Liquid dispensing equipment

Abstract

The present invention discloses a liquid dispensing device, which may include a first container, which contains a first liquid. The first container may have an opening in the end of the first container. The liquid dispensing device may also include a second container, which is adjacent to the first container. The second container may contain a second liquid, and the second container may have an opening in the end of the second container. The opening in the end of the first container may be close to the opening in the end of the second container. The first container and the second container may separate the first liquid from the second liquid. One of the first liquid and the second liquid may contain a tastant that is substantially absent from the other liquid or is present in relatively different amounts. The arrangement of the first container and the second container and / or the arrangement of the opening in the end of the first container and the opening in the end of the second container may be such that when the first liquid and the second liquid are poured out of the device, the first liquid flows through the opening in the end of the first container and the second liquid flows through the opening in the end of the second container, so that the first liquid begins to leave the opening in the end of the first container before the second liquid begins to leave the opening in the end of the second container.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present teachings relate to liquid dispensing apparatus and particularly, but not exclusively, to liquid dispensing apparatus for dispensing different liquids. Background Art

[0002] There is interest in being able to enhance the taste of tastants such as sugar (sucrose) and salt (sodium chloride) in order to provide an equivalent taste impression in food and beverages but with lower added amounts. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends reducing the intake of salt and sugar in developed countries to 2 g sodium and 50 g sugar per person per day.

[0003] Examples of devices capable of containing and dispensing more than one liquid are found in GB432400A, EP3033297A1, US2016114942A, EP1628885A1, CN2658077Y, EP2653405A1, CN202717089U and US2007075079A. Summary of the invention

[0004] Particular aspects and embodiments are set out in the accompanying claims.

[0005] Viewed from a first aspect, the present teachings may provide an apparatus for containing and dispensing a liquid that enhances the taste of tastants such as salt and sugar.

[0006] In a particular method, a liquid dispensing device may be provided. The liquid dispensing device includes a first container that contains a first liquid. The first container has an opening in an end of the first container. The liquid dispensing device also includes a second container that is adjacent to the first container. The second container contains a second liquid, and the second container has an opening in an end of the second container. The opening in the end of the first container is adjacent to the opening in the end of the second container. The first container and the second container separate the first liquid from the second liquid. One of the first liquid and the second liquid contains a tastant that is substantially absent from the other liquid or is present in relatively different amounts. The arrangement of the first container and the second container and / or the arrangement of the opening in the end of the first container and the opening in the end of the second container is such that when the first liquid and the second liquid are poured from the device, the first liquid flows through the opening in the end of the first container and the second liquid flows through the opening in the end of the second container, so that the first liquid begins to leave the opening in the end of the first container before the second liquid begins to leave the opening in the end of the second container. For example, a tastant that is "substantially absent" from a liquid may be present in a concentration below a threshold for perceiving the tastant. The perception threshold varies depending on the tastant; for high-intensity sweeteners, it is in very small amounts. For example, a tastant that is “essentially absent” from a liquid can be detected at levels below the EC 50The concentration of 10% of the value of EC 50 The value is the concentration at which the tastant gives half of the maximum response. In the case where the tastant is sucrose, "substantially absent" can be considered to be a concentration below 10 mM. In the context of the present invention, two liquids containing "relatively different" amounts of tastants can refer to two liquids whose tastant concentrations differ by at least 5%, such as at least 10%, such as at least 20%, such as at least 30%, such as at least 40%, and also such as at least 50%. In the context of the present invention, the term "adjacent" includes side by side, but is not limited thereto.

[0007] In another specific method, a liquid dispensing device can be provided. The liquid dispensing device includes a first container, which contains a first liquid. The first container has an opening in the end of the first container. The liquid dispensing device also includes a second container, which is adjacent to the first container. The second container contains a second liquid, and the second container has an opening in the end of the second container. The opening in the end of the first container is close to the opening in the end of the second container. The curved sidewall of the first container also forms a curved sidewall of the second container, and the curved sidewall separates the first liquid from the second liquid. One of the first liquid and the second liquid contains a tastant that is substantially absent from the other liquid or is present in a relatively different amount. The curved sidewall blocks the second liquid from flowing out of the second container, so that when the first liquid and the second liquid are poured out of the device, the first liquid flows through the opening in the end of the first container, and the second liquid flows through the opening in the end of the second container, so that when the second liquid begins to leave the opening in the end of the second container, the first liquid begins to leave the opening in the end of the first container.

[0008] In another specific method, a liquid dispensing device can be provided. The liquid dispensing device includes a first container that holds a first liquid. The first container has an opening in an end of the first container. The liquid dispensing device also includes a second container that is adjacent to the first container. The second container holds a second liquid, and the second container has an opening in an end of the second container. The opening in the end of the first container is adjacent to the opening in the end of the second container. The first container and the second container separate the first liquid from the second liquid. One of the first liquid and the second liquid contains a tastant that is substantially absent from the other liquid or is present in a relatively different amount. The opening in the end of the first container includes a first valve, and the opening in the end of the second container includes a second valve, and the first valve and the second valve are configured so that when the first liquid and the second liquid are poured from the device, the first liquid flows through the first valve, and the second liquid flows through the second valve, so that the first liquid begins to leave the first valve before the second liquid begins to leave the second valve.

[0009] In another specific method, a liquid dispensing device can be provided. The liquid dispensing device includes a first container, which contains a first liquid. The first container has an opening in the end of the first container. The liquid dispensing device also includes a second container. The second container includes a tube and a fluid retaining element. The fluid retaining element contains a second liquid. The tube has an opening at the first end of the tube, and the second end of the tube is within the fluid retaining element. The tube passes through the first container. The opening in the end of the first container is close to the opening at the first end of the tube of the second container. The first container and the second container separate the first liquid from the second liquid. One of the first liquid and the second liquid contains a tastant that is substantially absent from the other liquid or is present in a relatively different amount. The arrangement of the first container and the tube of the second container is such that when the first liquid and the second liquid are poured from the device, the first liquid flows through the opening in the end of the first container and the second liquid flows through the opening at the first end of the tube of the second container, so that the first liquid begins to leave the opening in the end of the first container before the second liquid begins to leave the opening at the first end of the tube of the second container.

[0010] Thus, a liquid dispensing device is provided which can be used to sequentially dispense a first liquid and a second liquid having different tastant concentrations for consumption by a user in a manner that the user perceives as a single continuous sip from the device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Various exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings:

[0012] Figure 1 is a graph of sweetness intensity versus sugar content in a single sip using unevenly distributed sucrose to enhance sweetness.

[0013] Figure 2 is a graph of the bitterness intensity of different samples of caffeine distributed in a single sip.

[0014] Figure 3 is a graph of sweetness intensity versus number of sips for sweetness enhancement using unevenly distributed sucrose in a multiple sip container.

[0015] Figure 4A-4B is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary liquid dispensing apparatus.

[0016] Figure 5A-Figure 5B yes Figure 4A-4B A series of schematic cross-sectional views of an exemplary liquid dispensing apparatus in use are shown in FIG.

[0017] Figure 6 yes Figure 4A-4B An exploded cross-sectional view of an exemplary liquid dispensing apparatus is shown in FIG.

[0018] Figure 7A-7B is a schematic cross-sectional view of another exemplary liquid dispensing apparatus.

[0019] Figure 8A-8B yes Figure 7A-7B A perspective view of a cover of a liquid dispensing device is shown in FIG.

[0020] Figure 9A-9B is a schematic cross-sectional view of another exemplary liquid dispensing apparatus.

[0021] Figure 10A-10C yes Figure 9A-9B A series of schematic cross-sectional views of a first container of a liquid dispensing apparatus in use are shown.

[0022] Fig.11 yes Figure 9A-9B An exploded cross-sectional view of an exemplary liquid dispensing apparatus is shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The present disclosure relates to a liquid dispensing device, which is configured to hold and distribute a plurality of liquids with different taste enhancer properties to distribute liquids to users such as consumers. The liquids can form a beverage together for the user to drink (i.e., drinkable). Therefore, the liquid can be considered as the first part and the second part of the beverage. The beverage formed by the liquid can be any beverage, such as a beverage that is usually drunk when hot, such as tea, coffee, hot chocolate or soup, or a beverage that is usually drunk when cold, such as ice tea, juice, drinkable yogurt or milk. The beverage can be a non-carbonated beverage. One or both of the liquids can include nutritional health liquids and / or medicinal liquids. The beverage can be a non-alcoholic beverage. Each beverage can contain less than 150 food calories, for example, less than 150 food calories per 33cL. Each beverage can contain less than 100 food calories, for example, less than 100 food calories per 33cL. Each beverage can contain less than 40 food calories, for example, less than 40 food calories per 33cL.

[0024] Different tastant properties, such as between a first liquid and a second liquid, can be provided by one or both of the liquids containing a certain amount or relatively different amounts of a tastant. Tastants can be sweet, salty, bitter, umami, sour or flavorful. Tastants can contain more than one component, for example, a salty tastant can be composed of potassium chloride and ammonium chloride. The ratio of the concentration of the tastant in the first liquid to the total concentration of the tastant in the beverage can be between 3:1 and 1.1:1. For example, the first liquid may contain a tastant that is not present in the second liquid, is present in the second liquid in a smaller amount, or is present in the second liquid in a relatively different amount, which may be applicable to tastants that users generally consider to be positive, while the first liquid may be free of tastants that users generally consider to be negative, or have a reduced amount of the tastant.

[0025] A portion of the first liquid and the second liquid can be drunk together, allowing a single sip of the mixed beverage to contain both liquids simultaneously. Thus, the total volume of the first liquid and the second liquid dispensed from the liquid dispensing device in one dispensing action can be less than or equal to the natural sip volume. The natural sip volume of a user may vary depending on factors such as gender, age, reservoir size, cup vs. straw sipping, and sequence effects, but can be considered to be around 30 ml (see, e.g., Dysphagia. 2003 Summer; 18(3): 196-202). As further discussed below, various examples of the present method provide that the liquid dispensing device can dispense liquid in such a manner that a single use of the liquid dispensing device dispenses some of the first liquid and the second liquid so that the user drinks a portion of the beverage volume as a single sip.

[0026] To facilitate differential delivery of a first liquid and a second liquid having different tastant contents, the liquid dispensing device is configured to provide that the first liquid is dispensed substantially before the second liquid. As discussed further below, there may be an overlap between the end of dispensing of the first liquid and the beginning of dispensing of the second liquid. By performing the liquid dispensing device in this manner, the liquid dispensing device is provided to be able to provide a beverage or other liquid to a user according to the following taste principles. When a liquid containing a tastant contacts the tongue before a liquid not containing a tastant, the overall taste impression is greatly affected by the concentration of the tastant in the first liquid that contacts the tongue.

[0027] The following three examples provide experimental data related to the sensory perception of sweetness and bitterness in single sips and multiple sips.

[0028] Example 1: Enhancing sweetness using unevenly distributed sucrose in a single sip .

[0029] The sweetness of the different samples was captured by quantitative descriptive analysis using a trained panel (n=12) using packaging such as a liquid dispensing device, as described herein. A basic typical milk chocolate product was used in this example.

[0030] The homogeneous sample contains semi-skimmed milk, yg of sucrose per liter and 40g (4%) of cocoa powder per liter, and both chambers of the package (which may be referred to or considered as the first container and the second container) are filled with this liquid composition. The non-homogeneous sample contains semi-skimmed milk in the outer chamber of the package, 2 times yg of sucrose per liter and 40g (4%) of cocoa powder per liter, and contains semi-skimmed milk in the inner chamber of the package, 0g (0%) of sucrose per liter and 40g (4%) of cocoa powder per liter. Overall, like the homogeneous sample, the non-homogeneous sample contains semi-skimmed milk, yg (10%) of sucrose per liter and 40g (4%) of cocoa powder per liter.

[0031] Y was varied from 50 g / L to 20 g / L in 5 g / L increments, resulting in seven non-homogeneous samples and seven homogeneous samples, all of which were described as sweet by a trained sensory panel. For all Y sucrose levels between 50 g / L and 30 g / L, the non-homogeneous samples were perceived as more intense than the homogeneous samples of the same concentration. Figure 1 , where two samples that are statistically different do not share the same letter. The statistical significance of the differences is shown in Figure 2 by showing error bars representing Fisher's least significant difference (LSD) post hoc multiple comparison analysis. Figure 1 The error bars are calculated for each factor with a single error rate of 0.05 (equivalent to 95% confidence level) (CI).

[0032] This sweetness enhancement can also be used to reduce the sucrose content without changing the perceived sweetness, because for example a non-homogeneous sample (Y=35 g / liter=3.5%) is perceived as being as sweet as a homogeneous sample (Y=50 g / liter=5%), which is equivalent to a 30% reduction in sucrose.

[0033] Example 2: Masking bitterness using uneven distribution of caffeine in a single sip .

[0034] The packaging was used to capture the bitterness of the different samples by quantitative descriptive analysis using a trained panel (n=12).A basic typical milk chocolate product was used in this example.

[0035] The sample contained semi-skimmed milk, 50 g / litre sucrose (5%), 40 g / litre cocoa powder (4%), and any of the following:

[0036] 0 g of caffeine per liter in both chambers (reference sample);

[0037] 0.4g of caffeine per liter in both chambers (uniformly bitter);

[0038] · The outer chamber contains 0.8g of caffeine per liter (the outer chamber has an uneven bitter taste);

[0039] The inner chamber contains 0.8g of caffeine per liter (the inner chamber has an uneven bitter taste).

[0040] Figure 2 The results in show that the samples are ranked in the following order in terms of bitterness intensity: reference = inner chamber uneven bitterness < uniform bitterness = outer chamber uneven bitterness. This suggests that when caffeine is located in the inner chamber (or container), the bitterness of caffeine can be reduced to the same level as the decaffeinated reference sample.

[0041] Example 3: In a multi-sip container (which can be thought of as having two containers or chambers to hold different samples) Use uneven distribution of sucrose in the container to enhance sweetness .

[0042] The packaging was used to capture the sweetness of the different samples through quantitative descriptive analysis using a trained panel (n=12).A basic typical milk chocolate product was used in this example.

[0043] The reference sample contained semi-skimmed milk, 50 g (5%) sucrose per liter and 40 g (4%) cocoa powder per liter, and both chambers of the package were filled with this liquid composition. The negative control with 25% sucrose reduction contained semi-skimmed milk, 37.5 g (3.75%) sucrose per liter and 40 g (4%) cocoa powder per liter, and both chambers of the package were filled with this liquid composition. The non-homogeneous sample contained semi-skimmed milk, 75 g (7.5%) sucrose per liter and 40 g (4%) cocoa powder per liter in the first delivery chamber of the package, and contained semi-skimmed milk, 0 g (0%) sucrose per liter and 40 g (4%) cocoa powder per liter in the second delivery chamber of the package. Overall, like the homogeneous sample, the non-homogeneous sample contained semi-skimmed milk, 37.5 g (3.75%) sucrose per liter and 40 g (4%) cocoa powder per liter.

[0044] Eight packaging prototypes (each holding 20 ml) (10 ml per delivery chamber) were used to deliver 160 ml of a homogenous reference, a homogenous negative control with 25% less sucrose, or a non-homogeneous prototype with 25% less sucrose.

[0045] Figure 3 The results in showed that over 8 consecutive sips corresponding to normal drinking behavior of a 160 ml beverage, the heterogeneous prototype was found to be not significantly less sweet than the full sugar reference, while the homogeneous negative control with 25% less sucrose was significantly less sweet than the reference.

[0046] Reference now FIG. 4A to FIG. 11 Various examples of liquid dispensing apparatus and their use to provide delivery of a first liquid and a second liquid as described above are discussed.

[0047] Figure 4A-4B1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary liquid dispensing apparatus 100. The liquid dispensing apparatus 100 includes a first container 110 containing a first liquid 190. The first container 110 has a first end 120 and a second end 130 opposite the first end 120. Figure 4A-4B In an embodiment of the present invention, when the first container 110 is oriented so that the first liquid 190 is not poured out of it, the first end 120 is located at the top of the first container 110, and the second end is located at the bottom of the first container 110. The first container 110 has one or more side walls 140, which form the outer surface of the first container 110 and the liquid dispensing device 100. The cross-section of the first container can be circular, hexagonal or square, or any other suitable shape.

[0048] The first end 120 of the first container 110 has an opening 125. In this example, Figure 4A-4B As shown, the opening 125 corresponds substantially to the entire cross-sectional area of ​​the first end 120. In an alternative example, the opening 125 may correspond to only a portion of the cross-sectional area of ​​the first end 120, such as 10% or less, 25%, 50%, 75%, 90% or more. In embodiments where the opening 125 corresponds to less than the entire cross-sectional area of ​​the first end 120, the opening 125 may be substantially in the middle of the first end 120, or it may be offset toward one side of the first end 120. The cross-section of the opening 125 in the first container 110 may be circular, oval, hexagonal or triangular, or any other suitable shape to allow liquid to be dispensed from a liquid dispensing device. The opening 125 may have a cross-sectional shape that is the same or different from the first container 110.

[0049] The liquid dispensing device 100 of this example further includes a second container 200. The second container 200 is adjacent to the first container 110. The second container 200 contains a second liquid 290. The second container 200 has a first end 220 and a second end 230 opposite to the first end 220. Figure 4A-4B In the embodiment of the present invention, when the first container 200 is oriented so that the second liquid 290 is not poured out of it, the first end 220 is located at the top of the second container 200, and the second end is located at the bottom of the second container 200. The second container 200 has one or more side walls 240, which form the outer surface of the second container 200 and the liquid dispensing device 100. The cross-section of the second container can be circular, hexagonal or square, or any other suitable shape.

[0050] The first container 110 and the second container 200 separate the first liquid 190 from the second liquid 290. In one embodiment, the sidewall 145 of the first container 110 also forms the sidewall 145 of the second container 200, thereby separating the first liquid 190 from the second liquid 290. One of the first liquid 190 and the second liquid 290 includes a tastant that is substantially absent or present in a relatively different amount (e.g., at a greatly reduced concentration) relative to the other liquid.

[0051] The first end 220 of the second container 200 has an opening 225. Figure 4A-4B As shown, the opening 225 of this example corresponds substantially to the entire cross-sectional area of ​​the first end 220. In alternative examples, the opening 225 may correspond to only a portion of the cross-sectional area of ​​the first end 220, such as 10% or less, 25%, 50%, 75%, 90% or more. In embodiments where the opening 225 corresponds to less than the entire cross-sectional area of ​​the first end 220, the opening 225 may be substantially in the middle of the first end 220, or it may be offset toward one side of the first end 220. The opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110 is adjacent to the opening 225 in the first end 220 of the second container 200. The opening 225 in the second container 200 may have the same or different cross-sectional shape as the opening 125 in the first container 110.

[0052] The arrangement of the first container 110 and the second container 200 is such that when the first liquid 190 and the second liquid 290 are poured out from the liquid dispensing device 100, the first liquid 190 flows through the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110, and the second liquid 225 flows through the opening 225 in the first end 220 of the second container 200, so that the first liquid 190 begins to leave the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110 before the second liquid 290 begins to leave the opening 225 in the first end 220 of the second container 200.

[0053] Alternatively or additionally, the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110 and the opening 225 in the first end 220 of the second container 200 are arranged such that, when the first liquid 190 and the second liquid 290 are poured from the liquid dispensing apparatus 100, the first liquid 190 flows through the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110, and the second liquid 225 flows through the opening 225 in the first end 220 of the second container 200, such that the first liquid 190 begins to leave the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110 before the second liquid 290 begins to leave the opening 225 in the first end 220 of the second container 200.

[0054] In the Figure 4A-4B In an embodiment, the side wall 145 of the first container 110 (which also forms the side wall 145 of the second container 200) can be bent to prevent the second liquid 290 from flowing out of the second container 200, so that when the first liquid 190 and the second liquid 290 are poured out of the liquid dispensing device 100, the first liquid 190 flows through the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110, and the second liquid 290 flows through the opening 225 in the first end 220 of the second container 200, so that the first liquid 190 begins to leave the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110 before the second liquid 290 begins to leave the opening 225 in the first end 220 of the second container 200.

[0055] like Figure 4A As shown, the side wall 145 is bent into an S-shape to provide a neck in the second container 200 at point 147, which prevents or otherwise restricts the second liquid 290 from flowing out of the second container 200 when the liquid dispensing apparatus 100 is rotated to pour the first liquid 190 and the second liquid 290 from the liquid dispensing apparatus 100. The side wall 145 can form a curve with any number of critical points, for example, an arc, a double S-shape, or a cubic shape. Figure 4B 1 is a cross-sectional view of the openings 125, 225 in the first ends 120, 220 of the first container 110 and the second container 200, respectively. Figure 4B As shown, the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening 225 in the second container 200 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening 125 in the first container 110. The opening 225 in the second container 200 also has a different cross-sectional shape than the opening 125 in the first container 110. This also provides a restriction to the flow of the second liquid 290, thereby providing that the first liquid 190 begins to leave the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110 before the second liquid 290 begins to leave the opening 225 in the first end 220 of the second container 200. In this example, the volume of the first liquid 190 in the first container 110 is greater than the volume of the second liquid 290 in the second container 200. This means that the angle through which the liquid dispensing device 100 must be rotated in order for the second liquid 290 to flow out of the liquid dispensing device 100 is greater than the angle through which the liquid dispensing device 100 must be rotated in order for the first liquid 290 to flow out of the liquid dispensing device 100, thereby further providing that the first liquid 190 begins to leave the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110 before the second liquid 290 begins to leave the opening 225 in the first end 220 of the second container 200.

[0056] exist Figure 4A-4BIn the illustrated embodiment, the side wall 145 of the first container 110 (which also forms the side wall 145 of the second container 200) is curved so as to allow only a predetermined portion of the first liquid 190 to flow to and from the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110 when the liquid dispensing apparatus 100 is rotated through a first angle. Figure 5A-Figure 5B As shown, the S-shape of the side wall 145 forms a groove or well in the first container at point 147. Figure 4A When the orientation is rotated counterclockwise through the first angle 150, Figure 5A As shown, a level 195 of the first liquid 190 is above the sidewall 145, so a portion of the first liquid 190 is able to flow out of the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110. A level 295 of the second fluid 290 is above the opening 225 in the first end 220 of the second container 200, and so the second liquid 290 is able to flow out of the opening 225 in the second end 220 of the second container 210.

[0057] like Figure 5B As shown, a second portion of the first liquid 190 collects in the groove at point 147 and is unable to flow through the sidewall 145 and out of the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110. When the liquid dispensing device 100 is rotated through a second angle 160 that is greater than the first angle 150, a second predetermined portion of the first liquid 190 is then permitted to flow to and out of the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110. This provides that only a portion of the first liquid 190 flows out of the liquid dispensing device 100 each time the liquid dispensing device 100 is used.

[0058] When the liquid dispensing device 100 is used for the first time, the liquid dispensing device 100 is rotated through the first angle 150, and the first liquid 190 begins to flow out of the liquid dispensing device 100 before the second liquid 290, but only a portion of the first liquid 190 is delivered, while the second liquid continues to flow out of the liquid dispensing device 100. Once the user has their desired volume of liquid, the liquid dispensing device 100 is rotated back to its original orientation. When the user wishes to use the liquid dispensing device 100 a second time, such as to take a second sip, the liquid dispensing device 100 is rotated through a second angle 160 that is greater than the first angle so that the first liquid 190 flows out of the liquid dispensing device 100 and is delivered before the second liquid 290. When the liquid dispensing device 100 is rotated through the second angle, a portion of the first liquid 190 will be contained in the well or groove and cannot flow out of the liquid dispensing device 100. Therefore, the first liquid 190 will stop flowing out of the liquid dispensing device 100, while the second liquid continues to flow out of the liquid dispensing device 100. In order to deliver more of the first liquid from the liquid dispensing device 100, the user must rotate the liquid dispensing device 100 through an angle greater than the second angle. This means that each time the liquid dispensing device 100 is used, for example when the user sips a beverage, a portion of the first liquid 190 will remain in the first container 110, thereby providing that a portion of the first liquid 190 is always delivered from the liquid dispensing device 100 before the second liquid 290 with each sip until the second liquid 290 is exhausted from the liquid dispensing device 100.

[0059] In some embodiments, the first container 110 tapers toward the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110, and the second container 200 tapers toward the opening 225 in the first end 220 of the second container 200. This results in a thinning of the overall cross-sectional area of ​​the liquid dispensing device 100 toward the first end 120 of the first container 110 and the first end 220 of the second container 200, thereby forming a nozzle that a user can easily fit or hold to their mouth to prevent the first liquid 190 and the second liquid 290 from spilling out of the liquid dispensing device 100. In one embodiment, the taper of the first container 110 and the taper of the second container 200 are asymmetrical so as to encourage the liquid dispensing device 100 to remain in a particular orientation when pouring the first liquid 190 and the second liquid 290 from the liquid dispensing device 100. As shown in FIG. Figure 4AAs shown, the first container 110 and the second container do not taper symmetrically around the sidewall 145. The sidewall 145 is curved toward the second container, and the sidewall 240 of the second container 200 is more curved toward the first end 220 of the second container 200 than the sidewall 140 of the first container 110 is toward the first end 120 of the first container 110, thereby forming a symmetrical end of the liquid dispensing device 100. Since the flow of the first liquid 190 and the second liquid 290 will be less impeded when the liquid dispensing device 100 is rotated in a specific direction, the user is encouraged to keep the liquid dispensing device 100 in a specific orientation and rotate the liquid dispensing device 100 in a given direction to pour the first liquid 190 and the second liquid 290 from the liquid dispensing device 100. The taper in the first container 110 and the second container 200 also fits more easily into the user's mouth when the user's lower lip is placed on the sidewall 240 of the second container and the user's upper lip is placed on the sidewall 140 of the first container, thereby encouraging the user to hold the liquid dispensing device 100 in a particular orientation when pouring the first liquid 190 and the second liquid 290 from the liquid dispensing device 100. The taper and curvature of the sidewall 240 can also be used to shape the second container 200 toward the first end 220 of the second container 200 to provide a groove or well that can also be used to control the flow of the second liquid 290 from the second container 200 when the liquid dispensing device is rotated for the user to sip or drink the first and second liquids. The sidewall 140 of the first container 110 toward the second end 130 of the first container 110 and the sidewall 240 of the second container 200 toward the second end 230 of the second container 200 can also be curved or ridged to better fit the user's hand when the liquid dispensing device 100 is held in a particular orientation. For example, the sidewall 140 of the first container 110 may include a series of four ridges and grooves to accommodate the user's fingers, while the sidewall 240 of the second container 200 may have a single ridge and groove to accommodate the user's thumb, thereby facilitating the user to hold the liquid dispensing device 100 in a particular orientation.

[0060] In some embodiments, one or both of the opening 125 of the first container 110 and the opening 225 of the second container 200 may include a structure such as a valve to further assist in controlling the flow of the first liquid and / or the second liquid as the liquid dispensing device 100 is rotated for a user to sip or drink from the device. Such valves may operate to limit the maximum amount of each of the liquids dispensed during a single rotation of the liquid dispensing device 100. Alternatively or in addition, such valves may operate to control the sequential start of the dispensing of the first liquid 190 and the second liquid 290.

[0061] like Figure 6As shown, the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110 and the opening 225 in the first end 220 of the second container 200 are located in the cover 300. The cover 300 can be removed from the liquid dispensing device 100 to allow replenishment of the first liquid 190 in the first container 110 and the second liquid 290 in the second container 200 when one or more of the first liquid 190 and the second liquid 290 are depleted. The cover 300 can be attached to the rest of the liquid dispensing device 100 by any suitable attachment means (e.g., a snap-fit ​​joint with a retaining means such as a latch or clamp, a screw-in piece, or a hinge mechanism). The outer shape of the liquid dispensing device 100 and / or the cross-sectional shape of the first container 110 and the second container 200 at the junction between the cover 300 and the rest of the liquid dispensing device 100 can be asymmetric so as to provide that the cover can only be re-fitted in one orientation, so that the correct orientation and use of the liquid dispensing device 100 is achieved once the cover has been replaced. A portion of the cover 300 may be ridged, knurled, dimpled, or any other suitable surface texture or pattern to help a user grip the cover 300 and make it easier to remove the cover 300 from the rest of the liquid dispensing device 100 .

[0062] Thus, a first example of a liquid dispensing device is now described that can be used to sequentially dispense a first liquid and a second liquid having different tastant concentrations for consumption by a user in a manner that the user perceives as a single continuous sip from the device.

[0063] Figure 7A-7B is a schematic cross-sectional view of another example of a liquid dispensing apparatus 100, wherein similar components are shown in Figure 4A-Figure 6 The same reference numerals as those used in FIG. Figure 7A-7B In an embodiment of the present invention, the side wall 145 of the first container 110 also forms the side wall 145 of the second container 200, thereby separating the first liquid 190 from the second liquid 290. Alternatively, one or both of the first container 110 and the second container 200 can be a deformable bag or pouch without common elements, thereby providing two separate containers to separate the first liquid 190 from the second liquid 290.

[0064] In the Figure 7A-7BIn an embodiment of the present invention, the opening in the first end 120 of the first container 110 includes a first valve 128, and the opening in the first end 220 of the second container 200 includes a second valve 228. The first valve 128 and the second valve 228 respectively regulate the flow rate of the first liquid 190 and the second liquid 290 out of the liquid dispensing device 100. Therefore, the first valve 128 and the second valve 228 are configured so that when the first liquid 190 and the second liquid 290 are poured from the liquid dispensing device 100, the first liquid 190 flows through the first valve 128 and the second liquid 290 flows through the second valve 228, so that the first liquid 190 begins to leave the first valve 128 before the second liquid 290 begins to leave the second valve 228.

[0065] Each of the first valve 128 and the second valve 228 has an open position and a closed position. In the open position, liquid can pass through the valve, while in the closed position, no liquid can pass through the valve. Fig. 7A The first valve 128 and the second valve 228 are shown in their respective closed positions, while Figure 7B The first valve 128 and the second valve 228 are shown in their respective open positions. Fig. 7A and Figure 7B The valve has a cover type with an outer part 128a, 228a and an inner part 128b, 228b, wherein by sliding or rotating the outer part 128a, 228a relative to the corresponding inner part 128b, 228b, the valve is changed from the closed position to the open position, thereby forming a gap or hole through which a liquid can flow. Alternatively, the valve can be a diaphragm valve, wherein the transition from the closed position to the open position is carried out by moving the diaphragm. Alternatively, the valve can be a ball valve, a check valve, a butterfly valve or the valve of any other suitable type. The first valve 128 can be a valve of the same type as the second valve 228 or a valve of a different type.

[0066] The first valve 128 and the second valve 228 may be configured such that a maximum flow rate of the first liquid 190 through the first valve 228 is greater than a maximum flow rate of the second liquid 290 through the second valve 228. For example, the size of the opening of the first valve 128 when the first valve 128 is in an open position may be greater than the size of the opening of the second valve 228 when the second valve 228 is in an open position, thereby allowing more of the first liquid 190 to flow through the first valve 128 than the second liquid 290 through the second valve 228, thereby achieving a higher maximum flow rate.

[0067] In some embodiments, the first valve 128 is configured to transition from an open position to a closed position and / or from a closed position to an open position simultaneously with the second valve 228. For example, the first valve and the second valve may form part of a composite valve, such that the first valve and the second valve are configured to transition from an open position to a closed position simultaneously, and from a closed position to an open position simultaneously. This means that the user only needs to operate a single valve, thereby reducing the risk of misuse of the liquid dispensing device. For example, as shown in Fig. 7A and Figure 7B The cap-type valves in the embodiment may have an integral or common outer portion 128a, 228a such that sliding or rotating a single outer portion 128a, 228a causes the first valve 128 and the second valve 228 to transition from an open position to a closed position, and from a closed position to an open position.

[0068] Alternatively, the first valve 128 may be configured to transition from an open position to a closed position and / or from a closed position to an open position faster than the second valve 228. For example, as shown in Fig. 7A and Figure 7B The cap-type valves in the embodiment may be configured such that the distance that the outer portion 128a of the first valve 128 must slide or rotate relative to the inner portion 128b of the first valve 128 in order to transition from the closed position to the open position (or vice versa) is less than the distance that the outer portion 228a of the second valve 228 must slide or rotate relative to the inner portion 228b of the second valve 228 in order to transition from the closed position to the open position (or vice versa), thereby providing for a faster opening and closing speed of the gap formed in the first valve 128 than the gap formed in the second valve 228. Alternatively, if the first valve 128 and the second valve 228 are diaphragm-type valves, the first valve 128 is configured such that a lower pressure is required than the second valve 228 to deflect the diaphragm, thereby providing for the first valve to transition from the closed position to the open position faster than the second valve, and vice versa. In these embodiments, when the user begins to open the first valve 128 and the second valve 228, the first valve 128 will transition to the open position before the second valve 228, thereby causing the first liquid 190 to begin flowing through the first valve 128 before the second liquid 290 begins flowing through the second valve 228.

[0069] In some embodiments, the first valve 128 is configured to allow only a predetermined portion of the first liquid 190 to exit the first valve 128. Additionally or alternatively, the second valve 228 is configured to allow only a predetermined portion of the second liquid 290 to exit the second valve 228. The predetermined portion of the first liquid 190 may be less than the predetermined portion of the second liquid 290, greater than or equal to the predetermined portion of the second liquid 290. For example, the predetermined portion of the first liquid 190 may be less than the predetermined portion of the second liquid 290, thereby providing that the first liquid 190 stops flowing through the first valve 128 before the second liquid 290 stops flowing through the second valve 228. For a typical user, the predetermined portion of the second liquid 290 may correspond to a single sip of a full mouthful, thereby regulating the amount of beverage that a user may receive per use. For example, when a user wishes to take a sip or mouthful from the liquid dispensing apparatus 110, they may position the first valve 128 and the second valve 228 near or in their mouth and activate the valves by, for example, sliding or rotating the outer portion 128a, 228a relative to the inner portion 228a, 228b, or by varying the pressure on the first valve 128 and the second valve 228, such as by squeezing the sidewall 140 of the first container 110 and the sidewall 240 of the second container 200, or by suctioning on the first end 120 of the first container 110 and the first end 220 of the second container 200. Because the first valve 128 is configured to transition from a closed position to an open position faster than the second valve 228, the first liquid 190 will begin to flow through the first valve 128 before the second liquid 290 begins to flow through the second valve 228. Once the predetermined portion of the first liquid 190 has left the first valve 128, the first liquid 190 will stop flowing through the first valve 128, and the second liquid 290 will continue to flow through the second valve 228 until the predetermined portion of the second liquid 290 leaves the second valve 228. At this point, no more liquid will leave the liquid dispensing device. In this example, in order to dispense more liquid, the user must convert the first valve 128 and the second valve 228 from an open position to a closed position, and then repeat the process again. The user can continue to repeat the process in order to receive the predetermined portion of the first liquid 190 and the second liquid 290 until one or more of the first liquid 190 and the second liquid 290 have been exhausted from the first container 110 and the second container 200, respectively.

[0070] In some embodiments, one or more of the first valve and the second valve are biased to a closed position. For example, a force may be required to transition the first valve 128 and the second valve from a closed position to an open position, but when the force is removed, the first valve 128 and the second valve 228 will automatically return to the closed position. In the case of a cap-type valve, the outer portion 128a, 228a may be sprung so that the outer portion 128a, 228a remains in a closed position when no force is applied.

[0071] In some embodiments, the pressure difference across the valve is needed to overcome the bias. With regard to the diaphragm valve, the diaphragm can be configured to remain in the closed position when applying little pressure or not applying pressure. In this example, then the pressure difference across the valve must be applied so that the diaphragm is transformed from the closed position to the open position. When the pressure difference is removed, the diaphragm will automatically be transformed from the open position to the closed position. The sidewall 140,145,240 of the first container 110 and / or the second container 200 can be elastically deformable, so that the user can squeeze the sidewall 140,145,240 together and inwardly squeeze to reduce the volume of the first container 110 and the second container 200, thereby providing the pressure difference across the first valve 128 and the second valve 228, so that the first valve 128 and the second valve 228 are transformed to its corresponding open position, thereby allowing the first liquid 190 to flow out of the first valve 128 and the second liquid 290 to flow out of the second valve 228. When the user stops squeezing or removes the force from the sidewalls 140, 145, 240, the sidewalls will return to their original shape and configuration, thereby returning the first container 110 and the second container 200 to their original volumes and thereby removing the pressure differential across the first valve 128 and the second valve 228, causing the first valve 128 and the second valve 228 to automatically transition back to their respective closed positions, thereby preventing the first liquid 128 and the second liquid 228 from flowing out of the liquid dispensing device 100. This allows the user to control the amount of beverage they receive from the liquid dispensing device 100 in each use, as the user is able to squeeze the liquid dispensing device 100 to start the flow of the first liquid 190 and the second liquid 290 from the liquid dispensing device 100 when they have drunk the desired amount of beverage (e.g., a sip or a mouthful), and then stop the flow of the first liquid 190 and the second liquid 290 from the liquid dispensing device 100. The biasing of the first and second valves 128, 228 to the closed position also prevents the first and second liquids 190, 290 from escaping the liquid dispensing apparatus 100, since the liquid dispensing apparatus 100 can be held in any orientation without any liquid flowing out of the liquid dispensing apparatus 100. Liquid will flow out of the liquid dispensing apparatus 100 only by applying a force to overcome the bias.

[0072] like Figure 8A-8BAs shown, the first valve 128 and the second valve 228 are located in the cover 300. The cover 300 can be removed from the liquid dispensing device 100 to allow replenishment of the first liquid 190 in the first container 110 and the second liquid 290 in the second container 200 when one or more of the first liquid 190 and the second liquid 290 are depleted. In some examples, such as when the first container 110 and the second container 200 are deformable bags or pouches, replenishment can take the form of replacing either or both bags or pouches. The cover 300 can be attached to the rest of the liquid dispensing device 100 by any suitable attachment means (e.g., a snap-fit ​​joint with a retaining means such as a latch or clamp, a screw-in piece, or a hinge mechanism). The outer shape of the liquid dispensing device 100 and / or the cross-sectional shape of the first container 110 and the second container 200 at the junction between the cover 300 and the rest of the liquid dispensing device 100 can be asymmetric so as to provide that the cover can only be re-engaged in one orientation, thereby providing that the first valve 128 is connected to the first container 110 and the second valve 228 is connected to the second container 200. A portion of the cover 300 can be ridged, knurled, dimpled, or any other suitable surface texture or pattern to help the user grip the cover 300 and make it easier to remove the cover 300 from the rest of the liquid dispensing device 100.

[0073] like Figure 8A-8B As shown, the cover 300 also includes a vent hole 310 . Fig. 8A and Figure 8B 300. The vent hole 310 allows air to enter the liquid dispensing device 100. In some embodiments, the vent hole 310 extends from the outside of the cover 300 into one or more of the first container 110 and the second container 200. The cover 300 may include a single vent hole 310 that branches into each of the first container 110 and the second container 200. Alternatively, the cover 300 may include a plurality of vent holes 310, each of which extends into one of the first container 110 or the second container 200. In the case where the first container 110 and the second container 200 are deformable bags or pouches, the vent hole may only extend into the liquid dispensing device 100, and not directly into the first container 110 and the second container 200. In this embodiment, the vent allows air to enter the liquid dispensing device, thereby reducing the pressure outside the first container 110 and the second container 200, so that the first container and the second container return to their original shape when any external force or pressure applied to the first container 110 and the second container 200 is removed.

[0074] In some embodiments, the vent 310 includes a valve to prevent liquid from exiting through the vent. In this way, only air can enter the liquid dispensing device 100 through the vent 310.

[0075] Thus, another example of a liquid dispensing apparatus is now described that can be used to dispense a first liquid and a second liquid having different tastant concentrations for consumption by a user in such a manner that the sequential delivery of beverage components having different tastant concentrations allows the user to perceive the beverage as a single beverage having a consistent flavor.

[0076] Figure 9A-9B is a schematic cross-sectional view of another example of a liquid dispensing apparatus 100, wherein similar components are shown in Figures 4A-8B The same reference numerals as those used in FIG. Figure 9A-9B In the embodiment of the present invention, the second container 200 includes a tube 202 and a fluid retaining element 204. The opening 225 at the first end 220 of the first container 200 is located at the first end 220 of the tube 202. The tube 202 is then passed through the first container 110 so that the second end 205 of the tube 202 is located within the fluid retaining element 204, wherein the fluid retaining element 204 contains the second fluid 290. In the example shown, the second end 205 of the tube 202 is positioned toward the second end 230 of the second container 200. In an alternative example, the second end 205 of the tube 202 may be located at the end of the fluid retaining element 204 adjacent to the first fluid container 110.

[0077] The arrangement of the first container 110 and the tube 202 of the second container 200 is such that, when the first liquid 190 and the second liquid 290 are poured out from the liquid dispensing device 100, the first liquid 190 flows through the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110, and the second liquid 290 flows through the opening 225 at the first end 220 of the tube 202 of the second container 200, so that the first liquid 190 starts to leave the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110 before the second liquid 290 starts to leave the opening 225 at the first end 220 of the tube 202 of the second container 200.

[0078] Despite Fig.9A 204 is shown as a cylinder, but the fluid retaining element 204 can be any shape suitable for containing the second liquid 290, such as a sphere, a frustoconical or a cube. Fig.9A In the embodiment, the first container 110 is nipple-shaped, but the first container 110 can be any shape suitable for containing the first liquid 190. In some embodiments, the first container tapers toward the first end 120, thereby forming a nozzle that the user can easily fit in his mouth to prevent the first liquid 190 and the second liquid 290 from spilling when pouring from the liquid dispensing device 100.

[0079] Fig. 9B2 is a cross-sectional view of the openings 125, 225 in the first ends 120, 220 of the tubes 202 of the first container 110 and the second container 200, respectively. Fig. 9B As shown, the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110 forms a ring around the opening 225 at the first end 220 of the tube 202 of the second container 200. In this example, the opening 225 in the first end 220 of the tube 202 of the second container 200 also has a smaller cross-sectional area than the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110. This also provides a restriction to the flow of the second liquid 290, thereby providing that the first liquid 190 begins to leave the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110 before the second liquid 290 begins to leave the opening 225 at the first end 220 of the tube 202 of the second container 200.

[0080] In the Figure 9A-9B In an embodiment, the first container is elastically deformable. For example, the first container 110 can be made of rubber or soft plastic material so that it can be easily deformed by the user, such as by squeezing the side wall 140 of the first container 110 by hand, or if the first container 110 is inserted into the user's mouth, lips or teeth.

[0081] Figure 10A-10C yes Figure 9A-9B 1 is a series of schematic cross-sectional views of the first container 110 of the liquid dispensing apparatus 100 in use. Fig. 10A The first container 110 is shown in an undeformed state. As shown, the first liquid 190 is completely contained within the first container 110 in the undeformed state.

[0082] Fig. 10B The first container 110 is shown in a deformed state. Fig. 10B In FIG. 1 , the side wall 140 a of the first container 110 represents the shape of the first container 110 in an undeformed state, and the side wall 140 b of the first container 110 represents the shape of the first container in a deformed state. Fig. 10BAs shown, when the first container 110 is deformed, for example, by applying a force to the sidewall 140 of the first container 110, the sidewall deforms from its initial position 140a to a new position 140b that is closer to the interior of the tube 202 of the first container 110 and the second container 200. Deforming the first container 110 in this manner causes the first liquid 190 to flow through the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110. For example, by deforming the sidewall inwardly, the volume of the first container 110 is reduced, causing the level of the first liquid to rise until it reaches the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110. Alternatively, the first liquid 190 can be retained in the first container 110 by surface tension effects, particularly if the first end 120 of the first container 110 is inverted (pointing downward) so as to prevent the first liquid 190 from freely flowing from the opening 125 under the influence of gravity. Deforming the first container 110 in the manner described above provides a force that overcomes the surface tension force, thereby allowing the first liquid to flow through the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110. When the force is removed from the sidewall of the first container 110, the sidewall returns to its undeformed initial position 140a, and the first liquid 190 stops flowing through the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110.

[0083] In some embodiments, deforming the first container 110 causes a portion of the first liquid 190 to flow through the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110. For example, when a force is applied to the first container 110, the sidewall 140 of the first container 110 deforms from its initial position 140a to its new position 140b, thereby causing a portion of the first liquid 190 to flow out of the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110. When the sidewall 140 is in its new deformed position 140b, this forms a constriction or neck in the first container 110, thereby preventing any more first liquid from flowing out of the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110. In this arrangement, in order for more of the first liquid to flow out of the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110, the force on the first container must be removed, the sidewall 140 allowed to return to its undeformed initial position 140a, and a force applied to the sidewall 140 again. This causes the sidewall 140 to deform from its initial position 140a back to its deformed position 140b, thereby causing the second portion of the first liquid 190 to flow out of the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110. In some embodiments, the first container 110 needs to deform more in order to cause the second portion of the liquid 190 to flow out of the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110 than was required to cause the first portion of the liquid 190 to flow out of the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110. Each subsequent portion of the first liquid 190 will then require more deformation of the first container 110 in order to cause a portion of the first liquid 190 to flow out of the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110.

[0084] In some embodiments, suction at the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container is required in order to cause the first liquid 190 to flow out of the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container. As described above, the first liquid 190 may be retained in the first container 110 by surface tension effects. The suction at the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110 provides a force to overcome the surface tension effect, thereby allowing the first liquid 190 to flow out of the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110. If the first container is elastically deformable, applying suction at the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110 may also cause the first container 110 to deform due to the pressure difference between the interior and exterior of the first container 110.

[0085] In some embodiments, suction at the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110 causes a predetermined amount of the first liquid 190 to flow out of the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110. For example, if the first container 110 is not elastically deformable, applying suction at the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110 will cause a predetermined amount of the first liquid 190 to flow out of the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110, but in order to cause any more of the first liquid 190 to flow out of the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110, a greater amount of suction at the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110 will be required. Alternatively, if the first container is elastically deformable, as described above with respect to Fig. 10B As described above, applying suction at the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110 will cause the sidewall 140 of the first container 110 to deform from its initial position 140a to its new position 140b, thereby causing a portion of the first liquid 190 to flow out of the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110. This forms a constriction or neck in the first container when the sidewall is in its new deformed position 140b, thereby preventing any more first liquid from flowing out of the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110. In this example, in order to cause more of the first liquid to flow out of the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110, the suction at the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110 must be removed, the sidewall 140 allowed to return to its undeformed initial position 140a, and suction applied to the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110 again.

[0086] In some embodiments, suction at the opening 225 in the first end 220 of the tube 202 of the second container 200 is required in order to cause the second liquid 290 to flow out of the opening 225 in the first end 220 of the tube 202 of the second container 200. In this case, more or less suction is required at the opening 225 in the first end 220 of the tube 202 of the second container 200 in order to cause the second liquid 290 to flow out of the opening 225 in the first end 220 of the tube 202 of the second container 200 than the suction required at the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110 in order to cause the first liquid 190 to flow out of the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110. For example, if more suction is required at the opening 225 in the first end 220 of the tube 202 of the second container 200 in order to cause the second liquid 290 to flow out of the opening 225 in the first end 220 of the tube 202 of the second container 200 than is required at the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110 in order to cause the first liquid 190 to flow out of the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110, then when suction is initially applied, the first liquid 190 will begin to flow out of the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the tube 202 of the second container 200 before the second liquid 290 begins to flow out of the opening 225 in the first end 220 of the tube 202 of the second container 200. If the same amount of suction continues to be applied, both the first liquid 190 and the second liquid 290 will flow out of the liquid dispensing apparatus 100. In the above case where the application of suction at the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110 will cause a predetermined amount of the first liquid 190 to flow out of the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110, once the predetermined amount of the first liquid 190 has flowed out of the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110, the first liquid stops flowing out of the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110, regardless of whether more suction is applied. Thus, if suction is maintained, such as by the user placing the first container 110 in their mouth and applying suction on the first end 120 of the first container 110 and the first end 220 of the tube 202 of the second container 200, respectively, the second liquid 290 will continue to flow out of the liquid dispensing apparatus 100 without the first liquid flowing out of the liquid dispensing apparatus. Once the user has drunk the desired amount of beverage (e.g., a sip or a mouthful), the user can stop applying suction to the first end 120 of the first container 110 and the first end 220 of the tube 202 of the second container 200, respectively, and the second liquid will stop flowing out of the liquid dispensing device 100. When the user wishes to use the liquid dispensing device 100 a second time (e.g., a second sip or a mouthful), they can again place the first container 110 in their mouth and apply suction on the first end 120 of the first container 110 and the first end 220 of the tube 202 of the second container 200, respectively.As described above, by removing and reapplying suction, this causes the second portion of the first liquid 190 to flow out of the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110. Because more suction is required at the opening 225 in the first end 220 of the tube 202 of the second container 200 to flow the second liquid 290 out of the opening 225 in the first end 220 of the tube 202 of the second container 200 than is required at the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110 to flow the first liquid 190 out of the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110, the second portion of the first liquid 190 begins to flow out of the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the tube 202 of the second container 200 before the second liquid 290 begins to flow out of the opening 225 in the first end 220 of the tube 202 of the second container 200. While suction is maintained, the second liquid 290 will continue to flow out of the liquid dispensing apparatus 100 without the first liquid flowing out of the liquid dispensing apparatus. The user may repeat this sequence for each sip or mouthful of the beverage they wish to consume until the first liquid 190 and / or the second liquid 290 are depleted from the fluid retaining elements 204 of the first container 110 and the second container 200, respectively.

[0087] In some embodiments, deforming the first container 110 prevents the second liquid 290 from flowing through the opening 225 in the first end 220 of the tube 202 of the second container 200. Fig. 10C As shown, the tube 202 of the second container 200 is elastically deformable. When a force is applied to the first container 110, the side wall 140 of the first container deforms from its initial position 140a to a new position 140c. Position 140c can be the same as position 140b, or can be different, for example, position 140c can be deformed further away from the undeformed position 140a than position 140b. Deforming the first container in this manner causes the tube 202 of the second container 200 to deform and prevent the second liquid 290 from flowing out of the opening 225 in the first end 220 of the tube 202 of the second container 200. As shown in FIG. Fig. 10C As shown, deforming the first container 110 causes the tube 202 of the second container 200 to deform from an initial undeformed position 202a to a new deformed position 202b. The new deformed position 202b forms a constriction or neck in the tube 202 of the second container 200, thereby limiting, blocking or completely preventing the second liquid 290 from flowing out of the opening 225 in the first end 220 of the tube 202 of the second container 200.

[0088] like Fig.11As shown, the first container 110 can be removed from the fluid retaining element 204 of the second container 200 to allow replenishment of the first liquid 190 in the first container 110 and the second liquid 290 in the fluid retaining element 204 of the second container 200. The first container can be attached to the fluid retaining element 204 of the second container 200 by any suitable attachment means (e.g., a snap-fit ​​joint with a retaining means such as a latch or clamp, a screw-in piece, or a hinge mechanism). Although in Fig.11 10, but in some embodiments, the tube 202 of the second container 200 is fixed to the first container 110 so that when the first container 110 is removed from the fluid retaining element 204 of the second container 200, the tube 202 of the second container 200 is integral with the first container 110. Alternatively, the tube 202 of the second container 200 may be fixed to the fluid retaining element 204 of the second container 200 so that when the first container 110 is removed from and attached to the fluid retaining element 204 of the second container 200, the first container 110 slides over and around the tube 202 of the second container 200. Alternatively, the tube 202 of the second container 200 may be a separate component from the fluid retaining element 204 of the first container 110 and the second container 200 so that it can be removed from the fluid retaining element 204 of the second container 200 separately from the first container 110. For example, the first container 110 can be removed from the fluid retaining element 204 of the second container 200, for example by unscrewing, and then the tube is removed from the fluid retaining element 204 of the second container 200. Once the first liquid 190 and the second liquid 290 are replenished in the fluid retaining element 204 of the first container and the second container 200, respectively, the first container is screwed back onto the fluid retaining element 204 of the second container 200, and then the tube is slid through the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110, so that the first end 220 of the tube 202 of the second container is adjacent to the first end 120 of the first container 110, and the second end 205 of the tube 202 of the second container is located within the fluid retaining element 204 of the second container 200.

[0089] In some embodiments, the first container 110 can be removed from the fluid retaining element 204 of the second container 200 to allow replenishment of the second liquid 209 in the fluid retaining element 204 of the second container 200. A replacement first container 110 containing the first liquid 190 is then reattached to the fluid retaining element 204 of the second container 200. In embodiments where the tube 202 of the second container 200 is a separate component from the first component or the fluid retaining element 204 of the second container 200, or in embodiments where the tube 202 of the second container 200 is fixed to the first container 110, a replacement tube is also reattached.

[0090] Although not shown in the figure, Figure 9A-9BThe liquid dispensing device 100 in the embodiment may further include a cover 300 configured to seal the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110 and the opening 225 at the first end 220 of the tube 202 of the second container 200, thereby preventing liquid from accidentally leaving the liquid dispensing device 300. The cover 300 may be rigid to prevent accidental deformation of the first container 110.

[0091] Thus, another example of a liquid dispensing device is now described that can be used to selectively dispense a first and a second liquid in sequence, the first and second liquids having different taste enhancer components or amounts, such that when a user drinks from the device, the user receives the beverage components in sequence in such a manner as to allow the user to perceive the beverage as a single beverage with a consistent flavor.

[0092] In each or any of the above examples, the delivery of the first liquid 190 and the second liquid 290 can be sequential and / or overlapping. For overlapping delivery, the first liquid 190 continues to flow out of the opening 125 of the first container 110, while the second liquid 290 begins to flow out of the opening 225 of the second container 200. In other words, the delivery of the first liquid 190 from the liquid dispensing device 100 overlaps with the delivery of the second liquid 290 from the liquid dispensing device 100. In an alternative approach, the first liquid 190 may be exhausted from the liquid dispensing device 100 before the second liquid 290 begins to flow out of the second container 200. In other words, the delivery of the first liquid 190 from the liquid dispensing device 100 may be completed before the delivery of the second liquid 290 from the liquid dispensing device 100 begins. Depending on the taste agent properties of the liquid and the taste agent sensitivity of the tongue, the liquid dispensing device can be configured to exhaust the first liquid 190 from the liquid dispensing device 100 within a very short period of time after the second liquid 290 begins to flow out of the opening 125 in the first end 120 of the first container 110, thereby minimizing the overlap between the delivery of the first liquid 190 and the delivery of the second liquid 290, while also avoiding gaps between the delivery of the first liquid and the second liquid.

[0093] As described above, one of the first liquid 190 and the second liquid 290 contains a tastant that is substantially absent from the other liquid or is present in a relatively different amount. Depending on the concentration of the tastant, the composition of the first liquid 190 and the second liquid 290 can be substantially the same. For example, the first liquid 190 and the second liquid 290 can be substantially the same in terms of fat, air, protein, macronutrients, and carbohydrates, so that the first liquid and the second liquid include the same components in the same relative proportions, except for the presence of the tastant in one of the liquids. The first liquid 190 and the second liquid 290 can be visually identical. For example, the first liquid 190 and the second liquid 290 can have the same visual appearance without tasting or smelling, such as color, structure, texture, or any other obvious and directly perceptible characteristics, so that the first liquid 190 and the second liquid 290 appear to have the same composition to a user of the liquid dispensing device. The density and / or viscosity of the first liquid 190 and the second liquid 290 can be substantially the same. As the skilled reader understands, the detection and sensitivity to different tastants can be explained by chemical principles.

[0094] Tasting agents can be sweet, salty, bitter, umami, sour or flavorful. For example, salty tasting agents can be composed of one or more of sodium chloride, potassium chloride and ammonium chloride. Sweet tasting agents can be composed of one or more of glucose, sucrose, fructose or galactose.

[0095] The second liquid 290 may be a medication, a nutraceutical, or a dietary supplement. In this case, the second liquid may have a bitter or sour tastant associated with the composition of the medication, nutraceutical, or dietary supplement. Such tastants may be substantially absent from the first liquid 190. When the first liquid 190 and the second liquid 290 are delivered from the liquid dispensing device 100, for example, into the mouth of a user, the first liquid 190 flows out of the liquid dispensing device 100 before the second liquid 290. Thus, the user tastes the first liquid 190 before the bitter or sour second liquid 290, giving the user a more pleasant taste experience than if the second liquid 290 were delivered simultaneously with or before the first liquid 190.

[0096] The taste enhancer in the beverage of the present invention may include sodium chloride, for example, the taste enhancer may be sodium chloride. Humans have added salt (sodium chloride) to food for thousands of years and have become accustomed to its taste. Therefore, the most desirable salty taste characteristics are obtained using sodium chloride. Sodium chloride can be used to enhance the overall flavor of food. The beverage according to the present invention may include 140 mg or less of sodium per 100 g of total beverage. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration defines "low sodium" as being defined as meals and main dishes containing 140 mg or less of sodium per 100 g.

[0097] The tastant in the beverage of the present invention may include sucrose, for example, the tastant may be sucrose or other sweetening components.

[0098] In the beverage dispensed from the device of this example, a portion of the first liquid and a portion of the second liquid can be drunk together, and then another portion of the first liquid and another portion of the second liquid can be drunk together. For example, the beverage can make a portion of the first part drinkable with a portion of the second part in a series of such combinations, such as a series of at least 3 combinations, such as a series of at least 5 combinations, such as a series of at least 10 combinations. The beverage of the present invention can make a large part of the volume of the second part drinkable in a series of combinations, and the combination includes a portion of the first part and a portion of the second part together (e.g., consisting of a portion of the first part and a portion of the second part). Such a combination can be delivered by adjusting the relative flow rates of the first liquid and the second liquid from different containers in the device so as to change the flow overlap of the two liquids, as described above.

[0099] Aspects of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the following numbered clauses:

[0100] 1. A liquid dispensing device, comprising:

[0101] a first container containing a first liquid, the first container having an opening in an end of the first container;

[0102] a second container adjacent to the first container, the second container containing a second liquid, the second container having an opening in an end of the second container,

[0103] wherein an opening in an end of the first container is proximate to an opening in an end of the second container, wherein the first container and the second container separate the first liquid from the second liquid; and

[0104] wherein one of the first liquid and the second liquid comprises a tastant that is substantially absent from the other liquid or is present in a relatively different amount;

[0105] The arrangement of the first container and the second container and / or the arrangement of the opening in the end of the first container and the opening in the end of the second container is such that when the first liquid and the second liquid are poured from the device, the first liquid flows through the opening in the end of the first container and the second liquid flows through the opening in the end of the second container, so that the first liquid starts to leave the opening in the end of the first container before the second liquid starts to leave the opening in the end of the second container.

[0106] 2. A liquid dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the tastant is sweet, salty, bitter, umami, sour or flavorful, for example, wherein the tastant is selected from the list comprising: sodium chloride, potassium chloride, ammonium chloride, glucose, sucrose, fructose or galactose.

[0107] 3. Liquid dispensing apparatus according to clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the side wall of the first container also forms the side wall of the second container.

[0108] 4. The liquid dispensing apparatus according to clause 3, wherein the side walls of the first container and the second container are curved so as to prevent the second liquid from flowing out of the second container.

[0109] 5. A liquid dispensing apparatus according to clause 3 or clause 4, wherein the side walls of the first container and the second container are curved to allow only a predetermined portion of the first liquid to flow to and from the opening in the end of the first container when the liquid dispensing apparatus is rotated through a first angle.

[0110] 6. The liquid dispensing apparatus of clause 5, wherein a second predetermined portion of the first liquid is permitted to flow to and from the opening in the end of the first container when the liquid dispensing apparatus is rotated through a second angle, wherein the second angle is greater than the first angle.

[0111] 7. Liquid dispensing apparatus according to any of clauses 3 to 6, wherein the first container tapers towards an opening in an end of the first container and the second container tapers towards an opening in an end of the second container.

[0112] 8. The liquid dispensing apparatus of clause 7, wherein the tapers of the first container and the second container are asymmetrical so as to encourage the liquid dispensing apparatus to remain in a particular orientation as the first liquid and the second liquid are poured from the apparatus.

[0113] 9. A liquid dispensing device according to any one of clauses 3 to 8, wherein the opening in the end of the first container and the opening in the end of the second container are located in a cover, wherein the cover can be removed from the liquid dispensing device to allow replenishment of the first liquid in the first container and the second liquid in the second container.

[0114] 10. Liquid dispensing apparatus according to any of clauses 3 to 9, wherein the opening in the end of the second container has a smaller cross-sectional area than the opening in the end of the first container.

[0115] 11. Liquid dispensing apparatus according to any of clauses 3 to 10, wherein the volume of the first liquid in the first container is greater than the volume of the second liquid in the second container.

[0116] 12. Liquid dispensing apparatus according to any of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the opening in the end of the first container comprises a first valve and the opening in the end of the second container comprises a second valve.

[0117] 13. The liquid dispensing apparatus of clause 12, wherein a maximum flow rate of the first liquid through the first valve is greater than a maximum flow rate of the second liquid through the second valve.

[0118] 14. Liquid dispensing apparatus according to any of clauses 12 to 13, wherein the first valve is configured to allow only a predetermined portion of the first liquid to leave the first valve and / or the second valve is configured to allow only a predetermined portion of the second liquid to leave the second valve.

[0119] 15. The liquid dispensing apparatus of clause 14, wherein the predetermined portion of the first liquid is smaller than the predetermined portion of the second liquid.

[0120] 16. Liquid dispensing apparatus according to any of clauses 12 to 15, wherein each of the first valve and the second valve has an open position and a closed position.

[0121] 17. The liquid dispensing apparatus of clause 16, wherein the first valve is configured to transition from the open position to the closed position and / or from the closed position to the open position faster than the second valve.

[0122] 18. The liquid dispensing device according to clause 16, wherein the first valve and the second valve form a composite

[0123] A portion of the valve such that the first valve and the second valve are configured to simultaneously transition from an open position to a closed position and simultaneously transition from a closed position to an open position.

[0124] 19. Liquid dispensing apparatus according to any of clauses 16 to 18, wherein the first valve and / or the second valve is biased into a closed position.

[0125] 20. The liquid dispensing apparatus of clause 19, wherein a pressure differential across the valve is required to overcome the bias.

[0126] 21. The liquid dispensing device according to any of clauses 12 to 20, wherein the first valve and the second valve are located in a cover, wherein the cover is removable from the liquid dispensing device to allow replenishment of the first liquid in the first container and the second liquid in the second container.

[0127] 22. The liquid dispensing device of clause 21, wherein the cover comprises a vent to allow air to enter the liquid dispensing device, such as the first container and / or the second container.

[0128] 23. The liquid dispensing apparatus of clause 22, wherein the vent includes a valve to prevent liquid from escaping through the vent.

[0129] 24. The liquid dispensing apparatus of clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the second container comprises a tube and a fluid retaining element, wherein:

[0130] an opening in the end of the second container at the first end of the tube;

[0131] The second end of the tube is positioned within the fluid retaining element;

[0132] The fluid retaining element contains a second liquid; and

[0133] The tube passes through the first container.

[0134] 25. Liquid dispensing apparatus according to clause 24, wherein the first container is elastically deformable.

[0135] 26. The liquid dispensing apparatus of clause 25, wherein deforming the first container causes the first liquid to flow through the opening in the end of the first container.

[0136] 27. The liquid dispensing apparatus of clause 26, wherein deforming the first container causes the first

[0137] A portion of the liquid flows through the opening in the end of the first container.

[0138] 28. A liquid dispensing device according to any one of clauses 25 to 27, wherein the first container

[0139] The deformation of the vessel prevents the second liquid from flowing through the opening in the first end of the tube of the second container.

[0140] 29. A liquid dispensing apparatus according to any one of clauses 25 to 28, wherein the tube of the second container is elastically deformable, and wherein deforming the first container causes the tube of the second container to deform and prevent the second liquid from flowing out of the opening in the first end of the tube of the second container.

[0141] 30. Liquid dispensing apparatus according to any of clauses 24 to 29, wherein suction at the opening in the end of the first container is required in order to cause the first liquid to flow out of the opening in the end of the first container.

[0142] 31. The liquid dispensing apparatus of clause 30, wherein suction at the opening in the end of the first container causes a predetermined amount of the first liquid to flow out of the opening in the end of the first container.

[0143] 32. Liquid dispensing apparatus according to clause 30 or clause 31, wherein suction at the opening in the first end of the tube of the second container is required in order to cause the second liquid to flow out of the opening in the first end of the tube of the second container.

[0144] 33. A liquid dispensing device according to claim 32, wherein more or less suction is required at the opening in the first end of the tube of the second container to cause the second liquid to flow out of the opening in the first end of the tube of the second container than the suction required at the opening in the end of the first container to cause the first liquid to flow out of the opening in the end of the first container.

[0145] 34. Liquid dispensing apparatus according to any of clauses 24 to 33, wherein the first container is removable from the fluid retaining element of the second container to allow replenishment of the first liquid in the first container and the second liquid in the liquid retaining element of the second container.

[0146] 35. The liquid dispensing apparatus of clause 34, wherein the tube of the second container is secured to the first container.

[0147] 36. A liquid dispensing device according to any one of clauses 24 to 33, wherein the first container is removable from the fluid retaining element of the second container to allow replenishment of the second liquid in the fluid retaining element of the second container, and a replacement first container is reattached to the fluid retaining element of the second container.

[0148] 37. Liquid dispensing apparatus according to any of clauses 24 to 36, wherein the opening in the end of the first container forms an annulus around the opening at the first end of the tube of the second container.

[0149] 38. The liquid dispensing apparatus of any of clauses 24 to 37, further comprising a cover configured to seal the opening in the end of the first container and the opening at the first end of the tube of the second container.

[0150] 39. A liquid dispensing device comprising:

[0151] a first container containing a first liquid, the first container having an opening in an end of the first container;

[0152] a second container adjacent to the first container, the second container containing a second liquid, the second container having an opening in an end of the second container,

[0153] wherein an opening in an end of the first container is proximate to an opening in an end of the second container,

[0154] wherein the curved sidewall of the first container also forms a curved sidewall of the second container, the curved sidewall separating the first liquid from the second liquid; and

[0155] wherein one of the first liquid and the second liquid comprises a tastant that is substantially absent from the other liquid or is present in a relatively different amount;

[0156] wherein the curved sidewall blocks the second liquid from flowing out of the second container such that when the first liquid and the second liquid are poured from the apparatus, the first liquid flows through the opening in the end of the first container and the second liquid flows through the opening in the end of the second container such that the first liquid begins to leave the opening in the end of the first container before the second liquid begins to leave the opening in the end of the second container.

[0157] 40. A liquid dispensing device comprising:

[0158] a first container containing a first liquid, the first container having an opening in an end of the first container;

[0159] a second container adjacent to the first container, the second container containing a second liquid, the second container having an opening in an end of the second container,

[0160] wherein an opening in an end of the first container is proximate to an opening in an end of the second container,

[0161] wherein the first container and the second container separate the first liquid from the second liquid; and

[0162] wherein one of the first liquid and the second liquid comprises a tastant that is substantially absent from the other liquid or is present in a relatively different amount;

[0163] wherein the opening in the end of the first container comprises a first valve and the opening in the end of the second container comprises a second valve, the first valve and the second valve being configured such that when the first liquid and the second liquid are poured from the apparatus, the first liquid flows through the first valve and the second liquid flows through the second valve such that the first liquid begins to leave the first valve before the second liquid begins to leave the second valve.

[0164] 41. A liquid dispensing device comprising:

[0165] a first container containing a first liquid, the first container having an opening in an end of the first container;

[0166] a second container comprising a tube and a fluid retaining element, the fluid retaining element containing a second liquid, the tube having an opening at a first end of the tube and a second end of the tube being located within the fluid retaining element,

[0167] wherein the tube passes through the first container;

[0168] wherein the opening in the end of the first container is proximate to the opening at the first end of the tube of the second container,

[0169] wherein the first container and the second container separate the first liquid from the second liquid; and

[0170] wherein one of the first liquid and the second liquid comprises a tastant that is substantially absent from the other liquid or is present in a relatively different amount;

[0171] The arrangement of the first container and the tube of the second container is such that when the first liquid and the second liquid are poured from the device, the first liquid flows through the opening in the end of the first container and the second liquid flows through the opening at the first end of the tube of the second container, so that the first liquid starts to leave the opening in the end of the first container before the second liquid starts to leave the opening at the first end of the tube of the second container.

[0172] The skilled person will understand that these embodiments are provided by way of example only and that different features from different embodiments may be combined as appropriate without departing from the essence and scope of the present teachings. Therefore, the scope of the invention protected by the claims is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A liquid dispensing device, comprising: a first container containing a first liquid, the first container having an opening in an end of the first container; a second container, the second container being adjacent to the first container, the second container containing a second liquid, the second container having an opening in an end of the second container, wherein the opening in the end of the first container is proximate to the opening in the end of the second container, wherein the first container and the second container separate the first liquid from the second liquid; and wherein one of the first liquid and the second liquid comprises a tastant that is substantially absent from or present in a relatively different amount in the other liquid; wherein the arrangement of the first container and the second container and / or the arrangement of the opening in the end of the first container and the opening in the end of the second container is such that, when the first liquid and the second liquid are poured from the device, the first liquid flows through the opening in the end of the first container and the second liquid flows through the opening in the end of the second container, such that the first liquid starts to leave the opening in the end of the first container before the second liquid starts to leave the opening in the end of the second container.

2. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the tastant is sweet, salty, bitter, umami, sour, or has a flavor other than sweet, salty, bitter, umami, sour.

3. A liquid dispensing apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the side wall of the first container also forms the side wall of the second container, and wherein the side walls of the first container and the second container are curved so as to prevent the second liquid from flowing out of the second container.

4. The liquid dispensing apparatus of claim 3, wherein the sidewall allows only a predetermined portion of the first liquid to flow to and from the opening in the end of the first container when the liquid dispensing apparatus is rotated through a first angle; and wherein a second predetermined portion of the first liquid is permitted to flow to and from the opening in the end of the first container when the liquid dispensing apparatus is rotated through a second angle, wherein the second angle is greater than the first angle.

5. The liquid dispensing apparatus of claim 3, wherein the opening in the end of the first container and the opening in the end of the second container are located in a cover, wherein the cover is removable from the liquid dispensing apparatus to allow replenishment of the first liquid in the first container and the second liquid in the second container.

6. The liquid dispensing apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the opening in the end of the first container comprises a first valve and the opening in the end of the second container comprises a second valve.

7. The liquid dispensing apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first valve is configured to allow only a predetermined portion of the first liquid to exit the first valve and / or the second valve is configured to allow only a predetermined portion of the second liquid to exit the second valve.

8. The liquid dispensing apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first valve is configured to transition from an open position to a closed position and / or from the closed position to the open position faster than the second valve; or The first valve and the second valve form part of a composite valve such that the first valve and the second valve are configured to simultaneously transition from the open position to the closed position and simultaneously transition from the closed position to the open position.

9. Liquid dispensing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the first valve and / or the second valve are biased in the closed position, and wherein a pressure differential across the first valve and / or the second valve is required to overcome the bias.

10. The liquid dispensing apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first valve and the second valve are located in a cover, wherein the cover is removable from the liquid dispensing apparatus to allow replenishment of the first liquid in the first container and the second liquid in the second container.

11. The liquid dispensing apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second container comprises a tube and a fluid retaining element, wherein: the opening in the end of the second container being located at the first end of the tube; The second end of the tube is located within the fluid retaining element; The fluid retaining element contains the second liquid; and The tube passes through the first container.

12. The liquid dispensing apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first container is elastically deformable, and wherein deforming the first container causes the first liquid to flow through the opening in the end of the first container.

13. The liquid dispensing apparatus of claim 12, wherein deforming the first container causes at least one of the following: a portion of the first liquid flows through the opening in the end of the first container; and The second liquid is prevented from flowing through the opening in the first end of the tube of the second container.

14. The liquid dispensing apparatus of claim 12, wherein the tube of the second container is elastically deformable, and wherein deforming the first container causes the tube of the second container to deform and prevent the second liquid from flowing out of the opening in the first end of the tube of the second container.

15. The liquid dispensing apparatus of claim 11 wherein suction at the opening in the end of the first container is required in order to cause the first liquid to flow out of the opening in the end of the first container.

16. The liquid dispensing apparatus of claim 15, wherein: suction at the opening in the end of the first container causes a predetermined amount of the first liquid to flow out of the opening in the end of the first container; and / or Suction at the opening in the first end of the tube of the second container is required in order to cause the second liquid to flow out of the opening in the first end of the tube of the second container.

17. The liquid dispensing apparatus of claim 2, wherein the tastant is selected from the list comprising sodium chloride, potassium chloride, ammonium chloride, glucose, sucrose, fructose, or galactose.

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