WO2011030280A1

WO2011030280A1 - Dispenser

Info

Publication number: WO2011030280A1
Application number: PCT/IB2010/054011
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrew Homer Nathaniel
Original assignee: Andrew Homer Nathaniel
Priority date: 2009-09-09
Filing date: 2010-09-07
Publication date: 2011-03-17
Also published as: ZA201006924B

Abstract

A dispenser (10, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800) for adding, in use, an adjunct to a containerised liquid is shown. The dispenser has an adjunct receptacle (16, 206, 306, 406, 506, 606, 706, 806) which is locatable within the container, which receptacle is sealed with respect to the container when so located, and a means for dispensing the adjunct into the liquid.

Description

DISPENSER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to dispensers. More particularly, the invention relates to dispensers to dispense adjuncts. In particular, the invention relates to dispensers that can be fitted into a container.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Dispensers are well known in all industries to dispense a predetermined amount of a solid or liquid adjunct. Dispensers are commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry and in the food and beverage industries.

In the pharmaceutical industry, dispensers are used to dispense medication. This medication can be in various solid or liquid dosage forms. In the pharmaceutical industry dispensers of this type can be used to dispense vitamin and mineral supplements or energy supplements. Supplements, particularly vitamin and mineral supplements are often encapsulated in gelatin based capsules, although such supplements may also be incorporated into other dosage forms, such as suspension, for example. Energy supplements may also be incorporated into capsules or other dosage forms. Energy supplement capsules are used in the sporting industry as they are quicker and easier to take during the limited time provided during half time breaks. To obtain the recommended daily dosage of various vitamins and minerals a user must swallow a certain number of capsules. Capsules are difficult to swallow when in a dry condition and therefore the user will typically take these dry capsules with a liquid, usually water. The liquid lubricates the user's throat and assists with the swallowing process. The known dispensers merely act as vessels to retain and dispense pills. These dispensers are not in any way associated with the liquid which the user swallows and are not designed to accommodate or facilitate the influx of such liquid.

The other manner to obtain the recommended daily dosage of various vitamins and minerals is by taking such vitamins and minerals in favoured effervescent formats. An effervescent dosage form is dissolved in water and then drunk by the user. Effervescent formats get around the problems associated with swallowing capsules and they also give a "feel good" effect as the user swallows the bubbles effervescing off the effervescent. However, it is inconvenient to have to separately obtain a glass or bottle of water in which the effervescent is to be dissolved and hence it would be a benefit to have the effervescent associated with the water product in some manner.

In the food and beverage industry dispensers are used to dispense additives, for example colourants and flavourants. However, such colouring and flavouring is generally done during the production of the product and as such an end user has very little control over the amount of colourant or flavourant added to the food or beverage that they are consuming.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide for a dispenser that at least in part obviates the problems as stated above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with this invention there is provided a dispenser for adding, in use, an adjunct to a containerised liquid, the dispenser comprising an adjunct receptacle which is locatable within the container, the receptacle being sealed with respect to the container when so located, and a means for dispensing the adjunct into the liquid. There is also provided for the container to be a bottle and the containerised liquid to be a consumable liquid, alternatively a non-consumable liquid.

There is further provided for the consumable liquid to be a beverage and the non- consumable liquid to be an industrially applicable liquid, alternatively a recreationally applicable liquid, further alternatively a domestically applicable liquid.

There is further provided for the beverage to be water, alternatively a soft drink, further alternatively an energy drink and the non-consumable liquid to be an oil- based liquid, alternatively a detergent.

There is also provided for the receptacle to be elongate and have an opening at one end which engages, in use, with a neck of the container.

There is further provided for the opening to be a flared and, in use, to be secured within the neck of the container.

There is further provided for the opening to be flanged and, in use, to rest on a lip region of the container.

There is also provided for the adjunct to be in the form of a solid, alternatively a liquid, further alternatively the combination of a liquid and a solid.

There is further provided for the solid to be a capsule, alternatively a powder, further alternatively a granular solid, further alternatively an effervescent format solid. There is further provided for the capsule to be a micro-granule containing capsule, alternatively a liquid containing capsule, further alternatively a powder containing capsule.

There is also provided for the adjunct to be a dietary supplement, alternatively an additive, further alternatively a medicament.

There is further provided for the supplement to be a vitamin supplement, alternatively a mineral supplement, further alternatively a vitamin and mineral supplement.

There is further provided for the supplement to be an energy supplement.

There is further provided for the additive to be a consumable additive, alternatively a non-consumable additive.

There is further provided for the consumable additive to be a beverage additive and the non-consumable additive to be an industrially applicable additive, alternatively a recreationally applicable additive, further alternatively a domestically applicable additive.

There is further provided for the beverage additive to be a flavourant, alternatively a colourant, further alternatively an alcoholic beverage and the non- consumable additive to be an oil-based additive, alternatively a detergent.

There is further provided for the medicament to be a solid dosage form medicament, alternatively a suspension dosage form medicament, further alternatively a liquid dosage form medicament, in particular a pediatric syrup.

There is also provided for the means for dispensing the adjunct to be at least one opening in the receptacle. In a first example embodiment and a second example embodiment there is provided for the at least one opening to be located within the flared region of the receptacle.

There is also provided for the at least one opening to be sealable by a container cap and sealed when the cap is fixed to the container.

There is further provided for the cap to be removable, in use, from the container and the seal to be opened when the cap is removed.

There is further provided for the containerised liquid to be in fluid communication with the receptacle when the at least one opening is open, such that the containerised liquid can flow into the receptacle thereby facilitating the dispensing of adjuncts from the receptacle.

In a third example embodiment and fourth example embodiment there is provided for the at least one opening to be located in a body region of the receptacle.

In the third example embodiment there is provided for the at least one opening to be sealable by a movable sealing member located within the receptacle.

There is also provided for the sealing member to be movable from a first position wherein it seals the at least one opening to a second position wherein the at least one opening is opened and containerised liquid is sucked from the container into the receptacle from whence the liquid and the adjunct is dispensed.

There is further provided for the movable sealing member to be a plunger mechanism which, in the first position seals the at least open opening and in the second position sucks containerised liquid through the at least one opening into the receptacle.

In a fourth example embodiment there is provided for the at least one opening to be a one-way valve that prevents the entry of the containerised liquid into the receptacle but which allows an adjunct liquid to be injected from the receptacle into the container when pressure is applied to open the one-way valve.

There is also provided for the pressure to be applied by means of a plunger mechanism.

In a fifth embodiment of the invention there is provided for the dispensing means to be defined in the receptacle only once the dispenser is in use.

There is also provided for a perforating means to be attachable to a cap of the container which perforating means, is forced, in use, through the body of the receptacle so as to puncture the receptacle and to form at least one opening therein.

In a sixth, seventh and eighth embodiment of the invention there is provided for the receptacle to comprise an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve, the inner sleeve being locatable within the outer sleeve.

There is also provided that both the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve have at least one opening located therein.

There is also provided that the inner sleeve is movable from a first position wherein the at least one opening in the inner sleeve is sealed by a side wall of the outer sleeve to a second position wherein the at least one opening of the inner sleeve is aligned with the at least one opening of the outer sleeve, said alignment allowing for the flow of the containerized liquid into the receptacle. There is also provided that the receptacle is sealable by means of a pull tab, said pull tab being mechanically fixed to an upper wall of the receptacle.

There is also provided that the pull tab contains within its manufactured structure a desiccant (such as silica gel particles) with a breathable membrane to absorb any moisture within the inner sleeve.

There is further provided that the removal of the pull tab from the receptacle actuates the movement of the inner sleeve from the first position to the second position.

There is further provided that the receptacle has a locking mechanism located therein that facilitates the locking of the inner sleeve in the second position so that the at least one opening of the inner sleeve remains in alignment with the at least one opening of the outer sleeve.

There is also provided that the receptacle may be elongate, alternatively conically shaped, further alternatively substantially torch shaped.

There is also provided that the inner sleeve is movable from a first position wherein the at least one opening in the inner sleeve is sealed by a side wall of the outer sleeve to a second position wherein the at least one opening of the inner sleeve is aligned with the at least one opening of the outer sleeve, said alignment allowing for the flow of the containerized liquid into the receptacle.

There is also provided that the receptacle is sealable by means of a pull tab, said pull tab being mechanically fixed to an upper wall of the receptacle. There is further provided that the removal of the pull tab from the receptacle actuates the movement of the inner sleeve from the first position to the second position.

There is further provided that the removal of the pull tab is facilitated through the use of a pull ring which a user pulls on to actuate the movement of the inner sleeve and a pull tab peeler which cuts the pull ring from the pull tab when such pull ring is forced against the pull tab peeler.

There is further provided that the pull tab is structured so as to accommodate a desiccant material said desiccant material functioning, in use, to keep the receptacle dry when the receptacle has a solid adjunct located therein.

There is also provided that both the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve are fitted with a water sealing means which water sealing means functions, in use, to prevent water from entering the receptacle when the receptacle is in the closed position.

There is further provided that the water sealing means comprises at least one O- ring said O-ring being located proximate the at least one opening and functioning as a seal between the at least one opening and the containerized liquid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings in which: is a side view of a dispenser with a dispenser cap fitted thereto, in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention; is a top view of the dispenser of Figure 1 ; is a side view of the dispenser of Figure 1 wherein the dispenser cap is shown as removed from a bottle; is an exploded view of the dispenser of Figure 1 ; is a perspective view of the dispenser of Figure 1 wherein the dispenser is fitted into the bottle; is a top view of a dispenser in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention; is a side view of a dispenser, with a dispenser cap fitted to the dispenser, in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention; is a side view of a dispenser, with the dispenser cap fitted to the dispenser, in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention; is a side view of a dispenser, with the dispenser cap fitted to the dispenser, in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the invention; is a perspective view of the dispenser cap, with a pull tab fitted to the dispenser cap, in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the invention; is an exploded view showing the components of the dispenser cap of Figure 10; is a side view of the dispenser cap of Figures 10 and 1 1 wherein a locking mechanism is shown; and is a side view of the dispenser cap in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the invention; and is a perspective view of the dispenser cap of Figure 13. is a side view of the dispenser cap in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the invention, the dispenser cap being shown when fitted into the bottle; is an exploded view showing the components of the dispenser cap of Figure 15; and is a perspective view of the dispenser cap of Figure 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings a dispenser (10; 200; 300; 400; 500; 600; 700; 800) for adding, in use, an adjunct (12) to a containerised liquid (14), is shown. The containerised liquid (14) is either a liquid which is fit for human or animal consumption or a non- consumable liquid. The dispenser (10; 200; 300; 400; 500; 600; 700; 800) has an adjunct receptacle (16; 206; 306; 406; 506; 606; 706; 806) which is locatable within the container (18), in particular a bottle, and an adjunct dispenser (20; 208; 308; 408; 508; 608; 708; 808). The adjunct receptacle (16; 206; 306; 406; 506; 606; 706; 806) contains the adjunct (12) to be dispensed and the adjunct dispenser (20; 208; 308; 408; 508; 608; 708; 808) provides a mechanism by which the adjunct (12) can be dispensed into the containerised liquid (14). The receptacle (16; 206; 306; 406; 506; 606; 706; 806) is sealed with respect to the container (18) when located within the container (18).

The consumable liquid can be a beverage, for example, water, a soft drink, an energy drink or a fruit drink. The non-consumable liquid can be either an industrially applicable liquid or a recreationally applicable liquid, particularly a gasoline-based liquid or a domestically applicable liquid, such as detergent. Household detergents such as dishwashing liquid, bleach or stain removal liquids may be used

The receptacle (16; 206; 306; 406; 506; 606; 706; 806), which is made from a plastics material, in particular polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE), alternatively Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) (Tradename: perspex), or in fact any material that is of food grade quality and in accordance with human consumption safety standards, is elongate with a closed or closeable (with regard to a closeable bottom end please see the description of the eights embodiment of the invention here below) bottom end (22; 310; 410; 510; 610; 710; 810) and an opening (24; 312; 412; 512; 612; 812) at a top end (26; 314; 414; 514; 614; 714; 814). The top end (26; 314; 414; 514; 614; 714; 814) engages with the neck (28) of the container (18). The opening (24; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712; 812) is flared and this flaring allows for the receptacle (16; 206; 306; 406; 506; 606; 706; 806) to be wedged into the neck (28) of the container (18) and thereby secured within the container (18). Alternatively the opening is a flanged and the flanges rest on a lip region (30) of the container (18). It is envisaged that receptacles of various sizes and slightly modified configurations will be manufactured to fit bottles of various sizes and shapes.

The adjunct (12) which is added to the receptacle (16; 206; 306; 406; 506; 606; 706; 806) is either a solid adjunct or a liquid adjunct or it may be an adjunct which is a combination of a liquid and a solid. Where a solid adjunct is used, the adjunct can be in the form of a capsule or a powder or a granular solid or any effervescent format. Capsules containing micro-granules, liquid or powder may be used for this purpose. Where a solid adjunct (12) is used the solid adjunct may be an effervescing adjunct which effervesces when it comes into contact with the containerized liquid (14) and becomes dissolved into such liquid. The effervescent solid may be a number of effervescent disks stacked on top of each other, alternatively a single effervescent block which is custom made to fit into the adjunct receptacle (16; 206; 306; 406; 506; 606; 706; 806) may be used. Also, customized shapes (such as animals, objects or cartoons) or spheres may also be used. It is envisaged that brightly coloured effervescent disks, particularly differently coloured effervescent disks will be used as this combination of colours should add to the decorative value of the product thereby making it more desirable to customers. It is also envisaged that differently coloured effervescent blocks may be manufactured.

The adjunct (12) may be a dietary supplement or an additive or a medicament. Dietary supplements such as vitamin supplements or mineral supplements or the combination of a vitamin and a mineral supplement may be added as adjuncts (12). Alternatively, energy supplements, particularly for use in the sporting and the commercial gym industries may be added as adjuncts (12). During half-time breaks many sportsmen drink a specific amount of water and take a number of energy supplements. The energy supplements must be handed to the sportsman and then swallowed with water. Energy supplements used as adjuncts (12) in accordance with the invention should be much easier to use during short half-time breaks as they are packaged together with the water that the sportsman must drink.

The adjunct (12) may be an additive. The additive may either be a consumable additive; in particular a colourant, a flavourant or an alcoholic beverage intended to be added to a beverage or a non-consumable additive. Non-consumable additives may include oil-based additives, such as two-stroke oil that is mixed into gasoline in both the industrial setting, for example where such gasoline is used to run industrial equipment, and the recreational setting, for example the use of gasoline in outboard motors as used in yachting and power boating. Non- consumable additives such as detergents which are used in the domestic setting may also be used as adjuncts. The adjunct may for example be a clothing softener liquid which is added to a bleach mixture or to a stain removal mixture or a whitening agent which is added to dishwashing liquid.

The adjunct (12) may be a medicament. The medicament is either a solid dosage form medicament, in particular a capsule, or a suspension dosage form medicament or a liquid dosage form medicament, for example a pediatric syrup. An effervescent dosage form medicament can also be used.

Medicament adjuncts of this nature could be indicated for use by patients with chronic conditions who are required to take a certain dosage of a prescribed medication on a regular basis or could be indicated for use as a prophylactic medication, for example malaria prophylaxis, which is taken prior to entering a malaria area or the contraceptive pill which is taken daily. Medicament adjuncts for acute conditions could also be added to the dispenser (10; 200; 300; 400; 500; 600; 700; 800) for the duration of the prescribed medication course, for example where a course of antibiotics is prescribed the patient could purchase a number of containers, with the adjunct antibiotic, corresponding to the prescribed dose and course of the antibiotic.

The adjunct (12) mixes with the liquid (14) by way of the adjunct dispenser (20; 208; 308; 408; 508; 608; 708; 808). The adjunct dispenser (20; 208; 308; 408; 508; 608; 708; 808) is made up of at least one opening (32; 216; 316; 416; 616; 716; 816) which is located in the receptacle (16; 206; 306; 406; 506; 606; 706; 806). Although the adjunct dispenser (20; 208; 308; 408; 508; 608; 708; 808) may have only one opening through which the liquid (14) may flow in order to mix with the adjunct (12) it is envisaged that the adjunct dispenser (20; 208; 308; 408; 508; 608; 708; 808) will be made up of a number of openings.

In a first example embodiment and a second example embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 to 5 and 6, respectively, the at least one opening (32; 216) is located within the flared opening of the receptacle (16; 206). In the first example embodiment the adjunct dispenser (20) consists of a number of openings located at a bottom region (34) of the flared opening such that a line of openings around the circumference of the bottom region (34) is formed. When the receptacle (16) is located within the container (18), and the container (18) is sealed, a sealing member (36) ( which is of food grade quality), particularly a rubber sealing member or a sealing member of a plastics material, located within a cap (38) of the container (18), seals the openings so that the liquid (14) is unable to flow into the receptacle (16). When the cap (38) is opened the seal is broken and the liquid (14) is able to flow through the openings into the receptacle (16) wherein the liquid (14) and the adjunct (12) mix and wherefrom the liquid (14) and the adjunct (12) are dispensed.

In a second example embodiment the opening (216) of the receptacle (206) is flared and has a beveled lower surface. The adjunct dispenser (208) which is a number of large substantially rectangular openings is located on the beveled lower surface. As with the first example embodiment when the receptacle (206) is located within the container (18) and the container (18) is sealed by a sealing member (not shown). The sealing member is located within the cap (not shown) of the container (18) and it abuts and seals the openings (216) such that liquid (14) cannot flow into the receptacle (206). However, when the cap is opened, the seal is broken and liquid (14) is able to flow into the receptacle (206) allowing the liquid (14) to mix with the adjunct (12) and for the liquid (14) and the adjunct (12) to be dispensed from the receptacle (206) together. In a third example embodiment and fourth example embodiment, as shown in Figures 7 and 8 respectively, the at least one opening (316; 416) is located in a body region (40; 418) of the receptacle (306; 406). It is envisaged that the adjunct dispenser (308; 408) will have multiple openings. In the third example embodiment the openings are sealed by a movable sealing member, in particular a plunger member (42), which is located within the receptacle (306). The plunger member (42) has a cap end (44) connected to the cap (38) of the container (18), a plunger body (46) and a plunger end (48). The plunger body (46) is located between the cap end (44) and the plunger end (48) and there is a rubber stopper (50) located on the plunger end (48) (also of food grade quality) of the plunger member (42). The plunger member (42) may be manufactured together with the cap (38) so that the cap (38) and plunger member (42) are a single integral unit or the plunger member (42) may be manufactured separately from the cap (38) and later inserted into the cap (38) when the cap (38) is assembled. The plunger member (42) is placed into the container (18) such that the stopper (50) is located below all the openings (316) and as a result the plunger member (42) effectively seals off the openings (316) when the container (18) is closed. When the container (18) is opened the cap (38) is removed and the plunger member (42) is pulled out of the receptacle (306). As the plunger member (42) moves upwards the openings (316) become exposed and liquid (14) is sucked from the container (18) into the receptacle (306) wherein the liquid (14) mixes with the adjunct (12) and the adjunct (12) and liquid (14) are then dispensed together.

In a fourth example embodiment the sealing member is also a plunger member (420). The plunger member (420) has a first end (422) which extends through the cap (38) and a second end (424) which is located within the receptacle (406). The first end (422) and the second end (424) are connected by a plunger body (426) and there is a rubber stopper (428) on the second end (424). The plunger member (420) is movable from a first position, wherein it extends through the cap (38), to a second position wherein the first end (422) of the plunger member (420) abuts the cap (38). The body region (418) of the receptacle (406) has at least one opening (416) although it is envisaged that a number of openings will be provided in the body region (418). The openings are one-way valves which prevent the liquid (14) from entering the receptacle (406) but which allow an adjunct liquid (430) to be injected from the receptacle (406) into the container (18) when pressure is applied to open the one-way valve. To apply pressure to the one-way valve a user exerts a downward force on the first end (422) of the plunger mechanism (420) thereby decreasing the volume of the receptacle (406) and increasing the pressure in the receptacle (406) thereby causing the one-way valve to open and the adjunct liquid (430) to be injected into the containerised liquid (14). In this instance it is envisaged that the containerised liquid (14) would be a beverage, such as water to which a concentrate is added, for example a flavourant, a colourant or a spirit alcohol. It is however envisaged that this example embodiment could be used to mix two different non-consumable liquids as well, such as two-stroke oil into gasoline, as described above.

In a fifth embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figure 9, the dispensing means is only defined in the receptacle (506) once the dispenser (500) is in use. In this embodiment a perforating means (60) is attached to the cap (38) of the container (18). When the user wishes to mix the adjunct (12) and the liquid (14) the user actuates the perforating means by tightening the cap (38) so that the perforating means (60) is pushed through the closed bottom end (510) of the receptacle (506). Alternatively, the perforating means (60) may extend through the cap (38) and be movable from a first position wherein it abuts the bottom end (510) of the receptacle (506) to a second position wherein the user pushes the perforating means (60) downwards until the perforating means (60) punctures the closed bottom end (510) of the receptacle (506). When the cap (38) is removed from the container (18) the liquid (14) will be able to flow into the receptacle (16) through the newly formed opening and mix with the adjunct (12). The liquid (14) and the adjunct (12) are then dispensed together. In a sixth, seventh and eighth embodiments of the invention, as shown in Figures 10 to 12, 13 and 14 and 15 to 17, respectively, the receptacle (606; 706; 806) has an inner sleeve (100; 900; 1000) and an outer sleeve (102; 902; 1002). The inner sleeve (100; 900; 1000) is located within the outer sleeve (102; 902; 1002) and is movable relative to the outer sleeve (102; 902; 1002). The inner sleeve (100; 900; 1000) is movable from a first or closed position to a second or opened position, each of these positions being elaborated upon further below.

Both the inner sleeve (100; 900; 1000) and the outer sleeve (102; 902; 1002) have at least one opening (612; 912; 1012) located therein. Typically a number of openings will be located in both the inner sleeve (100; 900; 1000) and the outer sleeve (102; 902; 1002). These openings are sealed relative to each other when the inner sleeve (100; 900; 1000) is in the closed position. As in the closed position the openings located in the outer sleeve (102; 902; 1002) are not aligned with the openings located in the inner sleeve (100; 900; 1000) but rather aligned with a side wall portion of the inner sleeve (100; 900; 1000) and as such in the closed position the containerized liquid (14) is unable to enter the receptacle (606; 706; 806). In the open position the openings located in the inner sleeve (100; 900; 1000) become aligned with the openings in the outer sleeve (102; 902; 1002) and thereby allow for the containerized liquid (14) to flow into the receptacle (606; 706; 806) and mix with adjuncts (12) contained therein.

The receptacle (606; 706; 806) also has a pull tab (104), the pull tab being located at a dispensing end (106) of the receptacle (606; 706; 806). The pull tab (104) is attached to the inner sleeve (100; 900; 1000) by mechanical welding. The pull tab (104) has a pull ring (108) and a pull tab peeler (109) which together operate as the means by which the pull tab (104) is removed from the receptacle (606; 706; 806). In use, a user will pull the pull ring (108), thereby actuating the movement of the inner sleeve (100; 900; 1000) from the closed position to the open position, until the pull ring (108) abuts the pull tab peeler (1 09) whereupon the application of continued force to the pull ring (108) will cause the pull ring (108) to be forced against the pull tab peeler (109) said force causing the pull ring (108) to tear away from the receptacle (806) thereby causing the top of the receptacle (806) to open. Once the receptacle (806) is in the open position the containerized liquid (14) will flow into the receptacle (806) and the user will be able to pour both containerized liquid (14) mixed together with adjuncts (12) from the container (18).

The pull tab (104) may be structured such that a desiccant material (not shown) can be incorporated into it. The desiccant material functions to remove moisture from the receptacle (1806) when the receptacle (806) is in the closed position so that the adjunct (12) remains dry in the case of solid adjuncts. The use of such a desiccant material is of particular importance where an effervescent solid adjunct is used as effervescents are particularly sensitive to moisture and will begin to effervesce if any moisture is present.

There is a locking mechanism (1 10) located within the receptacle (606; 706). The locking mechanism is shown in Figure 12 but it is envisaged that a similar locking mechanism may be applied to the seventh embodiment. The locking mechanism (1 10) is made up of a guide rail (1 12) located within the outer sleeve (102) which guide rail (1 12) accommodates locking protrusions (1 14) of the inner sleeve (100). The locking protrusions (1 14) move within the guide rail (1 12) until a lock point (1 16) is reached, where the lock point (1 16) is an area wherein the guide rail (1 12) is narrowed and through which the locking protrusions (1 14) cannot move when movement of the inner sleeve (100) is actuated by the pulling of the pull tab (104). Once the lock point (1 16) has been reached the inner sleeve (100) becomes locked and secured against such lock point (1 16), in what is defined as the open position in the description above, and as such the inner sleeve (100) becomes locked in the open position and will not revert back to the closed position. Making particular reference to the sixth embodiment of the invention as illustrated in Figures 10 to 12: In this embodiment the receptacle (606) is conically shaped and both the inner sleeve (100) and the outer sleeve (102) are conically shaped. The conical receptacle addresses the disadvantages, namely slower dispensing, associated with an elongate receptacle, the elongate receptacle being described below with reference to Figures 13 and 14.

Making particular reference to the seventh embodiment of the invention as illustrated in Figures 13 and 14: In this embodiment the receptacle (706) is elongate and both the inner sleeve (900) and the outer sleeve (902) are elongate. In addition the receptacle (706) may have a decorative terminus (1 18) located the bottom end (710) of the receptacle (706). This decorative terminus (1 18) is purely aesthetic in nature and serves no functional purposes. It is envisaged that said decorative terminus (1 18) may make a product containing the dispenser (10) more desirable to potential customers.

Making particular reference to the eighth embodiment of the invention as illustrated in Figures 15 to 17: In this embodiment the receptacle (806) is substantially torch shaped and both the inner sleeve (1000) and the outer sleeve (1002) are substantially torch shaped.

In this embodiment, as with the sixth and seventh embodiments, both the inner sleeve (1000) and the outer sleeve (1002) have openings (1012) defined therein. The outer sleeve (1002) openings being defined in a neck region (818) of the receptacle (806) and the inner sleeve (1000) openings being defined in both an inner sleeve neck region (820) as well as in an inner sleeve body region (822). In addition to the openings (1012) in the neck region (818) of the outer sleeve (1002) the outer sleeve (1002) has an aperture (824) defined in its bottom end (816), the bottom end of the outer sleeve (1002) being the bottom end (816) of the receptacle (806). The aperture (824) is closed by the inner sleeve (1000) when the receptacle (806) is in the closed position, as described above, and the aperture (824) is opened when the inner sleeve (1000) is actuated into the open position thereby allowing the containerized liquid (14) to flow into the receptacle (806) through both the openings (1012) and the aperture (824).

Means to ensure that the receptacle (806) remains water tight are incorporated into this embodiment. In this instance the means to ensure that the receptacle (806) comprises a number of food grade O-rings which create a water tight seal between the inner sleeve (1000) and the outer sleeve (1002). Referring to Figure 16 it can be seen that there are three food grade O-rings located on the inner sleeve (1000), two of these O-rings, O-ring (826a) and (826b), respectively are located in the inner sleeve neck region (820) just above the openings (1012) in the inner sleeve (1000). The O-ring (826c) is located at a terminus (828) of the inner sleeve (1000).

In use, the first two O-rings (826a, 826b) function to create a seal between the inner sleeve (1000) and the outer sleeve (1002) in the region where the openings (1012) of the outer sleeve (1002) are located such that there can be no liquid leakage from the container (18) into the receptacle (806) through the openings (1012) of the outer sleeve (1002), when the receptacle (806) is in the closed position. The third O-ring (826c) functions to create a seal between the inner sleeve (1000) and the outer sleeve (1002) at the bottom (816) of the receptacle (806) such that the O-ring (826c) acts to seal between the inner sleeve (1000) and the boundary of the aperture (824) when the receptacle (806) is in the closed position and the aperture (824) is sealed by the inner sleeve (1000).

With reference to the outer sleeve (1002) of this embodiment: The outer sleeve (1002) has protrusions (830) protruding into the outer sleeve (1002), these protrusions (830) act as a guiding means to facilitate the guidance and fitment of the inner sleeve (1000) into the outer sleeve (1002) during manufacture. These protrusions (830) also function to maintain the inner sleeve (1000) in a stable position relative to the outer sleeve thereby ensuring correct placement of the O- rings hence minimizing the chance of leakage when O-rings are incorrectly placed and sealed.

It is envisaged that the dispenser (10; 200; 300; 400; 500; 600; 700; 800) will be applied in a number of industries, particularly in the beverage industry, as well as in domestic and recreational settings.

Claims

1 . A dispenser, for adding, in use, an adjunct to a containerised liquid, the dispenser comprising an adjunct receptacle which is locatable within the container, the receptacle being sealed with respect to the container when so located, and a means for dispensing the adjunct into the liquid.

2. The dispenser, as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the container is a bottle.

3. The dispenser, as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the containerised liquid is a consumable liquid or a non-consumable liquid.

4. The dispenser, as claimed in claim 3, wherein the consumable liquid is a beverage selected from the group comprising water, a soft drink and an energy drink.

5. The dispenser, as claimed in claim 3, wherein the non-consumable liquid is selected from a group comprising industrially applicable liquids, recreationally applicable liquids and domestically applicable liquids.

6. The dispenser, as claimed in claim 5, wherein the non-consumable liquid is an oil-based liquid or a detergent.

7. The dispenser, as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the receptacle is elongate and defines an opening at one end which engages, in use, with a neck of the container.

8. The dispenser, as claimed in claim 7, wherein the opening is flared and is secured, in use, within the neck of the container.

9. The dispenser, as claimed in claim 7, wherein the opening is flanged and rests, in use, on a lip region of the container.

10. The dispenser, as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the adjunct is a solid or a liquid adjunct or the combination of a solid and a liquid adjunct.

1 1 . The dispenser, as claimed in claiml O, wherein the solid adjunct is an adjunct selected from the group comprising a powder, a granular solid, a capsule, an effervescent solid and a micro-granule containing capsule.

12. The dispenser, as claimed in claim 1 1 , wherein the capsule is a liquid containing capsule or a powder containing capsule.

13. The dispenser, as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the adjunct is selected from the group comprising dietary supplements, additives and medicaments.

14. The dispenser, as claimed in claim 13, wherein the dietary supplement is selected from the group comprising vitamin supplements, mineral supplements, vitamin and mineral supplements and energy supplements.

15. The dispenser, as claimed in claim 13, wherein the additive is a consumable additive, in particular a beverage additive.

16. The dispenser, as claimed in claim 15, wherein the beverage additive is selected from the group comprising flavourants, colourants and alcoholic beverages.

17. The dispenser, as claimed in claim 13, wherein the additive is a non- consumable additive, the non-consumable additive being selected from the group comprising industrially applicable additives, recreationally applicable additives and domestically applicable additives.

18. The dispenser, as claimed in claim 17, wherein the non-consumable additive is an oil-based additive or a detergent.

19. The dispenser, as claimed in claim 13, wherein the medicament is selected from the group comprising solid dosage form medicaments, suspension dosage form medicaments and liquid dosage form medicaments.

20. The dispenser, as claimed in claim 19, wherein the liquid dosage form medicament is a pediatric syrup.

21 . The dispenser, as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the means for dispensing the adjunct comprises at least one opening in the receptacle.

22. The dispenser, as claimed in claim 21 , wherein the at least one opening is located within the flared region of the receptacle.

23. The dispenser, as claimed in claim 22, wherein the at least one opening is sealable by a container cap and sealed when the cap is fixed to the container.

24. The dispenser, as claimed in claim 23, wherein the cap is removable, in use, from the container and the seal is opened when the cap is removed.

25. The dispenser, as claimed in claim 23 or claim 24, wherein the containerised liquid is in fluid communication with the receptacle when the at least one opening is open, such that the containerised liquid can flow into the receptacle thereby facilitating the dispensing of adjuncts from the receptacle.

26. The dispenser, as claimed in claim 21 , wherein the at least one opening is located in a body region of the receptacle.

27. The dispenser, as claimed in claim 26, wherein the at least one opening is sealable by a movable sealing member located within the receptacle.

28. The dispenser, as claimed in claim 26, wherein the movable sealing member is movable from a first position wherein it seals the at least one opening to a second position wherein the at least one opening is opened and containerised liquid is sucked from the container into the receptacle from whence the liquid and the adjunct is dispensed.

29. The dispenser, as claimed in claim 27, wherein the movable sealing member is a plunger mechanism which, in the first position seals the at least open opening and in the second position sucks containerised liquid through the at least one opening into the receptacle.

30. The dispenser, as claimed in claim 21 , wherein the at least one opening is a one-way valve that prevents the entry of the containerised liquid into the receptacle but allows for an adjunct liquid to be injected from the receptacle into the container when pressure is applied to open the oneway valve.

31 . The dispenser, as claimed in claim 30, wherein pressure is applied by means of a plunger mechanism.

32. The dispenser, as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the dispensing means is defined in the receptacle only once the dispenser is in use.

33. The dispenser, as claimed in claim 32, wherein the dispensing means comprises a perforating means which is attachable to a cap of the container which perforating means, is forced, in use, through the body of the receptacle so as to puncture the receptacle and to form at least one opening therein.

34. The dispenser, as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the receptacle comprises an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve, the inner sleeve being locatable within the outer sleeve.

35. The dispenser, as claimed in claim 34, wherein both the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve define at least one opening located therein.

36. The dispenser, as claimed in claim 35, wherein the inner sleeve is movable from a first position wherein the at least one opening in the inner sleeve is sealed by a side wall of the outer sleeve to a second position wherein the at least one opening of the inner sleeve is aligned with the at least one opening of the outer sleeve, said alignment allowing for the flow of the containerized liquid into the receptacle.

37. The dispenser, as claimed in any one of claims 34 to 36, wherein the receptacle is sealable by means of a pull tab, said pull tab being mechanically fixed to an upper wall of the receptacle.

38. The dispenser, as claimed in claim 37, wherein the removal of the pull tab from the receptacle actuates the movement of the inner sleeve from the first position to the second position.

39. The dispenser, as claimed in claim 38, wherein the removal of the pull tab is facilitated through the use of a pull ring which a user pulls on to actuate the movement of the inner sleeve and a pull tab peeler which cuts the pull ring from the pull tab when such pull ring is forced against the pull tab peeler.

40. The dispenser , as claimed in claim 37, wherein the pull tab is structured so as to accommodate a desiccant material said desiccant material functioning, in use, to keep the receptacle dry when the receptacle has a solid adjunct located therein.

41 . The dispenser, as claimed in claim 36, wherein the receptacle has a locking mechanism located therein that facilitates the locking of the inner sleeve in the second position so that the at least one opening of the inner sleeve remains in alignment with the at least one opening of the outer sleeve.

42. The dispenser, as claimed in claim 34, wherein both the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve are fitted with a water sealing means which water sealing means functions, in use, to prevent water from entering the receptacle when the receptacle is in the closed position.

43. The dispenser, as claimed in claim 42, wherein the water sealing means comprises at least one O-ring said O-ring being located proximate the at least one opening and functioning as a seal between the at least one opening and the containerized liquid.

44. The dispenser, as claimed in any one of claims 34 to 43, wherein the receptacle is elongate, conically shaped or substantially torch shaped.

45. A dispenser as any one embodiment herein described with reference to and as illustrated in any one of the accompanying Figures.