WO2021055944A1

WO2021055944A1 - Beverage dispensing apparatus and methods for preparing beverages

Info

Publication number: WO2021055944A1
Application number: PCT/US2020/051803
Authority: WO
Inventors: Angus RITTENBURG
Original assignee: Good Design, Inc.
Priority date: 2019-09-20
Filing date: 2020-09-21
Publication date: 2021-03-25

Abstract

A means for adding flavoring and/or ingredients that are not water-soluble into a liquid is disclosed. A means for adding flavoring and/or ingredients that are not completely soluble into a water containing liquid such as a liquid containing alcohol and water (including distilled spirits such as whiskey, rum, gin and vodka as well as ready-to-drink mixtures thereof), is also disclosed. A means for generating a flavored and/or effervescent beverage with non-water-soluble ingredients using a refillable or replaceable cartridge and a refillable or replaceable container, is also disclosed.

Description

BEVERAGE DISPENSING APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR PREPARING

BEVERAGES

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

[0001] The subject matter of the instant invention is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/903,293, filed September 20, 2019, and entitled “BEVERAGE DISPENSING APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR PREPARING BEVERAGES”; the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention is directed to the field of apparatus and methods for preparing and dispensing beverages.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Pre-mixed and canned or bottled beverages must have ingredients that will not separate over time. Ingredients for beverages that are not miscible with water must be converted into emulsions that will not coalesce during the shelf life of the product. A common method for making these emulsions requires ultrasonic mixing of the non-miscible ingredient, surfactant, and water.

[0004] This pre-mixed beverage arrangement has several shortcomings. For example, sonication of ingredients is an added process that can increase the cost of manufacturing. The surfactants used to make such emulsions stable often bring their own flavors that are not desirable and must be masked with product flavoring. The masking flavors cost additional money and require additional steps during processing. In some cases, the masking flavors make it impossible to achieve a desired flavor profile. In addition, the relative quantities of ingredients are at the discretion of the manufacturer, not the customer. [0005] Typical beverage arrangements require a consumer to acquire a container filled with liquid and transport the container to the location the consumer eventually consumes the liquid. The shortcoming to this arrangement is that packaged liquids have considerable density and weight and can take up significant space. For example, to carry enough beverages for a consumer to use throughout the day requires one to wield several cans or bottle. However, the basis of most beverages is water, with a small amount of flavoring added. Water is available in most places already. There is a need in the art for a portable solution that allows one to use the water that is already available at their location and add the flavoring to create their beverage in a convenient manner.

[0006] Typical beverage arrangements are disclosed by United States Patent Numbers 7886899B2 and 9045269B2 and United States Publication Number US2017/0105433 that require: i) housing and cap members to be installed by relative axial movement to move a plug member, ii) a closure device that must be completely assembled prior to usage; and iii) introducing additive liquid by raising the cap member.

[0007] There is a need in the art for a portable solution that overcomes the deficiencies of typical arrangements that allows one to select a desired liquid and add flavoring to create their beverage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The instant invention solves problems associated with conventional apparatus and methods by providing an apparatus that can combine the contents of a pressurized gas cartridge with a liquid. One embodiment of the present invention relates to an apparatus for mixing a fluidizable material with a liquid, the apparatus comprising a pressurized cartridge having a housing containing material to be fluidized and introduced into the liquid; wherein the cartridge and the housing are positioned to force material to be fluidized from the housing into the liquid.

[0009] One embodiment of the invention relates to the foregoing embodiment wherein the fluidizable material comprises an extract.

[0010] One embodiment of the invention relates to any combination of the foregoing embodiments wherein the housing defines an orifice that controls the flow of the extract into the liquid.

[0011] One embodiment of the invention relates to any combination of the foregoing embodiments wherein the apparatus further comprises an adapter for receiving the housing.

[0012] One embodiment of the invention relates to any combination of the foregoing embodiments and further comprising at least one means that adjusts the flow of extract into the liquid.

[0013] One embodiment of the invention relates to any combination of the foregoing embodiments wherein the pressurized cartridge comprises at least one of carbon dioxide and nitrogen.

[0014] One embodiment of the invention relates to any combination of the foregoing embodiments wherein the cartridge and housing are removably connected to the container.

[0015] One embodiment of the invention relates to any combination of the foregoing embodiments and wherein the fluidized material comprises at least one extract.

[0016] One embodiment of the invention relates to any combination of the foregoing embodiments and further comprising at least one means that adjusts the flow of extract into the liquid.

[0017] One embodiment of the invention relates to any combination of the foregoing embodiments wherein the pressurized material comprises at least one of carbon dioxide and nitrogen.

[0018] A further embodiment of the invention relates to a method for dispensing a beverage using any combination of the foregoing apparatus.

[0019] One embodiment of the invention relates to the foregoing method wherein the fluidized material is mixed with the liquid before dispensing the beverage. [0020] One embodiment of the invention relates to combining degassed oils to degassed liquids to create a stable emulsion without surfactants.

[0021] One embodiment of the invention relates to an apparatus for dispensing a liquid comprising a housing and pressurized cartridge that contains a material to be fluidized and introduced into the liquid; wherein the cartridge and the housing are positioned to force the contents from the cartridge into the liquid wherein the housing controls a flow from the pressurized cartridge through the housing and to force the material to be fluidized downwardly into the liquid.

[0022] Another embodiment of the invention relates to any combination of the foregoing apparatus wherein the housing comprises an outer ring that is rotatable relative to the housing wherein rotation of the ring causes the cartridge to be moved vertically relative to the housing.

[0023] Another embodiment of the invention relates to any combination of the foregoing apparatus wherein the housing is dimensioned to sealingly engage an interior surface of a container of the liquid.

[0024] Another embodiment of the invention relates to any combination of the foregoing apparatus wherein the housing defines a spout and passageway through which the liquid can be dispensed from the container upon rotation of the outer ring to an open position.

[0025] Another embodiment of the invention relates to any combination of the foregoing apparatus wherein the outer ring includes a feature that engages a groove defined on a moveable member wherein rotation of the outer ring causes the feature to travel along the groove and move vertically relative to the housing.

[0026] A further embodiment of the invention relates to any combination of the foregoing apparatus wherein the moveable member engages a fixed member and rotation of the ring causes vertical movement of the moveable member to be translated on features defined on the fixed member. [0027] One embodiment of the invention relates to any combination of the foregoing apparatus wherein the moveable member includes fingers for gripping the cartridge and vertically moving the cartridge in response to rotation of the outer ring.

[0028] Another embodiment of the invention relates to any combination of the foregoing apparatus wherein downward movement of the cartridge causes a valve of the cartridge to engage a feature on the fixed member and wherein upon displacement of the valve by the feature enables pressurized fluid to be released from the cartridge.

[0029] One embodiment of the invention relates to a method for dispensing a beverage using any combination of the foregoing apparatus.

[0030] Another embodiment of the invention relates to method for assembling any of the foregoing apparatus comprising an outer ring, a centerpiece, a moveable member and a stationary member, the method comprising aligning a clip defined on the centerpiece within a groove defined in the outer ring thereby locking the outer ring and center piece together, aligning the moveable member upon a post defined on the centerpiece, and inserting the moveable member and centerpiece into the outer ring, aligning the moveable member upon posts defined on the stationary member, wherein the outer ring includes a pin that engages a groove defined on the moveable member and wherein rotation of the outer ring causes the moveable member to be displaced vertically relative to the stationary member.

[0031] The various embodiments of the invention can be used alone or in combinations with each other.

[0032] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the container and cartridge separated.

[0034] FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view of the container with the cartridge in a load/unload position.

[0035] FIG. 3 is an upper perspective view of the container with the cartridge in an open position.

[0036] FIG. 4 is an upper perspective view of the container with the cartridge in a close or lock position.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a cross section of the container with the cartridge taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 2.

[0038] FIG. 6 is a cross section of the container with the cartridge taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 3.

[0039] FIG. 7 is a cross section of the container with the cartridge taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 3.

[0040] FIG. 8 is a cross section of the container with the cartridge taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 4.

[0041] FIG. 9 is a side exploded view of a lid assembly and a cartridge.

[0042] FIG. 10 is a front view of the exploded view of the lid assembly and the cartridge of FIG. 9.

[0043] FIG. 11 A is a plan view of the lid assembly and the cartridge in a load/unload position.

[0044] FIG. 1 IB is a front view of the lid assembly and the cartridge of FIG. 11A.

[0045] FIG. llC is a cross section of a plan view of the lid assembly and the cartridge taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 11 A.

[0046] FIG. 12A is a plan view of the lid assembly and the cartridge in a load/unload position. [0047] FIG. 12B is a front view of the lid assembly and the cartridge of FIG. 12A. [0048] FIG. 12C is a cross section of a plan view of the lid assembly and the cartridge taken along line 12-112of FIG. 12A.

[0049] FIG. 13 is a cross section of the lid assembly and the cartridge taken along the line 13-13 of FIG. 11 A.

[0050] FIG. 14A is a cross section of the lid assembly and the cartridge taken along the line 14- 14 of FIG. 12A.

[0051] FIG. 15 is an exploded view of a portion of the lid assembly.

[0052] FIG. 16A is an exploded view of the entire lid assembly.

[0053] FIG. 16B is the exploded view of the entire lid assembly of FIG. 16A reoriented after rotation about two different axes. FIG. 17 is an enlarged partial view of a portion of the lid assembly for constraining the cartridge.

[0054] Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to represent the same parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0055] This invention provides a means for adding flavoring and/or ingredients that are not water-soluble into a liquid. The invention also provides a means for adding flavoring and/or ingredients that are not completely soluble into a water containing liquid such as a liquid containing alcohol and water (including distilled spirits such as whiskey, rum, gin and vodka as well as ready-to-drink mixtures thereof). In addition, this invention provides a means for adding flavoring to water to make a flavored beverage. In this way, a consumer can carry portable cartridges and a refillable container and use water from the location of consumption instead of carrying burdensome prepacked beverages with them. This invention is novel in that it provides a means for generating a flavored beverage with non-water-soluble ingredients using a refillable or replaceable cartridge and a refillable or replaceable container. Unlike existing apparatus, the entire device is portable and can be refilled anywhere. The device includes a housing, a dispensing system, a liquid to be prepared, and a cartridge containing gas, flavor, and other ingredients (which can be soluble and non-water-soluble). The cartridge can be made to comply with the filling requirements of 49 CFR 173.304 (2016) as well as the shipment requirements of 49 CFR 173.301 (2002); hereby incorporated by reference.

[0056] It is to be understood the term “liquid” can include non-liquid constituents or elements such as fruit or other objects that may change the temperature of the liquid or provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance, as well non-liquid elements that may become liquid, such as ice cubes.

[0057] Plant extracts are one example of non-water-soluble ingredients that are often mixed into beverages. Extracts will be referred to throughout this disclosure. It is to be understood that extract can include, without limitation, any botanical or other plant-based ingredient that is to be mixed into a liquid.

[0058] This invention also provides a means for mixing the contents or materials to be fluidized of the cartridge with the beverage. The flavors and extracts stored in the gas cartridge can be injected into the beverage by opening a valve in the cartridge, causing the pressurized gas to push or urge a flow of the contents into the liquid in a high velocity stream which encourages mixing. In this way, a user can simply fill the bottle with water and add flavor and extract by inserting a cartridge. While any suitable cartridge can be employed, one example of a suitable cartridge is disclosed in the previously identified and related patent application entitled “CARTRIDGE FOR DISPENSING PRODUCTS AND METHODS FOR THEIR MANUFACTURE”.

[0059] The invention further provides a method for adding flavor and extracts to a beverage and a method for dispensing the foregoing into liquid in the bottle without creating effervescence. This can be achieved by using a gas that does not dissolve in the liquid. While any suitable gas can be employed, in one example, nitrogen could be used for delivering the flavor/extracts to a water-based beverage. The liquid will not be made as effervescent because the gas is not as soluble in the liquid. In this case, the gas is useful for pushing the flavor and extracts from a pressurized cartridge into the beverages in a turbulent manner favorable for homogeneous mixing. The gas also adds pressure which can be used to force the liquid out of the bottle for dispensing.

[0060] The invention further provides a method for emptying a gas cartridge with any phase of gas as well as flavor and extracts into a liquid. As one example, the gas cartridge could be filled with a combination of liquified CO2, fruit flavor, and CBD oil extracts and emptied into a water solution to create a fruit flavored CBD beverage. In a particular application, 3 grams of hemp extract could be put in a cartridge containing 2 ml of CO2 gas at 100 psi. The cartridge could be used to add hemp extract to 1 liter of beverage liquid using the inventive apparatus. The inventive apparatus could then be used to dispense a hemp-infused beverage.

[0061] The invention further provides a means for masking unfavorable flavors using gasses that change the nature of the liquid. As one example, Nitrogen is known to change the “mouthfeel” of beverages in a way that can change the way that flavors are perceived.

[0062] The invention also provides a means for putting an inventive dispenser and cartridge into existing bottles by way of either a direct connection or an adapter or a coupler including via snap-fit and threaded connections (e.g., the dispenser is removably connected to the existing bottle and can be reused with another bottle). As just one example, an inventive dispenser and cartridge could be used to add flavor and extracts to liquid by installing it on a common 2 liter soda bottle. The dispenser could have standard bottle threads such as PCO1810 or PC01881; hereby incorporated by reference.

[0063] The invention also provides a means to keep degassed ingredients in a cartridge and degassed liquid in a separate container. The cartridge could combine the degassed ingredients and the degassed liquid at the time of consumption. An advantage to this method is that ingredients that are not miscible in the liquid (such as essential oils) could be mixed (generally homogenously) in the liquid and remain stable for several hours. Without such an invention, one would have to create an emulsification using surfactants to create a stable oil in liquid emulsion. Surfactants are not desired because they negatively affect flavor and bioavailability. As one example, degassed oil could be injected into degassed water to create a mixture containing, for example, approximately 100 micron oil droplets for more than 3 hours.

[0064] Referring now to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the invention wherein a cartridge (1) contains a gas and flavors and extracts and can be inserted into an opening defined in a cap or lid (e.g., the slot (4) in lid (2) of a container (3)). The opening can be of any suitable configuration and has dimensions that are larger than the exterior dimensions of the cartridge in order to receive the cartridge upon insertion into the opening. The lid (2) can be removed in order to introduce a desired liquid into container (3) and then replaced so that the cartridge can be operated by lid (2).

[0065] In FIG. 1, the cartridge (1) is shown prior to being inserted into the lid (2). In FIG. 2, the cartridge has been inserted into the slot (4) in lid (2). The cartridge (1) and lid (2) are oriented such that the cartridge (1) removably engages the lid. The mechanism by which the cartridge is fully constrained is described by FIGS. 5-8.

[0066] In one embodiment of the invention, the periphery of lid (2) has a knurled or patterned surface that permits a user to more easily grip and operate the inventive lid mechanism.

[0067] The container (3) can comprise any suitable configuration so long as the lid can engage and form a fluid tight seal with the container. The container can be dual walled, insulated, transparent, among other suitable configurations and fabricated from conventional materials.

[0068] Referring now to FIGS. 2-4, FIGS. 2-4 illustrate an embodiment of the invention wherein the lid (2) can be rotated to load and unload the cartridge (1) and open and close the spout (5). In one embodiment, spout (5) is an orifice that is generally flush with lid (2).

[0069] Referring now to FIG. 2, the lid (2) is rotated relative to the container (3) such that an indicator or position indicator (6) is aligned with a “load/unload” symbol (7). It is to be understood that the symbol (7) could be any such illustration or indicia that suitably describes the nature of this “load/unload” position (47). In this load/unload position (47), the cartridge (1) is in an elevated position at least partially extending outwardly from slot (4) which enables one to manually remove and replace the cartridge (1). In addition, a spout (5) is sealed so liquid from within the container cannot flow out.

[0070] In FIG. 3, the lid (2) is rotated such that position indicator (6) is aligned with a “open spout” symbol (8). It is to be understood that the symbol (8) could be any such illustration or indicia that suitably describes the nature of this “open spout” position (48). In this open spout position (48), the cartridge (1) is in a lowered position such as being fully inserted in slot (4) and fully constrained such that one cannot remove the cartridge (1) from slot (4). In addition, spout (5) is opened such that the inside of the container (3) is in fluid communication with the outside environment via the spout (5), thereby enabling a user to dispense liquid from the container (3). If desired, liquid can also be dispensed from the container (3), in the absence of a cartridge (1), by moving the lid (2) to the open spout position(48).

[0071] In FIG. 4, the lid (2) is rotated such that position indicator (6) is aligned with a “lock” symbol (9). It is to be understood that the symbol (9) could be any such illustration or indicia that suitably describes the nature of this “locked” or “lock” position (49), similar to the open spout position (48) (FIG. 3). In this position, the cartridge (1) is in a lowered position and fully constrained such that one cannot remove the cartridge (1) from slot (4). In addition, spout (5) is sealed so liquid from within the container cannot flow out. That is, in lock position (49), the inside of container (3) is not in fluid communication with the outside environment via spout (5). The locked position (49) will seal liquid within the container (3) even though a cartridge (1) is not engaged within slot (4).

[0072] Referring now to FIGS. 5-6, FIGS. 5-6 illustrate an embodiment of the invention wherein the cartridge (1) is filled with a composition to be added to a liquid within the container (3) (e.g., flavor and extracts (11), propellant (10)). The container (3) is filled with a liquid (14) and lid (2) engages the container. The lid (2) is comprised of an outer ring (23) and a stationary or fixed body member (17). The outer ring (23) is free to rotate, relative to the container (3), while the fixed body member (17) does not rotate relative to the container (3), as a result of being constrained by friction from a compressed seal member (50). The fixed body member (17) can be maintained in a stationary position relative to the container (3) by any means including, but not limited to, friction, threads, snaps, or any other suitable connection means.

[0073] The terms “stationary member”, “stationary body”, “stationary body member”, “fixed member”, “fixed body”, “fixed body member”, and the like may be used interchangeably.

[0074] Referring now specifically to FIG. 5, the outer ring (23) is rotated such that the position indicator (6) is aligned with the “load/unload” symbol (7). In this load/unload position (47), the cartridge (1) is positioned in an elevated position and the contents (flavor and extracts (11) and propellant (10)) are sealed within the cartridge (1). The container (3) is filled with a liquid (14). A space (12) may or may not be filled with gas or air from the environment.

[0075] Referring now specifically to FIG. 6, the outer ring (23) is rotated such that the position indicator (6) is aligned with the “open” symbol (8). In the process of rotating the outer ring (23) to the open position (48), the cartridge (1) is moved downward relative to lid (2) until a valve member (15) within cartridge (1) is displaced by or is urged to open by a raised feature (16) on fixed body member (17) of the lid (2). The cartridge (1) simultaneously becomes fully constrained by a mechanism described below in FIGS. 9-14. When the valve member (15) is displaced sufficiently, the valve member (15) opens and the flavor and extracts (11) from the cartridge (1) are pushed out of the cartridge (1) by the propellant (10). The flavor and extracts (11) from the cartridge (1) contact the liquid (14) (e.g., flavor/extracts (11) are sprayed (20) onto the liquid (14) and become dispersed (19) within the liquid (14)). The stream or spray (20) of flavor and extracts that contacts the liquid (18) has a relatively high velocity and creates enough disturbance so as to become dispersed (19) when contacting the liquid (14) to create mixing. A spout (5) (FIG. 7) provides a fluid flow path out of the container (3) enabling one to consume the liquid (14). The mechanism by which the spout (5) is opened and closed is further described below in FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0076] Referring now to FIGS. 7-8, FIGS. 7-8 illustrate an embodiment wherein a spout (5) can be opened and closed by rotating an outer ring member (23) of lid (2). The outer ring member (23) rotates relative to the fixed body member (17) of lid (2). In FIG. 7, the outer ring (23) is rotated such that a position indicator (6) is aligned with a “open spout” symbol (8) or open spout position (48). In this open spout position (48), there is continuous fluid communication between the inside (12) of the container (3) and the spout (5) via port (21). In FIG. 8, the outer ring (23) is rotated such that a position indicator (6) is aligned with a “lock” symbol (9) or lock position (49). In the lock position (49), the port (21) is blocked by the outer ring member (23) and a hermetic seal is provided by the seal member (22). That is, when in the locked position (49), seal (22) prevents any fluid from flowing between the port (21) and the spout (5).

[0077] Referring now to FIGS. 9-10, FIGS. 9-10 illustrate respective exploded side views of the lid (2) or lid assembly with the outer ring (23) removed. A moveable body or member (24) is operatively associated with the fixed body member (17) by aligning posts (25) with two openings (FIG. 11A) in the moveable member (24). In this way, the moveable member (24) is free to translate up and down along posts (25) but cannot rotate about any axis. The flexible fingers (26) on body (24) are used to constrain the cartridge (1) by interlocking with features (29) on cartridge (1). The features (29) can have any suitable chamfer, rib, or protuberance that enables feature (26) to displace cartridge (1) in a manner to be activated by feature (16) (described below).

[0078] Referring now to FIGS. 11 A, 11B, 11C through 12A, 12B, 12C. FIGS. 11 A, 11B, 11C through 12A, 12B, 12C illustrate how the cartridge (1) moves up and down with the moveable member (24). The moveable member (24) moves up and down along the guideposts (25). The fingers (26) are flexible inwardly and outwardly relative to the outer perimeter of moveable member (24) and cradle the cartridge (1) and guide the cartridge downward towards feature 16. FIGS. 11A, 1 IB, 11C show the cartridge (1) and moveable member (24) in the elevated position while FIGS. 12A, 12B, 12C show the cartridge (1) and moveable member (24) in the lowered position such as associated with open spout position (48).

[0079] Referring now to FIGS. 13 throughMA and 14B, FIGS. 13 throughHA and 14B illustrate how the fingers (26) fully constrain the cartridge (1) when the moveable member (24) is in the lower position. The fingers (26) are flexible and able to pivot about an axis at point (27) or the base of fingers (26). When the moveable member (24) is in the upper or elevated position or load/unload position (47), the cartridge (1) is supported on its lower surface (31) by a surface (32) on the finger (26). The flexible fingers (26) are naturally or uncompressed in the position shown in FIG. 13, and are forced inward toward each other as the moveable member (24) moves down and the fingers (26) contact the angle face (30) on the fixed body member (17). As the moveable member (24) moves down, the flexible fingers (26) clamp the cartridge (1) and fully constrain the cartridge. As shown in FIGS. 14A, 14B, as the moveable member (24) moves downward and the constrained cartridge valve (15) begins to engage the feature (16). The point of contact between the cartridge (1) and fingers (26) is the stepped feature (28) on the finger (26) and the stepped feature (29) on the cartridge (1). When the moveable member (24) is in the fully lowered position, the fingers (26) and sloped features (30) are coincident (33) which clamps and fully constrains the cartridge (1). A downward force is applied to cartridge (1) and in turn to valve (15) that is sufficient to cause feature (16) to displace or urge the valve (15) into the interior of cartridge (1), thereby releasing the contents of cartridge (1) into container (3).

[0080] Referring now to FIG. 15, FIG. 15 illustrates the manner in which the outer ring (23) forces the moveable member (24) to move up and down. An open channel or a groove (35) is defined upon an exterior surface of moveable member (24) and acts as a pathway or track around the exterior surface of movable member (24). The moveable member (24) is assembled into the outer ring (23) such that the pin (34) rides inside and along the groove (35). As the outer ring (23) and therefore pin (34) rotate relative to the moveable member (24), the pin (34) imparts a force on the moveable member (24) causing moveable member (24) to move up or down upon posts (25), depending on the profile of the groove (35) and rotational direction of the moveable member (24).

[0081] Referring now to FIG. 16, FIG. 16 illustrates how the lid (2) or lid assembly is assembled. First a centerpiece (38) is installed into the outer ring (23) by aligning clip features (39) with a groove or groove feature (37) in the outer ring (23) such that the clip features (39) and groove feature (37) are interconnected or engaged. The centerpiece (38) becomes “locked in” when the centerpiece (38) is rotated relative to the outer ring (23) such that the centerpiece (38) and outer ring (23) are constrained to move in unison in a direction perpendicular to a plane coincident with groove feature (37). Next, the moveable member or body (24) is assembled to centerpiece (38) (and therefore also to outer ring (23)) by first aligning the holes (42) formed in moveable member (24) with the centerpiece posts (40) and inserting the centerpiece posts (40) into the outer ring (23). The pin (34) in outer ring (23) must be aligned properly with the moveable member (24) during this insertion. The dotted circles (60 and 61) show two positions of the pin (34). In a first position (60), the pin (34) is aligned such that the moveable member (24) can be inserted vertically into the outer ring (23). Next, the moveable member (24) is rotated relative to the outer ring (23) such that the pin (34) enters and engages and translates the helically winding groove (35) as shown by a second position (61). As a result, when pin (34) is in the second position (61), the moveable member (24) can only move in a direction parallel to post (40) of centerpiece (38) in a manner determined by the profile of the groove (35). Next, the fixed body member (17) is aligned such that the posts (25) in the fixed body member (17) align with the holes (41) in the moveable member (24). The clips (36) on the outer ring (23) are aligned with the key feature (46) on the fixed body member (44). The entire lid (2) assembly is locked together when the outer ring (23) is rotated relative to the fixed body member (17). Finally, an outer seal (45) is pressed onto a groove (44) on the fixed body member (17).

[0082] As a result, in response to outer ring (23) being urged to rotate about an axis parallel to pin (25) of fixed body member (17), outer ring (23) and centerpiece (38) are constrained from translational movement parallel to pin (25), and centerpiece (38) is also constrained from rotational movement, permitting relative rotational movement between outer ring (23) and centerpiece (38). Moveable member (24) and cartridge (1) are constrained to non-rotatably move in a direction parallel to pin (25) of fixed body member (17).

[0083] Referring now to FIG. 17, FIG. 17 illustrates an alternate method for the fingers (26) to constrain and apply a force sufficient to move the cartridge (1). Sharp, rigid protrusions (71) are added to the fingers (26) such that they grab the cartridge (1).

[0084] While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1) An apparatus for mixing a fluidizable material with a liquid, the apparatus comprising a housing and a pressurized cartridge containing material to be fluidized and introduced into the liquid; wherein the cartridge and the housing are positioned to force the material to be fluidized from the cartridge into the liquid.

2) The apparatus of Claim 1 wherein the fluidizable material comprises an extract.

3) The apparatus of Claim 2 wherein the housing defines an orifice that controls the flow of the extract into the liquid.

4) An apparatus for mixing a fluidizable material with a liquid, the apparatus comprising a housing and a pressurized cartridge containing material to be fluidized and introduced into the liquid; wherein the cartridge and the housing are positioned to force the material to be fluidized from the cartridge into the liquid upon rotation of an outer ring relative to the housing.

5) An apparatus for dispensing a liquid comprising a housing and a pressurized cartridge containing a material to be fluidized and introduced into the liquid; wherein the pressurized cartridge and the housing are positioned to force the material to be fluidized from the cartridge into the liquid; wherein the housing controls a flow of the material to be fluidized from the pressurized cartridge through the housing and to force the fluidized material downwardly into the liquid.

6) The apparatus of Claim 5 wherein the fluidized material comprises at least one extract. 7) The apparatus of Claim 5 wherein the pressurized material comprises at least one of carbon dioxide and nitrogen.

8) The apparatus of Claim 5 wherein the housing comprises an outer ring that is rotatable relative to the housing, wherein rotation of the ring causes the cartridge to be moved vertically relative to the housing.

9) The apparatus of Claim 8 wherein the housing is sized to sealingly engage an interior surface of a container of the liquid.

10) The apparatus of Claim 9 wherein the housing defines a spout and passageway through which the liquid can be dispensed from the container upon rotation of the outer ring to an open position.

11) The apparatus of Claim 8 wherein the outer ring includes a feature that engages a groove defined on a moveable member, wherein rotation of the outer ring causes the feature to travel along the groove and move vertically relative to the housing.

12) The apparatus of Claim 11 wherein the moveable member engages a fixed member and rotation of the ring causes vertical movement of the moveable member to be translated on features defined on the fixed member.

13) The apparatus of Claim 12 wherein the moveable member includes fingers for gripping the cartridge and vertically moving the cartridge in response to rotation of the outer ring.

14) The apparatus of Claim 13 wherein downward movement of the cartridge causes a valve of the cartridge to engage a feature on the fixed member and wherein upon displacement of the valve by the feature enables pressurized fluid to be released from the cartridge. 15) A method for dispensing a beverage using the apparatus of any of Claims 1-14.

16) A method for assembling a dispenser comprising an outer ring, centerpiece, a moveable member and a stationary member, the method comprising aligning a clip defined on the centerpiece within a groove defined in the outer ring thereby locking the outer ring and centerpiece together, aligning the moveable member upon a post defined on the centerpiece, and inserting the moveable member and centerpiece into the outer ring, aligning the moveable member upon posts defined on the stationary member, wherein the outer ring includes a pin that engages a groove defined on the moveable member and wherein rotation of the outer ring causes the moveable member to be displaced vertically relative to the stationary member.