CN110877768B

CN110877768B - Method for making a fragrance delivery system

Info

Publication number: CN110877768B
Application number: CN201911118814.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 肖恩·格里菲斯
Original assignee: Saint LLC
Current assignee: Saint LLC
Priority date: 2017-05-05
Filing date: 2018-04-28
Publication date: 2022-05-06
Anticipated expiration: 2038-04-28
Also published as: CN110877768A

Abstract

A method for making an aroma delivery system, comprising: coupling a scent ring to an interior region of a lid to form a ring-lid assembly, wherein the scent ring comprises a body loaded with a volatile chemical to be emitted from the body of the scent ring to generate a scent; positioning the ring-lid assembly in an orientation with the opening of the interior region of the lid facing downward, wherein the aroma ring is securely housed in the interior region of the lid; and securely attaching the ring-cap assembly to a bottle, wherein the aroma ring is coupled to the bottle and is wrapped within a compartment formed between an interior region of the cap and an exterior region of the neck of the bottle.

Description

Method for making a fragrance delivery system

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application is a continuation-in-part application entitled "aroma attachment for a container" and filed in U.S. patent application No. 13/429,300, 3/23/2012, which claims the benefits and priority of a "aroma attachment for a container" and filed in U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/467,888, 3/25/2011. The entire contents of the above-mentioned patents are incorporated by reference as part of the disclosure of this application.

Technical Field

This patent document relates to a scented material article for use with a food or beverage container.

Background

The nasal cavity has specialized sensory cells that form the smell sense. The primary olfactory system of humans and animals detect volatile chemicals while the secondary olfactory system detects fluid phase chemicals. Olfaction, such as taste, is a form of chemosensing. Often very low concentrations of chemicals that activate the olfactory system are called odorants. Thus, there is a commonality between the perception of scent and the perception of taste. Indeed, in certain instances, the olfactory sensation may supplement and/or otherwise enhance the taste sensation. For example, diseases that affect the sense of smell are known to negatively affect taste. Since taste plays an important role in the desire for consumption of food or beverage products (motility), there is interest in agents that enhance the taste perception of food and beverage products. The present disclosure addresses these and other such needs.

Disclosure of Invention

Aspects of the present disclosure include an attachment for providing a scent to a container. In certain examples, the flavor attachment is configured to be integrated with a container of a beverage or food storage container. The scent attachment can be combined with the container in any suitable manner. In some examples, the scent attachment is sized or shaped so as to fit around the perimeter of the container. Thus, the scent attachment may be a sleeve, a wrap, a ring, or the like. In another example, the scent attachment can be configured to be coupled to the container with a suitable attachment mechanism. For example, the scent attachment can include a substrate (substrate) having a first surface and a second surface. The first surface comprises an attachment mechanism for coupling the scent attachment to the container; and the second surface includes a scent. In this manner, the flavoring agent may be combined with the food or beverage container to enhance the perception of the taste of the food or beverage contained therein, thereby enhancing the experience and/or desire to eat or drink. Also provided are a method of use thereof and a system for providing a scent to a container, the system comprising a scent attachment as described herein, and a container configured to be combined with the scent attachment.

In some aspects, an aroma delivery system for a beverage container includes: a bottle containing a fluid beverage, the bottle configured to include a body region and a neck region, the bottle including a flange (collar) extending outwardly and circumferentially about the neck region, and a lug formation extending outwardly and circumferentially along the neck region and positioned above the flange; a scent ring comprising a body loaded with a volatile chemical to emit from the body of the scent ring to generate a scent, the scent ring configured to comprise at least one inner raised feature protruding from an inner wall of the body of the scent ring, wherein the scent ring is configured to be secured around the neck region of the bottle based on contact between the at least one inner raised feature of the scent ring and the ledge feature of the bottle, wherein the at least one inner raised feature is positioned below the ledge feature; and a lid reversibly attachable to the bottle, the lid including an inner rim structure (rim structure) protruding from and circumferentially around an inner lid wall of the lid, wherein the lid is configured to enclose the scent ring within a compartment formed between the flange of the bottle and the inner rim structure of the lid when the lid is securely fastened to the bottle, wherein the system is configured to collect scent from the scent ring within the compartment when the lid is securely attached to the lid and release scent into the outer environment of the bottle when the lid is detached from the bottle.

Drawings

In accordance with conventional practice, the various features of the drawings may not be drawn to scale. Rather, the dimensions of the various profiles may be arbitrarily increased or decreased for clarity. Included in the drawings are the following figures:

fig. 1A and 1B illustrate examples of scent rings according to the present disclosure, where fig. 1A shows one example of a scent ring and fig. 1B shows another example of a scent ring.

Fig. 2A and 2B illustrate an example of a scent attachment of a scent strip according to the present disclosure, wherein fig. 2A illustrates a scent strip having a body and a removable portion with the scent portion within the body, and fig. 2B illustrates an example of a scent strip having a removable portion configured to releasably interfit with a container lid.

Fig. 3A illustrates another example of a scent attachment in which a scent is infused into at least a portion of an (integral) container.

Fig. 3B illustrates another example of a scent attachment.

Fig. 4 illustrates another example of the scent attachment of fig. 3B.

Fig. 5 illustrates a scent capsule.

Fig. 6 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a scent bottle cap system.

Fig. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a scent ring of a scent bottle cap system.

Fig. 8A and 8B illustrate an embodiment of a lid of a scent bottle cap system.

Fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the aroma ring in combination with a lid.

Fig. 10A shows a cross-sectional view of the aroma cap system when the aroma ring, cap, and bottle are assembled.

Fig. 10B, 10C and 10D show enlarged views of the scent bottle cap system scheme shown in fig. 10A.

Fig. 11A and 11B illustrate an embodiment of an aroma ring of an aroma cap system.

Fig. 12A, 12B, and 12C illustrate embodiments of an aroma ring of an aroma cap system.

Fig. 13 shows a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method of manufacturing an aroma bottle cap system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Before the present disclosure is further described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particular examples described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed within the invention. The upper and lower limits of the smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges, and are also encompassed within the invention, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where a stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the invention.

Throughout this application, various publications, patents, and published patent applications may be referenced. The disclosures of these publications, patents and published patent applications cited in this application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety into this disclosure. Citation of a publication, patent, or published patent application herein is not an admission that the publication, patent, or published patent is prior art.

It must be noted that, as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "and," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "an opening" can include a plurality of such openings, and reference to "a gripping element" includes reference to one or more gripping elements known to those skilled in the art, and equivalents thereof, and so forth. It is further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, the statements are intended to serve as a basis for the recitation of claim elements using such exclusive terminology as "solely," "only," and the like, in connection with the recitation of claim elements, or using a "negative" limitation.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that each of the various embodiments described and illustrated herein has discrete components and features that can be readily separated from or combined with the features of any of the other several embodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Aspects of the present disclosure include an attachment for providing a scent to a container. In certain examples, the attachment is a ring or sticker (packer) configured to removably engage a container, such as a food or beverage container. In some examples, the ring is configured to wrap around a portion of the container. In another example, the adhesive is configured to be removably adhered to a portion of the container. The attachment is configured such that during use of the container with the aroma attachment, the olfactory system of the subject is activated by the aroma of the attachment, which thereby enhances the perception, such as taste perception, of tasting food or drinking beverages contained within the container.

In some examples, the ring includes an annular body having a cavity, wherein the body is configured to removably couple with the container. For example, the aroma ring includes a stretchable body adapted to fit over a portion of the container. In certain examples, the body of the ring comprises an elastic material that deforms in the following manner: the diameter of the loops becomes larger when a stretching force is applied to the loops, and/or returns to its normal state once the stretching force is removed. In this way, the ring may be fitted to a portion of the container, such as the neck of a bottle, in order to enhance the perception of consumption of the contents contained within the container.

In another example, the attachment may be configured as an adhesive element and may include a substrate (substrate) having a first surface and a second surface. The first surface may comprise an attachment mechanism for coupling the scent attachment to the container; and the second surface includes a scent. The attachment surface may include an adhesive or other attachment mechanism so that it may adhere to the surface of the container. The fragranced surface may comprise a substrate configured for releasably retaining a fragrance releasable therefrom during use of the container.

The following will first describe the scent attachment subject of the present disclosure, followed by a description of the method and system of use thereof, wherein such scent attachments may be applied. The disclosure also describes representative uses of the subject materials.

Fragrance attachment, system and method of use

As shown in fig. 1A and 1B, the present disclosure provides an attachment for providing scent to an item, such as a container. In some examples, the attachment 10 is a ring configured to provide a scent to, for example, a food or beverage container 20. By "scent" is meant any agent (agent) that can be contained within and released from the attachment and that can stimulate the smell of the user (subject).

For example, in some instances, the flavoring agent may be a chemical agent that stimulates a chemical sensor of the olfactory system of the user, or stimulates the olfactory and/or gustatory senses of the user. For example, in some instances, the flavoring agent may be a volatile compound or a flavoring agent, such as a scented oil or other essential oil. Where the flavoring agent is a scented oil, it may be a food derived oil such as citrus oil, oil of mentha, anise oil, cardamom oil, cinnamon oil, clove oil, caraway oil, eucalyptus oil, fennel oil, lemongrass oil, and/or nutmeg oil, and the like. The flavoring agent can be citrus oil, such as lemon oil, lime oil, neroli oil, and/or orange oil. In some examples, the flavoring agent includes oils of the genus mentha, such as peppermint oil and/or spearmint oil, and the like.

The scented essential oil can be contained within the attachment in any suitable manner. For example, the attachment may include a base in which the essential oil is contained. The matrix may comprise a fluid or gel which may contain a flavourant. The fluid or gel may be associated with the material used to make the attachment. For example, the attachment member may be constructed in any suitable manner and may be made of any suitable material. In some examples, suitable materials may be one or more of elastomeric materials, sponge or vulcanized rubber, neoprene, polyurethane, nylon, lycra, plastic, silicone, and/or silicone-containing materials. Thus, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the material from which the attachment is made may be made into a ring or sheet and a die-molded or fluid injection molded protector (device).

For example, the body of the attachment may be made using a compression mold, during which the essential oil containing element is added to it during or after the molding process. In addition, colorants or other chemical additives may be added to the sheet stock (sheet blank), which may, for example, render the molded product colored and/or aid in the release of the product from the mold. In some examples, the attachment is made of a single piece molded or otherwise molded material and may include a chamber into which a scented material is injected or which is inserted into a cavity of the scented attachment, such as a gel or base scented scent containing essential oils associated therewith. The body of the attachment may have elastic properties so that the attachment can be deformed to receive a portion of the container, such as its neck, and then automatically return (reform) to its original form, which does not require external manipulation. In some examples, the attachment may include a body preformed as a substrate with one surface of the substrate having added thereto a gel or other substrate containing a fragrance, such as an essential oil; and a suitable attachment mechanism such as an adhesive is added to the opposite surface. One or more removable covers may be added to cover one or more scent surfaces and/or attachment surfaces.

The attachment may be made in any desired shape, such as a tubular, square, or rectangular box, triangular, conical, or annular shape, etc. Thus, the attachment may be configured to fit around a suitable container, such as a circular, annular, triangular, square, rectangular, tubular container, or the like, and may be of regular or irregular dimensions, so that a variety of bottles, cans, and the like may be fitted. In certain instances, the scent attachment of the attachment 10, as shown in fig. 1A and 1B, is made of a material that is sanitary, lightweight, and flexible so that the material can be extended so that the attachment extends around the contour of the container 20 to be received thereon and fit snugly around the container 20, and is also configured to return to its original configuration once the container 20 has been removed from the attachment.

Thus, the attachment 10 may be of any suitable size and shape, but its typical size and shape may be such as to be unobstructed for engagement with the container 20. The container 20 may be any container, such as a container for storing beverages or food. The container 20 may be of any size or any shape, but may be of a size and shape typical for containing beverages or food, for example, meaning beverages or food that are easily consumed by a user. For example, the container 20 may be a plastic or glass container, a metal or alloy container, or the like. If the container 20 is made of glass, the glass may be any suitable type of glass, such as silica, soda lime glass, pyrex glass, lead crystal glass, or the like. If the container 20 is made of metal, the metal may be any suitable type of metal, such as aluminum, steel (e.g., stainless steel), tin, or the like. The container 20 used in accordance with the various embodiments of the scent attachment disclosed herein can also comprise an alloy of any suitable metal. The container 20 may also be a plastic container,such as TUPPER

Or

Or

A container.

The container 20 may contain any material such as a solid, fluid, or gas. In some examples, the container 20 is a fluid container that holds a fluid. The fluid in the container may be any form of fluid. In certain embodiments, the fluid is a potable fluid. For example, in certain embodiments, the fluid is a fluid as follows: water, soda, hydronutrient water, juice, electrolyte, sports drinks, alcoholic drinks, or the like. In certain embodiments, the container 20 is a solid container, such as a food container containing solid food. For example, the attachment may be configured to be combined with a bottle, jar, thermos, hump-type container, kettle, or other such beverage container. In some instances, the container may be a food container, such as a container for storing food.

The attachment 10 may be coupled with the container 20 in any suitable manner. In some examples, the attachment 10 is sized and shaped so that it can fit around the periphery of the container 20. Thus, the attachment member 10 may be a ring, sleeve, wrap, or the like that has been fabricated in such a way that it contains a scent. For example, in some instances, the attachment 10 may be a ring that may be flat or tubular in shape, and may include an opening through which the container may be inserted. Thus, in certain examples, the annular attachment may be sized and shaped such that it fits around a portion of the beverage container, such as the neck. Thus, the ring may have a diameter as follows: this diameter enables it to slide onto and/or around the neck of the bottle, but not down the length of the bottle.

As described above, the attachment 10 may be made of any suitable material, but in certain instances is made of a material that is capable of stretching, whereby the diameter of the loop may be configured to move from a first, smaller diameter to a second, larger diameter when stretched, and/or to return from the second stretched diameter to the first, non-stretched diameter in the absence of suitable tension. In such a manner, the attachment 10 as in the ring embodiment may be configured to fit snugly around a portion of the container 20, such as the neck, middle, and/or bottom of the container.

As shown in fig. 1A, the scent attachment 10 can be configured as a ring and can be made from a single material as a single piece. The length 14 of the material may be equal to its width 12, or its length 14 may be less than its width 12, or its length 14 may be greater than its width 12. For example, in certain embodiments, the length 14 may range from 2mm or 3mm or less to about 20cm or more, such as about 5mm or 10mm to 12cm or 15cm, including 2cm or 5cm to about 8cm or about 10 cm. In some examples of the attachment 10 configured as a ring, the ring includes a circumference and the length 14 is measured away from a point of the circumference in a single direction and back to the same point on the circumference. In certain embodiments, for example, depending on the material from which the loop is made, the length 14 may increase as the material stretches. The width 12 of the material may correspond to the length 14, but typically may vary from 2mm or 3mm or less to about 15cm or more, such as from about 5mm or 10mm to about 12cm or 14cm, including about 2cm or 5cm to about 8cm or about 10 cm. The thickness of the material may vary from about 1mm or less to about 10mm or more, such as from about 2mm or 3mm to about 8mm or 9mm, including from about 4mm or 5mm to about 6mm or 7 mm.

In certain examples of the attachment 10 configured as a ring, as shown in fig. 1A, the attachment ring may be sized to cover the base of the neck 24 of the container 20, such as a bottle, while the body 22 is uncovered. For example, the aroma generated by the attachment ring, which the user can feel by using the container, for which case it is beneficial that the attachment ring does not cover all or even the base of the body 22 of the container 20, which would make it less expensive to produce and more environmentally friendly, for example. Thus, in some examples, the attachment ring covers all of the bottle neck, the upper half of the bottle neck, or the lower half of the bottle neck. As shown in FIG. 1B, in some examples, the aroma attachment ring 10 is sized to fit around the top 26 of the neck 24 of the container 20. In this example implementation, the aroma attachment ring 10 is configured to cover only a top 26 of a neck 24 of a container 20 (e.g., a bottle) to provide aroma to a person, such as when drinking from the container 20.

Fig. 2A shows another example of a scent attachment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The attachment 10 includes a main body 16 and a removable portion 18. The body 16 of the attachment 10 may be configured to enclose the scent strip 40 therein. The scent strip 40 includes a scent agent, such as an essential oil, associated therewith. The removable portion 18 may be removed from the main body 16 of the attachment 10, thereby releasing the scent retained therein. The removable portion 18 may be coupled to or removable from the container lid. For example, when the cover is removed, the removable portion 18 separates from the main body 16 of the attachment 10, thereby releasing the scent from the scent strip 40. In this configuration, the removable portion 18 may be a tab that can be pulled off by a user prior to drinking, or may be attached to the lid in such a way that the tab is removable with the lid being removed.

For example, as shown with reference to fig. 2B, the removable portion 18 may be coupled to the cover 30 in such a manner as: with the cover removed, the removable portion 18 separates from the body 16 of the attachment 10. For example, the lid 30 may be configured such that it can be removed from the container 20 by twisting relative to the container 20, and likewise the scent attachment 10 may be configured such that: as the cap 30 is screwed, the removable portion 18 is also screwed relative to the body 16 along with the cap 30. Thus, as the cover 30 is removed, the removable portion 18 and the flavor strip 40 are exposed, thereby releasing the flavor. In some examples, the cap 30 can include teeth 32 that engage the body 16 and the removable portion 18 such that as the cap 30 is removed, the teeth 32 separate from the body 16, thereby allowing the removable portion 18 to be removed from the body 16.

In certain examples, as with reference to fig. 3A, the scent attachment 10 can actually melt into the material of the container 20 to form a scent region 41. The scent zone 41 can be dispensed by melting essential oil into the container 20 in the area near the neck 24 of the container 20. A removable cover (not shown) may be placed over the scent region 41 to lock the scent until use. For example, the user may remove the cover from the scent region 41 prior to opening the container 20 and consuming the beverage or food therein.

FIG. 3B illustratesAn example of a scent attachment 10 is shown, wherein the attachment is configured to be coupled to the container 20 with a suitable attachment mechanism. For example, the attachment 10 may include a substrate having a first surface and a second surface. The first surface comprises an attachment mechanism for coupling the scent attachment 10 to the container 20; and the second surface includes a flavoring agent such as an essential oil. The attachment mechanism may be a suitable adhesive, a snap and button configuration, a hook and loop fastener attachment (e.g., Velcro @)^TM) Or an analog thereof. An adhesive may be used to bond the scent attachment 10 to the container 20. Optionally, Velcro^TMThe strip may be used to attach the attachment 10 to the container 20. In this manner, the scent attachment 10 may be removable from the container 20. Further, the scent attachment 10 may be a separate element from the container 20, so as to be separately acquired and attached thereto, or may be pre-attached to the container 20.

Fig. 4 shows an example of a scent attachment for a container 20 configured as a can. In some examples, the aroma attachment 10 is located on the top 21 of the jar 20 proximate to the opening mechanism 23. The aroma attachment 10 can be pre-incorporated into the jar 20 or can be a separate element that is acquired and attached to the jar, for example, just prior to use of the jar. The aroma attachment 10 can be configured such and in conjunction with the opening mechanism 23 of the jar 20 such that by opening the jar, aroma is released by the attachment 10.

Fig. 5 illustrates a scent attachment of a scent capsule, wherein the attachment 10 includes a main body 15 and a scent material 55 therein. The body 15 may be such that: upon cleavage, one or more pores are formed and the flavor 55 is released therefrom.

In some aspects of the present technology, articles, devices, and systems for generating scents are configured to protect cartridge systems. In certain embodiments, for example, the protective cartridge system is configured to both contain and protect a contained container (hold container). Thus, in certain embodiments, the protective cartridge system comprises a protective cartridge (as described above) comprising a tubular body configured to receive a container, and at least a first opening adapted to receive the container, and in addition to the described protective cartridge, the protective cartridge system may comprise a suitable container, such as a bottle, jar, or other food storage element adapted to fit and/or be received within the protective cartridge, as described above.

For example, in certain instances, a scent attachment can be included in a system that includes a suitable container, such as a glass or plastic bottle. For example, the container may be a water or sports drink bottle, or the like. The attachment can be previously integrated with the bottle or be a separate element: the separating element is designed to be attached to the container by a user of the container before use. The attachment may be a substrate having a fragranced surface with a cover thereon, the substrate further comprising an adhesive surface to which the cover is affixed. The cover on the adhesive may be removed by the user from the substrate to which the container is attached. The cover covering the fragranced surface may then be removed by the user before consuming the drink or food therein. In an alternative embodiment, the attachment may be a ring configured to slide over the container end to thereby engage with the container, such as with the neck of the container, such as by a user.

Examples of flavor attachments for containers include the following.

In some embodiments of a scent attachment (example a1), a scent attachment for coupling with a container comprises a substrate having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface comprising an attachment mechanism for coupling the scent attachment to the container; and the second surface has a scent.

Example a2 includes the scent attachment of example a1, further comprising a third surface, wherein the third surface releasably covers the second surface, thereby preventing the release of the scent when the third surface covers the second surface.

Example A3 includes the flavor attachment of example a1, wherein the second surface comprises a matrix comprising a flavorant.

Example a4 includes the scent attachment of example A3, wherein the substrate comprises a gel comprising a scent.

Example a5 includes the fragrance attachment of example a4, wherein the fragrance comprises a scented oil.

Example a6 includes the scent attachment of example a5, wherein the scent-containing oil comprises citrus oil, oil of mentha, anise oil, cardamom oil, cinnamon oil, clove oil, caraway oil, eucalyptus oil, fennel oil, lemongrass oil, and nutmeg oil.

Example a7 includes the scent attachment of example a6, wherein the citrus oil comprises an oil selected from the group consisting of lemon oil, lime oil, neroli oil, and orange oil.

Example A8 includes the flavor attachment of example a6, wherein the oil of the mentha species comprises an oil selected from the group consisting of peppermint oil and/or spearmint oil.

Example a9 includes the scent attachment of example a1, wherein the base comprises a ring having an opening configured to receive a portion of a bottle.

Example a10 includes the scent attachment of example a9, wherein the ring is removably coupled with a cap configured to sealably couple with a bottle.

Example a11 includes the scent attachment of example a10, wherein when the cap is removed from the bottle, the cap disengages from the ring to release a scent.

Example a12 includes the scent attachment of example a11, wherein the ring comprises silicon.

Example a13 includes the scent attachment of example a11, wherein the ring comprises an elastic.

Example a14 includes the scent attachment of example a13, wherein the ring comprises one or more identifying colors.

Example a15 includes the scent attachment of example a1, wherein the attachment element includes one or more adhesives or a loop and hook attachment.

Example a16 includes the scent attachment of example a11, wherein the scent capsule is enclosed within a rupturable seal.

Example a17 includes the scent attachment of example a16, wherein the scent is released upon rupture of the seal.

Example a18 includes the scent attachment of example a1, wherein the scent attachment is associated with a jar.

Example a19 includes the scent attachment of example a18, wherein the scent attachment releases scent when the can is opened.

In some examples of scent attachments (example a20), the container includes a body for containing an object, all sides of the body being wrapped except for an opening; a scent attachment is disposed on the body proximate the opening; a lid removably covers the opening.

Flavor bottle cap system and methods of making and using

In some versions of the scent attachment in accordance with embodiments of the present technology, the scent capping system includes a scent ring removably attachable to the bottle, for example, disposed about the neck of the bottle, and a cap removably attachable to the bottle and configured to wrap the scent ring within a hollow region between the cap and the bottle when the cap is securely attached to the bottle, such that the scent capping system enables scent collection from the scent ring within the hollow region when the cap is securely attached to the bottle, thereby controllably releasing scent into the adjacent environment of the bottle when the cap is removably detached from the bottle. In embodiments of the scent cap system, for example, the scent agent may include one or more chemical agents in a volatile compound or polymer to provide a pleasant scent to a user of the scent cap system, thereby stimulating the corresponding chemical sensing organs of the olfactory system of the user to enhance the user's sense of scent and/or taste of the potable fluid within the bottle. For example, scented compounds or polymers include oils, fluids or gels (carried in a matrix), or resins or powders. In various embodiments, the scent ring can contain the scents by various methods, such as by fusing the scents into the material of the ring during the manufacturing process that produces the ring. In some embodiments, for example, the scent ring can be made using a plastic material of polyethylene, polyurethane, or other example materials as described herein, loaded with a scented compound or polymer that causes the scents to generate a desired concentration of scent, e.g., which can be selected based on a number of variables including the type of scent (e.g., the degree of stimulation of a particular scent).

Fig. 6 shows a schematic diagram featuring an exploded view of an embodiment 600 of a scent bottle cap system. The system 600 includes: a scent ring 600 configured to attach around a finish region (finish region) of the neck of the bottle 630; and a cap 620 securely attached to the bottle 630 and enclosing the aroma ring 610 within a hollow space or chamber formed within the cap 620 with its peripheral structure protruding from the neck of the bottle 630.

In the example shown in fig. 6, bottle 630 includes a flange 631, also referred to as a collar or transfer thread, that projects outwardly and circumferentially around the neck of bottle 630. In the embodiment of bottle 630, flange 631 provides a peripheral structure to contact the bottom end of cap 620, thereby forming a hollow area or chamber inside cap 620. Bottle 630 includes a set of threads 632 that wrap around the mouth region of bottle 630 over flange 631 to provide a mechanism to securely attach and removably detach cap 620 from bottle 630 by screwing and unscrewing the cap, e.g., without the need for a bottle opener. As shown in fig. 8A, the cap 620 includes a corresponding set of threads 622 protruding from an interior region of the cap 620 that interfit with the set of threads 632 of the bottle 630 for attachment and detachment. The bottle 630 includes a tip at the end of the neck that provides an opening to the interior of the bottle containing a fluid (e.g., a beverage such as water, soda, milk, juice, alcoholic beverages, etc.), through which the bottle is filled and poured. The tip has a sealing surface 633 at its top that is configured to contact a corresponding sealing surface 623 of the cap 620 shown in fig. 9, thereby preventing fluid from leaking from the bottle 630 when the cap 620 is securely attached thereto. For example, the sealing surfaces 633 are configured to be smooth and free of any defects that affect a continuous (consistent) seal when in contact with the respective sealing surface 623, and so on for the corresponding sealing surface 623. In some embodiments of the bottle 630, as an example in fig. 6, the bottle 630 includes a lug feature 635, the lug feature 635 extending from a neck location of the bottle 630 to contact a lug feature from the ring 610 to align and/or hold the ring 610 in a particular position when the ring 610 is attached to the bottle 630.

Fig. 7 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of an aroma ring 610. The aroma ring 610 is shaped and sized to fit around the circumference of a container, such as around the neck of a bottle 630. For example, the aroma ring 610 can be made in any desired shape including an inverted circular ring, e.g., a circular, square or rectangular ring, triangular ring, etc., as shown in the example of FIG. 7, including regular or irregular dimensions, to fit various containers such as bottles 630, cans, etc.

In the example shown in fig. 7, the aroma ring 610 includes one or more raised features 611, referred to as "inner anchors," disposed on an interior surface of the aroma ring 610. For example, in some embodiments, aroma ring 610 can include a plurality of inner anchors 611 arranged along a single axis or multiple axes of the interior surface; while in other embodiments, inner anchor 611 may be one raised feature spanning a portion or the entire perimeter of the interior surface. In some embodiments of scent capping system 600, inner anchor 611 contacts lug structure 635 of bottle 630 to align and/or hold scent ring 610 at certain vertical (vertical) positions on the neck of the bottle. In such an embodiment, for example, the aroma ring 610 remains secured, e.g., "anchored," to the bottle 630 by the alignment of the inner anchors 611 with the lug structures 635 of the bottle 630 such that when the cap 620 is removed from the bottle 630. Further, for example, the inner anchor 611 can cause the surface area of the aroma ring 610 to be large, which can be used to control the concentration of scent that can be exposed from the aroma ring 610, and thus, when the cap 620 is removed, control some parameters that affect the diffusion of the scent into the environment of the bottle 630.

As shown in the embodiment of the aroma ring 610 in FIG. 7, the aroma ring 610 includes one or more raised features 612, referred to as "outer anchors," disposed on the outer surface of the aroma ring 610. For example, in some embodiments, aroma ring 610 can include a plurality of outer anchors 612 arranged along a single axis or multiple axes of the exterior surface. In the example of fig. 7, aroma ring 610 includes two outer anchors 612 each configured as a single raised feature that spans the entire circumference of the exterior surface at two respective locations, e.g., above and below the exterior surface. In some embodiments of aroma cap system 600, outer anchor 612 is configured to contact rim structure 625 of cap 620, as shown in fig. 8A. In some instances, such as during the receipt of a beverage in bottle cap system 600, outer anchors 612 can affect the alignment and/or retention of aroma ring 610 in certain positions relative to cap 620. In some embodiments, for example, the outer anchors 612 can make the surface area of the scent ring 610 larger, which, like the inner anchors 611, can be used to control the concentration of scent that can be exposed from the scent ring 610, and thus control some parameter that affects the diffusion of the scent into the environment of the bottle 630 when the cap 620 is removed.

For example, the scents can be blended into the body of the scent ring 610 through a manufacturing process such as injection molding, wherein the chemical that forms the scents is embedded within the material that forms the structure of the scent ring 610. In other embodiments, the scent agent can be formed on the scent ring 610, for example, by providing an outer coating to the ring body, such as by coating the scent ring 610 via spraying, printing, or other techniques. In some embodiments, the scents are emitted from the scent rings 610 by diffusing into the air surrounding the scent rings 610. Typically, over time, the fragrance will eventually diffuse to the following concentrations: when placed near the user, such as when the user holds the neck of the bottle towards his/her mouth and nose, it will have no effect on stimulating the user's smell. Thus, scent capping system 600 provides a structure to control the storage and release of scent from scent ring 610, thereby (i) allowing the scent to be preserved for an extended period of time and reused, and (ii) adjusting the timing and intensity of scent emission to the desired moment for the user to enjoy the beverage in bottle 630.

Fig. 8A shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a cover 620. The cap 620 is shaped and dimensioned to be secured to the container, such as at the mouth region around the neck of the bottle 630, and to seal the substance within the bottle 630 from leaking or escaping through the opening of the bottle 630. For example, the exterior design of the cap 620 can be made to include any desired shape, including cylindrical, conical, rectangular, triangular, etc. as shown in FIG. 8A, including regular or irregular dimensions. In some embodiments, the cover 620 may include two or more components, for example, which can provide advantageous features such as light weight, low manufacturing cost, and/or desirable aesthetics.

Fig. 8B shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a two-piece cover 620B, which includes an over-cap 690A and a cover base 690B that are attached to each other via teeth 691 on the exterior of the cover base 690B that align with and engage protruding posts 693 on the interior of the cover base 690A. The cover base 690B includes the same internal components as the embodiment of the cover 620 shown in fig. 8A. In some embodiments, the cover 620 may include a cover 620B, wherein the cover 690A and the cover base 690B are one piece. For example, such an embodiment of the cover 620B may comprise a unitary cover structure that is formed from the manufacturing process of the cover 690A and the cover base 690B, such as molding or bonding the two pieces into one piece.

Referring back to fig. 8A, the cap 620 includes a top portion (not shown) and an arcuate wall 627W that extends from the top of the cap 620 and terminates at a bottom end that forms an opening into an interior region of the cap 620. The interior region of the cap 620 includes a hollow having internal structure that engages the bottle 630 and the scent ring 610. The interior region of the lid 620 includes a rim structure portion 625 that is located at a position spaced from the bottom end of the arcuate wall 627W such that the rim structure portion 625 is configured to engage the outer anchor portion 612 of the aroma ring 610. For example, the rim structure portion 625 is shaped such that: in some cases, such as prior to assembly of the cap 620 and ring 610 with the bottle 630, the outer anchors 612 are lightly supported, wherein the cap 620 is able to maintain suspension of the scent ring 610 when the cap 620 is oriented with its opening down. In such embodiments, for example, without the rim structure portion 625 and/or the outer anchoring portion 612, the aroma ring 610 can fall out of the lid 620 with the opening of the lid 620 down.

The bottom end of arcuate wall 627W is configured such that, when cap 620 is securely attached to bottle 630, a portion of the bottom end contacts flange 631, thereby providing a low seat seal between cap 620 and flange 631 of bottle 630. The lid 620 is configured with a concentric space (concentric space)629 within the interior region that may be located at least between the rim 625 and the low seal position. In the example shown in fig. 8A, cap 620 includes a lip 628 that spans the periphery of the interior region of cap 620 so as to contact the flange 631 of the bottle, thereby forming a low-level seal. When cap 620 and scent ring 610 are assembled on bottle 630, concentric space 629 provides a hollow volume 940, as illustrated in fig. 9, that allows scent from scent ring 610 to diffuse inside and be contained until cap 620 is removed.

In some embodiments, as an example shown in fig. 8A and 9, the cap 620 includes a cylindrical protrusion 624 that protrudes from the top of the cap 620 and is configured to align with a sidewall of the opening of the bottle 630. For example, the cylindrical protrusion 624 provides a longitudinal sealing surface along the inside wall of the bottle opening, as illustrated in fig. 10A.

Fig. 9 shows a schematic diagram depicting a cross-sectional view of the aroma ring 610 in combination with the lid 620. The aroma ring 610 is releasably coupled to the lid 620 such that when the lid 620 is oriented with its top facing upward and its opening facing downward, the aroma ring 610 remains within the interior area of the lid 620. The rim structure portion 625 provides sufficient support to the outer anchor portion 612 so that the aroma ring 610 overhangs the inside of the cover 620 in this orientation. The inner side of wall 627W includes a receiving surface 627S such that it may be in contact with the top side of aroma ring 610. For example, the structure of the cap 620 and the ring 610 is such that the ring 610 is pre-loaded into the cap 620 prior to assembly with the bottle 630, e.g., during a bottling process to produce and pack the beverage. In some embodiments of the pre-loading process, the lid 620 can be inverted so that the opening is up and the top is down. For example, by automated machinery or manually, the aroma ring 610 can be secured inside the lid 620 such that the ring 610 is pushed inside until it contacts the receiving surface 627S, wherein the outer anchor portion 612 will have passed the rim structure portion 625 and aligned within the conformal recess inside the wall 627W. The receiving surface 627S can assist in aligning the outer anchor portion 612 through the rim structure portion 625 within the conformal recess of the cover 620 while allowing various amounts of force to place the ring 610 in this position.

Fig. 10A shows a schematic depicting a cross-sectional view of the aroma cap system 600 when the aroma ring 610, cap 620, and bottle 630 are assembled. In this configuration, the aroma ring 610 is securely attached around the neck of the bottle 630 based on positioning the inner anchor 611 under the lug structure 635. For example, when the aroma ring 610 is pre-loaded within the cap 620, the cap 620 can be initially attached to the bottle 630 (e.g., during bottling for beverage production) so that the ring 610 disengages from the cap 620 and securely attaches to the bottle 630. In some embodiments, cap 620 is screwed on bottle 630 via a set of threads 623 of bottle 630 and a corresponding set of threads 622 of cap 620. As the cap 620 is twisted on the bottle 630, the aroma ring 610 is pushed down along the mouth region so that the inner anchor 611 is pushed past the ledge feature 635. In the example shown in fig. 10A, the lug structure 635 may include a sloped portion on the upper side of the lug structure 635 and a flat portion on the lower side of the lug structure 635 perpendicular to the neck of the bottle 630 to inhibit the ring 610 from disengaging from the neck of the bottle 630 at the internal anchoring portion 611. When the cap 620 is unscrewed, the aroma ring 610 can be disengaged from its engagement with the cap 620 and remain on the bottle 630.

Fig. 10B shows an enlarged view of the engagement between the sealing surface 623 of the cap 620 of fig. 10A and the sealing surface 633 of the bottle 630. When the cap 620 is securely attached to the bottle 630, e.g., fully screwed on, the sealing surface 633 of the bottle 630 contacts the corresponding sealing surface 623 of the cap 620. Similarly, optional cylindrical protrusion 624 contacts the sidewall of the opening of bottle 630.

Fig. 10C shows an enlarged view of the engagement between the outer anchor portion 612 of the aroma ring 610 and the rim structure portion 625 of the cap 620, and the engagement between the inner anchor portion 611 of the aroma ring 610 and the lug structure portion 635 of the bottle 630, as shown in fig. 10A. For example, the lug structure 635 is configured at the following angles: for example, the aroma ring 610 is securely attached during assembly with the cap 620 prior to assembly with the bottle 630, with the inner anchor 611 of the aroma ring 610 effectively sliding down the top side of the lug structure 635 until it is below the lug structure 635. In some embodiments, the top angle (top angle) of the lug structure 635 is in the range of 120 ° to 150 °, such as generally at 135 °. In some embodiments, for example, the apex angle of the ledge feature 635 is in the range of 105 ° or more, and 165 ° or less.

Fig. 10D shows an enlarged view of the engagement between lip 628 of cap 620 of fig. 10A and flange 631 of bottle 630. When cap 620 is securely attached to bottle 630, lip 628 of cap 620 contacts flange 631 of bottle 630, which forms a low-level seal that creates hollow volume 940. The hollow volume 940 provides a chamber to allow for the accumulation of scent that diffuses from the scent ring 610 into the volume 940 when the lid 620 is closed. In the closed position, scent is collected and housed within scent cap system 600. When the cap 620 is removed from the bottle 630, for example, unscrewed, the user can experience the fragrance that is initially emitted, particularly when he/she removes the cap 620 and holds it toward his/her mouth to drink the beverage in the bottle 630. The aroma continues to emanate from the aroma ring 610 attached to the bottle 630, thereby making the user salix happy during the subsequent consumption of the beverage.

A compartment having a hollow volume 940 is formed in the space between the cap 620 and the bottle 630, which can be configured based on the size and shape of the structural components of the cap 620 and the bottle 630. The compartment having a hollow volume 940 is configured to: when the cap 620 is closed (e.g., tightened) on the bottle 630, the scents emitted from the scent ring 610 accumulate and are collected. For example, the system 600 is configured to: the scents are collected when the lid 620 is closed on the bottle 630, for example, between drinks including beverages, to create a scent burst effect when the user opens the lid for subsequent drinking. As shown in the embodiment shown in fig. 10A, a compartment having a hollow volume 940 may include one or more regions, or sub-compartments, within the space between the cap 620 and the bottle 630, for example, including: (i) a lower region 940A which is among the outer wall of the aroma ring 610, the flange 631, and the inner face of the wall 627W of the cap 620 which is between the rim structure 625 of the cap 620 and the flange 631 of the bottle 630; (ii) a middle region 940B between the inner wall of flavor ring 610 and the neck of bottle 630, wherein the ring 610 is positioned between lug structure 635 and flange 631; and (iii) an upper region 940C, which is located in the interior wall of the aroma ring 610, the upper portion of the ledge structure 635, and the intersection (interaction) of the threads 622 of the cap 620 and the threads 632 of the bottle 630. The hollow volume 940, including the various examples of

sub-compartment regions

940A, 940B, 940C, can be configured to have a particular volume or range of volumes for collecting a desired concentration of volatile scent agents from the scent ring 610. For example, in certain embodiments as shown in fig. 10A, the lower region of the hollow volume 940 may be from about 3000mm³Or less to 1000mm³Or more. In some embodiments, for example, the hollow volume formed by system 600 may be from about 15000mm³Or less to 100mm³Or more, based on the size and shape of the interior face structure along wall 627W that engages the contoured portion of the neck of bottle 630.

FIG. 11A shows a schematic view of an embodiment of aroma ring 1110. Aroma ring 1110 comprises the structure of aroma ring 610, and further comprises: dimples (e.g., pores) 1111 that are inwardly constricted relative to the surface of ring 1110; and/or protuberances (e.g., protrusions) 1112 that project outwardly relative to the surface of ring 1110. The dimples 1111 and/or ridges 1112 may be organized along the surface of the ring 1110 in various arrangements, including, for example, a periodic or non-periodic array, or randomly oriented arrays. For example, the dimples and/or ridges 1112 provide additional surface area to the scent ring 1110, which can increase the concentration of scent exposed to the external environment (e.g., air), thereby enhancing the delivery of scent to the user. In some embodiments, for example, dimples 1111 and/or ridges 1112 may be used to generate text, shapes or logos as a promotional or product differentiating form.

In some embodiments, the dimples 1111 and/or ridges 1112 are sized and/or shaped and are disposed on the aroma ring 1110 to affect the direction of aroma emitted from the aroma ring 1110 to the proximal environment. For example, the action of the user manipulating the bottle 630 to drink a beverage can increase the rate at which air flows at the aroma ring 1110 and affect the volatility of the aroma at the dimples 1111 and ridges 1112. Further, for example, the dimples 1111 can be configured to pass through the holes of the ring 1110 or terminate at hollow cavities within the body of the ring 1110, affecting the outflow characteristics of the scent when the cap 620 is removed from the bottle 630. In some embodiments, dimples 1111, when securely attached to bottle 630, may be disposed on the area of aroma ring 1110 that is in contact with cap 620, e.g., as disposed along outer anchors 612 that contact rim structure 625. In such an embodiment, the scent may be collected within the hollow chamber and release of the scent controlled in view of its outflow characteristics through the micro-recess 1111 and into the external environment, such as near the user's nose and mouth. In some embodiments, the protuberances 1112 may also be configured to affect the outflow characteristics of the scents to enhance the perception of the user's olfactory system.

Fig. 11B shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the scent ring 1120, wherein the scent ring 1120 includes a hollow cavity 1115 to collect scent and has an outer channel for scent release, which takes into account the characteristics of the scent flowing from the cavity 1115 to the external environment (e.g., near the nose and mouth of the user). For example, the chamber 1115 may be configured to affect the outflow properties of the scent to enhance the perception of the olfactory system of the user, thereby affecting the drinking experience. In some embodiments, the aroma ring 1120 can include chambers 1115 arranged such that the outer channels form openings on the inner wall of the aroma ring 1120, the outer wall of the aroma ring 1120, or both the inner and outer walls of the aroma ring 1120. For example, the cavity 1115 may be configured such that the outer channel forms an opening on the top and/or bottom surface of the aroma ring 1120. In some embodiments, for example, when a user holds bottle 630 with attached aroma ring 1120 toward his/her face for drinking beverage fluid, air can flow rapidly into chamber 1115, affecting the emission of the scents due to the configuration of chamber 1115 and the outer channels, thereby experiencing an enhanced effect of the scents being emitted from aroma ring 1115. The aroma ring 1120 can include similar structures of aroma rings 610 and/or 1110 including, for example, inner anchors 611, outer anchors 612 and/or dimples 1111 and/or protrusions 1112.

Fig. 12A shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a scent ring 1200. Aroma ring 1200 includes the structure of aroma ring 610 or aroma ring 1110 except that there is no outer anchor 612.

Fig. 12B shows a schematic view of an embodiment of an aroma ring 1210. Aroma ring 1210 includes the structure of aroma ring 610 or aroma ring 1110 and also includes cut-out region 1215. This embodiment may be referred to as a scent C ring. For example, the aroma C-ring 1210 still has a structure that is releasably coupled to the cap 620, e.g., for pre-loading, and securely attached to the bottle 630 after the pre-loaded ring cap is initially attached to the bottle, and also allows the aroma C-ring 1210 to be selectively detached by the user based on the cut-out area 1215. Various embodiments of the aroma ring can include flexible materials. In the embodiment of the aroma C-ring 1210, the material can be such that the C-ring structure is slightly curved to have sufficient clearance relative to the diameter of the lug structure 635 of the bottle 630 based on the cut out region 1215. For example, the aroma C-ring 1210 comprises a pliable material such that the aroma C-ring 1210 flexes to an extent with sufficient clearance to expand the cutout region 1215 and have clearance relative to the diameter of the ledge structure 635 of the bottle 630 such that the aroma C-ring 1210 can be disengaged from the bottle 630. In some embodiments, for example, scent C-ring 1210 can allow a user to replace a scent ring at his/her choosing, and similarly allow a manufacturer to sell a scent ring separate from a bottle.

Fig. 12C shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a scent C-ring 1220 that includes an inner anchor 611 and a cut-out region 1215. In some embodiments, for example, scent C-ring 1220 can allow a user to replace the scent ring at his/her choosing, and similarly allow a manufacturer to sell the scent ring separately from the bottle.

In some versions of a flavor attachment for a container in accordance with embodiments of the present technology, a method for manufacturing a flavor cap system and attaching a cap and flavor ring to a bottle in a single step is disclosed in which the bottle is filled with a fluid (e.g., a beverage) to be contained within the bottle.

Fig. 13 illustrates a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method 1300 of manufacturing an aroma bottle cap system (e.g., various embodiments of system 600). Method 1300 includes process 1310 of: a scent ring, such as

scent ring

610, 1110, 1200, or 1210, is coupled to an interior region of a lid, such as lid 620, thereby creating a ring-lid assembly. In some embodiments of process 1310, for example, the aroma ring is releasably coupled to the lid such that the ring-lid assembly securely contains the aroma ring in the interior region of the lid, e.g., maintains the aroma ring in the interior region even when the lid is oriented with the opening of the lid facing downward. For example, the aroma ring is configured to be releasably coupled to the cap prior to initial attachment of the ring-cap assembly to the bottle such that the aroma ring is initially coupled to the cap based on contact between the outer raised features of the aroma ring and the inner raised features (e.g., rim) of the cap, such that when the cap is initially secured to the bottle, the aroma ring transitions from being coupled to the cap to being coupled to the bottle, e.g., based on contact between the inner raised features of the aroma ring and raised features, such as a lug configuration, extending from the neck of the bottle.

Method 1300 includes process 1320 as follows: the ring-lid assembly is set in a non-inverted position, i.e., with the lid open facing downward, with the aroma ring securely contained within the interior region of the lid. Method 1300 includes process 1330 as follows: bottles are filled with a fluid, such as a beverage like water, milk, juice, sports drinks, alcoholic drinks, etc. Method 1300 includes process 1340 of: the ring-cap assembly is securely attached to the bottle to form a ring-cap-bottle assembly, wherein the aroma ring is attached to the bottle and is wrapped within a compartment formed between an interior of the cap and an exterior of the neck of the bottle, and wherein the cap is detachable from the bottle and is disconnected from the aroma ring. In the practice of process 1340, the ring-cap assembly is attached to the bottle in a single step. For example, method 1300 allows for performing a "bottling process" of a beverage using conventional machinery or automated equipment present in a bottle plant to perform

processes

1320, 1330, and 1340 without significant changes to existing bottling process regimes and underlying structures, thereby enabling the mass production of scented beverages in a cost-effective manner using a scent bottle cap system according to the disclosed techniques. The ring-cap-bottle assembly forms a system (i) containing a beverage to be filled in the bottle; (ii) the fragrance is contained and kept in a compartment preventing its escape until the user chooses to open the cap from the bottle; and (iii) affect the emission of the scents to stimulate the olfactory system of the user and enhance the user's enjoyment of the beverage.

In some embodiments, for example, method 1300 includes the following processes: a tamper-evident seal (e.g., a sticker) is attached to the resulting ring-cap-bottle assembly containing the fluid, e.g., an indicator is provided to a user indicating that the fluid contained within the ring-cap-bottle assembly is undoped and unplugged. In some embodiments, for example, the tamper evident seal is applied to a portion of or completely around the joint of the cap and bottle. In some embodiments, for example, method 1300 includes a process of applying one or more labels to bottles.

Examples of the invention

Examples of flavor attachments for containers include the following.

In some embodiments, an aroma delivery system for a beverage container (example B1) includes a bottle containing a fluid beverage, the bottle configured to include a body region and a neck region, the bottle including a flange extending outwardly and circumferentially around the neck region, and a lug structure extending outwardly and circumferentially around the neck region and positioned above the flange; the scent ring includes a body loaded with a volatile chemical to be emitted from the body of the scent ring to generate a scent, the scent ring configured to include at least one inner protrusion feature protruding from an inner wall of the body of the scent ring, wherein the scent ring is configured to: securing around a neck region of a bottle based on contact between at least one inner raised feature of a scent ring and a lug feature of the bottle, wherein the at least one inner raised feature is positioned below the lug feature; and a cap reversibly attachable to the bottle, the cap including an inner rim structure projecting from and circumferentially around an inner cap wall of the cap, wherein the cap is configured to: wrapping the aroma ring within a compartment formed between the flange of the bottle and the inner rim structure of the cap when the cap is securely fastened to the bottle; wherein the system is configured to: the scent of the scent ring within the compartment is collected when the cap is securely attached to the bottle, and released into the exterior environment of the bottle when the cap is detached from the bottle.

Example B2 includes the system of example B1, wherein the aroma ring includes at least one outer raised feature protruding from an outer wall of the aroma ring body.

Example B3 includes the system of example B2, wherein the aroma ring is configured to be releasably coupled to the cap prior to attachment of the cap and the aroma ring to the bottle, wherein the aroma ring is initially coupled to the cap based on contact between the at least one outer raised feature of the aroma ring and the inner rim feature of the cap, the aroma ring transitioning from being coupled to the cap to being coupled to the bottle based on contact between the at least one inner raised feature of the aroma ring and the lug feature of the bottle when the cap is initially secured to the bottle.

Example B4 includes the system of example B1, wherein the scent ring is operable to generate a scent without physical contact through the lid or the bottle.

Example B5 includes the system of example B1, wherein the system is operable to repeatedly collect scent generated by a scent ring located within the compartment and release the scent into the outer environment in multiple instances of a user attaching or detaching a cap to or from the bottle.

Example B6 includes the system of example B1, wherein the at least one inner raised feature comprises a single inner raised feature that spans circumferentially along at least a portion of the inner wall of the scent ring.

Example B7 includes the system of example B1, wherein the at least one inner raised feature comprises a plurality of inner raised features that intermittently or periodically circumferentially span along the inner wall of the scent ring.

Example B8 includes the system of example B7, wherein the plurality of inner raised features comprises two or more inner raised features that are equally spaced apart from each other.

Example B9 includes the system of example B1, wherein the flange is configured to have a top side that slopes downward from a surface of the neck region, and the flange is configured to have a bottom side that is substantially perpendicular to the neck region.

Example B10 includes the system of example B1, wherein the cap is configured to include threads on the inner cap wall that engage with corresponding threads on the neck of the bottle to enable the cap to be screwed on and off the bottle.

Example B11 includes the system of example B1, wherein the aroma ring includes one or more apertures that recede inwardly relative to a surface of the aroma ring body.

Example B12 includes the system of example B11, wherein the one or more apertures comprise a plurality of apertures arranged in a row of periodic or aperiodic orientations, or randomly oriented orientations, along the surface of the fragrance ring body.

Example B13 includes the system of example B1, wherein the aroma ring includes one or more protrusions that project outward relative to a surface of the body of the aroma ring.

Example B14 includes the system of example B13, wherein the one or more protrusions comprise a plurality of protrusions arranged in a row of periodic or aperiodic positioning, or randomly positioned along the surface of the fragrance ring body.

Example B15 includes the system of example B1, wherein the scent ring includes a cut-out that traverses the body such that the scent ring is detachably coupled to the bottle, such that the scent ring is selectively detachable from the bottle.

Example B16 includes the system of example B15, wherein the aroma ring comprises a flexible material such that the aroma ring flexes at least to an extent that has sufficient clearance to allow the cut-out areas to expand and clear a diameter of the lug structure of the bottle so that the aroma ring can be disengaged from the bottle.

Example B17 includes the system of example B1, wherein the scent ring includes one or more hollow cavities to collect scent and has an outer channel for: when the cap is detached from the bottle, the fragrance is emitted to be released into the environment outside the bottle.

Example B18 includes the system of example B1, wherein the compartment comprises a plurality of sub-compartments such that different portions of the scent ring are exposed within the hollow volumes of the different sub-compartments.

Example B19 includes the system of example B18, wherein the plurality of sub-compartments comprises: (i) a lower sub-compartment located in the outer wall of the aroma ring, the flange of the bottle, and a portion of the inner lid wall of the lid between the inner rim structure and the flange; (ii) an intermediate sub-compartment located between an inner wall of the aroma ring and the neck region of the bottle, wherein the aroma ring is positioned between the lug structure and the flange; and (iii) an upper sub-compartment located among the inner wall of the aroma ring, a portion of the neck region of the bottle, and a portion of the inner cap wall of the cap between where the threads intersect the aroma ring, wherein the portion of the neck region of the bottle is from the top side of the lug formation to the intersection where the threads on the inner cap wall engage with corresponding threads on the neck region of the bottle.

Example B20 includes the system of example B1, wherein the compartment comprises a hollow volume configured to collect scent emitted by the scent ring when the lid is securely attached to the bottle, such that the scent collects within the compartment such that, after the lid is detached from the bottle, the collected scent is released into the environment outside the bottle.

Example B21 includes the system of example B20, wherein the hollow volume is at 1mm³To 3mm³Within the range.

Example B22 includes the system of example B1, wherein the system is configured to release a scent into the external environment when the user drinks from the bottle to enhance a perceptible taste to the fluid beverage.

Example B23 includes the system of example B21, wherein the flavoring agent includes a flavoring chemical that is operable to stimulate a chemical sensor of the olfactory system of the user to enhance the user's perception of the odor or taste of the fluid beverage.

In some embodiments, an aroma delivery system for a beverage container (example B24) includes a bottle containing a fluid beverage, the bottle configured to include a body region and a neck region, the bottle including a flange extending outwardly and circumferentially around the neck region, and a lug structure extending outwardly and circumferentially around the neck; the bottle cap device is reversibly attachable to the neck region of the bottle to reversibly seal the opening of the bottle. The bottle cap device includes: a scent ring having a body loaded with a volatile chemical to emit from the body of the scent ring to generate scent, the scent ring configured to include at least one inner raised feature protruding from an inner wall of the scent ring body, wherein the scent ring is configured to be secured around the neck of the bottle based on contact between the at least one inner raised feature of the scent ring and a lug feature of the bottle, wherein the at least one inner raised feature is positioned below the lug feature, and the scent ring is configured to include at least one outer raised feature protruding from an outer wall of the scent ring body; and a lid including an inner rim structure portion projecting from and circumferentially around the inner lid wall of the lid, wherein the lid is configured to: when the cap is securely fastened to the bottle, the aroma ring is enclosed within the compartment formed between the flange of the bottle and the inner rim structure of the cap. The system is configured to collect scent from the scent ring within the compartment when the cap is securely attached to the bottle, and to release the scent into the exterior environment of the bottle when the cap is detached from the bottle. In the system, the aroma ring is configured to be releasably coupled to the cap prior to initial attachment of the bottle cap device to the bottle, wherein the aroma ring is initially coupled to the cap based on contact between the at least one outer raised feature of the aroma ring and the inner rim feature of the cap, and the aroma ring is converted from being coupled to the cap to being coupled to the bottle based on contact between the at least one inner raised feature of the aroma ring and the lug feature of the bottle when the cap is initially secured to the bottle.

Example B25 includes the system of example B24, wherein the compartment comprises a hollow volume configured to: the scent emitted from the scent ring is collected when the cap is securely attached to the bottle such that the scent is concentrated within the compartment, such that the concentrated scent is released into the exterior environment of the bottle after the cap is detached from the bottle.

Example B26 includes the system of example B24, wherein the scent ring is operable to generate a scent without physical contact through the lid or through the bottle.

Example B27 includes the system of example B24, wherein the system is operable, under multiple instances of a user attaching the lid to the bottle and detaching the lid from the bottle, to repeatedly collect scent generated by the scent ring within the compartment and release the scent into the external environment.

Example B28 includes the system of example B24, wherein the at least one inner projection structure comprises a unitary inner projection structure that spans circumferentially along at least a portion of an inner wall of the scent ring.

Example B29 includes the system of example B24, wherein the at least one inner raised feature comprises a plurality of inner raised features that intermittently or periodically span along the inner wall of the scent ring.

Example B30 includes the system of example B29, wherein the plurality of inner projection structures includes two or more inner projection structures equally spaced apart from each other.

Example B31 includes the system of example B24, wherein the flange is configured to have a top side that slopes downward from a surface of the neck region, and the flange is configured to have a bottom side that is substantially perpendicular to the neck region.

Example B32 includes the system of example B24, wherein the cap is configured to include threads on an inner cap wall that engage with corresponding threads on a bottle neck to enable the cap to be screwed on and off the bottle.

Example B33 includes the system of example B24, wherein the aroma ring includes one or more apertures that recede inward relative to a surface of the aroma ring body.

Example B34 includes the system of example B33, wherein the one or more apertures comprise a plurality of apertures arranged in a row of periodic or aperiodic orientations, or randomly oriented orientations, along the surface of the fragrance ring body.

Example B35 includes the system of example B24, wherein the aroma ring includes one or more protrusions that project outward relative to a surface of the body of the aroma ring.

Example B36 includes the system of example B35, wherein the one or more protrusions comprise a plurality of protrusions arranged in a row of periodic or aperiodic positioning, or randomly positioned along the surface of the fragrance ring body.

Example B37 includes the system of example B24, wherein the scent ring includes a cut-away region traversing the body such that the scent ring can be releasably coupled to the bottle for selective disengagement of the scent ring from the bottle.

Example B38 includes the system of example B37, wherein the aroma ring comprises a flexible material to bend the aroma ring to an extent sufficient to allow the cut-out to expand and leave a gap relative to a diameter of the lug structure of the bottle so that the aroma ring can be disengaged from the bottle.

Example B39 includes the system of example B24, wherein the scent ring includes one or more hollow cavities to collect scent and has an outer channel to: when the cap is detached from the bottle, the fragrance is emitted to be released to the external environment of the bottle.

Example B40 includes the system of example B24, wherein the compartment comprises a plurality of sub-compartments such that different portions of the scent ring are exposed within the hollow volumes of the different sub-compartments.

Example B41 includes the system of example B40, wherein the plurality of sub-compartments comprises: (i) a lower sub-compartment located in the outer wall of the aroma ring, the flange of the bottle, and a portion of the inner cap wall of the cap between the inner rim structure and the flange; (ii) an intermediate sub-compartment located between an inner wall of the aroma ring and the neck region of the bottle, wherein the aroma ring is positioned between the lug structure and the flange; and (iii) an upper sub-compartment located among the inner wall of the aroma ring, a portion of the neck region of the bottle, and a portion of the inner cap wall of the cap between where the threads intersect the aroma ring, wherein the portion of the neck region of the bottle is from the top side of the lug formation to the intersection where the threads on the inner cap wall engage with corresponding threads on the neck region of the bottle.

Example B42 includes the system of example B24, wherein the compartment comprises a hollow volume configured to collect scent emitted by the scent ring when the cap is securely attached to the bottle, such that the scent accumulates within the compartment such that the accumulated scent is released into the exterior environment of the bottle after the cap is detached from the bottle.

Example B43 includes the system of example B42, wherein the hollow volume is at 1mm³To 3mm³Within the range.

Example B44 includes the system of example B24, wherein the system is configured to release a scent into the external environment when the user drinks from the bottle to enhance a perceptible taste to the fluid beverage.

Example B45 includes the system of example B44, wherein the flavoring agent includes a flavoring chemical that is operable to stimulate a chemical sensor of the olfactory system of the user to enhance the user's perception of the odor or taste of the fluid beverage.

In some embodiments, a method for manufacturing a scent bottle cap system (example B46) includes attaching a scent ring to an interior region of a cap to create a ring-cap assembly; positioning the ring-lid assembly in an orientation in which the opening of the lid faces downward relative to the interior region, wherein the aroma ring is securely housed within the interior region of the lid; filling the bottle with a fluid; and securely attaching a ring-cap assembly to the bottle, wherein the aroma ring is attached to the bottle and is wrapped within a compartment formed between an interior region of the cap and an exterior region of the neck of the bottle, wherein the ring-cap assembly is attached to the bottle in a single step, wherein the cap is detached from the bottle and disconnected from the ring upon initial detachment from the bottle.

Example B47 includes the method of example B46, wherein attaching the scent ring to the lid includes inserting the scent ring into an interior region of the lid such that the outer raised feature of the scent ring is inserted past the inner raised feature of the lid.

Example B48 includes the method of example B46, wherein the aroma ring transitions from coupling with the cap to attaching with the bottle when the ring-cap assembly is initially attached to the bottle, wherein the attachment between the aroma ring and the bottle is based on contact between inner raised features of the aroma ring and raised features extending from an outer region of the neck of the bottle.

In some embodiments, a scent bottle cap device (example C1) comprises: a scent ring attached around a neck of a bottle having a flange, wherein the scent ring includes a body loaded with a volatile chemical to be emitted from the body of the scent ring to generate a scent; and a cap removably attached to the bottle and configured to enclose the scent ring within a compartment formed between the flange of the bottle and an interior region of the cap when the cap is securely attached to the bottle, wherein the system is configured to collect scent from the scent ring within the compartment when the cap is securely attached to the bottle and release the scent into the exterior environment of the bottle when the cap is detached from the bottle.

While various examples have been described with reference to embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will appreciate the true spirit and scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation, material, composition of matter, process step or steps, to the objective, spirit and scope of the present invention. All such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the claims appended hereto.

Although this patent document contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any invention or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments of particular inventions. Certain features that are described in this patent document in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination (subcombination). Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some instances be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Moreover, the separation of components of the various systems in the embodiments described in this patent should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments.

Only a few embodiments and examples have been described and other implementations, enhancements and variations can be made based on what is described and illustrated in this patent document.

Claims

1. A method for making an aroma delivery system, comprising:

coupling a scent ring to an interior region of a lid to form a ring-lid assembly, wherein the scent ring comprises a body loaded with a volatile chemical to be emitted from the body of the scent ring to generate a scent;

positioning a ring-lid assembly in an orientation with an opening of an interior region of the lid facing downward, wherein a scent ring is securely housed in the interior region of the lid;

filling the bottle with liquid; and

securely attaching a ring-cap assembly to a bottle to form a ring-cap-bottle assembly, wherein a scent ring and the cap are securely attached to the bottle in a single step, wherein the scent ring is coupled to the bottle and is wrapped within a compartment formed between an interior region of the cap and an exterior region of a neck of the bottle, wherein the cap is detachable from the bottle and is disconnected from the scent ring,

wherein the aroma ring is coupled to the lid when the opening of the lid is in an upward facing orientation relative to the interior region of the lid, the positioning of the ring-lid assembly in the downward facing orientation of the opening of the interior region of the lid comprising: maintaining the lid in an orientation with the opening of the interior region of the lid facing downward,

wherein the scent ring includes at least one inner raised feature that protrudes from an inner wall of the body of the scent ring, wherein the scent ring is configured to be secured around the neck of the bottle based on contact between the at least one inner raised feature of the scent ring and a ledge feature extending from the neck of the bottle, wherein the at least one inner raised feature is positioned below the ledge feature,

wherein the scent ring includes at least one outer raised feature that protrudes from an outer wall of a body of the scent ring such that the scent ring is releasably coupled to the lid, wherein the lid includes an inner rim structure that protrudes from and surrounds an inner lid wall of an interior region of the lid.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the aroma ring and the cap are simultaneously securely attached to the bottle as a single piece.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the ring-cap assembly securely attached to the bottle collects scent from the scent ring within the compartment when securely attached to the bottle, and the scent can be controlled from being released from the compartment into the environment external to the bottle when the cap is detached from the bottle.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising:

wrapping a scent within the compartment when a ring-and-cap assembly is securely attached to the bottle; and

controllably releasing the scent from the compartment into the external environment of the bottle when the cap is disengaged from the bottle.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein coupling a scent ring to the lid comprises:

inserting a fragrance ring into the interior region of the lid to insert the outer raised feature of the fragrance ring past the inner raised feature of the lid.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein when the cap is first disengaged from the bottle, the cap is decoupled from the ring and the aroma ring is converted from being coupled to the cap and the bottle simultaneously to being coupled to the bottle only.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein an aroma ring is coupled to the bottle based on contact between at least one inner raised feature of the aroma ring and a lug feature extending from the bottle neck.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein securely attaching a ring-cap assembly to the bottle comprises:

when the cap is securely attached to the bottle, the compartment is formed between a flange of the bottle that extends outwardly and circumferentially around a neck region of the bottle and the inner rim structure of the cap.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the compartment comprises a plurality of sub-compartments formed between the aroma ring and the bottle, aroma ring and the cap and aroma ring, the bottle and the cap, wherein different portions of the aroma ring are exposed in the hollow volume of each corresponding sub-compartment.

10. A method for producing a flavored beverage, comprising:

coupling a scent attachment ring to an interior region of a lid to form a ring-lid assembly, wherein the scent attachment ring comprises a body loaded with a volatile chemical to be emitted from the body of the scent attachment ring to generate a scent;

positioning a ring-lid assembly in an orientation with an opening of an interior region of the lid facing downward, wherein a fragrance attachment ring is securely housed in the interior region of the lid;

filling a drinking vessel with a liquid beverage, wherein the drinking vessel comprises a body for containing the liquid beverage and a neck narrower than the body, the drinking vessel having an opening at an end of the neck opposite the body for pouring the liquid beverage from the drinking vessel; and

securely attaching a ring-lid assembly to the drinking container such that a fragrance attachment ring is fixed, but not fixed, around the neck of the drinking container proximate the drinking container opening, and covering the fragrance attachment ring when the lid is coupled to the drinking container,

such that when the cap is attached to the drinking container, wherein the aroma attachment ring and the cap are securely attached to the bottle in a single step, wherein the cap is detachable from the bottle and disconnected from the aroma attachment ring, the aroma generated by the aroma attachment ring is locked upon contact of the cap and the drinking container, the aroma is released into the environment proximate the drinking container opening when the cap is not attached to the drinking container,

wherein the fragrance attachment ring is coupled to the lid when the opening of the interior region of the lid is in a downward facing orientation, the positioning of the ring-lid assembly in the downward facing orientation of the opening of the interior region of the lid comprising: maintaining the lid in an orientation with the opening of the interior region of the lid facing downward.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the aroma attachment ring and the cap are simultaneously securely attached to the bottle as a single component.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising:

prior to positioning the ring-cover assembly, a fragrance attachment ring is coupled to the cover when the opening of the interior region of the cover is in an upward facing orientation.

13. The method of claim 10, further comprising: the fragrance attachment ring is manufactured by compression or injection molding.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein the liquid beverage comprises one or more of water, soda, liquid nutrient water, electrolytes, sports drinks, or alcohol.