US20200115122A1

US20200115122A1 - Device and system for additive dispensing

Info

Publication number: US20200115122A1
Application number: US16/156,419
Authority: US
Inventors: Ryan Golden; Roy Paul Prosise; Benjamin Derek Litteral; Daniel F. Caputo
Original assignee: Flavor Savor Inc
Current assignee: Flavor Savor Inc
Priority date: 2018-10-10
Filing date: 2018-10-10
Publication date: 2020-04-16

Abstract

This disclosure includes techniques, apparatuses, and implementations for providing a beverage additive and mixing device compatible with standard pre-packaged beverage containers, such as cans, plastic bottles, or glass bottles. For example, in one implementation, the beverage additive and mixing device may be configured to releasably couple with an open beverage container. Once coupled the beverage additive and mixing device may be used to dispense pre-configured amounts of additives, such as a flavor, national supplements, or sweeteners, into the open beverage container.

Description

BACKGROUND

The number and variety of flavored beverages available on the market continues to increase. At the same time, more and more complex self-serve beverage dispensing and mixing machines are being found in entertainment venues, restaurants, and bars and the availability of at home beverage dispensing and mixing machines are becoming more common place. Both the commercial and home beverage dispensing and mixing machines allow a user to generate custom flavor and nutritional profiles for each individual user's and/or each individual beverage. However, the complex self-serve beverage dispensing and mixing machines are not always compatible with pre-packaged beverages, such as carbonated beverages (e.g., soft drinks, sodas, or pops), alcohols (e.g., liquors, beers, and wines), pre-packaged waters, or other pre-packaged beverages (e.g., juices, lemonades, teas, coffees, etc.). Additionally, the complex self-serve beverage dispensing and mixing machines are often large and only available at select establishments or at home. Thus, the conventional complex self-serve beverage dispensing and mixing machines are limited in the use and not available in all locations or situations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical components or features.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example assembled beverage additive and mixing device removed from a beverage container according to some implementations.

FIG. 2 illustrates another example of the beverage additive and mixing device of FIG. 1 releasably coupled to the beverage container according to some implementations.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example top left view, front view, right view, and top view of the assembled beverage additive and mixing device of FIG. 1 according to some implementations.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example cross-sectional view of the assembled beverage additive and mixing device of FIG. 1 according to some implementations.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of the beverage additive and mixing device of FIG. 1 having been disassembled into a dispensing cover and an additive cartridge according to some implementations.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example cross-sectional view and perspective view of the assembled beverage additive and mixing device of FIG. 1 according to some implementations.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example bottom perspective view of the dispensing cover according to some implementations.

FIG. 8 illustrates another example of the beverage additive and mixing device of FIG. 1 according to some implementations.

FIG. 9 is an example block diagram of the components of a dispensing cover according to some implementations.

FIG. 10 is an example flow diagram showing an illustrative process associated with the beverage additive and mixing device according to some implementations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure includes techniques, apparatuses, and implementations for providing a beverage additive and mixing device compatible with standard pre-packaged beverage containers, such as cans, plastic bottles, or glass bottles. For example, in one implementation, the beverage additive and mixing device may be configured to releasably mate or couple with an open beverage container. Once coupled to the open beverage container, the beverage additive and mixing device may be used to dispense pre-determined amounts of additives, such as a flavor (e.g., cherry, lime, lemon, etc.), vitamins (vitamin-B, calcium, folic acid, citric acid, etc.), electrolytes, sugar, artificial sweaters, alcohol, among others. In some cases, the beverage additive and mixing device may release a pre-determined amount of additives for each activation by the user. In this manner, the user may customize the amount of additive per-container, per-beverage size, per-beverage type and per taste.
The beverage additive and mixing device, discussed herein, is portable (e.g., smaller than a user's hand) and, thus, may be used in many situations or locations at which conventional counter top or commercial beverage mixing machines cannot. For example, the beverage additive and mixing device may be utilized at the beach, on a boat, at a concert, the park, etc. Additionally, the beverage additive and mixing device, discussed herein, may be used with any available pre-packaged beverage and dispense a variety of flavors or amounts to generate a custom flavor and nutritional profile for each pre-packaged beverage, unlike conventional commercial beverage mixing machines which require use of a limited supply of syrups, additives, and formulas.
In one implementation, the beverage additive and mixing device may be substantially cylindrical and formed from two independent components: a dispensing cover and an additive cartridge or packet. The two independent components of the beverage additive and mixing device may be mated or releasably coupled prior to the beverage additive and mixing device being releasably mated, coupled, or otherwise attached to the top of an opened beverage container. In another implementation, the beverage additive and mixing device may be substantially cylindrical and formed from three independent components: the dispensing cover, the additive cartridge, and a mating member (each of which is configured to couple with a particular type of pre-packaged beverage container).
The additive cartridge may be configured to include one or more flavors, one or more alcohols, one or more vitamins, one or more other additives, or a combination thereof. For example, the additive cartridge may be an orange flavor-vitamin-C cartridge that when utilized dispense a pre-configured amount of orange flavor and vitamin-C into the beverage container coupled to the beverage additive and mixing device.
The additive cartridge may also include a dispensing nozzle along a bottom surface. The dispensing nozzle includes an opening that is aligned with an opening in a beverage container when the beverage dispensing and mixing device is attached thereto. In some cases, the beverage dispensing and mixing device includes an actuatable button or activatable user interface that is configured to release the additive housed in the additive cartridge into the beverage container via the nozzle. For example, the actuatable button or activatable user interface may respond to a user input associated with a twist, push, pull, tear, slide, swipe, tap, or other tactile input.
In some examples, the actuatable button may be depressed by the user and, in response, a movable arm coupled to the actuatable button may cause a valve associated with the dispensing nozzle to open and allow the additive to flow out of the nozzle and into the beverage container. In some cases, the pre-configured amount of the additive may be dispensed in response to each activation or depression of the actuatable button by the user. In other cases, the amount of additive dispensed may be controlled by the user based on a length of time the actuatable button is depressed (e.g., the amount of additive is at a predefined ratio to a length of time the actuatable button is depressed, such as 1 milliliter per second, 1 microliter per second, 1 gram per second, 1 milligram per second, etc.).
In some cases, each additive cartridge may include a beverage container mating member. In these cases, the mating member may differ based on the type of beverage container the beverage additive and mixing device is attached to. For example, additive cartridges may include mating members for water bottles, cans, beer bottles (of various height necks), plastic bottles, among other. In this manner, the user may use the beverage additive and mixing device with a variety of types of containers and beverages by replacing the additive cartridges. In one implementation, the mating member may include a rubber or silicone interior that grips or otherwise applies an inward pressure on a can when coupled. In another example, the mating member may be threaded and sized to screw on the threads of a glass, metal, plastic, or other type of bottle.
In some cases, the additive cartridges may be reusable or refillable. For example, the additive cartridges may include a releasable lid or top opening that may be opened and additional additive may be placed within the housing. In this manner, the same cartridge may be used for different types of additives depending on the situation. For instance, a user may fill a particular additive cartridge with electrolyte supplements when attending a sporting event. The user may then refill the particular additive cartridge with the user's favorite cherry flavor when attending a party at a friend's house. In other cases, the additive cartridges may be a single use or disposable.
In one particular implementation, the additive cartridges may be physically keyed or electronically keyed such that the beverage additive and mixing device only dispenses additive if an authorized additive cartridge is coupled thereto. In this manner, the beverage additive and mixing device may prevent tampering, such as at a party. In this manner, the user can be ensured that only approved, safe, and/or guaranteed additives are being mixed with the user's beverage.
In one implementation, the beverage additive and mixing device may include a volume window that aligns with a window in the additive cartridge. Thus, the user is able to visually monitor an amount of additive consumed, mixed with a beverage, or remaining in the cartridge. In another example, the volume window may be on the wall of the additive cartridge at a location exposed to the environment or visible to the user (e.g., a location not covered by the beverage additive and mixing device).
FIG. 1 illustrates an example 100 of an assembled beverage additive and mixing device 102 removed from a beverage container 104 according to some implementations. As discussed above, the beverage additive and mixing device 102 may be configured to releasably mate or couple with an open beverage container 104. Once coupled, the beverage additive and mixing device 102 may be used to dispense pre-configured amounts of additives into the beverage container 104 to alter the nutritional content and/or flavor of the beverage.
For instance, the beverage additive and mixing device 102 may include an amount of additive viewable via a viewing window 106 within an additive chamber (not shown). The beverage additive and mixing device 102 may also include an actuatable button or activatable user interface 108 that allows the user to cause a pre-determined amount of the additive within the additive chamber to be dispensed into the beverage through an opening 110 in the beverage container 104. For example, in some cases, the pre-determined amount of the additive may be dispensed in response to each activation or depression of the actuatable button 108 by the user. In other cases, the amount of additive may be controlled by the user based on a length of time the actuatable button 108 is depressed (e.g., the amount of additive is at a predefined ratio to a length of time the actuatable button is depressed). In either case, the user may monitor the amount of additive dispensed into the beverage via the viewing window 106.
In the illustrated example 100, the user may also consume the beverage while the beverage additive and mixing device 102 is coupled to the beverage container 104. For instance, when coupling the beverage additive and mixing device 102 to the beverage container 104, the user may align an opening 112 in the beverage additive and mixing device 102 with the opening 110 in the beverage container 104. In this manner, the user may dispense additive into the beverage, consume the beverage, then determine if more additive is needed for the desired flavor profile.
In some cases, the beverage additive and mixing device 102 may include an alignment assistance component (not shown) to assist the user in correctly aligning the opening 112 with the opening 110. For example, the alignment assistance component may be a physical edge or lip that may be configured to mate with the opening 110 in the beverage container 104. For instance, the user may rotate the beverage additive and mixing device 102 along the top of the beverage container 104 until the alignment assistance component and/or the beverage additive and mixing device 102 drops or locks into the opening 110. In this manner, the user is able to ensure that the additive be correctly dispensed into the beverage container 104 and that the user may consume the beverage via the opening 112.
FIG. 2 illustrates another example 200 of the beverage additive and mixing device 102 of FIG. 1 releasably coupled to the beverage container 104 according to some implementations. In the example 200, the user has aligned and coupled the beverage additive and mixing device 102 with the beverage container 104, as discussed above with respect to FIG. 1. Thus, the opening in the beverage container 104 and the beverage additive and mixing device 102 have been aligned by the user, such that the user may consume the beverage via the opening 112 in the beverage additive and mixing device 102.
In the illustrated example 200, the beverage additive and mixing device 102 includes a mating member 202. In the example 200, the mating member 202 may be formed from a polymer, silicone, or rubber lining that grips and provides an inward pressure on the beverage container 104 to maintain the beverage additive and mixing device 102 attached to the beverage container 104 during use. In the illustrated example 200, the beverage container 104 is a can and the mating member 202 includes a short wide neck for coupling to the can. However, it should be understood that in other alternative examples, the beverage container 104 may take other forms such as glass or plastic bottles. In the alternative examples, the mating member 202 may include various sized necks that may or may not be threaded such that the beverage additive and mixing device 102 may screw onto the glass or plastic bottle in the manner of the conventional removable lid.
FIG. 3 illustrates an example top left view 302, a front view 304, a right view 306, and a top view 308 of the assembled beverage additive and mixing device 102 of FIG. 1 according to some implementations. As discussed above, the beverage additive and mixing device 102 may include an actuatable button or activatable user interface 108 that may be depressed by a user to cause the beverage additive and mixing device 102 to dispense a pre-determined amount of additive into a beverage. In the current example 300, the actuatable button 108 may be positioned opposite the opening 112 that allows the user to consume the beverage via the beverage additive and mixing device 102. In this manner, the user may comfortably hold the beverage container when coupled to the beverage additive and mixing device 102 at a position where the actuatable button 108 is in easy access of the user's fingers or may be easily depressed by the user even while consuming the beverage.
In the current example 300, the beverage additive and mixing device 102 may also include a viewing window 106 on each side (e.g., along the left side and the right side of the device 102). In this manner, one of the viewing windows 106 may be maintained in view of the user while the user holds the beverage in either the user's right or left hand. In the current example 300, the viewing windows 106 may be labeled to provide amount indicators 310 to the user. For instance, the amount indicators may be a measure, such as 1 milliliter, 2 milliliters, etc. In another instance, the amount indicators 310 may be relative to the size of the additive chamber on the beverage additive and mixing device 102. For example, the indicators may include “Full”, “Half Full”, “One Third”, “One-Half”, “One-Quarter”, etc.
In general, the beverage additive and mixing device 102 may be substantially cylindrical in shape. The beverage additive and mixing device 102 may include a diameter 312 of approximately between 2.71 and 2.77. In one specific implementation, the diameter 312 may be approximately 2.74. As discussed above, the beverage additive and mixing device 102 may include a mating member 202 and the size of the neck of the mating member 202 may vary based on the type and size of the beverage container. For example, as shown, the mating member 202 may be configured to releasably couple to a standard can container. However, in other examples, the neck of the mating member 202 may be much narrower to couple to, for instance, a plastic bottle. Thus, the mating member 202 may include a second diameter 314 that is less than the diameter 312 of the beverage additive and mixing device 102. In the illustrate example, the second diameter 314 may be approximately 2.26. In other examples, the second diameter 314 may be between approximately 2.23 and 2.29.
The beverage additive and mixing device 102 may also include a combined height 316 between approximately 1.66 and 1.72. The combined height 316 may be a combination of a beverage additive and mixing device height 318 and a mating member height 320. In some cases, the beverage additive and mixing device height 318 may be substantially constant and between approximately 1.18 and 1.22. However, as discussed above, the mating member 202 may vary in width and height to accommodate various sized beverage containers. Thus, the mixing device height 320 may vary between approximately 0.48 and 0.50. In the current example, the beverage additive and mixing device height 318 is approximately 1.20 and the mixing device height 320 may be approximately 0.49.
In the illustrated example 300, the beverage additive and mixing device 102 may also include a sloped or angled top surface 322 to provide a more comfortable beverage consuming experience. In some cases, the surface may be sloped at an angle 324 may be at an angle relative to a front face 326 of the beverage additive and mixing device 102. For example, the slope 324 may be between approximately 78° and 80° and, in the current example 300, approximately 79°.
FIG. 4 illustrates an example cross-sectional view 400 of the assembled beverage additive and mixing device 102 of FIG. 1 according to some implementations. In the current example, the additive may be located within an additive chamber 402. In the current example 400, the additive chamber 402 may be sealed as part of an additive cartridge forming a bottom half of the assembled beverage additive and mixing device 102. In other alternative examples, the additive chamber 402 may be configured with an opening or lid that may allow user access to the additive chamber 402 to restock, empty, change, or resupply the additive within the additive chamber 402.
In general, the additive chamber 402 may house or contain a pre-determined amount of additive that may be used to mix with a pre-packaged beverage container, as discussed above. In the current example 400, the user may depress or cause the actuatable button 108 to move towards the body of the beverage additive and mixing device 102 in a direction, generally indicated by 404. The movement of the button 108 toward the body of the beverage additive and mixing device 102 causes an arm 406 to contact a contract surface 408 along the top of the additive chamber 402. The contact between the arm 406 and the contract surface 408 depresses or lowers the additive chamber 402 with respect to a valve 410, thereby, placing a nozzle 412 in fluid communication with the additive chamber 402. Thus, the additive within the additive chamber 402 may flow from the additive chamber 402 and out of the beverage additive and mixing device 102 via the nozzle 412. In some cases, the amount of additive dispensed with respect to each depression of the button 108 may be pre-configured and/or time based (e.g., the longer the button 108 is depressed the greater than amount of additive dispensed).
In some cases, the opening in the nozzle 412 may narrow from a point 422 with the additive chamber 402 until the end at an orifice 420 on the end of the nozzle 412 may be smaller than
In the current example 400, the beverage additive and mixing device 102 includes an open passage 414 to allow fluid to pass between the opening 112 on the top surface of the beverage additive and mixing device 102 from a second opening 416 on a bottom surface 418 of the beverage additive and mixing device 102. In some cases, the openings 112 and 416 as well as the passage 414 allow the user to consume a beverage while the beverage additive and mixing device 102 is coupled to a beverage container, such as container 104 of FIGS. 1 and 2.
FIG. 5 illustrates and example of the beverage additive and mixing device 102 of FIG. 1 having been disassembled into a dispensing cover 502 and an additive cartridge 504 according to some implementations. In some cases, the dispensing cover 502 may be reusable such that various different additive cartridges 504 may be releasably coupled thereto to dispense different types of additives as well as to change the mating member (not shown) on the beverage additive and mixing device 102 to fit different types of beverage containers. In the current example, the dispensing cover 502 includes a locking mechanism 508 that couples the additive cartridge 504 to the dispensing cover 502. The user may then utilize the locking mechanism 508 to release or de-couple the dispensing cover 502 from the additive cartridge 504, as discussed in more detail below with respect to FIG. 6.
In some implementations, the additive cartridge 504 may be configured to include one or more flavors, one or more alcohols, one or more vitamins, one or more other additives, or a combination thereof. For example, the additive cartridge 504 may be an orange flavor-vitamin-C cartridge that when utilized dispense a pre-configured amount of orange flavor and vitamin-C into the beverage container coupled to the beverage additive and mixing device 102. In some cases, the additive cartridges 504 may be reusable or refillable. For example, the additive cartridges 504 may include a releasable lid or top opening 506 that may be opened and additional additive 504 may be placed within the additive chamber. In this manner, the same cartridge 504 may be used for different types of additives depending on the situation. For instance, a user may fill a particular additive cartridge 504 with electrolyte supplements when attending a sporting event. The user may then refill the particular additive cartridge 504 with the user's favorite cherry flavor when attending a party at a friend's house. In other cases, the additive cartridges 504 may be single use or disposable.
In one particular implementation, the additive cartridges 504 are physically keyed or electronically keyed such that the dispensing cover 502 only dispenses additive if an authorized additive cartridge 504 is coupled thereto. In this manner, the dispensing cover 502 may prevent tampering, such as at a party. In this manner, the user can be ensured that only approved, safe, and/or guaranteed additives are being mixed with the user's beverage.
FIG. 6 illustrates an example cross-sectional view 602 and perspective view 604 of the assembled beverage additive and mixing device 102 of FIG. 1 according to some implementations. As discussed above, the beverage additive and mixing device 102 may include a dispensing cover 502 and an additive cartridge 504.
In the current example, the additive cartridge 504 may include the mating member 202. In the current example, the mating member 202 may be formed from a grooved portion 606 and a leak protection portion 608. In general, when the mating member 202 is coupled to a beverage container, such as a can, the grooved portion 606 may lock or mate with the rim of the can to hold the can in contact with the beverage additive and mixing device 102. The leak protection portion 608 may form a barrier to prevent the liquid contents of the beverage container from spilling or leaking while the user consumes the beverage via the opening 112, as discussed above. In some cases, the grooved portion 606 and the leak protection portion 608 may be formed from the same material, while in other cases, the grooved portion 606 and a leak protection portion 608 may be formed from different materials. In some cases, the mating member 202 may also form a cavity, generally indicated by 610. The cavity 610 may be recessed into the bottom of the beverage additive and mixing device 102 and sized to receive the beverage container. As discussed above, the height or depth of the cavity 610 as well as the diameter of the cavity 610 may vary based on the type of beverage container. For instance, the diameter of the cavity 610 may be wider and shorter when the container is a can and longer and narrower when the beverage container is a bottle. For example,
The additive cartridge 504 may also include a dispensing nozzle 412 and the additive chamber 402 as discussed above. Again, the dispensing nozzle 412 includes an opening or orifice 420 that is aligned with an opening in a beverage container when the beverage dispensing and mixing device 102 is attached thereto.
The dispensing cover 502 includes the locking mechanism 504 that allows the user to couple and de-couple the dispensing cover 502 with the additive cartridge 504. In this example 500, the locking mechanism 508 includes a male-female mechanism, generally indicated by 614, such that the female mechanism is on the cover 502 and a male mechanism is on the additive cartridge 504.
FIG. 7 illustrates example 700 bottom perspective view of the dispensing cover 502 according to some implementations. In the current example 700, the locking mechanism 504 is shown including a latch 702 that may lock with the additive cartridge. In the current implementation, the cover 504 also includes a second locking mechanism 704 that may couple to an additive cartridge. In some cases, the second locking mechanism 704 may assist with stabilizing the connection of the dispensing cover 502 to the additive cartridge to reduce risk of the user damaging either the dispensing cover 502 or the additive cartridge when coupling, de-coupling, or using the beverage additive and mixing device 102.
As discussed above, the dispensing cover 502 may also include an actuatable button 108 that may be coupled to the arm 408 which is triggered in a response to a depression of the actuatable button 108. When the arm 408 is triggered it may depress or move the additive chamber of the additive cartridge to cause the additive to be dispensed.
FIG. 8 illustrates another example of the beverage additive and mixing device 102 of FIG. 1 according to some implementations. In the current example 800, the mating member 202 has been configured to couple and de-couple with a bottle. For example, the mating member 202 may be configured to fit and screw onto the threads of the bottle as would a bottle cap or top. As illustrated, the user may still consume the beverage while the beverage additive and mixing device 102 is coupled to the bottle via the opening 112. Likewise, additive may still be dispensed into the beverage container via the nozzle 412, as discussed above.
In the illustrated example, the additive cartridge is partitioned into two chambers 802 and 804. In this manner, the additive cartridge may house or contain more than one additive. In this example, the viewing window on each side of the additive cartridge may be used by the user to monitor the additive within each respective chamber 802 and 804. While the current example illustrates two chambers it should be understood that the additive chamber may be divided into any number of chambers such as three or more. In some cases, the button 108 may also be divided such that different buttons or different activatable user interfaces may control dispensing of additives from the different chambers 802 and 804.
FIG. 9 is an example block diagram of the components of the beverage dispensing and mixing device 102 according to some implementations. As discussed above, the beverage dispensing and mixing device 102 may include a dispensing cover coupled to an additive cartridge. The beverage dispensing and mixing device 102 may be further coupled to a beverage container and dispense additives, such as nutrient supplements and/or flavors into a pre-packaged beverage container. In some cases, the beverage dispensing and mixing device 102 may include a power source (not shown) that may be reusable or disposable. In some cases, the power source may be charged via various known systems, such a universal serial bus connectors.
The beverage dispensing and mixing device 102 may include a user interface 902 such as an actuatable button or other user input device, such as a touch screen, capacitive based sensors, resistive based sensors, etc. In general, the user interface may be any device or component able to detect the presence or input of the user. In some cases, the user interface 902 may include or be equipped with various input/output (I/O) components. Such I/O components may include a touchscreen sensors and various controls, speakers, microphones, image devices, and so forth. For example, the user interface 902 may include a touch enabled display that may present information, such as a list of dispensing options, and receive user selections, such as a selection of one or more of the dispensing options.
The beverage dispensing and mixing device 102 may also include a measurement unit 904. The measurement unit 904 may be a component or device configured to measure an amount of additive being dispensed into a beverage. For example, the measurement unit 904 may be a mechanical unit placed within the nozzle of the additive cartridge to measure flow of additive into the beverage container. In some cases, the measurement unit 904 may include positive-displacement flow meters, piston meters, rotary piston meters, oval gear meters, helical gear meters, nutating disk meters, cone meters, linear resistance meters, current meters, a combination thereof, etc.
The beverage dispensing and mixing device 102 may also include one or more communication interfaces 906 to facilitate communication between one or more networks, other nearby devices (such as a mobile computing device or smart phone), and/or one or more cloud-based system. The communication interfaces 906 may also facilitate communication between one or more wireless access points, a master device, and/or one or more other computing devices as part of an ad-hoc or home network system. The communication interfaces 906 may support both wired and wireless connection to various networks, such as cellular networks, radio, WiFi networks, short-range or near-field networks (e.g., Bluetooth®), infrared signals, local area networks, wide area networks, the Internet, and so forth. In some cases, the communication interfaces 906 may be configured to receive recipes of formulas for dispensing additives into designated pre-packaged beverages.
The beverage dispensing and mixing device 102 may also include one or more processors 908, such as at least one or more access components, control logic circuits, central processing units, or processors, as well as one or more computer-readable media 910. Additionally, each of the processors 908 may itself comprise one or more processors or processing cores.
Depending on the configuration, the computer-readable media 910 may be an example of tangible non-transitory computer storage media and may include volatile and nonvolatile memory and/or removable and non-removable media implemented in any type of technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions or modules, data structures, program modules or other data. Such computer-readable media may include, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other computer-readable media technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, solid state storage, magnetic disk storage, RAID storage systems, storage arrays, network attached storage, storage area networks, cloud storage, or any other medium that can be used to store information and which can be accessed by the processors 908.
Instructions, data stores, and so forth may be stored within the computer-readable media 910 and configured to execute on the processors 908. For example, as illustrated, the computer-readable media 910 may store additive cartridge authentication instructions 912, additive formula/recipe instructions 914, and dispensing instructions 916. The computer-readable media 910 may also store data such as collected data 918 (e.g., the data from the measurement units 904), various formulas 920 for dispensing additives, and/or various recipes 922 for flavoring beverages.
The additive cartridge authentication instructions 912 may be configured to determine if an additive cartridge coupled to the dispensing cover is authentic. For example, the additive cartridge may be configured to generate a unique key or code that the additive cartridge authentication instructions 912 may verify. In some cases, the additive cartridge may be configured such that any tampering or opening of the additive chamber may cause the unique key or code to be altered such that additive cartridge authentication instructions 912 may fail to authentic the additive cartridge that was tampered with. In some implementations, the additive cartridge authentication instructions 912 may also be configured to receive or verify a signal indicating the contents or type of additive in the cartridge. For example, the unique key or code may be per-additive or per-cartridge type. Thus, a cartridge with orange flavor may have a different code than a cartridge with vitamin-B12. In some instances, the additive cartridge authentication instructions 912 may also receive an indication of an amount of additive remaining in the cartridge. In these implementations, the beverage dispensing and mixing device 102 may utilize the type of additive and/or the amount when dispensing additive based on a formula or recipe.
The additive formula/recipe instructions 914 may be configured to receive, store and allow a user to edit a formula or recipe for a specific mix. For instance, the computer-readable media 910 may store a recipe 922 for an orange-cherry cola. The additive formula/recipe instructions 914 may allow the user to download new recipes or change/edit a recipe either via a computing device in communication with the beverage dispensing and mixing device 102 via the communication interface 906 or via the user interface 902.
The dispensing instructions 916 may be configured to dispense additive based on the formula 920 or recipe 922 selected by the user. For instance, the computer-readable media 910 may store a recipe 922 for an orange-cherry cola. The additive formula/recipe instructions 914 may then dispense a pre-defined amount of orange and/or cherry flavor into a beverage container when the user selects, for instance, via the user interface 902 the orange-cherry cola recipe. In some instance, the orange-cherry cola recipe may be specific for a brand of pre-packaged cola, such as a different amount of orange and/or cherry flavor to be dispensed if the beverage dispensing and mixing device 102 is coupled to a Pepsi® cola than if the beverage dispensing and mixing device 102 is coupled to a Coca-Cola® cola.
FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating example processes associated with the beverage dispensing and mixing device discussed above. The processes are illustrated as a collection of blocks in a logical flow diagram, which represent a sequence of operations, some or all of which can be implemented in hardware, software or a combination thereof. The order in which the operations are described should not be construed as a limitation. Any number of the described blocks can be combined in any order and/or in parallel to implement the process, or alternative processes, and not all of the blocks need be executed. For discussion purposes, the processes herein are described with reference to the frameworks, architectures and environments described in the examples herein, although the processes may be implemented in a wide variety of other frameworks, architectures or environments.
FIG. 10 is an example flow diagram showing an illustrative process 1000 associated with the beverage additive and mixing device according to some implementations. As discussed above, a beverage additive and mixing device is disclosed herein. The beverage additive and mixing device may be configured to couple to a beverage container and dispense additive of various amounts and types into a pre-packaged beverage container.
At 1002, the dispensing cover may be coupled to the additive cartridge. For instance, the beverage additive and mixing device maybe formed as two individual components to allow the beverage additive and mixing device to dispense various different types of additives (e.g., the dispensing cover is reusable while the cartridges are disposable).
At 1004, the dispensing cover may verify that the additive cartridge is authentic and has not been tampered with. For instance, the dispensing cover may include a physical key that may prevent locking between the dispensing cover and an unauthentic additive cartridge. In other cases, the additive cartridge and the dispensing cover may be in electrical commination when coupled, such that the dispensing cover may receive or read a unique identify from the additive cartridge and the unique identifier may be used to determine authenticity. In some cases, when the additive cartridge and the dispensing cover are in electrical commination, the additive cartridge may provide or the dispensing cover may read an amount of additive remaining and/or a type of additive associated with the additive cartridge.
At 1006, the beverage additive and mixing device may be coupled to an open beverage container. For example, the additive cartridge may include a mating member that may be configured to couple to a specific type of beverage container. In one specific example, the mating member may also be releasable from the additive cartridge such that the beverage additive and mixing device is formed from three individual components. In this case, the mating member and the dispensing cover may be reusable and the additive cartridge may be disposable. In this manner, the user may reuse the mating member based on the type of beverage container at hand.
At 1008, the beverage additive and mixing device may receive a user input to dispense additive. For instance, the user may depress a button on the dispensing cover and/or provide an input on a user interface, such as a touch screen. In the case of a touch screen, the user may specify an amount or specific recipe to use when dispensing the additive.
At 1010, the beverage additive and mixing device may dispense the desired amount of additive into the beverage container. In some cases, the beverage additive and mixing device may first determine that the beverage container is coupled and/or correctly aligned with the beverage additive and mixing device prior to dispensing the additive.
Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A device comprising:

a dispensing cover; and

an additive cartridge including:

a mating member, the mating member configured to releasably couple the device to a beverage container;

an additive chamber housing including at least one additive; and

a nozzle for directing the additive into an opening of the beverage container when the device is coupled to the beverage container; and

wherein the dispensing cover includes:

a locking mechanism to releasably couple the dispensing cover to the additive cartridge; and

an input device to cause the at least one additive to be dispensed into the beverage container via the nozzle in response to a user input.

2. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein the device is substantially cylindrical.

3. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein when the additive cartridge is coupled to the dispensing cover, a passage is formed having at least a first portion of an interior wall formed by the additive cartridge and at least a second portion of the wall formed by the dispensing cover, the passage to allow a user to consume the beverage within the beverage container through the device.

4. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein the additive cartridge includes a cover operable to receive additional additive.

5. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein:

the additive chamber includes a valve along a bottom surface of the additive chamber and a contact surface along a top surface of the additive chamber; and

the user interface configured to cause a contact along the contact surface and in response to the contact on the contact surface, open the valve.

6. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein the mating member is removable from the additive cartridge.

7. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein a pre-determined amount of additive is dispensed in response to the user input.

8. A device comprising:

a mating member to releasably couple the device to a beverage container;

an additive chamber for housing an additive;

a dispensing nozzle configured to align with an opening of the beverage container when the device is coupled to the beverage container; and

an activatable user interface to cause the additive to be dispensed into the beverage container via the dispensing nozzle when depressed.

9. The device as recited in claim 8, wherein the mating member includes a silicone or rubber portion and a grooved portion.

10. The device as recited in claim 8, further comprising an alignment assistance component to assist with aligning the opening of the beverage container with an opening of the dispensing nozzle.

11. The device as recited in claim 8, further comprising:

a first opening along a bottom surface of the device, the first opening to align with the opening in the beverage container;

a second opening along a top surface of the device, the second opening aligned with the first opening; and

a passage between the first opening and the second opening.

12. The device as recited in claim 8, wherein the device is formed from a dispensing cover releasably coupled to an additive chamber.

13. The device as recited in claim 8, wherein the device is formed from an additive cartridge releasably coupled to a dispensing cover and the mating member.

14. A device comprising:

a mating member, the mating member configured to releasably couple the additive cartridge to a beverage container;

a locking mechanism to releasably couple the additive cartridge to a dispensing cover;

an additive chamber housing at least one additive;

a valve to open and close the additive chamber; and

a nozzle for directing the additive from the additive chamber into an opening of the beverage container when the valve is open.

15. The device as recited in claim 14, wherein the additive chamber includes two compartments, each compartment housing a different additive.

16. The device as recited in claim 14, wherein the at least one additive includes at least one of:

a flavor;

a nonritual supplement;

carbonation;

sweeteners; or

alcohol.

17. The device as recited in claim 14, further comprising a viewing window along a side of the device, the viewing window allowing a user to see into the additive chamber.

18. The device as recited in claim 14, further comprising a first viewing window along a first side of the device and a second viewing window on a second side of the device, the second side opposite the first side, the first viewing window and the second viewing window allowing a user to see into the additive chamber.

19. The device as recited in claim 14, further comprising a second locking mechanism to assist the first locking mechanism in coupling the device to the dispensing cover.

20. The device as recited in claim 14, wherein the mating member is releasable form the device.