Bottle closure containing beverage concentrate

Abstract

The present invention relates to controlled flow re-sealable bottle closures containing a beverage concentrate for use in mixing flavored water-based beverages at or near the point of consumption by activation of a mixing mechanism allowing the contents of the bottle to co-mingle with the beverage concentrate.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 418,931, filed Apr. 18, 2003, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to re-sealable bottle closures for use with bottled beverages. In particular, the present invention relates to re-sealable beverage bottle closures that contain at least one beverage concentrate for use by consumers in mixing with the contents of the bottle. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] The popularity of bottled drinking water as an alternative to tap water has been growing in recent years. In fact, bottled water, which includes spring water, distilled water, purified water, mineral water, and others, can be found in nearly every country in the world today. Although water itself is a popular beverage, many consumers prefer flavored water-based beverages, such as those sold under the popular trademarks KOOL-AID® and GATORADE®. Indeed, some flav...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide consumers with an easy-to use apparatus for mixing flavored water-based beverages on demand, at or near the point of consumption.

[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for mixing flavored water-based beverages at or near the point of consumption that is contained within the beverage container, and does not require the consumer to come into contact with the beverage contents or beverage concentrate during mixing.

[0011] It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for mixing flavored water-based beverages at or near the point of consumption that contains dispensing features that allow controlled flow of the mixed beverage.

[0012] It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for mixing flavored water-based beverages at or near the point of consumption that is lightweight and of compact design, allowing the user to carry numerous such items without significant burden.

[0013] It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for mixing flavored water-based beverages at or near the point of consumption that contains all of the above advantages, and which is simple to manufacture.

[0016] The bottle closures of the present invention further include features to allow consumers of a beverage to both re-seal the beverage bottle and to control the flow of the beverage from the bottle. In this regard, the bottle closures of the present invention include a cap-and-stem assembly that allows the closure to be repeatedly opened and re-sealed by a consumer. The cap-and-stem assembly also serves as a valve to allow the consumer to control the amount of flow of liquid for consumption from the beverage container by adjustment of the cap relative to the stem.

Problems solved by technology

One problem encountered by flavored beverage consumers has been the availability of their favorite beverage at or near the desired point of consumption.

For example, the choice of available flavored beverages from vendors is often limited when visiting popular tourist attractions.

The obvious problem with this approach is that it can often be cumbersome, or burdensome to carry one or more containers of liquid.

For example, it may be difficult for a mother or father to carry multiple beverage containers to a remote point of consumption for a family having different beverage preferences.

As before, one problem with this approach is that it can often be cumbersome, or burdensome to carry one or more large containers of drink mix.

Another problem with this approach is that it is difficult to measure and mix such drink mixes at the point of consumption using water sold in bottles.

Mixing within the water bottle itself is often impractical due to the need to accurately measure and deposit the drink mix through the relatively narrow neck of the water bottle.

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