WO2009053974A2

WO2009053974A2 - A flavoring spout

Info

Publication number: WO2009053974A2
Application number: PCT/IL2008/001376
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Katzir
Original assignee: T.O.D. Taste On Demand Inc.
Priority date: 2007-10-23
Filing date: 2008-10-22
Publication date: 2009-04-30
Also published as: WO2009053974A3; IL186870A0

Abstract

A flavoring spout comprising a disposable substantially-tubular structure (A) having on one end of the tubular structure a shape for facile attachment to a predetermined orifice; (B) having internal to the tubular structure, a region for holding at least one predetermined quantity of a flavoring concentrate; and (C) having within the region for holding, the respective at least one predetermined quantity of flavoring concentrate. Preferably, the 'region for holding' is easily accessible from the 'final pour out end' and this region includes some small flexible 'pour out end' proximate protrusions, and the predetermined quantity of flavor concentrate (FC) may be a unit portion (e.g. a tablet, lozenge, capsule, or the like).

Description

A Flavoring Spout

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to means for adding flavor to a flowing liquid. More specifically, the present invention relates to a passive tubular structure that is shaped for facile attachment to a bottle orifice and that is preferably capable of mixing a pre- measured flavoring to liquid flowing through the tube.

BACKGROUND ART

Simply stated, there is a longstanding problem of convenience for providing an alternative flavor to a liquid. For example - when considering edible liquids, some add sugared cocoa powder to milk & stir it, while others pour vinegar and spices into a partially filled bottle of olive oil & shake it, etc. Alternatively, complex mutually reactive reagents are typically combined at the last possible moment for many a laboratory procedure. (BTW: For the culinary connoisseur, this is also true for the classic Martini, per se, for the all-elusive perfect Cappuccino, and the likes.)

The literature abounds with devices that dispense concentrates into carrier fluids. US7017735 relates to mixing the concentrate in the fluid container. WO-02/058522 and WO- 2004/005136 relate to mixing concentrate from a pressurized faucet. WO-02/087988 relates to using a plunger to combine the concentrate with the fluid. US5906845 relates to extraction, mixture, and filtering of concentrate carrying substances with fluid passing through the device, wherein the substances are generally prepared organic materials such as herbs, teas, or medicinal plants. US7005152 relates to the introduction of scent and not substance to a post device liquid. US5085330 and US6565899 relate to drinking liquid via the device, such that the liquid with concentrate mixture is substantially completely mixed within the device. US5932262 and US6959839 relate to other combination where the concentrate with fluid mixing is substantially completely within the device and furthermore where the user drinks the mixture directly from the device. US6290100 (directed to cleaning products and not to drinking) relates to pumping a fluid through a concentrate carrying device, such that residual amounts of the mixture routinely return back to "contaminate" the fluid with the dissolved concentrate.

Now, in the most critical aspect, the problem is to provide a device that allows addition of a concentrate to a fluid, wherein the mixture of the concentrate with the fluid partially occurs after the fluid has carried portions of the concentrate outside of the device. Alternately stated, it is an object of the instant invention to facilitate facile mixing of a concentrate with a fluid albeit without substantially allowing concentrate to "contaminate" unused fluid. More specifically, for a bottle of drinking liquid such as mineral water or carbonated water, one would like to provide a first user to dispense mint flavor concentrate into his cup while allowing a next user to dispense lemon-lime flavor concentrate into his cup. This demands that the post first use bottle remain un-flavored from the device mixing with the mint. Essentially, what is preferable is the providing of a facile means for introducing a selected concentrate into a liquid that is flowing out from a container.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The aforesaid longstanding needs are significantly addressed by embodiments of the present invention, which specifically relates to a Flavoring Spout. The instant apparatus is especially useful in ordinary human activities such a serving variously flavored drinks, independently administering various nutritional supplements, and combining real-time selected combinations of reagents; wherein there exists an ongoing need for providing of a facile means for introducing a selected concentrate into a liquid that is flowing out from a container. The instant invention relates to embodiments of a "flavoring spout" that is including a disposable substantially-tubular structure (A) having on one end of the tubular structure a shape for facile attachment to a predetermined orifice; (B) having internal to the tubular structure, a region for holding at least one predetermined quantity of a flavoring concentrate; and (C) having within the region for holding, the respective at least one predetermined quantity of flavoring concentrate. Preferably, on the other end of the tubular structure (the final pour out end), there is a shape to accept facile attachment of a cap to the orifice or an integral flap (snap-on cap).

Let's first examine the instant "flavoring spout" in some non-limiting detail. The flavoring spout is including a disposable substantially-tubular structure. This structure allows a liquid to flow through the tube structure - entering at one end and exiting at the other end. On one end of the tubular structure a shape for facile attachment to a predetermined orifice - preferable a bottle such as a commercial disposable water bottle, soda bottle, alcoholic beverage bottle, reagent bottle, baby bottle, or the likes. On the other end of the tubular structure is preferably a shape to accept facile attachment of a cap to the orifice, such as the original cap of the respective commercial disposable water bottle, soda bottle, alcoholic beverage bottle, reagent bottle, baby bottle, or the likes. In addition, internal to the tubular structure is a region for holding at least one predetermined quantity of a flavoring concentrate; and preferably there is included, between this region and the orifice attachment end, a one way valve (e.g. flap or constrained cap) that permits fluid to flow from the orifice end to the holding region but not in the reverse direction; and therewith it is further preferable for there to be a second similar one way valve that permits air to enter back into the commercial disposable bottle (etc.) for the replacement of the volume evacuated by fluid that has flowed out from the bottle orifice through the region for holding. Finally, within the region for holding is the respective at least one predetermined quantity of flavoring concentrate. Thus, pouring from the bottle now causes content flowing out from the bottle to mix with and/or carry concentrate to a handy receptacle, such as a cup or glass.

Please note, the present invention will forthwith be described with a certain degree of particularity, however those versed in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and alterations may be carried out without departing from either the spirit or scope, as hereinafter claimed.

Simply stated, one conceives of the instant flavoring spout as coming in a convenient foil (or cellophane or paper) packet. The user selects that packet indicating the flavor of his choice. The user then removes the flavoring spout from the packet, opens a bottle of mineral water (or carbonated soda water), attaches the flavoring spout in place of the original bottle cap, and pours the water through the attached flavoring spout and into a handy cup. Thereafter, the user seals the open pouring end of the flavoring spout, using the original cap of the water bottle.

According to a slightly more sophisticated variant embodiment of the instant flavoring spout, the spout includes multiple independently-accessible flavor-containing chambers (in the region for holding). An individual flavoring spout may have all chambers with the same flavor or may have each chamber with a different flavor.

According to one constructive embodiment, of the instant flavoring spout these chambers are fixed passages that potentially connect the bottle connected orifice end to the pouring end. If the concentrate in the chamber needs to be partially dissolved by the flow through of the water, then a rotate-able disk with an off center opening is provide between the region for holding and the orifice, so that rotation of the tube or bottle with respect to the disk will allow the user to select through which chamber he wants the water to flow (when the bottle & attached flavoring spout are upturned for pouring the water).

According to another constructive embodiment of the instant flavoring spout, the region for holding is rotated with respect to a fixed off-center opening of the tube end attached to the bottle orifice, so that rotation of the region for holding with respect to the orifice attachment will allow the user to select through which chamber he wants the water to flow (when the bottle & attached flavoring spout are upturned for pouring the water).

Now, according to the preferred embodiment of the instant flavoring spout, rather than necessarily rotating the region for holding, a multi-compartment cassette is situated within the region; and it is the cassette that is rotated to the desired orientation.

More particularly, of the instant flavoring spout easily adapts to numerous facile variations. For example, the bottle attachment may be snap-on, conical friction orifice, screw- on, or twist-on. The flavoring concentrate may be solid, powder, liquid, syrup, pellets or capsule. The fluid in the bottle may be hot or cold water, soda water, beer, vodka, gin, reagent, or juice. The concentrate may be volatile, such as to produce carbonation, oxidation, or the likes. Flavors may be coffee, tea(s), chocolate, fruit(s,) vegetable(s), Cola, mint, spice, alcohol, sugar, artificial sweetener, a souring agent, a bittering agent, a brewer's extract, or the likes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments including the preferred embodiment will now be described, by way of non- limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, a more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following description in consideration of the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate like features and wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates an isometric partially cut-away view of a simple instant flavoring spout embodiment wherein is seen a disposable substantially-tubular structure (100). On one end of the tubular structure is a threaded shape (200) for facile attachment to a screw top bottle (not shown) - such as is commonly used for bottled water, carbonated drinks, or pasteurized juice. Internal to the tubular structure is a region (300) for holding a predetermined quantity of a flavoring concentrate - and this region has a coarse lower grid (310) which prevents dry flavoring concentrate from dropping down into the bottle, and a coarse upper grid (320) which prevents dry flavoring concentrate from falling out from an upturning of the tubular structure. Within the region for holding is the respective predetermined quantity of flavoring concentrate (330).

Figure 2 illustrates multiple schematic views of an instant flavoring spout embodiment including three views of a substantially-tubular structure (101, 102, 103) respectively attached to a bottle (400), free standing with an integral hinge-flap lid (500), and free standing with open through-the-side drawer (301) which contains a four compartments flavor cassette (600) having four respective flavoring lozenges (601, 602, 603, 604); and the cassette compartment includes restricted flow opening top membrane (605) and parallel location in or near the attachment to the bottle (not shown), The flavor is selected by a finger turning along the outside rim (700) of the cassette. Preferably, this outside rim will have a color coding to indicate flavor selection; and the cassette will have a ergonomic plurality of micro- protrusions (not shown) corresponding to the compartment separations - so that the user will feel the click-into-place of the flavor compartment in alignment with the restricted flow opening.

Figure 3 illustrates a schematic view of a four compartment (not shown) instant flavoring spout embodiment (800) which replaces a bottle capon a beverage bottle (400). Once the flavoring spout has been twisted tight onto the bottle thread (210), a quarter reverse twist (900) will set a flavoring compartment (not shown) in alignment with the restricted flow openings (not shown); thereby allowing the beverage in the bottle to be poured through the selected compartment and out through a respective compartment specific spout (901) rather than the other compartment specific spouts (902, 903, 904). The spouts here make it easier for the user to select the desired compartment.

Figure 4 illustrates schematically the application of two simultaneous instant flavoring spout embodiments, respectively on the hot tap faucet (20) and the cold tap faucet (10) of a domestic bottled water dispenser (1000). On the hot side water side an instant first multicompartment flavoring spout (120) is twisted onto (121) to the hot water faucet so that by selecting a desired compartment, placing a cup (125) underneath, and momentarily opening the faucet, the result will be a flavored hot beverage. Likewise, on the cold side water side an instant first multi-compartment flavoring spout (110) is twisted onto (111) to the cold water faucet so that by selecting a desired compartment, placing a cup (115) underneath, and momentarily opening the faucet, the result will be a flavored cold beverage.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The instant invention relates to embodiments of a flavoring spout that is comprising a disposable substantially-tubular structure (A) having on one end of the tubular structure a shape for facile attachment to a predetermined orifice; (B) having internal to the tubular structure, a region for holding at least one predetermined quantity of a flavoring concentrate; and (C) having within the region for holding, the respective at least one predetermined quantity of flavoring concentrate. In this context, according to some instant embodiments, the shape for facile attachment to a predetermined orifice is internal threading compliant with external threading of a commercial plastic beverage bottle; or is an internal friction rim compliant with an external friction rim of a commercial glass beverage bottle; or the likes.

The instant invention further relates to embodiments of a flavoring spout wherein the region for holding at least one predetermined quantity of a flavoring concentrate comprises at least two distinctly separate regions, and wherein the tubular structure includes a variable topological channel for facilely selecting which of the distinctly separate regions; said channel exposes a selected region of the distinctly separate regions to a liquid when the liquid is passed from the orifice attachment end to the cap attachment end. In this context, according to one instant embodiment, the shape for facile attachment to a predetermined orifice is a frictional shape compliant with external shape of a domestic processed water valve; such as the common household or office systems that provide hot and/or cold mineral water or filtered water.

Furthermore, the instant invention relates to embodiments of a flavoring spout wherein the tubular structure includes a re-sealable interim access opening to the region for holding at least one predetermined quantity of a flavoring concentrate; and through the access opening is facilitated renewal of a predetermined quantity of flavoring concentrate of the respective at least one predetermined quantity of flavoring concentrate.

In addition, the instant invention relates to embodiments of a flavoring spout wherein the tubular structure includes a re-sealable interim access opening to the region for holding at least one predetermined quantity of a flavoring concentrate; and through the access opening is facilitated replacement of a multi-chamber cassette wherein each chamber of the cassette contains the respective predetermined quantity of flavoring concentrate.

Finally, the instant invention also relates to embodiments of a flavoring spout wherein the end of the tubular structure, shaped for facile attachment to a predetermined orifice, includes a restriction to the opening that permits a liquid on this end to flow by gravity into only one of at the least one predetermined quantity of a flavoring concentrate within the region for holding.

First instant flavoring spout embodiment: A cassette has preferably four chambers, containing respective flavor or sweeteners, and the chambers a held in the cap by two axial protrusions - respectively above and below the cassette. The internal protrusion (axial and closer to the bottle side of the cap) is for resting the cassette within the cap - and the cassette containing cap is arranged for facile attachment to the bottle - for example by spiral matching screw threading or by snap on/off. The external protrusion (axial and further from the bottle side of the cap) allows facile attachment of the original bottle cap to the cassette containing cap. Thus, is provided from the vantage of the on the lower end of the cap an attached bottle and on the upper end the original bottle cap, both respectively using the original mechanism for attachment there-between, while within the cassette of the intermediary tubular cap (bottle extension) is contained the flavoring material(s). Practically, by the user selects (via a quarter twist of the cassette or of the cassette carrying cap) the flavor ingredient, and pouring liquid from the bottle will cause the liquid to flow through the selected cassette chamber - and a mixing of the liquid with the flavor ingredient will occur within the cassette and thereafter; including in the liquid flow stream and in the next receptacle (cup or mouth). Turing to the flavoring ingredient, this may be a flavored sugar coating within the cassette chamber -which resembles the walls of the chamber to the flowing through liquid - or the flavoring ingredient may be a coarse granulated flavored sugar, allowing the liquid to flow around and between the granules, etc. It is particular important the selected chamber substantially be the only one of the chambers which is wetted by the liquid when the bottle is tilted or overturned. Thus the bottle facing side of the cassette holding cap will only have not more than a quarter circumference opening for permitting the liquid entry from the bottle.

In general, the application for the cassette carrying cap includes: sugary substances for flavoring carbonated and non-carbonated water; additions to alcohol fqr the creation of cocktails, or alternatively for the cassette to include encapsulated alcohol through which will flow cola or juice or the likes; infant formula powder for in flow combination with warm water or the likes; drugs or vitamins or the likes may also be mixed -into favorite drinking liquids. Second instant flavoring spout embodiment discussion: Turning to dietetic drinks, the quantity of flavoring ingredient in the cassette is essentially small, allowing the cassette carrying extension to be physically unobtrusive. However, for the addition of flavoring ingredients requiring significant quantity of additive, the cassette carrying extension may prove to be obtrusive. In order to make it less obtrusive, the cassette carrying cap may include an elongated extension that physically enters into the bottle volume. Hence the bottle attachment will now be found more central to the axis of the flavoring cap (rather than on the lower end - as was the case in the first embodiment).

Third instant flavoring spout embodiment discussion: When requiring significant quantities of flavoring ingredient, instead of making the vertical axis of the flavoring cap longer (as in the first and second embodiments) there is provided that the cap have a central exterior circumference that is significantly larger than that of the bottle opening or the original cap. Now the original cap may remain along the original cap axis or move to a new off center location closer to the outside rim of the "fat" flavoring cap. Furthermore, within the cassette there is fluid flow guide "spillway channel" causing the liquid to flow within the entire selected cassette cell - thereby not leaving appreciable flavoring ingredients far from the rapid flow of the liquid.

Fourth instant flavoring spout discussion: This is substantially different that that of the first, second and third embodiments where the liquid and flavoring ingredients are primarily intended to complete mixing within the flavoring cap. In this embodiment, flavoring ingredient sprinkles or flows our from the upturned selected cassette chamber simultaneous to the upturning of the bottle; and the liquid and flavoring ingredient will mix in the next receptacle (e.g. cup or mouth). Now, the election of the flavoring enhancement can be accomplished without rotation of the cassette, if each cassette chamber is provided with a respective ingredient release "button" - preferably located along the ingredient cap external circumference.

Fifth instant flavoring spout embodiment discussion: Returning to a variant of the first embodiment first embodiment, the flavoring cap may be opened and the spent cassette replaced by a new one. Similarly, using a permanent cassette, the flavoring cap may include bottle facing and spout facing screens, thus allowing each flavoring ingredient per se to be a tablet of appropriate dimension and composition - such a as a lozenge. This is preferable for a single chamber flavoring cap, where the cassette is replaced with a simple side door or side drawer.

While the invention is herein described with respect to specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the flavoring spout described apparatus that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. By non-limiting example, we mention non-culinary application such as laboratory procedures involving the mixing of reagents, medical procedures involving the mixture of pharmacological substances, and semi-industrial procedures such as the mixing of cleaning compounds. Hence, the notion of "flavoring" in the preferred embodiments relate to culinary applications as an exemplary non-limiting example for the easy understanding of the reader.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

Technical Issues: Embodiments of the instant flavoring spout allow for the facile realtime mixing of reagents with volatile additives. A marvelous culinary example is the mixing of powdered baby formula into an outpouring stream of warm water.

Ergonomic Issues: Many people are bothered to have partial bottles of various flavored drinks in their refrigerator. However, embodiments of the instant flavoring spout allow for multiple flavors of drinks to be independently produced (on the spot) from a common base fluid (e.g. carbonated water).

Economic Issues: Embodiments of the instant flavoring spout save the ordinary consumer from the complexity of storing various variants of the same carrier fluid (e.g. plain water or soda water), since a storing of assorted flavoring spouts in conjunction with a single collection of carrier fluids requires substantially less storage space.

Claims

1. A flavoring spout that is comprising a disposable substantially-tubular structure

(A) having on one end of the tubular structure a shape for facile attachment to a predetermined orifice;

(B) having internal to the tubular structure, a region for holding at least one predetermined quantity of a flavoring concentrate; and

(C) having within the region for holding, the respective at least one predetermined quantity of flavoring concentrate.

2. A flavoring spout according to claim 1 wherein the region for holding at least one predetermined quantity of a flavoring concentrate comprises at least two distinctly separate regions, and wherein the tubular structure includes a variable topological channel for facilely selecting which of the distinctly separate regions; said channel exposes a selected region of the distinctly separate regions to a liquid when the liquid is passed from the orifice attachment end to the cap attachment end.

3. A flavoring spout according to claim 1 wherein the tubular structure includes a re-sealable interim access opening to the region for holding at least one predetermined quantity of a flavoring concentrate; and through the access opening is facilitated renewal of a predetermined quantity of flavoring concentrate of the respective at least one predetermined quantity of flavoring concentrate.

4, A flavoring spout according to claim 1 wherein the tubular structure includes a re-sealable interim access opening to the region for holding at least one predetermined quantity of a flavoring concentrate; and through the access opening is facilitated replacement of a multi- chamber cassette wherein each chamber of the cassette contains the respective predetermined quantity of flavoring concentrate.

5. A flavoring spout according to claim 1 wherein the end of the tubular structure, shaped for facile attachment to a predetermined orifice, includes a restriction to the opening that permits a liquid on this end to flow by gravity into only one of at the least one predetermined quantity of a flavoring concentrate within the region for holding.

6. A flavoring spout according to claim 1 wherein the shape for facile attachment to a predetermined orifice is internal threading compliant with external threading of a commercial plastic beverage bottle.

7. A flavoring spout according to claim 1 wherein the shape for facile attachment to a predetermined orifice is an internal friction rim compliant with an external friction rim of a commercial glass beverage bottle.

8. A flavoring spout according to claim 2 wherein the shape for facile attachment to a predetermined orifice is a frictional shape compliant with external shape of a domestic processed water valve.