Beverage system, flavour container, carbonated beverage system and method for preparing a flavoured beverage

Abstract

Beverage systems for dispensing beverages, flavor containers, carbonated beverage systems, and methods for preparing flavored beverages are provided. In one embodiment, a beverage dispensing device includes a housing, a carbonation assembly, a cradle assembly, and one or more flavor containers. The beverage dispensing device can also include a controller with a UI to allow a user to customize aspects of a beverage. These customizable aspects can include fluid volume, carbonation level, flavor type, and / or flavor amount. Based on the customized aspects of the beverage, the beverage dispensing device can dispense an amount of carbonated or non-carbonated water, and can dispense a certain type and amount of flavor. Illustrative embodiments of flavor containers are also provided.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] A system for dispensing carbonated and / or flavored beverages is provided. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventional beverage dispensing devices are used to carbonate and / or flavor water. Some devices can mix carbonated water and flavoring compounds together in the machine and then dispense the resulting mixture into a receptacle. Unless the device is thoroughly cleaned, this method can result in contamination over time. Other devices rely on pulverizing, piercing, and / or generally destroying a flavoring container in order to access the flavoring compounds inside. These methods of destroying the flavoring container can create splatter and mess that can lead to similar contamination if not thoroughly cleaned up.

[0003] Yet other devices rely on carbonated water in a specialized container that will attach to the device and provide the resulting beverage from the specialized container. The container can be pre-filled with water and / or flavoring and then the container can be secured to the device and pressurized within the container and used to provide the resulting beverage. However, these devices can create excess plastic waste because specially adapted bottles must be produced to interface with the device.

[0004] Accordingly, there remains a need to provide improved beverage dispensing devices to improve the creation of mess and waste. SUMMARY

[0005] A beverage system for making flavored and / or carbonated beverages is provided. Related apparatus and techniques are also provided.

[0006] In one embodiment, a beverage system for making flavored carbonated beverages is provided. The beverage system can have a housing. The housing can include a fluid input configured to receive a first fluid from a fluid source and a fluid output configured to eject a second fluid. A cradle assembly can be movably mounted on the housing. The cradle assembly can include a cavity configured to seat a flavoring container. The cavity can have a port configured to interact with an inlet on the flavoring container to allow a pump in the housing to pass at least one gas from the port into the flavoring container through the inlet.

[0007] One or more of the following features can be included in any workable combination. For example, the at least one gas can include air.

[0008] In another example, the first fluid and the second fluid can be the same.

[0009] In another example, the first fluid can be water.

[0010] In another example, the housing can include a mixing chamber configured to be in fluid communication with a fluid source, and the housing can be configured to be coupled to a pressurized gas source to allow gas to be delivered to the mixing chamber to carbonate a first fluid within the mixing chamber to produce a second fluid.

[0011] In another example, the beverage system can include a pump and a conduit coupled to the pump and the port. The pump can be configured to force air to flow along a path. The path can include the conduit, the port, and an inlet into the flavor container.

[0012] In another example, the cavity can include an alignment channel formed in and extending along a sidewall thereof. The cavity can be configured to receive a corresponding protrusion on the flavor container to align the flavor container with the port.

[0013] In another example, the cavity can include a hole formed therein and configured to receive a protrusion on the flavor container, and the cavity can further include at least one protrusion extending from a surface thereof and configured to extend into a portion of the flavor container. In other aspects, the portion can be a cap attached to a body of the flavor container.

[0014] In another example, the cradle assembly can be movable between an open position to receive a flavor container and a closed position in which the cradle assembly prevents removal of the flavor container. In certain aspects, the cradle assembly can be pivotally coupled to the housing by a hinge and can move about the hinge between the open and closed positions.

[0015] In another example, the cradle assembly can include a first and a second independently movable cradle for seating a first and a second flavor container.

[0016] In another example, the housing is configured to jet a second fluid in a first stream, jet a flavoring in a second stream, and wherein the second fluid and the jetted flavoring form a beverage. In other aspects, the first and second streams are substantially parallel. In yet other aspects, the second stream can have a trajectory that is at an oblique angle to a trajectory of the first stream. The second stream can be combined in-flight with the first stream. In further aspects, the housing can include a mixing chamber in fluid communication with a fluid source and coupled to a pressurized gas source to allow gas to be delivered to the mixing chamber to carbonate a first fluid within the mixing chamber to produce a second fluid.

[0017] In another example, the beverage system can include a removable tank coupled to the housing and having a water reservoir therein.

[0018] In another example, the cavity can include a first cavity, and the cradle assembly can include a second cavity configured to seat a second flavor container. In certain aspects, the beverage system can include a user interface configured to receive at least one input. The at least one input can signify a selection between ejecting flavor from the first flavor container and ejecting flavor from the second flavor container.

[0019] In another example, the port can be configured to form a vacuum seal around the inlet when the flavor container is seated in the cavity.

[0020] In another example, the cavity can include at least one protrusion defining a retention pattern. The retention pattern can be configured to receive a complementary feature on a flavor container. In other aspects, the retention pattern can include a figure-eight pattern. In further aspects, the complementary feature on a flavor container can include two circles of different diameters separated by a space.

[0021] In another embodiment, a beverage system for preparing a flavored carbonated beverage is provided. The beverage system can include a fluid dispenser configured to dispense carbonated water and a cradle assembly movably mounted to the fluid dispenser. The cradle assembly can be configured to fixedly seat at least one flavor container. The fluid dispenser can include an air pump capable of injecting at least one gas into a flavor container seated in the cradle assembly to cause the at least one flavor container to dispense flavor. The cradle assembly can be configured to form a vacuum seal around at least a portion of the flavor container prior to injecting the at least one gas into the flavor container.

[0022] One or more of the following features can be included in any workable combination. For example, the at least one gas can include air.

[0023] In another example, the first fluid can include water.

[0024] In another example, the cradle assembly can be configured to seat a plurality of flavor containers.

[0025] In another example, the cradle assembly can have a cavity formed therein and can be configured to receive a flavor container. The cradle assembly can have a channel extending along a sidewall of the cavity and configured to receive a protrusion on the flavor container.

[0026] In another example, the cradle assembly can include an outlet port formed therein and can be configured to couple to an inlet port on a flavor container to allow air to be injected into the flavor container.

[0027] In another example, the cradle assembly can include an outlet port formed therein and can be configured to couple to an outlet port on a flavoring container to allow a first fluid within the flavoring container to be ejected from the flavoring container. The outlet port in the cradle assembly can be configured to deliver the fluid to a receptacle.

[0028] In another embodiment, a flavoring container for use in a beverage carbonation system is provided. The flavoring container can include a container defining an interior hollow chamber. The container can have an opening to the interior hollow chamber. The flavoring container can also include a cap coupled to the opening of the container. The cap can have an inlet valve that can be sealed to retain a fluid within the container and can be configured to open in response to pressurized air to allow air to be injected into the interior hollow chamber. The cap can also have an outlet valve that can be sealed to retain a fluid within the container and can be configured to open to allow the fluid within the container to flow out through the outlet valve when a pressure within the interior hollow chamber exceeds a predetermined threshold pressure.

[0029] One or more of the following features can be included in any workable combination. For example, the inlet valve can define a first flow path and the outlet valve can define a second flow path. The first flow path and the second flow path can be substantially parallel to each other.

[0030] In another example, the inlet valve can define a first flow path and the outlet valve can define a second flow path. The first flow path and the second flow path can be angled toward each other.

[0031] In another example, the cap can include a first raised collar extending around the inlet valve and a second raised collar extending around the outlet valve. In other aspects, the first raised collar and the second raised collar can at least partially overlap in a figure-eight pattern.

[0032] In another example, the cap can include at least one protrusion. The at least one protrusion can be configured to be received by a complementary retention pattern in a beverage dispensing device.

[0033] In another example, the inlet valve can have a first diameter and the outlet valve can have a second diameter. The first diameter can be smaller than the second diameter.

[0034] In another example, the cap can include an alignment mechanism configured to orient the cap within a cradle assembly. In certain aspects, the alignment mechanism can include a protrusion extending along an exterior surface of the cap.

[0035] In another example, the container can be substantially rigid to resist deformation.

[0036] In another example, the container can include a plurality of ridges disposed in the sidewall thereof.

[0037] In another example, the inlet valve can be a duckbill valve.

[0038] In another example, the cap can include an end wall extending across the opening into the interior hollow chamber. The outlet valve can be positioned within the interior hollow chamber inward of the end wall.

[0039] In another example, the outlet valve can be recessed within a raised collar.

[0040] In another example, the container can have an oblong configuration, and the cap is offset from a middle portion of the container.

[0041] In another embodiment, a flavoring container is provided. The flavoring container can include a container defining an interior hollow chamber. The container can have an opening to the interior hollow chamber configured to contain a liquid. The flavoring container can also include a swap assembly fixedly coupled to an upper surface of the container and projecting therefrom and disposed above the opening. The swap assembly can be configured to seal the interior hollow chamber, and the swap assembly can include an inlet valve, an outlet valve, and at least one protrusion formed thereon, within the interior hollow chamber. The at least one protrusion can be configured to assist in aligning the swap assembly into a cradle in a beverage carbonation system. The interior hollow chamber can be configured to receive pressurized air through the inlet valve, and the interior hollow chamber can be configured to expel a fluid through the outlet valve in response to receiving pressurized air through the inlet valve.

[0042] One or more of the following features can be included in any workable combination. For example, the swap assembly can include a cap having a hollow cylindrical body, and an end wall is located within the hollow cylindrical body. The inlet valve and the outlet valve can extend across the end wall. In other aspects, the end wall can be positioned across a substantially middle portion of the swap assembly.

[0043] In another example, the inlet valve can define a first flow path, and the outlet valve can define a second flow path. The first flow path and the second flow path can be substantially parallel to each other.

[0044] In another example, the container can be substantially rigid to resist deformation.

[0045] In another example, the inlet valve can be a duckbill valve.

[0046] In another example, the swap assembly can include a first collar disposed about the inlet valve and a second collar disposed about the outlet valve. In other aspects, the first collar and the second collar can at least partially overlap in a figure-eight pattern.

[0047] In another example, the container can include a plurality of ridges disposed on a sidewall thereof.

[0048] In another example, the exchange assembly can be a discrete element. In other aspects, the exchange assembly can be formed by an injection molding process.

[0049] In another embodiment, a beverage system for making a flavored carbonated beverage is provided. The beverage system can include a housing having a mixing chamber. The housing can be configured to be operably coupled to a fluid reservoir and a source of pressurized gas, and the housing can have a flavoring system configured to be operably coupled to a flavoring container. The beverage system can also include a processor disposed in the housing and configured to cause a first fluid to be delivered from the fluid source into the mixing chamber and a second fluid to be delivered from the mixing chamber to a receptacle in response to at least one input. The processor can also be configured to cause pressurized air to be delivered into the flavoring container to cause flavoring within the flavoring container to be ejected into the receptacle. The flavoring can be delivered to the receptacle separate from and concurrently with the carbonated fluid to form the flavored carbonated beverage.

[0050] One or more of the following features can be included in any workable combination. For example, the second fluid can be delivered to the receptacle concurrently with the flavoring.

[0051] In another example, the first fluid and the second fluid can be the same.

[0052] In another example, the processor can be configured to cause gas to be delivered from the source of pressurized gas into the mixing chamber to form the second fluid as a carbonated fluid in response to the at least one input.

[0053] In another example, the flavoring can be delivered to the container along a first flow path that is spaced apart from a second flow path through which the second fluid is delivered to the container. In other aspects, the first flow path and the second flow path are substantially parallel. In other aspects, the first flow path is angled toward the second flow path.

[0054] In another example, the input can characterize an amount of carbonation to be delivered to the mixing chamber. In other aspects, the amount of carbonation to be delivered is zero.

[0055] In another example, the input can characterize an amount of flavoring to be delivered to the receptacle.

[0056] In another example, the housing can include a cradle configured to removably seat the flavoring container.

[0057] In another example, the flavor container can include a first flavor container. The flavor system can be configured to be operably coupled to a second flavor container. In other aspects, the processor can be configured to receive an input indicative of a selection of one of the first flavor container and the second flavor container, and the processor can be configured to cause pressurized air to be delivered into the selected one of the first flavor container and the second flavor container in response to the input.

[0058] In another example, the flavor container can include an inlet valve and an outlet valve. Pressurized air can be delivered through the inlet valve, and the flavoring can be ejected through the outlet valve.

[0059] In another embodiment, a carbonated beverage system is provided. The carbonated beverage system can include a housing. The housing can include a mixing chamber fluidly coupled to a fluid reservoir and a source of pressurized gas. The mixing chamber can be configured to receive a first fluid from the mixing chamber and deliver a second fluid to a first fluid outlet on the housing. The housing can also include a flavor receptacle. The flavor receptacle can be configured to seat a flavor container such that the flavor container is configured to receive pressurized air from a pump in the housing and configured to deliver a flavoring to a second fluid outlet on the housing. The second fluid outlet can be spaced apart from the first fluid outlet, and the first fluid outlet and the second fluid outlet can be positioned above a platform configured to support a beverage container.

[0060] One or more of the following features can be included in any workable combination. For example, the second fluid can be the first fluid.

[0061] In another example, the first fluid outlet can be configured to deliver the second fluid at the same time as the second fluid outlet delivers the flavoring.

[0062] In another example, the first fluid outlet and the second fluid outlet can define fluid flow paths that are substantially parallel to each other.

[0063] In another example, the second fluid outlet can define a fluid flow path that extends transverse to a fluid flow path defined by the first fluid outlet such that the flavoring that flows out of the second fluid outlet is directed into a path of the carbonated fluid that flows out of the first fluid outlet.

[0064] In another example, the fluid reservoir can be a water tank removably coupled to the mixing chamber.

[0065] In another example, the housing can include a user interface configured to receive at least one input. The at least one input can control at least one characteristic of the carbonated fluid. In other aspects, the at least one characteristic can be at least one of a fluid volume and a carbonation level.

[0066] In another embodiment, a method for preparing a flavored carbonated beverage is provided. The method can include receiving, at a processor, an input from a user and, in response to the input, causing gas from a pressurized gas source to be delivered into a mixing chamber containing a fluid, thereby forming a carbonated fluid. The method can also include causing the carbonated fluid to be delivered into a container and causing a flavoring agent to be delivered into the container along a fluid flow path that is spaced apart from and substantially parallel to a fluid flow path in which the carbonated fluid is delivered into the container.

[0067] One or more of the following features can be included in any workable combination. For example, the input can characterize at least one of a flavor type, a carbonation level, a volume of carbonated fluid to be delivered into the container, and a volume of flavoring agent to be delivered into the container.

[0068] In another example, the method can include causing fluid from a fluid storage tank to be delivered into the mixing chamber in response to the input. In other aspects, the fluid storage tank can be a water tank that is removably coupled to the mixing chamber.

[0069] In another example, the method can include seating a flavoring agent container containing a flavoring agent in a cradle assembly.

[0070] The details of one or more variations of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of the subject matter described herein will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0071] These and other features will be more readily understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

[0072] Figure 1A is a front view of one embodiment of a beverage dispensing device to which a water reservoir is coupled;

[0073] Figure 1B is a front perspective view of the beverage dispensing device of Figure 1A with the water reservoir removed;

[0074] Figure 1C is a bottom perspective view of the beverage dispensing device of Figure 1B ;

[0075] Figure 1D is a rear perspective view of the beverage dispensing device of Figure 1B with a door opened to reveal a CO2 tank cavity;

[0076] Figure 1E is a rear perspective view of the beverage dispensing device of Figure 1B with the door removed to reveal a CO2 tank disposed within a tank cavity;

[0077] Figure 2A is Figure 1A a drip tray of a beverage dispensing apparatus of

[0078] Figure 2B is a front perspective view of a drip tray of Figure 2A with the grid removed;

[0079] Figure 3A is a front perspective view of a reservoir valve seat of a beverage dispensing apparatus of Figure 1A

[0080] Figure 3B is a side perspective cross-sectional view of a reservoir valve seat of Figure 3A

[0081] Figure 4A is a front perspective view of a water reservoir of Figure 1A

[0082] Figure 4B is a bottom perspective view of a water reservoir of Figure 1A

[0083] Figure 4C is a side cross-sectional view of a valve section of a water reservoir of Figure 1A

[0084] Figure 5A is a system diagram of a beverage dispensing apparatus of Figure 1A with a carbonation assembly;

[0085] Figure 5B is a left side view of a carbonation assembly of Figure 5A including a mixing assembly according to some embodiments;

[0086] Figure 5C is a left side view of a mixing assembly of Figure 5B

[0087] Figure 6A is a front perspective view of a cradle assembly for use with a beverage dispensing apparatus of Figure 1A according to some embodiments;

[0088] Figure 6B is a left side cross-sectional view of a cradle of a cradle assembly of Figure 6A

[0089] Figure 6C is a left side cross-sectional view of a cradle assembly of Figure 6A

[0090] Figure 6D is a side perspective cross-sectional view of a cradle assembly of Figure 6A

[0091] Figure 6E ​​​​​​​​​is Figure 6A a bottom perspective view of the cradle assembly of

[0092] Figure 6F is Figure 6A a side cross-sectional view of the flavoring container seated on the cradle assembly of

[0093] Figure 6G is a perspective view of the cradle assembly of Figure 6A having two flavoring containers seated thereon according to some embodiments;

[0094] Figure 6H is a cross-sectional view of the cradle assembly of Figure 6A having an air pump attached to the air line;

[0095] Figure 6I is a left side perspective view of the cradle assembly of Figure 6H

[0096] Figure 7A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a flavoring container;

[0097] Figure 7B is a perspective view of the flavoring container of Figure 7A without a cap;

[0098] Figure 7C is a perspective view of the flavoring container of Figure 7A

[0099] Figure 7D is a side cross-sectional view of the flavoring container of Figure 7A

[0100] is a side cross-sectional view of the cap of the flavoring container of Figure 7E according to some embodiments; Figure 7A

[0101] is a perspective view of a flavoring container according to another embodiment; Figure 8A

[0102] is a cross-sectional view of a flavoring container having an inlet and an outlet angled relative to each other according to another embodiment; Figure 8B

[0103] is an exploded perspective view of a flavoring container having separate inlet and outlet openings in the container and a cap configured to cover the inlet and the outlet; Figure 8C

[0104] is an exploded right side view of the flavoring container of Figure 8D having separate inlet and outlet caps; Figure 8C ​​​

[0105] Figure 9 is a front view of a user interface of a beverage dispensing apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0106] Figure 10A is a system process diagram of an illustrative control process;

[0107] Figure 10B is a system process diagram of an illustrative initialization sub-process of the control process of Figure 10A

[0108] Figure 10C is a system process diagram of an illustrative user input sub-process of the control process of Figure 10A

[0109] Figure 10D is a system process diagram of an illustrative carbonation sub-process of the control process of Figure 10A

[0110] Figure 10E is a system process diagram of an illustrative flavoring sub-process of the control process of Figure 10A

[0111] Figure 11 is a system process diagram of illustrative carbonation and flavoring sub-processes.

[0112] It should be noted that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0113] Certain illustrative embodiments will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the devices and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting examples and that the scope of the present disclosure is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one illustrative embodiment can be combined with the features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0114] Further, in the present disclosure, like-named components of the embodiments generally have similar features, and thus not every aspect of each like-named component can be repeated herein for the sake of brevity. In addition, if linear or circular dimensions are used in the description of the disclosed systems, devices, and methods, such dimensions are not intended to limit the types of shapes that can be used in conjunction with such systems, devices, and methods. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that equivalents of such linear and circular dimensions can be readily used with other shapes.

[0115] ​​​​A beverage dispensing device is provided that can carbonate and / or flavor and dispense a beverage. The device can receive user inputs at a user interface, and these inputs can include custom options for producing a beverage, including fluid volume, carbonation level, flavor type, and flavor strength. When inputs are received, a carbonation system can generate carbonated water using water sourced from a water reservoir (or other source) coupled to the device and carbon dioxide sourced from a carbon dioxide tank (or other source) coupled to the device. The amount of water (or other fluid) and carbon dioxide to use to produce a beverage can be determined based on the received user inputs. The device can also receive one or more flavor containers at a cradle assembly, each of which can be selected by a user for dispensing to flavor newly produced carbonated water. During the dispensing process, pressurized air can be introduced into the flavor container via an inlet, and flavoring can be ejected via an outlet. Carbonated water and flavoring can be ejected from separate nozzles into a drinking glass (or other receiving vessel, such as a travel mug), where the carbonated water and flavoring mix together. In other embodiments, the beverage can contain non-carbonated water and flavoring to form a non-carbonated flavored beverage. In some embodiments, the flavoring can be dispensed angularly relative to the flow of dispensed carbonated water, such that the carbonated water and flavoring combine in flight before reaching the drinking glass.

[0116] Referring now to Figures 1A-1E , an illustrative embodiment of a beverage dispensing device 10 is shown. The illustrated beverage dispensing device 10 generally includes a housing assembly 100 having a carbonation assembly (not shown) disposed therein, a cradle assembly 180 configured to hold one or more flavor containers 200, and a controller (also referred to as a processor, not shown) having a user interface (UI) 300 for receiving instructions from a user. A fluid reservoir 130 is coupled to the housing assembly 100 and is configured to contain fluid to be delivered to the carbonation assembly. The housing assembly 100 can also include a drip tray 110 configured to support a container, such as a glass, for collecting fluid. In operation, a user can provide various inputs to the UI, and the beverage dispensing device 10 can dispense carbonated or non-carbonated water, and optionally flavoring to flavor the carbonated or non-carbonated fluid, as desired.

[0117] As Figures 1A-1EAs shown, the illustrated housing assembly 100 includes a housing 102 having an elongated upright hollow body with a top end 102a and a bottom end 102b, a left side 102c, a right side 102d, a front side 102e, and a back side 102f. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing is oblong, and the shape of the housing 102 is longer from the front side 102e to the back side 102f than from the left side 102c to the right side 102d. The front side 102e is shown having a flat exterior facade, and the back side 102f is shown having a rounded convex exterior facade, while each of the left side 102c and the right side 102d are substantially flat. However, the housing 102 can have any shape, and thus, in various embodiments, the shape of the housing 102 can vary to include additional or flat components, or other forms than shown. The housing 102 can be sized to accommodate the internal components of the beverage dispensing device 10, discussed in further detail below. The housing 102 can be made of any suitable material or materials, and can include various metals (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum), plastics, glass, or other suitable materials known to those skilled in the art, alone or in combination.

[0118] The bottom side of the housing 102 can provide a flat base for the beverage dispensing device 10, and the bottom side can include supports or feet 103 that can provide additional stability. The feet 103 can be in any form, and in one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the feet are rounded and disposed around the outer edge of the bottom side 102a. To prevent the housing 102 from sliding on a surface, the feet 103 can be made of a higher friction material, such as rubber, or have a portion of higher friction. Figure 1C

[0119] As further shown, the housing 102 includes a head assembly 120 on an upper portion of the front side 102e of the housing 102. The head assembly 120 can be substantially cylindrical in shape, and include a top side 120a that is aligned with the top side 102b of the housing 102, and a bottom side 120c that includes various openings for dispensing fluid used to create a beverage. Between the top side 120a and the bottom side 120c is an outer surface 120b that defines the rounded form of the cylindrical head assembly 120. The head assembly 120 can contain components of a mixing assembly that is configured to carbonate fluid (e.g., water) that can then be dispensed from the bottom side. In addition, the head assembly 120 can be configured to receive one or more flavor containers 180 that can be used to create a beverage. The outer surface 120b of the head assembly 120 can include a UI 300 for receiving input for operating the device. The mixing assembly, fluid dispensing, and creation of a beverage, including by operating the UI 300, will be discussed in greater detail below.

[0120] Figure 1D ​A CO2 chamber 104 according to the illustrated embodiment is shown. The CO2 chamber 104 is an opening in the housing that can receive a CO2 source used in the carbonation process. In the illustrated embodiment, the CO2 chamber 104 is located in the rear left side 102c of the housing 102, but the CO2 chamber 104 can be located elsewhere. The CO2 chamber 104 can be closed by a door 106, as seen in Figure 1E the illustrated embodiment. The door 106 can extend upward from the bottom side 102a and can follow the contour of the left side 102c and into the rear side 102f. The door 106 can be attached to the housing 102 by some means, such as via a hinge or by magnets, or can be fitted using other techniques known in the art. In the illustrated embodiment, the door 106 can be completely removed from the housing 102, but can be secured to the housing by any of a variety of means, such as by a number of magnets (not shown) disposed in the door 106 and in the housing 102. A cutout 106a can be formed in the housing 102 that enables a user to grasp and remove the door 106 while maintaining a uniform shape of the overall housing 102.

[0121] The door 106 can be moved between a closed position that closes the CO2 chamber 104 and an open position that opens the CO2 chamber 104. When the door 106 is in the open position, the CO2 source can be accessed. In the illustrated embodiment, the CO2 source is in the form of a canister 161, which will be described in more detail below.

[0122] As introduced above, the housing 102 can include a drip tray 110 that can be seen in more detail in Figures 2A-2B The drip tray 110 extends from a lower portion of the front side 102e below the head assembly 120. The drip tray 110 can have any shape or form, and in the illustrated embodiment, the drip tray is flat and circular, while also corresponding to the size of the head assembly 120. In some embodiments, the drip tray 110 can be formed integral with the housing 102, while in other embodiments, the drip tray can be completely removable from the housing 102. Removing the drip tray 110 or not including a drip tray can allow taller receptacle vessels to be placed below the head assembly 120. This can also allow a shorter overall system 10' to have a head assembly with a lower bottom, while still accommodating the same vessel height as the system 10 and drip tray 110 can accommodate.

[0123] The illustrated drip tray 110 includes a recess 112 defining a central cavity 113, and a grate 114 placed over the recess 112 and covering the central cavity 113. The grate 114 includes a plurality of holes. During operation of the beverage dispensing device 10, the recess 112 can be used to catch and hold splashed or dripped fluid that can pass through the holes in the grate 114 and can collect within the central cavity 113. The drip tray 110 can be made of any material similar to the housing 102, and can be the same material or a different material as the housing. The recess 112 and the grate 114 can also be made of the same material or different materials. The recess 112 and the grate 114 can be removable from the housing to allow a user to discard any collected fluid. In some embodiments, the system 110 can expel fluid into the drip tray 110 for various purposes, such that the fluid can be removed from the system 10 as needed without causing a mess.

[0124] As indicated above, a fluid reservoir 130 can be coupled to the housing 100 for storing fluid to be delivered into the system. Figures 3A-3B A reservoir valve seat 116 is shown, which is configured to couple the fluid reservoir 130 to the carbonation system. The illustrated reservoir valve seat 116 extends outwardly from the right side 102d of the housing 102 at the same level as the bottom side 102a. In this way, the reservoir valve seat 116 can provide additional support to prevent tilting of the beverage dispensing device 10. In other embodiments, the reservoir valve seat 116 can be located at the back side 102e, the left side 102c, or at any other location. The reservoir valve seat 116 can be in the form of a hollow housing 118 with an upwardly extending valve 119. The upwardly extending valve 119 can be received by a corresponding valve structure located on the water reservoir bottom side. Figure 3B A valve 119 coupled to a water line 154 inside the reservoir valve seat 116 is also shown. This line 154 can allow fluid to be delivered to the carbonation assembly 150, which will be discussed in more detail later.

[0125] Figures 4A-4B A water reservoir 130 according to an illustrative embodiment is shown. The water reservoir 130 is generally a container for holding fluid, such as water, which can interface with the reservoir valve seat 116, thereby enabling fluid communication between the water reservoir 130 and the beverage dispensing device 10 for the production and dispensing of beverages. The water reservoir 130 can have any shape, and can be designed to complement the shape and size of the housing 102. For example, both the water reservoir 130 and the housing 102 can have flat sides to minimize the overall footprint of the system. In the illustrated embodiment, the water reservoir 130 is shown in the form of a pitcher, and has a main container 132, a handle 134, and a removable lid 136. The bottom side 132a of the container 130 is concave, and a support 133 extends around the perimeter of the bottom side 132a.

[0126] A valve structure 140 is on the bottom side 132a, which can be received by the upwardly extending valve 119 of the reservoir valve seat 116. The valve structure 140 includes a center plug 142 seated within a center valve pocket 144. A valve shroud 146 is within the water reservoir 130, surrounding an upper extent of the center plug 142. The valve shroud 146 is mounted to the water reservoir 130 and blocks direct access to the center plug, while still allowing fluid to flow through the valve structure 140. When not received on the upwardly extending valve 119, the center plug 142 is biased down within the center valve pocket 144 to a closed position to retain fluid in the water reservoir 130. When the valve structure 140 is received on the upwardly extending valve 119, the center plug 142 can move up within the center valve pocket 144 to an open position to allow fluid to flow from the water reservoir 130 through the valve structure 140 and into the remainder of the beverage dispensing device 10.

[0127] Figures 5A-5C An illustrative carbonation assembly 150 is shown. The carbonation assembly 150 can be housed within the housing 102 and can be used to generate carbonated water for use in a beverage. The illustrated carbonation assembly 150 generally includes a water line 152, a gas line 160, and a mixing assembly 170. The mixing assembly 170 receives water from the water line 152 and gas (in the form of CO2) from the gas line 160 in order to generate carbonated water.

[0128] The water line 152 is coupled to the water reservoir 130 and can also include any of the valve structure 140, valve seat 116, water tubing 154, water pump 156, and flow meter 157. The water tubing 154 extends from the valve seat 116 through the interior of the housing 102 to the mixing assembly 170. Near the point of connection with the mixing assembly, a first check valve 158a and a second check valve 158b can be provided, which can selectively allow water to flow into the mixing assembly 170 and prevent water from flowing back from the mixing assembly 170. Upstream of the second check valve 158b is a purge pump 159, which can be used to send pressurized air into the mixing assembly 170 in order to purge the standing water and carbonated water of the mixing assembly 170 when not in use. A water pump 156 and flow meter 157 can also be provided in the water tubing 154 line. The water pump 156 operates to pump water from the water reservoir 130, through the valve seat 116, through the water tubing 154, and into the mixing assembly 170. The flow meter 157 can measure the amount and / or rate of water passing through the water line 152 and into the mixing assembly 170 in order to accurately measure the amount needed to produce a beverage. In various embodiments, the flow meter 157 can not be used, but instead a sensor can be placed within the mixing assembly to measure the total volume of fluid entering the mixing chamber 172. Such a sensor can be a float sensor or other means to measure volume.

[0129] The gas line 160 can include any of the following: a CO2 tank 161 or equivalent source, a regulator 164, a gas solenoid 166, and a gas line 162. The gas line 162 extends from the CO2 tank 161 to the mixing assembly 170. Similar to the water line 152, the gas line 160 can include a gas check valve 168 at the point of connection to the mixing assembly 170, which can selectively allow gas to flow into the mixing assembly 170 and prevent backflow from the assembly 170 into the gas line 160. As mentioned above, the CO2 tank 161 is located within the CO2 chamber 104 and can supply carbon dioxide to the beverage dispensing device. The CO2 tank 161 can be a replaceable unit that contains pressurized carbon dioxide, and when the tank 161 is empty, the tank 161 can be replaced in order to maintain a supply of carbon dioxide for future operation. The tank 161 can be connected to the regulator 164, which can lead to the gas solenoid 166, which can be actuated to open and close the passage of carbon dioxide along the gas line 160 and into the mixing assembly 170.

[0130] The water line 152 and the gas line 160 both lead to the mixing assembly 170, which can be used to generate carbonated water (or other fluid) from water (or other fluid) input via the water line 152 and the gas line 160. In the illustrated embodiment, the mixing assembly 170 is disposed in the head assembly 120, and can include a mixing chamber 172, an agitator 173, a motor 174, a dispenser valve 176, and a nozzle 178. The particular arrangement of the mixing assembly 170 can vary, as can its relationship to other components contained within the housing 102 and its relationship to the housing 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the agitator 173 is disposed within the mixing chamber 172, and the motor 174 is disposed below the mixing chamber 172. The dispenser valve 176 is located on the underside of the mixing chamber 172, which leads to the nozzle 178. The nozzle 178 can be located within the bottom side 120a of the head assembly 120 and can dispense carbonated water and / or still water (or another fluid) for a beverage.

[0131] The mixing chamber 172 can include an emergency pressure relief valve 179, a pressure sensor 175a that can measure the internal pressure of the mixing chamber 172, and a temperature sensor 175b that can measure the internal temperature of the mixing chamber 172. The temperature sensor 175b can be an NTC, a thermistor, a thermocouple, or any other type of sensor capable of measuring temperature. Additionally, the mixing chamber 172 can include an exhaust solenoid 172a and a back pressure relief valve 172b, which can each be actuated to regulate the internal pressure of the mixing chamber 172, for example, to release pressure from within the mixing chamber 172 prior to dispensing carbonated fluid at the end of a carbonation program. The carbonation program will be described in detail below.

[0132] Referring now to Figures 6A-6IAccording to one embodiment, a carriage assembly 180 and a flavor container 200 are shown. The carriage assembly 180 can hold at least one flavor container 200, which includes a flavoring that can be dispensed and combined with carbonated or non-carbonated water (or other fluid) to produce a flavored beverage.

[0133] The carriage assembly 180 can be located within the head assembly 120 and is shown as having a left carriage 182L and a right carriage 182R that can each hold a flavor container 200L, 200R. In other embodiments, a different number of carriages can be used to hold a different number of flavor containers. The left and right carriages 182L, 182R can be identical in structure but mirrored with respect to each other, so only the description will be provided for one carriage 182R. The carriage 182R can be attached to the head assembly 120 via a pivot hinge 183a and cam structure 183b arranged in a cam slot 183c, which allows the carriage to move between a raised position and a lowered position. For example, as seen in FIG. 1 1, the left carriage 182L is in the raised position, while the right carriage 182R is in the lowered position. When the carriage 182R is in the lowered position, a flavor container 200R can be inserted therein. The carriage assembly can also include a biasing element, such as a spring 183d, which can bias the carriage assembly to the raised position. Figure 6A

[0134] The holding stand 184 is on the carriage 182R itself and is sized to seat the flavor container 200R. The holding stand 184 can be in the form of a rounded recess that is shaped to receive the cap of the flavor container. The holding stand can also include a keying slot 184a that extends from the rounded recess along the sidewall of the stand. The slot 184a can be sized to receive a complementary portion of the flavor container so as to properly align the flavor container 200 within the carriage 182R. The keying slot 184a can also be generally referred to as an alignment channel. Within the slot 184a, there can be a retention catch 185 in the form of a spring-loaded extension that is configured to receive and retain a complementary groove on the flavor container 200. The holding stand 184 can also include a retention tab 184b within the slot that provides more area for the flavor container 200 to frictionally fit when held in the carriage 182R. In other embodiments, the holding stand 184 can be in the form of a recessed channel that is sized to receive the flavor container 200. The holding stand 184 can also include a spring-loaded extension that is configured to receive and retain a complementary groove on the flavor container 200. Figure 6A 6B ​​In particular, the retaining protrusion 184b is shown in the form of a rounded triangular shape that protrudes outwardly from the retaining pedestal 184, however, the retaining protrusion 184b can have any shape or form, for example, in the form of a complementary and compatible portion on a flavor container (e.g., flavor container 200 or 200' described below) or more particularly a cap of the flavor container (e.g., 204, 204' described below). The retaining protrusion 184b can also serve as a means by which certain flavor containers can be prevented from interfacing with the cradle 182L, 184R. The retaining protrusion 184b can be raised above the retaining pedestal 184 such that a flavor container (e.g., flavor container 200, 200') must have a feature that corresponds to a complementary and compatible pattern in order to properly fit within the cradle (e.g., 182L, 182R) and thus facilitate the ability to properly dispense flavoring. The complementary and compatible pattern can be located on a cap of the flavor container as will be described in greater detail below. A flavor container that does not have the complementary pattern of the retaining protrusion 184b can be prevented from properly interfacing with the cradle (e.g., 182L, 182R). The protrusion 184b and the complementary portion on the cap or other portion of the flavor container can be configured (e.g., machined) to have a varying degree of desired fit (e.g., tightness) when coupled together, which can account for desired tolerances of the parts.

[0135] The retaining pedestal 184 can also include an inlet receiver 186 and an outlet receiver 188 that can align with the inlet 210 and outlet 212 located on the flavor container 200. The inlet receiver 186 has a circular gasket 186a that can seal around the inlet 210 in order to create an isolated path for air to flow into the seated consumable 200. As seen particularly in Figure 6F The air line 189R can extend through the hinge 183a of the cradle 182R and can ultimately lead to an air pump 190R that is disposed within the head assembly 120. The air pump 190R can also be located elsewhere in the device 10, for example, within the housing assembly 100. In this manner, when a flavor container is seated on the cradle 182R, the air pump 190R is in fluid communication with the flavor container 200 via the air line 189R and the inlet receiver 186. The outlet receiver 188 can be in the form of an opening that aligns with the outlet 212 and provides a path for dispensing flavoring stored within the flavor container 200. When fluid is dispensed from a seated flavor container 200, the fluid can exit through the outlet 212 and pass through the outlet receiver 188, which is simply an opening. The dispensed fluid can be received from the outlet receiver by a drinking glass or other vessel. The seating and dispensing process will be described in greater detail below.

[0136] Figure 6H and6I A cradle assembly 180 is shown in which flavorant containers 200L, 200R are held. Cradles 182L, 182R are shown with respective air lines 189R, 189L extending upwardly and coupled with respective air pumps 190R, 190L. In operation, air pumps 190R, 190L can be used to introduce pressurized air through air lines 189R, 189L and into seated flavorant containers 200R, 200L, as will be described in greater detail below.

[0137] Figures 7A-7E One embodiment of a flavorant container 200 is shown. The flavorant container 200 is configured to hold a flavorant that can be mixed with carbonated or non-carbonated water to produce a flavored beverage.

[0138] The illustrated flavorant container 200 includes a container body 202, a cap 204, and a foil seal (not shown). The container body 202 can have any shape, but in the illustrated embodiment, the container body 202 has the form of an extruded ovoid shape. The container body 202 includes a base 202a, a sidewall 202b, and a top 202c. The sidewall 202b is shown with a plurality of ridges 203 formed therein that can increase the grip of the flavorant container 200 and / or provide structural reinforcement. An opening 206 is in the top 202c and is angled to one side, the opening leading to a hollow interior chamber 208 defined by the container body 202. The top 202c can be angled toward the opening 206 to help empty the hollow interior chamber 208 during a dispensing operation. A flavorant is stored within the hollow interior chamber 208, which can be in any form, such as a liquid, syrup, powder, solid, or another compound.

[0139] The cap 204 can be coupled to the container body 202 over the opening 206 to close the hollow interior chamber 208. In the illustrated embodiment, the cap 204 is snap-fit to the container body 202, however, any removable or non-removable coupling known in the art can be used, such as threading, welding, adhesive, etc. The illustrated cap 204 can be circular and can have a cylindrical outer wall 205 defining an opening therethrough. An end wall 204a extends across the opening and can be positioned at an intermediate portion of the cylindrical outer wall 205. A collar 218 can be on an outer surface of the cap 204 and surround the outlet 212, which can be used to provide increased structure to the outlet, as well as a more accessible point of contact to the cradle assembly when the flavor cartridge is retained in the cradle assembly. An alignment tab 207 can be provided on an outer side of the cap 204, which can project radially outward from the cap 204 and extend along the length of the cap. The alignment tab 207 can enable proper alignment and orientation with the cradle assembly, as explained above. The alignment tab can include clip details 207a, which can couple with the retention snaps 185 in order to retain the consumable 200 within the cradle assembly 180. The cap 204 can also include an inlet 210 and an outlet 212 positioned in the end wall 204a. The inlet 210 can be in the form of a generally hollow, elongated tubular from projecting from opposite sides of the end wall 204a, and the inlet 210 can have a diameter that is less than, greater than, or equal to the diameter of the outlet 212. The cap 204 including the inlet 210 and the outlet 212 can be arranged and designed to be received by a cradle, such as the cradle 182L, 182R, for example, by having a protruding portion on the cap 204 that corresponds to and complements a feature on the cradle, such as the retention protrusion 184b.

[0140] On an outer portion of the cap 204 facing away from the hollow interior chamber 208, the inlet 210 can be in the form of a cylindrical extension projecting from the end wall 204a of the cap 204, and on an inner portion of the cap 204 within the interior chamber 208, the inlet 210 can include an inlet valve 214 to allow fluid to flow through the cap 204 and into the hollow interior chamber 208. The inlet valve 214 can be in the form of a valve that is biased to a closed position and is opened by a user applying a force to the inlet 210, such as by depressing the inlet 210. The inlet valve 214 can be biased to a closed position by a spring or other biasing mechanism, such as a leaf spring, for example. Figure 7EThe inlet 210 is shown in the form of a duckbill valve, but any suitable form of valve can be used. Thus, the inlet 210 can form a cylindrical inlet path 216, and due to the shape and structure of the inlet 210, the cylindrical inlet path 216 can have a radius Rl in the outer portion of the cap 204 that is less than a radius R2 in the inner portion of the cap 204. The outlet 212 can similarly include a hollow tubular structure in the form of a collar 218 extending outwardly from the end wall 204a; however, the outlet 212 can be significantly shorter and larger than the inlet 210. The outlet 212 can include a valve 212a biased to a closed configuration extending across it, however, the valve can be configured to open when a pressure differential across the outlet 212 exceeds a predetermined pressure. When the valve 212a is in an intermediate position, the valve 212a is shown positioned slightly inwardly relative to the end wall 204a, but the valve can be positioned flush with or slightly outwardly from the end wall 204a. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve 212a is a cross-slit valve, but any suitable type of valve can be used.

[0141] While the inlet valve 214 and inlet path 216 are shown in the illustrated embodiment as extending beyond the outer rim 205, they can also have a shorter form so as to be more recessed within the cap 204. This can enable the outer rim 205 to substantially protect the inlet valve 214 and inlet path 216, as well as the inlet 210, during shipping, handling, and use. Figure 7D and 7E While the inlet valve 214 and inlet path 216 are shown in the illustrated embodiment as extending beyond the outer rim 205, they can also have a shorter form so as to be more recessed within the cap 204. This can enable the outer rim 205 to substantially protect the inlet valve 214 and inlet path 216, as well as the inlet 210, during shipping, handling, and use.

[0142] The flavor container 200 can also include a plug seal (not shown) that can be disposed between the container 202 and the cap 204 to assist in sealing the hollow interior chamber 208. The plug seal can be particularly useful if the hollow interior chamber 208 has an increased internal pressure, for example, during a dispensing operation.

[0143] A foil seal (not shown) can be adhered to an upper extent of the outer wall 205 to cover the entire cap 204, including the inlet 210 and outlet 212. In this way, the foil seal can hermetically seal the flavor to extend the shelf life and maintain freshness. The foil seal can also cover only the inlet 210 and / or outlet 212. The foil seal can be peeled off by the user prior to first use.

[0144] The flavor container 200 can be made from a variety of materials, including plastic, resin, metal, rubber, and the like. These materials can be environmentally friendly materials, such as recycled and reclaimed plastic, fiber, and other materials known in the art, so as to limit waste production resulting from operation of the beverage dispensing apparatus 10.

[0145] Figures 8A-8D Various embodiments of the flavor container 200 are depicted. The illustrative embodiments can include similar features and characteristics as the flavor container 200, and thus, to avoid unnecessary redundancy, the description can not be repeated. In Figure 8AIn illustrative embodiments of the flavor container 200', the cap 204' additionally includes an alignment pattern 220'. The alignment pattern 220' can be in the form of a protrusion on the cap 204' that can include the collar 218' or other features described above or separate from the collar or other features. As depicted, the alignment pattern 220' is in the shape of a number eight that is shown as a collar that is substantially connected around both the inlet 210' and the outlet 212'. The cradle (e.g., cradle 182L, 182R) can have a cavity with a complementary number eight shaped recess that receives the alignment pattern 220' on the container. As explained above, the recess can be at least partially defined by the retention protrusion 184b so that the recess and the pattern can be complementary to each other. The inclusion of this alignment pattern 220' can enable further stability when the flavor container 200' is retained within the cradle assembly 180. The alignment pattern 220' can also take the form of a notch or any other surface feature that facilitates alignment of the flavor container with the cradle (e.g., cradle 182L, 182R) while also preventing alignment and retention of other types of containers that can lack complementary features.

[0146] Figure 8B An illustrative embodiment of a flavor container 200" including a container 202" and a cap 204" is depicted. The cap 204" can have an inlet 210" and an outlet 212" that are angled relative to each other. Thus, when the flavor container 200" is seated in a cradle (e.g., cradle 182L, 182R) and dispensing flavor therefrom, the flavor can be ejected from the outlet 212" at an angle relative to the flow of fluid (e.g., carbonated water) being dispensed from the nozzle 178. In this way, the flavor and fluid dispensed from the nozzle 178 can mix in flight rather than in a receptacle, such as a drinking glass, set up.

[0147] Figure 8C and 8D An illustrative embodiment of a flavor container 200"' having separate openings for the inlet 210"' and the outlet 212"' is depicted. These separate openings are defined as an inlet opening 206a"' and an outlet opening 206b"' that are each provided in the container 202"'. The inlet opening 206a"' and the outlet opening 206b"' can be covered by a single cap 204"' as seen in Figure 8D or by separate inlet and outlet caps 204a"' and 204b"' respectively.

[0148] Illustrative embodiments of the flavor containers 200, 200', 200", and 200"' are depicted with particular features and feature arrangements, however, the features and feature arrangements described herein can be applicable to and interchangeable with any embodiment.

[0149] Referring now toFigure 9 FIG. 3 shows a UI 300 that can be used to operate the beverage dispensing apparatus 10. The UI 300 can be used to interface with a controller (not shown). The UI 300 is shown as being located on the head assembly 120; however, the UI can be located anywhere on the beverage dispensing apparatus 10, such as on the housing 102. Further, the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 can also be operated remotely, such as through a remote application on a computer, smart phone, or other similar device.

[0150] The UI 300 can receive inputs to operate and control aspects of the beverage creation process. For example, a user can select and control parameters of the beverage they want, such as liquid volume, carbonation level, flavor selection, and flavor strength. Liquid volume relates to the overall size of the beverage. Carbonation level relates to the amount of carbon dioxide dissolved in the water, which affects the "fizziness" level of the beverage. Flavor selection relates to the type of flavoring added to the beverage, such as lemon, lime, etc. Flavor strength relates to the amount of flavoring added to the beverage.

[0151] The UI 300 is shown with a central display 302 in the form of a circular screen. The central display 302 can also operate as a dial that moves between options. Above and below the central display 302 are indicators 304 that can light up and correspond to what the user selects at the central display. For example Figure 9 As depicted in FIG. 3, above the central display 302 is an indicator 304a relating to carbonation level. The indicator 304a is labeled "Fizz" and has an image of a bubble. The indicator 304a also includes a gauge that lights up according to the level selected by the user. If the user selects the maximum carbonation level, the gauge will be completely filled, while if the user selects a carbonation level equal to half of the possible, the gauge will be filled half way. Separate indicators 304b, 304c are also shown for "flavor strength" and flavor type. The flavor strength is associated with the indicator 304b, the words "flavor strength," and an image of a slice of citrus fruit. The flavor type is shown with the indicator 304c as being "1" or "2," which corresponds to a selection between the left flavor container and the right flavor container.

[0152] The previously described components of the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 can operate together to create and dispense a custom beverage. In an illustrative process, preparing a beverage with the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 can involve several processes, including water preparation, gas preparation, flavor container preparation, and customization at the UI 300. After these preparations and customizations are complete, the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 can then operate as needed to mix and dispense carbonated water and flavoring.

[0153] Water preparation can include filling the water reservoir 130 with water, and then setting the water reservoir 130 onto the valve seat 116. This ensures that the water within the water reservoir 130 is now ready to be drawn upon during the carbonation procedure. Gas preparation can involve adding or replacing the CO2 canister 161 within the CO2 chamber 104 when the CO2 canister 161 has been depleted. This can require opening the door 106 and hooking a new canister 161 to the gas regulator to enable the carbon dioxide within the canister 161 to be used during the carbonation procedure.

[0154] Loading the flavor container 200 into the cradle assembly 180 will allow the flavor stored within the flavor container 200 to be added to a beverage to provide flavoring. The cradle 182 can be moved to the lowered position by applying a force to the cradle 182 to overcome the spring bias that maintains the cradle assembly in the raised position, and the flavor container 200 can be oriented so that all of the features of the cap 204 are aligned within the retaining stand 184. The alignment tab 207 can slide down into the key slot 184a so that the retaining catch 185 snaps into place and secures the flavor container 200. The inlet 210 can be received by the inlet receiver, which forms an air-tight seal around the inlet 210. The outlet 212 can be aligned with the outlet receiver, which positions the outlet 212 over the opening in preparation for dispensing the flavor. Once the flavor container 200 is secured in the cradle 182, the cradle 182 can be moved to the raised position. A second flavor can likewise be added to another cradle assembly.

[0155] If the cap 204 includes an alignment pattern 220', the alignment pattern 220' can be further relied upon to guide the flavor container 200' into the proper position within the cradle assembly 180d, similar to the number 8 pattern shown on the cap 204' in FIG. 7.

[0156] When the above preparatory steps have been completed as desired, a drinking glass or other vessel (not shown) can be placed on the drip tray 110 below the nozzle 178 and the outlet receiver 188 of the carriage assembly 180. At the UI 300, aspects of the beverage can be selected, including fluid volume, carbonation level, flavor type, and flavor strength. The fluid volume can be selected by the user in preset sizes, such as 8 fluid ounces, 10 fluid ounces, 12 fluid ounces, etc. The fluid volume can also be selected precisely by the user, even to the fraction of a fluid ounce, or can be operated in another unit, such as milliliters, etc. When the desired volume is selected, the UI 300 can prompt the user for the next input. The carbonation level can be selected by the user in preset sizes, which can be presented to the user as a scale, such as 0-5, where "0" can refer to no carbonation, and "5" refers to the maximum amount of carbonation dissolvable in water. Other carbonation levels can be assigned to the presented numbers, or the presented numbers can vary, i.e., the user is presented with 1-10 instead of 0-5. The flavor type can be selected to provide a choice between a flavor container stored in the left carriage 182L and a flavor container stored in the right carriage 182R. If an unflavored beverage is desired, the user can also choose to skip the flavor selection, or the user can be able to select both the left flavor container 200L and the right flavor container 200R. The flavor strength can be selected by the user to customize the amount of flavoring dispensed from the flavor container 200. More flavoring will result in a stronger drink. In some embodiments, if both the left flavor container 200L and the right flavor container 200R are selected to dispense flavoring, the flavor strength can be selected separately for each flavor container 200L, 200R, resulting in potentially the same amount of each flavoring or different amounts of each flavoring. The beverage dispensing apparatus 10 can determine a default amount of flavoring to add based on the selected fluid volume and / or the selected carbonation level. The user can accept the default amount of flavoring, or can also change the default amount of flavoring to a custom amount.

[0157] Once any or all of the above selections have been made, the user can select a "start" button to begin the dispensing process. In some embodiments, the central display 302 can act as the start button, and in other embodiments, the start button can be located elsewhere on the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 or on a remote application. Although the inputs are presented here in a particular order, the user can be able to enter the inputs in any desired order, or can also be able to select only some of the inputs before initiating the dispensing process. For example, the user can select the option to dispense a drink omitting one or all of the selections, or can even omit carbonation and / or flavoring altogether.

[0158] When the user initiates the dispensing process, the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 will coordinate several processes together in order to properly produce and dispense the desired beverage. These processes can include a mixing process and / or a flavoring process, for example, depending on the user selections.

[0159] The mixing process generally involves the mixing assembly 170 receiving water through the water line 152 and receiving carbon dioxide through the gas line 160, mixing the received water and carbon dioxide under pressure to produce carbonated water, and dispensing the carbonated water through the nozzle 178. In an illustrative embodiment, based on a user selected fluid volume and carbonation level, a corresponding amount of water and carbon dioxide is pumped and / or vented into the mixing chamber 172. The mixing chamber 172 has a finite volume, which can limit the amount of carbonated water that can be produced in a single batch, so if the user selected fluid volume exceeds the volume of the mixing chamber 172, more than one batch can be made to reach the overall desired volume. In one embodiment, the mixing chamber 172 can produce six fluid ounces of carbonated water in a single batch.

[0160] Figures 10A-10E An illustrative control process 400, and sub-processes 410, 430, 450, and 470 are depicted, which can be followed to produce and dispense a carbonated flavored beverage. The process 400 and sub-processes 410, 430, 450, and 470 can vary, and for example, can include additional sub-processes or omit sub-processes. In addition, any and all sub-processes 410, 430, 450, and 470 can vary to add or omit individual steps.

[0161] The illustrative beverage making process 400 begins at start point 402, and proceeds through several sub-processes, as shown in Figure 10A These sub-processes can include an illustrative initialization process 410, an illustrative user input process 430, an illustrative carbonation process 450, and an illustrative flavoring process 470. The beverage can be dispensed at 490.

[0162] Figure 10BAn illustrative initialization sub-process 410 is depicted that can be used to prepare the beverage dispensing system 10. The sub-process can be run separately from or concurrently with other sub-processes or processes. The sub-process 410 can begin at block 411 and proceed to block 412. At block 412, the system 10 can determine whether there is sufficient water in the water reservoir 130. If the system 10 determines that there is not sufficient water in the water reservoir 130, the sub-process 410 can continue to block 413, where the system 10 can prompt the user to supply water to the water reservoir 130. The system 10 can also prevent the production of a beverage until the system 10 determines that water has been supplied. If at block 412, the system 10 detects that there is sufficient water, the sub-process 410 can continue to block 414. At block 414, the system 10 can run a check to determine whether the user wishes for the beverage to be carbonated. As explained above, the system 10 can receive user input via the UI 300 that determines the level of carbonation. If the user has indicated that they wish for the beverage to be carbonated, the check can be performed at block 414 before the sub-process 410 proceeds to block 415. At block 415, the system 10 can check to confirm that there is sufficient carbon dioxide in a gas source, such as the tank 162, before allowing the beverage dispensing process to continue. If at 415, the system 10 detects that there is not sufficient carbon dioxide available, the system 10 can prompt the user to refill the carbon dioxide source. If at 415, the system 10 detects that there is sufficient carbon dioxide available, the sub-process 410 can continue to block 417. Referring again to block 414, if the user has indicated that they do not want the beverage to be carbonated, the sub-process 410 can proceed directly to block 417 and skip the check at block 415. At block 417, the system 10 can run a check to determine whether the user requires flavoring. For example, this check can be based on user input received at the UI 300. If at block 417, the system 10 determines that the user does not require flavoring, the sub-process 410 can complete. If at block 417, the system 10 determines that the user does require flavoring, the system can run a check at block 418 to confirm whether there is sufficient flavoring available to flavor the beverage. If the system 10 determines that there is not sufficient flavoring available, the system 10 can prompt the user to refill the flavoring and prevent the attempted use of the flavoring to produce a beverage until the flavoring is refilled. If the system 10 determines that there is sufficient flavoring, the system 10 can complete the initialization sub-process 410.

[0163] After some or all of the initialization sub-process 410 is complete, the process 400 can proceed to the user input process 430. As explained above, some of the sub-process 410 can be informed by input received at the UI 300, which can occur during the user input process 430. Thus, the sub-process 410 can not necessarily be complete before the user input process 430 begins.

[0164] Figure 10CAn illustrative user input sub-process 430 is depicted. At block 432, a user input or input can be prompted, which can result in a customized beverage being dispensed from the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 based at least in part on the received input or input. The inputs can be received in any order, and some inputs can be added in addition to what is described. Further, inputs can be skipped. At block 434, an input can be received regarding the liquid volume of the dispensed beverage. The received input can represent several options, such as 6 oz., 8 oz., 10 oz., etc., or the received input can represent a size, such as small, medium, or large. At block 436, an input can be received regarding the carbonation level of the dispensed beverage. As previously explained, this user input can be prompted for a carbonation level between 0-5, where "0" represents no carbonation and "5" represents maximum carbonation. The input received at block 436 can provide information for other processes and checks regarding the operation of the system, such as the checks performed at 414 of sub-process 410, etc. At block 436, an input can be received representing a flavor type. The system 10 can hold at least one flavor container 200, as explained above, and in some embodiments, the system can hold at least two flavor containers 200. A user input can be received at 438 selecting between the first or second flavor container held in the system 10. A user input can also be received selecting both the first and second flavor containers 200 or no flavor container 200. Similar to the operation at block 436 for carbonation level, if a user input is received at 438 indicating that no flavoring is desired, the flavoring scheme and operation can be skipped. At block 440, a user input can be received indicating a flavor strength. Depending on the received input, the system 10 can dispense more or less flavoring from the flavor container 200. If a user input is received at block 438 that no flavoring is desired, block 440 can be skipped.

[0165] Figure 10DAn illustrative carbonation sub-process 450 is depicted, which can occur when a user has indicated a desire to achieve a certain level of carbonation in their beverage, as shown in block 452. Sub-process 450 can continue to block 454. At block 454, water can be pumped into mixing chamber 172 by water pump 156 via water line 152, based on the user selected fluid volume, as previously explained. Flow meter 157 can measure the amount of water flowing through water line 152, and the water volume can be determined by pumping a set amount of time and measuring the flow rate with flow meter 157. The vent solenoid 172a can then be closed. At block 456, gas (e.g., carbon dioxide) can be added via gas line 160, according to the desired level of carbonation. Gas solenoid 166 can be actuated and a regulated flow of carbon dioxide can be allowed to flow into mixing chamber 172. At block 458, agitator 173 can be powered on to begin agitating the water and carbon dioxide within mixing chamber 172. The run time of agitator 173 can be longer than the time that carbon dioxide is flowing into mixing chamber 173, for example, a delay of between five to ten seconds. Mixing can occur within mixing chamber 172, then at block 460, the pressure relief valve 179 can open to release excess pressure in mixing chamber 172. At block 462, dispensing valve 177 can be opened to allow the newly created carbonated water to exit mixing chamber 172 and be dispensed by nozzle 178. At block 464, if more carbonated water is needed, carbonation sub-process 450 can proceed back to block 454 and carbonation can occur again until the total volume needed has been dispensed. If no more carbonated water is needed, sub-process 450 can proceed to block 468, indicating that sub-process 450 has completed.

[0166] If during the mixing process, for example at block 458, pressure sensor 175a measures an internal pressure that exceeds a safety threshold (e.g., 100 psi), the mixing chamber can be vented by actuating pressure relief valve 179. The mixing chamber can also be vented if temperature sensor 175b measures an internal temperature that exceeds a safety threshold.

[0167] After a dispensing operation, purge pump 159 coupled to mixing assembly 170 can introduce pressurized air into mixing chamber 172 to clear the mixing chamber of excess fluid. The pressurized air can be introduced through check valve 158b, allowing one-way flow into mixing chamber 172.

[0168] Figure 10EAn illustrative flavoring sub-process 470 is depicted, which can occur if the user has indicated a desire to flavor their beverage, as shown in block 472. The flavoring process generally involves the introduction of pressurized air into a flavoring container (e.g., flavoring container 200) to force flavoring to be dispensed from the flavoring container. Based on user selection, flavoring can be selectively dispensed by system 10. At block 747 of sub-process 470, this can present a selection between a flavoring container 200 seated in the left cradle 182L and a flavoring container seated in the right cradle 182R. When flavoring container 200 is properly seated on cradle 182, air pump 190 can be in fluid communication with inlet 210. Air pump 190 will send pressurized air along air line 189 and into inlet 210. The introduction of pressurized air will force the duckbill valve to open, and as a result, the internal pressure of hollow interior chamber 208 will increase. To attempt to eliminate the pressure differential, outlet 212 will open, and flavoring will be forced out of outlet 212, out of head assembly 120, and into the placed vessel (e.g., drinking glass). The amount of flavoring that is dispensed depends on the amount of pressurized air that is forced into hollow interior chamber 208. This amount of pressurized air depends on the input received at UI 300 from the user indicating their desired flavoring level. This dispensing process can be seen throughout the remainder of sub-process 470, including blocks 476 and 480 if the user selects the left container 200, and blocks 478 and 480 if the user selects the right container 200. When flavoring has been dispensed at 480, the sub-process can be completed at block 482.

[0169] Flavoring sub-process 470 can be coordinated with carbonation sub-process 450, such that carbonated water and flavoring can be dispensed simultaneously. In an illustrative embodiment, carbonated water and flavoring are dispensed substantially in parallel with each other, such that they mix in the placed drinking glass. In another embodiment, carbonated water and flavoring are dispensed such that their flow paths collide in mid-air above the drinking glass. In this way, carbonated water and flavoring can begin mixing in mid-air, which can result in a more thoroughly mixed beverage. Note that in other embodiments, flavoring can be dispensed along with non-carbonated water to form a non-carbonated flavored beverage.

[0170] Injection of air through inlet 210 can be achieved by a single shot of at least one pressurized gas or by several shots of at least one pressurized gas. Overall, the flavoring sub-process can take a short amount of time, e.g., less than one second. In some embodiments, the process can be less than 250 ms, and in some embodiments, as low as approximately 130 ms.

[0171] Figure 11An illustrative dispensing process 500 is depicted, including example time sequences for various operations within the dispensing process 500. Process 500 can begin at block 501 and proceed to block 502. At block 502, mixing chamber 172 can be filled to a specified volume. For example, if the maximum capacity of mixing chamber 172 is 6 oz. and the user selects a volume less than 6 oz., the selected volume will be pumped into mixing chamber 172. If the user selects a volume greater than 6 oz., 6 oz. can be pumped into mixing chamber 172 during a first operation. At block 504, carbon dioxide can be supplied to mixing chamber 172, and at block 510, the supply of carbon dioxide can be ended. At block 506, motor 174 can be activated to drive agitator 173 within mixing chamber 172, and at block 510, motor 174 can be deactivated. The 504-508 link can occur over a first time period, and the 506-510 link can occur over a second time period different from the first time period. The first and second time periods can occur consecutively, or they can occur in parallel - fully in parallel or partially in parallel. For example, each of the first and second time periods can operate at a low cycle, a medium cycle, and a high cycle. For the low cycle, the first time period can be three seconds, and the second time period can be 2 seconds. For the medium cycle, the first time period can be four seconds, and the second time period can be eight seconds. For the high cycle, the first time period can be six seconds, and the second time period can be ten seconds. Process 500 can continue to block 512. At block 512, mixing chamber 172 can be vented for a period of time, after which mixing chamber 172 is resealed at block 514. For example, mixing chamber 172 can vent for different times as needed to reduce the internal pressure of mixing chamber 172, and in the illustrative example, mixing chamber 172 can vent for approximately 3.2 seconds. At block 516, mixing chamber 172 can dispense the stored fluid via outlet valve 176. At block 518, purge pump 159 can be activated to assist in dispensing the stored fluid from mixing chamber 172. The time taken for this dispensing operation can depend on the amount of stored fluid to be vented, and in the illustrative example can take approximately twelve seconds. At block 520, outlet valve 176 can be closed, and at block 522, purge pump 159 can be deactivated. If a fluid volume greater than the maximum capacity of the mixing chamber is desired, process 500 can begin again at block 501 as necessary to create and dispense the desired volume. At block 524, an air pump, e.g., air pumps 190L, 190R, etc., can be activated to begin a flavoring dispensing process. At block 526, the air pump can be deactivated to end the flavoring dispensing process. The time for which the air pump is activated between block 524 and block 526 can vary depending on the amount of flavoring to be dispensed. For example, if a low flavoring is desired, the time can be approximately one second; if a medium flavoring is desired, the time can be approximately 1.2 seconds; if a high flavoring is desired, the time can be approximately 1.4 seconds.The flavorant dispensing processes depicted in blocks 524 and 526 can operate in parallel or consecutively with any other portion of the dispensing process 500.

[0172] The flavorant container 200 can be manufactured using various manufacturing processes. In an example manufacturing process, the container 202 can be manufactured by a first process, while the cap 204 can be manufactured by a second process.

[0173] The first process can include manufacturing the container 202 by extrusion blow molding. This can be accomplished using polypropylene (PP) and / or can involve injection molding and blow molding separately or in combination. First orientation features can be used to ensure that the cap 204 fits in a desired orientation.

[0174] The second process can include manufacturing the cap 204 by injection molding. First orientation features can be used to ensure a desired alignment relative to the container 202. Second orientation features can be used to ensure proper placement during the manufacturing process (e.g., the first process, the second process, or another process). Third orientation features can be used to provide proper orientation when the flavorant container 200 is placed within the tray assembly 180. A latching feature, such as the alignment tab 207, can be included to ensure that the flavorant container 204 can be secured within the tray assembly 180. The inlet 210 and outlet 212 can also be included for the reasons described above. The inlet 210 can include a silicone duckbill valve, an umbrella valve, or other type of valve. The outlet 212 can include a silicone dispensing valve, a cross-slit valve, or other type of valve. In some manufacturing processes, the cap 204 including the inlet 210 and outlet 212 can be a single discrete element. The valves associated with the inlet 210 and / or 212 can be made of other materials known to those skilled in the art, including other molded flexible materials, including various plastics, rubbers, and the like.

[0175] Certain illustrative embodiments have been described in order to provide a thorough understanding of the structure, function, manufacture, and use principles of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments have been presented in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the systems, devices, and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the drawings are non-limiting examples and that the scope of the present disclosure is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one illustrative embodiment can be combined with the features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Further, in the disclosure, like-named components of the embodiments generally have similar features, and thus one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that each feature of one embodiment can be where appropriate incorporated in a second embodiment, and vice versa. Additionally, in the disclosure, relative terms generally refer to the particular stated feature and, thus, are used interchangeably with the specific structural components or features described or shown in the drawings. Such relative terms do not necessarily demote the corresponding parts that can be otherwise described.

[0176] The approximate language used herein throughout the specification and claims may be used to modify any quantitative expression that allows for variation without altering its relevant essential function. Therefore, numerical values ​​modified by one or more terms, such as “approximately,” “roughly,” and “substantially,” should not be limited to specified precise values. At least in some cases, approximate language may correspond to the precision of the instrument measuring the numerical value. Scope limitations may be combined and / or interchanged herein and throughout the specification and claims, unless otherwise indicated by context or language; such scopes are defined and include all subscopes contained herein.

[0177] Based on the above embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand further features and advantages of the present invention. Therefore, this application is not limited to what has been specifically shown and described, except as indicated in the appended claims. All publications and references cited herein are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1. A beverage system for preparing a flavored carbonated beverage, the beverage system comprising: a housing including a fluid input configured to receive a first fluid from a fluid source and a fluid output configured to eject a second fluid; and a cradle assembly mounted on the housing and having a cavity configured to form a seat for a flavorant container, the seat having a port configured to align with an inlet on the flavorant container to introduce at least one gas from the port through the inlet into the flavorant container, wherein the seat includes at least one protrusion defining a retention pattern, and wherein the retention pattern is configured to receive a complementary feature on the flavorant container defining a complementary alignment pattern, wherein the alignment pattern has a figure-eight shape.

2. The beverage system of claim 1, wherein the at least one gas comprises air.

3. The beverage system of claim 1, wherein the first fluid and the second fluid are the same.

4. The beverage system of claim 1, wherein the first fluid is water.

5. The beverage system of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a mixing chamber configured to be in fluid communication with the fluid source and configured to be coupled to a source of pressurized gas to allow gas to be delivered to the mixing chamber to carbonate the first fluid within the mixing chamber to produce the second fluid.

6. The beverage system of claim 1, further comprising: a pump; and a conduit coupled to the pump and to the port, wherein the pump is configured to force air to flow along a path including the conduit, the port, and the inlet into the flavorant container.

7. The beverage system of claim 1, wherein the cavity includes an alignment channel formed in and extending along a sidewall thereof and configured to receive a corresponding protrusion on a flavorant container to align the flavorant container with the port.

8. The beverage system of claim 1, wherein the cavity includes a hole formed therein and configured to receive a protrusion on the flavorant container, and at least one protrusion extending from a surface on the cavity and configured to extend into a portion of the flavorant container.

9. The beverage system of claim 1, wherein the cradle assembly is movable between an open position to receive a flavorant container and a closed position in which the cradle assembly prevents removal of the flavorant container.

10. The beverage system of claim 9, wherein the cradle assembly is pivotally coupled to the housing by a hinge and is movable about the hinge between the open and closed positions.

11. The beverage system of claim 1, wherein the cradle assembly includes first and second independently movable cradles for seating first and second flavorant containers. ​ 12. The beverage system of claim 1, wherein the housing is configured to eject the second fluid in a first stream and to eject a flavoring agent in a second stream, and wherein the second fluid and the ejected flavoring agent form the beverage.

13. The beverage system of claim 12, wherein the first stream and the second stream are substantially parallel.

14. The beverage system of claim 12, wherein the second stream has a trajectory that is at an oblique angle to a trajectory of the first stream, and wherein the second stream combines with the first stream in flight.

15. The beverage system of claim 12, wherein the housing includes a mixing chamber that is in fluid communication with the fluid source and coupled to a pressurized gas source to allow gas delivery to the mixing chamber to carbonate the first fluid within the mixing chamber to produce the second fluid.

16. The beverage system of claim 1, further comprising a removable tank coupled to the housing and having a water reservoir therein.

17. The beverage system of claim 1, wherein the cavity includes a first cavity and the cradle assembly includes a second cavity configured to seat a second flavor container.

18. The beverage system of claim 17, further comprising a user interface configured to receive at least one input that characterizes a selection between ejecting flavoring agent from a first flavor container and ejecting flavoring agent from the second flavor container.

19. The beverage system of claim 1, wherein the through-port is configured to form a vacuum seal around the inlet when the flavor container is seated in the cavity.

20. The beverage system of claim 1, wherein the complementary feature on the flavor container includes two circles of different diameters that are separated by a space.

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