Additive container

Abstract

A dispenser for preparing a beverage is provided. In one embodiment, a dispensing system includes a housing, a carbonation assembly disposed within the housing, and a drawer slidably mounted to the housing. The carbonation assembly is configured to selectively carbonate a fluid. The drawer is configured to house at least one additive container. The dispensing system is configured to selectively dispense an additive contained within an additive container in the drawer from a first outlet, and is configured to dispense a fluid from a second outlet separate from the first outlet.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. application No. 17 / 899,886, filed on August 31, 2022, and entitled “Additive Containers,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Beverage dispensing systems, components, and additive containers for use with beverage dispensing systems are provided. Background Art

[0004] Conventional beverage dispensing equipment is used to carbonate and / or flavor water. Some equipment may mix carbonated water and flavoring compounds together in a machine and then dispense the resulting mixture into a reservoir. Unless these equipment are thoroughly cleaned, this method may lead to contamination over time. Other equipment relies on crushing, puncturing and / or generally damaging the flavoring container in order to access the flavoring compound inside. These methods of damaging the flavoring container may result in splashes and messes, and may result in similar contamination if not thoroughly cleaned.

[0005] Other devices rely on carbonating water in a dedicated container to be attached to the device, from which the resulting beverage is provided. The container may be pre-filled with water and / or flavorings, which may then be secured to the device and pressurized within the container and used to provide the resulting beverage. These devices require a specially adapted bottle that interfaces with the device.

[0006] Therefore, there remains a need for improved methods and apparatus for preparing beverages. Summary of the invention

[0007] Various beverage dispensing systems and additive containers for use with the beverage dispensing systems are provided.

[0008] In one embodiment, a dispensing system may be provided. The dispensing system may include a housing, a carbonation assembly disposed within the housing, and a drawer slidably mounted to the housing. The carbonation assembly may be configured to selectively carbonate a fluid, and the drawer may be configured to house at least one additive container. The dispensing system may be configured to selectively dispense an additive contained in an additive container in the drawer from a first outlet, and may dispense fluid from a second outlet separate from the first outlet.

[0009] One or more of the following features may be included in any feasible combination. For example, the drawer can be horizontally slidably moved between an open position and a closed position, in which the additive container can be top-loaded into the drawer, and in which the drawer is completely disposed within the housing. In another example, the drawer can be configured to accommodate multiple additive containers. In some aspects, the drawer can be configured to accommodate multiple additive containers in a radial configuration and a linear configuration. In other aspects, the second outlet can be centrally disposed, and the drawer can be configured to accommodate multiple additive containers at the periphery of the first outlet.

[0010] In another example, the dispensing system can be configured to selectively introduce at least one gas into an additive container disposed in the drawer so that the additive container dispenses the additive from the first outlet. In some aspects, the drawer can include at least one inlet port fluidly coupled to a pump. The pump can be configured to selectively introduce the at least one gas into the additive container.

[0011] In another example, the drawer may include at least one viewing window configured to enable viewing of an additive container in the drawer when the drawer is in a closed position.

[0012] In another embodiment, a dispensing system is provided. The dispensing system may include a housing, a carbonation assembly at least partially contained within the housing, and a top-loaded bracket assembly coupled to the housing. The carbonation assembly may be configured to selectively carbonate a fluid. The top-loaded bracket assembly may be configured to receive at least one additive container. The dispensing system may be configured to dispense an additive within an additive container disposed in the bracket assembly to dispense the fluid selectively carbonated by the carbonation assembly into a reservoir.

[0013] One or more of the following features may be included in any feasible combination. For example, the top-loaded bracket assembly may include an inlet port that is fluidly coupled to at least one air pump and can be configured to selectively introduce at least one gas into an additive container in the bracket assembly to cause the additive container to dispense an additive. In certain embodiments, the top-loaded bracket assembly may include a lid that is movable between an open position and a closed position. The lid in the closed position may be configured to apply a force to the additive container in the bracket assembly to couple the inlet port in the additive container to the outlet port in the housing.

[0014] In another example, the bracket assembly of this top loading can include a plurality of isolated silos. Each of the isolated silos in these plurality of isolated silos can be configured to place an additive container. In some aspects, each of the isolated silos in these plurality of isolated silos can include an inlet port and an outlet port. Each of these inlet ports can be configured to allow at least one gas to be introduced into the additive container in the silo so that the additive container distributes additives from corresponding outlet ports. In other aspects, each of the isolated silos in these plurality of isolated silos can be independently pressurized so that the additive container therein is compressed and distributes additives.

[0015] 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 THE DRAWINGS

[0016] These and other features will be more readily understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 is a front view of an embodiment of a beverage dispensing system;

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A side perspective view of a beverage dispensing system;

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A rear perspective view of a beverage dispensing system with various housing components of the beverage dispensing system removed;

[0020] Figure 4A is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a bracket assembly for use in a beverage dispensing system;

[0021] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A A side perspective view of the bracket assembly in an open configuration;

[0022] Figure 4C yes Figure 4A a side perspective view of a bracket assembly into which an additive container is to be inserted;

[0023] Figure 5A is a side perspective view of a bracket assembly according to another embodiment;

[0024] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A A side perspective view of the bracket assembly in an open configuration;

[0025] Figure 5C yes Figure 5AA partially transparent side perspective view of a bracket assembly;

[0026] Figure 5D yes Figure 5A a partially transparent side view of a bracket assembly having an additive container contained therein;

[0027] Fig. 6A is a front view of a bracket assembly having a plurality of viewing windows according to another embodiment;

[0028] Figure 6B yes Fig. 6A A top view of a bracket assembly comprising a plurality of additive containers arranged in a radial configuration;

[0029] Figure 6C is a front view of another embodiment of a bracket assembly having a plurality of viewing windows;

[0030] Fig.6D yes Figure 6C A top view of a bracket assembly comprising a plurality of additive containers arranged in a linear configuration;

[0031] Fig. 6E is a partial perspective front view of a bracket assembly according to another embodiment, the bracket assembly having a thermometer-shaped viewing window;

[0032] Fig. 7A is a perspective side view of an embodiment of an additive container having an inclined neck;

[0033] Figure 7B yes Fig. 7A A right side view of the additive container;

[0034] Fig. 8A is a side perspective view of an additive container having a piston system;

[0035] Figure 8B yes Fig. 8A A top perspective view of an additive container;

[0036] Figure 8C It contains several Fig. 8A a top view of a bracket assembly for an additive container in FIG.

[0037] Fig.8D yes Fig. 8A A partial cross-sectional side view of the dispensing process of the additive container;

[0038] Fig. 9A is a perspective view of an additive container having a container made using a blow-fill-seal process and a lid;

[0039] Fig. 9B yes Fig. 9A A partial side view of the assembly process of the additive container and the cover;

[0040] Fig. 9C yes Fig. 9B A partial side view of the assembly process of the container, wherein the piercing element on the lid has pierced the seal on the container;

[0041] Fig.9D yes Fig. 9B A partial side view of the assembly process of the cover, wherein the cover is snapped into place;

[0042] Fig. 10A is a side perspective view of an additive container having a collapsible body coupled to an actuator;

[0043] Fig. 10B yes Fig. 10A A side view of an additive container and an actuator;

[0044] Fig.11A is a top perspective view of a collapsible additive container according to one embodiment;

[0045] Fig. 11B yes Fig.11A a top perspective view of a collapsible additive container loaded into a pressurizable carrier assembly;

[0046] Fig. 12A is a side view of an embodiment of an additive container having a bag-on-valve design according to one embodiment;

[0047] Fig. 12B is a side view of an additive container having a bag-on-valve design and an extended nozzle according to another embodiment;

[0048] Fig. 12C is a side view of an additive container showing an illustrative process for preparing an additive container having a bag-on-valve design, the process involving placing a valve and bag within the container;

[0049] Fig.12D yes Fig. 12C A side view of an additive container of , showing the steps involved in the crimping and filling procedures;

[0050] Fig.12E yes Fig. 12C A side view of an additive container of , showing another step involved in the pressure control procedure;

[0051] Fig.12F yes Fig. 12C , showing a side view of an additive container of , illustrating another step involved in the product filling and weight control procedure;

[0052] Figure 12G yes Fig. 12C 1 , a side view of an additive container showing another step involving the actuator and cap placement procedure;

[0053] Fig.13A is a side perspective view of an additive container compatible with a peristaltic pump feature according to another embodiment;

[0054] Fig. 13B According to an embodiment Fig.13A a side perspective view of an additive container loaded into a carriage assembly having a peristaltic pump feature;

[0055] Fig. 13C According to another embodiment Fig.13A a side perspective view of an additive container loaded into a carriage assembly having a peristaltic pump feature;

[0056] Fig.14A is a side view of an additive container having additive detected via an infrared level detector;

[0057] Fig. 14B yes Fig.14A A side view of an additive container, wherein an infrared level detector detects a low additive level;

[0058] Fig. 14C is a side view of an additive container according to an embodiment, the additive container having an additive detected via a non-contact level indicator;

[0059] Fig.14D yes Fig. 14C Side view of an additive container with a non-contact level indicator detecting low additive levels.

[0060] 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 to limit the scope of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] 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 disclosed herein and methods. One or more examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the devices and methods specifically described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting illustrative embodiments, and the scope of the present invention is limited only by the claims. Features shown or described in conjunction with an illustrative embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

[0062] In addition, in the present disclosure, components of the same name of the embodiments generally have similar features, so in a particular embodiment, it is not necessary to fully explain every feature of each component of the same name. In addition, where linear dimensions 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 these systems, devices, and methods. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the equivalents of such linear dimensions and circular dimensions can be easily determined for any geometric shape.

[0063] Various additive containers for use with a beverage dispensing system are provided. Typically, the additive container may include any additive for use in a beverage dispensing process, such as flavorings, vitamins, or other substances to be added to a beverage or other liquid food supply. The additive container may have a hollow container body having a cap or other closure coupled to or formed on the container body. The cap may include a fluid outlet therein. In certain embodiments, the cap may also include a cover configured to selectively close the fluid outlet, thereby sealing the hollow interior of the container body. The additive container may be configured to be received in a beverage dispensing device. In certain illustrative embodiments, the beverage dispensing device may include a bracket for receiving additives. Therefore, various embodiments of brackets are also provided herein. The bracket may have a supplementary feature for receiving and maintaining an additive container, and when the additive container is maintained, the additive container may be used by the beverage dispensing device for making a custom beverage.

[0064] The distribution method of the additive stored in the additive container can be different. In certain embodiments, the additive container can be pressurized with gas via the fluid inlet in the cap so that the fluid outlet is opened and the additive stored is distributed. When the additive container is properly placed and maintained by the bracket, the gas line coupled to the pump can receive the fluid inlet of the additive container so that the sealed inlet is around, in preparation for introducing gas into the additive container during the distribution program. Once the additive stored in the additive container is made into a customized beverage, the gas can be pumped by the pump through the gas line, through the inlet seal in the fluid inlet and into the hollow interior of the additive container. The increase of the resulting internal pressure can cause the outlet seal in the fluid outlet to open, and distribute the additive proportional to the amount of air introduced by the inlet. Other technologies for ejecting fluid from the additive container are also provided.

[0065] Figures 1 to 3An illustrative embodiment of a beverage dispensing system 10 is shown. The beverage dispensing system 10 can be used to make and distribute customized beverages for users based on the desired characteristics of the beverage. The beverage dispensing system 10 shown generally includes a housing 12, which has a fluid reservoir 14 and a carbonation assembly 16. In certain embodiments, the fluid reservoir 14 can be coupled to the housing 10 in a detachable manner (e.g., in the form of a water tank and a water can, etc.). Such a configuration can allow the reservoir to be stored in a refrigerator when not in use, thereby allowing the use of a frozen fluid during the carbonation process. The carbonation assembly 16 can use a liquid (e.g., water) contained in the fluid reservoir, and mix it with carbon dioxide to carbonate the liquid. Carbon dioxide can come from a tank 24, or carbon dioxide can come from another source, such as from a chemical process that produces carbon dioxide, or any other source.

[0066] Carbonation assembly 16 is configured to mix liquid with CO2 to form a processed fluid in the form of a carbonated fluid intended to be a beverage. Carbonation assembly is an example of a processing assembly of a beverage dispensing system. Other processing assemblies can be used with the beverage dispensing system described herein. Processing assemblies that do not use CO2 are usually configured and used similar to the carbonation assembly described herein, except that instead of mixing CO2 with liquid, different gases are mixed with liquid. The resulting fluid is a processed fluid, but not a "carbonated" fluid.

[0067] The bracket assembly 18 can be coupled to the beverage dispensing system 10, and the bracket assembly 18 can receive one or more additive containers 20 for making beverages. The bracket assembly 18 can be located on the beverage dispensing system 10 or anywhere in the beverage dispensing system, and the bracket assembly 18 can be fixedly, movably or detachably coupled to the beverage dispensing system.

[0068] As mentioned above, additive container 20 can comprise one or more additives to be mixed into the beverage dispensed by beverage dispensing system 10.One or more additives can be mixed in beverage dispensing system 10, or one or more additives can be separately distributed from beverage dispensing system 10 and be mixed in drinking container 26, and this drinking container is for example cup, bottle etc.One or more additives that are included in additive container 20 can take any physical form, for example solid, liquid or gas, or its compound, and additive can be flavoring, color or dye, vitamin, supplement or the composition or compound of any other type that will be added to beverage.Usually, additive container 20 can comprise the cap that is coupled to container.This cap can comprise at least one valve thereon, to allow additive to flow out.

[0069] In the illustrative process, in order to dispense a beverage, the user can first ensure that the beverage dispensing system 10 is properly set up. The setup process may include filling the fluid reservoir, connecting, preparing or activating the carbon dioxide source (e.g., tank 24), and then loading one or more additive containers 20 into the bracket assembly 16.

[0070] Once the beverage dispensing system is set up, the user can activate the input located at the user interface 22 to select the specific characteristics of the beverage they desire. These characteristics can include volume, carbonation level, and additive type (i.e., if one or more additive containers 20 are retained in the bracket assembly 18) and the amount added. If the user selects an input indicating that the beverage is a carbonated beverage, water can be fed from the fluid reservoir 14 to the carbonation assembly 16, and carbon dioxide can be fed from the tank 24, for example, to the carbonation assembly 16 to produce carbonated water. If the user selects an input indicating that an additive should be added to the beverage, the beverage dispensing system 10 can dispense the additive from one or more additive containers 20 coupled to the system. The beverage can be dispensed into a container, such as a drinking glass 26 or equivalent (e.g., a travel mug, bottle, can, mug, etc.).

[0071] The specific details related to setup, feature selection at the user interface, and beverage preparation may vary depending on the specific layout of the beverage dispensing device 10. For example, in embodiments that do not rely on carbon dioxide but instead rely on a different gas (e.g., nitrogen), the steps described above related to carbon dioxide and carbonation may be adjusted or omitted as desired.

[0072] Illustrative embodiments of the beverage dispensing system are disclosed in more detail, for example, in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 744,459, filed on May 13, 2022, and entitled “FLAVORED BEVERAGE CARBONATION SYSTEM,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0073] As discussed above, in various embodiments, the specific layout of the bracket assembly may vary. FIG. 4A to FIG. 6E Various embodiments of the bracket assembly and its features are shown.

[0074] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C A rack assembly 110 is depicted that can receive and position one or more additive containers according to one embodiment. The rack assembly 110 can be located in a housing (e.g., housing 12), and the rack assembly 110 can take the general form of a sliding drawer 112. The rack assembly 110 can be in a closed position (e.g., Figure 4A ) and the open position (as shown Figure 4B and Figure 4COne or more additive containers 111 can be placed in the bracket assembly 110 for use during the beverage dispensing process. The drawer 112 can be placed on one or more tracks (not shown) located in the housing to facilitate opening and closing of the drawer.

[0075] The additive containers 111 are depicted as being arranged in a radial configuration, however, other configurations are possible including linear, stacked, etc. In some variations, the cradle assembly 110 may include a handle (not shown) or some means to assist a user in opening and closing the cradle assembly 110 .

[0076] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D A cradle assembly 120 is depicted according to an embodiment. The cradle assembly 120 can be a top-loading cradle assembly 120 located in a housing (e.g., housing 12). A lid 122 can be hinged to the housing, which can be opened to load one or more additive containers 121 into the cradle assembly 120, such as Figure 5B shown. Figure 5C A close-up view of a plurality of brackets in bracket assembly 120 is depicted, wherein each bracket has an inlet port 126 and an outlet port 127. Each of these inlet ports 126 has an air line 128 fluidly coupled thereto for introducing gas into a disposed additive container (e.g., additive container 121). Air line 128 may lead to one or more gas sources (not shown). Figure 5D As shown, the additive container 121 may have an inlet 121a located on the inlet port 124 and an outlet 121b located on the outlet port 126. In operation, one or more additive containers 121 may be lowered into the cradle assembly 120. The lid 122 may be closed, which may press the one or more loaded additive containers 121 against the inlet port 126 and the outlet port 127 to seal the additive container 121 thereon. When a beverage dispensing process involving dispensing an additive is initiated, air may be introduced into the associated additive container 120 or multiple additive containers 120 to build up internal pressure and force the additive out.

[0077] In certain embodiments, a carrier assembly (eg, carrier assembly 18 , 110 , 120 , etc.) may include one or more viewing windows to allow a user to visually inspect one or more retained additive containers while the additive containers are seated within the carrier assembly. FIG. 6A to FIG. 6E Various embodiments of such viewing windows are described.

[0078] Fig. 6A and Figure 6BA carriage assembly 130 is depicted that is configured to position and arrange one or more additive containers 131 in a radial configuration. The carriage assembly 130 may include one or more viewing windows 132 on an exterior portion thereof that may allow a user to visually inspect each of the one or more positioned additive containers 131. The viewing windows 132 may be arranged to align with the radial configuration.

[0079] Figure 6C and Fig.6D A carriage assembly 130' is depicted that is configured to position and arrange one or more additive containers 131' in a linear configuration. The carriage assembly 130' may include one or more viewing windows 132' that are arranged to align with the one or more arranged additive containers 131' in a linear configuration.

[0080] Fig. 6E A bracket assembly 130" is depicted with a viewing window 131" having a thermometer type shape. The viewing window 131" may be included on any bracket assembly described herein. The additive containers (e.g., additive containers 131, 131', 131", and any other additive containers) may be made of transparent and / or translucent materials, which may allow a user to more easily see the additives contained therein.

[0081] Now refer to FIG. 7A to FIG. 1 5D, these figures illustrate additive containers and features thereof according to various embodiments.

[0082] FIG. 7A to FIG. 7B An embodiment of an additive container 210 having an inclined neck 212 is depicted. The additive container 210 generally includes a container 211 containing an additive (not shown). A lid 214 is disposed on the inclined neck 212, and the lid may include an inlet 215 and an outlet 216 located thereon. Due to the inclined neck 212, the lid 214 including the inlet 215 and the outlet 216 is angled relative to the container 211 of the additive container 210.

[0083] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8DAn embodiment of an additive container 220 with a built-in piston (also referred to herein as a "plunger") is depicted. The additive container 220 may have a cylindrical body 222 defining an internal chamber containing an additive, and may include a plunger 224 disposed therein. The additive container 220 may include a skirt 225 and an outlet 226 that is fluidly coupled to the internal chamber to facilitate dispensing of the additive. The outlet 226 may be sealed by a removable foil 226a. The plunger 224 may be physically actuated by an element pressed on the plunger 224 to discharge fluid from the outlet 226. In certain embodiments, the additive container 220 may also include an air inlet 227 for receiving air. In such an embodiment, the additive container 220 may be placed in a bracket assembly 228, and air may then be introduced through the air inlet 227. The introduced air may cause the plunger 224 to be actuated due to an increase in pressure within the body 222 received via the air inlet 227. In this way, the actuator of the plunger 224 may cause the outlet 227 to dispense the stored additive.

[0084] When one or more additive containers 220 are positioned in the bracket assembly 228, the one or more additive containers can be arranged in a radial configuration so that their respective outlets 226 are arranged proximate to each other, such as Figure 8C A separate outlet 229 may be provided in the center of the outlet 226 for dispensing still water and / or carbonated water.

[0085] In certain embodiments, the additive container may be formed using a blow-fill-seal manufacturing process. 9A to 9D An embodiment of an additive container 230 manufactured according to this process is shown. The additive container 230 may include a container 232 and one or more lids 234. The container 232 may be manufactured to include an inlet 233a and an outlet 233b, filled with an additive, and sealed with one or more seals 238 on each of the inlet 233a and the outlet 233b, such as Fig. 9B As shown. The cap 234 with the piercing element 236 can be manufactured separately. When the user is ready to use the additive container 230, the user can attach one or more caps 234 to the container 232 through the inlet 233a and / or the outlet 233b, thereby piercing the seal 238 with the piercing element 236 in the process, as shown. Fig. 9C As shown, and the additive stored inside can be accessed when the cover 234 is snapped into the installed position, such as Fig.9D In some embodiments, the container 232 may omit the inlet 233a and may only include the outlet 233b. In such an embodiment, only one lid 234 may be used.

[0086] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B An additive container 240 according to another embodiment is shown. The additive container 240 may include a lid 242 coupled to a container 244 containing an additive. The container 244 may be formed to include an accordion-like body that, when compressed, allows the additive to be discharged through the lid 242 via an outlet 243. The additive container 240 may be placed in a bracket assembly 245 having a screw-driven armature 246 that may be driven to compress the container 244. A sensor (not shown) may be mechanically and / or electrically connected to the armature 246 to monitor the height of the armature relative to the container 244, which corresponds to the degree of compression of the container 244. In this way, an alert or message may be sent to a user and / or other individual to provide information related to the fill level of the additive container 240.

[0087] FIG. 11A to FIG. 11B An additive container 250 according to another embodiment is shown. The additive container may include a lid 252 having an outlet 254. The lid 252 may be coupled to a bag 256, which may include a flexible material 256a and may also include a rigid frame 256b. In order to dispense the additive contained in the bag 256, the bag 256 may be compressed in various ways, including by physical means, such as a piston, a clamp, etc. In certain embodiments, the additive container 250 may be placed in a pressurizable bracket assembly 257. The outlet 254 may be connected to an opening at the lower end of the bracket assembly 257, and the opening may be sealed so that the bracket assembly 257 is airtight. The lid 257a may then be closed to seal the upper end of the bracket assembly 257. During operation of the beverage dispensing device, air or another gas may be introduced through an air line 258 or equivalent, and the bracket assembly 257 may be pressurized to a pressure greater than the internal pressure of the bag 256. The pressure differential may compress the bag 256, thereby dispensing the additive as desired.

[0088] Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B An additive container 260 according to another embodiment is shown. The additive container may include a container 262 having an outer shell 262a and an inner bag or bag 262b. A lid 264 having a releasable valve 266 may be coupled to an outlet 268 of the bag 262b. The additive container 260 may be manufactured and filled in such a manner that the space between the outer shell 262a and the bag 262b is at a higher but controlled pressure. The bag 262b may be filled with additive and may have an internal pressure that is less than the pressure between the outer shell 262a and the bag 262b. To dispense the additive, the releasable valve 266 may be actuated, and the pressure differential within the additive container may force the additive to leave the outlet 268 as desired.

[0089] FIG. 12C to FIG. 12G Shown for manufacturing Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B 26. An illustrative process of adding an additive container 260 to a container 262a. Bag 262b can be inserted into housing 262a, which can then be pressurized before being sealed by lid 264. Bag 262b can then be filled with additive so that bag 262b expands within pressurized housing 262a, further increasing the internal pressure inside housing 262a. From there, the additive can be sealed until use.

[0090] FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C An additive container 270 according to another embodiment is shown, which is configured to be used with a peristaltic pump 272. The additive container 270 may include a flexible bag 274 having a lid 276 coupled thereto. A hose 277 may be drawn from the bag 274 and extend around the periphery of the lid 276 and terminate at an outlet 278. The additive container 270 may be placed in a bracket assembly 271 including a peristaltic pump 272. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the peristaltic pump 272 may include a rotor 272a having at least one roller 272b coupled thereto. When the additive container 270 is used to dispense the additive, the rotor 272a may be rotated so that at least one roller 272b rolls along the hose 277 and extracts the additive from the bag 274 as required for the desired beverage. The bracket assembly 271 may be equipped to receive one or more additive containers 270, which may be independently operated to pump the stored additive therefrom.

[0091] In certain embodiments, an additive container (e.g., an additive container described herein) may include a level indicator having various forms. For example, Fig.14A and Fig. 14BAn additive container 280 is depicted, which is configured to interface with an infrared sensor 282, which can discern the amount of additive remaining in the additive container 280. The additive container 280 can include a container 281 made of a material that does not substantially absorb infrared radiation, and the additive container 280 can contain an additive that at least partially absorbs and / or scatters infrared radiation. An infrared emitter 284 (e.g., an infrared lamp, a laser diode, a filtered lamp, etc.) can be located within the bracket assembly and aimed at the infrared sensor 282. When the additive container 280 is placed in the bracket assembly, the infrared sensor 282 can be prevented from receiving a signal emitted by the infrared emitter 284 when the additive container 280 still contains a certain amount of additive. When the additive is dispensed from the additive container 280, the additive can scatter less and less infrared radiation until a certain amount, and the infrared sensor 282 can detect the infrared radiation emitted by the infrared emitter 284. A beverage dispensing device employing an infrared sensor 282 can output (e.g., visually, audibly, etc.) a message to a user based on the strength of the received infrared signal, informing them of the volume of additive in the additive container 280. For example, if the signal is able to pass through the installed additive container 280, the message can inform the user that the additive volume is low.

[0092] In some embodiments, the liquid level indicator can be in the form of a non-contact liquid level indicator 289, such as Fig. 14C and Fig.14D As shown. The non-contact level indicator 289 can be positioned in the bracket assembly so that when the additive container 280' is retained in the bracket assembly, the non-contact level indicator contacts the additive container 280'. The non-contact level indicator is capable of detecting the additive located inside the additive container 280', and the non-contact level indicator 289 can be positioned relative to the additive container 280' in such a manner that the non-contact level indicator can detect when the additive reaches a lower volume. For example, in an embodiment where the additive container 280' includes a neck 280a', the non-contact level indicator 289 can be positioned on the additive container 280' so that when the additive reaches a lower volume, the additive can only collect in the neck 280a' away from the non-contact level indicator 289, as shown. Fig.14D shown.

[0093] Certain illustrative embodiments have been described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture and use of the systems and devices disclosed herein, and methods. One or more examples of these embodiments have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the systems, devices and methods specifically described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting illustrative embodiments, and the scope of the invention is limited only by the claims. Features shown or described in conjunction with an illustrative embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments. Therefore, such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, in the present disclosure, the same-name components of the embodiments generally have similar features, so in a particular embodiment, it is not necessary to fully elaborate on each feature of each same-name component.

[0094] Approximate language used throughout the specification and claims may be used to modify any quantitative representation that may be allowed to vary without causing a change in the basic function associated therewith. Therefore, values ​​modified by one or more terms (e.g., "about," "approximately," and "substantially") are not limited to the precise values ​​specified. In at least some cases, approximate language may correspond to the precision of the instrument used to measure the value. Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and / or interchanged, such ranges are identified and include all subranges contained therein, unless otherwise indicated by context or language.

[0095] Those skilled in the art will understand the further features and advantages of the present invention based on the above-mentioned embodiments. Therefore, except as indicated in the appended claims, the present application is not limited by the content that has been specifically shown and described. The full contents of all publications and references cited herein are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A distribution system, comprising: case; a carbonation assembly disposed within the housing and configured to selectively carbonate a fluid; as well as a drawer slidably mounted to the housing and configured to house at least one additive container; Wherein the dispensing system is configured to selectively dispense an additive contained in an additive container in the drawer from a first outlet and is configured to dispense fluid from a second outlet separate from the first outlet.

2. The dispensing system of claim 1, wherein: The drawer is horizontally slidably movable between an open position in which an additive container can be top loaded into the drawer and a closed position in which the drawer is fully disposed within the housing.

3. The dispensing system of claim 1, wherein: The drawer is configured to house a plurality of additive containers.

4. The dispensing system of claim 3, wherein: The drawer is configured to position the plurality of additive containers in one of a radial configuration and a linear configuration.

5. The dispensing system of claim 3, wherein: The second outlet is centrally located, and wherein the drawer is configured to position the plurality of additive containers at a periphery of the first outlet.

6. The dispensing system of claim 1, wherein: The dispensing system is configured to selectively introduce at least one gas into an additive container disposed in the drawer to cause the additive container to dispense the additive from the first outlet.

7. The dispensing system of claim 6, wherein: The drawer includes at least one inlet port fluidly coupled to a pump configured to selectively introduce the at least one gas into the additive container.

8. The dispensing system of claim 1, wherein: The drawer includes at least one viewing window configured to enable viewing of an additive container in the drawer when the drawer is in a closed position.

9. A dispensing system, comprising: case; a carbonation assembly at least partially contained within the housing and configured to selectively carbonate a fluid; a top loading bracket assembly coupled to the housing and configured to receive at least one additive container; and wherein the dispensing system is configured to dispense an additive within an additive container disposed in the bracket assembly and to dispense a fluid selectively carbonated by the carbonation assembly into a reservoir, and wherein the top-loaded bracket assembly includes an inlet port fluidly coupled to at least one air pump and configured to selectively introduce at least one gas into an additive container in the bracket assembly to cause the additive container to dispense the additive.

10. The dispensing system of claim 9, wherein: The top-loading cradle assembly includes a lid that is movable between an open position and a closed position, and wherein the lid in the closed position is configured to apply a force to an additive container in the cradle assembly to couple an inlet port in the additive container with an outlet port in the housing.

11. The dispensing system of claim 9, wherein: The top loading cradle assembly includes a plurality of isolated silos, and wherein each of the plurality of isolated silos is configured to house an additive container.

12. The dispensing system of claim 11, wherein: Each of the plurality of isolated silos includes an inlet port and an outlet port, and wherein each of the inlet ports is configured to allow at least one gas to be introduced into an additive container in the silo to cause the additive container to dispense additive from a corresponding outlet port.

13. The dispensing system of claim 11, wherein: Each of the plurality of isolated silos is independently pressurizable to compress an additive container therein and dispense the additive.

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