AU2017228456B2

AU2017228456B2 - Adjustable additive delivery systems and methods

Info

Publication number: AU2017228456B2
Application number: AU2017228456A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Daniel J. Faulkner; Andrew Gay; Drew KISSINGER; William G. Kurth; Thomas A. URBANIK; Garrett S. Waggoner
Original assignee: Cirkul Inc
Current assignee: Cirkul Inc
Priority date: 2016-03-04
Filing date: 2017-03-06
Publication date: 2023-02-02
Anticipated expiration: 2037-03-06
Also published as: AU2025204544A1; WO2017152192A1; MX2018010668A; JP7635333B2; JP6998882B2; JP2025072610A; CN109310231A; AU2017228456A1; CN114794870A; CN114794870B; AU2025204549A1; EP3422911A4; EP3422911A1; JP2023179640A; MX2024003223A; AU2023202648B2; CN109310231B; AU2025204545A1; AU2023202648A1; JP2019515844A

Abstract

An additive delivery system may incorporate a cartridge system, including a container cap and a reservoir assembly that provides for storage of an additive. The container cap includes a mixing nozzle for mixing of the additive with a base fluid as the base fluid flows from the base fluid container through the cartridge. A one-way valve prevents backflow of base fluid and/or mixed base fluid/additive from an area downstream of the mixing nozzle such that the base fluid supply remains in a pure state.

Description

ADJUSTABLE ADDITIVE DELIVERY SYSTEMS AND METHODS

PRIORITY CLAIM AND REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS Priority is claimed under all applicable laws, treaties, conventions and regulations, based on United States Provisional Application No. 62/303,376, titled CARTRIDGE RESERVOIR SYSTEMS, filed on March 4, 2016; United States Provisional Application No. 62/363,177, titled ADJUSTABLE ADDITIVE CARTRIDGE SYSTEMS, filed on July 15, 2016; and pending US Application No. 15/358,087, titled ADJUSTABLE ADDITIVE CARTRIDGE SYSTEMS, filed November 21, 2016. The subject matter described in all applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Where an element or subject matter of this application or a part of the description, claims or drawings in the aforementioned applications are not otherwise contained in this application, that element, subject matter or part is incorporated by reference in this application for the purposes of any and all applicable rules, procedures or laws.

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

[0001]The disclosure relates to dispensing and delivery systems for beverages and other products. The disclosure further relates to dispensing and delivery systems in which an additive, such as flavorings, concentrates or supplements, may be provided in replaceable cartridges and mixed with a base fluid, such as water, as the base fluid is dispensed and/or consumed from a container and wherein one-way flow of base fluid is provided to prevent additive from mixing with the base fluid supply, which may thus be used with different additive delivery systems. The disclosure further relates to dispensing and delivery systems and additive delivery systems that provide for user adjustment of the amount of additive that is mixed with the base fluid. The disclosure further relates to reservoir assemblies for storage of additives and for use in such additive delivery systems, and to methods for making and using such systems.

2. Prior Art

The prior art includes various devices for providing additives to a base liquid. Such devices include pre-mix systems, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,306,117, in which a predetermined amount of additive is dispensed into a base liquid within the container and mixed therewith prior to consumption. Prior art systems also include devices in which an additive is provided to a base fluid as it is dispensed from a container. Such delivery systems are exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 8,230,777, which describes a dispensing system in which a base liquid flows through a supplement area containing solid supplements, and U.S. Pat. No. 8,413,844, which describes a water dispenser (pitcher) having a filter and an additive chamber in which the additive is dispensed as water is poured from the dispenser. There is a need in the art for systems and methods that improve upon these prior art undertakings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In one aspect, the present invention provides an additive delivery system including a

cap base for securing the additive delivery system to a base fluid container, a mixing nozzle

cooperatively associated with the cap base for facilitating the mixing of additive with the base

fluid, the mixing nozzle including a mixing nozzle additive passage extending through the

mixing nozzle from a reservoir receiving end of the mixing nozzle to an opposite metering

end of the mixing nozzle, the mixing nozzle including a first metering surface proximate the

metering end of the mixing nozzle, the mixing nozzle further including at least one mixing

nozzle base fluid passage defining at least one respective base fluid flow path through the

mixing nozzle, the at least one respective base fluid flow path separate from the additive flow

path such that base fluid and additive flow in separate paths through the mixing nozzle, a

metering component cooperating with the mixing nozzle, the metering component having a

second metering surface that defines, with the first metering surface, a variable flow passage,

an additive adjustment actuator cooperating with the cap base for movement relative thereto,

the additive adjustment actuator also cooperating with the metering component such that movement of the additive adjustment actuator causes movement of the second metering surface relative to the first metering surface, and a reservoir assembly receiving structure disposed on the reservoir receiving end of the mixing nozzle for receiving a reservoir assembly containing an additive.

[0003] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of mixing a base liquid

with an additive including providing a portable base liquid container having a container lid

having an opening to an interior of the base liquid container, the base liquid container

containing a supply of base liquid, providing an additive delivery system, the additive

delivery system having a cap base for engaging the base liquid container lid opening and a

mixing nozzle, the mixing nozzle defining a mixing nozzle additive flow passage and at least

one base liquid port adjacent the mixing nozzle additive flow passage, the additive delivery

system further including an additive reservoir containing a supply of additive, the additive

delivery system further including a metering component arranged to cooperate with the

mixing nozzle, the additive delivery system further including an additive adjuster adapted to

move relative to the cap base and to thereby adjust the position of the metering component

relative to the mixing nozzle, securing the additive delivery system cap baseto the container

lid, dispensing the base liquid from the container and thereby causing the base liquid to flow

through the at least one base liquid port, as base liquid flows through the at least one base

liquid port, causing the additive to flow from the additive reservoir through the mixing nozzle

additive flow passage, wherein the base liquid and additive flow in separate paths through the

mixing nozzle and remain separate as the base liquid and additive flow through the mixing

nozzle, mixing the additive with the base liquid after the base liquid and additive flow

separately through the mixing nozzle, and adjusting the additive flow through the mixing

nozzle additive flow passage by moving the additive adjuster.

[0004] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method of mixing a base liquid

with an additive including providing a portable base liquid container having a base liquid

container mouth and containing a stored supply of base liquid in a storage portion of the base

liquid container, securing an additive delivery system containing a supply of additive in an

additivereservoir and defining a flow-through passage extending from an inlet end of the

additive delivery system, and through the additive delivery system to a dispensing spout

thereon, the flow-through passage also extending through a mixing nozzle in the additive

delivery system, securing the additive delivery system to the mouth of the base liquid

container such that the additive reservoir extends inside of the base liquid container, causing

a dispensed stream of the base liquid to flow from the storage portion of the base liquid

container and through at least one base liquid port in the mixing nozzle and out of the

dispensing spout, as base liquid flows through the at least one base liquid port in the mixing

nozzle, causing the additive to flow from the additive reservoir through a mixing nozzle

through the mixing nozzle, and adjusting the position of a metering element cooperating

with the mixing nozzleby moving a flow adjustment actuator in a rotational direction to vary

the amount of additive mixed with the base liquid.

[0005] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method of forming a beverage

including providing a base liquid container with a supply of base liquid, the base liquid

container having a base liquid container opening and an interior space, securing an additive

cartridge in the base liquid container opening, dispensing base liquid from the base liquid

container to cause the base liquid to flow through at least one base liquid port in a mixing nozzle in the additive cartridge, as base liquid flows through the at least one base liquid port in the mixing nozzle,causing additive to flow from an additive reservoir through an additive flow passage in the mixing nozzle, wherein the base liquid flow through the at least one base liquid portand the additive flow through the mixing nozzle additive flow passage remain separate as the base liquid and additive flow through the mixing nozzle, and adjusting the amount of additive flowing through the additive flow passage by moving an additive adjuster on the additive cartridge.

[0006] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides an additive delivery system

including a cap for securing the additive delivery system to a base fluid container, a mixing

component coupled to the cap, the mixing component including a mixing component base

fluid passage and a mixing component additive flow passage, both extending through the

mixing component, the mixing component facilitating the mixing of base fluid and additive;

the base fluid passage and additive flow passage providing separate respective flow paths for

the base fluid and additive such that the base fluid and additive remain separated while

flowing through the mixing component, a metering component, the metering component

cooperating with the mixing component to define an adjustable metering passage with the

mixing component, the adjustable metering passage providing for adjustment of the flow of

additive in the mixing component additive flow passage, and an additive adjustment actuator

cooperating with the cap for movement relative thereto and cooperating with the metering

component such movement of the additive adjustment actuator relative to the cap causes the

metering component to move relative to the mixing component to thereby adjust the

adjustable metering passage.

[0007] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the described invention pertains. Although other implementations, methods and materials similar to those described herein can be used to practice the invention, suitable and example implementations, methods and materials are described below.

All publications, patent applications, and other references mentioned herein are

incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the present

specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods

and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting in any way. The

details of one or more example implementations of the invention are set forth in the

accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects and

advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and

from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The above and other attendant advantages and features of the invention will be

apparent from the following detailed description together with the accompanying

drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like elements throughout. It will

be understood that the description and embodiments are intended as illustrative

examples and are not intended to be limiting to the scope of invention, which is set

forth in the claims appended hereto.

[0009] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an example dispensing and delivery

system including an additive delivery system, both according to an aspect of the

disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 2 is an exploded upper perspective view of an example cartridge assembly

for an additive delivery system according to an aspect of the disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 3 is an exploded lower perspective view of the example cartridge

assembly of FIG. 2.

[0012] FIG. 4 is an exploded cutaway view of the example cartridge assembly of FIG.

2.

[0013] FIG. 5 is perspective view of an example additive adjustment actuator

according to an aspect of the disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a top view of the example additive flow adjustment actuator of FIG.

5.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken in plane A-A in FIG. 6.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken in plane B-B in FIG. 6.

[0017] FIG. 9 a bottom view of the example additive flow adjustment actuator of FIG.

5.

[0018] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an example additive flow metering insert

according to an aspect of the disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 11 is a top view of the example additive flow metering insert of FIG. 10.

[0020] FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken in plane A-A in FIG. 11.

[0021] FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the example additive flow metering insert of FIG.

10.

[0022] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an example mixing nozzle according to an

6a aspect of the disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 15 is a top view of the mixing nozzle of FIG. 14.

[0024] FIG. 16 is a sectional view taken in plane A-A of FIG. 15.

[0025] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an example cartridge cap base according to an

aspect of the disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 18 is a top view of the example cartridge cap base of FIG. 17.

[0027] FIG. 19 is a sectional view in plane A-A of FIG. 18.

[0028] FIG. 20 is a bottom view of the example cartridge cap base of FIG. 17.

[0029] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an example flexible pouch reservoir and pouch

reservoir spout according to an aspect of the disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 22 is a top view of the flexible pouch reservoir and pouch reservoir spout

of FIG. 21.

[0031] FIG. 23 is a side view of the flexible pouch reservoir and pouch reservoir spout

of FIG. 21.

[0032] FIG. 24 is a sectional view of an example assembled additive delivery system

cartridge assembly according to an aspect of the disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 25 is an example dilution/concentration variance curve that may be

achieved with example cartridge systems according to an aspect of the disclosure.

6b

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an example beverage dispensing

system utilizing an example additive delivery system according to an aspect of the

disclosure. A bottle 10 may include a bottle lid 20 for sealing an interior space of the

bottle 10. Threads, which are integrally molded on the bottle 10 cooperate with

internal threads molded on bottle lid 20 to provide sealed fastening between the two

components. A handle 24 may be molded into the lid 20 and an umbrella check valve

or vent (not shown in FIG. 1) may be provided in the lid 20 in a known manner to

reduce or eliminate vacuum in the bottle interior and prevent base fluid from leaking

out of the vent when a base fluid is dispensed therefrom. Lid 20 includes a cartridge

receiving mouth 22 having a threaded fastener formed on an exterior surface thereof

for receiving an additive delivery system, such as the example additive delivery

system, also referred to herein as a cartridge, generally referenced 100 in FIG. 1.

[0035] Referring additionally to FIGS. 2-4, which are exploded views of an example

cartridge assembly providing an additive delivery system according to an aspect of the

disclosure, the system may include a number of components that are assembled in a generally stacked arrangement using snap-fit or threaded connections that facilitate quick assembly, as will be described in more detail below. The components may include a cartridge cap comprising an additive flow adjustment actuator 200 cooperating with and mounted for limited rotational movement relative to a cartridge cap base 250. Additive flow adjustment actuator may include a dispensing spout and a push-pull closure 230 mounted thereon for selectively permitting and preventing egress of mixed fluid from the cartridge. Disposed between the additive flow adjustment actuator 200 and cartridge cap base 250 are an additive flow metering component 300, which cooperates with a mixing nozzle 350. An annular one-way base fluid flow sealing element 320 provides for one-way flow of base fluid through the cartridge, preventing backflow, as will be described. A reservoir assembly including a pouch reservoir spout 400, reservoir (see FIGS. 21 and 23) and protective outer housing 500, may be secured to the mixing nozzle 350, and thus the cap base 250 as will be explained. The pouch may be a flexible pouch containing an additive supply and fastened in sealing engagement to pouch reservoir spout 400. The reservoir assembly may be secured using snap fittings or other fastening elements, such as threaded fasteners or friction fastening, within the cartridge cap base 250 and also fit to mixing nozzle 350 in a manner that will be explained. The reservoir protective housing 500, which may be a cage or a solid-walled (illustrated) cover, may be snap-fit to a flange of the pouch reservoir spout 400 to protect the interior flexible reservoir pouch containing additive. The reservoir housing 500 and reservoir pouch may be made of a transparent or translucent material to permit a user to view and identify the nature of the additive supply. Details regarding each of the above described example components as well as their cooperating relationships will now be described.

[0036]Referring now to FIGS. 5-9, these figures illustrate an example additive flow adjustment actuator 200. This component may include a main body portion 202 with an actuation tab 204 to enable a user to rotate the actuator 200. A spout portion 206 extends upward from the main body portion 202 and provides for flow of mixed fluid from the cartridge. The spout portion 206 and may include an integral retaining ring 208 formed in a top portion thereof for retaining a push-pull cap (FIGS. 2-4) thereon. A circular projection 210 is disposed on the top of the spout 206 and supported by three spoke elements 212. Projection 210 functions to provide a seal with the push pull cap 230 (FIGS. 2-4) and to provide agitation or turbulence as mixed fluid exits the cartridge. A number of axially extending guide rails 216 are defined on an interior of the spout portion 206 and define guide channels therebetween, which cooperate with and guide complementarily-shaped elements on additive flow metering component 300 (FIGS. 2-4), as will be explained. A window or aperture 218 is defined in the main body portion to enable a user to view an adjustment setting indicating the relative position of the actuator 200 and associated level of additive flow. Indicia 220 may be provided as molded elements on the actuator 200 to indicate directions for increasing additive (FLAVOR) or base fluid (WATER). A pair of recesses 222 may be provided in the main body portion 202 for facilitating molding of the actuator 200. Retaining tabs 224 and an outer annular wall 226 and inner annular wall 228 provide for mating and rotational engagement and support of the actuator 202 with the cartridge cap base 250, as will be explained.

[0037]Referring additionally to FIGS. 10-13, these figures illustrate details of an example additive flow metering component 300 according to an aspect of the disclosure. The metering component may be provided as a generally cylindrical element having a cylindrical body portion 302 and a conical metering projection or element 318 (FIG. 12). An annular additive flow passage 312 is defined on the additive flow metering component 300. A number of projections 306 and 310 are defined on an outer surface of the main body portion 302 and define guide channels 308. These elements cooperate with the rails and channels defined in the actuator 200, as described above with reference to FIGS. 5-9) to permit the component 300 to move axially (upward/downward) in a guided cooperative relationship with the actuator 200 but to also cause the component 300 to rotate with the actuator 200. The generally annular additive flow passage 312 is defined between the main body portion 302 and conical metering element 318 to permit flow of additive through the component. Metering element 318 defines a metering surface 314 (FIG. 12), which cooperates with a surface on mixing nozzle 350 (FIGS. 2-4) to provide precise flow control of additive flowing through the cartridge. Meterig component 300 includes internal threads 316 which cooperate with threads on mixing nozzle 350 to provide axial movement of the metering surface 314 relative to the counterpart surface on mixing nozzle 350 when the component 300 is rotated relative to the mixing nozzle 350. A shoulder 319 (FIG. 12) is defined in an upper area of conical element 318 to provide a food safety seal when the conical element is in a closed and sealed position within the mixing nozzle 350. The shoulder may deform to facilitate a tight seal. A positive locking projection 321 (FIG. 13) extends radially inward on a lower portion of the component 300. This projection cooperates with a detent channel (368 in FIG. 14) to provide for positive locking of the component 300 within the mixing nozzle 350 during an assembly and packaging operation and to positively indicate that the component 300 has been installed in (rotated to) a consistent and predetermined position on the mixing nozzle, with the component 300, by virtue of shoulder 319 and the conical surface 314 then providing a standard food-safety grade seal with the mixing nozzle 350.

[0038] FIGS. 14-16 illustrate details of an example mixing nozzle 350 according to an aspect of the disclosure. Mixing nozzle 350 may include a generally cylindrical main body portion 352, having a flattened area 353 to facilitate proper orientation and alignment within a complementarily shaped recess in cap base 250 during assembly. Extending upward from main body portion 352 is a generally circular, raised snap-fit projection 354, including a rounded edge for permitting a sealing and snap fit engagement with a mating portion of the cartridge cap base 250 (FIGS. 2-4 and FIG. 24). A plurality, in this case four, base fluid ports 358 are defined in the mixing nozzle 350 to permit flow of base fluid and at least partially define a base fluid flow path through the mixing nozzle 350 and cartridge 100. A mixing nozzle stem 360 extends upward from the snap-fit projection 354 and includes integral threads 362 on an exterior surface thereof. Mixing nozzle stem 360 defines at least a portion of an additive flow path by way of an internal mixing nozzle additive flow passage 363. A seal retaining ring 364 is formed on a lower portion of mixing nozzle spout 360 for securing an internal end of annular one-way base fluid flow seal 320 (FIGS. 2-4 and FIG. 24) in place. As best seen in FIG. 16, additive flow passage 363 is defined in part by an upper conical interior surface 365 which is shaped complementarily to the conical projection on additive flow metering component 300 to define an adjustable metering zone through which the additive flows. According to an aspect of the disclosure, the flow geometry of the example mixing nozzle 350 may include a lower conical surface 367 defining a first converging additive flow zone, a middle cylindrical or slightly expanding interior surface 369 defining a second flow zone extending to the upper conical surface 365 which defines in part a metering zone. Applicants have found that characteristics of this flow geometry provides advantageous flow and mixing of additive with base fluid. As described above, a detent channel 368 is defined by projections 366 and 368 (FIG. 14) on a lower portion of the stem 360 to provide for a positive locking interaction with metering component

300 when it is threaded onto the metering nozzle in an initial assembly operation to provide a food safety grade seal.. A number of reservoir spout retaining arms 374 having snap-fit projections 372 formed on an end thereof may be formed on a lower portion of the mixing nozzle to secure an upper end of the reservoir spout within the cartridge assembly (see FIG. 24). A lower annular wall 378 provides a channel 380 for receiving an end of the reservoir spout for additional sealing engagement. As will be recognized, the example mixing nozzle 350 defines a base fluid flow path, represented by arrows "B" in FIGS. 16 and 26, and an additive flow path represented by arrows "A" in FIGS. 16 and 26, it being recognized that the sectional view in FIG. 16 shows the ports 358 in dotted (hidden) lines. More particularly, the additive flow path is defined by a centrally or axially located passage, while the base fluid flow path includes passages that are disposed outward from the central location at least partially surrounding the additive fluid flow path. This flow geometry provides advantageous mixing and flow characteristics.

[0039] FIGS. 17-20 illustrate details of an example cartridge cap base 250 according to aspects of the disclosure. Base cap 250 includes a generally cylindrical internally threaded base portion 254 and a generally annular raised indicator portion 252 having a contoured upper surface with indicia 258 for indicating an additive mixing level to a user. The position of the indicia 258 is such that a selected indicia appears within the window in additive flow adjustment actuator. Indicator portion 252 fits within a channel formed in the underside of additive flow adjustment actuator 200 (see FIG. 24). Cap base includes an annular seat 272 for an outer edge of base flow one-way valve is 320 and an annular snap-fit ridge 274 for retaining the mixing nozzle 300 (see FIG. 24). Cap base includes an annular recess with a flat area (FIG. 20) for ensuring that the mixing nozzle is installed with correct orientation relative to the cap base. A number of ribs extend radially inward for supporting an annular wall.

[0040]FIGS. 21-23 illustrate details of a flexible pouch reservoir and pouch reservoir spout according to an aspect of the disclosure. Spout 400 may include a stem portion 402 defining an interior additive flow passage. A first flange 404 may be provided with slots for receiving the reservoir retaining arms 374 of the mixing nozzle 300. A snap fit ridge or ring (FIG. 24) is formed on a lower portion of the stem 402 and cooperates with an internal ridge on a lower portion of the mixing nozzle. A second and third flange 406 and 408 extend from the stem 402 for use by automated filling equipment. The series of flanges on the spout may also be utilized in a cartridge assembly operation where the housing 500 is snap-fit on a first of the flanges during a first assembly operation, and then moved upward to snap fit onto a next higher flange in a second assembly operation. The flanges may also provide additional sealing interfaces with corresponding ridges defined on the housing interior. which the reservoir is filled with automated equipment. A bottom flange 410 provides a snap fit within housing or cage 50. The pouch reservoir is shown in a flat, unfilled state in FIGS. 21-23. As will be recognized, when filled with additive, pouch may assume a cylindrical shape and fit within housing 500. The pouch may be fastened by heat welding or other fastening techniques to a fastening adapter portion 412 of the reservoir spout 400 to seal the pouch walls to the pouch reservoir spout 400.

[0041]FIG. 24 illustrates a cutaway of an assembled additive delivery system according to an aspect of the disclosure. In this figure, the additive metering valve is shown in a closed position. Generally, assembly may involve first inserting and snap fitting the metering valve 350 in place on the cartridge cap base 250. In a next step, the one-way sealing valve 320 is placed onto the mixing nozzle 350 and fit over the retaining ridge and seated on outer annulus of the cap base. Next, the additive flow metering insert 300 is threaded onto the counterpart threads on mixing nozzle 350 and positioned in proper rotational orientation. Additive adjustment actuator 200 is then inserted onto the cartridge cap base in proper alignment with the additive flow metering insert. Additive adjustment actuator 200 is retained on cap base with retaining tabs 224 (FIGS. 7-9) and may rotate with respect to the cap base to enable selection of an additive level and associated position of metering component 300. Push-pull cap 230 may then be placed on the cartridge assembly. Pouch reservoir spout and pouch reservoir are then snap fit into the mixing nozzle lower portion.

[0042]In operation, the additive flow adjustment actuator may be rotated relative to the cap base 250. Such rotation also causes rotation of the metering insert 300 relative to the mixing nozzle 350, resulting in slight axial, i.e., upward or downward movement of the insert 300 by way of cooperating threads between the insert 300 and nozzle 350. Axial movement of the metering insert 300 results in a change of additive flow through the metering area between the conical portion of insert 300 and the corresponding surface on mixing nozzle 350. As base fluid flows into the cartridge assembly, resulting from pressure changes within the base fluid container, i.e., from squeezing of a flexible bottle and or by suction applied by a user during consumption, and/or inverting or tipping, such action results in flow of additive and base fluid is mixed with additive at the appropriate level determined by the rotational position of the additive flow adjustment actuator. The additive flow path is illustrated by arrows "A", it being recognized that because the metering element 300 is in a fully closed position in this figure, the arrows "A" are adjacent where flow would occur in the metering section in this figure. The base fluid flow path is generally illustrated by arrows "B", it being recognized that flow will occur at the interface of the sealing element 320 and annular seat 272 of cap base 250, rather than the exact location of arrows "B" near that area.

[0043] FIG. 25 illustrates an example change in concentration variance with amount of

fluid dispensed achieved with flexible reservoirs such as those described herein.

Curve 1 represents a somewhat inconsistent additive concentration as fluid is

depleted. Such inconsistent concentration is characteristic of rigid reservoirs. Curve 2

represents a relatively consistent change in concentration as fluid is dispensed as is

attainable with flexible pouch reservoirs according to aspects of the disclosure. The

disclosure also contemplates rigid or semi-rigid reservoir structures which provide for

prevention of vacuum as additive is dispensed therefrom.

[0044] The components described above may be made using injection molding or

other known techniques using thermoplastics, such as food grade polypropylene or

like materials. The disclosure also contemplates other materials, such as stainless steel

or other food grade or non-food grade materials.

[0045] It should be understood that implementation of other variations and

modifications of the invention in its various aspects may be readily apparent to those

of ordinary skill in the art, and that the invention is not limited by the specific

embodiments described herein. It is therefore contemplated to cover, by the present

invention any and all modifications, variations or equivalents. For example, while the

metering function of the additive delivery system has been described using a conical

metering component or element, other structures may be used, such as flow control

elements that utilize gate or ball valve or other components that provide adjustment of

the metering area and flow passage based on user movement of an actuator. In

addition, while snap fittings have been described for components, it will be

recognized that other fastening structure or techniques may be used, such as threaded

or screw fittings, friction fittings, or adhesive or welding techniques.

[0046] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to mean the inclusion of a stated feature or step, or group of features or steps, but not the exclusion of any other feature or step, or group of features or steps.

[0047] Any reference to prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement, or any suggestion that, the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. An additive delivery system including:

a cap base for securing the additive delivery system to a base fluid container,

a mixing nozzle cooperatively associated with the cap base for facilitating the mixing

of additive with the base fluid, the mixing nozzle including a mixing nozzle additive passage

extending through the mixing nozzle from a reservoir receiving end of the mixing nozzle to an

opposite metering end of the mixing nozzle;

the mixing nozzle including a first metering surface proximate the metering end of the

mixing nozzle,

the mixing nozzle further including at least one mixing nozzle base fluid passage

defining at least one respective base fluid flow path through the mixing nozzle, the at least one

respective base fluid flow path separate from the additive flow path such that base fluid and

additive flow in separate paths through the mixing nozzle;

a metering component cooperating with the mixing nozzle, the metering component

having a second metering surface that defines, with the first metering surface, a variable flow

passage;

an additive adjustment actuator cooperating with the cap base for movement relative

thereto, the additive adjustment actuator also cooperating with the metering component such that

movement of the additive adjustment actuator causes movement of the second metering surface

relative to the first metering surface; and

a reservoir assembly receiving structure disposed on the reservoir receiving end of the

mixing nozzle for receiving a reservoir assembly containing an additive.

2. An additive delivery system according to claim 1, further including a reservoir

assembly.

3. An additive delivery system according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the

metering component includes at least one guide channel arranged to guide the metering component

for movement relative to the additive adjuster.

4. An additive delivery system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein

the mixing nozzle additive passage extends centrally and axially within the mixing nozzle and

wherein the at least one base fluid passage is disposed radially outward relative to the mixing

nozzle additive passage.

5. An additive delivery system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein

the second metering surface includes a metering component having a conical surface that

cooperates with a conical surface defined on the mixing nozzle.

6. An additive delivery system according to claim 5, wherein the first metering surface

is a conical surface.

7. An additive delivery system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein

the reservoir assembly receiving structure is a snap fitting formed on the mixing nozzle.

8. An additive delivery system according to any one of the preceding claims, further

including an additive reservoir assembly fastened to the reservoir assembly receiving structure, the additive reservoir assembly including a reservoir spout and a reservoir fastened thereto for containing an additive.

9. An additive delivery system according to claim 8, wherein the additive reservoir

assembly includes an outer housing at least partially surrounding the reservoir.

10. An additive delivery system according to claim 9, wherein the outer housing is snap

fit to the reservoir spout.

11. An additive delivery system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein

the mixing nozzle additive passage includes a first conical section for converging the additive flow.

12. An additive delivery system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein

the at least one base fluid passage includes at least two base fluid ports disposed radially outward

from the additive flow passage.

13. An additive delivery system according to any one of the preceding claims, further

including a one-way seal disposed on the mixing nozzle for preventing backflow of the base fluid

through the at least one-base fluid flow path.

14. A method of mixing a base liquid with an additive including:

providing a portable base liquid container having a container lid having an opening to an

interior of the base liquid container, the base liquid container containing a supply of base liquid;

providing an additive delivery system, the additive delivery system having a cap base for

engaging the base liquid container lid opening and a mixing nozzle, the mixing nozzle defining a mixing nozzle additive flow passage and at least one base liquid port adjacent the mixing nozzle additive flow passage, the additive delivery system further including an additive reservoir containing a supply of additive, the additive delivery system further including a metering component arranged to cooperate with the mixing nozzle, the additive delivery system further including an additive adjuster adapted to move relative to the cap base and to thereby adjust the position of the metering component relative to the mixing nozzle; securing the additive delivery system cap base-to the container lid; dispensing the base liquid from the container and thereby causing the base liquid to flow through the at least one base liquid port; as base liquid flows through the at least one base liquid port, causing the additive to flow from the additive reservoir through the mixing nozzle additive flow passage, wherein the base liquid and additive flow in separate paths through the mixing nozzle and remain separate as the base liquid and additive flow through the mixing nozzle; mixing the additive with the base liquid after the base liquid and additive flow separately through the mixing nozzle; and adjusting the additive flow through the mixing nozzle additive flow passage by moving the additive adjuster.

15. A method according to claim 14, wherein the additive reservoir includes a flexible

pouch and wherein the step of causing the additive to flow from the reservoir through the mixing

nozzle additive flow passage further includes causing additive to flow from the flexible pouch.

16. A method according to either claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the additive delivery

system includes an annular one-way base liquid seal arranged on the mixing nozzle to seal the at

least one base liquid port against backflow, the method further including the step of preventing backflow of base liquid with the annular one-way base liquid seal as the base liquid flows through the at least one base liquid port.

17. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, further including the steps of:

removing the additive delivery system from the base liquid container, whileretaining the supply

of base liquid in the base liquid container;

securing an alternate additive delivery system to the container, the alternate additive

delivery system containing an alternate additive; and

mixing the alternate additive with the supply of base liquid in response to the base

liquid being dispensed through the alternate additive delivery system.

18. A method according to claim 15, further including the step of protecting the flexible

reservoir with an outer housing.

19. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the mixing nozzle

additive flow passage extends centrally within the mixing nozzle and includes a conical interior

surface and wherein the metering component includes a conical surface arranged to cooperate

with the mixing nozzle additive flow passage conical interior surface, wherein the step of

adjusting the additive flow through the mixing nozzle additive flow passage includes moving the

metering component conical surface relative to the mixing nozzle additive flow passage interior

conical surface.

20. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the additive adjuster

includes at least one channel defined therein and wherein the step of adjusting the additive flow through the mixing nozzle additive flow passage includes the step of guiding the metering component with the at least one channel as the metering component moves relative to the mixing nozzle.

21. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein the step of causing the

additive to flow further includes the step of causing the additive to flow centrally within the mixing

nozzle.

22. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 21, wherein the step of securing

the additive delivery system to the container further includes the step of locating the reservoir

within an interior of the base liquid container.

23. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 22, further including the step of

causing the base liquid to flow in a dispensing direction through the additive delivery system and

wherein the step of moving the additive adjuster includes moving the additive adjuster in a

direction that is substantially perpendicular to the dispensing direction.

24. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 23, wherein the step of moving

the additive adjuster further includes the step of rotating the additive adjuster relative to the

cap base.

25. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 24, wherein the at least one base liquid port includes at least three base liquid ports arranged in a radial pattern around the mixing nozzle additive flow passage, wherein the step of causing base liquid to flow through the at least one base liquid port includes the step of causing the base liquid to flow through the at least three base liquid ports while the additive flows through the additive flow passage.

26. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 25, wherein the additive delivery

least one base liquid port against backflow, the method further including the step of preventing

backflow with the annular one-way base liquid seal as the base liquid flows through the at least

one base liquid port on the mixing nozzle.

27. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 26, wherein the metering

component includes an annular shoulder, the method further including the step of sealing

the mixing nozzle additive flow passage with the annular shoulder.

28. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 27, wherein the mixing nozzle

includes a threaded stem and wherein the metering component includes internal threads arranged

to cooperate with mixing nozzle threaded stem, wherein the step of adjusting the additive flow

through the mixing nozzle further includes rotating the metering component internal threads

relative to the mixing nozzle threaded stem.

29. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 28, wherein the additive adjuster

includes a window and wherein the cap base includes indicia, wherein the step of adjusting the

additive flow further includes rotating the additive adjuster window to align with thecap base indicia.

30. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 29, wherein the additive adjuster

includes a spout portion and wherein the step of mixing the additive with the base liquid further

includes mixing the additive with the base liquid in the spout portion of the additive adjuster.

31. A method of mixing a base liquid with an additive including:

providing a portable base liquid container having a base liquid container mouth and

containing a stored supply of base liquid in a storage portion of the base liquid container;

securing an additive delivery system containing a supply of additive in an additive reservoir

and defining a flow-through passage extending from an inlet end of the additive delivery system,

and through the additive delivery system to a dispensing spout thereon, the flow-through passage

also extending through a mixing nozzle in the additive delivery system;

securing the additive delivery system to the mouth of the base liquid container such that the

additive reservoir extends inside of the base liquid container;

causing a dispensed stream of the base liquid to flow from the storage portion of the base liquid

container and through at least one base liquid port in the mixing nozzle and out of the dispensing

spout;

as base liquid flows through the at least one base liquid port in the mixing nozzle, causing

the additive to flow from the additive reservoir through a mixing nozzle additive flow passage,

wherein the base liquid and additive flow in separate paths through the mixing nozzle and remain

separate as the base liquid and additive flow through the mixing nozzle;

mixing the additive with the base liquid after the base liquid and additive flow through the mixing nozzle; and adjusting the position of a metering element cooperating with the mixing nozzle by moving a flow adjustment actuator in a rotational direction to vary the amount of additive mixed with the base liquid.

32. A method of forming a beverage including:

providing a base liquid container with a supply of base liquid, the base liquid

container having a base liquid container opening and an interior space;

securing an additive cartridge in the base liquid container opening;

dispensing base liquid from the base liquid container to cause the base liquid to flow

through at least one base liquid port in a mixing nozzle in the additive cartridge;

as base liquid flows through the at least one base liquid port in the mixing nozzle,

causing additive to flow from an additive reservoir through an additive flow passage in the mixing

nozzle, wherein the base liquid flow through the at least one base liquid portand the additive flow

through the mixing nozzle additive flow passage remain separate as the base liquid and additive

flow through the mixing nozzle; and

adjusting the amount of additive flowing through the additive flow passage by

moving an additive adjuster on the additive cartridge.

33. An additive delivery system including:

a cap for securing the additive delivery system to a base fluid container;

a mixing component coupled to the cap, the mixing component including a mixing

component base fluid passage and a mixing component additive flow passage, both extending

through the mixing component, the mixing component facilitating the mixing of base fluid and additive; the base fluid passage and additive flow passage providing separate respective flow paths for the base fluid and additive such that the base fluid and additive remain separated while flowing through the mixing component; a metering component, the metering component cooperating with the mixing component to define an adjustable metering passage with the mixing component, the adjustable metering passage providing for adjustment of the flow of additive in the mixing component additive flow passage; and an additive adjustment actuator cooperating with the cap for movement relative thereto and cooperating with the metering component such movement of the additive adjustment actuator relative to the cap causes the metering component to move relative to the mixing component to thereby adjust the adjustable metering passage.

34. An additive delivery system according to claim 33, further including a mixing chamber

within the cap, wherein a flow of additive flowing through the mixing component additive flow passage is

mixed with the flow of base fluid flowing through the mixing component base fluid passage.

35. An additive delivery system according to either claim 33 or claim 34, wherein the

mixing component is a mixing nozzle.

36. An additive delivery system according to any one of claims 33 to 35, further

comprising a check valve for preventing backflow of the base fluid into the container.

37. An additive delivery system according to any one of claims 33 to 36, wherein the

mixing component includes a reservoir interface for connecting the mixing component to an

additive reservoir.

38. An additive delivery system according to any one of claims 33 to 37, wherein the

additive adjustment actuator is a dial that is mounted for movement relative to the cap, the dial

including an actuation tab extending therefrom to permit a user to move the additive adjustment

actuator relative to the cap.

39. An additive delivery system according to any one of claims 33 to 38, further

including a spout configured to dispense mixed fluid in a dispensing direction, and wherein the

additive adjustment actuator is mounted on the cap for movement in a direction that is substantially

perpendicular to the dispensing direction.