scavengers like:
components of HyguardTM, CeloxTM, or any other material which is flexible
enough
to break when pressure is applied from the opening structure 3140, and hard
enough
to cut or pierce the cover 3160 and remain in place, thereby keeping the cover
3160
open.
[00125] In an additional example in accordance with this invention, the cap
3154 may
include a locating portion 3172. The locating portion 3172, as illustrated on
FIG.
33A, may engage with the engagement assembly 3122 to properly position the
cartridge 3150 within the attachment mechanism 3120.
[00126] The pod 3152 may be made of various materials without departing from
this
invention. For example, the pod 3152 may be made of polyethylene terephthalate
(PET). Additionally, the pod 3152 may be made of PET in combination (by mixing
and/or by using multi-layer structures) with passive barrier materials and/or
oxygen
scavengers like: plasma-applied coatings of SiOx or amorphous carbon,
polyamides, polyglycolic acid, AmosorbTM, DiamondClearTM, or components of
HyguardTM. Additionally, the pod 3152 may be made of polyethylene or
polypropylene in combination (by mixing and/or by using multilayer structures)
with passive barrier materials and/or oxygen scavengers like: polyamides,
ethylene
vinyl alcohol. Additionally, the pod 3152 may be made of aluminum. Other
materials may be used for the pod 3152 in accordance with this invention, such
that
the material alone or in combination with a barrier system protects some
beverages
or other products that are oxygen sensitive and to avoid excessive loss of
water.
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[00127] FIGS. 34A through 34F illustrate the operation of the beverage
dispensing system
according to examples of this invention. The preparation of the beverage
dispensing system 3100 as described above is shown in FIGS. 34A-34F. As shown
in FIG. 34A, the cartridge 3150 is inserted into the attachment mechanism 3120
as
located in the base of the container 3110. The cartridge 3150 may be inserted
with
the cap towards the attachment mechanism 3120.
[00128] As shown in FIG. 34B, the cartridge 3150 may be rotated to ensure the
cartridge
3150 is located in the proper location. The locating portion 3172 located on
the cap,
engages with the engagement assembly 3122 to properly position the cartridge
3150
within the attachment mechanism 3120. Additionally, the cartridge sealing
portion
138 seals the area around the top of the cartridge 3150 to the engagement
assembly
3122 when the cartridge 3150 is inserted into the attachment mechanism 3120.
The
cartridge sealing portion 3138 ensures that the liquid or solution is
contained within
the cartridge 3150 during the mixing process.
[00129] As shown in FIG. 34C, the cartridge 3150 may be pressed into the
attachment
mechanism 3120, thereby engaging the engagement assembly 3122 and pressing the
cartridge 3150 into the locked position. As the cartridge 3150 is engaged with
the
engagement assembly 3122, the opening structure 3140 of the piercing portion
3124
pierces the opening and the cover 3160 on the pod 3152, thereby releasing the
contents of the cartridge 3150 into the container 3110. Additionally, as the
cartridge 3150 is engaged with the engagement assembly 3122, the valve
assembly
3126 is engaged and the elevator seal 3148 prevents liquid from escaping into
the
attachment mechanism 3120 when the elevator 3146 is raised. The valve 3144
opens into the container 3110. As the opening 3158 and cover 3160 are pierced
and
the valve 3144 opens, the contents of the container 3110 and the contents of
the
cartridge 3150 are now able to be mixed together.
[00130] As shown in FIG. 34D, the container 3110 may be rotated or shaken to
mix the
contents of the container 3110 and the contents of the cartridge 3150. This
shaking
movement causes the contents to mix together, thereby creating a desired
beverage.
As shown in FIG. 34E, the beverage is now ready to be consumed.
[00131] Once the beverage is consumed by the user, the cartridge 3150 can be
released from
the attachment mechanism 3120 by rotating the release ring 3136. Rotating the
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release ring 3136 ejects the cartridge 3150 and returns the attachment
mechanism
3120 to the starting position. Additionally, without departing from the
invention,
the cartridge 150 may be released from the attachment mechanism 3120 prior the
beverage being consumed by the user.
[00132] FIGS. 35A through 35D illustrate another embodiment of this
disclosure. In FIGS.
35A through 35D, a cartridge 2150 includes a first chamber 2180 and a second
chamber 2181. As illustrated in FIG. 35A, the first chamber 2180 may be
defined
by the pod 2152 and a foil retainer 2166 on the top of the pod 2152. The first
chamber 2180 may include a first ingredient 2181, such as syrup, powder,
granules
or other compositions that when mixed with water or other liquids will result
in a
beverage. The second chamber 2182 may be defined by the foil retainer 2166 and
the cap 2154. The second chamber 2182 may also be defined by the foil retainer
2166 or the cap 2154. The second chamber 2182 may include a second ingredient
2183, such as an energy boost, nutrients, or vitamin supplement that can be
added to
the beverage. The second ingredient may also be a different syrup, powder,
granules, or other compositions than the first ingredient.
[00133] FIG. 35B illustrates the piercing action on the cartridge 2150. As the
cartridge 2150
is engaged with the container, a piercing portion pierces the cap 2154 on the
pod
2152 and pierces the second chamber 2182. FIG. 35C illustrates the piercing
portion piercing through not only the cap 2154 but also through the foil
retainer
2166, thereby releasing the contents of the second chamber 2182 into the first
chamber 2180. The second ingredient 2183 located in the second chamber 2182
will then mix with the first ingredient 2181 located in the first chamber
2180. FIG.
35D illustrates the mixing of the first ingredient 2181 and the second
ingredient
2183, thereby releasing the mixed beverage ingredients into the container to
be
mixed with the liquid.
[00134] Described below is a detailed description of additional aspects of
this invention,
specifically a method of producing a beverage using a beverage dispensing
system.
Additional aspects of this disclosure relate to methods of producing a
beverage
using a beverage dispensing system in accordance with examples of this
disclosure.
Such methods may include, for example, one or more of the following steps in
any
desired order and/or combinations: (a) inserting a cartridge into a container;
(b)
rotating or positioning the cartridge into location within an attachment
mechanism;
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(c) pressing on the cartridge thereby engaging the cartridge with the
engagement
assembly, releasing the valve assembly, and piercing the foil seal with the
piercing
portion; (d) mixing the contents of the container; (e) drinking the beverage
from the
container; and (f) releasing the cartridge from the container.
[00135] One of the benefits of this invention is the improvement and impact on
the
environment through reusing, recycling, and reducing. For example, this
beverage
system may reduce dramatically the water usage index from 2.4L/L to 1.3 L/L.
Additionally, for the environmental impact on land and packaging: the beverage
system packaging may be approximately 5 grams, which is approximately 75% less
than packaging for other comparable-use beverage system; all of the beverage
system packaging may be 100% recyclable; and the container of the beverage
system may be reusable eliminating post-consumer bottles. Additionally, for
the
environmental impact on climate change: the transportation for the beverage
system
components, etc. is approximately 17% of the carbon footprint of a comparable-
use
product, thereby reducing the carbon footprint by approximately 90%; and the
containers are approximately 40% of the carbon footprint of comparable-use
product containers, thereby reducing the carbon footprint by approximately
75%.
Finally, for the environmental impact on the community: recycling facilities
and
device stations may be provided for the beverage system of the present
invention;
social online platform to track contributions such as water, energy and/or
carbon
footprint savings.
[00136] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its
application to the details
of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth herein. The
invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being
carried
out in various ways. Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within
the
scope of the present invention. It should be understood that the invention
disclosed
and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of
the
individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of
these
different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present
invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for
practicing the invention and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize
the
invention.
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