WO2018112516A1 - Flask assembly for preparing a drink and associated method of use - Google Patents

Flask assembly for preparing a drink and associated method of use Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2018112516A1
WO2018112516A1 PCT/AU2017/051407 AU2017051407W WO2018112516A1 WO 2018112516 A1 WO2018112516 A1 WO 2018112516A1 AU 2017051407 W AU2017051407 W AU 2017051407W WO 2018112516 A1 WO2018112516 A1 WO 2018112516A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cap
flask
neck
pod
side wall
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2017/051407
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Evan Belogiannis
Dean Munir Zilic
Original Assignee
Nutricium Pty Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2016905341A external-priority patent/AU2016905341A0/en
Application filed by Nutricium Pty Ltd filed Critical Nutricium Pty Ltd
Publication of WO2018112516A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018112516A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D51/24—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
    • B65D51/28—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials
    • B65D51/2807—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container
    • B65D51/2814—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container the additional article or materials being released by piercing, cutting or tearing an element enclosing it
    • B65D51/2821—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container the additional article or materials being released by piercing, cutting or tearing an element enclosing it said element being a blister, a capsule or like sealed container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D41/00—Caps, e.g. crown caps or crown seals, i.e. members having parts arranged for engagement with the external periphery of a neck or wall defining a pouring opening or discharge aperture; Protective cap-like covers for closure members, e.g. decorative covers of metal foil or paper
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D51/24—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
    • B65D51/28—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D51/24—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
    • B65D51/28—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials
    • B65D51/2807—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container
    • B65D51/2814—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container the additional article or materials being released by piercing, cutting or tearing an element enclosing it
    • B65D51/2828—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container the additional article or materials being released by piercing, cutting or tearing an element enclosing it said element being a film or a foil
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D51/24—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
    • B65D51/28—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials
    • B65D51/2807—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container
    • B65D51/2814—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container the additional article or materials being released by piercing, cutting or tearing an element enclosing it
    • B65D51/2828—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container the additional article or materials being released by piercing, cutting or tearing an element enclosing it said element being a film or a foil
    • B65D51/2835—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container the additional article or materials being released by piercing, cutting or tearing an element enclosing it said element being a film or a foil ruptured by a sharp element, e.g. a cutter or a piercer
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/32—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging two or more different materials which must be maintained separate prior to use in admixture

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a flask assembly for preparing a drink using a pod containing a consumable substance and an associated method of preparing such a drink using the flask assembly and the pod.
  • meal replacement powders or additives are often combined with water to provide meal replacement shakes.
  • a problem with meal replacement powders or additives is that the powder or additive may be relatively bulky, cumbersome and messy to use. In addition, the powder or additive may degrade over time and lose its freshness or efficacy.
  • AU 2013204007 discloses an assembly including a container having a container opening, and a container closure.
  • the closure includes a substance storage compartment for storing a substance therein.
  • the storage compartment includes a compartment opening.
  • the compartment opening and the container opening are separated by a seal.
  • the assembly further includes a rupturing device for rupturing the seal to allow any substance stored within the substance storage compartment to be dispensed into the container.
  • the invention disclosed herein seeks to overcome one or more of the above identified problems or at least provide a useful alternative.
  • a flask assembly for preparing a drink with a pod, the flask assembly including a flask having a neck, a rupturing means, and a cap in which the pod is receivable, wherein the neck includes a side wall terminating at a drinking rim and the rupturing means is recessed relative to the drinking rim and skirted by the side wall, wherein the neck and cap are arranged such that in a fitted condition the pod is received by the cap and an external surface of the cap proximate an open end thereof is adapted to sealingly engage with an internal surface of the side wall, the rupturing means being engagable with the pod so as to open a breakable seal thereof thereby dispensing a substance carried by the pod into the flask.
  • the cap and pod carried thereby are removable so as to allow consuming of a drink from the drinking rim of the neck
  • At least one of the internal surface of the side wall and the external surface of the cap carry one or more seals.
  • the one or more seals are provided in the form of a rubber seal arrangement skirting the external surface of the cap proximate the open end thereof.
  • the rubber seal arrangement includes three spaced apart annular ribs skirting the external surface of the cap proximate the open end thereof.
  • the cap includes a cap side wall between the open end and a closed end thereof, and wherein the cap is arranged to taper inwardly toward the closed end such that in the fitted condition a gap is provided between the cap and the internal surface of the side wall of the neck proximate the drinking rim.
  • the cap is dimensioned to extend proud of the drinking rim in the fitted condition.
  • the cap is arranged to seal with the neck with or without the pod.
  • the neck includes a base on which the rupturing means is supported, the base providing an end of travel stop against which the cap is abutted in the fitted condition.
  • in the side wall includes an inward step that provides the internal surface to engage with the external surface of the cap in the fitted condition.
  • the internal surface of the inward step and the external surface of the cap are angled relative one another so as to splay away from one another in a direction toward the drinking rim in the fitted condition.
  • the rupturing means extends from the base toward the drinking rim so as to provide piercing apex.
  • the rupturing means is provided in the form of a pointed cone like structure having one or more apertures therein to communicate with the flask.
  • the neck is removable from the flask.
  • an external surface of the side wall of the neck is arranged to be flush with an external surface of the side wall of the flask in the fitted condition.
  • the neck and flask are arranged to be sealably threadedly coupled.
  • the base of the neck includes a threaded socket within the side wall into which a threaded end of the flask is coupled in the fitted condition.
  • the cap is dimensioned to extend proud of the drinking rim in the fitted condition and includes gripping ribs toward a closed end thereof that are claspable in the fitted condition.
  • a method of preparing a drink using a flask assembly and a pod including the steps of: Fitting a pod into a cap of the flask assembly with a breakable seal of the pod arranged toward an open end of the cap; Fitting the cap and fitted pod to a neck of the flask assembly such that an external surface of the cap proximate the open end thereof sealingly engages with an internal surface of a side wall of the neck, and a rupturing means of the assembly located between the side wall breaks the breakable seal thereby dispensing a substance carried by the pod into the flask thereby being mixable with a fluid carried by the flask to provide the drink; and Removing the cap and fitted pod from the neck by clasping the cap toward its closed end such that the fluid is drinkable from a drinking rim of the neck.
  • Figure 1 is a side view illustrating the flask assembly in an assembled condition
  • Figure 2 is a side hidden detail view illustrating the flask assembly
  • Figure 3 is a top view illustrating the flask assembly
  • Figure 4 is a perspective side view illustrating the flask assembly
  • Figure 5 is an underside perspective view illustrating the flask assembly
  • Figure 6 is an exploded parts view illustrating the flask assembly
  • Figure 7 is a top perspective exploded parts view illustrating the flask assembly
  • Figure 8 is an underside perspective exploded parts view illustrating the flask assembly
  • Figure 9 is a side sectional view illustrating the flask assembly
  • Figure 10 is a side view illustrating the flask assembly indicating section A - A as shown in Figure 9;
  • Figure 11 is a detailed side sectional view illustrating a coupling between a neck, a cap, and a flask of the flask assembly.
  • Figure 12 is a side sectional view indicating section B-B as shown in Figure 11.
  • a flask assembly 10 for preparing a drink with a pod 12.
  • the flask assembly 10 including a flask 14 having a neck 16, a rupturing means 18, and a cap 20 in which the pod 12 is receivable.
  • the neck 16 includes a skirting side wall 22 terminating at a drinking rim 24 and the rupturing 18 means is recessed relative to the drinking rim 24 and skirted by the side wall 22.
  • the neck 16 is removably coupled to a main body 26 of the flask 14.
  • the neck 16 may be integrally formed as a single piece with the main body 26.
  • the rupturing means 18 may be carried or supported by the neck 16 or the main body 26.
  • the rupturing means 18 is supported by and located within the removable neck 16.
  • other arrangements such as the rupturing means 18 being supported by the main body 26 to extend into the neck 16 are possible and contemplated herein.
  • the cap 20 includes a skirting side wall 28 having a rim 29 that defines an open end 30, and a opposing closed end 32.
  • the pod 12 is shaped to be fittingly received by the cap 20.
  • the pod 12 includes a rim 33 defining an openable end 35 with a flange 37, and an opposing closed end 39.
  • the openable end 35 is initially closed and sealed by a breakable seal 41 such as a plastic or foil.
  • the neck 16 and the cap 20 are arranged such that in a fitted condition, such as that shown in Figure 9, the pod 12 is received by the cap 20 and an external surface 34 of the side wall 28 of the cap 20 proximate the open end 30 thereof is adapted to sealingly engage with the internal surface 36 of the side wall 22 of the neck 16.
  • the flange 37 of the pod 12 seats on the rim 29 of the cap 20, and is captured between the rim 29 and the neck 16 as best shown in Figure 11.
  • the rupturing means 18 is arranged to be engaged with the pod 12 so as to open or break seal 41 thereof thereby dispensing a substance carried by the pod 12 into the main body 26 of the flask 16.
  • the substance may include, but not limited to, powders, liquids, syrups and granular material that mixed with a fluid carried by the flask 16 such as water or the like.
  • a fluid carried by the flask 16 such as water or the like.
  • the cap 20 and pod 12 carried thereby are removable so as to allow consuming of the drink from the drinking rim 24 of the neck 14. It is noted that a friction fit between the cap 20 and pod 12 carries the pod 12.
  • the flask assembly 10 and components thereof may be formed from plastic or other suitable material.
  • At least one of the internal surface 36 of the side wall 22 of the neck 14 and the external surface 34 of the cap 20 carry one or more seals 40.
  • one or more seals 40 are provided in the form of a rubber seal arrangement 42 skirting the external surface 34 of the cap 20 proximate the open end 30 thereof.
  • the rubber seal arrangement 42 includes three spaced apart annular ribs 43 skirting and extending from the external surface 34 of the cap 20 proximate the open end 30.
  • the side wall 28 of the cap 20 is arranged to taper inwardly toward the closed end 32 such that in the fitted condition a gap 44 is provided between the cap 20 and the internal surface 36 of the side wall 22 of the neck 16 proximate the drinking rim 24.
  • the rubber seal arrangement 42 provides mechanical and chemical seal.
  • the cap 20 is dimensioned to extend proud of the drinking rim 24 in the fitted condition, and is arranged to seal with the neck 16 with or without the pod 12.
  • the cap 20 includes a gripping surface 46 having ribs or recesses toward the closed end 32 thereof that are claspable in the fitted condition.
  • the neck 16 includes a base 48 on which the rupturing means 18 is supported, the base 48 providing an end of travel stop in the form of an annular channel 50 against which the cap 20 is abutted in the fitted condition.
  • the side wall 22 of the neck 16 includes an inward step 52 that provides an internal engaging surface 54 to engage with the external surface 34 and rubber seal arrangement 42 of the cap 20 in the fitted condition.
  • the internal surface 54 of the inward step 52 and the external surface 34 of the cap 20 are angled relative to one another so as to splay away from one another in a direction toward the drinking rim 24 in the fitted condition.
  • the spaced apart annular ribs 43 of the rubber seal arrangement 42 have increasing lengths toward the closed end 32 of the cap 20 such that a releasable press fit seal is provided.
  • the rupturing means 18 extends from the base 48 toward the drinking rim 24 so as to provide a piercing apex 60.
  • the rupturing means 18 is provided in the form of a pointed cone 62 like structure having one or more apertures 64 therein to communicate with the main body 26 of the flask 14.
  • the base 48 of the neck 16 includes a threaded socket 58 within the side wall 22 into which a threaded end 59 of the main body 26 of the flask 14 is coupled and sealed with in the fitted condition. This allows the neck 16 and rupturing means 18 to be removed for cleaning purposes and/or replacement.
  • an external surface 65 of the side wall 22 of the neck 16 is arranged to be flush with an external surface 66 of a skirting side wall 68 of the main body 26 of the flask 14 in the fitted condition.
  • a method of preparing a drink using the flask assembly 10 and the pod 12 may include the steps of fitting the pod 12 into the cap 20 of the flask assembly 10 with the breakable seal 41 of the pod 12 arranged toward the open end 30 of the cap 20.
  • the substance then being mixable with a fluid carried by the flask 14 to provide the drink.
  • the flask assembly 10 may then be shaken to mixed the substance and fluid.
  • the cap 20 and fitted pod 12 are simultaneously removed from the neck 16 by clasping the cap 20 toward its closed end 32.
  • the mixture is then drinkable from the drinking rim 24 of the neck 16.
  • the pod 12 may be discarded and the cap 20 may be re-fitted to the neck 16 to re-seal the flask 14.
  • a flask assembly having a flask and drinking neck that allow the release of the substance from a pod carried by a cap of the flask assembly.
  • the cap is removed from the neck of the flask to allow the drinking of the drink directly from the neck.
  • the cap carries a seal that can be used to seal the flask with or without the pod fitted to the cap.
  • the neck may be removable thereby allowing ease of cleaning of the flask, neck and rupturing means.
  • the drinking neck is spaced apart from the cap and the cap extends from the drinking neck and is arranged to be handled toward the closed end of the cap thereby avoiding contact with the drinking neck and surfaces of the neck for hygienic purposes.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)

Abstract

In an aspect, there is disclosed Evan a flask assembly (10) for preparing a drink with a pod (12), the flask assembly (10) including a flask (14) having a neck (16), a rupturing means (18), and a cap (20) in which the pod (12) is receivable, wherein the neck (16) includes a side wall (22) terminating at a drinking rim (24) and the rupturing means (18) is recessed relative to the drinking rim (24) and skirted by the side wall (22), wherein the neck (16) and the cap (20) are arranged such that in a fitted condition the pod (12) is received by the cap (20) and an external surface (34) of the cap proximate an open end (30) thereof is adapted to sealingly engage with an internal surface (36) of the side wall (22), the rupturing means (18) being engagable with the pod (12) so as to open a breakable seal (41) thereof thereby dispensing the substance carried by the pod (12) into the flask (14). A related method of use is also disclosed.

Description

Flask Assembly for Preparing a Drink and Associated Method of Use Related Applications
[001] This application claims priority from Australian provisional patent nos. 2016905341 filed on 23 December 2016 and 2017900932 filed on 17 March 2017, the contents of which are incorporated by reference.
Technical Field
[002] The invention relates to a flask assembly for preparing a drink using a pod containing a consumable substance and an associated method of preparing such a drink using the flask assembly and the pod.
Background
[003] It is desirable to combine substances to prepare drinks such as nutrient drinks and meal replacement shakes. For example, meal replacement powders or additives are often combined with water to provide meal replacement shakes A problem with meal replacement powders or additives is that the powder or additive may be relatively bulky, cumbersome and messy to use. In addition, the powder or additive may degrade over time and lose its freshness or efficacy.
[004] Accordingly, pod style meal replacement shakers or containers have been developed. AU 2013204007 discloses an assembly including a container having a container opening, and a container closure. The closure includes a substance storage compartment for storing a substance therein. The storage compartment includes a compartment opening. The compartment opening and the container opening are separated by a seal. The assembly further includes a rupturing device for rupturing the seal to allow any substance stored within the substance storage compartment to be dispensed into the container. [005] A problem with such pod style meal replacement shakers or containers relates to the complexity of the construction, robustness, ease of cleaning, and ease of use.
[006] The invention disclosed herein seeks to overcome one or more of the above identified problems or at least provide a useful alternative.
Summary
[007] In accordance with a first broad aspect there is provided, a flask assembly for preparing a drink with a pod, the flask assembly including a flask having a neck, a rupturing means, and a cap in which the pod is receivable, wherein the neck includes a side wall terminating at a drinking rim and the rupturing means is recessed relative to the drinking rim and skirted by the side wall, wherein the neck and cap are arranged such that in a fitted condition the pod is received by the cap and an external surface of the cap proximate an open end thereof is adapted to sealingly engage with an internal surface of the side wall, the rupturing means being engagable with the pod so as to open a breakable seal thereof thereby dispensing a substance carried by the pod into the flask.
[008] In an aspect, in a removed condition, the cap and pod carried thereby are removable so as to allow consuming of a drink from the drinking rim of the neck
[009] In another aspect, at least one of the internal surface of the side wall and the external surface of the cap carry one or more seals.
[0010] In yet another aspect, the one or more seals are provided in the form of a rubber seal arrangement skirting the external surface of the cap proximate the open end thereof.
[001 1] In yet another aspect, the rubber seal arrangement includes three spaced apart annular ribs skirting the external surface of the cap proximate the open end thereof.
[0012] In yet another aspect, the cap includes a cap side wall between the open end and a closed end thereof, and wherein the cap is arranged to taper inwardly toward the closed end such that in the fitted condition a gap is provided between the cap and the internal surface of the side wall of the neck proximate the drinking rim.
[0013] In yet another aspect, the cap is dimensioned to extend proud of the drinking rim in the fitted condition.
[0014] In yet another aspect, the cap is arranged to seal with the neck with or without the pod.
[0015] In yet another aspect, the neck includes a base on which the rupturing means is supported, the base providing an end of travel stop against which the cap is abutted in the fitted condition.
[0016] In yet another aspect, in the side wall includes an inward step that provides the internal surface to engage with the external surface of the cap in the fitted condition.
[0017] In yet another aspect, the internal surface of the inward step and the external surface of the cap are angled relative one another so as to splay away from one another in a direction toward the drinking rim in the fitted condition.
[0018] In yet another aspect, the rupturing means extends from the base toward the drinking rim so as to provide piercing apex.
[0019] In yet another aspect, the rupturing means is provided in the form of a pointed cone like structure having one or more apertures therein to communicate with the flask.
[0020] In yet another aspect, the neck is removable from the flask.
[0021] In yet another aspect, an external surface of the side wall of the neck is arranged to be flush with an external surface of the side wall of the flask in the fitted condition. [0022] In yet another aspect, the neck and flask are arranged to be sealably threadedly coupled.
[0023] In yet another aspect, the base of the neck includes a threaded socket within the side wall into which a threaded end of the flask is coupled in the fitted condition.
[0024] In yet another aspect, the cap is dimensioned to extend proud of the drinking rim in the fitted condition and includes gripping ribs toward a closed end thereof that are claspable in the fitted condition.
[0025] In accordance with a second broad aspect there is provided, a method of preparing a drink using a flask assembly and a pod, the method including the steps of: Fitting a pod into a cap of the flask assembly with a breakable seal of the pod arranged toward an open end of the cap; Fitting the cap and fitted pod to a neck of the flask assembly such that an external surface of the cap proximate the open end thereof sealingly engages with an internal surface of a side wall of the neck, and a rupturing means of the assembly located between the side wall breaks the breakable seal thereby dispensing a substance carried by the pod into the flask thereby being mixable with a fluid carried by the flask to provide the drink; and Removing the cap and fitted pod from the neck by clasping the cap toward its closed end such that the fluid is drinkable from a drinking rim of the neck.
Brief Description of the Figures
[0026] The invention is described, by way of non-limiting example only, by reference to the accompanying figures, in which;
[0027] Figure 1 is a side view illustrating the flask assembly in an assembled condition;
[0028] Figure 2 is a side hidden detail view illustrating the flask assembly; [0029] Figure 3 is a top view illustrating the flask assembly; [0030] Figure 4 is a perspective side view illustrating the flask assembly;
[0031] Figure 5 is an underside perspective view illustrating the flask assembly;
[0032] Figure 6 is an exploded parts view illustrating the flask assembly;
[0033] Figure 7 is a top perspective exploded parts view illustrating the flask assembly;
[0034] Figure 8 is an underside perspective exploded parts view illustrating the flask assembly;
[0035] Figure 9 is a side sectional view illustrating the flask assembly;
[0036] Figure 10 is a side view illustrating the flask assembly indicating section A - A as shown in Figure 9;
[0037] Figure 11 is a detailed side sectional view illustrating a coupling between a neck, a cap, and a flask of the flask assembly; and
[0038] Figure 12 is a side sectional view indicating section B-B as shown in Figure 11.
Detailed Description
[0039] Referring to Figures 1 to 12, there is shown a flask assembly 10 for preparing a drink with a pod 12. The flask assembly 10 including a flask 14 having a neck 16, a rupturing means 18, and a cap 20 in which the pod 12 is receivable. The neck 16 includes a skirting side wall 22 terminating at a drinking rim 24 and the rupturing 18 means is recessed relative to the drinking rim 24 and skirted by the side wall 22. In this example, the neck 16 is removably coupled to a main body 26 of the flask 14. However, in other examples, the neck 16 may be integrally formed as a single piece with the main body 26. The rupturing means 18 may be carried or supported by the neck 16 or the main body 26. However, in this example, the rupturing means 18 is supported by and located within the removable neck 16. Of course, other arrangements such as the rupturing means 18 being supported by the main body 26 to extend into the neck 16 are possible and contemplated herein.
[0040] Referring now more specifically to Figures 7 to 12, the cap 20 includes a skirting side wall 28 having a rim 29 that defines an open end 30, and a opposing closed end 32. The pod 12 is shaped to be fittingly received by the cap 20. The pod 12 includes a rim 33 defining an openable end 35 with a flange 37, and an opposing closed end 39. The openable end 35 is initially closed and sealed by a breakable seal 41 such as a plastic or foil.
[0041 ] The neck 16 and the cap 20 are arranged such that in a fitted condition, such as that shown in Figure 9, the pod 12 is received by the cap 20 and an external surface 34 of the side wall 28 of the cap 20 proximate the open end 30 thereof is adapted to sealingly engage with the internal surface 36 of the side wall 22 of the neck 16. The flange 37 of the pod 12 seats on the rim 29 of the cap 20, and is captured between the rim 29 and the neck 16 as best shown in Figure 11. The rupturing means 18 is arranged to be engaged with the pod 12 so as to open or break seal 41 thereof thereby dispensing a substance carried by the pod 12 into the main body 26 of the flask 16.
[0042] The substance may include, but not limited to, powders, liquids, syrups and granular material that mixed with a fluid carried by the flask 16 such as water or the like. To drink the mixed liquid, in a removed condition, the cap 20 and pod 12 carried thereby are removable so as to allow consuming of the drink from the drinking rim 24 of the neck 14. It is noted that a friction fit between the cap 20 and pod 12 carries the pod 12. The flask assembly 10 and components thereof may be formed from plastic or other suitable material.
[0043] In more detail, as best shown in Figure 11, at least one of the internal surface 36 of the side wall 22 of the neck 14 and the external surface 34 of the cap 20 carry one or more seals 40. In this example, one or more seals 40 are provided in the form of a rubber seal arrangement 42 skirting the external surface 34 of the cap 20 proximate the open end 30 thereof. [0044] The rubber seal arrangement 42 includes three spaced apart annular ribs 43 skirting and extending from the external surface 34 of the cap 20 proximate the open end 30. The side wall 28 of the cap 20 is arranged to taper inwardly toward the closed end 32 such that in the fitted condition a gap 44 is provided between the cap 20 and the internal surface 36 of the side wall 22 of the neck 16 proximate the drinking rim 24. The rubber seal arrangement 42 provides mechanical and chemical seal.
[0045] The cap 20 is dimensioned to extend proud of the drinking rim 24 in the fitted condition, and is arranged to seal with the neck 16 with or without the pod 12. The cap 20 includes a gripping surface 46 having ribs or recesses toward the closed end 32 thereof that are claspable in the fitted condition.
[0046] The neck 16 includes a base 48 on which the rupturing means 18 is supported, the base 48 providing an end of travel stop in the form of an annular channel 50 against which the cap 20 is abutted in the fitted condition. The side wall 22 of the neck 16 includes an inward step 52 that provides an internal engaging surface 54 to engage with the external surface 34 and rubber seal arrangement 42 of the cap 20 in the fitted condition. The internal surface 54 of the inward step 52 and the external surface 34 of the cap 20 are angled relative to one another so as to splay away from one another in a direction toward the drinking rim 24 in the fitted condition. The spaced apart annular ribs 43 of the rubber seal arrangement 42 have increasing lengths toward the closed end 32 of the cap 20 such that a releasable press fit seal is provided.
[0047] The rupturing means 18 extends from the base 48 toward the drinking rim 24 so as to provide a piercing apex 60. The rupturing means 18 is provided in the form of a pointed cone 62 like structure having one or more apertures 64 therein to communicate with the main body 26 of the flask 14.
[0048] The base 48 of the neck 16 includes a threaded socket 58 within the side wall 22 into which a threaded end 59 of the main body 26 of the flask 14 is coupled and sealed with in the fitted condition. This allows the neck 16 and rupturing means 18 to be removed for cleaning purposes and/or replacement. In the fitted condition, an external surface 65 of the side wall 22 of the neck 16 is arranged to be flush with an external surface 66 of a skirting side wall 68 of the main body 26 of the flask 14 in the fitted condition.
[0049] Turning now to a method of use, a method of preparing a drink using the flask assembly 10 and the pod 12 may include the steps of fitting the pod 12 into the cap 20 of the flask assembly 10 with the breakable seal 41 of the pod 12 arranged toward the open end 30 of the cap 20.
[0050] Then, fitting or inserting the cap 20 and fitted pod 12 into the neck 16 of the flask assembly 10 such that the external surface 34 of the cap 20 proximate the open end 30 thereof sealingly engages with the internal surface 36 of the side wall 22 of the neck 16 via the rubber seal arrangement 42, and a rupturing means 18 of the assembly 10 located between the side wall 22 breaks the seal 41 of the pod 12 thereby dispensing the substance carried by the pod 12 into the main body 26 of the flask 14.
[0051] The substance then being mixable with a fluid carried by the flask 14 to provide the drink. The flask assembly 10 may then be shaken to mixed the substance and fluid. To drink the mixture, the cap 20 and fitted pod 12 are simultaneously removed from the neck 16 by clasping the cap 20 toward its closed end 32. The mixture is then drinkable from the drinking rim 24 of the neck 16. The pod 12 may be discarded and the cap 20 may be re-fitted to the neck 16 to re-seal the flask 14.
[0052] Advantageously, there has been described a flask assembly having a flask and drinking neck that allow the release of the substance from a pod carried by a cap of the flask assembly. The cap is removed from the neck of the flask to allow the drinking of the drink directly from the neck. The cap carries a seal that can be used to seal the flask with or without the pod fitted to the cap.
[0053] The neck may be removable thereby allowing ease of cleaning of the flask, neck and rupturing means. The drinking neck is spaced apart from the cap and the cap extends from the drinking neck and is arranged to be handled toward the closed end of the cap thereby avoiding contact with the drinking neck and surfaces of the neck for hygienic purposes.
[0054] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.
[0055] The reference in this specification to any known matter or any prior publication is not, and should not be taken to be, an acknowledgment or admission or suggestion that the known matter or prior art publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the field to which this specification relates.
[0056] While specific examples of the invention have been described, it will be understood that the invention extends to alternative combinations of the features disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.
[0057] Many and various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.

Claims

T e claims defining the Invention are as follows:
1. A flask assembly for preparing a drink with a pod, the flask assembly including a flask having a neck, a rupturing means, and a cap in which the pod is receivable,
wherein the neck includes a side wall terminating at a drinking rim and the rupturing means is recessed relative to the drinking rim and skirted by the side wall, wherein the neck and the cap are arranged such that in a fitted condition the pod is received by the cap and an external surface of the cap proximate an open end thereof is adapted to sealingly engage with an internal surface of the side wall, the rupturing means being engagable with the pod so as to open a breakable seal thereof thereby dispensing a substance carried by the pod into the flask.
2. The flask assembly according to claim 1, wherein in a removed condition, the cap and pod carried thereby are removable so as to allow consuming of a drink from the drinking rim of the neck.
3. The flask assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the internal surface of the side wall and the external surface of the cap carry one or more seals.
4. The flask assembly according to claim 3, wherein the one or more seals are provided in the form of a rubber seal arrangement skirting the external surface of the cap proximate the open end thereof.
5. The flask assembly according to claim 4, wherein the rubber seal arrangement includes three spaced apart annular ribs skirting the external surface of the cap proximate the open end thereof.
6. The flask assembly according to claim 1, wherein the cap includes a cap side wall between the open end and a closed end thereof, and wherein the cap is arranged to taper inwardly toward the closed end such that in the fitted condition a gap is provided between the cap and the internal surface of the side wall of the neck proximate the drinking rim.
7. The flask assembly according to claim 1, wherein the cap is dimensioned to extend proud of the drinking rim in the fitted condition.
8. The flask assembly according to claim 1, wherein the cap is arranged to seal with the neck with or without the pod.
9. The flask assembly according to claim 1, wherein the neck includes a base on which the rupturing means is supported, the base providing an end of travel stop against which the cap is abutted in the fitted condition.
10. The flask assembly according to claim 9, wherein in the side wall includes an inward step that provides the internal surface to engage with the external surface of the cap in the fitted condition.
11. The flask assembly according to claim 10, wherein the internal surface of the inward step and the external surface of the cap are angled relative one another so as to splay away from one another in a direction toward the drinking rim in the fitted condition.
12. The flask assembly according to claim 9, wherein the rupturing means extends from the base toward the drinking rim so as to provide piercing apex.
13. The flask assembly according to claim 12, wherein the rupturing means is provided in the form of a pointed cone like structure having one or more apertures therein to allow the substance to communicate with the flask.
14. The flask assembly according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the neck is removable from the flask.
15. The flask assembly according to claim 14, wherein an external surface of the side wall of the neck is arranged to be flush with an external surface of the side wall of the flask in the fitted condition.
16. The flask assembly according to claim 15, wherein the neck and flask are arranged to be sealably threadedly coupled.
17. The flask assembly according to claim 14, wherein the base of the neck includes a threaded socket within the side wall into which a threaded end of the flask is coupled in the fitted condition.
18. The flask assembly according to claim 1, wherein the cap is dimensioned to extend proud of the drinking rim in the fitted condition and includes gripping ribs toward a closed end thereof that are claspable in the fitted condition
19. A method of preparing a drink using a flask assembly and a pod, the method including the steps of:
• Fitting a pod into a cap of the flask assembly with a breakable seal of the pod arranged toward an open end of the cap;
• Fitting the cap and fitted pod to a neck of the flask assembly such that an external surface of the cap proximate the open end thereof sealingly engages with an internal surface of a side wall of the neck, and a rupturing means of the assembly located between the side wall breaks the breakable seal thereby dispensing a substance carried by the pod into the flask thereby being mixable with a fluid carried by the flask to provide the drink; and
• Removing the cap and fitted pod from the neck by clasping the cap toward its closed end such that the fluid is drinkable from a drinking rim of the neck.
PCT/AU2017/051407 2016-12-23 2017-12-18 Flask assembly for preparing a drink and associated method of use WO2018112516A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2016905341A AU2016905341A0 (en) 2016-12-23 Retaining vessel with storage means within for dispensing storage cartridge into main vessel
AU2016905341 2016-12-23
AU2017900932A AU2017900932A0 (en) 2017-03-17 Flask Assembly for Preparing a Drink and Associated Method of Use
AU2017900932 2017-03-17

Publications (1)

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WO2018112516A1 true WO2018112516A1 (en) 2018-06-28

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Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2021021437A1 (en) * 2019-07-31 2021-02-04 Pepsico, Inc. Beverage container and cap
USD960667S1 (en) 2020-06-16 2022-08-16 Bacardi & Company Limited Strainer for cocktail shaker
USD960623S1 (en) 2020-06-16 2022-08-16 Bacardi & Company Limited Cocktail shaker
USD973484S1 (en) 2020-06-16 2022-12-27 Bacardi & Company Limited Beverage-containing pod for cocktail shaker

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080290061A1 (en) * 2004-10-01 2008-11-27 Fritz Seelhofer Capsule Closure
WO2009057940A1 (en) * 2007-10-31 2009-05-07 Ho-Seok Jang Closure of vessel

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080290061A1 (en) * 2004-10-01 2008-11-27 Fritz Seelhofer Capsule Closure
WO2009057940A1 (en) * 2007-10-31 2009-05-07 Ho-Seok Jang Closure of vessel

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2021021437A1 (en) * 2019-07-31 2021-02-04 Pepsico, Inc. Beverage container and cap
US11332287B2 (en) 2019-07-31 2022-05-17 Pepsico, Inc. Beverage container and cap
USD960667S1 (en) 2020-06-16 2022-08-16 Bacardi & Company Limited Strainer for cocktail shaker
USD960623S1 (en) 2020-06-16 2022-08-16 Bacardi & Company Limited Cocktail shaker
USD973484S1 (en) 2020-06-16 2022-12-27 Bacardi & Company Limited Beverage-containing pod for cocktail shaker

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