WO2011162979A2

WO2011162979A2 - Beverage dispensing member for sensory enhancement

Info

Publication number: WO2011162979A2
Application number: PCT/US2011/039919
Authority: WO
Inventors: Joseph Norris
Original assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
Priority date: 2010-06-23
Filing date: 2011-06-10
Publication date: 2011-12-29
Also published as: WO2011162979A3

Abstract

A dispensing member to be attached to a beverage container having a plurality of openings which reduce the overall beverage delivery area of the mouth of the container, thereby creating multiple paths for the beverage to flow from the mouth of the container to the mouth of the consumer.

Description

BEVERAGE DISPENSING MEMBER FOR SENSORY ENHANCEMENT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to beverage containers, and more particularly relates to a dispensing member for a carbonated beverage container having a defined pattern to impart new mouth feel characteristics to a beverage consumer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Drinking containers are made from various materials ranging from plastic to glass to metal. These containers come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and configurations.

Carbonated or sparkling beverages are generally consumed from a container having a neck opening of 26 - 32 mm in diameter, which provides a comfortable drinking surface and product delivery to the consumer. What is desired is to enhance the beverage consumption experience by providing a novel beverage and carbonation delivery means to enhance the sensory experience of the beverage consumer. What is also desired is an improved drinking surface for a container that provides an enhanced feel when in contact with the consumer's lips or mouth and an enhanced beverage delivery to the consumer's mouth thereby enhancing the overall beverage drinking experience of the consumer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention is directed to a dispensing member having a defined pattern for beverage delivery to create a new sensation on the mouth of the beverage consumer. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the dispensing member is configured to interface with the mouth of a beverage container and comprises a plurality of openings that reduce the overall beverage delivery area of the mouth of the container, thereby creating multiple paths for the beverage to flow from the container to the mouth of the consumer. The plurality of openings are configured to create multiple nucleation sites that assist in the release of carbonation during the act of drinking, thereby causing the consumer to detect an increase in taste sensation and enhanced mouth feel during the beverage consumption.

[0004] According to an aspect of the invention, a container comprises a body having a neck terminating at a lip defining an open mouth for dispensing a beverage from the container. A dispensing member interfaces with the mouth of the container and comprises a plurality of openings that reduce the overall beverage delivery area of the mouth of the container. The plurality of openings is configured to create multiple nucleation sites that assist in the release of carbonation during drinking of the beverage.

[0005] In certain embodiments, the dispensing member can be made of a thermally conductive polymeric material. A dispensing member according to these embodiments is at least partially constructed of a thermally conductive material that, when the beverage in the container is chilled, provides a cold temperature similar to that of the beverage to the mouth or lips of the beverage consumer. Chilling of the beverage in the container can be enhanced by the container being made of a material that has high thermal conductivity and provides a low temperature gradient to reduce the time and energy of the chilling processes being applied to the material via the beverage or an external cooling mechanism, such as a refrigerator or ice bath.

[0006] Additional objects and features of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, drawings, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bottle and a dispensing member in accordance with an embodiment of the invention wherein the dispensing member is detached from the bottle.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the bottle and dispensing member of FIG. 1 with the dispensing member attached to the bottle.

[0009] FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective and side section views, respectively, of the dispensing member of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[00010] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a dispensing member according to another embodiment of the invention.

[00011] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a dispensing member in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

[00012] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a container with another embodiment of a dispensing member detached from the remainder of the bottle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00013] In accordance with the invention, there is provided a dispensing member having a plurality of openings formed therein configured to be attached to the mouth of a beverage container. The dispensing member may be attached to the beverage container by any suitable means. For example, the dispensing member can be fitted into or over the neck of the container by an interference fit, screwed onto threads around the neck and/or lips of the container, snapped or crimped onto a lip surrounding the mouth of the container, or fixedly attached to the neck or lip of the container via adhesion or fusion methods. The plurality of openings is configured to create a plurality of delivery paths for a beverage to flow from the beverage container through the dispensing member and into a consumer's mouth. The plurality of openings and pathways may create various sensations (i.e. a shower sensation or a swirling sensation) when a beverage is delivered through the dispensing member into the mouth of the consumer. The plurality of openings may also cause carbonation to be released to the consumer earlier during the drinking experience. As the consumer drinks the beverage, the combination of sipping and sucking pulls the beverage through the multiple openings, which enhances nucleation of the beverage.

[00014] To explain in greater detail, the increased surface tension of the beverage flowing through the dispensing member and into the consumer's mouth through the multiple openings in the dispensing member in combination with the restriction of the beverage flow through the reduced dispensing area created by the dispensing member results in the creation of nucleation sites. The nucleation sites release carbonation during the act of drinking which increases the foam to liquid ratio of the beverage and creates an enhanced taste sensation in the consumer's mouth and directly on the consumer's tongue. The foam to liquid ratio and the taste sensation experienced as a result of the dispensing member are both greater compared to drinking a carbonated beverage through a 26-32 mm opening where the beverage is free flowing. The enhanced taste sensation results in the consumer being better able to taste the individual flavor components of the beverage.

[00015] Referring to the figures, in which like numerals refer to like elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of a container having a dispensing member in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the container may take the shape of a bottle 100. The bottle 100 includes a bottle body 102 including a base 120 at a bottom portion of the bottle 100, a grip portion 130, a label portion 140, and a neck 150 at the top portion of the bottle body 102. Neck 150 terminates at a lip 152 defining an open mouth 154 for allowing a beverage to exit the bottle 100. A dispensing member 170 comprises a lid portion 172 and an anchor portion 178 extending from the lid portion 172 for insertion through the mouth 154 of the bottle 100. The lid portion 172 and the anchor portion 178 can be integrally formed as a one-piece, unitary member or, alternatively, can be separate components configured for mutual attachment.

[00016] FIGS. 3 and 4 show the dispensing member 170 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in greater detail. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the lid portion 172 of the dispensing member 170 is preferably circular or disk-shaped and the anchor portion 178 is preferably cylindrical, with a hollow interior for allowing the beverage to pass therethrough.

However, other shapes and configurations are possible for the lid portion 172 and the anchor portion 178. The lid portion 172 includes a dispensing section 174 having a plurality of openings 176, and desirably an outer rim portion 177 surrounding the dispensing section 174. The outer rim portion 177 is configured for contact with a beverage consumer's lips or mouth and can optionally be configured to extend over the lip 152 of the bottle 100.

[00017] Referring to FIG. 3, the openings 176 are elongated, radially extending slots. However, it is possible to provide openings of different shapes, as desired. The openings 176 are preferably sized such that the area of each opening is between 5% and 50% of the total area of the dispensing section 174. This range permits the beverage to exit the container and allows the beverage to interact with the openings to release carbonation from the beverage in a controlled manner. The amount of carbonation released will be dictated by the beverage type (e.g., containing sugar or not), starting carbonation, beverage temperature, surface tension as the beverage passes through the openings 176, and the surface finish of the portions of the dispensing member 170 contacting the beverage.

[00018] The dispensing member 170 is illustrated as having a mushroom shape. However, it should be understood that in accordance with the invention, the dispensing member 170 can have any desirable design or shape with a lid portion 172 for dispensing a beverage while allowing fluid communication from the mouth 154 through the openings 176 located in the dispensing section 174 of the lid portion 172.

[00019] The dispensing member 170 can be attached to the mouth 154 of the bottle 100 by any suitable means. As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the dispensing member 170 is an insert that can be selectively attached to and detached from the bottle 100 at the neck 150 and/or lip 152. The dispensing member 170 can be formed such that the anchor portion 178 forms an interference fit with the interior surface of the neck 150. [00020] According to another variation of this embodiment, the outer rim portion 177 can be configured to form a crimp fit or snap-on fit with a flange (not shown) formed on the lip 152, in addition to or in place of the interference fit provided by the anchor portion 178. In one embodiment, the dispensing member may be attached to the lip 152 and/or neck 150 of the container by a screw-on fit between the outer rim portion 177 and external threads (not shown) on the lip 152 and/or neck 150.

[00021] In yet another variation, the dispensing member 170 can be attached to the neck 150 via barbs (not shown) on the anchor portion 178 used to create an interference fit and anchor the dispensing member 170 inside the neck 150. In a further variation (not shown), the dispensing member 170 can have an anchor portion 178 designed to fit over the outside of the neck 150 by an interference fit. In yet another variation, at least the anchor portion 178 of the dispensing member 170 can be formed from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and the anchor portion 178 can be configured to fit over or inside the neck 150 of a glass or a plastic bottle via a designed interference fit to create a compression fit and seal. According to still another variation, the dispensing member 170 can be attached to the neck 150 by integrally forming the dispensing member 170 to the neck 150 by adhesion or fusion methods.

[00022] The dispensing member 170 can be made from polyolefin materials, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, or polyester, for example. It can also be made from aluminum or any other suitable metallic material.

[00023] FIGS. 5 and 6 show dispensing members 270 and 370, respectively. The dispensing members 270 and 370 include lid portions 272, 372 with dispensing sections 274, 374 and openings 276, 376. Referring to FIG. 5, the openings 276 of the dispensing member 270 are swirl or teardrop shaped, or substantially swirl or teardrop shaped.

Referring to FIG. 6, the openings 376 of the dispensing member 370 are circular, or substantially circular. It should be understood that although the figures show openings 176, 276, 376 having particular shapes and arrangements, openings of other shapes and arrangements, and combinations of differently shaped openings, are possible, as long as the ratio of the cumulative area of the openings to the total area of the dispensing area is such that a beverage exiting the openings realizes a controlled release of carbonation resulting from the creation of the nucleation sites.

[00024] FIG. 7 shows a dispensing member 470 according to another embodiment. In this embodiment, the dispensing member 470 includes a lid portion 472 defining a dispensing section 474 provided with openings 476. An outer rim portion 477 surrounds the dispensing section 474. The dispensing member 474 is preferably disk-shaped or substantially disk-shaped, however, other shapes are possible.

[00025] The dispensing member 470 can be selectively attached to and detached from the bottle 100 at the lip 152. Outer rim portion 477 forms a crimp fit or snap-on fit with a flange (not shown) protruding from the lip 152. According to an alternative embodiment, the dispensing member 470 can be attached to the lip 152 by integrally forming the dispensing member 470 to the lip 152 by adhesion or fusion methods. According to yet another embodiment, the outer rim portion 477 of the dispensing member 470 can be configured to screw onto external threads (not shown) on the lip 152 and/or neck 150.

[00026] In certain embodiments of the invention, the dispensing members 170, 270, 370, 470 can be formed from a suitable thermally conductive thermoplastic material.

Preferably, the thermally conductive thermoplastic material reduces the temperature gradient between the beverage and the dispensing member 170, 270, 370, 470 to 3 degrees or less. A preferred thermally conductive thermoplastic material has high thermal conductive properties. A preferred modified resin for forming the thermoplastic material comprises a base polymer of polypropylene, polyester, or polyamide (Nylon). It should be understood that the dispensing members 170, 270, 370, 470 can be formed by any suitable material, including a molding from a phase changing material, a polymeric material controlled by endothermic reactions, or a plastic polymeric material that is designed to absorb and/or retain cold temperature. Preferred thermally conductive thermoplastic materials can be molded into various shapes via conventional injection molding techniques. However, any suitable thermoplastic processing technique may be used, including, but not limited to, extrusion.

[00027] In certain embodiments of the invention, the dispensing members 170, 270, 370, 470 are thermally conductive thermoplastic members having a material thermal conductivity about 1 W/mK to about 1500 W/mK (Watts per meter Kelvin), preferably of from about 1 W/mK to about 200 W/mK, and more preferably of from about 2 W/mK to about 20 W/mK. The preferred thermal diffusivity is from about 0.05 cm²/sec to about 0.12 cm²/sec, and the preferred density is from about 1.24 g/cc to about 1.56 g/cc.

Accordingly, in further embodiments of the invention, a preferred thermally conductive thermoplastic material would be engineered to provide a material thermal conductivity of from about 2 W/mK to about 20 W/mK, a thermal diffusivity of from about 0.05 cm²/sec to about 0.12 cm²/sec, and a density of from about 1.24 g/cc to about 1.56 g/cc. A preferred thermally conductive thermoplastic material has a hardness range from about Shore A 40 to about Shore D 80.

[00028] In the embodiments described herein, the dispensing members 170, 270, 370, 470 form a new, enhanced drinking surface capable of having a temperature similar to that of the beverage that comes into contact with them or the temperature provided by a cooling device. While not wishing to be held to one theory, it is believed that the cold temperature of the beverage inside of a bottle provides thermal energy to the thermally conductive thermoplastic material of the dispensing member 170, 270, 370, 470 and lowers the temperature of the dispensing member 170, 270, 370, 470 to a temperature closer to that of the beverage which in comparison is lower than the temperature of the bottle.

[00029] To enhance the transfer of thermal energy from the beverage to the dispensing member 170, 270, 370, 470, the dispensing member 170, 270, 370, 470 can be configured such that the anchor portion 178 is in direct contact with a portion of the beverage when the bottle 100 is fully filled with the beverage.

[00030] Alternatively, cold temperature provided by equipment, such as a refrigerator, vending machine, or ice may also lower the temperature of the dispensing member 170, 270, 370, 470. A cold beverage, such as one dispensed from a vending machine or a refrigerator, is able to lower the temperature of the dispensing member 170, 270, 370, 470 to below the temperature of the bottle 100 and thus when the dispensing member is in contact with a consumer's lips or mouth, the consumer is provided with a cold and refreshing experience that is not experienced by contact with the surface of the bottle lip 152. Although the dispensing member 170, 270, 370, 470 may not always be in contact with the beverage in the bottle 100 (e.g., when the beverage has been partially consumed and/or the bottle 100 is not in a tilted, pouring position), each time the consumer drinks from a bottle 100 the dispensing member 170, 270, 370, 470 is recharged or recooled via the cold beverage flowing into contact with the dispensing member, which enables the beverage consumer to continue receiving the benefit of a cool drinking surface. The design of the dispensing member 170, 270, 370, 470 also provides a more comfortable edge for the consumer to drink from and is an enhancement over current conventional plastic containers that have sharper edges and threads protruding in this area.

[00031] In additional embodiments of the invention, the dispensing member 170, 270, 370, 470 is part of a closure that is attached to the bottle 100 during manufacturing. Preferably, the dispensing member 170, 270, 370, 470 is fabricated separately from the bottle 100 and is attached to the bottle 100 after filling the bottle 100 with the desired beverage.

[00032] It should be apparent that the foregoing relates only to selected embodiments of the present application and the numerous changes and modification may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the general spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims and equivalents thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A dispensing member for a beverage container having a mouth with a beverage delivery area, comprising a lid portion having a dispensing section configured to be placed in fluid communication with the mouth of the container and wherein the dispensing section contains a plurality of openings configured to provide multiple paths for a beverage to exit the container and reduce the beverage delivery area of the mouth of the container.

2. The dispensing member of claim 1, further comprising an anchor portion configured to engage the neck of the container and attach the dispensing member to the container in fluid communication therewith.

3. The dispensing member of claim 1, wherein the plurality of openings are configured to create nucleation sites producing a controlled release of carbonation from a carbonated beverage in the container upon a beverage consumer sucking and sipping the carbonated beverage through the openings, thereby changing the consumer's perception of the carbonated beverage.

4. The dispensing member of claim 1, further comprising an outer rim portion encircling the dispensing section that contacts the lips of a consumer.

5. The dispensing member of claim 1, wherein the outer rim portion is configured to engage the bottle neck to attach the dispensing member to the bottle.

6. The dispensing member of claim 1, wherein the openings are sized such that a cumulative area of the openings is between 5% and 50% of a total area of the dispensing section.

7. The dispensing member of claim 1, wherein the dispensing member is configured to allow the beverage to flow more directly onto a tongue of a beverage consumer.

8. The dispensing member of claim 2, wherein the anchor section is configured to extend over or inside of the neck of the container and engage the neck by an interference fit.

9. The dispensing member of claim 5, wherein the outer rim portion engages the bottle neck of the container by a crimp-on fit, a snap-on fit, or a screw-on fit.

10. The dispensing member of claim 1, wherein the dispensing member comprises a thermally conductive thermoplastic material having a material thermal conductivity of from about 1 W/mK to about 1500 W/mK.

11. The dispensing member of claim 1 , wherein the dispensing member has a material thermal conductivity of from about 2 W/mK to about 200 W/mK, a thermal diffusivity of from about 0.05 cm²/sec to about 0.12 cm²/sec, and a density of from about 1.24 g/cc to about 1.56 g/cc.

12. The dispensing member of claim 1, wherein the dispensing member is made of a thermally conductive thermoplastic material that reduces the temperature gradient between a beverage in the container and the dispensing member to 3 C or less.

13. A container comprising a body and a neck extending from the body and terminating at a lip defining an open mouth for dispensing a beverage from the container and a dispensing member adapted to be attached to the container,

wherein the dispensing member comprises a lid portion having a dispensing section configured to be placed in fluid communication with the mouth of the container, and

wherein the dispensing section contains a plurality of openings configured to provide multiple paths for a beverage to exit the container and reduce the beverage delivery area of the mouth of the container.

14. The container of claim 13, wherein the dispensing member further comprises an anchor portion configured to engage the neck of the container and attach the dispensing member to the container in fluid communication therewith.

15. The container of claim 13, wherein the plurality of openings in the dispensing section are configured to create nucleation sites producing a controlled release of carbonation from a carbonated beverage in the container upon a beverage consumer sucking and sipping the carbonated beverage through the openings, thereby changing the consumer's perception of the carbonated beverage.

16. The container of claim 13, wherein the dispensing member further comprises an outer rim portion configured to engage the bottle neck to attach the dispensing member to the bottle.

17. The container of claim 13, wherein the openings of the dispensing section are sized such that a cumulative area of the openings is between 5% and 50% of a total area of the dispensing section.

18. The container of claim 13, wherein the dispensing member comprises a thermally conductive thermoplastic material having a material thermal conductivity of from about 1 W/mK to about 1500 W/mK that reduces the temperature gradient between a beverage in the container and the dispensing member to 3 C or less.

19. The container of claim 13, wherein the dispensing member has a material thermal conductivity of from about 2 W/mK to about 200 W/mK, a thermal diffusivity of from about 0.05 cm²/sec to about 0.12 cm²/sec, and a density of from about 1.24 g/cc to about 1.56 g/cc.

20. The container of claim 13, wherein:

the dispensing member comprises a thermally conductive material;

the beverage has a first position in which the beverage is secured within the container until the beverage is poured, and a second position in which the beverage flows from the container and contacts the dispensing member when the beverage is poured over at least a portion of the dispensing member;

the dispensing member has a first temperature when the beverage is in the first position;

the dispensing member has a second temperature when the beverage is in the second position; and

the temperature gradient between the second temperature of the dispensing member and the temperature of the beverage is 3 degrees or less each time the beverage is in the second position.