US20130078337A1 - Dispenser and stirrer - Google Patents
Dispenser and stirrer Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20130078337A1 US20130078337A1 US13/462,232 US201213462232A US2013078337A1 US 20130078337 A1 US20130078337 A1 US 20130078337A1 US 201213462232 A US201213462232 A US 201213462232A US 2013078337 A1 US2013078337 A1 US 2013078337A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- dispenser
- dispenser body
- cap
- distal end
- perforations
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
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- 230000000996 additive effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 42
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- 238000003756 stirring Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 9
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- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 10
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- 238000005273 aeration Methods 0.000 description 6
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Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
- B65D85/70—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for materials not otherwise provided for
- B65D85/804—Disposable containers or packages with contents which are mixed, infused or dissolved in situ, i.e. without having been previously removed from the package
- B65D85/808—Disposable containers or packages with contents which are mixed, infused or dissolved in situ, i.e. without having been previously removed from the package for immersion in the liquid to release part or all of their contents, e.g. tea bags
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to an improved device used for storing, dispensing, and stirring beverage additives in drinks More particularly, the present invention is a tubular perforated device, one of many possible cross sectional shapes, containing a predisposed beverage additive within the device which is placed within a beverage or other liquid to introduce the additive into the beverage.
- the present invention allows for the storage, transportation, introduction, and stirring of the additive without the need for additional utensils (including spoons and stirrers) with less chance for additive spillage outside of the beverage.
- the invention is also a novel beverage additive intended to be used in conjunction with, but need not be, the improved dispenser and stirrer.
- Beverage additives such as for example, sweeteners and/or flavorings
- sweeteners and/or flavorings are extremely popular among consumers, particularly for coffees and teas.
- Most if not all additives are formulated to change the taste of the beverage, such as for example when iced tea powder mix is added to a glass of water or when sugar is added to coffee.
- Some additives are formulated to add certain nutritional value to the beverage, such as for example energy powders that are added to shakes or milks to increase protein or carbohydrate intake. Such energy drink additive are often flavored to make the resulting beverage taste better.
- Additives often come in different forms, including granular, powders, pellets, tablets, pills, liquids, and syrups (e.g. honey).
- the additives are typically sold and stored in some type of container, such as a can, a bottle, a box or a packets.
- a user wants to introduce the additive into a beverage, he/she measures out the desired quantity using either a spoon or other utensil and then introduces the additive into the beverage and stirs or mixes the beverage with another device such as a spoon or blender to dissolve the additive before consumption.
- a spoon or blender to dissolve the additive before consumption.
- some of the additive is undesirably spilled or dropped.
- the present invention also includes a novel substance intended to be used within such device.
- energy drinks and powders are extremely popular and still increasing. People consume them before workouts or sporting events, during long work days, and sometimes even at social events such as night clubs and at bars. More and more new drinks are mixed comprising combinations of long known drinks, e.g. club soda, and an energy beverage, such as a Red Bull. While some people may enjoy the taste of the combined drinks, others would much prefer to retain the taste of the base drink yet receive the benefit of the energy additive.
- the novel additive of the present invention address this need. It is an additive containing caffeine and other vitamins and minerals that is substantially colorless and tasteless. The desired effects of an energy drink or powder are realizable without separately consuming another drink and without significantly altering the appearance or taste of the beverage it is added to.
- the present invention is an improved storage, dispensing and stirring device for beverage additives.
- the present invention is also a novel, substantially colorless and tasteless additive. While the invention will be described in connection with certain embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to those embodiments. To the contrary, the invention includes all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
- the dispenser and stirrer of the present invention is comprised of a tubular shaped dispenser body having perforations/opening on most preferably, only one half or side of the cross sectional shape of the tubular body. More particularly, in the preferred embodiment with a triangular cross sectional shape and three about flat sides, the device comprises perforations/openings on only one of the three sides of the dispenser's tubular body. In other embodiments with other cross sectional shapes, such as for example, circular, oval, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, etc., the perforations/openings are most preferably configured on less than about half of the cross sectional shape, most preferably, on one of the sides of the geometric shape. Alternatively, for geometric shapes with more than four sides, the openings/perforations may be configured on more than one side of the cross sectional shape but no more than one half of the number of sides, provided those sides with perforations/openings are contiguous.
- the tubular shaped dispenser body includes an internal cavity/aperture used for storing the additive.
- a dispenser cap is attached to the dispenser body at the proximal end of the dispenser body.
- the dispenser cap may be removably fixed or fixedly attached to the dispenser body.
- the dispenser cap and/or the dispenser body function as a handle for the device.
- the device has an end cap attached, either fixedly or removably, to the dispenser body on the end opposite the dispenser cap, the distal end of the dispenser body
- the dispenser body is configured with one region of a plurality of perforations on one of its three about flat sides.
- the plurality of perforations region is configured towards the distal end of the dispenser body.
- the dispenser body is configured with a plurality of perforations on at least one but no more than two of its about flat sides.
- the plurality of perforations are located towards the distal end of the dispenser body.
- the dispenser body is configured with a plurality of perforations on at least one but no more than three of its about flat sides.
- the plurality of perforations are located towards the distal end of the dispenser body.
- the plurality of perforations are located on only one side of the two longitudinal halves of the device formed by a horizontal plane formed through the middle of the cross sectional shape of the tubular dispenser body.
- the tubular shaped dispenser body may be of uniform cross section throughout the longitudinal length of the dispenser body, it may be tapered with one end smaller in cross sectional size than the other, or the cross sectional size may vary increasing and decreasing from one end to the other.
- the present invention also includes tubular dispenser bodies of varying cross sectional shapes along its longitudinal axis.
- the tubular body may be round at the proximal end and triangular at the distal end.
- the device also comprises a removable sealing tape that securely attaches to at least one side of the device and covers the plurality of perforations.
- the tape is an FDA approved adhesive, allowing the device's plurality of perforations to remain covered thereby maintaining the additive in the device until the user wants to expose the perforations.
- the device when the device is held with the longitudinal axis of the tubular dispenser body held horizontally with none of the plurality of perforations below a perpendicular horizontal cross-sectional plane, even with the plurality of perforations exposed, the device will maintain the additive within the device.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view from the distal end of one embodiment of the dispenser in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view from the proximal end of the assembled dispenser shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the dispenser showing the perforated region.
- FIG. 4 is a back elevation view of the dispenser.
- FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the dispenser, the opposite side being identical.
- FIG. 6 is a view of the dispenser's top, the dispenser's proximal end.
- FIG. 7 is a view of the dispenser's bottom, the dispenser's distal end.
- FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the dispenser.
- FIG. 9 is another exploded perspective view of the dispenser.
- FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the perforated region.
- FIG. 11 is a perspective of the invention shown with a sealing tape over on one side of the device over the perforations.
- FIG. 12 is a perspective of the invention shown with a sealing tape over on one side of the device over the perforations and the sealing tape partially removed.
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view from the distal end of another embodiment of the dispenser in accordance with the principles of the present invention with a dividing wall in the dispenser body.
- FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 13 .
- FIG. 15 is a perspective view of FIG. 13 from the proximal side.
- FIGS. 16-18 are alternative embodiments of the invention with a square, a hexagonal and a circular cross sectional shape, respectively, identifying the longitudinal axis L-L and the two halves formed by horizontal plane H-H.
- FIGS. 19A-19C shows a front, a back, and a top view of the circular dispenser body shown in FIG. 18 identifying the longitudinal axis L-L and the two halves formed by horizontal plane H-H.
- FIGS. 1-10 one embodiment of the dispenser and stirrer invention 10 is shown in FIGS. 1-10 .
- the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-10 is a dispenser and stirrer 10 having a proximal end 13 and distal end 14 comprising dispenser body 11 having longitudinal axis L-L, dispenser cap 15 , end cap 17 , and a plurality of perforations 19 .
- the invention also includes sealing tape 12 with an adhesive (not shown) on one side of the sealing tape 12 to attach the sealing tape 12 to the dispenser body 11 over the plurality of perforations 19 .
- the dispenser cap 15 is generally elongated with a triangular cross sectional shape tapered being wider toward its proximal end and narrower at its distal end. Dispenser cap 15 may be made so that the dispenser cap's cross sectional size is constant along its longitudinal length, or so that its cross sectional size varies along its length.
- the dispenser cap 15 because of its about triangular shape, has three approximately flat rectangular sides walls.
- the dispenser cap 15 side walls each have an outer surface 25 and an inner surface 35 .
- the combined inner surfaces 35 of the dispenser cap side walls together create a hollowed internal cavity/aperture that extends approximately the entire longitudinal length of the dispenser cap 15 .
- the dispenser cap internal cavity may be used to store any compound or substance, including but not limited to a powder, liquid, gel, gas, or solid, or any combination thereof within dispenser cap 15 when a cover (not shown) is included.
- the dispenser cap 15 internal cavity may also be used to store and conceal a light source, such as for example a bulb, battery, a switch, wires and possibly some circuitry that may be integrated into dispenser cap 15 .
- the light source switch may be part of the structure of dispenser cap 15 or may be a separate component. Additionally the light source may be engaged by a moisture-activated switch that would turn the light on when the device is introduced into a liquid.
- Dispenser cap 15 can also be configured to include a longitudinal aperture that extends through the entire longitudinal length of dispenser cap 15 , so that dispenser cap 15 and dispenser body 11 may collectively be used as a straw when dispenser cap 15 is secured upon dispenser body 11 and the assembled dispenser 10 is submerged, distal end 14 first, into a liquid with or without end cap 17 on the device.
- Dispenser cap 15 can also be made so as to be completely, or partially solid, having a smaller or no internal cavity/aperture.
- Dispenser cap 15 may also be made to include or incorporate a whistle or other components, allowing the user to blow into one or both ends of dispenser cap 15 to create a sound.
- the proximal end of dispenser cap 15 can also be made to include a cover (not shown) that can be removably secured to dispenser cap 15 by friction, threading, or by any other means that will allow the cover to securely stay in place within and/or upon dispenser cap 15 until the user decides to remove the cover.
- the proximal end of dispenser cap 15 can be made to fixedly seal to dispenser body 11 .
- the distal end of dispenser cap 15 is shown without an opening in FIGS. 1-10 but it is understood that the distal end of the dispenser cap could also be configured with an aperture to create a longitudinal aperture through the length of the dispenser cap 15 .
- the size of dispenser cap 15 including its length, width and diameter may be varied.
- dispenser cap 15 may also be varied so as to be cylindrical, round, square, hexagonal, octagonal, or any other geometric shape or combinations thereof. Although the shapes may be varied, a dispenser cap having at least one flat side is preferred so that when assembled on the device 10 , the dispenser cap 15 will help prevent the device 10 from rolling on a flat surface.
- dispenser cap 15 at its distal end, includes an elongated cap wedge 16 .
- the dispenser cap wedge 16 is about triangular in shape and is tapered being wider towards the proximal end of the dispenser cap 15 and smaller at the distal end.
- the dispenser cap wedge 16 is so dimensioned as to securely, yet removably, fit within the proximal end of the dispenser body 11 .
- a friction fit between the dispenser cap wedge 16 and the inner surfaces of the dispenser body 11 sidewalls are preferred to keep dispenser cap 15 secured on dispenser body 11 thereby securely storing additive within the dispenser.
- the length and shape of the dispenser cap wedge 16 can be varied, it is preferred that the shape of the wedge be complementary to the shape of the internal dispenser body cavity/aperture.
- the dispenser cap wedge 16 may also include ridges, tabs and/or protrusions to more securely fasten dispenser cap 15 on dispenser body 11 .
- dispenser cap 15 at its distal end may include tabs located along the inner edge of the dispenser cap 15 side walls, on the outer surface of dispenser cap 15 at its distal end and/or on dispenser cap wedge 16 .
- the tabs would be complementarily shaped so as to fit within or upon a recessed ridge located on the outer surface and/or inner surface of the dispenser body 11 side walls along the dispenser body 11 proximal end.
- the exact positioning of the tabs on the dispenser cap 15 and/or dispenser cap wedge 16 may be varied.
- the configuration of the dispenser cap 15 tabs and dispenser body 11 ridge may also be reversed so that the dispenser cap 15 and dispenser cap wedge 16 include the recessed ridge and the dispenser body 11 includes the tabs.
- Threads or other fastening means may also be used in place of or in addition to the ridge(s) and tab(s) as a means of securing dispenser cap 15 to dispenser body 11 .
- the dispenser cap 15 threads could be located on dispenser cap 15 , on dispenser cap wedge 16 or both and would be complementary to the threads located on the outer and/or inner surfaces of the dispenser body 11 side walls.
- dispenser cap 15 may also be fixedly attached to dispenser body 11 using either an adhesive, a pressure fit, or by chemically and/or thermally fusing dispenser cap 15 to dispenser body 11 , or by any combination of these or other methods that will allow dispenser cap 15 to fixedly attach to dispenser body 11 .
- Dispenser cap 15 may also include an aeration hole(s) (not shown) with or without a removable hole cover.
- the aeration hole(s) can be positioned on one or more of the dispenser cap 15 side walls and extend completely through the dispenser cap 15 side wall(s) from the side wall's outer surface to its inner surface.
- the aeration holes would allow air to exit (and enter) the dispenser body 11 aperture when the device is submerged (e.g., placed in a beverage).
- Dispenser 10 and its components may be constructed using any material approved by the FDA including but not limited to glass, metal, plastics and synthetic polymers, or any other material that is non-toxic, rigid and impermeable to solids, gases and liquids.
- the material used may be clear, opaque, and/or solid in color.
- the thickness of the material may also be varied to reduce the invention's overall weight and/or to increase its structural rigidity.
- a photoluminescent thermoplastic material may also be used so that the device will glow-in-the-dark.
- the outer surfaces and/or inner surfaces of the device may be smooth, coarse or textured.
- the outer surfaces, or portions thereof, particularly near the proximal end 4 may include a gripping means, such as, for example, knurling, grooves, notches, ridges or the like, for a better grip.
- the outer surfaces may also include text and designs that are printed and/or engraved directly on the inner and/or outer surfaces or applied thereto as labels and/or stickers.
- Dispenser body 11 is tubular shaped, shown in FIGS. 1-10 with a triangular cross sectional shape. Dispenser body 11 has a proximal end 3 and a distal end 4 . Dispenser body 11 may be tapered, being wider toward its proximal end 3 and narrower at its distal end 4 , vice versa, or of constant cross sectional shape as shown in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-10 . Dispenser body 11 , because of its triangular cross sectional shape, has three approximately flat rectangular sides walls. The dispenser body 11 side walls each have an outer surface 45 and an inner surface 55 .
- the dispenser body internal aperture may be used to store any compound or substance, including but not limited to a powder, liquid, gel, gas, granules, or any combination thereof within dispenser body 11 .
- the size of dispenser body 11 including its length and cross sectional shape and size, may be varied.
- the shape of dispenser body 11 may also be varied so as to be cylindrical with a round cross sectional shape or the cross sectional shape may be square, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, or any other geometric shape or combination thereof.
- dispenser body 11 having at least one flat side is preferred so that when the dispenser 10 is laid horizontally on a flat surface it would be less prone to roll. Although it is not necessary, it is preferred that the shape of dispenser body 11 be complementary to that of dispenser cap 15 . Increasing the overall dimensions of dispenser body 11 will about proportionally increase the storage capacity of the dispenser body aperture, thereby allowing the invention to store and ultimately dispense a larger amount of additive.
- End cap 17 is triangular in shape and is so dimensioned so as to completely cover the distal end of the aperture in dispenser body 11 .
- end cap 17 comprises a protrusion that fits securely within the aperture of dispenser body 11 .
- End cap 17 can be permanently secured to dispenser body 11 using either an adhesive, using pressure or by chemically and/or thermally fusing it to dispenser body 11 or by any combination of these or other methods that will allow end cap 17 to fixedly secure to dispenser body 11 .
- end cap 17 may be removably fixed to dispenser body 11 .
- dispenser body 11 may be made as a unitary structure, so as to be closed at its distal end 3 without a separate end cap.
- Dispenser body 11 further includes a plurality of perforations.
- the plurality of perforations are located on one of the dispenser 10 side walls, collectively referred to as the perforation region 19 .
- Perforation region 19 includes a plurality of perforations which could be all similarly shaped or could vary in shapes and sizes.
- the plurality of perforations extend completely through the dispenser body 11 side wall from the side wall's outer surface to its inner surface.
- the perforations are sized so as to allow the additive and/or the liquid to freely enter and exit the dispenser 10 .
- the holes may be sized accordingly so as to allow the substance to exit in its original form (e.g.
- the configuration of the plurality of perforations including their total number, size, shape and arrangement, may be varied according to preference, to the desired dispersion rate, and/or according to the substance that is to be dispensed.
- the size, shape and total number of perforations may be increased or decreased in order to vary the rate the additive dissolves and is added to the beverage.
- Dispenser body 11 may also include an aeration hole(s) toward its proximal end 4 .
- the aeration hole(s) can be positioned in one or more of the dispenser body side walls and extend completely through the dispenser body side wall from the side wall's outer surface to its inner surface.
- the invention additionally includes a sealing tape 12 with adhesive used to cover perforated region 19 of dispenser body 11 .
- the sealing tape is sized accordingly so as to completely cover at least the entire perforated region 19 of dispenser body 11 .
- the length, width and shape of the sealing tape may be varied so that the sealing tape extends beyond the perforated region 19 of dispenser body 11 and covers more of the dispenser 10 including any aeration holes on the dispenser body 11 and/or dispenser cap 15 .
- the inner surface 18 of the sealing tape comprises an FDA approved adhesive that may be applied to the entire inner surface of the sealing tape or to some part thereof.
- the non-treated surface of the sealing tape (the outer surface) provides a tab from which the tape can be held and/or pulled when the sealing tape is being installed and/or removed from the dispenser.
- the adhesive allows the sealing tape to securely, but removably, attach to the outer surface of the dispenser body 11 .
- the sealing tape is removably secured to the dispenser body over the perforated region by placing the inner surface 18 of the sealing tape in contact with the outer surface 45 of dispenser body 11 across perforated region 19 .
- the sealing tape 12 covers and conceals perforated region 19 , thereby preventing any substance stored within the dispenser body internal cavity from escaping.
- the sealing tape 12 and adhesive may be constructed using any material approved by the FDA including but not limited to a natural or synthetic fabric, synthetic polymers, metal or any other material that is non-toxic, malleable and impermeable to solids, gases and liquids.
- the dispenser body 11 could be sealed within a shrink wrap/band.
- a shrink wrap/band round the outside of the dispenser body 11 would keep the additive inside the dispenser until ready for use and it will also provide a tamper proof seal on the device. If the shrink wrap/band also covers the end cap 17 , it will also help avoid contamination of the dispenser, particularly those parts of it intended to be submerged into a beverage prior to consumption.
- the shrink wrap/band could extend up to the dispenser cap 15 or it could also cover the exterior of the dispenser cap 15 thereby providing further protections against tampering with the device and the additive therein.
- the dispenser body 11 includes a dividing wall 22 inside the dispenser body 11 .
- the dividing wall 22 is most preferably located just beneath the point in the dispenser body 11 where the dispenser cap wedge 16 is located when the dispenser cap 15 is on dispenser body 11 . Inclusion of the dividing wall 22 provides additional protections against tampering with the device and product.
- the dispenser body 11 is filled with the additive from the distal end 4 before the end cap 17 is secured in place.
- the perforations and holes are not limited to less than one half of the sides of the device. Rather, the plurality of perforations may be located on all sides and/or all round the dispenser.
- FIGS. 16 through 19C Alternative geometric shapes for the cross sectional shape for the tubular body of the invention are shown in FIGS. 16 through 19C .
Abstract
The present invention is an improved device used for storing, dispensing, and stirring beverage additives. The improved tubular shaped dispenser greatly reduces the chance for additive spillage and eliminates the need for additional utensils for transferring and stirring the additive in a beverage. The invention comprises a tubular shaped dispenser body with an internal longitudinal aperture for storing the additive, a dispenser cap, an end cap, a longitudinal top half and bottom half for the dispenser body, and a plurality of perforations on not more than one of said top half and said bottom half of said dispenser body.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/626,552 filed on Sep. 28, 2011 which is expressly incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto.
- The present invention relates generally to an improved device used for storing, dispensing, and stirring beverage additives in drinks More particularly, the present invention is a tubular perforated device, one of many possible cross sectional shapes, containing a predisposed beverage additive within the device which is placed within a beverage or other liquid to introduce the additive into the beverage. The present invention allows for the storage, transportation, introduction, and stirring of the additive without the need for additional utensils (including spoons and stirrers) with less chance for additive spillage outside of the beverage. The invention is also a novel beverage additive intended to be used in conjunction with, but need not be, the improved dispenser and stirrer.
- Beverage additives, such as for example, sweeteners and/or flavorings, are extremely popular among consumers, particularly for coffees and teas. Most if not all additives are formulated to change the taste of the beverage, such as for example when iced tea powder mix is added to a glass of water or when sugar is added to coffee. Some additives are formulated to add certain nutritional value to the beverage, such as for example energy powders that are added to shakes or milks to increase protein or carbohydrate intake. Such energy drink additive are often flavored to make the resulting beverage taste better.
- Additives often come in different forms, including granular, powders, pellets, tablets, pills, liquids, and syrups (e.g. honey). The additives are typically sold and stored in some type of container, such as a can, a bottle, a box or a packets. When a user wants to introduce the additive into a beverage, he/she measures out the desired quantity using either a spoon or other utensil and then introduces the additive into the beverage and stirs or mixes the beverage with another device such as a spoon or blender to dissolve the additive before consumption. Often times when transferring the additive from its original container or housing, whether transferring the additive directly or using a utensil such as a spoon, some of the additive is undesirably spilled or dropped.
- Other types of additive dispensers are known. There are sleeved dispensers with an additive housed within an inner sleeve such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,102,465, U.S. Pat. No. 5,440,976, and U.S. Application Publication No. 2008/0259718. One of the main drawbacks with these devices is the chance for spillage of the additive outside the beverage through the openings around the tubular shaped inner sleeve after the inner sleeve is exposed. The dispenser and stirrer of the current invention is designed to eliminate this unintentional spillage outside of the beverage. Another drawback to these types of devices is that they do not provide the flexibility to controllably dispense the additive into the beverage without the need to submerge the device within the beverage. This drawback is primarily due to the fact that the openings in those devices are situated about/around the entire perimeter of the cross sectional shape of the sleeves, especially for powdered substances that easily fit through the openings.
- Another similar type of dispenser is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,866,185 which utilizes a soluble sealing coating on the outer surface of a tube to cover the openings. The coating acts like an outer sleeve and dissolves once placed into the beverage exposing the openings for the introduction of additive. Some of the drawbacks with this configuration is the need to dissolve the outer coating within the beverage in order to expose the opening reducing the controllability of the amount of additive used and the user cannot dispense the additive without submerging the device within the beverage which eliminates the ability to add a specified amount of additive to the beverage.
- There is a need for an improved dispenser and stirrer that functions as a storage device, provides the user the ability to selectively dispense some or all of an additive within the device into a beverage, and also functions as a stirring device. There is a particular need for such a device for powdered substances that fit through openings in the device and can easily spill out once the openings are exposed.
- In addition to an improved storage device, dispenser and stirrer, the present invention also includes a novel substance intended to be used within such device. The use and consumption of energy drinks and powders is extremely popular and still increasing. People consume them before workouts or sporting events, during long work days, and sometimes even at social events such as night clubs and at bars. More and more new drinks are mixed comprising combinations of long known drinks, e.g. club soda, and an energy beverage, such as a Red Bull. While some people may enjoy the taste of the combined drinks, others would much prefer to retain the taste of the base drink yet receive the benefit of the energy additive. The novel additive of the present invention address this need. It is an additive containing caffeine and other vitamins and minerals that is substantially colorless and tasteless. The desired effects of an energy drink or powder are realizable without separately consuming another drink and without significantly altering the appearance or taste of the beverage it is added to.
- The present invention is an improved storage, dispensing and stirring device for beverage additives. The present invention is also a novel, substantially colorless and tasteless additive. While the invention will be described in connection with certain embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to those embodiments. To the contrary, the invention includes all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
- The dispenser and stirrer of the present invention is comprised of a tubular shaped dispenser body having perforations/opening on most preferably, only one half or side of the cross sectional shape of the tubular body. More particularly, in the preferred embodiment with a triangular cross sectional shape and three about flat sides, the device comprises perforations/openings on only one of the three sides of the dispenser's tubular body. In other embodiments with other cross sectional shapes, such as for example, circular, oval, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, etc., the perforations/openings are most preferably configured on less than about half of the cross sectional shape, most preferably, on one of the sides of the geometric shape. Alternatively, for geometric shapes with more than four sides, the openings/perforations may be configured on more than one side of the cross sectional shape but no more than one half of the number of sides, provided those sides with perforations/openings are contiguous.
- The tubular shaped dispenser body includes an internal cavity/aperture used for storing the additive. A dispenser cap is attached to the dispenser body at the proximal end of the dispenser body. The dispenser cap may be removably fixed or fixedly attached to the dispenser body. The dispenser cap and/or the dispenser body function as a handle for the device. The device has an end cap attached, either fixedly or removably, to the dispenser body on the end opposite the dispenser cap, the distal end of the dispenser body
- In one embodiment having a triangular cross-sectional area for the tubular shaped dispenser body, the dispenser body is configured with one region of a plurality of perforations on one of its three about flat sides. Preferably, the plurality of perforations region is configured towards the distal end of the dispenser body.
- In another embodiment having a pentagonal cross-sectional area for the tubular shaped dispenser body, the dispenser body is configured with a plurality of perforations on at least one but no more than two of its about flat sides. Preferably, the plurality of perforations are located towards the distal end of the dispenser body.
- In another embodiment having a hexagonal cross-sectional area for the tubular shaped dispenser body, the dispenser body is configured with a plurality of perforations on at least one but no more than three of its about flat sides. Preferably, the plurality of perforations are located towards the distal end of the dispenser body.
- Preferably, in order to help avoid additive from spilling out of the device with the plurality of perforations exposed, the plurality of perforations are located on only one side of the two longitudinal halves of the device formed by a horizontal plane formed through the middle of the cross sectional shape of the tubular dispenser body.
- The tubular shaped dispenser body may be of uniform cross section throughout the longitudinal length of the dispenser body, it may be tapered with one end smaller in cross sectional size than the other, or the cross sectional size may vary increasing and decreasing from one end to the other.
- The present invention also includes tubular dispenser bodies of varying cross sectional shapes along its longitudinal axis. For example, the tubular body may be round at the proximal end and triangular at the distal end.
- In one embodiment of the invention, the device also comprises a removable sealing tape that securely attaches to at least one side of the device and covers the plurality of perforations. Most preferably, the tape is an FDA approved adhesive, allowing the device's plurality of perforations to remain covered thereby maintaining the additive in the device until the user wants to expose the perforations.
- According to the present invention, when the device is held with the longitudinal axis of the tubular dispenser body held horizontally with none of the plurality of perforations below a perpendicular horizontal cross-sectional plane, even with the plurality of perforations exposed, the device will maintain the additive within the device.
- The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of an embodiment given below, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. Similar components of the devices are similarly numbered for simplicity.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view from the distal end of one embodiment of the dispenser in accordance with the principles of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view from the proximal end of the assembled dispenser shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the dispenser showing the perforated region. -
FIG. 4 is a back elevation view of the dispenser. -
FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the dispenser, the opposite side being identical. -
FIG. 6 is a view of the dispenser's top, the dispenser's proximal end. -
FIG. 7 is a view of the dispenser's bottom, the dispenser's distal end. -
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the dispenser. -
FIG. 9 is another exploded perspective view of the dispenser. -
FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the perforated region. -
FIG. 11 is a perspective of the invention shown with a sealing tape over on one side of the device over the perforations. -
FIG. 12 is a perspective of the invention shown with a sealing tape over on one side of the device over the perforations and the sealing tape partially removed. -
FIG. 13 is a perspective view from the distal end of another embodiment of the dispenser in accordance with the principles of the present invention with a dividing wall in the dispenser body. -
FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view ofFIG. 13 . -
FIG. 15 is a perspective view ofFIG. 13 from the proximal side. -
FIGS. 16-18 are alternative embodiments of the invention with a square, a hexagonal and a circular cross sectional shape, respectively, identifying the longitudinal axis L-L and the two halves formed by horizontal plane H-H. -
FIGS. 19A-19C shows a front, a back, and a top view of the circular dispenser body shown inFIG. 18 identifying the longitudinal axis L-L and the two halves formed by horizontal plane H-H. - The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of an embodiment given below, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. Similar components of the devices are similarly numbered for simplicity.
- Referring to the Figures, one embodiment of the dispenser and
stirrer invention 10 is shown inFIGS. 1-10 . The embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-10 is a dispenser andstirrer 10 having aproximal end 13 anddistal end 14 comprisingdispenser body 11 having longitudinal axis L-L,dispenser cap 15,end cap 17, and a plurality ofperforations 19. The invention also includes sealingtape 12 with an adhesive (not shown) on one side of the sealingtape 12 to attach the sealingtape 12 to thedispenser body 11 over the plurality ofperforations 19. - The
dispenser cap 15 is generally elongated with a triangular cross sectional shape tapered being wider toward its proximal end and narrower at its distal end.Dispenser cap 15 may be made so that the dispenser cap's cross sectional size is constant along its longitudinal length, or so that its cross sectional size varies along its length. Thedispenser cap 15, because of its about triangular shape, has three approximately flat rectangular sides walls. Thedispenser cap 15 side walls each have anouter surface 25 and aninner surface 35. The combinedinner surfaces 35 of the dispenser cap side walls together create a hollowed internal cavity/aperture that extends approximately the entire longitudinal length of thedispenser cap 15. The dispenser cap internal cavity may be used to store any compound or substance, including but not limited to a powder, liquid, gel, gas, or solid, or any combination thereof withindispenser cap 15 when a cover (not shown) is included. Thedispenser cap 15 internal cavity may also be used to store and conceal a light source, such as for example a bulb, battery, a switch, wires and possibly some circuitry that may be integrated intodispenser cap 15. The light source switch may be part of the structure ofdispenser cap 15 or may be a separate component. Additionally the light source may be engaged by a moisture-activated switch that would turn the light on when the device is introduced into a liquid.Dispenser cap 15 can also be configured to include a longitudinal aperture that extends through the entire longitudinal length ofdispenser cap 15, so thatdispenser cap 15 anddispenser body 11 may collectively be used as a straw whendispenser cap 15 is secured upondispenser body 11 and the assembleddispenser 10 is submerged,distal end 14 first, into a liquid with or withoutend cap 17 on the device.Dispenser cap 15 can also be made so as to be completely, or partially solid, having a smaller or no internal cavity/aperture.Dispenser cap 15 may also be made to include or incorporate a whistle or other components, allowing the user to blow into one or both ends ofdispenser cap 15 to create a sound. The proximal end ofdispenser cap 15 can also be made to include a cover (not shown) that can be removably secured todispenser cap 15 by friction, threading, or by any other means that will allow the cover to securely stay in place within and/or upondispenser cap 15 until the user decides to remove the cover. Alternatively, the proximal end ofdispenser cap 15 can be made to fixedly seal todispenser body 11. The distal end ofdispenser cap 15 is shown without an opening inFIGS. 1-10 but it is understood that the distal end of the dispenser cap could also be configured with an aperture to create a longitudinal aperture through the length of thedispenser cap 15. The size ofdispenser cap 15, including its length, width and diameter may be varied. The shape ofdispenser cap 15 may also be varied so as to be cylindrical, round, square, hexagonal, octagonal, or any other geometric shape or combinations thereof. Although the shapes may be varied, a dispenser cap having at least one flat side is preferred so that when assembled on thedevice 10, thedispenser cap 15 will help prevent thedevice 10 from rolling on a flat surface. - In
FIGS. 1-10 ,dispenser cap 15, at its distal end, includes anelongated cap wedge 16. Thedispenser cap wedge 16 is about triangular in shape and is tapered being wider towards the proximal end of thedispenser cap 15 and smaller at the distal end. Thedispenser cap wedge 16 is so dimensioned as to securely, yet removably, fit within the proximal end of thedispenser body 11. A friction fit between thedispenser cap wedge 16 and the inner surfaces of thedispenser body 11 sidewalls are preferred to keepdispenser cap 15 secured ondispenser body 11 thereby securely storing additive within the dispenser. Although the length and shape of thedispenser cap wedge 16 can be varied, it is preferred that the shape of the wedge be complementary to the shape of the internal dispenser body cavity/aperture. Thedispenser cap wedge 16 may also include ridges, tabs and/or protrusions to more securely fastendispenser cap 15 ondispenser body 11. - Alternatively, or in addition to the
dispenser cap wedge 16,dispenser cap 15 at its distal end may include tabs located along the inner edge of thedispenser cap 15 side walls, on the outer surface ofdispenser cap 15 at its distal end and/or ondispenser cap wedge 16. The tabs would be complementarily shaped so as to fit within or upon a recessed ridge located on the outer surface and/or inner surface of thedispenser body 11 side walls along thedispenser body 11 proximal end. The exact positioning of the tabs on thedispenser cap 15 and/ordispenser cap wedge 16 may be varied. The configuration of thedispenser cap 15 tabs anddispenser body 11 ridge may also be reversed so that thedispenser cap 15 anddispenser cap wedge 16 include the recessed ridge and thedispenser body 11 includes the tabs. Threads or other fastening means may also be used in place of or in addition to the ridge(s) and tab(s) as a means of securingdispenser cap 15 todispenser body 11. Thedispenser cap 15 threads could be located ondispenser cap 15, ondispenser cap wedge 16 or both and would be complementary to the threads located on the outer and/or inner surfaces of thedispenser body 11 side walls. Rather than being removable,dispenser cap 15 may also be fixedly attached todispenser body 11 using either an adhesive, a pressure fit, or by chemically and/or thermally fusingdispenser cap 15 todispenser body 11, or by any combination of these or other methods that will allowdispenser cap 15 to fixedly attach to dispenserbody 11. -
Dispenser cap 15 may also include an aeration hole(s) (not shown) with or without a removable hole cover. The aeration hole(s) can be positioned on one or more of thedispenser cap 15 side walls and extend completely through thedispenser cap 15 side wall(s) from the side wall's outer surface to its inner surface. The aeration holes would allow air to exit (and enter) thedispenser body 11 aperture when the device is submerged (e.g., placed in a beverage). - Since the invention is intended for use with substances and compounds that will ultimately be consumed by humans, the methods and materials used in the manufacturing and assembly of the dispenser and its various components should all be in strict compliance with the standards and regulations established by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Dispenser 10 and its components may be constructed using any material approved by the FDA including but not limited to glass, metal, plastics and synthetic polymers, or any other material that is non-toxic, rigid and impermeable to solids, gases and liquids. The material used may be clear, opaque, and/or solid in color. The thickness of the material may also be varied to reduce the invention's overall weight and/or to increase its structural rigidity. A photoluminescent thermoplastic material may also be used so that the device will glow-in-the-dark. The outer surfaces and/or inner surfaces of the device may be smooth, coarse or textured. The outer surfaces, or portions thereof, particularly near theproximal end 4, may include a gripping means, such as, for example, knurling, grooves, notches, ridges or the like, for a better grip. The outer surfaces may also include text and designs that are printed and/or engraved directly on the inner and/or outer surfaces or applied thereto as labels and/or stickers. -
Dispenser body 11 is tubular shaped, shown inFIGS. 1-10 with a triangular cross sectional shape.Dispenser body 11 has aproximal end 3 and adistal end 4.Dispenser body 11 may be tapered, being wider toward itsproximal end 3 and narrower at itsdistal end 4, vice versa, or of constant cross sectional shape as shown in the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-10 .Dispenser body 11, because of its triangular cross sectional shape, has three approximately flat rectangular sides walls. Thedispenser body 11 side walls each have anouter surface 45 and aninner surface 55. The combinedinner surfaces 45 of thedispenser body 11 side walls together create a hollowed internal aperture that extends the entire longitudinal length ofdispenser body 11 long longitudinal axis L-L. The dispenser body internal aperture may be used to store any compound or substance, including but not limited to a powder, liquid, gel, gas, granules, or any combination thereof withindispenser body 11. The size ofdispenser body 11, including its length and cross sectional shape and size, may be varied. The shape ofdispenser body 11 may also be varied so as to be cylindrical with a round cross sectional shape or the cross sectional shape may be square, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, or any other geometric shape or combination thereof. Although the shape may be varied, adispenser body 11 having at least one flat side is preferred so that when thedispenser 10 is laid horizontally on a flat surface it would be less prone to roll. Although it is not necessary, it is preferred that the shape ofdispenser body 11 be complementary to that ofdispenser cap 15. Increasing the overall dimensions ofdispenser body 11 will about proportionally increase the storage capacity of the dispenser body aperture, thereby allowing the invention to store and ultimately dispense a larger amount of additive. - The
distal end 4 ofdispenser body 11 is sealed usingend cap 17.End cap 17 is triangular in shape and is so dimensioned so as to completely cover the distal end of the aperture indispenser body 11. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-10 ,end cap 17 comprises a protrusion that fits securely within the aperture ofdispenser body 11.End cap 17 can be permanently secured todispenser body 11 using either an adhesive, using pressure or by chemically and/or thermally fusing it to dispenserbody 11 or by any combination of these or other methods that will allowend cap 17 to fixedly secure todispenser body 11. Alternatively,end cap 17 may be removably fixed todispenser body 11. As an alternative,dispenser body 11 may be made as a unitary structure, so as to be closed at itsdistal end 3 without a separate end cap. -
Dispenser body 11 further includes a plurality of perforations. Preferably, the plurality of perforations are located on one of thedispenser 10 side walls, collectively referred to as theperforation region 19.Perforation region 19 includes a plurality of perforations which could be all similarly shaped or could vary in shapes and sizes. The plurality of perforations extend completely through thedispenser body 11 side wall from the side wall's outer surface to its inner surface. The perforations are sized so as to allow the additive and/or the liquid to freely enter and exit thedispenser 10. Depending on the particle size of the substance stored in the dispenser body internal cavity, the holes may be sized accordingly so as to allow the substance to exit in its original form (e.g. as a powder, gel, etc.), or only after the additive dissolves into solution, or both. The configuration of the plurality of perforations, including their total number, size, shape and arrangement, may be varied according to preference, to the desired dispersion rate, and/or according to the substance that is to be dispensed. The size, shape and total number of perforations may be increased or decreased in order to vary the rate the additive dissolves and is added to the beverage. -
Dispenser body 11 may also include an aeration hole(s) toward itsproximal end 4. The aeration hole(s) can be positioned in one or more of the dispenser body side walls and extend completely through the dispenser body side wall from the side wall's outer surface to its inner surface. - In one embodiment, the invention additionally includes a sealing
tape 12 with adhesive used to coverperforated region 19 ofdispenser body 11. The sealing tape is sized accordingly so as to completely cover at least the entireperforated region 19 ofdispenser body 11. The length, width and shape of the sealing tape may be varied so that the sealing tape extends beyond theperforated region 19 ofdispenser body 11 and covers more of thedispenser 10 including any aeration holes on thedispenser body 11 and/ordispenser cap 15. Preferably, theinner surface 18 of the sealing tape comprises an FDA approved adhesive that may be applied to the entire inner surface of the sealing tape or to some part thereof. The non-treated surface of the sealing tape (the outer surface) provides a tab from which the tape can be held and/or pulled when the sealing tape is being installed and/or removed from the dispenser. The adhesive allows the sealing tape to securely, but removably, attach to the outer surface of thedispenser body 11. The sealing tape is removably secured to the dispenser body over the perforated region by placing theinner surface 18 of the sealing tape in contact with theouter surface 45 ofdispenser body 11 acrossperforated region 19. When affixed to thedispenser 10, the sealingtape 12 covers and conceals perforatedregion 19, thereby preventing any substance stored within the dispenser body internal cavity from escaping. The sealingtape 12 and adhesive may be constructed using any material approved by the FDA including but not limited to a natural or synthetic fabric, synthetic polymers, metal or any other material that is non-toxic, malleable and impermeable to solids, gases and liquids. - As an alternative to sealing tape, the
dispenser body 11 could be sealed within a shrink wrap/band. A shrink wrap/band round the outside of thedispenser body 11 would keep the additive inside the dispenser until ready for use and it will also provide a tamper proof seal on the device. If the shrink wrap/band also covers theend cap 17, it will also help avoid contamination of the dispenser, particularly those parts of it intended to be submerged into a beverage prior to consumption. The shrink wrap/band could extend up to thedispenser cap 15 or it could also cover the exterior of thedispenser cap 15 thereby providing further protections against tampering with the device and the additive therein. - In another embodiment of the product shown in
FIGS. 13-15 , thedispenser body 11 includes a dividingwall 22 inside thedispenser body 11. The dividingwall 22 is most preferably located just beneath the point in thedispenser body 11 where thedispenser cap wedge 16 is located when thedispenser cap 15 is ondispenser body 11. Inclusion of the dividingwall 22 provides additional protections against tampering with the device and product. In this embodiment, thedispenser body 11 is filled with the additive from thedistal end 4 before theend cap 17 is secured in place. - In yet another embodiment of the invention, the perforations and holes are not limited to less than one half of the sides of the device. Rather, the plurality of perforations may be located on all sides and/or all round the dispenser.
- Alternative geometric shapes for the cross sectional shape for the tubular body of the invention are shown in
FIGS. 16 through 19C . - While the present invention has been illustrated by description of various embodiments and while those embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such details. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of Applicants' invention.
Claims (28)
1. A beverage additive storage, dispensing, and stirring device comprising:
a tubular dispenser body configured with a triangular cross sectional with a longitudinal axis of said dispenser body comprising:
a proximal end and a distal end;
an outer surface with three about flat sides and an inner surface with three about flat sides;
an aperture along said longitudinal axis from said proximal end to said distal end; and
only one side of said outer surface of said dispenser body comprising a plurality of perforations through one side of said dispenser body from said outer surface to said inner surface;
a dispenser cap attached to said proximal end of said dispenser body; and
an end cap attached to said distal end of said dispenser body.
2. The device according to claim 1 , wherein said cross sectional shape of said tubular dispenser body is tapered along said longitudinal axis from said proximal end to said distal end.
3. The device according to claim 1 , wherein said dispenser cap comprises a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the outside surface of said dispenser cap is tapered from said proximal end to said distal end.
4. The device according to claim 3 , said dispenser cap configured with a triangular cross sectional shape along a longitudinal axis of said dispenser cap.
5. The device according to claim 1 , wherein said plurality of perforations comprise a plurality of round shaped perforations and a plurality of oval shaped perforations.
6. The device according to claim 5 , further comprising sealing tape removably attached to said dispenser body and covering said plurality of perforations using adhesive.
7. The device according to claim 6 , wherein said plurality of perforations are configured only at said distal end of said one side of said outer surface of said dispenser body.
8. The device according to claim 1 , wherein said end cap is removably attached to said distal end of said dispenser body.
9. The device according to claim 1 , wherein said end cap is fixedly attached to said distal end of said dispenser body.
10. The device according to claim 1 , wherein said dispenser cap is removably attached to said proximal end of said dispenser body.
11. The device according to claim 1 , wherein said dispenser cap is fixedly attached to said proximal end of said dispenser body.
12. A beverage additive storage, dispensing, and stirring device comprising:
a tubular shaped dispenser body comprising a longitudinal aperture along a longitudinal axis of said dispenser body and a cross sectional geometric shape having a horizontal axis perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of said dispenser body through the middle of said cross sectional geometric shape forming a top half and a bottom half of said dispenser body comprising:
a proximal end and a distal end;
an outer surface and an inner surface;
a plurality of perforations through said dispenser body from said outer surface to said inner surface on only one of said top half and said bottom half of said dispenser body;
a dispenser cap attached to said proximal end of said dispenser body; and
an end cap attached to said distal end of said dispenser body.
13. The device according to claim 12 , wherein said geometric shape is round.
14. The device according to claim 16 , wherein said plurality of perforations are configured only at said distal end of said dispenser body.
15. The device according to claim 12 , wherein said geometric shape is oval.
16. The device according to claim 12 , wherein said geometric shape is rectangular.
17. The device according to claim 16 , wherein only one of the four sides of said outer surface of said dispenser body comprises a plurality of perforations through one side of said dispenser body from said outer surface to said inner surface.
18. The device according to claim 17 , wherein said plurality of perforations are configured only at said distal end of said one side of said outer surface of said dispenser body.
19. The device according to claim 12 , wherein said tubular dispenser body is tapered along its longitudinal axis from said proximal end to said distal end.
20. The device according to claim 12 , wherein said dispenser cap comprises a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the outside surface of said dispenser cap is tapered from said proximal end to said distal end.
21. The device according to claim 12 , said dispenser cap configured with a triangular cross sectional outer surface along a longitudinal axis of said dispenser cap.
22. The device according to claim 12 , wherein said plurality of perforations comprise a plurality of round shaped perforations and a plurality of oval shaped perforations.
23. The device according to claim 12 , further comprising sealing tape removably attached to said dispenser body and covering said plurality of perforations using adhesive.
24. The device according to claim 23 , wherein said plurality of perforations are configured only at said distal end of said one side of said outer surface of said dispenser body.
25. The device according to claim 12 , wherein said end cap is removably attached to said distal end of said dispenser body.
26. The device according to claim 12 , wherein said end cap is fixedly attached to said distal end of said dispenser body.
27. The device according to claim 12 , wherein said dispenser cap is removably attached to said proximal end of said dispenser body.
28. The device according to claim 12 , wherein said dispenser cap is fixedly attached to said proximal end of said dispenser body.
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Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20160194148A1 (en) * | 2009-11-09 | 2016-07-07 | Mds Global Holding P.L.C. | Beverage brewing devices |
US20170136423A1 (en) * | 2015-11-12 | 2017-05-18 | Nodari Rizun | Device and method for dispersing paste-like or sticky nutritional substance in a fluid |
US20170167908A1 (en) * | 2015-11-12 | 2017-06-15 | Nodari Rizun | Device and method for dispensing paste-like or sticky nutritional substance |
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EP4289767A1 (en) | 2022-06-10 | 2023-12-13 | Joyce Frances Olierook | Cocktail stirrer |
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US3102465A (en) * | 1962-04-16 | 1963-09-03 | Montesano Lewis | Leak-proof packaging infusion unit |
US5440976A (en) * | 1994-08-23 | 1995-08-15 | Fred Giuliano | Adjustable dispensing stirrer for soluble sweeteners |
US5979657A (en) * | 1997-02-13 | 1999-11-09 | Bumbera; Steve | Combination stirrer and condiment dispenser |
US5866185A (en) * | 1997-07-22 | 1999-02-02 | Burkett; Edward K. | Method and device for dispensing an ingestible soluble material for further dissolving in a liquid |
US20080259718A1 (en) * | 2007-04-20 | 2008-10-23 | Mujgan Agardici | Stirrer for introducing a particulate material into a liquid |
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2012
- 2012-05-02 US US13/462,232 patent/US20130078337A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2012-09-28 WO PCT/US2012/058025 patent/WO2013049645A1/en active Application Filing
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20160194148A1 (en) * | 2009-11-09 | 2016-07-07 | Mds Global Holding P.L.C. | Beverage brewing devices |
US10562700B2 (en) * | 2009-11-09 | 2020-02-18 | Mds Global Holding Plc | Beverage brewing devices |
US20170136423A1 (en) * | 2015-11-12 | 2017-05-18 | Nodari Rizun | Device and method for dispersing paste-like or sticky nutritional substance in a fluid |
US20170167908A1 (en) * | 2015-11-12 | 2017-06-15 | Nodari Rizun | Device and method for dispensing paste-like or sticky nutritional substance |
US9903747B2 (en) * | 2015-11-12 | 2018-02-27 | Nodari Rizun | Device and method for dispersing paste-like or sticky nutritional substance in a fluid |
US10184818B2 (en) | 2015-11-12 | 2019-01-22 | Nodari Rizun | Device and method for dispensing paste-like or sticky nutritional substance |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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WO2013049645A1 (en) | 2013-04-04 |
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Owner name: PURE MIX, LLC, NEW JERSEY Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:DIMOND, JOHN;ELFSTRUM, ERIK;REEL/FRAME:032001/0061 Effective date: 20131107 |
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